Alhassanain(p) Network for Heritage and Islamic Thought

Notes

1. Biharul Anwar, vol. XIX, page 217.

2. Mughazi-i Waqidi, vol. I, page 20.

3. Tarikh-i Kamil, vol. II, page 81.

4. Tarikh-i Tabari, vol. II, page 138 and Tarikh-i Kamil, vol. II, page 82.

5. Seerah-i Ibn Hisham, vol. II. pp. 248 - 249.

6. Mughazi-i Waqidi, vol. I, page 48.

7. Tarikhi Kamil, vol. II, page 82.

8. Seerah-i Ibn Hisham vol. I, page 615.

9. al-lmta'ul Asma', page 74.

10. Tarikh-i Tabari. vol. II, page 140.

11. Mughazi-i Waqidi, vol. I, page 248; Seerah-i Halabi, vol. II, page 160 and Biharul Anwar, vol. XIX, page 217.

12. Tarikh-i Tabari, vol. II, page 140.

13. Mughazi-i Waqidi, vol. I, page 48; Seerah-i Ibn Hisham, vol. I, page 615.

14. Seerah-i Ibn Hisham, vol. I, page 617.

15. Seerah-i Ibn Hisham, vol. I, p. 620 and Tarikh-i Tabari, vol. II, p. 144.

16. Tarikh-i Tabari, vol. II, p. 145 and Seerah-i Ibn Hisham, vol. I, p. 620.

17. Tabaqat, vol. II, page 25.

18. Nahjul Balaghah, Kalimat-i Qisar, page 214.

19. Seerah-i Ibn Hisham, vol. I, page 622.

20. Mughazi, vol. I, page 62 and Biharul Anwar, vol. II, page 234.

21. Tarikh-i Tabari, vol. II, p. 148 and Seerah-i Ibn Hisham, vol. I, p. 625.

22. Nahjul Balaghah, letters, 28 and 46.

23. Tarikh-i Ibn Hisham, vol. I, page 626.

24. Tarikh-i Tabari, vol. II, page 149.

25. Seerah-i Ibn Hisham, vol. I, page 628.

26. Tabaqat-i Ibn Sa'd, vol. Il. page 23.

27. Seerah-i Ibn Hisham, vol. II, pp. 206-207; Mughazi, vol. I, pp. 137-138.

28. Mughazi-i Waqidi, vol. I, page 117.

29. Seerah-i Ibn Hisham, vol. II, page 645.

30. Seerah-i Ibn Hisham, vol. I, page 645.

31. Fahrist-i Najashi, page 5.

32. Seerah-i Ibn Hisham, vol. I, page 648.

33. Sharh-i Nahjul Balaghah by Ibn Abil Hadid, vol. XIV, page 191.

Chapter 31: Dangerous Designs of the Jews

The Battle of Badr was a dreadful storm which blew in the heart of the Arabian Peninsula. This was a storm which pulled out many old roots of polytheism and idol-worship. Some of the heroes and champions of Quraysh were killed or were made captives and the others fled away very ignominously.

The news of Quraysh having been routed spread through Arabia. However, after this storm, there was a sort of lull coupled with fear and disturbance of mind - a lull which was occasioned by reflection about the future general conditions of the Peninsula.

The idolatrous tribes, the rich Jews of Madina and the Jews of Khaybar and Wadiul Qura were very afraid of the ever increasing advancement of the new government and saw their very existence in danger, because they had never believed that the Prophet of Islam would become so strong that he would annihilate the century old strength of Quraysh.

The Jews of Bani Qaynqa' tribe, who lived in Madina and controlled the economy of the city, were more afraid than others, because their life was completely intermingled with that of the Muslims and there was a difference between them and the Jews of Khaybar and Wadiul Qura', who lived outside Madina and away from the zone of authority of the Muslims.

On this account, therefore, the tribe of Qaynqa' became more active than others and started the cold war of propaganda by spreading biting slogans and slanderous verses. Thus they ignored practically the general agreement which was made in the first year of migration.

However, this cold war did not justify that the forces of Islam should give a reply with sharp weapons, because, if a knot can be opened with fingers it should not be necessary to use teeth for the purpose. Furthermore, the Prophet attached much importance to the maintenance of political unity and general law and order.

As a last warning to the Jews the Prophet delivered a fiery speech in the bazaar of Bani Qaynqa'. In this speech he said to the Jews inter alia: The fate of Quraysh serves them right. It is a lesson to you as well. I am afraid that the same misfortune may overtake you.

There are many learned men and religious scholars amongst you. You should verify from them so that they may tell you clearly that I am the Prophet of Allah and that this fact is recorded in your Scripture (the Taurat)".

The obstinate and proud Jews not only did not keep silent after hearing the Prophet's words but replied to him in a very offensive tone and said: "Do you think that we are weak and unaware of the war strategy like Quraysh? You confronted a group who did not know the principles and tactics of fighting. However, the strength of the children of Qaynqa' will become known to you when you meet them in the battlefield".1

The biting and disrespectful words of Bani Qaynqa' and the singing of slogans and epic poems by the champions of the Jews did not have even the slightest adverse effect on the morale of the Muslims.

However, an ultimatum was served on them in accordance with the principles of Islamic politics and it became clear that this time the knot would have to be opened by other means or else their courage, transgression and oppression would increase day by day. The Prophet, therefore, waited for an opportunity to administer them a severe castigation.

The Fire Of War Kindles With A Spark

At times it so happens that small phenomena lead to great revolutions and social upheavals i.e. an insignificant event leads to great occurrences and the parties resort to the settlement of many other accounts as well (besides that event).

The reason for the commencement of the First World War, which is one of the greatest events of human history, was a small happening, which provided an excuse to the big powers to wage war. The event which served as a cause for the commencement of the said war was the assassination of the Archduke Francis Ferdinand, the crown prince of Austria.

This happened on the 28th of June 1914 and after one month and a few days the First World War started with Germany's attack on Belgium. As a result of this ten million persons were killed and another twenty million were wounded.

The Muslims were extremely annoyed at the obstinacy and arrogance of the Jews and were awaiting an offensive act of theirs so that they might rise against them. One day it so happened that an Arab woman came in the Bazaar of Bani Qaynqa' to sell something near the shop of a Jewish goldsmith. She had taken care that nobody should see her face.

The Jews of Bani Qaynqa', however, insisted that she should unveil her face. As she declined to do so the shopkeeper came out of his shop and sewed the lap of her dress on her back. Consequently when the woman rose after a few moments a part of her body became visible. Thereupon the men (of Bani Qaynqa') ridiculed her.

The question of reputation and honour, which is something vital for every society, enjoyed extraordinary importance amongst the Arabs and especially amongst the nomadic tribes who resorted to bloodshed on account of the slightest aspersion on their honour.

The pitiable condition of the stranger women, therefore, aroused the sense of honour of a Muslim and he killed the Jewish goldsmith. Naturally this act, committed in the area of the Jews themselves, could not pass without a reaction on their part. They therefore, attacked that Muslim en masse and put him to death.

We are not concerned about the fact whether or not the killing of the Jew for his having insulted the woman conformed to principles and reason. However, a Muslim's having been attacked by hundreds of Jews collectively was decidedly very shocking. Hence, the news of the tragic and pitiable murder of a Muslim stirred the moral sense of the Muslims, who determined to set the matters right and to destroy the centre of mischief.

The reciters of epic verses of Bani Qaynqa' realized that the matter had become serious and it was no longer advisable for them to continue their business in the bazaars and streets of Madina. They, therefore, considered it expedient to take refuge, as early as possible, in their houses, which were situated in high and strong forts, and to retreat there in spite of all their recitations of epic poems with great valour!

They also committed a mistake in acting on this scheme. If they had regretted what they had done and had asked for forgiveness they would certainly have been able to reconcile with the Muslims on account of the forgiving nature of the Prophet.

However, to shut themselves in the forts was a sign of continuance of hostilities and enmity. The Prophet ordered the fort of the enemy to be besieged. The Muslim forces encircled the entire fort from one end to the other. The siege continued for fifteen days and entry of provisions into the fort was stopped. Any contact with those people was also prohibited.

The Jews knelt down as a consequence of the economic blockade. They opened the gate of the fort after making requisite signs, surrendered to the Muslim army. They also declared that the decision of the Prophet, whatever it was, should be adhered to.

The Prophet intended to award severe punishment to the obstructionists and the opponents of political unity in Madina. However, he refrained from taking such action on account of the insistence of Abdullah Ubay who was one of the hypocrites of Madina and had ostensibly embraced Islam.

It was, therefore, decided that the Jews should surrender their weapons and wealth and quit Madina as early as possible and this task should be accomplished under the supervision of an officer named 'Ubadah bin Samit. The Jews saw no alternative but to leave Madina for Wadiul Qura' and then to proceed to Azra'at in the region of Syria.

The political unity of Madina was restored once again with the expulsion of the Jews of Qaynqa'. This time the political unity was combined with religious unity also, because, besides the Muslims, no other considerable majority was now visible in Madina and the number of idolatrous Arabs and hypocrites was insignificant as compared with that of the believers.2

Fresh Reports Reach Madina

In small surroundings news usually circulates like lightning from person to person. For this reason news regarding most of the conspiracies and gatherings against the Muslims in every region reached the centre of Islam immediately through impartial travellers or vigilant friends. Furthermore, the Prophet himself was extraordinarily perceptive and nipped most of the conspiracies in the bud.

As soon as a report was received that a tribe was planning to collect arms and men he immediately dispatched a force to curb the spirit of the enemy, or went personally at top speed, with an appropriate force, and besieged the area of the enemy and frustrated his plans. Here is a brief account of some of the 'ghazwahs' (battles in which the Prophet participated) which took place in the second year of migration.

1. Ghazwatul Kadar

The central region of Bani Salim tribe was called Kadar. A report was received in Madina that the people of that tribe were planning to collect arms to attack the centre of Islam. As and when the Prophet of Islam went out of Madina he appointed another person as his representative and entrusted the governmental matters to him. This time he appointed Ibn Umme Maktum to deputize for him in Madina, and himself went, with a force, to the central region of Kadar.

However, the enemies had scattered before the arrival of the Muslims. The Prophet however, returned to Madina without any fighting but for his own satisfaction he again sent an army to the same spot under the command of an officer named Ghalib Abdullah. The army in question returned victorious after a small skirmish in which three of their men were killed.3

2. Ghazwatus Saweeq

The Arabs of the Age of Ignorance made strange vows. For example, Abu Sufyan had vowed after the Battle of Badr that until he had taken revenge for the murder of the Quraysh upon the Muslims, he would not go near his wife. To fulfil his vow he was obliged to conduct an attack. He marched with two hundred men and, at the insistence of Salam bin Mushkam, the chief of the Jewish tribe of Bani al-Nuzayr, who lived out of Madina, he killed a Muslim and set fire to a palm-grove in the region of 'Ariz'.

A man immediately reported the incident to Madina. The Prophet came out of Madina and pursued the enemy up to a certain distance. However, Abu Sufyan and his warriors fled away. On the way the enemies left behind some bags of 'saweeq' (a food prepared with flour and palm-dates). The Muslims took possession of these bags and gave this ghazwah the name of 'Ghazwatus Saweeq'.4

Ghazwah Zil Amr

A report was received in Madina that the people of the tribe named 'Ghatfan' had gathered together and intended conquering Madina. The Prophet with 450 men rose to face the enemies. The enemies became panicky and took refuge in the mountains. In the meantime there was a heavy downpour and the clothes of the Prophet became wet.

He therefore, went at a distance from the army. There he took off his clothes and spread them on a tree, and sat down under the shade. The enemies were observing the movements of the Prophet. A warrior from amongst them took advantage of the situation. He came down from the mountain with a naked sword and standing by the side of the Prophet said with a harsh voice: "Who can save you today from my sharp sword?" The Prophet replied loudly: "Allah".

This word had such an effect on that man that he began to tremble with fear, and the sword fell down involuntarily from his hand. The Prophet stood up immediately, picked up the sword, attacked him and said: "Who can save you from me now?" As the man was an idolater and knew that his wooden gods were incapable of defending him at that crucial moment he replied: "None".

Historians say that the man embraced Islam there and then, but this action of his was not on account of fear, because he remained steadfast in his faith. The reason for his adopting Islam was the waking up within him of his pure nature, because his unexpected and miraculous defeat turned his mind to the other world and he realized that the Prophet had connections with that world.

The Prophet took him at his word (regarding his embracing Islam) and returned his sword to him. After going a bit forward he returned and surrendered his sword to the Prophet, and said: "As you are the leader of this reformatory army, you are much more entitled to own this weapon".5

Quraysh Change Their Trade Route

The coast of the Red Sea had become dangerous (for Quraysh) on account of the Islamic army and the people who had concluded pacts with the Muslims. Once again, therefore, Quraysh held consultations and studied the situation.

They said among themselves: "If our trade is suspended we will gradually lose our capital and will consequently have to surrender to the Muslims. And in case we remain engaged in trade we have no hope of success, because the Muslims usually confiscate our merchandise en route".

One of them suggested that they should go to Syria via Iraq and his suggestion was accepted unanimously. Arrangements were, therefore, made to send a caravan along with the merchandise. Abu Sufyan and Safwan Umayyah personally supervised the caravan and a man named 'Furat Hayyan', who belonged to the tribe of Bani Bakr, acted as their guide.

Maqrizi writes: "A man belonging to Madina observed the proceedings. On his return to Madina he mentioned the fact to a friend of his. The Prophet became aware of the fact soon and dispatched an army towards the route of the caravan under the command of an officer named Zayd Harith. By capturing two men and confiscating the merchandise they prevented the enemies from pursuing their journey."6

Notes

1. Mughazi-i Waqidi, vol. I, page 176.

2. Mughazi, vol. I, pp. 177-179 and Tabaqat-i Kubra, vol. II, pp. 27-38.

3. Mughazi, vol. I, page 182 and Tabaqat-i Kubra, vol. II, page 30.

4. Mughazi-i Waqidi, vol. I, page 181.

5. Manaqib, vol. I, page 164 and Mughazi-i Waqidi, vol. I, pp. 194-196.

6. al Imta', page 112.

Relationship of Children to Parents in Islam

The laws for a good life in this world. are enshrined in the holy Quran the Book of God. These laws were delivered either as commandments or as prohibitions. We might say that they came as prescriptions and proscriptions.

In modern times a man in most cases equates the "good" life with a life of license and gratification of the senses. But the good life in Islam is the very antithesis of life spent as a pleasure-seeker. In Islam the good life is one which is lived in obedience to the commandments of God. In other words, the aim of a Muslim should be to live in total harmony with the Laws enacted by God and transmitted by Him through His Messenger, Muhammad (may God bless him and his holy progeny).

There are of course many laws in Quran. They are comprehensive, and they do not overlook any detail of life. They therefore include laws which govern the relationship of parents and children.

The attitude of Muslim children toward their parents and the sanctity of their relationship with their parents is a subject that has been dealt with in the following verses of Quran:

"And remember We took a Covenant from the Children of Israel (to this effect): worship none but God; treat with kindness your parents and kindred, and orphans and those in need; speak fair to the people; be steadfast in prayer: and practice regular charity. Then did you turn back, except a few among you, and you backslide (even now)."

“It is prescribed, when death approaches any of you, if heleave any goods, that he make a bequest to parents and next of kin, according to reasonable usage: this is due from the God-fearing.” 2:180

'They ask thee what they should spend (in charity). Say: Whatever you spend that isgood, is for parents and kindred and orphans and those in want and for wayfarers. And whatever you do that is good, God knows it well.” 2:215

"Serve God, and do not join any partners with Him; and do good to parents, kinsfolk, orphans, those in need, neighbors who are near, neighbors who are strangers, the companion by your side, the way-farer (you meet), and what your right hands possess: for God does not love the arrogant, the vainglorious." 4:36

"Say: "Come. I will rehearse what God has (really) prohibited you from” do not join anything as equal with Him: be good to your parents: do not kill your children on a plea of want: - We provide sustenance for you and for them: - do not come near shameful deeds, whether open or secret: do not take life, which God has made sacred, except by way of justice and law: thus does He command you, that you may lean wisdom." 6:151

"0 our Lord! cover (us) with Thy forgiveness - me, my parents, and (all) Believers, on the Day that the Reckoning will be established." 14:41

'Thy Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him, and that you be kind to parents. Whether one or both of them attain old age in thy life, do not say a word of contempt, nor repel them, but address them in terms of honor." “And, out of kindness, lower to them the wing of humility, and say: "My Lord!bestow on them Thy Mercy even as they cherished me in childhood." 17:23.24

"And (Yahya was) kind to his parents, and he was not overbearing or rebellious." 19:14

"(He) hath made me kind to my mother, and not overbearing or miserable." 19:32

"So he (Sulayman ) smiled, amused at her speech: and he said: 'O my Lord!so order me that I may be grateful for Thy favors, which Thou hast bestowed on me and on my parents, and that I may work the righteousness that will please Thee: and admit me. By Thy Grace, to the ranks of Thy Righteous Servants'." 27:19

"We have enjoined on man kindness to parents: but if they (either of them) strive (to force) thee to join withMe (in worship) anything of which you have no knowledge, do not obey them. You have (all) to return toMe , and I will tell you (the truth) of all that you did." 29:8

"And We have enjoined on man (to be good) to his parents: in travail Upon travail did his mother bear him, and in years twain was his weaning; (hear the command). " Show gratitude toMe and to your parents; to Me is (your final) Goal." - “But if they strive to make you join in worship with Me things of which you have no knowledge, do not obey them: yet bear them company in this life with justice (and consideration), and follow the way of those who turn to Me (in love); in the End the return of you all is to Me, and I will tell you the truth (and meaning) of all that you did.”31:14.15

"We have enjoined on man kindness to his parents: in pain did his mother bear him, and in pain did she give him birth. The carrying of the (child) to his weaning is (a period of} thirty months. At length, when he (Isa) reaches the age of full strength and attains forty years, he says. 'O my Lord! Grant me that I may be grateful for Thy favor which Thou hast bestowed upon me.and upon both my parents, and that I may work righteousness such as Thou may approve; and be gracious to me in my issue. Truly have I turned to Thee and truly do I bow (to Thee) in Islam'." 46:15

"O my Lord! Forgive me, my parents, all who enter my house in Faith, and (all) believing men and believing women: and to the wrong-doers grant Thou no increase but in Perdition!" 71:28

The most important doctrine in Islam isTauheed - to believe that God is onlyOne and has no partner's).Tauheed is the axis around which all of Islam revolves. In three of the verses quoted above. i.e., Verse 36 of Chapter 4 (Sura Nisaa ).Verse 151 of Chapter 6 (Sura A1lal1l). and Verse 23 of Chapter 17 (Sura Bani Israel), the doctrine of

Tauheed , it is interesting to note, that is set forth, and immediately thereafter, kindness, love and respect to be shown to the parents, are mentioned. Such linking together of the doctrine ofTauheed and the duties of the children toward their parents, highlights the importance of the latter.

Also remarkable is the fact that "kindness to parents" is mentioned immediately after "worship of Allah” Himself in many of these verses. The only reason for this can be that kindness to parents ranks in importance next only to obedience to Allah Himself. Obedience to Allah is the first and foremost duty of a Muslim.

The translator and commentator of the QuranMajid . A. Yusuf Ali.has added the following footnote to the meaning of Verse 151 of the sixth Chapter (Sura Anin )of the Quran:

Instead of following non-believers' superstitions, and being in constant terror of imaginary taboos and prohibitions, we should study the true moral law, whose sanction is Allah’s Law. The first step is that we should recognize that He is the One and Only Lord and Cherisher. The mention of goodness to parents immediately afterwards suggests:

(1)that Allah's love of us and care for us may - on an infinitely higher plane - be understood by our ideal of parental love, which is purely selfless;

(2)that our first duty among our fellow creatures is to our father and mother, whose love leads us to the conception of Divine Love.”

In verse 14 of Chapter 31 (Sura Luqman ) of QuranMajid , man is commanded by Allah to show gratitude to Him for all His blessings, bounties and mercies. But man's duty goes beyond this. He must also show his gratitude to his parents. His failure to show gratitude to his parents can mean, in theQur’anic context, that his worship of Allah is imperfect and incomplete. Being imperfect and incomplete, it may not be acceptable to Allah. To make his worship acceptable to Allah, a Muslim must also show his gratitude to the parents. The gratitude must be sincerean genuine, free from patronage or preference.

The quality of kindness and gratitude for parents can make a big change and difference for the old parents. That extra but essential quality is love. Kindness and gratitude given with love will make even a bigger difference to them.

It is also possible for a man to give obedience to Allah out of a sense of duty alone. But if that obedience is given without love, it will not be acceptable to Allah.

The commandments of Allah are forthright and unequivocal. A Muslim has no choice but to obey them. But it is left to him to offer his kindness and gratitude to his parents with our without love. Parents have a "sixth sense" whichtell them if kindness and gratitude being offered to them, are being given with or without love and sincerity.

Prophet Muhammad (pbuh ) was the presented the Quran. The Quran was revealed to him. He was also its Promulgator and Interpreter for hisUmmah . He interpreted Quran both through precept and example. There are manyHadith (traditions of our Prophet) in

which he told Muslims to show love and respect to their parents. One of his most well-known traditions is that Paradise is under the feet of one's mother. This means that no Muslim may entertain the hope of entering paradise if he or she has displeased his or her mother in this world.

In anotherHadith , our Prophet said that if a Muslim is observing aSunnati fast (not mandatory), and his father asks him to break it.he should break it.

The two traditions quoted above, clearly show the importance in the sight of Allah and His Messenger, for the children to obey their parents.

If Muhammad Mustafa (pbuh ), the blessed Messenger of Allah, told Muslims to do something, he demonstrated first its application in his own exemplary life. But he was an orphan; his father died before he was born, and his mother died when he was only six years old. The hand of death deprived him of the affection, love and tenderness which parents alone can give to their children. Their death made it impossible for him to show his love and affection for them.

But young Muhammad found foster - parents in his uncle.Hazrat AbuTalib and his wife. Janabe Fatimabinte Asad . They loved him so much that he never missed his own parents.Janabe Fatimabinte Asad loved him more than she loved her own children. Young Muhammad also showed her the utmost respect, and he called her his mother.

In AD 619, the wife of the Prophet. Janabe Klladija , and his uncle, guardian and protector. Hazrat AbuTalib , died. He called the year of their death "the Year of Sorrow."

In AD 626,Janabe Fatimabint Asad also died. A few days before her death the Prophet happened to mention that on the Day of Judgment the people would be resurrected without any clothes. It made her very much embarrassed and perturbed. Thereupon the Prophet gave her one of his own cloaks and told her that after her death she would be draped in it, and on the Day of Judgment she would be resurrected wearing it.

When Fatimabint Asad died the Apostle of Allah first went down and stayed in the grave before the coffin was lowered into it and he then prayed for her noble soul.

One of the friends of Prophet Muhammad (sa ) wasOways Qarani . He lived in Yemen. Ever since he accepted Islam, there was nothing that he wished to do so much as see his friend the Prophet in Medina. But he had to stay with his mother who didn't have any other next-of-kin.

The Prophet also knew thatOways could not leave Yemen because of his mother's dependence upon him. She was elderly and sick, and she was an unbeliever at that time.

According to some authorities, the mother ofOways Qarani allowed him to go to Medina, meet his Prophet, and return to Yemen on the same day.

But whenOways arrived in Medina the Prophet had gone on an expedition.Oways pondered the question: what is more important?to wait to see the Prophet and disobey his mother or to obey her order and miss the honor and pleasure of seeing the Prophet who was the object of his devotions.

Oways thought what his master the Prophet himself would do in the same circumstances. After long deliberation he decided to return to Yemen and to the service of his mother.

In due course the Prophet also returned to Medina. He had not entered the city yet when he sniffed the fragrance of his friend,Oways Qarani . He then entered the city and questioned his friends ifOways had visited Medina in his absence. The friends told him the whole story. Thereupon the Apostle invoked the blessings of Allah uponOways and told his friends that he had done the right thing.

In this connection the story of Prophet Musa (Moses) is also pertinent. He was one of the five most prominent Prophets. He often went toKohi -Toor (Mt. Sinai) where God Almighty gave him audience.

Then the mother of Prophet Musa died. Sometime later, he went again toKohi-Toor . This time he foundKohi -Toor and its surroundings much more forbidding than they had ever been before. He arrived at the designated place in a state of fright.

Moses entreated God to enlighten him why he was haunted by such nameless fears.

He heard this reply: In the past whenever you visitedKohi –Toor , your mother started praying for you. She begged that I show My Mercy to you she invoked My Grace upon you, and she implored that I overlook your oversights and forgive your errors. I do listen to the prayers of a mother for her son. But now she is dead, and her prayers have gone with her. You are therefore no longer being shielded by the prayers of your mother.

Therefore, take heed and warning lestyour err . And this is the reason for your terror’.

Two of theHadith or the traditions of our Prophet (Pbuh ) have already been quoted in the foregoing pages. But there are otherHadith also. First we shall quoteHadith Qudsi .Hadith Qudsi are those Traditions which theUmmah heard from the mouth of the Messenger of Allah, but in which he said: ' A1lahTaala says…..”

Hadithe Qudsi

1. 'By My Glory and by My Majesty, if a man gives me as much devotion as the devotions of all the Apostles and Prophets put together, I shall not accept his devotions if he is disinherited by his parents (if he has displeased his parents.}. "

2. 'I am One and theOnly Lord, and there is no god except Me.If the parents are pleased with a son. I am also pleased with him; and if they are displeased with him. I am also displeased with him."

3. "Whoever is good to his parents but is lax in carrying out his duties which I have imposedUpon him. I will forgive him. On the other hand if he was very conscientious in carrying out his duties towardMe , but if he was disinherited by him parents (his parents were displeased with him}. I shall not forgive him."

4. "O you who has been disinherited by your parents (your parents were displeased with you), do what you will, I shall never forgive you. "

Traditions of theMasoomeen

HADITH OF THE PROPHET OF ISLAM

1. “lf a man looks toward the faces of his parents with love and kindness, it is reckoned as an act of worship or devotion (towards Allah). "

2. "The pleasure of the parents is the pleasure of Allah and their displeasure is the displeasure of Allah. "

3. “'In this world, there are two things which provoke Allah in to punishing a mall.

They are (a) rebellion against Allah: and (b) to be disinherited by his parents (by displeasing his parents). "

4. 'If a believer says the funeral prayer for another believer, he will enter Heaven - except in the event that he becomes aMunafiq later, or if he is disinherited by his parents. "

5. 'In no case become one who is disinherited by his parents (never displease the parents): and in no case become one who is rude to his kinsfolk, or one who is an adulterer or a fornicator in his old age: and one who is arrogant. All of themWill not enter Heaven. "

6. "To treat ones parents with love and kindness brings one closer to the mercy of Allah than anything else. "

7. 'If a man spends the night in a state that his parents were displeased with him, and he wakes up in the morning, he will find that the gates of hell have been opened for him. “

8. "On the Day of Judgment, all Muslims will see me (Will see the Prophet), except those who were disinherited by their parents (their parents were displeased With them); and the drunks, and those who heard my name but did not invoke Allah s blessings uponme.'.

9. "If a man knows that his parents are displeased with him, or one of the parents is displeased with him, and he does not try to win their pleasure or the pleasure of one of them), he will not be forgiven. "

10. 'It is better to treat one's parents with love and kindness than all t1le devotions likeSalaat ,Som , Hajj andUmmrah .and Jihad. “

11. 'To cast a glance of love upon the face of Ali; upon the face of one's parents.and Upon Quran andKaaba , is an act of devotion."

12. 'If a man does not take cart:' of his parents in their old age, he will not enter Heaven."

13. "May Allah curse those parents who do not bring up their children properly, and thus become responsible for their (the children's) being disinherited. "

14. "Whoever hurts hisparents, is disinherited."

15. "Two men will never enter Heaven: one who is disinherited by his parents: and one who tolerates infidelity on the part of his spouse."

16. 'If you are good, await Heaven; if you are disinherited by your parents, await Hell. "

17. "There are three sins which call for punishment in this world. They are

(a)to be disi1lherited by one's parents;

(b)oppressing other people;

(c)not to return a good deed (that someone else has done to hi1n)."

18. "Allah has forbidden three things, viz ..

(a)betraying a trust of someone whether he is good or bad;

(b)breaking a pledge whether given to a good or bad man;

(c)to ill-treat parents whether they are good or bad. "

19. "Five things are capital offenses in Islam.viz ..

(a)associating partners with A1lah;

(b)being disinherited by the parents;

(c)abandoning piety (worshipping A1lah);

(d)murdering someone who is innocent; and

(e)perjury ."

20. "Whoever beats hisparents. he is a bastard; whoever harasses his neighbor(s).he is accursed; and whoever hates my children, my household.he is aMunafiq . "

21. “Show respect to one's neighbor even if he is an unbeliever; treat well a guest, even if he is an unbeliever; obey the parents even if they are unbelievers; do not refuse charity to a beggar even if he is an unbeliever. "

22.“ I have seen inscribed on the gate of Heaven; admission forbidden to; the miser; the hypocrite; the disinherited; and to the carrier of tales. "

AMIRUL MOMINEEN ALI IBN ABI TALIB

1. "Whoever hurts his parents, he is (automatically) disinherited. "

2. "Wealth accompanies a man until his death; children accompany him to his grave; but his deeds accompany him until the Day of Judgment. "

Janabe Fatima Zahra (SA)

"Obeying one's parents is like a shield which protects one from Divine wrath and punishment. "

ImamHasan (AS)

'The pleasure of Allah is to be won with the pleasure of one's parents; and His displeasure accompanies their displeasure."

Imam MuhammadBaqir (AS)

1. "Allah builds a home in Heaven for the following four categories of people, viz. ,

(a } whoever takes care of an orphan;

(b } whoever shows mercy to the weak;

(c} whoever shows kindness and respect to his parents: and

(d } whoever is kind to his servants. "

2. 'If a believer does these four things, Allah elevates him to a high rank in Heaven:

(a } gives sanctuary to an orphan, and treats him as if he is the father of that

orphan ;

(b } takes pity on a beggar, helps him and assumes responsibility for his affairs;

(c } gives financial support to his parents, loves them.and never displeases them;

(d} and helps his slave (in his work}.and does not show his anger to him. "

ImamJafar Sadiq (AS)

1. “Love your parents so that your children will love you.”

2. "The best of deeds is: to pray at the appointed time; showing love and respect to one's parents: and to fight for Allah. "

3. “Be good to your parents whether they are alive or dead. Say prayers, give charity, observe fasts and go for Hajj on their behalf so that they become the recipients of the merits of your good deeds. Allah will add many merits to the record of your deeds. "

4. “Do not show the least impatience to your parents. Never hurt your parents, and never talk to them sharply."

5. “One cause of being "disinherited" byparents, is to look at them with anger."

6. “1f a man looks at his parents with anger, even if they have wronged him. Allah does not accept his prayers. "

7. “1t is a mandatory duty to treat parents with kindness. "

8. “If you want a long life, then please your parents. "

9. “Treating parents withkindness, is a sign of loving Allah. There is nothing that gives Allah more pleasure than showing respect to one's parents."

10. “Prophet Musa saw a man in the shade of the Throne. He asked about him, Allah said: 'This man was kind to his parents and he loved them'."

11. “Whoever wants that the agony of death should become light for him, he should treat his parents with kindness. If a man does this, Allah will make the agony of death easy for him, and he will never suffer from want and poverty.”

12. “Between the love that your parents gave you, and the kindness and respect which you showed to them, there is a great difference. When they bestowed love on you, they were thinking of your life ahead of you: but when you were giving them service, the thought at that moment was of death.”

Anecdotes

1.Yunus says on the authority of Imam MusaKaziml (AS) that one man asked the last Prophet about the rights of parents on the son. The Prophet said: "He should not name his father; he should not walk ahead of him; he should not sit before him; and he should not do anything (offensive) lest the people call names to his father."

Commenting on thisHadith ,Allama Majlissi ® says : a son should not mention his father by name because it shows lack of respect. One should name his father with titles denoting his respect for him.

2. It is on the authority of ImamJafar Sadiq (AS) that a man came to see the Apostle of Allah.and said: “ I wish to go for Jihad. " The Apostle said: "Go and fight for the cause of Allah. If you are killed, you will stillfind, sustenance because you are considered alive in the sight of Allah. And if you return home after taking part in Jihad, it will be as if you are born again, and you never committed any sin. "

The man said: "0 Messenger of Allah!my parents are very much attached to me, and they do not want me to go on Jihad." The Apostle said: 'In that case.you should stay with your parents. By Him in Whose hands is my life, the service which you give in one day and one night, is better than spending a whole year in Jihad. "

3.Allama Majlissi ® says in his bookHilyatul-Muttaqeen , that one man requested the Apostle of Allah to give him some advice. The Apostle said: 'This is my advice. Never associate partners with Allah even if they bum you in fire except that if you say something but your heart is steadfast in Faith: and this is my advice that you obey your parents, and love them whether they are living or dead. "

4. There is a tradition inKafi that a man asked ImamJafar Sadiq (AS): "Allah has commanded good conduct toward the parents. What is good conduct in this context?"

The Imam said: “This is good conduct that you should be at your best behavior with your parents. You should anticipate all their needs and wishes so that they do not have to ask you for anything. Allah says in His Book: "By no means shall you attain righteousness unless you give (freely) of that which you love; and whatever you give, of a truth Allah knows it well". (3:92). If your parents hurt you, you should not hurt them. Even if they beat you up, you should sub/nit to their beating. You should pray for them, and look at them with love and kindness. Do not raise your voice in their presence, and do not walk ahead of them. "

5. A man said to ImamJafar Sadiq :“ I have parents but they are not on the right Faith: so how should I treat them."

The Imam said: Even so, treat them with kindness. "

6. A man asked Imam Reza (AS): "My parents are not on the right religion: should I still pray for them?"

The Imam replied: "Yes, pray for them. Give charity on their behalf. If they are living treat them with love, kindness and respect. In the commentary of Verses 23 and 24 of theSura Bani Israel in Quran, it is stated that if the parents are believers, you should pray for their forgiveness: and if they are unbelievers, you should pray that Allah gives them guidance. "

7. A man sought permission from the Apostle of Allah to go on Jihad. The Apostle said: First seek permission from your parents. If they allow you, then go and light. But if they do not allow you, then serve them with courtesy and love. "

(In many of theHadith or traditions, the Apostle of Allah gave special permission to someone not to fight in the cause of Allah. But it is not a general law. If the non-participation of someone in Jihad could hurt the Faith, then he must participate in Jihad even without the

permission of the parents. The Jurists are unanimously agreed that if the parentsorder someone to do something unlawful or to abandon the mandatory duties in Islam, one should refuse to obey them. Only in the things which are recommended orMustahabbat , their wishes should be respected.)

The Distinction of the Father

The Prophet of Islam said: "Safeguard the love of your father as if it is a most precious heirloom. Do not forfeit that love. The loss of that love can mean that Allah may deprive you of His blessings."

ImamZaynul Abidin said: “A father is responsible for your existence.If he were not there. then you would also not exist.If you ever feel proud of yourself. then you should realize that your father is the source of that pride. Therefore, thank Allah for this blessing. "

A man came to see ImamJafar Sadiq and said: "My father has become too old and weak.If he has to go to the bathroom. I have to carry him." The Imam said: 'That's what you should do. If needed, you should feed him your hands. This service will stand you in good stead some day. "

If someone's father has missed his prayers, and his son is capable of saying those prayers, then it is his duty that he should say all those prayers his father has missed. If he is unable to do so, then he should engage another man on payment to say those prayers. The same commandment is to be observed in case the mother has missed her prayers.

THE DISTINCTION OF THE MOTHER

The Apostle of Allah said: 'Paradise is under the feet of the mother. "

ImamZaynul Abidin said: "You should be aware that your mother bore your burden in her belly, and no one else would bear that burden. She fed you on the fruit of her heart when no one else would give it to you. She protected you at a1l times. She forgot her own hunger so you could be well-fed. She forgot her own thirst so you could slake your thirst. She gave you the best of clothes.

She provided for you shade from the hot sun. She protected you from the heat of summer and the cold ofwinter, She deprived herself of rest and sleep at nights to make you comfortable. Surely, you cannot give adequate thanks to your mother for all her sacrifices for you except through the grace and mercy of Allah."

Supplication of the 4th Imam

THE SUPPLICATION OF IMAM ZAYNUL ABIDIN (AS)

FOR HIS OWN PARENTS (PBUH)

1. "O God, bless Muhammad, Thy slave and Thy Messenger.and his Household, the pure, and single them out for the best of Thy blessings, Thy mercy, Thy benedictions, and Thy Peace! "

2. “And single out my parents, O God, for honor with Thee and blessings from Thee, O Most Merciful of the merciful! ”

3. "0 God, bless Muhammad and his Household, teach me through inspiration knowledge of everything incumbent upon me toward them, and gather within me knowledge of all that completely! Then make me act in accordance with what Thou hast inspired me and give me the success to put into practice the knowledge Thou hast shown to me, lest I fail to act according to something. Thou hast taught me or my limbs feel too heavy to perform that with which Thou hast inspired me!”

4. "0 God, bless Muhammad and his Household, as Thou hast ennobled us through him, and bless Muhammad and his Household, as Thou hast made incumbent upon us rights toward the creatures because of him!"

5. "0 God, fill me with awe of my parents, the awe one has toward a tyrannical sovereign, and let me be devoted to them, with the devotion of a compassionate mother! Make my obedience and devotion to them more gladdening to my eyes than sleep to the drowsy and more refreshing to my heart than drink to the thirsty, so that I may prefer their inclination to my inclination, set their satisfaction before my satisfaction, make much of their devotion to me though it be little, and make little of my devotion to them though it be great.”

6. "0 God, lower before them l1ly voice, make agreeable to them my words, make mild before them my temper, make tender toward them my heart and turn me in to their kind companion, their loving friend !"

7. "O God.thank them for my upbringing, reward them for honoring me, and guard them as they guarded me in my infancy!"

8. "O God.and whatever harm has touched them from me, detested thing has reached them from me, or right of theirs which has been neglected by me, allow it to alleviate their sins.raise them in their degrees.and add to their good deeds! O He Who changes evil deeds into manifold good deeds!"

9. "O God, whatever word through which they have transgressed against me, act through which they have been immoderate with me.right of mine which they have, left neglected, or obligation toward me in which they have fallen short, I grant it to them and bestow it upon them, and I beseech Thee to remove from them its ill consequence, for I do not accuse them concen1ing myself.find them slow in their devotion toward me, or dislike the way they have attended to my affairs, my Lord !"

10. "They have rights against me which are more incumbent, precedence in beI1eflcence toward me that is greater: and kindness toward me that is mightier than that I should settle accounts with justice or repay them with equivalents. Mere then, my God, would be their long occupation with bringing me up?Mere the hardship of their toil in taking care of me? Mere the stinting of themselves to provide me with plenty?”

11. "What an idea! I can never discharge their right against me, fulfill my obligations toward them, or accomplish the duty of serving them. So bless Muhammad and his Household and help me. O Best of thoseWhose help we seek! Give me success, O Most Guiding of thoseWhom we beseech! Place me not among the people of disrespect to fathers and mothers on the day when every soul will be repaid for what it has earned: they sha1l not be wronged.”

12. “O God, bless Muhammad, his Household, and his progeny and single out my parents for the best which Thou hast singled out for the fathers and mothers of Thy faithful servants, O Most Merciful of the merciful!"

13. "OGod, let me not forget to remember them after my ritua1 prayers, at every time throughout my night, and in each of the hours of my day!”

14. "O God,bless Muhammad and his Household, forgive me through my supplication for my parents, forgive them through their devotion toward me With unfailing forgiveness.be well pleased With them through my intercession for them With resolute good pleasure, and make them reach through Thy generosity the abodes of safety!”

15. "O God, if Thy forgiveness reaches them first,make them my intercessors, and if Thy forgiveness reaches me first, make me their intercessors, so that we may gather together through Thy gentleness in the house of Thy generosity and the place of Thy forgiveness and mercy! Verily Thou art Possessor of abounding bounty and ancient kindness, and Thou art the Most Merciful of the merciful!"

Butno where in the whole world can such moving and poignant scenes be seen of the love of children for their father as in the battlefield ofKerbala . In the battle ofKerbala , the nephews and the sons of Imam Husain (AS) were vyingWith each other to Win the aureole of martyrdom. Each of them wanted to become an oblation for Imam Husain before anyone else. His nephew,Qasim , was twelve years old. He was asked howdid he find death. He said {when it comes to defend his uncle): "Sweeter than honey!"

Though some of these boys were very young, no one among them ever complained of thirst or hunger. Each of them came to Imam Husain, turned a radiant and smiling face toward him,sought his permission to go into the battlefield. If he gave his permission, the boy's face lit up with happiness. He went and fought and was killed. The other boys, still in the camp, envied him. Mothers were finding it difficult to restrain them. Each of them wanted to outdo the others.

These boys - the nephews and sons of Imam Husain -understood what was happening around them. They had full knowledge of the causes and the nature of the conflict between Imam Husain andYazid . Each of them was fully conscious ofhis own mission, and each of them carried it out splendidly. One of them was Ali Akbar, the son of Imam Husain. He was at this time 18 years old. When the caravan of Imam Husain was approachingKerbala , it encamped in a village calledZabala for rest. Imam Husain fell asleep. Suddenly he woke up and recited theQur’anic verse: "WE ARE FOR GOD AND TOWARD HIM IS OUR RETURN."

Ali Akbar was standing nearby and he heard his father's exclamation. He asked his father: "Are we not in the right, and are our enemies not in the wrong?" His father said: "Yes, my son. We are in the right. II Ali Akbar said: 'If that's so, then death has no terrors for us." He moved toward death sooner than death could move toward him. And in that act he won immortality!

A Women's role as a mother has especial sanctity

Dr. Sir MuhammadIqbal was the poet-philosopher of Indo-Pakistan. He was also a catalyst in the renaissance of the Muslims in the twentieth century .He says that as a creator, a mother ranks next only to God Himself. She brings new life into the world, and that act -the act of bringing new life into the world - involves sacrifice. In bringing new life into the world, she risks her own life. Thus the act of creating new life calls for sacrifice on her part. She is, therefore, doubly entitled to love and esteem. Next to God Himself, one owes more to one's mother than to anyone else in this world. The act of giving birth involves supreme self-sacrifice on her part,But this is not the only act of self-sacrifice. She sacrifices all her comforts for her child, and if necessary, will Part with her life itself for its sake. A child can never repay his mother's debt. One thing that is priceless in theworld, is the love of a mother. There is nothing that can substitute for a mother's love.

It should also be pointed out that what makes the acts of creating and sacrifice possible for her, is love. Her love for her child is the most sacrosanct love, and ranks second only to her love for God Himself!

Islam commands Muslim boys and girls to show genuine love and affection for their parents. This is one of theQur’anic imperatives. They must show respect for the wishes of their parents and must obey them. The only occasion when children must not obey their parents is when and if the latter (the parents) ask them to disobey God. Obedience to God comes before everything in the life of a Muslim.

Even from a "pragmatic" and a "temporal" standpoint, it is in the interests of boys and girls to obey their parents. They cannot have better friends in the whole world than their parents. Parents love nothing more than to see the happiness and prosperity of their own children.

They identify themselves with the success of their children. They take pride in the achievements of their children. Children can bring honor and glory to their parents.Conversely. if the children are depraved, they can ruin the reputation and the life of their parents.

We seek God's refuge from ever deviating into error. May it please God that we live only in obedience to His collu11andments received through His Messenger, Muhammad Mustafa(S). May it please God in His boundless mercy that we invariably put His pleasure ahead of our ownpleasure.

We invoke the blessings of God upon our Guide and Leader in this world and in the Hereafter, Prophet Muhammad and his holy progeny. They put in our hands the key to success in the two worlds.

www.alhassanain.org/english

Relationship of Children to Parents in Islam

The laws for a good life in this world. are enshrined in the holy Quran the Book of God. These laws were delivered either as commandments or as prohibitions. We might say that they came as prescriptions and proscriptions.

In modern times a man in most cases equates the "good" life with a life of license and gratification of the senses. But the good life in Islam is the very antithesis of life spent as a pleasure-seeker. In Islam the good life is one which is lived in obedience to the commandments of God. In other words, the aim of a Muslim should be to live in total harmony with the Laws enacted by God and transmitted by Him through His Messenger, Muhammad (may God bless him and his holy progeny).

There are of course many laws in Quran. They are comprehensive, and they do not overlook any detail of life. They therefore include laws which govern the relationship of parents and children.

The attitude of Muslim children toward their parents and the sanctity of their relationship with their parents is a subject that has been dealt with in the following verses of Quran:

"And remember We took a Covenant from the Children of Israel (to this effect): worship none but God; treat with kindness your parents and kindred, and orphans and those in need; speak fair to the people; be steadfast in prayer: and practice regular charity. Then did you turn back, except a few among you, and you backslide (even now)."

“It is prescribed, when death approaches any of you, if heleave any goods, that he make a bequest to parents and next of kin, according to reasonable usage: this is due from the God-fearing.” 2:180

'They ask thee what they should spend (in charity). Say: Whatever you spend that isgood, is for parents and kindred and orphans and those in want and for wayfarers. And whatever you do that is good, God knows it well.” 2:215

"Serve God, and do not join any partners with Him; and do good to parents, kinsfolk, orphans, those in need, neighbors who are near, neighbors who are strangers, the companion by your side, the way-farer (you meet), and what your right hands possess: for God does not love the arrogant, the vainglorious." 4:36

"Say: "Come. I will rehearse what God has (really) prohibited you from” do not join anything as equal with Him: be good to your parents: do not kill your children on a plea of want: - We provide sustenance for you and for them: - do not come near shameful deeds, whether open or secret: do not take life, which God has made sacred, except by way of justice and law: thus does He command you, that you may lean wisdom." 6:151

"0 our Lord! cover (us) with Thy forgiveness - me, my parents, and (all) Believers, on the Day that the Reckoning will be established." 14:41

'Thy Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him, and that you be kind to parents. Whether one or both of them attain old age in thy life, do not say a word of contempt, nor repel them, but address them in terms of honor." “And, out of kindness, lower to them the wing of humility, and say: "My Lord!bestow on them Thy Mercy even as they cherished me in childhood." 17:23.24

"And (Yahya was) kind to his parents, and he was not overbearing or rebellious." 19:14

"(He) hath made me kind to my mother, and not overbearing or miserable." 19:32

"So he (Sulayman ) smiled, amused at her speech: and he said: 'O my Lord!so order me that I may be grateful for Thy favors, which Thou hast bestowed on me and on my parents, and that I may work the righteousness that will please Thee: and admit me. By Thy Grace, to the ranks of Thy Righteous Servants'." 27:19

"We have enjoined on man kindness to parents: but if they (either of them) strive (to force) thee to join withMe (in worship) anything of which you have no knowledge, do not obey them. You have (all) to return toMe , and I will tell you (the truth) of all that you did." 29:8

"And We have enjoined on man (to be good) to his parents: in travail Upon travail did his mother bear him, and in years twain was his weaning; (hear the command). " Show gratitude toMe and to your parents; to Me is (your final) Goal." - “But if they strive to make you join in worship with Me things of which you have no knowledge, do not obey them: yet bear them company in this life with justice (and consideration), and follow the way of those who turn to Me (in love); in the End the return of you all is to Me, and I will tell you the truth (and meaning) of all that you did.”31:14.15

"We have enjoined on man kindness to his parents: in pain did his mother bear him, and in pain did she give him birth. The carrying of the (child) to his weaning is (a period of} thirty months. At length, when he (Isa) reaches the age of full strength and attains forty years, he says. 'O my Lord! Grant me that I may be grateful for Thy favor which Thou hast bestowed upon me.and upon both my parents, and that I may work righteousness such as Thou may approve; and be gracious to me in my issue. Truly have I turned to Thee and truly do I bow (to Thee) in Islam'." 46:15

"O my Lord! Forgive me, my parents, all who enter my house in Faith, and (all) believing men and believing women: and to the wrong-doers grant Thou no increase but in Perdition!" 71:28

The most important doctrine in Islam isTauheed - to believe that God is onlyOne and has no partner's).Tauheed is the axis around which all of Islam revolves. In three of the verses quoted above. i.e., Verse 36 of Chapter 4 (Sura Nisaa ).Verse 151 of Chapter 6 (Sura A1lal1l). and Verse 23 of Chapter 17 (Sura Bani Israel), the doctrine of

Tauheed , it is interesting to note, that is set forth, and immediately thereafter, kindness, love and respect to be shown to the parents, are mentioned. Such linking together of the doctrine ofTauheed and the duties of the children toward their parents, highlights the importance of the latter.

Also remarkable is the fact that "kindness to parents" is mentioned immediately after "worship of Allah” Himself in many of these verses. The only reason for this can be that kindness to parents ranks in importance next only to obedience to Allah Himself. Obedience to Allah is the first and foremost duty of a Muslim.

The translator and commentator of the QuranMajid . A. Yusuf Ali.has added the following footnote to the meaning of Verse 151 of the sixth Chapter (Sura Anin )of the Quran:

Instead of following non-believers' superstitions, and being in constant terror of imaginary taboos and prohibitions, we should study the true moral law, whose sanction is Allah’s Law. The first step is that we should recognize that He is the One and Only Lord and Cherisher. The mention of goodness to parents immediately afterwards suggests:

(1)that Allah's love of us and care for us may - on an infinitely higher plane - be understood by our ideal of parental love, which is purely selfless;

(2)that our first duty among our fellow creatures is to our father and mother, whose love leads us to the conception of Divine Love.”

In verse 14 of Chapter 31 (Sura Luqman ) of QuranMajid , man is commanded by Allah to show gratitude to Him for all His blessings, bounties and mercies. But man's duty goes beyond this. He must also show his gratitude to his parents. His failure to show gratitude to his parents can mean, in theQur’anic context, that his worship of Allah is imperfect and incomplete. Being imperfect and incomplete, it may not be acceptable to Allah. To make his worship acceptable to Allah, a Muslim must also show his gratitude to the parents. The gratitude must be sincerean genuine, free from patronage or preference.

The quality of kindness and gratitude for parents can make a big change and difference for the old parents. That extra but essential quality is love. Kindness and gratitude given with love will make even a bigger difference to them.

It is also possible for a man to give obedience to Allah out of a sense of duty alone. But if that obedience is given without love, it will not be acceptable to Allah.

The commandments of Allah are forthright and unequivocal. A Muslim has no choice but to obey them. But it is left to him to offer his kindness and gratitude to his parents with our without love. Parents have a "sixth sense" whichtell them if kindness and gratitude being offered to them, are being given with or without love and sincerity.

Prophet Muhammad (pbuh ) was the presented the Quran. The Quran was revealed to him. He was also its Promulgator and Interpreter for hisUmmah . He interpreted Quran both through precept and example. There are manyHadith (traditions of our Prophet) in

which he told Muslims to show love and respect to their parents. One of his most well-known traditions is that Paradise is under the feet of one's mother. This means that no Muslim may entertain the hope of entering paradise if he or she has displeased his or her mother in this world.

In anotherHadith , our Prophet said that if a Muslim is observing aSunnati fast (not mandatory), and his father asks him to break it.he should break it.

The two traditions quoted above, clearly show the importance in the sight of Allah and His Messenger, for the children to obey their parents.

If Muhammad Mustafa (pbuh ), the blessed Messenger of Allah, told Muslims to do something, he demonstrated first its application in his own exemplary life. But he was an orphan; his father died before he was born, and his mother died when he was only six years old. The hand of death deprived him of the affection, love and tenderness which parents alone can give to their children. Their death made it impossible for him to show his love and affection for them.

But young Muhammad found foster - parents in his uncle.Hazrat AbuTalib and his wife. Janabe Fatimabinte Asad . They loved him so much that he never missed his own parents.Janabe Fatimabinte Asad loved him more than she loved her own children. Young Muhammad also showed her the utmost respect, and he called her his mother.

In AD 619, the wife of the Prophet. Janabe Klladija , and his uncle, guardian and protector. Hazrat AbuTalib , died. He called the year of their death "the Year of Sorrow."

In AD 626,Janabe Fatimabint Asad also died. A few days before her death the Prophet happened to mention that on the Day of Judgment the people would be resurrected without any clothes. It made her very much embarrassed and perturbed. Thereupon the Prophet gave her one of his own cloaks and told her that after her death she would be draped in it, and on the Day of Judgment she would be resurrected wearing it.

When Fatimabint Asad died the Apostle of Allah first went down and stayed in the grave before the coffin was lowered into it and he then prayed for her noble soul.

One of the friends of Prophet Muhammad (sa ) wasOways Qarani . He lived in Yemen. Ever since he accepted Islam, there was nothing that he wished to do so much as see his friend the Prophet in Medina. But he had to stay with his mother who didn't have any other next-of-kin.

The Prophet also knew thatOways could not leave Yemen because of his mother's dependence upon him. She was elderly and sick, and she was an unbeliever at that time.

According to some authorities, the mother ofOways Qarani allowed him to go to Medina, meet his Prophet, and return to Yemen on the same day.

But whenOways arrived in Medina the Prophet had gone on an expedition.Oways pondered the question: what is more important?to wait to see the Prophet and disobey his mother or to obey her order and miss the honor and pleasure of seeing the Prophet who was the object of his devotions.

Oways thought what his master the Prophet himself would do in the same circumstances. After long deliberation he decided to return to Yemen and to the service of his mother.

In due course the Prophet also returned to Medina. He had not entered the city yet when he sniffed the fragrance of his friend,Oways Qarani . He then entered the city and questioned his friends ifOways had visited Medina in his absence. The friends told him the whole story. Thereupon the Apostle invoked the blessings of Allah uponOways and told his friends that he had done the right thing.

In this connection the story of Prophet Musa (Moses) is also pertinent. He was one of the five most prominent Prophets. He often went toKohi -Toor (Mt. Sinai) where God Almighty gave him audience.

Then the mother of Prophet Musa died. Sometime later, he went again toKohi-Toor . This time he foundKohi -Toor and its surroundings much more forbidding than they had ever been before. He arrived at the designated place in a state of fright.

Moses entreated God to enlighten him why he was haunted by such nameless fears.

He heard this reply: In the past whenever you visitedKohi –Toor , your mother started praying for you. She begged that I show My Mercy to you she invoked My Grace upon you, and she implored that I overlook your oversights and forgive your errors. I do listen to the prayers of a mother for her son. But now she is dead, and her prayers have gone with her. You are therefore no longer being shielded by the prayers of your mother.

Therefore, take heed and warning lestyour err . And this is the reason for your terror’.

Two of theHadith or the traditions of our Prophet (Pbuh ) have already been quoted in the foregoing pages. But there are otherHadith also. First we shall quoteHadith Qudsi .Hadith Qudsi are those Traditions which theUmmah heard from the mouth of the Messenger of Allah, but in which he said: ' A1lahTaala says…..”

Hadithe Qudsi

1. 'By My Glory and by My Majesty, if a man gives me as much devotion as the devotions of all the Apostles and Prophets put together, I shall not accept his devotions if he is disinherited by his parents (if he has displeased his parents.}. "

2. 'I am One and theOnly Lord, and there is no god except Me.If the parents are pleased with a son. I am also pleased with him; and if they are displeased with him. I am also displeased with him."

3. "Whoever is good to his parents but is lax in carrying out his duties which I have imposedUpon him. I will forgive him. On the other hand if he was very conscientious in carrying out his duties towardMe , but if he was disinherited by him parents (his parents were displeased with him}. I shall not forgive him."

4. "O you who has been disinherited by your parents (your parents were displeased with you), do what you will, I shall never forgive you. "

Traditions of theMasoomeen

HADITH OF THE PROPHET OF ISLAM

1. “lf a man looks toward the faces of his parents with love and kindness, it is reckoned as an act of worship or devotion (towards Allah). "

2. "The pleasure of the parents is the pleasure of Allah and their displeasure is the displeasure of Allah. "

3. “'In this world, there are two things which provoke Allah in to punishing a mall.

They are (a) rebellion against Allah: and (b) to be disinherited by his parents (by displeasing his parents). "

4. 'If a believer says the funeral prayer for another believer, he will enter Heaven - except in the event that he becomes aMunafiq later, or if he is disinherited by his parents. "

5. 'In no case become one who is disinherited by his parents (never displease the parents): and in no case become one who is rude to his kinsfolk, or one who is an adulterer or a fornicator in his old age: and one who is arrogant. All of themWill not enter Heaven. "

6. "To treat ones parents with love and kindness brings one closer to the mercy of Allah than anything else. "

7. 'If a man spends the night in a state that his parents were displeased with him, and he wakes up in the morning, he will find that the gates of hell have been opened for him. “

8. "On the Day of Judgment, all Muslims will see me (Will see the Prophet), except those who were disinherited by their parents (their parents were displeased With them); and the drunks, and those who heard my name but did not invoke Allah s blessings uponme.'.

9. "If a man knows that his parents are displeased with him, or one of the parents is displeased with him, and he does not try to win their pleasure or the pleasure of one of them), he will not be forgiven. "

10. 'It is better to treat one's parents with love and kindness than all t1le devotions likeSalaat ,Som , Hajj andUmmrah .and Jihad. “

11. 'To cast a glance of love upon the face of Ali; upon the face of one's parents.and Upon Quran andKaaba , is an act of devotion."

12. 'If a man does not take cart:' of his parents in their old age, he will not enter Heaven."

13. "May Allah curse those parents who do not bring up their children properly, and thus become responsible for their (the children's) being disinherited. "

14. "Whoever hurts hisparents, is disinherited."

15. "Two men will never enter Heaven: one who is disinherited by his parents: and one who tolerates infidelity on the part of his spouse."

16. 'If you are good, await Heaven; if you are disinherited by your parents, await Hell. "

17. "There are three sins which call for punishment in this world. They are

(a)to be disi1lherited by one's parents;

(b)oppressing other people;

(c)not to return a good deed (that someone else has done to hi1n)."

18. "Allah has forbidden three things, viz ..

(a)betraying a trust of someone whether he is good or bad;

(b)breaking a pledge whether given to a good or bad man;

(c)to ill-treat parents whether they are good or bad. "

19. "Five things are capital offenses in Islam.viz ..

(a)associating partners with A1lah;

(b)being disinherited by the parents;

(c)abandoning piety (worshipping A1lah);

(d)murdering someone who is innocent; and

(e)perjury ."

20. "Whoever beats hisparents. he is a bastard; whoever harasses his neighbor(s).he is accursed; and whoever hates my children, my household.he is aMunafiq . "

21. “Show respect to one's neighbor even if he is an unbeliever; treat well a guest, even if he is an unbeliever; obey the parents even if they are unbelievers; do not refuse charity to a beggar even if he is an unbeliever. "

22.“ I have seen inscribed on the gate of Heaven; admission forbidden to; the miser; the hypocrite; the disinherited; and to the carrier of tales. "

AMIRUL MOMINEEN ALI IBN ABI TALIB

1. "Whoever hurts his parents, he is (automatically) disinherited. "

2. "Wealth accompanies a man until his death; children accompany him to his grave; but his deeds accompany him until the Day of Judgment. "

Janabe Fatima Zahra (SA)

"Obeying one's parents is like a shield which protects one from Divine wrath and punishment. "

ImamHasan (AS)

'The pleasure of Allah is to be won with the pleasure of one's parents; and His displeasure accompanies their displeasure."

Imam MuhammadBaqir (AS)

1. "Allah builds a home in Heaven for the following four categories of people, viz. ,

(a } whoever takes care of an orphan;

(b } whoever shows mercy to the weak;

(c} whoever shows kindness and respect to his parents: and

(d } whoever is kind to his servants. "

2. 'If a believer does these four things, Allah elevates him to a high rank in Heaven:

(a } gives sanctuary to an orphan, and treats him as if he is the father of that

orphan ;

(b } takes pity on a beggar, helps him and assumes responsibility for his affairs;

(c } gives financial support to his parents, loves them.and never displeases them;

(d} and helps his slave (in his work}.and does not show his anger to him. "

ImamJafar Sadiq (AS)

1. “Love your parents so that your children will love you.”

2. "The best of deeds is: to pray at the appointed time; showing love and respect to one's parents: and to fight for Allah. "

3. “Be good to your parents whether they are alive or dead. Say prayers, give charity, observe fasts and go for Hajj on their behalf so that they become the recipients of the merits of your good deeds. Allah will add many merits to the record of your deeds. "

4. “Do not show the least impatience to your parents. Never hurt your parents, and never talk to them sharply."

5. “One cause of being "disinherited" byparents, is to look at them with anger."

6. “1f a man looks at his parents with anger, even if they have wronged him. Allah does not accept his prayers. "

7. “1t is a mandatory duty to treat parents with kindness. "

8. “If you want a long life, then please your parents. "

9. “Treating parents withkindness, is a sign of loving Allah. There is nothing that gives Allah more pleasure than showing respect to one's parents."

10. “Prophet Musa saw a man in the shade of the Throne. He asked about him, Allah said: 'This man was kind to his parents and he loved them'."

11. “Whoever wants that the agony of death should become light for him, he should treat his parents with kindness. If a man does this, Allah will make the agony of death easy for him, and he will never suffer from want and poverty.”

12. “Between the love that your parents gave you, and the kindness and respect which you showed to them, there is a great difference. When they bestowed love on you, they were thinking of your life ahead of you: but when you were giving them service, the thought at that moment was of death.”

Anecdotes

1.Yunus says on the authority of Imam MusaKaziml (AS) that one man asked the last Prophet about the rights of parents on the son. The Prophet said: "He should not name his father; he should not walk ahead of him; he should not sit before him; and he should not do anything (offensive) lest the people call names to his father."

Commenting on thisHadith ,Allama Majlissi ® says : a son should not mention his father by name because it shows lack of respect. One should name his father with titles denoting his respect for him.

2. It is on the authority of ImamJafar Sadiq (AS) that a man came to see the Apostle of Allah.and said: “ I wish to go for Jihad. " The Apostle said: "Go and fight for the cause of Allah. If you are killed, you will stillfind, sustenance because you are considered alive in the sight of Allah. And if you return home after taking part in Jihad, it will be as if you are born again, and you never committed any sin. "

The man said: "0 Messenger of Allah!my parents are very much attached to me, and they do not want me to go on Jihad." The Apostle said: 'In that case.you should stay with your parents. By Him in Whose hands is my life, the service which you give in one day and one night, is better than spending a whole year in Jihad. "

3.Allama Majlissi ® says in his bookHilyatul-Muttaqeen , that one man requested the Apostle of Allah to give him some advice. The Apostle said: 'This is my advice. Never associate partners with Allah even if they bum you in fire except that if you say something but your heart is steadfast in Faith: and this is my advice that you obey your parents, and love them whether they are living or dead. "

4. There is a tradition inKafi that a man asked ImamJafar Sadiq (AS): "Allah has commanded good conduct toward the parents. What is good conduct in this context?"

The Imam said: “This is good conduct that you should be at your best behavior with your parents. You should anticipate all their needs and wishes so that they do not have to ask you for anything. Allah says in His Book: "By no means shall you attain righteousness unless you give (freely) of that which you love; and whatever you give, of a truth Allah knows it well". (3:92). If your parents hurt you, you should not hurt them. Even if they beat you up, you should sub/nit to their beating. You should pray for them, and look at them with love and kindness. Do not raise your voice in their presence, and do not walk ahead of them. "

5. A man said to ImamJafar Sadiq :“ I have parents but they are not on the right Faith: so how should I treat them."

The Imam said: Even so, treat them with kindness. "

6. A man asked Imam Reza (AS): "My parents are not on the right religion: should I still pray for them?"

The Imam replied: "Yes, pray for them. Give charity on their behalf. If they are living treat them with love, kindness and respect. In the commentary of Verses 23 and 24 of theSura Bani Israel in Quran, it is stated that if the parents are believers, you should pray for their forgiveness: and if they are unbelievers, you should pray that Allah gives them guidance. "

7. A man sought permission from the Apostle of Allah to go on Jihad. The Apostle said: First seek permission from your parents. If they allow you, then go and light. But if they do not allow you, then serve them with courtesy and love. "

(In many of theHadith or traditions, the Apostle of Allah gave special permission to someone not to fight in the cause of Allah. But it is not a general law. If the non-participation of someone in Jihad could hurt the Faith, then he must participate in Jihad even without the

permission of the parents. The Jurists are unanimously agreed that if the parentsorder someone to do something unlawful or to abandon the mandatory duties in Islam, one should refuse to obey them. Only in the things which are recommended orMustahabbat , their wishes should be respected.)

The Distinction of the Father

The Prophet of Islam said: "Safeguard the love of your father as if it is a most precious heirloom. Do not forfeit that love. The loss of that love can mean that Allah may deprive you of His blessings."

ImamZaynul Abidin said: “A father is responsible for your existence.If he were not there. then you would also not exist.If you ever feel proud of yourself. then you should realize that your father is the source of that pride. Therefore, thank Allah for this blessing. "

A man came to see ImamJafar Sadiq and said: "My father has become too old and weak.If he has to go to the bathroom. I have to carry him." The Imam said: 'That's what you should do. If needed, you should feed him your hands. This service will stand you in good stead some day. "

If someone's father has missed his prayers, and his son is capable of saying those prayers, then it is his duty that he should say all those prayers his father has missed. If he is unable to do so, then he should engage another man on payment to say those prayers. The same commandment is to be observed in case the mother has missed her prayers.

THE DISTINCTION OF THE MOTHER

The Apostle of Allah said: 'Paradise is under the feet of the mother. "

ImamZaynul Abidin said: "You should be aware that your mother bore your burden in her belly, and no one else would bear that burden. She fed you on the fruit of her heart when no one else would give it to you. She protected you at a1l times. She forgot her own hunger so you could be well-fed. She forgot her own thirst so you could slake your thirst. She gave you the best of clothes.

She provided for you shade from the hot sun. She protected you from the heat of summer and the cold ofwinter, She deprived herself of rest and sleep at nights to make you comfortable. Surely, you cannot give adequate thanks to your mother for all her sacrifices for you except through the grace and mercy of Allah."

Supplication of the 4th Imam

THE SUPPLICATION OF IMAM ZAYNUL ABIDIN (AS)

FOR HIS OWN PARENTS (PBUH)

1. "O God, bless Muhammad, Thy slave and Thy Messenger.and his Household, the pure, and single them out for the best of Thy blessings, Thy mercy, Thy benedictions, and Thy Peace! "

2. “And single out my parents, O God, for honor with Thee and blessings from Thee, O Most Merciful of the merciful! ”

3. "0 God, bless Muhammad and his Household, teach me through inspiration knowledge of everything incumbent upon me toward them, and gather within me knowledge of all that completely! Then make me act in accordance with what Thou hast inspired me and give me the success to put into practice the knowledge Thou hast shown to me, lest I fail to act according to something. Thou hast taught me or my limbs feel too heavy to perform that with which Thou hast inspired me!”

4. "0 God, bless Muhammad and his Household, as Thou hast ennobled us through him, and bless Muhammad and his Household, as Thou hast made incumbent upon us rights toward the creatures because of him!"

5. "0 God, fill me with awe of my parents, the awe one has toward a tyrannical sovereign, and let me be devoted to them, with the devotion of a compassionate mother! Make my obedience and devotion to them more gladdening to my eyes than sleep to the drowsy and more refreshing to my heart than drink to the thirsty, so that I may prefer their inclination to my inclination, set their satisfaction before my satisfaction, make much of their devotion to me though it be little, and make little of my devotion to them though it be great.”

6. "0 God, lower before them l1ly voice, make agreeable to them my words, make mild before them my temper, make tender toward them my heart and turn me in to their kind companion, their loving friend !"

7. "O God.thank them for my upbringing, reward them for honoring me, and guard them as they guarded me in my infancy!"

8. "O God.and whatever harm has touched them from me, detested thing has reached them from me, or right of theirs which has been neglected by me, allow it to alleviate their sins.raise them in their degrees.and add to their good deeds! O He Who changes evil deeds into manifold good deeds!"

9. "O God, whatever word through which they have transgressed against me, act through which they have been immoderate with me.right of mine which they have, left neglected, or obligation toward me in which they have fallen short, I grant it to them and bestow it upon them, and I beseech Thee to remove from them its ill consequence, for I do not accuse them concen1ing myself.find them slow in their devotion toward me, or dislike the way they have attended to my affairs, my Lord !"

10. "They have rights against me which are more incumbent, precedence in beI1eflcence toward me that is greater: and kindness toward me that is mightier than that I should settle accounts with justice or repay them with equivalents. Mere then, my God, would be their long occupation with bringing me up?Mere the hardship of their toil in taking care of me? Mere the stinting of themselves to provide me with plenty?”

11. "What an idea! I can never discharge their right against me, fulfill my obligations toward them, or accomplish the duty of serving them. So bless Muhammad and his Household and help me. O Best of thoseWhose help we seek! Give me success, O Most Guiding of thoseWhom we beseech! Place me not among the people of disrespect to fathers and mothers on the day when every soul will be repaid for what it has earned: they sha1l not be wronged.”

12. “O God, bless Muhammad, his Household, and his progeny and single out my parents for the best which Thou hast singled out for the fathers and mothers of Thy faithful servants, O Most Merciful of the merciful!"

13. "OGod, let me not forget to remember them after my ritua1 prayers, at every time throughout my night, and in each of the hours of my day!”

14. "O God,bless Muhammad and his Household, forgive me through my supplication for my parents, forgive them through their devotion toward me With unfailing forgiveness.be well pleased With them through my intercession for them With resolute good pleasure, and make them reach through Thy generosity the abodes of safety!”

15. "O God, if Thy forgiveness reaches them first,make them my intercessors, and if Thy forgiveness reaches me first, make me their intercessors, so that we may gather together through Thy gentleness in the house of Thy generosity and the place of Thy forgiveness and mercy! Verily Thou art Possessor of abounding bounty and ancient kindness, and Thou art the Most Merciful of the merciful!"

Butno where in the whole world can such moving and poignant scenes be seen of the love of children for their father as in the battlefield ofKerbala . In the battle ofKerbala , the nephews and the sons of Imam Husain (AS) were vyingWith each other to Win the aureole of martyrdom. Each of them wanted to become an oblation for Imam Husain before anyone else. His nephew,Qasim , was twelve years old. He was asked howdid he find death. He said {when it comes to defend his uncle): "Sweeter than honey!"

Though some of these boys were very young, no one among them ever complained of thirst or hunger. Each of them came to Imam Husain, turned a radiant and smiling face toward him,sought his permission to go into the battlefield. If he gave his permission, the boy's face lit up with happiness. He went and fought and was killed. The other boys, still in the camp, envied him. Mothers were finding it difficult to restrain them. Each of them wanted to outdo the others.

These boys - the nephews and sons of Imam Husain -understood what was happening around them. They had full knowledge of the causes and the nature of the conflict between Imam Husain andYazid . Each of them was fully conscious ofhis own mission, and each of them carried it out splendidly. One of them was Ali Akbar, the son of Imam Husain. He was at this time 18 years old. When the caravan of Imam Husain was approachingKerbala , it encamped in a village calledZabala for rest. Imam Husain fell asleep. Suddenly he woke up and recited theQur’anic verse: "WE ARE FOR GOD AND TOWARD HIM IS OUR RETURN."

Ali Akbar was standing nearby and he heard his father's exclamation. He asked his father: "Are we not in the right, and are our enemies not in the wrong?" His father said: "Yes, my son. We are in the right. II Ali Akbar said: 'If that's so, then death has no terrors for us." He moved toward death sooner than death could move toward him. And in that act he won immortality!

A Women's role as a mother has especial sanctity

Dr. Sir MuhammadIqbal was the poet-philosopher of Indo-Pakistan. He was also a catalyst in the renaissance of the Muslims in the twentieth century .He says that as a creator, a mother ranks next only to God Himself. She brings new life into the world, and that act -the act of bringing new life into the world - involves sacrifice. In bringing new life into the world, she risks her own life. Thus the act of creating new life calls for sacrifice on her part. She is, therefore, doubly entitled to love and esteem. Next to God Himself, one owes more to one's mother than to anyone else in this world. The act of giving birth involves supreme self-sacrifice on her part,But this is not the only act of self-sacrifice. She sacrifices all her comforts for her child, and if necessary, will Part with her life itself for its sake. A child can never repay his mother's debt. One thing that is priceless in theworld, is the love of a mother. There is nothing that can substitute for a mother's love.

It should also be pointed out that what makes the acts of creating and sacrifice possible for her, is love. Her love for her child is the most sacrosanct love, and ranks second only to her love for God Himself!

Islam commands Muslim boys and girls to show genuine love and affection for their parents. This is one of theQur’anic imperatives. They must show respect for the wishes of their parents and must obey them. The only occasion when children must not obey their parents is when and if the latter (the parents) ask them to disobey God. Obedience to God comes before everything in the life of a Muslim.

Even from a "pragmatic" and a "temporal" standpoint, it is in the interests of boys and girls to obey their parents. They cannot have better friends in the whole world than their parents. Parents love nothing more than to see the happiness and prosperity of their own children.

They identify themselves with the success of their children. They take pride in the achievements of their children. Children can bring honor and glory to their parents.Conversely. if the children are depraved, they can ruin the reputation and the life of their parents.

We seek God's refuge from ever deviating into error. May it please God that we live only in obedience to His collu11andments received through His Messenger, Muhammad Mustafa(S). May it please God in His boundless mercy that we invariably put His pleasure ahead of our ownpleasure.

We invoke the blessings of God upon our Guide and Leader in this world and in the Hereafter, Prophet Muhammad and his holy progeny. They put in our hands the key to success in the two worlds.

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