40 Hadith about Azadari-e-Imam Hussain (A.S)

1. The Inferno of Husaini Love

The Holy Prophet (S.A.W.A) said: Surely, there exists in the hearts of the Mu'mineen, with respect to the martyrdom of Husain (A.S.), a heat that never subsides.

Mustadrak al-Wasail vol 10 pg. 318

2. A'ashura - A Day of Grief

Imam Redha (A.S.) said: The one for whom the day of A'ashura is a day of tragedy, grief and weeping, Allah The Mighty, The Glorious, shall make the Day of Judgment, a day of joy and happiness for him.

Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 44, pg. 284

3. Muharram - The Month of Mourning

Imam Redha (A.S.) said: With the advent of the month of Muharram, my father Imam Kadhim (A.S.) would never be seen laughing; gloom and sadness would overcome him for (the first) ten days of the month; and when the tenth day of the month would dawn, it would be a day of tragedy, grief and weeping for him.

Amaali Saduq, pg. 111

4. Laughing Eyes

Holy Prophet (S.A.W.A) said: O' Fatimah! Every eye shall be weeping on the Day of Judgment except the eye which has shed tears over the tragedy of Husain (A.S.) for surely, that eye shall be laughing and shall be given the glad tidings of the bounties and comforts of Paradise.

Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 44 pg. 193.

5. Reward of the Martyred Companions

Imam Redha (A.S.) said (to one of his companions): If you desire that for you be the reward equivalent to that of those martyred along with Husain (A.S.), then whenever you remember him say: ' Oh! Would that I had been with them! A great achievement would I have achieved'.

Wasaail al-Shia'h, vol. 14, pg. 501.

6. The Customary Mourning

Abu Haroon al-Makfoof said: I presented myself before Imam Sadiq (A.S.) whereupon he said to me: "Recite for me a poetry" and so I recited for him. He said "Not in this manner. Recite for me as you recite poems and elegies over the grave of Husain (A.S.)" and so I recited for him (again).

Bihar al Anwar vol 44, pg. 287.

7. Reward for Reciting Poetry about Husain (A.S.)

Imam Sadiq (A.S.) said: There is none who recites poetry about Husain (A.S.) and weeps and makes others weep by means of it, except that Allah makes Paradise incumbent upon him and forgives his sins.

Rijal al-Shaikh al- Tusi pg. 189.

8. People of Eulogies and Elegies

Imam Sadiq (A.S.) said: All praise is for Allah, who has placed amongst the people, those who arrive in our presence, eulogizing us and reciting elegies about us.

Wasail al-Shiah vol. 10, pg. 469.

9. Poetry Recitation During the Period of Mourning

Imam Redha (A.S.) said (to De'bil, a poet sincerely devoted to the Ahlul Bayt): I desire that you recite for me poetry, for surely, these days (of the month of Muharram) are the days of grief and sorrow, which have passed over us, Ahlul Bayt.

Mustadrak al-Wasail, vol 10, pg. 386.

10. Shiites-The Companions and Associates

Imam 'Ali (A.S.) said: Surely, Allah has chosen for us followers (Shiites), who assist us and are happy at our happiness and are sad in our sadness.

Ghuraral-Hikam vol. 1, pg. 135.

11. Lamentation of Owl

Imam Sadiq (a.s.) asked, “Has anyone of you ever seen it (the owl) in day time?” It was said, “No, it never appears during the day. It only appears at night.” Imam (a.s.) said: The owls previously dwelled in only developed structures but when Imam Husain (a.s.) was martyred, they refused to stay in developed structures and refused to take anything but ruins as abodes. Indeed, the owls fast during the day and are aggrieved until nightfall. At night they lament on Imam Husain (a.s.) till the morning

Kaamil al-Ziyaraat pg. 101.

12. In Remembrance of the Children of Fatimah (A.S.)

Imam Sajjad (A.S.) said: Surely, I have never brought to mind the martyrdom of the children of Fatimah (A.S.) except that I have been choked with tears due to it.

Bihar al-Anwar vol. 46, pg. 109.

13. Mourning in the Houses

For those unable to go for the ziarat of Imam Husain (A.S.) on the day of A'ashura, Imam Baqir (A.S.) mentions the manner of performing A'zadari as follows:

He should mourn over Husain (A.S.), weep for him and instruct the members of the house to weep for him. He should establish the mourning ceremony in the house by exhibiting lamentations and grief over him; the people should meet one another in their homes and offer condolences and consolation to each other over the calamities which befell him.

Kaamil al-Ziyaraat pg. 175

14. Ali (A.S.) Weeps While Grieving the Martyrs of Kerbala

Imam Baqir (A.S.) said: Amirul Mu'mineen (A.S.), along with two of his companions, happened to pass by Kerbala and as he did so, tears filled his eyes. He said (to them), "This is the resting place of their animals; and this is where their luggage shall be laid down; and it is here that their blood shall be shed. Blessed are you O' Earth, that the blood of the beloved shall be spilled upon you."

Bihar al Anwar, vol: 98 pg. 258.

15. Tears - Barrier of Hell

Imam Baqir (A.S.) said: He who remembers us, or in whose presence, we are remembered, and (as a result) tears flow from his eyes, even though they may be in the measure of a wing of a mosquito, Allah shall construct for him a house in paradise and make the tears a barrier between him and the fire (of hell).

Al-Ghadeer vol. 2, pg. 202.

16. Twenty Years of Weeping!

Imam Sadiq (A.S.) said: `As for A'li Ibn al-Husain (A.S.), he cried over Husain (A.S.) for twenty years (after the tragedy of Kerbala); never would any food be placed before him except that he would begin to weep.

Bihar al Anwar, vol 46, pg. 108

17. The Etiquette of Mourning

Imam Sadiq (A.S.) said: When Ibrahim, the son of the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.A) died, tears filled the eyes of the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.A), whereupon he said, " The eyes are tearful and the heart is anguished (but) we shall not say anything which shall anger the Lord. Surely we, O' Ibrahim, are grief-stricken for you"

Bihar al-Anwar vol: 22 , pg.157

18. Tearful Eyes

Imam Sadiq (A.S.) said: He in whose presence we (and our miseries) are mentioned and, as a result, his eyes pour out tears, Allah shall make his face forbidden upon the fire of hell.

Bihar al Anwar vol. 44, pg. 185

19. Hussaini Gatherings

Imam Sadiq (A.S.) said to Fudhail: Do you sit together, talk and discuss amongst yourselves? Fudhail replied: Yes. The Imam then said: I approve of these sittings. So keep our `issue' (Imamate) alive. May Allah exhibit mercy on those who revive our issue and mission!

Wasail al-Shiah  vol. 10, pg. 391

20. Invaluable Tears

Imam Sadiq (A.S.) said (to Masma', one of those who mourned over Imam Husain (A.S.)): May Allah have mercy upon your tears! Do know that you are regarded as being of those who are deeply concerned about us and of those who are happy at our happiness and aggrieved at our sorrow. Do know that you shall witness the presence of my fathers near you at the time of your death.

Wasail al-Shia, vol., 10, pg. 397

21. Scalded Hearts

Imam Sadiq (A.S.) (while sitting on the prayer mat prayed for the mourners and those going for the ziarat of the Ahlul Bayt (A.S.) as follows): O' Lord, have mercy upon those eyes, which have shed tears in compassion for us; and upon those hearts, which have been restless and blistered for us; and upon those wailings, which have been for us.

Bihar al-Anwar vol 98 , pg. 8.

22. Tears over the Oppressed State of the Shiites

Imam Sadiq (A.S.) said: He whose eyes shed tears for our blood which has been shed, or for our rights which have been usurped, or for the humiliation meted out to us or to one of our Shiites, Allah shall accommodate him in paradise for a long time.

Amali Sheikh al Mufid, pg. 175.

23. Weeping of the Sky

Imam Sadiq (A.S.) said: O' Zurarah! The sky had cried for forty days over (the martyrdom of) Husain (A.S.)

Mustadrakal-Wasail, vol 1 pg. 391

24. The Holy Prophet and Weeping over the Martyrs

Imam Sadiq (A.S.) said: After the news of the martyrdom of Ja'far Ibn Abi Talib (A.S.) and Zaid Ibn Harithah reached the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.A), whenever he entered his house, he would weep profusely for them and say: " They used to converse with me and were intimate with me and (now) both of them have departed together".

Man La Yahdhuruhu al-Faqih, vol. 1, pg. 177

25. Sympathy for Ahlulbayt

Imam Sadiq (A.S.) said: The breath of one who is aggrieved upon the injustice and oppression subjected to us, is tasbeeh (glorification of Allah), and his grief for us, is i'baadat (worship of Allah) and his concealing our secrets, is jihad in the path of Allah.

The Imam (A.S.) then added: This tradition ought to be written in gold.

Amaali al-Shaikh al-Mufid, pg. 338.

26. Mourning Angels

Imam Sadiq (A.S.) said: Allah has appointed to the grave of Imam Husain (A.S.), four thousand anguished and grief-stricken angels, who weep over him (and shall continue to do so) up to the Day of Judgment.

Kamil al-ziyaraat, pg. 119.

27. Weeping over Husain (A.S.)

Imam Redha (A.S.) said (to Rayyan Ibn Shabib): O' Son of Shabib! If you have to cry over something, then do so over Husain Ibn 'Ali (A.S.) for surely, he was slaughtered in the manner in which a ram is slaughtered.

Bihar al Anwar, vol. 94, pg. 286.

28. Gatherings in Remembrance of the Imams

Imam Redha (A.S.) said: He who sits in a gathering in which our affairs (and our path and aims) are discussed and revived, his heart shall not die on the day (Day of Judgment) when hearts shall die (of fear).

Bihar al Anwar vol. 4 pg. 178.

29. Benefits of Weeping over Husain (A.S.)

Imam Redha (A.S.) said: Those who weep should weep over the likes of Husain (A.S.) for surely, weeping over him does away with one's great sins.

Bihar al-Anwar vol: 94, pg. 184.

30. Forgiveness of Sins

Imam Redha (A.S.) said: O' Son of Shabib! Should you weep for Husain (A.S.) in the measure that tears roll down your cheeks, Allah would forgive all the sins committed by you, whether they be the great sins or the small sins and whether they be meagre or immense.

Amali Saduq, pg. 111.

31. Intimacy with the Progeny

Imam Redha (A.S.) said (to Ibn Shabib): O' Son of Shabib! If it makes you happy (and you desire) to be with us in the elevated ranks of paradise, then be sad in our grief and happy at our happiness.

Wasaail al-Shiah, vol. 14 pg. 502

32. Day of A'ashura

Imam Redha (A.S.) said: One who refrains from seeking his (worldly) desires on the day of A'ashura, Allah shall grant him his desires of this world and the hereafter.

Wasaail al Shiah, 14, pg. 504

33. Pilgrim of Husain (A.S.)

Imam Sadiq (A.S.) said: The zaair (pilgrim) of Imam Husain (A.S.) turns back (from his pilgrimage) such that not a single sin remains upon him.

Wasaail al-Shia'h, vol 14, pg. 412.

34. Imam Hussain (A.S.) Seeks Forgiveness for his Pilgrims

(Regarding someone who goes for pilgrimage to the shrine of Imam Husain (A.S.)), Imam Sadiq (A.S.) said: One who weeps for Imam Husain (A.S.), surely, the Imam (A.S.) observes him and seeks forgiveness for him and requests his holy fathers to (also) seek forgiveness for him.

Bihar al-Anwar vol. 44, pg. 181

35. Intercession on Day of Judgment

The Holy Prophet (S.A.W.A) (said to H. Fatimah (A.S.)): On the Day of Judgment, you shall intercede for the ladies and I shall intercede for the men; every person who has wept over the tragedy of Husain (A.S.), we shall take him by the hand and lead him into Paradise.

Bihar al-Anwar vol. 94 pg. 192

36. Imam Sadiq (A.S.) on Day of A'ashura

A'bdullah Ibn Sinaan says: I arrived in the presence of my master, Imam Sadiq (A.S.) on the day of A'ashura and found him pale and grief-stricken, with tears streaming from his eyes like falling pearls.

Mustadrak al- Wasail, vol 6, pg, 279.

37. Neither Angels nor Prophets

The Holy Prophet (S.A.W.A) said: (On the Day of Judgment, a group would be seen in the most excellent and honourable of states. They would be asked if they were of the Angels or of the Prophets. In reply they would state): "We are-neither Angels nor Prophets but of the indigent ones from the ummah of Muhammad (S.A.W.A)". They would then be asked: "How then did you achieve this lofty and honourable status?" They would reply: "We did not perform very many good deeds nor did we pass all the days in a state of fasting or all the nights in a state of worship but yes, we used to offer our (daily) prayers (regularly) and whenever we used to hear the mention of Muhammad (S.A.W.A), tears would roll down our cheeks".

Mustadrak al-Wasail, vol 10, pg. 318.

38. Visiting the Shrine of Imam Hussain (A.S.)

Imam Sadiq (A.S.) said: He (Imam Husain) sees those, who come to his shrine and he knows them by their names, their father's names and their ranks in the eyes of Allah, The Mighty, The Glorious, better than you know your own children!

Wasaail al Shiah vol 14, pg. 411.

39. Isa (A.S.) Weeps

Imam A'li (A.S.) said to Ibn A'bbas: (Once when he happened to pass by Kerbala), Isa (A.S.) sat down and began to weep. His disciples who were observing him, followed suit and began weeping too, but not comprehending the reason for this behaviour, they asked him: "O' Spirit of God! What is it that makes you weep?" Isa (A.S.) said: "Do you know what land this is?" The disciples replied: "No." He then said: "This is the land on, which the son of the Prophet Ahmad (S.A.W.A) shall be killed.

Bihar al Anwar vol 44 pg. 252.

40. All Creatures Weep over Imam Husain (A.S.)

Abu Baseer narrates that Imam Baqir (A.S.) said: The humans, the jinn, the birds and the wild beasts (all) mourned and wept over (the tragedy which befell) Husain Ibn A'li (A.S.)

Kaamil al-Ziyaaraat, pg. 79.

Crying on Imam Husain (a.s.)

There are numerous traditions which emphasize and discuss about crying on the afflictions and sufferings borne by Imam Husain (a.s.). There are many rewards mentioned in traditions for the one who sheds even a single drop of tear remembering Sayyed ush Shohda (a.s.). We read rewards such as forgiveness of sins, place in paradise, safety from Hellfire, etc in traditions.

Those interested to read traditions on this topic can refer to Chapters 32 and 33 of the book Kamiluz Ziyarat.

In this article here, we only want to present one tradition from the same book which shows the high status and position in the Hereafter for the one who cries and weeps for Imam Husain (a.s.) in this world.

Tradition:

Imam Sadiq (a.s.) said: O Zurarah! The sky rained blood for forty days and the earth became dark for forty days and the sun was eclipsed and turned red for forty days; the mountains were torn into pieces and dispersed and the seas gushed out and the angels wept for forty days over His Eminence (a.s.). And none of our ladies of Ahle Bayt (a.s.) dyed their hair, applied oil or Surma and combed their hair until the head of Ubaidullah bin Ziyad was sent to us; and even after that we continued to weep over him.

Whenever my grandfather remembered Imam Husain (a.s.), he would weep so much that his tears moistened his beard and everyone around him also began weeping. Angels near the grave of Imam Husain (a.s.) cry over him so much that every angel in the sky and in heavens cries in sympathy.

When the soul of Imam Husain (a.s.) left his body, Hell protested in such a way that the earth almost split apart. When the filthy souls of Ubaidullah bin Ziyad and Yazid bin Muawiyah left their bodies, Hell roared so intensely that but for Allah containing it, using its dedicated keepers, it would have burnt everyone on earth with its outburst. And if hellfire were permitted, it would not have left anything without swallowing it. But it is restrained by shackles and controlled by orders. Hell became violent and uncontrollable more than once, until Jibraeel went to it and pacified it with his wings.

The Hell cries and laments over Husain (a.s.) and its fire blazes on his killers. If it was not for the presence of Divine Proofs of Allah on the earth, it would have destroyed the earth and overturned everything on it. But earthquakes will increase only when Qiyamat is near.

There are no eyes and tears loved more by Allah than the eyes of those who cry and shed tears over Imam Husain (a.s.). And there is none who cries but that his crying reaches Lady Fatima (s.a.) and he supports her in her lamentation, and his crying also reaches the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) and in this way he fulfills our rights.

On Judgment Day all will be raised crying except those who cried over my grandfather, Imam Husain (a.s.). Those who have cried over him will receive glad tidings when they are resurrected. They will be delighted and happiness will be apparent from their faces. People will be fearful and restless but they will feel safe from grief and hardships.

People will be separate and dispersed and worried but they (who cried on Imam Husain (a.s.) will be sitting with Imam Husain (a.s.) under the shade of the Arsh, conversing with him, fearless of the trials of Judgment Day. They will be told: Enter Paradise; but they will refuse, choosing to sit with Imam Husain (a.s.) and listen to him. Then Houries will summon them.  But they will not even turn to the Houries due to the joy and honor they feel in their gathering.

Angels will bring messages sent by their spouses and servants, informing them of the blessings prepared for them in Paradise.

But they will reply, “We will join you, if Allah wills.”

Angels will inform their spouses of their reply. When their spouses learn how they are being honored and their closeness to Imam Husain (a.s.), they will yearn for them even more. Those who cried on Imam Husain (a.s.) will go on chanting:

“Praise be to Allah Who protected us from the great terror and trials of Judgment Day and saved us from that which we feared.”

Then some precious saddled mounts will be brought for them which they will ride to their abodes, praising and glorifying Allah and invoking blessings on Muhammad and Aale Muhammad (a.s.).

Traditions on jihad-e-akhbar (struggling against the self)

1. Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a) said, ‘The best jihad is performed by one who awakes in the morning with no intention to wrong anyone.’[al-Mahasin, v. 1, p. 456, no. 1053]

2. When someone addressed Imam Baqir (a.s), saying, ‘I am weak in my worship, praying and fasting but a little, though I strive to eat only that which is permissible, and be intimate with only those whom it is permissible’, the Imam replied, ‘What jihad is there better than restraint of the stomach and the private parts?!’[Ibid. v. 1, p. 455, no. 1052]

3. Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a) said: One who fights his own self in obedience to God is a (true) struggler in the way of Him. (Nahjul Fasaha)

4. Imam Ali (a.s.) said: The best Jihad is the struggle of the self against lustful desires, and its weaning away from the pleasures of this world. (Ghorar al-Hikam)

5. Imam Ali (a.s.) said: Verily struggling against the self restrains it from sins and protects it from destruction. (Ghorar al-Hikam)

6. Imam Ali (a.s) said: Indeed the one who struggles against his [lower] self, overcomes his anger and is careful in obeying [the commandments of] Allah, is raised by Allah, the Glorified, to the status of the one who fasts by day and stands in prayer by night, and is granted the rank of the patient soldier [who fights in His way]. (Ghorar al-Hikam)

7. Imam Ali (a.s) said: Struggle against your [lower] self and seek repentance, you will be successful in the obedience of your Lord. (Ghorar al-Hikam)

8. Imam Ali (a.s) said: Struggle against your vain desires, overcome your anger and resist your bad habits, [by this] your soul will become pure, your intellect will become perfect and the reward of your Lord will be complete. (Ghorar al-Hikam)

9. Imam Ali (a.s) said: Struggle against yourself and call it to account the way a partner would hold his partner accountable, and demand from it the right of Allah the way an adversary would demand from his foe, for verily the most felicitous of people is the one who undertakes to hold his self to account.(Ghorar al-Hikam)

10. Imam Ali (a.s) said: Struggling against the self with knowledge is a symbol of intelligence.

(Ghorar al-Hikam)

Tips on Self-Accounting

In numerous verses of the Holy Quran and traditions from Ahle Bait (a.s.) we have been constantly reminded that we have not been created for this world and the aim or goal of our creation is the Hereafter. Successful ones are those who will be successful in the Hereafter.

We are also fortunate that Allah, the Almighty has conveyed to us through Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) and Ahle Bait (a.s.) on deeds and actions which will benefit us in the Hereafter and also warned us from actions, sins, deeds which will harm us in the Hereafter.

A wise person is one who has the end goal and objective always in mind and is constantly checking if he is on the right track or not to reach that final objective.

Similarly, for success in Hereafter, we need to constantly examine our actions and see whether the actions performed by us will benefit us in Hereafter or will they harm us in the Hereafter. Self examination or self accounting is also greatly emphasized and advised in the traditions of Ahle Bait (a.s.).

We present here, few traditions on ‘self-accounting’ to highlight its importance and necessity.

Accounting of Actions

Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a) said, “Truly right now you live the day of action with no accounting therein, and very soon you will live the day of accounting with no action therein.” (A`alam al-Din, no. 345)

Imam al-Sadiq (a.s) said, 'Among the advices that Allah, Blessed and most High, gave to Jesus son of Mary (a.s) was, 'O Jesus, wherever you may be, scrutinize yourself on My behalf. (Bihar al-Anwar, v. 14, pp. 289 and 293, no. 14)

Imam Ali (a.s) said, ‘He who takes account of his self profits, he who neglects it is at a loss, and he who fears will be safe.’ (Bihar al-Anwar, v. 70, p. 73, no. 27)

Imam Ali al-Ridha (a.s) said,“He who reckons his own soul is successful; he who is heedless of it is unsuccessful.” (Al-Kafi v. 2, p. 111)

Imam Ali (a.s) said, 'Appoint your own self as a scrutinizer over yourself, and use this world to reserve your share in the Hereafter.’ (Ghurar al-Hikam, no. 2429)

Imam al-Sadiq (a.s) said, 'The man for whom each day passes exactly the same as another [where there is no change in his character or his deeds] is indeed a loser. And the man for whom the next day is always worse than the previous day is indeed cursed. And the man who never sees to improve himself day after day is indeed at a loss, and whoever passes his days in such loss, death is surely better for him than life.’ (Bihar al-Anwar, v. 78, p. 277, no. 113)

How wise are we?

Ameerul Momineen(a.s) said: I heard the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a) address his companions: Do you want me to tell you who is the wisest man and who is the most foolish?

The companions replied: Yes, O Allah’s Messenger, please inform us.

The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a) said, “Most wise is one, who takes account of his own conscience and does only that which may help him after his death.

While the most unwise and foolish is one who obeys and submits to his desires and yet hopes that God would fulfill his wishes.

One from the audience asked: O Ameerul Momineen, how should one take account of his conscience?

Imam (a.s) replied: He may, every evening ask himself: O My heart! This day has passed away not to return ever. Whatever deeds you have done in this day will be questioned by Almighty Allah. Now tell me what deeds you performed today?

Did you remember God and praise Him?

Did you fulfill any need of a believer?

Did you remove his trouble?

Did you take care of his family members during his absence?

Did you do any good to his children after he died?

Did you with your public influence, help the family of a faithful man during his absence?

Did you assist any Muslim?

In short, inform me about all of your activities during the day which has just passed away. Like this, one should recall his deeds.

If he recalls any good deed, he should say: God is Great and Praise Him for the inspiration given by Him.

If he recalls any misdeed or sin, he should repent and ask forgiveness from God and make intention never to repeat that mistake in future. He should thus remove that black dot from the slate of his heart by reciting benedictions afresh on the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a) and his purified progeny. He should remember the allegiance given to Ameerul

Momineen (a.s) and present that scene before his heart. He should also curse afresh, the Imam’s (a.s) enemies.

When he does like this, Almighty Allah tells him: I will not ask you about any of your sins, because you love My friends and are the enemy of My enemies. (Tafseer Imam Hasan Askari (a.s))

Neglecting Self-Accounting

Imam al-Kazim (a.s) said, 'The one who does not take account of himself every single day is not one of us. And when he performs a good deed, he should ask Allah to enable him to do more, and when he commits an evil deed, he must seek Allah’s forgiveness and repent for it.’(al-Kafi, v. 2, p. 453, no. 2)

Things we should account for

The Prophet (s.a.w.a) said, ‘The first thing that man will be asked about is our love, the people of the Household (ahl al-bayt).’ (UyounAkhbar al-Ridha (a.s.), v. 2, p. 62, no. 258)

Imam al-Sadiq (a.s) said, ‘The first thing that man will be asked about when he stands before Allah, Exalted be His Grandeur, is the obligatory prayers, the obligatory alms-tax (Zakat), the obligatory fasting, the obligatory pilgrimage (Hajj), and our guardianship (wilaya), the people of the household. If he attests to our guardianship and dies believing that, his prayer, fasting, alms and pilgrimage will all be accepted.’ (Amali al-Saduq, p. 212, no. 10)

The Prophet (s.a.w.a) said, ‘On the Day of Resurrection, the feet of the servant will not slip until he is asked about four things: his years and how he spent them, his youth and how he wasted it, his wealth, whence he earned it and how he spent it, and our love, the people of the household (ahl al-bayt).’(al-Khisal, p. 253, no. 125)

Practical Tips

1)    Allocate  time for accounting

The Prophet (s.a.w.a) said, 'The scriptures of Prophet Ibrahim (a.s.) contain the following: ‘…the rational man, as long as he is of sound reason, must put aside several hours during the day – an hour for conversing with his Lord, an hour for [self-scrutiny and] accounting for himself, an hour to ponder over Allah's favors bestowed upon him, and an hour to spend on his own lawful pleasures, for this one hour will be an aid to him in fulfilling his other hours, as well as a time to recuperate and relax.’ (al-Khisal, p. 525, no. 13 and Ma`ani al-Akhbar, p. 334)

2)    Be strict with yourself

Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a) said, “Oh Abu Dharr! A man cannot be among the pious until his accounting of himself is stronger than the accounting a (business) partner takes of his partner. So he knows from where his food comes from and from where his drink comes from and from where his cloths come from; from a lawful means or from a prohibited one.” [Makarim al Akhlaq: C.12, S.5, P.458]

3)    Search sins / defects within your-self

Imam Ali (a.s.) said, 'Allah has mercy on the servant who scrutinizes his sins carefully and fears his Lord.’[Ghurar al-Hikam, no. 5205]

Imam Ali (a.s.) said, ‘He who takes account of his soul will understand his defects and know his sins. He will repent for the sins and amend the defects.’[Ghurar al-Hikam, no. 8927]

4)    Note down in diary or a book

Imam Ali (a.s.) said, 'The rational man must calculate his soul's misdeeds against religion, reason, ethical virtues and good moral conduct. He must gather this information within himself or write it down in a book and work at eradicating them.’

[Bihar al-Anwar, v. 78, p. 6, no. 58]

5)    Control your ownself

Imam Ali (a.s.) said, 'Man must control and survey his own self, scrutinize his heart, and guard his tongue.’[Ghurar al-Hikam, no. 10947]

Imam Ali (a.s.) said, ‘Restrict your lower selves by holding them accountable and control them by opposing them.’[Ghurar al-Hikam, no. 6794]

The Prophet (s.a.w.a) said, 'Shall I tell you who is the toughest and strongest from among you?’ They replied, ‘Yes, O Prophet of Allah, do tell us’, so the Prophet (s.a.w.a) said, ‘The strongest and toughest of you is he who, when he is happy, his happiness does not lead him to committing a sin or anything wrong, and when he gets angry, his anger does not prevent him from speaking the truth, and when he is empowered in any way, he does not take hold of that which is not lawfully his.’[Ma`ani al-Akhbar, p. 366, no. 1]

6)    Never give up

Imam Zayn al-`Aabidin (a.s.) said, ‘O son of Adam! You will continue to thrive as long as you are the admonisher of yourself, and as long as accounting for yourself is one of your concerns.’

[Tuhaf al-`Uqoul, no. 280]

Thus, we pray to Allah (swt) to give us taufeeq to take account of our own self and prepare ourselves for his (a.t.f.s) rule of justice and peace.

Summary of Traditions regarding Meraj of Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.)

Allah, the Almighty, has said in His Noble book : 

سُبْحَانَ الَّذِي أَسْرَىٰ بِعَبْدِهِ لَيْلًا مِنَ الْمَسْجِدِ الْحَرَامِ إِلَى الْمَسْجِدِ الْأَقْصَى الَّذِي بَارَكْنَا حَوْلَهُ لِنُرِيَهُ مِنْ آيَاتِنَا ۚ إِنَّهُ هُوَ السَّمِيعُ الْبَصِيرُ

"Glorified be He who carried His servant from Masjid al‑Haram to Masjid al‑Aqsa, the precincts of which We have blessed, so that We may show him of Our Signs. Verily He is the All‑Hearing, the All‑Seeing. " [1]

One of the most amazing events that took place during the lifetime of our beloved Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) was the event of Me’raj.

This event is considered as one of the indisputable events of history and is a part of our religious beliefs. Every Muslim, in accordance with the clear verses of the Holy Qu’ran, in addition to the reliable chain of narrators, believe in Me’raj. 

All the Muslims commemorate 27^th of Rajab as the day of Meraj of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.)

The event of Meraj has its root in the Holy Quran and traditions. The importance of the belief in Meraj in Shia’ism in particular can be gauged from the below tradition of Imam Ali Reza (a.s.)

من أنكر ثلاثة أشياء فليس من شيعتنا – المعراج – المسئلة في القبر والشفاعة.

"One who denies (any of these) three things is not among our Shi`a (followers): the Meraj, the questioning in the grave and ash­ Shafa`ah (intercession).”

)Behar al Anwaar, Vol. 6, Pg 223)

Holy Prophet of Islam (s.a.w.a.) travelled with his physical body through the worlds of ascension. Further, by the greatness of the Hidden Power, he was able to complete this journey in a very short span of time.

Below are few traditions from Ahle Bait (as) on Meraj and the events which occurred in Meraj.

Tradition 1: Popularity of Hazrat Ameerul Momineen (as) in the skies.

It is narrated from Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) that he said, on the night of Meraj, every time I passed by a group of angels, they asked me about Ali ibn Abi Talib (as) so often that I started to believe that Ali (as) was more famous in the skies than I was.

When I reached the fourth sky, I saw the angel of death.

The angel of death asked me, “O Mohammed (s.a.w.a.), how is Ali (a.s.)?

I said, “O my friend, how do you know Ali (a.s.)?

He said, “O Mohammed (s.a.w.a.), I am responsible for taking the life of everyone that Allah created except for two beings, that is, your life and Ali’s life, because Allah Himself will take your lives.”

Then I reached the Arsh (the throne) and when I looked up I saw Ali ibn Abi Talib (a.s.) standing under the Throne of my Lord.

I said, “O Ali! Did you race me here?”

Then Jibrael (a.s.) asked me, “O Mohammed (s.a.w.a.) to whom are you speaking”?

I replied, “I am talking to my brother, Ali ibn Abi Talib (a.s.).”

Jibraeel (a.s.) replied, “O Mohammed (s.a.w.a.), this is not Ali (a.s.). This is an angel that Allah has created in the shape of Ali ibn Abi Talib (a.s.). When we angels miss Ali ibn Abi Talib (a.s.) we go and look at this angel and seek forgiveness from Allah for Ali’s (a.s.) Shia.[2]

Tradition 2: People who Lie

While describing the scenes of Meraj, the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) told Janabe Fatema Zahra (s.a.):

“On the night of Meraj I saw a woman whose head resembled a pig and her body was like that of a donkey. It was due to the fact that she spread discord and told lies.”  [3]

Tradition 3 : Those who disrespect the purified Ahle Bait (as).

On the night of Meraj the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) saw the following inscriptions on the door of Hell:

“Allah degrades the one who insults Islam, the one who insults the purified Ahle Bait (a.s.) and the one who helps an oppressor in oppression.” [4]

Tradition 4: Those who Usurp the Properties of Orphans

 The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) says:

 “On the night of ascension (Meraj) when I was taken to the skies I decried a group of people whose bellies were being stuffed with fire. And the fire was spilling from their anal openings. I asked Jibraeel, who they are? Jibraeel replied, ‘They are those who used to usurp the property of the orphans unjustly’.” [5]

Tradition 5: Those who take Usury

The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) has also stated:

“On the night of ascension (Meraj) I saw some people trying to stand up but did not succeed because of their huge bellies, I asked, O Jibraeel, who are these people?”

Jibraeel replied, “They are those who have taken usury. Now they can only stand up like those who have been possessed by the Devils.”

Tradition 6 : Those who have Love of this World in their Hearts.

The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) said, “The Lord Almighty told me on the night of Meraj, ‘O Ahmad, if any of My slaves may offer prayers and fasts equal to that done by all in the sky and the earth, may refrain from food like angels, may wear the dress of constant worshippers and then I see that in his heart was even an iota of love or desire for worldly fame, position, material desire etc. I will not admit him to Paradise. I will remove My love from his heart. I will make his heart dark, so that he may forget Me and I will not allow him to taste the sweetness of My love.”

Tradition 7: The Voice of  Imam Ali (as) During the Meraj.

Abdullah ibn `Umar that: "I heard someone ask the Prophet of Allah (s.a.w.a.) - `with what voice did Allah, the Glorified and High, speak to you on the night of the Meraj ?" The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) replied, "My Lord spoke to me with the voice of 'Ali ibn Abi Talib (a.s.) and said, `O' Ahmad (s.a.w.a.)! I am an Entity that is not like anything else. I cannot be compared to anything else and I know all the secrets of your heart. With the exception of 'Ali ibn Abi Talib (a.s.), you have no other close friend. Thus, I speak to you with the voice of 'Ali ibn Abi Talib (a.s.) so that your heart will be at ease."[6]

Excerpts from the Book - Irshad al-Qulub on the event of Meraj.

a.     Renouncing the world.

The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) said,

"Lord! How do I renounce life and seek the Hereafter?”

The Almighty said, "Take from this life light food and drink as well as clothing; do not hoard for tomorrow, and keep remembering Me.”

b.     Seeking nearness to Allah, the Almighty

The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) said,"Lord! Lead me to a deed whereby I seek nearness to You.”

The Almighty said,"Make your night a day and your day a night.” The Prophet (S) said, "How so, Lord?”

The Almighty said,"Turn your sleep into prayer and your food into hunger.

c.      Seeking proximity to Allah, the Almighty

O Ahmad (s.a.w.a.)! Do you know during what time a servant becomes close to Allah?”

The Prophet (S) said, "No, Lord, I do not.” The Almighty said, "He does so when he is either hungry or prostrating.

d.     Loving the Poor

O Ahmad (s.a.w.a.)!  Love for My sake is love for the poor; so, get close to the poor and let them get close to you, and keep away from the rich and keep them away from you, for the poor are the ones that I love.

e.     Characteristics of  seekers of Duniya & Aakherat.

The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) asked :"Lord ! Who are the seekers of life and who seek the Hereafter?”

The Almighty said,"One who seeks this world eats a lot, laughs a lot, and sleeps a lot, and his anger is a lot, too. He is pleased only a little. He does not apologize to those to whom he misbehaves, nor does he accept the excuse of those who apologize to him. He is lazy when being obedient [to Me] and courageous when disobedient. His hopes are high and destination is near. He does not hold himself accountable; he is of little benefit while being talkative. His fear is little and he is quite happy when it is time to eat. The seekers of this life do not express thanks at the time of ease, nor are they patient at the time of affliction.”

O Ahmad (s.a.w.a.)! The countenance of the seekers of goodness and of the Hereafter is kind; their modesty is a lot and foolishness is little; their plotting is little. People are at ease on their account while their own souls are wearisome. Their speech is balanced. They hold themselves to account, wearing them out; their eyes sleep but not their hearts. Their eyes are tearful and hearts are in remembrance. When people are recorded as oblivious, they are written among those who remember. At the beginning of a bliss they praise [their Lord] and at its end they thank [Him]. Their supplication is raised with Allah, the Almighty, their speech is heard. The angels are happy on their account. Their supplication runs under the veils. The Lord loves to hear their speech just as a mother loves her child. Nothing distracts them from Allah for a twinkling of an eye, nor do they want plenty of food, or plenty of talk, or plenty of clothing. In their regard, people are dead while Allah is Living, Subsisting, Great.

If the soul of one of them departs from his body, I shall not send the angel of death unto him, and none shall seize his soul except Me.

May Allah protect us from being among his deviated servants. May Allah give us taufeeq to obey His Messenger and His message.

---

[1] Holy Quran surah (Al ISRA) 17 : 1

[2] Behar al Anwaar, Vol. 18, page 300

[3] Oyoon Akhbare-Reza

[4] Mustadrakul Wasael

[5] Wasaelush Shia

[6] Kashf al-Ghummah, Vol. 1, p. 106