Wednesday, 28 November 2012


Dec 14, '10 10:10 AM
for everyone
"Think not of those who are slain in God's way as dead. Nay, they live, finding their sustenance in the presence of their Lord." (Chapter, The family of Imran 3:169)
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Dec 14, '10 10:02 AM
for everyone
As Salaamo alaika yub-ne Amir-il-Momeneen,
As Salanmo alaika aiyyo-hul Abdus-Saleh,
Al-mootee-oo lillahey wa ley Rasooley-hee,
Ash hadau anneka qad jaa-hadta Wa ne-sah-ta,
Wa sabarta hatta a-taa kal yaqeen
La a-nalla-hooz zaaleymeena lakoom minal,
Awwaleena wal aakheyreen,
Wal haqahoom bey dar kil jaheem.

Salutations be unto thee, O son of Commander of the Faithful;
Salutations be unto thee, O virtuous servant, obedient to God and His Messenger;
I bear witness that thou didst truly fight the Holy War,
And thou didst help the cause of Faith;
And thou didst patiently endure
Until the certainty (of death) came upon thee.
May God deprive those who wronged thee of His Mercy.
Whether they may have been of the first or the last (i.e., all of them);
And may He consign them to the nethermost regions of Hell;
Salutations and the Mercy and Blessings of God be upon thee, (O beloved Moon of the Hashimites).
"As Salaamo ala ya Abul Fazl Abbas ibne Aliyin Amiril Momeneen wa Rahmatullahey wa Barakaatuh."
"Peace be upon thee O Abul Fazl Abbas, son of Hazrat Ali, Commander of the Faithful, and the Mercy of Allah and His Bounties."

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Dec 14, '10 9:57 AM
for everyone

When Hazrat Ali was mortally wounded and lying on his deathbed, he sent for his entire family. Save Hazrat Abbas, he entrusted all to the care of his eldest son Imam Hasan. Then he heard Hazrat Abbas, hardly 12 years old, sobbing. Hazrat Ali asked him to come near him and gave his hand to his second son, Imam Hussain, saying "Hussain, this child I am entrusting to you. He will represent me on the Day of your supreme sacrifice and will lay down his life in defending you and your dear ones".
And turning to Hazrat Abbas, he had said: "Abbas, my child, I know your unbounded love for Hussain. Though you are too young to be told about it, when that day dawns, consider no sacrifice too great for Hussain and his children".
This was in 657 A.D. The occasion for the supreme sacrifice came on the battlefield of Kerbala in 680 A.D. when Hussain was poised against Yezid's forces. It was a battle of good against evil and right against wrong. And in the history of Islam, the battle of Kerbala has become an important landmark of supreme sacrifice, great courage and dedication to a just cause.
In the battle of Kerbala, Hazrat Abbas was Imam Hussain's commander-in-chief. He fought the evil forces of Yezid gallantly, remembering his father's last words. The story of the sacrifice of his life in trying to procure water for Imam Hussain's children on the battlefield is the most touching and significant in Islamic history.
The Life of Hazrat Abbas is an example of unflinching loyalty and love for a brother. It is also the story of a warrior who sacrificed his life for the cause of Islam, which, according to Hazrat Abbas, was a just cause.

He stayed beside Imam Hussain ever since they left Medina and was loved by all the members of the Imam's family. He was so devoted to Imam Hussain, that when Shimr lbne Ziljoshan, the second-in-command of Yezid's army came towards Imam Hussain's camp and called out: "Where are my nephews, Abbas, Abdullah Jafar and Usman ?" Hazrat Abbas refused to reply. It was only after Imam Hussain told him "Answer him, because, despite the fact that he is corrupt he is also one of your relatives" that Hazrat Abbas asked Shimr what he wanted. Shimr replied: "0, my nephews, I have specially asked Obaidullah Ibne Ziad for the safety of you all. So why do you wish to kill yourselves with Hussain? Why do you not join the forces of the mighty Yezid?"
Hazrat Abbas looked at him with contempt and retorted, "May God's wrath fall upon you and upon your proposition, 0, enemy of God! How dare you counsel us to desert our master, Imam Hussain and tie ourselves up with the corrupt and misguided Yezid?" Shimr turned round and went away angrily.
Another attempt was also made to get Hazrat Abbas away to the camp of Yezid, for in their heart of hearts, they were mortally afraid of his valour and bravery.
Jareer bin Abdullah was a courtier of Ibne-Ziad, the Governor of Kufa, and had much influence on him. Ummul Baneen, the mother of Abbas, was a cousin of Jareer, who was fully convinced that Hussain and his companions would be slaughtered in cold blood. He also did not like the idea of his four nephews (Abbas, Abdulla, Ja'far and Usman) being massacred along with Hussain. He appealed to Ibne-Ziad, to spare the lives of his nephews. Ibne-Ziad granted this request and Jareer immediately wrote to Abbas asking him and his brothers to give up the company of Hussain and come over to lbne-Ziad and to save their lives as the time was very critical. He sent this letter through a person named Irfan. The messenger handed over this confidential letter to Abbas, who having read it was hardly able to control his fury. He tore the letter to shreds, and informed Irfan, "Go away at once and tell my uncle, Jareer bin Abdullah, that we will never desert Hussain and we will never seek protection from Ibne-Ziad. We seek help from God Almighty, and we are ready to sacrifice our lives for our beloved Hussain and Islam."
When Irfan gave this message to Jareer, he was very much disappointed and sad. He had been over-confident that Abbas would accept his invitation; apparently he had forgotten that Abbas was the son of the 'Lion of God' who cared more for Islam and Hussain than his own life.
On the eve of Ashoora as Hazrat Abbas sat sharpening his sword in his tent, his sister, Umme Kulsum came to him and with tears in her eyes said to him: "I cannot make any sacrifice for my dear brother Imam Hussain. who is surrounded by enemies. Zainab has two sons whom she will sacrifice for Hussain; Qasim will represent his father Imam Hasan; Umme Lailah will send her son Ali Akber into the battle-field; even Rabab is going to sacrifice her infant son, Ali Ashgar; but I have no children, and being a woman I am not permitted to fight. People will remember all these brave ladies, and sing their praises. But I have no one whom I can offer on my behalf." At this Hazrat Abbas consoled her and said, "Do not worry, dear sister. You have brought me up since childhood and you have loved me as a mother. I will sacrifice myself on your behalf. In the morning Umme Kulsum took her brother Abbas to Imam Hussain and said, "Let my brother Abbas fight for you on my behalf and he is my sacrifice for you and Islam."
When at last after great persuasion, Imam Hussain gave him permission to fetch water for the thirsty children, Hazrat Abbas set out with a leather bag and the Standard.

He tossed on the burning sand with excruciating pain. He felt that life was fast ebbing out but his wish to see his Master had remained unfulfilled. With one last effort, he shouted: "0 my Master, do come to me before I die." As if in answer to his prayers, he felt footsteps near him. Yes, his instinct told him that it was his Master.
He felt his Master kneeling down besides him, lifting his head and taking it into his lap. Not a word was said for a few seconds, because both were shaken with emotion. At last he heard Hussain's voice, a half-sob, half-muffled cry: "Abbas my brother, what have they done to you?"
Abbas now felt the loving touch of his Master's hand. With great effort he muttered "You have come at last, my Master. I thought I was not destined to have a last look at you but, thank God, you are here."
Hussain burst into a flood of tears. The sight of his brother, whose name was to became a byword for devotion and unflinching faithfulness, laying down his precious life in his arms, was heart-rending.
Abbas was heard to whisper softly: "My Master, I have some last wishes to express. When I was born, I had first looked at your face and it is my last desire that when I die, my gaze may be on your face. My one eye is pierced by an arrow and the other is filled with blood. If you will clear the eye I will be able to see you and fulfil my last dying desire. My second wish is that when I die, you should not carry my body to the camp. I had promised to bring water to Sakina and since I have failed in my attempts to bring her water, I cannot face her even in death. Besides, I know that the blows that you have received since morning have all but crushed you and carrying my body to the camp will be back-breaking work for you. And my third wish is that Sakina may not be brought here to see my plight. I know with what love and affection she is devoted to me. The sight of my dead body lying here will kill her."
My Brother! My Brother!
Hussain sobbingly promised him that he would carry out his last wishes and added "Abbas, I too have a wish to be fulfilled. Since childhood you have always called me Master. For once at least call me brother with your dying breath." The blood was cleared from the eye, one brother looked at the other with a long lingering look. Abbas was heard to whisper: "My brother, my brother!" and with these words he surrendered his soul to his Maker. Hussain fell unconscious on the dead body of Abbas with a cry.
The flow of the Euphrates became dark as winter and a murmur arose from the flowing waters as if to protest against the killing of a thirsty water-bearer on its banks, the beloved "Moon of the Hashimites."
Alas, the beloved Hazrat Abbas (A.S.) was martyred in the prime of his youth at the age of 35, on the 10th Moharram, in the year 61 A.H. (680 A.D.).


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Dec 14, '10 7:28 AM
for everyone
Hudhayfa bin al-Yaman narrated: 'I saw the Prophet (saw) holding the hand of Hussain ibn Ali (as), saying, "O people! This is Hussain ibn Ali, so acknowledge him. By He who holds my life in His Hand, very he will be in Paradise, those who love him will be in Paradise and those who love his lovers will be in Paradise."' Nahj al-Balagha, Sermon 172
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Dec 13, '10 3:01 PM
for everyone
Having heard al-Husain's speech and his plea for help, al-Hurr came to ‘Umar Ibn Sa’d and said, “Are you going to fight this man?” “Yes, by Allah,” said ‘Umar, adding, “a fight in the easiest part of which heads will roll down and hands will be cut off.” Al-Hurr asked him, “What is your objection to his offer of departure?” ‘Umar answered: “Had it been up to me, I would have accepted it, but your governor refuses.”
Al-Hurr left him and stood by the others. Beside him stood Qarrah Ibn Qays whom he asked, “Have you watered your horse today?” “No,” came the answer. “Do you then wish to do so?” was al-Hurr's question. Qarrah took that statement to imply that al-Hurr was reluctant to fight al-Husain (A) and did not wish to be seen by him defecting, so he walked away from him. Al-Hurr kept getting closer and closer to al-Husain (A). Al-Muhajir Ibn Aws asked him, “Do you want to charge at him?”
Al-Hurr remained silent. He felt chilled to the bones, so he shivered. Having seen him shiver, al-Muhajir felt terrified and said to him, “Had I been asked: ‘Who is the most daring of all the Kufians?', I would have given no name other than yours; so, why do I see you look like that?” Al-Hurr said, “I am giving my soul the option between choosing Paradise or hell. By Allah! I do not prefer anything over Paradise even if it means I will be burnt alive.” Having said so, he beat his horse in the direction of al-Husain (A). [583]
Turning his spear upside down and holding his shield the opposite way, he came lowering his head, feeling too shy to look at the Prophet's family in the eyes because of having exposed them to such hardship, bringing them to such a place where neither water nor grass could be found. Loudly he spoke these words:
 “O Allah! To You do I surrender, so do accept my repentance, for I have filled the hearts of Your walis and the sons of Your Prophet with fear! O father of ‘Abdullah! I am repentant; so, can my repentance be accepted at all?”
Al-Husain (A) said, “Yes. Allah will accept your repentance”. This statement found its place to al-Hurr’s heart, filling it with joy. He took a moment to contemplate upon the eternal life and the incessant bliss. It now became clear to him what that voice, which had addressed him, meant upon his departure from Kufa. He had a dialogue with al-Husain (A). Among what he said to him was:
 “When I went out of Kufa, I was addressed thus: “O Hurr! You are given the glad tidings of [going to] Paradise!” I said to myself, “Woe unto me! How can I be given such glad tidings since I am going to fight the son of the daughter of Allah's Messenger?!” [585]
Al-Husain (A) said to him, “You have now acquired a great deal of good and a great reward.” [586] A Turkish slave was with him. [587]
al-Hurr admonishes the Kufans
Al-Hurr sought al-Husain's permission to address the people, and permission was granted to him. As loudly as he could, al-Hurr called out to the Kufians thus:
 “O people of Kufa! A foolish and a bad example for others have you surely set when you invited him to come to you then grieved him and surrounded him from all directions, forbidding him from going anywhere in Allah's spacious land so that he and his family might be safe, rendering him like a captive in your hands, unable to help himself. You have prohibited him, his ladies, his children, and his companions from the flowing water of the Euphrates of which the Jews, the Christians, and the Zoroastrians drink and wherein black swine and dogs wade! Look and see how thirst has subdued them! Evil is the way whereby you have succeeded Muhammad (S) in treating his progeny! May Allah never permit you to drink on the Day of Thirst!”
His own men now started shooting him with arrows, so he was forced to retreat till he stood face-to-face with Imam Husain (A). [588]
After the martydom of Habib, al-Hurr Ibn Yazid al-Riyai came out accompanied by Zuhayr Ibn al-Qayn who was protecting him from the rear. Whenever one of them attacked and the situation became critical, the other would attack to rescue him, and they kept doing so for a while. [618] The horse on which al-Hurr was riding received hits on its ears and eyebrows, and it was bleeding as its rider was quoting the following verse by Antar Ibn Shaddad al-’Abasi:

I kept shooting them at its very mouth,
At its chest, till blood drenched it all.
Al-Hasin said to Yazid Ibn Sufyan, “Is this al-Hurr whom you wished to kill?” “Yes,” said Yazid, so the first came out and challenged al-Hurr to a duel. It turned out that al-Hasin was asking for a swift death, for it did not take al-Hurr long to kill him! Ayyub Ibn Mashrah al-Khaywani shot al-Hurr's horse with an arrow, hamstringing it. The poor horse leaped, so the rider leaped from it like a lion, [619] holding his sword in his hand. He kept fighting on foot till he killed more than forty men. [620]
A company from the footmen fiercely attacked him and killed him. Al-Husain's companions carried his body and put it before the tent in front of which they were fighting. They were doing so whenever a man was killed, and al-Husain (A), each time, kept repeating this statement: “He has been killed as prophets and the offspring of prophets are killed.” [621]
Al-Husain (A) turned to al-Hurr, who was breathing his last, and said to him, as he wiped out the blood from his face, “You are al-Hurr [which means: the free man], just as your mother named you, and you are free in this life and in the life hereafter.” 
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Dec 13, '10 2:57 PM
for everyone
Hadhrat Qasim was the youngest son of Imaam Hassan (A.). Qasim was born in 47 AH, three years before his father was martyred. When Imam Hussain prepared to leave Madina in the month of Rajab 60 AH. Qasim's mother Umme-e-Farwa asked Imaam Hussain to take her and Qasim with him. Imam Hussain agreed. Hazrat Qasim, although only 13 years old, had, like his cousins Aun and Muhammad, learnt fencing from Hadhrat Abbas and Hadhrat Ali Akber. Hazrat Abbas was very fond of Hadhrat Qasim.
On the night before Ashura when Imam Hussain was passing by Umm-e-Farwa's tent he heard Qasim say to his mother, "Mother, tomorrow Uncle Abbas, Ali Akber and I will defend Imaam Hussain. Mother, if I get killed please do not weep for me." Umm-e-Farwa replied, "My son although I dearly love you, I shall not weep for you. Nothing will make me prouder than to see my son give his life for Islam". When Imaam Hussain heard this conversation he prayed to Allah to bless Hazrat Qasim and Umm-e-Farwa.
On Ashura day after Aun and Muhammad had fallen in the battlefield, Hadhrat Qasim came to Imam Hussain and begged for permission to go and fight. Twice Imaam Hussain refused saying "Qasim you are young and your mother's only son". Hazrat Qasim was very disappointed. He went to his mother. When she saw her son so disappointed she remembered that just before he died, Imaam Hassan had written a letter, given it to Umm-e-Farwa saying ,"If ever you find Qasim in difficulty, give him this letter." She gave Hazrat Qasim the letter. In the letter it was written, "My son Qasim, a day will come when my brother Hussain will be facing an enemy army of tens of thousands. That will be the day when Islam will need to be saved by sacrifice. You must represent me on that day."
Hadhrat Qasim read the letter. He smiled. He rushed to Imaam and gave him the letter. After reading the letter Imam Hussain said, "O my brother's son, how can I stop you from doing what your father wanted you to do. Bismillah, go. Allah be with you".
Imam Hussain tied Imaam Hassan's turban on the head of Hadhrat Qasim and helped him mount his horse. As Qasim was riding out, Imam Hussain said "Inna Lilla-hi Wa Inna Ilai-hi Raji'oon". Hadhrat Qasim said "O my uncle - Do not be upset. I do not fear death. Death for Islam will be sweeter for me than honey". Hadhrat Qasim came to the battle field. He was a very handsome boy. When the enemy saw him, they began to murmur, "How can we kill someone whose face is shining like moon?"
In a loud and a clear voice Hadhrat Qasim introduced himself and cried out a challenge for single combat. He killed several famous warriors who came forward.
Every time he felled an enemy Hadhrat Qasim would stand on his stirrups, look behind and wave to Hadhrat Abbas, just as a pupil would seek approval of his teacher on any assignment, Hadhrat Abbas would proudly wave back. When the enemy saw his bravery and realized that they could not possibly over power him in single combats, they came from behind and one of them hit Hadhrat Qasim on the head with a sword.
Hadhrat Qasim tried to go on fighting but alas he was so young and he was so very thirsty! He fell from his horse crying out, "YA AMMAHO, ACCEPT MY LAST SALAAMS." Imam Hussain and Hadhrat Abbas rode out. The soldiers tried to stop them, when finally they came to where Hadhrat Qasim had fallen they saw a dreadful sight!! Hadhrat Qasim's body had been trampled by the horses of the soldiers who had tried to stop Imam Hussain and Hadhrat Abbas. Hadhrat Abbas was so angry when he saw this that he began to shake with fury. He took out his sword and wanted to attack the enemy. Imam Hussain restrained him saying "Abbas, have patience, dear brother. Do not give them an excuse for saying that we attacked them first".
Was Qasim body carried to the camp to his mother? This is not very clear. It is reported, however, that Imam Hussain took off his abaa, spread it on to the ground, gathered the pieces from the ground as one gathers flowers from a garden!
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Dec 13, '10 2:54 PM
for everyone
Bibi Zainab said to her brother: "Brother Husayn! Thousands of soldiers are gathering to fight you. We have hardly 72 men with us. Do you not have anyone to come to your help?"
"My sister Zainab, many wanted to join me during the journey from Medina to Kerbala. I politely discouraged them because their intention was not truthful. Many joined and have run away during the journey because they were scared of dying."
He continued: "Zainab! My sister! Falsehood can buy many supporters, but truth has only a few friends. The soldiers on the other side have been bought. They prefer happiness in this world than in the world hereafter. My 72 truthful men prefer happiness in the world hereafter and that is why they are with me."
That night, Imam Husayn wrote a letter to his childhood friend, Habib lbne Mazaahir, who was in Kufa.
Kufa was blocked off and nobody was allowed to leave.
Habib Ibne Mazaahir did not know the whereabouts of Imam Husayn until the letter from Husayn arrived at his house. At the time he was having breakfast with his wife and a young son. Habib read the letter from Husayn. He kissed it and tears began to flow from his eyes. His wife asked him what was wrong. Habib said: "I have received a letter from my master, Husayn. He has asked me to join him in Kerbala. Yazid's soldiers have surrounded him and are after his life."
Habib's wife said: "Habib! Your childhood friend has called you. Your master needs your help. What are you waiting for? Go Habib, before it is too late!"
Habib's worry was how to escape from Kufa without being seen. He instructed his slave to take his horse to a farm outside the city and to wait for him there. The slave did as he was told. The slave took Habib's horse to a farm outside the city. He waited for his master. His master was delayed.
The slave started talking to the horse: "O horse! Master Husayn is in trouble. He needs help. He has asked my master Habib to join him. Master Habib is late. Horse If he does not manage to escape from Kufa, I will ride on you and go to Husayn's help."
At Asr time, most of the men were in mosque. Habib managed to reach the farm where his horse was waiting.
He quickly mounted his horse and said to his slave: "Go, my friend, Go! I am freeing you from my services"
"Master! You are not being fair. I have served you faithfully for years. Now, I have a chance to serve the son of Bibi Fatemah, and you are asking me to go. Why are you denying me a place in Heaven'?"
Habib was taken aback by the words of his slave. He was pleased to hear that he had recognised the difference between the truth and the wrongful. He wanted to sacrifice his life for truth. Habib asked his slave to mount his horse. Together they galloped towards Kerbala. Habib reached Kerbala late in the evening. Imam Husayn greeted him with great affection.
Bibi Zainab heard that Habib had come. She asked her maid, Fizza, to convey her greetings to Habib.
When Habib heard that Bibi Zainab had sent greetings to him, he screamed out in grief and anger. He threw his turban down on to the ground. He slapped his face. Tears rolled down his cheeks as he spoke: "What a sad day! What has happened to the household of Bibi Fatemah? The princess! Grand-daughter of the Holy prophet, the daughter of Ali and Fatemah is sending her greetings to an ordinary person like me! Yazid! You beast, you tyrant! What have you done to the household of Bibi Fatemah?"
Days and nights of Moharram passed by, and Ashura came.
At dawn, Ali Akber gave Adhan for the last time. Yazid's soldiers blew the trumpets to start the battle. One-by-one, Husayn's companions went to the battlefield and gave their lives for Islam. Between Zohr and Asr time, Habib lbne Mazaahir came to Husayn. He said: "My Master, Husayn, allow me to go to the battlefield. Let me sacrifice my life for Islam."
"Habib, my childhood friend. Stay with me. You give comfort to me, my friend."
Habib persisted with his request. Eventually Husayn gave his permission. Husayn mounted his friend, Habib, on the horse. Habib lbne Mazaahir rode into the battlefield. He fought bravely but was finally over-powered. He fell to the ground. As Habib ibne Mazaahir fell to the ground, an enemy soldier came over and cut off his head. All the marytrs of Kerbala had their heads cut off, but Habib's was the first to be cut off by the enemy. Habib's head was not hung on the spearhead like that of the other martyr's. Habib's head was tied to a horse and pulled along the land of Kerbala.
Later on, in Shaam, Habib's head was tied to a horse's neck. A young boy, called Qasim, followed the horse wherever it went. One day, the man riding the horse asked the young boy Qasim: "Why are you following me around? What do you want? Qasim just looked at the head hanging from the horse's neck. The man asked again: "Why are you staring at the head".
"This head is the head of my father, Habib ibne Mazaahir; please give it to me so that I can bury my father's head." Habib's head seemed to look at his son and say: "My son Qasim, you are thinking of burying my head. What about the head of Husayn on that spearhead?"
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Dec 13, '10 1:35 PM
for everyone
Hazrat Qasim son of Imam Hassan (pbuh)
Hazrat Qasim was the youngest son of Imam Hassan (pbuh), he was born in 47 Hijra, three (3) years before the martyrdom of his father. When Imam Hussain (pbuh) prepared to leave Madina in the month of Rajab 60 Hijra. Qasim's mother Farwa asked Imam Hussain to take her and Qasim with him. Imam Hussain (pbuh) agreed. Qasim, although only thirteen (13) years old, had, like his cousins Aun and Muhammad, learnt fencing from Abbas and Ali Akbar.
After Aun and Muhammad had fallen in the battlefield, Qasim came to Imam Hussain (pbuh) and begged for permission to go and fight. Twice Imam Hussain (pbuh) refused saying "Qasim you are young and your mother's only son." After much insistence, received the permission to leave for the battlefield, being very young, there was no armor that was fit for his years, nor a helmet nor shoes, nor arms. Imam Hussain (pbuh) tied Imam Hassan's turban (Amamah) on the head of Qasim and helped him mount his Horse. Qasim came to the battlefield. He was a very handsome boy. When the enemy saw him, they began to murmur, "How can we kill someone whose face is shining like moon?"
In a loud and a clear voice Qasim introduced himself and cried out a challenge for single combat. He killed several famous warriors who came forward. When 'Umar son of Saad' saw the courage of this young fighter, he ordered his troops to attack him in force. They surrounded him from all sides, and attacked him with swords, spears, daggers and arrows. An enemy soldier hit him on his head with such force that he fell from his horse.
Imam Hussain (pbuh) stood near the tents as he held his horse's reins. Evidently he was alert and ready. At once he heard a cry. It was Qasim: "Ya Ammah!" (O Uncle!). Imam Hussain (pbuh) flew on the horse like a hunting falcon. As he arrived by the side of Qasim, about two hundred men had surrounded this child. They fled as the Imam attacked, and one of the enemy's men who had dismounted to sever Qasim's head was himself trampled under the hoofs of the horses of his fleeing comrades. When the Imam arrived at Qasim's side, there was so much dust and confusion that nobody could see what was happening; when the dust settled down, they saw the Imam sitting at Qasim's side with his head in his arms. They heard the Imam utter this sentence: "My nephew! By God, it is very hard on your uncle that you should call him and he should not be able to respond, or that he should respond without being able to do anything for you!" It was at this moment that a cry came from this youth and his spirit departed towards its Creator.
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Dec 13, '10 1:32 PM
for everyone
Aun and Muhammad:
Aun and Muhammad were the sons of Bibi Zainab, and they were quite young, aged ten (10) and nine (9) years respectively. They had learnt the art of fencing from their uncle, Abbas the brave.
When devotee after devotee fought and fell, in defense of the Holy Family, Aun and Muhammad felt that it was now their turn to go to the battlefield. They went to their mother Zainab (pbuh), to ask for her blessings. Aun and Muhammad assured their mother that they would fight with such bravery that whenever she thought of them, she would remember how brave they were. Zainab (pbuh) went to her brother to request him, and said: "Hussain, at the Battle of Siffin, Abbas was only ten (10) years old. When he saw someone trying to attack you, he rushed into the battle field and killed the man. Do you remember how proud our father Ali was? Today I too want to be proud of my sons. I want to see them go out there and defend Islam. Will you not allow me that privilege?"
Imam Hussain (pbuh) stood there in silence. He looked at his sister. He saw the disappointment on her face, and saw tears forming around her eyes. Then said: "My beloved sister you have never asked me for anything before, how can I say no to you now." He turned to Aun and Muhammad and said "Go my sons, be brave, I shall join you soon on your journey to the heavens." Bibi Zainab held them close and kissed them goodbye. The boys raised their hands and said "Fi Amaani-llah, mother!" Bibi Zainab replied, "Bismillah my sons. God be with you!"
The two boys rode out into the battlefield. They fought bravely. At one point 'Umar son of Saad' asked, "Who are these two youngsters? They fight like I have seen Ali son of Abu Talib fight." When he was told who they were he ordered his soldiers to give up single combats and surround and kill the boys. Aun and Muhammad were attacked from all sides.
Imam Hussain, Abbas and Qasim, stood by Zainab as she watched her sons fighting. Hardly a few minutes had passed when Aun fell from his horse and shouted for Imam Hussain. Just at that moment another cry was heard, this time from Muhammad. Abbas left Qasim with Zainab while he ran to the battlefield. Imam Hussain carried the body of Aun while Abbas carried Muhammad.
Imam Hussain (pbuh) walked to Zainab's tent. He found her in Sajdah praying, "Oh my God, I thank you for accepting my sacrifice. My heart is filled with pride because my two sons have given their lives for your religion."
Bibi Zainab came to the two bodies of her sons and addressing them said: "My dear children! Now I am pleased with you that, you have proved your worth and laid down your lives for Truth and pleased God and His Holy Prophet (pbuh)."
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Dec 13, '10 12:53 PM
for everyone
Salutations
As Salaamo alaika yub-ne Amir-il-Momeneen,
As Salanmo alaika aiyyo-hul Abdus-Saleh,
Al-mootee-oo lillahey wa ley Rasooley-hee,
Ash hadau anneka qad jaa-hadta Wa ne-sah-ta,
Wa sabarta hatta a-taa kal yaqeen
La a-nalla-hooz zaaleymeena lakoom minal,
Awwaleena wal aakheyreen,
Wal haqahoom bey dar kil jaheem.
Salutations be unto thee, O son of Commander of the Faithful;
Salutations be unto thee, O virtuous servant, obedient to God and His Messenger;
I bear witness that thou didst truly fight the Holy War,
And thou didst help the cause of Faith;
And thou didst patiently endure
Until the certainty (of death) came upon thee.
May God deprive those who wronged thee of His Mercy.
Whether they may have been of the first or the last (i.e., all of them);
And may He consign them to the nethermost regions of Hell;
Salutations and the Mercy and Blessings of God be upon thee, (O beloved Moon of the Hashimites).
“As Salaamo ala ya Abul Fazl Abbas ibne Aliyin Amiril Momeneen wa Rahmatullahey wa Barakaatuh.”
“Peace be upon thee O Abul Fazl Abbas, son of Hazrat Ali, Commander of the Faithful, and the Mercy of Allah and His Bounties.”
Hazrat Abbas Description: Name: Abbas Title: Qamar-e-Bani Hashim Designation: Alamdar/Flag Bearer Kunyat: Abul Fazl Father: Hazrat Ali Ibne Abi Talib Mother: Fatima Bint-e-Hazam Born: 7 Rajab/4 Shabaan (645 AD) Died: 10 Moharram 61 AH (680 AD) Martyred by: Sword on Ashura Buried: Karbala, Iraq Lived: 34 years
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Dec 12, '10 7:06 AM
for everyone
Prophet Musa / Moses (pbuh): O Allah (SWT) hide my sins..!

It was narrated that in the days that Prophet Musa / Moses (pbuh)
wandered with Bani Israel (Children of Israel) in the desert, an
intense drought befell them. Together, they raised their hands towards
the heavens praying for the blessed rain to come. Then, to the
astonishment of Prophet Musa / Moses (pbuh) and all those watching, the
few scattered clouds that were in the sky vanished, the heat poured
down, and the drought intensified.
It was revealed to Prophet Musa / Moses (pbuh) that there was a
sinner amongst the tribe of Bani Israel (Children of Israel) who had
disobeyed Allah (SWT) for more than forty years of his life.
"Let him separate himself from the congregation," Allah (SWT) told
Prophet Musa / Moses (pbuh). "Only then shall I shower you all with
rain."
Prophet Musa / Moses (pbuh) then called out to the throngs of
humanity, "There is a person amongst us who has disobeyed Allah (SWT)
for forty years. Let him separate himself from the congregation and
only then shall we be rescued from the drought."
That man waited, looking left and right, hoping that someone else
would step forward, but no one did. Sweat poured forth from his brow
and he knew that he was the one. The man knew that if he stayed amongst
the congregation all would die of thirst and that if he stepped forward
he would be humiliated for all eternity.
He raised his hands with a sincerity he had never known before, with
humility he had never tasted, and as tears poured down on both cheeks
he said, "O Allah, have mercy on me! O Allah, hide my sins! O Allah,
forgive me!"
As Prophet Musa / Moses (pbuh) and the people of Bani Israel
(Children of Israel) waited for the sinner to step forward, the clouds
hugged the sky and the rain poured. Prophet Musa / Moses (pbuh) asked
Allah (SWT), "O Allah, you blessed us with rain even though the sinner
did not come forward."
And Allah (SWT) replied, "O Musa, it is for the repentance of that
very person that I blessed all of Bani Israel (Children of Israel) with
water."
Prophet Musa / Moses (pbuh), wanting to know who this blessed man was,
asked, "Show him to me O Allah!"
Allah (SWT) replied, "O Musa, I hid his sins for forty years,
do you think that after his repentance I shall expose him?"

The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa aalehe wasallam) said: "My
entire nation is safe, except al-Mujahirin (those who boast of their
sins). Among the Mujaharah is that a man commits an (evil) act, and
wakes up in the morning while Allah has kept his (sin) a secret, he
says: 'O Fulan! Last night I did this and that.' He goes to sleep while
Allah has kept his (sin) a secret but he wakes up in the morning and
uncovers what Allah has kept a secret!"



--
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
"When Allah takes something from your grasp, He's not punishing
you, but merely opening your hands to receive something better."

(sent by sis Mariam R. Jiwa)
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Dec 12, '10 4:26 AM
for everyone
Janabe-e-Hurr 

Hurr ibn Yazid Al-Riyahi was the commander of Yazid I’s regiment, who had obstructed Hussain ibn Ali’s way near Kufa, was also present in the enemy’s forces in Karbala. He spent all his time in repenting and feeling very guilty for having obstructed the way of the son of the Islamic Prophet Mohammed, and blamed himself for bringing the third Shi’a Imam (Hussain ibn Ali) to Karbala. The enemy’s officers and soldiers were only wondering at the mysterious sorrowful silence and the serious pensive mood in which Hurr spent all his time since his arrival on the plain.

On the morning of 10th Muharram, Hurr called his son secretly in his tent and said: “We are doomed driven towards ‘hell’. There is yet time. I have decided to dash out of the ranks of Satan and join the side of Hussain ibn Ali and seek pardon of the son of the Apostle of God. Would you like to accompany me or stay where you are?”

The son of Hurr readily consented to accompany him and Hurr’s slave who was a faithful and trusted one of his master, was present in the tent and implored saying Master! Take me away from this God’s cursed side, along with you. Please don’t leave me for hell and Hurr agreed.

Hurr, with his son and a slave, dashed out of the enemy’s ranks. After that, Hurr approached until he took a place ahead among the people then he started to approach Hussain ibn Ali little by little. ‘Al-Mouhajer ibn Awss’ asked him: What do you want to do? Do you want to fight Hussain? Hurr began to tremble and Al-Mouhajer said: You arise my doubt; I swear by God that I have never seen you like this in any situation and if someone asked me about the most courageous man in Kufa, I would have never chosen anyone else other than you. But what happened to you today? For God’s sake, I am choosing between heaven and hell and by God I’ll never choose but heaven even if I am to be cut into pieces and burnt.

Hurr appearing before the third Shi’a Imam, Hussain ibn Ali, with tears in his eyes begged his pardon for the wrong he had done. “O my Imam, I am so sorry for forcing you to come to Karbala. Please allow me to fight along with you. I would be honored if you would let me lay down my life first before anyone amongst you is killed. I have brought my son to die with me defending your sons.” The return of Hurr had already been foretold by Imam Hussain in his camp. Hurr was received very warmly by Hussain ibn Ali and his companions as special guest. Hurr was amazed by the kindness of Hussain ibn Ali. And when the fight against the devil began, Hurr was the first one who went into the field against the enemy and charged bravely like a wolf among a herd of Sheep and laid down his life, after killing more than forty (40) of enemies.

Hussain ibn Ali rushed to him found him with big cut on the head and the wound was bleeding badly. Hussain ibn Ali ibn Abu Talib took his scarf which had belonged to his mother Fatima Zahra and bandaged his wound and cleaned his eyes from blood. Hurr asked Hussain ibn Ali, “Did I do well and are you satisfied?”

The last thing Hurr heard before he died was Hussain ibn Ali telling him your mother made the right choice by naming you Hurr (The Freeman). Hurr was martyred on October 20, 680 (AD) and his body was carried by his tribe and buried. A shrine has been built over his grave, in the city of Karbala.
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Dec 12, '10 3:29 AM
for everyone
  • O Allah what did he finds who lost you, and what did he loose who found you.
  • On his way to Karbala, Imam Hussain(A.S.) said: This world has changed, snubbed, and its good has turned tail. Nothing has remained from it except a thing that is as scanty as the leftover of a cup and a mean life that is like a noxious grazing. Have you not noticed that the right is ignored and the evil is not forbidden? This is sufficient for making the believer's desire for meeting Allah rightfully. I consider death as happiness and life with the wrongdoers as boredom. People are certainly the slaves of this world. The religion is only a slaver on their tongues. They turn it wherever their livelihood demands. If they are examined by misfortunes, the religious will be very little.
  • Imam Hussain(A.S.) said to a man who backbit another before him. O you, stop backbiting, for it is the daily meal of the dogs of Hell.
  • Before Imam Hussain(A.S.), a man said that favors are worthless if they are done to other than its people. The Imam Hussain(A.S.) commented: No, this is in accurate. Favors should be like the heavy rain that covers the pious and the sinful.
  • Whenever Allah seizes the power of somebody, He will surely free him from acts of obedience to Him, and whenever He seizes the ability of somebody, He will surely save his from the burdens.
  • Some people worshipped Allah for the purpose of gaining His gifts. This is the worship of the merchants. Some worshipped Him for the purpose of avoiding His punishment. This is the worship of the slaves. Some worshipped Him as showing gratitude to Him. This is the worship of the genuine ones. It is the best worship.
  • A man received Imam Hussain(A.S.) saying, "How are you? Allah may grant you good health." The Imam Hussain(A.S.) instructed him: Salaam-greeting-should precede wording. Allah may grant you good health. Do not permit anybody before he says salaam.
  • There are seventy advantages for the greeting. Sixty-nine are given to the one who greets first and one is given to the one who responds to the greeting.
  • When Allah wills to lead a servant to destruction gradually, He bestows upon him with graces and does not favor him with showing gratitude for these graces.
  • Imam Hussain(A.S.) said to a man who begged him: Asking for financial help is acceptable only in big loss, extreme poverty, or horrible guarantee. The man said: Because of one of these I came. Hence, the Imam Hussain(A.S.) ordered to be given one hundred dinars.
  • Imam Hussain(A.S.) said to his son Ali(A.S.): O son, beware of wronging him who does not have a supporter except Allah the Majestic.
  • A man from Ansar wanted to ask Imam Hussain(A.S.) for financial help, but the Imam Hussain(A.S.) said: O brother of Ansar, protect your face from the humility of seeking others help. You may write your need in a paper and I will respond to it pleasantly, God willing. The man wrote to the Imam (A.S.) that he owed a certain individual five hundred dinars and that man insisted on receiving his money soon. He also asked the Imam Hussain(A.S.) to speak to persuade that man to grant him a respite until he becomes able to defray the sum. As Imam Hussain(A.S.) read the paper, he entered his house to take out a bale containing one thousand dinars. He handed them to the man and said: You may defray the debt and use the other five hundred dinars for settling your financial problems. "Do not say your need to anybody except three, a religious, a chivalrous, or a highborn individual. The religious will try to keep his religion pure, the chivalrous will be embarrassed by his chivalry, and the highborn will feel that you have not kept your face from asking for your need; therefore, he will protect your face against disappointing you."
  • Sitting with the intelligent is a sign of successfulness. Disputation with other than the disbelievers is a sign of ignorance. A sign of a scholar is his self-criticism of his sayings and his acquaintance with the various hypotheses.
  • Beware of things for which you apologize. The true believer should not make mistakes and should not apologize. The hypocrite makes mistakes and apologizes everyday.
  • The true stingy is that who refrains from greeting.
  • He who tries to achieve something through acting disobediently to Allah will miss what he expects and fall in what he fears.
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Dec 12, '10 3:12 AM
for everyone
The Night of Ashura on the Land of Karbala
Mothers are sitting with their children. Umme Laila(sa) is with Ali Akber(as), Umme Farwah(sa) is with Qasim(as), Bibi Zainab (sa)is with Auno- Mohammed.
What are these mothers of Karbala telling their beloved children?
They are preparing them for Jehad. They are preparing them to sacrifice their lives. Preparing them to die! Why? Because they know Hussain(a.s) is on the right path. The right path to save Islam! Let us send our salaams to those mothers of Karbala for sacrificing their most precious for Islam. Abbas (as)the Alamdar! Like every night, Abbas (as)was guarding the camp. Where was Hussain(a.s)?
Hussain(a.s) had gathered all his friends and companions in his tent. "My friends, my companions, tonight is the last night. Tomorrow is the day of Ashura. Tomorrow is the day of Shahadat - martyrdom! None of us will be spared by Yazid's soldiers."
Imam Hussain(a.s) continued: "My friends, my companions, you have suffered enough. There is still time to save your lives. Escape in the darkness of the night. I will have no objections. I will forgive you. Go, my friends! Go, my companions!" Imam Hussain(a.s) blew the candles off. There was total darkness. Anyone could have escaped without being seen or embarrassed. After a while, Hussain(a.s) lit the candles.
How many ran away? One? Two? Five? Ten? No one! Why did they not run away to save their lives? Because, my fellow Hussain(a.s)i, they had recognised the truth. Because they knew Hussain(a.s) was right. Because they knew Hussain(a.s) was on the true path. Because they knew their sacrifice would save Islam.
Hussain(a.s) was lucky to be blessed with true friends and best companions, - faithful, truthful and pious! Our greetings to those 72 martyrs of Karbala for their great sacrifice for Islam. Imam Hussain(a.s) made the biggest sacrifice. In one day, he sacrificed his brothers, nephews and children on the land of Karbala. He remained patient after seeing so many dead in one day.
Did Hussain(a.s) complain? NO, NEVER! On the contrary, after sacrificing his 18 year old son Ali Akber (as)he looked up at the sky and said: "YA ALLAH, GIVE ME MORE PATIENCE. YA ALLAH, IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE I CAN GIVE FOR YOUR SAKE?" Allah's will was Hussain(a.s)'s command. Hussain(a.s) was prepared and willing to sacrifice his family. He never prayed to Allah to save his family. Instead he prayed for PATIENCE! PATIENCE! AND MORE PATIENCE! ALLAH! WHAT A BIG HEART Hussain(a.s) HAD IN Karbala!
Auno - Mohammed had been killed. Qasim(as) was trodden to pieces. Abbas (as)was lying on the bank of River Furaat. Ali Akber's(as) chest was torn open with a spear. Is there any more to sacrifice? Tonight is the night of Ali Asghar(as). The little MUJAHID - the little soldier and the youngest SHAHEED. Ashura came to the land of Karbala. One-by-one, Hussain(a.s)'s friends and companions were martyred. Auno - Mohammed, Qasim, Abbas and Ali Akber went to the battlefield and were martyred. By Asr time Hussain(a.s) was left alone.
The time had come for Hussain(a.s) to go to the battlefield. Hussain(a.s) said KHUDA HAFIZ to everyone. Hussain(a.s), with his sword ZULFIQAR on his waist, mounted ZULJANA, his horse. Hussain(a.s) rode his horse to a small mount, he then called out loudly: "IS THERE ANYONE TO HELP ME? IS THERE ANYONE TO HELP THE GRANDSON OF THE HOLY PROPHET?" With this call, the grandson of the Holy Prophet, was giving one last chance to Yazid's men, the men who called themselves Muslims - the followers of the Holy Prophet(s.a.w.w).
Hypocrites! That's what Yazid's men were. No one answered Hussain(a.s)'s last call. But Hussain(a.s) heard the sound of crying coming from his camp. Hussain(a.s) turned around and returned to his tents. "Zainab(sa), your brother is still alive. Why are you crying?" "My brother Hussain(a.s), when you called out, "IS THERE ANYONE TO HELP ME", Ali Asghar (as)fell from his cradle." Hussain(a.s) knew what Ali Asghar (as)was trying to say.
Hussain(a.s) went to Umme Rubab. Ali Asghar(as) was on her lap. He was crying and Umme Rubab was trying to comfort him. Hussain(a.s) picked up baby Ali Asghar (as)and whispered in his ear. Ali Asghar(as) stopped crying. He looked up at his father and smiled. "Umme Rubab, I am taking Ali Asghar (as)to the battlefield with me so that I can get some water for him."
What did Hussain(a.s) whisper in Ali Asghar's ear? What made Ali Asghar(as) stop crying, and to smile? Hussain(a.s) had whispered: "My son, Ali Asghar(as), do you want to come to the battlefield with me? Asghar, do you want to show your strength on the battlefield? Come, let us go, my little Mujahid, my little soldier, Asghar(as)." Umme Rubab changed Ali Asghar's clothes. Imam Hussain(a.s) carried Ali Asghar (as)to the battlefield. It was very hot. Ali Asghar(as) was thirsty. Hussain(a.s) covered baby Ali Asghar(as) with his abaa, to protect him from the scorching sun. Yazid's men saw Hussain(a.s) approaching with something in his hand.

"Look, Hussain(a.s) is coming with the Quran. He has no one left to help him. With the help of the Quran he is hoping to win." Hussain(a.s) walked to Yazid's soldiers. By moving his abaa he uncovered Ali Asghar(as). He held Ali Asghar(as) high with both his hands and said: "O soldiers of Yazid, you feel I have offended you, but what has this little child done to you? His mother's milk has dried up. He has not had a drop of water for three days. He is dying of thirst. I beg you to give water to this innocent little child."
Not one of Yazid's soldiers brought any water for Ali Asghar(as). Once more Imam Hussain(a.s) said: Maybe you think that when you bring water for this child, I will drink it too. I will put this little child on the ground. You can come and give him water yourself." Hussain(a.s) placed Ali Asghar (as)on the burning sand of Karbala. Ali Asghar (as)lay quietly on the hot sand of Karbala. His turned his head and stared at Yazid's men. No water came for Ali Asghar(as). Hussain(a.s) picked up Ali Asghar(as) and said: "My son Ali Asghar, my darling, you are too young to fight with a sword or a spear. My little Mujaheed, my little soldier, you are a grandson of Ali(as). Ali Asghar(as), fight your Jehad with your tongue."
Little Asghar (as)stuck his dry tongue out and moved it over his dry lips looking towards Yazid's men. He fought Jehad with his tongue. The little soldier shot a strange arrow - his dry tongue. It hit the hearts of Yazid's soldiers who had children of their own. They became restless. Some started crying. They spoke amongst themselves: "Hussain(a.s) is saying the truth. What has this child done to us? Why is he punished like this? Let us give him some water."
Umar Saad got worried that his soldiers will turn against him. The little soldier's fight was very effective. Little Ali Asghar(as) was fighting Jehad his way. Umar Saad ordered his best archer: "Hurmullah! What are you waiting for? Silence the little child! Don't you know he is a grandson of Ali(as)? Hurry, shoot your arrow, before it is too late."
Hurmullah aimed an arrow at Ali Asghar(as). A small arrow for a little child? No! An arrow not with one head, not with two heads, but with three sharp heads. Why? Why an arrow with three heads for such a small child? My fellow Hussain(a.s)i! You will not be able to stop crying when you hear what happened next. An arrow with three sharp heads flew across the desert of Karbala. It was heading for Ali Asghar(as). Hussain(a.s) saw the arrow coming. He covered Ali Asghar (as)with his arms.
The arrow reached Hussain(a.s). The arrow went through Hussain(a.s)'s arm and lodged in the tiny neck of Ali Asghar(as). Ali Asghar(as) died instantly. Allaho Akber! Allaho Akber! Poor Hussain(a.s), the poor father, who came to get water for his little child. Instead of water, Ali Asghar(as) got an arrow in his neck. What shall Hussain(a.s) do now? What shall Hussain(a.s) do now? Hussain(a.s) gently pulled the arrow from Ali Asghar's (as)tiny neck. My fellow Hussain(a.s)i, put your hand on your heart and imagine the scene - a father removing an arrow from his child's neck. What a tragic scene! Blood gushed out from Ali Asghar's neck. A voice came from the ground: "No, Hussain(a.s), do not let Ali Asghar's blood fall to the ground, otherwise no crops will ever grow from this earth." Hussain(a.s) looked up at the sky.
A voice came from the sky: "No Hussain(a.s), do not let the blood gush towards the sky, otherwise, no drop of rain will ever fall from this sky." What shall Hussain(a.s) do now? What shall Hussain(a.s) do now? The sky is refusing, the earth is not happy to accept Asghar's blood. Poor Hussain(a.s) wiped Ali Asghar's blood on his face. Hussain(a.s) started walking towards his tents. He saw Ali Asghar's mother - Umme Rubab - standing by his tent. A mother anxiously waiting for her baby. Hussain(a.s) thought: "How can I face Umme Rubab? What shall I tell her? How can I tell her that her baby has been martyred without water? How? How?"
SEVEN TIMES, Hussain(a.s) went forward and then turned back, Saying: "INNA LILLAHE WA INNA ELAIHE RAJEOON." He finally reached the tent where Umme Rubab was standing. "Rubab, come and take your Ali Asghar(as). Rubab, your little soldier has died for the sake of Allah."
Umme Rubab took her little child, Ali Asghar(as). She hugged him and cried her heart out. "Come with me Rubab. Enough, Rubab, enough. Let us bury our baby Asghar(as)" Hussain(a.s) and Umme Rubab walked to the back of the tents. Hussain(a.s) dug a small grave with his sword, the Zulfiqar. Umme Rubab placed Ali Asghar (as)in the small grave. My fellow Hussain(a.s)i why should we not cry tonight? Why should we not do matam tonight? Have we ever heard of any other father and mother digging a grave and burying their own child? Where can Hussain(a.s) get water to sprinkle on Ali Asghar's grave? There is no water to sprinkle on Ali Asghar's(as) grave. Hussain(a.s) sat by the grave crying.
Tears poured on the grave. Ali Asghar's grave was sprinkled with Hussain(a.s)'s tears. INNA LILLAHE WA INNA ELAIHI RAJEOON! WE ARE FROM GOD AND TO GOD WE RETURN!
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Dec 12, '10 3:02 AM
for everyone
Sayyeda Zainab (sa) in Karbala
Sayyeda Zainab (sa) is the shining sun in the history of Islam and of humanity. Her brother's name and Karbala associate the idea of freedom, justice, humanity, virtue, fighting against despotism, with the realization of the sovereignty of Allah (SWT). The history of Karbala is based on two pillars: the rising of Imam Hussein (as) and the rising of Sayyeda Zainab (sa). She was an outstanding figure in the history of Karbala endowed with divine steadfastness and fortitude. She sacrificed her two sons and one should not say anything if one devoted his life for the cause of Allah (SWT). After the martyrdom of her brother and her two sons, she said: "O my Lord! Accept our humble sacrifice to You."
When Zainab reached Kufa, she addressed people with fury words: "Praise to Allah, and may the blessing of Allah be upon Muhammad and his progeny. O people of Kufa, you are hypocrites and deceitful. You feign to be sorry for the death of my brother and his companions. May you always shed tears. I find nothing in you but flattery, evil acts and thoughts, pride and spite and ill will. By Allah (SWT)! You deserve lasting sorrow instead of joy. Shames on you, your hands are imbrued with the blood of the son of Prophet Muhammad (saw), the one who was your sole refuge in case of adversity. By your evil act and disloyalty, you incurred the wrath of Allah (SWT) against you. Woe betides you! No one will intercede with Allah (SWT) for you." Her furious words provoked people of Kufa to avenge Imam Hussein's martyrdom. This frightened Ubaidullah ibn Ziyad and his cruel agents. She also delivered a furious sermon in the court of the caliph that made his authority and despotic rule feel undermined. She said: "I fear no one but Allah (SWT). Make whatever evil plot you can. Blazes are waiting for you in the hereafter. You'll he accountable to Allah (SWT) for your atrocities."
The Foundation of Mourning (Majalis-E-Aza) of Imam Hussein (as)
Another unique feature of Sayyeda Zainab's (sa) character was her establishment of mourning ceremonies. This tradition which has lived in the memories and hearts of millions of Muslims to this day, has kept the sacrifices of Imam Hussein (as) alive, and brought dynamism to every movement that aimed at removing injustices on earth.
After every Majlis, the women would offer their condolences to Sayyeda Zainab (sa) and the men to Imam Zainul Abedeen (as). These majales made quite a stir in the cities, and the sound of crying and beating of chests and heads affected the minds of the inhabitants, and made them sadder and wiser to the events of Karbala.
In the end...
As it is said, "the word is mightier than the sword", this should stay in the minds of all Muslims, particularly the women. They should realize that they could always make a difference. They can always reach for the better. Also, they can make their Ummah (Community) look better.
The Muslim women should read more about the hardships which faced the great women of Islam understand and practice the patience that characterized the life of Sayyeda Zainab (sa), and teach their children the value of these acts.
The men alone cannot win independence and prosperity, neither can the women. Together, and under the banner of Islam, they can achieve success.
Tags: 
Dec 11, '10 12:39 PM
for everyone
26 - Avoid doing what makes you obliged to apologize for it. True believers never do anything for which they have to apologize. Fake believers , on the contrary , keep doing wrong and say they are sorry in the aftermath. (Tohaf-al- Uqoul , P. 248)

27 - Hastiness is foolishness. (Bihar al- Anwar, Vol. 78, P. 122)

28 - Do not permit anybody (to come in) before saying Salam (greetings). (Bihar al- Anwar, Vol. 78 , P. 117)

29 - Among the signs of ignorance is arguing with irrational people. (Bihar al- Anwar, Vol. 78, P. 119)

30 - Among the signs of a learned man is criticising his own words and being informed of various viewpoints. (Bihar al- Anwar, Vol. 78, P. 119)

31 - Imam Hussain (as) was asked: O 'the son of the prophet how is life going on? Imam replied: Life is going on , in such a way that I have a God over me, the hell-fire in front of me , death is looking for me, there is no escape of the Day of Judgement, I am taken as a hostage by my own deeds, things do not turn out to be the way I like , I cannot repel what I hate, the affairs are in someone else's hands. He tortures me if he likes and he forgives if he wishes. Therefore, is there anybody poorer than me? (Bihar al- Anwar, Vol. 78 , P. 116)

32 - Whoever becomes generous becomes a noble; and whoever becomes stingy becomes vicious and mean-spirited. (Bihar al- Anwar, Vol. 78 , P. 121)

33 - The most generous person is the one who offers help to those who do not expect him to help. (Bihar al- Anwar, Vol. 78 , P. 121)

34 - Whoever sorts out a problem of a believer, God sorts out his difficulties of this world and the here-after. (Bihar al- Anwar, Vol. 78 , P. 122)

35 - If you heard a person discredits the dignity and the honour of people ,then try not to get introduced to him. (Balagatol Hussain ( as ) , P. 284)

36 - Never raise your need except to three ( kinds of people ): to a religious , to a brave man or to a nobleman. (Bihar al- Anwar, Vol. 78 , P. 118)

37 - Seventy rewards are for Salam ( Islamic greeting ) ; sixty nine for the starter and one for the one who replies. (Bihar al- Anwar, Vol. 78 , P. 120)

38 - Act like the one who believes in punishment for sin and reward for good deeds. (Bihar al- Anwar, Vol. 78 , P. 127)

39 - Should poverty , illness , and death not exist , man would not bow to anything. (Nozhatol Nadher wa Tanbeehel Al - Khatir , P. 80)

40 - You deserve the Paradise , don't sell yourself for anything less. Whoever is content to the worldly pleasures , has sufficed to something base and low. (Balagatol Hussain ( as ) , P. 308)

41 - Being thankful for a grace of God makes God reward you with another grace. (Nozhatol Nadher wa Tanbeehel Khatir , P. 80)

42 - Never trust anybody but those who fear God. (Balagatol Hussain ( as ) , P. 292)

43 - Imam (as) was asked: What causes noble & eminent personality. He replied : " controlling your tongue and doing good deeds. (Balagatol Hussain ( as ) , P. 332)

44 - O' people do compete in good deeds and haste in grabbing the good chances. By delaying good deeds , you reduce their value. By gaining victory win the respect and praise of others , and do not let others blame you for being lazy. If one does a favour to another but he does not thank him for it , be sure that God will reward him instead , and surely God's reward is greater and more generous. (Bihar al- Anwar, Vol. 78 , P. 121)

45 - Beware that the need of people for you is among the graces of God, so do not neglect the needy as the graces will turn into difficulties. Do know Good deeds bring you people's respect and praise and God's rewards. If you could personify and visualise good deeds as a human being you would see him as kind and good looking , whose sight is pleasant for everyone to see. And if you could picture evil acts , you would see him ugly and disgusting , hearts detesting him , and eyes closing to his sight. (Bihar al- Anwar, Vol. 78 , P. 121)

46 - The most merciful person is the one who forgives when he is able to revenge. (Bihar al- Anwar, Vol. 78 , P. 121)

47 - Your best relation is the one who comes to you and helps you when you have severed relations with him. (Bihar al- Anwar, Vol. 78 , P. 121)

48 - Whoever sorts out the difficulty of a believer God will sort out his difficulties in this world and in the hereafter. (Bihar al- Anwar, Vol. 78 , P. 122)

49 - Tolerance is man's ornament , keeping promises is a sign of nobility , and bonding with others is a grace. (Bihar al- Anwar, Vol. 78 , P. 122)

50 - Arrogance is a sign of selfishness rashness is a sign of foolishness and foolishness is a sign of weakness and exaggeration causes destruction. (Bihar al- Anwar, Vol. 78 , P. 122)
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Dec 11, '10 10:20 AM
for everyone
Thirty Lessons from Aashura 

         . 1) Align yourself with right no matter the cost. 
      2. Enjoin good and forbid evil.
      3. Love those who are good and befriend   yourself to them.
      4. Do not be friends with those who do evil, are cruel or are foolish. 
      5. When you love someone, you should feel their pain and mourn their tragedies. 
      6. The more you love someone, the more you will feel for them.
      7. You should love God and His messengers and guides more than you love yourself and your family. 
      8. There is nothing wrong with showing genuine emotion in response to oppression in public. 
      9. We should all fight oppression with whatever we have.
    10. There is more than one way to fight; pick the one that suits the circumstances. Ask those who are wise about the right way. 
    11. Ask those who are wise about everything and follow them. 
    12. A follower should not only incline to his leader and listen to him, but reform his actions to be in accordance with his leaders. If he really loves him, he will work hard to avoid anything contrary to his leader's teachings. If he does not really love him, he is a hypocrite and offers lip service but will fail a rest test if it comes.

    13. If people let the memory of injustice fade, it is easier for tyrants to carry it out again. 

    14. God protects His message so that we may know it.

    15. Godly people make great sacrifices for God's cause.

    16. The right often lies with the few rather than the many. Don't be afraid to be a minority. 

    17. Hijab is precious. Family is precious. Brave, loving men are precious. Women who speak up when necessary are precious. 

    18. Nothing is more precious than God.

    19. The jihad of men and women is different, but we must all practice patience, forbearance, and willingness to forgive someone who is truly sorry. 

    20. The length of your life as a Muslim is less important than what you do with that time. It is better to die at the pinnacle of your faith than to live another moment on its decline. We should dedicate ourselves to the cause of God and increasing our faith. 

    21. Prayer is so important that even on a battlefield you must keep it.

    22. Young and old alike can do great things or terrible things.

    23. God has a plan.

    24. Thirst is terrible. Do not anyone or thing go thirsty while you have the power to prevent it. When you drink, remember those who died thirsty because people 
    prevented them from having it.

    25. Silence or inaction can be VERY evil. You can be guilty without committing the action by letting it happen or deluding yourself that you can do nothing about it.

    26. It is our duty to become educated and aware as much as possible. Ignorance is not bliss, it is sin if it is preventable.

    27. We must be sensitive and compassionate toward the suffering of others. It is wrong to celebrate in the face of another's tragedy. 

    28. Do not let differences divide what the love of God can unite. Ashura is an occasion to be united in love of God and God's messengers and guides.

    29. The one who sides with God can never be hopeless and the one who sides against God can never have hope. 

    30. The unrighteous seek to deceive or intimidated others to be in their ranks. Do not be deceived or intimidated.
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Dec 11, '10 10:05 AM
for everyone
WEEPING FOR AHL AL-BAYT (A.S.)
Allah mentions weeping as a sign of true believers:
 ‘And when they hear what has been revelaed to the apostle,
you will see their eyes overflowing wih tears on account of truth.
(5:83)
There are many narrations about weeping for fear of Allah at mid-nights and dawns as related by Ahl al-Bayt.
Amir al-Mu’minin in the supplication of Kumaly, says:
My God! My Lord! My Master! My Protector! For which things would I complain to You and for which of them would I lament and weep?
Is it for the pain and severtity of chastisement or for the length and period of tribulation?
In Du a Abi-Hamzah thamali Immam Zaynal Abidin says:
“Why should I not cry? I am sad on acccount of my departing soul. I cry in fear of darkness of the grave.  I cry in dread of the narrowing walls inside the dugout hole.  I cry in in awe of the questioning Munkar and Nakir would direct at me.  I cry over my plight when I will come out naked, in shame, from my grave loaded with burden on my back.”
One of the instances of weeping is to weep for the calamaties which have befallen Ahal-Bayt especially the master of he martyrs, Immam Husayn, which is considered as a prayer and has great rewards.  It is a cure for mental disturbances, preparation for repenetance, and a cause of Allah’s mercy:
Imam al-Ridha has said:
“One who remembers our calamaties and weeps for what has befallen us will have the same rank with us on the Day of Jugement. And one who reads our calamaties and weeps or makes others weep will not weep when all eyes are full of tears.
Addresing Immam Husayn Immam Ali said:
-         You are a lesson (of weeping) for every believer
-          Am I father?
-         Yes my son
Immam al-Sadiq has said:
Whoever remembers us and weeps, Allah will forgive his sins even if they are as much as foam of sea.
And further said:
A moment of sorrow for the injustcice done to us is like the glorification of Allah.  Sorrowing over us is as prayer and hiding our secrets is considered as holy war. (Al-Amali 115 H178)
If you wish to weep for anything weep for Husayn ibn Ali for heavens and the earth wept for him when he was slain.   If you weep for Husayn to the extent that your tears run on your cheek, Allah will forgive all your sins
One who remembers Husayn and weeps for him will be rewarded; and Allah is not content with anything less than Paradise for him.

     WEEPING OF MAN WILL BE VALUABLE IF HE DOES NOT COMMIT SIN, DOES NOT REBEL AGAINST ALLAH AND DOES NOT HAVE AN IMMORAL LIFE AND IS NOT A SOURCE OF EVIL AND MISFORTUNUE FOR PEOPLE 
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Dec 11, '10 9:41 AM
for everyone
Sermon of Janab-e-Zainab S.A. addressing the people of Kufa when Ahle Haram was taken to Kufa after the massacre
"Now then! O Kufans! O men of vaunt! O treacherous men! O retreaters! Beware! May your lament never cease and may your wailing never end. Verily your similitude is that of a woman who untwirls the threads spinned by herself. You have broken your pledges by deceit and there remains nothing in you except pretense, self-conceit, exorbitance and dishonesty. You have adopted the flatter of maids and coquettishness of the enemies as your customs. Your similitude is of that of the expanse vegetation or jewellery in the graveyard. Beware! What an evil have you brought forth for yourselves that has invited Allah's wrath upon you and you have earned a place of fury in the hereafter. You weep for my brother? Verily yes by Allah! You should weep, for you deserve it. Weep abundantly and laugh less, thus you are tainted with disgrace and trapped in contempt that you shall never be able to wash off. How will you wash off the blood of the son of the 'Seal of Prophethood (s.a.w.s)' and the 'Mine of Apostleship' from yourselves, who was the Master of the youth of Paradise, the General of the battlefield, and an Asylum of your group. He was a residence of repose for you and your well-being. He healed your wounds and safeguarded you against whatever evil came towards you. You approached him when you quarreled among yourselves. He was your best counsel and you relied upon him, and he was a lantern of your path. Beware! What evil have you brought forth for yourselves and what load have you put upon your neck for the day of Qiyamah. Perdition! Perdition! Destruction! May your search go vain and may your hands paralyse that you have handed over the affairs of your provisions to the wind. You have occupied a place in Allah's wrath, while the stamp of contempt and misfortune is sealed upon your forehead. Woe be to you! Do you know that you have amputated the dear child of Mohammads.a.w.s)? And what pledge have you broken off from him? And what endeared family of his have you brought out onto the streets? And what veil of sanctity have you snatched away from them? And what blood have you shed from him? What an awry thing have you brought forth that it is likely that the heavens would fall down and the earth would disperse, while the mountains would crumble down as much as the fill of the earth and the heavens. The bride of your affairs is hairless, unfamiliar, indecent, blind, ugly and sullen. You wonder why the heavens rain blood. The chastisement of the hereafter is more disgraceful and there will be no helper. Let not this respite make you frivolous, for none has the power to anticipate upon Allah, the Mighty, the Sublime, and seeking vengeance does not lapse from him. No, not at all, your Lord is in ambush for you.What will you reply when the Prophet shall ask you, how did you fair, while you were the last nation, with my progeny and my children, the noble ones, that some of them are captivated and some drenched in their blood, this is not the recompense regarding which I adviced you with which you treated my 'Near-ones' , I fear that a wrath similar to the people of Iram might descend upon you"
WITH DUA
ALIWALE HUSSAINWALE

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Dec 11, '10 5:35 AM
for everyone
It is usually thought that Islam views God as a heartless Ruler of the world, an angry Judge, and a wrathful Lord who is looking meticulously for a wrongdoer to punish them. For those who have thoughtfully read the Quran only once in their lifetime it is very easy to discard this view beyond any doubt.

However, for those who have not carefully read the Quran, or do not have the necessary means and knowledge to analyse its verses, there stands, in the living memory of the history, an episode which, very clearly, epitomizes the notion of love between the creator and the created, and the sacrifice and suffering that could be endured readily and contentedly by a human being for the sake of the beloved God.

This episode is the event in which Hussain, the grandson of the Prophet of Islam, offered not only his soul and his flesh to the Lord, but that of his sons, his nephews his cousins and his closest friends, and bore the grief of the foreseeable capture of his wife, his daughters and his sisters. This happened on the 10th day of Muharram in a land called Karbala in the year 682 AD.

As the grandson of the Prophet and someone who was very much adored by him, Hussain could have lived a very comfortable and well-heeled life after his grandfather, much honoured and revered by his contemporaries. However, he was devoted to the cause of the Lord, concerned about the guidance that was revealed to his grandfather and eager to make sure that the path of love towards God was not obstructed by voracious, materialistic type of people who had joined Islam only to fulfil their mean and meagre worldly ambitions.

And he did well. On one single day he demonstrated a degree of love and sacrifice towards the Lord that could hardly be paralleled by any similar incident in the history of mankind. He loudly cried his dissatisfaction of what was going on in the name of the Lord and with recourse to the authority of his grandfather; a cry that can be heard even today through the long stretched tunnel of history.

Hussain used to say in his supplications:

“My Lord! You are the One who removes all others from the heart of those whom You love, in a manner that they do not love but You, and do not seek refuge from anyone but from you; You are their intimate company when the trials of the world frightens them. My Lord! Those who have lost You, what do they find, and those who have found You, what do they lose?”

Hussain had nothing to loose since he had found a Love that gives life to everything.
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posted by ABBAS ALAM @ 08:35   0 Comments

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