muharram ul haram

Think not of those who are slain in God's way as dead. Nay, they live, finding their sustenance in the presence of their Lord. Holy Quran (3:169)

The events of Karbala reflect the collision of the good versus the evil, the virtuous versus the wicked, and the collision of Imam Hussain (the head of virtue) versus Yazid (the head of impiety). Imam Hussain (pbuh) was a revolutionary person, a righteous man, the religious authority, the Imam of Muslim Ummah (nation). As the representative of his grandfather Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), Imam Hussain's main concern was to safeguard and protect Islam and guide fellow Muslims. On the other hand, the staying power of the rulers (Muawiya and his son Yazid) depended solely on the might of the sword. They used brute force to rule over the Muslim empire even by all possible illicit means.

The mission of Imam Hussain (pbuh) is distinctly unique, political and religious revolutionary movement in the history of World. His was a tremendous undertaking which still reverberates throughout the Muslim nation. He has been a propelling force and a seminal element in events throughout Islamic history, particularly in the sphere of Jihad (the holy struggle in the way of Almighty God). Imam Hussain's example has remained vividly alive for generations and centuries. His uprising, movement and ideals still have a deep impact on the conscience and awareness of the Muslim empire.
The Holy Prophet (pbuh) is reported to have said: "The best of Jihad is that of a word of right spoken to an unjust ruler."
Imam Hussain (pbuh) witnessed the deteriorating political and social situation and clearly recognized that the general policy of the authorities did not abide with Islamic principles. He was aware of the Ummah's numerous and painful afflictions, and was determined to exercise his religious duty, being the duly sanctioned leader & central figure capable of restoring Islamic values. Thus he rose. His revolt is rich in lessons and divinely inspired attitudes. Imam Hussain (pbuh) embodied the sacrifice of self, money, family, social status and the challenge to terror and cruelty. He patiently traversed hundreds of miles, moving both night and day. The epic protest he engendered came at the most critical political juncture. In fact, the Prophet's grandson had vowed to sacrifice himself.
Thus, Karbala proved to be a clash involving Islamic truths versus falsehood, belief versus disbelief, and the oppressed versus the oppressor, faith against brute force. Karbala was about standing in the face of oppression, regardless no matter the cost. In Karbala, Imam Hussain the fifty seven (57) year old second grandson of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), sacrificed his totality and all he had, for one goal. This goal was to let the truth triumph over falsehood eventually, and he did that brilliantly. His goal was to foil the plan that Muawiya had expertly developed for his son, Yazid, which was to establish a permanent Umayyads (Banu Umayya) ruler ship over the Muslim Ummah (even by sacrificing the Islamic principles), but doing it in the name of Islam. Brilliantly, Imam Hussain (pbuh) succeeded in foiling this plan and he exposed the disreputable nature of Umayyads though this was at the expense of his life.
Eventually he was martyred along with his sons, most of his household and all of his companions. The bodies were mutilated and their heads were carried from Karbala, to Kufa and finally Damascus. His womenfolk were taken prisoners and marched across the desert. He himself was expecting all that, but did not budge an inch.
An uprising led by the noblest and best accepted personality in the entire Ummah, is certainly one which is uniquely distinguished as a movement abounding with spiritual, moral and religious ideals. Due to the importance of this personality, we are honored to present this.
Such a sublime revolution has to be studied, dissected and fully understood. Lessons should be drawn from it. Here we note that the backward and downtrodden nations must one day follow in the footsteps of Imam Hussain (pbuh) if they are to challenge the despots.
The famous Urdu poet has prophesized:
Insaan Ku Bedaar Tou Ho Lene Do, Har Qaum Pukaraygi Hamare Hain Hussain
Give mankind a chance to gain consciousness, Every tribe will call out, "Hussain is ours!"
Qatl-e-Hussain Asl Main Marg-e-Yazid Hai, Islam Zinda Hota Hai Har Karbala Kai Baad
In the murder of Hussain, indeed is the death of Yazid. For each Karbala is the revival of Islam.
Karbala garden of swords, blood and inspiration for innumerable pens.
Karbala is the word of right...the hymn on the lips of time.
Karbala is a poem...a rhyme of anguish and pain.
Karbala never passes away. Its sun never sets in the horizon of history. Its anguish can never be effaced from the conscience of freemen by the collective conspiracy of tyrants.
At Karbala clouds of blood rained and generations of martyrs and revolutionaries took root and sprouted. The sound of the fearless voice of Imam Hussain (pbuh) still echoes in the valley of Karbala, ringing in the ears of time. It is a hurricane that chafes and shakes the tyrants. It is a volcano of blood, violently jolting the despots' thrones. It awakens free consciences and stirs within man the spirit of revolution and Jihad. His voice is still echoing in the ears of mankind:
"By God, I will never give you my hand like a man who has been humiliated, nor will I flee like a slave."
Who actually is Hussain? What is the background of this exceptionally unique and great personality? This prominent man of history, the legend of epics, the word of pride and honor was no less the Grandson of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) the son of his daughter Fatimah Zahra (pbuh) and her cousin and husband the Commander of the Faithful, Ali son of Abu Talib son of Abdul Mutalib son of Hashim.
Hence the only fact remains: "There never was a Hussain before him, there has been none after him."
The object of this work is only to present with extreme brevity the great historic event of the matchless sacrifice of the King of Martyrs Imam Hussain (pbuh), in the seed of Abraham (pbuh) through the Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), offered to save the Truth and humanity from getting lost to falsehood forever, for the apostleship had been concluded with the revelation of the Holy Quran, the Final Word of God. If anything had to be done or could be done, to save the Truth, it was only through the Imamate which was destined to do it, and Imam Hussain (pbuh) was the divinely chosen one for it.

Eid-e-Ghadeer Mubarak ho!

WILAYAT OF 'ALI BIN ABI TALIB (a.s)

 

The 18th of Zil-Hajj marks the auspicious occassion of Eid-e-Ghadeer. This is the day of nomination of Imam Ali(a.s.) as the successor to the Holy Prophet(pbuh&hf) and commander of the faithfuls and the first Imam. This is also the day when the famous Ayat "Al-yaoma akmalto lakum dinakum wa atmamto alaikum naimatee" [Today we completed the DEEN for you and finalized the NAIMAT for you] announcing the completion of the DEEN and the finalization of the NAIMAT (blessings) was sent. 

This is a highly virtuous day about which Imam Ali Riza(a.s.) has said that on the day of judgement four days will be presented before Allah(swt) with such glamour as that of a bride - Day of Friday, Eid-ul-Fitr, Eid-ul-Azha and Eid-e-Ghadeer - and the day of Eid-e-Ghadeer will be the most most distinct and will be like a moon among stars.
This is the day of acceptance of prayers, the day of sending SALAWAT on the Prophet Mohammad(pbuh&hf) and his Ahl-e-Bait(a.s.), the day of praying with utmost attention and commitment, the day of staying away from sins, the day of greeting and embracing other momineen with joy. The roza of this day is highly virtuous and of great significance. Giving sadqa on this day is higly recommended and counts 1000 times the amount given as sadqa.
Aamal and prayers of Eid-e-Ghadeer
1. It is recommended to take bath early in the day for purification.
2. Observe fast on this day.
3. Recite Ziarat-e-Ameenallah and Ziarat-e-Mutliqah
4. Recite Ziarat-e-Nudbah
5. Offer 2 rakaat prayer of Eid-e-Ghadeer before mid-day. In each Rakaat after Sura Hamd recite 10 times Sura Ahad (Qul ho Allah ho Ahad), 10 times Sura Qadr (Inna anzalna ho fi lailat-il-Qadr) and 10 times Ayat al-Kursi. This prayer is highly rewarding and whatever dua is asked for from Allah(swt), inshallah, will be granted. It is recommended to recite this prayer closer to but before mid-day since that was the time when Prophet Mohammad(pbuh&hf) announced the successorship and nomination of Imam Ali(a.s.) as master of the faithfuls.
After the prayers go into prostration and recite 100 times "Shukran Lillah" and 100 times " Alhamd-o-lillah". Imam Jaffer Sadiq(a.s.) says that whoever does so will be like a person who accepted the Imamate and Caliphate of Imam Ali(a.s.) and pledged allegiance at the Ghadeer-e-Khum in front of Prophet Mohammad(pbuh&hf). The person who performs this act will also like those who will be with the Imam-e-Zamana(a.s.) under his flag.
6. It is customary among the followers of Ahl-e-Bait(a.s.) to greet each other on this day and shake their hands and say to each other the following : "Akhaituka fil lah-e wa safetoka fil lah-e wa safahtoka fil lah-e wa aahad tullah-a wa malaekatahu wa kutubahu wa rusulahu wa ambiya-uhu wa aaimmatul ma'soomeena alaihumus salam ala anni in kuntu min ahlil jannati wash shafa'ate wa oozina lee be an adkhulal jannah la adkhulaha illa wa anta ma ee aa".
The other momin/momina should also greet him/her saying: "Asqat tu anka jame'ah haqooq-il ukhuwate ma khalad dua-e waz ziarat-e wash shafa-ah
7. Recite 100 times :
ALH'AMDU LILLAAHILLAD'EE JA-A'LA KAMAALA DEENIHI WA TAMAAMA NIA'-MATIHI BIWALAAYATI AMEERIL MOOMINEENA ALIYYIBNA ABEE T'AALIB
A'LAYHISSALAAM
[Praise be to Allah, who had perfected His religion and completed His favour with the establishment of Ali ibn Abi Talib's authority, peace be on him.]
Historical perspective of Eid-e-Ghadeer
Quran 005:067
“O Messenger! Make known that which hath been revealed unto thee from thy Lord, for if thou do it not, thou will not have conveyed His message. Allah will protect thee from mankind. Lo! Allah guideth not the disbelieving folk."
The Gathering of all the pilgrims
The Messenger of Allah, The Holy Prophet Mohammad(pbuh&hf) suddenly stopped and froze on hearing the above 'Ayah' from The Archangel Jibraeel(as).
The holy Prophet looked at his cousin Ali(a.s.) intently, who was riding next to him. He then quickly ordered the halt of the caravan in astonishment of all his companions and followers. To stop in such a place under the hot blazing midday sun, at such a desolate and arid place in the desert called Ghadeer Khumm.
The Holy Prophet(pbuh&hf) listened patiently and confronted their complaints and pestering for halting them in such an un welcomed place. But The Holy Prophet(pbuh&hf) would only calmly say, with a smile, that he was commanded by Allah(swt) to address the multitude of travelers, here and now, and it is not for him to question Allah(swt) for His choice of the time or place!
And what was he commanded to tell them by Allah(swt) they questioned impatiently. He would only say, that he was commanded to convey to them all, of what he had been revealed to him now. Before the masses begin dispersing in all directions in the desert to their individual homes and destination.
The Holy Prophet(pbuh&hf) then quickly commanded one of his trusted faithful and close companion Hazrat Bilaal(r.a.) to immediately cry out the Azaan so that the thousands of Muslim travellers could be gathered before him.
Make Shift Pulpit
The Prophet Mohammad(pbuh&hf), then quickly ordered the clearing of the desert's dry prickly plants from the hot sandy ground, for the masses to stand before him. Then he ordered for some camel saddles to be piled up, so as to make shift a pulpit, upon a small elevated sandy mound, for the people to see him.
Then The Messenger of God(sawaw) awaited patiently sweating under the hot burning sun for the straddlers of people that were still behind and those that had gone further ahead to gather together, before him.
As soon as the multitude were gather before him, the holy Apostle(sawaw) stood on up upon the make shift pulpit of camel saddles piled up on the small sandy mound before them, so that he was high enough to be seen by all the congregation before him. The massed crowd before him quickly quietened down, the sound of their questioning murmur soon died down, as soon as they saw their Prophet(sawaw) standing high before them.
He then gestured to Imam Ali ibn-e-Abi Talib(a.s.) and invited him to join him and stand on his right on the make shift Mimbar of piled camel saddles upon the small sandy mound. Each one of the masses of people was standing on his thin woollen cloak on the ground to protect their feet from the burning hot sands around them, which was baked by the blazing hot noon sun. They waited and watched in wonderment at the two before them, and again started to murmur to each other. Each providing their own explanation of what was to come.
The Holy Prophet(pbuh&hf) gestured with his hand and the murmur ceased and all the masses listened attentively as The Messenger of God(pbuh&hf) slowly began his address.
He started first by praising and to Glorify Allah Almighty(swt), The Creator of all the worlds and of the Heavens.
He then proceeded to give them the sad news to their dismay of all the congregation, of his own nearing death saying, I have been summoned, and it is the moment for me to answer, for the time has come for me, to depart from you. However I do leave behind me, amongst you, two weighty and precious things. And, if you cleave to them, you will surely never go astray! The Holy Book of God and, my Offspring the Ahl-ul-Bait.
For they will never be separated from each other until they have led you to me, at the sacred shores of Heaven .
The masses of people who had gathered before him, now wept openly in sorrow at news of his nearing death. But who would lead and guide them? Who would take his place? What would become of them? What would become of Islam without him? They worriedly murmured to each other in puzzlement and panic?
The declaration of his Successor
When they all had quickened down. The Prophet(pbuh&hf) then called out at the top of his voice.
"Am I not more appropriate to rule over you than yourselves?"
The people replied in earnest,
"By God. Yes you are!"
The Holy Prophet Mohammad(pbuh&hf) then continued by taking hold of both of Imam Ali(a.s.)'s arms and raised them high above his shoulders, so much so that Ali(a.s.)'s sleeves slipped down his arms and rested on his shoulders, exposing Ali's(as) naked white armpits.
The Prophet(pbuh&hf) went on to proclaimed that Ali(as) as his successor and the legitimate Khalifa of Allah(swt).
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Allah is my master and I am your master and whosoever, I am master of, Then this man, Ali is his master as well.
O God! Befriend him, who so ever befriends him. Oppose him, whosoever opposes him.
Support him, who so ever supports him. Desert him, whosoever deserts him.
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This meant that through the revelation, Allah(swt) had asked the Prophet Mohammad(pbuh&hf) to declare Imam Ali(a.s.) is the Chosen Successor to Prophet Mohammad(pbuh&hf) by Allah(swt) Himself.
This event and wording has been reported in the following books :
(1) Sahih Tirmizi, Vol.2 Page 298.
(2) Sahih ibn-e-Maja, Chapter: Virtues of the Companions of the Holy Prophet(pbuh&hf), Page 12
(3) Kinz-al-Amaal, Vol.6, Page 397
(4) Riyaz un-Nazra Vol.2, Page 169
(5) Mustadrak as-Sahiyeen, Vol.3, Page 109
(6) Mustadrak as-Sahiyeen, Vol.3, Page 116
(7) Khasais-e-Nisaee, Page 25
(8) Masnad Ahmad ibn-e-Hambal, Vol.4, Page 372
(9) Tafseer-e-Kabeer, Fakhruddin Razi
(10) Hulyat ul-Aulia, Vol.5, Page 26
(11) Sawaiq-e-Moharraka, Page 25
(12) Al-Asaba, Vol1, Al-qism 1, Page 319