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Al Qaem Al Muntazar 1439 - 2018 - English
Al Qaem Al Muntazar 1439 - 2018 - English
15/-
Shabaan 1439 A.H. (a.t.f.s.)
Special Issue
Hazrat Abu Jafar Imam Muhammad Baqir (peace be upon them) informed:
“Whoever tes fies in the (belief in) night of decree will know that indeed it
is specific to us… certainly Allah, Mighty and Majes c be He, is far Superior
that He would send the affairs along with Ruh (Jibraeel) and angels to a
corrupt and an infidel…”
In the Name of Allah the Beneficent the Merciful Allah’s Blessings be on you, O Saaheb al-Amr, help us and forsake us not
1 Before the martyrdom of Imam Husain (peace be upon him), the title of Syed al-Shohada (chief
of martyrs) was ascribed to Janabe Hamzah (peace be upon him). But after the event of Karbala,
this title is now specific for Imam Husain (peace be upon him).
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fasting and praying — in its full glory. When it (peace be upon him and his progeny).
was the turn of the 12th Imam (peace be upon
him), he was shielded from the machinations Clamour and Commotion
and deception of the enemies and first, granted There is clamour all around and the
minor occultation. Then then as per Divine evildoers are in a majority. There is a flood of
Will, he was granted a major occultation. evil from all directions. The waves of this flood
Imam (peace be upon him) protected this are busy dislodging the foundations of
bounty, firstly by personally keeping in touch mountains. On the other hand, the Holy Quran
with the first special representative and declares the Will of Allah. Nothing can
through him with the masses. The series of withstand Allah’s Will. His Decree is for the
letters (Tauqee’aat) continued. He then inheritor and the Imam of this earth who has
communicated with the people through been apparently and erroneously considered
different sources. weak. “And We desired to bestow a favour
Imam’s presence in itself can be compared upon those who were deemed weak in the
with this blessing — which is the soul of Shariat land, and to make them the Imams, and to
— meaning he is the guardian of best of make them the heirs.”
blessings like prayers and fasting. The august [Surah Qasas (28): 5]
blessing — Al Qaem (may Allah hasten his
reappearance) — the name that sees us place Regret
our hand on the head out of respect, besides It is indeed sad that a nation and a
other important things, calls out I am the community which has such a divine treasure
forgotten bounty among the Shias. and blessing, is deprived of his guardianship
and protection. His is teary eyed and
Complaint complaining that he is the ‘forgotten bounty’
This statement also carries grief. It reflects among the Shias.
acute sorrow and heartache, which only his When he is so kind to us even when we are
follower can understand. It is incumbent upon negligent of him, then it would be impossible
us to deliberate the blessing of our Imam to enumerate the unimaginable bounties that
(peace be upon him) upon us. Our Master he would shower upon us if we were truly
(peace be upon him) is the greatest bounty of attentive towards him.
Allah upon us. He (peace be upon him) is a
divine treasure and blessing. He (peace be Overview
upon him) is connected to the Arsh and earth
One needs to be little attentive, aware and
every moment. He (peace be upon him) is the
a mutual correlation between knowledge and
most dependable among those who can be
actions is required. A small amount of light
relied upon. The Messenger (peace be upon
acquired through knowledge and wisdom will
him and his progeny) ascended the heavens
allow a follower of Imam (peace be upon him)
and descended with blessings as a mercy and
to visualise better. The same Imam (peace be
graced everyone with his affection and
upon him) can see the burning door of Janabe
forgiveness. In this last era, and till the time of
Zahra (peace be upon her), Ameerul
reappearance, Imam-e-Zamaana (may Allah
Momineen Ali (peace be upon him) being
hasten his reappearance) will be the trustee of
dragged with a rope around his neck, rights of
bounties brought by the truthful Messenger
Imam Hasan (peace be upon him) being
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usurped, the tragedy of Karbala and the his followers individually and inviting them to
patience, prayers, glorification of Allah on the tread this path. He is not negligent of us even
lips of those who faced hardships after Karbala. for a moment.
There is a brief sequence whose sad scenes
have enveloped the skyline of Kazimain, Plea
Khurasan and Saamarra. The one who will O my Master! O my leader! O the one who
take revenge is not helpless. Rather, he is keeps an eye on the guards, we the helpless
waiting for Divine Permission else he would ones request you, “O our Master, we are the
have already finished off the oppressors. He is weak and lowly ones. Your envoys are Janabe
the son of the Lion of Allah. He is the possessor Jibraeel and the other angels. You rank is
of Zulfiquar. He is the manifestation of Allah’s affiliated to Allah. O Master if your kind
Power. Now, through this complaint, look at support wouldn’t have been with us we
the tears in the piercing eyes of Imam-e- wouldn’t have survived in any corner of this
Zamaana (may Allah hasten his reappearance). corrupt world. Please provide us with the
Which follower will not cry incessantly after resources to tread the path that leads to you.
hearing this sentence? Give us the courage and resolve.
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We are heedless of the great bounties of situation when the best of the angels, The
these nights and hence do not utilize our time Spirit, is descending in Lailat al-Qadr?
even during these three nights completely for According to traditions this angel descends
worship. We must ponder that these nights are from the heavens and visits earth only once a
the best means of our forgiveness. Especially, year with all the important affairs.
the grief about the martyrdom of Ameerul The method of Allah (Glorified be He) is
Momineen (peace be upon him) is an that whenever He sent down an angel with
important means for us to acquire proximity revelation, message, book, scroll… on the
of Allah. We must consider these nights as earth, He also informed the angel about whom
transient and by the intercession of Aale to meet and hand over the trust. Therefore, He
Muhammad (peace be upon them), attempt to appointed Hazrat Ibrahim (peace be upon
acquire Allah’s forgiveness and pave the way to him) for the scrolls, Hazrat Moosa (peace be
Paradise. Otherwise, it is found in traditions upon him) for Torah, Hazrat Isa (peace be
that if a person is not forgiven in the holy upon him) for the Bible, and Holy Prophet
month of Ramazan, then he is never forgiven (peace be upon him and his progeny) for Holy
except that he is blessed with the performance Quran. Archangel Jibraeel and all other angels
of Hajj and he seeks forgiveness in the land of were well aware about the opportunity they
Arafaat. received in meeting these lofty personalities.
The ultimate verdict of wisdom states that
Upon whom do the Angels if “affairs” are revealed in the Night of Decree,
descend? Who is the recipient of then there is a “Master of the Affairs” and
divine affairs? “one vested with authority who can enquire
about all the affairs.” The existence of Allah’s
According to Quranic verses, when it is
proof is mandatory when angels and Spirit
mentioned that in the Night of Decree, Angels
descend to meet him.
and Spirit descend and all affairs of the year are
decided a question arises: The tradition of Imam Husain (peace be
upon him) explains this reality: “In relation
Upon whom do the angels descend? And
with the destiny and distribution of affairs, the
to whom are the affairs of the year and in other
decision of Allah (Glorified be He) descends in
words, Allah’s plan for human beings handed
your holy presence and begins from your blessed
over? Who is the epicenter of the descent of
house.”
angels and Allah’s mercy?
[Mafaatih al-Jinaan, Ziyaarat Mutlaqa of Imam
Whenever we communicate any message,
Husain (peace be upon him), First Ziyaarat]
we ensure to keep the recipient of the message
Thus it is Ahle Bait (peace be upon them)
in our mind. This is an intellectually acceptable
in whose presence all the affairs are presented.
practice. But is it also acceptable that messages
The regular occurrence of the Night of Decree
keep accumulating while the sender has no
every year is the proof that there exists a
clue about the receiver? The messenger stands
“Master of the Affairs” who is the proof of
in the middle of the road and searches for the
Allah and “Wali al-Amr.”
receiver of the message?
Hazrat Imam Muhammad Baqir (peace be
What is the divine practice here? Has
upon him) said: “O Shias! Establish proof and
Allah sent angels without the information of a
argument by Surah Qadr. Surely you will
recipient and are the Angels, clueless about
succeed. By Allah! After the Messenger of Allah
where to go after they descend, especially in a
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(peace be upon him and his progeny), who is the Abi Talib (peace be upon them).”
leader of your religion, this Surah is Allah’s proof They probed further: “Is this some special
and argument for you. O Shias! Use Surah Haa affair which common people cannot receive.”
Meem Dukhaan as your argument. Allah
Imam (peace be upon him) replied: “Yes!
(Glorified be He) says: Surely We revealed it on
Allah has decided that till His religion does not
a blessed night surely We are ever warning.
dominate (over all other religions) and the time
Therein every wise affair is made distinct. After
of its explicit manifestation does not arrive, He
the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him and
must be worshipped silently. Just like Holy
his progeny), this is specific for his vicegerents. O
Prophet (peace be upon him and his progeny)
People! Allah (Glorified be He) reveals in the
and Janabe Khadija (peace be upon her) did not
Holy Quran: And there is not a nation but a
disclose this matter till the time they were not
warner has gone among them1 (warner refers to
instructed to do so.”
the divine proof).
They asked: “Is it necessary that the master
People asked, “O son of the Messenger if
of the religion and the master of the affairs
Allah (peace be upon him and his progeny),
keep this matter concealed?”
isn’t Holy Prophet (peace be upon him and his
progeny) the warner for this nation?” Imam (peace be upon him) answered: “Ali
Ibn Abi Talib (peace be upon them) alongside
Imam (peace be upon him) replied,
Holy Prophet (peace be upon him and his
“Certainly, but is he present at this time?”
progeny) did not announce this matter till Allah
They said: “No.” did not command them for it.”
Then Imam (peace be upon him) asked: They agreed: “Yes, this is true.”
“So does not this nation need any warner like
Imam (peace be upon him) elucidated:
Holy Prophet (peace be upon him and his
“Our affairs are similar to this. Till the time the
progeny)?”
book reaches its appointed time.”2
They replied: “Yes of course.” [Ta’weel al-Aayaat, vol. 2, p. 824-825 narrating from
Then Imam (peace be upon him) Al-Kaafi, vol. 239, p. 6; Behaar al-Anwaar, vol. 25, p.
responded: “Holy Prophet (peace be upon him 8, Tradition 68]
and his progeny) appointed a warner for this Therefore, for the revelation of the affair,
nation before leaving this world.” the existence of the ‘Master of the Affairs’ is
They inquired: “Is Holy Quran not absolutely essential. Thus, The Night of Decree
sufficient in this matter?” is only for those who believe in the existence of
Imam (peace be upon him) retorted: Hujjat Ibn Hasan al-Askari (peace be upon
“Indeed but only when the interpreter and the them). It is for those who spend every moment
teacher of the Holy Quran is present.” awaiting his reappearance, sobbing and
praying to Allah (Glorified be He) to hasten
They further asked: “Did Holy Prophet
his reappearance, especially in this night, they
(peace be upon him and his progeny) not
plead Him for a blessed opportunity to spend
provide the complete exegesis of the entire
this night in his holy presence.
Quran?”
Among the affairs that Allah (Glorified be
Imam (peace be upon him) countered:
He) is going to decree in Lailat al-Qadr, we
“He did but only to one person and also
pray that first and foremost, He ordains the
introduced him to his nation and he was Ali Ibn
2 Surah Baqarah (2): 235
1 Surah Faatir (35): 24 Continued on page 5
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Imam Baqir (peace be upon him) Although Allah bestowed human beings
elucidated: “We are the Face of Allah. We keep with power and freewill but He still has more
frequenting the earth among you all. Whoever authority over them as compared to themselves.
has recognized us has done so (his reward is He can withdraw from them whenever He
fixed) but whoever is ignorant of us then indeed wishes. No one should assume these things to
certainty (death) is in front of him.” be his own, rather they are all bestowed.
Servitude also demands that we consider
[Ibid, p. 150, H. 6]
ourselves totally helpless in front of Him.
If we summarise these three interpretations
O Ever-living! O Self-Subsistent! I
then we can conclude that Ahle Bait (peace be
beseech You in the name of Your Name
upon them) are the Face of Allah while the
with which the heavens and the earth
religion of Allah as also the path of truth also
have lit up
refers only to them.
Allah is the Ever-living Being but it should
Khaisama narrates that I inquired from
be borne in mind that that His life cannot be
Imam Sadiq (peace be upon him) about this
compared to our lives. Rather He is the creator
verse “Everything shall be destroyed except
and owner of our lives. We have been cautioned
His Face.”
against drawing any mental, intellectual and
Imam (peace be upon him) replied: perceptive image about Him. His Names are
“His religion. The Messenger of Allah equally transcendental and praiseworthy just
and Ameerul Momineen (peace be as His Essence. In other words, when we
upon them) are the religion of Allah discuss about Allah’s life then we are only
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been always alive before the existence of all objection over the long life of Imam Mahdi
living things! O He Who shall be alive after the (may Allah hasten his reappearance) is like
extinction of all living things! O He Who has actually casting a doubt over Allah’s divine
been always alive even when there was nothing power.
else alive! O He Who revives the dead ones and We pray to Allah, the Most High, that O
causes the living ones to die! O Ever-living! Allah! We implore You for the sake of the holy
There is no god save You. existence of Your last divine proof, Imam
We have already discussed about life and Mahdi (may Allah hasten his reappearance),
death above. Allah is the One who grants life keep us steadfast on his Imamat during such
and causes to die. He can cause anyone to die turbulent times and protect us from doubts
whenever He wishes and can grant life to and objections raised by the enemies of Islam.
whosoever He wishes. If He wants, He can Aameen!
cause His divine proof to remain alive amidst [To be continued later… Insha Allah]
burning flames of fire. If He pleases, He can
Continued from page 22
call His divine proof up to the fourth sky and
keep him alive. If He wishes, He can keep His upon him and his progeny) inform: Surely I
divine proof alive in the depth of a well. If He leave among you two precious things, two
desires, He can cause His divine proof to caliphs. If you take from them you will never
remain alive even inside the belly of a fish. If go astray after me. One of them is superior to
He wants, He can keep His divine proof alive the other. The Book of Allah – a rope extended
by concealing him from the people and from the skies to the earth (or from the earth)
granting him a prolonged occultation. Indeed, and my progeny, my Ahle Bait (peace be upon
Allah the Almighty grants life. them). Know that these two will never separate
from each other until they meet me at the
It is a pity though, that so-called Muslims
pond of Kausar.”
neither doubt over Prophet Ibrahim (peace be
upon him) being unharmed in the raging Reminder
flames of fire nor about Prophet Isa (peace be
This tradition has been repeatedly
upon him) being alive on the fourth sky. There
mentioned by Holy Prophet (peace be upon
are no reservations for anyone over the safety
him and his progeny) on numerous occasions.
and well-being of Prophet Yusuf (peace be
During the farewell Hajj, at Mount Arafaat, at
upon him) in the depth of a well and neither
Ghadeer-e-Khum, during the final stages of
does anyone challenge the account of Prophet
his life in Medina when his house was
Yunus (peace be upon him) in the belly of a
brimming with companions, in the sermon
fish. Ironically, if there is any objection, then it
delivered after returning from Taa’ef and
is only over the last divine proof of Allah, who
numerous other occasions. In short, with
will fill the earth with justice and equity, the
regards to the belief in Twelve Imams,
twelfth successor of Holy Prophet (peace be
Muhaddis Noori has not only refuted the
upon him and his progeny) viz. His Eminence
objections of the Ahle Tasannun from their
Imam Mahdi (may Allah hasten his
own sources but also proved that only Ahle
reappearance), whose occultation and
Bait (peace be upon them) are the successors
reappearance are proven from the Holy Quran
of Holy Prophet (peace be upon him and his
and traditions.
progeny) and accordingly Imam Mahdi (may
We want the readers to pay attention Allah hasten his reappearance) is alive and
towards an important point here. Any present even today.
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A Complete Submission
The manner and style of the verses of the perhaps we would have avoided the great
Holy Quran is of such sublimely miraculous calamities which have befallen us, destroyed
nature that each attempt to express their cities and villages and their inhabitants in their
transcendental beauty causes human intellect strides.
to wander endlessly in the depths of their The word “Tasleem” has been derived from
meanings and concepts. If man was to the word “Salaamatun” or “Salaamun” which
completely utilize whatever intellect Allah has means to be submissive or to yield.
granted, this would be a great achievement in [Al-Munjid, p. 487]
itself. Often words fail to describe the true
The word Sa-la-ma has been used in the
depth of meanings which are conveyed by the
Holy Quran 4 times in the meaning of
Divine verses but at the same time, hearts
submission and obedience. Surah Nisa (4): 91
resonate with their understanding and
and 190 and Surah Nahl (16): 87 and 128. We
acceptance. As an example, let us look at one of
shall mention one of these verses as an example:
the most frequently recited verses of the Holy
Quran: “On that day they shall offer their
submission to Allah.”
“Indeed, Allah and His angels send
[Surah Nahl (16): 87]
greetings on the Holy Prophet (peace
be upon him and his progeny), then Submission can be analyzed in two ways
O those who profess belief, you too here:
send salutations unto him and a. Apparent submission
submit a complete submission. b. Submission from the heart
[Surah Ahzaab (33): 56]
Apparent submission means that a person
The last portion of this verse stands as an submits on a topic superficially while he
exegesis of the entire verse and acts as a filter doesn’t actually accept it from his heart. Rather,
which erases all the dust and haze accumulated he would oppose this topic at the first available
upon our intellect and causes it to enter into opportunity. This has been mentioned in the
the light of clarity and illumination. When we Holy Quran as such:
ponder over the last portion of this verse and
“The Bedouins proclaim that they
attempt to analyze its profundity from the
have accepted faith, then you inform
depths of our souls only then can we put forth
them that you all haven’t actually
our humble efforts to tread the path of great
believed rather you all should say
personalities who are the very embodiment of
that you have professed to the
this verse. If we were to look at these great
acceptance of Islam and belief hasn’t
personalities from the aspect of their
yet entered into your hearts”.
faithfulness in their absolute submission to the [Surah Hujuraat (49): 14]
Holy Prophet (peace be upon him and his
progeny) we can analyze how they have The relation between Islam and
fulfilled its right. Had people really acted upon
this complete submission to the Holy Prophet Imaan (belief)
(peace be upon him and his progeny) then The aforementioned verse points towards
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a very clear distinction between those people narcissism, etc. then Allah shall cause
who claim to have accepted Islam but haven’t punishment to descend upon him. Apparently
progressed through the various levels of belief. a person is aware of these orders and
Islam can be accepted in the meaning of understands and accepts them but these do
submission only when those who claim to not actually enter into the depths of his heart.
accept it, understand its actual meaning and “And although their hearts were
concept which, at its very core, is accepting the certain about those miracles, still
guidance and mastership of Ahle Bait (peace they did not accept them due to
be upon them). Without this belief, their arrogance and rebellion. Then (O
acceptance of Islam would be hollow and Prophet) see the fate of those who
nothing more than an apparent shape and spread corruption.”
structure of Islam, devoid of its soul. Hence [Surah Naml (27): 14]
through the apparent acceptance of Islam a This is the miraculous nature of the words
person can profess to be a Muslim but cannot of God which has so eloquently expressed this
be called a Mo’min (believer). psychological aspect. Even though their hearts
Now we shall mention a tradition from were absolutely certain about it, they still did
Imam Sadiq (peace be upon him) on the topic not accept it out of rebellion and arrogance.
of Islam and belief, in which he (peace be upon Firaun was well aware that Prophet Moosa
him) says: (peace be upon him) was speaking the truth
“Islam refers to those apparent things and his intellect too had accepted the veracity
which are generally accepted by the of the words of Prophet Moosa (peace be upon
people viz. the belief in Divine him) but it was his arrogance, love of position
Monotheism, Prophethood of Holy and power and his desire for kingship and
Prophet (peace be upon him and his rulership which stopped his heart from
progeny), reciting the daily prayers, accepting Prophet Moosa (peace be upon
giving Zakat, performing Hajj and him).
fasting in the month of Ramazan, are Muawiyah Ibn Abi Sufyan knew Ameerul
all referred to as Islam. But belief is Momineen Ali Ibn Abi Talib (peace be upon
accepting the guidance and mastership them) much better than others but he did not
of the Ahle Bait (peace be upon them) submit to him and destroyed his hereafter by
along with the aforementioned actions. bearing hatred and enmity towards him.
If a person fulfills all of the former but
does not accept the mastership of the Submitting from the heart
Ahle Bait (peace be upon them) then
even though he may be considered to be This is the true submission which
a Muslim he would be deviated (he guarantees Paradise. When the light of
wouldn’t be a believer).” submission illuminates in the heart of a person
then there are no boundaries which limit its
[Tafseer al-Burhan, vol. 4, p. 212, H. 5; Al-Kaafi, vol.
2, p. 24, H. 4]
expanse. This is real submission which a
person accepts from his heart. Faith and action
Apparent submission can be a cause of
are the fruits of true submission. We shall
punishment for a person. As an example, Allah
further discuss this form of submission.
the Almighty says in the Holy Quran that
whosoever turns away from Allah and His It would not be inappropriate to say that
orders i.e. he acts upon jealousy, greed, when apparent submission transforms into
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true submission, a person ascends a heavenly salutations unto the Prophet (peace
position wherein sometimes he resembles be upon him and his progeny). O
Salman al-Muhammadi (may Allah have you who believe! You too send
mercy on him), Hurr Ibn Yazid al-Riyahi and salutations upon him and submit a
at times Zohair Ibn Qain al-Bajali, Haroon al- complete submission.”
Makki, Fuzail Ibn Yasaar, Kulaib al-Tasleem, Imam Jafar al-Sadiq (peace be upon him)
etc. But at the same time, if this submission addressed me: “O Abu Hashim! What do these
would remain restricted to a person’s thoughts people know about the exegesis of this verse?”
and not translate into actions, then he would Then he (peace be upon him) explained:
tread the footsteps of Hassaan Ibn Saabit, Ali “Submit a complete submission to the
Ibn Hamzah al-Bataaeni and Shalmaghani mastership of Ali (peace be upon him).”
(may Allah curse them).
“And on that day, they shall stand
When a person enters into the realms of submissively before Allah.”
submission, he himself understands that no [Surah Nahl (16): 87]
doubts can be raised against the Imam “Surely Allah and His angels send
appointed by Allah. If an apple was to be split salutations unto the Prophet (peace
into two parts and kept before Imam al-Sadiq be upon him and his progeny). O
(peace be upon him) and he were to adjudicate you who believe! You too send
that one portion of the apple is Halaal while salutations upon him and submit a
the other portion is Haraam then there is no complete submission.”
room for someone who possesses true [Surah Ahzaab (33): 56]
submission to question any part of this
“The Bedouins claim that they have
judgment.
brought faith, O Prophet! Inform
Let us observe aspects of this true them that they haven’t brought faith
submission through traditions of the Infallible rather they should say that we have
Imams (peace be upon him). accepted Islam, while faith has not
“A complete submission means submit yet entered into their hearts.”
to Him with Mastership and whatever [Surah Hujuraat (49): 14]
has reached us from Him.” “And they rejected the miracles
[Tafseer al-Qummi, vol. 2. p. 196; Tafseer al-Burhaan, despite having certitude about them
vol. 4, p. 488] due to their prejudice and pride.
Abu Baseer asked Imam al-Sadiq (peace Then see how the end of was of the
be upon him) about Surah Ahzaab verse 56, to corrupted.”
which Imam (peace be upon him) replied: [Surah Naml (27): 14]
“To send salutations upon them and to “(Prophet Moosa (peace be upon
submit completely before them!” him)) said: Surely you know that
[Al-Mahaasin, vol. 1, p. 271] none have revealed these miracles
Abu Hashim narrates that I was with except the Lord of the heavens and
Imam Jafar al-Sadiq (peace be upon him) in the earth as proofs and surely I think
the Holy Mosque of Mecca. The governor of you O Firaun that you are destroyed.”
[Surah Bani Israel (17): 102]
the city went up to the pulpit and delivered the
Friday sermon in which he said: “And they have hearts but they do
“Surely Allah and His angels send not understand through them.”
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[Surah A’raaf (7): 179] submission (of Tauheed and Prophethood) but
“Have they not travelled in the land were devoid of true submission due to which
so that they may have hearts through they became deserving of the fire of Hell.
which they may understand?” History is replete with such individuals.
[Surah Hajj (22): 46] Hasan Ibn Ali al-Washsha says that one
Now let us glance through some historical day, my master Imam Reza (peace be upon
incidents to understand the effects and him) called me to Marw and addressed me as
blessings of this true submission. If we were to such:
look at the beginnings of Islam then among “O Hasan, today Ali Ibn Hamzah al-
the foremost ones the name of Hassaan Ibn Bataaeni has died and has entered into his
Saabit stands out. He had the good fortune to grave at this hour. Then the two angels of the
meet the five great infallible ones viz. Holy grave entered and asked him, ‘Who is your
Prophet, Ameerul Momineen, Janabe Zahra, Lord?’ He replied ‘Allah!’ Then they asked him,
Imam Hasan and Imam Husain (peace be ‘who is your Prophet?’ He replied, ‘Muhammad
upon them). He was a companion of Holy (peace be upon him and his progeny)!’ Then
Prophet (peace be upon him and his progeny) they asked, ‘who is your Master?’ He replied,
and was present at the time of Ghadeer in 10 ‘Ali Ibn Abi Talib (peace be upon them)!’ They
A.H. He pledged allegiance to Ameerul went on, ‘After him?’ He replied, ‘Hasan (peace
Momineen Ali Ibn Abi Talib (peace be upon be upon him)!’ They continued, ‘And after
them) and even composed poems glorifying him?’ He replied, ‘Husain (peace be upon
the appointment of Ameerul Momineen him)!’ ‘Then who?’, they asked. He said, ‘Ali
(peace be upon him). But unfortunately this Ibn Husain (peace be upon them)!’ They asked
was only an apparent submission, not true ‘and who after him?’ He responded,
submission. Due to this, during the reign of ‘Muhammad Ibn Ali (peace be upon them)!’
Usmaan when he was asked whether Ameerul They asked further, ‘and who after him?’ He
Momineen Ali Ibn Abi Talib (peace be upon replied, ‘Jafar Ibn Muhammad (peace be upon
him) was right or Usmaan? He replied, “I don’t them)!’ They asked, ‘after him?’ He replied,
know”. When someone asked Ameerul ‘Musa Ibn Jafar (peace be upon them)!’ When
Momineen (peace be upon him) about they asked, ‘and who after him?’, he stuttered.
Hassaan Ibn Saabit after his death, whether he They rebuked him and asked him again, ‘who
died as a Shia of Ameerul Momineen (peace be after him?’ He was still silent. They asked him
upon him). Imam (peace be upon him) sternly, ‘Did Musa Ibn Jafar (peace be upon
responded: “One who dies without recognizing them) not inform you of this affair i.e. Imamat
the Imam of his time has died the death of of Imam Ali Ibn Musa al-Reza (peace be upon
disbelief and hypocrisy.” i.e. Hassaan died a them)?’ Then the two angels struck him with a
death of disbelief and hypocrisy – which implies rod made of fire and they filled his grave with
that not having true submission towards the fire till the Day of Judgment.”
Imam appointed by Allah would lead a person I left the presence of my master, recorded
to unending tribulations of Hell fire. that day and in just a few days I received a
Karbala stands as the fundamental source letter from the people of Kufa informing about
of our beliefs and our existence. Can anyone the death of Bataaeni on the very same day
claim that the killers of Imam Husain (peace which Imam (peace be upon him) had
be upon him) did not recognize him? They too mentioned and that he had been put into the
were on the position of only apparently grave at that very time.
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[Behaar al-Anwaar, vol. 49, p. 58] and his progeny). He was at the position of
It should be borne in mind that Ali Ibn absolute acceptance and belief for every word
Hamza al-Bataaeni was not an ordinary and every action of Ahle Bait (peace be upon
person. He was from among the closest them). This is probably the reason why Holy
companions of Imam Musa Ibn Jafar al-Kazim Prophet (peace be upon him and his progeny)
(peace be upon them) and was considered to said that Salman is from us, Ahle Bait (peace
be among his reliable and trustworthy be upon them).
confidants. But later turned a Waaqifi1 and The great position and excellence of the
denied the Imamat of Imam Reza (peace be martyrs of Karbala is solely due to their
upon him). This was because he had submission absolute submission. When confronted by
to the Imam of his time was only apparent and death, they said: O grandson of the Prophet of
not from his heart. Allah! Even if we were to be killed seventy
There are other examples such as times and brought back to life we will not give
Muhammad Ibn Ali al-Shalmaghaani al- up our allegiance to you.
Azaqari during the minor occultation who was During the times of other Imams (peace
from the companions of Imam Hasan al- be upon him) as well, we find such outstanding
Askari (peace be upon him) and wrote many personalities like the companion of Imam
books. During the time of the third special Sadiq (peace be upon him) – Haroon al-Makki.
deputy Husain Ibn Rauh Nawbakhti, His submission towards the Imam (peace be
Shalmaghaani falsely claimed to be a special upon him) was to such an extent that one day
representative of Imam Mahdi (may Allah when Imam (peace be upon him) ordered him
hasten his reappearance) and went astray. to enter into a burning furnace, with no
Imam Mahdi (may Allah hasten his questions asked, Haroon just leapt into it. After
reappearance) sent a letter in which he has some time, he was seen sitting in the fire and
cursed him. glorifying Allah!
[Mahdi Mau’ood (translation of Behaar al-Anwaar, v. [Behaar al-Anwaar, vol. 47, p. 105]
51), p. 685)]
Mukhtar Ibn Zaid al-Shahham narrates
After all what caused Shalmaghaani to from Imam al-Sadiq (peace be upon him) that
deviate? Did he not possess apparent I met Imam Sadiq (peace be upon him) and I
submission? Definitely he did, but because he spoke to him about one of our companions
did not truly submit from his heart, he rejected whose name was Kulaib. Whatever we mention
the mastership of Imam Mahdi (peace be upon in front of him (from your narrations) he
him). In order to further understand this true immediately says “I submit and accept”. So we
submission from the heart, let us have a look at have named him as “Kulaib al-Tasleem”
lives of the true companions of the Ahle Bait (Kulaib, the submissive one). Imam Sadiq
(peace be upon them). (peace be upon him) said:
In the beginning of Islam, we find Hazrat “May Allah have mercy upon him!” Then
Salman al-Muhammadi among the first of he asked: “Do you know what submission is?”
such true believers. His level of submission We were silent. Then Imam (peace be upon
was such that he would literally walk in the him) informed: “To be humble before Allah.”
footsteps of Holy Prophet (peace be upon him
Then Imam (peace be upon him) recited
1 Those who believe in the Imamat of only 7 Imams the below verse from the Holy Quran: “Those
i.e. up to Imam Kazim (peace be upon him) are
known as Waaqefi Continued on page 26
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“The flag of truth and guidance is with upon him). Be it a person of my insignificant
us, one who goes ahead of it will be stature or even a great scholar, none can
deviated, one who forsakes it will elucidate the grandeur and majesty of that flag.
become extinct, and the one who holds For its celestial and universal superiority, it is
fast unto it receives guidance.” sufficient to state that when both the hands of
[Behaar al-Anwaar, vol. 34, p. 262] the flag bearer Hazrat Abbas (peace be upon
This flag of truth does not suit any hand him) were severed, he still held tight the water
but that of the divine proof. If an undeserving bag of Janabe Sakina (peace be upon her)
person tries to catch hold of it, this flag exhibits between his chest and kept the flag furling
his incapability and becomes a source of high. When the time of his martyrdom arrived,
disgrace for him. The words of the Messenger it was his last will that his body should not be
of Allah (peace be upon him and his progeny) taken back to the tents. The divine personality
clearly resonate this in a distinct tone: of Imam Husain (peace be upon him), while
fulfilling this last will of his beloved brother
“Tomorrow I shall hand over the flag to
left the blessed body of Hazrat Abbas (peace be
a man whom Allah and His Messenger
upon him) in the battlefield and took this flag
(peace be upon him and his progeny)
back to the tents.
love and he also loves Allah and His
Messenger (peace be upon him and his Had this standard not been lifeless and if
progeny) equally. He is neither coward we were to request it to unravel its excellences,
nor will he flee the battlefield and Allah most certainly this flag would have started
will grant victory through his hands.” narrating its lofty merits and virtues thus:
[Kitaab Sulaym, vol. 2, p. 641] I am the one who shall now successively
pass on from the hands of Imam Sajjaad (peace
Being a flag bearer is specific for Ahle Bait
be upon him) unto the hands of Imam Hasan
(peace be upon them) in this world and the
Askari (peace be upon him) while bearing all
hereafter and this is what Holy Prophet (peace
the difficulties and tribulations in protecting
be upon him and his progeny) announced:
the religion, propagating the Prophetic
“(O Ali) You are my flag bearer and my teachings. It will now be an honour for me to
standard bearer in this world and in the reach those blessed hands in the city of
hereafter”. Saamarra, who shall unfurl me in the whole
[Amaali al-Tusi, p. 550] world. Glad tidings about him have been given
This standard had always been with by the beloved of Allah, the greatest Messenger
Ameerul Momineen (peace be upon him). Muhammad Mustafa (peace be upon him and
After him it reached Imam Hasan and Imam his progeny) thus:
Husain (peace be upon them). In the battle of “After me shall be my twelve successors,
Karbala Imam Husain (peace be upon him) the last of whom shall be the promised
placed this standard in the hands of the Mahdi, the Qaem (peace be upon him).
Qamar-e-Bani Hashim, the author of the And only he shall fill this world with
history of loyalty and the possessor of its justice and equity like it would be
universal status Hazrat Abul Fazl al-Abbas fraught with injustice and tyranny.” He
(peace be upon him). So much so that Imam is none other than Imam-e-Zamana
Husain (peace be upon him) gathered his (may Allah hasten his reappearance)
small army in Karbala and handed over the whose hands own this flag.
flag to Hazrat Abul Fazl al-Abbas (peace be
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Peculiarities of the Flag of Imam Muhammad Mustafa (peace be upon him and
his progeny) is that he shall rise with a sword.
Mahdi (may Allah hasten his
He shall kill the enemies of Allah and His
reappearance) Messenger. He will kill the oppressors, tyrants
It is narrated from Imam Jafar Sadiq (peace and the rebellious ones. He shall be assisted
be upon him): “It is the standard of the Holy through the means of sword and awe and his
Prophet (peace be upon him and his progeny) flag shall never be overpowered.”
which Jibraeel (peace be upon him) brought in [Kamaaluddin, vol. 1, p. 327, H. 7]
the battle of Badr… by Allah, this flag is neither
of fiber, nor cotton, nor silk… it is a flag made The inscription on the Flag of
out of the leaves of Paradise, which Holy prophet
Imam Mahdi (may Allah hasten
(peace be upon him and his progeny) unfurled
in the battle of Badr. Then he rolled it up and his reappearance)
handed over to Ali (peace be upon him). Since It is mentioned in traditions that the
then it was always with Ali (peace be upon him) inscription on the flag of Imam Mahdi (may
and he unfurled it in the battle of Jamal, and Allah hasten his reappearance) shall be:
Allah made him victorious in it. Then it was “Allegiance is for Allah, Mighty and
folded and kept aside and now it is with us. Majesty”.
None shall unfurl it now until the Qaem (may [Kamaaluddin, vol. 2, p. 654, H. 22]
Allah hasten his reappearance) rises. Thus,
Allamah Majlisi (may Allah have mercy
when he rises he shall unfurl it. When he would
upon him) has narrated from the book of Fazl
unfurl it, none shall remain in the east and the
Ibn Shaazaan that the standard of Imam Mahdi
west except that he shall join him. Its awe shall
(may Allah hasten his reappearance) shall bear
always be at a distance of one month ahead of it,
the inscription:
behind it, on its right and on its left…”
[Behaar al-Anwaar, vol. 52, p. 360]
“Listen and abide”.
[Behaar al-Anwaar, vol. 52, p. 305, H. 77]
Hazrat Imam Jafar Sadiq (peace be upon
him) says: “When he (Imam-e-Zamana) would
take along this standard against anyone, Allah
The Flag of Imam Mahdi (peace be
shall disgrace that person. When he (may Allah upon him) vis-à-vis Flags of the
hasten his reappearance) shall unfurl it, hearts rebellious
of the believers shall become as strong as iron.”
Hatred of the innate human nature towards
[Kaamil al-Ziyaaraat, p. 120, H. 5] evil acts in every era gave rise to revolutionary
Muhammad Ibn Muslim says that I came movements against the oppressive and tyrant
in the presence of Imam Muhammad Baqir rulers. But more often than not, because of
(peace be upon him) and wanted to inquire ignoring the divine proofs, it was observed
from him about the Qaem of Aale Muhammad that proponents of these revolutionary
(peace be upon them). Imam (peace be upon movements and those who raised slogans
him) began the discussion by informing me: against oppression and tyranny, after having
“O Muhammad Ibn Muslim! Indeed in the successfully come to power, themselves began
Qaem of Aale Muhammad (peace be upon adopting those very oppressive measures
them) possesses the similarity of five Prophets… against which they protested some time back.
the similarity that he shares with our grandfather We have the example of the movement of Bani
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AL-QAEM AL-MUNTAZAR
July - December 2017
Abbas against Bani Umayyah. When Mansoor heat within the hearts of those who await his
al-Dawaaneqi (the accursed), sat in front of reappearance, has always kept it upright and
the royal table spread, he uttered: “This is the that it is the red flag which is restlessly waving
table for which we waged a war. Until yesterday, on the dome of Imam Husain (peace be upon
it was with Bani Umayyah and now it is with him). It is an Arab custom that when someone’s
us.” This was the culmination of revolts that blood has not been avenged, a red flag is affixed
commenced with Abdullah Ibn Zubair waging on his grave. Imam Husain (peace be upon
a war against Yazid, the accursed, in the name him) discussed about Imam Mahdi (peace be
of avenging the blood of Imam Husain (peace upon him) among his companions in the night
be upon him). of Aashurah. It is Imam Mahdi (may Allah
Hazrat Imam Sadiq (peace be upon him) hasten his reappearance) who shall avenge the
foretold in one of his traditions: “Every flag blood of Imam Husain (peace be upon him)
that shall be raised before the rising of Qaem and this standard over the grave of Imam
(may Allah hasten his reappearance), its bearer Husain (peace be upon him) is incessantly
shall be deviated (Taghoot). Instead of Allah, calling out, “Hasten Hasten”.
Mighty and Majestic be He, this person shall be We plead to Allah with hands outstretched,
worshiped.” that may this red flag unfurl alongside the
[Al-Kaafi, vol. 8, p. 295, H. 452] standard of Hazrat Wali-e-Asr (may Allah
Finally, it is relevant to bring the discussion hasten his reappearance). May Allah hasten
of one flag that has been furling in the memory the reappearance of Hazrat Wali-e-Asr and
of the awaited Imam since 14 centuries. The include us among his helpers and supporters.
Aameen! O Lord of the worlds!
Continued from page 18 towards the Imam of our time. We should
who bring faith and do good actions and are strive day and night to fulfill his rights upon
humble before their Lord.” us. We should focus our world-weary eyes
[Surah Hud (11): 23] [Al-Kaafi, vol. 1, p. 391]
towards those places which increase our
proximity towards the Imam of our time. Our
Our salvation is solely dependent on true
destination is the camp of the Holy Imam
submission to Ahle Bait (peace be upon them).
(peace be upon him) and this is the essence of
It is a caravan which is moving towards its
absolute submission to Allah and His
destination with a burning lamp guiding
representative on this earth.
towards the Mastership of Ahle Bait (peace be
upon them) – a burning lamp which illuminates Absolute submission to the words and
the hearts with the light of Wilayat. This actions of Ahle Bait (peace be upon them)
caravan makes the path of truth easy for those makes one eligible for Mercy and Forgiveness
who seek it. It is that voice which awakens a from Allah and is the sole path of salvation.
person’s intellect and drives him towards Imam Mahdi (may Allah hasten his
action and understanding. If few actions from reappearance) in one of his letters has referred
our side result in the Imam (peace be upon to this very discussion by stating: “Then obey
him) turning towards us then this would be a Allah and be submissive towards us…”
cause of salvation from all calamities which [Behaar al-Anwaar, vol. 53, p. 179]
surround us in this world. And in another letter, “O Mehzam… and
Here, few actions from our side, is about only those who submit shall acquire salvation.”
being mindful that we should be attentive [Al-Kaafi, vol. 1, p. 368]
26
AL QAEM AL MUNTAZAR, JULY 2018 to DEC 2018, VOL. XX, Issue No. II, RNI No. 70068/98
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Association of Imam Mahdi (a.s.) P.O. Box No. 19822, Mumbai 400 050
www. almuntazar.com
Printed, Published and Edited by Syed Mohammed Akbar Rizvi on behalf of Association of Imam Mahdi (A.S.),
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