The Battle Of Hunayn
After the conquest of Makkah, the Holy Prophet (s.a.) proceeded to clear out the suburbs of the city and fought numerous battles with the Arab idol-worshippers, one of which was the Battle of Hunayn. The Battle of Hunayn was one of the most important battles of the Holy Prophet (s.a.). It took place in the valley of Hunayn against the tribe of Hawazin. The army of Islam, with twelve thousand soldiers, arrayed in front of the army of Hawazin which was equipped with a few thousand men. A heavy battle took place between them.
In the beginning of the battle, Hawazin severely defeated the Muslims, so much so that everybody ran away, except Ali (A.S) who was carrying the banner of Islam and a few others, who fought in front of the Holy Prophet (s.a.). But after a few hours, initially the Ansar and then other Muslims returned to their bases and defeated the enemy after a very heavy fighting. In this battle, five thousand enemies were taken as captives by the Muslims, but all of them were released by the Muslims at the request of the Holy Prophet (s.a.). The Holy Prophet (s.a.) bought the share of the dissatisfied Muslims by paying them money and released their captives.
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The Battle Of Tabuk
In the 9th year of Hijrah, the Holy Prophet (s.a.) despatched an army to Tabuk (located at the borders of Hijaz and Damascus) to fight a battle with Rome, because the rumon had spread that the Qaysar of Rome was preparing an army comprised of Romans and Arabs in that area. The Battle of Mu'tah was previously fought there with Rome, leading to the martyrdom of the commanders of the army of Islam such as Ja'far ibn Abi Talib, Zayd ibn Harithah, and ‘Abdullah ibn Rawah. ah. The Holy Prophet (s.a.), with an army of thirty thousand soldiers, proceeded towards Tabuk, but the people gathering there had dispersed before the arrival of the army of Islam. The Holy Prophet (s.a.) stayed in Tabuk for three days, cleared out that territory, and then returned to Medina.
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Other Battles
Within ten years of his stay in Medina, the Holy Prophet (s.a.) fought almost eighty major and minor battles other than those previously mentioned. The Holy Prophet (s.a.) personally participated in almost one-fourth of the number of these battles. In the battles in which he participated, unlike other commanders who remained in shelters and only issued the orders for attacks and killing, the Holy Prophet (s.a.) himself took part in the battlefield along with other soldiers, but no occasion arose for him to embark upon killing anyone.
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Ghadir Khumm And The Issue Of Succession
Makkah was the last city whose conquest led to the absolute domination of Islam over the Arabian Peninsula. It has the Haram (Sacred premises) of Allah and the site of Ka'bah. This city fell in the hands of the army of Islam in the 8th year of Hijrah. Shortly afterwards, the city of Ta'if was also conquered. In the 10th year of Hijrah, the Holy Prophet (SA) set out for Makkah to perform the Hijjatul-Wada' (The last Hajj). After performing the .Hajj Manasik (rituals) and giving necessary instructions to the people, the Holy Prophet (SA) headed for Medina. In the course of his journey, he ordered to stop the caravan at a place called "Ghadir (Pond) Khumm. "
Among one hundred and twenty thousand Hujjaj (pilgrims) who had gathered for .Hajj from all parts of the Arabian Peninsula, the Holy Prophet (SA) took ‘Ali's hand in his own, lifted him up, and announced his Imamah (succession of Prophet Muhammad S.A]). By this action, the matter of succession, which controls the affairs of the Muslims, guards the Book and ahadith, and protects the divine instructions and laws, was resolved. Thus the order given by Allah in the following Ayah was executed:
"O Messenger! deliver what has been revealed to you from your Lord; and if you do it not, then you have not delivered His message;...(5:67)"
Shortly after returning to Medina, the Holy Prophet (SA) passed away.
(Allamah Tabataba'i, Islamic Teachings in Brief, p.89-95)
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The Farewell Haj
Amongst the congregational articles of worship of Islam the ceremonies of Haj are the greatest and most magnificent worship performed by the Muslims, because the performance of these ceremonies and that too once in a year is the sublime manifestation of unity and fellowship, a perfect sign of freedom from belongings and place, a prominent example of equality between different classes, a source of strengthening relations between Muslims etc. Now if we Muslims makoWlittle use of the opportunity afforded by Haj for our betterment and convene this annual Islamic congress (which can undoubtedly solve most of our social problems and can bring about far-reaching changes in our lives) without deriving proper benefit from it, it is not because the law is defective but the fault lies with the Muslim leaders who do not, make proper use of this grand ceremony. Since the day Prophet Ibrahim had constructed the Ka'bah and invited the monotheists to perform its pilgrimage, this place has always been the center of attraction, where tawaf was done by the godly peoples and every year groups of pilgrims came from different parts of Arabia and from all corners of the world for the pilgrimage of this House and performed the ceremonies taught by Prophet Ibrahim.
However, as a consequence of the passage of time and also because of the people of the Hijaz being deprived of the guidance of the Prophets, the selfishness of Quraysh, and the rule of idols over the Arab world, the ceremonies of Haj fell prey to change and alteration from the viewpoint of time and place and lost their real features. For these reasons the Prophet was ordered by Allah in the tenth year of migration to participate in the Haj ceremonies personally so that he might practically teach the people their obligations and might discard the old and unwanted practices of this article of worship and also instruct the people about the limits of Arafat and Mina and tell them about the time of departure from those places. As compared with its political and social aspect, therefore, this journey carried a greater educational aspect. In the eleventh Islamic month (Zil Qa'dah) the Prophet got it proclaimed in the city as well as amongst thc tribes that he intended to perform the pilgrimage of the Ka'bah that year.
This news inspired great interest in the Muslim ummah. Thousands of persons pitched up tents in the outskirts of Medina and awaited the departure of the Prophet.(4) The Prophet appointed Abu Dujanah as his representative in Medina and proceeded to Makkah on the 28th of Zil Qa'dah taking with himself sixty sacrificial animals. When he reached Zil Hulayfah he put on, at Masjid Shajarah, Ehram, which consisted of two plain sheets of cloth, and while putting on Ehrsm he recited the well-known supplication, which commences with the word Labbayk (Here am I) which is a reply to the call of Prophet Ibrahim. He said Labbayk every time he saw a rider or arrived at a high or a low spot. When he reached near Makkah he discontinued reciting Labbayk. He arrived in Makkah on the 4th of Zil-Hajjah went straight to the Masjid Haram entering there through the gate of Bani Shaybah. He was then glorifying Allah and seeking blessings for Prophet Ibrahim. During tawaf he stood opposite the Balck stone. In the first instance he performed its istilam(5) and then went round the Ka.'bah seven times. Thereafter he stood behind Maqami Ibrahim and offered tawaf prayers consisting of two rak'ats. After offering the prayers he commenced Sa'i between Safa and Marwah.(6) Then he turned to the pilgrims and said "Those who have not brought sacrificial animals with them should come out of the state of Ehram and all the things which are unlawful for them (during Ehram) will become lawful with taqseer (shortening the hair and/or cutting the nails).
However, I and others who have brought sacrificial animals with us shall remain in the condition of Ehram -till we have slaughtered the animals in Mina. This thing weighed heavily on some persons and their excuse was that they did not like that the Prophet should continue to remain in Ehram whereas they should go out of it, and the things which were unlawful for him should become lawful for them. At times they said: "It is not correct that we should be the pilgrims of the House of Allah and the drops of the water of (ceremonial) washing should be falling from our heads and necks".(7) The Prophet chanced to see Umar who was still in the state of Ehram and asked him whether he had brought any sacrificial animal with him. He replied in the negative. Thereupon the Prophet said "Then why have you not come out of Ehram. He replied: "I don't like that I should come out of Ehram whereas you should continue to remain in the same state". The Prophet said:
"You will stick to this belief not only now, but till the day of your death".
The Prophet was displeased on account of the doubt and indecision of the people and said: "If the future had been as clear to me as the past, and I had been aware of your unjustified indecision and doubt, I too would have come for the pilgrimage of the House of Allah without a sacrificial animal just like yourselves. However, I can't help, because I have brought the sacrificial animals with me and according to the Command of Allah, "Till the sacrificial (animal) reaches its place". I must remain in the state of Ehram till I have slaughtered those animals at the sacrificial ground of Mina. However, every person who has not brought a sacrificial animal with him should come out of Ehram and should treat, whatever he has already performed, to be umrah and should, thereafter, wear Ehram for Haj.(8)
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Ali Returns From Yemen To Partake In Haj Ceremonies
The Commander of the Faithful became aware of the Prophet's departure to perform Haj. He also proceeded to Makkah along with his soldiers to perform Haj and took thirty four sacrificial animals with him. He also brought with him the pieces of cloth which he had collected from the people of Najran the prescribed tribute. While on his way he delegated the command of the soldiers to an officer of his and himself hurried to Makkah. He met the Prophet, who was extremely pleased to see him and asked him "How did you make your intention?" He replied "At the time appropriate for Ehram I put on Ehram with your intention and said: 'O Allah! I too am putting on Ehram with the same intention with which Your Prophet has put it on'. Then he informed the Prophet about the sacrificial animals which he had brought with him. The Prophet said: "The obligation of both of us in this matter is one and the same and we must remain in the state of Ehram till the sacrificial animals are slaughtered". Then he ordered Ali to go back to his soldiers and bring them to Makkah. When Ali rejoined his soldiers he found that all the pieces of cloth, which he had collected from the people of Najran in accordance with the agreement concluded on the day of Mubahilah, had been distributed amongst the soldiers and they were wearing then by way of Ehram.
Ali was very much displeased on account of this action which had been taken by his representative during his absence and said to him: "Why did you distribute the pieces of cloth amongst the soldiers before I delivered them to the Prophet?" He replied They insisted that I should lend the pieces of cloth to then1. and take back after the Haj ceremonies had been performed". Ali said to him "You were not authorized to do so". I hen he took back the pieces of cloth from them, packed them and delivered them to the Prophet in Makkah. People, for whom justice and discipline is painful, and who wish that events should always take the turn liked by them, went before the Prophet and expressed their annoyance at Ali's taking back the pieces of cloth frorn them. The Prophet asked one of his companions to go to the complainants and convey to them his message: "Desist from speaking ill of Ali. He is dauntless in enforcing Divine laws and is not a flatterer''.(9)
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Haj Ceremonies Begin
Ceremonies of Umrah came to an end. The Prophet was not inclined to stay in the house of anyone during the interval between the ceremonies of Umrah and those of Haj. He, there- fore, ordered his tent to be pitched outside Makkah. The eighth day of Zil-Haj arrived. The pilgrims of the House of Allah proceeded on the same day from Makkah to ‘Arafat so that they might perform the ceremony of ‘Arafat from noon of 9th Zil-Haj till the sunset on that day. On the 8th Zil-Haj, which is also called the day of tarwiyyah the Prophet proceeded to ‘Arafat via Mina and stayed in Mina till sunrise on the 9th of the month. Then he mounted his camel left for ‘Arafat and alighted at a place called Numrah, where his tent had been pitched. Addressing the splendid gathering there he delivered his historical sermon while he was mounted on the camel.
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The Historical Sermon Of The Prophet At The Time Of The Farewell Haj
On that day the land of Arafah witnessed a great and splendid gathering, the like of which had not till then been seen by the people of the Hijaz. The voice of monotheism and the slogans of the worship of One Allah were ringing in that land. The place which had been, till only a little time earlier, the residence of the polytheists and idolaters became, for ever, the base for the worshippers of One Allah. The Prophet offered the noon and the afternoon prayers in ‘Arafat along with 100,000 persons, and the victory of Islam over blasphemy became decisive and final. Thereafter the Prophet mounted his camel, and delivered the historical sermon, which was repeated by one of his companions, who had a loud voice, so that those at a distance might also come to know what the Prophet was saying. On that day he commenced his sermon thus:
"O people! Hear my words, for it is possible that I may not meet you at this spot in future".
"O people! Your blood and property (honour and reputation (10) are respectable for one another, like this day and this month, till the day on which you meet Allah, and every transgression in this behalf is unlawful".
In order to be sure of the desired impression of his words on the people about the respectability of the lives and property of the Muslims the Prophet asked Rabi'Ah bin Umayyah to ask them "Which month is this?"-All of them replied "It is a respectable month and warfare during this month is prohibited and unlawful". Then the Prophet said to Rabi'Ah "Tell them Allah has declared your blood and property unlawful and respectable for one another like this month until you leave this world". He again said to Rabi'Ah "Ask them Which land is this?" - All of them replied "It is a respectable land and bloodshed and transgression in it is strictly prohibited". He then said to Rabi'Ah "Tell them Your blood and property are respectable like this land and every sort of transgression in it is prohibited". Thereafter the Prophet said to Rabi'Ah "Ask them Which day is this?"-They replied "It is the day of Haj-i Akbar (the Great Haj)". The Prophet said: "Tell them: Your blood and property are respectable like this day''.(11) "Yes, O people! You should know that the blood, which was shed during the Days of Ignorance should be forgotten and should not be avenged. Even the blood of Ibn Rabi'Ah (a relative of the Prophet) should be forgotten. You will return to Allah soon and in that world your good and bad deeds will be weighed. I tell you. One, to whom something has been entrusted, should return it to its owner.
Yes, O people ! You must know that usury is strictly prohibited in Islam. Those, who have invested their capital to earn interest can take back their capital only. They should neither oppress nor be oppressed. And as regards the interest which the debtors of Abbas owed to him before Islam the same has lapsed and he has no right to claim it. O people! Satan has lost hope of his being worshipped in your land. However, if you follow him in small matters he will be happy and pleased. So do not follow Satan. Making change(12) in the sacred months (i.e. those months in which warfare etc. is unlawful) shows excessiveness of blasphemy, and those unbelievers, who are not acquainted with the sacred months are misguided because of this change and consequently a sacred month becomes lawful in one year and prohibited in another. They think that by doing so they change things made lawful by Allah into unlawful and vice versa. It is necessary that the arrangement of lawful and sacred months should be according to the days on which Allah created the skies, the earth, the moon and the sun. In the eyes of Allah the number of months is twelve and out of these He has declared four months to be sacred. They are the months of Zi Qa'd, Zil Haj and Muharram, which are consecutive, and then the month of Rajab. Yes, O people! Your women have rights over you and you too have rights over them.
Your right is that they should not admit anyone in the house without your consent, and should not be guilty of something unfair, failing which Allah has authorized you to quit their beds and also chastise them. In case, however, they revert to the path of truth, you should treat them with kindness and love and should provide them with comfortable means of life". I recommend to you on this land that you should be kind to your women, because you hold them in trust from Allah and they have become lawful for you according to His laws. Yes, O people! Hear my words carefully and ponder over them. I am leaving two memorable things amongst you-one of them is the Book of Allah and the other is my speech and Sunnah,(13) and if you abide by them you will never get astray. Yes, O people! Hear my words and think over them. Every Muslim is the brother of another Muslim and all Muslims of the world are brothers of one another. And anything out of the property of the Muslims is not lawful for a Muslim except when he acquires it with an honest intention".(14) "Yes, O people! Those present should communicate these remarks to those who are absent.
After me there will be no prophet and after you Muslims there will be no ummah.(15) "O people! You should know that I am announcing it today that I have banned all the ceremonies and beliefs of the Age of Ignorance and am informing you of their falsity".(16) At this Juncture the Prophet discontinued the sermon and making a sign towards the sky with his forefinger said: "O Allah! I have communicated your message". Then after saying thrice "O Allah! Be witness to it", he brought the sermon to an end. The Prophet stayed in Arafah on the ninth of Zil-Haj till sunset and before the sun was hidden in the western horizon and the atmosphere became somewhat dark he mounted his camel and spent a part of the night in Muzdalifah, and the time between dawn and sunrise in Mash'ar. On the tenth day he proceeded to Mina and performed the ceremonies of Rami-i Jamrah, sacrifice and taqseer. Then he proceeded to Makkah to perform other ceremonies of Haj and thus he practically taught the same to others. In the terminology of Hadith and history this historical journey is called Hijjatul Wida' (the farewell Haj) and at times it is also named Hajul Balagh (Haj of the delivery of the message) and Hajul Islam (Haj of Islam). Each of these names has some associations, which are quite evident. In the end it may be mentioned that it is commonly known amongst the traditionalists that the Prophet delivered this sermon on the day of ‘Arafah, but some of them believe that this sermon was delivered on the 10th day of Zil-Haj.(17)
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Islam Is Completed By The Appointmentof Successor
From the viewpoint of Shi'ah scholars khilafat (caliphate) is a Divine office which is entrusted to the most distinguished, the most appropriate and the wisest person of the ummah (nation). The most clear line of demarcation between a Prophet and an Imam (Prophet's successor) is that the Prophet lays the foundation of a religion, receives revelation and possesses a Book. However, as regards the Imam, though he does not possess any of these positions, yet, besides possessing the position of a ruler he is one, who explains and conveys that part of the Divine religion which could not be publicly narrated by the Prophet on account of lack of opportunity or because of the circumstances being unfavourable and, therefore, left it to his successors to tell them. Hence from the Shi'ah point of view the caliph is not only a ruler of the time, a leader of Islam, the executive authority, the protector of the rights and the defender of the forts and frontiers of the country, but he is also one, who explains the knotty problems of the religion and completes that portion of the orders and laws which could not, for some reasons, be narrated by the founder of the religion. According to the scholars of Ahl-i Sunnat, however, caliphate is a-customary and secular office and the object of its creation is only to protect the wordly affairs and the material interests of the Muslims.
According to them the caliph is selected, by making a reference to the public opinion, for the administration of political, judicial and economic mattets. As regards disposal of religious matters including interpretation of laws, which were enacted during the time of the Prophet but could not be promulgated on account of various reasons, it is the concern of the scholars of Islam and it is for them to solve such difficult and knotty problems by means of Ijtihad. On account of this difference in the views of the Muslims about the reality of caliphate two different wings appeared in them and divided them into two groups This difference continues even at present. According to the first view an Imam shares some attributes with the Prophet and is at par with him in that regard and the conditions, the fulfilment of which is considered necessary for the Prophet, are also necessary for the Imam. Here are the conditions which must be fulfilled by the Prophet as well as by the Imam:
1. The Prophet must be infallible viz. he should not commit any sin throughout his life and should not make any mistake while narrating the orders and realities of the religion or replying to the religious queries of the people. The Imam should also be like-wise and the argument in both the cases is the same.
2. The Prophet should be the wisest person in the matter of religious law and none of the points relating to religion should be hidden from him. And as the Imam is one who completes or narrates that portion of the religious law which was not narrated during the time of the Prophet of Allah, he (i.e. the Imam) too should be the most knowledgeable person with regard to the commands, and rules and regulations of religion.
3. Prophethood is a status which comes through nomination by Allah and not through selection by the people. A Prophet is introduced by Allah and is appointed to the office of prophet- hood by Him, because it is only He who can distinguish between an infallible and a fallible person and only He can understand as to who has attained such a position under the auspices of His blessing that he should be aware of all the details of the religion.
However, according to the second point of view (i.e. of the Sunnis), it is not necessary that any of the conditions for prophethood should be found in the Imam. It is not necessary that he should possess infallibility, righteousness, knowledge or conversance with religious law or should be nominated or should have relationship with the occult world. It is sufficient that he should protect the glory and wordly interests of Islam by making use of his own intelligence as well as by consulting the Muslims and should ensure the security of the area by enforcing penal laws and should endeavour to extend the territories of Islam under the call for jihad.
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Prophethood And Imamate Were Inter-Related
Besides the logical and philosophical arguments which finally prove the correctness of the first viewpoint the hadiths and the narrations which have come down from the Prophet of Islam also confirm the view of Shi'ah Ulema. During the period of his prophethood the Prophet specified his successor time and agpin and excluded the subject of Imamate (successorship) from the purview of selection or reference to the popular vote. He not only specified his successor during the last days of his life, but, even at the outset of his prophethood, when not more than two persons had embraced his religion, he introduced his successor to the people. One day he was ordered by Allah to warn his near ones of Divine torutre and to invite them to Islam before extending an invitation to the public. In a meeting in which forty five elders of the family of Bani Hashim were present he said: "The first person amongst you who assists me will be my brother and successor".
When Ali stood up and acknowledged his prophet- hood he turned to those present and said "This young man is my brother and successor''(18). This hadith is very well known amongst the exegetes and the traditionalists with the name of hadith Yaumud Dar and hadith Bid'ul Da'wah. Not only at the commencement of his prophethood but on various -other occasions also the Prophet made declarations about the mastership and the succession of Ali. However, none of these declarations equals the hadith of (Ghadir in its greatness, clarity decisiveness and universality. The ceremonies of Haj were over and the Muslims directly learnt the religious acts connected with Haj from the Prophet. The Prophet decided to leave Makkah for Medina. Orders for departure were given. When the caravan reached the region of Rabigh,(19) which is situated at a distance of three miles from Juhfah,(20) the Archangel Jibreel descended at a place called Ghadir Khum and communicated the following verse to the Prophet.
"O Messenger! Convey what is revealed to you from your Lord, for if you do it not, it would be as though you have not conveyed His message. Allah will protect you from the people. (5:67)
The tone of the verse shows that the Almighty Allah entrusted a very important task to the Prophet. And what task could be more important than that he should appoint Ali as his caliph and successor before the very eyes of hundreds of thousands of people. Hence orders were given to all the persons to halt. People who had gone forward ceased to move further and those who were left behind joined them. It was the noon time and the weather was very hot. The people covered their heads with a part of their cloaks and placed the other part under their feet. A shade was arranged for the Prophet by means of a cloak which was thrown on a tree. He offered the noon prayers in congregation. T hereafter, while the people were encircling him, he took his place on a platform which had been prepared with the saddles of the camels, and delivered the following sermon in a loud voice
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Sermon Of The Prophet At Ghadir Khumm
All glory is specially for Allah. We seek His help and have faith in Him and rely upon Him. We seek refuge in Him from our evil doings and indecent deeds. He is the Lord besides whom there is no guide. There will be none to mislead one whom He guides. I testify that there is no god but Allah and Muhammad is His servant and His Messenger. Yes, O people! I may soon accept the Divine invitation and may depart from amongst you. I am responsible and you too are responsible. What is your opinion about me?" At this stage those present said loudly: "We testify that you have carried out your mission and made- efforts in this behalf. My Allah reward you for this ! " The Prophet said "Do you testify that the Lord of the World is One and Muhammad is His servant and His Messenger and that there is no doubt about life in the other world?" All of them said: "It is correct and we testify it". Then the Prophet said "O my followers! I am leaving behind two valuable assets as legacies to you and it is to be seen as to how you behave with these two legacies of mine". At this moment a person stood up and said with a loud voice: "What do you mean by the two exquisite things?"
To this the Prophet replied: "One of them is the Book of Allah, one side of which is related to Allah and the other side is in your hands. And the other thing is my progeny and my Ahlul Bayt. Allah has informed me that these two memorable things will not get separated from each other". Yes, O people! Don't seek precedence over the Qur'an and over my progeny, and do not be negligent in your behaviour towards them, lest you should be annihilated. At this moment he held the hand of Ali and raised it so high that the whiteness of the armpits of both of them became visible to the people. He introduced him (i.e. Ali) to all the people and then said "Who enjoys more rights over the believers than themselves?" All of them said, "Allah and His Prophet know better".
Then the Prophet said "Allah is my maula (master) and I am the maula of the believers and I am more deserving and enjoy more rights over them than they themselves. Yes, O people! Of whomsoever I am the maula this Ali is also his maula.(21) O Allah ! Love those, who love Ali and be inimical to those who are inimical towards Ali . O Allah ! help Ali 's friends; humiliate his enemies and make him the pivot of truth". In the meanwhile the Archangel Gabriel came and brought this verse:
"This day I have perfected your religion for you and completed My favours to you, and have chosen for you the religion Islam."(5: 3)
At this moment the Prophet pronounced Takbir loudly and then added: "I thank Allah for His having perfected His religion and for having completed His favour and for His having been pleased with the mastership and succession of Ali after me". Then the Prophet stepped down from the platform and said to Ali "Sit in a tent so that the chiefs and distinguished personalities of Islam may shake hands with you and congratulate you". The two shaykhs (Abu Bakr and Umar) congratulated Ali before all others and called him their maula. Hassan bin Thabit, the renowned poet, after obtaining the Prophet's permission recited the following verses: "He said to Ali Stand up for I have selected you to succeed me and to guide the people after me". "Of whomsoever I am the maula Ali is his maula. You love him sincerely and follow him ".
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The Authentic Sources Of The Hadith Ghadir
Amongst all the traditions and Islamic narrations no other hadith (tradition) has been published and quoted as much as Hadith Ghadir. From out of the Ulema of Ahl Sunnat alone 353 have quoted it in their books and the number of authorities they rely upon reaches up to 110 companions. 26 great scholars of Islam have written independent books about the authorities and channels of this hadith. The famous historian of Islam, Abu Ja'far Tabari, has collected the authorities and channels of this hadith in two big volumes. Throughout the passage of history this hadith has been the greatest authority about the precedence of Imam Ali over all other companions of the Prophet and Imam Ali, the Commander of the Faithful, himself argued on its basis in the consultative meeting which was held after the death of the Second Caliph as well as during the Caliphate of Uthman and his own Caliphate. Besides the Commander of the Faithful many other distinguished personalities amongst the Muslims have always relied on this hadith in reply to the opponents and deniers of the rights of Ali. The event of Ghadir enjoys(22) so much importance that, ae quoted by numerous exegetes and traditionalists, verses of the Holy Qur'an have been revealed in connection with the event of that day.
* * *
The Impostors And Apprehensions Of Rome
After the formalities regarding the appointment of the successor had been completed at Ghadir Khum, all the people who had come from Syria and Egypt to partake in the ceremonies of Haj took their leave of the Prophet at Juhfah and proceeded to their homes. And the persons, who had come from Hazramaut and Yemen, also separated from the Haj caravan at this or an earlier point and left for their homes. However, the ten thousand persons who had come with the Prophet from Medina accompanied him back to Medina and reached there before the close of the tenth year of migration.
The Prophet and the Muslims were happy that Islam had spread throughout Arabia, the rule of polytheism and idolatery had come to an end throughout the Hijaz and all impediments in the way of the spread of Islam had been removed. The Muharram moon of the 11th year of migration was about to be sighted in Medina when two persons came there from Yamamah and brought a letter for the Prophet from Musaylimah, who later became known as Musaylimah Kazzab (viz.Musaylimah, the Liar). One of the secretaries of the Prophet opened the letter and read it over to him. The letter showed that a man known as Musaylimah claimed to be a prophet in Yamamah. He claimed to be a partner of the Prophet in the prophethood and desired by means of the said letter to inform the Prophet about this. The text of Musaylimah's letter has been preserved in the books of biography and Islamic history.
The phraseology of the letter shows that the writer wants to imitate the manner of the Holy Qur'an .However, this imitation has made his letter so insipid, degraded and worthless that his other usual sentences are far better than it. In his letter he wrote to the Prophet thus "I have been made your partner in the matter of prophethood. Half of the land belongs to us and the other half belongs to Quraysh. However, Quraysh do not act justly". When the Prophet came to know about the contents of the letter he turned to those, who had brought it and said: "If you had not been the ambassadors and messengers I would have ordered you to be put to death. When you had already embraced Islam and acknowledged my prophethood, why did you follow such a blockhead and gave up the sacred religion of Islam?
The Prophet called his secretary and dictated a brief but pithy and strong reply. Here is the text of the Prophet's letter: "In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful. his is a letter from Muhammad, the Prophet of Allah to Musaylimah, the Liar. Peace be upon the followers of guidance. The earth belongs to Allah and he gives it to those pious servants of His, whom He wishes. And the pious persons meet a good end''.(23)
source : http://www.maaref-foundation.com/
