“When al-Qaim rises up, he will judge with justice and during the time of his advent, all forms of tyranny will be removed and the paths (towards him) will be made safe and the Earth will bring forth Her blessings and the rights of each and every person will be given to them and no person who follows (any other) din (complete code of life) will remain except that they will accept al-Islam and all people will come towards true faith.” – Allamah Baqir al-Majlisi

To begin this very intricate topic relative to the Imam of our Time, we shall begin with one of the crucial objectives of Imam Mahdi (atfs). The above hadith indicates the aim of the Imam which will be the establishment of peace in such a way that the tyrannous and evil nature of the world shall be eradicated. But what are the signs of Our Imam? We often recite Du’a Faraj and pray for the hastening of the Imam but do we really recognise the signs of his appearance? Let us dissect some of them below:

• Abu Saeed Khudri narrated that the Holy Prophet (S) said, “In the Last Age, severe tribulations would afflict my community from their rulers and kings such that they have not heard of more severe atrocities and the earth shall become constricted for them and become filled with injustice and oppression and the faithful believer would have no place of refuge from those oppressions” [Iqdud Durar] – There is no doubt that anyone reading this will agree that every city, every nation is not a nation of unity, but a nation of fear under their leader. Where there was a time that people would watch the news eagerly, we are now at a time where the news is negative information relative to war and politics.
• The Prophet of Islam (S) said, “…When confusion, turmoil and mischief would surround the world and the paths shall be cut off and people will destroy each other and the elders shall not be merciful on the young and the young shall not respect the elders.” [Bihar al-Anwar]. Nowadays the ayah 17:23 of saying uff to our parents has come to light in that parents are bound to the decisions of their offspring simply because they cannot control their actions for as far as they have tried to raise them as good as they can within their capacity.
• It is narrated from Imam Muhammad Baqir (a.s.) that he said, “Mahdi (a.s.) will reappear at the time when fear, mischiefs, calamities, epidemics, violence, divisions in religion and transformation of the peoples’ condition shall be dominant on the world and society. Day and night people would yearn for death and shall be at each other’s throat. In other words despair and hopelessness would have conquered them. At that time His Eminence (a.s.) would reappear; and congratulations to the one reaches Imam Mahdi (a.s.) and becomes his supporter and woe to the one who opposes him.” [Iqdud Durar]
• “A time when men shall resemble women. When women shall be in saddles and men shall omit prayers and follow the base desires and take usury and consider spilling of human blood easy and deal with usury and openly commit fornication and construct high-rises and consider lying permissible and accept bribery and follow sensual desires and sell religion in exchange of material benefits and dissociate from relatives and consider forbearance as weakness and oppression as pride.”
• “Oppression would be open and divorces common and sins would be committed openly and false testimonies would be accepted, wine would be imbibed and man shall mount upon man and women shall be needless of men and public funds would be considered spoils of war, alms would be considered a monetary loss. They would be afraid of the tongue of the evil people.”
• [al-Fadl Ibn Shadhan (reported) on the authority of Ahmad Ibn Muhammad Ibn Abi Nasr , on the authority of Thalaba al-Azdi, who said:] Abu Ja’far (al-Baqir), peace be on him, said: “Two signs will come before the one who will arise (al-qa’im), peace be on him: there will be an eclipse of the sun in the middle of the month of Ramadan and an eclipse of the moon at the end of it.”
• Ali Ibn Abi Hamza (reported) on the authority of Abu Basir, on the authority of Abu ‘Abd Allah (Ja’far al-Sadiq), peace be on him:] (Ja’far al-Sadiq) said: “Before (the coming of) the one who will rise (al-qa’im), peace be on him, there will be a year of abundant rain in which the fruits and the dates on the palms will be destroyed. But don’t complain of that.”
• Hadrat ‘Ali (‘a) said: “A time will come when corrupt and adulterous individuals will live in coquetry and bounty and the ignoble will acquire position and status while the just men will become weak.” It was asked: “When will this period come to pass?” He said: “It is at the time when women and bondswomen take charge of the affairs of the people and youngsters become rulers.” [al-Kafi]
• the Messenger of God (S) said: “The jurists (fuqaha) of those days will be the worst jurists under heaven. Sedition and chaos will start from them and will also return to them.” [Jami’ al-Akhbar and Bihar al-Anwar]. Perhaps, it alludes to court-affiliated scholars who justify the crimes of tyrant kings and self-centered rulers, giving them an Islamic twist.
• “It will be at the time when you would abandon religion in the same manner that a wife would take off her clothes for her husband.” [Ibn Tawus]
• The Prophet of Islam (S) said: “The Day of Resurrection shall not come to pass until such time when someone who has five children would wish for four while one who had four children will say: “I wish I had three!” The one having three children would wish for two, one with two children would wish for one child, and the one with a single child would thus say: “I wish I had no child!” [Firdaws al-Akhbar]

To read more:

https://www.al-islam.org/life-imam-al-mahdi-baqir-shareef-al-qurashi/signs-reappearance-imam-time-0#fref_615cef01_7

https://www.al-islam.org/articles/signs-reappearance-twelfth-imam-ajtf

https://www.al-islam.org/an-overview-of-mahdi-s-government-najimuddin-tabasi/governments#fref_ef955103_12

The post Major Signs of Reappearance of Imam al-Mahdi (atfs) appeared first on Al-Islam.org Blog.

Dedication: For my most adorable Sister Zainab Fatima

*****

The pious Lady Hazrat Fatima Masooma of Qum (a) belonged to the divine family of Holy Prophet Muhammad (S). The Blessed and most Gracious Noble Lady from the Ahlul Bayt (a) was born in Medina on 1st of Zeelqad 173 A.H.

Her parents were Baabul Hawaij Imam Musa al-Kazim (a) and Lady Al Khayzran Najma Khatoon. [1] Imam Al-Ridha (a) was her elder brother and Imam Muhammad al-Al-Taqi (a) was her nephew.

Lady Masooma was an exceptional child who exhibited her knowledge even as a little girl. A famous incident occurred when she was barely six years old. A few Shia pilgrims from Najaf, Iraq, stopped at Imam Musa al-Kazim’s (a) house in Madina to get advice regarding some theological, historical and legal questions on their way to perform Ziyarat of Prophet Muhammad (S).

However, they were unable to meet the Imam because he was out of town and expected to return a few days later. When asked why they needed to see the Imam, they said they had a few questions to which they were seeking answers and they wrote their questions and handed over to his family saying they would pick the answers on their way back from Ziyarat.

When they stopped at the Imam’s house to get the answers, they were handed their questions along with the answers although the Imam had still not returned. The pilgrims were satisfied with the answers even after finding out that it was the Imam’s six year old daughter who had addressed their concerns.

When they proceeded to return home, they met Imam Musa al-Kazim (a) on the outskirts of the city. They greeted the Imam and related the incident to him upon which he requested to see the answers his little daughter had written. He was so impressed by the accuracy of the answers that he said three times – “May your father be sacrificed on you” – a phrase Prophet Muhammad (S) had used for his beloved daughter Lady Bibi Fatima (a). This invariably makes us draw parallels between Lady Fatima (a) Masooma of Qum and Lady Bibi Fatima (a).

Hazrat Masooma (a) was a true image of her grandmother Lady Bibi Fatima (a) in her devoutness. In addition to her name, she inherited her endurance, thankfulness, zest for prayers and fasting.

The immense love of Hazrat Masooma for her brother Imam Al-Ridha (a) – enlivens the images of her great aunt Lady Bibi Zainab’s (a) love for her dear brother Imam Husain (a).

She earned the title Masooma (Infallible) from her brother Imam Ridha (a), himself a Masoom, for achieving a high status by her strong belief, virtuousness, integrity and vast knowledge and proficiency mastered from schooling under 2 Imams.

She didn’t marry and was called Mariam Aale Muhammad meaning Lady Mariam (a) of the progeny of Prophet Muhammad (S) for her excessive piety and patience thus holding a singularly exalted status by her exemplary modesty, purity, chastity and magnificence. Like Lady Mariam (a) she was a saintly, ascetic lady with total dedication to Allah (swt).

Kareema e Ahlul Bayt (a) – “the generous, kind and gracious noble Munificent Lady of Prophet Muhammad’s (S) household.” The sinless pious Lady Hazrat Masooma of Qum was a lady of great veneration, knowledge, wisdom and virtue.

She became known as Aalimah (the Learned Lady) because of her powerful knowledge. She described the hadeeth, customs, traditions from the Prophet and his Ahlul Bayt (a). From among them, she has related from Lady Bibi Fatima (a) who has related from her father, the Messenger of Allah (swt): “Know that whoever dies with the love of Muhammad (S) and the Household of Muhammad (S) dies a martyr.”

Sayyida Masooma of Qum, the heiress to the elite family of Prophet Muhammad (S), was an incredible woman. Forty five years before her birth, her grandfather Imam Ja’far Al-Sadiq (a), predicted that a lady from his lineage will be laid to rest in the city of Qum, Iran. He further said: Haram of Allah (swt) is Mecca, Haram of Rasool Allah (S) is Madina, Haram of Imam Ali (a) is Kufa, and the Haram of Ahlul Bayt (a) will be Qum, and whoever visits her shrine in Qum will enter paradise.

She was only six years old when her father was arrested by Harun (the 6th Abbasid Caliph) and killed in prison 4 years later. Her brother Imam Al-Ridha (a), her guardian since their father’s imprisonment, continued his guardianship over her for twenty-one years.

When Mamun (the 7th Abbasid Caliph) made Imam Al-Ridha (a) leave Madina for Khurasan in Iran, he had to go alone without any of his family members and Lady Hazrat Masooma was separated from her beloved brother and guardian.

After one year, Lady Hazrat Masooma, wanting to be in close proximity to her brother and intending to help him make political decisions regarding women, left Madina for Khurasan accompanied by 23 family members – her brothers and nephews. Along the way, she was greeted by hundreds of admirers of Ahlul Bayt (a) who welcomed her as she passed their township. Like Bibi Zainab (a) earlier, who had exposed the oppression carried out against her brother Imam Husain (a), Lady Masooma informed the lovers of Ahlul Bayt (a) about the oppressed state of her brother, Imam Al-Ridha’ (a). Afraid of a revolt from the Shias, the supporters of the Abbasid regime attacked her caravan in the city of Saveh, Iran and killed all her brothers and nephews and poisoned her, ending the fragrance of this delicate flower from Prophet Muhammad’s (S) progeny in the prime of her youth.

The effect of the poison made her very ill and witnessing the onslaught on her loved ones delved her into extreme grief. No longer able to travel to Khurasan, she enquired and chose to go to Qum because she had heard from her father, Imam Musa Al-Kazim (a) that Qum was the center of Shias, the lovers of Ahlul Bayt (a). When people of Qum heard that Lady Masooma, unable to proceed to Khurasan, had expressed her desire to come to Qum, they became busy in making arrangements to receive her. She was greeted by large crowds. But she was sick and unable to recover due to the poison and after spending seventeen days in worship she died in Qum.

Per Divine Law, one Masoom is buried only by another Masoom and Lady Hazrat Masooma of Qum was alone by herself. For her burial two majestic men, believed to be Imam Al-Ridha (a) and Imam Muhammad Al-Taqi (a), miraculously approached and buried the pious noble lady where she rests today. Her dome was first built by Zaynab, the daughter of Imam Muhammad Al-Taqi (a) and because of the various miracles reported by the grace of Lady Masooma and the knowledge people acquired from her sermons the rulers of after-years constructed her shrine and kept improving upon it. Qum soon became one of the two prominent Shia seminaries – the other being in Najaf, Iraq.

In the Great Iraqi Revolution, religious leaders of Najaf who rebelled against the British Empire were expelled to Iran where they got together and developed Qum, a Shia stronghold, as the center of Shi’ite learning and authority, a preferred alternative to Najaf.

This laid the foundation of the school in excellent learning in Qum.

Najaf and Qum are focal sites of Shi’ite religious study propagating the teachings of Quran and Ahlul Bayt (a) exuding religious devotion.

Like the seminary in Najaf, the seminary in Qum, attracts scholars eager to seek knowledge in Shi’ism, from all over the world. The trained graduates, go back to their communities where they take up prominent positions helping people resolve issues in society and lead meaningful and satisfactory lives.

Although the seminaries in Najaf, Iraq and Qum, Iran are the most prominent Shia education centers, several smaller schools catering to the needs of society are present universally [2, 3, 4].

In our salutations to Lady Masooma of Qum, we pay our respects by these Vicegerents and intimates of Allah (swt):

Peace be on You, O Daughter of the Messenger of Allah (swt) Prophet Muhammad (S)!

Peace be on you, O Daughter of Lady Bibi Fatima (a) and Lady Bibi Khadijah (a)!

Peace be on you, O Daughter of the Commander of the Faithful Imam Ali (a)!

Peace be on you, O Daughter of Imam Hasan (a) and Imam Husain(a)!

Peace be on you, O Daughter of Imam Musa al-Kazim (a)!

Peace be on you, O Sister of Imam Al-Ridha (a)!

Peace be on you, O Aunt of Imam Muhammad Al-Taqi (a)!

May Allah (swt) confer His Mercy and blessings on you!

Notes:

[1] https://www.al-islam.org/lady-fatima-masuma-of-qum-masuma-jaffer

[2] https://www.al-islam.org/message-thaqalayn/vol-14-no-1-winter-2013/glimpse-major-shia-seminaries-part-1-rasoul-imani-khoshkhu

[3] https://www.al-islam.org/message-thaqalayn/vol-14-no-2-summer-2013/glimpse-major-shia-seminaries-part-2-rasoul-imani-khoshkhu

[4] https://www.al-islam.org/message-thaqalayn/vol-14-no-3-autumn-2013/glimpse-major-shia-seminaries-part-3-rasoul-imani-khoshkhu

The post Aspects from the biography of the pious Lady Hazrat Masooma of Qum appeared first on Al-Islam.org Blog.

Jannat ul-Baqee also known as Baqee al-Gharqad is one of the most important and oldest cemetery in Medina. This is the first cemetery exclusively for Muslims.

This cemetery is located to the south-east of Masjid Al-Nabawi [The Mosque of Prophet Muhammad, (S)]. This is the resting place of many members of the Prophet’s household and his companions.

This place was chosen by the Prophet (S) himself and the first individual to be buried was Assad bin Zararah, a companion of Prophet Muhammad (S).

The famous personalities from Prophet Muhammad’s (S) Household that are buried there include:

• Fatima (sa), the daughter of Prophet Muhammad (S);
• Imam Hasan ibn Ali (‘a), the grandson of Prophet (S), the 2^nd Infallible Imam;
• Imam Zaynul Abedin ibn Husayn (‘a), the grandson of Hazrat Ali (‘a) and Hazrat Fatima (sa), the 4^th Infallible Imam;
• Imam Muhammad Al-Baqir (‘a), son of Imam Zaynul Abedin (‘a), the 5^th Infallible Imam;
• Imam Ja’far Al-Sadiq (‘a), son of Imam Muhammad Al-Baqir (‘a), the 6^th Infallible Imam;
• All wives of Prophet Muhammad (S), except Khadija bint Khuwaylid (sa);
• Hazrat Ibrahim (‘a), son of Prophet Muhammad (S) who died in infancy;
• Ruqqayah, Zainab and Um-Kulthum, daughters of Prophet Muhammad (S);
• Fatima bint Asad, aunt of Prophet Muhammad (S) and mother of Imam Ali (‘a);
• Safiya and Aatika, aunts of Prophet Muhammad (S);
• Abbas ibn Abdul Muttalib, uncle of Prophet Muhammad (S);
• Hazrat Fatima bint Hizam, also known as Ummul Baneen, wife of Imam Ali (‘a) [who got married to Imam Ali (‘a) after the death of Hazrat Fatima (sa)];
• Hazrat Abdullah ibn Ja’far Al-Tayyar, husband of Hazrat Zainab (sa) [The granddaughter of Prophet Muhammad (S)].
• Hazrat Aqeel ibn Abu Talib, elder brother of Imam Ali (‘a);
• Halima Sadiyah, the suckling mother and nurse of Prophet Muhammad (S).

Some other notable figures buried in Jannat ul Baqee are:

• Uthman ibn Affan, companion of Prophet Muhammad (S), the 3^rd Khalifa;
• Hazrat Uthman bin Mouzun, companion of Prophet Muhammad (S);
• Some martyrs of the battle of Uhud;
• Malik ibn Anas, an Islamic jurist;
• Abdullah ibn Ma’sood;
• Abu Saeed Khudri;
• Muhammad Haya Al-Sindhi, a scholar;
• Muhammad Sayyid Tantawi, a scholar;
• Shaukat Ali Hayat, a scholar;
• Imam Shamil, Muslim leader and freedom fighter from the Caucuses;
• Idris of Libya, The King of Libya;
• Hassan As-Senussi, The crown prince of Libya;
• Muhammad Zakariya Kandhalawi, author of Fazael e Aa’maal;
• Nafi Al Madani, one of the ten readers of Quran;
• Abdulmecid II, the last Ottoman caliph.

Demolotion

In 1806, the Wahabbi army led by the sons of Muhammad Ibn Abdul Wahab (founder of wahabism/takfirism) and Muhammad Ibn Saud occupied Taif and began a bloody massacre. They targeted all the graves and religious structures in and around Jannat ul-Baqee.

The structures in Baqee were leveled to the ground and not a single dome was left standing. The occupation of the Holy sites and preventing Muslims from doing Hajj created a hue and cry among people which pressurized the Ottoman Empire to liberate and rebuild the holy places and once again permit the Muslims to perform the pilgrimage.

In 1818, an army led by Muhammad Ali Pasha, the Caliph’s viceroy of Egypt was sent to Medina where they defeated Wahabbis and as a result the Wahabbis left the Holy place.

The Prophet’s Mosque, the Baqee and other structures were rebuilt during the reign of Ottoman Sultans ‘Abd al Majid I’, ‘Abd al Hamid II’ and ‘Mahmud II’.

From 1848 to 1860, the buildings were renovated and the Ottomans built mosques and domes in a splendid aesthetic style.

They also rebuilt Al-Baqee with large domes over the graves of the Hazrat Fatima (sa), daughter of Prophet Muhammad (S), Imam Zaynul Abedin (‘a), Imam Muhammad Al-Baqir (‘a) and Imam Ja’far Al-Sadiq (‘a).

On April 21, 1925 (8^th Shaban), the tombs in Jannat ul-Baqee were once again demolished and leveled to the ground leaving no traces of which grave belongs to whom.

The day is commemorated as Yawm al-Ghamm (The Day of Sorrow).

Every year on this day, people go out in processions demanding the rebuilding of the Holy sites. Despite the pressure worldwide, demolition of Holy sites under Al-Saud continue till today as Wahabbis claim they are trying to save the religion from what they consider idolatries and innovations in religion.

According to their false belief, they claim it is forbidden to construct monuments over graves and supplicate there. Despite all these propagandas and atrocities by Wahabbi Takfiris, as God promises of victory and conquest of Mecca, all the structures will be rebuilt soon and Muslims everywhere will visit to pay their allegiances to these noble personalities.

*****

For a more comprehensive history of the Holy Cemetery, visit:

https://www.al-islam.org/history-shrines/history-cemetery-jannat-al-baqi

The post A Brief History on Jannat ul-Baqee appeared first on Al-Islam.org Blog.

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

There is no power, except from Allah; there is no knowledge, except from Allah; nothing exists, without the Will of Allah- everything is from Him and everything returns to Him. He existed when nothing existed, He will exist when everything will cease to exist.

According to Imam Jafar as-Sadiq (as), “Allah did not want to let things work except through their means and reasons. For everything He made a cause, for every cause an explanation, for every explanation a science, for every science a speaking chapter. Some people know it and some do not know. It is the messengers of Allah and we.” [1]

So, all knowledge is from Allah, and through Him it is with His messengers (a) and Imams (a), and through them it is with us. Imam is the source of guidance from Allah to the mankind, after all His messengers arrived with the knowledge that was needed by mankind. Imam Jafar as-Sadiq (as) was the 6^th Imam after the Seal of the Prophets, Muhammad ibn Abdullah (s).

Every messenger (a) and every Imam (a) provided the knowledge to the mankind, not to their capacity, but to the capacity of the people whom they delivered to. As mankind progressed, the level of knowledge that was delivered, progressed too. The ultimate knowledge is with The One Who is Hidden (atfs) and is awaiting for mankind to progress mentally to the level where they are capable of understanding that knowledge.

Imam Jafar as-Sadiq (as) has sown the seed of the ultimate knowledge by his above statement. The ultimate knowledge is the science, the science of everything that exists, except Allah, Who is beyond every science, The Creator of all sciences. By his statement, the Imam has given one basic law that nothing exists without a science. What we understand, it is explained science; what we do not understand and claim it a miracle, is an unexplained science.

During early 8^th century AD when Jafar as-Sadiq (as) arrived, it was a time when mankind was too immature to understand the sciences that he spoke about. The Earth was supposed to be in the center and sun was revolving round it. We saw objects when our eyes threw light on them. We did not know about our body, our surroundings and the world. There were no machines, no proper sciences, no research and no freedom to carry out scientific study. Mankind was focused on rules and rulers, wars, trade, controls, etc. and had no inclination for advancing their logical knowledge.

That was the time when Imam gave scientific concepts, sound logic and placed the launch pad for mankind to soar into the heights of scientific and technological advancements, the fruits of which we are seeing today.

Another of his most important contribution was establishment of a university where he taught between 4000 to 12000 students the sciences of chemistry, physics, medicine, astronomy, philosophy, geography, mathematics, biology, history, literature, jurisprudence, etc. His students were not ordinary students but those, some of whom were great scholars, who traveled far and wide and disseminated that knowledge all over the globe. He not only taught them, he ignited the fire for knowledge through logic and scientific explanations.

He had laboratory where he carried out experiments for his students, surgeries were performed and research work was carried out.

At 11 years of age, Jafar as-Sadiq (as) rejected the belief of Ptolemy that sun rotated around the earth and gave a complete narration of our solar system that we very well know now. At 12 years of age, he rejected the Theory of Four Elements of Aristotle and said, “I wonder how a man like Aristotle could say that in the world there are only four elements-Earth, Water, Fire and Air? The earth is not an element. It contains many elements. Each metal, which is in the earth, is an element.”

He said that whatever is in the earth is also in the human body, but of all elements four are in very large quantities, eight elements in small quantities and eight elements in minute quantities. We know today that there are 102 elements in the earth and all of them are present in the human body. The four elements, which are in large quantities in the human body, are Oxygen, Carbon, Hydrogen and Nitrogen. The eight elements which are in small quantities are: Magnesium, Sodium, Potassium, Calcium, Phosphorus, Sulphur, Iron and Chlorine. The other eight elements which are in very minute quantities are: Molybdenum, Cobalt, Manganese, Copper, Zinc, Fluorine, Silicon and Iodine.

For over 2 centuries after him, most physicians in a large part of the world followed diagnosis and treatment prescribed by him. For identifying if a serious patient was dead or alive, Ja’far as-Sadiq (as) had suggested that a small incision should be made in his body, especially between his two fingers. If blood comes out it was a sign that he was alive.

He has said that patients suffering from certain diseases emit special types of rays. If these rays fall upon a healthy person, they are apt to make him sick. In Novosibirsk, Russia, numerous experiments were conducted and it was established that UV rays were indeed responsible for transmission of diseases.

Eleven centuries before the world knew, he said air is a mixture of several gases and that all are essential for our breathing. Priestly (1733-1804) discovered oxygen and named it so meaning ‘producer of acidity’. Ja’far as-Sadiq (as) was the first to discover that oxygen produces acidity. He said oxygen is so strong that if separated from air, it can burn even iron. He was also the first to narrate that oxygen is heaviest of all elements in air and that itcan be liquefied.

Regarding the origin of the universe, he said “The universe was born out of a tiny particle, which had two opposite poles. That particle produced an atom snf inthis way matter came into being, then the matter diversified. The diversification was caused by the density or rarity of the atoms.” [2] This indeed is the accepted theory of the scientific fraternity today.

According to the Strasbourg Committee, “Tycho Brahe, who died in the year 1701, in spite of his vast knowledge and extraordinary intelligence, he was unable to discover the earth’s rotation on its own axis. When such a great scholar like Poincare (died 1912), refused to believe that the earth rotates on its axis, how could the people who lived in the 1^st and 2^nd centuries of the Hijra believe in the theory of Ja’far as-Sadiq (a.s.) that the earth rotates on its own axis.”

He said that materials which are solid and absorbent are opaque, and materials which are solid and repellent are more or less transparent. When he was asked about the thing which is absorbed by an opaque material he replied, “HEAT.” Today this theory is one of the Laws of Physics.

The Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) is a global project with over 300,000 computers worldwide listening to communications from outer space. Ja’far as-Sadiq (a.s.) had said that there are living beings in other worlds, who by their advanced knowledge might be trying to contact us. Since we do not know them nor understand their language, we do not realize that they want to get in touch with us and talk to us.

In his Theory of Light, he said that light reflected by different objects comes to us, but only a part of the rays enter our eyes. That is why we do not see distant objects clearly. If all the rays of light that come from them entered our eyes, objects would appear near to us. If we make a device through which all the rays of light coming from the camels grazing at a distance of 3,000 zirah (one zirah is equal to 40 inches) entered our eyes we would see them grazing at a distance of only 60 zirah and all other objects would look 50 times nearer to us.

When Galileo invented the telescope in 1610 and was asked the reason for moon appearing so near, he repeated the words of Jafar as-Sadiq (a.s.), “This telescope collects all the rays of light coming from the heavenly bodies. When all the rays are concentrated, the objects which are at a distance of 3,000 feet away appear to us as if they were at a distance of only 60 feet.”

The Research Committee of Strasbourg, France claims that Ja’far as-Sadiq (as) is actually the father of renaissance of Europe where his knowledge reached through Constantinople.

How unfortunate we are that we did not follow the teachings of Imam as-Sadiq (as) and took nearly 1500 years to reach at this level of advancement. If we had followed him, we could have reached a higher level of knowledge and understanding. It is still time that we research extensively on his teachings with a logical and scientific approach and prepare ourselves for his grandson, The One Who is Hidden (atfs), who is awaiting mankind to be at a mental level to be able to take the knowledge that he provides to us.

Notes:

[1] H-452, Ch-7, h-7; Al-Kafi by Yaqub Kulayni

[2] The Great Muslim Scientist & Philisopher, The Reasearch Committee of Strasbourg, France.

The post Imam Jafar as-Sadiq’s (a) Contributions to the Sciences appeared first on Al-Islam.org Blog.

Each one of the fourteen members of Ahlul Bayt (‘a) had their own role to play, their own duties and tasks that differ with the other members (‘a). This goes back to the different situations and environments that each member (‘a) lived in.

 For example, the duty of standing up against the tyrant ruler in which Imam Husayn (‘a) portrayed is different from the role of Imam Al-Ridha (‘a) where he had to manage, toddle, and take precautions when dealing with the ruler at his time. One of the important and vital roles for the strength of the Shia sect was the propagation of knowledge.

When reciting Ziyarat Al-Jamia’ we describe Ahlul Bayt (‘a) as “the sources of knowledge” but when it comes to its spreading there is one light from all the lights that shine the most and that is Abu Abdallah Jafar ibn Muhamad al-Sadiq (‘a). This all goes back to the situation and environment he (‘a) was living in and the way he (‘a) handled it, so there are two main factors.

The Situation

Every Imam (‘a) lived under a ruler who would keep watchful eyes on them, spread rumors to keep people from following them, and even kill their followers because of fear of losing the throne to those who have the righteous claim to it. The rulers would tighten the movement of the Imams (‘a), imprison them without proving their guilt, and would not allow contact with them. 

Although Imam Al-Sadiq (‘a) did live under the tight grip of the rulers especially during the last years of his life, he lived during the end of the Umayyad Caliphate and the beginning of the Abbasid Caliphate. During this time the Umayyad were too busy with conflicts and wars outside and inside the “Islamic kingdom”, with opening countries in Europe and defending their thrones against movements that were thirsty for their blood it was just too much to keep all their eyes on Imam Al-Sadiq (‘a) which made his movements much easier.

After finally being defeated by the Abbasid Caliphate (132 hijri), the new caliphate needed time to order and control as they would like which is the condition of every new political movement when it gains power and authority. This gave Imam Al-Sadiq (‘a) freedom to shine his lights and the Abbasid Caliphate opened the doors to report hadiths (sayings) – a door that was closed by the Umayyad.  Furthermore, itand opened the door for teaching and schooling which helped the light shine brighter.

Handling the situation

The second factor that contributed to Imam Al-Sadiq (‘a) playing a big role in spreading knowledge was the way he handled his state of affairs. He (‘a) took over what his grandfather Imam Al-Sajjad (‘a) and father Imam Al-Baqir (‘a) started, the school of Ahlul Bayt (‘a).

Al-Sajjad (‘a) was the most of the three who was monitored by the authorities and usually spread his teachings through supplications, his students and followers where little. Imam Al-Baqir (‘a) had more students and was less monitored, but the rulers at his time where against giving space to opening various schools of thoughts especially to those who are a threat to their crown. As for Imam Al-Sadiq (‘a) he handled his situation by:

• Accepting anyone who wanted to join the classes with open arms which naturally led to increasing amounts of followers and students especially considering if the teacher –in this case him – was sharp and full of knowledge. Al-Hassan ibn Ali Al-Washa’ (one of the reporters of the sayings of Ahlul Bayt) stated, “I have met with nine hundred scholars all of them have told me ‘Ja’far ibn Muhammad told to me’.[1]
• Opening the door also lead to famous scholars to attend his (‘a) classes such as Al-Nuʿman ibn Thabit (Abu Hanifa) founder of the Hanafi school of Sunni jurisprudence, and Malik ibn Anas founder of the Maliki school of Sunni jurisprudence. Abu Hanifa stated, “I have not seen anyone with more knowledge than Jaffar ibn Muhamad.” [2]
• Facing and confronting other schools of thoughts. This goes back to the factor that at his (‘a) time there were not only political movements, but cultural and science movements, as he (‘a) was living nearly a century after the passing of Prophet Muhammad (S). In this time a lot changed, people from non-Arab countries entered Islam and brought their different traditions and ideologies with them, and many different books where translated into Arabic which all had an impact on ideologies and worldwide views. Instead of running away from debates and confrontation, Imam Al-Sadiq (‘a) was a shield for true Islamic values and teachings.

His (‘a) debates are well known and gained him fame throughout Islamic countries to a point where people would come from far places to have a debate or ask him (‘a). For example, it has been reported by Husham ibn Al-Hakam (a student and convert of Imam Al-Sadiq (‘a)) that an Egyptian atheist heard so much about Imam Al-Sadiq (‘a) that he travelled from Egypt to Madinah and did not find him then travelled to Mecca in search of him to debate with him [3].

Imam (‘a) not only focused on confronting with atheist or other religions, he also confronted other Islamic schools of thoughts and theories such as the idea of Qiyaas which was brought forth by Abu Hanifa as a way to reach the rulings of subjects that are not available in the Quran and the Sunnah by using the process of analogy [4]. Other example would be how he stood up against the false interpretations of the sayings of the Prophet (S) and clearing out what the prophet his great grandfather meant. This state of courage and debating made the school more famous and showed its strengths as its knowledge comes from the household of prophecy which is blessed with knowledge from the All Knowing Allah (swt) himself.

• The Imam (‘a) managed his students especially his high ranked students. He (‘a) would raise them in a way so they would be God fearing and well-mannered, and thatwould result in many great things such as reaching the main goal of Islamic knowledge, to have a better after-life, sincerity in studying and acting upon their knowledge, and Allah (swt) helping the student in the path of knowledge.

 However, the main result in man managing his men is that people would accept teachings from them and take what they took from the Imam (‘a). Witnessing the good actions done by the students and gained from the Imam (‘a), people would want to act upon these actions or at least give respect to the student and teacher. Humans usually like to take teachings from well-mannered individuals rather than people with no or little manners.

This all helps in the spreading of knowledge. As an example Imam Al-Sadiq (‘a) stated to some of his followers, “Behave with people with your best manners. Pray in their Masajid, visit their sick, witness their funerals, and if it was possible to be the imams (of the prayers) and the Athan callers them do it. If you do this the people would say these are the followers of this man. He has raised his followers very well.”[5]

• Urging people to learn and to have knowledge. It is clear that people love to be intelligent and well informed and hate to be ignorant. We like to be called knowledgeable even if we are ignorant and hate to be called ignorant even if we really are. Yet humans get busy and forget or don’t put enough time for knowledge which stops the spreading of knowledge.

Imam Al-Sadiq (‘a) faced this obstacle by calling out people to learn, the reward of Allah for those who walk on the path of knowledge, and waking us up to our instinct of knowledge and negative effects of ignorance. He (‘a) stated, “If people knew the benefits of seeking knowledge, they would seek it in spite of having to shed blood or dive in the deepest seas.”[6]

He also stated, “I wish there where whips on over the heads of my companions so they learn what is Halal (permissible in Islamic law) and what is Haram (forbidden in Islamic law).”[7]  

Notes:

[1] Rijal Al-Najashi, p. 40.

[2] Tarikh Al-Islam (History of Islam) v. 9, p. 89.

[3] Al-Kafi v. 1, p. 72.

[4] To review the debates between Imam Al-Sadiq and Abu Hanifa and other sayings about this topic view Wassail Al-Shia v. 27 published by Ahlul Bayt institute.

[5] Da’a’im Al-Islam, p. 66 published by Ahlul Bayt institute.

[6] Targhib wa Al-Tarhib,  v. 1, p. 97 no16.

[7] Al-Mahasin, p. 213.

The post The Contributions Of Imam Al-Sadiq (‘a) In The Propagation Of Knowledge appeared first on Al-Islam.org Blog.

*****

Before I ask this question

I shall give you this advise

Nobody like Fatima could be

She is to prophet as a prize

Fatima was the mother of her father

When her beloved mother dies

She was the purified women

Al-Tahira if you recognize

The worshipper, the scholar and the greatest

For her religion, she sacrifices

“Fatima is a part of me”

These words you may memorize

Whoever angers Fatima angers me

Like this the prophet describes

***

Once the prophet Muhammad

Brought Fatima a surprise

Her new wedding dress but she

Decided to donate it or otherwise

She would not be the most virtue

On the earth and in the skies

And when she was asked for this action

With her high moral, she replies

I remembered the verse in the Quran

And I put I in my eyes

“Spend from what you love

And you`re rewarded much wise… “

She chose to help the poor one

And by this she brought paradise

***

If you were looking for guidance

go to her and your knowledge will rise

For she is the leader of all women,

Not Aisha those are lies

And here comes her tragedy

When Omar begins his crimes

He left Fatima with a broken rib

As he was the caliphate of his time

With his power… and boldly

He commandeers Fadak lands

For all of these terrible misfortunes

Omar had steps and plans

And as time, would past and go

His crimes would get more and expands

***

But… apart from all her difficulties

She stood up for her rights

She cried and cried and cried until,

People were annoyed of her cries

By her hijab and modesty

Their eyes went bigger size

And by this, she bought the satisfaction

Of Allah and also heaven she buys

This is how she became lady Fatima

Her light glows like the sunrise

Fatima the rayhana of heaven

And in this life the light that shines

She maintained her dignity and modesty

While fighting for her rights

She is the infallible role model

One could take, but who understands?

Oh, Allah on the day of resurrection

Choose me to shake Fatima’s hands…

The post Who is Fatima? appeared first on Al-Islam.org Blog.

Revealed over 1400 years ago, the Qur’an is not just a book, nor is it solely a book of Laws and Commandments; rather it is the active tool for our day-to-day life.

Time

“By the time, surely man is in the loss, save those who believe and do good deeds, and enjoin on each other truth, and enjoin on each other patience.” (Quran, 103: 1-3)

In the above ayah, the Qur’an holds an oath by time, emphasising the importance yet fickleness of time which man plays with relentlessly.

In the 24 hours that we have in a day, how are we utilizing our time? Are we engrossed in backbiting and enjoying the downfalls of others? Are we occupied in our revengeful nature against an enemy?

We must use our time and implement three things (as mentioned from the ayah above): good deeds, truth, patience.

Tawakkul

Having Tawakkul, and sincerely putting our trust in Allah seems to be a slogan which people are using, but to what extent do we practically implement this practice?  Had we put our sole reliance in the Qadr of Allah, surely we would not dwell on our problems whether big or small?.Surely we would not be in despair.

What is it within our hearts that when a problem arises, we immediately worry and begin to make decisions and come up with a quick solution? It is our lack of faith in the decree of Allah.

“And whoever relies upon Allah – then He is sufficient for him. Indeed, Allah will accomplish His purpose. Allah has already set for everything a [decreed] extent.” (Quran, 65:3)

Due to man’s selfish nature, we seem to think our power is enough to overturn any bad that happens to us, but the reality is that we end up on our prayer mats turning towards the very Lord that we forgot initially.

Hardships

While we drown our souls in sorrow, and spend countless nights trying to find the light at the end of a tunnel that only seems to become darker and darker, did we step out of our emotions and really thought deeply about the Divine aspect behind our hardships?

One of the most common verses repeated throughout the Qur’an is:

“No person shall have a burden laid upon him more than he can bear…” (Qur’an 2:233)

In other words, Allah tests you only as much as you can handle. However, in the limited mind of humans, we see our hardships from a very narrow perspective in that Allah is perhaps punishing us to the extent that we question His Love. Yet we fail to remember that Allah created each and every one of us uniquely not only in our fingerprints, but in our strength and willpower. Thus, He tests us accordingly to see if we will really remain faithful or not.

He tests his believers not only to see who will remain faithful and steadfast in the Decree of Allah, but for us to see how much we love Him in return:

“Do the people think that they will be left to say, “We believe” and they will not be tried?” (Qur’an 29:2)

Seek Refuge

While it is very easy to say preach stay away from sinning! We need to practically find strategies of how to refrain from muharramat. One way of doing this is to seek refuge not in ourselves, but in our Lord.

Mentioned in over thirty occasions in the Qur’an, it indicates this place of refuge and that is Allah. Another reminder of this refuge is on our tongues five times a day when one says audhu billāhi min ashaytanir rajim.

Love

Islam is and has been portrayed as a religion of hatred, and one that condemns violence; however, this can be strongly refuted with the theme of Love that is regularly discussed throughout.

And one of His signs is that He created for you spouses from among yourselves so that you may find comfort in them. And He has placed between you compassion and mercy. Surely in this are signs for people who reflect. (Quran 30:21)

In relation to marriage, the Qur’an beautifully describes companionship as almost an entity of which there are to components: a husband and a wife whom we must seek comfort in.

To read more:

https://www.al-islam.org/quran-in-islam-its-impact-and-influence-life-muslims-allamah-tabatabai

The post The Qur’an and Its influence on the Lives of Muslims appeared first on Al-Islam.org Blog.

In the name of Allah, the Beneficent and most Merciful, peace and blessing of Allah be upon the holy Prophet Muhammad (S) and his infallible Progeny (the household) (as).

Certainly, Prophet Muhammad (S) has brought to the world and entire mankind the message from Almighty Allah with proven facts and miracles which placed him at an ultimate highest position in the history of mankind.

He has therefore served in multiple capacities among the Muslims such as; a leader, a scholar, a guardian, a military commander and a ruler. Due to his immense influence over the people, his absence or death leaves a landmark vacant position in their whole lifestyle. It was possible that this could lead to great calamities and even disbelief by some ill-minded from the Muslims.

The revelation had laid greater emphasis on the lifestyle of Muslim ‘Ummah’ after the demise of the Holy Prophet (S) and has therefore, laid down concrete foundations for the continued co-existence of the Muslims after the Prophet (S). This has been enshrined in so many verses of the holy Qur’an such as;

…Say (O’ Muhammad unto mankind): I do not ask of you any reward for it (preaching the message), but love for my relatives (Ahlul-Bait)….(Holy Qur’an, 42:23) [1]

“Muhammad is no more than an apostle; the apostles have already passed away before him; if then he dies or is killed will you turn back upon your heels? And whoever turns back upon his heels, he will by no means do harm to Allah in the least and Allah will reward the grateful”(Holy Qur’an, 3:144)

Likewise, the Holy Prophet Muhammad (S) has in many traditions, admonished his companions regarding their fate after his death. He explained to them what they will hold firmly in order to reach him on the fountain of Al-Kauthar e.g.

Prophet (S) said: “O’ people! Behold! It seems the time approached when I shall be called away (by Allah) and I shall answer that call. Behold! I am leaving for you two precious things. First of them is the book of Allah in which there is light and guidance…The other one is my Ahlul-Bayt. I remind you in the name of Allah about my Ahlul-Bayt. I remind you in the name of Allah about my Ahlul-Bayt. I remind you in the name of Allah about my Ahlul-Bayt. (Three times).” [2]

The Prophet’s Plan To Avoid The Difference

Usama Delegation

The prophet’s health condition got worsened and the mischief extended as the magritude of a night. The cloud shall soon deplete their contents on the town.

“Yet, at the threshold of death that great mind charts out the best. He sends his army he vests to a teenager by the name of Usama Bin Zaid. All the magnets of Muhajereen and Ansar (emigrants and helpers) including Abubakar, Omar Bin Khattab, Abdul rehman Ibn Auf, Abu Obaida, Sa’ad Bin Abi Waqqas, Aseed Bin Hazeer and Basheer Ibn Sa’ad were called to join the army under the command of that young Usama to fight in the land of Balkha with the people of Obny who had defeated the Muslim army on a previous occasion and killed Zaid, the commander, father of Usama” [3]

The prophet pushes the army to move and cursed the delinquents.

Their rejection to undergo the command of a youth did not make them fear the anger of the holy prophet (S). They took refuge in an excuse that the commander was un-experienced youth. The prophet realized that his statements which he gave concerning the one to succeed him in a several occasions were not enough to put into practice as they refrained from joining the army of under Usama’s command; or the greed would have returned them back had they proceeded.

Paper And Pen

The prophet witnessed their disobedience. To go to the pulpit, his sickness failed him. This was the first time in his life at Medina that his orders were denied to his face. He was not yet dead and disobedience had made its phase. So, how could they be expected to obey afterwards. To write was the best alternative; and he resorted to that as it would constitutefixed text which cannot be doubted nor forgotten.

It was Thursday. Three days before the prophet’s death, his condition got worse. In the house men were present and among them wereUmar Bin Khattab. The Prophet (S) said; “Now let me write something for you whereby you shall not go astray after me” ‘Umar said, ‘The Prophet is overcome by illness, you have the Qur’an, the book of Allah, which is sufficient for us”[4]

‘Umar’s’ statement caused a fury among those present. Some were saying that the prophet’s command should be obeyed……and then others sided with ‘Umar. When the tension and uproar intensified, the prophet said, “Get away from me”

The Burial

The following is quoted in Khasa’ is of Nasa’i from Ummu Salamah: “By Allah, the closest person [to the Prophet] at the time of the Prophet’s death was ‘Ali. Early on the morning of the day when he was going to depart this world, the Prophet called ‘Ali who had been sent out on some errand. He asked for ‘Ali three times before his return. However, ‘Ali came before sunrise. So, thinking that the Prophet needed some privacy with ‘Ali, we came out. I was the last to be out; therefore, I sat closer to the door than the other women. I saw that ‘Ali lowered his head towards the Prophet and the Prophet kept whispering into his ears (for some time). Therefore, ‘Ali is the only person who was near the Prophet till the last.” Ibn al-Wardi points out that the persons who were responsible for giving the Prophet his funeral bath were: “Ali, Abbas, Fadhl Qutham, Usamah and Shaqran. Abbas, Fadhl and Qutham turned the body. Usamah and Shaqran poured water, and Ali washed the body.”

Tarikh al-Khamis adds the following: “Abbas, Fadhl and Qutham turned the body from one side to the other as Usamah and Shaqran poured water over it. All of them were blind-folded.”

Ibn Sa’d narrates the following in his Tabaqat: “Ali narrated that the Prophet had so enjoined that if anyone except himself (Ali) had given him the funeral bath, he would have gone blind.”

The Events Of Saqifa

Saqifa is one of the most dramatic events in Islamic History that ultimately led to a victorious Abu Bakr attaining the station of Khalifa following the death of the Prophet (S).

The episode actually begins from the point that Rasulullah(S) died, upon receiving news of the Prophet (S)’s death the companions who were ordered by the Prophet(S) to join the expedition led by Usamah returned to Madinah.

Three key figures, Abu Bakr, Umar and Abu Ubaydah were participants in this aborted expedition, and Sunni Imam Khandlawi adds that when returning to Medina: “Usamah along with ‘Umar and Abu ‘Ubaidah (Radiallahu ‘Anhum) returned to Madinah and went straight to the [residence of the] Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu ‘alaihi was Sallam) who had passed away”. [5]

While Imam Ali (as) was busy attending to the burial of the Holy Prophet (S), the Muhajireen of Makka and the Ansar of Madina had lost no time in contesting the matter of the Caliphate. They had gathered at a place called Saqifa bani Sa’da and each group was putting forward its merits and claiming the Caliphate.

One can only wonder at their actions, because only two months ago the Holy Prophet (S) had openly declared that Imam Ali (as) would be his successor. In their greed, these so-called Muslims even forgot that their beloved Holy Prophet (S) lay as yet unburied.

Conclusion

In Tarikh-al-Khamis, however, it is mentioned that Muhammad ikn Ishaq stated the following: “The Prophet died on Monday and was buried on the night of Wednesday.”

Estimating his age, Abul-Fida’ writes: “Although there is a difference of opinion about the Prophet’s age, yet calculated from famous traditions, he appears to have lived for 63 years.”

The Holy Prophet departed from this world on the 28th of Safar, 11 A.H. Thus ended the life of the Final Prophet sent to mankind.

Notes:

^[1] Hakim Hasakani in Shawahidal-Tanzil, vol. 1, p.190, Beirut Edition in ‘1393 and Suyuti in Dur al-Manthur, vol. 2, p. 198

[2] Sahih Muslim, Chapter of the virtues of the companions, section of the virtues of ‘Ali, 1980 Edition Pub. In Saudi Arabia, Arabic version, v 4, p1873, Tradition #36

[3] Many among historians have stated the entry of Abubakar in the expedition. Among them are; Ibn Sa’ad in ‘Tabaqaat’ (16:4) & (136:4). Ibn Asaker in Tahzeeb’ (391:2), (215:3)

[4] Sahih Muslim (Famous tradition narrated by Ibn Abbas about the death of the Prophet Muhammad (S)

[5] Hayatus Sahaba, by Maulana Khandlawi, translated by Majid Ali Khan, Volume 1 p 541.

The post Commemorating the Death of Prophet Muhammad (S) appeared first on Al-Islam.org Blog.

As Arbaeen is just around the corner, millions of mourners from all around the world are heading towards Karbala to pay their tribute to the Sayyid al-Shohada, Imam Hussain (a), whereas, those who couldn’t make it to the holy land this time around are planning on visiting Karbala next year. Visiting the oppressed Imam (a) is an expression of one’s heartfelt affection with him and an explicit action signaling hostility and hatred towards his oppressors. Be it known that glorious merits and exalted station of the visitor of Imam’s (a) holy shrine are too innumerable to be counted.

Visiting the grave of Imam Hussain (a) is recommended, while emphasis upon visiting his grave is among the necessities of the Religion. The 11th Imam, Imam Hasan al-Askari (a) considered attending Arbaeen to be one of the clear and apparent signs of a true believer when he said, “the signs of a true believer are five.” [1]

It is related that the visitation to His (a) grave is essential upon every believer and is obligatory upon every man and woman. While one who abandons it, in fact has abandoned the rights of Allah and His Prophet, while abandoning it is ungratefulness with the Prophet of Allah (s) and is a result of a defect in his belief and Religion. And the one who deliberately avoids it, he shall be among the dwellers of hell.

It is advisable to visit Imam Hussain (a) with understanding of his holy station. This knowledge has different aspects. One of its aspects is for us to realize which path are we walking on. We should know what the “Friends of God” have said about a person who goes to Karbala and what prayers are made for such a person. Knowing these gives you an expanded existence, which is the necessary factor for attracting light, blessings, and grace on this path. It gives us the capacity to benefit from these blessings. [2]

As a matter of fact, it is impossible to contain all the narrations about the merits of pilgrimages to Imam al-Hussain’s tomb; yet, I will try to mention as many of them as possible.

1. RasoolAllah will take Zuwar by the hand and save them from the hardships of the Day of Judgment

Ali (a) ibn Abi Talib (as) narrates:

“RasoolAllah (s) visited Us one day. We offered Him a plate full of dates and a cup of milk and butter, which had been sent to Us from Um Ayman. After He ate, I rose and poured some water over His hands and I washed them. Then I wiped His face and beard with the water from His hands. Then He went to a corner of the house and began to pray. When He went into sajda, He began to weep. After weeping for a long time, He raised His head.

Then Hussain (a) went and climbed on the lap of RasoolAllah (s). Hussain (a) placed RasoolAllah (s)’s head on His chest and then laid His chin on top of the head of RasoolAllah (s). Then He said, “O Father (s)! What causes You to weep?”

RasoolAllah (s) replied, “O My Son (a)! When I s You, Ahlul Bayt (a), today I felt such a happiness that I had never felt before, but then Jibrael (as) came to Me and informed Me that each of You will be martyred and that Your graves will be far from each other. I praised Allah and asked Him to bless You all with the best.”

Hussain (a) asked, “O Father (s)! Who will perform the Ziyarat of Our graves and maintain their oaths with Them even though They are far from each other?”

RasoolAllah (s) replied, “Those from My ummah (nation) who seek My pleasure and seek nearness to Me by performing Ziyarat of Your graves. On the Day of Judgment, I will search for them and take them by the hand and save them from the hardships and tribulations of that day.” [3]

2. Blessings from Angels

Imam Jafar Sadiq (a) narrates:

“There are four thousand disheveled angels covered with dust by the grave of Hussain (a). They weep over Him and will continue to do so until the Day of Judgment. Their leader is an angel named Mansoor.

These angels receive all who come for the Ziyarat of Hussain (a) and the angels accompany them when they bid farewell to Hussain (a). The angels visit them if they become ill and pray over them at their funerals and seek forgiveness for them after their death.” [4]

3. Ziyarat of Imam Hussain is Wajib

Imam Muhammad Baqir (a) narrates:

“Order Our Shia to perform the Ziyarat of the grave of Hussain (a). Performing His Ziyarat is wajib upon every momin who testifies that Hussain (a) is an Imam divinely appointed by Allah (swt).” [5]

4. Reward of Ziyarat of Imam Hussain

Imam Jafar Sadiq (a) narrates:

I heard My Father, Imam Muhammad Baqir (a), ask one of His servants who had just asked Him regarding the Ziyarat of Hussain (a), “To whose Ziyarat are you going and whom do you seek to please by going to this Ziyarat?”

The servant replied, “Allah swt.”

My Father, Imam Muhammad Baqir (a) said:

“Those who establish one salat behind the grave of Hussain (a) seeking the nearness of Allah will meet Him on the Day of Judgment shining so brightly that the light emanating from them will cover everything that sees them.

Allah will honor those who perform the Ziyarat of Hussain (a) and will prevent the hellfire from touching them. They will not be prevented from coming to the Pool of al Kauthar and none shall precede them.

Ameerul Momineen (a) will be standing by al Kauthar and He will shake their hands and quench their thirst with the water.

Then they will go to their abodes in Jannah accompanied by an angel appointed by Ameerul Momineen (a). This angle will order Sirat (bridge over hellfire) to humble itself before them and will order Hell not to touch them with its blazing fires. They will pass over Sirat accompanied by the angel sent by Ameerul Momineen (a).” [6]

5. Ziyarat during Times of Fear

Muawiyah ibn Wahab narrates:

Aba Abdullah (Imam Jafar Sadiq a) said:

“O’ Muawiyah! Do not neglect performing the Ziyarat of the grave of Hussain (a) due to fear. He who abandons the Ziyarat of Hussain (a) for any reason will regret it so much that he will wish that His grave was next to him. Do you not desire for Allah to see you amongst those whom RasoolAllah (s), Ameerul Momineen (a), Syeda Fatima (sa), and the Imams (a) pray for?

Do you not desire to be amongst those who return with forgiveness for their past sins and do you not desire to return from His Ziyarat with seventy years of sins forgiven for you? Do you not desire to be amongst those who will not have any sins about which they will be questioned when they leave this life? Do you not desire to be amongst those whose hands RasoolAllah (s) will shake tomorrow on the Day of Judgment?” [7]

6. Reward of Every Dirham spent for Ziyarat

It is related in numerous traditions that from Ahlulbayt (a) that,

“Visiting his grave is a meritorious deed and for every dirham spent upon it will be recompensed with one thousand dirhams”. [8]

7. Reward of performing Ziyarat on Foot

Imam Jafar Sadiq (a) narrates:

“Those of Our Shia who perform the Ziyarat of Hussain (a) will not return without all of their sins having been forgiven. Allah will record one thousand good deeds and erase one thousand bad deeds for every step they take or their mount takes. He will also raise their rank one thousand times for every step.” [9]

8. Reward of Allah, RasoolAllah (s), Ameerul Momineen (a) and Syeda Fatima (sa)

1. Imam Jafar Sadiq (asws) narrates:

“Syeda Fatima (sa), the Daughter of RasoolAllah (s), visits those who perform the Ziarat of the grave of Her Son, Hussain (asws), and She seeks forgiveness for their sins.” [10]

2. Imam Jafar Sadiq (a) narrates:

“On the Day of Judgment a crier will call out, “Where are the zuwar (visitors) of Hussain (a) ibn Ali (a)?”

A number of people so great it can only be counted by Allah will stand.  Allah will ask them, “What made you perform the Ziyarat of the grave of Hussain (a)?”

They will reply, “O Lord! Our love for RasoolAllah (s), our love for Ameerul Momineen (a), and our love for Syeda Fatima (sa) made us go to Him.”

They will be told, “Here are Muhammad (s), Ali (a), Syeda Fatima (sa), Hasan (a), and Hussain (a). Join Them, for you will be with Them on Their station in Jannah. Now follow the flag of RasoolAllah (s).”

Then they (the zuwar) will go to the flag of RasoolAllah (s) which is carried by Ameerul Momineen (a), and there they shall remain—surrounding it on all sides, under its shade, in front of it, to the left of it, to the right and behind it—until all of them enter Jannah.” [11]

3. Abu Baseer narrates:

I heard Aba Abdullah Imam Muhammad Baqir (a) say, “Those who wish for their final abode to be Jannah should not neglect performing the Ziyarat of the Oppressed One.”

I asked, “Who is the Oppressed One?”

Imam (a) replied, “Hussain (a) ibn Ali (a), the Man of Karbala. Allah will make those who perform His Ziyarat while longing for Him and with love for RasoolAllah (s), love for Syeda Fatima (sa), and love for Ameerul Momineen (a) to sit at the Ma’ida (table spread) of Jannah. They will be dining with them while others are facing the Hasab (accountability).” [12]

9. Time Spent whilst performing the Ziyarat

Imam Jafar Sadiq (a) narrates:

“The days which one spends performing the Ziyarat of Hussain (a) are not counted as part of their lives; those days do not deduct from their appointed life span.” [13]

10. First to Enter Jannah

Abdullah ibn Zurarah narrates from Imam Jafar Sadiq (a):

“On the Day of Judgment those who have performed the Ziyarat of Hussain (a) ibn Ali (a) will be given preference over others.”

I asked, “What kind of preference?”

Imam (a) replied, “They will enter Jannah forty years before others do. They will enter Jannah whilst others will be waiting in the Desert of Judgment to face the Hasab (accountability).” [14]

11. While having his Marifat

Imam Musa Kazim (a) narrates:

“The least reward for those who perform the Ziyarat of Hussain (a) by the shores of the River Furat whilst having His marifat and believing in His greatness and Wilayat is the forgiveness for all of their past and future sins.” [15]

12. With Intention of Receiving Sawab

1.  Imam Jafar Sadiq ( narrates:

“Those who perform the Ziyarat of Hussain (a) with the niyyat of receiving sawab from Allah and without the intention of showing off or being seen by others will have their sins purified the way the water purifies the clothes.” [16]

2. Imam Jafar Sadiq (a) narrates:

“Those who perform the Ziyarat of the grave of Hussain (a) for the sake of Allah and in the way of Allah will be free from the hellfire by Allah. They will be kept safe by Him on the Day of the Great Terror. They will not ask Allah for anything in this world or the hereafter that Allah will not grant for them.” [17]

13. Best of All Deeds

Salim ibn Mukram al Jamal narrates, I asked Aba Abdullah Imam Jafar Sadiq (a) regarding the Ziyarat of the grave of Hussain (a).

Imam (a) replied: “It is the best of all deeds.” [18]

14. Equal to Ziyarat of Allah on His Arsh & RasoolAllah (s)

1. Imam Ridha’ ( narrates:

“Those who perform the Ziyarat of the grave of Aba Abdullah Imam Hussain (a) by the shores of the River Furat are like those who have performed the Ziyarat of Allah on His Arsh.” [19]

2. Imam Jafar Sadiq (a) narrates:

“Those who want their time of death to be easy, those who want their fear for that which will come on the Day of Judgment to be reduced, and those who want to be able to look upon Allah on the Day of Judgment should perform the Ziyarat of the grave of Hussain (a) as much as possible. The Ziyarat of Hussain (a) is the Ziyarat of RasoolAllah (s).” [20]

15. Prolongs One’s Life and Increases One’s Rizq

Imam Muhammad Baqir (a) narrates:

“Inform Our Shia to perform the Ziyarat of the grave of Hussain (a). Performing His Ziyarat increases rizq (sustenance), prolongs life, and keeps afflictions away. Performing His Ziyarat is wajib upon every momin who believes Hussain (a) has been divinely appointed by Allah as an Imam.” [21]

16. Equals to performing Hajj, Umrah & Freeing Slaves

It is related in numerous traditions that visiting grave of Imam Hussain (a) is equal to accepted Hajj and Umrah, and emancipation one thousand slaves, rather it is equal to twenty Hajj, and better than twenty Hajj, rather Allah will write down eighty Hajj in his account. While his pilgrimage is equal to the Hajj performed along with the Prophet of Allah (s), rather the one who goes for his pilgrimage, being cognizant of his rights, will be equal to the one who has performed Hajj hundred times accompanying the Prophet of Allah (s). [22]

17. Intercession for others on the Day of Judgment

Imam Jafar Sadiq (a) narrates:

“On the Day of Judgment, a crier will call out, “Where are the zuwar of the grave of Hussain (a)?”

A group of people will rise and they will be told, “Take the hand of whomsoever you wish and take them to Jannah with you.” [23]

18. Misfortune for those who Neglect it

Imam Muhammad Baqir (a) narrates:

“Those from amongst Our Shia who do not perform the Ziyarat of the grave of Hussain (a) are lacking in iman (faith) and their deen (religion) is incomplete. And even if they enter Jannah, their position will be lower than that of the momin (true believers).” [24]

19. Most Beloved Place for Dua

Abi Hashim al Jafari narrates:

Muhammad ibn Hamzah and I (Abi Hashim al Jafari) went to visit Imam Ali Naqi (a) during a time when the Imam (a) was ill. The Imam (a) said to us, “Take some of My money and send some people to the Ha’yr on My behalf.”

After we left the Imam (a), Muhammad ibn Hamzah said, “The Imam (a) wants us to send someone to the Ha’yr while He is as sacred as the One in the Ha’yr (Imam Hussain a).”

When I returned to the Imam (a), I (Abi Hashim al Jafari) mentioned to Him what Muhammad ibn Hamzah had said.

The Imam (a) replied, “There are certain places Allah loves to be worshipped at and the Ha’yr of Hussain (a) is one of those places.” [25]

20. Minimum Times Each Year a Person Should perform Ziyarat

Safwan al Jammal narrates from Imam Jafar Sadiq (a):

“Those who live near to His grave should perform His Ziyarat no less than once per month. Those who live at a great distance should perform His Ziyarat no less than once every three years.

If three years pass and they do not perform His Ziyarat, or do not have a valid excuse for not performing His Ziyarat, then they are considered amongst those who are selfish and unthankful to RasoolAllah (s).

If the zawir (visitor) of Hussain (a) knew how happy he made RasoolAllah (s), Ameerul Momineen (a), Syeda Fatima (sa), the Imams (a), and the martyrs from amongst Our Family, and how They prayed for him (the zawir) and the rewards which They prepared for the zawir in this life and the rewards which will be preserved for Him before Allah in the hereafter, then the zawir would have wished for his house to be next to the grave of Hussain (a) for as long as he lived.

When the zawir leaves Karbala to return to his home, his shadow does not fall upon anything without that thing praying for him. And when the sun shines down upon the zawir, it burns his sins like the fire burns the wood. The sun does not allow any of his sins to remain so he returns as a person without sin and his status will be elevated for him to a level that cannot be attained even by those who spilled all of their blood in the way of Allah. [26]

Now, to give a brief overview about the sourcebook of the aforementioned narrations, I would like to quote widely known Hadees e Saqalayn where RasoolAllah (s) said,

“Verily, I am leaving behind two precious things (Saqalayn) among you: The Book of God and my kindred (itrah), my household (Ahlulbayt), for indeed, the two will never separate until they come back to me by the Pond (of Al-Kawthar).”

During the era of occultation of Imam al-Asr al-Mahdi (atfs), the best possible way to recognize Saqalayn, the twofold legacy of the Prophet (s) in the form of the Qur’an and the Ahlul Bayt (a), is through the valuable books, which we have inherited and preserved over the years from our great scholars.

Soon after the Minor Occultation (260 AH – 329 AH) of Imam al-Mahdi (a) ended, eminent Shia scholars started documenting the hadiths to preserve the teachings of the Holy Prophet (s) and his Progeny (a). Following is a brief timeline of the foremost Shia hadith sourcebooks.

1. Al-Kafi, Yaqub al-Kulayni, d. 329 AH
2. Kamil al-Ziyarat, Ibn Qulawayh al-Qummi, d. 368 AH
3. Man la Yahduruh al-Faqih, Al-Shaykh Saduq, d. 381 AH
4. Nehjul Balagha, Syed al-Razi, d. 406 AH
5. Al-Irshad, Al-Shaykh al-Mufid, d. 413 AH
6. Tahdhib al-Ahkam, Al-Shaykh al-Toosi, d. 460 AH
7. Al-Istibsar, Al-Shaykh al-Toosi, d. 460 AH
8. Gurar al-Hikam, Abu Fateh al-Amadi, d. 510 AH
9. Bihar al-Anwaar, Allama Majlisi, d. 726 AH

The book that we have mainly referred here is Kamil al-Ziyarat [27] authored by Abul Qasim Jafar bin Muhammad bin Jafar bin Musa bin Qulawayh al-Qummi famously known as Ibn Qūlawayh who is one the prominent shi’a hadith narrator hailed from a very knowledgeable and religious family. His father Abu Jafar Ibne Mohammad Ibne Jafar was a Muhaddith (narrator of traditions) and was well regarded in the field of jurisprudence (fiqh). His brother Abul Hussain Ali bin Mohammad bin Jafar bin Moosa bin Qulawayh was also a Muhaddith and one of the narrators of traditions in Kaamil-uz-Ziaraat. Ibn Qūlawayh al-Qummi was among the best students of Muhammad bin Ya’qub al-Kulayni (b. 255 – d. 329) and one of the most prominent teachers of Al-Shaykh al-Mufid (b. 336 – d. 413). He died in 368 AH and is buried next to al-Shaykh al-Mufid in the holy shrine of al-Kazimayn, Iraq. [28]

It is important to note that Ibn Qulawayh al-Qummi is among the earliest Muhadditheen (narrators of hadith) who was also alive during the era of minor occultation and most of his work is taken as Maakhaz (origin/source) by the great Shia scholars of every era. Some of the notable scholars who have paid tribute to his work are Shaykh al-Toosi, Ahmed Najashi, Shaykh al-Mufid, Ibn Tawus, Allama Hilli and Shaykh Abbas al-Qummi. [29] Ibn Qulawayh has written around 30 books, however, Kamil al-Ziyarat remains his most celebrated and notable accomplishment. This book is a collection of hadiths from Ahlulbayt (a) about how to pilgrimage the Prophet (s) and the other Imams and their children.

To conclude, there is no doubt that Imam Hussian (a) has not only awoken the human race by sacrificing everything that he had for the sake of Allah but also compelled its consciousness to ponder over the sanctity of his religion and the sublimity of the Allah Almighty before whom He (a) bowed. In the words of renowned subcontinental poet, Josh Malihabadi, [30]

The One, whose Sajood (bows), pulls towards the Masjood (whom one worships)

The One, who is a solitary indication towards the Ma’abood (the Creator)

Enormous rewards and merits for the pilgrims of Imam Hussain’s (a) holy shrine are the proof of Imam’s (a) extraordinary status and Allah’s love for Him (a) and his ardent zuwaar. We pray to Allah that He grants us taufeeq, resources and recognition of the highest order to perform the ziyarat of Imam Husain (a) on a regular basis.

O Allah! Bless Muhammad (s) and the progeny of Muhammad (s).

Notes:

[1] http://www.islamicinsights.com/religion/the-five-signs-of-a-believer.html

[2] https://www.instagram.com/p/B3CR7C0DKcI/

[3] Kamil al-Ziyarat, ch 16, h 3

[4] Kamil al-Ziyarat, ch 41, h 1

[5] Kamil al-Ziyarat, ch 43, h 1

[6] Kamil al-Ziyarat, ch 44, h 1

[7] Kamil al-Ziyarat, ch 45, h 3

[8] Kamil al-Ziyarat ch 46

[9] Kamil al-Ziyarat, ch 49, h 8

[10] Kamil al-Ziyarat, ch 40, h 4

[11] Kamil al-Ziyarat, ch 55, h 1

[12] Kamil al-Ziyarat, ch 52, h 2

[13] Kamil al-Ziyarat, ch 51, h 1

[14] Kamil al-Ziyarat, ch 53, h 1

[15] Kamil al-Ziyarat, ch 54, h 3

[16] Kamil al-Ziyarat, ch 57, h 1

[17] Kamil al-Ziyarat, ch 57, h 7

[18] Kamil al-Ziyarat, ch 58, h 1

[19] Kamil al-Ziyarat, ch 59, h 2

[20] Kamil al-Ziyarat, ch 60, h 1

[21] Kamil al-Ziyarat, ch 61, h 1

[22] Kamil al-Ziyarat, ch 63, 64, 65, 66, 67

[23] Kamil al-Ziyarat, ch 68, h 5

[24] Kamil al-Ziyarat, ch 78, h 1

[25] Kamil al-Ziyarat, ch 90, h 2

[26] Kamil al-Ziyarat, ch 98, h 17

[27] http://en.wikishia.net/view/Kamil_al-ziyarat_(book)

[28] http://en.wikishia.net/view/Ibn_Qulawayh_al-Qummi

[29] https://tinyurl.com/yxjuy568

[30] https://www.rekhta.org/marsiya/husain-aur-inqilaab-josh-malihabadi-marsiya?lang=ur

The post The Rewards and Merits of Visiting the Grave of Imam Hussain (a) appeared first on Al-Islam.org Blog.

For the first 33 years of his life, Imam al-Ridha (a) took his father’s place since his father, Imam al-Kadhim (a) was confined in prison by Haroun because he considered Imam al-Kadhim (a) a threat to his Caliphate. [1]

The followers of Ahlulbait (a) could not go to him so they came to his son, Imam al-Ridha (a).

After the martyrdom of Imam al-Kadhim (a), they came to Imam al-Ridha (a) for the next 20 years that he was their Imam. He lived in his homeland in Madina and preached Islam like Imam Zainul Abideen (a) did after the martyrdom of his father Imam Husayn (a). [2]

Although he never had a teacher who taught him, Imam al-Ridha (a) had immense knowledge and he trained several sincere scholars and students in his life who pursued Imam’s (a) purposes, defending the religion and publishing its sciences and teachings.

It was the most dreadful and unwelcome call when Ma’mum declared Imam al-Ridha (a) as his successor, heir-apparent, inviting him to live in Khurasan, Iran, at the age of 52 years. Caliph Ma’mun, who was conniving to hide his heinous crimes behind the most illustrious and godly person also had a great political advantage of winning over the Imam’s (a) great Shia following in Iran. When Imam al-Ridha (a) realized he had no choice but to become the Wali Ahad to Ma’mum, he accepted.

Ma’mun announced Imam al-Ridha (a) as his heir-apparent, gave his young daughter in marriage to him and even minted coins with his picture on them to eliminate all doubts from people’s minds that he planned to kill him to get him out of the way of caliphate just like his father Haroun had done to Imam al-Kadhim (a).

Ma’mun invited great philosophers and scholars from different countries and cities to Khurasan to test the knowledge of the Imam (a). They asked Imam al-Ridha (a) about the vaguest and most difficult matters.

Imam al-Ridha (a) was never unable to answer a question – no one was more scholarly than him. There are traditions from Imam al-Ridha (a) on religious issues, including monotheism, theology, Allah’s (swt) attributes, creation of the world and its philosophy, Allah’s (swt) justice, force and option, destiny, prophet hood and its philosophy, infallibility, Imam’s knowledge, Imam’s conditions, philosophy of Imamate, ethical virtues and vices, various sins and their punishment, and different jurisprudential issues.

Imam al-Ridha (a) was popular as he was the possessor of all human virtues being a noble character who was not only the best but also the wisest, greatest, and the most knowledgeable person of his time. He said reasoning is a man’s best friend protecting him from afflictions and misfortunes whereas ignorance is his greatest enemy pulling him into deep mazes of this world. While reasoning is a gift from Allah (swt) which together with politeness leads to wisdom, arrogance with reasoning leads to ignorance. All religious obligations depend on reasoning hence he who loses reason is not required to perform them and is not sinful when he commits sin because reason is the only condition in performing religious duties. The man with good reason is a man who knows his own soul and the one who knows his soul knows his Lord.

We learn from the teachings of our great Imam (a) that excellence of reason goes hand in hand with reflection, reckoning one’s own soul, clemency, silence, humbleness, concealing someone’s secret, forgiving others to enjoin good and being patient during prosperity and adversity. Imam (a) enlightened us with Allah’s (swt) commandments, conveyed outstanding wise things, taught good manners, gave good advice to lead a life style beneficial to us. [3]

Some books of Imam al-Ridha (a) are:

1) Tibb (Dissertation) of Imam al-Ridha (a):

This is a great medical dissertation also called Al-Risala al-Dhahabiya (The Golden Dissertation), that Imam al-Ridha (a) wrote upon Ma’mun’s request. It contains health programs on foods which improve health and protect from diseases. It also contains his general prescriptions like refraining from eating too much food which gives rise to high blood pressure, diabetes, arteriosclerosis, and other dangerous diseases. It is certain that if one puts into practice the Imam’s (a) prescriptions, he will need no medicine. This dissertation is of great importance even to this present day. People are implementing this in their lifestyle to combat diabetes, heart diseases, and obesity along with staying physically active.

2) Imam al-Ridha’s (a) Musnad:

Musnad Imam al-Ridha (a) contains some traditions which the Imam (a) has reported from his grandfather, Prophet Muhammad (s). All the traditions from Imam al-Ridha (a) in various fields, as narrated by several hundred people, are recorded in this book.

3) Uyun Akhbar Ar-Ridha (a):

Uyun Akhbar Ar-Ridha (a) also known as ‘The Source Of Traditions On Imam al-Ridha (a)’, is a book written by Shaykh as-Saduq in two volumes. It contains a full account of the life of Imam al-Ridha (a) and gives an insight into his life. This book is a compilation of his narrations and ahadith which have gone down in history as Al-Silsilatul Dhahabiyyah (The Golden Chain).

These hadiths are considered authentic because they are said to be from Prophet Muhammad (s) and were transmitted from one Imam to the next. Of the two volumes, the first volume comprises the first 30 chapters and second volume starts from chapter 31 and ends at chapter 69.  Each chapter in both volumes addresses a certain topic related to the Imam (a). [5 & 6]

These traditions are like a treasure trove for those seeking knowledge and guidance through generations. Similarly, those who are seeking truth and real guidance in the present day don’t have to look far – for our living Imam (a) will guide them through the chaos of this world to the ultimate truth.

The scholars and sincere students trained by Imam al-Ridha (a) published his religious commandments. Narrators publicized his traditions, which are cited in tradition books. There are traditions reported from Imam al-Ridha (a) on various issues including monotheism, theology, attributes of Allah (swt), creation of the world and its philosophy, justice of Allah (swt), prophet hood and its philosophy, infallibility, Imam’s knowledge, Imam’s conditions, philosophy of Imamate, ethical virtues and vices, various sins and their punishment, different jurisprudential issues, force and option, and destiny.

Imam al-Ridha’s debates and scientific discussions with incumbent rulers, scholars, and priests of other religions are recorded in history and tradition books. An accurate study of Imam al-Ridha’s (a) traditions and debates shows his real scientific stance.

Because of his unique life, Imam al-Ridha (a) enjoys a great spiritual and scientific position in the view of scholars and has been called as God’s selected one. He has a very notable position in the viewpoints of scholars and like other members of the household of Prophet Muhammad (s) is the best of creation in this world.

With respect to the importance of debate and dialogue in interactions with the non-Muslims, Imam al-Ridha (a) had lots of debates with intellectuals of various religions.

These scientific encounters have been very influential in expanding Islam. Imam al-Ridha’s (a) character is so great and prominent that it makes salient and famous intellectuals, scientists and scholars from various religions admire him as their role model.

During his twenty years of Imamate, Imam al-Ridha’s (a) competent students wrote and narrated many traditions that were publicized and cited in tradition books.

The number of learned religious scholars at the time of Ma’mun was quite large, yet when a question over-taxed their mind they would send their queries to Imam al-Ridha (a) and he would answer them all.

Imam al-Ridha (a), the impeccably well mannered, the most intelligent and knowledgeable person of his time, the righteous heir of Prophet (s) is the ideal for every man with a reasoning.

By living a public life as heir-apparent to Ma’mun, Imam al-Ridha (a) taught people how to live openly under oppression and still maintain their dignity and belief.

*****

References:

[1] The Seventh Imam Musa Ibn Ja’far Al-Kazim (as):

https://www.al-islam.org/story-of-the-holy-kaaba-and-its-people-shabbar/seventh-imam-musa-ibn-jafar-al-kazim

[2] The Fourth Imam, ‘Ali Ibn Al Husayn, Zainul Abedeen (as), in Story of the Holy Ka’aba And its People by S.M.R. Shabbar:

https://www.al-islam.org/story-of-the-holy-kaaba-and-its-people-shabbar/fourth-imam-ali-ibn-al-husayn-zainul-abedeen

[3] The Eighth Imam, ‘Ali Ibn Musa, Al-Ridha’ (as):

https://www.al-islam.org/story-of-the-holy-kaaba-and-its-people-shabbar/eighth-imam-ali-ibn-musa-al-ridha

[4] The life of Imam ‘Ali Bin Musa al-Ridha’:

https://www.al-islam.org/life-imam-ali-bin-musa-al-ridha-baqir-shareef-al-qurashi

[5] Uyun Akhbar Ar-Ridha Volume 1:

https://www.al-islam.org/uyun-akhbar-ar-ridha-volume-1-shaykh-saduq

[6] Uyun Akhbar Ar-Ridha Volume 2:

https://www.al-islam.org/uyun-akhbar-ar-ridha-volume-2-shaykh-saduq

The post The Intellectual Aspects Of Imam Ali al-Ridha’s (a) Life appeared first on Al-Islam.org Blog.