Tradition of Ghadeer in the Books of Ahle Sunnah

Tradition of Ghadeer in the Books of Ahle Sunnah

                                                              بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم  

                                                      صلى الله عليك يا ولي العصر ادركنا                                                   

Despite numerous Ahle Sunnah sources narrating the tradition of Ghadeer, it seems really difficult for the muslims to accept this command of the messenger of Allah (sawa). Denying this clear and direct order of the messenger of Allah is as combating him (sawa). As the order of Ghadeer-e-Khum is not a gentle marginal discussion, rather it is a matter of believe. Every Muslim compulsorily believes that the orders of the messenger of Allah are to be accepted whether we like it or dislike, and the Holy Quran confirms to this in the Surah Hashr 59:7

ومَا آتَاكُمُ الرَّسُولُ فَخُذُوهُ وَمَا نَهَاكُمْ عَنْهُ فَانْتَهُوا ۚ وَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ ۖ إِنَّ اللَّهَ شَدِيدُ الْعِقَابِ

" and whatever the Messenger gives you, accept it, and from whatever he forbids you, keep back, and be careful of (your duty to) Allah; surely Allah is severe in retributing (evil)"

Let us quickly delve into the authentic  Ahle Sunnah sources and bring forth clear evidence's of the orders of the messenger of Allah (sawa) concerning the event of Ghadeer.

1. Musnad-e-Bazzar of Hafiz Imam Abu Bakar Al Bazzaar:

 

From Ayesha binte Saad, from her father that the messenger of Allah (sawa) caught hold the hand of Ali (a.s) and said: Do I not enjoy more authority upon the believers then themselves? For whomsoever I am his master then surely Ali is his master.


2. Al-Mataalib-ul-Aaliya of Hafiz ibne Hajar Al-asqalaani:

...From Ali (a.s): Surely the Prophet (sawa) came to the tree at khum, then he caught hold of the hand of Ali (a.s) and said, do you not bear witness that Allah (TWT) is your Lord? They said yes. He (sawa) said do you not bear witness that Allah and His messenger have more authority on you then yourselves and that Allah and His messenger are your Masters? They all said yes. He (sawa) said then for whomsoever Allah and His messenger are his master then surely this (Ali) is his master…

3. Kitaab Ash-Shariyah by Al-Imam Al-Muhaddis Abu Bakr Al-Aajerii:

...then he caught hold of the hand of Ali ibne Abi taalib (a.s) and said “Allah is my Master, and I am the master of all the believers and of whomsoever I am his master then Ali is his master…”

4. Musnad of Ahmad bin Hanbal:

...That the Prophet (sawa) on the day of Gadheer-e-Khum said: “of whomsoever I am his master then Ali is his master…”

5. Sahih-e-Sunan Ibne Maajaa along with the certification from the salafi Shaikh Al-albaani:

...then he caught hold of the hand of Ali (a.s) and said am I not having more authority on the believers then themselves? They all said yes. He (sawa) said am I not having more authority upon every believer then they have on themselves? They all said yes, the he (sawa) said “then this (Ali) is the authority for whomever I am the master, Oh Allah help who helps him, Oh Allah be enemy to the one who has his enmity…”

It is evident from the above mentioned proves that the incident of Ghadeer-e-Khum is not a hidden fact in the muslim books, rather the scholars of traditions consider it as Sahih, Asnaad-us-Sahih and mutawatir khabar.  it has been well documented, now the question to our readers is that why has the nation not given due right to this incident and why such an important incident is kept hidden or not known or heard at all by the masses? Can a just muslim ponder on the reason for this? The only reply we can think of is hostility towards Ameer-ul-momeneen Ali (a.s). On the other hand we observe that this same muslim nation strives hard to magnify every fake and forged merit of those who snatched the right of khilafat from Ali (a.s), for example the tradition of "My companions are like star's…". It is this same innocent nation that becomes extremely clever to extrapolate this tradition and prove the khilafat of the opposition, while their scholars of traditions treat this news to be fake and forged:

The Salafi Shaikh Albaani considers this tradition "My companions are like stars…" as fabricated, and goofed. Also he considers the chain of narration as unreliable, and the narrator to be a fabricator and this is a classical fabrication from him.

 If this prejudice is kept aside and the event of Ghadeer is analysed based on the traditions that are found in the books, the conclusion that can be drawn is extremely clear and evident.

Thus in the light of the event it becomes obligatory on everyone who submits to the messenger ship of the Holy prophet (sawa), to also submit to the mastership of his successor, his cousin, the first amongst them to believe and the foremost amongst them to submit, the spouse of his (sawa) daughter, and his (sawa) flag bearer, Amirul-Momeneen Ali ibne Abi Talib (a.s). 

Be sincere in your intentions, and struggle hard to recognize the truth, and halt for a moment ponder and think so that you reach the truth and follow it.

Verses in Holy Quran about Janabe Fatema Zehra (sa)

The sun has never shone on a lady more meritorious and virtuous than the chief of the ladies of the world, the one who is titled ‘the mother of her father’, the one who is revered in the Heavens and the Earth, the one in whose respect the Prophet of Islam always stood up, the one in whose progeny Allah placed Imamat and yet sadly she is the same lady who is among the five most crying ones on the earth, she is the one who was deserted by the companions of her noble father, she is the one who said, if the calamities which befell on me would fall on day it would turn into night. It is impossible to comprehend her status or acquire her recognition. Her merits have no limits, her greatness has no end and she has no equal or parallel.

In this treatise, we will glance through few verses of the Holy Quran which are related to this noble lady (sa). It is needless to say that these are just few verses which we are presenting here and there are numerous other verses where the Holy Quran has glorified her.

Verses in Holy Quran related to Janabe Fatima Zahra (sa)

1. Repentance of Hazrat Adam (a.s.) – Surah Baqrah 2:37

فَتَلَقَّىٰ آدَمُ مِنْ رَبِّهِ كَلِمَاتٍ فَتَابَ عَلَيْهِ ۚ إِنَّهُ هُوَ التَّوَّابُ الرَّحِيمُ 

[Shakir 2:37] Then Adam received (some) words from his Lord, so He turned to him mercifully; surely He is Oft-returning (to mercy), the Merciful.

 وَ هِيَ أَنَّهُ قَالَ «يَا رَبِّ أَسْأَلُكَ بِحَقِّ مُحَمَّدٍ وَ عَلِيٍّ وَ فَاطِمَةَ وَ الْحَسَنِ وَ الْحُسَيْنِ إِلَّا تُبْتَ عَلَيَّ»

And these were the words – O my Lord! I ask you for the same of Mohammed (s.a.w.a.), Ali (a.s.), Janabe Fatima (sa), Hasan (a.s.) and Husain (a.s.) except that you turn to me.[1]

2. Surah Noor 24:39

أَوْ كَظُلُمَاتٍ فِي بَحْرٍ لُجِّيٍّ يَغْشَاهُ مَوْجٌ مِنْ فَوْقِهِ مَوْجٌ مِنْ فَوْقِهِ سَحَابٌ ۚ ظُلُمَاتٌ بَعْضُهَا فَوْقَ بَعْضٍ إِذَا أَخْرَجَ يَدَهُ لَمْ يَكَدْ يَرَاهَا ۗ وَمَنْ لَمْ يَجْعَلِ اللَّهُ لَهُ نُورًا فَمَا لَهُ مِنْ نُورٍ {40}

[Shakir 24:40] Or like utter darkness in the deep sea: there covers it a wave above which is another wave, above which is a cloud, (layers of) utter darkness one above another; when he holds out his hand, he is almost unable to see it; and to whomsoever Allah does not give light, he has no light.

Imam Sadiq (a.s.) says concerning the above verse, as for the utter darkness it refers to first and his companion, covers it a wave refers to the third, another wave which is a cloud of utter darkness one above another refers to Mowaiya (may Allah curse him) and the fitna of BaniUmayya. When he hold out his hands a believer in the darkness of fitna he is almost unable to see it and to whomever Allah does not give light there are they Aimmah (a.s.) from the progeny of Janabe Fatima (sa) he has no light the Imam on the Day of Judgement.[2]

3. Surah Furqaan 25:74

وَالَّذِينَ يَقُولُونَ رَبَّنَا هَبْ لَنَا مِنْ أَزْوَاجِنَا وَذُرِّيَّاتِنَا قُرَّةَ أَعْيُنٍ وَاجْعَلْنَا لِلْمُتَّقِينَ إِمَامًا

[Shakir 25:74] And they who say: O our Lord! grant us in our wives and our offspring the joy of our eyes, and make us guides to those who guard (against evil)

Imam Sadiq (a.s.) says concerning the above verse – ازواجنا  refers to Janabe Khadija (sa), ذریاتنا  refers to Janabe Fatima Zahra (sa) and قرة اعین  refers to Imam Hasan (a.s.) and Imam Husain (a.s.) and و جعلنا للنتقین اماما  refers to Ali ibn AbiTalib (a.s.).[3]

4. Surah Ahzaab 33:57

إِنَّ الَّذِينَ يُؤْذُونَ اللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ لَعَنَهُمُ اللَّهُ فِي الدُّنْيَا وَالْآخِرَةِ وَأَعَدَّ لَهُمْ عَذَابًا مُهِينًا

[Shakir 33:57] Surely (as for) those who speak evil things of Allah and His Messenger, Allah has cursed them in this world and the here after, and He has prepared for them a chastisement bringing disgrace.

Imam Baqir (a.s.) says, This verse is revealed concerning the one who usurped the right of AmeerulMomineen (a.s.) from him and snatched the right of Janabe Fatima Zahra (sa) and troubled her.[4]

5. Surah Zumar 39:53

قُلْ يَا عِبَادِيَ الَّذِينَ أَسْرَفُوا عَلَىٰ أَنْفُسِهِمْ لَا تَقْنَطُوا مِنْ رَحْمَةِ اللَّهِ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ يَغْفِرُ الذُّنُوبَ جَمِيعًا ۚ إِنَّهُ هُوَ الْغَفُورُ الرَّحِيمُ 

[Shakir 39:53] Say: O my servants! who have acted extravagantly against their own souls, do not despair of the mercy of Allah; surely Allah forgives the faults altogether; surely He is the Forgiving the Merciful.

Imam Baqir (a.s.) says, Allah will not accept the excuse of any person on the Day of Judgement, who will say, O my Lord! I did not know that the progeny of Janabe Fatima Zahra (sa) were the master upon the people. And the above verse is specially revealed for the Shias of the progeny of Janabe Fatima Zahra (sa).[5]

6. Surah Nahl:90

إِنَّ اللَّهَ يَأْمُرُ بِالْعَدْلِ وَالْإِحْسَانِ وَإِيتَاءِ ذِي الْقُرْبَىٰ وَيَنْهَىٰ عَنِ الْفَحْشَاءِ وَالْمُنْكَرِ وَالْبَغْيِ ۚ يَعِظُكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَذَكَّرُونَ {90}

[Shakir 16:90] Surely Allah enjoins the doing of justice and the doing of good (to others) and the giving to the kindred.

Imam Baqir (a.s.) says concerning the above verse – العدل  is Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.), and احسان  is AmeerulMomineen Ali ibn AbiTalib (a.s.) and وَإِيتَاءِذِيالْقُرْبَىٰ is Janabe Fatima Zahra (sa).[6]

7. Surah Room 40:4 – 5

وَيَوْمَئِذٍ يَفْرَحُ الْمُؤْمِنُونَ بِنَصْرِ اللَّهِ

“and on that day the believers shall rejoice,With the help of Allah;”

It is narrated from Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) that on that day refers to the Day of Judgement and help of Allah refers to help of Janabe Fatima Zahra (sa). Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) explains that on the Day of Judgement Janabe Fatima Zahra (sa) will do Shefaat of her Shias and Shias of her progeny, who loved her and loved her progeny and she will pick her Shias from the ground of Mahshar like how a bird picks up good seeds from the bad ones. Help from Janabe Zahra (sa) means her Shafaat.[7]

8. Surah Ahzaab 33:41

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اذْكُرُوا اللَّهَ ذِكْرًا كَثِيرًا {41}

[Shakir 33:41] O you who believe! remember Allah, remembering frequently,

As per traditions remembering frequently means Tasbih of Janabe Zahra (sa) [8]

9. Surah Taubah – 9:119

وَكُونُوا مَعَ الصَّادِقِينَ

Shakir 9:119]  and be with the true ones.

Imam Baqir (a.s.) said, the true ones till the day of Qayamatare Ali (a.s.), Janabe Fatima (sa), Hasan (a.s.), Husain (a.s.) and their pure progeny.[9]

10. Surah Ibrahim 14:24

كَشَجَرَةٍ طَيِّبَةٍ أَصْلُهَا ثَابِتٌ وَفَرْعُهَا فِي السَّمَاءِ تُؤْتِي أُكُلَهَا كُلَّ حِينٍ بِإِذْنِ رَبِّهَا

[Shakir 14:24]  parable of a good word (being) like a good tree, whose root is firm and whose branches are in heaven,Yielding its fruit in every season by the permission of its Lord? 

Imam Baqir (a.s.) was asked concerning the above verse, he (a.s.) said – the tree is Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.), branch refers to Ali (a.s.) and the shoot of this tree of Janabe Fatima (sa), its fruits are her children and its leaves are the Shias. [10]

11. Surah Mominoon 23:11

الَّذِينَ يَرِثُونَ الْفِرْدَوْسَ هُمْ فِيهَا خَالِدُونَ {11}

[Shakir 23:11] Who shall inherit the Paradise; they shall abide therein.

Imam Musa bin Jafar (a.s.) said: This was revealed concerning Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.),  Ameerul Momineen (a.s.), Fatima (sa), Hasan (a.s.) and Husain (a.s.)[11]

12. Surah Mominoon 23:111

إِنِّي جَزَيْتُهُمُ الْيَوْمَ بِمَا صَبَرُوا أَنَّهُمْ هُمُ الْفَائِزُونَ {111}

[Shakir 23:111] Surely I have rewarded them this day because they were patient, that they are the achievers.

In the above verse the patient ones are Ali ibn AbiTalib, Fatima (sa), Hasan (a.s.) and Husain (a.s.) in this world upon worship, hunger, poverty and being patient upon the calamities from the side of Allah in this world, they are the achievers. [12]

13. Surah Noor 24:36

فِي بُيُوتٍ أَذِنَ اللَّهُ أَنْ تُرْفَعَ وَيُذْكَرَ فِيهَا اسْمُهُ يُسَبِّحُ لَهُ فِيهَا بِالْغُدُوِّ وَالْآصَالِ {36}

[Shakir 24:36] In houses which Allah has permitted to be exalted and that His name may be remembered in them; there glorify Him therein in the mornings and the evenings,

In a tradition from Buraid it is narrated that Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) recited the above verse and Abu Bakr was standing there. He asked the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.), which house is it? Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) pointed towards the house of Ali (a.s.) and Janabe Fatima Zahra (sa) [13]

14. Surah Saad 38:75

قَالَ يَا إِبْلِيسُ مَا مَنَعَكَ أَنْ تَسْجُدَ لِمَا خَلَقْتُ بِيَدَيَّ ۖ أَسْتَكْبَرْتَ أَمْ كُنْتَ مِنَ الْعَالِينَ {75}

[Shakir 38:75] He said: O Iblis! what prevented you that you should do obeisance to him whom I created with My two hands? Are you proud or are you of the exalted ones?

A man asked Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.): O Messenger of Allah! Tell me about the saying of Allah are you of the exalted ones? Who are these O Messenger of Allah who are more exalted than the proximate angels.

Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) replied: I, Ali (a.s.), Fatima (sa), Hasan (a.s.) and Husain (a.s.), we are near the Arsh of Allah, glorifying Him. And the angels used to glorify us one thousand years before the creation of Adam (a.s.)…. [14]

Quran has mentioned about the Ahle Bait (a.s.). Any sincere muslim would accept the authority of Ahle Bait (a.s.) based on these verses and its commentary. But, the reciters and commentators have forgotten or feign ignorance. Our responsibility in this era is to educate the people about these verses. Our responsibility is to guide them to the door of Ahle Bait (a.s.) and leave the rest on the honesty and sincerity of the seeker of truth.

We pray to Janabe Fatima Zahra (sa) to keep us on the straight path and give us the good fortune to serve her grandson Hazrat Hujjat ibn al Hasan al Askari (atfs) with sincerity and passion, in a manner which will bring a smile of her face.

---

[1]Tafseer e Qummi, Vol. 1, Page 59

[2]TafseerBurhaan Vol. 4, Page 79

[3]Tafseer e Qummi, Vol. 2, Pg 117

[4]Tafseer e Qummi, Vol. 2, Pg 196

[5]TafseerQummi, Vol. 2, Pg 250

[6]Tafseer e Furaat e Kufi, Page 236

[7]Tafseer e Furaat e Kufi, Pg 321, 299

[8]Tafseer e Burhaan, Vol. 4, Page 476

[9]Tafseer e Burhaan, Vol. 2, Page 865

[10]Tafseer e Burhaan, Vol. 3, Page 298

[11]Tafseer e Burhaan, Vol. 4, Page 11

[12]Tafseer e Burhaan, Vol. 4, Page 40

[13]Tafseer e Burhaan, Vol. 4, Page 76

[14]Tafseer e Burhaan, Vol. 4, Page 684

GUIDE TO WORSHIP IN MAHE RAJAB & LAYLATUL RAGHAIB

Rajab (Arabic: ب رج‎) is the seventh month of the Islamic calendar. The lexical definition of Rajaba is "to respect", of which Rajab is a derivative. It is the month eagerly awaited by Shia`ne Ali ibne abi Talib (as). It is a start of Spiritual season which ends at Mahe Ramzan. These three months are unmatched in their importance. Praise be to the Almighty and thanks to Him for granting us yet another opportunity to cleanse ourselves of our sins and oversights.This month is the month of Amir Al-Mo’minin `Ali ibn Abi Talib (as) just as it has been mentioned in the ahadith and as we are also told that the month of Sha`ban is the month of the Messenger of Allah (saww) and the Month of Ramadhan is the month of Allah (swt). 
The first night of this month is one of the four nights in the year which it has been emphasized that we should stay awake in prayer and worship.

Fasting In the Month of Mahe Rajab

Fasting is one of the most recommended acts during this spiritual season. It becomes Wajib during the month of Ramadan, but is highly recommended during the months of Rajab and Sha’baan. As will be noted from the Hadith, fasting, be it for only one day during these months, is rewarded with unlimited bounties. In Sawaab al-Aamal wa Iqaab al-Aamal , the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saww) went on to mention the specialties and favors that would be showered upon that person who fasted during this month and for every day he fasted, a different favour and bounty would be graced upon him. Our Holy Prophet Muhammad (saww) said, if a person were to fast one day in this month for the belief and hope of reward from Allah (swt), then he would have earned the pleasure of Allah (swt) and the fast of that one day would put out the anger of Allah (swt) and would cause the doors of the hellfire to be closed for him. If the entire land were to be filled with gold and that gold was to be spent in the way of Allah (swt), then even this act would not add up to the bounties of fasting just one day. There is not a single thing in the world that would perfect that person's reward except for good (from Allah (swt) as long as he was sincere to Allah (swt) (in has fasting). When the evening time comes, ten of that person's prayers would be granted, and if he were to supplicate for anything of the worldly life, Allah (swt) would give it to him, and if it were not given to him, then Allah (swt) would preserve that which is greater (than what he supplicated for) and that which the friends, lovers and chosen ones of Allah have prayed to him for.

Duas for the Month Of Mahe Rajab

Apart from Fasting, other special acts are Istigfhar and giving Sadqah.The Holy Prophet(saww) has said, "Rajab is the month for seeking forgiveness, so seek forgiveness from Allah(swt)"
Giving  Sadaqah (charity/alms) is also highly recommended.

Mahe Rajab is the month Of Munajat, there are few Common duas for this month. Out of all Dua, the most significant is the one which is recited after every Wajib Namaz and it starts with “Yaa Man Arjoho Le Kulle Khair”. 

According to Shaykh Abbas Qummi (ar) in Mafateehul Jinaan, this has been taught by Imam Ja`far as-Sadiq (as). Sayyid Ibn Tawus (ar) has narrated that Muhammad ibn Dhakwan—known as ‘al-Sajjad’ due to his remarkable, long prostration during which he used to weep so heavily that he lost his sight asked Imam Ja`far al-Sadiq (as), saying, “May Allah accept me as ransom for you! We are now in Rajab; Please  teach me a supplication due to which Almighty Allah may help me.” Hence, the Imam (a.s) asked him to write down dua (Yaa Man Arjoho Le Kulle Khair) http://www.duas.org/rajab3.htm

Few duas from Sahifa-e-Mahdi

Shaykh al-Tusi has related that these  Duas has been written by the great Shaykh, Abu Ja'far Muhammad ibn Uthmaan ibn Sa'id (as) [2^nd Naaeb-e-Imame Zamana ATFS] -  to be Recited  on each day of the month of Rajab. For Duas Click http://www.duas.org/12imamdua.htm

Ayyame Baydh

13^th, 14^th and 15^th Mahe Rajab are called as “Ayyaam-e-Baydh” The Luminous days. Imam Jafar bin Muhammad As Saadiq (as) had said: " Who so prays during the nights of “Ayyam Bayz”, in fact, stands at the door of superabundant favours, bounties and benefits available in these months"

27th Rajab Eve & Day of Mab'ath ( official Appointment)
Salmaan Farsi narrates that the Final messenger of Allah (saww) said that there is a day in the month of Rajab on which if a person fasts and does Qiyaamul Lail (ShabeDaari) on that night, he will receive rewards like a person who fasts for 100 years and does Qiyaamul Lail for nights of 100 years. This night is the night of the 27th (Rajab) and the day of the 27th (Rajab). This is the day on which Hazrat Muhammad (SAW) was appointed to Messengerhood,

(Tarteeb Shareef page 781)

Ziarat Rajabiyah

Our near and dear ones are going for Ziyarat-e-Masoomeen (as).There is one Special Ziyarat named as “Ziarat Rajabiyah”. Abu Qasim Husain Ibn Ruh (as) [2^nd Naaeb-e-Imame Zamana ATFS] said "Anyone who recites this Ziarah in any of the Ziarat places of Ahlulbayt(as) , his requests will be granted & all his supplications for Religion & this world would be accepted" 

(Misbaahul Mutahajjid 821, Misbahu Zzair 493, Al Mizaarul Kabeer 203) 

It is highly recommended to visit Holy Shrine Of Imam Reza (as) in Rajab and also to go for Umrah is highly recommended.

'Lailatul Raghaib' (Night Of Desires) - First Thursday of Rajab month

Syed ibn Taawus (ar) in Iqbal al-A’mal and Allamah Majlisi (ar) in Ijazate Bani Zuhrah has mentioned the reward of the Prayers of this Night. The Holy Prophet (saww) has said, that these prayers are Means of forgiveness and On the FIRST NIGHT in our grave, the Almighty will send the reward off this prayer in the best,enlightened and eloquent form.When inquired, will reply, ‘My Beloved, glad tidings to you that you have found salvation from every hardship and horror.When asked ‘Who are you?’ By God I haven't seen any one more beautiful than you, I haven't heard a word sweeter than yours or a fragrance better than you?’ In reply ‘I am that prayer which you offered on the eve off the first Friday of the month of Rajab. I have come to you to be your companion in this loneliness to remove from you your fright and horror.Be lest assured that my shelter will be with you until the blowing off the Horn off the Day off Judgment.’

Description of above prayer is as follows:

It is recommended to fast on the first Thursday & between Maghrib & Isha recite 12 Rak’at namaz in six sets of 2 units

In every Rak’at after surah al Hamd recite 3 times Surah al-Qadr & 12 times Surah  Ikhlaas

After completing the full prayer recite :-

Then One must pray Almighty Allah for fulfilling one’s needs, for surely they will be granted Inshallah.

In this Holy Month May ALLAH (swt ) give us Tawfheeq to do as much Istegfaar, recite Duas and do Aamaal and most important to pray for the Reappearance of Imame Zamana (atfs ) and to give more strength  to serve the Hujjat (atfs) in upcoming months  untill we die Inshallah.

Importance of Mahe Rajab

Introduction “Rajab a Gift to the Muslim Ummah.”

The Month of Rajab ulMurajjab is 7th month of the Islamic calendar. It is the month of worship prayers supplications, offering sacrifice and for umarah and Ziyarat e Qoboor e Aimma e Masoomeen (as). Great rewards and special emphasis has been laid in such acts of worship in this month as it appears in the Ahadith of Aimma (as). Much stress is laid upon fasting and umrah in this holy months. In the various books of Ziyarat, great rewards have been mentioned for visiting the graves of holy Aimmas (as) and Holy prophet (saw) in this month.

Allah (swt) has given us this month to excel in our worships,  obedience and seeking forgiveness. Hence, ee must utilize this month to the maximum possible extent to reap benefit and grace of Allah (swt).

وَ بِسَنَدٍ مُعْتَبَرٍ عَنِ الْإِمَامِ جَعْفَرٍ الصَّادِقِ عَلَيْهِ السَّلَامُ‏ أَنَّ اللَّهَ سُبْحَانَهُ أَعْطَى هَذِهِ الْأُمَّةَ ثَلَاثَةَ أَشْهُرٍ لَمْ يُعْطِهَا الْأُمَمَ الْأُخْرَى: رَجَبٍ وَ شَعْبَانَ وَ رَمَضَانَ، …..

From Imam JafarAsSadiq (as):“Surely Allah (swt) gave this nation three such months which he didn’t bestowed on other nations:Rajab,Shaban and MaheRamzaan….”[1]

Why it is called “Rajab”?

As we see in Majmaul bayan the meaning of رجب  asالتَّرْجِيبُ‏: التعظيم ‏ which means Glorifications, exaltation. Similar meaning can be seen in Lisanol Arab a famous lughat which says

ورَجَبٌ: شهرسموهبذلكلتعظيمهمإِيَّاهفيالجاهليةعنالقتالِفيه،ولايَسْتَحِلُّونالقتالَفيه‏

Rajab is a month named so because it was respected in the era of jahilliya and bloodshed was considered unlawful.

We find in the traditions that this name Rajab is taken from a river of Paradise.

وَ رُوِيَ عَنْ أَبِي الْحَسَنِ مُوسَى ع أَنَّهُ قَالَ:رَجَبٌ‏ نَهَرٌ فِي الْجَنَّةِ أَشَدُّ بَيَاضاً مِنَ اللَّبَنِ وَ أَحْلَى مِنَ الْعَسَلِ مَنْ صَامَ يَوْماً مِنْ رَجَبٍ‏ سَقَاهُ اللَّهُ مِنْ ذَلِكَ النَّهَرِ.

And relates from Abil Hasan Musa (as) the He (as) says : “Rajab is the river of Paradise whiter than milk sweeter than honey and whoever fasts on any day of Rajab Allah (swt) will make him drink from that river.[2]

Rajab a Month of Worship and Obedience to Allah (swt).

Salat

Many Salats have been recommended in this month. One such noteworthy salat is the salat taught by Holy Prophet (saw) to Hazrat Salaman Muhammadi (ra), which has great rewards and consists of 30 rakats which has to recited thrice in a 10 rakats on 1^st, 15^th and last date of Rajab. The types and method of Salat are so many that it is not wise to mention it all here. Readers can refer Mafateehul Jinaan or Zaadol Maad and books on supplications. Details description has been given in it.

Fasting.

Here, we would like to bring some traditions which shows us the great reward of fasting in this month. Allah (swt) has opened the gates of his mercy of the fasting one, has forgiven him and his parents and relatives friends and neighbors. Such great benefits, has been narrated in the traditions which motivate us to fast in the month of Rajab.

وَ رَوَى سَمَاعَةُ بْنُ مِهْرَانَ عَنْ أَبِي عَبْدِ اللَّهِ ع قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ص‏ مَنْ صَامَ ثَلَاثَةَ أَيَّامٍ مِنْ رَجَبٍ كَتَبَ اللَّهُ لَهُ بِكُلِّ يَوْمٍ صِيَامَ سَنَةٍ وَ مَنْ صَامَ ثَمَانِيَةَ أَيَّامٍ مِنْهُ فُتِحَتْ لَهُ أَبْوَابُ الْجَنَّةِ وَ مَنْ صَامَ خَمْسَةَ عَشَرَ يَوْماً حَاسَبَهُ اللَّهُ تَعَالَى‏ حِساباً يَسِيراً وَ مَنْ صَامَ رَجَبَ [رَجَباً] كُلَّهُ كَتَبَ اللَّهُ لَهُ رِضْوَانَهُ وَ مَنْ كَتَبَ اللَّهُ لَهُ رِضْوَانَهُ لَمْ يُعَذِّبْهُ.

Samaat ibn Mehran narrates from AbiAbdillah (as) who narrates from Rasool Allah (swt):                             “ Whoever fast for three days from Rajab Allah (swt) writes for him the fast for the whole year and whoever fast for eight days from it Doors of Jannat are opened for him and whoever fasts for fifteen days Allah (swt) will account him “ Easy Accounting” and whoever fasts in the whole of Rajab Allah (swt) writes  for him His Pleasure (Rizwaan) and for the one Allah (swt) writes His Pleasure He (swt) does not punishes him.[3]

Another tradition is mentioned here which shows the endless the mercy and bounties showered on the one who fasts in Rajab.

فِي أَمَالِي الشَّيْخِ أَبِي جَعْفَرٍ بَابَوَيْهِ رَحِمَهُ اللَّهُ تَعَالَى حَدَّثَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ إِبْرَاهِيمَ بْنِ إِسْحَاقَ عَنْ أَحْمَدَ بْنِ مُحَمَّدٍ الْكُوفِيِّ عَنْ عَلِيِّ بْنِ الْحُسَيْنِ عَنْ عَلِيِّ بْنِ فَضَّالٍ عَنْ أَبِيهِ عَنْ أَبِي الْحَسَنِ عَلِيِّ بْنِ مُوسَى الرِّضَا ع قَالَ: مَنْ صَامَ أَوَّلَ يَوْمٍ مِنْ رَجَبٍ رَغْبَةً فِي ثَوَابِ اللَّهِ تَعَالَى وَجَبَتْ لَهُ الْجَنَّةُ وَ مَنْ صَامَ يَوْماً فِي وَسَطِهِ شُفِّعَ فِي مِثْلِ رَبِيعَةَ وَ مُضَرَ وَ مَنْ صَامَ يَوْماً فِي آخِرِهِ جَعَلَهُ اللَّهُ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ مِنْ مُلُوكِ الْجَنَّةِ وَ شُفِّعَ فِي أَبِيهِ وَ أُمِّهِ وَ ابْنِهِ وَ ابْنَتِهِ وَ أَخِيهِ وَ أُخْتِهِ وَ عَمِّهِ وَ عَمَّتِهِ وَ خَالِهِ وَ خَالَتِهِ وَ مَعَارِفِهِ وَ جِيرَانِهِ وَ إِنْ كَانَ مِنْهُمْ [فِيهِمْ‏] مُسْتَوْجِبٌ لِلنَّارِ.

From the Amali of Shaikh Abi Jafar Babewiyah (ra) , Narrated to us Mohammed ibn Ibrahim ibn Ishaq from Ahmad ibn Mohammed Al Koofi from Ali ibn Hussain from Ali ibn Fazzal from his father who narrates from Abil Hasan Ali ibn MoosaAr – Redha (as) that He (as) says : “ Whoever fasts on first day from Rajab with the intention for the reward from Allah (swt) Paradise is made obligatory for him , and whoever fasts on the middle of Rajab he is intercedes as in “rabiya” and “mudhar”  and whoever fasts in the last of Rajab Allah (swt) will give him from the kingdom of paradise and he is intercedesfor his father and his mother and his sons and his daughters and his brothers and his sisters and his paternal uncle and his paternal Aunt and his maternal uncle and his maternal aunt and his acquaintance his neighbors even if they deserved to be in Hell.[4]

Umarah and Ziyarat e Qoboor Aimma (as).

The Days of Rajab are the best period for visitation of the grave of Hazrat Imam Hussain (as). Numerous tradition have been mentioned in this regards. For the sake of brevity we bring a tradition for this great act of worship.

بِسَنَدٍ صَحِيحٍ عَنْ أَبِي بَصِيرٍ أَنَّهُ سَأَلَ الْإِمَامَ الرِّضَا عَلَيْهِ السَّلَامُ: فِي أَيِّ الْأَوْقَاتِ أَفْضَلُ أَنْ يَزُورَ الْإِمَامَ الْحُسَيْنَ عَلَيْهِ السَّلَامُ؟ فَقَالَ عَلَيْهِ السَّلَامُ: فِي النِّصْفِ مِنْ رَجَبٍ وَ النِّصْفِ مِنْ شَعْبَان‏

With the Authentic chain of narrations from AbiBasir (ra) that he asked Imam Ali Reza (as):“Which is the best time to visit (the grave of) Imam Hussain (as)? Then He (as) Between 15th of Rajab to 15th of Shaban.[5]

And Umarah of Rajab is considered as superior to umrah done in other months. Various tafasir of quran is a witness to it.

944/- ابن بابويه، قال: حدثنا محمد بن الحسن بن أحمد بن الوليد (رضي الله عنه)، قال: حدثنا محمد بن الحسن الصفار، عن العباس بن معروف، عن علي بن مهزيار، عن الحسين بن سعيد، عن ابن أبي عمير، و حماد، و صفوان بن يحيى، و فضالة بن أيوب، عن معاوية بن عمار، عن أبي عبد الله (عليه السلام)، قال: «العمرة واجبة على الخلق بمنزلة الحج، من استطاع، لأن الله عز و جل يقول: وَ أَتِمُّوا الْحَجَّ وَ الْعُمْرَةَ لِلَّهِ‏ و إنما نزلت العمرة بالمدينة، و أفضل العمرة عمرة رجب‏».

Narrated from AbiAbdillah (as):“Visiting is wajib upon the creatures in the place of hajj whoever has the capacity to do it because Allah (swt) said in Quran: “وَ أَتِمُّوا الْحَجَّ وَ الْعُمْرَةَ لِلَّهِ”[6]Surely Umrah was revealed in madina and the best of the Umrah is the Umrah of Rajab.[7]

Rajab a month for seeking repentance “"استغفار

Along with worship and obedience this great month is also a great opportunity for seeking forgiveness of our past sins. Numerous traditions are a witness to it that Allah (swt) is ready to forgive those who seek forgiveness.

One such traditions says that He (swt) orders His (swt) angels to erase the sins of the believers.

وَ رُوِيَ عَنِ الرَّسُولِ الْكَرِيمِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَ آلِهِ وَ سَلَّمَ‏ أَنَّ اللَّهَ تَعَالَى يَأْمُرُ فِي لَيْلَةِ النِّصْفِ مِنْ رَجَبٍ مَلَائِكَتَهُ أَنْ تَمْحُوَ الذُّنُوبَ الْمَكْتُوبَةَ فِي صُحُفِ أَعْمَالِ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ.

And it is narrated from Holy Prophet (saw): “Surely Allah (swt) orders His Angels in the night of fifteenth of Rajab to erase the sins written in the scroll deeds of the believers.[8]

A Reminder.

Lastly since we have realized that this month a great opportunity to get our wishes fulfilled sins forgiven and prayers being accepted so lets pray excessively for the Zohoor of Hazrat e Wali e Asr (as) so that this earth can again become the cradle of peace security and justice equity and the Universal statehood of Hazrat e Wali Asr (as) is established.

---

[1]ZaadolMaad quoting from MisbaholMujtahid page number 567 Arabic.

[2]TahzeebolAhkamVol 4 page 302 arabic version (noor 3.5 copy)

[3]Ref: JameulAkhbar page 82 (noor soft copy).

[4] Ref: JameulAkhbar page 82 (noor soft copy).

[5]ZaadolMaad (noor soft copy).

[6]Surah Baqrah 2:196. And accomplish the pilgrimage and the visit for Allah…

[7]Tafsir e Burhan chapter of Umrah of Rajab (noor soft copy).

[8]ZaadolMaad page 25 soft copy.

¹⁰ Duas.org quoting from English translation of ManazelulAkherah by Sheikh Abbas Qummi.