THE HOLY QURAN SAYS
"And say to those who do not believe that you act as much you can. We are also trying. You all await and surely we all are awaiting."
It is an open challenge for the enemies, that let them make their best efforts. In the light of this challenge can anyone say that awaiting implies sitting idle and remaining oblivious ? Or awaiting means to remain always alert and defeat enemies on every front. Of course, it necessitates that a believer should never exult on his strength but should always rely on Allah. Because reliance in Allah gives victory to weaklings over their stronger adversaries.
Imam Mohammad Baqir (A.S.) said:
"If you act on our advices and teachings and remain in the same conditions, then whosoever dies before the advent of our Qaem (A.S.) will attain martyrdom."
(Beharul-Anwar, Vol. 52, Chap. 22)
Imam Jafar Sadiq (A.S.) said :
"The one who desires to be among the companions of Hazrat Qaem (A.S.), then he must wait, adopt piety and behave courteously. If he dies in such a condition before the advent of Qaem (A.S.), then his reward will be similar to the one who attains his (Qaem's (A.S.)) era. Hence strive vigorously, await his arrival congratulations to you all for your relentless awaiting".
(Ghaibat-e-Nomani, Chap. 11, Hadith 16)
While the first tradition calls for complete emulation ofAhle-Bait (A.S.) so that human thinking and beliefs may not be distracted from the right path the second tradition exhorts for adopting piety and doing good, so that even in the field of practice, their should not be any aberration. The following tradition further clarifies that awaiting does not mean remaining idle and careless. It never purports mere verbal claim without practice but it signifies endless efforts and incessant endeavors as Hazrat Mahdi (A.S.) himself says :
"Then all of you must do such deeds which draw you nearer to our love and affection. And refrain from such acts which evokes your anger and displeasure"
He is the true awaiter who always seeks to please his Imam (A.S.). His every effort is directed at achieving the invaluable pleasure of Imam (A.S.) and it is but evident that the pleasure of Imam is in abiding by the tenets of Islam and not in its sacrilege. It is a command for us and our Imam has encouraged us and has instilled enthusiasm in us through these words :
"We are not negligent of your affairs and are not forgetful of your remembrance. Had it been so, then terrible calamities would have struck you and your enemies would have destroyed you. Fear Allah, strengthen your hands, so that we may relieve you of the tribulations that have afflicted you"
Awaiting is the best deed for us during the period of ghaibat,we should remember our Imam in the heart of days and in the darkness of night,our heart should never be devoid of his(a.s) love because with his(a.s) love we would attain elegance.This is the holy month of Shaban, soon would come the blessed night of 15th Shaban when his(a.s) feet first touch this earth,what more of a blessing can we get from Allah(s.u.b.t) that we are allowed to witness one more 15th Shaban, many who got this blessing last year are not so lucky this year,but if Allah wills we will get another chance and we should use this night to get close to Allah( s.u.b.t),to our beloved Imam(a.s),and we should promise our Imam that for your love we would remove every bad thing in our character and replace it with the flower of good taught by Ahlulbayt(a.s).
Sha'ban-the month of Prophet
Sha’aban is a month of high excellence and is dedicated to the Leader of the Prophets (PBUH). He used to keep fasts during this month and join it with the month of Ramadhan.
He used to say, "sha'aban is a month dedicated to me.whoever keeps one fast during my month will definitely go to heaven".
It has been reported from Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s) that on the commencement of this month, Imam Zainul Abideen (a.s) would gather his companions and address them, “O my companions, do you know which month this is? It is the month of Sha’aban about which the Holy Messenger (PBUH) used to say that it is dedicated to him. So keep fasts during this month in the love of your Holy Prophet (PBUH) and to attain closeness to your Creator. By Allah in whose hands is my soul, I have heard from my father, Hussein ibn Ali (a.s), that he had heard from Commander of Faithful (a.s), that whoever keeps fast during Sha’aban in the love of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and to attain closeness to Allah will become a friend to Allah and on the Day of Judgment will be close to Allah by His grace and Paradise will be assured to him.”
FIRST DAY
The Holy Messenger (PBUH) said, “By the one who has appointed me to Prophet Hood, whoever on this day indulges in the evil or sin will have surely clung to one of the branches of the “Tree of Zaqoom” which will pull him to the fire of Hell.
DAILY AMAAL
1) Recite 70 times
I seek forgiveness of Allah, and, repentant, beseech Him.
ASTAGFIRULLAAHA WA AS-ALUHUT TAWBAH
I seek forgiveness of Allah who is “There is no God save He”, the Beneficent, the Merciful; the Ever living, the Eternal, and I turn repentant to Him
ASTAGHFIRULLAAHALLAD’EE LAA ILAAHA ILLA HUWAR RAHMANO RAH’EEMUL H’AYYUL QAYYOOMU WA ATOOBU ILAYHI
2) Give Alms/Charity in God’s name.
Imam Sadiq was asked “What are the best deeds that should be done in Sha’aban?” The Imam (a.s) answered, “Almsgiving and seeking forgiveness are the best deeds in Sha’aban. Verily, if anyone of you gives alms in Sha’aban, Almighty Allah will breed that alms in the very same way as you breed your small camels. Hence, these alms will be as huge as Mount Uhud on the Resurrection Day.”
3) On every Thursday Fasting is recommended & Recite two Rakaat Namaz.
In every Rakaat, after the recitation of Surah Hamd (The Opening), recite Surah Ikhlaas (The Purity)100 times. After the Salaam recite Salawat 100 times .اللّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَآلِ مُحَمَّدٍ In this respect, a Hadith reads that the heavens decorate themselves each Thursday in Sha’aban and the angels pray Almighty Allah, saying, “O our God: (please do) forgive him who observe fasting on this day and respond to his prayers.”
Dua’a for Last Day(s) of Sha’aban
Imam Reza (a.s) is reported as saying, “If one observes fasting on the last three days of Sha’aban and attach it to the obligatory fasting of Ramadan, Almighty Allah will reward him as if he has observed fasting for two consecutive months.”
In the rest days of Sha’aban, you may repeat the following supplication very much for Almighty Allah saves many people from Hellfire on account of the sanctity of this month:
اللّهُمَّ إنْ لَمْ تَكُنْ غَفَرْتَ لَنَا فِيمَا مَضَى مِنْ شَعْبَانَ
alluhumma in lam takun ghafarta lana fima madha min Sha’aban
O Allah: If You have not forgiven us in the past days of Sha’aban,
فَاغْفِرْ لَنَا فِيمَا بَقِيَ مِنْهُ
faghfir lana fima baqiya minhu
(Please do) forgive us in the rest of it.
Surely this is the month of seeking closeness to Allah(s.u.b.t) we should do everything that pleases Him and refrain from those acts which makes Him angry.we should fear from His anger.I pray to Allah(s.u.b.t) that me and all the momineen uses this month in best of ways which is beneficial to us,ILAAHIAMEEN.
Imam Muhammad Taqi(a.s)
Wiladat of Imam Muhammad Taqi (a.s) mubarak to all momineen
Read this short article and test yourself how much you know about your Imam.
Name: Muhammad bin Ali.
Titles: At-Taqi, Al-Jawad.
Kuniyya: Abu Ja'fer.
Father: Imam Ali Ridha (A.S.)
Mother: Sabika (also known as Khaizarun).
Birth: 10th Rajab 195 a.h. Madina.
Death: 29th Dhulqa'da 220 a.h. Baghdad. Buried in Kadhmain.
His Parents & Birth
He was the only son of Imam Ali Ridha (A.S.) The Prophet (S.A.W.) had said:
"My father be sacrificed on the mother of the 9th Imam who will be a pure and pious Nubian."
Imam Musa Kadhim (A.S.) had told one of his companions that his daughter-in-law (Sabika) would be one of the most pious of women and to give her his salaams. She came from the same tribe as the Prophet's wife - Mary Copt who bore the Prophet his son Ibrahim (who died in infancy).
Imam Muhammad Taqi (A.S.) was born when his father was 45 years old. Till then Imam Ali Ridha (A.S.) had constantly been taunted that he had no children. When the 9th Imam was born, a brother of Imam Ali Ridha (A.S.) was angry because he would lose out in inheriting the Imam's property and in his jealousy spread a rumour that Imam Ali Ridha (A.S.) was not the father. He was eventually proved wrong by a person who could tell parentage.
Childhood
The 9th Imam was 5 years old when his father was called to Baghdad by Mamun Rashid to be his 'heir apparent'. When Imam Ali Ridha (A.S.) was leaving he saw his son putting sand in his hair. He asked why and the young Imam replied that this was what an orphan did.
His titles, life & works
He became an Imam at the age of 9. Mamun Rashid thought that as all the rulers before him had oppressed the Imams and their schemes had backfired that he would try to bribe the Imams. He tried to make the 8th Imam his heir apparent and give him power and wealth but that also backfired.
He now tried to use power and wealth with the 9th Imam again but from a much younger age thinking that he would be able to influence him. His main purpose was also to make sure that the 12th Imam (whom he knew would bring justice to the world) would be from his progeny and therefore intended to give his daughter Ummul Fadhl to the Imam for a wife. Mamun still continued oppressing the family and followers of the Ahlul-bayt (A.S.).
Mamun called the young Imam (A.S.) to Baghdad from Madina and offered his daughter. This infuriated his family (Banu Abbas). To prove to them the excellence of Imam even at a young age he arranged a meeting between Imam and the most learned of men at that time - Yahya bin Athkam.
It was a grand occasion with some 900 other scholars present. Imam (A.S.) was first asked by Yahya:
Mamun asked the young Imam to answer the question, which he did, and then Imam asked Yayha a question which he could not answer. The Banu Abbas admitted defeat and Mamun took the opportunity to offer his daughter in marraige to Imam. Imam (A.S.) read his own Nika (the khutba of which is used today) with the Mehr of 500 dirhams. Imam wrote a letter to Mamun that he would also give Ummul Fadhl Mehr from the wealth of Aakhira. This was in the form of 10 duas which were for fulfilling any hajaat (desires) [Chain of narrators upto Prophet - Jibrail - Allah]* . Thus his title Al-Jawad (the generous one).
* These duas are found in Mafatihul Jinaan (pg 447 - In margin)
Imam lived for a year in Baghdad with Ummul Fadhl. She was very disobedient to Imam. When she found out that Imam had another wife (from the progeny of Ammar-e-Yasir) and that there was also children she was jealous and angry realizing that her father's plan had failed. She complained to her father who also realized that his plan, to keep the 12th Imam in his progeny, had failed. He was enraged and in his rage he drank heavily and went to the 9th Imam's house and attacked Imam with a sword. Both Ummul Fadhl and a servant saw the attack and believed Imam was dead. Mamun on waking next morning realized the consequences of his attack and was thinking of arranging the disposal of Imam's body when he saw Imam well without a scratch on him. He was confused and asked Imam who showed him an amulet which is called Hirze Jawad Imam told him it was from his grand mother Bibi Fatima Zahra (A.S.) and kept the wearer safe from all except the angel of death. Mamun asked Imam for it and Imam gave him one.
Now Mamun was scared and tried a new tactic. He tried to deviate Imam by sending him beautiful girls and musicians. When he realised nothing was working he let Imam return to Madina.
Imam used this time to prepare the masails of Taqleed and Ijtihaad in preparation for the 12th Imam knowing that both the 10th and the 11th Imam would spend most of their lives in prison. He also prepared the people of Madina teaching true Islam knowing that this would be the last time they would be able to receive guidance directly from an Imam for a long time.
Ummul Fadhl continuously complained of Imam to her father who sent her letters back.
Mamun died in 218 a.h. and was succeeded by his brother Mo'tasam Billah. He openly announced that all Shias were not Muslims. He said it was required for people to kill and prosecute Shias, and to destroy property belonging to Shias.
Ummul Fadhl now started complaining to her uncle who was sympathetic to her. Mo'tasam called Imam to Baghdad. He asked Imam to pass judgement of how to punish a thief. Imam said only fingers could be cut as the palms were for Allah (as in Qur'an - it is one of the wajib parts to touch the ground during sajda). As this decision was contrary to the decision of the other 'Ulema' it strengthened the position of the Shias. The other 'Ulema' complained to Mo'tasam.
Death & Burial
With instigation from both the 'Ulema' and Ummul Fadhl, Mo'tasam sent poison which Ummul Fadhl put in Imam's drink and gave it to him. Imam died on 29th Dhulqa'ada at the age of 25 years and is buried near his grandfather in Kadhmain (the 10th Imam gave him ghusl and kafan).
Summary of Imam's Work
It is he who prepared and wrote books for the masails of Ijtihaad and Taqleed which were essential to prepare believers for the ghaibat of the 12th Imam.
Additional Notes
Once when the young Imam was on his way to Baghdad he came across Mamun's party returning from a hunting trip. All the other children on the street ran but the Imam did not.
Mamun asked the young Imam, "Why did you not run away?"
Imam said the road was wide enough for all of them and neither had he committed a sin. Mamun then asked him his identity.
After finding out, he asked Imam what he (Mamun) had in his hands. Imam replied "Allah has created tiny fish in the river. These fish are hunted by the Hawks of the kings and the descendants of the Prophets reveal the secrets".
Read this short article and test yourself how much you know about your Imam.
Name: Muhammad bin Ali.
Titles: At-Taqi, Al-Jawad.
Kuniyya: Abu Ja'fer.
Father: Imam Ali Ridha (A.S.)
Mother: Sabika (also known as Khaizarun).
Birth: 10th Rajab 195 a.h. Madina.
Death: 29th Dhulqa'da 220 a.h. Baghdad. Buried in Kadhmain.
His Parents & Birth
He was the only son of Imam Ali Ridha (A.S.) The Prophet (S.A.W.) had said:
"My father be sacrificed on the mother of the 9th Imam who will be a pure and pious Nubian."
Imam Musa Kadhim (A.S.) had told one of his companions that his daughter-in-law (Sabika) would be one of the most pious of women and to give her his salaams. She came from the same tribe as the Prophet's wife - Mary Copt who bore the Prophet his son Ibrahim (who died in infancy).
Imam Muhammad Taqi (A.S.) was born when his father was 45 years old. Till then Imam Ali Ridha (A.S.) had constantly been taunted that he had no children. When the 9th Imam was born, a brother of Imam Ali Ridha (A.S.) was angry because he would lose out in inheriting the Imam's property and in his jealousy spread a rumour that Imam Ali Ridha (A.S.) was not the father. He was eventually proved wrong by a person who could tell parentage.
Childhood
The 9th Imam was 5 years old when his father was called to Baghdad by Mamun Rashid to be his 'heir apparent'. When Imam Ali Ridha (A.S.) was leaving he saw his son putting sand in his hair. He asked why and the young Imam replied that this was what an orphan did.
His titles, life & works
He became an Imam at the age of 9. Mamun Rashid thought that as all the rulers before him had oppressed the Imams and their schemes had backfired that he would try to bribe the Imams. He tried to make the 8th Imam his heir apparent and give him power and wealth but that also backfired.
He now tried to use power and wealth with the 9th Imam again but from a much younger age thinking that he would be able to influence him. His main purpose was also to make sure that the 12th Imam (whom he knew would bring justice to the world) would be from his progeny and therefore intended to give his daughter Ummul Fadhl to the Imam for a wife. Mamun still continued oppressing the family and followers of the Ahlul-bayt (A.S.).
Mamun called the young Imam (A.S.) to Baghdad from Madina and offered his daughter. This infuriated his family (Banu Abbas). To prove to them the excellence of Imam even at a young age he arranged a meeting between Imam and the most learned of men at that time - Yahya bin Athkam.
It was a grand occasion with some 900 other scholars present. Imam (A.S.) was first asked by Yahya:
What is the compensation (kaffara) for a person in Ehraam who hunted and killed his prey?"Imam replied that there were many more details required before he could answer the question:
- Did the Muhrim (one in Ehraam) hunt in the haram or outside?
- Did the Muhrim know Sharia or not?
- Did he hunt intentionally or not?
- Did he hunt for the first time or was this one of many times?
- Was he free or a slave?
- Was his prey a bird or an animal?
- Was it big or small?
- Had he hunted by day or by night?
- Was he baligh or not?
- Was he repentant or not?
- Was his ehraam for Hajj or Umra?
Mamun asked the young Imam to answer the question, which he did, and then Imam asked Yayha a question which he could not answer. The Banu Abbas admitted defeat and Mamun took the opportunity to offer his daughter in marraige to Imam. Imam (A.S.) read his own Nika (the khutba of which is used today) with the Mehr of 500 dirhams. Imam wrote a letter to Mamun that he would also give Ummul Fadhl Mehr from the wealth of Aakhira. This was in the form of 10 duas which were for fulfilling any hajaat (desires) [Chain of narrators upto Prophet - Jibrail - Allah]* . Thus his title Al-Jawad (the generous one).
* These duas are found in Mafatihul Jinaan (pg 447 - In margin)
Imam lived for a year in Baghdad with Ummul Fadhl. She was very disobedient to Imam. When she found out that Imam had another wife (from the progeny of Ammar-e-Yasir) and that there was also children she was jealous and angry realizing that her father's plan had failed. She complained to her father who also realized that his plan, to keep the 12th Imam in his progeny, had failed. He was enraged and in his rage he drank heavily and went to the 9th Imam's house and attacked Imam with a sword. Both Ummul Fadhl and a servant saw the attack and believed Imam was dead. Mamun on waking next morning realized the consequences of his attack and was thinking of arranging the disposal of Imam's body when he saw Imam well without a scratch on him. He was confused and asked Imam who showed him an amulet which is called Hirze Jawad Imam told him it was from his grand mother Bibi Fatima Zahra (A.S.) and kept the wearer safe from all except the angel of death. Mamun asked Imam for it and Imam gave him one.
Now Mamun was scared and tried a new tactic. He tried to deviate Imam by sending him beautiful girls and musicians. When he realised nothing was working he let Imam return to Madina.
Imam used this time to prepare the masails of Taqleed and Ijtihaad in preparation for the 12th Imam knowing that both the 10th and the 11th Imam would spend most of their lives in prison. He also prepared the people of Madina teaching true Islam knowing that this would be the last time they would be able to receive guidance directly from an Imam for a long time.
Ummul Fadhl continuously complained of Imam to her father who sent her letters back.
Mamun died in 218 a.h. and was succeeded by his brother Mo'tasam Billah. He openly announced that all Shias were not Muslims. He said it was required for people to kill and prosecute Shias, and to destroy property belonging to Shias.
Ummul Fadhl now started complaining to her uncle who was sympathetic to her. Mo'tasam called Imam to Baghdad. He asked Imam to pass judgement of how to punish a thief. Imam said only fingers could be cut as the palms were for Allah (as in Qur'an - it is one of the wajib parts to touch the ground during sajda). As this decision was contrary to the decision of the other 'Ulema' it strengthened the position of the Shias. The other 'Ulema' complained to Mo'tasam.
Death & Burial
With instigation from both the 'Ulema' and Ummul Fadhl, Mo'tasam sent poison which Ummul Fadhl put in Imam's drink and gave it to him. Imam died on 29th Dhulqa'ada at the age of 25 years and is buried near his grandfather in Kadhmain (the 10th Imam gave him ghusl and kafan).
Summary of Imam's Work
It is he who prepared and wrote books for the masails of Ijtihaad and Taqleed which were essential to prepare believers for the ghaibat of the 12th Imam.
Additional Notes
Once when the young Imam was on his way to Baghdad he came across Mamun's party returning from a hunting trip. All the other children on the street ran but the Imam did not.
Mamun asked the young Imam, "Why did you not run away?"
Imam said the road was wide enough for all of them and neither had he committed a sin. Mamun then asked him his identity.
After finding out, he asked Imam what he (Mamun) had in his hands. Imam replied "Allah has created tiny fish in the river. These fish are hunted by the Hawks of the kings and the descendants of the Prophets reveal the secrets".
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