False portrayal of the Holy Qur'an and Islam (Channel 4 documentary aired in the UK)

This video documentary, entitled "The Qur'an" aired by Channel 4 in the UK is extremely misleading and follows suit with many media outlets around the world which feed the general public sensational and false views / beliefs of Islam.

The documentary portrays the Holy Qur'an as a book of inconsistency and contradiction, as well as one of violence. There is a LOT more being said and conveyed in this video, and essentially Islam, a religion of PEACE, is being portrayed as a VIOLENT and OPPRESSIVE one.

We need to speak out against this, and other false portrayals of Islam, and show the TRUE religion of Islam, as one of PEACE and JUSTICE.

Watch the entire 102 min. video online at either of the following two links:

1) http://smashingtelly.com/2008/07/26/the-quran-channel-4/

2) http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=6747824220828899563

Dua e Salaamati Imam e Zamana (atfs) and 88 Benefits of reciting it

Dua e Salaamati Imam e Zamana (atfs)

Translation:

O Allah, bless Muhammad and the family of Muhammad. O Allah, be, for Your representative, the Hujjat (proof), son of Al­Hasan, Your blessings be on him and his forefathers, in this hour and in every hour, a guardian, a protector, a leader, a helper, a proof, and an eye. until You make him live on the earth, in obedience (to You), and cause him to live in it for a long time. O One who directs all the affairs, O One who will raise those who are in the graves, O One who makes the rivers flow, O One who softened the iron for Dawood, Bless Muhammad and the family of Muhammad, and do for me . . . (ask for your wishes), in this night, this night.


Transliteration:

ALLAAHUMMA KUN LE-WALIYYEKAL HUJJATIBNIL HASANE SALAWAATOKA A'LAYHE WA A'LAA AAABAA-EHI FEE HAAZEHIS SAA-A'TE WA FEE KULLE SAA-A'TIN WALIYYAWN WA HAAFEZAWN WA QAA-EDAWN WA NAASERAWN WA DALEELAWN WA A'YNAN HATTAA TUSKENAHU ARZAKA TAW-A'N WA TOMATTE-A'HU FEEHAA TAWEELAA.


The following benefits of Dua e Salaamati Imam e Zamana (atfs) have been provided by Zakira Tahira Jaffer

88 Benefits of Dua e Salamati Imam e Zamana (atfs)
1. Allah bestows His Mercy on the reciter.
2. Best way to attain Allah’s pleasure and proximity (qurbat).
3. Reciter’s faith gets strengthened.
4. Develops true love for Imam as.
5. Recitation proves that the reciter is a true muntazir of Imam as.
6. Constant recitation keeps Shaitan away.
7. Provides patience during hardships.
8. Provides solution for hardships.
9. Best way to show our love to Allah.
10. Best way to show our love to Imam as.
11. Allah forgives reciter’s sins.
12. Imam as himself prays for the reciter.
13. Imam’s shafaa’at (recommendation) in Allah’s Bargaah.
14. Prophet saww will provide shafaa’at.
15. Allah’s special Mercy.
16. Prayers are answered.
17. Best way to offer Ajr e Risaalat.
18. Prevents hardships.
19. Provides safety from catastrophe (balaayein and aafatein).
20. Increase in sustenance.
21. Imam as gives his Ziyarat for a true reciter.
22. Attains Imam’s as nearness in this world.
23. Increases love for Ahle Bait a.s.
24. Prepares the reciter for his meeting with Allah after death.
25. Hastens Imam’s as appearance.
26. Increases obedience to Prophet saww and Imam as.
27. Provides nijaat for reciter’s parents.
28. Relieves the reciter from the burden of loan.
29. Provides peace of heart.
30. Reciter’s heart brightens up with Imam’s as noor.
31. Good intentions and aims are fulfilled.
32. Allah provides with a hidden (ghaibi) help.
33. Helps in understanding the knowledge in Quran.
34. Helps in overcoming enemies.
35. Attains high status in Allah’s Bargah.
36. Saves one from hardships of Aakherat.
37. Relieves the reciter from the pangs of death.
38. Saves from Fishaare Qabr or chastisement in grave.
39. True reciter will be raised with Imam Ali as on the Day of Resurrection.
40. True reciter will be raised with this Dua’s noor on the Day of Resurrection.
41. True reciter will be raised with Aimmah as on the Day of Resurrection.
42. Reciter becomes Allah’s favourite bandaa.
43. Angels pray with the reciter.
44. Attains nearness of Prophet saww.
45. Reciter will be in Paradise.
46. Reciter proves his attachment and relationship with Quran & Ahle Bait as.
47. Prophet saww will pray for the reciter.
48. Imam Ali as will pray for the reciter.
49. Imam Zainul Abideen as will pray for the reciter.
50. Allah will be a Helper in the reciter’s worship (ibaadat).
51. Dua is a weapon against atrocities and cruel and brutal people.
52. Bad deeds get converted to good ones.
53. Virtue (Sawaab) equal to that of respecting elders.
54. Virtue equal to that of an Aalim e Deen or a Scholar.
55. Virtue equal to that of doing good to Imam as.
56. Virtue equal to that of taking revenge with Imam Husain’s as enemies.
57. Best way to act on Imam Ali’s as sayings.
58. Forgiveness of 70000 sins.
59. Reciter will enter Paradise without any giving any account of his deeds.
60. Reciter will not feel thirsty on the Day of Resurrection.
61. Allah will provide the reciter with virtues of a kind hearted and respected person.
62. Attains high status in Paradise.
63. This Dua is a proof of complete faith or Kaamil Imaan.
64. Injures Shaitan’s heart.
65. Reciter gets reward equal to the person martyred while fighting alongside Prophet saww.
66. Reciter will get servants in Paradise.
67. Reciter gains everyone’s respect and everyone behaves good with him.
68. Allah’s Mercy will provide protection.
69. Allah feels proud of His bandaa.
70. This Dua is one of the signs of Allah.
71. Attains position of a true Momin.
72. Angels visit and listen to this Dua wherever it is being recited.
73. Angels pray for reciter’s forgiveness.
74. Reciter will be saved from the catastrophe of the Day of Resurrection.
75. Reciter attains the same level as that of a pious (muttaqi) person in Imam’s as eyes.
76. Reciter shows true obedience to Imam as
77. Reciter get pleasure of Allah.
78. Reciter get pleasure of Prophet saww.
79. One of the best recitations in Allah’s Bargaah.
80. Reciter will get the rank of a martyr on the Day of Resurrection.
81. Easy accounting of reciter’s deeds on the Day of Resurrection.
82. Reciter will be among the rulers in Paradise.
83. Keeps anger in control.
84. Better to recite tis Dua before Imam’s as reappearance than after he reappears, Inshallah.
85. Best friend in Barzakh and on the Day of Resurrection.
86. One of the best deeds.
87. This Dua is like a tightly held rope ( Allah’s rassi).
88. Bibi Syeda Fatima Zahra as will provide shafaa’at to the reciter on the Day of Resurrection.

The Army of Intelligence vs. The Army of Ignorance

The following is an excerpt from the most authentic Shia ahadith compilation, Usul (or Kitab) Al-Kafi. Click here for full translated (English) text of parts 1-4.


Kitab Al-Kafi
Part 1- The Book of Inteligence and Ignorance
H 14, Ch. 1, h 14

A number of our people has narrated from Ahmad ibn Muhammad from Ali ibn Hadid from Suma’a ibn Mihran who has said the following.

"With a gathering of his followers I was in the presence of Imam abu ‘Abdallah (a.s). A discussion on intelligence and ignorance began to emerge among them. Thereupon Imam abu ‘Abdallah said, "You, first, must recognize intelligence and its army and ignorance and its army only then you would find proper guidance." I then asked, may Allah make my soul of service to you, we only learn what you teach us." The Imam (a.s) said, "Allah, the Glorious, the Majestic created intelligence and it was the first creature of spiritual world on the right side of the Throne from His light. He then told him to move backwards and intelligence moved backwards. He then told him to come forwards. Intelligence came forwards. Allah, the Sacrosanct, the Most High said, "I have created you a great creature and honored you above all others of my creatures. The Imam (a.s) continued, "Allah then created ignorance from a salty dark ocean and told it, "move backwards and did move backwards. He then called it to come forwards but it did not come forwards. He then said to it, ‘Did you shun coming forwards?" He then pronounced it condemned. He then assigned seventy-five armies for intelligence. When ignorance saw all the honors Allah has granted to intelligence it bore hidden animosity towards intelligence and said, "Lord this creature is just like me. You created and honored it and gave it power. But I have no power against it. Give me also likewise armies. The Lord then said, "I will give you also an army but if you would disobey Me I will then expel you and your army from My mercy. Ignorance then said, ‘I agree.’ Allah gave it seventy-five armies and it was out of the army of intelligence.

The Army of Intelligence	The Army of Ignorance
1 Goodness is the minister of Intelligence	Evil is the minister of Ignorance
2 Faith	Disbelief
3 Professing	Refusal
4 Hope	Despair
5 Justice	Injustice
6 Consent	Disapproval
7 Thankfulness	Ungratefulness
8 Expectation	Hopelessness
9 Reliance	Greed
10 Soft-heartedness	Hard-heartedness
11 Mercy	Anger
12 Knowledge	Ignorance
13 Understanding	Foolishness
14 Chastity	Reckless
15 Restraint	Yearning
16 Relenting	Relentless
17 Cautious	Boldness
18 Humbleness	Arrogance
19 Relax	Haste
20 Forbearance	Silliness
21 Quietness	Bluffing
22 Peacefulness	Contempt
23 Acceptance	Doubt
24 Patience	Impatience
25 Forgiving	Revenge
26 Self-reliance	Poverty
27 Remembrance	Forgetfulness
28 Sympathy	Detachment
29 Self-content	Covetousness
30 Munificent	Avaricious
31 Affection	Animosity
32 Loyalty	Infidelity
33 Obedience	Disobedience
34 Subservience	Supremacy
35 Security	Affliction
36 Love	Hatred
37 Truthfulness	Duplicity
38 Truth	Falsehood
39 Trustworthiness	Treachery
40 Sincerity	Distortion
41 Sharp witted	Feeble-mindedness
42 Comprehension	Simple-mindedness
43 Cognizance	Refusal
44 Safekeeping	feel evil satisfaction
45 Security unseen	Intemperance
46 Protective	Unmasking
47 Prayer	Loosing
48 Fasting	Consuming food
49 Hard work	Passivity
50 Hajj	Disregard of covenant
51 Soundness of words	Scandalous
52 Kindness to parents	Rudeness to parents
53 Factual	Braggart
54 Legitimate	Wickedness
55 Guarded	Bedecked
56 Concealment	Hatching
57 Fairness	Taking-sides
58 Peaceable	Rebelliousness
59 Cleanliness	Filthiness
60 Bashfulness	Ill-mannered
61 Impartiality	Aggressive
62 Comfort	Exhaustion
63 Ease	Hardships
64 Blessedness	Lack of blessings
65 Tranquility	Suffering
66 Stability	Aggrandizing
67 Wisdom	Desires
68 Dignity	Meanness
69 Fortunateness	Unfortunateliness
70 Repentance	Persistence
71 Seeking forgiveness	Keeping pride
72 Conservitiveness	Heedlessness
73 Invoking	Withholding
74 Vitality	Lethargic
75 Happiness	Sorrow
Friendliness	Aversion
Generosity	Stinginess

No one other than a prophet or his successor or a true believer the strength of whose faith Allah has already tested can have the whole army of intelligence with all such characteristics. However, some of our followers and friends may acquire some of such characteristics so that they may reach perfection and repulse the army of ignorance and purify themselves from evil. In such case they also will step at the high degree and level of the prophets and the successors of the prophets. This progress can only be made after knowing, with certainty, intelligence and its army and ignorance and its army. May Allah provide us and you the opportunity to obey Him and work to please Him.

The Cookie Thief

I came across this poem in a training seminar and I found it so inspirational that I've kept it for years, buried deep down in my file cabinet. Though it does no good there, so I thought I'd post it and share.

The moral of the story relates to the age old theme of appearance vs reality - what we know to be true may in fact not be. For me this poem resonates since I tend to believe that as a species we judge too quickly. We should be more forgiving to our fellow bretheren and promote peace rather than conflict.

Sometimes even with the truth staring us in the face, we may be too proud or arrogant to see it.

Apparently I wasn't the only one that loved this poem... a man by the name of Adam Davis wrote and produced an acclaimed screenplay turned movie in 2005. Visit the official website for more information on the movie.



The Cookie Thief
by Valerie Cox

A woman was waiting at an airport one night,
With several long hours before her flight.
She hunted for a book in the airport shops.
Bought a bag of cookies and found a place to drop.

She was engrossed in her book but happened to see,
That the man sitting beside her, as bold as could be.
Grabbed a cookie or two from the bag in between,
Which she tried to ignore to avoid a scene.

So she munched the cookies and watched the clock,
As the gutsy cookie thief diminished her stock.
She was getting more irritated as the minutes ticked by,
Thinking, "If I wasn't so nice, I would blacken his eye."

With each cookie she took, he took one too,
When only one was left, she wondered what he would do.
With a smile on his face, and a nervous laugh,
He took the last cookie and broke it in half.

He offered her half, as he ate the other,
She snatched it from him and thought... oooh, brother.
This guy has some nerve and he's also rude,
Why he didn't even show any gratitude!

She had never known when she had been so galled,
And sighed with relief when her flight was called.
She gathered her belongings and headed to the gate,
Refusing to look back at the thieving ingrate.

She boarded the plane, and sank in her seat,
Then she sought her book, which was almost complete.
As she reached in her baggage, she gasped with surprise,
There was her bag of cookies, in front of her eyes.

If mine are here, she moaned in despair,
The others were his, and he tried to share.
Too late to apologize, she realized with grief,
That she was the rude one, the ingrate, the thief.

Ziyarat e Ashura

Ziyarat e Ashura with Audio & Translation - Part 1 of 2 (YouTube)
Ziyarat e Ashura with Audio & Translation - Part 2 of 2 (YouTube)

Ziyarat e Ashura (MP3)

Ziyarat e Asura & Short Commentary (PDF)


Ziyarat-e-Ashura

Imam Jafar Sadiq (a.s.) recounts, ‘O Safwaan! When you are confronted with some adversity, then seek redressal of your grievances from Imam Hussain (a.s.) through the Aamaal of Ashoora. Allah has pledged the fulfillment of demands with this Ziarat and Allah never reneges on His word’.

Hardships and afflictions no matter how severe, can be remedied by reciting Ziarate Ashoora for forty successive days. Records of people’s experiences actually testify to the authenticity of this tradition.

Renowned Shia scholars have recited this Ziarat regularly. They have reaped incalculable benefits through its recitation and have always resorted to it in moments of distress.

Here are few incidents which highlight the significance of Ziyrat e Ashura.

1) Respite from plague

Ayatullah Haj Shaikh Abdul Karim Haaeri Yazdi (founder of the Hauze-Ilmiyya in Qom) narrates, ‘It was the period of my education in the Hauze Ilmiyya in Samarra. There was an epidemic in the city that had taken in its wake many victims. One day, all the scholars had assembled at Ayatullah Sayyed Muhammad Fasharki (r.a.)’s residence, the latter being my teacher. Then unexpectedly, Ayatullah Mirza Muhammad Taqi Shirazi (r.a.) entered the house. His stature was no less than that of Ayatullah Fasharki (r.a.). There was a round of general discussion and the scholars started deliberating on the epidemic and how at the rate it was claiming lives, it would very soon wipe out the entire city. In the midst of this discussion Ayatullah Fasharki (r.a.) rose, and asked, ‘Do you all acknowledge me as the Mujtahid? Then If I impose a decree upon you, will you act according to it?’ We all replied emphatically, ‘Yes! Indeed you are the Mujtahid.’

Then Ayatullah Fasharki (r.a.) addressed the audience and declared, ‘I command the Shias of Sammarah to recite Ziarate Ashoora for a period of ten days. Then offer the reward of this recitation to the mother of Imame Zamaana (may our souls be sacrificed for him), Janabe Nargis Khatoon (s.a.). Then beseech her to present our case to her son Hazrat Valiul Asr, so that Imam (a.s.) shields us from the malady.’

Ayatullah Fasharki (r.a.) relates further, ‘I assure the person security from the plague, if he recites Ziarate Ashoora.’ Since it was a matter of life and death, the entire Shia population followed Ayatullah Fasharki’s recommendation and began reciting this Ziarat. Miraculously, with the recitation of the Ziarat, the plague subsided and the mo’mineen were spared. But this phenomenon was observed only among the Shias, as the Ahle Sunnah continued to fall prey to this malady. Everyday, the plague claimed at least one from the Ahle Sunnah. They were defenseless, as this ailment was without a cure. Before long, they realized that the plague was claiming only their members, while the Shias were somehow reprieved. In order to hide their embarrassment, they started conducting the burial of their dead in the middle of the night. When one of the Ahle Sunnah inquired from the Shias, the reason behind their miraculous reprieve, the latter revealed their secret of Ziarate Ashoora. Then the Ahle Sunnah too undertook recitation of this Ziarat. And this Ziarat’s enigmatic prowess was manifested when they also started receiving respite from the dreaded plague. In fact, some of them used to visit the shrines of Imam Ali Naqi (a.s.) and Imam Hasan Askari (a.s.) and began confessing: ‘We recite the very Ziarat for you that is recited by your Shias.’
Shaykh Abdul Kareem (r.a.) observes that on reciting this Ziarat, Shias and Ahle Sunnah both became immune to this plague.

2) Calamities
One person writes about two occasions when he was afflicted with calamities, which were removed with the recitation of Ziarate Ashoora.

First Occasion
This involved three difficulties.
1. I had become indebted for a sum of two million tu’man for purchase of my house. A year had passed but there seemed no chance of repayment of the debt. I was very tense because of this huge debt.
2. My second difficulty was also very disturbing, which I can not reveal.
3. Poverty

These three calamities had made me very nervous. I implored Janabe Masumae Qom, Fatema (s.a.). I decided to recite Ziarate Ashoora for a period of forty days and grant the reward of this recitation to Janabe Narjis Khatoon (s.a.) as a gift. I would request her to intercede on my behalf with her son, Imame Zamana (a.t.f.s.), so that Imam (a.s.) would solve my problems. My routine involved praying Ziarate Aminullah (of Ameerul Mo’mineen a.s.), after reciting Namaze Subh. Then I used to recite Ziarate Ashoora along with hundred repetitions of curses and salaam, followed by Dua Alqamah.

I had only finished reciting for 28 days when my second problem was solved. On the 37th day, one of my friends who owed me some money approached me, gave me all the money and said, ‘Pay off all your debts with this money.’ On the completion of the 40th day, my financial problem was also solved. Thus all my problems were solved and I did not have to confront such problems again.

Second Occasion

About one year had lapsed after the above-mentioned incident. I was faced with another calamity. My friends and I had entered into an agreement with a trader from Teheran. The latter was to make some purchases on our behalf. My friends had somehow made arrangements for the money and dispatched the sum to that trader. As per the agreement, we were to receive the consignment of goods by the third day. However, we learnt that the trader had cheated us and a bank, to the tune of seventy million tu’man, and after that he had escaped. After three months of hunting him, I was totally disheartened. I finally decided to once again resort to Ziarate Ashoora and request Imame Zamana (a.t.f.s.) for assistance.

I had recited this Ziarat only for 20 days when this trader himself phoned me, and by the end of the 40th day I had received my amount in full. However, the others did not receive their money. Finally this trader was arrested and imprisoned for his crime.

Thus, again Ziarata Ashoora brought me some much-needed relief and relaxation. However, it must be stated here that, while reciting this Ziarat on both the occasions, I used to recall the grief and calamities of Imam Hussain (a.s.) and lament bitterly. I had turned my attention away from all worldly means and had placed total confidence and reliance on this Ziarat.

Tasbeeh of Sayyeda Fatima al-Zahra (as)

Fazeelat of Tasbeeh of Hazrat Zahra (s.a.)

The Tasbeeh 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 act of worship from the aspect of performance; however, its effect, reward and merit are abundant. This can be gauged from the fact that when the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) wished to impart this act of worship to his daughter Janabe 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 Tasbeehe Zahra (s.a.) , Pg. 7)

In this context Imam Muhammad Baqir (a.s.) informs,

‘Allah is not worshipped by anything more meritorious than the Tasbeeh 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)

Imam Jafar Sadiq (as) says about the dearness of this Tasbeeh in the eyes of the Imams of the Ahlulbayt (a.s.):


“Reciting Tasbeeh of Hazrat Zahra (s.a.) everyday after every Namaz is liked by me more than reciting one thousand rakats of (mustahab) namaz”.

(Al-Kafi, Kitabus Salaat)

Reciting this Tasbeeh results in forgiveness of sins. In a tradition , Imam Mohammad Baqir (as) says:

“One who recites the Tasbeeh of Hazrat Zahra (s.a.) and then seeks forgiveness, will be forgiven”.

(Wasaaelush Shia Vol 4, Pg. 1023)

It also results in driving Shaitan away and in the satisfaction of Allah as tradition from Imam Mohammad Baqir (a.s.) says:“(Reciting Tasbeeh) drives away Shaitan and makes results in the satisfaction of Allah”.

(Wasaaelush Shia Vol 4, Pg. 1023)

Reciting Tasbeeh regularly delivers the reciter from adversities in this world as well as the hereafter. One of the graceful effects of the regular recitation of the Tasbeeh of Hazrat Zahra (s.a.) is that it delivers the reciter from adversities and hardships in this world as well as the hereafter. Thus one should not ignore its benefits and effects and should not be careless and lazy in its recitation

In this connection, 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)


How to recite Tasbeeh of Hazrat Zahra (s.a.):

According to a tradition from Imam Jafar Sadiq, one should recite Allaho Akbar 34 times, Alhamdolillah 33 times and Subhaanallah 33 times.

(Behaarul Anwaar Vol 85, Pg. 334)


Reciting Tasbeeh immediately after Namaz

Tasbeeh of Hazrat Zahra (s.a.) should be recited immediately on completion of Namaz. This entails that as soon as the reciter has finished the Namaz, he should remain seated in the same position of Tashahud without moving his feet and doing any other thing, immediately he should commence the recitation of the Tasbeeh. The reciting of Tasbeeh immediately on completion of Namaz has a special excellence, which is not there otherwise.

The above statement can be evidenced by the following tradition of Imam Jafar Sadiq (as) wherein he states: “One who recites the Tasbeeh 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 Tasbeeh of Hazrat Zahra (s.a.) after a wajib namaz before he stretches out his legs ( i.e. he recites the Tasbeeh while he is in the posture of Tashahud) , then Jannat becomes wajib upon him”

(Falaahus Saael by Ibne Taaoos (r.a.), Pg. 165)

Another tradition from Imam Sadiq (a.s.) says:

“One who glorifies Allah after the obligatory prayer through the Tasbeeh of Hazrat Zahra (s.a.), and then follows it up by saying ‘Laa elaaha illallaho’, Allah will forgive his sins.”

(Al-Kafi, Kitabus Salaat, Pg. 342)


Reciting the Tasbeeh of Hazrat Zahra (s.a.) before sleeping

Imam Jafar Sadiq (as) says :

“One who recites the Tasbeeh of Hazrat Zahra (s.a.) at the time of going to bed, he will be accounted amongst those who have remembered Allah a lot.”

(Wasaaelush Shia Vol 4, Pg. 1026)

In the book ‘Wasaaelush Shia’ there is a tradition from Imam Mohammad Baqir (as) which says that at the time of going to bed, Tasbeeh of Hazrat Zahra (s.a.)and then Maoozatain (Surah Falaq and Surah Naas) and Ayatul Kursi should be recited.


Teaching the recitation of Tasbeeh to the children

In this connection, Imam Jafar Sadiq (as) says :

“ O Abu Haroon! We order our children to recite the Tasbeeh of Hazrat Zahra (s.a.)in the same manner as we order them for the performance of Namaz ”

(Al-Kafi, Kitabus Salaat, Pg. 343)


Reciting Tasbeeh made out of the Turbah of grave of Imam Husain (a.s.)

It is better that the Tasbeeh of Hazrat Zahra (s.a.) be made of the pure Turbah (soil) of the grave of Imam Husain (a.s.)

It has been narrated from Imame Zamana (a.t.f.s.),

“ One who just holds the Tasbeeh made out of the soil of the grave of Imam Husain (as) and does not do any Zikr, even then for him will be written the reward of having recited the Azkaar”

(Wasaaelush Shia Vol 4, Pg. 1033)

Imam Jafar Sadiq (as) says :

“One zikr or Isteghfaar recited on the Tasbeeh made out of the soil of the grave of Imam Husain (as) is equal to 70 such zikr recited on any other thing.”

(Wasaaelush Shia Vol 4, Pg. 1033)


Some noteworthy points:

1. One of the conditions of worship, rather the most important of them all, is being attentive in its performance. This is specially so in the recitation of Tasbeeh of Hazrat Zahra (s.a.).

2. There should be continuity in the recitation of the Tasbeeh without any interruptions. This has been the practice of our holy Imams (a.s.)


(Al- Kaafi, Kitaabus Salaat, Pg. 343 )

3. In case one has a doubt regarding the number of Azkaar that he has recited, then he should start again. This is according to a tradition from Imam Sadiq (a.s.)


(Al- Kaafi, Kitaabus Salaat, Pg. 342 )

Thus, by the grace of Allah and the blessings of Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) , we have come to realize the importance of reciting Tasbeeh of Hazrat Zahra (s.a.) and its merits. We pray to Allah to grant us the Taufeeq that we may be regular in its recitation.

Sayyeda Fatima al-Zahra's (as) Khutba Al-Fadakya

Sayyeda Fatima al-Zahra (as) felt grieved by Abu Bakr’s actions, and was so displeased with him that when she knew of his attempt to seize Fadak, she accompanied a group of women to the mosque. There she sat down and delivered the following speech:

Praise be to Allah for that which He bestowed (upon us); and thanks be to Him for all that which He inspired; and commended in His Name for that which He Provided: Form prevalent favours which He created, And abundant benefactions which He offered and perfect grants which He presented; (such benefactions) that their number is much too plentiful to compute; Bounties too vast to measure; Their limit was too distant to realize; He recommended to them (His creatures) to gain more (of His benefaction) by being grateful for their continuity; He ordained Himself praiseworthy by giving generously to His creatures; I bear witness that there is no God but Allah Who is One without partner, a statement which sincere devotion is made to be its interpretation; hearts guarantee its continuation, and illuminated in the minds is its sensibility. He Who cannot be perceived with vision; neither be described with tongues; nor can imagination surround His state.

He originated things but not from anything that existed before them, and created them without examples to follow. Rather, He created them with His might and dispersed them according to His will; not for a need did He create them; nor for a benefit (for Him) did He shape them, But to establish His wisdom, Bring attention to His obedience, manifest His might, lead His creatures to humbly venerate Him, and to exalt His decrees. He then made the reward for His obedience, and punishment for his disobedience, so as to protect His creatures from His Wrath and amass them into His Paradise.

I too bear witness that my Father, Muhammad, is His Slave and Messenger, Whom He chose prior to sending him, named him before sending him; when creatures were still concealed in that which was transcendental, guarded from that which was appalling and associated with the termination and non-existence. For Allah the Exalted knew that which was to follow, comprehended that which will come to pass, and realized the place of every event.

Allah has sent him (Muhammad) (P.B.U.P.) as perfection for His commands, a resolution to accomplish His rule, and an implementation of the decrees of His Mercy. So he found the nations to vary in their faiths, obsessed by their fires, worshipping their idols, and denying Allah despite their knowledge of Him. Therefore, Allah illuminated their darkness with my Father, Muhammad, (P.B.U.P.) uncovered obscurity from their hearts, and cleared the clouds from their insights. He revealed guidance among the people; So he delivered them from being led astray, led them away from misguidance, guided them to the proper religion, and called them to the straight path.

Allah then chose to recall him back in mercy, love and preference. So, Muhammad (P.B.U.P.) is in comfort from the burden of this world, he is surrounded with devoted angels, the satisfaction of the Merciful Lord, and the nearness of the powerful King. So may the praise of Allah be upon my Father, His Prophet, Trusted one, the chosen one from among His creatures, and His sincere friend, and may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.

(Fatima (SA) then turned to the crowd and said:)

Surely you are Allah’s slaves at His command Prohibition; you are the bearers of His religion and revelation; you are Allah’s trusted ones with yourselves; and His messengers to the nations.

Amongst you does He have righteous authority; A covenant He brought unto you, and an heir He left to guard you; That is The eloquent book of Allah; The truthful Quran; The brilliant light; The shining beam; Its insights are indisputable; Its secrets are revealed; Its indications are manifest; and its followers are blessed by it. (The Quran) leads its adherents to goodwill; and Hearing it leads to salvation; with it are the bright divine authorities achieved, His manifest determination acquired, His prohibited decrees avoided; His manifest evidence recognized, His satisfying proofs made apparent, His permissions granted, and His laws written. So Allah made belief to be purification for you from polytheism.

He made:

Prayer - An exaltation for you from conceit.

Alms - A purification for the soul and a (cause of) growth in subsistence.

Fasting - An implantation of devotion.

Pilgrimage - A construction of religion.

Justice - A harmony of the hearts;

Obeying us (Ahlul-Bayt) Management of the nation.

Our leadership (Ahlul-Bayt). Safeguard from disunity.

Jihad (struggle) - A strengthening of Islam.

Patience - A helping course for deserving (divine) reward.

Ordering goodness (Amr Bi Maruf) Public welfare.

Kindness to the parents - A safeguard from wrath.

Maintaining close relations with one’s kin - A cause for a longer life and multiplying the number of descendants.

Retaliation (Qesas) -For sparing blood (souls).

Fulfilment of vows - subjecting oneself to mercy.

Completion of weights and measures - A cause for preventing the neglect of others’ rights.

Forbiddance of drinking wine - An exaltation from atrocity.

Avoiding slander - A veil from curse.

Abandoning theft-a reason for deserving chastity.

Allah has also prohibited polytheism so that one can devote himself to His Lordship. Therefore; Fear Allah as He should be feared, and die not except in a state of Islam; Obey Allah in that which He has commanded you to do and that which He has forbidden, for surely those truly fear among His servants, who have knowledge.

Lady Fatima Zahra (A.S) then added:

O People! Be informed that I am Fatima, and my father is Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) I say that repeatedly and initiate it continually; I say not what I say mistakenly, nor do I do what I do aimlessly. Now hath come unto you an Apostle from amongst yourselves; it grieves him that you should perish; ardently anxious is he over you; to the believers he is most kind and merciful.

Thus, if you identify and recognize him, you shall realize that he is my father and not the father of any of your women, the brother of my cousin (Ali A.S.) rather than any of your men. What an excellent identity he was, may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him and his descendants.

Thus, he propagated the Message, by coming out openly with the warning and while inclined away from the path of the polytheists, (whom he) struck their strength and seized their throats, while he invited (all) to the way of his Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching.

He destroyed idols, and defeated heroes, until their group fled and turned their backs. So night revealed its dawn; righteousness uncovered its genuineness; the voice of the religious authority spoke out loud; the evil discords were silenced; The crown of hypocrisy was diminished; the tightening of infidelity and desertion were untied, So you spoke the statement of devotion amongst a band of starved ones; and you were on the edge of a hole of fire; (you were) the drink of the thirsty one; the opportunity of the desiring one; the fire brand of him who passes in haste; the step for feet; you used to drink from the water gathered on roads; eat jerked meat.

(Lady Fatima (A.S.) was stating their lowly situation before Islam)

You were despised outcasts always in fear of abduction from those around you. Yet, Allah rescued you through my father, Muhammad (P.B.U.H) after much ado, and after he was confronted by mighty men, the Arab beasts, and the demons of the people of the Book Who, whenever they ignited the fire of war, Allah extinguished it; and whenever the thorn of the devil appeared, or a mouth of the polytheists opened wide in defiance, he (P.B.U.H) would strike its discords with his brother (Ali A.S.), who comes not back until he treads its wing with the sole of his feet, and extinguishes its flames with his sword.

(Ali is) diligent in Allah’s affair, near to the Messenger of Allah, A master among Allah’s worshippers, setting to work briskly, sincere in his advice, earnest and exerting himself (in service to Islam); While you were calm and feeling safe in your comfortable lives, waiting for us to meet disasters, awaiting the spread of news, you fell back during every battle, and took to your heels at times of fighting. Yet, When Allah chose His Prophet from the dwell of His prophets, and the abode of His sincere (servants); The thorns of hypocrisy appeared on you, the garment of faith became worn out, The misguided ignorant(s) spoke out, the sluggish ignorant came to the front and brayed.

The he camel of the vain wiggled his tail in your courtyards and the your courtyards and the Devil stuck his head from its place of hiding and called upon you, he found you responsive to his invitation, and observing his deceits. He then aroused you and found you quick (to answer him), and invited you to wrath, therefore; you branded other than your camels and proceeded to other than your drinking places. Then while the era of the Prophet was still near, the gash was still wide, the scar had not yet healed, and the Messenger was not yet buried.

A (quick) undertaking as you claimed, aimed at preventing discord (trial); Surely, they have fallen into trial already! And indeed Hell surrounds the unbelievers. How preposterous! What an idea! What a falsehood!

For Allah’s Book is still amongst you, its affairs are apparent; its rules are manifest; its signs are dazzling; its restrictions are visible, and its commands are evident. Yet, indeed you have casted it behind your backs! What! Do you detest it?

Or according to something else you wish to rule? Evil would be the exchange for the wrongdoers!

And if anyone desires a religion other than Islam (submission to Allah), it never will it be accepted from him; And in the hereafter, he will be in the ranks of those who have lost.

Surely you have not waited until its stampede seized, and it became obedient. You then started arousing its flames, instigating its coal, complying with the call of the misled devil, quenching the light of the manifest religion, and extinguished the light of the sincere Prophet. You concealed sips on froth and proceeded towards his (the Prophet) kin and children in swamps and forests (meaning you plot against them in deceitful ways), but we are patient with you as if we are being notched with knives and stung by spearheads in our abdomens, Yet-now you claim-that there is not inheritance for us!

What! ”Do they then seek after a judgment of (the Days of) ignorance? But how, for a people whose faith is assured, can give better judgment than Allah? Don’t you know? Yes, indeed it is obvious to you that I am his daughter.

O Muslims! Will my inheritance be usurped? O son of Abu Quhafa! Where is it in the Book of Allah that you inherit your father and I do not inherit mine?

Surely you have come up with an unprecedented thing. Do you intentionally abandon the Book of Allah and cast it behind your back? Do you not read where it says:

‘And Sulaiman inherited Dawood’?

And when it narrates the story of Zakariya and says: ‘So give me an heir as from thyself; (One that) will inherit me, and inherit the posterity of Yaqoob’

And: ‘But kindred by hood have prior rights against each other in the Book of Allah’

And: ‘Allah (thus) directs you as regards your children’s (inheritance) to the male, a portion equal to that of two females’

And: If he leaves any goods, that he make a bequest to parents and next of kin, according to reasonable usage; this is due from the pious ones.’ You claim that I have no share! And that I do not inherit my father!

What! Did Allah reveal a (Quranic) verse regarding you, from which He excluded my father? Or do you say: ‘These (Fatima and her father) are the people of two faiths, they do not inherit each other?’ Are we not, me and my father, a people adhering to one faith? Or is it that you have more knowledge about the specifications and generalizations of the Quran than my father and my cousin (Imam Ali)? So, here you are! Take it! (Ready with) its nose rope and saddled! But if shall encounter you on the Day of Gathering; (thus) what a wonderful judge is Allah, a claimant is Muhammad, and a day is the Day of Rising.

At the time of the Hour shall the wrongdoers lose; and it shall not benefit you to regret (your actions) then! For every Message, there is a time limit and soon shall you know who will be inflicted with torture that will humiliate him, and who will be confronted by an everlasting punishment.

(Fatima (SA) then turned towards the Ansars and said:)

O you people of intellect! The strong supporters of the nation! And those who embraced Islam; what is this shortcoming in defending my right? And what is this slumber (while you see) injustice (being done towards me)?

Did not the Messenger of Allah (P.B.U.H.) my father, used to say:

‘A man is upheld (remembered) by his children’? O how quick have you violated (his orders)? How soon have you plotted against us? But you still are capable (of helping me in) my attempt, and powerful (to help me) in that which I request and (in) my pursuit (of it).

Or do you say: ”Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) has perished;” Surely this is a great calamity; Its damage is excessive. Its injury is great, Its wound (is much too deep) to heal.

The Earth became darkened with his departure; the stars eclipsed for his calamity; hopes were seized; mountains submitted; sanctity was violated, and holiness was encroached upon after his death. Therefore, this, by Allah, is the great affliction, and the grand calamity; there is not an affliction which is the like of it; nor will there be a sudden misfortune (as surprising as this).

The Book of Allah-excellent in praising him-announced in the courtyards (of your houses) in the place where you spend your evenings and mornings; A call, A cry, A recitation, and (verses) in order: It had previously came upon His (Allah’s) Prophets and Messengers; (for it is) A decree final, and a predestination fulfilled: ”Muhammad is not but an Apostle:

Many were the apostles that passed away before him. If he died or was slain, will ye then turn back on your heels? If any did turn back on his heel, not the least harm will he do to Allah, but Allah (on the other hand) will swiftly reward those who (serve Him) with gratitude.”

O you people of reflection; will I be usurped the inheritance of my father while you hear and see me?! (And while) You are sitting and gathered around me? You hear my call, and are included in the (news of the) affair?

(But) You are numerous and well equipped! (You have) the means and the power, and the weapons and the shields. Yet, the call reaches you but you do not answer; the cry comes to you but you do not come to help? (This) While you are characterized by struggle, known for goodness and welfare, the selected group (which was chosen), and the best ones chosen by the Messenger (P.B.U.H.) for us, Ahlul-Bayt. You fought the Arabs, bore with pain and exhaustion, struggled against the nations, and resisted their heroes.

We were still, so were you in ordering you, and you in obeying us. So that Islam became triumphant, the accomplishment of the days came near, the fort of polytheism was subjected, the outburst of fabrication subsided, the flames of infidelity calmed down, and the system of religion was well-ordered. Thus, (why have you) become confused after clearness? Conceal matters after announcing them? Turned on your heels after daring? Associated (others with Allah) after believing?

Will you not fight people who violated their oaths? Plotted to expel the Apostle and became aggressive by being the first (to assault) you? Do ye fear them? Nay, it is Allah whom you should more justly fear, if you believe! Nevertheless, I see that you are inclined to easy living; dismissed he who is more worthy of guardianship (Ali A.S.); you secluded yourselves with meekness and dismissed that which you accepted. Yet, if you show ingratitude, you and all on earth together, yet, Allah free of all wants worthy of all praise. Surely I have said all that I have said with full knowledge that you intent to forsake me, and knowing the betrayal, which your hearts sensed. But, it is the state of soul, the effusion of fury, the dissemination of (what is) the chest and the presentation of the proof Hence, Here it is!

Bag it (leadership and) put it on the back of an ill she camel, which has a thin hump, with everlasting grace, marked with the wrath of Allah, and the blame of ever (which leads to) the Fire of (the wrath of) Allah kindled (to a blaze), that which doth mount (right) to the hearts; For, Allah witnesses what you do, and soon will the unjust assailants know what vicissitudes their affairs will take!! And I am the daughter of a Warner (the Prophet P.B.U.H.) to you against a severe punishment. So, act and so will we, and wait, and we shall wait.”

Sayyeda Zainab's (as) Speech to the tyrant and oppressor Yazid (la)

O Yazid, practice any trick you can and do anything that you think would vanish Islam, but you should know that you can not eradicate our message, path and memory. You should know that our memory will never die.

Yazid recited the blasphemous poetic verses of Abdullah bin Zab'ari Sahmi which he had composed while he was an unbeliever and also added some poetic verses of his own and said openly that he wanted to take revenge upon the descendants of Muhammad because Muhammad and his companions had killed his polytheist ancestors.

Zainab, the daughter of Ali rose and began speaking. She added a new chapter to the history of the Caliphate of Yazid which covered a period of three years and a few months, and said: "O Yazid! Allah and His Prophet have said that committing sins and considering the signs of Allah to be false is ridiculing them", i.e. deny the sign of Allah today and hold them in derision and have become happy, and recite poetic verses on account of the martyrdom of the children of the Holy Prophet just as the polytheists of Makkah became happy and sang songs because of the martyrdom of some Muslims in the Battle of Uhud, and talk about taking revenge upon the Holy Prophet. This is how you become like them and how you have reached this stage? You have reached this stage because you have committed too many sins. Whoever treads the path of sin and persists in committing sins will, according to the verdict of the Qur'an, deny the signs of Allah one day and eventually will ridicule them and then deserve Divine punishment.

She added: "O Yazid! Do you think that we have become humble and despicable owing to the martyrdom of our people and our own captivity? As you have blocked all the paths for us, and we have been made captives and are being taken from one place to another, do you think that Allah has taken away his blessings from us? Do you think that by killing the godly persons you have become great and respectable and the Almighty looks at you with special grace and kindness? For this reason and on account of this wrong thinking you have become elated and arrogant. You have become boastful because you have seen that the matters have taken a turn in your favour. You have, however, forgotten what Allah says: The disbelievers must not think that Our respite is for their good We only give them time to let them increase their sins. For them there will be a humiliating torment." (Surah Ale Imran, 3: 178)

Then Zainab reminds Yazid that his grandmother and other relatives came into the fold of Islam only after the fall of Mecca at the hands of the Muslims. Since Mecca was taken without any war or bloodshed, legally the entire inhabitant could have been made the slaves of the Prophet. But the Prophet, out of his mercy, declared to the people of Mecca that 'I release you from the bonds of slavery, you are free.' In other words, Zainab wanted Yazid to remember that his ancestors were the 'freed slaves' of her grandfather. Look at the courage of Zainab! Standing as a prisoner in the court of Yazid, she does not hesitate to remind him of his reality.

She Said "O son of the freed ones! Is it justice that you keep your women and slave-girls in seclusion but have made the helpless daughters of the Holy Prophet ride on swift camels and given them in the hands of their enemies so that they may take them from one city to another".

Then she said: "Why shouldn't Yazid be spiteful against us, it is he, who looks at us with hostility. You say with perfect intrepidity and without imagining that you are committing a sin: 'I wish that my ancestors who were killed in Badr had been present here today'. Then you strike Imam Husayn in his teeth with a stick in your hand! Why shouldn't you be like this, although you have done what you wanted to do and have pulled out the roots of piety and virtue! You have shed the blood of the sons of the Holy Prophet and have hidden the brilliant stars on the earth from amongst the descendants of Abdul Muttalib under the clouds of oppression and injustice. However, you shall go before Allah soon.

You shall meet your ancestors and shall also be taken to their place. At that time you will wish that you had been blind and dumb and had not said that it was a day of rejoicing for your ancestors".

At this stage the daughter of Imam Ali prayed to Allah and said: "O Lord! Procure our right and take revenge upon those who have oppressed us".

Then she turned to Yazid and said: "By Allah you have pulled off your skin and cut off your flesh. You will soon go before the Prophet of Allah and will see with your own eyes that his children are in Paradise. It will be the day when Allah will deliver the descendants of the Holy Prophet from the state of being scattered and will bring all of them together in Paradise. This is the promise which Allah has made in the Holy Qur'an. He says: Do not think of those who are slain for the cause of Allah as dead. They are alive with their Lord and receive sustenance from Him. (Surah Ale Imran, 3: 169)

O Yazid! On the day when Allah will be the Judge and Muhammad will be the petitioner, and your limbs will give evidence against you, your father, who made you the ruler of the Muslims, will receive His punishment. On that day it will become known what reward the oppressors earn, whose position is worse and whose party is more humble. O enemy of Allah and O son of the enemy of Allah! I swear by Allah that I consider you to be humble and not fit even to be reprimanded and reproached. But what am I to do? Our eyes are shedding tears, our hearts are burning, and our martyrs cannot come to life by our reprimanding and reproaching you. My Hussain has been killed and the partisans of Satan are taking us to the fools so that they may get their reward for insulting Allah. Our blood is dripping from their hands and our flesh is falling down from their mouths. The sacred bodies of the martyrs have been placed at the disposal of the wolves and other carnivorous animals of the jungle. If you have gained something today by shedding blood, you will certainly be a loser on the Day of Judgment. On that day nothing but your deeds will count. On that day you will curse Ibn Marjāna and he will curse you. On that day you and your followers will quarrel with one another by the side of the Divine scale of Justice. On that day you will see that the best provision which your father made for you was that he enabled you to kill the children of the Prophet of Allah. I swear by Allah that I do not fear anyone except Him and do not complain to anyone else. You may employ your deceit and cunning efforts, but I swear by Allah that the shame and disgrace which you have earned by the treatment meted out to us cannot be eradicated".

The daughter of Fatima Zahra ended her speech with offering thanks to Allah. She said: "I thank Allah Who has concluded the task of the chiefs of the youths of Paradise with prosperity and forgiveness and accommodated them in Paradise. I pray to Allah that He may elevate their ranks and favor them more with His kindness, for Allah is Omnipotent".