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Wet Cupping – Hijama
Personal Experience of immediate effect for Heel Pain
The treatment, called “hejama” in Arabic, involves evacuating air from cups placed on parts of the body, mainly on the back, to suck tissue and stimulate blood flow.
The treatment is cited several times in a narrative, known as the “hadith”, about the deeds and sayings of Mohammad, the founder of Islam who lived in 6th and 7th century Arabia. Some practitioners say it even dates back to Pharaonic Egypt.
Egyptians are increasingly putting their faith in “the prophet’s medicine”, despite an official ban, to treat conditions which modern medicine has failed to cure.
Although popular with both rich and poor, for Egypt’s less well off the treatment offers an affordable alternative to private medicine and state-provided health care, which many think inadequate.
Al-Hijamah – Cupping
Wet hijama for chronic migraine
Hijama for psoriasis-lower back pain -nervous breakdown
Hijama on a lady’s leg
This lady had experienced pain on her leg and asked for Hijama. There is inflammation on her leg due to the clotting and thickening of blood which consists of lots of toxins.
What is cupping (hijama)?
Cupping (hijama) is the best remedy recommended and used by the Messenger (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam). The Messenger (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) said, “Indeed the best of remedies you have is cupping (hijama)…” [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (5371)]. He (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) also said that on the night of Israa (his ascension to the heavens) he (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) did not pass by an angel except that it said to him, “Oh Muhammad, order your Ummah (nation) with cupping (hijama).” [Saheeh Sunan Tirmidhee (3479)]. This shows the importance and greatness of this Sunnah.
‘Hijama’ in arabic is derived from ‘hajm’ which means ‘sucking’. Cupping (hijama) is the process of applying cups to various points on the body by removing the air inside the cups to form a vacuum.
Cupping (hijama) is of three types:
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Dry cupping (hijama) – This is the process of using a vacuum on different areas of the body in order to gather the blood in that area without incisions (small, light scratches using a razor).
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Dry massage cupping (hijama) – This is similar to dry cupping (hijama) but olive oil is applied to the skin (before applying the cups) in order to allow easy movement of the cups.
70% of diseases, pains and ailments are due to the blood being unable to reach certain parts of the body. Dry cupping (hijama) and dry massaging cupping (hijama) allow the blood to reach these places.
Dry and massage cupping (hijama) may be self-administered in the comfort and privacy of your own home. Each cupping (hijama) box is accompanied by an instruction booklet. We have also provided further instructions on our ‘How To Cup’ page.
Dry and massage cupping (hijama) may be administered any time of the day, any day of the week or month. There are no restrictions.
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Wet cupping (hijama) – This is the process of using a vacuum at different points on the body but with incisions in order to remove ‘harmful’ blood which lies just beneath the surface of the skin. (It is recommended that wet cupping (hijama) is only administered by a cupping therapist).
Is cupping (hijama) a cure for every disease?
Cupping (hijama) is a cure for every disease if performed in its correct time. The Messenger (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) said, “Indeed in cupping (hijama) there is a cure.” [Saheeh Muslim (5706)]. The Messenger (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) said, “Whoever performs cupping (hijama) on the 17th, 19th or 21st day (of the Islamic month) then it is a cure for every disease.” [Saheeh Sunan Abi Dawud (3861)].
There are specific points on the body where the cups are applied for each ailment.
Is cupping (hijama) from the Sunnah?
Above are just some of the authentic narrations which show that cupping (hijama) is from the Sunnah of the Messenger (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam). Please see our ‘Authentic Narrations’ page for more authentic narrations about cupping (hijama).
The Messenger (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) said, “Whoever revives a Sunnah from my Sunnah and the people practise it, s/he will have the same reward of those who practise it without their reward diminishing…” [Sunan ibn Maajah (209)].
Authentic Narrations About Cupping (Al-Hijama)
Cupping (Hijama) Is The Best Of Remedies
Anas ibn Maalik (may Allaah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) said, “Indeed the best of remedies you have is cupping (hijama)…” [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (5371)].
Abu Hurairah (may Allaah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) said, “If there was something excellent to be used as a remedy then it is cupping (hijama).” [Saheeh Sunan abi Dawud (3857), Saheeh Sunan ibn Maajah (3476)].
The Angels Recommending Cupping (Hijama)
Abdullah ibn Abbas (may Allaah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) said, “I did not pass by an angel from the angels on the night journey except that they all said to me: Upon you is cupping (hijama), O Muhammad.” [Saheeh Sunan ibn Maajah (3477)].
In the narration reported by Abdullah ibn Mas’ud (may Allaah be pleased with him) the angels said, “Oh Muhammad, order your Ummah (nation) with cupping (hijama).” [Saheeh Sunan Tirmidhee (3479)].
Cupping (Hijama) Is A Prevention
Anas ibn Maalik (may Allaah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) said, “Whoever wants to perform cupping (hijama) then let him search for 17th, 19th and 21st and let none of you allow his blood to rage (boil) such that it kills him.” [Saheeh Sunan ibn Maajah (3486)].
Anas ibn Maalik (may Allaah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) said, “When the weather becomes extremely hot, seek aid in cupping (hijama). Do not allow your blood to rage (boil) such that it kills you.” [Reported by Hakim in his ‘Mustadrak’ and he authenticated it and Imam ad-Dhahabi agreed (4/212)].
In Cupping (Hijama) There Is A Cure And A blessing
Abdullah ibn Abbas (may Allaah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) said, “Healing is in three things: in the incision of the cupper, in drinking honey, and in cauterizing with fire, but I forbid my Ummah (nation) from cauterization (branding with fire).” [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (5681), Saheeh Sunan ibn Maajah (3491)].
Jaabir ibn Abdullah (may Allaah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) said, “Indeed in cupping (hijama) there is a cure.” [Saheeh Muslim (5706)].
Ibn Umar (may Allaah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) said, “Cupping (hijama) on an empty stomach* is best. In it is a cure and a blessing…” [Saheeh Sunan ibn Maajah (3487)].
* ‘alaa ar-reeq in arabic means to fast until after being treated with cupping. Once the treatment of cupping has been completed, one may eat and drink.
Cupping (Hijama) In Its Time Is A Cure For Every Disease
Abu Hurairah (may Allaah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) said, “Whoever performs cupping (hijama) on the 17th, 19th or 21st day (of the Islamic, lunar month) then it is a cure for every disease.” [Saheeh Sunan abi Dawud (3861)].
The Best Days For Cupping (Hijama)
The best days for cupping (hijama) are the 17th, 19th and 21st of the Islamic month which coincide with Monday, Tuesday or Thursday.
Anas ibn Maalik (may Allaah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) said, “Whoever wants to perform cupping (hijama) then let him search for 17th, 19th and 21st…” [Saheeh Sunan ibn Maajah (3486)].
Ibn Umar (may Allaah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) said, “Cupping (hijama) on an empty stomach* is best. In it is a cure and a blessing. It improves the intellect and the memory. So cup yourselves with the blessing of Allaah on Thursday. Keep away from cupping (hijama) on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday to be safe. Perform cupping (hijama) on Monday and Tuesday for it is the day that Allaah saved Ayoub from a trial. He was inflicted with the trial on Wednesday. You will not find leprosy except (by being cupped) on Wednesday or Wednesday night.” [Saheeh Sunan ibn Maajah (3487)].
Ibn Umar (may Allaah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) said, “Cupping (hijama) on an empty stomach* is best. It increases the intellect and improves the memory. It improves the memory of the one memorising. So whoever is going to be cupped then (let it be) on a Thursday in the name of Allaah. Keep away from being cupped on a Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Be cupped on a Monday or Tuesday. Do not be cupped on a Wednesday because it is the day that Ayoub was befallen with a trial. You will not find leprosy except (by being cupped) on Wednesday or Wednesday night.” [Saheeh Sunan ibn Maajah (3488)].
* ‘alaa ar-reeq in arabic means to fast until after being treated with cupping. Once the treatment of cupping has been completed, one may eat and drink.
As for the Islamic day and night, the night enters before the day. So at sunset on Tuesday, Wednesday night comes in. Cupping (hijama) is best performed during the daytime between the adhaan of fajr and the adhaan of maghrib because yawm in arabic means daytime.
The Sunnah days for cupping (hijama) every month are when the 17th or 19th or 21st of the lunar month coincide with a Monday, Tuesday or Thursday. These are the best and most beneficial days for cupping (hijama). If one is not able to be cupped on 17th, 19th or 21st (coinciding with Monday, Tuesday or Thursday) then any Monday, Tuesday or Thursday of the month.
Cupping (Hijama) May Be Used For:
Headaches
Salma (may Allaah be pleased with him), the servant of the Messenger of Allaah (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) said, “Whenever someone would complain of a headache to the Messenger of Allaah (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam), he (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) would advise them to perform cupping (hijama).” [Saheeh Sunan abi Dawud (3858)].
Magic
Ibn al-Qaiyum (may Allaah have mercy on him) mentions that the Messenger (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) was cupped on his head when he was afflicted with magic and that it is from the best of cures for this if performed correctly. [Zaad al Ma’aad (4/125-126)].
Poison
Abdullah ibn Abbas (may Allaah be pleased with him) reported that a Jewish woman gave poisoned meat to the Messenger of Allaah (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) so he (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) sent her a message saying, “What caused you to do that?” She replied, “If you really are a Prophet then Allaah will inform you of it and if you are not then I would save the people from you!” When the Messenger (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) felt pain from it, he (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) performed cupping (hijama). Once he travelled while in Ihram and felt that pain and hence performed cupping (hijama). [Ahmed (1/305) the hadeeth is hasan (good chain with all the paths)].
Strengthening One’s Intelligence And Memory
Ibn Umar (may Allaah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) said, “Cupping (hijama) on an empty stomach* is best. In it is a cure and a blessing. It improves the intellect and the memory. So cup yourselves with the blessing of Allaah on Thursday. Keep away from cupping (hijama) on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday to be safe. Perform cupping (hijama) on Monday and Tuesday for it is the day that Allaah saved Ayoub from a trial. He was inflicted with the trial on Wednesday. You will not find leprosy except (by being cupped) on Wednesday or Wednesday night.” [Saheeh Sunan ibn Maajah (3487)].
* ‘alaa ar-reeq in arabic means to fast until after being treated with cupping. Once the treatment of cupping has been completed, one may eat and drink.
Dislocation/Bruising
Jaabir ibn Abdullah (may Allaah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) fell from his horse onto the trunk of a palm tree and dislocated his foot. Waki’ (may Allaah be pleased with him) said, “Meaning the Messenger (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) was cupped on (his foot) for bruising.” [Saheeh Sunan ibn Maajah (2807)].
Cupping (Hijama) While fasting Or In The State Of Ihram
Abdullah ibn Abbas (may Allaah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) was cupped on his head for a unilateral headache while he was in Ihraam. [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (5701)].
Abdullah ibn Abbas (may Allaah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) was cupped while he was fasting. [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (5694)].
Areas of Cupping (Hijama)
Anas ibn Maalik (may Allaah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) was treated with cupping (hijama) three times on the two veins at the side of the neck and the base of the neck. [Saheeh Sunan abi Dawud (3860), ibn Maajah (3483)].
Abdullah ibn Abbas (may Allaah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) was cupped on his head. [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (5699)].
Abdullah ibn ‘Umar (may Allaah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) used to cup his head and would call it (the place at the top of the head) “Umm Mugheeth.” [Saheehah (753), Saheeh al-Jaami’ (4804)].
Jaabir ibn Abdullah (may Allaah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) was treated with cupping (hijama) on his hip for a pain in that area. [Saheeh Sunan abi Dawud (3863)].
Anas ibn Maalik (may Allaah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) was treated with cupping (hijama) when he was in Ihram, on the top of his foot, for a pain in that area. [Saheeh Sunan abi Dawud (1836)].
Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allaah have mercy on him) said, “Cupping (hijama) under the chin is beneficial for pain in the teeth, face and throat, if it is performed in its proper time. It purifies the head and the jaws.
Cupping (hijama) on the top of the foot is a substitution for the puncturing of the Saphena, which is a large vein in the heel. It is beneficial for treating ulcers that occur on the thighs and calves, the interruption of menses and skin irritation on the testicles.
Cupping (hijama) at the bottom of the chest is beneficial for the treatment of sores, scabies and mange on the thighs. It helps against gout, hemorrhoids, elephantiasis and itchiness on the back.” [Zaad al-Ma’aad, 4/58].
Cupping (Hijama) For Women
Jaabir ibn Abdullah (may Allaah be pleased with him) reported Umm Salama (may Allah be pleased with her) asked permission from the Messenger (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) to be treated with cupping (hijama). So the Messenger (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) ordered Abu Teeba (may Allaah be pleased with him) to cup her. Jaabir ibn Abdullah (may Allaah be pleased with him) said, ” I think he (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) said that Abu Teeba (may Allaah be pleased with him) is her brother through breastfeeding or a young boy who didn’t reach puberty”. [Saheeh Muslim (5708), abu Dawud (4102), Saheeh ibn Maajah (3480)].
Cupping Videos
Below are links to Shaikh Muhammad Musa Nasr’s Cupping (hijama) video on youtube.com and brother Abdul Hakim’s (from naturalhealthnaturesfinest.co.uk) Cupping (hijama) video on islamictube.net:
The following is a link to a six part video by Shaikh Muhammad Musa Aal Nasr titled, ‘The Sunnah Of Hijaamah’:
Wafat ANNIVERSARY of OUR Holy Prophet H. Muhammad (S.A.W.W.)
In His Name, The Most Gracious, The Most Merciful
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He did not speak or advocate the cause of some particular race or ethnic group, but stood up for all humanity irrespective of race, colour, class, language or geographical barriers. The Message he preached was universal, transgressing all obstacles whether artificial or otherwise. A Message so complete and comprehensive that it not only revolutionized the era in which it was proclaimed, but even today its timeless beauty has lost none of the original charm and continues its profound appeal to the human intellect.
What was that unique Message and who was the Messenger?
Is it capable of solving the modern world’s myriad problem?
Will it cater to the complicated aspects, characteristics and needs of human-beings, especially those of contemporary man?
Does it provide political or social answers?
Can it stimulate the intellect for scientific and technical discoveries?
And how about moral and spiritual aspects?
Did the Messenger set any worthy example by practicing what he preached, or was he just one of those fanciful visionaries?
The answer to all the above questions and even many more is, yes, it does. If the principles of this immortal message are sincerely observed, and if we are ready to tread the footsteps of that fantastic man, not only does it guarantee us a harmonious co-existence on this earth but also a blissful life in the hereafter.
The moment modern man is ready to cast aside his blinkered lenses of prejudice and vain pride, he will understand that the eternal truth called ‘ISLAM’ and the final Prophet named MUHAMMAD (swws) were not something special or essential to the Arabia of 14 centuries ago, but are capable of remarkably solving the complex issues of our era, the Space Age.
From all of Allah’s messengers, one stands out as being ‘alive’ even after his ‘death.’ Out of the 124,000 prophets and messengers sent for humanity, there is one who is remembered over 20 times per day by his followers – Muhammad al-Mustafa (peace be upon him and his family). Perhaps this is what Allah meant and promised when He proclaimed in Suratul Inshirah (94:4) that, “And did We not exalt your name?”
As we mark the death anniversary of the last and undoubtedly greatest of Allah’s Messengers, we close with one tradition which marks his way of life. Truly, if the Muslims were to practice just this one saying, how much of an impact would it have on their lives and those around them.
In the book Kashf al-Riba of Shaheed al-Thani it has been narrated from Husain ibn Zayd who said: “I said to Ja’far ibn Muhammad (AS): ‘May I be your ransom! Did the Noble Prophet have a sense of humour?’ He said: ‘Allah described him as having sublime morals, and Allah sent the prophets and they had seriousness about themselves. He sent Muhammad with kindness and mercy, and out of his mercy was humour and jesting with the people so that they may not feel that he is so great that they do not look at him (or approach him).’”
Then he said: “Abi Muhammad narrated to me from his father (Imam) Ali (Zainul Abideen) from his father (Imam) al-Husain from his father Imam Ali (AS) who said: “When the Noble Prophet saw any of his companions sad, he would cheer him up with humour and he would say: ‘Allah dislikes the one who frowns at his brothers.’”
The Prophet left this world on 28th Safar 11 AH (632 AD).
On this tragic and sad occasion we extend our Heartfelt Condolences to all the lovers of Holy Ahlul Bayt(A.S.) and to our present
Imam Al-Mahdi a.s. (May Allah Hasten His Appearance).
The Lost Treasure
“To eat is a necessity, but to eat intelligently is an art.”
– La Rochefoucauld
What is it about white bread that people find so appealing? Is it the fact that its completely stripped of bran and germ? Or is it because white bread is desperately lacking in zinc, fibre, and other vital nutrients? Or perhaps its because white bread is loaded with white flour, a super catalyst for constipation.
No, they’ll tell you it’s the taste.
Wheat grain can be divided into three parts: First up is the bran which consists of the husk that is found on the outside of the grain. The bran is rich in fibre, vitamins, and minerals.
Following is the endosperm. This makes up to 80% of the grain and is packed with proteins and carbohydrates.
Finally, the third part of the wheat grain is made up of the germ. The germ is an excellent source of proteins, minerals, and vitamins.
Behold the greatest bit of theft in dietary history. When white bread is processed, the bran and the germ is completely removed from it, leaving behind only the endosperm.
Someone better call the cops. This is daylight robbery of the highest quality!
The crimes of white bread don’t stop there. Far from it.
Whilst it is being processed, chemicals like chlorine dioxide, potassium bromate, and benzyl peroxide are used to bleach the flour used in white bread.
Just for the record, chlorine dioxide is a pesticide used to kill bugs and other small animals.
But I guess it’s understandable. After depriving it of all the healthy stuff, they’ve got to make it good again by loading it with artificial ingredients.
Just had three slices of white bread this morning for breakfast and feeling a bit unhealthy?
Well there is some more bad news. Sugar is sometimes also added to white bread in order to make it more appealing to the taste buds.
So now you know why those nutritionists keep on harping on about the evils of white bread. But why do they recommend eating brown bread, or whole wheat bread, instead of white bread?
Brown bread includes all those three parts of the grain which we talked about earlier, making it exponentially more nutritious than white bread. The bran, endosperm, and germ remain intact. Brown bread is wheat grain and this is the way God wanted us to eat it – in its whole and unmodified form.
You can have fun with brown bread as well. Try the type with lots of grains sometimes, or give the one with flax seeds a shot.
Perhaps the only point that white bread can score over brown bread is when it comes to shelf-life. Due to the obscene amount of preservatives and refinements that white bread possesses, it can remain ‘fresh’ for a very long time.
Brown bread on the other end is made from natural ingredients, and thus would not last as long as white bread.
So let us end this act of blatant racism against our whole-wheat friends, and if you haven’t done so already, make that switch from white bread to brown bread before its too late.
References:
www.differencebetween.net
www.greenlivingtips.com
www.robinshill.com
www.swisscottagellc.com
www.ludlowsc.org.uk
Contributed by : Mohamed Kazim Suleman
Mohamed Kazim Suleman – Originally from Dubai, Mohamed is currently studying Journalism at Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada. In his spare time, he enjoys playing tennis, ice hockey, cricket, and ultimate frisbee.
The only place in India where food is cheap…..
The only place in India where food is cheap…..
Tea Rs.1.00
Soup Rs.5.50
Dal Rs.1.50
Meals Rs.2.00
Chappathi Rs.1.00
Chicken Rs.24.50
Dosa Rs.4.00
Veg Briyani Rs.8.00
Fish Rs.13.00
This is the actual price list.
These items are meant for “POOR PEOPLE” & is available at Indian
Parliament Canteen. The salary of those poor people is Rs.80,000 per
Month!! PLUS HEFTY BONUS IN SCAMS….
Please forward to all Indians (all this money comes from our pockets, THE TAXES WE PAY!)
HISTORY OF THE SHRINE OF/ IMAM HUSAYN B. ALI B. ABI TALIB (A.S.),
Unlike any other city, Karbala has its named engraved in the memory of generations, and in the expanse of the Muslim world… Believers remember that name with sorrow and distress, for they remember the history of the master of all martyrs, Imam Husayn, peace be upon him, and his sacrifice for Islam.
The wave of visitors never stopped coming to Karbala, from the time the Umayyad and Abbasid caliphs prevented the construction of the shrines to the time the believers were able to build the precinct, despite the hardships and difficulties imposed on them.
Two main roads lead the visitor to Karbala. One is from the Iraqi capital Baghdad, through Al-Musails, and the other is from the holy city of Najaf. However, either one excites the visitor with its greenish scenery along the sides. Upon reaching Karbala, the holy place would draw the visitor’s attention to its glorious minarets and domes shining due to the light of its lord.
At the city’s entrance, the visitor finds a row of houses decorated with wooden columns, and while proceeding further towards the holy mausoleum, he sees architechture similar, to some extent, to modern ones. Upon reaching the holy shrine, one finds himself in front of a boundary wall that surrounds wooden gates covered with glass decorations, and when one enters one of those gates, he enters a precinct surrounded by small rooms called “I wans”.
The holy grave is located in the middle of the precinct, surrounded by square shaped structures called “Rawaq”. The grave itself is located in the middle of the grave site with golden windows around it, with beautiful illumination. It really is something great to see.
“Karbala” Origin & Meaning
There are many opinions among different investigators, as to the origin of the word “Karbala”.
Some have pointed out that “Karbala” has a connection to the “Karbalato” language, while others attempt to derive the meaning of word “Karbala” by analyzing its spelling and language. They conclude that it originates from the Arabic word “Kar Babel” which was a group of ancient Babylonian villages that included Nainawa, Al-Ghadiriyya, Karbella, Al-Nawaweess, and Al-Heer. This last name is today known as Al-Hair and is where Imam Husayn’s [a] grave is located.
The investigator Yaqut al-Hamawy had pointed out that the meaning of “Karbala” could have several explanations, one of which is that the place where Imam Husayn [a] was killed is made of soft earth – “Al-Karbalat”.
Other writers made the connection between the name and the disastrous event which painted the desert with blood, and so the word “Karbala” was said to compose of two Arabic words: “Karb” meaning grief and sorrow, and “Balaa” meaning affliction. Such a connection, in fact, has no scientific evidence, since Karbala was known as such even before the arrival of Imam Husayn, peace be upon him.
Martyrdom and popularity
Karbala was at first an uninhabited place and did not witness any construction activity, although it was rich in water and its soil fertile.
Following the tenth of Muharram 61 AH (680 AD), after the martyrdom of Imam Husayn [a], people from far as well as tribes living nearby started visiting the holy grave.
A lot of those who came, stayed behind and/or asked their relatives to bury them there after their demise.
Despite many attempts by successive rulers, such as Al-Rashid and Al-Mutawakkil, to put a restriction on the development of this area, it has nonetheless spread with time to become a city.
Bounty of visiting Imam Husayn [a]
There is a lot of benefit and great spiritual reward in visiting the grave of Imam Husayn [a]. The Prophet [s] has said of his grandson Imam Husayn [a]: “Husayn is of me and I am of him”. Several narrations mention that visiting the grave of Imam Husayn [a] relieves one of worldly afflictions as well as those after death.
Believers, therefore, come from all parts of the world all year round to receive the honour of visiting Imam Husayn [a], particularly during the first ten days of Muharram (Ashura) and the twentieth of Safar (the fourtieth).
One common Iraqi custom during that season is to go walking from Najaf to Karbala, reflecting their strong adhesion to and adoption of the morals and principles for which Imam Husayn [a] struggled and attained martyrdom.
Mausoleum of Imam Husayn, peace be upon him
The historian Ibn Kuluwayh mentioned that those who buried Imam Husayn [a], made a special and rigid construction with signs above the grave.
Higher and bigger constructions above the grave started during the ruling of Al-Saffah, but Harun al-Rashid later on, put heavy restrictions to prevent people from visiting the grave.
At the time of Al-Mamun, construction around the grave resumed until the year 236 AH when Al-Mutawakkil ordered the destruction and digging of the grave, and then filling the pit with water. His son, who succeeded him, allowed people to visit the grave site, and since then building the precinct to the grave increased and developed step by step.
On the other hand, the historian Ibn Al-Athir, stated that in the year 371 AH, Aadod Al-Dawla Al-Boowayhi became the first to largely lay the foundations for large scale construction, and generously decorated the place. He also built houses and markets around the precinct, and surrounded Karbala with a high boundary wall turning it into a strong castle.
In the year 407 AH, the precinct caught fire due to the dropping of two large candles on the wooden decorations, but Hasan ibn Fadl (the state minister) rebuilt the damaged sections.
History has recorded the names of several rulers who shared the honour of widening, decorating or keeping the precinct in good condition. Amongst them is Fateh Ali al-Qajari, who in 1250 AH ordered the construction of two domes. One over Imam Husayn’s [a] grave and the other over his brother Abu al-Fadl Abbas [a].
The first dome is 27 meters high and completely covered with gold. At the bottom, it is surrounded with 12 windows, each of which is about 1.25 m away from the other, from the inside, and 1.30 m from the outside.
The mausoleum has an area of 59 m / 75 m with ten gates, and about 65 rooms (I wans), well decorated from the inside and outside, used as classrooms for studying.
As for the grave itself, in the middle of the precinct, it is called the “Rawda” or garden and it has several doors. The most famous one is called “Al-Qibla” or “Bab al-Dhahab”. When it is entered, one can see the tomb of Habib ibn Madhahir al-Asadi, to the right hand side. Habib was a friend and companion of Imam Husayn [a] since their childhood. He was one of those who was honoured with martrdom at the Battle of Karbala.
The resting place of Abbas b. Ali, peace be upon him
Abu al-Fadl Abbas, peace be upon him, was the brother of Imam Hasan [a] and Imam Husayn [a] and the standard-bearer of Imam Husayn [a] in the Battle of Karbala. He is well known in history for his valour, loyalty and similarity to his father, the Lion of God, Ali b. Abi Talib, peace be upon him.
The grave of Abbas [a] received similar attention as that of Imam Husayn [a]. In the year 1032 AH, the King Tahmaseb ordered the decoration of the grave’s dome. He built a window on the ‘darih’ around the grave and organized the precinct. Other similar activities were done by other rulers.
As a matter of fact, Karbala contains, besides the grave of Imam Husayn [a] and his brother, the grave of all the 72 martyrs of Karbala. They were buried in a mass grave which was then covered with soil to the ground level. This mass grave is at the foot of Imam Husayn’s [a] grave. In particular, besides Imam Husayn’s grave are the graves of his two sons Ali Akbar and 6-month old Ali Asgher.
Chronology of Imam Husayn’s Shrine at Karbala
| AH | CE | Events |
| 61 | lst October, 680 | Imam Husayn [a] was buried at this sacred spot. |
| 65 | 18th August, 684 | Mukhtar ibn Abu Obaidah Thaqafi built an enclosure around the grave, in the form of a mosque and erected a dome over the grave. There were two entrances to this building. |
| 132 | 12th August, 749 | A roof was built over a part of this mosque and two entrances were added during the reign of as-Saffah. |
| 140 | 31st March, 763 | The roof was demolished during the reign of al-Mansur. |
| 158 | 11th November, 774 | During the reign of Mahdi the roof was reconstructed. |
| 171 | 22nd June, 787 | During the reign of Al-Rashid the dome and the roof were demolished and the plum tree which stood near the grave was cut down. |
| 193 | 25th October, 808 | During the reign of Amin the building was reconstructed. |
| 236 | 15th July, 850 | Mutawakkil demolished the buildings and ordered that the land should be ploughed. |
| 247 | 17th March, 861 | Muntasir built a roof over the grave and set up an iron pillar near it, to serve as a landmark for the pilgrims. |
| 273 | 8th June, 886 | The roof was demolished again. |
| 280 | 23rd March, 893 | The Alid representative built a dome in the centre, with two roofs, on either side and an enclosure with two entrances. |
| 307 | 19th August, 977 |
Ziyarat Ashura – Abathar Al-Halawaji – زيارة عاشوراء ابا ذر الحلواجي
Alqamah bin Mohammed ibn Hazrami (r.a.) narrates ‘I requested Imam Baqir (a.s.) to teach me a dua that I should recite on the day of Aashoora after the reciting the Ziyaarat of Imam Husain (a.s.) – from near his (a.s.) grave or from a distance.’ Imam (a.s.) replied
‘O Alqamah, whenever you wish to recite the Ziyaarat of Imam Husain (a.s.), you first perform two units of prayers. Then turn towards the grave of Imam Husain (a.s.) and while pointing towards it, you first say ‘Salam’ and then ‘Takbir’. Thereafter, you recite this Ziyaarat (Ziyaarate Aashoora). If you do so, then as if you have recited the supplication read by the angels while visiting the grave of Imam Husain (a.s.). Moreover, when you recite this Ziyaarat, then
(a) Allah will increase your grade ten lakh times
(b) You will be included among those people who were martyred along with Imam Husain (a.s.)
(c) On the day of Judgment, you will be included among the martyrs
(d) You will get the reward of all the Prophets (a.s.) who have visited the grave of Imam Husain (a.s.) from the day that he (a.s.) was martyred till date.
And the way of reciting the Ziyaarat is like this’
(Then Imam (a.s.) recited the entire Ziyaarate Aashoora for Alqamah (r.a.))
(Kaamil al-Ziyaarat, Ibn Qoolwayh, Ch. 71, p.194)
Ziyarat Ashura is salutations to the martyrs of Karbala who sacrificed their life along with that of Aba Abdillah [a] for the sake of Islam and for preserving Islam. This ziyarat has many benefits and many traditions have been recorded encouraging the followers of Ahlul Bayt [a] to recite this Ziyarat daily.
Dua Tawassul by Abu Dhar al-Halawaji
View video in High quality:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=vKptigJSBS…
Dua Tawassul is a supplication recited by the Followers of the Family of the Prophet of Islam (Ahlulbayt), in which they ask Allah, the Exalted, for the intercession of those pure people whom He has spoken of in the Quran, when Allah says:
-[None shall have the power of intercession, but such a one as has received permission (or promise) from (Allah) Most Gracious] (19:87)
-[Who is there can intercede in His presence except as He permitteth?] (2:255)
-[no intercession avail except for those for whom permission has been granted by (God)] (20:109)
-[And those whom they call upon besides Him have no authority for intercession, BUT he who bears witness of the truth and they know (him)] (43:86)
-[And how many an angel is there in the heavens whose intercession does not avail at all except after Allah has given permission to whom He pleases and chooses] (53:26)
Is Intercession a form of Shirk?
http://youtube.com/watch?v=jJDSWD3wEd8
Does Allah (swt) allow us to use others as a Wasila (means of approach) to him?
Yes, Allah (swt) tells us in the Qur’an, that the sole reason for creating Man and Jinn is so that they worship Him. We are here to worship Allah (swt), who also says in the Qur’an “Fear Allah and find a wasila to him (5:35)”.
The definition of wasila is ‘a means of approach’, so worship is not direct – it is attained via a means of approach, a guide. Remember Allah (swt) is not telling you to create a wasila, he is telling you to find it. So it exists, it is down to you to find it. For mankind that wasila can only be through a fellow human being, we have no contact with jinns’ and therefore they cannot act as a wasila.
Angels likewise cannot act as a wasila to Allah (swt) as they have no contact with us until the time of death. The wasila will have to be a human being, because the earth is inhabited by humans and as Allah (swt) says when explaining the appointment of Prophets “If there were angels on the earth I would send them an angel as a Prophet from heaven (Surat al Isra verse 95).”
Articles for further reading:
http://www.answering-ansar.org/answer…
http://al-islam.org/shiism/8.htm
http://al-islam.org/mot/default.asp?u…
Is this Dua authentic?
Shaykh Tusi says, in his book Misbah, that imam Hassan bin Ali Al Askari wrote this dua’a for Abu Muhammad who requested him to teach him the proper way of reciting salawat. Allama Majlisi has mentioned this dua’a on the authority of Ibn babawayh who confidently says that there is no difficulty or problem that this dua’a does not solve.
The merciful Allah is beseeched in the name of and for the sake of the Holy prophet and his Ahl ul Bayt. It is known as the Dua which fulfills all legitimate desires in a short amount of time.
Reward for actions……..
World is house of punishment
Imam Jafar Sadiq (A.S.) narrates that Almighty Allah told Prophet Musa (A.S.) “O Musa! This world is a house of punishment. When Adam committed tar-e-awla (leaving the recommended deed), He was send to this world in return. Whenever a person commits mistake he is punish in this world. This world is curse along with all things present in it except for what is done for Me the Lord. O Musa, My various servants keep away from this world as much knowledge as they have. And others who are ignorant of Me, chase this world. The eyes of none of my creatures who consider this world great could get peace, while those who consider this world unworthy could get plenty of benefit. (Ref: Sawabul A’amal Iqaabul A’amal)
Reward of saying ‘Laa Ilaaha illallaah’ at the time of calamity
Imam Mohammed Baqir (A.S.) said: “If a believer faces a calamity and utters ‘Laa Ilaaha illallaah’, Allah will forgive all sins of that person except the greater sins for which punishment of hell is obligatory. Repetition of ‘Laa Ilaaha illallaah’ and glorifying Allah whenever you are with calamity faced. In this case Allah will forgive all sins between two utterances except the greater sins. (Ref: Sawabul A’amal Iqaabul A’amal)
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Reward of visiting the grave of a believer
The narrator says that he went to a grave along with Ibrahim bin Hashim, and sat at a grave facing Qiblah, Ibrahim kept his hands on grave and recited Surah Qadr seven times. He said, “It is the grave of Mohammed bin Ismail Bazee, who narrated a tradition that one who visit the grave of a believer and recites seven time Surah Qadr, Allah is responsible for the salvation of the person and dead believer” (Ref: Sawabul A’amal Iqaabul A’amal)
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Reward of visiting the grave of a believer
Visiting graves of believers on shab e juma or before sunrise on juma and reciting four Qul surah on behalf of the Marhumeen (deceased), Allah will appoint an Angel who will pray on behalf of Marhumeen, and when the deceased will rise from the grave on the day of resurrection he will surprised to find his grave illuminate and on inquiring the same, the angel will conveyed that such and such Momeen had recited Surah Qul on your grave, for which Allah has gifted you bounties.
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Reward of squeeze of grave for a believer
Imam Jafar Sadiq (A.S.) narrates from His ancestors that” The squeeze of grave for a believer is atonement for bounties wasted by the person.” (Ref: Sawabul A’amal Iqaabul A’amal)
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Reward of offering food to a believer in the way of Allah
Imam Jafar Sadiq (A.S.) says: “One who feeds a believer for the sake of Allah will get the reward of feeding Fiyaam people” The narrator asked what is meant by Fiyaam. Imam (A.S.) replied ‘A hundred thousand people’. (Ref: Sawabul A’amal Iqaabul A’amal)
Reward of feeding three believers
Imam Jafar Sadiq (A.S.) says: “One who feeds three believers Allah Almighty will offer the person food in the tree Gardens –Jannat-e-Firdaus, Jannat-e-Adn and Jannat-e-Tooba. Tooba is a tree of Jannat-e-Adn, grown by Lord Himself. (Ref: Sawabul A’amal Iqaabul A’amal)
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Reward of fulfilling a desire of a Muslim
Imam Jafar Sadiq (A.S.) said: “One who fulfills a desire of a Muslim brother, Allah calls out to the former, “Your reward is with me and I won’t be satisfied unless I send you to Paradise” (Ref: Sawabul A’amal Iqaabul A’amal)
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Reward of supplicating (DUA) in congregation
Imam Jafar Sadiq (A.S.) said: “If four persons gather and supplicate together their supplications is accepted before they separate.” (Ref: Sawabul A’amal Iqaabul A’amal)
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Reward of supplicating secretly
Imam Reza(A.S.)said: “A supplication done secretly is better than seventy supplication done openly” (Ref: Sawabul A’amal Iqaabul A’amal)
قُلْ مَا يَعْبَأُ بِكُمْ رَبِّي لَوْلا دُعَاؤُكُمْ ” Say: ‘Had it not been for your prayers (supplications), my Lord would not have cared about you'” (Qur’ān, 25:77):
Fatal Embrace by Mark Braverman
http://markbraverman.org/fatal-embrace/
The State of Israel was established as a safe haven for the Jewish people, but its expansionism and treatment of the Palestinians have made the prospects for peace in the Holy Land recede further and further. In Fatal Embrace, author Mark Braverman shows how the Jewish quest for safety and empowerment and the Christian endeavor to atone for centuries of anti-Semitism have united to suppress the conversations needed to bring peace. Tracing his own journey as a Jew struggling with the difficult realities of modern Israel, Braverman delivers a strong message to Jews and Christians alike: it is not anti-Semitic to stand up for justice for the Palestinian people. Describing the spiritual and psychological forces driving the discourse in America, in Israel, within the Jewish community, and within the church, Braverman turns to the prophets’ cry for justice and to Jesus’ transformative ministry to show the way forward.
An updated edition of Mark Braverman’s Fatal Embrace: Christians, Jews, and the Search for Peace in the Holy Land is now available. It features a new Afterword and an endorsement by Marcus J. Borg.
Dua Kumayl – Abu Thar Al-Halawaji
Download here:
http://www.al-masumeen.com/duas/dua-k…
To view in HD click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=58C7ef…
Provoking Thoughts 