Simple Methods for Muslims Unity: Shi`a vs Sunni Unity
Written by: Engineer Afsaneh Cooper
1. Qatar is the only Sunni country that joined Iran and Turkey and did not join the "Dajjal- Saudi Arabian" Imperialism of tyrants. Qatar king practices the "belief in Brotherhood" tradition in Islam with Iran and Turkey.
2. ISIS, ISIL or union of enemies of Prophet Muhammad's Family smelled of poo when they were defeated in Iraqi border and none stayed faithful to their Sunni Leaders they were boasted when killing S
The world has faced with extreme, unjust actions of Sunni leaders and their army in the last 40 years [1980-2017]. Lots of buildings have been exploded by stupid actions of this fake sect of Islam. Innocent children are taught to act in a way the idolaters acted instead of acting upon the true teachings of the glorious Prophet of Islam. So Mosques, where they are cradles for peace have turned to defamed location of collecting charity for supporting extremists of Sunni Islam [not Shi'a Islam]. This article which was written in 1990's is produced here to stop the Sunnis of becoming teachers for the Islamic world and let Shi'a Muslims only take the hard responsibility of teaching of Islam to Sunni global virtual community. Here is one of the teachings of Shi'a Islam. The world leaders are recommended to only give Certificate of Islamic Education to Shi'a Scholars and not to any other sect of Islam, such as Sunni.
Muslims are divided into two main sects: Sunni and Shi'a. These two sects agree on basics of Islam such as: Monotheism, Prophethood and Rising Day, but they disagree on the references of the traditions (Hadith) of Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w). The Shi'a refers everything to the infallible Imams of Ahl al-Bayt [the prophet's Household], and they don't interpret anything unless it has a supporting text. Sunnis refer in every case to the companions, whether it concerns Quranic commentary or the confirmation of the sunnah (tradition of Muhammad) and its explanation. Sunnis respect Ahl al-Bayt and appreciate them, but follow and imitate their enemies5, who fought them and contradicted them, or even perhaps on many occasions do not know who Ahl al-Bayt are, and if you ask them who Ahl al-Bayt are, they answer you immediately, they are the prophet's wives from whom Allah kept the dirt away and purified them. They respect enemies of Ali (s.a.).
Shi'a believe that Muhammad (s.a.w) while returning from his farewell Haj at Ghadeer-e-Khum, declared about Amirul Momineen Ali (a.s): "This is my brother, my vicegerent and my caliph among you. For whosoever I was the master, Ali is his master".
Sunni and Shi'a believe that Muhammad (s.a.w) has said: "The messenger of my God is about to come to me and I shall answer. I am leaving with you the two weighty things: The first is the Book of Allah, in which you find guidance and enlightenment, and the people of my household. I remind you, by Allah, of the people of my household...I remind you by Allah of the people of my household".
Shi'a followed the two weighty things: "The Book of Allah and honourable members of the prophet's Household".
The Sunnis followed the saying of Umar: "The Book of Allah is sufficient for us".
Both Sunni and Shi'a believe in the Quran, but with different interpretations. Sunni refers to the Quran translated by Yousof Ali, Shi'a refer to the Quran translated by M.H. Shakir.
Shi'a has an intellectual perspective, Sunni has an isolated perspective. Teachings of twelve Imams has given a dynamic, revolutionary culture to Shi'a countries. The moderate, organised manner of Imam Ali (a.s) together with the productivity of lady fatima (a.s) has given a different appearance to the Shi'a society. Ali (a.s.) helped his wife at home and before the age of twenty, Fatima (a.s.) made home products, looked after her four children and was very active in Islamic propaganda as a scholar. Shi'a are more modern than Sunnis and adapt themselves quicker to the fast going world. Shi'a women work too hard in the house and outside. They educate themselves and participate in social activities. Sunni women are home makers and more pray than cooperate in social activities. The management of Imam Ali (a.s) plus the brave Imam Husayn (a.s) epic history of martyrdom in the way of the truth, made many Shi'a countries to do revolution against their oppressive Governments. The scientific literature remained from Imam Sadiq (a.s) and Imam Baqir (a.s) caused Shi'a to pay attention to Medicine, Astronomy, Geology, Chemistry and other Sciences. The fruitful tree of Imamat is still feeding Shi'a in the modern world. Beautiful, gnostic prayers of Imam Sajjad (a.s) has given too much quality to the spiritual life of Shi'a. The true prophecy about rising of Imam Mahdi (a.f) is the secret of the hope of all Shi'a despite all the discriminations against them. The security that all the traditions of Prophet Muhammad (a.s) and the Imams (a.s) have given to the Shi'a believers is enough for their prosperity in this world and the hereafter.
Only politicians are taking advantage of separation between Sunnis and Shi'a. As the more branches Muslims have, the better they can handle them! A strong rope can easily be torn if it is split into fibres! Sunnis never reach to the freedom and independency that they deserve it, unless they do research for the hidden Imams under the cover of ignorance. Being enlightened, they can reach to the prosperity!
Referring to the Quranic2 verses we will find out that research and comparison are moral obligations for every responsible person.
Quran (29:69) "And (as for) those who strive hard for Us, We will most certainly guide them in Our ways; and Allah is most surely with the doers of good".
Quran (39:18) "Those who listen to the word, then follow the best of it; those are they whom Allah has guided, and those it is who are the men of understanding."
Referring to the tradition, it appears as though true dream and estakhara (to bid beads) are two recommended methods of guidance. It is clear from the following traditions of Muhammad (s.a.w)1:
* Believer's dream is one part of the forty parts of Prophethood.
** Believer's dream is a word that Allah tells his servant in a sleep.
*** Nothing is remained from Prophethood except good tidings i.e. good dreams.
**** Whoever asks for the best (Estakhara) from Allah, does not repent.
Therefore, there are three methods of finding the truth among Muslims:
I) Research and comparison
II) True dream
III) Estakhara
If you are interested in the first method you can read the following online books:
1) Al-Muraja`at (the Right Path): http://al-islam.org/murajaat/index.htm
2) Then I was Guided: : http://al-islam.org/guided/
3) The Shi`ah are (the real) Ahl al-Sunnah: http://al-islam.org/real/
4) To be with the Truthful: http://www.al-islam.org/be-truthful-muhammad-al-tijani-al-samawi
5) Wahhabism: http://al-islam.org/wahhabism/
II) True dream:
Whoever wants to see in a sleep the answer to his question or matter, should take the following steps:
1) Have a shower (or be with taharat)
2) Prepare a clean bed
3) Wear clean clothes
4) Turn your bed to be perpendicular to "Kiblah".
5) Read (or record in a tape and listen) each of the following chapters (surah) of the Holy Quran seven times: Shams, Lail, Teen, Ikhlas, Falaq, Nas
6) Sleep in bed towards Kiblah on your right side.
7) Wish to see your matter (Whether Sunni or Shi'a is the true path of Islam?)
8) Hopefully, if Allah wills, you will see your matter.
9) If you didn't see the dream in the first night, repeat it seven times, you might see it in the night seven.
III) Estakhara:
There are different methods of Estakhara. The first method is;
Estakhara with Tasbih (beads) narrated from Imam Mahdi (A.F)3:
1) Hold Tasbih in your hands,
2) Intend your matter (Whether you convert to Shi'a?)
3) Three times repeat: Oh Allah, send grace and honour on Muhammad and his Household (Salavat)
4) Pick a line of Tasbih beads between two fingers of each hand.
5) Count and pass two beads at a time
6) If one bead was remained means you have to do it.(You have to convert to Shi'a)
7) If two beads were remained means you should not do it.
The second method of Estakhara is by inspiration, Prayer No. 33 in "the psalms of Islam
(Al-Sahifat Al-Sajjadiyya)", is about Estakhara. After reading the following prayer you can start "The comparative study of Sunni and Shi'a" , then Allah will guide you towards the true path.
Prayer (33): His Supplication in asking for the Best (Estekhara)4
O God, I ask from Thee the best in Thy knowledge, So bless Muhammad and his Household and decree for me the best! Inspire us with knowledge to choose the best and make that a means to being pleased with what Thou hast decreed for us and submitting to what Thou hast decided! Banish from us the doubt of misgiving and confirm us with the certainty of the sincere! Visit us not with incapacity to know what Thou hast chosen, lest we despite Thy measuring out, dislike the place of Thy good pleasure, and incline toward that which is further from good outcome and nearer to the opposite of well-being! Make us love what we dislike in Thy decree and make easy for us what we find difficult in Thy decision! Inspire us to yield to that which Thou bringest upon us by Thy will, lest we love the delay of what Thou hast hastened and the hastening of what Thou hast delayed, dislike what Thou lovest, and choose what Thou dislikest! Seal us with that which is most praised in outcome and most generous in issue! Surely Thou givest generous gain, bestowest the immense, dost what Thou wilt, and Thou art powerful over everything.
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May Allah open your eyes and help you to know the true value of those who seized the caliphate, changed the laws of Allah and violated the boundaries of Allah. If you were enlightened to accept Shi'a as a true path of Islam, please let your Sunni friends know about this research, reminding you of the following traditions from Muhammad (s.a.w)1:
* If Allah guides a man by you, this is better than all things on which the sun rises and sets.
** Whoever misguides people, and they follow him, will carry the sins of his followers on his shoulder, without decreasing anything from their sins, and whoever guides people, and they follow him, the same reward as his followers get, will fall to the lot of him, without decreasing anything from their rewards.
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References
1) Nahj alFasaha (Collection of the aphorisms of Hazrat Muhammad (s.a.w) in Arabic and Persian), Translated and collected by A. Payandeh,Ed.13, 700 pages, Publisher Javidan, Iran, 1981.
2) Holy Quran, Translated by M.H.Shakir, 1990, Ansaryan Publication.
3) Mafatih alJinan ( collection of prayers in Arabic and Persian), by A. Qumi.
4) The Psalms of Islam ( Al-Sahifat Al-Sajjadiyya), by Imam Zayn Al Abidin (A.S.), Ansaryan Publication, 1987.
5) Then I was guided, by Muhammad al-Tijani al-Samawi,
http://al-islam.org/guided/
Publisher: WABIL, You can order it from: World Ahlul-Bayt (A.S) Islamic League (WABIL), Office of the Secretary General: NA AFI HOUSE, 159, NISHANPARA ROAD, BOMBAY - 400 009. INDIA. Tel.: 872 0350 - 851 3299. Tlx.: 73448 EMAN IN. Fax: 8518655.
6) The right path, by Sayyid Abdol Husayn Sharaf Aldin, Ansariyan Publications.
http://al-islam.org/murajaat/index.htm
7) Shi'a, by Allamah Sayyid Muhammad Husayn Tabatabai, Ansariyan Publication, 1989.
*** The manuscript of "Comparative study of Sunni and Shi'a" is a selection of the following books, in 165 pages all up:
a) Then I was guided b) Shi'a c) Nahjul Balagha d) Fatima, the gracious e) Alkafi
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COMPARATIVE STUDY OF SUNNI & SHI'A
Selection by Engineer Afsaneh Cooper
***The following article is a study of the Holy Quran1 and the traditions that leads to the true path of Islam. Many Sunnis claim that they are true Muslims, this study has warnings for them with regard to some of their ideas. The purpose of this study is to help the world peace by words not the sword! As you know the ink of the scientists is heavier than the blood of Martyrs in the "scale of the Rising Day". This study should be used like a mirror to help the Sunnis to see their old wrong old ideas. To help them see their mind and to search for the right path of Islam. Many people inherit their faith, they do not care about questioning it. But very few who want to be saved, strive hard to find the truth and they follow it even if it is kept by their oppositions. They listen to the debate and let their wisdom pick the best opinion not their prejudice. I remind you that some of your ideas may be due to "fabrications" by miguided people.
The No. of surah and verse is written in the bracket. The words of the writer comes after ***.
***A muslim is one, who submits to none except the Will of the Creator, Who fashioned the human beings as the most excellent form of creation, and endowed them with the power called brains.
(3:85) And whoever desires a religion other than Islam, it shall not be accepted from him, and in the hereafter he shall be one of the losers.
Imam Ali (a.s)2 : I am the eye of Allah, I am the hand of Allah, I am in nearness to Allah and I am Allah's gate way.
(7:180) And Allah's are the best names, therefore call on Him thereby, and leave alone those who violate the sanctity of His names, they shall be recompensed for what they did.
Imam Husayn (a.s)2 interpreted this verse as: By Allah, we (the Imams) are the Beautiful Names (of Allah). Allah does not accept any good deed of His creatures without their recognising us (The Imams).
Imam Husayn (a.s)2: Verily, when Allah created us (the Holy prophet and the Imams), He created us well, and when He shaped us, He shaped us well. So, He made us His eye among mankind, His eloquent Tongue, His extended hands of mercy and compassion over His creatures. We are the Godly face which attracts people towards Allah. We are the gate-way which leads to Him and the custodians of His treasures in His heavens and earth. Because of us the trees bear fruits and the fruit ripen, the rivers flow, the rain falls, and the earth produces greenery. It is because of our worship that Allah has been worshipped (by His creatures). Had it not been for us, Allah would not have been worshipped.
Imam Husayn (a.s)2: We (i.e. the prophet and the Imams) are the proof of Allah, we are the gate-way to Allah, we are the (eloquent) tongue of Allah, we are the countenance of Allah, we are Allah's eye among His creatures and we are the custodians of Allah's affairs among His creatures.
Imam Baqir (a.s)2: We (the Imams) are the mathani (counterpart of the Quran) on which Allah has bestowed our prophet Muhammad (s.a.w). We are the countenance of Allah, Who walk about in this world among you people. In Allah's creation, we represent His eyes. We are His (Allah's giving) hand which is stretched towards His creation with kindness. Whoever is aware of us knows (what we actually are), and whoever is not aware of us does not know (What our status is). We are the (truthful) Imams or leaders and guides to those who guard themselves against evil.
(2:57) ...and they did not do us any harm, but they made their own souls suffer the loss.
Imam Baqir (a.s) interpreted the above verse: Allah is far too Great, Mighty, Glorious and powerful to be wronged or harmed. But He allied us with Himself and made any wrong done to us as equivalent to wrong done to Him and allegiance done to us as equivalent to wrong done to Him and allegiance pledged to us as allegiance pledged to Him. As He Himself has said:
(5:55) Only Allah is your Vali (guardian) and His Apostle and those who believe, those who keep up prayers and pay the poor-rate while they bow. Believe means the Imams from among us.
Imam Ali (a.s)3 describes here in the members of prophet's family: They are life for knowledge and death for ignorance. Their forbearance tells you of their knowledge, and their silence of the Wisdom of their speaking. They do not go against right nor do they differ (among themselves) about it. They are the pillars of Islam and asylums of protection. With them right has returned to its position and wrong has left its place and its tongue is severed from its root. They have understood the religion attentively and carefully, not by mere hearsay or from relaters, because the relaters of knowledge are many but its understanders are few.
Imam Ali (a.s)3: I wish Quraish get the reward of their treatment to me. For they disregarded my kinship and deprived me of the power due to me from my brother.
Imam Ali (a.s)3: You think that Abu-Bakr, Umar and Uthman are the most distinguished persons in Islam. You have said such a thing that if it be true, you have nothing to do with you, but if it is not so then its defect will not affect you.
Imam Ali (a.s)3: Umar went away and left the people in dividing ways wherein the misled cannot get guidance and the guided cannot attain certainty.
Muhammad (s.a.w)4: Whoever misguides people, and they follow him, will carry the sins of his followers on his shoulder, without decreasing anything from their sins, and whoever guides people, and they follow him, the same reward as his followers get, will fall to the lot of him, without decreasing anything from their rewards.
Muhammad (s.a.w)3 while returning from his farewell Haj at Ghadeer-e:khum declared about Amirul Momineen Ali (a.s): This is my brother, my vicegerent and my caliph among you for whosoever I was the master, Ali is his master.
***Common comprehension cannot understand the Quran or penetrate into it. No one can have a full comprehension of the Quran save those servants of God whom He has chosen to purify. And the Household of the Prophet are among those pure beings6 :
(43:3) Surely We have made it an Arabic Quran that you may understand.
(43:4) And surely it is in the original of the Book with Us, truly elevated, full of wisdom.
(56:77) Most surely it is an honoured Quran,
(56:78) In a book that is protected;
(56:79) None shall touch it save the purified ones.
(33:33) And stay in your houses and do not display your finery like the displaying of the ignorance of yore; and keep up prayer, and pay the poor-rate, and obey Allah and His Apostle. Allah only desires to keep away the uncleanness from you, O people of the House! and to purify you a (thorough) purifying.
Masooms (innocents), interpreters of Quran, Rule of interpretation:
(3:7) He it is Who has revealed the Book to you; some of its verses are decisive, they are the basis of the Book, and others are allegorical; then as for those in whose hearts there is perversity, they follow the part of it which is allegorical, seeking to mislead, and seeking to give it (their own) interpretation, but none knows its interpretation except Allah, and those who are firmly rooted in knowledge say: We believe in it, it is all from our Lord; and none do mind except those having understanding.
Ghadir-e-khum, (perfection of Religion):
(5:3) ... This day have those who disbelieve despaired of your religion, so fear them not, and fear Me. This day have I perfected for you your religion and completed My favour on you and chosen for you Islam as a religion; but whoever is compelled by hunger, not inclining wilfully to sin, then surely Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.
(5:67) O Apostle! deliver what has been revealed to you from your Lord; and if you do it not, then you have not delivered His message, and Allah will protect you from the people; surely Allah will not guide the unbelieving people.
Ali, the chosen one:
(2:247) And their prophet said to them: Surely Allah has raised Talut to be a king over you. They said: How can he hold kingship over us while we have a greater right to kingship than he, and he has not been granted an abundance of wealth? He said: Surely Allah has chosen him in preference to you, and He has increased him abundantly in knowledge and physique, and Allah grants His kingdom to whom He pleases, and Allah is Ample giving, knowing.
Ali, Has knowledge of the Book:
(13:43) And those who disbelieve say: you are not a messenger. Say: Allah is sufficient as a witness between me and you and whoever has knowledge of the Book.
Ali,Truth:
(43:86) And those whom they call upon besides Him have no authority for intercession, but he who bears witness of the truth and they know (him)
Ali, Retaining Ear2:
(69:12) So that We may make it a reminder to you, and that the retaining ear might retain it.
Ali, Nomination of Successor:
(94:7) So when you are free, nominate.
(28:68) And your Lord creates and chooses whom He pleases; to choose is not theirs; glory be to Allah, and exalted be He above what they associate (with Him).
Ahle-Bait, Ayat-E-Tathir7:
(33:33) ... and keep up prayer, and pay the poor-rate, and obey Allah and his Apostle. Allah only desires to keep away the uncleanness from you, O people of the House! and to purify you (thorough) purifying.
(47:33) O you who believe! Obey Allah and obey the Apostle, and do not make your deeds of no effect.
(76:8) and they give food out of love for Him to the poor and the orphan and the captive.
Husain (Great sacrifice-Zibh-e-Azeem):
(37:107) And We ransomed him with a great sacrifice.
Imam (12th), Divine Guide:
(2:38) We said: Go forth from this (state) all; so surely there will come to you a guidance from Me, then whoever follows my guidance, no fear shall come upon them, nor shall they grieve.
(76:5-12) Allah the Exalted says about Fatima7.
*** Research and comparison are moral obligations for every responsible person.
you can apply for the package of "Comparative study of Sunni & Shi'a" (only 164 pages selected from five books) from Alzahra Muslim Associations. The address is written in the footnote.
(5:44) ... And whoever did not judge by what Allah revealed, those are they that are the unbelievers.
(5:47) ...And whoever did not judge by what Allah revealed, those are they that are the transgressors.
(29:69) And (as for) those who strive hard for us, We will most certainly guide them in Our ways.
(39:18) Those who listen to the word, then follow the best of it; these are they whom Allah has guided, and those it is who are the men of understanding.
Muhammad (s.a.w)5: Study your religion until it is said that you are mad.
Muhammad (s.a.w)5: If Allah chooses you to guide one man (to the right path), then that is worth more than all the riches on earth.
Ali (a.s.) the successor of Prophet Muhammad:
Muhammad (s.a.w)5: I am the city of knowledge and Ali is its Gate.
(39:9) Say: Are those who know and those who do not know alike?
(10:35) Is He then who guides to the truth more worthy to be followed, or he who himself does not go aright unless he is guided? What then is the matter with you; how do you judge?
Abu Bakr5: May Allah never put me in a predicament that Ali cannot solve.
Umar5: If it was not for Ali, Umar would have perished.
Ibn Abbas5: My knowledge and the knowledge of the companions of Muhammad(s.a.w) is but a drop in seven seas if compared with Ali's knowledge.
Ali (a.s.)5: Ask me before you lose me. By Allah, if you ask me about anything that could happen up to the Day of judgement, I will tell you about it. Ask me about the Book of Allah, because by Allah there is no [Quranic] verse that I do not know whether it was revealed during the night or the day, or whether it was revealed on a plain or on a mountain.
Abu Babakr5: Which sky would give me shade, and which land would carry me if I say something I do not know about the Book of Allah.
Umar5: All people are more knowledgeable than I am, even women.
Muhammad (s.a.w)5: O Ali! you Hold in Relation to me the same position as Haroon held in Relation to Moses, except that there will be no prophet after me.
Muhammad (s.a.w.)5: Ali is the master of all those of whom I am master. O Allah! Love him who loves him and hate him who Hates him, Help him who helps him, forsake him who forsakes him, and turn justice with him wherever he turns.
(2:146): A party of them most surely conceal the truth while they know it.
Muhammad (s.a.w)5: Ali is from me and I am from Ali, and nobody can discharge my duty except myself or Ali.
Muhammad (s.a.w)5: My Lord ordered me that nobody can discharge my duty except myself or Ali.
Muhammad (s.a.w)5: O Ali! You will show them the right path when there will be dissension among them after me.
(5:104): And when it is said to them, "Come to what Allah has revealed and to the Messenger. They say, "That on which we found our father is sufficient for us. What! Even though their fathers knew nothing and did not follow the right way."
Muhammad (s.a.w.)5 said, indicating Ali, "This is my brother, my trustee and my deputy [caliph] after me, so listen to him and obey him.
***An example of Sunni's misguidance: In the Book "The Life of Muhammad", by Muhammad Husayn Haykal, page 104, first Edition 1334 Hijri. The above saying of Muhammad (s.a.w.) was manufactured by removing the part where the prophet says: "He is my Trustee, my deputy [caliph] after me.
(2:118) Even thus said those before them, the like of what they say; Their hearts are all alike. Indeed we have made the verses clear for a people who are sure."
Muhammad (s.a.w.)5: O people, I leave amongst you two things which, if you follow, you will never go astray. They are the Book of Allah and my Ahlul-Bait [family].
Muhammad (s.a.w)4: The messenger of my God is about to come to me and I shall answer. I am leaving with you the two weighty things: the first is the Book of Allah, in which you find guidance and enlightenment, and the people of my household. I remind you, by Allah, of the people of my household... I remind you by Allah of the people of my household.
***Shi'a followed the two weighty things: "The Book of Allah and honourable members of the prophet's Household."
The Sunnis followed the saying of Umar: "The Book of Allah is sufficient for us".
Muhammad (a.s.w.)5: How many are the readers of the Quran whom the Quran curses!
***The Shi'a referred every thing to the infallible Imams of Ahlul-Bait [the prophet's Household], and they did not interpret anything unless it had a supporting text.
Sunnis refer in every case to the companions, whether it concerns Quranic commentary or the confirmation of the Sunnah and its explanation.
***There are elements in the Sunnah of Abu Bakr, Umar and Uthman which contradict and negate the prophet's Sunnah, as is so apparent. Such as:
1) "Take my Sunnah and the Sunnah of the Rightly Guided Caliphs after me.Hold firmly to it".
2) "Muhammad prevented them (Abu Bakr and Umar) from writing his Sunnah so that it was not confused with the Quran.
Therefore Sunnis have no proof for the saying "I left you my Sunnah"5.
***Another contradiction: Sunnis believe in the following saying5:
Muhammad (s.a.w.): We, the prophets, do not leave an inheritance, all that we leave behind should go to charity."
But it contradicts with:
(4:11) Allah enjoins you concerning your children. The male shall have the equal of the portion of two females...
(27:16) Grant me from thyself an heir, who should inherit from me and inherit from the children of Yaqub, and make him, my Lord, one with whome you are well-pleased.
***After proper research, May Allah open your eyes and help you to know the true value of those who seized the caliphate, changed the laws of Allah and violated the boundaries of Allah.
Imam Husayn (a.s.)2: It is not the right of Allah on His creatures that they should know His commandments. Rather, it is the right of His creatures on Allah to make known Himself His commands. But once Allah Himself made known His commands to His creatures then it is His right over His creatures that they should accept His commands.
Muhammad (s.a.w)5: He who does not know [the ignorant] cannot be excused for his ignorance.
Muhammad (s.a.w.)5: Behold! My Ahlul-Bait are like Ark of Noah, whoever embarked in it was saved, and whoever turned away from it was drowned.
Muhammad (s.a.w.)5: My Ahlul-Bait are like the Gate of Repentance of the children of Israel; whoever entered therein was forgiven.
***Sunnis respect Ahlul-Bait and appreciate them but follow and imitate their enemies who fought them and contradicted them, or even perhaps on many occasions do not know who Ahlul-Bait were, and if you ask them who Ahlul-Bait were, they answer you immediately, They are the prophet's wives from whom Allah kept the dirt away and purified them. They respect enemies of Ali (s.a.w.)5.
(58:22) You shall not find a people who believe in Allah and the latter day befriending those who act in opposition to Allah and His Messenger, even though they were their (own) fathers, or their sons or their brothers or their kinfolk; these are they into whose hearts He has impressed faith and whom He has strengthened with an inspiration from Him; and He will cause them to enter gardens beneath which rivers flow abiding therein; Allah is well-pleased with them and they are well-pleased with Him; These are Allah's party: now surely the party of Allah are the successful ones.
Ali (a.s.)3: Your friends are three and your enemies are (also) three. Your friends are- your friend, your friend's friend and your enemy's enemy. And your enemies are- your enemy, your friend's enemy and your enemy's friend.
***Ali (a.s.) considers Aisha, Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman and Muawiya as his enemies. Since Ali (a.s) is Allah's friend (Vali Allah) , then these people like Aisha etc. are enemy of Allah! (enemy of friend of Allah). Therefore sunnis who are friends of these people, are friends of enemy of Allah! (Allah's enemy). Can We call Sunnis Muslims? Yes, Only if they are born Sunni, and nobody has guided them to Shi'a. Now that you know every thing, open your eyes and choose between Heaven and Hell. Ask Allah to forgive you and your parents.
Muhammad (s.a.w.)5: Whoever wishes to live and die like me, and to abide in the Garden of Eden after death should acknowledge Ali as his patron and follow Ahlul-Bait after me, for they are my Ahlul-Bait and they have been created out of the same knowledge and understanding as myself. Woe unto those followers of mine who will deny the Ahlul-Bait their distinctions and who will disregard their relationship and affinity with me, May Allah never let them benefit from my intercession.
The last sermon of Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.)7
"Muhammad (s.a.w.): Abu Al-Hassan (Ali), she (Fatima) is Allah's and His Messenger's, Muhammad, trust to you. Therefore, keep Allah's and His Messenger's trust by protecting her. Surely I know you will.
Ali, this (Fatima) by Allah, is the Mistress of all women of paradise; this, by Allah, is (like) Mariam Al-Kubra.
By Allah, before I reached this state, I asked Allah (certain things) for you and I, and He surely has given me what I asked.
Ali, Execute that which Fatima commands you to do, for I have commanded her to (perform certain affairs) which Gabriel ordered me to do.
Be informed, Ali, that I am satisfied with him who my daughter is satisfied with, so is my Lord and the angels.
Ali, cursed is he who oppresses her; cursed is he who usurps her right; cursed is he who violates her sanctity...
Then he embraced Fatima (a.s.), kissed her hand and said:
May your father be your sacrifice, Fatima.
Let them [Imam Hussan (a.s.) & Imam Hussain (a.s.)] smell me and let me smell them; Let them be near me, surely they will be afflicted with sorrows and difficult problems after me. May Allah curse him who abuses them. O Allah!! I commend them to your protection and to the protection of the righteous believers.
Daughter (Fatima), I am leaving you; thus, peace be upon you from me."
***The innocence of those Sunni traditions and al-Jamaah who love the Messenger of Allah and Ahlul-Bait, and all what needs to be done is to remove that mist which was made by history and then they would follow the right path.
If you converted to Shi'a, don't isolate yourself and get even closer to your Sunni brothers whenever they wanted to keep away from you, and pray behind them so that there would be no rupture in relations.
Consider them innocent victims of distorted history and bad propaganda, because people are the enemy of what they do not know.
The starting point in Shi'a, is to make the twofold testimony14:
"I testify that there is no god but God alone without any partner. I testify that Muhammad is His servant and His Apostle. I testify that Ali is the Commander of the faithful, the testamentary trustee of the Apostle of God, the one with most right among the people to authority after him. So are his innocent descendants [Fatima, Hassan, Hussain, upto the twelfth Imam (a.s.)] ."
The next step is to imitate a religious leader. You can write to the following address and ask all your questions relating the interpretations of Islamic laws and their affect on your life:
Islamic Sciences Research Center, P.O.Box: 37185 / 3688 Fax: (0251) 33244 , Tel: (0251) 22676, (0251) 22677, (0251) 22233 , Qom, I.R.Iran
There is a Mujtahid (Clergyman practising religious jurisprudence) in Australia. He can help you in religious affairs. You can find him in the following address:
Mr M. Waciq,
Al-Mahdi Muslim Association, 3/5 Rathay st., Vic. Park W.A. 6100, Tel.: (09) 470 3621
There is an Islamic book shop in Sydney for ordering Shi'a books:
Alzahra Muslim Association,
3 Wollongong Road, Arncliffe N.S.W. 2205 , Tel.: (02) 567 1351, Fax: (02) 599 1335
Then you need to refresh your knowledge with the beautiful, eloquent books of Ahlul-Bait, and the treasures of the Shi'a scholars in their literatures. Write to the following Publishers and ask for the catalogue of their publications:
1) Ansariyan Publications, P.O.B. 37185/187 Qom, Iran
2) Dar rah-e haq, Educational Institute & Publishers, P.O.Box 5, Qom, Iran.
3) WOFIS (World Organisation for Islamic Services), P.O.Box 11365-1545, Tehran - Iran.
4) Office for Diffusion of Islamic Culture, Ferdowsi Ave., Tehran - Iran
5) Islamic Propagation Organization, P.O.Box 14155 / 1313, Tehran, I.R.Iran
The following places will send you free books by request:
5) Ministry of Islamic Guidance, Dept. of International Affairs. Bld. No. 2, Vali-e-Asr Ave.,Tehran - I.R. Iran
6) Al-Balagh Foundation, P.O.Box 1977/19395, I.R. IRAN
7) WABIL (World ahlul-Bayt (a.s.) Islamic league), Office of the Secretary General:
NA AFI HOUSE, 159, NISHANPARA ROAD, BOMBAY - 400 009. INDIA., Tel.: 872 0350 - 851 3299.,
Tlx.: 73448 EMAN IN., Fax: 8518655.
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References
1) Holy Quran, Translated by M.H. Shakir, Ansaryan Publication.
2) Al - Kafi, by Kulayni, { Volume one, Al - Usul - part one, 3) the book of divine unity
(III)}, Publisher: WOFIS.
3) Nahjul Balagha, by Imam Ali, Ansariyan Publication.
4) Nahjul Fasaha (Selection of Muhammad (s.a.w.)), Translation & collection by
A. Payandeh, Arabic & Persian, Javidan publication, Tehran. You can order it from
Ansaryan Publication.
5) Then I was guided, by Muhammad al - Tijani al-Samawi, Publishers: WABIL and
Ansariyan publications. http://al-islam.org/guided/
6) Shi'a, by Allamah sayyid Muhammad Husayn Tabatabai, Ansaryan Publication,1989.
7) Fatima the gracious, Compiled by Odeh A.Muhawesh, Ansaryan Publication, 1990.
Please order the following books about Sunni and Shi'a:
8) The Right Path, by Sayyid AbdolHosayn Sharafuldin, Ansaryan Publication.
9) Ahlul - Bait (The Prophet's Household), 1992, Publisher: Al-Balagh Foundation, P.O.Box
1977/19395, Tehran, I.R.Iran.
10) A Shi'ite Anthology, by A.S.M.H. Tabatabai, 1980, Ansariyan Publications.
11) The origine of Shi'ite Islam and its principles, by A.S.M.H. Al Kashifu 'l-Ghita, 1989,
Ansariyan Publications
Please order the following books to refresh your knowledge:
12) A Glance at the life of the holy prophet of Islam, by Dar rah haqq's board of writers,
1991, Publisher: 13) The commander of the faithful: Ali bin abi Talib, 1993 ,
Al-Balagh Foundation.
14) The truthful lady Fatimah al-Zahra, 1993 , Al-Balagh Foundation.
15) Imam Hasan bin Ali, 1993 , Al-Balagh Foundation.
16) Imam Hussein and the day of Ashura, 1992, Publisher: Al-Balagh Foundation.
17) A brief history of the fourteen infallibles, 1984, Publisher: WOFIS.
18) Kitab al-Irshad, the book of guidance, by Shaykh al-Mufid, Ansariyan Publications.
Islamic Propagation Organization.
19) The Psalms of Islam, Al-Sahifat Al-Sajjadiyya, by Imam Zayn Al-Abidin (a.s.) .
Publisher: Ansariyan Publications.
20) The Qur'an in Islam, by A.S.M.H. Tabataba'i, Publisher: Islamic Propagation
Organization.
21) The muslim family, 1998, Publisher: Al-Balagh Foundation.
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Ahlul-Bait in the Qur'an and the traditions
Scanned by: Engineer Afsaneh Cooper
In this article the following notations have been used:
M: = Muhammad (s.a.w.) said
( : ) = the Holy Qur'an (Surah: Verse) = The Almighty said
Q: = People asked Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.)
H: = Imam Husain(a.s.) said
B: = Imam Baqir(a.s.) said
S: = Imam Sadiq(a.s.) said
A: = Imam Ali(a.s.) said
(s.a.w.) = the abbreviation of the Arabic phrase Sal-lallahu alayhi wa alihi which means 'May Allah bless him and his Household and is exclusively used for the Prophet'
lt is an undisputed fact of history acknowledged by all Muslims alike that the Seal of the Prophets, Muhammad (s..w.), at the end of his mission on earth addressed his companions in the following words:
"I am leaving among you two precious things: The Book of Allah and my Progeny my Household. As long as you adhere to them you will never go astray after me. These (two) will never part with each other until they return to me at the Pool of 'Kawther' in Paradise".
The Prophet' s Household or to put it more properly as the Holy Qur'an describes them, the Ahlul-Bait, are the guiding stars of the firmament of Islam. Models par excellence ; they personified the light of the Qur'an and the teachings of the Messenger of Allah in their lives. They imbibed from Muhammad' s knowledge, grew up in his house and followed in his foot-steps, calling people to the Book of Allah and urging them to hold fast to the traditions set by the final Messenger to mankind. They are, as the traditions say: 'The companions of the Qur'an and never part from it', because they embody all the concepts , guidelines and values brought to us by the Qur'an. The Qur'an itself says the following about them:
M: "This verse was revealed concernlng five persons: Myself, Ali, Fatima, Hasan and Husain."
(XXXIII: 33) "...Allah desires only to keep away uncleanness from you people of the House and make you pure as pure can be."
Whoever studies the lives of the Ahlul-Bait will at once recognize the pivotal role they played and the great task they shouldered in shaping the destiny of Islam. They actively endeavoured to keep the Shari'a (divine laws) pure, and strived to preserve the Islamic ideology in its original form. They even sacrificed their lives in order to safeguard these high principles and renderd them practical for the Muslim nation.
The glorious lives of the Ahlul-Bait have always been a source of inspiration to the Muslims in every era and place, interacting with their conciousness, enriching their progress and upholding their Islamic heritage.
Today , their tombs are the sites of frequent visitations by the faithful, who make pilgrimages even from far flung places around the globe to pay homage and to experience spiritual enlightment.
ln short the Ahlul-Bait can be described as the frame ensuring the unity of the Muslim nation and holding it together.
This article is an attempt to introduce some aspects of the lives of the Ahlul-Bait, their lofty status and their impact on lslamic history and culture. We hope this brief study about the Ahlul-Bait, their lives, times and teachings, would serve as a guidance to our readers and make them sincerely follow the path of these blessed ones.
We also appeal to the Muslim community to close ranks and steadfastly gather around these beacons of light, and emulate their heroic examples by bravely facing the subversive elements who are trying to disunite the Muslims and sow discord amongst them. At this crucial juncture when the Muslim nation is passing through a critical period in its struggle against the combined forces of imperialism, zionism and the like, only the correct application of the Message of Islam and sincere belief in its Divine Justice will help us weather the storm, and that is not possible, except by treading the path charted out by the Ahlul-Bait.
The energies of the Muslim nation should be directed towards the Call of Islam, to defend its sanctity and to stop those who are engaged in sowing the seeds of dissension and spreading the venoms of blasphemy and sectarianism among the Muslims .
O' followers of the great Muhammad (s.a.w.), O' lovers of the Ahlul-Bait, unite together into a cohesive unit, as you are of a single religion. your honour and dignity will not become manifest unless you adhere to the message of lslam and sincerely apply Allah's Book and the traditions of His Prophet in your daily lives.
(IX: 105) "And say: Work; So Allah will see your work, and (so will) His Apostle and the believers."
(XLIX: 13) "Surely the noblest of you, in the sight of Allah, is the best in conduct"
(XLII: 23) "Say: (O' Muhammad, unto mankind): I do not ask of you any reward for it (preaching the message); but love for my near relatives (Ahlul-Bait); and whoever earns good, We give him more of good therein..."
M: My near relatives in the above verse mean Ali, Fatima and their two sons (Hasan and Husain).
(XXXIII: 56) "surely Allah and His angels bless the Prophet; O you who believe! call for (divine) blessings on him and salute him with a (worthy) salutation."
M: "Say: O Allah, shower your blessings on Muhammad and the (pure) progeny of Muhammad as you had showered your blessing on Abraham and the progeny of Abraham; You are the praiseworthy, the Glorious."
M: "Whoever sends blessings on me once, Allah will send blessings on him ten times."
Imam Shafi'i's famous quatrain on the above subject: "O' Household of the Messenger of Allah love for you is an obligation from Allah, revealed in tbe Qur'an. It suffices as the greatest honour bestowed on you. That his prayer is as nothing who does not solute you".
M: "He is a miser who, on the mention of my name to him, does not send blessings on me."
(V: 55-56) "Only Allah is your (Wali) and His Apostle and those who believe, those(Ahlul-Bait) who keep up prayers and pay the poor-due while in (Ruku'). And whoever takes Allah and His Apostle and those who believe as his guardian, then surely the party of Allah are they that shall be triumphant".
(XX: 132) "And enjoin prayer on your followers(Ali and Fatima, etc.) and steadily adhere to it...,"
Tashahud in each of the five daily prayers: "O Allah, shower Your blessings upon Muhammad and 'aal' Muhammad (Fatima, Ali, Hasan, Husain)".
M: "Fatima is a part of me and whoever hurts Fatima, hurts me. "
Q: To who were his relatives whom they were required to love. The Prophet replied:Ali, Fatima, Hasan and Husain.
H: "I am of the 'Ahlul-Bait' whose love Allah has made obligatory for every Muslim".
And then he recited this same verse:
(XXXIII: 33) As above
(III: 61) "But whoever disputes with you (O' Muhammad) in this matter after what has come to you of knowledge, then say: Come let us call our sons (Hasan and Husain) and your sons and our women (Fatima) and your women and our selves (anfus in Arabic which means nearest. Ali was the nearest) and your selves, then let us beseech Allah and invoke His curse upon the liars"
(V: 67) "O Prophet proclaim what has been revealed to you from your Lord, for if you do it not you
have not conveyed His message, and Allah will protect you from the (evil designs of) people... "
Perhaps the most clear portent of lmam Ali's excellence over the Muslims after the Prophet, is the above aya, which marks a decisive phase in the history of divine revelation. After creating this wide and wonderful world, the Almighty had sent an unbroken chain of prophets to guide mankind towards divine bliss. The last and the greatest link in this eternal chain was Muhammad al-Mustapha (s.a.w.), who was entrusted with the most comprehensive code of laws, capable of solving mankind's needs till doomsday. Now, there no longer was need of any new messenger. But nonetheless, the Wise Creater cannot leave mankind's struggle of thousands of years to the whims and fancies of fallible Arabs, who had spent the greater part of their lives in idolatary and sin. Therefore to ensure the safety of lslam and Muslims, Allah sent down this verse, appointing lmam Ali as the Prophet's vicegerent. Narrators and historians have testified to that great event.
After performing the farewell pilgrimage, as the Seal of the Prophets was heading towards Madina, the Archangel Gabriel suddenly appeared, at a place where the routes parted for the different parts of Arabia. Learning the Almighty's command, the Prophet at once stopped at the pool Gbadir of Khum, and ordered all those who had gone ahead, and those that lagged behind to hasten to his station. When the great gathering of companions was assembled in the midday sun, the Prophet said he had a most important message to deliver.
A pulpit made of camel saddles was hastily set-up. Ascending it he delivered a sermon asking the people to be witness that he had faithfully performed the task of prophethood entrusted to him by the Almighty.
The multitude cried in one voice: "We bear witness O Messenger of Allah."
He asked, who in their opinion was more worthy of obedience than their souls, to which they replied that Allah and His Prophet know better.
Then he said: "O people Allah is my Master (Maula) and I am the master (Maula) of believers."Muhammad (s.a.w.) then bent down and lifting up Ali ibn Abi Talib (a.s.) in his hands, showed him to the vast crowd and proclaimed those famous words, which guaranteed the continuation of divine leadership:
"For whomsoever I am master (Maula), this Ali is his mastet (Maula)..."
Thrice he proclaimed these words before descending the pulpit, relieved of having performed the great task which would save the Muslims from going astray. The great multitude of Muslims surged tqwards Ali ibn Abi Talib (a.s.), felicitating him on his divine appointment. According to such famous scholars as Zamakhshari and Nasai, the first one to congratulate and swear allegiance (bai'a) to lmam Ali (a.s.) was Umar lbn Khattab, who later became the second caliph.
Gabriel descended again with another revelation, showing that the Almighty was pleased with His Prophet for having excellently performed the great final mission to mankind.
(V: 3) "... today have I perfected unto you your religion and completed upon you My blessings and approved for you Islam as your reIigion..."
This most important task ensured the continuity of divine guidance . Since the Prophets were divinely appointed, so should be the successors or trustees of the Prophets, especially so in the case of lslam, which is the final message to the human race.
All scholars and historians have testified that the event of Ghadir Khum did take place, and moreover books of hadith are witness that on many an occasion, the Prophet had emphasized his cousin's
pre-eminence, over all other Muslims.
(LXXVI: 7-11) "...they fulfil vows and fear.a day the evil of which shaIl be spreading far , and wide, And they give food out of love for Him to the poor and the orphan and the captive: We only feed you for Allah's sake; we desire from you neither reward nor thanks: Surely we fear from our Lord a stern, distressful day. Therefore Allah will guard them from the evil of that day and cause them to meet with ease and happiness;..."
These verses of the Holy Qur'an speak of the Ahlul-Bait, eulogising their selflessness and piety. The historical occasion to which these blessed verses refer was when Ali, Fatima and their two sons Hasan and Husain fasted for three consecutive days, and each day at the time of breaking the fast some needy person as verse number eight indicates, appeared and the Ahlul-Bait gladly fed him, and themselves passed the nights without food. Allah was so pleased by the generosity of the Prophet's Household that He converted their actions into verses of the Glorious Qur'an to serve as guidance for the Muslims. These verses not only portray the Ahlul-Bait's total submission to Allah's Will but also reveal them as pure and spotless personalities, promised esteem and admiration among the dwellers of Paradise. They are shown as immaculate models of emulation so that whoever among the Muslim communities follows their glowing path will achieve salvation and will be assembled in their illustrious company on the Resurrection Day. It wasthen that the angel Gabriel came down with this Sura, saying:
"O Muhammad, Allah congratulates you for (the sacrifice of) your household. Then he recited the (sura)."
A few verses of the Holy Qur'an which are undeniable proofs of the lofty stature of lmam Ali (a.s.), who was second only to his cousin the Prophet in excellence:
1- The Almighty says :
(XIII: VII) "...you are only a warner, and (there is) a guide for every people. "
lt is stated that when this verse was revealed, the Messenger of Allah placing his hand on his chest said:
"I am the warner, and for every people there is a guide. Then pointing towards Imam Ali(a.s.), he said: You are the guide, Ali, by you tbe believers will be guided after me".
2- The Almighty says :
(XXXII: 18) "Is he who is a believer like him who is a transgressor? They are not equaI".
All authoritative books mention that the verse refers to Imam Ali (a.s.), a believer and describes Walid ibn Uqba as a transgressor.
3- The Almighty says :
(XI: XVII) "Is he, then (to be counted equal to them) who was clear proof from his Lord, and a witness from Him recites..."
The words:
"He who has a clew proof, means Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.), while "the Witness from Him" means Imam Ali (a.s.)
4-- The Almighty says:
(LXVI: 4) "...Allah it is Who is his Guardian, and Gabriel and the Righteous among the believers...".
All leading scholars are unanimous that the Righteous among the believers is none other than Ali ibn Abi Talib
5- The Almighty says :
(LXIX: XII) "...and that the Retaining ears might retain it".
After reciting this verse the Prophet turned towards lmam Ali (a.s.) and said: " I asked Allah to make it your ear".
Ali (a.s.) said:
"I never Forgot anything I heard from the Messenger of Allah ".
"The Messenger of Allah told Ali: Allah ordered me to bring you nearer not to distance you, and to teach you so that you would retain it in, as it is Allah's promise to let you retain it in. Then this verse was revealed: '...and that the Retaining ears might retain it"'.
(XIX: 96) "Surely as for those who believe and do good deeds for them will Allah bring about love."
Once the Prophet told Ali:
"O Ali, say: O Allah, grant me your covenant, and place my love in the bosoms of the believers." then the said verse was revealed in Ali's favour".
(XCVIII: VII) "(As for) those who believe and do good, surely they are the best of men".
On the revelation.of this verse, the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) said:
"O Ali, these are you and your followers."
"Do you consider (the person who undertakes) giving of water to the pilgrims and the guarding of the Sacred Mosque like him who believes in Allah and the Last Day" and strives in the way of Allah, They are not equal in the sight of Allah; and Allah does not guide the unjust people.".
All leading Scholars of Islam have stated in their interpretations of this verse that once Abbas ibn Abdul Muttalib and Talha ibn Shaiba proudly boasted in front of Ali ibn Abi Talib about their respective duties; the supplying of water to pilgrims and holding the keys of the Holy Ka'ba. Imam Ali answered them that he has been praying towards the Ka'ba six months before anyone else (besides the Prophet) ever bowed in prayer and has never ceased struggling in the way of Allah. It was then that this verse was revealed to the Prophet as a proof of Ali's superiority over all other Muslims.
AHLUL-BAIT IN THE PROPHET'S TRADITION
M: "Allah had placed the offspring of every Prophet in his loins, but He placed my offspring (progeny) in the loins of this (man)" - pointing towards Alit.
He used to caress Hasan and Husain, saying:
M: "'AII sons are their fathers' as their agnation returns to their fathers, except the sons of Fatima, as I am their father and agnation".
M: "I have been summoned (by Allah) and the moment is near for me to answer (to die). I leave among you the two weighty things: the Book of AIIah the AImighty and my progeny; AIIah's book is (Iike) a rope extending from heaven to earth, and my progeny are the (Ahlul-Bait). The Merciful informed me that the two will never part, until they come to me at the Pool (of Kawthar in Paradise), I warn you against deserting them".
M: "O People, I am but a mortal and it is time that I answer the call of my Lord's envoy (to die). I am leaving among you the two weighty things, first of which is the Book of Allah (Qur'an) which contains guidance and light; so take the Book of Allah and hold fast to it. And my (Ahlul-Bait), I remind you of Allah (His commands) concerning my 'Ahlul-Bait'."
M: "I am leaving among you two commandments and you will never go astray if you followed them: the Book of Allah and my 'Ahlul- Bait', and he added: 'They would never seperate until they meet me at the pool (of Kawthar in Paradise). Be careful of your behaviour towards them, after me."'
M: "I am leaving among you the 'Thaqalain' , two weighty things or the 'Khalifatain , (two successors); the Book of Allah and my family, my 'Ahlul-Bait'; if you hold fast to them, you will never go astray, for they will never separate until they come to me at the pooI".
M: "I am about to be summoned, and I have to answer (die). I am leaving among you the (Thaqalain) that is the Book of Allah the Exalted, and my progeny. The Book of Allah is a rope stretching between the heaven and the earth, and my progeny are the (Ahlul- Bait). the Merciful informed me that they would not part (with each other) until they come to me at the pool (In Paradise). So, mind your behaviour towards them after me."
M: "My 'Ahlul-Bait' are like Noah's Ark, whoever boards it, is safe, and whoever remains behind is pushed into the Fire".
M: "Let my 'Ahlul-Bait' be to you as the head is to the body and the eyes are to the head, because the body would not be guided except by the head, and the head cannot be guided except by the eyes."
M: "The example of my 'Ahlul-Bait' among you is like Noah's Ark; whoever got aboard it was saved and whoever rernained behind, was drowned."
M: "Surely the likeness of me and my 'Ahlul-Bait' is similar to Noah's Ark, whoever boards it, is safe, and whoever remains behind is drowned."
(II: LVIII) "'And when We said: Enter this township and eat easefully of if wherever you wish, and enter in at the gate prostrating, and say forgiveness, We will forgive you your wrongdoings"
A: 'Our likeness to this Muslim nation is that of Noah's Ark and the gate of remissions"'
M: "The stars are a security for the people of the earth against drowning (when at sea) and my 'Ahlul-Bait' are a security to the people of the earth against discord."
Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal, in his 'Musnad', quotes Umm Salama as saying that once when the Prophet was in her house, a maid came and informed them that Ali and Fatima were at the door. The Prophet told her to get up and make room for his Ahlul-Bait. As she got up and moved to a nearby corner, Ali and Fatima entered with their two young boys Hasan and Husain. The Prophet seated his grandsons on his lap and kissed them. Then he embraced Ali with one hand and Fatima with the other, and covering them with a black cloak called Khamisa (a square black cloak with two straps) prayed:
,,'O Allah, towards you and not towards the Fire are I and my Household .' Umm Salama said 'and I O' Messenger of Allah '. The Prophet replied, 'you, too. "'( That is: 'You, too, more safe from the Fire.')
M: "O Allah, (these are) my Household, keep them pure as pure can be."
M: "Allah only desires to keep away uncleanness from you, people of House (Ahlul-Bait), and keep you pure as pure can be."
H: "Those who know me know me (needs no introduction) but those who do not know me (know then) I am Hasan the son of Muhammad (s.a.w.), I am the son of the Bearer of good tidings; I am the son of the Warner; I am the son of 'Ahlul-Bait' whose love Allah has been incumbent upon every Muslim, and for whom was revealed (the verse): 'Say (O' Muhammad unto mankind) I do not ask of you any reward for it (preaching the message), but love for my near relatives;...' Therefore, striving towards good deeds is to love us, the 'Ahlul-Bait'."'
M: "O' people whoever hates us 'Ahlul-Bait', Allah will resurrect him as a Jew on the Judgement Day".
M: Remember Allah regarding my .Ahlul-Bait'."
M: "My intercession (on Judgement Day) for my Muslim communities wilI be for (only) those who loved my 'Ahlul-Bait'."
M: "We are the 'Ahlul-Bait', none can be compared to us."
M: "We are the 'Ahlul-Bait' for whom Allah has chosen the hereafter to this world. My 'Ahlul-Bait' will face after me difficulties, hardships and persecution in tbe lands, until a people will come from there (pointing towards the east) bearers of black banners. They will demand the rights but it will be denied. So, they will fight and will emerge victorious. They will be given what they demanded, but will not accept it till they give it (the right to rule) to a man from my Ahlul-Bait, who would fill (the earth) with justice as it was filled with oppression. Therefore whoever finds that (period) let him join them even if he had to crawl over the snows."
M: "Whoever hurts me by (way of hurting) my family will be afflicted with Allah's severe wrath."
M: "Teach your children three habits; to love your Prophet, to love his (Prophet's) Household and to recite the Qur'an; because the carrier of the Qur'an will be in the shade of Allah along with His Prophet and the Chosen ones on the day when there will be no shade except that of Allah 's"
M: " (on the Resurrection Day) no foot of a servant (of Allah) will move before being asked about four things: his years and how he spent them, his body and how he worn it out, his wealth and how he earned and spent it, and about his love towards us, the (Ahlul. Bait)".
"'Am I not more superior to you than yourselves?' The people repIied: Yes, O Messenger of Allah! The Prophet then said 'I wilI question you (hold you responsible) about two things; the Qur'an and my 'Ahlul-Bait"".
PRlNClPLES FOR UNDERSTANDlNG AND INTERPRETING THE QUR'AN
M: "When any 'hadith' is ascribed to me, measure it according the Book of Allah, if it agrees with it, accept it, (but) if it contradicts it, hurl it on the wall (cast it away).
M: "The Our'an is easy to manage, with many meanings, so take it at its best"
M: "Parse the Qur'an and look for its peculiarities."
(IV: 83) '...those among them who can search out the knowledge of it would have known it..."
(XLVII: XXIV) "Do they not reflect on the Qur'an, or on their hearts there are locks.?"
B: "What you do know say it, and what you do not know, say: Allah knows better. One takes a verse from the Qur'an and splits it as wide as that between the heaven and the earth."
THE PROPHET'S SUNNA AND SCHOOL OF THE AHLUL-BAIT
M: "May Allah prosper the person who heard my saying, memorized it, comprehended it and retold it as he had heard it, since a carrier of knowledge may not be a scholar, and perhaps one may transport knowledge to a more learned one. "
(LIX: VII) "... whatever the Apostle gives you accept it. And whatever be forbids abstain (from it).
(XXXIII: XXI) "Certainly you have in the Apostle of Allah an excellent examplar for him who hopes in Allah and the Last Day..."
(IV: LIX) "...and if you have a dispute concerning any matter, refer it to Allah and the Apostle"
(XV: IX) "It is We Who have revealed the Reminder, and it is We Who are its Guardian."
A: "The bases of the occurrence of evils are those desires which are acted upon and the orders that are innovated. They are against the Book of Allah. People cooperate with one another about them even though it is against the religion of Allah. If wrong had been pure and unmixed, it would not be hidden from those who are in search of it. And if right had been pure without admixture of wrong, those who bear hatred towards it would have been silenced. What is, however, done is that something is taken from here and something from there and the two are mixed! At this stage Satan overpowers his friends, and they alone are saved for whom virtue has been appointed by Allah from before."
M: "Every innovation is an error and every error leads to the Fire."
S: "If you come across a 'hadith' for which you could find an evidence in the Book of Allah, or in tbe Propbet's sayings (take it), otherwise the one who brougbt it deserves it more. "
S: "Everything should be traced back to the Book of Allah and the 'sunna , and whichever 'hadith , that does not comply with the Book of Allah is but a fabrication"
S: "Whatever 'hadith , that did not conform to the Qur'an is a fabrication"
S: " Whoever adhered to my sunna when there is difference among my Muslim communities will have the reward of a hundred martyrs"
A person once approached Imam Ali (a.s.) and inquired about the meanings of sunna, innovation, community and sect. Imam Ali replied :
"The sunna is what was done by the Messenger of Allah, innovation means what was invented after him, the community are the righteous though (they be) few, and the sect are the false though (they be) numerous."
A: "The 'sunna' , is of two kinds: The obligatory 'sunna': to observe which, is guidance and to neglect it is error; and the optional 'sunna' to observe which is virtue, and to neglect it is not a fault"
S: "Over every truth there is a reality, and over every correct mode there is a light. Whatever corresponds to the Book of Allah take it, and whatever contradicts it leave it."
He also says: "May Allah have mercy on whoever quotes the Messenger of Allah without lying, even if people attack him."
"If a 'hadith' comes to you with discrepancies and differences, parts of it contradicting each other, could not be from me and I did not say it, even if it is said that I did. If a 'hadith' comes to you with its parts confirming each other, it is from me and I said it. Whoever saw me dead is as if he saw me alive, and whoever visited me I would be his witness and observer on the Resurrection Day."
"O Muhammad, whenever a narrative comes to you whether through a pious or a bad man agreeing with the Qur'an, take it; and whenever a narrative comes to you whether through a pious or a bad man contradicting the Qur'an, do not take it."
THE IMAMS OF AHLUL-B AIT WERE THE NARRATORS OF THE PROPHET
S: "My narration is my father's, and my father's is my grandfather's, and my grandfather's is his father's, and his father's is the 'hadith' of Ali ibn Abi Talib, and the 'hadith' of Ali ibn Abi Talib is the 'hadith' of the Messenger of Allah, and the 'hadith , of the Mesenger of Allah, is the words of Allah, the Exalted".
Al-MAHDI OF THE AHLUL BAIT
M: "Not many days and nights might pass before Allah would raise a man of my progeny, whose name is like mine, who will fill the earth with justice and equity as it had been filled with oppression and tyranny.''
M: "If there remained but a single day of the (end of) time, Allah would still send a man of my Household to fill the world with justice as it had been filled with injustice. "
M: "AI-Mahdi is of me, (has) a resplendent forehead, an acqualine nose, and will fill the earth with equity and justice as it had been filled with tyranny and oppression."
AHLUL-BAlT AND THE PERVERTED GROUPS
It is written in 'al-Kafi' that once Sadir informed lmam al-Sadiq that some people regard the lmams of Ahlul-Bait as gods, he said: "O Sadir, my hearing, my sight, my skin, my flesh, my blood, and my hair do renounce them, and Allah has renounced them. They are not of my religion, nor of the religion of my ancestors..."
THE AHL UL-BAIT'S METHOD IN EDUCATING THEIR COMPANIONS
S: "I dislike for a man to die while there is still a habit of the Messenger of Allah (s.a. w.) which he has not yet practised."
B: "...by Allah, we have no absolution from Allah, nor are we relatives of Allah, and nor have we any argument against Allah. Allah cannot be nearer except through obedience. So, whoever is obedient (to Allah) will be benefitted by our friendship, and whoever is disobedient (to Him), our friendship will benefit him naught."
B: "...fear Allah and be good, and do not be bad. Direct toward us every affection, and ward of from us every abomination, for we are not as they say. We have our rights in the Book of Allah, are related to the Messenger of Allah and had been purified by Allah. Our birth is so noble that anybody other than us claiming its like, is a liar.(refers to their noble relations to the Prophet (s.a.w.) through their mother, Fatima al-Zahra'(a.s.), the Prophet's daughter.)
Increase your remembrance of Allah, of death, of reciting the Qur'an and of sending blessings upon the Prophet (s.a.w.) as sending blessings on him is reward ten fold."
S: "I advise you to fear All'ah, to be Pious, to be truthful to pay your trusts, to be good to your neighbours and to be frequent in your prostration (prayers). Such were the orders of Muhammad (s.a.w.) to us."
S: "Look at the one who is Iower than you (in position) and do not look at the one who is higher than you, as in this way you will be more satisfied with what is your lot, and more deserving of Allah's bounty. Do know that (good) routine deeds even if little are worthier than a regular deed lacking certainty. Do know that no piety is more benefitting than avoiding what Allah has forbidden and refraining from wronging the people. Nothing is more pleasing than good temper. No wealth is better than being content with the little which suffices. No ignorance is more bitter than conceit!".
M: "Whoever is displeased with his own evil deed and is pleased with his own good deed, is a faithful Man."
B: "When the fourth Imam, Zain al-Abidin was in his last moments to life, he embaraced me and said: 'Son, I advise you as my father (a.s.) had advised me when he was meaning his end, as he himself had been advised by his father. O son, beware of doing wrong to whoever has no helper against you except Allah"'
S: "No injustice is harder than that whose victim can find no helper to face it except Allah the Great, the Almighty."
M: "Beware of injustice, as it is the darkness of the Resurrection Day."
S: "Allah the Great, the Almighty, enjoined one of His prophets living in a country under the rule of a tyrant: 'Go to this tyrant and tell him that I did not make use of you (grant authority) to shed the blood (of the people) and gather wealth. I made use of you to soothe the cries of the wronged, because neglect not their plight even if they were disbelievers"'.
S: "The one who does injustice, the one who assists him and the one who approves it, all three of them are accomplices."
"Whoever tries to find excuses for the tyranny of a tyrant, Allah would instigate somebody to tyrannize him, will not respond to his supplication and will not reward him for his being wronged."
S: "' Verily nobody would gain any good from doing injustice. Verily the wronged would take from the faith of the unjust more than the unjust would take from the property of the wronged'. Then he dded: 'The one who wrongs people should not complain if he (in turn) is wronged. Verily the son of Adam would reap nothing save that which he had sown. Nobody would certainly reap the sweet from the bitter, nor the bitter from the sweet. The two men came to a reconciliation before leaving the place"'
M: "Whoever walks with a wrongdoer to help him, knowing that he was a wrongdoer, will be quitting Islam".
M: "To be just for a single hour equaIs the worship of seventy years, will their nights spent in prayers and their days spent in fasting. To spend an hour in despotic rule is harder to Allah than to sin sixty years."
M: "Whoever pleased a ruler by displeasing Allah, was quitting Allah's religion.'
M: "Whoever ruled over ten (People) without justice, would be raised on the Resurrection Day with his hands, legs and head in the hole of an axe.'
M: "Whenever a man gets authority over some public affairs, but he closes his door in their faces and lowers his curtains, he will remain subject to Allah's detestation and curse until he reopens his door and receive in the needy and those who have complaints of injustice."
M: "On tbe Day of Judgement a caller will call: Where are the wrongdoers and their helpers - those who prepared for them their inkpots, or fastened a bag, or sharpened for them a pen ? Gather them all with the wrongdoers!"
S: "'We have nothing for which we may be afraid of you, nor do you have anything of the hereafter
(that we may) turn to you, nor are you in a state of blessing that we may congratulate you, nor do we see it a calamity to console you...
Imam Sadiq(a.s.) turned down a tyrant ruler's request for companionship by replying: 'Whoever wants this world will not advise you, and whoever wants the other world will not accompany you "'.
M: 'None should be obeyed against Allah's command".
(XI: 113) "And incline not toward those who do wrong lest the Fire touch you."
H: "I did not revolt as a hater of the truth, self-conceited mischief-maker, or a wrongdoer, but I revolted wanting reformation among my grandfather, the Messenger of Allah's (s.a.w.) (umma) want to bid the right and forbid the wrong, and to follow the path of my grandfather and father."
H: "Verily the Imam is but the ruler who acts justly, beIieves in the right religion and devotes himself to the entity of Allah."
"...and I invite you to the Book of Allah and the Traditions of His Messenger (s.a.w.), since Tradition has been discarded, and sheresy started. If you heard me and obeyed me, I will guide you to the way of righteousness. Peace be upon you and mercy from Allah."
MUSLIMS ARE ONE NATION
(III: 103-105) "And hold fast, all of you together, to the covenant of Allah and do not be disunited. And remember Allah's favour on you; when you were enemies, then He made friendships between your hearts so that you became brethren by His favour, and (how) you were on the brink of an abyss of fire, and He did save you from it. Thus Allah makes clear His revelations to you that you may be guided. And from among you there should a party who invite to good, and enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong; and those it is who are successful. And you be not as those who became divided and disagreed after the clear proofs had come unto them; and these it is that shall have a grievous punishment."
(XXX: 30-32) "So set thy purpose (O Muhammad) upright for religion in tbe right state - the nature (framed) by Allah in which He has created mankind. There is no altering (of the laws of) Allah's creation. That is the rigbt religion, but most people know not. Turning unto Him (only), and be careful of your duty unto Him, and establish worship, and be not of those who ascribe sects, (unto Him): Of those who split up their religion and became schematics, each sect exulting in what they had with them."
(IVII: 10) "And in whatever thing you disagree, the verdict therein belongs to Allah. Such is my Lord, in Whom I put my trust, and to Whom I turn."
(IV: 59) "O you who believe Obey Allah, and obey the Messenger and those in authority from among you, then if you quarrel concerning any matter, refer it to AIlah and the Messenger if you are (in truth) beIievers in AIIah and the Last Day. That is better and more seemIy in the end."
(XXIII: 52) "And surely this your religion is one religion, and I am your Lord, So keep your duty unto Me."
(VIII: 46) "And obey Allah and His Messenger and do not quarrel lest you falter and your strength departs from you, and be patient; surely Allah is with the patient."
M: "I leave you on the white path, whose night is like its day. Any one deviates from it will surely perish."
M: "Those who attribute lies to me are many, and they will be more. Whoever purposely misquotes me, let him have his place in Hell. So, whenever you receive a narration compare it with the Book of Allah and my Tradition whichever agree with the Book of Allah take it, and whichever contradicts the Book of Allah and my Tradition do not accept it."
M: "You may not enter paradise unless you believe; and you may not believe unless you love one another: Let me tell you something if you do it you will love one another: Let peace spread among you."
(IX: 105) "And say: Act! Allah will behold your actions, and (so will) His Messenger and the believers. "
Reference
Ahlul-Bait (The Prophet's Household), 1992, Publisher: Al-Balagh Foundation, P.O.Box 1977 / 19395, Tehran, I.R.Iran.
