Published earlier in ‘The News International’ , ‘The Mag Weekly’ & in ‘Daily News’ Pakistan on 14-10-2006
Love of the “Ibadehil Lazinastafa” (as Qur’an addressed Selected People of Allah) is a source of nourishment for the soul. Should not Allah’s chosen one be loved? Qur’an has indicated some especial personalities we should love or not. When the Qur’an relates to what the previous Anbiya and Rusul demanded from the Lord, all requested: “We do not ask a wage from people, our only reward is from Allah”.
Qur’an addresses Rasulullah (S) in a different way and communicates the divine instruction:
“I do not ask of a wage for this, except Muwaddat, (Walayat) of ‘Al Qurba’- Ahl al Bait”. [1]
Why the rest of the Anbiya and Rusul overlooked for wage, and why Rasulullah (S) demanded for Ajar? Why did he want Muwaddat for his Ahl al Bait, as an Ajar for Hidayat from the Ummah? Qur’an answer this question as follow:
“Say: I have asked no wage of you; that shall be yours. My wages fall only upon Allah” [2]
The wage demanded accrues to people not to Rasulullah(S). Muwaddat will bring perfection and reformation. Muwaddat is the wage. Ahl al Bait are the distinguished individuals who are clean and pure from every angle. Love of Ahl al Bait brings submission of Haq and adherence to good–deeds. Whatever meaning one gives to the word Qurba, certainly it is not applicable to anyone except Ali. Two very famous Scholars of the Sunni School of thought, Fakhruddin al Razi and Zamakhshari, write in their Tafasir, that when Ayat 22 of Surat al Shura appeared Muslims asked O Rasulullah (S)! Who are the Relatives to whom our love is due? Mohammad (S) explained “Ali, Fatimah, Hasan, Husain and my Itrat. It is therefore established from this Hadith that these are the Ahl al Bait who should be loved and respected by the Ummah. Ali is from Ahl al Bait for whom Rasulullah(S) said:
"The parable of my Ahl al Bait is that of the boat of Noah, whoever gets aboard it is saved and whoever stays away from it is drowned." [3]
Ali is the most learned among the Ashab and of the Muslims in general. In his learned discourses he was the first in Islam. He opened the door for logical demonstration and proof for the discussion of Hikmah and ilahiy’’aat or Metaphysics. He was the first who wrote down the Ay’’aat and discussed them with Rasulullah (S), as soon as a Wahi was received through Ruh al Amin, Gabriel (A.S.). Ali was so closely associated with Mohammad (S) that as soon as an Ayat was appeared at any time of the day or night, he was the first to hear it. Famous Fatemi Dai and a great scholar of Arabi literature, Syedna Abd Ali Saifuddin (R.A) praises Ali in one of his famous Qasidah by saying: [4]
· “Man Tara Za Nasar al Mukhtara Feema Wazau;
· Man Tara Za Yauma Khumin Be Yadehi Rafaho”.
(Who provided help and protection to Rasulullah (S) to establish the Dawah? Who was raised on the day of Khum by Rasulullah (S) with his own hands? )
After the demise of Rasulullah (S), Ali went through immense trials, and tribulations of the time to preserve the Dawah. Ali demonstrated exemplary patience and fortitude during this time which has no precedent in history. Ali faced a series of war threats and conspiracies. Ali staunchly acted and passed judgment according to the Shariah of Rasulullah(S) . In doing so he invited lots of displeasure and made innumerable enemies, and to this day the number is still increasing. People who love Allah and His Rasul(S) are attracted towards Ali, the rest are repelled. People who love Ali will sustain any form of enemy torture for example the devoted Harith al Hamdani [5]. And Ali’s enemy will not favour him even if offered a gold mountain.
Ali is one of those persons who had the powers, to attract the Mumin, and the power to keep away the Munafiq, and his attraction and repelling are extremely strong. He had remarkable friends, truly historical persons, burning with love for him and ever ready to sacrifice themselves, for his sake. To the same degree, Ali had stubborn enemies, who set people trembling at the sound of their names. Ali is not to be looked at as an individual, but rather as a whole philosophy. And it is for this reason that one group is attracted to him, and one is repelled. Indeed, Ali is a man of two powers.
Ali’s Jih’ad for Islam turned thousands of families into his enemies, and the enmity grew in strength and intensity to the point of revenge. Rasulullah (S) waged many wars against the Quraish; the descendants of Abd-e-Shams (grandfather of Bani Umayyah) became enemies of Rasulullah (S) and his faithful followers. Their women used to curse Ali and ignited the fire of enmity in the hearts of their male members, and imprinted this enmity on the minds of their children by singing anti-Ali songs, while lulling them to sleep. One such example was Hindah, who according to “Gibbon” [6] and “Washington Irving” [7] used to send Lanat on Ali day and night. Therefore when Ali ascended the throne of the Zahiri Khilafat, these very descendants of Abd-Shams (Bani Umayyah) became united & revolted against Ali. After the battles of Jamal, Siffin and Nehrw’an all those who hated Ali Ibn Abi Talib decided that Ali should be slain. Among them was one Maloon, Abd al Rahman Ibn Muljim. Historians have recorded “that the 19th of Ramazan was still far off, Ibn Muljim was at that time residing near the Khawarij and he fell in love with the charming Qutamah bint Ashjena. He approached Qutamah for Nikah. Her father and brother were killed in the battle of Nehravan by Ali, and thus bore extreme hatred against Ali. Famous historian Ibn Kathir Damishqi a prejudice to Ahl al Bait has admitted: [8] that “Qutamah on being proposed by Ibn Muljim for marriage asked her lover, “Do you know what my Mehar is?” Ibn Muljim promised: “I shall pay whatever you would ask for”. Qutamah demanded: [9]
1. Murder of Ali
2. One Thousand Dinaar cash
3. One gorgeous slave-girl
[10] Historians mentioned that “Qutamah demanded such a Mehar which has never been asked by any woman in the history of the world. [11] Ibn Muljim said, demand of slave girl and 1000 Dinaar is accepted but assassination of Ali is very difficult, who executed prominent war-lords. Qutamah said I forgo demand of Dinaar and slave girl but not ignore the demand of Ali’s murder. For the wish of this Maloon woman, the Slave of Desire, Ibn Muljim agreed to pay the above mentioned Mehar to Qutamah.
Finally the night of 19th of Ramazan set in. Qutamah also called Shabib Ibn Bahira Ashjayi in the Masjid al Kufa to assist Ibn Muljim. The morning was being awaited. It was the practice of Ali to have Ift’aar at one of his children‘s house. He went to Syedah Zainab’s house who placed two pieces of bread, one cup of yogurt and some salt. Seeing an extra dish of food Ali asked:
“My dear daughter! Why have you brought an extra dish? Would you wish for an increase in the accountability of your father in hereafter? Your father is a follower of Rasulullah (S). Dear daughter! Take away the extra food”.
“Hearing this, Syedah Zainab could not control her tears and wept profusely. She took away the cup of yoghurt. Ali took a piece of bread with salt, thanked Allah and got busy with Ibadat”. [12] Several times he came out of his room in the courtyard and looking above at the sky said:
“I am truthful, and my Lord Rasulullah (S) was also truthful”. "Wallah! I have never said anything incorrect nor I have been given incorrect information by Rasulallah (S), this is definitely the indicated night".
Ahl al Bait inquired the reason of such strange action. Ali explained:
“The moment of Shahadat, as foretold to me by Rasulullah (S), has come”.
Later he informed them about a dream. He said: “During a nap, I saw Gabriel on the top of Mount Abi Qubes, took two stones and banged them, and its dust spread into every house around the global village. “Ahl al Bait questioned about the interpretation of this dream?” Ali replied: "It is a sign of Allah, today at dawn your father shall be executed and his death will be mourned in every home of the believer." [13] “This night Ali often recited these verses:
· “Gird up your loins for death; Death would see you shortly.
· Never be afraid of death; when it enters the valley of your life.
· Just as time was pleased with you, similarly it would weep in the grief”.
“When Ali was going to the Masjid for Sal’aat al Fajar, his pet-ducks, gifted by Rasulullah(S) rushed towards him and tried to prevent him from going. [14] Perhaps Allah had instilled in their séances to say their last Sal’aam to their master, as they would not see him again ever. Syedah Zainab began to drive them away. Ali restrained her,
“Daughter! Leave them alone. They are now lamenting, afterwards people of the world would lament on your father. They can not speak; do take care of their grain and water”.
Ali entered the Masjid al Kufa. Suddenly a strong wind blew off the candle of the Masjid, indicating that darkness would spread in throughout the world. Ibn Muljim was lying upside down hiding the sword, which was poisoned for 40 days. The poison was enough to kill a large number of people. Ali woke up the sleeping Fitnat (Ibn Muljim) and asked him to get up as it was time for Sal’aat al Fajar. Tragic event was awakened. Ali stood in the Mehr’aab to offer Sal’aat Tahiy’aat ul Masjid; recited Surah, bent down on his knees in Ruku, gave the first Sajdah, when he repeated the Sajdah, Ibn Muljim struck a heavy blow of his poisoned sword on Ali’s head: Ah _____ blood gushed out from the wound on Moula Ali’s head. He fell down in the Sajdah, and then recited words, which history will never hear again. [15] The words have been recorded by number of historians. [16] “Ali recited a meaningful sentence spontaneously” :
“Fuztu wa Rabbil Kabah”, (By the Lord of the Kabah, I have won).
So far history can not trace anyone saying similar words. Syedi S’aasa bin Suh’aan al Abdi arrested ibn Muljim, and brought him to Ali with his hands tied behind his back. Ali saw the rope was cutting his flesh. He ordered to loosen the rope and treat him humanly. This kind attitude of Ali brought tears in the eyes of the killer and he cried. Ali smiled and in a faint voice said:
"It is too late to repent now. Did you find me a bad Imam or an unjust and mean ruler?" [17]
Ali instructed Imam Hasan and Imam Husain regarding the killer”, “Sons! If I remain alive, I would have the Right of Qisas or the right to forgive him. After me this right would pass on to you”. When Imam Hasan presented a cup of milk to Moula Ali, he took some and the rest he gave it to Ibn Muljim. [18] “Hakim Kathir bin Umar bin Hani examined the wound carefully and discreetly requested Ali Ibn Abi Talib: “Make your Wasiyat”. The atmosphere was filled with grief. All present over there, became restless. Ali broke the silence and pronounced his Wasiyat in detail. It was the 20th evening; the pain had increased in intensity. All were distressed; but Ali was calm and reposed. He declared:
“I was your companion till yesterday; today I am an object of learning a lesson. I shall bid you farewell tomorrow,” [19]
Ahl al Bait was distressfully in grief. It was dawn.
Those desirous of acquiring ilm from the Gateway of the Madinah of ilm also came to learn their last Sabaq. Ali instructed them to be brief and short in asking. Hajur bin Adi (R.A.) recited Qasidah, in praise of Amir al Mumineen. Ali informed:
“O, Hajur! The time is near when people would call you and pressurize you to express your displeasure about me and would ask you to send Lanat on me.”
It was the night of the 21st of Ramazan, when Ahl al Bait became orphan, due to Shahadat of their father, Ali. Ali had aspired for Shahadat on seeing the slain bodies of Syedna Hamzah and Shuhada of Uhad. Rasulullah (S) had given him tiding of Shahadat and told him:
“O, Ali! I give you glad-tiding that you would be killed and Shahadat is following you”. [20]
Ali, at last, was blessed with Shahadat. The whole of Arabia felt the vacuum, created by the Shahadat of Ali. The defender of Islam has departed, for whom Rasulullah (S) said:
“Are you not pleased to have the Manzilah (status) in relation to me as that Haroon had in relation to Moosa?” [21]
Ali expired for whom Rasulullah (S) had offered Doa as follow:
“O, Allah! Love the person who loves Ali and be an enemy to the one who is an enemy of Ali”. [22]
Today that person had left the world about whom Rasulullah (S) said while returning from his last Haj, stopped the entire caravan under divine instructions at Ghadir-e-Khum and made the announcement:
"Of whomever I am his Moula (master); Ali also is his Moula (master)." [23]
Words fail to express the lofty status of Ali. On his demise Saudah Hamdani (R.A.) recited this Marsiyah in the Court of Syria: [24]
· Rahmat & Salaw’aat be on the soul, which was buried in the grave and Adal was also buried with him.
· He had submitted Ahd with Allah that he would not adopt anything other than Haq”.
Syedi S’aasah bin Suh’aan Abdi (R.A.) was one of those fortunate ones, who had the honour to be present in the funeral ceremony of Ali. After Ali’s burial, he was so stricken with grief that he caressed his chest with one hand and put dust in his head with the other hand said:
“Amir al Mumeneen! You have now reached near your elder brother, Rasulullah (S) and you have drunk from the cup of Rasulullah (S), which was brimming to the full. You have achieved, what others were unable to achieve. Nobody got this honour. You