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Categories: Islam, Mahdi, Religion, Shia, Shiate

Dua taught by the Ahlul Bayt of our Beloved Prophet (s) for 1st day of New Islamic Year

December 29, 2008 1 comment

My Allah, Thou art the eternal God, this
is the beginning of another new year;

I, therefore, request Thee, in
this hour, to keep off Satan (Shaytan), to give me control over my
“self” inclined to sin and deviation, so that it brings me near Thee, O
Compassionate!

O the Owner of majesty and kindness!

O Supporter of him
who has no supporter!

O Provider of him who has no provision!

O He who
watches over him who has no protection!

O He who comes to help him who
has no hope of help!

O Reliance for him who has no one to lean upon!

OTreasure of him who has nothing in the purse!

O He who knows well how
to put to test and trial!

O the Ultimate Hope!

O the Strength of the
weak!

O the Rescuer of the drowning!

O He who saves from destruction!

O
He who bestows bounties!

O He who shows courtesy and treats with
benevolence!

O he who treats with kindness and generosity!

O He who
does favours! Thou art he before whom prostrate in adoration the
blackness of the night and the brightness of the day, the moonlight of
the moon, the sunlight of the sun, the ripple of the water, the trunks
of the trees!

O Allah, There is no associate with Thee! O Allah make us
generous, good and high-minded, more than that which they can imagine
or speculate, cover and escort us with that which they know not, and do
not (even) associate us with that which they say.

Sufficient is Allah
(for me), there is no god save He, on Him I rely, and He is the Lord of
the Great Arsh. We believe that all is from our Lord, and do not say
(this) save those who have sincere hearts and intelligent minds.

Our
Lord! Cause not our hearts to stray after Thou has guided us, and
bestow upon us mercy from Thy Presence. Verily Thou art the Bestower.

DUA 2

There is not a moving creature in the
earth but the sustenance thereof depends on Allah.

He knows its
habitation and its repository. All is in the clear (manifest) Book.

If
Allah touch you with affliction, there is none that can relieve
therefrom save He;

and if He desires good for your, there is none who
can repel His favour.

He satiates whom He wills of His bondmen.

He is
the Forgiving, the Merciful. Allah will guarantee, after hardship, ease.


That which Allah wills (will come to pass)!

There is no power save in
Allah!

Allah is sufficent for us!

Most Excellent is He in whom we trust!

I confide my cause unto Allah. Verily Allah is Seer of (His) servants.

There is no god save Thee.

Be Thou glorified.

Verily I have been a
wrongdoer.

My Lord! Whatever good Thou sends down for me, I am needy, My
Lord! Leave me not alone (Childless), though Thou art the Best of
inheritors.

Did you know…….!!!!!!!!!!

01.A cat has 32 muscles in each ear.

02.A crocodile cannot stick out its tongue.

03.A dragonfly has a life span of 24 hours.

04.A goldfish has a memory span of three seconds.

05.A ‘jiffy’ is an actual unit of time for 1/100th of a second.

06.A shark is the only fish that can blink with both eyes.

07.A snail can sleep for three years.

08.Al Capo NE’s business card said he was a used furniture dealer.

09.All 50 states are listed across the top of the Lincoln Memorial on the back of the $5 bill.

10.Almonds are a member of the peach family.

11.An ostrich’s eye is bigger than its brain.

12.Babies are born without kneecaps.

13.They don’t appear until the child reaches 2 to 6 years of age.

14.Butterflies taste with their feet.

15.Cats have over one hundred vocal sounds. Dogs only have about Ten.

16.’Dreamt’ is the only English word that ends in the letters ‘MT’.

17.February 1865 is the only month in recorded history not to have a full moon.

18.In the last 4,000 years, no new animals have been domesticated.

19.If the population of China walked past you, in single file, the line would never end because of the rate of reproduction.

20.If you are an average American, in your whole life, you will spend an average of 6 months waiting at red lights.

21.It’s impossible to sneeze with your eyes open.

22.Maine is the only state whose name is just one syllable.

23.Our eyes are always the same size from birth, but our nose and ears never stop growing.

24.A dime has 118 ridges around the edge.

25.Peanuts are one of the ingredients of dynamite.

26.Rubber bands last longer when refrigerated.

27.’Stewardesses’ is the longest word typed with only the left hand and ‘lollipop’ with your right.

28.The average person’s left hand does 56% of the typing.

29.The cruise liner, QE2, moves only six inches for each gallon of die! Sel that it burns.

30.The microwave was invented after a researcher walked by a radar tube and a chocolate bar melted in his pocket.

31.The sentence: ‘The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog’ uses every letter of the alphabet.

32.The winter of 1932 was so cold that Niagara Falls froze completely solid.

33.The words ‘racecar,’ ‘kayak’ and ‘level’ are the same whether they are read left to right or right to left (palindromes).

34.There are 293 ways to make change for a dollar.

35.There are more chickens than people in the world.

36.There are only four words in the English language which end in ‘dous’: tremendous, horrendous, stupendous, and hazardous

37.There are two words in the English language that have all five vowels in order: ‘abstemious’ and ‘facetious.’

38.There’s no Betty Rubble in the Flintstones Chewables Vitamins.

39.Tigers have striped skin, not just striped fur.

40.TYPEWRITER is the longest word that can be made using the letters only on one row of the keyboard.

41.Winston Churchill was born in a ladies’ room during a dance.

42.Women blink nearly twice as much as men.

43.Your stomach has to produce a new layer of mucus every two weeks; otherwise it will digest itself

A Thousand Marbles….

SLIGHTLY LONG BUT….READ TILL END

A Thousand Marbles

The older I get, the more I enjoy Saturday mornings.

Perhaps it’s the quiet solitude that comes with

being the first to rise, or maybe it’s the unbounded joy of not

having to be at work. Either way, the first few hours of a Saturday

morning are most enjoyable.

A few weeks ago, I was shuffling toward the study with

a steaming cup of coffee in one hand and the

morning paper in the other. What began as a typical

Saturday morning, turned into one of those lessons

hat life seems to hand you from time to time.

Let me tell you about it. I turned the dial up

into the phone portion of the band on my ham radio

in order to listen to a Saturday morning swap net.

Along the way, I came across an older sounding chap,

with a tremendous signal and a golden voice.

You know the kind; he sounded like he should be

in the broadcasting business. He was telling whomever

he was talking with something about

“a thousand marbles.”

I was intrigued and stopped to listen.

“Well, Tom, it sure sounds like you’re busy with your job.

I’m sure they pay you well but it’s a shame

you have to be away from home and your family so much.

Hard to believe a young fellow should have to work sixty

or seventy hours a week to make ends meet..

Too bad you missed your daughter’s dance recital.”

He continued, “Let me tell you something Tom,

something that has helped me keep a good perspective

on my own priorities.” And that’s when he began to explain

his theory of a “thousand marbles.”

“You see, I sat down one day and did a little math.

The average person lives about 75 years.

I know, some live more and some live less,

but on average, folks live about 75 years.

Now then, I multiplied 75 times 52 and I came up with 3900,

which is the number of Saturdays that the average person

has in their entire lifetime.”

“Now, stick with me, Tom, I’m getting to the important part.”

“It took me until I was 55 years old

to think about all this in any detail”; he went on,

“and by that time I had lived through over 2800 Saturdays.

I got to thinking that if I lived to be 75,

I only had about a thousand of them left to enjoy.”

“So I went to a toy store and bought every
single marble they had. I ended up having to visit three toy stores to round up 1000 marbles. I took them home and put them inside of a large, clear plastic container. Every Saturday since then, I have taken one marble out.” “I found that by watching the marbles diminish, I focus more on the important things in life.” There is nothing like watching your time here on this earth run out to help get your priorities straight.”

“Now let me tell you one last thing before I sign-off with you and take my lovely wife out for breakfast. This morning, I took the very last marble out of the container. I figure that if I make it until next Saturday then I have been given a little extra time. And the one thing we can all use is a little more time.” “It was nice to meet you Tom, I hope you spend more time with your family, and I hope to meet you again here on the band.

75 year Old Man, this is K9NZQ, clear and going, good morning!”

You could have heard a pin drop on the band when this fellow signed off. I guess he gave us all a lot to think about. I had planned to work on the antenna that morning, and then I was going to meet up with a few hams to work on the next club newsletter. Instead, I went upstairs and woke my wife up with a kiss. “C’mon honey, I’m taking you and the kids to breakfast.” “What brought this on?” she asked with a smile. “Oh, nothing special, it’s just been a long time since we spent Saturday together with the kids. Hey, can we stop at a toy store while we’re out?

I need to buy some marbles….

May Allah Be With You

The woman in your life…very well expressed…

December 29, 2008 2 comments

Tomorrow you may get a working woman, but you should marry with these fact as well.

Here is a girl, who is as much educated as you are;

Who is earning almost as much as you do;

One, who has dreams and aspirations just as you have because she is as human as you are;

One, who has never entered the kitchen in her life just like you or your Sister haven’t, as she was busy in studies and competing in a system that gives no special concession to girls for their culinary achievements

One, who has lived and loved her parents & brothers & sisters, almost as much as you do for 20-25 years of her life;

One, who has bravely agreed to leave behind all that, her home, people who love her, to adopt your home, your family, your ways and even your family name

One, who is somehow expected to be a master-chef from day #1, while you sleep oblivious to her predicament in her new circumstances, environment and that kitchen

One, who is expected to make the tea, first thing in the morning and cook food at the end of the day, even if she is as tired as you are, maybe more, and yet never ever expected to complain; to be a servant, a cook, a mother, a wife, even if she doesn’t want to; and is learning just like you are as to what you want from her; and is clumsy and sloppy at times and knows that you won’t like it if she is too demanding, or if she learns faster than you;

One, who has her own set of friends, and that includes boys and even men at her workplace too, those, who she knows from school days and yet is willing to put all that on the back-burners to avoid your irrational jealousy, unnecessary competition and your inherent insecurities;

Yes, she can drink and dance just as well as you can, but won’t, simply because you won’t like it, even though you say otherwise One, who can be late from work once in a while when deadlines, just like yours, are to be met;

One, who is doing her level best and wants to make this most important relationship in her entire life a grand success, if you just help her some and trust her;

One, who just wants one thing from you, as you are the only one she knows in your entire house – your unstinted support, your sensitivities and most importantly – your understanding, or love, if you may call it.

But not many guys understand this……

Please appreciate “HER”

I hope you will do….

DARK LETTER…….Letter from the Devil

This can really make you think. It actually made me really mad while I was reading it, but it made me realize some things.

This is deep… and I wasn’t going to forward or share it, but that last line… you’ll see.

A LETTER TO YOU FROM SATAN

“I saw you yesterday as you began your daily chores.
You awoke without kneeling to pray. As a matter of fact, you didn’t even bless your meals, or pray before going to bed last night. You are so unthankful, I like that about you.

I cannot tell you how glad I am that you have not changed your way of living,

Fool, you are mine.

Remember, you and I have been going steady for years, and I still don’t love you yet.
As a matter of fact, I hate you, because I hate God.
He kicked me out of heaven, and I’m going to use you as long as possible to pay Him back.
You see, Fool, GOD LOVES YOU and HE has great plans in store for you.
But you have yielded your life to me, and I’m going to make your life a living hell.
That way, we’ll be together twice. This will really hurt God.

Thanks to you, I’m really showing Him who’s boss in your life with all of the good times we’ve had.
We have been watching dirty movies, cursing people out, stealing, lying, being hypocritical, fornicating, overeating, telling dirty jokes, gossiping, being judgmental, back stabbing people, disrespecting adults, and those in leadership positions, no respect for the Mosque, bad attitudes.

SURELY you don’t want to give all this up.
Come on, Fool, let’s burn together forever. I’ve got some hot plans for us. This is just a letter of appreciation from me to you.”

I’d like to say ‘THANKS’ for letting me use you for most of your foolish life.

You are so gullible, I laugh at you.
When you are tempted to sin, you give in.

HA HA HA, you make me sick.
Sin is beginning to take its toll on your life. You look 20 years older, and now, I need new blood.
So go ahead and teach some children how to sin.
All you have to do is smoke, get drunk or drink while under-aged, cheat, gamble, gossip, fornicate, and live being as selfish as possible.

Do all of this in the presence of children and they will do it too. Kids are like that.

Well, Fool, I have to let you go for now. I’ll be back in a couple of seconds to tempt you again. If you were smart, you would run somewhere, confess your sins, and live for God with what little bit of life that you have left.
It’s not my nature to warn anyone, but to be your age and still sinning, it’s becoming a bit ridiculous.
Don’t get me wrong, I still hate you.

IT’S JUST THAT YOU’D MAKE A BETTER FOOL FOR ALLAH

Why the West Craves Materialism and the East Sticks to Religion?

December 28, 2008 1 comment

By Pakistan Cricketer Imran Khan.

My generation grew up at a time when colonial hang up was at its peak. Our older generation had been slaves and had a huge inferiority complex of the British. The school I went to was similar to all elite schools in Pakistan.

Despite gaining independent, they were, and still are, producing replicas of public schoolboys rather than Pakistanis.

I read Shakespeare, which was fine, but no Allama Iqbal – the national poet of Pakistan. The class on Islamic studies was not taken seriously, and when I left school I was considered among the elite of the country because I could speak English and wore Western clothes.

Despite periodically shouting ‘Pakistan Zindabad’ in school functions, I considered my own culture backward and religion outdated. Among our group if any one talked about religion, prayed or kept a beard he was immediately branded a Mullah.

Because of the power of the Western media, our heroes were Western movie stars or pop stars. When I went to Oxford already burdened with this hang up, things didn’t get any easier. At Oxford, not just Islam, but all religions were considered anachronism.

Science had replaced religion and if something couldn’t be logically proved it did not exist. All supernatural stuff was confined to the movies. Philosophers like Darwin, who with his half-baked theory of evolution had supposedly disproved the creation of men and hence religion, were read
and revered.

Moreover, European history reflected its awful experience with religion. The horrors committed by the Christian clergy during the Inquisition era had left a powerful impact on the Western mind.

To understand why the West is so keen on secularism, one should go to places like Cordoba in Spain and see the torture apparatus used during the Spanish Inquisition. Also the persecution of scientists as heretics by the clergy had convinced the Europeans that all religions are regressive.

However, the biggest factor that drove people like me away from religion was the selective Islam practiced by most of its preachers. In short, there was a huge difference between what they practiced and what they preached. Also, rather than explaining the philosophy behind the religion, there was an overemphasis on rituals.

I feel that humans are different to animals. While, the latter can be drilled, humans need to be intellectually convinced. That is why the Qur’an constantly appeals to reason. The worst, of course, was the exploitation of Islam for political gains by various individuals or groups.

Hence, it was a miracle I did not become an atheist. The only reason why I did not was the powerful religious influence my mother wielded on me since my childhood. It was not so much out of conviction but love for her that I stayed a Muslim.

However, my Islam was selective. I accepted only parts of the religion that suited me. Prayers were restricted to Eid days and occasionally on Fridays, when my father insisted on taking me to the mosque with him.

All in all I was smoothly moving to becoming a Pukka Brown Sahib. After all I had the right credentials in terms of school, university and, above all, acceptability in the English aristocracy, something that our brown sahibs would give their lives for. So what led me to do a ‘lota’ on the Brown Sahib culture and instead become a ‘desi’?

Well it did not just happen overnight.

Firstly, the inferiority complex that my generation had inherited gradually went as I developed into a world-class athlete. Secondly, I was in the unique position of living between two cultures. I began to see the advantages and the disadvantages of both societies.

In Western societies, institutions were strong while they were collapsing in our country. However, there was an area where we were and still are superior, and that is our family life. I began to realize that this was the Western society’s biggest loss. In trying to free itself from the oppression of the clergy, they had removed both God and religion from their lives.

While science, no matter how much it progresses, can answer a lot of questions – two questions it will never be able to answer: One, what is the purpose of our existence and two, what happens to us when we die?

It is this vacuum that I felt created the materialistic and the hedonistic culture. If this is the only life then one must make hay while the sun shines – and in order to do so one needs money. Such a culture is bound to cause psychological problems in a human being, as there was going to be an imbalance between the body and the soul.

Consequently, in the US, which has shown the greatest materialistic progress while giving its citizens numerous rights, almost 60 percent of the population consult psychiatrists. Yet, amazingly in modern psychology, there is no study of the human soul. Sweden and Switzerland, who provide the most welfare to their citizens, also have the highest suicide rates. Hence, man is not necessarily content with material well being and needs something more.

Since all morality has it roots in religion, once religion was removed, immorality has progressively grown since the 70s. Its direct impact has been on family life. In the UK, the divorce rate is 60 percent, while it is estimated that there are over 35 percent single mothers. The crime rate is rising in almost all Western societies, but the most disturbing fact is the alarming increase in racism. While science always tries to prove the inequality of man (recent survey showing the American Black to be genetically less intelligent than whites) it is only religion that preaches the equality of man.

Between 1991 and 1997, it was estimated that total immigration into Europe was around 520,000, and there were racially motivated attacks all over, especially in Britain, France and Germany. In Pakistan during the Afghan war, we had over four million refugees, and despite the people being so much poorer, there was no racial tension.

There was a sequence of events in the 80s that moved me toward God as the Qur’an says: ‘There are signs for people of understanding. ‘ One of them was cricket. As I was a student of the game, the more I understood the game, the more I began to realize that what I considered to be chance was, in fact, the will of Allah. A pattern which became clearer with time. But it was not until Salman  Rushdie’s ‘Satanic Verses’ that my understanding of Islam began to develop.

People like me who were living in the Western world bore the brunt of anti-Islam prejudice that followed the Muslim reaction to the book. We were left with two choices: fight or flight. Since I felt strongly that the attacks on Islam were unfair, I decided to fight. It was then I realized that I was not equipped to do so as my knowledge of Islam was inadequate. Hence I started my research and for me a period of my greatest enlightenment. I read scholars like Ali Shariati, Muhammad Asad, Iqbal, Gai Eaton, plus of course, a study of Qur’an.

I will try to explain as concisely as is possible, what ‘discovering the truth’ meant for me. When the
believers are addressed in the Qur’an, it always says, ‘Those who believe and do good deeds.’ In other words, a Muslim has dual function, one toward God and the other toward fellow human beings.

The greatest impact of believing in God for me, meant that I lost all fear of human beings. The Qur’an liberates man from man when it says that life and death and respect and humiliation are God’s jurisdiction, so we do not have to bow before other human beings.

Moreover, since this is a transitory world where we prepare for the eternal one, I broke out of the self-imposed prisons, such as growing old (such a curse in the Western world, as a result of which, plastic surgeons are having a field day), materialism, ego, what people say and so on. It is important to note that one does not eliminate earthly desires. But instead of being controlled by them, one controls them.

By following the second part of believing in Islam, I have become a better human being. Rather than being self-centered and living for the self, I feel that because the Almighty gave so much to me, in turn I must use that blessing to help the less privileged. This I did by following the fundamentals of Islam rather than becoming a Kalashnikov-wielding fanatic.

I have become a tolerant and a giving human being who feels compassion for the underprivileged. Instead of attributing success to myself, I know it is because of God’s will, hence I learned humility instead of arrogance.

Also, instead of the snobbish Brown Sahib attitude toward our masses, I believe in egalitarianism and strongly feel against the injustice done to the weak in our society. According to the Qur’an, ‘Oppression is worse than killing.’ In fact only now do I understand the true meaning of Islam, if you submit to the will of Allah, you have inner peace.

Through my faith, I have discovered strength within me that I never knew existed and that has released my potential in life. I feel that in Pakistan we have selective Islam. Just believing in God and going through the rituals is not enough. One also has to be a good human being. I feel there  are certain Western countries with far more Islamic traits than us in Pakistan, especially in the way they protect the rights of their citizens, or for that matter their justice system. In fact some of the finest individuals I know live there.

What I dislike about them is their double standards in the way they protect the rights of their citizens but consider citizens of other countries as being somehow inferior to them as human being, e.g. dumping toxic waste in the Third World, advertising cigarettes that are not allowed in the West and selling drugs that are banned in the West.

One of the problems facing Pakistan is the polarization of two reactionary groups. On the one side is the Westernized group that looks upon Islam through Western eyes and has inadequate knowledge about the subject. It reacts strongly to anyone trying to impose Islam in society and wants only a selective part of the religion. On the other extreme is the group that reacts to this Westernized elite and in trying to become a defender of the faith, takes up such intolerant and self-righteous attitudes that are repugnant to the spirit of Islam.

What needs to be done is to somehow start a dialogue between the two extreme. In order for this to happen, the group on whom the greatest proportion of our educational resources are spent in this country must study Islam properly.

Whether they become practicing Muslims or believe in God is entirely a personal choice. As the Qur’an tells us there is ‘no compulsion in religion.’ However, they must arm themselves with knowledge as a weapon to fight extremism. Just by turning up their noses at extremism the problem is not going to be solved.

The Qur’an calls Muslims ‘the middle nation’, not of extremes. The Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) was told to simply give the message and not worry whether people converted or not, therefore, there is no question in Islam of forcing your opinions on anyone else.

Moreover, we are told to respect other religions, their places of worship and their prophets. It should be noted that no Muslim missionaries or armies ever went to Malaysia or Indonesia. The people converted to Islam due to the high principles and impeccable character of the Muslim traders. At the moment, the worst advertisements for Islam are the countries with their selective Islam, especially where religion is used to deprive people of their rights. In fact, a society that obeys fundamentals of Islam has to be a liberal one.

If Pakistan’s Westernized class starts to study Islam, not only will it be able to help society fight sectarianism and extremism, but it will also make them realize what a progressive religion Islam is. They will also be able to help the Western world by articulating Islamic concepts. Recently, Prince Charles accepted that the Western world can learn from Islam. But how can this happen if the group that is in the best position to project Islam gets its attitudes from the West and considers Islam backward? Islam is a universal religion and that is why our Prophet (peace be upon him) was called a Mercy for all mankind.

Categories: Food for Thought, Islam

Food for Thought……KNOWLEDGE…Hadith

December 28, 2008 4 comments

1.Imam Sadiq [a] said: ” Be careful of your knowledge and see from whom you get it.”

Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 2, p. 92

2..Imam Sadiq [a] said: “Try to obtain knowledge and ornament it with patience and dignity; and be humble for the one who learns knowledge from you.”Al-Kafi, vol.1, p. 36(04122006)

3.Imam Baqir [a] said: “Try to learn knowledge because learning it is a good action and study is itself a worship.”

Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 78, p. 189

4.The Holy Prophet [s] said: “Teachers and students both share in rewards but other people are deprived of them.”

Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 2, p. 25(g17012007)(w28052007)

5.Knowledge and the Virtue of Learning It

The Holy Prophet [s] said: “He who searches for knowledge is similar to a person who fasts during the day and keeps vigil at night and is busy worshipping. If a person acquires a branch of knowledge, it is better for him than possessing as much gold as the height of Abu Qubais Mount which he would distribute in the way of Allah.”

Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol.1, p.184(28012007)

6.Imam Hassan [a] said: “Teach your knowledge to others and (try to) learn yourself the knowledge of others.”

Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 78, p. 111

7.The Holy Prophet [s] said: “The virtue of knowledge is more beloved with Allah than the virtue of worship.”

Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 1, p. 167(07032007)

8.The Holy Prophet [s] said: “The Quran is Allah’s university; so, learn as much as you can in this university.”

Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 92, p.19

9.The Holy Prophet [s] said: “Fie upon that Muslim who does not allocate (at least) one day a week to the study of the details of his religion and to explore (the affairs) of his religion.”

Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 1, p. 176(g26042007)

10.The Holy Prophet [s] said: “He who studies the religion of Allah, He is sufficient to remove his grief and provides him with sustenance from whence he could never imagine.”

Mahajjat-ul Bayda vol. 1, p.15

11.Imam Sadiq [a] said: “(Shi’ah youth should have religious instructional programs.) If I see a young one from Shi’ah who does not have this program, I will teach him a lesson.”

Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 1, p. 214(g18062007)

12.Imam Baqir [a] said: “Inform our followers that they will surely be among the saved on the Resurrection Day if they establish what they are commanded to.”

Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 2, p. 29

13.The Holy Prophet [s] said: “The one amongst my Ummah who memorizes forty traditions from among those which people need for their religious life (to propagate and instruct), Allah will raise him from the dead as a jurist on the Day of Resurrection.”

Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 2, p. 153 (10042008)

14.Muhammad ibn Yahya has narrated from Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn ‘Isa from Hammed ibn ‘Isa from Hariz from Zurra, Muhammad ibn Muslim and Burayd al-‘Ijli who has said the following.

“(Imam) abu ‘Abdallah (a.s.) has said, ‘People are destroyed only because they do not ask (what they do not know).'” Al kafi H 83, Ch. 9, h 2

15.Ali has narrated from Muhammad ibn ‘Isa from Yunus from the person who he mentioned from abu ‘Abdallah (a.s.) who has said the following.

“The holy Prophet has said, ‘Woe is to a man who does not save a time every Friday for learning about his religion and make a habit to ask about his religion.” In another Hadith it says, “woe is to every such Muslim.” Al kafi H 86, Ch. 9, h 5

STEP BY STEP GUIDE TO THE GREATEST EVENT IN THE HISTORY OF ISLAM

01. Location of Ghadir-e-Khumm
02. What happened at Ghadir-e-Khumm?
03. When & in front of how many Muslims?
04. Contexts
05. Authenticity
06. Narrators

screensaverThe map shown is the map of Arabia. Ghadir is on the way from Mecca to Madina. While returning from Mecca to Madina, after the last hajj, along with his companions, the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) broke the journey at a lake, 3 miles away from Al-Johfa. He (S.A.W) halted at midday in a wayside tract of barren land with no shade other than that provided by a few acacia trees. A small lake is called as Ghadir in Arabic, so this place is known as Ghadir-e-Khumm. The name Ghadir is no longer in use.


Tabarani and others have recorded the following tradition as related by Zayd ibn ‘Arqam and transmitted through sources unanimously acknowledged to be reliable. Zayd says that the Messenger of Allah, Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him and his posterity, delivered a sermon at Ghadir-e-Khumm under a cloth spread as a canopy on two large trees. He said:

Hadith

“O my people! I am going to be recalled shortly and I must comply. I shall be interrogated and you also shall be interrogated. What will you say then?” The entire audience answered: “We shall bear witness that you did convey to us the message of Allah, and tried your best to guide us on the right path and always gave us good console. May Allah bless you with a good reward.” The Prophet proceeded: “Why do you not bear witness that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger, and that Paradise is true, Hell is true, Death is true, Resurrection after death is true, that the Day of Judgment will doubtlessly come and that Allah will raise to life the dead from their graves?.” They said: “O Yes! We bear witness to all this.” Then he said: “O Allah! You also may witness.” Then he said: ‘O my people! Allah is my Mawla and I am mawla of the faithful and I have superior right on and control over their lives. And this Ali is the mawla of all those of whom I am mawla. O Allah! Love him who loves him and hate him who hates him.” He further said: “O my people! I will precede you and you also shall arrive at the pool of Kawthar, the pool wider than the distance between Basrah and San’a’, and there are on the pool as many goblets of silver as stars. When you shall reach me I shall interrogate you about your behavior towards the two in-valuable assets after my death. The major asset is the Book of Allah, the Mighty and Glorious, one end of which is in the hand of Allah, the Exalted, and the other end of which in your hands. Grasp it tightly and do not go astray and do not change or amend it. The other asset is my Progeny, who are my Ahl al-Bayt. Allah the Gracious and Omniscient has informed me that the two will not part from each other before they reach me at the pool.


This Ghadir-e-Khumm event happened on the 18th of Dhil-Hijjah in 10 Hijra in front of nearly one hundred thousand (100,000) Muslims. While returning from the last hajj (Hajjatul-wida / farewell pilgrimage) of our Holy Prophet (S.A.W.).


A). QURANIC EXEGESIS (Tafsir):

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, and Allah will protect you from the people; (AL-MAEDA/5:67)

This day have I perfected for you your religion and completed My favour on you and chosen for you Islam as a religion; (AL-MAEDA/5:3)

One demanding, demanded the chastisement which must befall, The unbelievers there is none to avert it, From Allah, the Lord of the ways of Ascent.(AL-MAARIJ/70:1-3)

B). PROPHETIC TRADITION (Hadith):

Imam Ahmad has recorded the tradition related by Bara’ ibn ‘Azib in his Musnad, vol.4, p. 281, transmitted through two different sources. Bara’ says: “We were with the Messenger of Allah. We alighted at Ghadir-e-Khumm. Congregational prayer was in order. An area under two trees was swept and cleaned for the Messenger of Allah, Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him and his posterity. He offered midday prayers and he grasped the hand of ‘Ali and said: ‘Do you not know that I have superior authority over the lives of the faithful than the faithful themselves?’ ‘Yes you have,’ they replied. He again inquired: ‘Do you not know that I have superior right to the life of every believer than the believer himself?’ ‘Surely, you have,’ they answered. Then he grasped the hand of ‘Ali and said: ‘Ali is the mawla of all those of whom I am mawla. O Allah! Love him who loves him and hate him who hates him.'” Bara’ ibn ‘Azib says: “Then ‘Umar came to ‘Ali and said: ‘Congratulations to you the son of Abu Talib. You have become the mawla (master) of all the faithful men and women.'”

C). HISTORICAL REPORTS (Tarikh):

Here we will just mention one instance which took place in Kufa during the khilafah of Imam Ali (A.S.), 25 years after the Prophet’s death.

When at Ali’s insistence a large number of people gathered in the plain of Rahbah in Kufah, he addressed them saying: “I administer an oath in the name of Allah to all such Muslims as heard the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) making a proclamation on the day of Ghadir-e-Khumm, to stand up and testify what they heard him say. Only those who saw the Holy Prophet that day with their own eyes and heard the proclamation with their own ears should stand up.” Thereupon, thirty companions of the Holy Prophet(S.A.W), including twelve of those who had participated in the battle of Badr, stood up and witnessed that the Holy Prophet(S.A.W) grasped his (Ali’s) hand and said to the audience: “Do you know that I have a prior right to and superior authority over the souls (i.e., lives) of the faithful than the faithful themselves?” “O yes!” they said. The Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) then said: “He (Ali) is the mawla (i.e., has prior right to and superior authority over the lives) of all those of whom I am mawla. O Allah, love him who loves him (Ali) and hate him who hates him.” It is logically impossible that thirty companions might have secretly agreed to speak a unanimous lie. In addition to the thirty witnesses there were other male companions whom enmity with Ali prevented from standing up and giving their evidence as eye-witnesses, like Anas ibn Malik.

When Ali (A.S.) said to Anas: “Why do you not stand up and testify what you heard from the messenger of Allah on the day of Ghadir?” he answered, “O Amir al-Momineen! I have grown old and do not remember.” Thereupon Ali said: “May Allah mark you with a white spot (of leprosy) unconceivable with your turban, if you are intentionally withholding the truth.” And before Anas got up from his place he bore a large white spot on his face. Thereafter, Anas used to say: “I am under the curse of a righteous slave of Allah.

Also bear in mind that this incident took place 25 years after the event of Ghadir Khum, and during this period hundreds of eyewitnesses had died naturally or in the battles fought during the first two khulafah’s rule. Add to this the fact that this incident took place in Kufa which was far from the centre of the sahabas, Medina. This incident which took place in Kufa in the year 35 A.H. has itself been narrated by four sahaba and 14 tabi’un and has been recorded in most books of history and tradition.


A). Consecutively narrated (Mutawatir)
B). Numerous Sahih versions
C). Dedicated treatises by 26 authors (Most of them are sunnies)


A). 110 companions of the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.)
B). 84 Successors (Tabiun)
C). Over 360 scholars to the present day (Most of them are sunnies)

1: Abaqat al-Anwar a book written in Persian by Allama Mir Hamid Husayn al-Musawi (d. 1304 AH) of India. Allama Mir Hamid Husayn has devoted two bulky volumes (consisting of about 1,080 pages) on the isnad, tawatur and meaning of the hadith of Ghadir.

2: Al-Ghadir in 11 volumes in Arabic by Allama Abdul Husayn al-Amini where he gives with full references the names of 110 sahaba of the Prophet and also 84 tabi’un (disciples of the sahaba) who have narrated the hadith of Ghadir. He has also chronologically given the names of the historians, traditionists, exegesis’s and poets who have mentioned the hadith of Ghadir from the first until the fourteenth Islamic century.

(1) Sahih Tirmizi, Vol.2 Page 298.
(2) Sahih ibn-e-Maja, Chapter: Virtues of the Companions of the Holy Prophet(pbuh&hf), Page 12
(3) Kinz-al-Amaal, Vol.6, Page 397
(4) Riyaz un-Nazra Vol.2, Page 169
(5) Mustadrak as-Sahiyeen, Vol.3, Page 109
(6) Mustadrak as-Sahiyeen, Vol.3, Page 116
(7) Khasais-e-Nisaee, Page 25
(8) Masnad Ahmad ibn-e-Hambal, Vol.4, Page 372
(9) Tafseer-e-Kabeer, Fakhruddin Razi
(10) Hulyat ul-Aulia, Vol.5, Page 26
(11) Sawaiq-e-Moharraka, Page 25
(12) Al-Asaba, Vol1, Al-qism 1, Page 319

40 Hadith's on "Maula"or "Mola"….By: Abbas Shahid Baqir

December 26, 2008 19 comments

The tradition of Ghadeer, in regard of its chain of narrators, is authentic and reliable. On the 18th of Zilhajj, 10 A.H., the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) declared the mastership of Ameerul Momineen Ali Ibn Abi Taalib (a.s.) by proclaiming.

“Of whomsoever I am the Master (Maula) Ali is his master (Maula) too.”
before a crowd of more than one lakh Muslims, comprising of both, Mohjajereen and Ansaars. Now, there was no way out for the truth-evaders except by debating on the meaning of the word ‘Maula’ and interpreting it to suit their own desires, even if it was against the aims and intentions of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.). Undoubtedly, the clones of the devil are truly cunning.
This was the tactic adopted by some prominent Sunni scholars like Fakhruddin Raazi, Qaazi Azod Eejee and Nasrullah Kaabuli, with Ibn Hajar, the author of “As-Sawaaeq al-Mohreqah”, heading the list. Some Indian scholars, unfortunately, have tried to tread the same path. Prominent among them are Shah Waliullah Dehlavi (the author of Tohfah Ithna Ashariyyah), Abdul Haq Dehlavi (the author of Lamaat), Qazi Sanaaullah Panipati (the author of Saiful Maslool)…. They tried their best to conceal the truth from the masses. Hence, the word ‘Maula’ has always been a point of hot debate between the Shia and Sunni scholars, and remains so till date.

According to the Shia scholars, the word ‘Maula’ in the context means leader, guardian, one who possesses complete authority, etc. In the light of this meaning, the Prophet (s.a.w.a.)’s tradition clearly proclaims that of whosoever I am the leader and guardian, Ameerul Momineen Ali Ibn Abi Taalib (a.s.) also is his leader and guardian. Thus, the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) announced the Caliphate, Imamate and successorship of Ameerul Momineen Ali Ibn Abi Taalib (a.s.) on the day of Ghadeer. But the Sunnis interpret this word differently. In their opinion, ‘Maula’ means a friend. Therefore, in application, the tradition of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) would be translated as

“Of whomsoever I am a friend, Ali is his friend.”

They have even fabricated stories to support their interpretation. Sometimes, they say that there was a dispute between Ameerul Momineen Ali Ibn Abi Taalib (a.s.) and Zaid Bin Haaresa which resulted in the latter refuting Ali’s friendship. To rebuke Zaid, the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) uttered this tradition. Ironically Zaid Ibn Haaresa was martyred in a war before the last Hajj. Truly, it is easy to fabricate but difficult to live with it.

To get themselves out of this tight corner, others argue that it was not Zaid Bin Haaresa but Usaamah Ibn Zaid.

While still others are creating fables that those who had accompanied Ameerul Momineen Ali Ibn Abi Taalib (a.s.) on the mission of Yemen, like Buraidah Al-Aslami and Khalid Bin Waleed, on their return, lodged complaints to the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) against Ameerul Momineen Ali Ibn Abi Taalib (a.s.). When things reached to unbearable limits, the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) gathered the people and spoke about Ameerul Momineen Ali Ibn Abi Taalib (a.s.)’s friendship and the consequences of his enmity, ending his sermon with this tradition. It is undoubtedly evident that both of these concocted stories cannot match the authenticity and validity of the actual tradition which has been narrated by innumerable Sunni traditionalists, historians and interpreters. All those stories were fabricated to reduce the significance of the event of Ghadeer.

According to these stories, the meaning of the word ‘Maula’ does not indicate Caliphate or Imamate of Ameerul Momineen Ali Ibn Abi Taalib (a.s.). The actual debate on the meaning of ‘Maula’ concerns the Caliphate and Imamate of Ameerul Momineen Ali Ibn Abi Taalib (a.s.) a right which was usurped by others. Thus, it is not merely a literal discussion.

Shia scholars have presented scores of proofs in support of their viewpoint but till date, no logical answer has been forth coming. Yes, truth cannot be concealed for long. We classify our evidences into four:

1)      Introduction,2) Literary Proofs,3) Historical Proofs,4)Other Proofs

A) Introduction:
Before commencing our discussion on the meaning of the word ‘Maula’, we would like to draw your attention towards the important fact that our arguments are confined only to those traditions whose wordings are,
“Of whomsoever I am Maula, Ali is his Maula too”
Or
“this Ali is his Maula too”
because in some other places this tradition is narrated in a different way. The other three ways in which this tradition is narrated is so clear that there remains no place for any doubt whatsoever. These very clearly hail Ameerul Momineen Ali Ibn Abi Taalib (a.s.) as the heir and successor to the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.). They are narrated as follows:
1)      Tabaraani narrates in his Al-Mojam al-Kabeer, vol. 5, page 186 citing from Zaid Ibn Arqam, “Then the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) took Ameerul Momineen Ali Ibn Abi Taalib (a.s.) by his hand and said,

“On whomsoever I have more authority than himself, Ali (a.s.) is his Wali.”

Qazi Sanaaullah Panipati, student of Shah Waliullah Dehlavi has also narrated the same tradition in exactly similar wordings in his book ‘Saiful Maslool’.
2)      Sibte ibne Jauzee in his ‘Tazkeratul Khawaas’ p. 32 quoting Hafiz Abul-Faraj Yahya bin Saeed Isfahaani has taken the meaning of Maula as one possessing authority. To prove his argument, he has brought forward the sentence of the Ghadeer sermon;

“Of whomsoever I am the master and having more authority upon him than he himself, Ali is his authority too”.

3)      The chief of the Hanbali sect, Imam Ahmad Ibn Hanbal, in his book, ‘Musnad’, vol. 5, page 350, 358, 361, narrates a tradition from the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) via Buraidah,
“Of whomsoever I am the master, Ali is his master too.”
The same tradition has been mentioned by Imam Nesaai in his ‘Khasaaes’ on page 4, 93, 101, 103, narrating from Ameerul Momineen Ali Ibn Abi Taalib (a.s.), Buraidah and Sa’d Ibn Majah, in his Sunan, vol. 1, page 42, also relates from Buraa bin Aazib and other companions of the Prophet (s.a.w.a.). Apart from them, many other great Sunni traditionalists have quoted this tradition, in a similar way.

Therefore, we see that the sentence,
“Of whomsoever I am the master, Ali is his master too”

has come in three different forms which proves that the word ‘Maula’ in the Prophetic tradition, only means one having authority and mastership. For, one tradition explains another.

B) Literary Proofs:
1)      The best judges to solve any literary dispute between Shia and Sunni scholars are Arabic litterateurs and their works. Let us see how this word has been used in Arabic literature. Some Sunni scholars like Fakhruddin Raazi claim that the word ‘Maula’ has never been used in Arabic literature as ‘one having authority’. From the following points, we will realize the truth of his claim.
2)      Many Sunni literary writers and interpreters have implied “Aula” (one with authority) from the word ‘Maula’. Those who are in this category number up to fifty. After having so many evidences, only a biased person can agree with Fakhre Raazi. Such attitude must be either due to ignorance or sheer enmity. By confessions of so many scholars, does this sentence not mean that,
“Of whomsoever I am master, Ali is his master too,”
and is this not a sufficient proof of Ali’s caliphate and successorship?
3)      ‘Maula’ has been used in the meaning of Aula (one having authority) and the best proof for this argument is the Holy Qur’an itself. Many Qur’anic verses have used ‘Maula’ in this very meaning. Allah the Almighty says:

“Your abode is the fire that is your Maula.”
Surah Hadeed (57): Verse 15
All renowned Sunni interpreters like Kalbi, Ujaaj, Faraa, Abu Obaidah, Akhfash, Abu Zaid, Mubrad, Ibn Al-Anbaari, Ali Ibn Eesa, Tha’labi, Waahedi, Zamakshari, Bagwi, Baizaawi, Nasafi, etc. have interpreted the above verse as, “Your abode is the fire it is your master.’ Now, if we translate this verse like the Sunnis do for the word ‘Maula’ on the Ghadeer occasion, it would sound quite funny. Your, place is the hell. It is your friend.” Yet, so-called scholars like Fakhruddin Raazi, who are unaware of Qur’anic concepts like their leaders, deny the meaning of Maula as master.

4)      Even in traditions, the word ‘Maula’ is used in the meaning of ‘Master’. For example, the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) said:

“If a (virgin) woman marries without the permission of her master then her marriage is null and void.”
All the traditionalists unanimously opine that the meaning of ‘Maula’ in this tradition is nothing but the one having authority over her’ or ‘master’. Bukhari and Muslim have quoted this tradition from Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) in their Sahih.
“I am the master of all the believers upon the earth. Then whoever amongst you leaves debt and property, then I am his master too.”
Even in this tradition, the word ‘Maula’ clearly indicates one who is having authority or master. How come ‘Maula’ has been used as ‘master’ in all other traditions except that of Ghadeer? Is not this approach based on prejudice and ignorance?

5)      Even in Arabic poems, Maula means ‘master’ (Aula). The couplets of Lubaid in “Moallaqaat-e-Khamsah” is quite popular in this regard and in the context of meaning of Maula, litterateurs have given the reference of his poem in many instances. And when in Arabic literature, this word has always been used in the meaning of (Aula) ‘master’ right from ancient times, how come the uniformed and illiterate deny the word ‘Maula’ ever being used to mean ‘Master’ and that ‘Of whomsoever I am Master, Ali is his Master’ does not proclaim the successorship of Ameerul Momineen Ali Ibn Abi Taalib (a.s.)?

C) Historical Proofs:

There are many historical incidents which prove that the word ‘Maula’ in the sentence,
Of whomsoever I am Maula, Ali is his Maula”,
precisely means ‘master, ‘ruler’, “guardian” and “authority over others.” We relate a few of them hereunder:
6)      On the day of Ghadeer, when the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) proclaimed the successorship of Ameerul Momineen Ali Ibn Abi Taalib (a.s.), Islam’s famous and well known poet, Hassaan Ibn Thaabit, obtained the permission of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) and recited a few verses of poetry. These verses, loudly and clearly, indicate the concept of ‘Maula’ as ‘Master’.

“Then he (s.a.w.a.) said to him, “Stand, O Ali, for surely I am satisfied with you as Imam and guide after me.”

This couplet, which clearly proves that Ameerul Momineen Ali Ibn Abi Taalib (a.s.) was introduced on that day as Imam, Caliph and Guardian of the Muslim nation, has also been narrated by well-known Sunni scholars.
7)      Moawiya wrote a letter to Ameerul Momineen Ali Ibn Abi Taalib (a.s.) trying to brag about his own excellences. Ameerul Momineen Ali Ibn Abi Taalib (a.s.) replied him thus:
“Is the son of Hind, the eater of (Hamza’s) liver imposing his excellences over me?”
Then he (a.s.) immediately composed a few couplets, ordered his stenographer to note it down and sent it to Moawiyah. The meaning of one of these couplets is as follows:

“Then he made his successorship for me obligatory upon You all.
The Messenger of Allah on the day of Ghadeer-e-Khum.”

This couplet has been narrated by 26 Sunni scholars in their books, leaving no scope for any doubt or dispute about its authenticity. Is not the witness of the gate of the city of knowledge sufficient, with whom truth is always attached?

8)      In Islamic history, there are various incidents in which the word ‘Maula’ in Hadees-e-Ghadeer has been used to prove the successorship of Ameerul Momineen Ali Ibn Abi Taalib (a.s.) in the presence of his enemies and none of them ever objected to these claims. In the battle of Siffin, Qais Bin Sa’d, the chief of Khazraj, recited the following verse : “Ali is our Imam and Imam of everyone, this came through (divine) revelations, the day Prophet (s.a.w.a.) said,

“Of whomsoever I am Master, then he is his master too, a majestic statement.”
Even a great Sahaabi like Qais Bin Sa’d has derived the meaning of Maula as Caliph and Imam.
9)      When Moawiya appointed Amr Aas, the old and loyal sycophant of the Umayids, as the governor of Egypt, Amr Aas did not send him the regular taxes. Moawiya wrote him a letter to immediately send the taxes without further delay. Amr Aas was taken aback because he did not expect Moawiya to order him around. In his reply to Moawiya, he penned a few poems, describing in them how much he had borne and how many sacrifices he had made to install his government, although he had no right to rule. If anybody had the right to form a government, it was Ameerul Momineen Ali Ibn Abi Taalib (a.s.). The effect of these poems was so strong that never again did Moawiya demand anything from Amr Aas. Does not Amr Aas’ explanation and Moawiya’s silence prove the concept of ‘Mastership’ on the day of Ghadeer? Is it not sufficient evidence for the followers of Moawiya? Some of Amr Aas poems are as follows:
“How many special things have we heard about Ali from the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.).

When he went on the pulpit and conveyed the message on the day of Ghadeer.
And bestowed him with the authority of believers’ affairs on God’s command
His hand was in Ali’s hand and was proclaiming on divine order.
And said: “Of whomsoever I am the master; Ali is his best master too.”
10)  Mohammad Ibn Abdullah Hemyari, a friend of Amr Aas and the poet of Moawiya’s court was once attending the court along with two other poets and Amr Aas himself. Moawiya ordered the poets to say something about Ali, albeit warning them, ‘but remember, do not say anything except the truth’. (i.e simply in the greed of my rewards, do not speak against Ali.) Hemyari’s friends recited such malicious poems against Ali that they were condemned by Moawiya. (The poems were so much far from the truth that even a man like Moawiya had to rebuke them.)
When Hemyari’s turn came, he saw that there is not much possibility of a punishment either from Moawiya or Amr Aas. On the contrary, he might even be rewarded. Therefore, he said a few poems on Ameerul Momineen Ali Ibn Abi Taalib (a.s.), a couplet of which read as follows:
“Forgot the people the day of Khum,
When Ali was appointed by the Creator and the Prophet.”
So, it’s quite evident from the above incident that even the sworn enemies of Ahle Bait (a.s.) confessed about the divine appointment of Ameerul Momineen Ali Ibn Abi Taalib (a.s.) as Imam on the day of Ghadeer-e-Khum. Is it not better for Sunnis of our age to refer and accept the views of their reliable personalities of early days of Islam in order to understand the Quran and traditions?
11)  The sermon of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) on the day of Ghadeer has been rendered in poetry form by many Islamic poets. Allama Amini (a.r.) in his priceless compilation, ‘Al-Ghadeer’ has collected about 95 poems from authentic chain of narrators. All these have discussed in detail about the Imamate and Caliphate of Ameerul Momineen Ali Ibn Abi Taalib (a.s.) on the day of Ghadeer.

When poets and litterateurs of every era have taken the meaning of the sentence, “Of whomsoever…” as the proclamation of Ameerul Momineen Ali Ibn Abi Taalib (a.s.)’s caliphate, Imamate and superiority, will not the denial of this bright fact and clear truth be termed as plain prejudice and detestable short-sightedness? What can be done for a ‘bat’ who being scared of sun light, prefers darkness?
12)  In the Council (Shura) appointed by Umar, comprising of Usman, Abdur Rahman Awf, Sa’d Ibn Abi Waqqaas, Talhah and Zubair, Ameerul Momineen Ali Ibn Abi Taalib (a.s.), while expressing his virtues and superiority, mentioned the Hadees-e-Ghadeer. He said, “I ask, for the sake of Allah, is there anybody amongst you except me, about whom the Prophet had said, ‘Of whomsoever I am the master, Ali is his master too. O Allah! Befriend him who befriends Ali, be enemy of Ali’s enemy, help him who helps Ali?” They all said, “By God! None except you.”

The whole crowd (including Uthman the third Caliph of Ahle Sunnat), which had gathered to appoint a Caliph for themselves, unashamedly admitted the appointment of Ameerul Momineen Ali Ibn Abi Taalib (a.s.) as Imam by the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) on the day of Ghadeer. None amongst those present objected that ‘Maula’ meant friend and not an Imam, leader or Caliph. God only knows who stuffed this stupid idea in the minds of their scholars?
13)  Ameerul Momineen Ali Ibn Abi Taalib (a.s.) had also used Hadees-e-Ghadeer to prove his Caliphate and Imamate on other occasions like in the period of Usman’s Caliphate or the battle of Jamal. He expressed this in presence of companions of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) like Ammar-e-Yasir, Abu Huraira, Abu Ayyub Ansari, Khuzaymah Ibn Saabit, Qais bin Saabit, etc. But in these instances, none amongst the gathering raised any objections to his claim. On the contrary, they even supported it. Such discussions and debates were even perpetuated by Imam Hasan (a.s.), Abdullah Ibn Jafar, Asbagh Ibn Nubaatah, Umar Ibn Abdul Aziz, Mamoon al-Rashid (the Abbaside Caliph) etc. (Al-Ghadeer, Vol. 1, p. 159-212). On all these occasions, no objections were raised by the opponents, on the meaning of the word ‘Maula’. And they have never interpreted the word of Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) in any other meaning except of Ameerul Momineen Ali Ibn Abi Taalib (a.s.)’s successorship. Thus, it is quite evident that such interpretations are the handiwork of the later devils since we don’t find them in the early writings of Islam.
14)  It was thirty-five Hijri, twenty-five years had passed since the Ghadeer event. Many Muslims of early days had either been dead, martyred or migrated to other cities and dispersed to different places. Some had sold the truth while others had hidden their identity due to fear of enemies. The opponents of Ahle Bayt (a.s.) were busy in destroying the excellences of the Ahle Bayt (a.s.) and fabricating stories of their own greatness. Things reached to such an extent that those who were not present in Ghadeer, nor did they possess any knowledge nor were firm in their beliefs, started doubting about the events of Ghadeer. Noticing the gravity of the situation, Ameerul Momineen Ali Ibn Abi Taalib (a.s.) gathered the companions of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) and the Tabe’een (those who had seen the companions but not the Prophet (s.a.w.a.) himself). He delivered a sermon and asked only those persons to stand as witnesses who had themselves heard the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) speaking on the occasion of Ghadeer. Approximately thirty people (12 of whom were even participants of the Battle of Badr) stood up and witnessed that they had themselves heard the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) say:
“Am I not having more authority upon you than yourselves?”
We affirmed: ‘Yes, O Messenger of Allah’. Then he (s.a.w.a.) declared:
“Of whomsoever I am the master, Ali is his master too.”
Amongst them were Abu Ayyub Ansari, Abu Zainab Ibn Auf, Sahl Ibn Hunaif, Abdur Rehman Bin Abdur Rab, Abu Huraira, Noman Bin Ajlan, Khuzaymah Bin Saabit (Dhu Shahadatain), Abdullah Ibn Saabit (the Holy Prophet’s (s.a.w.a.) servant), Habashi Ibn Janaan, Ubayd Ibn Aazib, Saabit Ibn Darmiyah, etc. Zayd Ibn Arqam, who was also present in the crowd, refused to be a witness. Ameerul Momineen Ali Ibn Abi Taalib (a.s.) cursed him which resulted in him becoming blind.
This incident has been narrated via four companions and twenty four Tabe’een by famous Sunni Scholars like Nisaai in Khassaaes, Ibn Katheer in Al-Kaamil, vol. 5, page 211. Ibne Atheer in Usudul Ghaabah, vol. 4, page 28, Imam Ahmad Ibn Hanbal in his Musnad, vol. 4, page 370, etc. Is this incident, famous as ‘Yaum-ur-Rohbah’, not sufficient to prove the Shia view point at Ghadeer for those who believe that they should follow the companions of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.)?

15)  The great Sunni Qur’anic commentator, Abul Qasim Jaarullah Zamakhshari (exp. 528 A.H.) in his book ‘Rabi-ul-Abraar’, narrates the following incident: “One year, Moawiyah went for Hajj. There, he called a black but brave woman named Akramiyyah and inquired: “Why do you love Ali and hate me?” The lady replied: “Will I be safe if I give a true reply?” Moawiya replied in the affirmative. The lady answering his question said, “I like Ali because on the day of Ghadeer, when you were present too, the Holy Prophet announced his mastership (and not your’s). Further, because he loves the poor and respects the religious people. But you indulge in killing Muslims, create rifts between them and act unjustly in your judgements.”
When the event of Ghadeer was so popular that it could not be hidden from women who were confined to the four walls of their houses and they were giving evidences of successorship from this event, it is highly surprising that Sunni scholars are uniformed and unaware of such an occasion.

16)  Before the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.)’s sermon, the following Qur’anic verse was revealed:

“O Messenger of Allah convey what has been revealed to you from your Lord and if you do it not, then you have not delivered His message. And Allah will protect you from the people.”
Surah Maidah (5): Verse 67

What is this all important message, not conveying of which will result into the nullification of the whole messengership? Was it just to announce that the Ali is my friend? What was the need of divine protection in Ali’s friendship? Hence, it’s quite evident that this message is the proclamation of Ameerul Momineen Ali Ibn Abi Taalib (a.s.)’s mastership, non-conveyance of which would result in the nullification of Prophethood.

17)  After the sermon, the following verse was revealed:
“This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My bounties upon you and chosen for you Islam as a religion.” Surah Maidah (5): Verse 3

In other words, today I have perfected for you your religion (by the proclamation of Ali’s mastership) and completed the bounties and chose Islam as your religion whose leader is Ameerul Momineen Ali Ibn Abi Taalib (a.s.). How can one explain this Qur’anic verse if there was no proclamation of Ameerul Momineen Ali Ibn Abi Taalib (a.s.)’s successorship in Ghadeer? For, Ameerul Momineen Ali Ibn Abi Taalib (a.s.)’s love has been declared obligatory previously, time and again but what was the message on Ghadeer which completed the bounties and made Allah satisfied? What else can it be except the mastership of Ali Ibne Abi Talib (a.s.)?
18)  The news of Ameerul Momineen Ali Ibn Abi Taalib (a.s.)’s appointment as master and leader by the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) on divine command spread like wildfire. A person named Haaris Ibn Noman Fehri came to the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) and said: “You asked us to give two witnesses (of divinity and messengership), we gave. You made prayers, Zakaat and Hajj obligatory upon us, we accepted. Now, you intend to appoint your cousin (Ali) as our master by announcing, “Of whomsoever I am his master, Ali is his master too.” Is this announcement from your side or on divine order?” The Messenger of Allah answered,

“I swear by Allah, except Whom there is no God, this command was certainly divine.”
On hearing this, Haaris stood up and walking towards his camel, grumbled, “O Allah, if this order is from your side, then punish me by raining stones upon me.” He had hardly completed his sentence, when a stone fell from the sky and crushed him to death. At this justice, the Qur’anic verse was revealed,

“One demanding demanded the chastisement which must befall.”
Surah Maarij (70): Verse 1

The enquiry of Haaris clearly shows that the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) had announced the mastership of Ameerul Momineen Ali Ibn Abi Taalib (a.s.) on the day of Ghadeer. Those who deny the mastership of Ameerul Momineen Ali Ibn Abi Taalib (a.s.) and give self-seeking explanations to the Ghadeer incident, should learn a few lessons from the fate of Haaris. They should avoid divine wrath being incurred upon them, although their wisdom has already been stoned to death.

19)  After proclaiming the mastership of Hazrat Ali Ibn Abi Talib (a.s.) the Messenger of Islam (s.a.w.a.) told the Mohajireen and the Ansaar,
“Go and tell Ali ‘O Ali, we promise you, and give an oath to you by our tongues and pay allegiance to you with our very hands that we shall definitely convey this matter to our children. We will not go back on our words. You be witness upon us. And Allah suffices as a Witness.” Salute Ameerul Momineen Ali Ibn Abi Taalib (a.s.) as “Ameerul Momineen” and then say, “All praise is for Allah who guided us to this path and guidance was not possible for us had Allah not guided us.”

Do all these talks not make Ameerul Momineen Ali Ibn Abi Taalib (a.s.)’s Caliphate crystal clear?
20)  After listening to the command of Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.), Abu Bakr, Umar and Prophet’s (s.a.w.a.) wives were the first to congratulate Ameerul Momineen Ali Ibn Abi Taalib (a.s.) as a Caliph and master and paid allegiance to him. They congratulated him by these words:
“Congratulations, congratulations, O son of Abu Taalib! You have become my master and the master of every believing man and woman.”

Then, the Mohajireen and Ansaar followed suit. It is highly surprising that Abu Bakr and Umar understood the concept of Caliphate and successorship from the hadees:

“Of whomsoever I am master, Ali is his master.”
But those who claim to be their followers like Raazi, Dehlavi, Nadwi, etc. derive some other meaning from the same. God knows whom do these people follow? And how do they attempt to distort the meaning of ‘Maula’ despite confessions of their own leaders? The above mentioned evidence has been given in atlest 60 authentic Sunni references.
21.  On the day of Ghadeer, the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) took off his “Amama” called ‘Sahaab’ and put it on the head of Ameerul Momineen Ali Ibn Abi Taalib (a.s.), thereby crowning him as his successor and heir. Then, he (s.a.w.a.) said:
“Of whomsoever I am the master, Ali is his master too.”
This incident has been narrated by the following Sunni scholars:
i)                     Shahabuddin in Tawzeeh-ul-Dalaael,
ii)                   Jamaaluddin Shiraazi in ‘Arbaeen’ and
iii)                  Zarandi in ‘Nazm Durar-us-Simtain’.
Does this crowning show an appointment to successorship or a declaration of friendship? Why don’t the Sunni scholars accept the truth despite all these proofs and evidences? Why do they waste their time in unnecessary and absurd interpretations?
D) Other Proofs:

If you extract a phrase from a sermon and then discuss about it independently, the chances of misinterpretation or deviation from what was intended by the speaker increase drastically. On the contrary, if we analyse or interpret the sentence by considering the preceding and proceeding sentences, keeping in view the conditions prevalent at the time and the place of utterance, we may arrive at the correct meaning intended by the speaker.

The statement, “Of whomsoever I am the master, Ali is his master too” is no exception to this rule. To understand this sentence, it is necessary to consider the situation prevailing in that desert as well as to keep the entire sermon of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) on the occasion in view. The sentences which proceeded and preceded it should be thoroughly examined. Such analysis only can give the true spirit of the sentence; otherwise the real concepts will go abegging.

22.  Before uttering this sentence (Of whomsoever I am his master, Ali is his master too) the Prophet of Islam (s.a.w.a.) asked,

“Am I not having more authority upon you than yourselves?”

When they all replied, “Certainly, you have more authority than all of us.” Then he (s.a.w.a.) announced,

“Of whomsoever I am his master, Ali is his master too.”

This initial utterance (“Am I not…) has been recorded by 64 Sunni traditionalists like Ahmad Ibn Hanbal, Ibn Majah, Nisaai, Tirmizi, Tabari, Hakim Neshapoori, Ibne Katheer, Suyuti, Baihaqi… Is not the initial statement explaining the later statement? By saying so, is there any scope for doubt about the real meaning of Maula?

23.  The Prophet of Islam (s.a.w.a.) commenced his sermon thus,

“Death has invited me and I have accepted its invitation.”

This sentence clearly shows that the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) had prior knowledge of his approaching death and was, therefore, very eager to appoint his successor. Abu Bakr and Umar had done the same thing. Both had either appointed their successor during the last days of their lives or made similar arrangements for it. By pondering upon this point in the beginning of the sermon, does this act (of appointing a successor) not prove that the sentence (Of whomsoever…) was proclaiming the leadership of Ameerul Momineen Ali Ibn Abi Taalib (a.s.)?

24.  After completing his sermon, the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) said,

“Let those who are present inform those who are absent.”

Does it make sense to say that all the arrangements of Ghadeer like its sermon, announcement of mastership, paying of allegiance, congratulations, coronation, Hassaan’s poems, etc. were only to declare Ameerul Momineen Ali Ibn Abi Taalib (a.s.)’s friendship? No, because Ameerul Momineen Ali Ibn Abi Taalib (a.s.)’s friendship does not involve such elaborate arrangements. It was announced innumerable times before. Moreover, the Holy Qur’an declares that believers are friends of each other. Then what was the need of asking those present to inform those who were absent? The entire series of events (arrangements and preparations) show that Ghadeer was the place of the final announcement of Ameerul Momineen Ali Ibn Abi Taalib (a.s.)’s successorship.

25.  After finishing his sermon, the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.) hailed,

“Allah is Great on the perfection of religion, completion of bounties and Allah’s satisfaction with my messengership and Ameerul Momineen Ali Ibn Abi Taalib (a.s.)’s mastership after me.”

These sentences have been quoted by Tirmizi, Nisaai, Hakim Neshapuri, Ahmad-e-Hanbal, Tabari and many other celebrated Sunni scholars. The word ‘Wilayah’ is clearly showing that not friendship but Ameerul Momineen Ali Ibn Abi Taalib (a.s.)’s successorship and mastership is discussed.

26.  After the sermon, the Prophet of Allah (s.a.w.a.) pleaded,

“O Allah, You are Witness that I have conveyed the message (of mastership) and advised (the people about it).”

This sentence shows that the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) is conveying a new message while Ameerul Momineen Ali Ibn Abi Taalib (a.s.)’s or Ahle Bayt (a.s.)’s friendship was not a new thing and people were already aware of it. This must have been the caliphate and mastership of Ameerul Momineen Ali Ibn Abi Taalib (a.s.).

27.  Muhammad Ibn Jurair Tabari in his book, ‘Al-Wilayah’, narrates from Zaid Ibn Arqam that after the sermon, paying of allegiance and emphasizing on the maintenance of this oath, the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) said,

“Go and salute Ameerul Momineen Ali Ibn Abi Taalib (a.s.) as ‘leader of the faithful.”

This command of the Prophet (s.a.w.a.) amply testifies that he was talking about the mastership of Ameerul Momineen Ali Ibn Abi Taalib (a.s.). For, if the discussion was about love and friendship, he (s.a.w.a.) would have said,

“Go and salute him as ‘friend of the believers.”

Sunni scholars are well aware that the title, ‘Chief of the faithful’, involves tasks like leadership, mastership, guardianship, etc. And this title has always been used for rulers, not for friends.

28.  The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) knew quite well that Ameerul Momineen Ali Ibn Abi Taalib (a.s.)’s caliphate will not be unanimously accepted. The hypocrites and the jealous will not receive it kindly. Therefore, the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) prayed for those who loved Ali (a.s.) dearly and cursed those who bore malice against him. Many renowned Sunni scholars have narrated the following prayer of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) after the Ghadeer sermon,

“O Allah! Befriend him who befriends Ali. Be enemy of one who is Ali’s enemy. Help him who helps Ali and degrade him who (tries to) degrade Ali.”

so that everyone should know that love and obedience of Ameerul Momineen Ali Ibn Abi Taalib (a.s.) will entitle us to the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.)’s prayers and his disobedience can lead to divine wrath through the Prophet (s.a.w.a.)’s curse. This prayer of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) proves that Ameerul Momineen Ali Ibn Abi Taalib (a.s.)’s friendship can never lead us toward sins at any state because absolute obedience is meant only for those who are infallible and away from all kinds of vices and sins. Whoever disobeys Ali, will be subjected to the Prophet’s (s.a.w.a.) curse and whoever is cursed by the Prophet (s.a.w.a.) can never be guided.

29.  Many Sunni traditionalists and Qur’anic commentators like Tabari have narrated from Zaid Ibn Arqam, Huzayfa Ibn Usayd and Aamir Ibn Laila that the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) asked,

“O people! What do you witness?”

They replied, “We witness that there is no god except Allah.” He questioned:

“Then, after that?”

They responded: “(We witness) that Mohammad (s.a.w.a.) is His servant and His messenger.” He (s.a.w.a.) asked again,

“Who is your master, then?”

They retorted: “Allah and His Messenger are our masters.” Then the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) seized Ameerul Momineen Ali Ibn Abi Taalib (a.s.) by his arm, raised him and declared:

“Whosoever Allah and His messenger are his masters, then this man (Ali) is his master too.”

It will be highly in appropriate and absurd if here too the meaning of ‘Maula’ is taken as ‘friend’ due to short-sightedness and plain bias. If the meaning is friend, then the last sentence will have no relation with the first two, thus rendering the whole paragraph meaningless. Also one cannot expect Allah and His Messenger (s.a.w.a.) to indulge in vain talks. Therefore, the only meaning that one can derive from this sentence is that, ‘Ali is the master of those who hold Allah and His Messenger (s.a.w.a.) as their master.’ But one who does not bother about Allah and His Messenger (s.a.w.a.), how can you expect him to be bothered about Ameerul Momineen Ali Ibn Abi Taalib (a.s.)’s rights?

30.  If the time and conditions of the Ghadeer event are taken in to consideration, then too the meaning of ‘Maula’ will be “master”.

The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) on his return from Hajj, mid-way, in a barren and open desert where there was no sign of water, called back those who were ahead and waited for those who had yet not arrived. In the afternoon’s blazing heat (in which the people in order to save themselves from being burnt, spread their mattresses), performed the Zohr-Asr prayers combinedly, prepared a pulpit from saddles of the camels, delivered a sermon informing about his death, repeated the sentences thrice, raised the hand of Ameerul Momineen Ali Ibn Abi Taalib (a.s.) and intimated that he has received a command from the Almighty that must be conveyed immediately.

Were all these pains taken just to declare that Ameerul Momineen Ali Ibn Abi Taalib (a.s.) is the “friend of the believers”? It seems highly unlikely because it was nothing new. The Holy Quran had time and again declared that “Muslims are brothers of each other,” and Ali (a.s.), of course, was one of them. Also, the concept of brotherhood is much higher than that of friendship. The interpretation of the Sunni scholars that it was a declaration of Ameerul Momineen Ali Ibn Abi Taalib (a.s.)’s friendship, is a great insult to the lofty personality of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.), the most knowledgeable person in the world. For, even an ordinarily wise person would not put one lakh or more people in such inconvenience just to declare somebody’s friendship. It goes on to prove that it was the all important announcement of Ameerul Momineen Ali Ibn Abi Taalib (a.s.)’s successorship after the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) which was announced.

31.  One cannot help but pity the fact that a magnificent sermon delivered by the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) and heard by more than one lakh of his companions is not fully narrated by any of the traditionalists and historians. They are satisfied by saying that a very lengthy and detailed sermon was delivered by the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.). Maximum details of this sermon have been recorded by the great historian, Muhammad Ibn Jurair Tabari, narrating from Zaid Ibn Arqam. If this sermon is read attentively and its sentences thought upon, then it will be clear for the just seekers of truth that the real meaning of the sentence, “Of whomsoever…” is only about Ameerul Momineen Ali Ibn Abi Taalib (a.s.)’s mastership and leadership. Some of the sentences of the sermon are as follows:

“Jibraeel, on divine command, has approached me and ordered me to stop over here and make it clear for every black and fair person that surely Ali Ibn Abi Talib is my brother, my successor, my heir and the leader after me. For indeed, Allah has appointed him as your master and leader and made his obedience obligatory on each and every one. Surely, Allah is your master & Ali is your Imam. Certainly, Imamat is in my progeny from his generation till the day of judgement. It is not permissible after me for anyone to be the people’s guide except him. He is my brother my successor, the treasurer of my knowledge, and my successor over anybody who believed in me. The light from Allah is in me, then in Ali, then in his progeny till the Awaited Mahdi.”

Are not these sentences sufficient explanation for the sentence, “Of whomsoever…”?

32.  When the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) completed his sermon, he said:

“Congratulate Me, Congratulate Me! Surely Allah has chosen me for the honour of Prophethood and my Ahle Bayt (progeny) for the status of Imamate.”

This sentence has been recorded by Haafiz-e-Khargooshi from Ahmad Ibn Hanbal in Sharaful Mustafa, who in turn narrates from Buraa Ibn Aazib and Abu Saeed Khudri. Is not this sentence declaring Ameerul Momineen Ali Ibn Abi Taalib (a.s.)’s mastership? For, congratulations seem appropriate for caliphate and mastership and not for friendship.

33.  When the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) was commanded by Allah to declare Ameerul Momineen Ali Ibn Abi Taalib (a.s.)’s Caliphate, he was a bit apprehensive because the people were not yet distant from customs of the days of ignorance. They would think that the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) is intending to enforce his family’s rule over them and hence they would create many hurdles in his path. But Allah ordered him that if this task was not executed divine wrath would be the consequence.

(Kanzul Ummaal, vol. 6, page 153 narrating from Ibn-e-Abbas, Taareekhul Khulafa of Suyuti, page 114, Manzelul-Abraar of Badakhshaani, page 20, Tafseer-e-Durrul Mansoor, Vol. 2, page 298)


Declaration of friendship should be no cause of apprehension for the Prophet (s.a.w.a.) because keeping friends with a believer is the basic teaching of Islam. The same tradition quoted above has been recorded by Haakim Haskaani in his book ‘Shawaahedul-Tanzeel’, narrating from Ibn Abbas and Jabir Ibn Abdullah Ansaari. “Allah ordered Muhammad (s.a.w.a.) to appoint Ali as the leader of the people and to inform them of this fact, the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) was apprehensive.”

34.  In the incident of Ghadeer, the word ‘appointment’ was used by Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) which goes along well with leadership and not with friendship, as the Sunni scholars claim.

Sayed Ali Hamdani in ‘Mawaddatul Qurba’ narrates a tradition from the second Caliph, Umar, that the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) said on the day of Ghadeer. “The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) appointed Ali as a guide, and declared:

“Of whomsoever I am his master, Ali is his master too.”

If we combine this sentence with the sentence of Ibn Abbas (in proof 33), we see that all the companions followed Imamat and caliphate of Ameerul Momineen Ali Ibn Abi Taalib (a.s.) from Hadees-e-Ghadeer.

35.  Shaykul Islam Hamwini in ‘Faraaedus-Simtain’ narrates a tradition from Abu Hurairah, “The announcement on the day of Ghadeer was the last divine obligatory command whose obedience was compulsory for everybody.’ After the announcement of this duty, the verse of completion of religion (Today, I have perfected…) was revealed.” In other words, whatever was revealed in Ghadeer was never revealed before. The declaration of friendship was neither new nor obligatory. Now only two options remain. Either to take the meaning of ‘Maula’ as master and leader or to deny the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.)’s companion, Abu Huraira. Therefore, by considering all other proofs, we have to admit that Imamat of Ameerul Momineen Ali Ibn Abi Taalib (a.s.) was the declaration on the day of Ghadeer by which the religion was perfected.

36.  Considering the meaning of ‘Maula’ as friend does not seem to be in accordance with the history of early Islam, as find majority of the companions afraid of narrating Hadees-e-Ghadeer. They would not do so it until and unless they had absolute confidence in the interrogator. Ahmed Ibn Hanbal in his ‘Musnad’, vol. 4, page 368 records an incident form Atiyah Aufi who says, “I went to Zaid Ibn Arqam and asked that my son-in-law has narrated one tradition about Ameerul Momineen Ali Ibn Abi Taalib (a.s.) concerning Ghadeer from you. I want to hear it from you directly.” Zaid replied, “You Iraqi people are double-faced (i.e. I don’t have confidence in you).” I retorted, “You remain assured from my side.” Then Zaid narrated the whole incident.

In another case, Ibn Uqdah in his book, ‘Al-Wilayah’ has narrated from the famous Tabe’ei, Saeed Bin Musayyab that I went to Sa’d-e-Waqqas and sought permission to ask a question but expressed my anxiety. He replied, “You are my cousin (i.e. don’t fear). Ask whatever you wish to.”

This apprehension and anxiety is a clear indication of the face that the concept of Hadees-e-Ghadeer was not friendship. The fact (of Ghadeer) was unbearable for the then governments, relating of which was not only against politics but would also possibly lead to death. This proves that it was certainly about the successorship of Ameerul Momineen Ali Ibn Abi Taalib (a.s.).

37.  Bedouin Arabs, who were notorious for their pride and disobedience, once came to Ameerul Momineen Ali Ibn Abi Taalib (a.s.) and saluted him saying, “Peace be upon you O Master”. Ameerul Momineen Ali Ibn Abi Taalib (a.s.) was taken aback thinking that they have accepted his mastership. Ameerul Momineen Ali Ibn Abi Taalib (a.s.) enquired,

“How am I your master?”

Their chief, Abu Ayyub Ansari replied, “We have heard the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.) saying “Of whomsoever I am his master, Ali is his master too.” This tradition has been recorded by Ahmed Ibn Hanbal, narrating from Riyaah Bin Haaris. It’s highly surprising that Bedouin Arabs staying in the desert could follow the meaning of ‘Maula’ as master while the so-called civilized and learned scholars, staying in cities, could not grasp the concept.

38.  The incident of ‘Yaum-ur-Rohbah’ where Ameerul Momineen Ali Ibn Abi Taalib (a.s.) reminded his nomination on the day of Ghadeer (discussed previously in proof no. 14) is also an eye-opener. Here, thirty great companions, of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) stood witness to the Ghadeer incident. But Anas Bin Malik, Buraa Ibn Aazib, Jurair Ibn Abdullah, Zaid Ibn Arqam, Abdur Rehman Ibn Yadlej and Yazeed Ibn Wadeeah who were present in Ghadeer, refused to testify. Ameerul Momineen Ali Ibn Abi Taalib (a.s.) cursed them saying,

“If they have concealed the truth due to enmity and malice, may Allah incure His wrath on them”

Due to his curse, Buraa and Zaid became blind, Anas suffered from leprosy and Jurair became Murtad (apostate).

(Musnad, vol. 1, page 119, Al-Maaref of Ibn Qutaiba, page 251, Al-Ansaab wal Ashraaf, Seerah Halabi, vol. 3, page 302, Al-Arbaeen of Jamaluddin Shirazi, vol. 1, page 211)


If ‘Maula’ meant friend and people concealed only Ameerul Momineen Ali Ibn Abi Taalib (a.s.)’s friendship, then many would have been afflicted, not a select few, because the enemies of Ameerul Momineen Ali Ibn Abi Taalib (a.s.) were innumerable. So, it’s quite evident that only those who tried to conceal Ameerul Momineen Ali Ibn Abi Taalib (a.s.)’s Imamat and Caliphate had to suffer these afflictions. Why the present day Sunni scholars, who try to conceal Ameerul Momineen Ali Ibn Abi Taalib (a.s.)’s appointment to Imamat, do not fear the same fate?

39.  Ghadeer was not the first time that the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) had declared Ameerul Momineen Ali Ibn Abi Taalib (a.s.) as the inheritor of his mantle. Thus, it’s not possible for the Sunni scholars to interpret this tradition in whichever way they like and shelter their own leaders. The Prophet (s.a.w.a.) had, on a number of occasions, mentioned that Ameerul Momineen Ali Ibn Abi Taalib (a.s.) would be his heir. In Ghadeer-e-Khum, on his return from Hajjatul Wadaa, he was only explaining the matter in clearer terms and also, obtaining allegiance of each one present. In the initial days of Islam, when the Qur’anic verse

“And warn your nearest of relatives.”

Surah Shoa’raa (26): Verse 214


was revealed, the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) gathered the sons of Abdul Muttalib. After the dinner, he (s.a.w.a.) invited them to believe in and help him in his mission of Prophethood. He (s.a.w.a.) said:
“Whoever of you helps me in this mission (of prophethood) he shall be my brother, my successor, my Caliph amongst you.”
Among forty people, only Ali Ibn Talib (a.s.) accepted the invitation and answered his call, after which the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) announced,
“Surely he is my brother, my successor and my Caliph amongst you. Then listen to him and obey him.”
The invitation of Zul Asheerah is the concise form of Hadees-e-Ghadeer. In other words, Hadees-e-Ghadeer is the detailed explanation of the Zul Asheerah incident found in many reliable and authentic Sunni books.

(Al-Kaamil, vol. 2, page 24, Taareekh Abul Feda, vol. 1, page 116, Sharhe Nahjul Balagha of Ibn Abil Hadeed, vol. 3, page 354, Life of Muhammad by Muhammad Husayn Haykal first edition, page 104, Taareekh-e-Tabari, vol. 2, page 216, Tafseer-e-Tabari, vol. 19, page 74)
40.  Finally, the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) had explained the meaning of ‘Maula’ in Hadees-e-Ghadeer, which if referred to, would not require any further debate and discussion. Shaykhul Islam Hamwini, in his book, ‘Faraaedus Simtain’ records a tradition narrated by senior Tabeei Sulaym Ibn Qays. During the period of Usman’s Caliphate, about two hundred people were involved in an informative discussion in the mosque, relating the excellences and virtues of the Quraysh. Those who were participating in this discussion were the likes of Muhammad Ibn Abi Bakr, Abdullah Ibn Umar, Abdul Rehman Auf, Talhah, Zubair, Miqdad, Zaid Ibn Saabit, Jaabir Ibn Abdullah, Anas Ibn Malik, etc. When they were glorifying the Quraysh, Ameerul Momineen Ali Ibn Abi Taalib (a.s.) and his Ahle Bayt (Imam Hasan (a.s.), Imam Husain, Abdullah Ibn Jafar, etc.) were listening quietly. People asked Ameerul Momineen Ali Ibn Abi Taalib (a.s.): “Why are you silent? Why don’t you say something?” On this, he (a.s.) replied:
“Whatever excellences you have talked about, are yours or your family’s?”

They said: “No, these glories have been bestowed by Allah upon Muhammad (s.a.w.a.) and his clan.” Ameerul Momineen Ali Ibn Abi Taalib (a.s.) answered:
“Truth is that which you’ve said. Don’t you know that whatever bounties of this world and the hereafter you receive is due to us Ahle Bait?”
Ameerul Momineen Ali Ibn Abi Taalib (a.s.) went on speaking till he reached to the Ghadeer issue. Then he (a.s.) said:

“After the congregational prayers, the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) delivered a sermon saying, ‘O people, you know that Allah is my Master and I am the master of the believers. I have more authority upon them than they themselves’. They all confirmed saying, “Yes O Messenger of Allah’ Then, the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) said: “Stand, O Ali.” So, I stood up. Then, he said again “Of whomsoever I am the master, Ali is his master too…” Here, Salman Farsi, questioned, “What type of mastership?” He (s.a.w.a.) answered, “Like my mastership. As I have more authority over them all.”

Is any further discussion required after this lucid explanation?
A similar tradition has been recorded by Ali Ibn Hamid-e-Qurashi in ‘Shamsul Akhbaar’, page 38. The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) was asked: “What is the meaning of “Of whomsoever…” He (s.a.w.a.) answered:
“Allah is my Master. He has more authority upon me than myself. My will and authority has no value when compared to His will and authority. Similarly, I am the master of the believers. Their opinion and will has no value when compared to mine. And of whomsoever I am his master, Ali is having equal authority over him. Ali’s authority is more over them than they themselves. Nobody’s will is valid and binding when compared to Ali Ibn Abi Taalib (a.s.)’s.”
A similar tradition has been narrated by Sayed Ali Hamdani in ‘Mawaddatul Qurba’. He narrates a part of the sermon of the Messenger of Islam (s.a.w.a.) in Ghadeer:
“O People! Is not Allah my Master? He gives me commands, orders prohibitions and I have no authority over the Almighty.”

Everyone said: “Yes O Messenger of Allah!” Then he (s.a.w.a.) said:
“Of whomsoever Allah and His Messenger are masters, this Ali is his master. He will give you orders and command prohibitions. You don’t have any authority to command or prohibit him.”
It means that the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) has himself explained and interpreted the mastership of Ameerul Momineen Ali Ibn Abi Taalib (a.s.) so that there may not remain any place for the ignorant deceivers to interpret it to suit their own needs. Whoever believes in Allah and His Messenger (s.a.w.a.), gives preference to their orders, holds them dearer than his life, it does not suit him to interpret ‘Maula’ in any other way but master, caliph, successor and leader. Except, if he thinks himself as wiser and more learned than Allah and His Messenger. Allah knows how such people will face the Almighty on the day of judgement and how will they answer the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) when he questions them about their distortions?