The 5 Signs of a Believer !

Every existWence is coupled with signs. These signs are a reflection of its essence. Often times, we follow the signs to reach the existence; other times we start with the existence and seek the signs. The faith of a Muslim is no different and is accompanied by specific signs.

The Qur'an and the narrations of the Infallibles (peace be upon them) point out a variety of signs that we Muslims should not only learn, but also incorporate into our everyday lives. This article will focus on the following narration that lists five signs of the believer: Imam Hasan al-Askari (peace be upon him) says, "[t]he signs of the believer are five: praying fifty-one Rak'at [including mandatory and optional prayers], Ziyarat al-Arba'een, wearing a ring in the right hand, prostration on dirt, and saying 'Bismillah hir Rahman nir Raheem' in a raised voice." (Wasa'il ush-Shi'a)

At first glance, one can easily infer that some of the reasons behind these acts being considered signs of a believer include that in some cases they are considered from the Mustahibbaat, and in others cases pay tribute to a representative of Allah.

However, we shall examine these signs from a different perspective and hopefully reach a common intersecting point.

 

 

Praying 51 Rak'at

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his progeny) says "Prayers is the ascension of the believer." (Safinat al-Bihar) The person who is in love with Allah and wants to reach Allah will seek the path to Him, and prayer is that path. Prayers include speaking to Allah. Prayers include supplications. Prayers include deepening our beliefs. When prayer is all that and more, the believers will surely want to fulfill their obligatory duties – but they will not stop there as they will want to take advantage of every opportunity to communicate with Allah, and the optional prayer is exactly that: opportunity.

It is the optional prayer that should be the main focus of our examination, as it is already obvious that praying the five mandatory prayers is part of the circle of Islam. For the sake of completeness, the 34 optional Rak'ats are: 2 Rak'ats before Fajr, 8 Rak'ats before Duhr, 8 Rak'ats before Asr, 4 Rak'ats after Maghrib, and 2 Rak'ats from a seated position (thus considered as one) after Isha, and 11 Rak'ats (8 Nafila, 2 Shafa', 1 Witr) for Salat al-Layl. Along with the 17 Rak'ats of the five mandatory prayers, the total becomes 51 – the count referred to by Imam Hasan al-Askari.

The optional prayers have been emphasized by our Ahlul Bayt (peace be upon them) on numerous occasions, and for the sake of example, consider that Imam Hussain (peace be upon him) asked Lady Zainab (peace be upon her) to remember him in her night prayers. His emphasis on the night prayers is worth analyzing.

This alone shows the importance of these optional prayers and a true believer will not let this opportunity slip by. But optional prayers go further than that. Imam Ali (peace be upon him) was struck by Ibn Muljim (may Allah remove His mercy from him) on the 19th of Ramadan while the Imam was praying the Nafila of Fajr. When one considers that our beloved Imam was martyred while he was praying the optional prayers, those who love Imam Ali would find it only logical to be like him and follow his ways. It is truly a sign of faith when the person wants to love Allah the way the Imam does, and the optional prayers help reinforce his/her love for the Imam and ultimately for Allah.

 

 

Ziyarat al-Arba'een

According to history, the 20th of Safar is the day Jabir ibn Abdullah al-Ansari (may Allah be pleased with him) visited Imam Hussain – the first Ziyarat (Misbah al-Mutahajjid). It is also the day that the caravan of the Ahlul Bayt returned to Karbala from Damascus. The person who follows the path of Imam Hussain will want to be part of that caravan. The 20th of Safar was emphasized by the Ahlul Bayt due to the tragedy of "returning to Karbala" after the massacre. Visiting Imam Hussain on Arba'een follows in the footsteps of Lady Zainab and Imam Sajjad (peace be upon him). It is a commemoration of the tragedy. Who else will want to bother with the Ziyarat other than those who understand the status of Imam Hussain and the meanings of his revolution – who else other than those who love Imam Hussain, the Prophet, and the Ahlul Bayt? And those who love the Prophet and his holy household are those who love Allah. And whoever loves them follows them. That is the path of every true believer and Imam Hasan al-Askari emphasizes that. It is important to realize that the term "visiting" is not limited to being physically there (although it the best realization of visitation); rather, narrations from the Ahlul Bayt allow the believers to do Ziyarat from a distance. Also, one should not limit the Ziyarat to only one day of the year. In fact, Ziyarat al-Arba'een is to be recited on the 20^th of Safar and on other days of the year, independent of whether the believer is physically at Karbala or not. When done regularly, the connection with Imam Hussain and the Ahlul Bayt deepens as the sign of belief shines.

 

 

Ring on Right Hand

Symbols are common in today's world and can be seen in many different political, academic, cultural, professional and other kinds of organizations. During the Battle of Siffin, Amr ibn al-Aas (may Allah remove His mercy from him) set a trend by putting his ring on his left hand and falsely claimed that Imam Ali not be the Imam and the Caliph. The followers of the Umayyid dynasty made it a symbol of remembering that incident by wearing rings on their left hands. Thus, wearing the ring in the right hand goes beyond blessings and rewards. It has become a symbol of following Imam Ali. It is a revolution against those who hate our Imam. And clearly, those who hate and do not follow the Imam have gone astray. On numerous occasions, the Prophet said, "Oh Ali! Only believers will love you and only hypocrites will hate you." (Sahih al-Tirmidhi).

 

 

Prostration on Dirt

The true believer understands that they are nothing without Allah and their pride and ego is to be put aside when connecting with Allah. When the person puts their head on dirt, they are in a position of humility before Allah. Prostration on dirt goes even further as it represents the beginning and end of this life. We began from clay and we will end up buried in dirt. True believers always remember their genesis and their destination. The prostration on dirt is a reminder of that. But the significance of prostration goes even further: when this dirt comes from the holy city of Karbala, then the prostration on dirt takes the believer to a much higher level. It becomes a form of remembering the tragedy of Karbala. It serves as a reminder of how Imam Hussain was left on the blazing desert sands of Karbala for three days. It reminds us of how Shimr (may Allah remove His mercy from him) slaughtered Imam Hussain from the back of his neck while his was on the ground. Indeed, prostration on dirt is a connection between us and Imam Hussain, the Ahlul Bayt and ultimately Allah.

 

 

The Basmala

Finally, the topic of saying "Bismillah hir Rahman nir Raheem" (the Basmala) It is enough to quote the following narration by Imam Ali that ties the Basmala to him: "Know that all the secrets in the divine books are in the Qur'an. All that is in the Qur'an is in al-Fatiha. All that is in al-Fatiha is in the Basmala. All that is in the Basmala is in the 'Baa' [of 'Bism']. All that is in the 'Baa' is in the dot under the 'Baa'. And I am the dot under the 'Baa'." (Yanabee al-Mawadda)

 

 

The Intersection Point

The completion of the religion of Islam was the Wilaya of Imam Ali and his successors. From the above discussion, it is clear that these signs listed by Imam Hasan al-Askari, in one way or another, lead us back to our infallible Imams. These signs are a source of blessings and they are signs of followers of Prophet Mohammad and his holy family.

In order to be included among those followers, we should start incorporating these signs into our lives. Wear a ring in the right hand – it is such a simple task to make a habit of. Start to pray the optional prayers – the Ghufayla prayer and Salat al-Layl is a great place to begin. Prostrate on a Turba from Karbala, as it is widely practiced by the followers of the Ahlul Bayt, and so is the loud recitation of the Basmala. On the day of Arba'een, the number of visitors to Karbala has exceeded 10 million people and Insh'Allah will continue to increase. We should be putting in the effort not to miss out on these great blessings. Along the way, we should always remember our Imams, especially Imam Ali and Imam Hussain, both of whom these five signs seem to remind us of the most. Let us hold tight onto these signs and let us do our best to be among the true believers, in this world and the Hereafter.

Who are the Shia of Imam Ali (a.s) ?

The Prophet (peace be upon him and his progeny) was asked by Ibn Abbas about the verse of the Holy Qur'an, "And the Foremost Ones are the foremost ones: they are the ones brought near to Allah" (56:10-11), to which he replied, 'This refers to Ali and his Shia – they will be the foremost to enter Paradise, the ones brought near to Allah through His Magnanimity over them." (Amali al-Tusi)


What Does it Mean to Be a Shia of Ali?

God has made the love of Imam Ali an incumbent article of faith. Only a believer would love Imam Ali, and only a hypocrite could ever hate him. Imam Ali is the friend of the believer through a natural human inclination towards perfection and lofty morals – attributes possessed by Imam Ali. However, history has recorded many individuals who claim love the Commander of the Faithful while displaying tendencies antagonistic to such love. According to the Prophet, the guardianship of Imam Ali is an obligation all humans will be accountable for on the Day of Judgment: "I swear by the Magnificence and Glory of my Lord that Ali is the door to God that leads to Him. Ali is Allah's 'Straight Path', and it is the guardianship of Ali that Allah will ask about on the Day of Judgment." ( Amali al-Saduq)
Narrations such as these may give some of us a sense of comfort, because we are led to believe that we are safe both in this life and the hereafter through our love of Imam Ali. However, the conscious believer should recognize that many of us have yet to realize what it truly means to love Imam Ali with both our hearts and our tongues. What does it mean to be a Shia of Ali today, in a world filled with corruption and the promotion of the greatest of sins?


The Shia of Ali Are Humble and Aware

Imam al-Baqir (peace be upon him) explains the need for humility and God-consciousness in anyone claiming to be a Shia of Ali ibn Abi-Talib: "Our Shia are none other than those who are consciously wary of their duty to Allah and obey Him. They are known solely for their humbleness, their humility, their returning promptly whatever is entrusted in their care, and their abundant remembrance of Allah." (Tuhaf al-Uqool) It is not possible to merely claim one is a Shia while remaining oblivious of one's duties towards God, the Holy Prophet, and the Purified Household. This awareness of our duties in Islam establishes both humility and a firm foundation of faith and practice.


The Shia of Ali Are Able to Control their Speech

Wonder of wonders! How can it be that the same tongue that invokes blessings of Allah on Ali backbites about a fellow believer? Imam al-Sadiq has warned us to be cognizant of the dangers of the tongue and its hindrance on our faith: "O Shia community, be an adornment for us [among people], and not a disgrace to us. Say good words to people, guard your tongues, and restrain yourselves from mindless chatter and offensive speech." (Amali al-Saduq)



The Shia of Ali are Pious and Noble

It is not enough to claim one is a Shia through speech and not actions! In fact, the title Shia is not a characterization we are born with, but rather one that is earned by those who are steadfast in their duties to God. Imam al-Baqir advises on our true identity as Shias and those loyal to Imam Ali, "Do you think that it suffices for one to say that he likes Imam Ali and he is his follower, but does not do anything to support his claim? Or he says that he likes the Prophet, who is even better than Imam Ali, but does not take his example and follow his deeds and act according to the Prophet's tradition? Just having love for the Prophet is of no use for him. Therefore, be conscious of God, and act in such a way as to attain what is near God, since there is no relation of kin between God and anyone. The one most loved by God is the one who is the most God-conscious, and the noblest one is the one who fears God and obeys Him. I swear by God that it is not possible to get close to God unless by His obedience, and we do not hold the key to relief from the Fire of Hell, and no one has any authority over God. Whoever is obedient to God is our friend, and whoever disobeys God is our enemy. No one can attain our friendship unless through God-consciousness and good deeds." (Tuhaf al-Uqool)


The Shia of Ali Are Careful about Prayers

In his last will and testament, Imam Ali stresses the importance of prayers to his Shia, "Fear Allah in relation to your prayers. It is the pillar of your religion." Imam al-Sadiq on his deathbed also mentions prayer and states, "Verily our intercession will not avail one who takes his prayer lightly." (Wasail al-Shia) He has also said, "Test our followers at three occasions: during the prayer times [to see] how much importance they give it; and by our secrets to see how they protect our secrets from our enemies; and with their wealth to see how they help their brothers in faith with it." (Bihar al-Anwar)


We cannot claim to be a Shia simply because we were born into the sect, or because we claim love Imam Ali. Indeed, the status of the Shia of Imam Ali is great and exalted, and therefore, so are the duties and responsibility in our faith and actions. By claiming to love Imam Ali, we must also love his great qualities and strive to implement them in our daily lives and actions. In many traditions, our Imams state their Shias are those who hold themselves accountable everyday for their actions and are those who improve their conduct every day. We ask God to grant us the honor of being among the followers of the Commander of the Faithful in this life and the next .

ALI ALI ALI ALI !

Ali Ali Ali Ali!
A Most Honored Place In History
The Bane Of Lies, And Tyranny
The Mushrik's Worst Catastrophe
The Guardian Of Prophesy

Ali Ali Ali Ali
The Guardian Of Prophecy
Began His Life Auspiciously
Born To A Holy Legacy
The Orphaned Seal Of Prophecy
Was Raised By Ali's Family
And Prophet Raised The Great Ali
To Be The Guard Of Prophecy

Ali Ali Ali Ali
A Child Of Ten On Prophet's Knee
What Prophet Saw He Could Not See,
But With Pure Faith And Certainty
He Witnessed The Reality
That Ahmad Received Prophecy
First Man To Witness Openly

Ali Ali Ali Ali

The Hero Of The Wells, Ali
The Hero At Uhud, Ali
The Hero At The Ditch, Ali
The Hero At Hunain, Ali
Wisdom, Valor, Chivalry

Ali Ali Ali Ali
Today Recall To Memory
The Help God Gave To Prophecy
By Causing This Great Man To Be
Praise God In All Sincerity.

Ali Ali Ali Ali
Ali Ali Ali Ali
Ali Ali Ali Ali
Ali Ali Ali Ali

Oh Allah Bless Muhammad's Soul
And Rain Down Peace On His Household.!

The Younger Zainab (a.s) !

From the plains of Karbala emerged a legacy of timeless heroes from the most honorable martyr, Imam Hussain (peace be upon him) to the eloquent messenger of Karbala, Lady Zainab to the 72 men of God who stood defiantly in the face of unparalleled tyranny. Neglected however, in the yearly mourning gatherings of thousands of believers, is Lady Umm Kulthum (peace be upon her). Who was Lady Umm Kulthum? What was her role during the tragedy of Karbala and its heart-breaking aftermath?

The House of Islam

Lady Umm Kulthum ranks among the few historical figures in Islam who have been honored with ties to the house of Islam and the Holy Quran. Her grandfather was God's last messenger and Prophet, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his progeny). She was born in the 9th year after Hijrah (the Prophet's migration to Medina) and two years before the death of her beloved grandfather. Her blessed parents were Lady Fatima Zahra (peace be upon her) who is regarded as Islam's most perfect woman and her father was the commander of the faithful and the Prophet's successor, Imam Ali (peace be upon him). The leaders of the youth of paradise, Imam Hassan and Hussain were Lady Umm Kulthum's brothers and role models. With such surroundings emerged Lady Umm Kulthum's praised personality and character. Her traits resemble the peerless, excellent qualities of her mother and older sister, Lady Zainab (peace be upon her). In fact, historians have consistently mentioned that Lady Umm Kulthum's title was Zainab al-Sughra (the Younger Zainab) with her older sister, Lady Zainab, being Zainab al-Kubra.

Lady Umm Kulthum was 2 years old when her mother passed away, marking the opening of her life's calamities. Following the martyrdom of Lady Fatima Zahra, Lady Umm Kulthum lived under the guidance and care of her father, Imam Ali and her siblings. When Imam Ali was struck with the poisoned sword by the misguided and conniving Ibn Muljim, he stayed at the residence of Lady Umm Kulthum. She is therefore the source of the accounts of information on what occurred on the last night of the life of Imam Ali.

Lady Umm Kulthum, following the death of her husband Aun ibn Jafar, embarked with Imam Hussain and Lady Zainab towards Karbala. During the events of Karbala, she assisted her older sister in the tents and with the children. However, her contributions to the legacy and propagation of the events of Karbala did not end there. In fact, she had given many sermons and speeches about the sacrifice of her brothers and family in the forsaken fields of Karbala.




The Story of Struggle Retold in the Prisons
The propaganda by the Umayyads was unparalleled and they sought to ensure that the story of Karbala was erased from the pages of history. However, the story lived on thanks to the bravery and graceful eloquence of Lady Zainab and Lady Umm Kulthum, who despite being taken as prisoners and paraded in the marketplaces of Kufa and Shaam, re-told the story and sacrifice of Imam Hussain wherever they went.

In Kufa, the audience had been led to believe that Imam Hussain was a rebel seeking power rather than a pious and God-wary Imam. Upon entering the city of Kufa, Lady Zainab began explaining to the crowd that had gathered around them of the maliciousness of Yazeed. Lady Umm Kulthum also gave a speech which caused both the men and women of Kufa to lament loudly and cry:

"O Kufans! May you face evil! Why did you refrain yourselves from rendering assistance to Hussain, why did you kill him? Why did you plunder his belongings and become its possessors? Why did you imprison his women-folk and suppress him? May you be ruined and uprooted! Woe be to you! Do you know what you have brought forth? And do you know what load of sin have you taken upon your backs? And what blood have you shed? And which women-folk you have taken as captives? And what children have you loot? And what belongings have you plundered? You have killed the best of men succeeding the Prophet, while mercy has departed away from your hearts.

"Beware, verily the Party of Allah alone shall be the successful ones, and verily the party of Satan are the losers (Surah al-Mujadilah, 58:22 and 19)." (Nafasul Mahmum)

She further inquired of the Kufans, who were celebrating the death of Imam Hussain ignorantly with sweets and dancing:

What will you answer if the Prophet were to ask you?
What have you done while you were the last of the nations
To my progeny and household after my death?
From them are captives and others covered with their blood
This was not the recompense to which I directed you
That after me you deal with my kin with such evil
Indeed I fear that a curse will come upon you
Like the chastisement befalling the previous nations.
(Ma'ali al-Sibtayn)

 

 Proses of Heart Break

Upon their return to Medina, Umm Kulthum uttered the following prose to reflect her sadness and heart break at the tragedies that had befell the Prophet's family:

O my forefather's city, do not accept us
With regret and sorrow returned us
With all our family members we left you
With no man, no child, we return unto you
We did gather before moving
We are ransacked when returning
Under God's protection it appears were we
Of oppressor's cruelty and perjury still fear we
Our companion was our leader Hussain
Homeless and patrollers are we
For our brother did mourn we
On camels we are carried
On rough ones we are carried
We are Taha's and Yasin's daughters
We did cry out for our fathers
The great infallibles are we
The bearers of events are we
The truthful advisers are we
Oh our forefather, the foes desire was fulfilled
By slaying us they have been cursed
Be disgraced the women by them
Be carried forcefully on camels by them

Oh Medina! A caravan of sorrow to thee bring I
an abundant gift of tears to thee bring I
Oh Medina! Not opened your gate I,
no one, a gift of sorrow bestows, except I
Oh Medina! If a garden of flowers to Karbala took I
If my black hair be whitened by grief but glad am I
since a clear proof for our being oppressed carry I
I swear to friend life, if captive but glad am I
In the best way, my duty did perform I
Oh Medina, Yusuf of Ali's family took I
Now if not return him, but his shirt carry I
Oh Medina! None of Hashimites becomes aware,
the message of a man beheaded carry I
Oh Medina! Stop me not, if return to thou alive I
By so troubles, this half dead body carry I
Oh Medina look, these captivities cannot prevent I
What by my speeches did to enemies I?

(Imam Hussain and the Tragic Saga of Karbala by Ali Nazari Munfared, translated by Ali Ebrahimi)



After Imam Hussain, she conveyed his message with her sister.



Poem on Imam Hussain (a.s) !

My love for you Ya Imam is so true
I will Shout Hussain, heartbroken if only you knew
And my Tears will drop in vain for you
You are so close to my heart;
from it you will never depart.
You were born on the 3rd of Sha’ban
You were a gift from The Rahman

Your father was Al-Hayder
The man who lifted the door of khayber
He was the first Imam
And also one of the first to embrace Islam
Your mother was Al Zahra, She loved you so much
Whenever you spoke, her heart was always touched
Without resting day and night
you fought against Yazid to show everyone the right
I saw your heart in deep pain
It left you when you were slain
You all fought in vein
Soon your friends and family were left in chains
Thanks to you Islam is still the true path and same
We are living and we are breathing your name
Your children and the successor Imam Abideen.
Were parts of a great masoomeen.
Did they not know you were a part of the Ahlul-Bayt
On the day of Judgement they will await their fate !

HUSSAIN ..... HUSSAIN ..... HUSSAIN !

The Saviour of Islam
The leader of Islam
The hero of Islam
Husein HUSSAIN HUSSAIN.
You saved Islam by giving your life
The courage and patience you had in your life

To sacrifice your self was easy in life

Husein HUSSAIN HUSSAIN

You gave your family but never complained
You had no water but never complained
Your family was tortured but never complained

Husein HUSSAIN HUSSAIN
.

Without resting day and night

Fought with Yazid to show us the right

From the darkness life you brought us the light

Husein HUSSAIN HUSSAIN

.

A Poem for Imam Hassan al-Mujtaba (A.S.)

My second most beloved Imam,

and the Infallible Imam
of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.)'s
most pious and noble family,
Imam Hassan Mujataba (A.S.),
Assalamun Alaykum to you!

I write to you with great love
and a heart of deep affection
upon hearing your life history
and the affliction that was caused
to you and your family (Ahlul Bayt (A.S.))
by the cursed man of your time- Muawiyah.

I write to you with deep understanding
upon reading some specific events
that your people had once deceived you
and fell into Muawiyah's tricks and games,
luring them with riches and money.

I also write to you by recognizing
the importance of how you saved Islam
by making a conditional truce with Muawiyah
after capturing your former companions
and led them into his own forbidden ways -
non-permissible to the Islamic Shariah.

Oh! My beloved Imam Hassan (A.S.),
I have no words to comfort you now,
for you were the most patient and calm
when your own people deceived you,
You were last source of strength to hold
when they decided not to protect Islam,
You were the most bold and the brave
in your words against your bitter enemies,
And you were the best of all people,
a character incomparable to anyone else.

Oh! My beloved Imam Hassan (A.S.),
I ask you to pray to Almighty Allah (S.W.T.)
to save the people of our times,
from forbidden acts of evil and wrong,
To protect them from being lured away
and bring them together to form Islam
in a very bold, brave and united way.

Oh! My beloved Imam Hassan (A.S.),
I ask you to pray to Almighty Allah (S.W.T.)
to give us complete guidance and favour,
so that we may represent our living Imam,
Imam Mohammed Mahdi (A.S.) -
with a courageous and defending personality,
and help him fight the oppressors of Islam,
and save the name of the Ahlul Bayt (A.S.).
and the message of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.).

Oh! My beloved Imam Hassan (A.S.),
Please pray to Almighty Allah (S.W.T.),
to guide those who have been misled,
so that their awareness is a symbol
of redeeming themselves with faith and piety,
and not submerge their hearts with riches,
wealth and materialistic love -
that which may lead them astray.

Oh! My beloved Imam Hassan (A.S.),
The Infallible Imam amongst the pious
and the chosen family of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.),
Please pray to the Almighty Allah (S.W.T.)
to protect all our bodies from the fire of Hell,
by bowing down to Him with obedience and faith,
by serving His message deeply and sincerely,
and by not being lured into acts of evil,
that which is the works of Shaitan,
to lead a man away from his faith and wisdom.

Oh! My beloved Imam Hassan (A.S.),
Please help us in these days of hardships
to revive our status as faithful Muslims,
and not cause ignorance, pain or enmity -
like the ones that have caused you before.
Ameen!

Oh! My beloved Imam Hassan (A.S.),
My heart is filled with joyous love
for your most pure and patient personality,
serving in the name of your Lord,
and defending the rights of Islam
from the evil attempts of Muawiyah,
Praise be on you, my beloved Imam,
I always love you very much,
with a deep and sincere heart!

The Up Bringing of Hazrat Abbas (a.s) !

It was the desire of Hazrat Ali that this son whom he named 'Abbas' (Meaning a Dauntless Lion) would accomplish the same deeds of valour and who would follow his teachings without fear of life and death. It was also his wish that Abbas would be a constant companion of Imam Hussain and be his Standard Bearer at Kerbala.

Hazrat Ali who himself was known as 'The Lion of God' and the 'Gateway of Knowledge' brought up Hazrat Abbas and ably guided him till he was fourteen years old. The next ten years were spent under the careful eye of Imam Hasan and the last ten years with Imam Hussain. Thus it was not surprising that Hazrat Abbas acquired near perfection in so many spheres of life. His gallantry, boldness, courageous outlook, and the art of combat and soldiery were inherited from Hazrat Ali, and this he proved very well in the battles of Jamal, Siffin and Nahrwan. Imam Hasan taught him patience and tolerance. His Lion-hearted loyalty and self-sacrificing nature were the result of his association with Imam Hussain and Janab-e-Zainab. Physically, mentally, morally and spiritually he was fully developed, besides, being an accomplished scholar.

He helped the poor and needy, and discharged his duties towards his fellow-beings according to the precepts of Islam. He was pure in his thoughts, words and deeds, lest any of these should displease God. He lived strictly in accordance with the teachings of the Holy Quran and the sayings of the Holy Prophet.

Just as Ali was taught and trained by the Holy Prophet, so was Abbas taught and trained by Hazrat Ali. Ali fully knew the mysteries of life and death, and Abbas had fully imbibed the true spirit of Islam. A man who was brought up, educated and trained by Hazrat Ali could on no account be attached to this worldly life nor fear death, and Abbas fully justified this by his actions.

Hazrat Abbas married Lubaba, daughter of Obaidullah Ibne Abbas Ibne Abdul Muttalib, and had two sons, Fazl and Muhammad. Some sources say that Lubaba was present at Kerbala and their son Muhammad was martyred there .

Hazrat Ali Akbar (a.s) !

hazrat Ali Akbar (a.s.) was the son of Imam Hussain (a.s.). He was a handsome young man of eighteen. His mothers' name was Umm-e-Laila (a.s.). He was also a brave soldier. He had been taught fencing and archery by Hazrat Abbas (a.s.). He so much resembled the Holy Prophet (phuh&hf) that Imam Hussain (a.s.) was often heard to say that whenever I remember the Holy Prophet I look at Akbar.

Ali Akbar (a.s.) had a loud beautiful voice. It was he who always recited adhaan. On the morning of Ashura day Ali Akbar (a.s.) recited adhaan. Every one knew that it was the last time they would hear Ali Akbar's (a.s.) adhaan. Imam Hussain (a.s.) began to weep when Ali Akbar (a.s.) began his Adhaan. The ladies could also be heard crying in their tents.

After Zuhr prayers Ali Akbar (a.s.) stood in front of Imam Hussain (a.s.). He said, "Father I request for permission to go and fight the enemies of Islam." Imam (a.s.) looked at his son lovingly. He said, "Akbar, you have my permission. May Allah be with you! But Akbar, you know how much your mother, sisters and aunts love you. Go and say farewell to them." Ali Akbar (a.s.) went into the tent of his mother. Every time he wanted to come out of the tent the mother, aunts and sisters would pull his cloak and say, "O Akbar, How can we live without you!" Finally Imam Hussain (a.s.) had to go in and plead with all to let Ali Akbar (a.s.) go.

Imam helped his youthful son to mount the horse. As Akbar (a.s.) began to the ride towards the battlefield, he heard foot steps behind. He looked back and saw his father. He said, "Father, we have said good-bye. Why are you walking behind him." Hussain (a.s.) replied, "My son, had you been a father of a son like you, you would surely have understood !!"

Ali Akbar (a.s.) fought very bravely. No one dared come close to him in single combat after he had killed many well known warriors. Umar ibn-e-Sa'ad ordered his soldiers to finish off the young man saying, "When he dies, Hussain will not want to live! Ali Akbar is the life of Hussain." While a few soldiers attacked Ali Akbar (a.s.) another (Haseen ibn-e-Nameer) slowly crept up to him and threw a spear at his chest with such ferocity that it penetrated his chest and he felt faint. As he was falling from his horse, he cried out. "O Father, my last salaams to you!" As he hit the ground the spear broke but the blade remained lodged in Akbar's (a.s.) chest.

When our Imam (a.s.) heard Akbar's (a.s.) salaam he looked at Furaat where Hazrat Abbas (a.s.) lay and said, 'Abbas! Now that this brother of yours needs you most, where have you gone?' With all his strength sapped by the anguish in Akbar's (a.s.) voice, Imam Hussain (a.s.) began to walk towards the battle-field.

Let us pause briefly to remind ourselves of an incident in the seventh Hijrah. The Jews of Khaiber had revolted against the Holy Prophet (pbuh&hf). The Prophet (pbuh&hf) and the Muslims of Madina laid a siege on Khaiber. They surrounded the fortress in which the Jews had taken shelter. The Muslims could not get victory unless they entered the fortress. There was a moat surrounding the fortress. Hazrat Ali (a.s.) had been unable to accompany the Muslims due to his illness. Three days passed and the Muslims could not find any solution. Even if they got across the moat they would face the famous gates of the fortress. These were made of steel, and it is said that at least twenty men were needed to push open or close each gate.

On the third day, after the morning prayers, the Prophet (pbuh&hf) summoned Ali (a.s.). Hazrat Ali (a.s.) immediately responded. He jumped his horse over the moat and with one hand swung open both the gates of the fortress with such force that they broke off their hinges. He carried them and put them across the moat to form a bridge. The Muslims rode into the fortress and conquered Khaiber.

Now let us go back to Kerbala. When Imam Hussain (a.s.) got to where Akbar (a.s.) lay he took him in his arms. Akbar had his right hand on the chest. He placed his left arm over the shoulder of his father. Hussain (a.s.) said "Akbar, why do you embrace me with one arm only?" Akbar (a.s.) would not reply. Hussain (a.s.) tried to move Akbar's (a.s.) hand. Akbar (a.s.) resisted. Imam (a.s.) gently moved the hand. Then he saw it! He saw the blade of the spear. Imam Hussain (a.s.) laid Ali Akbar (a.s.) on the ground and sitting on his knees he put both his hands on the blade of the spear. He then looked at Najaf, and cried out, "Father, I too have come to my Khaiber!". He pulled out the blade. Angel Jibraeel (a.s.) cried out "Marhaba! Marhaba!" Akbar (a.s.) took a deep sigh and then lay still.

Bibi Sakina (a.s) !

Bibi Sakina was one of the daughters of Imaam Hussain. She was a vivacious child, full of love and happiness. Everyone loved Sakina a.s. She was also a very religious girl. She enjoyed reading the Holy Quran and never missed her prayers. From the age of two she took great care to make sure that her head and face were properly covered when in public.

Sakina a.s was Imam Hussain"s most beloved child. Our Imam was often heard to say, "A house without Sakina would not be worth living in!" She always had a sweet and cheerful smile and a very friendly nature. Other children sought her company as much as the grown ups did. She was very generous and always shared whatever she had with others.

There was a special bond between Hazrat Abbas and Sakina a.s. He loved her more than he did his own children. If Sakina as requested for anything, Abbas as would not rest until he satisfied her request. There was nothing that Abbas would not do to make Sakina as happy.

During the journey from Madina to Mecca and then Mecca to Kerbala, Abbas was often seen riding up to the mehmil in which Sakina as sat to make sure that she had everything she wanted. Sakina as loved her uncle just as much. While in Madina she would, several times a day, visit the house in which Hazrat Abbas lived with his family and his mother, Ummul Baneen.

Like any other four-five year old when Sakina as went to bed at night she wanted to spend some time with her father. Imam Hussain would tell her stories of the prophets and of the battles fought by her grand-father Ali. She would rest her head on her father"s chest and Hussain as would not move from her until she fell asleep. When from the second of Muharram the armies of Yezid began to gather at Kerbala, Hussain as said to his sister Zainab as, "The time has come for you to get Sakina as used to going to sleep without my being there!" Sakina as would follow her father at night and Hussain as had to gently take her to Zainab as or Rubaab. as

At Kerbala when from the seventh Muharram water became scarce Sakina as shared whatever little water she had with other children. When soon there was no water at all, the thirsty children would look at Sakina as hopefully, and because she could not help them she would have tears in her eyes. Sakina"s as lips were parched with thirst.

On the Ashura day, she gave her Mashk to Hazrat Abbas. He went to get water for her. The children gathered round Sakina as with their little cups, knowing that as soon as Hazrat Abbas brought any water, Sakina as would first make sure that they had some before taking any herself. When Sakina as saw Imaam Hussain bringing the blood drenched "alam she knew that her uncle Abbas had been killed. From that day on Sakina as never complained of thirst.

Then came the time when the earth shook and Sakina as became an orphan! But even then she always thought of the others first. She would console her mother on the death of Ali Asghar as and when she saw any other lady or child weeping Sakina as would put her little arms around her.

Yes Sakina as never again asked anyone for water. Bibi Zainab as would persuade her to take a few sips, but she herself would never ask for water or complain of thirst!!!!

From the time when Imaam Hussain fell in the battle field, Sakina as forgot to smile! Kufa saw her as a somber little girl lost in thought. Quite often she would sit up at night. When asked if she wanted anything, she would say, "I just heard a baby cry? Is it Asghar as? He must be calling out for me!"

Knowing that her weeping upset her mother, Sakina as would cry silently and quickly wipe away her tears! In the prison in Shaam she would stare at the flock of birds flying to their nests at sunset and innocently ask Bibi Zainab as, "Will Sakina as be going home like those birds flying to their homes?"

Then one dreadful night Sakina as went to bed on the cold floor of the prison. For a long time she stared into the darkness! The time for the morning prayers came. Sakina as was still lying with her eyes wide open. Her mother called out: "Wake up, Sakina as! Wake up, it is time for prayers, my child!" There was only the painful silence! Our fourth Imaam walked up to where Sakina as lay. He put his hand on her forehead. It was cold! He put his hand near the mouth and the nose. Sakina as had stopped breathing. In between sobs Imaam Zain ul "Abideen said:

"INNA LILLAHI WA INNA ILAYHI RAAJI"OON!"
How was Sakina as buried? Zainab as held the still child as Imaam Zain ul "Abideen dug a grave in the cell. As the grave was being filled up after the burial the mother let out a scream! How could anyone console Bibi Rubaab as? What could they say? They huddled around her, and the prison walls began to shake with the cry: "YA Sakina, YA MAZLOOMAH!!" Bibi Rubaab as put her cheek on Sakina"s as grave and cried out:

"Speak to me, Sakina as! Only a word, my child! Speak to me!!"

poems (shyari) in urdu

AZADARI IBADAT HAI! IBADAT HO! TO AISI HO!
YAHI WAJHE SHIFA'AT HAI! SHIFA'AT HO! TO AISI HO!

YE ANSOO KAB HAMARE HAIÑ, JO FARSHE GHAM PE GIRTE HAIÑ,
YE ZAHRA KI AMANAT HAI, AMANAT HO TO AISI HO!
...
GHAME SHABBIR NE MA'ANE KHUSHI KE YUÑ BADAL DAALE,
HUME GHAM SE MOHABBAT HAI! MOHABBAT HO, TO AISI HO!

SA'ADAT KISKO MILTI HAI ALAM GHAR PAR SAJANE KI?
HUME HAASIL SA'ADAT HAI, SA'ADAT HO, TO AISI HO!

 
 
 

Ali wali k lahoo ka lahoo hai sajda gaah Ali k naam ka ab bhi jawaz baatil hai Ali k khoon pe sajda to ho gaya jaaez Ali ka zikr karo to namaz baatil hai Aisi basi alam main alamdar(a.s) ki khushbu.. Kabey main jaisey Haider-e-karrar(a.s) ki khushbu.. Aa kar meri lehad main farishto'n ney ye kaha... Sab sey alag hai Shah(a s) key Azadaar ki khushbu.. Salaam ya Abbas(a.s) ! ♥♥ Dil me jab se basa 'Ali un Wali ullah'... Zindagi k mayne samajh me aa gaye..!!..♥♥ Dar e Hussain(A.s) Pe Jo Sar JHuka Nhi Skta Usay Namaz Ka SAjda Bacha Nhi Sakta Namaz e Ishq Yaqinan Usay Nhi Aati ... JO Jaa Namaz Aza Ki Bicha Nhi Sakta Jo Apne Dil Do Banata Nhi Azakhana Wo APne Dil Main Khuda Ko Basa NHi Sakta Nishan E Matam O Sajda Misaal e Suraj Hain Inhy Lehar Ka Andhera Chupa Nhi Skta Yazeed(Lanat) Jese To Har Mor Per Nazar Ayee Koi Hussain[As] Sa Moula Dikha Nhi Skta!!! ♥ ♥ SALAM YA PANJTAN PAK_[a.s] ♥ ♥ "Gham Ka Ilaaj Ess K Siwa Aur Kuch Nahi, Khaak e Shifa Hai Meri Dawa Aur Kuch Nahi, ... Ghurbat Ki Tez Dhoop Se Bachnay K Wastay, Parhtay Raho Hadees e Kissa Aur Kuch Nahi, Maal e Khadija, Zarb e Ali_as, Sajda e Hussain_as, Islam Main Bas Ess K Siwa Aur Kuch Nahi, Gar Chahtay Ho Fatima_sa Aaien Bahisht Main, Ghar Main Bichha Do Farsh e Aza Aur Kuch Nahi, Uss Ne Kaha K Deen Ki Tareekh Pori Likh, Main Ne Faqat "Hussain_as" Likha Aur Kuch Nahi" Bint e Ali "a.s" Nay Bakhsh Di Parday Ko Zindagi BiBi "s.a" Kay Saath Aata Hai Parday Ka Naam Bhi Parday Ko Khatam Karne Ki Koshish Boht Hue Laiken Zabanai Sham e Ghariba Suna Gaye... Youn To Baqa e Kon o Makan Zainab "s.a" Ka Faiz Hai Deen Bach Gaya Ye Chadar e Zainab "s.a" Ka Faiz Hai As Salaam Alikum Ya Umm ul Masayib Ya Zainab e Kubra "s.a" ♥ !! Janat Ki Aarzu Main Kahan Ja Rahe Hyn Log Janat Tou Karbala Main Khareedi HUSSAIN[AS] Ny Dunya-o-Aakhrat Main ... Jo Rehna Ho Chain SAy Jeena ALI [AS]Sy Seekho Marna HUSSAIN [AS]SAy "Alam Abbas (a.s) Ka Jis Din Se Rakha Hai Ghar Main Khud Hi Karbala Se Hokay Hawa Aati Hai Na Mumkin Hai Mujhe Chulay Koi Bemari Maray Ghar Lay Ke Hawa "Khak-e-Shifa" Aati Hai. ♥ (a.s) Abu-Turaab ki zeenat ka Naam hai Zainab (a.s Imamaton ki Amanat ka Naam hai Zainab (a.s) Ali (a.s) ki khoon ki Taharat ka Naam hai Zainab (a.s) Hussaniyat ki Zarorat ka Naam hai Mana ki Wajood-e-shah mein poori hai karabala Zainab(a.s) naa hoo tooh adhoori hai karabala !! Salam Ya Bibi Zainab (A.s) !! Agar Qismat main sab kuch likh diya jata, tou mera khuda say jo rishta DUA ka hai wo kon nibhata.--- Imam ALI (A.S) "ALI or QURAN mey Rishta kiya hai..: QURAN...............Milkyat hai ALI.....................Malik hai. QURAN...............Meeras hai ALI.....................Waris hai ... QURAN ..............Kalam hai ALI.....................Imam hai QURAN...............Nabi k dil pr utra ALI.....................Nabi ka dill hai QURAN...............Aitbar hai ALI.....................Heder-e-Karrar hai QURAN...............Kainat hai ALI.....................Kainat-e-sardar hai QURAN...............Me sura-e-momin hai ALI.....................Amirul momineen hai" Ya ♥Ali♥ Mujh Se Agr Koi Pocheyga Kya Pehchan Hei Meri Mazlom-E-KarbLa Ka Khud Ko AzaDaar Kahun ga !!!!!! Ali <As> Keh Kar ♥Dil♥ Ko Barha SUkoon Milta Hy !!!!! ♥Dil♥ Main Ali <As> Ho Toh Chehre Main Noor Dekh Tha Hy !!!!! ♥ Ya Ali <As> ♥ !!!!

Na Pooch Mujhse Ki Kya Kya Hai Abbas(as)

Zainab(sa) Ka Daras Hai Abbas(sa)

Hussain(as) Ki Talwar Hai Abbas
...
Sakina(sa) Ki Umeed Hai Abbas(as)

Zehra(sa) Ki Dua Hai Abbas(as)

Kulsoom(sa) Ki Rida Hai Abbas(sa)

Akbar(as) Ki Qouwat Hai Abbas(as)

Karbal Ki Kahani Hai Abbas(as)

Duniya Ka Ghazi Hai Abbas(as)

Na Pooch Mujhse Ki Kya Kya Hai Abbas(as)......

.....SALAAM AE HAIDER-E-KARBO'BALA(AS)....

MERI JAAN-O-MAAL FIDA HO AAP(AS) PE.....

apni qismat azma kar dekhna ,
aik bar karbala ja ker dekhna.... !!

Ali(a.s) k zikr se jab jab khushi mili hai mujhe.....mai apni Maa ko hazaro duaein deti hu..! ♥

Matam k liye uthne wala har hath Yazeediyat k mooh par ek zordar tamacha hai . !!

Zainab Ka Hai Armaan Hussain Ka Matam, to phir ao Karbala Aam Karein.....!!

Unko nahi karay gay rasool e khuda (saww) pasand jinko maray hussain (as) kamatam nahi pasand
hum kaise kar len unsay ... bhalla dosti ke baat humko hai hur (as) pasand,,,,, unhain hurmala pasand........!!

Mat Karna Kabhi Bhi Guror Apne Aap Par Ae INSAN Na Jane Khuda Ne Tere Jaise Kitne Mitti se Bana K MItti Mei Mila Diye !!

 
 
 

Thori si thakawat Pe
Tu Namaz chor deta hai !
Aey Momin

us se kuch seekh jisne jism me
... khanjar teer hote hue B
akhri sajda Na Chhora.....!!
SlAm Ya Hussain(a.s)!

Zinda rehne ke liye SHAH ki aza kafi hai,
humko bas Fatima Zehra(a.s) ki dua kafi hai,
chahe kitni he mukhalif ho zamane ki hawa,
humko Abbas(a.s) ke parcham ki hawa kafi hai..!!!

YA ALI (a.s) Teri Shaan NiraLi
Tere zikr ke bina har majlis khaLi. !!

 
 
 
 

Na Koi Nana MOHAMMAD [Saww] Jaisa ♥

Na Koi Bahadur ALI (a.s.) Jaisa ♥

Na Koi Ladla HASSAN (a.s.) Jaisa ♥
...
Na Koi Shaheed Hussain (a.s.) Jaisa ♥

Na Koi Alamdar ABBAS (a.s.) Jaisa ♥

Na Koi Jawaan AKBAR (a.s.) Jaisa ♥

Na Koi Pyaasa ASGHAR (a.s.) Jaisa ♥

Na Koi Dulha QASIM (a.s.) Jaisa ♥

Na Koi Zameen KARBALA (a.s.) Jaisi ♥

Na Koi Gham Gham e Husan (a.s.) Jaisa ♥

Na Koi Maa FATIMA (s.a.) Jaisi ♥

Na Koi Kaneez FIZZA (s.a.) Jaisi ♥

Na Koi Behen ZAINAB (s.a.) Jaisi ♥

Na Koi Shehzadi Sakina (s.a.) Jaisi ♥

AUR

Na Koi Gharana PANJTAN PAK (a.s.) Jaisa ♥ !!!

Ek din hamare ansoo hum se pooch bethe,

"Humain roz roz kyun bulate ho?

hum ne kaha "Hum naam-e-Hussain lete hain, Tum khud hi chale aate ho. . !!!!!

Suno Hussainio!!
Hussain a.s wo jo zair e taigh hans k so gia,

 Yazeed wo jo zillaton ka naam ho gia,

 Hussain a.s wo jo marzi e Khuda khareed lay,

 Yazid wo k jiska koi naam bhi na lay,

Yazid zinda reh k MURDABAAD ho gia,

 Hussain a.s sarr qata k ZINDABAD ZINDABAAD ZINDABAAD HO GIA.

...HUSSAIN ZINDABAD WO KAL BHI ZINDABAD THA WO ABB BHI ZINDABAAD HAI!!!

Mat karo ABBAS ki talwaar ka zikar Mohsin..
Ek ALAM se hi pareshaan hai yazeedi ab tak. !!

Kabhi Fursat ho to sunn lena kaneez'ane Batool (sa),
Shaam se aaj bhi Zainab (sa) ki sadaa aati hai,
Be Rida hoke bhi hamne to bachaaya parda,
Tum Rida rakkh ke bhi ho be-parda.. Hayaa aati hai. !!

Tanha Nabi (saww) K Ilm Ki Wairs Batool (sa) Thi
Parda Nasheen Na Hoti To Yeh Bhi Rasool (saww) Thi
Beti Ali (as) Ki Fatima (sa) K Dil Ka Chain Thi
Zainab (sa)Bazar-e-Sham Me Bilkul Hussain (as) Thi !!!

Sayings/Quotes by the Ahlulbayt (urdu)

IMAM ALI (a.s) say kisi shaks nay sawal kia ke wo kon se cheaz hai jo..

1 hy 2 nahi
2 hy 3 nahi
3 hy 4 nahi
4 hy 5 nahi
5 hy 6 nahi
6 hy 7 nahi
7 hy 8 nahi
8 hy 9 nahi
9 hy 10 nahi
10 hy 11 nahi
11 hy 12 nahi
12 hy 13 nahi

IMAM ALI (a.s) ney muskaratey hoye jawab dia ...

JO IK HAI 2 NAHI HOSAKA (ALLAH)
JO 2 HAI 3 NAHI HOSAKTEY (HAZARAT ADAM OR BIBI HAWA)
JO 3 HAY 4 NAHI HOSAKTE (BACHPAN, JAWANI, BURD'HAPA)
JO 4 HAI 5 NAHI HOSAKTE (ASMANI KITABEY)
JO 5 HAY 6 NAHI HOSAKTE (ULAL-E-AZAM PEGAMBAR)
JO 6 HAI 7 NAHI HOSAKTE (ZAMEN KE TABKY)
JO 7 HAY 8 NAHI HOSAKTEY (ASMAAN)
JO 8 HAI 9 NAHI HOSAKTEY (JANNAT KE DARWAZAY)
JO 9 HAI 10 NAHI HOSAKTEY (JANNAT KE NAHREY)
JO 10 HIA 11 NAHI HOSAKTEY (JAHNUM KE TABKY)
JO 11 HAI 12 NAHI HOSAKTE (HAZRAT YOUSUF A S KE BAHI)
AND

JO 12 HAI 13 NAHI HOSAKTE (HUM HAI 12 IMAM) ... !!

"Sardion Ka Mosam 'Momin' K Liye Bahaar Hy, Iski Lambi Raten Ibadat K Lye Kafi Hain Or Chhote Din, Rozay K Lye Saazgar Hain. - 'MOULA ALI' (as)

IMAM ALI (A.S.) - "Jhoot Bol Kar Jeet Janey Se Behtar Hai K Such Bol Kar Haar Jao. !

"Dil Me Burai Rakhney Se Behtar Hai K Narazgi Zaahir Kardo !




Imam ALI (A.S) se poocha gaya k aadmi bura kab banta hai?
"Aap (A.S) ne Farmaya jab wo apne aap ko doosron se acha Samajhne lage" ! 

"NAMAZ ki fikar apny opar farz kar lo, Khuda ki Qasam Duniya ki fikar sy azad ho jao gy. Aur Kamyabi tumhary Qadam chomay gi.."!!
-MOULA ALI [a.s]

Imam Ali ibne Abi Taalib (a.s.) nay farmaya :-
"Jis ko Allah ke alawa kisi aur nay Izzat di wo dar-asl Be-Izzat kiya gaya."

Imām Ja'far al-Sādiq (a.s.) : -
"Maloon (ملعون) hai, Maloon hai woh Shakhs ke Jiski Taraf Uska Bhai Suleh ke Liye Hath Badhaye aur woh Usey Thukra De." !

A song on Panjatan

Learn the Panjatan song !!

Lyrics :

"When I think of Panjatan ,

I hold my fingers 5 ,

They are Fatima's (sa) family ,

They kept Islam alive !

Ya Muhammad (pbuh)

Ya Ali (as)
Ya Fatima (sa)
Ya Hassan (as)
Ya Hussain (as) !!"

you can listen to the song here :-

Song made by Zakira Shyrose Jaffer Dhalla !

Poem on Bibi Sakina (as)

Walking in chains on the hot sand,
We are women of our prophet.
Cruel men have ripped off our hijab,
As if ripping a seal from a wound.
A scar is imprinted.
Sand is blowing in my eyes,
I can see a little girl.
..Sakina
Daughter of Imam Hussain.
My heart aches to watch her small limbs
Walking in chains amongst us.
Looking at her hurts my eyes.
She is like a bright star amongst a dull universe.
A stranger is approaching her.
He lifts his hand to her ear and roughly rips
An earring from her ear.
Tears prick my eyes as my fingers rush to my own ear.
Fear.
She was still looking at the stranger,
eyes filled with tears,
Blood softly trickling down her neck.
Please, Stop hurting her.
I wish my thoughts were more forceful
I wish I could run in front of her,
Protect her.
Every woman standing looked at the man,
pleadingly.
Once again, the man raises his hand,
touching her ear.
Once again he roughly pulls an earring.
Blood spills.
Tears filled the eyes of every woman present.
Silence was the only comfort.
Has he no conscience?
Yet, head held high,
Sakina walks on.
For her father is Hussain,
And soon there will be no more pain.

Sayings,quotes by the Ahlulbayt !

Imam Ali Zain-ul-Abideen Al-Sajjad (A.S) :

"Man’s worst hours are three in number,
1. the hour wherein He will see the angel of Death with his Own Eyes,
2. the hour when He will Rise up from His Grave, and
3. the hour when He will Stand Before Allah, Blessed and most High."

[Ref : al-Khisal, pg.119, no. 108]




Do not talk about knowledge with the foolish so that they deny you,
nor with the ignorant so that they find you oppressive,
but talk about it with those of its people whom you meet who will accept it and understand It . -- Imam Ali (as)




Prophet Muhammad (pbuh):- "Blessed is the one whose fear of Allah dominate him from fearing people" !!




In The Court of Yazid IMAM ZAIN UL ABIDEEN introduced His Family (Ahlul Bait) in Following words:
• Allah has given us (Ahle Bait) six things which no one else has. He has given us special Wisdom, Patience, Dignity, Power of speech, Courage and Respect..
•He Blessed us with Nabowat
•He Blessed us with Imamat
•To us belong Syed ush Shauhda (Hamza)
•To us belong Jafar-e-Tayyar (Jaffar Bin Abu Talib).
•To us belong Asadullah (The lion of Allah i.e Imam Ali_a.s.)
•To us belong the leader of the youths of paradise (Imam Hassan_a.s. and Imam Hussain _a.s)




Imam Sadiq (as) "Being good-natured brings about an increase in sustenance" !!




Imam Sadiq (as) "The traditions that do not correspond with the Qur’an are false" !!!





A person asked Imam Hussain (as): " O’ the son of the messenger of God, how can we know God Almighty? "
Imam replied : " By knowing and obeying the Imam of your time. "!!

(Bihar al- Anwar, Vol. 5 , P. 312)





Someone asked Imam as-Sadiq to show him God. The Imam replied, "Look at the sun." The man said that he could not look at the sun because it was too bright. Imam as-Sadiq replied, "If you cannot see the created, how can you expect to see the Creator?"





There are people who worship Allah to gain His Favors, this is the worship of traders; while there are some who worship Him to keep themselves free from His Wrath, this is the worship of slaves; a few who obey Him out’ of their sense of gratitude and obligations, this is the worship of free and noble men.
- Imam Ali ibne abu talib a.s
Ref :- Nahjul Balagha .





Imam Ali (a.s.) : If you succeed in misleading / backstabbing somebody, don't think about how big a fool he was instead think about how he trusted you. !!




‎- Bibi Fatima zahra (s.a) : "Modesty is the best jewel of a woman".!!!





Imām `Alī ibn Husayn (A.S.) said:

"One who cries for Imam Husain (a.s.) and his tears flow from the eyes and fall on his cheeks Almighty Allah would give him a place on a high apartment where he would live in peace for years. One who cries on the troubles given to us by our enemies in this world and his tears fall on his cheeks, the Almighty Allah would grant him a place in Maqam-e-Sidq. If a believer bears difficulties and becomes aggrieved for the calamities, which we have suffered, his eyes become wet, tears flow on cheeks, Allah would remove sufferings from his face and keep him safe from difficulties and chastisement on the Day of Judgement." !!

[Reference: Sawaabul A’amaal, pg #120]




Holy Prophet said, " O, Ali no one will love you except Momin and no one will be your enemy but Monafiq." !!





Imam Baqir (as) "For every thing there is a cure, and the #cure of sins is to seek forgiveness" !!!!





Prophet Muhammad (sawa) "Shall I inform you of the best traits in the world and the hereafter: pardon of the one who oppresses you to establish a relation with one who has cut you off, kindness to one who sins against you, and giving to one who refuses to grant to you"





‎"When someone fears Allah, Allah will make everything else fear him; and when someone does not fear Allah, Allah will make him fear everything else." - al-Imam al-Sadiq (As)





Imam Ali (as) "None from this Ummah can be compared with the progeny of Muhammad"





Imam Reza (as) "For whom Ashura is a day of tragedy, grief and weeping, Allah shall make the Day of Judgment, a day of joy and happiness"





A man went to Hazrat Ali bin Abi Talib (as) and asked the answers for the following four questions:
1. What is Wajeb (Obligatory) and what is Awjab (Most Obligatory)
2. What is Qareeb (Near) and what is Aqrab (Nearest)
3. What is Ajeeb (Strange) and what is A'ajab (Strangest)
4. What is Sa'ab (Difficult) and what is Asa'ab (Most Difficult)

Hazrat Ali bin Abi Talib (as) replied as follows:
1. Obligatory is the obedience of God and most obligatory is to abandon sins
2. Near is the Day of Judgment and nearest is the death
3. Strange is this World and strangest is to love this world
4. Difficult is grave and most difficult is going into it without any preparation





Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said:
"O Fatimah (s.a) ! Every eye shall be weeping on the Day of Judgment except the eye which has shed tears over the tragedy of Husayn for surely, that eye shall be laughing and shall be given the glad tidings of the bounties and comforts of Paradise." !!!





Imam Muhammad Taqi (a.s) Said:

Whoever had three thing , will never regret :
1 - Refraining from haste
2 - Consulting
3 - and depending upon God when decision making





Holy Prophet (s.a.w.w.) said :

"The best of your men is Ali Ibn Abu Talib, and the best of your women is Fatima Bint Muhammad." !!

[Ref: Tareekh Baghdad: v.4, p.392.]





Imam Reza (as) "Look in the mirror and see your virtues and your vices"





Imam al-Mahdi (atfs): "Every one of you should do what brings him closer to us and should refrain from what we dislike and what makes us angry."





The World is like a snake, soft to touch but full of venom inside - Imam Ali (a.s)





The Holy Prophet (peace be upon him and his progeny) said:

The paradise is desirous for four persons:

1. One, who feeds the hungry.

2. One, who guards the tongue.

3. One, who recites the Quran.

4. One, who fasts the in the month of Ramadhan.





Imam Redha (peace be upon him) has said:

If someone asks, "Why is it that the fasts were made obligatory extensively in the month of Ramadhan and not in the other months?" it should be said, "(this is) because the month of Ramadhan is the month in which Allah, The Exalted, had revealed the Qur’an."






‎"O’ people do compete in good deeds and haste in grabbing the good chances.
By delaying good deeds , you reduce their value. By gaining victory win the
respect and praise of others , and do not let others blame you for being lazy.
If one does a favour to another but he does not thank him for it , be sure that
God will reward him instead , and surely God’s reward is greater and more
generous."
Imam Hussain (a.s) (Bihar al- Anwar, Vol. 78 , P. 121)






Imam Ali (as) "Arouse your heart to contemplation; keep your side clear off the night; and be heedful towards your Lord"





Imam Ali ibne Abi Talib (as) said: Every comer has to return, and after returning, it is as though he never existed.





Imam Ali ibne Abi Talib (as) said: Have love for your friend up to a limit, for it is possible that he may turn into your enemy some day. And hate your enemy up to a limit, for it is possible that he may turn into your friend some day. !!!!






Imam Ali ibne Abi Talib (as) said: A small action which is continued with regularity is more beneficial than a long one performed with grudge.






Imam Ali ibne Abi Talib (as) said: Whoever adopts greed as a habit devalues himself; whoever discloses his hardship agrees to be humiliated, and whoever allows his tongue to overpower his soul debases the soul.

Qualities Of The 313 !

 In one tradition Imam Jafar Sadiq (a.s.) has mentioned the general traits of the companions of Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.):

• Their hearts are stronger than iron.
• They will be having complete faith in Allah. There is no place for doubts in their hearts.
• They shall be tougher than stones. They will uproot the mountain only by turning towards it.
• They will conquer every city they enter with their standard.
• They are like swift eagles, mounted on fast horses.
• They will touch the saddle of Imam's (a.t.f.s.) mount to seek blessings.
• They will be encircling Imam (a.t.f.s.) to safeguard him from all calamities and misfortune.
• They will fulfill every desire of Imam (a.t.f.s.) with their heart and soul.
• They will not sleep in the nights.
• They will buzz like honeybees in their prayers.
• They will pass the night in worship and in the morning they will be seen mounted on horses, ready for helping Imam (a.t.f.s.).
• They will be devout worshippers by the night and like the lions in the day.
• They will be more submissive and obedient to Imam than a maidservant.
• They are like burning lamps and their hearts are like glowing beacons.
• They are fearful of Allah and testify to His Unity.
• They are hopeful of martyrdom in the Way of Allah.
• Their slogan will be "O Avenger of Husain!"
• When they march, their awe will precede them by a distance of one month's journey.
• These are the ones who seek Allah's Pleasure.
• Allah will help Imam (a.t.f.s.) through them

True Love For The Ahlulbayt !

(Say O Muhammad), I do not ask you for this message any reward except the love of my near kin." (42:23)
Love towards the Ahlul Bayt is a condition if we are to be true believers. It is not just the feeling of love, but it is also the portrayal of love that counts. This is what the term Mowaddah in the verse refers to – portrayal of love.
By the grace of God, the lovers of the Ahlul Bayt are spread all around the world. T-shirts, online profile pictures, artwork, decorations, ringtones, wallpapers and so on all representing love for the Ahlul Bayt is common today. Many people attend gatherings to commemorate the holy Household. Even though all that is important, the vital question remains: do we really love the Ahlul Bayt?
Before we can answer that question, we need to examine some of the implications dictated by loving the Ahlul Bayt.

Obedience
The Prophet and Imams are our leaders and role models in this life. They represent Allah. Surely if we claim to love them, then we should follow them at least out of respect, especially when we know for a fact that they are the perfect human beings. If someone does not pray, can they really claim they love the Ahlul Bayt? If a woman does not do hijab, if a person listens to music, drinks alcohol, cheats, lies or kills, can any of these claim that they love the Ahlul Bayt? If the Ahlul Bayt tell us that something is wrong and against Allah, then the person who loves them will obey them!
It is a given that we should obey them. However, the existence of love towards the Ahlul Bayt alone is enough motivation for us to do so. Moreover, the existence of this love is dependent on how much we obey them. By indulging in sins, the connection with the beloved Imams will eventually become weaker and it is only a matter of time that our love towards the Ahlul Bayt will fade completely, leaving behind it nothing but profile pictures and slogans that mean nothing when the heart of the individual is not with them.

Ambassadors
Today, the term "lover of the Ahlul Bayt" has more or less become a flag representing a religious sect. This automatically makes each one of us who claims to love the Ahlul Bayt a representative. Just as when someone knows our nationality, they will associate us with people from our country, claiming love for the Ahlul Bayt will make the person an ambassador whether they want it or not.
If someone loves their country, would they want to misrepresent it? Clearly not! As ambassadors, we have the obligation to educate people about the school of the Ahlul Bayt. We need to show them the beauty of following the 14 infallibles. We need to give everyone a reason to follow them. Imam Al Sadiq (peace be upon him) says, "Beautify us and do not be a disgrace upon us." (A'yan Al Shia)

How one would go about that? One needs to first learn before they can relay the narrations. Thus loving the Ahlul Bayt starts by learning about them and their life, and then informing others about them. How many of us today attempt to read, no matter how little, about the teachings of the Prophet and the Imams?
Our actions too should be the best they can be. For example, praying is expected from everyone, but lovers of the Ahlul Bayt are expected to pray on time. Imam Ali (peace be upon him) said his Shia can be tested with two qualities, one of which is praying on time (Shajarat Tuba).
Our actions are the only channel which many around us have to learn about the Ahlul Bayt, and we therefore should strive to give them the best representation possible. We can never do the Ahlul Bayt justice, but we can certainly give them our all. When Imam Al Ridha (peace be upon him) was asked about how one can revive the legacy of the Ahlul Bayt, he replied: "(The person) should learn our teachings and teach them to people. If the people hear the beauty of our (teachings), they will follow us." (Uyun Akhbar Al-Ridha)

Hurting the Ahlul Bayt
Allah says in the Holy Qur'an: "And say, work (righteousness), for soon Allah will see your deeds, and (so will) His Messenger, and the believers." (9:105) Imam Sadiq says that the believers referred to in this verse are the holy Imams (Tafseer Al Ayashi). The verse and narration make it clear that a report of our actions reaches the Prophet and the Imams. How would one feel if in their report, the Prophet or the Imam finds a sin? How would one feel for example, if in that report, it says the person did not pray on time, or the person was stealing an orphan's money, or the person is speaking foul language? Surely one who loves the Ahlul Bayt will be embarrassed. That alone is enough for the person to try and have a sin-free report and consequently, lead a better life. But it goes further than that because when the Prophet or Imam read in the reports the sins of their followers, they are actually hurt.
Some narrations say that our actions are reported to Imam Al Hujjah (may Allah hasten his reappearance) every Friday, others say every Monday and Thursday, and yet other say every day. Nevertheless, the Imam is made aware of them. How can someone who loves the Ahlul Bayt hurt his Imam? Can someone claim love for him and make him cry? How can we face our Imam and claim to love him if we are indulging in sins? Indeed "Our sins strike him like arrows. When he examines our scrolls of deeds, he weeps at our sins."
Will the slogans, t-shirts, pictures and claims of love mean anything if the lives we lead cause our beloved Prophet and Imams to be hurt?

Assessing Our Love
With all that said, if we do not refrain from indulging in sins, then we do not love the Ahlul Bayt. If we misrepresent our Prophet and our Imams, then we do not love the Ahlul Bayt. If we make our Prophet and Imams cry every day, then we do not love the Ahlul Bayt.
It is a good idea to make it a habit before going to sleep each night to recap our day and ask ourselves: Do I really love the Ahlul Bayt? Do my thoughts and actions reflect this love, or deny it? Each of us has an answer; we need to make sure it is the desired one

Karbala's Lesson Of Hijab

After the tragedy of Karbala, Imam Zainul Abideen (peace be upon him) was often asked what the most difficult and painful experience of Karbala was. One would assume that after witnessing more than 70 friends and family members being martyred, his uncle Abbas's both arms being severed, his father's head being decapitated, and his six-month-old baby brother's neck being pierced by a three-prong arrow, that Imam Hussain's son would surely find these unspeakable and barbaric acts of the enemies of Islam as the most painful. However, we see that our Imam always replied to those who asked with the same statement, "Ash-Sham, Ash-Sham, Ash-Sham..."

Every Muharram, we cry and lament the tragedies of Karbala in order to keep the story of Imam Hussain alive, to learn the principles of justice and sacrifice, to become better believers, and to not be among the oppressors. Yet we see Muharram after Muharram that our Hijab as Muslim women is no different to what it was before Muharram.

At times, one may think that the so-called followers and supporters of Lady Fatima and Lady Zainab (peace be upon them) are committing oppression towards them. Oppression is to do injustice. These women gave their entire families for the sake of this religion. And for most of us, we don't even have the courtesy of valuing that. Lady Fatima's family was killed so that we today have true Islam in our grasp. Do we not care at all about Lady Fatima's family being destroyed?
According to some narrations, Lady Fatima is present wherever the tragedy of her son is mentioned. In order to do justice to Lady Fatima and the holy women of Karbala, and if we wish to make them proud this Muharram season, let us consider the following points.

To the Non-Hijabi
These otherwise magnificent sisters for one reason or another have not been observing Hijab even though it becomes obligatory upon girls at eight and a half years of age. Some have courageously tried to observe Hijab yet did not succeed, while others plan on insha'Allah concealing their beauty one day, just not today. Amazingly though, all that is needed is a small initiative to move towards the right direction, and subhan'Allah, Hijab will be easy! Allah says in a Hadith Qudsi, "When a believer takes one step towards me, I take ten towards him. When a believer walks towards me, I come running."

In the cities of Kufa and Damascus, the holy women of the Prophet's household (peace be upon them) were paraded around without their veils, with their sacred beauty visible to unrelated strange men to gawk at. Their hair was visible, they had been looted of their jewels from their ears and hands, their necks were shown, they were chained up as though they were prisoners of a heinous crime, and they were pushed around and dealt with by the men of Yazid ibn Muawiya. These are the women who were the pearls of Prophet Muhammad...who had been kept safe and always protected.
If today we claim to lament and grieve the suffering of these women, surely it behooves us to not insult their memory and observe the Hijab that they were so mercilessly deprived of. Indeed, that is the least we can do to express our sympathy and prove how real our tears are.

To the Part-Time Hijabi
This group of sisters is great at doing what they do best, and that is Hijab. In fact, some of these sisters have such great Hijab talent that when they practice Hijab, they make the full-time Hijabis look like amateurs. However, there's only area in which these sisters seem to falter. At times we see them covered at a dinner party at the Shaikh's house, and other times, we can't recognize them if we ever happen to run into them at the shopping center. Some days these sisters understand the beauty of covering up, how doing so demands self-respect, and that we as Hijabi women do not let strange unrelated men take a bite out of our beauty, in addition to the fact that we do not wish to break Allah's laws. But on the other hand, these sisters are capable of waking up one morning completely hating the Hijab. It's as though somebody killed the "Hijab is my right to protection" angel within her.

These sisters should be saluted for at the very least observing Hijab on the days they do. But we sincerely do encourage such sisters to consider becoming full-time Hijabis. Why? Because it has been narrated that Allah loves his creatures 70 times more than a mother is ever capable to love her child. If doing it for the rewards or saving one's self from facing punishment in this life and the next doesn't entice the part-time Hijabis, then perhaps realizing that in addition to saluting the women who sacrificed their Hijab in Karbala to keep true Islam alive, we will be pleasing the One who loves and cares for us more than anyone else, Allah!

To the Hijabi
This group of believing women, who are almost on track when it comes to Hijab modesty, have the hardest part mastered, and that's the head scarf. However, observing Hijab does not end there. We too must learn how to improve our Hijab in every way, every Muharram. Here are the most common "problem areas" which Hijabis usually don't know about, forget, or need reminding in order to help perfect our Hijab.

Fully Covered clothes: Sometimes a perfect Hijabi may unintentionally falter in her Hijab by wearing clothing items that are "in fashion". Short sleeved tops, large necklines, three-quarter harem pants, long shorts which visibly reveal those parts of our skin which need to be covered, etc. are a no-go zone. Besides the fact that wearing such clothes isn't exactly too Halal, if prayer time sets in, then the only way these sisters' prayers will be accepted is if their clothes magically grow in length.

Wrists: Many of us don't understand what the big deal is with covering our wrists, as "it is pretty much a part of the hand." Interestingly enough, in Japanese culture, female entertainers known as Geishas intentionally uncover their wrists in front of men as a method of enticing them. Most Islamic stores actually sell "sleeves", which are great to wear under tops as they are an easy-to-use item which instantly improves our Hijab. Keeping in mind how the holy women of Karbala had their wrists chained and handcuffed will surely help us cover our wrists, insha'Allah.

Feet: According to the majority of scholars, the feet are also a part of our Hijab and need to be covered in front of non-Mahrams. The most convenient thing to do is to wear natural skin-colored socks (which are not transparent) while wearing flats and sandals. For those sisters who like to wear toe-divider sandals, most Hijab stores usually sell toe-divider socks which are almost always available in natural colors. Remembering how Imam Hussain's women were forced to walk on the hot sands of the deserts of Iraq will give us strength to cover our feet, insha'Allah.

Loose-Fitting Clothes: Tights, skinny-leg jeans, chest-shape revealing tops, and hip-sucking skirts are the clothing items that make up most of our wardrobes. The best way to dress in public is by wearing those clothes in which prayer would be acceptable. And if one ever has doubt as to what is classified as too tight or just right, just ask either your father, brother, husband, or son what looks tighter, and they will surely provide you with a reliable opinion.

Shocking Colors and Makeup: Unfortunately, the idea that Hijab intends to not attract attention to ourselves is misinterpreted by some of us. While covering up our body is one part of Hijab, another part is to not make ourselves so completely attractive and head-turning. Ideally, most of us can do this by not wearing shocking colors and Hijabs in addition to not painting our faces in all seven colors of the rainbow. Remembering how Imam Hussain began to miraculously recite verses of the Qur'an on top of the spear in the marketplace of Kufa in order to distract the people from looking at the ladies will surely help underscore this point.

Transparent Clothing and Hijab: At times in the warmer weather, we find it more convenient to wear cardigans made of light material and summer-friendly colors. It is one thing to wear fully-covering, loose, and neutral-colored clothes but what isn't too smart is wearing such Hijabi outfits if it's all see-through. If one can understand the reason why people don't hide their treasures in clear transparent containers, then surely wearing non-see-through Hijab outfits will make sense, insha'Allah.

And if all else fails, let us think of how Imam Hussain's five year old daughter Bibi Sakina was frantically crying her heart out, kicking, and screaming to escape from those cruel men who violently stripped her of her Hijab and even her earrings from her tiny ears. No doubt her story has proved to be so powerful that it even has the potential to make non-Muslim women want to cover. Insha'Allah it won't be too long before all believing women will be honored to make Bibi Fatima and Bibi Zainab proud and truly value, respect, and properly practice the Hijab in order to raise our status in the eyes of Allah and the Ahlul Bayt not only in these holy days but every day of our lives.