Cover Page (Front)

Cover Page (Front-Back) THE MESSAGE Editor: Hujjat-ul-Islam Wal Muslimeen Sheikh Shabbir H. Lakhani (Maisami) Editorial Board: Mr. Mazher Ali Jumani, Molana Sajjad Qaimi, Dr. Hussain Kanani, Mr. Hasnain Nanjiani, Dr. Sana Muhammad Sadiq. Annual Subscription: Pak. Rs. 500/=

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 Food for Thought: - Sayings of Imam Ali (A.S.) 02 2 Your Daily-Life Questions Answered 03 3 The Impact of Karbala on Vigilance of Muslims 04 4 How to help Imam Husayn (A.S) and hence Imam Mahdi (A.S) 15 5 Why Mukhtar didn’t defend Hazrat Imam Hussein in Karbala? 23 6 Martyrdom of Imam al-Ridha (A.S.) 28 7 Leader's Speech on Arba’een 42 8 Martyrdom of Prophet Muhammad (S) 47 9 Martyrdom of Imam Hasan Mujtaba (A.S.) 51 10 Role of the Imams in the Reconstruction of Islamic Society 53 11 The Parent and Child Relationship 57

Kids’ Corner 12 Shahadat of Sayyida Sakina (S.A.) 61 13 Imam Hasan (A.S.) and the Syrian 63 14 The Conduct of the Noble Prophet (S) 64

Published by Zahra (S.A.) Academy Institute of Islamic Education, Development & Relief 1 The Message Safar-ul-Muzaffar 1439 AH FOOD FOR THOUGHT Sayings of Imam Ali (A.S.)

1. Verily the most honourable is being needy in one’s one of deaths is martyrdom. By hometown. He in whose hand my soul 8. It is obligatory on the poor is, one thousand strikes that he should not put for- with the sword are indeed ward his request [to others] easier [for me] than dying unless he has no other on the bed. choice. 2. Whoever leaves his matter 9. The true scholar is one who to Allah, He resolves it (for neither makes people lose him). hope in the mercy of Allah 3. Destroyed is the one who nor cause them to despair makes a [wrongful] claim, of the comfort of Allah. and unsuccessful is the one 10. Thinking about the conse- who fabricates [a lie]. quences saves one from 4. One who corrupts [his places of destruction. relationship] with Allah will 11. One of the signs of turning not be upright with anyone. [towards Allah] is doing 5. Compel yourself to [ac- good to the people. quire] virtues, for indeed 12. One of the best actions of you have a natural propen- the powerful person is for sity for vices. him to show forbearance 6. The peak of [all] merits is when he is angry. controlling anger and erad- 13. One who is ignorant of his icating lustful desires. own worth does not know 7. There is no shame in being anyone’s worth. far away from one’s




hometown; the only shame

2 Safar-ul-Muzaffar 1439 AH The Message Your Daily-Life Questions Answered

Q.1: The prayerleader of husband is leaving that a congregational prayer is place, is she considered to reciting the Four Tasbihāt have abandoned her in prayer while the homeland or does the ma’mum is performing his matter depend on her intention? second rak‘at and wants to recite alFateha and Ans.: It depends on the surah; should he/she intention of the wife, if she recite them loudly or in a hopes to return then it is not low voice? considered as abandoning the homeland and if there is no Ans.: He/She should recite hope, then it is considered to them in a low voice. be an inevitable abandon- Q.2: Is it permissible to ment. reserve a place for anoth Q.4: A person has bought er person in the row of a cloth for veil but she congregation? (meaning couldn’t give that to the that we place a sajdagah tailor because she has for another person and been busy or other rea don’t let other people to sons and now her Khums sit there)? year has arrived. Does she Ans.: There is no issue with have to pay the Khums of doing this, but if that person this cloth? doesn’t join the congregation Ans.: If she has needed that before ruku‘ of the first rak‘at then it doesn’t have Khums, then his/her right is voided. although accidentally, it has Q.3: When a wife has no not been prepared for use. choice but to leave her




homeland because her

3 The Message Safar-ul-Muzaffar 1439 AH The Impact of Karbala on Vigilance of Mu slims

By: Mansour Leghaei

Imam Husain (a.s.): “Indeed, was only after the tragedy of I did not revolt (against the Karbala that Muslims were tyrannical regime of Bani- encouraged to revolt against Omayyah) joyfully, arrogantly, all tyrannical regimes, espe- to be an oppressor or a cially the followers of Ahlul- corrupted one, rather, I Bait who found their ideal role revolted persuading the model. ‘When the Master of reformation of the Islamic the youth of Paradise was Ummah of my grandfather, willing to sacrifice his life and the Prophet”. shed his blood to reform the corrupted society, of course Unlike a hasty approach to my blood is not more respect- the event of Karbala which ed than his’. may reflect the idea that the revolution of Imam Husain Such medicine was injected (a.s.) was unfulfilled and it into the semi-dead body of was an unsuccessful struggle, the whole Islamic Ummah by when we carefully study the the revolution of Imam historical events after the Husain. As a result, all salva- tragedy of Karbala we will, no tion movements, initiated one doubt, come to the conclusion after the other, right after the that the revolution of Imam tragedy of Karbala were, and Husain (a.s.) was not only still are, inspired by the great successful in its own nature, revolution of Imam Husain. but was also the major cause To this end, Karbala is the of all the revolutionary luminous torch of human movements which took place salvation which is lighting after Karbala. In fact, Karbala, forever the high peak of in the history of Islam should Islamic history to awaken all be regarded as a turning point people throughout the ages. in the reforming of Muslims. It 4 Safar-ul-Muzaffar 1439 AH The Message

The difference between and hence his embodiment is Jesus & Imam Husain impossible to be followed. Imam Husain and Jesus Christ A Glance at some of the have something in common. major revolutionary Both were reformers, and movements after Ashura according to Christian belief, There is no doubt that the both were martyred. Howev- martyrdom of Imam Husain er, there is a main point which had a great impact on the makes Imam Husain different then Islamic Ummah. It was from the Jesus of present such a great catastrophe that Christianity, i.e. the martyr- shocked the whole Ummah, to dom of Jesus in Christianity is the extent that it not only a personal issue. awakened many Muslims, but Jesus, in Christian belief, has some of the Bani-Omayyah been crucified to save his were also impressed by the believers. There is no more tragedy of Karbala. responsibility on his followers. Historians such as Dr. Hassan Whereas, our Imam Husain Ibrahim in his book ‘The was martyred to awaken History of Islam’, Kharbotali in people, and his mission was ‘The History of Iraq’, and not a personal mission. His Philip Hatti in ‘The History of role in the history of mankind Arabs’ have all asserted that is as a role model that must the event of Ashura increased be followed, whereas the role drastically the number of of Jesus, according to Christi- Shiites, to the extent that as anity, was to descend to Earth P. Hatti says: “We may be as an embodiment of God, the able to claim that Shiite Father, to be sacrificed for the movements initiated from the guaranteed salvation of his tenth of Muharram 61 A.H.” believers. Jesus, according to this doctrine, is the personifi- Nicolson, the famous oriental- cation of God and a ransom ist holds in his book ‘The 5 The Message Safar-ul-Muzaffar 1439 AH

Political History of Islam’ that many protests were mobilized “the tragedy of Karbala made against Yazid, Medina the Bani-Omayyah feel regretful centre of revelation and the for what they had done, for it main base of the Prophet (S) united the Shiites to revenge in which hundreds of the unanimously, especially in companions of the Prophet areas such as Iraq and Iran, (S) were still living, rebelled where the new Muslims would against the tyrannical gov- like to be rid of the influence ernment of Bani-Omayyah. of Arabs.” Abdullah son of Hanzala (bathed by the angels) who Mind you, the policy of race later on led the movement, discrimination and the privi- upon receiving the news of lege given to Arabs by Bani- Karbala, paid a visit along Omayyah, had annoyed many with a delegation from Medina new Muslims. Among all to Damascus, the capital of Muslims, the followers of Yazid. He reported later on, Ahlul-Bait were the first to be out of what he had observed shocked. The following are in Damascus, that the extent some of the main revolution- of the corruption had gone so ary movements which took far, he wouldn’t be surprised place after the tragedy of if they were stoned in Damas- Karbala which were inspired cus from the sky. by Ashura. As a result, upon his arrival to 1. The event of Harrah Medina, he mobilized an army (The massacre of Medina): against the government. They All reliable historical sources captured the House of the have narrated this tragedy Governor in Medina, deported which took place almost three the governor, Uthman Ibn years after Ashura. Mohammad Ibn Abu-Sufyan Although right after the from the city and declared an catastrophe of Karbala so autonomy. By doing this, the 6 Safar-ul-Muzaffar 1439 AH The Message first capital of Islam was the Prophet’s companions released from the influence of were killed. The troops of Bani-Omayyah. However, as Yazid entered the Masjid al- soon as the news was report- Nabi, and polluted the ed to Syria, Yazid dispatched mosque. Around 900 girls one of his most vicious and were raped. For many years, murderous officers named Madinians would not guaran- Muslim Ibn Ababa along with tee the virginity of their his troops which consisted of daughters when marrying 5000 soldiers to suppress the them. revolt. In spite of a heroic By the way, although the defense from Madinians, the people of Medina were barbaric troops of Yazid defeated in that battle, the ultimately conquered the city. protesting flag was trans- According to Mas’oodi, the ferred to Mecca, where the famous historian, so many Holy Mosque and the Qibla of people including Bani-Hashim Muslims were. and the companions of the Prophet were killed. 2. Revolution in Mecca In short, Yazid had permitted Right after the Massacre of his troops to enjoy their total Medina, Meccans had an freedom for three days in uprising against the central Medina, meaning no chastity, government. Although this no property and no blood was movement was also inspired respected. Tens of pages in by the revolution of Imam the history of early Islam Husain, the leader of the consist of descriptions of the revolution of Mecca, Abdullah Massacre of Medina. Ibn Zobair, had no intention of vengeance for Imam Al-Fakhri in his History de- Husain. In order for Yazid to scribes this bitter part of suppress this movement too, Islamic history as: during he also ordered Muslim Ibn those three days, hundreds of 7 The Message Safar-ul-Muzaffar 1439 AH

Aqaba to attack Mecca, kingdom of Bani-Omayyah though Allah, the Almighty did began shaking day by day not give him any further until the beginning of the year opportunity and he died on 65 when the Bani-Omayyah’s the way to Mecca. dynasty fell into the rubbish bin of history forever. At that stage, Hosain Ibn Nomair, the murderer of Imam Sadiq (a.s.) in Abbas at Karbala, led the Ziyarat Arbaeen: army of Yazid. Ibn Zobair who “Peace be on Husain; the failed to continue the defense, oppressed, the martyr. Peace sought refuge in the Holy be on the captives of grief Mosque. However, the troops and those killed by the of Yazid had no respect and teardrops. O God! Indeed, I hence they started firing at bear witness he granted the the Mosque. As a result, the advice and sacrificed the curtains of the Mosque were blood of his heart for Your set on fire and some parts of sake, in order for him to the walls of the Ka’ba were rescue Your servants from the destroyed by fire. ignorance and the perplexity This event also took place in of going astray”. the year 63 A.H. and Yazid, In the previous meeting, I the most vicious figure of shared with you some of the Bani-Omayyah’s tyranny died impacts of the revolution of 11 days after the event of Imam Husain (a.s.) on the Mecca. awareness of people. As I Apparently, Meccans again mentioned, the main task and were defeated in that battle. the mission of the Imam was However, the more the crimes to awaken the Ummah and to of Bani-Omayyah increased, make them realise that an ill the more the people rose up fortune was awaiting them against Bani-Omayyah. The otherwise. His mission was

8 Safar-ul-Muzaffar 1439 AH The Message not just to reform the then philosophy behind the tragedy government. Imam Husain, of Karbala. along with all his ancestors, In the last meeting, I pre- being the previous Imams or sented two examples of the prophets, all carried the rising up of the Ummah as a unique mission, i.e. to fight result of the tragedy of ignorance and save people Karbala. The first was the from going astray. Their massacre of Medina, and the mission, therefore, was to second was the revolution in train reformers, and hence, Mecca. the school of Karbala should be considered as a school of As a matter of fact, the training reformers, for it is not impacts of the tragedy of enough to believe Imam Karbala on awakening the Husain was only a social, as Ummah can be found right well as religious, reformer. His from the evening of Ashura. task was higher than that. He On that evening, after the aimed at making people rise tents of Ahlul-Bait were up against all types of oppres- plundered, a woman who sion, corruption, alteration, happened to be the wife of a and discrimination. soldier from among the troops of Ibn-Ziyad, perhaps was the To this end, he sacrificed all first who shouted against the that he possessed to be an tyrannical regime of Bani- everlasting role model for all Omayyah seeking revenge for who have the ambition of Imam Husain. She bravely reforming their corrupted shouted: “O you who look like society. This fact is acknowl- men! the clothes of the edged by Imam Sadiq in his daughters of the Prophet are Ziyarat (Visiting) on Arbaeen. being seized, and yet no one According to his Ziyarat, protests?! Down with this rescuing people from igno- secular government!” (Ibn rance has been the main Tawoos; Lohoof, p.132). 9 The Message Safar-ul-Muzaffar 1439 AH

By the way, it was during the himself forever. Then, my battle of Mecca that joyful father came into power, a news reached Mecca. Yazid, man who did not deserve his the tippler, the ruthless, died, position. He followed his …off to hell. Husain Ibn desires though he didn’t gain Nomair, who had now lost his them until he died, also reason for fighting Ibn Zobair, carrying his sins with himself compromised with him. As a forever.” He then cried and result, Ibn Zobair after he was refused the throne. (Balatheri; about to be defeated, took Ansabul-Ashraaf 4:61). control of Mecca again. At that time he was only BaniOmayyah After Yazid around 20 years old and 40 days after his resignation he After the death of Yazid in the secretly died. After his death, year 64 AH, a serious dispute Marwan Ibn Hakam, the arose among the Bani- cousin of Uthman, was Omayyah family as to who deported from Medina along should come to the throne. with the governor prior to the Muawiyah, the Second son of Massacre of Medina, who took Yazid was appointed to be the advantage of the existing gap, Caliph. However, since he was came to Damascus and so impressed by the crimes of immediately married the both his father and grandfa- widow of Yazid. He then ther, he addressed the people forced Bani-Omayyah to in his first public lecture accept him in allegiance. From saying: “O people! Indeed, my that time the Bani-Omayyah grandfather, Muawiyah, dynasty declined forever. confronted Ali Ibn Abi Talib Kufa and its Revolutions who deserved the caliphate and forced you to commit In the beginning of these what you are aware of until series of lectures, I, as many he died, carrying his sins with other historical analysts,

10 Safar-ul-Muzaffar 1439 AH The Message castigated the Kufans for 2. The partisans of Bani- betraying their Imam after Omayyah who were mainly inviting him to Kufa. Although, Iraqi aristocrats from the clan the blame is accurate and of Modhar. The majority of many Kufans unfortunately the troops of Ibn-Ziyad in broke their promises, it is Karbala had been provided inaccurate to believe that all from this group. Kufans turned against the 3. Conservatives who always Imam. According to Mama- avoid whatever might disturb qani around 4500 people were their material life, being their jailed in Kufa prior to the business or material comfort. tragedy of Karbala. This group, which is always In any case, after the tragedy found in all communities, of Karbala, Kufans more than plays neutral or hypocritical others felt guilt and regret, to roles. Their doctrine is to the extent that according to make everyone happy. Their some historians the city had slogan is “live in a way that become like a volcano ready after your death both Muslims for eruption. and Hindus attend your funeral whilst the first washes 1. The Movement of your corpse with the water of Tawwabin Zamzam and the second In general, the citizens of cremates it by fire.” Kufa were divided into three The first group set a move- categories: ment in motion named ‘the 1. Sincere Shiites who were Movement of Tawwabin’ very emotional and seeking (meaning Penitents). revenge from Bani-Omayyah. This movement was led by The main body of this group noble figures such as Sulyman consisted of Yemenis, Iranians Ibn Sorad and Rofa’a Ibn and other converts. Shaddad. They came to the

11 The Message Safar-ul-Muzaffar 1439 AH belief that nothing can 2. The Uprising of Mukhtar cleanse the sin of leaving The uprising of Mukhtar was Imam Husain alone but being the most successful move- killed for his revenge. The ment after the tragedy of movement created a battle Karbala which took place in between Tawwabin and the the year 66 A.H. army of Ibn- Ziyad in the year 65 A.H. Mukhtar, one of the devoted Iraqis of Imam Ali (a.s.), a Tawwabin, before going to noble figure in Iraq, who was the battle, visited Imam jailed during the visit of Husain’s grave and those of Muslim Ibn Aqil in Kufa, was other Martyrs of Karbala. In released from prison. His main their grief they performed a mission and ambition was to mourning ceremony which seek revenge from all the caused many of them to lose criminals of Karbala. consciousness. A bloody fight occurred During his one and a half between Tawwabin and the years of ruling Iraq he rigor- army of Ibn-Ziyad in an area ously sought and killed the out of Kufa called Aynul- main criminals of Karbala. Warda. The number of Those who had already Tawwabin is estimated at proudly narrated the story of around 4000 while the troops their crimes to the people, of Ibn-Ziyad, some of which during the time of Mukhtar had already participated in the were executed one after the battle of Karbala, were other. Omar Ibn Sa’d, She- roughly 30,000 soldiers. mar, Hurmala even Ibn-Ziyad were all mercilessly executed As a result, in spite of the by the order of Mukhtar. courageous fighting of Taw- wabin most of them including Execution of Hurmala, the their leader Sulyman were murderer of the six month martyred. old baby 12 Safar-ul-Muzaffar 1439 AH The Message

Taking into consideration that All the criminals of Karbala this meeting prohibits narra- were of course cruel, but tion of the way in which all Hurmala was the most vicious the criminals of Karbala were figure among them all. The executed, I would like to bring way Imam Sajjad was praying my speech to an end by to God to punish him will sharing with you in a few reflect to us the bereaved words a description of the heart of the Imam. worldly punishment of Hurma- Menhal said: “I came back la, the murderer of the infant home. Mukhtar was busy of Imam Husain. finding the murderers. I went Menhal Ibn Amr from Kufa, to see him and found him one of the followers of Imam with his soldiers at the city’s Sajjad (a.s.) quoted: round-about waiting for “In the year 66 when Mukhtar someone. As a matter of fact, was in power in Iraq and was he had been informed about executing the murderers of the hiding place of Hurmala. A Karbala one after the other, I few minutes later some of his made a pilgrimage to Hajj. soldiers came back cheerfully After performing the Hajj bringing Hurmala with them. ceremony, I went to Medina Mukhtar commanded his to visit Imam Sajjad. The soldiers to immediately Imam asked me about prepare him for execution. Hurmala. I replied that he was He was of course sentenced still alive when I was last in to death and yet it was the Kufa. Imam Sajjad raised up least punishment a devil like both of his hands praying: him could have received. ‘O God! let him taste the However, prior to carrying out burning of the iron, let him the decree he was given a taste the burning of the iron, chance to confess and narrate let him taste the burning of the details of his crime. He the fire.” said: 13 The Message Safar-ul-Muzaffar 1439 AH

“On the day of Ashura I had raised up his little hand to three special poisoned arrows. stop the devil. As a result his The first I pierced through the hand was chopped off. The fragile neck of the baby of orphan of Imam Hasan yelled Husain. I fired the second at sorrowfully and yet dropped the heart of Imam Husain himself on the Imam, saving after he had taken away his the uncle who had always shirt wiping up his injured been as kind to him just as a forehead. And the third father. one...” At that very moment, Hurmala Imam Hasan (a.s.) had three confessed later on that, he sons who all participated in targeted Abdullah with his last Karbala. Hasan Mothanna, the poisoned arrow and brutally oldest one, Qasim the middle killed him on the bosom of his one, and Abdullah the young- uncle. est one. On the day of




Ashura, Abdullah was about 10 years old. Sayings of Imam In fact, he was born when his Hussain (AS) father, Imam Hasan was just *He who tries to achieve martyred. Because of his age, something through acting he was kept along with the disobediently to Allah will miss other children inside the tents. what he expects and fall in However, in the last minutes what he fears. of the life of Imam Husain, *Man's intelligence would not when he heard the painful be perfect unless truth is voice of his dear uncle calling followed. for help, he ran away from inside the tent. He reached *Nothing is more disgraceful Imam Husain as a criminal for old people than being was about to hit the Imam slaves to their worldly desires. with his sword. Abdullah




14 Safar-ul-Muzaffar 1439 AH The Message How to help Imam Husayn (A.S.) and

hence Imam Mahdi (A.S.)

By: Mohammad Ali Shomali

In one of the Ziyarats of serve the cause of Husayn Imam Husayn we recite: and act upon it, this would be “Peace be to you, Oh son of my ear answering his call. the prophet. If I was not able In the age that we live in, to help you with my hands, if many problems come through time has not let me be with ears and eyes, more than any you, then I am now coming to other time. This is due to the you with my help. Answering fact that if in the past they your call is my hearing, my had to be careful about the heart, my sight, my body, my voice coming from few meters thoughts and my desires, all around, today we can hear submissive to you, and to all voices and sounds that come Imams after you, those from from thousands of miles your progeny who guide to away. If you look at the past, Allah. So my help for you is what do you think the chal- ready”.[1] lenge of a young person was We are centuries away from when it comes to the listening Imam Husayn yet still we can and hearing? join him and answer his call The only challenge was that if when he called out: "Is there he was in a meeting or any helper to help us?" gathering or place a sinful Reflecting on How we voice might be heard. Howev- answer a Call er, in our age, we can be in a holy place and yet exposed to What needs reflection is to a haram voice through various see how your heart, your ear, devices. Furthermore, in the your eye answers to a call. It past, one could only listen to seems clear that e.g. if I listen what was being said at that to that which prepares me to 15 The Message Safar-ul-Muzaffar 1439 AH moment, though now voices beloved. Is Imam Husayn's are recorded and saved. attraction and beauty less than a normal beloved? If we The amount of exposure to do not feel that irresistible haram today is not compara- attraction in Imam Husayn, ble to the past. The same fact the problem lies in the fact is true about our sight, that we do not have proper thoughts, and desires. knowledge of him. A lover of Imam Husayn A point that should not be cannot have plans that neglected is that our Imams disregard the beloved. 0ur do not draw our attention to desires and thoughts must be themselves. They act as in line with helping Imam mirrors and draw our atten- Husayn. We shall not think tion to Allah. They are so about useless matters let transparent that when you alone sinful ones. Our think of them you remember thoughts should be at Imam's Allah. They orient us towards service, thinking how we can Him. In Ziyarat al-Jami'ah we help him, how we can bring recite: "He who seeks Allah, more light to this world. Our starts with you." concern must be how to promote values. If someone wants to reach Allah in a very easy, fast, and A lover is the one who wakes convenient way it should be up in the morning and the done through knowing and first thing he remembers is his loving Prophet Muhammad beloved. It may even happen and Ahlul-Bayt. that he is in the middle of a conversation yet his heart and Verbalizing our readiness mind is somewhere else with to the Imam the beloved. When he goes to We need to be able to honest- bed, he ends his day thinking ly tell our Imam that we are about and remembering his ready for him, that he can 16 Safar-ul-Muzaffar 1439 AH The Message count us, on all that we have, thirst. Furthermore, we would whether it is our talents, skills, want to compete with others and energy; and on our to fulfil not only the Imam's children and wealth. commands, but also his will, before even expressing it. In Dua of 'Ahd we read: “O Allah, appoint me amongst his What does our Imam want helpers, aides, and his protec- from us today? tors, those who hasten to A very important question fulfill his commands and obey arises here: How can we his orders. Those who defend understand what our Imam him and compete with each wants from us today? other to (fulfill) his will.” This is something that we We ask Allah to include us struggle with. among those who respond to Imam Mahdi, implement his I think we have many people commands, and do what he in the world who are devoted wills without hesitating or and work hard to spend waiting for his request for it to everything they have for the be done. sake of Allah and at the service of Ahlul Bayt and their If we know that our Imam cause, but sometimes you do wants something, we should not feel that they are always want to hasten and rush to making proper decisions or fulfil what he wants from us, are making rapid progress without waiting for him to ask year by year towards ideals. us. It is sufficient to know what is to be done without Many people have already waiting for the Imam's order. done so many things to please If you know your father is Imam Mahdi but the problem thirsty you will not wait for is that they do not know him to ask you for water; you exactly what to do and what would immediately quench his he wants from us to do. They

17 The Message Safar-ul-Muzaffar 1439 AH do not know what to prioritize words, we must consider what to help our Imam. Imam Mahdi is going to establish, and then we should There are the obvious duties work towards it. that apply at all times: praying, fasting, hajj, taqleed, When the Imam sees that we wearing hijab, eating halal have made good progress and food, and so forth. These are preparation, then he can join the responsibilities that from us in the same path. But we the time of the Prophet every have to make the first few Muslim must have done as we steps. have in the hadith from Imam As we saw in previous parts, Sadiq: What Muhammad (S) one of the aims of Imam announced permissible is Mahdi, which is the aim of all permissible up to the Day of prophets and is the standing Judgment and what he said is at the top of his agenda is prohibited will be so till the justice. Right under justice Day of Judgment.[2] come dignity and honour These are the things basic because these are the most laws. What we need to important rights that every understand is our time- human being deserves. If you specific social responsibilities, have minimum amount of how to prepare our society justice you have to respect and community for the dignity of people. coming of Imam Mahdi. Now, let us reflect on the The following offers a few following phrase from Dua al- reflections on how to under- Iftitah: “Oh Allah, we bring to stand what the Imam expects you our yearning for an from us. honourable government by which you give dignity to To reflect on what he is going Islam and its people, and to do and prepare by moving humiliate hypocrisy and the in the same direction. In other 18 Safar-ul-Muzaffar 1439 AH The Message hypocrites, and include us will honour its citizens. For among those who invite this reason, we ask Allah in people unto Your obedience, our duas for an honourable and lead people towards Your government that treats people path. Through such a gov- with dignity. ernment, give us honour in One of the features of the this life and the hereafter.” government we ask Allah for If a government is not hon- is that it exposes the hypo- ourable, it cannot give dignity crites. It is them with whom and honour to its citizens. You we have problem with, not can never expect honour to honest disbelievers. It seems come to you from the people that the main problem is with who do not have honour for nifaq and not with kufr.[4] themselves. There is a very We ask that the hypocrites beautiful hadith that suggests are exposed so that they lose this idea: "If someone doesn't their respect and influence. have any honour for himself, The best way to face a person do not feel safe with respect who is hypocrite is to show to him."[3] his true face to people. A noble person never uses Having asked for that, we foul language even towards then ask Allah to include us animals. A person who has among those who invite honour for himself never others toward His obedience. walks out nude. The idea here is that we Covering up even a little is should not be satisfied by just recommended in Islam which being pious; rather we should indicates that a person should also be calling others towards always honour himself. And a His obedience and leading person who honours himself towards His path. If we will honour others. Similarly, merely aim to be pious is not an honourable government enough and may actually

19 The Message Safar-ul-Muzaffar 1439 AH result in being in a lower level establishing this honour for and failing to be pious. In the ourselves and our community. following dua in the Qur'an Imam Mahdi wants us to be we read: “Our Lord, Grant us honourable. comfort in our spouses and Whether it be education, descendants, and make us family ties, punctuality, leaders of the pious”. (25:74) organization, trustworthiness, We do not merely ask for and helping others, we need piety. We ask to be the leader to be the best at it. If on the of the pious. This aim is for other hand, we are disorgan- the purpose of being closer to ised, dishonest, unkind, and Allah rather than for selfish unprincipled we cannot bring reasons such as position or honour to ourselves. Hence power. we cannot expect Imam Mahdi to suddenly come and Continuing with Dua al-Iftitah, give us honour in this life and we ask Allah to help us not the hereafter. only to obey Him, but to guide others to his obedience, by Every step towards bringing being equipped with piety and honour to this community knowledge. We also ask Allah prepares for Imam Mahdi. for honour in this life and the We should not see anything hereafter. We want to be happening that would bring proud to be Muslims. disrespect to our community. We want people of the world In addition to establishing to have so much understand- justice by not violating others' ing of Islam, and pleased with rights, not even doing injus- the performance of Muslims, tice to animals, we need to that they have respect for bring honour to ourselves and Muslims. This will not happen treat others the same. We by itself. We can only achieve need to be a polite and this by working towards respectful community, wheth- 20 Safar-ul-Muzaffar 1439 AH The Message er it be in the home, class- enjoin one another to pa- room, or workplace so that tience.” (103:1-3) anyone who looks at us says In addition to the importance that this person must be a Allah gives to time, we also follower of Husayn. We need realize that it is not enough people to see the conduct of for us to be believers and do Imam Husayn in us. righteous deeds. We need to Another important point for us come together and enjoin is to act as a community. We truthfulness and patience. If cannot afford to be separated one was about to get angry or as we cannot help Imam to give up, others should Mahdi individually. We need invite him to patience. to come together and form a With this mutual help we can solid group at his service. The be saved. It is only when we Imam wants a strong com- are together that we can gain munity, not people who dislike Allah's support. or boycott each other: “O you who have faith! Be pious and Similar to the above verses, be with the truthful people.” Allah says: “While being one (9:119) of those who have faith and who enjoin one another to In addition to believing and patience, and enjoin one having piety, we should also another to compassion.” be in the company of truthful (90:17) people. This shows not only the importance of being We should invite each other truthful, but also the im- to patience, mercifulness, and portance of being a communi- truthfulness; establish it ty: “By Time! Indeed man is among ourselves and then in loss, except those who extend it to others to benefit have faith and do righteous from it. If we form such a deeds, and enjoin one anoth- community, Allah will bless er to [follow] the truth, and this community with much 21 The Message Safar-ul-Muzaffar 1439 AH support and will guide it so as Justice is both for enemies to quickly achieve its aim. and friends. Allah says in the Qur'an that if We are expected to be fair you are pious and careful of with respect to everyone. your duties towards Him, He Then we studied that the right will teach you (2:282) and of people to be treated with give you a criterion by which honour and dignity as one of you can distinguish between the important things you right and wrong (8:29). should observe as a just Therefore, we should attain person. Again we need to communal piety for Allah to achieve this honour for guide our community and ourselves and then treat direct it towards our goals. others with honour and respect. Conclusion We need also to form a united In this part, we studied how community in order to help we can help Imam Mahdi by Imam Mahdi. learning from the example of Imam Husayn and being a Notes: good follower of him. In 1. Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 98, particular, we studied why page 209, chapter 18. and how we should start establishing justice among us 2. Al-Kafi, vol. 1, p. 58. so that we can be used as 3. Bihar al-Anwar, volume 72, instruments of establishing page 300, chapter 74, no. 11. justice by Imam Mahdi. 4. The Qur'an tells us that the An unjust person cannot be a hypocrites are in the lowest helper of the Imam whose level of the hell (4:145). goal is establishing justice all over the world. We should




establish justice among ourselves and then for others. 22 Safar-ul-Muzaffar 1439 AH The Message Why Mukhtar didn’t defend Hazrat

Imam Hussein (AS) in Karbala?

By: Ayatollah Mahdi Hadavi Tehrani

Mukhtar bin Abi Ubaida traits of the Commander of belonged to Thaqif tribe. His the Faithful, Ali (AS), Imam epithet was Abu Ishaq and his Hasan and Imam Hussein nickname was Kaysan mean- (AS) amongst people and he ing clever and smart. Accord- believed that the family of the ing to a tradition, Asbagh bin Prophet (S) was more entitled Nabatah, one of the compan- to leadership and government ions of the Commander of the after the Prophet (S) than Faithful, Ali (AS) says: The those in power. He was sad at title “kayyis” was given by the the sufferings which the Commander of the Faithful to family of the Prophet (S) went Mukhtar.” through. He learned manners and Mukhtar’s personality in merits and acquired moral the narrations virtues from the Ahlul-Bayt The traditions about Mukhtar (AS). In his youth age, he, his in our sources are divided into father and uncle went to Iraq two categories; some of them to fight the Persian army. praise him and others simply Mukhtar was in the company reproach him. of the Commander of the Faithful, Ali (AS) and after his A) Traditions praising Mukhtar martyrdom, he went to Basra There are many traditions in and settled there for a short the hadith books praising period. Mukhtar. However, for the Allamah Majlisi (ra) writes: sake of brevity, we will Mukhtar narrated the merits mention only three instances: of the Holy Prophet (S) and 1. Imam Sadiq (AS) said: even spread the beautiful “None of the Hashemi women 23 The Message Safar-ul-Muzaffar 1439 AH combed and applied henna to 1. Imam Sadiq (AS) said: their hair until Mukhtar sent “Mukhtar ascribed lies to the heads of the murderers of Imam Sajjad.”[5] Hussein to our family.”[1] 2. In another report it has Ayatollah Khoi (ra) considered been narrated that Mukhtar this narration as authentic[2] sent twenty thousand dinars and it is a clear endorsement to Imam Zainul Abedeen. The of Mukhtar’s action. Imam accepted the amount 2. Imam al-Baqir (‘a) thus said and spent it on reconstructing about him: “Do not speak ill ruined houses. Then he sent of Mukhtar because he killed Imam Sajjad another load, a our murderers, did not allow gift, which the Imam (AS) did our spilled blood to be disre- not accept.[6] In another garded, gave our daughters in narration, it has been report- marriage, and at the time of ed that the Imam said: “I do difficulty he distributed not accept any gift from properties among us.”[3] liars.”[7] It has been narrated that 3. Mukhtar is also reproached when Mukhtar sent the head for his belief in the imamate of the accursed ‘Ubayd Allah of Muhammad bin Hanafiyah ibn Ziyad to Imam as-Sajjad and for his calling on people (‘a), the Imam (‘a) prostrated to accept him as the next and made benevolent prayer leader. He was allegedly for Mukhtar saying: "May involved in the creation of the Allah reward Mukhtar."[4] Kaysaniyyah sect.[8] Traditions reproaching Mukhtar from the Per Mukhtar spective of Scholars Here, we shall also make Most of the scholars and reference to only three experts in the field of hadith instances: and biography have chosen the traditions which praise 24 Safar-ul-Muzaffar 1439 AH The Message

Mukhtar. They have given D) The narrations which opinions on these traditions as ascribe the Kaysaniyyah sect such: to him and labeling him as being a liar are, according to A) The traditions which biographers and experts of reproach and criticize Mukhtar ilm-e rijal, among the accusa- are very poor in terms of the tions put to him by Opponents chain of transmission.[9] because Muhammad bin Kashi says in this regard: “It Hanafiyah never claimed to be seems these traditions have the imam so that Mukhtar been fabricated by Oppo- could call others to him. In nents.”[10] fact, Kaysaniyyah was formed B) It is very much likely that after the demise of Muham- these traditions have been mad bin Hanafiyah.[13] issued in the state of taqiyah Mukhtar’s Beliefs (quietism or dissimulation) only to protect the Imam and Some other scholars believe the Hashemites from the evils Mukhtar did not have proper of the tyrant rulers.[11] beliefs and they have quoted the following tradition to C) It has been reported in the substantiate their point: tradition that Mukhtar sent gifts twice to Imam Sajjad It has been reported from (AS) and his family but he Imam Sadiq (AS) that Imam rejected the gift on the Sadiq (AS) said: “The Holy second occasion arguing that Prophet (S) cross the Sirat Mukhtar was a liar. This is Bridge with Ali (AS) and Imam something very unlikely Hasan after him followed by because if Mukhtar was a liar, Imam Hussein (AS). When Imam Sajjad (AS) should not they reach the middle of the have accepted the gifts on Bridge, Mukhtar (who is both occasions but he accept- languishing in punishment of ed the first gift.[12] Hell) calls out, ‘O Aba Abdil-

25 The Message Safar-ul-Muzaffar 1439 AH lah, I was your avenger’. The he had said dates back to Prophet (S) says: ‘O Hussein, twenty years before his respond him.’ Then Imam martyrdom. When we want Hussein (AS) soars down like to judge about someone being an eagle and saves Mukhtar good or bad, we should look from Hell Fire.[14] at his present condition. Although this saying of In closing, it is necessary to Mukhtar is not good, it does make mention of two points: not change our judgement 1. Before the revolution of about his overall character. Ashura, Mukhtar was impris- There have been people in oned in Kufa due to him history such as Hurr bin Yazid supporting Muslim bin Aqil, Riyahi who deserted Yazid’s Imam Hussein’s envoy to army and joined Imam Kufa. At the best of Ibn Ziad, Hussein. Just in a few hours’ Mukhtar remained in prison time, he turned in repentance, until the end of the uprising in achieved eternal prosperity Karbala.[15] That was why he and changed the judgement was not present in Karbala to of history about himself. defend Imam Hussein (AS). Notes: 2. According to some histori- 1. Behar al-Anwar, vol.45, cal accounts, during the time p.386; Rijal al-Kashi, p.127. of Imam Hasan (AS) in Madaen, Mukhtar decided to 2. Khoei, Abul Qasim, Mu’jam surrender the Imam to al-Rijal, vol.18, p.94, Qom, Mu’awiyah and take over the 1410 A.H. emirate in Iraq.[16] 3. Behar al-Anwar, vol.45, When it comes to this histori- p.343; Rijal al-Kashi, p.125. cal account, it must be said 4. Rijal al-Kashi, p.128. that even if we assume that this claim about Mukhtar is 5. Behar al-Anwar, vol.45, genuine, this event and what p.343. 26 Safar-ul-Muzaffar 1439 AH The Message

6. Rijal al-Kashi, p.128. Sayings of Imam Hasan 7. Ibid, p.126. al-Mujtaba (A.S.)

8. Hilli, Ibn Dawood, Rijal, *Proximate is the one that is p.514, Tehran, 1425 AH. drawn closer by affection, even 9. Mu’jam al-Rijal, vol.18, p.97. though he is a distant relation. And the one that is far is the 10. Rijal Ibn Dawood, p.514, This is not stated anywhere in one that affection distances Rjial al-Kashi. Perhaps, Ibn him, even though he is a close Dawood has had a version of relation. Rijal in which this is said. *Allah, the Great and Al- 11. Mu’jam al-Rijal, vol.18, p.100 Mighty, did not open the gateway of invocation for 12. Rijal Ibn Dawood, p.514. anyone, to then shut off from 13. Ibid, Mu’jam al-Rijal, vol.18, him the gateway of response. p.101. Nor did a man open the door of 14. Sheikh Tusi, Tahzib al- action, to then have the door Ahkam, vol.1, p. 467, hadith of acceptance shut off from 1528, Tehran, 1407 AH. him, nor was the door of 15. Ibn Hajar Asqalani, Ahmad gratitude opened for the bin Ali, Al-Isabah fi Tamyiz al- servant, to have the door of Sahabah, research: Adil Ah- accretion (plentiful) shut off mad Abdul Mawjud and Ali from him. Muhammad Mu’awwaz, *I wonder at a person who vol.6, p.250, Beirut, Dar al- Kotob al-Ilmiyah, Beirut, first ponders over the things that he edition, 1415 A.H eats, how he does not ponder over his reasoning. He pre- 16. Sheikh Saduq, Ilal al- serves his stomach from that Sharaye’, vol.1, p.221, chap. which harms him, yet deposits 160, Dawari Bookstore, in his breast that which is a Qom, first edition, 1427 AH. cause for his destruction.









27 The Message Safar-ul-Muzaffar 1439 AH Martyrdom of Imam al-Ridha (A.S.)

Excerpts from the book, “The life of Imam ‘Ali Bin Musa al-Ridha’” By: Baqir Shareef al-Qurashi

Shortly after Imam al-Ridha’, people’s sufferings, showed peace be on him, assumed affection toward the weak, the position of heir apparent, sympathized with the misera- al-Ma’mun vigorously turned ble, had abundant knowledge, away from him, hid evil and encompassed what the treachery against him, sought community needed regarding evil deeds against him, all its affairs, strongly turned schemed against him in the to Allah, the Exalted, in darkness of night and by the repentance, feared Allah, and brightness of day, imposed other high moral traits before intense watch over him, which reason is bewildered, imprisoned him in his house, and which he derived from prevented the scholars and those of his grandfather the the jurists from communi- Messenger, may Allah bless cating with him and taking his him and his family, who sciences, and prevented all developed life, put an end to the Shi‘ites from having the all kinds of backwardness and honor of meeting him. deviation (from the truth) in Al-Ma’mun burst with anger the world of the Arabs and and rage because of the Muslims. Imam’s remarkable position in The people saw those ‘Ala- the hearts of the Muslims, wide moral traits standing in which firmly established and Imam al-Ridha’, peace be on increased when regency was him, so they adored him and entrusted to him, for the believed in his Imamate, while Muslims saw that he led a al-Ma’mun and the rest of the simple life, refrained from ‘Abba’sid kings were distin- temptations of life, renounced guished by qualities contrary the world, understood the to those of the Imam. For no 28 Safar-ul-Muzaffar 1439 AH The Message laudable deed or an excel- There is no winepress in their lence has been ascribed to houses; nor is there in their them throughout their assum- houses a shelter for evil; ing the caliphate. In other Nor is there a hermaphrodite words they followed their who spends the night to drink desires and pleasures and with them; nor have they an ape spent millions of the money of which has servants. the Muslims on their red Their houses are al-Rukn (the nights. Abu’ Fira’s al- corner of the Ka‘ba), the (Sacred) Hamada’ni, an inspired poet, House, the curtains, Zamzam, al- may Allah have mercy on him, Safa’, (the Black) Stone, and al- revolted against oppression Harm (the Sanctuary). and tyranny. In his wonderful, Surely the life of the ‘Alawides immortal poem, he has made is as bright as the sun due to a comparison between the the light of faith, whereas the ‘Alawides’ exalted life and the life of their ‘Abba’sid oppo- ‘Abba’sids’ low life, which was nents is as dark as night; full of sins and offenses. He there is no glow of faith and says: of Islamic guidance in it. (The Qur’an) is recited in their Anyhow, al-Ma’mun spared no houses in the evening and effort to show Islamic society in the early morning, while in that Imam al-Ridha’, peace be your houses are the strings and on him, did not renounce the the tones. world when he assumed regency, but all his attempts When they recite a verse, your Imam (leader) sings: “Stop by the came to nothing, for Islamic house which no foot has ef- world came to know that the faced.” Imam was the most brilliant personality in piety, clinging Does ‘Ali belong to you or to to obedience to Allah and to them? Does the Shaykh of the acts of worship, and refraining singers belong to you or to them? from all political fields. 29 The Message Safar-ul-Muzaffar 1439 AH

Anyhow, in this epilog, we The first: The existence of want to mention the last Imam ‘Ali b. Musa’ al-Ridha’, affairs of the life of the Imam, peace be on him, his heir peace be on him, and that is apparent, against whom the as follows: ‘Abba’sid family vigorously harbored malice. This family The Imam gives Sincere had already broken the pledge Advice to alMa’mun of allegiance to him, and The Imam, peace be on him, pledged allegiance to Ibn gave sincere advice to al- Shakkla, the Shaykh of the Ma’mun. The advice was void singers, as a sign of taking of all political hardships. He vengeance upon him because advised him to exempt him of his entrusting the Imam from regency and to exempt with regency. al-Fadl from the ministry, and The second: The existence through that he would save of his minister, al-Fadl b. Sahl, himself from the scheme and on the area of politics. The oppression of the ‘Abba’sids ‘Abba’sids were indignant with against him.[1] However al- al-Fadl, for they thought that Ma’mun did not exempt them it was he who urged al- both; he assassinated them, Ma’mun to entrust regency to as we will display. Imam al-Ridha’, peace be on AlMa’mun decides to him. return to Baghdad Accordingly, al-Ma’mun had to For a long time Al-Ma’mun get rid of both the Imam and reflected on returning to al-Fadl through assassinating Baghdad, the capital of his them, that he might be free fore-fathers and embellish- from worry, please the ment of the east, but two ‘Abba’sids, and rid himself of factors prevented him from their wrath and vengeance; achieving this valuable wish: this is what we will demon- strate. 30 Safar-ul-Muzaffar 1439 AH The Message

The Public Bathhouse of would be wise for you and al- Sarkhas Fadl to go into the baths tomorrow.” Al-Ma’mun thought that he had to get rid of Imam al- Al-Ma’mun wrote back to him: Ridha’, peace be on him, and “You are right, my master, al-Fadl b. Sahl at the same and the Messenger of Allah, time, that the ‘Abba’sid family may Allah bless him and his might be loyal to him. So he family, is right. I will not go ordered a criminal band of his into the baths tomorrow. hirelings to assassinate Imam However, al-Fadl will make up al-Ridha’ and al-Fadl in the his own mind.” public bath-house of Sarkhas. The deception of al-Ma’mun He had asked both the Imam regarding al-Fadl has become and al-Fadl to enter the bath- clear. He let him make up his house together. He also own mind, and he was killed decided to go with them, that by his band of hirelings. he might cover the matter AlFadl is struck down and that none might come to know of it. The Imam was Al-Fadl went in a hurry to the fully aware of this trickery, so baths. When he went into it, he refused to respond to al- he was struck down by the Ma’mun. Al-Ma’mun sent swords of that criminal band. another letter and the Imam Shortly after that he became a wrote him: “I will not go into motionless body. In this the baths tomorrow. Last manner al-Ma’mun was able night, I had a vision of the to achieve part of his task. Apostle of Allah, may Allah When al-Fadl was killed, his bless him and his family. He companions went in a hurry to told me: ‘‘Ali, do not go into al-Ma’mun in order to take the baths tomorrow.’ There- vengeance upon him, for they fore, Commander of the had come to know that it was faithful, I do not think that it he who ordered him to be 31 The Message Safar-ul-Muzaffar 1439 AH killed. The guards of al- you have claimed that I had Ma’mun’s palace hurried to ordered you to kill him is a close the gates lest the groundless claim.” Then he revolutionaries should attack ordered their heads to be al-Ma’mun. However, the struck off, ordered them to be revolutionists carried torches sent to al-Hasan b. Sahl, and of fire that they might burn showed false sadness for him the gates of the palace. When (al-Fadl).[3] al-Ma’mun came to know of The Imam is assassinated that, he became frightened, so he sought refuge in the Al-Ma’mun assassinated Imam Imam and asked him to al-Ridha’, the Imam of the protect him. The Imam, peace Muslims and grandson of the be on him, went out to the Messenger, may Allah bless revolutionaries. He ordered him and his family. He put them to depart, and they poison into grapes or pome- responded to him, so al- granates. In this manner al- Ma’mun was saved by the Ma’mun put an end to the Imam’s blessing.[2] most brilliant personality in Islamic world, namely Imam As for those who murdered al- al-Ridha’, who was the source Fadl, they were five persons of awareness and thought in from among the personal the world of Islam. entourage of al-Ma’mun. Among them was Gha’lib, al- Irregular Statements Ma’mun’s uncle. The police Some historians have men- captured them and brought tioned that al-Ma’mun was far them before al-Ma’mun, and above committing this abomi- they (the murderers) said to nable crime, and that he did him: “You had ordered us to not assassinate the Imam, kill him.” So he said to them: peace be on him. The follow- “I will kill you because of your ing are some of their state- confession. As for that which ments: 32 Safar-ul-Muzaffar 1439 AH The Message

1. His Natural Death and they have mentioned nothing other than that. Ibn Khaldu’n has mentioned that the Imam, peace be on These are some of the him, died a natural death statements which have been suddenly after eating some mentioned; they are irregular grapes.[4] Others have and have no share of reality, mentioned the same thing.[5] for it is certain that it was al- Ma’mun who assassinated the 2. The ‘Abba’sids assassi Imam, and not the ‘Abba’sid nate the Imam family, and that he did not die Ibn al-Jawzi has said: “When a natural death. Al-Ma’mun the ‘Abba’sids saw that the committed this crime in order caliphate came out of their to get rid of the Imam, for his hands (and was handed over) reputation spread all over to the sons of ‘Ali b. Abu’ Islamic world, the proofs of Ta’lib, they poisoned ‘Ali b. his Imamate were clear, the Musa’ al-Ridha’, and he died in Muslims loved him, had high a village called Sana’bad, in moral traits and exalted Toos. A group of people has manners, clung to Allah, claimed that al-Ma’mun gave renounced the world, and him poison to drink. And it is other qualities, whereas al- not as it has been mentioned, Ma’mun and the rest of the for al-Ma’mun showed sadness ‘Abba’sid kings were void of for him, to the extent that any noble inclination and none like him showed sadness exalted quality. over him, and he wrote to the Anyhow, most historians have (people of) the regions in unanimously agreed that it order to condole them.”[6] was al-Ma’mun who poisoned 3. His Death of Poison the Imam, for he had killed in Some historians have men- this manner a group of the tioned that the Imam, peace great figures of his time out of be on him, died of poison,[7] fear of them.[8] 33 The Message Safar-ul-Muzaffar 1439 AH

To the Shelter Garden joining my grandfather and my fore-fathers, peace be on The Imam was intensely tired them; the fixed term has during assuming the position come; this tyrannical one (i.e. of heir apparent, for al- al-Ma’mun) has decided to kill Ma’mun vigorously straitened me with squeezed grapes and him, imposed intense watch pomegranates. He will have over him, and encompassed needles prodded into the him with huge security forces. grapes at the place of their The Imam was tired of life, so storks; he will put some he supplicated Allah to move poison on the hand of one of him from this world to the his retainers and order him to Abode of Everlastingness, knead pomegranates with it, saying: “O Allah, if my relief that they may be stained with of that in which I am is poison. He will summon me through death, then hasten on the next day, bring the the hour for me (i.e. take me grapes and pomegranates unto Yourself).” near to me, and ask me to eat Allah responded to the them. I will eat them, so the supplication of His great decision is valid and the friend. He moved him from decree is present. the world, which was sur- “When I die, he (al-Ma’mun) rounded by adversities and will say: ‘I will wash him with sufferings, to the Abode of my hand.’ When he says that, the Truth. Now, we will show be alone with him and say to how he died. The Imam, him on my behalf: ‘He (al- peace be on him, summoned Ridha’) said to you: ‘Do not Harthama b. Aa‘yun in the wash, shroud, and bury me. darkness of the night. When For if you do that, He (Allah) Harthama came, the Imam will hasten for you the pun- said to him: “O Harthama, this ishment which He has delayed is the time of my departure to from you, and the painful thing Allah, the Exalted, and of my 34 Safar-ul-Muzaffar 1439 AH The Message of which you are cautious will “If he says that, say to him: befall you.’ So surely he will ‘We say: Surely none must refrain (from doing that).” wash the Imam except an Imam like him. If an aggres- The Imam added, saying: sor transgresses and washes “When he (al-Ma’mun) let you the Imam, the Imamate of wash me, he will sit on one of the Imam will not be invalid his lofty houses in order to because of the transgression tower over the place where I of the one who washes him, will be washed. So, O Har- nor will the Imamate of the thama, do not wash me until Imam after him be invalid you see that a white tent is because he is prevented from installed beside the house. washing his father. If Abu’ al- When you see that, then carry Hasan ‘Ali b. Musa’ al-Ridha’, me (while I am wearing) my peace be on him, had been garments in which I am, place allowed (to live) in Medina, me from behind the tent, and his son Muhammad would stop behind it; someone other have washed him apparent than you will be with you; do and uncovered. None will now not remove the tent from me wash him except a hidden lest you should see me and be one.’ When the tent is raised, destroyed. you will see that I have been “He (al-Ma’mun) will tower wrapped in my shrouds. Then over you and say to you: ‘O put me into my coffin and Harthama, do you not claim carry me. When he (al- that none washes the Imam Ma’mun) wants to dig my except an Imam like him? So grave, he will make the grave who will wash Abu’ al-Hasan of his father Ha’run al-Rashid ‘Ali b. Musa’ (al-Ridha’) while as qibla for my grave, and his son Muhammad is in that will never occur. When Medina, in the country of al- they strike the ground with Hija’z, and we are at Toos? the picks, they will dig nothing

35 The Message Safar-ul-Muzaffar 1439 AH of it even the clipping of a Harthama said: “I became finger-nail. When they do impatient and shook (with their best and it was difficult fear).” for them to do that, then say Al-Ma’mun gave a bunch of to them: ‘He (al-Ridha’) has grapes to the Imam and said ordered me to strike one pick to him: “O son of Allah’s in the qibla of the grave of his Messenger, I have never seen (al-Ma’mun’s) father, Ha’run grapes better than these.” al-Rashid.’ When you strike (with the pick), you will make “Perhaps, there are grapes it reach a dug grave and a better than them in the standing shrine. When the Garden,” retorted the Imam. grave is open, then do not lay Al-Ma’mun asked the Imam to me in it until the white water have some grapes, and he gushes out of the shrine refrained from having them, wherein and it becomes full of so al-Ma’mun shouted at him: water. When the water sinks, “Perhaps, you are accusing as then lay me in that grave and of something.” bury me in that shrine.”[9] The Imam ate three grapes, The Imam ordered Harthama then he threw them away and to memorize his words, and rose, so al-Ma’mun asked he responded to what the him: “Where are you going?” Imam wanted. On the follow- “To my house,” replied the ing day, al-Ma’mun sent for Imam.[10] the Imam. When the Imam came, al-Ma’mun rose for him, The Imam went in a hurry to embraced him, kissed him on his house. The poison acted the forehead, seated him on all parts of his body, and beside him, conversed with he was sure of the coming him, and ordered one of his down of the fatal misfortune. retainers to bring him grapes Al-Ma’mun sent for him and and pomegranates. asked him for sincere advice,

36 Safar-ul-Muzaffar 1439 AH The Message and he, peace be on him, said the food; he seated all his to his messenger: “Say to him servants around the food; and (al-Ma’mun): He (al-Ridha’) reviewed them one by one. advises you not to give When they had finished anyone anything for which eating, he ordered them to you must repent.”[11] carry him to his womenfolk. When they had finished The poison circulated through eating, he fainted.”[12] all parts of the Imam’s body, and he suffered from severe In the darkness of the night, aches. He came to know that the Imam recited some verses he was about to meet his of the Holy Qur’an, and the Lord. So he recited some last verse which he recited verses of the Holy Qur’an, was these words of Him, the asked Allah’s forgiveness, and Exalted: supplicated for the believers, Say: Had we remained in your male and female. The narra- houses, those for whom tors have said: “When he was slaughter was ordained would in a critical condition, his certainly have gone forth to household and his compan- the places where they would ions refrained from having be slain.[13] food and drink.” And the command of Allah is So he, peace be on him, a decree that is made abso- turned to Ya’sir and asked lute.[14] him: “Have the people eaten anything?” Then his pure soul set out for its Creator;[15] it was sur- He answered him with a faint rounded by the angels of the voice with sad tones, saying: Merciful (Allah) and was “Who can eat while you are in received in the Gardens of a critical condition?” Everlastingness by the souls He, peace be on him, rose, of the prophets and the and then he said: “Bring me testamentary trustees. 37 The Message Safar-ul-Muzaffar 1439 AH

The world became dark the death of the Imam. He because of losing him and the went out bare-footed and hereafter became bright on headed. He struck his head, account of his arrival. His seized his beard, wept, and death caused a misfortune to said at the top of his voice: the scholars, the jurists, and “By Allah! I do not know the thinkers who took from which of the two calamities is his sciences; likewise, his greater: losing you and death caused a misfortune to parting from you, or people’s the populace, for they lost the accusation that I assassinated one who took care of their and killed you.”[16] interests and strove for their Al-Ma’mun displayed sorrow affairs. for the death of the Imam, The Imam moved to the peace be on him, in order to Domain of Holiness after he rid himself of the accusation had delivered the message of of assassinating him, but, his Lord, for he did not take shortly after that, the people part in any positive work for came to know of his pretense the government of al-Ma’mun, and became fully aware of and refused all kinds of that it was he who assassi- cooperation with it, so he was nated him. able to prove that it was Concealing the Death of illegal, and that it was not the Imam standing on the law of Allah, therefore, he subjected Al-Ma’mun hid the death of himself to all kinds of persecu- the Imam, peace be on him, tion, to the extent that al- for a day and a night.[17] Ma’mun put an end to him. I (i.e. the author) think that AlMa’mun’s pretense he prepared himself for emergencies and was afraid Al-Ma’mun showed false of a popular revolt against sadness and impatience for him. Accordingly, he ordered 38 Safar-ul-Muzaffar 1439 AH The Message his security forces and his At his Final Resting Place military forces to prepare The holy body was brought to themselves for every emer- its final resting place under a gency. halo of exclaiming, ‘Allah is The Body of the Imam is great!’ and magnification. His escorted grave was dug beside the grave of Ha’run, who killed The people escorted the body the Imam’s father. Then al- of the Imam in a manner of Ma’mun buried the Imam in which Khura’san had never the grave and buried along witnessed throughout its with him all excellent qualities history. For all official depart- and noble inclinations through ments and commercial shops which people become sub- were closed, and all classes of lime. people went in a hurry to escort the Imam’s holy body; Then the people came and they were either weeping or condoled with al-Ma’mun, the silent. Black flags were rest of the ‘Alawides and the hoisted; tears flowed abun- ‘Abba’sids on their painful dantly; and crying became misfortune. Sadness and aloud everywhere for the late sorrow melted all hearts of Imam, who was like a shelter the people, for they lost the to them. Al-Ma’mun was in Imam of the Muslims, the front of the coffin while he master of the Allah-fearing was bare-footed and headed, and those who turned to Allah and behind him were the high in repentance. It is worth ranking statesmen and the mentioning that al-Ma’mun military commanders who asked the people about the mentioned the outstanding reason for burying the Imam merits of the Imam and the beside the grave of his father, heavy loss which befell the and they answered him: community out of his death. “Because Allah will forgive Ha’run on account of his 39 The Message Safar-ul-Muzaffar 1439 AH neighboring Imam al-Ridha’, the Imam, peace be on him. peace be on him.” However, That is because he wanted to the inspired poet, Di‘bil al- show that he did not assassi- Khaza’’i, has disproved this nate the Imam, that he was justification, saying: loyal to him and loved him. However the garment of If you have a need in religion, pretense is transparent, for all then stop at Toos by the grave of the people came to know that the pure one wherein. al-Ma’mun showed false The nearness to the pure one sadness for the Imam. does not benefit the unclean AlMa’mun and Harthama one; Al-Ma’mun summoned Har- nor does the nearness to the thama and asked him to tell unclean one harm the pure one. him about what he had heard How far! Everyone is hostage to of the Imam and what he had that which his own hands earn, said to him regarding his so take or leave whatever you being poisoned by the grapes desire. and the pomegranates. Harthama began telling al- Two graves are at Toos: (The Ma’mun about that, and his grave) of the best of all face sometimes turned yellow people and the grave of the and sometimes turned red, wickedest of them; this is and he said with tones among moral lessons. dripping regret and sorrow for AlMa’mun stays at the what he had committed with Grave of the Imam regard to the Imam, saying: Al-Ma’mun resided by the holy “Woe upon al-Ma’mun from grave of the Imam for three Allah! Woe upon him from days. He fasted by day, Allah’s Apostle, may Allah recited the Holy Qur’an, and bless him and his family! Woe asked Allah to have mercy on upon him from ‘Ali b. Abu’

40 Safar-ul-Muzaffar 1439 AH The Message

Ta’lib! Woe upon al-Ma’mun Notes: from Fa’tima al-Zahra’’! Woe 1. ‘Uyu’n Akhba’r al-Ridha’, vol. upon al-Ma’mun from al- 2, p. 145. Hasan and al-Husayn! Woe 2. Ibid., 164. upon al-Ma’mun from ‘Ali b. 3. Ibn Khaldu’n, Ta’rikh, vol. 3, al-Husayn! Woe upon al- p. 249. Bahr al-Ansa’b, p. 28. Ma’mun from Muhammad b. 4. Ibn Khaldu’n, Ta’rikh, vol. 3, ‘Ali! Woe upon al-Ma’mun p. 250. from Ja‘far b. Muhammad! 5. Ibn Khullaka’n, Wafaya’t al- Woe upon him from Musa’ b. A‘ya’n. Al-Dhahabi, Ta’rikh Ja‘far! Woe upon al-Ma’mun al-Isla’m, vol. 8, p. 35. from ‘Ali b. Musa’ al-Ridha’! 6. Tadhkirat al-Khawa’s, p. 364. This is, by Allah, the clear Al-Muntazam, vol. 10, p. 67. loss!” 7. Al-Biha’r. 8. Their names mentioned in Al-Ma’mun ordered Harthama the previous chapters. to conceal what the Imam 9. ‘Uyu’n Akhba’r al-Ridha’, vol. had said to him, and not to 2, p. 247. announce it, and then he 10. ‘Uyu’n Akhba’r al-Ridha’, vol. recited these words of Him, 2, p. 243. the Exalted: They hide 11. ‘Uyu’n al-Tawa’rikh, vol. 3, p. themselves from men and do 227. not hide themselves from 12. ‘Uyu’n Akhba’r al-Ridha’, vol. Allah, and He is with them 2, p. 241. when they mediate by night 13. Qur’an, 3, 153. words which please Him not, 14. Ibid., 33, 38. and Allah encompasses what 15. ‘Uyu’n Akhba’r al-Ridha’, vol. they do.[18] 2, p. 241. Woe upon al-Ma’mun because 16. Ibid. of the great sin which he 17. Al-Mufid, al-Irsha’d, p. 316. committed! For he assassinat- 18. ‘Uyu’n Akhba’r al-Ridha’, vol. ed the the piece of the liver of 2, p. 249. Allah’s Messenger (s.a.w.w).




41 The Message Safar-ul-Muzaffar 1439 AH

Leader's Speech on Arba’een Courtesy: www.leader.ir

The following is the full text of dence. Arba'een, which took the speech delivered on February place after the Battle of 16, 2009 by Ayatollah Khamenei Karbala, was only a start. the Leader of the Islamic Revolu- That event marked the tion on the occasion of Arba'een. beginning. After the great tragedy in Karbala and the In the Name of Allah, the sacrifice that Imam Hussein Beneficent, the Merciful (a.s.), his companions, and I would like to extend a warm his family members made, welcome to all you dear those who were taken captive brothers and sisters. And I am had to propagate the mes- thankful to God who gave me sage of Karbala. The sermons the opportunity today to meet and disclosures of Hazrat the sincere families of mar- Zainab (s.a.) and Imam Sajjad tyrs, the dear youth, and the (a.s.) had to act like a power- sincere people of Tabriz. I am ful medium and propagate the thankful to Allah for this thought, goals, and positions meeting which purified my of the martyrs of Karbala. heart with the memory of That was what happened later Imam Hussein (a.s.) and on. Suppression by its very illuminated my life through nature takes away the cour- these blessings and the age and opportunities that sincerity that has always been people need to speak about present in the hearts of you the realities they have found dear people of Tabriz. out. When they are sup- Today is Arba'een and the pressed, people cannot show event that took place in Tabriz what they know in action. on Bahman 29 [February 18, That is because oppressive 1978] marked an Arba'een. governments refuse to let the This is a meaningful coinci- people find out the truth and

42 Safar-ul-Muzaffar 1439 AH The Message even if the people do find out of the companions of Imam the truth, they refuse to let Hussein (a.s.) had gathered at them practice what they his shrine to welcome Hazrat know. Many people - who had Zainab (s.a.). Maybe that was listened to Hazrat Zainab why Hazrat Zainab insisted (s.a.) or Imam Sajjad in Kufa that they go to Karbala on and Shaam - found out a lot their return from Shaam. She of things. They found out a lot wanted this small but im- of things when they saw the portant gathering to be conditions of the captives of formed there. Some scholars Karbala. But they did not have have argued that they could enough courage or capabilities not have made it to Karbala to stand up to the oppressive by Arba'een. The late Ayatol- and arrogant government of lah Ghazi has explained in the time and show what they detail in one of his works how had found out. Believers it was possible for them to suppressed their feelings. arrive in Karbala by Arba'een. Arba'een provided the first In any case, according to outlet for the suppressed some luminaries, when Hazrat truth and feelings. The first Zainab (s.a.) and the mem- revolt took place on Arba'een. bers of the Prophet's house- The late Sayyid Ibn Tawus hold arrived in Karbala, and other luminaries have Atiyyah Oofi, Jabir Ibn Abdul- maintained that when the lah, and some of the Bani captives - namely, Hazrat Hashem were present. This is Zainab (s.a.) and the others - an example of the goals that entered the desert of Karbala had to be realized through on Arba'een, Jabir Ibn Abdul- martyrdom - that is, propagat- lah Ansari and Atiyyah Oofi ing thoughts and providing were not the only people the people with courage. That there. Some people from the was when the Tawwabin was Bani Hashem tribe and some formed. Although the uprising

43 The Message Safar-ul-Muzaffar 1439 AH of Tawwabin was suppressed, Tabriz on Bahman 29 was a shortly after this event, determining event. What Mukhtar and other coura- happened in Tabriz kept alive geous men from Kufa rose up the events in Qom and the and brought down the op- real motivation behind the pressive and evil Umayyad movement. Naturally, the Caliphate later on. Of course, people had to pay a price. the Marwani dynasty replaced They laid down their lives and the Umayyad Caliphate, but endangered their well-being the battle did not stop. They and security. However, the paved the way for future whole country awakened as a developments. That is one result. Just as the people of characteristic of Arba'een. Tabriz held an Arba'een for That is to say, Arba'een brings the martyrs of Qom, so many about disclosure, action, and Arba'eens were held to realization of goals. commemorate the people who The same thing happened on were martyred on Bahman 29 Arba'een in Tabriz. I have in Tabriz. That is a testimony previously told the dear to the fact the movement is people of Tabriz that if the spreading, and is characteris- Bahman 29 events had not tic of appropriate movements. taken place - that is, if the That was a bit of history: It all memory of the martyrs of belongs to the past. Thirty Qom had not been kept alive one years have now passed so selflessly in Tabriz - the since the event in Tabriz on course of the uprisings might Bahman 29, 1356 took place. have changed. If it had not What is the moral? been for the people of Tabriz, There is a moral to every the great events that took event that has its roots in place might not have hap- appropriate thought and pened at all. That is to say, goodwill. Great events can the uprising of the people of teach us lessons. We must 44 Safar-ul-Muzaffar 1439 AH The Message learn the lessons that these hearts were not brimful of events hold for us. What faith, the possible resultant happened on Bahman 29 in awareness, if any, would have Tabriz taught us three les- been useless. That type of sons: The importance of awareness would not have led vigilance, courage, and risk- to action. Their faith, vigi- taking and optimism. First and lance, and timely action all foremost, people have to had a role to play. That is a understand the significance of lesson for us. It is the same events. There were many today and the future will not people who did not under- be any different. Events have stand the enormity of the to be followed up vigilantly. situation. The people of Tabriz Many nations have failed to understood the enormity of understand the enormity of the situation and took the certain situations. As a result, necessary measures. This events accumulated and understanding and vigilance is passed them by. They re- by itself of paramount im- mained unaware and were portance. After this under- downtrodden by the events standing is gained, there has Our people must understand to be enough determination the enormity of different and courage to take action. events. Fortunately, they are Action is the second essential vigilant enough to understand element. The third point is it today. That is one of the that the measures that are blessings of the Revolution taken have to be based on and the Islamic Republic. Our optimism and reliance on nation has awakened. Our Allah. These are some of the people have gained the ability lessons that Bahman 29 holds to analyze events critically. for us. We must know that Allah the If the people of Tabriz did not Exalted supports the people have faith in God, if their who have faith in Him and 45 The Message Safar-ul-Muzaffar 1439 AH who use their free will and days emotions were more power to reach a certain goal. dominant, but today our Allah the Exalted will un- youth are prominent in doubtedly assist those who different areas for their aspire to reach divine goals. rationality. It is not just Whenever we failed or emotions. Of course this is not whenever Allah did not help to say that emotions are not us, it was because we did not important. However, rationali- do the right thing. Our failure ty, correct understanding, and was due to the fact that we presence in different arenas failed to do what we were are as important as emotions. supposed to do. If we do our May God associate the souls duties, Allah the Exalted will of our martyrs with the Holy helped us. Prophet (s.a.w.w.) in the "Be faithful to (your) covenant hereafter. May Allah make us with Me, I shall fulfill (My) the soldiers of this path and covenant with you." [2: 40]. this sacred goal. May God Allah the Exalted, who owns increase His blessings for you our souls and has bestowed dear brothers and sisters on a on us all the blessings, has daily basis. signed a bilateral agreement Greetings be upon you and with us. That is to say, Allah Allah's mercy and blessings the Exalted has promised to




adhere to the agreement as Plants grow in plain, not rocky, long as we do. If we fail to do lands. In the same way, wisdom our duties, we should not will grow in the hearts of the expect any assistance from modest, not the arrogant, the Almighty. because Allah has made modesty the instrument of the mind and Fortunately, our young made arrogance the instrument generation is more experi- of ignorance. [Imam Kazim (a.s.)] enced than the youth of the early Revolution. Maybe those




46 Safar-ul-Muzaffar 1439 AH The Message

Martyrdom of Prophet Muhammad (S)

Excerpts from the book, “The Life of Muhammad the Prophet” By: Allamah Sayyid Sa'eed Akhtar Rizvi

In Sahih Muslim, there is a made by the people came in famous tradition narrated by the way of the Prophet's Ibn 'Abbas saying: writing a will and, because of it, the Prophet could not leave Three days before the behind what he wanted to put Prophet's death, 'Umar ibn on paper." al-Khattab and other compan- ions were present by his side. Sa'eed ibn Jubayr's narrative The Prophet said, "Now let is thus recorded in Sahih me write something for you Bukhari: whereby you shall not go Ibn 'Abbas said, "What a astray after me." 'Umar said, miserable day it was that "The Prophet is overcome by Thursday!," and he wept so illness; you have the Qur'an, bitterly that the pebbles lying the Book of Allah, which is there became wet with his sufficient for us." tears. Then he continued, 'Umar's statement caused a When on a Thursday, the furor among those present. Prophet's sickness intensified, Some were saying that the he said, 'Get me the things to Prophet's command should be write with so that I may write obeyed so that he might write something by which you may whatever he desired to write never be misguided after me.' for their guidance. Others People differed and quarreled sided with 'Umar. When the over the matter, although tension and uproar intensified, quarreling in the presence of the Prophet said, "Get away the Prophet was unseemly. from me!" Therefore, Ibn People said that the Prophet 'Abbas used to say, "It was a was talking in delirium. The miserable, absolutely misera- Prophet cried out, 'Go away ble, occurrence that the from me! I am more sound conflict of opinion and noise than you are."' 47 The Message Safar-ul-Muzaffar 1439 AH

It is stated in Rawdatul-ahbab he rested it, on his own lap. that the Prophet said to The Prophet then said: Fatimah, "Bring your sons to "O 'Ali! I have taken a certain me." Fatimah brought Hasan amount from so and so Jew and Husain to the Prophet. for the expenditure on Usa- Both of them greeted the mah's army. See that you Prophet, sat by his side and repay it. And, O 'Ali! You will wept at witnessing the agony be the first person to reach of the Prophet in such a me at the heavenly reservoir manner that the people who of al-Kawthar. You will also be saw them weeping could not given a lot of trouble after my hold their tears. Hasan rested death. You should bear it his face upon the Prophet's patiently and when you see face and Husain rested his that the people prefer the lust head upon the Prophet's of this world, you should chest. prefer the hereafter." The Prophet opened his eyes The following is quoted in and kissed his grandsons Khasa'is of Nasa'i from Ummu lovingly, enjoining the people Salamah: to love and respect them. In another tradition, it is stated "By Allah, the closest person that the companions who [to the Prophet] at the time of were present there, having the Prophet's death was 'Ali. seen Hasan and Husain weep, Early on the morning of the wept so loudly that the day when he was going to Prophet himself could not hold die, the Prophet called 'Ali his tears at their grief. Then who had been sent out on he said, "Call my beloved some errand. He asked for 'Ali brother 'Ali to me." 'Ali came three times before his return. in and sat near the head of However, 'Ali came before the Prophet. When the sunrise. So, thinking that the Prophet lifted his head, 'Ali Prophet needed some privacy moved to the side and, with 'Ali, we came out. I was holding the Prophet's head, the last to be out; therefore, I sat closer to the door than the 48 Safar-ul-Muzaffar 1439 AH The Message other women. I saw that 'Ali "Ali narrated that the Prophet lowered his head towards the had so enjoined that if anyone Prophet and the Prophet kept except himself (Ali) had given whispering into his ears (for him the funeral bath, he some time). Therefore, 'Ali is would have gone blind." the only person who was near 'Abdul-Barr, in his book Al- the Prophet till the last." Isti'ab, quotes 'Abdullah ibn Al-Hakim, moreover, remarks 'Abbas as saying: "Ali had four in his Mustadrak that: such exceptional honors to his credit as none of us had: "The Prophet kept confiding in 'Ali till the time of his death. • Of all the Arabs and non- Then he breathed his last." Arabs, he was the first to have the distinction of saying Ibn al-Wardi points out that prayers with the Prophet. the persons who were re- sponsible for giving the • In all the battles in which he Prophet his funeral bath were: participated, he alone held the Prophet's banner in his hand. "Ali, Abbas, Fadhl Qutham, Usamah and Shaqran. Abbas, • When people fled from the Fadhl and Qutham turned the battle-fields leaving the body. Usamah and Shaqran Prophet alone, 'Ali ibn Abi poured water, and Ali washed Talib stood firmly by the the body." Prophet's side. Tarikh al-Khamis adds the • Ali is the only person who following: gave the Prophet his funeral bath and lowered him in his "Abbas, Fadhl and Qutham grave." turned the body from one side to the other as Usamah and Both Abul-Fida' and Ibn al- Shaqran poured water over it. Wardi indicate that the All of them were blind-folded." Prophet died on Monday and was buried the next day, i.e. Ibn Sa'd narrates the follow- Tuesday. And in one tradition, ing in his Tabaqat: it is said that he was buried in

49 The Message Safar-ul-Muzaffar 1439 AH the night between Tuesday He left the temporal world, and Wednesday. This appears but the message he brought to be more factual. But to mankind is eternal. according to some others, he Now has come unto you light was not buried for three days from Allah and a clear book after his death. whereby Allah guides him who In Tarikh-al-Khamis, however, seeks His pleasure unto the it is mentioned that Muham- paths of peace. He brings mad ibn Ishaq stated the them out of the darkness into following: the light by His decree and guides them unto a straight "The Prophet died on Monday path. (Qur'an, 5:16) and was buried on the night of Wednesday." A Book which We have revealed to you (O Muham- Estimating his age, Abul-Fida' mad!) so that you may writes: thereby bring forth mankind "Although there is a difference from darkness unto the light, of opinion about the Prophet's by the permission of their age, yet calculated from Lord, unto the path of Him, famous traditions, he appears the Exalted in power, the One to have lived for 63 years." worthy of all praise. (Qur'an, The Holy Prophet departed 14:2) from this world on the 28th of O people! There has come to Safar, 11 A.H. Thus ended the you an admonition from your life of the Final Prophet sent: Lord which is a healing for As a witness and a bringer of what is in the breasts, and a glad tidings, a warner and a guidance and mercy for the summoner unto Allah by His believers. (Qur'an, 10:57) permission, and a lamp that Accept what the Messenger gives light (Qur'an, 33:45-46) gives you and stay away from The one who was sent as a whatever he forbids you. mercy and blessing to man- (Qur'an, 59:7) kind (Qur'an, 21:10)




50 Safar-ul-Muzaffar 1439 AH The Message

Martyrdom of Imam Hasan Mujtaba (A.S.) By: Ayatollah Sayyid Muhammad Husayn Tabatabai

Imam Hasan Mujtaba (a.s.), Hasan became Imam; he also was the second Imam. He and occupied the outward function his brother Imam Husayn of caliph for about six months, were the two sons of Amir al- during which time he adminis- Mo’minin ‘Ali and Hazrat tered the affairs of the Fatimah, the daughter of the Muslims. During that time Prophet. Many times the Muawiyah, who was a bitter Prophet had said, Hasan and enemy of ‘Ali and his family Husayn are my children. and had fought for years with Because of these same words the ambition of capturing the ‘Ali would say to his other caliphate, first on the pretext children, You are my children of avenging the death of the and Hasan and Husayn are third caliph and finally with an the children of the Prophet. open claim to the caliphate, Imam Hasan was born in the marched his army to Iraq, the year 3 AH, in Medina and seat of Imam Hasan’s cali- shared in the life of the phate. War ensued during Prophet for somewhat over which Muawiyah gradually seven years, growing up subverted the generals and during that time under his commanders of Imam Hasan’ loving care. After the death of s army with large sums of the Prophet which was no money and deceiving promis- more than three, or according es until the army rebelled to some, six months earlier against Imam Hasan. Finally, than the death of Hazrat the Imam was forced to make Fatimah, Hasan was placed peace and to yield the cali- directly under the care of his phate to Muawiyah, provided noble father. After the death it would again return to Imam of his father, through Divine Hasan after Muawiyah’s death Command and according to and the Imam’s Household the will of his father, Imam and partisans would be 51 The Message Safar-ul-Muzaffar 1439 AH protected in every way. In and Shi’ite sources have this way Muawiyah captured transmitted this saying of the the Islamic caliphate and Holy Prophet concerning entered Iraq. In a public Hasan and Husayn: These two speech he officially made null children of mine are Imams and void all the peace condi- (leaders) whether they stand tions and in every way up or sit down (allusion to possible placed the severest whether they occupy the pressure upon the members external function of caliphate of the Household of the or not). Prophet and the Shi’ah. Also, there are many tradi- During all the ten years of his tions of the Holy Prophet and Imamate, Imam Hasan lived ‘Ali concerning the fact that in conditions of extreme Imam Hasan would gain the hardship and under persecu- function of Imamate after his tion, with no security even in noble father. (Shi’ite Islam). his own house. In the year 50 Imam Hasan (a.s.) said: AH, he was poisoned and If you fail to obtain something martyred by one of his own of worldly benefit, take it as if Household who, as has been the thought of it had never accounted by historians, had crossed your mind at all. been motivated by Muawiyah. Never did a nation resort to In human perfection Imam mutual counsel except that Hasan was reminiscent of his they were guided by it to- father and a perfect example wards maturity. of his noble grand- father. In It is love which brings closer fact, as long as the Prophet those who are remote by was alive, he and his brother ancestry, and it is (the were always in the company absence of) love which causes of the Prophet who even dissociation between those sometimes would carry them who are related by ancestry. on his shoulders. Both Sunni




52 Safar-ul-Muzaffar 1439 AH The Message Role of the Imams in the Reconstruction

of Islamic Society

By: Ayatollah Shaheed Baqir al-Sadr, Translated by M.A. Ansari Allah, who brought prophet- 10. Imam Ali bin Muhammad- hood to an end with Prophet al-Taqi Muhammad (S), decreed that 11. Imam Hassan bin Ali- al- he should be followed by his Askari vicegerents who would carry 12. Imam Muhammad bin out the task of leadership and Hassan- al-Mahdi succession after the termina- It appears to be quite natural tion of Prophethood. These that we should, with earnest are the twelve Imams, whose spirit and clear thinking, try to number was textually fixed by deepen our spiritual relation the Messenger of Allah in a with the leaders of the number of authentic traditions mission of Islam and make [1] which are unanimously studies in order to discover accepted by the Muslims. more and more about these Their names are in the illustrious leaders of history. following order: With a view to illuminate our way to development we must 1. Imam Ali bin Abi Talib acquire light from the brilliant 2. Imam Hassan bin Al history of this great House. 3. Imam Hussain bin Ali 4. Imam Ali bin Hussain It is for the above reason that 5. Imam Muhammad bin Ali- we take this opportunity to al-Baqir give some brief account of the 6. Imam Jafar bin Muhammad- life of the imams of the Shia. al-Sadiq As within the limited space 7. Imam Musa bin Jafar- al- available to us it is not Kazim possible to give an account of 8. Imam Ali bin Musa- al-Riza the life, the movement and 9. Imam Muhammad bin Ali- the program of each imam al-Naqi separately. We propose to 53 The Message Safar-ul-Muzaffar 1439 AH draw the attention of our Of course, this does not mean readers only to the salient that we think it improper to features common to the life of study the life of each Imam all the Imams. separately. In fact the inde- pendent study of the distin- Accordingly in the forthcoming guishing features of each account we shall discuss the Imam is as necessary as to general march of events and acquire an overall knowledge only those aspects of the of the life of each individual movement of the Imams in Imam and learn the distinctive which all of them took part. features of his aims and Instead of giving the details of activities so that this the life of each of the Imams, knowledge may become a a study will be made of their prelude to the study at which general attitude and the we are aiming at present. We impression which their lives should make an independent give on the whole. study of the life of each Imam This discussion has been so to prepare our way to an arranged that the life of the overall and proper study of imams may be observed and the life of all the Imams as a studied as a composite and coherent and composite coherent phenomenon. We phenomena. are going to discuss the When we undertake the study characteristics of this phe- of the Imams' life at these nomenon in order to find out two levels, in the first instance its common aims and its true we notice that apparently nature and to understand the there is a wide difference in circumstances in which it the ways how they conducted worked. Lastly, we will give a themselves in various situa- brief account of the main tions. Imam Hassan (A.S) features of the movement of concluded a peace treaty with the Imams and the role they Muawiyah, whereas Imam played in human society. 54 Safar-ul-Muzaffar 1439 AH The Message

Hussain (A.S) rose to fight a during his time was continued battle against Yazid and laid with the problems and the down his life. We find that difficulties entirely different Imam Sajjad (A.S.) passed his from those with which other life exclusively in prayer and Imams were faced. adoration, whereas Imam But if we take a general and Baqir (A.S) devoted all his total view of the life of our time to the dissemination of Imams, we may draw results the knowledge of prophetic far more outstanding than the traditions and theology. effects which may be pro- But if we look at the life of the duced by the study of the Imams and its characteristics individual life of each Imam, in a coordinated manner, we for in the course of this will find that their life consist- general study we will find a ed in one single movement, deep harmony between all the which pervaded their history actions of the Imams. To and had no contradiction or elucidate this point we give an inconsistency. A study such as example: We see that the we are going to undertake `Commander of the Faithful', reveals one single truth, Imam Ali (A.S.) during his though its various aspects are outward caliphate assemble capable of being described the companions of the Holy differently and hence may Prophet (S) and asked them to give divergent impressions. give evidence as to what they had heard the Prophet say on The reason why apparently Imamate. A large number of there exists so much differ- them said: "Yes, we heard the ence in the actions of various Holy Prophet (S) say expressly Imams is attributable to the that you were the Imam". difference of time, the social conditions and the Again we read in the life difficulties which each Imam account of Imam Hussain had to face. Each Imam (A.S) that once on the day of 55 The Message Safar-ul-Muzaffar 1439 AH pilgrimage he gathered To our belief the existence of together the surviving com- a common policy pursued by panions of the Holy Prophet our Imams is not a hypothet- (S) along with a large number ical question. Therefore it is of the Tabe’in (followers) and not necessary to try to look asked them to narrate what for its reason or to discuss as they had heard the Prophet to what historical events led (S) say about Ali (A.S.) and the Imams to pursue such a the Holy Family. common policy. Their com- mon role is the natural Again we see that Imam Baqir consequence of the very belief (A.S) also repeated this in their Imamate, which is an action, and asked the Tabe’in assignment common to all of and Tabe’in al-Tabe’in to give them. evidence as to what the Holy Prophet (S) had said concern- Its responsibilities and condi- ing the Imamate of Ali (A.S.) tions being the same, the and his descendants. natural consequence of this common assignment should When we study the life of the be coherent movement, each Imams and co-ordinate their part of which in the course of actions, we observe this kind history should complement its of activity throughout. These other parts. It is only be three actions taken consecu- cause of the difference of tively by three generations time that the actions taken represents a pre-calculated by the various Imams appear and coherent plan, and are to be different. complementary of each other. The idea of this consecutive Notes: action was to admonish [1] Sahih Bukhari p173 Egypt - various generations and at the Sahih Muslim vol 2, p191 Egypt - same time to preserve a Sahih Trimizi vol 2 p45 Dehli. tradition from oblivion and




alteration. 56 Safar-ul-Muzaffar 1439 AH The Message

The Parent and Child Relationship

By: Hanif Mohamed

The parent and child relation- they brought me up when I ship is a very important was little” (H.Q. 17:23-24). relationship. It is a relation- ship that each and everyone These verses share common us have. Today I will be themes; they all have com- talking about three verses mands and promises. If we that show us how this rela- heed the command, we will tionship should be. The first benefit from the promises. verse is, “train a child in the We will begin with the first way that he should go, and verse and its command. God when he is older he will not says “train a child in the way depart” (H.B. Proverbs 22:6). that he/ she should go”. God The second is “honor thy has given us children as a mother and thy father so that Trust. Not everyone can have your days may be long upon children so they are truly a the land which the Lord thy blessing to those of us that God giveth thee” (H.B. Exodus have them. But this trust is 20:12). only given to us for a season. And finally “The Lord has The average person is now commanded you to worship living to be 80 years old and only Him and to do good to we have roughly 18 years to your parents. And if either or put them on right guidance. both of them reach old age In that short time we must set with you say not to them as the foundation because like a much as “ugh” nor chide building, if the foundation is them. And speak kind words good the building is good. If to them, and submit your- the foundation is bad the selves humbly to them with building is bad. We can’t compassion, and pray, Oh afford to fail this command Lord have mercy on them as because if we do we will end up with a society full of 57 The Message Safar-ul-Muzaffar 1439 AH degenerates. If we fail to train yourself, but you represent our children don’t worry, all your parents and your up- the undesirable elements will bringing in all that you do. do it for us. The streets, When you’re out and about television, video games, and with your friends, in school, at their peers that are just as the park or where ever you lost as they are will train them may be, you have to hold on for us. To insure the quality of to, better yet cling to the life we desire for our future teachings that were given to we must teach our children to you by your parents. These revere God. We must see that teachings will keep you away they know the laws and from drugs, gangs, lying, statutes of God. We have to cheating, stealing and any let them know that even when other vices that may be we’re not around God is the tempting you. Take a look at Seer of all, and nothing goes your friends that don’t honor on outside of His Knowledge. the teachings of their parents If we train them, God has and see how their lives turn promised us that they will not out. They will more than likely depart. God has said that, “he either end up in and out of jail is not a man so that he should or they’ll die at a young age. lie”, so his promise is true. Now here again God has put a Our Children may stray but promise with His command. they will not depart. Obey the command, honor your parents and receive the The second verse’s command promise of having a long life. is directed toward the chil- dren. They are told to “honor The last verse is full of thy mother and thy father”. commands, the first of which To honor is to pay respect to is “to worship none but God”. and to hold one in high The next is to “do good to esteem. It is to remember your parents” and this is at all that you not only represent times. The third command is

58 Safar-ul-Muzaffar 1439 AH The Message very special; it truly makes As in asking, “why didn’t you you reflect on the Mercy of take your medicine?” in a God if you are grateful. This disrespectful way. But now, command says that “if either the next command informs us or both of your parents reach on how we should act towards old age with you…I am here our parents, it says” speak to to testify today that I am truly them with kind words and to blessed to have all of my submissively humble our- parents here today. My selves towards them with Grandfather has said that compassion”. Now watch how when you have lost your the Almighty brings every- mother you have lost your thing together, the final best friend. Some people command is for the child to never meet their parents. pray, “oh my Lord have mercy Some people lose their on my parents as that have parents while they’re young. brought me up when I was It is not a given that you will little” (H.B. James 5:16). reach old age with your This is the end of the verse parents and look how God and some of you may be makes us acknowledge this asking where is the promise to fact through this verse. Give all these commands listed in God the Praise for the Bless- this verse. God has said, “The ings He bestows upon men. The command continues and effectual fervent prayer of the says, “not to utter ugh righteous man availeth much.” towards them”. Notice God is When you bring up the child in not saying not to argue with the way he/ she should go, them, nor is he saying not to when you teach them to only speak harshly with them, He worship God, when you teach goes an extra step and says them to honor their parents not to make any sound of and they comply, you have discontent towards them. He produced righteous men and continues with “nor to chide women. When they pray they them” which is to scold them. are your intercessors with the 59 The Message Safar-ul-Muzaffar 1439 AH

Almighty. They pray to have parents and the veils are your sins forgiven, to improve removed from our eyes and your health, to change your what comprehended as financial situation and that children as the real world prayer does avail much. What quickly fades away. It’s only a Merciful, Wise, Omnipotent when we experience life and and Just God we serve. become parents ourselves that we begin to fully appreci- The real beauty in this parent ate why Momma didn’t allow and child relationship is that us to do what the neighbor’s we all get to participate in kids were doing. It’s only then every facet of the relationship. that we understand the Even those without biological decisions, which were sacrific- children, and children without es that had to be made so birth parents joins in equally. that we could have food, This is so because we are our water, gas, lights and a roof brothers’ keepers. And we are over our heads. I find myself responsible for one another periodically calling back to and our kids too. The African apologize to my parents for proverb says, “It takes a the wrongs that I have done village to raise a child”. That and begging for their for- means every adult belongs to giveness for my unfair judg- every child and every child ments on them. belongs to every adult. We first see this world as children After we raise our children, and I remember saying, “I will we get to see them come to never treat my kids the way the same realizations about my Mother treated me”. And I life that we did. And the proof always questioned, “Why did in our parenting can only be she make that decision? I truly measured on how well wouldn’t have ever made that our children raise our grand- decision”. Then we change children. places and we become the




60 Safar-ul-Muzaffar 1439 AH The Message

cheerful smile and a very friendly nature. Other Kids children sought her company as much as the grown-ups did. She was very generous and always shared whatever Corner she had with others.

There was a special bond Shahadat of Sayyida between Hazrat Abbas and Sakina (S.A.) Sakina. He loved her more than he did his own children. Bibi Sakina was the youngest If Sakina requested for daughter of Imam Husayn. anything, Abbas would not She was a vivacious child, rest until he satisfied her full of love and happiness. request. There was nothing Everyone loved Sakina. She that Abbas would not do to was also a very religious girl. make Sakina happy. She enjoyed reading the Holy Quran and never Like any other four-five missed her prayers. From year old when Sakina went the age of two she took to bed at night she wanted great care to make sure to spend some time with her that her head and face were father. Imam Husayn would properly covered when in tell her stories of the public. prophets and of the battles fought by her grand-father Sakina was Imaam Husayn's Ali. She would rest her head most beloved child. Our on her father's chest and Imaam was often heard to would not move from her say, “A house without Sakina until she fell asleep. When would not be worth living in!” from the second of Muhar- She always had a sweet and ram the armies of Yazid 61 The Message Safar-ul-Muzaffar 1439 AH began to gather at Karbala’, they had some before taking Husayn said to his sister any herself. When Sakina Zainab, “The time has come saw Imam Husayn bringing for you to get Sakina used the blood drenched 'alam to going to sleep without my she knew that her uncle being there!” Sakina would Abbas had been killed. From follow her father at night that day on Sakina never and Husayn had to gently complained of thirst. take her to Zainab or Rubab. From the time when Imam At Karbala’ when from the Husayn fell in the battle 7th Muharram water became field, Sakina forgot to smile! scarce Sakina shared what- Quite often she would sit up ever little water she had at night. When asked if she with other children. When wanted anything, she would soon there was no water at say, “I just heard a baby all, the thirsty children cry? Is it Asghar? He must would look at Sakina hope- be calling out for me!” fully, and because she could Knowing that her weeping not help them she would upset her mother, Sakina have tears in her eyes. would cry silently and quickly Sakina's lips were parched wipe away her tears! In the with thirst. prison in Shaam she would On the Ashura day, she gave stare at the flock of birds her Mashk to Hazrat Abbas. flying to their nests at He went to get water for sunset and innocently ask her. The children gathered Bibi Zainab, “Will Sakina be round Sakina with their going home like those birds little cups, knowing that as flying to their homes?” soon as Hazrat Abbas Then one dreadful night brought any water, Sakina Sakina went to bed on the would first make sure that 62 Safar-ul-Muzaffar 1439 AH The Message cold floor of the prison. For remained silent till he had a long time she stared into completed his outburst. the darkness! The time for When he had stopped, the the morning prayers came. Imam (as) turned towards Sakina was still lying with him, greeted him, smiled and her eyes wide open. Her then said: “Brother! You mother called out: “Wake up, seem to be a stranger here Sakina! Wake up, it is time and you have apparently for prayers, my child!” made a mistake. If you want There was only the painful me to disregard your behav- silence! Our fourth Imam iour and forgive you, I shall walked up to where Sakina do so; if you seek something lay. He put his hand on her from me, I shall grant it to forehead. It was cold! He you; if you want me to guide put his hand near the mouth you, I shall do so; if you are and the nose. Sakina had hungry, I shall feed you; if stopped breathing. In you are in need of clothes, I between sobs Imam Zain ul shall provide them to you; if 'Abideen said: “inna lil-Lahi you are needy, I shall give wa inna ilay-hi raja’uun.” you all that you need; if you




have been expelled, I shall Imam Hasan (A.S.) and grant you shelter and if you the Syrian have a desire, I shall fulfill it for you. If you can be my One day, Imam Hasan (as) guest for the duration of was sitting in his place when your stay here, it would be he was confronted by a man to your benefit, since my who had come from Syria. As house is large and contains soon as the man set his eyes all amenities.” upon the Imam (as), he began to curse and revile Hearing these words of him; but the Imam (as) Imam Hasan (as), the man 63 The Message Safar-ul-Muzaffar 1439 AH burst into tears and said: “I gathering. His disease was so bear witness that you are acute that the boils had Allah’s Caliph on the earth become septic. Every person, and Allah knows best where near whom this diseased He places His message and person tried to sit, would caliphate. Before this meet- show his revulsion and ing of ours, I regarded you loathing by rising up and and your father as my moving away from him. greatest enemies amongst (Noticing this) the Noble the people, but now you are Prophet (S) made the person the most beloved of them all sit beside himself and for me.” exhibited great kindness towards him. On another On the sad occasion of the occasion, the Noble Prophet martyrdom anniversary of (S), together with a few of Holy Prophet Muhammad his companions, was busy Mustafa (S), Imam Hasan having his food when a leper Mujtaba (as) and Imam Reza arrived in the gathering. The (as) we extend our heartfelt people present expressed grief and condolences to the their abhorrence and detes- Muslim Ummah and all the tation over his arrival but lovers of the Holy Ahlul Bayt the Noble Prophet (S) asked (as) in the world. him to sit next to himself

and invited him to eat the The Conduct of the food. Noble Prophet (S) A person from the Quraish, The Noble Prophet (S) and a who had displayed his aver- few other individuals were sion, was afflicted with the having their meal when a same disease before meeting person, suffering from his death! smallpox, came to the




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