Story No. 310 – Excellence of Hasnain al-Kareemain in the light of prophetic traditions

Prominence of Imam Hassan ibn Ali and Imam Hussain ibn Ali – Allah’s pleasure be upon them all – in the famous and authentic books of Ahle Sunnah.

1. It is reported that once, Imam Hassan (as) approached Prophet Muhammad – blessings and peace be upon him – and climbed on his shoulders. A person, (who was present) remarked, “O blessed son! What a nice steed you have”. In reply, Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) declared, “And how nice a rider (too).” [Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Kitab al-Manaqib, Manaqib Abi Muhammad al-Hasan – Hadith no. 3809, Vol 5, Page 432].

2. Once, when Prophet Muhammad – blessings and peace be upon him – was in ritual prostration Imam Hassan wrapped himself on the blessed back of Prophet Muhammad – blessings and peace be upon him. Due to this, Prophet Muhammad – blessings and peace be upon him – lengthened the ritual prostration so that he (Imam Hassan) would not fall when Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) raised his head. [Musnad Abu Ya’la, Musnad Anas bin Malik, Hadith no. 3415, Vol 3, Page 21].

3. Prophet Muhammad – blessings and peace be upon him – declared: “these two sons of mine are the leaders of the youth in Paradise.” [Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Kitab al-Manaqib, Manaqib Abi Muhammad al-Hasan, Hadith no. 3793, Vol. 5, Page 426].

4. Prophet Muhammad – blessings and peace be upon him – has also stated that, “Their friends are my friends, their enemies are my enemies.” [Sunan ibn Maja, kitab al-Sunna, Fadl al Hasan wa al Husain, Hadith no. 143, Vol. 1, Page 96].

5. He has also stated that, “these two are the swords of the heavens.” He has also stated that, “Hussain is from me and I am from Hussain. May Allah keep him as a friend who keeps Hussain as his friend. Hussain is a grandchild from among grandchildren.” [Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Hadith no. 3800, Vol. 5, Page 429].

6. It is stated that once, Prophet Muhammad – blessings and peace be upon him – placed Imam Hussain on his right thigh and his own son, Sayyidina Ibrahim on his left thigh. Angel Gabriel (Jibreel) appeared to him and said, “Allah will not keep them both with the Prophet, choose one of them.” Prophet Muhammad – blessings and peace be upon him – could not bear being separated from Imam Hussain and three days later, Sayyidina Ibrahim passed on to the Divine Lord. After this incident, whenever Imam Hussain came in front of him, he used to kiss him and say, ‘Welcome to the one for whom I have sacrificed my own son.’ [Tarikh al-Baghdad, Vol. 2, Page 200].

7. Prophet Muhammad – blessings and peace be upon him – has also declared that, “They are my sons and the sons of my daughter. O Allah! I have kept them in my friendship; You also keep them in Your friendship and keep him as Your friend who keeps them as his friends.” [Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Kitab al-Manaqib, Hadith no. 3794, Vol. 5, Page 427].

8. He advised his blessed daughter Fatimah Zahra (sa), “Bring me both my sons.” He used to then smell them and then hug them to his chest. [Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Kitab al-Manaqib, Hadith no. 3797, Vol. 5, Page 428].

Story No. 309 – Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and the future of Islamic Society (Muslim Ummah)

Everyone knows that amongst all decisions that Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) made and all positions that he stood for, he never allowed his personal desire or interest to affect them. And he never permitted his emotions to influence his decision on saying or doing something.

 

Noble Qur’an: “Nor does he (Muhammad) speak of (his own) desire. It is only a Revelation revealed.” (An-Najm, 53:3-4)

 

Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) always thought of Allah (SWT). Thus Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) belonged to Allah (SWT), and he lived to serve the religion of Allah (SWT). Everything Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) did in his life was for the sake of Allah (SWT). In other words, he would not perform the task no matter how small or big it was, if it was not intended to serve the religion of Allah (SWT).

 

This does not mean that Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) had no natural emotions of any kind like other humans did. It also does not mean that he would purposely ignore and suppress his natural emotions in using them.

 

Moreover, when Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) expresses emotions in personal matters, without being exposed to public, they are an act of worship that will give him strength and get him closer to Allah (SWT). Yet, when these emotions are expressed in public through different incidents, such as in his lectures, they serve a much more significant matter and fall under the great Prophetic mission. The significance of Prophet Muhammad’s (pbuh) words and emotions is evident in Noble Qur’an. Allah (SWT) not only declares obedience to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) to be mandatory, but also defines him as a perfect role model in the following verses.

 

“O you who believe! Obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those in authority from among you.” (An-Nisa, 4:59)

 

“Verily, you have in the Prophet of Allah an excellent model, for him who hopes to meet Allah and the Last Day and who remembers Allah much.” (Al-Ahzab, 33:21)

 

Based on the view of Noble Qur’an, when Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) expresses his opinion, it creates an obligation on the followers of Islam (Muslims). Hence, such expression of opinion cannot be used for personal interest and influenced by personal emotions.

 

When we look into the life of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) through this point of view, we will come upon many narrations regarding his love toward Imam Hassan and Imam Hussain (pbut). The following are a few examples of these narrations.

 

Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) has said, “O Allah! This child is my son, and I love him. Love him and love all those who love him.”

 

He (pbuh) also said, “The most beloved of my family are Hassan and Hussain.”

 

In many of his narrations, Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is trying to relate the issues regarding Imam Hassan and Imam Hussain (pbut) to himself in terms of belief, obligations, emotions and consciousness. For example, in a famous saying, Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said to Imam Hassan and Imam Hussain, “I am friends with your friends and enemies with your enemies.”

 

Leaders of the Youth of ParadiseProphet Muhammad (pbuh) has said, “He is the leader of the youth in Paradise and a representative of Allah amongst my community. His command is my command and his sayings are my sayings; whosoever follows him is from me and he who disobeys him is not from me.”

 

Among the countless merits of the Second Imam Hassan (pbuh) was the title granted to him and his brother Imam Hussain: the Leaders of the Youth of Paradise. This epithet was designated to them by Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). According to various traditions from the Shia and Sunni sects, Prophet Muhammad’s (pbuh) companions one day noticed him being overjoyed and happy. When they inquired as to why he was so delighted, he replied, “How could I not delight when angel Gabriel (Jibreel) has already come to me and brought me news of Hassan and Hussain being masters of the youths of paradise?” (Silsilat al-Ahadeeth al-Saheeha, ch. 2 p. 444; Tareekh Ibn Asakir, ch. 13 p. 209)

 

There are more traditions from Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) which portray the unique status of Imam Hassan and Imam Hussain (pbut) and the nine succeeding children of Imam Hussain (pbuh).

 

Prophet Muhammad’s (pbuh) approach on Imam Hassan and Imam Hussain (pbut) and their unique education are filled with many lessons we can learn from.

 

The excellence of Imam Hassan (pbuh) is found in the many lofty and divine positions awarded to him and deservingly so. He is among the Twelve Imams to whom Allah (SWT) made obedience obligatory and purified from sins. Imam Hassan (pbuh) was among the five people Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) covered with his cloak (Hadith Kisa). He also helps make up one of the two most worthy and praised items Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) left us before he passed away: Noble Qur’an and Ahlul Bayt (Hadith Saqlain).

 

With his constant reminders, Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was seeking to prepare Imam Hassan (pbuh) and his brother, Imam Hussain (pbuh), for the important role they had in guiding the Muslim Ummah. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) saw it necessary to set the correct religious and political foundation of Imam Hassan and Imam Hussain (pbut) for their future role and to be a clear voice for the Muslim Ummah to remember and stand up against all sorts of alterations and wrong interpretations.

 

Yet, we ask ourselves, despite the many years that have passed, whether the Islamic Society (Muslim Ummah) is successful in obeying the sayings of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) to not separate Noble Qur’an and his Progeny? What responsibilities do Muslims have in practicing Prophet Muhammad’s (pbuh) orders so that the Muslim Ummah will succeed?

Story No. 308 – Imam Hasan (a.s.) Maid Servant and Anger Management

Once a maid of our 2nd Imam, Imam Hasan (a.s.) dropped a hot bowl of soup on Imam Hasan (a.s.).

She was very scared because she thought the Imam Hasan (a.s.) would be angry and punish her.

She immediately recited the Ayah: “…Those who control (their) anger…”

Imam Hasan (a.s.) smiled and said he was not angry.

Then she recited the next part of the Ayah: “…And are forgiving towards people…”

Imam Hasan (a.s.) said he had forgiven her.

She then finished the Ayah: “…Allah loves those who do good…”

Imam Hasan (a.s.) told her she was free.

The above Ayah is from the Holy Quran: Surah Aal-e-Imraan (3), verse 134.

Moral: The Holy Qur’an is not just there to read but to learn from and act upon. It is the word of Allah and teaches us everything we need to know if only we understood it.

Story No. 307 – Imam Hasan (a.s.) and Anger Management

Mubarad and Ibn Aisha narrated that a man from Syria saw Imam Hasan (a.s.) riding a horse and started insulting him. Imam Hasan (a.s.) did not reply to the man. When the Syrian stopped, Imam Hasan (a.s.) proceeded towards him and after cheerfully greeting him said:

“Old man, I believe you are a stranger. Maybe you have confused me with another person. If you ask forgiveness, it is granted to you. If you ask for a means of transportation, we shall provide it for you. If you are hungry, we shall feed you. If you are in need of clothes, we shall cloth you. If you are deprived, we shall grant you. If you are being sought, we shall give you refuge. If you have any need, we shall fulfill it for you. And if you wish to proceed with your caravan be our guest until you leave, it would be more useful to you, for we hold a good position, great dignity and vast belongings.”

When the man heard the words of Imam Hasan (a.s.) he cried and said:

“I testify that you are Allah’s heir on His earth. Allah surely knows to whom He assigns His Message. You and your Father were the most resented of Allah’s creatures to me, but now you are the most beloved of Allah’s creatures to me.”

The man then directed his caravan and became their guest of the town until he departed while believing in their love.

Story No. 306 – Imam Hasan (a.s.) and Amr Bil Maroof (Enjoining good)

Perhaps we all have experienced the situation where we meant to convey a correct criticism with good intentions to a friend, but it has unintentionally leaded to displeasure and annoyance. Have we ever thought about the best way to increase the effectiveness of criticism?

 

In general, when a person makes a moral criticism, two targets could be sought: (1) the action which the criticizer finds incorrect, (2) the person who has performed the incorrect action. What is painful and burdensome about criticism, and can lead to anger, grudge, and animosity is the damage that hurts one’s pride. Although that person might argue about his action and bring proofs for its correctness, in reality, he is defending “himself”, and is attempting to save his esteem and personality.

 

Therefore, to assure that a criticism does not hurt one’s pride or make him react, the criticizer has to set the incorrect action as the main target of his criticism rather than its performer. If so, the criticism would be constructive, and desirable consequences would follow. The traditions of Imam Hassan (as) bear a good example of such criticism:

 

An old man sat to do his Wudhu / Wuzu (Ablution). But his Wudhu was not correct. Imam Hasan (a.s.) and Imam Hussain (a.s.) the grandsons of the Prophet Mohammad (saw), then two young boys, watched him. They immediately realized that the old man was not doing his Wudhu correctly, but hesitated to tell him directly. Perhaps the old man would feel humiliated by two young boys, or he might even lose interest in the act of worship.

 

Imam Hasan and Imam Hussain (pbut)Sitting next to him, they started to do the Wudhu and during the Wudhu, Imam Hasan (a.s.) said: “Oh Hussain my Wudhu is correct and more perfect than yours.”

 

In reply, Imam Hussain (a.s.) insisted that his own Wudhu was better than Imam Hasan’s.

 

Finally they said: “Let us refer to this gentleman. He is older than us and should be able to decide.”

 

The old man was listening patiently. The boys performed their Wudhu under his supervision, one after the other. And when they had finished, he realized the Wudhu done by the boys was methodical and correct. It was his own Wudhu which was incorrect. Turning to Imam Hasan (a.s.) and Imam Hussain (a.s.), he gently said: “The Wudhu done by you is correct. I am grateful that you chose to guide me in such a beautiful manner.”

 

Imam Hassan (as) and Imam Hussain (as) neither criticized the old man, nor reproached him for his ignorance of the ruling of Islam. Moreover, they did not refer to his way of performing Wudu, nor did they call his action void. Rather, they performed Wudu themselves and taught the old man its correct way indirectly. The result of this polite and wise criticism was that the old man confessed to his mistake explicitly, learned how to perform Wudu correctly, and thanked them with kindness and pleasure.

 

Indeed, having good morals is the best way of criticism and education. It is so important that according to Imam Hassan (as), “The best of the best is having good morals”.

 

How cautious are we towards the details the Ahl al-Bayt (PBUT) have taught us in criticizing our brothers in faith? Are we helping others progress and get educated through good morals and leniency?

Story No. 305 – Problems during and after Imam Hasan (a.s.) life

As with the other Imam (a.s.), Imam Hasan’s life was also filled with difficulties. From the very childhood he saw the faces and activities of the so called companions of the Prophet Mohammad (saw) who left him alone in several battlefields, who objected to the Prophet Mohammad’s (saw) decisions up to the stage that some of them expressed their doubts that he was Allah’s Prophet.

Then upon the demise of Prophet Mohammad (saw), he saw that only a handful of his faithful companions were there to bury him and the rest had left him to share political power among themselves. He saw the atrocities of Bani Ummayad in the way they treated the Ahle Bait (a.s.) and hurled accusations against Imam Ali (a.s.) after the killing of Hazrat Usman third Caliph. He lived through the battles of Siffin, Jamal and finally saw the martyrdom of his father Imam Ali (a.s.).

As if all of this was not enough, even after his death the agents of Bani Ummaya continued their work against the Ahle Bait (a.s.) and grafted stories of hundreds of marriages of Imam Hasan (a.s.). Some mentioned that he married 70 times and other said that he married more than 300 times but none could count names of more than 10 wives. Such was the strength of their hatred that upon his death, he was not allowed to be buried alongside his grand father, the Prophet Mohammad (saw).

 

  1. Ahmad ibn-e-Hambal, Tirmizi, Nisai and ibn-e-Habban quoted on authority of Hazrat Huzaifa (r.a.) and Hazrat Abu Saeed Khudri (r.a.) that Prophet Mohammad (saw) said – Hasan (a.s.) and Hussain (a.s.) are the leaders of the youth of paradise and Fatimah (s.a.) is the leader of the women of paradise.

 

  1. Tirmizi and Ibn-e-Habban quoted from Hazrat Usama bin Zaid (r.a.) that Prophet Mohammad (saw) said – Hasan (a.s.) and Hussain (a.s.) are my and my daughter’s sons. O Allah I love them so you love them too and you love anyone who would love them.

Story No. 304 – Imam Hasan (a.s.) and Knowledge

Imam Hasan (a.s.) was born on the 15th of Ramzan al-Mubarak in the 3rd Hijrah. His name was suggested by Allah (swt) through a Vahi (revelation) to the Prophet Mohammad (saw) which suggested that since Imam Ali (a.s.) is to the Prophet Mohammad (saw) as Hazrat Haroon (a.s.) was to Hazrat Moosa (a.s.), the name of his child should be on the name of the son of Hazrat Haroon (a.s.) which was Shabbar – meaning Hasan in Arabic. This was the first time that a child was named Hasan.

 

 

Imam Hasan (a.s.)Imam Hasan (a.s.), like all other Imams was granted divine knowledge by Allah (swt) and he demonstrated it right from his childhood.

 

Once Imam Hasan (a.s.) was asked “What are the 10 strong things that are stronger than one another?” Imam Hasan (a.s.) replied:

 

Among the strong things is Stone;

Even stronger is the Iron which is used to break Stone;

Even stronger is the Fire which melts Iron;

Even stronger is the Water which extinguishes Fire;

Even stronger are Clouds that carry Water with them;

Even stronger is the Air which floats the Clouds with it;

Even stronger is the Angel who moves the Air;

Even stronger is the Angel who will give Death to the Angel who moves the Air;

Even stronger is the Death which will come upon the Angel of Death; and

Even stronger is the order of Allah (swt) which governs the Death.

 

Once the ruler of Rome asked Imam Hasan (a.s.): “Which are the creations which were born without a mother and father or Male and Female?” and Imam Hasan (a.s.) replied:

 

These are 7 creations: Hazrat Adam (a.s.), Hazrat Hawwa (a.s.), the lamb which was sent in place of Hazrat Ismaeel (a.s.), the camel of Hazrat Saleh (a.s.), the serpent of Hazrat Moosa (a.s.), Iblees and the crow that taught the method of burial to Qabeel son of Hazrat Adam (a.s.).

Story No. 303 – Third Infallible: Fatima Zehra (sa) Sayings

Allah made the obedience of Muslims to us (Ahlul Bayt) as discipline for the Ummah, and our leadership as safety from differences.

Praise and Eulogy is for Allah for the blessing and bounties which He has bestowed. And thanks to HIM upon what He revaluated (to His servants) And Praise is for HIM upon the common boons and blessings which He bestowed upon His servants without their request And upon the comprehensive and complete blessings which He granted to all and sundry and gave it to us, consecutively. Those graces and favors which are uncountable. And are irredeemable and uncompensatable due to their plentiful ness of number. And the imagination of their end is out of the reach of human mind. He invited the servant to thankfulness for the sake of the consecutive and continuous enhancement of blessings. And opened the door of eulogy and Praise (of Allah) upon them so that He may make his favors and beneficences great and plentiful for them.

I testify that there is no Deity (Lord) except the sole and matchless Allah. And the testification of the singleness of Allah is a word that Allah has declared sincerity (as) its reality, and made the hearts the centre of its contact and union. And has made the specifications and research of the oneness of Allah’s station obvious and evident in the light of meditation. The Allah Who can not be seen by the eyes and tongues are unable and baffled to describe His virtues and attributes. And the intelligence and apprehension of man is helpless and destitute from the imagination of his how ness.

Allah made all the beings without previous matter and sample and shape and pattern. And made them wear the dress of life by His main and might’s and created them according to His Devine will and Intention short of it that He might have needed their creation or have wished any benefit for Himself from their shaping and sketching except this that he wanted to give a proof of His wisdom and make the people (creations) aware about His obedience and submission and invited them to his servitude and worship and make His Invitation grand and ostentatious.

Allah fixed the reward for His obedience and torment for His insubordination and disobedience so that He may restrain His servants from His wrath and fury and lead them to His paradise.

And I testify that my father Mohammad ibn Abdullah (saw) is the apostle and the servant of Allah. And Allah selected and chose him before appointing him at the post of Prophet Hood. And He named him before choosing and selecting him. And chose him before envying and delegating him. Then all the creations were hidden and covered in the covers of unseen and were hidden amid the screen and curtain of fear and fright and stayed near the last and final border of non entity (nothingness) for Allah was aware of and knew the end of matters and because of His encompassing the incidents of times and ages and His knowledge of the predestinates. Allah appointed him (as apostle) so that he may complete and finalize His matter and Implement His order and materialize His decreed and predestinates.

Allah saw nations and groups had various different sects in their religion and scattered and staying on the verge of the fires of differences, busy with their idol worshipping. They denied God with all the signs and symbols of HIM. (IRFAN) So Allah illuminated the dark nesses through my father Mohammad ibn Abdullah (saw) and removed the dark nesses from their hearts, removed (cured) the blindness of the eyes.

My father [Mohammad ibn Abdullah (saw)] stood up with (his) guidance among the people. And saved them from perversion and aberration, and turned their blindness into enlightenment and guided them towards the firm religion. And called (invited) them to the straight way.

You the servants of Allah are the ones to maintain His injunctions and prohibitions, and the carriers of His religion, and His revelation, and the trustees of Allah upon your souls, and the propagators of His religion among the other nations.

Oh the servants of Allah! (Beware) the real leader from Allah, is present among you and the commitment has previously been made to you and the remaining and left over of the prophet hood has been appointed for your guidance. That is the speaking book of Allah the truthful Quran, and a beaming and gleaming light, in which all the secrets and facts about the completion of man and his prosperity have been exhibited and illuminated. It guides from darkness towards light of guidance. It s followers are the subject of envoy of others.

The book of Allah is the guide to its followers towards the pleasure of Allah. Listening (carefully) to it leads to the salvation. The enlightened and conspicuous evidences and proofs of Allah can be obtained through it. And (also the knowledge) of His interpreted intentions and fear invoking constraining prohibitions. His sufficing testimonies and conspicuous arguments, and desired virtues and allowed endowments and gifts and obligatory divine laws. (Can be obtained from it)

Allah made the faith for you as purity from polytheism (and infidelity).

And (made) service the cause of your getting distant (purification) from pride (egoism).

And rendered alms for the purity of your soul and flourishment and expansion of your sustenance.

And rendered fasting for the maintenance and firmness of your sincerity.

And Allah set Hajj for the consolidation and reinforcement of the religion.

Allah executed and rendered justice for the sake of putting together and harmonization of the hearts.

And (Allah set) the subordination and obedience of us (the household of the Prophet (saw)) for the security of society’s system and our Imamate as a safety from segregation and disunity).

And (Allah made) Jehad (holy war), the honor and glory for Islam and abjectness and humbleness for the infidels and the hypocrites.

And (Allah rendered) patience as a help for getting reward.

And (Allah caused) commanding goodness and forbidding to do evil for the amendment and correction of society and the common folks (public).

And (Allah made) the kindness to parents as a protectional (shield) to His wrath and displeasure.

And Allah made joining and connecting with the kinship and cognation, the cause of lengthening of life.

And Allah made law of retaliation (revenge for homicide) as the security of blood (from being shed).

And Allah executed the vow performing as a medium for forgiveness.

And (Allah rendered) the correct use of weights measure (units) a medium for stopping from selling less (than actual).

And (Allah rendered) prohibition from drinking wine the cause of taking distance from contaminations (evils).

And Allah made the prohibition to accuse someone of adultery a protection (shield) for avoiding (His) curse.

And (Allah made) refraining from theft for the sake of positive ness and affirmation for modesty.

And Allah prohibited polytheism for the sake of (bringing about) sincerity in (His) adoration and worship.

Certainly, an apostle has come to you from among yourselves; grievous to him is your falling into distress, excessively solicitous respecting you; to the believers (he is) compassionate, merciful. So if you assay and recognize him you will find he is my father not the father of your women and the brother of my cousin, [Ali (a.s.)] not that of your men. And how nice a relation I have to him. So he propagated his prophetic (mission). He always used to turn his face from the polytheists.

And fought against them till he beat them up. He would invite people towards Allah by wisdom, and beautiful admonition. He broke the idols and scattered the aggregation of polytheists in a way that they ran away (from the battle fields), so that finally the hidden secret of oneness of Allah became manifested by him. And he made the logic of religion reach the ears (of the people) and settled down the foam of the camels of Satan and turned the slogan yelling of those devils silent. And downed the agents of hypocrisy and mutual commitments of the infidels got dissolved till such time that, you (people) spoke to a group of enlightened and modest men with the words of oneness of Allah and sincerity.

You were on the edge of a fire ditch, and were a cup of drink and the morsel of a greedy one and a firebrand of every hasty one and were being trampled on (by other nations) and drank from the contaminated waters gathered over in ditches and your energy (food) was (secured by) the leaves of trees and desert grass. And for your abjectness and abasement you were always afraid that those around you might abduct you in the winking of an eye. So, Allah liberated you (of these misfortunes) through my father Mohammed (saw). In spite of it that he (saw) was involved and at war against the intrepid and the hungry wolves of Arab and the stubborn refractory of the people of the books (Jews and Christians). Whenever his opponents would light the fire of war, Allah extinguished it to your benefit.

Imam Hassan (as) said, on the Friday night I saw my mother [Fatima (s.a.)] standing in her arch of prayer. She was continuously kneeling and performing prostration till the dawn broke. I would hear her pray for the faithful men and women, but she did not at all pray for herself. I said, ‘Oh mother why did you not pray for yourself like you prayed for others?’ so she replied, ‘Oh my son, first the neighbor and there after your own house.’

The Prophet (saw) asked Fatima (sa), what is the thing which is a blessing for woman? She said that, ‘she must not see a man (stranger and not intimate) and a man must not see her.’

One day a lady came to Fatima (sa) said ‘I have a weak old mother who does not know a few problems about her service (prayers). She has sent me towards you to question you (about them). Thus Fatima answered her (questions). And the number of her queries reached to ten and Fatima (sa) replied to all her questions. Then she (the woman) got ashamed because of the high number of her questions. And said, ‘Oh daughter of the Prophet (saw), I do not put you to more inconvenience than this.’ Fatima (sa) said, ‘Ask me what you do not know. Have you ever seen a person who is one day hired to carry a heavy thing to the roof top from ground for an amount (equal to) a thousand dinnars [nearly a hundred thousand Miskal (unit of weight) of gold] and he may feel himself tired.’ She said ‘No’. Fatima (sa) said, ‘I have been hired by Allah to get a wages which if the space between the earth and sky is filled up with pearls still (That wages) would he more than it for each of the questions I may answer you. Therefore, I deserve it that I must not feel tired exhausted.’

Oh Allah! Belittle me in my eyes and glorify and magnify your station to me. And inspire me (about) Your obedience and the practice which may cause Your pleasure and the shunning and evading from things (matters) which are the cause of Your wrath, oh the most merciful of all!

Oh Allah! Content me with the sustenance you have granted me. And till such time that you keep me alive, hide me and make me sound and prosperous. And forgive me and take pity upon me when I die. (During death process). Oh Allah! Do not help me in something that you have not predestined for me. And facilitate the achievement of that thing which you have predestined for me.

Oh Allah! Bestow upon my parents and all those persons who have rights of their blessings and beneficences upon me, the best of Your rewards. Oh my Allah, spare me the leisure and respite for the object for which You have created me. And do not let me be busy and involved (absolutely) in my commitments. And do not torment me when I ask forgiveness. And do not deprive me of what I yearn and question you for.

Story No. 302 – Failing Attempts to open the grave of Fatima Zahra (sa) in Jannat al-Baqi

At sunrise people gathered to participate in Fatima Zahra’s (sa) funeral, but they were informed that the darling of Messenger of Allah (saw) had been secretly buried during the night.

 

Meanwhile, Imam Ali (as) made the shapes of four fresh graves in Jannat al-Baqi, so as to conceal the location where Fatima Zahra (sa) was buried. When the people entered the graveyard, they were confused as to which spot was actually Lady Fatima Zahra’s grave; the people turned towards each other and with feelings of guilt said: “Our Prophet Muhammad (saw) has not left behind but one daughter, yet she has died and was buried without our participation in the funeral or the prayer rituals. We do not even realize the place where she has been buried.”

 

Noticing that a revolt might be ignited because of the emotional atmosphere this event created, the governing party announced: “Select a group of Muslim women and ask them to dig these graves so that we may find Fatima Zahra (sa) and perform prayers on her.”

 

Yes! They attempted to execute the plan, violating Fatima’s (sa) will and causing Imam Ali’s (as) attempts to hide the grave to lay vainly.

 

Have they forgotten Imam Ali’s (as) sharp sword, Zulfiqar and his well-known courage! Did they really think that Imam Ali (as) would remain indifferent to their outrageous actions up to the point of letting them dig Fatima’s (sa) grave?

 

Imam Ali (as) did not fight back after the Prophet Muhammad’s (saw) death because he considered the Muslim unity and over all interests. Yet, this did not mean that he would ignore their villainous crimes against Fatima Zahra (sa) even after her death. In other words, Imam Ali (as) was asked by Prophet Muhammad (saw) to have patience, but only to a certain extent; when Imam Ali (as) received the news of the about-to-be-executed plot, he put on his fighting gear and rushed towards Jannat al-Baqi. A man from among the people called out, “This is Ali ibn Abu Talib leveling his sword and saying: If anyone moves even a mere stone from these graves, I shall strike even the back of the last follower of the unjust.”

 

People who realized Imam Ali’s (as) seriousness, took his threats with complete belief that he would do just as he said if anyone were to oppose him. Yet, a man from the governing ones addressed Imam Ali (as) by saying: “What is the matter, Abu Al-Hassan? By Allah, we shall dig her grave out and perform prayers on her.”

 

Imam Ali (as) then grabbed the man by his clothes, shook him and threw him to the ground and said: “Son of the Sawada! I have abandoned my right to prevent people from forsaking their faith, but as regards Fatima’s (sa) grave, by Him in whose hand is my soul, if you and your followers attempt to do anything to it, I will irrigate the ground with your blood!”

 

At this, Abu Bakr said; “Abu Al-Hassan, I ask you by the right of Messenger of Allah, and by Him Who is above the Throne: leave him alone and we will not do anything which you would not approve of.”

 

Grave of Fatima Zahra (sa) in Jannat al-BaqiThus, until this day, the location of Fatima Zahra’s (sa) grave remains a secret.

 

Fatima Zahra (sa) had asked to be buried at night. Her request for hiding her shrine was in fact a message she wanted to send to history: a message for the entire Muslim Ummah that would lead to hearing her sad life story, and what her constant objections were. And this in fact could be a turning point in the history of Islamic civilization.

 

It was because of this that Fatima Zahra (sa) found life from death, victory from defeat, and an epic and everlasting peace from misery. She created a revolution in the hearts of all generations. Her heart still beats to the fate of the Muslim Ummah. And her eyes await the flag of freedom that will appear with his son the Promised Mahdi (as).

 

Today, like all other periods people face misery and oppression. We must look unto the secret of the hidden grave, and think about Fatima Zahra’s (sa) tears and burning sighs, and retell her message as best we can to the rest of the world.

Story No. 301 – Quiet Funeral of Fatima Zahra (sa), the daughter of Messenger of Allah (saw)

A small procession of devoted ones, sobbing with grief, with their faces covered, is quietly moving towards an unknown location to bury someone special, someone they loved. It was a dark night of the third of Jamadi al-Thani, 11th Hijrah in the city of Madina, the city of Prophet Muhammad (saw) just few days after passing away of Prophet Muhammad (saw).

 

They were Kids with their father and his close friends walking quietly with patience and happy with their Lord over what they went through during last few days. But they were sobbing suppressing their voices, tears were flowing but without a sound, concealing their grief, so that no one can hear them in the dark quiet night they wanted no one in Madina to know about what they were going through.

 

Yes, their father is none but Imam Ali (as); Imam Hassan, Imam Hussain, Hazrat Zainab and Hazrat Umm Kulthum (pbut) are quietly walking behind their father and Abu Dharr, Ammar Yasir, Miqdad ibn Aswad and Salman Farsi.

 

When eyes were asleep and voices were silent, a Heavenly procession left Imam Ali’s (as) house while carrying the Messenger of Allah’s daughter Fatima Zahra (sa) to her final abode. Yes, Imam Hassan, Imam Hussain, Hazrat Zainab and Hazrat Umm Kulthum (pbut) were walking in the quiet funeral procession of their beloved mother.

 

But, where are the thousands who inhabited Madina? What has happened why nobody why funeral and burial in dark night. Yes Fatima Zahra (sa) had requested Imam Ali (as) that they are not allowed at her funeral, she wished to be buried in the dark night quietly and her grave be hidden from everyone.

 

There was dead silence. So long, with no word, dead silence just tears just sob just grief. But wait a sobbing sigh was heard somebody was weeping. Yes it was Imam Ali (as), the hero of Badr, Ohud, Khayber, Khandaq and several other battles. Don’t you realize that he is weeping? Why would he not weep for being separated from the leader of all women? The lady of light passing away so oppressed and after so many painful events!

 

Weeping tears flowing from his eyes his heart full of grief he was saying, O’ Messenger of Allah, peace be upon you from me and from your daughter who has come to you and who has hastened to meet you. O’ Messenger of Allah, my patience about your chosen (daughter) has been exhausted and my power of endurance has weakened, except that I have ground for consolation in having endured the great hardship and heartrending event of your separation.

 

To Allah we belong, and to Him is our return. (Noble Qur’an, 2:156)

 

Fatima Zahra (sa), the daughter of Messenger of Allah (saw)Now the trust has been returned and what had been given has been taken back. As to my grief, it knows no bounds and as to my nights, they will remain sleepless till Allah (SWT) chooses for me the house in which you are now residing. Certainly your daughter would apprise you of the joining together of your Ummah (community or nation) for oppressing her. You ask her in detail and get all the news about the position. This has happened when a long time had not elapsed and your remembrance had not disappeared.

 

My Salaam be on you both, the Salaam of a grief stricken and not the one who is fed up; for if I go away it is not because I am weary (of you), and if I stay it is not due to lack of belief in what Allah (SWT) has promised the patient in sorrow.

 

After burying Fatima Zahra (sa) the family and their friends then rushed back to their own homes so that no one would know where She was buried.

 

Back in home again the kids were sad lonely their mother was not with them. Imam Ali (as) was taking care of them He was consoling them. But it was not an easy task, he would calm the kids and then himself move away to a corner of house so that they don’t see him and then cry out himself. Yes the hero of Badr, Ohud, Khayber, Khandaq and several other battles was sadly exhausted of grief.

 

They were going through the events that happened after their beloved Prophet Muhammad’s (saw) passing away, the Ghadir was forgotten, Fadak was usurped, their house was attacked, the burning door fell upon Fatima Zahra (sa), breaking her ribs and leaving her unborn child dead she was then sick bed ridden, isolated and at last she passed away.

 

It was the Kids first night without their beloved teacher, mother, friend their mother, after sobbing and sighing for sometime, the kids slept, missing her. Fatima Zahra (sa) was quietly watching her Kids from heavens.

 

This was a narration of the sad and quiet funeral of Fatima Zahra (sa), the leader of all women of the worlds, the lady who was heavenly, who held pivotal position in the household of Prophet Muhammad (saw). She her husband and sons would fast and give away their food at the time of Iftar for three days and Allah (SWT) would thank them in the Noble Qur’an. Even in her night prayers, she would give preference to neighbors and friends over her own family members.

 

Though Fatima Zahra (sa) lived a short life fruits of her life are never ending. She was a great teacher who taught her Kids lessons of self-sacrifice, bravery, defense of Islam and upholding high human values. Fatima Zahra (sa) is an ideal personality for women to follow.

 

But alas! Until today ah nobody exactly knows where is the grave of Fatima Zahra (sa) for whom Prophet Muhammad (saw) would stand with respect and says: “Fatima is part of me. Whatever causes her hurt, hurts me.” Prophet Muhammad (saw) also said: “Whoever hurts Fatima, hurts me, and whoever hurts me, hurts Allah, exalted be His Majesty!” Prophet Muhammad (saw) said further: “Allah becomes wrathful for Fatima’s anger, and is pleased at her pleasure.” History records that this great lady is buried in Jannat al-Baqi graveyard of Madina but her exact grave remains unknown.

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