CHAPTER 13: REVOLUTION
Apparently this topic appears to be unrelated to the subject of this book. I would not have picked up my pen for this, but since this is being considered as part of religion nowadays, and those who oppose it are regarded as the enemies of religion, I consider it my duty to get rid of this misunderstanding as well. This would sort out the truth from falsehood and remove uncertainty and doubt.
Revolution means to turn, revolve, etc. and this can be applied to everything. The major ones are:
1.Governmental revolution.
2.Political revolution - change of system.
3.Revolution in life - Change is lifestyles.
4.Intellectual and spiritual revolution - Change of mind.
5.Religious revolution - Diverting people towards one religion away from others.
Let us now see what kind of revolution it is that has happened today and what is behind all this. It has generally been portrayed as a Shiite revolution whose purpose is the spread of religion all over the world. This is so that the work about which Allah (s.w.t.) Says ‘You wait and We too are waiting’ and for which He (s.w.t.) has kept the Imam Al Mahdi (a.s.) in occultation for, should get done before its time. It is another matter that based on the principle of ‘All deeds are based upon intentions’ completely opposite results seem to be coming out.
It is a habit of mine that whenever I need to find out about any matter then I refer to imam Ali (a.s.)’s saying in Nahj Ul Balagah ‘Whenever you are suspicious about a matter then you come to kow its result by looking at its inception’. I have been thinking about this revolution in Iran for a long time now and suddenly I came across a book entitles ‘Sunni V/s Shia A Pitiful Outcry’. This book presented such facts that answered all my questions and when you go through the arguments below you will also realise that whatever it may be, this revolution in Iran was definitely not a Shiite revolution to spread the Shiite faith. This was only the establishment of the government of the Mullahs.
WHY DID THE MULLAHS THINK OF FORMING A GOVERNMENT?
Micavelli has written in his book ‘The Prince’, that in order to establish religious ordinances, the formation of a government is necessary. This is because, however they may be, they are above reproach and the people tend to accept them easily without much opposition and discipline gets established in the society. For this he quoted the example of the Roman emperor Romulus’s heir Numa who diverted his people towards religion and happily governed them in peace and security.
The point is that from the governments of the Banu Umayya and Banu Abbas to the Othmania caliphates, all of them were dependent on the Fatwas of the accursed people. Even an eternally accursed ruler like Yazeed depended upon a Fatwa for the killing of Imam Husayn (a.s.). Even in Iran the mullahs were heavily involved with the previous Shah’s government. In all these periods the Fatwas of the mullahs were for sale and strengthening the grip of the kings. Slowly, slowly the realisation dawned upon the mullahs that if based on their Fatwas which were bought by a rulers for a few pennies they can achieve governance, then why can’t they themselves take over the rulership on the basis of all their Fatwas. And so they spun their web of Taqleed and formed a large group of their followers (muqallideen). So much Khums money was being collected from them that it even exceeded the national budget of many small countries. In other words a government within a government had been formed and this thought of forming their own government was a necessary conclusion for them.
Agha e Khomieni writes in his book ‘Islamic Government’: ‘Their plan is to keep us backward, to keep us in our present miserable state so they can exploit our riches, our underground wealth, our lands, and our human resources. They want us to remain afflicted and wretched, and our poor to be trapped in their misery. Instead of surrendering to the injunctions of Islam, which provide a solution for the problem of poverty, they and their agents wish to go on living in huge places and enjoy lives of abominable luxury.
We believe in government and believe that the Prophet (s) was bound to appoint a successor, as he indeed did. Was a successor designated purely for the sake of expounding law? The expounding of law did not require a successor to the Prophet. He himself, after all, had expounded the laws; it would have been enough for the laws to be written down in a book and put into people’s hands to guide them in their actions. It was logically necessary for a successor to be appointed for the sake of exercising government. Law requires a person to execute it.
We need righteous and proper organs of government; that much is self-evident.
Today, we have 700 million Muslims in the world, 170 million or more of whom are Shî‘ah. They are all ready to follow us, but we are so lacking in resolve that we are unable to lead them. We must establish a government that will enjoy the trust of the people, one in which the people have confidence and to which they will be able to entrust their destiny.’
Now that you have heard this from the man behind the revolution itself you should have little problems in understanding the rest of the chapter. I would like to get rid of the misunderstanding that this is a Shiite revolution, as you can see that there was not such concept in the minds of the people who created this revolution. There was no differentiation in the minds between the Shiites and the Sunnis. The fact is that they neither believed in a Shiite government nor a Sunni government, but an Islamic government in which there is no difference between the two. Their Islam is the one which revolves around government. The main purpose of the revolution was to form a government.
You know that I do not say anything without evidence, which I aim to present later on. Let me first tell you that apart from a few minor differences in their ‘Furoo’ there is no difference between the two sects. Both sects are in fact one and the same. The teachings of the Holy Imams (a.s.) and the injustices they suffered, their killings, the suppression of the Shiites and their killings, being cemented in the walls whilst still alive, etc. which have been related in thousands on books over the centuries have all been regarded as fairy tales. Those who have been to Iran will see that the Shiite religious ordinances are slowly but surely being made to be ever closer to the Sunni ones, and the day is not far when apart from the matter of grieving for Imam Husayn (a.s.) no difference will remain between the two. Every one is aware that there is a world of difference between the two sects in the beliefs as well as actions. Take a look at a few examples.
1.The major differences is in the testimonies being borne. The Shiites bear three testimonies which includes the Mastership (Wilayah) of Imam Ali (a.s.) whilst the others just stop at two.
2.The Shiites do not ascribe a body to Allah (s.w.t.) and consider Him (s.w.t.) to be beyond sight. The other sects, however, ascribe a body for the Divine Creator and they all agree that He (s.w.t.) can be seen.
3.The Shiites believe in the Justice of Allah (s.w.t.) to be part of their primary beliefs whereas the others consider it otherwise.
4.The Shiites believe in the Infallibility of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.) whereas the other sects believe that he (s.a.w.) is prone to error. The Shiites believe that the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.) is a Prophet all the times whereas the others consider him (s.a.w.) to be a normal person some of the time.
5.The Shiites believe in Imamate and is part of their fundamental beliefs whereas this concept simply does not exist amongst the others.
6.The Shiites believe in Raj’at (Return) whereas the others have no such belief.
I have merely glanced at the summary of the beliefs and have not paid any attention to the actions as even they have a lot of differences among themselves. You can see from above that the two major sects are fundamentally difference and those who consider them to be similar are either deluding themselves or others.
Even so, the Fatwa of Agha e Khomeini has been given on page 54 of the book ‘Sunni Shiite differences an unreal’ “This act of differences among the Ummah is forbidden in law and it is obligatory upon all Muslims to oppose this”.
This tune of the amalgamation of the two Sects is so embedded in their minds that even the Shiites today have lost faith in their own beliefs to the extent that they are not sure whether they will be going to Paradise or become the fuel of the fire of Hell. They have started blaming Allah (s.w.t.) for creating the differences between the two Sects and so these people are now trying to amalgamate the two Sects against the Plan of Allah (s.w.t.). In the first page of the above book it has been stated: ‘Whatever the reason might be behind the formation of the Sects, but the reality is that we have had to pay a very heavy price for this as the existence of these Sects has given strength to the enemies of Islam. The Shiite/Sunni difference is only a difference of actions, and this small difference does in no way justify the division of this nation into two. As it will become clear from reading this book, at the most the difference between the two is the same as the differences which exist among the four Sunni schools of thought’.
Did you realise what type of people these are and what type of Islam they have, and how much it relates to the Shiite sect? This is then evidenced further in the book: ‘New constructions and the leaders of the oil rich states and their puppets know full well that neither an army is needed nor weapons, but only a handful of pretenders are needed who can issue Fatwas as and when needed. They then got some of them to declare the revolution as a Shiite revolution’.
In order to gain conviction I am now quoting the words of Agha e Khomeini from page 54 of the book so that it can be concluded that this revolution has nothing to do with the Shiite religion: ‘We desire that we should have an Islamic government and that our decisions would be in accordance with Islamic law; the same Islam that was revealed unto the Holy prophet (s.a.w.) in which there was no concept of Sunni or Shiite sects. There were only Muslims, and the difference schools of though did not exist’.
I don’t understand how this belief came to the lips of this man and which Islam it was that he is talking about. The Islam which reached us through the Holy Imams (a.s.) is the Shiite sect, whilst the one which came through the companions formed the Sunni sects. They are trying to stop these two types of Islam and are adopting for themselves a third type. There is no doubt that the correct Islam is the one which revealed unto the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.), but how did this Islam get to them directly? Maybe someone can untangle this knot. This much is for sure that in their view both the companions as well as the Holy Imams (a.s.) are unreliable. In the madness of the unity of the Muslims, the have falsified their own religion and the people regard this as some sort of an achievement. It is further stated: ‘The stand for the unity of Muslims was regarded by some as impossible to achieve while others deemed it to be possible. They said that we should unite on common beliefs, on which faith is not necessary, neither are these from the fundamental beliefs nor from those necessities of religion who avoidance is prohibited, and respect each others emotions’.
You can realise how dangerous this ground is on which they are taking us. Based on this, the other sects have nothing to lose, but the Shiite faith is based on Justice of God (Adaalat) and Imamate, and if these two are taken away from it then where would it leave the Shiite sect?
In order to achieve their aims they have ignored what is right and what is wrong. They created a belief that it does not really matter which Sect you follow for they will all lead you to Paradise, and so on page 25 they printed a statement of Sheykh Shaltout: ‘Allah (s.w.t.)’s religion and its laws are not based on any particular school of thought. These are all sects based on jurisprudence and are all acceptable in front of Allah (s.w.t.).
They have then quoted Sheykh Muhammad Al Ghazali: ‘Both groups have paced their beliefs on the Unity of Allah (s.w.t.) and the Prophethood of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.) and none of them has any preference over the others about this, and they are seekers of salvation’.
WHO CONCEIVED THE PLANS FOR THE REVOLUTION?
There were three groups who conceived of this.
1.A specialist group of Iranian Mujtahids.
2.The Muslim Brotherhood (Ikhwan Al Muslimeen).
3.Jamaa’t Islami Pakistan.
Let me first introduce to you the Muslims Brotherhood.
THE MUSLIM BROTHERHOOD
This organisation was set up by an Englishman called John Phelby who changed his name to Sheykh Muhammad Phelby. The details of this can be found in the book ‘History of the Family of Al Saud’ by Nasir Al Saeed. John Phelby go together a lot of the followers of Sheykh Abdul Wahhab with long beards and the students of Usool E Fiqh. He got them to issue Fatwas that whosoever opposes Abdul Aziz Ibn Saud is a unbelievers and should therefore be killed. An army of religious people was collected who were obedient to these Sheykhs, who were named as ‘Jaysh Al Ikhwan’ (Army of the Brotherhood).
Ibn Saud collected an army of thirty thousand of these equipped with British weapons. This army was known as ‘Jaysh Al Ikhwan Ul Muslimeen’ (The Army of the Muslim Brotherhood). This is the Muslim Bortherhood which made an appearance in Egypt. It had its branches in many parts of the world under different names. In Pakistan its branch is called Jama’at E Islami. All these branches had one aim and purpose - take control of the affairs of the country. They met with stiff opposition as there are four schools of thought among the Sunnis who opposed them. In Egypt all their activists, whose leader was Syed Qutb, were lined up and shot by the then leader Jamal Abdel Nasser. In Pakistan they were rejected by the people and their mission failed. However, in Iran where the majority of the people were Shiites, a special group of Mujtahids found it easier as a lot of them were in their Taqleed. They stepped over the dead bodies of more than a hundred thousand people and claimed the government.
This was a short introduction of The Muslim Brotherhood about which the author writes: ‘In this book the position of the Shiites in the well known organisation of the Arab world, The Muslim Brotherhood, has been clearly set out. The top Scholars of the Shiite world are the founding fathers of this’ - (Page 3). Now we come to the main purpose of the revolution which is to be found on page 143 of the book.
‘In the book Al Harkat Al Islami Wa Tahdeeth, Ghanoushi has considered this new thinking to be the same as the one by Imam Hassan Al Banna, Allama Mawdudi, Syed Qutb and Imam Khomeini’.
The compiler is of the opinion that a new discipline will emanate from Iran. Under the heading ‘What do we mean by a new movement?’, he writes: ‘Our purpose is that thinking which will come about from the formation of an Islamic government and this explanation is in accordance with all the three movements - The Muslim Brotherhood, Jama’at E Islami Pakistan, and Iran’s Islamic revolution’.
THE STARTING POINT
In the book ‘Sunni V/s Shia A Pitiful Outcry’ he writes on page 17 : One of the thinkers of The Muslim Brotherhood, Suleym Al Hansawi, has written in his compilations Al Sunnat Al Muftara: ‘During the formation of this organisation for the unity of the Muslim countries Imam Hassan Al Banna and a Shiite Mujtahid were present. Unity between The Muslims Brotherhood and the Shiites was created resulting in the tour of Cairo by Nawwab Safavi in 1954. Everyone knows that Imam Hassan Al Banna met Ayatullah Kashani in 1948 during Hajj and there was an understanding and similarity of views between them’.
And when Nawwab Safavi went to Damascus he met the caretaker of The Muslim Brotherhood Dr. Mustafa Al Sibai. When Dr. Sibai complained about the irrelidousness of the Shiites and their inclinations towards nationalistic parties, Nawwab Safavi said in clear words, ’Those Shiites who wish to be true Ja’faris should join The Muslim Brotherhood.
This is the Nawwab Safavi who was the leader of the Fidayee E Islam. Despite having the Shiite ideology they still hold the belief in Muslim Unity and they have with them a detailed plan for this. One page 19 he is quoted as saying: ‘Come, let us all work together for Islam and forget everything else in this struggle. Hasn’t the time arrived for the Muslims to become aware and eradicate the differences between the Shiites and the Sunnis.
When the Shah of Iran ordered the execution of Nawwab Safavi, Fateh Yaqin of The Muslim Brotherhood commented: ‘In this way a Shiite Muslim has become part of the martyrs of The Muslim Bortherhood. Is there any Nwwab present in Iran today who can correct what is happening?’ The writer says: ‘And so Fated Yaqin was waiting for another Nawwab from Iran. But O my God! Why are these people so worked up about the Nawwab of Iran? These Nawwabs are greater than the previous ones’.
If you were now to think over this drama played out in the name of Muslims Unity, you will not come across the names of the Hanafis, Shafeis, Malikis and Hanbalis anywhere. Are they not all Muslims? Should they not have been included in this Muslim unity? But no! In all this they are nowhere to be seen. Only two groups stand out as hot headed in this. The Muslim Brotherhood and its branches and some Iranian Mujtahids. This is sufficient for you to realise what the purpose of all this was.
The following conclusion can be drawn from all the evidence presented above:
1.On Page 12 there is a statement from The Muslim Brotherhood: ‘This revolution is under the leadership of such an Imam who is the collective pride of Islam and the reason for the high status of the Muslims’.
2.On page 41 - In west Germany a historical leader of The Muslim Brotherhood, Assam Al Attar, sent quite a few congratulatory telexes to Imam Khomeini and asked the Imam of the Ummah to supplicate for him. His recorded cassettes have been distributed among the young Muslims.
3.On Page 141 - In Sudan, The Muslim Brotherhood had a great demonstration in the University of Khartoum and Hassan Al Turabi who is a well known politician, went to see Imam Khomeini and expressed his full support.
4.On Page 43 - Faqih Yaqeen, a leader of The Muslim Brotherhood has made more than one trip to Iran and has expressed his support in his speeches. In Jordan, Abdul Rahman Khalifa, who is the leader of The Muslim Brotherhood there, has also expressed his support for the revolution, before and after it. Niyaz Yusuf, a poet, has advised all Muslims to support Imam Khomeini in his poems. He says: ‘Khomeini is the Imam and Guide who has got rid of injustice. (It is surprising that he has not seen the injustices in Saudi Arabia and did not start a movement over there. This is because they have already established themselves over there. Their main purpose was for the destruction of the Shiite Sect in which they have succeeded. And so if they do not celebrate over this then what else will they do?) We have given our commitment to Imam Khomeini and we will eradicate the darkness of polytheism with our blood so that there will be light in the universe.
5.The Fatwa of Maulana Maudid of the Jama’at E Islami Pakistan has been printed in the magazine ‘Al Dawah’ of 1979: ‘Khomeini’s revolution is an Islamic revolution. All the Islamic organisations and youth groups are involved in this. All Muslims in general and Islamic organisations in particular should help this revolution in every which way they can’.
6.On Page 50 - Maulana Maudidi, who was a great thinker of this century and is revered by many has said that it is the religious, moral and legal duty of every Muslim to support this revolution.
You have seen the praise of Maulana Maududi. It has been assumed that it is the religious, moral and legal duty of every Muslim to follow Maulana Maududi. Their predicament is that they could not even manage to hold a gathering in their own headquarters due to lack of support. The situation of Jamaat E Islami is in front of your eyes and all Sects are aware of this. Sometimes they seek support from the Hanafis and sometimes from the Deobandis. There is a very strong and deep relationship between the revolutionaries and the Jamaat E Islami Pakistan. This can even be gauged by the fact that soon after the revolution, the first group that visited Iran was not a Shia one but a group of Jamaat E Islami Pakistan under the leadership of Mian Tufail Muhammad.
THE DREAM OF RULING THE WORLD
The plan of the Mullahs was not restricted to Iran, but they were aspiring to rule the world and they wanted all the people to be clothed in this. And so, on page 55 of the book it says: ‘Iranian Muslims, alongside the true believers have lifted the banner of the preservation of all religions’. And on Page 42,: ’It was thought that the armies of the other countries would bring down their respective governments just as the Iranian brought down the regime of the Shah’. Apparently, these are just a few words, but ponder over this and you will see that what this was leading to was wholesale bloodshed and destruction’.
On Page 47, this was issued from the international organisation of The Muslim Brotherhood: ‘Kill the opposition in your area for this opportunity may never arise again’.
Iqbal had told the truth when he said: ‘The religion of the Mullahs is mischief in the way of God’.
They had even carved out their authoritative boundaries, after their conquest of the world. On Page 29: ‘The Muslims Brotherhood’s leader of the first line of the current times, Syed Hadi, writes in his book ‘Al Islam: ‘Each sect will have autonomous authority in its own area and they will chose their own leaders. It will be obligatory upon all of them that they should be obedient to the caliphate’.
LICENCE OF THE REVOLUTION
It has been proven from above that this revolution had nothing to do with the Shiites. It was due to the fact that the leaders were Shiites, therefore they needed some sort of legitimacy for this, and so they made use of two things as a shield. The Holy Quran and the life of the Holy Infallibles (a.s.).
The problem was not of Caliphate or Imamate or Trusteeship or Ul Il Amr, but of making claims to these so that legitimacy can be obtained for their actions. On Page 72 of the book ‘Islamic Government and the Rule of the Jurist’: ‘That Quran whose stance is against the Emperors’.
What I am saying is that if someone were to hold this belief without referring to the Holy Quran then that is another matter. Those that are aware of the Quranic Injunctions or those that read the Quran with its translation will find it difficult to believe this stance. The Holy Quran is the Proof of Allah on His servants and not a declaration of an emperor. Go and read the whole Quran. There is no place where Allah (s.w.t.) has instructed His (s.w.t.) Prophet to overcome a king. Allah (s.w.t.) did not send the Prophets so that they should leave aside the propagation of religion and get involved in political affairs and the achieving the rulership of governments. Did any Prophet tell the king of his time that he should abdicate in his favour? The Prophet Musa (a.s.) did not tell the Pharaoh that he should hand over his government to him (a.s.). he (a.s.) told the Pharaoh to hand over the Israelites so that he (a.s.) should guide them and correct them. In the story of Prophet Dawood (a.s.) also we cannot see that he (a.s.) was told by Allah (s.w.t.) to overturn the throne of Goliath, but it was the people who requested Prophet Dawood (a.s.) to appoint a king for them so that they can defend themselves. Prophet Dawood (a.s.) fought against Goliath, in the army of Talut as an ordinary soldier. It was not his (a.s.) aim to dethrone Goliath and become the king. It was a defensive battle which is ingrained in human nature.
Out of all the Prophets, only four of them had a government - Prophet Dawood (a.s.), Prophet Sulayman (a.s.), Prophet Yusuf (a.s.) and the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.). None of them struggled to achieve their governments and none of the other Prophets expressed such an intent. The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.) did not overcome Madina and established a government there. He fled from Mecca due to the dangers there and migrated at the request of the people of Madina. The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.) did indeed call them towards the true religion but did not aspire for their government. And so for the claim that: ‘The Holy Quran’s whose struggle is for standing against the emeperors’, is nothing but a false accusation against the Holy Quran and make is a plaything. It is possible for this to be the view of Hassan Al Banna, or Nawwab Safavi or The Muslim Brotherhood, but the Holy Quran is free from such frivolities.
HOW WAS THE MAP OF THE REVOLUTION MADE?
Although evidence from the Holy Quran was given to prove the creation of the revolution, you will be taken by surprise when you realise the factors behind this revolution. The Holy Quran is nowhere to be seen.
On Page 152 - ‘When I was in prison, I came across the books of Nehru. He wrote these books when he was in prison and did not know whether he will be released or be killed. He had mad a plan for the independence of India. When he was released, he acted upon the very same plan that he had conceived of whilst in prison, and he became the prime minister of four hundred million people’.
I have no need to say any more about this. The plan of Nehru and the shield of the Holy Quran. Anyhow, this was his first reason. The second reason was the reference to the lives of the Holy Imams (a.s.), which is even more dangerous than the first. The first thing he did was to speculate on the thinking of the Holy Imams (a.s.). What would they have done in this situation? What would they think about? He found all this out and in this inspirational state he did not even spare the Holy Imams (a.s.). The second thing he did was to utilise the situation of the Banu Abbas with the Ahl Ul Bayt (a.s.). Why did he do that? Only for the gaining of government.
On Page 74 - ‘The oppressor rulers knew full well that if the Holy Imam (a.s.) have time to spare then they will surely take a stand and make life difficult for us. You can see that Haroun kept the Holy Imam Musa Al Kadhim (a.s.) in prison for many years and Manoun kept the Holy imam Ali AL Ridha (a.s.) under close scrutiny and eventually had him poisoned. This was not because they were of the Family of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.) but Haroun and Mamoun understood them to be on the true religion. Anyway, this was because they knew that the children of Ali (a.s.) were desirous of government and claim that the Caliphate is rightfully theirs. They thought that if the Holy Imam Musa AL Kadhim (a.s.) were to be left free then it is possible that when the circumstances are favourable to him (a.s.) then he (a.s.) would take a stand and destroy their governments. And so they never gave them respite. Do not have any doubts that had the Holy Imam Musa Al Kadhim (a.s.) been given any leeway he (a.s.) would have definitely taken a stand and brought down their governments. These people were desirous of the governments of Banu Abbas and would sacrifice everything for that. They did not have any particular enmity with the Ahl Ul Bayt (a.s.).
You have read the reasoning given above. Remember this! There is no honour for anyone except that which has been given in charity from the door of the Holy Infallibles (a.s.). And so, from someone’s words, whoever it may be, were to degrade the Holy Infallibles (a.s.) in any way then this is the criterion which should be used and these words should be rejected without a moment’s hesitation otherwise you will end up being unjust to the Holy Infallibles (a.s.). They have done this because they have considered the Holy Imams (a.s.) to be similar to themselves - helpless. They have assumed that the Holy Imam (a.s.) would also be dependent upon reasons just like us. He (a.s.) has no personal actions. He (a.s.) reacts to the prevalent circumstances. And if nothing could be done then he (a.s.) kept quiet. As if keeping quiet is due to his helplessness and not his policy. All this is either due to the lack of understanding of the station and greatness of the Holy Imams (a.s.) or is being done deliberately. You tell me! How was it possible that Ali (a.s.), who lifted the gate of Khyber with his two fingers, was taken away by a few people with a rope around his neck? And if they say that Ali (a.s.) was alone, then how come nobody from the multitude had the courage to exhume the body of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.)? Ali (a.s.) was alone even then. Does this person who has offered this lame excuse not realise that each of the Holy Imam (a.s.) has his own purpose to fulfil which he (a.s.) does so at its appropriate moment in time? He (a.s.) does not do anything else except fulfil this purpose regardless of the circumstances that prevail.
AL KAFI - H 735, Ch. 61, h2
Ahmad ibn Muhammad and Muhammad ibn Yahya have narrated from Muhammad ibn al-Husayn from Ahmad ibn Muhammad from abu al-Hassan al-Kinani from Ja‘far ibn Najih al-Kindi from Muhammad ibn Ahmad ibn ‘Ubayd Allah al-‘Umari from his father from his grandfather from abu ‘Abd Allah, recipient of divine supreme covenant, who has said the following: “Allah, the Most Holy, the Most High sent a document to His prophet, recipient of divine supreme covenant, before his death. He then said, ‘O Muhammad, this is your will to the noble ones in your family.’ He asked, ‘Who are the noble ones in my family, O Jibril (Gabriel)?’ He then said, ‘They are Ali ibn abu Talib and his sons, recipients of divine supreme covenant,’ On the document there were several seals of gold. The Prophet, recipient of divine supreme covenant, delivered it to (Amir al- Mu’minin) Ali, recipient of divine supreme covenant, and commanded him to open one seal and follow the instructions for him therein. (Amir al-Mu’minin) Ali, recipient of divine supreme covenant, then opened one seal and followed the instruction in it. Then he delivered it to his son al-Hassan, recipient of divine supreme covenant. He opened a seal and followed that which was therein (to follow). He then delivered it to al-Husayn, recipient of divine supreme covenant.. He opened one seal and found therein instructions that asked him to rise for martyrdom with a group of people. That there will be no martyrdom for them except along with you and sell yourself to Allah, the Most Holy, the Most High. He followed all the instructions. Then he delivered it to Ali ibn al-Husayn, recipient of divine supreme covenant. He opened one seal and found therein instructions that asked him to fix his gaze just before him and remain silent, secluded in his house, and worship his Lord until his death will arrive. He did as he was instructed and then delivered it (the sealed document) to his son Muhammad ibn Ali, recipient of divine supreme covenant. He opened one seal and found therein instructions that asked him to speak to people and make them learn. That he should not fear anyone except Allah, the Most Holy, the Most High; no one can harm him. He followed the instructions and then delivered it to his son Ja‘far, recipient of divine supreme covenant.. He opened one seal and found therein instructions that asked him to speak to people, make them learn, propagate the knowledge of his family (Ahl al- Bayt) and affirm the veracity of his righteous ancestors. That he should not be afraid of anyone except Allah, the Most Holy, the Most High; he is secure and safe. He did as was instructed and then delivered it to his son Musa, recipient of divine supreme covenant.. In the same way Musa, recipient of divine supreme covenant, will deliver it to the succeeding Imam and so on up to the appearance of al-Mahdi, recipient of divine supreme covenant.’”
AL KAFI - H 737, Ch. 61, h4
Al-Husayn ibn Muhammad al-Ash‘ari has narrated from Mu‘alla ibn Muhammad from Ahmad ibn Muhammad from al-Harith ibn Ja’far from Ali ibn Isma‘il ibn Yaqtin from ‘Isa ibn al-Mustafad, abu Musa al-Darir who has said the following: In the script of al-Safwan there is the following addition: “Ali in Ibrahim has narrated from his father from ‘Abd Allah ibn ‘Abd al- Rahman al-’Assam from abu ‘Abd Allah al-Bazzaz from Hariz who has said the following: “I said to abu ‘Abd Allah, recipient of divine supreme covenant, ‘May Allah keep my soul in service for your cause, why is it that you, members of the family of the Prophet, recipients of divine supreme covenant, live such short lives? Your deaths are so close and soon after the other Imam even though people need you so much?’ “The Imam said, ‘For every one of us there is a document that contains what he needs to do within his time. When his assignment according to the commandments therein is complete, he learns that his time of death has arrived. The Prophet, recipient of divine supreme covenant, comes to him to give the news of his death and informs him of all that is for him with Allah.’
Can you accept that a seeker of knowledge like myself is aware of these statements while the one who is emulated by multitudes of people is unaware of this? And his statement, ‘Do not have any doubts that had the Holy Imam Musa Al Kadhim (a.s.) been given any leeway he (a.s.) would have definitely taken a stand and brought down their governments’, how much does it carry in the light of this? Only two possibilities exist based on his reasoning. Either the Holy Imam (a.s.) was unaware of his plan of action or else he (a.s.) did not carry it out due to lack of courage. Whichever of the options you chose, you will end up losing your faith. The only possibility that exists otherwise is to openly falsify the one who is reasoning like this.
The reality is that historically as well as from the statements of the Holy Imam (a.s.), this reasoning which has been presented, cannot be proven. If Imam Musa Al Kadhim (a.s.) wanted to overthrow the government he (a.s.) could have done so, but he decided to keep quiet as this was the right thing to do. If Imam Ja’far Al Sadiq (a.s.) wanted to rule, he (a.s.) would have accepted the requests of the Khorasanis and assumed the Caliphate, as this was a golden opportunity for him (a.s0), but did not do so. Alas! These accusations have been thrown as the Holy Imams (a.s.) that they (a.s.) used to make war preparations at home, and had the opportunity arisen, they would have taken a stand and overthrown the government. What is strange is what he has said about the Banu Abbas that they neither had any particular enmity against the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.) nor against the Holy Ahl Ul Bayt (a.s.). This was just a political matter just like when Aurangzeb has his brothers killed and Mamoun had his brother Ameen killed. This is despite the fact that every page of history as well as the statements of the Holy Imams (a.s.) bear witness that these accursed people were enemies of God, enemies of religion, adversaries of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.) and His Family (a.s.). They were thirsty for their blood and used to envy the greatness of their (a.s.) position and status. They were afraid that the multitudes of followers of the Holy Imams (a.s.) might rise up against them, although the Holy Imams (a.s.) never made any such moves and they always used to reiterate that this will be done by the Al Qaim (a.s.). Despite this, a lot of people of low understanding (whose understanding was similar to the Mujtahids of today) used to take a stand against the governments, and they never had the support of the Holy Imams (a.s.).
WHAT KIND OF REVOLUTION WAS THIS?
From the discussion above it has become crystal clear that this revolution was at the most a political revolution. It was never ever a sectarian, religious or spiritual one. If you were to ask me proof of this then I will say that there is no better proof than witnessing it. Hearsay evidence is something else whereas eyewitness is something else. I hereby invite you to go to Iran and survey the situation for yourself. I am not saying this by just sitting in my living room, rather I am making this statement after having been there myself and interacted with the people of Iran. These are the conclusions that I have reached:
1.The Iranian currency has fallen in value by a third.
2.Inflation is sky high.
3.People’s purchasing power is on its last breath.
4.People are complaining about their poverty.
5.People are finding it difficult to make ends meet.
6.Harsh and crazy laws have resulted in the virtual obliteration of the tourist industry. In this situation, calling this a cultural revolution is a joke.
Intellectual, religious and spiritual revolution is one where the people’s thoughts have been changed and they freely adapt to the new life. Changing people’s lives by the force of law cannot be called a revolution. When you survey the situation you will see that the situation is quite opposite to the drum that is being beaten that the people have changed into being pious, God-fearing overnight and that they are now avoiding frivolities,
1.The people’s appearance is different from their actual lives. The women observe Hijaab when they go out and about, but at home they are the same as what they used to be during the previous regime.
2.During marriage and other occasions, the custom of dancing is still being carried on to the extent that the bride herself participates in dancing.
3.Music is being played commonly. Recorded tapes are being sold openly in the market place. They used to listen in secret before, but now it is being done in the open. It looks as if the government is turning a blind eye to this desire of its public. This is being done in the buses, hotels, and even in the parks which are under the control of the government. It is apparent from this that music has been accepted as part of life in Iran.
4.Drugs taking has increased and even under aged children can be seen to be smoking cigarettes openly. This is due to the cultural environment prevalent.
5.Men and women can be seen to be walking around hand in hand in parks and other places. It is another matter that the woman is clad in Hijaab.
6.Gambling dens have increase. If you were to take a tour of Isfahan especially at Pul Khwaju you will see a completely different world over there.
7.The custom of keeping bear is slowly decreasing and now more and more men are shaving off their beards.
8.The custom keeping a rosary in the hand and playing with it is also on the decrease. People are slowly returning back to their previous lifestyle.
9.They are considering the Holy Shrine of the Holy Imam Al Ridha (a.s.) as a goldmine. Instead of respecting and honouring the visitors, they are profiteering from them. The shopkeepers, taxi drivers and the government itself is involved in this. They are charging the visitors more in places where tickets need to be bought. In this situation, to call this a religious, spiritual, intellectual and moral revolution is a crazy man’s dream. It is clear that this was nothing but a political revolution whose main purpose was to achieve power regardless of the price which needs to be paid. This has had not effect on the individual or the collective state of the people.
RESULTS OF THE REVOLUTION
The background and the powers on which this revolution was brought about, those in the know knew full well the logical results of this. Whipping up religious fervour and madness to bringing about a revolution and to expect good results is in itself a crazy thought. And so enmity, envy, narrow mindedness, extremism, hard attitudes, revengefulness, expressed itself in this religiousness. The attitude of respecting other people’s views was eroded and the thinking ‘I am the only one who is right and everyone else is wrong’ was created. In the political, cultural, national and international arenas a hard-line attitude was adopted instead of an understanding one. Internally people were forced to adopt a robotic life. Killings and looting became a daily routine. Fear was implanted upon the people with the help of religious military forces so that no one would have the courage to lift his head. On the international scene Iran became isolated due to these policies. Only a few day had passed after this revolution, there was talk about exporting it to other countries based on the policies of The Muslim Brotherhood. As the Shiites were greatly influenced by the Mullas, those countries where the Shiites were the majority, it was only natural for the rulers to take notice and alarms bells started ringing. The Iran Iraq war was due to this. One day the veil will be removed as to who was behind this revolution. It is necessary to take a look at the effects of this in the Shiite world and in Iran itself was well.
1.The biggest effect was that Iran stopped becoming a nuclear power. All the agreements had been signed with European countries, technology from China, and Plant from Russia.
2.Before the revolution Iran had become the Superman of the area and no one had the courage to do anything about it. Iran had such a large array of helicopters which was even bigger than that of America itself. It had an air force which was even more modern than that of Israel. It had more than forty thousand tanks and other hardware which cannot even be numbered. After the revolution I don’t what happened to this. Did the earth swallow this or the sky took it up. The situation was such that even a small country like Iraq invaded Iran and got it embroiled in a baseless eight year war. Iran was moved fifty years back in its progress. Historically, a lot of powers have wreaked destruction upon Iran, but the destruction that was brought about by this revolution far exceeds all of these enemies.
3.Religious terrorism became the rule from which no one was safe. The police Savak was replaced by the revolutionary guards who considered everyone as their slaves. Even today they are treating visitors like prisoners of war in the name of security. The situation in Iraq is even more difficult but they do not treat visitors like this.
4.A show off society was born which had made exoteric worship as its bedspread and cover. These people had prostration marks on their foreheads and rosaries in their hands, but their purpose was to gain the world in the name of religion.
5.Beliefs were destroyed and Mullah worshipping reached its peak. The Kalema was changed and the national kalema was adopted from the adversaries. In the Adhaan, instead of saying Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar separately, it was being recited together. From the third testimony, ‘Ameerul Mo’mineed Imamul Muttaqeen Aliyyun Wali Ullah’ was taken out. In the prostration they started using their knees instead of their palms. In the Slaam they have started looking left and right.
These were just a few examples, otherwise a whole book can be written about this.
THE EFFECTS OF THE REVOLUTION ON PAKISTANI SHIITES
There is a basic difference between the religious background of Iran and Pakistan. In Iran, both the Mehraab and the Mimbar were in the hands of the Fuqaha, and so during and after the revolution they used these two tools to their full extent. They had very few obstacles in this. In Pakistan the Mehraab was in the hands of those who play around with Fatwas whilst the Mimbar had always been in the hands of the Zakireen who used to teach people about their beliefs and recite the praises of the Ahl Ul Bayt (a.s.) and their grief and thus strengthen their faith. From the smallest to the biggest of the Zakireen, all their methodologies were the same and they hand control over the beliefs of the people and so the Fatwa players had difficulties in spinning their webs here. And so started the conflict between the Mehraab and the Mimbar. An organisation was set up to discredit the Zakireen and that the control should rest with the Fatwa players. It was either the centuries old tradition or the grace of the Master (a.s.) that the people stayed focussed towards the praises of the Ahl Ul Bayt (a.s.). From the Mahraab, instead of the praises of the Ahl Ul Bayt (a.s.), they started heaping praises on the leaders of Iran and got people acquainted with their titles. Such an environment was created as if the Holy Imam (a.s.) had himself appeared in the shape of these Mullahs. It became obligatory to obey the Mullahs just like obedience is obligatory to the Holy Imam (a.s.). A group of seven Mullahs was created to discredit the Ahl Ul Bayt (a.s.) as much as possible through their lectures. These satanic thoughts of their is to be found in books like ‘Ahsan Al Fawaaid’ and ‘Usool al Shara’ie’ which are available even today. Since all this was done with the blessings of the government, there it kept quiet about it and did not oppose them even the slightest. This was the government’s purpose anyhow that the Ahl Ul Bayt (a.s.) should be discredited to such an extent so that their own leaders should have some respect among the people. But the Zakireen did oppose these lectures of theirs and a lot of books were written against them, but nevertheless, a group of people came into being that started worshipping the Mullahs and was happy with the disrespect of the Ahl Ul Bayt (a.s.). This small group is still existing today and is a thorn in the hearts of the Shiites.
Over here a paramilitary force was set up similar to the revolutionary guards of Iran. This group’s purpose was that if anyone were to speak against any mullah then it would act against him. And so attacks were started against the Zakireen who used to explain the true beliefs of the Shiites and expose their deceit. For example the attacks against Allamah Taaj Ud Deen Hyder and Allamah Abdul Hakeem Buturabi. They used to recite slogans even during the Majalises of the Holy Imam Husayn (a.s.) in order to divert the attention of the people away from the Holy Imam Husayn (a.s.) and towards their own leaders. They changed the Durood and started singing the praises of the Mullahs which was the constitution of this group. I even heard a person say: ‘The reason why Imam Husayn (a.s.) did not pray the afternoon prayer was because he was drenched in blood which is unclean and so prayer could not be done’. This group is still around today and has closed its eyes on the hereafter in it worship for authority and government. The common Shiite is fearful of this group and is scared of speaking out against them. This group has forgotten the lessons of history and does not understand that there is nothing that is eternal over here and there is an ending to every beginning over here. Maybe these people are unaware of what is to happen after this ending.
On the other hand in Iran a group of Mullahs was set up to start heaping praise on the revolutionary leaders rather than the Holy Ahl Ul Bayt (a.s.) so that people would slowly become unaware of their true beliefs and divert them towards exoteric acts of worship. This was because the people would then be dependent upon the Mullahs for their exoteric acts of worship and the mission of the Mullahs would move forward.
What happened is Pakistan was the religious terrorism became a way of life. Paramilitary groups began to be set up whose declared intention was to preserve the Azadaari of the Holy Imam Husayn (a.s.) but in reality it was to beat up and kill those Shiites who did not conform to their views. Contemporary history is witness to all this. In this way it became common knowledge that the Shiites of Pakistan were also trying to bring about a revolution similar to the one in Iran. The other Sect vehemently opposed this. Apart from Jamaat E Islami, all the others strongly opposed this. The other Sect then set up their own paramilitary forces whose main purpose was the general massacre of the Shiites. The indoctrination of these forces was that Paradise would become obligatory on the one who kills Shiites, or loot their properties, or inflict some sort of loss on them. There were some people among the Shiite leadership who added fuel to this fire instead of calming things down. They were waiting for the time when massacres of the Shiite would become commonplace and there would be no safety for them. When this situation arose, their dreams, which had had dreamt along with The Muslim Brotherhood and Jamaat E Islami, came true.
When you look at the big picture you will see that these dreams were not of their but of their masters, and that they were nothing but pawns in the big game. And so they started their slogans once again which they had at the start of the revolution who purpose was the destruction of the Shiite beliefs. In order to stop this bloodshed an inter Muslim organisation was set up and an agreement was signed. Have a look at this agreement and see for yourself. I am quoting this from page 3 of the magazine Zulfiqar of 12th September 1995: ‘The honour of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.), the Holy Ahl Ul Bayt (a.s.), the Holy Imam Mahdi (a.s.), the pure wives of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.), the honourable companions, and the rightly guided caliphs are part of faith. The who rejects them is outside the fold of Islam. Insulting them and discrediting them is forbidden and a crime’. This was signed on the 14th April 1995 by Mawlana Shah Ahmad Noorani, Mawlana Syed Sajid Ali Naqvi, Mawlana Syed Ali Al Musawi, Mawlana Muhammad Fazal Hyder (General secretary of Wafaq Shia Ulama), Mawlana Mureed Abbas Yazdani, Mawlana Qazi Husayn Ahmad, Mawlana Samee Ul Haq, Mawlana Zia Ul Qasim, Professor Sajid Meer, Mawlana Agham Taza Pooya, etc. etc.
Since there is a mention of the ‘rightly guided caliphs’ in this covenant that was signed, the magazine then goes on to explain this term.
RIGHTLY GUIDED CALIPHS
In explanation of the famous statement of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.) that there will be twelve caliphs after him (s.a.w.), the famous Sunni Judge Qazi Ayyaz has written in his book ‘Al Shifa’, and the scholar Ibn Hajar Askalani in his commentary of Sahih Al Bukhari, jalal Ud Deen Suyuti in Taarikh Ul Khulafa, Mulla Ali Qadri in Sharah Fiqah Akbar and Shah Wali Ullah Dehlavi in his book Azaalat Ul Khifa have listed them as follows: -
1.Abu Bakr
2.Umar
3.Uthman
4.Ali (a.s.)
5.Muawiya
6.Yazeed
7.Abdul Malik Bin Marwaan
8.Walid
9.Suleyman
10.Yazeed Bin Abdul Malik
11.Hisham
12.Walid Bin Abdul Malik
Then there is a quote from Ibn Taymiyya, ‘Some are of the opinion that Yazeed was from among the companions and some think he was a prophet and some think he was from among the rightly guided caliphs’.
Under this there was an excerpt from a interview of the Sipah E Sahaba leader Mawlana Qasimi: ‘Despite our sacrifices, we only agreed with this covenant to be signed because if this can stop the cursing of the companions then we would have achieved our purpose. In 1400 years these two Sects have finally agreed that the one who abuses the rightly guided caliphs, the pure wives, the honourable companions, has nothing to do with Islam. Sajid Naqvi and Mured Abbas Yazdani are signatories to this that those who abuse the rightly guided caliphs, the Ahl Ul Bayt (a.s.) and the companions of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.) is outside the fold of Islam’.
And so it is my advice to the Shiites that they should investigate the happenings at Saqeefa, the injustice upon the Ahl Ul Bayt (a.s.), the burning of the door of the Holy Lady Fatimah (a.s.) and the martyrdom of her unborn child Mohsin, the battles of jamal, Siffeen and Nahrwaan, the killing of Imam Ali (a.s.), and Imam Hassan (a.s.), the tragic events of Karbala and the treatment of the Holy Family (a.s.), and the injustices that were heaped upon the other Holy Imams (a.s.), and forget about all that has been written in their books now. They should stop their mourning sessions of the Holy Imam Husayn (a.s.) as the finger now points to big people, and they might now end up being outside the fold of Islam. They should now come to a new Islam which was the one presented by the originators of the revolution. There is victory for them in this. We come from Allah (s.w.t.) and to Him we return. I have no more strength now to write any more about this revolution. Whoever wants to do whatever can do it. My work was only for the uncovering of the veil. And that I have done.
The reality is that all this audacity and courage was possible because the public was fooled into believing that the Holy Imams (a.s.) were just sitting tight at home and did not leave any guidance for us. The Holy Imam Mahdi (a.s.) did not guide us as to what our way of life should be during the major occultation and so the complete running of the affairs of religion is in the hands of the Mullahs. They cant turn and twist it as they feel like. They can play with it as they like and we have no choice but to be obedient to them.
In order to do away with this misunderstanding I am hereby quoting the Hadeeth of the Holy Infallibles (a.s.) in reference to what our way of life should be during the major occultation. There are numerous such Hadeeth and it is obvious that it is not possible for me to quote all of them and so I am only quoting a few of them by way of sample in which the Holy Imams (a.s.) have strongly forbidden us to get involved with the formation of government, political affairs of the state, violent demonstrations, and armed rebellions.
The Holy Imam Muhammad Baqir (a.s.) said: ‘I am advising you to fear Allah (s.w.t.), stay away from the crowds of people and stay at home. Stay away from those of our family that take up armed rebellions as they have no purpose or destination. Know this as well that whichever group that takes a stand will not be able to eradicate injustice not will it be able to bring honour to religion, but afflictions will come upon them which will break them up’ - BIHAR UL ANWAAR VOL 11; PAGE 276 (URDU)
The Holy Imam Ja’fa Al Sadiq (a.s.) said: ‘You people sit at home. When you see me that I have associated myself with someone, then arm yourselves and come towards me’. - BIHAR UL ANWAAR VOL 11; PAGE 287 (URDU)
The Holy Imam Ja’far Al Sadiq (a.s.) said; ‘At this time sit at home and your coming out will create strife as Allah (s.w.t.) will occupy with those matters which they do not approve of. - BIHAR UL ANWAAR VOL 11; PAGE 287 (URDU)
The Holy imam Ja’far Al Sadiq (a.s.) said: ‘You keep your mouths shut and sit at home as this matter will not be for you nor for the people’ - BIHAR UL ANWAAR VOL 11; PAGE 289 (URDU)
The Holy Imam Muhammad Baqir (a.s.) said: ‘So long as the earth and the sky are silent, you remain silent as well and do not come out as when the Master of the Time (a.s.) comes it will not be hidden from anyone. - BIHAR UL ANWAAR VOL 11; PAGE 281 (URDU)
It is written in Nahj Ul Balagah that the Holy Imam Ali (a.s.) said: ‘Hold on to the earth and be patient during afflictions, do not give movement to your hands and your swords at all, hold your tongues, when Allah (s.w.t.) is not in a hurry for you then why are you in a hurry? - - BIHAR UL ANWAAR VOL 11; PAGE 291 (URDU)
The Holy Imam Ali Ibn Husayn (a.s.) said: ‘By God, if anyone were to take a stand before the appearance of the Holy Imam Mahdi (a.s.), his example is that of a baby bird whose wings have not yet fully developed. Comes out of its nest and the children capture it and start playing with it’. - BIHAR UL ANWAAR VOL 12; PAGE 85 (URDU)
The Holy Imam Ja’far Al Sadiq (a.s.) said: ‘Sit at your homes silently so long as the earth and the sky remain silent, but when you get the news that Sufyani has made his stand then immediately come to us even though you may have to walk all the way’. - BIHAR UL ANWAAR VOL 12; PAGE 85 (URDU)
The Holy Imam Muhammad Baqir (a.s.) said: ‘There is no better Jihad in this time than Hajj, Umrah and nearness to the Holy Imam (a.s.)’. AL KAFI , BOOK OF DIVINE PROOF, CHAPTER 40, H8 (URDU)
The nine Hadeeth above and the one I am about to quote hereby completes my book and they should be taken as the conclusion of this last chapter. I do not have any better proof than this nor does any person of faith has any need for it. Look at this last Hadeeth and remember me in your prayers.
The Holy Imam Ja’far Al Sadiq (a.s.) said: ‘Before the appearance of Al Qaim (a.s.), whichever standard (flag) is raised, then know that its leader is Taghoot (Satan) who is worshipping someone other than Allah (s.w.t.)’ - - BIHAR UL ANWAAR VOL 11; PAGE 287 (URDU)
This book was completed in November 1999 which corresponds to Rajab 1420.
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Author: Syed Baqir Nisar Zaidi
