(3) THE DESTINATION OF THE SUN
This is our journey which we began towards Allah with the intention of Hijrat. We have taken a draught from the spring of Marefat and attached ourselves with the Imams (a.s.). The final destination of the sun is before us.
As far as ghaibat is concerned, it is due to our ownself. The only remedy is repentance. Repentance means turning towards Allah with the sincerity of intention to express our respect and our failure to perform our duties properly.
We should seek Allah's forgiveness, and in order to achieve the best of our remaining life we should strive to seek instructions from Him. But it is necessary to know that a true repentance is one which is accompanied by a sincere intention. That order is the one which makes the "pure life" to prepare for the satisfied soul.
However the Holy Prophet (s.a.w) had declared that command in the words of the Almighty and many of his followers take it as their guide for salvation.
"Say I do not ask from you any recompense for this except the love of the nearest kin."
(Sura Shuraa 42:23)
It is surprising, the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) is asking the people to love his kindered as a recompense of his labours in conveying the divine message? Is he asking something for himself?
"Say! Whatever I ask you as a recompense is not for myself. It is for your own good. My recompense is not but upon the (Almighty) Allah."
(Surah Saba 34: 47)
Is it possible for anyone to repay the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.) for a single minute spent by his holy mission? What do we possess that we can give to the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.)?
Whatever we have is only due to them (a.s.). Everything is the result of the bounty of their existence. Because they are the best of the creatures. Allah has created the whole universe in the love of these personalities. These exalted personages have not associated anyone with Allah even for a moment. So why can't they be deserving of Allah's absolute love. Why should their way not be the way of salvation? Hence why should the people not be ordered to love and revere them?
Who else can benefit from their love and reverence? What other provision can we collect for the Hereafter rather than support them with our minds as well as our hands. Because to support them is one of the best deeds as they themselves are a model of piety and worship of Allah.
It is for this reason that loving them is beneficial for our ownself. 1'he Holy Prophet (s.a.w) desires to provide his Ummat with other springs of grace.
"Say, I do not ask for this any recompense except from the who wishes to take the path towards his Lord."
(Furqan 25: 57)
At this juncture let us review the saying of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.) when he said to the following effect.
"O People! If you wish to pay me back for the labours that I undertook to bring you the message, a recompense which would revert to you and become a way of guidance for you and save you from deviation, moreover it will also please me; I only wish that you love and befriend my Ahlul Bayt."
Let us examine some of the points conveyed in these statements.
What is "recompense"? "recompense" is something that is given in return for the right to use a particular thing. Till the thing is paid for, it cannot be legitimate to use it. It is not possible to benefit from a thing till one has not paid the due.
It is necessary to pay this due so that we can achieve nearness to Allah and satisfy Him.
To achieve the divine law which the prophet (s.a.w.) has brought, we must first pay the due.
Even if we summarise the teachings of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.) into the following Divine qualities mentioned in the Quran "The Greatest, the Most Powerful, the Everpresent, the Light, the Truth, the Wise, the Merciful. Even then we cannot hope to attain these qualities till we fulfill the injunction of "loving the nearest relatives" "Say. I do not ask from you any recompense except the love of my nearest kindered."
The "nearest kin", mentioned in this verse, are, according to the, Holy Prophet (s.a.w): Imam Ali (a.s.), Janabe Fatima Zahra (s.a.) and their two virtuous sons Imam Hasan (a.s.) and Imam Husain (a.s.).
On the basis of this, the love of these personages is the factor that perfects the faith of a person. Many of the Ahle Sunnat scholars have also recorded and fled to the fact that the people to be loved as testa mentioned in this verse denote the same exalted personalities.*
(Some of the Shia writers have based their works upon the material from the authoritative Sunni books.)
The word "Muwaddat" is derived from "wudd" and "wudd" means extreme love. This word Muwaddat denotes extra-ordinary love and we must pay attention to this fact. We must also note the fact that when we love a particular person the following things become incumbent upon us:
We must know his characteristics, specialities, merits and all things relevant to him.
We must keep on increasing our love for him.
We must publicize our love among the people and elevate the remembrance of our beloved and call the people towards him.
We must obey his commands and We must avoid those things that he has prohibited for us. Actually our love for the Ahlul Bayt (a.s.) is based on obedience. Today the representatives of Ahiul Bayt upon the earth is Hazrat Hujjat (a.s.). It is a must to obey him and as per his instructions we should strive to follow his deputies. should assure piety.
We should wait for the reappearance of Hazrat (a.j.) and we must pray for his early reappearance.
We must help and assist his followers, the Shias and other helpers of Imam (a.s.).
We must oppose his enemies and those who oppose his mission. (Refer the book Mikyalul Makarim Vol. 11 for a detailed analysis of the duties during the ghaibat of Imam a.s.)
We must always strive to increase love for him and. Our aim should be the zenith. And that is the destination of the sun.
Wait! Do not proceed alone! We come with you. we shall conclude our discussion with such words concerning Imam (a.s.) that we can become more desirous of meeting and. we can benefit from the incidents where people had the honour of meeting Imam (a.s.).
O Allah! Do not let out faith regarding the Imamat of Hazrat be destroyed due to his prolonged Ghaibat and due to the fact that we do not know where he is. Do not leave us in a condition when we do not remember him, nor await him, not have faith in him and in his reappearance, nor do we pray for him and nor send blessings upon him.
O Allah! It should not be that we despair of his reappearance due to prolonged ghaibat. Make our belief as firm as the belief in the announcement of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w), his announcement and the revelation from You and the Book (Quran) sent by you! O Allah! Make our hearts firm upon the belief in him that we can achieve guidance only through him and continue to tread the straight path.
O Allah! Impart us the strength to follow him. Keep us steadfast in his obedience. Include us among his followers and among those who help him, support him and those who are pleased with what he does. Do not deprive us of the honour of his guidance in this life or at the time of death. We should meet death in such a state that we must not have any doubt about this exalted personality. We should not have any misunderstanding nor we be among those who disbelieve in him.
O Allah! Hasten the time of his reappearance. Help him achieve success and victory. Help his supporters and debase and destroy his enemies. Amen. O the Lord of the Worlds.
Peace be upon Mahdi (a.j), the one regarding whom Allah has promised the people.
Allamah agreed to it without any questions. When he wake up after some time, he found that there was no sign of his guest. Upon searching he found that the book had already been completed by his guest; and at the end of it something extra was mentioned. When he looked closely, he found that the following words had been added at the end: "Inscribed by the Hujjat."
(Rawzatul Jannaat, Vol.2, Pg.282, Jannatul Maawa incident no. 22, Najmus Saqib incident no. 15)
We must however note that not every follower can become the centre of Imam's attention and help. We must question ourselves whether we are eligible or not.
Another instance of Imam (a.s.)'s help to Allamah Hilli is recorded in History. Once the Allamah was confronted with some legal problems and he did not know the correct solution. Imam (a.s.) had solved these questions for Allamah Hilli.
(Ilzam-un-Nasib, vol. 2, page 31)
6. My Son Mahdi Is At The Kufa Mosque
One of those exalted personalities who have had the honour of meeting Imam (a.s.) and having their problems solved by Imam (a.s.) was the great scholar Muqaddas Ardebeli (died 993 A.H.). He was so famous for his piety and worship that whenever a comparison was intended he was mentioned as the ideal example. It is well-known that whenever Muqaddas Ardebeli came across a difficult question he used to go near the tomb of Amirul Momineen Ali (a.s.) and seek the solution for the same. Ali (a.s.) used to provide the answer to his question. He had reached such a high position due to his piety and firm belief in Imamat that he was capable of direct communication with Imam Ali (a.s.) One of the students of Muqaddas Ardebeli and a scholar in his own right was aware of his master's capabilities. He writes thus:
(This incident is present in many books of Rejal that deal with the biography of Muqaddas Ardebeli).
"One night I was tired due to prolonged study, and in order to refresh myself, I was taking a stroll in the courtyard of the mausoleum of Amirul Momineen Ali (a.s.). Suddenly, I saw a shadow approaching the tomb although all the doors of the building were locked. Curious to see the outcome of this all, I followed the shadowy figure. When the figure reached the sanctum all the locks opened automatically and the door swung open as he put his hand on it. He finally stood before the tomb of Ali (a.s.) and saluted. I even heard the reply to his salaam. Then a conversation began in the same voice. Before the conversation could reach to its conclusion, the shadowy figure emerged and began to walk out of the city in the direction of Masjid-e-Kufa. I began to follow him. The person entered Masjid-e-Kufa and upon reaching the niche he began to converse with someone.
When the conversation ended he came out of the mosque and began to walk back to the city. The whiteness of dawn had begun to spread all over the surroundings. People were slowly arising from their beds and preparing themselves for the morning prayers. As I was following the figure quietly, I could not suppress a sneeze. The person I was following became aware. He turned around and looked at me. When I looked at his face, I saw that he was my teacher, Ayatullah Muqaddas Ardebeli.
I conveyed my salaam to him and confessed that I had been following him all night since he had entered the tomb of Amirul Momineen (a.s.). I then implored him to tell whom he was conversing within the purified sanctuary and the mosque of Kufa.
The late Muqaddas Ardebeli first made me promise that I will not divulge this secret during his lifetime. Then he said:
"My son! Sometimes if is that I find a Particular problem difficult to solve. I present it to (Mushkil Kusha) Ali Ibn Abi Talib (a.s.) and obtain the solution from him. Last night Hazrat Amirul Momineen (a.s.) guided me towards Hazrat Sahebuzzaman (a.t.f.s.) and said.. "My son Mahdi is in the Mosque of Kufa. He is the Imam of your time. Go to him and seek the reply to your question."
I went to the mosque of Kufa as per his orders and found my master Hazrat Mahdi (a.s.) standing in the niche of the mosque. I asked him the questions and received their replies.
(From the book "Those who were successful in the Search for Qaem a.s. pgs. 27, 30)
7. Gift of Imam-e-Zamana (a.t.f.s.)
Allamah Muhammad Taqi Majlisi (1003-1070) (r.a.) was a virtuous and extremely pious scholar. His father Muhammad Baqir Majlisi (r.a.) was one of the greatest scholars among the Shias. He spent his life in collecting and expounding the traditions of the Purified Ahlul Bayt (a.s.). The illustrious son writes about his father thus:
Apart from the Holy Ahlul Bayt (a.s.) the person responsible for helping me to achieve this position is my respected father..."
(Nawaduz Rizwiya Pg.139-446)
Hence Muhammad Taqi Majlisi writes in the 4th Volume of Shar of Man La Yahzarahul Faqih in the biography of the narrator of Sahifa-e-Kamela Sajjadiya Mutawakkil Bin Umair about the beneficence of Imam-e-Zamana (a.s.).
While explaining his true dreams, he says: "Because I did not wish for anything in the world except the satisfaction of Hazrat Vali Asr (a.t.f.s.) and did not find peace in anything except his remembrance, Hazrat invites me, he answers difficult questions of knowledge, Hazrat ordered me to be steadfast in Namaz-e-Shab, when I requested him to advise me about a book that I can keep reading he indicated for me Sahifa-e-Sajjadiayah and told me that he had left a copy of it for me at such and such place with so and so person, that I should go and collect it, it was a gift from him.
In the dream itself I went to the place indicated by Hazrat to collect the book. Later on, when I woke up, I went in search of the same house. I found it as I had seen it in the dream and was able to receive a copy of the book left by Hazrat to me."
He was always occupied in the remembrance of his master, Hazrat Vali Asr (a.s.). He used to weep incessantly for him and for his love. After the above incident he became closer to Allah through the repetition of the sentences of the duas contained in the book. He always strived to publicize and promote this copy of Sahifa just like the sun shines and illuminates the right way for the travellers. All this was due to the miraculous favours of Hazrat Sahib al-Amr and the blessings of that Sahifa which was gifted to him.
We derive the following lessons from the ardent lovers of Imam-e-Zamana (a.s.): In the darkness of night, speak about all your secrets and complaints to the Almighty. Recite Namaz-e-Shab. We must also have a high regard for the supplications of Sahifa' because they are the actual words of Imam Sajjad (a.s.). We must even remain hopeful of the favours of Hazrat Mahdi (a.s.).
8. The curative medicine
The compiler of the corpus of Hadith by the title Wasail-ush-Shia was the great scholar and jurist named Shaykh Hurr al-Amili (1033-1104), He was a great influence on the contemporary and later scholars.
He has narrated a miracle of Hazrat Baqiatullah (a.s.) where a person named Sulayman was the recipient of medicine from Hazrat himself.
"When I was ten years old, I was seriously ill. So much so that my family members were thinking that I will not survive. Each of them embraced me and wept and they were prepared mentally for my death that night. That night in my dreams I saw the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.) and the Imams (a.s.). I offered my salaams to them and did Musafeha (shook hands) with each of them in turn. When I reached Imam Sadiq (a.s.) we exchanged some words. I do not remember anything from our conversation except that he prayed to Allah for me. When I came upon Imams e-Zamana (a.s.) I wept to him that I was afraid I would die in this disease. I also told him that I had not even achieved my ambitions in the field of knowledge and piety.
Imam (a.s.) replied. "Do not fear, YOU Will not die due to this illness. Allah will cure you and bestow a long life to you."
Then he gave me a bowl that was held by him I drank it and was cured instantly and the disease was cured from the root. My family members were astonished.
(Najmus Saqib Incident no. 61, Jannatul Maawa Incident no. 3-8)
9. The spiritual voice of Imam Asr (a.s.)
Allamah Bahrul Uloom (r.a.) (1 155-1212') is one of those scholars who had been favoured by Imam (a.s.)'s audience more than once. He was blessed with meeting the Imam (a.s.)'s times. All the scholars have praised his piety and accepted his superiority in piety and knowledge. They have narrated his achievements in their writings. Muhaddith Qummi has recorded in his book Rejal' eight meetings of Bahrul Uloom's with the Imam of our age. One of such incidents is mentioned here when Imam (a.s.) made him sit near him and spoke to him in private...'
(Fawailul Rizvia Pg. 679)
What a great achievement it is for a follower of wilayat (Imamlya) that he is able to reach a stage in piety when the Imam-e-Zamana (a.s.) embraces him.
One day the people saw Allamah Bahrul Uloom in an unusual state. Standing before the mausoleum of Ali (a.s.) instead of reciting the Ziarat in an upbeat mood, his eyes were filled with tears when he recited the following lines: " How pleasant it is to bear the recitation of Quran in your lovely voice."
Afterwards, when he was asked the reason for this, he said: "When I was about to enter the sanctuary of Amir-ul-Momineen (a.s.), I saw Hazrat Hujjat seated at the head of Ali (a.s.)'s tomb reciting the Quran in a state of concentration. Upon seeing him I began to repeat those words. But when I entered the Mausoleum I found that Hazrat (a.s.) had finished the recitation and departed from there...
(Najmus Saqib Incident no. 79, Jannatul Maawa Incident no.45)
When the Allamah was staying in Mecca he was away from his relatives and followers. But inspire of this he had not forsaken the welfare of the needy and the poor people, and the needs of the students.
One day his secretary told him that whatever cash was there is now finished and nothing now remains. He should now think seriously in this regard. Let us read the incident in the words of the assistant himself.
"The Sayed did not say anything in reply. It was his practice in Mecca to perform the tawaf in the morning then retire for sometime alone in a room. I used to prepare a Hookah for him and he smoked it daily. Afterwards he used to go to another room to give lecture to his students. On this particular day the Sayed heard a voice from outside. He became tense and restless. He told me to hide the hookah while he himself assumed the posture of a humble servant. He rushed to the door and opened it.
A respectful Arab gentleman entered and then went to the private chamber of the Sayed and seated himself. The Sayed followed him and sat down near him in a humble manner.
For an hour or so they conversed between themselves and then the respectful personality arose to depart. The Sayed stood up too, and led him to the door; then he kissed his hands and helped him mount the camel that was waiting outside.
The guest departed and the Sayed returned. But the colour of his face had undergone a change. He gave me a promissory note, which was in his hand and said: Take this note to such and such shop owner who is a moneychanger at the Safa mountain and bring whatever he gives in lieu of it.
I took the promissory note and went to the moneychanger. He took the note and kissed it respectfully. Then he said: "Get some coolies."
I brought four coolies. The money-changer loaded upon them as many money-bags as they could carry. Then we returned home.
One day I decided to go back to the money-changer and investigate the matter and also find out about the person who had given the promissory note. I could not find any shop at that place. I enquired from a person about the money-changer. He replied: "Such a money-changer has never been seen in this place." Then I realized that this was one of the divine secrets and it was due to the favour and blessing of Hazrat Hujjat (a.t.f.s.).
(Najmus Saqib Incident no. 76, Jannatul Maawa Incident 12, Fawaidur Rizvia Pg. 280)
This great scholar with the purity of his soul and Taqwa, had raised the curtain that separated him and Hazrat Hujjat (a.s.) to such an extent that it seemed as if he was spending his life in the company o Hazrat (a.s.). It is for this reason that Hazrat (a.s.) pours his affections upon such personalities who have freed themselves from selfish desires, in such a period when every man is busy with his own problems.
Sometimes the Allamah was able to hear the supplicating voice of Imam-e-Zamana (a.s.) and listen to the words emanating from his blessed lips. He even had the honour of meeting the Imam (a.s.) at the cellar when no one else was around.
