Anecdotes From The Lives of Fourteen Masoomeen(A.S.)

(1)
The Unfixed Wages
That day Sulayman bin Ja'far Ja'fari and Emam Reza (A.S.) had gone out together for some work. It was sunset when Sulayman wanted to return home. Emam Reza (A.S.) said to him: "Come to my house and be with us tonight." Sulayman agreed and with Emam (A.S.) he went to his house.
Emam (A.S.) saw his servants busy in gardening. By the way, he saw a stranger, who was also busy in gardening with them. Emam (A.S.) asked: "Who is he?"
The servants replied: "We have hired him today so that he may help us."
Emam (A.S.): "It'a all right. How much wages have you fixed for him?"
Servants: "We will give him something and would make him satisfied."
The signs of displeasure and anger appeared on Emam Reza (A.S.) face and he wanted to punish them. Sulayman Ja'fari came forward and said:
Why do you make yourself uncomfortable?"
Emam (A.S.) said: "I have repeatedly given orders that till the work and wages are not fixed, never get the work done by anyone. First fix the wages of the person and then get the work done. Even if you have fixed the wages, you could give something extra to him after the work is over. Certainly, when he finds that you have given him more than the fixed wages, he would be thankful to you and would like you. And the affection between you and him would increase. And even if you would give him the wages you have fixed, the person would not be unhappy with you.But if you do not fix the wages and employ someone to work, whaterver you would give him after the work, he would not think that you have done a favour to him. Rather, he will think that you have given him less than his actual wages."

(2)
Mamun's Offer
On Emam Reza(A.S.) arrival in Marw(Khorasan),the seat of al-Ma'mun's caliphate, the Abbasid caliph showed him hospitality and great respect, then he said to him: "I want to get rid of myself of the caliphate and vest the office in you." But Emam Reza(A.S.) refused his offer. Then al-Ma'mun repeated his offer in a letter saying: "If you refuse what I have offered you, then you must accept being the heir after me." But again Emam Reza(A.S.) refused his offer vigorously. al-Ma'mun summoned him. He was alone with al-Fadl ibn Sahl, the Iranian noble incharge of two offices (i.e., military and civil). There was no one else in their gathering. al-Ma'mun said to Emam Reza(A.S.), "I thought it appropriate to invest authority over the Muslims in you and to relieve myself of the responsibility by giving it to you." When again Emam Reza(A.S.) refused to accept his offer, al-Ma'mun spoke to him as if threatening him for his refusal. In his speech he said, "Umar ibn al-Kahttab made a committee of consultation (shura) (to appoint a successor). Among them was your forefateher, the Commander of the faithful, 'Ali ibn Abi Talib. (Umar) stipulated that any of them who opposed the decision should be executed. So there is no escape for you from accepting what I want from you. I will ignore your rejection of it."
In reply, Emam Reza (A.S.) said: "I will agree to what you want of me as far as succession is concerned on condition that I do not command, nor order, nor give legal decisions, nor judge, nor appoint, nor dismiss, nor change anything from how it is at present." al-Ma'mun accepted all of that.
On the day when al-Ma'mun ordered to make the pledge of allegiance to Emam Reza (A.S.) one of the close associates of Emam Reza (A.S.), who was present, narrates, "On that day I was in front of him. He looked at me while I was feeling happy about what had happened. He signalled me to come closer. I went closer to him and he said so that no one else could hear, 'Do not occupy your heart with this matter and do not be happy about it. It is something which will not be achieved.' "

(3)
Intercession
It is written in 'Dhillul Mateen' that Meer Mu'inuddin Ashraf who was one of the virtuous attendants of the shrine of Emam Ali- Ar-Reza (A.S.) says that, "Once I dreamd that I was in the shrine of Emam Reza (A.S.) and was coming out to perform ablution (Wuzu). When I came near the mound of Ameer Ali Sher, I saw a group of people entering the shrine. An eminent personality was leading them, and they all carried spades in their hands. As soon as they entered the shrine, the eminent personality pointed towards a particular grave and said, "Dig out the wretched fellow from his grave". Hearing his command they started digging the grave. I asked one of those men as to who that man was. He replied that He was the Commander of the faithful Imam Ali (A.S.). Suddenly I saw that Emam Ali- Ar-Reza (A.S.) came out of His shrine and greeted Imam Ali (A.S.). Hazrat Ali (A.S.) answered His greeting. Emam Reza (A.S.) said, "O my Respected Grandfather! I request you, and have faith, that you will forgive this person on my behalf who lies buried here under the shelter of my shrine". Amirul Mo'mineen (A.S.) answered, "O my dear son! Do you know that he was a mischief-creator, an adulteror, and a drunkard"? Emam (A.S.) replied, "I do know, but when his last moment neared he willed to be buried under the shelter of my shrine, so I request you to forgive him on my behalf." Hazrat Ali (A.S.) forgave him and left. I awoke from my sleep in awe and woke up the other attendants and related to them my dream. We all went to the place which I had seen in my dream, and found a newly constructed grave, whose mud was scattered. After inquiry we learnt that a Turkish man who had died was buried there the day before".
Haji Ali Baghdadi had the honour of meeting Imam Mahdi (A.S.) and ask him some questions. One of the questions put forward by him was that "Is it true that a person who goes for the pilgrimage (Ziyarah) to the shrine of Imam Husain (A.S.) on Friday night receives salvation"? Imam (A.S.) replied, "Yes, by Allah". Haji Ali Baghdadi says that I saw tears in the eyes of Imam (A.S.). Then I asked him another question, "In the year 1269 A.H. when we went for the pilgrimage (Ziyarah) to the shrine of Emam Reza (A.S.), we met a nomadic Arab who was a native of Najaf. We invited him for a meal and asked him his views regarding the reward of the love of Emam Reza (A.S.). He replied, "Paradise", and said, "Since the past fifteen days I have been the ZAIR(pilgrim) of Emam Reza (A.S.), do Munkir & Nakeer' have the nerve to come near me. The food which I consumed from the table of Emam Reza (A.S.) has turned into flesh and blood". I asked Imam Mahdi (A.S.) whether his claim was true. Imam (A.S.) replied, "Yes it is true. Emam Reza (A.S.) himself will come and save him for the questioning in the grave. For verily by Allah! My Grandfather is a Zamin (Surety) Imam".
(Manazile Akherah by Shaykh Abbas bin Muhammad Reza al-Qummi, pp. 62-64.)

(4)
The Holy Imam's Social Behaviour
Ibrahim bin Abbas, who was one of the high-ranking officials of the Abbasid caliphate,has left the following eyewitness account of Imam Reza's(A.S.) impeccable character.
- His Holiness never irritated others by verbal or practical teasings.
- His Holiness did not interrupt others' speeches.
- The Holy Imam (A.S.) never refused the demands of others.
- I never witnessed him to have his legs stretched out before the others.
- And I could never find him in a resting position in the presence of other people.
-His Holiness never swore at his servants.
-His Holiness never cachinnated in happy circumstances.
-I never saw him spit his saliva out.
-At dinner all his servants including porters and even the stablemen were served in his attendance.
- His Holiness used to stay up all nights invoking Allah the Almighty. The Holy Imam (A.S.) also observed regularly the religious duty of fasting and always gave alms in secret.

(5)
Fraternity and Equality
Quoting a witness from "Balkh", in his famous work entitled "Kafi", the celebrated scholar "Kulayni" relates the following:
"On the way to "Khorasan" I was among the attendants of His Holiness Imam Reza (A.S.). At dinner the Holy Imam (A.S.) invited all his men around him and asked them to have dinner with him. There a few negro servants were among those men. Declaring that they were all of the same flesh and blood the Holy Imam (A.S.) asked that the whole company should have had dinner at one table.
His Holiness practically combated against the superiority of race and colour in connexion with the distinction of the human beings. The Holy Imam (A.S.) tried to revive the Islamic precepts of fraternity and equality in the Muslim community.

(6)
Generosity
Eleisha ibn Hamza says: "I was once talking to Imam Reza (A.S.) when a large crowd of people assembled to ask him about what is permissible in Islam and what is not. A man as tall as Adam came to him and said: `Assalamo Alaikom, O Son of the Messenger of God! I am a man who loves you, your fathers and grandfathers, and I have just been on my way to perform the pilgrimage when I discovered that I had lost everything with me and now I do not have anything enough even for a leg of the trip. If you will, please help me with the expense of going back home, and I am a recipient of God's blessing (i.e. well to do). As soon as I reach there, I will give to the poor as much as you will give me, for I do not qualify to be a recipient of alms.' He said to him: `Sit, may God be merciful to you,' then he kept talking to people till they dispersed except that man, Sulaiman al-Ja'feri, Khuthai'ama and myself. Then he (Imam Reza) said: `Do you permit me to enter (the room)?' Sulaiman said to him: `May God advance your endeavour.' So he entered the room and stayed for about an hour after which he came out and closed the door behind him, stretched his hand above the door and said: `Where is the man from Khurasan?' The man answered: `Here I am!' He said: `Take these two hundred dinars, use them for your preparations for the trip; may God bring you blessings thereby, and do not spend an equal amount to it on my behalf, and leave the room in a way that I do not see you and you do not see me,' then he left. Sulaiman then said: `May my life be sacrificed for yours! You have made quite a generous offer, but why did you hide your face?' He answered: `I did so for fear of seeing the humiliation on the face of the man due to my assistance for him. Have you not heard the hadith of the Holy Messenger of Islam (S.A.W.) in which he said: `The one who hides a good deeds receives rewards equal to performing the pilgrimage seventy times; one who announces his sin is humiliated, while one who hides it is forgiven'? Have you heard the saying of the example of the first case: Whenever I approach him, one day, with a plea, I return home and my dignity is still with me. Then he hides himself from the person who appeals to him when he gives him something so that he does not see the humiliation on his face, and so that the pleading person retains his dignity when he does not see the face of the benevolent one who is giving him?"
He asks him to leave without seeing him in order to safeguard himself against feeling as having the upper hand over the pleading person, and in order to relieve the pleading person from having to show his gratitude to him.
While in Khurasan, Imam Reza(A.S.) once distributed his entire wealth to the poor on the day of Arafat, so al-Fadl ibn Sahl,the Prime Minister during Mamun's reign said to him: "Now you are bankrupt!" he said: "On the contrary! I am now wealthier than ever. Do not consider trading my wealth for God's rewards and pleasure as bankruptcy."
He does not give others in order to buy their affection or friendship; rather, he considers giving with generosity as a good trait whereby man gets nearer to his Maker by including His servants in the wealth with which He blessed him. This is the difference between his method of giving and the method of others. Ya'qub ibn Ishaq al-Nawbakhti is quoted saying:
"A man passed by Imam Reza(A.S.) and begged him to give him according to the extent of his kindness. He said: `I cannot afford that.' So he said: `Then give me according to mine,' whereupon he ordered his servant to give the man two hundred dinars."
The reason why the Imam Reza(A.S.) abstained from giving the man according to the extent of his own kindness, as the man asked him the first time, is probably due to the fact that he simply did not have as much money as he liked to give. As regarding his own affection towards the poor and the indigent, and his way of looking after them, Mu'ammar ibn Khallad narrates this anecdote:
"Whenever Imam Abul-Hassan al-Reza (A.S.) was about to eat his meal, he would bring a large platter and select the choicest food on the table and put on it, then he would order it to be given away to the poor. After that he would recite the following verse: `But he hath made no haste on the path that is steep.' After that he would say: `God, the Exalted and the Sublime, knows that not everyone has the ability to free a slave, nevertheless He found means for them to achieve Paradise (by feeding others).'"

(7)
Imam's Method of Training Others
Like all other religious leaders His Holiness Imam Ali Ibn Musa-ar- Reza (A.S.) permanently endeavoured to train and guide talented persons in appropriate opportunities.
In addition to his sermons the Holy Imam (A.S.) strived to lead others practically.
Once some of his servants took a kind of fruit and cast aside the half-eaten leavings. After praising Allah, the Holy Imam (A.S.) addressed them and said:
"If you need not this fruit any more, behold there are many people who desire to take some of this edible blessing. Then don't spoil it and proceed to feed the needy on it."
Here the Holy Imam (A.S.) has tried to enjoin people to abandon evil acts of dissipation. Unfortunately the well-to-do people of today are seriously involved in this dangerous catastrophe.These ignorant people leave behind considerable amounts of half-eaten foods carelessly and do not think of the urgent wants of the needy.

(8)
Respect for Humanity
Imam Reza's (A.S.) behavior with the poor, the slaves, the servants, and the destitute, was humane in the deepest sense of the word. He looked on them as his co-religionists and brothers in humanity. One of his followers related the following:
I was with Imam Reza (A.S.) when he travelled to Khurasan. One day he laid the table-cloth and gathered all his servants. "May I be your ransom, said I, "would not it be better if you lay a separate table-cloth for these?' "Do not say that" the Holy Imam (A.S.) replied, "The Lord, the Blessed and High, is One, and all the human beings are the children of Adam and Eve, and everyone shall be rewarded or punished according to his deeds.
One of his servants Nadir, says: Imam Reza (A.S.) would never assign a task to any of us, the servants, while we were eating, until we had finished.
Another servant, Yasir, reported the same about Imam Reza (A.S.), saying, "Abul Hasan said to us: "If I request you to do something and you are eating, do not get up until you have finished". Sometimes he called for some of us, but when he was told that we were eating, he would say. "Leave them till they finish their food".
When Imam Reza (A.S.) had spare time, he would gather all his servants, and talk to them. He would show his pleasure with them, which he did to please them. And when he sat at the dining table-cloth, he would invite all those around him, to eat food with him.

(9)
Total Devotion to Allah
Imam Reza (A.S.) was the best worshipper of his time. Even his enemies acknowledged this fact and could not ignore this prominent trait of his. Mamun, the Abbasid caliph, for instance praises the virtues of Imam Reza (A.S.) in the "Covenant of Allegiance", in which he declared His Holiness as his successor.
Reja bin Zahhak, who forced Imam Reza (A.S.) into exile from Medina to Marw on the orders of Mamun, the Abbasid caliph, also describes the Holy Imam's piety and worship saying "I accompanied him from Medina to Marw. I swear by Allah! I have never seen a man who remembered Allah all the time like him, nor have I seen a man more fearing Allah, the Mighty and High, than he. At day break he would say his morning-prayers. Finishing his prayer, he would stay in his place glorifying Allah, and reciting these phrases repeatedly 'Praise is to Allah', 'Allah is Great', 'There is no god but Allah', "O Lord, Bless Muhammad (S.A.W.) and his progeny" till sunrise. Then he would go down in prostration till sunrise. Then he would go down in prostration till forenoon. Then he would see the people, asking about their concerns and enjoining them to do good. This would last till noon.
Ibrahim bin Abbas, one of the high-ranking officials during Mamun's reign, said about the Holy Imam's worship.
"He slept little at night, staying awake most of it. Most of the time, he stayed awake till the morning. He also often fasted. He used to fast three days of every month. He called this fasting "Fasting of Lifetime". He was very charitable, giving out alms in secret to the needy, often at night. Who ever claims that he has seen someone else who matches him in his virtues, do not believe him."

(10)
Humility
A guest once kept entertaining him part of the night when the lamp started fading and the guest stretched his hand to fix it, but Imam Abul-Hassan al-Reza (A.S.) swiftly checked him and fixed it himself, saying, "We are folks who do not let their guest tend on them."
Al-Manaqib states that Imam Reza (A.S.) once went to the public bath-house and someone asked him to give him a massage, so he kept giving the man a massage till someone recognized him and told that person who that dignitary was. The man felt extremely embarrassed; he apologized to the Emam (A.S.) and gave him a massage.

(11)
Imam-e- Zaamin(A.S.)
The 8th Shi'ite Imam, Imam Ali ibne Musa ar-Reza (A.S.) is also called as Imam-e-Zaamin(A.S.).When Muslims go on journeys they take with them something called Imam-e-Zaamin (another name for Imam Reza (A.S.)) which is some money tied in a cloth. This tradition probably came from the time of Imam Reza (A.S.) when people used to carry money with them especially because it had Holy Imam's (A.S.) name on it. As Ma'mun,the Abbasid caliph the contemporary of Imam Reza(A.S.), had coins minted with the name of Imam Reza (A.S.) on them, it was very easy for the Muslims to carry the name of Holy Imam (A.S.) with them, especially when they went on journeys.
Imam Reza (A.S.) is also known as Imam-e- Zaamin (A.S.). Zaamin means "The Guarantor". One day when Imam Reza (A.S.) was on his historical journey from Madina to Marw(Khurasan),while in a jungle the Holy Imam(A.S.) came across a hunter who was about to kill a deer. The deer was trying to get away and when she saw Holy Imam (A.S.), she said something to him.Holy Imam(A.S.) asked the hunter to free the deer so that she could go and feed her little baby deer who were very hungry. Imam Reza(A.S.) also told the hunter that once the deer had fed her babies she would come back. The hunter allowed the deer to go becauseHoly Imam (A.S.) had told him to, but he did not think the deer will come back. But Imam Reza (A.S.)) waited with the hunter until the deer returned with her young ones. The hunter was amazed on witnessing this miraculous event and he set the deer free as a mark of respect for Imam Reza(A.S.).After this historical event Imam Reza(A.S.) became famous as Imam Zaamin(A.S.).
The most famous artist of the contemporary world, Ustad Mahmud Farshchiyan has depicted this historical event in this beautiful masterpiece iconograph entitled "Zaamin-e-Aahu"(The Guarantor of the Deer).

(12)
Are you asleep or awake
Habbah 'Arni and Nawf Bakali were lying in the courtyard of Darul-Amarah (fort)of Kufah. After the midnight, they saw that the Leader of the Faithful,Imam 'Ali (AS), was coming from the fort towards the coutyard. But his condition was bad; he was having extraordinary fear and was unable to keep the equilibrium of his body. Keeping his hands on the wall and having his body in bent position, he was walking slowly with the support of the wall. And he was reciting the last Ayahs of Surah Al-i 'Imran as follows:
"Indeed in the creation of the heaven and the earth and alteration of the night and the day, there are signs for men of acumen. Those who extol Allah, standing, sitting and (lying) on their sides, and reflect on the creation of the heavens and the earth, (saying): 'Our Lord! You have not created this in vain! Glory is Yours; protect us against the torment of the Fire. Our Lord! indeed whomsoever You enter the Fire, You have surely disgraced him, and there shall be no helpers for the worngdoers. Our Lord! surely we have heard a caller calling to faith (saying): 'Believe in your Lord', so we did believe; Our Lord! forgive us, therefore, our sins and cover our evil deeds and recieve us with the righteous. Our Lord! grant us what You have promised us through Your messengers and do not disgrace us on the Resurrection Day; surely You do not break the promise (3: 190-194)."
As soon as he finished these Ayahs, his condition became bad; he then repeated these Ayahs again and again and his condition became bad to worse and he became almost unconscious.
Both Habbah and Nawf were witnessing this amazing scene, while lying on their beds. Habbah, while quite startled, was looking this astonishing scene.
But Nawf was unable to control his tears and he was continuously weeping. By this time, 'Imam Ali (AS) reached the bed of Habbah and said: "Are you awake or asleep?"
Habbah replied: "I am awake, O Leader of the Pious! If a person like you has such a condition with awe and fear of Allah, then what would happen to we poor people."
The Leader of the Pious looked down and wept. He then said: "O Habbah! all of us will be presented before Allah one day. And no deed of ours is hidden from Him. He is very near to you and me. Nothing can act as an obstruction between us and Allah.
Then he said to Nawf: "Are you asleep?" (Nawf replied:) "No, O Leader of the Pious! I am awake. It is for some time that I am shedding my tears."
'Imam Ali (AS) said: "O Nawf! If today you shed your tears in fear of Allah, tomorrow your eyes will glitter.
"O Nawf! No one has more respect than that person who cries in the fear of Allah and that he likes to do it only for His sake.
"O Nawf! The one who loves Allah and that whatever he loves, he does it just for the sake of Allah, does not prefer anything over love of Allah. And the one who dislikes anything, and does it for the sake of Allah, he would receive nothing except virtue for his disliking. Whenever you reach such a stage, you have attained the truths of faith to their perfection."
After this, he preached and gave a peice of advice to Habbah and Nawf. His last sentence was: "I have told you that you should fear from Allah." Then he passed by both of them and got busy with his own work. He started his prayers and while doing so, he said: "O Allah! I wish I knew that when I am neglectful towards You, do You ignore me or do You still care for me? I wish I knew that in these long neglectful dreams of mine and in my shortcomings in thanking you, what is my position before You?'
Habbah and Nawf said: "By Allah! he kept on walking and he had the same condition continuously till dawn."

(13)
Anecdotes of Pious Men by Martyr Ayatullah Murtuza Mutahhari
The Bedouin and the Holy Prophet of Islam (S.A.W.)
The Bedouin entered Madina, and went directly to the Masjid, so that he may get some money or gold from the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.). When he arrived, he saw the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) sitting among his companions. He asked his need. The Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) gave him something. He was not content, and moreover he used harsh and inappropriate language against the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.). The companions became very angry, and were ready to hurt him. But the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) prevented them from haste.
The Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) took the Bedouin to his home, and gave him some more. The Bedouin saw that the residence of the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) wasn't like those of the heads of governments, and there is no luxury in his home.
The Bedouin became content with the share, and thanked the Holy Prophet(S.A.W.). At this time, the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) asked him: "You said a harsh word yesterday, which caused anger in my companions. I fear that they will hurt you. Would you be willing to show your appreciation in front of them, so that their anger be resolved, and they don't hurt you?" The Bedouin said: "Sure."
The next day, the Bedouin came to the Masjid. The Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) addressed his companions: "This man says, he is content with his share, is it true?" The Bedouin said: "That is true." Then he repeated the appreciation that he had shared with Holy Prophet (S.A.W.). The companions smiled.
The Holy Prophet(S.A.W.) addressed the group: "The parable of me and these types of individuals is like that of the man whose camel was running away from him. With the [thought] they could help the owner, people were running after the camel. The camel was frightened and ran faster. The owner called on the people, please leave my camel alone, I know better how to calm it. When the people stopped chasing the camel, the owner followed it calmly, with a fistful of grass. Then without the need for running, yelling, he showed the grass to it.

(14)
The Caravan to Hajj
A caravan of Muslims was headed towards Mecca. As it arrived in Madina, it rested a few days, and continued on towards Mecca.
On their way from Madina to Mecca, a man joined the group. This man noticed one of them who had the appearance of a guided person. He was eagerly busy in service of the passengers. The man recognized him. With much surprise, he asked the pilgrims if they knew this man who was at their service.
"No, we don't know him. He joined us in Madina. He is a descent and pious man. We haven't asked him for help. But he has been eager in helping us."
"Obviously you don't know him. For if you did, you would never have allowed a man like him to be at your service."
"Who is this person?"
"This is Imam'Ali ibn al-Hussein(A.S.), Zain al-'Abideen."
The group stood with shame and apologized to the Holy Imam (A.S.). Then complaining to him, they said:
"Why did you treat us as such? We may have gone beyond our bounds in our ignorance, and would have commited a big sin in being disrespectful to you."
Imam Sajjad(A.S.):
"I intentionally joined your group, for you didn't know me. When I join a group, where people know me, for the sake of theHoly Prophet (S.A.W.), they are very kind to me. They don't allow me to be of some service. Thus I was eager to join a group where I will be anonymous, so that I may have the honor of being of some service to my brethren." (1)
(1): Bihar, v.1 p.21

(15)
In the Company of the Caliph
When Imam Ali (A.S.) was coming to Kufa, he entered the city of Anbar populated by Iranians. The Iranian farmers were very happy to see their beloved caliph passing through their town. They came to his visit. When it was time for Imam Ali (A.S.) to leave, they started running infront of his horse. Imam Ali (A.S.) inquired about this behaviour.
"This is one way that we extend respect to our leaders and respectful individuals. This is our custom that has been practiced for years."
"This behaviour puts you in discomfort in this world, and brings about humiliation in the next world. Always stay away from practices that humiliate you. After all what benifit is their in such a practice to the recipients?" (1)
(1): Nahj al Balagha. Short Sayings, # 37.

(16)
The Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) and Education
The mosque of Medina was not only a place of worship. The believers assembled here to learn. When the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) was present they heard his words of wisdom, his elucidation on the verses of the Holy Quran and benefitted from his counsel. And when he (S.A.W.) was not present, other faithful companions taught what they had heard from the Prophet of Allah(S.A.W.).
Once the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) entered the Mosque before the prayer time. He found two groups in the Mosque. One group was busy with its own act of worship, some were reading the Holy Quran while the others were supplicating. The other group was in a corner busy learning. They learnt how to read and write and discussed the teachings of Islam and their application to their daily lives.
Looking at both, the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) said:
"They are both engaged in useful pursuits. But I am a teacher. I shall join the group assembled to learn."
And so he (S.A.W.) sat with the group of students.

(17)
The Fly
It was an Abbasid court, with all the splendor. Mansoor was the King. Just as Mansoor was attending the business to state, a small fly sat on his nose. With a wave of his hand, he whisked it off. But the fly sat on his nose again. This continued till at last Mansoor felt greatly disturbed.
Turning to Imam Jafer as Sadiq(A.S.), who was present that day, he said: O Son of the Prophet(A.S.), can you tell me why Allah created these lousy flies?
"Yes", the Holy Imam, said: "So that the mighty and the proud are rendered humble and helpless."

(18)
The Gift
Whenever they reaped their first harvest, they brought early, fresh fruits to the Holy Prophet(S.A.W.). Then he would distribute them among those who sat around him. This morning, a poor man brought one fruit from his small farm and gave it to the Holy Prophet(S.A.W.).
He accepted the gift, tasted it and then went on eating it alone while the companions watched. One of those present meekly said: O Prophet of Allah, you have over looked the right of those who watch while you eat?
The Holy Prophet(S.A.W.), smiled and waited till the man who had brought the fruit had gone. He said:
I tasted the fruit and it was not yet ripe. Had I allowed you to have some of it, someone would have definitely shown his distaste, thus dissapointing the poor man who had brought the gift. Rather than make him feel bitter, my palate accepted the bitterness.

(19)
The Guests
A father and a son were once guests of Imam Ali (A.S.). As they arrived, Imam received them warmly and arranged for their comfortable accommodation. In a room where they were seated, Imam sat opposite them, engaging them in a friendly conversation. And then it was time for the meal. After food had been served and eaten, Qambar, Imam's servant, brought a basin and a pitcher full of water for washing the guests' hands. Imam took the pitcher himself and asked the father to extend his hands so that he would pour the water.
"How is it possible that my Imam serves me? It should be otherwise," the guest said.
Imam Ali(A.S.) said: "Here is your brother in faith, eager to serve his brother and to earn the pleasure of Allah. Why do you prevent him?"
But the guest hesitated. Finally Imam said: "As your Imam, I request that you allow me the honour of this service."
And when the guest complied, Imam said: "Let your hands be washed thoroughly. Do not hasten, thinking that I should be relieved of this duty early."
When it was the son's turn, Imam instructed his own son Muhammad b. Hanafiyyah, to hold the pitcher and wash the guest's hands. Looking at his son, Imam said:
I washed your father's hands. My son washed your hands. If your father had not been my guest today, I would have washed your hands myself. But Allah loves to see that when a father and a son are present in a place, the father enjoys a privilege and a priority.

(20)
A Letter to Abu Dharr (R.A.)
He knew the Holy Prophet(S.A.W.),who loved and respected Abu Dharr Ghifari. But as he was stationed far away, it was not possible to benefit from the presence of Abu Dharr. So he wrote a letter. In this letter he sought from Abu Dharr, counsel and admonition which would guide him in his behaviuor.
Abu Dharr wrote back:
Do not be an enemy of whom you love most.
And as he went through the reply, he was disappointed. What did Abu Dharr mean? How would one ever act as an enemy to the most beloved? But on the other hand, he thought, Abu Dharr was no ordinary person. There must be a deeper meaning, so he wrote to him again seeking explanation.
'The meaning is quite simple', Abu Dharr wrote, 'To every living being the most beloved is its own self. To you, your self is the most beloved and when I admonished you not to act as an enemy, I meant do not be your own enemy. Remember when a man commits a sin, and acts contrary to the behests of Allah, he harms himself.'

(21)
On the Knowledge of God
A Bedouin approached Imam Ali (A.S.) in the Battle of Camel and asked if he asserted that God was one. In answer, Imam Ali (A.S.) said:
To say that God is one has four meanings; Two of these meanings are false and two correct. As for the two incorrect meanings, one is that one should say 'God is one' and be thinking of number and counting. This meaning is false because that which has no second cannot enter into the category of number. Do you not see that those who said that God is the third of trinity [i.e, the Christians] fell into infidelity? Another meaning is to say that so and so is one of this people, namely as a species of this genus or a member of this species. This meaning is also not correct when applied to God, for it implies likening something to God and God is above all likeness.
As for the two meanings that are correct when applied to God, one is that it should be said that God is one in the sense that there is no likeness unto Him among things. God possesses such uniqueness. And one is to say that God is one on the sense that there is no multiplicity or division conceiveable in Him, neither outwardly nor in the mind nor in the imagination. God possesses such unity.
Also Imam Ali (A.S.) said:
To know God is to know His Oneness.
This means that to prove that the Being of God is unlimited and infinite suffices to prove His Oneness, for to conceive a second for the Infinite is impossible.

(22)
Neighbors First
The child had made it a habit to rise regularly in the small hours of the night and join his mother in her nightly prayers called Tahajjud. He observed that his mother prayed for all Muslim men and women. She remembered them by name and prayer for their prosperity and well being.
O Allah, pardon them their sins and let Your grace embrace them in all their dealings.
On this particular morning, he decided to ask. When the prayers were over, he asked:
Mother, you pray for all every day. Not a word for yourself or any one in the family?
Bibi Fatima, blessings and salutations to her, said: 'O Hasan, remember one thing. Neighbors first and then the house.'

(23)
Not the Personalities
It was the famous or rather infamous battle of Jamal, where armies of Muslims arranged themselves against each other. On one side were Talha and Zubair, the Companions of the Holy Prophet(S.A.W.), at the head was Ummul Mu'mineen Aisha, the Holy Prophet's wife. On the other side was an army led by Amir ul Mu'mineen, Imam Ali(A.S.),
The Imam, tried his best to avert the war, but the opposition remained adamant. They said they were out to avenge the blood of Uthman. As the battle raged on, a companion who had been watching in detachment slowly advanced to Imam Ali(A.S.), and said:
O Ali, is it possible to believe that men like Talha and Zubair and a lady like Aisha, the mother of the faithful have all joined hands on the wrong side?
The Imam(A.S.), replied:
You have tangled yourself in a misleading argument. Truth and untruth are not judged by the personalities. Discern the truth first and then know its followers. Recognise the untruth and then identify its adherents.

(24)
The Pilgrimage Companion
A man had returned from Hajj. He was relating his adventures to Imam Sadiq (A.S.), and his companion. He was most impressed with one of his companions of Hajj, and was praising him. What a gracious man, we were so blessed to have him with us, he was busy praying and worshiping all the time. As we would stop somewhere, he would rush to a corner and start prayers.
Imam (A.S.): "Then who was attending to his duties? Who was watering and feeding his animal (ride)?"
Man: "Of course, we had the honor of doing all that for him. He was busy in his sacred quest, and had nothing to do with such mundane things."
Imam(A.S.): "Then indeed, you all are better than him."

(25)
Poverty and Pomp
Behlool liked to visit the graveyards. "People here are good friends", he used to say, "They do not backbite." Once, he sat in a corner of a graveyard and with a long heavy stick started probing some of the old skulls which lay scattered about. Harun Rashid, the king passed by, and saw him. The he said: O Behlool, what are you doing?
Oh nothing very important, said Behlool. I am just trying to find out whether the skulls belong to kings or paupers. They are all the same.
And what is the stick for, Harun asked.
Well, I am measuring the earth, Behlool replied.
Measuring the earth? What are your findings? Harun joked!
It is equal and the same, O King! Behlool retorted. Three arm lengths for me, inspite of my poverty and three arm lengths for you, in spite your pomp and wealth.

(26)
Sacrifice of the Lamb
Just as the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.), and his companions landed from their rides, and laid the loads down, it was decided that they would sacrifice a lamb for dinner.
One of the companions volunteered: "I will sacrifice the lamb."
Another: "I will skin it."
Third: "I will cook it."
Fourth: " I will...."
The Holy Prophet (S.A.W.): "I will gather the wood from the desert."
The group: "O Messenger of Allah, it is not becoming of you to discomfort yourself as such. You rest. We will be honored to do all this on our own."
The Holy Prophet (S.A.W.): "I know that you are eager to do it all, but Allah isn't pleased with the slave who disguinshes between himself and his companions, and considers himself better than others." (1)
Then he went to the desert, and gathered some wood, and brought it to the group.

(27)
The Shopkeeper
A heavy-built tall man was passing through the market of Kufa, his step firm and assured. He had fine figure and sun-burnt face; encounters of the battle-field had left their marks on him and the corner of one of his eyes was slit. A shop-keeper, to amuse his friends, threw a handful of sweepings onto the man. The man continued his walk in the same assured and firm manner, without raising an eye-brow or looking towards the shop-keeper. When he went away, a friend of the shop-keeper said: "Do you know who the man is whom you have insulted just now?"
"No, I don not recognise him. He was a passer-by like thousands of people passing this way everyday. But tell me who was this man."
"Strange! Didn't you recognise him?! He was Malik Ashtar, the renowned Commander-in-Chief of Ali (AS)."
"Strange! He was Malik Ashtar?! The same Malik whose bravery turns the heart of lion into water and mention of whose name makes his enemies tremble with fear?"
"Yes, that was Malik himself"
"Woe to me! What did I do? Now he will give order to punish me severely. I must run to him immediately to apologise and pray him to forgive my misbehaviour."
He ran after Malik. He saw him turning towards a mosque. He followed him to the Mosque and saw that he had started praying. He waited till he finished his prayer. Humbly introducing himself he told him: "I am the man who had committed the silly prank and behaved disrespectfully to you"
Malik said: "But, by Allah, I did not come in the mosque but for your sake; because I knew that you were a very ignorant and misguided man and that you give trouble to the people without any cause. I felt pity on you and came here to pray for you and ask Allah to lead you onto the right path. No, I did not have any such intentions as you were afraid of.

(28)
The Stranger
Tired and exhausted with the water-skin on her back, she was gasping and going towards her house where innocent children, their eyes fixed at the door, were eagerly waiting for the arrival of their mother. On her way, an unknown man approached her. He took the water-skin from her and placed it on his back. The door opened and the children saw their mother entering the house with a stranger. He placed the water-skin on the ground and said:
"Well,it seems you don't have anyone to fetch water for you; how come you are so forlorn?"
"My husband was a soldier; Ali(A.S.) sent him to the frontier where he was killed. Now I am alone with these small children"
The stranger said no more. Bowing down his head he went away. But the thought of the helpless widow and orphans remained in his mind. He could hardly sleep in the night. Early in the morning he picked up a basket; put some meat, flour and dates in it; went straight to her house and knocked at the door.
"Who are you?"
"I am the man who brought your water yesterday. Now I have brought some food for the children"
"May God bless you and judge between us and Ali(A.S.)"
She opened the door. Entering the house she said:
"I wish to do some good acts. Either let me knead the flour and bake the bread or allow me to look after the children"
"Very well, but I can do the job of kneading and cooking better than you. You take care of the children till I finish cooking"
She went to knead the flour. Immediately he grilled some meat which he had brought and fed the children saying to each child while putting morsel in his mouth:
"My son, forgive Ali(A.S.) if he has failed in his duty towards you"
The flour got ready; she called: "Gentlemen! put fire in the oven" He went and put fire in the oven. When flames rose up, he brought his face near the fire and said,
"Taste the heat of fire. It is the punishment for those who fail in their duty towards orphans and widows."
By chance, a woman from the neighbouring house came in. Recognizing the stranger, she cried: "Woe, don't you recognize the man who is helping you? He is Amirul-Mumineen (Commander of the Faithful) Ali bin Abi-Talib(A.S.)"
The widow came forward and shame facedly cried:
"Curse and shame to me. I beg your pardon."
"No,I beg your pardon for I failed in my duty towards you."

(29)
A Traveller in the Desert
Kufa was now the seat of the Islamic rule. The entire Muslim world with the exception of Damascus looked towards Kufa for guidance. They travelled to Kufa often.
Two men were in each other's company on the road to Kufa. One was a Muslim and the other was a non-Muslim. As they progressed, the non-Muslim traveller asked his companion:
I am going further than Kufa, to a small village where I live. Where are You going ?
His Muslim companion said:
I live in Kufa.
They proclaimed happily, discussing various things, helping each other, all in a spirit of cordiality. When they drew near to Kufa, the non-Muslim took a side road towards his village. Just as he was about to bid farewell, he observed that his Muslim companion was coming with him.
Didn't you tell me that you are going to Kufa where you lived?
The Muslim replied:
Yes, of course.
On this the non-Muslim inquired:
Then why were you coming this way? That is the only road leading to Kufa?
I know, said the Muslim, but we have long been companions. Our Prophet (S.A.W) said that when two are companions to each other on a journey they have obligations and duties towards each other. You gave me company and now it is my duty to follow you a few steps and then make a gentle departure.
No wonder that your Prophet (S.A.W.) managed to spread his faith so quickly. His teachings were indeed great.
And then it so happened that once the same non-Muslim entered Kufa. There he found that his Muslim companion had been none other but the Khalifa of his time, Ali ibn Abi Talib (A.S.). He soon became a Muslim and remained the most faithful of companion of the Imam.

(30)
Tying the Camel
The caravan had been traveling for few hours now. Signs of fatigue were obvious on their faces. They arrived at a point and stopped. The Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) who was also in the caravan, stopped and camel, and landed. Prior to anything, they were in search of water to prepare for prayer.
The Holy Prophet (S.A.W.), also started searching for water. But soon, returned to his camel, without saying anything to anyone. The campanions were surprised that the Holy Prophet(S.A.W.) had ordered stopping here, and now perhaps he would like to move again? Eyes and ears were awaiting his order. But the surprise of the group increased as they saw him approach his camel, and tied its knees, and returned back in search of water.
Noises were raised from every corner: " O Prophet of Allah! Why didn't you order us to do this for you, and instead you put yourself in discomfort? We would have proudly done that service for you."
The Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) responded: "Never seek others' help in your affairs, don't lean on others, even if it is a small peice of Miswak (the wood used for brushing teeth)."

(31)
On Qur'anic Conversation
The Muslims in the life time of the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) were brought up to learn the Qur'an as Ibadat (Devotion), to recite it as Devotion, to write it down as Devotion, to teach their children and other people and make them learn it by heart and understand it as Devotion. They became so familiar with it that they used the verses of the Holy Quran in their daily conversation.
History records that Janab Fizzah, the noble Abysinian housemaid of Hazrat Fatima Az-Zahra, the Lady of Paradise, the daughter of the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) was in the habit of using the verses and words of the Holy Quran in her conversation.
Abul Qasim Qashiri relates the dialogue between Fizzah and Abdullah bin Mubarak; I saw a woman passing through the desert who had fallen behind the caravan, and asked her "Who are you and where are you from ?"
She said : " Say Salaam!
.... Soon shall ye know it ." ( Chapter 6 Verse 67 )
I learned that she expected me to greet her and say Assalamu Alaikum first, before any question. I did as she reminded, and inquired why she was in this desert.
She answered :
" Whomesoever God guideth, then none shall beguile . " ( Chapter 39 Verse 37 )
I gathered that she was left behind and thus restless, so I asked again are you a human being or a jinn?
She returned :
" O children of Adam ! Be Ye adorned at every time of prostration .... " ( Chapter 7 Verse 31 )
I discovered that she was a human being, so I continued my enquiry, Where are you coming from?
She said : ".... Who are called to from a place far off. " ( Chapter 41 Verse 44 )
I found out that she was coming from a place far off and inquired her destination.
She immediately responded :
" ........ And for God is incumbent upon mankind the Pilgrimage of the House..... " ( Chapter 3 Verse 97 )
I realized that she was going for Hajj ( Pilgrimage of the Kaaba ), and asked her how many days she had been travelling?
She told me:
" Indeed created We ( God ) the heavens and the earth and what is between them to in Six days . " ( Chapter 7 Verse 54 ) and ( Chapter 50 Verse 38 )
I concluded it was six days. I requested her to have food and water if she was so inclined.
She politely indicated :
" We ( God ) made them not such bodies that do not eat food, and they will not abide ( in this world ) for ever. " ( Chapter 21 Verse 8 )
She accepted my refreshment. Then to catch the caravan, I suggested her to make haste.
She reminded me again :
" God tasks not any soul beyond ( individual ) ability...... " ( Chapter 2 Verse 286 )
I told her that if she could'nt do so, let her ride on the back of my camel behind me.
She recited another Quranic Verse :
" If there were therein gods besides Allah, then verily both ( the heavens and the earth ) would have been disordered ...." ( Chapter 21 Verse 22 )
It was a reminder of piety that when a man was not a husband of a woman, it was un-lawful to ride together on the same animal. [ It is an Islamic Law concerning the relatives of persons of prohibited degree - Namahiram ].
Qashiri says that he got down and requested her to ride the camel.
She occupied the seat and recited :
" Hallowed is He who subjected this ( animal ) unto us ."( Chapter 43 Verse 13 ).
She thanked Allah who brought the animal under her control. When we reached the caravan, I asked her do you know any one among them?
She recounted :
" O Dawud ( David ), We have appointed thee a vicegerent in the earth .........." ( Chapter 38 Verse 26 );
" And Muhammad is not but an Apostle ...... " ( Chapter 3 Verse 144 );
" O Yahya ( John the Baptist ) ! Hold thou the Book fast !......... . " ( Chapter 19 Verse 12 );
" O Musa ( Moses ) ! Verily it is, I am God the All-Mighty ." ( Chapter 27 Verse 9 )
I understood that Dawud, Muhammad, Yahya and Musa were the names of her sons. When the boys appeared, I asked her who they were?
She said in her habitual manner :
" Wealth and Children are the adornment of this World ............... " ( Chapter 18 Verse 46 )
I recognized them as her sons. The woman looked at her sons with the feeling of contentment and uttered,
" ... O my father ! Employ him verily the best of those who canst employ is the strongman and trusted ones. " ( Chapter 28 Verse 26 )
In these words of the Holy Quran, she informed the sons indicating towards me that
" ..... This man offered me a gift ( i.e help ), so verliy God giveth manifold increase to whomsoever He willeth . " ( Chapter 2 Verse 261 )
The sons grasped their mother's indications, and so they paid me twice as much as I ought to have been paid. To satisfy my curiosity I asked the sons, who is this honorable Lady that speaks nothing but the Qur'an? They responded that she was their mother, the housemaid of Hazrat Fatima Al Zahra (peace be upon her and her progeny), the daughter of the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) and the Wife of Amir Al Momineen (A.S.). She was raised under the shade of supreme knowledge and piety of the daughter of the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.). Since 20 years she spoke nothing but the Holy Quran in her daily conversations.

(32)
Wealth and Poverty
It was a usual meeting. The Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) was in his place and his companions gathered around him to hear the words of wisdom and guidance. Suddenly a poor man in rags appeared, saluted the assembly :
"Salamun Alaikum" (Peace be on you)
and finding a vacant place, comfortably sat down.
The Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) had taught them that all Muslims were brothers and in an assembly one should sit wherever one finds a place, regardless of any status. Now, it so happened that this poor man was seated next to a very rich man. The rich man felt very disturbed and tried to collect the edges of his dress around himself, so that the poor man didn't touch them. The Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) observed this and addressing the rich man he said:
" Perhaps you are afraid that his poverty would affect you?"
" No, O Messenger of Allah," he said.
"Then perhaps you were apprehensive about some of your wealth flying away to him?"
" No, O Messenger of Allah."
"Or you feared that your clothes would become dirty if he touched them?"
" No, O Messenger of Allah."
" Then why did you draw yourself and your clothes away from him?"
The rich man said:
"I admit that was the most undesirable thing to do. It was an error and I confess my guilt. Now to make amends for it I will give away half of my wealth to this Muslim brother so that I may be forgiven."
Just as he said this, the poor man rose and said,
" O Prophet of Allah, I do not accept this offer."
People present were taken by surprise, they thought that the poor man was a fool, but then he explained:
" O Prophet of Allah, I refuse to accept this offer because I fear that I might then become arrogant and illtreat my Muslim brothers the way he did to me."

(33)
Junaid and Behlool
Behlool simulated madness, though he was not mad. Junaid a scholar and Sufi of repute, knew him very well. One day as they met, Junaid requested him to give him some counsel and admonition. "You do not need any advice. You are a well known scholar," Behlool said. But Junaid insisted. Behlool gave in and said: "Well, I shall ask you three questions. If you answer them correctly, you will be advised." And then he proceeded to ask: "Do you know how to talk?" "Do you know how to eat?" "Do you know how to sleep?" Junaid found these simple. He said: "I know how to talk. I talk with a low voice, politely and to the point, so that the listeners are not at all offended. I eat after having washed my hands, say Bismillah before I commence, and chew the food properly. When I finish, I thank Allah. Before I go to sleep, I do my wudhu and retire to a clean bed. Then I bear witness to my faith and sleep." Behlool stood up and started walking away. He said: "I thought you were quite learned. You do not know the most elementary things of Islam." But Junaid would not let him go. "Please guide me," he said. "Well," Behlool said, "It is no use talking softly if it is a lie, remembering Allah before eating has no meaning if the food you eat is forbidden or usurped or that the food has been bought from the money of an orphan, a widow or a fellowman. And what is the use of sleeping with wudhu and all the recitations if your heart is full of malice, jealousy and enmity towards your brother in faith."

(34)
Imam Ali (A.S.) and the Candle
A candle burnt by his side, as he sat down meticulously recording all the revenue and the expenses of the treasury. Just then Talha and Zubair appeared. They aspired to some positions of authority in Imam Ali's (A.S.) rule and had come to strike a deal. If Imam Ali (A.S.) gave them a place of distinction, they would in turn pledge their full support.Imam Ali (A.S.) knew of this. Just as they sat down,Imam Ali (A.S.) put out the candle and lit another one. Talha and Zubair exchanged a glance of surprise and then one of them said: "O Ali, we have come on some important business. But why did you extinguish the first candle?" Imam Ali (A.S.) replied: "That was a candle bought of Treasury funds. As long as I worked for the Treasury, I used it. Now you have come for some personal work, so I use the candle bought of my personal fund." Talha and Zubair left him without saying another word.

(35)
Belief In Allah
One day Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) and a group of his followers were passing by a place. They saw an old woman working with her spinning wheel. Prophet Muhammad went up to her. After saying 'Salam Alaikum,' (Islamic greeting which means Peace be with you) and asking her how she was feeling, he asked her, 'How did you come to believe in Allah?' The old woman let her spinning wheel stop. She thought for a while, then replied, 'Do you see this small wheel? It does not spin unless I move it. How could it be possible for a universe this big to spin by itself? Who changes the night into day? Who changes the four seasons? There must be someone doing all these things. The One who preserves and controls the whole universe is Allah who is All-Knowing and Almighty.' Prophet Muhammad turned to his followers and said, 'Consider how this old woman has come to know of the existence of Allah. You, also, should have as strong a belief in Allah as this old lady.'

(36)
The Value Of Work
During the time of the Prophet of Islam, there was a poor man who was lazy in work. His wife said to him once, "Go to the Prophet and ask him for help." The man went to the Prophet. Before he could say anything, the Prophet said, "Whoever asks us for help, we shall help him, but if he does not ask us for anything and instead goes after work then Allah will help him and make his earning a blessing." The man didn't ask for anything from the Holy Prophet, returned to his house and told the story to his wife. The next day because of poverty and needs again he went to the Prophet. Before he could say anything, the Holy Prophet repeated his previous saying. The man, again, didn't say anything and left. However, on the third day when he heard the same thing from the Prophet, he went to a friend's house. He borrowed an axe from him and went to the jungle. He worked all night long, chopped some wood, and returned to the city. He sold the wood and with the money bought some food to take home. The next day he worked a little harder. Everyday he would chop more wood than the previous day. Finally, he could provide for his family and save a little money on the side. Little by little, he bought some camels and other necessary things he needed for his job. After a short time he discovered how to earn his living. One day he went to visit the Prophet and explained his whole story from beginning to end. The Holy Prophet said, "I told you! Whoever asks us for help, we shall help him, but if he doesn't ask for anything and goes after work then Allah will help him and make his earning a blessing."

(37)
Holy Prophet Muhammad(S.A.W.)
Holy Prophet Muhammad(S.A.W.) received revelation from Allah as a prophet at the age of forty. He started to guide the people at the command of Allah.Holy Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) at first invited some of his close friends and relatives to Islam. After a short time, he invited some of the elders of Mecca to his house. When everyone came to his house he asked them, "Did you ever hear a lie from me?" Everyone replied, "No. You are a truthful and a righteous man. We never heard anything but the truth from you." Muhammad(S.A.W.) continued, "Then know that I am about to tell you another truth; I am the Messenger of Allah. I invite you to the worship of One Allah. You must stop doing evil deeds." However, they did not want to stop their old ways. For this reason they became angry and left the Prophet's house. When the teachings of the Prophet spread, little by little, many people began to believe in him. The enemies of Islam disliked the progress of Islam and they turned against it. However, the Muslims stood firm and protected their religion. When the Prophet saw the idol worshippers treating the Muslims in the most cruel manner, he sent a group of his followers to Abbysinia, a country in Africa, to escape from cruelty, injustice, and to continue spreading the message of Islam.Holy Prophet Muhammad(S.A.W.) stayed behind in Mecca with some of his other followers. After a short time, the enemies of Islam started to increase their cruelty and war against the Muslims. They all agreed among themselves not to speak or have anything to do with the Muslims, Muhammad(S.A.W.), and the tribe of Bani Hasihm who had been protecting the Prophet from the cruelty and the evil designs of the Quraysh. They also agreed not to pay their debts back to any of the Muslims. The enemies of the Prophet thought that with cruelty they could stop the Prophet from his mission of inviting people to Islam.Holy Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) with his followers and family members (Bani Hashim) were forced to leave the city of Mecca. They left and went to a valley (Shab Abu Talib) near the mountains where there was no food or water. Their enemies would not let anybody bring them any food or water. The Muslims managed to survive through the hardships in the valley and did not give up their religion. Three years went by after which the idol worshippers of Mecca could not continue with their boycott and had to let the Prophet and his followers return to Mecca.

(38)
The Holy Prophet's Hijrat (Flight)
Holy Prophet Muhammad(S.A.W.) took advantage of every opportunity to guide the people. On the days when people would come to visit the Kaaba, he would invite the new visitors to Islam. One day there were a few people from Medina among the visitors who, upon hearing the attractive sayings of the Prophet, accepted his teachings. When these visitors returned to Medina they told their friends, relatives, and other people of Medina about the message which Muhammad(S.A.W.) had brought. The next year, more people came to Mecca from Medina and after meeting Holy Prophet Muhammad(S.A.W.), they embraced Islam and invited the Prophet to Medina so that he could teach them better there and try to spread Islam. The Prophet accepted this invitation and told the Muslims to migrate to Medina in small groups. When the enemies of Islam heard about this matter they decided to murder Holy Prophet Muhammad(S.A.W.) before he could leave Mecca. Thus, they decided to select forty of their best and most courageous men to sneak into the Prophet's house and murder him. Allah informed the Prophet about their wicked plan, telling him to leave the city in secret. The Prophet asked Imam Ali(A.S.) to sleep in his bed so that the people would think that it was the Prophet sleeping in his bed and they wouldn't know that he had left the city. Even though Imam Ali (A.S.)knew that the enemies of Islam wanted to kill the Prophet and that if he slept in the Prophet's bed his life would be at stake, he did not hesitate to risk his life to protect the Prophet and Islam.Holy Prophet Muhammad(S.A.W.) and his followers reached Medina safely. They started to spread Islam there. Finally, Islam spread rapidly to many new lands. In a short time, the Muslims gained control of Mecca. The people came out of their ignorance and bad ways of life by accepting Islam and following its guidance. The time when the Prophet of Islam left Mecca for Medina marked the beginning of the Muslim calendar. When we say 1422 Hijrah, it means that 1422 years have passed since the time of the Holy Prophet's flight from Mecca to Medina.

(39)
Modesty
One day Imam Musa Kazim(A.S.) was passing by the tent of a Nomad who was a black man. He went up to him and said "Salam-Alaikum", in a warm and friendly manner. Upon leaving he said good-bye to him in a very kind manner with these words: "If there is anything I can do for you, I'm more than willing to do it". One of the followers of the Imam who saw this attitude said "Is it suitable for you, the son of the messenger of Allah, to sit and talk with a man of no reputation and make such an offer as: If you need me in any work, I'm more than willing to do it? Is it right for a man of great dignity to talk to a man like that?". The Imam replied, "This is one of Allah's creatures. Allah has created all men equal. Besides, as a Muslim, he is our brother in faith. After all, life does not remain the same forever. One who needs help today may be the one who will be able to help us tomorrow when we'll need help! If we don't pay any attention to him today, one day when we may need him we will be embarrassed to ask him for help".

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The Virtues Of The Family Of The Holy Prophet of Islam
The family members of the Holy Prophet were the true friends and well wishers of the people who felt strong grief when they saw people in any kind of distress or suffering. They worked hard to restore the rights of the deprived and gave all their belongings to the needy. They were always ready to face hardships in order to save others. Sometimes, they would even give to the needy the food or clothing which they themselves urgently needed. There are many of such happenings that took place in the life of our religious leaders. For instance, once Imam Ali's children were sick. Their mother, daughter of the Holy Prophet, vowed to fast three days on the recovery of her children, in thanksgiving to Allah. Imam Ali(A.S.) and the children all joined Lady Fatema(A.S.) in thanksgiving. All of them fasted. It was sunset and they had only a few barley loaves of bread for their breakfast. As they were about to eat their food, someone knocked at their door, saying:I am a poor man. Please give me some food. The food, which the whole family had, was very little. They gave it all to the poor man. The next day, when the family wanted to break their fast an orphan began knocking at the door asking for food. The same thing happened on the third day with a stranger. Each time they gave their food to the needy and they, themselves, remained hungry continuing their fast. Muslim commentators say, "The next day, the Holy Prophet came to the family with these verses of the Quran: "Surely the righteous shall drink of a cup the admixture of which is camphor, a fountain from which the servants of Allah shall drink; they make it to flow a (goodly) flowing forth. They fulfil vows and fear a day the evil of which shall be spreading far and wide. And they give food out of love for Allah to the poor and the orphan and the Active: We only feed you for Allah's sake. We desire from you neither reward nor thanks: Surely we fear from our Allah a stern, distressful day. Therefore, Allah will guard them from the evil of that day and cause them to meet with ease and happiness; And reward them because they were patient, with garden and silk." (Quran, 76:5-I2)

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The Story of Prophet Yusuf
Prophet Joseph from childhood was very smart, handsome, respectful and obedient and his behaviour and personality were much better than all the rest of his brothers. His father Jacob loved Joseph very much and from his smartness and kindness he knew that one-day Joseph would become a great man. On the other hand, Joseph's brothers were very jealous of him and treated him very badly. One-day Joseph's brothers asked their father for permission to take Joseph out to play. When they got to the desert they threw Joseph in a well. They left him there for a nice and merciful person who would be coming by looking for water to find him and take him out. When Joseph was down in the well he asked God to save him. Joseph knew that the kind God was everywhere and that He knew about everyone's condition. Eventually, a caravan on its way to Egypt stopped by the well and some of its people went to the well to get some water. They tied a pail to a rope and dropped it down the well. Joseph held on to the rope and pulled himself out. When the people around the well saw him they became very happy to see such a handsome child. They took Joseph with them to Egypt. Joseph's father Jacob became very sad and lonely in his absence. Jacob always prayed to God asking Him to protect Joseph wherever he was. One of the important people of Egypt took Joseph to his own house and asked his wife to take good care of him. Little by little Joseph grew up. Everyone knew him as a clean, kind, and honest person. Joseph soon reached a high rank in Egypt and became a very important person. After a short time famine (lack of food) struck Egypt. Before the coming of the famine Joseph, who was very smart and kind, had ordered his people to store wheat in their storehouses. He did so in order that people would not go hungry when the famine came. People came from both small and large cities. Joseph gave them wheat. Even Joseph's brothers came to buy wheat, but they did not recognise Joseph. They did not know who he was. When they came to Joseph he ordered that they should be given some wheat and then he gave their money back to them. His brothers became very happy but they still did not know who he was or why he was being so kind to them. When Joseph's brothers returned the next time to buy more wheat they recognised him. They thought that Joseph was going to punish them but Joseph forgave his brothers. Joseph's brothers were very ashamed and felt sorry for what they had done. Joseph asked them to return with their parents to Egypt. They returned to their own city and gave the good news of Joseph being alive to their father. Afterwards they all came to Joseph. He showed them all much kindness. Joseph was one of the prophets of God.

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Noah's Ark
For many years, Prophet Noah tried to teach his people that Allah is One, but they just laughed at him. Sometimes they would throw stones at him. The angel Jibrail used to come and help him get up from the pile of stones thrown at him. Prophet Noah complained to Allah that his people were not listening to him. Allah asked him to build a big Ark (boat). When people saw Prophet Noah building the Ark they started to laugh at him and teased him, especially because where his was building his Ark was very far away from the sea. When the Ark was ready, Allah told Prophet Noah to take in all the believers and two of every kind of birds and animals. Soon after, water started pouring from the skies and and gushing out of the land. All the disbelievers were drowned. One of the sons of Prophet Noah had also refused to get on the Ark. He climbed up a high mountain thinking that he would be saved but he too drowned. The ark tossed around on the big waves, and Prophet Noah prayed to Allah to make them land safely. Allah answered his prayers and made the earth swallow the water. It stopped raining and the Ark came to rest on Mount Jodi.

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Cold Fire!
In the town where Prophet Ibrahim lived, people worship idols, the moon, the sun and the stars. Prophet Ibrahim always told them to worship and one and only Allah and not these false Allahs. On the day of the festival, when all the people, young and old, had left the town, Prophet Ibrahim was alone. He went to the main temple where all the important idols were kept. He took an axe and broke all the idols except the largest one. The idols, which had been kept neat and tidy, now lay in pieces on the ground. Before he left the temple, Prophet Ibrahim put the axe in the hands of the largest, unbroken, idol. People would not listen to him. So one day when all the people had gone out of town to celebrate a festival, Prophet Ibrahim went to the main temple where all the important idols were kept. He took an axe and broke all the idols except the largest one. The idols, which had been kept neat and tidy, now lay in pieces on the ground. Before he left the temple, Prophet Ibrahim put the axe in the hands of the largest, unbroken, idol. When they returned and found what had happened to their God's, they were shocked and said, "Who has done this cruel thing to our lords?" One of them said, "It must be Ibrahim. He has always hated idol worship." Prophet Ibrahim was brought to court. When Prophet Ibrahim was asked if had broken the idols he replied, "It must have been done by the biggest idol. Ask him about it." But the people said, "Our idols do not talk or answer questions." He said, "Shame on you! How can you worship pieces of wood and stone. They do not know anything and can neither harm nor benefit you." However, nobody was willing to listen to his words and he was declared guilty. The people began to shout, "Burn him alive! Let him be with his Lord." A big bonfire was built and Prophet Ibrahim was thrown into it. Allah told the fire. "...O fire be cold and safe from Ibrahim" (Quran 21:69)

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What a Spring!
Prophet Ibrahim was an old man when Allah granted him a son called Ismael. He too was a prophet. His mother Sayyida Hajira was also a very nice lady. On the command of Allah, Prophet Ibrahim took Hajira and Prophet Ismail to Makka. In this desert he left his wife and baby in the care of Allah and returned to his home in Palestine. According to the Holy Qur'an, he prayed: O our Allah! I have left part of my family in a valley where nothing grows, close to Your Holy House. Our Lord! This is so they can set up prayer. So make the hearts of the people kind towards them and provide them with fruits so that they may be grateful. (Quran 14:37) Although Hajira was alone in the desert, she had learnt from her husband to trust in Allah and be patient. She soon realized that she had run out of all their food and water and could no longer feed her baby. She went to look for water. There were two hills called Safa and Marwa. She climbed up on the hill of Safa and looked around. She saw water and ran towards it until she reached the hill of Marwa, but there was no water there. Then she looked back again and saw water again. She again ran towards it until she reached Safa. She was seeing a Mirage. She ran back and forth seven times Finally, she returned to her baby, disappointed. Suddenly, she saw that a stream of water was flowing out from where Prophet Ismael had struck the ground with his foot. She was very happy and drank her fill. The spring is still there and it is called Zam Zam. Because of the spring of Zam Zam, many people came to live there and soon Makka became the central of Arabia.

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Asia bint Mazahem (Pharaoh's wife)
In ancient times, a tyrant king, one of the famous Egyptian Pharaohs, was ruling Egypt. He used to kill the innocent, imprison women and children, and corrupt them. He even claimed to be a god and asked his people to worship and glorify him. "I'm your exalted god", he said to them. The Pharaoh was surrounded with attendants who obeyed all his orders. They also formed the military power that raided the houses of the oppressed believers in the Oneness of Allah Almighty, killed and crucified them on tree trunks. Meanwhile, Prophet Musa who was then in Egypt called the people to Allah's Oneness, and to the establishment of justice, and love on earth. But only oppressed minority followed Musa's new religion, lest Pharaoh's soldiers kill them. Pharaoh had a very beautiful, gentle and good-hearted wife. She was called Asia bint Muzahem and Pharaoh used to love her dearly; she was so dear to his heart that he always fulfilled all her wishes. Now, Asia heard about Musa's religion, and began to pursue its news and that of those who embraced it. But she was very distressed to know that they were punished severely for clinging to it. Asia liked this new religion, and was convinced by its concepts. She even started to sense the effects of injustice on the pure souls who worshiped Allah Almighty. She felt also that her devotion to her husband was beginning to wither away little by little, as his violence and tyranny grew more and more intolerable. A big wall of hatred rose between the tyrant Pharaoh and his God-fearing wife, who now spent most of her time worshiping and praying to Allah Almighty. "Oh Allah, grant me a house in heaven", she used to say. All the gifts and pleasures of life which her husband laid in front of her, could not change Asia's stern beliefs. She stood firm in her opposition to tyranny and disbelief, and turned away from Pharaoh's world. She renounced too, her prestige as a queen to all the people, and took the path of Jihad and suffering so as to win Allah's contentment and His eternal heaven. Pharaoh knew that his beloved wife had abandoned his religion and had adhered to the religion that declared Allah's Oneness. He was very angry indeed, and wondered how his wife had turned away from him. But try as he could with all the power and temptations he possessed, he was unable to dissuade her from her new religion. So, he decided to kill her. The faithful woman martyred for the sake of her Creator, and in that, she became a great example of the believers' bravery…..

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Kicking the Fallen Ones
Abdul Malik bin Marwan died in 86 Hijri, after 21 years of tyranny. His son Waleed succeeded him. He decided to bring about some justice to please the public. He tried hard to please the people of Medina, in particular, as it was one of the two sacred Muslim cities where some decendants of the Prophet's companions, and some famous narrators lived. That is why he fired Hisham bin Ismail Makhzooni, the father-in-law of Abdul Malik, who was the cruel and unjust governor of Medina. Hisham bin Ismail had reached the extreme cruelty and offense to the people of Medina. Saeed bin Museeb, who was a respectable and famous narrator was beaten sixty lashes, was made to wear a coarse robe, while sitting on a camel and being walked through the streets of Medina, because he had refused to give allegience. He had commited numerous offenses towards the family of the Prophet (pbuh&hf), specially Imam Zainul 'Abideen. Walid fired Hisham and instead hired Umar bin 'Abdul 'Aziz, his young cousin who was popular for his sincerity and his justice. Umar ordered that Hisham bin Ismail be brought in front of Marwan's house and whoever has any complaint against him, get his right. People would come, in groups, and offered him curses, and harsh words. Hisham was afraid of Imam Zainul 'Abideen's revenge. He thought to himeself that Imam will bring him nothing less than death due to the cruelty done to his family. But the Imam (as) had told his followers: "Our character isn't one of kicking the fallen ones. Neither do we avenge the enemy when he has fallen and weak. Our character is that of assisting the poor and the needy." As the Imam and his followers approached him, Hisham turned pale and expected a cold blooded murder at any moment. But just apposite to his expectation, Imam (as), in his usual manner of a Muslim must aid a Muslim, called on him: "Salaamun 'Alaikum." After greeting him, the Imam (as) offered: "If there is anything I could do for you, I am ready to do." The people of Medina, also, stopped punishing Hisham after that moment. [1] [1] Bihar v. 11, p. 17 & 27. And "Al Imam Sadiq Sayyed al Ahl" translated by Husayn Wijdani, p. 92.

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The Complaint of a Neighbour
A man came to Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) and complained of his neighbour who was disturbing him. The Prophet (S.A.W.) said: "Be patient, perhaps he will change his attitude." After a while the man returned and complained again. This time, the Prophet (S.A.W.) said, again: "Be patient." He came for a third time, and said: "O Rasool Allah. This neighbour has not changed his manners and continues to disturb me and my family." This time the Prophet (S.A.W.) said to him: "Take your furniture out and put it on the street this Friday so that the people who pass by see, and enquire the reason. Then, you can tell them that a bad neighbour is the reason." The plaintiff did this. The bad neighbour who had thought to himself that the Prophet (S.A.W.) always enjoins people to patience and forebearance, pays no respect to the one who abuses other people's rights. As soon as he became aware of the situation, he pleaded that the plaintiff takes his furniture back in. At that time he pledged that he would never cause any disturbance for his neighbour.[1] [1] Usool-e Kafi. v. 2. Section on "The Rights of Neighbours" p. 668

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In Caliph's Party
Mutawakkil, the cruel Abbasid Caliph was very fearful that people were so drawn to Imam Hadi (A.S.). He was very upset with the realization of the fact that people were ready to do anything that the Imam would order. Some of the conspirators also gathered around the Caliph and told him that perhaps the Imam has intention of revolt. And that they might find some evidence from his house. Thus Mutawakkil ordered some of his cruel fellow men to break in and search Imam's house and arrest him, in the middle of the night without a notice when all were asleep. Mutawakkil made this decision while he was in a party and was drinking heavily. Mutawakkil's men entered Imam's house and decided to arrest him first. They found him alone, in a room. He had taken the carpet out and was sitting on the gravel of the floor busy in remembrance of Allah . They searched everywhere and couldn't find anything. Thus they arrested the Imam and took him to Mutawakkil. When the Imam arrived. Mutawakkil was at the prime of his drinking party. He ordered the Imam to sit by him. Then he offered a glass of wine to the Imam. Imam refuse and said: "By Allah never has wine entered my body. Excuse me from it." Mutawakkil accepted and said: "Then sing for us and entertain us with beautiful poems." Imam said: "I am not interested in poetry and I remember only but a little of the poems of other". Mutawakkil said: "There is no excuse, you must read us some poetry." Imam started: "They made rising mountains their residence. And they always had armed men guarding them. But none could save them from the attack of death. At the end they were descended from those hills and placed in the deeply dug graves with misery and humility. At this time a caller called: Where is all that glory, crowns, and luxury? Where is the face that knew comfort and hid itself behind silk curtains from the gazes of the commoner? The grave disgraced them at end. Those delicate faces are the ground for worms to crawl on. For a long time they sucked, swallowed, drank and ate of the earth. But today they are food for the earth and its pests. " Imam's voice resonated with a deep and effected melody onto the ears of the attendants, and destroyed the high of the wine. Mutawakkil threw his glass away & started crying. Thus was Caliph's party ruined, & the light of truth shun into a disease heart even if it were for a fleeting moment.[1] [1] Bihar-al Anwar v. 2, states of Imam Hadi(A.S.) p. 149

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Naseeba
The scar on her shoulder spoke of a huge injury in the past. This was Naseeba the daughter of Ka'b (known as Umme 'Amara). The young women who hadn't lived or have been very young during the time of the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) always asked her of the deep injury on her shoulder. Every one was interested to know about her experience at Uhud in Naseeba's own words. Naseeba would have never thought that she would fight along with her husband and two sons and defend the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.). She had only carried a large leather bottle of water, to water the injured. She also had brought some fabric to Band-Aid their injuries. More than this, she had not forecasted anything else. The Muslim had gained the upper hand at the beginning of the battle, despite the fact that they were not well equipped. The enemy ran away. But soon due to the neglect of some guards of "Ainain" the enemy attacked from behind. The condition changed and a great number of Muslims got away from the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) . Naseeba put the water bottle down and grabbed the sword. She would use the sword and at time the arrow and spear. She grabbed the shield of a man who was running away. Once she noticed that a man from the enemy was calling: "Where is Muhammad(S.A.W.)? Where is Muhammad(S.A.W.)?" Naseeba went behind him and hit him with a few blows. That man had two protecting outfit, thus wasn't injured much. Rather he hit Naseeba with a hard blow to her shoulder, that required a year of care. As soon as the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) noticed the blood gushing from her shoulder, he told her son to attend to her, "Hurry and dress her wound". He dressed her wound and she restarted the struggle. She noticed that one of her sons had been wounded, she went to him and dressed his wound. The Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) had a pleasant smile on his face seeing the courage of this woman. As soon as she dressed his wound she told him: "My son, move on and join the battle." The Holy Prophet(S.A.W.) showed her the man who had injured her son. "He wounded your son." Naseeba attacked the man and hit him on the leg. The Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) told her: "You have a good revenge, thank Allah that he granted you success." A number of Muslims were martyred, some were wounded. Naseeba was also wounded significantly. After the event of Uhud, the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) ordered Muslims to move towards "Hamra al Asad". They prepared to move. Naseeba was ready to go along, but her wounds disabled her. When the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.)returned from Hamra al Asad, before going to his own home, he sent someone to inquire about Naseeba's well being. They brought him good news. The Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) was immensely happy with the news.[1] [1] Sharh of ibn Abi al Hadeed. v. 3 p568-570 Told by Maghazi Wagidi

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Common Popularity
A certain man had become famous among people. They spoke of his Taqwa and religiosity. The commoners spoke of his grandeur, some had repeatedly mentioned this man and his fame among the commoners to Imam Sadiq (A.S.). Imam thought to evaluate this "pious" man when he isn't with people. One day, he went to him anonymously and saw that he was surrounded by many people. Imam watched quietly. The first thing that the Imam (A.S,) noticed was this man's deceiving and pretentious actions. Then when he was alone, Imam followed him quietly to discover his actions. Soon that man went to a baker's shop. To Imam's surprise, the man took advantage of the baker's neglect and hid two loafs of bread under his garb. Imam thought that perhaps the man had already paid for the bread. Yet he was puzzled as to why he took it when the baker was not attending to him. Imam continued to follow him, he was still thinking about the event at the baker's shop that the man stopped by a fruit stand. He waited for the owner to look away and he took two pomegranates and hid them under his garb, and walked away. Imam was still puzzled, Imam's (A.S.) astonishment doubled when he saw that the man went to a sick man and gave him the bread and the pomegranates. The Imam went to him and said: " I have seen a strange behavior from you today." Thus he told him the whole experience and requested clarification. He looked at the Imam and said: "I assume you are Ja'far ibn-e Muhammad(A.S.)?" "That is true, I am Ja'far ibne Muhammad(A.S.)." "Of course you are the son of the Prophet of Allah. But I am sorry that you are so ignorant." "What ignorance have seen in me?" "This question shows extreme ignorance. Obviously you can't figure out a simple account. Don't you know that Allah says in the Quran: Whoever does a good deed, he shall be reward ten times as much. Also Quran says and whoever commits an evil deed, he will be punished only for one times as much. Thus I stole two loafs of bread, and I gained two sins. Then I stole two pomegranates and earned two more sins. That is a total of four sins. But I gave the two breads and the two pomegranates in the way of Allah. Each counts as ten good deeds. Thus I have earned fourty good deeds, four minus fourty is thirty six. Thus I have thirty six pure good deeds. This is a simple math which you can't understand." "May Allah kill you. You are an ignorant man, that you have started calculating as such. Don't you know that Allah says: Allah accepts the deed of the pious. Now a simple math is sufficient to make you aware of your mistake. As you say, you gained four sins. Also since you have given stolen material to people under the name of charity and good will, you have not earned any good, Thus you have gained a sin for each deed. Thus you have a total of eight sins. Moreover, you have no good deeds." Imam (A.S.) told him this and while his shocked gaze was fixed on the Imam, he (A.S.) left the man. When the Imam (A.S.) told this story to his friends he added: "It is these kinds of ugly and erroneous miscalculations about religions obligations that leave people astray while they misguide others."[1] [1] Wasael v. 2 p.57

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The Outcome of the Journey to Taef
Abu Talib the Holy Prophet's (S.A.W.) uncle and Khadija his kind companion both died within a few days. Thus the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) lost his strongest supporter in society and the comfort and companion at home in a short time. Just as much as the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) was sad about Abu Talib's death, the Quraish also became more cruel towards him. Only days after his death, they emptied a bucketful of ashes on his head. He returned home dusty. His youngest daughter, Fatimah (A.S.) ran to him and washed his hair. He saw that his little daughter was crying. He said: "My dear daughter don't be sad. Your father is not alone. Allah is his protector." Then, the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) left Mecca and went to Taef which was a pleasant city in south of Mecca for the purpose of guidance and inviting people to Islam. Taef happened to be a vacation spot for the rich of Mecca, as well. Not much could be expected from the people of Taef. These people who lived amongst the luxury and blessing that surrounded them had the same mind set as that of the Meccans who had a comfortable life from the earning due to the idols. But the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) wasn't one who would be easily despaired, or be disheartened by the difficulties. He was ready to face the hardest challenges just to enlighten and attract a sincere heart. He entered Taef. He heard of the people of Taef what he had heard from the people of Mecca. One said: "Wasn't there anyone else that Allah would make you a Prophet?" The other said: "I would attest to having stolen the cover of Ka'ba rather than attesting to your Prophethood." The third one said: "I won't say even a word to you." Not only did they not accept his guidance, moreover, they encouraged a group of children and the wicked of the society to push the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) out of the city. They also joined this group. The Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) got away from Taef. While he was severely injured and hurt, took shelter in a garden that belonged to, Ataba and Shayba, two wealthy people among the Quraish. They also happened to be in the garden, they watched this state of the Prophet, and were happy about it. The kids and the wicked of Taef returned. The Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) sat under the shade of the vineyard away from Ataba and Shayboa. He was alone with his Lord. He directed his need toward a self sufficient Lord and said: "My Lord! I complain to You from my weakness the blocking of my means and from the making fun of the people. O Kindest of the kind, You are the Lord of the oppressed and the belittled. You are my Lord. Who frown at me, or the enemy whom You have given a temporary superiority over me? My Lord if what has come upon me is other than your anger over me for a deserved punishment, I am not disheartened, But the field of well being is wider for me. I seek refuge in the light of Your essence which lights all darkness and rectifies affairs of this and the next world, from Your anger and Your torment. I am pleased with that which has come upon me, so that You may be pleased with me. There is no change and no power in the world but by You and from You." Ataba and Shayba who were happy at the defeat of the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) still in observance of dues to relatives sent him a tray of grape by 'Udas their Christian slave. 'Udas brought him the grapes and told him: "Eat". The Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) took a grape and said "Bismilla" before he put it in his mouth. 'Udas had never heard of this word before. He heard it the first time from the tongue of the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.). 'Udas said: "This is not a common word among the people of this region . What was this word?" The Holy Prophet (S.A.W.): " 'Udas, where are you from? What is your religion?" "I am from Naynawa and I am a Christian" "From Naynawa, from the city of Allah's righteous servant Yunus ibn Mata?" "Amazing! How do you know of Yunus bin Mata in this land? There aren't even few people in Naynawa who would know Mata the father of Yunus." "Yunus is my brother. He was a messenger, I too am a messenger of Allah." Ataba and Shayba saw that 'Udas is standing and still talking to the Prophet. They were disheartened, for they were always afraid of people talking to him. Soon they saw that 'Udas has fallen on the ground and kissing the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.). One told the other: "See that he misguided the poor slave!"[1] [1] Seera-e Ibn-e Hishams v. 1 , p 419 - 421

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In Miqat
Malik bin Anas[1], who was a famous scholar in Madinah, went to Hajj with Imam Sadiq (A.S.) . They arrived in Miqat, and got ready to put on the Ihram, and saying the Dhikr of Talbiyya (We say yes to your call our Lord). Others said this prayer in their own common ways. Malik bin Ans noted that Imam (A.S) was in a different state. Every time that he (A.S.) was about to say these words, his voice would crash in his throat, and lose control of his limbs such that he would be on the verge of falling off his ride. Malik approached the Imam (A.S.) and said: "O son of the Prophet of Allah! You must say this Dikhr, no matter what your condition." The Imam (as) said: "O son of Abi 'Amir! How could I have the courage to say Labbaik? Saying Labbaik means that: My Lord, I am hurrying to what you are calling me towards, and I am always ready. With what confidence should I enact this boldness against my Lord, and call myself an ever ready servant? And what shall I do if the response from Him is La Labbaik (and we don't accept of you)? [2] [1] Malik ibn Anas son of Abi 'Amir is one of the leaders of the four Sunni schools of thought. The school of thought of Maliki stems from him. He lived around the time of Abu Haneefa. Shafi'i was a student of Malik and Ahmad bin Hanbal was Shafi'i's student. Malik's Fiqh was considered an opponent of Abu Haneefa's FiQh. Abu Haneefa's FiQh relies more on Ra'i (judgement), and Qiyas (comparison). While Malik's FiQh relies more on Hadith and the tradition. In Wafyyat ul A'ayaan (v 3, p 286) it is related by Ibn Khalkan that Malik used to cry a lot near his death. He was very worried about some of his Fatwas which were based on Ra'i, and would say: "I wish I had not decreed based on my own judgement. I would have preferred to have been lashed for each of those decrees, and I would be free from the sins." One of the honors of Malik is his belief that allegiance to Muhammad bin 'Abdullah Mahdh who was martyred was correct, and allegiance to Bani 'Abbas, which was based on power was not right. Malik was very outspoken about this belief, and never feared the cruelty of 'Abbasids. This caused him to be lashed by the order of Ja'far bin Sulaiman 'Abbasi. This lashing gained him more popularity. (please see Wafyyat al A'yaan, V. 3, p 285) Malik used to visit Imam Ja'fa Sadiq (A.S.) quite frequently, and happens to be one of those who has narrated from him (as). Bihar's volume 11, page 109 reports from a number of books such as Khisal, 'Ilal ush Sharay', Suddooq, that Imam (A.S.) was kind to Malik. He (as) would tell him that: "I like you." Malik used to be very happy whenever the Imam (A.S.) was affectionate towards him. Malik is reported to have said: "I used to visit Imam Sadiq (A.S.) for a time. I would find him praying, fasting, or reciting Qur'an. No ear has heard, no eye has witnessed, and no mind has imagined better than Ja'fa ibn-e Muhammad(A.S.) in knowledge, piety, and worship." (The book of Al Imam al Sadiq) It is also Malik who is reported to have said: "He was one of the best of his time, who feared Allah , and knew a great deal of Hadith. He was pleasant and had an excellent character. Being in his presence was a blessing. Whenever he heard the name of the Prophet of Allah , he would be awe stricken, and his state would change." [2] Bihar al Anwar, V. 11, p. 109

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The Last Word
As soon as Umme Hameeda the mother of Imam Kadhim (A.S.) saw Abu Baseer, who had come to pay his condolences for the death of her husband Imam Ja'fa Sadiq (A.S.), she cried. Abu Baseer cried as well. When she was comforted, Umme Hameeda told him: "You were not present at the last moments of Imam (A.S.) to see what happened." Abu Baseer asked:" What happened?" She said: "It was the last moments of Imam's (A.S.) life. He eyes were closed. All of a sudden he opened his eyes, and said: 'gather all the family members now.' It was strange that the Imam (A.S.) had ordered as such in this last moment. So we put our efforts together, and gathered all relatives. All were ready to hear what the Imam (A.S.) had to say. When the Imam (A.S.) saw that every one was present, he told them: "Our intercession shall be the portion of those who belittle their prayers." [1] [1] Bihar al Anwar, V. 11, p. 105

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The Black Market
Imam Sadiq's (A.S.) family and dependents had grown in number. Imam thought of starting some bussines, so that the expenses of the family could be provided for. He gave one thousand Dinars to his servant named Musadif, and told him: "Take this money and go to Egypt for trade." Musadif purchased products that were marketable in Egypt, and left with a caravan. As they arrived in Egypt, another caravan was leaving Egypt. It came to their attention that the goods, that Musadif had brought, had a competitive market in Egypt, and has become rare. Whoever had those goods, were very happy for thier good luck. As the good happened to be a basic neccisity of life, people had to purchase it for any price. The merchants agreed that they will sell it only double the price. Thus they went to the market place, and sold the item double the purchase price as they had agreed. Musadif returned with two thousand Dinars. Happily he went to the Imam (A.S.) and put the two bags of money infront of him. Imam (A.S.) asked: "What are these?" He said: "One of the bags is the initial capital. The next is the interest." Imam (A.S.): The interest is a large sum. Tell me how you earned all this?" "We were informed that the goods we had along was rare in Egypt. So we decided and swore to sell it double its value." "Subhan Allah! You did such a thing! You swore to form a black market among the Muslims. You swore not to sell it but double the value! I do not want such trade. I don't want such profit. Then Imam picked one of the bags and said: "This is my capital." He didn't touch the other, and said: "I have nothing to do with this." Then he said: "Fighting with sword is easier than earning Hallal sustenance." [1] [1] Bihar al Anwar, V. 11, p 121

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'Aqeel, 'Ali's Guest
'Aqeel came to Imam 'Ali's (A.S.) house in Kufa when he was the caliph of the time. Imam'Ali (A.S.) asked his elder son, Hasan ibn 'Ali(A.S.) to give a gift to his uncle. Imam Hasan (A.S.) gave one of his outfits to his uncle. The next night, Imam Ali (A.S.), and 'Aqeel were sitting at the roof of the Daar ul 'Imara (governor's office). It was dinner time. 'Aqeel was expecting a fancy dinner since he was in the caliph's company. Opposite to his expectation, the dinner was very simple. Surprised, he asked: "Is this all the dinner?" Imam Ali (A.S.) said: "Isn't this enough of a blessing from Allah ? I praise Allah for all these blessings." 'Aqeel said: "Perhaps I shall present my request and be excused to leave. I am heavily indebted. Give an order so that my debt be paid off. You can also help me as much as you can afford." "How much do you owe?" "Hundred thousand Darham." "Oh, that is quite a bit! I am sorry my brother, that I don't have it all, so that I could pay them now. But wait till I get paid, then I shall give you some. Had I not the responsibility of my own family, I would pay you all of my next months pay." "What?! Should I wait till the next month's pay? But the public treasury is in your hand, and you are telling me to wait until next month so that you could pay me from your own pay check?! You can pay me whatever amount you would want out of the public treasury. Why do you want me to wait? Moreover, how much is your pay? I don't think it could pay off all my loan." "I am not surprised by your suggestion. Whether there is money in the public treasury or not is not mine or your concern. I and you are one like the thousand other Muslims. Granted that you are my brother, and I should help you from my own income. But not from public treasure." The discussion continued, and 'Aqeel was insisting that he should be paid off from the public treasure, so that he could leave content. The bazaar of Kufa was apparent from the place they were sitting. One could see safes of the merchants from there. Upon 'Aqeel's insistence,Imam Ali (A.S.) told him: "If you continue to insist, I will offer you a suggestion. If you act on it, you can have more than you want." "What should I do?" "You see those safes. As soon as there is nobody in the market, just sneak down there, and break the safes, and take as much money as you like." "Who those safes belong to?" "To the merchant. They put all their cash in them." "What? Do you tell me to break the safes and take the money of those poor people who have worked so hard, put their money in there with reliance upon Allah ?" Then how do you suggest to me that I should open the door of public treasure to you? Who does this money belong to? This also belongs to a people who are resting in their homes not worrying about their trust. Now, I have a different suggestion. If you will act upon it." "What do you suggest?" "If you will, let us both take our swords and go the ancient city of Heera, where some very wealthy business people live. We will attack one of them, and gain a huge sum of money." "My dear brother! I have not come to steal. All I am asking for is some money from the public treasure. Just give me some, so that I could pay my debts." "It is better if we steal the money of one person rather than the money of hundreds of thousands of Muslims. How is it that stealing from one individual is considered stealing, while stealing from the public treasure is not theft? Do you think that stealing has to be done with violence, and force? The most criminal theft is the one that you are offering to me." [1] [1] Bihar al Anwar, v 9 Print of Tabriz p. 613

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Imam Sadiq (A.S.) and a Group of Sufis
Sufyan Suri who lived in Medina came at the presence of Imam Sadiq (A.S.). He noticed that the Imam (A.S.) had a delicate and thin outfit on. He told him (A.S.): "It is not befitting that you would groom yourself in such a manner with the luxuries of the world. You are expected to be pious, and keep aloof from the worldly gifts." Imam (A.S.): "I will tell you something which is beneficial in your present and next world. If you are misguided and understand that this is the essence of Islam, then perhaps what I will say will be of some good to you. However, if you wish to introduce an innovation in Islam, it is a whole different matter, and my words shall not benefit you. Perhaps you are thinking about the simple life style of the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) and his companions and you deem that to be the ideal till the day of judgment, and goal of all Muslims is that they live in poverty. But know that the Prophet (pbuh) lived at a time when people had economical hardship. Most people didn't even have basics of their livelihoods. The specific living conditions of the Holy Prophet's (S.A.W.) and his companion's life was due to the general public's living standards. But when the conditions become more favorable and the obtaining material goods become feasible, then the believers are most fit to benefit from them rather than the nonbelievers. What do you see worthy of objection in me? Allah is my witness that while you find me rightfully enjoying Allah's blessing, from the day I have reached legal maturity, I have been watchful of others portion not polluting mine." Sufyan couldn't respond to Imam's logical arguments. Thus he left Imam (A.S.) defeated and ashamed. However, he discussed the case with his friends. They decided to come collectively and argue with the Imam (A.S.). So they came to him as a group and said: "Our friend couldn't clarify his stance. We have come to have a clearer discussion with you and tell you our arguments." Imam (A.S.): " What are your arguments?" The sufis: "Our arguments are from the Qur'an." Imam (A.S.): "What argument can be better that a Qur'anic one ? Tell me, I am ready to listen." The Sufis: "We shall present two Ayas (verses) from Qur'an in support of our practice and lifestyle. And that is enough of an argument for us. Allah praises some companions in such term: "while they are financially restricted, they prefer others to themselves. Those who are free from tight handiness, they are the felicitous one." And also Qur'an says: "While they still love and need food, they give it to the poor, orphans and the captives." When they were done, a man who was sitting at the periphery of the group, was intently listening to them said: "As I understand, I don't think you really believe in what you say. You say these things so that you could disinterest people in their property, so that they would give it to you. No one has seen you refuse delicious food." Imam (A.S.): "Let us leave these arguments. No one benefits from these." Then he looked at the Sufis and told them: "Now that base your arguments on Qur'an, do you understand the Muhkam, Mutashabih, Naasikh and Mansukh of the Qur'an? Whoever is lost among this Ummah, is due to their reliance on, without knowledge of Qur'an." The Sufis: "Sure, we know a bit about it but not completely." Imam: "This is the root of your problem. The same principle applies to the traditions of the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.). One needs to be well informed about them." "However the verses that you just quoted do not apply to refusal of Allah's blessings. These verses refer to a sense of charity and giving. It praises a group of people who prioritize the need of others over their own, and gave their Hallal portion to other. Had they not given, it still would be acceptable to Allah, and they would not have committed a sin. Allah had not ordered them to behave in such a manner, neither had Allah prohibited them from doing so either. They put themselves in hardship in response to their kindness and gave to others. Thus Allah will repay them. Your behavior, however, doesn't reflect the message of those Ayas. You prohibit and blame people for using and enjoying the blessing granted to them by Allah . Those companions gave to that extent on that particular moment in history. However, Allah sent a clear guidance and specified the terms and limits of charity. Thus when these further Ayas were revealed, they served as outdating their behavior. Thus we must follow Allah's command, not the behavior of a group. Allah (swt) with his grace and for the well being of the believers prohibited people from excess in charity, that will put a person and his family in hardship. He is not allowed to give everything to others since he might have children and elderly in the family who may not tolerate hardship. If I give away the only piece of bread at my home, my family who is my responsibility will be destroyed. Thus the Prophet (S.A.W.) said: "whoever has a few dates for charity, he must on the first hand give to his parents, then to his wife and children, then to his relative and to his believing brothers and as the last resort as charity." Charity is the fourth in order. When the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) heard that a man among Ansar had died and has left orphans behind, while he had given all his belonging for charity, said: "Had you informed me of his action, I would not have allowed him to be buried in the Muslim graveyard. He has left orphans who will need public assistance." "My Father, Imam Baqir (A.S.) said that the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.): "Start charity at home in order of relation. Whoever is closer, is more deserving. "Moreover, Qur'an prohibits your attitude and behavior, when it says: "The pious are those who are neither extravagant nor stingy in giving charity. They chose a middle path." In many Ayahs of Qur'an, it strongly prohibits excess in giving such as it discourages tight handiness. Qur'an shows a middle path for this. One should not give everything away such that he remains financially broke and then raise hands in prayer asking for sustenance. Allah never responds to such prayer, because the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) said that Allah doesn't accept the prayer of few groups of people: The person who asks for a disaster or his parents. The person who has given a loan and has not taken a witness, when his property has been devoured by the other side, he raises his hands for prayer and seeks Allah's help. This person has destroyed his property by his own hands and has given it without a witness. A man who asks Allah to rid him of his wife. This man, if has a real problem that can't be solved with his wife, can get a divorce. The man who wits at home and asks for sustenance. Allah perhaps tells him: "My servant. Have I not shown you means of earning? Have I given you will proportioned organ? I have granted you hands, legs, eyes, ears, and a brain so that you can move, see hear and think. There is a purpose for the creation of all these organs. To thank Allah for them us to use them. Thus my favor is over unto you. Now you must move, and obey my order for working hard and not become an excess on someone else. Of course, had I seen if fit, I could have provided you with immense sustenance. Nonetheless even if you can't earn enough with your own hard work, which may be due to a good reason, you have done your duty and tried. The one who was given generous sustenance and he gave excessively and is in financial hardship. When he raises hands in prayer, Allah responds: "Had I not provided you generously ? Why didn't you choose the middle ground?" "Had I not ordered you to be moderate in giving charity?" "Had I not prohibited you from giving too much?" That who prays for cutting off womb relations, or asks for something that results in break in family ties. Allah has taught the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) the etiquette's of giving charity. Once there was a certain amount of gold with the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) which he wanted to spend for the poor. He didn't want to keep the gold in his place even for one night. So he gave it all the next morning. A wayfarer asked the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) for assistance, the Holy Prophet (S.A.W. didn't have anything, so he became sad, that is when the Ayah was revealed: "Neither your hands to your neck, nor leave them outstretched to become broke and be blamed by the poor." These are the traditions from the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.), Qur'anic verses also support them. Obviously those who believe in Qur'an believe in the verses of Qur'an. When they asked Abu Bakr to leave a will regarding his property, he said spend one-fifth of my property to the poor. The rest belongs to my relatives. One-fifth of his property was significant amount. A dying person is allowed to give one-third of his property towards charity. Had he known he would have given all one-third. You know about Salman and Abu Dhar's piety and asceticism. They didn't do excess in charity when he was getting his annual payment from the public treasury, he was putting away his year's expenditure. Someone asked him: "How is it that you save for a year? Perhaps you will die today or tomorrow, and not live till the end of the year." He said: "Perhaps I live, why do you assume the possibility of dying, there is the possibility of living also. If I live then I have expenses. O' ignorant ones, you must know that if a person is in material hardship, it sows down in obeying and supporting truth. It looses it's energy and enthusiasm in support of truth. However once it is provided with some, it calms down." And Abu Dharr had few camels and sheep. He used their milk. If he needed the meat or when he had guests, or when someone was in need, he would consume their meat. Whenever he wanted to give, he would keep an equal portion for himself. Who was more pious than these people? You know how the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) has praised them. They never gave all their property in the name of charity, they never followed the path that you suggest and live your lives. I shall tell you this Hadith which comes to me from my father and ancestors from the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.): "One of the strongest phenomena is the state of the believer who deems everything the some whether he is cut into pieces or is given the kingdom of east and west." No. A Believer excellence isn't dependent on his poverty. Excellence in a believer comes from his faith. For whether he is in poverty or wealth, he is aware of his duty which he accomplishes with perfection. So a believer has a strange state with which all that happens to him from ease to distress become sources of good. I wonder if I have told you enough? Do you know that at the beginning of Islamic movement when the number of Muslims was small the law of Jihad commanded that one man should fight ten infidels. If he didn't, it would be considered a sin and a transgression. But later when the situation changed and there were more Muslims, Allah granted a major relief with His mercy. The law was changed such that each Muslim was to fight only two infidels, not any more. I will ask you of a judiciary matter: Assume that you are in the court and the judge asks you to pay your wife's sustenance alimony. What will you do? Will you present an excuse that you are an ascetic and have turned you face away from the riches of the world? Will this excuse be accepted? Do you think that the judge's order that you pay the alimony is a just one? Or is it unjust? If you assert that it is unjust you have lied, and have insulted the whole Muslim Ummah and if you say it is just, then your excuse is invalid. Thus you know that your behavior is wrong. The other issue is: There are times when a person give obligatory and non obligatory charity. For instance, one pay Zakat or Kaffarah. Suppose every one agrees with you and run away from material gains in the world how sould they pay for these obligatory charitable acts. What happens to the Zakat which must be paid off on gold, sliver, sheep, camel, cow, dates and raisin? Aren't these obligatory, so that the poor people may have a chance to live better and enjoy goods in life? It is obvious that the goal of religion in these matters is providing for goods in life. Had the goal of reilgion been poverty, then the poor have reached the peak of excellence. Why would others be obligated to give them goods and take them out of their blessed state? Also if the poor are happy, they should refuse to come out of happiness. If what you assert to be true were valid then no one had to keep any money and them there world not be any need for Zakat. It is clear, therefor, that you have chosen a very dangerous and ugly path and guide people into destruction. The path you are on and intend to bring other in is due to your ignorance of Qur'an, the Sunnah and tradition of the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.). These are not traditions that could be doubted. Qur'an support their authenticity. But you refuse the traditions that do not agree with your way of life. This is ignorance. Leave ignorance as it has many followers. But knowledge has fewer supporters. Allah said: "A wise man is superior to a knowledgeable person." In the begining of the 2nd century, there was a group of people who called themselves Sufi and ascetic. This group had a particular lifestyle which they asked others to follow as well. They would pretend as if this was the real religion. They would argue that one should leave the goods of the world. A believer must not dress well, must not eat delicious food, must not live in a good house, they would advertise. They used to criticize these would take advantage of the goods of life, and would defame them as worldly people and away from Allah . Sufyan had this same criticism against Imam (as). This life style has existed in many parts of the world, specifically in Greece and India. This life style gradually influenced some Muslims who gave it a religious identity. This lifestyle was passed on to the next generations and became very popular. In fact one could say that it became as a special school of thought among Muslims. It's most direct influence was that of making people disregard in laws and principles in life that was partly responsible for decay and regression of civilization in Islamic societies. The influence of this ideology wasn't only among Sufis alone, but also among other groups and schools of thought who didn't and don't consider themselves Sufis and infact would, at times, call themselves antagonistic to the Sufi practices. Also, not all people who were called Sufis, had such practices, either. There is no doubt that such lifestyle should be considered a dangerous social ailment, which paralyzes the spiritual growth of the society. One must struggle against this disease, and eliminate this ideology. Unfortunately, most of the social movements that label themselves as against this lifestyle, aren't realy struggling against the ideology. They are merely struggles against names and titles, and for some, it is a strive for name and gain. Indeed, some of those who claim to be struggling against such ideologies have acquired the lifestyle, themselves, who propagate it. It is the ignorance of some immature people who think that they are fighting against such ideologies, which channels antagonistic energies against some excellent thoughts, which are no less than masterpeices of human intellect. Struggle aganist negative Sufism, must be against that disease, and that ideology in the manner shown to us by this Hadith of Imam Sadiq (A.S.), at any time, any place, and under any title. Nonetheless, Imam's (A.S.) presentation, is the most conclusive stance available against this ideology that has unfortunately plagued Muslim nations. Fortunately, it is safe, and intact in Hadith book.

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Hisham and Farazdaq
Even though Hisham ibn 'Abdul Malik was the crown prince, and those years were the first decade of the second century when the Umayyad power was at its peak, he could not touch the Black Stone after circumambulation. All people were dressed in the same simple garb of Ihram, saying the same remembrance of Allah , and doing the same thing. They were so overwhelmed in their pure emotions that they had no mind to pay attention to the worldly glory of Hisham. The gaurds who were with him to protect Hisham, were feeling helpless in the sight of this glory. Hisham tried very hard to come close to the Black Stone and touch it. But due to the large crowd, it was not possible. Thus he returned and sat on a high chair to see the pilgrimage. The Syrians who had come with him also stared at the crowd. At this time, a man who seemed to be a pious spiritual man, having the simple white Ihram appeared. Signs of worship and piety were apparent on his face. He circumambulated around the Ka'ba. Then with a calm composure, and determined steps, he went towards the Black Stone. The crowd made way for him, as soon as they saw him approaching. The Syrians who had failed to take the crown prince to the Black Stone, were amused with this sight. One of them asked Hisham: "Who is this person?" While Hisham knew that this was 'Ali ibn Husain Zainul Abideen(A.S.), he said: "I don't know." No one could have the courage to dispute Hisham's claim, for their swords were always wet with the blood of the brave, and the bold. But, Farazdaq, the articulate Arab poet, who should have feared Hisham more than any one else, was so emotional that he said: "But I know him." Thus, he stood on an elevated ground and read a beautiful poem, which is one of the masterpieces of the 'Arab language. These were words that could only take form when the soul of the poet flows as the tide of the ocean. Thus he said: "This man is the one, who is known to all the sands of the land of Batha. This Ka'ba knows him. This Haram, and the land outside it knows him. This is the child of the best of God's servants. This is the pure, and pious infallible. If you say that you don't know him, does not hurt his status. Perhaps you don't know him. But all the Arab and non Arab know him.........." Hisham was furious at Farazdaq after hearing this poem. He ordered that his portion from the public treasure be discontinued, and that he should be imprisoned in 'Asfan, located between Mecca, and Madina. But Farazdaq wasn't bothered by this nuance which he gained as an outcome of his boldness and honesty. He continued to create poetry against Hisham in the prison.Imam Ali ibn Hussain (A.S.) sent some money to Farazdaq, since he was in the prison and had no means of earning. Farazdaq didn't accept it, and said that he had said the poem only for God." Imam Ali ibn Husain (A.S.) resent him the money saying: "Allah is well aware of your intention, and will reward you appropriately. If you accept this money, it shall not suffer your reward from Allah ." And he urged Farazdaq to accept the gift. Finally Farazdaq accepted it.[1] [1] Bihar, V. 11, p. 36

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Adi Ibn Hatam
Before the advent of Islam and the formation of an Islamic government, the feudal system prevailed among the Arabs. Arab people were used to obeying their chiefs and once in a while paid tribute to them. A feudal Arab chieftain was Hatam Ta'i from the tribe of Tai who was noted for his munificence. After Hatam, his son, Adi, succeeded his father and his tribe obeyed him too. Every year Adi received one-fourth of the income of each of his tribesmen as tribute. Adi's leadership was in the days of the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) and the spread of Islam. The Tai tribe were idolaters, but Adi himself was Nazarene and hid it from his people. Arab people who accepted Islam were introduced to its freedom through teachings, were freed willy-nilly from the thraldom of their chiefs. Adi, like other Arab dignitaries felt that Islam was an imminent danger to himself and antagonised the Holy Prophet, but it was too late and Islam and Muslims piecemeal came to the fore. Adi knew well that one day they would overthrow him. He said to his confidant, a slave, to keep a dromedary close at hand and to tell him right away of the Muslim army's drawing near. One day the slave came and told him that the Muslim army was somewhere in the nearby. Adi lost no time and fled with his family members to Syria where people were also Nazarenes. But he was so confused and in a great hurries that he forgot his sister, Safaneh and she was left alone there. When the Muslim army arrived, Adi had already fled. They carried Safaneh as a prisoner to Medina and told the Holy Prophet(S.A.W.) about Adi. Outside the mosque of Medina was an enclosure wherein the prisoners were lodged. One day the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) went past the place to enter the mosque. Safaneh, an intelligent young woman accosted the Holy Prophet(S.A.W.) and said: "I have lost my father and my brother has also hidden himself. Please do me a favour and Allah will reward you." The Holy Prophet(S.A.W.) asked who her brother was. She replied: "Adi Ibn Hatam." The Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) added: "He was the man who has turned away from Allah and His messenger... and ran away". The next day again Safaneh accosted the Prophet and the Prophet went away without taking note of what she said. The third day, Safaneh was nearly disappointed and wanted to remain silent, but a young man who was close behind the Prophet signalled her to repeat her plea, and she did. The Prophet said: "Well I am looking for a trustworthy man to take charge of you and send you back to your tribe." Safaneh asked people that who was the man close behind the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) and found out that he was Ali Ibn Abi Talib (A.S). Sometime later, Safaneh told the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) that there had come some trustworthy people from her tribe to Medina, and asked the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) to let them take her back to her brother. The Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) gave her some money and some new clothing and a camel and she accompanied her tribesmen to Syria where her brother was. No sooner had Safaneh seen her brother, she began to reproach him saying: "You took your wife and children with you but forgot me your own flesh and blood." Adi apologised to her and asked about her opinion as to whether it was advisable for him to join the Prophet or turn away from him. Safaneh advised her brother to join the Prophet, saying: "If he is really Allah's messenger, it will be a great honour for you. And if he is not a Prophet and ambitious, you will not loose your dignity there not far from Yemen because you have popularity among the Yemeni people." Adi took her sister's advice and went to Medina to see around who really the Prophet was. If he were truly Allah's messenger, he would follow him, but if he had worldly ambitions, he would co-operate with him as far as their common interests might allow. Adi called upon the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) in the Mosque and the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) asked who he was. Adi said he was son of Hatam Ta'i. The Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) respected him and took him to his house. On their way, a bent and aged old woman accosted the Prophet and he answered her questions kindly and patiently for a long time. Adi said to himself that this was a sign of morality that showed he was a Prophet. Never has a tyrant such a temperament to endure a poor old woman. When Adi entered the Holy Prophet's house, he saw that he had a humble living. There was only a mattress on which the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) sat. The Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) spread the mattress for Adi. He said this was the second sign of Prophet - like temperament. The Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) asked Adi if he was a Nazarene. He replied, yes. Then why did you receive one-fourth of the income of each man? This was not allowed in your religion. Adi was startled because even his next of kin knew nothing of his religion. Adi said to himself, this was the third sign of his being a Prophet. The Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) added: "You see Muslims in their abject poverty. You see them at the mercy of their enemies. You see others in power. By Allah the Almighty, before long Muslims will have so much wealth and you will hardly find a destitute fellow among them. Their enemies will be vanquished and there will be safety and security in their land that allows a woman traveller to make a journey alone from Iraq to Hijaz without being hurt at all. By Allah it will not take long that the white castles of Babylon will be conquered by the Muslim army." Adi Ibn Hatam accepted Islam wholeheartedly and remained devoted to Islam as long as he lived. He survived the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) and remembered his prophecies. He said: "I am glad to live long enough to see the white castles of Babylon were conquered by Muslim army, and also to see a woman travel alone from Iraq to Hijaz without being hurt at all. By Allah I am sure there will soon be the time when there will be no trace of poverty among the Muslims.

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The Wisdom Of Luqman
Luqman is not generally believed to be a Prophet, but he was a man who had been specially endowed with wisdom by Allah . He was the nephew of Prophet Ayyub (A.S.) and lived at the time of Prophet Dawood (A.S.). He was an extremely pious man and used to mostly remain silent while he pondered about the nature of life. Sometimes he would come to Prophet Dawood (A.S.) to discuss problems. One of Luqman's wives and some of his sons were disbelievers and so he preached to them about faith in Allah till they embraced Islam. His words of wisdom were worthy of being quoted in the Holy Qur'an, which says: [And indeed We gave to Luqman wisdom, saying, "Be grateful to Allah; for whoever is grateful, verily he is only grateful for his own self; and whoever is ungrateful, (it is to the discredit of his own self) then verily Allah is Self-Sufficient, the Most Praised." And when Luqman said to his son while he counselled him, "O my son! Do not associate anything (in authority) with Allah, for verily associating (anything) with Allah is the greatest sin." And We enjoined man concerning his parents; his mother bears him in weakness upon weakness and his weaning takes two years. Be grateful to Me and unto your parents, (and remember that) unto me is the ultimate return. "O my son! verily if it is even the very weight of the grain of a mustard seed (closed) in (even) a rock, or (be it high) in the heavens or (buried deep) in the earth, Allah will bring it to light; Allah is All-Subtle (Lateef), All-Aware. O my son! Establish prayer and enjoin the good and forbid the evil, and be patient against what befalls you; verily this is the task of steadfastness. And do not turn your face to people (in scorn) and do not walk proudly in the earth; verily Allah does not like any self-conceited boaster. And be moderate (modest) and lower your voice; verily the most unpleasant of voices is the braying of the donkeys." Quran 31:12 - 14, 16 - 19] Luqman lived for 1,000 years from the time of Prophet Dawood (A.S.) to that of Prophet Yunus (A.S.). His life was and words are a great lesson in Akhlaq (morals) for mankind.

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Advice to Abdulla Mubarak
Abdulla Mubarak once approached Buhlool with a request to show him a way of salvation and purification from sins. Buhlool replied that what could be expected from him when people considered him as an insane person. Why not find a sensible person to guide you? He added. Abdulla said that insane persons are quite often experts in their profession hence one ought to listen to words of wisdom from those considered mentally imbalanced. On Abdullah's insistence, Buhlool agreed upon four conditions narrated as under: What better reason other than this could it be for one always to remain on the path of obedience to Allah. Firstly: "If you go against any command of Allah then you should refrain from eating from His sustenance. How dare you as a sensible person, claiming to be servant of Allah and enjoying His bounties yet turn against Him?" Abdulla admitted that this was the absolute truth. Secondly: "When you disobey Him, you should not reside in His domain". Abdulla said: "This was rather difficult condition to comply with". Buhlool said: "But how unfair it was to enjoy His blessings and reside in His domain yet disobey and go against His commands. Allah. Himself had said in the Holy Qur'an: "Surely to Us is their turning back Then surely upon Us is the taking of their account". (88:25-26) Thirdly: "if you are bent upon committing a sin, then do so at a place where Allah cannot see you at all". Abdulla said: "This is impossible". Buhlool said: "How unfair it was for one to enjoy His bounties, reside in His domain and yet commit sins despite the fact that He is seeing you. And Allah has stated in the Holy Qur'an: "And do not think Allah to be heedless of what the unjust do: He only respites them to a day on which the eyes shall be fixedly open". (14:42) Fourthly: "When the angel of death approaches you for taking away your soul, tell him to wait so that you may bid farewell to people and perform some good deeds for the benefit of life after death". Abdulla responded saying: "This was impossible because the angel of death does not allow any respite to anyone". Buhlool reacted to this by saying. "How dare you then commit a sin when you know for certain that you are not going to be spared anytime when death approaches. Is it not possible that death comes to you at the very moment when you are committing sin and you are unable to move. And Allah had said in the Holy Qur'an.. "Lo every people is a term appointed. when their term is reached, not an hour can they cause a delay, nor (an hour) can they advance". (7:34) Abdulla told Buhlool that he had carefully listed and understood his four conditions and wanted to hear more from him. Buhlool then added: "Man when committing action, or uttering, or hearing any word, ought to keep in view the commands of Allah".

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At Umm Salamah's home
That night, the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) was at Umm Salamah's home. When she woke up in the midst of the night, she didn't find him in his bed. A bit worried, she wondered where he would be? She started searching for him. She found him standing in a dark corner, hands raised to the heavens, crying and saying: "My Lord! Do not take away the good things you have granted me. My Lord! Do not make me subject of hatred of my enemies and the jeolous ones. My Lord! Don not turn me to the wrongs that you have diverted me from. My Lord! Don't ever leave me on my own, even for a fraction of a moment." As she heard these sentences, Umm Salamah shivered with fear, and retired to a corner and started weeping. Her crying was so severe that the Holy Prophet(S.A.W.) came to her asking: "Why are you crying?" "Why shouldn't I cry? You have such a lofty place in Allah's sight, yet you fear Him to this degree. You ask of Him not to leave you on your own even for a short while. Woe to me!" "O' Umm Salamah! How can I not fear, and remain content. Yonus (A.S.) was left on his own, and you know what happened to him." (1) (1): Bihar, v 6 The section Makarim-e Akhlaqhihi wa Seerah wa Sunnah.

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Halimah - The Wet Nurse
In the history of Islam, many women have made themselves known in the history books due to their courage, valor and inspiring faith. Some of them have earned renown because of their brave deeds and exemplary Islamic behavior. However some have had honour bestowed upon them solely through the grace of Almighty Allah, who saw fit to single them out with a divine reward. One such personality was Halimah, a great lady from the respectable Arab tribe of Bani Sadi. Halimah was divinely chosen from among many pure and honorable women to be the wet nurse of "The Seal of the Prophets",Hazrat Muhammad (S.A.W.). The noble mother of Hazrat Muhammad(S.A.W.) died shortly after the birth of the Holy Prophet(S.A.W.), which left him a young infant, without the benefits of being suckled and nursed by a mother. Hazrat Muhammad's(S.A.W.) father at that time was on a journey and so he was left in the custody of his grandfather Abdul Mutallib. His grandfather was searching Mecca to find a mother to nurse the young hungry infant. Divine destiny intervened at that time since Halimah and a group of other women were travelling to Mecca. A very severe famine and drought in the region of the Bani Sa'di had forced the women, all mothers with nursing infants, to travel to Mecca seeking jobs as wet nurses. Halimah herself related the amazing story of how she came to be chosen as the wet nurse to feed the infant who was to become the most noble Messenger of Allah, seal of the Prophets. We were travelling towards Mecca on donkeys and camels hoping to find jobs nursing suckling infants. The drought and famine had left us all hungry and poverty stricken. Our farms had become barren and our animals sick and worthless. I was riding on a very slow tired donkey, cradling an infant of my own who had to go to sleep hungry at nights since my milk was not enough to satisfy him. I hoped that maybe if I found a job as a wet nurse our poverty may slightly alleviated. When we arrived in Mecca, Abdul Mutaleb had asked the women to take Hazrat Muhammad(S.A.W.) but no one accepted because since he was an orphan they thought they wouldn't be paid well enough. However his grandfather didn't give up and continued to ask other women if they would accept the infant Hazrat Muhammad(S.A.W.). I decided to offer my help to Abdul Mutallib and I told him I was able to accept his infant. He asked me who I was and I told him, "I am Halimah from the tribe of Bani Sa'di. He smiled and said, "You are from a tribe which is renowned for being fortunate (saadar) and your name is Halimah, which means patient. These qualities are rewarded in this world and the next." He agreed to give me Muhammad(S.A.W.) and took me to the home of Aminah the mother of Muhammad(S.A.W.). As soon as I laid eyes on the baby I fell in love with his beautiful, yet strangely noble face. I took hold of him and cradled him in my arms. Without any encouragement he immediately took to my breast and began feeding. However no matter what I did he wouldn't take milk from my right breast. He always only fed from the left one and in this way I was able to feed my own infant from my right breast. I took Muhammad(S.A.W.) back with me to my own home, and amazingly my breasts became so full of milk that I was able to feed both my own child and Muhammad(S.A.W.). I felt a strange sense of elation while nursing Muhammad(S.A.W.). Despite being weak and undernourished, with hardly enough milk to fill one small child, I was suddenly producing enough milk to satiate two hungry infants. But the divine benefits bestowed on us didn't stop there. From the moment we brought the child Muhammad(S.A.W.) into our home we were bestowed with successive fortune. Our sheep and camels became fat and healthy, our farm flourished. We were miraculously spared any disease, which befell the animals of our neighbors. Nursing and caring for Muhammad(S.A.W.) was so pleasurable that I soon regarded him with just as much love and affection as my own children. When Muhammad(S.A.W.) reached five years of age, he asked me one morning where his brothers went every day. I told him that they took the sheep to graze in the nearby hills. Muhammad(S.A.W.) insisted that he accompany his brothers that morning, so I allowed him to go. After a while one of my sons returned saying "They have taken Muhammad" Quickly I went to the hills and I found Muhammad(S.A.W.) alone, but it seemed that a dazzling light engulfed him. I suddenly embraced him and asked what had happened. He calmly answered "Mother Halimah -don't worry, God is with me." Halimeh experienced so many other strangely divine incidents during Muhammad's(S.A.W.) childhood that left her no doubt about the uniqueness of the orphan divine fate had led her to choose to bring up. She herself was of course of a special purity that Almighty Allah selected her to nurse his seal of the Prophets. Her efforts and troubles in lovingly bringing up Hazrat Muhammad(S.A.W.) will no doubt be rewarded in the next world.

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Umm-e-Salim
The women at the advent of Islam, inspired by the school of thought of Islam and the commandment of the Messenger of Allah (S.A.W.) and by the blessings of the everlasting divine teachings, were able to manifest their real personality. The study of the life of one of these pious freedom-loving women was Umm-e-Salim, who can serve as a symbol for contemporary women. Umm-e-Salim's name was Sahleh. This pious woman, the daughter of Malhan, had complete faith in Allah. Umm-e-Salim was Malek ibn Nazr's wife. When she became a Muslim, her husband was away on a trip, and after his return, when came to know about his wife's new religion, he couldn't tolerate it, and ultimately Umm-e-Salim told him, "I can continue to live with you provided that you become a Muslim". Her husband chose not to accept the religion of Islam and he felt his wife and went to Syria, where later died. Umm-e-Salim had a child named Ons from Malek. He became a true follower of the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) when he grew up and served Islam and Muslims, as well as the Holy Prophet of Allah(S.A.W.) throughout their difficulties and problems. Upon hearing the news of the death of Malek, Umm-e-Salim trained and educated Ons. She didn't marry until her son reached adulthood. One of the brave men of Medina called Zaid-ibn-Sahl, who was known as Abu Talhe asked for her hand in marriage, but Umm-e-Salim refused him, telling, him, "You are a great man, but the hindrance we have is that you are a polytheist. If you become a Muslim and worship the One Allah instead of man-made idols, I would accept your proposal. I wouldn't ask for a dowry; your becoming a Muslim is my dowry. Abu Talhe liked the logical savings of Umm-e-Salim and when he witnessed her Islamic way of thinking he realized the truth of Islam and became a Muslim. They married, and Um-e-Salim was the first woman who married by this way of thinking and with this dowry. This act can be an example for Muslim women They had a happy life together in Medina. Umm-e-Salim played an important part in her husband's spiritual growth. The guardianship of Umm-e-Salim on one hand and the talent of Abu Talhe on tile other hand changed him into a faithful, believing Muslim. It has been said that he played an important, historical role in the victory of Muslims in various battles, He supported the religion of Allah wholeheartedly. Abu Talhe was such a good marksman that with each arrow, he used to kill an unbeliever. He showed great braveness in the Battle of Uhud as well as in the Battle of Hunayn, where he killed twenty enemy soldiers and collected many weapons as the spoils of war. After the demise of the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) he continued to support the religion of Islam and the Holy Qur'an during his old age as well, the love of Allah was so deep in his, heart that one day when he recited verse from the Holy Qur'an regarding jihad in the path of Allah, he was greatly influenced and despite his children's opposition he told them: "Allah has called for both old and young to undergo Jihad for His sake, I am not an exception". Go forth light and heavy, and strive hard in Allah's way with your property and your persons; this is better for you, if you know. (Holy Qur'an 9:41) As Abu Talhe was travelling to the battle scene, he died Umm-e-Salim reliance on Allah was very great. When she married Abu Talhe, she was blessed with a son whose name was Abu Amr. He used to help his father in his work. One morning they saw that Amr was burning with fever and was seriously ill. Soon after, when his, father had left the home in order to do some work, Amr succumbed to his illness and died. Umm-e-Salim was very sad after this event but she tried to control herself and not to oppose what Allah has desired and finally, by relying upon Allah, she passed this divine examination. She quieted her spirit, performed his ablution and buried him. She told the people, "No one should inform Abu Talhe of his son's death. I will talk to him myself". Within a short period of time Abu Talhe returned home and Umm-e-Salim welcomed him with a smiling face. She received him as usual and finally told him the news of the death of their son in a very special manner by first asking him the question: "If someone gives something as a trust to his neighbor and after sometime comes to take it back, shouldn't he return his trust without delay?" Abu Talhe agreed, and Umm-e-Salim then told him: "Allah has taken back the trust He had given us our son." Upon hearing these words, Abu Talhe tried to control his grief and started prayinyg. Later he went to the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) and told him the story of the death of his son and his wife's behavior in this regard. The Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) congratulated Umm-e-Salim for her patience and prayed for them. Later on, Allah blessed Umm-e-Salim and Abu Talhe with a son who was named Abdullah by the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.). Abdullah reached a high level of faith, virtue and piety and as time passed, he became one of the most faithful followers of the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.). Yes, Umm-e-Salim was able to serve Islam and Muslims by following Islamic teachings with her awareness, faith, piety and modesty.