What did the Prophet (saws) prostrate upon?

Read the Article here

My very first article, and insha'allah, the beginning  to many more articles, authored by me, and some even edited or translated, of-course, by the will of Allah...

Women in Glance - Wording of Imam Ali (as) Part 5

At other times they had been thought of as being nothing more than a 
mere slave; in other instances, they were considered as the superior sex 
and the concept of ‘female domination’ of society was brought forth as 
the ideal notion! In regards to each of these views, it can be said that all 
of these extreme interpretations have had immense repercussions on 
one another. 
In today’s society, especially in the Western societies, or those who 
emulate “The West” and claim to follow democracy, we see the same 
sorts of discussions in regards to women. 
During election times, politicians realized that they needed to gain the 
vote of the women, as men and women tend to vote in similar patterns; 
in addition, the capitalist system heavily required that women enter the 
workplace - especially considering the fact that most often, women are 
paid less than men and are given less opportunities than men to excel in 
the work environment. As well, the entire system of marketing and 
advertising which makes up a large part of the political and economic 
propaganda also requires the use of women [to market and sell their 
products]. 
It is due to all of these reasons that in their speeches, various nations 
continuously “defend” women’s rights and do their utmost to elevate 
the character of women; however in their practical actions, we don’t see 
any attempt in sincerely and honestly working to elevate their honour 
and status; thus the women of today have been caught up in many levels 
of frustration and disappointment – the same things which they were 
also deprived of in the past. 
This same thing can also be seen when you wade through the religious 
texts in which some groups maintained women’s rights as merely 
slogans to promote and defended them due to some act of pretension;
______________________________________________________________
The Wicked Woman - Part 7: “For from garments cometh a moth, and from 
women wickedness. Better is the churlishness of a man than a courteous 
woman, a woman, I say, which bringeth shame and reproach.” (Eccles. 42:13-14) 


they interpreted the religious texts in such a way as to paint a picture 
that a majority of the women would relate to and would – albeit in a 
dishonest way – show the women as having some predisposition [which 
they do not possess].

The sermon narrated above and other similar limited statements which 
are contained in Nahjul Balagha have not remained un-touched from 
being discussed and commented upon. 
Sometimes, the chain of narrators (sanad) has been called into question, 
and sometimes the explanation of the text has been discussed such that 
the smallest amount of filth of weakness can be attributed to women. 
Another one of the plots has been to go to an extreme (in discussing 
this sermon) such that some state that women in general are the 
complete totality of deficiencies and incompetency!
However, in the midst of this discussion, there are two things which we 
cannot deny – the first is that this sermon was delivered after The Battle 
of Jamal and we know that the person who was at the center of that war 
was the wife of the Noble Prophet - Àyesha who had been 
encouraged by two companions of the Prophet - namely Talhaa and 
Zubayr and in an unprecedented move entered the battlefield, resulting 
in the spilling of the blood of many innocent and uninformed 
individuals. Some scholars state that the number of people killed in this 
one battle exceeded 17,000! 
Indeed it is true that after the army of Àyesha , ÓalÎa and Zubayr lost 
the war, this wife of the Prophet expressed her remorse (at what she had 
done), and that the Commander of the Faithful Ali , simply due to 
the respect [which he had for] the Prophet  honorably returned her 
back to Madina, however the ill-effects which this war left on the 
Muslim society will remain forever in the annals of history.

Ayatollah Tabrizi's secret to Ayatollah Isfahani

Ayatollah Muhammad Husain Isfahani known as Kompani was an outstanding Muslim Jurist and philosopher of his time.  In a letter to Ayatollah Tabrizi - known as ‘The Beauty of Wayfarers’ - he requested him to write a practical prescription for his spiritual perfection.
I quote parts of the prescription from my teacher Ayatollah Hasan-Zadeh (pictured) who quoted it from his teacher Allamah Tabatabaei:

“ … The beneficial way in knowing the self is to endeavour in reducing your animality by the following disciplines: 
1. Reducing your meals in that you don’t have more than two meals a day and not to have meat more than two or three times in a week. 
2. Reducing your sleeping hours in that you don’t sleep more than six hours. 
3. Endeavour in safeguarding your tongue and abstaining from heedless people. These three will be very helpful in reducing the animality of man.

As for accelerating and reinforcing your spirituality:
1. Have permanent grief of the heart (not facial) in fear of not reaching your destination.
2. Dhikr (remembrance of Allah) and Fikr (to think and ponder) as these two are the wings of flying to the heaven of knowledge. As for the Dhikr, the Dhikr of Yunusiyah (Laa Elaaha Ellaa Ant Sobhanaka Enni Konto Mena dhalemin) in the morning and at night is very much experienced and brings about many blessings. The minimum times of reciting it is 400 times. As for the Fikr for a beginner the best is to ponder upon death.”

Ayatollah Hasan-Zadeh, 1001 Words, Word 301

Umar's marriage to Umm-e-Kulthum (sa), true or fabricated?

Such topics in our history have come and then gone by, have left some bones of ethnicity to mysteries and have certainly bamboozled the mind. Whether it's the Wilayat of Ali, or the eating of the peacock, everyone struggles to answer the regurgitating issue of Umer Ibn Al Khattab's marriage to Umme Kulthum (daughter of Imam Ali).

There is one thing which is absolutely certain, whatever a Ma'sum does, is not by his desires, but of Allah's! Just as the Aya'ah states: وَمَا يَنطِقُ عَنِ ٱلۡهَوَىٰٓ (٣) إِنۡ هُوَ إِلَّا وَحۡىٌ۬ يُوحَىٰ (٤

Nor doth he speak of (his own) desire. (3) It is naught save an inspiration that is inspired, (4)

Inspired by who? Allah! It's Allah whom tells every Ma'sum and Prophet, to do that, reveal this, kill him, and not him etc... It's Allah's choice, so verily, even if some of the Shias sitting here believing upon the fact that Umer actually did marry Umme Kulthum, should also believe that Allah appointed to Imam Ali (as) to marry his daughter to Umer. 

Translation (answer): This is what it says in our books

Now what Ayatullah Al-Khoe'i is telling me here that he will read and believe anything from the books, he wont relate this to authentic Saheeh features of history, and not compare Islamic backgrounds, issues and studies. Because you know what, my first evidence against this marriage, and especially Ayatullah Al-Khoe'i is a highly famous ahadith from Prophet Muhammed (saws).

Narrated from Imam Ali (as) and his elder brother Ja'far-e-Tayyar, that Rasool-ul-Allah (saws) looked upon us and our children, and proclaimed: Our sons are for our daughters, and our daughters are for our sons.

• (Man Laa Yahdharal-Faqih of Shaikh-Al Sadooq some Hadith number 4000)

Now I want to ask Ayatullah Al-Khoe'i, one question before I consider this with deep insight, really, did the Prophet say to Umer, or in any bloodline relationship  was Umer really ever a part or a family of the Prophet (saws)? Does Umer come within the category of OUR sons and OUR daughters? Does Umer in the mystic sense be a believer? Yes! Umer isn't a believer, and probably an infidel to several ahadith, why would Imam Ali (as) marry his daughter to an infidel? Umer isn't related to the Prophet in any way whatsoever! Even the Sunni brothers say that, an original statement from Mufti Ghulam rasool Ahmed: 

Hazrat Umer isn't related to the Prophet (saws), or Ali or any other person from the AhlulBayt (as) although is a companion. 

There are immaculate amount of questions to be asked and answered, some are straight forward and simple, that really, it's impossible to disagree with them... 

Nonetheless, Umer is the killer of Sayeda Fatima Zahra (sa), and let's just refer to an ahadith here shall we of Prophet Muhammed (saws):

Fatima is with me and I'm with Fatima, whosoever hurt Fatima hurt me!

Fatima was killed by Umer, was Ali such an Imam, such a man, to not agree with Allah and Rasool, to come upon Umer with an opinion of hate and disgust? If Ali gave his daughter in the hands of Umer, then certainly, the person whom upon Allah's not happy, shouldn't also be happy with Imam Ali (as), as he married his daughter into the hands of the infidel! 

Ground breaking Evidence

Nahjul-Balagha is such a book of eloquence, which we can't deny, as it's been commentated by 22 great Alims, 11 aside from both Shia sect and Sunni sect, and every single person, has commented it authentic! On page 22 of Nahjul-Balagha printed from Ansariyan publications, Iran, Shohada street Qum. It says:

This is Nahjul-Balagha quoting, not me, and not any other book whatsoever. 

The names of these 4 children were Hassan, Hosayn, Zaynab (wife of Abdillah bn-Jafar) and Ommi Kolthoom (wife of Obaydillah bn-Jafar).

This is clear proof that Ali can not marry his daughter to Umer, nonetheless, those anxious and waiting for more proof, should be a bit patience, as I' preparing to bring out many more works of great Scholars, from both sect, giving their views on this marriage, for now,

Allah knows best!

3 - in the Ahadith

Prophet Muhammed (saws) said to Ali (as):

O Ali, three categories (of people) are the guests of God: they are a man who visits his faithful brother for God’s sake. This man is certainly God’s guest, and it is incumbent upon God to honor His guests and satisfy their needs. The second is a man who offers a prayer and immediately offers another. He is surely God’s guest and it is incumbent upon God to honor His guest. The hajji and the performer of umrah are the delegations to God, and it is incumbent upon God to honor His delegations.

• (Tuhaful-Uqool)

To all those who hate Shias, series of answers and questions...

To all those who hate Shias - amazing answers [must watch part 1]

To all those who hate Shias - amazing answers [must watch part 2]

To all those who hate Shias - amazing answers [must watch part 3]

To all those who hate Shias - amazing answers [must watch part 4]

Above are some answers, to questions and misconceptions about Shia faith, as well as the fact that why Imam Ali (as) is the only true Caliph after thee Prophet, replies to Tahir ul-Qadri, and many more Sunni Alims.

Insha'allah, further parts and answers will be given too...

Women in Glance - Wording of Imam Ali (as) Part 4

Imam Ali (as) wished to speak of her and her actions in an indirect
manner to open the eyes of the people and therefore, the method which
he chose was to explain the religious rulings (ahkam-Shahr'i) which are
specific to women and the rulings highlighted the “limitations” and
“restrictions” in the rights and privileges of women and men and to
show us that they are not equal (in all areas of life – and that this too is
for a reason). Through this, he wanted to show the people that Àyesha
is the same as other women in these certain issues and to make them
question themselves as to why they should have followed her and
listened to her advice (over that of Allah i and the Noble Prophet. (1)

1
 Written by the Translator


The sermon at a glance 

As it has been mentioned in the discussion concerning the transmission
of this sermon (as seen below), Imam Ali delivered this sermon
after The Battle of the Camel (Al-Jamal) which took place in Basrah
(Iraq) in the year 656 CE/35 AH and the subsequent defeat of the army of
Àyesha b. Abi Bakr.
In this sermon, he reproaches women, and of course the meaning of
him ‘reproaching women’ are only those types of women who had
launched (such calculated) attacks - those who were responsible for
instigating The Battle of the Camel. Imam Ali referred to such
women as having a “deficiency” and it was because of this shortcoming
that they engaged in such detrimental activities. Therefore, he
reprimanded them and warned the believers to steer clear of their
inductions.
Arabic text of the sermon
مَعَاشِرَ النَّاسِ، إِنَّ النِّسَاءَ نَوَاقِصُ الْإِيمَانِ، نَوَاقِصُ الْحُظُوظِ، نَوَاقِصُ الْعُقُولِ: فَأَمَّا نُقْصَانُ إِيمَانِهِنَّ فَقُعُودُهُنَّ عَنِ الصَّلاةِ وَالصِّيَامِ فِي أَيَّامِ حَيْضِهِنَّ، وَأَمَّا نُقْصَانُ عُقُولِهِنَّ فَشَهَادَةُ امْرَأَتَيْنِ مِنْهُنّ كَشَهَادَةِ الرَّجُلِ الْوَاحِدِ، وَأَمَّا نُقْصَانُ حُظُوظِهِنَّ فَمَوَارِيثُهُنَّ عَلَى الْإِنْصَافِ مِنْ مَوارِيثِ الرِّجَالِ; فَاتَّقُوا شِرَارَ النِّسَاءِ، وَكُونُوا مِنْ خِيَارِهِنَّ عَلَى حَذَرٍ، وَلاَتُطِيعُوهُنَّ فِي المَعْرُوفِ حَتَّى لاَ يَطْمَعْنَ فِي المُنكَرِ.

O’ people! Women are ‘deficient’ in faith, ‘deficient’ in shares, 

and ‘deficient’ in intelligence. In regards to the ‘deficiency’ in 

their faith, it is their abstention from prayers and fasting 

during their menstrual period. In regards to their ‘deficiency’ 

in their intelligence, it is because the evidence of two women is 

equal to that of one man. As for the ‘deficiency’ of their shares, 

it is because of their share of inheritance being half that of 

men. So beware of the evils of women. Be on your guard even 

from those of them who are (reportedly) good. Do not obey 

them even in good things, so that they may not attract you to 

evils things. 

The Transmission of this Sermon 

It is documented that this sermon is a portion of a letter which Imam 
Ali wrote after Umro Às took over the reins of the rule of Egypt 
after the martyrdom of Muhammad b. Abi Bakr. In that letter, the 
Imam related the painful events which transpired after the passing 
away of the Noble Prophet. The Imam ordered that his letter be 
read publicly so that the masses would know what transpired and so 
that the satanic whispers which were prevalent in the community at that 
time would not impact the people. 
It is not improbable to believe that the Imam spoke the words in 
this sermon [which we will be reviewing] more than once - the first time 
being after The Battle of Jamal – the war in which Àyesha played the 
principle role as one of the leaders in that major act of sedition; and 
that he repeated his words in another lengthy letter which he wrote.

Ibn al-Jawzi has stated: 
The scholars of biography (sirah) have related that when Ali, 
peace be upon him, had concluded The Battle of Jamal, he 
ascended the pulpit in Basrah (Iraq) and delivered this sermon. In reality, his words point to the instigation for The Battle of Jamal and the misdeeds of Àyesha. (2)
As for those who have narrated this sermon before Sayyid al-Razi the 
list includes Abu Talib al-Makki in his book, Quwwatul Qulub; the late 
Shaykh al-Kulayni in volume five of Furu al-Kafi; Ibrahim b. Hilal al Thaqafi in his book al-Gharat; Ibne Qutyabah in his book al-Imamah 
wal Siyasah; and al-Tabari in his book al-Mustarshid (with some 
variations) – this list of references has been derived from Masadir 
Nahjul Balagha, vol. 2, pg. 86.

Amongst the commentators on the text of Nahjul Balagha – specifically 

the contemporary writers – much has been said in regards to the 

explanation of this sermon, and it is for this reason that we begin with 

the following introduction to ensure that the discussions in regards to 

this sermon are made clear. 

During the course of history, the character of the woman has gone 
through much discussion and many extreme things have been stated as 
pass judgement on women. Sometimes their status as a human being 
has been diminished, and at other times, their very nature of being 
considered a human being has been called into doubt! (3)
___________________________________________________________

2 - Note that what Ibn al-Jawzi has stated and that which Sayyid al-RaÐi have 

stated in regards to the delivery of this sermon differ from one another. 

3 - Refer to the following passes of the Old and New Testament (Bible) - [added 

by the translator]: 

Burn The Daughter: “And the daughter of any priest, if she profane herself by 

playing the whore, she profaneth her father: she shall be burnt with fire.” 

(Leviticus 21:9) 

Cut Off Her Hand: “When men strive together one with another and the wife 

of the one draweth near for to deliver her husband out of the hand of him that smiteth him, and putteth forth her hand, and taketh him by the secrets: then 
thou shalt cut off her hand, thine eye shall not pity her.” (Deuteronomy 25:11-
12) 
Female Births Get Penalty: “Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, If a 
woman have conceived seed, and born a man child: then she shall be unclean 
seven days; according to the days of the separation for her infirmity shall she 
be unclean.” (Leviticus 12:2) … “But if she bear a maid (female) child, then she 
shall be unclean two weeks, as in her separation: and she shall continue in the 
blood of her purifying threescore and six days.” (Leviticus 12:5) 
Female Inferiority: “But I would have you know, that the head of every man is 
Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.” 
(I Corinthians 11:3) 
Female Inferiority: “For the man is not of the woman; but the woman of the 
man. Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the 
man.” (I Corinthians 11:8-9) 
Jesus Will Kill Children: “Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and they that 
commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their 
deeds. And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know 
that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every 
one of you according to your works.” (Revelation 2:22-23) 
Kill The Witches: “Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live. Whoever lieth with a 
beast shall surely be put to death. He that sacrificeth unto any god, save to the 
LORD only, he shall be utterly destroyed.” (Exodus 22:18-20) 
Rape My Daughter: “Behold, here is my daughter a maiden, and his 
concubine; them I will bring out now, and humble ye them, and do with them 
what seemeth good unto you: but unto this man do not so vile a thing. But the 
men would not hearken to him: so the man took his concubine, and brought 
her forth unto them; and they knew her, and abused her all the night until the 
morning: and when the day began to spring, they let her go.” (Judges 19:24-25) 
Silence The Woman: “Let the women learn in silence with all subjection. But 
I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be 
in silence. For Adam was first formed, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, 
but the woman being deceived was in the transgression.” (I Timothy 2:11-14) 
Stone The Woman: “If a man be found lying with a woman married to a 
husband, and a man find her in the city, and lie with her;” (Deuteronomy 
22:22) Stone The Woman: “Then ye shall bring them both out unto the gate of that 
city, and ye shall stone them with stones that they die; the damsel, because she 
cried not, being in the city; and the man, because he hath humbled his 
neighbour’s wife: so thou shalt put away evil from among you.” (Deuteronomy 
22:24) 
Wives, Submit Yourselves: “Wives, submit yourselves unto your own 
husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as 
Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. Therefore as 
the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in 
everything.” (Ephesians 5:22-24) 
Women Shall Not Speak: “Let your women keep silence in the churches: for 
it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under 
obedience, as also saith the law. And if they will learn anything, let them ask 
their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.” (I 
Corinthians 14:34-35) 
Women’s Sorrow: “Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow 
and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire 
shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee.” (Genesis 3:16) 
Rip Up Pregnant Women: “Samaria shall become desolate; for she hath 
rebelled against her God: they shall fall by the sword: their infants shall be 
dashed in pieces, and their women with child shall be ripped up.” (Hosea 13:16) 
The Wicked Woman - Part 1: “Give me any plague, but the plague of the 
heart: and any wickedness, but the wickedness of a woman.” (Eccles. 25:13) 
The Wicked Woman - Part 2: “Of the woman came the beginning of sin, and 
through her we all die.” (Eccles. 25:22) 
The Wicked Woman - Part 3: “If she go not as thou wouldest have her, cut 
her off from thy flesh, and give her a bill of divorce, and let her go.” (Eccles. 25: 
26) 
The Wicked Woman - Part 4: “The whoredom of a woman may be known in 
her haughty looks and eyelids. If thy daughter be shameless, keep her in 
straitly, lest she abuse herself through overmuch liberty.” (Eccles. 26:9-10) 
The Wicked Woman - Part 5: “A silent and loving woman is a gift of the 
Lord: and there is nothing so much worth as a mind well instructed. A 
shamefaced and faithful woman is a double grace, and her continent mind 
cannot be valued.” (Eccles. 26:14-15) 
The Wicked Woman - Part 6: “A shameless woman shall be counted as a dog; 
but she that is shamefaced will fear the Lord.” (Eccles.26:25)

Etiquette of Joking, Laughing, Whispering, Sitting in a Company and of Keeping the Sanctity of a Gathering:

(Tehzeeb-ul-Islam, Allama Majlisi's book)

According to a tradition coming from Imam Mohammed Baqir (a.s.), one
should not whisper when there are only three people gathered, as it is
bound to hurt the third person present.
According to the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.), when a person ignores and
cuts short the talk of a fellow-momin, it is like scratching the face of the
fellow-momin.
Many traditions have stated that when one sits with someone, or in
some gathering, then one should not disclose the talk which had taken
place in their company before others, unless one has taken their prior
permission.
According to the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.), one should keep the sanctity
of all meetings and gatherings except when murder, rape or loot were
committed.
Imam Ja'far-e-Sadiq (a.s.) states that there is no momin who is not used
to humour and is also well-behaved.
According to Imam Mohammed Baqir (a.s.), a person who enlivens
the mood of a company, is considered a friend by the Almighty God,
provided he is not using bad language for the purpose.
According to Imam Ja'far-e-Sadiq (a.s.), a momin only laughs with a
smile, not with a loud sound.
In another tradition he (a.s.) has stated that laughing loudly makes a
coward of a man and wastes faith in the same manner as salt melts in
water; and that laughing without any purpose is ignorance.
Yet in another tradition, laughing a lot has been prohibited as it spoils
the youthfulness of one's looks.
He (a.s.) has also stated that you can only joke with those you are intimate
with, but you should never use your hands and feet (i.e. no practical
jokes should be done).
A reliable tradition states that when one roars with laughter, one is
submitting oneself to shaitan and a lot of laughing robs one of one's look
of freshness.
Hazrat Ali (a.s.) has stated that one should not make fun of others as it
is understood to be a low type of abuse and it creates more improper
feelings in the other's heart.
A reliable tradition from Imam Moosa Kazim (a.s.) states that joking a
lot makes one lose the light of faith and lessens generosity and
manliness.
In another tradition it is stated that Prophet Yahya (a.s.) used to cry
only - he never smiled. Whereas Prophet Esa (Jesus) (a.s.) used to cry and
laugh as well. In another tradition it is related that Hazrat Dawood (a.s.)
asked his son Hazrat Sulaiman (a.s.) that he should not laugh a lot, for a
lot of laughing makes a man poor on the Day of Judgement.
The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) has stated that for a person aware of hell it
is very difficult to laugh.
According to Imam Ja'far-e-Sadiq (a.s.), people who laugh a lot, just to
while their time or on account of corruption, will have to cry a lot on the
Day of Judgement. There are a few people who cry over their sins and
they will laugh a lot.
All these traditions emphasize that a momin should not always make a
face and be reserved with everyone; on the contrary, a momin should be
broad minded, well-mannered and laugh a little, but he should not laugh
a lot and make fun of others and it is a sigh of a low and degraded
person.

…Because I entered into Paradise…

ʿAbdullah b. ʿAwf has narrated that, “One night, I saw in my
sleep that the Day of Resurrection was taking place and all people
were lined up and being kept in a single file. I too was brought into
the line up and my actions were then taking account of after which
I was lead into paradise. When I entered into paradise, large and
beautified mansions were presented to me and it was said to me to
count the number of doors of the castle. When I began to count the
number of doors, I enumerated fifty. I was then told to count the
number of houses and when I counted them I saw that there were
155 homes. I was then told that all of this was for me! I awoke from
my dream, elated and went to Muḥammad b. Sirīn – a person who
had complete skills in the interpretation of dreams and explained
my dream to him. He said to me, ‘Is it true that you recite Āyatul
Kursī frequently?’ I replied, ‘Yes it is – how do you know?’ He said
to me, ‘I realized this as Āyatul Kursī has fifty words and 155 letters.’ He then said to me, ‘O ʿAbdullāh! Whosoever recites Āyatul
Kursī frequently will find the pangs of death (Sakaratul mawt)
will be made easy for him.’”

Allah Shall Not Exhibit Mercy Upon Them!

قَالَ رَسُولُ اللٌّهِ )ص): أَرْبَعَةٌ لاَ يَنْظُرُ اللٌّهُ إِلَيْهِمْ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ عَاقٌّ وَ مَنَّانٌ وَ مُكَذِّبٌ بِالْقَدَرِ وَ مُدْمِنُ خَمْرٍ.

The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him and his family) has stated: “On the Day of Judgment there shall be four groups of people upon whom Allah shall not cast His look of mercy: those who have been disowned by their parents, those who place obligations upon others after doing good to them, those who reject the concept of fate and destiny and the one who consumes intoxicants.”

Biharul Anwar, Volume 74, Page 71

Lesson 1; Death part 2 of 5

Death (Maut)

Scholars differ regarding the explanation of death. Some call it a continuous phenomenon (Amre Wujoodi, not the end of life), while others opine that it is terminal one (Amre Adami, the end of life). But the generally excepted fact is that it is purely a bodily affair. Regarding death it is said that, “It is a continuous process and the vice versa to life”. The Holy Qur'an says: “Blessed is He in whose hand is the kingdom (of the heavens and the earth), and He has power over all things, Who created death and life that He may try you, (to prove) which of you is best in deeds”. (Surah-al-Mulk: 1-2) The above verse (Ayah) refers to the purpose of the creation of life and death. Non existence is not the essence of creation. If death had been an ending process, the word “Khalq” (Creation) would not have been used. Death in reality is the divorce of the spirit (rooh) from the body, and can be illustrated by many examples. It can be compared to a sailor estranged from his wrecked ship. The spirit is a light which illuminates the dark body and its components derive benefit from it. Whereas death is the estranger of this light from the body, leaving it again in darkness. It is not true that the spirit enters the body, because it is free of enter and exit. It shares a limited relation with the body, after which it leaves the body for immortality. In short, the detachment of the spirit (Rooh) from the body is called death (Maut). It is incumbent upon us to believe that death is a phenomenon solely governed by the will and command of Almighty Allah only, and He maintains the relation of the spirit to the body from the mother's womb till the end. He is the Creator (Khaliq) of all things, and the Giver of life and death. The Holy Qu'ran says: “Allah takes the spirits (Rooh) at the time of their death” (Surah-az-Zumar : 42). Some ignorant people are of the opinion that the Angel of death (Izraeel) is an evil demon and an enemy who estranges us from our children and orphans them. But the reality is that he acts in accordance to the command of Allah only and has no personal options.

 

Seperation of the Spirit (Rooh) from the body :

It is narrated in the tradition of Me'raj that a plank is placed in front of Izraeel, on which names of all creatures are written. When Allah wills death of any one of His creatures, the name on the plank disappears, and Izraeel does the needful. It is possible that at one time death of more than one creature may be ordained. Just as many candles can be extinguished in a single puff, more than one spirit can be removed together. Surely Allah is the giver of death as stated in the Qur'an, “Say (O Prophet) the Angel of death who is given charge of you shall cause you to die. (Surah-as-Sajdah: 11) In another verse it is stated, “Those whom the Angels cause to die while they are unjust to themselves”. (Surah-an-Nahl: 28)

Izraeel and his comrade Angels have been assigned the job of removing the spirits of creatures. An army which follows the commands of their king and conquers cities, it is said that the said army has conquered the said cities, but in reality it is the result of the king's military tact & warfare. Many examples can be given to prove the above, but the fact is that it is beyond comparison.

As Allah has created this world as a house of causes (Darul Asbab), He has also created a cause for death. Disease, murder, accident etc. are some of it's causes. These act as reasons for the approach of death, if not there are instances of persons who recover even after a serious illness, while some die in a blink of an eye. These causes also do not have an independent option, unless attested by the command and will of the Almighty.

Spirits of some men are removed with ease while some experience severe difficulty. It is narrated in traditions (Ahadees) that during death some people feel as if their body is being cut asunder by scissors, or are being grinned in a mill, while some feel as if smelling the fragrance of a rose. It is stated in the Qur'an: “Those whom the Angels cause to die in a good state, saying - Peace be on you, enter the garden (of Paradise) for what you did”. (Surah-an-Nahl: 32). It is not necessary that the spirits of all believers (Mo'mineen) are removed easily. Even a believer who has done good deeds in his life time experiences difficulty during death. This acts as the punishment for sins he committed for which he is atoned for in this very world. While for a non -believer this difficulty is an extra punishment of Allah followed by the ones to come in the Hereafter. “But how will it be when the Angels cause them to die smiting their backs”. (Surah-al-Mohammad : 27) It is also possible that a non-believer may not experience difficulty during death, this acts as reward for the good deeds he has committed which is compensated in this very world, leaving their scrolls of deed of any reward. In reality death is an unfortunate event for a non-believer even though he dies in comfort, while it is a blessing and felicity for a believer even though he experiences difficulty during it.

 

Love of world:

Hatred towards death and love of the world is the outcome of an ignorant person's mind, who thinks that the happiness of this world is his prosperity and good fortune. The world sated with numerous troubles and anxieties is out to end in misery & does not enjoy eternity, perpetuity and sincerity. A poet has referred to this in the following words - “Do not give your heart to this world, for it's example is of an unfaithful bride who has never loved you, even for a night”. The Holy Qur'an says that the love of this world is one of the characteristics of the disbelievers.” (the disbelievers) are pleased with this world's  life and are content with it”. (Surah -Yunus : 71) In another place it is stated “Are you contended with the life of this world instead of the Hereafter” (Surah-al-Bara'at : 38). For the Jews it is said, “ (Every one of them loves that he should be granted a life of a thousand years” (Surah-al-Baqarah : 96) There are many traditions detesting the love of world. The Holy Prophet (S.A.W.S.) says, “Verily the love of this world is the root-cause of every evil”.

Chastisement in This World

قَالَ رَسُولُ اللٌّهِ )ص): ثَلاَثَةٌ مِنَ الذُّنُوبِ تُعَجَّلُ عُقُوبَتُهَا وَ لاَ تُؤَخَّرُ إِلَى الأَخِرَةِ عُقُوقُ الْوَالِدَيْنِ وَ الْبَغْيُ عَلَى النَّاسِ وَ كُفْرُ الإِِحْسَانِ.

The Messenger of Allah (saws) has stated: “There are three sins, the punishments of which are hastened and not deferred for the hereafter: disownment by one’s parents, committing oppression upon the people, and ingratitude with respect to kindness.”

Biharul Anwar, Volume 74, Page 74

The Grave Sin

عَنْ أَبِي عَبْدِ اللٌّهِ )ع)  قَالَ: أَلذُّنُوبُ الَّتِي تَظْـلُمُ الْهَوَاءَ عُقُوقُ الْوَالِدَينِ. 

Imam as-Sadiq (as) has said: “A sin that darkens the skies is being disowned by one’s parents.”

Biharul Anwar, Volume 74, Page 74

Lesson 1; Death part 1 of 5

THE RETURNING (MA'AD)

Ma'ad is derived from the root word Aud which means to return. Hence. the returning of the spirit (rooh) back to it's body is called Ma'ad. Ma'ad is one of the fundamental principals of Islamic faith and belief in it is incumbent upon all muslims. After death every soul shall arise to see the reward or retribution (as the case may be) of their deeds.

Ma'ad consists of five stages - Death (Maut), Grave (Qabr), Intermediate Stage (Barzakh), Resurrection (Qayamat) and Paradise (Jannat) or hell (jahannam). Ma'ad can not be perceived by the five senses of man, but can be comprehended by reasoning alone. What happens after death? The Holy Prophet (S.A.W.S.) through the medium of Revelation (Wahy) has explained to us in detail regarding it. Man's senses has it's own limitations beyond which it is not possible for him to understand. For example a child in the mother's womb can not perceive the vastness of the outside world. In the same manner, a soul captivated by the influences of matter cannot easily understand the hidden world and it's realities. The knowledge of this unseen world is concealed from man and he can only understand it through the medium of the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.S.) and his Vicegerents, the Holy Aimmah (A.S.). Hence to have a better comprehension of the hereafter, we have to rely totally upon Them, because They are the Inheritors of the knowledge of Allah and His Hidden Wisdom.

 

Is a person's body effected after death?

Many are of the opinion that after death man's body becomes an absolute nothing like a dry wood, hence the question of reckoning in the grave does not arise.Such doubts are the out come of sheer ignorance and lack of belief in the unseen (Ghaib). Speech is the effect of the tongue and movements are impressions of a living body. But the spirit (rooh) is motionless and is hence independent of movements. Whilst dreaming a man's tongue or his lips do not move, and a person awake will bear witness to it. After awakening the person will narrate the discussions he had with people, he will also claim to have travelled far off cities, but his body in reality having laid motionless on the bed all throughout the night.

 

Dreams (Ru'ya)

Imam Moosa-al-Kazim (A.S.) states that in the former part of creation, man did not dream. Allah sent upon the people His Apostle to guide them towards virtue and warn against evil. The Prophet advised them that if they followed the Right Path as preached by Him, they would be successful and be rewarded in Paradise. But if they erred and did not avoid sin, they would face tribulation in hell. They asked the Prophet as to how could they rely on something which they had never seen. They said that they observed that after death a man's body become motionless and turns into dust, how could then he be rewarded or chastised for his actions. It is after this incident that they started dreaming in which they witnessed Allah's rewards in Paradise and His wath in hell. They went to the Prophet and narrated this to him. The Prophet replied that as in the dreams they met people, conversed with them, and visited far off places, after death even if their bodies would be reduced to dust, they would still taste chastisement or reward (as the case may be) in Paradise or hell.

Hussain's graciousness in "The Moon"

(5-7 mins beautiful read, commentary on Surah Al-Qamr's verse)


Allah (swt) in his book has bestowed great blessings, which have countless descriptions, and countless adjectives in beauty... There is one lesson which we should take from the imperishable know, that Knowledge, alone, is nothing but a sight to the helpless...

The saying is directed upon the fact that Knowledge isn't just there to be talked about, or talked with. You need to catch that knowledge, if preferable  memorize it, know it, and understand it... But how does all this come about? You apply your brain's understanding upon that knowledge. It's quite simple, knowledge isn't power, it's power when you apply it upon something...

And that's why, Marhum, Agha'i Dastaghaib Shirazi has specified the meaning of application, that knowledge needs protection, and for protection, you need to apply that knowledge to protect it. And from that chain of power, it's not fit enough for us, to just sit down, and say that Quran isn't specific enough upon appointing Muhammed as the greatest prophet, or (a better example): Hussain's graciousness isn't in the Quran!

Such assumptions and hypotheses need deep consideration of reminding yourself constantly, that almighty lord sent us this book upon the Muslims for Hidayat, for blessing and nourishment! But before we explicitly drown into what this post concerns (Hussain's "Is there anyone to aid me?), Quran isn't even simple to be understood by the Alims... No! Quran, Quran! The book, the great book, has no great commentator other than Muhammed and his progeny!

Prophet Muhammed (saws) and his Sahabi (Companion) have claimed: No one can understand Ali! By Allah! No one! Only the Prophet and Allah, have such power, dignity and Knowledge to understand him!

And if we give another insight to another authentic Hadith: Ali is with the Quran, and the Quran is with Ali! Wherever Quran is, Ali is there, so why don't we see Ali in the verses with ease? Well Ali's name is called out all over the Quran, just need to look at them, understand them, the knowledge you all ready have, apply it upon Ali and Quran's characteristics, and you'll see, quite phenomenally  the certainty in saying, every verse can be proved by my tongue, that Ali is its center point!

And that is exactly how I feel...

Though coming back to the point, Imam Al-Hussain (as) when in Karbala was battered, butchered and ruthlessly disturbed by the Yazidi followers. On the 10th of Muharram, Imam Hussain (as), at around mid-noon, took his youngest son, Al-Asghar, by the the permission from his wife in the midst of the battlefield. Allama Naqqan (ra) has written in Shaheed-e-Insaaniyat, that the reason why Karbala was so dreadful and horrendous was due to this act, and late Scholar Allama Mutahri also mentions out of his 21 reasons why this event was so breath-taking that should be noticed by everyone.

So Hussain set out with his son, and stopped in front of the army. I wouldn't like to go into detail as this isn't the topic, though may very much be interesting. Hurmullah fired 3 pointed arrow at his raised son in the air, begging for water. Hussain then took his blood, and threw it in the air, to indicate that even the skies knew, the earth knew, the baby himself knew, there was nothing wrong he committed  and, the skies and earth, would bare witness at the day of judgement, that Hussain's son was martyred this way!

And then, Hussain cried out:

Is there anyone to come to my aid?

No one responded, Hussain looked upon the skies of Lord, no one came, no one moved, silent wind steadily grew in the background. It grew faster, Hussain had tears flowing from his eyes, and so from the Prophets watching from everywhere... And this is where I want you to be clever, and responsive. That's the end of my discussion, now lets analyse, how the below verse compares to Hussain's call of Is there anyone to aid me?

Surah Al-Qamr states:

 ۞ كَذَّبَتۡ قَبۡلَهُمۡ قَوۡمُ نُوحٍ۬ فَكَذَّبُواْ عَبۡدَنَا وَقَالُواْ مَجۡنُونٌ۬ وَٱزۡدُجِرَ (٩) فَدَعَا رَبَّهُ ۥۤ أَنِّى مَغۡلُوبٌ۬ فَٱنتَصِرۡ ()١٠

The folk of Noah denied before them, yea, they denied Our slave and said: A madman; and he was repulsed. (9) So he cried unto his Lord, saying: I am vanquished, so give help. (10)

The verse itself is a gem of study from God upon his servant, we examine, people of Noah denied him and the message of Tawhid (ultimately), and proclaimed; A Madman; and he (Noah) was repulsed.

Upon hearing what Noah's own Ummah says about him, he is repulsed, saddened. What was Hussain's position like in Karbala? Yes, Hussain did have people denying him, but were they of the Ummah of Hussain himself? No... In fact, let us relate an incident, when Hussain was in his childhood, a mere baby. The Prophet had him in his laps, and was kissing Hussain when Ayesha came. Narrators say Hussain and Prophet were on the floor beside the door, when Ayesha stopped and starred. 

Ayesha proclaimed: You love this boy a lot don't you?
The Prophet (s) replied: Indeed I do, and why not, he's the fruit of my life!
Ayesha: How much do you love him?
The Prophet (s): I love him as much as love can be described, I love him, I love him, if anyone wants the example of love, they should see us two... 

Then, the Prophet further spoke whilst looking at him: Do you know Ayesha, my Ummah! My Ummah will kill him, and he will be battered on the plains of Karbala!

Amazing, the Prophet (s) has all ready told us who will kill Hussain! It will be his Ummah, his own people, so indeed, applying some knowledge from there, we can say, that Ummah was of ultimately, and primordially, of the Prophet! So what next? That Ummah called Noah a Madman, and consequently was dejected, was Hussain called a Madman? Called something? Of course! Ulama-e-Haqq, including a great Mystic Scholar Allama Naqqan (ra), has stated: more than 200 Hafiz of Quran carried out a Fatawas, verdicts, against Hussain! That Hussain is Wajib-ul-Qatl - Compulsery to be killed. That's something an even bigger statement than a call: Madman, isn't it? 

We are receiving a great amount of info here, that Hussain was in a much more difficult place than Noah, and was saddened much more. What else? Then Noah called out: I am vanquished, so give help. 

Hussain called out: Is there anyone to come to my aid?
Hussain never said "I'm vanquished", Hussain never said I give up, and call for Help, Noah did, Hussain never lost hope, Noah did, Hussain never fell down, Noah did, Hussain wasn't tired, Noah was, Noah is somewhat mentioned... Hussain is mentioned with even more grace!

Therefore from reading that, it clearly observes, that Hussain, the Prophet's love and heart, was at a much more harder stage, was challenged in a much more death defying situation, and was ultimately given a grander place of respect that Noah, and that's a factual statement! 

"Everyone knows how to live, and then eventually die, Hussain taught us how to live after you die!"
-Raees Mustafa