Alhassanain(p) Network for Heritage and Islamic Thought

Responsibility 85: Respecting Things Related To the Imam Part 1

Showing respect to those things which are associated to the Imam is another responsibility of the true believers.

Some of these things which we need to show respect to include the places which are related to the Imam such as Masjid as-Sahlah the celler where his occultation began in the city of Samarrah the Grand Masjid of Kufah; Masjid Jamkaran1 Masjid al-Haram the places which have been visited by the Infallible A`immah, the prophets and their successors; and the graves of the intimate friends of Allah and the true believers.

Showing respect to places which are associated to the Imam is related to the level of connection which that thing or place has to the Imam and thus, the respect is of various degrees and levels - the more the connection to the Imam, the more respect, honor and esteem should be shown.

Showing respect to places2 such as Masjid as-Sahlah, Masjid Jamkaran and other places such as these is possible through various ways, including beautifying them improving or re-construction work, laying carpets, cleaning, deodorizing, illuminating, frequenting, entering the premises barefooted, entering them with humility, keeping busy with the remembrance of Allah while visiting them.

Recitation of prayers, Qur`an, supplications and other things, ensuring that these places are not made impure (najis) or dirty, purifying that area in the event that it becomes impure (najis), sweeping and cleaning the area; not entering while in a state of ritual impurity (janabat or for a woman, during her monthly period).

Ensuring that there is no mixing of the genders while in these areas; keeping away from all acts which are reprehensible and forbidden, keeping away from pointless joking and laughing and speaking and arguing in a loud voice. These and all other such acts must be observed while in similar sacred places.

References

1.Refer to the second footnote on responsibility Forty-Six for more information.

2.There are some places that shall be mentioned separately whose explanation shall be given in the next responsibility.

Responsibility 86: Respecting Places Related to the Imam Part 2

We are also obliged to show respect and reverence to Masjid as-Sahlah and to perform the special acts of worship in that place.1

As for the sanctity and greatness of this Masjid, it has numerous characteristics which other Masajid do not have - for example, it was , and was also a placeHthe original house of Prophets Ibrahim and Idris  that the great man of Allah, al-Khiďr frequented. It is also a place where Imam al-Mahdi (ajtf) occasionally resides.

Imam Ja’far b. Muhammad as-Sadiq (as) has stated that:

كَأَنِّي أَرَى نُزُولَ الْقَائِمِ فِي مَسْجِدِ السَّهْلَةِ بِأَهْلِهِ وَ عَيَالِهِ. قُلْتُ يَكُونُ مَنْزِلَهُ جُعِلْتُ فِدَاكَ؟ قَالَ نَعَمْ. كَانَ فِيهِ مَنْزِلَ إِدْرِيسَ وَ كَانَ مَنْزِلَ إِبْرَاهِيمَ خَلِيلِ الرَّحْمٌنِ وَ مَا بَعَثَ اللٌّهُ نَبْياً إِلاَّ وَ قَدْ صَلَّى فِيهِ وَ فِيهِ مَسْكَنُ الْخِضْرِ وَ الْمُقِيمُ فِيهِ كَالْمُقِيمِ فِي فُسْطاَطِ رَسُولِ اللٌّهِ وَ مَا مِنْ مُؤْمِنٍ وَ لاَ مُؤْمِنَةٍ إِلاَّ وَ قَلْبَهُ يَحِنُّ إِلَيْهِ وَ فِيهِ صَخْرَةٌ فِيهَا صُوْرَةُ كُلِّ نَبِيٍّ وَ مَا صَلَّى فِيهِ أَحَدٌ فَدَعَا اللٌّهَ بِنِيَّةِ صَادِقَةٍ إِلاَّ صَرَفَهُ اللٌّهُ بِقَضَاءِ حَاجَتِهِ وَ مَا مِنْ أَحَدٍ إِسْتَجَارَهُ إِلاَّ أَجَارَهُ اللٌّهُ مِمَا يَخَافُ. قُلْتُ هٌذَا لَهُوَ الْفَضْلُ، قَالَ نَزِيدُكَ؟ قُلْتُ نَعَمْ، قَالَ هُوَ مِنَ الْبِقَاعِ الَّتِي أَحَبَّ اللٌّهُ أَنْ يُدْعَى فِيهَا وَ مَا مِنْ يَوْمٍ وَ لاَ لَيْلَةٍ إِلاَّ وَ الْمَلاَئِكَةُ تَزُورُ هٌذَا الْمَسْجِدَ يَعْبُدُونَ اللٌّهَ فِيهِ أَمَا إِنِّي لَوْ كُنْتُ بَالْقُرْبِ مِنْكُمْ مَا صَلَّيْتُ صَلاَةً إِلاَّ فِيهِ يَا أَبَا مُحَمَّدٍ وَ مَا لَمْ أَصِفْ أَكْثَرُ. قُلْتُ جُعِلْتُ فِدَاكَ لاَ يَزَالُ الْقَائِمُ فِيهِ أَبَداً؟ قَالَ نَعَمْ. قُلْتَ فَمِنْ بَعْدِهِ؟ قَالَ هٌكَذَا مِنْ بَعْدِهِ إِلـى انْقِضَاءِ الْخَلْقِ

“‘It is as if I see the descending of al-Qa`im (ajtf) in Masjid al-Sahlah, accompanied by his family and close relatives family.’ (The companion said) I asked: ‘May Allah accept me as ransom for you! Will it be his dwelling place?’ The Imam stated: ‘Yes, it will be. It was the dwelling place of Prophet Idris and Prophet Ibrahim, the intimate friend of the all-Merciful and Allah did not send any prophet but that he offered prayers in it (Masjid al-Sahlah).

It was also the house of al-Khiďr. He who resides in it is like one who resides in the tent of Allah’s Messenger. The hearts of true believing men and women yearn for it (Masjid al-Sahlah). In it there is a rock which has the pictures of all the Prophets.

Nobody prays there and supplicates to Almighty Allah with a sincere intention but that his needs are fulfilled by Almighty Allah; and nobody takes it as a shelter but that he is protected by Almighty Allah against whatever he fears.’ I said: ‘This is indeed an excellent virtue.’

The Imam said: ‘Should I tell you more?’ The companion replied: ‘Yes.’ The Imam continued: ‘It is one of the places where Almighty Allah likes to be called upon. There is no day or night when the Angels are not frequenting this Masjid to worship to Almighty Allah. Verily, if I were to

live near you, I would not offer a single prayer anywhere else. O’ Abu Muhammad! There is more than what I have just said.’

I asked: ‘May Allah ransom me for you! Will al-Qa`im (ajtf) reside in that place for all time?’ The Imam replied: ‘Yes, he will.’ The companion then asked: ‘Will those who come after him reside in the same place?’ The Imam replied to the man: ‘Yes, they will up until the end of creation.’”2

References

1.Mafatih al-Jinan, sec. 6: “the greatness and actions to be performed in Masjid al-Sahlah.’

2.Biharul Anwar, vol. 100, pg. 436, section 7, no. 7

Responsibility 87: Visiting Masjid Jamkaran

Another responsibility is to visit Masjid Jamkaran and to perform the recommended actions in that sacred masjid. Masjid Jamkaran was built under the direct order of Imam Waliul ‘Asr (ajtf) and has specific acts of worship which are recommended to be performed in it.

In addition, it is one of the places which the Imam frequents and where the legitimate requests of the people are fulfilled and the Imam himself has ordered the people to visit this sacred site!

In regards to the construction of this masjid, the following has been narrated by Hasan Muthallah Jamkarani: “I was sleeping in my home in the village of Jamkaran on Tuesday night, the 17th of the month of Ramaďan in the year 313 ah. It was just after midnight that out of nowhere, a group of people came to my house, woke me up and said: ‘Wake up and answer the call of your Master, Imam Mahdi Sahib al-Zaman (ajtf) who has summoned you!’”

Hasan continued: “I woke up, collected myself and prepared to get dressed and said to the people: ‘Just let me put my shirt on.’

At that time, I heard a voice saying: ‘That is not your shirt!’

After removing the shirt, I reached for my pants, and again I heard a voice say: ‘Those are not your pants! Do not put them on!’

I removed them too and was able to find my own shirt and pants. I got dressed and then started to look for the key to unlock the door when a voice said: ‘The door is already unlocked and open!’

I went towards the door, opened it, and saw a group of pious, noble people. I offered them my greetings, to which they replied accordingly.

They took me to a place where the present location of Masjid Jamkaran is located and as I was looking around, I saw a couch surrounded by fine carpets and pillows. A young man, who looked to be around 30 years old, was reclining on the couch, resting against the pillows. An old man was sitting beside him reading a book out loud while more than 60 men were around them some of them dressed in white and others in green offering their Salat.

The old man, whom I later found out was Prophet Khiďr asked me to be seated. At that time, the Imam, who was sitting next to Prophet Khiďr, called me by name and said: “You must go to Hasan Muslim and give him the following message.

Tell him that for the past five years, you have been farming on this land, planting and growing many things, but whatever you grow is being destroyed. This land is sacred, and Allah the Almighty has chosen this land above all others and bestowed distinction and honor to it.

Even this year, you have intended to plough and cultivate this land, though you do not have the authorization to do so! Thus, whatever financial earnings you have earned from this land must be returned so that a Masjid can be built on this spot.

Since you have taken this land which does not belong to you, Allah the Glorious and Powerful, has taken two of your young children away from you, but still you have not realized the wrong you are doing! If you continue

in this way, the punishment of Allah which is beyond your imagination, will strike you.’’

I said: “O’ my Master, I must have some convincing signs, since without this, the people will not believe me.”

The Imam said: “I will show you the signs at this spot so that your statement will prove to be truthful. You simply go and convey the message to the people. Go and see Sayyid Abul Hasan in Qum and tell him to come with you to visit Hasan Muslim and collect from him the earnings of the farm land for the past few years, and with this money, lay the foundation for the Masjid.

For the remaining expenditure, you may collect it from the village of Rihaq, in the Ardhal region (near Kashan) which belongs to me, to complete the building of the Masjid. Also, half of the estate of the village of Rihaq has been given as Waqf (endowment) for the maintenance of the Masjid. Tell the people to visit this place, and to respect and honor it by offering four Rak’at of Salat as follows:

The first Salat of two Rak’at should be prayed with the intention of ‘Salutation to the Masjid’ (تحية المسجد) where in each Rak’at, Suratul Fatiha is recited once, followed by Suratul IkhlaS seven times. In every Rak’at, the dhikr:

in Ruku’:سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الْعَظِيمِ وَ بِحَمْدِهِ

and in Sajdah:سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الأَعْـلىٰ وَ بِحَمْدِهِ

Should be recited seven times, the second Rak’at should be recited exactly as the first one.

The second Salat is also two Rak’at and it should be prayed with the intention of ‘Salat for Imam al-Zaman’(ajtf) in which Suratul Fatiha is recited once, and the line:

{ إِيَّاكَ نَــعْبُدُ وَ إِيَّاكَ نَسْتَعِينُ }

is recited one hundred times. The surah should then be completed, followed by the recitation of Suratul IkhlaS once.

In every Rak’at, the dhikr:

in Ruku’:سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الْعَظِيمِ وَ بِحَمْدِهِ

and in Sajdah:سُبْحَانَ رَبِّيَ الأَعْـلىٰ وَ بِحَمْدِه

Should also be recited seven times each. The second Rak’at is to be recited exactly like the first one.

Once both of the Salat are finished, the following line should be said once:

لاَ إِلٰـهَ إِلاَّ اللهِ

Followed by the Tasbih of Fatimah az-Zahra (sa):

34 times:أللهُ أَكْبَرُ

33 times:أَلْـحَمْدُ لِلّٰه

33 times: سُبْحَانَ اللهِ

After this, you should go into sajdah and recite Salawat on Prophet Muhammad (S) and his family (as) one hundred times:

أَللّٰهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلىٰ مُحَمَّدٍ وَ آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ

The Imam then said:

فَمَنْ صَلاَّهاَ فَكَأَنَّـمَا صَلَّى فِي الْبَيْتِ العَتِيقِ

‘Whoever performs this Salat (will receive the same reward) as the one who prays inside the ‘Ancient House’ (the Holy Ka’bah).’”1

Reference

1.Najm al-Thaqib (al-Tabrisi), sec. 7, story 1

Responsibility 88: Respecting Things Related to the Imam Part 3

Another responsibility of the true believers is to honor the specific times, days and nights which are related to the Imam.

For example, on the days of ‘Eid which include: ‘Eid al-Qurban; ‘Eid al-Ghadir, ‘Eid al-Fitr, the 15th of Sha’ban (the birth anniversary of the Imam), the days which mark the birth or the martyrdom of each of his pure forefathers, the day of Nawruz which marks the (solar) new year; the Hajj season; the Day of ‘Ashura, the night preceeding and the day of Jumu’ah, and the nights of Qadr in the month of Ramaďhan, must all be respected and honored.

In these time periods, it is incumbent upon a true believer to pay special attention to the Imam and more than other people, one should strive to fulfill the rights of the Imam which are related to these specific times.

As for how one can show honor and veneration to some of these time periods, this shall be mentioned in later sections. However generally speaking, respecting the times which are related to the Imam can be carried out in various ways such as performing the specific acts of worship which have been mentioned in the traditions.

The etiquette which each of these time periods have related to them has been mentioned in the books of traditions and Du’a, and these should be followed by the true believers. Therefore, the supplications and Ziyarat which have been mentioned to be read at specific times should be performed in order to fulfill this responsibility.

Responsibility 89: Respecting Things Related to the Imam Part 4

The next responsibility is to show honour to the night and day of the 15th of Sha’ban with extra emphasis on the night of the 15th. In addition, one must perform the specific acts which have been recommended to be performed on this night.1

The 15th of Sha’ban is equal in greatness to the night of Qadr (in the month of Ramaďhan), is very important and is one of the time periods related directly to the Imam.

In regards to the greatness of this night, Imam Muhammad b. ‘Ali al-Baqir (as) has stated:

هِيَ أَفْضَلُ لَيْلَةٍ بَعْدَ لَيْلَةِ الْقَدْرِ فِيهَا يَمْنَحُ اللٌّهُ تَعَالَى الْعِبَادَ فَضْلَهُ وَ يَغْفِرُ لَهُمْ بِمَنِّهِ فَاجْتَهِدُوا فِي الْقُرْبَةِ إِلـى اللٌّهِ فِيهَا فَإِنَّهَا لَيْلَةٌ آلَى اللٌّهُ عَلى نَفْسِهِ أَنْ لاَ يَرُدَّ سَائِلاً لَهُ فِيهَا مَا لَمْ يَسْأَلْ مَعْصِيَةً وَ إِنَّهَا اللَّيْلَةُ الَّتِي جَعَلَهَا اللٌّهُ لَنَا أَهْلَ الْبَيْتِ بِإِزَاءِ مَا جَعَلَ لَيْلَةَ الْقَدْرِ لِنَبِيِّنَا فَاجْتَهِدُوا فِي الدُّعَاءِ وَ الثَّنَاءِ عَلى اللٌّهِ

“It (the 15th of Sha’ban) is the best of nights after the night of Qadr. In it Allah grants His blessings to His servants and through His generosity and nobility, He forgives them. So strive and struggle to seek closeness to Allah, the Most High, in it.

For it is a night in which Allah has ordained upon Himself not to turn away anyone who comes to Him asking for something as long as the request is not something impermissible. It is the night which Allah the High, has placed for us (the Ahlul Bayt) just as the Night of Qadr (in the month of Ramaďhan) was placed for our Prophet.

Thus, strive to perform the supplications and praise Allah, the High (in it).”2

The reason for the greatness of this night over all the other nights and times is the felicitous birth of Imam Waliul ‘Asr (ajtf) during the early morning period.

References

1.These acts are mentioned in Mafatih al-Jinan, sec. 2: “The greatness and actions of the Month of Sha’ban.’

2.Iqbal al-A’mal, pg. 695; MiSbah al-Mutahajjid, pg. 831

Responsibility 90: Respecting Things Related to the Imam Part 5

Another responsibility of the true believers is to consider the Nights of Qadr (in the month of Ramaďhan) as nights of reverence and respect and to perform the specific actions for these nights.1

The Nights of Qadr are directly related to the 12th Imam (ajtf) and therefore, the best act which can be done on these nights is remembering and focusing on him and seeking intercession from the Imam.

The Night of Qadr is that night which the entire year cannot reach in greatness, and the actions which are performed on that night are better than the actions performed during the span of one thousand months!

It is on this night that all of the commands for the next year are decreed and the Angels and the Ruh who is the greatest of Angels descend to the Earth by the permission of their Lord and arrive in the service of Imam al-Zaman (ajtf). Whatever has been decreed for every person for the entire year is then presented to the Imam.

Thus, we must perform those specific actions related to these nights and seek closeness to Allah through the Imam. We must also hold firm to the Imam, take him as our intercessor and ask our needs and wants through him (and with the permission of Allah, these will be granted).

Reference

1.Mafatih al-Jinan, sec. 3: “The greatness and actions of the Blessed Month of Ramaďhan and the actions for the Nights of Qadr.’

Responsibility 91: Respecting Things Related to the Imam Part 6

Another responsibility of the servants of Allah is to show honor to everything which is related to the Imam (this is separate from the times and locations and the things which we have already spoken about). This includes things such as: his titles and appellations whether these are spoken and mentioned out loud or if they are written on paper, plaques, rocks or anything else.

In addition, the letters, speeches and traditions which have been narrated from the Imam must also be shown veneration. This also includes the books which contain writings in regards to the Imam.

Works of art, cultural and religious artifacts which are related to the Imam or his great forefathers such as the hand written copies of the Qur`an, must also be respected.

At the forefront of all things which are related to the Imam is the Noble Qur`an and one must show honor and respect to this. We are able to deduce the necessity of showing honor to the Qur`an from the traditions which have come to us from the Messenger of Islam and the Infallible A`immah (as) and this is something which all of the sects of Islam accept.

The Qur`an is, just as the Prophet described it, the “Greater of the two weighty things (al-Thaqalayn)” which he advised his nation to follow when he said, “The Ahlul Bayt (as) shall never be separated from the Qur`an” and thus, the Muslim nation must follow both the Qur`an and Ahlul Bayt (as).

Guarding the Qur`an and showing it honor can be done through acting according to the verses and as we know, even Imam al-Zaman (ajtf) himself has also been ordered to follow its commandments.

Thus, to show honor and esteem to the Qur`an and to act according to its verses is the most important responsibility for us to perform and it is also one of the duties towards the Imam.

Responsibility 92: Performing Good Deeds on Behalf of the Imam

Another responsibility is to perform acts of worship on behalf of the Imam such as giving Sadaqah, performing Hajj and recommended Salat and going for the Ziyarat of the Infallible A`immah (as) or other righteous believers either alive or dead. It should be noted that this is something other than performing the act and dedicating the reward to the Imam.

Therefore, the meaning of performing acts of worship and other righteous acts which can be done by proxy do not include the obligatory act of worship such as the five daily Salat or the obligatory fasting of the month of Ramaďhan since it is not permissible to do these things by way of proxy (for one who is alive).

The narrator of the following tradition said that he asked Imam Musa b. Ja’far al-Kadhim (as):

أَحُجُّ وَ أُصَلِّـي وَ أَتَصَدَّقُ عَنِ الأَحْيَاءِ وَ الأَمْوَاتِ مِنْ قَرَابَـتِـي وَ أَصْحَابِــي؟ قَالَ: نَعَمْ، صَدِّقْ عَنْهُ وَ صَلِّ عَنْهُ وَ لَكَ أَجْرٌ (آخِرٌ) بِصِلَتِكَ إِيَّاهُ

“Can I perform the Hajj and the Salat and give Sadaqah for the living and deceased from among my close family and friends?” He replied: “Yes, give Sadaqah and perform the Salat on their behalf and due to you seeking to maintain the ties of closeness with them, there is an additional reward for you.”1

From this tradition, we clearly understand that to perform actions by proxy for Imam al-Zaman (ajtf) the leader and master of all the true believers - according to the first way mentioned is permissible.

A true believer must give whatever amount of Sadaqah or perform the recommended Salat on behalf of his Imam. For example, one can perform the Salat of Ja’far al-Tayyar or the Salat of the Commander of the Faithful ‘Ali b. Abi Talib (as) on behalf of his living Imam.

Through this act, not only will the believer avail himself of the reward for performing that action, but in addition he will also receive a reward for maintaing the ties and relations with his Imam!

Some of the acts of worship which a person is able to perform by way of proxy for the Imam include:

1. Different Salat [the Salat of Ja’far al-Tayyar, Salat of the Commander of the Faithful ‘Ali b. Abi Talib and the other Infallibles and the other recommended Salat which have been mentioned in the detailed books of prayer and supplication]. A person is even able to perform a general two Rak’at Salat with the intention that he is offering the prayer as a gift to the Imam.

2. The recommended Hajj or ‘Umrah

3. Tawaf of the Ka’bah

4. Giving Sadaqah

5. Recitation of the Qur`an

6. Sacrificing an animal

7. Paying back the debts of a true believer

8. Performing the visitation (Ziyarat) of the graves of the Messenger of Allah and the other Infallibles (as) and their righteous companions. In addition, one can also visit the graves of other true believers from either far or near with the intention that the reward is to be given to the Imam.

9. Freeing a captive, and in this day and age, freeing a prisoner by paying his debts, for example.

Just as has been mentioned, performing actions by proxy in relation to the obligatory actions such as the five daily prayers is not permissible, except in certain circumstances such as in the performance of the Hajj. A person once asked Imam Ja’far b. Muhammad as-Sadiq (as): “A person performs the Hajj on behalf of another person – how much of a reward and recompense is he given?”

The Imam replied:

لِلَّذِي يَحُجُّ عَنْ رَجُلٍ أَجْرُ وَ ثَوَابُ عَشْرِ حِجَجٍ

“For a person who performs the Hajj on behalf of another person there is a reward and recompense equal to the performance of ten Hajj.”2

In another tradition, Imam Ja’far b. Muhammad as-Sadiq (as) said:

لَوْ أَشْرَكْتَ أَلْفاً فِي حَجَّتِكَ لَكَانَ لِكُلِّ وَاحِدٍ حَجَّةٌ مِنْ غَيْرِ أَنْ تَنْقُصَ حَجَّتُـُكَ شَيْئاً

“If you were to make a thousand people partners in the reward for your Hajj, then for each and every one of them, there will be a reward for performing one Hajj, with no reduction in the reward of your Hajj!”3

Imam Musa b. Ja’far al-Kadhim (as) said:

7فَإِذَا أَتَيْتَ قَبْرَ النَّبِــيِّ  فَقَضَيْتَ مَا يَجِبُ عَلَيْكَ، فَصَلِّ رَكْعَتَينِ ثُمَّ قِفْ عِنْدَ  ثُمَّ قُلْ: أَلسَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكَ يَا نَبِـيَّ7رَأْسِ النَّبِـيِّ  اللٌّهِ مِنْ أَبِي وَ أُمِّي وَ زَوْجَتِـي وَ وُلْدِي وَ جَمِيعِ حَامَّــتِـي وَ مِنْ جَمِيعِ أَهْلِ بَلَدِي، حُرِّهِمْ وَ عَبْدِهِمْ، وَ أَبْيَضِهِمْ وَ أَسْوَدِهِمْ فَلاَ تَشَاءُ أَنْ تَقُولَ لِلرَّجُلِ: إِنِّـي أَقْرَأْتُ رَسُولَ اللٌّهِ عَنْكَ السَّلاَمَ إِلاَّ كُنْتَ صَادِقاً

“When you come to the grave of the Prophet (saws), and after performing that which is obligatory upon you (the Ziyarat rites) then perform a two rak’at Salat. Then, stand near the head of the Prophet (saws) and say:

أَلسَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكَ يَا نَبِـيَّ اللهِ مِنْ أَبِـي وَ أُمِّي وَ زَوْجَتِـي وَ وُلْدِي وَ جَمِيعِ حَامَّــتِي وَ مِنْ جَمِيعِ أَهْلِ بَلَدِي، حُرِّهِمْ وَ عَبْدِهِمْ، وَ أَبْيَضِهِمْ وَ أَسْوَدِهِمْ

“Peace be upon you, O’ Prophet of Allah, from my father, mother, wife, children, all of my friends and everyone in my city the free and the enslaved the white skinned and the black skinned.’

(If you act in this way) then you will not say to a person “‘I conveyed greetings and salutations to the Messenger of Allah on your behalf’ except that you will be speaking the truth.”4

When it comes to the recommended deeds, a true believer can either perform them himself for the Imam or hire another person to do them on his behalf.

For example, one can hire somebody else to, on behalf of the Imam, perform the Hajj or perform a recommended Salat.

References

1.Wasa`il ash-Shi’a, vol. 5, pg. 367, no. 9 (with a slight difference); Biharul Anwar, vol. 88, pg. 310, no. 3

2.al-Kafi, vol. 4, pg. 312, no. 2

3.Ibid., vol. 4, pg. 317, no. 10

4.al-Kafi, vol. 4, pg. 316, no. 8

Responsibility 93: Donating the Reward of Good Deeds

Another responsibility is to donate the reward of acts of worship to the Imam whether obligatory or recommended acts.

For example, after a person has finished performing his Salat, he can donate the reward of that prayer to the Imam one can perform the Hajj and give the rewards of the Hajj to the Imam.

A companion once said to Imam Hasan b. ‘Ali al-’Askari (as):

إِنِّي زُرْتُ أَبَاكَ وَ جَعَلْتُ ذٌلِكَ لَكَ : لَكَ بِذٌلِكَ مِنَ اللٌّهِ ثَوَابٌ وَ أَجْرٌ عَظِيمٌ وَ فَقَالَ  مِنَّا الْمَحْمَدَةُ

“I visited your father and gave the reward of this act to you.” The Imam replied: “Due to this act of yours, there is a great reward and recompense for you from Allah and a commendation from us.”1

One of the Imams said:

مَنْ جَعَلَ ثَوَابَ صَلاَتِهِ لِرَسُولِ اللٌّهِ وَ أَمِيرِ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ وَ الأَوْصِيَاءِ مِنْ بَعْدِهِ صَلَوَاتُ اللٌّهِ عَلَيْهِمْ أَجْمَعِينَ وَ سَلَّمَ أَضْعَفَ اللٌّهُ لَهُ ثَوَابَ صَلاَتِهِ أَضْعَافاً مُضَاعَفَةً حَـتَّـى يَنْقَطِعَ النَّفْسَ وَ يُقَالُ لَهُ قَبْلَ أَنْ تَخْرُجَ رُوحُهُ مِنْ جَسَدِهِ: يَا فُلاَنُ هَدِيَّتُكَ إِلَيْهَا وَ نَفْعَتُكَ وَ أَلْطَافُكَ لَنَا فَهٌذَا يَوْمُ مُجَازَاتِكَ وَ مُكَافَاتِكَ فَطِبْ نَفْساً وَ قَرَّ عَيْناً بِمَا أَعَدَّ اللٌّهُ لَكَ وَ هَنِيئاً لَكَ بِمَا صِرْتَ :Cإِلَيْهِ. قَالَ: قُلْتُ وَ كَيْفَ يُهْدِي صَلاَتَهُ وَ يَقُولُ؟ قَالَ  يَنْوِي ثَوَابَ صَلاَتِهِ لِرَسُولِ اللٌّهِ

“A person who offers the reward of his Salat to the Messenger of Allah, the Commander of the Faithful and the successors who come after him, may the blessings of Allah be upon all of them Allah will increase the reward of his Salat, a multi-fold increase, until his soul departs and before his soul leaves his body, it will be said to him: “O’ so-and-so!

Your gift, goodness and kindness has reached us therefore, today is the day for your reward and repayment of your goodness. Thus, may your soul be pleased and may your eyes be brightened due to that which Allah has prepared for you and glad tidings to you for what you have reached.’

The narrator of the tradition then asked them Imam: “How does one send the reward of his Salat, and what does he say?’

The Imam replied: “one makes the intention that the reward of the Salat be given to the Messenger of Allah.’”2

References

1.Wasa`il ash-Shi’a, vol. 10, pg. 464, sec. 103, no. 1

2.Jamal al-Usbu’, pg. 15; Biharul Anwar, vol. 91, pg. 215, sec. 3, no. 1

Responsibility 94: Greeting the Imam Every Day

The true believers must perform the Ziyarat and send greetings to the Imam every week rather if possible, this should be done every day!

Greeting the Imam can be done at any place and time however it is best to greet the Imam during those times and in those places which he has a special affinity to, such as the night and day of Jumu’ah, the Nights of Qadr in the month of Ramaďhan, the 15th of Sha’ban and special places such as Masjid as-Sahlah and Masjid Jamkaran.

It is recommended to read the Ziyarat of Imam al-Mahdi (ajtf) every day and the visitation rights and salutation to him should be those which have been taught to us by the Ahlul Bayt (as) and recorded in the books of prayers and supplication. These prayers include Ziyarat Aale Yasin1 which can be read at any time one wishes to greet Imam al-’Asr (ajtf), and it starts with2:

سَلاَمٌ عَلٰى آلِ يٰسۤ، أَلسَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكَ يا دَاعِيَ اللهِ...

“Peace be upon the family of Yasin. Peace be upon you O’ caller to Allah...”

In addition, the other special Ziyarat3 for the 12th Imam on the day of Jumu’ah should also be recited [this Ziyarat will be mentioned in the next responsibility.]

References

1.Biharul Anwar, vol. 53, pg. 171, sec. 31, no. 5; Mafatih al-Jinan, sec. 3, part 10: “The rites when one visits the celler in Samarrah and how one must perform the Ziyarat of the representative of Allah over His servants.’ – the first Ziyarat.

2.The complete Ziyarat is mentioned in responsibility Twenty-Seven of this book (tr.).

3.Biharul Anwar, vol. 102, pg. 215, no. 1; Jamal al-Usbu’, pg. 37; Mafatih al-Jinan - just before Du’a al-Sabah and after Du’a Kumayl.

Responsibility 95: The Ziyarat of the Imam for Friday

Another responsibility upon the servants of Allah is to perform the ziyarat of the forefathers and pure ancestors of Imam al-Zaman (ajtf) on the days when their Ziyarat has been recommended to be recited.

According to a tradition from Imam ‘Ali b. Muhammad al-Hadi (as), each day of the week has been reserved for one or more of the Infallibles (as) and on those days, we should perform their Ziyarat.1

Saturday: The Messenger of Allah (S)

Sunday: Amirul Mo`minin ‘Ali b. Abi Talib (as) and Fatimah az-Zahra (sa)

Monday: Imam Hasan (as) and Hussain (as)

Tuesday: Imam ‘Ali b. Husain as-Sajjad (as), Imam Muhammad b. ‘Ali al-Baqir (as) and Imam Ja’far b. Muhammad as-Sadiq (as)

Wednesday: Imam Musa b. Ja’far al-Kadhim (as), Imam ‘Ali b. Musa al-Riďa (as), Imam Muhammad b. ‘Ali al-Taqi (as) and Imam ‘Ali b. Muhammad an-Naqi (as)

Thursday: Imam Hasan b. ‘Ali al-’Askari (as)

Friday: Sahib al-’Asr wal Zaman, Imam al-Mahdi (ajtf), may Allah hasten his return.

The specific Ziyarat which we have been recommended to recite is as follows:2

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

أَلسَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكَ يَا حُجَّةَ اللهِ في أَرْضِهِ، أَلسَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكَ يَا عَيْنَ اللهِ في خَلْقِهِ، أَلسَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكَ يَا نُورَ اللهِ الَّذِي يَهْـتَدِي بِهِ الْـمُهْـتَدُونَ، وَيُفَرَّجُ بِهِ عَنِ الْـمُؤْمِنِينَ

“Peace be upon you O’ Proof of Allah on His Earth, peace be upon you O’ Representative of Allah with His Creations peace be upon you O’ Divine Light of Allah by whom those who seek guidance are guided and through which he grants salvation to the true believers.

أَلسَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكَ أَيُّهَا الْـمُهَذَّبُ الْـخَائِفُ، أَلسَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكَ أَيُّهَا الْوَلِيُّ النَّاصِحُ، أَلسَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكَ يَا سَفِينَةَ النَّجَاةِ، أَلسَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكَ يَا عَيْنَ الْحَيَاةِ

Peace be upon you O’ refined and awe-inspiring; peace be upon you O’ the intimate advisor; peace be upon you O’ ship of salvation peace be upon you O’ essence of life!

أَلسَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكَ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْكَ وَعَلى آلِ بَيْتِكَ الطَّيِّبِينَ الطَّاهِرِينَ، أَلسَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكَ عَجَّلَ اللهُ لَكَ مَا وَعَدَكَ مِنَ النَّصْرِ وَظُهُورِ الأَمْرِ

Peace be upon you – prayers of Allah be upon you, and upon your family (the Ahlul Bayt) the pure and pious ones. Peace be upon you may Allah hasten for you that what He has promised you of (His) help and appearance of the (universal world) order.

أَلسَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكَ يَا مَوْلاَيَ، أَنَا مَوْلاَكَ عَارِفٌ بِأُولاَكَ وَأُخْرَاكَ. أَتَقَرَّبُ اِلـىٰ اللهِ تَعَالـىٰ بِكَ وَبِآلِ بَيْتِكَ وَأَنْـتَظِرُ ظُهُورَكَ وَظُهُورَ الْـحَقِّ عَلىٰ يَدَيْكَ

Peace be upon you O’ master, I am your friend and follower, and I am well aware of your aim and ultimate purpose. I seek nearness to Allah, the Most High, through you and your family (the Ahlul Bayt). And I await your advent and the advent of the truth at your hands.

وَأَسْأَلُ اللهَ أَنْ يُصَلِّيَ عَلىٰ مُحَمَّدٍ وَآلِ مُحَمَّدٍ، وَأَنْ يَجْعَلَنِي مِنَ الْـمُنْتَظِرِينَ لَكَ وَالتَّابِعِينَ وَالنَّاصِرِينَ لَكَ عَلىٰ أَعْدَائِكَ وَالْـمُسْتَشْهَدِينَ بَيْنَ يَدَيْكَ فِي جُمْلَةِ أَوْلِيَائِكَ

I ask Allah that He send blessings upon Muhammad and the family of Muhammad and that He places me among those who are awaiting you and those who follow (you) and those who will help (you) against your enemies; and those who will achieve martyrdom (when fighting) with you, in the ranks of all of your intimate and close friends.

يَا مَوْلاَيَ يَا صَاحِبَ الزَّمَانِ صَلَوَاتُ اللهِ عَلَيْكَ وَعَلىٰ آلِ بَيْتِكَ هٰذَا يَوْمُ الْـجُمُعَةِ، وَهُوَ يَوْمُكَ الْـمُتَوَقَّعُ فِيهِ ظُهُورُكَ، وَالْـفَرَجُ فِيهِ لِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ عَلىٰ يَدَيْكَ، وَقَتْلُ الْــكَافِرِينَ بِسَيْفِكَ، وَأَنَا يَا مَوْلاَيَ فِيهِ ضَيْفُكَ وَجَارُكَ، وَأَنْتَ يَا مَوْلاَيَ كَرِيـمٌ مِنْ أَوْلاَدِ الْكِرَامِ، وَمَأْمُورٌ بِالضِّيَافَةِ وَالإِجَارَةِ فَأَضِفْنِي وَأَجِرْنِي، صَلَوَاتُ اللّٰهِ عَلَيْكَ وَعَلىٰ أَهْلِ بَيْتِكَ الطَّاهِرِينَ.

O’ my master, O’ the Present Imam of our time! Blessings of Allah be upon you and your family (Ahlul Bayt). This is the day of Jumu’ah (Friday) and it is the day in which your advent is expected and the coming of relief for the believers (from their difficulties) by your hands, and (in which will be the) execution of the disbelievers with your sword.

And I am, O’ my master, in it (this day), your guest and neighbor, and you O’ my master are generous, from the sons of the generous ones. And you have been commanded to receive guests and welcome neighbors. So then receive me and welcome me, blessings of Allah be upon you and upon your family (the Ahlul Bayt), the purified ones.

References

1.The Ziyarat for each day of the week are not mentioned in this work, however readers who wish to benefit from them can refer to “Daily Duas” published by Tayyiba Publishers ( tayyiba@telus.net) which features the Ziyarat in ‘Arabic with full English translation. (Tr.)

2.Biharul Anwar, vol. 102, pg. 210, sec. 9, no. 1; Jamal al-Usbu’, pg. 25

Responsibility 96: Visiting the Righteous Lovers of the Imam

Another responsibility is to visit those righteous people who love and have a strong affinity for Imam al-Mahdi (ajtf) as such a visit will give a person the same reward as performing the Ziyarat of the Imam himself!

This responsibility can be fulfilled with those who are alive or those who have left this world especially the scholars in the religion who are amongst those with the taqwa of Allah!

Imam Musa b. Ja’far al-Kadhim (as) has said:

مَنْ لَمْ يَقْدِرْ أَنْ يَزُورَنَا فَلْيَزُرْ صَالِحِي مَوَالِينَا يُكْتَبُ لَهُ ثَوَابُ زِيَارَتِنَا

“A person who is not able to perform our Ziyarat should instead visit the righteous people from among our followers and the reward of visiting us will be written for him.”1

Reference

1.Kamal al-Ziyarat, pg. 319, no. 1

Responsibility 97: Sending Prayers and Salutations upon the Imam

Another responsibility is to send prayers and salutations upon Imam al-Mahdi (ajtf).

In order to fulfill this responsibility, a true believer may for example, say something like the following line:

أَللّٰهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلـىٰ مَوْلاَنَا صَاحِبِ الزَّمَانِ

“O’Allah! Send your blessings upon our Master, the Master of the Time.”

In the books of Du’a, many different greetings1 have been mentioned in regards to Imam al-’Asr (ajtf) and the other Infallibles (as) and we must only use these greetings when saluting him since these have been taught to us by the Ahlul Bayt (as) and thus, what better greeting can there be than these?

Sending salutations upon the Imam (ajtf) is a form of Du’a a complete and comprehensive supplication. In this form of a petition and request from the true believer (the salutations to the Imam), we see the desire for the Imam to be protected and the prayer for the protection of his helpers and friends all forms of grief and anguish to be removed from the Imam’s heart, prayer for his advent to be hastened the desire that he is granted a victory and many other subtle points.

In reality, the greetings and salutations which we send to the Imam are actually us praying and seeking His mercy in all areas related to the Imam, whether these are the affairs of this world or the next life.

Thus, we affirm that the key to the rectification of all issues is in the hands of Allah alone.

Reference

1.Such as those mentioned in Mafatih al-Jinan, sec. on Ziyarat, right after Ziyarat Jami’a under the heading of: “Greetings upon the Righteous Proofs of Allah”