Archive

Archive for February, 2013

Dr. Kumar Vishwas Latest Nov 2012 Hasya Kavi Sammelan

 

Late Kavi Om Vyas Ji at his Best in Hasya Kavi Sammelan

This is one of the Best Performance of Late Om Vyas ji, who was one of the great Poet of India. He was Famous for his hasya poems and his style of presentation. This is his performance at lucknow. Manas Khatri, well known Hasya-Poet is a Big Fan of Om Vyas Sir. Just watch this video and SALUTE the great poet of India.
Courtsey:http://manaskhatri.wordpress.com/

Lincoln’s Story !!

 

On his first day in office, as President Abraham Lincoln entered to give his inaugural address, one man stood up. He was a rich aristocrat. He said, “Mr. Lincoln, you should not forget that your father used to make shoes for my family.” And the whole Senate laughed; they thought they had made a fool of Lincoln.
But certain people are made of a totally different mettle. Lincoln looked at the man directly in the eye and said, “Sir, I know that my father used to make shoes for your family, and there will be many others here, because he made shoes the way nobody else can.
He was a creator. His shoes were not just shoes; he poured his whole soul into them. I want to ask you, have you any complaint? Because I know how to make shoes myself. If you have any complaint I can make you another pair of shoes. But as far as I know, nobody has ever complained about my father’s shoes. He was a genius, a great creator and I am proud of my father”.
The whole Senate was struck dumb. They could not understand what kind of man Abraham Lincoln was. He was proud because his father did his job so well that not even a single complaint had ever been heard.
Remember: “No one can hurt you without your consent. It is not what happens to us that hurts us. It is our response that hurts us”
Categories: inspiration

Dillu Ram Kausari: The Hindu Poet who Loved The Prophet Muhammad (saw)

When the British still ruled India there lived, in Delhi, a well-known Hindu poet by the name of Dillu Ram Kausari. Now, this poet, though a Hindu, wrote encomiums and poems [naat] in praise of the Prophet Muhammad (upon him be blessings and peace.) He became famous for writing such poetry and his poems became well known to such an extent that it scandalised his fellow Hindus who accosted him and said, Dillu Ram, what is the matter with you? You have disgraced the name of Hindus! You are a Hindu and yet you sing praises of and write poetry praising the Prophet ()of the Muslims?
Do not stop me, answered Dillu Ram, for I am forced to write such poetry.
Who or what is forcing you? his fellow Hindus asked.
I am forced by my love, he cried. I have fallen in love with the Prophet!

How can you, being a Hindu, fall in love with the Muslims Prophet? they asked, perplexed.
To this Dillu Ram replied, Love is not forced it just happens.
How much do you love the Prophet then? they asked him, still astonished that one of their own could love the Prophet(). To this Dillu Ram wept like a lover departed from his beloved and recited a poem of his. He said:

Kuch ishq e Muhammad mein nahin shart e Musulman!
Hai Kausari Hindu bhii talabgaar e Muhammad!
Allah re! kyaa raunaq e bazaar e Muhammad
Ke Mabood e Jahan bhi hai kharidaar e Muhammad!

Being a Muslim is not a condition for loving Muhammad!
Kausari, the Hindu, is also a seeker of Muhammad!
By Allah! How delightful is the bazaar of Muhammad
For the Lord of the Worlds is also a buyer of Muhammad!

They left him in disgust. The poetry of Dillu Ram became more widespreadand one quatrain, in particular, shocked the entire community in India, both Muslims and Hindus. In this quatrain he imagined himself on the Day of Judgement and wrote these words, which were published (as were many of his other poems in various Urdu monthlies) in a Urdu magazine called “Maulvi” which was printed in Delhi.

This was the controversial quatrain:

Rahmatulilalamin kay Hashar mein maana? khulay
Khalq saari Shaafa e Roz e Jaza kay saath hai
Laykay Dillu Raam ko jannat mein jab Hazrat gaye
Ma?loom huwa kay Hindu bhi Mahboob e Khuda kay saath hai!

The meaning of Mercy unto the Worlds became apparent on Judgement Day:
The whole creation is with the Intercessor of The Day of Acquittal
When the Prophet took Dillu Ram with him into Paradise
It was known that this Hindu too is with the Beloved of God!

This quatrain scandalised both Hindus and Muslims! It annoyed the the Hindus who objected to his continued praise of the Prophet and it scandalised the Muslims who were angered by the sheer audacity of this Hindu to speak like that about the Day of Judgment! How can a Hindu go to heaven? they asked.

Undeterred by this criticism, Dillu Ram continued most of his life to sing the praises of the Prophet although he never became a Muslim and remained a Hindu. It is also said that Dillu Ram, delirious with his love, would sometimes stand in the middle of the bazaar in Delhi, put chains around his neck and feet and shout at the top of his voice to all passers-by, Muhammad! Muhammad! Muhammad! Yes! Muhammad is the Beloved of God! Muhammad is the first and only Beloved of God! If God loves you, He loves you because of His Beloved! Some people even stoned him and he would often come home covered in blood but he was totally lost in his love of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him!)

As he got older, his fame as a poet (and infamy) spread and when he became seriously ill it was reported in the various literary magazines throughout India including in Maulvi. It was reported in this magazine that when he was on his deathbed, seriously weakened and surrounded by well-wishers, friends, family, and admirers of his poetry including many other poets, he was so weak he couldn’t leave his bed.Strangely, he continued to stare at the door and after a while his face brightened and he got up and stood on his feet and hands-folded, asked all those gathered there to also stand up. Astonished his intimates asked him, What is the matter?Weeping Dillu Ram said,The one whom I have spent my whole life praising has arrived! The blessed Father of Fatima (upon him be peace and blessings!) is here, visiting me! And I have not even accepted his religion! How generous my beloved is!Weeping, he began to converse with the spirit of the Prophet() who said to him, Dillu Ram! Your time is almost upon you. Azrael is almost here! I do not want anyone who has praised me like you have to go to the hellfire! I wish to take you into Paradise with me! Weeping Dillu Ram recited the Kalimah (Muslim Credo) and then said to the Prophet(),Master! You have taught me the Kalimah now also give me a Muslim name of your choice! I can feel The Angel of Death is almost upon me! The Prophet() gave him the name Kausar Ali Kausari. After that the fortunate former Hindu poet passed away. Verily we are from God and unto Him is our return!

His name has become famous amongst traditional Sunni Barelvi Muslims of the Subcontinent as a lover of the Prophet ()who attained a blessing only given to God’s chosen fewthe vision of the Beloved whilst in a state of waking.

11th February, 1979 The Day That Changed The Course of History – Forever

Congratulations to the great Nation of Iran on the
 34th ANNIVERSARY OF ISLAMIC REVOLUTION
~~~~~
Thoughts behind The Revolution
Arnold Toynbee wrote a book in 1948 titled Civilization On Trial. In this book he predicted an event which would change the world. He wrote that Islamic movements are asleep but one day they will wake up, when the weak and underprivileged rise up against the west and ask for a leader. Such a state could irreparably enliven the Islamic military spirit and if that happens, Islam will once again stand up and play its historical role. This prediction was made 30 years before the Islamic revolution in Iran, but, without doubt, this is exactly what it predicted.

The Islamic revolution, supported by Islamic culture and civilization, was the biggest problem for the East and the West of that bipolar age. This revolution created a disruption in mankind’s new systems of government.

Rugih Garudi, a French Muslim thinker described the Islamic Revolution of Iran in one of his articles as: “The Islamic revolution led by Imam Khomeini is not similar to any other revolution in history. This revolution had a new meaning which did not only take down the political, social, and occupational systems; but rather, and more importantly, turned around the ideology that was attacking Islam & humanity.”

Without doubt, Imam Khomeini’s movement had roots in Medina and was empowered by the hands of Muslims. Western capitalists knew through their experience that if the Islamic world would wake up in the form of an Islamic Civilization, the west would be put at the verge of extinction.

Therefore, the new life given to the Islamic world and the daily increases of spirituality and knowledge under oppression in the shadow of the Islamic revolution caused the west to stand up with all of their might and create a psychological war against the Islamic revolution in Iran. One of the methods was the distortion of the exportation of this revolution in such a way that they introduced the goals of the revolution as being: taking other land and causing war – while in fact the goal of the revolution was inviting people towards Islam.

Imam Khomeini sated that the purpose of the revolution was Islamic awakening in all nations. Imam Khomeini once said: “The exportation of our revolution does not mean taking other people’s land or creating wars. The exportation of revolution means sending our message – the message of the revolution, the message of independence, the message of self-sufficiency, the message of purity, faith, dignity, and helping the weak.”

Islamic awakening was given a new meaning with the Islamic Revolution – it travelled from being a theory into being a practice. Although such scholars as Sayyid Jamal al-Din Asadabadi talked of returning to Islam and fighting western culture, the victory of the Islamic revolution proved to all Muslims that the return to Islam is not just theory, but it is practical and can become a reality.

Imam Khomeini, supported by his deep knowledge of Islamic law, his knowledge of Islamic civilizations, and his knowledge of the conditions of the Muslims, was able to present the most complete message.

The religious role models that Imam Khomeini presented were the most complete answers to the most principle needs of humanity. This complete role model was able to continue despite all of the limitations that it had. Imam said in this regard:“Our leaders must know that our revolution is not limited to Iran. The revolution of the Iranian people is just a start of a bigger revolution in the Islamic world holding the flag of the twelfth Imam who Allah put on all Muslims and whose return will be in the modern age…The Islamic republics government must put forth all effort in organizing the people, but that does not mean that they should take them away fromthe big goal of the revolution – establishing an Islamic world government.”

By: Hamid Omidi – Translated by: Abu Abdullah al-Nakhli –

Can the soul, after death, become aware of the things that happen in this world?

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=417919461622500&set=a.197179203696528.47340.194893550591760&type=1

Can the soul, after death, become aware of the things that happen in this world?
What does it mean when people say, “The soul of a deceased person has awareness of what happens in this world”? How is it so? Is it through the angels?
————————————————————-
Answer By: Ayotullah Tehrani;
It has been narrarated from the Holy Infallibles (Masumeen) that after death, the soul can in fact come back to this world and have awareness of the events that unfold here and learn of their relatives and close ones. The angels can also act as intermediaries and this has been emphasized through certain narrations.
It has been narrated through hadiths that:
1- “Indeed the mu’min will visit his family; he sees what pleases him [regarding his family], and the things that will cause him pain and displeasure will be hidden and shielded from him.”
2- “God will send an angel with him so that the angel shows him things that will cause him pleasure and happiness…”
Detailed Answer
————————————-
In order for the answer to this question to be made clear, we have to consider a few different points:
1. The human being consists of two components: one is the soul and the other is the body; there is no way one can deny the fact that all people bear a soul. The soul is an immaterial essence that is alive, able, and free to choose and is also referred to as the intellective soul or the spirit[1]. The attachment of the soul to the body is one where the soul is independent of the body and is the entity that bears life at root; while it is attached to the body the body remains alive but at the moment of separation, the body loses its signs of life and bit by bit begins to disintegrate and decompose, although the soul continues to live afterwards.[2]
2. Intellectual investigations into life after death can only prove general issues such as the immortality of the soul or the necessity of resurrection, but the specific issues of life after death can only be understood by divine revelation and the words of the Infallibles (Masoomeen) (A).
3. From the verses of the Holy Quran and the traditions (hadiths) narrated to us we come to find that the souls of people can understand the happenings of this world after the deaths of their bodies.
As an example let us refer to several hadiths (traditions) below:
a) “Ishaq bin Ammar asked Imam Kadhim (A): Will the mu’min be able to visit his family after his death? The Imam (A) answered: “Indeed!” I asked: “How often?” He said: “This depends on their virtues; some will visit every day and some others will visit once every three days.”
Ishaq bin Ammar says: “In the middle of the Imam’s words I understood that he was saying: “The lowest of them [mu’mins] will visit every Friday”; I then asked: “During what hour?” He said: “At noontime or something near that time, Allah (swt) will send an angel to the person to show him things that will make him happy and cover and hide things that sadden him.”[3]
b) Imam Sadiq (A) has said: “Indeed the mu’min will visit his family; He will see what will make him pleased and the things that will make him sad will be hidden from him. Also, the Kafir will surely see his family; the things that displease him will be shown to him and that which pleases him will be hidden from him. Imam (A) said: “Some will visit [their families] every Friday and others will visit according to their deeds”.[4]
4- Since the angels are part of the cause and effect chain of this world and are the causes that sometimes Allah (swt) utilizes to get things done, it is not improbable that through the intermediation of angels, people will be able to return to this world and come to learn of the happenings and events that occur here, as has been stressed in some hadiths.
————————————Ref::::::::::
[1] When we speak of the relationship between the soul and body and the impacts each have on each other, the term “spirit” is used, and when we speak of spiritual things that take place apart from the body, the term “soul” is used.
[2] See: Al-Mizan (translation), vol. 19, pg. 344.
[3] Biharul-Anwar, vol. 6, pg. 268.
[4] Kuleini, Kafi, vol. 3, pg. 230.

Categories: Academic Lectures

Conspiracy against the Jaffari School of thought (Shia Muslims) revealed…..CIA AGENT TALKS!

Conspiracy against the Jaffari School of thought (Shia Muslims) revealed

CIA AGENT TALKS!

In the book, “A plan to divide and destroy the theology” an interview with Dr. Micheal Brant has been published. Dr. Brant was the right hand of Bob Woodwards, CIA’s X-chief. Dr. Brant was working for a long time for the CIA but due to his improper use of money and authority he was discharged from his post.

Upon this he revealed many of the secret plans and eye opening facts in revenge of his losing his position with the CIA.

He talks about the sum of 900 million dollars being fixed for these secrets missions and drug money being taken from Columbia and Afghanistan for the same purpose.

Yet, this drug money was not used for the purpose it was allocated for and even the other sum was not taken care of properly.

RESEACH ABOUT SHIAS BY THEM!

Dr. Brant says that for the past many decades the West has governed the Islamic world.

Over time the Muslim countries gained their independence but their concept of freedom, politics and culture was under strong influence of the West. Especially the political and financial setup was under strong influence.

After independence, these countries did not give attention to the educational and cultural aspects making up society and continued to follow the western thought culture in the society.

In 1979, the Iranian revolution brought about an earthquake shattering the long term planning being carried out for years and years.

At the beginning it was thought that it was due to the suppression of Shah of Iran that the civil war had begun. It seemed that the religious people and leaders (“Ulema”) were taking advantage out of this for themselves.

We (the West) thought that after Shah Iran is gone we will bring our men who will continue our policy.

Due to the problems faced by the USA in those two/three years (Embassy crew of Iran being taken as hostage and planes being destroyed in the desert causing failure of commando attack) the Islamic world started to re-think about Islam. Hatred against the West in different countries such as Lebanon and Pakistan started to rise and the Shias became stronger.

Looking at all this in 1983 the high authorities kept a conference. In this conference the British secret service MIX also participated.

Britain having a vast experience with these countries was to have key ideas about what to do with regards to the Shias. It was decided that the Iranian revolution was not just a result of the Shah’s oppression but there were more realities and facts behind the scene.

From which, the strongest factor was the Islamic authority being a guide to Politicians and to manage the rule and politics of an Islamic country and the 1,400 years old martyrdom of the grandson of the Prophet of Islam Mohammed’s (pbuh) grandson Hussein(pbuh).

The mourning of Hussein(pbuh) is celebrated by Shias with great sorrow and grief.

These are the two factors due to which Shias seem more effective and active. In this meeting it was decided that Shia Islam must be understood and a project is to be launched for which a special section will be made.

The budget fixed was 4 million USD. According to Dr. Micheal Brant the project was divided into 3 stages.

(1) Data collection
(2) Short term targets
(3)Long term Targets

In the first stage research scholars were send around the world from which 6 were sent to Pakistan. (Their names are available in the article).

One of these is Dr. Shome Whale (spelling could be wrong) who completed his PhD researching the ‘azadari’ (mourning in the name of Hussein(pbuh)) of Hussein(pbuh) in Karachi. He stayed as a paying guest in one of the Shia areas known as Rizvia society.

A Japanese woman completed her PhD doing research on the Hazara people of Balochistan, Quetta and Shia Islam.

In the early surveys questions such as the following were asked:

> Where in the world are Shias residing and how many per area?

> What is the social and economic status of the Shias and what are the differences amongst them?

> How to amplify the internal conflicts and disagreements amongst the Shias?

> How to magnify the differences already existing between the two major sects of Islam (Sunni and Shia).

WHY ARE THEY AFRAID OF SHIAS!

After all this research, according to Dr. Brant, they came to the conclusion that:

Shia Scholastic leaders (Marj’as) are the real strength of this school of thought who protect the Shia faith in all time at all cost

They are very strong about the principles and beliefs.

They have never, in the vast Shia history, given allegiance to any ruling authority that is not practicing Islam. It was Ayatullah Shirazi’s ruling that prevented the British from entering Iran.

In Iraq the largest institute of Islamic teaching for the Jafferi (Shia) school of thought was in Najaf.

Saddam Hussein(LA) tried to buy and control this institute but failed to do so. At the end he had to shut down the school and till this day it remains closed for public teaching.

While, all the other religious institutions in the world usually go along with the government.

It was the religious institution of Qum, which was the main force behind the overthrowing of Shah of Iran. It now stands up to the might of the world power, which is USA.

In Lebanon the campaign of Ayatullah Musa Sadr forced the American, French and British arm to withdraw from Lebanon.

Ever since Israel came into being the Ayatullah stands as the greatest threat and challenge to it in the form of HizbAllah.

Hence, from these encounters we have concluded that direct confrontation with Shias results more in damage than any kind of success. Thus, it is wiser to work behind the veil.

The old British tactic to divide and rule proved to be unsuccessful so we adopted another way, which is divide and annihilate.

Here, prolonged discussion and devoirs were presented. We shall briefly summarize it below.

Their PLANS!

The plan is to appoint those who are prejudiced and harbor enmity against Shias and glorify these people. The idea is to use them against the Shias.

Utilizing negative propaganda against the Shias to isolate them from the main stream of Islam.

To provide literature which will stir up enmity for Shias.

When these prejudiced people increase enough in number use them as a weapon for war against the Shias. [for example Taliban and Sibah e Sahaba].

At the same time, propagate false information against Shia leaders and scholars, which will open up another door for their conspiracy. Thereby the fifth column should become distorted so that they are unpopular amongst their own people and the Shias start to hate their leaders.

On the aspect of ‘azadari’ Dr. Brant says that in Shia Islam the practice of mourning of Hussein(pbuh) brings about great emotion within the Shias. The Shias get together to commemorate and recall the even of Kerbala. One person recites and/or speaks of the tragedy that took place and presents a vivid picture of Kerbala. The young and the old grief and mourn for Hussein(pbuh) and his household. The speaker and the masses who attend the lecture are important to consider. It is due to this gathering and speech that the emotions of Shias are invigorated in such a way that they are ready to stand up and fight for the truth against falsehood and evil, even if it costs them their lives.

Hence, billions of dollars must be spent in order to not only hijack the speakers but also the mass.

First off, those Shias who are more materialistic and whose beliefs are weak, who have some fame and can be used as sources amongst the people must be found. These are the people who will be used in order to influence the saying of the ‘azadari’ practice.

Then to bring out and encourage such speakers who do not possess correct knowledge nor the gnosis of Shia Islam.

Furthermore, look for and find those Shias who need some kind of financial or material gain and use them to campaign against the Shia faith.

Weaken the foundations of the Shias and blame it all on the Shia scholars and leaders (Marj’as). To encourage such practices in the mourning of Hussein(pbuh) which do not conform o the real Shia beliefs and introduce new practices which will be against the teachings of the Shia faith.

Present the Shia azadari practices as a group of ignorant and violent people who create disturbances amongst the general masses. [Already can be found in various news articles on the internet]

Sanction large funds to disseminate such movements and promote the speakers who will speak in a way as to present azadari as something illogical. Hence, a school of thought based on logic will be presented to be without logic and spurious. This is to cause distress and dissections between the Shias. At the end strike them in the weaker moment.

Research and investigate and gather information against the Shia scholars and leaders and then provide this information to unknown writers. Spend vast amount of money to propagate the distorted information.

Spread this literature amongst the general people and speakers. In this way, during the last phase of this movement against the Shias, the final blow would be to dismantle the central authority on which Shias rely for their verdicts.

By 2010 this is to be achieved and disperse the Shias and weaken them. The authority of Shia scholars which would stand up to the ruling authorities would be subdued by the Shias themselves to destroy the power of the Shia scholars.

Some of the activities for such a movement have already been launched successfully. Some are on the way to be executed in the future.

Taken from “Anjuman-e-Sada-e-Aza” of North America.

————————————————————-
This article is a translation back into English from an Urdu article, which covers parts of the interview in the concerning book. I have not been able to locate the book at a library nor bookstore such as amazon.com. If anyone is able to get a hold of the book I would recommend it be read and also to let others know where it can be found. If I am able to get it I will inshaAllah publish it online. Please spread the world as much as possible as it is in our best interest to be aware of the conspiracies against us. We must be aware and hold steadfastly to our beliefs. Listen carefully to what is heard and cross link it with the teachings of our Imams(as) and the Quran. As our Imam(as) have said that if it is at conflict wit the Quran it is not said by them. Indeed the time of the return of our Imam(atfs) is near and we must hold on to our faith. Do not think of your marjas and leaders as low. Do not let all the conspiracies of the enemies be successful! Don’t just listen to Majlis e Hussein(as) let’s make his message live on!

YA HUSSEIN!

I have only translated what I found in Urdu back to English, if I have made any mistakes translating I apologize for that. I would also like to thank sister Fauzia and Andleeb who helped me in the translation.

http://www.angelfire.com/me4/shia/urdu.html

Categories: Shia, World Politics, Zionism

Nine rules for happiness by the Commander of the Faithful Ali (as):

قَوَاعِد الْسَّعَادَة الْتِسع لِأَمِير الْمُؤْمِنِيْن عَلِي عَلَيْه الْسَّلَام:

Nine rules for happiness by the Commander of the Faithful Ali (as):

 أولاً: توكل على الله في السراء والضراء

FIRST: Rely on Allah when pleased and when grieved.

ثانياً: اتق الله في خلواتك و سفرك وحضرك

SECOND: Fear Allah when you are alone, when travelling and when at home.

 ثالثاً: لَا تُكْرَه أَحَدا مُهِمَّا أَخْطَأ فِي حَقِّك

THIRD: Do not coerce anyone, no matter how much he wrongs you.

رابعاً: لَا تَقْلَق أَبَدا مَهْمَا بَلَّغْت الْهُمُوْم ذروتها

FOURTH: Do not worry, no matter how high your concerns may pile up.

خامساً: عِش فِي بَسَاطَة مَهْمَا عَلَا شَأْنُك

FIFTH: Live simply no matter how high your prestige may be.

سادساً: تَوَقَّع خَيْرَا مَهْمَا كَثُر الْبَلَاء

SIXTH: Anticipate goodness no matter how serious the affliction may be.

سابعاً: أُعْطِي كَثِيْرَا و لَو حُرِمْت القليل

SEVENTH: Give a lot though you may be deprived even of a little.

ثامناً: ابْتَسِم و لَو الْقَلْب يَقْطُر دَمَا

EIGHTH: Smile even if your heart may be bleeding.

 تاسعاً: لَا تَقْطَع دُعَاءَك لِأَخِيْك الْمُسْلِم بِظَهْر الْغَيب

NINTH: Do not stop supplicating for your Muslim brother without his knowledge.

.

The Rights of Our Parents

http://www.islamicinsights.com/religion/religion/the-rights-of-our-parents.html

“So where do you put your parents when they get old? Do you guys have like a Muslim-only nursing home or something?” Whenever we get into the adventurous conversation about the treatment of Muslim parents with non-Muslims, this is officially one of the most frequently asked questions. With a beaming smile, not we, but our parents with their adorable strong accents answer, “We are Muslim parents, and we haveMuslim children. We don’t go to nursing homes! We live with our children! First we take care of them, and then when they grow up, they take care of us!” Standing in the background, we turn a bit red and mumble something along the lines of, “Okay dad, let’s go now…”

Doesn’t it seem magical? The world thinks we are the perfect Muslim families who are full of hugs and kisses all year round. For crying out loud, we’d rather die than disrespect our parents! For we are Muslim, and we are followers of the Holy Prophet and his Holy Household (peace be upon them all). We learn from the Holy Qur’an: “And your Lord has commanded that you shall not serve (any) but Him, and that you shall show goodness to your parents. If either or both of them reach old age with you, say not to them (so much as) ‘Ugh’ nor chide them, and speak to them a generous word.” (17:23)

Simply put, as Muslim children today, we are disrespecting, disobeying, and mistreating our parents. It doesn’t matter how religious or God-gifted we are, even the most pious of today’s youth are failing when it comes to treating our parents as prescribed by the Qur’an and the Ahlul Bayt.

According to narrations, the priority given to respecting and loving our parents is second only to offering prayers on time and far greater than Jihad. Even if our parents are polytheists, it is compulsory upon us to treat them with the utmost respect and obedience (unless, of course, they are asking us to do something un-Islamic). Because we don’t always agree with our parents, or perhaps because our parents don’t always bow down to our every request, a lot of the time we are disrespecting our parents, not to mention the ungratefulness factor. The unfortunate thing is that a lot of us actually don’t think we are doing anything wrong. We don’t intend to be rude to our parents, so we don’t acknowledge the fact that we are disrespecting them, as that was never our intention…right? But turning a blind eye to the fact that we are not exactly the world’s best children doesn’t help the situation at all.

These days we are so easily annoyed by our parents that it’s second nature to bite their heads off the minute we think they are far from the ideal parents, leaving them overly upset. We think “Surely they will get over it!” However, Imam Ali (peace be upon him) tells us that children who cause their parents to become sad have indeed been disowned by them. In regards to being disowned by one’s parents, Imam as-Sadiq (peace be upon him) has said that it is “a sin that darkens the skies.” So why are we committing such a grave sin so frequently?!

The problem is that many of us don’t exactly see eye to eye with our parents on most aspects of life. Our parents want us to study medicine or law, we wish to follow our passion of travelling the world or attempting to clock every PlayStation 3 game invented. Our parents want us to buy a reliable vehicle, we wish to go for the sports car. Our parents want us to save money for our future, we want to spend it all on a BlackBerry or a two thousand dollar laptop. We may want to marry some really good person, but due to the difference in culture and nationality, our parents may absolutely refuse. We may want our younger siblings to attend Islamic schools so we don’t have to teach them everything, but due to the lack of after-school activities at Islamic schools, our parents disagree. When we’re getting a really high-paying job offer, our parents won’t agree because it’s too long of a drive to get to work. Then we just stand there thinking, “How old am I again…?”

It’s these small things which build up inside us and are taken out in the form of rude remarks, fierce fights, raised voices, rolling eyes, disrespectful attitudes, and a whole heap more. Sure, sometimes there may be unreasonable expectations and understandable letdowns, but what about everyday things like speaking politely and saying a friendly good morning and good night to our parents? Forget about saying “Salam Mom, Salam Dad!”, these days our parents are lucky if they get some sort of mumbled acknowledgement when we get home tired from school and work.

For example, a lot of the time our parents ask us to do things, either go buy groceries or clean up after ourselves around the house, and we say something along the lines of “Mom, football is on…I’ll do it during the break!” Then our parents say, “No! Do it NOW!” “Ugh…FINE!” and we stomp out of the room. (Notice how easy it is to let the forbidden “Ugh/Ouf/Gah” escape our mouths? Shaitan is getting the better of us!)

Not only is it compulsory for us to treat our parents with love and affection, but if we don’t, we are in fact only lowering ourselves in the eyes of Allah. Imam Ridha (peace be upon him) is narrated to have said, “Allah, the Mighty, the Glorious, has associated gratitude to Him with gratitude towards parents, such that one who is grateful to Allah but ungrateful to his parents will be deemed as ungrateful to Allah.”

We are literally missing out on countless blessings by behaving poorly with our old folks. A child who looks at his/her parents with love is performing an act of worship! The Messenger of Allah said, “Every righteous child who casts a look of mercy and affection upon his parents shall be granted, for every look of his, rewards equivalent to that of an accepted Hajj.” The Prophet went on to explain that even if we look at our parents lovingly a hundred times a day, we will still receive the blessings equivalent to a hundred pilgrimages!

For those of us who think “I’ve done ENOUGH for my parents!”, one of the companions of the Holy Prophet once told him that he had taken care of his mother for a very long time and in fact had carried her on his back so she could perform Hajj. The Prophet said, “All you have done for your mother does not even equate to one night’s service that she provided for you while you were an infant!”

It’s true, our parents aren’t always right, their ideas aren’t always reasonable, and their opinions aren’t necessarily the same as ours, but we must be forever grateful for their services, and if not, it’s only our own loss. By being patient, enduring the difficult times we may have with our parents, by taking care of them in their old age, and by not neglecting them by forcibly tossing them into an elderly people’s home (or any other place where they don’t want to go), we are in fact being rewarded by gaining closeness to Allah.

And if that doesn’t sound convincing enough, then today’s economically-conscious generation can refer to the saying of the Holy Prophet, “Be good towards your parents, and your children will be good towards you”, and see that it’s really a simple cost-benefit analysis!

Mulla Asgher on Eid e Zehra

Eid-e-Zehra (1990 – Urdu)
http://vimeo.com/34194128
About this video
“Urdu Majlis on the Occasion of Eid-e-Zehra”