Alhassanain(p) Network for Heritage and Islamic Thought

Prophet Mohammad's Daughter :Fatima Al-Zahra (AS)

LINEAGE

Fatima is the daughter of the Messenger of Allah, Mohammed (P.B.U.H). her mother is KHADIJAH BINT KHUWAYLID. Fatima was born eight years prior to the immigration (HIJRA) of the Prophet to YATHRIB (AL-MEDINA), on the 20th of JAMADI AL-THANI (Lunar Calendar) in the holy city of Mecca. She died in AL-Medina on the 3rd of JAMADI AL-THANI, eleven years after the HIJRA and was buried there. Fatima (as) is remembers by the believers as a symbol of purity, chastity, and virtue. The oppressed one remembers how she suffered oppression and injustices, hence he tolerates his suffering and hardship.

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم إنا أعطيناك الكوثر* فصل لربك وانحر* إن شانئك هو الأبتر

Righteous wives recall her life as a wife of Ali (as) and consider her as a role model of the righteous wife.

Mothers remember her sublime statue as a mother of the infallible Imams, thus they follow in her footsteps in raising their children. Fathers remember how she grew up in the lap of the Messenger of Allah, the Prophet (P.B.U.H), who prepared her for the highest status of a believing woman.

A WOMAN OF VIRTUE

Prior to telling Fatima's story, her mother, Lady KHADIJAH, should first be mentioned. Lady KHADIJAH was one of the wealthiest women in holy Mecca. Many prominent figures desired to marry her for her wealth, but she rejected all those who proposed to her. She surprised them by her choice to marry Mohammed the son of ABDILLAH, the truthful young man who was not at all among the rich, though he belonged to the best family among the QURAYSHIS.

Men and women of Mecca criticized her for such a choice but she paid no attention to them and did not change her mind. In fact, she was quite a wise lady who chose the best life's partner, though most people could not comprehend that fact. KHADIJAH was a woman of talent and brilliant intellect. No wonder she raised such a sublime daughter like Fatima (as).

THE SECLUSION

KHADIJAH and Mohammed led for many years a happy and peaceful life till he was chosen to be a Prophet entrusted with the Divine mission of Islam. Lady KHADIJAH was the first woman to believe in him, and she supported him with all her might and means. The arrogant and the idolaters of Mecca demonstrated their hostility towards Mohammed, causing him a great deal of hardship. A social and economic ban was imposed on Mohammed and his followers. The good wife endured the hardships for the sake of Allah and His religion, Islam. She comforted her husband and shared his concerns. She all her affairs.

THE BLESSED BIRTH OF FATIMA

New signs seemed to bring the good tiding of relief when KHADIJAH was pregnant with a new baby who stirred in her womb. At the due hour of childbirth, and when the pain of labor intensified, QURAYSHI midwives refused to give her a hand and help her deliver her child. Allah's miracles happen quite often. During the time of her difficulty, suddenly the room was lit with a bright light. Four bright women appeared near her. They sat near her and gently spoke to her. They said to her, "Fear not ! we are guests sent by Allah". She felt at ease, so she relaxed. Quietly she gave birth to a female baby: Fatima, with the help of the four ladies who were: SARAH, PROPHET IBRAHIM'S wife, ASIA, the righteous wife of Pharaoh, MARYAM (Mary), the mother of Prophet Jesus, and KALTHAM sister of Prophet MUSA (Moses) (peace be on them all). However, there are some people who wonder at such miracles and are heedless of Allah's might.

Before Fatima, KHADIJAH had given birth to three other daughters. They were: RUQAYYAH, UMM KULTHUM, and ZAINAB. ZAINAB was married to her maternal cousin AL-RABEE' IBN AL-AAS. The other two were married to the two sons of ABI LAHAB who became a deadly enemy of the Prophet and ordered his sons UTBAH and UTAYBAH to divorce their wives. UTHMAN married both of them, one after the death of the other. Neither one of them gave birth to any children.

The only daughter who lived in the house of the Prophet was Fatima (as) who was of a uniquely sublime personality. She resembled her father in features and in high morals.

When the days of hardship were over, following the Prophet's immigration to YATHRIB, many prominent figures sought Fatima's hand in marriage but were all rejected. All the suitors hoped to enjoy the sublime status of being near the Messenger of Allah through marrying Fatima. But Fatima was Ali's dear cousin. None deserved being her husband except Ali (as), the Prophet's first supporter and the brave defender of Islam. It was Allah's will that none should marry her except Ali (as).

When the Prophet's two sons died while still children, the arrogant of Mecca degraded the Prophet (P.B.U.H), claiming that he would have no progeny. Allah refuted their claim. The QUR'ANIC chapter AL-KAWTHAR was revealed; in it the Almighty says, {Surely, We have given you AL-KAWTHAR (abundance in offspring), so pray to your Lord and make a sacrifice. Surely he that hates you is the one cut off}. [AL-KAWTHAR: 1-3].

THE BLESSED MARRIAGE

One day the Prophet's companions were at the Prophet's Mosque. They talked about the Prophet's only daughter, Fatima. ABU BAKR, one of them, said, "Many prominent figures from the immigrants (AL-MUHAJIREEN) and the Muslim's of AL-MEDINA (AL-ANSAR) have sought Fatima's hand, but the Messenger of Allah has not approved the proposal of any. However, Ali has not proposed to her yet. I think if he proposes, the Messenger of Allah will accept him". SA'AD IBN MU'ATH, the chief of AL-WAS, a tribe of the ANSAR, said, "Let us see Ali and encourage him to seek her hand. Perhaps we may thus do a good deed".

They left the Mosque looking for Ali. They found him in the city's outskirts watering an orchard for one of the ANSAR landowners. They greeted him, then ABU BAKR said, "Brother Ali, you are one of the best people. You enjoy every quality that pleases Allah and His Messenger. It is time for you to have a wife. Why don't you propose to the Prophet's daughter, Fatima? The daughter of the Messenger of Allah may be yours. We have all proposed to her and have been rejected. It seems Allah and His Messenger want Fatima to marry you".

On hearing those words, Ali felt great longing to get nearer to the Messenger of Allah (P.B.U.H) through marrying Fatima. But alas! He did not have enough money to give her a dowry. However, he was encouraged by them. He put his trust in Allah and made his way towards the Prophet's house. He expressed his great wish to marry Fatima. The Prophet (P.B.U.H) rejoiced on hearing Ali's proposal and said, "O Ali! Many men have already proposed to her before you. When I told her of their proposals, she turned away in disapproval. Now, you wait while I tell her of yours.

The Prophet entered her room and said to her, "O Fatima! Here is Ali son of ABI TALIB. You know his blood relation to you and his great struggle for the sake of Islam. I have prayed to my Lord to send you the best of His creatures and the one He loves most to be your husband. Ali has made a proposal to marry you. What do you say?" Fatima did not turn away; she silently expressed her approval. The Prophet glorified Allah and conveyed to Ali her approval of his marriage proposal.

FATIMA'S DOWRY: A SHIELD

The Prophet (P.B.U.H) came to Ali and happily said to him, "Ali! Do you have anything for a dowry?!" Ali said, "May my parents be sacrificed for you! By Allah, you know my own (financial) situation. I have nothing except my sword, shield, and camel". The Prophet (P.B.U.H) said, "You cannot do without your sword with which you fight the enemies of Allah. You need your camel to water your date palms and to transport your daily food. You ride it in your trips. But I accept the shield as a dowry for your marriage. Go sell it and come back with its price".

Ali (as) sold the shield for 480 DIRHAMS and came back with the money which he gave to the Prophet (P.B.U.H) It was the dowry for the most noble and honorable lady, the best among all creatures past and present.

The Prophet (P.B.U.H) divided the money into three parts. A third was for the new home's furniture. Another third was for perfumes and other necessary thing for the bride, and the last third was kept with UMM SALAMA (the Prophet's wife) to spend on the wedding day. He then gave some money to AMMAR IBN YASIR and SALMAN AL-FARISI and to other companions. He said to them, "Buy for my daughter what is necessary for a new home". They bought the necessary items which were: A gown for 7 DIRHAMS, a head scarf for four DIRHAMS, a bedcover made in KHAIBAR, a wooden bed, two mattresses of wool and fiber, four food dishes made in AL-TAIF, a wool curtain, a mat, a flour hand-mill, two bowls, a water-skin, a milk pot, a water pot, a copper container, and other such items.

They brought them to the Prophet (P.B.U.H) who checked them and was satisfied with the new home's furnishing. He said. "May Allah bless this household!". Some QURAYSHI men said to the Prophet, "You have married your daughter to a poor man". He said, "By Allah, I have not! it was Allah Who has ordered me to marry her to Ali. My Lord had informed me of this marriage on the night of my ascendancy to heaven".

THE WEDDING DAY

A month later, Fatima was still in her father's house as Ali everyday dept praying with the Prophet at his mosque then going home. He did not discuss the issue of his marriage again. One day, UMMU AYMAN and her other women asked Ali if he wanted them to talk to the Prophet regarding his marriage. Ali rejoiced at their suggestion, so they went to the Prophet and said, "O Messenger of Allah! Had Fatima's mother been alive, she would have rejoiced at her daughter's wedding. Now Ali wants his wife, so let the couple enjoy their life together. We will celebrate the occasion".

He (P.B.U.H) said, "Why has Ali mentioned this to me yet?" they said, "He is shy". He said, "Send Ali to me". When Ali come, he sat silently, feeling shy. The Prophet said to him, "Do you want to wed?" Ali said, "Yes, I do love to". The Prophet said, "You will have your wife with my pleasure".

The Prophet (P.B.U.H) asked UMMU SALAMA to prepare Fatima's bedroom, and other women to embellish the bride. Someone prepared her wedding dress, her perfumes, her make-up and her hair style. Dinner was prepared. A sheep was cooked and the Prophet himself helped in preparing the desserts of dates and butter. Ali went to the mosque and invited all the attendants. He said to them, "O people! You are all invited to dinner at the Prophet's house on behalf of Fatima daughter of Mohammed (P.B.U.H)".

they were more than 300 persons (exceeding the number of the fighters in the battle of BADR which had taken place few days earlier). They all had their dinner then left the house. The Prophet asked the HASHIMI women to accompany Fatima to her husband's house. He asked them to glorify Allah and chant decent chants. He (P.B.U.H) himself helped Fatima get on his own white mule and asked SALMAN AL-FARISI to hold the rein and lead the animal. HAMZA (the Prophet's uncle), JA'FER and AQIL raising their unsheathed swords up as was the custom then. The Prophet's wives and other Muslim women walked chanting lyrics and poetry. Everyone praised the bride in poems as gifts to her.

They reached Ali's house and the men shouted: "ALLAHU AKBAR!" Allah is the Greatest!" They shook Ali's hand, congratulated him, then left. The Prophet (P.B.U.H) called Ali and took Fatima's hand and put it in his (Ali's) hand. He said, "Allah blesses the daughter of the Messenger of Allah. O Lord! Bless them and overwhelm them with Your bliss! O Lord! I place them and their progeny under Your protection from the cursed Satan". The Prophet's companions gave their presents to the bride and the bridegroom. It was the blessing of Allah as in the QUR'ANIC verse: {…. That is the grace of Allah, He gives it to whomsoever He pleases, and Allah is the Lord of mighty grace}. [Iron: 21].

MARRIAGE LIFE

Ali and Fatima enjoyed their life of happiness in their simple house. The Prophet (P.B.U.H) used to visit them now and then on various occasions. He would talk to them about the virtues of patience and uprightness. One day he (P.B.U.H) said to Fatima (as), "Allah has chosen two men from among the people of the world. One is your father and the other is your husband".

Fatima was a righteous wife, hence she was not annoyed when her husband was often away, fighting for the sake of Allah. She would always prepare his weapons and other needed items for him. She would encourage him to always is for every believing wife! She was quite aware of her husband's sublime status as well as sacred status in Allah's sight, so she respected him as a woman respects and obeys her religious leader, her Imam. Ali was the dearest person to the Messenger of Allah. He was his brother (in religion), successor, and trustee. Ali respected her, too, and considered her sublime status, not only for her being his wife, but also for being the one dearest to the Messenger of Allah. She was part of him (P.B.U.H), of the same brightness, patience, and modesty, and she was the head of all women of the world. She was chosen by Allah for such an honor. The holy QUR'AN says:

{Surely Allah chose Adam and Noah and the descendants of IBRAHIM and the descendants of 'IMRAN above all nations. Offspring, one from the other, and Allah is Hearing, Knowing}. [AALI-'IMRAN: 33-34] Poverty never disturbed her life. She carried out the house work, grinding wheat and barley, cooking and baking bread. She was a unique model for believing women.

She was also quite aware of her duty towards the struggle for the sake of Allah. During the battle of UHUD, when her father was wounded, she was near him, addressing his wounds and comforting him. During the time of hardship, she was a woman of deeds, not a woman of tears.

THE REWARD FOR THE MESSAGE

In the 3rd year of HIJRAH, Fatima gave birth to her first son. The Prophet (P.B.U.H) called him AL-HASAN. A year later she gave birth to her second son, AL-HUSAIN (Junior HASAN).

The Prophet (P.B.U.H) greatly rejoiced at the birth of his two grandsons. He actually considered them a reward for his struggle and hardship in inviting people to Islam. He used to embrace the two children and say, "These HASAN and HUSAIN are my two sons; they are the two fragrant flowers, the heads of the youth of Paradise".

THE PURIFIED HOUSEHOLD

When the QUR'ANIC verse 33 (chapter AL-AHZAB) was revealed, the Prophet (P.B.U.H) was in the house of his wife UMMU SALAMA. The verse reads: {Allah Surely desires to keep all uncleanness away from you, O people of the House, and purify you with a (thorough) purification}. [AL-AHZAB: 33]. He (P.B.U.H) asked his wife to give him the YEMENI covering sheet (AL-KISA AL-YEMANI). He called Ali, Fatima, AL-HASAN and AL-HUSAIN to him and covered them, along with himself, with that sheet then said,

"O Lord! These are my household, my nearest and dearest. They are part of me; whatever hurts them hurts me, whatever saddens them saddens me. I am on war against whoever is on war against them. I am at peace with whoever is at peace with them. I am the enemy of their enemy and the friend of their friend. They are part of me and I am part of them. O Lord! Bless them with Your bliss, Your mercy, Your forgiveness, and Your pleasure. Purify them with a thorough purification". In fact, they led a righteous life free from all sins and errors. Their attributes were and are Allah's signs to all mankind, though most people are not aware of this fact.

FATIMA'S DISPLEASURE

The Prophet's great regard for Fatima was not due to her being his own daughter. Blood relation was not the criterion for him to evaluate the members of his family. Rather, it was on account of her great piety and awareness of Allah the Almighty. She enjoyed most of the Prophet's attributes. Allah Almighty confirmed the purified Fatima to be the mother of the infallible Imams. The Prophet often referred to her sublime status. As mentioned in SAHIH AL-BUKHARI, he (P.B.U.H) once said, "Fatima is part of me. Whoever makes her angry, makes me angry too". He once addressed her saying, "O Fatima! Allah is pleased at your pleasure and displeased at your displeasure".

THE FATHER'S DEMISE

Fatima's happy days came to an end when her father, the Messenger of Allah, fell sick and soon passed away to be near his Lord. Fatima's difficult days, the days of suffering, started when everything changed at her father's demise. A few of the companions appointed ABA BAKR as the caliph, and most people followed suit and swore the oath of allegiance to him. Ali (as) felt the Muslims' need for unity and for their firm stand against their enemies, so he made no demand of his right and preferred to remain silent.

Muslims have always been in need of unity against their enemies, and Islam will always be in need of it till the Day of Judgment.

However, Fatima (as) considered it her duty to warn the people of the grave wrong they were doing. She made her way to her father's mosque where the Muslims gathered around the new caliph. She publicly made it clear that Ali (as) had the right to the caliphate more than anyone else. She warned the Muslims of the great calamity if divisions settled among them instead of unity. The future would bring great evils if they kept silent and did not support the truth. She referred to her right to the FADAK property which belonged to her father and his household and never to the common people. The Prophet's daughter surely could not and would not claim ownership of something if it were not hers. How strange it was to tarnish her with such an accusation! Fatima is one of the five purified people according to the above quoted QUR'ANIC verse 33 of Chapter AL-AHZAB! There are other QUR'ANIC verses that laud her sublime status. However, many people were heedless of that fact.

FATIMA'S EARLY DEATH

Due to such hardships, Fatima felt sick and resorted to silence and seclusion. Women from the MUHAJIREEN and the ANSAR visited her during her sickness to wish her well. They asked her how she was feeling. She thanked Allah and praised Him, invoked peace and blessing of Allah on her father, then said, "By Allah! I now fully resent your world and detest your men…. Evil, indeed, is that which their souls have sent forward before them; Allah's wrath is on them, and in the torment shall they abide…. Why were they hostile to ABI AL-HASAN? By Allah they hated his unbiased sword for the sake of Allah…. Surely they are the mischief-makers, though they are unaware of it".

{Is He then Who guides to the truth more worthy to be followed, or is he who himself does not go aright unless he is guided? What, then, is the matter with you?! How do you judge?} [YUNIS: 35].

When the women conveyed to their men Fatima's words, their chiefs went to her to apologize. They said to her, "O Mistress of all women! Had your husband mentioned the affair to us, we would not have sworn the oath of allegiance to anyone else". Fatima (as) said, "Go away! You have no excuse after having been warned, and there is no order following your shortcomings".

THE LAST MESSAGE

Fatima's health deteriorated; she became quite aware of her imminent death. She said to her husband, "Dear cousin, I am informed of my death. Within few hours, I will join my father. I would like you to listen to my will". He said to her, "Make your will, dear daughter of the Messenger of Allah''! How difficult it is for me to miss you…. By Allah! My sorrows at the death of the Prophet are now renewed. Say what you want; you will find me trustworthy of fulfilling your orders; I will prefer your orders to mine". She said, "…. Bury me at night, and remove all traces of my grave. Don't allow those who did injustice to me to attend my funeral. "Dear cousin, if you marry, then assign one day and night for your wife, and one day and night for my children. Be kind to them, and do not let them suffer as orphans do. How quickly they had missed their grandfather, and how soon will they miss their mother!

"Woe unto the people who hate them and who kill them!" She (as) then had a bath and put on a clean dress, stretched her body on her bed and closed her eyes forever. She died smiling at the near reunion with her father.

Her death was real loss to Imam Ali to whom she had been a righteous wife, a life partner that lets him as she was in the prime of her youth. Her will was her last message: a clear lesson for those who ponder. She chose to be buried secretly so that those who did her wrong could not participate in her funeral or pray near her grave. With such a procedure, she made a record of her name as being one of the oppressed; thus, she recorded the injustice from which she suffered for all time to come.

When the people of AL-Medina heard about her death, they hurried to her house to perform the funeral prayers and walk behind her coffin. They were very sad when they heard that she had already been buried. Ali and very few of his companions performed the funeral prayers for her sacred body. Thus did the story of the Messenger's only daughter come to its conclusion. It is the story of Fatima who gave birth to AL-HASAN, AL-HUSAIN and ZAINAB AL-KUBRA.

It is the story of the wife who strived for her husband's rights. It is the story of the Prophet's daughter who was a copy of him in virtue and greatness. Fatima is the mother of all righteous people.

Whoever loves the Messenger of Allah loves Fatima.

Whoever hates him, hates her.

Fatima is purified by Allah the Almighty.

Peace and blessing of Allah be on FATIMA AL-ZAHRA.

Imam Al-Hasan (A.S.)

LINEAGE

AL-HASAN is the son of Ali son of ABI TALIB the son of ABDIL MUTTALIB. His mother is Fatima the daughter of Mohammed the son of ABDILLAH, the son of ABDIL MUTTALIB (peace be upon them all). He was born on the 15th of the month of Ramadan, in the 3rd year of HIJRAH (immigration of the Prophet (P.B.U.H) from holy Mecca to YATHRIB (AL-Medina AL-MUNAWARA), and enjoyed martyrdom on the 28th of SAFAR (Lunar Calendar) in the 50th year of HIJRAH, in Al-Medina and was buried in AL-BAQIE (a suburb of Al-Medina).

THE ERA OF IGNORANCE VIS-?-VIS ISLAM

The pre-Islamic era was stamped with ignorance and oppression. The most oppressive people were also the most arrogant and the most deceiving. Such people enjoyed a complete control over others and were respected by others who only wished to avoid their injustice.

The most oppressive family of the era of ignorance was the UMAYYAD family of ABI SUFYAN. MU'AWIYAH, his brother YAZID, ABU JAHAL, ABU LAHAB, and their likes controlled the affairs in holy Mecca and throughout the Arabian Peninsula. As soon as Islam spread its bright light, the arrogant ones' injustice came to an end. Good morals replaced bad ones, the humble common people regained their dignity, and human rights were achieved. The arrogant ones no longer had a say in the affairs. It was the advent of the new religion of Islam, and the era of the holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) and the righteous among his companions.

As the party of Allah achieved victory against the idolaters and infidels, the arrogant ones such as ABU SUFYAN and his likes had no other way but to articulate acceptance of Islam and the leadership of Prophet Mohammed (P.B.U.H). This took place in the 8th year of HIJRAH (more than twenty years after the beginning of the message), following the invasion of Mecca. However, those arrogant ones were never true in their belief in Allah and His Messenger, hence they harbored hidden hostilities towards the Prophet and his household, peace be upon them all.

THE INFIDELS AND THE HYPOCRITES

Following the demise of the Messenger of Allah, ABU SUFYAN and his infidel party conspired secretly against Islam. Their infidelity was still in hide, while their great concern was to halt the achievement of political and financial power by AHLUL BAYT (the Prophet's household). They strove to keep such power within their own control. Through plots, they achieved their goal, hence MU'AWIYAH IBN (son of) ABI SUFYAN proclaimed his domination over the country of AL-SHAM (greater Syria: Palestine, Jordan, Lebanon plus today's Syria). He accumulated a great wealth and forced his authority on the Muslim world.

Following the assassination of the third Caliph, OTHMAN IBN 'AFFAN, people swore allegiance to the Prophet's cousin and son-in-law Ali (as), father of AL-HASAN and AL-HUSAIN. As soon as Ali (as) became the Muslims' Caliph, the hypocrites and the deviated openly unveiled their hostility towards Ali (as) and waged wars against him. Thus, within a short period of time during his caliphate, he had to fight in the Battle of the Camel, the Battle of SIFFIN and the Battle of AL-NAHRAWAN.

It was the irony of fate to see the "followers of the camel" siding with "the followers of ABI SUFYAN" along with the misled KHARIJITES. The enemies of Islam and those of AHLUL BAYT mobilized their forces and raised their swords in the face Imam Ali (as). During the course of those events, three deviated men conspired under the claim of sparing the Muslims the perils of the deteriorated situation which they thought was the result of the confrontation of three dangerous men: MU'AWIYAH, AMRO IBN AL-'AS and Imam Ali (as). Theythough that they would reform the Muslim community if they killed all three of them at one and the same time. The result of their sick mentality was the martyrdom of Imam Ali (as), the pious and just caliph, while the other two survived.

IMAM AL-HASAN'S RULE

At such situations, when MU'AWIYAH'S mercenaries were in control of the Muslims' affairs, IMAM AL-HASAN'S (as) became the Muslims' Caliph. He had to face the worst officials the majority of whom belonged to the UMAYYAD clan. They had been in office since OTHMAN'S rule when they devoured the Muslims' wealth just as cattle devour Spring's fresh buds.

Imam AL-HASAN'S Caliphate covered large areas of the Muslim world including: Persia, KHURASAN, Yemen, HIJAZ, KUFA and BASRA (Iraq). Although the people of those countries had sworn allegiance to the Imam (as), the area suffered unrest as a result of MU'AWIYAH'S conspiracy. They Imam knew that MU'AWIYAH was personally making preparations to fight him, so he sent his envoys to the governors of the region to get ready to fight back. He (as) also sent a letter to MU'AWIYAH to warn and to advise him through reasonable facts relevant to the Imam's right to the caliphate. He confirmed his concern about the Muslims' unity and the safety of Islam, demanding an end to fights and quarrels. He wanted him to be wise enough to accept his advice and to avoid divisions that would lead the Muslim community to destruction. He informed him of his decision to fight him if he did not comply.

THE FINAL JUDGMENT IS WITH ALLAH

MU'AWIYAH, whose concern was only to achieve power and seize the caliphate, lent a deaf ear to Imam AL-HASAN'S letter. MU'AWIYAH was ready to commit every crime in order to be the leader. He sent his spies and got in touch with the Imam's army leaders. He bribed some leaders and promised others with high offices if they abandoned their Imam and joined him. Many accepted the bribes and joined the enemy's camp in broad daylight. Others conspired even to lay their hand on their legitimate Imam and hand him over to MU'AWIYAH. Thus, they violated their vows of allegiance and betrayed their sublime leader. MU'AWIYAH, the cunning fox, advised them to stay in office till the battle time, then to leave their Imam alone to face his defeat.

Within few months of secret plots, MU'AWIYAH managed to have most of the tribes' chiefs on his side. Those tribes' chiefs knew that Imam AL-HASAN'S rule would be similar to his father's, hence they expected no gains from him, while MU'AWIYAH was flooding them with gifts, they preferred this world to the hereafter and sold their religion for this life's pleasures.

THE AGGRESSOR ARMY

The army of MU'AWIYAH made its way towards KUFA, the then capital of Imam AL-HASAN'S (as). The Imam, in turn, encouraged his army to fight, but his efforts were in vain. Only a few were ready to obey him. The majority were in groups of different opinions. This made it difficult for him to unite them or to fight the enemy. IMAM AL-HASAN entrusted his cousin UBAYED-ALLAH IBN ABBAS, with the leadership of his army. Everyone knew him as one of the first QURAYSHIS to swear allegiance to Imam AL-HASAN. He was very highly respected and obeyed. Moreover, he greatly hated MU'AWIYAH whose mercenaries killed both of his children.

UBAYD-ALLAH'S army numbered 12,000 as IMAM AL-HASAN led another army towards Al-Medina (Iraq) and camped there. He planned to defeat the large army of MU'AWIYAH. MU'AWIYAH was still suffering from his bitter defeat at the Battle of SIFFIN when Ali's brave men were abouttoe defeat MU'AWIYAH who escaped though a trick. MU'AWIYAH, therefore, decided to apply more tricks to avoid the war. He secretly contacted UBAYD-ALLAH and offered him a million DIRHAMS if he refrained from fighting him. MU'AWIYAH was ready to pay him half a million at KUFA and the other half later only if he joined his camp.

UBAYD-ALLAH was at a loss few days. He knew that very few tribes came to help IMAM AL-HASAN while many of them joined MU'AWIYAH'S camp. He was sure of MU'AWIYAH'S victory, so why should he hesitate? The offer was quite tempting, hence he made his shameful decision to accept it. at mid-night, along with a few of his men, he made his way to MU'AWIYAH'S camp. He made his choice and sold the religion of Allah, the Messenger of Allah, and his Imam, for such a petty price.

The people gathered at dawn to pray at the mosque. They waited for UBAYD-ALLAH to it in its fight against the enemy. They waited and waited only in vain! UBAYD-ALLAH did not attend the prayers, and the secret was made public! They heard someone from the enemy's camp calling: "O people! Go home! UBAYD-ALLAH and his men are in MU'AWIYAH'S camp! They have chosen reconciliation! There is no good in brothers fighting each other!" UBAYD-ALLAH was the second important man after the Imam himself in leading the army, hence his treason was a major blow. He was a religious scholar; therefore, many were fooled by his call for peace, so they deserted the army.

A group of the Imam's supporters realized the trick and tried to bring the others back, but they failed in their attempt. Only a few decided to die in defense of the religion and for the sake of the truth. They informed the Imam of their readiness to help. The cowards and the deserters even spread the rumor that MU'AWIYAH had achieved victory against the Imam's army, hence the others found it a good excuse to return to their homes in KUFA. That was the story repeated with Imam AL-HASAN (AS): the KHARIJITES had by then found an excuse to give up the fight and even assassinate their own Imam Ali (as).

Could such people be Muslims or claim to defend Islam while they helped the enemies of Islam achieve their devilish goals? Throughout history, hypocrites play the same role. They are not sincere in their faith, so they turn away rather than face death. The real believers are always firm in conviction and ready to die for the sake of their religion.

THE HARD DECISION

The Imam (as) had to either to fight and sacrifice the very few good believers with him or yield to a compromising reconciliation and endure the painful outcome. The Imam followed his father's footsteps when, 25 years ago, he rejected the hatful quarrel and tolerated the situation of being deprived of his right. The Imam through reconciliation could spare his righteous companions from a useless death. He accepted re-conciliation on special honorable conditions.

It was a bitter experience for the IMAM who was ready to fight since he was never afraid of death. But he was quite sure that his dear family would sacrifice first to defend him. His companions were ready to die before him. However, their death would not change the situation. Most people were misled and knew nothing about the real situation between the infidel MU'AWIYAH and IMAM AL-HASAN (AS), the Muslims' legitimate caliph. MU'AWIYAH managed to fool the people and claim to be the defender of Islam. People believed him because his real infidelity was hidden. They did not know that his only concern was to achieve power for his own clan under the cover of Islam. Had IMAM AL-HASAN been killed that day, no one would have come to know the truth. It would have been senseless bloodshed. Even such bloodshed of the infallible Imam would not have awakened the community from its coma.

Due to such a crucial situation, IMAM AL-HASAN (as) agreed to reconcile. Thus, the confrontation was postponed till the day when the true face of MU'AWIYAH would be exposed and people would know the truth and fight for it.

Many of the Imam's followers were vexed at the outcome, and some were even rude, except IMAM AL-HUSAIN (AS) who approved of his brother's decision. In fact, many are heedless of the fact that objection to the Imam's or Prophet's decisions is objection to the QUR'ANIC instructions which confirm the infallibility of these figures. Hence, their decisions should always be accepted, in wars and in peace. Rejection of the Imams' decision means rejection of the Prophet's (P.B.U.H) decision. A Prophetic tradition says: "AL-HASAN and AL-HUSAIN are leaders of the believers, whether they are in office or not".

However, it is the people's nature to make hasty conclusions without a deep insight or sound thinking. On achieving victory, MU'AWIYAH went to KUFA, the residence of IMAM AL-HASAN (as) and his followers. He got on the pulpit of its grand mosque and started slandering IMAM ALI'S companions and degrading the tribes' chiefs. He betrayed them and violated the covenants he had previously made to them. He called them names, thus disgracing them in public. Those who betrayed the Imam could not even enjoy the least gratitude from MU'AWIYAH.

In the wake of those events, IMAM AL-HASAN (AS) and his household made their way towards Al-Medina where they settled while the UMAYYAD clan dominated Al-KUFA. On the pulpit of IMAM ALI (AS), ZIYAD IBN ABIHI (a bastard) and later his son ruled the country. Those who sought excuses to justify their stance regarding IMAM ALI'S rule and later rejected his pious son's rule bowed their heads in front of MU'AWIYAH'S bloody swords. They at last came to know- thought too late- the important advice of the legitimate Imams. They perceived the great calamity that befell them. They regretted their own actions but such regret was of no use.

Those who, during five years of Imam Ali's rule and a few months of IMAM AL-HASAN'S, disobeyed the infallible Imams for trifle reasons or excuses, no longer offended MU'AWIYAH'S agents who had a free hand to do whatever they desire. None of them uttered a word of objection. No figures such as TALHA and AL-ZUBAYR raised the banner of confrontation. Not a single KHARIJITE made a show of sedition or disobedience. The hypocrites had their golden opportunity to play their role.

At the dark era of history, Ali's companions and followers were the only ones who confronted the tyrannical rule and were blessed with martyrdom. As for those on his pay list, they crept on their bellies and praised the unjust rulers. They never forgot to slander Imam Ali (as) in order to please the tyrants. How wonderful it is to confront the tyrants of history, yet it is impossible to oppose the One worshipped by all!

VIOLATION OF THE COVENANT

When MU'AWIYAH'S end came near, he feared the caliphate might be entrusted to IMAM AL-HASAN (AS), thus all his efforts of many years might go in vain, and the Prophet's household might return right back to the Muslims' caliphate. To MU'AWIYAH, that would be the greatest calamity, so he decided to poison IMAM AL-HASAN and get rid of him. With the help of the Imam's wife, he achieved his aim. Through this crime, MU'AWIYAH accomplished most of his devilish plan. The enemies of Allah and of His Messenger such as MARWAN IBN AL-HAKAM and his likes rejoiced and shamelessly threw their arrows at his holy coffin at the Imam's funeral.

MU'AWIYAH proceeded with his plan. He vested authority on his notorious son YAZID, the wine-drinker, the doer of evil, and the indecent infidel. MU'AWIYAH first made the people of AL-SHAM swear the oath of allegiance to his son, then he went to holy Mecca and to Al-Medina and achieved his goal without the least resistance; thus, the UMAYYAD clan survived in power. There was none like TALHA or AL-ZUBAYR to raise the banner of war. History repeats itself and people hesitate in time of need to support the truth. This hesitation encourages the tyrants to increase their oppression and aggression.

So was it when Imam Ali (as) tried to lead the people to the right path. Likewise, IMAM AL-HASAN (as) did his best to lead them to the right path. However, it is only Allah's will that helps one go along the right path. The holy QUR'AN says: {Surely you cannot guide whom you love, but Allah guides whom He pleases, and He best knows the followers of the right path}. [AL-QASAS: 56]. The Imam was quite aware of the Prophet's mission which was: to convey the Message of Allah to the people and to keep on preaching and advising them, whether they accept it or not; it makes no difference. Similarly, the Imam's task was to follow in the footsteps of the Prophet and to safeguard the religion of Allah: Islam.

IMAM AL-HASAN (AS) tried his best to show the truth to all people and make them aware of being misled by the false claims of rulers and by leaders who articulated Islamic beliefs while remaining infidels, enemies of the religion. The Imam (as) taught his followers to be patient and to tolerate injustice when it is for the sake of Allah. Through, he nurtured the seeds of revolution through the heroic role of his brother IMAM AL-HUSAIN. IMAM AL-HASAN'S achievement was part of IMAM AL-HUSAIN'S revolution. Thus, the Prophetic tradition regarding both of them is a clear evidence of their roles. The said tradition says:

"AL-HASAN and AL-HUSAIN are two Imams (leaders) whether they are in office or not"