TheLifeOfFatimaAz-ZahraAyatullahBaqirSharifAlQarashi-XKP

Published:2013Tag(s):islam

1ChapterQuranicVerses

هللا ةنعل لعجنف لهتبن مث مكسفنأو انسفنأو مكءاسنو انءاسنو مكءانبأو انءانبأ عدن اولاعت لقف ملعلا نم كءاج ام دعب نم هیف كجاح نمف3/61 ) . نیبذاكلا ىلع )

“Say:Comeletuscalloursonsandyoursonsandourwomenandyourwomenandourselvesandyourselves,thenletusbeearnestinprayer,andprayforthecurseofAllahontheliars.(3:61)”

33/33 ) . اریهطت مكرهطیو تیبلا لهأ سجرلا مكنع بهذیل هللا دیری امنإ )

“Allahonlydesirestokeepawaytheuncleannessfromyou,OpeopleoftheHouse,andtopurifyyouathoroughpurifying.(33:33)”

42/23 ) . ىبرقلا يف ةدوملا الإ ارجأ هیلع مكلأسأ ال لق )

“Say:Idonotaskofyouanyrewardforitbutloveformynearrelatives.(42:23)”

2ChapterDedication

TothebuilderoftheHumanCivilization,andtheemitterofspiritandknowledgeingenerations,

To the Last of the Prophets, and theMaster ofmessengersMuhammad (blessing and peace be onhim);

IoffertohisexaltedstandingthisstudyonthehighestwomanAllahhasevercreatedintheearth;

ThepartoftheProphet(a.s.),andtheprincipalofthewomenoftheworlds;Fatimaaz-Zahra’(peacebe on her), hoping that itwill be accepted, and this ismy expectationwhen I shallmeetAllah theAlmighty.

Theauthor

3ChapterBeforeYourHands

OyouthepartofthemessengerofAllah,AfragrancefromthesoulofMuhammad,ThesourceofdignityintheworldofIslam,AflamefromthelightofAllah,andaflowfromHismercy,ThemotherofthetwomastersoftheyouthofParadise,ThepsalmofeverynobleladyfromthedaughtersofEve,Thelightbywhichtheconfusedareguidedinthedarknessofignorance,Oyouwhorejectedthepleasuresoflife,andlivedforabstinence,virtuousness,andasceticism,

OmyLady, theaimsofyour father, the saviorofhumanity, lit inyour soul, andhisvalues shoneinside you, and so you set out from the essence of the revelation and the mission into a greatrevolutionagainstdeviationthatMuslimswereafflictedwithafterthedepartureofyourfathertothebetterworld.

Youstruggledstablyandloftilytotakethembacktothepathofthemissionthatyourfatherhadmadeto save the nation from deviation and from slipping into the abysses of this life. So you refutedsuspicion,littheway,andshowedtheclearproof,butpeopleadmiredthislife,wereinterestedinitspleasures,andtheyinsistedonerringandstubbornness.

Mylady, theseareglimpsesfromyourhigh ideals,whichareasaLegionofHonor to theIslamicnation,thatIofferhumblyandreverentlytoyourhighstandingexpectingfromAllahtheAlmightythatIshallobtainyourintercessionthatincludesmanymanyslackpeoplelikeme!

Theauthor

4ChapterAwordbytheVerifier

Fatima (a.s.) is the highest woman in knowledge, purity, patience, and piety that history has everknown.Shewasbroughtup in thehouseofRevelationandgrew in the lapof thegreatestProphet(a.s.),andthusshewasthevesselofImamateandthecontinuityofProphethood.

ShegotmarriedtoAmeerulMo'mininAlibinAbiTalib(a.s.)andlivedwithhimalifeofsimplicityandasceticism,andsoshewasanidealexampleforMuslimwomenor,indeed,forallMuslims.

However, fate willed for her that she would not live after her father ’s death but for a short timebecause of the oppression and harms shemet from the people; though the Prophet (a.s.) had saidabouther, ‘Fatima is apart fromme;whoeverharmsherharmsme.’But,peopledenied the truth,deviatedfromthepathoftheMission,andturnedhim(ImamAli)awayfromthepositionofImamate.

Thebookbeforeyou,dear reader, is a studyon the lifeof InfallibleFatima (a.s.), thedaughterofProphetMuhammad (a.s.). Our role in this bookwas the reviewing and verifying of its texts andsources.PraisebetoAllahandAllah’sblessingbeonMuhammadandhispureprogeny.

MahdiBaqiral-Qurashi13thMuharram,1424AH.

5ChapterForeword

ThisisastudyonthehighestladyinthehistoryofIslamatall.SheisFatimaaz-Zahra’(peacebeonher),thedaughteroftheProphet(a.s.),thepartofhim,andhistrusttohisnation.Hewasutmostloyalinhislovetoher.Hefedherwithhistalents,geniuses,andmentality.

ThemessengerofAllah(a.s.)putFatima(a.s.) in thehighestplace,andmosthonorableposition inIslamtobethehighestexampleforthewomenofhisnation,notinchastityandabstinenceonly,buttoplay her role in the inclusive reformation if his umma (nation) would go astray. And indeed, theprincipalofwomen(a.s.)undertookherpositiverolewhentheummadeviatedfromitsspiritualandworldlyleadershipthattheProphet(a.s.)hadassignedtobeinthepeopleofhishousewhowerethecentersofknowledgeandintellectintheworldofIslam.She,peacebeonher,setstably,bravely,andloftilyagainsttherulersandinvitedthemtostraightnessandtotheveryprinciplesofIslam.Sheaskedthem to return the caliphate to themaster of the pure progenyAmeerulMo'minin, ImamAli (a.s.)whomthemessengerofAllah(a.s.)hadappointedashissuccessor,thecaliph,andtheleaderovertheumma.

TheProphet(a.s.)didnotleaveanykindofhonoring,reverence,andglorification,butheshowedtohis daughter. He announced that in the yard of his mosque, from on his minbar, and in all hismeetings. This veneration was strange to that society that disregarded, despised, and disdainedwoman.Amanwasgrievedwhenhiswifegavebirthtoafemale.TheHolyQur'ansays,(Whenoneofthemreceivestidingsofthebirthofafemale,hisfaceremainsdarkened,andheiswrothinwardly.16:58)Thepeopleof thatsocietyburiedtheirdaughtersalive,anditwasfamousamongthemtheirsaying“theburyingofgirls isavirtue”.AllahsaysintheQur'an,(Andwhenthefemaleinfant thatwasburiedaliveisasked;Forwhatsinshewaskilled.81:9)

TheProphet(a.s.)wanted,outofhonoringhisdaughterFatima(a.s.),tomakeMuslimsknowherhighposition to him, and know her educational, religious, and scientific virtues. She was extremelyperfect,andtherefore,theProphet(a.s.)wantedtomakeherasahighexampleforhisumma;menandwomen.Besides,hewantedtoreinforcehersituationinjihadthatshewouldundertakeafterhim.

The Prophet (a.s.) established a new society that acknowledged the right and the high position ofwoman,andacknowledgedherimportanceinthereligionofAllah.

Thecertain thing thathasnobitofdoubt is that theProphet (a.s.)didnot followanyemotionalormaterialtendency,fortheimportanceofprophethoodwasabovethat.HepreferredthesatisfactionofAllahtoeverythingelse.Hewassincereinallhisconducts,forhewasthegreatestpropagandistofAllahwhodidnotspeakoutofdesirebutarevelationthatwasrevealedtohim.

AndthecertainthingthathasnobitofdoubtisthatthevenerationandhighrespecttheProphet(a.s.)

showedtohisdaughterbesideshispreferringhertoallthewomenoftheworlds,asmentionedinthetraditionsthatweretransmittedfromhiminthebooksofHadithandotherbooksofhistory,werenotoutof thesentimentof fatherhood,but itcameoutof the real infallibility,abstinence,and thedeepfaithinAllahthatFatima(a.s.)had,besidesherfullperceivingofherfather ’sheavenlymission.ShewasatreasurefromthetreasuresofIslam,ahighexamplefromthespiritualityofprophethood,andalightthatguidedthenationfromignorancetothetruth.

Theprincipalof thewomenof theworlds(a.s.),since thebeginningof theIslamicmission,helpedandassistedherfatherwhometbittercrueltyandpersecutionfromthetyrantsofQuraysh,[1]attheheadofwhomwastheUmayyadgangunder the leadershipofAbuSufyanwhosparednoeffort intryingtoputoutthelightofIslamandtorevivethecharacteristicsofthepre-Islamicerawithallitssinsandvices.

Fatima (a.s.)was a young girl then. She comforted her father, treated hiswounds, andwashed hisclothesfromthefilthsthattherudemenofQurayshthrewonhim.Hersoulmeltedforhim,andshecriedbitterlyforhissufferingsinthewayofthemission.Sheoccupiedthefeelingsandsentimentsofherfather,andtherefore,hehadspecialloveinthedeepofhishearttowardsher.Hepreferredhertotherestofhischildren.

Asceticismand turningaway from thedesires andpleasuresof theworldly lifewas theprominentfeatureinthelifeofFatima(a.s).Shewassatisfiedwithaverysimpleliving.Historianssaythatherfoodwasnotmorethanwaterandbread,andthefurnitureinherhousewasabedmadeofpalm-treebranches, a sheep skin, some pillows stuffedwith palm-tree fibers, and some pottery. It had neverbeenmentionedthatshehadeveraskedorinsistedonherhusbandtobringheranyofthepleasuresoflife.Shewassatisfiedwiththesimplestlivingthatthepoorestpeoplelived.ItwasalessonforMuslimwomannottoburdenherhusbandwithheavyrequeststhathecannotcarryout.

Itisnonsenseandconfusion,andinfact,itisoutoftheenmitytoIslamthatwhichLamanssaidinhisbook “Fatima and the daughters ofMuhammad”.He said that the Prophet (a.s.) hated Fatima (a.s.)becausehehadmarriedhertoImamAli(a.s.)whowaspoor,andthatthefurnitureofherhousewastoosimple.LamansdidforgetthatIslamhadestablishedthemaritalrelationonthebasisoflove

[1]ThetribewhichinhabitedMeccaatthetimeoftheProphet(a.s.)andtowhichhebelonged.

andkindnessbetweenspousespayingnoattentiontothemeansofluxury.TheProphet(a.s.)said,‘Thebestwomenofmynationarethosewhosedowriesaretheleast.’Dofurnitureandmeansofluxuryhaveanyvalueifthemaritallifeisfulloftroubles,hatred,andspite?

Allah theAlmighty gave a prevailing victory toHis slave andmessengerMuhammad (a.s.). Islamprevailedanddefeatedallenemies.Mecca,whichwasthestrongfortfortheenemiesofIslam,wasconqueredandpeopleenteredthereligionofAllahatroopafteranother.ThisshortperiodwasthehappiestperiodinthelifeofFatima(a.s.),forIslamtriumphedanditsenemiesweredefeated.

In thisperiod, theprincipalof thewomenof theworldsundertook the leadershipof thewomenofMuslims.She taught themtheHolyQur'anandgave lectureson theprinciplesandvaluesof Islam.Shetookthewomentowardsthenobilitiesofcharacterandhighideals,andtaughtthemtherulingsofIslamandwoman’sdutiestowardsherhusband,children,andfamily.

Fatima(a.s.)livedduringthatperiodinvenerationandglorificationunderthecareandmercyofherfather(a.s.),besidesthegreatrespectandregardshegotfromtheMuslimwomenandtheProphet’scompanions.

When the Prophet (a.s.) left to the better world, Fatima (a.s.) suffered severe distresses andmisfortunes.Shereceivedaversionandcrueltyfromsomeofherfather ’scompanions.Theydeniedherhighpositionandimportancetoherfather.Shesaidinsomepoetry,orsomepoetsaiddescribingher,“Disasterswerepouredonmethatiftheywerepouredondays,theywouldturnnights.”

WhatwerethosedisastersthatchangedthehappydaysofFatima(a.s.)intodarknights?!

Whatwerethosepainsthatmadeherdisgustlifeandwisheagerlytojoinherfather?!

ThebeloveddaughterofthemessengerofAllah(a.s.)livedashortperiodafterthedeathofherfathersurroundedbywavesofdistressesandsufferings,andthenshejoinedherfatherinthebetterworldwhileshewasintheprimeofyouthyet.

DisasterswerenotlimitedtoFatimaaz-Zahra’thedaughterofthemessengerofAllahalone,buttheyafflictedherchildrenafterhertoo.HereldestsonImamal-Hasan(a.s.)metfromMo’awiyadifferentcalamitiesandpainsuntil,finally,hewaspoisonedtodeathbyhim.

HersecondsonImamal-Husayn(a.s.)wasafflictedwithdisastersthatmountainwouldshakebefore.ThegreatarmyofcriminalsthatYazidbinMo’awiya,thewickedUmayyadcaliph,senttofightImamal-Husayn (a.s.) surrounded the imam, his family, and companions in the desert of Kerbala, andpreventedthemfromwateruntilwomenandchildrenwereabouttodieofthirsty.Thespitefularmyof Yazid killed the best choice of the progeny of the messenger of Allah, and the best of hiscompanions.ThenswordscametoImamal-Husayn(a.s.)totearhimintopiecesandmaimhisholybody.Theyburiedthecorpsesoftheirkilledones,butleftthepurecorpsesofImamal-Husayn(a.s.)and his family and followers on the desert. Later on, some men from bani[1] Asad buried thesemartyrs to change into light stands for Muslims who circumambulated them and still do as theycircumambulate the Kaaba, for they have become symbols of justice, dignity, and all values thatMuslimsprideof.

AsforFatima’sonlydaughterZaynab,shealsofacedsuccessivecalamities.Shesawthemurdersofher brothers and all themembers of her family before her eyes. She saw the fierce attack of thewickedcriminals towardsherandthedaughtersofprophethoodwhileholdingflamingtorchesandcryingout:“Burnthehousesoftheunjust!”

OmyGod!

Thehouseofprophethood,thesourceofmercy,thecenterofwisdom

[1]Banimeans“thefamilyof”or“thetribeof”.

and knowledge was “the house of injustice” due to those criminals, whereas the house of the(illegitimate)sonofMarjanah,andthehouseofhismasterthedrunkardYazidwere“thehousesof

justice”!!!

ThecriminalssetfiretothetentsoftheAlawidwomenwhoranawayinthedesertfollowedbyfire.The enemiesofAllah robbed the jewels of thosewomen and all that theyhad, and then theyweretakenascaptivestotheterrorist,criminalsonofMarjanah,andthentohismasterYazidthegrandsonofAbuSufyanwhowastheheadofthepolytheists.Thesewomenofthehouseofprophethoodwerecarriedfromacountrytoanother,andtheirfaceswereexposedtothisandthat.

ThesecalamitiesthattheProphet’sprogenyfacedwere,undoubtedly,aresultofthesayingthatsomepeople called for after the death of the Prophet (a.s.) that “prophethood and caliphate should notgatherinonehouse”.

FromthedirectresultsofthissayingwasthattheUmayyadsassumedtheruleandexceededinkillingtheAhlulBayt(s)[1]andwhoeverbelievedandfollowedthem.

The terribleevents that tookplace in the first Islamicage triedMuslimsseverelyand left for themseditions andgreat evils.The sad events that tookplace directly after the departure of theProphet(a.s.)werethesourceofthegreatseditionthatafflictedMuslimsandseparatedtheirunitythroughouttheirhistory.Theseeventsmustbestudiedastheywerewithnopartialityortendency.

FromthemostterribleeventsofthatagewastheattackagainstthehouseofFatima(a.s.)thatcausedher to miscarry her fetus. The attackers, who were eminent companions of the Prophet (a.s.),threatened to set fire to her house. Some past and present historians and authors concealed,intentionally,theseeventstosanctifyandexaltthosecompanions.

[1]Theprophet’sprogeny.

IthinkthatstudyingtheseeventsobjectivelyandaccuratelywillbefruitfulforallMuslims.ItshalluniteMuslims, removeconfusionsandambiguities, andshow the truth, for the Islamichistoryhadbeenmixedwithfabrications,distortions,andlies.

He,who studies the history of the first age of Islam impartially and away from emotions,will becertain that therewas aplot intendedly concludedagainst theAhlulBayt (s) inorder tokeep themawayfromthepoliticallife,therule,andallaffairsofthestate.Peopletriedtheirbesttoobtaintheauthority,theleadershipofthenation,andthewealthofthecountry.TheygavedeafearstowhattheProphet(a.s.)hadsaidandtheythrewhistraditionsintothewastebasket.Thenationsuffered,becauseofthat,terribleproblemsandlosttoomuch.

From the direct results of extorting the caliphate from the Ahlul Bayt (s) was that people revoltsbrokeoutwhere riversofMuslims’bloodwere shed.Sorrow spread everywhere andwidowsandorphans were in every house. Surely, all that was because people deviated from the path that theProphet (a.s.) had established for his nation and guaranteed success for it if it would keep to theQur'anandthepureprogeny.

Certainly,authorityandcaliphatehadnovalueneartheAhlulBayt(s)whohadbeencreatedforvirtueandperfection.Theyhadnoanytendencytotherule.Theimportanceoftheruletothemwasjusttoestablishthetruthandspreadjusticeamongallpeople.

Once,AmeerulMo'minin (ImamAli) (a.s.) saw his vizier delighted for the caliphate of ImamAli(a.s.)whohadashoemadeofpalm-treefibersinhishand.ImamAli(a.s.)said,‘OibnAbbas,whatisthevalueofthisshoe?’

IbnAbbassaid,‘OAmeerulMo'minin,ithasnovalue.’

ImamAli(a.s.)said,‘It isbetter tomethanyourcaliphateexceptthatIestablishthetruthandresistfalseness…’

ForthesenobleaimsthatMuslimswouldenjoy,thewishoftheAhlulBayt(s)totheundertakingoftheleadershipofthenationwas.

ImamAli (a.s.) showed themotivesbehindhisdisputewithAbuBakr saying, ‘OAllah,Youknowthat,whichwasbetweenusandAbuBakr,wasnotacompetitiononauthorityorlookingforwardtosomethingof thepleasuresof thisworld, but itwas to carryout the rulingsofYour religion, andrevivetheannulledpenaltiesofYours,sothattheoppressedofYourpeoplewouldbesafe…’

Andreally,whentheIslamiccaliphate,whichwastheshadowofAllahintheearth,wastakenawayfromtheAhlulBayt(s),theUmayyadsandafterthemtheAbbasidjumpedtoitanditbecameasaplayintheirhands.Theyspentthewealthofthenationonamusementsandpleasures.Theyruledoverthenationwithinjusticeandoppression.Atfirstsightonthehistoryofthosekings,itshallbeclearthattheypouredterriblecalamitiesandmisfortunesonthenation.

ThesituationofFatima(a.s.)towardstheruleofAbuBakrandherresistingtohimwasjustforthewelfareofthenationandtoprotectitagainstinjusticeandoppression.

From thedirect resultsand fruitsof the resistanceofFatima (a.s.) to the ruleofAbuBakrwas thefoundationoftheschooloftheAhlulBayt(s)thatrepresentedtherealIslamwithitsdeeplegislationsandwonderfulrulingsthattheinfallibleimamsoftheAhlulBayt(s)spread.

ThehistoricsermonthatFatima(a.s.)hadmadeintheyardofherfather ’smosqueputeverythinginitsplace.Inthatspeech,shedeclaredthegreatdangersandcrisesthatthenationwouldfacebecauseoftakingthecaliphateawayfromtheprogenyoftheProphet(a.s.)whowerethehouseofrevelation,thecenterofknowledge,andthepillarsofhonorinIslam.ByherwilltoherhusbandImamAli(a.s.),shestrengthenedhersituationthatdeniedtheruleofAbuBakr.

Sheasked,inherwill,ImamAli(a.s.)toburyher,afterdeath,inthedarknessofnight,andnottoletanyoneofthose,whooppressedanddeprivedherofherrights,escortherpurecorpseorattendherfunerals.

ApartofMuslimsfollowedtheAhlulBayt(s),andthefaithinthemhasbeenanessentialpartintheirreligious life. The followers of the Ahlul Bayt (s) depend on the traditions transmitted from theimamsoftheAhlulBayt(s)inlegislation,andnotfromotherthanthemoftheothersectsofMuslims.

ThisstudyisnotlimitedtothesufferingsorthebadeventsthatFatima(a.s)facedafterthedeathofherfather.Itoffersaninclusivereviewonthehighqualitiesofhergreatpersonalitysuchaschastity,

purity,infallibility,deepfaithinAllah,andotherqualitiesthatweresimilartoherfather ’s.Shewaslikeherfather,themessengerofAllah,inmostofhisqualitiesbywhichhewaspreferredtoalloftheotherprophets.

Muslimwomenwould better imitate Fatima (a.s) andmake her their example in everything. Theymight take the day of her birth as an occasion to hold festivals for honoring this great Lady andtakinglessonsfromherconducts,morals,andteachings.

I do not think that any of the personalities of Islam had got veneration and glorification like thatwhich theprincipalof thewomenof theworldshadgot.Muslimandnon-Muslimscholarsgot thehonorofresearchingonherbiography,conducts,andalldetailsofherlife,sayings,anddeeds.Aboutthreehundredbookshavebeenwrittenabouther.Someofthemareencyclopedias,like“Al-KawtharfeeAhwalFatimabintan-Nabiyal-At~har”byAllamaSayyidMuhammadBaqiral-Musawi.Anotherencyclopediais“KnowthatIamFatima”bySheikhAbdulHameedal-Muhajirwhohadspenttwentyyearsinwritingthisencyclopedia.

Lamans,theorientalist,haswrittenabookonFatima(a.s.),butheattackedFatima(a.s)claimingthather father had married her to Ali who was poor and who took her to a simple house with poorfurniture.Greatresearcheras-Sayootihadmentionedinhisbook“MusnadFatima”thetraditionsthatFatima(a.s)narratedfromherfather(a.s.).

Anyhow,thisbook,whichIhopeitshallbeusefulandinteresting,isoneofthebooksthathavebeenwrittenaboutFatima(a.s),andthejudgmentonitislefttoreaders.

BeforeIendthisforeword,IwouldliketooffermygratefulnesstoSayyidJawadal-Wada’iyforhiscontinuoushelpinpublishingwhatIhavewrittenaboutthelivesoftheinfallibleimams(peacebeonthem).

IoffermysinceregratefulnesstoSayyidAbdullahHashimal-MusawiforhishelpinpublishingmybooksprayingAllahtorewardhimwiththebestofHisreward.

BaqirShareefal-QurashiHolyNajaf23rd,Sha’ban,1422AH.

6ChapterTheNobleLineage

ThereisnolineageintheearthhigherthanthelineageofFatima,theprincipalofthewomenoftheworlds.

Herfather

ThefatherofFatima(a.s)isthemasterofthecreationandthechiefofmankindwhohadopenedthehorizonsofintellectandlight,andestablishedthecivilizationthathadsavedmanfromtheabyssesofsinsandsuperstitionsthathehadsunkin.HerfatherwasatreasurefromthetreasuresofAllahandagift fromHim forHis people to teach them theBook andwisdom, though theywere, beforehim,ignorantandinmanifesterror.

Itwasherfatherwhohadchangedthehistoryofman,wheretheweakwereeasybitesforthestrong,girlswereburiedalive,andidolswereworshippedinsteadoftheOneandOnlyCreator,intoashinylifewhereallpeoplewereequal,wheretherewasnopreferenceformantowoman,andwherereasonruledoverman insteadof superstitions. Itwasher fatherwhohad freedman from ignorance, badhabits,andpoverty.

ItwasenoughforFatima(a.s)thatshewasthedaughterofthemessengerofAllah,Hisbeloved,andHislastprophet,anditwasenoughforFatimathatshewasthemostbeloved,andtheclosesttoherfatherfromamongallhischildrenandfromamongallpeople.

Hermother

The mother of Fatima (a.s) was Khadijah bint Khuwaylid who was called as “the mistress of thewomenofQuraysh”inthepre-Islamicera,and“theMotheroftheBelievers”inIslam.Shewasfroma noble, honored, glorious house. She met with the Prophet (a.s.) in Qusay who was the fourthgrandfatherof theProphet (a.s.)and the thirdgrandfatherofher,and this lineageended toProphetAbraham(a.s.).NowomanfromQurayshwaslikeherinherhighpositionandloftyrank.Shewasthefirst spark in the great IslamicRevolution that spread light everywhere and destroyed the forts ofatheismandpolytheism.

Here,wetalkinbriefaboutsomeconcernsofthisgreatladywhowasthemotherofthebestwomanAllahhadevercreatedintheearth;Fatima(a.s)themotheroftheProphet’stwograndsonsal-Hasanal-HusaynwhomtheProphet’sprogenystemmedonlyfrom.ThewealthofKhadijahLadyKhadijahwassowealthythatnooneofthemerchantsofQurayshhadwealthlikehers.Historianssaythatthemerchants ofMecca traded with the capitals of Lady Khadijah. They went to some countries likeShamtoselltheirgoodsthere,andtobringclothesandsomekindsoffoodthatthepeopleofMeccaneeded. Therefore, her wealth grew bigger and bigger. The Prophet (a.s.) trades with her money

Prophet Muhammad (before prophethood) suggested to his uncle Abu Talib, who loved him toomuch, that he wanted to trade with the money of Lady Khadijah, and Abu Talib agreed to hissuggestion.

Al-WafidisaysthatitwashisuncleAbuTalib,whoencouragedhimtotradewiththemoneyofLadyKhadijahbysayingtohim,‘Omynephew,Iamamanofnomoney,andlifeisdifficultforus,andsevereyearshavestruckusandleftusneitherwithmoneynorwithtrade.ThesearethecaravansofyourpeoplereadytogotoSham,andKhadijahsendsmentotradewithhermoneyandgetprofits.Ifyougotoher,shewillpreferyoutoallothersbecauseshehasbeeninformedaboutyourfidelityandpurity,thoughIhateforyoutogotoSham,andIfearforyoufromtheJews.Iwasinformedthatshehadhiredso-and-sofortwocamels,andwedonotacceptforyoulikewhatshehadgiventohim.Doyouwantmetotalktoheraboutyou?’[1]

TheProphet(a.s.)said,‘Asyoulike,uncle.’

[1]Uyoon al-Athar, vol.1 p.57.At-Tabari in his Tareekh, vol.2 p.126,mentioned thatKhadijah hadsuggestedtotheProphet(a.s.)togotoShamtradingwithhermoney.

The Prophet (a.s.), or his uncleAbu Talib asked LadyKhadijah to tradewith her capital, and sheresponded delightedly for she knew thatMuhammad was honest and with high morals unlike theyouthofQurayshwhowereinvolvedinplayandpleasures.

ShegavehimsomemoniesandsentwithhimherservantMaysarah.TheProphet(a.s.)wenttoSham.HesoldhisgoodsinSham,boughtothersfromthere,andcameback.Hemadegreatprofitsthatnoonefromthose,whotradedwiththemoneyofLadyKhadijah,hadevermadebeforehim.Maysarahwasastonishedby thewondershesaw inhis travelwith theProphet (a.s.).Hesawacloudmovingover them tomake a shadow for the Prophet (a.s.), and he saw the Prophet’s special looks at theheaventhatshoweddeepfaithinAllah.

LadyKhadijahwaspleasedwith the talkofherservant.She loved theProphet (a.s.)and thoughthewouldhaveagreatfuturethatwouldincludealltheearth.

ThemarriageoftheProphetwithKhadijah

LadyKhadijahbelieved,withnobitofdoubt,thatMuhammadwouldbetheprophetbywhosemissiontheworldwouldshine.ItwashewhomtheprophetsofAllahhadbroughtgoodtidingsaboutbefore.Sheproposedtohimtomarryher,andshegavehimsomemoney(sothathewouldgiveittoherasifitwashis)tobeasherdowry.TheProphet(a.s.)toldhisuncleAbuTalibwhobecameverypleasedforthat,becauseheknewKhadijahandknewherhighpositionandhonor.HeknewthatsherefusedtogetmarriedtothemastersandchiefsofQurayshwhentheyaskedforherhand.AbuTalib,Hamza,andotherunclesoftheProphet(a.s.)wenttoKhuwaylid,thefatherofKhadijah,whoreceivedthemwarmly and was pleased with this marriage. The speech of Abu Talib On the occasion of theengagementoftheProphet(a.s.)andKhadijah,AbuTalibmadeaspeechsaying,“PraisebetoAllah,WhohasmadeusfromtheprogenyofAbrahamandtheoffspringofIshmael,andmadeforusaninviolablecountry,andaHouseofpilgrimage,andmadeustherulersoverpeople.Then,MuhammadbinAbdullah,mynephew,isonethatnooneoftheyouthofQurayshiscomparedtohimunlessheispreferredtohimbyhispiety,virtue,determination,reason,discernment,andnobility,thoughheisof

littlemoney, but money is a transient shadow and a loan that shall be given back. He has a wishtowards Khadijah bint Khuwaylid, and she has like that. Whatever dowry you would like I shallpay…”[1]

Khuwaylidagreed,andKhadijah,whowasfortyyearsold,wascarriedinprocessiontothehouseofherhusbandMuhammad(a.s.)whowastwenty-fiveyearsoldthen.

LadyKhadijahgotmarriedbyherownoptionandfreedom,turningherbacktothetraditionsofheragethatitwasmanwhowouldproposetowomanandnotviceversa.KhadijahtookherbigwealthwithhertotheProphet(a.s.)whospentitneitheronhimselfnoronher,butontheIslamicmission.ThewealthofKhadijahwasoneofthepillarsthatIslamdependedoninitssuccess.

The marital relation between the Prophet (a.s.) and Khadijah was based on love, kindness, andsincerity. Itwas thebestmarital life inMecca.Khadijahwassosincere to theProphet (a.s.)and theProphet(a.s.)foundwithherallloveandcarethathehadmissedbecauseofthedeathofhisparentswhomhehadlostsincehisearlychildhood.

InthecaveofHara’

TheProphet(a.s.)likedlonelinessinthecaveofHara’.HespentlongtimesthereponderingonthesignsofAllah,andonallfactsintheuniversethatprovedtheexistenceofaGreatCreator.Hisloyalwifewatchedandcaredmuchforhim.Shefearedtoomuchforhim.Shesentsomeonesafterhimtoguardhim.[2]ShewascertainthathewouldbethegreatprophetthatAllahhadchosentosavemanfromthedarknessofignorance.

In the cave ofHara’, the Prophet (a.s.) received themessage ofAllah theAlmighty.Gabriel camedowntohim,honoredhimwiththeprophethood,andorderedhimtoreciteasurafromtheBookofAllah.Itwasthesuraof“Iqra’;al-Alaq”.TheProphet(a.s.)gotup

[1]SharhNahjolBalaghahbyibnAbilHadid,vol.3p.316.[2]As-Seeraan-NabawiyyahbyibnHisham,vol.1p.253.

andtheangelwaswithhim.Whereverheturnedhesawhim.TheProphet(a.s.)wenthomefrightfully.Hetalkedtohiswifeaboutwhathesawandheard,andshecriedout,“Allahguardsus.Ocousin,bedelightedandbefirm!IswearbyHim,inWhosehandthesoulofKhadijahis,thatIseeyouwillbetheprophetofthisnation.Allahwillnotdisgraceyouatall,foryoukeeprelationwithyourkin,aretruthful in your speech, give deposits back to their owners, carry food (for the needy), entertainguests,andrelievethedistressesofothers.”[1]

This speech of Khadijah relieved the Prophet (a.s.) and made him feel safe and calm. When theProphet (a.s.) went to bed, Gabriel came to him again carrying with him another Sura. The surarecited,(Oyouwhoareclothed.Ariseandwarn…74:1-2)Itwasnotimeforsleep.HehadtoriseandstruggletosavemanfromignoranceandtheslaverytootherthanAllahtheAlmighty.TheProphet(a.s.) jumpedfromhisbedandtoldhiswifeKhadijahwhathesawagain.Sheencouragedhimwithmoreresolution.

KhadijahwithWaraqah

KhadijahwenttohercousinWaraqahbinNawfalwhowasavirtuousmanandhadtakenknowledgefromtheTorahandtheBiblefrompriestsandscholars.WaraqahbecamedelightedwiththetalkofKhadijahandsaidenthusiasticallyandfaithfully,‘TheMostHoly,theMostHoly!ByHiminWhosehandthesoulofWaraqahis,youwouldbelievemethattheGreatLaw,thathadcometoMosesandJesus,hascometohim.Surely,heistheprophetofthisnation.Saytohimtobefirm!’[2]

KhadijahwentbacktotheProphet(a.s.)andtoldhimwhatWaraqahsaid.Sheencouragedandgavehimmoreconfidence.TheProphet(a.s.)waspleasedtohearthat.

[1]Tareekhat-Tabari,vol.1p.205.[2]Tareekhat-Tabari,vol.2p.206,as-Seeraan-Nabawiyyah,vol.1p.254.KhadijahandAlithefirstMuslims

AllhistorianssaythatKhadijahwasthefirstonewhobelievedinIslamandembracedthemissionthatAllah had revealed toHis slave andmessengerMuhammad (a.s.) and thenAliAmeerulMo'minin(a.s.).

ImamAli (a.s.)said, ‘…andtherewasnohouse, then, thatgathered inIslamsave themessengerofAllah(a.s.),Khadijah,andmethethirdofthem.’[1]

IbnAbbassaid,‘Aliwasthefirstonewhobelieved(inIslam)fromamongpeopleafterKhadijah.’[2]

ImamAli(a.s.),whenheturnedaMuslim,wassevenyearsold,anditwassaidnineyears.[3]

Muhammad(a.s.)becameprophetonMonday,andhe,withKhadijahandImamAli,whowasayoungboythen,offeredtheprayerintheKaabaonTuesday.[4]

Afifal-Kindisaid,‘Onceinthepre-Islamicage,IwenttoMeccatobuysomeclothesandperfumesfor my family. I went to al-Abbas bin Abdul Muttalib (one of the Prophet’s uncles) who was amerchant.WhileIwaswithhimsittinglookingattheKaabaandthesunwashighinthesky,ayoungmancame,lookedatthesky,andstooduptowardstheKaaba.Afternolong,ayoungboycameandstoodonhisright,andthenawomancamandstoodbehindthem.Theyoungmanbowed,andtheboyandthewomanbowedwithhim.Then,theyoungmanprostratedhimself,andtheboyandthewomanprostratedtoo.Iastonishedlysaid,‘OAbbas,itisagreatthing!’

Al-Abbassaid,‘Yes,itisagreatthing!Doyouknowwhothisyoungmanis?’

[1]EncyclopediaofAmeerulMo'mininImamAli,vol.1p.80,as-Seeraan-Nabawiyyah,vol.1p.254.

[2]Imta’al-Asma’,vol.1p.16.

[3]Sahihof at-Tarmithi, vol.2p.301,Tabaqat ibnSa’d, vol.3p.21,KanzolUmmal, vol.6p.400. [4]Tahthibal-Kamal,vol.20p.482.

Isaid,‘No.’

Hesaid,‘HeisMuhammadbinAbdullah,mynephew.Doyouknowwhothisyoungboyis?Isaid,‘No.’Hesaid,‘HeisAlibinAbiTalib.Doyouknowwhothiswomanis?’Isaid,‘No.’

He said, ‘She is Khadijah bint Khuwaylid, Muhammad’s wife. My nephew (he appointed toMuhammad)toldmethathisLord, theLordof theheavenandtheearth,hadorderedhimwiththisreligion.ByAllah,thereisnooneontheearthinthisreligionexceptthesethreeones.’[1]

Khadijah was with the Prophet (a.s.) all the time. She did not let him alone even in hiscircumambulation around the Kaaba. Abdullah bin Mas’ud said, ‘The first time I knew about thematter (prophethood) of themessenger of Allah (a.s.) was that once, I came toMecca with someuncles of mine. We were guided to al-Abbas bin Abdul Muttalib who was sitting at the well ofZamzam.While we were sitting with him, a young man came from the gate of as-Safa. He wasreddish-white…wearingwhiteclothes.Hewaslikeafullmoon.Onhisright,therewasabeardless,beautifulyoungboy,andafterhimaveiledwoman.Hewenttothe(Black)Rockandkissedit,andtheyoungboykissed it,and then thewomandidso.Then,hecircumambulated theHouse(theKaaba),andtheboyandthewomancircumambulatedwithhim.

Wesaid,‘OAbulFadhl(al-Abbas),wehavenotknownsuchareligionamongyou.Hassomethinghappened?’

Al-Abbas said, ‘This is my nephewMuhammad, the boy is Ali bin Abi Talib, and the woman isKhadijah.’

IbnMas’udsaid,‘ByAllah,wehavenotknownanyoneonthefaceoftheearthworshippingAllahbythisreligionexceptthesethreeones.’[2]

Khadijah and Ali (peace be on them) were the first ones who believed in the Prophet (a.s.) andembracedthenewreligion.

[1]Khasa’issan-Nassa’iy,3,MusnadofAhmedbinHanbal,vol.1p.309,TabaqatibnSa’d,vol.8p.14.

[2]Majma’az-Zawa’idbyal-Haythami,vol.9p.222,KanzolUmmal,vol.7p.56.

MoralassistancetotheProphet(a.s.)

Khadijah, theMotherof theBelievers,stoodwith theProphet (a.s.)supportingandassistinghiminbearingtheseverestharmsandpersecutionhereceivedfromQuraysh.

IbnIsaaqsaid,‘WheneverthemessengerofAllahheardsomethingthathehated(fromthepeopleofQuraysh)andaccusinghimoflying,AllahrelievedhimbyKhadijah.Whenhecamebacktoher,sheencouragedandcomfortedhim.Shebelievedhimandmadethetroublesofpeopleeasytohim.ShedidsountilshejoinedherLord.’[1]

Economicalassistance

LadyKhadijahofferedhergreatwealthtosupportIslam.Shespentallwhatshehadtopropagandizefor theIslamicmission.WhenQurayshconfinedtheProphet(a.s.)andtheHashemites inShi’bAbiTalibandimposedasevereeconomicalblockadeonthem,Khadijahsuppliedthemwithallwhattheyneededthroughouttheperiodoftheblockadewhichwasmorethantwoyears.

LadyKhadijahofferedtoIslamallherwealthuntilshebecamepoorwhereshehadnomattositon.

GreetingsfromAllahtoKhadijah

LadyKhadijahhadaveryhighpositionnearAllahtheAlmighty.AllahhadthankedhergreatservicesandassistancetotheProphet(a.s.)insupportingIslam.ManytruetraditionsweretransmittedsayingthatAllahhadsenthergreetingsandpeacethroughHisslaveandmessengerMuhammad(a.s.).[2]

HerhouseintheParadise

For the lofty position Khadijah had near Allah, Allah had endowed her with a house in the HighParadise.ItwouldbeoneofthehighpalacesthatAllahhadpreparedforthegoodbelievingmenandgoodbelievingwomen.ItisrelatedthattheProphet(a.s.)hadsaid,‘IhavebeenorderedtobringgoodnewsofahouseofreedsintheParadiseforKhadijah.Therewillbeneitherclamornorpainsinit.’[3]

[1]Al-Isabah,vol.4p.273,al-Istee’ab,vol.6p.275.[2]Al-Isabah,vol.4p.274quotedfromSahihofMuslim,vol.2chap.of“theVirtuesofKhadijah”andfromMustadrakal-Hakim,vol.3p.186,andothers.[3]MusnadofAhmadbinHanbal,vol.3p.197,Sahihal-Bukhari,vol.5p.48.

ThiswillbeherrewardfromherLordforthegreatservicesshedidtoIslamandthegreatfavorsshedidMuslims.

HerpositionneartheProphet(a.s.)

LadyKhadijahoccupiedthefeelingsandemotionsoftheProphet(a.s.)andhadaveryhighpositionnearhim.Helovedhertoomuchandwasloyaltoher.

Aa’ishah,theProphet’swife,said,‘TheProphet,whengoingoutofhome,oftenmentionedKhadijah(afterherdeath)andpraisedher.Once,hementionedher,butIbecamejealousandsaid,‘ShewasbutanoldwomanthatAllahhasgivenyouinplaceofherbetterthanher.’

TheProphet(a.s.)becameangryuntilhisforelockshookbecauseofanger,andthenhesaid,‘No,byAllah, Allah has not given me in place of her better than her. She believed in me when peopledisbelieved, comforted me with her money when people denied me, and Allah had granted meoffspringfromherwhereHehadnotgrantedmefromotherwives.’[1]

Once,Halah,Khadijah’s sister, came toMedina andvisited theProphet’s house.When theProphet(a.s.)heardhervoice,whichwaslikethevoiceofKhadijah,intheyardofthehouse,hesaid,‘OmyLord,sheisHalahbintKhuwaylid…’

Aa’ishacouldnotcontrolherselfandshesaid,‘Whatdoyourememberfromanoldwomanfromthe

oldwomenofQuraysh?…Shediedsincelong,andAllahhasgivenyouinplaceofherbetterthanher.’[2]

TheProphet (a.s.)becameangryandhe shoutedatAa'isha, ‘No,byAllah,Allahhasnotgivenmebetterthanher.Shebelievedinmewhenpeopledisbelieved,believedmewhenpeopleaccusedmeoflying,comfortedmewithherwealthwhenpeopledeniedme,andAllahgrantedmeoffspringfromherwhenhedidnotgrantedmefromwivesotherthanher.’[3]

[1]FatimawelMufadhdhalatminan-Nisa’(Fatimaandthepreferredwomen),p.66.[2]SahihofMuslim,vol.7p.134.[3]Al-Istee’ab,vol.4p.182.

WhentheProphet(a.s.)slaughteredasheep,hesaid(toservants),‘Take(somemeat)tothefriendsofKhadijah!’

Once,Aa'ishasaidtohim,‘Whydoyoudothat?’

Hesaid,‘Idolikeherbeloveds.’[1]

Inanothertradition,itwasnarratedthattheProphet(a.s.)hadsaid,‘Ihavebeengrantedherlove.’[2]

Envy overcameAa'ishawhen she often heard theProphet (a.s.) praisingKhadijah. She said, ‘I didneverenvyawomanlikeIdidtoKhadijah.ThemessengerofAllah(a.s.)didnotmarrymeexceptafterherdeath.’[3]

ThesoulofKhadijahwaswiththeProphet(a.s.)wheneverhewent.Hissoulwasfullofherlove.HeoftenandalwaysrememberedherandprayedAllahtohavemercyonher.

ThegiftsofAllahonher

AllahtheAlmightyhadendowedKhadijahwithgiftsthatnoanyotheroneoftheProphet’swiveshadbeenendowedwith.FromthegreatgiftsofAllahtoherwasthatAllahhadmadeherthemotherofthebestwomanAllahhadevercreated in theearthsince thebeginningof thecreationuntil theDayofResurrection;Fatima(a.s.)theprincipalofthewomenoftheworlds,andmadeherthegrandmotherof the two grandson of the Prophet (a.s.), two infallible imams, and twomasters of the youth ofParadise; Imam al-Hasan and Imam al-Husayn (peace be on them), and the grandmother of LadyZaynab,thefirstwrongedandoppressedwomaninIslam.AllahhadmadeKhadijahthegrandmotherof the infallible imamswhowerehisauthoritiesonHispeople.Theseheavenlygifts thatKhadijahhadbeenendowedwithhadnotbeengiventoanywomanotherthanheratall.

[1]Ibid.[2]SahihofMuslim,vol.7p.134,al-Isabah,vol.8p.63.[3]Al-Isabah,vol.8p.62.

TotheParadise

Diseases attacked the Mother of Believers Khadijah and death approached her soon. In the last

momentsofherlife,shefeltpainwhenevershelookedatheronlydaughterFatimaaz-Zahra’(a.s.)whowas a young child then. She looked at Fatima (a.s)with pain and sigh. She recommended theProphet(a.s.)totakemuchcareofher.

It was not long until Khadijah left to the better world and her pure soul rose towards its Creatorsurroundedbyangelsandreceivedbytheprophetswithtakbirandtahlil.[1]

TheProphet(a.s.)wasafflictedbythegreatlossofKhadijahwhofilledhislifewithsatisfactionandtranquility, and relieved him from the persecution of the oppressors ofQuraysh.Hewas very sadwhenshedied.

Anyhow,hewashed,enshrouded,andofferedtheprayeronher.Hedugagraveforherandburiedher in it.[2]The loss ofKhadijah caused theProphet (a.s.) a great sorrowuntil he called that yearwherealsohisuncleAbuTalibdiedinit“theyearofsorrow”.

Death took Khadijah, who was the most loyal to the Prophet (a.s.), the most loving, and the bestsupportertohimandtohismission.

KhadijahleftherdaughterFatima(a.s),whowasayoungchildyet,overcomebygriefandsorrow.Fatima (a.s) lost her kind, lovingmother since her early years, and then she took the role of hermother towardher father (a.s.)who still faced theharmsandaggressionsofQuraysh.Fatima (a.s)comfortedthelonelinessofherfatherafterhermother,relievedhissufferings,andservedhimwithherloveandkindnessuntilshewascalled“themotherofherfather”.

[1]Takbirissaying“allahhuakbar;Allahisgreat”,andtahlilissaying“lailahaillallah;thereisnogodbutAllah”.[2]Ad-Durral-Manthur,p.180.

7ChapterFatima’sBirthandUpbringing

The Prophet (a.s.) eagerly received the birth of Pure Fatima (a.s). He perceived from behind theunseenthathisnewborndaughterwouldhaveaveryhighpositionintheearthandintheheaven,thatshewouldbeunequaledinpurity,chastity,faith,andbehaviorfromamongallthewomenoftheearth,andthathispureprogenywouldbefromher.Hewasverydelightedforthecomingofthispurechild,andwassincereinhislovetohersinceherbirthuntilhislastbreath.

When theProphet (a.s.)was informed thatKhadijah (mayAllahbepleasedwithher) gavebirth toFatima(a.s),hewenthomequickly.Hetookhisnewborndaughter,kissedher,recitedtheazaninherrightear,andrecitedtheeqamainherleftear.

ThefirstvoiceFatima(a.s)heardwas thevoiceofherfather, themessengerofAllah,andthefirstwords sheheardwere “Allah isgreat” and“there isnogodbutAllah”.Gabriel camedown to theProphet(a.s.)bringingthegreetingsofAllahtheAlmightytohimandtohisblessednewbornchild.[1]

HistorianssaythatFatima(a.s)hadbeencreatedfromthefruitsoftheParadise.OnthenightoftheProphet’s ascension to theHeavens,Allah had fed ProphetMuhammad (a.s.)with the fruits of theParadiseandFatima(a.s)wasoriginatedfromthosefruits.[2]

[1]Mizanal-I’tidal,vol.4p.72,Lisanal-Mizan,vol.3p.367,whereitismentionedthatibnAbbashadsaid, ‘When Fatima was born, the Prophet (a.s.) named her as al-Mansurah. Gabriel came to theProphet (a.s.)andsaid tohim, ‘AllahsendsyouHisgreetingandsendsyournewborndaughterHisgreeting.’

[2]Mustadrakal-Hakim,vol.1p.156,TareekhBaghdad,vol.5p.87,Mizanal-I’tidal,vol.27p.97.

Dateofherbirth

HistoriansweredifferentaboutthedateofFatima’sbirth.Herearesomeoftheirsayings:

1.ShewasbornfiveyearsaftertheprophethoodofherfatherandthreeyearsafterhisascensiontotheHeavenonthetwentiethofJumadaal-Aakhirah,[1]anditwasFriday.[2]

2.Shewasbornoneyearaftertheprophethoodofherfather.[3]

3.Shewasbornfiveyearsbeforetheprophethood.Thissayingisoddandignored.[4]

4.SomebooksofhistorymentionedthatFatima(a.s)hadbeenbornbeforetheprophethoodofherfatherbutwithoutmentioningtheyearandthemonthofherbirth.[5]

There are other sayings about her birth, but the true saying is the first onementioned above thatdeterminesheroldtobeeighteenyears.

Placeofherbirth

Fatima(a.s)wasborninMeccainthehouseofKhadijah.ThehousewasneartheLaneofPerfumers,andnowitisamosque.

Hername

TheProphet(a.s.)namedhisnewborndaughterasFatima.ItwaslikethenameofImamAli’smother.ItisrelatedtotheAhlulBayt(a.s.)thatonce,ImamAli(a.s.)askedtheProphet(a.s.),‘OmessengerofAllah,whydidyounameFatima[6]so?’

TheProphet(a.s.)said,‘BecausesheandherfollowersareweanedfromFire.’[7]

[1] A’lam al-Wara, p.148, Jami’ al-Usool, vol.12 p.9-10, Nisa’ an-Nabiy wa Awladuh (wives andchildrenof theProphet), p.89,Ma’sat (tragedyof) az-Zahra’ by Sayyid Ja’farMurtadhaal-Aamily,vol.1p.37,Biharal-Anwar,vol.43p.6,Usoolal-Kafi,vol.1p.458,Safwatas-Safwah,vol.1p.148.[2]Al-KawtharfeeAhwalFatima,vol.1p.309.[3]Nisa’an-NabiywaAwladuh,p.90.[4]Ma’sataz-Zahra’,vol.1p.36.[5]Al-Isabah,vol.8p.54.[6]Fatimameans“aweanedchild”.[7]Nisa’an-NabiywaAwladuh,p.91.InThakha’iral-Uqba,p.26,itismentionedthat

Herepithets

Fatimatheprincipalofthewomenoftheworldswasattributedwithmanyepithetsexpressingthehighqualitiesshehad.Thefollowingaresomeofthoseepithets:

1.As-Siddeeqah

Itmeansthetruthfulwoman.ShewasthemosttruthfulwomanintheworldofIslamandotherthanIslam.2.Al-Mubarakah

Itmeanstheblessedwoman.Allahhadblessedherandallherprogenyintheearth.

3.At-Tahirah

It means the pure woman. She was the purest one among all the women of the world. Allah hadendowedherwiththisfavorbysaying,(Allahonlydesirestokeepawaytheuncleannessfromyou,O

people of the House, and to purify you a (thorough) purifying. 33:33) All commentators say thisversehadbeenrevealedabouttheAhlulBayt(a.s.).4.Az-Zakiyyah

Itmeansthechaste,innocentwoman.

5.Ar-Radhiyah

Itmeansthesatisfiedwoman.ShewassatisfiedwiththesimplelifeofasceticismAllahhadwilledforherintheworldlylife.Itwasnarrated from Imamas-Sadiq (a.s.)his saying, ‘Once, themessengerofAllah (a.s.) came toFatima (a.s) and found her wearing a garment of camel-hair while milling with her hands andsucklingherchild.TheProphet’seyesshedtearswhenhesawherinthatcase.Hesaidtoher,‘Omydaughter,sufferthebitternessofthislifeforthesakeofthesweetnessoftheafterlife;forAllahhasrevealedtome,(AndsoonwillyourLordgiveyousothatyoushallbewellpleased.93:5).Shesaid,‘OmessengerofAllah,praisebetoAllahforHisgifts,andthanksbetoHimforHisblessings.’[1]ImamAli Asked, ‘Omessenger of Allah, why did you name Fatima so?’ The Prophet (a.s.) said,‘AllahtheAlmightywillweanherandherprogenyfromFireontheDayofResurrection.’ThesamehasbeenmentionedinKanzolUmmal,vol.6p.219andFaydhal-Qadeer,

vol.1p.168.[1]Az-Zahra’SayyidatonNisa’,vol.1p.30.

6.Al-Muhaddathah

Thetalkedto;becausetheangelstalkedwithherastheytalkedwithVirginMary.Allahsays,(Whentheangelssaid:OMaryam,surelyAllahgivesyougoodnewswithaWordfromHim.3:45).

7.Al-Batool

Shewas called so, because shewas devoted toAllah and because she had no equal in her virtuesamongallwomen.Once,AhmedbinYahyawasaskedaboutthereasonwhyFatima(a.s.)wascalledal-Batool and he said, ‘because she was incomparable in her chastity, virtues, religiousness, andlineage.ItwasalsosaidthatshewascalledsobecauseshehaddevotedherselftoAllahtheAlmightyandturnedherbacktotheworldlylife.’[1]

8.Az-Zahra’

Shining;shewascalledsobecausehergreatfaithandhighmoralswereshining.Imamas-Sadiq(a.s.)wasaskedwhyshewascalledsoandhesaid,‘Whenshestoodinhermihrab(forworshipping),herlightshonefortheinhabitantsoftheHeavenasstarsshonefortheinhabitantsoftheearth.’[2]

Al-Jami’al-AzharinCairowasbuiltbytheFatimidsandcalledsobythemafterthenameofFatimaaz-Zahra’tobeblessedandhonored.

Hersurnames

Fatima(a.s)hadseveralsurnames.Herearesomeofthem:

1.Umm[3]Abeeha

Themotherofherfather:shewascalledso(byherfather)becauseshewastookindandlovingtoherfatherthemessengerofAllah(a.s.).[4]

From the examples of her kindness and great love to her father was that once, he came back toMedinafromoneof thebattles,andcame toFatima’shousefirstbeforehiswivesasusual.Fatima(a.s.)receivedhim,andbegankissinghimonthefaceandtheeyes,and

[1]Lisanal-Arab,vol.16p.43,an-NihayahfeeGharibal-Hadith,vol.1p.94.[2]Nisa’an-NabiywaAwladuh,p.92.[3]Ummmeans“motherof”[4]Al-Istee’ab,vol.2p.752,Usdal-Ghabah,vol.5p.520.

crying.TheProphet(a.s.)askedher,‘Whyareyoucrying?’

Shesaid,‘Iseethatyouhaveturnedpale.’

TheProphet(a.s.)calmedherdownandsaid,‘OFatima,AllahtheAlmightyhasdelegatedyourfatherwithamissionthatnohouseonthefaceoftheearthremainsuntilitisenteredintoitwithgloryorwithmeanness.Itwillreachwherevernightreaches.’[1]

“Withglory”isforthosewhobelieveinhim,and“withmeanness”isforthosewhodenyhismissionandfighthim.

Shehighlyreveredherfather.Sheaddressedhimbysaying“OmessengerofAllah”especiallyaftertherevelationof thisverse(Makenot thecallingof themessengeramongyouasyourcallingoneanother.24:63).

Thatwasdifficult for theProphet (a.s.)whosaid toher, ‘OFatima, it (theverse)wasnot revealedaboutyou,noryourfamily,noryourprogeny.YouarefrommeandIamfromyou.Itwasrevealedabout theharshand rudepeopleofQuraysh; thepeopleof lavishnessandhaughtiness.You say:Ofather!Itismorerefreshingtotheheart,andmoresatisfactorytotheLord.’[2]

Fatima (a.s) was the most beloved one to her father from among all his family, and she was thekindesttohim.Whenhelefttothebetterworld,shewasterriblyaffectedandafterashorttimeshejoinedhimintheParadise.

2.Ummal-Hasanayn

Themotherofal-Hasanandal-Husayn,theProphet’stwograndsonsandthemastersoftheyouthoftheParadise

3.Ummal-HasanAl-Hasan(a.s.)washereldestson.

4.Ummal-Husayn

Al-Husayn(a.s.)washersecondson,thereviverofIslam,thesaviorofMuslims,andtheheadofthefreeintheworld.[1]Hilyatal-Awliya’,vol.2p.30,andsomehowlikeitinKanzolUmmal,vol.1p.77,andMajma’az-

Zawa’id,vol.8p.262.[2]Biharal-Anwar,vol.43p.33.

Herupbringing

Fatima(a.s)wasbroughtupbyherfather,themasterofallcreation.Hefedherwithhistalentsandmentality. He taught her the Qur'an and all things about the verses of verdicts, the causes of therevelation of verses, and other things concerning the Qur'an. He educated her the rulings of theSharia, thenobilitiesofcharacter,andhighmoralsandprinciples.HeupbroughtheronthesincerefaithinAllah,theCreatoroftheuniverse,andGiveroflife.

FromtheProphet’seducationalprogramstoFatima

FromtheprogramsoftheIslamiceducationthattheProphet(a.s.)offeredtohisFatima,theprincipalofthewomenoftheworlds,wasthatherecommendedherofthefollowing:“He,whoseneighborisnotsafefromhisharms,isnotfromthebelievers.He,whobelievesinAllahandintheafterlife,shouldnotharmhisneighbor.He,whobelievesinAllahandintheafterlife,shouldsaygoodor,otherwise,keepsilent.Allahlovesagood,patient,abstinentone,andhatesanindecent,stingy,importunateone.Coynessisfromfaith,andfaithisintheParadise.Indecencyisfromobscenity,andobscenityisintheFire…”[1]Inthisway,theProphet(a.s.)fedhisdaughterFatima(a.s)withthehighidealsandvalues.

Asma’bintUmayssaid,‘Once,IwaswithFatimawhenthemessengerofAllah(a.s.)cametoherandsawagoldnecklaceonherneckthatImamAli(a.s.)hadbroughtforherfromhisownmoney.Themessenger of Allah (a.s.) said to her, ‘Let people not deceive you by saying: the daughter ofMuhammad,whileyouputonwearsoftyrants!’

Fatima (a.s) tookoff thenecklace soon.She sold it andboughtwith itsprice a slave, and then shefreedtheslave.TheProphet(a.s.)waspleasedwiththatandhethankedherdaughterforherdoing.’[2]

[1]Dala’ilal-Imamah,p.66.[2]KnowthatIamFatima,vol.9p.557.

ProphetMuhammad(a.s.)hadeducatedhisdaughtertobeasceticinthislifeandnottocareforitspleasures.

Onceanother,theProphet(a.s.)visitedFatima(a.s)andsawanecklaceonherneck.Heturnedhisface

awayfromher.She,soon,tookthenecklaceoffandgaveittohim.Hesaidtoher,‘AndyouarefrommeFatima.’

Abeggarknockedthedoor,andtheProphet(a.s.)gavehimthenecklaceandthensaid,‘ThewrathofAllahisgreatonwhoevershedsmybloodandharmsmebyharmingmyprogeny.’[1]

Somedu’asfromtheProphettoFatimaIneducatinghisdeardaughter,theProphet(a.s.)taughtFatima(a.s)somedu’asthatwouldserveherintheworldlylifeandintheafterlifeandtakeherclosertoAllah.Herearesomeofthosedu’as:

“OAllah,theMostGlorious,MentionedOne,andtheMostOldeningloryandmight,

OAllah,theMercifultoeveryoneaskingformercy,andtheShelterofeveryoneresortingtoYou,OAllah,theMercifultoeverysadonecomplainingofhisgriefandsorrowtoYou,OAllah,thebestofthosewhoareaskedforfavor,andtheMostSecretiveingiving,

OAllah,Whomtheangels,whoareflamingwithlight,areafraidof,

IaskYouby theattributesbywhich thecarriersofYourThronecallsuponYou,and thosearoundYourThronebyYourLightglorifyYouforfearofYourpunishment,andbytheattributesbywhichGabriel,Michael,andIsrafelcalluponYoutorespondtome,relievemygrief,andcovermysins.O You Who orders by the cry His creation and they soon will be resurrected on the Land ofResurrection,IaskYoubythatattributebywhichYougivelifetotheboneswhentheyarerottentogivelifetomyheart,expandmybosom,andsetarightmyaffairs.

[1]KashfulGhummah,vol.1p.471.

OYouWhohavesingledonlyYourself foreverlasting,andcreated forYourcreationdeathandlife,OYouWhosedoingisjustbyasaying,andWhosesayingisacommand,andWhosecommandisappliedtowhateverYouwill,IaskYoubytheattributebywhichYourfriend(Abraham)askedYouwhenhewasthrownintofireandYourespondedtohimandsaid,(Ofire,becoolnessandpeaceforAbraham!21:69)

and by the attribute by whichMoses prayed You from the blessed side of the mountain and Yourespondedtohisprayer,

and by the attribute by which You removed the distress from Ayyoob (Job), and accepted therepentanceofDawud (David), and subjugated forSolomon thewindblowingbyhisorder and thedevils,andtaughthimthelanguageofbirds,andbytheattributebywhichYougrantedtoZachariahYahya(John),andcreatedJesusfromtheHolySpiritwithnofather,

andbytheattributebywhichYoucreatedtheThroneandSovereignty,

andbytheattributebywhichYoucreatedtheangels,

andbytheattributebywhichYoucreatedmanandthejinn,

andbytheattributebywhichYoucreatedallthecreationandeverythingYouwilled,andbytheattributebywhichYouhadpowerovereverything,

IaskYoubytheseattributestofulfillmyrequestandsatisfymyneeds.”[1]

Fromtheotherdu’asthattheProphet(a.s.)taughttoFatima(a.s.)isthisone:“OYoutheknowingoftheunseenandthehiddensecrets,theObeyed,theKnower,OAllah,OAllah,OAllah,theDefeaterofthepartiesforMuhammad,thePlanneragainstthePharaohforMoses,theSaverof Jesus from thehandsof theunjust, theRescuerofNoah’speople from thedrowning, theMerciful toYourservantYa’qub(Jacob), theRelieverofAyyoob’sdistress, theSaverofThinnoon(Jonah)fromthedarkness,theDoerof

[1]Muhajad-Da’awaat,p.207.

everygood, theGuide toeverygood, the leader toeverygood, theEnjoineroneverygood, theCreator of good, the Qualified for good, You are Allah; I have come to You for what You haveknown andYou are theKnower of the unseen, I askYou to have blessing onMuhammad and theprogenyofMuhammad.”[1]

ImamAli(a.s.)saidthatonedayFatima(a.s.)complainedtothemessengerofAllah(a.s.)ofinsomniaandheaskedher toprayAllahbysaying,“OYoutheSatisfierofhungrystomachs, theClothingofnakedbodies, theCalmerofbeatingveins, theputting to sleep the sleeplesseyes,calmmybeatingveinsandpermittomyeyeasoonsleep.”[2]

Healsotaughtheradu’athatisrecitedwhencominginamosque:

“OAllah,forgivememysinsandopentomethedoorsofYourmercy!”

Adu’athatisrecitedwhencomingoutofamosque:

“OAllah,forgivememysinsandopentomethedoorsofYourfavor!”[3]

HersimilaritytotheProphet(a.s.)

Fatima(a.s.)wassimilartoherfatherinfigure,morals,highpersonality,andotherqualities.JabirbinAbdullahal-Ansarysaid,‘WheneverIsawFatimawalk,IrememberedthemessengerofAllah(a.s.).Sheinclinedtotherightonetimeandtotheleftanother.’[4]

Aa'ishasaid, ‘Ihavenot seenanyonemoresimilar to themessengerofAllah (a.s.) in straightness,guidance, and talking in his sitting and standing than Fatima his daughter.When she came to themessengerofAllah(a.s.),hegotup,kissedher,andseatedherinhisplace.WhenthemessengerofAllah(a.s.)cametoher,shegotup,kissedhim,andseatedhiminherplace.’[5]

[1]Biharal-Anwar,vol.88p.370.[2]Falahas-Sa’il,p.384.[3]KnowthatIamFatima,vol.9p.594.

[4]Biharal-Anwar,vol.43p.7.[5]Thakha’iral-Uqba,p.40,al-Istee’ab,vol.4p.450,Sunanofat-Tarmithi,vol.5

Shewaslikeherfathernotonlyinhisfigureandexpressionsbut inallhisfeaturesbywhichhewasdistinguishedfromallprophets.SomepoetsaysaboutFatima(a.s),SheisasecondAhmed[1]andtheAhmedofher time,she is theelementofmonotheism, she is thenicheof the lightofAllah theAlmighty,sheisanolive-treewhoseblessingsincludeallmankind.

Fatima;theprincipalofwomen

Once,Fatima(a.s)wasill.TheProphet(a.s.)andImranbinHussayncametovisither.Atthedoor,theProphet(a.s.)greetedherandsaid,‘MayIcomeinandtheonewhoiswithme?’

Shesaid,‘Yes,youandtheonewithyou…Ofather,byAllahIhavenothingonexceptanaba.’

TheProphet (a.s.)askedher tocoverherselfwith theabaandhegaveherawrap toveilherhead.Thenhecameinandaskedher,‘Howdoyoufeelmydaughter?’

Shesaid,‘Ifeelill,andwhatincreasesmypainisthatIhavenothingtoeat.’

TheProphet(a.s.)said toher,‘Areyounotsatisfiedthatyouare theprincipalof thewomenof theworlds?’

Shesaid,‘Ofather,whataboutMary?’

TheProphet(a.s.)said,‘Sheistheprincipalofthewomenofherworld,andyouaretheprincipalofthewomenofyourworld.’[2]

Onceanother,Fatima(a.s)wasill.TheProphet(a.s.)andsomeofhiscompanionscametovisither.AtFatima’sdoor,theProphet(a.s.)orderedhertoveilherself.Shesaid,‘Ihavenothingonbutanaba.’

TheProphet(a.s.)threwhisgarmenttohertocoverherselfwith.

p.361,SunanofAbuDawud,vol.2p.522,Mustadrakal-Hakim,vol.4p.272,al-Adabal-Mufrad,p.136.

[1]AnothernameofProphetMuhammad(a.s.).

[2]Hilyatal-Awliya’,vol.2p.42,Mushkilal-Aathar,vol.1p.50,Thakha’iral-Uqba,p.43.

Then,theProphet(a.s.)andhiscompanionscamein,askedherabouthercondition,andshesaidshewasgoingtobewell.

TheyleftwhilebeingastonishedatthesimplelifeFatima(a.s)livedandthesimplefurnitureshehadinherhouse.Theysaid,‘OGod!Thedaughterofourprophetlivessuchalife!’

TheProphet(a.s.)saidtothem,‘SheistheprincipalofwomenontheDayofResurrection.’[1]

Fatima(a.s)wassoasceticintheworldlylife.Shehadturnedawayfromallpleasureofthislife,andturneddevotedlytoAllahtheAlmighty.TheProphet(a.s.)lovedhertoomuchtoanextentthathesaidtoher,‘Maymyfatherandmotherbesacrificedforyou.’[2]

[1]Hilyatal-Awliya’,vol.2p.42.[2]Mustadrakas-Sahihayn,vol.3p.156.

8ChapterFatima’sCharacteristics

Fatimaaz-Zahra’(a.s.)wasdifferentfromallwomeninherhighqualitiesandnoblecharacteristicsthattookhertothehighestrankofvirtueandperfection.Shewasanexampleofherfather ’smoralsandmentality.SheresembledhiminhisdeepfaithinAllahtheAlmighty,asceticism,andrefrainingfrompleasuresofthislife.Here,wetalkaboutsomeofFatima’scharacteristics:

Infallibility

Fatima(a.s)wasinfallible,andthisisanindisputablefact.Allahhadpurifiedherfromeverysinandevery defect, and endowed her with all virtues tomake her an example for all thewomen of theworld.Shewasanidealexampleinfaith,worship,chastity,purity,charity,andkindnesstothepoorandthedeprived.

Proofsonherinfallibility

1.Theverseofpurification;Allahhassaid,(Allahonlydesirestokeepawaytheuncleannessfromyou,OpeopleoftheHouse,andtopurifyyoua(thorough)purifying.33:33).

ThePeopleoftheHouse(theAhlulBayt)wereAli,Fatima,al-Hasan,andal-Husayn(a.s.).[1]

Theverseclearlyprovestheinfallibilityandpurityofthesepersonsfromeverysinandvices.AllahhadchosenthesepeopletobeexamplesforHispeopleandguidestoHisobedienceandpleasedness.ItisimpossibleforAllahtogivesinnersorguiltypeoplethisgift.

[1]Tafsirofar-Razi,vol.6p.783,TafsirofibnJarir,MusnadofAhmedbinHanbal,vol.4p.107,Sunanofal-Bayhaqi, vol.2p.14,al-Khasa’issofan-Nassa’iy,p.33,al-Khasa’issal-Kubra, vol.2p.264,ar-Riyadhan-Nadhirah,vol.2p.188,Mushkilal-Aathar,vol.1p.324.

Infallibility,initsconcept,definitelywouldnotbefarfromtheAhlulBayt(a.s.)whowerethecentersofknowledgeandwisdominIslam.Forfortyyears,Ihaveresearchedandwrittenbooksonthem,butIcouldfindaslipneitherintheirsayingsnorintheirdoings.Eventheirenemies,whowerefullofgrudgeagainstthem,didnotmentionanyfaultoranybitofdeviationaboutthem.

ImamAli (a.s.) says, ‘ByAllah, if I am given the seven districtswith all that under their skies todisobeyAllahinabranofagrainofbarleythatIdepriveitofamouthofalocust,Iwillneverdo.’

ThisfarextentofpietyintheimamsistheveryinfallibilitythattheShiabelievetobeintheirimams.Anyhow,Fatima(a.s)wasoneofthefourteeninfalliblemembersoftheAhlulBayt(a.s.).

2.TheProphet(a.s.)madeallhisnation,throughhisrepeatedsayings,knowthatFatima(a.s)wasapart fromhim,and thatwhateverpleasedherwouldpleasehimandwhateverdispleasedherwoulddisplease him. That she was a part from the Prophet (a.s.) means that she was infallible since theProphet(a.s.)wasinfallible.

3. The true traditions thatwere transmitted from the Prophet (a.s.) confirmed thatAllahwould bepleasedforthepleasureofFatima(a.s)andwouldbedispleasedforherdispleasure.ThesetraditionsmeanthatFatima(a.s)hadreachedadegreeoffaithandpietythatwouldtakehertothesamerankoftheinfallibleprophetswhosincerelyobeyedAllahandknewHimasHewas.

4. The Prophet (a.s.) compared his progeny to theBook ofAllah as in themutawatir (successive)traditionof“ath-Thaqalayn”,andsincetheBookofAllahisinfalliblefromanyfalseness,soaretheAhlulBayt(a.s.);otherwise,theProphet(a.s.)wouldnotcomparethemtotheBookofAllah.Fatima(a.s)wasattheheadofthepureprogenyoftheProphet(a.s.)andwasthemotherofalltheinfallibleimams(exceptImamAli)whomAllahhadpurifiedfromalluncleanness.

Charitytothepoor

Fatima(a.s)wascharitableandtookindtothepoorandthedeprived.She,herhusband,andhertwosonsweremeantbytheseQur ’anicverses,(AndtheygivefoodoutofloveforHimtothepoor,theorphan,andthecaptive.WeonlyfeedyouforAllah’ssake;wedesirefromyouneitherrewardnorthanks.76:8-9).

Fatima(a.s)milledwheatandbarleyforherpoorneighborswhowereunabletodothat.Shecarriedwatertoherweakneighborswhocouldnotgetwater.

Onthenightofherwedding,Fatima(a.s)hadanewdresson.WhensheknewthatayoungwomanfromtheAnsar[1]couldnotfindadresstoputon,shetookoffthedressofherweddingandgaveitto that young woman. Fatima (a.s) turned away from every material pleasure and preferred thesatisfactionofAllahtoeverything.JabirbinAbdullahal-Ansarisaid,‘Once,themessengerofAllah(a.s.)ledusinofferingtheAsr(afternoon)Prayer,andwhenheofferedthenafila(asupererogatoryprayer),hesatintheqiblaandpeoplesataroundhim.Averyoldmancamecomplainingofhungerandsaying, ‘OprophetofAllah, I amhungry.Feedme!And Iamnaked (havenoclothes).Clotheme!’TheProphet(a.s.)askedtheoldmantogotothehouseofhis(theProphet)daughterFatima(a.s).Theoldnomadmanwent toFatima’shouseand frombehind thedoorhegreetedherandsaid, ‘Odaughter ofMuhammad, I am naked and hungry.Would you please comfortme,mayAllah havemercyonyou?’

Fatima(a.s)herselfwasinneediness,andshefoundnothingtogivetothemanexceptasheepskinthathersonsal-Hasanandal-Husaynslepton.Theoldmandidnotlikeitandhegaveitbacktoher.Then,Fatima (a.s) took a necklace, which was a present from her cousin Fatima bint Hamza bin AbdulMuttalib,offherneckandgaveittotheman.

TheoldmantookthenecklaceandwentbacktotheProphet(a.s.)sayingtohim,‘Fatimagavemethisnecklaceandsaidtome,‘Sellit!MayAllahrecompenseyouwithgoodforit.’

TheProphet(a.s.)criedandsaid,‘AndhowdoesAllahnotrecompenseyouwithgoodforitwhilethe

daughterofMuhammad,theprincipalofthedaughtersofAdam,hasgivenittoyou?’

[1]Ansarmeanshelpers;thepeopleofMedinawhobelievedandsupportedtheProphet(a.s.)whenheemigratedtoMedinafromMecca.

Ammar bin Yasir asked the Prophet (a.s.), ‘Omessenger of Allah, do you permit me to buy thisnecklace?’

TheProphet(a.s.)said,‘Buyit,Ammar!Ifthehumanbeingsandthejinnparticipateinit,AllahwillnotpunishthemwithFire.’

Ammarsaid,‘OSheikh(oldman),howmuchisthenecklace?’

Theoldmansaid,‘Isellitforamealofbreadandmeat,aYemenigarmentthatIcovermyprivatepartsandofferprayerformyLordwith,andadinarthattakesmetomyfamily.’

Ammarsaidtohim,‘Igiveyoutwentydinars,twohundreddirhams,aYemenigarment,mycameltotakeyoutoyourfamily,andamealofwheatbreadandmeat.’

Theoldmansaid,‘Oman,howgenerousyouare!’Heleftdelightedlysaying,‘OAllah,thereisnogodbutYou.OAllah,giveFatimawhatnoeyehaseverseenandnoearhaseverheardof.’

Ammarperfumed thenecklacewithmusk, enveloped it inYemenigarment, andgave it oneofhisslavessayingtohim,‘TakethisnecklacetothemessengerofAllah(a.s.)andyouwillbehis.’

WhentheslavetookthenecklacetotheProphet(a.s.),theProphet(a.s.)askedhimtotakeittoFatima(a.s)whotookitandsettheslavefree.Theslavesmiled.Fatima(a.s)askedhimwhatmadehimsmileandhesaid,

‘Whatmademesmilewasthegreatblessingofthisnecklace.Itsatiatedahungryone,clothedanakedone,madeapooronerich,freedaslave,andthenreturnedtoitsowner.’[1]

Asceticism

Fatima(a.s) ledanascetical life,and lived insatisfactionawayfromtheworldlypleasures likeherfather the Prophet (a.s.) and her husband Imam Ali (a.s.) who had divorced this world and beenabstinentfromitspleasures.

Whentheseverses(AndsurelyHell is thepromisedplaceof themall.Ithassevengates;foreverygatethereshallbeaseparatepartyofthem.15,

[1]KnowthatIamFatima,vol.9p.266.

43-44)wererevealedtotheProphet(a.s.),hecriedtoomuchandhiscompanionscriedforhiscryingthoughtheydidnotknowwhyhecried.OneofthecompanionswenttoFatima(a.s)whowasmillingbarleyandreciting,(andwhateveriswithAllahisbetterandmorelasting.28:60).Hegreetedandtoldheraboutthecryingofherfather.Shewrappedherselfwitharaggedcloakthatwassewedwithpalm-

treeleavesandwenttothemeetingofherfather.WhenSalmansawher,hesaid,‘Howsorrowful!ThedaughtersofCaesarandKhosrauareinsarcenetwhilethedaughterofthemessengerofAllahwearsaraggedwoolcloak.’

Fatima(a.s)cametotheProphet(a.s.)andtoldhimwhatSalmansaid,andthenshesaid,‘ByHimWhohassentyouwiththetruth,IandAlisincefiveyearshavenothingbutasheepskin.Wegivefoodonittoourcamelinthedayandinthenightwesleeponit,andourpillowisfromleatherfilledwithpalm-tree fibers.’ Then she asked her father about the reason of his crying and he told her about therevelationofthoseverses.Shesaid,WoeandwoeuntowhoeverentersFire.’[1]

AnasbinMaliksaid,‘Once,FatimacametotheProphet(a.s.)andsaid,‘OmessengerofAllah,IandibnAbiTalib(ImamAli)havenobedexceptasheepskin.Wesleeponit,andgivefoodtoourcamelonitintheday.’

TheProphet(a.s.)saidtoher,‘Mydaughter,bepatient!MosessonofImranlivedwithhiswifefortenyearsandshehadnobedexceptanaba.’[2]

Jabir bin Abdullah al-Ansari said, ‘Once, the Prophet (a.s.) saw his daughter Fatima in a raggedgarmentwhilemillingwithherhandandsucklingherchild.Hiseyesshedtearsandhesaid,‘Omydaughter,bearthebitternessofthislifeforthesakeofthesweetnessoftheafterlife…’

Shedeclaredhersatisfactionbysaying,‘PraisebetoAllahforHisfavorsandthankstoHimforHisblessings…’[3]

[1]KnowthatIamFatima,vol.2p.16.[2]Fatimaaz-Zahra’BahjatQalbal-Mustafa,p.274.[3]Safeenatal-Bihar,vol.1p.571.

Fatima (a.s) lived a very simple lifewith nopleasures or anykindof luxury. In her conducts, sheshowedtherealpictureofIslamandgaveMuslimwomanlessonsofsatisfactionwithwhatAllahhaddeterminedforman.

Fatima(a.s)abstainedfromalldesiresoflifeinfood,clothes,andothersandsheturnedsincerelytoAllahandpreferredpleasingHimtoeverythingelse.

Chastityandveiling

Fatima(a.s)wasthehighestexampleinchastity,honor,andveilingforallMuslimwomen.

ImamAli(a.s.)said,‘Once,ablindmanaskedpermissiontovisitFatima(a.s),butsheaskedhimtostay behind a screen. Themessenger of Allah (a.s.) asked Fatima (a.s), ‘Why did you screen himthoughheisblindandcouldnotseeyou?’

Shesaid,‘Hecouldnotseeme,butIcouldseehim.’

TheProphet(a.s.)said,‘Iwitnessthatyouareapartfromme.’[1]

Once,ImamAli(a.s.)askedFatima(a.s),‘WheniswomanclosertoherLord?’

Shesaid,‘Whenshekeepstoherhouse…’

ImamAli(a.s.)offeredheranswertotheProphet(a.s.)whosaid,‘Sheistrue.Fatimaisapartfromme.’[2]

Veilisbeautyandhonorforwoman.Wheneverwomanadornsherselfwithchastity,shewillbeinahighest position andmost honorable rank besides gaining admiration of the all. But if woman isunveiledandunchaste,shewillbeworthless in thesocietyandnoonewillappreciateher.TheveilandchastityofFatima (a.s) is ahigh example that everywomanwhowants to live regardable andhonorableinthesociety.

[1]Biharal-Anwar,vol.43p.91.

[2]Al-Ja’fariyyat,p.95.

Deepfaith

Definitely,noonecansuspecttheunequaledfaithandworshipofFatima(a.s).Shespentmostofherdaysandnightsinworshipping.

Imamal-Hasan(a.s.)said,‘Somenight,IsawmymotherFatima(a.s)inhermihrabbowandprostrate(offerprayers)untilthelightofmorningappeared.IheardherprayingAllahforthebelievingmenandthebelievingwomenandmentioningthembythename.SheprayedAllahforthemtoomuch,butwithoutprayingforherself.Isaidtoher,‘WhydoyounotprayAllahforyourselfmother?’

Shesaid,‘Omyson,theneighbor(first)andthenthehouse…’[1]

Al-Hasanal-BasrisaidaboutFatima(a.s),‘NooneintheummaworshippedAllahmorethanFatima(a.s).Sheofferedprayersinthenightuntilherfeetswelled.’[2]

ItwastransmittedfromFatima(a.s)hersaying,‘WhoeverraiseshistrueworshiptoAllah,Allahwillsenddowntohimthebestofhisbenefit.’[3]

Fatima(a.s)assignedthelasthoursofthedayofFridaysforAllahtheAlmighty.InthelasttendaysofRamadan, Fatima (a.s) spent all the night inworshipping and supplicating, and she encouraged allthoseinherhousetospendthenightinworshippingandsupplicating.HerfeetswelledbecauseofherlongstandingbeforeAllahtheAlmighty.[4]

Devotedness

Fatima(a.s)devotedherselftoAllahandresortedtoHimtotallyinallofheraffairs.Thiswasclearinherdu’as.

[1]FeeRihabAhlulBayt,p.205.[2]Biharal-Anwar,vol.43p.84.[3]Ibid.,vol.68p.184.[4]FatimaUmmuAbeeha,p.64.

Herdu’aonturningtoAllah

Fatima(a.s)oftensupplicatedAllahwiththisdu’a,“OAllah,byYourknowingoftheunseenandYourpoweroverthecreation,makemeliveifYouknowthatlifeisbettertome,andmakemedieifYouknowthatdeathisbettertome.

OAllah,IaskYouforloyalty,andforthefearofYouinpleasureandinanger,andforeconomyinwealthandpoverty.

OAllah,IaskYouforincessantbliss,andaskYouforceaselessdelight,andaskYouforsatisfactionwithfate,andaskYouforagoodlifeafterdeath,andaskYouforthelookingatYourFace,andtheeagernesstoYourmeetingwithoutaharmingdistressoradarksedition.

OAllah,adornuswithadornmentof faith,andmakeusguidedandguides,OYoutheLordof theworlds!”[1]

Herdu’aonresortingtoAllah

Sherecitedinthisdu’a,“OAllah,makemesatisfiedwithwhatYouhavegiventome,honormeandgivemegoodhealthaslongasYoumakemelive,forgivemeandhavemercyonmewhenYoumakemedie.

OAllah,donotafflictmewithaskingforwhatYouhavenotdeterminedforme,andwhateverYouhavedeterminedformemakeiteasyandaccessible.

OAllah,rewardmyparentsformeandwhoeverhasdonemeafavorwiththebestofreward.

OAllah,takemetowhatYouhavecreatedmefor,donotmakemebusywithwhatYouhavealreadysecuredtome,donotpunishmewhileIaskYoutoforgiveme,anddonotdeprivemewhileIbegYou.

OAllah,makeme humble tomyself,makeYour standing great tome, and inspiremewithYourobedience and the doing of what pleases You and avoidingwhat displeases You, OYou themostMercifulofthemerciful.”[2]

[1]Biharal-Anwar,vol.94p.225.[2]KnowthatIamFatima,vol.9p.571.

Herdu’aoftasbih[1]

Fatima(a.s)recitedinthisdu’a,

“GlorybetoHimWhohasshonewithmightandpower.

GlorybetoHimWhohashiddeninsevenheavensthatnoeyecansee.

GlorybetoHimWhohasloweredcreatureswithdeathandhonoredHimselfwithlife.

GlorybetoHimWhoremainsandeverythingelseperishes.

GlorybetoHimWhohaschosenpraisetoHimselfandacceptedit.

GlorybetotheEver-living,theOmniscient.

GlorybetotheForbearing,theHonorable.

GlorybetotheMostHigh,theGreat.

GlorybetoAllahandbyHispraise.”[2]

Herdu’aonanimportantthing

Fatima(a.s)supplicatedAllahwithdu’aforrelievinggriefsandfulfillingneeds:

“ByYaseenandtheWiseQur'an,andbyTahaandtheGreatQur'an,OYou,Whoisabletofulfillallneedsofrequesters,Whoknowwhatisthereinsideconscience,OYouWhocheerupthedistressed,Whorelievethegrieved,OYouWhoismercifultotheold,Whonourishinfants,OYouWhodonotneed expression, have blessings onMuhammad and the progeny ofMuhammad!”[3]Her du’a formakingthingseasy“OAllahtheLordofthesevenheavensandLordoftheGreatThrone,ourLordandtheLordofeverything,theRevealeroftheTorah,theBible,andtheQur'an,theSplitterofgrainsandstones,IseekYourprotectionfromeverythingthatYouwillpulldown.

[1]Tasbihissaying“subhanallah;glorybetoAllah”.[2]Da’awatar-Rawandi,p.91.[3]Ibid.,p.54,Biharal-Anwar,vol.92p.196.YouaretheFirstthatnothingwasbeforeYou,andYouaretheLastthatnothingwillbeafterYou.

YouaretheEvidentthatthereisnothingaboveYou,andYouaretheHiddenOnethatthereisnothingbelowYou.Payformethedebtandsavemefrompoverty!”[1]

Herdu’aforhealing

“InthenameofAllahtheLight,inthenameofAllahthelightofLight,inthenameofAllahalightonlight,inthenameofAllahWhoistheManagerofaffairs,inthenameofAllahWhohascreatedthelight fromthe light,praisebe toAllahWhohascreated the light fromthe light,andsentdownthelight on themountain in a recordedBook, in a spread parchment, in a determinedmeasure, on ahappyprophet.

Praise be toAllahWho is with glorymentioned, with pride is known, for better or for worse isthanked,(OAllah)andhaveblessingonourmasterMuhammadandonhispureprogeny!”[2]

Herdu’ainmorningandevening

“OYoutheEver-living,theEternal,byYourmercyIaskforhelp;sohelpmeanddonotletmebedeceivedbymyselfforatwinkleofaneyeatall,andrepairallmyaffairs!”[3]

Herdu’aatsleeping

“PraisebetoAllahtheSufficer,glorybetoAllahtheHighest.Allahissufficienttomeandenough.WhatAllahwillshefulfils.AllahhearswhoevercallsuponHim.ThereisnoescapefromAllah,andnoshelterbeyondAllah.(SurelyIrelyonAllah,myLordandyourLord;thereisnolivingcreaturebutHeholdsitbyitsforelock;surelymyLordisontherightpath.11:56).(PraisebetoAllah,Whohas not taken unto Himself a son, and Who has no partner in the Sovereignty, nor has He anyprotectingfriendthroughdependence.AndmagnifyHimwithallmagnificence.17:111).”[4]

[1]Biharal-Anwar,vol.92p.297.[2]Ibid.,vol.43p.67-68.[3]Muhajad-Da’awat,p.141-142.[4]Falahas-Sa’il,p.283,ad-Durral-Manthur,vol.4p.208.

Fatima(a.s) supplicatedAllahoneverydayof theweekwithaspecialdu’a.Thefollowingareherdu’asoftheweekdays:Herdu’aofSaturday“OAllah,opentousthetreasuresofYourmercy,andgiveus,OAllah,amercythatYoutortureusafter itneitherinthis lifenorintheafterlife,giveusfromYourwidefavorahalal(lawful),goodlivelihood,donotmakeusinneediness,donotmakeusneedotherthanYou,makeusmoregratefultoYou,andmakeusmoreinneedtoYouandsatisfiedandabstinentwithYouthananyotherthanYou.

OAllah,enrichusinthislife.OAllah,weseekYourprotectionfromturningYourfaceawayfromusinacasewherewelookforwardtoYouinit!

OAllah,haveblessingonMuhammadandtheprogenyofMuhammad,andgiveuswhatYoulike,andmakeitstrengthtousinwhatYoulike,OYoutheMostMercifulofthemerciful!”

Herdu’aonSunday

“OAllah,makethefirstofmythisdayprosperity,themiddleofit,righteousness,andthelastofitsuccess!

OAllah,haveblessingonMuhammadandtheprogenyofMuhammad,andmakeusfromthosewhoturntoYouandYoureceivethem,andrelyonYouandYousatisfythem,andbegYouandYouareMercifultothem…”

Herdu’aonMonday

“OAllah, I askYou for strength inworshippingYou, insight inYourBook, and understanding inYourcommands.

OAllah,haveblessingonMuhammadandtheprogenyofMuhammad,anddonotmaketheQur'anbarrenwithus,thestraightpathcrooked,andMuhammad(blessingsofAllahbeonhimandonhisprogeny)avertingfromus!”

Herdu’aonTuesday

“OAllah,maketheinadvertenceofpeopleasamentiontous,andmaketheirmentionasgratitudetous,andmakethegoodwesaybyourtonguesasatrueintentioninourhearts.

OAllah,Yourforgivenessisgreaterthanoursins,andYourmercyismorehopefulthanourdeeds.

OAllah,haveblessingonMuhammadandtheprogenyofMuhammad,andleadusrightlytothegooddeedsandrightdoings…”

Herdu’aonWednesday

“OAllah,guardusbyYoureyethatdoesnotsleep,byYourshelterthatisbeyondreach,andbyYourgreatattributes.OAllah,haveblessingonMuhammadandhisprogeny,andkeepforuswhatifotherthanYoukeeps,itwillbelost,andcoverforuswhatifotherthanYoucovers,itwillbeexposed,andmakeallthatobedienttous,forYouaretheHearingofdu’a,Near,Responder…”

Herdu’aonThursday

“OAllah,IaskYouforguidance,piety,chastity,andthedoingofwhatYoulikeandplease.

OAllah,IaskYoufromYourmightforourweakness,fromYourrichnessforourpoverty,andfromYourpatienceandknowledgeforourignorance.

OAllah, have blessing onMuhammad and the progeny ofMuhammad, and assist us in thanking,mentioning, obeying, and worshipping You by Your mercy, O You the Most Merciful of themerciful.”

Herdu’aonFriday

“OAllah,makeusthenearestofthosewhocomeneartoYou,thebestofthosewhoturntoYou,andthemostsuccessfulofthosewhoaskandsupplicateYou.

OAllah,makeusfromthosewhoasiftheyseeYouuntiltheDayofResurrectionwhentheywillmeetYou,anddonotmakeusdieexceptonYoursatisfaction.

OAllah,makeusfromthosewhoaresinceretoYouintheirdeeds,andthemostbelovedtoYoufromamongallYourpeople.

OAllah,haveblessingonMuhammadandtheprogenyofMuhammad,andforgiveuswithdefiniteforgivenessthatwedonotcommitanerrorafterit,nordoweengageinasinoranoffence.

O Allah, bless Muhammad and the progeny of Muhammad with growing, continuous, pure,

successive,recurrentblessingbyYourmercy,OYoutheMostMercifulofthemerciful.”[1]

Youcaneasilyseeinthesedu’astheessenceofIslamandthetruefaithinAllahthatFatima(a.s)had.

Heramulet

Fatima(a.s)soughttheprotectionofAllahthroughthisamuletthatwaswritteninit:

“InthenameofAllah,OYoutheEver-living,theEternal,byYourmercyIaskforhelp;sohelpmeanddonotletmebedeceivedbymyselfforatwinkleofaneyeatall,andrepairallmyaffairs!”[2]

TasbihofFatima(a.s)

After everyprayerFatima (a.s) offered, she recited the tasbih that theProphet (a.s.) had taughtheronly.AmeerulMo'minin ImamAli (a.s.) said,“Fatimawas themost belovedone to her father.Thequernhadaffectedherhands.Shecarriedwaterwiththeskinuntilitaffectedherneck.Shesweptthehouseuntilherclothesbecamedusty.Sheset fireunder thecookingpotuntilherclothesdarkenedwith smoke. She suffered some harm because of that. One day, we heard that some slaves werebroughttotheProphet(a.s.).IsaidtoFatima,‘Youcouldgotoyourfatheraskinghimforaservanttohelpyou.’Shewenttoherfatherbutfoundhimbusy.Shefeltshytoaskhimandthenshecameback.Onthesecondday,theProphet(a.s.)cametoFatima’shouseandaskedherwhyshehadcometohimthedaybefore,butshefeltshytotellhim.Isaid,‘ByAllah,IshalltellyouO

[1]Biharal-Anwar,vol.90p.338-339.[2]Al-Baqiyatas-Salihat,p.429.

messengerofAllah.Shemilledwiththequernuntilherhandswereaffected,carriedwaterwiththeskinuntilherneckwasaffected,sweptthehouseuntilherclothesbecamedusty,andsetfireunderthecookingpotuntilherclothesdarkened.Wewereinformedthatsomeslavesorservantswerebroughttoyou,andsoIsaidtohertoaskyouforaservant.’

TheProphet(a.s.)said,‘ShallItellyouaboutwhatisbetterthanwhatyouaskmefor?Whenyougotobed,yourecitethirty-fourtakbirs,thirty-threetasbihs,andthirty-threetahmids.[1]Thisisbetterforyouthanaservant.”[2]

TheAhlulBayt(a.s.)paidtoomuchattentiontothistasbih.Theytaughtittotheirsonsanddaughtersasaneducationalmethodandspiritualnourishment.Imamas-Sadiq(a.s.)said,‘Weteachourchildrenthememorizingofthistasbihandrecitingitafterprayerandatsleeping.’

Reciting this tasbih isakindofglorificationofAllah.Fatima(a.s) loyallypracticed this tasbihandheartilykeptonitsincethemomentwhenherfatherhadtaughtittoher.Shewenttothetombofheruncle,theeternalmartyrHamzabinAbdulMuttalib,tookahandfulofsoilfromhistomb,andmadethebeadsofherrosarybywhichshepracticedthistasbihcalledasthe“tasbihofFatima”.MuslimsimitatedherintakingrosariestoglorifyAllahwith.WhenImamal-Husayn(a.s.)wasmartyred,theShiamadetheirrosariesfromthesoilofKerbalawheretheimamwasburiedtopracticewiththemthe“tasbihofFatima”.Theyalsomade,andstillmake,fromthesoilofKerbalasmalldriedpiecestoprostrateonthemintheprayers.Manytraditionsweretransmittedfromtheinfallibleimamsaboutthe

preferenceofthissoil.

[1]Takbir is the recitingof“allahuAkbar;Allah is great”, tasbih is the recitingof“subhanallah;glorybetoAllah”,andtahmidistherecitingof“al-hamdulillah;praisebetoAllah”.

[2]SunanofAbuDawud,vol.2p.489-490,Sahihofal-Bukhari,vol.4p.208.

Fatima’sworship

ThehappiesttimesFatima(a.s)hadwerethetimeswhenshecommunicatedwithherLordinprayer.Whensheofferedtheprayer,herhearttraveledhightotheDivineSphere,andherbodyshookoutofthefearofherLord.

Aftereachprayer,Fatima (a.s)devotedlysupplicatedherLordwithsomedu’as.The followingaresomeofthosedu’as:

Herdu’aaftertheDhuhr(noon)Prayer

WhenFatima(a.s)finishedtheDhuhrPrayer,sherecitedthisdu’a,

“GlorybetotheGlorious,High,SublimeOne.GlorybetotheOneofthegreathonor.GlorybetotheOneoftheeternal,superiorsovereignty.

PraisebetoAllahbyWhoseblessingIhavereachedwhatIhavehadoftheknowledgeofHim,thedoingforHim,theturningtoHim,andtheobeyingofHiscommand,andpraisebetoAllahWhohasmademenotdenyanythingofHisBook,andnotconfusedinanythingofHisaffair,andpraisebetoAllahWhohasguidedmetoHisreligion,andnotmademeworshipanythingelsethanHim.

OAllah,IaskYouforthesayingandthedoingofrepentants,therescueandrewardofmujahidin,thefaithandrelianceofbelievers,easeatdeath,andsecurityatreckoning.

OAllah,makedeaththebestabsenteeIamwaitingfor,andthebestvisitorthatvisitsme,andendowmeatthecomingofdeath,atitsattacking,atitspangs,andwhenthesoulcomesdownfrombetweentheclavicles,andwhenitreachesthethroat,andatmyleavingthisworld,andatthatmomentwhenIhavenopoweroveranygoodorharmtomyself,nordistressorease,(endowme)withamercyfromYourmercy, anda share fromYourcontentment, andagood tiding fromYourhonor,beforeYoutakemylifeandmaketheAngelofDeathdominateovermysoul,withagoodtidingfromYou!

OmyLord, there is nooneother thanYou that pleasesby it (mercy andgood tiding)mybosom,satisfiesmysoul,delightsmyeye,makesmyfacebeamswithjoy,mycomplexionshine,myheartfeelsafe,andallmybodyrejoiceatit thatall thosewhoseemefromYourcreationandhearaboutmefromYourpeopleenvymeit.Youmakebyittheagoniesofdeatheasyforme,relievemefromitsgrief,alleviateitsseverity,savemefromitstrouble,takeawayfrommeitsgriefandregret,keepmefromitssorrowandsedition,protectmefromitsevilandtheevilofthatwhichcomestoits(death)people,andendowmebyitwithitsgoodandthegoodofthatwhichcomeswithitandthegoodofthatwhichwillcomeafterit.

AndthenifYoumakemedieandtakemysoul,makemysoulamongthesuccessfulsouls,andmyspiritamongthegoodspirits,andmybodyamongthepurifiedbodies,andmakemydeedsamongtheaccepteddeeds,andthengrantmeinmygraveintheearth,andtheplaceofmyshieldwheremyfleshisentombed,andmyboneisburied,andIamleftalonehelplesslyexiledbythelandanddesertedbypeople,andwhenImissYourmercy,andneedmygooddeeds,andmeetwhat Ihavedoneformyafterlifeanddoneinthedaysofmylife,(grantme)asuccessfromYourmercy,andagleamfromYour light,andaconfirmationfromYourhonorwith the firmword in thisworldly lifeand in thehereafter,YoucausetheunjusttogoastrayanddowhatYoupleases.Thenblessmyresurrectionandreckoning when the ground is split to me and people abandon me, the cry befalls me, the gustfrightensme,andYouresurrectmeafterdeathandsendmeforreckoning.Sendwithme,OmyLord,alightfromYourmercymovingbeforemeandonmyrighthandtoreassuremewithit,makemyheartsteadfast(withit),showmyexcuse,honormyface,confirmmyspeech,declaremyproof,takemetothefirmhandholdofYourmercy,andputmeinthehighrankofYourparadise,andgrantmethecompanionshipofMuhammadYourslaveandmessengerinthehighestrankoftheParadise,andits best virtue, best gift, andmost successful aspirationwith those uponwhomYouhave bestowedfavorsfromamongtheprophets,thetruthful,themartyrs,andtherighteous,andagoodlycompanyarethey.

OAllah, have blessing onMuhammad the last of the prophets, and on all the prophets and themessengers, andall theangels, andonhisgood,pureprogeny,andonall the imamsofguidance;Amen,OLordoftheworlds.

OAllah,haveblessingonMuhammadasYouhaveguidedusbyhim,haveblessingonMuhammadasYouhavehadmercyonusbyhim,haveblessingonMuhammadasYouhavepreferredusbyhim,haveblessingonMuhammadasYouhavehonoredusbyhim,haveblessingonMuhammadasyouhaveenlightenedusbyhim,andhaveblessingonMuhammadasYouhavesavedusfromabrinkofanabyssofFire.

OAllah,honorhisface,exalthisrank,makehisauthorityprevail,perfecthislight,makehisscalesheavy,confirmhisproof,granthimuntilheispleased,makehimgettothehighdegreeandmeansinthe Paradise, take him to the praised position that You have promised him,make him the best ofprophetsandmessengerstoYouinrankandmeans,makeusfollowhim,giveustodrinkfromhiscup,make us get to his pond, resurrect us in his company,make us die on his religion,make usfollowhispaths,andcarryouthisSunnabeingnotabased,regretful,doubtful,orapostate.

OYou,thatYourdoorisopenedforYoursuppliants,andYourscreenisraisedforthosewhohopeforYou,OYou,theCovererofbadthings,andHealerofwoundedhearts,donotexposemeinthestandofthe(Dayof)Resurrectionwithsins,anddonotturnYourhonoredfaceawayfrommefromamongpeople.

OYou,theaimofthedistressedpoor,andtheHealerofbrokenbones,forgivememygreatsinsandwhat expose my inners, clean my heart from the burden of errors, and grant me with goodpreparednessforthecomingofdeath.

OYou theMostGenerousof thegenerous, and theutmost hopeof thebeggingones,YouaremyLord;Youhaveopenedtomethedoorofsupplicationandrepentance,sodonotclosebeforemethe

doorofacceptanceandresponding,andsavemebyYourmercyfromFire,putmeupintheabodesoftheGardens,makemeclingtothefirmesthandhold,makemyendahappyone,andmakemelivewithpeace.

OMostGracious,MostPerfect,MostGlorious,MostLofty,donotletanenemyorenvierrejoiceatmymisfortune,anddonot letanoppressive ruleroverpowermenoramutinousdevil,byYourmercyOtheMostMercifulofthemerciful,andthereisnopowersaveinAllah,theMostHigh,theMostGreat,andmayAllahhaveblessingandpeaceonMuhammadandhisprogeny.”[1]

9ChapterHerdu’aaftertheAsrPrayer

AftertheAsr(afternoon)Prayer,Fatima(a.s.)supplicatedAllahwiththefollowingdu’a:

“GlorybetoHimWhoisawareofwhatthehearts(minds)obtain!GlorybetoHimwhoknowstheexactcountofsins!GlorybetoHimWhonothingintheearthorintheheavenisunknowntohim!PraisebetoAllahWhohasnotmademeungratefultoHisblessings,noradeniertoHisfavor.AllgoodisfromHimandHeisthemostfittestforit!PraisebetoHimforHisirrefutableauthorityoverallthatHehascreatedfromthosewhoobeyanddonotobeyHim.IfHeshowsmercy,itisfromHisfavor, and if He punishes, it is for what people themselves have committed, and Allah wills noinjusticetoHiscreatures.

Praise be to Allah the most high in place, of most exalted erection, of strongest pillars, of mostgloriousauthority,mostgreatestposition,ofclearproof,theBeneficent,theMerciful,theGiver,theBenefactor.

PraisebetoAllahWhohashiddenfromeverycreaturethatseesHimbythetruthofDeity,andthepowerofOneness;sosightscannotcomprehendHim,norcannewsincludeHim.NomeasurementcanmeasureHim,andnomindcanimagineHimbecauseHeistheAlmightySovereign.

OAllah,verilyYouseemyplace,hearmyspeech,knowofmyaffairs,knowwhatthereisinsidemysoul,andnothingofmyaffairsishiddentoYou.IhavecometoYouofferingmyrequest,askingYouformyneed,beseechingYouformy

[1]Falahas-Sa’il,p.173.and, and asking You due to poverty and neediness, meanness and distress, and misery and

wretchedness.

YouaretheLordWhoisGenerousofforgiveness;Youcanfindanotherthanmetopunishhim,butIcannot find another thanYou to forgiveme. You can dowithoutmy punishment, but I cannot dowithoutYourmercy.IbegYoubymyneedtoYouandYourdoingwithoutme,andbyYourpowerovermeandmyweaknessbeforeYoutomakemythissupplicationreceivearesponsefromYou,andmy this standing receive amercy fromYou, andmy this request receive a success. (Omy Lord)whateverdifficultyIfear,makeiteasytome,andwhateverfailureIfear,affordittome,andwhoeverfromallthecreaturesintendseviltome,defeathim;AmenOtheMostMercifulofthemerciful.(OmyLord)makeeasytomewhatIfearitsseverity,andrelievemefromwhatIfearitsdistress,andmakeeasytomewhatIfearitshardship,AmenOtheLordoftheWorlds!

OAllah,takeself-deceit,hypocrisy,haughtiness,oppression,envy,weakness,doubtfulness,faintness,

illnesses,diseases,treason,cunning,trickery,calamity,andcorruptionoffmyhearingandsight,andguidemetowhatYoulikeandplease,OtheMostMercifulofthemerciful.

OAllah,haveblessingonMuhammadandtheprogenyofMuhammadandforgivemysin,covermydefect,calmdownmyfear,relievemydistress,sufficemypoverty,makeeasymyneed,pardonmyslip,gathermewithmyfamily,andsavemefromallwhatmaydistressme;whatisunknowntome,knowntome,andallwhatIfearfromYou,OtheMostMercifulofthemerciful!

OAllah,IhaveentrustedmyaffairstoYou,deliveredmybacktoYou,andhandedovermyselftoYouwithallwhatIhavecommittedagainstitoutoffearanddesire,andYouaretheGenerousOnethatdonotletdownhopeanddonotdisappointsupplication,soIaskYoubytherightofYourfriendAbraham, and Your speaker (with) Moses, and Your soul Jesus, and Your choice and prophetMuhammad(peacebeonhim)nottokeepYourFaceawayfrommeuntilYouacceptmyrepentanceandforgivemyerrors,OtheMostMercifulofthemerciful!

OAllah,makemyrevengeonhimwhohasoppressedmeandgivevictoryonhimwhohasfeudedme.OAllah,donotmakemytrialbeinmyfaith,anddonotmaketheworldlylifebemyforemostinterestortheendofmyknowledge!

OAllah,bettermyfaithwhichistheprotectionofmyaffairs,andbettermylifeinwhichmylivingis,andbettermyafterlifeinwhichmyresurrectionwillbethere,andmakelifetomeagrowthineverygood,andmakedeatharelieftomefromeveryevil!

OAllah,YouaretheMostPardonerandYoulovepardoning,sopardonme!

OAllah,makemeliveifYouknowthatlifeisbettertome,andmakemedieifdeathisbettertome.Iaskfor(grantingme)fearingYouinabsenceandpresence,andfairnessatangerandsatisfaction,andIaskYoufor(makingmepractice)economyinpovertyandwealth,andIaskYouforablissthatdoesnotcease,anddelightthatdoesnotstop,andIaskYouforsatisfactionafter(Your)judgment,andIaskYouforthepleasureofthelookingatYourFace.

OAllah,IaskYoutoguidemetomybestaffairs,andseekYourprotectionfromtheevilofmysoul.OAllah,Ihavedonewrongandbeenunjusttomyself,soforgivemeforthatnooneforgivessinsexceptYou.OAllah,IaskYoutohastenYourhaletome,givemepatiencetowardYourtrial,andtakemeoutofthislifetoYourmercy.

OAllah,IaskYou,Yourangels,thecarriersofYourThrone,andallthereisintheheavensandtheearth to witness that You are Allah and there is no god but You alone with no partner, and thatMuhammad isYour slave andmessenger.OYou,Whohad been before the existence of anything,WhoaretheCreatorofeverything,andWhowillexistafterwhentherewillbenothingexisting.

AndIaskYouthatpraiseistoYouthatthereisnogodbutYou,theCreatoroftheheavensandtheearth.

OAllah,toYourmercyIhaveraisedmysight,andtoYourbountyIhavestretchedmyhand,sodonotpreventmewhileIambeggingYou,anddonotpunishmewhileIamaskingYoutoforgiveme.OAllah,forgivemeforYouareawareofme,anddonotpunishmeforYouarepowerfuloverme

byYourmercy,OtheMostMercifulofthemerciful.

OAllah,theOneofthevastmercyandtheavailing,exalting,andpurifyingprayer,blessthebestoneofYourpeopletoYou,themostbelovedoneofthemtoYou,andthemostprominentofthemtoYou;Muhammad,Yourslaveandmessenger,whohasbeenpreferredwiththevirtuesof(being)themeans,withthenoblest,mostperfect,mostexalted,greatest,andthebestblessingsthatYouhaveeverblessedamessengerofYouandatrusteewithYourrevelationby.

OAllah, asYou have closed (ended) by him (ProphetMuhammad) blindness, and opened by himguidance,makethemethodsofhiswaysbrilliancetous,andtheproofsofhisauthorityasmeanstousbywhichwecometoYou.

OAllah,praisebetoYouinasmuchasthesevenheavensandtheirlayers,andinasmuchasthesevenearthsandwhat there isbetween them,and inasmuchas theThroneofourGenerousLordand thescalesofourForgivingLord,andinasmuchasthewordsofourMightyLord,andinasmuchastheParadiseandtheFire,andinasmuchasthenumberofsoil,water,andallwhatisseenandwhatisnotseen.

O Allah, make Your blessings, benediction, favor, forgiveness, mercy, pleasedness, peace,remembrance,light,honor,bounty,andgoodonMuhammadandtheprogenyofMuhammadasYouhad benediction, blessing, andmercy onAbraham and the progeny ofAbraham,You are Praised,Glorious.

OAllah,giveMuhammadthegreatmeansandthemostbeneficofYourrewardintheenduntilYouhonorhimontheDayofResurrection,OtheLordofguidance.

OAllah,haveblessingonMuhammadand theprogenyofMuhammad, andonallofYourangels,prophets, andmessengers. Peace be onGabriel,Michael, Israfel, the carriers of theThrone,YourArchangels,thenoblerecorders(angels),thecloseangels,andpeacebeonallofYourangels.

PeacebeonourfatherAdamandourmotherEve,andpeacebeonalltheprophets,thetruthful,themartyrs,andtherighteous,andpeacebeonallthemessengers,andpraisebetoAllahtheLordoftheworlds,andthereisnopowersaveinAllah,theMostHigh,theMostGreat.”[1]

HersupplicationaftertheMaghrib(sunset)Prayer

“Praise be to AllahWho sayers cannot come at His praise, and praise be to AllahWho counterscannotcountHisbounties,andpraisebetoAllahWhostriverscannotperformwhatHedeserves.

ThereisnogodbutAllah,theFirstandtheLast,andthereisnogodbutAllahtheApparentandtheHidden,andthereisnogodbutAllahtheGiveroflifeandtheMakerofdeath.

AllahisMostGreatofMight,andAllahisMostGreatofEverlastingness.

Praisebe toAllahWhoknowerscannotcomeatHisknowledgenordo the ignorantdisparageHispatience,norcanpraiserscomeatHispraise,norcandepictersdepictHisfeatures,norcancreatureswelldescribeHim.

Praisebe toAllah, thePossessorofDominionandKingdom,ofMightand Invincibility,ofHonorandGlory,ofMajestyandMagnificence,ofDignityandBeauty,ofPowerandMight,ofMightandStrength,ofBountyandDominance,ofFavor and Influence,of Justice andTruth,ofCreationandExaltedness, of Sublimity and Grandeur, of Virtue and Wisdom, of Richness and Generosity, ofGivingandPreventing,ofPatienceandKnowledge,ofIrrefutableArgument,AmpleBounty,good,beautifulpraise,graciousblessings,theKingoftheLifeandtheAfterlife,oftheParadiseandtheFireandwhatthereisinthem,wasHeblessedandexalted.

PraisebetoAllahWhoknowsthesecretsoftheunseen,andisawareofwhatheartsearn.ThereisnoescapeorrunawayfromHim.

[1]Falahas-Sa’il,p.203.

Praise be to Allah the Lofty in His dominion, the Glorious in His place, the Predominant in HisKingdom, thePowerful inHis seizing, theHigh aboveHisThrone, theAwareofHis creation, theDoerofwhateverHewillsbyHisknowledge.Praisebe toAllahbyWhosewords the firmamentalheavenshavebeenerected,theplainearthshavebeenfixed,thefirmmountainshavebeensetupright,thepollinatingwindshavebeenblown,thecloudshavemovedinthesphereofthesky,theseashaverestrained at their boundaries, thehearts havebeen afraidofHim, and lords have submitted to hisdeity.BlessedYouare,OtheCounterofraindropsandtreeleaves,andtheReviverofdeadbodiesforResurrection.

Glorybe toYou theLordofGloryandHonor forwhateverYoudo to thepoor strangerwhenhecomestoYouresorting,callingforhelp,andforwhateverYoudotohimwholodgesinYouryard,looksforwardtoYourcontent,andresortstoYou,andhekneelsbeforeYoucomplainingtoYouofwhatisnotunknowntoYou.OmyLord,letmychanceinmysupplicationnotbedeprivation,andmyshareinwhatIhopefromYounotbedisappointment!

OYouWhohadexisted,isexisting,andwillexistasHehasstillbeenovereverysoulwithwhatithasearned.OYouWhohasmade thedaysof life toelapse, itsmonths tochange,and itsyears to turnwhileYouareEverlastingthatneitherdotimeswearYouout,nordoageschangeYou.

OYouWhom each daywithYou is new and each sustenancewithYou is ready for theweak, thestrong,andthesevere.Youhavedividedsustenancebetweenthecreaturesandequaledtheantwiththesparrow.

OAllah,ifresidingnarrowstopeople,weseekYourprotectionfromthenarrownessofresidence.OAllah, if theDay ofResurrection is prolonged to criminals, shorten that day to us as (the period)betweenaprayerandanother.OAllah,ifthesunbecomesclosetotheskullsandthereisbetweenitandtheskullsameasureofonemileanditsheatisincreasedtotheheatoftenyears,weaskYoutoshadeuswithclouds, anderect foruspulpits andchairs to sitonandpeopleget free in theplace,AmenOtheLordoftheWorlds.

IaskYou,OAllah,bythesepraisestoforgiveme,pardonme,dressmewithhaleinmybody,andsafetyinmyreligion.

I askYouand IamsureofYour response tomy request, and I calluponYouand IknowofYourlisteningtomycall,solistentomysupplicationanddonotendmyhope,donotrepelmypraising,anddonotdisappointmysupplication.IaminneedofYourcontentandIampoortoYourforgiving.IaskYouandIamnotdesperateofYourmercy,andIcalluponYouandIamnotsafefromYourwrath.

OmyLord,respondtomeandfavormewithYourpardon,andmakemediewhileIamMuslim,andjoinmetotherighteous.OmyLord,donotpreventYourfavorfromreachingmeOAllGracious,anddonotentrustmetomyselfforlornly,OAllCompassionate.

OmyLord,extendmercy,attheseparationoflovers,tomydying,andatthequietofthegravetomyloneliness,andat thewildof(thedayof)Resurrectiontomyforlornness,andbeforeYoustandingforreckoningtomydestitution.

OmyLord,IaskYoutorescuemefromFire,sorescueme!OmyLord,IseekYourprotectionfromFire,soprotectme!OmyLord,IresorttoYoufromFire,sotakemeaway(fromit)!OmyLord,IseekYourmercyoutofmydistress,sohavemercyonme!OmyLord,IaskYoutoforgivemewhatIhavebeenignorantof,soforgiveme!OmyLord,supplicationhastakenmeforthfortheneedtoYou,sodonotdisappointme,OYoutheGenerousOneoffavors,charity,andpardoning!OmyLord,Beneficent,Merciful, respond tomycall fromamong the suppliants toYou, andpity,fromamong theweepers,my tear,andmake in themeetingwithYou,on thedaywhenI leave thisworld,myrelief,andcoveramongthedead,OtheGreatHopedOne,mydefect,andpitymeatthegoingalonetomyhole(grave),Youaremyhope,theplaceofneed,andtheKnowerofwhatIwantindirectingmyrequest.

OtheProviderofneeds,providemyneed!ToYouisthecomplaintandYouaretheHelperandtheHoped One. I escape to You from sins, so receive me, and I resort from Your justice to Yourforgiveness,soapprehendme,andIresorttoYourpardonfromYourpunishment,soprotectme,andIhopeYourmercyagainstYourpunition,sosaveme,andIwanttheclosenesstoYoubyIslam,soapproachme(toYou),andfromthegreathorrorkeepmesafe,andintheshadowofYourThroneshademe, and twoportionsofYourmercygrant tome, and from thisworld safeprotectme, andfrom darkness to light take me out, and on the Day of Resurrection honor me and with easyreckoning reckonwithme, and do not exposemewithmy hidden defects, and againstYour trialsmakemepatient, andasYouhadkept impurity andunchastity away fromYousuf (Joseph), keep itawayfromme,andwhateverIcannotbeardonotburdenmewith,andtotheAbodeofPeaceguideme,andbytheQur'anbenefitme,andbythetruesayingfixme,andfromthecursedSatansaveme,andbyYour power,might, anddominanceprotectme, andbyYour patience, knowledge, andvastmercy deliver me, and in Your Garden of Paradise houseme, and with the looking at Your faceendowme,andtoYourprophetMuhammadjoinme,andfromdevils,theirfollowers,andfromtheevilofeveryevildoerrescueme!

OAllah, andmyenemies andwhoever intends evil againstme if they comeby land, coward theirbrave,scatter theirgathering,blunt theirweapons,hamstringtheirmounts,afflict themwithstormsand thunderbolts foreveruntilYouput them intoFire,degrade themfrom their forts, andmakeusdominateoverthem,AmenOtheLordoftheWorlds.

OAllah,blessMuhammadandtheprogenyofMuhammadwithablessingwithwhichbearwitnessthe

firstonesoftherighteous,themasterofthemessengers,thelastoftheprophets,theleaderofgood,andthekeyofmercy.

O Allah, the Lord of the Inviolable House and the inviolable month, the Lord of the SacredMonument,theLordofthePillarandtheTemple(ofAbraham),andtheLordofconsecrationandthebreakingofconsecration,sendtothesoulofMuhammadfromusthegreetingandpeace.

PeacebeonyouOmessengerofAllah.PeacebeonyouOthetrusteeofAllah.PeacebeonYouOMuhammadsonofAbdullah.PeacebeonyouandAllah’smercyandblessings.Heis,asYouhavedescribedhim,tothebelieversmostkindandmerciful.

OAllah,givehim(Muhammad)thebestofwhathehasaskedYoufor,andthebestofwhatYouhavebeenprayedforhim,andthebestofwhatisprayedforhimuntiltheDayofResurrection,AmenOtheLordoftheWorlds.”[1]

HersupplicationaftertheIsha(evening)Prayer

GlorybetoHimthateverythingishumbletoHisgreatness.GlorybetoHimthateverythingislowtoHisglory.GlorybetoHimthateverythingsubmitstoHiscommandanddominance.GlorybetoHimthatallaffairswiththeirreinsaresubduedtoHim.

Praisebe toAllahWhodoesnot forgetwhoever remembersHim.Praisebe toAllah thatwhoevercallsuponHimisnotdisappointed.PraisebetoAllahWhosufficeswhoeverreliesonHim.

PraisebetoAllahtheRaiseroftheheaven,theLeveleroftheearth,theBlockerofseas,thePilerofmountains,theCreatoroflivingbeings,theMakeroftrees,theSplitterofspringsoftheground,theManagerofaffairs,theDriverofclouds,theGuiderofwinds,water,andfirefromthebottomsoftheearth rising in the space, and the Downer of hot and cold, by Whose blessing good deeds arecompleted,andbythankingHimincreasesaredeserved,andbyWhosecommandtheheavenshavebeen established, andbyWhoseglorymountainshave stabilized, beasts in thedeserts andbirds innestsareglorifying.

PraisebetoAllahtheHighestofranks,theRevealerofsigns,theGreatinblessings,theCovererofdefects,theAccepterofgooddeeds,thePardoneroferrors,theRelieverofdistresses,theGiverofblessings,theRespondertoprayers,theReviverofthedead,andthegodofwhateverintheearthandtheheavens.

PraisebetoAllahforeverypraiseandremembrance,everythankingandpatience,everyprayerandzakat,everyreverenceandworship,everyhappinessandblessing,everyincreaseandmercy,everybounty, honor, and obligation, every joy and distress, every grief and ease, every calamity andaffliction,everyeaseanddifficulty,everywealthandpoverty,andinanycaseandatanyoccasionandtime,andinanyabode,resort,andresidence.

OAllah,IamresortingtoYou,soshelterme,andIamseekingYour

[1]Falahas-Sa’il,p.238.

protection,soprotectme,andaskingforYourassistance,soassistme,andcallingforYourhelp,sohelpme,andprayingYou,sorespondtome,andaskingYouforforgiveness,soforgiveme,seekingYourvictory,sorendervictorytome,andaskingYouforguidance,soguideme,andrelyingonYoualone,sosufficeme,andseekingrefugewithYou,sohouseme,andclinkingtoYourcovenant,sosave me, and depending on You, so suffice me, and make me in Your protection, guard, refuge,shelter,watch,security,sanctum,safety,underYourshadow,andunderYourwing.

(O Allah) make on me a protective shield from You, and make Your guard, watch, security, andprotectionfrombehindandbeforeme,andonmyright,myleft,fromabove,under,andaroundmesothatnoonefromthecreaturescanreachmewithevilandharm.ThereisnogodbutYou.YouaretheAll-Gracious,theCreatoroftheheavensandtheearth,theLordofGloryandHonor.

OAllah,sufficemeagainsttheenvyofenviers,thewrongingofwrongdoers,theplottingofplotters,thecunningofcunningones,thetricksoftrickers,theassassinationofassassinators,thebackbitingofbackbiters,theinjusticeoftheunjust,theoppressionofoppressors,theaggressionofaggressors,thedespiseofdespisers,thefrowningoffrowners,theattackofattackers,thestinginessofthestingy,theunfairnessoftheunfair,theerringoftheerringones,theslanderofslanderers,thetalebearingoftalebearers,themagicofmagicians,devils,andSatan,andtheoppressionofrulers,andtheevilofallpeople.

OAllah,IaskYoubyYourretained,good,purenamebywhichtheheavensandtheearthhavebeenset,towhichdarknesshasshoneandtheangelshaveglorified,andfromwhichheartsareafraid,andneckshavesubmitted,andbywhichYouhaverevivedthedead,(IaskYou)toforgivemeeveryerrorIhavecommittedinthedarknessofnightandinthelightofdayintendedlyorinattentively,secretlyoropenly,and toendowmewithcertainty,guidance, light,knowledge,andunderstandingso that IfulfillYourBook,followwhatYouhavemadelawful, refrainfromwhatYouhavemadeunlawful,carryoutYourobligations,andfulfilltheSunnaofYourProphetMuhammad.

OAllah,joinmetotherighteousofthosewhohadpassedaway,makemefromtherighteousofthosewhohaveremained,andendmydeedswiththebestofthem,YouareForgiving,Merciful.

OAllah,ifmyageends,thedaysofmylifeelapses,anditisinevitableformetomeetYou,IaskYouOMostKindtogivemefromtheParadiseanabodethatthefirstonesandthelastonesenvymeit.

OAllah,acceptmypraising,andpitymybeseechingandmyconfessionagainstmyself, for Ihavemade You hear my voice from among the suppliants, and my devotion among the devotees, mypraisingamongthespeakers,andmyglorificationsamongthepraisers,andYouaretheRespondertothedistressed,theAssistantofthosewhoaskforassistance,theHelperofthedesirous,theResortofthe runners away, the Succorer of the believers, and the Pardoner of sinners, andmayAllah haveblessings on the bringer of good tidings and the warner, and the shining lantern (ProphetMuhammad),andonalltheangelsandtheprophets.

OAllah,theExpanderoftheexpandedthings,theCreatorofthehigh(heavens),theMolderofheartson their natures; the happy and unhappy ones,make the noblest ofYour blessings, the greatest ofYourbenedictions,andthemosthonorableofYourgreetingsonMuhammadYourslave,messenger,andtrusteeoverYourrevelation,theundertakerofYourauthority,thedefenderofYoursanctum,theannouncerofYourcommand,thedeclarerofYoursigns,andthefulfillerofYourvow.

OAllah,granthim(Muhammad)foreveryvirtueofhisvirtues,attributeofhisattributes,stateofhisstates,andapositionofhispositionsinwhichYouhaveseenMuhammadahelpertoYou,patientwithYourbittertrials,anenemytowhoeverhasfeudedYou,asupportertowhoeverhassupportedYou,faraway fromwhatYouhavehated, and a caller forwhatYouhave liked, (grant him)with favorsfromYourreward,andspecialgiftsfromYourgiftsandpreferencebywhichYouhonorhisaffairand exalt his rankwith the achievers ofYour justice and the defenders ofYour sanctum, until nosublimity, splendor, mercy, and glory remain but You grant to Muhammad, and take him to thehighestofranksandmostexaltedofpositions,AmenOtheLordoftheworlds.

OAllah,IentrustYouwithmyreligion,soul,andallYourbountiesonme.OAllah,makemeinYourprotection, security, glory, and guard. Glorious is the resorter to You, sublime is Your praise,sanctifiedareYourattributes,andthereisnogodbutYou.SufficienttomeYouareinprosperityandmisfortune,easeanddistress,andMostExcellentisHeWhomwerelyon.OourLord,onYouwehaverelied,toYouwehaveturned,andtoYouisthereturning.OourLord,donotmakeusaluretothosewhohavedisbelieved,andforgiveus,YouaretheMighty,Wise.

O our Lord, turn away from us the punishment of hell, surely the punishment thereof is a lastinganguish.Surely,itisanevilabode,andanevilplacetorestin.Ourlord,decidebetweenusandourpeoplewithtruth,andYouarethebestofdeciders.

OurLord,wehavebelieved; therefore, forgiveusoursins,and remit fromusourevildeeds,andmake us die with the righteous. Our Lord, and grant us what You have promised us by Yourmessengers, anddisgraceusnoton thedayof resurrection; surelyYoudonot fail toperform thepromise.

OurLord,donotpunishusifweforgetormakeamistake.OurLord,donotlayonusaburdenasYoudidlayonthosebeforeus.OurLord,donotimposeuponusthatwhichwehavenotthestrengthtobear,andpardonusandgrantusprotectionandhavemercyonus,YouareourPatron,sohelpusagainsttheunbelievingpeople.

OurLord,grantusgoodinthisworldandgoodinthehereafter,andsaveusfromthechastisementofthe fire, andmayAllahhaveblessingandpeaceonourmasterMuhammad theProphetandonhispureprogeny.”[1]

[1]Falahas-Sa’il,p.251,254.

10ChapterHerdu’aaftertheAsrPrayer

FatimaintheQur’anandtheSunna

Fatima(a.s)hadbeenextolledandpraisedintheBookofAllahandintheSunnaofHisprophet.Shewasoneof theshiningsunsthatundertookthemissionofAllahandtookonthevalues,principles,andaimsofIslam.ShestruggledforthesakeofAllahandinthewayofIslamuntilthelastbreath.

HerpositionintheQur'an

ManyverseshadbeenrevealedintheHolyQur'anpraisingtheAhlulBayt(a.s.)attheheadofwhomFatima(a.s)was.Thefollowingaresomeofthoseverses:

TheverseofMawaddah

Allahhassaid,(Say(OMuhammad,untomankind):Idonotaskofyouanyrewardforitbutloveformy near relatives; and whoever earns good,We give himmore of good therein; surely Allah isForgiving,Grateful.42:23).

IntheQur'an,AllahhasimposedthelovetotheAhlulBayt(a.s.)onallMuslims.Narratorssaidthatthe“nearrelatives”mentionedintheversereferredtoAli,Fatima,al-Hasan,andal-Husayn.

1.IbnAbbassaid,‘Whenthisversewasrevealed,themessengerofAllahwasasked,‘Whoareyourrelativesthatyouhaveorderedustolove?’Hesaid,‘Ali,Fatima,andtheirtwosons.’[1]2.JabirbinAbdullahal-Ansarisaid,‘Oneday,anomadcametotheProphet(a.s.)andsaid,‘OMuhammad,offerIslamtome!’[1]Majma’az-Zawa’id,vol.7p.103,Thakha’iral-Uqba,p.25,Nooral-Absar,p.101.

TheProphet(a.s.)said,‘Youshouldbearwitness that there isnogodbutAllah,WhoisOneandOnlywithnopartner,andthatMuhammadisHisslaveandmessenger.’

Thenomadasked,‘Doyouaskmeforarecompenseforit?’

TheProphet(a.s.)said,‘No,exceptlovetotherelatives.’

Thenomadasked,‘Myrelativesoryourrelatives?’

TheProphet(a.s.)said,‘Myrelatives.’

ThenomadsaidtotheProphet(a.s.),‘Givemeyourhandtopayhomagetoyou.OnwhoeverdoesnotloveyouandnotloveyourrelativesthecurseofAllahbe!’

TheProphet(a.s.)said,‘Amen!’[1]

3.IbnAbbassaid,

‘When this verse was revealed, some people, in whose hearts there was a disease, said, ‘He (theProphet)doesnotwantexcepttomakeussubmittohisrelativesafterhim.’

GabrieltoldtheProphet(a.s.)thatsomepeoplehadaccusedhimandsoAllahrevealedthefollowingverseaboutthem,(Ordotheysay:HehasforgedalieagainstAllah?42:24).Then,thosepeoplesaid,‘OmessengerofAllah,youaretruthful.’[2]

4.TheAhlulBayt(a.s.)confirmedthattheversehadbeenrevealedaboutthem.

ImamAli(a.s.)said,‘The“HaMim”[3]isaboutus.Itistheversethatnoonekeepsourloveexceptthebelievers.’Thenherecitedtheverse,(Say:Idonotaskofyouanyrewardforitbutloveformynearrelatives).[4]

Imamal-Hasan (a.s.) said inoneofhis sermons, ‘I am from theAhlulBayt (a.s.)whomAllahhasimposedtheirloveoneveryMuslimwhenHesaid,(Say(OMuhammad,untomankind):Idonotaskofyouanyrewardforitbutloveformynearrelatives;andwhoeverearnsgood,We

[1]Hilyatal-Awliya’,vol.3p.201.[2]As-Sawa’iqal-Muhriqah,p.102.[3]ItisthefirstverseintheSurathatcontainsthe“verseofMawaddah”.[4]TheLifeofImamal-HusaynbinAli,vol.1p.68,quotedfromKanzolUmmal,vol.1p.218.

givehimmoreofgoodtherein).TheearningofgoodisthelovetoustheAhlulBayt(a.s).’[1]

When Imam Zaynol Aabidin (as-Sajjad) (a.s.) was brought captive to Yazid bin Mo’awiya inDamascus,anignorantmancameandsaidtohim(Imamas-Sajjad),‘PraisebetoAllahWhokilledanduprootyou,andcutoffthecauseofsedition.’

ImamZaynolAabidin(a.s.)saidkindlytohim,‘HaveyoureadtheQur'an?’

Themansaid,‘Yes,Ihave.’

TheImamsaid,‘Haveyoureadthe“HaMim”?’

Themansaid,‘IhavereadtheQur'anbutIhavenotreadthe“HaMim”.’

TheImamsaid,‘Haveyounotread,(Say:Idonotaskofyouanyrewardforitbutloveformynearrelatives)?’

Themanwasastonishedandsaidtotheimam,‘Aretheyyou?’

ImamZaynolAabidin(a.s.)said,‘Yes.’[2]

ThemanleftfeelingtooregretfulforthebadwordhesaidtotheImam.

Al-Fakhrar-Razisaid,‘Ifthisisproved(thatthisverseconcernstheAhlulBayt),thentheymustbeglorifiedandhighlyrevered…therearemanyproofsleadingtothis:

ThefirstisthesayingofAllah(butlovetothenearrelatives)…Definitely,therelationbetweentheProphet (a.s.) andFatima,Ali, al-Hasan, and al-Husaynwas the strongest, and this shows that theywerehisnearrelatives.

ThesecondisthatthereisnodoubtthattheProphet(a.s.)lovedFatima(a.s)whenhesaid,‘Fatimaisapart fromme.Whateverharmsherharmsme.’ It isalsoprovedby recurrent traditions transmittedfrom Prophet Muhammad (a.s.) that he loved Ali, al-Hasan, and al-Husayn. Since this is proved,therefore,allthenationmustdoastheProphet(a.s.)did,forAllahhassaid,(andfollowhim

[1]TheLifeofImamal-HusaynbinAli,vol.1p.67.[2]Tafsirofat-Tabari,vol.25p.16.

(the Prophet) that haply youmay be led aright. 7:158), and (…therefore let those bewarewho goagainsthisorderlestatrialafflictthemortherebefallthemapainfulchastisement.24:63),and(Say:If you love Allah, then follow me, Allah will love you and forgive you your faults. 3:31), and(CertainlyyouhaveintheMessengerofAllahanexcellentexemplar.33:21).

The third is that theprayer for theAal (near relativesof theProphet) isofagreat rank, therefore,Allah hasmade it obligatory at the end of tashahhud,[1] that is to say:OAllah, have blessing onMuhammadandtheprogenyofMuhammad.’[2]

TheverseofAbrar

Allah has said, (Surely the righteous shall drink of a cup the admixture of which is camphor. AfountainfromwhichtheservantsofAllahshalldrink;theymakeittoflowa(goodly)flowingforth.Theyfulfillvowsandfearadaytheevilofwhichshallbespreadingfarandwide.AndtheygivefoodoutofloveforHimtothepoorandtheorphanandthecaptive.WeonlyfeedyouforAllah'ssake;wedesirefromyouneitherrewardnorthanks.76:5-9).

CommentatorssaythattheSuraof“halata”wasrevealedabouttheAhlulBayt(a.s.).[3]

ThecauseoftherevelationofthisversewasthatonedayImamal-HasanandImamal-Husayn(whenchildren yet) became ill. The Prophet (a.s.),with some of his companions, visited them and askedImamAli(a.s.)tovowafastingforAllah.Hevowedtofastforthreedayswhenhistwosonswouldrecover.Fatima(a.s)andherservantFiddhavowedtodothesame.WhenImamal-HasanandImamal-Husayn(a.s.)restoredtohealth,theallfasted.ImamAli(a.s.)had

[1]Tashahhud is the saying“Ibearwitness that there isnogodbutAllah,and Ibearwitness thatMuhammadisHisslaveandmessenger”afterthesecondandthelastrak’asofprayers.

[2]Tafsirofar-Razi,vol.7p.391.

[3]Tafsirofar-Razi,vol.10p.243,Asbaban-Nuzoolbyal-Wahidi,p.133,Rawdhatal-Wa’idhinbyan-Naysaburi,p.163,Rooh

al-Bayan,vol.6p.546,ad-Durral-Manthur,vol.6p.299,Yanabee’al-Mawaddah,vol.1p.93, Imta’al-Asma’,p.502.

nomoney to buy food for their iftar.[1]He borrowed some barley. Fatima (a.s)milled and bakedsomeofthatbarleyfortheiftarofthefirstdayoftheirfasting.Whenitwastimeforiftar,apoormanknockedthedooraskingforsomefood.Allmembersofthefamilygavetheirsharestothepoormanandspenttheirnightwithnofood.Ontheseconddayandatthetimeofiftar,anorphanknockedthedooraskingforsomefood.Theyallgavehimtheirsharesoffoodandspentthesecondnighthavingnothingsavewater.Onthethirdday,Fatima(a.s)milledandbakedtherestofbarley.Atthetimeofiftar,acaptiveknockedthedooraskingforsomefood,andtheydidthesameastheydidonthetwoprevious days. On the fourth day, the Prophet (a.s.) came to them and saw them very weak andsuffering hunger. He said painfully, ‘O my Lord! The people of the house of Muhammad arestarving.’

Atthosemoments,GabrielcamedowntotheProphet(a.s.)carryingwithhimtheseversesasrewardfromtheGenerousGiverforthesegreatpeople.(ThereforeAllahwillguardthemfromtheevilofthatdayandcausethemtomeetwitheaseandhappiness.Andrewardthem,becausetheywerepatient,withgardenandsilk.Recliningthereinonraisedcouches,theyshallfindthereinneither(thesevereheatof)thesunnorbittercold.76:11-13)

TheverseofTat’hir

FromtheQur ’anicverses thathavebeenrevealedabout theAhlulBayt(a.s.) is theverseofTat’hir(purification).Allahhassaid,(Allahonlydesirestokeepawaytheuncleannessfromyou,OpeopleoftheHouse,andtopurifyyoua(thorough)purifying.33:33).

All commentators say that this verse was revealed about the Ahlul Bayt (a.s.) who were the fivepersonsofthekisa’(garment).[2]TheysaiditwasrevealedaboutthemessengerofAllah,ImamAli,Fatima,

[1]Iftaristhemealthatistakenatsunsettobreakfasting.[2] Tafsir of ar-Razi, vol.6 p.783, Rawdhat al-Wa’idhin by an-Naysaburi, p.157, al-Khasa’iss al-Kubra,vol.3p.264,ar-Riyadhan-Nadhirah,vol.2p.188,Tafsirof ibnJarir,vol.22p.334,MusnadofAhmadbinHanbal,vol.4p.107,Sunanofal-Bayhaqi,vol.2p.150,Mushkilal-Athaar,vol.1p.334,ad-Durral-Manthur,vol.5p.198,Jami’al-Bayan,vol.12p.9-12.

al-Hasan, and al-Husayn (peace be on them) only, and no anyone of the Prophet’s wives orcompanionsotherthanthesefivepersons.

UmmSalama,theProphet’swife,said,“Thisversewasrevealedinmyhousewhentherewereinthehouse Fatima, Ali, al-Hasan, and al-Husayn. The messenger of Allah (a.s.) covered them with agarmentthatwasonhimandsaid,‘OAllah,thesearethepeopleofmyhouse.Keepuncleannessawayfromthemandpurifythemathoroughpurification!’

I said, ‘Am I with you, O messenger of Allah?’ I lifted the garment to enter with them, but themessengerofAllahkindlydrewthegarmentandsaidtome,‘Youaretogood.”[1]

IbnAbbas said, “I saw themessenger ofAllah (a.s.) everyday for sevenmonths come to the door(house)ofAlibinAbiTalibatthetimeofprayersaying,‘Peace,mercy,andblessingsofAllahbeonyou,thepeopleofthehouse.Allahonlydesirestokeepawaytheuncleannessfromyou,OpeopleoftheHouse,andtopurifyyoua(thorough)purifying.Prayer!MayAllahhavemercyonYou.’Hedidthatfivetimeseveryday.”[2]

Anas bin Malik said, “The Prophet (a.s.) came to the door (house) of Fatima (everyday) for sixmonthswhenhewenttooffertheFajr(dawn)Prayer(inthemosque)saying,‘Prayer,Opeopleofthehouse!Allah only desires to keep away the uncleanness fromyou,O people of theHouse, and topurifyyoua(thorough)purifying.”[3]

AbuBarzasaid,“IofferedprayerswiththemessengerofAllahforsevenmonths.Wheneverhewentoutofhishouse,hecametothedoorofFatimaandsaid,‘Peacebeonyou.Allahonlydesirestokeepawaytheuncleannessfromyou,OpeopleoftheHouse,andtopurifyyoua(thorough)purifying.”[4]

Imamal-Hasan,inoneofhissermons,said,‘IamfromthepeopleofthehousewhomGabrielcamedowntoandcameupfrom,andIam

[1]Mustadrakal-Hakim,vol.2p.416,Usdal-Ghabah,vol.5p.521.[2]Ad-Durral-Manthur,vol.5p.199.[3]Majma’az-Zawa’id,vol.9p.169,Ansabal-Ashraf,vol.1p.157.[4]Thakha’iral-Uqba,p.24.

fromthepeopleofthehousewhomAllahhaskeptuncleannessawayfromandpurifiedathoroughpurification.’[1]

Therearemany traditions transmitted from thepureprogenyof theProphet (a.s.) showing that theverse concerned them only and no anyone other than them. We have mentioned some importantstudiesontheverseinthefirstchapterofourbook“theLifeofImamal-HusaynbinAli”.

TheVerseofMubahalah

One of the verses that Allah had revealed about theAhlul Bayt (a.s.) was the verse ofmubahalahwhichrecites:

(Butwhoeverdisputeswithyou in thismatter afterwhat has come toyouof knowledge, then say:Come let us call our sons and your sons and our women and your women and ourselves andyourselves,thenletusbeearnestinprayer,andinvokethecurseofAllahontheliars.3:61).

AllcommentatorsandnarratorsofHadithsaythatthisversewasrevealedabouttheAhlulBayt(a.s.).[2]Whatismeantby(oursons)isImamal-HasanandImamal-Husayn(a.s.),(ourwomen)isFatima(a.s),and(ourselves)isImamAli(a.s.)

TheversewasrevealedonaveryimportanthistoricaleventthattookplacebetweentheProphet(a.s.)andtheChristianclergymen.Once,adelegationof thechiefsof theChristianscameto theProphet(a.s.) to arguewith him on Islam.After a long argument, they agreed to prayAllah earnestly andinvokeHiscursetobeonthosewholie.Theyassignedatimeformubahala(mutualimprecation)andwhenthetimecame,theProphet(a.s.)choseformubahalathebestonesofallthecreaturesofAllah.Theywerehisfamily;hisdeardaughterFatima(a.s),hiscousinandson-in-lawAli(a.s.),andhistwograndsonsal-Hasanandal-Husayn(a.s.).

[1]Mustadrakal-Hakim,vol.3p.172.[2]Tafsirofar-Razi, vol.2p.699,Tafsirofal-Baydhawi,p.76,Tafsiral-Kashshaf, vol.1p.49,TafsirRooh al-Bayan, vol.1 p.457, Tafsir al-Jalalayn, vol.1 p.35, Sahih ofMuslim, vol.2 p.47,Musnad ofAhmadbinHanbal,vol.1p.185,Masabeehas-Sunna,vol.2p.201,SiyerA’laman-Nubala’,vol.3p.193,Sunanofat-Tarmithi,vol.2p.166,Sunanal-Bayhaqi,vol.7p.63.

TheProphet(a.s.)withhisfamilycametotheplaceofmubahala,andthedelegationoftheChristians,headed by as-Sayyid and al-Aaqib and accompaniedwith horsemen frombani al-Harth, came in awonderfulprocession.Massesofpeoplecrowdedintheplacewaitingfortheimportantevent.

WhentheChristianssawtheProphet(a.s.)withhisfamilywhowerehighlyglorifiedandreveredbyallpeople,theirheartswerefilledwithfearandhorror.TheProphet(a.s.)kneltsubmissivelybeforeAllahtheAlmightygettingreadyforthemubahala.As-Sayyidandal-Aaqibapproachedhimsaying,

‘OAbulQassim,bywhomdoyouimprecateus?’

The Prophet (a.s.) said, ‘I imprecate you by the best ones of the people of the earth and themostpreferred by Allah.’ He pointed to ImamAli, his wife Fatima, and his two sons al-Hasan and al-Husayn(peacebeonthem).

They said to him, ‘Why do you not imprecate us by the notable and important people who havebelievedandfollowedyou?’

TheProphet(a.s.)confirmedtothemthathisfamilywerethebestonesatall,saying,‘Yes,Iimprecateyoubytheseoneswhoarethebestofthepeopleoftheearthandthemostpreferredtoallcreatures.’

HorrorandfearoccupiedtheChristians’heartsandtheyhastenedtowardstheirchiefthebishopwhosaidtothem,‘IseefacesthatifsomeoneasksAllahbythemtoremoveamountainfromitsplace,Hewilldo.’

ThebishopfearedfortheChristiansfromperishmentiftheProphet(a.s.)wouldimprecatethem.Hesaidtohistwofellows,‘DoyounotseeMuhammadraisinghishandswaitingforwhatyoushalldo?ByJesus,ifhismouthuttersaword,weshallnevergobacktofamilyorproperty!’

Thenhesaidtohispeople,‘Doyounotseethatthesunhaschanged,darkcloudsarecominginthe

horizon,blackandredwindshavebegunblowing,andsmokeiscomingupfromthesemountains?Tormenthascometous.Lookatthebirdshowtheyspewtheircraws,thetreeshowtheirleavesfalldown,andthegroundhowitshakesunderourfeet!’

The bishop was certain that his people would perish and therefore, he prevented them from thatmubahala.TheChristiandelegationaskedtheProphet(a.s.),‘OAbulQassim,exemptus,mayAllahexemptyou!’

TheProphet(a.s.)addressedtheChristiansandtheMuslimssaying,‘ByHiminWhosehandmysoulis, tormentwasabout toafflict thepeopleofNajran,[1]and if theydidnotgiveup, theywouldbemetamorphosedintomonkeysandpigs,andthevalleywouldbeburntwithfireonthem,andAllahwouldremoveNajrananditspeopleandevenbirdsontrees,andthenewyearwouldnotcometoallChristians.’[2]

TheysubmittedtotheconditionsoftheProphet(a.s.)andtheywentbacktotheircountrywhiletheirheartswerefullofrespectandreverencetotheProphet(a.s.)andtohisfamilyforthehighpositiontheyhadnearAllah.

Anyhow,thiseventshowedtheimportanceoftheAhlulBayt(a.s.)andthattheyhadnoequalatallintheMuslimsocietywhichwasfullofsincerebelieverswhostruggleddevotedlyforthesakeofIslam.IftheProphet(a.s.)foundoneslikeorbetterthanhisfamily,hewouldnotpreferhisfamilytothem.Besides,hedidnotinviteanyonefromhiscloserelativessuchashisuncleal-AbbasoranyonefromtheHashimites,nordidheinviteanyofhiswives,norhisauntSafiyyatojointhemwithhisdaughterFatima(a.s),noranyoneelseatall.

Ofcourse,nooneofMuslimmenandMuslimwomenwasequaltotheAhlulBayt(a.s.)whomAllahhadhonoredandpreferredtoallofHiscreation.

[1]NajranwastheplacewheretheChristianslived.[2]Nooral-Absar,p.100.

IntheSunna

In thePropheticSunna therearemanytraditions theProphet (a.s.)hadsaidabout thevirtueand thehighpositionofFatima(a.s)theprincipalofallwomenoftheworldswherehementionedhereitherbythenameorimplicitlyforsheisfromtheAhlulBayt(a.s.)andallthetraditionsabouttheAhlulBayt(a.s.)includeher.

Thefollowingaresomeofthosetraditions:

1.ImamAli(a.s.)saidthatthemessengerofAllah(a.s.)saidtoFatima(a.s),‘Allahisdispleasedforyourdispleasureandpleasedforyourpleasure.’[1]

2. Imam Ali (a.s.) narrated that the messenger of Allah (a.s.) said to Fatima (a.s), ‘The Lord isdispleasedforyourdispleasureandpleasedforyourpleasure.’[2]

3.Musawwir binMakhramah narrated that the Prophet (a.s.) said to Fatima (a.s), ‘Fatima is a part

fromme.Whoeverdispleasesherdispleasesme.’[3]

4.MusawwirbinMakhramahnarratedthattheProphet(a.s.)said,‘Fatimaisapartfromme.Whatevertroubleshertroublesmeandwhateverharmsherharmsme.’[4]

5.MusawwirbinMakhramahnarrated that theProphet (a.s.)said, ‘Fatima isbutabranchfromme.Whateverdelightsherdelightsme,andwhateverdepressesherdepressesme.’[5]

6. Abdullah bin az-Zubayr narrated that the Prophet (a.s.) said, ‘Verily Fatima is a part fromme.Whateverharmsherharmsme,andwhateverirritatesherirritatesme.’[6]

[1]Mustadrakal-Hakim,vol.3p.153,Usdal-Ghabah,vol.5p.522,al-Isabah,vol.8p.159,Tahthibat-Tahthib,vol.12p.441,KanzolUmmal,vol.6p.219,Fadha’ilal-Khamsahminas-Sihahas-Sittah,vol.3p.156,Mizanal-I’tidal,vol.1p.525.

[2] Mizan al-I’tidal, vol.2 p.72, and in Tahthib at-Tahthib, vol.1 p.442 it is mentioned, ‘Allah ispleasedforyourpleasureanddispleasedforyourdispleasure.’

[3]Sahihofal-Bukhari,vol.4p.210,219,KanzolUmmal,vol.12p.112,Faydhal-Qadeer,vol.4p.554.

[4]MusnadofAhmadbinHanbal,vol.4p.328,Hilyatal-Awliya’,vol.2p.40,Sahihofal-Bukhari,vol.6p.158.

[5]KanzolUmmal,vol.12p.111,Mustadrakal-Hakim,vol.3p.154.

[6]Sahihofat-Tarmithi,vol.2p.19,MusnadofAhmadbinHanbal,vol.4p.5.Thesetraditionsshowthesamemeaning.It is thatFatima(a.s)hadoccupiedherfather ’sfeelings

untilhecomparedherpleasuretohispleasureandherdispleasuretohis.Itisagreatpositionthatnowomanhasevergot.

6.AbuHurayranarrated that theProphet (a.s.) said, ‘The first person,who shall enterParadise, isFatima(peacebeonher).’[1]

7. ImamAli (a.s.) narrated that the Prophet (a.s.) said, ‘On the Day of Resurrection, my daughterFatimawillberesurrectedwhilewearingthegarmentofhonorthatwillhavebeenkneadedwiththewater of life. Creatures will look at her and will be astonished. Then, she will be clothed with agarmentfromthegarmentsofParadise.Ononethousandgarments therewillbewritten:“TakethedaughterofMuhammadintoParadiseinthebestway,mostperfectreverence,fullesthonor,andthebestluck.’[2]

8.Once,theProphet(a.s.)heldFatima’shandandsaidbeforeMuslims,‘He,whohasknownFatimahasknownher,andhe,whohasnot(lethimknowher);sheisFatimabintMuhammad.Sheisapartfrommeandsheismyheartandmysoulthatisbetweenmytwosides.Whoeverharmsherharmsme,andwhoeverharmsmeharmsAllah.’[3]

9.AhmadbinHanbalmentionedinhisMusnadthattheProphet(a.s.)hadsaidtohisdaughterFatima(a.s),‘Mayyourfatherbesacrificedforyou!’Herepeatedthatthreetimes.[4]

10.Imamal-Husayn(a.s.)narratedthattheProphet(a.s.)said,‘Fatimaisthedelightofmyheart,hertwosonsarethefruitofmysoul,herhusbandisthelightofmysight,andtheimamsofherprogenyaretheguardiansofmyLordandHisropethat isextendedbetweenHimandHispeople.Whoeverkeepstoitwillbesafe,andwhoeverlagsbehinditwillperish.’[5]

[1]Mizanal-I'tidal,vol.2p.131.[2]Thakha’iral-Uqba,p.48.[3]Nooral-Absar,p.41.[4]As-Sawa’iqal-Muhriqah,p.109.[5]Fara’idas-Simtayn,vol.2p.66.

11.HealsonarratedthattheProphet(a.s.)said,‘Fatimaisabranchfromme.Whateverdistressesherdistressesme,andwhateverpleasesherpleasesme.’[1]

12.TheProphet(a.s.)saidtoImamAli(a.s.),‘YouwillbewithmeinmyplaceintheParadisewithmydaughterFatima.Youaremybrotherandcompanion.’Thenherecitedthisverse,(asbrethren,onraisedcouches,facetoface.15:47).’[2]

TraditionsAboutthepureprogeny

ManytraditionshavebeentransmittedfromtheProphet(a.s.) talkingabout thepreferenceandhighposition of theAhlulBayt (a.s.) and the obligation of following them.The following are someofthem:

1.Thetraditionofath-Thaqalayn

It is a true tradition that has been mentioned in all books of Hadith and it is famous among allMuslims.

ZaydbinArqamnarratedthattheProphet(a.s.)said,

“Iwillleaveforyouthetwoweightythingsthatifyoukeeptothem,youshallnotgoastrayaftermeat all. One of them is greater than the other; the Book of Allah that is a cord extended from theHeaventotheearth,andmyprogeny.TheywillnotseparateuntiltheywillcometomeatthePond(inParadise).Soseehowyouwillobeymeindealingwiththem.”[3]

Jabir binAbdullah al-Ansari said, ‘I saw themessenger ofAllah (a.s.) on thedayofArafaduringofferingthehajjpreachingfromonhisshe-camelandsaying,

“Opeople,Ihaveleftforyouwhatifyoufollow,youshallnevergoastray;theBookofAllahandmyprogeny.”[4]

ZaydbinArqamsaid,“ThemessengerofAllah(a.s.)stayedatal-Juhfa,andthenhecametopeople,praisedAllahandsaid,‘Ihavenotfoundforanyprophetexceptthehalfoftheageoftheonewho

[1]Biharal-Anwar,vol.74p.95.

[2]Ar-Riyadhan-Nadhirah,vol.2p.209.[3]Sahihofat-Tarmithi,vol.2p.308.[4]KanzolUmmal,vol.1p.84,Sahihofat-Tarmithi,vol.2p.308.

wasbeforehim.AndIamabouttobecalledupon(todie).Sowhatdoyousay?’

Peoplesaid,‘Youhavebeensinceretous.’

Then he said, ‘Do you not bearwitness that there is no god butAllah and thatMuhammad isHisservantandmessenger,andthatParadiseistrueandFireistrue?’

Theyallsaid,‘Webearwitness.’

TheProphet(a.s.)said,‘Iwillprecedeyoutothepond(inParadise),andyouwillcometomeatthepondwhosewideisasbetweenSana’aandBusra,[1]andithassilvercupsasmuchasthenumberofstars.Seehowyouwillbeloyaltomeindealingwiththetwoweightythings!’

Someoneasked,‘OmessengerofAllah,whatarethetwoweightythings?’

TheProphet(a.s.)said,‘TheBookofAllah;onesideisinthehandofAllahandtheothersideisinyourhandssokeeptoit,andtheother(weighty)thingismyfamily.Thekind,thewise(Gabriel)hastoldmethatthey(theQur ’anandmyfamily)willnotseparateuntiltheywillcometomeatthepond(inParadise),andIhaveaskedmyLordtograntmethat.Donotprecedethemlestyouperishanddonotlagbehindthem,anddonotteachthembecausetheyaremoreknowledgeablethanyou…’

ThenhetookImamAli’shandandsaid,‘WhoeverIamworthierofhimthanhimself,letAlibehisguardian.OAllah,beaguardiantowhoeverfollowshimandanenemytowhoeveropposeshim!’[2]

Onceagainwhenbeing in thedeathbed, theProphet (a.s.) said tohis companions, ‘Opeople, I amabouttobemadediesoonandtaken.Ihadadvisedyoutobeexcusedbeforeyou.IhavelefttoyoutheBookofmyLordtheAlmightyandmyprogenythepeopleofmyhouse.’

ThenhetookImamAli’shandandsaid,‘AliiswiththeQur'anandtheQur'aniswithAli.Theywillneverseparateuntiltheywillcometomeatthepond(intheParadise).’[3]

[1]Sana’aisthecapitalofYemenandBusraisatowninSyria.[2]Majma’al-Haythami,vol.9p.163.[3]As-Sawa’iqal-Muhriqah,p.75.

This traditionisoneof the truest traditions in itssanad.[1]Al-Manawiquotedfromas-Samhudihissaying, ‘…in this subject there ismore than twenty companions that all of themhavenarrated thistradition.’[2]

Ibn Hajar said, ‘This tradition has been narrated in many ways from more than twentycompanions.’[3]

The traditionproves the infallibilityof theAhlulBayt (a.s.) fromany sinor deviationbecause the

Prophet(a.s.)hadcomparedthemtotheHolyBookofAllah,and,ofcourse,everydeviationintheconductsof theAhlulBayt(a.s.) isconsideredasaseparationfromtheBookofAllah,whereastheProphet(a.s.)hadannouncedthatthey(theBookofAllahandtheAhlulBayt)wouldneverseparateuntiltheywouldcometohimatthePondintheParadise.

3.Thetraditionofas-Safeenah(theArk)

Abu Sa’eed al-Khidri said, “I heard the Prophet (a.s.) saying, ‘Verily, the example of my familyamong you is like the example of theArk of Noah.Whoever rode on it was saved andwhoeverlaggedbehinditdrownedandperished.Verily,theexampleofmyfamilyamongyouisliketheGateofHitta(repentance)oftheIsraelites.Whoeverenteredthroughitwasforgiven.’[4]

This tradition announces the great importance of theAhlulBayt (a.s.) and by keeping to them thenationissavedfromdrowningintheabyssesoflife.

SayyidSharafuddeenal-Aamilysays,“YouknowthatlikeningthemwiththeArkofNoahimpliesthatwhoeverresortstotheminmattersrelatedtothecreed,derivingthebranchesandbasicsofreligionfrom their virtuous Imams,will certainlybe saved from the fire of hell, andwhoever lags behindthemislikeonewhoseeksshelter

[1]Sanadis thechainofauthorities(narrators)whichis theessentialpart inthetransmissionofatradition.[2]Faydhal-Qadeer,vol.3p.14.[3]As-Sawa’iqal-Muhriqah,p.36.[4]Majma’az-Zawa’id,vol.9p.168,Mustadrakal-Hakim,vol.2p.43,TareekhBaghdad,vol.2p.119,HilyatulAwliya’,vol.4p.306,Thakha’iral-Uqba,p.o20.

during the flood with a mountain so that it may save him from Allah's destiny, but he willeventuallybedrownedinwaterwhilethefirstwillbehurledinthehellfire,mayAllahprotectusfromit.

The reasonwhy they,peacebeupon them,arecompared to theGateofSalvation is thatAllahhasmade that Gate a symbol of humility before His Greatness and submission to His Judgment;therefore,itbecomesareasonforforgiveness.Thisisthereasonforthesimilitude.IbnHajar,afterquoting these andother similar traditions, says, “The reason for their similitude to theArk is thatwhoever loves and highly respects them as means of thanking the One Who gave them honors,following the guidance of their learnedmen, will be saved from the darkness of dissension, andwhoeverlagsbehindthemisdrownedintheseaofingratitudeandwillperishinthepathsoftyranny.”Thenhe adds the following: “As to theGate ofSalvation (meaning their similitude to theGate ofSalvation), Allah has made entering that gate, which probably was the gate of Jericho or ofJerusalem, inhumility,seekingforgiveness,areasonforsalvation,andHe(likewise)hasmadethelovetotheAhlulBaytareasonforthisnation’ssalvation.”[1]

3.ThetraditionofAmaan

TheProphet(a.s.)said,“Starsaresecurity(amaan)fortheinhabitantsoftheearthagainstdrowning,andmyfamily(theAhlulBayt)aresecurityformynationagainstdissension(inreligiousmatters).If

atribeamongtheArabsdiffers(regardingreligion)fromthem,theywillallthendifferandbecomethepartyofIblis.”[2]

4.TheProphet(a.s.)saidtoAli,Fatima,al-Hasan,andal-Husayn(peacebeonthem),“Ideclarewaragainstwhoeverfightsyou,andpeaceuntowhoeverispeacefultoyou.’[3]

AbuBakr said, “Once, I saw themessengerofAllah leaningonanArabicbowand inside the tenttherewereAli,Fatima,al-Hasan,and

[1]Al-Muraja’at,p.77.[2]Ar-Riyadhan-Nadhirah,vol.2p.52,andlikeitinSahihofal-Bukhari,vol.2p.319andSunanibnMajah,vol.1p.52.[3] Musnad of Ahmad bin Hanbal, vol.1 p.77, Sahih at-Tarmithi, vol.2 p.301, Tahthib at-Tahthib,vol.10p.43.

al-Husayn.Hesaid,‘OfolksofMuslims,Ideclarepeaceuntowhoeverispeaceful tothepeopleofthistentandawaragainstwhoeverfightsthem,andIamaguardiantowhoeverfollowthem.Noonelovesthemexceptaluckyone,andnoonehatesthemexceptanunfortunateoneofbadbirth.’”[1]

5.Once,theProphet(a.s.)heldal-Hasanandal-Husayn’shandsandsaid,‘Whoeverlovesme,lovesthese two ones, and their father and mother will be with me in my rank on the Day ofResurrection.’[2]

6.TheProphet(a.s.)said,‘KnowingthefamilyofMuhammadgivesonesalvationfromFire,lovingthefamilyofMuhammadmakesonepassacrosstheSirat,[3]andfollowingthefamilyofMuhammadmakesonesafefromtorment.’[4]

7.TheProphet(a.s.)said,‘Thetwofeetofonewillnotmove(ontheDayofResurrection)beforehewillbeaskedaboutfourthings;abouthisagehowhehasspentit,hisbodyhowhehaswornitout,hiswealthonwhathehasspentitandwherefromhehasgainedit,andaboutourlove,wetheAhlulBayt(a.s.).’[5]

8.TheProphet(a.s.)said,‘Makemyfamilyamongyouastheheadtothebody,andasthetwoeyestothehead,fortheheadcannotbeguidedexceptbythetwoeyes.’[6]

9.TheProphet(a.s.)said,

‘Whoever dies because of his love for the progeny of Muhammad dies a martyr. Whoever diesbecauseofhislovefortheprogenyofMuhammaddiesafterbeingforgiven.WhoeverdiesbecauseofthelovefortheprogenyofMuhammaddiesasrepentant.WhoeverdiesbecauseofthelovefortheprogenyofMuhammaddiesasabeliever

[1]Mawsoo’atImamAmeerulMo'minin,vol.1p.190,Fara’idas-Simtayn,vol.2p.40,Sharhal-Akhbar,vol.3p.515.

[2]MusnadofAhmadbinHanbal,vol.1p.77,Sahihat-Tarmithi,vol.2p.301.

[3]SiratisthebridgethatdominatesHell.

[4]Al-Muraja’at,p.54,theLifeofImamAmeerulMo'minin,vol.1p.123.

[5]Al-Muraja’at,p.58.

[6]Mawsoo'atal-ImamAmeerulMo'minin,vol.1p.191,al-Muraja'at,p.58quotedfromash-Sharafal-Mu’abbad.

ofaperfectfaith.WhoeverdiesforlovingtheprogenyofMuhammadwillbegiventhegladtidingof entering theParadise by the angel of death, and thenbyMunkar andNakeer.Whoever dies forloving the progeny ofMuhammadwill be taken to theParadise like a bride taken to her groom’shouse. Whoever dies for loving the progeny of Muhammad will have two doors in his graveoverlookingtheParadise.WhoeverdiesfortheloveoftheprogenyofMuhammadAllahwillmakehisgraveavisitingplacefortheangelsoftheMercifulOne.WhoeverdiesforlovingtheprogenyofMuhammad dies adhering to the Sunna and the consensus. Whoever dies hating the progeny ofMuhammadwillcomeon theDayofResurrectionwrittenbetweenhiseyes:“HeshoulddespairofAllah’smercy.’[1]

ThementionedabovearejustsomeofthetraditionstransmittedfromtheProphet(a.s.)andmentionedinthebooksofHadiththattalkaboutthevirtueandhighrankoftheProphet’sprogenyincludinghisdaughterFatima(a.s.).

[1]Al-Muraja'at,p.59,quotedfromath-Tha’labiwheninterpretingtheVerseofMawaddahinhisat-Tafsiral-Kabeer.

11ChapterTheMarriageofFatimawithImamAli

WhenFatima(a.s.)grewyouth,thegreatcompanionshurriedtotheProphet(a.s.)oneaftertheothersothathemighthonorthembymarryinghispuredaughtertothembuttheProphet(a.s.)respondedtononeof them.From thosewhohad asked theProphet (a.s.) for his daughter ’s handwasAbuBakrwhomtheProphet(a.s.)refusedhisrequestandsaidtohim,‘Iamwaiting,regardingher,fortheFate(ofAllah).’AfterhimcameUmarandtheProphet(a.s.)repliedtohimashehadrepliedtohisformerfriend.[1]

The Prophet (a.s.) announced that the marriage of Fatima (a.s.) was in the hand of Allah and hehimself had nothing to do concerning the matter. When Muslims knew that, they refrained fromaskingtheProphet(a.s.)forhisdaughter ’shandanymore.

Sometimelater,somecompanionsmetImamAli(a.s.)andmentionedtohimhisclosekinshiptotheProphet (a.s.), his great jihad for Islam, and his support to the Prophet (a.s.) in all his battles andsituations. They asked him to propose to Fatima (a.s.) andwin the honor of the Prophet’s affinity.ImamAli(a.s.)wenttotheProphet(a.s.)hesitatinglybecauseofshyness.HecametotheProphet(a.s.)loweringhissighttotheground.TheProphet(a.s.)askedhim,

‘Whatdoyouwant,mybrother?’

Imam Ali (a.s.) was silent for a while out of shyness and then said, ‘O messenger of Allah, IrememberedFatima.’

The Prophet (a.s.) answered smilingly while delight appeared on his face, ‘Welcome! Allah hasorderedtomarrymydaughtertoyou.’[2]

[1]TabaqatibnSa’d,vol.8p.11,Tareekhal-Khamees,vol.1p.407,Thakha'iral-Uqba,p.29.[2]NoorAl-Absar,p.42,KanzolUmmal,vol.6p.318,Mustadrakal-Hakim,vol.3

ImamAli’sheartwasfilledwithdelightforthehonorthatAllahgrantedhim.HewastheProphet’scousinandthenhewasgoingtobehisson-in-law.Ithasbeenmentionedinsometafsirsthatthisverse(AndHeitisWhohascreatedmanfromthewater,thenHehasmadeforhimbloodrelationshipandmarriagerelationship,andyourLordispowerful.25:54)concernedImamAli(a.s.).[1]

TheProphet(a.s.)toldhiscompanionsthatAllahhadorderedhimtomarryhisdaughtertoImamAli(a.s.). He said to them, ‘An angel came and said to me: O messenger of Allah, Allah sends yougreetingandsaystoyou:IhavemarriedFatimatoAliinthehighHeaven,soyoumarryhertohimintheearth.’[2]

Then,theProphet(a.s.)wenttoFatima(a.s.)andsaidtoher,‘Imarryyoutothebestoneofmyumma.Heisthemostknowledgeable,themostprudent,andthefirstMuslim.’[3]

Onanotheroccasion,hesaidtoher,‘OFatima,doyounotknowthatAllahobservedthepeopleoftheearth,andthenHechoseyourfatherfromamongthemandsenthimamessenger,andonceanotherHe observed and then He chose your husband and revealed to me so that I married him (to mydaughter)andtookhimmyguardian?’[4]

Onathirdoccasionhesaidtoher,‘He(ImamAli)isthefirstofmycompanionsinbeingMuslim,themostoftheminknowledge,andthegreatestoftheminprudence.’[5]

Allhighqualities,ideals,andvalueswereavailableinImamAli(a.s.)andtherefore,AllahhadchosenhimahusbandforthedaughteroftheProphet(a.s.).Intraditionsitismentionedthat:“IfAliwasnotcreated,therewouldbenoequalforFatima.’[6]

p.153.

[1]Majma’al-Bayan,vol.9p.175.[2]Thakha'iral-Uqba,p.32.[3]Jam’al-Jawami’,vol.6p.398.[4]Thakha'iral-Uqba,p.32.[5]KanzolUmmal,vol.6p.153.[6]MusnadofAhmadbinHanbal,vol.5p.36,Majma’az-Zawa’id,6p.101,Ar-Riyadhan-Nadhirah,vol.2p.194.

ThedowryofFatima

ThedowryofFatima(a.s.)wasverysimple.TheProphet(a.s.)hadassigneditsotobeanexampleforallthewomenofhisnationsothatnomanandnowomanmightremainunmarriedbecauseofhighdowries.

TheProphet(a.s.)saidtoImamAli(a.s.),‘OAli,doyouhavesomething(topayasdowry)?’

ImamAli(a.s.)said,‘Ihaveasword,anarmor,andahorse.’

TheProphet(a.s.)saidtohim,‘Asforyourhorse,youneedit,andasforyoursword,youcannotdowithoutit,butasforyourarmor,youcansellit.’[1]

ImamAli(a.s.)wenttothemarketandsoldhisarmorforfourhundredandeightydirhamsandcamebackwith theamountknotted in theendofhisshirt,[2]andput itbefore theProphet (a.s.). Itwasaverysimpledowryanditwaslessthanwhatthepoormightpayfortheirwives.

Herfurniture

TheProphet(a.s.)tookahandfulofdirhamsandgavethemtoBilaltobuywiththemsomeperfumesforFatima(a.s.),andotherhandfuls toSalmanandUmmSalamahtobuysomefurniture.Itwasnolonguntilallrequirementsoftheweddingwereprepared.ThefurnitureofFatima(a.s.)andAli(a.s.)

wasthefollowing:

1.Asheepskintosleepon2.Apillowofleatherstuffedwithpalm-treefibers3.Abedmadeofpalm-treebranches4.Aquern5.Awaterskin6.Twojars7.Somepotteryvessels

[1]Kifayatat-Talib,p.166,Biharal-Anwar,vol.43p.120.[2]KanzolUmmal,vol.7p.14.

Thisfurniturewasverysimpleandcheapinpeople’sconsideration,butitwastoovaluableintheIslam’sview.Itwasmorepreciousthanjewelsandexpensivethingsthatkingsandwealthypeoplegivetotheirwives.

ThefurniturewasputbeforetheProphet(a.s.).Helookedatthepotteryandsaid,‘Blessedarethepeopleofahousewhosemostvesselsareofpottery.’

Allamaal-FartoosidescribedthishouseofImamAliandFatimainthefollowingpoembysaying,“Andyourhousethatistoosimplewithwhatitsfourcornerscontained.

Inacorneramatbesideitajarwasput,Andinanotherabedofpalm-treebranchestherewas,Andclayvesselsthatwerethecupswhichweremadebytheirownershands,Andaquernwastherethatblisteredthehandthatmilledbarley,Asifhumblenesswithwhatitcontainedwasasignthateverythingworshipped.”[1]

LomniceconcludedfromthesimplicityofFatima’sweddingthattheProphet(a.s.)hatedFatimabecausehemarriedhertoapoormanandthatthefurnitureofherhousewastoosimple.TheignoranceofLomniceregardingIslamledhimtothisconclusion.HismindwasbuiltbytheWesternlifethatdidnotunderstandIslam.

Islamhatesexcessivedowriessothattomakemarriageeasyforall.TheProphet(a.s.)said,‘Thebestwomenofmycommunityarethoseoflessdowries.’[2]

Imamas-Sadiq(a.s.)said,‘Aman,duringthetimeofthemessengerofAllah,gotmarriedtoawomanforasurafromtheQur ’an,[3]adirham,orsomewheat.’[4]

[1]Malhamat(epicof)AhlulBaytbyal-Fartoosi,vol.1p.35.[2]ManLaYahdhuruhual-Faqeeh,vol.3p.243.[3]ToteachhiswifeasurafromtheQur’anasherdowry.[4]Tahthibal-Ahkam,vol.7p.366.

Once,theProphet(a.s.)marriedsomemanfromhiscompanionswhopossessednothingtoawomanforadowryofthatheshouldteachhiswifeonesurafromtheQur ’an.[1]Thatdowrywascalled“thedowryofthesura”.

TheIslamicShariaencouragesmarriagewithlittledowriesandcancelssuperioritybetweenspouses.ItmakesaMuslimmanequaltoaMuslimwoman,butthesevalueswereignoredbyLomnicewholookedatthingsonlyfromthematerialangle.

Thesermonofmarriage

Onconcludingtheagreementofmarriage,theProphet(a.s.)madethisspeechbeforeacrowdofhiscompanions.Hesaid,

“PraisebetoAllahWhoispraisedforHisblessing,worshippedbyHispower,obeyedbyHissovereignty,WhoitisfearedfromHistormentandaffliction,WhosecommandisexecutedinHisheavenandinHisearth,Whohascreatedthecreation(people)byHispower,distinguishedthemwithHiscommandments,glorifiedthembyHisreligion,andhonoredthembyHisprophetMuhammad,Allah’sblessingbeonhimandonhisprogeny.

Allah,WhosenamehasbeenblessedandWhosegreatnesshasbeenexalted,hasmadeaffinity(throughmarriage)assubsequentkinshipandimposedmatterthatHeinterlacesrelativesandbindspeoplebyit.AllahtheAlmightysays,(AndHeitisWhohascreatedmanfromwater,thenHehasmadeforhimbloodrelationshipandmarriagerelationship,andyourLordispowerful.25:54).ThecommandofAllahcomestoHisjudgmentandHisjudgmentcomestoHisfate.Everyjudgmenthasafate,andeveryfatehasaterm,andeverytermhasaprescription.(AllahmakestopassawaywhatHewillsandestablisheswhatHewills,andwithHimisthebasisoftheBook.13:39).

AllahtheAlmightyhasorderedmetomarryFatimatoAli.Now,ImakeyouwitnessthatImarryFatimatoAliforfourhundredweightsofsilver(asdowry),ifheagrees,duetotheauthenticSunnaandtheobligatoryduty.MayAllahgather

[1]SahihMuslim,vol.1p.545.

themtogether,blessthem,maketheiroffspringgood,andmaketheirprogenythekeystomercy,thesourceofwisdom,andsafetytothenation.IsaythisandaskAllahtoforgivemeandforgiveyou.”

ImamAli(a.s.)wasnotpresentwhentheProphet(a.s.)wasdeliveringthesermonofmarriageforhewasawaytocarryoutsomethingfortheProphet(a.s.).Aftertheendofthesermon,hecame.WhentheProphet(a.s.)sawhim,hesmiledandsaid,

“OAli,AllahhasorderedmetomarryFatimatoyou,andIhavedoneforfourhundredweightsofsilver.”[1]

Then,theProphet(a.s.)askedImamAli(a.s.)tospeak,andImamAli(a.s.)said,“PraisebetoAllahWhohasbeenneartoHispraisers,approachedHisaskers,promisedtheParadiseforwhoeverfearsHim,andwarnedwithFirewhoeverdisobeysHim.WepraiseHimforHiseternalfavor,askHimforassistanceandtoguideus,believeinHim,askHimtosufficeallourneeds,andbearwitnessthatthereisnogodbutAllahalonewithnopartnerwithHimawitnessthatfitsandpleasesHim,andthatMuhammadisHisservantandmessenger,mayAllahhaveblessingonhimablessingthattakeshimclosertoAllah,favors,exalts,andchooseshim.Marriageisfromthatwhich

AllahhasorderedandfromthatwhichpleasesHim.ThisisthemessengerofAllah.HehasmarriedhisdaughterFatimatomeforadowryoffivehundreddirhams,andIhaveagreed.Askhimandwitnessonthat.”

ThentheProphetsaid,“ImarrymydaughtertoyouastheBeneficentOnehaswilledforyou.IhaveacceptedwhatAllahhasacceptedforher.Thebestson-in-law,andthebestcompanionyouare,andAllah’spleasurewithyousufficesyou.”[2]

Then,ImamAli(a.s.)prostratedhimselfbeforeAllahasgratefulnessforthisgreatblessingthatAllahhadendowedhimwith.Afterthat,theProphet(a.s.)prayedAllahforImamAli(a.s.)andFatima(a.s.)

[1]KashfulGhummah,p.358-359,Biharal-Anwar,vol.43p.132.[2]Biharal-Anwar,vol.43p.132.

saying, “May Allah bless you, prosper you, unite between you, and produce much good fromyou.”[1]

The conclusion of marriage was held in the mosque of the Prophet (a.s.).[2] The Prophet (a.s.)orderedavesselofunripedatestobeofferedtotheattendantstoeatfromit.

Thebanquetofmarriage

Onthenightofwedding,theProphetsaidtoImamAli(a.s.),‘OAli,theremustbeabanquetforthebride.’[3]

ImamAli (a.s.) had nothing in order to prepare the banquet. Sa’d binUbadah offered a sheep andsomemen from the Ansar offered some corn. Food was prepared andMuslims were invited fordinner.TheProphet(a.s.)gavesomedirhamstoImamAli(a.s.)andaskedhimtobuysomeoil,dates,and cheese.When ImamAli (a.s.) bought those things, the Prophet (a.s.) uncovered his arms andbegan splitting the dates andmixing themwith the oil and cheese and so hemade “heiss”[4] andofferedittotheinvitees.[5]Afterhavingdinner,theinviteescongratulatedImamAli(a.s.)andprayedAllahtoblesshismarriage.

TheProphet(a.s.)saidtohisdaughterFatima(a.s.),“DoyouknowAli’spositiontome?Hesupportedmewhilehewastwelveyearsold,strokewiththeswordbeforemewhenhewassixteen,killedheroeswhenhewasnineteen,relievedmygrieveswhenhewastwenty,andpluckedupthegateofKhaybarwhenhewastwenty-twoyearsold.”[6]

Thehouse

ThehouseinwhichImamAliandFatima(peacebeonthem)hadgotmarriedwasoneofHarithabinan-Nu’man’shouses.First,theProphet(a.s.)wasshytotakethehouse,butwhenHarithahunderstoodthat,hehurriedtotheProphet(a.s.)saying,‘O[1]Nooral-Absar,p.42,ar-Riyadhan-Nadhirah,vol.2p.183,Thakha'iral-Uqba,p.29.[2]Khashfal-Ghummah,vol.358.

[3]KanzolUmmal,vol.7p.14.

[4]Thenameofsuchfood.[5]Biharal-Anwar,vol.43p.132[6]Amalias-Saduq,p.483.

(104)

messengerofAllah,IandmypropertiesareforAllahandforHismessenger.ByAllah,nothingismorebelovedtomethanwhatyoutakefromme,andwhatyoutake(fromme)ismorebelovedtomethanwhatyouleave(tome).’TheProphet(a.s.)thankedandprayedAllahforhim.Then,Fatima(a.s.)movedtoliveinthishouse.[1]

Thewedding

TheProphetaskedhiswifeUmmSalamahtotakehisdaughterFatima(a.s.)tothehouseofImamAli(a.s.)thatwasnexttothemosqueoftheProphet(a.s.).SoUmmSalamahandsomewomenfromtheMuhajireenandtheAnsarcarriedFatima(a.s.)homeinaprocessionwhilechantingsomesongsandpoetry.AfterhavingofferedtheIsha’Prayer,theProphet(a.s.)wenttoImamAli’shouseandUmmAymanreceivedhimthere.Heaskedher,‘Ismybrotherhere?’

Shesaid,‘OmessengerofAllah,maymyfatherandmotherdieforyou!Whoisyourbrother?’

Hesaid,‘AlibinAbiTalib.’

Howisheyourbrotherwhereasyouhavemarriedyourdaughtertohim?’

Hesaid,‘Itisso,UmmAymen.’

TheProphet(a.s.)cameinandthetwospousesgotupoutofrespectandreverence.TheProphet(a.s.)askedFatima(a.s.)tobringhimsomewaterandshedid.Hedrankasipandthenejecteditbackintothecup.HeaskedFatima(a.s.)togetupandhesprinkledsomeofthatwateronherchestandhead.Then,heraisedhisheadtowardstheheavensaying,‘OAllah,IaskYoutoprotectherandherprogenyfromcursedSatan.’

ThentheProphet(a.s.)askedImamAli(a.s.)tobringanothercupofwaterandhedid.TheProphetdrankasipandejecteditbackintothecup.ThenhepouredsomeofthewaterofthecuponImamAli’sheadandprayedAllahforhimsaying,‘OAllah,IaskYoutoprotecthimandhisprogenyfromcursedSatan.’HeaskedhimtoturnbackandwhenImamAli(a.s.)turnedback,theProphetpouredtherestofthewater,prayedforImamAli(a.s.)andaskedhimtogointohiswife.[2]

[1]Biharal-Anwar,vol.40p.6.[2]TheLifeofImamal-HasanbinAli,vol.1p.52-53.

BygettingmarriedtoFatima(a.s.),ImamAli(a.s.)gotfurtherhonorandimportancebeforepeople.Ithasbeenmentionedintraditionsthat,“AlihadahighrankbeforepeopleduringthelifeofFatima(a.s.).”[1]

Once,theProphetsaidtoFatima(a.s.),“Ihavemarriedyoutoamasterinthislifeandamasterintheafterlife.Noonehateshimexceptapolytheist.”[2]

Onthenightofherwedding,Fatima(a.s.)tookoffherweddingdressandgaveittoapooryoungwoman.Thefollowingday,theProphet(a.s.)visitedherandfoundthatshewasnotwearingherweddingdress.Heaskedwhyandshesaid,‘Ofather,apooryoungwomanknockedthedooraskingforadress.IwantedtogivehermyolddressbutthenIrememberedthissayingofAllah(Youwillnotattainuntopietyuntilyouspendofthatwhichyoulove.3:92).Therefore,IgavehermynewdressthatIloved.’[3]

Thisblessedhouse(ofImamAliandFatima)wasestablishedinthesecondyearofHijra.[4]Anditwassaidotherthanthis.ItwassaidthatFatima(a.s.)wastenyearsoldwhenshegotmarried[5]whileImamAli(a.s.)wastwenty-oneyearsandfivemonths.[6]

ThehousethatFatimalivedin

TheProphet(a.s.)builthisdaughterahouseadjacenttotheGreatMosqueandmadeadoorinitthatwasopenedtothemosque.WhentheProphet(a.s.)orderedallthedoorsthatwereopenedtothemosquetobeclosedandheexcludedthedoorofFatima(andAli)’shouseasakindofhonoringandglorifying.[7]

[1]Ghareebal-Hadithbyibnal-Jawzi,vol.2p.455,an-NihayahfeeGhareebal-Hadith,5p.158.[2]Thakha'iral-Uqba,p.43.[3]KnowthatIamFatima,vol.2p.665.[4]Muroojath-Thahab,vol.2p.187.[5]Biharal-Anwar,vol.10p.4.[6]Muroojath-Thahab,vol.2p.187.[7]MusnadAhmadbinHanbal,vol.2p.26,al-Mu’jamal-Kabeer,vol.2p.246,

IbnUmarconsideredtheProphet’sclosingallthedoorsofthecompanions’housesthatwereopenedtothemosqueexceptthedoorofImamAli(a.s.)asoneofthemeritsthatImamAli(a.s.)hadgot.[1]

Thehouseaffairs

FatimabintAsad,ImamAli’smother,livedwiththeImaminthesamehouse.SohedividedthehouseaffairsbetweenhismotherandhiswifeFatimabintMuhammad(a.s.).Theinternalhouseaffairssuchasservingfoodandthelikewerehiswife’sdutywhereastheexternalaffairswerehismother ’s.[2]

Fatima,theProphet’sdaughter,servedfoodforherhusbandandchildren.Shemilledmostlybarleyinthequernandsometimeswheat.Thenshekneadedandbakedit.Fatima(a.s.)livedastheprophetsandtheirguardianslived.Shewasasceticandverysimpleinallsidesofherlife.

Shesweptandcleanedthehousewithherbarehands.Shewoveclothesforherhusbandandchildren.TheshirtthatImamAli(a.s.)putoninwarshadbeenwovenbyher.[3]

ImamAli(a.s.)oftenhelpedFatima(a.s.)inthehouseaffairs.Hesaid,“Once,themessengerofAllah(a.s.)visiteduswhileFatimawasnearthecookingpotandIwaspickingoutlentils.Hesaid,‘OAbul

Hasan,listentowhatIsay,andIdonotsayexceptfrommyLord.Everyman,whohelpshiswifeinherhouse,Allahwillwriteforhimasmuchasthehairsonhisbody(therewardof)worshipofayear;fastinginthedayandworshippingallthenight,andAllahwillgivehimliketherewardofthepatientandtherighteous.’”[4]

Insomesources,ithasbeenmentionedthattheProphet(a.s.)haddeterminedforFatima(a.s.)theworkinsidethehouseandforImamAli(a.s.)theworkoutsidethehouse.[5]

[1]An-Nafahaatal-Qudsiyyahfeeal-Anwaral-Fatimiyyah,p.135quotedfromMusnadAhmadbinHanbal,vol.2p.26,Usdal-Ghabah,vol.3p.214,KanzolUmmal,vol.6p.319.[2]Al-Istee’ab(printedonthemarginsofal-Isabah),vol.4p.363,Tahthibal-Kamal,vol.3p.248.[3]Biharal-Anwar,vol.39p.54.[4]Ibid.,vol.101p.132.[5]Hilyatal-Awliya’,vol.6p.104.

ThelifeofImamAli(a.s.)andFatima(a.s.)wasfullofloveandfriendliness.AboutthatImamAli(a.s.)said,‘ByAllah,Ididneverangerherorforcehertodosomething(unwillingly)untilAllahtookhertothebetterworld.Shealsodidneverangermenordidshedisobeymeinanythingatall.WhenIlookedather,mygriefsandsorrowswererelieved.’[1]

Besidesthetireandhardshipshefacedinmillingthefoodforherfamily,shemilledfoodforherweakandoldneighborsjustforthesakeofAllah.

Salmanal-Farisinarrated,“Oneday,IpassedbyFatima’shouseandheardal-Hasanandal-Husayn,whowereyoungchildren,crying.IpitythemandsaidtoFatimafrombehindthedoor,‘Iwanttocarryal-Hasanandal-Husayn.’

Shesaidtome,‘OSalman,Ihavenoveilonmyhead.’

Ithrewmyabatoher.Sheveiledherselfwithitandwenttoal-Hasanandal-Husayn.IsatnearthequernthatshewasmillingwithitandIbeganrunningit.Ifoundsomebloodontheshaftofthequernandbecameastonished.IaskedFatimaaboutitandshesaidthatshemilledbarleyandwheatforthepoorpeopleofMedinawhohadnoquerns.Shereceivedthemkindlyandmilledtheirfoodforthem.’[2]

Oneday,theProphetcametoherandfoundhermillingwhilewearingagarmentofcamelhair.Hecriedandsaidtoher,‘Bepatientwiththebitternessofthislifeforthesakeoftheblissoftheafterlifetomorrow.’[3]

WhileshewasmillingshewasrecitingthissayingofAllah,(andwhateveriswithAllahisbetterandmorelasting.28:60).

TheProphet(a.s.)recommendedFatima(a.s.)nottoinsistonImamAli(a.s.)tobuyheranythingfromthepleasuresoftheworldlylife.ShesaidtoImamAli(a.s.),“ThemessengerofAllah(a.s.)hadforbiddenmefromaskingyouforanything.Hesaidtome,‘Donotaskyourcousinforanything.Ifhehimselfbringsyousomething(acceptit);otherwise,donotaskhimforanything.’”

[1]Biharal-Anwar,vol.43p.133quotedfromAmaliat-Toosi.[2]KnowthatIamFatima,vol.4p.547.[3]KanzolUmmal,vol.6p.295.

Fatima(a.s.)oftencarriedwaterforherweakneighbors.Shefilledtheskinfromwellsandcarriedittothemuntilherbackwasaffected.[1]

Fatima’schildrenaretheProphet’schildren

ManytruetraditionshavebeentransmittedfromtheProphet(a.s.)showingthathehadconsideredFatima’schildrenashis.AlltheProphet’schildrendiedintheirearlychildhood,andsothepolytheistsrejoicedatthatandsaidthattheProphethadnooffspring;therefore,AllahrevealedtotheProphettheseverses,(SurelyWehavegivenyou(al-Kawthar)theFount(ofabundance).ThereforepraytoyourLordandmakeasacrifice.Surelyyourenemyistheonewhoshallbewithoutposterity.108:1-3).

Exegetessaythatal-KawtharwasFatima(a.s.)theprincipalofallthewomenoftheworldandthattheProphet’sposteritywasfromher.TheProphet(a.s.)lovedhisgrandchildrenfromthedeepofhisheartandhesawthattheywouldbethecontinuityofhislife.Once,intheirearlychildhood,al-Hasanandal-Husayn(peacebeonthem)walkedandstumbled.TheProphet(a.s.)descendedfromtheminbar,carriedthem,andsaid,‘AllahtheGreatistruewhenHesays,(yourpossessionsandchildrenarebutatrial.8:28).’

Whenheheardoneofthemcrying,hesaidtohisdaughterFatima(a.s.),‘Whyaretheycrying?Doyounotknowthattheircryingdistressesme?’

TheProphet(a.s.)himselftookcareofthemandmanagedtheiraffairs.Onenight,heheardthatal-Hasan(a.s.)wantedsomewater.Hebroughtsomewater.Al-Husayn(a.s.)wantedtodrinkwaterbuttheProphet(a.s.)gavewatertoal-Hasan(a.s.)first.Fatima(a.s.)saidtoherfather,‘Asifal-Hasanismorebelovedtoyou!.’TheProphetsaid,‘No!Butal-Hasanaskedforwaterfirst.’Thenhewrappedthemwithonewrapandsaidtothem,‘IandyouwillbeinoneplaceontheDayofResurrection.’[2]

[1]Biharal-Anwar,vol.43p.82.[2]Fatimaaz-Zahra’andtheFatimids,p.43.

ThefollowingaresometraditionsdeclaringthatFatima’schildrenweretheProphet’soffspring.

1.FatimabintImamal-HusaynnarratedfromhergrandmotherFatimaaz-Zahra’(a.s.)thattheProphethadsaid,‘AllthechildrenofAdambelongtotheiragnationexceptFatima’schildrenthatIamtheirfatherandIamtheiragnation.’[1]

2.TheProphet(a.s.)said,‘ForallchildrenofafatherthereisanagnationthattheybelongtoexceptFatima’schildrenthatIamtheirguardianandIamtheiragnation.Theyhavebeencreatedfrommyclay.Woeuntowhoeverdeniestheirpreference.WhoeverlovesthemAllahloveshim,andwhoeverhatesthemAllahhateshim.’[2]

3.TheProphet(a.s.)said,‘TheagnationofeverychildrenbelongstotheirfatherexceptFatima’schildren.IamtheirfatherandIamtheiragnation.’[3]

4.TheProphet(a.s.)said,‘Everychildrenofamotherbelongtoanagnation,exceptFatima’schildrenthatIamtheirguardianandIamtheiragnation.’[4]

Nevertheless,theUmayyadsdeniedtheProphet’sfatherhoodtoFatima’schildrenandclaimedthatone’sdaughter ’schildwasnotconsideredasone’schild.Theirpoetsaid,“Ourchildrenarethechildrenofoursons,butasforourdaughters,theirchildrenarethechildrenofstrangemen.”

Islamhasrefutedthisnotionofthepre-Islamicageandnotdifferentiatedbetweenone’sdaughter ’schildrenandson’schildren.

Itisworthmentioningthatwementionthisstoryhere.Aamirash-Sha’binarrated,

[2]KanzolUmmal,vol.6p.216.[1]TareekhBaghdad,vol.11p.285.[3]Thakha'iral-Uqba,p.221.[4]KanzolUmmal,vol.6p.220.

“Oneday,Iwaswithal-Hajjaj.[1]ItwasthedayofEidul-Adha.Heturnedtowardsmeandsaid,‘OAamir,bywhatdopeopleapproachAllahonthisday?’

Isaid,‘PeopleapproachAllahthroughsacrifices.’

Al-Hajjajsaid,‘HowaboutyouifIshallsacrificeamanfromtheadherentsofal-Hasanandal-Husayn?’

Al-Hajjajorderedhismentobringthatman,andtheydidbeforenolong.Hewasanoldmantiedwithheavyties.Al-HajjajshoutedatthisoldmanwhowasYahyabinYa’mur,‘Areyoustillinyourdeviationfromthetruth?’

Theoldmanaskedwhyandal-Hajjajsaidtohim,‘Youclaimthatal-Hasanandal-HusaynarethechildrenofthemessengerofAllah(a.s.).’

Yahyaconfirmedthatal-Hasanandal-Husayn,peacebeonthem,weretheProphet’schildrenandhegaveproofsonthat.Herecitedthisverse(say:Comeletuscalloursonsandyoursons,andourwomenandyourwomen,andourselvesandyourselves.3:61)andsaidthatitwasal-Hasanandal-Husaynwhoweremeantby(oursons).

Al-Hajjajcriedoutharshly,‘DoyouhaveotherthanthisverseorotherwiseIshallbeheadyou?’

Yahyarecitedthisotherverse(andofhisdescendants,DawoodandSulaimanandAyyub…andIsa(Jesus)…6:84-85)andsaidthattheHolyQur ’andeclaredthatJesus(a.s.)wasfromtheposterityofProphetAbraham(a.s.)thoughProphetJesus(a.s.)hadbeenbornwithnofather.

Al-Hajjajsaid,‘JesuswasfromAbraham’schildrenbecauseofhismotherMary.’

YahyaaskedhowlongitwasbetweenMaryandAbrahamandal-Hajjajsaiditwassomegenerations.

ThenYahyasaid,‘Betweenal-Hasanandal-HusaynandthemessengerofAllah(a.s.)therewasnoonesaveFatima.SoaretheynottheProphet’schildren?’

[1]Al-HajjajbinYousufath-ThaqafiwasthecruelestwalioftheUmayyads.

Al-HajjajlookedatthegroundandponderedforawhileafterbeingrefutedbyYahya.Then,hesaidtohismen,‘Untiehistiesandchainsandgivehimtenthousanddinarsinspiteofme.’

I(Aamir)followedafterYahyatoseewhathewoulddowiththetenthousanddinars.IsawhimstandinginasquarecalledRahbatal-Kufawhiledistributingthemoneyamongthepoorandsaying,‘Thisisfromtheblessingsofal-Hasanandal-Husayn.’[1]

TheAbbasidswerenotbetterthantheUmayyadsinthisconcern.Infact,theyweremuchworse.TheyhatedtheAlawidsbitterly,chasedthemeverywhere,threwmanyofthemintodarkprisons,andkilledtoomanyothers.TheAbbasidkingsdonatedgreatgiftstothepoetswhodispraisedtheAlawidsintheirpresence.Anyhow,wedonotwanttomentiontheirshamefulconductsinthisconcerninordernottoexpatiate.

[1]KnowthatIamFatima,vol.3p.193-195,andmentionedbrieferinTafsiral-Qurtubi,vol.7p.31andal-Mustadrakalaas-Sahihayn,vol.3p.180.

12ChapterThePureProgeny

Here,wetalkabouttheblessedchildrenofFatima(a.s.)whoandwhoseposterityweretheinfallibledeputiesofAllahintheearth.

Imamal-Hasan(a.s.)

Hewas the firstchildofFatima (a.s.).Hewasborn inRamadan, in thesecondor the thirdyearofhijra.When the Prophet (a.s.) was informed about this blessed newborn child, he was very pleased anddelighted.HehurriedtoFatima’shousetocongratulateher.Arrivinginthehouse,theProphetsaidtoAsma’,‘Bringmemyson!’

Asma’broughtImamal-Hasanwrappedinayellowpieceofcloth.TheProphettookhim,joinedhimtohischest,kissedhiminthemouth,fedhimwithhissaliva,raisedhis(theProphet)handstowardstheheavenandsaid,‘OAllah,IaskYoutoprotecthimandhisposterityfromcursedSatan.’[2]

Then,theProphet(a.s.)recitedtheazanintherightearofhisblessednewbornchildandtheeqamainhis leftear.[3]Thischildofprophethoodreceived theworldofexistencewith thehighestpsalm; itwas“AllahuAkbar;AllahisGreat,andlaillahaillallah;thereisnogodbutAllah.”

TheProphet(a.s.)askedImamAli(a.s.),‘Haveyounamedthisblessedchild?’

ImamAli(a.s.)replied,‘Iwouldnotprecedeyou,OmessengerofAllah.’

[1]Al-Isabah,vol.1p.328,al-Istee’ab,vol.1p.368,Tareekhal-Khulafa’,p.72.[2]Encyclopediaofal-Bustani,vol.7p.38.[3]MusnadAhmadbinHanbal,vol.6p.391,Sahihat-Tarmithi,vol.1p.386,SunanAbuDawud,vol.3p.214.

TheProphet(a.s.)said,‘AndIwouldnotprecedemyLord.’

ItwasnolongwhenGabrielcamedowntotheProphetcarryingwithhimthenamefromAllah.TheangelsaidtotheProphet(a.s.),‘NamehimHasan!’[1]

Sevendaysafter thebirthof theProphet’sgrandchild, theProphetcame tohisdaughter ’shouse toendow his grandson with some honor. He slaughtered a ram as a sacrifice for him. It was theaqiqah[2]thathasbecomeatraditionalsincethenuntilnow.Then,hecutthehairofhisgrandsonwithhisholyhandsandgavesilver,inasmuchastheweightofthehair,tothepoor.[3]Then,hesurnamedhim(gavehimakunyah)[4]asAbuMuhammad.[5]Imamal-Hasan(a.s.)hadnokunyahotherthanthis

one.

TheProphet(a.s.)declaredhislovetoImamal-Hasan(a.s.)andpraisedhiminmanytraditions.Thefollowingaresomeofthem:

1.Aa’ishahnarratedthattheProphet(a.s.)said,‘ByAllah,thisismyson.Ilovehimandlovewhoeverloveshim.’[6]

2.Al-Bara’binAazibnarrated,‘Once,IsawtheProphet(a.s.)carryingal-Hasanonhisshoulderandsaying,‘OAllah,Ilovehim,solovehim!’[7]

3.AbdullahbinAbbassaid, ‘Oneday, theProphet (a.s.)camecarryingal-Hasanonhisneck.Somemanmethimandsaid,‘Oboy,itisthebestbackyouhaveriddenon.’

[1]TheLifeofImamal-HasanbinAli,vol.1p.62.[2]Aqiqaisthenameofthesacrificethatisofferedonthesevendayafterthebirthofachild.[3]Sahihat-Tarmithi,vol.1p.286,Nooral-Absar,p.107.[4]KunyahisasurnamegiventoamaleorafemalebeginningwithAbu(fatherof)andUmm(motherof).[5]Usdal-Ghabah,vol.2p.9.[6]KanzolUmmal,vol.7p.104,Majma’az-Zawa’id,vol.9p.176.[7]Sahihal-Bukhari,vol.4p.217,Sahihat-Tarmithi,vol.2p.307,al-Bidayahwen-Nihayah,vol.8p.34.

TheProphet(a.s.)said,‘Andthebestriderheis.’[1]

4.TheProphet(a.s.)said,‘Lethim,wholikestolookatthesireoftheyouthoftheParadise,lookatal-Hasan.’[2]

5.TheProphet(a.s.)said,‘Al-Hasanismypleasureinthisworld.’[3]

6.AnasbinMaliknarrated,‘Oneday,al-HasancameintotheProphet(a.s.).Iwantedtotakehimawayfromhim,buttheProphet(a.s.)said,‘Stopthat!Letalonemysonandthefruitofmyheart!Whoeverharmsthisonewillharmme,andwhoeverharmsmewillharmAllah.’[4]

7.Once,theProphet(a.s.)offeredtheMaghrib(orIsha’)Prayerandprolongedtheprostration.Afterfinishingtheprayer,Peopleaskedhimwhyhedidsoandhesaid,‘Myson(al-Hasan)rodonmeandIhatedtosendhimdownsoon.’[5]

8.Abdullah binAbdurrahman bin az-Zubayr said, ‘Themost similar andmost beloved one to theProphetwasal-Hasan.IsawtheProphetprostrating(inprayer)andal-Hasangotupoverhisneck(orback).TheProphetdidnotsendhimdownuntilhehimselfgotdown.Once,Isawhim,whilebowing(inprayer),openhislegsforhim(al-Hasan)sothathecouldpasstotheotherside.’[6]

There are many other traditions that have been transmitted from the Prophet (a.s.) about thepreference of Imam al-Hasan (a.s.) besidesmany others that are common between Imam al-Hasan(a.s.)andImamal-Husayn(a.s.).Wehavementionedthosetraditionsinthefirstvolumeofourbook“theLifeofImamal-HasanbinAli”.

[1]As-Sawa’iqal-Muhriqa,p.282,Hilyatal-Awliya’,vol.2p.35.[2]al-Istee’ab,vol.2p.369.[3]Al-BidayahwenNihayah,vol.8p.35,Fadha’ilal-As~hab,p.165.[4]KanzolUmmal,vol.6p.222.[5]Al-BidayahwenNihayah,vol.8p.33.[6]Al-Isabah,vol.2p.12.

Hiseducation

TheProphet (a.s.)broughtupandeducatedhisgrandsonImamal-Hasan(a.s.)andfedhimwithhisownideals.TheothereducatorofImamal-Hasan(a.s.)washisfatherImamAli(a.s.)whowasthebesteducator in theworld of Islam after the Prophet (a.s.). He also fed in his son his high ideals andmorals.HismotherFatima(a.s.),too,educatedhimwiththeloyalfaithandthedeeplovetoAllahtheAlmighty.Therefore,hewasacopytothesethreegreat,infalliblepersons.

Fatima(a.s.)oftensental-Hasanandal-Husayn,peacebeonthem,tothemeetingoftheirgrandfatherthemessengerofAllah(a.s.)tolearnhistraditionsandmoralities.Whentheycamebackhome,sheaskedthemaboutwhatknowledgeandwisdomtheygotinthemeetingoftheirgrandfather(a.s.).Al-Hasan, who was seven years old, listened to the revelation in his grandfather ’s meeting andmemorizedit.Then,hecametohismotherFatima(a.s.)toreciteitbeforeher.WhenImamAli(a.s.)cametoher,hefoundthatshehadknownabouttherevelationthathadatoncebeenrevealedtotheProphet(a.s.).Whenheaskedheraboutit,sherepliedthatitwasfromhersonal-Hasan(a.s.).

Once,ImamAli(a.s.)hidhimselfinhisroom.Al-Hasancametohismothertorecitebeforehertherevelation he had heard in his grandfather ’s meeting. For a moment, he was tongue-tied, and hismotheraskedkindly,‘Whatisthematterwithyou?’

Hesaid,‘Donotbeastonishedatwhathashappenedtome,forthereisaGreatOnethattakescareofme.’

ImamAli(a.s.)cameoutandbegankissinghissonal-Hasan.[1]

Hismoralities

All high qualities were available in ImamAbuMuhammad al-Hasan (a.s.), and this naturally wasbecausehehadbeenfedwithhisgrandfathertheProphet(a.s.)andhisfatherImamAli’svirtues.ThefollowingstoriesshowthehighmoralsImamal-Hasan(a.s.)had.

[1]TheLifeofImamal-HasanbinAli,vol.1p.74.

1.Oneday,anoldmanfromShamtrespassedagainstImamal-Hasan(a.s.)andbeganabusinghim.Imamal-Hasan(a.s.)remainedsilentuntilthemanfinishedhisrevilement,andthensaidtohimkindlyandsmilingly,‘Osheikh(oldman),Ithinkyouareastranger.Ifyouaskusforsomething,wewillgiveyou,ifyouaskusforguidance,wewillguideyou,ifyouaskustocarryyou(toprepareforyourtravel),wewilldo,ifyouarehungry,wewillgiveyoufood,ifyouareinneed,wewillsatisfyyou,andifyouarechased,wewillshelteryou.’

Themanwasastonishedandcouldanswerwithnothing.HewasconfusedbeforethesehighmoralsofImamal-Hasan(a.s.).Thenhesaid,‘AllahknowsbestwithwhomtoplaceHismessage.’[1]

2.Oneday,Imamal-Hasan(a.s.)wassittinginsomeplaceandwhenhewantedtoleave,apoormancametohim.Hewelcomedthepoorman,humoredhim,andsaid,‘Yousatjustwhenwegotup.Doyoupermitmetogo?’

Thepoormanwasastonishedatsuchmorality,andpermittedtheimamtoleave.[2]

3.Once,hepassedbysomepoormenwhohadputsomepiecesofbreadontheearthandwereeatingfromthem.Theyinvitedhimtoparticipateintheirfood,andheresponded.Hesatdownandbeganeatingwiththem.Hesaid,‘SurelyAllahdoesnotlovetheproud.’Then,heinvitedthemtohishouse.Hegavethemfood,clothes,andotherthings.[3]

Hispatience

ImamAbuMuhammadal-Hasan(a.s.)wastoopatient.Hemetwhoeverwrongedhimwithpardonandkindness.Historianshavementionedmanystoriesonthismatter.

Once,hefoundthatthelegofoneofhissheepwasbroken.Heaskedhisservantwhodidthatandtheservantsaiditwashe.Imamal-Hasan(a.s.)askedhimwhyandhereplied,‘Togrieveyou.’

[1]ManaqibAalAbiTalib,vol.2p.149,al-Kamilbyal-Mubarrid,vol.1p.190.[2]Tareekhal-Khulafa’byas-Sayooti,p.73.[3]As-Sabban,printedinthemarginsofNooral-Absar,p.176.

Imamal-Hasan(a.s.)smiledathimandsaid,‘Iwillpleaseyouinreturn.’

Hesettheservantfreeandgiftedhimgenerously.[1]

Marwan,whowasoneofthebitterestenemiestoImamal-Hasan,acknowledgedthegreatpatienceoftheimam.Whentheimamdied,Marwancameandcarriedtheimam’scoffin.Imamal-Husayn(a.s.)wasastonishedandsaidtoMarwan,‘Todayyoucarryhiscoffin,whileyesterdayyoudepressedhimbitterly!’

Marwansaid,‘Ididthattoonewhosepatiencewaslikemountains.’[2]

Imamal-Hasan(a.s.)wasatruecopyofhisgrandfathertheProphet(a.s.)inpatienceandmorals.

Hisgenerosity

Imamal-Hasan (a.s.)was one of themost generous people, the kindest, andmost charitable to thepoor and thewretched.Hedid never reject a beggar at all.Hewas asked about that andhe said,“IalwaysbegAllahandlookforwardtoHisgift.Therefore,IfeelshytobeabeggarandatthesametimeIrejectabeggar.AllahhasaccustomedmetoahabitthatHepoursonmeHisblessings,andIhaveaccustomedHimthatIpourHisblessingsonpeople.IfearthatifIstopmyhabit,Hewillstop

Hishabit.’Thenherecitedthefollowingversesofpoetry:

“Whenanaskercomestome,Isay:welcometotheOneWhosefavorisurgentlyobligatoryonme.

AndfromHisfavorthereisafavoroneveryfavorer.

Andthebestofone’sdaysiswhenheisasked(byaneedyone).”[3]

Needy people often crowded at the door of Imam al-Hasan (a.s.), and he always gave themgenerously.Oneday,anomadcametohimaskingforhelp.Theimamaskedhisservanttogivethenomadall that therewasinthebursary.Itwastenthousanddinars.ThenomadsaidtotheImamal-Hasan(a.s.),‘Wouldyouletmerevealmyneedanddeclaremypraise?’

[1]Maqtalal-Husaynbyal-Khawarizmi,vol.1p.147.[2]TheLifeofImamal-HasanbinAli,vol.1p.315.[3]Nooral-Absar,p.611.Imamal-Hasan(a.s.)saidtohim,

“Wearepeoplewhosedonationisfresh,inwhichhopeandexpectationrevel.Ourselvesgivebeforebeingasked,Tosavethefaceofonewhoasks.

Iftheseaknowstheabundanceofourdonation,Itshall,becauseofshyness,flowoverafteritsflooding.”[1]

Inourbook“TheLifeofImamal-HasanbinAli”wehavementionedmanystoriesonhisgenerosityandbounty.

Hisasceticism

Imamal-Hasan(a.s.)turnedhisbacktothepleasuresofthisworldlylifeandturneddevotedlytowardsAllahtheAlmighty.Itisrelatedthathehadsaid:

“Abit of poorbread satesme,anda sipofwater sufficesme,andapieceof thin clothe coversmewhenalive,andwhenIdie,itisenoughasashroud.”

MuhammadbinBabwayhhaswrittenabookcalled“TheAsceticismofImamal-Hasan”inwhichhehasmentionedmanystoriesonImamal-Hasan’sasceticism.

Imam al-Hasan (a.s.) offered all that he had just to please Allah the Almighty. He gave all hispossessionstwotimes,anddividedhispropertieswithAllahthreetimes…[2]

Hisworship

Imamal-Hasan(a.s.)wasthemostworshippingoneinhis time.Historianssay,‘HewasnotseenatanytimeunlesshewasmentioningAllahtheAlmighty’[3]andthatwhenherecalledtheParadiseand

Hell,hebecameconfusedandupsetasifhewasill,andsoheprayedAllahtotakehimtotheParadiseandprotecthimfrom

[1]NafahatminSeeratAhlulBayt,p.86.[2]Usdal-Ghabah,vol.2p.13,AlfBa’,vol.1p.417.[3]Amalias-Saduq,p.108.

the Hell. When he recalled death and what would come after it, he cried a crying of an afraidrepentant.[1]Whenhe recalled the standingbeforeAllahon theDayofResurrection,he sighed sodeeplyuntilhefainted.[2]

Whenhewantedtoperformwudu’(ablution),hechangedcolorandhetrembled.Hewasaskedaboutthisandhesaid, ‘He,whostandsbeforeAllah theLordof theThrone,must trembleandhiscolorfade.’

Whenhe finishedhiswudu’ and set towards themosque, heprayedAllahby saying, ‘OmyLord,yourguestisatYourdoor.OBeneficent,thewrongdoerhascometoYou,soforgivethebadnesswehavewiththegoodnessYouhave.’[3]

Whenhestoodtooffertheprayer,fearovercamehimuntilallhisorganstrembled.[4]AfterofferingtheFajr(dawn)Prayer,hedidnotuttersavethementionofAllahuntilthesunshone.[5]

He had performed the hajj to the InviolableHouse ofAllah (theKaaba) twenty-five times on footthoughhehadbestcamels.[6]Hewasaskedabouthisgoingtoomuchonfoot to theKaabaandhesaid,‘IfeelshyofmyLordnottogotoHisHouseonmyfeet.’[7]

Hiscaliphate

He assumed the Islamic caliphate after themartyrdomof his father ImamAli (a.s.) the pioneer ofJustice in Islam. Someof his army rebelled against him and some other leant to rest and gave upfighting.Many of his soldierswere affected by theKharijiteswho had accused ImamAli (a.s.) ofreneginghis religion.They invited thearmy to rebel against Imamal-Hasan (a.s.), besides that thecommandersofthedivisionscorrespondedwithMo’awiyaand

[1]NafahatminSeeratAhlulBayt,p.88.[2]Amalias-Saduq,p.108.[3]Biharal-Anwar,vol.43p.339.[4]TheLifeofImamal-HasanbinAli,vol.1p.327.[5]Biharal-Anwar,vol.43p.339.[6]Ibid.[7]A’yanash-Shia,vol.4p.11.

agreedwithhimthattheywouldassassinateImamal-Hasanorcapturehim.Unfortunately,Ubaydillahbin al-Abbas, Imam al-Hasan’s cousin, who was the general leader of the army, was bribed byMo’awiya,andsohe tookwithhimapartof thearmyand joinedMo’awiyaunder thedarknessofnight.Therefore,thearmyofImamal-Hasan(a.s.)wasleftinconfusionandseditions.

Beforethissevereordeal,Imamal-Hasan(a.s.)hadbuttwochoices;eithertofightwithhiswreckedarmyandsacrificehimself,hisfamily,andhisfollowerswithoutofferingtoIslamandthenationanygood, becauseMo’awiyawith his trick and cunningwould deceive the public and show them thatImamal-Hasan(a.s.)andhisfollowershaddeviatedfromIslam,andiftheimamwastakenacaptive,Mo’awiyawould set him free and thushewouldpurifyhimself andhisUmayyad family from thedisgrace that the Prophet (a.s.) had stained themwith when he set them free after the conquest ofMecca.

OrhewouldmakepeacewithMo’awiyaunwillinglyandinspiteofhim,andthenMo’awiyawouldbefree inhisoppressionandconsequentlyhewouldbeexposedbefore thepublic thathewas too farfromtherealityof Islam.And thiscame true immediatelyafter the truce.Mo’awiyamadeaspeechbefore the people of Iraq saying, ‘I have not fought you to offer prayers, to fast, pay zakat, or toperformthehajj,butIhavefoughtyoutohavepoweroveryou,andAllahhasgivenmethisalthoughyouareunwilling.Ihaveputeverything,whichIhaveagreedonwithal-Hasan(inthetruce),undermyfeet.Iwillfulfillnothingofit.’

Imam al-Hasan (a.s.) had chosen peace, and otherwise the nation would suffer calamities andbloodshedsthatonlyAllahknewhowdisastroustheywouldbe.

In the truceofpeace, Imamal-Hasan (a.s.)made conditionsonMo’awiya that deprivedhimof thelegalauthorityandshowedhimtopeoplethathewasjustabossofagang.TheimamstipulatedonMo’awiya that he (the imam) would not call him as Ameerul Mo'minin (the commander of thebelievers),andthatMo’awiyashouldnotviolatetheBookofAllahandtheSunnaofHisprophetinallofhisconducts.Anyhow,Mo’awiyadidnotfulfillanyoftheconditionsofthetruce.

Afterthetruce,thepolicyofMo’awiyaviolatedtheBookofAllahandtheSunnaofHisprophet.Hegovernedthenationwithadarkpolicythathadnokindnessandmercy.Hekilledinnocentpeopleandspreadterroreverywhere.HeplunderedthewealthofthenationandgavepowertoevilmenlikeZiyad binAbeeh,Bisr binArta’ah,Amr bin al-Aas,Marwan bin al-Hakam and their like over theMuslims.

FromthegreatoffensesofMo’awiyawastheassassinationoftheProphet’sgrandsonImamal-Hasan(a.s.).Mo’awiyaaskedJa’dabintal-Ash’ath to insertpoison into thefoodofherhusbandImamal-Hasan(a.s.)afterhe(Mo’awiya)hadtemptedherthathewouldmarryhertohissonYazid.Shegavethepoisonousfoodtotheimam,whowasfasting,intheIftar,andafternolongtheimamlefttothebetterworld.

13ChapterImamal-Husayn

Imamal-Husayn(a.s.)wasthereviverofIslamandthesaviorofthenationafterithadbeenapreyinthehandsoftheUmayyadswhosubjectedittoseveretorment,killeditsmen,andspareditswomen.TheyseizedthewealthofAllahandtookHispeopleasslavestothem.Therefore,Imamal-Husayn(a.s.)revoltedagainsttheminhisgreatrevolutionbywhichAllahhadrevivedIslamafteritwasaboutto be destroyed by those tyrants who distorted the Book, faith, morals, and everything. ThisrevolutionofImamal-Husayn(a.s.)shookthefortsoftheUmayyads,didawaywiththeirprideandarrogance,andcausedthemabitterdefeatanddisgrace.ItpavedthewayforothersuccessiverevoltsbyMuslimsuntiltheUmayyadrulewasoverthrownforever.

WeshalltalkhereinbriefaboutImamal-Husayn(a.s.).

Hisbirth

Imamal-Husayn(a.s.)wasbornonthethirdofSha’baninthefourthyearofhijra.HewasthesecondchildtoFatima(a.s.).Whenthenewsofthisblessedbirthspread,theProphet’swivesandotherladiesofMuslimshurriedtoFatima’shousetocongratulateheronthisnewbornchildandparticipateinherjoyanddelight.

WhentheProphet(a.s.)wasinformedofthebirthofhissecondgrandson,hecametohisdaughter ’shousebutsorrowanddistresshadovercomehim.HesaidtoAsma’withfaint,sorrowfulsound,‘OAsma’,bringmemyson.’

Asma’ brought him his newborn grandson, and he began kissing him and crying. Asma’ wasastonishedandsheaskedhim,‘Maymyfatherandmotherdieforyou!Whatforareyoucrying?’

Herepliedwhilecrying,‘Formythisson.’

Asma’becamemoreastonishedandsaid,‘Hehasbeenbornjustnow!’

TheProphetsaid,‘Theoppressivepartywillkillhim.MayAllahnotgrantthemmyintercession.’

ThentheProphet(a.s.)saidtoAsma’,‘DonottellFatimaaboutthis.Shehasjustnowgivenbirthtoherchild.’[1]

Frombehindtheunseen,theProphet(a.s.)perceivedwhatdisastershisgrandsonwouldface.

TheProphetembracedhisblessed,newborngrandson,andrecited theazan inhis rightearand theeqama in his left ear. It is related in traditions that “The azan and the eqama are protection to a

newbornchildfromcursedSatan.’[2]

The first voice that penetrated Imam al-Husayn’s ears was the voice of his grandfather the greatpropagandistofAllah in theearth.TheProphetplanted in thedeepofhisson thesacredpsalmsof“AllahisGreat”and“thereisnogodbutAllah”,andthesonfedonthemandbythemhesetoutlateron in the fields of jihad to raise theWord of Allah high in the earth and to make the power ofgoodnessprevaileverywhere.

The Prophet (a.s.) named his second grandsonHusayn as he had named his first grandsonHasanbefore.[3]HenamedhimwiththisnameafterarevelationfromtheHeaven.[4]

[1]MusnadofImamZayd,p.468.[2]Da’a’imal-Islam,vol.1p.178.[3]TheLifeofImamal-HusaynbinAli,vol.1p.30.[4]Usdal-Ghabah,vol.2p.61.

Aftersevendaysofal-Husayn’sbirth,theProphet(a.s.)orderedaramtobeslaughteredastheaqeeqawhosemeatwas tobedistributedamongthepoorandthata legwas tobegivento themidwife.[1]Thishasbecomeoneof the Islam’s traditional practices in the fieldof charity to thepoor.On thesameday, theProphet (a.s.) ordered his grandson’s hair to be cut and to pay silver to the poor asmuch as the weight of the cut hair.[2] Then Imam al-Husayn’s head was painted with a perfumedsubstance.TheProphet’slovetoal-HusaynWementionheresometraditionsshowingthegreatlovetheProphet(a.s.)hadtowardshisgrandsonImamal-Husayn(a.s.).

1. Jabir binAbdullah narrated that the Prophet (a.s.) had said, ‘Let him,whowants to look at themasteroftheyouthoftheParadise,lookatal-HusaynbinAli.’[3]

2.Ya’labinMurrahsaid,‘Once,wewentwiththeProphet(a.s.)toabanquetwehadbeeninvitedto.WesawHusaynplayingintheroad.TheProphet(a.s.)openedhishandsandthechildbeganjumpinghereandthere.TheProphetbeganjokingwithhim.Thenheliftedhimandputoneofhishandsunderhischinandtheotheronhishead.Hekissedhimandsaid,‘HusaynisfrommeandIamfromHusayn.AllahloveswhoeverlovesHusayn.Husaynisanationfromthenations.’[4]

3.Salmanal-Farisirelated,“Oneday,IwenttotheProphet(a.s.)andfoundal-HusaynbinAlisittingonhis(theProphet)thighwhiletheProphetwaskissinghimonhismouthandsayingtohim,‘Youareamasterandsonofamaster.Youareanimam,asonofanimam,abrotherofanimam,andthefatherof the imams.Youare theauthorityofAllah, thesonofHisauthority,andthefatherofnineauthoritieswhowillbefromyourposterity,theninthofwhomwillbeal-Qa’im(al-Mahdi).’[5]

[1]MusnadofImamZayd,p.468.[2]TheLifeofImamal-HusaynbinAli,vol.1p.33.[3]TareekhibnAsakir,vol.13p.50,SiyerA’laman-Nubala’,vol.3p.190.[4]SunanibnMaja,vol.1p.56,MusnadAhmadbinHanbal,vol.4p.172,Usdal-Ghabah,vol.2p.19,Tayseeral-Wusool,vol.3p.276.[5]TheLifeofImamal-HusaynbinAli,vol.1p.95.

4.IbnAbbassaid,‘Oneday,theProphet(a.s.)wascarryingal-Husaynonhisshoulder.Somemansaid

toal-Husayn(a.s.),‘Oboy,itisthebestbackyouhaveriddenon.’

TheProphet(a.s.)said,‘Andthebestriderheis.’[1]

5.BuraydbinAbuZiyadsaid,‘Once,theProphetwentoutofAa’isha’shouseandpassedbyFatima’shouse.Heheardal-Husayncrying.Hebecamediscomfortedandsaid toFatima, ‘Doyounotknowthathiscryingdiscomfortsme?’

TheProphettellsaboutImamal-Husayn’smartyrdom

The Prophet (a.s.) had foretold about themartyrdom of Imam al-Husayn (a.s.) andMuslims werecertainofthat.IbnAbbasnarrated,

“We and the Ahlul Bayt (a.s.) did not doubt that al-Husayn bin Ali shall be killed in at-Taff(Kerbala).”[2]

TheProphet(a.s.)perceivedfromtheHeaventhathisdarlinggrandsonImamal-Husayn(a.s.)wouldbemartyredatthehandoftheworstpeople;therefore,hecriedbitterly.

1.Ummal-Fadhlbintal-Harithrelated,‘Al-Husaynwasundermycare.Once,IwenttothemessengerofAllah(a.s.)andInoticedhiseyessheddingtears.Isaidtohim,‘OtheProphetofAllah,maymyfatherandmotherdieforyou!Whatisthematterwithyou?’

Hesaid,‘Gabriel,peaceandblessingbeonhim,hascomeandtoldmethatmynationwillkillmythisson.’Hepointedatal-Husayn.Iwasterrifiedandsaid,‘Willthisbekilled?’

ThemessengerofAllahsaidpainfully, ‘Yes!Gabrielhasbroughtmesomeredearth fromhis (al-Husayn)earth(inwhichhewillbeburied).’Ummal-FadhbegancryingwiththeProphet(a.s.).[3]

2.UmmSalamah,theProphet’swife,narrated,“Onenight,themessengerofAllah(a.s.)laydowntosleep,andthenhewakedupconfusedly.Then,helaydownandwakedupconfusedlyunlikethefirsttime.Then,hesleptandwakedupandtherewassomeredearth

[1]At-Tajal-Jami’lil-Usool,vol.3p.218.[2]Mustadrakal-Hakim,vol.3p.179.[3]Ibid.,p.176.

inhishandandhewaskissingit.Isaidtohim,‘OmessengerofAllah,‘Whatisthisredearth?’

Hesaid,‘Gabrieltoldmethatthisone(al-Husayn)willbekilledinthelandofIraq.Iaskedhim,‘Showmethelandwherehewillbekilled.’Andsothisishis(al-Husayn)earth.”[1]

3.UmmSalamahsaid,“Oneday,theProphet(a.s.)wassittinginmyhouse.Hesaidtome,‘Letnoonecometome.’Aftersomemoments,al-Husayncameintohim.IheardtheProphet(a.s.)sobbing.Al-Husaynwasinhislap.Hewasrubbingonhis(al-Husayn)headandcrying.Isaidtohim,‘ByAllah,Ididnotnoticehimuntilhecameintoyou.’

Hesaidtome,‘Gabrielwaswithusinthehouse.Heaskedme:Doyoulovehim?Isaid:Yes.Hesaid:YournationwillkillhiminalandcalledKerbala.’ThenGabrieltooksomeofits(Kerbala)earthandshowedittotheProphet(a.s.).”[2]

4.Aa’ishasaid,‘Once,al-HusaynbinAlicametothemessengerofAllah(a.s.)whileGabrielwasrevealingtohim.Al-HusaynjumpedonthemessengerofAllah(a.s.)whilehewasdevoted(totherevelation).Gabrielasked,‘OMuhammad,doyoulovehim?’

ThemessengerofAllah(a.s.)said,‘HowdoInotlovemyson?’

Gabrielsaid,‘Yournationwillkillhimafteryou.’

Then,GabrielstretchedhishandandbroughttotheProphet(a.s.)somewhiteearthandsaid,‘Inthisland,yoursonwillbekilled.Itiscalledat-Taff.’

WhenGabrielleft,theearthwasinthehandofthemessengerofAllah(a.s.)whowascrying.Hesaidtome,‘OAa’isha,GabrieltoldmethatmysonHusaynwillbekilledinthelandofat-Taff,andthatmynationwillbetriedafterme.’

[1]Mustadrakal-Hakim,vol.4p.398,KanzolUmmal,vol.7p.106,SierA’laman-Nubala’,vol.3p.15.[2]KanzolUmmal,vol.7p.106,al-Mu’jamal-Kabeerbyat-Tabarani,vol.3p.106.

ThentheProphet(a.s.),whowasstillcrying,wentouttohiscompanions,amongwhomtherewereAli,AbuBakr,Umar,Huthayfah,Ammar,andAbuTharr.Theyasked,‘OmessengerofAllah,whyareyoucrying?’

Hesaid,‘Gabrieltoldmethatmysonal-Husaynwillbekilledaftermeinthelandofat-Taff.Hebroughtmethisearthandsaidhewouldbeburiedinit.’[1]

5.ZaynabbintJahsh,theProphet’swife,said,‘oneday,theProphet(a.s.)wassleepinginmyhouseandHusaynwascrawlinginthehouse.Itooknonoticeofhim(al-Husayn)forawhileuntilhecametotheProphet(a.s.)andgotoverhisabdomen.Then,theProphet(a.s.)beganofferingtheprayerandheembracedal-Husayn.Whenhebowedandprostrated,heputhimdown,andwhenhestoodup,hecarriedhim.Whenhesat,heraisedhishandsandbegansupplicating.Afterfinishinghisprayer,Isaidtohim,‘OmessengerofAllah,IsawyoudosomethingtodaythatIhadnotseenyoudoitbefore.’

Hesaid,‘Gabrielcameandtoldmethatmysonwouldbekilled.Isaid:showmethen.Hebroughtmesomeredearth.’[2]

6.IbnAbbassaid,“Once,al-HusaynwasintheProphet’slap.Gabrielaskedhim,‘Doyoulovehim?’

TheProphet(a.s.)said,‘HowcouldInotlovehim?Heisthefruitofmyheart.’

Gabrielsaid,‘Yournationwillkillhim.ShallIshowyoutheplaceofhistomb?’Hegraspedsomethinganditwasahandfulofredearth.’[3]

7.AbuUmamahnarrated,“ThemessengerofAllah(a.s.)saidtohiswives:‘Donotmakethisboy(al-

Husayn)cry.’ItwasthedayofUmmSalamah.[4]Gabrielcamedown,andtheProphet(a.s.)wentintohisroomandsaidtoUmmSalamah,‘Donotletanyonecomeintome.’

[1]Majma’az-Zawa’id,vol.9p.187.[2]Ibid.,p.189.[3]Ibid.,p.191.[4]ThedaythattheProphet(a.s.)wouldspendwithUmmSalamahhiswife,becausehehaddividedhistimeequallyamonghiswives.

Then,al-Husayncame.WhenheknewthattheProphet(a.s.)wasinthehouse,hewantedtocomeintohim,butUmmSalamaembracedhimandbeganplayingwithhiminordertocalmhimdown.Whenhecriedloudly,shelethimaloneandheenteredandsatintheProphet’slap.GabrielsaidtotheProphet(a.s.),‘Yournationwillkillyourthisson.’

TheProphet(a.s.)asked,‘Dotheykillhimwhiletheybelieveinme?’

Gabrielsaid,‘Yes,theykillhim.’HetooksomeearthandtoldtheProphet(a.s.)thatal-Husaynwouldbekilledintheso-and-soplace.

TheProphet(a.s.)cameoutembracingal-Husaynbuthewasdistressedandsad.UmmSalamahthoughtthattheProphet(a.s.)wasdistressedbecauseshehadlettheboycomeintohim.Shesaid,‘OMessengerofAllah,mayIdieforyou!Youhavesaidnottomakethisboycryandorderedmenottoletanyonecomeintoyou.Al-Husayncameandcried,andIlethimalone.’

TheProphet(a.s.)didnotanswerherandhewentouttohiscompanionswhilebeingtoosad.Hesaidtothem,‘Mynationwillkillthisone.’Hepointedtoal-Husayn.

AbuBakrandUmarsaid,‘OmessengerofAllah,eventhoughtheyarebelievers?!’

Hesaid,‘Yes,andthisishisearth.’[1]

8.Anasbinal-HarithnarratedthattheProphet(a.s.)hadsaid,‘Mythisson-hepointedtoal-Husayn-willbekilledinalandcalledKerbala’.Letwhoeverwitnessthatsupporthim!’

WhenImamal-Husayn(a.s.)marchedtoKerbala,Anaswentwithhimandwasmartyredbeforehim.[2]

9.UmmSalamahrelated,“Oneday,al-Hasanandal-HusaynwereplayingbeforetheProphet(a.s.)inmyhouse.Gabrielcamedownandsaid,‘OMuhammad,yournationwillkillyourthissonafteryou.’Hepointedtoal-Husayn.

[1]Majma’az-Zawa’id,vol.9p.189.[2]Tareekhibnal-Wardi,vol.1p.173-174.

TheProphet(a.s.)begancryingandhejoinedal-Husayntohischest.Therewassomeearthinhishand.Hesmeltitandsaid,‘Woeunto“kerb”and“bala”.’[1]

Hegavethisearthtomeandsaid,‘Whenthisearthchangesintoblood,knowthatmysonwillhavebeenkilled.’

UmmSalamaputthisearthintoaflask,tookcareofandnoticediteverydaywhilesaying:thedaywhenyouwillchangeintobloodwillbeagreatday.”[2]

10.Once,theProphet(a.s.)sawinsleepthataspotteddogwaslickinghisblood.Heinterpretedthedreamthatsomemanwouldkillhissonal-Husayn(a.s.).ItcametrueandShimrbinThilJawshan,whowasleprous,killedImamal-Husayn(a.s.).[3]

11.IbnAbbasnarrated,“Whenal-Husaynwastwoyearsold,theProphet(a.s.)wentonajourney.Afterpassingsomeoftheway,hestopped,sighed,andhiseyesshedtears.Hewasaskedwhatforandhesaid,‘GabrielhasjusttoldmeaboutalandneartheEuphratescalledKerbala’inwhichmysonal-HusaynbinFatimawillbekilled.’Someofhiscompanionsaskedwhowouldkillhimandherepliedsadly,‘AmancalledYazid(willkillhim),mayAllahnotblesshissoul.AsifIseehismurderandtomb,andhisheadwillbecarriedasapresent.ByAllah,whoeverlooksattheheadofmysonal-HusaynandbecomepleasedAllahwillcontradictbetweenhisheartandtongue.’

WhentheProphet(a.s.)camebackfromhistravel,hewasdistressed.Heascendedtheminbarandtookwithhimhistwograndsonsal-Hasanandal-Husayn,peacebeonthem.HepreachedtoMuslimsandthenheraisedhisheadtowardstheheavenandsaid,‘OAllah,IamMuhammad;Yourservantandprophetandthesetwo(boys)arethebestofmyfamily,thebestofmyprogenyandroot,anditistheywhomIwillleaveamongmynation.OAllah,Gabrielhastoldmethatmythisson-hepointedtoal-Husayn-willbebetrayedandkilled.

[1]KerbinArabicmeans“anguish”andbalameans“calamityormisfortune”thatformthenameofKerbala.[2]Al-Mu’jamal-Kabeerbyat-Tabarani,vol.3p.108.[3]Tareekhal-Khamees,vol.2p.334.

OAllah,blesshiskillingandmakehimfromthemastersofmartyrs,Youarepowerfulovereverything,anddonotblesshiskillerandbetrayer.’

Theattendantsburstintocrying.TheProphet(a.s.)saidtothem,‘Youcrybutyouwillnotsupporthim.OAllah,beaguardianandsupportertohim.’

IbnAbbassaid,‘TheProphet(a.s.)wasstillunhappy.Heascendedtheminbarandmadeaneloquentspeechwhilehiseyesweresheddingtears.Hesaid,‘Opeople,Iwillleaveamongyouthetwoweightythings;theBookofAllahandmyfamilyandposterity,themixtureofmywater[1]andmyfruit(production).They(theBookofAllahandtheprogeny)willnotseparateuntiltheywillcometomeatthepond(inParadise).SurelyIwillnotaskyouforanythingexceptforthatwhichmyLordhasorderedmeof.Iaskyouforlovetomyrelatives.Becarefulthatyoushallnotmeetmeatthepondwhileyouhavehatedmyprogeny.’

Inanothertraditionithasbeenmentioned,‘Gabrielhastoldmethatmynationwillkillmysonal-HusayninthelandofKerbandBala’(kerbala).ThecurseofAllahmaybeonhiskillerandbetrayeruntiltheendoftime.’

ThentheProphet(a.s.)descendedfromtheminbar,andtherewasnoonefromtheMuhajireenandtheAnsarexceptthathewascertainthatal-Husaynwillbekilled.”[2]

ImamAliforetellsImamHusayn’smartyrdom

SometraditionsweretransmittedfromImamAli(a.s.)inwhichhepredictedthemartyrdomofhissonImamal-Husayn(a.s.).Thefollowingaresomeofthem:

1.AbdullahbinYahyanarratedthathisfatherhadaccompaniedImamAli(a.s.)toSiffin,andwhentheyreachedNineveh,ImamAli(a.s.)saidsadlyandsorrowfully,‘OAbuAbdullah,[3]bepatient,bepatient…attheriveroftheEuphrates!’

[1]Thesubstanceofprocreation.[2]TheLifeofImamal-HusaynbinAli,vol.1p.103-105quotedfromal-Futooh,vol.4p.216-219[3]AbuAbdullahisImamHusayn’ssurname.

Yahyasaidtohim,‘WhoisAbuAbdullah?’

ImamAli(a.s.)repliedtohimpainfully,“Oneday,IwenttothemessengerofAllah(a.s.)andfoundhiseyesfulloftears.Isaid,‘OprophetofAllah,hasanyonemadeyouangry?Whyareyoureyesfulloftears?’Hesaid,‘Gabrielhasjustleftmenow.Hetoldmethatal-HusaynwillbekilledattheriveroftheEuphrates.Hesaidtome:shallImakeyousmellhisearth?Isaid:Yes.Hegavemeahandful(ofthatearth).Icouldnothelpmyself,andsomyeyesbegansheddingtears.’”[1]2.HarthamahbinSulaymsaid,‘WewentwithAlibinAbiTalibtothebattleofSiffeen,andwhenwearrivedinKerbala,heledusinofferingtheprayercongregationally.Whenhefinishedtheprayer,hetooksomeofits(Kerbala)earth,smeltit,andsaid,‘Oearth,somepeoplewillberesurrectedfromyouandwillenterintotheParadisewithoutreckoning.’

HarthamawasastonishedatImamAli’ssaying.Whenhecamebacktohisfamily,hetoldhiswifeJarda’bintSameer,whowasanadherenttoImamAli,ofwhatImamAli(a.s.)hadsaid,andshesaidtohim,‘WhatAmeerulMo'mininsaysisthetruth.’

TimepassedandadaycamewhenUbaydillahbinZiyadsenthisarmies,amongwhichwasHarthamah,tofightImamal-Husayn(a.s.).WhentheyarrivedinKerbala,HarthamahrememberedthesayingofImamAli(a.s.)aboutthemartyrdomofhissonImamal-Husayn(a.s.).HarthamahcametoImamal-Husayn(a.s.)andtoldhimofImamAli’ssaying.Imamal-Husayn(a.s.)askedHarthama,‘Areyouwithoragainstus?’

Hesaid,‘Neitherwithnoragainstyou.IhaveleftmyfamilyandchildrenandIfearforthemfromibnZiyad.’

Imamal-Husayn(a.s.)saidtohim,‘Runawaysothatyoudonotseeourmurders.ByAllah,anymanwhoseesourmurdertodayanddoesnotsupportusAllahwillthrowhimintoFire.’

[1]TareekhibnAsakir,vol.13p.57-58,al-Mu’jamal-Kabeerbyat-Tabarani,vol.3p.105-106.

HarthamahfollowedImamHusayn’sadviceandheescapedfromKerbala.[1]

3.ThabitnarratedfromSuwaydbinGhaflahthatonedayImamAli(a.s.)madeaspeech,andthensomemancameandsaidtohim,‘OAmeerulMo'minin,IpassedbyWadial-QuraandfoundKhalidbinArfatahdead.AskAllahtoforgivehim.’

ImamAli(a.s.)deniedthatandsaid,‘ByAllah,hehasnotdied.AndheshallnotdieuntilhewillleadanarmyofdeviantswhosebannermanshallbeHabeebbinHammar…’

Somemangotupandsaid,‘OAmeerulMo'minin,IamHabeebbinHammar,andIamfromyourfollowersandadherents.’

ImamAli(a.s.)askedthemanseveraltimesifhewasHabeebbinHammar(justtomakeitcertainbeforepeople)andthemanansweredthathewashimself.

ImamAli(a.s.)saidtohim,‘Yes,byAllah!Youwillcarryit(thebanner)andwillenterthroughthisgate-hepointedtoBabal-Feel(thegateofelephant)inthemosqueofKufa.’

Thabitsaid,‘ByAllah,IremainedaliveuntilIsawibnZiyadsendingUmarbinSa’dtofightImamal-Husayn(a.s.)andappointingKhalidbinArfatahtheleaderofthefrontofhisarmyandHabeebbinHammarasthebannermanwhoenteredwiththebannerthroughBabal-Feel.’[2]

4.ImamAli(a.s.)saidtoal-Bara’binAazib,‘Willal-Husaynbekilledwhileyouwillbealivebutwillnotsupporthim?’

Al-Bara’said,‘Letthatnotbe,OAmeerulMo'minin!’

AfterthemartyrdomofImamal-Husayn(a.s.),al-Bara’oftenrememberedthatandsaid,‘Howgreatregretitis!IneitherwitnessedhimnorwasIkilledbeforehim.’[3]

[1]TheLifeofImamal-HusaynbinAli,vol.1p.426.[2]SharhNahjolBalaghabyibnAbilHadeed,vol.2p.287.[3]Biharal-Anwar,vol.40p.192,SharhNahjolBalagha,vol.10p.15.

5.AbuJuhayfahnarrated,“Oneday,Urwahal-BariqicametoSa’eedbinWahabandaskedhimwhileIwaslistening,‘ThereisatraditionyouhavenarratedtomefromAlibinAbiTalib(a.s.).Hesaid,‘Yes!Once,MikhnafbinSulaymsentmetoAli.IwenttohimwhilehewasinKerbala.Ifoundhimpointingwithhishandandsaying,‘Itishere,itishere!’

Somemanaskedhim,‘OAmeerulMo'minin,whatisit?

ImamAli(a.s.)said,‘AweightinessfromtheprogenyofMuhammad(ImamHusaynandhisfamily)willstophere.Alasforthemfromyou,andwoeuntoyoufromthem.’

Themandidnotunderstandandasked,‘OAmeerulMo'minin,whatdoyoumean?’

ImamAli(a.s.)said,‘Alasforthemfromyouisthatyouwillkillthem,andwoeuntoyoufromthem

isthatAllahwillthrowyouintoFirebecauseofkillingthem.’”[1]

6.Al-HasanbinKatheernarratedfromhisfatherthatonedayImamAli(a.s.)stoppedatKerbala,anditwassaidtohim,‘OAmeerulMo'minin,thisisKerbala.’

Hesaidsadlyandpainfully,‘Itisof“kerb”and“bala’”’.[2]

Thenhepointedwithhishandtosomeplaceandsaid,‘Hereistheplaceoftheirbaggageandcamels’,andpointedagaintoanotherplaceandsaid,‘Heretheirbloodswillbeshed.’[3]

7.AbuKhayrahsaid,‘Once,IaccompaniedAliuntilhearrivedinKufa.Heascendedtheminbar,praisedAllah,andthensaid,‘Whatwillyoudoiftheprogenyofyourprophetwillcometobeamongyou?’

They(theattendants)allsaid,‘WewilldoforthemallthatwhichpleasesAllah.’

[1]Waq’atSiffeen,p.158.[2]KerbinArabicmeans“grief”andbala’means“calamity”.[3]Waq’atSiffeen,p.158,SharhNahjolBalagha,vol.3p.169.

ImamAli(a.s.)said,‘IswearbyHiminWhosehandmysoulis,theywillcometoyou,andyouwillriseagainstandkillthem.’[1]

TherearemanyothertraditionsliketheseonestransmittedfromImamAli(a.s.)aboutthemartyrdomofImamal-Husayn(a.s.)inthelandofKerbala.

14ChapterImamal-Husayn(a.s.)andUmar

WhenUmar bin al-Khattab assumed the Islamic caliphate, Imam al-Husayn (a.s.) was in his earlyyears.However,hisheartwasfullofsorrowandpainbecausehebelievedthatUmarhadoccupiedthepositionofhisfatherwhowasthepioneerofthesocialjusticeinIslam.

Oneday,Umarwasmakingaspeech fromon theminbarandhewassurprisedbyal-Husayn (a.s.)whoshoutedathim,“Getdown!Getdownofmyfather ’sminbarandgotoyourfather ’sminbar!”

Umarwas astonished and confused. He said to al-Husayn (a.s.), ‘You are right.My father had nominbar.’

Umarseatedal-Husayn(a.s.)besidehimandaskedhimwhohadinstructedhimwiththisspeech.Al-Husayn(a.s.)said,‘ByAllah,noonehasinstructedme.’[2]

Thoughhewasinhisearlychildhoodyet,al-Husayn(a.s.)sawthatnoonewoulddeservetoascendtheminbarofhisgrandfatherexcepthisfather(ImamAli).

Imamal-Husayn(a.s.)withMo’awiya

Imam al-Husayn (a.s.) felt great hatred and rage towardsMo’awiya, theman of evils and vices inIslam. It wasMo’awiya who spared no effort to remove all the political, educational, and moralvalues that Islam had achieved. Mo’awiya’s destructive decisions brought the nation manymisfortunesandcalamities.First,hedidawaywith thefamous learnedandawarepersonalities likeHijrbinAdiy,whowas

[1]Majma’az-Zawa’id,vol.9p.191,al-Mu’jamal-Kabeerbyat-Tabarani,vol.3p.110.[2]Al-Isabah,vol.1p.332.

oneoftheclosecompanionsoftheProphet(a.s.),Maythamat-Tammar,whowasImamAli’sdisciple,Rasheedal-Hijri,Amrbinal-Hamqal-Khuza’iy,andthelikefromthegreatMuslimswhowereopenlykilledbyMo’awiya.

Second,hetriedhisbesttodegradeanddefametheAhlulBayt(a.s.)whoweretheessenceoffaithandthecenterofthereligiousandsocialawarenessinIslam,andthesensitivenerveinthebodyofthenation.HeemployedallmeansofeducationandpreachingtodefametheAhlulBayt(a.s.)inanypossibleway,andheimposedonthespeecherstoabusethem(theAhlulBayt)ontheminbarsintheFridayPrayer,congregationalprayers,EidPrayer,andonotheroccasions.

Third,heassignedcommitteestofabricatetraditionsandchangethesystemofruleinIslam.

Unfortunatelyandregretfully,thosefabricatedtraditionshadbeenrecordedintheSihahandSunan(booksofHadith).Thisplan,asIthink,wasthemostterribleplotthatMuslimshadeverbeenafflictedwith.AgreatnumberofMuslimshavebelievedinthesefabricatedtraditionsandthoughttheyareapartfromtheirreligionwhereasthepurereligionisfreefromthemall.

Imamal-Husayn(a.s.)sentMo’awiyahanindictmentinwhichhehadcriticized,inaverysharplanguage,alldisgracefulpoliciesofMo’awiyathatcontradictedtheBookofAllahandtheSunnaofHisprophet,hiskillingofthegreat,eminentMuslims,andothervicesandsins.ThisindictmentisthemostimportantpoliticaldocumentthatdisclosesthecrimesandvicesofMo’awiya.ThepoliticalconferenceinMecca

Imamal-Husayn(a.s.)heldapoliticalconferenceinMeccaattendedbygreatmassesofMuslimsoftheMuhajireenandtheAnsarwhohadattendedtheseasonofhajj.Inthisconference,Imamal-Husayn(a.s.)talkedaboutthecalamitiesthatafflictedIslamandtheMuslimsandthemisfortunesthattheAhlulBayt(a.s.)sufferedbecauseoftheruleofMo’awiya.ThisisapassagefromthespeechthatImamal-Husayn(a.s.)hadmadeinthisconference;

“Thistyrant(Mo’awiya)hadcommittedagainstusandagainstouradherentswhatyouhaveseen,known,andwitnessed.Iwanttoaskyouaboutsomething,andifIsaythetruth,yousaythatIamtruthfulandifItelllies,yousaythatIamaliar.Listentomyspeechandwritedownmysaying,andthengobacktoyourcountriesandtribes.Whoeveryoutrustinandfeelsafewith,invitehimtoourrightthatyouknow,forIfearthatthismatter(Islam)mayberemovedanddefeated(andAllahwillperfectHislight,thoughtheunbelieversmaybeaverse.61:8).”

ThenImamal-Husayn(a.s.)mentionedMo’awiya’splotsthataimedatdoingawaywithIslam.Attheendoftheconference,Imamal-Husayn(a.s.)mentionedthevirtuesoftheAhlulBayt(a.s.)thatMo’awiyatriedtohide.ThiswasthefirstpoliticalconferenceheldinthehistoryofIslam.

Mo’awiya’sperishment

Mo’awiyareceivedhisdeathwhilehewasnotcertainandsafefromthetormentofAllahforthecrimesandthebloodshedshehadcommittedagainstthefaithfulofMuslims.HediedbutheleftafterhimterribleseditionanddisagreementthatthrewgreatevilsamongMuslims.

Beforehisdeath,Mo’awiyaentrustedhissonYazidwiththeruleafterhim.Yazidwascorrupted,dissolute,andmutinousagainsttheIslamicvalues.HebelievedneitherinAllahnorintheafterlife.Imamal-Husayn(a.s.)describedhimas:“amanofdrinkingandhunting.HeobeyedSatananddisobeyedtheBeneficentOne.Hespreadcorruption,cancelledthelaws(ofAllah),extortedtherevenueforhimself,madeunlawfulthingsofAllahaslawful,andprohibitedHislawfulthings.”[1]

WhenMo’awiyadied,hissonYazidassumedtheruleandcommittedallkindsofcrimes,sins,corruption,andoppression.

[1]TheLifeofImamal-HusaynbinAli,vol.2p.209.

Imamal-Husayn’srevolt

Imamal-Husayn(a.s.)roseagainstthetyrantYazidandannouncedpubliclyhisrefusingtoYazid’shomage.Heannouncedbeforepeoplethegoalsofhiseternalrevolutionsaying,“Ihavenotrisenrashly,ungratefully,oppressively,orcorruptively,butIhaverisentoseekreformforthenationofmygrandfather.Iwanttoenjointherightandforbidthewrong,anddoasmygrandfatherandfatherdid.”

Imamal-Husayn(a.s.)revoltedtoestablishthepillarsofreforminthenation,achievejusticeamongpeople,andtodoawaywithallthebadandfalsepracticesthattheUmayyadrulehadestablishedonthestageoftheIslamiclife.

Imamal-Husayn(a.s.)madeaspeechinMeccasaying,“PraisebetoAllah,whatAllahwills(shallcometrue),thereisnopowersaveinAllah,andblessingandpeaceofAllahbeonHismessenger.

Deathhasbeenwrittenonmanasanecklace(ishung)onagirl’sneck.IhavelongedtomyancestorsasJacob’slongingtoJoseph.AdeaththatIshallmeetisbettertome.AsifIseemypartsbeingcutbythewolvesofdesertsbetweenan-NawaweesandKerbala.Theywillfill,fromme,emptyrumensandhungrypouches.ThereisnoescapefromadaythathasbeenwrittenbythePen(determinedbytheHeaven).TheconsentofAllahisourconsenttheAhlulBayt(a.s.).WearepatientwithHistrials,andHewillgiveustherewardofthepatient.

ThefamilyofthemessengerofAllah(a.s.)willnotdeviatefromhim.Theywillbegatheredinthecourtofholiness.His(theProphet)eyewillbedelightedwiththem,andhispromisewillbefulfilledbythem.Whoeversacrificeshislifeforus,andhaspreparedhimselftomeetAllah,lethimsetoutwithus,forIwillsetoutinthemorningifAllahtheAlmightywills.”[1]

[1]Al-Hada’iqal-Wardiyyah(therosygardens),vol.1p.117,Miftahal-Afikar(thekeyofthoughts),p.148,KashfulGhummah,vol.2p.241.

IthinkIdonotknowapoliticaladdressmoreeloquentandmorewonderfulthanthisaddress,inwhichImamal-Husayn(a.s.)hadannouncedhisdeterminationonmartyrdomandthemakinglittleoflifeforthesakeofAllahtheAlmighty.Hewelcomeddeathandconsidereditasanorderofhonorandadecorationlikeanecklacethatagirladornsherselfwith.Heannouncedthepureplacewherehispurebloodwouldbeshedonitsearththatwasbetweenan-NawaweesandKerbala.There,swordsandspearswouldloothispurebody.Wehaveanalyzedthisaddressandmentioneditsimportantpointsinourbook“TheLifeofImamal-HasanbinAli”.

Martyrdom

WhenthemanylettersofthepeopleofKufacametoImamal-Husayn(a.s.)begginghimtosavethemfromthebadlifetheyledundertheoppressionoftheUmayyadrule,andcharginghimwiththeresponsibilitybeforeAllahandthenationifhewoulddelaytorespondtothem,he,peacebeonhim,wentdeterminedlytothembutsurroundedalongthewaybyabattalion(oftheUmayyads)undertheleadershipofal-Hurrar-RiyahiwhoforcedImamal-Husayn(a.s.)togotoKerbala.Heresidedthereandfeltthattheinevitableendwasneartohim,tohisfamily,andtohiscompanions.However,hedidnotcareforthedangerthatwouldattackhim.ArmiesfromKufabeganarrivingoneaftertheotheruntiltheysurroundedhimfromeveryside,controlledthebanksoftheEuphrates,andpreventedthe

imamandhisfellowsfromreachingwater.OnthetenthofMuharram(Ashura),theeternaldayintheworldofsorrows,thearmiesofdeviationandoppressionattackedtheimamandhisfollowersandexterminatedthemall,andagoodgroupofshiningstarsfromtheProphet’sprogenywereextinguished.

Imamal-Husayn(a.s.)announcedhisfirmdeterminationbysaying,“Idonotseedeathbuthappiness,andlifewiththeunjustbutboredom.”

Healsosaid,“ByAllah,Idonotsurrendertoyoulikethelow,nordoIsubmittoyoulikeslaves.”

Thebeastsattackedhimwiththeirswordsandspearsuntilhewasmartyred.HeofferedhissoulasasacrificetotheQur'anandallhumanvaluesandideals.

ThebannersoftheUmayyadswerefolded,theircastles,palaces,andgreatarmiesweredestroyed,butthebannerofImamal-Husayn,theexampleofthefreeintheworld,wavedeverywherecarryingwithithonor,dignity,andjihad.Thereisnoconqueror,neitherintheworldofIslamnorinotherthantheworldofIslam,greaterthanImamal-Husayn,themasterofmartyrswhohasoccupiedtheheartsandfeelingsofpeoplethroughhisrevolutionbywhichAllahhashonoredIslamandmade(therevolution)alessonforthepeopleofunderstanding.

LadyZaynab

ShewastheProphet’sgranddaughterandtheprincipalofwomenafterhermotherFatima(a.s.).ShehadallnobleandhighqualitiesthatshehadinheritedfromhergrandfatherProphetMuhammad,herfatherImamAli,andhermotherFatima(peacebeonthem).Therefore,shewasthehighestexampleofhonor,chastity,dignity,andjihad.Sheestablishedtheedificeoftheintellectualrise,andspreadpoliticalandreligiousawarenessthroughhersoul-stirringsermonsandspeechesshehadmadebeforethepeopleofKufaandintheroyalpalacesoftheUmayyads.SheexposedtherealityoftheUmayyadsthatwaspollutedwithallkindsofcrimes,sins,andtransgressionofhumanrights.SheprovedtheUmayyads’treasonagainstMuslimsandtheirseizingoftherulefromitsactualpeople.

Herbirth

Zaynab(a.s.)wasthefirstfemalefromtheprogenyoftheProphet(a.s.).TheAhlulBayt(a.s.)receivedthisblessedneonatewithgreatjoyanddelight.ImamAli(a.s.)carriedouttheritualsofbirth;herecitedtheazaninherrightearandtheeqamainherleftear.

WhentheProphet(a.s.)wastoldaboutthebirthofthisblessedbaby,heharriedtoFatima’shousewhilehewasdistressed.Hetooktheblessedbabyandembracedherwhilehistearswereflowingonhisholyface.

Fatima(a.s.)askedhim,‘Whatmakesyoucry?MayAllahnotmakeyoureyecry!’

Hesaidtohergently,‘OFatima,Knowthat,aftermeandafteryou,misfortunesandcalamitieswillbepouredonthisgirl.’[1]

[1]LadyZaynab,thePioneerofJihadinIslam,p.41.

TheProphet(a.s.)detectedfrombehindtheunseenwhatcalamitieswouldhappentohisgranddaughterandthatshewouldbetriedwithwhatnowomanhadeverbeentriedwith.ImamAli(a.s.)sharedtheProphet(a.s.)inhispainsandsorrows,andsodidFatima(a.s.).Salmanal-Farisi,theloyalfriendoftheProphet’sfamily,cametocongratulateAmeerulMo'minin(a.s.)ontheblessedbirthofhisnewborndaughterbuthefoundhimsadandgrievedtalkingaboutthecalamitiesthatthisdaughterwouldface,andsohesharedwiththefamilyintheirsorrow.

Fatima(a.s.)askedImamAli(a.s.)tonamethenewbornbabyandhesaidpolitely,‘IwouldnotprecedethemessengerofAllah(inthat).’

Then,ImamAli(a.s.)askedtheProphet(a.s.)tonamethechild,andtheProphet(a.s.)said,‘IwouldnotprecedemyLord.’

GabrielcamedowntotheProphet(a.s.)andsaidtohim,‘NameherZaynab!AllahtheAlmightyhaschosenthisnameforher.’

Gabriel(a.s.)revealedtotheProphet(a.s.)thecalamitiesthatwouldfacehisgranddaughter,andthentheallburstincrying.[1]

ZaynabwassurnamedasUmmKulthum.[2]SomehistorianssaythatUmmKulthumwasanotherdaughterofImamAliandFatima(a.s.),butwedoubtthissaying.

Herepithets

ThefollowingaresomeofLadyZaynab’sepithetsthatinformofherhighqualities:

1.AqeelatBaniHashim

Aqeelahmeansanoble,respectableladyamonghertribeandhonoredinherfamily.LadyZaynab(a.s.)wasthemosthonoredladyinIslamandthebestAlawidwoman.Herprogenypridedonherandwerecalled“thechildrenofal-Aqeelah”orthe“Zaynabites”.

[1]Zaynabal-Kubra,p.16-17.

[2]LadyZaynab,thePioneerofJihadinIslam,p.42.

2.Al-Aalimah(learned)

Zaynab(a.s.)wasthemostlearnedwoman(afterFatima)inthePropheticfamily.ShewasanauthorityforMuslimwomenconcerningreligiousaffairs,besidesthatsome(male)companionsreferredtoherinjurisprudentialmatters.

3.AabidatAalAli(theworshipperofAli’sfamily)

Shewasthemostworshipping(afterhermother)amongallMuslimwomen.Sheleftnorecommendatoryworshipeveninthemostcriticaltimes.EvenintheeleventhnightofMuharram

aftertheterribleeventofKerbalasheofferedallrecommendatoryworshipsincludingtheNightNafilah.

4.Al-Kamilah(perfect)

Shewasperfectinmorals,honor,virtue,chastity,andpurity.

5.Al-Fadhilah(worthful)

ShewaspreferredtoallMuslimwomeninherjihad,servicestoIslam,anddevotednessinthewayofAllah.

Herbirthdate

HistoriansdisagreedontheyearofZaynab’sbirth.Somesaidshewasborninthefifthyearofhijraandsomeotherssaidshewasborninthesixthyear.SomeotherssaidshewasbornintheninthyearwhichwasrefutedbySheikhJa’faran-Naqdiwhothoughtthatthemostcorrectdateofherbirthwasinthefifthyearofhijra.

HerUpbringing

Zaynab,thepure,veraciouslady,grewupinthehouseofprophethoodandtheoracleofGabrielandrevelation.Itwasthepurestandmosthonoredhouseintheearth.Fatima(a.s.),theprincipalofallwomenoftheworlds,fedZaynabwithchastity,dignity,highmoralstandards,andnobilitiesofcharacter.ShetaughthertheHolyQur ’anandmadehermemorizeit.ShetaughthertheverdictsofIslam,andshedoverherraysfromherownidealsuntilshebecameatruecopyofher.

Zaynab(a.s.)spentherchildhoodinthehouseofhonor,glory,andmercy.ShesawherfatherImamAli(a.s.)participatehermotherinthehouseaffairsandhelpherinhertasks.Noharshorbadwordwaseverheardinthishouse.ShealsosawhergrandfatherthemessengerofAllah(a.s.)flowoverherfromhisloveandkindnessandshowherreverenceandrespect.

Zaynab,theProphet’sgranddaughter,gotthebestkindoftheIslamiceducation.Shesawherbrotheral-Husayn(a.s.)highlyrevereandrespecthisbrotheral-Hasan(a.s.)andusenoanyharshorimpolitewordwithhim.Zaynab(a.s.),inparticular,receivedgreatrespectfromherparentsandbrothers.Whenshecame,herbrotheral-Husayn(a.s.)roseasakindofrespect,andwhenshewantedtovisitthetombofhergrandfathertheProphet(a.s.),herfatherandtwobrotherswentwithher.HerfatherImamAli(a.s.)putoutthelampsonthetomblestsomeonemightseethefigureofZaynab.[1]Thus,Zaynabwastreatedinherfamilywithgreatrespectandreverence.

ZaynabhadallvirtuesandhighcharacteristicsandwasthebestofallwomenafterhermotherFatima(a.s.).Herewetalkaboutsomeofhercharacteristics:

TruefaithinAllah

Zaynabwasbroughtupinthehouseoffaith,andtheloveofAllahwasimpressedinsidehermindandheart.Itwasoneofherinseparableelements.Shetoleratedtheseverestofcalamitiesinthewayof

AllahandinordertoraisehighthebannerofIslam.

ThetruefaithinAllah,andtheperfectdevotednesstoHimwasapartofherpersonality.FromhergreatfaithwasthatwhensheattendedthemartyrdomofherbrotherImamal-Husayn,shesaidathisheadlessbodywhilelookingattheHeaven,‘OAllah,acceptfromusthissacrifice!’

OnthenightoftheeleventhofMuharramafterthemartyrdomofherbrotherImamal-Husayn(a.s.),hishousehold,andsupporters,sheofferedtheprayerofgratefulnesstoAllahforthat.Indeed,humanitymaybowinreverencebeforethisinfinitefaith.

[1]Zaynabal-Kubra,p.22.

Patience

LadyZaynabhadgreatpatienceandunequalledendurancebeforethecalamitiesshefacedespeciallyonthedayofAshura’whenshesawherbrother,whowasthedearestonetoheratall,surroundedbytenthousandsofenemyforcesthatwerethecontinuityofAbuSufyan’sforceswhichhadfoughtagainsttheProphet(a.s.).However,herbrotherfoundnosupportersonthatdayexcepttheveryfewmenofhisloyalcompanionsandfamilywhoallweremartyredtoleavehimaloneinthefieldbeforethathugefiercearmy.Itwasnolongwhenthosebeastsattackedhimwithallkindsofweapons;swords,spears,arrows,andstones.Inthatunbearablesituation,shewasverypatientwithtruefaithinAllah’sfate.Nodoubt,ifanyoneotherthanherfacedthosehorriblesituations,he\shewouldfaintandcollapseatonce,butshe(a.s.)stoodbeforethatcalamity,whichnoreformerinhistoryhadbeeneverafflictedwith,withboldheartandfaithfulsoulsubmittingtothefateofAllahwithallherfeelings.Thus,shewasoneofthoseaboutwhomAllahhadsaid,(…andgivegoodnewstothepatient.Who,whenamisfortunebefallsthem,say:SurelyweareAllah'sandtoHimweshallsurelyreturn.ThosearetheyonwhomareblessingsandmercyfromtheirLord,andthosearethefollowersoftherightcourse.2:155-157),and(Verilythepatientwillbepaidbacktheirrewardinfullwithoutmeasure.39:10),and(andWewillmostcertainlygivetothosewhoarepatienttheirrewardforthebestofwhattheydid.16:96).

TheProphet’sgranddaughtershowedpatienceandbold-heartednessthathistoryhasnevermentionedawomanlikeherbeforecalamitiesandmisfortunes.

Dignityandhonor

FromtheprominentcharacteristicsofLadyZaynab(a.s.)washerdignityandhonor.AfterthemartyrdomofherbrotherImamal-Husayn(a.s.),shewastakenascaptive,withtherestofthehousehold,fromKerbalatoKufa.Alltheluggageandjewelsthattheyhadwereplundered.HungerviolentlyattackedthechildrenoftheAhlulBayt(a.s.),butLadyZaynab(a.s.)disdained,outofdignity,fromaskinganyoneofthevilepolicemenofibnZiyadforanyfood.WhenthecaravanofthecaptivesarrivedinKufaandthewomenofKufaknewthatthecaptiveswerefromtheProphet’sprogeny,theyhurriedtoofferfoodforthechildren.LadyZaynabsaidtothewomenofKufa,‘Charityisunlawfulforus,wetheAhlulBayt(a.s.).’

Whenthechildrenheardwhattheirauntsaid,theythrewawaythefoodfromtheirhandsandmouthssayingtoeachother:myauntsaysthatcharityisunlawfulforustheAhlulBayt(a.s.).’Yes,itwasthe

educationofprophetsthattakesonetothehighestdegreeofperfection.WhenthecaptivesoftheAhlulBayt(a.s.)weretakenfromKufatoSham,LadyZaynab(a.s.)didnotaskthevillainguards,whoaccompaniedthecaravan,foranythingforthechildrenorforthewomen.Shehadinheritedglory,dignity,honor,anddisdainfromhergrandfather(theProphet)andherfather(ImamAli).[1]

Courage

Throughouthistory,nowomanhadbeenfoundbraver,firmer,andmoredeterminedthanLadyZaynab(a.s.).ShestoodsteadfastlyandbravelybeforethecriminalUbaydillahbinZiyad,andshescoldedanddisdainedhimthoughshewascaptive.Hesaidtoher,rejoicingthekillingoftheAhlulBayt(a.s.),‘PraisebetoAllahWhohasexposedandkilledyou,andrefutedyournotion.’Shesaidtohim,‘PraisebetoAllahWhohashonoreduswithHisProphet,andpurifiedusfromuncleanness(abomination)athoroughpurification.Itisadisbelieverthatisexposed,andadissolutethatisrefuted,andsurelyheisotherthanus,OibnMarjanah.’

ThesefiercearrowsthrewthistyrantdownfromhisthronetohisgraveandshowedhimbeforehisslavesandrascalfollowersthathewastheloserandZaynab’sbrotherwasthewinner.However,hehadnothingtosayexcepttoshowhisschadenfreudetowardstheProphet’sprogenybysaying,‘HowdidyouseethedoingofAllahwithyourbrother?’

Shesaid,‘Ididnotseeexceptgood.ThesearepeoplewhomAllahhasdeterminedthekillingon,andsotheywenttotheirfates.Allahwillgatherbetweenyouandthem,andyoushallbearguedanddisputed.Then,lookforwhomsuccessshallbe!Mayyourmotherloseyou,OsonofMarjanah!’

[1]LadyZaynab,thePioneerofJihadinIslam,p.61.

AsforhersituationinthepalaceofYazeedandherrevolutionaryspeechthatshooktheUmayyadthroneanduncoveredtheviciousrealityoftheUmayyadsandtheirpreviousandfollowingsupporters,wehavetalkedaboutitindetailsinourbook“LadyZaynab,thePioneerofJihadinIslam”.

Withtheimmortaltragedy

LadyZaynab(a.s.)hadaccompaniedherbrotherImamal-Husayn(thefatherofthefree)inhisimmortalrevolutionthathadsuppliedtheIslamicworldwiththemeansofrenaissanceanddevelopment.ShehadapositiveroleinthisblessedrevolutionthathadchangedthecourseofhistoryandwakenedMuslimsfromtheirtorpor,andconsequently,theMuslimpeoplesrosecallingforanewdawnandagoodrule.RevoltsbrokeouteverywhereagainsttheUmayyadstateuntilitspillarsweredestroyed,itsrootswerepluckedout,anditperishedforever.

Anyhow,shewitnessedallthescenesofherbrother ’srevolution,andshespreaditsvalues,andmadeeternalitsgoalsthroughherwonderfulsermonsinKufa,intheUmayyadpalaceinDamascus,andinMedina.Shearousedthepublicfeelingsandemotions,andmadethemartyrdomofImamal-Husayn(a.s.)notasanincidentaltalk,butasanimportantpartintheessenceoftheIslamiclife.

LadyZaynab(a.s.)livedmomentbymomentthehorribleeventsthatsurroundedherbrotherinthedesertofKerbalawhenthearmiesoftheUmayyadsbitwiththeirswordsandspearsherbrother ’s

purebodyandtheotherpurebodiesoftheProphet’sprogeny.Theywerenotsatisfiedwiththat,buttheymaimedthosepurebodiesseverely,andthentheyburntthetentsofthewomenandchildrenwhoranawayinthedeserthereandthere.Shefacedallthesecalamities,andnevertheless,theUmayyadswerenotsatisfieduntiltheytookthewomenandthechildrenoftheProphet’shouseholdascaptivesdrivenfromacountrytoanotherbeforethelooksofthegoodandthebad.WasthistheduerewardthattheProphet(a.s.),whohadsavedtheArabsfromtheabyssesofignorance,crimes,andvices,deservedtoberewardedwith?

Alltheseterribleevents,undoubtedly,resultedfromthose,whocriedoutafterthedeathoftheProphet(a.s.),‘TheProphethoodandthecaliphateshouldnotgatherinonehouse.’Hence,allthecalamitiesthatafflictedtheAhlulBayt(a.s.)weretheconsequencesofthoseevilsituationsthatthoseill-willershadtakentoseparatethecaliphatefromtheProphet’sprogenywhomtheProphet(a.s.)hadcomparedtotheQur'an,andwhowerethesourceofwisdomandhonorintheworldofIslam.

TotheBetterWorld

WhenLadyZaynab(a.s.)wassetfreefromthecapture,andshewentbacktoMedina,sheresortedtoweepingandcrying.Dayandnight,shewasattackedbytheterriblememoriesofwhatherbrotherhadfacedinthedesertofKerbala,andsheandherfellowwomenandchildrensufferedofdifficultiesandmisfortunes.HertearswerealwaysflowingforherbrotherandfamilywhoseheadswereharvestedbytheUmayyadswords,andwhosebodiesweremaimedseverely.

Thosepainfulscenesoftenandalwaysattackedheruntilshewastooweakthatshecouldtoleratethosedistressesnomore.Sheoftensaidwithregrets,‘Omybrother!’

‘OmyHusayn!’

‘OmyAbbas!’

‘Omyfamily!’

andthenshefelltothegroundfaintly.Themostbelovedthingtoherwastoleavethisworldandjoinhergrandfather(a.s.)tocomplaintohimaboutthedisasters,thecapture,thekilling,andthemaimingthatsheandherfamilyfaced.

AfterthedisasterofKerbala,shelivednolonguntildiseasesattackedherandmadeherevenunabletospeak.ShereceiveddeatheagerlytomeetAllah,hergrandfather,andtherestofherfamily.HerpuresoulwastakenhightotheHeavenssurroundedbytheangelstobereceivedbytheprophetsofAllah,andthereshewouldcomplaintoherLordaboutthecalamitiesanddisastersthatnomanhadeverbeentriedwithsincethecreationoftheearth.

LadyZaynab(a.s.)lefttotheBetterWorldonSunday,thefifthofRajab,in62AH.[1]Itwassaidthatshehadbeenburiedinal-Baqee’Graveyard(inMedina),anditwassaidinShambecausetheUmayyadgovernmenthadimposedonherhousearrest.ItwasalsosaidthatshehadbeenburiedinEgypt.Wehavementionedallthatindetailsinourbook“LadyZaynab,thePioneerofJihadinIslam”.

UmmKulthum

SomegenealogistssaythatUmmKulthumwasdaughterofFatimaaz-Zahra’(a.s.),andthatUmarbinal-Khattabhadgotmarriedtoher,andsheborehimtwochildren;onewasOunandtheotherMu’eenwhobothwerewiththeirmotherinKufabuttheyalldiedwhenawallfelloverthem.

WehaverefutedthisnewsbyclearproofsandsaidthatFatima(a.s.)hadnodaughterexceptLadyZaynab(a.s.).Someotherresearcheshaveconfirmedthisfactaswell.IfoundinsomesourcesthatAsma’bintUmayshadbornfromherhusbandAbuBakrason,whowasMuhammad,theimmortalmartyr,andadaughtercalledUmmKulthumwhogrewupinthehouseofImamAli(a.s.)afterhehadmarriedhermotherAsma’.Thus,UmmKulthom,whomUmarhadgotmarriedto,wasImamAli’sstepdaughter.

Anyhow,Ithink,withnoanydoubt,thatFatimaaz-Zahra’(a.s.)hadhadnodaughtercalledUmmKulthum.

Al-Muhsin

ThemessengerofAllah(a.s.)hadnamedhimal-Muhsinwhilehewasyetinhismother ’swomb.Whenthepeople(Umarandhiscompanions)attackedFatima’shousetosetfiretoit,Fatima(a.s.)wasterrifiedandsheresistedthem.Theyattackedherseverelywhileshewasbehindthedoor,andconsequently,shemiscarriedherchildal-Muhsinbetweenthedoorandthewall.Thisisoneofthecompletelycertainfacts.Whoeverthinksdeeplyoftheeventsofthatage,thesefactsshallbecleartohim.PeoplecompetedandpouncedonauthorityandtheyseizeditfromtheAhlulBayt(a.s.)whowerethecenteroftherevelationandtheQur ’an.Nolimitorobstacle,

[1]As-SayyidahZaynabwaAkhbaraz-Zaynabiyyaat(LadyZaynabandtheNewsoftheZaynabiteLadies),byal-Ubaydali,p.9.

whatevergreatitwas,preventedthemfromthat,fortheirpre-IslamicfeudhadcomebacktothemasProf.AbdulFattahAbdulMaqsudsaysinhisbook“ImamAli”.

However,theattackofpeopleagainstFatima’shouseandmakinghermiscarryherchildal-Muhsin,hadpavedthewayandopenedthedoorfortheUmayyadstoseizetherule,andthentheysparednoeffortandfollowedeveryhorriblewaytopersecuteandkillthepureprogenyoftheProphet(a.s.).WeshallexplainindetailsinafollowingchapterwhatFatima,theProphet’sdaughter,(a.s.)suffered.

15ChapterHerScientificandIntellectualHeritage

Fatima,theprincipalofthewomenoftheworlds,(a.s.)wasoneofthemostknowledgeable,faithful,thinkingwomen.Manymenandwomennarratedtraditionsfromhersuchas:

1.ImamAli(a.s.)2.Imamal-Hasan(a.s.)3.Imamal-Husayn(a.s.)4.AnassbinMalik5.FatimabintImamal-Husayn(a.s.)6.UmmRafi’7.Aa’isha8.UmmSalamah9.Salma[1]

Thesearesomeofthosewhonarratedfromherwhatshehadheardfromherfather.

MusnadFatima

Fatima(a.s.)narratedfromherfatheragoodquantityoftraditionswhichas-Sayootihascollectedinabookcalled“MusnadofFatima”.Otherthanhimhaswrittenabookonherhavingthesametitle.

It is worth mentioning that all what she narrated from her father concerned morals, manners ofconducts, and nobilities of characterwhich form an important part in the eternal Islamicmission.Herearesomeexamplesfromhertraditions:

[1]Tahthibat-Tahthib,vol.12.447,Tahthibal-KamalfeeAsma’ar-Rijal,vol.3p.247.

1.Urgingoncleanness

Al-Husaynbinal-HasannarratedfromhismotherFatimabintImamal-Husayn(a.s.)fromherfatherthatFatimaaz-Zahra’ (a.s.) said, ‘ThemessengerofAllah (a.s.) said: he,who sleepswhile there issomefatinhishand(aftereating),Shouldnotblameexcepthimself.’[1]

2.Liberalityandstinginess

ImamZaynolAabidin (a.s.) narrated fromhis father Imam al-Husayn that hismother Fatima (a.s.)said,‘ThemessengerofAllah(a.s.)saidtome:bewareofstinginessbecauseitisadefectthatdoesnotexistinagenerousone…bewareofstinginessbecauseitisatreeinFireanditsbranchesareinthis life.Whoever clings to one of its branches itwill take him to Fire. Liberality is a tree in the

Paradiseanditsbranchesareinthislife.WhoeverclingstooneofitsbranchesitwilltakehimtotheParadise.’[2]

3.Thevirtueofsettingslavesfree

Al-Hakim bin Abi Na’eem said, ‘I heard Fatima bint Muhammad (a.s.) narrating from her fathersaying,‘ThemessengerofAllah(a.s.)said,‘He,whoreleasesabelievingslave,willbereleasedfromFirewitheachorganforeachorgan(ofthefreedslave).’[3]

Islamhasinvitedtoreleasemanfromslaveryandsavehimfromthisnightmare.TheimamsoftheAhlul Bayt (a.s.) were themost of people in releasing slaves and being very kind to them. ImamZaynolAabidin(a.s.)wasanexampleinreleasingslaves.Hespentallwhathehadinthisway.

4.Therewardofasick

FatimabintImamal-Husayn(a.s.)narratedfromhergrandmotherFatimaaz-Zahra’[4](a.s.)thattheProphet (a.s.) said, ‘If someone becomes ill, Allah reveals to his angels: stop writing againstMyslave

[1]MusnadofFatimaaz-Zahra’,p.220.[2] Al-Kawthar fee Ahwaal Fatima bint an-Nabiy al-At~har, vol. 4 p. 427, quoted fromMusnad ofFatimaaz-Zahra’,p.221.[3]MusnadofFatimaaz-Zahra',p.221.[4]FatimabintImamal-Husayn(a.s.)hadnotmethergrandmotherFatimaaz-Zahra’(a.s.),butshenarratedfromherbymeansofothers.

aslongasheisinMytie.IhavetiedhimuntilItakehissoulorreleasehim.’[1]

IllnessisatrialbywhichAllahtriesman,andfromHiskindnesstothesickthatHeexpiatestheirsinsinreturnforsicknessexceptforthemajorsins.

5.Negligenceofprayer

Once,Fatima(a.s.)askedherfatherthemessengerofAllah(a.s.),‘Ofather,whataboutone,manorwoman,whoneglecthis\herprayer?’

Hesaid,‘OFatima,whoever,manorwoman,neglectshis\herprayerAllahwillafflicthim\herwithfifteen things; six in this life, three at dying, three in his\her grave, and three on the Day ofResurrectionwhenhe\shewillbetakenoutofthegrave.’

Thedetailsarethefollowing:

Thesixinthislifeare:

1.Allahremovesblessingfromhis\herage.2.Allahremovesblessingfromhis\herlivelihood.3.Allaheffacesthemiensofthebenevolentfromhis\herface.

4.He\sheshallnotberewardedforanydeed.5.His\herdu’a(supplication)isnottakenuptotheHeaven.6.He\sheshallnotbeincludedbythedu’aofthebenevolent.

Thethreethingsatdying:

1.He\shedieslowly.2.He\shedieshungrily.3.He\shediesthirstily.

Thethreethingsinthegrave:

1.Allahwillentrustwithhim\heranangelwhowilltroublehim\herinthegrave.2.Thegraveshallbenarrowforhim\her.

[1]MusnadofFatimaaz-Zahra',p.220.

3.Thegraveshallbedarkforhim\her.

ThethreethingsontheDayofResurrection:

1.Allahwillentrustwithhim\herandangelwhowilldrawhim\heronhis\herfacewhilethecreatureslookingathim\her2.He\sheshallfaceaverystrictreckoning.3.Allahwillnotlookathim\her,norwillHepurifyhim\her,andhe\sheshallgetapainfultorment.[1]

PrayeristhemostimportantritualamongallobligationsinIslam.It isthesacrificeofeverypiousone.Ifitisaccepted,everygooddeedelsewillbeaccepted,andifitisrefused,allothergooddeedswillbe refusedasmentioned inaProphetic tradition.Allahhas said, (Sowoe to theprayingones,whoareunmindfuloftheirprayers.107:4-5).

6.Thetimewhensupplicationisaccepted

ZaydbinAlinarrated fromhis fathers thathisgrandmotherFatima(a.s.) said, ‘Iheard theProphet(a.s.)saying:OnFriday,thereisanhour(certaintime)wheneveryMuslimasksAllahforsomethinggood,Allahwillgrantittohim.’

I(Fatima)said,‘OmessengerofAllah,whichhourisit?’

Hesaid,‘Whenahalfofthesungoesdownwardforsetting.’

Zaydsaid,‘Fatima(a.s.)oftensaidtoherservant:Ascendthehill,andwhenyouseeahalfofthesungoingdownwardforsetting,letmeknowsothatIshallsupplicateAllah.’[2]

AllahhasopenedthedoorsofrespondingtoHispeople’ssupplications.Hehassaid,(CalluponMe,Iwillansweryou.40:60).HehasassignedsometimesforrespondingtosupplicationssuchasthelasthourofthedayofFriday.

[1]Biharal-Anwar,vol.83p.21,Falahas-Sa’il,p.22.

[2]Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 89 p.269,Ma’ani al-Akhbar, p.399,Dala’il al-Imamah, p.5,Majma’ az-Zawa’id,vol.2p.166.

7.ThetimewhenAllahdeterminesthelivelihoodforHispeople

Fatima(a.s.)said,“Once,themessengerofAllah(a.s.)cametomewhileIwaslyinginthemorning.Heshookmewithhislegandsaid,‘Omydaughter,getupandwitnessthegiftofyourLordanddonot be from the inadvertent, for Allah divides the livelihood of people from the dawn to thesunshine.’”[1]

8.Thedu’aatenteringamosque

Abdullahbinal-HasannarratedfromhismotherFatimathathisgrandmotherFatimaaz-Zahra’(a.s.)said,‘WhenthemessengerofAllah(a.s.)enteredthemosque,herecited:“OAllah,forgivememysinsandopen tomethedoorsofYourmercy”,andwhenhe left themosque,herecited:“OAllah,forgivememysinsandopentomethedoorsofYourfavor”.’[2]

9.Twooppressivearmies

Abdullahbinal-Hasannarratedfromhismother formFatimaaz-Zahra’ (a.s.) that theProphet (a.s.)said,‘Whentwooppressivearmiesmeet,Allahabandonsthemboth,andHedoesnotcarewhichofthemwill be thewinning one.When two oppressive armiesmeet, themore insolent of themwillsuffermoreadversities.’[3]

Whenneitheroftwomeetingarmiesiswiththetruth,AllahwillnotincludethemwithHismercy,andHewillletthemfighteachotheruntiloneofthemwilldoawaywiththeother.

10.ThepreferenceoftheShia

LadyZaynab(a.s.)narratedthathermotherFatima(a.s.)said,‘ThemessengerofAllah(a.s.)saidtoAli(a.s.):OAli,surelyyouandyourShia(followers)willbeintheParadise.’[4]

[1] Al-Kawthar fee Ahwaal Fatima bint an-Nabiy al-At~har, vol. 4 p. 72, quoted fromMusnad ofFatimaaz-Zahra’,p.218.[2]Biharal-Anwar,vol.81p.22,AmaliofSheikhat-Toosi,p.401.[3]Ath-Thuriyyahat-Tahirahan-Nabawiyyah(thepurePropheticprogeny),p.107,MusnadofFatimaaz-Zahra’,p.223.[4]Al-KawtharfeeAhwaalFatimabintan-Nabiyal-At~har,vol.4p.61.

11.AhappyoneishewholovesAli

Fatima(a.s.)narratedthatherfather theProphet(a.s.)said,‘HereisGabriel.Heis tellingmethatahappyoneishewholovesAliinhis(Ali)lifeandafterhisdeath,andatotallyunhappyoneishewhohatesAliinhislifeandafterhisdeath.’[1]

12.Fatima’schildrenbelongstotheProphet

LadyFatimanarratedfromherfatherfromFatimaaz-Zahra’(a.s.)thattheProphet(a.s.)said,‘Eachprophethasaprogenybelongingtohim,andFatima’schildrenaretheprogenythatbelongtome.’[2]

Fatima(a.s.)narratedanother traditionlike thisonethatherfathersaid,‘Everychildrenofafatherbelong to their father ’s parentage, except Fatima’s children; I am their father and I am theirparentage.’[3]

13.TheProphet’scharmtoal-Hasanandal-Husayn

Fatima bint Imam al-Hasan (a.s.) narrated from her grandmother Fatima az-Zahra’ (a.s.) that theProphet(a.s.)charmedal-Hasanandal-HusaynbythesewordsashetaughtthemQur ’anicverses.Herecited:“IseekprotectionbytheperfectwordsofAllahfromeverydevilandeveryvermin,andfromeveryenviouseye.’[4]

14.TheProphet’sdonationtoal-Hasanandal-Husayn

Fatima(a.s.)narratedthatoncesheaskedherfather(a.s.),‘OmessengerofAllah,wouldyoupleasegiftmytwochildrenal-Hasanandal-Husaynwithsomething?’

The Prophet (a.s.) said, ‘I gift al-Hasan with gravity and patience, and gift al-Husayn withmagnanimityandmercifulness.’[5][1]Majma’az-Zawa’id,vol.9p.132,Thakha’iral-Uqba,p.92,Fadha’ilal-Khamsah,vol.2p.212.[2]Al-KawtharfeeAhwaalFatimabintan-Nabiyal-At~har,vol.4p.433.

[3]Biharal-Anwar,vol.37p.70.[4]Ath-Thuriyyahat-Tahirahan-Nabawiyyah,p.107.[5]TheLifeofImamal-HusaynbinAli,vol.1p.217.

15.TheProphet’sinheritancetohistwograndsons

ZaynabbintAbiRafi’narratedthatFatima(a.s.)visitedthemessengerofAllah(a.s.)duringhislastillnessandsaidtohim,‘OmessengerofAllah,thesearemytwosons.Wouldyoupleasebequeathtothem?’

Hesaid,‘Asforal-Hasan,hehasmygravityandglory,andasforal-Husaynhehasmycourageandgenerosity.’[1]

16.DoinggoodtoFatima’schildren

Fatima(a.s.)narratedfromImamAli(a.s.)thattheProphet(a.s.)said,‘Whoeverdoesgoodtoanyoneofmy(grand)childrenandhedoesnotrewardhimforitIwillbetherewarderofhimforit.’[2]

17.ThetraditionofThaqalayn

Fatima (a.s.) said, “I heardmy father (a.s.) during his last illness,where his roomwas full of his

companions,saying:‘Opeople,Iamabouttobemadedie.Isaytoyoutobeexcusedbeforeyou.IamleavingamongyoutheBookofmyLord,glorybetoHim,andmyprogenymyhousehold.’ThenhetookAli’shandandsaid: ‘This isAli.He iswith theQur ’anand theQur ’an iswithAli.TheywillneverseparateuntiltheywillcometomeatthePond(intheParadise).Iwillaskyouhowyouhaveobeyedmethroughyourdoingtothemboth(theBookandtheprogeny).’[3]

This tradition is one of the truemutawatir (coming successively) traditions. IbnHajar said, ‘Thistraditionhasbeennarratedbythirtycompanions(oftheProphet).Mostofitswaysofnarrationaretrueandapproved.[4]

Thistraditionhasagreatimportanceinprotectingthenationfromdeviationandloss.IfMuslimshadobeyedtheProphet(a.s.)inthat,theywouldhavebeenthemastersofnationsandpeoples.

[1]KanzolUmmal,vol.7p.268.[2]Biharal-Anwar,vol.93p.225.[3]Yanabee’al-Mawaddah,p.294.[4]As-Sawa’iqal-Muhriqah,p.136.

18.DeclaringAli’simamate

Imamal-Husayn(a.s.)narratedfromhismotherFatima(a.s.)thattheProphet(a.s.)said,‘WhoeverIamhisguardianAliistobehisguardian,andwhoeverIamhisimamAliistobehisimam.’[1]

19.Theimamsfromal-Husayn’soffspring

Imamal-Husayn(a.s.)narratedthathismotherFatima(a.s.)saidtohim,“WhenIgavebirthtoyou,themessengerofAllah (a.s.)visitedme. Igaveyouwrapped inayellow rag tohim.He threw theyellowragaway,tookawhiteone,andwrappedyouinit.Herecitedtheazaninyourrightearandtheeqamah[2]inyourleftone.Then,hesaid,‘OFatima,takehim!Heisthefatheroftheimams.Nineofhischildrenwillbepiousimams.Theninthofthemwillbeal-Mahdi.’”[3]

Imamal-Husayn(a.s.)wasagiftfromtheProphet’sgifts,andhewastherestorerofIslamthroughhisimmortalrevolutionwhichtoredownthethronesoftyranny.Therefore,AllahrewardedhimwithHisdivinemerciesandfavorsandmadethepureimamsfromhisprogeny.

20.ImamAli’svirtue

Aa’ishanarratedthatFatima(a.s.)said,“ThemessengerofAllah(a.s.)saidtome:‘Yourhusbandisthemostknowledgeableofpeople,thefirstoftheminbeingMuslim,andthebestoftheminpatienceanddiscernment.’”[4]

21.ThemenofA’raf

AbuTharrnarratedthatheheardFatima(a.s.)saying,“Once,IaskedmyfatheraboutthissayingofAllah theAlmighty: (and on theA’raf (great screen between Paradise andHell) will bemenwhowouldknoweveryonebyhismarks.7:46),andhesaid,‘Theyaretheimamsafterme;Ali,mytwograndsons,andnineones fromal-Husayn’sprogeny.Theyare themenofA’raf.Nooneenters the

Paradiseexceptonewhoknows(believein)themandwhomtheyknow,andnooneentersthe

[1]Al-KawtharfeeAhwaalFatimabintan-Nabiyal-At~har,vol.4p.357.[2]Acertainwordingrecitedbeforethebeginningofprayers.[3]Muntakhabal-Athar,p.89,Biharal-Anwar,vol.36p.352.[4]Ath-Thuriyyahat-Tahirahan-Nabawiyyah,p.103,MusnadofFatimaaz-Zahra’,p.292.

Fireexceptonewhodeniesthemandwhomtheydeny.AllahtheAlmightyisnotknownexceptbythemeans of knowing them.’[1] 22. Fatima (a.s.) is from the earliest toAllah’s contentmentOnce,Fatima(a.s.)saidtoherfather(a.s.),‘OmessengerofAllah,Salmanwonderedatmyclothes.ByHimWhohassentyouwiththetruth,sincefiveyearsIandAlihavehadbutasheepskinonwhichwefeedourcamelinthedayandwhennightcomes,wesleeponit.Ourpillowisofleatherstuffedwithfiber.’

The Prophet (a.s.) said, ‘O Salman, my daughter is among the first marchers (to Allah’scontentment).’[2]Eloquence

AllahhasendowedFatima(a.s.)withwisdomandeloquence.Shehadinheritedherfather ’swisdomandmaximswhichwere themines of skills and eloquence. Therefore, shewas themost eloquentwomaninIslam.Herearesomeofthewordstransmittedfromher:

1. She said, ‘Themirth towards a believermakes one deserve to be in theParadise, and themirthtowardsaresistingopponentprotectsonefromtheFire.’[3]

FromthemannersthatIslamhasestablishedinthelifeofMuslimsistosmileandbemirthfultowardsallpeople,becausethisspreadsloveandcordialityinthesociety.

2.Shesaid,‘WhoeversendsuptoAllahhissincereworship,Allahsendsdowntohimthebestofwhatbenefitshim.’[4]

3.Shesaid,‘Allahhasimposedjusticeasmuskforhearts.’[5]

4.FatimabintImamal-Husayn(a.s.)narratedfromherfatherthathergrandmotherFatima(a.s.)said,‘Thebestofyouarethemostlenientandmostgeneroustotheirwomen(wives).’[6]

[1]Biharal-Anwar,vol.36p.315,ManaqibibnShahrashub,vol.1p.254.

[2]Al-Kawthar feeAhwaalFatima bint an-Nabiy al-At~har, vol. 4 p. 445, quoted fromFatima az-Zahra’BahjatQalbal-Mustafa,p.273.[3]Biharal-Anwar,vol.75p.401.[4]Ibid.,vol.70p.249.[5]Al-KawtharfeeAhwaalFatimabintan-Nabiyal-At~har,vol.4p.440.[6]MusnadofFatima,p.221.

5. She said, ‘What is the use of one’s fasting if he does not restrain his tongue, ears, eyes, andsenses?’

Allahhasimposedfastingonmaninordertopurifyhimfromsinandguilt.Afastermustrestrainhistongue from lying, ears fromhearingbackbiting, eyes from lookingatwhatAllahhasprohibited,abdomenfromeatingill-gottenthings,…etc.

6.When theProphet (a.s.) left to theBetterWorld,Muslimwomenbeganmentioning theProphet’svirtues, qualities, and exploits. Fatima (a.s.) said to them, ‘Give up this mentioning and keep oninvoking!’[1]

Mentioningthedeadone’svirtuesandqualitiesdoesnotbenefithimwithanything.WhatbenefitshimistoprayAllahforhimandinvokeAllahtoforgivehim.IthasbeenmentionedthatshesaidtotheHashemitewomenwhoconsoledher,‘Giveupmourningandkeeponinvocation!’[2]

TheMus’haf(book)ofFatima

Fatima(a.s.)hadcompiledabookafterthedictationsoftheProphet(a.s.)toher.Sherecordedinittheeventsthatwouldtakeplacewithouttalkingaboutthemattersoflawfulnessandunlawfulness.Lateron, this book was called “Mus’haf Fatima”. This book was with the infallible imams (a.s.). Theyreferredtoittoseetheeventsthathumanbeingswouldfaceintheircominglife.Itistoofalseandsilly to say that the “Mus’haf Fatima” is aQur ’an other than theQur ’anwhich is in the hands ofMuslims.Theenemiesof theAhlulBayt(a.s.)andtheopponentsof theShiawagedaviolentattackagainst them and accused them of distorting theQur ’an and claimed that the “Mus’haf Fatima” isanotherQur ’andifferentfromtheQur ’anknownamongallMuslims.Wehaverefutedallthatinourbook“ThepurityoftheQur ’anfromdistortion”.

[1]Biharal-Anwar,vol.10p.96.[2]Ibid.,p.97.

16ChapterFatimaandtheGreatIslamicRevolution

Fatima,thedaughteroftheProphet,sinceherearlychildhood,livedwiththegreatIslamicrevolutionwhichherfather,themasterofthecreation,hadledanditmadeadestructivequakeinthesocietyofMecca.Thisgreatrevolutionaimedatdestroyingthepeople’sbeliefsthatwerebasedonidolatryandpolytheism.TheyworshippedidolsawayfromtheirCreator.Theyofferedsacrificesfortheselifelessidolsandbeseechedthemtosatisfytheirneeds.ThetribesofQurayshhangedtheiridolsonthewallsoftheKaabaasasignofpride.

TheProphet(a.s.)mocksattheidolsofQurayshandcalledfordestroyingandpurifyingtheKaabafromthem.HistorianssaythattheidolsofQurayshwereaboutthreehundredonesthemostimportantandofhighestpositionofwhichforthepeopleofMeccawereHubal,Lat,Uzza,andManat.

The People of Quraysh devoted themselves for these idols and believed in them absolutely. Theyinvokedthemsubmissivelyanddevotedly.AbuSufyan,thechiefoftheUmayyadfamilyandoneoftheheadsofQuraysh,wasthemostdevotedonetoHubal.HewascompletelyterrifiedwhenhesawtheProphet (a.s.) circumambulating theKaabaand reciting thehymnof Islam“Labbaykallahummalabayk…”.

Helosthismindandcriedout,‘GlorifyHubal!’

TheProphet(a.s.)said,‘OAbuSufyan,Allahishigherandmoreglorified.’

ThepeopleofQurayshwereveryfaithful to their idols.Agroupof themwent to theProphet(a.s.)andsuggested tohim thathewas toworship their idols forayearand theywere toworshipAllahanotheryear.Then,theSuraofal-Kafiroon(109)wasrevealedtohim:(Say:Ounbelievers!Idonotworshipthatwhichyouworship.NordoyouworshipHimWhomIworship.Nor am I going toworship thatwhich youworship.Nor are you going toworshipHimWhom Iworship.YoushallhaveyourreligionandIshallhavemyreligion.)

ThepeopleofQurayshwerealarmedandunabletobearmorewhentheProphet(a.s.)announcedhiscall todestroy the idolsandpurify theKaaba from them.Theyconsidered thatasadefeaton theirentityofbeliefs.TheytriedtheirbesttostandagainstandresisttheProphet(a.s.)withallmeans.

It isworthmentioningthat theresistanceandenmityofQurayshto theProphet(a.s.)werenotonlybecauseofhismockingattheiridolsandrefutingtheirworship,butalsotherewere-asIthink-otherfactorsbehindthat:

Noblevalues

TheProphet(a.s.)hadadoptedthenoblevaluesandhighidealsthatraisedmantohighestranks.ThesevaluesandidealswereunlikethemannersandmoralsofthepeopleofQuraysh,andtheyclashedwiththeireconomicinterests.Thefollowingaresomeofthosenoblevalues:

1.Equity

From the great principles that Islam had announcedwas the equity among all people despite theircolors,races,andlanguages.InIslam,thereisnodifferencebetweenthepoorandtherich,therulersandthesubjects.Theallareequalbeforethelaw,andinrights,duties,andresponsibilities.Allahhassaid, (Omankind, surelyWehave created you of amale and a female, andmade you nations andtribesthatyoumayknoweachother;surelythemosthonorable,inthesightofAllah,isthebestinconduct.49:13).TheProphet (a.s.) said, ‘There isnopreference toanArabovera foreignernorawhiteoverablackexceptbyGod-fearing.’Thisequitywassacredanddelicioustothepoorandthedisabled likeAmmar binYasir, Bilal al-Habashi,Abdullah binMas’ud, and otherswho absolutelybelievedinIslam,whereasthechiefs,masters,andnotablesofMeccarefusedthisprincipleandroseto resist the messenger of Allah (a.s.) and they tortured severely whoever believed in him fromamongtheirslavesandweakpeople.

2.Womenliberation

Inthepre-Islamicera,womansufferedallkindsofseverityandoppression.Shewasdeprivedofallhernaturalrights.Thefollowingaresomekindsoftheoppressionagainstwoman:

A.Buryingalivefemalechildren

Theworstkindofoppressionatallagainstwoman in thepre-Islamicagewas theburyingaliveoffemales.Allahsays in theQur ’an,(Whenoneof themreceives tidingsof thebirthofafemale,hisfaceremainsdarkened,andheiswrothinwardly.16:58).Sometribes,whentheirwomengavebirthtofemales,hurriedtoburrythemalive.Therewasafamoussayingamongthemthat“buryingthegirlsis from thenobilities”.Allahhas said, (Andwhen thegirl-child thatwasburiedalive is asked; forwhatsinshewasslain.81:8-9).

B.Womanwasdeprivedofinheritance

From the other oppressive procedures that the pre-Islamic age followed against woman wasdeprivingheroftheinheritancefromherfatherandhusband.However,Islamhadcancelledthatandlegislated this right for her andmade her equal toman in this concern that she could inherit andbequeath.

Islamhadhonoredwomanbymakingherresponsiblefortheeducationofgenerationsandgivinghertherightinchoosingahusbandthoughwithherfather ’sconsultation.

Islamtreatedwomaninanoblewayofreverenceandhonoringandthiswasstrangetothepeopleofthatageandfarfromtheirmanners.

C.gettingmarriedtoone’sfather ’swidow

Fromthehabitsofthepre-Islamicagewaswhenamandied,hiseldestsonwouldthrowhisshirtoverhis father ’swife (his step-mother) and sohewouldpossessher.Hecouldgetmarried toher ifheliked;otherwisehecouldmarryhertowhomeverhelikedandgetherdowryforhimself.

Islamhadforbiddenthemarriageofadeadman’ssontohisfather ’swife.Allahhassaid,(Andmarrynot thosewomenwhomyour fathersmarried.4:22). Islamhadalsoprohibited taking thedowryofwomanforoneselfatall.Inthepre-Islamicera,peoplepossessedwomen(theirstep-mothers)astheypossessedanyotherproperty.Iftheyliked,theywouldgetmarriedtothem,ormarrythemtoothersand take their dowries, or force them to remain unmarried until they would die. Islam had freedwomanfromallthosetiesandgivenheraframeofhonoranddignity.

3.Prohibitionofadultery

Adultery was something familiar among people in the pre-Islamic era.Mo’awiya bin Abi Sufyanascribed openly (illegitimate) Ziyad bin Abeeh to his father (Abu Sufyan) who had committedadulterywithZiyad’smother.

Islam had prohibited adultery and considered it as one of the worst major sins. Of course, thisprohibitioncontradictedthenaturesofmostofthepeopleofQurayshwhohadgrownupwithvicesandsins.

4.Prohibitionofusury

TheProphet’smissionclashedwiththeinterestsofthecapitalistpeopleofQurayshwhodependedonusuryinincreasingtheircapitals.UsurywaswidespreadinMecca.Al-AbbasbinAbdulMuttalibwasoneofthosewhopracticedit.Islamhadprohibitedusuryandconsidereditamajorsinforitmadesomefewpersonsverywealthyandthemajorityofpeopleverypoorandwretched.

5.Prohibitionofalcohol

Winewaslawfulinthepre-Islamicage,andallclassesofpeopledrankit.Islamhadprohibitedandcalled it as rijs (dirt, infamy, abomination). The prohibition of wine was against the desires andpleasuresofthatsociety;therefore,theyrosetoresistIslam.

6.Fightingagainstpoverty

TheProphet(a.s.)triedhisbestandwithallmeanstoremovepovertyfromthesocietybecauseitwasandisafataldisaster.Islamhadlegislatedsometaxesoncertainyields,gold,silver,sheep,cows,andcamelstobepaidtothepoorandtheneedy.IthadalsoimposedonMuslimsajointlifeofsolidarityandothersmeanswhichwouldremovepovertyandneediness.

7.Spreadingofknowledge

OneofthenoblevaluesthatIslamhadadoptedwasthespreadingofknowledgeamongallpeopleanddoingawaywithignorance.TheProphet(a.s.)hadmadeseekingknowledgeasanobligationonallMuslimmen andwomen, for certainly no nation could have a considerable position in theworldwithoutbeingarmedwithknowledgeandsciences.

These are some noble values and high ideals that the Prophet (a.s.) had undertaken and theywerestrangefortheignorantsocietyofMecca.Therefore,thepeopleofMeccaofallclassesrosetoresisttheProphet(a.s.)andputoutthelightofhismission.

FearofQuraysh

ThepeopleofQurayshwereterriblyterrifiedbytheProphet’smissionwhichwasasathunderboltonthem. Their slaves and the disabled believed in this mission because Islam opened to them newhorizonsofdignityandhonor,andbroughtthemgoodtidingsofanoblefutureandthattheywouldbethemastersofthesocietyandmenofauthoritywhereasthemasterswouldbeslavesandservile.TheweakbelieveddevotedlyinIslamandtherefore,theyweretreatedwithutmostseverityandweretorturedsavagely.Amongthose,whoweretortured,wereYasir,Sumayyah,andtheirsonAmmar.

Anyhow,thetyrantsofQurayshresistedtheIslamicmissionwithallmeanstheyhadsuchas:

IncitingtheirchildrentoharmtheProphet(a.s.)

QurayshencouragedtheirchildrentoharmtheProphet(a.s.)andshoothimwithstones.Theydidsoto be excused before Abu Talib, the Prophet’s uncle and defender and to claim that it was theirchildrenwhodidso.ImamAli(a.s.)chasedandhitthem.Hewastoostrongthoughhewasinhisearlyyearsyet.Heattackedthechildrenandhurtthembybeatingandkicking.WhentheProphet(a.s.)wentout,ImamAli(a.s.)walkedbehindhim,andsowhenthechildrensawhim,theyranawayfrightenedlytotheirparents.

AccusingtheProphet(a.s.)ofmadness

One of the means that Quraysh followed in fighting the Prophet (a.s.) was the accusing him ofmadness.Theyaccusedhimofsobecausehecametothemwithareligionandlawsoppositetotheirmindsthatweredominatedbyignoranceandstupidity.

Theyaccusedhimofmadnesswhereashewas thecreativemindand thinkingbrainofhumanity…This claim was unsuccessful, and the Islamic mission moved fast like light that lit the paths andclearedtheways.

Accusinghimofmagic

Quraysh rumored thatMuhammadwas amagician and he was not sent by the Heaven just as thePharaohhadaccusedProphetMoses(a.s.).TheyaccusedtheProphet(a.s.)ofthatbecauseherecitedfor themverses from theBookofAllahwhichwere likemiracles in eloquenceand rhetoric.Thisclaimwasunsuccessfultoo.

Torturingthebelievers

Qurayshpoured theirgrudgeon thedisabledwhoannounced their faith in Islamandothersof theyouth and women. They punished them severely. They tortured Yasir, Sumayyah, and Ammarextremelybadly.WhentheProphet(a.s.)passedbythemandsawthemmoaningundertorment,hefelt

toopainandsaid,‘BepatientOfamilyofYasir!YourpromiseistheParadise.’

Yasir andSumayyahweremartyredunder the tormentofQurayshbut their sonAmmarwas savedaftersufferinggreattorment.

Thebelievers,menandwomen,sufferedallkindsoftortureuntiltheywereobligedtoemigratefromMeccatoAbyssiniawhereQurayshfollowedafterthemtobringthembacktoMeccatokillthem,butthekingofAbyssiniadidnotrespondtoQurayshandhelettheemigrantsliveinhiscountrysafely.

Fatimawithherfather

Fatima(a.s.)livedthecalamitiesofherfatherandsawthepersecutionandharmsthathesuffered.Shesufferedandfeltpainforherfathertoomuch.

NarratorsnarratedthatibnMas’udsaid,‘Oneday,whentheProphet(a.s.)wasofferingprayerintheKaaba,AbuJahlandagroupfromthevillainsofQurayshwereintheKaaba.AbuJahlsaidtohiscompanions ‘Which of you can bring the placenta of the camel of so-and-so and put it on theshouldersofMuhammadwhenheprostrates?’

OneofthemfetchedtheplacentawithitsbloodanddungandputitontheProphet’sshoulderswhilehewasprostrating.Thevillainsburstintolaughing.IbnMas’udhesitatedtoliftitfromtheProphet’sshoulderwho still kept on prostrating. Someman hurried to Fatima (a.s.) and told her aboutwhathappenedtoherfather.Shecamewithhermaid.SheremovedtheplacentafromherfatherandprayedAllahagainstthosewhodidthat.WhentheProphet(a.s.)finishedhisprayer,heinvokedAllahloudlyagainstthosevillains.TheProphet(a.s.)usedtorepeathissupplicationthreetimeswhetherheprayedAllah for some thing or prayed Him against someone. He said, ‘O Allah, I invoke You againstQuraysh!’

Hesaidthatthreetimes.Whentheyheardhimsayingthat,theystoppedlaughingandwereafraidofhisinvocation.Thenhesaid,‘OAllah,IinvokeYouagainstAbuJahlbinHisham,UtbabinRabee’a,ShaybahbinRabee’a,al-WaleedbinUtba,UmayyabinKhalaf,UqbabinAbiMa’eet…’

IbnSa’dsaid,‘ByHimWhohassentMuhammadwiththetruth,Ihaveseenthose,whomtheProphetprayed Allah against, felled on the day (battle) of Badr and then they were drawn to the well ofBadr.’[1]

Fatima (a.s.) livedwith her father and sawwhat he suffered of calamities and distresseswhich thevillainsandsinnersofQurayshpouredonhim.Shesufferedandfeltpainandfearforherfather.

QurayshagreeonkillingtheProphet(a.s.)

WhentheProphet(a.s.)wasafflictedbythedeathofhisuncleAbuTalib,whowashisdefenderandthedefenderofIslam,therewasnostrongfortinMeccatowhichhemightresort.Helostthepowerthat

[1]SahihMuslim,vol.5p.180,Sahihal-Bukhari,vol.1p.132.

defendedhimagainstthetyrantsandoppressorsofQuraysh,andsohedeterminedtoleaveMeccaandresorttoMedinawheretherewerehissupportersandguardsofhismission.WhenQurayshknewofthat,theyfearedthattheProphet(a.s.)wouldestablishastateandastrongarmyandthenhewouldavenge on them for the disasters and harms they had afflicted on him. Therefore, they held aconferenceinDaran-Nadwa(council)anddiscussedthedangersthattheywouldfaceiftheProphet(a.s.) left Mecca. They all agreed on killing him whatever the cost would be. Iblis attended theirconference-ashistoriansmentioned-and suggested to them that fortymeneachone fromacertaintribe should commit the murder and so all tribes would participate in killing him so that hissupportersandthebelieverswouldbeunabletoavengehim.Theyassignedacertaindayforthatandcalledit“thedayofmazhamah;jamming”.AllahrevealedtohisProphet(a.s.)aboutwhatthepeopleof Quraysh had plotted against him.[1] The Prophet’s immigration to Yathrib When the day thatQurayshhaddeterminedtokill theProphetoncame,thefortymensurroundedtheProphet’shousefromallsidescarryingtheirswordstoteartheProphet’sbodyandputoutthelightofAllah.ThetribeofQurayshwantedtoavengeitsidolsandrestoreitssocialpositionthathadbeenlostbecauseoftheIslamicmission.

Fatima (a.s.) felt great pain anddistress for her father ’s fate.Shedidnot knowwhatwasgoing tohappen tohim ifhe leftMecca.She resorted toAllahandprayedHimsincerely to saveher fatherfromtheplotsandevilsofQuraysh.

ImamAlisleepsintheProphet’sbed

ItwasanobledeedthatwasrecordedforImamAli(a.s.)withapenoflightandhonor.Hewasthefirst fedai for the Prophet (a.s.). The Prophet (a.s.) asked him to put on his (the Prophet) greengarmentandsleepinhisbedthatnight tomakethosevillainsbelievethathewastheProphet(a.s.),and thus theProphet (a.s.)wouldbesafe fromkilling. ImamAli (a.s.) received theProphet’sorderwithdelightandpleasure.Hewasveryhappytobeasacrificeforhisbrotherandcousin.

[1]Imta’al-Asma’byal-Maqrizi,vol.1p.38.

TheProphet (a.s.)went out of his house.He took ahandful of earth and threw it on themenofQurayshandsaid,‘Howugly,meanfaces!’

Hewentonwhilereciting,(AndWehavemadebeforethemabarrierandabarrierbehindthem,thenWehavecoveredthemoversothattheydonotsee.36:9).

ThesleepingofImamAli(a.s.)intheProphet’sbedandsacrificinghimselfforhimwasashinypagefromhissacredjihad.Allahhasrevealedabouthim,(Andamongpeopleishewhosellshimselftoseek the pleasure ofAllah. 2:207). This situation had a great, important role in the success of theIslamicmissionthatnooneotherthantheimamhadeverhad.

Imam Ali (a.s.) remained sleeping in the Prophet’s bed. When the dawn came, the forty villainsattackedtheProphet’sbedwiththeirunsheathedswords.ImamAli(a.s.), likealion,surprisedthemwithhissword.Theyhesitatedandcriedout:‘WhereisMuhammad?’

ImamAli(a.s.)repliedviolently,‘Haveyoumademeaguardoverhim?’

Theyleftdrawingwiththemdisappointmentandfailure,fortheProphet(a.s.)hadslippedawayfromtheirhands.QurayshtriedthebesttotakeinformationfromImamAli(a.s.)aboutthedirectionwhichtheProphet(a.s.)hadsetoutto,buttheyfailedandtheimamdidnotrespondtothemabit.Therefore,QurayshboreagrudgeagainstImamAli(a.s.)andlookedathimspitefully.ImamAli(a.s.)didnotcareforthem;rather,hedisparagedthem.

YathribreceivestheProphet

The messenger of Allah (a.s.) kept on his journey until he was near Yathrib (Medina).When thepeopleofYathribknewabouthiscomingtotheirland,theyallhurriedtoreceivehimwhilechanting:

“Thefullmoonhasshoneforus

fromThaniyyatulWada’.

Itisincumbentonustothank(Allah),

AslongasthereissomeoneinvitingforAllah.”[1]

[1]As-Seerahan-Nabawiyyah(thePropheticbiography)byIbnKatheer,vol.2p.269,as-Seerahan-NabawiyyyahbyIbnHisham,vol.2p.79.

That daywasmemorable inYathrib andmatchless in history.When the Prophet (a.s.) settled inYathrib,hebeganestablishinghisgreatstate;thestateoftheQur ’anthathadundertakenthedecisivemattersofallnationsandpeoplesoftheearthandestablishedthehumanrights.TheProphet(a.s.)wasdelightedandpleasedwhenhesawthewarmreceptionofthepeopleofYathribthatmadehimcertainofgettingsupporterstobuildhisnewstate.

ImamAli’simmigrationtoYathrib

WhentheProphet(a.s.)emigratedfromMeccatoMedina,ImamAli(a.s.)beganfulfillingwhat theProphet(a.s.)hadinstructedhimwithsuchaspayingdepositsbacktotheirownersandrepayinghis(the Prophet) debts. After he had fulfilled all that, he accompanied the Fatimas (Fatima bint Asad{ImamAli’smother},FatimabintMuhammad{theProphet’sdaughter},andFatimabintaz-ZubayrbinAbdulMutallib)andbegantheimmigrationtoYathrib(Medina).AgroupfromQurayshfollowedafterhimtopreventhimandhistravel-matesfromtraveling,buthestruggledagainstthembravely.He killed one of them andmade the rest run away.[1] ImamAli (a.s.) and his fellows covered thedesertuntil theyarrivedinYathrib.ImamAli’sfeethadswelledbecauseofwalkingandhewastootired.Therefore,hecouldnotgotomeettheProphet(a.s.)whohimselfcametomeetImamAli(a.s.).WhentheProphet(a.s.)sawImamAli(a.s.),heembracedhimandbegancryingoutofmercifulnessforhis feet.TheProphet (a.s.) tooksomeofhis salivaandwrapped iton ImamAli’s feetand theyrecovered.Afterthat,ImamAli(a.s.)didnotfeelanypaininhisfeet.[2]

AsforFatimaaz-Zahra’(a.s.),shewastooeagertomeetherfather.Theyembracedandkissedeachother.TheProphet(a.s.)receivedherdarlingdaughterwithhonorandreverence.Shewaseightyearsoldthen.ShearrivedinMedinaonThursday,thefifteenthofRabee’ulAwwal.[3]

[1]EncyclopediaofImamAmeerulMo'minin,vol.1p.219.[2]Usdal-Ghaba,vol.4p.92.[3]Tareekhat-Tabari,vol.2p.80.

AttheBattleofUhud

Fatima(a.s.)witnessedthebattleofUhudandsawthedefeatofMuslimsthatwasabouttoeffaceallthemanifestationsofIslamexceptforthejihadofhercousinImamAli(a.s.)andhisgreatstruggle;otherwise,QurayshwoulddoawaywiththeProphet(a.s.)anduprootIslamanddestroyallitspillarsandforts.

Anyhow,MuslimswerenotafflictedwithadisasterinalltheirbattlesduringthetimeoftheProphet(a.s.)likethatone.MuslimsweredefeatedbecausethebattalionthathadbeenorderedbytheProphet(a.s.)toremainonthemountaintoguardthebackofMuslimsopposedtheorders.WhenthearmyofthepolytheiststhatwasinfrontoftheMuslimarmyfledandlefttheirbaggage,theMuslimslefttheirpositionsonthemountainandhurriedtoseizethebaggage.Khalidbinal-Waleed,whowasoneoftheleaders of the polytheists, saw that and he reorganized his forces and attacked theMuslims frombehind and before them. SeventyMuslimsweremartyred amongwhomwasHamza the Prophet’suncle.TheProphet (a.s.)waswoundedwith severalwounds.His facewaswounded,his front toothwasbroken,andthehelmetonhisholyheadwassmashed.

Fatima(a.s.)camewithAmeerulMo'minin(a.s.)totheProphet(a.s.).ImamAli(a.s.)pouredwaterontheProphet’swoundsbutthebleeddidnotstop.Fatima(a.s.)burntapieceofmatandputtheashonthewoundswhichstoppedbleeding.[1]

Thebattleofal-Ahzab

The armies of the polytheists attacked Medina, the capital of Islam, under the leadership of AbuSufyan to do away with the mission of Islam and get people back to their first ignorance. TheMuslimsdugatrencharoundMedinatokeepitsafeaccordingtothesuggestionofSalmanal-Farisi,the loyal companion of the Prophet (a.s.). The Prophet (a.s.) himself worked with theMuslims indiggingthetrench.

[1]SahihMuslim,vol.5p.178,Sahihal-Bukhari,vol.7p.19-20.

Fatima(a.s.)cametoherfatherwithapieceofbread.Herfatherasked,‘OFatima,whatisthis?’

Shesaid,‘ItisfromaloafthatIhavebakedformyson.Ihavebroughtthispieceforyou.’

TheProphet(a.s.)said,‘Itisthefirstfoodtoenteryourfather ’smouthsincethreedays.’[1]

Yes!Thisisthealtruismandtheasceticismoftheprophets.

TheProphetwithhisdaughterintravelandresidence

TheProphet(a.s.)wastoosinceretohisdaughterandhepreferredhertoallhiskin.Whenhewantedtotravel,Fatima(a.s.)wasthelastonewhomhesawoff,andwhenhecamebackfromtravel,shewas

thefirstonewhomhevisited,andthenhewenttohishouse.[2]

Fatima (a.s.) also witnessed with her father the conquest of Mecca.[3] She saw her father ’s greatvictoryandthesubmissionandsubservienceofQurayshtohim.

[1]Thakha’iral-Uqba,p.47.[2]SunanAbiDawud,vol.3p.291,MusnadAhmedbinHanbal,vol.5p.275.[3]Al-Maghazi,vol.3p.1087.

17ChapterElectingImamAlifortheIslamicCaliphate

Fatima (a.s.) witnessed all the events that took place after the conquest ofMecca. She saw peoplegroupsbygroupsembraceIslamwhichprevailedovertheArabicEastandotherareasintheworld.However,themostwonderfulthingthatshesawwastheenteringofthepeopleofQurayshintoIslamunwillinglyandsubmissively.Theywerelowandmeanthenwhereastheyhadtriedtheirbesttoputout the light of Islam and do away with the messenger of Allah. They left no way of terror andviolenceagainst theProphet (a.s.).They ledgreatarmiesandparties to fighthimuntilAllahmadehimdefeatthemallandafflictthemwithlownessandmeanness.Then,theProphet(a.s.)purifiedtheHouseofAllah(theKaaba)fromtheidolsandthenthecallof“allahuakbar”rosehighinallsidesofthe Inviolable Mosque and the rule of the Qur'an prevailed in the land that was a stage for thesuperstitionsandbadtraditionsoftheeraofignorance.

This periodwas themost important one in Fatima’s life where she saw her father after his greatvictorycaringforsomethingveryimportantconcerningthewelfareofhisnationthatwouldsavethenationfromdeviationandgoingastray.Thisthingwastheappointmentoftheleaderafterhim.

The caliphate after the Prophet (a.s.) was themost important position in Islam because it was thecontinuityoftheProphet’sruleandthecontinuityofhisSharia.BecausetheProphet(a.s.)paidgreatattention to thematterofcaliphate,hesaid, ‘He,whodieswhilehedoesnotknowthe imamofhistime,willdieasanunbeliever.’

TheProphet(a.s.)wasverycarefulofhisnation’saffairs.Hewasverykindandlovingtohispeople.Therefore,hesuffereddisastersandcalamitiesinordertoreformhisnationandmakeitthefirstincivilizationandprogress.Wasitreasonablethathewouldleavehisnationasavictimforhisenemiesortobetossedaboutbythewaves?

It was not true at all that the Prophet (a.s.) had ignored the matter of caliphate and given vent toanarchyafterhim.ThiscontradictedthegoalofhismissionwhichwastospreadIslamanditshighidealsandgreatmoralsamongallpeoples.

IftheProphet(a.s.)ignoredthematteroftheruleafterhim,thiswouldleadtothedestructionofthesocialpillarswhichIslamhadbuiltandthedestructionofthegenerallifeofMuslims.Thecrisesandmisfortunes that the nation faced throughout its ages were, undoubtedly, the result of keeping theAhlulBayt(a.s.)awayfromthecaliphate.ItwasthepoliticalaviditiesandthegreedinessofauthoritythatpreventedfromfulfillingtheProphet’srecommendationsandwillsconcerninghisfamily.

Anyhow, thenation suffered and is still sufferingmuchbecauseof separating theAhlulBayt (a.s.)fromtherule.Muhammadal-Keilanisays,‘Thepeopledisputedonthepositionofcaliphateinawaythatwasunequalledinothernations.Theycommittedforthesakeofthatwhatweourselvesrefrain

fromnowadays.Andconsequently,manysoulswereruined,townsweredestroyed,villagesweretorndown,houseswereburnt,womenweremadewidows,childrenweremadeorphans,andgreatmassesofMuslimswerekilled.’[1]

AllahhadsenttheProphet(a.s.)asmercyformankind.Hence,wouldheleavehisnationinanarchyafterhimwithoutchoosingaleadertoleaditafterhisdeath?Letusseewhothatleaderwas![1]TheInfluenceofShiismintheArabicLiterature,p.15.

TheProphetnominatesAli

The caliphate was not to be determined due to desires and fancies because it was from the fatalmattersofthenationandonitallthenation’sgoalsandaffairsdepended.

ThecertainthingduetothescientificstudiesandtheseriousponderingontheProphet’sconductsandthesourcesoftheIslamichistorymakeitclearthattheProphet(a.s.)hadnominatedImamAli(a.s.)for the caliphate andmadehim the imamofMuslims after him.Many truemutawatir[1] traditionsconfirmed this fact.TheProphet (a.s.),onmanyoccasions,praised ImamAli (a.s.) andshowedhishighposition.Once,hesaidthatImamAli(a.s.)wasthegateofhistownofknowledge,anotheroncehesaidthatImamAli(a.s.)waswiththetruthandthetruthwaswithhim,third,AliwaswiththeQur'anand theQur'anwaswithAli,and thathewas to theProphet (a.s.)asAaronwas toMoses.All thesefacts were proved on the day of al-Ghadeer when the Prophet (a.s.) gathered the Muslims andannouncedthecaliphate,emirate,andguardianshipofImamAli(a.s.)overtheMuslims,andthentheProphet’s companions andhiswivespaidhomage to the Imam.Umarbin al-Khattab congratulatedhimsaying,‘CongratulationsOsonofAbiTalib!Youhavebecomemyguardianandtheguardianofeverybelievingmanandbelievingwoman.’ThehomagetoImamAli(a.s.)onthedayofal-GhadeerwasapartofthemissionofIslamandwhoeverdenieditwasnotreasonable.

WhytheProphetnominatedAli

Many people ask that why the Prophet (a.s.) had nominated Imam Ali (a.s.) for the caliphate andpreferredhimtoallhiscousinsandcompanions.Wegivetheanswerbythefollowingpoints:

1.Allah theAlmightyhadorderedhismessenger toappoint ImamAli (a.s.)acaliphafterhimandtake the homage of Muslims to him on the day of Ghadeer Khum. Allah had revealed to hismessengerthisverse,(OMessenger,deliverwhatbasbeenrevealedtoyoufromyourLord;andifyoudoitnot,thenyouhavenotdeliveredHismessage,and

[1]Mutawatirisatraditionthatcomessuccessivelyandisensuredbymanychainsoftransmission.

Allahwillprotectyoufromthepeople.5:67).Afterthiswarning,theProphet(a.s.)gatheredthehajjis,whowerecomingbackfromthehajj,inthedesertofGhadeerKhumanddeclaredtothemwhatAllahhadorderedhim to do.He announced to them that ImamAli (a.s.)wouldbe, according toAllah’sdecree,thegeneralleaderovertheMuslimcommunity,andsoallMuslimspaidallegiancetohimaswehavementionedbefore.

2.TheProphet(a.s.)hadcomparedtheprophethoodtothecaliphatewhenheinvitedhisfamilytofaith

andtobelieveinhismissionsayingtothem,‘Whichofyousupportsmetobethecaliphafterme?’NoonerespondedtohimexceptImamAli(a.s.)whowastooyoungthen.TheProphet(a.s.)puthishandonAli’sneckandaddressedhisfamilysaying,‘Thisismybrotherandcaliph(successor).Youhavetolistentoandobeyhim.’TheProphet’scareforthecaliphatedidnotcomeatthelastdaysofhislife,butitwassincethebeginningofhismission.3.TheProphet (a.s.) looked thoughtfullyathis familyandcompanionsandhedidnot findanyonewhowasworthy of this position after him except ImamAli (a.s.)who believed the Prophet (a.s.),believedinhismission,andunderstoodhisvaluesandgoals.TheProphet(a.s.)himselfhadeducatedImamAli(a.s.)andfedhimwiththedeepfaithinAllah,theidealsofIslam,andthenoblevalues.Itiscompletely untrue to say that the Prophet (a.s.) had chosen Ali bin Abi Talib for the position ofcaliphatejustbecausehewastheclosestonetohimandthefatherofhistwograndsons,becausethematterofprophethoodistoofarabovethat.

TheProphet(a.s.)hadchosenImamAli(a.s.)asthegeneralleaderoverhisnationbecauseImamAli(a.s.)hadhadqualificationsandabilitiesthatnooneelsehadeverhad.

A. ImamAli (a.s.)was themost knowledgeable among all theProphet’s companions and themostawareoftherulingsandtheaffairsofthereligionespeciallyinjudgment.TheProphet(a.s.)said,‘Aliisthebestjudgeofyouall.’Umarsaid,‘WereitnotforAli’sexistence,Umarwouldperish.’Therewasnooneatallequaltohiminjudgment.Wehavementionedsomeexamplesofhisjudgmentsin“the Encyclopedia of Ameerul Mo'minin” under the title of “the Imam’s judgment (is) from thetreasuresoftheIslamicintellect”.

As the Imamwas themost awareof allMuslims in the rulingsof judgment, hewas also themostaware in the political and administrative affairs besides the systems of government. Imam Ali’sdocumentof instructions toMalikal-Ashtarwasaclearproofon that.Thispoliticaldocument isafull constitution that no other constitution whether in Islam or other than Islam is like it in itscomprehensiveness.Inthisdocument,ImamAli(a.s.)dealswiththegovernment’sdutiestowardsthesubjectsanditsresponsibilityforprotectingthemfrompoverty,oppression,andpersecution.Healsodeterminesthedutiesofrulers,statesmen,andofficialsandthequalificationsthattheymusthavesuchas fitness, loyalty, and awareness of the affairs that theywould undertake, besides that they shouldhavehighmoralsandmannersandbepiousandboundbytheirreligionespeciallytowardthewealthofthestate.ThisdocumenthasmanyotherimportantpointsshowingthedepthofImamAli’spolicy.

Moreover,hisletterstohisgovernorsandofficialsareasourceofintelligentpoliciesandtheyshowthathewastooexpertinthepoliticalaffairs.AsImamAli(a.s.)wasthemostexpertinthePoliticalaffairs, he was also the most aware of all Muslims in the other branches of knowledge such astheology,philosophy,mathematics,astronomy,jurisprudence,linguistics,andothers.

Prof. AbbasMahmud al-Aqqad says, ‘He (ImamAli) openedmany doors in knowledge that weremorethanthirtysciences.WiththesehugetreasuresofknowledgethattheImamhad,howwouldtheProphet(a.s.)notchoosehimforthepositionofcaliphatewhichwasthemostsensitivepositionintheMuslimsocietyandwhichthedignity,independence,andsafetyofhisnationdependedon?’

Theinfinitescientificpowersthattheimamhadmakereasondeterminewithnoanydoubtthathewastobenominatedforthecaliphateotherthananyoneelse.Allahsays,(Say:Arethosewhoknowandthosewhodonotknowalike?39:9)Itisnonsensetosaythatitispossibletopreferthegoodoneto

the better one as some people believe, because it contradicts the Islamic values which make itobligatorytoprefertheknowledgeablepeopletoothersandregardtheirhighpositionandrank.Ofcourse, keeping knowledgeable people away from their real position is aggression againstknowledgeandfulldestructiontothevaluesofthenation.

B. Imam Ali (a.s.) was the bravest and the most courageous one at all. His unique courage hadastonishedtheall.Hehadsaid,‘IfalltheArabsgatheredtogethertofightme,Iwouldnotrunawayfrom them.’ Islam had succeeded by his sword and based on his jihad. He was the man of thememorablesituationsandfamousdays;thebattlesofBadr,Hunayn,andal-Ahzabwhenheharvestedtheheadsofthepolytheists,destroyedtheirnotables,andfilledthehousesofthetribesofQuraysh,thatdeclaredwaragainstAllahandHismessenger,withsorrowandmourning.

Every seditionever roseagainst Islamwasputoutby ImamAli (a.s.).TheProphet (a.s.)preferredhimtoallhiscompanionsandfamily,andentrustedhimwiththegeneralleadershipofhisarmies.Heenterednowarunlesshewasthevictor.ItwashewhosubjugatedtheJewsandconqueredtheirfirmforts.

Courageisfromthefundamentalcharacteristicsthataleaderofanationmusthave.Itisnaturalthatifaleaderisweakandcoward,thenationwillfacemanycrisesthataweakleadercannotstandagainst.Courageexisted,physicallyandmorally, inImamAli(a.s.),andthiswasonethereasonsthatmadetheProphet(a.s.)choosenootherthanhimfortheleadershipofthenation.ImamAli(a.s.),duetohisunequaledcourageandhisotheruniquevirtues,hadbeenchosen(byAllah)fortheleadershipofthenation even if (supposedly) there was no text from the Prophet (a.s.) on choosing him for thisposition.

C.Oneofthemost importantandmostdistinguishedfeaturesthata leaderofanationmusthaveisself-denialandaltruism.A leadermustprefer the interestof thenation toeverythingelseandmustpreserve itswealth. This featurewas themost prominent one in ImamAli’s personality.When heassumed the leadershipof thenation,hewasascetic towardsallpleasuresof lifeandhedeniedallenjoyments.Allhistoriansagreedonthathesparedneitherforhimselfnorforhisfamilyanyoftheworldlypleasures.Hewasverycarefulinthestatewealth.Hedidspendnothingfromthatwealthonhimselforhisfamily.Heruledthepeoplewithutmostjusticeandequity,andregardedallthecitizensequalinrightsandduties.

Definitely,theArabicEastandanyelsewherehadneverknownajustrulerlikeImamAli(a.s.)inhisselfdenial,altruism,andnotusingtheauthorityforpersonalinterestsandpoliticalpurposes.

D.AndfromtheprominentfeaturesinImamAli’spersonalitywashisperfectpietyanddevotednesstoAllah.Hewastheheadofmonotheistsandtheimamofthepious.Hesaid,‘ByAllah,ifIamgiventhesevencontinentswithallwhatthereisundertheirhorizonsinordertodisobeyAllahinanantthatIplunderfromitacrustofbarley,Iwillneverdo.’

Due to theconsensusof thenation, ImamAli (a.s.)was thegreatestpropagandist toAllahafterhisbrotherandcousinProphetMuhammad(a.s.).WhenUmarbinal-Khattabwaskilled,AbdurrahmanbinOufinsistedonImamAli(a.s.)toacceptthecaliphateonconditionthathewouldrulethenationaccording to thepolicyofUmarandAbuBakr,but ImamAli (a.s.) refusedand insistedon thathewouldruleaccordingtotheBookofAllah,theSunnaofHisprophet,andhisownopinion.Ifhewas

eagertoauthority,hedefinitelywouldacceptthispositionandthenhewouldruleasheliked,andifAbdurrahmanobjectedtohim,hecouldimprisonorexilehim.

Humanity,inallitshistory,didnotseearulerlikeImamAli(a.s.)inpiety,truthfulness,andfairnessawayfromallkindsoffavoritism.Hesparednoeffortinapplyingpurejusticeamongallpeopleandnottohearthemoanofanywronged,deprived,orpoorone.

After all that, would the Prophet (a.s.) nominate other than the imam for the caliphate andguardianshipafterhim?AndifweaccepttheprincipleofkinshipwhichtheMuhajireenadoptedintheconference of al-Saqeefa, then ImamAli (a.s.)wasworthier of the Prophet (a.s.) than anyone elsebecausehewashiscousin,son-in-law,andthefatherofhistwograndsons.

(Sedeo)says,‘Iftheprincipleofhereditywasacknowledged,itwouldbeforthebenefitofAlisincethebeginning,andthekeepingtoitwouldpreventthecrisesanddisputesthatsankIslamintoblood.ThehusbandofFatimahadtherightofheredityasalegalheiroftheProphet(a.s.)andhadtherightofelection.’[1]

Impartial pondering determines with no doubt that the Prophet (a.s.) had declared the imamate ofImam Ali (a.s.) and appointed him as the leader for his nation not according to the principle ofheredity,kinship,oranyotherconsideration,butbecauseofAli’shighpersonality,perfection,andunequalledvirtues.ItisnottruetosaythattheProphet(a.s.)hadignoredthematterofcaliphateandleftitundetermined.ThiswastoofarfromtheProphet(a.s.)whowasverycarefulforthehappinessanddevelopmentofhisnationandtokeepitsafefromdeviationanddeclination.

[1]Rooh(spiritof)al-Islam,p.292.

18ChapterTheSignsoftheDeparturetoAllah

The signs of the departure to the better world appeared to the leader and teacher who had madefountainsofknowledgeandwisdomflowintheearth.SignscameoneaftertheothershowingthathewouldsoonleavetohisLord.Thefollowingaresomeofthosesigns:

1.TheQur'anwasrecitedfortheProphet(a.s.)(byGabriel)twiceinthelastdaysofhislifeandhefelt from that that he was going to die soon.[1] He announced that among people. He said to hisdaughterFatima (a.s.), ‘Gabrielwas used to recited theQur'an tomeonce a year, but this year herecitedittometwice.Idonotseeinthatexceptthatmydeathissoon.’[2]

2.ThefollowingVerseswererevealedtohimthen,(Surelyyoushalldieandthey(too)shallsurelydie. Then, surely on the day of resurrection youwill contend onewith another before yourLord.39:30-31).Thisversewas as information tohimofhisdeath.After that, someMuslimsheardhimsaying,‘IwishIknewwhenthatshallbe.’[3]

3.Thesuraofan-Nasr(110)wasrevealedtohim.HekeptsilentbetweentheTakbirandtheRecitation(inprayer)andsaid,‘GlorybetoAllahandwithpraisingHim.IaskAllahforforgivenessandIturntoHiminrepentance.’

Muslimswereastonishedandterrified.Theyaskedhimaboutthereason,andhesaidtothem,‘Iwasconsoledformyself.’[4]

[1]Al-Khasa’isal-Kubra,vol.2p.386.[2]ManaqibAalAbiTalib,vol.3p.136,Rawdhatal-Wa’idhin,p.150.[3]TheLifeofImamal-HusaynbinAli,vol.1p.194.[4]ManaqibibnShahrashub,vol.1p.167.

TheFarewellHajj

ItwascertaintotheProphet(a.s.)thathesoonwoulddie,andsohethoughtthathewouldfarewelltheKaabaandmakeplanstokeephisnationsafefromdeviatingfromtherightpath.Heperfumedhislasthajj, which was called “the farewell hajj”, in the tenth year of hijra, and announced before theMuslims,whohadcometoperformthehajj,thathismeetingwiththeminthatyearwouldbethelastone.Hesaid,‘Idonotknow!Imaynotmeetyouafterthisyearinthissituationatall.’

HebeganinstructingMuslimswithwhatwouldassuretothemhappinessanddevelopment.Hesaid,‘Opeople,Ihaveleftamongyouthetwoweightythings;theBookofAllahandmyprogeny.’

The first support in building the Muslim society and keeping it safe is the Book of Allah that

falsehooddoesnotcometoitfrombeforeitnorfrombehindit,andthesecondoneistheAhlulBayt(a.s.)whoarethecentersofknowledgeandfaithinIslam.Thesetwosupportsarethebasesofsuccessforthenation.

Thegeneralconference

WhentheProphet(a.s.)hadfinishedtheritualsofthehajj,heheldageneralconferenceatthewellofZamzam. He made a speech and ordered Rabee’ah bin Umayya bin Khalaf to announce his (theProphet)speechloudlytopeople.Hesaid,‘ORabee’ah,say:Opeople,themessengerofAllahsaystoyou:youmaynotmeetmeinsuchasituationafternow.

Opeople,doyouknowwhichcountrythisis?Doyouknowwhichmonththisis?Doyouknowwhichdaythisis?’

Peoplesaid,‘Yes!Thisistheinviolablecountry,theinviolablemonth,andtheinviolableday.’

ThentheProphet(a.s.)said, ‘Allahhasprohibitedforyouyourbloodsandyourproperties(tokilleachotherandtoextorteachother ’sproperties)liketheinviolabilityofyourthiscountry,yourthismonth,andyourthisday.HaveIinformed?’

Theysaid,‘Yes.’

TheProphet(a.s.)said,‘OAllah,bearwitness.’

Thenhesaid,‘Everyblood(thatwasshed)inthepre-Islamiceraisputundermyfoot,andthefirstbloodthatIputundermyfootisthebloodofAdambinRabee’ahbinal-HarithbinAbdulMuttalib.HaveIinformed?’

Theysaid,‘Yes.’

Hesaid,‘OAllah,bearwitness.’

Thenhesaid,‘Everyusuryinthepre-Islamiceraisputundermyfoot,andthefirstusurythatIputundermyfootistheusuryofal-AbbasbinAbdulMuttalib.HaveIinformed?’Theysaid,‘Yes.’

Hesaid,‘OAllah,bearwitness.’

Thenhesaid,‘Opeople,postponement(ofthesacredmonth)isonlyanexcessindisbeliefwherebythosewhodisbelievearemisled; theyallow it oneyear and forbid it (another)year, that theymaymakeupthenumberofthemonthswhichAllahhathhallowed…

Irecommendyoutobekindtowomenfortheyaredepositswithyou.Theyareweak.YouhavetakenthembythedepositofAllah,andmarriedthembytheBookofAllah.Youhaverightsonthemandtheyhaverightsonyou.Theyhavearightonyouthatyouprovidethemwithclothesandsustenance,andyouhavearightonthemthattheyshouldnotbetrayyouwithanyoneinyourbeds,andnotpermitanyoneintoyourhousesexceptwithyourknowledgeandpermission.If theycommitsomethingof

that,thenyoudonottosleepwiththemandyoubeatthembutnotviolently.HaveIinformed?’

Theysaid,‘Yes.’

Hesaid,‘OAllah,bearwitness.’

Thenhe said, ‘I recommendyou tobekind towhatyourhandspossess (servants).Feed themwithwhatyou(yourselves)eatandclothethemwithwhatyou(yourselves)wear…HaveIinformed?’

Theysaid,‘Yes.’

Hesaid,‘OAllahbearwitness.’

Thenhesaid,‘AMuslimisabrothertoaMuslim.Heshouldnotcheat,betray,orbackbitehim.Hisblood(killing)isnotlawfultohim,noranythingofhispropertyexceptbyhispermissionwillingly.HaveIinformed?’

Theysaid,‘Yes.’

TheProphet(a.s.)keptonhispreciousspeechthatwasfullofIslamicmorals,manners,andrulings.He ended his speech saying, ‘Do not turn back after me unbelievers leading people astray andsubjugatingoneanother.Ihaveleftamongyouwhatifyoukeepto,youshallnotgoastray;theBookofAllahandmyprogeny,myfamily.HaveIinformed?’

Theysaid,‘Yes.’Hesaid,‘OAllah,bearwitness.’

Thenhesaidtothem,‘Youareresponsible.Letthepresentofyouinformtheabsent!’[1]TheConferenceofGhadeerKhum

When the Prophet (a.s.) performed his last hajj, he (with theMuslims) began his journey back toMedina.Whenhe(andtheMuslims)arrivedinGhadeerKhum,GabrielcamedowntohimcarryingwithhimaveryimportantmessagefromtheHeaven.ItwastoappointAmeerulMo'mininAlibinAbiTalibacaliphovertheMuslims(aftertheProphet)andtoannouncethatopenly.ThemessageoftheHeavenwasrevealedinthisverse,(OMessenger!deliverwhatbasbeenrevealedtoyoufromyourLor,andifyoudoitnot,thenyouhavenotdeliveredHismessage,andAllahwillprotectyoufromthepeople.5:76).[2]TheProphet (a.s.) determined to fulfill thewill ofAllah.He stopped at the desert and ordered thecaravansofthehajjistodothesame.Itwasaveryhotsummerdaythatmenputtheendsoftheirabasundertheirlegstoguardagainsthot.WhenMuslims,whowereaboutonehundredthousandsormoreashistorianssays,gatheredtogether,the

[1]Tareekhal-Ya’qubi,vol.2p.110-112.[2]Al-WahidiinAsbaban-Nuzoolp.135,ar-RaziinhisTafsirvol.12p.299,andothersmentionedthatthisverseconcernedtheDayofal-Ghadeer.

Prophet(a.s.)beganmakingaspeechbeforethem.First,heexplainedtothemwhathesufferedfor

thesakeoftheirguidanceandtosavethemfromthesuperstitionsoftheageofignoranceintoasafe,noblelife.Then,hesaid,‘Seehowyouwillobeymethrough(beingloyalto)thetwoweightythings.’

Someonecriedout,‘OmessengerofAllah,whatarethetwoweightythings?’

TheProphet(a.s.)said,‘ThemajorweightythingistheBookofAllah;itsoneendisinthehandofAllahandtheotherendisinyourhands.Keeptoitanddonotdeviate.Theotheristheminorweightything.Itismyprogeny.KindGabrieltoldmethatthey(theBookofAllahandtheprogeny)willnotseparateuntiltheywillcometomeatthepond(intheParadise),andIprayedmyLordtodothatforthem.Donotantecedethemthatyoumayperish,anddonotlagbehindthemthatyoumayperish…’Then,theProphet(a.s.)tookImamAli’shandandannouncedhisguardianshipovertheMuslimsandappointedhimageneralleaderoverthenation.HeraisedImamAli’shanduntilthewhiteoftheir(theProphetandImamAli)armpitsappearedandheaddressedtheMuslimsloudly;‘Opeople,whoisworthierofthebelieversthanthemselves?’

Theyallsaid,‘AllahandHismessengeraremoreaware.’

The Prophet (a.s.) said, ‘Allah is my guardian and I am the guardian of the believers, and I amworthierofthemthanthemselves.WhoeverIamhisguardianAliistobehisguardian.’Herepeatedthatthreeorfourtimesandthensaid,‘OAllah,favorwhoeverfollowshim,beanenemytowhoeveropposeshim,lovewhoeverloveshim,hatewhoeverhateshim,supportwhoeversupportshim, let downwhoeverbetrayshim, and turn the truthwithhimwhereverhe turns.Let thepresentinformtheabsent…’

After theProphet’s speech,Muslimscame to ImamAli (a.s.) congratulatingandpayinghomage tohim. The Prophet (a.s.) ordered his wives to pay homage to Imam Ali (a.s.) and they did. Umarshookhandwiththeimamandsaidtohim,‘CongratulationsOsonofAbiTalib!Youhavebecomemyguardianandtheguardianofeverybelievingmanandbelievingwoman.’[1]

Onthateternalday,thisversewasrevealedtotheProphet(a.s.),(ThisdayIhaveperfectedforyouyourreligionandcompletedMyfavoronyouandchosenforyouIslamasareligion.5:3).[2]

The religionwas perfected and the great favorwas completed by announcing the guardianship ofImamAli(a.s.),thepioneerofthetruthandjusticeinIslam.TheProphet(a.s.)builtthecornerstoneofkeeping his nation safe from deviation and declination by appointing Imam Ali (a.s.) a leader,educator, and instructor for thenation.Theallegiance to ImamAli (a.s.)on theDayofal-GhadeerwasapartfromthemissionofIslamandapillarfromthepillarsofthereligionthatwhoeverdeniesitdeniesIslamasAllamaal-Ala’ilisays.

[1]MusnadofAhmedbinHanbal,vol.4p.281.[2]Al-Khateebal-BaghdadiinhisTareekhvol.8p.290,as-Sayootiinad-Durral-Manthurvol.2p.259,at-TabarsiinMajma’al-Bayanvol.3p.246,andothersmentionedthatthisversewasrevealedconcerningtheDayofal-Ghadeer.

19ChapterImmortalTragedy

SorrowsanddistressesattackedFatima(a.s.)whensheknewthatherfather,whowasthedearestonetoheratall,wouldleaveforthebetterworld,andthisworldwouldbeemptyofthisgreatpersonality.

TheProphet’slastillness

When the Prophet (a.s.) came back fromMecca toMedina, his healthwas indisposed and becameworsedayafteranother.Hesufferedaverybadfeverthatwhenhiswivesorvisitorsputtheirhandsonhisgarment,theyfelttheheat.Besidehimtherewasavesselofwaterwhereheputhishandintoitandrubbedhisholyfacetolowerthefever.Hesaid,‘IamstillfeelingthepainofthefoodthatIhaveeateninKhaybar.Ifeelthatmybackhasbeenbrokenbecauseofthatpoison.’[1]

Muslims,whowere distressed and astonished, hurried to visit him.His roomwas crowded of hiscompanions.Heannouncedtothemhissoondeathandrecommendedthemofwhatwouldassureforthemhappinessandsuccess.Hesaidtothem,‘Opeople,Iamabouttobemadedieandtakenaway.Isaytoyoutobeexcusedbeforeyou.IhaveleftamongyoutheBookofAllahtheAlmightyandmyprogeny…’

ThenhetookImamAli’shandandsaid,‘HereisAli.HeiswiththeQur'anandtheQur'aniswithAli.Theywillnotseparateuntiltheywillcometomeatthepond(intheParadise).’[2]

TheProphet(a.s.)wascertainthathewasgoingtodie.HesawthathewouldfarewellthegraveyardsofMuslimsandprayAllahtoforgivethedead.Inthenight,hesentforAbuMuwayhibahandsaid

[1]Al-Bidayahwen-Nihayah,vol.5p.246.[2]As-Sawa’iqal-Muhriqah,vol.2002p.361.

tohim,‘Iwasorderedtoaskforforgivenessforthepeopleofal-Baqee’[1]andsoIsentforyoutocomewithme.’

When theProphet (a.s.)arrived inal-Baqee’Graveyard,hesaid, ‘PeacebeonyouOpeopleof thegraves.Letyoubedelightedwithwhatyouhavebeenin,whichisbetterthanwhat(living)peoplearein.Seditionshavecomelikepiecesofdarknightoneaftertheother.Thelastisworsethanthefirst.’

TheProphet (a.s.) saw inwhich conditions someof his companionswere andwhat theywoulddolateron,andsohecongratulatedthedeadinthegravesfortheywouldnotwitnesstheseditionsthatcameandwouldcomeafter.TheProphet(a.s.)saidtoAbuMuwayhibah,‘OAbuMuwayhibah,IhavebeengiventhekeysofthetreasuriesofthisworldandtheeternityinitandthentheParadise.IhavebeenaskedtochoosebetweenthisandthemeetingofmyLordandtheParadise.’

AbuMuwayhibahsaidastonishingly, ‘Maymyfatherandmotherdie foryou!Take thekeysof thetreasuriesofthisworldandtheeternityinitandthentheParadise.’

TheProphet(a.s.)replied,‘OAbuMuwayhibah,nobyAllah!IhavechosenthemeetingofmyLordandtheParadise.’

Then theProphet (a.s.) prayedAllah to forgive thedeadof al-Baqee’Graveyardandhewentbackhome.[2]

TheArmyofUsama

TheProphet (a.s.) saw factionalism amonghis companions and he became certain that theywouldfulfilltheirplanstotakethecaliphateawayfromhisguardianandsuccessorImamAli(a.s.).Hence,hethoughttorescuethesituationbysendingallhiscompanionsinanarmytofighttheRomanssothathiscapitalwouldbeemptyofthemandthusImamAli(a.s.)wouldassumethecaliphateafterhis(theProphet)deatheasilyandwithnoobstacles.

[1]Thedeadinal-Baqee’Graveyard.[2]Al-Bidayahwen-Nihayah,vol.5p.243,SeeraofibnHisham,vol.3p.93,Tareekhat-Tabari,vol.3p.190.

TheProphet(a.s.)orderedallthenotablesoftheMuhajireenandtheAnsartojointhearmyofUsamawhowasayoungman.AmongthosementherewereAbuBakr,Umar,AbuUbaydabinal-Jarrah,andBasheer binSa’d.[1]TheProphet (a.s.) said toUsama, the leader of the army, ‘March to the placewhereyourfatherwaskilledandmakethehorsemendefeatthem(theRomans).Ihaveentrustedyouwiththeleadershipofthisarmy.Inthemorning,attackthepeopleofUbna(inSyria)andmeetthemwithfire.Hurryuptoprecedethenews.IfAllahgrantsyouvictoryoverthem,donotremaintheretoolong.Takeguideswithyou,andmakespiesandpioneersinthefront.’

On the twenty-ninth of Safar, the armymutinied and no one of the notable companions joined hisbattalion.TheProphet(a.s.)wasveryangryatthat.Hewentoutofhishouseinspiteofhisillness.Heencouragedhiscompanionstojointhearmy.HegavethebannertoUsamaandsaidtohim,‘MarchbythenameofAllahandforthesakeofAllah.FightthosewhodisbelieveinAllah.’

Usama marched with his army and camped in al-Jurf.[2] The famous companions slackened injoiningthecamp.Theycriticizedanddisparagedthe leader,youngUsama.Umarsaid tohim,‘ThemessengerofAllahdieswhileyouareanemiroverme?!’

This saying was conveyed to the Prophet (a.s.) while he was badly ill suffering bad fever andheadache. He became very angry and distressed. He went out of his house wrapped with a velvetgarmentandhisheadwasfolded.Heascendedtheminbarandshowedthepeoplehisangeraboutnotcarryingouthisorders.Hesaid,‘Opeople,whatforisthesayingofsomeoneofyouthatcriticizesmyappointingUsamaastheemir?Youhavecriticizedmyappointinghisfatherasemirbefore.ByAllah,hewasworthyoftheemirateandhissonafterhimisworthyofit…’

[1]KanzolUmmal,vol.5p.312,TabaqatibnSa’d,vol.4p.46,Tareekhal-Khamees,vol.2p.46.

[2]ThreemilesfromMedinatowardsSham.

Hedescendedtheminbarandwentintohishouse.[1]Then,herecommendedpeopletojointhearmyofUsamabysaying,‘PreparethearmyofUsama!’

‘MarchthearmyofUsama!’

‘MayAllahcursewhoeverdoesnotjointhearmyofUsama!’

These firm orders and insistence of the Prophet (a.s.) at his last hours of life did not move thepeople’sdetermination.They slackened in joining the armyand justified theirdoingwithdifferentexcuses,thoughtheProphet(a.s.)didnotaccepttheirexcuses.Rather,heshowedthemhisangeranddiscontent.

Ponderingonthisgraveevent,onecanconcludethefollowingpoints:

1.InnotjoiningthearmyandthecriticizingoftheappointingofUsamaastheemir,thecompanionswantedtoseizetheauthorityandgrasptherule.Ofcourse,iftheywenttothewarandleftthecapitaloftheProphet(a.s.),certainlytheywouldlosethecaliphate,andthentheywouldhavenochancetoopposeorresist.

2.Thereasonbehindnotentrustingtheleadershipofthearmytoanyoneofthenotablecompanionswas that theywould take itasameans toclaimtheirworthinessof thecaliphate.TheProphet (a.s.)closedthisdoor,andifitwasopenedtothem,theywouldclingtoitwithalltheirpower.

3.Islamseriouslyhadcancelledthematterofagednessanditentrustedtheimportantpositionsinthestate and the army to thewell-qualified and expert personswhowould regard the interests of thenationaboveallotherconsiderations.[2]

Askingpeople’spardon

TheProphet’shealthbecameworseandhebegansufferingseverepains.Hewascertainthathewaslivinghislasthours.Hesentforal-Fadhlbinal-Abbasandaskedhimtosupporthimtothemosque.Al-

[1]As-Seeraal-Halabiyyah,vol.3p.34.[2]Wehaveexplainedthatindetailsinourbook“theSystemofRuleandAdministrationinIslam”.

FadhlledtheProphet(a.s.)tothemosqueandhelpedhimsitontheminbar.TheProphet(a.s.)askedal-Fadhltocalloutthattheprayerwastobecongregational.Whenpeoplegathered,theProphet(a.s.)madeaspeechsaying,‘Opeople,deathisabouttotakemeawayfromamongyouandyoushallnotseemeagain in this situation…whoever Ihadwhippedhisbackhere ismyback, lethim retaliate!WhoeverIhadtakensomemoneyfromhimhereismymoney,lethimtakefromit…Letnooneofyousay:IfearenmityfromthemessengerofAllah.Surely,enmityisnotfrommydeedsormorals.Themostbelovedoneofyoutomeishewhotakesarightwhichisonmetohim,orabsolvesmefromitsothatIshallmeetmyLordwhilenoonehasacomplaintagainstme…’

Somemansaid,‘OmessengerofAllah,youowemethreedirhams.’

TheProphet(a.s.)said,‘Asforme,Idonotconsiderasayeraliar,nordoIaskhimtotakeanoath.Howisthat?’

Themansaid, ‘OmessengerofAllah,doyounot remember thatonedayabeggaraskedyou(forhelp)andyouaskedmetogivehimthreedirhamsandIdid?’

TheProphet(a.s.)orderedthedirhamstobegiventohim,andthenhekeptonhisspeech.Hesaid,‘Opeople,whoeverhadpeculatedsomethinglethimpayitback…’

Somemangotupandsaid,‘OmessengerofAllah,IhavethreedirhamsthatIhadpeculatedthem…’

TheProphet(a.s.)askedthemanwhyhehadpeculatedthemandherepliedthathehadbeeninneedofthem.TheProphet (a.s.)orderedal-Fadhl to takeback the threedirhams from theman,andhedid.Then,theProphet(a.s.)said,‘Opeople,whoeverfeelssomethinginsidehimlethimgetupsothatIwillprayAllahforhim…’

Somemangotupandsaid,‘OmessengerofAllah,Iamhypocrite,liar,andill-omened.’

Umar shouted at the man, ‘Woe unto you! Allah has covered you. Would that you had coveredyourself!’

TheProphet(a.s.)saidtoUmar,‘KeepsilentOibnal-Khattab!Thedisclosureofthisworldisbetterthanthatoftheafterworld.’

Then theProphet (a.s.)prayedAllah for themansaying, ‘OAllah,granthimwith truthfulnessandfaith,andtakeevilomenawayfromhim!’[1]

Then,amancalledSawadahbinQaysgotupandsaid,‘OmessengerofAllah,youhadwhippedmeonmyabdomen,andnowIwanttoretaliate.’

TheProphet(a.s.)orderedBilaltobringthewhipforthemantoretaliateontheProphet(a.s.).Bilalwasastonishedandhecriedout, ‘Opeople,makepeopleretaliateonyouin thisworld!This is themessengerofAllah.Hemakespeopleretaliateonhim.’

Bilal gave the whip to Sawadah who took it and came toward the Prophet (a.s.) who was too ill.Sawadahsaid,‘OmessengerofAllah,uncoveryourabdomentome!’

TheProphet(a.s.)uncoveredhisabdomenwhilesilence,crying,andfearprevailedthecornersofthemosque. Sawadah silently and sadly said to the Prophet (a.s.), ‘Omessenger of Allah, would youpermitmetoputmymouthonyourabdomen?’

TheProphet (a.s.)permittedhim,andhebegankissing theProphet’sabdomenwhilehis (Sawadah)eyesweresheddingtearsoverhisface.Thenhesaid,‘IseekprotectionbythemessengerofAllah’splaceofretaliationfromFireonthedayofFire.’

TheProphet(a.s.)askedhim,‘OSawadah,wouldyoupardonorretaliate?’

Themansaid,‘Ipardon,OmessengerofAllah.’

TheProphet (a.s.) raisedhis hands towards theHeavenprayingAllahby saying, ‘OAllah, pardonSawadahashepardonedYourProphet!’[2]

Distress and sorrow prevailed overMuslimswho became certain that itwas the last days of theirprophetwhowasloyalandkindtothem,andwhohadtakenthemoutofthelifeofdeviationinthedesertandestablishedtothemthestateofguidanceandbliss.

[1]Al-Bidayahwen-Nihayah,vol.5p.231.[2]Biharal-Anwar,vol.22p.509.

TheProphetgivesascharityallwhathepossesses

Beforehislastillness,theProphet(a.s.)hadsixorsevendinars.HefearedthatAllahmightmakehimdiewhilethismoneywasstillwithhim.Heorderedhisfamilytobringthismoneywhichheputinhishandandsaid,‘WhatdoesMuhammadthinkofhisLordifhemeetsHimwhilethisisstillwithhim?’Then,hegavethismoneyascharityandkeptnothingoftheworldlyvanitieswithhim.[1]

Fromhisasceticismwasthatheleftthisworldwhilehewasnotsatiatewithbarleybread.[2]HediedwhilehisarmorwasyetmortgagedtoaJewmanforthirtySaa’s(weights)ofbarley.[3]Hispillowwasofleatherfilledwithfibersofpalm-tree.[4]Hewastooasceticintheworldlylife.HeturnedawayfromallitspleasuresandenjoymentsuntilAllahtookhimtoHisneighborhood.

ThecalamityofThursday

Thepolitical tendenciesandopportunistic trendswhich the famouscompanionsadopted to turn thecaliphate away from theAhlulBayt (a.s.) appeared clearly before the Prophet (a.s.). Therefore, hesaw, in the last hours of his life, that he should save his nation from deviation and assure to ithappiness andprosperity.He said tohis companions, ‘Bringmeapieceofpaper and an inkpot towriteyouabookbywhichyoushallnotgoastrayatall…’[5]

Itwas thegreatestblessing that theProphet (a.s.)wanted towriteabook for thenationbywhich itwould not go astray forever. It was a very expensive opportunity, but, unfortunately, thosecompanionslostiteasily.Andunfortunately,someoftheProphet’scompanionsunderstoodthattheProphet(a.s.)intendedtowritedowninthatbookthecaliphatetoImamAli(a.s.)andthatwouldmaketheirgreedgoinvain;therefore,oneofthemsaid,‘ThebookofAllahisenoughtous…’

[1]MusnadofAhmedbinHanbal,vol.6p.104.[2]Sahihofal-Bukhari,vol.6p.204.[3]MusnadofAhmedbinHanbal,vol.4p.105.[4]SahihofMuslim,vol.6p.145.[5]Al-Awsatbyat-Tabarani,vol.5p.288,Sahihal-Bukhari,vol.4p.31,SahihMuslim,vol.5p.76,andothers.

Undoubtedly,ifthissayerknewthattheProphet(a.s.)wantedtorecommendofanythingelseinthatbook, he would not reply so impudently, but he understood well that the Prophet (a.s.) wanted toannouncethecaliphafterhim.

Anyhow, disputes and disagreements increased among the attendants that some of themwanted tocarry out the Prophet’s wish and some others insisted on objection. The women from behind thecurtaindeniedthatimpudentsituationtowardstheProphet(a.s.),whowaslivinghislastmoments,andcried out addressing the Prophet’s companions, ‘Do you not hearwhat themessenger ofAllah issaying?’

Umarharshlyrepliedtothem,‘YouarethefriendsofYousuf(ProphetJosef).Ifhebecameill,youwouldpressyoureyes(toshedtears),andifherecovered,youwouldrideonhisneck.’

TheProphet(a.s.)lookedathimangrilyandsaid,‘Letthemalone!Theyarebetterthanyou.’

Aterribledisputebrokeoutbetweenthemen.ThepartythatwantedtocarryouttheProphet’sorderwasabouttowin,butsomeone(Umar)shotabadarrowagainsttheProphet’sorderbysayingharshlyandimpudently,‘TheProphetisraving’![1]

TheseeventsmustbestudiedthoughtfullyandexactlybecausetheyconcerntheessenceofourIslamiclife.TheyhaveaclearcriticismagainstthemessengerofAllah,whowasaccusedofravingwhereasAllahhassaidabouthim,(Yourcompaniondoesnoterr,nordoeshegoastray,nordoeshespeakoutofdesire.Itisnaughtbutrevelationthatisrevealed.TheLordofMightyPowerhastaughthim.53:2-5), and (Most surely it is theWordofanhonoredmessenger, theprocessorof strength,havinganhonorableplacewiththeLordoftheDominion,One(tobe)obeyed,andfaithfulintrust.Andyourcompanionisnotgonemad.81:19-22).

[1] All historians and narrators havementioned this painful event. Al-Bukhari mentioned it manytimesinhisSahihvol.4p.68-69,vol.6p.8,butheconcealedthesayer ’sname.IthasbeenmentionedinGhareebal-Hadith,vol.4p.130,SharhNahjolBalaghabyibnAbilHadeed,vol.3p.114,andtheauthorherementionedthesayer ’snameopenly.

Accusing the Prophet (a.s.) of raving is defaming to his personality, disparaging his position, andignoringhisfavorsthathehasdonetoallhumankindandespeciallytheArabswhomhesavedfromthelifeofignoranceanddeviationinthedesertandestablishedtothemastateandcivilization,andmade themastersof thenations.Washis reward forall that tobeaccusedof raving?Weare fromAllah,andtoHimweshallreturn!

ThepoliticaltendenciesandthegreedtoauthorityledthosementofacethemessengerofAllahwiththeseseverewordsthathurteveryMuslim.WhenIbnAbbasrememberedthispainfulevent,hecriedandhistearscoveredhischeeks.Heoftensaid,“Thursday,andwhatisThursday!ThemessengerofAllah(a.s.)said,‘Bringmeapieceofpaperandaninkpottowriteyouabookbywhichyoushallnotgoastrayaftermeatall’andtheysaid,‘ThemessengerofAllahisraving.’”[1]

Really, itwas the greatest calamity thatMuslims have never been afflictedwith like it. It had beenintervenedbetweenthemandtheirhappinessandprosperityinallfieldsoflife.

Fatima’sdistress

SorrowanddistressfilledFatima’sheartandpainhurthertoomuchwhenshebecamecertainthatherfatherwasgoing to leaveher for theotherworld.Shesatbesideandstaredathim.Sheheardhimsaying,‘Ah,myanguish!’

Shewasdistressedandsaid,‘Ah,myanguishforyouranguishfather!’

Thelovingfathersaidkindlytohisdarlingdaughter,‘Noanguishforyourfatherafterthisday!’[2]

Shewasveryaffectedby thesewordsbecauseshebecamecompletelycertain thather fatherwouldleaveher.WhentheProphet(a.s.)sawherverysadanddistressed,hewantedtodelighther.Heaskedher tocomecloser tohim.Hewhispered tohersomethingandhereyeswerefilledwith tears,andthenhewhisperedtoheranotherthing

[1]MusnadofAhmedbinHanbal,vol.1p.355,andothers.[2]TheLifeofImamal-HasanbinAli,vol.1p.112.

andshebegansmiling.Aa’isha(theProphet’swife)wasastonishedatseeingthatandshesaid,‘Ihavenotseendelightthatisnearertosadnessliketoday.’

Aa’ishaaskedFatima(a.s.)aboutwhather(Fatima)fatherwhisperedtoherbutshedidnotanswerher.Whendayspassed,shetoldhersaying,“Hesaidtome:‘Gabrielreviewedthe(whole)Qur ’antomeonceayear,butthisyear,hereviewedittometwice.Idonotthinkexceptthatmydeathhascome.’

Thiswasthecauseofherpainandcrying.Asforthecauseofherdelight,shesaid,“Hesaidtome:‘Youarethefirstoneofmyfamilythatshalljoinme(die).Iamthebestancestortoyou.Areyounotpleasedtobetheprincipalofthewomenofthisnation?’”[1]

TheProphet(a.s.)comfortedFatima(a.s.)saying,“Omydaughter,donotcry!WhenIdie,yousay:‘weareAllah’sandtoHimweshallreturn’Ithasrecompenseforanydeadone.”

Shesaid,‘AndforyouOmessengerofAllah?!’

Hesaid,‘Yes,andforme.’[2]

WhentheProphet(a.s.)begansufferingmorepain,Fatima(a.s.)begancryingandshesaidhim,‘ByAllah,youarelikewhatsomesayerhassaid:

“Awhiteonebywhosefaceitisprayedthatcloudsmayrain;

theresortoforphans,theguardofwidows.”’

TheProphet(a.s.)saidtoher,‘ItisthesayingofyouruncleAbuTalib.’ThenherecitedthisQur ’anicverse:“AndMuhammadisbutamessenger;themessengershavealreadypassedawaybeforehim.Ifthenhediesoriskilled,willyouturnbackuponyourheels?Andwhoeverturnsbackuponhisheels,hewillbynomeansdoharmtoAllahintheleastandAllahwillrewardthegrateful.(3:144).”[3]

[1]TheLifeofImamal-HusaynbinAli,vol.1p.215.[2]Ansabal-Ashraf,vol.1p.133.[3]TheLifeofImamal-HusaynbinAli,vol.1p.216.

TheProphetrecommendsofhisfamily

AnasbinMaliknarrated,‘Fatima,withal-Hasanandal-Husayn,cametotheProphet(a.s.)inhislastillness.Sheembracedhimandstuckherchesttohiswhilecryingbitterly.TheProphet(a.s.)orderedhernottocryoutoffearingforher.Hesaidwhiletearswerefallingdownoverhischeeks,‘OAllah,thesearemy family. Ihaveentrusted them toeverybeliever…’He repeated that three times.[1]Hesaidthatbecauseheknewwellthathisfamilywouldfaceallkindsofcalamities.TheProphet’sinheritanceforhistwograndsonsFatima (a.s.) camewith her two sons asking her father to bequeath them some of hismorals andnobilities.Shesaidtohim,‘OFather,theseareyourtwosons.Please,bequeathsomethingfromyoutothem.’

TheProphet(a.s.)said,‘Asforal-Hasan,heshallhavemygravityandglory,andasforal-Husayn,heshallhavemycourageandgenerosity.’[2]

The Prophet (a.s.) recommended ImamAli (a.s.) to caremuch for his two grandsons. Three daysbeforehisdeath,theProphet(a.s.)saidtoImamAli(a.s.),‘Ofatherofthetwodarlings,Irecommendyouofmytwodarlinggrandsonsinall this life.Howsoonyourtwosupportswillbeundermined!MayAllahbemyguardianoveryou…’

WhentheProphet(a.s.)died,ImamAli(a.s.)said,‘Thisisoneofmytwosupportsthatthemessengerof Allah talked about’, and when Fatima (a.s.) died, he said, ‘This is the second support that themessengerofAllahtoldmeabout.’[3]

TotheHighParadise

ItwastimefortheProphet(a.s.)toleavethisworldandjoinhisbrothersofthegreatprophetsneartheLord.TheAngel ofDeath camedown tohimaskingpermission.Fatima (a.s.) said tohim (theangel),‘He(theProphet)isbusywithhimself.’TheAngelofDeath

[1]Ansabal-Ashraf,vol.1p.133.[2]ManaqibAalAbiTalib,vol.2p.465.[3]AmaliofSheikhas-Saduq,p.119.

leftandcamebacklateraskingpermission.TheProphet(a.s.)wokeupandsaidtohisdaughter,‘Doyouknowhim?’

Shesaid,‘No,OmessengerofAllah.’

The Prophet (a.s.) said, ‘He is the establisher of graves, destroyer of houses, and separator ofgatherings.’

Fatima(a.s.)wasshockedandsorrowsattackedher.Shesaidsadly,‘OFather!Tothedeathofthelastofprophets(hehascome)?Alas!Tothedeathofthebestofthepiousandtotheendofthemasterofchoices?Alas!TotheceaseoftherevelationfromtheHeaven?Aftertoday,Ishallbepreventedfromtalkingwithyou.’

TheProphet(a.s.)pitiedhisdarlingdaughterandsaidtoher,‘Donotweep!Youwillbethefirstonetojoinme…’[1]

Then,theProphet(a.s.)permittedtheAngelofDeathtocomeintohim.Whenhecamein,hesaid,‘OmessengerofAllah,Allahhassentmetoyouandorderedmetoobeyyouinwhateveryouordermetodo.Ifyouordermetotakeyoursoul,Ishalldo,andifyouordermetoleaveit,Ishalldo.’

TheProphet(a.s.)wasastonishedattheAngel’scourtesy.Hesaid,‘OAngelofDeath,wouldyoudothat?’

TheAngelsaid,‘Ihavebeenorderedtoobeyyouinwhateveryouordermetodo.’No one ofAllah’s prophets andmessengers had ever got such preference as ProphetMuhammad(a.s.)had.Allahhadordered theAngelofDeath toaskpermissionbeforecoming in tohimand toobeyhimineverything.

ThenGabrielcamedownsayingtotheProphet(a.s.),‘OAhmed,Allahislongingforyou.’[2]

TheProphet(a.s.)chosetobenearhisLord.HepermittedtheAngelofDeathtotakehissoul.Thetwograndsonswereterrifiedandtheythrewthemselvesontheirgrandfatherwhilecryingandsheddingtears.TheProphet(a.s.)begankissingthemandseeingthemoff.

[1]DurratulNassihin,p.66.[2]TabaqatibnSa’d,vol.2p.48.

ImamAli(a.s.)wantedtotakethemawayfromtheProphet(a.s.)whorefusedandsaidtotheImam,‘Letthemenjoymeandletmeenjoythem,fortheywillsuffercalamitiesafterme.’

Thenheturnedtohisvisitorsandsaid,‘IhaveleftamongyoutheBookofAllahandmyprogeny,myhousehold.One,wholosestheBookofAllah,islikeonewholosesmySunna,andone,wholosesmySunna, is like onewho losesmyprogeny.They (theBookofAllah and the progeny)will notseparateuntiltheyshallcometomeatthepond(intheParadise).’[1]

ThenhesaidtoImamAli(a.s.),‘Putmyheadinyourlap,forthedecreeofAllahhascome.Whenmysoulcomesout, take it and rubyour facewith it, and thendirectme toward theqibla,prepareme,offertheprayeronme,anddonotleavemeuntilyouburrymeinmygrave.SeekhelpfromAllahtheAlmighty.’

ImamAli(a.s.)puttheProphet’sheadinhislapandputhis(imamAli)handunderhis(theProphet)chin.When theAngelofDeathbeganmaking theProphet (a.s.)die, theProphet (a.s.) recitedsomeQur’anicversesuntilhisholysoullefthispurebody.ImamAlirubbedhisfacewithit.[2]

Mankindwas afflictedwith a great calamity; the leader, teacher, and educator died, and that light,

whichlittheworldwiththedivineteachings,highmorals,andnoblemanners,wentout.

Muslimswereshockedbythedisasterandtheylosttheirminds.TheProphet’swives…beganbeatingtheir chests. The women of the Ansar beat their faces and their throats were harmed because ofcrying.[3]

As for Fatima (a.s.), she fell over the pure body of her father saying, ‘O father!Omessenger ofAllah!Ofprophetofmercy!Now,therevelationdoesnotcome.Now,Gabrielceasescomingtous.OAllah,letmysouljoinhis(theProphet)soul,andhavemercyonmeby

[1]Maqtalal-Husaynbyal-Khawarizmi,vol.1p.114.[2]ManaqibAalAbiTalib,vol.1p.29.ManyhistorianshavementionedthatwhentheProphet(a.s.)died,hisheadwasinImamAli’slap.ItwasmentionedinAt-Tabaqatal-Kubra,vol.2p.51,Majma’az-Zawa’id, vol. 1 p. 293, Kanzol Ummal, vol. 4 p. 55, Thakha’ir al-Uqba, p. 94, ar-Riyadh an-Nadhira,vol.2p.219.[3]Ansabal-Ashraf,vol.1p.574.

looking at his face, and do not prevent me from his reward and intercession on the Day ofResurrection.’[1]

Thenshemournedforhimsaying,‘OFather,toGabrielImournyou!Ofather,theParadiseisyourabode!Ofather,yourespondedtotheLordWhohasinvitedyou!’

[2]Preparingtheholycorpseforburial

Imam Ali (a.s.), alone, washed (ritually) and prepared the Prophet’s corpse for burial. No oneparticipatedwithhiminthat.WhilewashingtheProphet’sbody,hesorrowfullysaid,‘MaymyfatherandmotherbesacrificedforyouOmessengerofAllah!Byyourdeath,somethinghasceasedthatithas not ceased by the death of any other than you; prophethood, revelation, and the news of theHeaven.Youhavebeenparticularuntilyousufficedawayfromanyoneotherthanyou,andyouhavebeenpopularuntil peoplewere the same inyou. If youhadnotorderedofpatience and forbiddenfromimpatience,wewouldhaveexhaustedourtearsforyou,anddiseasewouldhavelastedlong,anddistresswouldhaveenduredforever.”[3]

Al-Abbas,theProphet’suncleandUsamagaveImamAli(a.s.)waterfrombehindacurtain.[4]GoodscentcameoutoftheProphet’sbody.ImamAli(a.s.)said,‘Maymyfatherandmotherbesacrificedfor you O messenger of Allah! You are good scented alive and dead.’[5] The water, which theProphet’scorpsewaswashedwith,wasfromawellcalledal-GharsthattheProphet(a.s.)drankfrom.[6]Finishingtheritualwashing,ImamAli(a.s.)enshroudedtheholycorpseandputitonabed.

[1]Tareekhal-Khamees,vol.2p.192.[2]SiyerA’laman-Nubala’,2p.88,SunanibnMaja,vol.1p.511.[3]NahjolBalagha,vol.2p.255.[4]Wafa’ulWafa’,vol.1p.227,al-BidayehwenNihayeh,vol.5p.263.[5]At-Tabaqatal-Kubra,vol.2p.63.[6]Al-BidayehwenNihayeh,vol.5p.261.

Theprayerovertheholycorpse

The firstwhooffered theprayeron thegreat corpsewasAllah, thenGabriel, Israfel, and then theangelsgroupsbygroups.[1]ThenImamAli(a.s.)offeredtheprayeronhim.WhenMuslimscametooffer theprayeron theProphet’s corpse, ImamAli (a.s.) said to them, ‘Nooneofyou is tobe animam(intheprayer).He(theProphet)isyourimamaliveandwhendead.’

So,Muslimscamegroupbygrouptoofferthebrayerofthedeadinlineswithnoimam.ImamAli(a.s.)wasstandingbesidetheProphet’scorpseandsaying,‘Peacebeonyou,Oprophet,andAllah’smercyandblessings.OAllah,webearwitnessthathehasinformedofwhathasbeenrevealedtohim,been loyal to his nation, and struggled in theway ofAllah until Allah glorifiedHis religion andperfectedHisword.OAllah,makeusfromthosewhofollowwhathasbeenrevealedtohim,andfixus(onthat)afterhim,andgatherbetweenusandhim.’Peoplesaid,‘Amen.’[2]

ThemassesofMuslimspassedby theProphet’spurebodywhileovercomebysorrowanddistressfortheirsavior,liberator,andteacher,whohadestablishedtothemagreatcivilizationandstateandlittothemthelifeaftertheirignoranceanddeviation,died.

Theburial

Aftertheritualsofprayerontheholycorpse,ImamAli(a.s.),underthedarknessofnight,buriedthesacredbodyinthelastabode.Hestoodbesidethetombandsaid,‘Patienceisniceexceptforyou,andimpatienceisuglyexceptforyou.Thecalamityofyourdeathissogreat,anditissogreatbeforeandafteryou.’[3]

The pure progeny were so terrified after the Prophet’s death. They feared that the Arabs, andespeciallythetribeofQuraysh,mightrevolttoavengeontheProphet’sfamily,becausetheProphet(a.s.)hadkilledtheirmenforthesakeofIslam.Thetendencyofavenging

[1]HilyatulAwliya’,vol.4p.77.[2]KanzolUmmal,vol.4p.54.[3]NahjolBalagha,vol.3p.224.

wasdeep-rootedintheArabs,anditwasImamAli(a.s.)whohadkilledtheirmenandheroes,andsotheywere eager to avenge. Imamas-Sadiq (a.s.) said,‘When themessengerofAllah (a.s.) died, thefamilyofMuhammadspentthelongestnightandtheythoughtthattherewouldbenoskytoshadeandnoearthtocarrythem,becausethemessengerofAllahhadafflictedthenearandthefarforthesakeofAllah.’[1]

Anyhow,theProphet’sdeathwasthegreatestofcalamitiesthattheAhlulBayt(a.s.)faced.Itwasthebeginning of the terrible calamities that they suffered later on. We shall talk about that in thefollowingchapters.

As forFatima (a.s.), shewasvery sad for thegreat loss of her father.She elegizedhimwithverymovingpoems.Sheoftensatbythetombandexpressedherpassionsforherfather.Whatpainedhermorewas that people did not regard her as she deserved, and did not considered her kinship andpositiontothemessengerofAllah.

[1]Biharal-Anwar,vol.22p.537,Usoolal-Kafi,vol.1p.445.

20ChapterTheGreatTrial

Nowriter,whateverskilledheisindescribingtheminutesofhistoryandinanalyzingtheevents,candescribe accurately and deeply the disasters and seditions that attacked theMuslim nation after thedepartureoftheProphet(a.s.)astheQur'anhaddescribedinthisverse,(AndMuhammadisnomorethanamessenger;themessengershavealreadypassedawaybeforehim,if thenhediesoriskilledwillyouturnbackuponyourheels?AndwhoeverturnsbackuponhisheelshewillbynomeansdoharmtoAllahintheleastandAllahwillrewardthegrateful.3:144).

Since the very moment when the Prophet (a.s.) died, and he was still not buried yet, seriousdisagreementstookplacebetweenMuslimsthatresultedfromthedifferenttrendsofthepartiesthathadbeenfoundedbeforethedeathoftheProphet(a.s.).Thefollowingarethoseparties:

1.TheAlawids

TheywerethefamilyoftheProphet(a.s.)underthecommandofImamAli(a.s.)thechiefofthepureprogeny, thegateof theProphet’s townofknowledge,andthefatherofhis twograndsons.HewasAmeerulMo'mininforwhomtheProphet(a.s.)hadtakenhomageontheDayofGhadeerKhumtobethecaliphafterhim.ThebestoftheProphet’scompanionslikeAmmarbinYassir,AbuTharr,Salmanal-Farisi,andmanyothertrustworthy,religiouspeoplefollowedImamAli(a.s.).

2.ThepartyofQuraysh

ItincludedfamouscompanionslikeAbuBakr,Umar,AbuUbaydahbinal-Jarrah,andKhalidbinal-Waleed.ThispartyrepresentedtheopinionsofthepeopleofQurayshinMecca.SomeonesfromtheAnsarsuchasBasheerbinSa’dbinTha’labahal-Khazrajiandothersjoinedthisparty.Theysawthatthecaliphatewas their rightbecause theProphet (a.s.)was from them(from the tribeofQuraysh).ThesepeopledidnotattendthefuneralsoftheProphet(a.s.)andparticipatedneitherintheprayeronhimnorinhisburialbecausetheywerebusyintheconferenceofas-Saqeefa.[1]

3.ThepartyoftheAnsar

The Ansar[2] were the pillar of the armed forces in Islam which was built on their jihad andsacrifices.Theywerefromtwowings;al-Awssandal-Khazraj.

Therewereenmities,spites,andbloodshedsbetweenthesetwotribesbeforetheimmigrationoftheProphet (a.s.) to them. The last war between them was the war of Bughath six years before theProphet’s immigration to them. When the Prophet (a.s.) immigrated to them, he tried his best tospread love and peace between them, but nevertheless, spiteswere hidden in their inners and theyappearedbarefacedlyon thedayofSaqeefa.KhudhayrbinUsayd thechiefof theAwsswas fullof

grudge against Sa’d bin Ubadah when the Ansar nominated him for the caliphate. He said to hispeople,“Ifyougiveit(thecaliphate)toSa’donetime,thepreferenceshallbeforthembyitforeverandtheywillnotgiveyouashareinitatall.GetupandpayhomagetoAbuBakr…”[3]

Anyhow,thesepartieswereeffectiveafterthedeathoftheProphet(a.s.).WeshalltalkabouttheeventsthatledtothegreattrialthatbroughtMuslimseveryevilthroughouttheirhistory.

[1]Saqeefameansashed.MostoftheProphet’scompanionshadgatheredintheshedofBaniSa’idaonthatdaytochooseacaliphaftertheProphet(s)althoughtheProphet(a.s.)hadappointedImamAli(a.s.)forthispositionandannouncedthatbeforeMuslimsonmanyoccasions.

[2]TheAnsar(helpers)werethepeopleofMedinawhoreceived,believed,andassistedtheProphet(a.s.)andhiscompanionsaftertheimmigrationfromMecca.

[3]TareekhibnulAtheer,vol.2p.224.

TheConferenceofal-Saqeefa

InthehistoryofIslam,therewasnoeventmoredangerousandharmfultoIslamandMuslimsthantheconferenceofal-Saqeefa. Itwas thecornerstoneof thedeteriorationof thenationand thedisastersandcalamitiesthatMuslimssufferedandarestillsuffering.Politicalfanciesandthefanaticspiritofpartynesswerewidespreadwherepersonalinterestswerepreferredtotheinterestsofthenation.

Theconferenceofal-Saqeefawasthebeginningtothedisastersthatafflictedthenation.Thecaliphatewasturnedawayfromitslegal,deserving,well-qualifiedpeopletotheUmayyadswhowereenemiesto Islam.And fromamong thepainful events that resulted from themeetingof al-Saqeefawas thedisaster ofKerbalawhere the pure progenyof theProphet (a.s.) hadbeenkilled in an unbearable,savageway.

TheAnsarheldtheirconferenceintheSaqeefa(shed)ofbaniSa’idahimmediatelyafterthedeathoftheProphet(a.s.).TheyevendidnotwaituntiltheProphet(a.s.)wouldbeputintohislastabode.Aswethink,thereasonsbehindthatwerethefollowing:

First,theysawthepoliticalactivityoftheMuhajireen[1]toturnthecaliphateawayfromtheProphet’sfamily. TheMuhajireen refused to join the army ofUsama because they knew the purpose of theProphet (a.s.) by marching this army. It was to make Medina empty of the companions after theProphet’s death so that Imam Ali (a.s.) would assume the caliphate easily and without troubles.Therefore,theyrefusedtojoinUsamawhomtheProphet(a.s.)hadappointedaleaderoveranarmytomarchtowardsSham.UmarsaidtoUsama,‘DothemessengerofAllahdiewhileyouaretheemiroverme?!’

TheMuhajireendenied thehomage that theProphet (a.s.)had taken for ImamAli (a.s.) inGhadeerKhumtobethecaliphafterhim.Theysaid,‘Muhammadthoughtthatthismatter(thecaliphate)hadalreadybeenfulfilledforhiscousin.Howfar!Itshallnotbefulfilled.’[2]

[1]TheMuhajireen(immigrants)werethefirstMuslimswhohademigratedfromMeccatoMedina.[2]TheLifeofImamal-HusaynbinAli(a.s.),vol.1p.235.

They revealed that in their meetings and so their news reached the Ansar. They also denied thatprophethood and the caliphate would gather in one family. When the Prophet (a.s.) died, Umarannouncedbeforepeople,‘Prophethoodandthecaliphateshouldnotgatherinonehouse(family).’

Theydeniedthegatheringofprophethoodandthecaliphateinonehousewhichwasthecenteroftherevelation,wisdom,andfaith.Anditwassoastheywanted.ThecaliphatewasextortedfromtheAhlulBayt(a.s.)andturnedtobe in thehandsof theopponentsofIslam; theUmayyadsandtheAbbasidswhoruledunlikewhatAllahwilled,andwhosepalaceswerestagesfordebauchery,drinking,singing,dancing,andallsins,whereastheAhlulBayt(a.s.),whowerethecompareoftheQur'an,weretreatedcruellyandtheirheadswereraisedonthetipsofspears,andtheirwomenbecamecaptivestakenfromone country to another. It was this that Quraysh wanted in order to revenge on the Prophet (a.s.)throughhisprogeny.

Second,theAnsarwerecertainthatiftheMuhajireenseizedpower,theywouldsubjugateandoppresstheAnsarasrevenge.Al-Hubabbinal-Munthir,whowasoneofthechiefsoftheAnsar,declaredthatby saying, ‘…but we fear that those, whom we had killed their sons, fathers, and brothers, mayassumeit(thecaliphate).’[1]

Actually,thepredictionofal-Hubabcametrue.Assoonastheshortruleofthefourcaliphscametoanend,thecaliphatewasseizedbytheUmayyadswhoexaggeratedinsubjugatingandoppressingtheAnsaranddepriving themofeverything to leave theminpovertyandwretchedness.Mo’awiyawasexcessiveinrevengingonthem,andwhenhissonYazidassumedthecaliphate,hesparednoefforttooffend them.Heviolated theirproperties,bloods,andhonors in thebattleofal-Harrah thathistoryhasseldomseenaterrible,crueleventlikeit.

[1]Ibid.,p.236.

ThespeechofSa’d

WhentheAnsarmetintheSaqeefa,Sa’dbinUbadahthechiefof(thetribeof)al-Khazrajopenedtheconferencebymakingthisspeech:

“OpeopleoftheAnsar,youhavehadafavorinreligionandameritinIslamthatnooneoftheArabshas had.Muhammad (blessings ofAllah be on him and on his progeny) stayed among his peoplemorethantenyearsinvitingthemtoworshiptheBeneficentOneandrejectidolsbutjustafewpeoplebelievedinhim.Theycouldnotdefendhimorstrengthenhisreligionorwardoffawrong.ButwhenAllahwantedtofavoryou,Hesenthonortoyou,endowedyouwithblessing,andconferredonyouthefaithinHimandinHismessenger,defendinghim(theProphet)andhiscompanions,supportinghimandhisreligion,andfightingagainsthisenemies.Youwerethemoststrivingagainsthisenemiesuntil theArabs submitted to the command ofAllahwillingly and unwillingly, and the far gave insubserviently to His messenger by your swords. Allah made him (the Prophet) die while he waspleasantwithyouanddelightedforyou…youshouldclingtothismatter(thecaliphate)becauseitisyoursandnottheirs…’[1]

This speech shows the great struggle and jihad of theAnsar in supporting Islam and defending itagainstitsenemies.TheyweretheskeletonoftheIslamicarmybywhichAllahhadendowedMuslims

withvictory,andsotheywereworthieroftheProphet’ssuccessionthanothers.

Thisspeechalsodispraised thepeopleofQurayshfor fightingIslamand trying toputout its lightuntiltheProphet(a.s.)wasobligedtoemigratetoMedina.TheIslamicstatethattheProphet(a.s.)hadestablishedwasbuiltbytheAnsar ’shands,efforts,andjihad,andtherefore,theywereworthieroftheProphet(a.s.)andhisposition.

Sa’dwasblamed that he totally ignored thedisaster that afflictedMuslimsby thegreat loss of theProphet(a.s.).HepaidnoattentiontothatwhereashewouldbettercomforttheAnsarandtherestofMuslimsfor thiscalamity,andbeforeallhehad toconsole theProphet’s familywho toopainfullysufferedthisgreatloss.

[1]Tareekhat-Tabari,vol.3p.307,al-Kamilfit-Tareekh,vol.2p.222.

Sa’dwasalsoblamedfor thathe ignored,concerning thematterof thecaliphate, thepureprogenywho were the match of the Qur ’an as the Prophet (a.s.) often declared. Sa’d did not refer to theProphet’s guardian, the gate of the town of his knowledge, and the father of his two grandsonsAmeerulMo'mininImamAli(a.s.)whowasthebestofallMuslimsaftertheProphet(a.s.)atall.AndsincetheconferenceoftheSaqeefa,theProphet’sprogenybegansufferingallkindsofmisfortunesandcalamities.

Sa’dwas toowrongand toaveryfarextent inhis ignoringof therightof ImamAli (a.s.) thatwecouldnotfindanyexcuseforthat.Therefore,hereceivedtherewardtohisbaddeedthatassoonasAbuBakrassumedtherule,hebeganchasingandimposingseverewatchonhimuntilhewasobligedtoemigratefromMedinatoSham.Nevertheless,Khalidbinal-Waleed,withoneofhiscompanions,followedafter,layinwaitfor,stabbedhimwithdaggerstodeath,andthrewhisbodyintoawell.Thentheyclaimedthat thejinnhadkilledhim.It is toooddthatpoliticiansat thoseagesmadeuseofthejinntoachievetheirpoliticalpurposes,andunfortunatelythenaïveandsimplepeoplebelievedwhatthosemenclaimedthatthejinndid.

WhiletheAnsarwereinthesaqeefadiscussingthematterofthecaliphateandthenominationofSa’dasthecaliph,UwaymbinSa’idahal-AwsiandMa’nbinAdiyleftthesaqeefawithoutbeingnoticedbyanyone.TheybothwerefromthefollowersofAbuBakrandfromhisparty,andtheywerespitefulagainstSa’d.TheywentandtoldAbuBakrandUmaraboutwhatwashappeninginthesaqeefa.AbuBakrandUmaraccompaniedbyAbuUbaydabinal-Jarrah,SalimtheadherentofAbuHuthayfah,andagroupfromtheMuhajireenhurriedtotheconferenceandsurprisedtheAnsarintheirSaqeefa.TheAnsarwereastonished,andSa’dchangedcolorforhefearedthatheandhispartytheAnsarwouldlosethematter(thecaliphate)becauseheknewtheweaknessandthedisunityoftheAnsar.Andreallyitwasso.AlltheplansofSa’dcollapsedandhishopescametonothing.

ThespeechofAbuBakr

AftertheMuhajireenhadbrokenintotheconferenceoftheAnsar,UmarwantedtoopenthetalkswiththembutAbuBakraskedhimnottodobecauseheknewUmar ’sseveritythatwouldnotfitinsuchasituationthatwasfullofdifferentfancies.Leniencyandsmoothtalkshadtobeusedinordertowinthesituation;therefore,AbuBakraddressedtheAnsarsmilinglysaying,

“We,theMuhajireen,arethefirstinbeingMuslims,thehighestinlineages…andthenearesttothemessengerofAllah(a.s.),andyouareourbrethreninIslamandourparticipantsinreligion.Youhavesupportedandcomforted,mayAllahrewardyouwithgood.Wearetheemirsandyouaretheviziers.The Arabs do not submit except to this folk of Quraysh, so do not envy your brothers of theMuhajireenwhatAllahhaspreferredthemwith.Ihaveacceptedtoyou(ascaliph)oneofthesetwomen(meaningUmarbinal-KhattabandAbuUbaydah).’[1]

ThismanalsodidnotcareforthedisasterthatafflictedtheMuslimnationbythedeathofthegreatProphet.ItwouldbebetterforhimtoconsoletheMuslimsandthefamilyoftheProphet(a.s.)onthisgreatloss,butratherheignoredittotallyasSa’dhadignoreditinhisspeech.AndtheywouldbetterdelaytheconferenceuntilaftertheburialoftheProphet(a.s.),andthentheconferenceshouldbeheldpubliclysothatallclassesofthenationwouldparticipatetochoosethecaliphingeneral,democraticelections.Nothingofthathappened,andinstead,AbuBakr,inhisspeech,askedtheAnsartogiveupthecaliphateanddeliverittotheMuhajireenbecausetheywerethenearesttotheProphet(a.s.)asheclaimed.

Anyhow,whenAbuBakrbecamethecaliph,hedidnotfulfillhispromisetotheAnsartomakethemviziersinhisgovernment.Rather,theywereexiledfromallpositionsandpostsoftherule.

AbuBakralsoignoredtherightoftheProphet’sprogenywhowerethematchoftheHolyQur ’anandwhowere like theArkofNoah thatwhoeverembarkedon itwouldbesaved,andwhoever laggedbehinditwouldbedrownedastheProphet(a.s.)hadsaidaboutthem.The

[1]Tareekhat-Tabari,vol.3p.62.

MuhajireenandtheAnsarwouldbetterdefera little indeterminingthematterof thecaliphateuntiltheywould take the opinions of theAhlulBayt (a.s.) in consideration to give the caliphate a legalnatureandnottobedescribedasa“slip”asUmarhaddescribeditwhenhesaid,‘ThehomageofAbuBakrwasaslipthatAllahhasprotectedMuslimsfromitsevil.’

Sayyid Sharafuddeen al-Musawi al-Aamili says, “If it has been supposed that there was no cleartradition showing that the caliphate was to be for one of the Prophet’s family and if it has beensupposed that no one of them had good ancestry, rank, morals, knowledge, favors, jihad, faith,sincerity,orexcellentvirtue,but theywere just like the restof theProphet’scompanions, thenwasthereany legal, rational,or traditionalexcuse thatprevented thecompanionsfromputtingoff theirhomage until the funerals of the Prophet (s)would finish???Even if theywould have ordered thearmytocontrolthesituationtemporarilyuntilthematterofthecaliphatewouldbesettled???

WoulditbenotbetterforthemtobesomehowkindtotheProphet’sfamily,whoweredistressedwiththegreatloss,iftheyhadwaitedalittle?TheProphet’sfamilywashisdepositandhisleftoveramongthe Muslims. Allah has said: (Certainly a Messenger has come to you from among yourselves;grievous tohimisyourfalling intodistress,excessivelysolicitousrespectingyou; to thebelievers(heis)compassionate.9:128).

Had this Prophet, who became so grievous when his umma fell in distress, who strove for itsprosperityandwhowassokindtohispeople,nothadarightonthemthathisfamilywouldnotbeconstrainedorsurprisedwithwhatithadfacedwhilethewoundwasnotyethealedandtheProphet(s)

wasnotyetburied?!”[1]

ThereissomethingveryimportantinthespeechofAbuBakr.HeclaimedthattheMuhajireenhadtherightinthecaliphatebecausetheywerethenearestinkinshiptotheProphet(a.s.)andheignoredtheAhlulBayt(a.s.)whoweretherealkinoftheProphet(a.s.)andwhowerefromhisbloodandflesh.HowthissayingofImamAliwas,

[1]An-NasswelIjtihad,p.7.

“Theyarguedonthetreeandlostthefruit!”

ImamAliaddressedAbuBakrbysaying,

“IfyouhadtheruleoverthembytheShura,[1]

howwasthatwhiletheconsultantswereabsent?

Andifyoubykinshiparguedwiththeiropponent,

then,otherthanyouisworthieroftheProphetandnearer.”

Inoneofhisotherspeeches,ImamAli(a.s.)said,“ByAllah,Iamhisbrother(theProphet’sbrother),guardian,cousin,andtheheirofhisknowledge,andsowhoisworthierofhimthanme?”

TheclearfactisthattheMuhajireenandtheAnsarknewImamAli(a.s.)wellandwerecertainabouthisrightinthecaliphate,butthepoliticalgreedandthedesireforauthoritymadethemignorethat.ThehomagetoAbuBakr

AbuBakrwonthesituationbypraisingtheAnsarandusingtenderwordswiththem.Besides,hemadethemdesirefor theparticipation in therule.Heclaimedthathewouldentrust thevizierate to them,andbythatheremovedfromtheirmindsthethoughtthattheMuhajireenwoulddomineerthematteroftherule.HemadethemunderstandthathehadpreferredtheMuhajireentothembecausetheArabsdidnotsubmitexcepttothem.Inthisway,heconvincedthemandmadesomeofthemfollowhim.

AfterAbuBakr had finished his speech,Umarmade a speechwhere he confirmedhis friendAbuBakr ’ssituation.Umarsaid,‘Howfar!Notwoparticipateinahorn!ByAllah,theArabsdonotaccepttomakeyoutheemirsoverthemwhereastheirProphetisnotfromyou.But,theArabsdonotrefrainfromsubmitting to thoseamongwhomtheprophethood is.Wehave in this theclearproofagainstwhoeverresists.WhocandisputewithusontheauthorityandtheruleofMuhammadwhilewearehisfellowsandtribe?(Noonedoesthat)exceptonewhodeliversfalsehood,deviatesinsin,orinvolvesinperishment…’

[1]Shurameans“consultation”.

There was nothing new in Umar ’s speech except that he confirmed Abu Bakr ’s saying that theMuhajireenwereworthieroftheProphet(a.s.)becausetheywerefromhistribe.IfthisjustificationwastheevidenceonwhichtheMuhajireendependedtoprovetheirrightofthecaliphate,thenImam

Ali(a.s.)wastobethecaliphbecausehewastheclosestonetotheProphet(a.s.).

ThelogicofAbuBakrandUmarintheirspeecheswasthelooktothepositionofthecaliphateandnothingelse,whereaswhatIslamwantedbythecaliphateitwastoapplythebest,justsystemsofruleontherealstageoflife.TheybothpaidnoattentiontothatnortoitsimportancefortheProphet(a.s.).Theyjustcaredfortheauthority.

Anyhow,theprincipleofkinship,whichAbuBakrandUmarreliedon,wasbestfoundinImamAli(a.s.).Muhammadal-Kilanisays,

‘He (Umar)arguedagainst them(theAnsar)by thekinshipof theMuhajireen to theProphet (a.s.);nevertheless,thedutyofjusticedeterminesthatthecaliphateshouldbeforAlibinAbiTalibaslongasthiskinshipwasaprooftogettheProphet’sinheritance.Al-AbbaswastheclosestofpeopletotheProphet(a.s.)andhewasworthierofthecaliphate,buthecededhisrighttoAli(a.s.).Hence,Aliwastheonlyonewhohadtherightofthecaliphate.’[1]

Al-Habbab’sspeech

Al-Habbab bin al-Munthir, who was from the chiefs and leaders of the Ansar, replied to UmaraddressingtheAnsar,

‘OpeopleoftheAnsar,bedeterminedanddonotlistentothesayingsofthismanandhiscompanionsthattheymayextortyourshareinthismatter(thecaliphate).Iftheyrefusetogiveyouwhatyouaskthemfor,thenyouexilethemfromthecountryandassumetheseaffairsoverthem.ByAllah,youareworthierofthismatterthanthem,becauseitisbyyourswordsthatpeoplesubmittedtothisreligion…ifyouwant,weshallsetit(war)offbyAllah!NoonedenieswhatIsay,orIwillbreakhisnosewiththesword!’

Thisspeechwasrevolutionaryandfullof threateninganddetermination. If theAnsar responded totheirchief,theywouldnot

[1]TheInfluenceofShiismintheArabicLiterature,p.5.

sufferall thecrisesanddisasters that theirMedinafaced in theeventofal-Harrahandothereventsduring theUmayyad and theAbbasid reigns. TheUmayyads calledMedina as “al-Khabeethah; themaliciouscity”aftertheProphet(a.s.)hadcalleditas“at-Tayyibah;thegoodcity’.

Anyhow,Umar,whowasthechampionofthesituationonthatday,shoutedatal-Habbab,‘MayAllahkillyou!’

Al-HabbabrepliedtoUmar,‘ButmayHekillyou!’

AbuBakrfearedthatthesituationmightbecomplicated,andsohesaidtotheAnsarinadiplomaticway,‘ChooseUmarorAbuUbaydah!’

UmarsaidtoAbuBakrplottingly,‘Couldthisbewhileyouarealive?NoonecantakeyouawayfromyourpositionwhichthemessengerofAllahhadputyouin.’

SomewritersayscommentingonthissayingofUmar,‘WedonotknowwhenthemessengerofAllah(a.s.)hadputAbuBakrinthepositionofcaliphate.Wasthatafterhe(theProphet)haddeposedhim(AbuBakr)fromrecitingtheSuraofBara’a(9)inMecca(beforethepublic)whilehewasyetinthemiddle of theway (toMecca) and he orderedAli to recite it instead of him? The heaven did notchoosehimtorecitethisSuraasthemanytruetraditionssay.Orafterhe(theProphet)madehiminthearmyofUsamalikeanyothersoldierandmadeUsama,whowasayoungman,theleaderoverhim?WhendidtheProphet(a.s.)appointhimasachiefandanauthorityforthenation?!’

The party of Quraysh hastened to pay allegiance to Abu Bakr fearing that the situation might becomplicatedandtheymightlosetheopportunity.UmarpaidhomagetoAbuBakr,andthenBasheer,UsaydbinKhudhayr,UwaymbinSa’ida,Mi’anbinAdiy,AbuUbaydabinal-Jarrah,SalimthemawlaofAbuHuthayfa,Khalidbinal-Waleed,andothers.Thesementriedtheirbesttoforcepeopletopayhomage.Umar ’sstickplayedagoodroleinthefield.Al-Ansarwereheardsaying,‘YouhavekilledSa’d.’,‘Killhim!MayAllahkillhim.Heisamanofsedition.’[1]

Umar ’scompanionswereabouttokillSa’d.Hewasharmedtoomuch,andthenhewascarriedtohishousewhilehewasveryangry,forhishopeswerelostandhiswishesscattered.

When the homage to Abu Bakr was paid so promptly, his party carried him to the mosque in aprocessionasabridewascarriedhome.[2]

AllthatwasdonewhilethemessengerofAllah(a.s.)wasstilllaidinthebedofdeathandnotburiedyet.ImamAli(a.s.)wasbusypreparinghimforburial,andwhenheknewaboutthehomagetoAbuBakr,herecitedthisverseofpoetry:

“Somepeoplesaidastheyliked,andtransgressedwhenZaydwasafflictedbyhiscalamities.’[3]

TheopinionofthepureProphet’sprogenywascompletelyignoredinthehomageofAbuBakr,andsincethatdaytheyfacedallkindsofdisastersandmisfortunes.AllthedistressestheyfacedweretheresultoftheDayofal-Saqeefa.

The tribes ofQurayshwere delightedwith the homage ofAbuBakr.They considered that a greatvictorythatwouldfulfillalltheirhopesandwishes.Infact,Qurayshdidnotdeserveanypositioninthe state because they fought the Prophet (a.s.) since the first day of hismission, exiled him fromMecca,andweredeterminedtokillhim.Thus,QurayshhadnoanyrightintheProphet’spositionandsuccession.IftherewasnocleartextfromtheProphet(a.s.)onImamAli’scaliphate,theAnsarwouldbeworthieroftheProphet(a.s.)thanothers.

Joys and delights spread among all the tribes of Quraysh. Historians say that when the people ofMecca knew about the Prophet’s death, theywanted to announce apostasy of Islam, butwhen theyknewthatAbuBakrhadbecomethecaliph,theysubmittedandannouncedtheirpleasureanddelight.

[1]Al-Iqdal-Fareed,vol.3p.62.[2]SharhNahjolBalaghabyibnAbilHadeed,vol.6p.19.[3]Ibid.,p.14.

AbuSufyan’ssituation

AbuSufyan,ashistorianssay,opposedthecaliphateofAbuBakr.HewenttoImamAli(a.s.)incitinghimtorevoltagainstAbuBakrandpromisinghimofsupportsaying,‘IseeaclamorthatisnotputoutexceptbybloodOfamilyofAbdManaf.HowdoesAbuBakrextortyourrights?Wherearethetwodeemed-weakones?Wherearethetwooppressedones?WhereareAliandal-Abbas?Whyhasthismatter(thecaliphate)cometothelowestfamilyofQuraysh?’

ThenhesaidtoImamAli,‘StretchyourhandsothatIpledgeallegiancetoyou.ByAllah,ifyouwant,I will fill it against him (Abu Bakr) with horsemen and infantry.’ Then he recited this poetry asexemplification:

“Nothingwillkeeptolowness,exceptthetwosubjugatedthings;thecamelsandthetent-peg.Thisistiedwithitsrope,Andthisissplitbutnoonecriesforit!”

AbuSufyanwantedtoexploitthesituationtodestroytheactualruleandthenhewouldcarryouthistendencies,butImamAli(a.s.)knewthatwell.Therefore,hedidnotrespondtoAbuSufyan;rather,hescolded him saying, ‘ByAllah, you do notwant by that except sedition. ByAllah, how often youplottedagainstIslam.Weareinnoneedofyouradvice.’[1]

Abu Sufyan kept on provoking sedition and asking Imam Ali (a.s.) to dispute with Abu Bakr.Definitely,AbuSufyan’sopposition toAbuBakrwasnot realbutpretendedbywhichhewanted toplotagainstIslamanddeceiveImamAli(a.s.).Therefore,ImamAli(a.s.)turnedawayfromhimandpaidnoattentiontohisfalsesupport.

TherelationbetweenAbuBakrandAbuSufyanwastoofirm.Al-BukharimentionedthatonceAbuSufyanpassedbysomeMuslimsamongwhomtherewereAbuBakr,Salaman,Suhayb,andBilal.Oneofthemsaid,‘WouldthattheswordsofAllahhavetakenitsrightfromthisenemyofAllah!’

[1]Al-Kamilfit-Tareekh,vol.2p.220.

AbuBakrwasangryandsaid,‘DoyousaythisaboutthechiefandmasterofQuraysh?’

AbuBakrwenttotheProphet(a.s.)andtoldhimwhatthosemensaid.TheProphet(a.s.)saidtohim,‘OAbuBakr,youmightdispleasethem.Ifyoudispleasedthem,youwoulddispleaseAllah…’[1]

This event shows that the relation between Abu Bakr and Abu Sufyan was intimate. During hiscaliphate,AbuBakr triedhisbest toattractAbuSufyanandgainhissentiment.Heappointedhimagovernor on the areabetweenHijaz andNajran.[2]He, aswell, appointedhis sonYazeed a leaderoversomemilitarybattalionsandescortedhimwalkingonfootwhileYazeedwasridingonamount.Abu Bakr made all that in order to take off the garment of lowness which the Prophet (a.s.) haddressedAbuSufyanwith.Sincethatday,theUmayyadsgotimportantandtheirinfluenceincreased.

By thegovernmentofAbuBakr, thepositionof theAnsarabated littleby littleandall theirhopesweredisappointed.TheyfacedmorelownessduringthereignsofthecaliphsandthenitwascleartothemtheirgreatmistakeinignoringtherightofAmeerulMo'mininImamAli(a.s.)andthattheyhad

thrownthemselvesintoabyssesofrashness.

ImamAlirefrainsfrompledgingallegiance

ImamAli(a.s.)announcedhisdenialtoAbuBakr ’sallegianceandconsidereditasaclearaggressionagainsthim.HewasthefirstmujahidinIslam,theProphet’sbrother,andthegateofthetownofhisknowledge.Hewas to the Prophet (a.s.) aswasAaron toMoses.AbuBakr knewwell ImamAli’spositiontothecaliphate,anditwasnotthoughtthatpeoplewouldtakeitawayfromhim.

Sincethefirst,Al-Abbas,theProphet’suncle,cametoImamAli(a.s.)andsaidtohim,‘Omynephew,givemeyourhandtopledgeallegiancetoyou,andthuspeoplewillsay:theuncleofthemessengerof Allah has pledged allegiance to the cousin of the messenger of Allah, and then no two willdisagreeonyou.’

[1]Sahihal-Bukhari,vol.2p.362.[2]TheLifeofImamal-HusaynbinAli,vol.1p.253.

ImamAli(a.s.)saidtohim,‘Whoseeksthismatter(thecaliphate)otherthanus…?’[1]

Dr.TahaHusayncommentedonthissituationsaying,“Al-AbbasthoughtofthematterandsawthathisnephewwasworthierofinheritingtheauthoritybecausehewasbroughtupbytheProphet(a.s.),wasthe first inbeingaMuslim,haddonewell for Islam,excellent in allbattles and situations, and theProphet (a.s.) calledhim“brother”, until onedayUmmAymen said tohim (theProphet) jokingly:‘Youcallhimbrotherandyoumarryyourdaughtertohim?!’AndbecausetheProphet(a.s.)saidtohim,‘YouaretomeaswasAarontoMosesexceptthattherewillnoprophetafterme’,andsaidtoMuslims another day, ‘Whoever I am his guardianAli is to be his guardian’. Because of that, al-Abbascame,aftertheProphet’sdeath,tohisnephewandsaidtohim:stretchyourhandsothatIpayhomagetoyou.’”[2]

ForcingtheImamtopayhomage

ThePartyofQurayshagreedonforcingImamAli(a.s.)topayhomagetoAbuBakr.TheysentafterhimagroupofpolicemenwhosurroundedandbroughthimtoAbuBakrunwillinglyandina lowmanner.Theyshoutedathim,‘PayhomagetoAbuBakr!’

ImamAli(a.s.)replied,‘Iamworthierofthismatterthanyou.Idonotpayhomagetoyou.Rather,youarerequiredtopayhomagetome.YouhavetakenthismatterfromtheAnsarandarguedwiththembythekinshiptotheProphet(a.s.)andyoutakeitfromustheAhlulBayt(a.s.)byforce.DidyounotclaimtotheAnsarthatyouwereworthierofthismaterbecauseMuhammadwasfromyouandsotheygaveyoutheleadershipanddeliveredtoyoutheemirate?IargueagainstyoubytheverythingwhichyouarguedbyagainsttheAnsar.WeareworthierofthemessengerofAllahaliveanddead.Befairtousifyouarebelievers;otherwise,incuroppressiononyourselveswhileyouknow.’[3][1]Al-Imamahwes-Siyasah,vol.1p.4.[2]AliandhisSons,p.19.[3]TheLifeofImamal-HusaynbinAli,vol.1p.256.(216)Umarbinal-KhattabfollowedthewayofviolencetowardstheImamforhehadnoevidencetoreplywith.HesaidtoImamAli(a.s.),‘Youshallnotbeletaloneuntilyoupayhomage.’

ImamAli(a.s.)saidtohim,‘Milksomemilkthatyoushallhaveahalfofit,andsupporthim(Abu

Bakr)todaytorecompenseyoutomorrow!’

ImamAli (a.s.) exposed the secret thatmadeUmar so zealous for thehomageofAbuBakr.Umartook that strict situation towards ImamAli (a.s.) so that the caliphatewould come to him after thedeathofhisfriend.

ImamAli(a.s.)saidtoUmar,‘IneitheracceptyoursayingnordoIpayhomagetohim…’

AbuBakrfearedthatthesituationmightbecomplicated,andsohesaidtoImamAli(a.s.),‘Ifyoudonotpayhomage,Ishallnotforceyoutodo.’

AbuUbaydabinal-Jarrahsaidtotheimamdeceitfully,‘Ocousin,youareyoungandthesearetheoldmenof your people.Youhaveno experience and awareness of the affairs like theirs. I donot seeexceptthatAbuBakrismorepotentthanyouinthismatterandmoretolerantandexpertinit.Givethis matter to Abu Bakr, and if you remain alive, you will fit for this matter in your virtue,religiousness,knowledge,understanding,favor,lineage,andbeingson-in-law(totheProphet).’

This deceit moved the latent pain inside the imam who said to the Muhajireen,“O people of theMuhajireen, do not take the authority of Muhammad in the Arabs away from his house to yourhouses,anddonotkeephisfamilyawayfromhispositionandrightamongpeople.ByAllahOthepeopleoftheMuhajireen,wearetheworthiestamongallpeopleofhim(theProphet)becausewearetheAhlulBayt(a.s.)(hishousehold).Weareworthiestofthismatter(thecaliphate)thanyouforfromamongusthereisthereciteroftheBookofAllah,theawareofthereligionofAllah,theknoweroftheSunnaofthemessengerofAllah,theundertakeroftheaffairsofthesubjects,thedefenderofthemagainstmisfortunes,theequallydivideramongthem.ByAllah,heisfromamongus.Therefore,donotfollowfancythatyoumaydeviatefromthewayofAllahandbemoreawayfromthetruth…”[1]

However, the people turned a deaf ear to Imam Ali’s speech and they panted after the rule andauthority. Their previous ignorance (jahiliyyah) came back to them, as Prof. Abdul Fattah AbdulMaqsudsays,andtheycommittedagainsttheAhlulBayt(a.s.)allwhatAllahhadprohibited.

21ChapterTheattackonImamAli’shouse

Mostofhistoriansandnarratorshavementionedthecompanions’attackonImamAliandFatima’shousewhichwas sacred to the Prophet (a.s.)who stopped everyday for sixmonth at its door andrecitedthisQur ’anicverse,(Allahonlydesirestokeepawaytheuncleannessfromyou,OpeopleoftheHouse,andtopurifyyoua(thorough)purifying.33:33).

UmarandsomeothercompanionsattackedFatimaandAli’shouseandthreatenedofsettingfiretoit.Thefollowingarethenarrationsofthehistorianswhohavementionedthisfact:

Al-Balathiri

Al-Balathirimentioned thatAbuBakrsent for ImamAli topayhomage tohimbut ImamAli (a.s.)refusedtopayhomage.Therefore,Umarcamewithawick.Fatima(a.s.)methimatthedoorandsaidtohim,‘Shallyousetfiretomydoor?’

Hesaid,‘Yes,andthisisstrongerthanwhatyourfatherhadbrought.’[2]

At-Tabari

Hementioned:“UmarcametoAli’shousewhereintherewereTalha,az-Zubayr,andsomemenfromtheMuhajireen,andsaidtothem,‘ByAllah,Iwillburn(thehouse)overyouoryoucomeouttothehomage.’ Az-Zubayr went out drawing his sword, but he stumbled and fell to the ground and theswordfellfromhishand.They(Umarandhisfellows)jumpedonandtookhim.”[3]

[1]Al-Imamawes-Siyasa,vol.1p.11-12.[2]Ansabal-Ashraf,vol.1p.586.[3]Tareekhat-Tabari,vol.3p.198.

IbnAbdRabbih

Hesaid:“ThosewhodidnotpayhomagetoAbuBakrwereAli,al-Abbas,az-Zubayr,andSa’dbinUbada.AsforAli,al-Abbas,andaz-Zabayr,theyremainedinFatima’shouseuntilAbuBakrsenttothemUmarbinal-KhattabtomakethemgetoutofFatima’shouse.Hesaidtohim,‘Iftheyrefuse,youshouldfightthem.’Umarcamewithatorchintendingtosetfiretothehouse.Fatima(a.s.)methimandsaid,‘Oibnal-Khattab,haveyoucometoburnourhouse?’Hesaid,‘Yes,oryouenterintowhatthenationhasenteredinto.’[1]

IbnAbilHadeed

He said, ‘Umar came to Fatima’s house with some men from the Ansar and a few from theMuhajireenandsaid,‘IswearbyWhominWhosehandUmar ’ssoulis,eitheryoucomeoutforthehomageorIwillburnthehouseoveryou.’[2]

Ash-Shahristani

Ash-Shahristanimentionedfroman-NidhamthatUmarwasshouting:‘Setfiretoher(Fatima)housewithallthoseinit.’TherewerenobutAli,Fatima,al-Hasan,andal-Husayninsidethehouse.[3]

Kahhala

UmarRedhaKahhalasaid,“AbuBakrfoundthatsomemenhaddefaultedhishomagelikeal-Abbas,az-Zubayr,andSa’dbinUbada.TheywerewithAlibinAbiTalibinFatima’shouse.AbuBakrsenttothemUmarbinal-KhattabwhocalledouttothemwhiletheywereinsideFatima’shouse.Theyrefusedto come out. Umar ordered firewood to be brought. He said, ‘I swear byWhom inWhose handUmar’ssoulis,eitheryoucomeout(forthehomage)orIwillsetfiretoit(thehouse)overallthoseinit.’

Itwassaidtohim,‘OAbuHafs,[4]Fatimaisthere.’Hesaid,‘Eventhough!’”[5]

[1]Al-Iqdal-Fareed,vol.5p.12.[2]SharhNahjolBalaghabyIbnAbilHadeed,vol.1p.124.[3]Al-Milalwen-Nihal,vol.1p.56.[4]Umar’ssurname.[5]A’laman-Nisa’,vol.4p.114.

Al-Mas’oodi

Hementionedthatal-AbbaswenttoAmeerulMo'minin(ImamAli)whenthemessengerofAllah(a.s.)died. Ameerul Mo'minin and some men of his followers remained in his house with what themessengerofAllahhadentrustedhim.People (AbuBakr ’smen)attackedhishouse, set fire to thedoor,andtookhimoutbyforce.TheypressedthePrincipalofWomenbehindthedoor.[1]

ThefactoftheirdeterminationtosetfiretoImamAliandFatima’shouseiscertainandhasnowayfordoubt.

HafidhIbrahim,thePoetoftheNile,says,“AndasayingtoAlithatUmarsaid;hownobleitshearerisandhowgreatitssayeris:‘Iburnyourhouseandleaveyoualivenotinit,Ifyoudonotpayhomage,thoughthedaughterofal-Mustafaistherein.’NonebutAbuHafswasitssayerbeforetheKnightofAdnananditsGuard.”[2]

AbuBakr ’spartyactedveryseverelyandviolentlyjusttofirmtheruleforthemselves.Theyignoredthesacrednessofthehousewhichtheyattacked.Itwasthehouseoftherevelationandprophethood.ItwasthehousewherefromtheWordofMonotheismwasraised.Theypaidattentiontonothingofthat.

TheyannouncedtheirmottosagainstthepropheticfamilysincethefirstmomentaftertheProphet’sdeath.Umarsaid,‘Prophethoodandcaliphateshouldnotgatherinthesamehouse.’

TheytriedtoburnthehouseofthedaughterofthemessengerofAllah(a.s.)forthesakeofruleandauthority.Thisfactwasprovedbytheveryloversoftheruleandauthoritywhotrodoneverythinginthewayoffulfillingtheirdesires.

AbuBakr regretted toomuchwhat he committed against the house of Fatima, the Principal of allWomenoftheWorlds.Hesaidinhislastillness,‘IdonotregretanythinginthisworldexceptthreethingsI

[1]Ithbatal-Wasiyya,p.123.[2]DivanofHafidhIbrahim,vol.1p.75.

havedonethatIwishedIhadnotdone…IwishedIhadnotexposedanythinginFatima’shouse…’[1]

Onceanother,hesaid,‘IregretnothingexceptthreethingsthatIwishedIhadnotdone;IwishedIhadnotexposedFatima’shouseandleftitaloneevenifitwasclosedonwar.’[2]

TheattackonFatima’shousemadeAbuBakrupsetanduneasyfeelingregretandsorrowatthelastmomentofhislife.2.TheaggressionagainstFatima(a.s.)

AnothercertainfactisthatAbuBakr ’smenaggressedagainstFatima(a.s.)becauseshestoodfirmlyagainstthem.Shetriedherbesttorefutetheirplotsandtaketherightbacktoitspeople.ShehadselfimmunityforshewasthedaughterofthemessengerofAllah(a.s.)andtheprincipalofthewomenoftheworld.However,thosemendidpaynoattentiontoallthatandtheyinsistedoncarryingouttheirpolicywhateverthecostmightbe.Theyturnedtheirbackstothetruth.

InconsequenceofthatflagrantaggressionagainstthedaughterofthemessengerofAllah(a.s.),shemiscarriedherchildthattheProphet(a.s.)hadnamedal-Muhsin.Here,wequotesomehistorictextswithoutcommentingonthem:

Ash-Shahristani

Ash-ShahristaninarratedfromIbrahimbinSayyarthatUmarbeatFatimauntilsheabortedherfetus.Hewasshouting,‘Setfiretoherhousewithwhomeverinit!’[3]

IbnHajar

IbnHajar al-Asqalani said in the biography ofAhmed binMuhammad bin as-Sariy binYahya binDarim Abu Bakr al-Kufi, ‘Muhammad bin Ahmed al-Kufi was reliable most of his life…Once, Ivisitedhimwhiletherewasamannarratingtohim:‘UmarkickedFatimauntilsheaborted(herfetus)Muhsin.’[4]

[1]Tareekhat-Tabari,vol.2p.619,Mizanal-I’tidal,vol.2p.215,KanzolIrfan,vol.5p.631.[2]Lisanal-Mizan,vol.4p.189.[3]Al-Milalwen-Nihal,vol.1p.57.

[4]Lisanal-Mizan,vol.1p.268.

Al-Mas’oodi

Hesaid,‘TheypressedtheprincipalofwomenagainstthedooruntilshemiscarriedMuhsin.’[1]

Ath-Thahabi

Hementioneda traditionnarratedfromMuhammadbinAhmedbinHammadal-Kufi…thathesaid,‘Oneday,IvisitedhimwhiletherewassomemannarratingtohimthatUmarkickedFatimauntilshemiscarriedMuhsin.’[2]

IbnQutayba

IbnQutaybasaid,‘MuhsinwasabortedafterthepressureofQunfudhal-Adawi.’[3]

As-Safadi

HesaidthatUmarbeatFatima’sabdomenonthedayofthehomageuntilshemiscarriedal-Muhsin.[4]

At-Tabari

Hesaid,‘Thecauseofher(Fatima)deathwasthatQunfudh,themawlaoftheman(AbuBakr),thrustherwiththeironpartofthesheathofhisswordbyhis(Umar)orderandshemiscarriedMuhsin,andbecauseofthatshebecamebadlyill.’[5]

At-Tabrisi

Hementioned theprotestof Imamal-Hasan(a.s.)againstagroupof theenemiesof theAhlulBayt(a.s.)amongwhomtherewasal-MugheerabinShu’batowhomImamal-Hasan(a.s.)said,‘AsforyouOMugheera,youareanenemytoAllah,adesertertoHisBook,andunbelievinginHisprophet.Youareanadultererandyoumustbestoned.It isyouwhohitFatimathedaughterof themessengerofAllah (a.s.) and made her bleed and she miscarried what there was in her abdomen out of yourbelittlingthemessengerofAllah,opposinghisorders,andviolatinghishonor.Themessenger

[1]Ithbatal-Wasiyya,p.143.[2]Mizanal-I’tidal,vol.1p.139.[3]ManaqibAalAbiTalib,vol.3p.133.[4]Al-Wafibil-Wafiyyaat,vol.5p.347.[5]Dala’ilal-Imama,p.134,andquotedinBiharal-Anwar,vol.43p.170.ofAllah(a.s.)hadsaidtoher,‘OFatima,youaretheprincipalofthewomenoftheParadise.’’[1]

Al-Majlisi

Sheikhal-MajlisiquotedfromIrshadal-QulubthatFatima(a.s.)said,‘UmartookthewhipfromQunfudh’shandandstrokewithitmyupperarmandthewhipwoundonmyarmanditwaslikearing.ThenhekickedthedoorwithhisfootagainstmeandIwaspregnant.Ifellonmyfacetothe

ground.Hehitmewithhishandandmyearringscattered.Andthen,ImiscarriedMuhsinthatwaskilledwithnoguilt.’[2]

TheseweresomeofthesourcesthathavementionedtheeventoftheaggressionagainstFatima(a.s.).AlltheShiabelieveinthisfactastrue,andtherearemanytraditionstransmittedfromtheInfallibleImams(a.s.)aboutthisevent.However,theseeventsshowthatthosepeoplewerereadytocommitanythingforthesakeofruleandauthority.

3.AbrogatingtheKhums

OneoftheoppressiveproceduresthatAbuBakrtookagainsttheProphet’sprogenywasthatheabrogatedthekhums[3]whichhadbeendeterminedbyAllahfortheAhlulBayt(a.s.)asmentionedintheHolyQur ’an,(Andknowthatwhateverthingyougain,afifthofitisforAllahandfortheMessengerandforthenearofkinandtheorphansandtheneedyandthewayfarer,ifyoubelieveinAllah.8:41).

MuslimshaveagreedonthattheProphet(a.s.)tookasharefromthekhumsforhimselfandgaveanothersharetohisrelatives.Hekeptondoingsountilhelefttothebetterworld.WhenAbuBakrassumedthecaliphate,heabrogatedtheProphet’sshareandtheshareofhisrelatives.HepreventedtheHashemitesfromthekhumsandtreatedthemlikeothers.[4]

[1]Al-Ihtijaj,vol.1p.401.[2]Biharal-Anwar,vol.30p.348-34-9.[3]Khumsisonefifthofone’sgainsandincomethatmustbegiventotheimamorhisdeputy.[4]Tafsiral-Kashshaf,vol.2p.221ininterpretingtheverseofkhums.Fatima(a.s.)senttoAbuBakraskinghimtopayherwhathadremainedfromthekhumsofKhaybar,butherefusedtopayheranything.[1]

PovertyattackedthehouseoftheHashemitesaftertheyhadbeenpreventedfromtheirrightsthatAllahhaddeterminedforthem.ThereasonbehindthatwastomakeImamAli(a.s.)weakandunabletostandagainstAbuBakr.Thiswasakindofblockadethatnowadayssomecountriesimposeontheiropponents.

4.ConfiscationofFadak

AndfromthesevereproceduresthatAbuBakrfollowedagainstFatima(a.s.)washisconfiscatingofFadaktothepublictreasury.

FadakwasavillageinHijazabouttwoorthreedays(oftravel)fromMedina.[2]ItbelongedtotheJewsandwasneartoKhaybar.[3]

AsforitsboundariestotheInfallibleImams,FadakcomprehendedalltheregionsoftheMuslimworld.HistorianshavementionedthatonceHarunar-Rasheed(theAbbasidcaliph)saidtoImamMusabinJa’faral-Kadhim(a.s.),‘IliketogiveFadakbacktoyou.’

ImamMusaal-Kadhim(a.s.)said,‘Idonottakeitexceptwithallitslimits.’

Thecaliphsaid,‘Whatareitslimits?’

TheImamsaid,‘IfIdefineit,youmaynotgiveitback.’

Thecaliphsaid,‘Iadjureyoubyyourgrandfathertodo.’

TheImamsaid,‘ItsfirstlimitisAden.’Thecaliphchangedcolor.

TheImamadded,‘ThesecondlimitisSamarqand.’Thecaliphwasastonished.TheImamadded,‘ThethirdlimitisAfrica,andthefourthisaftertheislandsandArmenia.’Harunar-Rasheedlosthismindandhesaid,‘Hedidnotleaveanythingforus.’[4]

[1]Sahihal-Bukhari,vol.3p.36,SahihMuslim,vol.2p.72.[2]Mu’jamal-Buldan,vol.4p.238.[3]Majma’al-Bahrain,vol.5p.283.[4]ManaqibAalAbiTalib,vol.4p.320.

TheMuslimstatethathadcoveredmostoftheworldwasfortheimamsoftheAhlulBayt(a.s.)butitwastakenfromthembyforceandtheUmayyadandtheAbbasidkingsovercomeitwithnoright.

FadakwasnotconqueredbytheMuslimarmies,butitwasfromthatwhichAllahhadgrantedtoHisprophetbypeacemakingintheseventhyearofhijra;therefore,itwascompletelytheProphet’sproperty.

WhentheMuslimsconqueredthefortsofKhaybar,AllahthrewfearandterrorintotheJews’heartsandtheyhurriedtomakepeacewiththemessengerofAllahonconditionthattheywouldgivehimthehalfoftheirlands.Thus,FadakbecametheProphet’sproperty.

WhenFadakwasintheProphet’spossession,thisversewasrevealedtohim,(Andgivetothenearofkinhisdue.17:26).Manyrecurrent,truetraditionsweretransmittedconfirmingthattheProphet(a.s.)hadsentforFatima(a.s.)anddonatedherwithFadakandal-Awalisayingtoher,‘ThisisasharethatAllahhasdeterminedforyouandforyourprogeny.’[1]

Fatima(a.s.)actedinFadakasanownertoherproperty.TheAhlulBayt(a.s.)hadnosourceofincomeexceptFadakasAmeerulMo'mininsaid,‘OnlyFadakwasinourhandsfromallwhattheskyshaded.’AftertheProphet’sdeath,AbuBakrconfiscatedFadaktothepublictreasury.ThereasonbehindthatwastoweakenImamAli(a.s.)economicallyandparalyzetheoppositionistmovementagainstAbuBakr.

IbnAbilHadeedsays,‘Oneday,IaskedAlibinal-Fariqi,theteacherofthewesternschoolinBaghdad:WasFatimatrue?

Hesaid:Yes.

Isaid:Thenwhydidhe(AbuBakr)notgiveherFadakwhereasshewastruenearhim?

Hesmiledandsaidsomepleasantwords:IfhegaveherFadaktodayjustforherclaim,shewould

cometohimtomorrowclaimingthecaliphateforherhusbandandwouldmovehimfromhisplaceandhe

[1]Shawahidat-Tanzil,vol.1p.441,ad-Durral-Manthur,vol.2p.151,KanzolUmmal,vol.2p.158,Roohal-Ma’ani,vol.5p.58.

couldnotapologizeoragreeaboutanythingbecausehewouldconfirmthatshewastrueinwhateversheclaimedwithoutaneedforevidencesorwitnesses”.[1]

Anyhow,thegovernmentsthatfollowedAbuBakrandUmardidwithFadakduetotheirfancies.UthmanbinAffandonatedFadaktoMarwanbinal-HakamandthatwasoneofthereasonsoftherevoltagainstUthmanashistorianssay.[2]AfterMarwan’sdeath,hisdescendantsinheriteditonefromtheotheruntilUmarbinAbdulAzizassumedtheruleandhetookitfromthemandreturneditascharity.[3]

FatimaasksforFadak

AfterAbuBakrhadconfiscatedFadak,Fatima(a.s.)askedhimtogiveitbacktoher.HistorianssaythatAbuBakraskedFatima(a.s.)tobringhimwitnessesthattheProphet(a.s.)haddonatedFadaktoherandshedid.ThewitnesseswereImamAli(a.s.)andUmmAymenaboutwhomtheProphet(a.s.)saidshewasfromthepeopleoftheParadise.AbuBakrwroteabooktogiveFadakbacktoFatima(a.s.),butUmartookthebook,spatonit,andtoreitintopieces.[4]

ItwasmentionedthatAbuBakrregardedneitherthewitnessofImamAli(a.s.)norUmmAymen’s.Hesaid:‘Alipullsthefiretowardhisloaf,andUmmAymenisanon-ArabwomanthatshedoesnotspeakgoodArabic.’

Anyhow,theShiatheologianscommentedonthiseventwithmanypointswhichwementionsomeofhere:

1.AbuBakraskedFatima(a.s.)toprovethattheProphethaddonatedFadaktoherthoughFadakwasinherpossession,whiletheonewhoshouldhaveaproofwastheclaimer(AbuBakr),andashehadnoproofhehadtotakeanoathonhisclaimaccordingtothefamousrule“evidenceisrequiredfromaclaimerandoathfromadenier”.

[1]SharhNahjolBalaghabyIbnAbilHadeed,vol.1p.198.[2]Al-Iqdal-Fareed,vol.4p.283.[3]TareekhAbulFida’,vol.1p.168.[4]Al-Ihtijaj,vol.1p.122,as-Seeraal-Halabiyya,vol.3p.362.

2.AbuBakrignoredthepositionofthedaughterofthemessengerofAllahwhowastheprincipalofthewomenofthenationandtheworldsandthatAllahwouldbepleasedforherpleasureanddispleasedforherdispleasureastheProphet(a.s.)oftensaid.ShewasoneofthosewhomAllahhadimposedthelovetothemonthenationwhensaying,(Say:Idonotaskofyouanyrewardforitbutloveformynearrelatives.42:23)andshewasoneofthosewhomAllahhadpurifiedandkeptuncleannessawayfromthemwhensaying,(Allahonlydesirestokeepawaytheuncleannessfromyou,OpeopleoftheHouse,andtopurifyyoua(thorough)purifying.33:33),andshewasoneof

thosewhomtheProphet(a.s.)disputedbythemwiththeChristiansofNajranwhereAllahhadsaid,(Butwhoeverdisputeswithyouinthismatterafterwhathascometoyouofknowledge,thensay:Comeletuscalloursonsandyoursonsandourwomenandyourwomenandourselvesandyourselves,thenletusbeearnestinprayer,andprayforthecurseofAllahontheliars.3:61),andshewasfromtherighteouswhomAllahhadsaidabout,(Surelytherighteousshalldrinkofacuptheadmixtureofwhichiscamphor.76:5).AllthatrequiredAbuBakrtodefinitelybelieveFatima’sclaim.

However,AbuBakrseizedFadakandjoinedittothepropertiesofthestatewhichmadeFatima(a.s.)losetheonlysourceoflivingforherandherchildren.WeareAllah’sandtoHimweshallreturn!

ImamAli(a.s.)askedthe(Prophet’s)companionstosupporthimandtotakehisrightbacktohim.HistorianssaythatImamAli(a.s.)tookFatima,al-Hasan,andal-Husayn(peacebeonthem)onamountandwenttothecompanionsaskingthemforhelp.Fatima(a.s.)askedthecompanionstosupportherhusband,buttheyapologizedandsaid,‘WehavealreadypaidhomagetoAbuBakr,andifyourcousin(ImamAli)cametousbeforehim,wewouldnotpayhomagetootherthanhim.’[1]

Howflimsyjustificationitwas!TheywerecertainlyresponsibleforthatbecauseImamAli(a.s.)wasbusypreparingtheProphet(a.s.)forburial.HecouldnotleavetheProphet(a.s.)laidonthebedofdeathandgotopeoplewhoseizedtheopportunitytoappropriatetherule.

[1]Al-Imamawes-Siyasa,vol.1p.16.

22ChapterTheImmortal,HistoricSermonofFatima

Fatima(a.s.)couldbearnomore,forthesevereproceduresofAbuBakragainstherwereveryhardandpainful.Therefore,shedecidedtoannounceherproofsandblockanywaythatAbuBakrmightfollowtojustifyhispolicy.ShemadeastrikingspeechintheMosqueoftheProphetwhereshedottedthei’sandcrossedthet’s.SheprovedherselftobethegreatestwomanthatAllahhadevercreatedintheearthwiththeuniquetalents,geniuses,wisdom,andeloquenceshehad.

Duetothegreatimportanceofthissermon,theAhlulBayt(a.s.)forcedtheirchildrentomemorizeitastheyforcedthemtomemorizetheHolyQur ’an.

I think I donot knowa lady in this age (nineteenyears) that couldmake such a speechwhich anyexpertoratorintheworldcannotmakelike.Butthisisnotstrangefortheremainderofprophethoodandtheessenceofknowledgeandwisdomthatherfatherhadfedherwithhisknowledgeandinjectedwith his mental and psychological characteristics until she became as a true copy of him. Manytraditionshaveconfirmedthisfact.

Fatima’ssermonwasanoverwhelmingrevoltagainstthegovernmentofAbuBakrwhereshetriedtooverthrow the thrones of his state and blow up the pillars of his rule. However, AbuBakr could,throughhisdiplomaticabilities,quellthisrevolt,asweshalldetaillateron.

Historians described the going ofFatima (a.s.) to themosque of her father that…shebecameveryangry…she put on her veil and gown and came, with her maids and some of her fellow-womenwalkingexactly likeher father ’sgait, toAbuBakr,whowas in themosqueamongacrowdof theMuhajireen,theAnsarandothers.Acurtainwasputbetweenherandthepeople.Shemoanedinawaythat all the people began to cry and the meeting shook. She waited until they stopped crying andbecame quiet. She began her speech with praising Allah and then her eloquence streamed…Shesaid,“PraisebetoAllahforthatwhichHebestowed(uponus),andthanksbetoHimforallthatwhichHe inspired, and tribute be to Him for that which He provided; from prevalent favors which Hecreated,andabundantbenefactionswhichHeofferedandperfectgrantswhichHepresented;thattheirnumber is much too plentiful to compute, and too vast to measure; their limit was too distant torealize.Herecommendedtothem(Hiscreatures)togainmore(ofHisbounties)bybeinggratefulfortheir continuity. He ordained Himself praiseworthy by giving generously to His creatures, andpromised,throughsupplicatingHim,togivemorelikethem.

IbearwitnessthatthereisnoGodbutAllahWhoisOnewithoutpartner;astatementwhichsinceredevotionismadetobeitsinterpretation,putintoheartsitscontinuation,andilluminatedinthemindsitssensibility.HeWhocannotbeperceivedwithvision,neitherbedescribedwithtongues,norcanimaginationsurroundHisform.

He originated things but not from anything that existed before them, and created them withoutexamplestofollow.HecreatedthemwithHismightanddispersedthemaccordingtoHiswill;notforaneeddidHecreatethem,norforabenefitforHimdidHeshapethem,buttoestablishHiswisdom,bringattentiontoHisobedience,manifestHismight,leadHiscreaturestohumblyvenerateHim,andto exalt His decrees. He then made the reward for His obedience, and punishment for hisdisobedience,soastoprotectHiscreaturesfromHiswrathandamassthemintoHisParadise.

I toobearwitness thatmy father,Muhammad, isHis slave andmessenger,whomHechosebeforesendinghim,namedhimbeforecreatinghim,andpreferredhimbymissioninghim;whencreatureswere still concealed in theunseen,guarded from thatwhichwasappalling, andassociatedwith theterminationandnonexistence.ForAllah theExaltedknew thatwhichwas to follow,comprehendedthatwhichwillcometopass, and realized the place of every event.Allah has sent him (Muhammad) as perfection forHiscommands,aresolutiontoaccomplishHisrule,andanimplementationofHisdecrees.Sohefoundthenationstovaryintheirfaiths,obsessedbytheirfires,worshippingtheiridols,anddenyingAllahdespite their knowledge of Him. Therefore, Allah illuminated their darkness with my father,Muhammad, uncovered obscurity from their hearts, and cleared the clouds from their insights.Herevealed guidance among the people; So he delivered them from being led astray, led them awayfrommisguidance,guidedthemtotheproperreligion,andcalledthemtothestraightpath.

Allahthenchosetorecallhimbackinmercy,loveandpreference.So,Muhammadisincomfortfromtheburdenofthisworld,heissurroundedwithdevotedangels,thesatisfactionoftheMercifulLord,andthenearnessofthePowerfulKing.

MaytheblessingofAllahbeuponmyfather,HisProphet,trustedonewiththerevelation,thechoicefromamongHiscreatures,andHissincerefriend,andmaythepeaceandblessingsofAllahbeuponhim.”

Fatima(a.s.)keptonherspeechsaying,“YouareAllah'sslavesatHiscommandandprohibition.YouarethebearersofHisreligionandrevelation.YouareAllah'strustedoneswithyourselves,andHismessengerstothenations.AmongyouHehasaright;acovenantHebroughtuntoyou,andanheirHeleftoveryou.ThatistheeloquentBookofAllah,thetruthfulQur ’an,thebrilliantlight,andtheshining beam; its insights are clear, its secrets are revealed, its indications are manifest, and itsfollowersareblessedbyit.Itleadsitsadherentstobliss,andlisteningtoitleadstosalvation.Withitare the bright divine authorities achieved, His manifest determination acquired, His prohibiteddecrees avoided, His manifest evidence recognized, His satisfying proofs made apparent, Hispermissionsgranted,andHiswrittenlawsareachieved.

SoAllahmadefaithtobepurificationforyoufrompolytheism.

HemadePrayeranexaltationforyoufromconceit,zakatapurificationforthesoulanda(causeof)growth in subsistence, fasting an implantation of devotion, pilgrimage a construction of religion,justiceaharmonyof thehearts,obeyingus (Ahlul-Bayt)managementof thenation,our leadershipsafeguard from disunity, jihad (struggle) a strengthening of Islam, patience a helping course fordeserving divine reward, enjoining the good welfare for the public, kindness to the parents asafeguardfromwrath,maintainingkinshipacausefora longerlifeandmultiplyingthenumberofdescendants,retaliationforsparingblood,fulfillmentofvowsdeservingofforgiveness,completion

ofweightsandmeasurespreventingfromignoringothers’rights,forbiddanceofdrinkingwinesanexaltationfromatrocity,avoidingslanderaveilfromcurse,abandoningtheftareasonfordeservingchastity.

AllahhasalsoprohibitedpolytheismsothatonecandevotehimselftoHisLordship.Therefore;FearAllahasHeshouldbefeared,anddienotexceptthatyouareMuslims.

ObeyAllahinthatwhichHehascommandedyoutodoandthatwhichHehasforbiddenyoufrom,forsurelywhofearAllahamongHisservants,arethosewhohaveknowledge.”

Fatima(a.s.)thenadded:

“O People! Be informed that I am Fatima, andmy father isMuhammad. I say that repeatedly andinitiateitcontinually.IsaynotwhatIsaymistakenly,nordoIdowhatIdoaimlessly.

NowhathcomeuntoyouanApostlefromamongstyourselves.Itgrieveshimthatyoushouldperish;ardentlyanxiousisheoveryou,tothebelieversheismostkindandmerciful.Thus,ifyouidentifyandrecognizehim,youshallrealizethatheismyfatherandnotthefatherofanyofyourwomen;thebrotherofmycousin(Ali)rather thananyofyourmen.Whatanexcellentassistant tohimhewas,maythepeaceandblessingsofAllahbeuponhimandhisprogeny.Thus,hepropagatedtheMessage,byannouncingopenlywiththewarning,andincliningawayfromthepathofthepolytheists,strikingtheir middles and seizing their throats, inviting to the way of his Lord with wisdom and goodpreaching. He destroyed the idols, and broke the heads until their gathering fled and turned theirbacks,untilthenightrevealeditsmorning,thetruthappearedwithitsgenuineness,theleaderofthereligionspokeout,andthediscordsofdevilsweresilenced,thestuffofhypocrisywasperished,theknotsofinfidelityanddesertionwereuntied.Soyouspokethewordofdevotionamongagroupofthewhitestarvingones(theAhlulBayt).

Youwereonthebrinkofapitoffire,(youwere)thedrinkofthethirstyone,theopportunityofthedesiringone, thefirebrandofahastypasser, the foothold,[1]youused todrinkfromtherainwater(gatheredon roadsand inwhichanimalsurinate), eatanimal skin.Youwere lowanddespisedandalwaysinfearlestmenaroundshouldextirpateyou,but,AllahtheAlmightyrescuedyouthroughmyfather,Muhammad(peacebeonhimandonhisprogeny)afterthemuchsufferinghefaced,andafterhewasconfrontedbymightymen,theArabbeasts,andtheinsolent,mutinousmenofthepeopleoftheBook (theJews).Whenever they ignited the fireofwar,Allahextinguished it, andwhenever thethorn of the devil appeared (the Satan’s followers revolted), or amouth of the polytheists openedwideindefiance,hewouldsendhisbrother(Ali)intoitsflames,whodidnotcomebackuntilhetroditsheadwiththesoleofhisfoot,andextinguisheditsflameswithhissword.He(Ali)tiredhimselfforthesakeofAllah,andoverworkedtofulfillthecommandofAllah,neartotheMessengerofAllah,amaster among Allah’s devotees, sincere in his advice, earnest and exerting himself (for Islam),payingnoattention,inthewayofAllah,toanyblame,whileyouwereatease,luxury,andfeelingsafeinyourcomfortablelives,waitingforustomeetdisasters,awaitingthespreadofournews,andyoufellbackduringbattles,andranawayattimesoffighting.AndwhenAllahchoseforHisProphettheabodeofHisprophets,andtheresidenceofHischoices,therageofhypocrisyappearedon

[1]ShewantedtosaythattheyweresolowandsubservientandthattheywereasareadybitefortheRomans,thePersiansandsomeoftheArabtribes.

you, thegarmentoffaithbecamewornout, thesilentoneof thedeviantsspokeout, thesluggishignorantcametothetopandbrayed,thecamelofthefalsifierswiggledhistailinyourcourtyards,and the Satan put his head out of his socket crying out to, and he found you responsive to hisinvitation, and observing his deceits, then he aroused you and found you quick (in responding tohim),andinvitedyoutoangerandfoundyouangry(tohisanger);therefore,youbrandedotherthanyour camels and proceeded to other than your drinking places. You did so and the age (of theProphet)was still recent, thewoundwas stillwide andnotyethealed, and theProphetwasnotyetburied.Didyousoquicklyclaimthefearofsedition?Surelyintoseditionhavetheyalreadytumbleddown,andmostsurelyhellencompassestheunbelievers.

HowfartoYou,whatisthematterwithyou,andwhatafalsehood!Allah’sBookisstillamongyou,its affairs are clear, its rules are manifest, its signs are bright, its restrictions are visible, and itscommandsareevident.Yet,indeedyouhavethrownitbehindyourbacks!Doyouwanttoturnawayfrom it? Or according to something else you want to rule? Evil would be the exchange for thewrongdoers!AndifanyonedesiresareligionotherthanIslam,itwillneverbeacceptedfromhim,andinthehereafter,hewillbeintheranksofthosewhohavelost.Thenyouhavenotwaiteduntilitsrushwouldcalmdown,and itbecameobedient.You thenbeganarousing its flames, instigating itsbrand,respondingtothecallofthemisguidingSatan,puttingoutthelightsofthemanifestreligion,andannullingtheSunnaofthesincereProphet.Youconcealsipsonfoamandmarchtowardshis(theProphet) familyandchildren in thicketsandforests,butwearepatientwithyouas ifwearebeingnickedwithdaggersandstungbyspearheads inourabdomens,andnowyouclaimthat there isnoinheritance forus! Is it then the judgmentof (the timesof) ignorance that theydesire?Andwho isbetterthanAllahtojudgeforapeoplewhoaresure?Doyounotknow?Yes,indeeditisobvioustoyoulikethesunoftheforenoonthatIamhisdaughter.

OMuslims!Ismyinheritanceusurped?OsonofAbuQuhafa,isitintheBookofAllahthatyouinherit your father and I donot inheritmy father?Surelyyouhavedone a strange thing!Didyouintendedly desert the Book of Allah and turned your back on it? Allah said: (And Sulaiman wasDawood's heir. 27:16) and said about Yahya bin Zachariah: (Grantme from Thyself an heir, whoshouldinheritmeandinheritfromthechildrenofYaqoub.19:5-6)andsaid:(AndthepossessorsofrelationshipsarenearertoeachotherintheordinanceofAllah.8:75),andHesaid:(Allahenjoinsyouconcerningyourchildren:Themaleshallhavetheequaloftheportionoftwofemales.4:11),andHesaid:(Bequestisprescribedforyouwhendeathapproachesoneofyou,ifheleavesbehindwealthforparentsandnearrelatives.2:180).

You claimed that I have no position, and no inheritance frommy father, and there is no kinshipbetweenus.SodidAllahdistinguishyouwithaverse,fromwhichHeexcludedmyfather?Ordoyousay:peopleoftworeligionsdonotinheriteachother?AmIandmyfathernotofonereligion?OrareyoumoreawareoftheQur ’anthanmyfatherandmycousin?

So,hereitisbeforeyou!Takeit(readywith)withitsnosebandandsaddle!ItshalldisputewithyouontheDayofPunishment;whatafairjudgeAllahis,themasterisMuhammad,andtheappointmentistheDayofResurrection.AtthetimeoftheHourthewrongdoersshalllose,anditshallnotbenefityoutoregretthen!ForeveryMessage,thereisatimelimit,andyeshallknowtowhomapunishmentthatwillconfoundhimcomes,anduponwhomalastingdoomwillfall.

Fatima(a.s.)thenturnedtowardstheAnsarandsaid,“Oyoupeopleofmagnanimity,thesupportersofthenation,andthedefendersofIslam,whatisthisshort-comingindefendingmyright?Andwhatisthisslumberbeforethewrongdonetome?DidnottheMessengerofAllah,myfather,say:‘Amanisobservedthroughhischildren’?Howquickhaveyouviolated(hisorders),andhowsoonhaveyouletdown?Thoughyoustillareabletohelpmeinmyattempt,andpowerfultoassistwhatIrequest.

Do you say: ‘Muhammad has died’? Surely, this is a great calamity that its damage is great, itsinjuryiswide,anditswoundismuchtorn.Theearthbecamedarkwithhisdeparture,thesunandthemooneclipsed,thestarsscatteredforhiscalamity,hopeswereskimped,mountainssubmitted,sanctitywasviolated,andholinesswasencroachedafterhisdeath.This,byAllah,isthegreataffliction,andthe impressive calamity that there is no an affliction, nor is there a suddenmisfortune like it.TheBookofAllah, theMostPraised,announcedinyourcourtyards, inyoureveningsandmornings incalling, crying, recitation, and intonation; and before himwhat had happened to the prophets andmessengers of Allah; a final decree, and a determined predestination: (Muhammad is not but anApostle;manyweretheapostlesthatpassedawaybeforehim.Ifhediedorwaskilled,willyouthenturnbackonyourheels?Ifanydidturnbackonhisheels,nottheleastharmwillhedotoAllah;butAllahwillrewardthosewhoaregrateful.3:144).

AhpeopleofQaylah(thetribesofOussandKhazraj),istheinheritanceofmyfatherusurpedwhileyouhearandseeme?!Andyouareinyourmeetingsandgatheringsaroundme?Youhearmycall,andtheaffairincludesyouthoughyouarenumerousandwellequippedwithpowerandgoodshield?!Thecallreachesyoubutyoudonotrespondandthecrycomestoyoubutyoudonothelp?Youdothiswhile you are qualified by struggle, known for goodness andwelfare, and are the choice thatwerechosen,andthebestselectionthatwereselectedforus,Ahlul-Bayt.

You fought the Arabs, bore tire and exhaustion, struggled against the nations, and resisted theirmutinousones.Wewerestill…weorderedyouandyouobeyed,untilwhenIslambecametriumphant,the accomplishmentof thedayswas athand, thenoseofpolytheismwas subjected, theoutburstoffalsehoodwascalmed,thefiresofinfidelitywereputout,thecallofcommotionwasquelled,andthesystemof religionwaswell-ordered, thenwhyhaveyoubecomeconfusedafter lucidity,concealedafter theopenness, recededafterdaring,becamepolytheistsafterfaith?WillyounotfightapeoplewhobroketheiroathsandaimedatexpellingtheMessenger,andtheyattackedyoufirst;doyoufearthem?ButAllahismostdeservingthatyoushouldfearHim,ifyouarebelievers.(9:13)

Surely,Iseethatyouhaveinclinedtoease,dismissedonewhoisworthierofgivingandpreventing,secludedyourselveswitheasiness,escapedfromnarrownesstoabundance,soyouspatoutwhatyouhad contained, and vomitedwhat youhad drunk; If you are ungrateful, you and those on earth alltogether,mostsurelyAllahisSelf-sufficient,Praised.

Surely,IhavesaidallthatwhichIsaidwithknowingofthedisappointmentthatpreoccupiedyou,andthebetrayalthatyourheartsfelt,butitistheinnersofthesoul,theemittingofrage,theweaknessofspears,thediffusionof(whatisin)thechest,andtheawardingoftheproof.Andso,hereitis!Carryitonapussyback(ofacamel),whichhasathinslipper,witheverlastingdisgrace,markedwiththewrath ofAllah, and eternal dishonor, attached to the burning Fire ofAllah,which rises above thehearts.ItisintheeyeofAllahthatwhichyoudo(andthosewhodowrongwillcometoknowbywhata (great) reverse theywillbeoverturned!)AndIamthedaughterofawarner (theProphet) toyou

againstaseverepunishment.So,actandweareacting,andwaitandwearewaiting.[1]In this immortal sermon, Fatima (a.s.) called for revolt to overthrowAbuBakr ’s government andreturn the right to its people. This striking sermonmade hearts feel fear, sights submit, and soulsyield. Straying fancieswere about to go back to reason, and the right to its people, butAbuBakrcould,throughhistacticsanddiplomaticabilities,controlthesituationandsavehisgovernmentfrombeingoverthrown.HewelcomedFatima(a.s.)andreceivedherwithgreatrespectandreverence.HeshowedherthatheregardedhermorethanhisowndaughterAa’isha.Healsoshowedherhisgreatsorrow[1]Al-Ihtijaj,vol.1p.132-141,SharhNahjolBalaghabyIbnAbilHadeed,vol.16p.210,Biharal-

Anwar,vol.29p.216.SomeotherHistoriansandscholarsmentionedpartsfromthissermonsuchas:al-Mas’udiinMuroojath-Thahabvol.2p.311,IbnMandhurinLisanal-Arabvol.12p.,331,KahhalahinA’laman-Nisa’vol.4p.116-119, IbnTayfur inBalaghatan-Nisa’p.414, IbnTawus inKitabat-Tara’ifp.263,Ibnal-AtheerinGhareebal-Hadithvol.4p.273.

for thedeathofher fatherandsaidhewishedhehaddiedbeforeher father ’sdearth…andothersuchsweetstatements.

Hesaidtoherthathehadnotassumedtheruleduetohisowndesire,buthehadbeenelectedbytheMuslims, and the severe procedures too were not out of his own opinion but they were out theMuslims’ opinion. By that, he attracted the Muslims’ feelings to him and put out the fire of therevolutionanddidawaywithallitstokens.

SayyidSharafuddeenal-Aamilysays,‘WouldhehaveavoidedthefailofFatima(s)inhersituationsaspossibleashecouldwithallwisdomhehad!Hadhedoneso,itwouldhavebeenmuchbetterforhimanditwouldhavekepthimawayfromregrettingandbeingblamedanditwouldhavebeenbettertounitetheumma!

Hecouldhaveprotectedthetrustof theProphet(s)andtheonlydaughterofhim,Fatima(s), frombeingdisappointedandthentogobackupsetstumblingwithhergarment.Whatwouldhehavelost,wherehehadoccupiedthepositionofherfather,ifhehadgivenFadaktoFatima(s)withoutatrial?Animamcoulddothatduetohisgeneralguardianship;andwhatthevalueofFadakwasbeforethegeneraladvantageoftheMuslimsandbeforeavoidingevils!’[1]

Fatima(a.s.),disappointedly,wenttoherfather ’stombcomplainingtohimatthemisfortunesshemetfromthepeople.Sherecitedtheseversesofpoetry:

“Therewereafteryouconflictingnewsandmisfortunes,

Ifyouwerehere,nomisfortunewouldhappen.

Wehavelostyouastheearthlosesitsrain,

Andyourpeopleturnedupsidedown;cometowitnessthemanddonotkeepaway!

Somemenshoweduswhattherewashiddenintheirhearts,

Whenyouleftandthegravekeptyouawayfromus.

Somemenfrownedatusandweweredisparaged,

Whenyouwerelost,andtheinheritancewasplundered.”

[1]An-Nasswel-Ijtihad(textandinterpretation),p.37.

Theseversesofpoetryshowthatshesufferedbitterpainsbecauseoftheterribleeventsshefacedafter thedeathofher father.Thepeopledidnot regardherhighpositionand importance,and theytreatedherinawaythatharmedhertoomuch.

Herspeechtothewomen

WhenFatima(a.s.)becameill,Muslimwomencametovisither.Theyaskedher,‘Howareyoudoing,daughterofthemessengerofAllah?’Shesaid,“ByAllah,Ihavebecomeresentingyourworld,anddetestingyourmen. Ihavecast themawayafter testing themandhated themafterexamining them.Thus,awaywiththemenofplayingafterseriousness,strikingthesoftrocks,slackeningthespears,thefoolishnessofjudgments,anddeviationoffancies!(Certainlyevilisthatwhichtheirsoulshavesent before for them, thatAllahbecamedispleasedwith themand in chastisement shall they abide.5:80).Certainly,Ihavegirt themwithitsnoose,burdenedthemwithits load,andwageditsraidonthem.So,maytheunjustpeoplebekilled,cursed,anddamned.

Woe unto them! Whereto did they move it from the position of the mission, the bases of theprophethoodandtheplaceofdescentofGabriel,whoisawareoflifeandreligion’saffairs?Thatwasthegreatloss.WhatdidtheydenyfromAbulHassan(Ali)?Yes,theydeniedthebeatingofhissword,hiscarelessnessabouthisdeath,hisdeadlyassaults,andhisangerforthesakeofAllah.ByAllah,iftheyturnedawayfromtherein,whichtheProphethadhandedovertohim(toImamAli),hewouldcatchittenderlyandhewouldmovewithoutharmorworry.Hewouldleadthemtoafreshflowingfountandwouldreturnthemwithsatietywhilehehimselfwouldnotprofitofanythingbutalittlejusttobreakhisacutethirstandhunger.Iftheydidso,theywouldbegrantedblessingsfromtheHeavenandtheearth[1]andtheywouldberewardedbyAllahaccording

[1]Herspeechmeans:(IftheyletImamAlibethecaliph,astheProphethadordered,hewouldrulewithjusticeandfairness.Hewouldneverburdenthemwithmorethantheirabilities.Hewouldmakethemliveinluxuryandeasewhilehehimselfwouldliveinasceticism).

totheirdeeds.Comeontosee!Aslongasyoulive,timeshallshowyouwonders!IwishIknewonwhatproof theyhaverelied, towhat refuge theyresortedand towhat tie theyclung,andonwhoseprogeny have they encroached and spoke against! Evil indeed is the patron, and evil indeed is theassociate,andevil indeedis thischangefor theunjust!ByAllah, theyexchangedthegoodwith thebad and the daring with impotent. Disgrace be for a people, who think they do well. Surely theythemselvesarethemischiefmakers,buttheydonotperceive.Woetothem!(Ishethenwhoguidestothetruthmoreworthytobefollowed,orhewhohimselfdoesnotgoarightunlessheisguided?Whatthenisthematterwithyou;howdoyoujudge?(10:35).

ByAllah,it[1]wasimpregnatedsowaituntilitbearsthenmilkpurebloodandfatalvenomtothefull

ofthebucket!Thentheywillperishwhosayfalsethingsandthesuccessorswillknowwhatbadtheearlieroneshaveestablished.Then,beateaseandwaitrelaxedlyforthesedition.Rejoiceatasharpsword, an assault of a tyrant enemy, general commotion, and despotism, which will make yourvictualssoinsignificantandyourgatheringseparate.Alas,whatapity!Howwillyoubewhileithasbeenobscuredtoyoursights?Shallwethenforceyoutoacceptitwhenyouareaversetoit?

And praise be to Allah, the Lord of the worlds, and blessings be on Muhammad, the last of theprophetsandthemasterofthemessengers.”[2]

Thewomenwereovercomewithterriblesilence,andbitterdistress,andtheireyeswerefulloftears.TheywentbackhomeandinformedtheirhusbandsaboutFatima’sdistressandwhatshesaid.Then,they(thehusbands)knewhowmuchtheyhadbetrayedFatima(a.s.)andshortenedinsupportingher.

Inthisspeech,Fatima(a.s.)deniedtheoffensiveattackagainstthehouseoftheProphet(a.s.)andthecenteroftherevelationandknowledgeinIslam,anddeniedtheplunderingofthecaliphateand

[1]Shereferredtothesituationoftherulersandthepublic.

[2]A’laman-Nisa’,vol.4p.128-129.

puttingit inotherthanitsactualplace.ShementionedthereasonsthatmadethepeopleturntheirbackstoImamAli(a.s.)andtreathimbadly.Itwastheassaultsofhis(ImamAli)swordthatharvestedtheheadsofthepolytheistsandtheunbelieversofQuraysh.ThatcausedthepeopleofQurayshbeargrudgeandenmityagainstImamAli(a.s.)whodidnotflatteranyoneinthewayofAllah.Hesaid,‘ByAllah, Iwill takeback the rightof theoppressed from theiroppressors,and Iwilldrive theunjustwiththeirnosesuntilIwillbringthemtothewayofthetrutheveniftheyareunwilling.’[1]

She said thatwhatmade thepeopleofQuraysh try theirbest to avengeon ImamAli (a.s.)washisutmost courage and carelessness about his death in the fields of jihad against the polytheists andatheists. He devoted himself to keep alive the religion of Allah and spread monotheism. Thesereasons besides the unique virtues and talents that Allah had granted him with and his infinitedevotednessandloyaltytotheProphet(a.s.)madethepeoplebeargrudgeandenvyagainsthim.

ShealsosaidthatifthenationentrustedImamAli(a.s.)withtheaffairs,hewouldrulethemwithpurejustice that no one in his statewould bewronged at all,would be loyal and truthful to the nationsecretlyandpublicly,andthathewouldtakethenationtotheblissofsafety,ease,andpeace.IfImamAli(a.s.)undertookthereignsoftherule,hewouldnotenjoyevenabitofthewealthofthestateandpeople,andwouldparticipatewiththepoorandthedeprivedintheirpainsandsufferings.Andthatcame truewhenheassumed thecaliphateafter thekillingofUthmanbinAffan the thirdcaliph.Hewassatisfiedwithacoarsegarmentandtwoloavesofbarleybread.Hedidnotbuildhimselfahousewhenbeingacaliph.Heparticipatedwiththepoorandthedeprivedintheirclothesandfood.Hesaid,‘WouldIbesatisfiedwithmyselftobesaid:“AmeerulMo'minin”whileIdonotparticipatewiththeminthecalamitiesoftimeandbeanexampletotheminthedifficultiesofliving?’[2]

[1]Biharal-Anwar,vol.32p.49.[2]Ibid.,vol.33p.474.

ThehistoryoftheEast,orevenoftheentireworld,hasneverseenarulerlikeImamAli(a.s.)inhisasceticism,piety,justice,anddisdainingfromthesubjects’properties.

Fatima (a.s.) stated that if ImamAli (a.s.) was entrustedwith the affairs ofMuslims, bounties andblessingswould spread everywhere and peoplewould eat from above their heads and fromundertheir feet,butMuslimsprevented themselves fromthisgreatblessingand theyexchanged thegoodwiththebadandthejustwiththeunjustandtheyturnedawayfromtheonewhowouldguidethemtotherightpath.

ShethoughtdeeplyonthatwhichthenationwouldsufferbecauseofturningthecaliphateawayfromtheAhlulBayt (a.s.)andsawthatseditionwouldafflict theMuslims,separate theirunity,andnotchtheirbonds.ShetoosawthatMuslimswouldbeoverwhelmedbyunjustandoppressiveones,andthissooncametrue.TheUmayyadsandtheAbbasidsseizedthereignsof thenationandsubjugatedtheMuslims.Theyoppressed thepeopleand spread terror andviolence throughout theMuslimworld.Hence and due to these reasons, Fatima (a.s.) resisted the government of AbuBakr and asked theMuslimstooverthrowit.

Unacceptableexcuse

AbuBakrandhisfriendUmartriedtoappeaseFatima(a.s.)togivetheircaliphateakindoflegality.Theyaskedpermissiontovisitherbutsherefusedtoreceivethem.Thenforanothertimetheytriedandsherefusedagain.TheywenttoImamAli(a.s.)andaskedhimtointercedeforthemwithher,andsherespondedtoImamAli(a.s.).Whentheycametoher,sheturnedherfaceawayfromthem.Theybeggedhertopardonthem.Shesaidtothem,“IadjureyoubyAllah,didyounothearthemessengerofAllahsay:‘thepleasureofFatimaisfrommypleasureandthedispleasureofFatimaisfrommydispleasure?WhoeverlovesFatimamydaughterlovesme,whoeverpleasesFatimapleasesme,andwhoeverdispleasesFatimadispleasesme’?”

TheybothsaidthattheydidheartheProphet(a.s.)saythat.

Sheraisedherhandstowardstheheavenandsaid,‘ImakeAllahandHisangelsbearwitnessthatyoubothdispleasedmeanddidnotpleaseme.WhenImeetthemessengerofAllah,Ishallcomplaintohimagainstyou.’SheturnedtowardsAbuBakrandsaidtohim,‘ByAllah,IwillprayAllahagainstyouineveryprayerthatIoffer.’[1]

Howheavywordstheywere!Theywereheavierthanthestrikesofswords.Thegroundshookunderthefeetofthesetwosheikhs.TheyleftFatima’shousewithagreatdisappointment.Theyunderstoodhowmuchthewraththattheyhadburdenedthemselveswithwas.

Deepsorrow

The sorrowat the lossofher father toreFatima’sheart.Everymoment she rememberedhimwithregretanddistress.ShelongedforthevoiceofBilal,herfather ’scaller,whostoppedcallingtheazanafter theProphet’sdeath.Heresponded toherandbegancalling theazan.Whensheheardhimsay“Allahu Akbar”, she remembered her father and could not control her tears. She began weeping.WhenBilalrecited“AshhaduannaMuhammadanRasoolullah;IbearwitnessthatMuhammadisthemessengerofAllah”,shesighedandfelltothegroundunconscious.Peopleshouted,‘OBilal,give

up! The daughter of the messenger of Allah has left this life.’ Then, Fatima (a.s.) recoveredconsciousnessandaskedBilaltokeeponrecitingtheazan,buthedidnotdo.[2]

DisastersandcalamitiesattackedFatima(a.s.)oneaftertheother,theworstofwhichwasthepeople’sdenying of her right and their excessiveness in harming her. They ignored her position and theProphet’srecommendationabouther.Thatleftdeepsorrowanddistressinherself.Sheresortedtocryingforshe foundrelief in ituntil shewasconsideredasoneof theFiveCriers[3]whokeptonsadnessandcrying.

AnasbinMalik,whowasoneofthemenwhoputtheProphet(a.s.)inhislastabode,visitedFatima(a.s.) to consoleheronher father ’sdeath.She said tohim, ‘Howwereyour soulspleased topourearthonthemessengerofAllah?’

[1]Al-Imamawes-Siyasa, vol. 1p. 14,A’laman-Nisa’, vol. 3p. (1214), ImamAli binAbiTalibbyAbdulFattahAbdulMaqsud,vol.1p.218.[2]Fatimaaz-Zahra’BahjatuQalbal-Mustafa,p.113.[3]TheFiveCrierswereAdam,Jacob,Joseph,Alibinal-Husayn(Imamas-Sajjad),andFatima(a.s.).RefertoBiharal-Anwar,vol.11p.204.

Anasstoppedtalking.Hesankintodeepsorrowandleftsheddingtears.[1]

Fatima(a.s.)insistedonhercousinandhusbandImamAli(a.s.)toshowhertheshirtinwhichhehadwashedherfather(theritualwashofthedead).Hebroughthertheshirt.Shebeganeagerlykissingandsmellingit.Itwastheshirtthattouchedherfather ’sbodybeforebeinginhislastabode.Shefeltgreatpainandsorrowuntilshelostconsciousness.[2]

Theimageofherfatherappearedtoherineverymomentofhershort lifethatshelivedafterhim.Shecriedmostofhertime.Historianssaythatpeoplecouldnotbearhercontinuouscrying,forherhouse was next to the mosque of the Prophet (a.s.) where people always held meetings. Theycomplained of her to ImamAli (a.s.) and asked him that she should assign a certain time for herweepingandmourningforherfatherbecause theyfoundrestneitheratdaynoratnight. ImamAli(a.s.)askedherforthatandsheresponded.Intheday,she,withherchildrenal-Hasan,al-Husayn,andZaynab,wenttoabigtreeoutsideMedinaandsatunderitsshadow.Shespentallthedayweepingforher father there, and a little before the sunset, she came back home with her children. Peoplepurposelycutthattree.Afterthat,sheweptundertheheatofthesun.ImamAli(a.s.)builtherahousethereandcalledit“theHouseofSorrows”.Thishouseremained(untilnow)asasymbolofthepainsandsufferingsshemetfromherfather ’scompanions.

ItissaidthatImamal-Mahdi(a.s.)saidthisverseofpoetry,“Byherhighness,Iwillnottakeafter“theHouseofSorrows”ahouseofjoy.”

Fatima(a.s.)spentthedayinthatsadhousesoliloquizingandweepingforherfatherbitterly.Whenthenightcame, ImamAli (a.s.)went tobringherwith thechildrenback to theirhouse.[3]Sorrow,weeping,andmourning toreFatima’s tenderheart,anddiseasesattackedandweakenedherbody…AndthuswastherewardofthepeopletotheirProphet’shousehold!

[1]SunanIbnMaja,18,al-Mawahibal-Laduniyya,vol.2p.381.[2]TheLifeofImamal-HasanbinAli,vol.1p.168.[3]TheLifeofImamal-HasanbinAli,vol.1p.286.Itissaidthatit isthemosqueofFatima(a.s.)thatliesinal-Baqee’.

23ChapterTotheGardenofAbode

ThesorrowforthelossofherfatheraffectedFatima(a.s.)terriblyandpavedthewayfordiseasestoattackandmakeherweakandfeebleuntilshekepttoherbed.Deathwalkedtowardherquicklywhileshewasintheprimeofyouthyet.

Itwas timeforher tomeetwithher fatherwhohad leftherand takenwithhimthewarmloveandkindness.Sheimpatientlywaswaitingforthatmomentwhereshewouldjoinherlovely,kindfathertocomplaintohimaboutwhatshesufferedfromhispeople.

Whenthesignsofdepartureappeared,Fatima(a.s.)saidherwill tohercousinImamAli(a.s.).Sheaskedhimtoburyherunderthedarknessofnightandnottoletanyonefromthosewhohadwrongedhertoattendherfuneralsbecausetheywereherandherfather ’senemiesasshesaid.Sheaskedhimtolevelhertombandleaveitunknownasasymbolofherangeragainstthosepeople.Sheaskedhimtogetmarriedtohersister ’sdaughterUmamawhowouldbringupherchildrenal-Hasan,al-Husayn,andZaynabinthebestway.ImamAli(a.s.)assuredherthathewouldfulfillherwill.

Fatima (a.s.) askedAsma’ bintUmays,whowas preferred and loved by her andwas her nurse, tomakeheraspecialcoffinthatwouldhideallherbody.Atthattime,adeadonewascarriedonaboardthat his\her body appeared. Fatima (a.s.) did notwant her body to be distinguished before people;therefore,Asma’madeheracoffinlikeoneshehadseeninAbyssiniaduringherimmigration.WhenFatima(a.s.)sawthecoffin,sheadmireditandsmiled.ItwasthefirstsmileofFatima(a.s.)sinceherfatherhadlefttothebetterworld.[1]

Onthelastdayofherlife,Fatima(a.s.)restoredsomeofherhealth

[1]Al-Majalisas-Saniyya,vol.2p.137.

andshewasdelighted.Sheknewthatitwasherlastdayinthisworldandsoonshewouldjoinherfather.Shebathedhertwosonsandmadethemenoughfoodforthatday.Sheaskedthemtogotovisittheirgrandfather ’stomb.Shelookedatthemwithalookoffarewellwhileherheartwasabouttomeltwithsorrowandgrief.

Al-Hasanandal-Husaynwentoutwhilefeelingthattherewassomethingunusual.Theyworriedtoomuchabouttheirmother.

Fatima(a.s.)saidtoAsma’bintUmays,‘Omother!’

Asma’replied,‘Oyes,darlingofthemessengerofAllah!’

Fatima(a.s.)askedAsma’topourhersomewaterforbathingandAsma’did.Afterbathing,Fatima(a.s.)askedAsma’tobringherhernewclothesandAsma’did.Then,Fatima(a.s.)askedAsma’toputherbedinthemiddleofthehouse(intheyard).Asma’becameworriedandupset.ShewasfrightenedbythatforshefeltthatFatima(a.s.)wasgoingtodiesoon.Fatima(a.s.)layinherbedwithherfacetowardtheQibla.ShesaidtoAsma’,‘Omother,Iamgoingtodienow.Ihavepurifiedmyself.Letnooneuncoverme!’Shebeganrecitingsomeversesof theQur'anuntilshebreathedherlast,andhergreatsoulwentuptoitsCreatorsurroundedbytheangelstobereceivedbytheprophetsattheheadofwhomwouldbethemasterofallthecreation,herfatherProphetMuhammad(a.s.).ShediedintheperiodbetweentheMaghrib(sunset)PrayerandtheIsha’(evening)Prayer.[1]

ThatgreatsoulwenthightotheGardensandContentmentofAllahwherethisworldhadneverandwillhaveneverhadanyonefromEve’sdaughterslikeherinsacredness,honor,andchastity.

Al-Hasanandal-Husaynwentbackhomehurriedlytoseewhathappenedtotheirmother,buttheydidnotfoundher.Asma’toldthemthattheirmotherdied.Sheaskedthemtotelltheirfather.Theybothrantowardstheirmother ’sbody.Al-Hasanthrewhimselfonhismothersaying,‘Mother,talktomebeforemysoulleavesmybody!’

[1]Wafatas-Siddeeqa(thedeathofthetruthfulone)bySayyidal-Muqarram,p.107.

Al-Husayn,too,threwhimselfonhismothercryingandsaying,‘Mother,Iamyoursonal-Husayn.TalktomebeforemyheartsplitsandthenIdie.’

Asma’tookal-Hasanandal-Husaynawayandbegankissingandcomfortingthem.Sheaskedthemtogetoutof thehouseforfearof themandtogoto tell theirfatherabout theirmother ’sdeath.Theywenttothemosquewhilecryingbitterly.MuslimswereterrifiedandtheyaskedthemwhatthematterwasandtheysaidthattheirmotherFatima(a.s.)died.

ImamAli (a.s.)wasshockedandconfused.Hesaid, ‘OdaughterofMuhammad,withwhomshall Iconsolemyself?Ioftenconsoledmyselfwithyou.WithwhatshallIconsolemyselfafteryou?’

Hehurriedbackhome,lookedatthesacredcorpseofhiswifeandrecitedthispoetry,“Everymeetingbetweentwofriendsisfollowedbyseparation,andeverythingotherthanseparationislittle.

MylossofFatimaafterAhmed,[1]

Isaproofthatnofriendshalllastforever.”

Muslims,fromeverywhere,hurriedtoImamAli’shouseweepingfortheirProphet’sdaughterwhomtheywrongedanddidnotregardherrights.Byherdeath,thelastpageofProphethoodwasfolded.Byherdeath,Muslimsrecalled thegloryandthehonor that theProphet(a.s.)hadestablishedfor themandthekindnessandlovehehadtothem.Medinashookwithcryingandweepingbymenandwomen.Theywaited for theholycorpse tohavehonorbyescorting it. ImamAli (a.s.)chargedSalmanal-Farisitotellthecrowdedpeoplethatthefuneralswasputoffuntilthenextday.Peopleleftthehouse.Aa’ishacameintendingtoseeoffthesacredcorpse,butAsma’preventedhersaying,‘She(Fatima)askedmethatnooneshouldseeher.’[2]

Onthenight,ImamAli(a.s.),withal-Hasan,al-Husayn,andAsma’,washed(ritually)thepurebodyofFatima(a.s.),andthenenshroudedher.ImamAli(a.s.)askedthechildrentoseeofftheir

[1]TheothernameofProphetMuhammad(a.s.).[2]ManaqibAalAbiTalib,vol.3p.365.

mother,andtheythrewthemselvesoverherwhilecryingbitterly.Afterthefarewelllook,ImamAli(a.s.)tiedtheshroud.

Inthelastpartofnight,ImamAli(a.s.)offeredthePrayeroftheDeadonthepurecorpse,andthenheinstructedtheHashemitesandtheProphet’sclosestcompanionstocarrythesacredcorpsetoitslastabode.Hedidnottellanyoneelseaboutthefuneralsandtheburialexcepthisfamilyandthechoiceofhiscompanions.HeputFatima(a.s.)inthetombandpouredearthoverher.Aftertheburial,hestoodbythe tombandsaid,“OmessengerofAllah,peacebeuponyoufrommeandfromyourdaughterwhohascometoyourneighborhoodandwhohashastenedtomeetyou.

O messenger of Allah, my patience after your choice (daughter) has been exhausted and myendurance has weakened except that I have ground for consolation in having endured the greathardshipandgreatcalamityofyourseparation.Ilaidyoudowninyourtombafteryouhadbreathedyour last (whileyourheadwas)betweenmyneckandchest.WeareAllah’sanduntoHimshallwereturn.

Now the trust has been returned andwhat had been given has been taken back.My griefwill lastforeverandmynightswillremainsleeplesstillAllahchoosesformethehouseinwhichyouarenowresiding. Certainly your daughter will apprise you of the gathering together of your nation foroppressingher.Youaskherindetailandgetallthenewsaboutthesituation.Thishappenedwhennolong time had elapsed and your remembrance had not disappeared yet. Peace be on you both as agreetingofapartingonenotofadisgustedorahatefulperson;forifIgoaway,itisnotbecauseofweariness,andifIstay,itisnotbecauseoflackofbeliefinwhatAllahhaspromisedthepatients.”[1]ThewrongedImamwentbackhomeverysadlyanddistressedly.Hefeltgreatpainsandgriefforthemisfortunesandcalamities that thedaughterof themessengerofAllah (a.s.) suffered.Hischildrenfilled

[1]NahjolBalagha,vol.2p.207-208.

thehousewithweepingfortheirkindmotherwholivedwiththemnolongandleftthemwhiletheyweretooyoungbeforebeingsatiatewithherloveandkindness.

Fatima’sage

ThehistorianshavedisagreedaboutFatima’sage.Someofthemsayshehadlivedforeighteenyears,[1] some say twenty-one years,[2] some say twenty-five,[3] others say twenty-seven years,[4] andsomesayotherthanthat.

Fatima (a.s.) died while she was in the prime of youth after she had suffered different kinds ofdisastersandpains.Herfather ’snationhadgatheredtogetherforoppressingher.Theyevendidnot

regard for her the sanctity and the high position of the Prophet (a.s.) that Fatima (a.s.) was theworthiestofthatfromamongallthenation.

TheHistoriansarealsodifferentonthedateofFatima’sdeath.Somesaythatshehadlivedforthirtyorthirty-fivedaysafterthedeathofherfather.[5]Somesayshehadlivedforfortydays,[6]somesayseventy-fivedays,[7]andotherssayshehadlivedforninety-fivedaysafterthedeathofherfather.[8]

ItisnotsoimportanttodefinetheexactdateofFatima’sdeath.WhatisimportantistherevivingofhervirtuesandachievementsforthisrevivesthecreedoftheAhlulBayt(a.s.)thatFatima(a.s.)hadestablisheditsbasesandmethods.

[1]Thakha’irul-Uqba,vol.1p.52.[2]Mustadrakal-Hakim,vol.3p.178,Taqreebat-Tahtheeb,vol.1p.751.[3]Tareekhal-Khulafa’,vol.1p.75.[4]Majma’az-Zawa’id,vol.9p.210,al-Mu’jamal-Kabeer,vol.22p.329,SiyerA’laman-Nubala’,vol.2p.128.[5]Tareekhal-Ya’qubi,vol.2p.115.[6]ManaqibAalAbiTalib,vol.2p.116.[7]ManaqibAalAbiTalib,vol.2p.116,Usoolal-Kafi,vol.1p.458,al-Imamahwes-Siyasah,vol.1p.20.[8]Biharal-Anwar,vol.43p.156.

HerHolyShrine

TheplaceofFatima’stombwasandisstillunknownforshehadaskedImamAli(a.s.)tohideittobeaproofonherangeragainstthepeoplewhosparednoeffortinoppressingherwithoutregardingherpositionandnearnesstothemessengerofAllah.

Anyhow,itwassaidthatshehadbeenburiedinal-Baqee’Graveyard,[1]andsaidthatshehadbeenburied inherhouse,[2]andsaidbetween theProphet’s tombandhisminbar.TheProphet (a.s.)hadsaidinoneofhistraditions,‘BetweenmytombandmyminbarthereisagardenfromthegardensoftheParadise.’[3]

Howeveritwas,complaintspreadeverywhereandpeoplebeganblamingeachother.TheysaidthattheProphet(a.s.)hadnot leftexceptonedaughter thatshediedandwasburiedandnooneof themattendedherfuneralsandburial.Themenofauthoritywereangryatthatandtheytriedtouncoverthegraves that they thought thatFatima(a.s.)hadbeenburied inoneof them to takeherout,offer theprayeronher,andescorther.WhenImamAli(a.s.)knewaboutthat,hewentandpreventedthemfromdoingthatandtheyrefrained.[4]

Thisistheendofmyresearchonthelifeofthemistressofthewomenthatwasfullofvirtuesandachievementsandthatwasacontinuityofthelifeofherfather,thesaviorofmankindwhohadtakenman out of the darkness of ignorance to the vastest horizons of light, knowledge, and intellect;hoping that this study will be accepted by Pure, Truthful Fatima (a.s.) and that I shall win herintercessiononthedaywhenImeetAllahtheAlmighty.

[1]Al-Bidayehwen-Nihayeh,vol.6p.334.

[2]Tahtheebal-Asma’wel-Lughaat,vol.2p.353.[3]Biharal-Anwar,vol.43p.185.[4]Ibid.,p.212.

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