DREAMS الرُّؤيا

Glad Tidings in Dreams 1– The Prophet (SAWA), with regard to Allah's verse in the Qur'an "for them are glad tidings" [Qur'an 10:64], said, 'This is in reference to the good dream which a believer has and which gives him good news in this world.’[al-Kafi, v. 8, p. 90, no. 60] 2– The Prophet (SAWA) said, 'No remnants of prophecy remain today [in people's lives] except glad tidings.’ When asked what glad tidings were, he replied, 'True dreams. (Bihar ul Anwar v. 61, p. 177, no. 39] 3– Imam al-Rida (AS) said, 'When the Prophet (SAWA) used to wake up in the morning, he used to first ask his companions, 'Are there any good news?' meaning any good dreams ’[al-Kafi, v. 8, p. 90, no. 58] Categories of Dreams 4– Imam al-Baqir (AS) said, 'When people sleep, their spirits go out into the sky. Whatever the spirit sees while in the sky is true, and whatever it sees on the way in the wind are just muddled dreams.’[Amali al-Saduq, p. 125, no. 16] 5– Imam al-Sadiq (AS) said, 'There are three types of dreams: glad tidings from Allah for the believer, ominous dreams from Satan, and muddled dreams.’[al-Kafi, v. 8, p. 90, no. 61] Interpretation of Dreams 6– The Prophet (SAWA) said, 'When any of you sees a good dream, then go ahead and interpret it and inform others of it, and if you see a bad dream, then neither interpret it, nor inform others of it.’[Kanz al-`Ummal, no. 41392] 7– The Prophet (SAWA) said, 'A dream should only ever be related to a believer who does not harbour jealousy or wrongdoing.’[al-Kafi, v. 8, p. 336, no. 530]

Ranks and Reward of an ill Person

Jan 1, '13 11:16 AM for everyone

It has been reported on the authority of the Holy Prophet (SAWW):  “An ill person has four characteristics: 
1- Sin is not written for him.  
2- God orders the angel to write for him the best of deeds he would do when he was in good health.  
3- Every sin he has committed with body organs will be forgiven.

4- He will be forgiven whether he dies or survives.  

*  “When a Muslim becomes ill, God will write for him the best deeds he would do when he was in good health and his sins would fall off like the leaves of a tree.”  

* “Whoever visits an ill person, should the ill person recite a Du for him, it will be fulfilled.”  

* “God will send the following revelation to the angel on the left side: Do not write anything for my servant as long as he is under My shelter.  God will say to the angel on the right side:  Write a virtue for the moaning of My servant.”  

* “Illness cleanses body from sins in the same way that a black smiths’ bellows removes dust from iron.”  

* “A child getting sick is atonement for his parents’ sins.”
 

* It is reported on the authority of Imam Sadeq (AS):  
 “The Messenger of Allah said: Fever is a sign of death and God’s prison on the earth.  Its warmth is form the Hell and this much of warmth is a believer’s share of Fire.”  

* “What a good pain is fever, for it gives a share of affliction to every body organ and one who is not afflicted with tribulation has not any share.” 

* “When a believer is suddenly affected with fever, his sins fall off like the leaves of a tree.  If he laments in his bed, his lamentations are as Subhanallah (Glory be to Allah) and his cry is la ilaha illal lah (There is no God but Allah), his moving in bed is as if he is fighting for the cause of Allah.  If he lives on and serves God, he will be forgiven.  Happy is such a person!”  

* “One-day fever is atonement for one year of sin and its agony will body for the same period.  This agony is atonement for the past and future.”  

* “One who laments for a night but does not complain or rather thanks God for it, the same will serve as atonement for two years; one year for accepting the pain and one year for forbearing it.”  

* “Illness for a believer is as purification and mercy but for the unbeliever it is punishment and curse.”  

*  “Illness persists in believer till his sins cleansed.  A headache of one night will remove all sins except the cardinal ones.”
  It has been reported on the authority of Imam Baqir (AS)

* “If a believer knows what great reward afflictions have, he wishes to be cut into pieces with scissors.”
 

*It has been reported on the authority of the Holy Prophet (SAWW): “Should a believer walk in the straight path and become ill, go on a trip or is not able to perform his duties as he used to, God will write for him the same virtue for the deeds of normal days.”
  Then the Holy Prophet (SAWW) recited the following verse:  
  “So they shall have a reward never to be cut off.”  (Verse 6 of the Quranic Chapter, Teen)
 

* It has been reported on the authority of Imam Sadiq (AS):  “When a believer dies, the twoguardian angels will ascend to heavens saying: O God! You took the life of such and such person.  God will say: Go down and perform prayer at his graveside and say La ilaha illal lah.  Then write these deeds for him.”
 

* Jabir reports that a man who was both dumb and deaf came to the Holy Prophet (SAWW) making gesture with his hand.  The Holy Prophet (SAW) said: “Give him a piece of paper to write what he wants.”
  The man took the paper and wrote on it:  
  “I bear witness that there is no god but Allah and I bear witness that Mohammad (SAW) is the Messenger of Allah.”
  At this point, the Holy Prophet (SAW) said:
“Write for him something and give him the good tidings of paradise, for, whenever a Muslim loses his tongue, his ears, his arms or legs but he is thankful for that affliction and invokes God to give him reward, God will save him from Fire and make him enter paradise.” 
  Then the Holy Prophet (SAW) said: “People of afflictions have ranks in the world and positions in the Hereafter which no one can attain with righteous deeds so much so that he wishes his body would be cut into pieces with scissors.  This desire arises when these people watch the reward given to the afflicted believers by God on the Day of Judgment, for God does not accept any deed without man’s submission to Him.”

From Our Aimmah(AS)........GENERAL TIPS FOR GOOD HEALTH...........

Jan 1, '13 11:14 AM for everyone

GENERAL TIPS FOR GOOD HEALTH

The Prophet (S.A.W.W) Says- 77 diseases are cured by honey.

Do not stand and drink water at night, incurable disease will be contracted (6th Imam AS)

Drinking Rain water is beneficial for health

21 raisins (kishmish) on an empty stomach for good memory and good health.

Do not sleep on an empty stomach.

Eat only when you are hungry.

Use the washroom before sleeping.

Do not sleep in a straight position immediately after a meal, as it hinders digestion and causes gastric problems.

Do not bathe immediately after a meal, as it hinders digestion.

Best not to eat anything except fruits between breakfast and dinner.

Do not eat fruits immediately after a meal, wait for a hour before eating fruits.

Eat the fruits at the beginning of their season

Don't drink tea immediately after a meal as tea has acid in it and food has protein in it therefore digestion is hindered.

Never urinate in the sea or swimming pools,one contracts incurable disease.

After a hot water bath put a mug of cold water on your feet

Best time to sleep, which is most beneficial, is 2½ hrs after sunset.

Start and end your food with a pinch of salt to ward off 70 kinds of diseases. End your meal also with a pinch of salt

Waking up 2½ hrs before sunrise is very beneficial for health.

Namaz-e-shab is best for good health.

Try to do all work facing qibla and in a state of wuzu- Tilwat-e-Quran, cooking, studying etc.

Honey serves a dual purpose i.e. in the winter it has a warm effect and in summer it has a cooling effect.

Cutting nails on Friday cures many diseases.

Yazeed Ibn Moaviyah – A Branch of the Cursed Tree

Jan 1, '13 11:11 AM for everyone

“… And We did not make the vision which We showed you but a trial for men and the cursed tree in Quran as well?” (Surah Bani Israel: 60) Tabari, explaining the revelation of this verse, has written about a dream that Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) had. The Prophet (s.a.w.a.) dreamt that the children of Hakam bin Abi Aas (from the family of Umayya) were jumping up and down upon his pulpit like monkeys. This dream upset the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) so much that he never laughed again. (Tafsir-e-Tabari, Vol. 15, Pg. 177, Ad-Durrul-Mansur, Vol. 4, Pg. 191) Ayesha told Marwan bin Hakam that Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) told her: “The ‘Cursed Tree’ in the Quran implies you (i.e. Marwan bin Hakam and his family).” (Ad-Durrul-Mansur, Vol. 4, Pg. 191) Marwan bin Hakam is the originator of ‘Bani Marwan’ (the progeny of Marwan). His acronym (Kunniyat) was Abu Abdil Malik. His genealogy is Marwan bin Hakam bin Abil Aas bin Umayya. Thus, the bottom line is that history has proved that ‘the cursed tree’ is none other than the family of Umayya – Banu Umayya. Yazeed, the accursed son of Moaviyah is from this very family. The Genealogy of Yazeed His father’s name was Moaviyah and that of his grandfather – Abu Sufyan. His grandmother was Hinda – the one who ate the liver of Hazrat Hamzah (a.s.), the Prophet’s (s.a.w.a.) uncle after the battle of Uhud. She was notorious throughout Makkah as being a woman of loose character. She had a string of lovers and paramours. Abu Sufyan’s cousin Musafir bin Amr who was famous among the Quraish for his good looks, generosity and skill as a poet, became Hinda’s lover. Even after getting married to Abu Sufyan, Hinda did not severe her amorous and illicit relationship with Musafir. And so Musafir is one of the four people that are considered to have possibly sired Moaviyah. (Sharho Nahjil Balagha by Ibne Abil Hadid, Vol. 1, Pg. 30) Yazeed’s mother’s name was Maisoon binte Bakhdal Kalbi. She was extremely beautiful due to which Moaviyah became inclined towards her. However when she conceived Yazeed, Moaviyah abandoned her. Hence, Yazeed was born in her house where she and many other women of immoral character breast fed him. Yazeed’s genealogy and the dirty deeds of his parents and grandparents have been chronicled in details. Abu Sufyan, Hinda the liver eater, Marwan and their cronies were foremost in the enmity towards Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) and Ahle Bait (a.s.). Regarding this topic one can find numerous books of history in Arabic and Persian. Readers of Urdu may refer to “Moaviyah aur Yazeed Taarikh ke Aaeene Mein” by the late Hujjatul Islam Aqae Sheikh Mohammad Ismail Rajabi (r.a). The Despicable Attributes of Yazeed Every society and all the religions of the world declare alcoholism, gambling, genocide, incest, fornication and the like to be the worst of acts. Humanity deems that any person who indulges in these acts should be condemned. Islam too has denounced these activities, declared them to be unlawful (Haraam) and threatened with severe punishment, both in this world as well as the hereafter, for those who commit them. Moreover, a friendly relationship with such people too is prohibited in Islam. A far cry indeed from declaring such persons to be Caliphs and leaders. The Holy Quran says: “And obey not from among them any sinner or ungrateful one.” (Surah Insan:24) (According to Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanavi, sinner or ungrateful implies “a wrongdoer or an unbeliever”). The word of Quran is clear. They have no one to blame but themselves for having chosen such persons as their leaders. Now let us throw some light on the attributes of Yazeed. Yazeed relieved Walid of his position as Governor of Medina and appointed Usman bin Mohammad bin Abu Sufyan in his place. Usman despatched a delegation of notables of Medina which included Abdullah bin Amr-e-Makhzoomi, Abdullah bin Hanzala Ansari, Fandar bin Zubair and others to Yazeed who gave them a great reception and on their departure, showered them with lavish gifts. However, when the same delegation returned to Medina, its members spoke out against Yazeed and his deeds, saying: “We have visited a person who has no faith whatsoever. One who drinks wine, plays the tambourine and has prostitutes thronging his court. He plays with dogs and sleeps with children and slave-girls. O people, bear witness that we hereby dismiss Yazeed from the post of Caliphate.” On hearing this, many began to refuse to acknowledge Yazeed as a Khalifa. (Tarikh-e-Tabari, Vol. 4, Pg. 3, The events of 62 A.H.) Here we have Tabari bringing to light the gist of Yazeed’s abominable qualities by narrating one incident. However other writers like Masoodi in Muroojuz Zahab, Sibt ibn Jawzi in Tazkeratul Khawas, Tabari in Taarikhul Umam, Ibn Athir in his al-Kamil, Yaqoobi in-his “Tarikh” and many others have also recorded the numerous unabashed sins and iniquities of Yazeed. Here, we restrict ourselves to mentioning a few important ones. After the tragedy of Kerbala, Yazeed invited Ibn Ziad to his court, bestowed gifts upon him and gave him a free rein in his harem. One night, while lying intoxicated with his head in Ibn Ziad’s (l.a.) lap, he ordered that songs be sung and then addressed the wine bearer thus: “O wine bearer! give me wine enough to fill my heart with joy. Then let Ibn Ziad drink similarly, for he is the one who is aware of my secrets and possessions. The one whose hands strengthen my Caliphate, the one who fills my coffers with war-booty, the one who killed the Kharijite (Imam Husain (a.s.), God forbid), and has vanquished my enemies and those envious of me.” (Tazkiratul Khawas by Sibt ibn Jauzi, Pg. 290) Proclamation of enmity with the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) and the denial of the Day of Judgment Yazeed while addressing Aalia, a concubine of his harem sung the following verses: “O Aalia! Come near me, give me wine and sing me a song, Because I dislike praying to Allah, 0 Aalia! Speak to me of Aby Sufyan who was a great man, As he moved with great swiftness towards Uhud (to battle the Muslims), He showed great valor against Muhammad (i.e. he killed many Muslims), And caused the wailing and grieving Muslim women to gather in a large group, O Umme Ahim (Aalia’s acronym), after I die, marry again, And hope not to meet me on the Day of Reckoning, For all that has been said about that day is meaningless and untrue; Spoken merely to pacify the heart.” (Tazkheratul Khawas by Sibt ibn Jauzi, Pg. 291) On the basis of the above mentioned verses, Sibt ibn Jauzi deemed Yazeed to be a disbeliever. The following poem also proves that he never submitted to Islam nor to the teachings of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.). “Neither has any divine information descended nor any revelation made (to the Holy Prophet [s.a.]).” (Naasekh ul Tawaarikh, Ch. 3, Pg.136; Tarikh-e- Tabari, Vol. 11, Pg. 358) The Horror at Harrah Harrah was a suburb of Medina which was plundered by the army of Yazeed in 63 A.H. In this year, the people of Medina had risen in support of Abdullah ibne Hanzala and other nobles of the city who were working against Yazeed’s rule. They had drawn out their swords and were even successful in overpowering the Governor of Medina. This infuriated Yazeed no end. Therefore, he sent a cruel and murderous army under the leadership of Muslim ibn Aqabah to quell the rebellion. In the city of the Prophet (s.a.w.a.), this army committed such barbaric and shameless acts which cannot be compared even to the most savage or uncivilized of societies. Tabari, writes in his “Tarikh”, “Whatever was there in Medina was made permissible for three days by Muslim Ibn Aqabah for his soldiers. People were killed mercilessly. Wailing and grief overcame the companions of the Prophet (s.a.w.a.) present in Medina. The most outrageous action which the Syrian army of Yazeed ibn Moaviyah perpetrated was of violating the chastity of women and girls. As a result, many unlawful children were born.” (Tarikh-e-Tabari, circa 63 A.H.) “After the incident of Harrah, the women of Medina delivered one thousand illicit children. According to another narration, ten thousand such children were born.” (Tarikh of Sibt ibn Jauzi, Pg. 289). History witnesses that in entire Medina, only few houses were safe from this plunder. These were the houses of Imam Zainul Abedeen (a.s.) and others from Bani Hashim. Under special instructions from Yazeed, his army did not attack their houses. Similarly, history also records yet another oppressive and heart rending crime of the accursed Yazeed in the year 64 A.H. Abdullah ibn Zubair having refused to pay allegiance to Yazeed, had taken protection in the Holy Makkah. When Yazeed sent Muslim ibn Aqabah to Medina, he instructed him to go to Makkah to arrest Abdullah ibn Zubair. However, on the way to Makkah, Muslim left for his hellish abode. Husain ibn Numair took over as the commander of the army. When he besieged Makkah, Abdullah ibn Zubair was in Masjid ul Haram. He entered the Holy Kaaba and sought shelter there. On which, Husain ibn Numair shot huge fire balls at the sacrosanct structure, severely damaging its walls. (Murooj-uz-Zahab of Masoodi,Vol 2, Pg 70) The Pronouncement of Imam Ahmed ibn Hanbal Moaviyah declared Yazeed to be his successor in 56 AH. He started publicizing that from his property, Yazeed will get the Caliphate. In 60 AH. after the death of Moaviyah, Yazeed ascended the Caliphate, and in 61 AH. the tragedy of Karbala occurred. Imam Ahmad Ibn Hanbal, the Imam of one of the four sub sects of Ahle Sunnah, admonished his son in the following words: “O My son, only his belief in Allah shall remain safe who curses Yazeed.” The tragic event of Karbala has passed but has left its mark on the history. By illuminating the humanity it has made every member of the cursed tree easily identifiable till the day of judgement. No sooner does any author lift his pen to justify Yazeed and his ideology, he is confronted with curses and severe blows at the hands of historical facts. SEND BESHUMAR LANAT ON YAZEED AND HIS COMPANIONS AND ALL THOSE WHO SUPPORTED HIM IN HIS EVIL PLANS AND CAUSE - BESHUMAR LANAT FOR EVER

Ziyarat-e-Naahiyah- A Brief Explanation

Jan 1, '13 11:10 AM for everyone

“Salutations upon the son of Lote tree (Sedratul Muntaha)”

The word ‘Sedra’ means a lote tree. This has reference from the following verse:

“And certainly he saw him in another descent, at the farthest lote-tree (Sedratul Muntaha); near which is the garden (Jannatul Mawa)” 

(Surah Njam (53): Verses 13-15)

The aforesaid verse refers to seeing of Hazrat Jibrael  in his original form by Hazrat Muhammad Mustafa (s.a.w.a.) on the night of ascension at the Lote tree near the garden.

This exegesis is based on authentic traditions quoted in large numbers by the Shias as well as the Sunnis. Now, let us glance through the traditions of the Ahle Bait (a.s.) about ‘Sedratul Muntaha’.

(i) Nomenclature

It is narrated from Hazrat Imam Abu Ja’far Muhammad Baqir (a.s.) that the lote tree is called ‘Muntaha’ (the final destination) because the angels (who write our deeds) take the accounts of deeds to ‘Sedra’. There, the honored writer of goodness writes the deeds of the servants sitting under the lote tree. Hence, it is called ‘Sedratul Muntaha’.

(Ealalush Sharaai, Behaar al-Anwaar, v.18, p. 365)

(ii) The Huge Lote Tree

It is narrated in the tradition of ascension from the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.):

Jibrael  made me stand near a huge tree, the like of which I had never seen before. I saw an angel on each of its branches, on every leaf and fruit. The crown of light of Allah, the High and the Majestic was shining on it.  Jibrael  said: This is ‘Sedratul Muntaha’. All the previous Prophets (a.s.) have halted here but none has gone beyond. However, Inshallah, you will be going beyond this.

(Kashful Yaqeen Fee Imrate Ameeril Momeneen (a.s.), p.  89 -91)

(iii) The holy persona of Ameerul Momeneen Ali Ibn Abi Taalib (a.s.)

In some Ziyaraat, the Holy Persona of Ameerul Momeneen (a.s.) has been remembered as ‘Sedratul Muntaha’. For instance, a ziyarat of Ameerul Momeneen (a.s.) has been narrated from Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s.) which reads

“Salutations upon the tree of ‘Tooba’ and ‘Sedratul Muntaha’.”

 (Behaar al-Anwaar, v.100, p. 306 narrating from Misbah Al Zaaer, p. 77 – 78) 

This is the reason that Imam Husain (a.s.) has been remembered as the son of ‘Sedratul Muntaha’ in Ziyarat-e-Naahiyah.

(iv) Ahle Bait (a.s.) are ‘Sedratul Muntaha’ Personified

Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s.) was asked about ‘Sedratul Muntaha’. He (a.s.) replied:

Its roots are firm and strong and its branches are in skies. Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) is its root, Imam Ali (a.s.) is its trunk, Janabe Zahra (s.a.) is its branch. The Imams are its different branches. Our Shias and our followers are its leaves.

The narrator said: May my life be sacrificed upon you! What does ‘Muntaha’ refer to? Imam (a.s.) said:

By Allah, this is the pinnacle of religion (i.e. Ahle Bait (a.s.) are the perfection of religion). One who is not from this tree is neither a believer nor our Shia.

(Behaar al-Anwaar, v. 24, P.  139 narrating from Basaer Al Darajaat)

(v) ‘Sedratul Muntaha’ Craves for the Leader of the Pious – Ali Ibn Abi Taalib (a.s.)

A tradition is narrated from Hazrat Muhammad Mustafa (s.a.w.a.) that:

“When I was taken to the sky and I reached ‘Sedratul Muntaha’, a concentrated fragrance emanated and a strong wind blew from its trunk. I asked Hazrat Jibrael: What is this? He replied:

“This is ‘Sedratul Muntaha’. When it saw you it craved for your cousin.”  

At that time, I heard a caller calling from the side of Allah: Muhammad is the greatest among the Prophets and the Messengers. Ameerul Momeneen Ali Ibn Abi Taalib is the most excellent among the successors and those who possess the mastership and love of Ali are the best among the creatures …”

(Tafseer-e-Furaat Ibn Ibrahim Kufi, p. 219)

(vi) The Cure for Grief and Sorrow of Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.)

It is observed in traditions that whenever Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) was aggrieved and sorrowful, Hazrat Jibrael  brought some leaves from ‘Sedratul Muntaha’. He then washed the head of Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) with it. This healed his grief and sorrow.

Therefore, it is very much emphasized in traditions to wash the head with leaves of lote tree so that one is saved from the whisperings of Shaitan for seventy days.

 (Behaar al-Anwaar, v. 76, p.87)

(vii) Writings on ‘Sedratul Muntaha’

Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) informs, “When I reached ‘Sedratul Muntaha’ I saw the following written on it:

I am Allah, there is no god except Me and I am One and Alone. Muhammad (s.a.w.a.) is the chosen one from My creatures. I have helped him through his Vizier.

I (Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.)) asked: Who is my Vizier? I was told: Ali Ibn Abi Taalib (a.s.). When I passed ‘Sedratul Muntaha’ I reached the Throne of Allah the High.

(Khesaal, The Chapter of Four) 

10. “Salutations upon the Son of ‘Jannatul Mawa’”

‘Jannatul Mawa’ was briefly mentioned in the last sentence. Sedratul Muntaha is near ‘Jannatul Mawa’. A person asked Hazrat Bilal (a.s.) what will the people do when they enter paradise? He replied:

They will cruise in the two rivers. The boat will be of emeralds and its pedals will be of emeralds and pearls. In it will be angels of light. They will be wearing green dresses. The narrator asked: ‘Will the light be green? He replied: The dress will be of green color but the light will be of the Lord of the Worlds through which they will travel in the river. The narrator asked: What is the name of the river? He replied: ‘Jannatul Mawa’.

(Tafseer-e-Noorus Saqlain, v. p. 156 narrating from Man La Yahzorohul Faqih)

The literal meaning of ‘Jannat’ is garden and ‘Mawa’ refers to place of shelter. There is a lengthy discussion about ‘Jannat’ in the books of traditions; however we will complete our discussion here. For further details interested readers may refer to the book Behaar Al Anwaar, v. 8, p. 280 – 281.

11. “Salutations upon the son of ‘Zam Zam’ and ’Safa’”

Every Muslim and especially those who had the honor of going for Hajj are aware of the importance of Zam Zam, Safa, Marwah and the other signs of Allah. We will present some essential points for our readers:

(i) Nomenclature

According to Janabe Ali Ibn Ibrahim Qummi (r.a.), the word ‘Zam Zam’ is derived from ‘Zamma’ which means ‘to stop’ or ‘to confine’. The reason being that when Hazrat Ibrahim’s (a.s.) wife, Janabe Haajarah, saw her son from the mountain of Marwah, she saw a spring flowing under his feet. (Both the mother and the son were alone in the hot desert and were suffering from severe thirst. When the mother saw water, there was no limit to her happiness). The water was flowing, so Janabe Haajarah built a small wall of sand around it.  This act is known as ‘Zammat’ in Arabic thus the name ‘Zam Zam’.

However, according to other Arabic litterateurs, the word ‘Zam Zam’ is an infinitive (masdar) which means ‘having a thing in abundance’. This is specially used for water.

(ii) Other names of ‘Zam Zam’

Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s.) said:

‘Zam Zam’ has other names also – Rakzato Jibrael (The place of Jibrael’s feet), Hafeerato Ismail(a.s.) (Well of Ismail), Hafeerato Abdil Muttalib(a.s.) (Well of Abdul Muttalib), Barra (goodness), Mazmoonah (one whose guarantee is taken) (in some transcript it is given as Maznoonah i.e. valuable treasure), Rawa (one who quenches thirst), Shaba (One satiates), Ta’am (food), Mat’am (place of eating food), Shefa-o-Soqm (Cure for sickness).

(iii) The Beginning of ‘Zam Zam’    

Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s.) says: When Hazrat Ibrahim (a.s.) was returning from Makkah after leaving Janabe Haajarah and his son, Janabe Haajarah asked him: In whose care are you leaving us? Hazrat Ibrahim (a.s.) replied: I am leaving you in the care of the Lord of this building (Holy Ka’bah).

Imam (a.s.) says:

When the water was exhausted and the child became thirsty, Janabe Haajarah went to the mountain of Safa and cried, ‘Is there anyone here to help?’ Then she went towards the mountain of Marwah and called out the same. Then she reached her son and found water was flowing near her son’s heel. She collected the water and the water stopped. Had she left it, the water would have continued flowing perpetually.

(Al Kaafi, v.4, p. 201)

(iv) Janabe Abdul Muttalib and ‘Zam Zam’

A tradition is narrated from Ameerul Momeneen Ali Ibn Abi Taalib (a.s.):

Hazrat Abdul Muttalib (a.s.) was sleeping in Hijr-e-Ismail (a.s.) when he saw a dream. A person appeared in his dream and said: Dig the Barra (another name of Zam Zam). He asked: What is Barra? The person disappeared.

Again on the second day, he saw the same person in his dream who was saying to him: Dig the Maznoonah. He asked: What is Maznoonah? Again the person disappeared.

On the third day, he saw the same person in his dream who was ordering him: Dig the Tayyebah. When he asked him: what is Tayyebah, the person disappeared.

On the fourth day, the same person returned in the dream and said: Dig Zam Zam. He asked: What is Zam Zam? He replied: Neither will it dry nor its water deplete. Then he was showed its place. Hazrat Abdul Muttalib (a.s.) got up and started digging at the place which he was shown. The Quraish asked Hazrat Abdul Muttalib (a.s.) what he was doing. He replied: I have been ordered to dig the well of Zam Zam. When he removed the mud and water was seen, the Quraish said: We also have a right in the well with you because this well belongs to our ancestors. Janabe  Abdul Muttalib(a.s.)  replied: This does not belong to you. This is particularized to me and not you.

(Al Kaafi, v.4, p. 219, Trad. 6; Kunuzul Fawaaid, p. 106)

(v) Virtues of Water of Zam Zam

Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) said: The water of Zam Zam is medicine for every disease. 

(Al Mahaasin, v. 2 p. 399 Trad .2395; Man La Yahzorohul Faqih, v.2,   p. 208 Trad.2164)

 Ali Ibn Mahziyar narrates: On the night of 11th Zil Hajj, I saw Imam Muhammad Taqi (a.s.) performing Tawaafun Nisa. Then he performed prayers behind Maqaame Ibrahim. Then he went to Zam Zam and taking a bucket kept near Hajar-e-Aswad, he (a.s.) pulled out some water. He drank and sprinkled some water on parts of his holy body. Then again he went to Zam Zam. Our friend informed us that next year too, Imam (a.s.) did the same.

(Al Kaafi, v. 4 p. 230, Trad. 3)

(vi) Supplication before drinking water of Zam Zam

Two supplications have been narrated in this regard:

Bismillah Al-Hamdolillah Ash Shukro lillah

(Al Mahaasin, v. 2 p. 200 Trad. 2400)

When a person completes the circumambulation of the Holy Ka’bah and finishes recitation of Namaz-e-Tawaaf, he should come to the well of Zam Zam and drink it by extracting it once or twice. Then sprinkle some water on head, back and stomach and say:

Allahummaj’alho ilman naafean wa rizqan waasean wa shefa’an min kulle daain wa soqmin

“O Allah! Make it (for me) beneficial knowledge, vast sustenance and cure from all pain and sickness.”

Then he should return to Hajar-e-Aswad.

(Al Kaafi, v.4 p. 430 Trad. 2; Tahzeeb, v.5 p. 144 Trad. 476)

(vii) To gift water of Zam Zam

When Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) was in Madinah, he used to request people coming from Makkah to gift him (s.a.w.a.) the water of Zam Zam.

This was a short discussion about Zam Zam. Now, very briefly we will discuss about the Mount of Safa.

The Holy Quran says:

“Surely the Safa and the Marwah are among the signs appointed by Allah; so whoever makes a pilgrimage to the House or pays a visit (to it), there is no blame on him if he goes round them both; and whoever does good spontaneously, then surely Allah is Grateful, Knowing.”

(Surah Baqarah (2): Verse 158)

(viii) Nomenclature

Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s.) says:

The mountain of Safa is called Safa because the chosen one of Allah, Hazrat Adam (a.s.) descended on it from Paradise. Therefore, Allah, the High named it from the names of Hazrat Adam (a.s.). Allah, the Mighty and the Majestic says

“Surely Allah chose Adam”

(Surah Ale Imran (3): Verse 33)

(Elalul Sharaai, p.  431)

(ix) The beloved piece of land of Allah

Abu Baseer says I heard Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s.) say:

“Allah likes ‘Mas’a’ (the place of doing Saee i.e. between Safa and Marwah) more than any piece of land because this is the place where oppressors and tyrants are humiliated and disgraced.”

(Behaar Al Anwaar, v. 99, p. 235 narrating from Elalul Sharai, p. 433)

HADEES

Jan 1, '13 10:59 AM for everyone

Witnessing Hearts  Abu Abdillah Ja'far b. Muhammad, peace be upon him, said that: He said: "Look into your heart. If it disowns your friend (or harbours doubt about him) then either of you must have done something (improper)."  Reconciliation among people  Abu Abdillah Ja'far b. Muhammad, peace be upon him, said: "The charity best loved by Allah is to bring about reconciliation among people when they are divided by friction and to bring them closer to each other when they have moved apart." Provision from unexpected quarters He said: Abul Hasan Ahmad b. Muhammad b. Ja'far reported to me from his father, from Muhammad b. al-Hasan al-Saffar, from Ahmad b. Muhammad b. Isa, from Muhammad b. Khalid al-Barqi that Hammad b. Isa said: I requested Abul Hasan Musa b. Ja'far, peace be upon him, saying: "May I be your ransom, pray to Allah that He may bless me with a son, and may not deprive me from Haj as long as I live." He says: "He prayed for me and Allah gave me this son. And whenever the days of Haj arrived while I had no means for the expenses, Allah provided from unexpected quarters." 12. On being mindful - not conceited He said: Abul Qasim Ja'far b. Muhammad reported to me from his father, from Sa'd b. Abdillah, from Ahmad b. Muhammad b. Isa, from al-Husain b. Saeed, from Muhammad b. Abu Umair from al-Harith b. Behram, from Amru b. Jamee' that: Abu Abdillah, Ja'far b. Muhammad, peace be upon him told me: "Whoever comes to us seeking Fiqh, Qur'an and its exegesis, let him in. And whoever comes to reveal such secret (fault of the others) which Allah (in His Mercy) has concealed, discard him!" Someone said: "May I be your ransom, may I mention my present situation?" He said: "(Yes), if you so wish." He said: "By Allah, I am persistent upon sin since long time, and I intend to transform myself, but I cannot." He said: "If what you say is true, then Allah loves you, and He does not prevent your transformation except that you may fear him (more by being mindful, and not conceited)."

EXCELLENT MUST READ !!!!- THE FALCON WHO WOULD'NT FLY

Jan 1, '13 10:58 AM for everyone

*Once there was a king who received a gift of two magnificent falcons from
Arabia . They were peregrine falcons, the most beautiful birds he had ever
seen. He gave the precious birds to his head falconer to be trained.**

Months passed and one day the head falconer informed the king that though
one of the falcons was flying majestically, soaring high in the sky, the
other bird had not moved from its branch since the day it had arrived.

The king summoned healers and sorcerers from all the land to tend to the
falcon, but no one could make the bird fly. He presented the task to the
member of his court, but the next day, the king saw through the palace
window that the bird had still not moved from its perch. Having tried
everything else, the king thought to himself, "May be I need someone more
familiar with the countryside to understand the nature of this problem." So
he cried out to his court, "Go and get a farmer."

In the morning, the king was thrilled to see the falcon soaring high above
the palace gardens. He said to his court, "Bring me the doer of this
miracle."

The court quickly located the farmer, who came and stood before the king.
The king asked him, "How did you make the falcon fly?"

With his head bowed, the farmer said to the king, " It was very easy, your
highness. I simply cut the branch where the bird was sitting."

We are all made to fly -- to realize our incredible potential as human
beings. But instead of doing that, we sit on our branches, clinging to the
things that are familiar to us. The possibilities are endless, but for most
of us, they remain undiscovered. We conform to the familiar, the
comfortable, the mundane. So for the most part, our lives are mediocre
instead of exciting, thrilling and fulfilling. 

So let us learn to destroy the branch of fear we cling to and free ourselves
to the glory of flight. 

A FEW HADITHS

Jan 1, '13 10:55 AM for everyone

"Surely, the Angel appointed to the servant (of Allah) records (everything) in his books of deeds. So, register a good deed at its beginning and at its end, (so that) Allah may forgive you that which transpires in between." I told him: "We see a man deeply engrossed in the acts of devotion, humble and trying his best.  Zainul Abideen Ali b. al-Husain, peace be upon him, said: "He who feeds a hungry Mo'min, Allah will feed him from the fruits of Paradise; and he who quenches the thirst of a Mo'min, Allah will slacken his thirst from the pure, sealed nectar (on the day of reward). And he who clothes a Mo'min, Allah will clothe him with green brocade (of heaven), and he will remain under the protection of Allah, Most High, as long as a thread of that cloth remains upon him (i.e. the Mo'min whom he clothed)."lease Allah), yet he is opposed to you. Does that benefit him anything?" He said: "O Muhammad, the similitude of us Ahlul Bait is like that of a household among Banu Israel, of whom whoever strived devotedly for forty nights, his prayer was answered." Among them there was one who strenuously worshipped for forty nights and his prayer went unanswered. So he came to Isa, son of Maryam, peace be upon him, complaining about the situation he was in, and beseeching him to pray for him. So Isa made ablutions, and prayed. Allah revealed unto him: "O Isa, surely, this servant of mine came through a gate other than the one through which I am reached. He prayed while his heart had doubts about you. So, (even) if he called upon me till his neck were severed and his fingers fell apart, I would not answer him." Then Isa approached him and said: "You call upon your Lord while your heart doubts His Prophet?" He said: "O Spirit of Allah, and His word, by Allah, it was like what you said. Now, please pray unto Him to remove that from me." Then Isa prayed (for him) and Allah accepted it from him, and he was again reverted to his household. Similar is the case of us Ahlul Bait. Allah does not accept the acts of devotion from a servant who doubts about us. Abu Ja'far Muhammad b. Ali al-Baqir (peace be upon him) said: "O Abu Hamza, do not place Ali (A.S.) below the level to which Allah has raised him, and do not elevate him above the level where Allah has kept him. It is enough (excellence) for Ali that he is the one who fought the apostates and he is the one who will pair off the inmates of Paradise." Amirul Mo'mineen Ali b. Abi Talib (A.S.) said: The Prophet, peace be upon him and his progeny, held my hand and said: "Whoever dutifully performed the five (daily) prayers, and then died with your love in his heart, he will have redeemed his pledge. And whoever died with hatred for you, died a death of ignorance (i.e. the era before Islam), though he will account for his deeds as ordained by Islam. And he who lives after you, with your love in his heart, Allah will end his life with security and faith, till he arrives near me at the Pool." The most beloved steps by a Mo'min  Prophet (peace be upon him and his progeny) said: "The most beloved steps in Allah's estimation are two: one taken by a Mo'min to fill the rank in the way of Allah, another taken by a Mo'min to mend the relations with a blood relative who had cut off. And the most worthy swallows in His estimation are two: the swallow of anger by a Mo'min while reacting to provocation with gentleness, and swallow of sadness and anxiety, giving a patient response to the trying times. And the most beloved droplets in His estimation are two: a drop of blood spilled in the way of Allah, and a drop of tears shed in the darkness of night, fearing Allah."

THE TRAGEDY OF THURSDAY....

Jan 1, '13 10:49 AM for everyone

On a Thursday, just three days before the demise of the Prophet ('s), the Messenger of Allah asked for pen and paper in order to state his last will and repeat the declaration/assignment of his successor for his Ummah. Major Sunni sources including Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim mentioned that an opposition group among the companions whose leader was Umar, accused the Prophet of talking nonsense (May Allah protect us) in order to prevent this writing. They questioned the rationality of the Prophet in order to discredit his will. Below are some of the traditions concerning this tragic episode:

It is narrated in Sahih Muslim that:

Ibn Abbas said: 

"Thursday! And how tragic that Thursday was!" 

Then Ibn Abbas cried severely so that his tears flowed to his cheeks. Then he added the Prophet said: 

"Bring me a flat bone or a sheet and an ink so that I could write (order to write) a statement that will prevent you people to go astray after me." 

They said: 

"Verily the Messenger of Allah is talking no sense."

When the time of the death of the Prophet approached while there were some men in the house, and among them was 'Umar Ibn al-Khattab, the Prophet said: 

"Come near let me write for you a writing after which you will never go astray."  

'Umar said: 

"The Prophet is seriously ill, and you have the Quran, so Allah's Book is sufficient for us."  

The people in the house differed and disputed. Some of them said:

"Come near so that Allah's Apostle may write for you a writing after which you will not go astray," while the others said what 'Umar said. When they made much noise and quarrelled greatly in front of the Prophet, he said to them;

"Go away and leave me."  

Ibn 'Abbas used to say:

"It was a great disaster that their quarrel and noise prevented Allah's Apostle from writing a statement for them".
The above tradition can also be found in Sahih Muslim, Chapter of "Kitabul- Wasiyyah" in section "Babut-Tarkil -Wasiyyah", 1980 Edition, Arabic version (Saudi Arabia), v3, p1259, Tradition (#1637/22).

As you see in the above traditions, the Prophet ('s) was accused of talking nonsense by an opposition group among the companions whose leader was Umar. In the above tradition, Ibn Abbas mentioned Umar and his company prevented the Prophet ('s) from writing his will which could prevent people from going astray after him. So the conclusion from the above tradition is that the writing it did not take place. In the following tradition, however, Sa'id Ibn Jubair alleged that the Prophet said three things but he has forgotten the third one which was beneficial for Muslims:

Sahih al-Bukhari Hadith: 4.393
Narrated Said bin Jubair:

I heard Ibn 'Abbas saying:

"Thursday! And you know not what Thursday is? After that Ibn 'Abbas wept till the stones on the ground were soaked with his tears. On that I asked Ibn 'Abbas, "What is (about) Thursday?" He said, "When the condition (i.e. health) of Allah's Apostle deteriorated, he said, 'Bring me a bone of scapula, so that I may write something for you after which you will never go astray.' The people differed in their opinions although it was improper to differ in front of a prophet, They said, 'What is wrong with him? Do you think he is talking no sense (delirious)? Ask him (to see if he is talking no sense). The Prophet replied, 'Leave me, for I am in a better state than what you are asking me.'

Then the Prophet ordered them to do three things saying:

"Turn out all the pagans from the Arabian Peninsula, show respect to all foreign delegates by giving them gifts as I used to do.'  

The third order was something beneficial which either Ibn 'Abbas did not mention or he mentioned but I forgot.

Sa'id Ibn Jubair claims that Prophet said three things but he has forgotten the third one which was beneficial for Muslims. It is interesting to see that the narrators who used to memorize thousands of traditions, simply forgot the last will of Prophet ('s). Now if you look at the two things that the sub-narrator allegedly attributed to the Prophet, i.e.,

1. Expelling pagans from Arabian Peninsula
2. Respecting foreign delegates

One can see that these are not the things that if Muslim do, they will never go astray after Prophet. The matter should be much more important that would guarantee the salvation of Muslims, and it could be no less important than the subject of leadership. Moreover such claim contradicts the saying of Ibn Abbas (in the early mentioned traditions) who claimed that the quarrel of the companions prevented the Prophet from stating his will. Here is the last tradition I would like to mention in this regard.

Sahih al-Bukhari Hadith: 5.716
Narrated Ibn Abbas:

Thursday! And how tragic that Thursday was! The ailment of Allah's Apostle became worse (on Thursday) and he said "Bring me something so that I (order) to write for you something after which you will never go astray."

The people (present there) quarrelled in this matter, and it was not right to quarrel in front of the Prophet. They said;

"What is wrong with him? (Do you think) he is talking no sense (delirious)?"

The above tradition is also in Sahih Muslim, Chapter of "Kitabul-Wasiyyah" in section "Babut-Tarkil-Wasiyyah", 1980 Edition, Arabic version, (Saudi Arabia), v3, pp 1257-58, Tradition (#1637/20).

More addresses for similar traditions:

• Sahih al-Bukhari, in the chapter named "The Book of Knowledge"
• (Kitabul-Ilm), also in the chapter named "The Book of Medicine"
• (Kitabut-Tib), also in the chapter named "Kitabul Itisam bil Kitab was-Sunnah".
• Musnad Ahmad Ibn Hanbal, v1,pp 232,239,324f,336,355 and much more...

Also as indicated above (Sahih al-Bukhari Hadiths: 9.468 and 7.573), Umar said: 

"The Prophet is seriously ill, and you have the Quran, so Allah's Book is sufficient for us." 

Umar and those who supported him prevented Prophet from writing (ordering to write) that statement, by accusing him of talking no sense. As I have mentioned in the discussion about "Quran and Ahlul-Bayt", the Prophet clearly indicated that we should follow both Quran and Ahlul-Bayt in order not to go astray. So Quran alone is not sufficient as opposed to what Umar said above.

There is a bizarre commentary in the footnote of above traditions in Sahih Muslim (1980 Edition, Arabic version). It says: 

"The above incident shows the high virtue of Umar, since he knew that people might not follow what the Prophet would write, and as a result, people would go to hell because of their disobedience of the order of the Prophet. So Umar prevented the Prophet from writing, in order to save people from going to hell."

Also in the footnote of the same section of Sahih Muslim it is mentioned that Prophet possibly wanted to assign a Caliph on that Thursday, and the matter might have been the matter of successorship which caused much dispute.

In fact, most of the people who where present there, understood the intention of the Prophet, the same as Umar did. Because the Prophet had previously indicated the issue when he said several times that: 

"I shall leave for you two precious Symbols: The book of Allah, and my progeny, that is my family (Itrat & Ahlul-bayt). If you follow them, you will never go astray after me." (Sahih al-Tirmidhi; a close version is also given in Sahih Muslim), and also they were present in Ghadir Khum where the Prophet said: 

"Whoever I am his master, Ali is his master." (see Sahih al-Tirmidhi; Sunan Ibn Maja; Musnad Ahmad Ibn Hanbal; al-Mustadrak, by al-Hakim; Khasa'is, by al-Nisa'i). So when the Prophet during his illness said;

"Let me write something that you never go astray after me", those people who were present, including Umar, quickly understood that the Prophet wants to repeat what he had already mentioned, but this time in writing. A few Quranic verses should also be mentioned here. 

Allah said in Quran:

"O you who believe! Do not raise your voices above the voice of prophet ...
lest your deeds become null while you do not perceive."
(Quran 49:2)

Allah also said:

"Nor does he (Prophet) speak out of his desire.
(What he says) is nothing but revelation that is revealed." 
(Quran 53:3-4).

He, Exalted, also said:

"Whatever apostle tells you accept it,
and from whatever he forbids you, keep back."
(Quran 59:7)

He, Exalted He is, also said:

"But no by thy Lord! They can have no Faith until they make thee judge in all disputes between them
 and find in their souls no resistance against thy decisions but accept them with the fullest conviction." 
(Quran 4:65)

So when such a prophet, three days before his death, wished to write a document of his will to save the Muslims from going astray, he was accused of talking nonsense. The reason that the Prophet did not repeat his request was that he already was discredited by his companions and was accused of talking nonsense. So even if he would say something, those people would not believe in him and would say such an instruction has been given while he was talking no sense.

There are few Sunni traditions which alledge that the Prophet was confused to assign which person as his successor and finally failed to assign anybody as his successor and left it to the people to decide. Some even claim that the Prophet was willing to assign Abu Bakr but he left it to people.

If Umar had ever heard of such sayings (that prophet was willing to assign Abu Bakr as his successor), he would never stopped the Prophet from stating his will and would never accuse him of talking no sense. Rather he would let the Prophet tell his will and assign Abu Bakr as his successor. We all know the main support in "Saqifah Bani Sa'idah" for the secret nomination of Abu Bakr for Caliphate, was Umar.

So if Umar had not heard of such traditions (the tendency of the Prophet to assign Abu Bakr), there is a great possibility that those traditions were fabricated later. Also it contradicts several authentic Sunni traditions regarding the assignment of Ali-Ibn-Abi-Talib ('a) as the Prophet's successor. As you know there are a huge number of fabricated traditions which were created by several pay-rolled scholars in support of some rulers, and mainly to justify what happened.

The Importance and Seriousness of the Tragedy

1. Notice that any person utters his most important wishes when he wants to write the statement of his will at the end of his life.
2. Notice the importance of the person who wants to write the will, who is the last Prophet of God, the best of mankind ever. No human in the world was more enthusiastic than him about his community. The person whom Allah has ordered us in Quran to follow unconditionally.
3. Notice that the Prophet said this statement would be the key element in the destiny of Muslims according to the above traditions. They will never go astray if they abide to it.

In such a critical moment, people who claimed to be his sincere companions, stopped/insulted him. Those companions are responsible for misleading the Muslims throughout history and the generations to come.

=============
Side Comments
=============
Reading the article, a Sunni brother commented that: How could Umar prevent the manifestation of a Divine Commandment? If writing the will was the order of Allah to his Prophet, then how could be possible that Allah fails to manifest His own wish?

This brother has confused two different issues. Umar was able to prevent the manifestation of divine commandment since he was a human and was gifted some free will. Yet, Umar or any other human can never prevent what Allah foreordained (Taqdir) and what Allah wills (Mashiyyah). Please take a note of this: There is a difference between the commandment of Allah (which people can disobey) and the will of Allah (which people have no ability to go against). It was the commandment of Allah to write that statement, yet the Will of Allah was what happened.

Another brother mentioned that Prophet Muhammad never wrote a single commandment or teaching of his during his 23 years of ministry. Then how could he order people to bring pen and paper to write something for them?

Yes, the Messenger of Allah did not write in public, because he used to dictate writing. However, this does not mean that he did not know how to write. It is also true that the Prophet was "Ummi", but this does not necessarily mean he did not know how to read and write. It rather means that Prophet did not have any human teacher to teach him how to read and write since the time he was born to his mother ("Ummi" derived from "Umm" meaning mother). His only teacher was Allah. And this is why Quran is a true miracle from a person who did not have a teacher and he who did not go to school. I would say, clearing doubt about the Quran as God's revelation was the only reason that the Messenger of Allah was not ordered attempt to write in public or claim as such.

Reading and writing not only in Arabic but also in all other languages, as well as the knowledge of language of all other creatures are not a lofty claim for the Master of all Messengers when we see in Quran that Prophet Sulayman and David, peace and blessings be upon them both, knew the language of the animals. Again, all such knowledge could be released to the Prophet when he really needed, by the permission of Allah. But to the time it is not necessary, he would act as if he does not have such knowledge. It is like having access to the database rather than having all the knowledge within oneself.

About the Tragedy of Thursday, however, what the Prophet ('s) meant by "writing" was the common sense of "ordering to write", and people were aware of it and was not the first time they have heard of it. Based on the traditions no body even said at that time as to how he wants to write. Moreover, even if we suppose that Prophet wanted to write by himself and people did not know about his ability to write, they could have given him the benefit of doubt to see if he can do such a miracle beside all the miracles he had already shown.

This is the same Prophet that God said about him "laa yantqu anil Hawaa" (he does not talk of his own desires)? Never mind verses 33:36, 59:7, 4:80, 4:59, etc., and yet to justify a disobedience by some companions can we accuse him of rave? Did God know that there would be a time that His prophet could not stand to the above standard, and still going ahead and revealing such verses in his honour?

Another brother mentioned that if the Prophet intended to appoint Ali as the Imam, why did he not do so in the presence of the whole people and not in his house few days before his demise?

The Prophet had already declared the appointment of Imam Ali ('a) as Imam on many occasions from his first open speech in Mecca:

• see al-Tabari English, v6, pp 88-92; 
• Ibn al-Athir, v2, p62; 
• Ibn Asakir, v1, p85; 
• al-Durr al-Manthoor, by al-Suyuti, v5, p97) to his last open sermon in Ghadir Khum
• see Sahih Tirmidhi, v2, p298; 
• Sunan Ibn Maja, v1, pp 12,43; 
• Musnad Ahmad Ibn Hanbal; 
• al-Mustadrak, by al-Hakim; 
• Khasa'is, by al-Nisa'i).

Note that it was not the Prophet ('s) who appointed him on his own, but it was rather Allah who appointed him.

What the messenger of Allah wanted to do in his last will was to write (or order to write) what he had already said. But, as quoted earlier, some people around him shamelessly reduced him to the level of insanity. What happened on that Thursday is a proof by itself that the Prophet already assigned a successor, otherwise, there was no point of disobedience.

Another person mentioned the verse:

"Today I have perfected your religion and completed my bounty upon you, and I was satisfied that Islam be your religion (Quran 5:3)"which was revealed 2 months before the death of the Prophet which shows that there was no new religious command to come thereafter. Otherwise, if that important statement the Prophet ('s) was going to dictate to his followers would have been something which was forgotten, would make the verse untrue.

Perhaps the above brother would be surprised to know that many Sunni commentators of Quran have confirmed that the above verse (5:3) was revealed in Ghadir Khum after the Messenger of Allah said:

"Whoever I am his leader, Ali is his leader.
O' God, love those who love him, and be hostile to those who are hostile to him." 
(See the article titled "Ghadir Khum" for extensive references). 

This means the perfection of the religion was due announcing the successor of the Prophet ('s).

In fact what prophet wanted to do on that Thursday (three days before his death) was just to repeat, to remind, and to emphasize the things that has been revealed before. He didn't want to add any thing new.

No Muslim ever claimed that the position of prophethood has been taken from Muhammad ('s) sometime before his death. We do not have such a case about other prophets either. Even let's suppose he was not a prophet any more, or he wanted to say something new. Do you think you can find any man better or more enthusiastic than him about the destiny of his community? Do you think his last wish was against the prosperity of his people? How much should they have been rude that even they didn't let him talk.