Each Step Takes Me Away From Hell fire.

When a Shia makes the intention to go for Ziarat, he has laid the foundation for his journey. Imam Sadiq (a.s.) narrates,

‘Allah has appointed some angels at Imam Husain’s grave. When a Shia makes the intention for Imam Husain’s (a.s.) Ziarat, Allah forgives all his sins. When he takes a step to go for Ziarat, he erases his sins. His virtues multiply and they increase till the time he becomes worthy of Paradise ‘.

(Wasailul Mohibbeen, pg. 280)  taken from Muharram 2001 ALM

With regards to walking it is noteworthy that the order of Saee in Hajj between safa and marwah is the order to walk. Moreover, there is a saying of Holy Prophet (sawa) accepted by both sunnis and shias that the one who raises his legs in the dust for the sake of Allah then Allah prohibits them for fire.

Imam Husain (a.s.) visits the Visitor

Ali b. Mohammad narrates, ‘I used to visit Imam Husain’s (a.s.) shrine every month. But, as I grew older, my weakness got the better of me and I missed performing the visitation in one month. After some days, I set out on foot for another visitation. I reached the shrine in a few days. I recited the namaz and fell asleep. I saw Imam Husain (a.s.) in a dream. Imam (a.s.) had just left his shrine. He addressed me – You were virtuous and affectionate towards me. Why did you turn oppressive? I replied – I have grown old and weak and yet, have come in your presence. There is a tradition narrated from you, I wish to hear it from you. Imam (a.s.) asked, “Which tradition?”

 I replied, “It is narrated from you that the one who has visited me in his lifetime, then after his death, I will visit his grave. Imam (a.s.) affirmed, “Yes I will. Even if he is in Hell, I will rescue him from it.’

(Behaar al-Anwaar, vol. 101, pg. 16)

            Acclaimed Shiite scholars have explained that this visitation could be at the time of (the visitor’s) death, while he is being laid to rest in the grave.

            In the grave, man will experience unprecedented loneliness. He will be akin to a stranger in an alien land. Various types of dangers, the likes of which he had only heard before, will confront him. Terror and dread will surround him. No one is going to visit the inhabitant of the grave. Even if one does visit, he will come at a distance, recite Surah Fateha and depart. The closest and dearest of relatives will not accompany the deceased inside the grave. But the one who has visited Imam Husain (a.s.) will be fortunate enough to have Imam (a.s.) visit him in his grave. After Imam (a.s.) pays him a visit, he will feel no grief and terror. Indeed after Imam (a.s.) says 

“Peace be on you”, no difficulty shall remain and there is no comfort that he shall not experience.  

After being informed of the noble and blissful consequence of Imam’s (a.s.) visitation, only the unwise will dare to show negligence and forsake urgency and perseverance in this regard.  

Imām Ja'far ibnMuhammad  al-Sādiq (A.S.) said:

"The Almighty Allāh records a thousand good deeds and erases a thousand sins for every step taken by one who performs the Ziyarat of Imām Husain (a.s.) on foot. He will also increase their status a thousand times for every step. 

Then Imām (a.s.) said: When you arrive at Euphrates, perform Ghusl, carry your shoes and walk barefoot like a humble servant. Once you arrive at the door of the holy shrine, recite Takbir four times. Then walk a little and repeat this four more times. Then come near his head, stand there and repeat it four more times. Pray near his grave and ask Allāh, the Exalted for your needs.”

 [Reference: KamiluzZiyaraat, chapter 49, tradition 4]

Association between Hazrat Imam Qaaem (a.t.f.s) and Hazrat Imam Husain (a.s.)

One of the days mentioned about re-appearance of Hazrat Imam Mahdi (atfs) is the day of Ashura. While meeting each other on the day of Ashura we have been advised to remember Imam Mahdi (atfs) too and give condolences in the following manner:

“May Allah grant us the highest rewards due to colossal calamity that befell Imam Husain (a.s.). May He include us and you amongst those who take revenge under the Mastership of Imam Mahdi (a.s.) who is from the progeny of Imam Husain (a.s.).”

The 10^th day of Moharram, is a day of severe afflictions upon Ahle Bayt (a.s.). On this day we are remembering Hazrat Imam Muntazar (a.t.f.s) along with Hazrat Imam Sayyadush Shohada (a.s.).This remembrance is enough evidence to establish a strong relation in between our Masters (a.s.).

Imagine an Aimmah’s (atfs) lamentation for another Aimmah (as). In Ziyarat e Nahiya,Imam e Zamana (atfs) expresses His (atfs) sorrow in these words,

“…(Salutations from the one) whose soul is a sacrifice for yours, and whose family is a shield for yours. But as I have been hindered by the course of time and as (Allah’s) decree has prevented me from helping you, and as I could not fight those who fought you, and was not able to show hostility to those who showed hostility to you, I will therefore lament you morning and evening, and will weep blood in place of tears, out of my anguish for you and my sorrow for all that befell you……”

Here one just gets an idea about the pain and grief of Hazrat Imam Mahdi (atfs) for His Grandfather (as).

Now let’s also see the Book of Allah and find out the ayats mentioned in it along with its tafsir regarding the revenge of Hazrat Imam Husain bin Ali (as) through the hands of Hazrat Imam Al Asr (a.t.f.s) which is Allah’s promise and without a shadow of doubt Allah will fulfil it.

Surah Al Hajj Verse No 60

ذَلِكَ وَمَنْ عَاقَبَ بِمِثْلِ مَا عُوقِبَ بِهِ ثُمَّ بُغِيَ عَلَيْهِ لَيَنصُرَنَّهُ اللَّهُ إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَعَفُوٌّ غَفُورٌ

“That (shall be so); and he who retaliates with the like of that with which he has been afflicted and he has been oppressed, Allah will most certainly aid him; most surely, Allah is Pardoning, Forgiving.” (22 : 60).

Ali bin Ibrahim narrated in his Tafseer from Hazrat Imam Sadiq (as), who said :

The Quraysh banished the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.s) from Makkah, and he escaped, (hiding) in a cave. The Quraysh chased Him (s.a.w.s), in order to kill Him (s.a.w.s). However, Allah retaliated against them on the Day of Badr. ‘Otbah, Shaibah, Waleed, Aba Jahl, Hanz’ala bin Abu Sufyaan [these men were among the Quraysh leaders who fought against the Messenger of Allah (saw)]’, and many others were killed on that day. After the death of the Prophet (s.a.w.s), (the enemies among the Quraysh) sought revenge for the Day of Badr by killing Hazrat Imam Husain (as) unjustly. After the killing of Hazrat Imam Husain (as), Yazid bin Muawiya (la) read the following poem :

I wish my forefathers of the Day of Badr could see the revenge of the tribes.(If they could see it) they would be extremely pleased and they would say to me, “O Yazid! May your hand never be paralyzed.”

I am not the son of Khindif (the mother of Quraysh) if I do not seek revenge against the children of Ahmad for what they did to us. We killed the elite of their master and we revenged the Day of Badr; so now we are even.

(In this verse), “he who retaliated” refers to the Prophet (saw). “With the like of that whereby he was wronged” refer to the killing of Hazrat Imam Husain (as). “And again he was wronged, then most certainly Allah will help him” (this “help” refers to) Hazrat Imam Qa’em(atfs) who is from among his sons. [Tafsir Al Qummi 2:87].

Surah Isra (Bani Israel) Verse No 33

وَلا تَقْتُلُوا النَّفْسَ الَّتِي حَرَّمَ اللَّهُ إِلاَّ بِالْحَقِّ وَمَنْ قُتِلَ مَظْلُوماً فَقَدْ جَعَلْنَا لِوَلِيِّهِ سُلْطَاناً فَلا يُسْرِفْ فِي الْقَتْلِ إِنَّهُ كَانَ مَنصُوراً

“And do not kill any one whom Allah has forbidden, except for a just cause, and whoever is slain unjustly, We have indeed given to his heir authority, so let him not exceed the just limits in slaying; surely he is aided.” (17 : 33).

Ibn Babeweyh narrated from Ahmad bin Ziyad bin Jaafar Al-Hamdaani, from Ali bin Ibrahim bin Hashim, from his father, from Abdil Salam bin Salih Al-Herawi, who said :

I said to Hazrat Imam Reza (as),

“O son of the Messenger of Allah (saw) ! What do you say about a Hadith that is narrated from Hazrat Imam Sadiq(as), who said, `When our Qa’em (a.t.f.s.) rises, He (a.t.f.s) will kill the descendants of the killers of Hazrat Imam Husain (a.s) for the deeds of their fathers. ” Hazrat Imam Reza (as) replied, “It is true.” I asked, “Then what about the words of Allah in this verse, “No bearer of burden, shall bear another’s burden” (39 : 7) ?”

 Hazrat Imam Reza (as)replied : Allah says the truth in all of His words. The descendants of the killers of Hazrat Imam Husain (as) are pleased with the deeds of their fathers and they boast about (these deeds). And those who are pleased with an act are just like those who commit it. Even if a man kills someone in the east and another man in the west is pleased with that killing, he will be considered a partner in that killing in the eye of Allah. Hazrat Imam Qa’em(atfs) will kill them for being pleased with the acts of their fathers. I asked, “What is the first thing Hazrat Imam Qa’em(a.t.f.s) will do after he rise?” Imam (as) replied, “He will start with the Bani Shaybah [name of the tribe that holds the keys of the Holy Kaaba]. He will cut their hands off because they are the looters of the House of Allah.”

[Oyoun e Akbaar e Reza Pg 151]

Ayyashi narrated through his Isnaad from Salaam bin Mustaneer, from Hazrat Imam Baqir (a.s.), who said :

“And whosoever is killed unjustly, then We have indeed given his heir an authority, but let him not exceed the limits in killing, verily he is helped” (17 : 33).

The one who is “killed unjustly” is Hazrat Imam Husain bin Ali (as) and we are his “heirs.” When the Qa’em(atfs) rises, he will avenge Husain’s (killing). He will kill so many people that some will say, “He (atfs) is [exceeding] the limits.” Therefore, the verse refers to Hazrat Imam Husain (as) and the “heir” is Hazrat Imam Qa’em(atfs). “[Exceeding] the limits of killings” means killing those who were not involved in the killing of Hazrat Imam Husain (as).“Verily he is helped” means that verily the days of this life will not end before a man from the family of the Prophet is “helped.” He (atfs) will fill the earth with justice and equity, just as it will be filled with oppression and inequity. [Tafsir Al-Ayyashi 2:289]

Surah Al Hajj Verse No 39

أُذِنَ لِلَّذِينَ يُقَاتَلُونَ بِأَنَّهُمْ ظُلِمُوا وَإِنَّ اللَّهَ عَلَى نَصْرِهِمْ لَقَدِيرٌ

“ Permission (to fight) is given to those upon whom war is made because they are oppressed, and most surely Allah is well able to assist them; ” (22 : 39).

Ali bin Ibrahim narrated from his father, from Ibn Ab iUmair, from Ibn Moskaan, who said :

Hazrat Imam Sadiq(as) explained the verse,

“Permission (to fight) is given to those against whom war is made, because they have been oppressed, and verily Allah is potent to help them” (22 : 39).

He (as) said: The general population says that this verse was revealed about the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s) when the Quraysh banished him from Makkah. However, (this verse) was revealed about Hazrat Imam Qa’em(a.t.f.s), (referring to) the time when he will rise to avenge the blood of Hazrat Imam Husain (as) saying, “We are the avengers of the blood and the seekers of wergild [the amount of compensation paid by the person committing an offence to the injured party, or in the case of death, to his family].”

[Tafsir Al-Qummi 2:84]

Apart from the above verses and many other verses of the Holy Quran, the wish, the longing, the desire, the yearning for the revenge of the blood of Hazrat Imam Husain (as) through the hands of Hazrat Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s) is seen in various other places, more relevantly in Ziyarate Nahiya(as mentioned above) and Dua e Nudbha.

Finally we should pray hard for the re-appearance of Hazrat Imam e Zamana (a.t.f.s) and also have a great amount of desire to be alongside Him(a.t.f.s) in His (a.t.f.s) army and also be fortunate enough to help Him (a.t.f.d) to avenge the blood of Hazrat Imam Sayyadush Shohada (as).This will be our greatest admiration and achievement.

Martyr of Karbala – Janab Burair Ibne Khuzair Hamadani (r.a.)

As the month of Muharram approaches our hearts are filled with the sorrows remembering the tragedies and oppression inflicted on Imam Hussain(a.s.) and his family. This sorrow reaches it peak on the Day of Aashura and from the depths of our hearts we all feel that,

Alas!! If We would have been present on that day then even we would have sacrificed our lives for Imam Hussain (a.s.).

 We have also been advised to have such a feeling as can be understood from the following tradition

Imam Ali b. Moosa al-Reza (a.s.) informed (his companion Rayyaan b. Shabeeb) – O Ibn Shabeeb! If you would like to be rewarded just as those who were martyred along with Husain b. Ali (a.s.), whenever you remember Husain (a.s.) say – I wish I was with them and could achieve the great prosperity.

Oyoon Akhbaar al-Reza (a.s.) chap 28 trad 53

However we have been separated by passage of time but that does not mean that we cannot answer the call of Imam (a.s.). Today his 9^th Descendant is in Occultation and we are all aware that one of the task he will do after reappearance is that he will avenge the murderers of Imam Hussain (a.s.) and Janabe Mohsin (a.s.). The least we can do is to prepare the grounds for his arrival so that we can assist him when his re-appearance takes place.

One way to do so is try to emulate the companions of Imams(a.s.) because we know Imams were happy with them. Since the companions of Imam Hussain (a.s.) are held in high esteem amongst all the Masoomeen (a.s.), in this article we will study about one such companion –namely Janab Burair ibn Khuzayr Hamadani.

Burair ibn Khuzayr Hamdani was also known as the Chief of Reciters. He belonged to the tribe of BaniMashriq and was from Hamadan.

(Asadul-Ghabah – IbnAseerJazari)   

Some of the authors of Rejal have referred to him as Burair bin Haseen instead of Burair bin Khuzair.  Burair wasquite aged, brave and staunch worship­per keeping himself awake for the whole night in prayers. He was enumerated among the Tabeein’ (followers). He was popularly known as ‘Qariul-Quran’ (The Reciter of Quran)and ‘Sayyedul-Qurra’ (The Chief of the Reciters). He was a companion of Hazrat Ali (a.s.). His personality can be known by the fact that he was regarded among the respectable men of Kufa from the tribe of Hamadan. His uncle, (the hus­band of his maternal aunt) Abu Ishaq al Hamadani As-Sabeei was a Tabeei’ from Kufa, about whom it is said that for forty years he completed recitation of Holy Quran, once every night and performed morning prayers with the same Wuzoo which he had made for the ‘Isha’ (night) prayers. Nobody in his time surpassed him in worship. Regarding the narration of the traditions (Ahadees), he is considered reliable among the Shias and the Sunnis alike. He was from the aides of Imam ZainulAbedeen (a.s.).  

According to historians when Burair heard of Imam Husain (a.s.)’s migration from Medina to Mecca, he immediately left Kufa for Mecca and joined the handful followers of Imam (a.s.) and finally attained martyrdom in Karbala.   

Survi writes that “When Hur intercepted the path of Imam Husain (a.s.) with obvious harshness, Imam (a.s.) delivered a sermon. After the sermon of Imam (a.s.), Burair said: 

“By Allah, O Son of Messenger of Allah, Allah has obliged us by giving us an opportunity to fight at your side and get ourselves killed with our body cut to pieces, so that on the Day of Qiyamat, the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) may intercede for us. They will never succeed and prosper, who do not fulfill the right of the son of Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.). Indeed their plight will be deplorable when they face Allah. Woe be upon them when they will burn in the fire of Hell and their cry and plea will rise high.”  

A section of historians recorded that when the thirst of Imam Husain (a.s.) reached at the peak, Burair sought permission from Imam (a.s.) that he may talk with the faithless army. When Imam (a.s.) permitted him, he went to the contingent of IbneSaad and addressed them thus: 

“O men! Surely Allah raised Muhammad with truth as a Warner and a conveyor of glad tidings, caller towards Allah with His permission and a bright beacon. The dogs and swines drink from the water of Furaat, while you block it for the son ofthe Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.). Is this the reward for the toils and pains of  Muhammad (s.a.w.s.).” 

The enemies replied: “Enough Burair! Shut your mouth, By Allah! Husain should be slain thirsty in the same way as Usman was killed thirsty.”

Abu Makhnaf has recorded a dialogue between Burair and Yazeed bin Ma’aqal, who was from the tribe of Bani Umar in the following manner:

Yazeed: How is your condition, Burair?

Burair: Extremely good.

Yazeed: You are lying, while you were not a liar. Don’t you remember that while passing through the street named Lauzan in Kufa you were loudly an­nouncing that Usman is no good and Muawiya is deviated from the right path and Ali IbneAbiTaalib (a.s.) is the righteous Imam.

Burair: Certainly, I said so.

Yazeed: I testified that you too are among the deviated ones.

Burair: Would you like to come forward for Mubahila (a trial from Divine) so as curse be upon the liars and truth be revealed. 

Then both of them fought. Yazeed attacked Burair but was not successful. Then Burair struck Yazeed’s head, which shattered his helmet and bisected his skull. The sword got struck in Yazeed’s brain. Burair pulled the sword back and said: 

“I am Buriar and my father is Khuzair, and every virtue can be found in Burair.”  

After eliminating Yazeed he assaulted the contin­gent. Razi bin MarqadAbdi attacked Burair. Burair smashed him on the ground and sat on his chest. He cried for help. Ka’ab bin Jaabir Umar Azadi took his men and sprang to his rescue. When they saw Burair they said

“He is the same” Qari’ (Reciter) who taught us Quran in the mosque.”

Then they struck sword on Burair’s back and then came in front and hit him with the sword. Thus Burair was martyred

(Ansaar-ul-Ain, pg. 102; ZakhiratudDarain,pg. 261). 

The narrator says that Razi rose from the ground and shed dust from his attire and expressed his gratitude to Ka’ab. When Ka’ab returned, then his sister or wifesaid, you killed ‘SayyedulQurra’ (The Chief of Reciters), a great crime indeed. By God, I will never talk to you again. It is said that Burair was killed by Bahrain bin OusZabbi (l.a.).  

Lessons from the Life of Burair ibn Khuzair (r.a.)

From the life of Burair ibn Khuzair Hamadani we can understand the following things

1.  A companion of Imam is one who is a regular recitor of Quran. In fact when Janabe Zuhayr bin Qayn was addressing Shimr (l.a.), he addressed him as one who cannot even recite two verses of Quran accurately. From this we understand that companions of Imams(a.s.) were good reciters of Quran.

2. Spending nights in worship is one of the characteristics of the companions of Imams (a.s.).

3. His speeches reflect about depth and confidence of his Beliefs. It shows he was very knowledgeable and was fully aware of what he was speaking.

4. He had the spirit of sacrifice for his Imam and this can be understood from the fact that he was ready to travel from Kufa to Mecca when he heard the about the migration of Imam Hussain (a.s.)

We pray to Allah through the medium of His Last Hujjat (a.t.f.s.) and Hazrat Abbas (a.s.) to grant us the tawfeeq to inculcate these characteristics in our life so that when His Eminence reappears we would be able to serve him. Ameen.

The Wretched Condition of Enemies Of Imam Husain (a.s.) in Barzakh

Kamiluz Ziarat Chapter 108 Tradition no. 2

I accompanied Imam Sadiq (a.s.) from Medina to Mecca. On our journey, we stopped in an area called Usfan and passed by a black, frightening mountain to the left of the road.

I said, “O son of Allah’s Messenger! How frightening this mountain is! I have never seen anything like this on our route.”

Imam (a.s.) asked, “Ibne Bukair! Do you know which mountain it is?” I replied, “No.”

Imam (a.s.) said: This is a mountain called Kamad and it overlooks a valley of Hell, which contains the killers of my father, Husain (a.s.). Liquids of Hell flow under the killers of my father (in this valley). These liquids include Ghislin, Sadid, Hamim that which emerges from the Putrid Well, that which comes out from the clay of Khabal (pus), that which comes out from Jahannam, that which comes out from Hutamah, that which comes out from Saqar, that which comes out from Hamim, that which comes out from Hawiya and that which comes out from Sa’ir.

Every time I pass by this mountain on my journey, I stop and see those Two seeking refuge with me and I look at the killers of my ancestors (a.s.) and I say to them: “Indeed you established the foundations of that which the killers of Husain (a.s.) did. You showed us no mercy at the time of reign. You killed us, denied and usurped our rights and tyrannized our affairs by deposing us. May Allah not have mercy on those who have mercy on you two. Now taste the evil result of that which you brought forth, because Allah is not unjust to any of His servants.”

Sometimes I climb the mountain of Kamad, which is where those two are located and I stand there to soothe some of that which is in my heart and the second one begs and succumbs to despair more intensely.

I asked, “May I be sacrificed on you! What do you hear when you climb this mountain?” Imam (a.s.) replied: I hear the voices of those two. They call out, “Come to us so that we can talk, indeed we repent.” And (then) I hear a call from the mountains which cries out, “Answer them and tell them, ‘Remain condemned in it and speak not to me’ (23:108).” I asked, “May I be sacrificed on you! Who else is with them?” Imam (a.s.) replied, “Every tyrant Firon, whose actions Allah has mentioned (in the Quran) and everyone who taught disbelief to the servants of Allah.”

I asked, “Who are they?” Imam (a.s.) replied: The likes of Bulis, who taught the Jews that “…the hand of Allah is tied up!” (5:64); the likes of Nastur who taught the Christians that Isa …”Al-Masih is the son of Allah” (9:30) and who told them that they are three; the likes of Firon (at the time) of Musa who said, “I am your lord, the most high,” (79:24); and the likes of Namrud who said, “I have overpowered everyone on earth and I have killed those in the heavens”; and the killer of Amirul Momineen (a.s.), the killer of Fatima and Mohsin (a.s.) and the killers of Hasan and Husain (a.s.); and also Muawiyah and Amr Ibne Aas, who have no hope of being saved and anyone who incited animosity against us and helped (our enemies) with his tongue, wealth or hand against us will also be with them. I asked, “May I be sacrificed on you! You hear all of this and you are not frightened?” Imam (a.s.) replied: O son of Bukair! Our hearts are not like the hearts of the people. We are Allah’s obedient, purified and chosen servants. We see that which people do not see and we hear that which people don’t hear. The angels come down to us (while we are traveling) on our conveyances. They roll in our beds. They witness us

when we eat, they attend out funerals and they bring the news of that which will take place in the future to us. They pray with us, they pray for us, they place their wings over us and our children roll over their wings. They prevent the animals from coming near us. They bring various types of seasonal fruits for us from different lands and water from every land for us, which we find in our jugs. There is not any day or hour or prayer time when the angels are not prepared (to serve us). The news of every land and that which takes place in it, the news of the Jinn and the news of all angels in the heavens are brought to us every night. Whenever an angel dies in any land and is replaced with another angel, we are informed of it and we are informed about the performance of this angel in comparison to the angel he replaced. The news of all the six earths all the way to the seventh earth is brought to us (at all times). I asked, “May I be sacrificed on you! Where does this mountain end?” Imam (a.s.) replied, “In the seventh earth and Hell is located in one of its valleys. There are many keepers who guard this valley. Their number is greater than the number of stars in the sky, drops of rain, creation in the seas and the grains of soil in the earth. Every one of these keepers from among the angels has a dedicated duty, which he carries out and never abandons it.” I asked, “May I be sacrificed on you! The angels report to all of you?” Imam (a.s.) said: No, they only report to the Master of Affair (the Imam of the time). Indeed we are the masters of affairs over which none of the servants of Allah can rule. Whenever someone does not accept our ruling (about these specific matters), the angels force him to (carry out) our will and order the keepers who are dedicated to him, to force him to (carry out) our will. And if they are among the disbelieving Jinn, the angels put shackles around them and torture them until they submit to our ruling in those matters.

I asked, “May I be sacrificed on you! Can the Imam see everything from the east to west?” Imam (a.s.) replied: O son of Bukair! How can he be the Proof of Allah over the entire earth without seeing and ruling everyone? And how can he be the Proof over people who are not

in his presence, who cannot reach him and over whom he has no power?

How can he convey Allah’s message and act as Allah’s witness over the creation if he cannot see them? How can he be the Proof on the people if he is hidden from them while he has been appointed as the medium between the servants and Allah, so that he carries the orders

of his Lord to them? Allah says, “We have not sent you but to all of mankind” (34:28). This verse refers to everything on earth (not only mankind). The Proof after Allah’s Messenger fills

the post of Allah’s Messenger after him. He is the judge in that which the nation disagrees about, the one who gives people their rights, the one who carries out the orders of Allah and he is the one who justly rules between the people.

And how can the (following) words of Allah be fulfilled if the Imam is not among the people? Allah says, “Soon We shall show Our signs to them in the horizons and within themselves” (41:53). And which sign other than us did Allah show to the people in the horizons?

Allah says, “And We did not show them any sign but it was greater than the other” (43:48).

Which sign is greater than us? By Allah, Bani Hashim and Quraish know well that which Allah has bestowed upon us, but jealousy destroyed them, just as it destroyed Iblis. Indeed they come to us when they are in distress and when they are in fear and they ask us (questions), we clarify their questions for them. Then they say to us, “We bear witness that you are the people of

knowledge.” Then they leave us and say, “We have not seen anyone more astray than those who follow them (Ahle Bayt) and accept their words.” I asked, “May I be sacrificed on you! If the grave of Imam Husain (a.s.) was to be disinterred, would anything be found in it?” Imam (a.s.) replied: O son of Bukair! Your questions are (always) about the great matters. Indeed Husain (a.s.) along with his father, mother and his brother, Hasan (a.s.), are with Allah’s Messenger in his house and they are being rewarded and sustained, (just) as the Prophet is. If his grave would have been disinterred during his time, he would have been found there. But today he is alive and sustained and he is with his Lords. He looks at his camp (in Kerbala) and he also looks at the Throne until the time when it is ordered to carry him.

Indeed Husain (a.s.) is hanging on to the right side of the Throne and says, “O my Lord! Fulfill Your promise to me.” Indeed he looks at those who go to his Ziyarat and he knows them; he knows the names of their fathers, their ranks and their positions with Allah and that which they carry along with them even better than you know your own sons. Indeed Husain (a.s.) looks at those who cry over him and he seeks forgiveness for them as an act of mercy and he

asks his father to seek forgiveness for them.

And he says to them, “O those who cry over me! If you knew that which has been prepared for you, your happiness would be greater than your restlessness.” Imam (a.s.) continued, “Indeed all of the angels in the heavens and in the holy shrine who hear those who cry on Husain (a.s.) seek forgiveness for them and they (the visitors) will return without any sin.”