TRANSLATOR'S PREFACE

Imagination cannot perceive the lofty position of Aale Muhammad (peace be upon them). Faith is of no use without the Wilayat of Ahle Bayt (a.s.). We, the followers of Aale Muhammad feel proud to be aligned with these noble personalities. We consider them to be our guides; in this world as well as the Hereafter. We also have a firm belief that Imamat is but the continuation of Prophethood. After the end of Prophethood, Imamat has carried on its shoulders the bruden of defending Islam.

Even the non-shias have expressed their admiration and love for Aale Muhammad without any bias. They have also considered it as their duty to follow the Progeny of Muhammad (s.a.w.s.) and felt proud of it. However these people should not be content with mere verbal confessions of love and respect. They must practice Tawalla and Tabarra also, in order to achieve final salvation. There is no dearth of such verbal utterances in the books of Islamic scholars. We shall mention one of these as an example. The concerned person is a well-known leader of a major sect and he has expressed his profound thoughts in his couplets. He is none other than Imam Shafaei. He says: “O rider you are in the vicinity of the Holy House. The place to collect the pebbles for stoning satan. It is a place where prayers are answered. You should implore Allah in such a loud voice that even the worshippers at a distance hear your plaintive cry. At the time when the pilgrims are about to depart for Mina. And that if the love of Aale Muhammad is Rafd. Then the Jinns and men witness I am a Rafidi (Shia)”.

The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) has said: “If all the people had united upon loving Ali ibn Abi Talib (a.s.), Allah would not have created (hell) fire.”

The author of Yanabiul Mawaddah, Shaykh Sulayman Qandoozi Hanafi has recorded the following tradition: One day the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.s.) was holding the hands of Imam Hasan (a.s.) and Imam Husain (a.s.). He (s.a.w.s.) said: “One who loves me and loves these two (Hasan & Husain) and loves their father and their mother will be with me and at my station in Qiyamat.”[1] According to Tirmizi, “They will be in Paradise.”[2]

The similar belief of Imam Shafaei is evident in the following couplets. The belief is also in conformity with Quran and Hadith. Imam Shafaei says: “The progeny of the Messenger (s.a.w.s.) is the means of achieving the nearness to Allah. It is my wish that through their mediation I can get the scroll of my deeds in my right hand on the day of Qiyamat.”[3]

The handing over of the scroll of deeds in the right hand is the explanation of the following Quranic verse: “Then the companions of the right hand; how happy are the companions of the right hand!” (Surah Waqiah 56:8)

Here the Quran clearly mentions that those who are given the scrolls in the right hand will be guaranteed salvation.

Sulayman Qandoozi has also recorded a tradition from the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.s.) where he remarks, “The love of Ali Ibn Abi Talib (a.s.) will be foremost on the scroll of deeds of the believer.”1

The religion of Islam has provided detailed principles of Wilayat and leadership. Such an exposition is not to be found in the books of any other revealed religion.

The Quran has ordered the believers to Obey Allah and Obey the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) and after him Obey the Ulil Amr (those vested with authority). The holy verse is: “O you who believe! Obey Allah and obey the Apostle and those in authority from among you”... )Surah Nisa 4:59)

There is no controversy as to who are those ‘in authority’. It clearly refers to the just ruler. But who can be that ruler? This is where the differences emerge. What are the necessary qualifications of the Ulil Amr.

We must also recall at this point the Prophetic tradition whereby he (s.a.w.s.) said that both Hasan and Husain (a.s.) are the leaders of my Ummat after their father. He (s.a.w.s.) also said that Hasan (a.s.) and Husain (a.s.) are the chiefs of the Youth of Paradise.

(1) The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) has also informed that Fatima Zahra (s.a.) will be the chief of all women in the Hereafter. Ali (a.s.) is the chief of all the successors of Prophets (a.s.). From the progeny of Imam Husain (a.s.) will be the nine Imams (a.s.) of the muslim Ummah. The ninth descendant of Imam Husain (a.s.) will be the Qaim. Disobeying him will be same as disobeying the Prophet (s.a.w.s.). The Prophet of Islam (s.a.w.s.) has also said that he would complain to the Almighty against those who deny the excellences of the Ahle Bayt (a.s.) and those who have usurped their rights and disregarded their position after the demise of the Prophet (s.a.w.s.). The Almighty Allah will requite the wrong doers. He loves the Ahle Bayt (a.s.) and the Imams of the muslims. He will punish severely those who have trampled their rights. After mentioning the above points the Messenger of Allah recited the following ayat: “...and they who act unjustly shall know to what final place of turning they shall turn back.” (Surah Shuara 26: 227)1

(2) Jabir ibn Abdullah Ansari says that one day a Jew came to the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) and said: “O Muhammad tell me that which Allah does not have? And that which is not for Allah and that which Allah does not know?”

The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) replied: “That which Allah does not have is a partner. And which is not for Allah is injustice. And that which Allah does not know is the assertion of you Jews that Hazrat Ozair is the son of Allah. Allah does not know that Ozair is the son of Allah, He knows that Ozair is a creature and a servant of Allah.”

The Jew said, “I testify that there is no God except Allah and that you are the true Apostle of Allah.”

After reciting the Kalima and accepting Islam at the hands of Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.s.) he said: “Last night I had a dream. In the dream I saw Musa ibn Imran (a.s.). He told me to approach you and embrace Islam as you are the Seal of the prophets. Musa (a.s.) also instructed me to follow you and after you your successors and vicegerents. Thank be to Allah, that He has guided me.”

He continued, “So tell me O Messenger of Allah! (s.a.w.s.) who are your successors and vicegerents. So that I may recognize them and follow their guidance.”

The Prophet of Islam (s.a.w.s.) replied, “My successors are twelve.”

“Yes, the Taurat mentions this. Tell me their names.”

The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) told him, “The first of them is Ali, and after him his two sons Hasan and Husain (a.s.). Attach yourself to their guidance and be careful that you do not severe your connection with them in ignorance. You shall witness the time of the birth of Ali the son of Husain (a.s.). Your death will occur during his tenure. The last thing that you shall consume in this life is (a drink of) milk.”

Jundal said, “The names of of Ali, Hasan & Husain (a.s.) in the Taurat are Eliya, Shabbar and Shabbir respectively. Tell who are the Imams after them?”

“When the tenure of Husain (a.s.) comes to an end and he is martyred, Ali ibnul Husain (a.s.) will succeed him. He shall be known by the title of Zainul Aabedeen (the ornament of the worshippers). He will be my fourth successor. He will be succeeded by his son Muhammad al-Baqir, then Jafar as-Sadiq, then Musa al-Kazim, then Ali ar-Reza, then Muhammad al-Taqi, then Ali al-Hadi, then Hasan al-Askari, then his son Muhammad who shall be known by the titles of Al-Qaim and Mahdi. And when he will reappear, he will fill the earth with justice and equity, like it would be full of injustice and oppression. Good news is for the one who remains steadfast upon their love and friendship. They will be (those who love Ahle Bayt) whom the Almighty has praised in His divine book in the verse: “This Book, there is no doubt in it, is a guide to those who guard (against evil). Those who believe in the unseen...” (Surah Baqarah 2:2-3). That those who guard (against evil) are those who believe in the unseen (Imam Mahdi a.s.). It is this group of people who will be helped by Allah and these will be the successful ones.”

Jundal praised the Almighty and thanked Him for bestowing the Marefat (recognition) of the Holy Imams (a.s.). He lived till the time of the fourth Imam, Zainul Aabedeen (a.s.). When he went to Taif he fell ill. He got some milk to drink. After having the milk he said that the Messenger of Allah had informed him that his last diet on this earth will be milk. Then he left this world. He was buried at a place called Al-Kuzara.1

Thus we can say that the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) has continously reminded people about his successors. From the time of the announcement of prophethood till the last moments in this world he emphasised the importance of following his vicegerents after him. Whether in times of war or peace, the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) always exhorted his followers to remain attached with his Ahlul Bayt.

It is proved beyond any doubt that the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) not only explained the cardinal beliefs of Tauheed, Prophethood and Qiyamat, but he also expounded the principle of Imamat. A large number of traditions on this subject have reached us and they point towards the fact that belief in Imamat is as important as the belief in Allah, His Prophet and Qiyamat. It is also a matter of great significance that these narrations also find place in the books of Ahle Sunnat. The Ahle Sunnat have quoted extensively these traditions in their books of history, hadith and tafsir (exegesis of Quran). Some of them have compiled full length books on the virtues and merits of the Infallible Imams (a.s.). They have also expressed their love and respect for these Holy personalities. However, if we just quote the traditions or if we claim verbally that we love Ahlul Bayt (a.s.) but we do not go beyond this and obey their commands and we do not dislike their enemies. Then how can we hope to achieve success. In such a situation we shall be those who are at loss in this world as well as the Hereafter.

Let us consider some of the gems of Prophetic traditions as recorded in the books of both the sects:

1.  The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) says: “One who dies upon the love of Aale Muhammad (s.a.w.s.) dies a martyr”.

2.  “Know that one who dies upon the love of Aale Muhammad dies forgiven”.

3.  “Know that one who dies upon the love of Aale Muhammad dies repented (As if he has repented of all his sins”.

4.  “Know that one who dies upon the love of Aale Muhammad dies a believer with a perfect faith”.

5.  “Know that one who dies upon the love of Aale Muhammad receives the good news of Paradise from the angel of death and also from Munkir and Nakeer”.

6.  “Know that one who dies upon the love of Aale Muhammad goes to Paradise like a bride goes towards the house of her bridegroom”.

7.  “Know that one who dies upon the love of Aale Muhammad has angels of forgiveness appointed by Allah upon his grave”.

8.  “Know that one who dies hating Aale Muhammad will have the following inscription on his forehead on the day of Qiyamat : Deprived of Divine Mercy”.

9.  “Know that one who dies hating Aale Muhammad dies a disbeliever”.

10. “Know that one who dies hating Aale Muhammad will not smell the fragrance of Paradise.”1

We have mentioned in brief the consequences of loving and hating Aale Muhammad (a.s.). These are but a drop in the vast ocean of the excellences of Ahlul Bayt (a.s.). Actually the position of Aale Muhammad is such that one who has obeyed and loved them has obeyed and loved the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.). This is to continue till the end of the world. Righteousness lies in following the last Prophet (s.a.w.s.) and also in following his vicegerents till the end of time.

The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) says: “O Ali! None shall love you except the believers and none hate you except the hypocrites.”2

And also remarked: “One who abuses Ali has abused us.” 3

On the day of conquest of Khaibar when Ali (a.s.) had uprooted the gate of the fortress, the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) addressed him thus: “If I had no fear that people would begin to regard you as the Christians regard Isa (a.s.), I would told many true things. By that people would have taken the dust of your feet and the water of your ablution (wuzu) as curative objects. But it is sufficient that you are from me and I am from you. your relation to me is like Haroon (a.s.) was to Musa, except that there is no Prophethood after me.

O Ali! You will fulfill the religion after me and wage Jihad for my sunnat and my way, and in the Hereafter you are the closest one to me. And from my Ummat you will be the first one to enter Paradise (after me). And at the Hauz (Pool) of Kausar you shall be my vicegerent and you will drive away the hypocrites from there. And you will be the first one to reach Hauz-e-Kausar with me. Similarly your followers and your Shias will drink from the Hauz-e-Kausar and shall be seated on luminous pulpits around me, and their faces will be bright. And I will intercede for them. They will have the honour of our company and will reside near us (in Paradise). On the contrary your enemies will be terribly thirsty on the day of Qiyamat. Their faces will be dark due to intense thrist. They will enter the plains of Qiyamat in this condition and the angels would be striking maces of fire on their heads and faces; and in this way they would be made to enter Hell.

O Ali! war against you is war against me. And peace with you is peace with me. Your secret is my secret and your interior is my interior and your exterior and apparent aspects are my exterior and apparent. Whatever is concealed in your heart; the same is concealed in mine. And you are the gate of knowledge and your sons are my sons. Your flesh is my flesh. Your blood is my blood. Truth is with you and truth is upon your tongue, in your heart and between your two eyes. Belief permeates your flesh and blood in the same way as it permeates my flesh and blood. The Almighty has ordered me to convey to you and your progeny the glad tidings of Paradise and announce the chastisement of Hell for your enemies. Whoever has harboured malice against you will not be allowed to approach the cistern of Kausar. And whoever loves you will not be kept away from Kausar.”

Amirul Momineen Ali (a.s.) says: “I fell down in prostration of thankfulness and began to praise the Almighty for the unsurpassed bounties that He had bestowed on me. He has appointed me as the supporter of Islam and Quran and the beloved of the seal of the Prophets.”1

The school of Shia ideology, which is the only authentic school is alive and enlightened. Every misfortune that heads towards it is itself annihilated. Therefore we can see that even though the tyrant rulers tried their best to stamp out Shiaism, they have not been able to achieve it. No harm came to this institution. This was because of the spirit of martyrdom that characterised the stalwarts of this school. The guides of the Shias sacrificed their blood to water the plant of Shiaism since its inception. Success is only for those who are with the Ahlul Bayt (a.s.). Regarding the chief of believers, the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said, “Ali is with truth and the truth is with Ali.”

Those who wish to follow the original and uncontaminated Islam must tread the path of Ahlul Bayt (a.s.). This school of thought shall always be successful and exalted. The followers of this school will be successful in every trial on the day of Qiyamat.

The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) says: “Ali and his Shias are the successful ones.”2

So let us remain attached to this school, let us study it and obtain the marefat (recognition) and sincerely endeavour to understand the aims of its leaders. Let us confess to its truth and let us make others confess of its truth. Throughout the ages, the great personalities of this faith have borne numerous difficulties and tribulations. They had to undergo torture, imprisonment and homelessness.

Finally they had to embrace martyrdom. The sons of this school and its followers have inscribed the pages of history with their blood. However, we must remember that such a lofty position has not been achieved easily. It required uncomparable sacrifices, difficulties and blood of our martyrs. It is for this very fact that it is sometimes referred to as “Crimson Shiaism.”

The more we become nearer to Ahlul Bayt (a.s.) the more our knowledge and understanding increases. So many of the secrets are unveiled for us. If Allah wills we shall continue to fulfill the mission of spreading awareness and progressive thinking.

Let us conclude this brief discussion by recounting the couplets of Shafaei: “Divine benedictions be upon the Progeny of the Prophets (s.a.w.s.). And curse on those ignorant ones who trampled their rights after the Prophet.”1

For a few days of rule these evil-doers denied the excellences of Aale Muhammad. They did all they can for subduing them and inflicted every kind of atrocity. And sometimes in the end they would weep and express regret at unleasing terror on these noble souls. However ultimately they are deprived of this world as well as the Hereafter and are afflicted with Divine chastisement.

On the other hand, we the followers of Ahlul Bayt and the lovers of Aale Muhammad are in anticipation of the Divine kingdom on earth. We await with a forlorn heart the reappearance of Hazrat Mahdi (a.s.), who will fill the earth with peace and justice and uproot every injustice and oppression. He will avenge all the atrocities borne by his

 

 ancestors and his followers and establish a just government based on Divine law. The whole world will be illuminated by his radiance. Insha Allah.

We pray to Allah for this day and repeat the invocation. “Allahumma Inna Narghabo elaika fi daulatin kareema”...