Alhassanain(p) Network for Heritage and Islamic Thought

Surah Ta Ha, Chapter 20

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ

In the Name of God the Compassionate, the Merciful

Verses 1 – 24

طه {1}

1. Ta Ha.1

مَا أَنْزَلْنَا عَلَيْكَ الْقُرْآنَ لِتَشْقَىٰ {2}

2. We have not revealed unto you the Text to undertake such severe pains.

إِلَّا تَذْكِرَةً لِمَنْ يَخْشَىٰ {3}

3. But for those who fear and take an advice.

تَنْزِيلًا مِمَّنْ خَلَقَ الْأَرْضَ وَالسَّمَاوَاتِ الْعُلَى {4}

4. This revelation is from Him, Who created Earth and the lofty heavens.

الرَّحْمَٰنُ عَلَى الْعَرْشِ اسْتَوَىٰ {5}

5. The Compassionate, Who controls the entire creation through His knowledge.

لَهُ مَا فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَمَا فِي الْأَرْضِ وَمَا بَيْنَهُمَا وَمَا تَحْتَ الثَّرَىٰ {6}

6. For Him is whatever is in the heavens and earth, and in between, and what is below lowest earth.

وَإِنْ تَجْهَرْ بِالْقَوْلِ فَإِنَّهُ يَعْلَمُ السِّرَّ وَأَخْفَى {7}

7. Whether you speak loudly or slowly, verily does He know (what is secret in your heart) and what are created in your minds unawares.

اللَّهُ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَۖ لَهُ الْأَسْمَاءُ الْحُسْنَىٰ {8}

8. There is no other God, except Him, For Him are glorious attributes.

وَهَلْ أَتَاكَ حَدِيثُ مُوسَىٰ {9}

9. Has the history of Moses come to you?

إِذْ رَأَىٰ نَارًا فَقَالَ لِأَهْلِهِ امْكُثُوا إِنِّي آنَسْتُ نَارًا لَعَلِّي آتِيكُمْ مِنْهَا بِقَبَسٍ أَوْ أَجِدُ عَلَى النَّارِ هُدًى {10}

10. When he saw the burning bush, he told his wife to wait2 as he had seen the fire whence he hoped to bring charcoal (to heat the body) or light to trace the path3 .

فَلَمَّا أَتَاهَا نُودِيَ يَا مُوسَىٰ {11}

11. When he reached the burning bush, he was given a call, “Oh you Moses!

إِنِّي أَنَا رَبُّكَ فَاخْلَعْ نَعْلَيْكَۖ إِنَّكَ بِالْوَادِ الْمُقَدَّسِ طُوًى {12}

12. “Verily, I am your Providence. Give up your affection for family in my supplication. Verily, You are in the holy valley of Mount Sinai.4

وَأَنَا اخْتَرْتُكَ فَاسْتَمِعْ لِمَا يُوحَىٰ {13}

13. “I have selected you so listen to what I reveal unto you with care.

إِنَّنِي أَنَا اللَّهُ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا أَنَا فَاعْبُدْنِي وَأَقِمِ الصَّلَاةَ لِذِكْرِي {14}

14. “Verily I am God, accept Me, there is no other (God). Pray unto Me and keep steady at prayers to have Me (in your memory) forever.

إِنَّ السَّاعَةَ آتِيَةٌ أَكَادُ أُخْفِيهَا لِتُجْزَىٰ كُلُّ نَفْسٍ بِمَا تَسْعَىٰ {15}

15. “Verily, the Day of Judgment has been kept a mystery to reward everyone for their deeds.

فَلَا يَصُدَّنَّكَ عَنْهَا مَنْ لَا يُؤْمِنُ بِهَا وَاتَّبَعَ هَوَاهُ فَتَرْدَىٰ {16}

16. “Let not anyone make you negligent of it to your destruction.

وَمَا تِلْكَ بِيَمِينِكَ يَا مُوسَىٰ {17}

17. “What is in your right hand, oh Moses?”

قَالَ هِيَ عَصَايَ أَتَوَكَّأُ عَلَيْهَا وَأَهُشُّ بِهَا عَلَىٰ غَنَمِي وَلِيَ فِيهَا مَآرِبُ أُخْرَىٰ {18}

18. He said, “It is a rod, I support myself therewith, and drive my goats and use it otherwise, too.”

قَالَ أَلْقِهَا يَا مُوسَىٰ {19}

19. “Cast it on the ground, oh Moses.”

فَأَلْقَاهَا فَإِذَا هِيَ حَيَّةٌ تَسْعَىٰ {20}

20. He cast it, when it turned out a running serpent.

قَالَ خُذْهَا وَلَا تَخَفْۖ سَنُعِيدُهَا سِيرَتَهَا الْأُولَىٰ {21}

21. God said, “Hold it with fear, We shall restore it to its original form.

وَاضْمُمْ يَدَكَ إِلَىٰ جَنَاحِكَ تَخْرُجْ بَيْضَاءَ مِنْ غَيْرِ سُوءٍ آيَةً أُخْرَىٰ {22}

22. “And hide your arm under your armpit and take it out shining without any disease.

لِنُرِيَكَ مِنْ آيَاتِنَا الْكُبْرَى {23}

23. “So We may show you (two) of Our great miracles.

اذْهَبْ إِلَىٰ فِرْعَوْنَ إِنَّهُ طَغَىٰ {24}

24. “Go to Pharaoh, verily he has been transgressing.”

Moral

Knowledge of Judgment Day is secreted to let everyone to make up for their final destination and because knowledge is power, hence pray for its gift to overcome passion.

Verses 25 – 54

قَالَ رَبِّ اشْرَحْ لِي صَدْرِي {25}

25. Moses prayed, “Oh my Providence, expand my chest.

وَيَسِّرْ لِي أَمْرِي {26}

26. “Lighten for me my duty.

وَاحْلُلْ عُقْدَةً مِنْ لِسَانِي {27}

27. “Untie the know of my tongue

يَفْقَهُوا قَوْلِي {28}

28. “so people may understand me.

وَاجْعَلْ لِي وَزِيرًا مِنْ أَهْلِي {29}

29. “Make a member of my family my assistant.

هَارُونَ أَخِي {30}

30. “Aaron who is my brother.5 Reinforce me with him.

وَأَشْرِكْهُ فِي أَمْرِي {32}

32. “Let him participate in my duty.

كَيْ نُسَبِّحَكَ كَثِيرًا {33}

33. “So we may immensely glorify Thee.

وَنَذْكُرَكَ كَثِيرًا {34}

34. “And remember Thee intensely.

إِنَّكَ كُنْتَ بِنَا بَصِيرًا {35}

35. “Verily You are fully acquainted with our state.”

قَالَ قَدْ أُوتِيتَ سُؤْلَكَ يَا مُوسَىٰ {36}

36. God replied, “I granted what you requested.

وَلَقَدْ مَنَنَّا عَلَيْكَ مَرَّةً أُخْرَىٰ {37}

37. “Verily once, We graced you, oh you Moses.

إِذْ أَوْحَيْنَا إِلَىٰ أُمِّكَ مَا يُوحَىٰ {38}

38. “When We inspired your mother as We desired

أَنِ اقْذِفِيهِ فِي التَّابُوتِ فَاقْذِفِيهِ فِي الْيَمِّ فَلْيُلْقِهِ الْيَمُّ بِالسَّاحِلِ يَأْخُذْهُ عَدُوٌّ لِي وَعَدُوٌّ لَهُۚ وَأَلْقَيْتُ عَلَيْكَ مَحَبَّةً مِنِّي وَلِتُصْنَعَ عَلَىٰ عَيْنِي {39}

39. “in which she should lock you up in a box and leave it in the Nile, and it will be drifted along the bank, until it was picked up by My and your enemy and I have, with my power, instilled inviting affection, on your face so you may be cherished by him, under My care.

إِذْ تَمْشِي أُخْتُكَ فَتَقُولُ هَلْ أَدُلُّكُمْ عَلَىٰ مَنْ يَكْفُلُهُۖ فَرَجَعْنَاكَ إِلَىٰ أُمِّكَ كَيْ تَقَرَّ عَيْنُهَا وَلَا تَحْزَنَۚ وَقَتَلْتَ نَفْسًا فَنَجَّيْنَاكَ مِنَ الْغَمِّ وَفَتَنَّاكَ فُتُونًاۚ فَلَبِثْتَ سِنِينَ فِي أَهْلِ مَدْيَنَ ثُمَّ جِئْتَ عَلَىٰ قَدَرٍ يَا مُوسَىٰ {40}

40. “When your sister was going along the bank6 she said, ‘Shall I point out once one who can nourish the child.’ Thus We reverted you to your mother, so as to cool her eyes, and she may not grieve any more (your separation). Again you killed one man when I gave you salvation, out of this grief and tried you, in various ways. When you were several years in Midian, and when you attained a matured age, oh Moses.

وَاصْطَنَعْتُكَ لِنَفْسِي {41}

41. “I befitted you for my work.

اذْهَبْ أَنْتَ وَأَخُوكَ بِآيَاتِي وَلَا تَنِيَا فِي ذِكْرِي {42}

42. “You and your brother had better go with My miracles and do not be sluggish in your remembrance of me.

اذْهَبَا إِلَىٰ فِرْعَوْنَ إِنَّهُ طَغَىٰ {43}

43. “Go to Pharaoh, he has transgressed. speak to him meekly so he may either listen to the advice or fear.”

فَقُولَا لَهُ قَوْلًا لَيِّنًا لَعَلَّهُ يَتَذَكَّرُ أَوْ يَخْشَىٰ {44}

44. Speak to him meekly so he may either listen to the advice or fear.”

قَالَا رَبَّنَا إِنَّنَا نَخَافُ أَنْ يَفْرُطَ عَلَيْنَا أَوْ أَنْ يَطْغَىٰ {45}

45. They said, “Oh our Providence, we are afraid he may overawe us or get more impudent regarding You.”

قَالَ لَا تَخَافَاۖ إِنَّنِي مَعَكُمَا أَسْمَعُ وَأَرَىٰ {46}

46. God said, “Do not fear, I am with you. I hear and shall watch the proceedings.

فَأْتِيَاهُ فَقُولَا إِنَّا رَسُولَا رَبِّكَ فَأَرْسِلْ مَعَنَا بَنِي إِسْرَائِيلَ وَلَا تُعَذِّبْهُمْۖ قَدْ جِئْنَاكَ بِآيَةٍ مِنْ رَبِّكَۖ وَالسَّلَامُ عَلَىٰ مَنِ اتَّبَعَ الْهُدَىٰ {47}

47. “Now, both of you, go to him and say, ‘Verily, We are Prophets from your Providence, better send with us Bani Israel and do not torment them. Of course, we have brought you a miracle from you Providence. He who shall follow the guidance shall rest in peace.

إِنَّا قَدْ أُوحِيَ إِلَيْنَا أَنَّ الْعَذَابَ عَلَىٰ مَنْ كَذَّبَ وَتَوَلَّىٰ {48}

48. “Verily we have been inspired in which the punishment shall fall on him who falsifies and turns away from guidance.

قَالَ فَمَنْ رَبُّكُمَا يَا مُوسَىٰ {49}

49. Pharaoh asked Moses, “Who is your Providence?”

قَالَ رَبُّنَا الَّذِي أَعْطَىٰ كُلَّ شَيْءٍ خَلْقَهُ ثُمَّ هَدَىٰ {50}

50. Moses said, “Our Providence is He who endowed on every creature natural instinct, then guided the creature to make it (instinct) serviceable.”

قَالَ فَمَا بَالُ الْقُرُونِ الْأُولَىٰ {51}

51. Pharaoh asked, “What about the previous generations?”

قَالَ عِلْمُهَا عِنْدَ رَبِّي فِي كِتَابٍۖ لَا يَضِلُّ رَبِّي وَلَا يَنْسَى {52}

52. Moses said, “Its knowledge is with my Providence on record. Neither does He err nor forget.

الَّذِي جَعَلَ لَكُمُ الْأَرْضَ مَهْدًا وَسَلَكَ لَكُمْ فِيهَا سُبُلًا وَأَنْزَلَ مِنَ السَّمَاءِ مَاءً فَأَخْرَجْنَا بِهِ أَزْوَاجًا مِنْ نَبَاتٍ شَتَّىٰ {53}

53. “Who made for you the Earth a cradle, and laid therein paths to walk along, and sent down the rain from the clouds, with which He brought out, from soil, variegated vegetation.”

كُلُوا وَارْعَوْا أَنْعَامَكُمْۗ إِنَّ فِي ذَٰلِكَ لَآيَاتٍ لِأُولِي النُّهَىٰ {54}

54. Eat and graze your animals. Verily in this are signs for the intelligent.

Moral

As God has none of creatural attributes (physical or otherwise), Moses’ describing of Innate Divine attributes did not appeal to Pharaoh and his nobles.

Verses 55 – 76

مِنْهَا خَلَقْنَاكُمْ وَفِيهَا نُعِيدُكُمْ وَمِنْهَا نُخْرِجُكُمْ تَارَةً أُخْرَىٰ {55}

55. From which We created you and therein shall We raise you once again.

وَلَقَدْ أَرَيْنَاهُ آيَاتِنَا كُلَّهَا فَكَذَّبَ وَأَبَىٰ {56}

56. Of course, We demonstrated all Our miracles to him, he falsified them, and refused to acknowledge them.

قَالَ أَجِئْتَنَا لِتُخْرِجَنَا مِنْ أَرْضِنَا بِسِحْرِكَ يَا مُوسَىٰ {57}

57. He said, “Are you come to drive us out of our land with your magic, oh Moses?

فَلَنَأْتِيَنَّكَ بِسِحْرٍ مِثْلِهِ فَاجْعَلْ بَيْنَنَا وَبَيْنَكَ مَوْعِدًا لَا نُخْلِفُهُ نَحْنُ وَلَا أَنْتَ مَكَانًا سُوًى {58}

58. “We shall certainly bring you a like magic. Let us come to an understanding which should not be contravened by fixing a date to come to a plane7 .”

قَالَ مَوْعِدُكُمْ يَوْمُ الزِّينَةِ وَأَنْ يُحْشَرَ النَّاسُ ضُحًى {59}

59. Moses said, “Let it be a festival day and let the parties assemble in the morning at the appointed period.”

فَتَوَلَّىٰ فِرْعَوْنُ فَجَمَعَ كَيْدَهُ ثُمَّ أَتَىٰ {60}

60. Pharaoh turned to consult his nobles and decided to assemble all leading magicians to be presented on the fixed day.

قَالَ لَهُمْ مُوسَىٰ وَيْلَكُمْ لَا تَفْتَرُوا عَلَى اللَّهِ كَذِبًا فَيُسْحِتَكُمْ بِعَذَابٍۖ وَقَدْ خَابَ مَنِ افْتَرَىٰ {61}

61. Moses told them, “You be cursed, do not allege falsely God. He will cast His wrath on you for he who alleges God, shall never be redeemed.”

فَتَنَازَعُوا أَمْرَهُمْ بَيْنَهُمْ وَأَسَرُّوا النَّجْوَىٰ {62}

62. They (magicians) started litigating among themselves, realizing Moses was not a magician, and hid their decision within themselves from Pharaoh (out of fear).

قَالُوا إِنْ هَٰذَانِ لَسَاحِرَانِ يُرِيدَانِ أَنْ يُخْرِجَاكُمْ مِنْ أَرْضِكُمْ بِسِحْرِهِمَا وَيَذْهَبَا بِطَرِيقَتِكُمُ الْمُثْلَىٰ {63}

63. And to please Pharaoh said, “These two are magicians, intending to drive you out of your land with their magic and destroying your excellent faith.

فَأَجْمِعُوا كَيْدَكُمْ ثُمَّ ائْتُوا صَفًّاۚ وَقَدْ أَفْلَحَ الْيَوْمَ مَنِ اسْتَعْلَىٰ {64}

64. So pharaoh ordered the magicians to bring into play their manoeuvre, and then come forward in a row. Of course, he who carried the day today wins the goal.

قَالُوا يَا مُوسَىٰ إِمَّا أَنْ تُلْقِيَ وَإِمَّا أَنْ نَكُونَ أَوَّلَ مَنْ أَلْقَىٰ {65}

65. They asked Moses if he would cast or they should commence casting.

قَالَ بَلْ أَلْقُواۖ فَإِذَا حِبَالُهُمْ وَعِصِيُّهُمْ يُخَيَّلُ إِلَيْهِ مِنْ سِحْرِهِمْ أَنَّهَا تَسْعَىٰ {66}

66. Moses said, “Better you cast,” when they did the ropes and sticks began to appear moving, under their jugglery.

فَأَوْجَسَ فِي نَفْسِهِ خِيفَةً مُوسَىٰ {67}

67. Moses got nervous within himself (lest the simple spectators be misled).

قُلْنَا لَا تَخَفْ إِنَّكَ أَنْتَ الْأَعْلَىٰ {68}

68. We said, “Do not be hesitate, verily shall you carry the day.

وَأَلْقِ مَا فِي يَمِينِكَ تَلْقَفْ مَا صَنَعُواۖ إِنَّمَا صَنَعُوا كَيْدُ سَاحِرٍۖ وَلَا يُفْلِحُ السَّاحِرُ حَيْثُ أَتَىٰ {69}

69. “Cast what is in your right hand so whatever they have fabricate may be swallowed by it. Whatever they have fabricated is out of jugglery, and magicians will never succeed when facing Truth, under any circumstances.”

فَأُلْقِيَ السَّحَرَةُ سُجَّدًا قَالُوا آمَنَّا بِرَبِّ هَارُونَ وَمُوسَىٰ {70}

70. So the magicians fell prostration (in penance) and said, “We have believed in the Providence of Moses and Aaron.”

قَالَ آمَنْتُمْ لَهُ قَبْلَ أَنْ آذَنَ لَكُمْۖ إِنَّهُ لَكَبِيرُكُمُ الَّذِي عَلَّمَكُمُ السِّحْرَۖ فَلَأُقَطِّعَنَّ أَيْدِيَكُمْ وَأَرْجُلَكُمْ مِنْ خِلَافٍ وَلَأُصَلِّبَنَّكُمْ فِي جُذُوعِ النَّخْلِ وَلَتَعْلَمُنَّ أَيُّنَا أَشَدُّ عَذَابًا وَأَبْقَىٰ{71}

71. Pharaoh said, “What! Have you put faith prior to my permitting you? He is a greater magician amongst you, who has taught you magic. So I shall cut down crosswise you hands and feet and put you on a scaffold of date trees, when you will come to know, who amongst us is mightier in punishing.”

قَالُوا لَنْ نُؤْثِرَكَ عَلَىٰ مَا جَاءَنَا مِنَ الْبَيِّنَاتِ وَالَّذِي فَطَرَنَاۖ فَاقْضِ مَا أَنْتَ قَاضٍۖ إِنَّمَا تَقْضِي هَٰذِهِ الْحَيَاةَ الدُّنْيَا {72}

72. They (in reply) said, “We cannot prefer you, on the face of Moses, having brought us miracles, and in face of Him, Who has created us. Do what you decide, your decision shall hold good in this world only.”

إِنَّا آمَنَّا بِرَبِّنَا لِيَغْفِرَ لَنَا خَطَايَانَا وَمَا أَكْرَهْتَنَا عَلَيْهِ مِنَ السِّحْرِۗ وَاللَّهُ خَيْرٌ وَأَبْقَىٰ {73}

73. “Verily, we have believed in our Providence so He may forgive our sins and to which we were driven by you, to act (against the Prophet of God) and God is all the better and Eternal.”

إِنَّهُ مَنْ يَأْتِ رَبَّهُ مُجْرِمًا فَإِنَّ لَهُ جَهَنَّمَ لَا يَمُوتُ فِيهَا وَلَا يَحْيَىٰ {74}

74. Verily, He who becomes a criminal to his Providence has Hell for him, werein shall he neither die nor live.

وَمَنْ يَأْتِهِ مُؤْمِنًا قَدْ عَمِلَ الصَّالِحَاتِ فَأُولَٰئِكَ لَهُمُ الدَّرَجَاتُ الْعُلَىٰ {75}

75. He who becomes a faithful8 with virtuous deeds shall have high grade in Paradise for him.

جَنَّاتُ عَدْنٍ تَجْرِي مِنْ تَحْتِهَا الْأَنْهَارُ خَالِدِينَ فِيهَاۚ وَذَٰلِكَ جَزَاءُ مَنْ تَزَكَّىٰ {76}

76. Paradise of Eden, below which flow streams where shall he ever abide and this is a reward of him who keeps himself purified of sins.

Moral

In this there is a proof of hiding faith when life is in danger, for declaring when there is no go with an apology for previous behaviour unto Almighty Who is merciful to him for penance offered.

Verses 77 – 89

وَلَقَدْ أَوْحَيْنَا إِلَىٰ مُوسَىٰ أَنْ أَسْرِ بِعِبَادِي فَاضْرِبْ لَهُمْ طَرِيقًا فِي الْبَحْرِ يَبَسًا لَا تَخَافُ دَرَكًا وَلَا تَخْشَىٰ {77}

77. Of course We revealed unto Moses to take away My creatures during the night. Make a dry road in the sea for them (by casting his rod) and be not anxious and afraid of being overtaken (by Pharaoh.

فَأَتْبَعَهُمْ فِرْعَوْنُ بِجُنُودِهِ فَغَشِيَهُمْ مِنَ الْيَمِّ مَا غَشِيَهُمْ {78}

78. Pharaoh, with his army, gave him the chase and was swept away by waves of the sea.

وَأَضَلَّ فِرْعَوْنُ قَوْمَهُ وَمَا هَدَىٰ {79}

79. Thus, Pharaoh misled his tribe.

يَا بَنِي إِسْرَائِيلَ قَدْ أَنْجَيْنَاكُمْ مِنْ عَدُوِّكُمْ وَوَاعَدْنَاكُمْ جَانِبَ الطُّورِ الْأَيْمَنَ وَنَزَّلْنَا عَلَيْكُمُ الْمَنَّ وَالسَّلْوَىٰ {80}

80. Oh you Bani Israel! We rescued you, certainly, from your enemy and promised you (to grand a code of guidance through Moses during his soliloquy, on the auspicious Mount Sinai) and sent you from heaven Manna and Quail.

كُلُوا مِنْ طَيِّبَاتِ مَا رَزَقْنَاكُمْ وَلَا تَطْغَوْا فِيهِ فَيَحِلَّ عَلَيْكُمْ غَضَبِيۖ وَمَنْ يَحْلِلْ عَلَيْهِ غَضَبِي فَقَدْ هَوَىٰ {81}

81. Eat of pure what We have provided for you and do not transgress therein lest My wrath befall you and verily he is destroyed on whom befalls My wrath.

وَإِنِّي لَغَفَّارٌ لِمَنْ تَابَ وَآمَنَ وَعَمِلَ صَالِحًا ثُمَّ اهْتَدَىٰ {82}

82. And certainly shall I forgive him who does penance, embraces faith, acts virtuously and is steady in guidance.9

وَمَا أَعْجَلَكَ عَنْ قَوْمِكَ يَا مُوسَىٰ {83}

83. What hastened oh you Moses to approach Me (leaving your tribe)?

قَالَ هُمْ أُولَاءِ عَلَىٰ أَثَرِي وَعَجِلْتُ إِلَيْكَ رَبِّ لِتَرْضَىٰ {84}

84. Moses said, “The tribe was following me and I hurried up to gain Your Will.”

قَالَ فَإِنَّا قَدْ فَتَنَّا قَوْمَكَ مِنْ بَعْدِكَ وَأَضَلَّهُمُ السَّامِرِيُّ {85}

85. God said, “Of course, We tried your tribe after you and Samari misguided them.”10

فَرَجَعَ مُوسَىٰ إِلَىٰ قَوْمِهِ غَضْبَانَ أَسِفًاۚ قَالَ يَا قَوْمِ أَلَمْ يَعِدْكُمْ رَبُّكُمْ وَعْدًا حَسَنًاۚ أَفَطَالَ عَلَيْكُمُ الْعَهْدُ أَمْ أَرَدْتُمْ أَنْ يَحِلَّ عَلَيْكُمْ غَضَبٌ مِنْ رَبِّكُمْ فَأَخْلَفْتُمْ مَوْعِدِي {86}

86. Moses returned to this tribe enraged, feeling sorry and addressed his tribe, “Did not your Providence hold out to you a good promise (of granting you the Code of Laws)? What! Did a long period intervene or did you desire Divine wrath to befall you from your Providence which you transgressed my promise?”

قَالُوا مَا أَخْلَفْنَا مَوْعِدَكَ بِمَلْكِنَا وَلَٰكِنَّا حُمِّلْنَا أَوْزَارًا مِنْ زِينَةِ الْقَوْمِ فَقَذَفْنَاهَا فَكَذَٰلِكَ أَلْقَى السَّامِرِيُّ {87}

87. They said, “We did not, of course, transgress your promise. Rather, Pharaoh’s tribe loaded us with jewellery, which we threw into the fire, and so did Samari.

فَأَخْرَجَ لَهُمْ عِجْلًا جَسَدًا لَهُ خُوَارٌ فَقَالُوا هَٰذَا إِلَٰهُكُمْ وَإِلَٰهُ مُوسَىٰ فَنَسِيَ {88}

88. Then he made out of it a gold calf having therein a cow’s sound, and said this is your god and god of Moses, when, having lost it, was gone to Mount Sinai.

أَفَلَا يَرَوْنَ أَلَّا يَرْجِعُ إِلَيْهِمْ قَوْلًا وَلَا يَمْلِكُ لَهُمْ ضَرًّا وَلَا نَفْعًا {89}

89. Did they not think so much it was not able to reply to their questions and had no power to injure or benefit?

Moral

1. Man should seek Divine Light for guidance and in difficulty.

2. Sure salvation lies in penance from association and faith.

3. Righteousness.

4. Steadfast in following Divine Lights.

Verses 90 – 104

وَلَقَدْ قَالَ لَهُمْ هَارُونُ مِنْ قَبْلُ يَا قَوْمِ إِنَّمَا فُتِنْتُمْ بِهِۖ وَإِنَّ رَبَّكُمُ الرَّحْمَٰنُ فَاتَّبِعُونِي وَأَطِيعُوا أَمْرِي {90}

90. And Aaron had told them beforehand, “Oh my tribe, verily have you been simply tried, and your Providence is Compassionate, and you follow me and carry out my injunctions.”

قَالُوا لَنْ نَبْرَحَ عَلَيْهِ عَاكِفِينَ حَتَّىٰ يَرْجِعَ إِلَيْنَا مُوسَىٰ {91}

91. In reply they said, “We shall now worship this until Moses returns to us.”

قَالَ يَا هَارُونُ مَا مَنَعَكَ إِذْ رَأَيْتَهُمْ ضَلُّوا {92}

92. Moses, on arrival, asked Aaron, “What prevented you from not having followed by directions when you saw them misguided?

أَلَّا تَتَّبِعَنِۖ أَفَعَصَيْتَ أَمْرِي {93}

93. “Did you disobey my orders?”

قَالَ يَا ابْنَ أُمَّ لَا تَأْخُذْ بِلِحْيَتِي وَلَا بِرَأْسِيۖ إِنِّي خَشِيتُ أَنْ تَقُولَ فَرَّقْتَ بَيْنَ بَنِي إِسْرَائِيلَ وَلَمْ تَرْقُبْ قَوْلِي {94}

94. Aaron said, “Oh my brother, do not hold me up by my beard and charge me with disobedience. I was afraid lest you might say I produced a faction among the Bani Israel and did not keep in view your own instructions.”11

قَالَ فَمَا خَطْبُكَ يَا سَامِرِيُّ {95}

95. Then Moses turned to Samari and asked him: what’s your cause?12 .

قَالَ بَصُرْتُ بِمَا لَمْ يَبْصُرُوا بِهِ فَقَبَضْتُ قَبْضَةً مِنْ أَثَرِ الرَّسُولِ فَنَبَذْتُهَا وَكَذَٰلِكَ سَوَّلَتْ لِي نَفْسِي {96}

96. He said, “I had seen (Gabriel on horseback and dust below hoofs of his horse flying in the air, which I put it into the throat of the gold calf and this appealed to me).”

قَالَ فَاذْهَبْ فَإِنَّ لَكَ فِي الْحَيَاةِ أَنْ تَقُولَ لَا مِسَاسَۖ وَإِنَّ لَكَ مَوْعِدًا لَنْ تُخْلَفَهُۖ وَانْظُرْ إِلَىٰ إِلَٰهِكَ الَّذِي ظَلْتَ عَلَيْهِ عَاكِفًاۖ لَنُحَرِّقَنَّهُ ثُمَّ لَنَنْسِفَنَّهُ فِي الْيَمِّ نَسْفًا {97}

97. Moses said, “Get out from me, for you is this punishment in this world in which you shall say, ‘Do not touch me,’ (lest I get fever and you, too) and for you is the fixed period which shall not be contravened to look at your God to which you were attached. We shall burn it to ashes and throw it into the sea.

إِنَّمَا إِلَٰهُكُمُ اللَّهُ الَّذِي لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَۚ وَسِعَ كُلَّ شَيْءٍ عِلْمًا {98}

98. “Only your God is He (alone), except Him there is none other, circumspective of everything with His Omniscience.

كَذَٰلِكَ نَقُصُّ عَلَيْكَ مِنْ أَنْبَاءِ مَا قَدْ سَبَقَۚ وَقَدْ آتَيْنَاكَ مِنْ لَدُنَّا ذِكْرًا {99}

99. Thus do We describe to you news of the past and have We endowed upon you the glorious Qur’an.

مَنْ أَعْرَضَ عَنْهُ فَإِنَّهُ يَحْمِلُ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ وِزْرًا {100}

100. He, who shall divert away from it, shall carry on the Day of Judgment a heavy load (of disobedience taking him to hell).

خَالِدِينَ فِيهِۖ وَسَاءَ لَهُمْ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ حِمْلًا {101}

101. Wherein shall he shall ever abide and on the Day of Judgment this punishment shall be awful.

يَوْمَ يُنْفَخُ فِي الصُّورِۚ وَنَحْشُرُ الْمُجْرِمِينَ يَوْمَئِذٍ زُرْقًا {102}

102. The day the trumpet will blow We shall assemble the criminals with blue eyes.

يَتَخَافَتُونَ بَيْنَهُمْ إِنْ لَبِثْتُمْ إِلَّا عَشْرًا {103}

103. When they will be whispering among themselves saying “They hardly stayed in the world ten days.”

نَحْنُ أَعْلَمُ بِمَا يَقُولُونَ إِذْ يَقُولُ أَمْثَلُهُمْ طَرِيقَةً إِنْ لَبِثْتُمْ إِلَّا يَوْمًا {104}

104. We are well aware of their conversation. The most intelligent among them shall say comparatively, “Their stay in this world was hardly a day.”

Moral

Similar events followed in Islam, on the Prophet’s demise, when Ali was busy in burial ceremony, people having forgotten Ali’s right to succession as publicly celebrated in the Valley of Khum cast in their lot, under the influential companions’ authority with the mob and were thus misled, as were the followers of Moses by Samari. The world is a trial. God tried Muslims as He did Jews.

Verses 105 – 115

وَيَسْأَلُونَكَ عَنِ الْجِبَالِ فَقُلْ يَنْسِفُهَا رَبِّي نَسْفًا {105}

105. They ask you about mountains, say, “My Providence shall raise them to ground level

فَيَذَرُهَا قَاعًا صَفْصَفًا {106}

106. the entire place, in their stead shall be levelled down.”

لَا تَرَىٰ فِيهَا عِوَجًا وَلَا أَمْتًا {107}

107. You shall not see therein any winding or rising ground.

يَوْمَئِذٍ يَتَّبِعُونَ الدَّاعِيَ لَا عِوَجَ لَهُۖ وَخَشَعَتِ الْأَصْوَاتُ لِلرَّحْمَٰنِ فَلَا تَسْمَعُ إِلَّا هَمْسًا {108}

108. The day when they shall follow a crier without any opposition and owing to Divine awe, voices will be lowered down, and nothing beyond whispering shall there be.

يَوْمَئِذٍ لَا تَنْفَعُ الشَّفَاعَةُ إِلَّا مَنْ أَذِنَ لَهُ الرَّحْمَٰنُ وَرَضِيَ لَهُ قَوْلًا {109}

109. On that day intercession of none shall be fulfilled except to whom the Compassionate grants permission, having appreciated his suggestion.13

يَعْلَمُ مَا بَيْنَ أَيْدِيهِمْ وَمَا خَلْفَهُمْ وَلَا يُحِيطُونَ بِهِ عِلْمًا {110}

110. And He is acquainted with what is ahead of them and what has been prior to them, and none can fathom His knowledge.

وَعَنَتِ الْوُجُوهُ لِلْحَيِّ الْقَيُّومِۖ وَقَدْ خَابَ مَنْ حَمَلَ ظُلْمًا {111}

111. And all shall prostrate before the Eternal Being and the loaded with sins shall suffer.

وَمَنْ يَعْمَلْ مِنَ الصَّالِحَاتِ وَهُوَ مُؤْمِنٌ فَلَا يَخَافُ ظُلْمًا وَلَا هَضْمًا {112}

112. He who acted righteously, provided he was faithful (to the end) shall have no anxiety of a loss.

وَكَذَٰلِكَ أَنْزَلْنَاهُ قُرْآنًا عَرَبِيًّا وَصَرَّفْنَا فِيهِ مِنَ الْوَعِيدِ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَتَّقُونَ أَوْ يُحْدِثُ لَهُمْ ذِكْرًا {113}

113. And thus did We reveal the Glorious Qur’an in Arabic and warned frequently therein so they may refrain and take advice.

فَتَعَالَى اللَّهُ الْمَلِكُ الْحَقُّۗ وَلَا تَعْجَلْ بِالْقُرْآنِ مِنْ قَبْلِ أَنْ يُقْضَىٰ إِلَيْكَ وَحْيُهُۖ وَقُلْ رَبِّ زِدْنِي عِلْمًا {114}

114. Right is the Lord, the God Almighty, and do not hurry up in reading it before completion of its revelation and pray, “Oh Providence, enhance my knowledge.”

وَلَقَدْ عَهِدْنَا إِلَىٰ آدَمَ مِنْ قَبْلُ فَنَسِيَ وَلَمْ نَجِدْ لَهُ عَزْمًا {115}

115. And verily had We commanded Adam14 but he forgot it and We did not find him steadfast.

Moral

Except five Prophets: Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Mohammad, none was steadfast.

Verses 116 – 128

وَإِذْ قُلْنَا لِلْمَلَائِكَةِ اسْجُدُوا لِآدَمَ فَسَجَدُوا إِلَّا إِبْلِيسَ أَبَىٰ {116}

116. Recall when We commanded the angels to prostrate before Adam, they prostrated except Satan, who declined.

فَقُلْنَا يَا آدَمُ إِنَّ هَٰذَا عَدُوٌّ لَكَ وَلِزَوْجِكَ فَلَا يُخْرِجَنَّكُمَا مِنَ الْجَنَّةِ فَتَشْقَىٰ {117}

117. Upon which We commanded, oh you Adam, he is your enemy and of your wife. (Beware) he may not drive both of you from paradise to undergo pain

إِنَّ لَكَ أَلَّا تَجُوعَ فِيهَا وَلَا تَعْرَىٰ {118}

118. although, for you here, you are neither hungry, nor naked

وَأَنَّكَ لَا تَظْمَأُ فِيهَا وَلَا تَضْحَىٰ {119}

119. neither have you been thirsty nor sunburnt.

فَوَسْوَسَ إِلَيْهِ الشَّيْطَانُ قَالَ يَا آدَمُ هَلْ أَدُلُّكَ عَلَىٰ شَجَرَةِ الْخُلْدِ وَمُلْكٍ لَا يَبْلَىٰ {120}

120. The devil, under whisper, created misgivings (in them) saying, “Oh you Adam, shall I point you out a tree giving you eternal life?”

فَأَكَلَا مِنْهَا فَبَدَتْ لَهُمَا سَوْآتُهُمَا وَطَفِقَا يَخْصِفَانِ عَلَيْهِمَا مِنْ وَرَقِ الْجَنَّةِۚ وَعَصَىٰ آدَمُ رَبَّهُ فَغَوَىٰ {121}

121. They ate of it, and saw themselves naked and began both of them to cover their private parts and leaves of paradise, and Adam acted contrary to the advice of his Providence and was disappointed (in securing a permanent above in paradise).

ثُمَّ اجْتَبَاهُ رَبُّهُ فَتَابَ عَلَيْهِ وَهَدَىٰ {122}

122. Then his Providence selected him accepting his penance befitting him15 to which He guided him.16

قَالَ اهْبِطَا مِنْهَا جَمِيعًاۖ بَعْضُكُمْ لِبَعْضٍ عَدُوٌّۖ فَإِمَّا يَأْتِيَنَّكُمْ مِنِّي هُدًى فَمَنِ اتَّبَعَ هُدَايَ فَلَا يَضِلُّ وَلَا يَشْقَىٰ {123}

123. Thereafter asked him to get down on Earth saying, “You will be inimical to one another17 and he who shall follow that guidance shall not be misguided, nor shall he be unfortunate.”

وَمَنْ أَعْرَضَ عَنْ ذِكْرِي فَإِنَّ لَهُ مَعِيشَةً ضَنْكًا وَنَحْشُرُهُ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ أَعْمَىٰ {124}

124. And he who turns away from My advice (Divine Light) for him shall be his provision (in Resurrection) narrowed down, and We shall raise him on the Day of Judgment blind.18

قَالَ رَبِّ لِمَ حَشَرْتَنِي أَعْمَىٰ وَقَدْ كُنْتُ بَصِيرًا {125}

125. When he will complain, “Oh my Providence, why did You raise me blind when I had eyes in the world?”

قَالَ كَذَٰلِكَ أَتَتْكَ آيَاتُنَا فَنَسِيتَهَاۖ وَكَذَٰلِكَ الْيَوْمَ تُنْسَىٰ {126}

126. He will say, “This is the way, as Our Couplets19 came before you, when you ignored them. Similarly, have you been ignored today (by us).

وَكَذَٰلِكَ نَجْزِي مَنْ أَسْرَفَ وَلَمْ يُؤْمِنْ بِآيَاتِ رَبِّهِۚ وَلَعَذَابُ الْآخِرَةِ أَشَدُّ وَأَبْقَىٰ {127}

127. Thus do we reward him who selects a non-Divine Light and eternal punishment is intense and permanent.

أَفَلَمْ يَهْدِ لَهُمْ كَمْ أَهْلَكْنَا قَبْلَهُمْ مِنَ الْقُرُونِ يَمْشُونَ فِي مَسَاكِنِهِمْۗ إِنَّ فِي ذَٰلِكَ لَآيَاتٍ لِأُولِي النُّهَىٰ {128}

128. Were they not made aware how many generations did We destroy them, in whose houses they are now residing? Verily in this are signs for the intelligent.

Moral

1. Following non-Divine Lights is making Self blind hearted and to be raised blind in Eternity.

2. The necessity of labour is a part of the primeval curse, and all the beauty or glory or dignity pertaining to it depends on the ends to which it is the means.

Verses 129 – 135

وَلَوْلَا كَلِمَةٌ سَبَقَتْ مِنْ رَبِّكَ لَكَانَ لِزَامًا وَأَجَلٌ مُسَمًّى {129}

129. Had it not been for the fact that from your Providence, relaxation and time have been given. Verily punishment would have come to them.20

فَاصْبِرْ عَلَىٰ مَا يَقُولُونَ وَسَبِّحْ بِحَمْدِ رَبِّكَ قَبْلَ طُلُوعِ الشَّمْسِ وَقَبْلَ غُرُوبِهَاۖ وَمِنْ آنَاءِ اللَّيْلِ فَسَبِّحْ وَأَطْرَافَ النَّهَارِ لَعَلَّكَ تَرْضَىٰ {130}

130. So, be patient on what they say and glorify Him before the sun rise and sun set and during the dead of night and during the day time, so you may be pleased (with the right of intercession being granted to you).

وَلَا تَمُدَّنَّ عَيْنَيْكَ إِلَىٰ مَا مَتَّعْنَا بِهِ أَزْوَاجًا مِنْهُمْ زَهْرَةَ الْحَيَاةِ الدُّنْيَا لِنَفْتِنَهُمْ فِيهِۚ وَرِزْقُ رَبِّكَ خَيْرٌ وَأَبْقَىٰ {131}

131. And do not direct your eyes towards those whom We have profited in different sections so We may try them in the world and provisions of your Providence21 endowed upon you are better and more lasting.22

وَأْمُرْ أَهْلَكَ بِالصَّلَاةِ وَاصْطَبِرْ عَلَيْهَاۖ لَا نَسْأَلُكَ رِزْقًاۖ نَحْنُ نَرْزُقُكَۗ وَالْعَاقِبَةُ لِلتَّقْوَىٰ {132}

132. We do not ask of you provision; rather, do We provide you and eternity is for the pious.

وَقَالُوا لَوْلَا يَأْتِينَا بِآيَةٍ مِنْ رَبِّهِۚ أَوَلَمْ تَأْتِهِمْ بَيِّنَةُ مَا فِي الصُّحُفِ الْأُولَىٰ {133}

133. And they said, “Why does he not bring signs from his Providence?” What! Have not proofs about his genuiness been given in previous revelations?

وَلَوْ أَنَّا أَهْلَكْنَاهُمْ بِعَذَابٍ مِنْ قَبْلِهِ لَقَالُوا رَبَّنَا لَوْلَا أَرْسَلْتَ إِلَيْنَا رَسُولًا فَنَتَّبِعَ آيَاتِكَ مِنْ قَبْلِ أَنْ نَذِلَّ وَنَخْزَىٰ {134}

134. And had We destroyed them with punishment ere this, they would have pleaded, “Oh our Providence why did You not send us a prophet when we would have followed (him)? And Your commands before being disgraced and put to shame.”

قُلْ كُلٌّ مُتَرَبِّصٌ فَتَرَبَّصُواۖ فَسَتَعْلَمُونَ مَنْ أَصْحَابُ الصِّرَاطِ السَّوِيِّ وَمَنِ اهْتَدَىٰ {135}

135. Say, “Let everyone wait and I am awaiting, too. Shortly shall you see who is on the right way and who is guided?”

Moral

The Prophet said, “Every age has one Divine Light to guide people and I am the Divine Light of this age and after me shall be Ali, and thereafter, several of his descent 11 representatives of God shall be.

N.B. This is exactly what Jesus claimed for himself (Vide St. John 9:5), “As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”

Notes

1. Oh you seeker of truth.

2. in the cold dark where he had halted.

3. which has been lost in the darkness.

4. Literally shoe, allegorically, it refers to love of family.

5. By the same mother.

6. On seeing the failure to be sucked by any woman.

7. for exposition to public appreciation.

8. Believing in Divine Lights, for seeking guidance.

9. Following right way dictated by Divine Light. Note: these four are sure conditions to ultimate salvation.

10. Samari was originally a goldsmith and a cow worshipper, who had collected gold ornaments from Pharaoh’s tribe and was illegally transacting thereon, upon which, Aaron had forbidden it and ordered all gold to be thrown into the fire and be melted down, from which Samari turned out a gold calf, pouring in its throat dust, which he had picked up from the hoofs of Gabriel’s horse, having seen it, flying in the air which produced a miraculous effect of enlivening it (calf) thus (We) produced a sound therein. He said to Moses’ tribe which was Moses’ God and he having lost it, has gone to Mount Sinai in search of it.

Note: God takes upon Himself the task of trial of man, and attributes misguidance to those non-Divine Lighted, who play mischief with his creatures when put to the test, and who do not care to approach His Divine Lights,125 to clear their doubts, having no common sense, nor remember the Divine Commands.

11. Identical events occurred after the Prophet’s demise and Ali had to hold peace, as per the Prophet’s advice.

12. to take up that attitude of misguiding the tribe.

13. This will be our Prophet on seeing certain Shias of Ali being left out, who will importune to the Creator upon which He will command them (angels) to hand the (sinful Shias) over to our Prophet.

14. Regarding our Prophet and the remaining Divine Lights.

15. To be steady as an infallible for prophetship.

16. To function as a prophet.

17. in the form of Divine Light.

18. Being blind hearted in the world is not to have appreciation for miracles and gained appreciation of Divine Lights, as a result of which, he could not hearken to their guidance.

19. Divine Lights in Personification

20. This explains why tyrants rule the world, which is a trial and an opportunity is being given them to do penance and rectify, and not that God accedes to their wishes, as these tyrants and their followers suppose. It is further clarified in (131). Position and Dignity of this world are not proofs of one’s competence. Rather Honesty and Wisdom.

21. Faith, Divine Knowledge, and Philosophy.

22. Better order your Ahl al-Bayt to be steady at prayers and be you also steady therein.

Table of Contents

Translator’s Foreword 1

Preface 2

Section 1: The Life Account Of Imam Ali 4

Early Life And Virtues Of Imam Ali 5

Celebrated Chiefs Of The Hashimites 5

Hashim 5

Abd Al-Muttalib 5

Abu Talib 6

Abu Talib; The Defender Of Islam 6

Abu Talib’s Last Will 8

Fatimah Bint Asad; Imam Ali’s Mother 8

The Born In The Ka’bah 9

Notes 10

Nicknames Of Imam Ali 12

Siddiq (Veracious) 12

Wasi (Successor Of The Prophet) 12

Faruq (Distinguisher) 12

Ya’sub Al-Din (The Chief Of The Religion) 13

Wali (Guardian) 13

Amir Al-Mu' Minin (The Leader Of The Believers) 14

Amin (Trustee) 15

Hadi (Guide) 15

Udhun Wa’iyah (Retaining Ear) 15

Al-Murtadha (The Well-Pleased) 15

Al-Anza’ Al-Batin (The Corpulent Baldhead) 15

Al-Sharif (The Honorable) 16

Baydat Al-Balad (The Unique Person) 16

Khayr Al-Bashar (The Best Of Humankind) 16

Sayyid Al-’Arab (The Master Of All Arabs) 16

Hujjat Allah (The Argument Of God) 17

Notes 17

Kunyahs Of Imam Ali 19

Abu’l-Rayhanatayn (The Father Of The Two Basils) 19

Abu’l-Sibtayn (The Father Of The Two Grandsons) 19

Abu’l-Hasan (The Father Of Al-Hasan) 19

Abu’l-Husayn (The Father Of Al-Husayn) 19

Abu-Turab (The Father Of Dust) 19

Bodily Features Of Imam Ali 20

The Holy Prophet Describes Imam Ali 20

Dirar Describes Imam Ali 21

Muhammad Ibn Al-Hanafiyyah Describes His Father 21

Al-Mughirah Describes Imam Ali 22

Contemporaries Describe Imam Ali 22

The Early Life Of Imam ‘Ali 22

The First Male To Accept Islam 24

Imam Ali’s Love For The Holy Prophet 25

Imam Ali; The Scribe Of The Divine Revelation 28

The Destroyer Of The Idols 28

More Features 29

Imam Ali’s House 29

Mental Characteristics 29

Strong Faith In Allah 30

Frequent Turning To Allah 30

Infallibility 32

Asceticism 34

Unmatched Heroism 36

Enormous Strength 37

Forbearance 38

Patience 39

Modesty 40

Visiting The Sick 41

Detestation Of Praise 41

Response To Invitations 41

Generosity 41

Kindness To The Poor 43

Justice 44

Knowledgeability 45

Quick-Wittedness 46

Imam ‘Ali With The Advent Of Islam 46

Imam Ali; The First To Pray With The Holy Prophet 48

Imam Ali And The ‘Warning Of The Relatives’ 50

Cruel Procedures Against The Holy Prophet 51

Imam Ali Sacrifices His Life For The Holy Prophet 52

Imam Ali Migrates To Yathrib 54

Establishment Of A Mosque 55

Islamic Brotherhood 55

Notes 55

Imam ‘Ali’s Military Participations 59

The Battle Of Badr 59

The Battle Of Uhud 61

The Battle Of The Ditch 63

The Conquest Of Khaybar 65

The Military Expedition Against The Banu-Quraysah 66

The Military Expedition Against Banu’l-Nadir 67

The Military Expedition Against Wadi Al-Qira 67

Imam Ali Conquers Yemen 68

The Conquest Of Makkah 68

The Battle Of Hunayn 70

Imam Ali And Surah Bara'ah 71

The Campaign Of Tabuk 71

Imam Ali Describes His Jihad 72

Notes 72

The Departure Of The Holy Prophet 74

The Meeting Of Ghadir Khumm 74

The Endless Tragedy 76

Notes 79

The Saqifah Conspiracy And The Reign Of Abu-Bakr 80

Motives Of Holding The Saqifah Conspiratorial Meeting 81

Political Statement Of Sa’d 83

Criticism Against Sa’d 84

Weakness Of The Ansar 85

Jealousy And Enmity 85

‘Umar’s Planning 86

Some Important Points 87

The Ansar Surprised 88

Abu-Bakr’s Discourse 88

Research And Investigation 89

Abu-Bakr Wins Power 91

Celebration Of The People Of Quraysh 93

Imam Ali And The People Of Quraysh 93

The Role Of Abu-Sufyan 94

Imam Ali’s Attitude To The Pledge Of Allegiance To Abu-Bakr 95

Forcing Imam Ali To Pay Homage To Abu-Bakr 96

Strict Protestations 98

Imam Ali’s Protestations 98

Lady Fatimah Al-Zahra'‘S Protestation 103

Lights On Lady Fatimah’s Speech 104

Imam Al-Hasan’s Protestation 105

Salman Al-Muhammadi’s Protestation 105

‘Ammar Ibn Yasir’s Protestation 106

Abu-Dharr’s Protestation 106

Al-Miqdad’s Protestation 107

‘Utbah Ibn Abi-Lahab’s Protestation 107

Abu-Ayyub Al-Ansari’s Protestation 108

Ubayy Ibn Ka’b’s Protestation 108

Al-Nu’man Ibn ‘Ajlan’s Protestation 108

‘Uthman Ibn Hunayf’s Protestation 108

Sahl Ibn Hunayf’s Protestation 109

Khuzaymah Ibn Thabit’s Protestation 109

Abu’l-Haytham Ibn Al-Tayhan’s Protestation 109

Unfortunate steps 110

Attacking Imam Ali’s House 110

The issue of Fadak 111

A Jurisprudential Viewpoint 118

Economic Embargo 118

Abrogation Of The Khums Tax 119

Confiscation Of The Prophet’s Inheritance 119

Abu-Bakr’s False Argument 119

Lady Fatimah Al-Zahra's Speech 120

Unsuccessful Attempt To Gain Lady Fatimah’s Satisfaction 128

Lights On Imam Ali’s Attitude 129

Grievances Of Lady Fatimah 130

Towards Paradise 132

Officials and governors of Abu-Bakr 135

Economic policies of Abu-Bakr 137

Notes 137

Entrusting caliphate to ‘Umar 144

‘Umar’ s reign 147

Internal Policies Of ‘Umar 147

Placing The Companions Under House Arrest 148

Officials And Governors Appointed By ‘Umar 149

Supervision Of Governors 150

Economic Policy Of ‘Umar 151

‘Umar’s Arguments 152

‘Umar’s Regret 153

Seclusion of Imam Ali 153

Imam Ali advises ‘Umar 155

Assassination of ‘Umar 156

The shura system 160

‘Umar With The Members Of The Shura Committee 161

The supervising body over elections 165

Warning the companions 166

Imam Ali’s reaction 167

Objections to ‘Umar’s shura system 168

Mode of selection 172

Notes 177

‘Uthmans reign 181

Governmental offices in ‘Uthman’s reign 182

Economical policies of ‘Uthman 186

Opposition to ‘Uthman 187

Notes 194

The Reign Of Imam ‘Ali 195

Imam Ali Refuses Caliphate 195

Conference Of The Military Forces 196

Imam Ali Accepts Caliphate 196

Swearing Allegiance To Imam Ali 196

Exultant Joy Of Muslims 197

Support Of The Companions 197

The Congratulating Delegations 198

Congregational Supplications For Imam Ali 198

Gloom Of The People Of Quraysh 199

Confiscation Of The Usurped Fortunes 200

Deposition Of Deputy Governors 200

Imam Ali’s Internal Policy 201

Equitability 201

Equality In Rights And Duties 201

Adopting The Life Styles Of The Poor 201

Cancellation Of The Habit Of Taking Pride In The Ancestors 202

Forbiddance Of Playing Chess 202

Forbiddance Of Sitting On The Public Ways 202

Prohibition Of Intoxicants 202

Establishment Of Detention Centers 202

Establishment Of House Of Complaints 203

The Military Police 203

Unseemly Dress 203

A Record For People’s Needs 203

The Police Commissioner-In-Chief 203

The Clerk 203

Frankness And Honesty 203

Cancellation Of Popular Festivals 204

Imam Ali Executes The Religious Punishment On A Loyal Poet 204

The Imam Is Just Like The Feeble People 205

Method Of Conversing With The Imam 205

Imam Ali’s Financial Policy 206

Distribution Of Funds 206

Equality In Allowances 207

Precaution In Matters Related To The Public Properties 208

Agricultural Production 209

Freedom 210

Political Freedom 210

Freedom Of Expression 211

Freedom Of Criticism 211

Freedom Of Moving 212

Supervision Over Markets 212

Notes 213

The Battle Of The Camel 216

‘A'ishah The Daughter Of Abu-Bakr 216

‘A'ishah’s Attitude To The Pledge Of Allegiance To Imam Ali 217

Motives For Mutiny 218

The Makkah Conference 220

Resolutions Of The Conference 220

Mu’awiyah Deceives Al-Zubayr And Talhah 221

‘Uthman’s Fans Mobilize The Mutinous Army 221

Imam Ali’s Epistle To Talhah And Al-Zubayr 222

Marching To Al-Basrah 222

The Minor Battle Of The Camel 225

Dispute On Leading The Prayer 225

Imam Ali Seeks The Help Of The People Of Al-Kufah 226

The Companions With Imam Ali 229

Jurisprudential View 239

Consequences Of The Battle Of The Camel 239

Notes 240

The Rebellion Of Mu’awiyah 245

Mu’awiyah Deceives The Prominent Personalities 245

Correspondence Between Imam Ali And Mu’awiyah 247

Preparations For The War 258

Imam Ali’s Correspondences With His Deputy Governors 258

Couriers Of Peace 262

The Encounter 264

The Night Of The Growl 266

The Farce Of Raising The Quranic Copies 266

The Arbitration 268

The Imam Returns To Al-Kufah 271

Meeting Of The Arbitrators 272

Mutiny Of The Apostates 274

Notes 283

Decline Of The State Of Truth 289

Raids On The Muslim Regions 290

Raids On Al-Iijaz And Yemen 290

Raids On Iraq 291

Raids On Hit 291

Raid On Waqisah 292

Raid On Al-Kufah 293

The Mischief Of The Khawarij 293

Imam Ali Beseeches For Departure From The World 293

Notes 294

The Deputy Governors In Imam ‘Ali’s Government 296

Responsibilities And Significance Of Deputy Governors 297

Foundations Of Selecting The Deputy Governors 298

Punishment Of The Unjust Governor 298

Distancing From The Unjust Rulers 298

Rule Of The Foolish 299

The Addicted to Authority 299

Duties Of The Deputy Governors 299

Teachings Of Imam Ali To The Deputy Governors 299

Ministry Of Complaints 307

Tax Collectors 308

Interrogating And Calling The Governors To Account 309

Dismissal And Discharge Of Governors 309

The Armed Forces 310

Police Forces 311

The Duties Of The Ruler And The Subjects Towards Each Other 311

Imam Ali’s Deputy Governors 312

Qays Ibn Sa’d 313

Malik Al-Ashtar 314

Martyrdom Of Malik 316

Muhammad Ibn Abi-Bakr 317

A Serious Letter Of Mu’ Awiyah To Muhammad Ibn Abi-Bakr 319

Martyrdom Of Muhammad 320

Qutham Ibn ‘Abbas 320

Sahl Ibn Hunayf 321

‘Ubaydullah Ibn Al-’Abbas 322

‘Umar Ibn Abi-Salamah 322

Al-Nu’ Man Ibn ‘Ajlan 323

Mikhnaf Ibn Sulaym 323

Masqalah Ibn Hubayrah 324

Kumayl Ibn Ziyad 324

Al-Ash’ath Ibn Qays 325

‘Uthman Ibn Hunayf 326

Abdullah Ibn ‘Abbas 329

Deputy Governorship Of Al-Basrah 330

False Accusations 331

Ziyad Ibn ‘Ubayd 331

Another Letter To Ziyad 333

Warning Ziyad Against Mu’awiyah 333

Hudhayfah Al-Yamani 334

Sa’d Ibn Mas’ud 335

‘Ajlan Ibn Qudamah 336

Sulayman Ibn Surad 336

Land Taxes 336

Significance Of Land Taxes 336

Instructions To The Tax Collectors 336

Reproaching And Deposing Deputy Governors 337

Notes 338

Martyrdom Of Imam ‘Ali´ 341

The Umayyads And The Assassination Of Imam Ali 341

Imam Ali And Ibn Muljim 342

The Assassination 343

Imam Ali’s Last Wills 347

Visitors Of The Imam 350

Retaliation 353

Eulogy Of Imam Ali 353

Section 2: Tradition of Imam ‘Ali 356

Imam ‘Ali´ in the Holy Qur'an 356

Imam ‘ Ali´ explains Qur'anic verses 364

The Quran Is Illumination 367

The Quran Speaks 367

The Holy Quran Tells About The Past And Predicts The Future 367

The Holy Quran; The Rope Of Allah 368

The Holy Quran; An Adviser 368

The Holy Quran; The True Guidance 368

Imam Ali Encourages Learning The Holy Quran 368

Supplicatory Prayer At Completing Reciting The Holy Quran 369

The Holy Quran; The Springtime Of Hearts 369

Imam Ali’s Exegeses Of Quranic Verses 369

Surah Al-Fatihah 369

Surah Al-Baqarah 372

Exegesis of Verse No. 7 372

Exegesis of Verse No. 29 372

Exegesis of Verse No. 34 372

Exegesis of Verse No. 45 373

Exegesis of Verse No. 46 373

Exegesis of Verse No. 48 373

Exegesis of Verse No. 59 373

Exegesis of Verse No. 114 374

Exegesis of Verse No. 159 374

Exegesis of Verse No. 186 374

Exegesis of Verse No. 189 374

Exegesis of Verse No. 253 375

Exegesis of Verse No. 267 375

Surah Al-’Imran 376

Exegesis of Verse No.7 376

Exegesis of Verse No. 19 377

Exegesis of Verse No. 27 377

Exegesis of Verse No. 28 378

Exegesis of Verse No. 68 378

Exegesis of Verse No. 81 379

Exegesis of Verse No. 96 379

Exegesis of Verse No. 102 379

Exegesis of Verse No. 133 380

Exegesis of Verse No. 149 380

Exegesis of Verse No. 200 380

Surah Al-Nisa' 380

Exegesis of Verse No. 1 380

Exegesis of Verse No. 23 381

Exegesis of Verse No. 29 381

Exegesis of Verse No. 58 381

Exegesis of Verse No. 59 381

Exegesis of Verse No. 69 384

Exegesis of Verse No. 86 384

Exegesis of Verse No. 97 384

Exegesis of Verse No. 101 385

Exegesis of Verse No. 128 385

Exegesis of Verse No. 164 385

Surah Al-Ma'idah 386

Exegesis of Verse No. 1 386

Exegesis of Verse No. 6 386

Exegesis of Verse No. 42 386

Exegesis of Verse No. 66 387

Exegesis of Verse No. 95 387

Exegesis of Verse No. 101 388

Exegesis of Verse No. 105 388

Surah Al-An’am 389

Exegesis of Verse No. 110 389

Surah Al-A’raf 389

Exegesis of Verses No. 8 & 9 389

Exegesis of Verse No. 46 390

Exegesis of Verse No. 54 390

Exegesis of Verse No. 138 392

Exegesis of Verse No. 143 392

Exegesis of Verse No. 159 393

Exegesis of Verses 163-166 394

Exegesis of Verse No. 172 395

Surah Al-Anfal 396

Exegesis of Verse No. 15 396

Surah Al-Tawbah 396

Exegesis of Verse No. 12 396

Exegesis of Verse No. 36 397

Exegesis of Verse No. 67 397

Surah Yunus 397

Exegesis of Verse No. 2 397

Exegesis of Verse No. 26 397

Exegesis of Verse No. 62 398

Surah Hud 398

Exegesis of Verse No. 6 398

Exegesis of Verse No. 17 399

Exegesis of Verse No. 40 400

Exegesis of Verse No. 56 400

Exegesis of Verse No. 105 400

Exegesis of Verse No. 114 401

Surah Al-Ra’d 402

Exegesis of Verse No. 4 402

Exegesis of Verse No. 17 402

Exegesis of Verse No. 24 403

Exegesis of Verse No. 28 403

Surah Ibrahim 403

Exegesis of Verse No. 9 403

Exegesis of Verse No. 24 404

Exegesis of Verse No. 28 404

Surah Al-Hijr 404

Exegesis of Verse No. 2 404

Exegesis of Verse No. 44 405

Exegesis of Verse No. 85 405

Surah Al-Nahl 406

Exegesis Of Verse No. 2 406

Exegesis Of Verse No. 16 406

Exegesis Of Verse No. 30 406

Exegesis Of Verse No. 70 407

Exegesis Of Verse No. 90 407

Surah Al-Isra' 407

Exegesis Of Verse No. 102 407

Surah Al-Kahf 407

Exegesis Of Verse No. 83 407

Exegesis Of Verse No. 103 408

Surah Maryam 408

Exegesis Of Verse No. 11 408

Exegesis Of Verse No. 25 409

Exegesis Of Verse No. 85 409

Surah Taha 409

Exegesis Of Verse No. 5 409

Exegesis Of Verse No. 67 409

Exegesis Of Verse No. 88 409

Surah Al-Anbiya' 410

Exegesis Of Verse No. 35 410

Exegesis Of Verse No. 47 410

Exegesis Of Verse No. 101 410

Exegesis Of Verse No. 104 411

Surah Al-Hajj 412

Exegesis Of Verse No. 17 412

Surah Al-Mu'minun 413

Exegesis Of Verse No. 2 413

Exegesis Of Verse No. 3 413

Exegesis Of Verse No. 14 413

Exegesis Of Verse No. 30 413

Exegesis Of Verse No. 76 414

Surah Al-Nur 415

Exegesis Of Verse No. 30 415

Exegesis Of Verse No. 37 415

Exegesis Of Verse No. 39 416

Exegesis Of Verse No. 43 416

Surah Al-Furqan 417

Exegesis Of Verse No. 24 417

Exegesis Of Verse No. 38 417

Surah Al-Qasas 420

Exegesis Of Verse No. 5 420

Exegesis Of Verse No. 77 420

Exegesis Of Verse No. 83 420

Exegesis Of Verse No. 88 421

Surah Al-’Ankabut 421

Exegesis Of Verse No. 2 421

Exegesis Of Verse No. 5 421

Surah Al-Rum 421

Exegesis Of Verse No. 39 421

Surah Luqman 422

Exegesis Of Verse No. 34 422

Surah Al-Ahzab 422

Exegesis Of Verse No. 41 422

Exegesis Of Verse No. 56 422

Exegesis Of Verse No. 72 423

Surah Saba' 423

Exegesis Of Verse No. 37 423

Exegesis Of Verse No. 39 423

Surah Fatir 423

Exegesis Of Verse No. 1 423

Surah Yasin 424

Exegesis Of Verse No. 12 424

Exegesis Of Verse No. 65 424

Exegesis Of Verse No. 70 425

Exegesis Of Verse No. 82 425

Surah Al-Saffat 427

Exegesis of Verse No. 6 427

Exegesis of Verse No. 24 427

Exegesis of Verse No. 99 427

Exegesis of Verse No. 130 428

Surah Sad 428

Exegesis of Verse No. 16 428

Exegesis of Verse No. 32 428

Exegesis of Verses No. 71 and 72 428

Surah Al-Zumar 431

Exegesis of Verse No. 42 431

Exegesis of Verse No. 53 431

Exegesis of Verse No. 73 431

Surah Ghafir 432

Exegesis of Verse No. 16 432

Surah Fussilat 433

Exegesis of Verse No. 11 433

Exegesis of Verse No. 22 433

Exegesis of Verse No. 29 433

Surah Al-Shura 433

Exegesis of Verse No. 27 433

Exegesis of Verse No. 30 433

Surah Al-Zukhruf 434

Exegesis of Verse No. 45 434

Surah Al-Dukhan 434

Exegesis of Verse No. 29 434

Surah Al-Jathiyah 434

Exegesis of Verse No. 29 434

Surah Muhammad 435

Exegesis of Verse No. 16 435

Surah Al-Fath 435

Exegesis of Verse No. 26 435

Surah Al-Hujurat 435

Exegesis of Verse No. 12 435

Surah Qaf 435

Exegesis of Verse No. 21 435

Surah Al-Dhariyat 436

Exegesis of Verses 1-4 436

Exegesis of Verse No. 7 436

Exegesis of Verse No. 54 436

Surah Al-Tur 436

Exegesis of Verse No. 5 436

Exegesis of Verse No. 21 436

The Holy Quran reads 436

Surah Al-Qamar 437

Exegesis of Verse No. 1 437

Exegesis of Verse No. 49 437

Surah Al-Rahman 437

Exegesis of Verse No. 17 437

Exegesis of Verse No. 29 437

Exegesis of Verse No. 60 439

Surah Al-Hadid 439

Exegesis of Verse No. 3 439

Surah Al-Saff 439

Exegesis of Verse No. 14 439

Surah Al-Tahrim 440

Exegesis of Verse No. 6 440

Surah Al-Qalam 440

Surah Al-Ma’arij 440

Exegesis of Verse No. 40 440

Surah Nuh 440

Exegesis of Verse No. 10 440

Surah Al-Jinn 441

Surah Al-Muzzammil 441

Surah Al-Muddaththir 441

Surah Al-Qiyamah 441

Exegesis of Verse No. 22 441

Surah Al-Mursalat 441

Exegesis of Verses 25 and 26 441

Surah Al-Nazi’at 442

Exegesis of Verse No. 5 442

Surah Al-Takwir 442

Exegesis of Verse No. 15 442

Surah Al-Infitar 442

Exegesis of Verse No. 6 442

Surah Al-Inshiqaq 443

Exegesis of Verse No. 1 443

Exegesis of Verses 7-12 443

Surah Al-Buruj 444

Exegesis of Verses 2 and 3 444

Exegesis of Verse No. 4 444

Surah Al-tariq 444

Exegesis of Verses 13 and 14 444

Surah Al-Fajr 445

Exegesis of Verse No. 14 445

Surah Al-Balad 445

Exegesis of Verse No. 10 445

Surah Al-Shams 445

Exegesis of Verse No. 12 445

Surah Al-Zuha 445

Exegesis of Verse No. 5 445

Surah Al-’Alaq 446

Surah Al-Takathur 446

Exegesis of Verses 3 and 4 446

Surah Al-Ma’un 446

Exegesis of Verses 4 and 5 446

Exegesis of Verse No. 7 446

Surah Al-Kawthar 446

Surah Al-Tawhid (Al-Ikhlas) 447

Notes 447

Imam Ali as in Prophetic Traditions 455

Imam Ali; The Holy Prophet’s Self 455

Imam Ali; The Holy Prophet’s Brother 455

Imam Ali and the Holy Prophet; the Same Tree 457

Imam Ali; The Holy Prophet’s Aide 457

Imam Ali; The Holy Prophet’s Vicegerent 457

Imam Ali to the Holy Prophet; Prophet Aaron to Prophet Moses 457

Imam Ali; the Door to the Holy Prophet’s City of Knowledge 458

Imam Ali; the Door to the Holy Prophet’s Wisdom 458

Imam Ali; the Most Beloved to the Holy Prophet 458

Imam Ali; the Match of the Prophets 458

Imam Ali; the Chief of the Arabs 459

Imam Ali; the Most Beloved of all Humans to the Almighty 459

Obedience to Imam Ali; Obedience to the Holy Prophet 459

Love for Ali; Love for Allah 460

Love for Ali is Faith; Hating him is Hypocrisy 460

Love for Imam Ali; The Title of the True Believer’s Record 461

The Holy Prophet Foretells Imam Ali’s Future 461

Imam Ali; the Bearer of Al-Hamd Standard 461

Ali; the commander of the Prophet’s Pond 462

Ali; the distributor of Heaven and Hell 462

Without a License from Ali, No one passes the Discriminating Bridge 462

Ali; in the company of the Holy Prophet in Paradise 463

Notes 463

Imam Ali’s Educational Teachings And Sermons 465

Imam Ali’s Instructive Will To His Son Imam Al-Hasan 466

Another instructive will of Imam Ali to Imam Al-Hasan 473

Imam Ali’s instructive will to His Son Imam Al-Husayn 474

Imam Ali’s instructions to His Sons 476

Imam Ali’s instructive will to His son Muhammad 476

Imam Ali’s instructive will to Kumayl ibn Ziyad 477

Notes 484

Sermons Of Imam Ali As 486

States of man in this world 486

Acting upon personal desires 486

Desertion of worldly pleasures 486

False abusing of the world 487

The transient nature of this world 488

Elapse of the world 488

Haste towards righteous acts 489

Description of the transitory world 489

Death and after death 489

Learning lessons 493

Abstinence from worldly pleasures 494

Notes 494

Aphorisms Of Imam Ali As 497

True Value 497

Knowledge Is Countless 497

Opinion Of The Aged 497

Enemies Of The Unknown 497

Succouring The Aggrieved 497

The Abstinent 497

Allah’s Gifts In This World And The Other World 497

Rest And Fatigue 497

Duty Towards The Friend 497

The Most Helpless Of All People 497

Sovereignty And Religiousness 498

Speech 498

The World Is Two Days 498

The Ignorant And The Learned 498

Knowledge-Based Worship 498

Humorous Sayings 498

Contemplation 498

Imploration For Forgiveness 498

The Matched Things 498

The Soldiers Of Allah 499

The Most Favorable Act Of Worship 499

Regarding The Brethren-In-Faith 499

Nice Words 499

The Envious Are Restless 499

The Self-Possessed 499

The Discerning And The Foolish 499

The Ansar 499

The Least Duty Towards Allah 499

Disadvantages Of Disunity 500

Suppression Of Rage 500

Good Mannerism 500

Beyond Illusions 500

The Rabble 500

Categories Of People 500

Categories Of Quran Reciters 500

Warning Against Joking 500

Funny Wording 500

Politeness 500

Refraining From Prohibitions 501

The Abstinent From Worldly Pleasures 501

Ignorance About Defects 501

Perfect Chastity 501

Good Opinion 501

The Most Manifest Nobility 501

Characteristics Of The Lewd 501

Proper Confession 501

Standing The Friends’ Slips 501

Spending That Is Never Wasted 501

Economization 501

Oppressing People 502

Appreciation Of Graces 502

Good Manners 502

Experience 502

Termination Of Lifetime 502

Consultation 502

Satisfaction 502

Putting The Hopes 502

Assumption Of Continuity 502

A Faithful Believer Tires Himself 502

Laziness 502

Need, Dispensing With, And Doing Favors 503

Magnanimity 503

Negligence Of Friends 503

Seeking For Sustenance 503

The Best Of Wealth 503

Experiments 503

Excessive Expectation 503

The Most Grateful And The Least Grateful 503

Respite Of Allah 503

Mirror Of Character 503

Custody Of The Family Members 504

Source Of Pleasance 504

Generosity 504

Beauty Of Men And Beauty Of Women 504

Evil Characteristics 504

Modesty Before The Rich 504

Almsgiving 504

The True Noble 504

Repentance 504

This World And The Other World 504

Fear From Humiliation 505

Silence 505

Patience 505

Verification Of The Authenticity Of Reports 505

Readiness For The Hereafter 505

Significance Of Knowledge 505

Deprivation Of Knowledge 505

Words Of The Wise 505

Anger 505

Kind Acts 505

Recognition Of Allah 505

Thanking For The Blessings 505

Envying The Friends 506

Container Of Knowledge 506

Doing Favours 506

Means Of Headship 506

The Most Humble Knowledge 506

Connection With Almighty Allah 506

Shame Of Niggardliness 506

Seditions 506

Greed 506

Satisfaction And Knowledge 507

Charity 507

Spending 507

Moderation 507

True Friend 507

The Everlasting Deeds 507

Missing The Opportunity 507

Piety-Accompanied Actions 507

Establishing The Orders Of Allah 507

Care 507

Consequence 508

Steadfastness 508

Obedience 508

Despotism 508

Concealment Of Secrets 508

Poverty 508

Befriending The Foolish 508

Lessons 508

Starvation of the poor 508

Partners 508

Speech 508

Forbearance 508

Knowledge Seekers And Worldly Pleasures Seekers 509

Forbearance And Tolerance 509

The Evilest Friends 509

The Whole Asceticism 509

Encouragement On Doing Kind Acts 509

Blessings Of Almighty Allah 509

Modesty Of The Rich 509

Fear Of Allah 509

Pursuit Of The Best Meaning 510

Moderate Care For The Family Members 510

Beware Of Disobeying Allah 510

Serving Allah 510

Notes 510

Imam Ali And Judgment 512

Significance Of Adjudication 514

Imam Ali’s Judgments During The Holy Prophet’s Lifetime 514

A Pit Dug For A Lion 516

The Three She-Slaves 516

The Killed Under The Wall 516

A Cow That Killed A Donkey 517

Imam Ali’s Judgments In The Reign Of Abu-Bakr 517

Ignorance About The Law 517

Wet Dream 518

Imam Ali’s Judgments In The Reign Of ‘Umar 518

The Story Of Qudamah Ibn Mas’un 518

False Accusation Of Adultery 519

False Accusation 519

Disavowal Of A Son 520

The Widow Of An Old Man 521

Two Women Claiming A Male Child 521

A Crazy Woman Committing Adultery 522

Five Different Punishments For A Single Offence 522

Adultery Under Compulsion 522

The Punishment Of The Absent From Their Wives 523

A Three-Time Larceny 523

The Two Cheaters 523

Stoning A Pregnant 524

Purchasing A Camel 524

Distribution Of The Public Funds 524

Divorcement Before And After Islam 525

Abortion On Account Of Fear 525

Six-Months Pregnancy 525

Advice Of Imam Ali 526

Imam Ali’s Judgments In The Reign Of ‘Uthman 526

A Slave Woman Committing Adultery 526

The Pregnant Wife Of An Old Man 526

Yahya And Safiyyah 527

Imam Ali’s Judgments During His Reign 527

Retreat From Testimony 528

Regard For The Health Of The Punished 529

Testimonies Of Women 529

Multiplicity Of Confessions 530

Executors Of Punishments 531

Judgment In Issues Of Misappropriation 532

Lot 533

Litigation Against A Deaf 533

Detaining The Sinful Scholars And The Incompetent Physicians 534

Unjust Rulers 534

Administering Oaths On The Jews And The Christians 534

Sentence To Imprisonment 534

Some Marvellous Judgments Of Imam Ali 535

The Mysterious Crime 535

The Eight Loaves Of Bread 537

The Four Drunken Persons 538

The Drowned 538

The Two-Head Newborn 538

The Lost Money 538

Pardoning A Larcener 539

The Punishment Of The Highway Robbers 539

The Hitting And The Hit Ships 539

A Share Of A Legacy 539

The Old Saves 540

Fasting For A Season 540

A Married Woman Asking For A Husband 540

Accidental Homicide 540

A Dog Or A Sheep 541

A Magus Lady Converting To Islam 541

Right Of Divorcement 541

Homicide, Larceny, And Drinking Wine At The Same Time 541

Fraud 542

Rejecting The Testimonies Of The Jews 542

Admitting The Testimonies Of The Christians 542

Retaliation Between Fathers And Sons 542

False Accusation Of A Group Of People 542

Fabricated Stories 542

Knowledge And Learning In The View Of Imam ‘Ali 543

Praise Of Knowledge 543

New Fields Of Knowledge 546

Arabic Grammar 546

Muslim Jurisprudence 547

Quranic Exegesis 548

Astronomy And Arithmetic 548

Diameter Of The Sun 549

The Seventeen Camels 549

Zoology 549

The Peacock 550

The Bat 551

The Locust 552

The Ant 552

Theology 553

Physics 553

Electricity 554

Medicine 554

Protective System 554

Breast Milk 554

Geology 554

Philosophy 555

Forbiddance Of Witchcraft 555

Forbiddance Of Fortune-Telling 555

Notes 556

Prophecies Of Imam Ali 561

Foretelling The Assassination Of Imam Al-Hasan 562

Foretelling The Martyrdom Of Imam Al-Husayn 562

Prophesying The Number Of The Troops 564

Prophesying The Martyrdoms Of Some Companions 565

‘Amr Ibn Al-Damq 565

Maytham Al-Tammar 565

Rashid Al-Hajari 565

Juwayriyah Al-’Abdi 565

Mazra’ 566

Hujr Ibn ‘Adi 566

Qambar 566

Kumayl Ibn Ziyad 566

Imam Ali Prophesies His Martyrdom 566

Prophesying The Movements Of The Black Stone 568

Prophesying The Massacre Of Fakh 568

Prophesying The Martyrdom Of The Pure-Souled 568

Prophesying The Martyrdom Of Ibrahim 569

Prophesying The Advent Of Imam Al-Mahdi 569

The Lad Of Thaqif 570

Prophesying The Future Of Marwan And His Sons 570

The Umayyad Rulers 571

Prophesying The Killing Of Zur’ah 571

Prophesying The Rule Of Abd Al-Malik Ibn Marwan 572

Prophesying The Uprising Of Abdullah Ibn Al-Zubayr 572

Prophesying The Uprising Of Al-Mukhtar 572

Prophesying The Collapse Of The Umayyad Dynasty 573

Prophesying The Power Of The ‘Abbasid Dynasty 573

Prophesying The Death Of Mu’awiyah 573

Prophesying The Birth Of Imam Zayn Al-’Abidin 573

Prophesying Imam Al-Riza’s Martyrdom 573

Prophesying The Establishing Of Baghdad City 573

Prophesying The Manners Of The ‘Abbasid Rulers 573

Prophesying The Uprising Of The Negroes 574

Prophesying The Rule Of The Buyid Dynasty 574

Prophesying The Magharibah State 574

Prophesying The Uprising Of Tabaristan 575

Prophesying The Rule Of The Qarmatians 575

Prophesying The Raids Of The Mongols 575

Prophesying The Imminent Seditions 575

Prophesying The Events Of The Last Of Time 577

Notes 577

Appendix: The Holy Shrine of Imam ‘Ali 584

The History Of Constructing The Holy Shrine 584

Merits Of Visiting The Holy Shrine Of Imam ‘Ali´ 585

Formulas To Be Said At The Holy Shrine 585

First Ziyarah 585

Duas After The Ziyarah Of Imam Ali (A) And After The Recitation Of Nafilah Prayers In Najaf Ashraf 598

Ziyarah of Aminullah (The Trustee of Allah) 599

Another Formula of Ziyarah on the Ghadir Day 601

Ziyarah Of Imam Ali On The Night Of Maba'th (27th Rajab) 602

Imam Al-Sadiq Visits the Tomb of Imam Ali 608

Another Ziyarah 610

Another Ziyarah 611

Notes 611

Bibliography 613

Note 620

Table of Contents

Translator’s Foreword 1

Preface 2

Section 1: The Life Account Of Imam Ali 4

Early Life And Virtues Of Imam Ali 5

Celebrated Chiefs Of The Hashimites 5

Hashim 5

Abd Al-Muttalib 5

Abu Talib 6

Abu Talib; The Defender Of Islam 6

Abu Talib’s Last Will 8

Fatimah Bint Asad; Imam Ali’s Mother 8

The Born In The Ka’bah 9

Notes 10

Nicknames Of Imam Ali 12

Siddiq (Veracious) 12

Wasi (Successor Of The Prophet) 12

Faruq (Distinguisher) 12

Ya’sub Al-Din (The Chief Of The Religion) 13

Wali (Guardian) 13

Amir Al-Mu' Minin (The Leader Of The Believers) 14

Amin (Trustee) 15

Hadi (Guide) 15

Udhun Wa’iyah (Retaining Ear) 15

Al-Murtadha (The Well-Pleased) 15

Al-Anza’ Al-Batin (The Corpulent Baldhead) 15

Al-Sharif (The Honorable) 16

Baydat Al-Balad (The Unique Person) 16

Khayr Al-Bashar (The Best Of Humankind) 16

Sayyid Al-’Arab (The Master Of All Arabs) 16

Hujjat Allah (The Argument Of God) 17

Notes 17

Kunyahs Of Imam Ali 19

Abu’l-Rayhanatayn (The Father Of The Two Basils) 19

Abu’l-Sibtayn (The Father Of The Two Grandsons) 19

Abu’l-Hasan (The Father Of Al-Hasan) 19

Abu’l-Husayn (The Father Of Al-Husayn) 19

Abu-Turab (The Father Of Dust) 19

Bodily Features Of Imam Ali 20

The Holy Prophet Describes Imam Ali 20

Dirar Describes Imam Ali 21

Muhammad Ibn Al-Hanafiyyah Describes His Father 21

Al-Mughirah Describes Imam Ali 22

Contemporaries Describe Imam Ali 22

The Early Life Of Imam ‘Ali 22

The First Male To Accept Islam 24

Imam Ali’s Love For The Holy Prophet 25

Imam Ali; The Scribe Of The Divine Revelation 28

The Destroyer Of The Idols 28

More Features 29

Imam Ali’s House 29

Mental Characteristics 29

Strong Faith In Allah 30

Frequent Turning To Allah 30

Infallibility 32

Asceticism 34

Unmatched Heroism 36

Enormous Strength 37

Forbearance 38

Patience 39

Modesty 40

Visiting The Sick 41

Detestation Of Praise 41

Response To Invitations 41

Generosity 41

Kindness To The Poor 43

Justice 44

Knowledgeability 45

Quick-Wittedness 46

Imam ‘Ali With The Advent Of Islam 46

Imam Ali; The First To Pray With The Holy Prophet 48

Imam Ali And The ‘Warning Of The Relatives’ 50

Cruel Procedures Against The Holy Prophet 51

Imam Ali Sacrifices His Life For The Holy Prophet 52

Imam Ali Migrates To Yathrib 54

Establishment Of A Mosque 55

Islamic Brotherhood 55

Notes 55

Imam ‘Ali’s Military Participations 59

The Battle Of Badr 59

The Battle Of Uhud 61

The Battle Of The Ditch 63

The Conquest Of Khaybar 65

The Military Expedition Against The Banu-Quraysah 66

The Military Expedition Against Banu’l-Nadir 67

The Military Expedition Against Wadi Al-Qira 67

Imam Ali Conquers Yemen 68

The Conquest Of Makkah 68

The Battle Of Hunayn 70

Imam Ali And Surah Bara'ah 71

The Campaign Of Tabuk 71

Imam Ali Describes His Jihad 72

Notes 72

The Departure Of The Holy Prophet 74

The Meeting Of Ghadir Khumm 74

The Endless Tragedy 76

Notes 79

The Saqifah Conspiracy And The Reign Of Abu-Bakr 80

Motives Of Holding The Saqifah Conspiratorial Meeting 81

Political Statement Of Sa’d 83

Criticism Against Sa’d 84

Weakness Of The Ansar 85

Jealousy And Enmity 85

‘Umar’s Planning 86

Some Important Points 87

The Ansar Surprised 88

Abu-Bakr’s Discourse 88

Research And Investigation 89

Abu-Bakr Wins Power 91

Celebration Of The People Of Quraysh 93

Imam Ali And The People Of Quraysh 93

The Role Of Abu-Sufyan 94

Imam Ali’s Attitude To The Pledge Of Allegiance To Abu-Bakr 95

Forcing Imam Ali To Pay Homage To Abu-Bakr 96

Strict Protestations 98

Imam Ali’s Protestations 98

Lady Fatimah Al-Zahra'‘S Protestation 103

Lights On Lady Fatimah’s Speech 104

Imam Al-Hasan’s Protestation 105

Salman Al-Muhammadi’s Protestation 105

‘Ammar Ibn Yasir’s Protestation 106

Abu-Dharr’s Protestation 106

Al-Miqdad’s Protestation 107

‘Utbah Ibn Abi-Lahab’s Protestation 107

Abu-Ayyub Al-Ansari’s Protestation 108

Ubayy Ibn Ka’b’s Protestation 108

Al-Nu’man Ibn ‘Ajlan’s Protestation 108

‘Uthman Ibn Hunayf’s Protestation 108

Sahl Ibn Hunayf’s Protestation 109

Khuzaymah Ibn Thabit’s Protestation 109

Abu’l-Haytham Ibn Al-Tayhan’s Protestation 109

Unfortunate steps 110

Attacking Imam Ali’s House 110

The issue of Fadak 111

A Jurisprudential Viewpoint 118

Economic Embargo 118

Abrogation Of The Khums Tax 119

Confiscation Of The Prophet’s Inheritance 119

Abu-Bakr’s False Argument 119

Lady Fatimah Al-Zahra's Speech 120

Unsuccessful Attempt To Gain Lady Fatimah’s Satisfaction 128

Lights On Imam Ali’s Attitude 129

Grievances Of Lady Fatimah 130

Towards Paradise 132

Officials and governors of Abu-Bakr 135

Economic policies of Abu-Bakr 137

Notes 137

Entrusting caliphate to ‘Umar 144

‘Umar’ s reign 147

Internal Policies Of ‘Umar 147

Placing The Companions Under House Arrest 148

Officials And Governors Appointed By ‘Umar 149

Supervision Of Governors 150

Economic Policy Of ‘Umar 151

‘Umar’s Arguments 152

‘Umar’s Regret 153

Seclusion of Imam Ali 153

Imam Ali advises ‘Umar 155

Assassination of ‘Umar 156

The shura system 160

‘Umar With The Members Of The Shura Committee 161

The supervising body over elections 165

Warning the companions 166

Imam Ali’s reaction 167

Objections to ‘Umar’s shura system 168

Mode of selection 172

Notes 177

‘Uthmans reign 181

Governmental offices in ‘Uthman’s reign 182

Economical policies of ‘Uthman 186

Opposition to ‘Uthman 187

Notes 194

The Reign Of Imam ‘Ali 195

Imam Ali Refuses Caliphate 195

Conference Of The Military Forces 196

Imam Ali Accepts Caliphate 196

Swearing Allegiance To Imam Ali 196

Exultant Joy Of Muslims 197

Support Of The Companions 197

The Congratulating Delegations 198

Congregational Supplications For Imam Ali 198

Gloom Of The People Of Quraysh 199

Confiscation Of The Usurped Fortunes 200

Deposition Of Deputy Governors 200

Imam Ali’s Internal Policy 201

Equitability 201

Equality In Rights And Duties 201

Adopting The Life Styles Of The Poor 201

Cancellation Of The Habit Of Taking Pride In The Ancestors 202

Forbiddance Of Playing Chess 202

Forbiddance Of Sitting On The Public Ways 202

Prohibition Of Intoxicants 202

Establishment Of Detention Centers 202

Establishment Of House Of Complaints 203

The Military Police 203

Unseemly Dress 203

A Record For People’s Needs 203

The Police Commissioner-In-Chief 203

The Clerk 203

Frankness And Honesty 203

Cancellation Of Popular Festivals 204

Imam Ali Executes The Religious Punishment On A Loyal Poet 204

The Imam Is Just Like The Feeble People 205

Method Of Conversing With The Imam 205

Imam Ali’s Financial Policy 206

Distribution Of Funds 206

Equality In Allowances 207

Precaution In Matters Related To The Public Properties 208

Agricultural Production 209

Freedom 210

Political Freedom 210

Freedom Of Expression 211

Freedom Of Criticism 211

Freedom Of Moving 212

Supervision Over Markets 212

Notes 213

The Battle Of The Camel 216

‘A'ishah The Daughter Of Abu-Bakr 216

‘A'ishah’s Attitude To The Pledge Of Allegiance To Imam Ali 217

Motives For Mutiny 218

The Makkah Conference 220

Resolutions Of The Conference 220

Mu’awiyah Deceives Al-Zubayr And Talhah 221

‘Uthman’s Fans Mobilize The Mutinous Army 221

Imam Ali’s Epistle To Talhah And Al-Zubayr 222

Marching To Al-Basrah 222

The Minor Battle Of The Camel 225

Dispute On Leading The Prayer 225

Imam Ali Seeks The Help Of The People Of Al-Kufah 226

The Companions With Imam Ali 229

Jurisprudential View 239

Consequences Of The Battle Of The Camel 239

Notes 240

The Rebellion Of Mu’awiyah 245

Mu’awiyah Deceives The Prominent Personalities 245

Correspondence Between Imam Ali And Mu’awiyah 247

Preparations For The War 258

Imam Ali’s Correspondences With His Deputy Governors 258

Couriers Of Peace 262

The Encounter 264

The Night Of The Growl 266

The Farce Of Raising The Quranic Copies 266

The Arbitration 268

The Imam Returns To Al-Kufah 271

Meeting Of The Arbitrators 272

Mutiny Of The Apostates 274

Notes 283

Decline Of The State Of Truth 289

Raids On The Muslim Regions 290

Raids On Al-Iijaz And Yemen 290

Raids On Iraq 291

Raids On Hit 291

Raid On Waqisah 292

Raid On Al-Kufah 293

The Mischief Of The Khawarij 293

Imam Ali Beseeches For Departure From The World 293

Notes 294

The Deputy Governors In Imam ‘Ali’s Government 296

Responsibilities And Significance Of Deputy Governors 297

Foundations Of Selecting The Deputy Governors 298

Punishment Of The Unjust Governor 298

Distancing From The Unjust Rulers 298

Rule Of The Foolish 299

The Addicted to Authority 299

Duties Of The Deputy Governors 299

Teachings Of Imam Ali To The Deputy Governors 299

Ministry Of Complaints 307

Tax Collectors 308

Interrogating And Calling The Governors To Account 309

Dismissal And Discharge Of Governors 309

The Armed Forces 310

Police Forces 311

The Duties Of The Ruler And The Subjects Towards Each Other 311

Imam Ali’s Deputy Governors 312

Qays Ibn Sa’d 313

Malik Al-Ashtar 314

Martyrdom Of Malik 316

Muhammad Ibn Abi-Bakr 317

A Serious Letter Of Mu’ Awiyah To Muhammad Ibn Abi-Bakr 319

Martyrdom Of Muhammad 320

Qutham Ibn ‘Abbas 320

Sahl Ibn Hunayf 321

‘Ubaydullah Ibn Al-’Abbas 322

‘Umar Ibn Abi-Salamah 322

Al-Nu’ Man Ibn ‘Ajlan 323

Mikhnaf Ibn Sulaym 323

Masqalah Ibn Hubayrah 324

Kumayl Ibn Ziyad 324

Al-Ash’ath Ibn Qays 325

‘Uthman Ibn Hunayf 326

Abdullah Ibn ‘Abbas 329

Deputy Governorship Of Al-Basrah 330

False Accusations 331

Ziyad Ibn ‘Ubayd 331

Another Letter To Ziyad 333

Warning Ziyad Against Mu’awiyah 333

Hudhayfah Al-Yamani 334

Sa’d Ibn Mas’ud 335

‘Ajlan Ibn Qudamah 336

Sulayman Ibn Surad 336

Land Taxes 336

Significance Of Land Taxes 336

Instructions To The Tax Collectors 336

Reproaching And Deposing Deputy Governors 337

Notes 338

Martyrdom Of Imam ‘Ali´ 341

The Umayyads And The Assassination Of Imam Ali 341

Imam Ali And Ibn Muljim 342

The Assassination 343

Imam Ali’s Last Wills 347

Visitors Of The Imam 350

Retaliation 353

Eulogy Of Imam Ali 353

Section 2: Tradition of Imam ‘Ali 356

Imam ‘Ali´ in the Holy Qur'an 356

Imam ‘ Ali´ explains Qur'anic verses 364

The Quran Is Illumination 367

The Quran Speaks 367

The Holy Quran Tells About The Past And Predicts The Future 367

The Holy Quran; The Rope Of Allah 368

The Holy Quran; An Adviser 368

The Holy Quran; The True Guidance 368

Imam Ali Encourages Learning The Holy Quran 368

Supplicatory Prayer At Completing Reciting The Holy Quran 369

The Holy Quran; The Springtime Of Hearts 369

Imam Ali’s Exegeses Of Quranic Verses 369

Surah Al-Fatihah 369

Surah Al-Baqarah 372

Exegesis of Verse No. 7 372

Exegesis of Verse No. 29 372

Exegesis of Verse No. 34 372

Exegesis of Verse No. 45 373

Exegesis of Verse No. 46 373

Exegesis of Verse No. 48 373

Exegesis of Verse No. 59 373

Exegesis of Verse No. 114 374

Exegesis of Verse No. 159 374

Exegesis of Verse No. 186 374

Exegesis of Verse No. 189 374

Exegesis of Verse No. 253 375

Exegesis of Verse No. 267 375

Surah Al-’Imran 376

Exegesis of Verse No.7 376

Exegesis of Verse No. 19 377

Exegesis of Verse No. 27 377

Exegesis of Verse No. 28 378

Exegesis of Verse No. 68 378

Exegesis of Verse No. 81 379

Exegesis of Verse No. 96 379

Exegesis of Verse No. 102 379

Exegesis of Verse No. 133 380

Exegesis of Verse No. 149 380

Exegesis of Verse No. 200 380

Surah Al-Nisa' 380

Exegesis of Verse No. 1 380

Exegesis of Verse No. 23 381

Exegesis of Verse No. 29 381

Exegesis of Verse No. 58 381

Exegesis of Verse No. 59 381

Exegesis of Verse No. 69 384

Exegesis of Verse No. 86 384

Exegesis of Verse No. 97 384

Exegesis of Verse No. 101 385

Exegesis of Verse No. 128 385

Exegesis of Verse No. 164 385

Surah Al-Ma'idah 386

Exegesis of Verse No. 1 386

Exegesis of Verse No. 6 386

Exegesis of Verse No. 42 386

Exegesis of Verse No. 66 387

Exegesis of Verse No. 95 387

Exegesis of Verse No. 101 388

Exegesis of Verse No. 105 388

Surah Al-An’am 389

Exegesis of Verse No. 110 389

Surah Al-A’raf 389

Exegesis of Verses No. 8 & 9 389

Exegesis of Verse No. 46 390

Exegesis of Verse No. 54 390

Exegesis of Verse No. 138 392

Exegesis of Verse No. 143 392

Exegesis of Verse No. 159 393

Exegesis of Verses 163-166 394

Exegesis of Verse No. 172 395

Surah Al-Anfal 396

Exegesis of Verse No. 15 396

Surah Al-Tawbah 396

Exegesis of Verse No. 12 396

Exegesis of Verse No. 36 397

Exegesis of Verse No. 67 397

Surah Yunus 397

Exegesis of Verse No. 2 397

Exegesis of Verse No. 26 397

Exegesis of Verse No. 62 398

Surah Hud 398

Exegesis of Verse No. 6 398

Exegesis of Verse No. 17 399

Exegesis of Verse No. 40 400

Exegesis of Verse No. 56 400

Exegesis of Verse No. 105 400

Exegesis of Verse No. 114 401

Surah Al-Ra’d 402

Exegesis of Verse No. 4 402

Exegesis of Verse No. 17 402

Exegesis of Verse No. 24 403

Exegesis of Verse No. 28 403

Surah Ibrahim 403

Exegesis of Verse No. 9 403

Exegesis of Verse No. 24 404

Exegesis of Verse No. 28 404

Surah Al-Hijr 404

Exegesis of Verse No. 2 404

Exegesis of Verse No. 44 405

Exegesis of Verse No. 85 405

Surah Al-Nahl 406

Exegesis Of Verse No. 2 406

Exegesis Of Verse No. 16 406

Exegesis Of Verse No. 30 406

Exegesis Of Verse No. 70 407

Exegesis Of Verse No. 90 407

Surah Al-Isra' 407

Exegesis Of Verse No. 102 407

Surah Al-Kahf 407

Exegesis Of Verse No. 83 407

Exegesis Of Verse No. 103 408

Surah Maryam 408

Exegesis Of Verse No. 11 408

Exegesis Of Verse No. 25 409

Exegesis Of Verse No. 85 409

Surah Taha 409

Exegesis Of Verse No. 5 409

Exegesis Of Verse No. 67 409

Exegesis Of Verse No. 88 409

Surah Al-Anbiya' 410

Exegesis Of Verse No. 35 410

Exegesis Of Verse No. 47 410

Exegesis Of Verse No. 101 410

Exegesis Of Verse No. 104 411

Surah Al-Hajj 412

Exegesis Of Verse No. 17 412

Surah Al-Mu'minun 413

Exegesis Of Verse No. 2 413

Exegesis Of Verse No. 3 413

Exegesis Of Verse No. 14 413

Exegesis Of Verse No. 30 413

Exegesis Of Verse No. 76 414

Surah Al-Nur 415

Exegesis Of Verse No. 30 415

Exegesis Of Verse No. 37 415

Exegesis Of Verse No. 39 416

Exegesis Of Verse No. 43 416

Surah Al-Furqan 417

Exegesis Of Verse No. 24 417

Exegesis Of Verse No. 38 417

Surah Al-Qasas 420

Exegesis Of Verse No. 5 420

Exegesis Of Verse No. 77 420

Exegesis Of Verse No. 83 420

Exegesis Of Verse No. 88 421

Surah Al-’Ankabut 421

Exegesis Of Verse No. 2 421

Exegesis Of Verse No. 5 421

Surah Al-Rum 421

Exegesis Of Verse No. 39 421

Surah Luqman 422

Exegesis Of Verse No. 34 422

Surah Al-Ahzab 422

Exegesis Of Verse No. 41 422

Exegesis Of Verse No. 56 422

Exegesis Of Verse No. 72 423

Surah Saba' 423

Exegesis Of Verse No. 37 423

Exegesis Of Verse No. 39 423

Surah Fatir 423

Exegesis Of Verse No. 1 423

Surah Yasin 424

Exegesis Of Verse No. 12 424

Exegesis Of Verse No. 65 424

Exegesis Of Verse No. 70 425

Exegesis Of Verse No. 82 425

Surah Al-Saffat 427

Exegesis of Verse No. 6 427

Exegesis of Verse No. 24 427

Exegesis of Verse No. 99 427

Exegesis of Verse No. 130 428

Surah Sad 428

Exegesis of Verse No. 16 428

Exegesis of Verse No. 32 428

Exegesis of Verses No. 71 and 72 428

Surah Al-Zumar 431

Exegesis of Verse No. 42 431

Exegesis of Verse No. 53 431

Exegesis of Verse No. 73 431

Surah Ghafir 432

Exegesis of Verse No. 16 432

Surah Fussilat 433

Exegesis of Verse No. 11 433

Exegesis of Verse No. 22 433

Exegesis of Verse No. 29 433

Surah Al-Shura 433

Exegesis of Verse No. 27 433

Exegesis of Verse No. 30 433

Surah Al-Zukhruf 434

Exegesis of Verse No. 45 434

Surah Al-Dukhan 434

Exegesis of Verse No. 29 434

Surah Al-Jathiyah 434

Exegesis of Verse No. 29 434

Surah Muhammad 435

Exegesis of Verse No. 16 435

Surah Al-Fath 435

Exegesis of Verse No. 26 435

Surah Al-Hujurat 435

Exegesis of Verse No. 12 435

Surah Qaf 435

Exegesis of Verse No. 21 435

Surah Al-Dhariyat 436

Exegesis of Verses 1-4 436

Exegesis of Verse No. 7 436

Exegesis of Verse No. 54 436

Surah Al-Tur 436

Exegesis of Verse No. 5 436

Exegesis of Verse No. 21 436

The Holy Quran reads 436

Surah Al-Qamar 437

Exegesis of Verse No. 1 437

Exegesis of Verse No. 49 437

Surah Al-Rahman 437

Exegesis of Verse No. 17 437

Exegesis of Verse No. 29 437

Exegesis of Verse No. 60 439

Surah Al-Hadid 439

Exegesis of Verse No. 3 439

Surah Al-Saff 439

Exegesis of Verse No. 14 439

Surah Al-Tahrim 440

Exegesis of Verse No. 6 440

Surah Al-Qalam 440

Surah Al-Ma’arij 440

Exegesis of Verse No. 40 440

Surah Nuh 440

Exegesis of Verse No. 10 440

Surah Al-Jinn 441

Surah Al-Muzzammil 441

Surah Al-Muddaththir 441

Surah Al-Qiyamah 441

Exegesis of Verse No. 22 441

Surah Al-Mursalat 441

Exegesis of Verses 25 and 26 441

Surah Al-Nazi’at 442

Exegesis of Verse No. 5 442

Surah Al-Takwir 442

Exegesis of Verse No. 15 442

Surah Al-Infitar 442

Exegesis of Verse No. 6 442

Surah Al-Inshiqaq 443

Exegesis of Verse No. 1 443

Exegesis of Verses 7-12 443

Surah Al-Buruj 444

Exegesis of Verses 2 and 3 444

Exegesis of Verse No. 4 444

Surah Al-tariq 444

Exegesis of Verses 13 and 14 444

Surah Al-Fajr 445

Exegesis of Verse No. 14 445

Surah Al-Balad 445

Exegesis of Verse No. 10 445

Surah Al-Shams 445

Exegesis of Verse No. 12 445

Surah Al-Zuha 445

Exegesis of Verse No. 5 445

Surah Al-’Alaq 446

Surah Al-Takathur 446

Exegesis of Verses 3 and 4 446

Surah Al-Ma’un 446

Exegesis of Verses 4 and 5 446

Exegesis of Verse No. 7 446

Surah Al-Kawthar 446

Surah Al-Tawhid (Al-Ikhlas) 447

Notes 447

Imam Ali as in Prophetic Traditions 455

Imam Ali; The Holy Prophet’s Self 455

Imam Ali; The Holy Prophet’s Brother 455

Imam Ali and the Holy Prophet; the Same Tree 457

Imam Ali; The Holy Prophet’s Aide 457

Imam Ali; The Holy Prophet’s Vicegerent 457

Imam Ali to the Holy Prophet; Prophet Aaron to Prophet Moses 457

Imam Ali; the Door to the Holy Prophet’s City of Knowledge 458

Imam Ali; the Door to the Holy Prophet’s Wisdom 458

Imam Ali; the Most Beloved to the Holy Prophet 458

Imam Ali; the Match of the Prophets 458

Imam Ali; the Chief of the Arabs 459

Imam Ali; the Most Beloved of all Humans to the Almighty 459

Obedience to Imam Ali; Obedience to the Holy Prophet 459

Love for Ali; Love for Allah 460

Love for Ali is Faith; Hating him is Hypocrisy 460

Love for Imam Ali; The Title of the True Believer’s Record 461

The Holy Prophet Foretells Imam Ali’s Future 461

Imam Ali; the Bearer of Al-Hamd Standard 461

Ali; the commander of the Prophet’s Pond 462

Ali; the distributor of Heaven and Hell 462

Without a License from Ali, No one passes the Discriminating Bridge 462

Ali; in the company of the Holy Prophet in Paradise 463

Notes 463

Imam Ali’s Educational Teachings And Sermons 465

Imam Ali’s Instructive Will To His Son Imam Al-Hasan 466

Another instructive will of Imam Ali to Imam Al-Hasan 473

Imam Ali’s instructive will to His Son Imam Al-Husayn 474

Imam Ali’s instructions to His Sons 476

Imam Ali’s instructive will to His son Muhammad 476

Imam Ali’s instructive will to Kumayl ibn Ziyad 477

Notes 484

Sermons Of Imam Ali As 486

States of man in this world 486

Acting upon personal desires 486

Desertion of worldly pleasures 486

False abusing of the world 487

The transient nature of this world 488

Elapse of the world 488

Haste towards righteous acts 489

Description of the transitory world 489

Death and after death 489

Learning lessons 493

Abstinence from worldly pleasures 494

Notes 494

Aphorisms Of Imam Ali As 497

True Value 497

Knowledge Is Countless 497

Opinion Of The Aged 497

Enemies Of The Unknown 497

Succouring The Aggrieved 497

The Abstinent 497

Allah’s Gifts In This World And The Other World 497

Rest And Fatigue 497

Duty Towards The Friend 497

The Most Helpless Of All People 497

Sovereignty And Religiousness 498

Speech 498

The World Is Two Days 498

The Ignorant And The Learned 498

Knowledge-Based Worship 498

Humorous Sayings 498

Contemplation 498

Imploration For Forgiveness 498

The Matched Things 498

The Soldiers Of Allah 499

The Most Favorable Act Of Worship 499

Regarding The Brethren-In-Faith 499

Nice Words 499

The Envious Are Restless 499

The Self-Possessed 499

The Discerning And The Foolish 499

The Ansar 499

The Least Duty Towards Allah 499

Disadvantages Of Disunity 500

Suppression Of Rage 500

Good Mannerism 500

Beyond Illusions 500

The Rabble 500

Categories Of People 500

Categories Of Quran Reciters 500

Warning Against Joking 500

Funny Wording 500

Politeness 500

Refraining From Prohibitions 501

The Abstinent From Worldly Pleasures 501

Ignorance About Defects 501

Perfect Chastity 501

Good Opinion 501

The Most Manifest Nobility 501

Characteristics Of The Lewd 501

Proper Confession 501

Standing The Friends’ Slips 501

Spending That Is Never Wasted 501

Economization 501

Oppressing People 502

Appreciation Of Graces 502

Good Manners 502

Experience 502

Termination Of Lifetime 502

Consultation 502

Satisfaction 502

Putting The Hopes 502

Assumption Of Continuity 502

A Faithful Believer Tires Himself 502

Laziness 502

Need, Dispensing With, And Doing Favors 503

Magnanimity 503

Negligence Of Friends 503

Seeking For Sustenance 503

The Best Of Wealth 503

Experiments 503

Excessive Expectation 503

The Most Grateful And The Least Grateful 503

Respite Of Allah 503

Mirror Of Character 503

Custody Of The Family Members 504

Source Of Pleasance 504

Generosity 504

Beauty Of Men And Beauty Of Women 504

Evil Characteristics 504

Modesty Before The Rich 504

Almsgiving 504

The True Noble 504

Repentance 504

This World And The Other World 504

Fear From Humiliation 505

Silence 505

Patience 505

Verification Of The Authenticity Of Reports 505

Readiness For The Hereafter 505

Significance Of Knowledge 505

Deprivation Of Knowledge 505

Words Of The Wise 505

Anger 505

Kind Acts 505

Recognition Of Allah 505

Thanking For The Blessings 505

Envying The Friends 506

Container Of Knowledge 506

Doing Favours 506

Means Of Headship 506

The Most Humble Knowledge 506

Connection With Almighty Allah 506

Shame Of Niggardliness 506

Seditions 506

Greed 506

Satisfaction And Knowledge 507

Charity 507

Spending 507

Moderation 507

True Friend 507

The Everlasting Deeds 507

Missing The Opportunity 507

Piety-Accompanied Actions 507

Establishing The Orders Of Allah 507

Care 507

Consequence 508

Steadfastness 508

Obedience 508

Despotism 508

Concealment Of Secrets 508

Poverty 508

Befriending The Foolish 508

Lessons 508

Starvation of the poor 508

Partners 508

Speech 508

Forbearance 508

Knowledge Seekers And Worldly Pleasures Seekers 509

Forbearance And Tolerance 509

The Evilest Friends 509

The Whole Asceticism 509

Encouragement On Doing Kind Acts 509

Blessings Of Almighty Allah 509

Modesty Of The Rich 509

Fear Of Allah 509

Pursuit Of The Best Meaning 510

Moderate Care For The Family Members 510

Beware Of Disobeying Allah 510

Serving Allah 510

Notes 510

Imam Ali And Judgment 512

Significance Of Adjudication 514

Imam Ali’s Judgments During The Holy Prophet’s Lifetime 514

A Pit Dug For A Lion 516

The Three She-Slaves 516

The Killed Under The Wall 516

A Cow That Killed A Donkey 517

Imam Ali’s Judgments In The Reign Of Abu-Bakr 517

Ignorance About The Law 517

Wet Dream 518

Imam Ali’s Judgments In The Reign Of ‘Umar 518

The Story Of Qudamah Ibn Mas’un 518

False Accusation Of Adultery 519

False Accusation 519

Disavowal Of A Son 520

The Widow Of An Old Man 521

Two Women Claiming A Male Child 521

A Crazy Woman Committing Adultery 522

Five Different Punishments For A Single Offence 522

Adultery Under Compulsion 522

The Punishment Of The Absent From Their Wives 523

A Three-Time Larceny 523

The Two Cheaters 523

Stoning A Pregnant 524

Purchasing A Camel 524

Distribution Of The Public Funds 524

Divorcement Before And After Islam 525

Abortion On Account Of Fear 525

Six-Months Pregnancy 525

Advice Of Imam Ali 526

Imam Ali’s Judgments In The Reign Of ‘Uthman 526

A Slave Woman Committing Adultery 526

The Pregnant Wife Of An Old Man 526

Yahya And Safiyyah 527

Imam Ali’s Judgments During His Reign 527

Retreat From Testimony 528

Regard For The Health Of The Punished 529

Testimonies Of Women 529

Multiplicity Of Confessions 530

Executors Of Punishments 531

Judgment In Issues Of Misappropriation 532

Lot 533

Litigation Against A Deaf 533

Detaining The Sinful Scholars And The Incompetent Physicians 534

Unjust Rulers 534

Administering Oaths On The Jews And The Christians 534

Sentence To Imprisonment 534

Some Marvellous Judgments Of Imam Ali 535

The Mysterious Crime 535

The Eight Loaves Of Bread 537

The Four Drunken Persons 538

The Drowned 538

The Two-Head Newborn 538

The Lost Money 538

Pardoning A Larcener 539

The Punishment Of The Highway Robbers 539

The Hitting And The Hit Ships 539

A Share Of A Legacy 539

The Old Saves 540

Fasting For A Season 540

A Married Woman Asking For A Husband 540

Accidental Homicide 540

A Dog Or A Sheep 541

A Magus Lady Converting To Islam 541

Right Of Divorcement 541

Homicide, Larceny, And Drinking Wine At The Same Time 541

Fraud 542

Rejecting The Testimonies Of The Jews 542

Admitting The Testimonies Of The Christians 542

Retaliation Between Fathers And Sons 542

False Accusation Of A Group Of People 542

Fabricated Stories 542

Knowledge And Learning In The View Of Imam ‘Ali 543

Praise Of Knowledge 543

New Fields Of Knowledge 546

Arabic Grammar 546

Muslim Jurisprudence 547

Quranic Exegesis 548

Astronomy And Arithmetic 548

Diameter Of The Sun 549

The Seventeen Camels 549

Zoology 549

The Peacock 550

The Bat 551

The Locust 552

The Ant 552

Theology 553

Physics 553

Electricity 554

Medicine 554

Protective System 554

Breast Milk 554

Geology 554

Philosophy 555

Forbiddance Of Witchcraft 555

Forbiddance Of Fortune-Telling 555

Notes 556

Prophecies Of Imam Ali 561

Foretelling The Assassination Of Imam Al-Hasan 562

Foretelling The Martyrdom Of Imam Al-Husayn 562

Prophesying The Number Of The Troops 564

Prophesying The Martyrdoms Of Some Companions 565

‘Amr Ibn Al-Damq 565

Maytham Al-Tammar 565

Rashid Al-Hajari 565

Juwayriyah Al-’Abdi 565

Mazra’ 566

Hujr Ibn ‘Adi 566

Qambar 566

Kumayl Ibn Ziyad 566

Imam Ali Prophesies His Martyrdom 566

Prophesying The Movements Of The Black Stone 568

Prophesying The Massacre Of Fakh 568

Prophesying The Martyrdom Of The Pure-Souled 568

Prophesying The Martyrdom Of Ibrahim 569

Prophesying The Advent Of Imam Al-Mahdi 569

The Lad Of Thaqif 570

Prophesying The Future Of Marwan And His Sons 570

The Umayyad Rulers 571

Prophesying The Killing Of Zur’ah 571

Prophesying The Rule Of Abd Al-Malik Ibn Marwan 572

Prophesying The Uprising Of Abdullah Ibn Al-Zubayr 572

Prophesying The Uprising Of Al-Mukhtar 572

Prophesying The Collapse Of The Umayyad Dynasty 573

Prophesying The Power Of The ‘Abbasid Dynasty 573

Prophesying The Death Of Mu’awiyah 573

Prophesying The Birth Of Imam Zayn Al-’Abidin 573

Prophesying Imam Al-Riza’s Martyrdom 573

Prophesying The Establishing Of Baghdad City 573

Prophesying The Manners Of The ‘Abbasid Rulers 573

Prophesying The Uprising Of The Negroes 574

Prophesying The Rule Of The Buyid Dynasty 574

Prophesying The Magharibah State 574

Prophesying The Uprising Of Tabaristan 575

Prophesying The Rule Of The Qarmatians 575

Prophesying The Raids Of The Mongols 575

Prophesying The Imminent Seditions 575

Prophesying The Events Of The Last Of Time 577

Notes 577

Appendix: The Holy Shrine of Imam ‘Ali 584

The History Of Constructing The Holy Shrine 584

Merits Of Visiting The Holy Shrine Of Imam ‘Ali´ 585

Formulas To Be Said At The Holy Shrine 585

First Ziyarah 585

Duas After The Ziyarah Of Imam Ali (A) And After The Recitation Of Nafilah Prayers In Najaf Ashraf 598

Ziyarah of Aminullah (The Trustee of Allah) 599

Another Formula of Ziyarah on the Ghadir Day 601

Ziyarah Of Imam Ali On The Night Of Maba'th (27th Rajab) 602

Imam Al-Sadiq Visits the Tomb of Imam Ali 608

Another Ziyarah 610

Another Ziyarah 611

Notes 611

Bibliography 613

Note 620