Marriage of Imam Ali(AS) with Bibi Fatima Zahra(SA)

Marriage of Imam Ali (A.S) with Bibi Fatima Zahra (S.A)

Bibi Fatima Zahra (S.A), the daughter of the Holy Prophet (S.A.W) while come to a marriageable age, and the Holy Prophet (S.A.W) had to consider the question of her marriage. Abu Bakar (L.A) waited on the Holy Prophet (S.A.W), and asked for the hand of Bibi Fatima Zahra (S.A). The Holy Prophet (S.A.W) made no answer. Thereafter Umar (L.A) asked for the hand of Bibi Fatima Zahra (S.A) and again the Holy Prophet (S.A.W) maintained silence. The Holy Prophet (S.A.W) did not respond to the requests of Abu Bakar (L.A) or Umar (L.A) due to the fact that He (S.A.W) had to wait for the guidance of Allah (S.W.T).

After the Battle of Badr, Imam Ali (A.S) made his suit. The Holy Prophet (S.A.W) told Imam Ali (A.S) that he would give his reply after consulting Bibi Fatima Zahra (S.A). The Holy Prophet (S.A.W) consulted Bibi Fatima Zahra (S.A), and she maintained silence signifying her assent. In the meantime the Holy Prophet (S.A.W) received the revelation that Allah (S.W.T) approved of the marriage of Bibi Fatima Zahra (S.A) with Imam Ali (A.S).

The Marriage Khutba

On the day fixed for the marriage,First Zilhaj, the Muslims assembled in the mosque, and the Holy Prophet (S.A.W) delivered the Khutba solemnizing the marriage. Referring to the importance of marriages in human society the Holy Prophet (S.A.W) said that undoubtedly the Almighty Lord made matrimonial alliances as the means of a fresh relationship which is a fundamental necessity and a just affair which is made incumbent on all and sundry, and through which creation is linked. After these introductory remarks the Holy Prophet (S.A.W) declared:  "Now in obedience to the Will of Allah (S.W.T) I perform the marriage ceremony of Bibi Fatima Zahra (S.A) with Imam Ali (A.S), and ask you to bear witness that I have given Bibi Fatima Zahra (S.A) in marriage to Imam Ali (A.S) against a dower of 400 pieces of silver coin. May Allah (S.W.T) create love between the pair, bless them, purify their offspring, make their progeny a mine of wisdom, and a source of Allah (S.W.T)'s blessing and solace to the believers in faith. "

The Holy Prophet (S.A.W) ended the Khutba by asking for the forgiveness of Allah (S.W.T) for himself and for the Muslims.

The Ideal Marriage

According to all accounts that have come down to us, the marriage of Imam Ali (A.S) and Bibi Fatima Zahra (S.A) was an ideal marriage. It was a union of two great souls. Bibi Fatima Zahra (S.A) is superior to whole mankind in the world; she is the lady whose face shines as the full moon; she is the bride whose groom excels all in Scholarship.

According to some authors Imam Ali (A.S) was twenty-one years old at the time of marriage, while Bibi Fatima Zahra (S.A) was sixteen years old. According to others the date of the birth of Imam Ali (A.S) is to be placed around 599 C.E. and on this basis he was 24/25 years old at the time of marriage. Bibi Fatima Zahra (S.A) was born around 604 C.E. and on this basis she was 19/20 years old at the time of marriage.

Undoubtedly the marriage of Imam Ali (A.S) and Bibi Fatima Zahra (S.A) was an ideal marriage as the marriage was performed by the Holy Prophet (S.A.W) in accordance with the will of Allah (S.W.T), it could not be anything but an ideal marriage. As an ideal marriage it should have been a happy marriage.

Over the question of the poverty of Imam Ali (A.S) and even the Holy Prophet (S.A.W), it appears that such accounts are highly exaggerated, and remote from the truth. Islam is not a religion for the next world alone; it is a religion for this world as well. Islam does not favour accumulation of riches and the hoarding of wealth, but it does not commend poverty either. It stands for the middle course marked neither by richness nor by poverty. The Holy Prophet (S.A.W) before an ideal Prophet had to set an example in this respect. As such while the Holy Prophet (S.A.W) could not be very rich, he could not be poor either. Islam stands for simplicity and austerity but simplicity and austerity are not another name for poverty. How could Allah permit his beloved to starve.

 When the Muslims migrated to Madina, Ansars shared all their resources with the Muslims. Under the circumstances how could the Ansar permit Imam Ali (A.S) and Bibi Fatima Zahra (S.A) the beloved daughter of the Holy Prophet (S.A.W) to live from hand to mouth on the verge of starvation. Imam Ali (A.S) and Bibi Fatima Zahra (S.A) were after all human beings, and how could they be happy when they had to starve for days. When selecting husbands for their daughter even ordinary persons take steps to insure that their daughter is married in a family which is quite well off. This is a parental obligation, and it is unbelievable that the Holy Prophet (S.A.W) would have married his beloved daughter to a person who had no source of income.  Imam Ali (A.S) was the greatest warrior of the age. He was also the greatest jurist, grammarian and scholar of the age. Under the circumstances the accounts that Imam Ali (A.S) was very poor are not correct.

The Holy Prophet (S.A.W) advised Bibi Fatima Zahra (S.A) to have patience and submit to her husband. When Imam Ali (A.S) saw the Holy Prophet (S.A.W) later, the Holy Prophet (S.A.W) counselled him to be kind to his wife. Due to the wise counsels of the Holy Prophet (S.A.W), both Imam Ali (A.S) and Bibi Fatima Zahra (S.A) succeeded in making adjustments which insured mutual happiness. Imam Hassan (A.S), their first child was born in 625 C.E. and Imam Hussain (A.S), the second child was born in 626 C.E. The Holy Prophet (S.A.W) had great love for Imam Hassan (A.S) and Imam Hussain (A.S) and treated them as his own sons.

Imam Jafer-e-Sadiq (AS)

Imam Jafer-e-Sadiq (AS)

Imam Jafer-e-Sadiq (AS) was Sixth Imam and 8th masum out of 14 Masumeen.Imam Jafar was son of Imam Mohammad Baqir.The mother of Imam Baqir was Umme Farwa who was daughter of Hazrat Qasim Bin Mohammad Bin Abu Baker In that way she was Great grand daughter of Hazrat Abu Baker. Imam Jafar said we are the spokes man of Allah and we are the custodian of Islam and we are Masoom. Imam Jafar was born on 17th Rabi Ul Awwal 83 Hijri at Madina .He was Named Jafar and was popularly known as Sadiq.

Imam Malik and Imam Abu Hanifa were his students. Imam Jafar was born in the period when Abdul Malik bin Marwan was the Caliph, Then was the period of Walid,Suleman, Umer Bin Abdul Aziz,Yazid bin Abdul Malik.Then came the period of Hisham Bin Abdul Malak,Then Walid bin Yazid bin Abdul Malak,Ibrahim bin Walid and Marwan ul Hammar respectively remained the Caliph of Banu Umayya /Marwan Dynasty. After Marwan ul Hammar banu Ummaya period came to an end and Banu Abbas captured the Power.

First Caliph of Banu Abbas was Abul Abbas Safah ,and the second was Mansoor Duwanqi . Hisham bin Abdul Mulk bin Marwan killed Imam Mohammad Baqir in 114 hijri. Hisham became the caliph. He was most corrupt Zani ,Fajir and Ayyash.He died in 125 Hijri and then Walid bin Yazid bin Abdul mulk bin Marwan became the caliph. This is a historical fact that one day he took Fawal from Quran and the Fawal of Quran came as ‘’khab kule jabbar rin aneed” .He felt bad and threw Quran saying Oh Quran when you will see Allah tell him that Waleed destroyed me in to pieces. One day he was drinking wine with his Maid (Kaneez)when he listened the voice of Azan,he immediately commited sex with that Kaneez and sent her wearing his clothes to lead the prayer of Fajar in the mosque.

Nauman bin Sabat popularly known as Abu Hanifa was born in 80 hijri at Kufa. He was non Arab and got special place in the period of Haroon Rasheed. He was made Imam e Azam by Hisham bin Abdul Mulk.Imam Abu Hanifa remained the student of Imam Mohammad Baqir and Imam Jaffer e Sadiq for number of years.

Imam Jafar e Saqid wrote countless of magazines, Writings Books. He had unlimited knowledge. He was master of Ilm e Deen,Ilm e Chemistry,Ilm e rijz,Ilm e Fawl,Ilm e Falsafa,Ilm e physics,Ilm e Hyt.Ilm e Tib and Ilm e mantak. He delivered many lectures on tafseer e Quran. There were almost 4000 student who acquired expert knowledge of Islam from Imam Jafar e Sadiq and most important amongst them were Imam Abu Hanifa,Yahya bin Saeed ansari, Ibne Jaree,Imam Malik, Sufyan Suri,Ayub Sajtani,Jabar Bin Hayan the famous chemist.

On the fall of Ummawi dynasty and on the establishment of Banu Abbas dynasty ,Imam Jafar e Sadiq got some peaceful years and worked for Islamic principles jurisprudence. He explained the meanings of Quran and Haddes e Prophet,

Imam Jaffar said, I swear upon Allah I know Quran from start to the end and the news of skies and the earth are in my knowledge I know what has happened and that what is going to happen and we are the descendants of the Holy Prophet.

Masoor abbasi was very cruel .He killed many Syeds and built many buildings with the blood of syeds mixed with mud. He buried living syeds in walls, It was a fear in those days for syeds to show that they are descendants of the prophet.

Imam Jafar Saqiq was called for seventh time in the office of Mansur.Once mansur called the army to burn the house of Imam Jafar but,when army saw Imam Jafar, they refused to obey the orders. Once Mansur in order to insult imam Jafar placed 70 artificial lions in his ,Imam Jafar did not like this kind of insult .He raised his finger on the lions, saying “eat those who have built you’’ .The lions ate all those persons. Masur was terrified on seeing this.

Imam Jafar was killed by Mansur by putting poison in grapes. Imam embraced martyrdom at the age of 65 and was buried in Janat ul baqee. Imam Musa e Kazim, the son of Imam Jafar e Saqid lead the Namaze Janaza.

Hazrat Imam Ali (AS)

Hazrat Imam Ali (AS)

Hazrat Imam Ali (AS) was born right inside the Holy Qaba. His mother came near the house of God and requested Him to relive her from the pain she was feeling of the child which she was carrying. Immediately the wall of the Qaba gave way to Hazrat Fatima Bint e Asad . She went inside the house of God for three days. At that time the Prophet had gone out of Madin. When the prophet came back, he went inside the Holy Qaba, lifted Ali in his hands, and Ali opened his eyes and said as salaam Eleka Ya Rasool lalah. Prophet gave his tongue in the mouth of Ali. Ali was son of Abu Talib and Fatima Bint e Asad.He was brother of the prophet, his son in law, his Deputy, was husband of Hazrat Fatima, father of Imam Hassan and Hussain, Zainab and Umme Kalsum. Prophet many times said me and Ali are from the same Noor.

Throughout his life from day one till the last days of Prophet he was involved in every mission of Islam, whether related to the government level or related to the battle field. The first message of God in respect of preach of Islam Zul Ashher, God ordered to call your near ones and tell them. Ali was asked by the Prophet to arrange food for the guests for three days. On the last day Prophet introduced himself as the messenger and asked his elders that who out of you will become my deputy and assist me in my matters and will be my Khalifa, nobody answered the prophet except Ali Thrice Prophet asked thrice Ali stood up. Ali said ,“Oh Prophet of Islam no doubt I have weak legs I will help you in your mission”, then Prophet announced in the presence of all Quraish that,” Ali you will be my deputy, my Wasi and Khalifa”.

Hazrat Ali was of Wheatish complexion, medium height and broad shoulders like a Lion. According to SURA ALE IMRAN VERSE NO 61 it has been said byThe Almighty,” We call our nafs you call your nafs” and Prophet took his sons Hassan and Hussain Fatima and Ali as Nafs –e –Rasool. Hazrat Ali many times used to work in the fields. Once it was agreed that he will get one Khurma (Date) if he gets water out of well. Once he worked in the field and purchased barleys flour and 5 breads were prepared when they were about to eat an orphan called the other day a poor man came and on third day a prisoner called at the door of Ali on consecutive three days the food was given to the needy. Sura Hal Atta was sent by Allah.

Prophet after performing hajj while coming back at a place GHDEER gathered all his companions about one hundred thousand in number that who so ever I will be Master Ali will also be the Master of them. Prophet said to Ali you have the same status as Haroon had with Musa except there will be no prophet after me. On the last days of the prophet he could see some problem of leadership being discussed during his sickness with in his companions. He asked for pen and paper so that he should write some instructions so that after him they were not miss lead . Hazrat Umer made a very loud speech and said prophet has gone out of his head and the book of God is sufficient. No pen and paper was given to the Prophet, lots of hue and cry took place in the house of Hazrat Ayesha and many people gathered there.

Prophet said the following famous Hadees in favour of Ali.

1) To see the face of Ali is Ebadat,ToTalk (Ziker) of Ali is Ebadat. To have love of Ali is Ebadat.

2) If all tress become pens all sea become ink and all Jin and Ins try to write the qualities of Ali even then they will not able to write them.

3) Prophet said if any body gets the life of Hazrat Nooh,distributes the gold up to hills of Auhad in the name of Allah and performs one thousands hajj on foot and is killed brutally between Safa and Marwa, “ Ali if that persons does not love you, he/she will not enter heaven.

4) Prophet said,” I am the city of knowledge and Ali is his door”.

5) Prophet said,” Who so ever wants to see the knowledge of Adam, understanding up to the level of Nooh, Patience of Ibrahim, personality of Musa, prayers of Yahiya, should see Ali”.

6) Ali had the honour to stand on the shoulders of prophet to break the idols from the house of Allah on the Fatah-e- Macca.

7) Prophet closed the doors of all his companions, relatives opened in to Masjid Nabvi except the House of Ali.

8) Prophet made Ali his brother twice in front of his companions in the Muslim brotherhood.

9) Prophet said at the battle of Khyber that tomorrow ,”I will give the flag of Islam to a person who will be a Man, a fighter, and will not run away from the battlefield, loves his prophet and Allah, and His Prophet and Allah also love him ,and God will give success to him. The next day Prophet called Ali and gave Him the flag of Islam .Ali won the battle of Khyber and pulled out the door of Khyber with his hands.

10) At the time of migration of Prophet from Mecca Ali was asked by the prophet to sleep on his bed.

11) Ali said in Masjid e Kufa that ask me any thing you want to ask before I die because I know better the ways of skies than the land.

After the death of Prophet, and, Fatima, Ali was completely ignored by the Caliph Abu Bakar and his friends; they attacked the house of Ali, when they demanded allegiance from Him. Out of that attack, the door of the house fell on the ribs of Hazrat Fatima she was expecting and lost the child named Mohsan

Hazrat Ali compiled the Quran according to its revelation after its completion took the Quran to Abu Bakar to issue it for publication. Hazrat Abu Baker told Ali to keep this Quran to your self we do not need it.

Hazrat Ali became caliph on the death of Hazrat Usman on the 18th of Zilhaj 35 hijri .Hazrat Ayesha had gone to Mecca to perform Hajj when she was coming back to Medina, on her way back, she came to know of appointment of Ali. Talha and Zubair tried to bargain with Ali, on their appointment as governors, which Ali refused; instead Ali asked them that he will investigate as to how you have become so rich during the caliphate of his predecessors. They both went back to Mecca to join Hazrat Ayesha, who had an anti Ali element in her heart. So an army comprising of 30000 by Hazrat Ayesha encountered Ali with an army of 20000.This was a blow on the face of the history of Islam that a wife of prophet that too the daughter of the companion of prophet and so called friend of Ali, came across to a very loyal brother of the Prophet, who did every thing he could do for the glory of Islam at the cost of his life. Battle took place, and she was defeated, Ali escorted her to Medina with ladies and sent her with her brother Mohammad bi Abu Baker. Muawiyya another enemy of the family of Prophet of Islam openly challenged Caliphate of Ali resulting in to a Battle at Safeen. Muawiya was about to run away from the field, when on the behest of Omer e Aaas lifted 500 Qurans, to seek help. Ali requested his companions to keep on fighting, but they did not agree.

Finally Ali was planning to fight with Muawiya when he was attacked in the mosque by Ibne Mulgam on the morning of 19th Ramazan 40 Hijri. Hazrat Ali called his sons Hassan and Hussain and the other sons, and advised them to obey Hassan and Husain as they were the sons of Prophet of Islam , Ali handed Hazrat Abbas to Hussain that he will help you in Kerbala. On the after noon of 21st of Ramzan Ali accepted martyrdom, at that time Ali said ( Fuzto be Rabbil Qaba) I swear upon God I am successful. Imam Hassan Imam Hussain and Hazrat Abdulla bin Jafar gave him the last bath. Imam Hassan lead the Namaze Janaza . Hazrat Ali was 63 years of age and was buried at Najaf near the grave of Hazrat Adam and the Grave of Hazrat Nooh.

Imam Mohammad Taqi (AS)

Brief Life of Imam Mohammad Taqi (A.S)

 Parents & Birth

He was the only son of the eighth Imam Ali Riza (a.s.) The Prophet (pbuh&hf) 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(pbuh&hf) 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 responisbility 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.

His titles, life & works

The ruler of the time, Mamun Rashid, thought that as all the rulers before him had oppressed the Imams and their schemes had backfired that he would try to bribe the Imams. He tried to make the 8th Imam his heir apparent and give him power and wealth but that also backfired.

 

He now tried to use power and wealth with the 9th Imam again but from a much younger age thinking that he would be able to influence him. His main purpose was also to make sure that the 12th Imam (whom he knew would bring justice to the world) would be from his progeny and therefore intended to give his daughter Ummul Fadhl to the Imam for a wife. Mamun still continued oppressing the family and followers of the Ahlul-bayt (a.s.).

Mamun called the young Imam (a.s.) to Baghdad from Madina and offered his daughter. This infuriated his family (Banu Abbas). To prove to them the excellence of Imam even at a young age he arranged a meeting between Imam and the most learned of men at that time - Yahya bin Athkam.

 

It was a grand occasion with some 900 other scholars present. Imam (a.s.) was first asked by Yahya:

What is the compensation (kaffara) for a person in Ehraam who hunted and killed his prey?"

 

Imam replied that there were many more details required before he could answer the question: 

 

Did the Muhrim (one in Ehraam) hunt in the haram or outside? 

Did the Muhrim know Sharia or not? Did he hunt intentionally or not? 

Did he hunt for the first time or was this one of many times? 

Was he free or a slave? Was his prey a bird or an animal? 

Was it big or small? 

Had he hunted by day or by night? 

Was he baligh or not? 

Was he repentant or not? 

Was his ehraam for Hajj or Umra? 

 

Yahya was stunned. He looked down and started sweating.

 

Mamun asked the young Imam(a.s.) to answer the question, which he did, and then Imam(a.s.) asked Yayha a question which he could not answer. Then Ma'mun addressed the audience thus : ``Did I not say that the Imam comes of a family which has been chosen by Allah as the repository of knowledge and learning ? Is there any one in the world who can match even the children of this family ?'' All of them shouted , ``Undoubtedly there is no one parallel to Muhammad ibn `Ali al - Jawad .'' In the same assembly Mamun wedded his daughter Ummul Fadl to the Imam(a.s.) and liberally distributed charity and gifts among his subjects as a mark of rejoicing . Imam (a.s.) read his own Nikah (the khutba of which is used today) with the Mehr of 500 dirhams. Imam(a.s.) wrote a letter to Mamun that he would also give Ummul Fadhl Mehr from the wealth of Aakhira. This was in the form of 10 duas which were for fulfilling any hajaat (desires) [Chain of narrators upto Prophet - Jibrail - Allah]* . Thus his title Al-Jawad (the generous one).

* These duas are found in Mafatihul Jinaan (pg 447 - In margin)

 

Imam(a.s.) lived for a year in Baghdad with Ummul Fadhl. She was very disobedient to Imam(a.s.). When she found out that Imam(a.s.) had another wife (from the progeny of Ammar-e-Yasir(a.r.)) and that there was also children she was jealous and angry realizing that her father's plan had failed. She complained to her father who also realized that his plan, to keep the 12th Imam in his progeny, had failed. He was enraged and in his rage he drank heavily and went to the 9th Imam's(a.s.) house and attacked the Imam(a.s.) with a sword. Both Ummul Fadhl and a servant saw the attack and believed that the Imam(a.s.) was dead. Mamun, on waking next morning, realized the consequences of his attack and was thinking of arranging the disposal of Imam's(a.s.) body when he saw Imam(a.s.) well without even a scratch on him. He was confused and asked Imam(a.s.) who showed him an amulet which is called Hirze Jawad. Imam(a.s.) told him it was from his grand mother Bibi Fatima Zahra (s.a.) and kept the wearer safe from all except the angel of death. Mamun asked Imam(a.s.) for it and Imam(a.s.) gave him one.

 

Now Mamun was scared and tried a new tactic. He tried to deviate Imam(a.s.) by sending him beautiful girls and musicians. When he realised nothing was working he let Imam(a.s.) return to Madina.

Imam(a.s.) used this time to prepare the masails of Taqleed and Ijtihaad in preparation for the 12th Imam(a.s.) knowing that both the 10th and the 11th Imams(a.s.) would spend most of their lives in prison. He also prepared the people of Madina teaching true Islam knowing that this would be the last time they would be able to receive guidance directly from an Imam(a.s.) for a long time.

 

Ummul Fadhl continuously complained of Imam(a.s.) to her father who sent her letters back.

Mamun died in 218 a.h. and was succeeded by his brother Mo'tasam Billah. He openly announced that all Shias were non-Muslims. He said it was required for people to kill and prosecute Shias, and to destroy property belonging to Shias.

 

Ummul Fadhl now started complaining to her uncle who was sympathetic to her. Mo'tasam called the Imam(a.s.) to Baghdad. He asked him to pass judgement of how to punish a thief. Imam(a.s.) said only fingers could be cut as the palms were for Allah (as in Qur'an - it is one of the wajib parts to touch the ground during sajda). As this decision was contrary to the decision of the other 'Ulema' it strengthened the position of the Shias. The other 'Ulema' complained to Mo'tasam.

Death & Burial

With instigation from both the 'Ulema' and Ummul Fadhl, Mo'tasam sent poison which Ummul Fadhl put in Imam's(a.s.) drink and gave it to him. Imam(a.s.) died on 29th Dhulqa'ada at the age of 25 years and is buried near his grandfather in Kadhmain. His son the 10th Imam, Imam Ali Naqi(a.s.) gave him ghusl and kafan.

 

Summary of Imam's Work

It is he who prepared and wrote books for the masails of Ijtihaad and Taqleed which were essential to prepare believers for the ghaibat of the 12th Imam.

Sayings of Imam

* The trust in Allah is the price of everything that is precious and the ladder to every goal which is high & sublime. 

* One who follows his desire, concedes to the wishes of his enemy. 

* Do not be an apparent friend of Allah in open and a secret enemy of his in private.

 

Hazrat Abu Talib (AS)

WALADAT –E-HAZRAT ABU TALIB IMAAN-e- ABU TALIB

To day is the day the 29th of Shawaal the day Hazrat Abu Talib was born. I have tried to throw some light on the Iman –e Abu Talib.

To understand the importance of lineage and to comprehend the essence of the history of IMAMAT, I request my friends to refer to Ayat Sura Baqra No.124.

In this Aya –tul- Mubaraka, Allah addresses Hazrat Ibrahim and announces that He has chosen Ibrahim to be an Imam Hazrat Ibrahim, in ayat no. 128 requests Allah to continue Imamat in his family, as Allah categorically in the ayats before this ayat claims that IMAMAT cannot be bestowed upon evildoers. Hazrat Ibrahim in Sura Baqra Ayat no 128 implores to Allah ’Oh our lord make us submissive to you and also make my family Muslim. Show us our holy rites and forgive us, surely you are, all compassionate. Allah did grant Ibrahim his prayers, and a line of IMAMS followed thereafter: Hazrat Hashim, Hazrat Abdul Mutalib, Hazrat Abu Talib Hazrat Abdullah, were all Ale Ibrahim. Salat is not complete till Muslims send Salams and Darood upon Ale Ibrahim in their daily prayers.

When Abraha attacked the house of Allah he took as hostage camels, goats and sheep of Abdul Mutalib, the Grandfather of the Prophet of Islam, Abdul Mutalib, went to Abraha to request him to release his camels and goats etc. Abraha insinuated Abu Talib of not being concerned about the House of God and only worrying about his own camels. Abraha could not absorb the fact that the Caretaker of the House of Allah was not bothered about the Kaaba, and he had come to him with the demand of releasing his camels. Abu Talib had very candidly replied that the camel were his property, thus he had every right to demand their return, whereas the House belonged to Allah, and He would protect it. A very unique way to avenge HIS enemy, Allah sent a battalion of small birds, Ababeel, who carried pebbles in their beaks. The attacking elephants turned into heaps of hay as they were struck with these seemingly harmless shingles. Abu Talib’s conviction that Allah will protect HIS house is enough proof of his faith in Allah, this we see clearly stated in Ayat 124 and 128. The fact that he was a descendent of Ibrahim removes any doubts that he was Ale Ibrahim, thus a Muslim.

Hazrat Abu Talib spent most part of his life for the Glory of Islam, for the propagation of its teachings and for the assurance of protecting the Prophet of Islam .Hazrat Abu Talib tolerated the enmities of his tribe Quraish. He endured the boycott by Quraish for three years at Shob –e Abu Talib. The Quraish imposed on the family of the Prophet economic, cultural and political restrictions. Hazrat Abu Talib in his various ways and on various occasions issued statements and also in his poetry demonstrated his full-fledge support to the Prophet of Islam. It is no hidden fact that Hazrat Abu Talib advised his sons Jafar and Ali to give all out support to Mohammad (pbuh)

If we analyze the history of Islam, we see the Image of Abu Talib being portrayed as an ordinary person; at least this is how his critics perceive him. To a logical mind this verdict seems unjustified and totally baseless. Abu Talib not only protected the Prophet in difficult times but stood by his side in thick and thin. It is strange that people, who claim that Abu Talib was a Kafir, have not passed similar judgements about the enemies of the Prophet of Islam. Take the example of Abu Sufyan, who remained an enemy of Islam and the Prophet and embraced Islam only out of fear at the conquest of Mecca, how can anyone consider a character like Abu Sufyan to be faithful to the Prophet whilst relegate Abu Talib to the status of a non-believer.Considering Abu Sufyan to be a Wonderful Muslim and labelling a diehard supporter a Kafir is nothing short of blasphemy. Hazrat Abu Talib’s love and devotion for the Prophet PBUH is evident from the poem written below:

Oh Mohammad you are a prophet;

You are Syed, leader and Nobel;

You are the person who is establishing the thoughts of his forefathers;

On the links of those who are pure and born to the pure blood.

Hazrat Abu Talib once said;

I swear upon God I have embraced Islam and have written the following poem;

I have helped the Prophet; yes have helped the prophet of Islam,

Through the Swords which shine like the lighting Light,

I support the prophet of Islam and defend him,

And help Him like a person who feels his pain.

Once he said to the people of his tribe and said; don’t you know that amongst us the Prophet has never been insulted?

We have not given any consideration towards foolish talk of the Stan. He is Nobel, who is considered the superior most among all the tribe leaders,

He belongs to the house of Banu Hashim, who is bench mark of all good deeds,

I saw upon myself that for Ahmad, I put myself in the highest of troubles,

I have always looked upon Him like a true friend; he has always remained good with His friends and family.

When Abu Talib started his journey of trade to Syria, the Prophet Mohammad inquired from Abu Talib, who would take care of him in Abu Talib’s absence. Prophet PBUH pointed at the fact that neither did he have a father nor a mother who he could love. Abu Talib wept and swore upon God, he would take Mohammad with him as; they both couldn’t live without each other. When the caravan reached Basra a Christian scholar named Buhira, saw the caravan and arranged abundant food for the caravan. He saw a patch of cloud hovering over Mohammad. Buhira went to Mohammad (pbuh) and asked Mohammad,” If I ask you something swearing upon the idols Laat and Aza would you answer?’ Mohammad refused to answer the questions, based on the Idols. Buhira asked the Prophet upon future things and Mohammad answered them correctly. Buhira saw the stamp of Prophet Hoodon at his back. A kaafir bows down and accepts Mohammad as the Messenger of Allah, and his own uncle who is accompanying him, doesn’t! How foolhardy can one be to not see what is clear as the day? Till the day Abu Talib was alive, he was a protector of Prophet Hood, and this position was bestowed upon him by Allah Almighty.

Once there was a severe draught at Mecca and the tribe of Quraish requested Abu Talib to pray for rain. Abu Talib holding the Prophet’s (PBUH) hand, who was a mere eight year old at that time, asked him to place his hands on the walls of the Holy Qaba, and to pray. Showers of rain came pouring down, quenching the thirst of the people the land and the animals despite the absence of a single cloud in the sky. A non-believer will never have faith in either the Kaaba or the Prophet’s miracles.

In yet another incident, one day Mohammad (pbuh) came to his uncle, Abbas and said that Allah had assigned him the task of spreading HIS message, Abbas tried to warn Mohammad (PBUH), ”My dear son you know that the tribe of Quraish have enmity with you so be aware of it”. He advised Mohammad to seek permission from his Guardian Abu Talib. Both went to Abu Talib to seek permission, Abu Talib encouraged Mohammed,” Preach your religion because you belong to the family of nobles”. Abu Talib vowed,’’ I swear no voice will hurt you but swords will be showered upon your enemies.” Can anyone be so steadfast in protecting and still not believe in the cause? Just this assurance is enough to establish the faith of Abu Talib.

One day there was a gathering of heads of Quraish and hot discussion was going on with Hazrat Abu Talib. The Quraish leaders complained to Abu Talib about Mohammad’s preaching and challenged Abu Talib that they will not change their religion and will kill Mohammad. As he came out of the meeting, he found Mohammad missing. Abu Talib searched for his nephew everywhere. Unsuccessful, Abu Talib called upon the heads of Banu Hashim, Banu Abdul Mutalib and asked them to draw their swords and sit with each leader of Quraish and kill them all if they have killed Mohammad. During this time when whereabouts of Mohammad were not known Abu Talib saw Zaid bin Harris and inquired from Zaid, ‘Have you seen Mohammad?’’ Zaid replied, “Mohammad was busy on the hill of Sufa, when I last saw him. He was hale and hearty.” Abu Talib accompnied with Zaid to confirm this, and saw Mohammad sitting with his followers. Abu Talib took Mohammad to the leaders of Quraish and declared,” Had Mohammad been killed every one of you would have been killed by now!”

Whenever Hazrat Abu Talib used to see Mohammad tears used to stream down his eyes. Often he used to say, “Whenever I see Mohammad it reminds me of his father Abdullah.” Hazrat Abu Talib and Hazrat Abdullah were real brothers. Once Hazrat Abu Talib along with his Son Jafar was passing through, both saw Ali offering prayer with Mohammad, Abu Talib said to Jafar “You also offer prayer with Mohammad.” Jafar also joined both of them and when prophet came to know that Jafar had joined, he came forward in order to lead the prayer. When revelations started, Mohammad (PBUH) frequented the Masjad –e- Haram for prayers.Once Ali, who was nine years, was passing by, and was stopped by the Prophet and Mohammad (PBUH) said to Ali, “I am the messenger of God, especially for you, and generally for every human being,” Prophet asked Ali to stand on his right side and offer prayer. Ali said to the Prophet “May I seek permission from my father.” Ali went to his father and sought permission. At this Hazrat Abu Talib said to Ali “You know Mohammad has always been truthful, go to him and offer prayer” then he said to Jafar to join Mohammad” Jafar joined Mohammad and stood with him on His left side.

One day all the heads of Quraish came to Abu Talib and complained to him about Mohammad that he criticizes their gods. They suggested that in exchange for Mohammed they would give Abu Talib a beautiful young man named Ammara. Abu Talib refused.At this Quraish started exchanging hot words, both sides were about to fight with each other. Hazrat Abu Talib conveyed the feelings of the Quraish to Mohammad, “My son the heads of Quraish came to me and complained that you criticize their gods. It would be good if you understand my position, as I have grown old”. The Prophet thinking that Abu Talib has changed his mind to support him replied,” Even if these people place the sun on my right hand and the moon on my left hand to stop me from my mission, I will not stop even at the cost of my life”. Hazrat Abu Talib listening to his nephew’s conviction in his cause, reiterated his unrelenting support and declared “Go ahead my son, do whatever you think is best and I will help you till the end of my life”.

Hazrat Abu Talib was married to the daughter of his uncle, Fatima Bint Asad, who was his only wife. He had four sons Talib, Aqeel, Jafar and Ali and two daughters Umme Hani and Jamana. Hazrat Abu Talib had the honour to recite the Khutba –e –Nikah of Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) With Hazrat Khadija.

Following is the text of Khutba e Nikkah recited by Abu Talib;

All praise is for Allah who born us in the clan of Ibrahim and Ismaeel, created for us a House of God where people come and perform Haj. Which is a place of peace, where all kinds of fruits and food come. He made us leaders. My nephew Mohammad bin Abdullah is incomparable to any one in the Quraish. He is not rich and richness is temporary. The fact is Mohammad (PBUH) is inclined towards Khadija and so is She towards Him. Abu Talib said,” What ever Haq Mehar you people demand, will be paid by me”. Twelve ounces gold and twenty camels Haq Mehar was paid by Hazrat Abu Talib.

It is shameful that the person who recited the Nikah of the prophet and looked after the Prophet for the whole of his life is declared as a Kafir by the Muslim Ummah. We must decide once and for all, will we accept judgements about great personalities like Abu Talib archived by corrupt and bribed historians like Abu Hurraira, Bukhari and Muslim or will we arrive at our own conclusions after analysing the cause and effects using our own brains?

Hazrat Abu Talib preferred Mohammad over his sons at Shob e Abu Talib for three years, and throughout the life of the Prophet. Allah has a tradition that he does not like to raise His prophet by his opponent. As in the case of Hazrat Ibrahim, food was provided to Ibrahim through his thumb. And Hazrat Musa, when at the house of Pharaoh was fed through his real mother. It was well planned by the enemies of Prophet and His family to declare Abu Talib as Kafir by influencing historians, but if we really know our history we will come to the conclusion that Abu Talib could not have been but a strong believer, because Allah shall never trust HIS most beloved to an enemy and a non-believer.

I invite all intelligent minds to use their brilliant brains and logically analyse the role of Abu Talib in the entire scheme of things. I am confident that if my friends will look beneath the surface they will see the truth staring right back at them, and they will appreciate the responsibility that was given to Abu Talib. He was a buffer between the Good and the Evil, he was the defence that Mohammad so badly needed in order to get through to people. He was the cushion between the Right and the Wrong. Only he could have appeased the hostile Quraish leaders while backing Mohammad to continue with his mission. In his absence Mohammad would have had to face hostility and rejection, and because Mohammad was meant to be ‘Rahmatul Lil Aalameen’, he could not have retaliated in a similar fashion. Thus, the importance of a BULWARK and a FORTIFICATION in the form of Abu Talib in order to keep Mohammad away from: dealing with dirty politics and lowly matters. Abu Talib to a great extent was successful in keeping the enemy at bay and allowing Mohammad the space to carry on with his mission of spreading the message of Allah. It is surprising that the Muslim Ummah do not have the ‘deed a e beena’(intelligent eye) to look beyond the obvious.

In the end I send Lakho Darrood and Karoro Salam on Hazrat Abu Talib.