Value of drop of tear on Imam Hussain (as)

One day Sheikh Bahjat (ra) talked about the generosity of the Imams (as) saying: ‘In Iraq, there is a small town near the place where the Tigris and Euphrates rivers meet called al-Musayyab. A Shia man used to pass by this town from time to time whenever he went to perform the Ziyarat of the Commander of the Faithful Imam Ali (as) in Najaf. A Sunni man, too, was residing in this same town.

 

The latter quite often used to make fun of the Shia man whenever he saw him going to visit the shrine of the Commander of the Faithful Imam Ali (as), so much so that he dared once to speak ill of the Holy Imam (as).

The Shia was very angry and he complained about this matter to the Commander of the Faithful Imam Ali (as) during one of his visits. During that night, he saw the Imam (as) in his vision and once more complained to him about this matter.

 

Imam Ali (as) said, ‘He [the Sunni man] has done us a favour, and we cannot punish him in the life of this world no matter what sins he commits.’

 

The Shia asked, ‘What favour is it? Did he do you a favour when he dared to speak ill of you?’

 

The Imam (as) said, ‘No, but he was sitting one day at the meeting place of both rivers, the Tigris and the Euphrates, and he was looking at the Euphrates. He remembered the story of Karbala and the thirst of Imam al-Husain (as), so he said this to himself: ‘Omer ibn Sa’d was wrong when he killed Imam Hussein (as) and his followers as they were thirsty, and it was better for him to give them water before killing them.’

 

A tear trickled down his eyes out of grief for Abu Abdullah Al-Hussein (as); therefore, it became mandatory on us never to punish him in this life.’

 

The Shia says, I woke up from my sleep and returned to al-Musayyab and met the Sunni man on the road. He said to me in ridicule: ‘Did you visit your Imam, and did you convey our message to him?!’

I said, ‘Yes, I conveyed your message to him, and I carry his message to you.’

 

The man laughed and said. ‘What is this message which you carry to me?’

 

He narrated to him the incident from beginning to end. The Sunni man lowered his head to the ground and kept thinking: ‘O Lord! Nobody at that moment was near me, and I did not talk about this incident to anyone; so, how did Imam Ali (as) become familiar with it?’

 

Then he said, ‘I testify that there is no God save Allah, and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, and that Ali, the Commander of the Faithful, is a friend of Allah and the Wasi of the Messenger of Allah.’

 

From the book: “ Uswat Al-Aarifeen A Look at the Life of Ayatullah Bahjat” under the chapter: Tales Narrated by Grand Ayatullah Sheikh Bahjat, title: Clemency and Generosity of the Imams (as)

RAWZA OF IMAM HUSSAIN (A.S.)

Zari e Mukaddas

 Grave of Janabe Habib Ibne Mazahir

 Grave of Janabe Ibrahim Al Mujab a.s

New Domes on the Holy Shrines of Kadhimayn (a.s)

New Domes on the Holy Shrines of Kadhimayn (a.s) + PICReplacement operations of the golden dome and minaret of the holly shrine of Imam Musa ibn Jafar (a.s) in Kadhimayn city of Iraq finished. The celebration held on September 14 with the presence of Iraqi authorities and the manager of the shrine.

        The area of the dome of the holly shrine of Imam Musa ibn Jafar (a.s) is 335 square meters. The constructors used 10 thousand and 261 golden bricks for the dome and 1416 golden brick for the three minarets.

    The reconstruction and replacement of the holly shrine completed in one and a half years.

The Bodies were intact even after more than 1000 years

Though in normal cases and circumstances the dead bodies in the grave decompose and disintegrate yet there are proofs where the dead bodies of martyrs, prophets and saints have been found intact when their graves were dug.

In 1932 A.D. (1351 A.H.) the then ruling King of Iraq Shah Faisal I, dreamt that he was being addressed by Hudhaifa al-Yamani, who said :-

"O king ! Remove Jabir ibn Abdullah Ansari and me from the bank of river Tigris and bury us at some safe place because my grave is already water-logged, (full of water) while Jabir's grave is slowly getting water-logged."

This dream was repeated again the next night, but King Faisal did not pay attention to it on account of his pre-occupation with state affairs. On the third night Hazrat Hudhaifa was seen in the dream by the grand Mufti of Iraq.

Hazrat Hudhaifa said to the grand Mufti: "I have been directing the king since two nights to transfer our Bodies but he has not paid any heed. Tell him emphatically to arrange for the transfer of our graves!"

So after discussing this matter, the King, his Prime Minister and the Grand Mufti decided to carry out this work. It was decided that the Grand Mufti should issue a fatwa (religious ruling) on this matter and the Prime Minister will issue the fatwa to the press, so that the public may know about this great event. It was declared that on 10th Zilhajj after noon prayers the graves shall be opened and the holy bodies shall be transferred to another place.

As it was Hajj season, pilgrims had gathered in Mecca. They requested King Faisal to postpone the event for a few days so that they all could attend the event after performing the Hajj. Hence, the King postponed this event to 20th Zilhajj.

After noon prayers, on 20th Zilhajj 1351 A.H. a large number of Muslims and non-Muslims gathered in Baghdad, and the city was heavily crowded. First when the grave of Hazrat Hudhaifa was opened water was found inside. The body was lifted with a crane in such a way that it safely came on a stretcher. Then the stretcher was lifted by the King, the Grand Mufti, the Prime Minister and Prince Farooq of Egypt and brought to a glass coffin box made especially to keep the holy bodies. The body of Hazrat Jabir was also transferred to the glass box in the same scrupulous manner.

The most marvelous spectacle was now seen by the huge crowd that had gathered to witness this great event. Both the holy bodies of these true companions of the Holy Prophet (SAWW) were fresh and intact while their open eyes issued forth such divine light that the spectator's eyes were dazzled. Furthermore, their coffin, clothes, kaffan were also intact and at first glance, it appeared as if these heroes of Islam were alive. The two bodies were then taken away and buried afresh near the grave of another great hero of Islam, Salman-e-Farsi, in Salman Park which is 30 miles from Baghdad. This miracle amazed the scientists, philosophers and doctors. They were all bewildered and spellbound to witness this great miracle.

A German physiologist who had been showing a lot of interest in this was so impressed by the conditions of the bodies, which were buried for more than a thousand years, that he immediately came to the Grand Mufti, held up his hands and said, "What more evidence can there be in support of Islam. I embrace Islam so teach me about it!"

Thus before thousands of people this German doctor became a Muslim. His example was followed by many Christians and Jews and for a long time it continued in Baghdad and a large number of people became Muslims as a result of this miracle.

Now let us all sit-back and think over this event and derive a lesson from this miracle. Pondering over such events is potent food for the mind and serves as an eye-opener to humanity. Some of the material above was published in a Pakistani newspaper, "Daily Jung" on 7th June 1970.

Let us now briefly look into the lives of these prominent personalities.

HAZRAT HUDHAIFA AL YAMANI

He was one of the most trusted companions of the Holy Prophet (SAWW) and a near associate of Hazrat Imam Ali (AS). He was one of those seven persons who joined the funeral prayers of Bibi Fatemah (AS). There are several instances in history where Hazrat Hudhaifa has proved steadfast in his loyalty to our Holy Prophet (SAWW). Hazrat Hudhaifa had responded to the Prophet's call in battle of Trench (Khandak) when the Prophet had promised Paradise to the person who would venture out to the enemy's camp with the intention of spying their activities.

Hazrat Hudhaifa was known as "the possessor of the Secret", since the Holy Prophet (SAWW) had revealed to him the names and specific identity of those hypocrites who intended to kill him on his return journey from Tabuk, but had strictly instructed him not to disclose the secret.

Hudhaifa was appointed governor of Madain (which is a place near Baghdad, Iraq) by Caliph Omar and held that post for many years. He was holding that post till Hazrat Imam Ali (AS) assumed the caliphate. Hazrat Imam Ali (AS) then sent a letter to the people of Madain, informing them of his caliphate and that Hudhaifa would continue to be the governor of Madian. Hudhaifa al Yamani died just before the battle of Jamal in 36 A.H. He was buried in Madain.

HAZRAT JABIR IBNE ABDULLAH-E-ANSARI

Jabir-e-Ansari was also one of the most exalted companions of the Holy Prophet (SAW). Jabir was in the forefront in 18 battles, under the banner of Islam. Jabir was blessed enough to have met all the imams up to Imam Mohamed Baker (as) in his lifetime. Imam Jafar-e-Sadiq (AS) has said : "Jabir -e-Ansari was the last survivor amongst the companions of the Holy Prophets (SAWW).

Jabir, on hearing about the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (AS) and his companions and the imprisonment and humiliation of the surviving members of his family, hastened towards Kerbala with his devoted friends and followers and buried the martyrs there. He was the first person to pay homage to the martyrs of Kerbala and carry out their burial rites.

The Holy Prophet (SAW) once told Jabir that, he would live long enough to come across a person whose name would be Mohamed Baker (as) and he will resemble the Holy Prophet in appearance and values. The Holy Prophet asked Jabir to convey his salaams to this man. Throughout his life Jabir was waiting eagerly to meet our Imam. Finally, when Jabir did meet the Holy Imam he was very old but very happy and he conveyed the prophet's salaam to the Imam. Jabir did not live long after that. He was tortured by Hajjaj bin Yusuf and it is reported that molten lead was poured on the hands of Jabir by the tyrant. Jabir-e-Ansari was 94 years old when he left this world for the heavenly abode in 78 A.H. He was also buried in Madain.

Thus let us send our gift of Sure-Fateha for these two brilliant graduates from the school of Prophet hood, who devoted all their efforts in safeguarding our religion. Let us not forget their invaluable contribution to keep the flame of Islam kindled in our hearts. And pray to The Almighty Allah to help us follow their footsteps and elevate our level of imaan. 

Reward of offering Prayer in Masjid-e-Kufa

1. Abu Baseer says that he heard Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s.) saying,

“Masjid-e-Kufa is a real mosque for one thousand prophets and one thousand Wasis have offered Salaat in this mosque. During the time of Nuh (a.s.), water started coming out from this place and his Ark was built over here only. Its right side possesses the pleasure of Allah. Its middle has a garden of Paradise and its left has Makr.” He asked, “What do you mean by Makr?” Imam (a.s.) replied, “It implies the buildings of Shaitaan.”

2. Muhammad bin Sinaan says that he heard Imam Reza (a.s.) say,

“The reward of offering a prayer in Masjid-e-Kufa alone is better than the reward of offering seventy prayers in congregation in other mosques.”

3. Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s.) says,

“A single prayer of Masjid-e-Kufa is equal to one thousand prayers of other mosques.”

Reference:

Sawabul A'amaal (English), Pg 58 (Published by As-Serat tours, India)

Iran and Iraq 2008

Iran and Iraq 2008

13th may 2008 ziyarate

ws,

alhamdulillah... ziyarate was good. with every year, going for ziyarate is becoming more n more easier n comfortable for ppl coming from all corners of d world.

Mashad, Iran - Imam Reza (a.s) shrine still under heavy comstructions. the main entrace gate, opp to gate 8 which leads to hotel khorasan (khorasan street) n other surrounding hotels had been brought by d haram n will soon be part of d huge courtyard. inside of d shrine needs some serious repairs as well. doing ziyarate at d zari is still a struggle, espcially for d old n children.

Qum, Iran - as beautiful as ever.

Najaf, Iraq - city still recovering. Imam Ali (a.s) shrine - d most simpliest of all d shrines i have visited. for a minute u r sadden by d sight.... the Ameer of d world n d hereafter n his shrine in such a state... but thn dats Maula Ali, who always lived a simple life.... n dat simplicity captures ur heart.

wadi-us-salam - mostly damaged.

Kufa, Iraq - masjid-e-kufa, masjid-e-Sahla - in its simple close to original form. although house of imam ali has been beautified n lost its original charm.

masjid-e-hannana and mazar of hazrat Kumail - is closed for construction..

Hazrat Hurr - shrine is being comtructed over his grave. open for ziyarate.

Sons of Hazrat Muslim - Shrine under contruction. open for ziyarate.

Karbala, Iraq - alhamduillah beautiful shrines of Imam Hussain (a.s) n Hazrat Abbas (a.s). developed city. well maintained. very tight security.
Kazmain, Iraq - very very tight security... but easier to visit for ziyarate.

Iraq is very muuch safe n peaceful at d this time for visiting, although very tight security n through checking at every km. didnt have much trouble at d borders either. looks like within next 10years, iraq will be quite developed n a beautiful country inshallah. lots of contruction work at every mazar, it wont be long before we can fly direct into iraq n do d ziyarates to our hearts content, inshallah.