Imam Hassan (a.s) - Tanha Tareen Sardar - Urdu

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Imam-e-Asr waz-Zaman, Imam Mehdi (atfs)

15th of Shaban  – Zahoor-e-pur noor of the last Wasi of Prophet Mohammad (sawaw), Allah(swt) hujjat on earth and the Imam-e-Asr waz-Zaman, Imam Mohammad Mehdi (atfs) ibn-e-

Holy Birth

The promised Mehdi(Ajallahu ta’allah farajahu sharif - atfs), who is usually mentioned by his title of Imam-e-Asr (the Imam of the "Period") and Sahib uz-Zaman (the Lord of the Time/Age), is the son of the eleventh Imam Hasan Askari(a.s.). His name and kunniyat is the same as that of the Holy Prophet(sawaw).

He was born in Samarrah on the 15th of Shabaan in 255 A.H./868 A.D. and until 260 A.H./872 A.D. when his father was martyred, lived under his father's care and guidance (Kamal-ud-Din Vol 2 Page 424, 428, 430, 433). His mother was Bibi Nargis Khatoon who was the grand daughter of Qaisar-e-Rome from the father’s side and the grand daughter of Janab-e-Shamoun who was the successor of Hazrat Eisa(a.s.) (Kamal-ud-Din Vol. 2 Page 420,424). His most famous titles are Mahdi, Hujjat, Qaem, Montazar, Montazir, Sahib-uz-Zaman, Imam al-Asr and Khalaf as-Salaeh 

Sayyida Hakima who was the sister of the 10th Imam (Imam Ali Naqi(a.s.)) relates that she went to her nephew's (11th Imam - Imam Hasan Askari(a.s.)) house for iftaar in the evening of 14th of Shabaan 255 A.H. The 11th Imam asked her to stay as his son was to be born soon. There was no sign of pregnancy on Bibi Narjis Khatoon. The 11th Imam asked her to recite Suratul Qadr on Bibi Narjis Khatoon. At the time of Fajr on 15th Shabaan, Sayyida Hakima heard the Sura being recited from the womb of Bibi Narjis Khatoon. The 11th imam told her that the birth would occur very soon. She states that as the time approached, it appeared as if a curtain was raised between her and Bibi Narigs and after a while when that curtain was removed, she saw a beautiful baby boy performing sajda (prostration) and proclaiming the oneness of Allah and the Prophet-hood of the Prophet Mohammad(sawaw).  According to a report, on his right shoulder was inscripted “Jaa al- haqqa wa zahqal batil innal batila kana zahooqa” (see translation below).

He also recited the 5th aya of Suratul-Qasas "And We intend to bestow (Our) favours upon those who are weak in the land and make them the Imams (leaders) and make them the heirs". On his right hand was written the 82nd aya of Sura Bani Israel "The truth has come and falsehood has vanished; Indeed falsehood (is a thing by nature) vanishing". The 11th Imam(a.s.) arranged to have various animals slaughtered as aqeeqa and distributed among trusted believers so that there could be many witnesses of the birth of Imam Mehdi(a.s.).

Birth protected from the eyes of common people

The tyrant Abbasid rulers were aware of the prophecies of the Holy Prophet(sawaw) that the son of Imam Hasan al-Askari(a.s.) by the name of Mahdi will appear to remove all kinds of corruption and tyranny. 

Hence they planned to eliminate the child when he is born. Due to this the birth of Imam Mahdi(a.s.) was kept a secret like that of Hazrat Ibrahim(a.s.) and Hazrat Moosa(a.s.). So much so that except for the most trusted of the shias and his own family, no one knew of the

existence of Hazrat(a.s.). Inspite of this whenever there was an opportunity, Imam Hasan al-Askari(a.s.) showed his son to his trustworthy followers; that in future they may follow him. This was in order that the shias may remain firm upon the right path, and not be led astray.

A servant Abu Ghanim says:

"Abu Mohammed(a.s.) has a son whose name is Muhammed." On the third day of his birth he brought him before his companions and said: ....

"After me he is your Master of the affair, he is my successor, he is the same 'Qaem', who is awaited by alt When the earth will be fraught with injustice and oppression then he will reappear and fill the earth with justice and righteousness."

(Kamal-ud-din Vol. 2 Pg. 431)

One of the women slaves called Naseema relates that when she went to see the baby Imam in his cradle she greeted him with salaam and was replied to. She then sneezed and the Imam said: "Yarhamukallah - it is a blessing from Allah and you have 3 days immunity from death".

The last Imam(a.s.) was hidden from public view and only a few of the elite among the Shias were able to meet him. After the martyrdom of his father he became the Imam and recited the namaz-e-janaza of his father. Later by Divine Command he went into occultation (ghaybat).

Thereafter he appeared only to his deputies (naibeen) and even then only in exceptional circumstances. 

Ghaibat (occultation) of the last Imam (a.s.)

The Imam's ghaibat (occultation) was in two phase - Ghaibat-e-Sughra (minor occultation) was for about 69 years - 260 A.H. (872 A.D.) to 329 A.H. (939 A.D.) and the Ghaibat-e-Kubra (greater occultation) started in 329 A.H. (939 A.D.)and will continue until Allah(swt) so wills.

Why Ghaibat?

the 6th Imam, Imam as-Sadiq (a.s.) states the reason of the ghaibat as prevention against being killed. Ishaq bin Yaqub (on authority from 12th Imam) says that all the Imams were under oppressive rulers. Our 12th Imam is hidden in order to rise in arms with obedience to no one.

Muhammad Yaqub Al-Kulayni has said that ghaibat is a test from Allah to test the steadfastness of belief in Imam.

If he is to remain in Ghaibat, what is the use of his existence?

Belief creates hope giving strength to the oppressed. It is a deterrent for the committing of injustice as one is always aware of the constant presence of the Imam.

Why Ghaibat-e-Sughra?

To make the Shias used to approaching scholars instead of Imam himself. It started during the time of the 10th Imam who was under almost constant house arrest in Samarra and continuing through.

GHAIBAT-E-SUGHRA (160 A.H. to 329 A.H.)

During Ghaibut-us-Sughra, the Imam(a.s.) appointed four deputies/ representatives to represent him among the people. After the death of the fourth deputy, the Imam(a.s.) went into Ghaibut-e-Kubra (major occultation). This was on the 10th Shawal 329 A.H.

The 4 representatives were :

1. Uthman bin Saeed Umravi(A.R.)

 It is said that at the age of 11 years he was a servant in the house of the 9th Imam later to enjoy the confidence of Imam. He occupied the same position of trust with the 10th and 11th Imam who told their Shias that after him they would not see the 12th Imam and would have to obey Uthman. After the 11th Imam's martyrdom Uthman moved to Baghdad and disguised as a butter seller he set up the collection of khums for Imam. He served the 12th Imam for 5 years and received a letter near his death from Imam(a.s.) telling him to appoint his son Mohammed as the next representative.

2. Muhammad bin Uthman bin Saeed Umravi(A.R.)

 He continued in his fathers footsteps also acting as a butter seller. He managed to keep Imam's existence a secret from the Abbasids until the early years of the reign of Al-Mutadid. The rulers then started searching hard for Imam and killed countless mu'mineen with even the slightest resemblance to Imam. Spies were set up to probe the khums network. Imam issued an order for Shias not to take his name nor show mas'ala of khums to anyone until absolutely sure of them. As instructed by Imam he appointed Husayn bin Rawh as the next representative after his death in 305 A.H. He served the Imam(a.s.) for 40 years.

3. Husayn bin Rawh (A.R.)

 His kuniyya was Abul Qasim. His sociable nature won him respect even  from the Ahlul-Sunnah. He managed to keep his activities a secret from the rulers whilst maintaining good relations with them. It is to him that we address the 'ariza' to be delivered to Imam. He served faithfully until he died in Sha'ban 326 a.h. revealing the appointment of Ali bin Muhammad Samry after him. He served for 21 years.

4. Ali bin Muhammad Samry (A.R.)

 He served for only three years. A week before his death he received a letter from the Imam(a.s.) telling him of his forthcoming death and that there would be no representative after him and that Imam(a.s.) was now going into Ghaibat-e-Kubra (major occultation). Imam(a.s.) would then appear when Allah(swt) wills it. Ali bin Muhammad Samry(a.r.) died on 15th Shabaan 329 A.H. after serving for 3 years.

GHAIBAT E KUBRA (329 A.H. to present)

Imam's ghaibat is described by the Aimma like that of Prophet Yusuf (A.S.) who was amongst his brothers yet they did not recognise him.

Imam is known to meet a believer on 3 occasions:

1. At the time of trouble.

2. He is present at every Hajj.

3. He attends the funeral of every believer who has no religious obligations pending on him/her e.g. Khums.

During this time he continues to guide. Numerous letters have been received from him by (to quote a few) Ishaq bin Yaqub, Sheikh Mufeed...

It is reported that 30 people all over the world meet with him regularly.

Responsibilities during Ghaibat-e-Kubra

1. Pray for the safety of Imam(a.s.) at all time.

2. Be in waiting for Imam(a.s.) at all times.

3. Give Sadaqa for Imam(a.s.).

4. Pray for his re-appearance.

5. Whenever faced with difficulty (whether small or big) ask for assistance from Imam(a.s.).

6. Whenever his name is heard or recited, one should stand if possible, send salaams on him, put hand on head and bow.

7. If possible perform Hajj/Umra for Imam(a.s.). (Hajj-After own Wajibat)

8. Prepare for the re-appearance of the Imam(a.s.) by organizing oneself and following the teachings of Islam in its true letter and spirit.

Imam Ali ibn-e-Abi Talib (a.s.)

13th of Rajab  – zahoor of Maula-e-Kainaat, Imam-ul- Muttaqeen, Ameer-al-Momineen, Wali-Allah, Sher-e-Khuda and the 1st Holy Imam, Imam Ali ibn-e-Abi Talib(a.s.). He is the only person in the whole history to have been born inside the Kaaba in Makkah. He was born in the 30th year of the Elephant (10 years before the declaration of Nabuwwat).

Allah(swt) says in the Holy Quran – Sura 5 (Al-Maaeda) Ayat 55 – “Only Allah is your Vali and His Messenger and those who believe, those who keep up prayers and pay the poor-rate while they bow.” (Translation by Shakir Ali).  Muslim scholars of all sects are unanimous that this ayat was sent by Allah(swt) in praise of Imam Ali(a.s.) and primarily based on this ayat, the Shias believe in the wilayat of Imam Ali(a.s.).

Historical aspect of the birth of Imam Ali(a.s.)

Since it is the birth of the Holy Imam(a.s.), I wanted to reflect on the historical aspect of his birth.

When Imam Ali(a.s.) was about to be born, his mother Janab Fatima bint- e-Asad went to the Holy Kaaba and touched herself with its wall and prayed to Allah(swt) in the following words which are recorded in all important books of history:  "O Allah, I firmly believe in you, your prophets and your books. I bear testimony to my ancestor Ibrahim(a.s.)’s prophethood. I beseech you through this house of yours, its constructor and the child who is in my womb, make this problem very easy for me". At once, the wall of Kaaba split and Bibi Fatima bint-e-Asad entered the Kaaba and the wall got back to its original position. Just imagine, a pregnant women whose child is about to be born stayed inside the Kaaba for 3 days and 3 nights apparently without food and water – not so - for sure food and water must have been provided to her by divine methods by Allah(swt).

After failing to open the door of Kaaba for 3 days, the people witnessed the unexpected – the wall of Kaaba got split again and Bibi Fatima bint-e-Asad got out with a new born child in her hands.

Fatima bint-e-Asad called for Prophet Mohammad(sawaw) and said to him that her child had not spoken a word, has not cried and not even opened his eyes since birth for 3 days now. Prophet Mohammad(sawaw), with a smile on his face, took Imam Ali(a.s.) in his hands and gave his tongue in the mouth of Imam Ali(a.s.). Sensing the tongue of Risalat, the child immediately opened his eyes and said "As-salam-o- alaika ya Rasool Allah (Peace be upon you O Prophet of Allah!)". The prophet replied to him and asked him why he had not opened his eyes until now. Imam Ali(a.s.) replied "How could I open my eyes in this world and see the idols placed in the Kaaba before seeing your face". After this, Imam Ali(a.s.) recited from all the four divine books of Allah(swt).

Phenomena of a new-born child talking 

It might be confusing or difficult for some people to believe a new-born child talking. Please bear in mind that ours is the Prophet(sawaw) on whose hands even the stones started reciting Kalma, and in this case, it was the child of a human being.

Please also bear in mind that in the Quran Allah(swt) states that when Hazrat Isa(a.s.) was born, he was brought to the people of bani Israeel and they questioned his mother Mariam(a.s.) about him. On the orders from Allah(swt), Mariam(a.s.) pointed out at the new born child for an answer and immediately Hazrat Isa(a.s.) started talking and said – I quote from Sura Mariam (19:30) "He said: Surely I am a servant of Allah; He has given me the Book and made me a prophet;" (Translation by Shakir Ali). This is the way Allah(swt) shows his qudrat (power/control) and bestows his chosen representatives with special abilities and moajzas (miracles).

Some Ahadees-e-Rasool (saww) about Imam Ali (a.s.)

Our beloved Prophet Mohammad (saww) has praised Imam Ali (a.s.) on numerous occasions and has given him various titles. Some of the Prophet’s(sawaw) sayings about him(a.s.) are as follows:

(1) Of whomsoever am I Maula, Ali(a.s.) is his/her Maula as well. O allah(swt) keep love with the one who loves him(a.s.) and keep enmity with the one who keeps enmity with him(a.s.)

(2) I am the city of Knowledge and Ali(a.s.) is its gate. Whoever wants to get knowledge should come to its gate. 

(3) I am from Ali(a.s.) and Ali(a.s.) is from Me.

(4) Allah(swt) has created me and Ali(a.s.) from the same one Noor.

(5) Ali(a.s.) is Kull-e-Imaan (Total Faith)

(6) Ali(a.s.) is to me as Haroon(a.s.) was to Moosa(a.s.)

(7) Ali(a.s.) is the distributor of Paradise and Hell.

(8) Ali(a.s.) is my brother in the world and hereafter.

(9) Looking at Ali’s(a.s.) face is Ibadaah.

(10) Talking about Ali(a.s.) in your gatherings and meetings is

Ibadaah.

(11) Keeping love of Ali(a.s.) in ones heart is Ibadaah.

(12) Ali(a.s.) is with Quran and Quran is with Ali(a.s.)

(13) Ali(a.s.) is with Haqq (truth) and Haqq is with Ali(a.s.) – O Allah(swt) turn Haqq in the same direction in which Ali(a.s.) turns.

(14) Ali(a.s.) will lead his Shias (followers, believers, friends) on the day of judgement.

(15) O Ali(a.s.) you and your Shias are the people of paradise.

(16) One who keeps enmity and jealously with Ali(a.s.) will never enter paradise.

(17) The example of Ali(a.s.) is like the example of Kaaba. (my comments: Remember that in the quran Allah(swt) states that Kaaba is the guide of momineen)

(18) O Ali(a.s), your body is my body, O Ali(a.s.) your flesh is my flesh, O Ali(a.s.) your blood is my blood, O Ali(a.s.) your soul is my soul.

(19) The one who loves Ali(a.s.) loves me and the one who loves me loves Allah(swt); the one who is jealous of Ali(a.s.) is jealous of me and the one who was jealous of me is jealous of Allah(swt).

(20) Obedience of Ali(a.s.) is my obedience and his(a.s.) disobedience is my disobedience.

(21) Every Prophet has a Wasi and Waris and my Waris and Wasi is Ali(a.s.).

(22) On the day of Dawat-zul-Asheera (the first ever Dawah in Islam) Prophet Mohammad(sawaw) declared “The one who accepts my messages and helps me today will be my Wasi, my Wazir and my Khalifa after me”. All historical references mention that Imam Ali(a.s.) was the only one to accept the message and help the Prophet(sawaw). This was the first explicit hadith of Wilayat and Wisayat of Imam Ali(a.s.) on the very first day when the message of Islam was announced by the Prophet(sawaw).

Imam Muhammad Taqi (a.s.)

10th of Rajab  - birth anniversary of the 9th Holy Imam, Imam Muhammad Taqi al-Jawwad(a.s.). His birth was in the year 195 A.H.

His Parents & Birth

He was the only son of the eighth Imam Ali Riza (a.s.) The Prophet (sawaw) had said:

"My father be sacrificed on the mother of the 9th Imam who will be a pure and pious Nubian."

Imam Musa Kadhim (a.s.) had told one of his companions that his daughter-in-law (Sabika) would be one of the most pious of women and to give her his salaams. She came from the same tribe as the Prophet's(sawaw) wife - Maria Kubtiya who bore the Prophet his son Ibrahim (who died in infancy). Imam Muhammad Taqi (a.s.) was born when his father was 45 years old.

Till then Imam Ali Riza (a.s.) had constantly been taunted that he had no children. When the 9th Imam was born, a brother of Imam Ali Riza(a.s.) was angry because he would lose out in inheriting the Imam's property and in his jealousy spread a rumour that Imam Ali Riza(a.s.) was not the father. He was eventually proved wrong by a person who could tell parentage.

Childhood

The 9th Imam was 5 years old when his father was called to Baghdad by Mamun Rashid to be his 'heir apparent'. When Imam Ali Riza (a.s.) was leaving he saw his son putting sand in his hair. He asked why and the young Imam replied that this was what an orphan did. Imam Riza(a.s.) was fully aware of the treacherous character of the ruling king and was sure that he would not return to Medina. So before his departure from Medina he declared his son Muhammad al-Jawad(a.s.) as his successor , and imparted to him all his stores of Divine knowledge and spiritual genius.

Imamate

Imam Ali Riza(a.s.) was poisoned on 17th Safar 203 AH and with effect from the same date Imam Muhammad al-Jawad(a.s.) was commissioned by Allah to hold the responsibility of Imamate . At the tender age of eight there was no apself chance or means of the young Imam reaching great heights of knowledge and practical achievements . But after a few days he is known not only to have debated with his contemporary scholars on subjects pertaining to fiqh ( Islamic jurisprudence ) , hadith ( tradition ) , tafsir ( Qur'anic exegesis ) , ect . and outwitted them , but also to exhort their admiration and acknowledgment of his learning and superiority . Right from then the world realized that he possessed Divine knowledge and that the knowledge commanded by the Holy Imam was not acquired , but granted by Allah.

Imam Mohammad Taqi al-Jawwad(a.s.) was entrusted with the responsibilities of Imamate in an apparently tender age of 8 years. He is the Imam with the smallest age i.e. only 25 years before he was martyred at the hands of Moatasim Abbasi in the year 220 A.H. Imam Jawwad(a.s.) showed immense knowledge and maturity during his short imamat time of 17 years so much so that at some sessions he answered more than 30 thousand questions within 3 days time.

Once the most learned scholar of the court of Mamoon named Yahya bin Aksam was prepared for a debate with Imam Jawwad(a.s.) to show that he is still in his infancy and does not have divine knowledge. Imam(a.s.) went to the court to take up the debate.

Yahya took up one of the most difficult matters in Islamic Shariah and asked Imam(a.s.) "What will be the Kaffara for a person who hunts while in the state of Ahraam?".  Imam(a.s.) before replying said "Your question is incomplete. First you should complete your question. There could be 22 different situations:

(1) Hunting was done within or outside the limits of Haram?

(2) The hunter was aware of this shariah issue or not?

(3) Hunting was done intentionally or occurred un-intentionally?

(4) Hunter was a free person or a slave?

(5) He was a mature (baligh) or immature (nabaligh) person?

(6) He hunted for the first time or had been doing earlier as well?

(7) The hunt was a bird or other animal?

(8) The hunt was a small or a big animal?

(9) Hunter was ashamed of his act or insisted on its correctness?

(10) Hunting was done in the night or day time?

(11) Ahraam was for Hajj or Umra?

"Which of these situations are in question? Since the teaching of shariat depends on them."

Hearing this, Yahya bin Aksam was speechless and accepted his ignorance and requested the Imam(a.s.) to answer in the light of each situation. Imam(a.s.) replied as follows:

(1) If the animal was hunted while wearing Ahraam outside the limits of Haram and the animal was a bird and of big size then the kaffara is a goat.

(2) If the same has been hunted inside the limits of Haram then the kaffara is 2 goats.

(3) If the animal was small and hunted outside the Haram then the kaffara is one lamb that has completed its feeding from its mother.

(4) If this was done inside the haram then the kaffara is the cost of the bird and one lamb.

(5) If the hunted was a four-legged animal then if it was a wild donkey then the kaffara is a Cow and if was is an Ostrich then the kaffara is one Camel and if it was a Deer then one goat.

(6) If the same is done inside the haram then the kaffara is double.

(7) If the ahraam is for Umra then the kaffarat have to be brought to the Khana-e-Kaaba and the sacrifice will be done in Makkah. However if the Ahraam if of Hajj then the sacrifice will be done in Mina.

(8) It does not matter is the hunter is aware of the shariat issue or not – the kaffara will be the same in both cases.

(9) If the hunting is done intentionally then there is additional sin committed, but if it was done un-intentionally then there is no sin.

(10) If the hunter is a free person then the kaffara will be the liability of that person and if the hunter is a slave then the kaffara  is the liability of his owner.

(11) Kaffara will be mandatory on a baligh (mature) person and is not mandatory on a na-baligh (immature) person.

(12) If the hunter repents his act then there is no punishment on the day of judgment but if the hunter insists on it being correct then will have to face punishment on the day of judgment as well.

Imam Moosa Kazim (a.s.)

25th Rajab 1432 A.H. - Martyrdom anniversary of Imam Moosa ibn-e-Jafar al-Kazim(a.s.) - the 7th Holy Imam.

His birth

Imam Jafer Sadiq(a.s.) went to Hajj along with his family in 127 Hijri and on the way back at the site of Abwa Imam Moosa Kazim(a.s.) was born on the 7th of Safar in 128 Hijri. His mother Bibi Hameeda Khatoon says that after Imam Kazim(a.s.) was born, he raised his head towards

the sky and recited the Shahadatain – the 3 testimonies – which was the tradition among all Masoomeen(a.s.). On his right shoulder was engraved the Ayat “waTammat kalimatu rabbika sidqan wa adlan” (Al-Anaam 6:115).

Political Conditions during his life

Imam Musa al-Kazim(a.s.) lived under the most crucial times in the regimes of the despotic Abbasid kings who were marked for their tyrannical and cruel administration . He was born during the rule of Marwan. After his death the first ruler of bani-Abbas named Saffah ruled from 132 to 136 Hijri. Al-Mansur ad-Dawaniqi ruled between 136 and 158 Hijri during which he martyred Imam Jafer Sadiq(a.s.) in 148 Hijri and so the Imamate of Imam Moosa Kazim(a.s.) began when he was just 20 years of age. Al-Mahdi al-Abbasi ruled from 158 to 169 Hijri and finally Harun ar-Rashid ascended the throne in 170 Hijra. Al-Mansur and Harun ar-Rashid were the despotic kings who put a multitude of innocent descendants of the Holy Prophet(sawaw) to the sword .

Thousands of these martyrs were buried alive inside walls or put into horrible dark prisons during their lifetime. These depraved rulers knew no pity or justice and they killed and tortured for the pleasure they derived from human sufferings.

The Holy Imam(a.s.) was saved from the tyranny of al-Mansur al-Abbasi because the king , being occupied with his project of constructing the new city of Baghdad , could not get time to turn towards victimizing the Imam. By 157 A.H. the city of Baghdad was built. This was soon followed by the death of its founder a year later. After al-Mansur, his son al-Mahdi ascended the throne . For a few years he remained indifferent towards the Imam(a.s.). When in 164 Hijri he came to Medina and heard about the great reputation of the Imam, he could not resist his jealousy and the spark of his ancestral malice against the  Ahl-al-Bayt(a.s.) was rekindled. He somehow managed to take the Imam(a.s.) along with him to Baghdad and got him imprisoned there. But after a year he realized his mistake and released the Imam(a.s.) from jail. al-Mahdi was succeeded by al-Hadi who lived only for a year.

Now, in 170 AH, the most cruel and tyrannical king Harun ar-Rashid appeared at the head of the Abbasid Empire. It was during his reign that the Holy Imam(a.s.) passed the greater part of his life in a miserable prison till he was poisoned. Harun had the Imam(a.s.) arrested in the Prophet's(sawaw) mosque whilst the Imam was praying. He was handcuffed and shackled and sent to Basra. Imam(a.s.) was put into prison under the custody of Isa bin Ja'fer. After a year Isa wrote to Harun saying he could no longer imprison Imam(a.s.) as he could find only piety and righteousness in him.

Harun had the Imam(a.s.) moved to Baghdad under the custody of Fadhl bin Rabi who too became a follower of Imam(a.s.). The prisons were so small that there was no room to stand and the food was a cup of water and two pieces of dry bread a day. Imam(a.s.) remained patient. Harun finally moved Imam(a.s.) in the care of Sindi bin Shahak - a very cruel man. Imam remained in prison for a total of 19 years of his life. He was imprisoned without any communication with his followers of relatives for the last 14 years of his life.

These 19 years of imprisonment gave the Shia population a little relief as the rulers concentrated on the Imam(a.s.). It enabled the Shias to disperse from Arabia to Iran, India etc. thus spreading Islam and it was one of the factors towards the popularity of the 8th Imam.

His Martyrdom

In 179 A.H., Harun ar-Rashid visited Medina. The fire of malice and jealousy against the Ahl-e-bait(a.s.) was kindled in his heart when he saw the great influence and popularity which the Holy Imam(a.s.) enjoyed amongst the people there. He got the Imam(a.s.) arrested while he was busy in prayer at the tomb of the Holy Prophet(sawaw). On the 25th of Rajab 183 A.H., he got the Imam(a.s.) martyred by poison inside the prison when Imam(a.s.)’s age was 55. Even his corpse was not spared humiliation and was taken out of the prison and left on the Bridge of Baghdad. When Harun Rashid's brother Sulayman heard of this he was furious and arranged for his burial in a Quraysh cemetery outside Baghdad (the 8th Imam gave ghusl and kafan). A town grew around the tomb of Imam called Kadhmain (meaning the two Kadhims) since the 9th Imam is also buried there.

Imam Mohammad Baqir (a.s.)

1st of Rajab - birth anniversary of the 5th Holy Imam, Imam Mohammad Baqir(a.s.) in the year 57 A.H.

Imam Mohammad Baqir(a.s.) gave some very informative answers to some of the most difficult questions to his disciples and others.  Some of them are reproduced here:

Question: Which was the Roza (fasting) in which eating and drinking was permitted?

Answer: The Roza (fast) that Hazrat Mariam(a.s.) observed in which she abandoned talking only.

Question: What decreases and never increases with time?

Answer: Age

Question: What increases and never decreases?

Answer: Water of the ocean.

Question: What was raised in the sky only once?

Answer: The mountain of Toor which was raised above Bani-Israel only once and then put down.

Question: Who are the people whose true testimony was declared a lie?

Answer: These are the munafiqeen (hypocrites) whose testimony that “Prophet is the messenger of God” was not accepted and they were declared liers by Allah(swt).

Question: When was one third of the mankind killed?

Answer: Never – however one fourth of mankind was killed when Qabeel murdered Habeel. At that time, the whole mankind consisted of 4 persons only.

Question: You Muslims believe that the food and drinks of Jannah will not cause necessity to urinate and pass stool. Is there any example of this in this world?

Answer: Yes there is. The child inside the womb of the mother gets fed without the necesity to urinate or pass stool.

Question: Who are the two people who were born at the same time and died at the same time but one was 50 years and the other was 150 years old at the time of death?

Answer: These were Prophet brothers Uzair(a.s.) and Aziz(a.s.). Allah(swt) gave temporary death to Hazrat Uzair(a.s.) for 100 years and when he got back life, he died again at the same time as did Aziz so the difference in their ages was 100 years.

Imam Ali ibn-e- Moosa ar-Riza (a.s.)

17th Safar - the Martyrdom anniversary of Imam Ali ibn-e- Moosa ar-Riza(a.s.) - the 8th Holy Imam.

His Martyrdom

Imam Ali Riza(a.s.) was summoned by Mamoon in his court and was offered some grapes which were injected with poison. Imam(a.s.) knew about it and politely declined to eat but Mamoon insisted saying that it appears that Imam(a.s.) has doubt on his intentions. Imam(a.s.) was aware from ilm-e-imamat that the time of his martyrdom has arrived and therefore ate a few grapes and left the court.

He(a.s.) arrived in Bait-ush-Sharaf. Abul Salat stayed outside on the door to guard. He mentions that he heard some conversation and movement inside so he went in to check and saw that a young lad was with Imam Riza(a.s.). He was surprised that no one had entered the room from the door so how could this young lad come in. The young lad said that he was Mohammad ibn-e-Ali Riza(a.s.) and he has been brought from Madina by Allah(swt) to take over the responsibilities of Imamat and that distances and walls are no hindrances for Imams(a.s.). When an Imam is about to leave this world, the next one stays with him to take over all the responsibilities.

Imam Ali Riza(a.s.) breathed his last after a short period and Imam Mohammad Taqi(a.s.) performed his ghusal, kafn and recited namaz-e-janaza and then instructed Abu Salat to announce the martyrdom of Imam Ali Riza(a.s.). To conceal the crime, Mamoon then organized a state funeral and mourning since Imam Ali Riza(a.s.) was a royal price as well.

The confirmation of poisoning of Imam(a.s.) by Mamoon is mentioned in the following books:  Rodatus Safa, Shawahid-un-Nabuwwah, Kamil, Murawajuz Zahab, Noorul Absar, Al-Fakhri, Matalibus Suwal, Tazheeb Tahzeebul Kamal, Mukhtasar Akhbarul Khulafa and others.

Some historians such as Shibli Nomani have doubted that Mamoon would have poisoned the Imam(a.s.). It is to be noted that Mamoon never tried to investigate and punish the killers even though Imam Riza(a.s.) was the royal price and this seems strikingly strange since rules of Bani Ummaya had made a big issue out of the killing of Hazrat Usman and repeatedly had accused Imam Ali(a.s.) of involvement. Moreover, a person such as Mamoon who had killed his own brother in the name of justice did nothing to find the killers of Imam(a.s.) is a sufficient proof in itself that his character was not clean in this conspiracy.

Martyrdom of Imam Hasan Askari(a.s.)

8th of Rabi al-Awwal 1432 A.H. - Martyrdom anniversary of Imam Hasan Askari (a.s.) - the 11th Holy Imam.

Martyrdom of Imam Hasan Askari(a.s.)

Imam al-Askari (a.s.) lived during the times of the Abbasid caliphs, Mu'taz, Muhtadi and Mu'tamid. The Holy Imam (A.S.) suffered more afflictions, confinement, terrorism and pursuit by the three above mentioned brutal and cruel caliphs and was, also, exposed to imprisonment at different times before them. The last caliph, whom the Holy Imam (a.s.) lived with, Mu'tamid, was dissolute, disposed to entertainment and pleasures, singing, and committing the forbidden. All these caused people to hate him, The Holy Imam (A.S.) suffered different kinds of troubles and torments in the hands of the caliph, Mu'tamid, who surrounded him with intensive security forces to keep an eye on him and pursue those who wanted to contact him.The reason that caused the Abbasids to be more envious against the high position of the Holy Imam (a.s.), among the Ummah, was their being afraid of his son, the Awaited Imam Mahdi (atfs). They knew that Imam would be the son of Imam Askari (a.s.) whom he referred to in one of his letters:"They thought that they could kill me in order to cut off my offspring, but Allah denied their sayings and praise be to Allah." The anger of the caliph, Mu'tamid, increased more when he saw that the whole ummah glorified, and showed great respect and superiority to the Holy Imam (A.S.); and the Shias more thant the Abbasids. On the other side, the caliph, Mu'tamid was greatly hated by the whole ummah. Therefore, he decided to annihilate the Holy Imam (a.s.) and assassinate him.

Imam Abu Muhammad Hassan al-Askari (a.s.) was poisoned by the caliph, Mu'tamad, and, thus, suffered severely and was martyred on 8th of the month of Rabi' Awwal in the year 260 (A.H.). At the time of his death, he was twenty-eight years old. He was buried in the house in which his father was buried in Samarra'. He left behind his son - Living Holy Awaited Saviour Imam Muhammad al-Mahdi (atfs) the one who is awaited to bring about the heavenly rule of truth in the whole world.

Imam Ali Zain-al-Abideen (a.s.)

5th of Shabaan, the birth anniversary of Syed-us-Sajideen - Imam Ali Zain-al-Abideen (a.s.)- the fourth Holy Imam. This is a disputed date. More widely accepted date of his birth is 15th Jamadi-al-Awwal in the 38 Hijra.

His Birth and Titles

The 4th Imam after Imam Hussain (a.s.) was his son Imam Ali Zain-al-Abideen(a.s.). His mother was Bibi Shahr Bano who was a princess from Persia, the daughter of the Kind Yazd Gard II.

His title Zain-al-Abideen was granted to him by the Holy Prophet (sawaw) himself who mentioned that on the day of judgment a call for Zain-al-Abideen will be made and my son Ali bin al-Hussain (a.s.) will respond to the call saying "Labbaik". His other Title, Syed-us-Sajideen, was given because of his devotion to prayers.

He would pray for long durations especially during the nights and would pray a lot of prayers of gratitude - Namaz-e-Shukrana – for which he was also given the title of Sajjad.

Imam Sajjad (a.s.) spent the first 2 years of his life under the care of his grandfather Imam Ali(a.s.) and after his death in 40 A.H., he was brought up under the care of the 2nd Imam Hasan(a.s.). Imam Sajjad (a.s.) was married to Bibi Fatima (a.s.) - daughter of Imam Hasan(a.s.). Imam Hasan(a.s.) was martyred in 50 A.H. and the Imamate of Imam Hussain(a.s.) started which terminated on 10th Moharram 61 A.H. from where the Imamate of Imam Sajjad (a.s.) began.

Period of Imamate

Imam Sajjad (a.s.) was about 22 or 23 years old when the sad event of Karbala occurred. Allah(swt) so arranged that Imam Sajjad(a.s.) became severely ill before that battle and could not participate as a fighter. He asked the permission to fight in the battle but Imam Hussain (a.s.) told him that he had been assigned a different type of "Jihad" that was to start after the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (a.s.) - namely leading the women and children of the household of Prophet Mohammad (sawaw) into the bazars and courts of Kufa and Damascus. Imam Sajjad (a.s.) was made a prisoner of war together with the whole family of the Prophet Mohammad (sawaw). It was at this time that he was given the responsibility of Imamate and his was one of the most difficult times that any Imam had to see. Truly speaking, for him it would have been very easy to die on the battle field as a martyr than to be taken as prisoner of war and see all the humiliations thrown on him and on the womenfolk of the house of the Prophet (sawaw). However, he did what Allah (swt) wished him to do.

After the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (a.s.), the survival of Islam depended on Imam Zainul Abideen (a.s.), and that also at a tender age of 22. He had a very hard job of letting the world know the mission of Imam Hussain (a.s.) and exposing the evil intentions of Yazid and the Bani Umayyah. He had to keep the message of Islam alive and save it from being confused by the evil Bani Umayyah. The tradition of azadari-e-Imam Hussain (a.s.) which has continued from then on uptil today proves how successful Imam Sajjad (a.s.) was in his mission.

His Life upon returning back to Madina

Yazid had to free the Imam (a.s.) out of fear of his own rulership, therefore, Imam (a.s.) was still not completely safe from his evil designs even upon reaching back to Madina. Once in Madina, Imam (a.s.) gathered the people and told them the horrifying stories of Karbala and informed them that his father Imam Hussain(a.s.) and his companions were martyred and his family members were made prisoners and were taken from one city to another and branded as traitors.

Imam Sajjad (a.s.) started regular mourning session right from the day he arrived in Madina and apprised the people of the hard times that the family of the Prophet(sawaw) had to go through. Day in and day out, people used to go to Imam (a.s.) and present condolence and hear the events of Karbala. Once a visitor named Noman came to Imam (a.s.) and asked him which was the most difficult time he had to face and the Imam(a.s.) cried for a long time and three times said "AS-SHAAM AS-SHAAM AS-SHAAM". Another visitor asked him as to how long would he continue mourning and crying and he replied that Prophet Ayub (a.s.) had 12 sons and only one of them got lost and he know that he was still alive but he continued crying until his eyes became white and his back got bent - I had seen 18 members of my family being slaughtered around me like sheep and you ask me as to how long I would continue mourning.

During his remaining 34 years in Madina, Imam Sajjad (a.s.) concentrated only upon devoting himself to supplicating to Allah(swt) and spreading the events of Karbala through mourning on Imam Hussain (a.s.) in his daily life.

SAHIFA-E-KAMILA

Another task that Imam Sajjad (a.s.) did after coming back from Syria was that he started praying and saying supplications with full devotion. His devotion was so strong and felt by his companions and visitors that they started collecting his supplications which still exist by the name of SAHIFA-E-KAMILA. It is also know as SAHIFA-E-SAJJADIA. It consists of 54 Duas, 14 additional duas and 15 Munajaat.

In addition to the SAHIFA there are several other supplications of the Imam(a.s.) which appear under different cover names.

HIS MARTYRDOM

Even the quiet and solitude life of Imam (a.s.) was not tolerated by the rules of bani-ummaya. He was arrested one more time during his 34 years in Madina by Abdul Malik ibne Marwan who later released him after 3 days of detention in Damascus. Finally the cruel ruler Waleed bin Abdul Malik had him martyred by poison on 25 Muharram 95 A.H. in Madina.

Imam Hussain(a.s.)

3rd of Shabaan, - The birth anniversary of the third Holy Imam, Syed-us-Shuhada and the leader of the youth of the paradise, Imam Hussain (a.s.) ibn-e-Imam Ali (a.s.).

His Birth

One year after the birth of Imam Hasan (a.s.), Allah (swt) bestowed the house of Bibi Fatima (s.a.) and Imam Ali(a.s.) with the birth of Imam Hussain (a.s.) on 3rd Shabaan in the 4th Hijri. On hearing the news of his birth, the Prophet(sawaw) rushed to the house of Bibi Fatima (s.a.) and asked Asma binte Amees “O Asma, bring me my son”.

Bibi Asma brought Imam Hussain (a.s.) in a white piece of cloth and the Prophet (sawaw) took him in his arms and recited Azan in his right ear and Aqama in his left ear and then returned the baby to Asma.

Spontaneously he started weeping. Bibi Asma inquired the reason for his grief. The Prophet(sawaw) replied “O Asma this baby will be killed by a renegade group after me. Allah (swt) will not allow them to seek my shifaat. And Asma, do not give this news to my daughter Fatima since she has recently given birth to this baby.”

He (sawaw) then turned to Imam Ali (a.s.) and asked “How have you named my son”.  Imam Ali (a.s.) replied “How could I give a name to the baby when you are present.” In the meantime,

the Prophet (sawaw) received wahi in which Allah (swt) suggested the name HUSSAIN for the child and so it happened. This was the first time that a child was named HUSSAIN. The Prophet (sawaw) gave his tongue and then his finger in the mouth of the child to feed him and this practice continued in the future as well to feed the baby.

There is another tradition in Ilalus-Sharae where Prophet Muhammad (sawaw) had named Imam Hasan (a.s.) and Imam Hussain (a.s.) after the names of the sons of Prophet Harun (a.s.) - Shabbar and Shabbir which in Arabic are Hasan (a.s.) and Hussain (a.s.).

Greetings by Angels

On the birth of Imam Hussain (a.s.), archangel Jibreel (a.s.) came down with a large group of angels to present his greetings to the household of Propet Mohammad (sawaw). He was accompanied by a couple of angels who were castigated by Allah(swt) due to some tark-e-oola and they were forgiven by Allah (swt) due to the sanctity of the baby Imam (a.s.). Their names as mentioned by the historians are Fitrus and Dardayeel.

Shaikh Sadooq (May Allah sanctify his grave) quotes Imam Ja'far as Sadiq (a.s.) as saying that when Imam Hussain (a.s.) was born, Allah(swt) commanded Jibra'eel to descend upon the earth with a thousand Angels and congratulate the Prophet (sawaw) on His behalf and himself. Jibra'eel descended and on the way he passed by an island where an Angel named Fitrus, who was a bearer of the empyrean, lay there banished. Allah (swt) had once assigned a job to Fitrus who delayed it due to laziness; hence Allah (swt) took away his wings and expelled him to the island. Fitrus worshipped Allah (swt) there for seven hundred years until the time Imam Hussain(a.s.) was born.

When Fitrus saw Jibra'eel he inquired of him as to where was he going. Jibra'eel answered that, "Allah, the Exalted, has bestowed His Blessings (Imam Hussain) upon Mohammad (sawaw), thus Allah has commanded me to go and congratulate him on His behalf and myself." Fitrus said, "Then O Jibra'eel! Take me too alongwith you to the presence of the Prophet, perhaps he might pray for me." Ji¬bra'eel lifted him up and brought him to the Holy Prophet (sawaw).

When he reached there he offered felicitations to him on behalf of Allah (swt) and him¬self, then he presented the matter of Fitrus. The Prophet (sawaw) commanded Fitrus to touch himself with the body of Imam Hussain (a.s) and arise. Fitrus did so and ascended upwards saying, "O Prophet of Allah! This son of yours will be mercilessly killed by your nation. Therefore, it is incumbent upon me in exchange of this favour that I recompense.

Hence there is no person who visits his grave except that I receive him, and there is no Muslim who offers salutations to him or who prays for him except that I take it to his presence and carry his message.".

Saying this Fitrus flew away. In another narrative it is related that Fitrus flew away saying, "Who is like me? For I am the freed one of Hussain (a.s), the son of Ali (a.s.) and Fatemah (a.s.), whose Grandfather is Ahmed(sawaw)" Sayyed ibne Tawoos says in Malhoof that there was no Angel in the Heavens who did not turn up to congratulate the Prophet (sawaw) on the birth of Imam Hussain (a.s.) and condole him for his martyrdom, and revealed the reward reserved for the Imam.

Aqeeqa and other rites

On the seventh day of the birth of Imam Hussain (a.s.), Prophet Mohammad (sawaw) went to the house of Bibi Fatima (s.a.) and a lamb was slaughtered to mark the aqeeqa. On the order of Prophet (sawaw), the head of the baby was shoven and silver in the equivalent weight was given as sadqa.


Some Quranic verses in praise of Imam Hussain(a.s.)
1. "Innama yureedallahu le-yuzhiba ankamur rijsa ahlal baiti wa utah-harukum tat-heera"
(Sura Ahzab 33:33 Part)
Translation: And Allah only wishes to keep away all abomination from you, ye members of the Family, and to make you pure and spotless.
Almost all schools of thought in Islam believe that this ayat was revealed in praise of Prophet Mohammad (sawaw), Imam Ali (a.s.), Bibi Fatima (s.a.), Imam Hasan (a.s.) and Imam Hussain (a.s.).
2. "Innallaha wa malaikatahu yu sal-loona alan nabi ya ayyuhal lathina aamano sallu alaihi wa sallamu tasleemat" (Sura Ahzab 33:56)
Translation: Allah and His angels send blessings on the Prophet: O ye that believe! Send ye blessings on him, and salute him with all respect.
Prophet Mohammad (sawaw) was asked by his companions “How should be send salawat on you?” and the Prophet (sawaw) replied “Say – Allahumma Salle ala Mohammadin wa aale Mohammad”.
3. "Qul la as-alokum alehe ajran il-al mawad-data fil qurba" (Ash-Shura 42:23 Part)
Translation: Say: "No reward do I ask of you for this except the love of those near of kin."
When Prophet Mohammad (sawaw) was asked as to who are your QURBA with whom love has been made obligatory for all believers, Prophet(sawaw) replied they are Ali(a.s), Fatima (s.a.), Hasan (a.s.) and Hussain (a.s.).
4. "Faman haajaka feehe min baada ma jaa-oka minal ilme faqul ta-aalu nad-o abna-ana wa abnaokum wa nisa-ana wa nisaokum wa anfusana wa anfusakum summa nabtahal fanajal lanatullahe alal kazibeen" (Aal-e-Imran 3:61)
Translation: If any one disputes in this matter with thee, now after (full) knowledge Hath come to thee, say: "Come! let us gather together,- our sons and your sons, our women and your women, ourselves and yourselves: Then let us earnestly pray, and invoke the curse of Allah on those who lie!"
When this ayat was revealed, Prophet Mohammad took Imam Ali (a.s.) in accordance with “anfusana”, Bibi Fatima (s.a.) in accordance with “nisa-ana” and Imam Hasan (a.s.) and Imam Hussain (a.s.) in accordance with “abna-ana” as per will of Allah(swt) in the mubahila against the Jews.
This is only a small sample of ayats which were revealed in praise of Ahle Bait (a.s.) in which Imam Hussain (a.s.) glitters as a bright shining star.


Some Ahadees in praise of Imam Hussain (a.s.)
1. Ahmad ibn-e-Hambal, Tirmizi, Nisai and ibn-e-Habban quoted on authority of Hazrat Huzaifa (r.a.) and Hazrat Abu Saeed Khudri (r.a.) that Prophet Mohammad(sawaw) said – Hasan (a.s.) and Hussain (a.s.) are he leaders of the youth of paradise and Fatimah (s.a.) is the leader of the women of paradise.
2. Tirmizi and ibn-e-Habban quoted from Hazrat Usama bin Zaid(r.a.) that Prophet Mohammad(sawaw) said – Hasan (a.s.) and Hussain(a.s.) are my and my daughter’s sons. O Allah I love them so you love them too and you love anyone who would love them.
3. Abu Dawood quotes from Hazrat Miqdam bin Maad that Prophet Mohammad (sawaw) said – I am from Hussain and Hussain is from me – Allah befriends him who befriends Hussain.
4. Verily Hussain (a.s.) is the source of guidance and the ark of salvation.