Holy Prophet (s.a.w.w) said:

“Whoever injures (bodily or sentimentally) Fatima, injures me; and whoever injures me injures Allah; and whoever injures Allah practices unbelief. O Fatima! If your wrath is incurred, it incurs the wrath of Allah; and if you are happy, it makes Allah happy too.”

In The Name Of Allah, The Most Compassionate, The Merciful

O Allah! Send your blessings to the head of your Messengers and the Last of your Prophets Muhammad (saw), and his pure and cleansed progeny.

On this gloomiest day of the shahadat of Bibi Fatima (sa), let’s pray for early re-appearance of last Imam and may Allah hasten His divine revenge through Hazrat-e-Baqiyatullah [atfs] from everyone who caused sadness to Bibi Fatima (sa) and rebuild Janatul-Baqi, ameen.

Fatima, the only daughter of the Holy prophet of Islam, was born in Mecca on 20 Th. Jumadi al- thani 18 BH. The good and noble lady Khadijah and the apostle of Allah bestowed all their natural love, care and devotion on their lovable and only child Fatima, who in her turn was extremely fond of her parents. The princess of the House of the Prophet was very intelligent, accomplished and cheerful. Her sermons, poems and sayings serve, as an index to her strength of character and nobility of mind. Her virtues gained her the title “Our Lady of light”.

She was tall, slender and endowed with great beauty, which caused her to be called “Al-Zahra” “(the Lady of Light). She was called al-Zahra” because her light used to shine among those in Heaven. After arriving in Medina, she was married to Ali, in the first year hijrah, and she gave birth to two sons and two daughters. Her children, Hasan, Hussein, Zeinab and umm kulthum are well – known for their piety, goodness and generosity. Their strength of character and actions changed the course of history.

The Holy Prophet said, “Fatima is a peace of my heart”.

Every morning on his way to the Mosque, he would pass by Fatima’s house and say: “peace be on you O the Household of prophet hood and the source of Messengership”.

Fatima is famous and acknowledged as the “Leader of all the women of the world” because the Prophethood of Muhammad would not have been everlasting without her. The Prophet is the perfect example for men, but could not be so for women. For all the verses revealed in the Holy Quran for women, Fatima is the perfect model, who translated every year into action. In her lifetime, she was a complete woman, being Daughter, wife and Mother at the sometime.

Fatima was very generous; and none who come to her door, when away empty handed. She never asked Ali for anything in her whole life. As a mother, she cared for and brought up wonderful children; they have lifted their marks on the face of the world, which time will not be able to erase. The death of the Apostle, affected her very much and she was very sad and grief- stricken and wept her heart out crying all the time. Lady Fatima martyred in the prime of her life at the age of eighteen.

• Martyrdom of Fatima Zehra (sa) and the Last day of her life

Martyrdom of Fatima Zehra (sa)The account of the last day of her life clearly shows what kind of a lady was this daughter of Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw). It was 3rd day of the Islamic Lunar Calendar month, Jamadi al-Thani, year eleven after Hijrah. Fatimah Zehra (sa) told the household that she was feeling better, the pain in her ribs and in her hand was not so severe and that her fever had come down. Then she started bathing the children, immediately Imam Ali (as) and Bibi Fizza (ra) came to her assistance. She got those children bathed, dressed and fed, then sent them away to her cousin.

Imam Ali (as) was surprised to find that his dear wife, Fatima Zehra (sa) had left her bed and had started doing the housework; he asked her about it and she replied: “This is the last day of my life. I wanted to wash my children’s hair and clothes, because they will soon be orphans, without a mother!”

Imam Ali (as) then asked her about the source of knowledge of this news (the day of her departure). Fatima Zehra (sa) told him that she had seen the Messenger of Allah, Muhammad (saw) in her dream and he had told her that she was going to join him that night. She then asked Imam Ali (as) to execute her will.

Imam Ali (as) said: “Instruct me to do anything you wish, daughter of Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw).” Imam Ali (as) then asked everyone to leave the house and he sat next to her.

Fatima Zehra (sa) started: “Cousin, my dear husband, you know very well why I did all that. Please excuse my fussiness; they have suffered so much with me and during my illness that I want to see them happy on the last day of my life. I am happy and also I am sad. Happy I am that my troubles will shortly be over and I shall meet my father and sorry I have to part with you.”

Fatima Zehra (sa) continued: “Cousin, my dear husband, you are not accustomed to me being a False teller, not devoted, or have I disobeyed you since I have become your companion?”

Imam Ali (as) said: “Allah (SWT) forbids! You are more knowing of Allah (SWT), more devoted, more pious, more honorable and more fearing of Allah (SWT) than (to give me a reason) to reprimand you for disobeying me. Surely it is very painful for me to be separated from you and to lose you; but it is an inevitable destination. By Allah (SWT), you have renewed the sorrow I have just encountered with the death of Messenger of Allah, Muhammad (saw); surely your death and departure will be a great calamity, but to Allah we belong, and to Him is our return. (Noble Qur’an, 2:156)

What a painful, bitter and sad calamity. Surely this is a calamity for which there is no console and a disaster for which there is no compensation.”

Then they both cried and Imam Ali (as) embraced her head and said: “Instruct me to do anything you wish; you certainly will find me devoted and I will execute everything that you command me to do. I shall also put your matters over mine.”

Fatima Zehra (sa) said: “May Allah (SWT) reward you with the best of goodness. Cousin, firstly I ask you to marry anybody you like after my death, but you must marry my niece Umamah; surely she will be to my children as I was. Besides, men cannot do without women. She loves my children and Hussain is very much attached to her. Let Fizza remain with you even after her marriage, if she so desires, she was more than a mere servant to me. I loved her like my daughter.”

Shahadat Fatimah Zehra (sa)Fatima Zehra (sa) then added: “I ask you not to let anyone who did injustice to me to witness my funeral, for they certainly are enemies of mine, and the enemy of Messenger of Allah, Muhammad (saw). Also don’t give them the chance to pray over me, nor to any of their followers. I want you to wash me at night, put the shroud on me, perform the prayer upon my body, and bury me at night when eyes are rested and sight is put to sleep. And after my burial, sit beside my grave and recite Noble Qur’an for me.”

Let my death do not dishearten you, you have to serve Islam and humanity for a long time to come. Let not my sufferings embitter your life, promise me cousin, my dear husband.” Imam Ali (as) said, “yes Fatima, I promise” “Cousin, my dear husband”, she continued, “I know how you love my children but be careful of Hussain. He loves me dearly and will miss me sadly, be a mother unto him. Till my recent illness he used to sleep on my chest, he is already missing it.” Imam Ali (as) was caressing the broken hand, his hot and big tears dropped on her hand. She looked up and said, “Do not weep cousin, my dear husband; I know with a rough outward appearance what a tender heart you possess. You already have borne too much and will have to bear more.

Fatimah Zehra (sa) was ready to meet her Lord. She bathed, then lay down in her garment. She then instructed Asma bint Umays to wait awhile and then to call her name; if there was no answer, this would mean that Fatimah Zehra (sa) had departed towards her Lord.

Asma bint Umays waited awhile, then called Fatima’s name, but there was no answer; Asma bint Umays repeated the call: “O daughter of the chosen Muhammad! O daughter of the most honorable of them whom women bore! O daughter of the best of those who have walked on gravel! O daughter of him who ‘was at a distance of but two bow-lengths or (even) nearer.'” (Noble Qur’an, 53:9)

There is no answer, silence overwhelms the house, Asma bint Umays then proceeds towards Fatima Zehra (sa) and finds her dead, the soul had departed to join her Father, Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) in the realm of Grace, Mercy and Might.

At that point, Imam Hassan (as) and Imam Hussain (as) entered and asked Asma bint Umays: “Where is our mother?” “Our Mother did not used to sleep at this time of the day!”

Asma bint Umays replied: “O sons of the Messenger of Allah! Your mother is not sleeping; she has passed away!”

While Imam Hassan (as) heard such words, he fell on the body of his mother and kissed her face and addressed her: “Dear mother! Please talk to me before I pass away.”

Imam Hussain (as) came near and kissed her mother’s feet and said: “Dear mother! I am your son Hussain, talk to me before I pass away.”

Then, Imam Hussain (as) turned towards Imam Hassan (as) and said: “May Allah console you for our Mother!”

Will of Fatimah Zehra (sa)There are two different narrations about where Imam Ali (as) was at the time of Fatima Zehra’s (sa) death? One of them says he was with Fatima Zehra (sa) at the time of her death. And another says as follows:

Imam Ali (as) was at the Mosque. Imam Hassan (as) and Imam Hussain (as) went to the Mosque and broke the news to their father. As soon as Imam Ali (as) heard their words, he fell unconscious. When he regained consciousness, he said: “Who will console me now, daughter of Muhammad? You used to console me, so who will take your place now?” Fatimah Zehra (sa) died very young as Imam Ali (as) says, “A flower nibbed in the bud, it was from Jannat (Heaven) and it went to Jannat, but has left its fragrance in my mind.”

The Hashemite women were then gathered to receive the news of the great calamity. Yes, the calamity befell them once more, while the blood was still flowing from the wound of losing Prophet Muhammad (saw).

When people of Medina realized Fatimah Zehra’s (sa) martyrdom, they gathered in front of her house and waited for the burying ceremony. But it was announced that the ceremony was delayed. At night, when all people were asleep, Imam Ali (as) started to wash Fatima’s (sa) body and shroud her, in absence of the people, who had oppressed her greatly, according to her will. When ablutions were finished, he told Imam Hassan (as) and Imam Hussain (as) – who were only two little children at that time – to call some of Prophet Muhammad’s (saw) true companions (Sahabah) whom Fatima Zehra (sa) was satisfied with, to participate in the burying ceremony. They were not more than 7 as it has been narrated. After they arrived; he said prayers and then buried her while his children were sad and were secretly crying for losing their mother.

There is one narration with 2 interpretations that the demise of Fatima Zehra (sa) occurred either 75 days or 95 days after demise of Prophet Muhammad (saw). As we know 28th Safar is the day of demise of Prophet Muhammad (saw). So, if it was 75 days assuming that Safar, Rabi al-Awwal, Rabi al-Thani, Jamadi Al-Awwal could be 30 days so 75 days would 13th, 14th or 15th of Jamadi Al-Awwal.

And as for 95 days count then Shahadat falls on the 3rd Jamadi al-Thani. Because we do not know the exact date we call this period between 13th, 14th, 15th Jamadi Al-Awwal to 3rd Jamadi al-Thani as Ayyame Fatimiyya.

• Martyrdom of Hazrat Zahra (SA) [Poem] By: Dr. Hasan Najafi

Smoke and the winds bear the brunt;

Whose house it is that is burnt

Oh Fatima (SA)

The lady of light

Daughter of our Prophet (SAW)

The soul that is whiter than white

On the highest of the heavens

You are praised by all the lands

Mother of Hassan and Hussain (AS)

Beauty of Islam

Zahra (SA) your light is shining

Brighter than the sun

Oh the flower of heavens

You are the only one

The apple of Muhammad’s (SAW) eyes

The wife of Ali (AS)

The role model for all women

Surely your death was a tragedy.

Written by himself:

I am 22 years old and a resident of Kurdistan province. The story of how I became a Shia is as follows: Since in the city where I live, most people are Sunni, and there are no native Shias, I did not know the Shia faith or even other Islamic schools of thought until I was admitted to university.

Like many others, I was very strict and sensitive about my own sect, and I would confront anyone who spoke against it. After some time at the university, I became acquainted with a brother from Shiraz. He was not just a friend to me, but closer than a brother, and he was a religious and devout person. His punctuality in offering prayers on time, his avoidance of looking at non-mahram women, and his devotion to the mosque deeply impressed me. I became interested in accompanying him to the mosque—not only for the congregational prayer but also just to be with him. During the prayer times, I would watch them and be surprised by the differences I noticed.

Honestly, in our city, Shias are often spoken against, and most people are common folk who are not deeply knowledgeable. I had grown up the same way—what you could call a “registered Sunni,” just following the label. Then, discussions and questions from my Shia friends began, and in response, I would only feel upset and remain silent.

Time passed, and I realized that silence and indifference would get me nowhere. To at least respond to my Shia friends and defend my own sect, I began studying. I registered at the library of the Grand Sunni Mosque, and my days became filled with reading religious books and asking questions of anyone around me.

My Sunni friends mocked me and even accused me, saying I was wasting my time and that it was none of my business what happened after the Prophet. But I was not convinced by these words.

Gradually, as I continued, I felt that many of the books were full of weak arguments and baseless justifications. Some issues became unbearable for me—for example, the insults against the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family) in the Sahih books, or events like the Battle of Jamal and Siffin.

I had decided to study Shia books as well. The first book that deeply captivated me was “Why I Became a Shia”, a debate between Mr. John Ahmed and Sunni scholars. All the accusations made against Shias were addressed in this book.

I got so absorbed in the book that I read it from start to finish. The Shirazi brother also read it and decided to give a presentation in our Islamic History class that semester.

At first, I was very scared because our class had many Sunnis, and I feared that problems might arise. But he gave the presentation, and I didn’t notice any reaction as long as they were talking about other sects. When they reached the Shafi’i school, noise broke out. One of the students left the room. I thought to myself, “How long will I keep running away? Instead of leaving, I should respond.”

The following week, that same person who had left came back and said, “There are different ways to reach God—some direct, some indirect—but in the end, everyone reaches God.” I thought to myself, “Then why is the direct path even necessary?”

Over time, I ended up sharing a room with my Shia friends for convenience and studying. But I should mention that the blind sectarianism I had prevented me from accepting many things. With my Shia friends and the Shirazi friend, I learned a lot of things.

I must say, everything I have learned comes from this Shirazi friend. They were a Shia without prejudice and explained matters to me without insult—not to make me accept them, but simply to inform me.

Poor him—I had troubled him so much that if I were in his place, I wouldn’t have tolerated it and would have thought, “What does this have to do with me?”

Gradually, I began to doubt many issues. I had become a “Twelver Sunni”—neither fully Shia nor Sunni. One night, one of the students said something that deeply upset me, and I cried so much that only God knows.

My friend talked to me, and when I calmed down, he said, “How long will you continue like this? You need to be firm, choose the right path, and take steps on it.” His words strengthened my determination.

I returned to my city and wrote down all the questions I had in my mind, seeking answers. I studied the answers from the Shia perspective, even for many questions that had already been answered to me before.

I went to the most well-known Moulavi in my city, but he did not answer me, even though I told him I could come to him anytime. I then went to a second person, who mocked me and said, “I’m unemployed; the Arabs know better about these Shias…”

I approached a third person, who gave me answers that only an uneducated person could accept and merely justified many issues without real explanation.

I discussed these matters with my Shirazi friend and decided to study more books. I read “Then I Was Guided,” “The Lost Truth,” “The Nights of Peshawar,” “Deception,” “Guided by the Light of Fatimah,” and others. I also connected with clerics and preachers named Haj Agha Gholami and Mohammadi, and with the strong support of my Shirazi friend, I chose the Shia faith.

He was not just a brother to me; he was my spiritual father, and I will be indebted to him for life, because through him and his family, I came to know Imam Mahdi.

Sometime after becoming a Shia, I prayed to God and the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them) to show me a way to truly believe in my heart. Through seeing truthful dreams and having the opportunity to visit certain holy places, I reached complete intellectual and heartfelt conviction.

In a dream, I saw myself shopping in a market for a decorative item on which was written “O Umar ibn al-Khattab.” The seller took it from my hand and gave me another item on which the names of the Five Members of the Ahl al-Bayt were written. I immediately accepted it, and then I saw myself wearing the Ihram and embarking on the Hajj pilgrimage. Dreams of visiting the Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) grave and Imam Reza’s shrine alone, and other similar dreams, strengthened my heart’s certainty. A few months later, I had the opportunity to visit Mashhad, Jamkaran, and Karbala.

In Jamkaran, I prayed to Imam Mahdi for Hajj, and after a year, I was granted the opportunity to perform Umrah. This was a divine favor for my guidance and enlightenment.

Now, three years have passed since I became a Shia, and my family (mother, brother, and sisters) are aware of my faith. Please pray for their guidance and for all Muslims, so they may follow the path of the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them), God willing.

Please pray for me.

Ya Mahdi.

Author: Sayyid Muhammad Rizvi

Link 1 (Google Drive) :

Education in Islam

Link 2 (Archive.org) :

Education in Islam

Mrs. “Yeni Ma Linda” an Indonesian lady

This lady said about her motive for becoming a Shiite:

“My husband has a big poster of Hazrat Abul Fazl al-Abbas (a.s) at home, and whenever he faces a problem, he pays attention to that Hazrat and asks him to solve her problems; and his troubles have been solved many times by appealing to Hazrat Abbas (a.s).

In this way, I believed in Hazrat Abbas (a.s) as a member of the Prophet’s (a.s) family and decided to become a follower of this great family.

Author: Bilal Muslim Mission of Tanzania

Link 1 (Google Drive) :

Why Pray In Arabic

Link 2 (Archive.org) :

Why Pray In Arabic

French new Muslim “Loeik”

French convert expresses his happiness over visiting Imam Ridha Holy Shrine,

When I entered the shrine, the first thing I met was love.

I am so happy that God has given me this blessing success so that I can comprehend the greatness and spiritual reward of the pilgrimage of Imam Ridha (a.s), in my youth.

(Part – 3)

Previous Part: … https://al-mostabserin.com/english/14351

• Who prevents Sunnis from seeking the truth?

Wahhabis. Everywhere, they are the main agents of such mischief.

• If a Sunni attends a majlis of Imam Hussein (A.S.) or hears about the martyrdom of Lady Fatimah (S.A.), surely they are affected and begin to doubt. If they do not transform, isn’t that concerning?

As I said, the only weapon of Wahhabis is creating doubts. By raising multiple questions and justifications against Shia Islam, they divert Sunni minds from the true path.

• For example, how do they justify the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (A.S.)?

Wahhabis broadcast through multiple loudspeakers to Sunnis, claiming: Imam Hussein (A.S.) went to Karbala by mistake to avenge his cousin Muslim ibn Aqeel. Even Ibn Abbas told Imam Hussein (A.S.) not to go, but he did not listen. Yazid did not want war either, but was forced because if Imam Hussein reached Sham, more people would be killed.

These are lies Wahhabis feed to Sunnis.

• Has the fabricated jihad in Syria by Wahhabis also reached Khuzestan?

Yes, unfortunately, some from our province went to Syria under the jihad fatwa.

• Now that you are Shia, how do you view Wahhabi fatwas?

Truly ridiculous.

• Don’t they realize this themselves?

I can say with certainty that Wahhabism is Judaism, the kind endorsed by Israel. Israel opposes Islam. Think carefully: if Israel wants to portray Islam negatively, what should it do? It must promote a version of Islam that appears irrational to everyone. Hence, the Wahhabi sect was created, carrying out extreme acts and issuing absurd fatwas—like “football is haram,” “women cannot drive,” “women cannot buy male fruits like cucumber, banana, or eggplant”—to distort public perception and promote Islamophobia.

• How is this addressed locally?

People strongly resist Wahhabi propaganda. Alhamdulillah, today there are no Wahhabis in Khuzestan openly declaring their sect; they all operate secretly in homes.

Mr. Jazayeri pays special attention to holding gatherings during Fatimiyyah, Muharram, and Safar. Now, during the martyrdom days, the entire province is immersed in mourning.

• What do you see as the greatest weakness of Sunni Islam?

Lack of study and research. Unfortunately, Sunnis often judge one-sidedly, whereas one should, as a human being (neither Sunni nor Shia), compare books side by side.

• I want to revisit the doubts you once raised, but now that you are Shia, you should resolve them.
• Please proceed.

“Shias are polytheists and must be killed.”

Let’s assume Shias are polytheists. We know polytheists are considered worse than dogs. So why don’t Wahhabi scholars order the killing of Shias when they enter Mecca? If Shias are impure, then entering the House of God should pollute it. When they enter from the outside with money, they are not considered polytheists. So Wahhabi fatwas are political rather than religious.

“Shias have 12 Gods.”

They claim Shias worship 12 Gods, e.g., Imam Ali (A.S.) as the first God, Imam Hasan (A.S.) as the second, and so on.

Firstly, if Shias are not monotheists, why do they circumambulate the Kaaba? Shouldn’t they do tawaf around the shrines in Najaf, Karbala, or Mashhad instead?

Secondly, Imam Ali (A.S.) recites Du’a Kumayl, in which he says: “O my God, I am your humble, weak servant”. Does God have another God? Never in history has any people said their God has a God. So the claim is illogical.

“Shia scholars take Khums from people, which is not in the Quran, so they are haram-eaters.”

Surah Al-Anfal, 8:41: “Know that any booty you acquire, one-fifth is for Allah, the Messenger, the near relatives, orphans, the needy, and travelers, if you have faith in Allah and what We revealed on Our servant on the day of Furqan, when the two armies met, and Allah is powerful over all things.”

This shows Khums is Quranically mandated.

• Extremists exist in every sect. We spoke about Sunni extremists. Satellite networks claim to be Shia but attack Shia Islam.

Yes, I remember that Wahhabi channels exploited these so-called Shia networks to provoke Sunnis against Shias, directing them toward Wahhabism.

• Apparently, Wahhabis even raise doubts about Shia prayers?

Yes. I debated a Wahhabi who said Shias say “Khan Al-Amin” three times after each prayer because they consider Gabriel a traitor for delivering revelation to the Prophet instead of Ali (A.S.). I offered to pray to show him it is not the case, but he refused, claiming it was written in secret books. I countered that they themselves say “Al-Shaytan Rabbi wa Rabba Abai” after prayer. He insisted it was false and made by our enemies. I said, “Show me in your books,” and he cited secret books as well.

• The books of the Sunnis are full of contradictions, and careful study can reveal the lies of their scholars.
• Exactly as you say. This reminds me of an incident:

I was discussing this topic with a Sunni. I said, “A religion whose books lie is fundamentally flawed.” He said, “Provide evidence.”

I said, “I have a question that I’m slightly embarrassed to ask. You won’t be upset?” He said, “No.”

I continued, “If you allow me, I want to breastfeed from your mother.” His face turned pale, and he said, “Aren’t you ashamed? You insult us! You Shias are the most ill-mannered creatures…”

I said, “Was that rude?” He said, “For you Shias, this kind of speech is normal.” I said, “Calm down, your religion allows me to do this.”

To my surprise, he asked for proof and a reference. I said, “Listen carefully:

This book before me is Sahih Muslim, the most authentic Sunni book, Dar Al-Fikr Beirut edition, 2010, in the chapter on forbidding lying. The Prophet said: ‘Whoever intentionally lies about me, let him occupy his place in Hellfire.’

At the beginning of this book it says: ‘Under the heavens, there is no book more authentic than Sahih Muslim.’

In the same book, in the chapter of Rada’ al-Kabir, Hadith 1453 says: Aisha said: “Salam, the freed slave of Abu Hudhaifa, lived with Abu Hudhaifa and his family. The daughter of Suhail (Abu Hudhaifa’s wife) came to the Prophet and said: ‘Salam has grown and reached the understanding of men… I think there is discomfort in Abu Hudhaifa regarding this.’ The Prophet said: ‘Breastfeed him, it will make him mahram for you, and the discomfort in Abu Hudhaifa’s heart will vanish.’ She breastfed him, and indeed the discomfort in Abu Hudhaifa disappeared.”

I said, “These three narrations are all from your own Sahih Muslim. Do you accept them?” He could only nod.

I continued, “If you accept Sahih Muslim as the most authentic book, then this narration is correct. Let me breastfeed from your mother so I become mahram to your mother and brother. If you think the third narration is false, then Aisha lied about the Prophet in the first narration. Which do you choose?”

He was caught in a dilemma. Any choice harmed him. He just said (laughing): “Leave me alone.”

• Helli, I believe that if Sunnis reflected on the sayings of the fourth Caliph, Ali (A.S.), as much as they justify the mistakes of the first three Caliphs, they would escape the darkness of fanaticism.

Exactly. This became clear in another debate. I asked a Sunni, “If someone rebels against the first Caliph, what is the punishment?” He said, “Kafir and apostate, must be executed.” I asked the same for the second, the third, and then the fourth Caliph. He said, “Like the previous three, Kafir and apostate, must be executed.”

I said, “You just issued the judgment yourself. Who rebelled against whom in the Battle of Jamal and Siffin? You judged it!”

• Have you ever mediated someone’s conversion to Shia Islam, besides your family?

I have debated with many Sunnis and Wahhabis. I can say with certainty that I refuted all their doubts, but when I questioned them with references from their own books, they had nothing to say. Yet, instead of seeking truth, they clung to their fanaticism.

For this reason, I could only once act as a mediator for good, and I guided one rational person to the Shia faith.

• We are eagerly waiting to hear this story.

Last year, I traveled to Shiraz to memorize the Holy Quran. At the terminal, I went to the prayer room for Salah. I noticed someone praying without a prayer turbah (prayer tablet). I realized he was Sunni.

I pondered how to start the discussion, and God guided me. I asked him, “Shall I bring you a turbah?” He said, “No, thank you.” I asked, “Are you being polite?” He replied, “No, dear, it’s not necessary.”

I said, “Clearly, you are being polite, because one cannot pray without a turbah.” He said, “My sect is different from yours; I am Sunni.”

I asked, “What is Sunni? How is it different from our Shia faith?” With this introduction, our discussion began. I opened all my books and presented evidence from the Quran and the most authentic Sunni texts. He was very logical and gradually convinced.

In the end, I narrated the tragedy of Lady Fatimah (S.A.) and the circumstances of her martyrdom. I spoke about the deep wounds inflicted on the Prophet’s daughter by the second Caliph and the events when Umar and Abu Bakr visited her.

Ultimately, he recognized the truth and recited the Shahadatayn (testimony of faith). Before leaving, I taught him the Shia method of ablution and Salah.

• How does it feel to be the mediator of someone’s guidance to truth?

It is indescribable.

• Your greatest wish from Ahl al-Bayt (A.S.)?

To achieve true humanity.

• A word from the heart?

Whenever I visit the shrine of any of the Imams, I say: “Since you have bought me, do not set me free easily. Allow me to enjoy serving you for a lifetime.”

Thanks to God, whatever I have asked for has been granted. From Imam Reza (A.S.) I requested Karbala, and this journey was blessed. In Karbala, I asked my master, Husayn ibn Ali (A.S.), to strengthen my faith in the rich Shia doctrine and to help me convey this call of truth to everyone.

• A very beneficial conversation; I hope you receive even more of the blessings and attention of our master, Amir al-Mu’minin (A.S.).

I am deeply grateful for giving me this opportunity.

Biography

Name : Hassan

Title : Al-Askari

Kunyat : Abu Muhammad

Born : Monday 8th of Rabi-ul-Akhar 232 A.H. , at Medina

Father’s Name : Ali ibn Muhammad

Mother’s Name : Saleel

Died : At the age of 28 years, at Samarra, on Friday 8th Rabi-ul-Awwal 260 AH. Poisoned by Mo’tamad the Abbaside Caliph

Buried : at Samarra, Baghdad.

The Holy Imam Hasan al-Askari spent twenty two years of his life under the patronage of his father, Imam Ali al-Hadi (an Naqi) after whose martyrdom he became his divinely commissioned Imam and through the decree of the previous Imams. During the seven years of his Immamat, due to untold restrictions placed on him by the caliphat, he lived in hiding and dissimulation ( Taqiyyah ). He did not have any social contact with even the common people among the Shi’ite population . Ibid. p.155.

Birth & Childhood

When he was born his father said that it was an order from the prophet (p.b.u.h) that he should be named Hasan. It was so well known that the last Imams father would be called Hasan that people had previously looked for the 12th Imam amongst the sons of Imam Hasan Al-Mujtaba (AS)

His mother was Sulail (or Hudaitha) who was a slave of the 10th Imam whom he had freed and subsequently married. The 10th Imam said of her that she was one who was free from all vice and pollution and that she was one of the righteous ones. After the 11th Imam’s martyrdom he left all the “orders” of Imamate with her (his mother).

Once when Imam Hasan Al-Askary (AS) was a young child he fell into a well near their house. His father Imam Ali An-Naqi (AS) was praying and didn’t even notice the commotion around him of the ladies crying. When he finished praying and asked what had happened, he was told. He went towards the well. The water rose and all saw the 11th Imam sitting peacefully on the water and playing.

Bahlool once saw the young Imam crying in the street where all the other children were busy playing with their toys. He asked whether Imam was crying because he had no toys to play with. Imam replied: “We have not been created to play!”

Bahlool asked where he had learnt his from and the Imam said :

“Have you not read the Qur’an where it says – “Do you think we have created you in vain and that you will not be returned to us”.

When Bahlool heard this he asked Imam for some advice. Imam talked about death, barzakh and qiyama and cried so much, he fainted. When he came to, Bahlool asked him why he was so fearful as he was not even baligh yet. Imam said:

“I have watched my mother light a fire; she uses the little twigs to get the big pieces of wood to burn; I fear that on qiyama Allah too will use little ones to light the big ones.

Reports about His Nomination:

[Abu al-Qasim Ja’far b. Muhammad informed me on the authority of Muhammad b. Ya’qub, on the authority of Ali b. Muhammad, on the authority of Muhammad b. Ahmad al- Nahdi, on the authority of Yahya b. Yasar al- Anbari, who said: ].

Abu al-Hasan Ali b. Muhammad (al-Hadi), peace be on him, made his testamentary bequest to his son four months before his death. He indicated that the affair) of the Imamat) would belong to him after himself. He made me (i.e. Yahya b. Yasar al- Anbari) and a group of servants (mawali) witness that Kitab-al.Irshad, p. 508

[Abu al- Qasim Ja’far b. Muhammad informed me, on the authority of Muhammad  b. Yaqub, on the authority of ‘ Ali b. Muhammad, on the authority of  Ja’far b. Muhammad al- Kufi, on the authority of  Bashshhar b. Ahmad al- Basri, on the authority of Ali  b. “ Umar al- Nawfali, who said:]

I (i.e. ‘Ali b. ‘Umar al-Nawfali) was with Abu al-Hasan (al-Hadi), peace be on him, in the courtyards of the house. Muhammad, his son, passed us and I said to (al Hadi ) :” May I be your ransom, is this our leader after you?”

“No,” he replied, “your leader after me is al-Hasan.”Kitab-al-Irshad. P. 508.

[With the same chain of authorities (isnad), on the authority of Bashshar b. Ahmad, on the authority of ‘ Abdallah b. Muhammad al- Isphahani , who said:]

“Abu al-Hasan (al-Hadi), peace be on him, said to me (i.e. Abdallah b. Muhammad al- Isphahani): “Your leader after me is  one who will say the prayers over me (at my funeral) Kitab al-Irshad.   pp.507-508.

Imam’s  Social  Status:

Indeed Imam al-Askari (AS), like his noble fathers, was a prominent scholar and a leader (Imam) whom none of his own period could ignore. He (AS) was a chief of religious scholars, an ideal of worshippers, a leader of politics and opposition, and towards whom the hearts of people adhered with love and respect inspire of the existence of brutal terrorism, and political hostility to the  Ahlul-Bait (AS).

He (AS) and his companions always suffered persecution and oppression by the, then government and were thrown into prison and jails.

Ahmad bin Ubaidullah bin Khaqan, being an open enemy of Imam al-Askari (AS), narrates a full description about his position and social and political status :

“Hussein bin Muhammad Ash’ari and Muhammad bin Ali said: During his assembly one day the Alawites (i.e.) followers of Imam A’li) and their beliefs were mentioned. Ahmad bin Abdullah bin Khaqan was in charge of estates and the land tax in Qom. He was violently anti- Shia and far from favoring the house (AS). He was the severe enemy of the descendents of Ali ibn. Abi Talib, who said: ‘ I had not seen a man from the Alawites like Hassan bin Ali bin Muhammad bin Ali al-Rida.

Once, the Imam’s servant visited my father and said : Abu Muhammad bin al-Rida is standing at the door. Therefore he permitted them to enter,, and welcomed him (the Imam). Then, the caliph made him sit down on his prayer mat which he had been sitting on. He sat beside him facing him and began to speak to him and to use honorific expression- may I be your ransom.

I was amazed at what I saw. When the Imam wanted to leave, he (my father) bid farewell to him. Then, I asked my father about him (the Imam ) and he replied : O my son ! That was the Imam (leader) of Rafidah and if the office of leadership was to be taken from our caliphs entitled i.e. the family of al Abbas, none of the family pf Bani Hashim would be more entitled to it than him (the Imam) because of his great merit, his self restraint, his modesty, his fasting, his prayer He added saying : ‘I have never seen the one who is more plentiful in knowledge and manner, nor sweet in tongue than Hassan al Askari’. Ahlul Bait 13, Al Balagh Foundation ,1999, Tehran IRI. Pp 19-20.

Abdullah bin Khaqan, describing a part of the Imam’s great status and his social position and the peoples adherence and respect towards him , said :

‘When the news of his (the Imam) death was spread, Samarra’ became one uproar. The markets were empty. Banu (the family) Hashim, the military leaders, the secretaries, the judges, the attestators and the rest of the people rode to his funeral. On that day, Samarra seemed like the (day of) Resurrection. When they had finished the preparations for him, the authorities sent for Abu Isa bin Mutawakkil and ordered him to say the funeral prayer over him. Ibid. p. 21

The Imam’s Worship:

History is replete with news and narrations which talk about the Imam’s devotion (to Allah), asceticism, and piety. Among them one is:

The testimony of his opponent, Ubaidullah b. Khaqan for his son. Describing Imam al-Askari he told his son :

……my son, if the Imamat was to be taken from our caliphs, the family of Banu Abbas, none of the Banu Hashim would be more entitled to it than him (the Imam  A.S.)”  Ibid p. 24

Kulaini quoted another narration which talked about the Imam’s worship, asceticism, and how he spent his time in prison praising, worshipping and devoting himself to Allah, the Almighty, to the extent that he (AS) even had an impact on his own jailer and said:

“The Abbasids went to Salih b. Wasif when Abu Muhammad (Hassan al-Askari), peace be on him, was imprisoned .

They told him: be hard on him. Don’t give him any ease,.’What can I do with him Salih told them. ‘I entrusted him two most evil men I found (to guard the Imam). These two men became (men) of worship, prayer and fasting to an amazing extent. When they were called by the authority and questioned for not doing any thing to harm the Imam. They answered “What can we say about as man who fasts in the day and stands (in prayer) at night, who does not speak, and occupies himself with nothing except worship?” Ibid. p. 26.

Imam’s Cultural School:

“Imam’s main task was to safeguard the message of Islam, to defend originality, to  call people towards it and to  convey its principles and values.

Indeed the Imams of Ahlul-Bait (AS) spared no efforts in defending Islamic faith and thought, in spreading the knowledge of sharia, and its sciences and to acquaint people with them. They are the teachers of the religious scholars and the source of knowledge and sciences in this umma.

Imam al-Askari (AS), like his forefathers, practiced his cultural and scholarly role within the course of the school of Ahlul-Bait (AS) – which concentrated its activity on the Book (Quran) and prophetic traditions, safeguarding the originality of the message and discovering its contents.

The Imam (AS) lived during the third century of Hijra, in which ideological schools perfected their identity, particularly in the field of jurisprudence, interpretation, theology, the principles of jurisprudence, philosophy, and hadith…etc.”  Ibid. p. 51

“It was clear that the ideological and cultural activity in Islamic society at that time started moving on various centers.

Different schools and currents were appeared, but the school of Ahlul-Bait (AS) was distinguished one in jurisprudence, hadith, interpretation, political thought, theology, philosophy, understanding Islam…etc.”

“The one who studies the lives of Imams of the Prophet’s Household (Ahlul-Bait), will vividly recognize that every Imam practiced his role in managing the scientific school, in his downtime, and enriching it with knowledge and science. He will, also, recognize that each Imam represented a great figure to whom most religious scholars turned and a peak towards whom the followers of knowledge showed their respect and regards.” Ibid p. 51

Title: Al-Askary

The 10th and 11th Imamayn were both called Al-Askary as they lived in an area of Samarra called Askary.

Another reason that the 11th Imam was called Askary is said to be that once Mutawakkil wanted to show the Imam the strength of his army of 90,000 men and so he asked his men to fill their sacks with sand and pile all the sacks up. He then showed Imam this mountain of sacks. Imam asked Mutawakkil, to look through his (Imam’s) two fingers, where he saw a an army of armed Angels. Imam told him that they were at his disposal but he would not use them. (An army is called Askary).

Life & Works

Ahmed Bin Ishaq relates that when he heard of the death of the 10th Imam he went to Samarra and asked for the whereabouts of the 11th Imam. He was told that Imam had been imprisoned by Mo’taz Billah. After bribing the guards he was able to visit Imam one night. He described the prison as a tunnel under the Khalifa’s home where there was no space to stretch ones legs nor room to be able to stand. Ahmed says he cried when he saw Imams condition. Food was only one glass of water and a piece of dry bread a day.

He was imprisoned because all the rulers knew of the justice that was promised to come with the coming of the 12th Imam and they wished to prevent anyone being born of the 11th Imam.

Whilst in prison he told his companions to accumulate all the masails of Fiqh and he completed the masails on the chapters that were found missing. He introduced the institution of “Taqleed” advising people to follow those who were learned, “Muttaqi”, and just, as he was in prison and it was extremely difficult for people to meet him. Khums was collected through his representative and masails too asked to him, Abu-Ja’fer Uthman bin Saeed, who was later to become the representative of the 12th Imam.

There was once a severe drought in Samarra and a Christian priest came who whenever he raised his hands caused rain to fall from the heavens. The Muslims faith started wavering and the Khalifa Mo’taz Billah got worried for if they left Islam he would have none to rule over.

He went to the 11th Imam saying that Imam’s grandfathers religion was in trouble. Imam asked him to call all the people outside Samarra with the Christian priest. He asked the Christian priest to pray for rain. When he raised his hands to pray it started to rain. Imam asked for whatever was in this hands to be taken away and then asked him to pray for rain again. There was no rain this time.

Imam showed that what the priest had in this hand was the bone of a Prophet which whenever placed under the open sky caused it to rain.Imam then prayed for rain and it rained. Mo’taz could not re imprison Imam for some time for when the people saw the miracle they all wanted to visit Imam and asked where they might find him. Imam pointed to the Khalifa and asked them to ask him. Mo’taz told them that Imam was staying at the house where the 10th Imam used to reside.

Bibi Nargis was there and it was in that year that the 12th Imam was born. Imam was allowed out of prison for 13 months after which he was rearrested.

Martyrdom

In the six years of his Imamate several attempts were made on his life. On the 1st of Rabi-ul Awwal 260 a.h. Mo’tamad arranged for Imam to be poisoned in prison and then sent him home. Imam was in great pain and difficulty for 8 days. On the 8th of Rabi-ul Awwal he asked his son, the 12th Imam, to bring him some water and then leave him. He died that day and was given ghusl & kafan by his son, the 12th Imam.

Burial

The funeral prayers were led by the 12th Imam and it was then that a lot of Shia’s saw him for the first time. A large number of people attended the funeral and he is buried in Samarra.

Additional Notes

The 11th Imam was once asked of the signs of a mo’min (believer).He listed the following signs.

He is one prays 51 rakaats of salaa daily.

He prostates on Khake Shafaa.

He wears rings on his right hand.

He repeats the verses of Azhan & Ikama.

He recites “Bismillah” loudly in Namaz..

He prays his Fajr Namaz  before the stars disappear and his Zohar prayers before the sun starts to decline.

He recite Qunoot in Namaz .

He dyes his hair and beard.

He recites 5 Takbirs in Salatul Mayyit.

Quran is a book superior to the Gospel and Torah.

Torah and Gospel have been distorted throughout history but Holy Quran is the original divine words and everlasting despite passage of centuries.

Islam is the most complete religion and the word of God in Quran is a permanent principle.’