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The Nasibis Kufr Fatwa - that the Prophet (s)'sparents were Kaafir (God forbid)

For this section we have referred to a number of authentic Sunni works.

Sahih al Muslim page 360, Volume 1 Kitab "Janaiz"

Sunan Ibn Majah, Bab Majah fi ziyarata kubul mushrikeen

Sunan Nasai, page 9 Chapter 4 "Ziyarathul Kaboor"

Sunan Abu Daud, Volume 3 page 218 "Ktab al Janaiz"

Sunan al Kubra, page 76 Bab "Ziyarthul Kaboor"

Mishkat Sharif Volume 1, page 139 Bab "Ziyarathul Kaboor"

Musnad Abi Awana page 99 Volume 1 Bab "La yad khul al Jannatha al nufs masala"

Musnad Abi Hanifa page 105

Musnad Imam Ahmad and Abdullah bin Masud, page 297 Volume 5

Sharra Fiqa Akbar by Mullah Ali Qari page 128

Kitab Fatawi, Maulana Abdul Hai page 84

Kitab Tafsir ibn Kathir page 394, commentary on the verse Tauba Chapter 6

Tafsir Khazain page 129 verse Tauba verse 115

Tafsir Kabir by Fakhradin Radhi page 315 Chapter 6 Surah "Shaurah"

Tafsir Rul al Maani page 11 Surah Tauba verse 115

Tafsir Ghraib ul Qur'an page 30 Chapter 5 Ayat 115

Tafsir Mazzari page 306 Chapter 4

Tafsir Durre Manthur page 184 Chapter 3 verse Tauba

Kitab Naudi Sharra Muslim, page 214, Chapter 1

Kitab Murqat Sharra Mishkat, page 113 Chapter 4 "al Kaboor"

Tafsir Fattah al Qadeer page 392, Chapter 3 Surah Tauba verse 151

Tarikh Khamees page 230 Chapter 1 Dhikr Aaya al Buya

Muradhij ul Nubuwwa Section 3 Chapter 4, Part 21 page 179

Siratthul Halabiyya, page 82 Chapter 1 "Wafat walida a Nabi"

Sirathun Nabawiyya page 239, Chapter 1 "Lum yuziu Islam abwiyya"

Al Bidayahwa al Nihaya page 281, Volume 4 "Raza al Nabi"

In Sharra Fiqa Akbar we read that the Prophet (s) parents died Kaffirs (God forbid). This is the Fatwa of the Imam of the Deobandi Nasibis, elevated as a great man! These Nasibis are in fact swearing at the Prophet (s) because to swear at his parents is tantamount to swearing at him.

Sharrah Al Fiqah'al Akbar, page 130

The greatest insult that one can hurl at a fellow Muslim is to accuse his parents of apostasy. There is no doubt that if such a comment were made to the Nasibi on the street he would react violently. The reaction if of course natural, it is a personal attack, for an insult on them is in turn an insult on him - and the violent reaction is so as to defend their honour as well as his own. This is how they would react if this allegation was aimed at them - and yet these same Nasibis have no shame whatsoever in declaring that the Prophet's parents were kaffir. What explanation will they provide to for uttering such obscenity on the Day of Judgement?

According the Nasibis / Wahabis if someone disrespects the Prophets Sahaba hes a kaffir, what fatwa should we pass on those that have issued takfeer against the parents of Rasulullah? Imam Abu Hanifa is your Imam and declares the Prophet (s)s parents kaffir hence calling Shi'as kaffir is not surprising.

The Nasibis leader's Fatwas that the Prophets parents were Kaffir

When confronted by the faithful about this belief they side track or remain silent, but the book of the Nasibis are not silent, and their Imam Ibn Taymeeya writes the following from his cursed hands:

"The Prophet's parents are in hell and he was forbidden from asking for their forgiveness". Ikhthaza us Sirathul Mustaqim by Ibn Taymeeya, page 401 (Arabic)

"Ikhthaza us Sirathul Mustaqim" by Ibn Taymeeya, Urdu translation by M. Hamid Fakeeh page 401 Ibn Kathir another devotee of Mu'awiya writes:

"Why can't the Prophet's parents and grandparents be in Hell? They were idol worshippers and died with that faith yet this did not effect the Prophets lineage because a Kaffirs marriage is valid" Ibn Kathir makes efforts in both his books referred (see his footnote 21) to prove the Prophet (s)'s parents were kaffir (unsuccessfully). How can the poor Shi'a survive from takfir when the parents of our beloved Prophet (s) are not even protected from such blasphemy?

Fakhradin Radhi's kufr Fatwa on the Prophets parents

Another scholar Radhi in his Tafsir al Kabir writes:

"The Shia's believe the Prophet's parents were momins and they have relied on this verse and we believe that according to the companions they were kaffir". It is interesting that Radhi admits that the belief of his school is in line with the opinion of the Sahaba, rather than the verdict in the Quran and the testimony of the Ahlul bayt (as). At the forefront of those that have declared the Prophetsparents kaffir are Imams Abu Hanifa, Radhi, Ibn Taymiyya and Ibn Kathir.

To counter this we present the writings of Allamah al Hafidh Jalaladeen Suyuti and Qadhi Ibn Arabi:

"Whoever declares the Prophets parents to be 'Kaffir' is hell bound and cursed".

"Manifa fi abbaya Shareefa" by Allamah al Hafidh Jalaladeen Suyuti

"Risala Turzul Imama" by Qadhi Ibn Arabi

Another Nasibi attack on the parents

Imam Muslim in Sahih (see footnote 21 in Sahih Muslim); writes the following:

Abu Hurayra states that once the Prophet visited hismothers grave and cried profusely so much so that those with him did likewise, he said I asked my Lord if I could pray for my mothers salvation this was denied me This is the high-ranking second of the Sihah Sittah, most authentic after al-Bukhari. It declares that the Prophet (s)s parents were kafir, Suyuti said those who say this are cursed, the Wahabis call each other kafirs, if the enemies of the Sahaba are kafir enemies of the Prophet are even more cursed.

The Nasibis further slander on the Prophets parents

In Mukhat Sharra Mishkat we read from the pen of Mullah Ali Qari:

The Prophet went to the grave of his Kaffir mother because he wanted to show the importance to the Ummah of a mother, despite her kaffir status, he prayed for her forgivenessIt is curious the Nasibis regard those that insult the Prophet (s) as Imams.

Another Fatwa on the Prophets parents being in hell Mullah Moin Kashafi revered by the Sufis in his Maarij Chapter Miraaj he writes:

The Prophet states on the night of miraj I was near hell and saw a man and woman burning. I inquired from the person in charge of Hell, Who is this? The reply was I am ashamed to introduce them to you, you ask them he (The Prophet) asked the woman said dont you recognise us? I am your mother Aminah and this is Abdullah your father. Thousands have been saved by your intercession but not your parents, the Prophet heard this was saddened and tears filled his eyes a voice came from the hiddenEither save the Ummah or save your parents the Prophet chose the Ummah and left his parents to the decree of Allah.

Ma'arijj by Mullah Moin Kashafi Chapter "Miraaj"

Can we rely on kufr Fatwas made by these individuals that insult the Prophet (s) question his faith as a child and insult his parents?

Shi'a belief about the Prophet (s)'s parents

The Shi'a book Usul by al-Kafi records the following:

Imam Jafar (as) said the Prophet (s) said that Gibrael came to him and said, Oh beloved of God, Allah showers his blessings on you. The fire of hell has been made haram on your male lineage from whence came your light and that womb that carried you and that lap from which you was raised. Male lineage means your father Abdullah and his ancestors and womb is that of your mother Aminah and lap refers to that of your Uncle Abu Talib"

Usul, by al Kafi Chapter 1 "Mawalid Nabi" page 247

The Nasibis believe that the Prophet (s)'s parents were kaffir we believe that they were momin and are in heaven.

Nasibis attack on the Prophets lineage

The Sunni scholar Ibn Qutaybah in Al Maarif on page 20 of his "Dhikr Ansab ai Arab" writes:

Kannanah is the son of Khuzayma and he married his fathers wife, her name was Barra binte Murr, their son Nazar was born from them. Rasulullah comes from the lineage of Nazar. Ibn Qutaybah is a renowned adherent of the Sahaba, and yet a clear blasphemer. These people accuse the Shia of disrespecting the Sahaba our answer is clear, what of Nasibi / Wahabis who accuse the Prophets lineage of incest?

The Nasibis defamation of the Holy Prophet (s)

As part their propaganda campaign the common lie spread by the Nasibi is that we believe that we elevate Imam Ali (as)s virtue above those possessed by the Prophet (s). When saying so they pay no notice to the rank that we given the infallible Prophet in our books. When the Nasibi make the comparison they do so next to their deviant blasphemous depiction that lowers the position of the Prophet (s) to that of an ordinary man on the street going about his daily business.

It is the Shia alone thatbelieve that the Prophets (S) were infallible in all regards. We are proud to believe that the Holy Prophet (s) was free from error, whose obedience is unconditional. Curiously the Nasibis attack us for adhering to this belief! This is what their Imam Ibn Taymeeya writes:

The view that the Prophets were protected from major sins (kabaair) but not from minor sins (saghaair) is the view of the majority of the scholars of Islam and all the sects It is also the view of the majority of the scholars of Tafseer and hadeeth, and of the fuqahaa. Nothing was reported from any of the Salaf, Imams, Sahaba, Taabieen or the successive generation that does not agree with this view...

Most of the reports from the majority of scholars state that they were not infallible with regard to minor mistakes, but they were not allowed to persist in them; they do not say that this could never happen at all. The first suggestion that they were completely infallible came from the Raafidis, who say that they are so infallible that they could never make any mistake even by way of forgetfulness and misunderstanding.

Majmoo' al-Fataawaa, by Ibn Taymeeya Volume 4 pages 319 -320

The Nasibi belief in the Prophet (s) is the sort of belief that Salman Rushdie would be proud of. Suffice it to say they believe that the Seal of all Prophets would urinate whilst standingup( 1) sleep with nine wives in one night(2) fondle his wives during their periods(3) mistakenly lead the prayers whilst Junub (in an impure state) (4), forget the number of rakaats that he had prayed(5) was affected by witchcraft(6) and was unsure as to would happen to him on the Day of Judgement(7).

"Sahih al Bukhari", Arabic-English, translated by Dr Muhsin Khan

1. Volume 1 hadith number 225

2. Volume 1 hadith number 165

3. Volume 1 hadith number 298

4. Volume 1 hadith number 682

5. Volume 7 hadith number 661

6. Volume 2 hadith number 334

This is what these self declared defenders of the Sunnah want us to believe is the position of our beloved Prophet (s) or should we state a lack of one. How are we going to invite non-Muslims to Islam when we have Nasibis propagating filth like this? If a Kaffir interested in Islam read these types of accounts would his respect for the Prophet (s) increase or decrease? With this pathetic Nasibi position let us now delve in to the rank they give to the Prophet (s).

The Nasibi fatwa that Rahmat Lil Alameen is not an exclusive title for the Holy Prophet (s)

We have in the previous chapter highlighted the beliefs that the Nasibis hold about the Prophet (s) the mercy of mankind, the greatest of Allah (swt)s creations. Of interest is the fact that these Nasibis dont even apply much significance to this sacred title bestowed on Rasulullah (s) in the Quran. The prominent Nasibi the late Rashid Ahmad Gangohi delivers this fatwa:

The title Rahmatul Lil Aalameen (Mercy to all the Worlds) is not an exclusive attribute of the Holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu 'AlaihiWa Sallam). Other saintly persons also can be called Rahmatul Lil 'Aalameen.

Fataawa Rasheediyah, by Rashid Ahmad Gangohi, 218Is there anything more insulting than this? To state that a title Allah (swt) bestows on his beloved can also be held by fallible human beings like us!

Nasibi attack on Rasulullah (s)'s knowledge

Deobandi Nasibi Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanvi commenting on Rasulullahs knowledge of the unseen states:

The knowledge of the unseen that was possessed by Rasulullah (s) is nothing special it is just like that possessed by madmen and animals" Hifzul Iman, by Maulana Ashraf Ali Thavi page 8

With comments such as these one wonders why the Muslims were so outraged by the comments of Salman Rushdie. Here we have a Deobandi scholar equating Rasulullahs Ilm ai Ghayb to animals and lunatics. Had a Christian missionary written this it would not have been as bad, after all they dont believe in Rasulullahs Prophethood and will hence seek to play down any of the miracles he possessed. Unusually we are here presented by a Deobandi Mullah seeking to cast doubts on Rasulullahs knowledge of the unseen in effect suggesting that it means nothing. Perhaps the Deobandis could elaborate and tell us how many mad men and animals had foretold future events such as wars, famine and the coming of Imam Mahdi (as).

The Nasibi belief to think about the Prophet (s) during prayers lowers you to the status of a donkey

This is what the high ranking Nasibis Shah Ismail Shaheed and Sayyid Ahmad Shaheedwrite : "If fornication comes into your mind whilst offering Salat it is better to think about having sex with your wife. If you think about anyone during prayers, even about the Prophet, then you are worse than a donkey".

Siratul Mustaqim, page 169 by Sayyid Ahmed Shaheed & Shah Ismail Shaheed, Maktaba Salafiyya,Lahore Does thinking about the Prophet (s) reduce an individual to a donkey? Would anyone with sincere love for the Prophet (s) hold such an opinion? Salat is undoubtedly for Allah (swt) alone - but to suggest that to lapse and think about the Prophet reduces ones status to that of a farmyard animal is the type of comparison that is only fitting, having been uttered by those Shah Abdul Aziz had compared to animals.

The Nasibi fatwa that Shaythan can take the form of the Prophet (s)

This is the filth written by Ibn Taymeeya: Angels cannot help the people, but Shaytan can by appearing in human form, sometimes he can take the form of Ibrahim, Esau, Prophet Muhammad, Khizr ..." Al Waseela, by Ibn Taymeeya, translated into Urdu by Ehsan Ali Zaheer page 41, (Idara Tarjamun ul Sunna - Sheeysh Muhall) The Nasibis readily accuse others of being deceived by the devil and yet their Imam believes that the Devil can deceive the people by appearing as the Prophet (s).

The Nasibi fatwa that Shaythan fears Hadhrath Umar and not the Holy Prophet (s)

In Ahlul Sunnahs authentic Mishkat al Masabih we read:

The Prophet returned from one of the Holy Wars. When he came back a black girl came and said O Apostle of Allah! I have taken a vow that if Allah takes you back sound I shall beat this Daf in your presence with a song. The Apostle said if you have taken a vow then beat, and if not, not. Then she began to beat. Abu Bakr entered while she was beating, Thereafter Ali entered while she was beating. Usman entered while she was beating. Thereafter when Umar entered, she threw the Daf under her buttock and sat on it. The Apostle of Allah replied O Umar the Devil certainly fears you. I was sitting and she was beating, then Ali entered and she was beating. Then Usman entered and she was beating. When you entered O Omar she threw down the Daf.

Mishkat al Masabih by Tabrizi, English translation by al Haj Maulana Fazlul Karim under the Chapter dealing with the virtues of Umar Volume 4 hadith 14

This is an alleged hadith that the Nasibis propagate to their followers. First and foremost it is haraam for a man to listen to a woman singing. The Nasibis are therefore suggesting that the Prophet (s) was indulging in a sin! Then the Nasibi would want us to believe that Hadhrath Umar was the hero of the hour who brought this activity to an end. Hadhrath Umar saved the Prophet (s) from the clutches of Shaytan he had been taken in by the activity, as were Hadhrath Abu Bakr and Hadhrath Ali.

There is no other interpretation possible the words of the Prophet Only Shaytan is afraid of you proves that Hadhrath Umars rank is above that of the Prophet (s). Perhaps those that allege we view Imam Ali as better in rank than the Prophet (s) should stroke their long beards and ponder over this matter! Shaytan fear Hadhrath Umar not the Holy Prophet (s)! What utter nonsense! But then Nasibi ideology is nonsense. They proudly relay flaws in the Prophet (s)s character citing books joyfully recollecting the filthy fabricated traditions that we have cited earlier.

The Nasibi dont even flinch when they narrate these fairy tales the fact that this is the type of filth can only best be described, as ammunition for Christian Missionaries does not bother them in the slightest! Highlighting the Prophet (s) alleged wrongs are tolerated and permissible, but to highlight flaws in the companions can never be tolerated and makes you a kafir! The Nasibi have more respect for the companions than they do the Holy Prophet (s) hence an even more absurd fatwa.

The Nasibi belief that Hadhrath Abu Bakr was superior to previous Prophets

The Indian Nasibi Maulana Muhammad Naeem Lucknawi declares the following:

Hadhrath Abu Bakrs superiority can not be matched by Musa or Esa. Kitab ay Shahaadat by Maulana Muhammad Naeem Lucknawi, Volume 2 page 11 (Kurzan Press Publishers)

Can you believe this!This coming from the Nasibis mock the Shias for believing that the position of the Prophet (s) designated Imam is superior to previous prophets. We of course are referring to the duty upon the Imam is greater and cite countless Sunni traditions proving that Hadhrath Esa (as) will pray Salat behind Imam Mahdi (as). Compare this to the belief of the Nasibis one that degrades the Prophet (s)s life, believes that a stick is better than him, wants us to accept that Shaytan is scared of Hadhrath Umar and not the Prophet and that Hadhrath Abu Bakr is superior to previous Prophets!

The Nasibi substitution of the Kalima with the name of one of their Ulema

Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanvi (d. 1943) was a very famous leading Deobandi / Nasibi scholar from Pakistan. In his monthly magazine Al-Imdad he had the audacity to publish a letter written to him by one of his beloved Salafee adherents. This is what he wrote:

I see in a dream that while reciting the Kalima, There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah', I am using your name instead of 'Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah'. Thinking that I am wrong, I repeat the Kalima, but despite wishing in my heart to say it correctly, my tongue involuntarily says 'Ashraf Ali' instead of the Holy Prophet's name. When I wake up and remember my mistake in the Kalima, to make amends for the mistake I send blessings upon the Holy Prophet. However, I am still saying: 'O Allah, bless our master, prophet and leader Ashraf Ali', even though I am awake and not dreaming. But I am helpless, and my tongue is not in my control.

Al-Imdad, issue for the month of Safar, by Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanvi 1336 A.H., circa 1918, page 35

Thanvi in his reply to the letter (also printed straight after) interprets the dream as follows:

"In this incident, it was intended to satisfy you that the one to whom you turn [for spiritual guidance, i.e. Ashraf Ali]is a follower of the Holy Prophet's example"

Al-Imdad, issue for the month of Safar, by Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanvi 1336 A.H., circa 1918, page 35

Is there anything more outrageous than this? The Nasibis love for his Master is such that he substitutes the name of the Prophet (s) with that of Maulana Thanvi. Rather than condemn his follower for this kufr act, Thanvi seeks to rationalise the dream in order to elevate his position to his audience. Would it not have been incumbent on Thanvi to put his follower in his place putting this dream down to a Devils deception? If a Nasibi scholar condones an action that takes you out of Islam, and fails to rebuke the perpetrator for this act, what religion are the Nasibis following? What is left of Islam and the finality of the Prophethood if a Nasibi can substitute the Shahada in preference of his teacher and yet this is not deemed kufr? What faith should anyone have in the Nasibi Ulema in light of this blasphemy?

Nasibi alleged Dreams prove their disrespect of Rasulullah (s) and his Ahlul bayt (as)

In their efforts to prove their piety to the faithful the leading Deobandi scholars have been particularly fond of quoting alleged dreams. Whilst hadith can be disputed the alleged recipients of these dreams were so pleased with what they saw that they sought it fit to put pen to paper and present these dreams to a wider audience. We would ask our readers to look at these dreams and then decide whether this constitutes respect for the dignity of Rasulullah (s) and his Ahlul bayt (as).

A Deobandi Nasibi Maulana saved Rasulullah (s) from falling in to Hell

The Deobandi scholar Maulana Hussain Ali Bujruwee proudly alleges that he saw the following in a dream: I saw Rasulullah (s) and he took me to the bridge leading to Heaven, I saw him slipping from the bridge and I saved him. Mubsuraath al Bulgha Ahraan, by Maulana Hussain Ali Bujruwee, page 8 Rasulullah (s) came as a Mercy to the World to guide people to the right path, to ensure that they did not suffer eternal damnation in the next world, and here this third rate Deobandi Mullah claims he SAVED Rasulullah (s) from the fire. Those that allege that the Shia deem their Imams superior to Angels should take note.

Rasulullah (s) was taught Urdu by the Nasibis

Rashid Ahmad Gangohi, whilst extolling the virtues of the Deoband Madrassa (The main school of learning in Nasibi ideology in the Indian subcontinent) writes the following:

` Once a great scholar saw the Prophet (saws) in a dream speaking Urdu, he asked him where he learnt to speak Urdu when he was an Arabic speaker, the Prophet (saws) replied I learnt Urdu following my contact with the Deoband Madrassa.

Al Baraheynul Kathahaat, by Rashid Ahmad Gangohi, page 26 (published in Kutubkhana Imdaadeyaa, Deoband,Uttar Pradesh)

Is there no level that the Nasibis will stoop in seeking to deceive the people? They have the audacity to proclaim that they taught the Seal of all Prophets - whose sole mission was to teach mankind. This is the belief of scholars who claim that they and they alone are the upholders of truth. The ordinary Muslim would view seeing the Prophet (s) blessed shoe as better than his life and here we have a Nasibi scholar declaring that not only did he meet the Prophet (s) in a dream but also he attended the Madrassa of the Nasibis! We would like to pose this question to the Nasibi since their Imam ibn Taymeeya said that the devil can appear as the Prophet (saw), how do they know that it wasnt the devil who appeared as the Prophet (saw) claiming to have learned urdu from the Deobandis and not the actual Prophet? Was it not possible that Shaythan had appeared in order to give the Deobandis a false sense of superiority?

Sayyida Fatima (as) embraces a Nasibi Scholar

Allamah Ashraf Ali Thanvi claims to have been inspired by this dream:

"I dreamt that I saw Fatima (ra) taking me to her bosom, thereafter I became good" "Hafazathul Yaumia Thanvi" Volume 6 page 37

Thanvi might not have any shame but we would urge Muslims to think about the status of the person being defamed here, this is the daughter of Rasulullah (s), the Leader of the Women of Paradise (this hadith can be found in Sahih al Bukhari (English translation Volume 4 hadith number 819). Sayyida (as) exemplified piety and perfection and Muslims look to her as the perfect role model as a mother and daughter. Yet this third rate Nasibi claims that Sayyida Fatima (as) would embrace him, a non mahram man! May Allahs curse be upon thesepeople.

The Nasibis assault on Hadhrath Ayesha

Nasibi slander on Hadhrath Ayesha

Ibn Kathir writes the following:

Hadhrath Ayesha was accused of illicit relations. Those responsible for spreadingthis allegation were Hadhrath Abu Bakrs cousin Mustha bin Hasasa and the Prophets sister in law Humna binte Hajash and the poet Hasan bin Thabit. The Prophet ordered that they be flogged and they were punished accordingly"

al Bidayah al Nihaya by Ibn Kathir on page 160, Chapter "Dhir Ahfak" To those Nasibis who say that we slander Ayesha and thus are Kaffirs we invite them to ponder, the first to slander her were the companions hence they are kaffirs!

If you base Iman on love for Hadhrath Ayesha then we should remind the people that the Nasibis are guilty of this insult and yet target the Shias. This can be proven from the next wonderful hadith.

Nasibi attack on HadhrathAyeshas dignity

Before analysing the text let us pose the following questions to those with rational minds:

If two of your relatives went to your home and asked your mother about how to perform Ghusl after sex how would you react? Is it not an insult to ask such a question to your mother?

How would you feel if your mother then provided a practical demonstration by removing her clothes and taking a bath? With this in mind we invite you to ponder over this hadith:

Abu Salama b. 'Abd al-Rahman reported: I along with the foster brother of 'A'isha went to her and he asked about the bath of the Apostle (may peace be upon him) because of sexual intercourse. She called for a vessel equal to aSa ' and she took a bath, and there was a curtain between us and her. She poured water on her head thrice and he (Abu Salama) said: The wives of the Apostle (may peace be upon him) collected hair on their heads and these lopped up to ears (and did not go beyond that).

Sahih Muslim, Book 003, Number 0626:

Perhaps the Nasibis would be so kind as to answer these questions:

As the query was with regards to Ghusl after intercourse, could the two men not have obtained the information from one of the male companions?

As the matter was linked to Sexual intercourse both men must have been married so why couldnt they send their respective wives to ask this most delicate question?

Why would Aisha find it necessary to take a bath to demonstrate the point could she not have simply relayed actions verbally with her clothes on?

If there was a net between them that presumable acted as purdah does this not defeat the object of Aisha removing her clothes and demonstrating how Ghusl is performed?

The net clearly was NOT very thick, since they were able to observe that Aisha had placed her hair over her head they could even SEE her ears through it.

Is such a hadith not an insult on the dignity of Hadhrath Aisha?

Alhamdolillah we the Shi'a do NOT believe such hadith that attack the dignity of Hadhrath Aisha, it is unfortunate that Nasibis regard such traditions as Sahih. If those that slander Aisha are kaafir what about those that regard this hadith to be Sahih?

The Shaykhain's attack on Hadhrath Ayesha

We read the following in Sahih Muslim - Book 009, Number 3506:

Jabir b. 'Abdullah (Allah be pleased with them) reported: Abu Bakr (Allah be pleased with him) came and sought permission to see Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him). He found people sitting at his door and none amongst them had been granted permission, but it was granted to Abu Bakr and he went in. Then came 'Umar and he sought permission and it was granted to him, and he found Allah's Apostle (may peace be upon him) sitting sad and silent with his wives around him.

He (Hadrat 'Umar) said: I would say something which would make the Holy Prophet (may peace be upon him) laugh, so he said: Messenger of Allah, I wish you had seen (the treatment meted out to) the daughter of Khadija when you asked me some money, and I got up and slapped her on her neck. Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) laughed and said: They are around me as you see, asking for extra money. Abu Bakr (Allahbe pleased with him) then got up went to 'A'isha (Allah be pleased with her) and slapped her on the neck, and 'Umar stood up before Hafsa and slapped her saying: You ask Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) which he does not possess.

They said: By Allah, we do not ask Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) for anything he does not possess. Then he withdrew from them for a month or for twenty-nine days. Then this verse was revealed to him:" Prophet: Say to thy wives... for a mighty reward" (xxxiii. 28). He then went first to 'A'isha (Allahbe pleased with her) and said: I want to propound something to you, 'A'isha, but wish no hasty reply before you consult your parents.

She said: Messenger of Allah, what is that? He (the Holy Prophet) recited to her the verse, whereupon she said: Is it about you that I should consult my parents, Messenger of Allah? Nay, I choose Allah, His Messenger, and the Last Abode; but I ask you not to tell any of your wives what I have said He replied: Not one of them will ask me without my informing her. God did not send me to be harsh, or cause harm, but He has sent me to teach and make things easy.

The fact that the Shaykhain attacked their respective daughters is irrelevant BECAUSE they are Umm'ul Momineen of ALL MUSLIMS.

This being the case, Nasibis answer this:

If insulting Ummul Momineen makes you a kaafir what about those that attack them physically?

What sort of respect is this, attacking Rasulullah (s) wives in his blessed presence?

Hadhrath Abu Bakr attacks Hadhrath Ayesha and declares her an enemy of God

Imam of Ahlul Sunnah Abdul Hamid Ghazzali records the following in his classic Ihya Ulum-id-din:

Once there was an altercation between the Prophet and Hazrat Ayesha when they found Hazrat Abu Bakr as judge. Hazrat Ayesha said to the Prophet: You speak but dont speak except truth. At once Hazrat Abu Bakr gave her such a slap that blood began to ooze out from her mouth".

Ihya Ulum-id-din by Imam Ghazali, Volume 2 page 36, ChapterThe secrets of marriage English translation by Maulana Fazlul Karim. For those Nasibis who accuse the Shia of criticising Hadhrath Aisha we suggest they analyse this narration carefully. Can you get any greater insult that declaring the mother of the faithful an Enemy of God?

The Nasibis Kufr Fatwa on Hadhrath Ayesha

In the renowned book Mawaddathul Qurba by Imam of Ahlul Sunnah, Sayyid Ali Hamdani we read the following:

Hadhrath Ayesha narrates the Prophet said Allah asked meWhoever doesnt accept Alis khilafath and rebels and fights him as a kaffir and will perish in the fire Someone asked her Why did you rebel and fight him? She replied I forgot this Hadith on the Day of the Battle of Jamal, I remembered it again when I returned to Basra and I asked for Allahs forgiveness, I dont think that I will be forgiven for this sin"

Mawaddatul Qurba by S. Ali Hamdani page 32 under the chapter Mawaddatul Saum

We will all die one day and will reply for our deeds, look at your books and ponder over Hadhrath Ayeshas own admission. Mufti Muhammad Qulli has also recorded this Hadith in "Tashdheed al Muthain" and the Nasibis have expunged these words 'Wa ma asee un youqoon'

Hadhrath Ayesha's kufr Fatwa on Hadhrath Uthman

The pages of history are replete with these words uttered by Hadhrath Ayesha against Hadhrath Uthman:

Kill this old fool (Na'thal), for he is unbeliever"

63 Tarikh by Ibn Athir, v3, p206

Lisan al-Arab by Ibn Masur, v14, p141

al-Iqd al-Farid, v4, p290

Qadi Burhaniddin in Sirathul Halbiyya writes:

"Ameerul Momineen Alibin Abi Talib prior to Jamal write a letter to Ayesha saying "Only yesterday you said kill Uthman, May Allah kill him, Uthman has become a kaffir"

Sirathul Halabiyya Volume 3 page 356 "Muhjizatha Nabi"

Other classical Sunni sources have also recorded the same words of Imam Ali (as).

The issuing takfir on Uthman by Hadhrath Ayesha has been eulogised in poetry by Ubayd bin Abi Salmah:

"You ordered the murder of Uthman by stating he had become a kaffir".

Tadhkirathul Khawaas al Ummah, Ibn Jauzi page 38 "Dhikr Jamal"

Al Manaqib al Khawazmi page 117

Nasibis should know that kufr Fatwas are not just on Shias but also on your leader Uthman by your mother Ayesha. The issuing of takfir is a very serious matter, Abu Tharr narrates he heard Rasulullah (s) state:

"If somebody accuses another of Fusuq (by calling him 'Fasiq' i.e. a wicked person) or accuses him of Kufr, such an accusation will revert to him (i.e. the accuser) if his companion (the accused) is innocent."

Sahih al Bukhari, Volume 8 hadith number 71

In addition to this we also read that:

Ibn Umar related that the Holy Prophet said: If a Muslim calls another kafir, then if he is a kafir let it be so; otherwise, he [the caller] is himself a kafir.''

(Abu Dawud, Book of Sunna, edition published by Quran Mahal, Karachi, vol. iii, p. 484) Since Ayesha issued takfir upon Uthman then one of them became an infidel. The Nasibis need to decide which of themis the kafir here .

The Nasibi verdict that Hadhrath Ayesha hated Ali (as)

'Ali Muttaqi al Hind records the following:

Hadhrath Ali says Hadhrath Ayesha fought me because firstly being a woman she possessed a weak judgement and secondly she bore enmity towards me and it would open in the same way a pot is opened. She would have never fought anyone other than me in that way.

Kanz ul Ummal, by 'Ali Muttaqi al Hind Chapter 8 Kitab "Mawa azafee katheeya'thul taweela" In the authentic "Umdah al Qari fi Sharh Sahih al Bukhari", by Badr al Din Hanafi we read that:

HadhrathAyesha, could not bearing hearing a good thing about Ali, and this is solid evidence of her being an enemy of Ali, for Nasibis to proclaim that the narrators of these Hadith are weak is not a valid excuse, because this is testified in the annals of history. "Umdah al Qari fi Sharh Sahih al Bukhari", by Badr al Din Hanafi Sharrapage 720, Chapter 4 "Hud ul Mareez"

Hadhrath Ayesha's pleasure at the death of Sayyida Fatima (as)

In "Sharh Nahj ul Balagha", Ibn al Hadid records the following:

"When the Prophets daughter died all the wives except Ayesha came to console Banu Hashim and she said that she was unwell and the message which she sent to Hadhrath Ali (as) clearly depicts her joy at this sad occasion".

Sharra Nahj ul Balagha by Ibn al Hadid page 439 Chapter 2

The only way the Wahabis get round these texts is to declare them daif (weak).

The Shi'a position on Hadhrath Ayesha

We do not curse Hadhrath Ayesha; rather we only quote what can be found in the text of the Ahlul Sunnah as well as Allah (swt) words in the Quran. It is sad that when we quote Sunni texts we are called kaffir! Furthermore after a detailed analysis of the Quran and Sunnah it cannot be proven that the standard for determining Iman is Hadhrath Ayesha.

Nasibis rather than attacking the Shia why not answer these questions:

Are the Sahaba and wives of the Prophet (s) EXEMPT from Sharia? If Allah (swt) or Rasulullah (s) state something does that apply to ALL Muslims, or can the Sahaba and the wives of the Prophet (s) ignore these words?

Are the Sahaba liable to punishment if they commit transgression? Now with these answers in mind we should point out that your esteemed books are replete with traditions that make it clear that Rasulullah (s) said: "Loving Ali is the sign of belief, and hating Ali is the sign of hypocrisy."

Sahih Tirmidhi, v5, p643

So Nasibis could you answer us this:

(1) Are these hadith Sahih?

(2) Does it apply to all people?

(3) Did Ummul Momineen Ayesha hate Ali?

Moving on we also find this hadith:

Zaid bin Arqam narrates:

"Allah's Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said regarding 'Ali, Fatima, Hasan and Husain (Allahbe pleased with them all): I am at peace with those with whom you make peace and I am at war with those whom you make war",

1. Sunan Ibn-I-Majah, English translation by Muhammad Tufail Ansari, Volume 1 page 81;

2. Fada'il al-Sahaba, by Ahmad Ibn Hanbal, v2, p767, Tradition #1350;

3. al-Mustadrak, by al-Hakim, v3, p149

So Nasibis, answer us:

(1) Is this hadith Sahih?

(2) Does it apply to all people?

(3) What is the position of one who is at war with the Prophet, Muslim, Murtad, Munafiq or Kaafir?

Generosity

Generosity is the opposite of stinginess. It stands for offering money, food, or any other lawful gaining out of one’s free will. It is in fact the worthiest nature. As a sign of the unprecedented virtue of generosity is that you see every precious and appreciable thing is described as generous. For example, God says:

“This is a generous Quran (56:77).”

“A generous messenger came to them (44:17).” “And corn-fields and generous mansions (44:26).”

The The Ahlul-Bayt (a) therefore praised generosity laudably:

Imam as-Sadiq related that the Prophet (S) said:

“The best men in view of faith is the most openhanded1 .”

“The generous is close to Allah, close to people, and close to Paradise. The stingy is remote from Allah, remote from people, and close to Hell2 .”

Imam al-Baqir (a) said: “A generous young man who is plunging in sins is favorable, in the sight of Allah, to a niggardly old man who plunges in worship3 .”

“Spend and be sure that Allah will recompense you. Any male or female servant of Allah who behaves stingily in a field that pleases Allah will surely spend many folds in a field that displeases Him4 .”

Advantages of Generosity

A society cannot feel happy or tranquil unless its individuals feel the spirit of mutual sympathy and harmonize with each other in feelings and senses. Such being the case, the society will be just like a compact building. Mutual sympathy has a bright picture that shines with beauty and brilliance. Undoubtedly, the noblest, most beautiful, and most everlasting picture of mutual sympathy is the feelings of the wealthy individuals for the poor. Such feelings will surely ease the pains of poverty.

By the application of this noble humane principal, (namely, the principals of mutual sympathy) the poor will bear the feelings of amicability towards the wealthy, and this will help the community live happily.

From this cause, the Islamic Sharia has called for openhandedness and sympathy with the poor, and condemned the societies whose individuals suffer starvation and deprivation without finding any one who extends the hand of help towards them. It has also regarded the wealthy who do not help the poor as being very far-off Islam.

The Prophet (S) said: “He who begins his day without caring for the affairs of the Muslims is not a Muslim.”

“He who passes a night satiated while his neighbor is hungry has never believed in me. On the Day of Resurrection, Allah shall not look at the inhabitants of a village one of whose individuals is hungry5 .”

Fields of Generosity

Virtues of generosity vary according to its fields. The noblest virtue of generosity, however, is carrying out the obligations of the Sharia, such as the zakat6 , khums7 , and the like.

The Prophet (S) said: “The most generous is he who fulfills that which Allah has deemed obligatory upon him8 .”

Then comes the second criterion of generosity, which is the settlement of the dependents’ needs. In addition to its being obligatory in the sight of both the Sharia and traditions, this matter is very important because, naturally, a man’s family members are the worthiest of his charity and kindness.

Some individuals may behave abnormally in this regard. They may ignore this genuine natural principal and go on conferring generously on the strangers for seeking reputation, while they behave stingily with their family members who, such being the case, will live in neediness and suffer poverty. Such irregular behaviors are originated from meanness and foolishness.

Imam al-Kadhim (a) said: “Man’s dependents are his prisoners. Anyone upon whom Allah confers with graces should be generous towards his prisoners. If he does not, he will soon be deprived of these graces9 .”

Imam ar-Rida (a) said: “Man should save the requirements of his family members’ lives, so that they will not hope were he dead10 .”

It is a big mistake to deprive the relatives of such emotions and pour them on the foreigners, because such behavior is regarded as barefaced disgrace that arouses the relatives’ hatred and deprives of their sympathy. The true generous should begin with the nearest and the most beneficiary in his endowments, such as friends, neighbors, and people of virtue, because such classes are worthier of being treated generously.

Incentives of Generosity

The incentives of generosity vary according to individuals and reasons of openhandedness. The noblest incentive in this regard is that which is offered for the sake of God. The incentive may be the desire for gaining praise and glory and, in this case, the generous is regarded as the merchant who bargains with his generosity. The incentive may, also, be the desire for gaining something or being saved from a fearful harm. These two matters encourage generosity.

Love plays the greatest role in the encouragement on openhandedness for attracting and drawing the emotions of the beloved.

It is worth mentioning that the results and fruits of generosity will not be sweet unless it is freed from the reproachful reminding of the favor, the blemishes of procrastination, and the appearances of exaggeration.

Imam as-Sadiq (a) said: “Favors are worthless unless they are disregarded, veiled, and provided immediately. If you disregard your favors, you will surely revere the one to whom you have done that favor. If you cover up the favors that you do, you will surely accomplish your deeds. If you offer your favor as soon as possible, you will surely give it pleasantly; otherwise, you will destroy and give unpleasantly11 .”

Notes

1. Quoted from al-Wafi; part 6 page 67 (quoted from al-Kafi

2. Quoted from Bihar ul-Anwar; vol. 15 part 3 (quoted from al- Imama wat-Tabssira).

3. Quoted from al-Wafi; part 6 page 68 (quoted from al-Kafi and al-Faqih).

4. Quoted from al-Wafi; part 6 page 68 (quoted from al-Kafi).

5. Quoted from al-Kafi.

6. Zakat is the obligatory payment made annually under Islamic law on certain kinds of property and used for charitable and religious objects.

7. Khums is obligatory payment of one-fifth of the wealth made once under Islamic laws.

8. Quoted from al-Wafi; part 6 page 67 (as quoted from al- Faqih).

9. Quoted from al-Wafi; part 6 page 61 (as quoted from al-Kafi and al-Faqih).

10. Quoted from al-Wafi; part 6 page 61 (as quoted from al-Kafi and al-Faqih).

11. Quoted from Bihar ul-Anwar; 16 quoted from Kitab ul- Ahsara; 116 and Ilal ush-Sharaayi.

Altruism

Altruism is the noblest concept of generosity. Not everyone can adorn himself with this trait, because it is dedicated to the few ideal persons whom are characterized by openhandedness and who attained the climax of generosity as they gave liberally while they are in urgent need. They therefore preferred charity to the settlement of their needs. The holy Quran praises the virtues of such persons:

“They give preference to them over themselves - even concerning the things that they themselves urgently need (59:9).”

Imam as-Sadiq (a) said: “The best almsgiving is that which is given by the needy. Allah says:“They give preference to them over themselves - even concerning the things that they themselves urgently need (59:9) 1 .”

The Prophet (S) was the highest example of altruism: Jabir Ibn Abdullah said: The Prophet (S) had never refused anyone’s request.

Imam as-Sadiq (a) narrated: In al-Jirana, the Prophet (S) distributed the treasury among people. He gave every single individual who asked from him. As people crowded around him, they pushed him until he had to lean on a tree that scratched his back. People kept on pushing him until they took him away from that tree and his garment was hanged to one of its branches. He was shouting: “People, let me have my garment! By Allah I swear, even if I have treasures as many as the trees of Tuhama, I will distribute among you. You shall never find me coward or stingy2 .”

The Prophet (S) used to prefer the poor to himself. He used to give them his food while he suffered hunger to the degree that he, once, tied the stone of hunger on his stomach so as to share the pains of hunger with the poor.

Imam al-Baqir (a) said: “The Prophet (S) had never eaten his fill for three consecutive days since Allah gave him the Divine Mission3 .”

The The Ahlul-Bayt (a) were copies of the Prophet in the fields of generosity and altruism.

Imam as-Sadiq (a) narrated: Ali was the most similar to the Prophet. He used to eat bread with oil and serve people with bread and meat4.

The following holy Verse was revealed for Ali and his family:

“They feed the destitute, orphans, and captives for the love of Allah, saying: We only feed you for the sake of Allah and we do not want any reward or thanks from you (76:9).”

The disciples of The Ahlul-Bayt have unanimously agreed that the previous holy Verse was revealed for Ali, Fatima, al-Hasan, and al-Hussein (a). Moreover, a good deal of ulema of other sects have also asserted so.

Interpreting Sura of al-Insan, az-Zamakhshari records the following narration in his book titled Tafsir ul- Keshaf:

Ibn Abbas narrated:

The Prophet (S), with some of his companions, visited al-Hasan and al-Hussein who were sick. They suggested that Imam Ali should vow a three-day fasting if they would recover their health. The Imam, as well as their mother Fatima and Fudda their bondwoman implemented that suggestion. When al- Hasan and al-Hussein were healed, the group fasted. The Imam had no food at that time; therefore, he had to borrow three measures of barley from Shimon the Jew. In the first day, Fatima (a) milled and baked one of these measures. In the very time of breaking fast, a poor man knocked their door and said: “Peace be upon you; the family of Muhammad. I am a poor Muslim. Serve me with food and God may serve you from the food of Paradise.” The Imam gave him his share. The others pursued him and gave their shares. They passed that night without eating anything.

On the second day of their fasting, an orphan complaining hunger knocked their door in the time of breaking fast. They offered their shares and passed the second night without having anything except water.

On the third day and in the very time of breaking fast, a prisoner complaining hunger knocked their door asking for some food. They all offered him their shares before having anything of it.

On the fourth day, Imam Ali took al-Hasan and al- Hussein to the Prophet while they were trembling because of hunger. “I am very touched for what I see,” said the Prophet who walked with them to their house. There, he saw Fatima standing in her place of prayer while her belly was stuck to her back and her eyes were deep-set. He was affected by such a view. In the meantime, the Archangel Gabriel descended and said: “Muhammad, enjoy it. Allah may please you in connection to your household.” He then recited the Sura5 .

Notes

1. Quoted from al-Wafi; part 6 page 58 (as quoted from al- Faqih).

2. Quoted from Safinat ul-Bihar; 1/607 (as quoted from Ilal ush-Sharayi). Jirana is a place between Mecca and Ta’if.

3. Quoted from Safinat ul-Bihar; part 1 page 194 (as quoted from al-Kafi).

4. Quoted from Bihar ul-Anwar; vol. 9 page 538 (as quoted from al-Kafi).

5. Quoted from Sayyid A. Sharafuddin’s al-Kalimat ul-Gharraa; page 29.

Stinginess

Stinginess stands for the abstention from giving in situations of generosity. It is the opposite of generosity and among the mean features that cause humility, hatred, and disgrace. Islam has censured and warned the Muslims strongly against stinginess:

“It is you who are asked to spend for the cause of Allah, but some of you behave in a niggardly way. Whoever behaves miserly does so against his own soul. Allah is Self-sufficient and you are poor (47:38).”

“The stingy ones who try to make others stingy or those who hide the favors that Allah has bestowed on them. We have prepared a humiliating torment for the disbelievers (4:37).”

“Those who are avaricious of the favors that Allah has given them should not think that this is good for them. Avarice is evil and whatever they are avaricious about will be tied to their necks on the Day of Judgment (3:180).”

Imam as-Sadiq narrated on the authority of his fathers that Amirul-Mu'minin (a) once heard a man saying that stinginess is less forgivable than wronging. The Imam commented: “No, this is a lie. A wrong man may repent, seek Allah’s forgiveness, and correct his mistakes. But when one behaves in a stingy mood, he will not defray the zakat and almsgiving, will not regard his relatives, will not receive the guests hospitably, and will not spend his fortune in the cause of Allah and in the fields of charity. Paradise is forbidden for the stingy1 .”

“I wonder at the stingy who speeds towards the very destitution from which he wants to run away and misses the very ease of life which he covets. Consequently, he passes his life like the destitute, but will have to render an account in the next world like the rich2 .”

Disadvantages of Stinginess

Stinginess causes malice and hatred of the close as well as the foreigners. The closest individuals of the stingy may hope were he dead, because he deprives them of his fortune and they expect greedily to inherit him. Besides, the stingy is the most tiring: he exerts all efforts for collecting fortunes, but he does not enjoy them, because he very soon leaves all the fortunes to the heirs. Hence, “he passes his life in this world like the destitute, but will have to render an account in the next world like the rich.”

Forms of Stinginess

All forms of stinginess are abominable; yet, there is a variance among them. The most sinful form of stinginess is the refusal to defray the financial obligations that God has imposed upon Muslims for organizing their economical lives. Thus, the defects of stinginess vary among persons and states. For example, the stinginess of the wealthy is worse than that of the poor, and to behave stingily with the dependents, relatives, friends, and guests is uglier than it is with the foreigners.

Treatment of Stinginess

The advantages and disadvantages of stinginess should be kept in mind, because this may decrease the vehemence of stinginess. If this is not useful, the stingy should prompt himself to openhandedness for the desire of gaining good reputation. If a man feels at ease with openhandedness, he will discipline himself with sincerity and will like for himself to spend in the cause of God.

There are definite motives of stinginess. The treatment, then, is related to such motives. To stop these motives is to remove the effects.

The strongest motive of stinginess is fear of poverty, which is one of the evil inspirations of the Devil so as to prevent generosity. By its wise and unparalleled style, the holy Quran decides that stinginess is useless, but it brings about bankruptcy and deprivation:

“It is you who are asked to spend for the cause of Allah, but some of you behave in a niggardly way. Whoever behaves miserly does so against his own soul. Allah is Self-sufficient and you are poor (47:38).”

The holy Quran also decides that everything that is given or spent out of generosity will not go in vain; yet, God the All-generous will compensate for it:

“Whatever thing you spend, He exceeds it with reward, and He is the best of Sustainers. (34:39)”

The holy Quran continues to enjoin openhandedness, confirming that he who spends for God’s sake is lending God who will repay him many folds out of His extensive kindness:

“Spending money for the cause of Allah is as the seed from which seven ears may grow, each bearing one hundred grains. Allah gives in multiples to those whom He wants. Allah is Munificent and All- knowing. (2:261)”

The holy Quran addresses a horrible threat against those whom are enslaved by stinginess:

“Those who horde gold and silver and do not spend (anything out of it) for the cause of Allah, should know that their recompense will be a painful torment on the Day of Judgment and that their treasures will be heated by the fire of hell and pressed against their foreheads, sides and back with this remark: “These are your own treasures which you hoarded for yourselves. See for yourselves what they feel like.” (9:34-5)”

Among the other incentives of stinginess is fathers’ excessive care for the future of their sons. Such fathers will not spend their fortunes so as to save them for their sons, believing that such fortunes will protect their sons from poverty. Such an emotion, which is deep-rooted in man’s mentality, cannot be harmful or excessive if it is moderate, reasonable, and away from negligence and exaggeration. Nevertheless, it is unfit for people of reason to feel such an emotion so exaggeratively. The holy Quran warns fathers against the prevalence of this emotion over them so that they will not be seduced by the love for their sons:

“Know that your possessions and children are a temptation for you and that Allah has the greatest reward for the righteous ones. (8:28)”

The best word in this regard is the following missive of Amirul-Mu'minin (a):

“So then, the worldly collection, which is between your hands, was possessed before you and will be possessed by others after you. You are only hording for one of two men: a man who will use that fortune in the acts of obedience to Allah, and this fortune that you suffered unhappiness until you collected it will be the source of happiness for such an individual. The other man is that who will use the fortune that you collected in the fields of disobedience to Allah, and your hording will cause him unhappiness. None of these two men is worthy of being preferred to yourself or being burdened on your back; therefore, you should hope Allah’s mercy for the past and hope Allah’s sustenance for the remaining3 .”

Regarding God’s saying,

“That is how God will show them their regrettable deeds (2:167),”

Imam as-Sadiq (a) said: “The intendeds in the previous Verse are those who do not spend their fortunes in the ways of Allah and then die to leave them to others who will use them either in fields of obedience or disobedience to Allah. If the heirs use these fortunes in fields of obedience to Allah, those who collected them stingily will see them accounted with the good deeds of those heirs and, therefore, they will feel regretful for them. If the heirs use such fortunes in the fields of disobedience to Allah, the collectors will be regarded as assistants of those disobedient heirs4 .”

There are groups of people who love money maniacally for its being money, without considering it as the means to a pleasure in this world or the world to come. Such groups find their pleasures only in hording money and, then, they behave towards it extremely stingily.

This sort of love is considered as mania that causes unhappiness and perdition. Money is not the purpose; yet, it is only the means used for livelihood and the Hereafter. Money that is used for any other means is useless:

“Since wealth does not necessarily guarantee everlasting happiness, then why do you not show kindness to the orphans, or urge one another to feed the destitute? Why do you take away the inheritance of others indiscriminately and why do you have an excessive love of riches?

When the earth is crushed into small pieces and (when you find yourself) in the presence of your Lord and the rows and rows of angels, your greed for riches will certainly be of no avail to you. On that day, hell will be brought closer and the human being will come to his senses, but this will be of no avail to him. He will say,"Would that I had done some good deeds for this life." On that day, the punishment of Allah and His detention will be unparalleled. And His bonds will be such as none other can bind. (89: 17-26)”

“In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent the Merciful: Woe to every slanderer and backbiter who collects and hoards wealth, thinking that his property will make him live forever. By no means! They will be thrown into hutamah. Would that you knew what hutamah is! It is a fierce fire created by Allah to penetrate into the hearts. It will engulf them in its long columns of flames. (104)”

Amirul-Mu'minin (a) said: “This world is only termination, suffering, raids, and lessons. As a form of its termination is that, you see that the bows of time are strung, its arrows are put to use, its spears are not missing the target, and its wounds are incurable. It hits the healthy with ailment and hits the alive with death.

As a form of the suffering of this world is, that man gathers while he will not have what he gathers and builds but he will not reside in what he builds. Then he leaves to Allah without being able to carry the wealth or use his building. As a form of the raids of this world is that, you imminently see the lucky change into unlucky and the unlucky change into lucky. Between the two, there is nothing more than the luxury that vanished and the misery that befell. As a form of the lessons of this world is that a man becomes very near to achieve his expectation but suddenly death captures him5 .”

Notes

1. Quoted from al-Wafi; part 6 page 69 (as quoted from al- Kafi).

2. Quoted from Nahj ul-Balagha.

3. Quoted from Nahj ul-Balagha.

4. Quoted from al-Wafi; part 6 page 69 (as quoted from al-Kafi and al-Faqih).

5. Quoted from Safinat ul-Bihar; part 1 page 467.

Chastity

Chastity is the abstention from whatever is unallowable and unsuitable, such as excessive food and carnal appetites. It is among the noblest traits and highest features that indicate elevation of faith, self-honoring, and dignity:

The Prophet (S) said: “The two hollow things the stomach and the genitals, are the main reasons beyond my umma’s1 being in Hell2 .”

Imam al-Baqir (a) said: “The best worship in the sight of Allah is the chastity of the stomach and the genitals3 .”

A man said to Imam al-Baqir (a) that his practices of worship were weak and his prayers and days of fasting were few; however, he hope he would eat and copulate only in legal ways. The Imam answered: “No jihad is better than the chastity of the stomach and the genitals4 .”

Reality of Chastity

Chastity does not mean to deprive oneself of the legal desires of food and sex. It only represents the moderation in the use of such desires. As a matter of fact, negligence and excess are always harmful to humankind. The excessive desires for food and sex cause gross dangers to which we will refer in our discussion of gluttony. Shortage in such desires also causes deprivation of the life enjoyments and legal pleasures. It also causes bodily weakness as well as feebleness of energies and morale.

The Sought Moderation

It is difficult to identify the moderation in the desires for food and sex because of the different needs and energies of individuals. Moderation of an individual may be considered as exaggeration or shortage for another. The relative moderation is to have only the quantity that is sufficient, away from greed and fill. The best criterion in this regard is that which was stated by Amirul- Mu'minin:

“Son! May I instruct you four words after which you will no longer need medicine? Do not eat unless you are hungry. Stop eating while you are still hungry. Chew food deliberately. Before sleeping, go to toilet. You will not need medicine if you follow.”

“In the holy Quran, there is a Verse gathering the whole matter of medicine. It is:

“Eat and drink but do not be excessive.” (7:31) 5

Advantages of Chastity

Chastity achieves happiness on both levels of individuals and communities. It beautifies man, raises him above gluttony, guards him against flattery to the mean ones, and enjoins him to gain the means of living and desires of life through legal ways.

Notes

1. Umma stands for the Islamic community.

2. Quoted from Bihar ul-Anwar; vol. 15 part 2 page 183 (as quoted from al-Kafi).

3. Quoted from al-Wafi; part 3 page 65 (as quoted from al-Kafi).

4. Quoted from Bihar ul-Anwar; vol. 15 part 2 page 184 (as quoted from al-Barqi’s al-Mahasin. In al-Kafi, there is a similar narration).

5. Quoted from Safinat ul-Bihar; 2/79 (as quoted from ar- Rawandi’s ad-Dawaat).

Gluttony

Gluttony is the opposite of chastity. It stands for the excessive desires for food and sex. It is a mean tendency indicating self-feebleness, greedy nature, and slavery of instincts.

Amirul-Mu'minin (a) said: “He who wants to survive, yet no one will survive forever, should ease his back from the burdens of debts-, have the food as early as possible, and reduce copulation with women1 .”

Once, Amirul-Mu'minin (a) ate some dates, drank water, and then beat on his stomach with his hand and said: “Away with him who lets his stomach cause him to be in Hell.” He then recited the poetic verse:

Whenever you respond to the desires of your stomach and genitals, they both will give nothing but the extreme dispraise2 .

Imam as-Sadiq (a) said: “Gluttony is the source of every malady except fever, which appears to the body3 .”

“The sated stomach overdoes4 .”

“Allah hates the overeating5 .”

Abu al-Hasan (a) said: “If people have moderate food, their bodies will be healthy6 .”

Disadvantages of Gluttony

It is not unacceptable to say that gluttony, charms of the falsities of life, and attraction of luxury and lavish expenditure have been the main elements of retardation. All these elements have taken the nations into corruption. Overeating, for example, has many bad results. Modern medicine has proved that most of the diseases, curls, lines on the skins that deform the attractive lineaments of men and women, accumulation of fats, deepness of eyes, exhausting powers, and ailed mentalities the reason of all these defects is the continuous gluttony and the fatty foods. It has been also proved that overeating exhausts the stomach and creates various sorts of healthy troubles, such as arteriosclerosis, angina pectoris, hypertension, and diabetes.

The sexual gluttony also causes similar defects, such as impotence of the public health, disappearance of nervous power, and vanishing of vitality.

Treatment of Gluttony

• It is necessary for the overeater to keep in mind the advantages of chastity and ponder over the disadvantages of gluttony.

• It is necessary for the overeater to try his best to train himself on moderate food. The protective and remedial constitution of health is the moderation of food and the avoidance of overeating. This constitution is summarized in the holy Verse:

“Eat and drink but do not be excessive.” (7:31)

The treatment of the sexual gluttony is as follows:

• Keeping in mind the dangers of sexual excess and moral and material corruptions.

• Striving the simulative of sexual desires, such as looking at the beauties of women, mixing of the sexes, excessive sexual imagination, and daydreams.

Notes

1. Quoted from Bihar ul-Anwar; vol. 14 page 545 (as quoted from Tibb ul-Ayimma).

2. Quoted from Safinat ul-Bihar; vol. 1 page 27.

3. Quoted from al-Wafi; part 11 page 67 (as quoted from al- Kafi).

4. Quoted from al-Wafi; part 11 page 67 (as quoted from al-Faqih).

5. Quoted from al-Wafi; part 11 page 67 (as quoted from al- Kafi).

6. Quoted from Bihar ul-Anwar; 14/876 (as quoted from al- Barqi’s al-Mahasin).

Faithfulness and Breach

Faithfulness is the fulfillment of the deposited rights. It is the opposite of breach and one of the noblest traits and most dignified qualities that achieve admiration and success.

The opposite of faithfulness is breach, which stands for the seizure and usurpation of rights. It is one of the meanest qualities and nastiest manners that cause indignity, failure, and disappointment.

Therefore, reports and traditions urged faithfulness and warned against breach:

“Allah commands you to return that which had been entrusted to you to the rightful owners. Be just when passing judgment among people. Allah's advice is the most noble. (4:58)”

“Believers, do not be dishonest to Allah and the Messengers or knowingly abuse your trust. (8:27)”

The Prophet (S) said: “My umma will be kept in goodness so long as they do not breach the trusts of each other, keep on fulfilling their trusts, and defray the zakat; otherwise, they will be inflicted with famine and harsh years of draught1 .”

“The fulfillment of the trusts brings sustenance, while treachery causes poverty2 .”

“He who breaches the trust is not one of us.”

Imam as-Sadiq (a) said: “Do not be deceived by their very much offering of prayers and observance of fasting. In fact, prayers and fasting have become habits that they feel desolate if they omit them. You should test them by their truthfulness and fulfillment of trusts3 .”

“Abide by God-fearing and fulfillment of the trusts of them who deposit things with you. If the killer of Ali Ibn Abi Talib deposits with me a trust, I will surely keep it for him4 .”

Advantages of Faithfulness and Disadvantages of Breach

Faithfulness plays a great role in the lives of nations. It is the system of their deeds, the support of their affairs, the title of their nobility, and the way to their moral and material development. The faithful individuals win the others’ admiration, trust, love, and confidence. Besides, such individuals will win shares in people’s fortunes and profits.

This fact is applicable to all nations whose lives cannot advance without the surroundings of confidence. Through faithfulness, the Arabs could control the reins of economy and keys of industry and commerce that brought abundant profits. Unfortunately, Muslims, thereafter, neglected faithfulness; therefore, they failed and were disappointed.

Thus, breach of trusts is one of the major reasons of failure. It is a serious factor causing mutual mistrust, enmity, and fear. Such factor results in social corruption, loose of ties, waste of interests, and dissipation of energies.

Forms of Breach

There are many forms of breach that vary in the scope of its cruelty, crimes, and results. The evilest form is treason that is committed by the thinkers and writers who violate the sacred facts of science by means of distortion and misrepresentation. The divulgement of Muslims’ secrets is another form of breach. A third one is the breach of the deposits. To confiscate such deposits is surely a double crime of breach, larceny, and usurpation. There are many other repulsive forms of breach that injure both the individuals and communities, such as trickery, cheating, deficient measurements, fraud, and dishonesty.

Notes

1. Quoted from as-Saduq’s Thawab ul-A’mal.

2. Quoted from al-Wafi; part 10 page 112 (as quoted from al- Kafi).

3. Quoted from al-Wafi; part 3 page 82 (as quoted from al-Kafi).

4. Quoted from al-Wafi; part 10 page 112 (as quoted from al- Kafi and Tahdhib).

Fraternity

Spiritual Fraternity

The pre-Islamic era was a stage of tragedies in the various mental and material fields. Moral dissolution and disorder were the most horrible tragedies that caused people to practice natures of beasts, law of jungle, disagreement, fighting, killing, usurpation, and declamation of revenge and retaliation.

When the dawn of Islam rose to spread its lights over humankind, it could, through its immortal principles and unparalleled constitution, stop these tragedies and cut off these combats. Then, it changed these ignorant herds into “the best nation that ever existed among humanity1 .”

Faith replaced atheism, order replaced disorder, knowledge replaced ignorance, peace replaced war, and mercy replaced retaliation.

Thus, these concepts faded away and were replaced by the new Islamic principles. The Prophet (S) began to establish that ideal nation whose individuals were unique in order, morals, and perfection. As they progressed under the pennon of the holy Quran and the leadership of the Prophet (S), Muslims flew in the horizons of generosity until they could achieve the principle of fraternity in such a method that could not be achieved by any other code. Moreover, the ties of belief became stronger than those of kinship, and, likewise, the bonds of faith exalted over the tribal and national bonds. Muslims, hence, became a united nation of compact lineup, high edifice, and fluttering pennon:

“People, we have created you all male and female and have made you nations and tribes so that you would recognize each other. The most honorable among you in the sight of Allah is the most pious of you. Allah is All-knowing and All-aware (49:13).”

The holy Quran went on implanting the concepts of spiritual fraternity in the mentalities through numerous Verses compacted by a remarkable and wise style.

The Quran, once, legislates fraternity as a law that should be applied by Muslims:

“Believers are each other's brothers. Restore peace among your brothers. Have fear of Allah so that perhaps you will receive mercy (49:10).”

On another occasion, the Quran confirms the law of fraternity and warns against factors of disagreement, reminding of the grace of the Islamic fraternity and harmony after long periods of disagreement and fighting:

“All of you united hold fast to the rope of Allah, and recall how He favored you when your hostility to each other had torn you apart. He united your hearts in one faith and through His grace you became brothers (3:103).”

In abstract, Islam has exerted all efforts for strengthening the spiritual fraternity among Muslims and protecting it against trends of disagreement and separation through the constitution of the social ties.

As a model, we provide the following:

 The Islamic constitution of the social ties took Muslims’ emotions and feelings far above the slavery of the tribal sectarianism to guide them to the noblest aim; namely, the obedience to God and the seeking of His satisfaction. Love, hate, giving, deprivation, support, and disappointment all these should be for the sake of God. Such being the case, the handles of fraternity will become firmer and Muslims will become the like of the well-established building each part of which strengthens the other.

The Prophet (S) said: “The mutual love of the believers that is intended sincerely for the sake of Allah is one of the greatest classes of faith. He who loves, hates, gives, deprives all for the sake of Allah is surely one of the choices of Allah2 .”

Imam as-Sajjad (a) said: “When Allah will gather the past and the late generations on the Day of Resurrection, a caller that everybody will hear will cry out on those who loved each other for the sake of Allah. A few people will stand up. They will be sent to Paradise without being rendered to judgment. In their way to Paradise, the angels will meet and ask them. ‘We are going to our abodes in Paradise without being rendered to judgment,’ they will answer. As the angels ask them about their class, they will answer, ‘We loved each other for the sake of Allah.’ As the angels ask them about their deeds due to which they have gained such a rank, they will answer, ‘We loved and hated for the sake of Allah.’ The angels then will say: Very well is the reward of the doers of charity3 .”

Imam al-Baqir (a) said: “If you want to know whether you are to the good or not, you should test your heart: if it loves the people of obedience to Allah and hates the people of disobedient to Him, you are then to the good and Allah loves you. If your heart hates the people of the obedience to Allah and loves the people of the disobedience to Him, you are then not to the good and Allah hates you. Certainly, man will be attached to the one whom he loved4 .”

Imam as-Sadiq (a) said: “On the Day of Resurrection, those who love each other purely for the sake of Allah will be on luminous stages; the light of their faces, bodies, stages, and everything will be shining so that shining will be their distinctive feature and everybody will point to them and say those loved each other for the sake of Allah5 .”

“He who does not love or hate for the sake of the religion is not Muslim6 .”

The Islamic constitution of the social ties enjoined Muslims to adhere to the factors of coalition, dignity, and luxury, such as exhorting each other to the right, helping each other in fields of piety, supporting each other for the achievement of justice, and joining the forces in the economical fields of life. According to the Islamic Sharia, all Muslims are one family whose matters of happiness and unhappiness are the same. The constitution of such a family is:

“Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah and those with him are stern to the disbelievers yet kind among themselves. (48:29)”

And the slogan is the saying of the Prophet (S):

“He who begins his day without caring for the affairs of the Muslims is not a Muslim.”

The Islamic constitution of the social ties warned Muslims against all factors of separation, hostility, obscenity, backbiting, tale bearing, breach, and cheating as well as all other matters that arouse seditions and rancor. The Muslims’ principal in this point is the Prophet’s saying:

“The true believer is only he whom Muslims can trust in regard with their estates and souls. The true Muslim is only he whom Muslims are saved from his hand physical harm- and tongue- verbal harm-. The true Muhajir7 emigrant- is that who deserts the sins8 .”

 The Islamic constitution of the social ties granted the opportunities of improving friendly relations between Muslims, such as exchanging visits, frequenting religious circles, and witnessing Islamic gatherings such as collective prayers, hajj9 , and the like.

Notes

1. Quoted from the holy Quran; 3:110.

2. Quoted from al-Wafi; part 3 page 89 (as quoted from al- Kafi).

3. Quoted from Bihar ul-Anwar; vol. 15 part 1 page 283 (as quoted from al-Kafi).

4. Quoted from al-Wafi; part 3 page 90 (as quoted from al-Kafi).

5. Quoted from al-Wafi; part 3 page 89 (as quoted from al- Kafi).

6. Quoted from al-Wafi; part 3 page 90 (as quoted from al-Kafi).

7. Muhajirs: The emigrants. The early Muslims of Mecca who had to flee their homeland to Medina.

8. Quoted from al-Wafi; part 3 page 99 (as quoted from al- Kafi).

9. Hajj is the pilgrimage to the Sacred Mosque at Mecca undertaken in the twelfth month of the Hijri year and constituting one of the religious duties of Islam.

Generosity

Generosity is the opposite of stinginess. It stands for offering money, food, or any other lawful gaining out of one’s free will. It is in fact the worthiest nature. As a sign of the unprecedented virtue of generosity is that you see every precious and appreciable thing is described as generous. For example, God says:

“This is a generous Quran (56:77).”

“A generous messenger came to them (44:17).” “And corn-fields and generous mansions (44:26).”

The The Ahlul-Bayt (a) therefore praised generosity laudably:

Imam as-Sadiq related that the Prophet (S) said:

“The best men in view of faith is the most openhanded1 .”

“The generous is close to Allah, close to people, and close to Paradise. The stingy is remote from Allah, remote from people, and close to Hell2 .”

Imam al-Baqir (a) said: “A generous young man who is plunging in sins is favorable, in the sight of Allah, to a niggardly old man who plunges in worship3 .”

“Spend and be sure that Allah will recompense you. Any male or female servant of Allah who behaves stingily in a field that pleases Allah will surely spend many folds in a field that displeases Him4 .”

Advantages of Generosity

A society cannot feel happy or tranquil unless its individuals feel the spirit of mutual sympathy and harmonize with each other in feelings and senses. Such being the case, the society will be just like a compact building. Mutual sympathy has a bright picture that shines with beauty and brilliance. Undoubtedly, the noblest, most beautiful, and most everlasting picture of mutual sympathy is the feelings of the wealthy individuals for the poor. Such feelings will surely ease the pains of poverty.

By the application of this noble humane principal, (namely, the principals of mutual sympathy) the poor will bear the feelings of amicability towards the wealthy, and this will help the community live happily.

From this cause, the Islamic Sharia has called for openhandedness and sympathy with the poor, and condemned the societies whose individuals suffer starvation and deprivation without finding any one who extends the hand of help towards them. It has also regarded the wealthy who do not help the poor as being very far-off Islam.

The Prophet (S) said: “He who begins his day without caring for the affairs of the Muslims is not a Muslim.”

“He who passes a night satiated while his neighbor is hungry has never believed in me. On the Day of Resurrection, Allah shall not look at the inhabitants of a village one of whose individuals is hungry5 .”

Fields of Generosity

Virtues of generosity vary according to its fields. The noblest virtue of generosity, however, is carrying out the obligations of the Sharia, such as the zakat6 , khums7 , and the like.

The Prophet (S) said: “The most generous is he who fulfills that which Allah has deemed obligatory upon him8 .”

Then comes the second criterion of generosity, which is the settlement of the dependents’ needs. In addition to its being obligatory in the sight of both the Sharia and traditions, this matter is very important because, naturally, a man’s family members are the worthiest of his charity and kindness.

Some individuals may behave abnormally in this regard. They may ignore this genuine natural principal and go on conferring generously on the strangers for seeking reputation, while they behave stingily with their family members who, such being the case, will live in neediness and suffer poverty. Such irregular behaviors are originated from meanness and foolishness.

Imam al-Kadhim (a) said: “Man’s dependents are his prisoners. Anyone upon whom Allah confers with graces should be generous towards his prisoners. If he does not, he will soon be deprived of these graces9 .”

Imam ar-Rida (a) said: “Man should save the requirements of his family members’ lives, so that they will not hope were he dead10 .”

It is a big mistake to deprive the relatives of such emotions and pour them on the foreigners, because such behavior is regarded as barefaced disgrace that arouses the relatives’ hatred and deprives of their sympathy. The true generous should begin with the nearest and the most beneficiary in his endowments, such as friends, neighbors, and people of virtue, because such classes are worthier of being treated generously.

Incentives of Generosity

The incentives of generosity vary according to individuals and reasons of openhandedness. The noblest incentive in this regard is that which is offered for the sake of God. The incentive may be the desire for gaining praise and glory and, in this case, the generous is regarded as the merchant who bargains with his generosity. The incentive may, also, be the desire for gaining something or being saved from a fearful harm. These two matters encourage generosity.

Love plays the greatest role in the encouragement on openhandedness for attracting and drawing the emotions of the beloved.

It is worth mentioning that the results and fruits of generosity will not be sweet unless it is freed from the reproachful reminding of the favor, the blemishes of procrastination, and the appearances of exaggeration.

Imam as-Sadiq (a) said: “Favors are worthless unless they are disregarded, veiled, and provided immediately. If you disregard your favors, you will surely revere the one to whom you have done that favor. If you cover up the favors that you do, you will surely accomplish your deeds. If you offer your favor as soon as possible, you will surely give it pleasantly; otherwise, you will destroy and give unpleasantly11 .”

Notes

1. Quoted from al-Wafi; part 6 page 67 (quoted from al-Kafi

2. Quoted from Bihar ul-Anwar; vol. 15 part 3 (quoted from al- Imama wat-Tabssira).

3. Quoted from al-Wafi; part 6 page 68 (quoted from al-Kafi and al-Faqih).

4. Quoted from al-Wafi; part 6 page 68 (quoted from al-Kafi).

5. Quoted from al-Kafi.

6. Zakat is the obligatory payment made annually under Islamic law on certain kinds of property and used for charitable and religious objects.

7. Khums is obligatory payment of one-fifth of the wealth made once under Islamic laws.

8. Quoted from al-Wafi; part 6 page 67 (as quoted from al- Faqih).

9. Quoted from al-Wafi; part 6 page 61 (as quoted from al-Kafi and al-Faqih).

10. Quoted from al-Wafi; part 6 page 61 (as quoted from al-Kafi and al-Faqih).

11. Quoted from Bihar ul-Anwar; 16 quoted from Kitab ul- Ahsara; 116 and Ilal ush-Sharaayi.

Altruism

Altruism is the noblest concept of generosity. Not everyone can adorn himself with this trait, because it is dedicated to the few ideal persons whom are characterized by openhandedness and who attained the climax of generosity as they gave liberally while they are in urgent need. They therefore preferred charity to the settlement of their needs. The holy Quran praises the virtues of such persons:

“They give preference to them over themselves - even concerning the things that they themselves urgently need (59:9).”

Imam as-Sadiq (a) said: “The best almsgiving is that which is given by the needy. Allah says:“They give preference to them over themselves - even concerning the things that they themselves urgently need (59:9) 1 .”

The Prophet (S) was the highest example of altruism: Jabir Ibn Abdullah said: The Prophet (S) had never refused anyone’s request.

Imam as-Sadiq (a) narrated: In al-Jirana, the Prophet (S) distributed the treasury among people. He gave every single individual who asked from him. As people crowded around him, they pushed him until he had to lean on a tree that scratched his back. People kept on pushing him until they took him away from that tree and his garment was hanged to one of its branches. He was shouting: “People, let me have my garment! By Allah I swear, even if I have treasures as many as the trees of Tuhama, I will distribute among you. You shall never find me coward or stingy2 .”

The Prophet (S) used to prefer the poor to himself. He used to give them his food while he suffered hunger to the degree that he, once, tied the stone of hunger on his stomach so as to share the pains of hunger with the poor.

Imam al-Baqir (a) said: “The Prophet (S) had never eaten his fill for three consecutive days since Allah gave him the Divine Mission3 .”

The The Ahlul-Bayt (a) were copies of the Prophet in the fields of generosity and altruism.

Imam as-Sadiq (a) narrated: Ali was the most similar to the Prophet. He used to eat bread with oil and serve people with bread and meat4.

The following holy Verse was revealed for Ali and his family:

“They feed the destitute, orphans, and captives for the love of Allah, saying: We only feed you for the sake of Allah and we do not want any reward or thanks from you (76:9).”

The disciples of The Ahlul-Bayt have unanimously agreed that the previous holy Verse was revealed for Ali, Fatima, al-Hasan, and al-Hussein (a). Moreover, a good deal of ulema of other sects have also asserted so.

Interpreting Sura of al-Insan, az-Zamakhshari records the following narration in his book titled Tafsir ul- Keshaf:

Ibn Abbas narrated:

The Prophet (S), with some of his companions, visited al-Hasan and al-Hussein who were sick. They suggested that Imam Ali should vow a three-day fasting if they would recover their health. The Imam, as well as their mother Fatima and Fudda their bondwoman implemented that suggestion. When al- Hasan and al-Hussein were healed, the group fasted. The Imam had no food at that time; therefore, he had to borrow three measures of barley from Shimon the Jew. In the first day, Fatima (a) milled and baked one of these measures. In the very time of breaking fast, a poor man knocked their door and said: “Peace be upon you; the family of Muhammad. I am a poor Muslim. Serve me with food and God may serve you from the food of Paradise.” The Imam gave him his share. The others pursued him and gave their shares. They passed that night without eating anything.

On the second day of their fasting, an orphan complaining hunger knocked their door in the time of breaking fast. They offered their shares and passed the second night without having anything except water.

On the third day and in the very time of breaking fast, a prisoner complaining hunger knocked their door asking for some food. They all offered him their shares before having anything of it.

On the fourth day, Imam Ali took al-Hasan and al- Hussein to the Prophet while they were trembling because of hunger. “I am very touched for what I see,” said the Prophet who walked with them to their house. There, he saw Fatima standing in her place of prayer while her belly was stuck to her back and her eyes were deep-set. He was affected by such a view. In the meantime, the Archangel Gabriel descended and said: “Muhammad, enjoy it. Allah may please you in connection to your household.” He then recited the Sura5 .

Notes

1. Quoted from al-Wafi; part 6 page 58 (as quoted from al- Faqih).

2. Quoted from Safinat ul-Bihar; 1/607 (as quoted from Ilal ush-Sharayi). Jirana is a place between Mecca and Ta’if.

3. Quoted from Safinat ul-Bihar; part 1 page 194 (as quoted from al-Kafi).

4. Quoted from Bihar ul-Anwar; vol. 9 page 538 (as quoted from al-Kafi).

5. Quoted from Sayyid A. Sharafuddin’s al-Kalimat ul-Gharraa; page 29.

Stinginess

Stinginess stands for the abstention from giving in situations of generosity. It is the opposite of generosity and among the mean features that cause humility, hatred, and disgrace. Islam has censured and warned the Muslims strongly against stinginess:

“It is you who are asked to spend for the cause of Allah, but some of you behave in a niggardly way. Whoever behaves miserly does so against his own soul. Allah is Self-sufficient and you are poor (47:38).”

“The stingy ones who try to make others stingy or those who hide the favors that Allah has bestowed on them. We have prepared a humiliating torment for the disbelievers (4:37).”

“Those who are avaricious of the favors that Allah has given them should not think that this is good for them. Avarice is evil and whatever they are avaricious about will be tied to their necks on the Day of Judgment (3:180).”

Imam as-Sadiq narrated on the authority of his fathers that Amirul-Mu'minin (a) once heard a man saying that stinginess is less forgivable than wronging. The Imam commented: “No, this is a lie. A wrong man may repent, seek Allah’s forgiveness, and correct his mistakes. But when one behaves in a stingy mood, he will not defray the zakat and almsgiving, will not regard his relatives, will not receive the guests hospitably, and will not spend his fortune in the cause of Allah and in the fields of charity. Paradise is forbidden for the stingy1 .”

“I wonder at the stingy who speeds towards the very destitution from which he wants to run away and misses the very ease of life which he covets. Consequently, he passes his life like the destitute, but will have to render an account in the next world like the rich2 .”

Disadvantages of Stinginess

Stinginess causes malice and hatred of the close as well as the foreigners. The closest individuals of the stingy may hope were he dead, because he deprives them of his fortune and they expect greedily to inherit him. Besides, the stingy is the most tiring: he exerts all efforts for collecting fortunes, but he does not enjoy them, because he very soon leaves all the fortunes to the heirs. Hence, “he passes his life in this world like the destitute, but will have to render an account in the next world like the rich.”

Forms of Stinginess

All forms of stinginess are abominable; yet, there is a variance among them. The most sinful form of stinginess is the refusal to defray the financial obligations that God has imposed upon Muslims for organizing their economical lives. Thus, the defects of stinginess vary among persons and states. For example, the stinginess of the wealthy is worse than that of the poor, and to behave stingily with the dependents, relatives, friends, and guests is uglier than it is with the foreigners.

Treatment of Stinginess

The advantages and disadvantages of stinginess should be kept in mind, because this may decrease the vehemence of stinginess. If this is not useful, the stingy should prompt himself to openhandedness for the desire of gaining good reputation. If a man feels at ease with openhandedness, he will discipline himself with sincerity and will like for himself to spend in the cause of God.

There are definite motives of stinginess. The treatment, then, is related to such motives. To stop these motives is to remove the effects.

The strongest motive of stinginess is fear of poverty, which is one of the evil inspirations of the Devil so as to prevent generosity. By its wise and unparalleled style, the holy Quran decides that stinginess is useless, but it brings about bankruptcy and deprivation:

“It is you who are asked to spend for the cause of Allah, but some of you behave in a niggardly way. Whoever behaves miserly does so against his own soul. Allah is Self-sufficient and you are poor (47:38).”

The holy Quran also decides that everything that is given or spent out of generosity will not go in vain; yet, God the All-generous will compensate for it:

“Whatever thing you spend, He exceeds it with reward, and He is the best of Sustainers. (34:39)”

The holy Quran continues to enjoin openhandedness, confirming that he who spends for God’s sake is lending God who will repay him many folds out of His extensive kindness:

“Spending money for the cause of Allah is as the seed from which seven ears may grow, each bearing one hundred grains. Allah gives in multiples to those whom He wants. Allah is Munificent and All- knowing. (2:261)”

The holy Quran addresses a horrible threat against those whom are enslaved by stinginess:

“Those who horde gold and silver and do not spend (anything out of it) for the cause of Allah, should know that their recompense will be a painful torment on the Day of Judgment and that their treasures will be heated by the fire of hell and pressed against their foreheads, sides and back with this remark: “These are your own treasures which you hoarded for yourselves. See for yourselves what they feel like.” (9:34-5)”

Among the other incentives of stinginess is fathers’ excessive care for the future of their sons. Such fathers will not spend their fortunes so as to save them for their sons, believing that such fortunes will protect their sons from poverty. Such an emotion, which is deep-rooted in man’s mentality, cannot be harmful or excessive if it is moderate, reasonable, and away from negligence and exaggeration. Nevertheless, it is unfit for people of reason to feel such an emotion so exaggeratively. The holy Quran warns fathers against the prevalence of this emotion over them so that they will not be seduced by the love for their sons:

“Know that your possessions and children are a temptation for you and that Allah has the greatest reward for the righteous ones. (8:28)”

The best word in this regard is the following missive of Amirul-Mu'minin (a):

“So then, the worldly collection, which is between your hands, was possessed before you and will be possessed by others after you. You are only hording for one of two men: a man who will use that fortune in the acts of obedience to Allah, and this fortune that you suffered unhappiness until you collected it will be the source of happiness for such an individual. The other man is that who will use the fortune that you collected in the fields of disobedience to Allah, and your hording will cause him unhappiness. None of these two men is worthy of being preferred to yourself or being burdened on your back; therefore, you should hope Allah’s mercy for the past and hope Allah’s sustenance for the remaining3 .”

Regarding God’s saying,

“That is how God will show them their regrettable deeds (2:167),”

Imam as-Sadiq (a) said: “The intendeds in the previous Verse are those who do not spend their fortunes in the ways of Allah and then die to leave them to others who will use them either in fields of obedience or disobedience to Allah. If the heirs use these fortunes in fields of obedience to Allah, those who collected them stingily will see them accounted with the good deeds of those heirs and, therefore, they will feel regretful for them. If the heirs use such fortunes in the fields of disobedience to Allah, the collectors will be regarded as assistants of those disobedient heirs4 .”

There are groups of people who love money maniacally for its being money, without considering it as the means to a pleasure in this world or the world to come. Such groups find their pleasures only in hording money and, then, they behave towards it extremely stingily.

This sort of love is considered as mania that causes unhappiness and perdition. Money is not the purpose; yet, it is only the means used for livelihood and the Hereafter. Money that is used for any other means is useless:

“Since wealth does not necessarily guarantee everlasting happiness, then why do you not show kindness to the orphans, or urge one another to feed the destitute? Why do you take away the inheritance of others indiscriminately and why do you have an excessive love of riches?

When the earth is crushed into small pieces and (when you find yourself) in the presence of your Lord and the rows and rows of angels, your greed for riches will certainly be of no avail to you. On that day, hell will be brought closer and the human being will come to his senses, but this will be of no avail to him. He will say,"Would that I had done some good deeds for this life." On that day, the punishment of Allah and His detention will be unparalleled. And His bonds will be such as none other can bind. (89: 17-26)”

“In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent the Merciful: Woe to every slanderer and backbiter who collects and hoards wealth, thinking that his property will make him live forever. By no means! They will be thrown into hutamah. Would that you knew what hutamah is! It is a fierce fire created by Allah to penetrate into the hearts. It will engulf them in its long columns of flames. (104)”

Amirul-Mu'minin (a) said: “This world is only termination, suffering, raids, and lessons. As a form of its termination is that, you see that the bows of time are strung, its arrows are put to use, its spears are not missing the target, and its wounds are incurable. It hits the healthy with ailment and hits the alive with death.

As a form of the suffering of this world is, that man gathers while he will not have what he gathers and builds but he will not reside in what he builds. Then he leaves to Allah without being able to carry the wealth or use his building. As a form of the raids of this world is that, you imminently see the lucky change into unlucky and the unlucky change into lucky. Between the two, there is nothing more than the luxury that vanished and the misery that befell. As a form of the lessons of this world is that a man becomes very near to achieve his expectation but suddenly death captures him5 .”

Notes

1. Quoted from al-Wafi; part 6 page 69 (as quoted from al- Kafi).

2. Quoted from Nahj ul-Balagha.

3. Quoted from Nahj ul-Balagha.

4. Quoted from al-Wafi; part 6 page 69 (as quoted from al-Kafi and al-Faqih).

5. Quoted from Safinat ul-Bihar; part 1 page 467.

Chastity

Chastity is the abstention from whatever is unallowable and unsuitable, such as excessive food and carnal appetites. It is among the noblest traits and highest features that indicate elevation of faith, self-honoring, and dignity:

The Prophet (S) said: “The two hollow things the stomach and the genitals, are the main reasons beyond my umma’s1 being in Hell2 .”

Imam al-Baqir (a) said: “The best worship in the sight of Allah is the chastity of the stomach and the genitals3 .”

A man said to Imam al-Baqir (a) that his practices of worship were weak and his prayers and days of fasting were few; however, he hope he would eat and copulate only in legal ways. The Imam answered: “No jihad is better than the chastity of the stomach and the genitals4 .”

Reality of Chastity

Chastity does not mean to deprive oneself of the legal desires of food and sex. It only represents the moderation in the use of such desires. As a matter of fact, negligence and excess are always harmful to humankind. The excessive desires for food and sex cause gross dangers to which we will refer in our discussion of gluttony. Shortage in such desires also causes deprivation of the life enjoyments and legal pleasures. It also causes bodily weakness as well as feebleness of energies and morale.

The Sought Moderation

It is difficult to identify the moderation in the desires for food and sex because of the different needs and energies of individuals. Moderation of an individual may be considered as exaggeration or shortage for another. The relative moderation is to have only the quantity that is sufficient, away from greed and fill. The best criterion in this regard is that which was stated by Amirul- Mu'minin:

“Son! May I instruct you four words after which you will no longer need medicine? Do not eat unless you are hungry. Stop eating while you are still hungry. Chew food deliberately. Before sleeping, go to toilet. You will not need medicine if you follow.”

“In the holy Quran, there is a Verse gathering the whole matter of medicine. It is:

“Eat and drink but do not be excessive.” (7:31) 5

Advantages of Chastity

Chastity achieves happiness on both levels of individuals and communities. It beautifies man, raises him above gluttony, guards him against flattery to the mean ones, and enjoins him to gain the means of living and desires of life through legal ways.

Notes

1. Umma stands for the Islamic community.

2. Quoted from Bihar ul-Anwar; vol. 15 part 2 page 183 (as quoted from al-Kafi).

3. Quoted from al-Wafi; part 3 page 65 (as quoted from al-Kafi).

4. Quoted from Bihar ul-Anwar; vol. 15 part 2 page 184 (as quoted from al-Barqi’s al-Mahasin. In al-Kafi, there is a similar narration).

5. Quoted from Safinat ul-Bihar; 2/79 (as quoted from ar- Rawandi’s ad-Dawaat).

Gluttony

Gluttony is the opposite of chastity. It stands for the excessive desires for food and sex. It is a mean tendency indicating self-feebleness, greedy nature, and slavery of instincts.

Amirul-Mu'minin (a) said: “He who wants to survive, yet no one will survive forever, should ease his back from the burdens of debts-, have the food as early as possible, and reduce copulation with women1 .”

Once, Amirul-Mu'minin (a) ate some dates, drank water, and then beat on his stomach with his hand and said: “Away with him who lets his stomach cause him to be in Hell.” He then recited the poetic verse:

Whenever you respond to the desires of your stomach and genitals, they both will give nothing but the extreme dispraise2 .

Imam as-Sadiq (a) said: “Gluttony is the source of every malady except fever, which appears to the body3 .”

“The sated stomach overdoes4 .”

“Allah hates the overeating5 .”

Abu al-Hasan (a) said: “If people have moderate food, their bodies will be healthy6 .”

Disadvantages of Gluttony

It is not unacceptable to say that gluttony, charms of the falsities of life, and attraction of luxury and lavish expenditure have been the main elements of retardation. All these elements have taken the nations into corruption. Overeating, for example, has many bad results. Modern medicine has proved that most of the diseases, curls, lines on the skins that deform the attractive lineaments of men and women, accumulation of fats, deepness of eyes, exhausting powers, and ailed mentalities the reason of all these defects is the continuous gluttony and the fatty foods. It has been also proved that overeating exhausts the stomach and creates various sorts of healthy troubles, such as arteriosclerosis, angina pectoris, hypertension, and diabetes.

The sexual gluttony also causes similar defects, such as impotence of the public health, disappearance of nervous power, and vanishing of vitality.

Treatment of Gluttony

• It is necessary for the overeater to keep in mind the advantages of chastity and ponder over the disadvantages of gluttony.

• It is necessary for the overeater to try his best to train himself on moderate food. The protective and remedial constitution of health is the moderation of food and the avoidance of overeating. This constitution is summarized in the holy Verse:

“Eat and drink but do not be excessive.” (7:31)

The treatment of the sexual gluttony is as follows:

• Keeping in mind the dangers of sexual excess and moral and material corruptions.

• Striving the simulative of sexual desires, such as looking at the beauties of women, mixing of the sexes, excessive sexual imagination, and daydreams.

Notes

1. Quoted from Bihar ul-Anwar; vol. 14 page 545 (as quoted from Tibb ul-Ayimma).

2. Quoted from Safinat ul-Bihar; vol. 1 page 27.

3. Quoted from al-Wafi; part 11 page 67 (as quoted from al- Kafi).

4. Quoted from al-Wafi; part 11 page 67 (as quoted from al-Faqih).

5. Quoted from al-Wafi; part 11 page 67 (as quoted from al- Kafi).

6. Quoted from Bihar ul-Anwar; 14/876 (as quoted from al- Barqi’s al-Mahasin).

Faithfulness and Breach

Faithfulness is the fulfillment of the deposited rights. It is the opposite of breach and one of the noblest traits and most dignified qualities that achieve admiration and success.

The opposite of faithfulness is breach, which stands for the seizure and usurpation of rights. It is one of the meanest qualities and nastiest manners that cause indignity, failure, and disappointment.

Therefore, reports and traditions urged faithfulness and warned against breach:

“Allah commands you to return that which had been entrusted to you to the rightful owners. Be just when passing judgment among people. Allah's advice is the most noble. (4:58)”

“Believers, do not be dishonest to Allah and the Messengers or knowingly abuse your trust. (8:27)”

The Prophet (S) said: “My umma will be kept in goodness so long as they do not breach the trusts of each other, keep on fulfilling their trusts, and defray the zakat; otherwise, they will be inflicted with famine and harsh years of draught1 .”

“The fulfillment of the trusts brings sustenance, while treachery causes poverty2 .”

“He who breaches the trust is not one of us.”

Imam as-Sadiq (a) said: “Do not be deceived by their very much offering of prayers and observance of fasting. In fact, prayers and fasting have become habits that they feel desolate if they omit them. You should test them by their truthfulness and fulfillment of trusts3 .”

“Abide by God-fearing and fulfillment of the trusts of them who deposit things with you. If the killer of Ali Ibn Abi Talib deposits with me a trust, I will surely keep it for him4 .”

Advantages of Faithfulness and Disadvantages of Breach

Faithfulness plays a great role in the lives of nations. It is the system of their deeds, the support of their affairs, the title of their nobility, and the way to their moral and material development. The faithful individuals win the others’ admiration, trust, love, and confidence. Besides, such individuals will win shares in people’s fortunes and profits.

This fact is applicable to all nations whose lives cannot advance without the surroundings of confidence. Through faithfulness, the Arabs could control the reins of economy and keys of industry and commerce that brought abundant profits. Unfortunately, Muslims, thereafter, neglected faithfulness; therefore, they failed and were disappointed.

Thus, breach of trusts is one of the major reasons of failure. It is a serious factor causing mutual mistrust, enmity, and fear. Such factor results in social corruption, loose of ties, waste of interests, and dissipation of energies.

Forms of Breach

There are many forms of breach that vary in the scope of its cruelty, crimes, and results. The evilest form is treason that is committed by the thinkers and writers who violate the sacred facts of science by means of distortion and misrepresentation. The divulgement of Muslims’ secrets is another form of breach. A third one is the breach of the deposits. To confiscate such deposits is surely a double crime of breach, larceny, and usurpation. There are many other repulsive forms of breach that injure both the individuals and communities, such as trickery, cheating, deficient measurements, fraud, and dishonesty.

Notes

1. Quoted from as-Saduq’s Thawab ul-A’mal.

2. Quoted from al-Wafi; part 10 page 112 (as quoted from al- Kafi).

3. Quoted from al-Wafi; part 3 page 82 (as quoted from al-Kafi).

4. Quoted from al-Wafi; part 10 page 112 (as quoted from al- Kafi and Tahdhib).

Fraternity

Spiritual Fraternity

The pre-Islamic era was a stage of tragedies in the various mental and material fields. Moral dissolution and disorder were the most horrible tragedies that caused people to practice natures of beasts, law of jungle, disagreement, fighting, killing, usurpation, and declamation of revenge and retaliation.

When the dawn of Islam rose to spread its lights over humankind, it could, through its immortal principles and unparalleled constitution, stop these tragedies and cut off these combats. Then, it changed these ignorant herds into “the best nation that ever existed among humanity1 .”

Faith replaced atheism, order replaced disorder, knowledge replaced ignorance, peace replaced war, and mercy replaced retaliation.

Thus, these concepts faded away and were replaced by the new Islamic principles. The Prophet (S) began to establish that ideal nation whose individuals were unique in order, morals, and perfection. As they progressed under the pennon of the holy Quran and the leadership of the Prophet (S), Muslims flew in the horizons of generosity until they could achieve the principle of fraternity in such a method that could not be achieved by any other code. Moreover, the ties of belief became stronger than those of kinship, and, likewise, the bonds of faith exalted over the tribal and national bonds. Muslims, hence, became a united nation of compact lineup, high edifice, and fluttering pennon:

“People, we have created you all male and female and have made you nations and tribes so that you would recognize each other. The most honorable among you in the sight of Allah is the most pious of you. Allah is All-knowing and All-aware (49:13).”

The holy Quran went on implanting the concepts of spiritual fraternity in the mentalities through numerous Verses compacted by a remarkable and wise style.

The Quran, once, legislates fraternity as a law that should be applied by Muslims:

“Believers are each other's brothers. Restore peace among your brothers. Have fear of Allah so that perhaps you will receive mercy (49:10).”

On another occasion, the Quran confirms the law of fraternity and warns against factors of disagreement, reminding of the grace of the Islamic fraternity and harmony after long periods of disagreement and fighting:

“All of you united hold fast to the rope of Allah, and recall how He favored you when your hostility to each other had torn you apart. He united your hearts in one faith and through His grace you became brothers (3:103).”

In abstract, Islam has exerted all efforts for strengthening the spiritual fraternity among Muslims and protecting it against trends of disagreement and separation through the constitution of the social ties.

As a model, we provide the following:

 The Islamic constitution of the social ties took Muslims’ emotions and feelings far above the slavery of the tribal sectarianism to guide them to the noblest aim; namely, the obedience to God and the seeking of His satisfaction. Love, hate, giving, deprivation, support, and disappointment all these should be for the sake of God. Such being the case, the handles of fraternity will become firmer and Muslims will become the like of the well-established building each part of which strengthens the other.

The Prophet (S) said: “The mutual love of the believers that is intended sincerely for the sake of Allah is one of the greatest classes of faith. He who loves, hates, gives, deprives all for the sake of Allah is surely one of the choices of Allah2 .”

Imam as-Sajjad (a) said: “When Allah will gather the past and the late generations on the Day of Resurrection, a caller that everybody will hear will cry out on those who loved each other for the sake of Allah. A few people will stand up. They will be sent to Paradise without being rendered to judgment. In their way to Paradise, the angels will meet and ask them. ‘We are going to our abodes in Paradise without being rendered to judgment,’ they will answer. As the angels ask them about their class, they will answer, ‘We loved each other for the sake of Allah.’ As the angels ask them about their deeds due to which they have gained such a rank, they will answer, ‘We loved and hated for the sake of Allah.’ The angels then will say: Very well is the reward of the doers of charity3 .”

Imam al-Baqir (a) said: “If you want to know whether you are to the good or not, you should test your heart: if it loves the people of obedience to Allah and hates the people of disobedient to Him, you are then to the good and Allah loves you. If your heart hates the people of the obedience to Allah and loves the people of the disobedience to Him, you are then not to the good and Allah hates you. Certainly, man will be attached to the one whom he loved4 .”

Imam as-Sadiq (a) said: “On the Day of Resurrection, those who love each other purely for the sake of Allah will be on luminous stages; the light of their faces, bodies, stages, and everything will be shining so that shining will be their distinctive feature and everybody will point to them and say those loved each other for the sake of Allah5 .”

“He who does not love or hate for the sake of the religion is not Muslim6 .”

The Islamic constitution of the social ties enjoined Muslims to adhere to the factors of coalition, dignity, and luxury, such as exhorting each other to the right, helping each other in fields of piety, supporting each other for the achievement of justice, and joining the forces in the economical fields of life. According to the Islamic Sharia, all Muslims are one family whose matters of happiness and unhappiness are the same. The constitution of such a family is:

“Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah and those with him are stern to the disbelievers yet kind among themselves. (48:29)”

And the slogan is the saying of the Prophet (S):

“He who begins his day without caring for the affairs of the Muslims is not a Muslim.”

The Islamic constitution of the social ties warned Muslims against all factors of separation, hostility, obscenity, backbiting, tale bearing, breach, and cheating as well as all other matters that arouse seditions and rancor. The Muslims’ principal in this point is the Prophet’s saying:

“The true believer is only he whom Muslims can trust in regard with their estates and souls. The true Muslim is only he whom Muslims are saved from his hand physical harm- and tongue- verbal harm-. The true Muhajir7 emigrant- is that who deserts the sins8 .”

 The Islamic constitution of the social ties granted the opportunities of improving friendly relations between Muslims, such as exchanging visits, frequenting religious circles, and witnessing Islamic gatherings such as collective prayers, hajj9 , and the like.

Notes

1. Quoted from the holy Quran; 3:110.

2. Quoted from al-Wafi; part 3 page 89 (as quoted from al- Kafi).

3. Quoted from Bihar ul-Anwar; vol. 15 part 1 page 283 (as quoted from al-Kafi).

4. Quoted from al-Wafi; part 3 page 90 (as quoted from al-Kafi).

5. Quoted from al-Wafi; part 3 page 89 (as quoted from al- Kafi).

6. Quoted from al-Wafi; part 3 page 90 (as quoted from al-Kafi).

7. Muhajirs: The emigrants. The early Muslims of Mecca who had to flee their homeland to Medina.

8. Quoted from al-Wafi; part 3 page 99 (as quoted from al- Kafi).

9. Hajj is the pilgrimage to the Sacred Mosque at Mecca undertaken in the twelfth month of the Hijri year and constituting one of the religious duties of Islam.