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In the Name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful and the Blessings of Imam al-Mahdi [a.s.]<br />

JAFARI OBSERVER MAHE RAMAZAN-SHAWWAL 1436 VOL. VII NO. 6<br />

Patron: Hon’ble Sayyed Mohammed Moosawi Saheb<br />

President, World Ahlul Bayt Islamic League (WABIL)<br />

in this issue . . .<br />

Editorial: Difference between ‘Servant of Allah’ and<br />

‘Enemy of Allah’.......................................................... 4<br />

Cover Feature: Lailatul Qadr - The Night of Destiny... 5<br />

Ahlulbait (a.s.): Why Imam Hasan al-Mujtaba (a.s.)<br />

entered into a peace treaty with Muawiyah?............. 9<br />

Personalities: The True Mother of Believers – Hazrat<br />

Khadijah (s.a.)........................................................... 11<br />

Good Manners: Imam Ali (a.s.)’s Will ...................... 15<br />

Nearness to Allah (s.w.t.):<br />

Reward and Recompense for Fasting........................ 17<br />

History: Jannat ul Baqi ............................................. 19<br />

Ethics: Forgive and Forget......................................... 23<br />

Health Guide: Mahe Ramazan : A Month Of Fasting Or<br />

Feasting?................................................................... 25<br />

Taaqibaat: Merits of the Surahs of the Holy Quran.. 26<br />

Snippets.................................................................28<br />

Your Questions Answered.......................................30<br />

To Allah (s.w.t.) belong all months: Mahe Ramazan.....32<br />

Shawwal.................................................................... 33<br />

News - Happenings................................................ 34<br />

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JAFARI OBSERVER • July 2015<br />

Difference between ‘Servant of Allah’ and<br />

‘Enemy of Allah’<br />

In the traditions, the Holy month of Ramazan has<br />

been given the title - ‘Month of Allah’. Allah (s.w.t.) has<br />

called it ‘month of forgiveness’. It is narrated in the<br />

traditions that the worst person is the one who is not<br />

forgiven in this month.<br />

Supplicating, reciting the Holy Quran, establishing<br />

prayers, etc. have been emphasised a lot in this month.<br />

Similarly, remembering the Holy Ahlul Bayt (a.s.) is also<br />

important. The 10th of this month is remembered as<br />

the Death Anniversary of Lady Khadija (s.a.) - the<br />

illustrious wife of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) and the<br />

mother of Sayyedah Fatemah (s.a.), the 15th as the<br />

Birth Anniversary of the Second Holy Imam Hasan ibn<br />

Ali (a.s.), the 19th is the day of Zarbat (striking of<br />

sword) on the head of Ameer al-Momineen Imam Ali<br />

ibn Abi Talib (a.s.) while the 21st as the Death<br />

Anniversary of the Holy Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (a.s.) -<br />

an inestimable loss to the whole of humanity till<br />

Qayamat - for which any amount of mourning can only<br />

be seen as less. It is the mourning on the Martyrdom<br />

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Editorial<br />

Maulana Zaki Hasan<br />

of that Imam (a.s.) for whom the entire universe is<br />

proud. The Holy Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (a.s.) has been<br />

mentioned by the agnomen of ‘Ameenullah’ in the<br />

Ziyaaraat i.e. ‘Trustworthy of Allah’. For acquiring the<br />

trusts of Allah (s.w.t.) one has to come to him (a.s.).<br />

The world is searching here and there for guidance of<br />

Allah (s.w.t.), while it can be obtained from His genuine<br />

representative only. Allah (s.w.t.) has made the Holy<br />

Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (a.s.) ‘leader of the pious’<br />

therefore every person who is adorned with piety has<br />

to mourn for him (a.s.). At the time of ‘zarbat’ Jibraeel<br />

(a.s.) had cried aloud that ‘pillars of guidance’ has<br />

fallen. That is why guidance has to be acquired only<br />

from Imam Ali (a.s.) and the Holy Imams (a.s.) from his<br />

household and none else.<br />

In light of the above discussion it is crystal clear<br />

that the person or the group who killed the ‘trustee of<br />

Allah’ and the centre of guidance - Ameerul Momineen<br />

(a.s.) – is not associated with the religion of Allah. This<br />

is the difference between ‘servant of Allah’ and ‘enemy<br />

Continued on page 22<br />

4


July 2015 • JAFARI OBSERVER<br />

JA’FARI<br />

OBSERVER<br />

Rs. 10/- Aug.... Vol....<br />

Cover Feature<br />

Lailatul Qadr - The Night of Destiny<br />

Yasin T. al-Jibouri<br />

The Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.) said:<br />

“Allah (s.w.t.) has favored Friday all over other<br />

days, the Month of Holy Ramazan over all<br />

other months, and the Night of Destiny<br />

(Lailatul-Qadr) over all other nights and Allah<br />

(s.w.t.) has favored the Holy Quran over all<br />

other Books which he revealed.”<br />

(Muftahul Jannat of al-Ameen, vol. 3, p. 265)<br />

Ibrahim, one of the companions of Imam Ja’far as-<br />

Sadiq (a.s.) asked the Imam (a.s.) about how the Holy<br />

Quran was revealed during Lailatul-Qadr, knowing that<br />

it took more than twenty years to reveal. The Imam<br />

(a.s.) answered by saying:<br />

“The Holy Quran was revealed as a whole<br />

during the Month of Holy Ramazan at the<br />

Ancient House (the Ka’ba), and then from there<br />

it was revealed along the span of (more than)<br />

twenty years.”<br />

(Behaar al-Anwaar, vol. 94, p. 25)<br />

Then he (a.s.) cited the Messenger of Allah<br />

(s.a.w.a.) saying: “The Books of Ibrahim (a.s.) were<br />

revealed on the first night of the Month of Holy<br />

Ramazan; the Torah was revealed on the sixth of the<br />

Month of Holy Ramazan; the Gospel (Injil, i.e. the Bible)<br />

was revealed on the thirteenth of the Month of Holy<br />

Ramazan; the Psalms (Zabur) was revealed on the<br />

eighteenth of the Month of the Holy Ramazan, and the<br />

Holy Quran was revealed on the twenty-fourth of the<br />

Month of Holy Ramazan.”<br />

[Ibid.; Tafseer al-Ayyashi]<br />

The name was used for Lailatul-Qadr because<br />

Allah, the Almighty determines in it for everyone all<br />

what will happen the entire next year. The “Qadr” in<br />

this sense means destiny. According to al-Qummi’s<br />

Tafseer, as explained on pg. 432 vol. 2, such destiny<br />

includes life and death, sustenance, abundance of<br />

crops or famine and everything good or bad. This<br />

means that Allah the Glorified and Exalted determines<br />

in this Night each and every event to occur during the<br />

next year to all of His creation.<br />

Al-Majlisi quotes his father who quoted Imam Ja’far<br />

as-Sadiq (a.s.) saying: “During Lailatul-Qadr, the Angels,<br />

the spirit, and the trusted scribes all descend to the lower<br />

Heavens and write down whatever Allah (s.w.t.) decrees<br />

that year, and if Allah (s.w.t.) wishes to advance something<br />

or postpone it or add thereto, He orders the Angel to<br />

erase it and replace it with whatever He decrees.”<br />

(Behaar al-Anwaar, vol. 94, p. 12)<br />

Sulayman al-Marzawi asked Imam Ali Reza (a.s.):<br />

“Could you please tell us why the Chapter of Qadr was<br />

revealed?” The Imam (a.s.) said:<br />

“O Sulayman! Lailatul-Qadr is the night when<br />

Allah, the most Exalted, the most Great,<br />

decrees what will take place from one year to<br />

another of life or death, good or evil, or<br />

regarding sustenance, and whatever He then<br />

decrees is sure destiny.”<br />

(Oyoon Akhbar al-Reza, vol. 1, p. 182; Behaar al-Anwaar, Vol. 94, p. 14)<br />

Imam Ali (a.s.) said:<br />

“Once the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.) asked<br />

me “O Ali! Do you know the implication of<br />

Lailatul-Qadr? “Allah (s.w.t.), the Praised One,<br />

the Most Glorified, decreed in it what will take<br />

place till the Day of Judgment, and among<br />

what He, the most Exalted, the Most Great,<br />

5


JAFARI OBSERVER • July 2015<br />

decreed was your own Imamate and Wilayat<br />

and the Imamate and Wilayat of your offspring<br />

till the Day of Resurrection.”<br />

(Ma’ani al-Akhbar, p. 315; Behaar al-Anwaar, vol. 94, p. 18)<br />

When the Chapter of Qadr was mentioned in the<br />

presence of Abu Abdullah Imam Ja’far as-Sadiq (a.s.),<br />

he was asked about its merits over the other chapters,<br />

and he (a.s.) said,<br />

“It was revealed with reference to the Wilayat<br />

of the Commander of the Faithful Imam Ali<br />

(a.s.), and it is the night in which the Heavens<br />

and the Earth were determined, and the<br />

Wilayat of the Commander of the Faithful (a.s.)<br />

was decreed.”<br />

(Ibid.)<br />

Ahmed ibn Muhammad and Ahmed ibn Ishaq, as<br />

recorded on p. 21, vol. 94, of Behaar al-Anwaar, quote<br />

al-Qasim ibn Yahya quoting others citing Imam Abu<br />

Abdullah (a.s.) saying that Ali ibn Abu Talib (a.s.) quite<br />

often used to say,<br />

“We saw the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.)<br />

once in the company of al-Taymi and a friend<br />

of his while the latter was reciting Chapter al-<br />

Qadr. He (s.a.w.a.) was profoundly moved and<br />

he kept weeping to the extent that he (s.a.w.a.)<br />

was asked, ‘How so deeply moved by this<br />

Chapter your heart is!’<br />

He (s.a.w.a.) said, ‘My heart is deeply impressed<br />

because of what my eyes had witnessed, and<br />

what my mind had comprehended, and<br />

because of what the heart of this man [meaning<br />

Ali (a.s.)] will go through after me.’ Both men<br />

asked the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.), ‘Did<br />

you really see all of that?! And what will he<br />

(Ali) see?’ He (s.a.w.a.) would then recite the<br />

verse saying, ‘The angels and the Spirit<br />

descend therein with the permission of their<br />

Lord for every affair; peace, it is, till the break<br />

of the morn.’<br />

Then he (s.a.w.a.) would pause and ask them,<br />

‘Is there anything left after the Almighty having<br />

verbally said ‘every affair’?’ They would both<br />

answer in the negative, and he (s.a.w.a.) would<br />

then ask them, ‘Do you both know regarding<br />

whom it is revealed?’ They would both say,<br />

‘No, by Allah, O Messenger of Allah!’<br />

He (s.a.w.a.) would then say, ‘Yes; is there<br />

going to be a Lailatul-Qadr after me (I.e., after<br />

my demise)?’ They would answer in the<br />

affirmative, and he (s.a.w.a.) would then ask<br />

them, ‘Will every affair descend therein?’ They<br />

said: ‘Yes.’ He then asked them, ‘To whom will<br />

it descend?’ They answered, ‘We do not know.’<br />

He (s.a.w.a.), with his hand on my head, pushed<br />

me gently forward and said, ‘If you do not<br />

know, then it is regarding this person after me.’<br />

Both men, ever since the demise of the<br />

Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.), used to be filled<br />

with awe whenever that night approached.’”<br />

The Almighty says,<br />

“Therein every wise affair is made distinct”<br />

(Surah Dokhaan (44) : Verse 4)<br />

This means that in this night, the Exalted One<br />

decrees everything that will happen next year. It is also<br />

said in Arabic that someone has a “qadr,” a social status<br />

or a certain prestige, which he enjoys among people.<br />

The “Qadr” in this sense, therefore, also connotes<br />

prestige and significance.<br />

The Almighty also says in the Holy Qur’an, “They<br />

did not honor Allah as He ought to be honored,” that<br />

is, they did not glorify Him as He ought to be glorified;<br />

thus, “qadr” in this verse implies glorification. Lailatul-<br />

Qadr, then, is the great night which enjoys a great deal<br />

of prestige and high esteem with Allah and in which He<br />

determines and decrees the fate and sustenance of all<br />

His creation. It has a special status simply because<br />

obedience to Him during it is regarded with great<br />

seriousness and urgency, and a great reward awaits<br />

those who honor the month wherein it falls.<br />

It is also said that it was so named because a Book<br />

from Allah which enjoys greatness of status was<br />

revealed to a Prophet who also enjoys a great honor<br />

6


July 2015 • JAFARI OBSERVER<br />

and prestige. Another view is that it was named so<br />

because the earth becomes straitened due to the<br />

number of angels on it. “Qadr,” according to this view,<br />

carries the meaning of straitness due to the fact that<br />

the Almighty has said “... and whoever He decides to<br />

straiten his sustenance...,” and Allah knows best.<br />

The Almighty has addressed His servant and<br />

Messenger, our master, Muhammad (s.a.w.a.), saying,<br />

“And what will make you comprehend what Lailatul-<br />

Qadr is? Lailatul-Qadr is better than a thousand<br />

months;” that is, “How would you know the greatness,<br />

significance, and sanctity of this night which I have<br />

decreed to be better than a thousand months?”<br />

There are indications that the Holy Qur’an was<br />

revealed as a whole to the Messenger (s.a.w.a.). In the<br />

Holy Qur’an, we read:<br />

“Haa, Meem. By the Book that makes (the<br />

truth) manifest, surely We revealed it on a<br />

blessed night”<br />

(Surah Dokhaan (44): Verses 1-3)<br />

and also,<br />

“Surely We revealed it on Lailatul-Qadr.”<br />

(Surah Bayyenah (98): Verse 1)<br />

[Surah Maaedah (5): Verse 3]<br />

Why is Lailatul-Qadr better than a thousand<br />

months? Why not better than ten or a hundred<br />

thousands?!<br />

Al-Qummi indicates on p. 432, vol. 2, of his Tafseer,<br />

that the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.) once saw in a<br />

vision monkeys climbing over his pulpit, and he felt<br />

very distressed; thereupon, the chapter of Qadr was<br />

revealed to remove his distress. The period of Banu<br />

Umayyad’s government lasted roughly a thousand<br />

months: from 661 to 750 A.D., with the first ruler being<br />

Abu Sufyan and the last Mu’awiyah al-Himar.<br />

Both al-Kulayni in his Al-Kaafi and al-Majlisi in his<br />

Behaar al-Anwaar quote Imam Abu Abdullah al-Sadiq<br />

(a.s.) saying,<br />

“The Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.) was shown<br />

in a vision how Banu Umayyah climbed over<br />

his pulpit (like monkeys climb over trees), so he<br />

felt very unhappy, whereupon Jibraeel (a.s.)<br />

descended upon him and asked him why he<br />

was so forlorn.<br />

He (s.a.w.a.) said, ‘I have seen (in a vision)<br />

tonight Banu Umayya ascending my pulpit<br />

after having misled people from the Straight<br />

Path.’ Jibraeel (a.s.) said,<br />

‘I swear by the One Who has sent me (as a<br />

messenger) with the truth, this is something<br />

with which I am not familiar.’ Having said so,<br />

he ascended to the heavens. After a short<br />

while, he brought him one verse to remove<br />

thereby his grief; it said: ‘Have you considered<br />

if We would let them enjoy themselves for (a<br />

few) years, then that with which they are<br />

threatened comes to them, so much so that<br />

whatever they were permitted to enjoy shall<br />

not avail them (in the least)?’<br />

(Surah Sho’ara (26): Verses 205-207)<br />

And he also brought him: ‘We revealed it in<br />

Lailatul-Qadr, and what will make you<br />

comprehend what Lailatul-Qadr is? Lailatul-<br />

Qadr is better than a thousand months..., etc.’”<br />

Lailatul-Qadr is a blessed night also because the<br />

Almighty brings down during it goodness, bliss, and<br />

forgiveness for His servants. One tradition of the<br />

greatest of all prophets Muhammad ibn Abdullah<br />

(s.a.w.a.) states that when Lailatul-Qadr approaches,<br />

the Almighty orders Jibraeel (a.s.) to descend<br />

accompanied by a crowd of angels to the earth with a<br />

green banner.<br />

He would mount the banner atop the Holy Ka’ba<br />

while having six hundred wings one of which is not<br />

spread except on Lailatul-Qadr; so, he would spread<br />

them during that night, and he and all other angels<br />

would greet everyone who is standing for his prayers,<br />

sitting, adoring, or reciting the Holy Qur’an. They<br />

would shake hands with them and pray the Almighty<br />

to accept their pleas, and they would continue doing so<br />

till daybreak.<br />

It is then that they would ask Jibraeel (a.s.): “What<br />

7


JAFARI OBSERVER • July 2015<br />

has the Almighty Allah done with the wishes of the<br />

believers among the nation of Muhammad (s.a.w.a.)?”<br />

He would answer, “The Almighty Allah has looked upon<br />

them on this night and forgiven them, all of them,<br />

except the following: one who is addicted to drinking,<br />

one who severs his ties with his kin, and one who is a<br />

trouble-maker.”<br />

The Almighty has said, “Lailatul-Qadr is better<br />

than a thousand months,” meaning, mathematically,<br />

that this night, which is comprised of a few hours, is<br />

honored by Allah the Exalted and Praised over about<br />

eighty-three years which is the equivalent of a<br />

thousand months. The Umayyads fought Islam since<br />

its inception, then they fought the family of the Holy<br />

Prophet (s.a.w.a.), that is, Ahl al-Bayt, the whole time<br />

they were in power.<br />

The first self-declared Umayyad ruler was Abu<br />

Sufyan, and the last was Mu’awiya al-Himar. If you trace<br />

the period extending from the first year during which<br />

Abu Sufyan forced his authority on the Muslims until<br />

the Umayyad lost grip over power, you will come to a<br />

figure equivalent to a thousand months. It is as if the<br />

Holy Qur’an is saying that one night in the sight of Allah<br />

is better than all the thousand months those corrupt<br />

Umayyads ruled the Muslim masses by sheer force.<br />

The Almighty has also said, “Peace, it is, till the<br />

break of the morn,” that is, “Lailatul-Qadr is a night of<br />

peace and tranquility against all evils, tribulations, and<br />

the mischief of the devils. No evil can take place during<br />

it, nor can a demon practice his evil designs. It is peace<br />

for the devotees who are greeted whenever they are<br />

met by the angels. The angels greet them and greet<br />

you, O Muhammad! And so does My Spirit, since the<br />

moment they descend from heavens and till the time<br />

of daybreak.”<br />

The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) said:<br />

“Whoever remains awake during Lailatul-Qadr<br />

and spends it in adoration will have his penalty<br />

postponed till the next year.”<br />

(al-Iqbal cites from Kanzul Yawaqeet by Abul-Fadl ibn Muhammad<br />

al-Harwi)<br />

According to the same reference, the Holy Prophet<br />

(s.a.w.a.) says that Moosa (a.s.) once addressed the<br />

Almighty saying, “Lord! I desire to be near to You.” The<br />

Almighty said, “Whoever desires nearness to Me is<br />

one who remains awake during Lailatul-Qadr (worshipping<br />

Me).” He said , “Lord I wish to earn your Mercy”.<br />

The Almighty said: “My Mercy is granted to anyone<br />

who is merciful to the indigent during Lailatul-Qadr.”<br />

He said, “Lord! I wish to pass on the right path” He<br />

(s.w.t.) said, “This is granted to anyone who spends<br />

alms during Lailatul-Qadr”. He said, “Lord! I wish to<br />

enjoy the trees and fruits of Paradise”. The Almighty<br />

said: “This is granted to anyone who praises Me<br />

during Lailatul-Qadr.” He said: “Lord I wish to achieve<br />

salvation from the fire!” He (s.w.t.) said: “This is<br />

granted to anyone who seeks forgiveness during<br />

Lailatul-Qadr.” He said: “Lord I wish to achieve Your<br />

Pleasure”! The Almighty said: “I shall be pleased with<br />

anyone who prays two (optional) rakats during<br />

Lailatul-Qadr.”<br />

(Ibid.)<br />

The same book quotes the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.)<br />

saying that the gates of heaven will be opened during<br />

Lailatul-Qadr; every devotee who performs prayers<br />

during it will receive a tree in Paradise for each<br />

prostration he makes, a tree under whose shade a rider<br />

may keep riding for a hundred years without leaving its<br />

shade. And he will receive for each rak’at a mansion in<br />

Paradise of pearls, sapphires, chrysolites and diamonds.<br />

For each verse he recites he will receive one of the<br />

crowns of Paradise. The tradition is lengthy and it<br />

contains quite a generous reward indeed.<br />

Al-Dooryasti, in Kitab al-Husna, relying on the<br />

authority of Abu Ja’far al-Jawad who quotes his<br />

forefathers quoting Imam al-Baqir, peace be upon all<br />

of them, the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.) is quoted<br />

saying that whoever spends Lailatul-Qadr adoring his<br />

Lord will have all his sins forgiven even if they had<br />

numbered as many as the stars in the heavens, the<br />

weight of the mountains, or the measures of the seas.<br />

Continued on page 24<br />

8


July 2015 • JAFARI OBSERVER<br />

Ahlulbait (a.s.)<br />

Why Imam Hasan al-Mujtaba (a.s.) entered<br />

into a peace treaty with Muawiyah?<br />

Syed Mohammed Saqib<br />

Some Muslims claim that Imam Hasan (a.s.), by<br />

entering into a peace treaty with Muawiyah, submitted<br />

to the latter’s superior claim to caliphate. Thus, by<br />

making peace with other Muslims, we can achieve the<br />

larger goal of Islamic unity.<br />

Reply<br />

Anyone who claims Muawiyah’s superiority is a<br />

poor student of Islamic history. It was Muawiyah who<br />

went to war with Ameerul Momineen Ali b. AbiTalib<br />

(a.s.) in Siffeen and killed Ammar (r.a.) the venerable<br />

companion of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) – thus<br />

fulfilling the prophecy regarding the rebellious group<br />

that would slay him (r.a.). How can Muawiyah, who<br />

had many other crimes to his name, turn superior to<br />

Imam Hasan (a.s.), the Prophet (s.a.w.a.)’s son and a<br />

chief of the youths of Paradise?<br />

As regards Islamic unity, the less said the better.<br />

After Jamal, Siffeen, Naharwaan, Karbala in the earlier<br />

era and the numerous conflicts like the Osmani-Safavi,<br />

Iraq-Iran battles of the modern era and the continuous<br />

unabashed slaughtering of innocent and unarmed<br />

Shiites in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bahrain, Iraq, Syria,<br />

etc. for no other reason except their belief, Islamic<br />

unity is nothing more than a political slogan to achieve<br />

their nigh impossible dream of dominating the Muslim<br />

world!<br />

Regarding the peace treaty, there is an interesting<br />

sermon of Imam Hasan (a.s.) where he explains the<br />

reasons behind the treaty. The sermon should put to<br />

rest all absurd and baseless theories advanced by the<br />

Muslims for the treaty.<br />

Imam Hasan (a.s.) registers his protest against<br />

Muawiya<br />

It is narrated from Sulaym Ibn Qais al-Hilaali, the<br />

trusted companion of Ameerul Momineen Ali Ibn Abi<br />

Talib (a.s.), that one day in an assembly of Muawiya<br />

and the Muslims, Imam Hasan (a.s.) ascended the<br />

pulpit and after glorifying Allah said:<br />

“O People! It is Muawiyah’s false assumption<br />

that I am considering him eligible for caliphate<br />

and preferred him over myself. He has lied. On<br />

the basis of categorical verses of the Holy<br />

Quran and the narrations of the Noble Prophet<br />

(s.a.w.a.), I am superior and worthier than all<br />

the people for caliphate. By Allah! Had people<br />

paid allegiance to me and helped me by<br />

obeying me, the heavens and the earth would<br />

have blessed them with their auspiciousness. O<br />

Muawiyah! (In such a condition) you would<br />

never have been greedy for it (caliphate) as the<br />

Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.) has said – When<br />

people hand over their affairs to such a person<br />

(who is less knowledgeable) whereas more<br />

knowledgeable people are present among<br />

them, their affairs will certainly proceed<br />

towards failure. So much so that they will go<br />

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JAFARI OBSERVER • July 2015<br />

out of the religion and enter the custom of calf<br />

worship.<br />

The Bani Israel abandoned (Prophet) Haroon and<br />

started worshiping the calf even though they were<br />

aware of the fact that Haroon was the successor of<br />

(Prophet) Moosa (a.s.). In the same way this nation<br />

also abandoned Ali (a.s.) even though they themselves<br />

had heard the Messenger (s.a.w.a.) say – You are to me<br />

as Haroon was to Moosa except that there is no<br />

prophet after me.<br />

The Messenger (s.a.w.a.) himself left his people<br />

and went to the Sheb-e-Abi Taalib while he was inviting<br />

the people towards Allah. If he had helpers and<br />

companions he (s.a.w.a.) would have never taken to<br />

the cave. Likewise, if I would have got helpers I would<br />

have never made peace with you.<br />

When the Bani Israel weakened Haroon so much<br />

so that they were close to killing him, Allah considered<br />

his silence as valid as he also did not have any helper<br />

and friend. In the same way when the Messenger<br />

(s.a.w.a.) did not have any helper, Allah granted him<br />

the freedom to visit the Sheb-e-Abi Taalib. It is the<br />

same for me and my father (a.s.) that when people<br />

abandoned us, paid allegiance to others and we did<br />

not find any helpers, then this (silence) is valid for us<br />

from the side of Allah. Certainly, these types of denials<br />

and arguments (against the treaty) will continue.<br />

O People! If you will search for the progeny of<br />

the Messenger (s.a.w.a.) in the East and the<br />

West, you will find none except me and my<br />

brother who are the children of Allah’s<br />

Messenger (s.a.w.a.).<br />

It is narrated in that when Imam Hasan (a.s.) made<br />

peace with Muawiya the people approached Imam<br />

Hasan (a.s.) and rebuked him, at which he (a.s.)<br />

retorted:<br />

Woe unto you! You all do not know what I have<br />

done. By Allah! I have done what is better and more<br />

suitable for our Shiites than anything over which the<br />

sun rises and sets. Don’t you know that I am your Imam<br />

whose obedience is obligatory upon you?<br />

Have you forgotten that Allah’s Messenger<br />

(s.a.w.a.) had said: I am one of the two Leaders of the<br />

Youths of Paradise?<br />

Everybody said: Yes!<br />

Imam Hasan (a.s.) said:<br />

Don’t you know that when Khizr (a.s.) made a<br />

hole in the boat, repaired the wall and killed a<br />

small child, all these actions proved to be<br />

difficult and tough for (Prophet) Moosa (a.s.)<br />

because the wisdom behind all this was not<br />

clear and apparent for him but near Allah it<br />

was full of wisdom and righteousness?….<br />

(Prophet) Isa (a.s.) will pray behind him (a.t.f.s.)<br />

because Allah will keep his birth confidential<br />

and his personality hidden so that even<br />

momentarily nobody’s allegiance will be upon<br />

his (Qaim (a.t.f.s.)) neck.<br />

(Behaar al-Anwaar, vol. 44, p. 19, Chapter 18 narrating from<br />

Al-Ehtejaaj, vol. 2, p. 289)<br />

Conclusion<br />

1. Imam Hasan’s (a.s.) peace treaty was only<br />

because he could not find helpers and supporters<br />

– a situation also witnessed by his father Ameerul<br />

Momineen (a.s.) and grandfather – the Holy<br />

Prophet (s.a.w.a.) before him.<br />

2. The other reasons attributed to the peace treaty<br />

– like Imam Hasan (a.s.) submitting to Muawiyah’s<br />

superiority or forging unity among the Muslims<br />

is a pack of malicious lies and an allegation<br />

against the Chief of the Youths of Paradise.<br />

3. Imam Hasan (a.s.) being Allah’s Proof has perfect<br />

judgement and doubting him is akin to doubting<br />

Allah’s Prudence. Our thinking must submit to<br />

his actions, we should not make Imam (a.s.)<br />

submit to our thinking.<br />

4. The Imam (a.s.) must be obeyed under all<br />

conditions, be it in peace or in battle.<br />

5. The Imam (a.s.) always charts a course that is in<br />

the best interests of his Shiites even though they<br />

may not realize it initially.<br />

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Personalities<br />

The True Mother of Believers – Hazrat<br />

Khadijah (s.a.)<br />

Islam is the eternal charter of humanity. It has<br />

witnessed many personalities who have participated<br />

in, whatever manner possible, spreading the message<br />

of Islam. In this way, they have earned the respect of<br />

other Muslims for their sacrifice in the way of Islam.<br />

Amongst these great personalities, the eminent<br />

personality of Ummul Momineen – Hazrat Khadijah<br />

(s.a.) stands out for offering everything at her disposal<br />

in the way of Islam and the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.).<br />

Family<br />

Nobility ran in the family of Hazrat Khadijah (s.a.),<br />

the mother of Hazrat Fatimah Zahra (s.a.). Over the<br />

years, her family had earned distinction in the Quraysh<br />

for its knowledge and recognition.<br />

(Al-Rauz al-Anaf, vol. 1, p. 213)<br />

Asad b. Abdul Uza is her bequeather. He is amongst<br />

the associates of Hilf al-Fuzula. And one of the<br />

associates of Hilf al-Fuzula is the Holy Prophet<br />

(s.a.w.a.) himself.<br />

(Seerat-e-Ibn-e-Hesham, vol. 1, p. 141)<br />

Hazrat Khadijah (s.a.) inherited a lot of wealth<br />

from her father. She ran a flourishing trading business<br />

and there were many people under her employment.<br />

She had more than 80,000 camels. Her business<br />

interests extended up to Ethiopia and Egypt.<br />

(Behaar al-Anwaar, vol. 16, p. 22)<br />

Managing such a huge business underlines her<br />

business acumen and managerial capabilities.<br />

Selecting the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.), who was known<br />

for his trustworthiness, for her business manifests her<br />

judgment of character. The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.)<br />

traveled to Syria for business at the age of 25 years.<br />

(Ummul Momineen Khadijah al-Tahera, p. 15)<br />

On employing the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) for her<br />

trading business, she recognized him (s.a.w.a.) even<br />

better over a period of time as a man of extraordinary<br />

character and piety.<br />

Marriage<br />

S.Z.Rizvi<br />

Her business dealings with the Holy Prophet<br />

(s.a.w.a.) gave her the opportunity to witness his<br />

(s.a.w.a.) remarkable personality from close quarters.<br />

She was the wealthiest lady of Makkah. Wealthy men<br />

were regularly proposing marriage to her, but she did<br />

not pay any heed to them. She selected the Holy<br />

Prophet (s.a.w.a.) as her life partner despite her<br />

contemporaries mocking her for marrying an orphan.<br />

Selecting a person devoid of worldly<br />

embellishments as her husband underscores that<br />

despite being wealthy, Hazrat Khadijah (s.a.) was not<br />

inclined towards the world; rather, she was<br />

predisposed towards ethics and spirituality and hence<br />

chose the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.), who outranked all<br />

men in Arabia on this count.<br />

The marriage ceremony was held under the<br />

auspices of the Holy Prophet(s.a.w.a.)’s guardian and<br />

uncle, Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.). He (a.s.) performed the<br />

marriage rites on behalf of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.),<br />

while Waraqah b. Naufal did so on behalf of Hazrat<br />

Khadijah (s.a.).<br />

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Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.)’s role in the Holy Prophet<br />

(s.a.w.a.)’s marriage is a direct response to those who<br />

are skeptical about his faith. He was a monotheist and<br />

if he was anything else, Allah and His Prophet (s.a.w.a.)<br />

would never have allowed him to be associated with<br />

the latter’s marriage to Hazrat Khadijah (s.a.).<br />

Likewise, Waraqah was amongst the scholars of<br />

that era and was not an idol worshipper. Thus, two<br />

monotheists laid the foundation of a marriage which<br />

was to give Islam, a monotheist religion of the highest<br />

order, its most immaculate personalities starting from<br />

Hazrat Fatimah Zahra (s.a.) and ending in Imam Mahdi<br />

(a.t.f.s.).<br />

(Behaar al-Anwaar, vol. 16, p. 65)<br />

When the marriage ceremony concluded, Holy<br />

Prophet (s.a.w.a.) proceeded towards his house. At<br />

that moment Hazrat Khadijahh (s.a.) declared:<br />

Proceed towards Your house, my house is your<br />

house and I am your slave.<br />

(Safinah al-Behaar, vol. 16, p. 279)<br />

These words of Hazrat Khadijah (s.a.) manifest her<br />

recognition of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) and her selfsacrificing<br />

personality. Her offering all her wealth to<br />

the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) proves that the temporal<br />

world held no meaning for her and she was constantly<br />

aiming for the hereafter.<br />

Many researchers are of the opinion that Hazrat<br />

Khadijah (s.a.)’s marriage with the Holy Prophet<br />

(s.a.w.a.) was her first and only marriage.<br />

The greatest event in the history of humanity<br />

occurred fifteen years after this marriage when the<br />

Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) proclaimed. Due to her<br />

enlightened heart, she was the first to declare her<br />

faith in the message of Islam.<br />

Ameerul Momineen Ali b. Abi Talib (a.s.) says:<br />

In those days Islam was observed only in one<br />

house, in which Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) and<br />

Hazrat Khadijah (s.a.) resided and I was the<br />

third one (in the house).<br />

(Nahjul Balagah, Khutbah-e-Qase’aa)<br />

None but these three personalities could claim to<br />

be the first Muslims.<br />

Hazrat Khadijah (s.a.) offered all her wealth to the<br />

Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) and declared:<br />

Whatever belongs to me is present before you,<br />

and it is at your disposal; you use it as you like in the<br />

path of glorifying the Words of Allah, and for the<br />

propagation of His Religion.<br />

(Ummul Momeneen Khadijah al-Tahera, p. 32)<br />

The harmony in her words and her actions by<br />

offering herself and all the wealth in the way of Allah<br />

is proof of the esteem she accorded Allah and His<br />

Religion. The sacrifices that she offered in the way of<br />

Islam were the cause of Allah conveying salutations to<br />

her through Hazrat Jibrael (a.s.).<br />

Hazrat Khadijah (s.a.)’s contribution can be<br />

summarized as follows:<br />

1. Financial support<br />

Hazrat Khadijah (s.a.) offered her wealth without<br />

a moment’s hesitation to the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.)’s.<br />

She never demanded anything in return and never<br />

interfered in his (s.a.w.a.) decisions. On the contrary,<br />

she supported him at each and every step. History<br />

does not mention a single incident wherein she spoke<br />

arrogantly about her wealth or embarrassed the Holy<br />

Prophet (s.a.w.a.) by reminding him (s.a.w.a.) about<br />

her favors.<br />

2. Spiritual support<br />

When the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) commenced his<br />

mission of Islam, there was a storm of opposition<br />

against him. He was attacked spiritually (he was called<br />

insane, magician soothsayer, relations were severed<br />

by near ones etc) and physically (economic boycott,<br />

stone-pelting, etc). At such a crucial juncture, she<br />

supported him and soothed him with her affection,<br />

which in turn energized him to face the opposition. If<br />

she had not created a favorable environment inside<br />

the house and God forbid, he (s.a.w.a) also had to face<br />

opposition from within the family, it would have<br />

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severely impaired his efforts to spread the message of<br />

Islam. She was not just the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.)’s<br />

partner in his (s.a.w.a.) material life; she was also his<br />

(s.a.w.a.) confidante in his (s.a.w.a.) spiritual life. It<br />

will not be an exaggeration to state that she partnered<br />

him (s.a.w.a.) in propagating the message of Islam.<br />

3. Consulting support<br />

Numerous incidents underscore that Hazrat<br />

Khadijah (s.a.) was also involved in critical discussions<br />

with the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.). This highlights her<br />

position and the loftiness of her beliefs.<br />

Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a) got comfort from her and<br />

discussed important matters with her.<br />

(Behaar al-Anwaar, vol. 16, p. 10)<br />

None can deny the role of Hazrat Khadijah’s (s.a.)<br />

wealth in the propagation of Islam. This is the reason<br />

that the famous Maaleki scholar Muhammad b.<br />

Ilamovi claimed:<br />

Islam was established with the sword of Ali<br />

(bravery) and the wealth of Khadijah.<br />

(Manaqib-e- Khadijaht al-Kubra, Preface p. 3)<br />

Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) declared:<br />

I have not benefited from any wealth like the<br />

wealth of Khadijah.<br />

(Amaali-e-Shaikh-e-Tusi (r.a.), p. 468)<br />

The noteworthy point of Hazrat Khadijah’s (s.a.)<br />

character is that she never displayed any vanity<br />

despite possessing huge wealth.<br />

Gift of Allah<br />

Allah, the Almighty, bestowed a very precious gift<br />

on Hazrat Khadijah (s.a.). This blessed and precious<br />

gift was the birth of Hazrat Sidiqqah al-Tahera Fatimah<br />

Zehra (s.a.). Allah made a special provision for this<br />

gift. For granting this gift Allah invited Holy Prophet<br />

(s.a.w.a.) to Me’raaj (ascent to Paradise) and conferred<br />

on him a perfumed fruit of Paradise. The Holy Prophet<br />

(s.a.w.a.) handed over this trust to Hazrat Khadijahh<br />

(s.a.). When the time of Hazrat Fatimah’s (s.a.) birth<br />

neared, she sought help from the ladies of the<br />

Quraysh. They declined to help her citing her<br />

stubbornness in ignoring their advice and marrying an<br />

orphan.<br />

At that moment, four ladies entered her room and<br />

introduced themselves thus as Sarah, wife of Hazrat<br />

Ibrahim (a.s.), Aasiya, wife of Firaun, Maryam, mother<br />

of Hazrat Isa (a.s.) and Kulsoom, sister of Hazrat<br />

Moosa (a.s.).<br />

They said, “Allah has sent us to help you and we<br />

bring you glad tidings of a girl. Allah has reserved lot<br />

of bounties in the progeny of this child.”<br />

(Aamali-e-Saduq (r.a.), p. 470)<br />

This depicts the honor enjoyed by Hazrat Khadijah<br />

(s.a.) in front of Allah. When the obstinate women of<br />

this world refused to help her, Allah sent forth the<br />

pure ladies from Paradise to assist her thereby<br />

actualizing the verse of the Holy Quran:<br />

If you help Allah, He will help you.<br />

(Surah Muhammad (47): 7)<br />

Jealousy<br />

Great personalities not only suffer from physical<br />

and spiritual attacks but also from the envy of the<br />

people. Hazrat Khadijah (s.a.) enjoyed a unique<br />

position among the wives of the Holy Prophet<br />

(s.a.w.a.). This became a cause of envy for some of the<br />

wives who followed. They manifested their jealousy in<br />

different ways viz. taunts, hurtful comments (directed<br />

at the Prophet (s.a.w.a.)’s fond memories of her). On<br />

his part, the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) rebutted these<br />

envious comments and praised Hazrat Khadijah (s.a.).<br />

However, even this did little to stem the envy.<br />

Ayesha narrates: “The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.)<br />

always remembered Hazrat Khadijah (s.a.) fondly. He<br />

(s.a.w.a.) used to praise her and often mentioned her<br />

great stature. One day, I could not control myself and<br />

taunted ‘Khadijah was an old woman. Allah has<br />

granted you with much better wives.’”<br />

When he (s.a.w.a.) heard this, he (s.a.w.a.) became<br />

furious and said:<br />

By Allah! Allah has not given me a better wife<br />

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JAFARI OBSERVER • July 2015<br />

than her. She accepted faith when people were<br />

disbelievers. She verified my truthfulness when<br />

people denied me. She gave her wealth when<br />

people deprived me. Allah has bestowed me<br />

children through her while others have not<br />

been blessed similarly.<br />

(Usud al-Ghaabah, vol. 5, p. 436)<br />

Then Ayesha says I decided that “By Allah! I will<br />

not remember her with venom in future.”<br />

(Tazkerah al-Khawaas, p. 303)<br />

Respect and honor of Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.)<br />

for her<br />

Till the time she was alive, the Holy Prophet<br />

(s.a.w.a.) did not marry any other woman as a respect<br />

to her. He married again only after her demise. He<br />

(s.a.w.a.) always remembered her fondly according<br />

much respect to her memories. His respect for her<br />

was to an extent that he never abandoned her friends<br />

so much so that whenever he (s.a.w.a.) sacrificed an<br />

animal he (s.a.w.a.) sent the meat to them.<br />

It is narrated from Anas b. Maalik that whenever<br />

the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) received a gift, he used to<br />

say: Go and give this to so and so person, she was a<br />

friend of Khadijah and Khadijah loved her.<br />

(Safinah al-Behaar, vol. 1, p. 380)<br />

We have already discussed her extraordinary<br />

merits. In this regard, few incidents are notable:<br />

1. Hazrat Jibraeel (a.s.) came in the presence of<br />

the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) and informed:<br />

O Muhammad! Khadijah is coming in your<br />

presence; convey salutations of Allah to her<br />

and give her glad tidings that Allah has made<br />

a house for her in Paradise wherein there is<br />

neither grief nor sorrow.<br />

(Tazkerah al-Khawaas, p. 302)<br />

2. Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) informed Hazrat<br />

Khadijah (s.a.)<br />

O Khadijah! Surely Allah, the Almighty prides<br />

Himself, over the respected angels, many<br />

times in a day because of you.<br />

(Behaar al-Anwaar, vol. 16, p. 78)<br />

There are many such traditions that underscore<br />

the outstanding position of Hazrat Khadijah (s.a.) in<br />

front of Allah and His Prophet (s.a.w.a.).<br />

Conclusion<br />

The number of people coming in the fold of Islam<br />

increased because of the efforts of Holy Prophet<br />

(s.a.w.a.). Similarly, the oppression of the disbelievers<br />

also increased. The zenith of oppression was the<br />

economic and social boycott which forced the Muslims<br />

to take shelter in the Cave of Abu Talib (a.s.). The<br />

difficulties increased by the day. There was a<br />

prohibition on Muslims to interact with the masses.<br />

This continued till the tenth year of Proclamation<br />

(Besat of the Prophet s.a.w.a.). During that difficult<br />

period, the existence of the Muslims hinged on Hazrat<br />

Khadijah’s (s.a.) wealth and Hazrat Abu Talib’s (a.s.)<br />

backing. Finally a situation came when the Muslims<br />

exhausted Hazrat Khadijah’s (s.a.) wealth.<br />

At that time, Islam and Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.)<br />

suffered a dual setback with the demise of Hazrat Abu<br />

Taalib (a.s.) and Hazrat Khadijah (s.a.). This calamity<br />

was so great that the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) named<br />

the year ‘Aamul Huzn’ (Year of Grief).<br />

Over the last fourteen centuries, we have seen<br />

many personalities who have served Islam but we are<br />

hard pressed to find anyone more exemplary than<br />

Hazrat Khadijah (s.a.).<br />

Even though the Salafis have demolished her<br />

shrine in Jannatul Moalla on the pretext of<br />

‘safeguarding Tauheed’, like they have demolished the<br />

shrines of her children (a.s.) in Jannatul Baqee, her<br />

remembrance is forever fresh in the hearts of those<br />

who feel the pain of Islam and the Holy Prophet<br />

(s.a.w.a.).<br />

We wait for the day when her son, Hazrat Hujjat<br />

Ibn al-Hasan al-Askari (a.s.) will reappear and avenge<br />

the injustice meted out to her and her children!<br />

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Imam Ali (a.s.)’s Will – some selections<br />

Good Manners<br />

The following are from the will of Imam Ali bin Abi<br />

Talib (a.s.):<br />

“I advise the believers to declare that there is<br />

no god but Allah exclusively without any<br />

associate and that Muhammad is His servant<br />

and messenger. He sent him with guidance and<br />

the right religion so as to make it prevail all the<br />

other religions even if the polytheists detest it.<br />

Allah’s blessings and compliments be upon<br />

Mohammed. Then my prayer, sacrifice, life,<br />

and death are all for Allah, the Lord of the<br />

universe. Nothing is equal to Him. Thus are the<br />

commandments, which I have received and I<br />

am the first Muslim (submitted to the will of<br />

Allah)”<br />

“I advise you, O Hasan, as well as all my sons,<br />

family members, and every believer who<br />

receives this will, to fear Allah, your Lord and<br />

do not die before you are Muslims. Cling to the<br />

tie of Allah altogether and do not be discrepant<br />

for I have heard the Holy Prophet (peace be<br />

upon him and his family) saying: “Settlement<br />

of mutual differences is better than the general<br />

prayers and fasting, while the true fatal thing,<br />

which is also the shaver of the religion (deen),<br />

is the rupture of the mutual relations.” All<br />

power belongs to Allah.<br />

Look after your relatives and build good<br />

relations with them and Allah will make your<br />

trial – on the Day of Resurrection - easy.<br />

(Fear) Allah (and) keep Allah in view in the<br />

matter of orphans. So, they should not be<br />

ruined in your presence. I heard the Prophet<br />

(peace be upon him and his family) saying:<br />

“For him whoever provides for an orphan till he<br />

attains independency, Allah will make Paradise<br />

his inevitable abode as He will make Hell the<br />

inevitable abode of those who wrongfully<br />

consume the property of orphans.”<br />

(Fear) Allah (and) keep Allah in view in the<br />

matter of the Quran. No one should excel you<br />

in acting upon it.<br />

(Fear) Allah (and) keep Allah in view in the<br />

matter of your neighbors, because they were<br />

the subject of the Prophet’s advice. He went on<br />

advising in their favor till we thought he would<br />

allow them a share in inheritance.<br />

(Fear) Allah (and) keep Allah in view in the<br />

matter of your Lord’s House (Kaaba). Do not<br />

forsake it so long as you live, because if it is<br />

abandoned you will not be spared. The least<br />

thing that the pilgrim will gain after returning<br />

from hajj is the forgiveness of all his past sins.<br />

(Fear) Allah (and) keep Allah in view in the<br />

matter of prayer, because it is the best of the<br />

{<br />

The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) informed: There is not a hoopoe but it is written under its wings in<br />

the Syriac language – Muhammad’s progeny (a.s.) is the best of creation.<br />

(Behaar al-Anwaar, v. 27, p. 261 from Amaali of Shaikh Tusi (r.a.))<br />

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JAFARI OBSERVER • July 2015<br />

deeds and the pillar of your religion.<br />

(Fear) Allah (and) keep Allah in view in the<br />

matter of the zakat because it extinguishes the<br />

wrath of your Lord.<br />

(Fear) Allah (and) keep Allah in view in the<br />

matter of fasting for the month of Ramadan<br />

because it is a protection against the fire of<br />

Hell.<br />

(Fear) Allah (and) keep Allah in view in the<br />

matter of the paupers and the poor. You should<br />

make them have shares in your livings.<br />

(Fear) Allah (and) keep Allah in view in the<br />

matter of jihad with the help of your property,<br />

lives and tongues in the way of Allah. Those<br />

who practice jihad are only two categories—<br />

either an imam of guidance or an obedient of<br />

an imam who pursues his guidance.<br />

(Fear) Allah (and) keep Allah in view in the<br />

matter of the progeny of your Prophet (peace<br />

be upon him and his family). They should never<br />

let them be wronged among you when you are<br />

able to protect them.<br />

(Fear) Allah (and) keep Allah in view in the<br />

matter of the companions of your Prophet<br />

(peace be upon him and his family) who neither<br />

commit a dissent nor did they succor a heretic.<br />

The Prophet (peace be upon him and his family)<br />

ordered to keep them and cursed those who<br />

commit a dissent or succor a heretic whether<br />

among them or among others.<br />

(Fear) Allah (and) keep Allah in view in the<br />

matter of your women and bondmaids. The<br />

last word of your Prophet was his saying: “I<br />

advise you to keep the two weak— women and<br />

bondmaids.”<br />

Keep the prayers, keep the prayers, keep the<br />

prayers. Do not care for any blame from<br />

anybody in the sake of Allah so that Allah will<br />

protect you against whoever intends to hurt or<br />

wrong you. Use good wording with people as<br />

Allah ordered you.<br />

Do not give up bidding for good and forbidding<br />

from evil lest the mischievous gain positions<br />

over you, and then if you will pray to Allah<br />

against them, the prayers will not be granted.<br />

O my sons, you should keep to a respect for<br />

kinship, spending for others, and mutual<br />

collaboration. Avoid turning away from one<br />

another, severing mutual relations, and<br />

discrepancy. Co-operate with each other in<br />

righteousness and piety, not in sin and hostility.<br />

Have fear of Allah; He is stern in His retribution.<br />

May Allah save you, as a household, and save<br />

your Prophet among you. I deposit you with<br />

Allah and recite upon you peace and Allah’s<br />

mercy and blessings.<br />

He (a.s.) then kept saying: “There is no god but<br />

Allah,” till he passed away.<br />

(‘Tohaf al-Uqool an Aal al-Rasool’ compiled by Abu Muhammad al-Hasan<br />

bin Ali bin al-Husain bin Sho’b al-Harrani; translated by Badr Shahin)<br />

Continued from page 21<br />

q<br />

q<br />

q<br />

q<br />

q<br />

The Raj’at as-Shams Mosque in Madina<br />

The House of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) in<br />

Madina, where he lived after migrating from<br />

Makkah<br />

The complex (mohalla) of Banu Hashim in<br />

Madina<br />

The House of Imam Ali (a.s.) where Imam Hassan<br />

(a.s.) and Imam Husain (a.s.) were born<br />

The house of Janabe Hamza, uncle of the Holy<br />

Prophet (s.a.w.a.)<br />

We observe the 8th of Shawwal as a Day of<br />

Mourning and Day of Protest against the<br />

Wahabbis’ vandalism, desecration, and<br />

Destruction of the Graveyard of Jannat Al-<br />

Baqi and other Revered Graves/Shrines/Sites<br />

that are held in Reverence and as Sacred by<br />

all Muslims who love the Holy Prophet<br />

(s.a.w.a.) and his Pure Ahlul Bayt (a.s.)<br />

It is a 100 Years of Shame for all Muslims that<br />

these Sacred Places lay destroyed to this day.<br />

(The Gems of Ja’fari, Vol. 2, printed by Ja’fari Propagation Centre)<br />

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July 2015 • JAFARI OBSERVER<br />

Nearness to Allah (s.w.t.)<br />

Reward and Recompense for Fasting<br />

The sawm (fasting) is one of the Furu’ al-Din (the<br />

duties to be performed according to Islamic Shari’ah)<br />

of the holy religion of Islam. It is wajib (mandatory)<br />

upon every mukallaf to have sawm in the month of<br />

Ramazan. In order to obey the command of Allah<br />

(s.w.t.), from the time of Salatal-Fajr to the time of<br />

Salat al-Maghrib one must refrain from muftirat<br />

(certain acts which break or invalidate the sawm)<br />

which make the sawm batil (invalid).<br />

In Islam, much importance has been attached to<br />

sawm. Islam maintains a great deal of value for this<br />

holy act. The reward and recompense of sawm is so<br />

vital in Islam that the Almighty Allah (s.w.t.) without<br />

His prior specifying the sawab and the recompense of<br />

sawm, ascribes its reward to Himself.<br />

The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) said that Allah (s.w.t.)<br />

stated:<br />

“The sawm is for Me and I will give reward for<br />

it.”<br />

With its specific characteristics, the sawm plays an<br />

exceptionally effective role in the liberation of man<br />

from the servitude of ambitions, carnal desires,<br />

voluptuousness as well as in the purification of the<br />

soul from involvement in sinful acts.<br />

The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) told Jabir ibn ‘Abdillah<br />

Sayyid Muhammad Husayn Tabatabaei<br />

al-Ansari:<br />

“O Jabir, this is the month of Ramazan and the<br />

one who has sawm (observes fasting) during<br />

the day and stays awake at night to commune<br />

with Allah, abstains from eating haram food,<br />

and guards against evils and using abusive<br />

language, gets out of sins as he leaves the<br />

month of Ramazan behind.”<br />

Jabir said: “O Prophet of Allah, what a good news<br />

is it!”<br />

The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) stated:<br />

“O Jabir, how demanding and exacting are the<br />

conditions for the sawm!”<br />

Al-Imam Ja’far ibn Muhammad al-Sadiq (a.s.) has<br />

stated:<br />

“The sawm serves as a strong shield against<br />

the fire of the Hell.”<br />

Ramazan, The Month of Allah<br />

In Islamic ahadith many praiseworthy and<br />

interesting names such as “the auspicious month” and<br />

“the best period for the recital of Qur’an” have been<br />

mentioned for the month of Ramazan. But the name<br />

“the month of Allah” is the most outstanding name<br />

and the most beautiful title which has been used for<br />

the month of Ramazan.<br />

{<br />

Imam Hasan b. Ali (a.s.) said:<br />

I have heard from my grandfather, the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) that he used to say: ‘I have been<br />

created from the Light of Allah and my Ahle Bait have been created from my Light and the<br />

lovers of Ahle Bait have been created from their Light. All other people are from hellfire.’<br />

(Hayaat al-Quloob, v. 2, chap. 1)<br />

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JAFARI OBSERVER • July 2015<br />

In spite of the fact that every month is “Allah’s<br />

month”, this month is specifically called “the month of<br />

Allah” due to its great importance. Thus this name has<br />

in itself endowed this month with a special superiority<br />

and a specific spirituality. In this month, the greatest<br />

Divine Book (the Holy Qur’an) has been revealed.<br />

With the advent of the holy month of Ramazan,<br />

Allah bestows His servants with His blessings. A special<br />

enlightenment and serenity generate in the spirit of<br />

man. For the worshipping of Allah, the purification of<br />

the soul, and moral reformation, a special preparedness<br />

becomes manifest in those who have sawm.<br />

On the last Friday of the month of Sha’ban, the<br />

Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) stated the following concerning<br />

the magnificence and value of “the month of Allah”:<br />

“O people, the month of Allah, along with its<br />

blessings and salvation, has revealed itself to<br />

you. It is a month which is regarded as the best<br />

of all the months by Allah. Its days, nights, and<br />

hours are the best of all. It is a month in which<br />

you are invited to be the guest of Allah and are<br />

entitled to His favour and generosity.”<br />

“In this month, your breathing will have the<br />

sawab of tasbih saying “Subhanallah” (Glory<br />

be to Allah) and zikr and your sleeping will<br />

have the sawab of the worship of Allah.”<br />

“If you resort to Allah in this month and worship<br />

Him, Allah will grant your prayers. Therefore, with all<br />

your truthfulness and sincerity and with a pure heart<br />

pray to Allah to grant you His Divine dispensations for<br />

having sawm and reciting the Holy Qur’an, for one<br />

who remains deprived of the forgiveness and blessings<br />

of Allah in this bountiful and blessed month is indeed<br />

unfortunate.”<br />

Sawm Leads To Taqwa<br />

The Almighty Allah states in the Holy Qur’an:<br />

“O you who believe! the sawm is prescribed<br />

for you, as it was prescribed for those before<br />

you, so that you may have taqwa.”<br />

(The Holy Qur’an, 2:183)<br />

Islam enjoins its followers to have sawm for a<br />

complete month (during the month of Ramazan). By<br />

having sawm for one month, Muslims prepare<br />

themselves for the state of taqwa in its entirety,<br />

because when a man refrains from satisfying his<br />

natural physical desires, he can very well abstain from<br />

satisfying his carnal desires.<br />

In order to attain such a degree of perfection, Islam<br />

surely does not consider only abstaining from eating<br />

and drinking to be sufficient for the sawm, rather it<br />

orders a person who has sawm to abstain from<br />

whatever causes indulgence in evils and the<br />

commitment of sins or leads him to satanic temptations<br />

and indulgence in his unruly carnal desires.<br />

Muftirat that Render the Sawm invalid<br />

Several muftirat (certain acts which invalidate the<br />

sawm) render the sawm batil. These include the<br />

following:<br />

(i) Eating and drinking, although these things may<br />

not be usual drinks or eatables such as soil or the<br />

gum of trees.<br />

(ii) The sexual intercourse renders the sawm batil.<br />

(iii) Masturbation, that is, engagement in any sexual<br />

activity which leads to seminal ejaculation.<br />

(iv) Ascribing a lie to Allah, the Holy Prophet<br />

(s.a.w.a.), and the successors of the Holy Prophet<br />

(a.s.).<br />

(v) Allowing thick dust to reach one’s throat.<br />

(vi) Immersing the head entirely in water.<br />

(vii) Remaining in the state of janabah, hayd and nifas<br />

up to the Adhan for Salat al-Fajr.<br />

(viii) Application of an enema with a liquid substance.<br />

(ix) Vomiting, provided that it is done deliberately.<br />

For further information, reference should be made<br />

to al-risalat al-’amaliyyah (Islamic treatises written by<br />

mujtahidin for use by their muqallidin for performing<br />

Islamic duties).<br />

[Source: Imam Reza Network, Shiastudies.net]<br />

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July 2015 • JAFARI OBSERVER<br />

Jannat ul Baqi - History of The Cemetery at<br />

Madina<br />

Jannat ul Baqi - where Sayyedah Fatema (a.s.),<br />

Imam Hasan (a.s.), Imam Ali ibn Husain (a.s.), Imam<br />

Muhammad al-Baqir (a.s.) and Imam Ja’far as-Sadiq<br />

(a.s.) are buried<br />

On 8th Shawwal, Wednesday, in the year 1345<br />

A.H. (April 21, 1925), the Mausoleums in Jannatul al-<br />

Baqi (Madina) were demolished by ibn Saud. In the<br />

same year (1925), he also demolished the Tombs of<br />

Holy personages at Jannat al-Mualla (Makkah<br />

Mukarama) where the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.)’s mother,<br />

wife, grandfather, and other ancestors are buried.<br />

Destruction of sacred sites in Hijaz by the Saudi<br />

Wahhabis continues even today. According to some<br />

scholars, what is happening in Hijaz is actually a<br />

conspiracy plotted by the Jews against Islam, under<br />

the guise of Tawheed. The idea is to eradicate the<br />

Islamic legacy and heritage, and to systematically<br />

remove all its vestiges so that in the days to come,<br />

Muslims will have no affiliation with their Religious<br />

history.<br />

The Origins of Al-Baqi<br />

Literally, “al-Baqi” means a garden of trees. It is<br />

also known as “Jannat al-Baqi” due to its sanctity, since<br />

in it are buried many of our Prophet’s relatives and<br />

companions.<br />

The first companion buried in al-Baqi was Usman<br />

b. Madhoon who died on the 3rd of Sha’ban in the 3rd<br />

year of Hijrah. The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) ordered<br />

certain trees to be felled, and in its midst, he buried his<br />

dear companion, placing two stones over the grave.<br />

In the following years, the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.)’s<br />

son Ibrahim (a.s.), who died in infancy and over whom<br />

the Prophet (s.a.w.a.) wept bitterly, was also buried<br />

there. The people of Madinah then began to use that<br />

site for the burial of their own dead, because the Holy<br />

Prophet (s.a.w.a.) used to greet those who were buried<br />

in al-Baqi by saying “Peace be upon you, O Abode of<br />

the faithful! Allah willing, we should soon join you. O’<br />

Allah, forgive the fellows of al-Baqi”<br />

The site of the burial ground at al-Baqi was<br />

gradually extended, nearly seven thousand companions<br />

of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) were buried there, not to<br />

mention those of the Ahlul-Bayt (a.s.). Imam Hasan b.<br />

Ali (a.s.), Imam Ali b. al-Husain, Imam Muhammad al-<br />

Baqir (a.s.) and Imam Ja’far as-Sadiq (a.s.) were all<br />

buried there. The other relatives of the Prophet<br />

(s.a.w.a.) who were also buried at al-Baqi include his<br />

Aunts Safiya, and Aatika, and his Aunt Fatima bint<br />

Asad, the Mother of Imam Ali (a.s.). The third caliph<br />

Uthman was buried outside al-Baqi, but with later<br />

extensions, his grave was included in the area. In the<br />

later years, great Muslim scholars like Malik bin Anas<br />

and many others were buried there too. Thus, al-Baqi<br />

became a well-known place of great historic<br />

significance to all Muslims.<br />

The First Destruction of Al-Baqi<br />

History<br />

Iqbal Husain<br />

The Wahhabis believe that visiting the graves and<br />

the shrines of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.), the Imams<br />

(a.s.) or the saints was a form of idolatry and totally<br />

19


JAFARI OBSERVER • July 2015<br />

un-Islamic. Those who did not conform to their belief<br />

were killed and their property confiscated. Since their<br />

first invasion of Iraq, and in fact even to this day, the<br />

Wahhabis, as well as other rulers of self-proclaimed<br />

Muslim states, have been carrying out massacres from<br />

which no Muslim who disagreed with them was<br />

spared. Obviously, the rest of the Islamic world viewed<br />

those graves with deep reverence. Had it not been so,<br />

the two caliphs Abu Bakr and Umar would not have<br />

expressed their desire for burial near the grave of the<br />

Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.).<br />

From 1205 A.H. to 1217 A.H., the Wahhabis made<br />

several attempts to gain foothold in Hijaz, but failed.<br />

Finally, in 1217 A.H., they somehow emerged victorious<br />

in Taif where they spilled the innocent blood of<br />

Muslims. In 1218 A.H., they entered Makkah and<br />

destroyed all sacred places and domes there, including<br />

the one which served as a canopy over the well of<br />

Zamzam. In 1221 (circa 1806 A.D.), the Wahhabis<br />

entered Madina to desecrate al-Baqi as well as every<br />

Mosque they came across. An attempt was even made<br />

to demolish the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.)’s tomb, but for<br />

one reason or another, the idea was abandoned. In<br />

subsequent years, the Muslims from Iraq, Syria, and<br />

Egypt, were refused entry into Makkah for Hajj. King<br />

Al-Saud set a pre-condition that those who wished to<br />

perform the pilgrimage would have to accept<br />

Wahhabism or else be branded as non-Muslims,<br />

thereby becoming ineligible for entry into the Haram<br />

(Holy Precincts).<br />

Al-Baqi was razed to the ground, with no sign of<br />

any grave or tomb whatsoever, But the Saudis were<br />

still not quite satisfied with doing all of that. Their King<br />

ordered the three African attendants at the Holy<br />

Prophet (s.a.w.a.)’s shrine to show him where the<br />

treasure of valuable gifts was stored. The Wahhabis<br />

plundered the treasure for their own use.<br />

Thousands of Muslims fled Makkah and Madina in<br />

a bid to save their lives and escape from the mounting<br />

pressure and persecution at the hands of the Wahhabis.<br />

Muslims from all over the world denounced this Saudi<br />

savagery and exhorted the Caliphate of the Ottoman<br />

Empire to save the sacred shrines from total<br />

destruction. Then, as it is known, Muhammad Ali<br />

Basha attacked Hijaz and, with support of local tribes,<br />

managed to restore law and order in Makkah and<br />

Madina, dislodging the Al-Saud clansmen. The entire<br />

Muslim world celebrated this victory with great fanfare<br />

and rejoicing. In Cairo, the celebrations continued for<br />

five days. No doubt, the joy was due to the fact that<br />

pilgrims were once more allowed freely to go for Hajj,<br />

and the sacred shrines were once again restored.<br />

In 1818 A.D., the Ottaman Caliph Abdul Majid and<br />

his successors, Caliphs Abdul Hamid and Mohammed,<br />

carried out the reconstruction of all sacred places,<br />

restoring the Islamic heritage at all important sites. In<br />

1848 and 1860 A.D. further renovations were made at<br />

the expense of nearly seven hundred thousand<br />

pounds, most of which came from the donations<br />

collected at the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.)’s tomb.<br />

The Second Plunder by the Wahhabis<br />

The Ottoman Empire had added to the splendor of<br />

Madina and Makkah by building religious structures of<br />

great beauty and architectural value. It became as a<br />

small beautiful city resembling Istanbul, with white<br />

walls, golden slender Minarets and green fields.<br />

In 1924 A.D., the Wahhabis entered Hijaz for a<br />

second time and carried out another merciless plunder<br />

and massacre. People were killed in the streets. Houses<br />

were razed to the ground. Women and children too<br />

were not spared. Awn bin Hashim (Sharif of Makkah)<br />

writes: “Before me, a valley appeared to have been<br />

paved with corpses, dried blood staining everywhere<br />

all around. There was hardly a tree, which didn’t have<br />

one or two dead bodies near its roots.”<br />

In 1925, Madina was surrendered to the Wahhabis<br />

onslaught. All Islamic heritages were destroyed. The<br />

only shrine that remained intact was that of the Holy<br />

Prophet (s.a.w.a.)<br />

Ibn Jabhan said: “We know that the tomb standing<br />

20


July 2015 • JAFARI OBSERVER<br />

on the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.)’s grave is against our<br />

principles, and to have his grave in a Mosque is an<br />

abominable sin.”<br />

Tombs of Janabe Hamza and other Martyrs were<br />

demolished at Uhud. The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.)’s<br />

Mosque was bombarded. On protest by Muslims,<br />

assurances were given by Ibn Saud that it will be<br />

restored but the promise was never fulfilled. A promise<br />

was given that Hijaz will have an Islamic multinational<br />

government. This was also abandoned.<br />

In 1925 A.D. Jannat al-Mu’alla, the scared cemetery<br />

at Makkah was destroyed along with the house where<br />

the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) was born. Since then, this<br />

day is the day of mourning for all Muslims.<br />

It is not strange that the Wahhabis find it offensive<br />

to have the tombs, shrines and other places of<br />

importance preserved, while the remains of their<br />

Saudi kings are being guarded at the expense of<br />

millions of dollars.<br />

Protest from Indian Muslims<br />

In 1926, shocked Muslims held protest gatherings<br />

all over the world. Resolutions were passed and a<br />

statement outlining the crimes perpetrated by<br />

Wahhabis was issued and included the following:<br />

The destruction and desecration of the Holy places,<br />

i.e. the birthplace of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.),<br />

the graves of Banu Hashim in Makkah and in<br />

Jannat al-Baqi (Madina)<br />

q The refusal of the Wahhabis to allow Muslims to<br />

recite Surah al-Fatiha and Ziyarah at those graves<br />

q The destruction of the places of worship i.e.<br />

Masjid Janab-e-Hamza, Masjid Janab-e-Abu<br />

Rasheed, in addition to the Tombs of Imams<br />

(a.s.) and the Sahaba (Prophet’s companions)<br />

q Interference in the performance of Hajj rituals<br />

q Forcing the Muslims to follow the Wahhabi<br />

innovations and to abandon their own ways<br />

according to the guidance of the Imams they<br />

follow.<br />

q<br />

q<br />

The massacre of Sayyids in Taif, Madina, Asha,<br />

and Qatif<br />

The demolition of the grave of the Imams (a.s.)<br />

at al-Baqi, which deeply offended and grieved all<br />

Shias<br />

Protest from other Countries<br />

Similar protests were lodged by Muslims in Iran,<br />

Iraq, Egypt, Indonesia, and Turkey, all of them<br />

condemned the Saudi Wahhabis for their barbaric<br />

acts. Some scholars wrote tracts and books to tell the<br />

world the fact that what was happening in Hijaz was<br />

actually a conspiracy plotted by the Jews against Islam,<br />

under the guise of Tawheed. The idea was to eradicate<br />

the Islamic legacy and heritage and to systematically<br />

remove all its vestiges so that in the days to come,<br />

Muslims will have no affiliation with their Religious<br />

history.<br />

A partial list of the demolished graves and shrines<br />

apart from Jannat al-Baqi:<br />

Al-Mualla graveyard in Makkah including:<br />

q The grave of Sayyida Khadija Kubra bint Khuwailid<br />

(a.s.), the wife of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.)<br />

q The grave of Janabe Amina bint Wahab, Mother<br />

of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.)<br />

q The grave of Janabe Abu Talib, uncle of the Holy<br />

Prophet (s.a.w.a.) and father of Imam Ali (a.s.)<br />

q The grave of Janabe Abdul Muttalib, grandfather<br />

of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.)<br />

q The grave of Janabe Hamza, uncle of the Holy<br />

Prophet (s.a.w.a.) at Uhud<br />

q The graves of the other martyrs of Uhud<br />

q The grave of Bibi Hawa (Eve), the mother of all<br />

mankind, at Jeddah<br />

q The grave of Abdullah ibn Abdul Muttalib, the<br />

father of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) in Madina<br />

q The House of Sorrows (Bayt al-Ahzan) of Sayyida<br />

Fatima (a.s.) in Madina<br />

q The Janabe Salman al-Farsi Mosque in Madina<br />

Continued on page 16<br />

21


JAFARI OBSERVER • July 2015<br />

Continued from page 4<br />

of Allah’. The killer of the representatives of Allah (a.s.)<br />

is the ‘enemy of Allah’. Even today, some people with<br />

the same guile appearance are seen. They consider<br />

those who demolished the shrine of Samarrah and<br />

intend to demolish the shrines of Karbala and Najaf as<br />

‘true’ Muslims. Which religion can the group which<br />

sheds the blood of the innocents and disrespects the<br />

dead bodies represent? Which school can they be<br />

affiliated to? Islam has suffered enormously by these<br />

mercenary pens and sold-out consciences in the past<br />

and is still suffering to this day. The need of the hour is<br />

that the people should stand up against these lumpen<br />

group and express their distaste otherwise they will<br />

have to regret as per the proverb ‘whoever digs a pit<br />

will fall into it’.<br />

O Allah! Protect the land of Iraq in this holy month<br />

and include us in amongst the best of the servants.<br />

Aameen.<br />

Pain of the honoured (month of) Shawwal<br />

Nobody in the world is more oppressed than the<br />

Ahlul Bayt (a.s.). Before their martyrdom they were<br />

the target of oppression but even after their martyrdom<br />

they do not get tranquillity. Whether it is the Dome of<br />

Jannatul Baqee in Madinah or Samarrah where the<br />

shrine of the Holy Imams (a.s.) were destroyed.<br />

Similarly, futile efforts to destroy the shrines of Karbala,<br />

Najaf and Syria are seen arising in recent times. The<br />

notorious group ‘ISIS’, has made the territory of Iraq<br />

‘the land of no peace’ and they consider the views and<br />

ideologies of all religions other than their own as false<br />

and harbor special hatred for the beliefs of the school<br />

of Ahlul Bayt (a.s.). Their ambition is to destroy the<br />

shrines of the Holy Ahlul Bayt (a.s.) and also they have<br />

plans to demolish the Holy Kaaba. History has testified<br />

that after the martyrdom of Imam Husain (a.s.), Yazeed<br />

ibn Moawiyah had performed two additional dark<br />

feats: One is the devastation of Madinah and the other<br />

– setting fire to the Holy Kaaba. Following suit of his<br />

OUR REPRESENTATIVE IN BANGALORE, INDIA<br />

Mr. Sohil Merchant<br />

House No. 11, 2nd A Cross, Anepalya, Bangalore - 560030. Ph - +919742241350<br />

grandfather the so-called ‘caliph’ Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi<br />

has desired to destroy Makkah and Madinah. When<br />

the Saudi government – who themselves destroyed<br />

the Holy Shrines of Ahlul Bait (a.s.) in Baqee, Madinah<br />

– heard the ISIS’s declared intention of destroying the<br />

Holy Kaaba, they immediately gave comments against<br />

the ISIS and declared them terrorist group. These<br />

remarks is not due to religious feeling but due to the<br />

fear that if the House of Allah, the Holy Kaaba is<br />

destroyed, Muslims will stop coming to Hajj and the<br />

amount which is gained in the form of tax from the<br />

Hajis shall not be received by the Saudis. Evidently this<br />

is not religious pain but commercial pain. Otherwise<br />

disgust from ISIS was not possible for Saudi because<br />

both have the same goal and destination. Both have<br />

hatred towards the lovers of Ahlul Bayt (a.s.) and both<br />

have the mission to destroy the tombs and shrines of<br />

the Ahlul Bayt (a.s.) and oppressing the Shias - the true<br />

lovers of the Holy Ahlul Bayt (a.s.).<br />

But people should know that there is a limit to<br />

wrongdoing. As per the Holy Qur’an:<br />

“And they who act unjustly shall know to<br />

what final place of turning they shall turn<br />

back.”<br />

(Surah Shoa’ra (26): Verse 227)<br />

Soon the stage of oppression will be turned. Just<br />

government will be established. Reappearance of<br />

Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) is near and leadership of the<br />

school of Ahle Bait (a.s.) is soon to come. On that day<br />

victory will be for justice and equity. There will remain<br />

neither oppression nor the oppressed, only the<br />

government of the just Twelfth Imam (a.s.) will prevail<br />

in complete peace where the lion and the goat will<br />

drink water from the same pond. The goat will not fear<br />

the lion nor will the lion look at the goat.<br />

O Allah! Hasten the return of Your representative.<br />

OUR REPRESENTATIVE IN U.K.<br />

Mrs. Nighat Panjwani<br />

125, Goshawk Drive, Chelmsford, Essex CM2 8AP, England, U.K. Tel. : (0245) 35 7577<br />

22


July 2015 • JAFARI OBSERVER<br />

Ethics<br />

Forgive and Forget<br />

Whether it is personal, family, or community,<br />

grudges hold us back from so much progress. Forgiving<br />

someone, and being able to reunite, is a fight against<br />

the ego.<br />

It’s that time again: the month of forgiveness, the<br />

month of blessings, the Holy month of Ramadhan. We<br />

are constantly told that this is the special month in<br />

which Allah (s.w.t.) has invited us to beseech His<br />

forgiveness for all of our wrong actions and that we<br />

will be forgiven. How awesome is that? We have a<br />

whole month to cleanse out our past year of slips and<br />

mistakes, and Allah (s.w.t.) is going to be cool with us!<br />

He really is Merciful. It is a shame that we cannot take<br />

those qualities into our own lives.<br />

We are told that one who knows himself knows his<br />

Lord. And when one begins to know himself and his<br />

Lord, in which we can refer to His 99 names, one begins<br />

to adopt those qualities in one’s life. For example, if a<br />

person begins to know himself and his/her stance, or<br />

“level of” generosity, introspection will allow the<br />

person to realize how beautiful a characteristic<br />

generosity is, as we see in the Grace of Allah (s.w.t.).<br />

Imam Ja’far as-Sadiq (a.s.) says in ‘Lantern of the<br />

Path’,<br />

“‘They should pardon and turn away. Do you<br />

not love that Allah should forgive you? And<br />

Allah is forgiving, merciful.’ (The Holy Qur’an,<br />

24:22) If you do not pardon another mortal like<br />

yourself, how can you hope for the pardon of<br />

the Compelling King?”<br />

Whether it is personal, family, or community,<br />

Shaikh Muslim Bhanji<br />

grudges hold us back from so much progress. Forgiving<br />

someone, and being able to reunite, is a fight against<br />

the ego. When we do not feel like, or are not willing to<br />

forgive someone, we are placing ourselves very high<br />

above. If Allah (s.w.t.) forgives His creations for their<br />

every mistake, how can we not forgive our own brother<br />

or sister for a mistake against us? Are we comparing,<br />

or placing, ourselves on the same level as Him? I will<br />

never forget our Sunday school shirt one year. On the<br />

back in bold letters it said, “God Gives and Forgives,<br />

Man Gets and Forgets.” It’s true, isn’t it? We forget<br />

who we really are sometimes, or think we’re something<br />

we are not.<br />

Of course it is a hard process, but doing good things<br />

always has to be forced. Naturally, it is hard for someone<br />

to let go of the pain they are feeling due to someone<br />

else’s slip, mistake, or misunderstanding. The reasons<br />

are many, but we all know it is the right thing to do. It is<br />

what will prepare us for bigger trials and tribulations.<br />

For if we lose our brothers and sisters over minute<br />

infractions, mishaps, and situations, we do not<br />

understand the true message that Ashura has left us.<br />

We need to be able to see the bigger picture. The<br />

stronger our ties are with our brothers and sisters, the<br />

stronger our communities and, Insha’Allah, our<br />

Ummah. If we continue to hold grudges, spite, and<br />

dislike for our own people, whatever the reason, it will<br />

take us a long, long time to get anywhere as a<br />

progressing Ummah which will spread and teach Islam<br />

around the world.<br />

Sometimes it is better to look at it in a different<br />

light. Instead of thinking “they hurt me so bad, how<br />

23


JAFARI OBSERVER • July 2015<br />

can I forgive them?”, we need to think of it in a manner<br />

as to why did the situation occur. This will then allow<br />

us to go back to the narration which states:<br />

“Ubayy ibn Ka’b said, ‘When you see a quality<br />

which you disapprove of in one of your brothers, then<br />

give it seventy interpretations and see if your heart<br />

can be at peace with one of them. If it is not, then<br />

blame yourself if you cannot excuse him. If you yourself<br />

have a quality which will easily make for seventy<br />

interpretations, then you should disapprove of yourself<br />

more than you do of him.’”<br />

(Excerpt from Lantern of the Path, “On Pardon”)<br />

Seventy excuses! Wow! Let us all think back to how<br />

Continued from page 8<br />

Al-Harwi reported a similar tradition which is recorded<br />

in Kanz al-Yawaqeet.<br />

Zad al-Ma’ad quotes a few scholars who believe in<br />

its perpetuity, indicating that some of them say that it<br />

is at the conclusion of the year; therefore, it has to be<br />

observed during all nights of the year so that one of<br />

them will be it. Others say that it is in Sha’ban and the<br />

month of Ramazan, while still others say that it is the<br />

night of the middle of Sha’ban.<br />

Others say that it is the beginning of the month of<br />

Ramazan, while others say it is the middle of it; yet<br />

others say it is the seventeenth. Still others say it is the<br />

twenty-ninth of it, while others say it is the last night of<br />

it, and most Sunnis of our time are of the view that it is<br />

the twenty-seventh. This proves that the reason why it<br />

was not determined exactly is due to the purpose of<br />

observing the entire month.<br />

On Lailatul-Qadr did the night journey (Israa) to<br />

Heavens take place, and the Almighty Allah raised<br />

Prophet Isa (a.s.) son of lady Maryam (a.s.). On this<br />

night, His servant and Prophet Moosa (a.s.) died, and<br />

so did Joshua son of Noon (a.s.), the wasi of Moosa<br />

(a.s.). Also on it was the Commander of the Faithful<br />

Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (a.s.) martyred.<br />

Relying on the authority of Abu Ja’far (a.s.) a few<br />

narrators of hadees have indicated that the Prophet<br />

(s.a.w.a.) had been asked once about Lailatul-Qadr. So<br />

often we have done so. My point being, that instead of<br />

crying “poor old me”, and thinking “why would my<br />

own brother/sister do this to me”, will create a thought<br />

process in which we begin to realize that everyone is<br />

human, everyone makes mistakes, and we are in this<br />

world to make it a better place, not to dislike each<br />

other. There really are bigger fish to fry!<br />

Insha’Allah in this blessed month, but not only in<br />

this month, we will take the time to sit back, look at<br />

ourselves, and also try our best to be patient and<br />

strong when it comes to our situations and scuffles.<br />

Forgiveness: one small step for you, one huge step<br />

for the Ummah – be the first.<br />

he (s.a.w.a.) ascended the pulpit and, having praised<br />

the Almighty, he (s.a.w.a.) said,<br />

“You have asked me about the Night of Destiny.<br />

I have not concealed the knowledge of it from<br />

you out of ignorance thereof. Be informed, O<br />

people, that whoever during the Month of Holy<br />

Ramazan is healthy, and he fasts during its days<br />

and performs Prayers during a portion of its<br />

nights and is punctual regarding the obligatory<br />

Prayers, and makes an effort to attend<br />

congregational Prayers on Fridays during it and<br />

attends the Eid Prayers as well, he will then<br />

have honored the Night of Destiny duty, and he<br />

will receive his reward from the Creator.”<br />

Do you need any more clues regarding the<br />

greatness of Lailatul-Qadr? Then let us tell you that the<br />

authors of Sawaab al-A’amaal and Behaar al-Anwaar<br />

have cited Imam Abu Abdullah al-Sadiq (as), the men<br />

whose truthfulness is not doubted even by the most<br />

skeptic scholar, saying that whoever recites Surah al-<br />

Ankabut and Surah al-Room during the 23rd night of<br />

the month of Ramazan will secure admission into<br />

Paradise without any exception.<br />

On p. 19, vol. 94, of Behaar al-Anwaar, the Imam (a.s.)<br />

is quoted adding, “I do not fear lest Allah should record<br />

that I have committed a sin for having said s; surely these<br />

two Chapters enjoy a great status with Allah.”<br />

(Excerpts from the book ‘Fast of the Month of Ramazan”)<br />

24


July 2015 • JAFARI OBSERVER<br />

Mahe Ramazan : A Month Of Fasting Or<br />

Feasting?<br />

Mahe Ramazan is the ninth month in the Islamic<br />

calendar. During the whole month, faithful observers<br />

of Islam fast from sunrise (Sahour) to sunset (Iftar).<br />

During the fast, no food or drink is consumed, and<br />

thoughts must be kept pure. Followers of Islam believe<br />

that fasting helps the Muslim learn patience, modesty,<br />

and spirituality. Mahe Ramazan is not just about fasting<br />

but also about overcoming their temptation for food<br />

and all other wrong desires. Apart from physical health,<br />

Mahe Ramazan is more about your spiritual well being.<br />

During meal times in Mahe Ramadan, Muslim<br />

families will typically gather round to enjoy a rich<br />

spread. After all, there is no better way to mark the<br />

start or end of fasting than with your favorite savory<br />

foods. Or is there?<br />

When deciding what to eat during Mahe Ramadan,<br />

remember that Iftar and Suhoor help sustain your fast<br />

the following day, so consuming the right food is<br />

important.<br />

Consuming wrong kind of food, will only make you<br />

feel heavy and bloated and not provide you with the<br />

essential nutrients required during this period.<br />

Here is a list of foods that one can consume for the<br />

entire month, it is absolutely general and for healthy<br />

individuals.<br />

Sehri - Starter (As soon as you wakeup): One Glass<br />

of water is compulsory first thing as you wake up. One<br />

Fresh Fruit (Banana) or Handful of nuts (almonds/<br />

walnuts) /Dates<br />

Benefits: Antioxidants, Protein, Omega-3<br />

Sehri - Main Course: Eggs / Vegetables + Toast /<br />

Health Guide<br />

foodnutrihealth.blogspot.in<br />

whole wheat bread or Rice flakes / Oats Porridge or<br />

Dosa / Veg or plain Paratha/pancakes + Curd / Plain<br />

Milk / Milkshake / mixed sprouts<br />

Benefits: Proteins, Fibre, probiotics<br />

lftaar - Starter: Dates + Fresh Fruits or fruit yoghurt<br />

(homemade) + Buttermilk/lemon water/Fresh coconut<br />

water/Fresh fruit juice(homemade)<br />

Benefits: Iron, Vitamin C, probiotics, potassium<br />

lftaar - Main Course: Chicken / Fish / Lean Meat /<br />

Cooked Vegetables (any) with cottage cheese / Whole<br />

wheat bread / Rice / Veg Pulao + Pulses (dal) /beans +<br />

Vegetable or sprout salad with curds /buttermilk<br />

Benefits: Proteins, Fibre, Iron, Omega-3<br />

Later Post Prayers: Fruit custard / Pudding or<br />

Milkshake / Sweet Lassi / Curd<br />

Total Water Intake: At least 2-2.5 Litres between<br />

Iftaar & Sehri<br />

Benefits: Add Electrolytes if dehydrated.<br />

This Balanced meal plan will help maintain your<br />

energy levels and also provide you with the necessary<br />

calories, proteins, fats, vitamins & minerals required.<br />

Things to be kept in Mind this Mahe Ramazan:<br />

r Do not over consume or in excess anything.<br />

r Avoid oily, fried items.<br />

r Avoid outside food or any Junk food in suhoor,<br />

iftaar or anytime during Ramadan. Consume<br />

homemade food.<br />

r Increase your Water intake, and if dehydrated<br />

add electrolytes to it.<br />

r Restrict consuming carbonated beverages,<br />

sodas, colas or any sugary drink during Ramadan.<br />

r Restrict packed and processed food items as it<br />

25


JAFARI OBSERVER • July 2015<br />

Taaqibaat<br />

Merits of the Surahs of the Holy Quran<br />

Surah Mulk<br />

1. Ibne Baabwayh has related through his own<br />

authorities from Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s.) that he<br />

said: Whoever recites Surah Mulk before sleeping<br />

would remain in Almighty Allah’s protection and<br />

safety till morning; and the reciter of Surah Mulk<br />

is in Almighty Allah’s protection uptil the Day of<br />

Judgment till Almighty Allah the Glorious makes<br />

him enter Paradise.<br />

2. Muhammad bin Yaqub has written through his<br />

own authorities the tradition that Imam<br />

Muhammad Baqir (a.s.) said: Whoever recites<br />

Surah Mulk this Surah provides him protection<br />

from the chastisement of grave. This is written in<br />

Taurait. Whoever recites Surah Mulk in the night<br />

would achieve much of what he seeks and he<br />

would not be included among careless persons<br />

during that night. Imam Muhammad Baqir (a.s.)<br />

says: My father Imam Zainul Abedeen (a.s.) used<br />

to recite Surah Mulk in the day as well as in the<br />

night. And whoever recites Surah Mulk and dies<br />

and Angels Munkar and Nakeer enter his grave<br />

and stand towards his feet the feet say to them:<br />

You two have nothing to do here because this<br />

man gets up and sits with our help and used to<br />

recite Surah Mulk in the day as well as in the<br />

night. When Munkar and Nakeer turn towards<br />

his stomach it says to them: What have you to do<br />

here? This man always fed me by reciting Surah<br />

Mulk day and night When Munkar and Nakeer<br />

turn to his tongue it says: I have nothing for you<br />

because this man used to recite Surah Mulk day<br />

and night with me (i.e. with the tongue).<br />

3. In the book “Khawaassul Quran” it is said that<br />

the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) said: Whoever recites<br />

Surah Mulk becomes protected against<br />

chastisement of the grave. There is another<br />

tradition from the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) that<br />

for the reciter of Surah Mulk there is reward like<br />

the man who spends the whole of the night<br />

preceding Eid-ul-Fitr in worshipping. And<br />

whoever memorizes Surah Mulk, the Surah<br />

becomes his companion and consoler in the<br />

grave and wards off every chastisement that is to<br />

be given to him in the grave, and saves him from<br />

all these hardships upto the Day of Judgment, it<br />

intercedes for him before Almighty Allah and<br />

remains near him till it sees him enter Paradise in<br />

peace and safety, and the man enters Paradise<br />

remaining safe from the desolateness and<br />

loneliness of the grave.<br />

4. The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) said: If someone<br />

memorizes Surah Mulk then Surah Mulk would<br />

be his companion and consoler in the grave and<br />

would intercede for him before Almighty Allah till<br />

it would take him to Paradise with peace and<br />

safety. And if one recites Surah Mulk and presents<br />

its reward to his brothers-in-faith it reaches them<br />

with the fastness of lightning, consoles them and<br />

serves as the cause for diminution of chastisement<br />

in the grave.<br />

5. Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s.) said: If Surah Mulk is<br />

26


ecited on a dead body Almighty Allah would<br />

allow comfort and ease for that dead person and<br />

remove his hardship. If Surah Mulk is recited and<br />

presented to a dead person it would reach him<br />

with the fastness of lightning.<br />

Surah Qalam<br />

1. Ibne Baabwayh has written through his own<br />

authorities that Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s.) said:<br />

Whoever recites Surah Qalam in his obligatory or<br />

supererogatory Namaz Almighty Allah would<br />

ever keep him safe and protected from destitution<br />

and poverty, and when that man dies Almighty<br />

Allah would grant him exemption from<br />

chastisement.<br />

2. In the book “Khawaassul Quran” it is said that<br />

the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) said: Whoever recites<br />

Surah Qalam Almighty Allah would give him<br />

reward like those persons whose good wishes<br />

are likeable in His view. And if Surah Qalam is<br />

written and hung in the neck of a person who<br />

might be having pain in his teeth because of<br />

some injury, by Command of Almighty Allah his<br />

pain would disappear instantly.<br />

3. The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) said: If one writes<br />

Surah Qalam and hangs it in the neck of a person<br />

who has pain in his teeth, by Command of<br />

Almighty Allah, the pain would instantly subside.<br />

4. This tradition is also related from Imam Ja’far<br />

Sadiq (a.s.) namely that: If someone has pain in<br />

the teeth and Surah Qalam is written and hung in<br />

his neck, then by Command of Almighty Allah he<br />

would become comfortable.<br />

Surah Haaqqah<br />

July 2015 • JAFARI OBSERVER<br />

authorities that Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s.) said:<br />

Recite Surah Haaqqah very often because<br />

recitation of Surah Haaqqah in obligatory and<br />

supererogatory Namaz is the sign of belief in<br />

Almighty Allah and belief in the Holy Prophet<br />

(s.a.w.a.), and this Surah came down about<br />

Imam Ali (a.s.) and Muawiya, and the religion of<br />

its reciter would not remain doubtful and<br />

uncertain till he meets Almighty Allah.<br />

2. It is said in the book “Khawaassul Quran” that<br />

the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) said: Whoever recites<br />

Surah Haaqqah Almighty Allah would shorten his<br />

Reckoning on the Day of Judgment. And if Surah<br />

Haaqqah is written and put in the neck of a<br />

pregnant woman, then whatever is in her womb<br />

would remain in protection (i.e. the child would<br />

remain safe). And if Surah Haaqqah is written<br />

and washed with water and that water is made<br />

to be drunk by a child at the time of his weaning,<br />

that child would become very intelligent and he<br />

would be able to memorise every word and<br />

everything (some people take it to mean that the<br />

child would become a memoriser of the Holy<br />

Quran).<br />

3. The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) also spoke out the<br />

same tradition with the addition that: Whatever<br />

that child would hear he would keep it in memory<br />

and would not forget it.<br />

4. Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s.) said: When Surah<br />

Haaqqah is written and hung in the neck of a<br />

pregnant woman the child in her womb would<br />

remain quite safe, by Command of Almighty<br />

Allah, and when the child is born then by<br />

Command of Almighty Allah its growth would be<br />

on the soundest lines.<br />

1. Ibne Baabwayh has written through his own<br />

{<br />

The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) informed: …Allah ordained that after me, till Judgment Day,<br />

caliphate should remain in my Ahle Bait. So anyone who disbelieves in my words has disbelieved<br />

in Allah.<br />

(Hayaat al-Quloob, vol. 2, chap. 9)<br />

27


JAFARI OBSERVER • July 2015<br />

Snippets<br />

Hazrat Faatemah Zahra (s.a.) and Shab-e-Qadr<br />

The Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.) informs that in<br />

the world of souls, under the Arsh (Throne), Hazrat<br />

Faatemah Zahra (s.a.)’s nourishment was praising and<br />

glorifying Allah, which is commonly referred to as the<br />

Tasbeeh of Faatemah Zahra (s.a.) and hence, the<br />

nomenclature ‘heavenly tasbeeh’.<br />

The light of Hazrat Zahra (s.a.) was preserved in<br />

the treasures of Arsh; her food was praising and<br />

glorifying Allah. Likewise in this world, she would be so<br />

engrossed in worship in the payer-niche that her feet<br />

would become swollen.<br />

There was none in this nation who would<br />

worship more than Faatemah (s.a.). She would<br />

stand and worship so much that her feet would<br />

swell.<br />

(Al-Manaaqeb of Ibne Shahr Aashoob vol 3 p. 389)<br />

Her worship in this world points towards the fact<br />

that she continued to praise and glorify Allah in the<br />

same vein as she did in the world of souls.<br />

Imam Sadiq (a.s.) informs,<br />

The one who is fortunate to gain the real<br />

recognition of Hazrat Faatemah Zahra (s.a.)<br />

then he has discovered (the real) Night of<br />

Destiny (Shab-e-Qadr).<br />

(Behaar al-Anwaar vol 43 p. 66; Tafseer al-Furaat p. 581)<br />

The Noor (light) of Lady Fatema Zahra (s.a.)<br />

overcomes the new moon of month of Ramazan<br />

From the book “Fazail of Shahr-Ramazan of Shaikh<br />

Sadooq”<br />

Imam Raza (a.s.) said (part of a lengthy narration):<br />

“When the new moon of the month of<br />

Ramadhan would come up, the noor (light) of<br />

Fatema Zahra (s.a.) would over come the new<br />

moon and the moon would be hidden and<br />

when she (s.a.) would go then the moon would<br />

become visible.”<br />

[Behaar al-Anwaar, Vol. 43. p. 57]<br />

Necessity of Tabarra against Enemies of<br />

Ameerul Momineen (a.s.) whoever they may<br />

be<br />

One hears the strangest of objections when it<br />

comes to Tabarra against the enemies of Ameerul<br />

Momineen (a.s.). One group claims that we should<br />

avoid Tabarra because the enemies of Ameerul<br />

Momineen (a.s.) are revered by some sections of the<br />

Muslim community. These Muslims are likely to get<br />

offended by Tabarra. So for the sake of these Muslims<br />

and the broader demands of ‘Muslim Unity’, we must<br />

avoid Tabarra against enemies of Ameerul Momineen<br />

(a.s.) and on the contrary, we should respect them<br />

because they are revered by their followers!<br />

Reply<br />

To the proponents of this suggestion, we have only<br />

question:<br />

Are these Muslims willing to forgive and forget<br />

when it comes to their own opponents and enemies?<br />

Why do they hunt down their own enemies,<br />

imprison them and even kill them?<br />

Are they bigger than Ameerul Momineen (a.s.),<br />

whose enemies must be loved while their own enemies<br />

must be killed?<br />

Let us turn to an incident involving Imam<br />

Muhammad Baqir (a.s.) which highlights the<br />

28


July 2015 • JAFARI OBSERVER<br />

importance of Tabarra, making it obligatory for all<br />

lovers of Ameerul Momineen (a.s.).<br />

Imam Muhammad Baqir (a.s.) on Tabarra<br />

‘…then Imam Baqir (a.s.) told him: (O servant<br />

of Allah), how excessive is the oppression of<br />

this nation against Ali b. Abi Talib (a.s.) and<br />

how little is their justice towards him (a.s.)!<br />

They deprived him (Ali (a.s.)) of virtues (instead)<br />

granting it to the companions, although Ali<br />

(a.s.) was the best of them. Then, how can they<br />

keep Ali (a.s.) away from this position that they<br />

have bestowed on others?<br />

He (a.s.) was asked: How was that, O son of Allah’s<br />

Prophet (s.a.w.a.)?<br />

Imam Baqir (a.s.) said: You accept the mastership<br />

of the lovers of Abu Bakr b. Abi Quhaafa and do Tabarra<br />

against his enemies, whoever they may be.<br />

Likewise, you accept the mastership of Umar b.<br />

Khattaab and do Tabarra against his enemies, whoever<br />

they may be.<br />

Also, you accept the mastership of Usman b. Affaan<br />

and do Tabarra against his enemies, whoever they may<br />

be.<br />

Until the matter reaches Ali b. AbiTalib (a.s.) when<br />

they say – you have Wilayat of his friends but don’t do<br />

Tabarra against his enemies, rather (you claim) we love<br />

them!<br />

And how is it permitted for them to claim thus<br />

when the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) has said regarding Ali<br />

(a.s.) – ‘O Allah love him who loves Ali (a.s.) and take as<br />

an enemy who takes Ali as an enemy and help him<br />

who helps him and abandon him who abandons him.’<br />

Then do you see them – they do not take as enemy<br />

the enemy of Ali (a.s.), nor they abandon them (those<br />

who have abandoned Ali a.s.)?<br />

This is not justice!<br />

Another (injustice) is that when the virtues, with<br />

which Allah has distinguished Ali (a.s.) with the prayers<br />

of the Prophet (s.a.w.a.) and his nobility near Allah the<br />

Almighty, are mentioned they deny it. But whatever is<br />

mentioned for the companions of the Prophet<br />

(s.a.w.a.), they accept it. What is it that has made them<br />

reject it for Ali (a.s.) and attribute it to the other<br />

companions of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.)?<br />

(Tafseer Imam Hasan Askari (a.s.), p. 562; Al-Ehtejaaj, vol. 2, p. 330;<br />

Behaar al-Anwaar, vol. 21 p. 239 narrating from Tafseer al-Ayyaashi<br />

under the verse of Surah Taubah (9): Verse 118)<br />

It is evident from this and many other reports that<br />

Muslims do not have any way out but to do Tabarra<br />

against the enemies of Ameerul Momineen (a.s.),<br />

regardless of the status and respect of the enemies. If<br />

these enemies include the companions and wives and<br />

are revered by certain sections of Muslims so be it.<br />

Doesn’t Allah order in the Holy Quran<br />

‘It is not (fit) for the Prophet and those who<br />

believe that they should ask forgiveness for<br />

the polytheists, even though they should be<br />

near relatives, after it has become clear to<br />

them that they are inmates of the flaming<br />

fire…. but when it became clear to him that<br />

he was an enemy of Allah, he declared himself<br />

to be clear of him…’<br />

(Surah Taubah (9): Verses 113 and 114)<br />

If even one’s nearest relatives are not to be spared,<br />

where is the question of respecting the enemies of Ali<br />

b. Abi Talib (a.s.) or as outrageously suggested to even<br />

love them?<br />

Continued from page 25<br />

r<br />

r<br />

r<br />

r<br />

contains more sodium, which will trigger more<br />

thirst.<br />

Don’t drink large amounts of water at iftaar time.<br />

Take sips at iftaar then a glass of water after<br />

every 1-2 hours gap.<br />

Consume more of whole carbohydrates like<br />

whole cereals, good quality protein like chicken,<br />

fish, eggs or pulse & cereal combination and<br />

whole vegetables and fruits for fibre, vitamins<br />

and minerals.<br />

Avoid Exercising immediately after iftaar. Exercise<br />

after 2 hours of eating.<br />

Remember Fasting is about controlling your<br />

temptations.<br />

29


JAFARI OBSERVER • July 2015<br />

Your Questions Answered<br />

Answers by Allama Sayyed Mohammad Moosawi Saheb<br />

Q. What if a person were to travel three or four<br />

times a week during the year, not because his<br />

job demands travelling, but for other purposes<br />

like sight-seeing and tourism or for treating a<br />

patient, visiting the shrines of the Imams (a.s.),<br />

etc. What is the ruling on his prayers?<br />

A. He should perform complete prayers and<br />

observe the fasts, since given his situation he is<br />

considered a frequent traveller according to<br />

convention. If he were to travel twice a week<br />

and stay five days in his hometown [then it is<br />

obligatory for him to offer both the short (qasr)<br />

and the complete (prayers); and, in the month<br />

of Ramazan, to combine observance of the fasts<br />

in it (Ramazan) and their qaza after it].<br />

Q. Can one swim during the fasting of month of<br />

Ramazan wearing a plastic cap?<br />

A. Yes. Fasting will not be invalidated.<br />

Q. Can a Muslim forgo fasting in the month of<br />

Ramazan if the nature of work entails<br />

hardship?<br />

A. The Muslim who cannot work if he observes<br />

fasting should abstain from working. He may<br />

take a loan, if need arises, but he is not<br />

permitted to forego fasting in the month of<br />

Ramazan.<br />

Q. I cannot concentrate in my studies if I were to<br />

fast in the month of Ramazan. My final exams<br />

are near. Can I keep Qaza for the Ramazan<br />

fasts later on?<br />

A. The fasts of the month of Ramazan are wajib<br />

(obligatory) and the reason you have mentioned<br />

cannot justify your not fasting. Your fears are<br />

baseless. If you obey Allah Ta’ala, He will help<br />

you in your studies.<br />

Q. What should a person do who had deliberately<br />

not kept fast for 3 months of Ramazan?<br />

A. The person will have to give Kaffara (expiation)<br />

for every day of the month of Ramazan fasting<br />

which he has deliberately not observed. The<br />

expiation for one day is either to set free a<br />

slave, feed sixty poor people or fast for 60 days,<br />

of which 31 days must be fasted consecutively.<br />

The person will also have to keep one day’s fast<br />

as Qaza for each day of the Ramazan fast.<br />

As a precaution, the Qaza of the fasting of<br />

Ramazan should not be delayed upto the next<br />

Ramazan. If one has to fast the Qaza for two or<br />

more complete Ramazan, a fidyah (ransom) will<br />

be incumbent on him for each day of the<br />

Ramazan month of the year or years before the<br />

last Ramazan. The fidyah is three quarters of a<br />

kilogram of food or a kilogram & a half for each<br />

day.<br />

Q. Is it Wajib (obligatory) for a person, to pay for<br />

the Kaffara of the fasting before embarking for<br />

the Hajj?<br />

A. If the person has sincere intentions of keeping<br />

fasts as Kaffara for the Ramazan & other fasting,<br />

he can proceed for Hajj. But if he has intention<br />

of feeding the poor as Kaffara, it will be Wajib<br />

(obligatory) for him to fulfill the Kaffara first,<br />

which is similar to a debt on the person, before<br />

embarking for the Hajj.<br />

Q. A person can either give Kaffara or go for Hajj.<br />

Can he proceed for Hajj if the time for Hajj (i.e.<br />

30


July 2015 • JAFARI OBSERVER<br />

from Shawwal onward) has neared, without<br />

paying the Kaffara?<br />

A. The person should pay the Kaffara, irrespective<br />

of the fact that the months for the Hajj rites<br />

have arrived. It will not be proper to proceed<br />

for Hajj without giving the Kaffara.<br />

Q. Which is the time for performing Umra-e-<br />

Mufrada? I am told that if we perform after<br />

the 1st of Shawwal then Hajj is Wajib<br />

(obligatory) for that year. Please clarify this.<br />

A. If you have already performed Hajj, then it will<br />

not be Wajib (obligatory) again on you to<br />

perform Hajj. But if you have never performed<br />

Hajj, and you performed Umrah in Shawwal,<br />

then this means that you can perform Hajj also.<br />

This makes Hajj Wajib (obligatory) on those<br />

who did not perform Hajj before.<br />

Q. A lady wishes to know that while performing<br />

Namaz, is it permissible to prostrate<br />

immediately after Ruku’ without standing up?<br />

A. If one deliberately goes into Sajdah after Ruku’<br />

without standing up, the Namaz will be void. If<br />

it is done unintentionally, it will not affect the<br />

Namaz.<br />

Q. If a Muslim who is fasting on the 30th of<br />

Ramzan comes to know that today is Eid after<br />

Zohr, what should he do?<br />

A. As soon as he comes to know about Eid whether<br />

before Zohr or even before Maghrib, he should<br />

immediately break his fast. The time of Namaze-Eid<br />

is from sunrise up to noon-time. Eid<br />

Namaz cannot be prayed after Zohr. If he comes<br />

to know after Zohr, there is no Namaz-e-Eid for<br />

him. Moreover it is not Wajib (obligatory) in the<br />

Ghaybat of Imam-e-Zaman (a.t.f.s.). Performing<br />

Namaz-e-Eid on the next day is haraam. It is like<br />

praying Namaz-e-Jumah on Saturday.<br />

Q. A person doing taqlid of a Marja who expires<br />

faces a new problem. Can he do taqlid of a live<br />

Marja completely or in that which concerns<br />

new problems?<br />

A. The person has to do taqlid of the Marja who is<br />

alive, concerning new problem.<br />

Q. What is the fate of non-Muslims in aakherat<br />

[hereafter] who love Imam Husain (a.s.)?<br />

A. The primary requirement is to believe in<br />

‘wahdaniyat’ (Unity) of Allah and to accept<br />

Prophet Mohammad (s.a.w.a.) as Allah’s<br />

prophet. Of course Allah is just and any good<br />

done by any one will be compensated by him<br />

either in this world or in the hereafter. May be<br />

he is compensated in this world for his good<br />

action.<br />

Q. Will it amount to backbiting if I discuss the<br />

behaviour of my brother with other members<br />

of the family?<br />

A. Gheebat is that which is disliked by the person<br />

who is being discussed. As long as it does not<br />

amount to “Gheebat”, the discussion will be<br />

permissible.<br />

Continued from page 33<br />

recommended to have a breakfast of dates. Zakat-e-<br />

Fitrah should be paid before Namaz-e-Eid.<br />

The important historical days of this month are:<br />

1. Idd-ul-Fitr, Pisar Saad died<br />

8. Holy Shrines in Jannat-ul-Baqi destroyed by Ibne<br />

Saud in 1343 A.H. (1925 A.D.)<br />

10. Ghaibat (occultation) of Imam Saheb-uz-Zaman<br />

began 328 A.H. (939 A.D.)<br />

15. Martyrdom of Imam Jafar Sadiq (a.s.) 148 A.H.<br />

(765 A.D.) (Mafatih, Behar)<br />

- Wafat of Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.) at the age of 80<br />

years 10 Be’sat (According to Al-Yaqubi, Tarikh-e-<br />

Khamis & Kasir-e-Tawarikh)<br />

20. Imam Musa Kazim (a.s.) was imprisoned by<br />

Khalifa Harun al-Rashid. (Al-Kafi)<br />

25. Martyrdom of Imam Jafar Sadiq (a.s.) 148 A.H.<br />

(765 A.D.) (Al-Mizan, Saazmane Tabligha-e-Islami<br />

and Allama Jawadi)<br />

31


JAFARI OBSERVER • July 2015<br />

To Allah (s.w.t.) belong all months<br />

Mahe Ramazan<br />

The month of Ramazan is the most august of all<br />

months and is very dear to Allah (s.w.t.). The importance<br />

of this month can be gauged with the fact that this is<br />

the only month which has been mentioned in the Holy<br />

Qur’an with its name.<br />

In Surah al-Baqarah, Allah (s.w.t.) says,<br />

“The month of Ramazan is that in which the<br />

Qur’an was revealed...”.<br />

(2:185)<br />

The examplary virtues of this month can’t be<br />

counted. The obedient servants of Almighty Allah<br />

eagerly look forward to its commencement. Do not let<br />

its nights go waste in slumbers its days in careless<br />

omission or loss of remembrance of Allah.<br />

Fasting throughout the month has been made<br />

obligatory. The sawab (reward) of fasting is in the<br />

treasures of Allah (s.w.t.), it is a zakat of the body,<br />

protection against hell and Satan and cause for the<br />

achievement of paradise. There are supplications to be<br />

recited at all times and those on particular days and<br />

nights. Pledging to discard all sinful activities, giving<br />

charities to poor Mo’menin recitation of Durood a<br />

great deal every day and reading the complete Qur’an<br />

are some of the highly recommended activities in this<br />

month.<br />

Common Aamaal (supplications)<br />

of Shab-e-Qadr<br />

As either the 19th or the 21st or the 23rd night of<br />

this month is the ‘Laylatul Qadr’, there are aamaal<br />

which should be done during all the said nights. It is<br />

sunnat (desirable) to have bath on all the three nights.<br />

On Shab-e-Qadr one should perform two Rak’at<br />

namaz in each rakat after the recitation of Surah al-<br />

Hamd, recite Surah Ahad 7 times and after finishing<br />

the namaz to recite 70 times ‘ASTAGHFERULLAAHAA WA<br />

ATOOBO ELAIHE.’<br />

Then to open Qur’an and place it before you and<br />

say: ‘ALLAAHUMMA INNEE ASALOKA BE KETAABEKAL MUNZAL<br />

WA MAA FEEHE WA FEEHIS MOKAL AKBAR WA ASMAAOKAL<br />

HUSNAA WA MAA YOKHAAFO WA YURJAA AN TAJ-A’LANEE MIN<br />

O’TAQA’AEKA MENAN NAAR. WA TAQZEYA HAWAAEJI LID-DUNYA<br />

WAL AAKHERAH.’ (Then invoke Allah to fulfill your<br />

legitimate desires).<br />

Afterwards keep the Holy Qur’an on your head and<br />

say : ‘ALLAAHUMMA BE HAQQE HAAZAL QUR’AN WA BE HAQQE<br />

MAN ARSALTAHU BEHI WA BE HAQQE KULLE MOAMENIN<br />

MADAHTAHU FEEHE WA BE HAQQEKA A’LAYHIM FALAA AHADA<br />

AA’ARAFO BE HAQQEQA MINKA.’<br />

Then say each of the following ten times : BEKA YAA-<br />

ALLAAH, BE MOHAMMAD, BE ALI, BE FAATEMAH, BIL HASAN, BIL<br />

HUSAIN, BE ALI-IBNE-HUSAIN, BE MOHAMMAD-IBNE-ALI, BE<br />

JA’FAR-IBNE MOHAMMAD, BE MOOSAA-IBNE JA’FAR, BE ALI-<br />

IBNE-MOOSAA, BE MOHAMMAD-IBNE ALI, BE ALI-IBNE-<br />

MOHAMMAD, BIL-HASAN-IBNE-ALI, BIL-HUJJATE ALAIHIS<br />

SALAAM. (Then invoke Allah to fulfill your legitimate<br />

desires).<br />

Reciting Ziarat of Imam Husain (a.s.) on all the<br />

three nights is Sunnat-e-Mowakkeda (highly desirable).<br />

It is also highly desirable to remain awake and pray<br />

dua’s and salaats in these nights. One should beseech<br />

Allah (s.w.t.) for mercy and forgiveness for one’s<br />

ownself, parents, relatives, living and dead sisters and<br />

brothers-in-faith.<br />

Once someone asked the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.)<br />

32


July 2015 • JAFARI OBSERVER<br />

what to ask from Allah (s.w.t.) in the ‘night of Qadr’ if<br />

he got a chance. The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) advised<br />

him to beseech Almighty Allah for his deliverance (on<br />

the day of Judgement).<br />

Pray 100 raka’t namaaz like Fajr Namaz in two<br />

Raka’ts. In each rakat, after surah al-Hamd to recite<br />

Surah Ahad and after each two rak’ats to say salaam. If<br />

one’s prayers are in pending (Qaza) it is better to<br />

perform those during these nights.<br />

Aamaal of the night of 19th Ramazan<br />

In addition to above-mentioned common Aamaal<br />

one should also perform the following:<br />

1) To recite 100 times, ‘Astaghferullaha wa atoobo<br />

elaihe.’<br />

2) To recite 100 times: ‘Allaahummal an qatalata<br />

Ameeril Mo’menin.’<br />

Recitation of Surah Ankaboot, Dukhaan and Room<br />

and 100 times surah Qadr, Dua-e-Jawshan-e-Kabir and<br />

Dua-e-Maqaaremul Akhlaaq from Sahife-Kaamelah<br />

have also been highly recommended on the night of<br />

23rd.<br />

For some of the most beneficial Dua’s and<br />

recommended prayers, kindly refer to ‘Mafaatihul<br />

Jinaan.’<br />

The important historical days of this month<br />

are:<br />

1. Khalifa Mamun-al-Rashid appointed Imam Ali<br />

Reza (a.s.) his crown prince. 201 A.H. (Taqwimul-<br />

Mohsenin & Maulana Najmul Hasan)<br />

10. The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) conquered Mecca 8<br />

A.H. (Tarikh-e-Khamis, Vol. 2, p. 92)<br />

- Death of Ummul Mo’menin Sayyeda Khadija (the<br />

first wife of Holy Prophet s.a.w. & the first lady in<br />

Islam) at the age of 65 years (10 Be’sat) The year<br />

was declared by Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) as<br />

Aammul Huzn.<br />

15. Birth of Imam Hasan (a.s.) 3 A.H. (11-3-625 A.D.)<br />

(Unanimous)<br />

17. Battle of Badr was conquered.<br />

19. Imam Ali (a.s.) wounded in the mosque at Kufa,<br />

40 A.H.<br />

20. Mecca was conquered.<br />

21. Martyrdom of Imam Ali (a.s.) 40 A.H. (28-1-661<br />

A.D.) (Unanimous)<br />

23. Shab-e-Qadr, The Holy Qur’an was revealed.<br />

Shawwal<br />

The night preceding Eid is of great sanctity and<br />

profound virtues, and should be spend in prayers; dua,<br />

seeking forgiveness and in wakefulness. Taking ghusl<br />

(bath) at sunset is also recommended.<br />

The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.) said :<br />

“One who offers six raka’t prayer on this night<br />

reciting in each raka’t surah al-Hamd and<br />

Surah Tawhid five times, Allah (s.w.t.) will<br />

pardon his sins.”<br />

Recite the following Takbeeraat at the end of<br />

Maghrib and Isha prayers and also on Eid day after Fajr<br />

and Eid prayers :<br />

‘ALLAHO AKBAR ALLAHO AKBAR LAA ELAAHAA<br />

ILLALLAAHO WALLAAHO AKBAR WA LILLAAHIL HAMD<br />

ALHAMDO LILLAAHE A’LAA MAA HADAANAA WA<br />

LAHUSH SHUKRO A’LAA MAA AWLAANAA.’<br />

After maghrib prayers and its ‘Naafelah’ raise your<br />

hands towards sky and say :<br />

‘YA ZAL MANNE WAT TAWLE YA ZAL JUDE YA<br />

MUSTAFEYA MOHAMMADIN WA NAASERAHU SALLE<br />

A’LAA MOHAMMADIN WA AALE MOHAMMADIN WAGH-<br />

FIR LEE KULLA ZANBIN AHSAYTAHU WA HOWA INDAKA<br />

FEE KITAABIN MUBEEN.’<br />

Then prostrate and say 100 times in Sajdah,<br />

‘Atoobo Elallaah.’<br />

Then invoke Allah (s.w.t.) to fulfil your legitimate<br />

desires.<br />

Eid day : Ghusl on Eid day is sunnat. Fasting on this<br />

day is haraam. Before offering Eid Namaz it is<br />

Continued on page 31<br />

33


JAFARI OBSERVER • July 2015<br />

News – Happenings<br />

Ayatollah Hajj Sheikh Mehdi Asefi Passed<br />

Away<br />

Ahlul Bayt News Agency - “Ayatollah Hajj Sheikh<br />

Mehdi Asefi”, a member of the Supreme Council of the<br />

Ahlulbayt (a.s.) World Assembly and a representative<br />

of Iran’s supreme leader in Iraq, died today on age 78<br />

after suffering various diseases.<br />

The statement of his office is as follows:<br />

“It is with great sadness that we announce the<br />

death of longtime companion of Ayatollah Khomeini<br />

and representative of Iran’s supreme leader in Iraq,<br />

Ayatollah Hajj Sheikh Mehdi Asefi, to the Iranian<br />

nation, especially the scholars and seminaries of the<br />

Islamic world.”<br />

His funeral ceremony will be held tomorrow (June<br />

5, 2015) in Qom and after that his body will be<br />

transferred to Najaf for burial.<br />

Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi: People should not<br />

be divided over nuclear talks, parliamentary<br />

elections<br />

Senior cleric Ayatollah Nasser Makarem Shirazi<br />

said on Wednesday that discord is a fatal poison and<br />

advised people to be watchful that the ongoing nuclear<br />

talks or even parliamentary elections would divide<br />

them.<br />

Addressing a group of clerics in Qom, he said<br />

discord under such sensitive circumstances will be<br />

regarded as a fatal poison in dealing with avarice<br />

polices of the enemies who wish to collapse nuclear<br />

deal between Iran and the west.<br />

Our enemies bring many new excuses even after<br />

clinching the final nuclear deal, he said and expressed<br />

the hope that the Iranian nation to take advantage of<br />

holy month of Ramadan to purify themselves.<br />

‘We are in dire need of unity more than ever,’ he<br />

said adding that it will be naive to assume that after<br />

final agreement in nuclear talks the avarice and<br />

bullying western states to leave us alone as they will<br />

put the issue of human rights on the table.<br />

‘As long as Iran has not given in and has not<br />

recognized the Zionist regime, the enemies will never<br />

leave us alone,’ he warned.<br />

The enemies never lets a powerful and independent<br />

Iran stand against them in the Middle East region as<br />

our independency and government bother them, he<br />

said.<br />

The Americans have recently advised the Iraqi<br />

government not to allow Jihadi people to take part in<br />

the war on ISIL in a bid to prepare grounds for the<br />

defeat of Iraqi army and disintegration of the country,<br />

Ayatollah Makarem said.<br />

{<br />

Ibn Abbas said: I asked the Prophet (s.a.w.a.) about the words by which Adam’s prayers were<br />

accepted when he repented.<br />

The Prophet (s.a.w.a.) replied: Adam (a.s.) asked Allah to accept his repentance by the<br />

rightfulness of Muhammad, Ali, Fatima, Hasan and Husain!<br />

(Al-Khesaal, chap. 5, trad. 8)<br />

34

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