Islam Guidance

This du-a'a known as "supplication of the youth stricken for his sin," is quoted from the work of Kaf-ami and from Muhaj al Da-wat by Sayyid ibn tawus.
Through Imam Hussain (A.S) it is reported that one day he and his father, after performing Hajj, caught sight of a paralyzed young man crying his eyes out in repentance. They went near to console him and find out the reason of his sorry plight. He was a habitual sinner, always teased his father, disobeyed him and treated him with contempt. One day, disgusted, the father invoked curse upon him. So he was affected with paralysis.
Then and there Ali ibn Abi Talib (A.S) wrote his dua and gave it to him with instruction to recite after noon prayer.
Next day fully cured, as fit as a fiddle, he came to Imam Ali (A.S) and said that he had recited the dua as told and went to sleep. He saw the Holy prophet (P.B.U.H&H.P) in the dream. The holy prophet gently touched his body with his hand and asked him to remember this dua as it contains the great name of Allah (Ism-e-Azam).
Recite this dua after noon prayer. It brings countless blessings. All your legitimate desires will be fulfilled. It drives away poverty and sickness. Sins are for given. Debts are cleared. Enemies become friends. Domestic affairs are set aright.
Disputes are settled in your favor. Prisoners are set free mental worries disappear. Prosperity, sound mind and healthy body stand by you at all times.
Mercy and forgiveness of sins are the main advantages the almighty Allah makes available if this dua is recited regularly.
Recite it on Fridays.

Ref: Duas.org

Every human being loves to know about the best things in life and act upon them because human’s instincts is like a sophisticated system which in addition of differentiating between good and bad is also keen to do good and stay away from bad. Due to committing sins and mistakes humans damage this system and cannot utilize it in normal ways. For this reason, revelations and the prophets have been sent to remove the impurities and bring to surface what is buried.
Referring to inner self and revelations are the best ways to find out about the best things in life because the Almighty has given this ability to human beings to differentiate between good and bad. Allah (S.W.T) said that each sin or misbehavior will damage human’s nature. Of course this system will not stop suddenly and sins cannot destroy it because it is designed in a way that it may change in shape but its base will remain. [Ayah 84, Surah Al-Asra].
In the Quranic culture this noble principle which never changes has been called human’s spirit [Ayah 85, Surah Al-Asra], human’s nature [Ayah 30, Surah Al-Room], Human’s ego [Ayah 7, Surah Al-Shams], and heart and so on. This main principle is ordained by the almighty [Ayah 72, Surah Al-Saa’d; Ayah 12, Surah Al-A’araaf; Ayah 14, Surah Al-Momenoon; Ayah 85 of Surah Al-Asra] and will not change fundamentally because humans cannot interfere in that system.
Imam Ali (A.S) said: Then God sent the prophets one after another for the people to find the treasures of their wisdoms [Sermon Number 1, Nahjul Balagha]. Imam Baqir (A.S) narrated a sermon from Imam Ali (A.S) who introduced the best of things and ways of obtaining them some of which will be outlined here in brief.

Adopted from: Islamic Center of England

Imam Sadiq (A.S) reports: Ali ibn Abi-Talib (A.S) was tasked by the Holy Prophet to go to the market and purchase a shirt. He went to the market and purchased a shirt for twelve dirhams. The Holy Prophet asked, “How much did you pay for it?”
“Twelve dirhams”, said Imam Ali (A.S).
“I do not like it so much! I would like to have a less expensive one. Is the seller ready to take it back, if so, please return it?” Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H&H.P) said to him “I do not know, Allah’s Messenger,” replied Imam Ali (A.S).
“Go and see whether he agrees to take it back or not,” asked the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H&H.P).
Ali took the shirt along with him and returned to the market to ask the seller, “The Holy Prophet wants a shirt which is less expensive in price than this. Are you ready to pay back our money and take back the shirt?”
The seller accepted it; Ali took the money and returned to the Holy Prophet. Then they both went towards the market. On the way, the Holy Prophet saw a slave-girl crying.
“Why are you crying?” he asked.
“My master gave me four dirhams and sent me to the market for shopping. I do not know how I lost the money. At present, I am scared to go back home.”
The Holy Prophet gave her four dirhams from those twelve dirhams and said, “Buy what you want and go back home!” Then, he went to the market, purchased a shirt for four dirhams and put it on.
On his return, he saw a naked man; he immediately took off his shirt and gave it to him. He returned to the market and purchased another shirt for four dirhams. He put it on and took to the way towards his house. On the way, he saw the same slave-girl sitting, puzzled, embarrassed and perplexed.
“Why didn’t you go back home?” he asked.
“O Allah’s Messenger, it is too late. I am afraid they might beat me, for I have been slightly delayed.”
“Let us go together. Show me the way to your house! I will intercede for you with them so that they may not bother you.”
The Holy Prophet accompanied the slave-girl. As they reached the house, the girl said, “This is the house.”
The Holy Prophet said in a high voice from behind the door, “O people of the house, peace be upon you.” He did not get any reply. Thus he said again, yet there was no reply. For the third time, he saluted, and they replied, “O Allah’s Messenger, peace and Allah’s mercy and blessings be upon you.”
“Why did you not reply for the first time, didn't you hear my voice?”
“Of course, yes! We heard your voice the first time and came to know that it was you!”
“Then what was the reason for your delay?”
“O Allah’s Messenger! We love to hear your voice again and again. Your salaam is peace, blessing and grace for our house.”
“This slave-girl of yours was delayed. I came here to ask you not to pester her.”
“O Allah’s Messenger! Because of your gracious visit, this slave-girl is free from now on.”
The Holy Prophet said, “Thanks to Allah, how blessed these twelve Dirhams were; which became the dress of two naked persons and a slave-girl got her freedom.”
(Al-Khisal: 271/1, H. 13)

Taken from: Imam Reza.Network

The Eighth Holy Imam Ali Al-Ridha (A.S) son of the Imam Musa al-Kadhim (A.S) and lady Najmah. He died, by poisoning mixed in his fruit by Al-Ma'mun.
His body was prepared for burial by his son the Imam Mohammad AI-Jawad (A.S) and he was buried in Mashhad, Khorasan in Iran, where his shrine stands now.
It is needless to speak of his achievements in vast knowledge, virtue, nobility, generosity, moral perfections, humbleness and worship of Allah (S.W.T).
Ma'mun Al-Abbassi, then the Caliph asked him to take charge of the administration of the Muslim government but he did not accept it because he knew that things will not go the way he liked them to go.
It was just like the case of his great grandfather the Imam Ali ibn Abi Taleb (A.S) who did not accept the post of leadership with the condition set by the counsel that he should run the government according to the book of Allah (S.W.T), the traditions of The Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H&H.P) and the policies of the two previous Caliphs Abu Bakr and Umar ibn Al-Khattab.
Imam Ali (A.S) couldn't of course and didn't accept such an offer but Othman accepted it. Hence he was appointed the third Caliph, over Imam Ali (A.S)!
When the Eighth Imam (A.S) did not accept the post of the leadership of the Muslim government, Ma'mun then asked him to be his successor and the Imam (A.S) reluctantly accepted it with the condition that he will not be asked to take part in any governmental tasks and policies, , during the life time of Ma'mun.
Because quite simply, Ma’mun’s government policies were completely contrary to Islam principles and the teachings of The Holy Prophet Mohammad Al-Mustafa (P.B.U.H&H.P).
Some examples of his vast knowledge came to light when Ma'mun invited the scholars of different schools of thought to attend a seminar of debate over the theological issues and matters of the doctrines of faith.
For his worship he would stay up for many nights and read the whole book of Holy Koran in just over three days. Very often he would fast and also pray a thousand prayers in twenty four hours.
He was very generous to everyone especially the poor. He would help the needy during the night so that no one would recognize him.
Imam Ali Al- Ridha (A.S) never did any injustice to any one in words or deeds. He was not loud spoken but always spoke softly with a polite manner and was cordial with everyone. He always sat very politely and never slouched in the presence of others. He would call all the members of his family and servants to have dinner or lunch together.

Taken from: Almujtaba Islamic Articles Page

Abu Bakr, son of Abu Quhafa, was the first caliph after the Prophet's demise. There are differing views on his name being either 'Abd Allah or 'Atiq. Apparently, many individuals have insisted on saying that his name was 'Abd Allah but he had previously been called 'Atiq. He belonged to the Banu Taym tribe, one of the tribes of the Quraysh.
During the Dark Age, this tribe maintained minimal special standing among the other tribes. This claim is evidenced by Abu Sufyan's words once Abu Bakr assumed power. He said, “How come the government has fallen to the least populated and meanest tribes of the Quraysh?” [Abd al-Razzaq, al-Musannaf, vol. V, p. 451; Mustadrak, vol. II, p. 78]
There is a story that one day, Abu Bakr was speaking with Dhaghfal about his lineage and both agreed that Banu Taym was one of the weakest tribes of the Quraysh [Majma‘al-amthal, vol. I, p. 27]. Another time, Abu Bakr asked Qays Ibn 'Asim why he buried his daughters alive. Qays Ibn Asim replied, “So that they do not give birth to children like you.” [Ibn Abi l-Hadid, Sharh Nahj al-Balaghah, vol. XIII, p. 177]
There are different views also on his occupation prior to the advent of Islam. Those who intended to attribute a high position to him in the Dark Age said he was a merchant. On the other hand, there are documents that say he had menial jobs such as milking and of that nature. [Al-Faiq fi gharib al-hadith, vol. IV, p. 12]
Another story says Abu Bakr had financial problems and was a teacher in the Dark Age and later, became a tailor following the advent of Islam. [Al-Ifsah, p. 176]
Abu bakr was two years younger than the Prophet of Islam and he is considered to be among one of the first Muslims. There is however conflicting ideas concerning whether he was the first or the fifty-first Muslim as one quotation has put it. [As-Sahih Min Sira al-Nabi, vol. I, pp 247,289,290]
Such notions about him are natural considering he was the first caliph. We have not heard about any special pressures he may have faced in the years of invitation to Islam in Mecca. He did not accompany the Muhajirun to Abyssinia, but he found an opportunity to be with the Prophet (P.B.U.H&H.P) in the night of Hijra. According to various discussions about Hijra, after the Prophet left the house, Abu Bakr went to see Imam Ali(A.S) and when found out that Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H&H.P) had gone, he had set off and joined him.
Abu Bakr's relationship with the Prophet (P.B.U.H&H.P) grew stronger following the Prophet's marriage with Ayesha. Ayesha was a clever woman who tried to have a role in all political developments of her time. This helped strengthen Abu Bakr's position to some extent.
Abu Bakr did not have any political or military responsibility during his ten years of stay in Medina, but he could gain power by understanding the situation of the internal wings of the Quraysh and taking advantage of the Quraysh's enmity towards Imam Ali (A.S) as well as the collaboration of the middle wings of the Quraysh. This group was neither among the Umayyad nor the Hashemite.
Abu Bakr grasped a serious chance. When he took over the caliphate, a wave of apostasy and opposition to Islam swept across Hijaz and Muslims who all saw the principle of Islam endangered realized that opposing Abu Bakr was not to their interests.
It is interesting to know that immediately after Abu Bakr's coming to power, rifts emerged between the Ansar and the Quraysh over a sarcastic poem composed by Abu Bakr about the Ansar. Afterwards, the Ansar kept some distance from Abu Bakr and Amr Ibn As who was instigated by the Quraysh spoke against them.
On the other hand, Fal Ibn Abbas and then, Imam Ali (A.S) praised the Ansar. Hassan Ibn Thabit composed poems in praise of Imam Ali (A.S) for his support of the Ansar and implicitly, referred to the efforts of some men of the Quraysh who wanted to take Imam Ali's position [Tarikh al-Ya’qubi, vol. II, p. 128]. However, when oppositions heightened, the Ansar moved towards the claimants of prophet Hood and other apostates.
Abu Bakr reiterated several times that there were some people who deserved the caliphate more than him. After the people swore allegiance to him, he said in a sermon, “I took over the rule over you while I’m not any better than you. If I behave well, help me; if not, guide me. Obey me as long as I am obedient to God; otherwise, you won't need to obey me” [Abd al-Razzaq, al-Musannaf, vol. XI, p. 326; Tarikh at-Tabari, vol. III, p. 336; al-Imamah wal-Siyasah, vol. I, p. 34]. This shows that Abu Bakr believed it was not necessary for a ruler to be the best of the people.
It is necessary to admit that Abu Bakr had an eloquent language and we are sure that it was his clam words at the Saqifa more effective than 'Umar's harsh words, though they were complementary.
Later, Abu Bakr once pointed to his tongue and said, “This is what helped me reach this rank.” [Nathr ad-Durr, vol. II, p. 13]
He has been quoted as saying,” Umar is stronger than me and Salim is more pious” [Nathr ad-Durr, vol. II, p. 15]. But his emphasis on having the rule is surprising. Abu Bakr introduced his government as the “Caliphate of Prophet Hood” to convey the religious aspect of his caliphate. He considered his rule not as a caliphate from God, but a succession to the Prophet (P.B.U.H&H.P) and named himself the “Caliph of the Messenger of Allah”.
His first measure was dispatching Usama's army, an army which the Prophet (P.B.U.H&H.P) had prepared to send to Damascus in the final days of his life. Political opposition caused delays in the deployment of the army under the pretext of Usama's young age. Now that the issues seemed to have been settled, the same people who were opposed decided to send Usama's army in spite of the critical situation on Hijaz.
Responding to opposition against the army's dispatch, they said they could not ignore doing something that the Prophet had wanted. Abu Bakr said he would send the army even if the beasts would tear him apart in Medina [Tarikh Khalifat Ibn Khayyat, pp 100-101]. Usama's army left for Damascus and returned after forty days with no serious clashes. Since the Prophet (P.B.U.H&H.P) had included Umar in Usama's army, Abu Bakr asked Usama to let Umar stay with him.

This article borrowed from Imam Reza.Network.

An orphan feels deprivation after losing his father or mother or both of them. Deprivation of satisfying his emotion and spiritual needs, deprivation of satisfying his material needs like food, drinks and dresses, he will be befallen with obsessions and fears, predominated by anxiety and disturbance.
Feeling of deprivation from affection and kindness has its negative effect on the existence and building the personality of the child. Through the observation of the society reality we found that most orphans that didn't get assistance and care from others do personally disturbed and were befallen with tied psychology and negative agreement with the community that deprive him from assistance and care. For that Islam bequeath special guardianship of the orphans even more than other children. It emphasizes the satisfaction of all of their material and spiritual needs.
The specified verses of the Qur'an for the guardianship of the orphan are more than that of the general children.
Satisfaction of the orphan's material needs is the first needs that Islam laid emphasis on.
Allah the most High said: [And they feed the poor, the orphan and the prisoner, for the love for Him] (Qur'an 76: 8).
[... And to feed in the day of hunger, to an orphan, near of kin] (Qur'an 90:14-15).
[... And give the wealth, for love of Him, to kinsfolk and to orphans and the needy...] (Qur'an 2:177).
Allah the most High makes the Right of the orphan in the Muslim's wealth. [And know that whatever ye take as spoil of war, Lo! a fifth there of is for Allah, and for the Messenger and for the kinsman (who hath need) and orphans and needy...] (Qur'an 8: 41).
The most High said: [Say: that which ye spend for good (must go) to parents and near kindred and orphans and the needy...] (Qur'an2: 215).
The most High has forbade spending the orphan's wealth except in a best form which has benefits and profitable to him [And approach not the wealth of the orphan save that which is better, till he reach maturity] (Qur'an 6: 152).
The Prophet (P.B.U.H&H.P) said: "Who sustain an orphan till he is in no need, Allah will make it obligatory because of that to enter Paradise" (Tuhfal Uquul: 198).
The prophet (P.B.U.H&H.P) said: "Whoever liable for the orphan enters him to his food and drinks, Allah will let him enters Paradise except he committed unforgivable sin" (Mustadrakil Wasaa'il vol - 1: 148).
The Prophet (P.B.U.H&H.P) said: "He was joining his fingers together and said: I and the guarantor of an orphan are like this in the Paradise" (Al-mahjatul badaa'i vol – 3, P 403).
Giving good education to the orphan is among the care and protection to them and prepares him to be a good member of the community. The Commander of the Faithful, Imam Ali (A.S) said: "Educate the orphan the way that you educate your child..." (Al-kafi, vol 6:48/8 CH- educating the child).
An orphan that obtain care, protection, love and kindness feels at rest, tranquil and leaves uprightly in his emotion and personality but in a state of deprivation he will not become upright and may take up by perverted ones and focus him to unrighteousness and will become a harmful member to the society.
   
Derived from: Imam Hussein Holy Shrine

Ibn Abbas has commented on the above-mentioned event, saying about the following holy verse:
“Men whom neither merchandise nor selling diverts from the remembrance of Allah and the keeping up of prayer and the giving of poor-rate; they fear a day in which the hearts and eyes shall turnabout; That Allah may give them the best reward of what they have done, and give them more out of His grace; and Allah gives sustenance to whom He pleases without measure” (24:37-38).
He says: The occasion of the revelation was that one day the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H&H.P) gave Ali (A.S) three hundred dinars, which they had given to him as gift. Ali (A.S) said: I took the money and said to myself by Allah, I will give such a charity with these dinars that Allah will accept. When I completed the night prayer with Allah’s Messenger, I took a hundred dinars and left the mosque. On my way, I came across a woman to whom I gave one hundred dinars. The following day, people said, “Ali (A.S) has given charity to a corrupt woman!” It was a great sorrow for me.
The night of that day, I performed the night prayer, took a hundred dinars in my hand, left the mosque and said to myself, “By Allah! I will give a charity, which will be accepted by my Lord. I saw a man and gave away the one hundred dinars to him.” The following day, the people of Medina said, “Ali (A.S) has given away a hundred dinars to a thief.” Again a great sorrow came to me but said to myself, “By Allah! I will give a charity tonight that Allah will accept from me.”
So, I performed my night prayer with Allah’s Messenger and then left the mosque having a hundred dinars with me. I saw a man to whom I gave the money. The next day, the people Medina said, “Last night, Ali (A.S) gave a hundred dinars to a rich man.” Again, a great sorrow came to me.
I went to Allah’s Messenger and told him the event. The Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H&H.P) said: O Ali (A.S)! Gabriel says to you: Allah has accepted your charity and purified your acts: The one hundred Dinars you gave as charity was put at the disposal of a corrupt woman who repented to Allah and used the money as earnings for her living. She also intends to get married with this money.
The charity of the second night went to a thief who repented thereafter and used the money for running a business. The charity of the third night went to a rich man who had not paid alms (Zakat) for years. He went home and blamed himself saying, “How miser I am! This is Ali ibn Abi Talib (A.S) who gave away a hundred Dinars to me while he has nothing whereas I am a rich man who has not paid his obligatory alms (Zakat)!” So, he reckoned his alms (Zakat) and put it aside. It was for this reason that Allah revealed the above-mentioned verses.
(Al-Manaqib: 74/2)

Taken from: Imam Reza.Network

Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H&H.P) wept whenever he was foretold the tragedy that would befall on Hussain (A.S) and his companions.
Musnad Abu Ya'la Mosuli, Volume 1 page 298 Hadith 363:
Abdullah ibn Naji narrated from his father who said: ‘I went with Ali, they faced Nainawa as they were going to the battle of Siffin then Ali called out and said: ‘O Aba Abdullah, have patience, O Aba Abdullah have patience on the bank of the Euphrates’. I asked: ‘What do you mean by Aba Abdullah’? Ali replied: ‘One day I went into the room of the Prophet (P.B.U.H&H.P) whilst his eyes were gushing with tears, I therefore asked of him: ‘O Prophet, has someone angered you? What makes your eyes gush with tears?’ He (P.B.U.H&H.P) replied: ‘Gabriel has just left me; he (Gabriel) told me that Hussain will be killed on the banks of the Euphrates River. Gabriel then said to him (P.B.U.H&H.P): ‘Shall I let you smell its soil (wherein Hussain will be killed)? I said: ‘Yes’. So Gabriel extended his hand and presented a handful of the soil and gave it to me, I was then unable to prevent my eyes from gushing into tears’’’.

We also read in Musnad Abu Ya'la Mosuli, Vol 6, p 129, Hadith 3402:
Anas bin Malik said: ‘The angel of rain asked permission from his Lord to visit the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H&H.P) who granted permission. On that day the Prophet (P.B.U.H&H.P) was with Umm Salama. The Prophet (P.B.U.H&H.P) told her: ‘Guard the door and do not let anyone in’. While she was at the door, Hussain bin Ali burst into the room, so the Prophet (P.B.U.H&H.P) began to hug and kiss him. The angel said to Prophet (P.B.U.H&H.P): ‘Do you love him?”. He (P.B.U.H&H.P) replied: ‘Yes’. The angel said: ‘Your nation will kill him. If you wish, I can show you the place wherein they will kill him’. The Prophet (P.B.U.H&H.P) said: ‘Yes’. So the angel took a handful of soil from the spot of his (Hussain’s) murder and showed it and it was Sahla or red soil’. So Umm Salama took the soil and put it in her clothing’.

Al-Albaani records a ‘Sahih’ Hadith:
Gabriel came to me and informed me that my nation will kill my son Hussain. I asked: ‘This Hussain?’ He (P.B.U.H&H.P) replied: ‘Yes’ he then brought me some of its soil that was red. Narrated by Lubaba bint al-Harith that she went to the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H&H.P) and said: ‘O Prophet, I have seen an unclear dream tonight’. He (P.B.U.H&H.P) asked: ‘What is it?’ She replied: ‘I saw that as if a part of your body was cut off from you and was placed upon my chest’. He (P.B.U.H&H.P) said: ‘You have seen something good. Inshallah Fatimah will bear a baby boy and he will be upon your chest.’ So Fatima gave birth to Hussain and he was on my chest as the Prophet (P.B.U.H&H.P) had notified me. On one day I went to the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H&H.P) and put Hussain on his chest then he turned his face to the side and I witnessed his (P.B.U.H&H.P) eyes flowing with tears. I asked: “Prophet of Allah, my parents be sacrificed for you, what is wrong?” he (P.B.U.H&H.P) then mentioned it (the above hadith).
Silsilah Al-Ahadith Al-Sahiyah, Volume 2 page 462 Hadith 821.

We can see from these traditions that Prophet (P.B.U.H&H.P) was foretold about the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (A.S) on three separate occasions, by three different angels. Upon being notified of the tragic demise of his grandson, Prophet (P.B.U.H&H.P) broke down into tears, distraught at what was to become of him. On none of these occasions did Prophet (P.B.U.H&H.P) appear impassive and motionless at the news, his emotions overtook and his eyes were filled with tears when he was notified of what harm would befall his grandson (A.S). If Prophet (P.B.U.H&H.P) cried so profusely at the news of what was to happen to his grandson in the future, can one imagine his state would be on the Day of Karbala, when Hussain (A.S) was showered with arrows, his head decapitated and horses trampled over his body? This proves that crying when hearing of the suffering of Hussain (A.S) is a tradition (Sunnah) of Prophet (P.B.U.H&H.P).
The tradition can also be read in:
Al-Sawa'iq al-Muhriqah, page 641

Derived from Shia Pen.

I read of a man who stood to speak at the funeral of a friend. He referred to the dates on her tombstone from the beginning...to the end.
He noted that first came her date of birth and spoke the following ate with tears, but he said what mattered most of all was the dash between those years. (1934 -1998). For that dash represents all the time that she spent alive on earth... And now only those who loved her Know what that little line is worth.
For it matters not, how much we own; the cars...the house...the cash, what matters are how we live and love and how we spend our dash.  So think about this long and hard... Are there things you'd like to arrange? For you never know how much time is left, that can still be rearranged.  If we could just slow down enough to consider what's true and real, and always try to understand the way other people feel.
And be less quick to anger, and show appreciation more and love the people in our lives like we've ever loved before. If we treat each other with respect, and more often wear a smile…
Remembering that this special dash Might only last a little while. So, when your eulogy's being read with your life's actions to rehash... Would you be proud of the things they say about how you spent your dash?
Imam Ali (A.S) quoted: Death is near and our mutual company is short.

Ref: Play and Learn

Shiites commentators believe that Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H&H.P) was appointed on 27th of Rajab , five years after the rehabilitation of Kaaba. He was forty years old at that time.
Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H&H.P) had come to Haraa cave as usual to say prayers and meditate . On 27th of Rajab, Gabriel (one of the four superior angels who was ordered by Allah (S.W.T) to convey revelation to prophets) descended to him. Gabriel shook Prophet Muhammad's (P.B.U.H&H.P) arm and said: "O Muhammad! Read!" He replied:" What shall I read?" Gabriel recited the beginning verses of Chapter (Surah) al-Alaq:
"In the name of Allah, the compassionate, the merciful. Read in the name of your Lord who has created. Has created man from a leech [Spermatozoa]. Read and your Lord is the most honourable, who taught (to write) with the pen; taught man what he knew not."
Some great events happened at the time of Prophet Muhammad's (P.B.U.H&H.P) appointment. For instance, a groan was heard. Imam Ali (A.S) says about that: "I heard Satan's groan when the first revelation was descended. I asked the Prophet: "What was that?" He answered: "it was Satan, who got disappointed by not being obeyed." He also said: "You hear what I hear and see what ever I see; except you are not a prophet. You are my assistant and you will never leave the right way."
As mentioned before, Imam Ali (A.S) accompanied Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H&H.P) in different cases such as his seclusion periods. This narration, written in Nahj al-Balaghah, implies that he was with Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H&H.P) when revelation was descended for the first time. It is inferred through the history that he was the only person with Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H&H.P) at that time. Nobody else has claimed to be with Him then.
Gabriel ascended after conveying revelation and accomplishing his job.

Return from cave Haraa
After this revelation, Prophet (P.B.U.H&H.P) returned to His home in Mecca. When he arrived home, he explained the story of his appointment to his wife. Khadijah (S.A), who had recognized the Prophet's (P.B.U.H&H.P) dignity and truthfulness for years, said: "By God, it is a long time that I have been waiting for this very day; and I was hoping that one day you would become the Leader and the Messenger of these people."

The descent of Chapter (Surah) al-Muddathir
 In the first days of Prophet's appointment, while he was resting, Gabriel descended and read the first verses of Chapter al-Muddathir.
This Chapter of the Holy Quran contains verses, which say that from then on, the Prophet had to pay all his attention to warn people to obey Allah (S.W.T). Therefore, the first verses of the Holy book of Islam were revealed to Prophet and he was assigned to be the Messenger of Allah (S.W.T).

Ref: Islamic Roshd Website

A person was about to die, and before dying he wrote his will which went as follows: "I have 17 Camels, and I have three sons. Divide my Camels in such a way that my eldest son gets half of them, the second one gets 1/3rd of the total and my youngest son gets 1/9th of the total number of Camels."
After his death when the relatives read his will they got extremely perplexed and said to each other that how can we divide 17 camels like this?
So after a long hard thought they decided that there was only one man in Arabia who could help them: "Imam Ali (A.S)."
So they all came to the door of Imam Ali (A.S) and put forward their problem.
Imam Ali (A.S) said, "Ok, I will divide the camels as per the man's will."
Imam Ali (A.S) said, "I will lend one of my camels to the total which makes it 18 (17+1=18), now let’s divide as per his will."
The eldest son gets 1/2 of 18 = 9
The second one gets 1/3 of 18 = 6
The youngest gets 1/9 of 18 = 2
Now the total number of camels = 17 (9+6+2=17)
Then Imam Ali (A.S) said, "Now I will take my Camel back."

Ref: Shia.es

Divine justice in the goverment of Imam Ali (A.S) - Even Ibn Muljim didn't sleep hungry in the government of Imam Ali (A.S)/ Sheikh M.Towhidi

Islam does not allow us to marry off our daughters to several groups of people including the corrupt, the stupid, the ill-tempered, and the alcoholics. Thus by prohibiting such marriages, a woman's respect and honor are safeguarded. In the same manner, Islam prohibits the marriage of young noble, believing men with those women who do not meet divine and Islamic conditions. There exist many important traditions cited in authentic books regarding this issue which have been cited from the sources of revelations. A reference is made to some of them here.
The Prophet (P.B.U.H&H.P) said: Avoid marrying stupid women since living with them will ruin your life and their children will be oppressors. [Bihar al-Anwar, v.103, pp.232-237]
He (P.B.U.H&H.P) also said: Avoid a trashy beauty. He (P.B.U.H&H.P) was asked: What do you mean by a trash beauty? He (P.B.U.H&H.P) replied: I mean a beautiful woman who is raised in a bad family. [Ibid]
The Prophet (P.B.U.H&H.P) used to say in his prayers to God: I seek refuge in Thee from a child who orders me around instead of being obedient; from property which goes to waste without giving any profit; and from a woman who makes me old too fast due to her stupidity and bad behavior; and from a friend who is deceitful. [Marriage in Islam, pp.75-77]
The Prophet (P.B.U.H&H.P) said: The worst of your women are the ones who are sterile; filthy; stubborn; disobedient; disgusted by the family, and dear to themselves; disobedient to the husband and submissive to others. [Ibid]
He (P.B.U.H&H.P) also said: Three things have a bad omen: a woman, a quadruped and a house. A woman's bad omen is in her nuptial gift and sterility. [Ibid]
He (P.B.U.H&H.P) also said: A bad woman is the worst thing. [Mustadrak, Nekah book, Chapters 6 and 8]
The Commander of the Faithful (Imam Ali) (A.S) stated: The worst wife is a woman who is not complaisant. [Ibid]
The Prophet (P.B.U.H&H.P) said: Should I not introduce the worst women? Those who are not respectable in their own family; who are haughty to their husbands; who are sterile; who are malicious; who do not stop doing evil deeds; who adorn themselves in the absence of their husbands, and do not adorn themselves in his presence; who are disobedient to their husbands, and do not please them in their own privacy; who do not accept their husband's apology and do not forgive them. [Bihar al-Anwar, v.100, p.235]

Adopted from: Almujtaba Islamic network

The commander of the faithful, Imam Ali (A.S) is the first perfect example of the education and training of the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H&H.P).
Ali (A.S) was educated by the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H&H.P) from the period of his infancy. Ali (A.S) was always with the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H&H.P) like a shadow until the last moment of the Prophet's life. Like a butterfly which sacrifices its life for the candle, Ali (A.S) also was with the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H&H.P). Ali (A.S) parted with the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H&H.P) when he took the sacred body of the Prophet (P.B.U.H&H.P) in his arms and buried him.
According to history, from among all rulers who have come to power since the demise of the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H&H.P) until the present time, Ali (A.S) is the only person who fully complied with the sirah (Tradition) of the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H&H.P) and who never deviated from the policies of the Prophet (P.B.U.H&H.P) in the period of his rule over the Islamic society. Ali (A.S) implemented the laws and religious precepts of Islam without any misinterpretation or distortion just as they were executed in the lifetime of the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H&H.P).
Upon first entrance into the social environment, Ali (A.S) had a very simple life. During the lifetime of the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H&H.P), after the Prophet's demise, and even during his own glorious caliph period, he lived like the poor and in the most humble condition. He had no superiority over the needy insofar as food, clothing, and housing were concerned and used to: "The ruler of a society should live in such a way so as to be the source of consolation for the needy and the distressed and not the cause of their regret and disappointment." Although the ruler of the entire Islamic State, he had only seven hundred dirhams on the day of his martyrdom with which he wanted to hire a servant for his house.
Ali (A.S) used to work to meet the needs of life. Particularly he was interested in agriculture and spent his time in planting trees and digging water canals. Whatever he earned in this manner or through the war-booty, he distributed among the needy. He endowed the properties which he had cultivated for the needy or distributed among them the money received as sale proceeds of such properties. Once, during the period of his own caliph, Ali (A.S) ordered to those concerned to bring the revenues of his endowments to him and then spend them. When these revenues were collected, the amount reached 24000 gold dinars.
In the period of his caliph, Ali (A.S) welcomed everyone without having chamberlains and doorkeepers, walked on foot. All alone, and walked in the alleys and the bazaars. He ordered the people to fear Allah and guard against evil and protected them against injustice of one another. Ali (A.S) helped the poverty-stricken people and widows kindly and humbly and kept the shelter less orphans in his own house, personally providing their requirements and educating them.
Ali (A.S) had a special regard for knowledge and learning and gave particular attention towards promotion of knowledge and education and used to say: "There is no suffering like ignorance." While Ali (A.S) was arraying his troops in the bloody Battle of Jamal, an Arab went forward and asked him the meaning of Tawhid. The people rushed toward the Arab from every direction and confronted him by saying that such a moment is not an appropriate time for asking such questions and for discussion. Ali (A.S) asked them to disperse away from the Arab and said: "We are fighting the people in order to revive such truths." Then, while arraying the troops, Ali (A.S) called forth the Arab and clarified the matter for him with an eloquent statement.
In short, the prominent personality of Ali (A.S) is beyond description and his infinite virtues are countless. History has never witnessed a personality attracting as much the attention and the views of the scholars and philosophers of the world as he has.

Derived from: Shia.es

الْيَوْمَ أَكْمَلْتُ لَكُمْ دِينَكُمْ وَأَتْمَمْتُ عَلَيْكُمْ نِعْمَتِي وَرَضِيتُ لَكُمُ الْإِسْلَامَ دِينًا

“This day have I perfected your religion for you, completed my favor upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion.” (Al Quran Chapter.5 Verse.3)

Imam Sadiq (A.S) said:

قال الصادق (علیه السلام): (عید الغدیر) و هو عيد اللّه‏ الأكبر    

"It (Eid al-Ghadir) is the greatest Eid of Allah (S.W.T)."
(Source: Wasail us Shia Vol.5 Pg.224)

قَالَ سَمِعْتُ أَبَا عَبْدِ اللَّهِ الصَّادِقَ ع يَقُولُ صِيَامُ يَوْمِ غَدِيرِ خُمٍّ يَعْدِلُ صِيَامَ عُمُرِ الدُّنْيَا  …وَ هُوَ عِيدُ اللَّهِ الْأَكْبَرُ وَ مَا بَعَثَ اللَّهُ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ نَبِيّاً قَطُّ إِلَّا وَ تَعَيَّدَ فِي هَذَا الْيَوْمِ وَ عَرَفَ حُرْمَتَهُ وَ اسْمُهُ فِي السَّمَاءِ يَوْمُ الْعَهْدِ الْمَعْهُودِ … لَعَلَّكَ تَرَى أَنَّ اللَّهَ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ خَلَقَ يَوْماً أَعْظَمَ حُرْمَةً مِنْهُ لَا وَ اللَّهِ لَا وَ اللَّهِ لَا وَ اللَّه‏

Imam Sadiq (A.S) said:
"Fasting on the day of Ghadeer is equivalent to fasting throughout the entire age of the world… It is the greatest festival of Allah. Allah has not sent any prophet but that he celebrated this day as Eid and was aware of its sanctity. It is known in the heavens as ‘The Day of the Famous Covenant’… You might think that Allah, the mighty and the majestic, has created a day more sacred than that. No, by Allah! No, by Allah! No, by Allah!"
(Complete tradition (Hadees) is not quoted here)
(Source: Tahdhib Al Ahkam – Sheikh Toosi Vol.3 Pg.143)

فَقَالَ الرِّضَا ع حَدَّثَنِي أَبِي عَنْ أَبِيهِ ع قَالَ إِنَّ يَوْمَ الْغَدِيرِ فِي السَّمَاءِ أَشْهَرُ مِنْهُ فِي الْأَرْض‏ … وَ اللَّهِ لَوْ عَرَفَ النَّاسُ فَضْلَ هَذَا الْيَوْمِ بِحَقِيقَتِهِ لَصَافَحَتْهُمُ الْمَلَائِكَةُ فِي كُلِّ يَوْمٍ عَشْرَ مَرَّات

Imam Reza (A.S) narrates from his father (A.S):
"Certainly, the day of Ghadir is more famous in the heavens than in the earth… and by Allah, had people truly known the superiority of this day, the angels would have been shaking hands with them ten times a day."
(Complete tradition (Hadees) is not quoted here)
(Source: Tahdhib Al Ahkam – Sheikh Toosi Vol.6 Pg.24)
 
Ibrahim bin Hashim narrated from Qasim bin Yahya, from Hassan bin Rashid, who said:
I asked Aba Abdillah, Jaafar bin Mohammad (A.S), "May I sacrifice myself for you! Is there an Eid (feast) other than the two Eids and Fridays for the Muslims?"
Abu Abdillah (A.S) replied, "Yes, there is an Eid that is more important than any other Eid. It is the day on which the Messenger of Allah (S.W.T) announced Ali bin Abi Taleb (A.S) as his successor and ordered the people to pay allegiance to Ali (A.S) in the Ghadeer (brook) of Khum."
I asked, "Which day is that?"
Abu Abdillah (A.S) replied, "It is the eighteenth day of the month of Dhul Hijjah. And the reward for any good deed on this day is equal to the reward of all good deeds for eighty months. On that day, (people) should increasingly send blessings on the Prophet (P.B.U.H&H.P) and the family of the Prophet (P.B.U.H&H.P) and be more generous with their families."
(Source: Basharat ul Mustafa Le Shiyyat e Murtuza, Chapter 8, Hadees 4 / Thawab AI-A’maal ol Sadouq, P 68 / Bihar ul Anwar, Vol 92, P 112)

Someone asked Imam Jafar bin Mohammad (A.S), "What did the Prophet (P.B.U.H&H.P) mean by the word MOWLA on the day of Ghadeer when He said: ‘of whomsoever I am their Mowla, Ali is their Mowla. O Allah! Befriend his friends and be the enemy of his enemies."
Jafar bin Mohammad (A.S) sat up straight and said, "I swear to Allah that people asked the Messenger of Allah (P.B.U.H&H.P) the same question and the Prophet (P.B.U.H&H.P) replied an the following way:
Allah is my master and has more authority on me than I do on myself. I do not have any authority on myself compared to His authority on me.
I am the master of the believers, and I have more authority on them than they have on themselves. They do not have any authority on themselves compared to my authority (on them).
And Ali is the master of the believers, and Ali has more authority on them than they have on themselves. They do not have any authority on themselves compared to Ali's authority (on them).
(Source: Basharat ul Mustafa Le Shiyyat e Murtuza, Chapter 2, Hadees 24 / Bihar ul Anwar, Vol 37, Pg 222)

The Messenger of Allah (P.B.U.H&H.P) said:
The day of Ghadeer Al-Khum is the best EID (feast) of my nation. It is the days that Allah ordered me to appoint Ali bin Abi Taleb as the flag so that my nation would be guided by him after me. It is the day that Allah perfected the religion and completed His favor and accepted Islam as a religion for the people.
O people! Ali bin Abi Taleb is from me and I am from Ali.
He is the Commander of the Believers, the leader of religion, the leader of the companions of Paradise and the best of successors.
Ali is the husband of the Master of All of the Worlds' Women and the father of the Imams of guidance.
O People! I love those who love Ali and I hate those who hate Ali. I connect with those who connect with Ali and I dissociate myself from those who dissociate themselves from Ali. I turn away from those who turn away from Ali. I am the friend of his friends and I am the enemy of his enemies.
O People! I am the city of wisdom and Ali is the door and you cannot enter the city without entering from the door.
Those who think they love me and hate Ali are liars.
O People! I swear to Allah, who sent me as a messenger and who chose me from amongst the entire creation, that I did not appoint Ali to be the flag (of guidance) until Allah ordered me (to do so) by specifying his name and made following him mandatory on His angels.
(Source: Basharat ul Mustafa Le Shiyyat e Murtuza, Chapter 2, Hadees 24 / Amaali of Sheikh Sadouq, Pg 109)

Ref: Marefate AhleBait (A.S).com

The Prophet (P.B.U.H&H.P) was on the bed of ailment and illness. His head was in the lap of Ali (A.S) and Fatima (S.A) was weeping holding the hand of her father. Suddenly, the Prophet (P.B.U.H&H.P) opened his eyes and when he saw her weeping. He (P.B.U.H&H.P) said, "Oh daughter! Recite the holy Quran for me." Fatima (S.A) recited a few verses from the holy Quran. The Prophet (P.B.U.H&H.P) by getting her dear daughter recites the verses meant to listen her voice in the last moments of his life. No sooner, the Prophet (P.B.U.H&H.P) passed away the house turned into a mourning house. The delicate heart of Fatima (S.A) took a deep effect by her father's death. Only a few hours later, another big grief took shape i.e., the right of her husband was extorted and usurped. Fatima (S.A), with the help of a few faithful companions of his father, defended the right of her husband strongly. So far so, that one day she went to the Prophet's mosque along with the women of Bani Hashim and Ansar and by delivering a speech described her object and point of view. So that, all the audience started weeping. But there was no body to give a positive response to the voice of Fatima (S.A). They were no longer true and faithful. Their faces were covered with the dust of abjectness, misery and misfortune. She returned to her house with a heave and grieved heart and said to Ali (A.S), "Oh Abul Hassan why have you sit down with your hands upon each other like weak, feeble, powerless and unable men and why don't you defend your right?" Ali (A.S) said, "Oh the daughter of Prophet Do you not want that your father's name be pronounced in the mosque? Don't you have the desire that the cause and mission of your father remains alive? Fatima (S.A) said, "Why not?"
Then he said, "If I draw the sword today (as the enemy wishes) the efforts of your father will be finished and we will become unsuccessful. On hearing this, Fatima (S.A) got silent and thereafter, she did not utter any word. She started her silent war in the same manner as her husband Ali (A.S) spent twenty-five years in a great-oppressed state.

Source: Almujtaba Islamic network

Like all other prophets, Jesus had also come to teach the sublime ethical issues. With his lifestyle, he set a role model for his followers inviting them to guard themselves against evil and to obey his commands. He said to his people:
“Fear Allah (be pious) and obey me.” (3:50)
From the day, he miraculously spoke in his crib, he declared, “Verily I am the servant of God”, and until the time that he lived among people he invited them to follow him not to worship him. He always invited people to praying, fasting and worshipping God much. He lived a very simple life and always shared his words of wisdom with people. The holy Quran quoting from Jesus stating:
“And when Jesus came with clear Proofs, he said: I have come to you with Wisdom, and to make clear to you some of the points in which you differ. Therefore, fear Allah and obey me. Verily, Allah He is my Lord (God) and your Lord(God). So, worship Him alone. This is the only Straight Path.”(43:63-64)
Imam Ali (A.S) in Nahjul Balaghah in description of the simple life of Prophet Jesus says, “If you desire I will tell you about Jesus; Son of Mary (S.A). He used a stone for his pillow, put on coarse clothes and ate rough food. His condiment was hunger. His lamp at night was the moon. His shade during the winter was just the expanse of earth eastward and westward. His fruits and flowers were only what grew from the earth for the cattle.” (Sermon No.160)

Ref: Islamic Insight

One day, during the time when Hazrat Fatima (S.A) was ill in bed. Imam Ali (A.S) returned home and he found very busy, cooking and cleaning her children, Imam Hassan (A.S) and Imam Hussain(A.S). Imam Ali (A.S) asked her as to why she was so hard working.
Tears started flowing from her eyes. She told him that on the previous night she had seen her father in a dream. She told him about the troubles that she had to go through after his death and that she found life without him very difficult. Her father, the Prophet (P.B.U.H&H.P) consoled her and told her not to worry anymore because after one day she would be with him.
By this dream Hazrat Fatima (S.A) knew that it was her last day. So she wanted to do all that she could for her beloved children before she was separated from them by death.
This news made Imam Ali (A.S) very sad.
Hazrat Fatima (S.A) then made her final wishes know to him. Her first wish was that those who had oppressed her and her husband should not be allowed to attend her burial.
To make this possible, she wished that she be buried in the darkness of night. Secondly, she recommended Imam Ali (A.S) to her daughter, Zainab, as she would take good care of the children.
Thirdly, she requested Imam Ali (A.S) to be extra careful with Imam Hassan (A.S) and Imam Hussain (A.S) as they would be very sad after their mother's death.
With tears in his eyes Imam Ali (A.S) said goodbye to her and went to the Mosque together with Imam Hassan (A.S) and Imam Hussain (A.S).
Hazrat Fatima (S.A) was now left home alone with Asma Bint Umays. Asma reports that when alone, Hazrat Fatima (S.A) put on a new garment and perfumed herself. She then retired to the place where she used to pray daily. She asked Asma to leave her alone as she wished to carry out some special prayers in remembrance of Allah, the Almighty. She requested Asma to come back to her after sometime and check if she was still alive or not.
Asma says, "I did as I was told. When left alone, Hazrat Fatima (S.A) started addressing Allah and praying for the wellbeing of her followers. After sometime there was silence. I rushed to see what she was doing and saw that she was lying straight on her back. Her face was covered with a piece of cloth.
When I removed the cloth from her face, I found her not breathing any more. She had left this world to join her father.”
As per her wishes, Imam Ali (A.S) buried her in the darkness of the night. Besides Imam Ali (A.S) and his two sons, very few others such as Ammar, Salman, Mighdad and AbuZar attended her funeral.

Derived from: Al Hassanain.

Being active and to exercise is not only acceptable in Islam but also recommended. Part of the instructions given by the Prophet and the Imams (A.S) about upbringing of children is the issue of physical exercise. Swimming, for example, has been greatly encouraged in our religious literature.
It is a way of life which encompasses all aspects of human life: spiritual as well as physical, personal as well as communal, physical health as well as material wealth, and religious matters as well as political issues. In Islam, our body and health are considered as important gifts of Almighty Allah. Imam Ali (A.S) said: “Health is the best of blessings.” In another narration, he says, “One of the blessings [of God] is the abundance of wealth; however, better than abundance of wealth is the health of the body.” Imam Sadiq (A.S) said, “A believer who is physically strong is better than a weak believer.” It is in this sense that our body is considered to be the trust given to us by Allah. And we have to safeguard and protect this trust.

Sleeping, Resting, and Avoiding Stress
Almighty Allah has appointed the night as the time for resting and the day as the time for working. “He is the One who made for you the night so that you may rest in it, and the day with light; most surely in these are signs for the people who hear.” (10:67) so naturally, sleeping is very important.
Avoiding stress: slow down; look at the present and enjoy it before you lose it. Give time for your family. Having a good family life will help you in dealing with stress. And, finally, be in touch with Allah, the Prophet, and Imams; read the Qur’an and the Du’as. This will greatly help in dealing with stress. “Verily, in the remembrance of Allah, the hearts are at ease.” (13:28). There are special supplications in Sahifa Sajjadia which can be quite helpful. And unlike stress counselors or psychiatrists, you don’t need to schedule an appointment or pay any fees – Allah is always available to listen to you free of charge!

Ref: Islamic Insight