Book Introduction - Ainul Hayaat

The book Ainul Hayaat has been penned by the great Shiite Schlolar Allamah Muhammad Baaqir Majlisi (a.s). Allamah Majlisi (r.a) was a scholar of exemplary piety and knowledge. His revered father Mulla Muhammad Taqi (a.s) was also a scholar of great repute. He was born and trained in a family where in the ladies also were highly knowledgeable. His elder sister Amina Begum was so learned that her husband Mulla Saleh Mazandarani who himself was a great scholar consulted her in matters of fiqh.

He learned from various scholars like Mulla Saleh Mazandarani, Allama Hassan Ali Shustari, Amr Mohammed Momin Astarabadi, Mirza e Jazairi, Sheik Hur al Amili, Mulla Mohsin Astarabadi, Mulla Sadra and Mulla Mohsin Faiz Kashan.

He also left a great legacy of knowledge behind him in form of his students who were the great scholars of their times like Sayed Nematullah Jazairi.

Beides Ainul Hayaat i.e. the Essence of Life Allamah Majlis (a.r) has authored several books among which Behaarul Anwaar is widely renowned. The other books he wrote are Miratul Uqool, Malazul Akhyaar and Hayatul Quloob. 

Ainul Hayaat

This book contains incidents and admonishments that encourage us to restrain from moral and ethical vices like love of world, love of wealth, following base desires, pride over wealth and position and their ilk. Let us narrate a couple of incidents to bring forth this point.

Love of world

 Imam Jafar e Sadiq (a.s.) narrates that Hazrat Isa (a.s.) passed through a hamlet once. All the people, animals and birds in that place were lying dead. He thought, they must all have died with the curse of Allah! If they had died, one after another, they would certainly have received decent burial. Hazrat Isa (a.s.)’s disciples said,

“ O Spirit of Allah! Pray to Allah that He brings them back to life again that we ask them about the cause of the severe punishment inflicted on them. That will be a lesson for us to take care in our own lives.”

Hazrat Isa (a.s.) went to an elevated place and cried aloud,

“ O inhabitants of the hamlet! With the orders of Allah, respond to me!” One of the dead persons rose and said,

“Labbaek  O Spirit of Allah!”

Hazrat Isa (a.s.) said,

“For what acts you have been brought to such wretched condition?”

He replied,

“We were following Taghoot (the Satan) from the depths of our hearts! We denied the existence of Allah! We were the friends of the material world and sure of enjoying it for long! We were busy with our activities of lechery and depravation!”

Hazrat Isa (a.s.) asked,

“What sort of love for the world you had?” He replied,

“ The way a child loves his mother. One night we were sleeping that we found ourselves awaken in the Fire of Doomsday. We all started shouting that we be allowed to come back to the world once again that we make amends for our past sins! A sound proclaimed, ‘ You are liars!’ and the flames of fire encircled us!”

Hazrat Isa (a.s.) told to his disciples,

“ Eating dry bread and salt is definitely better than the life of sin these people were living! It is better to sleep on the bare floor than the comfortable beds of depravity!”

Cursing the enemies of Ahle Bait(a.s)

Safar narrates from Imam Jafar e Sadiq (a.s.) that Hazrat Ali (a.s.) has said,

“ There is a city of Allah on the rear of the West, by name Ja Balqa. There are people of 70,000 Faiths (Ummats) living there. The population of every faith is equal to the entire population of this world. They never ever indulge in any sins or misdeeds. They don’t have to do do any work other than uttering curses on the enemies of the Ahl al Bayt!”

What will we take with us to hereafter?

While admonishing Yuzasaf the prince, Balohar said:

“ It is said that a person had three friends. He used to love one of them very much. Whatever the person asked him to do, he would do with alacrity. The second friend too he loved dearly, but not as much as he liked the first. The third friend received little attention from the person.

One day the person was summoned to the king’s court on account of a complaint made by someone against him. He was much scared. He went to the first friend and told him of his worry. He asked him for help. The friend said,

“ I have got a special raiment made for you that you can wear and go to the court.”

The man was much disappointed with the reply. He went to the second friend and told him about his problem. He replied,

 “ I have so much work on hand that I cannot give you any time or attention. I can only walk a few paces with you on the way to the king’s court!”

The man was disappointed with the second friend too, and came away from him crestfallen. He went to the third friend and begged his pardon that he had always neglected him. But he explained his problem to him. The friend said,

“ Don’t be afraid! Your repentance at this time has come to your rescue! I shall come with you to the court and help you!”

Balohar continued, “ O prince! The first friend was wealth that promised to give him a shroud for his coffin, if required. The second friend was his child who agreed to walk a few paces on the way to his grave. The third friend was his good deeds that would keep company with him even after his death.

May Allah grant us the taufeeq to read this great book by the great scholar and act upon the admonishments therein. Ilahi Ameen.

Janabe Ummul Baneen (sa)

Right from the advent of Islam, there have been great personalities whose mention makes us realize their contribution towards the divine religion. The sacrifice, worship and etiquettes of the fourteen infallibles are matchless and incomparable. However, there are others who were attached to the household of Holy Prophet (a) and justified their connection with the Ahle Bait (a) on the basis of their sincere actions and absolute submission. This appeasement is not gender bias and includes all categories of humans. We cannot belittle the beneficence of ladies in supporting Islam and it is our duty pay our regards to them.

There have been many glorious ladies passed in antiquity whose status, the Holy Prophet (s) has introduced in the following tradition

قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ص أَفْضَلُ نِسَاءِ الْجَنَّةِ أَرْبَعٌ خَدِيجَةُ بِنْتُ خُوَيْلِدٍ وَ فَاطِمَةُ بِنْتُ مُحَمَّدٍ وَ مَرْيَمُ بِنْتُ عِمْرَانَ وَ آسِيَةُ بِنْتُ مُزَاحِمٍ امْرَأَةُ فِرْعَوْن‏

The Holy Prophet (s) said: the best of women on paradise are four viz: Khadija bint Khuwailid, Fatima bint Mohammad (s), Maryam bint Imran and Aasiya bint Mazaahim, the wife of Firaun

(Ref: Bihar ul Anwar V 13, Pg 162 H 3).

However, our discussion is regarding a lady whose sacrifice came on a day which is matchless in the history of mankind. She has had the honor of being a wife to an Imam and two Imams and other members of the pure tree calling her as their mother. Our thousands and thousands of salutations to this revered lady whom the mourners of Sayyid us Shohada remember as Janabe Ummul Baneen, mother of Abil Fazlil Abbas (a).

Her name was Fatima bint Hizaam bin Khalid bin Rabi’atah al-Kilabiyah. She belonged to al-Kilab tribe and was the cousin of Shimr bin Ziljawshan (la).

There are indications on the internet (w/o reference) that she was born in 5 AH.

The chapter of her life which is famous and is well known among historians is that after a few years of the martyrdom of J. Fatima Zahra (s), Ameerul Momineen (a) intended to re-marry with the intention of a child from this marriage who would represent him and defend Imam Husain (a) in Karbala. He requested his brother Aqil bin Abi Talib who was an expert in genealogy to look for a bride for him in a family famous for their courage and bravery. Thus, on the recommendation of J. Aqil he (a) tied knots with J. Ummul Baneen (sa).

J. Ummul Baneen knew very well that she can never replace the position of J. Fatima Zahra (s) hence never considered herself to be the wife of Imam Ali (a) and mother of his children. She always called herself a servant of the Ahlul Bait. May be for this reason, never did Hazrat Abbas (a) referred to Imam Hasan, Imam Husain, J. Zainab and J. Umm Kulsum (a) as siblings but always called them as masters or mistresses respectively.

She had four sons hence she was called as Ummul Baneen (Mother of many children). All the four sons were martyred in a single day at Karbala.

She had trained all her children to be loyal to Ahlil Bait (a) even at the cost of their lives. May be that is a reason that when Shimr (la) received the letter of Ibn Ziyad (la), he along with Abdullah b.  Abi  Mahal,  approached Ubaydillah (la) to plead exemption for the sons of his paternal  aunt,  Ummul  Baneen (s).  The latter complied with this request and issued a letter. Abdullah b. Abi Mahal ordered his freed slave,Karman, to deliver the letter to his  nephews.  Karman did as ordered and handed over the letter to Janabe Ummul Baneen’s sons. However, the latter did not even bother reading the message. They said that they would never accept any immunity from Ibne Ziyad as Allah’s promise of deliverance was more veracious than that of  Ibne Ziyad (la). Tabari writes further, that on the eve of Ashoora, which happened  to be a Thursday, Shimr approached Imam Hussain’s  camp. He demanded,

 Where are my nephews?

Hearing him, Hazrat Abbas, J. Abdullah, J. Usman and J. Ja’far, stepped out of their tents. They asked him,

What do you want with us?’

Shimr (la) replied,

I bring tidings of reprieve for all of you?

They retorted contemptuously,

Curse be upon you and your reprieve! You, our uncle, are willing to offer us immunity but deprive the Prophet’s son of it..

(Tarikh-e-Tabari part IV, page, 241-242, printed by Nafis Academy, Karachi).

The sons of J. Ummul Baneen chose martyrdom over amnesty. This was the result of the training of their mother that through their sacrifice they made theirs and their mothers’ remembrance immortal. Whenever the sorrows of Karbala will be recited the name of J. Ummul Baneen will be taken with utmost respect.

She left for heavenly abode a few years after the battle of Karbala. She is buried in Jannat ul Baqi on the left hand side of the cemetery.

To conclude, let us refer to the last sentences of Ziyarat where we plead to her with these words

 يا وجيهة عند الله ، اشفعي لنا عند الله

O the incumbent one to Allah, you intercede for us near Allah.

Such is the magnificence of the mother of Abil Fazl that she is qualified to intercede for believers on the Day of Judgment. May Allah include us among the mourners of her sons. InshaAllah

A victim of the enmity towards Hazrat Ali (as)

Hazrat Imam Ali (a.s.) was cursed by the enemies of Islam from the pulpits of Shaam for decades and His (a.s.) father is one of the greatest victim of this enmity. Janabe Abu Talib (a.s.) is one of the most victimized personality in the enmity shown towards Ahlul Bayt (a.s.) till today. He was the main person who supported and defended the Holy Prophet Mohammad (s.a.w.a.) against the enemies of Islam in Mecca. That was not because of blood relation or being the uncle of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.), as the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) had many uncles, amongst them was Abu Lahab (l.a.)who along with his wife,were the staunchest enemies of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) (Sura Masadd attacks them openly). Janabe Abu Talib (a.s.) supported the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) because He had great faith in His message being the last and final Messenger (s.a.w.a.) from Allah (s.w.t.) .

Faith of Janabe Abu Talib (a.s.) through sunni references :

The faith of Janabe Abu Talib (a.s.) was expressed through his sayings which came in the form of poetry as he used to say “I verily know that the religion of Mohammad (s.a.w.a.), Is the best among all religions.”

(Tareekh Ibn Katheer 3:42, Fat-h al-Baari Fi Shar-h Saheeh al-Bukhari 7:153, Al-Isaabah 4:116).
  

Janabe Abu Talib (a.s.) used to say “Verily Allah (s.w.t.) has honoured His Holy Prophet Mohammad (s.a.w.a.). The most Honoured among Allah’s (s.w.t.) creatures is Ahmad (s.a.w.a.). Allah (s.w.t.) has derived a name for Him (s.a.w.a.) from His (s.w.t.) name. So Allah (s.w.t.) is Mahmood (s.w.t.) and He is Mohammad (s.a.w.a.)” 

(Dala’il al-Nobowwah by Abu Na’eem 1:6, Tareekh Ibn Asaakir 1:275, Tareekh I Ibn Katheer 1:266, Al-Isaabah by Ibn Hajar 4:115, Al-MawaahibAlladunniah by Al-Qastalaani 1:518 narrating from Tareekh al-Bukhaari) 

Reasons for allegation:-

The enemies of Ahlul Bayt (a.s.)i.e. the Umayyad and the Abbasid regimes and their people fabricated stories and false traditions against Janabe Abu Talib (a.s.) claiming that He was a Kafir. This allegation was not acceptable by the Muslims during the time of Mu’awiyah (l.a.), otherwise he (l.a.) could have mentioned it in his (l.a.) war against Imam Ali (a.s.). It was supported afterwards by fabricated narrations and publicized by the Umayyad and the Abbasid governments to harm the “status (mastership) of Imam Ali (a.s.)” in the eyes of ignorant public. 

The reason of the allegation against Janabe Abu Talib (a.s.) is clarified by the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) when He (s.a.w.a.) told Hazrat Imam Ali (a.s.): O Ali, you have an example from My brother Isa (a.s.) as the Jews hated him, they accused his mother.

(Kanz al-Ummal by al-Muttaqi al-Hindi).

The enemies of Hazrat Imam Ali (a.s.) accused His (a.s.) father with false allegation as the Jews accused Hazrat Isa’s (a.s.) mother. 

Imam Ali (a.s.) said: By Allah (s.w.t.), Janabe Abu Talib (a.s.) was a faithful Muslim (Mo’min), keeping his faith secretly, not to cause to BaniHashim a harm from Quraish boycott.

(Al-Hujjah 24, Al-Ghadeer 7:389, Mo’jam al-Qoboor 1:200). 

Holy Prophet’s (s.a.w.a.) and Ahlul Bayt’s (a.s.) sayings on Janabe Abu Talib (a.s.) - Shia as well as Sunni references: 

The great status of Janabe Abu Talib (a.s.) in Islam is reflected in many sayings and actions of the Holy Prophet Mohammad (s.a.w.a) and Ahlul Bayt (a.s.) who do not do not speak but what/whenAllah (s.w.t.) (s.w.t.) wants. In Sura An-Najm verse 3 the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) used to praise Janabe Abu Talib (a.s.) even after his death. When Al-Abbas the uncle of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) asked the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.): What do you hope for Janabe Abu Talib (a.s.)? The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) answered:All the good, I hope it from my Lord [for Janabe Abu Talib (a.s.)]

(Al-Ghadeer 7:374).

 
HazratImam Al- Sajjad (a.s.) was asked by a person about people who claim that Janabe Abu Talib (a.s.) was a Kafir, He replied: It is really very strange, are they attacking Janabe Abu Talib (a.s.) or the Messenger of Allah (s.w.t.) (s.a.w.a.) who was ordered by Allah (s.w.t.) in many verses not to leave a Mo’mina with a Kafir husband, and no one doubts that Janabe Fatima Bint Asad (s.a.) was from the best believing ladies and she was Janabe Abu Talib (a.s.)s’s wife till he died.

(Ibn AbilHadeed in SharhNahjulBalagha 3:312, Shaukh al-Abtah 76). 
 

HazratImam Mohammad Al-Baqir (a.s.) said: If the faith (Imaan) of Janabe Abu Talib (a.s.) is put in a scale against the faith of all people, the faith of Janabe Abu Talib (a.s.) will be more weighty. Don’t you know that Hazrat Imam Ameerul Mu’mineen Ali (a.s.) used to send people to perform Hajj on behalf of JanabeAbullah (a.s.), JanabeAaminah (a.s.) and Janabe Abu Talib (a.s.) as long as Hazrat Imam Ali (a.s.) was alive , then He (a.s.) made a will to continue that after His (a.s.) death.

(Shaikh al-Abtah 32, Al-Ghadeer 7:381, Janabe Abu Talib (a.s.)Mo’minQuraish by Al-Khunaizi 257).

It is obvious that Hajj can only performed on behalf of a Muslim. 

Hazrat Imam Jafar Al-Sadiq (a.s.) asked Younus Bin Nabatah: O Younus, what do people say about Janabe Abu Talib (a.s.)? Younus replied: People say that he is in a shallow in the fire from which his brain is boiling.Hazrat Imam al-Sadiq (a.s.) said: The enemies of Allah (s.w.t.) are lying. Janabe Abu Talib (a.s.)( in the paradise), is with the Holy Prophets, the truthfuls, the martyrs and the pious people, who are the best to be with.

(Shaikh al-Abtah 32, al-Hujjah 17, al-Ghadeer 7:394 from Kanz al-Fawaa’ed).
 

Hazrat Imam Hasan al-Askari (a.s.) narrated that Allah (s.w.t.) has revealed on His Messenger (s.a.w.a.) that I have supported you with two types of followers; followers who support you secretly and followers who support you openly. The best and master of your secret supporters is Janabe Abu Talib (a.s.), while the best and master of your open supporters is his son Hazrat Imam Ali Ibn AbiTalib (a.s.), then Imam Askari (a.s.) said: Surely, Janabe Abu Talib (a.s.) was like the Mo’min of Aal Fir’aon who was keeping his Imaan secretly.

(Al-Hujja 115, Abu Talib by Al-Khunaizi:265). 

It is also worth mentioning that Allama Ameeni (a.r.) in his book Al-Ghadeer, collected forty authentic traditions on the Imaan and great status of Janabe Abu Talib (a.s.).

The “So called” sahaba’s witness:- 

Abu Bakr said thatJanabe Abu Talib (a.s.) did not die but after He said: I bear witness that there is no god but Allah (s.w.t.), and Mohammad is His messenger.

(Sharh al-Nahj by Ibn AbilHadeed 3:312, Shaikh al-Abtah 71, Al-Bidayahwal-Nihayah 3:123, al-Isaabah 4:116, Dala’il al-Nobowwah by al-Bayhaqi 1:120 and Kash al-Ghummah by al-Sha’rani 2:144). 

Conclusion:-

Imam Ali Al-Reza (a.s.) received a letter from Abaan Bin Mahmood writing that he has a doubt about Janabe Abu Talib (a.s.) whether he was a Muslim or not. Imam Reza (a.s.) wrote to him this Quranic verse “ And whoever contradicts and opposes the messenger and takes a way different from the way of the believers, we will leave him with whom he is following and cast him hell and it is the worst destination” (SuraNisa :115) then Imam (a.s.) wrote to him: If you do not believe that Janabe Abu Talib (a.s.) was a believer, your destination will be in the fire.

(SharhNahjulBalaghah by Ibn AbilHadeed 3:311, Al-Hujjah 16, Mo’jam al-Quboor 1:189, Abu Talib by Al-Khunaizi 264)

. 

Claiming that Janabe Abu Talib (a.s.) was a non-believer is no doubt contradicting and opposing the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) and His (s.a.w.a.) Household (a.s.), who knew Janabe Abu Talib’s (a.s.) great status and hence praised Him all along. It amounts to hurting the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) by insulting His (s.a.w.a.) noble uncle, guardian and protector of Islam who was attached to Him (a.s.) till the end of His life.

Hurting the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a) is a major Sin as the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) said in a narration: Whoever hurts a hair from Me has hurt Me, and whoever hurts Me has hurt Allah (s.w.t.).

(Al-Sawaa’eq Al-Muhriqa by Ibn Hajar 111).

Allah (s.w.t.) says in Quran : 

“And those who hurt the Messenger of Allah (s.w.t.)will be in a painful punishment”

(Al-Tawba: 61) 

“Surely, those who hurt Allah (s.w.t.) and His Messenger (s.a.w.a.) are cursed by Allah (s.w.t.) and His Messenger (s.a.w.a.) in this life and hereafter”

(Sura Al-Ahzaab: 57).

This shows the dangerous results of the baseless claim againstJanabe Abu Talib (a.s.), not only because accusing a Muslim to be a non-Muslim is itself a major Sin, but also it hurts the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) and contradicts His (s.a.w.a.) sayings and actions. It also goes against Ahlul Bayt (a.s.) who are the most pious in the Umma of Mohammad (s.a.w.a.), whom Allah (s.w.t.) has purified from any error according to Quran (Sura Al-Ahzaab:33).  

Masjid –e- Quba

Prophet’s (s.a.w.a.) Migration to Medina

The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.), during his migration from Mecca to Medina,first halted in the cave of Thaur for three days. He then reached a place called Quba on 12^thRabi al-Awwal. Abu Bakr, who was accompanying the Prophet (s.a.w.a.) insisted that they proceed towards Medina so that the people would be happy to see him but the Prophet (s.a.w.a.) refused to go there without Ameerul Momineen Ali Ibn Abi Talib (a.s.). He (s.a.w.a.) said to Abu Bakr, “No. I shall not proceed and do not wish (to do so) until my cousin, my brother for the sake of Allah, and the dearest to me among my Ahle Bait (a.s.) who endangered his own life to save mine from the polytheists, arrives.” Then Abu Bakr felt angry and disgusted and due to this he became envious of Ali (a.s.). This was the first instance where his enmity against the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) due to Ali (a.s.) was evident. It was the first time when he went against (the wishes of) Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.). Then he went ahead until he reached Medina and Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) stayed back at Quba until he met Ali (a.s.). [1]

Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) had to return trusts of a few people in Mecca. He (s.a.w.a.) made Ali (a.s.) responsible for returning these trusts to their respective owners. He (s.a.w.a.) also left his family behind. Ali (a.s.) stayed in Mecca for three days to fulfill the task which the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) had given him. During his stay in Mecca, Ali (a.s.) also arranged for food and water supplies for the Prophet (s.a.w.a.) in the cave of Thaur. Since the Prophet (s.a.w.a.) did not have any mounts with him to reach Medina, Ali (a.s.) purchased three camels from the people of Bahrain who had camped in Mecca and sent it to the Prophet (s.a.w.a.). [2]

Ali (a.s.) joins the Prophet (s.a.w.a.)

After completing the responsibilities assigned to him, Ali (a.s.) proceeded towards Medina along with 4 ladies whom the Prophet (s.a.w.a.) had asked him to bring along viz. Janabe Fatima Zahra (s.a.), Janabe Fatima binte Asad (s.a.), Janabe Fatima binte Hamza (s.a.) and Janabe Fatima, the aunt of the Prophet (s.a.w.a.). The Quraish sent eight men to stop him but he fought with them killing one and driving away the rest. Since he had only two camels with him, Ali (a.s.) made the ladies sit on the camels and he walked the entire distance due to which his feet were injured when he reached Quba. [3]

Ibn Aseer writes in his Kaamil: When Ali (a.s.) reached Quba, his feet were bleeding. The Prophet was informed that Ali had arrived, but was not in a position to come up before him. The Prophet immediately went to the place where Ali (a.s.) was, and took him in his lap, and when he saw the swollen feet of Ali (a.s.) tears began to flow from his eyes. [4]

Constructing Masjid-e-Quba

Quba was approximately two kilometers outside Medina.During his stay at Quba, the Prophet (s.a.w.a.) constructed the world’s first mosque with the help of local Muslims. He himself participated in the construction work and carried stones and mud on his head. After completing the construction of the mosque, the Prophet (s.a.w.a.) and his followers prayed in it facing Bait al-Muqaddas.

During the Prophet’s (s.a.w.a.) stay at Quba, the strength of the Muslims grew constantly. People broke their idols and embraced Islam. The Prophet (s.a.w.a.) then left for Medina with this entire group. Buraidah Ibn al-Haseeb and his 70 men, who had just embraced Islam, took the Prophet (s.a.w.a.) in a procession. [5]

The Holy Quran talks about Masjid-e-Quba

Once a group of people from the hypocrites came to the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) and said: O Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.)! Please give us the permission to construct a mosque in the area of Bani Saalim for the weak and old and also for other people during monsoon. The Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.) gave them the permission while he was preparing for the expedition to Tabuk. They requested the Prophet (s.a.w.a.): O Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.)! Will you come and pray in it? He (s.a.w.a.) replied: As of now I’m in a hurry to go. I shall pray in it, if Allah wishes, after my return.

When Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) returned from Tabuk, the following verse was revealed in criticism of the mosque which these hypocrites had built:

وَ الَّذينَ اتَّخَذُوا مَسْجِداً ضِراراً وَ كُفْراً وَ تَفْريقاً بَيْنَ الْمُؤْمِنينَ وَ إِرْصاداً لِمَنْ حارَبَ اللَّهَ وَ رَسُولَهُ مِنْ قَبْلُ وَ لَيَحْلِفُنَّ إِنْ أَرَدْنا إِلاَّ الْحُسْنى‏ وَ اللَّهُ يَشْهَدُ إِنَّهُمْ لَكاذِبُونَ

“And those who built a masjid to cause harm and for unbelief and to cause disunion among the believers and an ambush to him who made war against Allah and His Apostle before; and they will certainly swear: We did not desire aught but good; and Allah bears witness that they are most surely liars.”[6]

It was revealed that this mosque belonged to Abu Amir, the Christian monk who was at war with Allah and His Apostle even earlier. It was built for him although they promised Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) that they had built it for peace and goodness but Allah had termed them as liars.

Immediately, Allah revealed the following verse admonishing the Prophet (s.a.w.a.) and his companions to not pray in that mosque and instead, they should pray in a mosque established on piety from the very first day:

لَا تَقُمْ فيهِ أَبَداً لَمَسْجِدٌ أُسِّسَ عَلَى التَّقْوى‏ مِنْ أَوَّلِ يَوْمٍ أَحَقُّ أَنْ تَقُومَ فيهِ فيهِ رِجالٌ يُحِبُّونَ أَنْ يَتَطَهَّرُوا وَ اللَّهُ يُحِبُّ الْمُطَّهِّرينَ

Never stand in it; certainly a masjid founded on piety from the very first day is more deserving that you should stand in it; in it are men who love that they should be purified; and Allah loves those who purify themselves.”[7]

In the above verse, the ‘mosque established on piety from the very first day’ refers to Masjid-e-Quba and the ‘men who love that they should be purified’ refers to those who use water for purification. [8]

Halabi narrates from Hazrat Abu Abdillah Imam Ja’farSadiq (a.s.) that I asked him regarding the verse “in it are men who love that they should be purified”. He (a.s.) replied: “Those who love that they are purified for the cleanliness of ablution (wudu) and using water after urination. This verse was revealed for the people of Quba.”[9]

Zurarah, Humran and Muhammad Ibn Muslim have narrated from Imam Baqir (a.s.) and Imam Sadiq (a.s.) regarding the verse “certainly a masjid founded on piety from the very first day”. He (a.s.) said: It is Masjid-e-Quba. [10]

This incident is a great reminder to all of us working in the way of Imam Zamana (atfs). We need to have a pure intention while learning, teaching, working, implementing decisions, giving suggestions etc. Ill intentions, deception, hypocritical approach, dishonest reports, selfishness, nepotism etc will not escape from the knowledge of Allah and His Wali (as). All those treading this path should await embarassment and unveiling of their plans by Allah like He did for those who build the Masjid Ziraar.

Visiting Masjid-e-Quba and the Reward of Praying in it

The narrator asked Imam Sadiq (a.s.): Which Masjid should I visit first when I go the Masjids around Medina? Imam (a.s.) replied: “Begin with Quba Masjid and pray more in it, for it is the first Masjid in this area in which Allah’s Messenger (s.a.w.a.) prayed.”[11]

Imam Sadiq (a.s.) said: You must not neglect visiting the holy sites around Medina or Quba Masjid, for it is the “Masjid founded on piety from the very first day.”[12]

The Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.) said: One who enters my Masjid, that is Quba Masjid, and prays two Rakats prayer in it, will receive the reward of performing an Umrah.[13]

To conclude, let us look at a rare incident which occurred in Masjid-e-Quba after the martyrdom of Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.). In the beginning of this article, it was mentioned that Abu Bakr was envious of Ali (a.s.) because the Prophet (s.a.w.a.) did not proceed to Medina with him and opted to wait for Ali (a.s.) at Quba. The unmatchable virtues of AmeerulMomineen Ali Ibn Talib (a.s.) caused this envy to grow deeper and the result was that after the martyrdom of the Holy Prophet, Abu Bakr usurped the caliphate of Imam Ali (a.s.).

It is narrated through many authentic chains of narrators from Imam Sadiq (a.s.) that when Abu Bakr usurped the Caliphate of Ali (a.s.), he (Ali) asked him, “Did the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) not order you to obey me?” “No,” he replied, “If he had ordered me, I would have obeyed you.” Imam (a.s.) said, “Will you obey if right now you were to see the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) and he were to order you?” “Yes” he replied. Imam Ali (a.s.) said, “Come with me to Masjid-e-Quba.” When they reached Masjid-e-Quba, Abu Bakr saw that the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.) was standing up in prayers.When the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) concluded his prayer, AmeerulMomineen (a.s.) said, “Abu Bakr denies that you ordered my obedience.” The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) told Abu Bakr, “I ordered you time and again. Go now and do not deviate from his obedience.” Abu Bakr was highly terrified at this scene and when he was returning from there, he met Umar, who asked him what the matter was. Abu Bakr said that the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) said this and this.Umar said, “That Ummah was destroyed that appointed a fool like you as their ruler. Perhaps you don’t know all this is the sorcery of BaniHashim.”[14]

Even after this incident, Abu Bakr did not return the caliphate to Ali (a.s.). It is indeed shameful on the part of Abu Bakr and Umar that even after clear instructions from the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) they continued to disobey, oppress and hurt Ali (a.s.).

Lastly, we pray to Allah to keep us steadfast on the Wilayat and Obedience of AmeerulMomineen Ali Ibn AbiTalib (a.s.),hasten the reappearance of Imam-e-Zamana (a.t.f.s.) and give us the Taufeeq to pray behind him in thismosque built on piety.

---

[1]Behaar al-Anwaar, vol. 19, p. 116

[2] Ali the Miracle of Mohammad (s.a.w.a.) by Yaqoob Hasan Rizvi, p. 40-41 narrating from Tafseer al-Durr al-Mansoor, vol. 3, p. 240

[3] Ali the Miracle of Mohammad (s.a.w.a.), p. 41

[4]Kaamil by Ibn Aseer, vol. 2, p. 75; The Message by AyatullahJafarSubhani, chapter 25

[5]Ali the Miracle of Mohammad (s.a.w.a.), p. 42

[6] Surah Tawbah (9): 107

[7] Surah Taubah (9): 108

[8]Behaar al-Anwaar, vol. 21, p. 255 narrating from Tafseer al-Qummi

[9]Mustadrak al-Wasael, vol. 1, chapter 25, p. 278, H. 4

[10]Mustadrak al-Wasael, vol. 3, chapter 48, p. 428, H. 2 narrating from Tafseer al-Ayyashi

[11]Kaamil al-Ziyaaraat, chapter 5, p. 22, H. 2, published by As-Serat Publications, 2010

[12]Kaamil al-Ziyaaraat, chapter 6, p. 23, H. 1, published by As-Serat Publications, 2010

[13]Kaamil al-Ziyaaraat, chapter 6, p. 24, H. 3, published by As-Serat Publications, 2010

[14]Hayaat al-Quloob (English), vol. 2, chapter 21, p. 380 printed by Ansariyan Publications – Qum, 2^nd Edition, 2003

In His name the most High and by the remembrance of His last Deputy (a.t.f.s)

JEHAD-AL-AKBAR 

... By the soul and (by) Him who made it perfect, and then inspired it to understand what is wrong and what is right for it. Truly is successful the one who purifies (his soul). (Holy Qur'an, 91: 7-9)

In a very well-known and inspiring hadith, we read that once, Holy Prophet (sawa) was welcoming his companions returning from a war in which he (sawa) had not participated. Hazrat Imam Sadiq (as) relates the words of Holy Prophet (sawa) thus :

عَلِيُّ بْنُ إِبْرَاهِيمَ عَنْ أَبِيهِ عَنِ النَّوْفَلِيِّ عَنِ السَّكُونِيِّ عَنْ أَبِي عَبْدِ اللَّهِ ع‏ أَنَّ النَّبِيَّ ص بَعَثَ بِسَرِيَّةٍ «6» فَلَمَّا رَجَعُوا قَالَ مَرْحَباً بِقَوْمٍ قَضَوُا الْجِهَادَ الْأَصْغَرَ وَ بَقِيَ الْجِهَادُ الْأَكْبَرُ قِيلَ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ ص وَ مَا الْجِهَادُ الْأَكْبَرُ قَالَ جِهَادُ النَّفْسِ.

“Well done! Welcome to those people who have completed the minor struggle and on whom the greater  struggle is still incumbent.”  The Apostle of Allah (as) was  asked: “What is the greater struggle?” He (sawa) replied: “To fight one’s own self.” (Uusul Kafi Vol 5 pg 12, tradition no 3)

In a well-known hadith Abu Dharr asked the Prophet Muhammad:‘Which struggle is the best?’ The Holy Prophet replied:

أفضل الجهاد أن يجاهد الرّجل‏ نفسه‏ و هواه‏

“To struggle against one’s own self and desires (Nahjul Fasaha, page 230, tradition no 397)

A human’s soul is the scene of a struggle of two competing powers. Divine power attracts him towards heavenly spheres, and inspires him to acts of goodness. Satanic power tempts him towards realms of darkness and shame, and invites him to acts of evil. When the divine forces are victorious, a person emerges as a virtuous and blessed being, in the company of prophets, saints, and the pious. When, however, the satanic forces dominate, the person becomes rebellious and vicious and is grouped with infidels, oppressors, wrongdoers and those who are cursed.

Why Jehad-al-Nafs is Jehad-al-Akbar ?

It is much more difficult to expel someone who has occupied our house than to repel someone who is only outside it. If our enemy is inside us then he knows all our secrets. He knows our weak points and our strong points and he knows exactly how to ‘play’ with us. An internal enemy is always with us and allows us no rest. And unfortunately we love and admire this enemy because it is our own Soul. He has done so many bad things to us and yet we still love him. So this is a very difficult and complex battle. We should be really determined and fully alert. Indeed, God should have mercy  upon us if we are to win this battle.

The steps to fight against the Nafs

• Step 1: Reflection: We must devote some time every day to contemplate about our duties towards God, Who brought us into this world, bestowed us with a sound body and brain, and equipped us with intellect and capabilities, all of which are sources of pleasure and joy in our life. The aim of this life and purpose of all these blessings is nobler than to follow desires and evil tendencies that are short lived and temporary. We should then begin our struggle to rise

above this state of wretchedness and ask God for help to bless us with hope, sincerity, and strength to fight against satanic tendencies and evil traits of character, and to rise beyond material pleasures and worldly gains.

• Step 2: Will and resolve: Firm resolve is the essence of humanity and basic requirement to attain freedom from the domination of evil desires. The warrior in this battle of the self should purge himself from sins, perform all obligatory (wajib) acts, make an intention to compensate for the days lost (in sinfulness), and finally, resolve to behave as a rational religious person and a real human being. Our manners should be an imitation of Masoomeen (as)’s life, and we should follow Ahlulbayt (as) in all our abstinences and choices.

• Step 3: Self-examination, evaluation and criticism: After making a vow to be a person of strong will‑power and resolution, we must understand that the hereafter is the place where our secrets will be exposed. Thus we should evaluate ourself on a daily basis to get rid of evil habits and desires, to acquire more noble human character, and to perform better actions than before. We must realize that committing sin takes away from us noble essence of humanity and we must pray to God for His assistance and for the intercession of the Prophet (saww) and the members of his Household (as).

• Step 4: Self conditioning: The resolve and self-evaluation from the previous steps should form themselves into specific commitments to self-conditioning. For example, one who has an evil habit of lustful eyes, backbiting tongue, or inflated ego should say to himself, “I will not violate the Law of God today” and consciously avoid such habits for one day. By performing such an experiment with sincerity and resolve, we will realize how easy this task is. We should ignore Satan and the evil ideas that will magnify this small task as being difficult or even impossible. Thus, gradually, We can extend this period by experiment and see how easy it is to get rid of an evil habit or to acquire a positive merit.

• Step 5: Guarding against evil: A person struggling against his own self should constantly concentrate upon his intentions. If any time the idea of violating divine commands occurs to him, he should know that this idea has been instilled into his mind by Satan and his allies, who want to deter him from his good resolution. He should curse them, seek God's compassionate protection, and banish those evil ideas from the realm of his heart. He, should reply to Satan that this day also he has to abide by the condition imposed upon his, own self that he will not go against God's commands. Thus with the help of God, Satan will be driven away. One must remain in this same state of mind until night ‑ the time for self-examination and evaluation of his deeds of the whole day. This is the time to see whether he has been, honest to his Creator. If he has been faithful to God, he should be thankful to Him. Such a person has gone a step forward in His direction and became an object of His attention. God will thus continue to help him in performing all worldly and religious duties, and will diminish his pains of struggle in the next day.

• Step 6 : Service to Imam Of the Time ( a.t.f.s ):  Of all the above step, this is the most important step to get closer to our creator and drive away shaytaan from us. With sincere intention, if we are helping our Imam Of the Time (atfs), this gives us abundant spiritual pleasure. God forbid, if there are any lapses on this part, we must seek forgiveness from Hazrat (atfs) and sincerely beg him that we will be more careful in future. Our Beloved Imam (atfs) will throw open the doors of grace and compassion to us, and will guide us to the straight path.

In order to introspect on Daily basis, a self assessment chart is given below, this chart will help us to check our spiritual trajectory and help us to grow our Nafs closer to Allah and drive it away

from Shaytaan so that we are more eligible in the list of Servants Of Imam Of The Time (a.t.f.s) Inshallah.

WAJIB:                                          Y  N Namaz-e-SUBH            ….…………..     Namaz ZOHAR and ASR….…………..    Namaze MAGARIB ….………............        Meeting PARENTS/Obedient….…….    SILE RAHMI                 ….…………..     NEIGHBOURS Rights     ….…………     Wifes / Childrens Rights….………….   

MUSTAHAB AMAAL:                        Y  N Taqibaat after Namaz        ….…………       100 SALAWAT                     ….………       QURAN 50 Ayat daily       ….………….        MOSQUE visit/ Namaze Jamaat….             WUZU before Sleeping    ….………             Ayat Al-Kursi/ 4 Qul Recited  ….……        Duae Komail                             ….…..      Duae Nudba                             ….……     

AKHLAQ:                                     Y   N SPOKEN SOFTLY at Home   ………     RESPECTED ELDERS        ….……      CRIED for Imam (a.s.)    ….………        Eating Drinking Ethics    ….………     Baitul khala  Rules        ….………       Salam on I. Husain (a.s)    while drinking Water       ….…..........         MUSAFEHA with Momeneen  …                   SALAM to Momeneen       …………..     CLASS WORK:                              Y   N Islamic Book Reading      ………           Writing notes                   ………          Surah listening                …….……     

SINS:                                             Y  N PARENTS DISOBEDIENCE  ……         Had NAJIS FOOD            ………          Seen NAMAHRAM          ………           Made FUN of MOMIN       ………          TIME WASTED                ………          HURTED OTHERS          ………           Done QATE RAHMI         ………          CHEATED Muslim/ Non-Muslim          Spoken BAD WORD        ………            Showed ANGER                ………         BEATING or FIGHTING    ………        LIE/ Jealousy/ Envy         ………         Done/ Listened GHEEBAT  ………      SUE ZAN                         ………          Listened MUSIC                ………         SHAVED BEARD             ………       