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Imam Ali (A.S) - Islam Guidance

  • The Holy Qur’an and Modern Scientific Discoveries


    There is no doubt that the Holy Qur’an is not a book about natural sciences, medicine, psychology or mathematical studies.
    The Holy Qur’an is a book of guidance and one which builds a human being. It mentions whatever is necessary for one to know.
    We should not expect that the Holy Qur’an be an encyclopedia about the various sciences. We should seek the light of faith and guidance, piety and purity, humanness and ethics, order and law from the Holy Qur’an and it contains all of these.
    But sometimes in order to reach this goal, the Holy Qur’an indicates some of the natural sciences and the secrets of creation, in particular, in its lessons on unity; it removes the veil over the secrets of the world of creation and it discloses facts which were unknown to the scholars of that era.
    This expression of the Qur’an forms a complex which we call the intellectual miracles of the Qur’an. Here we will indicate some of the intellectual miracles of the Holy Qur’an.

    The Holy Qur’an and the Law of Attraction
    Before Newton, no one had discovered the law of gravity in a complete way.
    It is famous that while Newton was sitting under a tree, and an apple fell from the tree, he began to think about the reason and said to himself, “What energy is this which attracts the apple to itself? Why did it not go up to heaven?” After many years of study, he discovered the law of gravity.
    In the discovery of this law, it was proven where the order of the stars comes from, why this earth moves around the sun and why they do not fall into each other. What power is this which keeps them in their own orbit, and they do not move this way or that.
    Yes. Newton discovered that the orbiting of a body causes it to flee from the center and the law of gravity causes it to return to the center and as long as these two are in balance, that is, the distance between these two bodies brings about a gravity to create a fleeing from the center and a gravity to pull it back to the center, this attraction and repulsion permits it to remain continuously in its orbit. But the Holy Qur’an, 1000 years before this event, says:
    God is He Who raised the heaven without any pillars that you can see; is firmly established on the throne. He has subjected the sun and the moon (to His Law)! Each one runs (its course) for a term appointed. He regulates all affairs, explaining the sign in detail that you may believe with certainty in the meeting with your Lord.” (13:2)
    In a Tradition from Imam Reza (A.S) about this verse, he says, “Does God not say a pillar without a pillar being seen?
    The narrator says that in response to the Imam, I said, “Yes.”
    He said, “Thus a pillar exists but you do not see it.”
    Can an analogy simpler than this be found to express this to simple Arab people?
    In a tradition of Imam Ali (A.S) we read: “These stars which are in the heavens are cities like cities on earth and every city is connected to another city by a ray of light.”
    Scholars today, among the astronomers, believe that there are millions of stars which are inhabited with living creatures but the details of this are still not known.

    The Discovery of the Orbit of the Earth around the Sun
    It is famous that the first person who discovered that the earth moves around the sun was Galileo, who lived approximately four centuries before and before that, the Egyptian scholar, Ptolemy, had said, “The earth is the center of the universe and everything revolves around it.”
    Galileo was reprimanded by the Catholic Church for his discovery and his denial of this discovery saved his life but finally other scholars followed up his discovery and today it is a certain scientific fact which has been proved by space flights.
    At any rate, the opinion of Ptolemy lasted for 1500 years and it influenced the thoughts of the scholars during those years and, at the time of the descent of the Holy Qur’an, no one had the courage to speak against this view.
    But when we turn to the Holy Qur’an, we see:
    You see the mountains and think them firmly fixed, but they shall pass away as the clouds pass away…(27:88)
    The Qur’an speaks very clearly about the movement of the mountains whereas we see them as immovable and the analogy of their movement with that of clouds is both an indication of calmness and quietude.
    If we see that instead of the movement of the earth, the movement of the mountains is mentioned, this is so that the truth of the matter be made known because it is clear that the mountains, without the earth, have no motion and the movement of them is exactly like the movement of the earth, either around itself, or around the sun or both.
    Now think that at a time when all of the scholars of the world and the masses of the people thought that the earth was motionless, and believed that all of the stars and planets moved around it, the direct confrontation of this idea and the mention of the movement of the earth is a scientific miracle!
    And this from a person who had never studied and who, in general, arose from an area where there were no teachers and which was considered to be very backward from the point of view of science and culture.
    Is this not a proof of the Truth of this Book?

    Taken from: By Islam

  • The Icon of Justice

    Once on the eve of Ramadan, towards the end of a memorable sermon on the blessings of the month of fasting, the Prophet burst into tears. Asked by his dear cousin and son-in-law, the Commander of the Faithful, Imam Ali ibn Abi Taleb (A.S), the reason for his weeping, the Almighty’s Last Messenger to mankind, replied:
    "O Ali, I weep for that which will befall you in this month. (Imagining myself) to be in your place when you will be praying to your Lord, and the most wicked person of all times, like the one who chopped off the feet of the camel of Thamoud (that was the divine proof of Prophet Saleh's mission), will strike you on your head and your beard will be dyed by it (blood)."
    "O Ali whoever kills you has (in fact) killed me, whoever annoys you has annoyed me and whoever slanders you has slandered me, because you are to me like my soul. Your spirit is my spirit and your nature is my nature. Surely, Allah the Praised and the Glorious created me then you, chose me then you. Selected me for Prophet Hood and selected you for Imamate. And whoever denies your Imamate has (in fact) denied my Prophet Hood. O Ali, you are my legatee and father of my (grand) children, and husband of my daughter, and my Caliph (vicegerent) over my ummah both in my lifetime and after my death. Your bidding is my bidding, and your forbidding is my forbidding. I swear by the Power that granted me Prophet Hood and made me the most excellent of creation, you are the Hujjat-Allah (Proof of Allah) over His creatures, and His Trustee over mysteries and His Caliph over His creatures.”
    What the Prophet had predicted occurred over three decades later on the 21st of Ramadan in Iraq. The Imam of the Pious, on being struck the fatal blow in the Grand Mosque of Kufa while engrossed in the morning prayer of 19th Ramadan in the year 40 AH expressed that immortal phrase: By the Lord of the Ka’ba I have succeeded.”
    And what a grand success did the Icon of Justice achieve! Till this day, Imam Ali (A.S), whose ideal administration of justice has yet to be emulated, is remembered as the Martyr for the Cause of Freedom and Liberties. As the most nearest and dearest person to the Prophet, he had stood beside his cousin through every thick and thin, frustrating the bloodcurdling plots of the hypocrites in order to free human societies from the fetters of ignorance, superstition and polytheism.
    In short, Imam Ali (A.S) was the supreme example of social justice the world has ever seen. Even non-Muslim scholars have praised his dynamic personality. The Christian scholar George Jordaq has written a series of excellent books titled: Imam Ali (A.S) and Socrates; Imam Ali and Aristotle; Imam Ali and the French Revolution; and Imam Ali the Voice of Human Justice. Jordaq has shown that Imam Ali (A.S) excels all comparisons, and the freedom and liberties that he enshrined are still beyond the reach of human societies despite the bragging of democracy and human rights by western governments, whose practice is nothing but outright hypocrisy.
    We thus pay our sincere tribute to this Icon of Justice, whose model government has been the source of inspiration in every age and era for those striving for justice in society. We pray to God to hasten the reappearance of the Lord of the Age, Imam Mahdi (A.S) to cleanse the world of all vestiges of corruption and oppression by establishing the global government of peace, prosperity and justice.

    Derived From: Shia.es

  • The Illusion of this World

     

    Nahj Al Balagha

    Remember that this world which you covet so ardently and attempt to acquire so earnestly, and which sometimes annoys you and sometimes pleases you so much, is neither your home nor a permanent destination. You have not been created for it, nor invited to it as your resting-place. It shall neither remain with you forever, nor will you remain in it eternally. If it has enticed you away with its charms, it has also warned and cautioned you of real dangers lurking in its folds. Take account of the warnings it has given you and do not be seduced or deceived by its allurements. Let these warnings frighten you from being too greedy to possess it. Try to advance towards the place where you are invited for eternal bliss and turn your face away from the vicious world.
    [Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (A.S), from Nahjul Balagha, the Peak of Eloquence]

    Ref: Al-Islam.org

  • The martyrdom anniversary of Imam Ali (A.S)

    The holy shrine of Imam Ali in Najaf, Iraq, hosted pilgrims during the night of the martyrdom anniversary of the first Shia Imam (A.S).

    The pilgrims gathered in the holy city to mourn the martyrdom of Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (A.S), who was martyred on the 21st day of the holy fasting month of Ramadan around 14 centuries ago.

    According to the Najaf police statement, the number of Iraqi pilgrims who visited the city estimated at 3,500,000.

  • The Nicer Thing: Simplicity in Islam

    One day our first Imam, Imam Ali (A.S) went to the market with his servant, Qambar. There he bought two shirts, one which was really nice and expensive and the other which was not as nice. When Imam Ali (A.S) returned home he gave the better shirt to Qambar and kept the other one for himself. Qambar told Imam Ali (A.S) that it would look better if he wore the nicer shirt as he was the leader of the Muslims (Commander of the Faithful) while Qambar himself was only a servant. Imam Ali (A.S) answered that Qambar should wear the nicer shirt because he was younger and so it would suit him better; but more importantly Imam Ali (A.S) told him that he was a guide for the Muslims and so had to set a good example for them by leading a simple life.

    Ref: Islam Portal.net

  • The Path (Siraat)

    We have heard a lot about the Siraat - The Path over which the people will have to walk over on the day of Judgement.
    Let’s see what else our Imam's (A.S) have said about the "Siraat".

    عن المفضل بن عمر قال: سألت أبا عبدالله عليه السلام عن الصراط
    قال: هو الطريق إلى معرفة الله عزوجل، وها صراطان: صراط في الدنيا، وصراط في الآخرة
    وأما الصراط الذي في الدنيا فهو الامام المفترض الطاعة، من عرفه في الدنيا واقتدى بهداه مر على الصراط الذي هو جسر جهنم في الآخرة، ومن لم يعرفه في الدنيا زلت قدمه عن الصراط في الآخرة فتردى في نار جهنم

    .From Mufaddal b. `Umar, who said:
    I asked Aba Abdallah (A.S) about al-Siraat (the Path) [1:6].
    He replied: It is a course towards the cognition (Marifah) of Allah, Mighty and Exalted. And these are two paths: the path in the world, and the path in the hereafter. And as for the path that is in this world, it is the Imam whose obedience is imposed. Whose recognizes him in the world and emulates his guidance will cross over the path in the hereafter that spans over Hell. And whoso does not recognize him (the Imam) in the world will misstep on the path in the hereafter and will fall into hellfire.
    [Source: Maani Al Akhbar – Vol,1 Ch,22 Hadees,1]

     

    عن أبي عبدالله عليه السلام قال: الصراط المستقيم أمير المؤمنين علي عليه السلام

    From Abi Abdallah (al-Sadiq) (A.S) who said:
    The Straight Path [1:6] is the Prince of the Believers, Ali (A.S).
    [Source: Ma'ani Al Akhbar - Vol.1 Ch.22 Hadees.2]

    Ref: Alseraj.net









  • The Philosophy of Life

    Imam Ali (A.S) - Philosophy of Life

  • The place where the commander of the faithful (A.S) born

    Short clip of place where the commander of the faithful (A.S) born – Kaaba - Mecca

  • The Purpose of Marriage in Islam

    A great deal of emphasis has been given in the Holy Qur’an and the traditions to both marriage and having children. The Almighty Allah states in the Holy Qur’an: “And among His signs is this that He created for you mates from among yourselves.” (30:21)
    The Prophet (P.B.U.H&H.P) stated: “There is no better structure founded in Islam other than marriage.” (Wasail al-Shia)
    “Imam Ali (A.S) said, “Engage in marriage, because this is the tradition of the Prophet of Allah.” (Wasail al-Shia)
    The Prophet of Allah further stated: “Whoever chooses to follow my tradition must get married and produce offspring through marriage (and increase the population of Muslims), so that on the Day of Resurrection, I shall confront other Ummah (nations) with the (great) numbers of my Ummah.” (Wasail al-Shia)
    Imam Ali Ridha (A.S) stated: ‘The greatest gain for a man is a faithful woman who, when she sees him, becomes happy, and protects his property and her own honor in his absence.”(Wasail al-Shia)
    What has been dealt with so far in this discussion has been only the worldly and animalistic side of marriage which the animals also share: the benefits of companionship and reproduction. As such, the true purpose of marriage for the human race is of a different kind. Mankind is not meant to have entered this world solely in order to eat, drink, sleep, seek pleasure or act lustfully, and then to die and be destroyed. The status of man is higher than such deeds. Human beings are meant to train themselves and their souls by gaining knowledge, committing good deeds, and behaving with good manners. Man is meant to take steps along the straight path to achieve nearness to Almighty Allah. Mankind is a creation that is able to cleanse his soul, and by avoiding evil deeds and exercising good behavior, reach a level of such high status that even the angels are not able to attain. Man is a creature that is eternal. He has come to this world so that – by the guidance of the prophets and the implementation of the programs set by the religion (of Islam) to secure his happiness in this world and the Hereafter he could live a peaceful life in the next world eternally.
    Therefore, the purpose of marriage should be searched for in this spiritual context. The aim of marriage for a religious person should be a means of avoiding evil deeds and purging one’s soul of sins. It should be a means of acquiring nearness to the Almighty Allah. It is in this context that a suitable and good partner assumes an important role. When two believers form a family through marriage, their sexual relationship would benefit them in strengthening their mutual love and kindness. For such a couple, there would not exist any dangerous threats of sexual perversion, dangerous addictions, or unlawful deeds. The Prophet (P.B.U.H&H.P) of Islam and all of the Imams (A.S) have laid great emphasis on the institution of marriage.
    A pious person would always invite his partner to goodness, just as a corrupt person would tempt his partner towards corruption. It is then reasonable that in Islam, men and women who want to get married are advised to regard the piety and good manners of their future partners as essential conditions.
    A person went to the Prophet and said: “I have a wife who always welcomes me when I come home and escorts me to the door when I leave. When she finds me sad and unhappy, she then consoles me by saying: ‘If you are thinking of sustenance, then do not despair, because Allah provides sustenance; and if you are thinking about the next life, then may Allah increase your intellect and efforts.'” Then the Prophet stated: “Allah surely has functionaries and agents in this world, and your wife is one of those. Such a woman would be rewarded half as much as a martyr.” (Wasail al-Shia)
    Imam Ali (A.S) was thinking the same when he spoke of Lady Fatima Zahra (S.A). He stated that she was the best help for worshiping the Almighty Allah. History tells us that the Prophet, one day after the wedding of Imam Ali and Lady Zahra, went to congratulate them in their house and know about their welfare. He asked Imam Ali: “How do you find your spouse?” The Imam replied:” found Zahra as the best help in worshiping the Almighty Allah.” The Prophet then asked the same of Lady Zahra (S.A), and she replied: “He is the best husband.” (Bihar al-Anwar)
    In one sentence, Imam Ali (A.S) thus introduced the best woman in Islam and expressed the main purpose of marriage.

    Derived from: Principles of Marriage & Family Ethics
    By: Ayatullah Ibrahim Amini

  • The Shaqshaqia sermon

     

    This sermon is one of the speeches of Imam Ali (A.S) that he gave during his Caliphate, which he expresses his opinion in a clear and direct approach toward the Caliphate of the three and how they extorted a right that was divinely his.
    “Beware! By Allah, the son of Abu Quhafah (Abu Bakr) dressed himself with it (the caliphate) and he certainly knew that my position in relation to it was the same as the position of the axis in relation to the hand-mill. The flood water flows down from me and the bird cannot fly up to me. I put a curtain against the caliphate and kept myself detached from it.
    Then I began to think whether I should assault or endure calmly the blinding darkness of tribulations wherein the grown up are made feeble and the young grow old and the true believer acts under strain till he meets Allah (on his death).
    I found that endurance thereon was wiser. So I adopted patience although there was pricking in the eye and suffocation (of mortification) in the throat. I watched the plundering of my inheritance till the first one went his way but handed over the Caliphate to Ibn al-Khattab after himself.
    It is strange that during his lifetime he wished to be released from the caliphate but he confirmed it for the other one after his death. No doubt these two shared its udders strictly among themselves. This one put the Caliphate in a tough enclosure where the utterance was haughty and the touch was rough. Mistakes were in plenty and so also the excuses therefore. One in contact with it was like the rider of an unruly camel. If he pulled up its rein the very nostril would be slit, but if he let it loose he would be thrown. Consequently, by Allah people got involved in recklessness, wickedness, unsteadiness and deviation.
    Nevertheless, I remained patient despite length of period and stiffness of trial, till when he went his way (of death) he put the matter (of Caliphate) in a group and regarded me to be one of them. But good Heavens! What had I to do with this “consultation”? Where was any doubt about me with regard to the first of them that I was now considered akin to these ones? But I remained low when they were low and flew high when they flew high.
    One of them turned against me because of his hatred and the other got inclined the other way due to his in-law relationship and this thing and that thing, till the third man of these people stood up with heaving breasts between his dung and fodder. With him his children of his grand-father, (Umayyad) also stood up swallowing up Allah’s wealth like a camel devouring the foliage of spring, till his rope broke down, his actions finished him and his gluttony brought him down prostrate”.

    Derived from: Shia Wisdom

  • The Shia of Ali (A.S)

    Ibn Abbas narrated from the Prophet (P.B.U.H&H.P):
    When the verse “Those who believe and do righteous deeds are the best of the creation(Quran 98:7) was revealed, the Messenger of Allah (P.B.U.H&H.P) said to Ali (A.S): "They are you and your Shia." He continued: "O Ali! (On the Day of Judgment) you and your Shia will come toward Allah well-pleased and well-pleasing, and your enemies will come angry with their head forced up. Ali (A.S) said: "Who are my enemies?" The Prophet (P.B.U.H&H.P) replied: "He who disassociates himself from you and curses you. And glad tiding to those who reach first under the shadow of al-'Arsh on the day of resurrection." Ali (A.S) asked: "Who are they, O the Messenger of Allah?" He replied: “You’re Shia, O Ali, and those who love you.”
    Sunni references:
    - Al-Hafidh Jamaluddin al-Dharandi, on the authority of Ibn Abbas.
    - Al-Sawa’iq al-Muhriqah, by Ibn Hajar, Ch. 11, section 1, pp 246-247.

    Ref: Islamic Insight

  • The story of the six month old baby

    Ashura came to the land of Karbala.
    One-by-one, Hussain (A.S)'s friends and companions were martyred.
    Aun & Muhammed, Qasim, Abbas and Ali Akbar went to the battlefield and were martyred.
    By noon time Hussain (A.S) was left alone.
    The time had come for Hussain (A.S) to go to the battlefield. Hussain (A.S) said good bye to everyone.
    Hussain (A.S), with his sword Zulfiqar on his waist, mounted Zuljanah, his horse.
    Hussain (A.S) rode his horse to a small mount, he then called out loudly:
    “Is there anyone to help me? Is there anyone to help the grandson of the holy prophet?”
    With this call, the grandson of the Holy Prophet was giving one last chance to Yazid's men, the men who called themselves Muslims - the followers of the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H&H.P).
    Hypocrites! That's what Yazid's men were.
    No one answered Hussain (A.S)'s last call. But Hussain (A.S) heard the sound of crying coming from his camp.
    Hussain (A.S) turned around and returned to his tents.
    "Zainab (S.A), your brother is still alive. Why are you crying?"
    "My brother Hussain (A.S), when you called out,” Is there anyone to help me?” Ali Asghar fell from his cradle."
    Hussain (A.S) knew what Ali Asghar was trying to say.
    Hussain (A.S) went to Umme Rubab. Ali Asghar was on her lap.
    He was crying and Umme Rubab was trying to comfort him.
    Hussain (A.S) picked up baby Ali Asghar and whispered in his ear. Ali Asghar stopped crying. He looked up at his father and smiled.
    "Umme Rubab, I am taking Ali Asghar to the battlefield with me so that I can get some water for him."
    What did Hussain (A.S) whisper in Ali Asghar's ear? What made Ali Asghar stop crying, and to smile? Hussain (A.S) had whispered:
    "My son, Ali Asghar, do you want to come to the battlefield with me? Asghar, do you want to show your strength on the battlefield? Come, let us go, my little soldier, Asghar."
    Umme Rubab changed Ali Asghar's clothes.
    Imam Hussain (A.S) carried Ali Asghar to the battlefield. It was very hot. Ali Asghar was thirsty. Hussain (A.S) covered baby Ali Asghar with his Cloak, to protect him from the scorching sun.
    Yazid's men saw Hussain (A.S) approaching with something in his hand.
    "Look, Hussain (A.S) is coming with the Quran. He has no one left to help him. With the help of the Quran he is hoping to win."
    Hussain (A.S) walked to Yazid's soldiers. By moving his Cloak he uncovered Ali Asghar.
    He held Ali Asghar high with both his hands and said:
    "O soldiers of Yazid, you feel I have offended you, but what has this little child done to you? His mother's milk has dried up. He has not had a drop of water for three days. He is dying of thirst. I beg you to give water to this innocent little child."
    Not one of Yazid's soldiers brought any water for Ali Asghar.
    Once more Imam Hussain (A.S) said:
    Maybe you think that when you bring water for this child, I will drink it too. I will put this little child on the ground. You can come and give him water yourself."
    Hussain (A.S) placed Ali Asghar on the burning sand of Karbala.
    Ali Asghar lay quietly on the hot sand of Karbala. His turned his head and stared at Yazid's men.
    No water came for Ali Asghar.
    Hussain (A.S) picked up Ali Asghar and said:
    "My son Ali Asghar, my darling, you are too young to fight with a sword or a spear. My little soldier, you are a grandson of Ali (A.S). Ali Asghar, fight with your tongue."
    Little Asghar stuck his dry tongue out and moved it over his dry lips looking towards Yazid's men. He fought with his tongue.
    The little soldier shot a strange arrow - his dry tongue.
    It hit the hearts of Yazid's soldiers who had children of their own. They became restless. Some started crying.
    They spoke amongst themselves:
    "Hussain (A.S) is saying the truth. What has this child done to us? Why is he punished like this? Let us give him some water."
    Umar ibn Sa'ad got worried that his soldiers will turn against him.
    The little soldier's fight was very effective.
    Umar ibn Sa'ad ordered his best archer:
    “Harmalah! What are you waiting for? Silence the little child! Don't you know he is a grandson of Ali (A.S)? Hurry, shoot your arrow, before it is too late."
    Harmalah aimed an arrow at Ali Asghar. A small arrow for a little child? No! An arrow not with one head, not with two heads, but with three sharp heads.
    Why? Why an arrow with three heads for such a small child?
    My fellow Hussain (A.S)! You will not be able to stop crying when you hear what happened next.
    An arrow with three sharp heads flew across the desert of Karbala. It was heading for Ali Asghar. Hussain (A.S) saw the arrow coming. He covered Ali Asghar with his arms.
    The arrow reached Hussain (A.S).
    The arrow went through Hussain (A.S)'s arm and lodged in the tiny neck of Ali Asghar.
    Ali Asghar died instantly.
    Allah Akbar! Allah Akbar!
    Poor Hussain (A.S), the poor father, who came to get water for his little child.
    Instead of water, Ali Asghar got an arrow in his neck.
    What shall Hussain (A.S) do now? What shall Hussain (A.S) do now?
    Hussain (A.S) gently pulled the arrow from Ali Asghar's tiny neck.
    My fellow Hussain (A.S), put your hand on your heart and imagine the scene a father removing an arrow from his child's neck. What a tragic scene!
    Blood gushed out from Ali Asghar's neck.
    A voice came from the ground:
    "No, Hussain (A.S), do not let Ali Asghar's blood fall to the ground, otherwise no crops will ever grow from this earth." Hussain (A.S) looked up at the sky.
    A voice came from the sky:
    "No Hussain (A.S), do not let the blood gush towards the sky, otherwise, no drop of rain will ever fall from this sky."
    What shall Hussain (A.S) do now? What shall Hussain (A.S) do now?
    The sky is refusing, the earth is not happy to accept Asghar's blood.
    Poor Hussain (A.S) wiped Ali Asghar's blood on his face.
    Hussain (A.S) started walking towards his tents.
    He saw Ali Asghar's mother - Umme Rubab - standing by his tent. A mother anxiously waiting for her baby.
    Hussain (A.S) thought:
    "How can I face Umme Rubab? What shall I tell her? How can I tell her that her baby has been martyred without water? How? How?"
    Seven times, Hussain (A.S) went forward and then turned back, Saying:
    "INNA LILLAHE WA INNA ELAIHE RAJEOON."
    He finally reached the tent where Umme Rubab was standing. "Rubab, come and take your Ali Asghar. Rubab, your little soldier has died for the sake of Allah."
    Umme Rubab took her little child, Ali Asghar. She hugged him and cried.
    "Come with me Rubab. Enough, Rubab, enough. Let us bury our baby Asghar"
    Hussain (A.S) and Umme Rubab walked to the back of the tents.
    Hussain (A.S) dug a small grave with his sword, the Zulfiqar.
    Umme Rubab placed Ali Asghar in the small grave.
    My fellow Hussain (A.S) why should we not cry tonight?
    Have we ever heard of any other father and mother digging a grave and burying their own child?
    Where can Hussain (A.S) get water to sprinkle on Ali Asghar's grave? There is no water to sprinkle on Ali Asghar's grave.
    Hussain (A.S) sat by the grave crying.
    Tears poured on the grave. Ali Asghar's grave was sprinkled with Hussain (A.S)'s tears.

    Derived from Almujtaba Islamic articles page.

  • The types and Advantages of Water

    A reliable tradition states that in this world and the world-to-come, there is nothing better than water. Anyone who takes pleasure in drinking water will take pleasure when God gives him the wine of Heaven.
    According to a tradition from Imam Ali (A.S), "Zam Zam water is the best water among all the waters of the earth and Burhoot water (which is in Yemen) is the worst for it is haunted by the spirits of the nonbelievers, and day and night it is in a state of curse."
    According to Imam Sadiq (A.S): "Zam Zam water is a cure for all diseases."
    Imam Ali (A.S) said: "one should drink rain water as it purifies the body and cures all pains and diseases."
    According to Imam Sadiq (A.S): "cold water lessens temperature, cures vomiting, digests food, and is an antidote for heat and also stated that boiled water is good for all types of pains and is not harmful in any way."
    According to Imam Reza (A.S): "the water which is boiled seven times in seven different vessels cures fever and cough."
    Ibn Abi Tahir Tayfur, a doctor, states that when he visited Imam Kazim (A.S), he saw him drinking a lot of water. When he stopped, the Imam (A.S) replied: "drinking water even in excess is not harmful in any way as it digests food in the stomach, lessens excitement (anger), increases intellect and cures vomiting."

    Manners of Drinking Water
    According to Imam Sadiq (A.S), "whosoever, while drinking water, remembers Imam Hussein (A.S) and his Ahlul Bait and curses his murderers and tormenters, one lakh good deeds will be written in his record, one lakh sins will be forgiven, he will be elevated one lakh times and he will be rewarded to the extent as though he has freed one lakh slaves in the name of God and on the Day of Judgement God will look towards his welfare. If he recites the following while drinking water, it is better:
    ‘May Allah shower his blessings on Hussein (A.S) and his Ahlul bait and his companions. May He increase His curses on the murderers of Hussein (A.S) and his enemies.’
    Another reliable tradition from the same Imam (A.S) asserts that if a person does not drink water when he is feeling thirsty and appeases his thirst late, then God makes him an inhabitant of Heaven.
    Actually, before appeasing his thirst, he should wait for a while praising Almighty and then drink and at that time God makes Heaven compulsory for him.
    In another tradition from the same Imam (A.S), it is stated that if a person, before drinking water at night recites three times:
    ‘Salutation to the water of Zam Zam and water of Furat.’
    Then the water will not harm him.
    According to a tradition from Imam Sadiq (A.S), "one should not have water while standing, one should not walk around a grave and should not urinate in standing water. If a person does these things, he will be affected by troubles and then he will have to cure himself alone from these."
    According to Imam Baqir (A.S), "one should say ‘In the Name of God (Bismillah)’ before drinking water and ‘Alhamdulillah’ after drinking. If the clay container has a handle, then one should take the water from the front and if it is broken from somewhere or has a hole, then one should have water from the other side as both the situations are related to the devil."
    The Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H&H.P) has prohibited blowing with mouth in the water.
    It is stated that the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H&H.P) used to drink water in glass utensils which had come as a present from Syria and at times in wooden and leather containers and if none were available, in his hand.

    Taken from: Al Maaref Islamic Net

  • The virtues of Imam Ali (A.S)

    The virtues of Imam Ali (A.S)

  • The Words of Imam Ali (A.S) on Negligence

    Negligence 1

    O negligent people! O you, who are so indifferent to your obligations and so unmindful of your duties, remember that you will not be excused for such carelessness and negligence. O you, who want to go out of the folds of religion, remember that you shall not be left unquestioned and unpunished.

    How is it that I find you drifting away and away from God and swaying towards ungodly thoughts and deeds? You are behaving as if you are cattle whom the pastor is driving through a pasture or a watering place where deadly cattle diseases are raging and they cannot resist this drive, or like sheep who are being fattened on fresh grams and good grass to be butchered and they do not realize they are being so well treated so that when killed they give soft and fat meat. Their vision is so limited that they consider the day they are passing to be the whole span of their lives, and their sole purpose of their existence is to eat and drink.

    By God, if I like I can tell every one of you how he started life, and how he is going to end it, from where he is coming and where he will go and how he is passing his days. But I do not do this lest they wrongly consider me superior to the Holy Prophet (May the peace of God be upon him and his descendants), but I shall tell this to such of my faithful follower about whom I am not nervous of apostasy.

    I swear by Him who has appointed the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H&H.P) as His trusty Messenger to carry the highest truth to man, and selected him of all His creatures for this work, that I am speaking truth. The Holy Prophet (May the peace of God be upon him and his descendants) has bequested all this to me. I know who will be damned and who will get salvation. I know the fate of this caliphate and what will happen to me.

    O people! I swear by God that I do not persuade you to obey any order of God unless I have myself first obeyed it faithfully and I do not prevent you from any vice or sin unless I have first abstained from it myself.
    [A part of sermon 173 of Nahjul Balagha]

    Taken from: Islamic Thought

  • Umm ul-Banin - first Husseini elegy chanter

    After the martyrdom of Hazrat Fatima Zahra (S.A), Imam Ali (A.S) called his brother Aqeel who was known for his knowledge about the tribal genealogies and told him to find out a respectable lady of a noble family, known for its bravery, for him to wed for he wanted to have a brave son from her to be his own representative there at Karbala to serve Hussain (A.S) the son of the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H&H.P) and help him in the calamitous situation against his enemies and lay his life defending Hussain (A.S) on his own behalf, for Hassan (A.S) and Hussain (A.S) were hailed as the sons of the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H&H.P) and each one was addressed as Ibn-Rasoolullah' (son of the Holy Prophet).
    Aqeel said: "Marry thou, Umm ul-Banin Kalabi, the daughter of Hazm bin Khalid-e-Kalabi, for braver than her father, there was none in the tribes.
    Hadrat Umm ul-Banin bore Hazrat Ali's four sons, Abbas, Abdulla, Ja'far and Usman. The meaning of 'Umm ul-Banin' is 'Mother of Sons'. All of her sons were martyred along with Imam Hussein. After their martyrdom, she requested people not to call her 'Umm ul-Banin' ever again.
    The day she entered the household of Imam Ali (A.S), she made it very plain to Imam Hassan (A.S) and Imam Hussain (A.S) that she considered herself their slave, and she hoped and prayed that they would accept her as one. Her respect and affection for them was reciprocated by the two brothers, who occupied a foremost place in her heart.
    When Imam Hussain (A.S) was leaving Madinah for Iraq Hazrat Umm ul-Banin asked her four sons, Hazrat Abbas (A.S), Abdulla, Ja'far and Usman to sacrifice their lives in the sacred cause of Imam Hussain (A.S).
    Umm ul-Banin had such sincerity toward the Holy Prophet's progeny that she loved Imam Hussain (A.S) more than her own children.
    She was the first who received Bashar bin Hazam, the man who proclaimed to the people of Medina “Qotelal Hussain…” (Hussein has been killed...). It was to the extent that when she received the news stating the martyrdom of her four sons, she said: "Tell me about Hussain (A.S)” and when she received the news of Imam Hussain (A.S)'s martyrdom she said: "All of the arteries of my heart are torn. May all of my children and whatever that exist under this azure heaven be sacrificed for the sake of Imam Hussain (A.S).”
    After the arrival of Imam Sajjad (A.S) and Hazrat Zainab (S.A) in Medina Hazrat Umm ul-Banin used to gather women in her house and used to narrate them how Imam Hussain (A.S) and his companions were martyred by Yazidi forces.
    Hazrat Umm ul-Baneen is considered as the first Noheh Reciter (dirge reciter) for the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (A.S). She used to visit regularly the famous Jannat al-Baqi cemetery in Medina and recite her Noheh in a very sad and pathetic voice that everybody present there used to weep bitterly.
    She transformed the Jannat al-Baqi cemetery as "the Centre of mourning of Imam Hussain (A.S)". The Noheh recited by Hazrat Umm ul-Banin for the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (A.S) are recorded in history and are considered as masterpiece in Arabic literature.

    Derived from: Alhassanain.com

  • Views of Ibne Abil Hadid al-Mutazali about Imam Ali (A.S)

    Ibne abil Hadid al-Mutazali, the commentator of Nahjul Balagha, says: “Hazrat Ali had a personality in which opposite characteristics had so gathered that it was difficult to believe that a human mind could manifest such a combination. He was the bravest man that history could cite, such brave persons are always hard-hearted, cruel, and eager for blood-shed, but Ali was a kind hearted sympathetic and warm hearted person, qualities quite contradictory to the other phase of his character and more suited to pious and God fearing persons.”
    “He was a very pious and God fearing man and often such religious persons avoid society and do not care to mix with men of sin and men of wrath on the other hand warriors, kings and dictators are usually arrogant and haughty; they consider it below their dignity to mix with the poor, lowly and humble people. But Ali was different. He was a friend to all. As a matter of fact he had a tender spot in his heart for the poor and humble, and for orphans and cripples. To them he always was a kind friend, a sympathetic guide and a fellow sufferer; he was meek with them but haughty and arrogant towards famous warriors and generals, so many of whom he had killed in hand-to-hand combats. He was always kind but strict with wayward persons, sympathetically teaching them the ways of God. He always smiled and passed happy and witty rejoinders, it was difficult to overcome him in debates or repartees; his rejoinders and retorts always bore a distinct mark of culture, education and knowledge.”
    “He was a scion of a very illustrious, rich and noble clan, as well as the son-in-law and a great favourite of the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H&H.P); at the same time he was the greatest warrior and marshal of his time; yet, in spite of his riches, he ate, dressed and lived like a poor person; to him wealth was for the use of other needy persons, not for himself and his family. Change of times and change of circumstances did not bring any change in his bearing, mien or character. Even when he was acclaimed as the Caliph, he was the same Au as they had found him to be during the previous regimes.”
    “Once in the society of Abdullah, son of Imam Malik-ibne-Hunbal, a discussion took place about Ali and his Caliphate; Abdullah brought the discussion to an end saying that the Caliphate did not bring any honour or glory to Ali, but it was itself honoured and glorified by Ali and it received the status actually due to it.”
    “The world cannot quote an example other than that of Ali of a first class warrior and a marshal who is also a philosopher, a moralist and a great teacher of religious principles and theology. A study of his life shows that his sword was the only help that Islam received during its early days of struggle in its wars of self-defence. For Islam he was the first and the last line of defence; who was there to stand by him in the battles of Badr, Uhud, Khandaq, Khaybar and Hunayn? This is one aspect of his life. While the other facet of his character is reflected in his sermons, orders, letters and sayings. What high values of morality they teach, what ethics’ they preach, what intricate problems of Unitarianism they elucidate, how rich they are in philosophy; how they imbibe the spirit of righteousness and teach rulers to become kind, good, benevolent and God-fearing rulers, and subjects to be faithful, sincere and law abiding, how they persuade men to be warriors who can fight only for God, truth and justice, and not mercenaries murdering and plundering for wealth and riches; and how they instruct teachers to teach nothing injurious and harmful to mankind. These are but undisputable proofs of his great-ness and spiritual superiority. Has history ever produced a more splendid personality incorporating such variegated characteristics of mind and heart?”

    Taken from: Imam Reza.Network

  • Welcoming the month of Shaban

    Imam Ali (A.S) once saw some Muslims arguing among themselves on the topic of fate and destiny, on the first day of Shaban. He discouraged them from their preoccupation and instead drew their attention to the merits of this month.
    He said that the Lord had called it Shaban because His favors and bounties were scattered (shaban) all over during it. Allah presents His great bounties in this month which are easy to achieve, and inexpensive, said Imam Ali (A.S). This could mean that the acts of worship, performing other good deeds and abstaining from evils will carry manifold benefits.
    The Imam (A.S) then enumerated some of the good actions which should not be overlooked in this month. These include prayer, paying zakat (charity), enjoining of good, forbidding of evil, goodness to parents, Relatives, neighbors, mutual reconciliation and giving charity to the poor and the destitute.
    Shaban is the second month of worship in order to make preparations for the grand and majestic month of Holy Ramadhan the month of Allah (S.W.T). The Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H&H.P) has said, Shaban is my month. This is the month of asking for forgiveness of sins, giving alms & charity and fasting. The Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H&H.P) used to observe fast during the whole month of Shaban. Imam Sajjad (A.S) has said: whosoever, in love of the Prophet, wishes to seek nearness to Allah and receive His bounties, favors and rewards in this world and in the hereafter, must connect Shaban with Ramadhan in the matter of fasting and special prayers.
    It is also reported from the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H&H.P) that whosoever observes nine fasts in the whole month of Shaban should not fear the interrogation of Munkar & Nakeer. Whosoever observes twelve fasts in the month of Shaban, 70,000 angels will descend over his/her grave on the first night of his burial, to remove his/her fear & loneliness.
    Therefore, one must observe at least twelve fasts to gain both the favors.

    Derived from: Almujtaba Islamic Network

  • What enemy says about Imam Ali (A.S)?

    Abu Sa'id Mansur bin Hussein Abi (422 A.H.) writes thus in his book entitled Nathrud Durar that Ahnaf bin Qays says: "One day I went to see Muawiyah. He had on a wonderful dinner carpet. He brought all sorts of hot, cold, sweet, and sour foods for me. I was wonderstruck. Later, as ordered by him, another dish of a different kind of food was brought in.
    I tried my best to find out what it was but did not succeed. I, therefore, enquired about it from Muawiyah. He replied that it consisted of the intestines of a duck which had been filled with the marrow of the sheep and had then been fried in pistachio oil and finally sugar had been sprinkled on it.
    I began to weep. He asked me: "Why are you weeping?"
    I replied: "I have been reminded of the life of Ali (A.S). I remember that one day I was with him. When the time for dinner and breaking the fast drew near, he asked me to remain with him. A sealed leather case was brought to him.
    I asked him what it contained and he told me that there was barley flour in it.
    I asked him: "Why have you sealed it? Are you afraid that others may take some of it or do you not wish that anyone else should eat it?"
    He replied: "Who else? As a matter of fact I am afraid that my sons Hassan and Hussein may not taint it with butter or olive oil."
    I said: "O Commander of the Faithful! Is it prohibited?"
    He replied: "No. It is not prohibited. However, it is necessary for the true administrators and rulers to consider themselves to be the most deprived persons so that poverty and distress may not press and squeeze the indigent".
    When I had said this, Muawiyah interrupted and said: "You have mentioned a man whose excellence cannot be denied by anyone".

    Taken from: Islam Portal.Net

  • What Imam Ali (A.S) said to Kumail

    knowledge

    Narrated in Shaykh Al-Mufid’s Al-Amali, Imam Ali (A.S) highlights the importance of knowledge and learning to his companion, Kumail ibn Ziyad Al-Nakha’ee. In his advice, the Imam (A.S) reproaches those who misuse knowledge or are misled from its pursuit by worldly pleasures.


    Once I was with commander of the faithful (A.S) in the mosque of Kufa, and when we completed our late evening prayers (i.e. Isha), he took me by his hands and came out of the mosque. He did not say a word till we arrived at the rear part of Kufa. As he entered the desert, he heaved a sigh and said:


    “O Kumail, no doubt these hearts (i.e. minds) are containers, and the best of them are those who retain most. Remember from me what I say; people are of three categories: the learned men (of piety), the students on the path of salvation, and (the third one) the riffraff of the society, following every croak of the crows, bending as the wind blows; never benefiting from the light of knowledge, nor finding a refuge with a strong supporter.


    O Kumail, knowledge is better than wealth; for knowledge guards you, while you have to guard wealth; and wealth is diminished when spent, while knowledge grows and increases when put in use.


    O Kumail, to have liking and affinity for a learned man is the best way to entrench ones faith in Allah, it enables one to be obedient to Him during lifetime, and to be praiseworthy after one has died.


    O Kumail, dividend from wealth disappears with its loss, O Kumail, the hoarders of wealth have died, while the learned men exist for ever; their bodies have disappeared but their teachings and wisdom are ingrained in the hearts.”


    And then pointing to his chest, he said: “Here is well-grounded, plentiful knowledge; I wish it had true recipients and adherents, I would have imparted it.
    But, unfortunately, some unscrupulous men of understanding have tried to misuse it, using religion as a weapon to earn the worldly gain, and seeking undue power by divine authority over Allah’s creatures, abusing His bounties which He bestowed upon them. So the feeble-minded people accepted them as reliable; or took them as compliant with (divine) wisdom, discarding the true guardians of truth. (The truth is that) such people (who they have adopted as their guides) have no insight into its ramifications; with the result that with the slightest confusion, doubt enters their minds. Neither of them could be the true carrier of knowledge.


    And then there are those with insatiable lust, easily misled by the pleasures of flesh, or enticed by accumulating wealth, not at all among those who care for religion. They very much resemble the grazing cattle. Thus, knowledge dies with the death of such carriers.


    Yet, the earth is never devoid of either a manifest divine power, or the one in concealment, ensuring that His clear signs are not lost. Surely, with those fewer people of enormous import, Allah protects His proof, till they succeed to transmit it further to their likes, and plant it deep in their hearts. They are the ones overwhelmed by the (true) knowledge of certitude, and have made it easy for themselves to tread on the path which men in luxury found difficult. They derive pleasure and enjoyment from things which repel the ignorant. Though they live on earth with their bodies, their souls hang onto the higher plane. They are the (true) representatives of Allah on His earth, and the ones who invite (people) to His religion.


    Alas! How keen I am to have sight of them! And I seek forgiveness from Allah for me and for you all.”


    Then he [i.e. ‘Ali (A.S)] withdrew his hand from mine and said: “You may leave when you like.”

    Taken from: Ahlulbayt Islamic Mission

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