Friday, 22 July 2011

HAZRAT MOHAMMAD-E-MUSTAFA (P.B.U.H.)

Name - Muhammad
Title - Al-Mustafa
Kunyat - Abul Qasim
Born - Friday, the 17th of Rabi-ul Awwal
Father's Name - Abdullah Ibn Abdul Muttalib
Mother's Name - Amina bint-e-Wahab
Died - at the age of 63 years on Monday, 28th Safar 11 AH .
Burried- in his house adjoining the mosque at Medina


The last prophet of God is Hadrat-i-Muhammad upon whom be blessings and peace, who possesses a book and a Shari'ah and in whom Muslims have placed their faith. The Prophet (sawas) was born fifty-three years before the beginning of the hijra calendar in Mecca in the Hijaz amidst the family of Banu Hashim of the Tribe of Quraysh, who were considered the most honoured of the Arab families.
His father was called 'Abdallah and his mother, Aminah. He lost both parents at the beginning of childhood and was placed under the care of his paternal grandfather, 'Abd al-Mutalib, who also soon passed away. At this time the Prophet (sawas)'s uncle, Abu Talib, took charge of him and became his guardian, taking him into his own house. The Prophet (sawas) grew up in his uncle's house and even before reaching the age of adolescence used to accompany his uncle on journeys by caravan.
The Prophet (sawas) had not received any formal schooling. Yet, after reaching the age of maturity he became famous for his wisdom, courtesy, and trust- worthiness. As a result of his sagacity and trustworthiness, one of the women of the tribe of Quraysh, well-known for her wealth, appointed him as the custodian of her possessions and left in his hands the task of conducting her commercial affairs.
The Prophet (sawas) once journeyed to Damascus with her merchandise and as a result of the ability he displayed was able to make an outstanding profit. Before long she asked to become his wife and the Prophet (sawas) accepted her proposal. After the marriage, which occurred when he was. twenty-five years old, the Prophet (sawas) began the life of a manager of his wife's fortunes, until the age of forty, gaining meanwhile a widespread reputation for wisdom and trust- worthiness. He refused, however, to worship idols, as was the common religious practice of the Arabs of the Hijaz. And oc- occasionally he would make spiritual retreats (khalwah)/)) in which he prayed and discoursed secretly with God.
At the age of forty, in the cave of Hira', in the mountains of the Tihamah region near Mecca, when he was in spiritual retreat, he recived the first message from GOD and the permission to start the mission of spreading the new religion. At that moment the first chapter of the Qur'an ("The Blood-Clot" [Surah-i 'alaq]) was revealed to him. That very day he returned to his house and on the way met his cousin, Ali ibn Abl Talib, who after hearing the account of what had occurred declared his acceptance of the faith. After the Prophet entered the house and told his wife of the revelation, she likewise accepted Islam.
The first time the Prophet (sawas) invited people to accept his message he was faced with a distressing and painful reaction. Of necessity he was forced henceforth to propagate his message in secret for some time until he was ordered again by God to invite his very close relatives to accept his message. But this call was also fruit- less and no one heeded it except Ali ibn Abi Talib, who in any case had already accepted the faith. (But in accordance with documents- transmitted from the Household of the Prophet (sawas) and extant poems composed by Abu Talib, the Followers of Ahlul Bayt believe that Abu Talib had also embraced Islam; however, because he was the sole protector of the Prophet (sawas), he hid his faith from the people in order to preserve the outward power he had with the Quraysh.)
After this period, according to Divine instruction, the Prophet (sawas) began to propagate his mission openly. With the beginning of open propagation the people of Mecca reacted most severely and inflicted the most painful afflictions and tortures upon the Prophet (sawas) and the people who had become newly converted to Islam. The severe treatment dealt out by the Quraysh reached such a degree that a group of Muslims left their homes. and belongings and migrated to Abyssinia.
The Prophet (sawas) and his uncle, Abu Talib, along with their relatives from the Banu Hashim, took refuge for three years in the "mountain pass of Abu Talib," a fort in one of the valleys of Mecca. No one had any dealings or transactions with them and they did not dare to leave their place of refuge. The idol-worshipers of Mecca, although at the beginning they considered inflicting all kinds of pressures and tortures such as striking and beating, insult, ridicule and defamation on the Prophet, occasionally would also show kindness and courtesy toward him in order to have him turn away from his mission. They would promise him great sums of money or leadership and the rule of the tribe. But for the Prophet (sawas) their promises and their threats only resulted in the intensification of his will and determination to carry out his mission. Once, when they came to the Prophet (sawas) promising him wealth and power, the Prophet (sawas) told them, using metaphorical language, that if they were to put the sun in the palm of his right hand and the moon in the palm of his left hand he would not turn away from obeying the unique God or refrain from performing his mission.
About the tenth year of his prophecy, when the Prophet (sawas) left the "mountain pass of Abu Talib," his uncle Abu Talib, who was also his sole protector, died, as did also his devoted wife. Henceforth there was no protection for his life nor any place of refuge. Finally the idol-worshipers of Mecca devised a secret plan to kill him. At night they surrounded his house from all sides with the aim of forcing themselves in at the end of the night and cutting him to pieces while he was in bed. But God, the Exalted, informed him of the plan and commanded him to leave for Yathrib.
The Prophet (sawas) placed Ali in place of himself in his bed and at night left the house under Divine protection, passing amidst his enemies, and taking refuge in a cave near Mecca. After three days when his enemies, having looked everywhere, gave up hope of capturing him and returned to Mecca, he left the cave and set out for Yathrib. The people of Yathrib, whose leaders had already accepted the message of the Prophet (sawas) and sworn allegiance to him, accepted him with open arms and placed their lives and property at his disposal. In Yathrib for the first time the Prophet (sawas) formed a small Islamic community and signed treaties with the Jewish tribes in and around the city as well as with the powerful Arab tribes of the region. He undertook the task of propagating the Islamic message and Yathrib became famous as "Madinat al-rasul" (the city of the Prophet).
Islam began to grow and expand from day to day. The Muslims, who in Mecca were caught in the mesh of the injustice and inequity of the Quraysh, gradually left their homes and property and migrated to Medina, revolving around the Prophet (sawas) like moths around a candle. This group became known as the "immigrants" (muhajirun) in the same way that those who aided the Prophet (sawas) in Yathrib gained the name of "helpers" -ansar).
Islam was advancing rapidly but at the same time the idol- worshipers of Quraysh, as well as the Jewish tribes of the Hejaz, were unrestrained in their harassment of the Muslims. With the help of the "hypocrites" (munafiqun) of Medina, who were amidst the community of Muslims and who were not known for their holding any particular positions, they created new misfortunes for the Muslims every day until finally the matter led to war.
Many battles took place between the Muslims and the Arab polytheists and Jews, in most of which the Muslims were victorious- . There were altogether over eighty major and minor battles. In all the major conflicts such as the battles of Badr, Uhud, Khandaq, Khaybar, Hunayn, etc., the Prophet (sawas) was personally present on the battle scene. Also in all the major battles and many minor ones, victory was gained especially through the efforts of Ali. He was the only person who never turned away from any of these battles. In all the wars that occurred during the ten years after the migration from Mecca to Medina less than two hundred Muslims and less than a thousand infidels were killed.
As a result of the activity of the Prophet (sawas) and the selfless effort of the muhajirun and ansar during this ten-year period, Islam spread through the Arabian peninsula. There were also letters written to kings of other countries such as Persia, Byzantine and Abyssinia inviting them to accept Islam. During this time the Prophet lived in poverty and was proud of it. He never spent a moment of his time in vain. Rather, his time was divided into three parts: one spent for God, in worshipping and remembering Him; a part for himself and his household and domestic needs; and a part for the people. During this part of his time he was engaged in spreading and teaching Islam and its sciences, administrating to the needs of Islamic society and removing whatever evils existed, providing for the needs of the Muslims, strengthening domestic and foreign bonds, and similar matters.
After ten years of stay in Medina the Prophet (sawas) fell ill and died after a few days of illness.

HAZRAT FATIMA-E-ZAHRA (A.S.)


Name - Fatima
Title - Az-Zahra
Kunyat - Umm-ul-Aimma
Born - Friday 20th of Jamadi-ul-Akhar in Mecca
Father's Name - Holy Prophet Muhammad Ibn-e-Abdulla (PBUH)
Mother's Name - Khadija bint-e-Khuwailid
Died - 14th Jamadi-ul-Awwal at Medina at the age of 18 years (due to injury inflicted upon her through force of a falling door by a hypocrite).
Buried - The cemetery of Jannatul Baqi at Medina


Bibi Fatimah Zahra (A.S.) was born to Bibi Khadija (A) and the Prophet (S). Before her birth, the Prophet (S) had had two sons, Qasim and Tahir, but both boys had died when they were babies.
The Prophet (S) had started teaching the message of Islam and had made many enemies. As a result, some of the unbelievers began to make fun of him at the death of his sons, calling him "Abtar".
The word Abtar means an animal who has no tail - and was meant to say that the Prophet (S) was tail-less because he had no children to carry on his family.
Thus, when Bibi Fatimah (A) was born, the following Sura of the Holy Qur'an was revealed:
"In the Name of Allah, the most Kind, the most Merciful.
Verily (O Muhammad), We have given you Kauthar.
So pray to your Lord and give sacrifice.
Verily, your enemies will be Abtar.
Surah al-Kauthar, (108:1-3)
When the Holy Prophet (S) was asked what Kauthar meant, he replied that it was a stream in heaven and the man who would give water from that stream to the believers was Imam Ali (A).
He then said that Kawthar also meant abundance, and the birth of Bibi Fatimah (A) signified that, through her, his descendants would be in abundance.
The promise of Allah was certainly true because today, there are countless descendants of the Prophet (S), (Sayyids) while there is nobody who claims to be a descendant of the Quraish. Thus the enemies of the Holy Prophet (S) were those who became truly "Abtar".
This Surah in the Holy Qur'an is thus a reference to Bibi Fatimah (A).
Moral: You should never think that you have more than someone else, because there might come a time when that person has more than you. Remember it is through the blessing of Allah that you have what you have.
EXERCISE
1. What does Abtar mean and why did some of the people call the Prophet (S) this ?
2. What does Kawther mean and why does this refer to Bibi Fatimah (A) ?
3. Learn Surah Kawther:
PRACTICAL
Think of someone that you have said or been mean to and go tell them how sorry you are.
WORKSHEET 2
BIBI FATIMAH AZ-ZAHRA (A)
WILADAT: MAKKA, FRIDAY 20TH JAMAD UL AAKHER, 8 YEARS BEFORE HIJRA.
WAFAT: MADINA, 3rd JAMAD UL AAKHER 11A.H.

HAZRAT IMAM ALI-E-MURTAZA (A.S.), THE 1ST IMAM

Name - Ali

Title - Al-Murtaza, Al-Amir-ul-Mo'mineen, Abu-Turab, Asadullah

Kunyat - Abul Hasan

Born - Friday 13th of Rajab, in the Holy Ka'ba

Father's Name - Abu Talib-ibne-Abdul Muttalib

Mother's Name - Fatima bint-e-Asad

Died - at the age of 63 years, at Kufa, on Monday, the 21st Ramadan 40 AH, murdered by an assassin who mortally wounded him with a poisoned sword in the Mosque at Kufa during morning prayers on the 19th of Ramadan.

Buried - Najaf, near Kufa.



(This part gives) an account of the Commander of the faithful, peace be on him, the first of the Imams of the belicvers, of the rulers (wulat) of the Muslims and of God's (appointed) successors in religion after the Apostle of God, the truthful one and the trusted one, Muhammad b. Abd Allah, the seal of the Prophets, blessings on him and his pure family. (He was) the brother of the Apostle of God and his paternal cousin, and his helper (wazir) in his affair, his son-in- law (being married) to his daughter, Fatima the chaste, mistress of the women of the universe. (The full name of) the Commander of the faithful is Ali b. Abi Talib b. Abd al Muttalib b. Hashim b. Abd Manaf. (He was) the Lord of the testamentary trustees of authority (wasiyyin), the best of blessing and peace be on him. His kunya was Abu al-Hasan.

He was born in the Sacred House (i.e. the Kaba) in Mecca on Friday, the thirteenth day of the month of Rajab, thirty years after the Year of the Elephant (c.570). Nobody before or after him has ever been born in the House of God, the Most High. (It was a mark) of him being honoured by God, the Most High, may His name be exalted, and of his position being dignified in its greatness.

His mother was Fatima, daughter of Asad b. Hashim b. Abd Manaf, may God be pleased with her. She was like a mother to the Apostle of God, may God bless him and his family, and he (the Apostle) was brought up under her care.

He was grateful for her kindness and she was among the first to believe in him and she emigrated with him in the group of the emigrants. When she died, the Prophet shrouded her with his own shirt in order to protect her from the insects of the earth, and he laid her to rest in her grave in order that, through that, she might be protected from (the crushing pressure of) the narrow space within the grave. He dictated to her her last words (which were) the statement of the authority (wilaya) of her son, the Commander of the faithful, peace be on him, so that at the examination after burial, she would be able to reply with those words. He singled her out with this great favour because of her position with God, may He be magnified and exalted, and with him, peace be on hinn. The report of that is well known.

The Commander of the faithful, Ali b. Abi Talib, peace be on him, and his brothers were among the leading members of the second generation of descendants of Hashim. In this way he gained two marks of nobility, through his growing up under the care and education of the Apostle of God, may God bless him and his family. He was the first of the family of the House and of the Companions to believe in God and His Apostle. He was the first male whom the Prophet, may God bless him and his family, summoned to Islam and who answered. He never ceased to support the religion and to strive against the polytheists. He constantly defended the faith and fought against those who supported deviation (from the truth) and despotism. He spread the teachings of the sunna (the practice of thc Prophet) and the Qur'an, judged with justice and enjoined (people) to do good.

He was with the Apostle of God, may God bless him and his family, twenty-three years after the (coming) of the (prophetic) mission. Of these, thirteen years were in Mecca before thc migration when he shared with him all the persecutions and bore most of his hardships. Then there were ten years in Medina after thc emigration when he defended him against the polytheists and strove with him against the unbelievers. He protected him with his own life from the enemies of religion until the time God, the Exalted, took (the Prophet) to His heaven, raised him to the highest place in heaven and bestowed His blessings and peace on him and his family. On that day the Commander of the faithful, peace be on him, was thirty-three years of age.

On the day of the death of the Prophet, may God bless him and his family, the community differed over his Imamate. His Shia who were all the Banu Hashim, Salman, Ammar, Abu Dharr, al-Miqdad, Khuzayma b. Thabit - the man who is known as the possessor of two testimonies - Abu Ayyub al-Ansari, Jabir b. Abd Allah al-Ansari Abu Said al-Khudri and people like them among the important emigrants and Ansar, (all these) maintained that he was the successor (khalifa) after the Apostle of God, may God bless him and his family, and the Imam. (They did this) because of his outstanding merit (fadl) above all mankind, through the fact that there were gathered in him the qualities of outstanding merit, judgement and perfection, such as him being the first of the community to enter the faith, his superiority over them in knowledge of the laws, his precedence over them in fighting (jihad) and the distinction which set him apart from them in the extent of his piety, asceticism and righteousness.

Furthermore he had been specially singled out by the Prophet from among (all) his relations because of (the qualities) which no other relation, apart from him, shared with the Prophet and because of the nomination (nass) of his authority (wilaya) by God, may God be magnified and exalted, in the Qur'an where He, may His name be exalted, says:


Your authority (wali) is God and His Apostle and those believers who perfrom the prayer and pay alms (zakat) while they are bowing (in prayer). [ V 55 ]

It is known that no one except him paid alms while bowing (in prayer).

It has been established in language that wali means "the most appropriate for authority" (awla), without there being any opposition (to this definition). If the Commander of the faithful, peace be on him, was, by the stipulation of the Qur'an, more appropriate for authority among the people than themselves because of his being their wali according to the textual nomination (nass) in the Clear Explanation (i.e. the Qur'an, tibyan), it was obviously necessary for all of them to obey him, just as obedience to God, the Most High, and obedience to His Apostle, peace be on him and his family, was required because of the information about their authority (wilaya) over creatures which is given in this verse with clear proof.

(Another reason for their support for the Commander of the faithful was) because of what the Prophet, may God bless him and his family, said on the day (of the assembly) at his house. He had especially gathered the Banu Abd al-Muttalib there in order to make the (following) solemn pledge:


Whoever helps me in this matter will be my brother, my testamentary trustee (wasi) my helper (wazir), my heir and my successor after me.

Then the Commander of the faithful, peace be on him, stood up before him among all the gathering of them, and on that day he was the youngest of them, and he said:


O Apostle of God, I will help you.

Then the Prophet, may God bless him and his family, said:


Sit down, you are my brother, my trustee, my helper, my inheritor and successor after me.

This is a clear statement about the succession (after the Prophet).

In addition, there is also what (the Prophet), peace be on him and his family, said on the day of Ghadir Khumm. The community had gathered to listen to the sermon (in which he asked):


Am I not more appropriate for authority (awla) over you than yourselves?

Yes, they answered.

Then he spoke to them in an ordered manner without any interruption in his speech:


Whomsoever I am the authority over (mawla), Ali is also the authority over.

Thus he (the Prophet) required for him (Ali), through laying down obedience to him and his authority (over them), the same authority as he had over them, and which he made them acknowledge and which they did not deny. This is clear (evidence) of the nomination (nass) of him for the Imamate and for succession to his position.

Furthermore there is (the Prophet's), peace be on him and his family, statement to him at the time of setting out to Tabuk:


You are in the same position with respect to me as Aaron (Harun) was to Moses (Musa) except that there is no prophet after me.

Thus he required him (to have) the office of helping (i.e. administering) and to be characterised by love and outstanding merit over everyone. (He also required) his deputising for him both during his life and after his death. The Qur'an gives evidence for all that coming to Aaron (Harun) from Moses, peace be on them, when God, may He be magnified and exalted, said in giving a report of what Moses, peace be on him, said:


Make Aaron, my brotherly a helper for me from my family. Give me support through him and make him participate in my affair so that we may glorify You much and we may remember You frequently in that You have been a watcher over us. [ XX 29-35]

God, the Most Exalted said:


Your request is granted Moses. [ XX 36 ]

This (verse) confirmed that Aaron had a share with Moses in prophecy, and in helping in delivering the message and his support was strengthened through him by his aid. (Moses) also told him of deputising for him (when he said):


Deputise for me among my people. Act for (their) benefit and do not follow the path of the corrupters. [ VII 142 ]

This confirms his succession by the precise statement of revelation. Therefore when the Apostle of God, may God bless him and his family, gave all the ranks which Aaron had from Moscs to the Commander of the faithful, peace be on him, in the same extent, except for prophecy, (all such things) were required of him as helping the Apostle, giving him support, outstanding merit and love, because these qualities were definitely required by that. Then by the clear statement there is his deputising for him during his life and "after the prophethood" which (gives evidence of his succession) by specification of the exception, (of Prophethood) when he excludes him from it by mentioning "after".

The Imamate of the Commander of the faithful, peace be on him, was for thirty years after the Prophet, may God bless him and his family. For twenty-four years and six months of these he was prevented from administering the laws (of the office) (and had to) exercise precautionary dissimulation (taqiyya) and withdrawal. For five years and six months of these, he was troubled by wars against the hypocrites, those who broke their pledges, the unjust and those who deviated (from the religion) and he was plagued by the seditions of those who had gone astray. In the same way the Apostle of God, may God bless him and his family, had been prevented from (administering) the laws (of his office) through fear and through being spied upon, and through being a fugitive and through being exiled, so that he had no power to fight the unbelievers and no means of defending the believers. Then he emigrated and for ten years after the emigration he remained making war on the unbelievers and being troubled by the hypocrites until the time that God, may His name be exalted, took him unto Himself and made him dwell in the gardens of Paradise.

The death of the Commander of the faithful, peace be on him occurred before dawn of Friday, the twenty-first of the month of Ramadan, in the year 40 A.H. He was a victim of the sword. Ibn Muljam al-Muradi, may God curse him, killed him at the mosque of Kufa, which he had come out to in order to wake the people for the dawn prayer on the night of the nineteenth of the month of Ramadan. He had been lying in wait for him from the beginning of the night. When he (the Commander of the faithful) passed by him while the latter was hiding his design by feigning sleep amid a group of people who were asleep, he (Ibn Muljam) sprang out and struck him on the top of his head with his sword which was poisoned. He lingered through the day of the nineteenth and the night and day of the twentieth and the first third of the night of the twenty-first. Then he, peace be on him, died a martyr and met his Lord, Most High, as one who has been wronged. He, peace be on him, knew of that before its time and he told the people of it before its time. His two sons, al- Hasan and al-Husayn, peace be on them, performed (the tasks) of washing him and shrouding him according to his bequest. Then they carried him to al-Ghari at Najaf in Kufa and they buried him there. They removed the traces of the place of his burial according to his bequest which was made about that to hath of them by him, because of what he, peace be on him, knew about the regime of the Umayyads (which would come) after him, and their hostile attitude towards him. (For he knew) the evil action and abuse to which they would be led by their wicked intentions if they had been able to know that (place). His grave, peace be on him, remained hidden until al-Sadiq Jafar b. Muhammad, peace be on them, pointed it out during the Abbasid regime. For he visited it when he came to visit Abu Ja'far (al-Mansur) while the latter was in al-Hira. Then the Shi'a knew of it and they began from that time to make visitation to his (grave), peace be on him and on his pure offspring.

On the day of his death he was 63 years of age.

Ref:

Kitab al Irshad - Pages 1 - 6
The Book Of Guidance
By Shaykh al Mufid
Translated by I.K.A Howard

Imam Ali (as) First in many Fields1.He was the only man to be born in the Kabah (The house of God)2.He was the first to offer homage to the Holy Prophet (PBUH&HF)3.He was the first to offer prayers after the Holy Prophet (PBUH&HF)4.He was the first to offer his services for Jihad.5.He was the first to receive religious instructions from the Holy Prophet (PBUH&HF)6.He was the first to compile and codify the Quran7.He was the first to be styled as "brother" by the Prophet (PBUH&HF) and on every occasion8.He was the first to give burial to the Prophet (PBUH&HF)9.He was the first to offer to sleep in the Prophet's (PBUH&HF) bed on the night of his emigration to Medina10.He was the first to be appointed commander in all those battles in which the Holy Prophet (PBUH&HF) didnot participate personally11.The honor of the propagation of the Quranic Sura, "al Bara'at" fell to Imam Ali's (as) lot12.He was the only man to be titled as the "Second Aaron" by the Prophet (PBUH&HF)13.The honor of owning a house which opened into the courtyard of the Prophet's (PBUH&HF) mosque was reserved for Imam Ali (as) alone14.He was the first to have the honor of being nominated by the Holy Prophet (PBUH&HF) as his succesor, testator and vice regent.

... and many many more

Imam Ali and the Ancient Prophets1.God gave Adam the knowledge of His names, while Ali held the entire knowledge of the Book of Allah.
2.Adam was married with Eve in the Garden of Paradise, while God married Imam Ali (as) with Fatima (as) in heaven3.God styled Noah as a "Grateful Creature" and he was called the Second Adam, while Imam Ali (as) was styled as "Abu'l Ummah"4.God made Abraham the "Imam" or the "Leaders of men", while Imam Ali (as) was the Imam of all creation, men and Jinnis5.Moses was brought up in the house of Pharoah, while Imam Ali (as) was brought up in the house of the Prophet (PBUH&HF)6.Moses threw his rod which became a serpent, whereas Imam Ali (as), while still in the cradle, cleaved the snake into two7.Moses name has been mentioned 230 times in the Quran, while Imam Ali's (as) has been referred to in 300 places in the Quran

... and many many more

HAZRAT IMAM HASSAN-E-MUJTABA (A.S.), THE 2nd IMAM


Name : Hasan
Title : al-Mujtaba (The Chosen One)
Kuniyat : Abu Muhammad
Father : Imam Ali (A)
Mother : Bibi Fatima Zahra (A)
Birthdate : 15th Mahe Ramadhan 3 A.H. in Madina
Imamat : From 40 A.H. to 50 A.H.
Martyrdom : 28th Safar 50 A.H.
Buried : Madina, Saudi Arabia.
The Holy Imam (A) was the eldest child of Imam Ali (A) and Bibi Fatima Zahra (A). When the Holy Prophet (S) received the happy news of the birth of his grandson, he came at once to his beloved daughter's house. He took the newly born baby in his arms and recited the Adhaan in its right ear and the Iqamah in its left ear. Then, in accordance with the command of Allah, he named the child Hasan.
The Holy Imam (A) spent the first seven years of his life under the care and guidance of his grandfather, the Holy Prophet (S). This early training made the Holy Imam (A) outstanding in his knowledge, piety, tolerance, intelligence and courage.
The Holy Imam (A) and his brother Imam Husain (A) were very dear to the Holy Prophet (S). He used to carry them on his shoulders and once told the people, "Hasan and Husain are the leaders of the youth of Paradise."
Bibi Fatima (A) once brought her two sons to her father and said, "O Apostle of Allah, these are your two grandsons. Give them something as an inheritance." The Holy Prophet (S) replied, "Hasan shall have my form and my nobility and Husain shall have my generosity and bravery."
As a child, the Holy Imam (A) used to listen attentively to the verses of the Holy Qur'an as they were revealed. To the surprise of the Holy Prophet (S), his daughter Bibi Fatima (A) would often recite the exact text of a newly revealed verse before he personally told her about it. When he asked her how she knew, she informed him that the Holy Imam (A) had already taught her the verse when he heard the Holy Prophet (S) recite it in the mosque in front of the people.
He was quite wealthy and could have lived in luxury if he desired, but he preferred to spend his money to help the poor and needy. Twice in his life he gave away his entire wealth in charity and began all over again.
Once a stranger arrived in Kufa and asked a man working in a garden for directions. The man showed him the way and then invited him to share his meal. The stranger was touched by this offer and accepted. But when he was handed some flat bread to eat, he found that it was so hard that he could not even break it on his knee, let alone with his teeth. He tried dipping it into some water but that did not help. The gardener saw the stranger's discomfort and pointed him towards a guest house where free meals were given to all.
The guest house belonged to Imam Hasan (A), who himself welcomed the stranger and arranged a hot meal for him. After a while, the Holy Imam (A) saw that the stranger was eating one morsel and putting one morsel in a bag on his side. The Holy Imam (A) told him to eat peacefully, and if he needed extra food for his family, it would be provided before he left. The stranger said that he had no family but was putting some food aside for the kind gardener down the road who had only hard bread to eat. When he heard this, the Holy Imam (A) smiled and informed him, "That is my father Ali, the Caliph of the Muslims. He lives on simple food so that no needy subject may be embarrassed in front of him."
The Holy Imam (A) helped his father throughout his life until Imam Ali (A) died when the Holy Imam (A) was 37 years old. At this age he inherited his father and became the guardian of the Ahlul Bayt and the Shia. In his well-known will Imam Ali (A) appointed him as the next Imam.

HAZRAT IMAM HUSAIN-E-SHAHEED (A.S.), THE 3RD IMAM


Name : Husain
Title : Sayyid ush-Shuhada (Chief of the Martyrs)
Kuniyat : Abu Abdillah
Father : Imam Ali (A)
Mother : Bibi Fatima Zahra (A)
Birthdate : 3rd Shabaan 4 A.H. in Madina
Imamat : From 50 A.H. to 61 A.H.
Martyrdom : 10th Muharram 61 A.H.
Buried : Karbala, Iraq.
The Holy Imam (A) was the second son of Imam Ali (A) and Bibi Fatima (A). He is the third of our Holy Imams (A). His birth was an occasion of great joy for the Ahlul Bayt (A) and was celebrated on earth and in the heavens. When he received the news, the Holy Prophet (S) came and recited Adhaan and Iqamah in the new born child's right and left ears respectively. On the seventh day of his birth the ceremony of Aqeeqa was performed and he was named Husain.
The Holy Prophet (S) had kept the names of his grandsons as commanded by Allah. Prophet Musa's (A) brother Prophet Haroon (A) had also had two sons, Shabbar and Shabbir. The names of the sons of Imam Ali (A) were Arabic equivalents of the Jewish words Shabbar and Shabbir. The significance was to emphasise the relationship of Imam Ali (A) to the Holy Prophet (S), who has said, "O Ali, you are the same to me as Haroon was to Musa, except that there is no Prophet after me." These words show that Imam Ali (A) had the same position as Prophet Haroon (A), who was the brother and the successor after Prophet Musa (A).
On the day when the Holy Imam (A) was born, Allah ordered the angel Jibraeel (A) to descend and congratulate the Holy Prophet (S) on His behalf.
While descending, Jibraeel (A) passed over an island where the angel Fitrus had been banished due to his delay in executing a command of Allah. He had been deprived of his wings and expelled to the island, where he had remained for several years praying and asking for Allah's forgiveness.
When Fitrus saw Jibraeel (A), he asked where he was going. Jibraeel told him that he was going to the house of Imam Ali (A) to congratulate him on the birth of the Holy Imam (A). When he heard this, Fitrus said, "Can you carry me also along with you? Perhaps Muhammad (S) will recommend my case to Allah"
When the angels arrived at the house of Imam Ali (A), Jibraeel (A) delivered Allah's message and then stated the matter of Fitrus. The Holy Prophet (S) said, "Ask the angel to touch the craddle of the newly born child and return to his place in Heaven."
On doing this, Fitrus instantly got his wings back and ascended to Heaven, promising the Holy Imam (A), "O Husain, from this day onwards, whenever anyone sends their Salaams to you, I will always deliver it to you."
For the first seven years of his life, the Holy Imam (A) grew up under the guidance of his grandfather who loved him very much. He used to say, "Husain is from me and I am from Husain." Once he said, "Hasan and Husain are the leaders of the youth of Paradise." At the time of Mubahila, the Holy Prophet (S) took Imam Hasan (A) and the Holy Imam (A) along with him as his children.
The Holy Prophet (S) has also said, "Hasan and Husain are Imams whether they are sitting or standing." This statement meant that his grandsons were always to be obeyed, whether they sat in peace or came out to war.
The Holy Imam (A) inherited his excellent qualities from his parents. He was a generous and gentle person but would not tolerate anyone violating the principles of Islam.
His generosity was well known. He would always prefer to fulfil the needs of those who came to ask him for money from behind a curtain. This was because he did not want the man to feel embarrassed by facing the person who was giving him charity.
The Holy Imam (A) looked after many widows and orphans personally. At nights he would carry baskets of food on his shoulders and distribute them amongst the needy. The marks of these burdens were seen across his shoulders after his death.
The Holy Imam (A) enjoyed the presence and guidance of his father till he was 36 years old and for the next 10 years he served his brother Imam Hasan (A) faithfully. At the time of his death, Imam Hasan (A) appointed the Holy Imam (A) as his trustee and transferred the duty of Imamat to him.
In 50 A.H., when his brother Imam Hasan (A) passed away, the Holy Imam (A) took over the responsibility of Imamat. The last wishes of Imam Hasan (A) had been to bury him in Jannatul Baqee after taking his body to the grave of the Holy Prophet (S) for a last farewell. When the Holy Imam (A) tried to carry out this last wish, his way was blocked by the Bani Umayyah. One of them, Marwan, who had been the secretary of Uthman, said, "How can Uthman be buried outside Madina while Hasan is buried next to the Prophet of Allah." Ayesha, a widow of the Holy Prophet (S), came out on a mule to insist that the body of Imam Hasan (A) be turned away. Abdullah bin Abbas said to her, "What mischief you bring about, one day on a mule and one day on a camel!" The Holy Imam (A) said to the Bani Umayyah, "By Allah! If my brother had not told me to avoid bloodshed, you would have known how our swords would have taken their toll from you." He then took the body of Imam Hasan (A) to Jannatul Baqee.
The Holy Imam (A) began his Imamat at a very difficult time for the Muslims, especially the Shia. Muawiya was busy stirring up trouble in every way he could. The Shia of Iraq approached the Holy Imam (A) and wanted to pledge their allegiance to him, but he reminded them that they were bound by the agreement between Imam Hasan (A) and Muawiya, and the whole matter should be reviewed after Muawiya's death. From his side, Muawiya had violated every condition of the agreement and the only thing he had left to do was to nominate his son Yazid as his successor. The problem was that Yazid was totally unsuitable to assume power and Muawiya and his supporters knew this very well. Thus Muawiya devoted the rest of his life to securing the Caliphate for his unworthy son. Slowly, by bribing, threatening and killing any opposition, he began to achieve his objective. Meanwhile, the Holy Imam (A) continued his life on the path of peace and devoted himself to guiding the people in matters of religion.
The Holy Imam (A) was well known for his generosity. Once a Bedouin Arab came to him saying that he had heard the Holy Prophet (S) say that, when in need, one should ask help from a noble and generous man. He had come to the Holy Imam (A) for help because he found these qualities in him. The Holy Imam (A) told him that he would ask him three questions, and for each correct answer, he would give the man one-third of the money he had in his purse. The conversation was as follows:
Holy Imam (A): What is the best thing to do?
Bedouin: To believe in Allah.
Holy Imam (A): What is the best means for man to be safe from destruction (in the hereafter)?
Bedouin: To trust in Allah.
Holy Imam (A): What is the best quality a man can have?
Bedouin: Knowledge associated with intelligence.
Holy Imam (A): If this is not available, what then?
Bedouin: Wealth accompanied by generosity.
Holy Imam (A): What if this is out of reach?
Bedouin: Poverty allied with patience.
Holy Imam (A): What if this too is not practicable?
Bedouin: Then let lightning consume the man to ashes.
The Holy Imam (A) smilingly gave his whole purse to the Bedouin.
A man once came to the Holy Imam (A) for advice, saying that he could not stop himself from committing sins. The Holy Imam (A) asked him to do any of the following five things and then he could sin as he wished:
  1. Do not eat from the sustenance (Rizk) of Allah and then sin as you like.
  2. Go out of the kingdom of Allah and then sin as you like.
  3. Find a place where Allah does not see you and then sin as you like.
  4. When the Angel of Death approaches you to remove your soul, stop him from doing so.
  5. When you are dragged into the hell-fire at the command of Allah, refuse to enter.
Muawiya died in 60 A.H., having secured Yazid as the next Caliph. He had committed the worst possible crimes to make this possible and had killed many pious people, notably Hujr bin Adi. Before his death, Muawiya had left strict instructions to his son not to interfere with the Holy Imam (A), because he was the only man who could affect their power. However, Yazid was too arrogant to listen to such advice and one of the first things he did was to write to his governor in Madina demanding the oath of allegiance from the Holy Imam (A).
The Holy Imam (A) flatly refused this demand but he had to leave Madina, because his presence would mean danger for the Muslims of that city. Thus began the series of events that ended in the tragedy of Karbala. The Holy Imam (A) told his brother Muhammad al-Hanafiyyah, that he was leaving Madina only to reform the religion of his grandfather, the Holy Prophet (S).
The Holy Imam (A) left with his family for Makka and then for Kufa, whose citizens had sent numerous letters for him to come to their city to serve their needs. On his way he was diverted to Karbala by a unit of Yazid's army led by Hur.
After three days hunger and thirst the Holy Imam (A) and his small group of faithful companions were martyred in Karbala. He left this world on the 10th of Muharram, 61 A.H. when he was 57 years old.

HAZRAT IMAM ZAIN-UL-ABIDEEN (A.S.), THE 4TH IMAM


Name : Ali
Title : Zainul Abideen (The Jewel of Worshippers)
Kuniyat : Abu Muhammad
Father : Imam Husain (A)
Mother : Bibi Shahr Banu (A)
Birthdate : 5th Sha'baan 38 A.H. in Madina
Imamat : From 61 A.H. to 95 A.H.
Martyrdom : 25th Muharram 95 A.H.
Buried : Madina, Saudi Arabia.
Imam (A) was the eldest son of Imam Husain (A). His mother was the Persian princess Bibi Shahr Banu (A), daughter of King Yazdjard II, the last pre-Islamic ruler of Iran.
He spent the first two years of his life under the care of his grandfather Imam Ali (A), and the next twelve years under the guardianship of his uncle Imam Hasan (A). In 61 A.H. he was present in Karbala, where his father, relatives and the companions of his father were mercilessly killed by the forces of Yazid. At the time, he was too ill to fight and was thus preserved by Allah to continue the line of Imamat.
Imam (A) lived 34 years after his father and all his life was passed in prayers and Du'as to Allah and in the remembrance of the tragedy of Karbala. His habit of frequent prostration in Sajdah caused him to be popularly known as Sajjad. He was also called 'Abid.
In his time, no one could equal the piety and awareness of Allah that he possessed. He was so mindful of Allah that whenever he sat for Wudhu, the colour of his face would change and when he stood for Namaaz his body would be seen trembling.
When he was asked why he became like this, he replied, "Do you not know before Whom I stand in prayers, and with Whom I talk?"
Imam (A) had a habit of going out at night with bags of money, food and even firewood. When he reached the houses of the poor and needy, he would distribute what he had without revealing his identity. It was only after his death that the people found out that their helper was actually Imam (A) himself.
Imam (A) was part of the caravan of captives that was led from Karbala to Kufa and then to Sham after the martyrdom of Imam Husain (A) and his companions.
The cruel army of Yazid chained the hands and legs of Imam (A) and made him wear an iron neckband with spikes facing inwards. The chains used to heat up in the hot desert and burn his flesh to the bone. These wounds continued to give him discomfort for the rest of his life.
In Sham, Imam (A) and the ladies and children of the party of Imam Husain (A) were imprisoned in very harsh conditions. Yazid once called Imam (A) and asked him to speak. Imam (A) gave such a powerful lecture that the feelings of the people began to be swayed towards him. Yazid was alarmed at this and ordered that Adhaan be recited so that Imam's (A) words would be cut off. At this, Imam (A) commented that he was the grandson of the same Muhammad (S) whose name they were reciting in Adhaan.
Due to the pressure of public opinion, Yazid decided to free his prisoners and let them return to Madina. But after his return, Imam (A) was again chained and sent to Sham on the order of the Bani Umayyah Caliph Abdul Malik. Later he was allowed to return to Madina.
After his return to Madina he retired from public life and was only in contact with some of the Shia who learnt from him and taught others.

Once when the Bani Umayyah Caliph, Waleed bin Abdul Malik, came for Haj, he could not get near and kiss the Black Stone (Hajare Aswad) because of the crowd of people. While he was sitting waiting for the rush to die down, he saw Imam (A) enter the Haraam and go straight towards the Black Stone. The crowds parted for him and he managed to kiss the blessed stone quite easily. Waleed was annoyed by this and asked who this man was, although he had recognised Imam (A).
A Shia poet, Farazdak, who was standing nearby, heard him and was irritated by the petty remark of Waleed. In reply to Waleed's question he composed a powerful and moving poem in praise of Imam (A). This poem exists today and is considered to be one of the masterpieces of Arabic literature.
Imam (A) was prevented by the government to preach openly so he used Du'as to guide the people. His Du'as contained a wealth of teaching and wisdom and many of them exist today. His most famous work is the book of 57 Du'as known as Sahifae Kaamilah.
Imam (A) was poisoned by Waleed bin Abdul Malik in 95 A.H. and is buried in Jannatul Baqee in Madina next to Imam Hasan (A).

HAZRAT IMAM MOHAMMAD BAQER (A.S.), THE 5TH IMAM


Name : Muhammad
Title : al-Baqir (One who Dissects Knowledge)
Kuniyat : Abu Ja'far
Father : Imam Ali Zainul Abideen (A)
Mother : Bibi Fatimah binte Hasan (A)
Birthdate : 1st Rajab 57 A.H. in Madina
Imamat : From 95 A.H. to 114 A.H.
Martyrdom : 7th Zilhaj 114 A.H.
Buried : Madina, Saudi Arabia.
Imam (A) enjoys the unique position of having both paternal and maternal grandfathers as Imams. His mother, Fatimah, was the daughter of Imam Hasan (A). The Holy Prophet (S) had told his companion, Jabir bin Abdullah Ansari, that he would live to see the Fifth Imam (A) whose name would be Muhammad. He asked him to convey his Salaams to this Imam (A), which Jabir managed to do shortly before he died.
Imam (A) was brought up for 3 years by his grandfather, Imam Husain (A). He was present in Karbala at the time of martyrdom of Imam Husain (A) and his friends. He also spent a year in the prison of Damascus with his father and the rest of the children and ladies of the martyrs of Karbala. He lived for 20 years in Madina after the death of his father.
Imam (A) was left in relative peace by the rulers because the Bani Umayyah were busy in trying to control the rebellions and wars that were breaking out all over the Muslim empire. Taking advantage of this opportunity, Imam (A) set up and conducted classes on the teachings of the Holy Prophet (S) and the Ahlul Bayt (A). Under his guidance, his pupils compiled various books on different branches of science and arts. Imam (A) also began to teach new sciences like Mathematics and Chemistry for the first time in Arabia.
Imam A) gave much importance to holding Majalis where the event of Karbala would be remembered. At the same time, practical instructions about the teachings of Islam would also be given.
These meetings were also encouraged by Imam Ja'far Sadiq (A) and Imam Ali Riza (A) in later years.
One of the Caliphs at the time of Imam (A) was Waleed bin Abdul Malik. Once, the ruler of Rome wrote to Waleed saying that the Roman coins, which were also used by Muslims, would now carry anti-Islamic phrases. The Caliph decided that a new Dinar coin should be minted.
A problem arose as to what phrase should be used on the new coin. When consulted, Imam (A) suggested that the phrase "Laa Ilaha Illallah" be printed on one side, and "Muhammadur Rasulullah" on the other. This advice was accepted, and the first Islamic coin was thus minted.
Once a Christian asked Imam (A) to give a similar example to the Muslim belief that the fruits of heaven are not reduced by eating. Imam (A) replied that it was like a lamp, no matter how many other lamps were lit by the first lamp, the original light would not be reduced.
Imam (A) continued to preach peacefully until 114 A.H. Then, the Caliph of the time, Hisham bin Abdul Malik, turned his attention to him. He had heard of the fame and following of Imam (A) and he was scared and jealous of the influence that Imam (A) had over the Muslims, especially in Madina. He therefore arranged with Zayd bin Hasan to deliver a saddle coated with poison to Imam (A).
Zayd brought the saddle with a letter from Hisham. On seeing the saddle, Imam (A) remarked that it was a pity that Zayd was involved in this terrible plan. However, demonstrating his contentment in the Will of Allah, Imam (A) rode on the saddle. The poison took effect immediately. His condition steadily grew worse for three days.
Just before his death, he called the people of Madina and told them that his son Ja'far (A) would be the Imam after him, and that he should give him Ghusl and Kafan. Imam (A) breathed his last on 7th Zilhajj 114 A.H. at the age of 57 years and was buried in Jannatul Baqee next to his father.

HAZRAT IMAM JA'FAR-AS-SADIQ (A.S.), THE 6TH IMAM


Name : Ja'far
Title : as-Sadiq (The Truthful One)
Kuniyat : Abu Abdillah
Father : Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (A)
Mother : Bibi Umme Farwa binte Qasim (A)
Birthdate : 17th Rabi-ul-Awwal 83 A.H. in Madina
Imamat : From 114 A.H. to 148 A.H.
Martyrdom : 25th Shawwal 148 A.H.
Buried : Madina, Saudi Arabia.
Imam (A) has the same birthdate as our Holy Prophet (S). Amongst his titles are al-Faazil (the Successful) and at-Tahir (the Pure). He was brought up in the care of his grandfather, Imam Ali Zainul Abideen (A) for 12 years and then remained under the guidance of his father, Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (A) for another 19 years.
During the lifetime of Imam (A), the Bani Abbas took over the reins of political power from the Bani Umayyah. In this period of internal wars and upheavals, he was not disturbed by the rulers. He used this opportunity to advance the work started by his father and he set up a large teaching centre.
Many students from foreign countries came to learn from Imam (A). His classes and sessions of instruction produced 4,000 scholars of Hadith and the sciences. Amongst his famous students were Hisham bin Hakam, Jaabir bin Hayyaan and Abu Hanifah. Imam (A) was responsible for organising the Fiqh (laws) of the Shia faith, which is why we are sometimes known as the Ja'fari Shia.
Once a man from Iran by the name of Sahl bin Hasan came to Imam (A) and asked him why he did not fight for his right when there were so many Shia in Iran ready to fight with him. In reply Imam (A) took Sahl to the fire place and asked him to sit in the blazing fire. Sahl began to tremble and said that he had a family to return to, and begged to be excused from this test.
Meanwhile, Haroon Makki, a close companion of Imam (A), arrived, having just returned from Haj. Imam (A) asked him to jump in the fire and he did so at once. After a while, Imam (A) asked Sahl to look in the fire place. Sahl saw that Haroon sat there, quite unharmed. Imam (A) asked Sahl how many such followers were there in Iran, to which the man replied, "None, master." Having made his point, Imam (A) asked Haroon to come out of the fire.
Once, a man falsely accused Imam (A) of plotting against the Bani Abbas Caliph, Mansoor Dawanaqi. When he was called to the court to explain his actions, Imam (A) denied the allegation and asked the man to repeat his words under oath. The man began the oath by praising Allah, but Imam (A) asked him to make his statement by saying that he was free from the protection of Allah and trusted his own strength and wisdom. When the man took the oath against Imam (A) in this way, his leg was paralysed immediately. Mansoor ordered the man to be thrown out of his court.
Once in Madina there was a shortage of wheat flour and prices of the flour were very high. Imam (A) asked his servant what their situation was. The servant replied that they had plenty of wheat and should have no problem for a long time. Imam (A) said, "sell the wheat in the market and let us face the situation along with everyone else." In this way he taught that hoarding is discouraged by Islam.
Imam (A) was once called to the court of Mansoor who was in an extremely angry mood towards him. When he came to the court, a man called Rabi saw that he was reciting something quietly.
Gradually, the anger of Mansoor died down, and by the time Imam (A) approached him, he was pleased to see him. Later, Rabi asked him what he was reciting, and he said it was the prayer to Allah which his great grandfather Imam Husain (A) used to recite as follows:
"O my Provision in time of hardship, O my Help in the face of disaster, guard me with Your Eye which never sleeps, surround me with Your impenetrable fortress."
Rabi said that he learnt this prayer and never remained in hard times after he recited it.
Towards the end of his life severe restrictions were put on Imam (A) by Mansoor, who used to torture the Shia mercilessly. Finally he sent some poisoned grapes to his governor in Madina, Muhammad bin Sulayman, with instructions to give them to Imam (A). The poison took its effect and Imam (A) breathed his last on 25th Shawwal 148 A.H. at the age of 63 years. He is buried in Jannatul Baqee next to his father.

HAZRAT IMAM MOSA KAZIM (A.S.), THE 7TH IMAM


Name : Musa
Title : al-Kazim (One who Restrains his Anger)
Kuniyat : Abul Hasan, Abu Ibrahim and Abu Ali
Father : Imam Ja'far as-Sadiq (A)
Mother : Bibi Hamida (A)
Birthdate : 7th Safar 128 A.H. in Abwa
Imamat : From 148 A.H. to 183 A.H.
Martyrdom : 25th Rajab 183 A.H.
Buried : Kazmain, Iraq.
Imam (A) was brought up under the care of his father for 20 years. After the death of his father, he took over the responsibility of Imamat and guided the people from Madina.
At the time of the death of Imam Ja'far as-Sadiq (A), some of the Shia claimed that Isma'il, his eldest son, was the Imam. This view was incorrect because Isma'il had died during the life time of his father (A) and moreover, it was against the specific instructions of the sixth Imam (A).
Imam (A) lived during the time of four Bani Abbas Caliphs, Mansoor, Mahdi, Hadi and Haroon Rashid. Although he was allowed some freedom in the beginning, it was not long before the attention of the rulers was turned on him.
When Haroon came to power in 170 A.H., he set about killing the descendants of Imam Ali (A). At first, however, he allowed Imam (A) to continue guiding the people.
Ali bin Yaqtin was the prime minister of Haroon. Unknown to Haroon, he was a Shia and followed the rulings of Imam (A). He also used to try to help the Shia secretly by using his powerful influence.
One day Haroon sent him some robes as a gift for his services. Amongst them was a costly black woollen cloak with a gold design. Ali bin Yaqtin sent the robes to Imam (A) as a gift, together with some money for Khums.
Imam (A) accepted the money and the robes, but returned the cloak with a letter saying, "Keep the cloak and do not let it leave your hands. An event will occur when you will need it."
Although Ali was disappointed that his gift had been returned, he followed Imam's (A) instructions.
Some time later, one of the servants of Ali bin Yaqtin left his service after a quarrel. He went to report to Haroon that Ali was a secret follower of Imam (A). He also told Haroon how he had sent the cloak as a gift to Imam (A) together with money.
Haroon was furious and summoned Ali bin Yaqtin at once, demanding to see the cloak. Because of Imam's (A) advice the cloak was still in his possession and he brought it at once. Haroon was ashamed at doubting his prime minister and ordered that the servant be flogged with a thousand lashes.
Haroon began to resent the popularity and power that Imam (A) had over the Muslims. Once when Haroon went over to Madina, he approached the tomb of the Holy Prophet (S) and said, "Greetings to you, O Prophet of Allah, greetings to you, my cousin." He was trying to show the people that he was related to the Holy Prophet (S) because he was a descendant of Abbas, the brother of Abdullah. Imam (A) also approached the tomb and said, "Greetings to you, O Prophet of Allah, greetings to you, my father." Imam (A) was proving to the people and Haroon that he was a direct descendant of the Holy Prophet (S). When he heard this, Haroon's face went red in anger.
In Baghdad, information continued to reach Haroon about the growing popularity of Imam (A) and he felt threatened. In spite of the fact that Imam (A) had not criticised the government, he had him handcuffed and brought to Basra from Madina. In Basra, Imam (A) was imprisoned for one year under the care of Isa bin Ja'far. He was then moved to a prison in Baghdad, and then moved to different prisons. He was finally kept under the guard of Sindi bin Shahik. The accursed Sindi eventually killed Imam (A) by presenting him with poisoned dates. Imam (A) immediately felt the effect of the poison, and after three days of fever, he left this world.
Sindi put the body of Imam (A) on a bridge in Baghdad and invited the people to come and see the body and prove to themselves that he had not been killed by force, but had died naturally.
Imam (A) died on 6th Safar 183 A.H. after being the guide for the people for 35 years. He was buried in Kazmain, near Baghdad. The Ghusl and Kafan was performed by his son Imam Ali ar-Riza (A), who also led his funeral prayers.

HAZRAT IMAM ALI RAZA (A.S.), THE 8TH IMAM


Name : Ali
Title : ar-Riza (One with whom Allah is Pleased)
Kuniyat : Abul Hasan
Father : Imam Musa al-Kazim (A)
Mother : Bibi Ummul Baneen Najma (A)
Birthdate : 11th Zilkad 148 A.H. in Madina
Imamat : From 183 A.H. to 203 A.H.
Martyrdom : 29th Safar 203 A.H.
Buried : Mashad, Iran.
Imam (A) was brought up under the care of his father for 35 years. His father left behind a written document declaring his succession.
Imam (A) is also known as Imam Zaamin (A). Zaamin comes from the Arabic word Zamaanat, which means security. Whenever we start a journey, we pray to Allah to keep us safe for the sake of our eighth Imam (A). We also give some money in charity, which is in the name of Imam Zaamin (A).
When his father was poisoned in prison in 183 A.H., Imam (A) took over the great responsibility of Imamat under very difficult circumstances. Haroon Rashid, the Abbaside Caliph, made life very difficult for the followers of Imam (A).
In Madina, Imam (A) carried out his duties in a peaceful manner in the face of a very difficult period for the Shia, and it was mostly due to his efforts that the teachings of the Holy Prophet (S) and the correct interpretation of the Holy Qur'an became widespread. He had command over several languages and used to answer the questions of his followers in their own language.

Haroon Rashid died in 193 A.H., having nominated his son Amin as his successor. However, Amin was killed after ruling for 4 years only, by his brother Ma'mun, who then took over the Abbaside Caliphate.
Ma'mun was an intelligent man, and he could see that the Shia were increasing in number despite torture and oppression. He was aware of the position and power that Imam (A) held over the people. Many of Ma'mun's own ministers were Shia, and he began to get worried about the influence of Imam (A).
He decided that the only way he could hold on to power and quieten down the Shia, who were threatening to revolt, was by changing his approach.
First, he declared himself Shia also. He ordered that the descendants of Imam Ali (A) should not be harmed. Next, he invited Imam (A) to come from Madina to Marv, which was his winter capital.
On his way to Marv, Imam (A) passed Nishapoor, where thousands of people had gathered to catch a glimpse of him. Some scholars begged him to stop and address them so that they could hear his voice. Imam (A) related to them that the angel Jibraeel (A) had told the Holy Prophet (S), who had told Imam Ali (A), and each Imam (A) had told the next Imam (A), that Allah had said, "Laa Ilaaha Illallah is My fortress, and whoever enters My fortress saves himself from My punishment." Then Imam (A) went forward a little and stopped. He then informed them that there were a few conditions to entering the fortress of Allah, one of which was complete submission to the Imam (A) of the time. This report is famous and has been recorded by many historians.
On his arrival in Marv, Imam (A) was met with respect by the hypocrite Ma'mun. He admitted that Imam (A) had the right to the Caliphate, and offered it to him. Imam (A) refused and so Ma'mun insisted that he accept to become the heir to the throne.
Despite his reluctance, Imam (A) was forced to accept the position, and Ma'mun made the people pay the oath of allegiance to him. He also ordered that the royal robes would be green in the future, which was the colour of the household of the Holy Prophet (S). Ma'mun then ordered that the Dirham coin should have the name of Imam (A), and issued a royal decree saying that Imam (A) would succeed him and his title would be ar-Riza min Aale Muhammad.
Ma'mun had not given this position to Imam (A) due to any love for him, but he had done it to quieten the threat of the Shia. He had no intention of allowing Imam (A) to become his successor. When Imam (A) took up his place in the court of Ma'mun, he took the opportunity to spread the teachings of Islam further. He organised Majalis to remember the martyrs and sacrifice of Karbala, and explained to the people the moral lessons to be learnt from that tragedy.
Ma'mun's court was visited by people from all over the world. Imam (A) answered all the questions they asked to Ma'mun. They were always satisfied with his answers, used to say that they had never met a man who argued and explained in the style of Imam (A).
Ma'mun soon felt threatened by the growing popularity of Imam (A) and decided to ensure his own survival by killing him. He did this by inviting Imam (A) to a meal where he fed him poisoned grapes. Imam (A) became very ill as a result and died on 29th Safar 203 A.H. He is buried in Toos (Mashad) in Iran.

HAZRAT IMAM MOHAMMAD TAQI (A.S.), THE 9TH IMAM


Name : Muhammad
Title : at-Taqi (One who is Mindful of Allah)
Kuniyat : Abu Ja'far
Father : Imam Ali ar-Riza (A)
Mother : Bibi Khaizuran (A)
Birthdate : 10th Rajab 195 A.H. in Madina
Imamat : From 203 A.H. to 220 A.H.
Martyrdom : 29th Zilqad 220 A.H.
Buried : Kazmain, Iraq.
Imam (A) was brought up under the care of his father for 4 years. When the Abbaside Caliph Ma'mun forced Imam ar-Riza (A) to leave Madina for Iran, he knew that he would never see his young son again. He therefore declared Imam (A) as his successor, so that the people of Madina would be in doubt as to who was the next Imam. In 203 A.H. the cursed Ma'mun poisoned Imam Ali ar-Riza (A) and thus Imam (A) took over the duties of Imamat when he was only 8 years old.
In spite of his minor age, he demonstrated the intelligence and wisdom of his forefathers. He was bold, learned, used to forgive people and was tolerant. He was famous for his hospitality and courtesy to all and for his help to the poor, orphans and the needy. He lived a simple life and worked tirelessly to guide people to the right path.
Ma'mun received reports of the brilliance of Imam (A) in debating in matters of Fiqh, Hadith and Tafsir of the Holy Qur'an. He wanted to confirm these reports for himself so he had Imam (A) brought to his capital in Baghdad.
Although Ma'mun had shown in many instances his true enmity towards Ahlul Bayt (A) and their Shia, he welcomed Imam (A) for his own ulterior motives. He did not doubt that the young man was the Imam of the time despite his age, and he knew that the Shia would follow the rulings of Imam (A) without hesitation. In order to protect himself and the future of the Abbaside empire, Ma'mun wanted to marry his daughter Ummul Fazl to Imam (A).
The elders of Bani Abbas were very disturbed when they learnt of Ma'mun's intentions. A group of them came to Ma'mun with a view to dissuade him from this marriage. Ma'mun rejected their plea, stating that Imam (A) was a true successor to his father and commanded the same virtues and excellence in spite of his tender years. He further stated that the best scholars of the Islamic world could not hope to compete with Imam (A). This gave the elders an opportunity to prove him wrong and they decided to appoint Yahya bin Aksam, the greatest scholar and juror of Baghdad, to debate against Imam (A).
Ma'mun agreed to the contest and organised a large gathering in his court, in which 900 scholars and learned men were invited to participate. News of the contest spread quickly and people wondered how a young child could contest against the veteran judge who was famous for his knowledge.
When the court was assembled, Yahya confidently asked Imam (A), "What is your verdict about a man who indulges in hunting while in the state of Ehram?"
Imam (A) immediately replied, "Your question is vague and misleading. Perhaps you could clarify it by mentioning whether the man hunted within the precincts of the Holy Ka'ba or outside; whether he was literate or illiterate; whether he was a slave or a free man; whether he was Baaligh or not; whether it was for the first time or he had done it previously; whether the prey was a bird or some other creature; whether the prey was small or big; whether he hunted in the day or at night; whether the hunter repented for his action or persisted in it; whether he hunted secretly or openly and whether the Ehram was for Umrah or Haj. Unless these points are explained, no specific answer can be given to this question".
Yahya was staggered at listening to these words and the audience was dumbfounded. He acknowledged the superiority of Imam (A) and humbly requested to be told the answer. Imam (A) then gave the different verdicts for each of the possibilities listed above.
Ma'mun was overjoyed at this display of the knowledge of Imam (A) and in the same gathering, he wedded his daughter Ummul Fazl to him. After staying in Baghdad for a year, Imam (A) returned to Madina.
His marriage with Ummul Fazl was not peaceful and she was a source of constant difficulty to him. She was also jealous because he married Bibi Summana Khatoon (A), who later became the mother of the ninth Imam (A).
In Madina Imam (A) once again gave the people true guidance and taught the religion of Islam freely. People from far and wide would come to Madina to seek knowledge and truth from him.
After Ma'mun died Mu'tasim Billah came to the throne. He was a man who hated the Ahlul Bayt (A) deeply. He knew that it was difficult to act against Imam (A) in his home city of Madina, so he called him to Baghdad.
In the same year the cursed man got Imam (A) poisoned. Imam (A) passed away when he was only 25 years old, and is buried beside his grandfather, Imam Musa al-Kazim (A), at Kazmain in the suburb of Baghdad.