By the Lord of the Kaaba, I am successful

By the Lord of the Kaaba, I am successful

This is the sentence which Imam Ali (as) said when Abdur Rahman ibne Muljm struck his sword on the sacred head of Imam Ali (as). In this one sentence Imam (as) explains the reality of the whole universe, His wilayat, the death and the truth of Tauheed. One who understands this one sentence will never be deceived by the explanation of Tauheed.

Throughout the whole history of mankind, Imam Ali (as) is the first and only personality who uttered these words at the time of his death. We must reflect upon these words of Imam Ali (as). When Imam (as) said, “By the Lord of the Kaaba, I am successful”, what is that thing which made Him be successful? Maaz’Allah was Imam (as) not successful before this time? I don’t care what non Shia say regarding this matter, but I am so hurt when I see some Shias lowering the status of one who is the greatness of all greats.

They say that even though Imam (as) had all of the attributes, but He (maaz’Allah) was devoid of the honor of martyrdom. So when He obtained martyrdom, He announced His success. I don’t think there is any more insulting and degrading statement than this.

First of all why didn’t the people who were martyred before Imam (as) such as Hz Hamza (as), Hz Jaffar Tayyar (as), Hz Ammar Yassir (ra), Hz Owais Karni (ra), etc say these words? Was the shahadat (martyrdom) worthless in their eyes? Why was Imam Ali (as) so proud of that moment in which one loses all of his senses?

The second point is that martyrdom is that thing which is the sadqah of Imam (as). Even if a person dies in his own bed but he has the love of Imam Ali (as) at the time of his death, he also is given the status of shaheed (martyr) as RasoolAllah (saw) said, “Anyone who dies on the love of Aal e Muhammad (as) dies the death of a shaheed (martyr)”. In such circumstances, what type of honor could shahadat (martyrdom) in ka’aba bring to Imam Ali (as)?

Imam Ali (as) was familiar with Allah, Tauheed and Ka’aba from his birth. On 13th of the month of Rajab his mother, Fatima bint Assad, found herself in labor; she went inside the Ka’ba, as she was near Al-Beit Al-Haram. There, she gave birth to Ali; the only person to be born in this most sacred place, implying that the child who was born there has dedicated his life, starting right from the moment of his birth, to worship Allah and guide man to His right path, standing always with the right and defending it with all the strength he possessed.

Imam’s early childhood tells us that he was virtually the son of the Prophet, not only in terms of the blood relation, but also in terms of the education the Prophet provided him with. The Prophet took him from his father when he was barely two years old, and he used to make him sleep beside him on the same bed, playing the role of a mother.

Recalling this stage, Imam (as) says: "You know how close I was to the Messenger… He put me in his lap and hugged me, and made me sleep beside him on his bed… He used to chew the food and give it to me to eat. He never found me tell any lie or do any wrong deed. I was always with him, following him as a baby camel following its mother".

Then, as a young man, Imam Ali (as) experienced with the Messenger the spirituality of loving Allah. From this stage, the Imam (as) recalls: "He used to teach me everyday one of his goods norms of ethics and ask me to abide by it. He used to go each year to the cave of Hiraa where I was the only one who could see him."

He lived with the Messenger the meaning of praying as a spiritual ascension to the creator.

Later on and as people began to enter the religion of Allah in groups, Ali became their teacher and guide. He was also the knight who fought for Islam, since the battle of Badr, as no one else did. It has been said that Ali, on his own, has killed half the infidels, and all the remaining Muslims killed the other half. It is also said that Gabriel declared that “there was no champion of war other than Ali and no sword other than his sword”. When Imam Ali (as) fought Amr Bin Abi Wud, the Messenger said: "Belief in its entirety has challenged unbelief as a whole".

And he continued to live with the Prophet, until he passed away.

Allah gave two tasks to Imam Ali (as) which were completely opposite to each other. It is considered impossible to perform two totally opposite tasks at the same time. However Imam Ali (as) proved it to be possible even though according to intellect it is absolutely impossible that one can be able to perform both these completely and totally opposite tasks at the same time.

Imam (as)’s first responsibility was to prove the essence of Allah and to practically prove the Tauheed of Allah in order for the people to believe in the Oneness of Allah and to worship Allah. This task was not possible until people were able to see the attributes of Allah with their own eyes. It only becomes possible when all of the attributes of Allah were revealed through Imam Ali (as) so that the people could witness them by their own eyes and testify to what they had seen themselves.

However in this situation, no one would ever have believed there was any other Allah except Imam Ali (as) because whatever imaginings they had about Allah in their minds and whatever attributes they had associated with Allah, they were seeing that being revealed through Imam Ali (as). The purpose of Imam Ali (as) seemed to be unsuccessful.

Now Imam Ali (as) had to prove His servitude. Servitude cannot be proven until you express your humility. Power and humility are complete opposites of each other. If you prove you are powerful, then you cannot prove you are humble. If you prove you are humble, then you lose power. In this circumstance, Imam’s purpose could not be fulfilled. On the 19th of Ramadan in Masjid e Kufa a horrible incident occurred. This incident has been preserved in the history for all of mankind until the Day of Judgment. When Imam Ali (as) was struck upon the head, he was performing Sajdah to someone and no one is able to deny this. This was that success which turned the impossible into possible.

One of the major concerns of Imam Ali (as) throughout his life was to educate people, not only in his age but also in all ages.

Imam Ali (as) is the Imam of knowledge, thought, piety, Islam and Jihad, for his time and for all times. Let us learn from him and consider him as our role model. Ali, the man who was born in Allah’s house, and who dedicated all his life for the causes of Allah, was happy when he was killed in the mosque, because he knew that he has won the martyrdom that culminated in educating the people about Allah and his Tauheed and live a life of devotion and piety: So he said: "I swear by the Lord of the Ka’ba that I have won."

We cannot but love Ali with all hearts, minds and all our being.

Peace be upon Imam Ali (as), the day he was born, the day he passed away, and the day he will be brought back to life.

"Verily we are Allah's and verily unto him shall we return." (02:156).

The memory of Qom is Unforgettable

By: Masroor Abbas Ansari

Why does everything change with time? Why do we lose what we had gained? Why do we gain what we had never aspired for? Why our lives keep on changing while we trod towards unseen destination? Why for a while everything lost its meaning? And why next moment we cry for the moment we have lost? Why is it that the time, which will never come back and has remained just a memory, now, haunts us? Destinations, paths, companions, everything has changed with the stroke of time. Time itself has changed. The companions of yesteryears have become strangers. But the only thing which has not changed are the goals we had set together. The approach to pursue these goals have probably changed but they have not have lost their meaning. The dreams we had seen have not lost their essence yet. It seems that life has come to a different station from where we will have to trek different undreamt paths for reaching the same goals we had set forth. The journey of life is analogous to the student life, full of challenges and uncertainties but still hopeful of being victorious.

College and University life is the best part of every student, so was mine especially as the talabe (student of Hauza Ilmia Qom). The journey of Hauza Ilmia (religious Seminary) was full of experiences and memorable moments. It was Madrasa Hindia from where my Talabe life started, then contuinued in Madrasa Sadook, Hujatia, Khatam-un-Nabiyeen and after all in the Imam Khomeini Seminary (Jamia Aalimiya Al Mustafa).

It is the loss of precious things that makes you sad. Infact life has changed a lot. The transformation from the life of a real "Talabe" to the present one is like the shift from one world to the other. Now I find myself alone amid crowd. While I invite myself for the self-introspection, I wondered what I gained and what I lost after my Qom life. I gained degrees and a lot of experience that will help me throughout my life. I lost some precious moments, which will never comeback. The moments I had spent in the classes attending lectures. The occasions I went to the holy shrine of Blessed Lady Hazrat Fatema Mæ'sumeh (AS) and the Jamkaran Mosque. Time of Dua Tawasul on Tuesday nights, Dua Kumail of Thursday nights, Dua Nudba of Friday mornings. Now I really miss the Prayers behind Late Ayatullah Behjat, Sermons on Ethics by Late Ayatullah Mishkeeni, Philosophical lectures by Ayatullah Misbah Yezdi, the saga of revolution by Agai Panahiyaan. I have lost the time I shared with my friends and colleagues. 

I miss time that I spent along with my classmates in organizing those debates, presentations, events, etc. The every bit of moment I spent with my colleagues in those events will remain with me forever. 

Our faculty of “Philosophy & Kalam” is our role model which inspired us with all the qualities necessary for being a successful preacher, orator and above all the successful man in life.

Vacational tours to rest of Iran will be among other events which added to my experience and exposure. I miss the most those days when we collectively protested against the attrocities of Indian forces in Kashmir. Whether it be the dusty Hill tops of Southern Khozistan or the blue coasts of Caspian sea in the North, Kashmiris were bound to protest and show solidarity with their brethern in homeland. In every vacational tour the authorities had the apprehensions of some unique kind of protest from us. Especially I cannot forget the day long function in honor of the Kashmiri delegates who had come from different countries to participate in the OIC Summit in Tehran. It was the first Kashmiri student function to be organized in the convocation hall of Islamic propogation Centre of Qom. We had made special arrangements for function which were appreciated well by the guests. Apart from other things, the protests had resulted in the reviving and honouring of Kashmiri students unique identity by the authorities in Houza after long years. 

In our meetings we had dreamt of forming a Socio-political union. We had dreamt of making it a platform for the intellectual debate and student activism in Qom and the centre for propogation and preaching in Kashmir. But afterwards we lost the dream and Union came to an end. But the protests, activism and all that process of reviving the dead Union will always remain in my memories.

Apart from these reminiscences, the day to day life of Hauza also has many unforgettable memories. The entire city of Qom with its centre – the holy shrine of Sayyida Fatema Ma'suma – always remains before my eyes. From 72 Tan square to Zambilabad, every area reminds me of the days when I was pursuing studies. The streets of Safayia & the Salaria, the Bazar & the Guzar Khan, the Motthari square, the Char Mardum, the Neerugah and all still share memorable moments with me. Playing cricket at Zambilabad and Footbal in a park at Al Hadi Square are among them. Infact the quiet and still environment of the Mariashi library, Islamic propogation office library, Imam Khomeini library will always obsess me in the noisy and raucous atmosphere of present day life.

Events come and go, leaving an impact on the minds of people. The memories keep on adding new flavor and taste in our lives. But we should always be ready to face the life head on without losing balance and confidence. With every passing moment life is adding new alternatives, ways and means of survival. I think Qom Seminary life has equipped us enough to make our own ways from now onwards. We have set new goals, new dreams, and a new destination. But still we are looking for the companions that will remain with us till next stage. At the same time I hope we will not lose contact with the friends we earned in our Qom life.

I am thankful to my teachers, friends and classmates for sharing those memorable and unforgettable moments with me. God Bless you all. I don’t know whether it is an end or just a beginning but I will forever miss the Houza Ilmia Qom.

United Nations on Imam Ali Ibn Abi Talib (as)

UN Secretariat , the Committee of Human Rights in New York under the chairmanship of the Secretary General Kofi Annan issued , in 2002 A.D. , this historic resolution :

"The Caliph Ali Bin Abi Talib is considered the fairest governor who appeared during human history (After the Prophet Muhammed)"

UN Declaration was based on documents of 160 pages in English .

For this reason, the World Organization for Human Rights called the rulers of the world to follow the example of his sound and humanitarian method in ruling which revealed the spirit of social justice and peace .

It was mentioned that the famous American writer Michael Hamilton was acquainted with the administrative instructions that the Caliph Imam Ali gave to Malik Al Ashtar when he appointed him ruler for Egypt in 656 A.D. , urging him to treat people, who were not Muslims, with charity and beneficence confirming the necessity of equality among the Jews and Christians with Muslims in rights and tasks, he showed his high admiration for Imam Ali's wise policy that made him enter the history of humanity from its broad doors .

The United Nations has advised Arab countries to take Imam Ali bin Abi Talib (AS) as an example in establishing a regime based on justice and democracy and encouraging knowledge.

The UNDP in its 2002 Arab Human Development Report, distributed around the world, listed six sayings of Imam Ali (AS) about ideal governance.

They include consultation between the ruler and the ruled, speaking out against corruption and other wrong doings, ensuring justice to all, and achieving domestic development.

The UNDP said most regional countries are still far behind other nations in democracy, wide political representation, women's participation, development and knowledge.

Imam Ali bin Abi Talib (AS)'s sayings:

The UNDP quoted the following sayings of Imam Ali (AS) in its 2002 Arab Human Development Report:

1. "He who has appointed himself an Imam (ruler) of the people must begin by teaching himself before teaching others. His teaching of others must be first by setting an example rather than with his words, for he who begins by teaching and educating himself is more worthy of respect than he who teaches and educates others."

2. "Your concern with developing the land should be greater than your concern for collecting taxes, for the latter can only be obtained by developing; whereas he who seeks revenue without development destroys the country and the people."

3. "Seek the company of the learned and the wise in search of solving the problems of your country and the righteousness of your people."

4. "No good can come out in keeping silent to the government or in speaking out of ignorance."

5. "The righteous are men of virtue, whose logic is straightforward, whose dress is unostentatious, whose path is modest, whose actions are many and who are undeterred by difficulties."

6. "Choose the best among your people to administer justice among them. Choose someone who does not easily give up, who is unruffled by enmities, someone who will not persist in wrong doings, who will not hesitate to pursue right once he knows it, someone whose heart knows no greed, who will not be satisfied with a minimum of explanation without seeking the maximum of understanding, who will be the most steadfast when doubt is cast, who will be the least impatient in correcting the opponent, the most patient in pursuing the truth, the most stern in meting out judgment, someone who is unaffected by flattery and not swayed by temptation and these are but few."

Ref: Arab Human Development Report 2002

Good Governance Early Muslim Style

By Patricia Lee Sharpe

This piece, which I posted to counter anti-Muslim hysteria during the Bush administration, is probably even more relevant today, when political convenience and ignorance are combining to create a toxic environment for Muslims in America.

Ali bin Abi Talib, the fourth Caliph and son-in-law of the Prophet Mohammed, wrote a long letter of guidance after appointing Maalik al-Ashtar to be Governor of Egypt. He advises the new governor that his administration will succeed only if he governs with concern for justice, equity, probity and the prosperity of all.

The passages excerpted below illustrate the timeless applicability of Hazrat Ali’s admonitions. The letter itself is contained in the Nahjal Balaagha, which is a collection of the letters and speeches of the fourth Caliph.

Manifest religious tolerance: Amongst your subjects there are two kinds of people: those who have the same religion as you [and] are brothers to you, and those who have religions other than yours, [who] are human beings like you. Men of either category suffer from the same weaknesses and disabilities that human beings are inclined to; they commit sins, indulge in vices either intentionally or foolishly and unintentionally without realizing the enormity of their deeds. Let your mercy and compassion come to their rescue and help in the same way and to the same extent that you expect Allah to show mercy and forgiveness to you.

Equity is best: A policy which is based on equity will be largely appreciated. Remember that the displeasure of common men, the have-nots and the depressed persons overbalances the approval of important persons, while the displeasure of a few big people will be excused...if the general public and the masses of your subjects are happy with you.

The rich always want more: They are the people who will be the worst drag upon you during your moments of peace and happiness, and the least useful to you during your hours of need and adversity. They hate justice the most. They will keep demanding more and more out of State resources and will seldom be satisfied with what they receive and will never be obliged for the favor shown to them if their demands are justifiably refused.

A healthy society is interdependent: The army and the common men who pay taxes are two important classes, but in a well faring state their well-being cannot be guaranteed without proper functioning and preservation of the other classes, the judges and magistrates, the secretaries of the State and the officers of various departments who collect various revenues, maintain law and order as well as preserve peace and amity among the diverse classes of the society. They also guard the rights and privileges of the citizens and look to the performance of various duties by individuals and classes. And the prosperity of this whole set-up depends upon the traders and industrialists. They act as a medium between the consumers and suppliers. They collect the requirements of society. They exert to provide goods....Then comes the class of the poor and the disabled persons. It is absolutely necessary that they should be looked after, helped and provided....at least the minimum necessities for well-being and contented living....

Ensure an honest judiciary: You must select people of excellent character and high caliber with meritorious records. When they realize that they have committed a mistake in judgement, they should not insist on it by trying to justify it. They should not be corrupt, covetous or greedy. They should not be satisfied with ordinary enquiry or scrutiny of a case but must attach the greatest importance to reasoning, arguments and proofs. They should not get tired of lengthy discussions and arguments. They must exhibit patience and perseverance and when truth is revealed to them they must pass their judgements. These appointments must be made without any kind of favoritism being shown or influence being accepted; otherwise tyranny, corruption and misrule will reign. Let the judiciary be above every kind of executive pressure or influence, above fear or favour, intrigue or corruption.

Poverty leads to ruination: If a country is prosperous and if its people are well-to-do, then it will happily and willingly bear any burden. The poverty of the people is the actual cause of the devastation and ruination of a country and the main cause of the poverty of the people is the desire of its ruler and officers to amass wealth and possessions whether by fair or foul means.

Corruption undermines national well-being: I want to advise you about your businessmen and industrialists. Treat them well they are the sources of wealth to the country One more thing you must keep an eye over their activities as well. You know that they are usually stingy misers, intensely self-centered and selfish, suffering from the obsession of grasping and accumulating wealth. They often hoard their goods to get more profit out of them by creating scarcity and by indulging in black-marketing.

Stay in touch with the people: You must take care not to cut yourself off from the public. Do not place a curtain of false prestige between you and those over whom you rule. Such pretension and shows of pomp and pride are in reality manifestations of inferiority complex and vanity. The result of such an attitude is that you remain ignorant of the conditions of your subjects and of the actual cases of the events occurring in the State.

Peace brings prosperity: If your enemy invites you to a peace treaty never refuse to accept such an offer, because peace will bring rest and comfort to your armies, will relieve you of anxieties and worries, and will bring prosperity and affluence to your people. But even after such treaties be very careful of the enemies and do not place too much confidence in their promises be vigilant because they often resort to peace treaties to deceive and delude you and take advantage of your negligence, carelessness and trust. At the same time, be very careful never to break your promise with your enemy; never forsake the protection or support that you have offered to him, never go back upon your word and never violate the terms of the treaty.

History reveals all: Do not reserve for yourself anything which is a common property of all and in which others have equal rights. Do not close your eyes from glaring malpractice of officers, miscarriage of justice and misuse of rights, because you will be held responsible for the wrong thus done to others. In the near future your wrong practices and maladministration will be exposed and you will be held responsible and punished for the wrong done to the helpless and oppressed people."

http://www.arab-hdr.org/publications/other/ahdr/ahdr2002e.pdf

ARAB-HDR.ORG