Alhassanain(p) Network for Heritage and Islamic Thought

Islam in General

Author: Some Islamic Writers

www.alhassanain.org/english

Table ofContents

Martyrdom in the Way of Truth 3

Protecting Religion 5

Who can be the Prophet's Successor? 8

Hadith and Ayat Of the Day 12

Summary Of the Effect Of Sins 13

Ninty Nine Names Of Allah 16

Salaat is better than Sleep 21

A Tradition from Imam Zaynul Abedeen (as) 23

Sayings of Imam Ali (as) 24

Prophet Muhammad's (s.a.w) Last Sermon 27

Companionship and Friendship in Islam 28

History of Islam 30

Few Signs of the Arrival of Imam Mehdi (as) 31

Martyrdom in the Way of Truth

Al-Imam al-Husayn (a.s ) was a man of faith and action. During nights, he worshipped Allah in privacy while during the day he worked hard and guided the people. He was constantly mindful of the poor and the needy, and he used to visit them and cheer them up. He used to tell his followers: "Be always in touch with the needy, for Allah does not love the arrogant".

Al-Imam al-Husayn (a.s ) always helped the poor as much as he could.at night he would carry sacks of food to the houses of the poor and leave them near the doors. He worked hard to eradicate poverty, establish justice andaquaint the people with Allah.

During the time of al-Imam al-Husayn a tyrant calledYazid became the ruler.Yazid called himself the successor of Muhammad (s.a.w ) but this was a lie. He used to spend the income of the Islamic realm on drinking, gambling and wild parties. Public wealth was wasted for supporting his regime and the rights of the poor were trampled upon.in this way he totally scorned the instructions of Islam.

WhenYazid became ruler of the Muslims he immediately demanded al-Imam al-Husayn (a.s ) torecognise him as the ruler and accept his leadership; but al-Imam al-Husayn (a.s ) was the true successor of Prophetmuhammad (s.a.w ) and could not accept and endorse the leadership of an oppressor. He began to enlighten and awaken the people aboutYazid and exhorted them to dissociate from him. He would tell them:

"Do you not see that the truth is being trampled upon and the falsehood and oppression are prevailing?in such conditions, amuslim must be ready for martyrdom indefence of the right. Martyrdom and self-sacrifice for the sake of truth is victory and success, while life with the oppressors is no more than shame and disgrace."

At that time the people ofkufa (Iraq)were loving followers of al-Imam Ali (a.s ) who had been suffering at the hands ofYazid and his fatherMu'awiyah .they invited al-Imam al-Husayn (a.s ) toKufa to lead them againstYazid and his wicked rule. Al-Imam al-Husayn (a.s ) had indeed decided to rise up and fight, and so he accepted the invitation and set off forkufa . When the Imam (a.s ) and his followers were nearKufa , they were met byYazid's troops.the troops wanted to arrest al-Imam al-Husayn (a.s ) and his followers and take them toYazid .the Imam (a.s ) told them:

"Never will I accept disgrace and surrender toYazid , Death for me is superior to disgrace and I am ready to defend Islam and the Muslims until I amMartyred ."

At a place called Karbala al-Imam al-Husayn (a.s ), his family and helpers were surrounded byYazid's troops.the Imam (a.s ) and his followers stood firm as they fought against the thousands of troops ofYazid . Finally, on 10th Muharram, 61 AH (the day we callAshura ) they were martyred.

Al-Imam al-Husayn (a.s ) and his followers were martyred, but they did not submit to injustice and oppression.they defended Islam and the Muslims.

With their blood they saved Islam and the Qur'an from the danger of annihilation at the hands ofYazid . Al-imam al-Husayn (a.s ) fought against oppression and defended the religion of Islam, and by doing so, he taught the world the greatest lesson on freedom and righteousness. For this reason we call al-Imam al-Husayn (a.s ) "Sayyid al-Shuhada " which means lord of the martyrs. Now the turn has come for us to safeguard and defend Islam. We must shoulder this magnificentresposibility .

Protecting Religion

The day ofAshura is a glorious day for truth and freedom.Ashura is a model for every day of our lives, and themartyres of that day are the forerunners and teachers for all the martyrs in the way of truth.

One of the self sacrificingyound men of that day was calledWahab . He too gave his life for his Imam (a.s ) and for the true teachings of the Qur'an, and provided a lesson on martyrdom to all sincere youths of all times and places.Wahab was in his tent when his mother entered. She was obviously flustered and nervous; she said to her son:

"Wahab ! what are you waiting for? Don't you know thatYazid's forces have surrounded your Imam (a.s )? Rise and defend your Imam (a.s ). Rise and defend the Qur'an, freedom andhonour . If you want me to be happy and pleased with you, rise and give your blood for the sake of your religion."Wahab was already busy putting on his clothes andarmour for the battlefield. He quickly finished and made his farewells to his mother and to his young wife. He ran to the battlefield with the permission of al-Imam al-Husayn (a.s ).

Wahab fought like a valiant lion and his sword fell on the heads of the enemy like lightening. But the day was hot and soon he became more thirsty and tired. He withdrew from the battle to rest for a while, and seeing his mother standing and watching the battle alongside one of the tents, he rushed to her side. She kissed the bleeding face of her son, and said:

"My son, I was watching you, but rest is not permissible. Our Imam's (a.s ) helpers are few; return to the battlefield and either defeat the enemy or be martyred in the presence of your Imam (a.s ). Only in this case I will be content with you and pray for you. Go now, my brave son."

With this encouragement, and after seeing his mother and wife, just once more for the last time,Wahab returned to the battlefield with an ardent desire for martyrdom. An enemy sword fell on his arm and wounded him. Watching from afar, his mother let out an involuntary groan. She picked up a stick and hurried to defend her son.Wahab's young wife also saw what had happened and she too rushed off to help him. She arrived at his side to find him lying, with blood spurting from his deep wound.

Wahab's wife wanted only to defend her husband and play her part in defending the religion. While taking care of her wounded husband, she too was attacked by the enemy troops and was martyred.

Defending Islam and the Qur'an is obligatory on both men and women. When necessary, Muslim women must learn shooting and other techniques of warfare.they must learn first aid and the art of nursing and attending on the injured.they are to be ever vigilant guardians of the Islamic homelands andhonour .

In Iran, the brave Muslim women in IslamicHijab (dress) followed the instructions of their great leader and took part in the demonstrations that freed the country.these freedom-loving women wearing their modest Islamic dress entered decisively into arena, and with the cry ofAllahu Akbar on their lips they toppled down the imperial palace itself.

These Muslim women, following the instructions of Islam and observing IslamicHijab in accordance with the Islamic teachings, cooperated with the men and delivered their country from the grip of traitors. Today, the Muslim women of Iran are playing an important role in all the organizations of the country.

These are the women whoraised in theenviroment of Islam. Islam wants women to be veiled, to wear plain clothes in public, to keep their beauty and their adornments for their husbands and families, to avoid unnecessary contacts with men who are notmahram (with whom marriage is not permitted) and to maintain in this way their dignity and respect.

Allah tells us in the Qur'an that the believing women must not gaze at men who are notmahram and must hide from their bodies and hair.the women brought up in Islamicenviroment can grow spiritually and turn into brave defenders of Islam, the Qur'an, dignity andhonour .they can play animpotant role in freeing and developing the great Islamic nation.

Prayer for Noble Ethics and God-pleasing Acts

I Take Refuge in Allah from the Stoned Satan.

In Name Of Allah the SourceOf Mercy To All Of Creation;

The SourceOf the Mercy To the Believing Congregation.

Oh Allah! Bless Muhammad's Soul,

And Rain Down Peace On His Household.

On Allah!

Inspire Me With Piety, Most God Conscious Fear.

Make My SpeakingA Guidance , Moving, and Clear.

And Employ Me in Work Most Pleasing To You.

Make Me Successful in All That I do.

And Each Goal I accomplish, Make It Be Just For You.

And Your MissionOf Mercy; Holy, and True.

Oh Allah!

Make Me Walk, and then Run OnA Most Model Path;

Live, and Die in Your Nation, Away from Your Wrath.

Oh Allah! Bless Muhammad's Soul,

And Rain Down Peace On His Household.

Make Me Enjoy Moderation, Like Your Most Righteous Slave.

Make Me OneOf the People Who Does Not Misbehave;

Whose Lives AreA Proof That Your Way Is the Best;

Who Worship the Truth, and Pass Every Test.

Give Me Ultimate Victory, At the Place Of Return.

Make Me Safe from the Ambush, from Sin Let Me Turn.

Oh Allah!

Take from My Soul What Will Make It Most Pure,

And Leave What Will Make It Most Righteous, and Sure.

For If You Don't Keep It, My Soul Wont Endure.

Oh Allah!

When I am Depressed, and in Sorrow, and Grief,

Turn My Mind To My Blessings, and Give Me Relief.

When I Am Deprived, inAn Impoverished State,

Be My Foraging Ground, and My Poorness Abate.

When Deeply Afflicted I Cry Out For Your Aid.

ForYou have What Is Lost, Trough You It's Repaid.

You Can Reform What's Corrupt; What's Not Good Upgrade.

And When You Oppose Those Who Have Gone Renegade,

You Can Cause Revolution; and Those Rebels Degrade.

So Show kindness To MeWith Well Being Before Affliction;

WealthBefore Asking, Freedom Before Addiction;

Most Righteous Guidance Before I'mAstray ;

Excellent Guidance, and Make Me Obey.

Shame Me Not in Folks Eyes, My Faults On Display.

Make Noble My FaceOn That Most Dreadful Day.

Oh Allah! Bless Muhammad's Soul,

And Rain Down Peace On His Household.

Who can be the Prophet's Successor?

The passengers of thisaeroplane have boarded, but the pilot hasn't come yet. It seems he has fallen sick and is unable to come.

Who will be put in his place to fly the passengers to their destination?One of the passengers?

...the Stewardess?A passer-by? Who?

Will they select someone to take the place of the pilot who doesn't have the awareness and vision of this skill? Would the passengers have confidence in him? Would they fly with him? Who can become the pilot's replacement?

Definately it must be someone who knows how to fly a plane and has the "insight and awareness" of this skill. Now, with regard to this example, can you say: Who can be the "Imam"?

Who can be the Prophet's replacement?

How must the Prophet's replacement be?

Can someone who doesn't have the vision and awareness to guide the people, be the Prophet's replacement? Is someone who doesn't know the rules of religion properly, who sins and makes mistakes, be worthy ofsuccessorship ?

Would people have confidence in him? Who knows better which person is capable of succeeding the Prophet?... God, or the people? Of course, God knows better and that is why He appoints the capable person to be the Prophet's replacement and orders the Prophet to place his divine vision and awareness at his successor's disposal.the Prophet acts according to God's command and picks the person out to be his successor and introduces him to the people as such.

The successor of a Prophet is called an "Imam".

The Prophet, according to God's command, selects an honest andtrusworthy person to be his successor and to perform his tasks after him. The Imam is a trustworthy and honest person selected by God for Imamate and Leadership of Mankind.the Prophet, according to god's command, introduces this person so that by words and deeds he guides mankind towards God, and the people take example from him and follow him in the way they live their lives.

The Prophet, with the permission of god, places his vision, knowledge and awareness at the disposal of his successor for him to correctly lead and guide the people.the Imam knows the laws and instructions of religion (as God and the Prophet have taught him), and communicates this to the people.the Imam, like the Prophet, is a perfect example of religion and acts perfectly in accordance with religious instructions.

The Imam, like the Prophet, sees the ugliness and foulness of sin and because of this vision and awareness he never commits sins, rather he is disgusted by them. Because the Imam, like the Prophet, commits no sins and makes no mistakes, people have confidence in him and are able to follow his words and actions.

The Imams (twelve Imams) are all infallible. This means that:

They commit no sin, they are perfectly honest and trustworthy, and they fully and correctly communicate the laws and instructions of religion to the people. (That is, they never make mistakes or forget anything).

Nahjul Balagha : Sayings of Imam Ali (a.s .)

In the name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful

Salaamalaikum wa rahmatullah my brothers and sisters,

I was looking for something else yesterday, and I stumbled upon this wonderful sermon of Imam Ali (as). What a guide for our lives!!

Somebody requested Imam Ali to advise him how to lead a useful and sober life. Imam Ali thereupon advised him thus: "Do not be among those people who want to gain good returns without working hard for them, who have long hopes and keep on postponing repentance and penance,who talk like pious persons but run after vicious pleasures. Do not be among those who are not satisfied if they get more in life and are not content if their lot in life's pleasures is less (they are never satisfied), who never thank Allah for what they get and keep on constantly demanding increase in what is left with them;

who advise others to such good deeds that they themselves refrain from; who appreciate good people but do not follow their ways of life; who hate bad and vicious people but follow their ways of life; who, on account of their excessive sins hate death but do not give up the sinful ways of life; who, if fallen ill, repent their ways of life and on regaining their health fearlessly readopt the same frivolous ways;

who get despondent and lose all hopes, but on gaining health, become arrogant and careless; who, if faced with misfortunes, dangers or afflictions, turn to Allah and keep on beseeching Him for relief and when relieved orfavoured with comfort and ease they are deceived by the comfortable conditions they found themselves in and forget Allah and forsake prayers; whose minds are allured by day dreams and forlorn hopes and who abhor to face realities of life; who fear for others the enormous repercussions of vices and sins but for their own deeds expect very high rewards or very light disciplinary actions. Riches make such people arrogant, rebellious and wicked, and poverty makes them despondent and lethargic. If they have to work, they work lazily and if they put up a demand they do it stubbornly.

Under the influence of inordinate cravings, they commit sins in quick succession and keep on postponing repentance. Calamities and adversities make them give up the distinguished characteristics of Muslims (patience, hope in future and work for improvement of circumstances).they advise people with narration's of events and facts but do not take any lesson from them.they are good atpreachings but bad at practice, therefore they always talk of lofty deeds but their actions belie their words.they are keen to acquire temporal pleasures but are careless and slow to achieve permanent (Divine) benefits.they think good for themselves the things which are actually injurious to them and regard harmful the things which really benefit them.they are afraid of death but waste their time and do not resort to good deeds before death overtakes them.

the vices which they regard as enormous sins for others, they consider as minor shortcomings for themselves. Similarly, they attach great importance to their obedience to the orders of Allah and belittle similar actions in others.therefore , they often criticize others and speak very highly of their own deeds.they are happy to spend their time in society of rich persons, wasting it in luxuries and vices but are averse to employing for useful purposes in company of the poor and pious people: they are quick and free to pass verdicts against others but they never pass a verdict against their own vicious deeds.they force others to obey them but they never obey Allah.they collect their dues carefully but never pay the dues they owe.they are not afraid of Allah but fear powerful men".

Your sister,Zainab

Lessons from Karbala

Accept all physical pressure and pain

always on our true faith we steadfastly remain

Battle begun unjustly by oppressors

brave Husain till the end tried to guide aggressors

Combine with words, when necessary, more swords

consolidate speech, if it fails, with spears against stubborn warlords

Differentiate, by trial, true faithful from false claimants

devilish lovers of worldly pleasures rejected as remnants

Expose true identity of governing tyrant

evil Umayyad family who ruled as if invincible giant

Face bravely and fight fiercely transgressors

fondly taught Islam's Prophet to Husain, the True Successor

Gandhi and other freedom fighters won independence

greatly inspired by Husain's unforgettable resistance

Honour , self-respect, self-determination

husain's call to humanity till world's termination

Invite, instruct,instill in all mankind godly values

indeed such were Islam, Prophet's(s) and his family's views

Job in life is to perform God-given task

judge results by Godly standards, questions don't ask.

Keep your debt-book clean owe nothing from anyone

king of martyrs refused to meet His Lord having hurt someone

Ladies in captivity bravely spread Karbala's message

lightning and thunderous words hastened tyrants downward passage

Martydom preferable to life of humiliation under evil-doers

military might never frightens brave good-doers

Never despair in struggle against falsehood by small quantity

numbers matter less with sterling quality

Objectives of uprising declared publicly at all stages

opportunities utilized maximally for sacred rage

Perseverance on truth till the last breath

persistant refusal to surrender evil till death

Unending support to Godly Leader's advice

untiring struggle against ungodly army's stance.

Victory of holy blood over blade of sword

vanquishing might with right, brawn with brain, sword with word

Warriors of truth participated from all ages, race, class & sanctuaries

winners in war, those whose message alive over centuries

Xtra power & position corrupt ungodly human

xtravagance , lifestyle of immature Man

Yield total person & possessions to God's pleasure

youth engage in holy war, not in temporary leisure.

Zealous to die for truth, virtue, Laws of God

zest of life is to love God & live for God.

Hadith andAyat Of the Day

The Prophet(SAW) said: the gates of Paradise are not opened but on two days, Monday and Thursday, and then every servant (of Allah) is granted pardon who does not associate anything with Allah except the person in whose (heart) there israncour against his brother.and it would be said: Look towards both of them until there is reconciliation; look towards both of them until there is reconciliation; look towards both of them until there is reconciliation.in thehadith ofSuhayl the words are: (Those would not be granted pardon) who boycott each other. (Narrated By AbuHuraira (Ra) inHadith Book by Imam Muslim)

O ye who believe! When the call is heard for the prayer of the day of congregation, haste unto remembrance of Allah and leave your trading. That is better for you if ye did but know. (QURAN:62:9 )

And when the prayer is ended, then disperse in the land and seek of Allah's bounty, and remember Allah much, that ye may be successful. (62:10)

SummaryOf the Effect Of Sins

ONE:

The Prevention of Knowledge: Knowledge is a light, whichAllaah throws into the heart, and disobedience extinguishes this light.Imaam Shaafi'ee said: I complained toWakee ' about the weakness of my memorySo he ordered me to abandon disobedience and informed me that the knowledge is light and that the light of Allah is not given to the disobedient

TWO:

The Prevention of Sustenance: Just asTaqwaa brings about sustenance, the abandonment ofTaqwaa causes poverty.there is nothing, which can bring about sustenance like the abandonment of disobedience.

THREE:

The prevention of obedience (to Allah). If there were no other punishment for sin other than that it prevents one from obedience to Allah then this would be sufficient.

FOUR:

Disobedience weakens the heart and the body. Its weakening the heart is something which is clear. Disobedience does not stop weakening it until the life of the heart ceases completely.

FIVE:

Disobedience reduces the lifespan and destroys any blessings. Just as righteousness increases the lifespan, sinning reduces it.

SIX:

Disobedience sows its own seeds and gives birth to itself until separating from it and coming out of it becomes difficult for the servant.

SEVEN:

Sins weaken the hearts will and resolve so that the desire for disobedience becomes strong and the desire to repent becomes weak bit by bit until the desire to repent is removed from the heart completely.

EIGHT:

Every type of disobedience is a legacy of a nation from among the nations which AllahAzzawajall destroyed. Sodomy is a legacy of the People of Lot, taking more than one's due right and giving what is less is a legacy of the People ofShu'ayb , seeking greatness in the land and causing corruption is a legacy of the People of Pharaoh and pride/arrogance and tyranny is a legacy of the People ofHud .So the disobedient one is wearing the gown of some of these nations who were the enemies of Allah.

NINE:

Disobedience is a cause of the servant being held in contempt by his Lord. Al-Hasan al-Basree (rh ) said: they became contemptible in (His sight) so they disobeyed Him. If they werehonourable (in His sight) He would have protected them. Allah the Exalted said: and whomsoever Allah lowers (humiliates) there is none to givehonour . [Hajj 22:18]

TEN:

The ill effects of the sinner fall upon those besides him and also the animals as a result of which they are touched by harm.

ELEVEN:

The servant continues to commit sins until they become very easy for him and seem insignificant in his heart and this is a sign of destruction. Every time a sin becomes insignificant in the sight of the servant it becomes great in the sight of Allah.Ibn Mas'ood (ra ) said: indeed, the believer sees his sins as if he was standing at the foot of a mountain fearing that it will fall upon him and the sinner sees his sins like a fly which passes by his nose so he tries to remove it by waving his hand around. [Bukhaaree ]

TWELVE:

Disobedience inherits humiliation and lowliness.Honour , all of it, lies in the obedience of Allah.Abdullaah ibn al-Mubaarak said: I have seen sins kill the hearts.and humiliation is inherited by their continuity the abandonment of sins gives life to the hearts and the prevention of your soul is better for it.

THIRTEEN:

Disobedience corrupts the intellect.the intellect has light and disobedience extinguishes this light. When the light of the intellect is extinguished it becomes weak and deficient.

FOURTEEN:

When disobedience increases, the servant's heart becomes sealed so that he becomes of those who are heedless.the Exalted said: But no! A stain has been left on their hearts on account of what they used to earn (i.e. their actions) [Mutaffifeen 83:14]

FIFTEEN:

Sins cause the various types of corruption to occur in the land. Corruption of the waters, the air, the plants, the fruits and the dwelling places.the Exalted said: Mischief has appeared on the land and the sea on account of what the hands of men have earned; that He may give them a taste of some of (the actions) they have done, in order that they may return. [Rum 30:41]

SIXTEEN:

The disappearance of modesty which is the essence of the life of the heart and is the basis of every good. Its disappearance is the disappearance of all that is good. It is authentic from the Messenger (sas ) that he said: Modesty is goodness, all of it [Bukhaaree and Muslim] A Poet said: and by Allah, there is no good in life or in the world when modesty goes.

SEVENTEEN:

Sins weaken and reduce the magnification of Allah, the Mighty in the heart of the servant.

EIGHTEEN:

Sins are the cause of Allah forgetting His servant, abandoning him and leaving him to fend for himself with his soul and hisshaytaan and in this is the destruction from which no deliverance can be hoped for.

NINETEEN:

Sins remove the servant from the realm ofIhsaan (doinggood ) and he is prevented from (obtaining) the reward of those who do good. WhenIhsaan fills the heart it prevents it from disobedience.

TWENTY:

Disobedience causes the favors (of Allah) to cease and make His revenge lawful. No blessing ceases to reach a servant except due to a sin and no retribution is made lawful upon him except due to a sin. Ali (ra ) said: No trial has descended except due to a sin and it (the trial) is not repelled except by repentance. Allah the Exalted said: Whatever misfortune afflicts you then it is due to what your hands have earned and (yet) He pardons many [Shura 42:30]

And the Exalted also said: That is because never will Allah change thefavour He has bestowed on a people until they change what is with themselves [Anfaal 8:53]