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Khalil Jaffer – The Coming of The Mahdi [as] – 3 Parts
The first part of a highly uplifting series of three lectures describing and analysing the events which will lead to the re-appearance of Imam al-Mahdi, the twelfth infallible leader of the Shi’a, and the revolutionary banner of justice which he shall establish across the world.
The second part of a highly uplifting series of three lectures describing and analysing the events which will lead to the re-appearance of Imam al-Mahdi, the twelfth infallible leader of the Shi’a, and the revolutionary banner of justice which he shall establish across the world.
The final part of a highly uplifting series of three lectures describing and analysing the events which will lead to the re-appearance of Imam al-Mahdi, the twelfth infallible leader of the Shi’a, and the revolutionary banner of justice which he shall establish across the world.
If Imam Mahdi Appears
http://islamicinsights.com/religion/clergy-corner/if-imam-mahdi-appears.html
Being that the day of Imam Mahdi’s (may Allah hasten his reappearance) birth anniversary is close, it is important to remember His Eminence and mention some matters about him that will help us improve and grow. Allama Majlisi has related the following narration about Imam Mahdi in Bihar al-Anwar:
“When Imam Mahdi reappears, he will rule with justice, and no one will be able to discriminate against another. Roads and paths will become secure, the Earth will bring out its bounties, all rights will be returned to their rightful owners, and no follower of a religion will remain until he becomes a Muslim and professes his faith.”
Explanation
Seven programs have been mentioned for His eminence in this narration:
1 & 2. A just government and elimination of discrimination: The first part of the tradition states that when Imam Mahdi reappears, he will rule with justice and wipe out discrimination.
The antonym of justice (‘Adl) is injustice (Dhulm). And the word equity (Qist) is the opposite of discrimination (Jawr). The difference between justice and equity is that justice means that another’s right is not taken, and equity means that discrimination does not take place. Thus, injustice means to take one’s right for one’s own benefit, and inequity means to give one’s right to another. For example, if I take John’s house for myself, it is injustice. And if I take his house and give it to someone else, it is inequity. The opposite of the first example is that I don’t take John’s house for myself; this is justice. And the opposite of the second example is that I don’t take his house and give it to someone else; this is equity. Therefore, equity is the lack of discrimination, and justice is the lack of injustice.
3. Security of paths: The third part states: “And the paths will become safe and secure by him.” This means that all the paths and roads will become safe because of him.
4. Nature will blossom: The next part says, “The Earth will bring out its blessings.” The Earth will bring out its bounties and blessing, whether they are agricultural, mineral or other energy sources which are hidden from us.
5. The affairs will be placed in the hands of those who are qualified: The fifth part states: “All rights will be returned to their rightful owners.” He will return the affairs and positions to those who are qualified, in contrast to our time, where many positions and affairs are entrusted to unqualified individuals because connections precede rules.
6. Rule of Islam: The next part states, “And there will not remain a person of religion but that he will become a Muslim.” No other religion will remain. All religions will become one religion, Islam.
7. Hearts will be attracted to Islam: And finally, the tradition concludes by saying, “And they will profess their faith.” This has two meanings. Possibly it refers to the fact that everyone will follow the Prophet’s household, or that in addition to having faith in appearance, they will also have faith in their hearts.
The difference between submission (Islam) and faith (Eimaan) have been stated in Islamic narrations. Some narrations say that Islam is that thing that if a person professes, his life is protected and the meat he slaughters is permissible to eat, whereas faith is the source of salvation in the hereafter. In some narrations it is stated that Islam is like the Sacred Mosque, and faith is the Ka’ba.
It is possible that this wording in the hadeeth refers to the verse: “And the (Bedouin) Arabs said ‘we believe’; say, ‘you do not believe, but say that we submit and faith has not yet entered your hearts'” (49:14).
The main tasks that His Eminence will carry out – which can be seen from Islamic narrations – can be summarized in four spheres:
1. Correcting beliefs: A well-known tradition in Tafseer al-Qurtubi states, “There is not a house made of stone or mud but God will enter in it Islam.”
2. Perfecting minds: An intellectual and scientific movement will occur. Allama Majlisi records in Bihar al-Anwar, “When Imam Mahdi reappears, he will place his hand on people’s heads and complete and perfect their thoughts and intellects.” Perhaps the phrase “place his hand on people’s heads” means that they will be trained by him.
3. Justice and equity: It has been stated in numerous narrations in Bihar al-Anwar that he will fill the Earth with justice and equity, just as it was filled with injustice and inequity.
4. Correcting morals: His fourth task is to wipe out moral decay and revive Islamic values. This can be seen from narrations about the signs of the reappearance. There are narrations which say that before the Mahdi’s reappearance, moral decay such as fornication, theft, bribery, cheating in sales, drinking alcohol, and murder will increase. What they intend is that the Mahdi will rise in order to wipe out these moral decays. The system of values has been completely corrupted and Imam Mahdi will fix it.
Conclusion
Imam Mahdi has an army, assistants, and helpers, as we read in Ziyarat Aale Yaseen: “O Lord, appoint me as one of his devotees, followers, and helpers.”
In some narrations, it adds, “And appoint me as one who strives to defend Truth along with him.”
Those who want to be of his helpers must work within the framework of these four principles. The prayers of one who does not have any of these principles and prays to God to make him a helper of Imam Mahdi will not be answered.
If the clerics establish this program, a character-building class will be formed. Prayer is good in its own place, but praying to be his devotee, follower, and helper will not come about only with prayer. Rather, one must become a pure monotheist and remove all forms of polytheism from his heart. He must act according to justice and equity among people and his household. We must revive moral values within ourselves.
If the purpose for his rising is properly proclaimed, it will change the face of society. One cannot be among his ranks without having any of these principles. It is good to turn people’s attention to the purpose of his program during these days of his birth anniversary so that they follow it.
Also, beware that there are forces at work who want to use these religious celebrations and processions in order to wipe out moral and religious values, just as those who wanted to build Masjid Dharar wanted to wipe out the root of the mosque with a mosque. These values must be properly revived so that the enemy cannot destroy them.
It is hoped that God will answer this prayer in relation to all of us: O Lord, appoint us as his helpers, assistants, followers, devotees, and as the defenders of Truth along with him.
The author of over a hundred books and articles on religious and social topics, including a commentary on the Holy Qur’an, Ayatollah Nasir Makarem Shirazi is followed as a Religious Authority by millions of Shias around the world today. He currently lives and teaches in the Holy city of Qum, Iran.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Islamic Insights would like to thank Sayyid Baqir Imrani for translating this article from Farsi into English.
Munajat Shabaniyah – Hussein al Akraf [eng sub] المناجاة الشعبانية
The Invocation of Sha’ban as prescribed by Amir al Mo’mineen, Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (as). It is very recommended to recite it during the month of Sha’ban, but it can also be read at any other time of the year. The words and meaning are extremely profound and beautiful. Spend time, reflect and ponder through this holy dua. Whisper and speak to Allah swt through the words in this dua, in order to gain closeness to Him.
“This is the prayer of Imam `Ali Amir al-Mu’mineen and the Holy Imams, his descendants, (a.s) who used to recite it in the month of Sha`ban.”
Imam Khomeini (ra) used to recommend people to recite this munajat alot, and was very fond of it. He would even end some of his classes by finishing with some verses from this dua.
Recitation by Sheikh Hussein al Akraf – you can download the mp3 here: http://shiavoice.com/play-NxO7l.html
Salawat of Shaban – Hussein al Akraf [eng subs] الصلوات الشعبانية
The Salawat of Sha’ban as prescribed by Imam Zain al-Abideen (as). A truly profound dua that is recommended to recite after the daily prayers in the month of Sha’ban.
Recited by Sheikh Hussein al Akraf, with both Arabic and English subtitles (translation courtesy of Duas.org)
Mind-blowing food facts! …compiled by C.K. Ashokumar
5 Blueberries can boost memory A study at Tufts University in Boston showed eating half a cup of this fruit regularly could delay age-related deterioration in co-ordination and short-term memory.
6 Eat chocolate, live longer Hurray! Harvard University scientists say that eating a couple of chocolate bars a week could extend your life by almost a year.
7 Grapefruit juice can stop medicine working If you’re taking medication, avoid washing it down with grapefruit juice as there is evidence that it prevents some drugs being broken down.
8 You should never drink tea or coffee with meals Tannins in tea and coffee prevent absorption of certain nutrients. A cup of tea with a meal will halve the iron you get from it, whereas a glass of orange juice will double it.
9 Cherries can cure gout Cherries contain compounds that significantly reduce the chemicals in the body which cause joint inflammation.
10 Eating curry could help prevent Alzheimer’s According to a report in the Journal of Biological Chemistry, a yellow pigment used in curry, curcumin, can stop amyloid plaques in the brain that cause the condition.
11 Sniffing a lemon could help you beat asthma The UK’s 5.1 million asthmatics could find lemons ease their symptoms. Studies in rats found that breathing improved after they inhaled limonene, the chemical that gives lemons their smell.
12 Kiwi fruit can improve your eyesight This fuzzy fruit is a surprisingly good source of lutein, an antioxidant that protects your vision.
13 Garlic can cure mouth ulcers and verrucas Here’s an old wives’ tale that works: halve a clove of garlic, squeeze, and apply a drop of the juice to the offending growth at bedtime.
14 You can have too little salt Too much salt isn’t good for us but not getting enough can trigger low blood pressure in those susceptible. Consult your GP before making any major diet changes.
15 Figs can delay brittle bone disease Good news for the three million osteoporosis sufferers in the UK – it is possible to slow its progress by eating calcium-packed figs.
16 Soya can mimic breast cancer drugs A team of Cambridge researchers discovered that a diet high in soya can have a similar effect to anti-cancer drug Tamoxifen.
17 Barbecued-food can cause cancer Eating meat that’s chargrilled or burnt could lead to stomach, pancreatic, colon and breast cancer because it creates high levels of carcinogenic compounds.
18 Cinnamon can help diabetics Just half a teaspoon a day of this spice can significantly reduce blood sugar levels in diabetics, says US research.
19 Chillies can help you breath more easily Capsaicin, which occurs in chillies, shrinks the mucous membranes which can ease blocked noses and sinuses.
20 Watermelon is good for the prostate Men will be glad to know that the red flesh contains the antioxidant Lycopene, which helps keep the prostate gland healthy.
21 Coriander can lower your cholesterol levels This aromatic herb can reduce cholesterol levels and prevent heart problems.
22 Nibbling nuts can prevent blood clots Nuts boost nitric oxide, a compound that relaxes blood vessels and eases blood flow.
23 Banish bad breath with natural yoghurt A few spoonfuls of natural yoghurt can neutralise halitosis, according to Japanese researchers.
40 HADITH” by Imam Ruhullah al-Musawi al-Khumayni.
Another amazing book is “ 40 HADITH” by Imam Ruhullah al-Musawi al-Khumayni.
This set of books is available at:
GREATER SINS” by Shaheede Mehraab Ayatullah-ul-Uzma Al-Haaj Sayed Abdul Husain Dastghaib Shirazi (ra).
GREATER SINS” by Shaheede Mehraab Ayatullah-ul-Uzma Al-Haaj Sayed Abdul Husain Dastghaib Shirazi (ra).
The book is in 3 Volumes which are available at:
http://www.shiamasjid.com/books/GreaterSins1/,
http://www.shiamasjid.com/books/GreaterSins2/,
http://www.shiamasjid.com/books/GreaterSins3/
Imam Ali (as) and Concentration in Salah- Sayed Ammar Nakshawani
Useful & informative majalis on NAMAZ by Syed Ali Murtuza Zaidi:
http://www.amzaidi.com/view_video.php?viewkey=9b3a13095b059d8705b1
Kya hum hi sayada ki Dua hai ali dip rizvi noha???
Provoking Thoughts 