Moral values of Quran a commentary on surah Hujurate chapter1

Moral values of Quran a commentary on surah Hujurate

Chapter1

BOOK ID 

Author (s): Ayatullah Sayyid Abdul Husayn Dastghaib Shirazi 

Publisher (s): Ansariyan Publications - Qum 

Category: Qur’an Commentaries 

Topic Tags: Quran Surah Hujurat Commentary

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A detailed tafsir (exegesis) on Surah Hujurat by Ayatullah Dastaghaib Shirazi focusing on the moral instructions and contained within and lessons on how to implement this morality.

Text of the Holy Sura Hujurat 

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِیمِ 

ِ یَا أَیُّهَا الَّذِینَ آمَنُوا لَا تُقَدِّمُوا بَیْنَ یَدَیِ اللَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِ وَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ إِنَّ اللَّهَ سَمِیعٌ عَلِیمٌ {1} 

[49: 1] O you who believe! be not forward in the presence of Allah and His Messenger, and be careful of (your duty to) Allah; surely Allah is Hearing, Knowing. 

یَا أَیُّهَا الَّذِینَ آمَنُوا لَا تَرْفَعُوا أَصْوَاتَکُمْ فَوْقَ صَوْتِ النَّبِیِّ وَلَا تَجْهَرُوا لَهُ بِالْقَوْلِ کَجَهْرِ بَعْضِکُمْ لِبَعْضٍ أَن تَحْبَطَ أَعْمَالُکُمْ وَأَنتُمْ لَا تَشْعُرُونَ {2} 

[49: 2] O you who believe! do not raise your voices above the voice of the Prophet, and do not speak loud to him as you speak loud to one another, lest your deeds became null while you do not perceive. 

إِنَّ الَّذِینَ یَغُضُّونَ أَصْوَاتَهُمْ عِندَ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ أُوْلَئِکَ الَّذِینَ امْتَحَنَ اللَّهُ قُلُوبَهُمْ لِلتَّقْوَی لَهُم مَّغْفِرَةٌ وَأَجْرٌ عَظِیمٌ {3} 

[49: 3] Surely those who lower their voices before Allah's Messenger are they whose hearts Allah has proved for guarding (against evil) ; they shall have forgiveness and a great reward. 

إِنَّ الَّذِینَ یُنَادُونَکَ مِن وَرَاء الْحُجُرَاتِ أَکْثَرُهُمْ لَا یَعْقِلُونَ {4} 

[49: 4] (As for) those who call out to you from behind the private chambers, surely most of them do not understand. 

وَلَوْ أَنَّهُمْ صَبَرُوا حَتَّی تَخْرُجَ إِلَیْهِمْ لَکَانَ خَیْرًا لَّهُمْ وَاللَّهُ غَفُورٌ رَّحِیمٌ {5} 

[49: 5] And 

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if they wait patiently until you come out to them, it would certainly be better for them, and Allah is Forgiving, Merciful. 

یَا أَیُّهَا الَّذِینَ آمَنُوا إِن جَاءکُمْ فَاسِقٌ بِنَبَأٍ فَتَبَیَّنُوا أَن تُصِیبُوا قَوْمًا بِجَهَالَةٍ فَتُصْبِحُوا عَلَی مَا فَعَلْتُمْ نَادِمِینَ {6} 

[49: 6] O you who believe! if an evil-doer comes to you with a report, look carefully into it, lest you harm a people in ignorance, then be sorry for what you have done. 

وَاعْلَمُوا أَنَّ فِیکُمْ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ لَوْ یُطِیعُکُمْ فِی کَثِیرٍ مِّنَ الْأَمْرِ لَعَنِتُّمْ وَلَکِنَّ اللَّهَ حَبَّبَ إِلَیْکُمُ الْإِیمَانَ وَزَیَّنَهُ فِی قُلُوبِکُمْ وَکَرَّهَ إِلَیْکُمُ الْکُفْرَ وَالْفُسُوقَ وَالْعِصْیَانَ أُوْلَئِکَ هُمُ الرَّاشِدُونَ {7} 

[49: 7] And know that among you is Allah's Messenger; should he obey you in many a matter, you would surely fall into distress, but Allah has endeared the faith to you and has made it seemly in your hearts, and He has made hateful to you unbelief and transgression and disobedience; these it is that are the followers of a right way. 

فَضْلًا مِّنَ اللَّهِ وَنِعْمَةً وَاللَّهُ عَلِیمٌ حَکِیمٌ {8} 

[49: 8] By grace from Allah and as a favor; and Allah is Knowing, Wise. 

وَإِن طَائِفَتَانِ مِنَ الْمُؤْمِنِینَ اقْتَتَلُوا فَأَصْلِحُوا بَیْنَهُمَا فَإِن بَغَتْ إِحْدَاهُمَا عَلَی الْأُخْرَی فَقَاتِلُوا الَّتِی تَبْغِی حَتَّی تَفِیءَ إِلَی أَمْرِ اللَّهِ فَإِن فَاءتْ فَأَصْلِحُوا بَیْنَهُمَا بِالْعَدْلِ وَأَقْسِطُوا إِنَّ اللَّهَ یُحِبُّ الْمُقْسِطِینَ {9} 

[49: 9] And if two parties of the believers quarrel, make peace between them; but if one of them acts wrongfully towards the other, fight that which acts wrongfully until it returns to Allah's command; then if it returns, make peace 

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between them with justice and act equitably; surely Allah loves those who act equitably. 

إِنَّمَا الْمُؤْمِنُونَ إِخْوَةٌ فَأَصْلِحُوا بَیْنَ أَخَوَیْکُمْ وَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ لَعَلَّکُمْ تُرْحَمُونَ {10} 

[49: 10] The believers are but brethren, therefore make peace between your brethren and be careful of (your duty to) Allah that mercy may be had on you. 

یَا أَیُّهَا الَّذِینَ آمَنُوا لَا یَسْخَرْ قَومٌ مِّن قَوْمٍ عَسَی أَن یَکُونُوا خَیْرًا مِّنْهُمْ وَلَا نِسَاء مِّن نِّسَاء عَسَی أَن یَکُنَّ خَیْرًا مِّنْهُنَّ وَلَا تَلْمِزُوا أَنفُسَکُمْ وَلَا تَنَابَزُوا بِالْأَلْقَابِ بِئْسَ الاِسْمُ الْفُسُوقُ بَعْدَ الْإِیمَانِ وَمَن لَّمْ یَتُبْ فَأُوْلَئِکَ هُمُ الظَّالِمُونَ {11} 

[49: 11] O you who believe! let not (one) people laugh at (another) people perchance they may be better than they, nor let women (laugh) at (other) women, perchance they may be better than they; and do not find fault with your own people nor call one another by nicknames; evil is a bad name after faith, and whoever does not turn, these it is that are the unjust. 

یَا أَیُّهَا الَّذِینَ آمَنُوا اجْتَنِبُوا کَثِیراً مِّنَ الظَّنِّ إِنَّ بَعْضَ الظَّنِّ إِثْمٌ وَلَا تَجَسَّسُوا وَلَا یَغْتَب بَّعْضُکُم بَعْضًا أَیُحِبُّ أَحَدُکُمْ أَن یَأْکُلَ لَحْمَ أَخِیهِ مَیْتًا فَکَرِهْتُمُوهُ وَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ إِنَّ اللَّهَ تَوَّابٌ رَّحِیمٌ {12} 

[49: 12] O you who believe! avoid most of suspicion, for surely suspicion in some cases is a sin, and do not spy nor let some of you backbite others. Does one of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? But you abhor it; and be careful of (your duty to) Allah, surely Allah is Oft-returning (to mercy) , Merciful. 

یَا أَیُّهَا 

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النَّاسُ إِنَّا خَلَقْنَاکُم مِّن ذَکَرٍ وَأُنثَی وَجَعَلْنَاکُمْ شُعُوبًا وَقَبَائِلَ لِتَعَارَفُوا إِنَّ أَکْرَمَکُمْ عِندَ اللَّهِ أَتْقَاکُمْ إِنَّ اللَّهَ عَلِیمٌ خَبِیرٌ {13} 

[49: 13] O you men! surely We have created you of a male and a female, and made you tribes and families that you may know each other; surely the most honorable of you with Allah is the one among you most careful (of his duty) ; surely Allah is Knowing, Aware. 

قَالَتِ الْأَعْرَابُ آمَنَّا قُل لَّمْ تُؤْمِنُوا وَلَکِن قُولُوا أَسْلَمْنَا وَلَمَّا یَدْخُلِ الْإِیمَانُ فِی قُلُوبِکُمْ وَإِن تُطِیعُوا اللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ لَا یَلِتْکُم مِّنْ أَعْمَالِکُمْ شَیْئًا إِنَّ اللَّهَ غَفُورٌ رَّحِیمٌ {14} 

[49: 14] The dwellers of the desert say: We believe. Say: You do not believe but say, We submit; and faith has not yet entered into your hearts; and if you obey Allah and His Messenger, He will not diminish aught of your deeds; surely Allah is Forgiving, Merciful. 

إِنَّمَا الْمُؤْمِنُونَ الَّذِینَ آمَنُوا بِاللَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِ ثُمَّ لَمْ یَرْتَابُوا وَجَاهَدُوا بِأَمْوَالِهِمْ وَأَنفُسِهِمْ فِی سَبِیلِ اللَّهِ أُوْلَئِکَ هُمُ الصَّادِقُونَ {15} 

[49: 15] The believers are only those who believe in Allah and His Messenger then they doubt not and struggle hard with their wealth and their lives in the way of Allah; they are the truthful ones. 

قُلْ أَتُعَلِّمُونَ اللَّهَ بِدِینِکُمْ وَاللَّهُ یَعْلَمُ مَا فِی السَّمَاوَاتِ وَمَا فِی الْأَرْضِ وَاللَّهُ بِکُلِّ شَیْءٍ عَلِیمٌ {16} 

[49: 16] Say: Do you apprise Allah of your religion, and Allah knows what is in the heavens and what is in the earth; and Allah is Cognizant of all things. 

یَمُنُّونَ عَلَیْکَ أَنْ أَسْلَمُوا قُل لَّا تَمُنُّوا عَلَیَّ إِسْلَامَکُم بَلِ 

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اللَّهُ یَمُنُّ عَلَیْکُمْ أَنْ هَدَاکُمْ لِلْإِیمَانِ إِن کُنتُمْ صَادِقِینَ {17} 

[49: 17] They think that they lay you under an obligation by becoming Muslims. Say: Lay me not under obligation by your Islam: rather Allah lays you under an obligation by guiding you to the faith if you are truthful. 

إِنَّ اللَّهَ یَعْلَمُ غَیْبَ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ وَاللَّهُ بَصِیرٌ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ {18} 

[49: 18] Surely Allah knows the unseen things of the heavens and the earth; and Allah sees what you do.

A Synopsis of Surah Hujurat 

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Note: Chapters of Qur’an are called ‘Surah’. Hujurat means ‘rooms’ or ‘cha mbers’ 

1) Personality of the Last Prophet 

The axis of society, which is the center of gravity for its preservation, must be respected more than anything because the preservation of this personality will be the basis of the survival and supremacy of that society. What personality can ever be higher and which axis weightier than the last Prophet, Muhammad, and which society can ever be more stable and higher than the Muslim society? 

Besides, it is an essential condition of Faith in God and knowing of His Messenger that due respect and honor should always be given to His Messenger. 

It is here that, in the first part of this holy Surah, Almighty God, addressing the Faithful, commands that it is absolutely necessary for Muslims to restrain themselves from going ahead of God and His Messenger. He asks them to control themselves from raising their voice above the voice of the Holy Prophet and from calling him as they call one another. Rather, they must observe courtesy; that they should 

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wait till the Holy Prophet comes out of his house and that only thereafter, should they submit their need to him. They should never call him as they call others. 

2) Regret in Believing in the Word of a Transgressor 

The basis of many quarrels and vengeance is the acceptance of the false talks of mischievous people who, because of their selfishness, make two or more people one another’s deadly enemies and some also consider this evil deed enjoyable. Simple-minded people too, without making inquiries, following their sentiments possibly accept their word. This results in disputes, quarrels and even massacres and the enmity lasts for a very long time. Though, sometimes the flames come down but after some time they again rise up as we can see in history on several occasions. What should be done, however, is that we must follow the guidance of the Holy Qur’an and must not accept the word of an impious person and should prevent the said bloodshed and restlessness. 

Some others either because of sentiments or personal interests try to drag others also by instigating them for fanning the fire of differences and disputes. 

In the second part of this holy Surah, a guidance has been given that your duty, O Muslims! Is obedience of orders, not issuing orders! In brief, if you choose obedience to God and His Messenger it would be better both for your worldly life and your eternal life in the Hereafter. 

3) Reconciliation between Muslims 

The law of Islam considers its followers brothers of one another and says that all are like the leaves of a 

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single tree and limbs of a single body. If one person is in trouble, others cannot remain unconcerned. Therefore, if there occurs any ill will or trouble between two or more persons; the duty of all others is well wishing, admonition and good advice; and finally, if because for any reason, it is not remedied, then, as an inevitable measure, for preventing furtherance of final trouble, force should be applied against one who is lying, and before things get worsened, stamp out the mischief and end the trouble. Of course justice, piety, divine aspect and spiritualism should be kept in mind, both in war and peace. These are the itineraries contained in the third part of this holy Surah. 

4) Find and Remove the Roots of differences 

For preserving amity in Muslim society, it is necessary that, first, the elements or factors of disintegration should be found and then they should be removed. The main factors that tear the hearts apart are having bad opinion or misunderstanding about one another and thereafter, in following and spying one another and then making a mockery of one another and calling by insulting titles to tease one another and even back biting one another and showing oneself higher than the other by way of ego and pride. If these evils are found out and eliminated there will be no more quarrels between Muslims and the tree of Islam will bear desired fruits, happiness for all. 

In order to stop such things, the Holy Qur’an admonishes us all that one must never make a 

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mockery of others because; it is quite possible that the one whom you are mocking may be better than you. So do not call one another names. The Holy Qur’an regards spying on others and forming bad opinion about others a sin. It equates backbiting with eating carrion. 

From preventing one from pride and ego, the Holy Qur’an says that the origin of creation of all is one and the same. They are all born of a father and a mother, and there is no distinction for one over another from this aspect. It says that all natural differences (like color, languages etc) are for recognition, not for self-glorification. 

Such noteworthy subjects form the fourth part of this holy Surah.

5) Apparent Islam and inward Faith 

The reality of Islam and Faith has become confusing for a number of people. The fact is that there is a lot of difference between Islam and Faith. The holy religion of Islam, due to expedience, has based its itineraries and planning on cleanliness, matrimony, inheritance etc on verbal utterance with regard to Oneness of God and the Prophethood of the last Prophet, Muhammad. But what is Faith? 

It is to cling to this belief and also to believe that one is bound to obey the Commands of God and orders of the Holy Prophet. At several places in the Holy Qur’an, love of God and His fear and hope from and trust in Him has been considered the essentials of Faith. In this holy Surah also, a clear distinction between Islam and 

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Faith has been shown. It says that Faithful are those who are fully devoted to God and His Messenger, that is, they are solely connected with Allah and His Prophet and who are not inclined towards this material world. 

As a result, they have no kind of doubt or hesitation and so they offer sacrifices with their lives and their wealth in the path of Allah and in struggle in His cause. This is because they have found out the highest of aims and the best of ideologies. They know that everything is transient and perishable except Only One God. So they sacrifice the transient for the eternal. 

Admonition regarding these matters forms the subject matter of the fifth part of this holy Surah. 

6) Faith is God’s Bounty 

Some unwise people during the initial days of Islam and also in other periods thought that they have earned some rights by adopting Islam. They thought that they have accomplished something extraordinary. So they used to show to the Holy Prophet that they had done a favor to him by becoming Muslims. The Holy Qur’an wants to make them understand that verbal Islam has no spiritual value; that the real value is for the Faith in heart which becomes manifest through words and deeds. It keeps one away from sin and spurs towards every good; that this also is a grant from the Lord Who adds good to everyone who has inclined to it. In fact, by this kindness, God has favored the faithful. God knows who is 

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worthy of such a bounty. 

This matter also forms the subject of the sixth and the last part of this holy Surah. 

Thus, this chapter shows the path of the good in this world and in the Hereafter to Muslim as well as the Muslim society. We explain here under six titles. 

Simple explanation for common understanding 

Among the great bounties granted by God to Ayatullah Dastghaib, is the bounty of eloquence whereby he, in a greater part of his life, prepared the commentary of Qur’an in a simple- to-understand style for common people. He explained difficult matters with common parables and stories. 

Commentary of the Surah Hujurat is an example of his attractive and unparalleled style of explanation. Like his other books it has been and is being published in various modes and in attractive forms again and again. This book will also be welcomed by all, God willing. 

This book is a collection of his sermons of the holy month of Ramadhan 1396 Hijri coinciding with 1355 (Solar era). Hasan Sadaqat had very painstakingly reproduced it from audiotapes. This transcribed edition was then revised and printed. Mr. Sadaqat’s efforts are indeed worth appreciation and thanks. 

Of course, care has been taken to ensure that the style of speaking and addressing, which is most popular today remains as it was. 

By the way, the sermon of the fourth day of Ramadhan could not be obtained for which we are extremely sorry. It is our earnest request to those brothers who had recorded it to hand it over in the library of 

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the Shiraz Jama Masjid so that it can be incorporated in the next edition. 

Finally I feel it my duty to thank the manager and the workers of the well-equipped and unparalleled Mustafavi Press who extended every co-operation in this religious service and to seek the best of rewards for them from God in both this world and the Hereafter. 

Shiraz, 

04/04/1357 (HS) /15th Shaban1398 (HQ) 

(Birth Date of Imam Mahdi a. t. f. s. ) 

Sayyid Muhammad Hashim Dastghaib

Part 1 

Thankfulness for the bounty of life and perception of Ramadhan 

Thanks to God Who granted us the great bounty of life. Man must always be thankful, that is, he should appreciate every bounty. The basis of every bounty and its benefits is the life of man. When life ends, the file is closed. Thereafter, there is no more gain. If man knows the original and main bounty, the perfection of bounty, the benefits of them all turn to life. When your breathing is over, neither is there any remedy for your sins, which can be purified by repentance, nor your reward is going to increase. How true has the poet said: 

This breath which goes and which returns is a precious pearl. 

How much valuable it is! He is stupefied. He understands in the grave. He realizes inside the grave. He breathes on dust. How many benefits were there in the world (during his life) , which he could have obtained? At last, when he realizes he says, “My Lord, send us back that we may perform good deeds! My God! Now I have understood how valuable my lifespan was. How effective 

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were the hours of my life! I have realized only now. O Lord! Make me return so that I may take full benefit of my life. ” It is then said to him, “Never. It is over. No more life now. Who has been given two lives that you may also be given? Everyone who has died has finished his role. Now you know what a great bounty God gave you that once again the holy month of Ramadhan has been a part of your life? ” 

Recall those who were here last year but now they are beneath the earth, even those who were younger than you have met with some accident and died. Now that you and I are here, how many times must we say, “Praise be to Allah the Lord of the worlds. I want to be thankful. ” So thank God as Ramadhan has arrived once again and we are fortunate to get its benefits. Firsts of all pray for the dead and know that special emphasis for prayers for the dead has been made during Ramadhan. During the month of Ramadhan, the dead have more than usual hopes from the living that they (the living) may send supplications for them and also make charities for them. O Lord! Now that You have favored us and preserved us, give us good sense also so that we may thank You and may take full benefit from Your bounty. Let us now begin in the name of Allah and gain 

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the benefits. 

Salawat, the Best Recitation 

The first and foremost benefit is by reciting Salawat [1] as many times as possible, every day and every night, a thousand times in a sitting. Say, “O Allah, bless Muhammad and the Progeny of Muhammad. ” After the ‘Asr [2] prayer say a hundred times, “O Allah, bless Muhammad and the Progeny of Muhammad and hasten their reappearance. ” [3] Doubtlessly, among all the recitals mentioned for Ramadhan is the recitation of Salawat during the day and night of this month. Only one narration is sufficient to realize its importance. 

Shaykh Saduq has, in his book Amali, narrated authentically that from the Asr time on Thursday, a number of angels holding books made up of heavenly silver and pens made of heavenly gold come down to the earth and they rise up by sunset on Friday. Their only job is to note down the Salawat recited for Muhammad and his Progeny. 

Explanation of Surah Hujurat is appropriate 

Now as regards the subjects in the Holy Qur’an (The month of Ramadhan is that in which the Qur’an was revealed) [4] , since this is the month of Qur’an, the topics of sermons are based on some holy Surahs, and one of them is Surah Hujurat, so that its subjects and revelations may be heard by all and everyone may benefit from them. 

Today, the heavenly revelation is wholly based on the Qur’an of Muhammad, but I have desired to begin with this holy Chapter, because I have been reminded that today is the best of all other days, being the first of Ramadhan. The Holy 

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Prophet had given some admonitions in the sermon on the last Friday of the month of Shaban. I would like to mention about it inter alia in such a manner that it may not become too long. 

Importance and Bounties of the holy month of Ramadhan 

Ibn Babawahy has, through authentic chains narrated in Amali, that the Holy Prophet said, “O Muslims! Be glad. Be happy, as the Month of God has arrived. How nice. How has it come? With Mercy, with Forgiveness, with Bounties! ” 

Bounty means abundance, benefit-taking. What abundance can be higher than this? This holy month has lots of bounties. Every breath that is inhaled and exhaled has the reward of reciting: ‘Glory be to Allah’. O the one who fasts in this holy month of Ramadhan! Your breathing in it is also worship. Moreover, your sleep is counted as worship. 

Reciting of one verse of Qur’an in this month is like reciting the whole Qur’an in any other month. The offering of two units of obligatory prayer in this month is equal to offering seventy units in any other month. 

Organs are restrained from Prohibited deeds 

All efforts are aimed at strengthening of spirit and spiritualism and in weakening the forces of animalism. Doors of Satan are closed. Do you know how it is done? All these tongues are put under strict control. Right from the first night of the month of Ramadhan, a believer does not say any wrong to another believer. Thus, he closes the door of hell. The tongue, which is the door of hell, is shut. One no more backbites anyone. 

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One does not slander others. He does not spread rumors. He does not lie. 

The eyes, which were the gates of hell, got closed since last night. One who fasts is restrained from all sins. He does not indulge in dishonesty through these eyes. He does not look at banned scenes. If it happened last night, it happened. Now it should not recur. Ears too are closed. They were also leading to hell and now they are sealed. Thus the gate of hell is locked. The feet which, God-forbid, were moving towards prohibited places have also stopped. 

I would like to talk about abundance. The holy month has many bounties. They are beyond men’s counting power. Just know this much that Imam Zainul Abideen says, 

“Salam and greeting to you, O month of Ramadhan! Salam to you O Eid of the friends of God! ” 

The Eid of children is Navrooz (New Year Day). The Eid of the wise people is the holy month of Ramadhan. The festival of those whose character is like animals, who are belly worshippers is the day when their animality multiplies and gets perfected through eating and drinking and all kinds of merry making involving lust and passion. The character of such people is child-like. But what is the day of happiness for wise and intelligent people? 

It is when their spirit or soul becomes strong, not their belly or stomach. Belly filling, belly worshipping is the occupation of animals. I tell you, O man! However much you may give 

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to your stomach you will not reach the level of a cow. The cow is, O sirs, more clever than you. The more she eats, the more gratification she gets. After all, it is not this eating and sleeping to which man should give importance. This trend is animal-like. Man eats due to helplessness and compulsion. It is not, like a donkey or cow, an aim in itself. The eating must be only to fulfill the need, not gluttony. 

Month of wakefulness and self-realization 

By and by, you have missed yourselves. The month of Ramadhan is for regaining yourselves, for reaching yourselves. Who are you? I mean, your spirit and soul, not your flesh and skin. This flesh and skin is a means of riding for you. Your reality, your true self is something else. It is a precious pearl. A siren is sent to you from the turret of the Divine rostrum. It reveals the Truth. During the month of Ramadhan you close the road leading to animalism. You weaken inclination towards eating more, sleeping more, voluptuousness and excessive talking. 

Observing Ramadhan honestly strengthens your spirit. It brightens your soul until, on the basis of knowledge and certainty, you say, “I witness that there is no god except Allah. ” You proclaim this with conviction, awareness and your knowledge of the Oneness of the God and… When does man’s soul realize? When his spiritualism becomes strong and his trend towards animalism becomes extremely weak. 

A full belly is not in harmony with spiritualism 

Imam Sadiq has said, as mentioned in Furu al-Kafi, that the worst condition 

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of man, in the sight of God is when the stomach of man is full to the brim. A belly full of spiritualism makes man perfect like Barrah. A belly-filled gluttonous man is no different from a cow. (Indeed they eat like the cattle eat, and there is Hellfire is their dwelling). Let us now move forward. 

The bounties of Ramadhan are innumerable. So, I say, “O Muslims! Make prostration of thankfulness to God and recite, ‘I thank you my God’ that I did not die and got Ramadhan once more. I obtained the Day of Joy for the friends of God. I got the month of God. I got the bounties of this holy and most precious month. ” Fasting during its days, rising earlier at its dawns, its prayers, its recitations, its charities, its remembrances and various kinds of good deeds. This month provides you every good opportunity.

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[1]: Salawat = invoking blessings, “O Allah bless Muhammad and the Progeny of Muhammad (Allahumma Salli A’laa Muhammad, wa Aali Muhammad) 

[2]: Afternoon Prayer 

[3]: Allahumma Salli A’laa Muhammad, wa Aali Muhammad wa wa A’jjil Farajahum (or A’jjil faraja Muhammad) 

[4]: Surah Baqarah 2: 185

Bonds of relationship with kinsfolk and Divine Mercy 

The good deeds towards which you must pay more attention during this holy month are mentioned in the tradition of the Holy Prophet, “Do you want to attract God’s Mercy? If so, then try your utmost to behave nicely and generously with your blood relatives. Join with them. ” This good deed can be accomplished in many ways. If your relative is poor, fulfill his needs; give him money. Make him your guest (host them). Who are such relatives? Father and mother, through whom you came into the world, then those who are your relatives through your mother and father, that is, brother, 

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sister, cousins. Likewise look downward: Aunt, children of aunt. Take their care especially in Ramadhan so that God also joins His Mercy with you. 

Obscenity and adultery cuts off family relations 

In some advanced countries, social life has become so much disintegrated that the very idea of relationship has been nullified. Who is the father? Who is the mother? No one knows about brother and sister, aunt and other relatives. Free sex and liberty to do all kinds of unlawful deeds is rampant. A few years ago a periodical reported that every year five thousand unlawful children are born only in London. Five thousand fatherless babies are being handed over to the state. Such was the condition twenty years ago. What must be the figure today? I do not know. Then these illegitimate ones became the chief of organizations and heads of institutions. What did they bring on the helpless citizens, a hard fist indeed! 

One of my acquaintances quotes, in foreign lands, it has become a system that some millionaires bequeath their wealth to their dogs. I was very much astonished to hear this. So I asked, “Do they have children of their own? ” He replied, “Yes, they have, yet they make will in favor of dogs because, they do not believe that their children are their own offspring. ” Then, is it not important for Muslims to know the value of Islamic laws and act accordingly? Your family relations are connected with you. You are one. This world’s as well as that Hereafter’s well-being is in maintaining these 

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good relations with your near and dear relatives. 

Industry without Spiritualism 

Do not think that these foreigners who build missiles and space ships are all right from the spiritual angle also. In the matter of humanism, spiritualism, in real life, in real comfort and tranquility they are of no value. 

One of my friends narrated to me that his acquaintance was ill and confined in a London hospital for a period of time and he relates that: Another Englishman was also in bed beside me. During this long period of time no one came to see me because I was a foreigner there, an Iranian in London. So I could not expect any visitor. But what was strange was that no one came to see this unfortunate Englishman also. Then one day, I saw two young men who came to him. They only held the ill person’s hand to observe his nerve, said to him a word and went away. Thereafter no one came to visit him until he died. The hospital staff took away his body. Thereafter I inquired about this from to the nurse. I asked, “Did the deceased have no relatives in London? ” The nurse replied, “Why, he did have. ” I again asked, “How is it that during this long period no one ever came to see him? Did he not have any family members? ” 

The nurse replied, “They had come one day. ” I inquired, “Who and when? ” The nurse said, “The two youths who had come on such and such day 

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were his sons. ” I asked, “Why did they not come today for his funeral? ” The nurse replied, “The sons had asked the doctors whether there was any chance of their father’s survival? The doctors told them that he was not likely to survive. So the sons sold their father’s body for a hundred dollars to the hospital for research. They only took the money and went away. ” O Muslims! Listen to this so that the shameless behavior of these foreigners, these materialists may not kill you also spiritually. You must never be awed by the dazzle of their material progress in industry and crafts etc. By God! Just throw a glance on their spiritualism. How much anarchist have they become due to this irreligiousness? This is no life at all. That’s all. 

Let us move ahead. Our aim in the holy month of Ramadhan should be to remain attached with relatives. You must remain closely attached to your parents in the first degree. Thereafter, be intimate with all others who have become near and dear to you through your father and mother. Thereafter other family relations must be looked after and cared for. O Muslims! Listen to what your Prophet says. 

Give and feed to whatever extent possible 

How many benefits for this world as well as for the next life lie in charity? Spend on your poor relatives especially during this holy month of Ramadhan! So much so, that the one who breaks the fast of a fasting believer gets his own sins pardoned. He gets the reward 

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of freeing one slave. Remember that breaking of fast (Iftar) is to give a fasting person food for conclude his fast at sunset, not all those unwise things which are being done. A little quantity of dates (dry or fresh) , a piece to everyone in the rows of worshippers. Everyone eats a piece and recites Surah Hamd once. This is selling and buying, if everyone eats a little fruit or sweet meat and recites Surah Fatiha for the departed relatives. If you have utilized a hundred thousand toomans of your mother, give half of it in the path of God for her benefit. Even a piece of sweet food is also a kind of good act for her. 

Charity proportional with possessions 

Someone said from beneath the pulpit, “O Messenger of God! We do not have food enough to give for meal for ending the fast. ” What they meant to say was, “We do not have enough with which we could gratify the one who fasted. ” The Holy Prophet replied, “O believer! Do give Iftar. Even if you have two pieces of dates, give one to the other person and break your fast with the remaining one. ” 

This is for one who has nothing more in excess. It is not so that one who has a lot of wealth may also think of giving only one piece of date in charity. It is wrong. A morsel of sweetmeat! It is mentioned in the admonitions of Shaykh Shustari too. He remarked in Najaf, “What is this 

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preparation of sweetmeat and to rotate it in the congregation and the shrine? ” Who has taught this mockery? To feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and repay the debt of the poor indebted person, there are several kinds of good deeds to be done. 

They can be for the dead (on their behalf) too. Charity has wider angles. Every good deed is charity. Sometimes your charity may amount to ten thousand toomans too. You must give it. For example, you have given a loan of ten thousand toomans to someone. You know that he does not have this amount. Here Qur’an says, “First give him respite. ” Do not raise complaint, as you already know that he does not have this amount. It is unlawful to pressurize him. How would it be if you donate this amount for the benefit of your late father? You spent millions from father’s wealth. So now you may also spend ten thousand in charity for his benefit in the Hereafter. 

If you give a loan to someone its benefit is in your account. It is only for you though it may be in the name (or in the cause) of a mosque, a madressah, poor people, giving breakfast to near and dear ones. But in every way you have aided your own self. You have earned a real income. You have discovered the path to Paradise after your death. You have opened the door of heaven for yourself. A miser, by God, is stingy against 

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himself. One who holds so fast to his wealth in this world closes the gates of Paradise for himself. He is preparing a yoke of fire for himself. The one who gave generously in this world will make this good quality manifest for him after death also. 

They are righteous in the other world also 

There are some narrations in Wasaelush Shia that indicate that anyone who became famous in this world will be famous in that world also. Do you know what famous means? It means that you became a righteous person in the town and hence people said that you are generous and righteous. They said, “Such and such Haji is pious; that he fulfills the needs of others; he solves the difficulties of people, his hands are good, his feet are good. He knows well about the reality of his wealth. He does not think that his wealth is his and for him only. He loves guests. Anyone who approaches him does not return empty handed. He deprives none. ” 

Imam Sadiq says, “One who became famous in this world will be famous in the Hereafter too. ” It means that the one who perfected his virtue, justice, charity etc will similarly benefits other souls also after death. Just as you hosted guests in these nights of the holy month of Ramadhan, your dinner-cloth will remain spread for relatives as well as non-relatives after death. In short, whatever God gives you, you must spend it on others also and intercede for them. O the unfortunate one who kept your 

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doors closed here! After your death the door of your house also will remain closed. You are unaware of this. 

He hosts guests on his grave 

There is a story of Abul Khaibari, the chief of an Arab tribe. When he was moving with his family members towards the tribe of Tayy, which was the center of Hatim Tayy, he saw that from early evening a lamp was alight above the house of Hatim so that, throughout the night, if a guest arrives from any corner of the forest, he may find his way to his house. This light was a sign of his generosity and charity. It is mentioned that here the door is open for all guests. 

In short, Abul Khaibari arrived here, and on the basis of some books, he did not know that Hatim Tayy had passed away. He arrived near the tribe of Tayy and, as was being done then, he camped where Hatim used to welcome the guests and provide food. But this time no one knew about their arrival. Nobody came to welcome them, nor asked about them or sent any food. So they slept hungry. Abul Khaibari saw in his dream that Hatim approached them and pierced a spear in the neck of one of the camels of Abul Khaibari. Abul Khaibari woke up frightened and looked at his camel, which was thrashing its legs. He cried, “O Caravan men! ” They gathered round him and asked, “How did this happen? ” He replied, “Please come here and see for yourselves. 

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Hatim himself had arrived here. I saw him in my dream and he has slaughtered my camel. ” 

They said, “Did you not see that he slaughtered this camel so that you may hold a feast and all of us may eat therefrom? Poor Hatim was not in a position to offer his own camel so he slaughtered yours. So now it is for you to have a feast on behalf of Hatim tonight. ” So they did so accordingly. Everyone ate to gratification. They intended to move next morning. Suddenly they saw dust rising at a distance and a rider came to them in a hurry and asked, “Who is Abul Khaibari? ” Abul Khaibari said, “It is I. ” “Is it you whose camel was caught and slaughtered last night by my father? ” “Yes. ” he replied. The newcomer said, “Come take this horse in exchange of your camel. ” The horse was much more costly than the slaughtered camel. Abul Khaibari asked, “Whose horse is it? ” He replied, “This is the horse of Hatim, my father. ” Last night I saw him in my dream telling me, “My son! Tonight we had some guests. As we had nothing to offer to them, we slaughtered the camel of Abul Khaibari. Now, take this horse of mine and give it to Abul Khaibari in exchange of his camel that we slaughtered. ” Abul Khaibari accepted the horse. 

He gives his horse to the poor during famine 

Hatim was very just and generous and he loved his guests and welcomed them heartily. He was never selfish. He had nothing 

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like self-praise and self-pride. So much, so that when he heard about people starving in his tribe due to famine, he slaughtered his most precious horse and distributed its meat to all, without eating a piece therefrom. His dinner-cloth is widely spread in the other world as it was during his lifetime. Should I produce more proofs for you? 

Selling books for Hajj pilgrimage 

The great Islamic jurisprudent, Shaykh Ali, author of Durre Manthur, has written: I intended to proceed from Isfahan to visit the House of God in Mecca. I had no money. I also did not want to tell anyone about it. As a last resort, I told myself that I should sell my books, collect the proceeds and go for hajj. So I started selling my books secretly. Next day, in the morning someone knocked at my door. When I came to door I saw that Khwaja Iltifaat had arrived. He was a servant of the harem of Shah Abbas. He asked, “Is your name Shaykh Ali? ” “Yes. ” I replied. He asked, “Do you intend to sell your books? ” (This was a matter not known to anyone). Shaykh Ali said, “I will not reply until you tell me from where you came to know this? ” He said, “Sir, I am a slave of Khanam Zaib Begum, the daughter of Shah Tahmasp. 

She called me and asked, ‘Have we, in Isfahan, a scholar named Shaykh Ali in the progeny of Shaykh Zainuddin? ’” I replied, “Yes. ” She said, “Last night, I saw Shah Tahmasp in my 

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dream. He raised an objection telling me, ‘O Zainab Begum! Have all in the family of Shah Abbas died? A scholar of high rank, Shaykh Ali, has to sell his books! Have you also died? ’” “Finally, this morning, the Khanam asked to make inquiry. Hence I have come here to your house to ascertain whether you are here. ” He replied, “Yes, I am Shaykh Ali and I do intend to go for Hajj but I have no money and it can be obtained only by selling these books. ” The Khwaja returned and reported this to the Shah’s daughter. She sent a lot of wealth from her personal jewellery so that all the debts of the Shaykh might be repaid and he may have enough money for his pilgrimage to Mecca. 

The alm-givers will intercede tomorrow 

Everyone who was a generous person in this world will remain so in the Hereafter too. So much, so that even in the Purgatory (Barzakh) he benefits others. What to say about the Day of Judgment? 

You have heard that a believer intercedes. Which believer? A believer, who besides having Faith and good deeds was also generous and charitable. He will intercede. But what about the one who held fast to his wealth and deposited millions and billions in banks? What he has to do with intercession? He has made yokes of pythons for himself. He has himself closed the doors of Paradise. How can he get them opened for others?

Remembering hunger and thirst of the Judgment Day 

(And remember by your hunger and your thirst the hunger of the 

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Day of Judgment and its thirst! ) 

Thanks to God Who brings Ramadhan gradually in summer. “The fast in summer” has more benefits in the Hereafter. God has promised that the one who fasts for Him gets two joys: One, at the time of breaking the fast and another, at the time of his death. [1] He will be given the water of Kauthar by the hands of the Victorious Lion of Allah, Ali bin Abi Talib. 

God is ‘Shakoor’ that is He is the best appreciator, especially when a youth, early in the age of his maturity, comes up to obey his Commands (Whose Commands are also for the purification and fortification of the man himself). He does not take even a drop of water for sixteen hours in hot season. Despite his thirst, he restrains himself. How will the appreciator God deal with him? 

A talk between Hajjaj and a fasting shepherd 

They say: Once Hajjaj bin Yusuf Thaqafi was on a journey to Yemen to rule from there. He had all the royal facilities with him. Wherever he camped, his servants erected tents and his cooks got busy in preparing royal dishes. At one of such halts, the climate was very hot. Arrangements were made for cooling and ventilation and they spread the dinner-cloth and put various kinds of food and sweets. As he was about to begin, his eye fell on a shepherd busy grazing his two or three sheep in a terribly hot atmosphere. 

The sun was extremely hot and the poor young shepherd was hiding his head 

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beneath the belly of one of his sheep to ward off the heat to some extent. Thus all other parts of his body were being badly burnt by the scorching sun. Hajjaj was very much impressed by this. He ordered his slaves, “Go and bring that shepherd here. ” So they asked him to come to Hajjaj. The shepherd said, “I have nothing to do with the ruler, why should he call me? ” The slaves replied, “It is his order. ” They brought him to Hajjaj and he said to the shepherd, “I saw you from a long distance that you are hit by the sun; that you are restless. It moves me. Come and rest in the shade of this tent. ” The shepherd replied, “I cannot do that. ” “Why? ” asked Hajjaj. 

The shepherd replied, “I am duty bound. I have been appointed for grazing these sheep. How can I come and sit in a tent? I must go back to my duty. ” Hajjaj said, “Well, then just sit here for a little while, take some food and then go. ” The shepherded said, “I cannot eat. ” Hajjaj asked, “Why? Why can you not eat? ” The shepherd said, “I have been given a promise from another place. ” Hajjaj asked, “From where? Is there any place better than this? ” The shepherd replied, “Yes. ” Hajjaj asked, “Can there be any food better than this royal one? ” The shepherd replied, “Yes, of course. It is both better and higher. ” Hajjaj asked, “Whose guest are you today? 

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Who has given you a better promise and appointment? ” The shepherd replied, “I am the guest of Allah, The Lord of the Worlds. I am fasting for Him. One who fasts for God is His guest. ” 

Now, the shepherd is a man of wilderness but God has given him divine recognition and Faith. He observes fast in this terribly hot place and says, “I am a guest of God. My breakfast is with Almighty Allah which is both better and higher than all other foods. ” This stunned Hajjaj. How could he compete with God? The shepherd gave such a reply that Hajjaj fell silent and he could not utter a word. He said, “All right. There are many days ahead. Break your fast today and exchange it for tomorrow. ” 

The shepherd replied, “Very well, provided you give me surety that I will live tomorrow to observe a fast; that I would be alive tomorrow. ” Do you see? How aware is this truly wise youth? He has full faith in God. How wisely he speaks! On the other hand is a tower of ignorance. Hajjaj is a totally ignorant and unaware fellow. 

Finally, when he saw that he has no reply to this, he said, “Well, let us give up this dialogue, from where are you going to get such delicious and nice foods? Why are you kicking your provision like this? How mad you are! ” The shepherd replied, “O Hajjaj, Have you made it nice? O Hajjaj! If God makes one 

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of your teeth painful, all these sweet meats become useless. If you are healthy, a loaf of barely is sweet. It can give taste and delight. If there is no health, all food is useless. It would have to be swallowed like poison! ” [1] 

I am also saying the same thing: May God gives us health and safety. Appreciate the safety, which God has given. That is best for you. 

Raise hands for supplication 

O Muslims! It is necessary to supplicate with your hands raised in this best month of Ramadhan and in the best hours after Prayer. In these hours, raise your hands before Almighty Allah and ask from Him. He has sworn by His might and honor that He will not chastise those who pray and make prostrations. In this holy month whenever one who offers fast and after prayer, says, “O Allah, here I am, O my Lord! Whenever you call me, I am ready to answer your call. ” He says, “Ask whatever you want. ” 

The prayer of one, who fasts for God, is always answered. O Allah! Our request is pardon all those of our sins, which are likely to make us leave this world hungry and gather us hungry and thirsty in the Grand Gathering on the Day of Judgment. In hell, the heat is so much that one is ready to drink the boiling water. O Allah! Due to the bounty of this holy month of Ramadhan, make our hearts cool with the sweet and cool water of the Pond of 

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Kauthar. Our Lord! Erase all our sins, which come between us and the Pool of Kauthar. 

O God! Make us clean and pious. This is the month of piety in which God makes all pious and holy. Whatever comes from You makes us pure and makes us say: Please forgive. Do you not forget dawn prayers? Lighten your heart before God in the early morning solitude. Put your needs and troubles before Him. Complain against Satan who creates doubts in your hearts. God too will be so kind to you that your eyes will brighten. 

Remember the thirst of Husain 

(And remember by your hunger and thirst the hunger of Husain and his companions and the thirst of Husain and his companions. ) 

I do not know how long that day was, of sixteen hours or seventeen; before breaking a fast. They were fasting in terribly hot sandy lands and the climate was terribly hot. You are in a shade now. But Husain and his companions were in scorching sun. How hot was the sun! They wore armors of iron. Iron itself creates heat. I do not know on which aspect I should speak. One more among many other things was the fighting itself; hitting and receiving wounds, running and running. Coming and going. All these things in hot sun create heat and result in thirst. They increase thirst. All afflictions cause thirst. I am unable to imagine how thirsty were Husain and his men. I may tell you what Ali Akbar had uttered. 

It is mentioned in 

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books of Kerbala tragedy, that when he sent one hundred twenty or more of the enemies to hell it so happened to Ali Akbar that he could not bear any more. He hastened to Husain and said, “O father! I am almost killed by my thirst. The weight of iron (armors) has troubled me too much. ” Perhaps you will ask, “Did Ali Akbar not know that Husain had no water? ” Why? Perhaps this youth thought his father might be permitted by God to help him miraculously. Husain was not permitted do anything in a supernatural way at that time. It is narrated that Husain put his tongue in the mouth of his thirsty son and said, “Young man! See, my mouth is drier than yours; I am thirstier than you. ” 

Then he said, “Go back to the battlefield. I hope that before the sun sets, you will be gratified at the hands of your grandfather. ” Thus Husain had no hope of his son’s remaining alive any longer.

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[1]: Safinatul Bihar, vol. 2, pg. 64 

[1]: Kitab Mustatraff

Part 2 

point 

﴿یَا أَیُّهَا الَّذِینَ آمَنُوا لا تُقَدِّمُوا بَیْنَ یَدَیْ اللَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِ وَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ إِنَّ اللَّهَ سَمِیعٌ عَلِیمٌ. یَا أَیُّهَا الَّذِینَ آمَنُوا لَا تَرْفَعُوا أَصْوَاتَکُمْ فَوْقَ صَوْتِ النَّبِیِّ وَلَا تَجْهَرُوا لَهُ بِالْقَوْلِ کَجَهْرِ بَعْضِکُمْ لِبَعْضٍ أَنْ تَحْبَطَ أَعْمَالُکُمْ وَأَنْتُمْ لَا تَشْعُرُونَ. إِنَّ الَّذِینَ یَغُضُّونَ أَصْوَاتَهُمْ عِنْدَ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ أُوْلَئِکَ الَّذِینَ امْتَحَنَ اللَّهُ قُلُوبَهُمْ لِلتَّقْوَی لَهُمْ مَغْفِرَةٌ وَأَجْرٌ عَظِیمٌ. ﴾ 

“O you who believe! Be not forward in the presence of Allah and His Apostle, and be careful of (your duty to) Allah; surely Allah is Hearing, Knowing. 

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O you who believe! Do not raise your voices above the voice of the Prophet, and do not speak loud to him as you speak loud to one another, lest your deeds became null while you do not perceive. Surely those who lower their voices before Allah’s Apostle are they whose hearts Allah has tested for guarding (against evil) ; they shall have forgiveness and a great reward. (49: 1-3) ” 

Observance of fast and recitation of Qur’an 

Yesterday I told you that the Holy Prophet said: Pray with purity of intention and sincerity of your hearts to God so that He may give you wisdom to fast in this holy month of Ramadhan and to recite the Holy Qur’an. This should not be only verbal; your heart should really wish so. Truly, how greedy is your heart for wealth and passions. So you pray for these things. What should be the right thing is that you should pray with a pure heart: O Lord! Let me not be ill in the holy month so that I may fast for all the days of this month. O God! Make me recite the Holy Qur’an in this month. Some of our Imams used to recite Qur’an forty times during this holy month. All of you cannot do likewise. Recite and go on reciting Surah Tawheed and all those little Surahs, which you have learnt by heart. But, in any case, do not give up the recitation of Qur’an. 

Three main subjects in Surah Hujurat 

Surah Hujurat has eighteen verses. The first five are related with respect and discipline with 

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regard to God and the Prophet. They mention the duties of the Faithful to Allah and His Messenger. Thereafter, are verses, which mention what people must do in their collective and social affairs with one another. 

The third part of this Chapter deals with personal grace. Let us hope, by the Grace of God, during these few days, our talks will center around these topics with the blessings of Qur’an. May Allah give us wisdom to act accordingly? Now the first discussion is about manners of the Faithful in towards Allah and His Messenger. 

No one has a right to go ahead of the master 

God means the One Who is the Creator of you and of everything. He created the entire universe. Messenger means God’s representative. Undoubtedly all the dignity and rights of a representative or a delegate are subject to the dignity and rights of the one whom he represents. If one is an ambassador of an important government, all the dignity, respect and honor deserved by that government becomes due to their ambassador also. Messenger means the representative of God, Who is the Creator of all. So you have no right to go ahead of God and His Messenger. Just use your wisdom. Can a slave or servant ever have a right to go ahead of the Lord and His ambassador? O faithful ones! Do not push yourselves forward before God and His Messenger, Muhammad. Sometimes it so happens that a man takes himself ahead of God when he says (if he is told that this thing is prohibited): 

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I know. I have the right. When he is told that God has prohibited it, he replies: Stop such talk. He tries to outpace God and imagines that he has a right to obedience. He says: Others should follow me. I should not obey God and His Messenger! 

Expediency before God and Prophet 

God forbid, sometimes it also so happens that man tries to take himself ahead, as was done by Umar. After the Holy Prophet, Umar said: Expediency demands that Ali should step aside and Abu Bakr must come up. Why? Because ‘Ali is young’. Many great people of Quraish have been killed by Ali. So they are infuriated with Ali. They would not submit to him. The Islamic government will not run properly. Abu Bakr is senior in age. In the past he has not killed any polytheist. In battlefields also, he did not perform any remarkable feat. As he did not kill the unbelievers, there is no enmity against him. Hence he should be the chief of this state. In other worlds: I know better than God and His Prophet what is better. God and the Prophet appointed Ali as the master (Maula) in Ghadeer-e-Khumm but I know better. No one should say: How could Umar do such a thing? Read what Sunnis have written and then you will not wonder. 

Three commands which Umar altered 

Qaushchi, the great Mulla who is a defender of Umar, says in Sharhe Tajreed that one day Umar went up the pulpit and said, “There were three orders effective during the days of 

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the Messenger of God. I have withdrawn them and made them illegal. I think it is expedient not to keep and continue with them. The first is Mutah of women, which was in vogue in the Prophet’s time. ” This temporary marriage was permitted and was in practice in the Prophet’s time. 

Now, I do not like that it should continue any more. It has come to my mind that Mutah is illegal. The second is also a Mutah, the Mutah of Hajj. The third thing is the pronouncement of ‘Hayya alaa khairil a’mal’ (rush to the best of deeds) , which, with a unanimous agreement of all Muslims, was being recited in the call for Prayer during the days of Prophet. It continued for two years in the rule of Abu Bakr also. When Umar became the caliph he said, “If you say, ‘Hayya alaa khairil a’mal’ (rush to the best of deeds; which is Prayer) people will not hasten towards Jihad. Then what is the importance of Jihad? So, henceforth, do not recite ‘Hayya alaa khairil a’mal’ otherwise, it is likely that people will remain stuck to prayer and will not proceed for Jihad. ”

Another innovation in the Morning Azan 

More strange is that the Sunnis have written that once at the time of the Morning call for Prayer (Azan) , Umar was fast asleep. He was late in coming to the congregation. So the Azan caller came to his bed and said, “As Salat khairum minan naum” meaning: Prayer is better than sleep. When he repeated these 

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words once or twice, Umar got up. He became very pleased by these words. Instead of being harsh to him, he said: From this day onward, this must be recited in the Azan. (But they object to the Shias saying: I witness that Ali is the Wali of Allah [Aliyyun waliullaah]). 

Therefore, till date the Sunni people recite: “As salaatu khairum minan naum” in the morning Azan instead of “Haiyya alaa Khairil Amal. ” What has Umar done? This is going ahead of God and His Messenger. What right have you, to go ahead of God and the Messenger like this? It is putting oneself ahead of God and the Prophet. You say no to what they have ordered. You say: What I say is right. Just realize your limit. You are a slave. You must submit. To whom? To God and to His messenger, who is His representative. 

We can speak a lot about similar actions of this man in Islamic history; and which are still being followed whereby their adverse effects are even today visible as Muslims are blindly following such unlawful orders. But the discussion is very lengthy. Therefore, this much suffices. In brief, going ahead of God and His Messenger is unlawful. 

Orders attached to Islam! 

I am compelled to discuss this belief. Since the time of Ibn Taiymiyah till today, these Wahabis who are now following him in Hijaz, have brought several innovations in Islam. One of such innovations is their saying that visiting and touching the grave is unlawful. Weeping over 

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the dead is unlawful and so on. From where did you bring in these orders? Its precedent reaches Umar. What makes Umar entitled to put himself forward against God and His Prophet? How is it that many obey him too? 

An unrecognized tradition of Prophet 

A tradition was also concocted that Ayesha also did not accept (Weeping on him or her brings chastisement on the dead). They say: You Shias weep over Imam Husain. You beat your chests. All this is unlawful because the Prophet has said, “If someone weeps over a dead, the dead one is being punished. ” The answer to this is that the Holy Prophet did never say so. According to the sources of the Sunnis, the man who was first to make this thought effective was Umar. 

Al-Ghadeer, in its third volume give references from Sunni sources showing that one day, Ruqaiyaa, daughter of the Holy Prophet or Khadijah, expired in Medina. The young girl had suffered a lot in the house of Uthman, which culminated in her death. Finally they brought her body to the graveyard of Baqi. Fatima and other Hashemite women were weeping. Umar bin Khattab picked up a lash and began to whip the poor aggrieved women, one by one saying: Do not cry. The Sunnis also say that the Holy Prophet held the hand of Umar and said, “Leave them! Their hearts are aching. Let them weep. ” 

In fact Umar daringly stood up before the Holy Prophet. How strange! In the words of Amini (may God raise 

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his status) , “I do not know whether Fatima too was hit that day by that lash whereby it became a precedent for the latter hitting? ” In brief, the trouble is not with only one or two or ten. These people who are not prepared to hear, flatly say: No. It is what you yourselves are saying. It is unlawful. Have you not seen that when someone tries to kiss the shrine of the Prophet of God, he is whipped? After all what is the source of such prohibition? 

﴿یَا أَیُّهَا الَّذِینَ آمَنُوا لَا تُقَدِّمُوا بَیْنَ یَدَیْ اللَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِ وَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ إِنَّ اللَّهَ سَمِیعٌ عَلِیمٌ. ﴾ 

O you who believe! Be not forward in the presence of Allah and His Apostle, and be careful of (your duty to) Allah; surely Allah is Hearing, Knowing. (49: 1) 

That is: O Muslims! Do not push yourselves forward. Here there is much to speak about. We are all affected by it. We say: Such pushing forward pertains, sometimes, to one’s opinion. A man imagines that his view or opinion is more sensible than what God and His messenger have said! 

Gives preference to his own likes 

Sometimes the pushing forward is in the matter of one’s likes and dislikes. Man makes his desire outpace the wish of God and His Messenger. He gives more importance to his pleasure than to God’s pleasure and the pleasure of the Messenger. One pushes back what God likes. There are many examples. Everyone faces such situations. For instance, suppose it is the holy month of Ramadhan. 

The climate is hot. 

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One’s heart is not at all prepared to remain without food, cigarette and tea etc for sixteen hours. The heart says: Eat as a number of people who are healthier than you are not fasting. You are a weak fellow. There are other examples also. What is the God’s command? God’s pleasure is that you should observe fast; that you should nourish spiritualism; that you should adopt the road leading you to Him. A number of Muslims are there in every city that, without any genuine cause, put their desire forward and push back what God desires. They eat in Ramadhan and they are not afraid also! 

It is time for prayer. He says: I have other work. Is the prayer not work? Put God’s work behind and the work of your desire and passion ahead! 

﴿لا تُقَدِّمُوا بَیْنَ یَدَیْ اللَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِ… ﴾ 

Be not forward in the presence of Allah and His Apostle… 

If you make every desire of your heart outpace God’s wish, know for sure that you put your own self to loss. Be attentive to this point. If your desires conflict with what is desired by God, then it is indeed a very serious and dangerous situation. Who is the one who gives preference to God’s wish? For example, two persons are busy talking, in a dispute. What is God’s pleasure? It is Forgiveness. What is the inclination of the heart? If he has slapped you once, you slap him ten times. Now you obey God’s wish or your heart’s 

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desire? Who do you put forward, God or your heart? It is of course difficult that man must be put to a test while being under the influence of greed, passion and anger. Do you obey God or do you obey your heart and the Satan? If you outpace God and His Prophet you are destroying yourself. You are destroying your Faith and Religion. You are removing them. After two or three verses, it is shown that man’s heart is hurt. In the matter of talking, God and His Prophet say: Do not speak. Your heart says: Do speak and insult him, as you know what he said to you. Now you also tell him and give him hard replies. You must give the first place to God and His Prophet and push the desires of your heart back. 

Secrecy even after separation 

One knows the secrets of another fellow. One preserves it. It must be preserved. His heart says: Speak out, whatever you know. But what do God and His Messenger say? They recommend patience, honesty and fulfillment of the covenant. You two were friends for quite a long time. You knew each other’s secrets also. The Holy Prophet says, “Assemblies are trusts. ” [1] You have no right to expose the secrets of your friend until you breathe your last; even if your friendships breaks down or companionship ends. At last, God and His Prophet say: Do not speak. Your heart says: Speak out! You hear a bad word. Your heart says: Why don’t you 

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reply? Give him ten bad words. But what does Qur’an say? The righteous (Faithful) people keep away from nonsense. It is necessary that your desires, your demands, your opinions must be controlled. They should be pulled back. Muhammad should be on the lead. He should always be ahead of you. You have to be his followers. The community is behind their chief. Do not be the followers of the Satan. Do not be under the control of your own desires and passions. Do not push back God and Muhammad. 

God is Hearing, Wise 

Fear God. Know that God is present, seeing everything. Beware in the matter of following others. If you go against God, the loss of both this world and the Hereafter is for you. 

God is all hearing. You have ears. So you can hear. Then God Who created these ears does not hear? How strange! You, who are a creation made up of a little earth, can know. But the God Who created you and all does not know? He knows all the elements, which made you up. He knows what is in the depths of your heart. He is aware of what is going on in your mind. 

Do not raise your voice higher than the voice of Prophet 

Another law of discipline ordained for you: 

﴿یَا أَیُّهَا الَّذِینَ آمَنُوا لَا تَرْفَعُوا أَصْوَاتَکُمْ فَوْقَ صَوْتِ النَّبِیِّ… ﴾ 

O you who believe! Do not raise your voices above the voice of the Prophet. (49: 2) 

Some of the uncouth Arabs used to call out loudly in the presence of the Holy Prophet. This action is against good manners. God 

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teaches them courtesy. Appreciate the Great ones. O man! Know Muhammad. O man! Know that Muhammad is not a common man. His holy heart is the place where Divine Revelation pours. He is the light (Noor) of God. He is the Messenger of God. How great is God. Muhammad is His representative. 

﴿وَلا تَجْهَرُوا لَهُ بِالْقَوْلِ کَجَهْرِ بَعْضِکُمْ لِبَعْضٍ… ﴾ 

And do not speak loud to him as you speak loud to one another… (49: 2) 

You are sitting near Muhammad. It is a spiritual gathering. Keep quiet. Your voice should be low. Do not talk loudly with him, just as you talk with one another. 

﴿أَنْ تَحْبَطَ أَعْمَالُکُمْ وَأَنْتُمْ لَا تَشْعُرُونَ﴾ 

…lest your deeds became null while you do not perceive. (49: 2) 

If you do so (speak loudly) your deeds will become void and you will not understand that your deeds have gone in vain. One who insults Muhammad, the one who harms Muhammad; all his deeds go fruitless while he does not even realize. 

Respect for Prophet in every aspect 

Therefore great persons have said that though this verse refers to an assembly wherein the Holy Prophet is present, it hints at every field and every aspect pertaining to Muhammad. It also includes his holy Shrine. Everyone who intends to approach the holy Shrine of the Holy Prophet must not raise his voice. It is undesirable to speak in a loud voice even in the mosque. It is the House of God. Does one who shouts in his house, shout in the house of God also? Do you not differentiate between 

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your house and the House of God? You are allowing pollution in your house. Will it be allowed in the House of God also? Will you even spit therein? 

Is there no difference? The one who shouts or speaks loudly in the House of God has not recognized God properly. His understanding is imperfect and faulty. It is very undesirable to raise one’s voice in a mosque. What to talk of making claims and demands! In brief there must be silence at the holy grave of the Prophet. There must not be any kind of loud voice as is being heard in usual talks and while calling one another. 

Sometimes it distracts my attention and sometimes it even affects me. In the Holy Shrine of Imam Reza, it is noticed, and also at other Holy Shrines that discipline is not being maintained, as it should be. People talk and call loudly. Such disrespect should not be shown. They do not know that an all-encompassing spirit is at this Holy place. If one shows discipline here, it is a sign of his piety. 

Sign of Piety in heart is discipline 

Then He says: 

﴿إِنَّ الَّذِینَ یَغُضُّونَ أَصْوَاتَهُمْ عِنْدَ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ أُوْلَئِکَ الَّذِینَ امْتَحَنَ اللَّهُ قُلُوبَهُمْ لِلتَّقْوَی. ﴾ 

Surely those who lower their voices before Allah’s Apostle are they whose hearts Allah has tested for guarding (against evil) … (49: 3) 

If piety is comprehended here, it is manifested through tongue and eye. It reaches the depths of the heart. One of the signs of this piety is discipline, respect, humanity and humility. Most of 

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this piety is over flesh and skin. His tongue is pious and holy, and so also his eye, ear, hand, foot. This is physical piety. However, the piety in heart is its being empty of worldly love, passions, desires, lust and greed. If the heart is attentive, if there is fear of God in the heart, it creates respect and discipline. 

Such a person humbles himself before the Imam, before God and His Prophet, while facing religion, on hearing the Command of God, while witnessing the Truth. One sits on the ground. Whenever he is told that this is God’s command, he bows down. Whenever he is told that this is what Qur’an orders or this is what the Holy Prophet has ordained, this is recommended by the Progeny of Muhammad he at once realizes their greatness and he bows down before such orders. 

It is narrated that once Imam Reza said, “If one visits the Holy Shrine of Imam Husain knowing his right (having faith in his Imamate) , he or she is like the one who visited God at His Throne (Arsh). ” [1] What is meant by true knowledge and recognition? Who is such an aware person? He says: He or she is one who knows that it is obligatory to obey the Imam as he is the argument (Hujjat) of God and also His representative. God Himself has ordained his obedience. How great is God? So His representative is also very great. He is alive. He does not die. The 

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[1]: Biharul Anwar, vol. 3 

[1]: Kamiluz Ziaraat Chapter 59

body of Imam Reza is beneath the ground but his spirit is all over the world. His spirit is everywhere. His soul has Divine attributes.

Then why do you visit their Shrines? 

No one should say: If the spirit of Imam is everywhere then why go to his Shrine for visitation (Ziyarat)? I give you a little example so that doubt may be removed. The sun is shining. At some places on the earth there are stones and at others there is water. Some places are sandy. On the earth, tell me, where is it shining more brightly? Where there is sand, there is dust, there is marsh, there is water and there is rocky land. A part is white, another black. 

The spirit of Imam is present everywhere. Even now it encompasses this very meeting of ours. If we salute him he replies. But the place where his Holy body is buried, is more bountiful. Imam Reza is everywhere. But at his grave in Mashad it is different. There the Imam’s charities are more. It is a place where God’s mercies continue to rain. It cannot be compared with any other place. Briefly speaking, you must not forget that respect must be kept in mind both at the Sanctuaries of the Holy Prophet and Shrines of the holy Imams. Do not make any noise there. Do not talk or call out loudly. 

﴿لَهُمْ مَغْفِرَةٌ وَأَجْرٌ عَظِیمٌ﴾ 

…they shall have forgiveness and a great reward. (49: 3) 

Those who keep God and His Prophet above themselves and who do not raise their 

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voice there, with full respect, discipline and humility; their hearts have fear of God. They are such that every business of theirs is kept behind. They always keep God’s Prophet ahead of all other things. Here I will mention an interesting story. 

Fire does not burn him 

The following incident is mentioned in the Tazkirah of Ibn Jawzi and also quoted in Fazailus Sadat. 

I saw a blacksmith in the market, whose furnace was ablaze. He inserted some iron in it and made it red-hot. Then for fetching that red-hot thing out, instead of using any means, he inserted his bare hand in the furnace and pulled out the iron. The narrator says: I stood there for a while in wonder. What kind of man is this? Fire does not affect his flesh and skin! Why does this man insert his bare hand in fire? 

Finally, I asked him about it. He was rather reluctant to reply. But when I insisted he explained: It is as a result of an Alid [1] woman. What happened was that there was a famine and people faced starvation. I had wheat and provision. One day a poor Alid lady came to me and said: I am an Alid and my child and I are hungry. Please lend me some food. I was infatuated by her beauty and wanted to commit fornication with her. She rejected my offer and went away. Thereafter she came again and I put forth my illegal proposal once more. 

She again refused saying: Till this time I 

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have never indulged in unlawful affair. On the third occasion she was very helpless due to hunger and said, “I will submit, but on a condition that there should be total privacy. I am a respectable lady and no once must know about this shameful affair. ” I agreed and provided privacy and took her there. There the lady began to tremble severely. I asked, “What happened? ” She said, “The place must be extremely private. None should be there. ” I said, “It is so here. No one is there except you and me. ” She replied, “God is present everywhere. Even if no one sees, God does see everything. My recording angels and yours too are also present. ” Hearing all this, I said, “O Alid lady. Dust on my head. It should have been I to tremble, not you. I must be afraid. So I withdrew. I went back and gave first place to the command of God. ” 

﴿لا تُقَدِّمُوا بَیْنَ یَدَیْ اللَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِ… ﴾ 

…be not forward in the presence of Allah and His Apostle… 

Now see what God does to him. He says: I did not extend my hand towards the respectable and honorable Alid lady. I also gave her wheat and rice. She prayed in my favor to God: May God make fire unable to burn your hand just as you did not extend that hand to me. Ever since that day, fire has not burnt me. 

Why? Because he placed God ahead and put his desires behind. 

Doing good to Sayyids brings good of this world and Hereafter 

It also is quoted in Fazailus 

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Sadat that Malik Dinar or someone else wanted to go for Hajj. He arrived in Kufa where he stayed for a day or two to join a caravan and to make provision for the Hajj journey. One day he passed by a slum. He saw a woman slowly and silently going towards the garbage lot and looking on all sides (to ensure that no one was seeing her). Then she picked up a dead hen, hid it under her arm and came out. This man also followed her until she reached her house and knocked at the door. Some children came out asking, “O mother! Have you brought chicken for us (to eat)? ” The poor woman said, “Yes, I have brought chicken for you. I will cook it for you. ” 

This gentleman stands bewildered at the poor woman’s door. He wonders how this lady can cook carrion. At last, as he could not help remaining silent and he told the lady, “I have been following you for quite some time. I saw that you picked a dead hen, which is unlawful to eat. Why did you do this? ” The lady replied, “The fact is that, for the last few days, we had nothing to eat. Our neighbors cooked meat and its smell reached us and made my children restless. So I thought that even if I bring a dead hen it would satisfy and silence my starving children. ” When the gentleman learnt this, he brought the whole amount he had 

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gathered for Hajj pilgrimage, which was nearly ten thousand dirhams. It was not a trivial thing. He must have toiled hard for the same. 

Now he brought God and His Messenger forward and pushed back his intention to go for Hajj. He gave all these dirhams to the poor lady so as to make her and her children’s life somewhat comfortable. Now what about his own wish? What is interesting is that not only his expenses for Hajj were gone but also the money for his personal expenditure was also over. So he decided to do watering job in Kufa. When Hajis returned from Mecca and Medina, he went to greet them. The Hajis told him, “How have you arrived here earlier than us? We had seen you in Mina! We also had seen you in Arafat! ” The gentleman replied, “No sir, I was here only. ” 

Then another Haji came forward saying, “O gentleman! Take this money for God’s sake only and go. ” He said, “Which money, whose money? ” That Haji replied, “That day, we were in a tent in Mina when a man arrived and asked, ‘Are you from Kufa? ’ We replied, ‘Yes. ’ He said, ‘When you go back, kindly give this amount to Malik bin Dinar. ’ He simply handed over this amount to us and went away swiftly. So these ten thousand dinars are your property. Take it. ” The man said, “By God! It is not mine. ” That man said, “I have to give it you. ” Finally he took 

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them. That night in his dream a voice from the unseen informed him that this was his reward in this world and that the reward in the Hereafter was still reserved for him. 

The summary of my lecture is: O Muslims! As far as possible keep God and His Messenger ahead and keep yourselves behind them. You will succeed both this world and also after death eternally. Woe unto us if we do contrary to it; if we push God and His apostle behind our desires and personal interests in our deeds, our views, in our talks, in our dealings. It is the respect and honor for God and His Prophet that raise a man up from dust. 

Discipline of Abul Fadhl, a perfect example 

You know Abul Fadhl was the brother of Husain. How much he respected Husain? Allaho Akbar (God is Great). Though he is the brother of Husain, after all, Husain is the Imam. There is a lot of difference between an Imam and an ordinary person. It is written: When Abul Fadhl addressed Husain, he never said, “O Brother! ” He always used to say, “My master! My master! ” etc. For giving him due respect he never sat in the seat of Husain. During the eve of Ashura (10th Mohurrum) , he moved around the tents of ladies in such a way that the honorable ladies would know that Master Husain had a devotee (one who would sacrifice himself for the master) , so that the ladies might be at rest. All these ladies were afraid that tomorrow 

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Husain would remain alone. Abbas (Moon of Bani Hashim) also wanted that the ladies should rest assured that Husain did have a devotee like the moon of the Hashimites. 

O Muslims! You also should never fail to be respectful in front of God, His Prophet, Qur’an, Divine Commandments, the scholars and the Sayyids. The companions of Husain, with all this respect, still doubted whether Husain was pleased with them or not? So the Moon of Bani Hashim, Ali Akbar and all other people of Bani Hashim never took any step without the permission of Husain, the Imam. When they went to the field, they would ask, “O Master! Do you allow us to go forward or not? They have strength, they also have a sword in hand and yet they would not move unless permitted. ” 

O Shia Muslims! You should never do anything without the permission of your Imam. You must have certainty of the Imam’s pleasure and agreement. When the Moon of Bani Hashim came to his brother, he said, “O Brother! The clamor of the thirsty children has compelled me. Do you allow me to go and get some water for them? ” The master gave the permission. He took up the water skin on his shoulders, went forward and stood before the army of Yazid and cried, “O people! I inform you that now no one has remained from the companions of Husain. In these tents are only women and children. I tell you that these women are burning due 

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to thirst. ” 

There is no power or might except by Allah.

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[1]: A descendant of Ali Ibn Abi Talib

Part 3 

point 

﴿إِنَّ الَّذِینَ یَغُضُّونَ أَصْوَاتَهُمْ عِنْدَ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ أُوْلَئِکَ الَّذِینَ امْتَحَنَ اللَّهُ قُلُوبَهُمْ لِلتَّقْوَی لَهُمْ مَغْفِرَةٌ وَأَجْرٌ عَظِیمٌ﴾ 

Surely those who lower their voices before Allah’s Apostle are they whose hearts Allah has tested for guarding (against evil) ; they shall have forgiveness and a great reward. (49: 3) 

God, for maintaining discipline and respect when facing the Prophet, says: 

When you talk to the Messenger, never raise your voice over his voice. 

Normally, while talking, when one wants to show superiority, he raises his voice. All of you, in front of the Prophet, are in a lower rank. All of you are like slaves who must obey him. He is sent by the Lord of the universe. Whenever you want to say something to him. Keep your voice low, lower than his voice. Do not raise your voices, as you do while talking with one another, when you are facing the Messenger of Allah. Know his dignity. It is a sign of your own greatness. Just see who is facing you? Whom you are addressing? Realize your limits. If you make your voice louder than the Prophet’s, all your deeds will go in vain. It means, We order you to maintain the respect of Muhammad. If you show disrespect to him you spoil your own deeds. 

Deprivation of bounties of the presence of the Prophet 

They have described the meaning of ‘Spoiling of deeds’ in two ways: One is what the author of Tafsir Majmaul Bayan has written. He says: What is meant is the 

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deed (or act) of talking with the Prophet and of sitting in his company. If it becomes spoiled or destroyed it is not a trivial matter. How many bounties and benefits are there for one who sits with and speaks to the representative of God. How many benefits are there in such a great meeting! 

The Holy Prophet is the source of all knowledge. Sitting for an hour in the meeting of a scholar is better than reciting Qur’an twelve thousand times. Then what if this hour is in the company of the head of all the scholars? All the scholars of the world have learnt everything only through him, from Muhammad Mustafa. Summarily speaking, if one is in a gathering of Muhammad and does not maintain respect and discipline, his presence will not be regarded as worship. God forbid, if he makes the Prophet unhappy through any kind of disrespect, he has committed a Greater Sin. It is like blasphemy. God’s curse rains on him. 

O Muslims! If you do not maintain respect and discipline in front of the Prophet, your deeds become null and void. Here deed means your worship through your presence before the Holy Prophet. If you have hurt him, it is a great sin that equals disbelief or blasphemy. You have destroyed your deed with your own hands. 

Apostasy nullifies deeds 

Another probability, described by some of the commentators of Qur’an is that it means total nullification. Nullifying of a deed by another deed is something not easily understood. Whatever 

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Qur’an says must be accepted. The Holy book clearly states that there are some sins, which if committed, nullify all previous good deeds. Foremost among them are disbelief and apostasy. May God save the one who offers prayer till the age of thirty, observes fasts and even performs Hajj. 

Then if he gets a lot of money and travels to centers of sin and evil, after being lured buy them and says, “We were mad that we observed fasts in hot summers and deprived ourselves from drinking, enjoyment and gambling. Why did we go for Hajj and spend a lot of money? The Arabs ate our wealth. ” If he utters such words then his previous good deeds go in vain. If he dies in this condition, he will not have in his credit even a two-unit prayer. It is as saying goes; the cow gave milk but also kicked it and spilled it all. If one turns away from his religion (apostatizes) , definitely there is a permanent chastisement for him. There is no way of salvation for him. All the deeds which he had done have gone in vain. 

He himself has nullified them. A man’s turning apostate! What it means? He himself says: I did it unnecessarily; I prayed prayer uselessly. Is there any more prayer for him? He himself says: I performed Hajj needlessly. Is there any Hajj for him or at his credit any more? Woe unto such a fellow who ruined his future. In short, if 

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one reverts to disbelief his good deeds are gone.

One who hurts the Prophet nullifies his good deeds 

Among other sins, which nullify good deeds and amount to disbelief is harming or hurting the feelings of the Prophet. Qur’an mentions it very clearly that one who annoys the Prophet and hurts him, each and every good deed of his would go in vain. This is very clear. If one hurts the Prophet it is as if he denies his Prophethood and Messengership. So every good deed performed by him earlier is now null and void. Except this misdeed, there is no other sin, which washes out previous good deeds completely. 

It means, if one has done several good deeds and has also committed some sins, both remain at their place. It is not that all sins wipe out good deeds, but apostasy indeed does. Yes, it is possible that some of the good goes in vain due to some sins. For example, if someone annoys his mother, it results in the nullifying of his previous good deeds. But his prayer and fast etc. do not go away. 

Whoever does god sees his good and whoever does evil shall see his evil. One does not remove another. 

What happened when they obstructed the burial of Imam Hasan beside the Prophet’s grave? Imam Husain complained from the depths of his heart regarding oppression and injustice pertaining to the behavior of Ayesha. He said, “Umar brought the body of Abu Bakr at the grave of my grandfather and hit the holy ground with a pick-axe. ” 

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Thus they showed a serious disrespect. God says in the Holy Qur’an: Do not raise your voice over the voice of the Holy Prophet. You came and hit a pickaxe over his grave. You dug a grave to bury Abu Bakr by the side of the Prophet. 

Thereafter Umar also made a will that he also be buried there. [1] He too showed such disrespect. They are too small too hitting a pickaxe on the grave of the Holy Prophet. Of course, I have said this in the face of what the Sunnis say. They say that being buried by the side of the Holy Prophet is enough to show their greatness. This is a disgrace, not gracefulness. Disrespect has been shown to the holy grave. Their place was certainly not here. The next verse says: 

﴿إِنَّ الَّذِینَ یَغُضُّونَ أَصْوَاتَهُمْ عِنْدَ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ أُوْلَئِکَ الَّذِینَ امْتَحَنَ اللَّهُ قُلُوبَهُمْ لِلتَّقْوَی لَهُمْ مَغْفِرَةٌ وَأَجْرٌ عَظِیمٌ﴾ 

Surely, those who lower their voices before Allah’s Apostle are they whose hearts Allah has tested for guarding (against evil) ; they shall have forgiveness and a great reward. (49: 3) 

Piety of the heart and the body 

Piety sometimes belongs to the physical organs and sometimes it is in the heart. Importance is for the piety of the heart. The piety of the body and physical organs is temporary and always in danger. Its value is less compared to the piety of heart. For instance, it is the outward (physical) piety because of which most of the people observe Ramadhan fasts under the influence of what their parents told 

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them; that if you do not fast purposely you will have to observe fasts for sixty consecutive days. 

If one eats openly during Ramadhan on the first instance, he should be given 20 lashes. On the second occasion fifty lashes and for third or fourth the sentence is killing or death. This punishment may be given in this world or not his chastisement in the Hereafter is definite (in hell). The parents told these things to the child and therefore one observed fasts of Ramadhan. He also heard that the one who does not perform prayer passes away from this world as a disbeliever. One who does not pray does not get the intercession of the Holy Prophet and the Ahle Bait. Whoever does not pray will burn in hellfire, as Qur’an says: 

﴿…مَا سَلَکَکُمْ فِی سَقَرَ؟ قَالُوا لَمْ نَکُ مِنَ الْمُصَلِّینَ. ﴾ 

How is that they brought you to hellfire? They reply: We did not pray. 

In brief, what made them tremble is what they heard from the pulpit or from their parents or what they read or heard from Qur’an. This is an impossible piety. The inner or the piety of the heart is that a man understands and is convinced of what God wants him to understand, as to know God and to know the status of man. Some years pass by and, by the Grace of God, a light is lit up in his heart and then he understands the greatness of God. This is the piety of the 

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heart. Such understanding makes him shiver. 

They tremble on hearing the Name of Allah. 

If piety does not reach the heart, the Name of God is just like all other names for him. 

Remains careful like a cat but… 

In order to make you understand the meaning of the Piety of heart and the compelled Piety, I give you an example, there are some who are much forward in the matter of showing their saintliness like a cat. You have seen that when it rains, a cat slips away from the side of a wall as a precautionary measure, fearing to become wet. Woe unto the cat. A splash of rain makes a cat unhappy. But where does this holiness of the cat go away when it jumps into a pond to catch a fish? It drowns half of its body in the water of the pound. When it is the turn of desire and passion, it forgets al piousness. 

In the book Oddatutdai, a narration is quoted from the Holy Prophet, the last messenger of God: In the Hereafter, on the Day of Judgment, a group from my Ummah (community) will have a lot of good deeds, like pieces of Egyptian cloth in whiteness and brightness but “It will be ordained: Throw all of them in hell. ” It will be exclaimed: O Prophet of God! All these people were performers of prayer. The reply will be: Yes, they did not give up prayer. They will again say: They had observed fasts too. 

The reply: Yes, they did fast. They 

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will ask: O Messenger of God! Then what has made them to be thrown into hell? The reply will be: These performers of prayer and observers of fasts were such that when they saw unlawful wealth, they fell on it head on. (Here the Arabic word ‘Wathaba’ means jumping). Just as a cat jumps on a fish these ‘pious’ people also jump upon unlawful wealth. For example: His father died. His wealth came in his hands. He is told: This is the portion of your brother and this of your sister. Give it to them. Why do you not observe your father’s will? He says: Leave aside such things. He does not possess the Piety of the heart. Come; now let us find out the path leading to the Piety of the heart. 

Understanding the greatness of His creation results in the Piety of Heart 

You look at the outer space and observe that there are stars and stars. In these galaxies there are millions of suns and other globes or spheres. They are like our galaxy. But they are not yet visible to us. In the second galaxy they have found out a star or planet with a diameter of one-milliard and six hundred thousand kilo meters. If this star appears in our solar system, it will cover one-sixth of the entire sky. If it comes up here, there would never be night due to its brightness. 

I mention this just by way of an example. How vast is the machinery of this creation of God! All these huge spheres are revolving and 

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moving by the orders of Only One Might. Their Director is One. Their Manager is One. Just think about the movement of this our earth. In spite of its bulk it does not deviate from its fixed path even for an instant. Same is the case of the movement of the sun with all its mammothness. 

They are, by nature, made to follow the path fixed for them. There are some among you who are sixty or more years old. Have you ever seen any such deviation till today? This twelve Signs of Zodiac! God is the Greatest! You see that it is at its original place. The length of days and nights increase and decrease regularly every year. Throughout your life span have you observed even the slightest waywardness? How regularly the night continues to become shorter and shorter up to the start of spring. Then days and nights become equal. Again days become longer till the end of spring. Then it reverses. These changes take place with extreme precision. This is not so for the last sixty years but it might be for the last sixty thousand years and may continue for thousands of years. So say: 

اَللهُ أکْبَرُ، تَبَارَکَ اللَّهُ أَحْسَنُ الْخَالِقِینَ، ذَلِکَ تَقْدِیرُ العَزِیزِ الحَکِیمِ. 

Allah is the greatest. Blessed be Allah the best of creators. This is the will of the most powerful and the wise. 

Both an elephant and a mosquito are from one mechanism 

A mosquito, which can be blown away easily is similar to an elephant in the mode of creation. The God who 

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gave a trunk to the elephant has given it to a mosquito too. During some nights it sits on your body and awakes you, so that you may understand. Yet why do you not exclaim God is Great (Allaho Akbar)? O God! What is this sting, which made a hole in my body? What a wonderful sense of hearing have You given to it. 

As soon as you raise your hand it flies off. The hearing faculty of this mosquito is so great that its hears a noise, which you cannot. (like a radar). When you raise your hand, its noise is so faint that you cannot hear it but that mosquito does. O God! How astonishing is Your creation! You have given it ear, eye, hands and feet in addition to two wings. An elephant does not have wings. If a faithful person thinks and meditates he becomes enlightened under the influence of piety. God’s greatness gets entrenched in his heart. 

One of its signs is that he regards that thing great which makes him think and realize God’s greatness. He realizes that the greatest of all human beings is Muhammad, the last Messenger of God, ever since the Lord of the Worlds created the universe. The more you realize God’s greatness, the more you become aware of Muhammad who is God’s representative. This universe is but an exudation from the exudations of Muhammad. 

Imam Sadiq at the time of uttering the name of his holy grandfather ‘Muhammad’ was becoming 

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so much respectful that his cheek almost touched, in humility, his knees on the ground. He never uttered the holy name without making or maintaining ablution. It is prohibited for every Muslim to touch this holy name without ablution. To do so is an insult to the Prophet. 

By the way, it must be known that, this applies, when by this name, is meant the Holy Prophet, not anyone who has this name.

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[1]: Usul al-Kafi, Tafsir Durre Manthur, vol. 5; pg. 80.

Signs of Muhammad are also honorable 

To the extent the Holy Prophet Muhammad is respectable in your eyes, the signs of Muhammad are also similarly honorable. Anybody whom you see not respecting a Sayyid, know for sure that the Sayyids’s grandfather is also not honorable in that fellow’s eyes. He does not regard him great. If one has realized the greatness of Muhammad, even if a Sayyid hits on his head or gives him any hardship, that calamity should appear light to him because he regards that Sayyid as the prince. He is Sayyid and master. Shaykh Ja’far Kashiful Ghita has mentioned reasons for serving the Shaykh. Some money had arrived for distribution among the madressah students and it was distributed accordingly as he himself was busy in prayers. 

When he finished the first prayer, there came a needy person between the two prayers. He (the needy person) was a self-respecting Sayyid. He stood exactly in front of the prayer mat of the Shaykh and said, “Give me my portion (Sahm). ” He was told, “You have come late. Whatever we had has been already distributed. ” 

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The self-respecting Sayyid did not at all care for the Shaykh. He spat upon the face of the Shaykh. Spitting on someone’s face is regarded worse than killing among the Arabs. But what did the Shaykh do? (This argument is for the piety of the heart). 

He spread the saliva with his own hand on his own face and beard and said, “I want that my face should appear bright in front of Sayyida Fatima Zahra on the Day of Judgment. ” Thus did he realize the greatness of Fatima. He intends to swallow his anger in front of the offspring of Sayyida Fatima so that he may find a way whereby he may reach the Sayyida’s grandfather on the hardest Day of Resurrection. Unless one realizes the greatness of God he cannot realize the greatness of Muhammad and of Zahra. 

How then can he understand the greatness of a Sayyid? The said Shaykh did not suffice with this. He stood up and asked the audience, “Whoever respects the beard of the Shaykh should drop some money his lap. ” The Shaykh spread his own skirt for begging. The faithful followers imagined that the Shaykh was collecting contributions for his pupils. 

So they filled up his skirt with coins. The Shaykh gathered the amount, kissed the hand of the Sayyid and put the whole amount in his hand saying most respectfully, “Kindly forgive me and excuse me. ” This was because he wanted to get near to God Almighty. [1] So, this is true 

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piety. It means the heart should be aware of the Lord of the universe. Man must realize God’s greatness. If a man’s heart realizes the greatness of God, he becomes weak and low before Muhammad. He bows down before the Holy Qur’an, as it is God’s Word. But, if, God forbid, there is no piety in heart then he has no regard and respect for God and everything related to God. 

﴿إِنَّ الَّذِینَ یَغُضُّونَ أَصْوَاتَهُمْ عِنْدَ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ أُوْلَئِکَ الَّذِینَ امْتَحَنَ اللَّهُ قُلُوبَهُمْ لِلتَّقْوَی﴾ 

Surely those who lower their voices before Allah’s Apostle are they whose hearts Allah has tested for guarding (against evil)... (49: 3) 

Those who lower their voice in the Mosque of the Messenger, due to fear, shame and modesty, God tested their hearts. Noise, shouting and complaints are signs of ignorance and unawareness because of the lack of piety in hearts. This is very strange and astonishing. In the Prophet’s mosque, there are guards who show their backs to the Holy Shrine of the Holy Prophet. What disrespect! They have no piety in their hearts. They do not realize who Muhammad is. Their Shaykh also does not know. 

Do not say that I am making an allegation. Ibn Taiymiyah himself, who is their foremost peer, also does not know all this. He clearly says that the grave of Muhammad is no different from other places. Just think about whom you are talking? When have you realized the greatness God, by which you could realize the greatness of Muhammad? You turn 

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your back to the grave of the Holy one. You extend your legs towards it. You come to the Prophet’s mosque for prayer but you have no respect for the Prophet! You say visiting the Holy Prophet’s grave is not permitted! All this is because of lack of piety in heart. God has given the piety of heart to you Shias and may he multiply it manifold. 

﴿…أُوْلَئِکَ الَّذِینَ امْتَحَنَ اللَّهُ قُلُوبَهُمْ لِلتَّقْوَی﴾ 

…are they whose hearts Allah has tested for guarding (against evil) … 

Here the Arabic word ‘Imtahana’ means ‘He tested’. He has tested the hearts regarding piety. In other words, it is that God expanded their hearts so that they may know His greatness. Expansion is the opposite of narrowness. Unless one recognizes the greatness of God and His Prophet, he does not become great. How can a twelve years old child realize the greatness of the King! How can he pay respect? Unless the feeling of greatness enters his heart he cannot realize greatness. Unless he goes to school and learns writing how can he realize the worth of a good writer? How can an illiterate person appreciate the value of a scholar? How can he pay respect to him! By God! I am telling you the truth. If man wants to pay respect to God he must realize His greatness. He must make himself small. You will certainly ask me what is highness and what is lowness? 

When you were four or five years old, you used to get a 

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two rial or a five qiran coins from your parents to buy a toy. Now you have become owner of thousands and millions. Yet you are as little as when you were four or five years old. The name makes no change. If you like, I may make it more clearly for you. You have already heard the story of Mulla Nasiruddin who said: Praise be to Allah! There has been no change in me though I have become old. People asked, “How can it be? You have become obviously old. ” He replied, “No. My strength and capability has not changed at all. There was a heavy thing in our house. I could not lift it in my youth. Now, when I am old, I cannot yet lift it. Thus, I have not been changed since my youth. ” There are some who have not changed ever since their childhood days. 

One had a small house wherein he had opened a little shop. If any other child tried to kick it, he would catch the child’s leg, saying do you want to destroy my house? In childhood, his house was of a few bricks. Now the number of the bricks is, say four thousand. Briefly, littleness is in not thinking and understanding. May God make man understand here, not in the grave! May God give us a house, which may not be destroyed, a house wherefrom man may not be driven out, a house that is forever strong. When man gives 

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up his thinking about permanent matters he is still a child even at the age of ninety.

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[1]: Manazelul Aakherah

Part 4 

point 

﴿إِنَّ الَّذِینَ یُنَادُونَکَ مِنْ وَرَاءِ الْحُجُرَاتِ أَکْثَرُهُمْ لا یَعْقِلُونَ. ﴾ 

(As for) those who call out to you from behind the private chambers, surely most of them do not understand. (49: 4) 

The Almighty God recalls their incapability and says: Most of them have no sense. Sense means capability of understanding. They have no human intelligence. They have not become higher than animals in the matter of understanding whereby they could know things fully. So that they may know the full meaning, may recognize God and His Messenger, may appreciate the status of messengership and Prophethood. Of course, this requires that man himself should be great enough to comprehend that messengership has a very high status. It is the place where God’s revelations arrive. Here there is a connection with the unseen world. God selects the one who is superior to all others from the viewpoint of chastity, morality, purity and piety, personal hygiene etc. God selects only such person.

Be patient till the Prophet comes out 

The next verse contains many important meanings. It should be remembered what this verse says: 

﴿وَلَوْ أَنَّهُمْ صَبَرُوا حَتَّی تَخْرُجَ إِلَیْهِمْ لَکَانَ خَیْرًا لَهُمْ وَاللَّهُ غَفُورٌ رَحِیمٌ. ﴾ 

And if they wait patiently until you come out to them, it would certainly be better for them, and Allah is Forgiving, Merciful. (49: 5) 

These Bedouins are undisciplined and ignorant. Had they shown patience and self-control, had they not made haste in calling you from out of the room until you 

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came out yourself, and then had they submitted their needs it would have been better for themselves. Honor of the Holy Prophet, maintaining the respect of the status of messengership, is for the benefit of Muslims themselves. One of the benefits is that they reach their goal in a better way. Also, as a result of the respect shown by them to the Holy Prophet, God makes their faith stronger and firmer, their hearty relation and their friendship closer and their reward higher. How many rewards are there for showing patience just for a little while! O ignorant people! There is much good, luck and reward for you in this. 

Here, I want to show you the full meaning of…it would certainly be better for them…today, so that many misconceptions be removed. 

Christian allegations against the Prophet 

One of the Christian writers has, with his sinister pen, made false allegations against Qur’an and the Prophet of Islam, by misrepresenting facts. Finally, a European also wrote a book titled An Apology to Muhammad and the Qur’an. Another fellow wrote a book, Muhammad, the Prophet who should be recognized a new. 

These Christian clerics have hurled many false and baseless allegations against the Holy Prophet. They have drawn a distorted picture of the Prophet’s noble character. One of the mischievous allegations is that Muhammad was very much fond of fame, power, honor and respect; that he has extensively praised himself in Qur’an. What do these five verses of Qur’an from Surah Hujurat show? 

﴿لا تُقَدِّمُوا بَیْنَ یَدَیْ اللَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِ… ﴾ 

Be 

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not forward in the presence of Allah and His Apostle… 

Here He, puts himself first and also says thereafter that do not bring yourselves before Muhammad and do not raise your voice louder than the voice of Muhammad; that is, keep quiet; do not call him without his permission; maintain the greatness of Muhammad. This goes to show that (God forbid) Muhammad wanted that people should honor him, or for instance, he has commanded that whenever one takes or utters his name one must send Salawat on him and similar other allegations. 

The duties are only for the benefit of Muslims 

The reply to all these foolish words and idle talks, allegations and indecent utterances is in the verse itself: 

﴿لَکَانَ خَیْرًا لَهُمْ…﴾ 

…it would certainly be better for them… 

That is: O Muslims! O believers in Qur’an! In all the commands of this Qur’an your own outward and inward benefit has been aimed at. Every address is in the interest of Muslims. Whatever brings good luck to them has been ordained and there is nothing like personal interest in them. Curse of God on the one who utters such blasphemic words and says that Muhammad had his own personal interest. 

Learn true abstinence from Muhammad 

What is personal benefit? It is property and wealth, position and grandeur, fame and kingdom. But from the worldly viewpoint Muhammad never placed a brick over a clay brick, even though if he had wished he could have placed one sliver brick over one golden brick to build his palace. But when he left this world, what worldly wealth did this great Prophet 

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leave behind? What moveable or immovable property did he ever have? It was these few rooms (Hujurat) made of clay bricks, mud and wood. What was the floor of the house of Muhammad made of? It was sand. Sometimes there was a piece of straw mat thereon. So this was his carpet. 

And what kind of bed had he? Full details of the household materials of the Holy Prophet are written in books. The pillow of the Holy Prophet too was of palm fibers filled in a goatskin, which he placed under his holy head. The mattress and the quilt of the Holy Prophet was a combined cloth measuring fourteen meters. He placed half of it under his body and used the other half to cover himself from above. 

There was nothing in between. In the last days of his holy life his wives said to one another: Since the bones of his body have begun to show up let us do one thing. Let us make his bed sheet four-fold so that it may become somewhat soft. So once they did so. That night the Holy Prophet rose from his bed a little later, that is, he took a more restful sleep. When he woke up he asked? Who did this? One of the wives replied, “O Messenger of Allah! We did it. Now your body has become very weak. We thought your bed should be a little soft. ” He said, “You have done injustice to me. Tonight as 

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my bed was softer, I woke later. It should be as before. ” 

The Holy Prophet had nothing like luxury. Even in hot season though he wore no shirt he used to sleep on the hard mat. Once one of his companions arrived and saw that the mat had left marks on the Holy body. He wept and asked, “O Messenger of God! You are the king of kings. What kind of life are you living? ” 

What I mean to say is that Muhammad was not as the liars have alleged. What is property and riches? What is rank or position? What is fame? (May God forgive) , curse of God on the false defamers. Why do you not come and read the life history of Muhammad? When did Muhammad seek fame, power and kingdom? 

On the ground like slaves and servants 

Once the rich women of Medina passed by Muhammad and saw that he was sitting on the ground. He himself said, “I like to sit on the ground till the last day of my life. ” This is spiritualism, which only the wise can understand. 

At last it was seen that the Holy Prophet was about to have his meal. Now it was either dates or a piece of bread. The lady said, “O Master! You are sitting like a slave and you are also eating like a slave! If someone passes by you one will not recognize who you are! ” The Prophet replied, “And who can be a better slave than me? I am the slave of the Lord of 

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the lords and the King of the kings. ” The lady said, “Please do me a favor. 

Kindly give a little from this morsel that you eat. ” The Prophet extended his hand to give a little from his food to the lady. But she said, “Please, for God’s sake, give me from your holy mouth. ” The Holy Prophet gave her a little from his mouth, which she ate. As testified by Amirul Momineen that lady never fell ill since that day until she breathed her last. It was the grace of the morsel from Prophet’s mouth. 

Was the Messenger of God a seeker of fame and name? Whenever he came to a gathering he never sat on a prominent place. In fact, the gatherings of the Holy Prophet did not have any such thing as high or low. People used to sit in a circle on the ground. Everyone sat where he was. Whenever foreigners arrived or whenever representatives of alien countries brought some communication or wanted to meet the Holy Prophet they had to ask, “Where is Muhammad? ” They were told, “He is in the mosque. ” 

In the Mosque, they used to see that it was a round gathering. After seeing this they were compelled to ask, “Who among you is Muhammad? ” They saw that there was no distinction at all; that here all were equal; there was nothing like protocol. All were sitting in a circle. Then the Holy Prophet used to say, “Yes, I am Muhammad, how may I 

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help you? ” [1] 

Always first in Saluting 

Was Muhammad a seeker of fame and position? Did he ever want worldly greatness? Muhammad used to say, “I wish that I should not leave or give up some things until I live: One, sitting on the ground, another to be the first in saluting others. ” He never sought the first Salam from others. Muhammad was the first in saluting even youngsters. If he saw someone from a distance, before that person said a word, Muhammad would exclaim first: Peace be upon you (As-alamu Alaikum). [2] 

I have read in a narration that some Muslims who wanted to be the first in greeting the Holy Prophet, hid themselves so that he would salute him first. However, when the Holy Prophet reached that point, he used to say, “Salamun Alaikum, O the one, who is behind the wall! I do not want out be later in offering Salam until I breathe my last. ” [3] 

Hastening in offering Salam to others drives away ego. O sirs! Be the first in saying Salam to those who are younger than you. Whenever you enter your own house, say Salam to your wife and children. Never say: I am master and so they should salute me first. On entering your home, say Salam to your wife. When your wife comes to you say Salam, to her. When your child reaches you, say Salam to him or her also. The Holy Qur’an says: 

﴿فَإِذَا دَخَلْتُمْ بُیُوتًا فَسَلِّمُوا عَلَی أَنفُسِکُمْ تَحِیَّةً مِنْ عِنْدِ اللَّهِ﴾ 

So when you enter houses, greet your people 

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with a salutation from Allah… [1] 

Hastening in Salam is the remedy of human ailments. It is very effective in gaining humility. They Holy Prophet followed this path as God ordained him: O Muhammad! Whenever the believers come to you, salute them. 

After the virtue of sitting on the ground and being the first in offering Salam, is the matter of seating others on animals while riding. 

Never rode when companions walked 

The third thing which the Holy Prophet did not want to give until his last was making others sit behind him while riding. It is bad that one rides while others walk beside him. By God’s grace now there is no horse or ass riding. In earlier days, the master used to ride and his servant used to walk with him. Woe unto the one who rides while his companion continues to walk with him. The Holy Prophet never did this during his entire life. Firstly, there was no particular animal he rode. He rode whatever was available, be it a donkey or a mule, a camel, be there a saddle or not, be there stirrups or not, a bridle or not. He put a date leaf rope around the donkey, held the same in hand and went on. 

Whenever he saw anyone walking with him the Holy Prophet used to ask him, “Come and sit behind me. ” He used to make a child, a youth or an elder ride with him. Names of such persons mentioned in Hayatul Haiwan, who had this good fortune, numbers 

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thirty-four, one of them being Fazal bin Abbas the Prophet’s cousin. The Holy Prophet was probably returning from Arafat and was proceeding to Mina riding on a camel. This youth came walking in the sun. The Holy Prophet made him sit behind him and also gave him admonitions during this ride. 

By the way, it also is mentioned in a narration that at that time Fazal looked at an alien woman. The Holy Prophet turned his face as he wished that Fazal should not commit the sin of looking at an alien lady. Well, let us proceed. The Holy Prophet never left anyone walking when he himself was riding. He either made him ride with him or he used to say: Either you go first or let me go, and you may come later. Was the Prophet seeking glory and pomp? With such manners what more and how much more should we mention? While dining, the Holy Prophet never took any support for sitting. 

The Prophet did not demand a particular food item 

He never wanted any particular food. Anas had served the Holy Prophet for nine years, that is, he used to prepare and serve food to him. He says that one day the Prophet was late in arriving home. “I thought he might have dined at someone’s house so I consumed a little milk which was kept for him. When he arrived, he sat for a while and then went to bed without telling anything to me. I went to the Mosque and asked one of the companions 

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as to where and in whose house had the Holy Prophet been. 

He replied: The Holy Prophet was in the mosque. I asked: Why so late? He replied: People had asked about a problem, which took time. I said: By God! Muhammad did not eat at all and went to bed without saying anything to me; I am so ashamed. What should I do? I wished I should go down into the earth. After the Holy Prophet went to sleep I told myself: What will happen at dawn? There was nothing to eat. The Holy Prophet woke up for the predawn prayer, kept quiet, said nothing and hearing the call for prayer, proceeded to the mosque for Morning prayers. He fasted the next day without having the dawn meal. Not only this, he never mentioned this ever. ” [1] 

Let those who malign the Holy Prophet by writing that Muhammad was fond of fame, name, dignity and power, tell us if this is the path leading to such worldly things? How was the life style of Muhammad? God’s cursed on every liar and on all those who make false allegations. Is this a luxurious life, which Muhammad led? His life was full of patience, forbearance and hard labor. He was acting against the demands and desires of the heart.

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[1]: Hulyatul Abrar, Bahraini, vol. 1, pg. 117 

[2]: Biharul Anwar, Vol. 4 

[3]: Hulyatul Abrar, Bahraini, vol. 1, pg. 131 

[1]: Surah Nur 24: 61 

[1]: Safinatul Bihar, 1: 415

Need of Anas 

Anas had the honor of serving the Holy Prophet for nine years. The reason for it also was that at the time of the Holy Prophet’s arrival in Medina, every faithful believer had brought 

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some gift for him. The mother of Anas held her child, Anas’ hand and came to the Holy Prophet. She said, “O Messenger of Allah! I am an old and weak poor woman. I have nothing to bring to you as a gift. I have brought this son of mine. Kindly accept him so that he may serve you. ” The Prophet of God also accepted this offer. This boy was in the house of the Holy Prophet for nine years and, as I have said, he was so fortunate to have this honor. 

As a result of his mother’s offer as well as his own wish, after nine years he sought permission to leave so that he may work somewhere for earning his own livelihood. The Prophet of God told him, “You have labored for nine years in our house. Now, ask for whatever you want so that I may give it to you. I will fulfill every need of yours. ” By the way, this was the time when Islam had spread wide and gained wealth. If Anas wanted, the Holy Prophet might even have given him some land in the Islamic state. 

He said clearly: Ask whatever you want. During these nine years, Anas also had become wise and clever under the training of the Messenger of God. He replied, “O Messenger of God! Kindly give 24 hours’ time so that I may think over it. ” After all, it is not an ordinary thing to ask anything from the 

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Prophet of God, who is the owner of both this world and the Hereafter. The Holy Prophet said, “Well, think for 24 hours as desired by you. ” Anas thought during the night: What should I ask? 

Sometimes his thoughts went after worldly things, like a herd of a hundred sheep or camels, or governorship. Such thoughts came to his mind but he pushed them all behind and pondered what was the benefit of all that? All were perishable. Even if I ask for a hundred sheep or camels, or land he would give but what is the gain in this bargain? A wooden chair or throne connected with the wooden plank, which makes a coffin is not really beneficial. What is better is that, which will last forever. 

Then he began to think deeply: What should I ask for my hereafter? Salvation demands Paradise and companionship of Muhammad forever. Nothing else is better and higher than this. The company of Muhammad is the highest thing. This is what all of us seek through the supplication while reciting the Ziyarat Ashura earnestly. So this indeed is the last and the highest need of every faithful believer. The explanation of spiritual company has been mentioned in the book Qalbe Saleem. In the Ziarat’s conclusion is the phrase that mentions the wish for the Praised Position (Maqam-e-Mahmood). O reciters of the Ziyarat Ashura! Ask for every need, which must be for this aim and, Insha Allah (God willing) you will attain it. However, 

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the Ziyarat Ashura is higher than such partial matters. Worldly needs have no value therein. 

Seek the praised status (Maqam-e-Mahmood) from God 

Is it perhaps impossible for me to speak about Maqam-e-Mahmood (the praised place) in this sitting? Where is Maqam-e-Mahmood? In Mahshar (The Grand gathering ground in the Hereafter) there is an area named Maqam-e- Mahmood. There is a pulpit having a thousand steps of light (Noor). At the top, above all others, is the station of the last Prophet Muhammad, thereafter is the Victorious Lion of Allah (Asadullah al Ghalib) Ali bin Abi Talib. 

Other stairs belong to the Imams and Prophets in accordance with their status in the sight of God. Then those who left this world with Faith in and love for Allah in their hearts, those who made themselves reach and gain this company which we call and seek, that is the spiritual company, those who remained with the Progeny of Muhammad and so their holy souls joined with the holy souls and the pious ones. 

Then, there, in this Maqam-e-Mahmood, their orator is the Holy Prophet, standing on the highest stair. He praises Allah and gives a sermon, wherein, according to narrations, he praises God in a way no one had ever praised earlier. [1] What a pulpit on top of which is the Holy Prophet and below it are also the prophets, legatees, Imams and the best people. What other distinctions should I say? Just know that it is so great that in Ziyarat Ashura you seek it. You say: O Lord! 

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Let me reach Maqam-e-Mahmood for the sake of the holy blood, which was spilled, the blood of Husain who is a divine sign. It is the place praised much, from where so much mercy and rewards rain. It is so high and glorious that the audience gets full reward of spirit. 

It is said that if, in that gathering at Maqam-e-Mahmood, even the Houries of Paradise arrive and inform the Faithful: ‘We are your Lovers’ and ‘We are eagerly awaiting You’ the lucky audience will reply, ‘How can we leave this pulpit of Muhammad? ’ Imam Sadiq is reported to have said that on the Day of Judgment, Husain will be under the shade of the Throne of God and God will be gathering those who had visited Husain’s grave and his Shias and they will get so much happiness, delight and mercy that it cannot be described except by God. So much so that from one side, fairies from Paradise will arrive with a message saying, “We are your lovers and we are eagerly waiting for you. ” The people at the said Maqam-e-Mahmood will reply, “We will come to you afterwards, if Allah wills. ” In other words, “We cannot leave the company of Husain; we prefer it over you. ” [1] 

Briefly speaking, these are the matters to be perceived, not described. Those who recite the Ziyarat Ashura hope to be with Husain, with Muhammad, with Ali. Anas asked for exactly this from the Holy Prophet after serving him for nine years. Next 

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morning, he came to the assembly of the Holy prophet in the Mosque. The Prophet asked, “Did you think over it? ” Anas replied, “O Messenger of Allah! My need and my desire is that I should be with you in the Hereafter. ” The same what you recite in the Ziyarat Ashura. Anas told the truth. He earnestly desired and longed for remaining with Muhammad. He said, “I want only this. ” What was the reply of the Prophet? 

Attain nearness to Allah through prostration 

Is it an ordinary thing to be with Muhammad? It is not possible without qualification and capability. One who has no qualification does not benefit. If a donkey is dressed royally and its made to sit on the throne. Then even if saffron is put before it, it is of no use. A change is needed. Humanity and spiritualism must be created so as to be able to sit on a throne. This man desires to sit with the king of the universe. The Holy Prophet shows him the way, which if adopted, can enable him to be with Muhammad. He said: Make more and more prostrations. Because prostration is to push back everything except Only One God. It is to cut off the heart from everything else. The longer the prostration, the better it is. The servant is nearest to his Lord when he prostrates before Him. [1] 

If one weeps in prostration it is still better. The nicest recitation too is: There is no god except You, the glorified. Indeed I was of 

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the wrong doers (Laa Illaah illaa anta subhaanaka innee kuntu minaz zaalimeen) for twenty times, a hundred times, a thousand times. Imam Sajjad sometimes recited such utterances placing his head on stones in the valley of Medina. The narrator says, “When he prostrated, he did not lift his head until his entire body perspired. ” [1] 

One hour, two hours, only God knows how long in the hot air of summer. My aim is to show what a prostration is. If you want to attain spiritualism it requires some effort. You should be prepared to do deeds, which may disconnect you from the material world and take you towards spiritualism. Otherwise, supposing even if they bring you near the Prophet, you cannot benefit by his company, unless hard efforts are made. Its example is found wherein the Holy Prophet asked Anas to do thus. 

It is narrated that Amirul Momineen said that once a man came to the Holy Prophet and said, “O Messenger of God! Kindly show me the way whereby God may love me and people also may love me and my possessions also may increase and my body may remain healthy and my life may be long and God may raise me up with you in the Hereafter. ” The Holy Prophet replied, “These are six desires which require six virtues. 

If you want that God should love you then fear Him and refrain from sinning and if you want that people may befriend you then do good to them 

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and do not envy for what is in their possession and do not vie for it and if you wish that your property should increase then pay the poor tax (Zakat) and if you want that your body should remain healthy then give more charity and if you desire to live longer then take care of relatives and be kind to them and if you intend and hope that God may gather you with me on the Day of Judgment, then extend your prostrations for God Almighty. ” [1] 

Summarily, if one desires nearness to Muhammad while continuing to sin, it is merely wishful thinking because sin leads to the neighborhood of Satans and Pharaohs. So there is no alternative to walk on the path of obedience and worship which leads to Paradise and the neighborhood of the Holy Prophet and the more one worships and obeys, the nearer he gets to Paradise and the beloved ones of God. Among the kinds of worship, prostration is more effective in creating spiritual nearness. Qur’an and a number of narrations have emphatically mentioned that there are some specialties in the matter of prostration. What is shown by the Imams is briefly listed below: 

1. Prostration (Sajdah) is the way of those who repent and turn towards God. 

2. Prostration gives utmost trouble to Satan. 

3. Prostration drops sins just as wind drops leaves of a tree. 

4. Prostration is a position wherein the servant is nearest to God. 

5. Prostration is a condition in which man is in utmost humility 

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and slavery in front of the Lord creator. 

In addition to extreme self-restraint, there are other worship and deeds, which strengthen the soul. Tonight, we shall explain this holy verse to you.

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[1]: Tawheed of Saduq 

[1]: Biharul Anwar, vol. 11, pg. 263 

[1]: Wasaelush Shia, Book of Prayers 

[1]: Muntahiul A’maal, Qummi 

[1]: Safinatul Bihar vol. 1, pg. 599

Khums also is for the Muslims themselves 

Each and every duty or responsibility, which Islam has established is mainly for the benefit of Muslims themselves. Nothing is meant for its founder or the Holy Prophet; so much so that even the Khums (one-fifth) , which is made obligatory too is such. Curse of God on those who have thought that Muhammad has done so for the benefit of his progeny and has sought only their profit. 

Actually Khums is prescribed with the aim that the hearts and wealth of Muslims should become pure and their connection or relation with Muhammad be stronger and closer, not that, through this God has provided sustenance for the progeny of Muhammad. O rich Muslims! What are you to give anything to them? 

A Bahraini man once brought the Khums of his jewels to Medina and he sat in such a manner as if he had done something great by bringing something more for the Imam. The Imam signaled his servant to bring a vessel lying in a corner. When they brought the tray, Imam recited some prayer on it (perhaps there was sand in it). The Imam turned that dish upside down before the man from Bahrain. So many gold coins poured therefrom that it formed a heap between the slave and the Bahraini. Then the Imam said, “We are not in 

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need of your Khums. You should not think in this way. You have not done anything great. What need do we have? It is our favor to you that we accept what you bring as Khums in order to make you clean and pure. ” [1] 

This is your Khums, O Man! Tomorrow on the Day of Judgment, a caller will call out on behalf of the Prophet of God: Anyone who has to collect from Muhammad anything may get up. On that Day, all will await such a call. 

The Day of Judgment is an extremely hard day. Everyone will be burning and trembling hoping that an intercessor comes up to help him or her; that someone should arise to save him or her. It is very terrible. How nice when you will hear those words! The grand gathering will ask, “What does this mean? ” Muhammad has right on everyone! The caller will explain, “Everyone who, during his worldly life, did good to the progeny of Muhammad, repaid their loans, gave respect to them, fulfilled their needs, helped them may arise to get his right from Muhammad. ” [2] 

On that Day, O Zakat-payer! What a delight and benefit you will taste! All these commands are for you, only for your own benefit. So much so that even the recommended deeds, like Ziyarat of Imam Husain are for the benefit of the Shias, both in the world and in the Hereafter. But, in the worldly life, the Ziyarat of the Imam results in a long 

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life and expansion in sustenance and fulfillment of needs. It is mentioned in narrations and also experienced by many, and, in the Hereafter, it will result in the forgiveness of sins and getting intercession of the messenger of God and nearness to his Holy being. 

They have quoted a tradition in Kamiluz Ziyarah according to which the Holy Prophet had foretold the martyrdom of all the Ahle Bait on several occasions. Imam Husain asked, “Our graves will be at different places on earth and also at a distance from one another. How one can make Ziyarat of our graves? ” The Prophet replied, “Groups from my followers will come to your graves for my sake. Now, it is my responsibility that in exchange, I may hold their hands on the day of the Judgment, help them and protect them from the fears and fright of that Day so that God may admit them to Paradise. ” 

Again, in the same book, in the chapter of the merits of Kerbala there is a tradition through Umme Aiman from the Holy Prophet, that he said, “And they build, on the grave of Husain, a sign and symbol, that is a shrine, which will last and will not become old. In times leaders of disbelief and followers of deviation will try to obliterate the signs of Husain but they will not be able to do so. Rather its height and manifestation will increase day by day. ” This tradition is one of the news from the unseen given 

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by the Holy Prophet. Whatever efforts the Bani Abbas, especially Mutawakkil the cursed made, he could not succeed in demolishing the grave of Husain. The tomb of Husain ever since is a venue for many visitors. 

Shaykh Shustari says in Khasais, “The beauty of this high and lofty dome will go on multiplying with the passage of time. ” We see that the construction of Ka’ba and all the Holy structures do end but the construction and expansion of the shrine and courtyard of the mausoleum of Husain, the chief of martyrs does not stop. Rather, ever since the cursed Mutawakkil demolished it, every year the caliphs of Bani Abbas and kings following them have given importance to its reconstruction. Ever since I was five year old till today when I am above sixty, not a day has passed when I did not see addition or renovation of its design and beautification. It appears it will be so till the Judgment Day. 

In the translation of Khasais, the late Shahristani says, “I have observed the construction and renovation of the new dome and the widening of the courtyard in the upward direction, the construction of the Nasiri courtyard and its basement, its stone floor and engraving on its walls. This work still continues. ” 

I had the honor to visit the Najaf-e-Ashraf in 1360 when I saw that they were expanding the shrine of Imam Husain and fixing marbles on its walls. Till last year (97) whenever I went there I did not see that 

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such construction or renovation had ever ended. It is also mentioned in the same tradition of Umme Aiman that the Holy Prophet said, “Angels are writing in ink of Noor (Radiance) , on the foreheads of the visitors to the tomb of Husain, ‘Haa Zaairal Husain’ (This person has visited Husain) and, on the Day of Gathering this will dazzle the eyes of all and they (the visitors of Husain) will be known to all by this radiance. ”

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[1]: Madinatul Maajiz, Bahraini, pg. 496 

[2]: Fazailus Sadat

Part 5 

point 

﴿وَلَوْ أَنَّهُمْ صَبَرُوا حَتَّی تَخْرُجَ إِلَیْهِمْ لَکَانَ خَیْرًا لَهُمْ وَاللَّهُ غَفُورٌ رَحِیمٌ﴾ 

And if they wait patiently until you come out to them, it would certainly be better for them, and Allah is Forgiving, Merciful. (49: 5) 

In this Holy verse, it is necessary to remember two points. It was mentioned yesterday also but since it is important, for emphasis, here is another mention: Had these nomadic Arabs (not made such reckless noise in haste without discipline and) , showed respect (and) remained silent and had they submitted their say when the Holy Prophet, of his own, came out (of his room) such respect and patience, instead of the said indiscipline would have been better for them. These orders are for showing respect to the Holy Prophet. 

The Muslims must consider Muhammad greater and higher than themselves. Should give respect and honor to him so much so that they should never raise their voice higher than his voice in his gatherings. They must never take themselves ahead of him. These orders are only for their own 

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good. 

He fetches people from love for world to love for God 

Is Muhammad a seeker of pomp, rank, fame and name etc.? Curse of God on him who has such a bad opinion about the Holy Prophet. A Prophet and an Imam has to have twenty virtues one of which is that he should have no love for material things. If one has even an iota of worldly love he can never attain messengership. Messenger means one who draws people towards the Hereafter. One, who has worldly love, draws people towards materialism. 

In Dua Nudba you recite: “And after You took promise from them to renounce all the stages of this despicable world, and its superficial attractions and allurements. Then they accepted the promise. ” 

The very first condition for the Messengers and for their legatees is piety in the world. If they give importance to the world, if they look at the pleasures, position and status in the world and to kingdom and rule, then their reach is low. It is possible that a doctor gives medicine to others but he himself is sick. The Messenger and the Imams are spiritual doctors (physician of soul). They want to relieve people from the love for world and to draw them towards love of Allah. What I mean to convey is that all these orders are for Muslims themselves. 

If you cared for the respect of Muhammad it is only for your benefit. Your reward increases thereby. Your knowledge of God and Truth multiplies. Your Faith becomes stronger. When you utter the holy name 

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of Muhammad and send Salawat on him, never imagine that Muhammad has any need of it. It is only for you. O believers! Come shoulder to shoulder with angels. As the angels get closer to Allah through Salawat on Muhammad, you too may obtain nearness to God. As many times you send Salawat on Muhammad your sins drop down in that proportion. Your distance from God decreases and you get closer to Him. For example, the Prophet says that if you send Salawat once to me I send ten Salawats to him. All the Commandments of Islam are like this.

The reward of Prophethood for the faithful themselves: Love for the near kindered 

قُلْ لا أَسْأَلُکُمْ عَلَیْهِ أَجْرًا إِلاّ الْمَوَدَّةَ فِی الْقُرْبَی﴾ 

“Say: I do not ask of you any reward for it but love for my near relatives…” [1] 

What is the reward or recompense of messengership? Friendship and affection for the progeny of the Holy Prophet. This matter stands till Resurrection. Is it for the benefit of the Sayyids? Is it for personal benefit that it may be draw an allegation against the Holy Prophet? No, it is never so. Rather it is for the benefit of only Muslims so that through the bounty of the friendship with the Sayyids and the progeny of the Holy Prophet they may attain nearness to the King of the world of existence, Muhammad and the Progeny of Muhammad. Muhammad has control over the entire world. 

The cause of creation and the aim of its end is Muhammad. The accountability on the Day of Judgment is with 

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Muhammad. Paradise and Hell are in the control of Muhammad. At that time we would want to have the help and intercession of Muhammad but then we refrain from helping his progeny! Affection for the relatives of Muhammad is for our own good. (Say: I do not ask of you any reward for it but love for my near relatives). 

What we are saying is that you must befriend the progeny of the Prophet not just to maintain respect for him and honoring his children for any personal desire. The recompense, which is asked from you, is affection for the Prophet’s relatives and it is only for you. If you befriended a Sayyid and gave him honor and respect for the sake of his grandfather then, to that extent, you have got nearness to the king of the world of existence. Otherwise you may respect him or you may not, as you like. The Sayyid is a Sayyid and so also the master. It makes no difference for his mastership. He is the prince. But you get nearness to him through respect for him. 

Fasting strengthens spirit 

The ignorant says, “Why God should need our prayer and fast? ” It is you who needs it. You require it for yourself. The Prayer, which you offer is service to your own self. You made yourself remember God. Thus you rose high up from an animal- like state. You fetched yourself out of the full time engagement of merely eating, drinking, passion, anger, ignorance and darkness. An 

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animal has no sign of humanity or civility. 

You kept fasts for a month of Ramadhan and made yourself nearer to the otherworldly angels. You came to the Mosque and lined up like angels saying ‘God is the greatest’ (Allaho Akbar) collectively. Is this a little progress? Fasting gave you upliftment, which is for your own benefit. God says: It is good for you. This fasting strengthens spirit. It makes the Faith perfect. It shows you the path of approaching God. It is only due to it that you distanced yourselves from animality and took yourself nearer to Allah. You prayed at dawns. How delicious is it to approach God after midnight. 

Those who are fast asleep after filling up their bellies to brim cannot have any idea of this advancement. The real delight is the delight of the one who fasts. When you remember God like this and at this time, its sweetness can only be experienced – not described. Fasting makes you one of the patient ones. You enter the group of God’s people. Otherwise you would have remained a two-footed animal. 

Those who do not fast without any valid reason are harming only themselves. They have degraded their own selves spiritually by showing and announcing that I am so weak that I cannot control my stomach. This is the manifestation of meanness. I am unable to hold myself for a few hours from desires and passions. Likewise, those who fast show that I have strength and power 

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to hold myself for sixteen hours. 

This is spiritualism. This is gaining power. It is said that the Zakat money, which you give to the poor, though apparently, your money reaches a poor person, but in fact, you have given a very big gift to yourself. Apparently the money goes away from you but what is the reality? There comes a light (Noor). You give one coin and, as a reward, you receive a thousand times Noor (Radiance) which brightens your heart. Your rank rises up spiritually. 

One who spends money in the path of God extinguishes a burning fire and one who become a miser, fans the fire. It is recommended that the hand of the needy (whom you donate something) should be kissed. When its reason was asked Imam Sadiq said, “Have you not read in the Holy Qur’an: God accepts the charities? It is as if the hand of God receives it. What is higher than this? What God accepts is bountiful. [1] 

The hand of the one who asks is worth kissing. Your own hand is also worth kissing. If you show miserliness and if you do not give anything in the path of God then indeed that hand is worth amputing. When you become a miser you fan fire for your own self. Whatever you give drives away the fire from you; it is a barrier between him and hell-fire. 

Charity cultivates generosity 

Moreover, it generates a perfect virtue. Until a man becomes kind he cannot approach the real needless ones. 

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Do you wish to face the source of generosity, that is, Ali bin Abi Talib, taking with you your miserliness? Strange! How can you get nearness to Ali when you are a miser? These charities take you nearer to Ali and so their benefit reaches only you. Whatever you gave, you gave for yourself. You have uplifted your own existence. In this way you can be nearer to the Most Generous One, the Lord of the worlds. Until you have not inculcated generosity in yourself, how can you, tomorrow, benefit from Divine Mercy? It is not possible for man to reach the source of virtues unless and until he inculcates in him those high virtues. A miser is far away from Paradise, away from God, and away from the Progeny of Muhammad. 

O Muslims! Appreciate the Divine Commands and responsibilities. Whatever is there in it, it is only for your benefit. Whatever is made unlawful for you, it is banned so that you may not be harmed; that you may not be at a loss. Otherwise, in the words of the poet: 

Even if the whole world becomes denier, His greatness will not be affected. 

Patience brings growth and draws limitless reward 

For example, the God Almighty says in the Holy Qur’an: Be patient, Allah is with the patient ones. So it is for you that God has said: I will give you the reward; I will recompense. He further says: And if you are patient it is better for you. Firstly, it is good for your body. When you 

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resort to this patience you get tranquility. Impatience brings you nervous and restlessness making you ill. From the otherworldly view also you lose its benefit. But if you are patient you will get a healthy body and heart with a good life and you are given the promise of Paradise in the Hereafter. After death, Paradise is the property of the patient ones. Every deed there has a measure and weight but, for patience, there is no measure. Reward of patience is immeasurable, limitless. Patience is the remedy for your illness. If you will show patience, you will get limitless reward from God. 

For making patience easy, look at those who are in a more difficult situation than you are in. Everyone who is in a calamity will find another one in a worse condition. Look at him and say: Thanks God. For example, you are living in a rented house. Then look at the one who does not have any money even for paying rent. Do not look at the one who has both a bungalow and a garden. Never look at the richer in worldly matters. 

Always look at the one who is in a more difficult position than you so that you can be patient. You will benefit. This was a marginal comment. The first sentence has ended. The summary of its first meaning is that all the difficulties are from the Lord of the worlds. It is His mercy towards His servants, which results in a 

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good end and keeps one from greater harms. It is not to put one in trouble by caring for others – God forbid. It can never be so that Muslims should be put to trouble for the sake of Muhammad. 

Observance of rights is bilateral 

Islamic laws concerning the rights of an individual towards the society are bilateral, that is, one’s right over other and the other’s right over one. No preference is given to a particular side. In the social rights also there is bilateral consideration. This Holy verse, on one hand, tells the Muslims: Be respectful, give honor to Muhammad. Considering Muhammad great is obligatory for you. If you not do so your deeds will go in vain. 

So much so that even your voice must never be louder than his. On the other hands, it says to Muhammad: Be humble to the faithful who follow you. As We have told your followers to observe your respect and honor you, you too must be modest to them. If a poor mans comes to you and says, “O Muhammad! I want you to do this for me, then do it. ” The Holy Prophet went with the needy, attended funerals and visited the ill etc. 

Salute the faithful 

﴿وَإِذَا جَاءَکَ الَّذِینَ یُؤْمِنُونَ بِآیَاتِنَا فَقُلْ سَلَامٌ عَلَیْکُمْ کَتَبَ رَبُّکُمْ عَلَی نَفْسِهِ الرَّحْمَةَ أَنَّهُ مَنْ عَمِلَ مِنْکُمْ سُوءًا بِجَهَالَةٍ ثُمَّ تَابَ مِنْ بَعْدِهِ وَأَصْلَحَ فَأَنَّهُ غَفُورٌ رَحِیمٌ﴾ 

“And when those who believe in Our communications come to you, say: Peace be on you, your Lord has ordained mercy on Himself, (so) that 

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if anyone of you does evil in ignorance, then turns after that and acts aright, then He is Forgiving, Merciful. ” [1] 

When this verse was revealed to the Holy Prophet, he became very happy. It says: When these Faithful come to you, hurry up and say Salamun Alaikum to them before they salute you and give them good tiding of God’s mercy. [2] Say: O those who accepted and responded to the call of Muhammad! Your God has made it a must for Him to be kind to the followers of Muhammad. He has bound Himself to be merciful to the followers of Muhammad and to pardon anyone of them who sins unwarily, accepting his repentance. 

It is mentioned in the commentary that once the Holy Prophet came to Mosque. Some of his companions were so poor that they did not have cloth enough to cover themselves properly. When they sat near him they joined their thighs, putting a piece of cloth on their knees to cover their two legs. The Holy Prophet arrived, sat in their midst touching his knees with those of the poor men and said: Thanks to God who has recommended me to salute my followers. I have been commanded by God to respect to you.

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[1]: Surah Shura 42: 23 

[1]: Layaliyal Akhbar 

[1]: Surah Anam 6: 54 

[2]: Tafsir Minhajus Sadiqeen

Sayyids should also respect the Muslims 

Let me make further clarification of the bilateral position of rights. It is recommended that you should befriend the Sayyids, honor them, do good to them and give gifts to them. You have heard this very often. But it is not a one-sided affair 

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because it is also recommended to the Sayyids that they should, for the good of the people, show humility to them like their ancestor (the Holy Prophet) and not to boast that I am a Sayyid, I am the son of the master, I am the prince. Just as Muslims have to give respect to the Holy Prophet it is also a must for him (the Prophet) to show humility to people. The Sayyid should also realize that as the community befriends you for the sake of Muhammad you too should appreciate that they are the ones who follow the religion of your ancestor. 

How much do you love the religion of your grandfather? You must love and befriend them so that they follow the religion of your grandfather more sincerely. Keep aside personal benefits and interests just as they put aside their personal interests regarding you. You also should reciprocate and befriend all. 

It is mentioned in the third volume of Biharul Anwar that the last Prophet Muhammad, during his last fatal illness, said from the pulpit to Bani Abdul Muttalib, “O family and tribesmen of Muhammad! As the lineage of each and every Sayyid reaches Hashim, the grandfather of Muhammad you must be aware. Let it not be so that tomorrow, on the Day of Judgment, my nation may come with (good) deeds and you come without deeds. In that case, you will not benefit from me at all. 

Merely claiming that I am a son of Muhammad does not count. 

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I am telling you something higher. The Holy Prophet told his daughter Fatima to audit her deeds, “O Fatima! Do good and do not be proud. Go on doing good and prepare for the journey to the other world and do not say that I am a daughter of Muhammad. ” 

Then he said from the pulpit, “After my passing away no one must maintain false ambitions and wishful thinking. By God Who made me His Messenger, none can ever get salvation except through good deeds and mercy of Allah. ” It means if you think that you will go to Paradise without Prayer, Fast, Charity and all obligatory deeds, it is a mere wishful thinking. He said, “Even though I am Muhammad, if I commit a sin I will fall. ” Do not think that as Muhammad is Muhammad; since he is a chief of the religion, he is an exception and that it is not wrong if he sins. 

Now if a Sayyid says: Since I am a Sayyid I will not go to hell. Some ignorant says that Sayyids do not go to hell; they go to Zamahreer. Now where is Zamahreer? It, in your imagination, is a good place! It is mentioned in a narration that in the Hereafter, there is a part, which is contrary to hell from the viewpoint of coolness. It means that hell is very hot and Zamahreer is extremely cool. The difference is that whoever, God forbid, goes to Zamahreer wishes that he be taken to 

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hell. Is, in your opinion, Zamahreer a nice place? There is no distinction between a Sayyid and a Shaykh, common man and noble man, scholar and ignorant, student and teacher. 

Sayyids should all the more refrain from sinning 

Sayyids should, more than others, be careful and they must always refrain from every sin. If a Sayyid sins his punishment is twofold. It is mentioned in Wafi that if the sons of the Prophet worship the reward is double and if they commit a sin then also the punishment is double for them, one for sinning and another for degrading the honor of his holy lineage. O woman! If you move out without an Islamic dress you have insulted your ancestor, and you say I am a Sayyid lady! Tomorrow, in the Hereafter you will get two chastisements, one the punishment for this offence and another for dishonoring Fatima. 

Being a Sayyid lady, do you realize what have you done? You have insulted your religion, as people will say: This is a Sayyid and an Alid woman. Why the progeny of the Prophet should act like this? The internal enemy is indeed very dangerous. Children become foes and hence get double punishment. Rather, the Sayyids should be in the front line of the righteous people so that others may follow them. The progeny of the Prophet are entitled to be the first and foremost in doing good deeds. Sayyid ladies should come forward and act according to the Shariah of Muhammad and in the matter of modesty, chastity and 

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honor follow their grandmother, Zahra so that other women may get lessons from them. This is enough for now, let us go ahead. 

Rights of spouses are reciprocal 

We have said earlier that in the holy code of conduct or Shariah of Islam, while making laws, attention has been paid towards bilateral relations (rights and duties) even in the matter of husband and wife. It is said: “Men are the maintainers of women. ” It is obligatory for women to obey their husbands in conjugal affairs so much so that if the wife goes asleep while her husband is angry with her, angels continue to curse her so long as the husband is angry. Her prayer is not acceptable nor her other deeds. She cannot keep unobligatory fasts without the husband’s permission. Recommended charities and similar other good deeds must also be done with the permission of the husband, and after ascertaining what he wants. 

As against this, the Holy Qur’an and traditions have also fixed responsibilities and duties upon men regarding their wives. Besides food, clothing and shelter, other serious responsibilities too are on the husbands. 

Once people insisted upon a man to take a wife. He did not agree and began to weep much. They said, “Why should you weep? If you do not want a wife, just say so? He replied, “What made me weep is another thing. I have not yet taken a wife. I must first carry my own load to destination to make myself worthy of Paradise. If I take a wife 

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then it will be upon me to save that lady also from hell. I am myself yet not fortunate enough to pass through the Sirat Bridge how shall I make my wife worthy of Paradise! ” Everyone who takes a wife takes upon himself a huge responsibility as the Holy Qur’an says: O men! Save yourself and your family from hellfire. 

You cannot talk only about yourself. If you have a wife, it is obligatory for you to hold her hand to take her away from hell as you are the head of the family. Another responsibility imposed by Qur’an is to live nicely with her. Whatever excessive faultfinding, you are doing with your wives is all against the Shariat of Islam. The load of responsibilities on man is indeed heavy. 

Woe unto those who resort to unfair fault finding with their wives, who behave badly with their women and even, God forbid, beat them. Man has no right to beat his wife. On the other side, it is said reciprocally that O woman! You must obey your husband. Likewise man is also told: You have no right to issue orders to her as you wish. You cannot ask her as to why did you not sweep the room. Islam tells the woman: O women! Your jihad in the path of God is to serve your husbands nicely. Your jihad is your good housekeeping, husband caring. Make yourself pure, clean and beautiful. As far as you can, adorn yourself for your husband, 

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serve him and nourish his children. Give your milk (breastfeeding) to your children and know that with every drop of the milk sucked by your child from your breast you earn the reward of freeing a slave. 

Islam tells the men: You have no right to compel your wives to breastfeed your child: Feeding and clothing of the child is a responsibility of the father. You have no right to command her if she demands compensation for breastfeeding your child. She has a right to it. Nourishment of a child is a father’s duty. But Islam also tells mothers: You also, for the sake of God, without having an eye on money, lovingly and thanking God for granting you a baby, feed it, breastfeed your own child. 

It is also recommended to men: Caring for the women is among the bequests of the holy Imams. It is also a part of the will made by Amirul Momineen. A woman is weaker. Man must control himself. He should not become angry towards her. He must be considerate and sympathetic towards his wife and he should be tolerant. If the wife loses her temper and begins to make an uproar, you must keep cool. Do not say what she says. If you repeat what she says the matter will worsen. This is against your responsibility. You have to forgive your wife as her might is less. Man must be different from woman in their behavior. 

I feel better among women 

May God be pleased with this honorable man. There 

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is a humorous story about him. I relate this so that men must remember it and dispel the restlessness of the women in a light way. Once, in the house of the said gentleman, there was some dispute. It rose so much that the woman cursed his husband saying, “O God! Make him missing among men. ” When her husband heard this he retorted, “I am happier among women. ” What the woman meant was: Be dead. The husband returned her word saying: I feel better among women. This single word made all laugh and the quarrel came to end. 

The rights of parents and children too are reciprocal 

Among the rights of the father is that the child must honor and obey the father. The father is also recommended to be kind towards the little ones. They are told: Do not do anything that may put the child to trouble. Parents have the responsibility to nourish them, train them and fulfill their needs; and even to marry them off. The rights of parents over their children are in no way lesser than the rights of children over their parents. Just as a right of the wife over her husband is not lighter than his right over her. 

Both sides must fulfill their responsibilities and duties. If one does not do so one will have to answer before God Almighty. Beware of the Day of Judgment when those whose rights were trampled upon will gather around the responsible persons. All will be told (by God): Get back your rights and establish 

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justice by removal of injustices. Imam Sajjad yearns in Dua Abu Hamzah: On the Day of Judgment, who will release me from the hands of the claimants of rights! The Holy Qur’an says: The Day when man will flee from his brother and mother and father and wife and sons. 

On the Day of Judgment, a man will run away from his wife. O Muslims! Judgment Day is such when father runs away from his child and child from his parents. Why? For what are they fleeing? Because of the rights upon them. On seeing his father, the child will run away fearing that he will catch hold of him saying: Do you remember how many rights of mine you trampled upon in the world. A wife will run away from her husband fearing that he will claim his rights which she did not take care off. But fleeing is impossible. This is the first stage. The second stage will bring blowings of the bugle. This is the beginning of the Grand Gathering (Mahshar) when people will run away from those whose rights had been trampled upon. The next stage has been mentioned in other verses of Qur’an

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﴿یَا أَیُّهَا الَّذِینَ آمَنُوا إِنْ جَاءَکُمْ فَاسِقٌ بِنَبَإٍ فَتَبَیَّنُوا أَنْ تُصِیبُوا قَوْمًا بِجَهَالَةٍ فَتُصْبِحُوا عَلَی مَا فَعَلْتُمْ نَادِمِینَ﴾ 

O you who believe! If an evildoer comes to you with a report, look carefully into it, lest you harm a people in ignorance, then be sorry for what you have done. (49: 6)

Do not react to the words of a Transgressor 

As mentioned 

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before, the first part of Surah Hujurat describes how to maintain respect and honor of God and His Prophet. We have discussed about it in detail. 

From today we begin to study the common responsibilities and important orders about social dealings by Muslims with one another. If people act according to these commands it will guarantee success both in this world and the Hereafter. If they disregard these orders their worldly life will be destroyed, their social life will become troublesome and their Hereafter will also be a failure. 

The first order, which makes all of us responsible in this verse and on which much emphasis is laid is: O Muslims! If a liar brings you any news then be careful. It should be not so that you may make haste; that you may become affected by it instantly and believing it to be true, light up fire of quarrel only to be ashamed afterwards without any benefit. Here is an example: Suppose he says: I saw a man approaching your wife in your house when you were not there. 

Now, O wise man! You have no right to get excited at once believing in his word and begin to quarrel in your family with complaints resulting in approach to court and even a divorce. Then in the end it is learnt that the man who had gone to your house was your wife’s brother. The mischievous man did not know this. He though he was a stranger. He did not know 

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that he was your wife’s brother. 

You also did not make any inquiry. You believed the troublemaker’s word. You became ashamed after giving divorce to your wife. What a bad luck. One of the troubles harassing this society is that everyone who hears anything from others believes in it instantly. Such acceptance of words worsens matters. How wrong that you become exited so soon, become angry and do not look at the other side. This results in separation, deprivation, and enmity. 

Deprivation from attending scholars 

Why most of the people are deprived of the benefits of attending scholars? Why mosques have become vacant? It is because they say: Zaid is unhappy with such and such master. You may hear someone saying: Where do you go for prayer? You reply: At such and such place. He says: Did you not hear that people are talking things about this Shaykh! Now, I do not say that he is not telling true, that I asked him for money but he did not oblige. Rather, he puts allegations on him and tells lies too. Being so simple minded, you also say: All right, very good. 

Thus you are deprived from the congregation and from the benefit of a scholar’s presence. I wish this would end here. But no! This misfortune is such that if you feel any doubt about anybody, that doubt multiplies and you become his enemy. Why, at all, did you accept those words, which came out of that dirty mouth? “If an evil-doer comes to you 

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with a report, look carefully into it, lest you harm a people in ignorance…” 

O people! If somebody told you something about your wife! O ladies! If someone backbites your husband! O friend! You heard something about a Muslim. You have no right to accept such things hastily without making inquiry. You must not believe that word and be impressed by it. Be patient. Make inquiries. Perhaps the fact was otherwise. Either the one who said so made a mistake because of any doubt or he said so due to enmity and jealousy like the story, which is said to be the background of the revelation of this Holy verse. 

Walid the transgressor and Bani Mustaliq 

In the 9th year after Hijrat, Islam spread wide. Among the tribes, which became Muslim was the tribe of Bani Mustaliq too. Its chief was Harith bin Zurar Khuzai. He came to Medina and embraced Islam and gave a promise to the Holy Prophet that: I am going back to my community. There, I will teach them the laws and rules of Islam. I will also collect their Zakat amounts. Please send someone at such and such time so that I will hand over the Zakat money to him. The Holy Prophet accepted his word. 

This gentleman, Harith, who was a new Muslim, was a very wise man. He taught all the rules of Islam to his tribesmen and taught them Prayer, Fast and Zakat. He also collected their Zakat and waited for someone to come from the Holy Prophet 

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so that he might hand over the amount to him. Despite waiting, no one arrived. Hopelessly he said: Perhaps the Holy Prophet did not send anyone so let me myself go to Medina with some Muslims and hand over the Zakat amounts to him personally. So he rode to Medina along with some of his tribesmen. They also had their arms with them and so also the amount of Zakat. They advanced towards Medina. 

On the other side, the Holy Prophet also sent a so-called Muslim named Walid bin Uqbah from among the apparent Muslims (a brother of Uthman from maternal side). He was looking like a Muslim from outside but his inside was not yet enlightened. (God disgraced him afterwards). 

The Holy Prophet said, “Walid may go to the tribe of Bani Mustaliq with some people, take Zakat from them and come back. ” So Walid moved along with some men. As he neared the tribe, he saw from a distance that Harith with some men of his tribe was coming towards Medina. Walid had come to collect Zakat. But he saw that they themselves were coming. 

By the way, before Islam, Walid had fought with this tribe of Bani Mustaliq. So he had a hatred and enmity towards this tribe in his heart. When he saw that they were moving towards Medina, this transgressor (in the words of Qur’an) , with an intention of taking revenge of the past, hastily went back to Medina. In order to cool his internal anger, he told 

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three lies in Medina. Firstly he said, “O Prophet of God! They have forsaken Islam. ” 

Two: They refuse to pay Zakat and three: They intend to kill me. So the Holy Prophet may send an army to finish them off. Usually in other cases this word would have been accepted. Troops would have marched; killing, plundering and arresting them. But the Holy Prophet is the one about whom God in Qur’an says: 

﴿وَمَا یَنْطِقُ عَنْ الْهَوَی. إِنْ هُوَ إِلاَّ وَحْیٌ یُوحَی﴾ 

“Nor does he speak out of desire. It is naught but revelation that is revealed…” [1] 

So he waited for God’s revelation to see what the command of God was, but for so-called Muslims, trouble, killing and blood shedding is easier. So some of them also light a fire saying what Walid has said is true. They said, “O Prophet of God! Walid tells the truth. Please send the troops soon. ” They moved on and started fighting, killing them, captured their women and children, looted their property as war booty. The Holy Prophet is still waiting for God’s revelation. Then came down these verses from God. This is written both by the Sunnis and Shias in their books. What is stranger is that the Sunnis also accept it but anyhow, Walid was a brother of Uthman! 

Eternal discredit for Uthman 

The absolute transgressor Walid is the cursed one whom Uthman made the governor of Basra during his caliphate. He disregarded the fact that Qur’an has called him a transgressor. This disgrace is for Uthman, which cannot be 

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justified by anything. After becoming the governor of Basra, can the ruler of an Islamic province indulge in every sin and transgression? The matters worsened to such an extent that one night he drank so much that when people brought him for the morning prayers he was heavily intoxicated. In this condition, he went ahead to lead the prayers and prayed four units (rakats) instead of two. People exclaimed that he had made an error. He replied, “No I have not made any mistake, it is only that I thought about you. Otherwise I would have offered seven or eight units. ” 

Then he vomited and dirtied the holy mosque. Uthman was told about all this and people asked him what kind of a governor he had appointed? Why do you consider his relation with you? Even after he was dismissed, no punishment was given to him. There are details available about this. Finally it was Amirul Momineen who punished him as per the penalty for drinking. Let us go ahead. What I was saying is about a transgressor who is, apparently, a Muslim who says: ‘There is no god except Allah’ and also offers prayers…but he does not fear God in indulging in any sin like bloodshed, mischief and corruption. He has no true faith. His faith is in something other than Islam. 

God willing, the meaning of these verses will become clear towards the end of the Surah Hujurat. 

The revealed verse is saying that, O those who have believed, if 

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a transgressor brings you any news do not react to it instantly. Make inquiries. Do not make haste. Rather look into the matter deeply and see. Perhaps it may not be as told. Maybe he said something due to enmity or ill will. He may be lying; like this story of Walid. This cursed one comes (when the concerned men had brought Zakat to be handed to the Holy Prophet) and says, “No, they have discarded Islam, they do not want to pay the Zakat and they also want to kill me. ” What does this mean? What he intends is to react to his past enmity which he had with that tribe before Islam. 

O Muslims! Let it not be so that you hear a word from a sinner and transgressor and be impressed and affected by it and react to it and thereafter be ashamed of what you did.

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[1]: Surah Najm 53: 3-4

Scholars were martyred due to such mischief 

Examples in this connection are numerous. In how many calamities have the Muslims fallen for not acting according to the command of this holy verse! How many families are destroyed and how much property devastated! 

I say even more than this. A lot of blood has flown unnecessarily and without any genuine reason. What was the reason? Only due to a word spoken by an enemy or a jealous fellow. They decreased their piety by and by. How the great scholar, the First Martyr, Muhammad bin Makki, the great jurisprudent of his time was martyred? What was the cause of the murder 

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of Qazi Noorullah Shustari? Due to these same mischiefs. 

I remember an example about Mansoor Dawaniqi and the mischief against the holy Imam. Mansoor Dawaniqi was the second Abbaside Caliph. After his coming to throne, one of his bystanders concocted a gossip to get nearness of the king. He claimed, “I am your well-wisher,” and by his lies and false reports got many innocent people arrested. Finally he prepared some documents and put a counterfeit seal of Imam Sadiq. 

It was written in those papers that: Go to Khorasan and rise against Mansoor; that Imam wants that you should revolt against Mansoor. So take to arms. He also made some other false letters in the name of Mualla bin Khunais who was the treasurer of Imam Sadiq. It was mentioned therein that the Imam was collecting amounts for a rebellion against Mansoor and for raising an army of rebels. What oppression! Finally they called the holy Imam to the court of Mansoor. The king first gave respect to the Imam but then, by and by, started saying, “Well, you want to disturb my government? ” The Imam replied, “No, it is not so. By God, no! ” 

Mansoor said, “I have reports that you are thinking of a revolt against me; that you are against my rule; that you are claiming the throne and that you want to attack me with your army. ” The brief reply of the Imam, as per what is mentioned in Biharul Anwar was, “God knows that I have 

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reached old age and have almost lost all of my strength (the holy Imam was over sixty years of age). I did not have such thoughts when I was a youth so now when I have become old and am about to die how I can harbor such aspirations. What they have said is falsehood and lies. ” The king said, “All right. One who brought this news and your letters is present here. ” They brought the transgressor before the holy Imam. Mansoor asked him, “Whose letters are these? ” The fellow replied, “They are from Ja’far bin Muhammad (Though they were fabricated by him). ” The Imam said, “These are not my letters. I have never written these letters. I have never made such a stir. ” Then Imam said, “Will you swear? ” He replied, “Yes, I will. ” 

Mansoor saw that here was a good outcome and that the matter will end now. That fellow swore, “By Allah except Whom there is no god, He is the Alive, the Ever-present, the Mighty…” The Imam said, “No, I do not want this kind of swearing from you. Utter what I say. ” He said, “I am prepared to repeat whatever you say. ” The Imam said, “Say, ‘I am fed up with Allah’s Might and Power, if I am wrong in saying that Ja’far did it’. ” As soon as he uttered these swearing words he was lifted from the earth like a sparrow and fell upside down breaking his head and all the physical organs and 

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he prepared to depart for hell. This way of his rising up and falling down and breaking of his body and his body movement at the moment of his death made Mansoor restless. He said to his men, “Tie up the legs of this cursed one and take him away so that he does not die in front of me. ” 

Finally he was carried out and then he died. Then Mansoor apologized much and asked the Imam’s pardon. 

He asked the holy Imam, “O Master! How all this happened? How did you turn his swearing? ” The Imam said, When he said, ‘By Allah except Whom there is no god,’ I feared that since he gives witness to His Oneness he may gain God’s mercy, and the truth may not be manifested. ” This is a fine issue to be understood by experts and intelligent beings that it is possible that when one gives witness to God’s oneness, even if it is only verbal, one will, at last, be worthy of God’s mercy. God may give him respite. 

Therefore I asked him to swear, ‘I am disgusted with His Power and Might,’ which is the worst swearing as it is getting disgusted with God. It amounts to denial of God. It means he has nothing to do with Allah. This is against belief in God’s oneness. Even if the oneness of God is uttered only with tongue (without firm belief in heart) it, anyway, is a kind of respect and honor to God, 

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which may fetch divine kindness. Woe unto that ruffian who says: I have nothing to do with God. Such utterances can bring nothing but punishment from God. So Imam said: Say so. And as soon as he uttered this blasphemy he met with both outward and inward disgrace and destruction. 

Greatness of declaring God’s oneness 

It becomes very clear from this that the formula, “There is no god except Allah’ is a very great word. Imam Sadiq says: This tricky man, this liar, this fabricator of allegations, even if he says: “There is no god except Allah’, there is a possibility of Allah being kind to him. O God! A man and a woman, young and old, all of us are believers in “There is no god except Allah’. Our tongue, our condition represent, “There is no god except Allah, the One for Whom there is no partner’. When you stand before grave dwellers do not forget this greatest truth and say: Peace on those who believe in “There is no god except Allah’ from those who believe in “There is no god except Allah’, O “There is no god except Allah’, by the right of “There is no god except Allah’, forgive those who say “There is no god except Allah’. 

Especially during Friday eve, in the month of Ramadhan, O God! Because of the holiness of the words: “There is no god except Allah’, pardon all the people of “There is no god except Allah’. Please do forgive us due to Your Honor 

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and Might, and the holiness of “There is no god except Allah’. It is in a narration that this formula of faith: “There is no god except Allah’ is heavier than the Throne and the seven-fold sky. O Allah! Decide that all of us also may become truly the people of: “There is no god except Allah’. Kindly make us all live by “There is no god except Allah’. 

O Lord! Do not leave me at the last moment on my deathbed. Let my not forget to recite Your Name. Please do help me O Lord! 

In the commentary of Lumah the Second Martyr narrates a tradition that the Holy Prophet said that Paradise becomes obligatory for the one whose last utterance is the formula: “There is no god except Allah’. I do not know where will you or I be in the last hour of our life; what we would be uttering? Where we would be, in a hospital bed or at home? 

Everyone must fear about himself and should shiver thinking how he would be dying. In this month of Ramadhan, which is the month when God Almighty answers supplications, ask from Him: O Lord! Due to the holiness of this holy month, make our end good. Kindly make our last moments, the best moments of our lives. Please lift us from this world while we are remembering You and may our tongue recite with attention: “There is no god except Allah’. 

Dying with love for the Master of the Age 

One of my friends related to me: Fifty years 

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back, his 18 years old brother had learnt the Ziyarat Jamiah by heart. The Twelfth Imam had taught it. At last he fell ill. On his deathbed he recited the Ziyarat Jamiah and names of the twelve Imams. What is wonderful is that he said he was in bed for two months due to his serious illness he had becomes like a skeleton, unable to move. But at the last moment of his life when he recited that he remembered all the twelve Imams and so also Imam Mahdi, he got up from his bed. I do not know what this eagerness was, if not the eagerness of love, which makes a dead person alive! How much affinity and affection this youth had for the Imam of the time that it made him arise from his deathbed. When he took the name of his Master he stands up quite upright. Even after that, he once again for giving respect and honor (to the Master) throws himself at the doorstep of his room saying: Welcome, O Master. Then he rises up and then passes away from this world. Such are the things and events of the pasts. 

Now our faiths have become weak and hearts devilish. O God! I do not know, in this age of mine, how I shall die? God forbid, lest I be thinking of and in anxiety for this world! Even at the last moment I may worry about all about the world! 

Weep for yourself in advance 

During these holy nights you 

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read: I am weeping for the hour of my death. When you die, no one weeps for you. If you have a wife, she says: The crown of my head has gone away. If you have a son, he says: I have lost my might. Someone says: My bread earner is no more. No one ever says: In what condition this unfortunate person died? What will happen to this man in his grave? Ali says: Come, for God’s sake, rush to help your dearest thing, that is, rush to help thyself. Weep for your own self. A collective supplication is more precious. It is written in Wasaelush Shia that Imam Sadiq says: If forty persons pray to God together, God answers their prayer. 

O Allah! Today we have one thing to ask from You. If You give it, You will have given us everything. If You do not grant it, we are helpless. O God! Make us die with Faith. During this Friday eve, in this night, which is full of mercy, please make this group, one of those lucky ones whom You will protect from hell. On every Friday eve in the holy month of Ramadhan, six hundred thousand people get salvation. [1] Kindly make this gathering one of those lucky ones. 

Here I hint towards the last moments of Husain’s life. In the solitary pit of his assassination Husain prays to his Lord: O God! No one is my Lord except You and there is no deity for me except You. 

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He holds such sincere talks with God. O Husain, dear Husain! Neither those innumerable wounds nor the burning of your hungry and thirsty stomach, nothing of the kind, nor the separation of your near and dear ones made you unmindful of your Lord! May I be sacrificed for you, O Husain!

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[1]: Biharul Anwar, vol. 20

Part 7 

point 

﴿فَأَصْلِحُوا بَیْنَهُمَا﴾ 

…make peace between them… (49: 9)

Friday is a holiday 

Today is Friday. Islam orders that Muslims must observe it as a holiday. They should take their hands off routine jobs once in a week. Woe unto a Muslim who even on Friday runs after his worldly affairs. One week is sufficient. Reach your religion also on one day. Do universal service. Follow the commands of your religion fully. 

Listen to God’s commands about the lawful and unlawful and remember them. It is said that on Friday, come to the Mosque, offer prayer, not solitarily but in congregation. Before the said two units prayer, a qualified and pious, God-fearing speaker should draw the Muslims’ attention towards God, towards the Oneness of God and guide them to correct beliefs. Also he should pay attention to their weekly affairs and political needs. Unfortunately, the Shias are deprived of this benefit of Friday prayer and so also are the Sunnis. What they offer is not the real Friday prayer. What is the most important in the Friday prayer is that the spiritual orator, during his two sermons should correct the belief of Muslims in Allah’s oneness, should awaken the sleeping souls of the audience 

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who were negligent for a week. 

They must come to masjid on Friday collectively when the preacher must teach them that this world is not everything, why so much worry and anxiety for the material worldly needs? There are real and permanent things after death. You should have provision for the life after death also. 

Ali’s words in the Basra Market 

Amirul Momineen once, saw in the market of Basra how much engrossed people were in business and trade, and in swearing for the same. He wept over this condition of Muslims and told them: During the day you remain engaged in buying, selling and swearing for earning worldly benefits and during nights you sleep (not sitting in front of the television but fast asleep like a corpse). Then when do you work for your Hereafter? When do you strive and busy yourselves to prepare yourselves for your eternal life after death? This world is for not more than fifty or sixty years. Be careful and concerned for the life in which a day equals fifty thousand years. 

A man heard Ali’s words and said, “O Ali! We are fully engrossed in our lives. It is essential for us to earn our livelihood. ” The gist of Ali’s talk is that he said: There is no conflict between the earning of provision in this world and in making a provision for the Hereafter and if you say, ‘I am greedy’ then I say you are not helpless. [1] 

I do not say that you should not earn a livelihood, but 

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do it within limits. Do not be greedy. Think of the Hereafter also. Do not drown yourself in worldly affairs to such an extent that your behavior with God suffers. If you have a chance for doing a good deed, do it. Join someone’s funeral, visit an ailing person, help a believer by fulfilling his need, repay loan of an indebted person. Do all the good deeds. But if you say that ‘I want to earn more and more greedily’ then I must say you are not helpless. 

Do not forget Allah; be thankful to Him 

One picks up a piece of bread from his dining mat and before eating says: Praise be to Allah (I am grateful to God). O Allah! What a bounty You have granted me. You gave protection and safety to me. You saved me. Woe unto the unfortunate fellow who puts wine bottles on his dining table. It is unlawful to place wine on a dining table. Even if one does not drink it, it is prohibited to sit over there. Eating from that table is unlawful as it is like putting a bottle of dirty urine along with nice food articles. You must thank God. Woe unto the ungrateful fellow! Who has created this wheat bread? Who has made arrangements whereby it reached you? 

The cloud, the wind, the sun, the moon and the sky are functioning continuously so that you may get bread and may not eat it negligently. Everything is obeying God’s commands for your sake. It is not justice on 

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your part to disobey Him. (Persian couplets) 

Not only you disobey; curse on you because you also indulged in sinning. You are sinning on your dining table. Before putting any morsel in mouth say: In the name of Allah. Then say: Praise be to Allah. What I mean is to be thankful to God. Muslims must be advised to remain awake from one Friday to another by remaining constantly grateful to God. It should not be so that, seeing any difficulty or undesired thing, you may forget all the bounties of the Lord. The Shariah has prohibited uttering a single word when the Friday preacher is delivering the sermon. All must be in a state of full attentiveness. The Imam says that prayers are answered in this hour. [1] The hour when the preacher calls the attention of people towards God and the audience is listening attentively. 

Enjoinment of Piety in the Friday sermon 

All religious jurisprudents agree as regards Friday sermon and its manner that one of its conditions is to recommend piety; that is observance of God’s commands and the accountability of people on the Day of Judgment. The speaker should explain to people that they never make anyone an equal of God. You may say: Muslims are not polytheists, but what about hidden polytheism? Every Muslim who obeys the orders and inclinations of his selfish desires against divine rules is falling in polytheism. It is not piety. Do not serve your own lust, desire and passion. Observe God’s commands. 

Piety both in friendship and enmity 

One of the boundaries of piety, which 

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most Muslims have disregarded and due to which they go backward despite a forward march in every age, is maintaining piety both while having affinity and while entertaining dislike of each other. Our God, our Lord, our Master, our Sustainer, our Nourisher has told us that the relation between you is your religion. 

﴿إِنَّمَا الْمُؤْمِنُونَ إِخْوَةٌ فَأَصْلِحُوا بَیْنَ أَخَوَیْکُمْ﴾ 

“The believers are but brethren, therefore make peace between your brethren… (49: 10) ” 

Everyone who says: “There is no god except Allah. Muhammad is the messenger of Allah’, of course with confirmation of Guardianship of Ahle Bait and Hereafter, be he in the east or west, both of you are brothers of one another. Be sympathetic to one another. Be friendly and loving for one another both in the affairs of this world and the Hereafter. A believer with regard to a believer is like a building. Have you observed a building? How every part of the mansion supports another whereby the whole structure is protected soundly. 

It is essential that Muslims must be united and their hearts harmonious from religious aspect and angel of faith. As regards enmity or ill feeling, do not consider anyone your enemy except the one who is an enemy of God and His Prophet. 

﴿لا تَتَّخِذُوا عَدُوِّی وَعَدُوَّکُمْ أَوْلِیَاءَ﴾ 

“Do not take My enemy and your enemy for friends. ” [1] 

Consider such fellow your enemy. This is the order of God, His Qur’an and common sense, but Muslims today are behaving in total contradiction to it. My friend is he who is liked 

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by me, who acts, as I like. He is my friend who deals with me, who gives me profit or benefit. Everyone is acting according to his heart’s inclination even if the other person is a transgressor or even a disbeliever. One has enmity towards one who does not behave as per his inclination even if he is a perfectly faithful person in his behavior. 

That one did not accord respect, he did not make a deal with him, he did not give a loan and he did not behave according to one’s liking so he regards him as his enemy. This is totally against the religious commands. Even if he behaved against your liking, but since he is a believer, is a friend (Shia) of Ali, he offers prayers; you should regard him as your friend even though he made you suffer such and such loss or did not extend you such and such benefit. In short, do not make personal interest your criterion. Make God’s pleasure your measure or balance. Enmity with a Muslim is unlawful. You should not be displeased with a Muslims who does not follow prevalent rites and rituals. You should be displeased on seeing a sin. 

You should feel bad if males and females mix freely in a marriage ceremony. These decorated women along with these youths! What a great sin!! If possible, weep over it instead of applauding such foolishness. First, why did they not invite me? The animus must be against sins, not 

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due to your own personal inclination. In the chapter regarding hatred, it is written in the book Qalbe Saleem, that it is a must for Muslims to ascertain the difficulties of other Muslims and to do their duty. Your hatred based on what is against your inclination, rites and rituals etc is unlawful. It is against piety. Anyone who became angry in this way has breached the Islamic law. It is unlawful and prohibited. 

It is mentioned in Usul al-Kafi that if two Muslims become angry at one another and if this anger extends for three days both go out of the edifice of Islam. We see and hear that some do not talk with one another for a week, a mouth, are angry at each other and do not visit one another; even do not look at one another. This is against piety. It is unlawful. 

Reconciliation between parties is compulsory 

It is ordered in the beginning of Surah Anfal: Observe piety, make peace among yourselves. How many times have you committed this sin of giving up the reconciliation duty? Have you ever repented from this sin? Firstly, to be angry for personal desire and inclination is unlawful and thereafter it is also compulsory to bring about reconciliation between others. 

Have we given up reconciliation? Fire should not be inflamed between two fellows who are angry at one another. One conveys the word of this to that and the word of that to this. If a man and his wife have quarreled, since you, who 

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are the head of the family or anyone who is belonging to this family, after knowing this, it is your or his duty to make reconciliation between the couple. He should not say: I am not concerned and also: What I have to do! The Holy Qur’an commands: Observe piety, make peace among yourselves. This is a clear command. At another place the Qur’an orders: Make peace between your brothers. The two persons who quarreled have done wrong and committed a sin. You do not do another sin. Bring reconciliation between the two. 

In the night of 21st Ramadhan, your master Ali as a part of his will to his sons, said: My will to you two of my sons (Hasan and Husain) and to every Shia and every Faithful believer till the Day of Judgment is piety. Do not follow your heart’s inclination beyond a limit. Do not become angry to much extent on the basis of desire. Observe God’s commands. Look at God. Let bygone be bygone for God’s sake. Then said, “Make peace between people. I have myself heard my cousin, the last Prophet Muhammad Mustafa say, ‘Reconciliation between people is more virtuous than all prayers and fasts. ’” 

If you see that there is ill will between a woman and her husband or between two friends you see that there is reconciliation between them. It is higher than offering prayer. It is narrated that the Holy Prophet said, “After obligatory deeds, no deed is higher than making peace between 

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people. ” Any amount of money can be used to do this duty. If necessary, even tell an untrue thing. Spend your money. Arrange feasts. Invite guests. These are the best worship acts for you. A lie spoken for the sake of removing enmity in such circumstances will be recorded as truth in the sight of God. Give importance to mutual reconciliation, especially between a man and his wife. 

Reconciliation between a man and his wife brought about by Amirul Momineen 

It is mentioned in Biharul Anwar that in a day of extremely hot summer before noon our Sayyid and Chief, Ali bin Abi Talib came out of his house. Shadows of walls were decreasing and the sun was burning hot. The Imam was perspiring profusely. One of his companions who passed by him asked, “O Amirul Momineen! This is time for rest. Please return home and recline in shade. How is it that you have come out in such a hot sun and are sitting on a street? ” He replied to the effect, “I have come out with a hope that perhaps I may help an oppressed person. If there is any dispute, I may settle it. ” At that time a woman came weeping and complaining and said, “O Ali! Please provide justice to me. ” Ali asked, “What happened? ” 

The lady replied, “My husband has beaten me and has driven me out of the house and he has also sworn not to readmit me. I have no place other than my husband’s house. ” Hearing this, Ali got up at once and asked, “Where 

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is your house. ” As shown by her it was quite far away from town. I do not recollect. It may be some miles away. The Imam went ahead and the woman behind him in this hot air at noon. Amirul Momineen did not stop until they reached that house. He called the man. It is a detailed narration. Finally the Imam made the lady enter her house and ordered the husband to behave with love, kindness and affection peacefully. 

You too should, to the best of your ability, make such reconciliation.

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[1]: Biharul Anwar, vol. 20 

[1]: Biharul Anwar, vol. 18 

[1]: Surah Mumtahena 60: 1

Reconciliation between a man and his wife brought about by Amirul Momineen 

The holy month of Ramadhan is full of so many bounties, especially during the nights of Qadr (19th, 21st and 23rd). There are three kinds of people who do not get benefit in it: First, a drunkard who does not repent, secondly, one who has been disowned and cursed by his parents. Let us hope no Muslim is among them. Who is the unfortunate one who is disowned by his parents? Yes, it is narrated that there can be a man who behaved nicely with his parents while they were alive and pleased with him. But after their death, one can become disobedient. T 

hey asked the Imam, “How can it be so? ” The Imam replied, “Because, after their death, he never remembers them. So they also weep on this account. ” So think of those unfortunate ones. The prayers, which were due to them, perform those prayers. Fast for the fasts, which they missed to observe, or employ someone to perform them. 

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If they were indebted, pay off their debts… Thereafter, do not forget them in the matter of charity. At least, pray for them saying: O Allah! Forgive my parents and me and be merciful on them. Qur’an commands so: O Allah! Forgive my parents and me and be merciful on them. Just as they brought me up when I was small. 

The third group, which is deprived of the bounties of Ramadhan, is of those who keep and maintain hatred in their hearts for Muslims. So anyone who has any ill will for his relatives or non-relatives must drive that hatred from his heart. Also give gifts to him and ask pardon so that God may make good your losses. 

He said, “From the two who quarreled the one who went ahead for making reconciliation will enter Paradise first. ” Moreover, if you come to know about conflict between two persons, make peace between them even by spending money generously. [1] 

Imam’s expenditure on reconciliation between Shias 

Abu Hanifah Saiqul Hajj (not the well-known Abu Hanifah) says, “There was enmity and ill will between me and my son-in-law. It came into public in the market or Kufa. ” It was on account of the inheritance of his daughter. The information reached Imam Ja’far bin Muhammad as-Sadiq. He said, “What is the matter? Please come to me. ” He took us to his (Imam’s) house. The Imam asked, “How much are your claims? ” Finally, he advised us to make peace, settling the matter on payment of four hundred dirhams. Then Mufaddal himself went inside 

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the house and brought four hundred dirhams and handed the amount to me saying, “Please kiss one another and make peace. ” An agreement of reconciliation was then written accordingly. 

(If you want to make reconciliation, then if the trouble is due to money, or material wealth, open your purse and spend your money for this precious deed. This expense is in the path of and for the pleasure of God. ) 

Then Mufaddal said, “This money which I gave to you for making peace between you was not my own. It belonged to the Imam. The Imam had told me that this money must be used for reconciliation between Shias. ” [1] 

Advent of Imam Mahdi for reconciliation 

O those who long for the advent of the Imam Mahdi know that his work is improvement and reconciliation. If you are telling the truth that you like reconciliation and improvement then why do you not work for it? When Imam Mahdi arrives, he would arrive for world peace. Then all will become pious. 

Everyone who is for peace and piety waits for such time. If a man is not for peace and piety, even if he recites Dua Nudba it is of no use. You say: Where is that heavenly reformer who will remove these discord, differences? But what about yourself? Why do you not drive away disputes? Why do you not make peace with your own wife, brother and friend? What is going on in courts? Somebody says that in courts many cases belong to family disputes. Many wives have complaints against their 

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husbands and many husbands against their wives. Why a woman goes to make complaint against her husband in public? Where are the people of yesterday? We remember them saying that the woman arrives in a black veil and goes out in a white shroud. Women of olden days used to protect the honor of their husbands, they did not make public issue of their private differences. 

Someone said: It is written in a newspaper that in the said family court a lady had written in her claim demanding divorce that, “My husband bought a car for me. But the number on it was out of fashion. I ask for a new automobile but he says he does not have it. I do not want such a husband. ” 

It is must for one to move towards sound morals and then only say: O Lord! Where is the Master who comes to enact peace for all everywhere so that all may live like brothers, wherever one looks there be only love and affinity. The time of the appearance of Hujjattibnul Hasan (Imam Mahdi) makes minds flourish, increases faith and causes piety to spread, that is, lust and greed will go away with the wind. 

It is necessary to have the taste of life in the time of Imam of the time. If you want a life worth living, it is life in his era. Otherwise, this life is nothing but barbarity. What kind of a life is this that people are ready to commit suicides 

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as there is nothing like kindness and faithfulness in life? 

I saw in a newspaper sometime back that in some of the countries, those who reach an advanced age, their condition becomes, be they males or females, pitiable because, others including their children and relatives have no sympathy for them. So they establish government homes, like poor houses, called Homes for the Old. Whoever becomes old and is out of work, he or she is transferred to such houses. 

They do have children and wealth but no one cares for them. Yet, if there is an iota of comfort, it is in Islamic countries due to the blessings of Islamic teachings. But they (evil forces) want that this should also be removed from the society and that the foul smell of selfishness should spread among you also. But I hope that things will improve so that there may be preparedness for the arrival of Master of the Age and the world reformer may be aided. 

How do you become an assistant of the Imam of the time? Should you take up guns and grenades? No, it is not so. Helping Master of the Age is in reform and wisdom, peace and improvement. Improvement of self and of others, rising higher and higher if one has wife and children. 

﴿وَلَقَدْ کَتَبْنَا فِی الزَّبُورِ مِن بَعْدِ الذِّکْرِ أَنَّ الأَرْضَ یَرِثُهَا عِبَادِیَ الصَّالِحُونَ﴾ 

“And certainly We wrote in the Book after the reminder that (as for) the land, My righteous servants shall inherit it. ” [1] 

Pious people 

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are the helpers of the Master of the Age (Wali Asr). They are the righteous servants (Ibaadiyas swaalihoon) of God, not of passions and desires. They are not corrupt. Corruption means selfishness, greed and lust. The coercion, which they inflict upon one another, is corruption or mischief, which ends in bloodshed and corruption in the land of God. 

﴿وَاذْکُرُوا إِذْ جَعَلَکُمْ خُلَفَاءَ مِنْ بَعْدِ عَادٍ وَبَوَّأَکُمْ فِی الأَرْضِ تَتَّخِذُونَ مِنْ سُهُولِهَا قُصُورًا وَتَنْحِتُونَ الْجِبَالَ بُیُوتًا فَاذْکُرُوا آلاءَ اللَّهِ وَلا تَعْثَوْا فِی الأَرْضِ مُفْسِدِینَ﴾ 

“And remember when He made you successors after Ad and settled you in the land- you make mansions on its plains and hew out houses in the mountains- remember therefore Allah’s benefits and do not act corruptly in the land, making mischief. ” [1] 

So this peace making is in remembering God. Remember Him so that you may become competent for it. Let it never be so that when you hear a word from someone about someone else, you repeat and relate it and thus fan the fire of enmity. The good of both this world and the Hereafter are in peace and reconciliation. Likewise the destruction of the life and Hereafter is in lust and greed. 

It is mentioned in Surah Shams after the oath taking that: 

﴿قَدْ أَفْلَحَ مَنْ زَکَّاهَا. وَقَدْ خَابَ مَنْ دَسَّاهَا﴾ 

“He will indeed be successful who purifies it. And he will indeed fail who corrupts it. ” [2] 

Meaning: Succeeded the one who cleansed his heart and deprived oneself who destroyed it. Let aside your heart. Just see how God deals with 

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you. If you know the tastefulness of leaving aside selfishness, you will not say that selfishness has any good in it. 

If you trample upon your desires your honor also increases. Do not say: It is repulsive. It is not so. Satan puts doubts in your heart. He does not spare you. 

God is Mighty. So whoever works for God is also strong. 

﴿وَلِلَّهِ الْعِزَّةُ وَلِرَسُولِهِ وَلِلْمُؤْمِنِینَ﴾ 

“…and to Allah belongs the might and to His Apostle and to the believers…” [1] 

Whenever one turns towards God, he approaches his honor, respect and good luck. But when he is caught in the net of desires and passions he is in meanness, adversity, downfall and misfortune. The meaning of this will become clearer with a Qur’anic story. 

Wild wolves or shining stars! 

There were two contradictory dreams. Think over the dream of Yusuf and that of his aunt. Yusuf saw in his dream that eleven bright stars along with the sun and the moon fell in prostration before him. 

﴿إِنِّی رَأَیْتُ أَحَدَ عَشَرَ کَوْکَبًا وَالشَّمْسَ وَالْقَمَرَ رَأَیْتُهُمْ لِی سَاجِدِینَ﴾ 

“Surely, I saw eleven stars and the sun and the moon- I saw them making obeisance to me. ” [2] 

At that very hour his aunt saw in her dream that eleven brutal wolves attacked Yusuf and torn him into pieces. What is the meaning of these two dreams or visions? Undoubtedly, the eleven fierce animals who tore Yusuf into pieces were the eleven brothers of Yusuf who attacked him in the forest with knives, and finally threw him in a well and went away. 

Yusuf himself saw eleven 

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shining stars bowing down before him. They were the same eleven brothers of his, once in the form of wolves and once in the form of radiant stars. That form of a wolf was their state of sinning. Even if you are the son of a Prophet, if you commit a sin, you are a filthy wolf. Your angel-like form has become ugly, dreadful and dark. But if you repent and say: ‘O my God have mercy on me, I seek forgiveness of Allah,’ and reform yourself, sought pardon of the one whom you did injustice, you become a shining star. These eleven brothers who sinned turned into wolves but after some years, when they repented and felt ashamed and came to Yusuf in a state of embarrassment and asked forgiveness from him, Yusuf also said to them: 

﴿لا تَثْرِیبَ عَلَیْکُمْ الْیَوْمَ﴾ 

“ (There shall be) no reproof against you this day…” [1] 

Now the same eleven wolves fell down on earth all together, regained their angel-like form and became eleven shining stars. 

Take benefit of Repentance 

Do take the benefit of repentance or seeking forgiveness. Do not let yourselves go to the grave in your present sinful state. Repentance is the door of mercy or turning towards the truth that changes you. Darkness turn into light, black spots become bright. Fire turns to flowers. If you go to the grave in a sinful state, there is a volcano for you in your grave. If you go with repentance there is mercy and kindness. 

Yusuf is a prophet and a 

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son of a prophet. Divine quality is in his nature. One of the attributes of God is to accept apology. So he accepted the apology of his brothers. God also accepts and forgives. You also come. Seek pardon and be sure that He will forgive you. Say: O Lord! I was unwise and negligent; I was accosted by passions and lusts. 

You are absolute Merciful, O Lord! Those who love the Merciful Lord turn to Him and those dislike Him turn away from Him

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[1]: For further clarification refer to the discussion of hatred in the book of Qalbe Saleem 

[1]: Safinatul Bihar, vol. 6, pg. 40 

[1]: Surah Anbiya 21: 105 

[1]: Surah Araf 7: 74 

[2]: Surah Shams 91: 9-10 

[1]: Surah Munafiqeen 63: 8 

[2]: Surah Yusuf 12: 4 

[1]: Surah Yusuf 12: 92