Dar-e-Abbas 2nd semester lessons 2019

Dar-e-Abbas 2nd semester lessons 2019 • Taqibat

• Imamah

• Imam Ali

• Imam Mahdi

• Hijari Calendar

• Tawheed

• Mosquito

• Spider

• Qibla

• Place where salat should be prayed

• Fasting

• Salat e jammat

• Miracles of Prophet Mohammed

Prior to the arrival of the time of prayer, our infallible Imams(as) used to prepare themselves for it, and after the prayer, they also used to engage in other post-prayer devotional acts (ta’qibat), such as the remembrance of God,

As recorded in the hadiths, going early to the mosque and waiting for the commencement of prayer have been encouraged and enjoined while the person waiting for the prayer has been described as “guest of God”. Performance of supererogatory acts and supplications after the prayer is also recommended.

The Holy Qur’an says:

ٱرغبفرب كإلى و٭فٱنصبفرغتفإذا

“So when you are done, appoint, and turn eagerly to your Lord.”

Now, we shall deal with some issues pertaining to post-prayer devotional acts (ta’qibat): Post-prayer devotional acts (ta’qibat)

Imam as-Sadiq (as) says: “As you finish saying your obligatory prayer, engage in supplications and other devotional acts.”

We read in a hadith that anyone who recites this tasbihat has observed the injunction in “Remember Allah with much remembrance.”

Of course, supplication (du’a’) and other devotional acts have their merits and so do work and struggle to earn an honest living, and one should not pose as interruption to the other. Some think that instead of supplication (during its apportioned time) if they go to work, they will end up more productive and successful.

The Messenger of Allah (S) says: “Supplication after the dawn (subh) prayer is more effective for life and acquiring of sustenance.”

Prostration of gratitude (sujud shukr)Gratitude for the blessings endowed by God, the Exalted, is a sign of gnosis (ma’rifah), courtesy and servitude. In the verses of the Qur’an and Prophetic traditions, expressing gratitude for blessings has been highly enjoined, and it has been stated that recollection of blessings enhances a human being’s love for God and makes divine blessings perpetual and abundantProstration after prayer is a token of gratitude for successfully offering the prayer.In the sujud shukr, the recital of “shukran lillah” (thanks to Allah) three times is enough, but it is stated in a hadith that if a person would say “ya rabb, ya rabb” (O Lord, O Lord) in a single breath, God will address him, thus: “Labbayk! Mahajatuk?” (What is your wish that I may grant you?)Imam as-Sadiq (as) said: “The prostration of gratitude after the obligatory prayer makes the prayer complete, earns the pleasure of God, and elicits the admiration and approbation of angels. God will ask the angels many times, “What is the reward for this grateful servant?They will say to God, “your mercy, your paradise, solution to his wordly problems, and any other reward that your angels many say. They hear no response, saying: We do not know the reward for this sujud.” God will say, “Just as he thanked Me, I will also give thanks to him.” And with this statement, He teaches the angels that divine pleasure and gratitude to him are more sublime than mercy, paradise and solution to worldly problems.

It is mentioned in a hadith that God said to Hadhrat Musa (as): “The reason why I appointed you to the station of prophethood was your prostrations after prayer.”

Post-prayer devotional acts

(ta’qibat)1. Saalwat 2. Tasbih 3. La’n 4. Dua 5.Sajdah Sukar 6.Ziyarat

In post-prayer supplications, we can come across as a recomandation of both salawat and curse (la’n), and it is an instance of tawalla(befriending the truthful) and tabarra (being hostile to the people of falsehood) in the living and guided school

The narrated salawat has its own merit. The recital of “Allahumma salli ‘alaMuhammad wa ali Muhammad” itself has been mentioned as one of the post-prayer devotional acts.

Imam as-Sadiq (as) says: “Supplication after dawn (subh), noon (zuhr) and sunset (maghrib) prayers will be accepted (mustajab) (by God).”

The Tasbih of Hazrat Fatima Zahra (s.a)

The Tasbih of Hazrat Fatima Zahra (s.a.) is from the emphatically recommended acts of worship in the Islamic Shariat. It has immense significance in the eyes of the infallible Imams (a.s.) and the Shiite jurists.

It is a simple ,short yet very powerful act of worship from the aspect of performance; its effect, reward and merit are abundant. This can be determined from the fact that when the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) wished to impart this act of worship to his daughter Lady Zahra (s.a.), he declared,

‘O Fatima! I have granted you something that is superior to a maidservant and to the world and everything in it.’ (Aasaar o Asraare Tasbihe Zahra (s.a.) , Pg. 7)

The Imam (as) also says elsewhere: “The tasbihat of Hadhrat Zahra (as) (34 times “Allahu akbar,” 33 times “al-hamdu lillah,” and 33 times “subhan Allah”) is better in the sight of God than a thousand rak’ahs of recommended (mustahabb) prayer.”

In this context Imam Muhammad Baqir (a.s.) informs, ‘Allah is not worshipped by anything more meritorious than the Tasbih of Fatima Zahra (s.a.). Had there been any worship superior to it, most surely the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) would have granted it to Janabe Fatima (s.a.). (Wasaaelush Shia , Vol 4 Pg. 1024)Thousand rakats of (mustahab) namazImam Jafar Sadiq (as) says about the dearness of this Tasbih in the eyes of the Imams of the Ahlulbayt (a.s.): “Reciting Tasbih of Hazrat Zahra (s.a.) everyday after every Salat is liked by me more than reciting one thousand rakats of (mustahab) namaz”.(Al-Kafi, Kitabus Salaat)Forgiveness of sinsIn a tradition , Imam Mohammad Baqir (as) says: “One who recites the Tasbih of Hazrat Zahra (s.a.) and then seeks forgiveness, will be forgiven”. (Wasaaelush Shia Vol 4, Pg. 1023)Drives away ShaitanImam Mohammad Baqir (a.s.) says: “(Reciting Tasbih) drives away Shaitan and makes results in the satisfaction of Allah”.(Wasaaelush Shia Vol 4, Pg. 1023)

Imam Jafar Sadiq (as) says to one of his companions :“ You do adhere to it and be regular about its recitation, for surely one who is steadfast upon its recitation will not encounter adversity.” (Al-Kafi, Kitabus Salaat, Pg. 343)Immediately on completion of Namaz.Imam Jafar Sadiq (as) wherein he states: “One who recites the Tasbih of Hazrat Zahra (s.a.) before even moving his feet, Allah will forgive him..” (At-Tahzeeb of Shaikh Toosi (r.a.) , Vol 2, Pg. 105)Imam Jafar Sadiq (as) has said :“One who recites the Tasbih of Hazrat Zahra (s.a.) after a wajib namaz before he stretches out his legs ( i.e. he recites the Tasbihwhile he is in the posture of Tashahud) , then Jannat becomes wajib upon him” (Falaahus Saael by Ibne Taaoos (r.a.), Pg. 165)

Answer the questions with correct details

1. How many ta’qibat of salat are there? Name them.

2. What do you recite during the tasbih of Hazrat Fatima Zahra?

3. What is the benefit of reciting tasbih?

4. When should you recite tasbih?

5. What is recited in the sujud shukr?

6. Who’s ziyarat do we have to recite after salat?

7. What is the procedure of reciting tasbih in the correct manner?

8. What are the benefits of reciting ta’qibat of salat

9. Mention two hadith of the benefits of reciting the tasbih of Fatima Zahra.

ImamahImamah is often translated into English into the word “Imamate,” however the more correct literal translation would be ‘’Leadership.’’

It derives its name from the Arabic term “Amam” meaning ‘’to be in front of.’’

Imamah is one of the 5 Usul al-Din of Shi'a Islam and refers to the station of the 12 Infallible Leaders who were designated by God to preserve the religion after the death of the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w).

These Imams are protected by God from committing any sins whether minor or major. Through these divinely appointed leaders, God safeguarded the religion as they protect the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet from undergoing any alteration at the hands of fallible men.

'IMAM' is an Arabic word which literally means 'Leader' or 'Guide'. Any leader or guide can be good or bad, true or false. Therefore, it is essential for every Muslim to know what makes and who is a true and good Imam. The Holy Prophet has said: "If a man dies without recognising the Imam of his time, he dies the death of ignorance."

It is of utmost importance that the Imam must be appointed by a Prophet under the command of God, nobody can be an Imam either by claiming to be so, by inheritance or by the wealth or power which he may have.

It is essential that an Imam possess certain characteristics and qualities so that a clear distinction can be made between a true and false Imam. Some of these are as under:

An Imam must be free from every defect - Physical as well as Mental;

Amr: Yes! It is so.

Hesham: So the mind is a necessity, otherwise the organs could

not work independently.

Amr: Yes.

Hesham: Please Sir! Proclaim your opinion with fairness and

justice on this point also. If Almighty has not left the organs of

man's body without the guidance of the mind, how is it possible

that Almighty God could leave millions of His creatures without

an IMAM to guide and solve their problems arising out of doubts

and conflicts? Should not our common sense accept this fact?

On hearing this logic argument. and having no answer to give,

Amr Bin Ubeid kept silent and went into deep thinking.

Hesham was a deeply learned person and one of the closest

companions of Imam Ja'far Sadiq (a) from whom he had obtained

his knowledge.

Qur’anic verse: "Believers, obey Allah, and obey His Messenger and your (qualified) leaders." (Surah an Nisa, 4:59)

Introducing him, the Holy Prophet said: "0' People, after me refer all religious questions to Ali and ask him and my other successors whatever you want to know.“

Qur'an this verse runs as follows: "Your guardian can be only Allah and His messenger and those who believe, who establish prayers, pay the zakat while bowing." (Surah Mai'dah, 5:55)

Prophet has said: "I leave among you two heavy trusts: the Book of Allah and my descendants." (Sahih Muslim, Vol. VII, p. 122)

last point because of this verse which he recited there: "0 Messenger! Make known that which has been revealed to you from your Lord, for if you do it not, you will not have conveyed His message." (Surah al Ma'idah, 5:67)

He must be born of legal Marriage;

He must be Ma'sum (Infallible-Sinless) like the Prophet - from birth to death;

He must possess all knowledge and be the wisest of all human beings of his time;

He must know all the languages including those of animals also;

He must be able to perform miracles;

He must be bold, brave and most courageous;

He should be most generous and be able to help needy and weak persons.

In short, an Imam is the Holiest, most Pious of all - after the Holy Prophet Muhammad (s)

Basra is a big city and the main port of Iraq. It is situated at the mouth of river Euphrates.

There, in a big mosque, people used to assemble to discuss various subjects on Islamic rules and laws. A famous learned priest of Sunni sect by name Amr Bin Ubeid was once preaching on the subject of Imamat. He was surrounded by a big crowd of people who were asking various questions on the subject. Suddenly, a young and intelligent student of Islam by name of Hesham, entered the gathering and sat down in the first row. He addressed the priest saying that he was a stranger and would like to ask some questions. On getting the permission to do so, he asked the following:

Hesham: First, Sir! May I please know if you have eyes?

Amr: Young Boy! Is this a question to be asked?

Hesham: Whatever it may be, this is my question to which I shall appreciate your answer.

Amr: Alright! you are at liberty to ask, even though it is a foolish question.

Hesham: As I have already asked, Sir, may I please know if you have eyes?

Amr: Yes, I have.

Hesham: For what use are they?

Amr: With eyes, I can see faces of people and colour of various

things.

Hesham: And you have a nose also?

Amr: Yes, I do have one.

Hesham: What is its function?

Amr: I smell the scent and odour by it.

Hesham: And do you have a mouth?

Amr: Yes I do have.

Hesham: For what use is it?

Amr: I can talk to people or taste food and drinks with it.

Hesham: Do you have ears?

Amr: Yes, I have two ears.

Hesham: What is their function?

Amr: I can hear voices by them.

Hesham: And do you have a mind?

Amr: Almighty has bestowed me with that also.

Hesham: What is its use?

Amr: With that I am able to distinguish things whatever is felt by the

other senses like hands, eyes, ears, nose, tongue etc. In case of a

difference, I am able to solve with its help. In case of doubt, I can

dispel with it and be sure.

Hesham: So, does it mean that despite being sound and healthy, all

these organs cannot function independently without the help of the

mind.

Amr: No, No! none of the organs can function independently without

the help of the mind.

Hesham: Why is it so? After all, are the organs perfect and strong

enough to differentiate between things?

Amr: Young Boy! When any organ has some doubt about a thing

which it smells, sees or tastes, it brings the matter to the mind and it

is the mind which confirms the truth and removes the doubt.

Hesham: So, from what you have said, do you want me to understand

that God Almighty has created and designed the mind to guide the

organs and remove doubts.

.Birth (Wiladat) of Imam Ali bin Abi Taleb (as) and Birthplace of Imam Ali bin Abi Taleb (as)

The birth (Wiladat) of Imam Ali bin Abi Taleb (as) took place under unique circumstances inside the Holy Kaaba at Makkah on the 13th of Rajab (30th Amul Feel / Year of the Elephant) about 600 AD i.e. 23 years before Hijra (Migration) of Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw). The age of Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) at the birth of Imam Ali (as) was almost 30 years. It is considered unique because no prophet or saint has ever been born in a Holy sanctuary. Fatima bint Asad, the expectant mother of Imam Ali bin Abi Taleb (as) was praying outside the Holy Kaaba when she suddenly felt the labor pains and prayed to Allah (SWT) saying "O Allah! I believe in You and in the messengers and the scriptures You have sent. I believe in what has been said by my grandfather, Prophet Abraham (Ibrahim) who built the ancient house (Holy Kaaba). So, for the sake of the builder of this House, and for the sake of the child in my womb, I implore You to make my labor easy." Just then the wall of the Holy sanctuary opened miraculously. As she stepped in, the wall closed behind her. Shortly after that she gave birth to her baby.

The striking contrast behind Fatima bint Asad, the mother of Imam Ali bin Abi Taleb (as) and the period of pregnancy and delivery and that of Maryam bint Imran, the mother of Prophet Isa/Jesus (as) are indeed very interesting. Yes, this one example shows us the greatness of Fatima bint Asad, her child and their lofty rank in the sight of Allah (SWT)!

The Five loavesZarr Bin Hobeish relates this story: Two travelers sat together on the way to their destination to have a meal. One had five loaves of bread. The other had three. A third traveler was passing by and at the request of the two joined in the meal.The travelers cut each of the loaf of bread in three equal parts. Each of the travelers ate eight broken pieces of the loaf.At the time of leaving the third traveler took out eight dirhams and gave to the first two men who had offered him the meal, and went away. On receiving the money the two travelers started quarrelling as to who should have how much of the money.The five-loaf-man demanded five dirhams. The three-loaf-man insisted on dividing the money in two equal parts.The dispute was brought to Imam Ali Ibn Abi Talib (the Caliph of the time in Arabia) to be decided.Imam Ali (A.S.) requested the three-loaf-man to accept three dirhams. The man refused and said that he would take only four dirhams. At this Imam Ali (A.S.) returned, "You can have only one dirham. You had eight loaves between yourselves. Each loaf was broken in three parts. Therefore, you had 24 equal parts. Your three loaves made nine parts out of which you have eaten eight portions, leaving just one to the third traveler. Your friend had five loaves which divided into three made fifteen pieces. He ate eight pieces and gave seven pieces to the guest. As such the guest shared one part from your loaves and seven from those of your friend. So you should get one dirham and your friend should receive seven dirhams.

Name: Ali (A.S.)Title: MurtazaAgnomen: Abu ' l-HasanFather's name: Abu Talib ibn 'Abd MuttalibMother's name: Fatimah bint AsadBirth: In the Holy Ka'bah in Mecca on Friday, 13th Rajab 23 BHAge 63. Burial Najaf, IraqSpouse: Fatimah ,Umm ul-Banin, Asma bint UmaisBooks: Nahj al-Balagha,

The Prophet (S) has said of the Holy Imam (A):"O Ali, you are my brother in this world and the Hereafter.""I am the city of knowledge and Ali is the gate.""Nobody knows Allah except I and Ali. Nobody knows Ali except Allah and I. Nobody knows me except Allah and Ali.""If you want to see the knowledge of Adam, the piety of Nuh, the devotion of Ibrahim, the awe of Musa and the service and devotion of Isa, look at the bright face of Ali."

For the sake of Allah only.

In the battle of ditch (Khandaq), the Muslims dug a ditch around themselves for their defense, so that the enemy could not get across. A man from the enemy side called Amr bin Abdawud who was known for his strength, courage and art of fighting managed to get across the ditch.All the Muslims were terrified to fight him and only Imam Ali (A.S) came forward to fight this man.There was a fierce fight until at last Imam Ali (A.S) threw Amr down onto the ground and mounted his chest ready to kill him. Just as Imam Ali (A.S) was about to kill this enemy of Islam, he spat on the face of our Imam (A.S).Everybody was certain that because of this insult, Amr would meet his death even faster still, but to their amazement, Imam Ali (A.S)moved from Amr's chest and walked away.Amr attacked Imam (A.S) again and after a short while, Imam (A.S) again overpowered Amr and killed him.After the battle was over people asked Imam Ali (A.S) the reason why he had spared Amr's life when he had first overpowered him. To which Imam (A.S) replied that if he had killed him then it would have not been only for the sake of Allah but also for the satisfaction of his anger and so he let him free.Then Imam (A.S) controlled his anger and killed Amr purely for the sake of Allah.Moral: Although your intention may

be pure to begin with it can very easily

change so always make sure you

do things for the sake of Allah only.

Imam Ali's Answering Difficult QuestionsOne day another Jewish person came to Imam Ali (A.S). He was planning to ask Imam Ali (A.S) such a question, which would take Imam Ali (A.S) a long time to answer and because of that his MaghribPrayers would be delayed.He asked Imam Ali: " you say you know everything in the world, then tell me which animals lay eggs and which animals give birth to their young ones."Imam Ali (A.S) looked back at him smiled and said, "The animals who have their 'EARS' outside their body give birth to their young ones and the animals who have their 'EARS' inside their body lay eggs."Imam Ali (A.S) And The CandleA 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's (A.S.) gave them a place of distinction, they would in turn pledge their full support. Imam Ali's (A.S.) knew of this.Just as they sat down, Imam Ali's (A.S.) puts 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's (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.

Among the many titles of the Holy Imam (A) are:Amir al-Mu'mineen (Commander of the Faithful)Sayyid al-Wasiyyeen (Master of the successors of Prophets)Saqi al-Kawthar (Waiter at the Pool of Kawthar)Haider al-Karraar (The Charging Knight)Imam al-Muttaqeen (Leader of the Pious)Khalifatu Rasulullah (Successor of the Messenger of God)Wasi ar-Rasulullah (The Viceregent of the Messenger of God)Waliullah (The Friend of God)Asadullah al-Ghalib (The Victorious Lion of God)

The Prophet (S) said to the Holy Imam (A), "O Ali, you will be engaged

in disputes but you will overcome them because of seven qualities that

you have which no one else has:

You are the first of those who believed in me,

The greatest of them in war

The most knowledgeable of them in the signs of Allah(SWT)

The one of them who is most loyal in keeping the covenant of

Allah(SWT)

The most compassionate of them towards people

The most capable of giving equal treatment and

The greatest of them in the distinction before Allah

IMAMAT Qualities of an Imam

The one who saves and runs the religion after the Prophet SAW is called an Imam. An Imam’s duty is to safeguard the religion in its originality and to keep trying to bring people towards the religion.

We have 12 Imams. Allah has made them the successors of our Holy Prophet SAW and they are appointed to be the guardians of the religion.

It is as important for an Imam to be ‘Ma’soom’ as it is for a Nabi. Just like a Nabi, an Imam is born knowledgeable and they follow Halal and Haram from childhood.

The last Imam Like Allah SWT has appointed Prophet Mohammad SAW as the last Prophet and ended Nabuwwat with him, he has appointed 12th Imam, HazratMahdi Akher uz zamaan ATF as last Imam. There will be no Prophet after Prophet Muhammad SAW, nor will there be an Imam after Imam Mehdi ATF

The 12th Imam ATF is alive by order of Allah SWT and is hidden from our eyes. Whenever Allah will order, Imam ATF will reappear and fill the world with justice, when it will have been filled with injustice before.

In the time of ‘Ghaibat’ (occultation), our Ulema (Mujtahideen) are the deputies (naibeen) of our 12th Imam ATF. It is our duty to obey them because they convey Imam AS’s commands to us and Imam (AS)’s commands are the commands of Allah and Rasul.

The Qa'em in the Qur'an (Al Mahajjah) Sayyid Hashim Al-Bahraani & SeyedMilani 132 verses from the Holy Qur'an specifically about the 12th Imam accompanied by authentic narrations from the Infallibles.

نوالرضفىاستضعفواالذينعلىنمنأنونريد ة جعل وأئم الوارثيننجعل

And We Desired To Bestow A Favor Upon Those Who Were Deemed Weak In The Land, And To Make Them The Imams, And To Make Them The Heirs,

بورفىكتبنالقدو اياالرضانالذ كربعدمنالز الحونعبادىرث الص

And certainly We wrote in the Psalms after the reminder (Old Testament) that (as for) the land, My righteous servants shall inherit it.

Hadees of prophet (S.A) in sunni book it is related from Ibn Abbas, that the Holy Prophet said, “ ‘Ali is Imam of my nation and my successor therein after me, and among his offspring is the awaited Qa’im who shall fill the world with justice and equity as it was filled with injustice and oppression.

I was overjoyed and started to quickly draw the lines on the pages while he copied it down. He was writing quickly and very beautifully. He was so fast that I could not catch up with him in drawing the lines.I was very tired now and the young guest asked me to lie down and rest while he wrote.It was a good idea and I requested the young man to wake me up before he left so I could finish the book. Soon I went to sleep.When I wake up in the morning I saw that the guest had left. I was upset that he left without waking me up and now I could not complete the book. I rushed towards the book and turned the pages of it to see how much is left? But as I turned the pages I realized that he had completed copying the book.How was this possible? It was impossible that he could finish the book.The young man had left a signature at the end of the book. I looked at the sign and my whole body trembled and I started to weep profusely.The signature read as "Writer - Hujjat (Proof of Allah)."I realized that the guest was no other then my beloved Imam-e-Zamana(as).This meant that Imam (as) had written these pages. He came to my help and I could not recognize him. I slept while he did my work.Allamah Shaikh Hilli (a.r.) cried and trembled. He could not stop crying as all the time he could see only the handsome face in front of him.He took the book and quickly hurried towards the writer's house.When he stepped out of the house he looked towards the sky and prayed "O Allah! If possible, let me meet him again."

Sunni Documantation on Imam Mahdi (AS)1. Mahdi is going to come in the last days to make a universal Government,2. Mahdi is from the Ahlul-Bayt of Prophet,3. Mahdi is from the children of Fatimah (AS), the daughter of Prophet,4. Mahdi is different than Jesus (the messiah),5. Jesus will be one of the followers of Imam Mahdi and prays behind him.

برالفرجانتظار: للارسولقال .عبادة بالصThe Messenger of Allah (PBUH) has said: “Awaiting the relief with patience is (a

form of) worship.”

...جاهلـية ميـتة ماترفه يعلموماتمن: ... العسكري علي بن الحسن اإلمام قالIt has been narrated from Imam Hasan ibn ‘Ali al-’Askari A,S,) that “ … One who dies and does not have a cognizance of him (Imam al-Mahdi) dies the death of

the period of decadence (pre-Islamic times) … ”

Allamah Shaikh Hilli (a.r.) the great shia scholar narrates....

I had heard that a person wrote a book in which he had criticized the Shia faith and had written false and wrong traditions to prove lies as truth and truth as lies.

I know that the writer teaches only his students from his book and he never gave that book to anyone else, so that the book should not come into the hands of Shia Ulama and scholars, so that the false things written cannot be disclosed.

I was very disturbed when I hear this and I made every possible attempt to lay my hands on that book. There was only one way to get the book and that was to become the student of the writer, and that is what I did.

Till three months I attended every lecture and listened to his false talks and had to bear it. I used to return very tired in the afternoon to my house. And slowly I gained his confidence and he started to trust me.

I persuaded his to lend that book and he could not refuse to lend me the book. He took an oath from me that I could keep the book only for one night and return it back the next day in the morning.

I took the book and hurried towards my home and I know that it was not possible to copy all the pages in one night. But I said to himself that I will try to copy down as many as pages and answer them and then distribute them among people. I did this so that the people may know the truth.

As I reached near my house I realized that I did not have enough ink in the house to copy the book. I hurried towards a shop to buy some ink. After that I quickly walked towards to my home.

I reached home, performed my prayers and quickly started to write. I draw lines on white papers and copied down a few pages. It had completely slipped my mind that I had not eaten anything and had no provisions for my dinner also.

And soon it was night. I performed my evening prayers and after lighting the candles I again sat down to write. Time passed by quickly and I realized that I had not even finished half of the book but being hungry and tired my eyes grew heavy and I slowed down and after a few pages it become too difficult to continue.

Suddenly I heard a knock on the door. I wondered who it could be at this time of the night. Again I heard the knock. I opened the door and saw a handsome young man standing out whose face was shining like a moon and he was smiling at me.

I did not know him and when he called out my name I was surprise that how he knew my name. I was so engrossed in my thoughts that I forget to invite the visitor in the house. I welcomed him in the house but was worried that I could not finish the book in time.

He walked calmly and went and sat near the pages I wrote. I wondered what he wanted but did not have the courage to ask the man what he wanted at this time of the night. The young man asked me why I was awake at this time of the night. I replied that I was copying down a book but he did not ask me why I was doing so. He suggested to me that I should draw the lines on the pages while he copied down the book.

Name: M u h a m m a

d .

Title: al-Mahdi, al-Qa’im, al-

Hujjah, al-Gha’ib, Sahibu’z-Zaman,

Sahibu ‘l-Amr.

Agnomen:Abu ‘l-Qasim.

Father’s name: al-Hasan al-`Askari.

Mother’s name: Narjis.

Khatoon

Birth: In Samarra’, on Friday, 15th Sha’ban 255

AH.

He is still living and will

appear before the end of the

world.

Effects and blessings of Hazrat Mahdi (as) in his occultation.1. spiritual guidance2. Imam, source of the grace of Allah3. Protection of the religion of Allah4. The acquisition of competence in the world5. Imam is a source of hope and peace for the believers 6. Hope of People for future to rule the world with global justice7. Protect Shiites from enemies

Minor Occultation: 8th Rabi`u1-awwal 260

AH.

Major Occultation:

10th Shawwal 329 AH.

1182 years old but look like 30 years

Hazrat Adam had a 1000 and Noh A.S. had

2000 years of life.

Hazrat Khizr, Isa, and idris A.S. are

still alive

The Hijari Calendar

ورعدةإن عندالش را عشراثناللا كتبفىش للا آالرضوتالسموخلقيو من

أربعة 36آيهتوبه .9سورهحرSurely the number of months with Allah is twelve months in Allah's ordinance since the day when He created the heavens and the earth, of these four being sacred;

نعددلتعلموامنازلرهوقدنورا والقمرضيآء الشمسجعلالذىهو ماوالحسابينالس

خلق لبالحق إالذلكللا لاليتيفص 5آيهيونس .10سورهيعلمونقوIt is He who made the sun a shining light and the moon a derived light and determined for it phases - that you may know the number of years and account [of time]. Allah has not created this except in truth. He details the signs for a people who know.قمر Moon is mentioned 27 times 26 Noble Verses of Holy Quran.The distance between the earth and moon can vary by up to 13,000 miles (31,000 km).)

As the moon completes one orbit around the earth (about every 28 days),The first Islamic year beginning in 622 AD marks the migration of Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) from Mecca to Medina, known as the Hijrah. After the migration to Madinah (formerly known as Yathrib), the Muslims were able to organize and establish the first real Muslim "community," with social, political, and economic independence. Life in Madinah allowed the Muslim community to mature and strengthen, and the people developed an entire society based on Islamic principles Non Shia Hadees also mention that Imam Ali A.S. suggested the start of a Lunar calendar from Hijrat As the Islamic lunar year Al-Haakim narrated that Sa‘eed ibn al-Musayyab said: ‘Umar assembled the people and asked them what the first day of the calendar should be. ‘Ali (A.S.)said: (It should start) from the day when the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) migrated and left the land of shirk. So ‘Umar did that.

Other nations beside Islam also follow Lunar calendar like Hindus, Jews, and the Chinese

The miracle of the splitting of the moon occurred before the migration to Medina upon the demands of the polytheists with the permission of God and it was shown by the prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as narrated by many companions like Anas b. Malik, Hz. Ali, Huzayfa b. Yaman, Abdullah b. Mas’ud, Abdullah b. Abbas, Abdullah b. Umar, Abdullah b. Amr b. As , Jubayr b. Mut’im (May Allah be pleased with all of them).Among Quraish polytheists, Walid b. Mughira, Abu Jahl. As b. Wail, As b. Hisham, Aswad b. Abdi Yaghus, Aswad b. Muttalib, Zama b. Aswad, Nadr b. Harith and others said to the prophet Muhammad (PBUH):“If you truly are a Prophet that has been appointed by Allah, then split the moon in half. Let it be in such a way that one half will appear over the Mount Abu Qubais and the other half will be seen over Mount Quayqian.”The prophet Muhammad (PBUH) asked:“If I do it, will you become Muslims?”The polytheists answered: “Yes, we will.”On the 14th night, when it was full moon, the prophet Muhammad (PBUH) wanted Almighty Allah to give him the miracle which the polytheists demanded from him.When the Gabriel (AS) informed the prophet Muhammad (PBUH) that God had accepted his prayer, he announced it to the Meccans. The polytheists witnessed the splitting of the moon on the 14th night.When Almighty God let the moon split in half, one half standing over Mount Abu Qubais and the other half over Mount Quayqian, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) shouted at Muslims:“O Abu Salama b. Abdulasad! Arqam b. Abi’l Erqam! Bear witness!And to the polytheists, he said, “Bear witness! So and so!However, the polytheists said “This is one of the spells of Abu Kabsha’s Son.” “The son of Abu Kabsha cast a spell on you!” They said “Muhammad cast a spell on us!”Some of them also said: “If Muhammad had cast a spell on us then, He couldn’t have cast a spell on everyone! Let us ask the wayfarers who came from the surrounding areas if they saw what we saw.”They asked the people who came from every everywhere.“Yes! We also did see the moon in that state! We saw the moon as split! They informed that the moon was split. Among the people who came from everywhere and seen the moon split, there was no one who had not informed them about it.However, the polytheists rejected to be Muslims and to believe by saying:“This is a prevalent magic!” , they said “Abu Talib’s orphan affected the sky with his spell!”

The Islamic new year does not come on the same day of the Gregorian calendar every year A lunar calendar is a calendar that is based on cycles of the lunar phases.

the period of 12 lunar months (354 days) is sometimes referred to as a lunar year. A common purely lunar calendar is the Islamic (or Hijri Qamari) calendar. A feature of the Islamic calendar is that a year is always 12 months, so the months are not linked with the seasons and drift each solar year by 10 to 11 days

Migration to Madinah

The Prophet (P.B.U.H.) came to know about their plan through revelation. Out of his lovers, this was only Ali (A.S.) who chose to lie down upon his bed and sacrifice his own life for the Prophet (P.B.U.H.). The Prophet (P.B.U.H.) migrated from Mecca under the cover of darkness of night. The polytheists gathered on the specified time on that night to attack the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) but when they saw Ali (A.S.) on the bed of the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) they were astonished and immediately started the pursuit of the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) but they came back without achieving their end.

The Prophet (P.B.U.H.), after a tiresome and inconvenient journey reached Quba, a place near Madinah, where the inhabitants of Madinah greeted and welcomed the Prophet (P.B.U.H).

After reaching this place the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) planned to construct the Quba Mosque, so that the Muslims may gather there to offer their prayers and start planning about their constructional works. Imam Ali ( A.S.) suggested to the second caliph to start a Islamic Calendar from the event of the Hijrah because the migration teaches us to always stay active even through the hard times and struggles the second thing we learned is to sacrifice our life in the way of Islam the way Imam Ali dd. If you do these things Allah will grant you success. This is the Logic and reasoning behind the start of the Islamic Hijrah Calendar. First Month is Moharram in this month Imam Hussain sacrifice his life with 71 companions in Karbala and in last month is Zilhij Prophet Ibrahim sacrificed his son Ismail for sake of Allah.

In Islam we follow the lunar (moon) calendar rather than the Solar (Gregorian) calendar. To follow the lunar calendar, we use the shape of the moon to work out which day of the month it is. When there is a new moon only a very thin crescent is visible to us and tells us that it is the beginning of a new Islamic month. As the month wears on the moon gets more and more visible so that the crescent gets larger. By the middle of the month the crescent becomes a full moon. Thereafter, the crescent gets smaller again until it is no longer visible until it is time for the appearance of the new moon.

The 1st day of a month is established in the following four ways: (i) If a person himself sights the moon. (ii) If a number of persons confirm to have sighted the moon and their words assure or satisfy a person. Similarly, every other thing which assures or satisfies him about moon having being sighted. (iii) If two just (Adil) persons say that they have sighted the moon at night. If 30 days pass from the first of Sha'ban , the 1st of Ramadhan will be established,The Islamic year begins with the saddest month – Muharram. In this month we remember the sacrifice that Imam Hussein (a) and his family made to save Islam. The Islamic months from first to last are:

MUHARRAM, SAFAR, RABIUL AWWAL, RABIUL AKHAR, JAMAAD UL AWWAL, JAMAAD UL AKHAR, RAJAB, SHABAN, RAMADHAN, SHAWWAAL, DHULQA’ADA, DHULHIJJA

Kaba / QiblaWhich Direction Shall I Face When I Pray?

When you pray, you and every Muslim must fact the same focus called: Ka’ba. The Ka’ba is the focus that all Muslims turn to. This way, you and all the millions of praying Muslims will have something in common. Not only are you joining them in your act of worship, you also are sharing with them the focus you are directing yourself to when you pray. Your direction is called: Qibla.

Wherever you are in the world, your Qibla has to be towards the Ka’ba. This means that your direction may be towards the north, south, east, or west depending on where you are located.

The Ka’ba is in the holy city Mecca, which is in Arabia. It is the same place we go to perform our pilgrimage of Hajj.

The Mosque of Aqsa is the third holiest place for Muslims. This Masjid was the qiblah for the Muslims at the beginning of Islam. They used to pray facing its direction. Later, after the migration to Medina, Allah (swt) ordered the Muslims to pray to the direction of the Ka’ba instead of the Mosque of Aqsa. This mosque had been built by Prophet Da’wud (a.s.) and his son, Prophet Sulaiman (a.s.), but the Romans had demolished it. After the death of the Prophet (PBUH), Muslim rebuilt it.Also, after a specific Revelation, the Muslims started to pray toward the Ka’ba rather than toward Jerusalem, as they used to do before. As a result, the Ka’ba in Mecca became the focus, the focus toward which every Muslim turns when he prays, no matter where he happens to be in the world.

Some of particular characteristics of the Kaba are: A) It is the memory of Prophet Ebrahim (a.s.), Prophet Isma’eil (a.s.), and

Prophet Mohammad (s.a.w.s.). B) It is the starting point of Imam Hussein’s movement.C) The revolution of Imam Mahdi (atf), also, will begin from that point.D) Imam Ali Was born inside Kaba

It is recommended (Mostahab) to face the Qiblah in the following situations: a) Reading Quran b) when eating c) when performing Wodud) when sitting. E) DuaF) when you recite Ziyarat Imam Zamana

It is haram to face qibla or to keep qibla towards the back whilst using the toilet.

It is obligatory (wajib) to face towards qibla:a. While praying;b.. When slaughtering animals.c. It is also wajib to face qibla at the time of death;:d. To keep the dead body facing qibla at the times of praying Salat al-mayyit ande. At the burial.

Name__________

There are seven conditions for the place where one should offer prayers: The first condition: The place where the prayers are offered should be Mubah. If a person prays on a usurped property, then as an obligatory precaution, his prayers are void, even it he prays on a carpet, or a couch, or similarly objects. However, there is no harm in offering prayers under a usurped roof or a usurped tent.

876. Prayers offered in a property whose use and benefit belongs to someone else, will be void, unless permission is taken from the entitled person. For example, if a house has been rented out, and the owner of the house, or anyone else offers prayers in that house without permission of the tenant, then as a measure of precaution, his prayers are void. And if a person made a will before his death that one-third of his estate should be used for a particular cause, prayers cannot be offered in that property until that one-third has been dispensed with.

The second condition: The place for prayers should not have such a vigorous movement which would make normal standing, Ruku or Sajdah impossible. In fact, as an obligatory precaution, it should not prevent the body from being at ease. But if one is forced to pray at such places, due to shortage of time, or any other reason, like in a car, on a ship or on train, then one should try to remain still, and to maintain the direction of Qibla, as much as possible. And if the vehicles move away from the direction, he should return to Qibla.

890. There is no harm in offering prayers in a car or a boat, or on railway train or other vehicles, while they are motionless. And if they do not cause excessive swaying to the body, when they are in motion, one can pray in them.

The third condition: A person should offer prayers at a place where he sees the possibility of completing the prayers. To pray at a place where one cannot complete the prayers, because of strong winds, or heavy rains or a teeming crowd, will render namaz void, even if one somehow manages to finish the prayers.

Rules Regarding a MosqueIt is haraam to make the floor, roof, ceiling and inner walls of a

masjid najis, and as and when a person comes to know that any of these parts has become najis, he should immediately make it Clean (tahir/pak). And the recommended precaution is that the outer part of the wall of a mosque, too, should not be made najis. And if it becomes najis, it is not obligatory to remove the najasat. But if someone makes it najis to violate its sanctity, that act is haraam, and the najasat should be removed.If a person cannot make a mosque Clean (tahir/pak), or needs help

which is not available, then it is not obligatory for him to make it Clean (tahir/pak). But if he feels that the mosque will be made Clean (tahir/pak) if he informs others, then he should do so.It is haraam to make the precincts (Haram) of the Holy Shrines

najis, but if anyone of these precincts become najis, and if its remaining in that state affects its sanctity, then it is obligatory to make it Clean (tahir/pak). And the recommended precaution is that it should be made Clean (tahir/pak), even if no desecration is involved.It is haraam to carry any Najisul Ayn or a thing which has become najis, into a mosque, if doing so desecrates the mosque. In fact, the recommended precaution is that even if desecration of the mosque is not involved, Najisul Ayn should not be carried into it.Even when a mosque is ruined, it is not permissible to sell it, or to make it a part of a property, or a road.

Place where Salat should be prayed

892. If a person offers prayers at a place where it is forbidden to stay, like, under a roof which is about to collapse, his prayers are in order, though he will have committed a sin.

893. To pray on an object upon which it is haraam to step, or sit, like a carpet upon which the name of Allah is drawn or written, will render prayers void, if the action is meant to displease Allah.

The fourth condition: The ceiling of the place where one prays should not be so low, that one may not be able to stand erect, nor should the place be so small, that there may be no room for performing Ruku or Sajdah

The fifth condition: If the place where one wishes to pray is najis, it should not be so wet that its moisture would reach the body or the dress of the person praying. But, if the place where one places one's forehead while performing Sajdah, is najis, the prayers will be void, even if that place is dry. And the recommended precaution is that the place where one offers prayers should not be najis at all.

The sixth condition: As an obligatory precaution, women should stand behind men while praying. At least, her place of Sajdah should be in line with his thighs, when in Sajdah.

896. If a woman stands in line with man, or in front of him in namaz, and both of them begin together, they should repeat their prayers. And the same applies if one of them starts earlier than the other.

897. If a man and a woman are standing side by side in namaz, or woman is in front, but there is a wall, curtain, or something else separating them, so that they cannot see each other, the prayers of both of them are in order. Similarly, the prayers of both will be valid if the distance between them is ten arms.

The seventh condition: The place where a person places his forehead while in Sajdah, should not be higher or lower than a span of four fingers, when compared to the place of thighs or toes of his feet. The details of this rule will be given in the rules relating to Sajdah.

898. For a Na-Mahram man and woman to be at a place, where there is a possibility of falling into sin is haraam. As a recommended precaution, one must avoid praying at such places.

899. Prayers at a place where musical instrument etc. is being played, is not void, but hearing or performing it is a sin

. Mustahab places for offering prayers 902. In Islam, great emphasis is laid on offering prayers in a mosque. Masjidul Haram is superior to all the mosques, and after it, the order of priority is as follows: Masjidun Nabi (in Madina) Masjid Kufa (in Kufa) Masjid Baytul Maqdas (in Jerusalem) Then comes the number of Jami' Masjid (central mosque) of every city, followed by the mosques situated in one's locality, and then that of the bazaar. 904. Namaz in the Shrines of the holy Imams is Mustahab, and is even better than offering prayers in a mosque. It has been reported that the reward for offering prayers in the sacred Shrine of Amirul Mu'minin Imam Ali (p.b.u.h.), is equal to 200,000 prayers.

Places where offering prayers is Makrooh907. There are a number of places where it is Makrooh to offer prayers. Some of them are the following: Public bath Saline land Facing a human person Facing an open door On a road or street, provided that offering of prayers at these places does not cause inconvenience to others. If it is a source of inconvenience, and discomfort to them, it is haraam to obstruct their way. Facing fire or a lamp In the kitchens, and at every place where there is a furnace Facing a well or a pit where people often urinate Facing the picture or models of living creatures, unless it is covered In the room where a Mujnib is present At a place where there is a picture, even if it may not be placed in front of the person who offers prayers Facing a grave On the grave Between two graves In the graveyard 908. If a person is offering prayers at a place where people are passing, or where somebody is present in front of him, it is Mustahab that he should set a demarcation before him, even by keeping a wooden stick, or a string.

ṢALĀT AL-JAMĀʿAH

It is strongly recommended that all wājib prayers should be performed in congregation (jamāʿah). The importance of ṣalāt al-jamāʿah is such that even those who have already prayed on their own, are encouraged to repeat their ṣalāh if they meet with a group that is praying together.

Q: What are the benefits of praying in jamāʿah? Some of the benefits of ṣalāt al-jamāʿah are that it promotes:

Equality: The poor and rich, of all colours and ethnicities, stand together shoulder-to-shoulder as equals before Allāh (SWT).

Unity: Same language; actions are performed all together. This teaches us to be united at all times. Friendship & Networking: Creates opportunities for Muslims to meet and be part of each other’s friendship circle. Opportunities to help each other (business, family, etc.) arise. Discipline: Standing still in straight rows, following the Imām in everything he/ she does and says. Prestige of Islam. Keeps the masjid and Muslim community thriving. A show of strength against the enemies of Islam. Limitless spiritual reward. Two people praying ṣalāt al-jamāʿah get the thawāb of 150 prayers for each rakʿah. 3 people = 600 prayers per rakʿah. 4 people = 1200 prayers. 5 people = 2400 prayers. This keeps doubling until there are 10 people in jamāʿahwho get the thawāb of 72,800 prayers for each rakʿah. After 11 people, only Allāh (SWT) knows the reward

Things which are Makrooh in congregational prayers1497. If there is vacant space in the rows of the congregation, it is Makrooh for a person to stand alone.1498. It is Makrooh for the follower to recite the Zikr in the prayers in such a way that Imam hears them.1499. It is Makrooh for a traveller, who offers Zuhr, Asr and Ishaprayers in shortened form (two Rak'ats), to follow a person who is not a traveller. And it is Makrooh for a person who is not a traveller to follow a traveller in those prayers.Suppose the congregation were conducting asr prayer, and I want to say dhuhr. Would it still be all right if I join in?- Yes, there are no restriction on joining congregational prayer, irrespective of the form of difference between the prayer you intend to say and that the congregation is engaged in. Matters such as the nature of recitation (inaudible or audible), qasr and tamam prayers, and qadha’ or ada’ are overlooked.

Allah has put a big reward for congregational prayers: The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.w.) said that if there are only 2 persons (Imam and only one Mamum) in Congregational Prayer, every Rak’at gets the reward of 150 prayers. The reward is increased by the increase in the number of persons. Thus, in a Congregational Prayer of 3 persons, every Rak’at gets reward of 600 persons.If there are 4, every Rak’at gets reward of 1,200 prayers.If there are 5, every Rak’at gets reward of 2,400 prayers.If there are 6, every Rak’at gets reward of 4,800 prayers.If there are 7, every Rak’at gets reward of 9,600 prayers.If there are 8, every Rak’at gets reward of 19,200 prayers.If there are 9, every Rak’at gets reward of 38,400 prayers.If there are 10, every Rak’at gets reward of 76, 800 prayers.If there are more than 10, then nobody can estimate its reward except Allah.

RECITING LOUDLY AND WHISPERING

When we pray ṣalāt al-ẓuhr and ṣalāt al-ʿaṣr, it is wājib for both men and women to recite the 2 sūrahs in the first 2 units of prayer softly. When we pray ṣalāt al-fajr, ṣalāt al-maghrib and ṣalāt al-ʿishāʾ, it is wājib for men to recite the 2 sūrahs in the first 2 units of prayer loudly, but women can recite the sūrahs either loudly or softly. In the 3rd and 4th rakʿah of any ṣalāh, it is wājib for both men and women to recite the taṣbihāt al-arbaʿah softly. If a person forgets, it is okay, but as soon as he/she remembers, he/she must correct themselves otherwise their ṣalāh is bāṭil. For example, if a man forgets and recites sūrat al-Ḥamd in the first or second rakʿah of ṣalāt al-maghrib softly, and then remembers half-way, he must immediately continue reciting it loudly, otherwise his/her ṣalāh is bāṭil.

On Fridays, instead of ṣalāt al-ẓuhr, we can pray ṣalāt al-Jumuʿah. The 2 sūrahs in ṣalāt al-Jumuʿah are recited loudly. Even if a person is not praying ṣalāt alJumuʿah and praying the regular ṣalāt al-ẓuhr, it is mustahab to recite the two ṣurahs in the first 2 rakʿahs loudly because it is Friday. The qirāʿah in ṣalāt al-ʿaṣr is recited softly even on Fridays.

A few Narrations Concerning Salat al-Jamaat

1]. The Holy Prophet, peace be upon him and his family, said: "Verily, when one of Allah's servants establishes the Salat in congregation and asks Him something which He does not grant him, Allah will be ashamed until He fulfills it.”

2]. Imam' Ali ibn Musa al-Riza, peace be upon him, said: "The excellence of the congregation Salat compared to a solitary Salat, is one Rak'at to two thousand Rak'at

3]. The Holy Prophet, peace be upon him and his family, said: "One prayer of a man in congregation is worthier than his forty years of prayers at home (alone).”

4]. Imam Muhammad al-Baqir, peace be upon him, said: "The person who abandons the congregation (Salat) without having an excuse, and only for unwillingness or in order to avoid attending the gathering of Muslims, has no Salat (his Salat will not be accepted).” 5]. Once a blind man came to the Prophet of Allah, peace be upon him and his family, and said that there was not anyone to take him to the Masjid to attend the congregational Salat with him (the Prophet), when he heard the call to prayer. The Holy Prophet, peace be upon him said, "Stretch a rope from your house up to the Masjid and attend the congregational Salat.

1412 When congregational prayers are being offered, it is Mustahab for a person, who has already offered his prayers alone, to repeat the prayers in congregation. And if he learns later that his first prayer was void, the second prayer will suffice.1413. If the Imam (leader) or the Ma'mum (follower) wishes to join a congregation prayer again, after having already prayed in congregation once, there is no objection if it is done with the niyyat of Raja', since its being Mustahab is not established.

How should I go about performing congregational prayer?- If there were two of you, one should stand to the right, and lightly behind, the one who leads the prayer. If, however, there are more than two, the rest must stand behind the imam without a barrier such as a wall separating them from the imam. The place where the prayer is conducted should be even. The imam’s position should not be higher than the position of those following him in prayer. The gap between the imam and the rest of the congregation must not be great. Nor should the gap separating the worshippers, standing side by side in prayer.

1. What are the benefits of praying in jamāʿah (congregation)?

2. What is the reward of praying in jamāʿah?

3. Which 2 mustahab prayers can be offered in jamāʿah?

4. What is considered makrūh in ṣalāt al-jamāʿah?

5. how is the sawab increased when more people join the Jamat?

6. how much sawab do you receive when 10 or more people join together in jamat?

7. What did prophet say to the man who didn’t have anyone to take him to the Masjid for Jama’ah prayer?

8. What does Salat-e-Jamat mean?

9. What is the special low for Juma prayer?