Alhassanain(p) Network for Heritage and Islamic Thought

The Moral Stories (Part 01)

Author: Ahmed .H. Sheriff

www.alhassanain.org/english

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Table of Contents

Preface 4

The Khoja Who Discoverd the Truth 5

Shaddad's Paradise On Earth 8

Ka'aba Against The Might of Elephants 10

Lessons From The Life of an Ant 12

Ghulamhusein and The Game of Chance 14

Where Music Leads To 16

Do Stars Influence Our Destiny? 18

The Tragic End of an Oppresive King 21

In Willing Submission To The Will of Allah 23

The Chosen Five Dignitaries of Islam 24

Allah is The Guide For Every Creature 26

The Value of Sincerity of Purpose 28

LOVE FOR ALLAH AND FOR HIS SAKE ONLY 30

CONSEQUENCES OF INGRATITUDE TOWARDS ALLAH'S BOUNTIES 32

A Unique Exapmle of Islamic Brotherhood 34

A Splendid Example of Staunch Faith 36

A Valiant Woman of Faith 37

Greedy Even in Old Age 39

ISLAMIC EQUALITY AND FAIRPLAY IN PRACTICE 41

Preface

It is a recognized fact that relating of stories is one of the best venues of making think and reform their ideas.And those true stories of important events in the past afford opportunities to readers not only to reform their ways of thinking but also uplift their moral standards.

The Holy Qur'an tells us about the prophets who were asked to relate to their people stories of past events (ref: 7:176) so that they may think. Parables are also mentioned in the Holy Bookso as to warn people against pitfalls in their ways of life asweel as to provide examples of virtue and vice. The aim has been to bid people to do good and forbid them from doing bad.

I haveendeavoured in this booklet to relate stories extracted from thepast history , adding explanatory notes and relevantquatations form the Holy Qur'an andahadith .

It is hoped that this will serve to acquaint readers to the true Islamic values as well as in uplifting moral standards where needed. Itis also aimed at helping lecturers in schools and in public gatherings.

Readers are requested to accord due respect to this booklet in view of the Holyquatations contained in therein.Also to help us in circulating it asas to spread the benefit as widely as possible.

Ahmed H. Sheriff

P.O.box 83856

Mombasa

Kenya

TheKhoja WhoDiscoverd the Truth

Over five hundred years ago, some people in India and Iran held a strange belief about God. They believed that God entered into everything in the Universe and that everything has the essence of God. The believers of this originally were Hindus as well as a sect of Muslims.

Among the leaders of this beliefwere PeerSadruddeen , an ancestor of the Aga Khans in Iran as well as one Hindu known asSahadeva Joshi.

With this belief, they made up areligion which theylabelled as SatPanth meaning Right Path. The followers of this new path came to be known asKhojas which is said to be a Sindhi word derived from the word "KHOJ" meaning to search.

Perhaps it meant that theKhojas are those people who originally made deep search to find a religious path. It is also said that the word KHOJ A is derived from the wordKhwaja meaning a man of distinction a title awarded by the Peer to the newly converts to the SatPanth .

The creed of this new religionis based on incarnation of God i.e. God entered into some human beings, as believed by Hindus. To nine incarnations of Hindu God Vishnu, they addedHazrat Ali (A.S.) as the tenth incarnation.

They believed in him as God as didAlawites - theNusairies in Syria. They proclaimed themselvesShias as well, meaning the followers ofHazrat Ali (A.S.) and his family.

Itis mentioned that a Persian mystic by name AliItahi had come to Kutch in India. He took with him some eagerKhojas to Iran and introduced them to the ancestors of theAgha Khans.

Itis thought that these firm believers in the new religion and the close followers of PeerSadruddeen came to be known asBawas . After the death of the Peer, they became the guardians of the religions of theKhojas .It is theseBawas who preached that theAgha Khans were incarnation of God and included this belief in the GINANS - the prayer book read usually inJamat Khanas .

TheBawas had considerable influence over theKhojas as they also controlled the various ceremonies concerning marriage and death, etc. TheKhoja faithful who took their lessons from theBawas came tobe known asBhagats .

TheKhojas were mainly a trading community resident in Bombay, Karachi as well as lesser numbers in towns and villages of Kutch and Kathiawar in India. Some of them migrated to Zanzibar and other East African towns during the years 1850 - 1900 to expand their business. TheKhojas in those days were rather ignorant and simple people.

They became influenced by social traditions of theHindus, some of these traditions are still to be seen in marriage ceremonies although many have disappeared with the times.

Despite being involved and surrounded by peculiar andunlslamic beliefs and traditions,, historical records show us that theKhojas were deeply devoted towards Imam Husain (A.S.).

They would spend large sums to commemorate the martyrdom of the Imam. Those who could afford would regularly travel to Karbala and other Holy places to pay their homage at the shrines of the Imams.

Sometime during 1860 - 70 A.D., a Shiite Muslim from Madras, India, by name ofMulla Qader Husain is said to have gone to Karbala on pilgrimage as well as to stay therefor the purpose of acquiring more knowledge inShiism .

While there by chance hecame into contact with some prominentKhoja Zuwwars - pilgrims from Zanzibar as well as Bombay. Among them wereNurmohamedbhai ,Mukhi Hashambhai Dossa andDewji Jamal. On their visit to him,Mulla Qader would teach them the recitation of HolyQura'n as well as Islamic rules about cleanliness, prayers, etc.

Mulla Qader once described to them the merits ofHazrat Ali (A.S.). SuddenlyNurmohamedbhai said "WeKhojas believe that Ali (A.S.) is God" On hearing this, theMulla was greatly astonished. On further discussion, he learnt that "Khojas also believed that Ali was the tenth incarnation of God and the Aga Khan the forty-sixth incarnation ofAly or God."

Obviously this belief is in absolute contradiction to the basic principles of Islamic belief inTawheed - the Oneness of God. Belief in any form of human relationship with God such as entering of God into human bodyis considered as SHIRK - polytheism. The pure belief in the absolute Unity of Allah is the foundation of Islam and one who contradicts itcannot be called a Muslim.

"Surely Allah does not forgive that anything should be associated with Him, and He forgives what is besides this to whom He pleases; and whoever associates anything with Allah, he indeed strays off into a remote error." (14:116)

Thus Mulla Qader became deeply concerned about the ignorance of theKhojas and did his best to correct their beliefs. He took them to theMujtahid SheikhZainul Abedeen and reported their plight.

TheMulla was invited byDewji Jamal to accompany him to Bombay and Zanzibarso as to impart the knowledge of true Islam to theKhojas but he was not willing to leaveKerbala .Finally at the insistence of theMujtahid SheikhZainul Abedeen he agreed and left for Bombay where he first stayed withDewjibhai .

In Bombay,Mulla Qader started aMadrassa in which he taught the rules and tenets of true Islam according toShia Ithnasheri beliefs. Gradually he also led a congregationalprayer which was first attended by 15/20 people later expanding to 50 and more persons.

This had tobe done secretly inside a house in order to safeguard the lives of the faithful who had separated from the main stream ofAgha Khani sect ofIsmaili Khojas .

On separation thus of theKhoja community into two different sects of theIsmailis as followers ofAgha Khan andIthnasheris as followers of Twelve Imams, there were repeated incidents of trouble between the two sects. TheIthnasheris were boycotted in matters of business, social contacts, burial, etc.

So harsh was the friction between the two that at times criminalswere hired to stab the converts and murders took place.

But so firm and staunch were those handful in their faith that they could not be drawn away from the path of truth they had discovered. Their courage is indeed worth appreciating and taking lesson from.

Today theKhoja Shia Ithnasheries numbering more than 100,000 are prosperously scattered throughout the world in India, Pakistan, East Africa, Madagascar as well as Europe, USA, Canada. They not only maintain their Islamic traditions but also contribute their time,energy and money for the propagation of truth.

Shaddad's ParadiseOn Earth

'Aad ' was a descendent of Prophet Noah. Thousands of years ago, his people had lived in the deserts of "AL-AHQAF" around Oman andHadhramut in South Arabia. They were strongly built and very tall. They believed in no God but worshipped idols.

Prophet 'HUD'was sent by Allah to preach and guide them on the right path. He advised them to worship one God as taught by Islam but they paid no heed. Allah punished them by stopping rain and drought over took them for years.

Then some people went to Prophet 'Hud ' begging him to pray to Allah for the rains. The Prophet prayed and instructed them to return to their villages. Thereafter it rained and people prospered.But never did they amend their conduct nor abandon their faith in idol-worship. Al last they were destroyed bypunishement from Allah.

When 'Aad ' died, he left behind two sonsShaddad andShadeed . After some timeShadeed also died andShaddad became the ruler of his kingdom. He had appointed several governors in the areas over which he ruled. He grew so arrogant that he even claimed to be God and compelled his people to worship him.

Allah sent Prophet 'Hud ' to approach 'Shaddad ' advising him to correct his wrong thinking and conduct. In response, he once asked the Prophet what reward he could expect if he were to put his faith in Allah and worship One God. Hewas told that he would have a place in paradise.

Shaddad inquired what sort of place it was. The Prophet described it as a blissful place where the righteous and true believers in Allahwould after death enjoy the best ofevery thing . 'Shaddad ' responded saying it was nothing since he could also build similar place or even a better one on earth.

He then resolved to build a huge and beautiful paradise of his own on earth. He sent someone toZohak Tazi - who ruled Iran with request to purchase all available quantity of gold and silver.

He also sent people around to other places and acquired large quantities of valuable items including muskand amber etc . He then gathered all his experts and architects and gave them instructions to construct amagnificient 'paradise' on earth.

A place with good climate and scenery somewhere in south Arabiawas selected . High palaces and towers with walls inlaid with gold and silver were constructed. Beautiful pearls andemaralds were spread on floors instead of sand.

Trees made of gold with branches hanging withmusks and amberwere put up in plush gardens.Everytime the windblew, the sweet scent OT their perfume would spread around. Pretty womenwere accommodated there to beautify the dream setting. All valuable metals and materialswere supplied and it took some three hundred years to complete it.

In thosevery olden days, people used to live very long. Prophet Noah had lived for 900 years.Similary Shaddad was informed that he would live about that long.So he was extremely anxious to enter and live in his lavish man made paradise before his death.

He gave orders to all people to proceed to the walls of dazzling city of high andmagnificient pillars described in the holy Quran as IRAM ZATIL IMAD. Then he himself came out of his residence inHadramont with his large army for opening ceremony. As he neared the paradise of his imagination, suddenly he saw a deer with trunk and legs of gold and silver.

He gave chase to capture it but in sodoing he got separated from his army. Now alone, unexpectedly he was faced with a frightfulhorseman who in raised voice said: "OhShaddad ! You imagined that you will be saved from death and livefor ever after entering this man-made paradise on earth."

Shaddad on hearing this trembled and inquired who he was. "I am MALAKOL MAUT" - (the angel of death) came the reply.

"What do you want and why are you obstructing me?" askedShaddad . "I have come to take away your soul", he replied.

Shaddad pleaded for sometime at least to be able to enter his paradise but the angel of death refused saying he had no permission from Allah to do so. He then fell from his horseback and his soul instantly departed from his body.

His army heard a deafening and frightening sound from the sky andthey also perished on the spot. None of them couldfulfil their ardent desire of entering thefictitous paradise. Thewhole decorated structure crumbled and got buried under the Arabian sands.

What a splendid example of the consequence of one who thought he could challenge the Might of Allah, who had become arrogantas a result of this enormous wealth. What a tragedy that he could not even step into his man- made paradise.

The Holy Quran has truly described such people in these words:

"Nay! man is most surely inordinate,

Because he sees himself free from want." (96: 6-7)

Ka'aba Against The Might of Elephants

During the sixth century around 570 A.D., before the advent of Islam, the part of Arabia known as Yemen was under the rule of the Abyssinian Christians who had driven away the JewishHimyar rulers.

The Abyssinian viceroy in Yemen wasAbraha Ashram. He was determined to build great church inSan'aa , present capital of Yemen,so as to make it a leading centre of commerce and place of pilgrimage for the Christian world. He was convinced that this dream could only be realized if he could first destroyMecca which was then a huge centre of commerce and pilgrimage.

Intoxicated with power and fired by religious fanaticism,Abraha finally made his vicious plans. Accompanied by a big herd of elephants and other animals, he led an expedition and marched to destroy the HolyKa'aba in Mecca.

The Arabs in those days hardly had any opportunity to see an elephant in their lives.Hence the army ofAbraha is described in history as 'ASHABUL FEEL' i.e. the army with elephants.

Abraha camped his army on the outskirts of Mecca preparing to attack and destroy the holyKa'aba . During the course of preparation, his army stole some 700 camels belonging to AbdulMuttalib - the grandfather of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W)The camels were grazing in the open fields outside the city.

Abraha sent a message to AbdulMuttalib who was the supreme chief of Mecca, informing him his intention of destroying the HolyKa'aba . AbdulMuttalib replied that he would meetAbraha in person and talk to him. When he approached the invading army's camp, hewas received respectfully and given anhonourable seat nearAbraha .

As the two men talked, AbdulMuttalib said that he had come to complain aboutAbraha's army stealing his camels.Abraha answered, "I have come to conquer Mecca, your place of worship, and you worry about your camels?" AbdulMuttalib repiied , "I am theowner and responsible for the camels so I have come for them. TheKa'aba belongs to God and it is the concern of the owner of that house whether to save it or not."Abraha , amazed by the reply, returned Abdul.

Muttalib's camels to him but was determined to attack the city. AbdulMuttalib advised his people to move into the hills for safety.

AsAbraha entered the city a huge flock of tiny birds, like a patch of cloud appeared in the sky. Each bird had a small pebble in its tiny beak and dropped it on the invading soldiers. The stones fell exactly on the men and theywere instantly killed and fell prone on the ground.

Abraha was spared but one bird flew above him. The king asked him what kind of birds had acted so miraculously.Abraha raised his eyes to thesky and saw the bird and pointed out it to the king; the bird dropped the stone andAbraha was instantly killed. After the miraculous event,Abraha's armywas found lying on the ground as bits of some withered and crunched grass rendered useless for any purpose.

Is this event not a clear miracle proving the sanctity of theKa'aba and the people whowere truly attached to it such as AbdulMuttalib and the people of his house?

Had he not shown his utmost confidence in Allah as the real protector of the Holy Shrine and guided his people to safety, they would have perhaps bowed down to themight and pomp ofAbraha and made a truce with him.Consequently the history of Mecca and the holy shrine as well as the glory of Islam would have been different.

Another important lesson to draw from this event for men of all ages is that a man intoxicated with power can prepare armies and armaments against God's holy plan, but such a man's action will be his own downfall, he cannot prevail against God.

The HolyQura'n has in eloquent words described this incident as follows:

"Have you not considered how your Lord dealt with the companions of the elephant?

Did He not cause their war to end in confusion, And send down (to prey) upon them birds in flocks, Casting against them stones of baked clay, So He rendered them like straw eaten up" (105: 1-5)

LessonsFrom The Life of an Ant

ProphetSulayman once was sitting on the bank of a lake deeply engrossed in the beauties of nature around and appreciating the various forms of Allah's creation on earth.

Suddenly the Prophet's attentionwas drawn towards an ant creeping forward with a grain of wheat in its mouth. As it reached near the water, a tortoise came out, opened its mouth and the ant crept into it. The tortoise closing its mouth disappeared under the water.

After a while, the tortoise again sprung out of thewater and standing on the bank opened its mouth and the ant came out.But this time it had no grain of wheat in its mouth. The Prophet became anxious to know what had been happening under water.

On inquiring, the ant explained that at the bottom of the lake, there was a stone and underneath it there was another antwho was blind.

Allah had created it there and because of blindness, it could not move out.I have been appointed by Allah to provide its daily sustenance with the assistance of the tortoise.Hence I do perform this dutyeveryday .

ProphetSulayman in response to his special prayer to Allah was granted kingdom and was given power over the forces of nature, over theJinns and devils and the birds and other living creatures. He was also endowed with knowledge of their language hence his ability to speak to the ant.

Let us ponder over one thing. If a tiny creature like an ant living under a stone at the bottom of a sea is not denied its sustenance, why shouldman - the noblest of all creatures ever suspect loss of his sustenance from Almighty Allah.

ProphetSulayman's subjects were of various types and they lived peacefully and co-operatively by his discipline,justice and good government.Jinns , men and the birds gathered in groups before him. On their long marchout once they came to a lowly valley of ants.

This valley contained huge deposits of invaluable metals like gold,silver and precious stones.This precious place was guarded by Allah with extraordinary kinds and sizes of ants.On account of this, none could approach the place on foot nor mounted.

When the chief of the ants saw the pomp and the glory of the huge army ofSulayman approaching towards it in the air, it sounded the caution to all of its kind in the valley to get into their holes lest theyget trampled down and crushed.

ProphetSulayman smiled at the precaution taken by the ants and ordered his companions to wait until the ants went into their holes and to be careful not to cause any harm to the ants when passing through. He prayed to Allah to make him grateful for Hisfavours and todo good deeds that please Him and to admit him among His righteous servants. Addressing the chief of the ants, the Prophetis reported to have said:

"How could my people hurt you and your like as they are floating in the air and don't you know that I am the apostle of Allah and would never act unfairly?"

The Chief of the ants replied:

"Oh apostle of Allah! My cautioning my flock was not for fear of hurt but to prevent them getting astray and forgetting the glory of Allah after seeing the glory of your army or your pomp and glamour and be tempted by them."

That even the humblestcreatures of Allah like the ant is endowed with the necessary wisdom to live and protect its life is apparent from this. Besides oneshould not be overtaken by the glory of the worldly pomp of the rulers and kings as to forget the glory of the creator Allah that is what the ant teaches us.

On the otherhand the prayer of ProphetSulayman indicates his humility before Almighty Allah who had bestowed upon him control over the forces of nature.

That one should utilize God's bounties for righteousness and for good to others is also the lesson we derive. Despite all his possessions and glory as the king ruling over a vast empire and having control over various creatures, ProphetSulayman used to fast the whole day, weave baskets and sell them. From the return of his ownlabour , he used to purchase loaves and eat them sitting along with the poor.

In one of his sermons inNahjul Balagha , Imam Ali (A.S.) exhorts people to ponder over the power of Allah's creation and citing example of the creation of an ant he says:

"Had they pondered over the greatness of His power and the vastness of His bounty they would have returned to the right path and feared the punishment of the Fire; but hearts are sick and eyes are impure. Do they not see the small things He has created, how He strengthened theirsystem and opened for them hearing and sight and made for them bones and skins? Look at the ant with its small body and delicate form.

Itcan hardly be seen in the corner of the eye, nor by the perception of the imagination - how it moves on the earth and leaps at its livelihood. It carries the grain to its hole and deposits it in its place of stay. It collects during the summer for itswinter, and during strength for the period of its weakness.

Its livelihoodis guaranteed , and it is fed according to fitness. Allah, the Kind, does not forget it and (Allah the Giver) does not deprive it, even though it may be in dry stone or fixed rocks.

If you have thought about its digestive tracts inits high and low parts, the carapace of its belly, and its eyes and its ears in its head you would be amazed at its creation and you would feel difficulty in describing it. Exalted is He who made it stand on its legs and erected it on its pillars (of limbs).

No other originator took part with Him in its origination and no one having power assisted Him in its creation. If you tread on the paths of your imagination and reach its extremity it will not lead you anywhere except that the Originator of the ant is the same as He who is the Originator of the date-palm, because everything has (the same) delicacy and detail, and every living being has little difference."

Ghulamhusein andThe Game of Chance

Ghulamhusein was a popular social figure and a keen host of guests coming to him from distant lands. He lived inMoshi , a beautiful small town at the foot of Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania.

He was generous and hospitable toone and all . One of his hobbies during leisure hours particularly on Saturdays and Sundays was to play the game of cards with his friends. For hours they used to get together where they enjoyed the game. It was not with the aim of gambling but rather just for pleasure and pass time.

Once in the midst of a lively game of cards, his servant came to inform him that a guest of his was seriously ill at theguest house and needed his immediate attention. He sent the servant back saying he would come soon.

But he was so much engrossed in the game of cards that he did not feel inclined to withdraw from it.So he continued to play with keen interest. After a while, his servant came again to report that the condition of the guest was deteriorating and needed his urgentattention as there was no one else to attend.

But Ghulamhusein was so deeply engrossed in the game that he did not want to be disturbed. As such, again he sent the servant back promising to come soon.

By the time he could be free from the very mind-captivating game of cards, the servant came for the third time.But this time he reported that the guest of.his - a poortraveller from distant lands - had already died. This news gave a shock of his life toGhulamhusein .

It convinced him of the evil and harmful effect of such an indoor game. There andthere he vowed never to indulge himself in such a game.

Is this not an eye-opening example of an intoxicating and mentally distracting game of cards, commonly played today either as a pass-time or for gambling purposes? Perhaps it also explains the philosophy behind absolute Islamicforbidance to play or watch such a game, even without the chance of gaining or losing money. It is meant to bea prevention rather than cure lest man is one day tempted to use the game for gambling purposes.

But why do people become interested in such games of chance, be it cards, billiard ball or chess at casinos and gambling dens? A number of reasonscould be put forward for this.

A mentally active young man happens to look for a time-pass, away from his usual home or office environment, and, heis misled to believe that a casino or a billiard club is the best place for this.Or it is possible that he is tempted by a friend for his company to play a game.

But more than that, it is the greed and temptation of an easy and quick chance of making money by gambling. Again he is misled to believe that he is lagging behind whilst his friend and relatives mint millions of easy money in the gambling dens.

A gambler often spends hoursat the gambling dens at the expense of his valuable time for his other moral and religious duties towards his God and family . Should he lose in one game of chance, he is tempted to playagain and again till herecoveres his loss. Should he win and make some money, he is again tempted to play in order to double and treble hisday's easy earning from the game of chance.

Thus, the mind of a gambler becomescurrupt and his aim of life revolves round money. His goal of life ultimately is to mint money, more and more. His mind is so much distracted that he is no more able to concentrate in his normal job or studies. In the temptation of making more or easy money, his heart is all the time drawn and attached to the gambling table.

And when the tide turns against him and he incurs losses after losses in the gambling business, the time comes when he is obliged to dispose off his personal belongings to pay off the debts. The family life at homebecomes disrupted as a result and he is then detested and looked down upon by the society and his own family members.

Islam which has come as a total code of life for man, has condemned and forbidden every game of chance. The followingayats of the holyQura'n are a good guidance.

"They ask you about intoxicants and games of chance. Say: In both ofthem there is a great sin and means of profit for men, and their sin is greater than their profit.And they ask you as to what they should spend.Say: What you can spare. Thus does Allah make clear to you thecommunications, that you may ponder" (2:219)

Ithm as used in theQura'n is interpreted as that sinful condition in the human intellect and soul whereby he is distracted and kept away from reaching acts of goodness and perfection. Therefore, what it means is that drinks and gambling - two of the major sins in Islam - as the source of great harm to human body and soul.

"TheShaitan only desires to cause enmity and hatred to spring in your midst by means of intoxicants and games of chance, and to keep you off from the remembrance of Allah and from prayer. Will you then desist?" (5:91)It is quite evident from the above verses of HolyQura'n that the enmity and hatred in addition to distraction from therememberance of Allah and prayers results from gambling and drinking.

The Holy Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w .) and hisprogency have strongly condemned the games of chance.

ImamRadha (a.s .) has said:

"Allah has described gambling as a filthy and impure act of Satan and has warned people to keep away from it"

Can a wise man and a true Muslim ever think of going near toSatanic games of chance and take the risk of ruining his life? Certainly not!!

Where MusicLeads To

Alamgheer was one of the pastMoghul kings in India. It is said he was a devoutmuslim and staunch upholder of Islamic tenets. He banned all luxury items in his kingdom including the listening to music. No one dared do so even privately in his home.

Those engaged in musical provision for their earnings, got together to discuss what to do. They decided to take out a procession on the streets of Delhi in protest.

So one day they staged a grand procession taking out a big JANAZA (coffin) and marched on the streets of the capital. They passed in front of the king's palace. They raised their voice as well as the JANAZA to make their amusing protest march conspicuous before the king who was then sitting on the front terrace.

The king became curious and wanted to know which eminent personality had died as tobe given such a grand funeral. Some leaders from the procession approached the king and in a lamenting and wailing tone told him that the coffin was in fact that of 'Music'. Since itwas strictly banned in the country, they were suffering loss of daily income. On hearing this, the king smiled and said:

"Very good! Dig the grave so deep as to ensure that the dead MUSIC does not rise again for hundreds of years to come."

Let us ponder over the reasons why Islam has forbidden the playing,hearing and even the handling of musical instruments.

The Islamicphilosoply of life dictates that this worldly life istranstional and a quick passing one, whereas the life hereafter is eternal and more important.Therefore Islam has forbidden those things which distract our attention from this fact and which lead us towards loose character and overlooking of the moral duties of our life.

A number of these forbidden things in Islam are not only morallybut physically and mentally harmful as proved by a number of modern scientists. Professor HorstHecheck of Vienna reports:

"The disharmonies of modern musicfreguently cause severe psychological and physical damage to musicians. Doctors and music experts say complaints range from nervousness,depression and headaches to ulcers and impotence"

The toxic effect of the musical soundcannot be denied . Some years before, itwas reported in a local newspaper inDaressalaam that a pregnant Hindu woman was much mentally engrossed in listening to a moving musical program in a cinema that she delivered a baby on the spot without realizing what was happening. The newspaper in criticizing the incident, remarked whether the place was a cinema hall or maternity home!

A professor of Columbia University in America, Dr. Adler, writes that a best melodious record of music can badly harm a human body nerves and the warmer the weather, more the harm. He also proved that music does upset the human nerves unnaturally causing considerable fatigue. The shaking effect of music also causes unnatural perspiration.

This research of Dr. Adler on music had such a widespread effect on the American people that manywere led to stop listening to music.

The belief that music was harmful for progressive nation reached a stage when a resolution to ban it by lawwas presented withrelevent proofs and arguments in the American senate.But in a nation where luxury and lust is widespread how many could be expected to vote for such a ban?

It may be claimed that music has a soothing-effect and assuch it is a good entertainment, but taking into consideration that it causes more harm than good, it becomes undesirable and one should abstain from it. Islam, as such, has forbidden music as we can see from the followingQuranic Ayat and the traditions of the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.)

"But avoid theuncleanliness of the idols and avoid vain (false) words" (22:30) According to the interpretations of all the major sects of Islam theabove mentioned vain (false) words include false utterance and music.

It is worth noting that the divine instruction to avoid vain words (music) is inconjuction with the instruction to avoid theuncleanliness (pollution) of idol.Thus the condemnation of music is along with that of idol-worship.

The Prophet of Islam had said:

"Two kinds of voices are resented by Allah: the wailing at the time of a calamity and musical rhythm at the time of rejoicing." (Nafahat Risaliyya )

Do Stars Influence Our Destiny?

Once Imam Ali binAbi Talib (A.S.) was leavingKufa - (the then capital of his caliphate in Arabia) - to go to a place calledNahrawan in order to quash the rebellion of theKharijites . One of his companions by the nameAleef told him not to undertake the journey just then.

Why? Because according to the findings of astrology, it was not an auspicious moment, and this journey would not end into victory. Ali binAbi Talib (A.S.) replied in these words:

(Nahjul Balagah sermon 79)

"Do you think you can tell the hour when a man goes out and no evil befall him or can warn of the time at which if one goes out harm will accrue? Whoever testifies to this falsifies the Qur'an and becomes unmindful of Allah in achieving his desired objective and in warding off the undesirable.

You cherish saying this so that he who acts on what you say should praise you rather than Allah because according to your misconception you have guided him about the hour in which he would secure benefit and avoid harm."

After replying toAleef , Ali binAbi Talib (A.S.) turned towards those who had gathered there and said:

"O' People! Beware of learning the science of stars except that with which guidanceis sought on land or sea, because it leads to divining and an astrologer is a diviner, while the diviner is like the sorcerer, the sorcerer is like the unbeliever and the unbeliever would be in Hell. Get forward in the name of Allah."

Contrary to the astrologer's advice, Ali binAbi Talib proceeded at the same moment toNahrawan and returned victorious from that war.

Millions of people in the world have the tendency of consulting horoscopesinorder to seekinformatian about the future trends of theirlives which they believe to be under the influence of the movement of stars and planets.

In our African Society, we have a section of people who frequently consult theso called MWALIMUS or WITCHDOCTORS to seek the secrets of their sufferings and to find out the future outcome of their ills.

These people suffer from superstitions,psycholgical fears or imaginary sicknesses. The MWALIMUS OR WITCHDOCTORS who considerthemselves to be the experts on prediction based on the movement of stars, have some set imaginary answers and cures to offer and in so doing they go on minting money from the ignorant people.

How strange it is to suppose that our business, adventures, our health, ourlife and death are predetermined by the position of the stars and planets and are under the influence of their movement? What is overlooked is the fundamental fact that bothman and the heavenly bodies - the stars - the sun - the moon etc., are under the indisputable authority of the Creator Allah.Man's desting present and future well-being is all controlled by Him and Him alone.

It is one of those humanweakness of enslaved mentality which tend to bow down to a body created like himself rather than recognize and have faith in the full and supreme authority of the Creator Allah.

But why is it that so many people, including the educated and intelligent, are willing to place their faith on what the astrologers have to say?

The answeris, that day by day, tremendous vacuum isoccuring in the lives of many who previously truly believed in God. Worldly pleasure and occupations have so much overtaken their minds that they can hardly pause to think and recognize the true aim of life and the Supreme Powers of the LIFE - GIVER.

As such, they become desperate andinorder to find some sort of peace for the disturbed mind, they doing to anything that may possibly give them some sort of consolation.Humanbeings , by nature, must have something in which to believe, and in the absence of a meaningful faith in God, reliance is place on superstition, occultation, magic, witchcraft, etc

Astrology does not demand its followers togo to church or mosque nor perform rituals nor adhere to any moral commandments. All one has to do is to buy newspapers or books and follow up what is published about the horoscopes.Or at times.approach an astrologer or aMwalimu , pay his fees of a few shillings and seek information about the future.

During the times of ImamJaffer AlSadiq (A.S.), discussion and debates on various sciences in the world (and particularly in Arabia) were at their peak.

People of different beliefs and religions used to attend discourses by the Imam. One of those sciences dwelt upon was astrology and the Imam expressly asked the people not to believe in it.

AbdulMalik binAayun was counted among one of the great traditionalists as well as scholars in Islam. He was also an expert in astrology; and had strong faith in the effect of the positions and movements of the stars on daily lives of human beings. He had accumulated a number of books on this subject and was always referring to them. Before taking any decision or starting any work, he would make astrological calculations to find out what guidance and trend he could get from the position of the stars.

Gradually it became his habit; and not even a small piece of workcould be done without priorastrotogical calculations. Day byday he became more and more mentally engrossed in basing all his actions on the good or bad omen of the stars. He became jealous of the people who accomplished their daily work by having confidence in God and who never worried about the positions of stars.

Once he explained his trouble to ImamJaffer AlSadiq (A.S.) who expressed his surprise that AbdulMalik had this undesirable habit and told him: "I command you to go and set fire to all those books"

He went and did as hewas told .Thus he released himself from the burden of mythical andimaginery influence of stars, and then he felt at ease and quite relaxed in doing all his works by relying on God.

Hasheena state that he approached ImamJaffer AlSadiq (A.S.) and said to him that there lived a man on their Island, who could reveal to them unknown matters, for example where and with whom stolen goods arelying . The Imam responded by saying:

"The Holy Prophet (S.A. W.)has said that one who goes to ask about anything from magician, soothsayer or a liar and believes in what he says certainly becomes an infidel (unbeliever) and denier of all the heavenly scriptures revealed by Allah"

The fact is that an astrologer, soothsayer magician or any type of fortune - teller poses as a divine person, who thinks that he can forecast one's benefit or harm through the art of astrology thus, instead of praying to Almighty Allah for warding off calamities and misfortunes, or offering thanks to Allah for bounties HE has bestowed, he becomes indifferent and self confident in every matter.

Should he by chance prove successful in some of his forecasts, he would expect tobe praised and be depended upon by more and more people. This leads to atheism and is against the spirit of the teachings of the HolyQura'n in which the Almighty Allah says:

"Say: No one in the heavens and the earth knows the unseen but Allah; and they do not know when they shall be raised." (27:65)

Thus to approach fortune-tellers, palmists, astrologers and such others who claim to have power to peep into future and to know of hidden matters is to display lack of true faith in the Will of Allah, It is against the teachings of Islam and leads to infidelity.

The Tragic End of anOppresive King

Nadir Shah was King of Persia, a famous conqueror around early eighteenth century. He conquered India and with little resistance reached Delhi during 1739. Irritated and angered by some commotion by the inhabitants, he caused general massacre and set fire to houses in Delhi. Thousands of peoplewere killed .

During the last night of his fife, Nadir Shah was seeing terrible nightmares and had lost mental peace and sleep. He would get out of his bed now and again, returning to it to get some comfort and sleep but to no avail.

It was terrible torture for the Shah but no one dared to approach him to find the reason. Only one person could dare to do so and he wasHusainali Muinul Mulk , a trusted friend of the Shah. He approached him and asked the reasons for his restlessness and lack of sleep.

The Shah said that it was a deep personalsecret which he would reveal to him on condition that he did not tell anyone otherwise the punishment would be by death.

Nadir Shah then related his secret saying that before he came on the throne of Iran, he had seen a sensational dream. He had seen two prominent andgilttering personalities come to him and with muchhonour , they took him to a place. There tenmore glittering personalities were seated with much dignity and awe.

The Shah was then ushered before one of them and a dazzling swordwas respectfully tied around his waist. Thereafter one high personage said to him, "You are being designated for theupliftment and welfare of Iran provided people are treated well."

Since then, the Shah added he had made progress in every sphere in his life. Not only had he succeeded in sitting on the throne of Iran but he also extended domains. Having attacked at the cost of thousands killed, India also fell and came under his rule.

Revealing his secret further toHusainali , Nadir Shah went on to say that night he saw a very frightening dream when he went to sleep. He saw the same two prominent and glittering personalities again but this time it appeared as if they were not in good mood as in the previous dream.

He saw he was being dragged and made to appear before the same high personages in whose presence hewas previouslyhonoured with the gift of a dazzling sword and good news about his future. This time in harshtone he was asked if such was the way of treating the Muslim masses? The Shahadded that "I was asked to surrender the sword which was removed from my waist.

Then withmy hands tied around my neck, I was dragged from one place to another. This dream has terribly upsetme and I am unable to sleeptonight,"he concluded.Alas the kingly life of Nadir Shah was destined to meet its tragic end as a result of his massacres and crimes.

He passed that night restlessly and as the morning setin, he was killed by his enemies. He departed from this worldneither with head over his body nor with the kingly crown over his head.

The fact is that Nadir Shah had misused the good omen he first received in a dream. He thought he had become high and mighty and could do whatever he liked. He had misunderstood, as many of us today do, that the blessings of kingdom, wealth,power or high status in life are signs of divinefavour .Wordly blessings toman are but temporary means of testing the strength of faith and action in obedience or disobedience of God's commands.

Among the sins andcrimes which attract severe punishment in this life as well as in the next is oppression of people.

and they who act unjustly shall know to what final place of turning they shall turn back. (26:227)

In Willing SubmissionTo The Will of Allah

AbuTalha was one of the respected companions of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) His wifeUmme Salim was a woman of strong faith in Allah. They had a young son who was very dear to them. Inparticular the father was deeply attached to him. His name wasSalim .

Once youngSalim became so seriously ill that his mother lost hope of his survival. One day she sensed the end was imminent. Lest the dear father became too much upset on seeing the son die, she requested AbuTalha to go to the Prophet.

After he had left the house,Salim breathed his last.Umme Salim immediately shrouded the dead body in a piece of cloth and placed it inside a room.

Thereafter she went and cooked food for her husband. She adorned herself with perfume and sat waiting for him to return. When AbuTalha returned he inquired about the health of his dear son.

Umme Salim replied that he was asleep and it was better not to disturb him. Both sat down and ate their meal.And then lied down for a short rest. After "a while,Umme Salim woke up saying she wanted to ask him a question:

"Supposing someone entrusted us with a thing for some time and after comes and takes it back from us. Would you be unhappy with him?" "Certainly not" replied AbuTalha . "A thing on trust to us must be returned to the owner."

ThenUmme Salim decided to reveal what had happened to their son. She said, "Salim who was on trust to us has departed from this world. Allah the AllMerciful, has decided to take him back from us." So moved was AbuTalha to hear this said in this way that he exclaimed, "By Allah you are the mother of the son and as such more deserving to be consoled for this patience than I." AbuTalha then rose up for ablution and recited tworaka't prayers for the departed soul.

Thereafter he went to the Prophet and related the unusual patience displayed by his wife over the death of their dear son. The Prophet was very glad and thanked Allah saying that hisUmmat - his people were like those ofBani Israei . That is there were such people of forbearance and staunch faith as were tobe found among the people ofBani Israel.

The fact is that the death of a dear son should have caused the motherUmme Salim much grief.Instead she exercised a lot of self-control and patience so as to console her husband. It shows how deeply faithful and resigned to the will of Allah she was. What a splendid example of the power offaith which the Prophet of Islam had described in these words:

"A person ofIman (faith) in his religion is stronger than a mighty mountain. That is so because a mountain can be carved out whereas one cannot cut back any part of the faith of a believer since he holds it firmly with deep attachment."

The Chosen Five Dignitaries of Islam

A MIRACULOUS DISCOVERY OF SIXTY YEARS AGO.

It was in the year 1916 when the First World War was raging. A British Military patrol party was passing near a village namedOntra , a few miles from Jerusalem in Palestine. Suddenly the military party observed a strange light in the darkness of the night.

It was coming from a very old small hillock. The officer-in-charge ordered digging it. After digging twelve feet deep, they came across asilverplate about two feet long and one and half feet wide. When the platewas taken out , its lightdisappered . The party took the plate to their Commander Major A.N.Grandell whoscrutinised the plate in torch light and was wonderstruck.

The border of the platewas inset with precious stones and in the centre of the plate, something was written in gold in some unknown language. MajorGrandell sent the plate to the Commander of the ArmiesLieutt . General D.O.

Gladstone. He in turn sent it to the British Archeological Department. At the end of the war in 1919, research began into this unique plate. A committee of experts of ancient languages consisting of British, French,American and others was appointed.

After many months of strenuous research, itwas found that the inscriptions on the plate were in old Hebrew language used in the Old Testament (of the Bible.) On31st January, 1920 the following translation was submitted:

In Hebrew Language.

Yah AhmadMaqza

Yah EliAnsatah

YahBahtool Akashi

YahHasan Azofata

YahHasin ba Rafo

Eli, Eli, Eli,

English Translation.

Reach O' Ahmad

0' Ali, helpme

0'Batool , keep an eye

0'Hasan , Be Kind

0' Husain, grant us happiness

Ali - Ali - Ali

After the translation by experts, itwas decided that the silver plate should be kept in the archives of British Imperial Museum for display.But when the Lord Bishop of England came to know of it, he sent a directive on 1st March, 1923, that the keeping of this plate in the museum or any other public place would work against Christianity. The plate thereforemust be kept in Secret Church Chambers.Thus it was kept and it is still there in the same place.

Theabove mentioned discovery has been, quoted from "The Wonderful Stories of Islam" by Col. P. C.Implay , London, page 249, by the Ahmed Hussein Shah, Advocate, in his book 'The Straight Path'.

The Holy Prophet Mohammad (S.A.W) had said that the first thing tobe created by God before any creation was his LIGHT (NOOR).And that LIGHT then split to create AHLUL-BAIT, the household members of the Prophet.

Theyare known as the Holy PANJETAN, the household members of the Prophet. They are the chosen and top most five dignitaries of Islam. They are:

1. Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) (also called Ahmad)

2. Imam Ali (A.S.) (also calledHaider ) the soul of the Prophet and his son-in-law.

3.Bibi Fatima (A.S.) (also calledBatool ) the only beloved daughter of The Prophet.

4. ImamHasan (A.S.) (also known asShabbar ) the son of Ali and Fatima.

5. Imam Husain (A.S.) (also known asShabbir ) the son of Ali and Fatima.

Their greatness lies not only in being closely related to the Prophet, beingpart and parcel of the FIRST CREATED LIGHT of the Prophet, but also in their supreme sacrifices for the cause of Islam.

God Almighty had chosen them asthe of supreme personalities of Islam and informed all the previous Prophets in advance of their eminently high position and their sacrifices in the cause of Islam. The previous Prophets always felt awed, by the names of PANJETAN.

Whenever theybecame surrounded by any misfortune, they prayed for God's deliverance with the help of the holy names of these five dignitaries.

The silver plate inscribed with the holy names of PANJETAN - the holy five dignitaries of Islam as related above, might have originated from one of the past Prophets and used for invoking Allah's mercy and blessing.

These five personalities are those whom Allah has exclusively kept away from all spiritual and physical impurityfor ever . They are those who have been infallible and sinless from birth to death Ali, Fatima,

Hassan and Husain (A.S.) are those whom the Prophet of Islam had identified exclusively as members of his House and that they are with the Qur'an and the Qur'an with them. They and the Qur'an are the supreme authority in Islam after the Prophet.

Whosoever adheres to both the Qur'an and the People of the Housewill be saved from going astray from the straight and true path of Islam.Ibn Abbas relates the apostle of Allah Said:

"Ali and Fatima and Hassan and Husain are my household members till the doomsday (qiyamat )"

When asked 'which are the two luminaries?' the Prophet said:

"Hassan and Husain and their father (Ali) is the light of the world and their mother (Fatima) is the full moon for dark nights"

AbuHuraira said: that the Apostle of Allah looked atAli and Fatima and Hassan and Husain and said:

"I am at war with him who wages war with you and am at peace with him who is at peace with you."

Allah isThe Guide For Every Creature

Hamid had an inquisitive mind and was fond of learning all about wild life, how they lived and behaved. He used to obtain different books on animals and keenly study them. This hobby induced him to go out to the woods in order to observe animals in their natural surroundings.

One day he accompanied his friend Abdul, Professor of Zoology and expert on animal life, to a nearby lake. They strolled on the shore and came over to see storks, with their long legs, calmly standing in the water to snap up passing fish with their long beaks. Storks thrive on fish. One of themforlonely stood aside, looking rather sick and unable to fly.

BothHamid and Abdul became curious to know what was wrong with that bird. As they went nearer, the bird tried to flee, but could not do so. It had a broken leg. Lovingly they caught hold of the bird and examined its leg. They were amazed to see that its injured leg had a plaster of dry mud over it.

On removingit they found the leg rather swollen. The bone was either fractured or broken.

Hamid was amazed to see this phenomenon and wanted to know more about it. Surely, someone had shown mercy to the bird and had tried to help. "Is there a doctor around here who attends to sick or injured animals?" he asked.

"No" replied Abdul. He added, "Before doctors could discover the benefit of plaster, this bird was already aware of it. It knew instinctively how to make use of mud to hold fractured or broken bone in place." The treatment of broken and fractured bones with lime plasteris well known in medical circles as Plaster of Paris.

Professor HenryMondoor - awellknown Zoologist Writes in one of his books on animal life that animals have amazing ways of curing their sicknesses. It is from observing such animals that medical experts have made discoveries about curing certain maladies.

It is mentioned that when a cat catches cold or suffers from headache, it immediately tries to find a particular herb which when eaten promptly cures this sickness. If it is notavailable the cat lies down in one corner to take complete rest.Alternatively it finds a warm place to lie down and thus feels better and is then able to move about normally.

No wonder if it is from this experience that doctors today advise patients suffering from cold to rest at home for some days.

One of the animals in the forest is a fox.it is cunning and has many enemies. It has to contend with snakes in the forest. When bitten by a snake, the fox immediately looks for a particularherb which it applies to the bitten part of its body. That herb makes in ineffective the poison from thesnake-bite .

A deer in the forest normally lives in the area where water is easily available.

This animal by nature swings and runs from place to place. In so doing, it sometimes develops excessiveacidity which causes it to suffer from rheumatic pain.

When this happens, the deeris seen to go and stand for quite a time in a particular furrow of mineral water. TodaySulphur bath or mineral wateris considered a natural cure for rheumatic pains even among human beings.

Now let us ask ourselves:

Who inspires a stork to use mud plaster for its fractured leg? Who guides a cat to find a particular herb to cure its cold? Who shows a fox how to remove poison from snakebite?

On deep reflection, we shall have to admit that it is no one else but the creator Allah who inspires them how to remedy their ills. It is HE who inspires the ways of acquiring sustenance andmeet the challenges of survival in this world. Onthis the holy Quran says:-

"He said: Our Lord is He Who gave to everything its creation,then guided it (to its goal)." (20:50)

However, itmust be remembered that it is not good to hurt animals deliberately. Islam teaches universal charity even towards animals.

The Value of Sincerity of Purpose

A storyis told of a man who approached three workers who were doing the same job. "What are you doing?" he asked each one of them separately and got different answers.

"I am cutting thestones " replied the first.

"I am earning mylivehood " replied the second.

"I am building amosque " replied the third.

Each of the three workers sawhimself linked to a different purpose each, one was to that extent, different from others, although all worked alike and were engaged in the same task.

Our two hands with which we work are in no sense different from the hands of any other person. The value of what we do depends upon the quality of the inner purpose in our heart with which we do our work. A true Muslim works to earn God's pleasure.

In the words of Imam Khomeini (ra ), the ultimatecriterian in evaluating men's deeds is the intent and the purpose of the doer rather than the external shape of people's acts. Sincerity of purpose and God-fearing motivation behind a Muslim's deeds were the principlefeature which distinguished his deeds from those of non-believers.

Islamic history provides glaring examples of how Muslims in minority ultimately triumphed over their enemies in much greater number and better equipped because of their faith and sincerity of their purpose.....

Islam has emphasized the purity of intent before every act of virtue.Hence of the conditions provided for IBADAT (acts of worship) the most important and the primary one is IKHLAS (sincerity of purpose). Not only one draws farther from Allah but he is discarded from divine blessings in acts where purity of intent is lacking. The followingayats in the Holy Quran provide a good guidance on the subject:

"Say: I am commanded that I should serve Allah, being sincere to Him in obedience." (39:11)

"And call on Him being sincere to Him in obedience". (7:29)What do we really mean by IKHLAS - the purity of purpose?

When one embarks upon worship of Allah or does any act of virtue, he is required to discard allwordly thoughts from his mind and cast his full concentration towards Allah.

Heis expected to feel dependent on none but Allah for all hiswordly needs and put his trust in Him as the primary source of all blessings and reward. Heis desired to throw his full weight in praying for all his lawful needs from Him. His sole aim for every act of virtue should be to seek not worldly gains but the pleasure of Allah.

What is the effect and outcome of IKHLAS - the purity of purpose? Numerous instancescan be quoted of the lasting effect and fruitful outcome of actions and work done with absolute purity of purpose - for the pleasure of Allah and Him alone. The following story should serve a good example.

Itis related that when Prophet Adam landed on this earth from Heaven, all kinds of creatures came forward to pay their respects and welcome him on earth. To each one of them, Adam gave his blessings according to its qualification.

When a flock of gazelles came forward to pay their respects, he gave his blessings and patted them by passing his holy hand over their backs. The lasting effect of this was the growth of navel-bag of musk (a black substance well known for producing a good perfume).

When they returned home, another flock of gazelle on seeing the gift of musk asked them where theyhad got it from. They explained that Prophet Adam had patted them and passed his holy hand over their backs, in appreciation of their visit to him. The result was the growth of the navel-bag of musk.

This second flock of gazelle thought they too should get the gift. With this aim, they went and offered theirsalams and respects before Adam. The Prophet acknowledged and passed his hand over theirbacks also. But this time it showed no effect of producing the navel-bag of musk. They were naturally disappointed.

On their return home, they inquired the reason for this andwere told that it was because of lack of purity of intent and purpose. Their visit to Prophet Adam was for specific aim of reward of the naval-bag of musk whereas the first flock had paid the visit solely for the pleasure of Allah without any thought for reward.

Today themusk producing creatures are the progeny of that very first flock of gazelles.

LOVE FOR ALLAH AND FOR HIS SAKE ONLY.

Muslims should begin giving Islamic education to their children from their very tender age.

Ali (A.S.) delighted in company of his children. Once he was sitting in his house with his two young children,Abbas , his son, andZainab , his daughter.

Ali (A.S.) said toAbbas , "Say 'WAHED'" (meaning 'ONE'in-Arabic ). The boy uttered "WAHED". Ali (A.S.) then asked him to say "ISNAIN" (Two ).Abbas replied, "I feel ashamed to utter 'two' from the same tongue which just said 'ONE'." Ali (A.S.) hugged his son, pleased at such a charming expression.

Such a reply fromAbbas indicated how deeply devoted he was in his belief inTawheed - Oneness of God. That true and staunch believer in one God never likesto even imagine any association with One God.

Zainab then asked, "Dear father, do you love me?", he said, "Yes, of course, my children are like part of my heart". On hearing this, she said, "You also love God.

How can two loves beaccomodated in one heart of a true believer, the love of Allah and that of children?" Ali (A.S.) smiled and replied, "Love God and for the sake of His love, you love His creatures - children and fellow beings too. I love you for the sake of Allah."

Such deep thinking and words of trueTawheed onZainab's part, pleased her father and he gave her much praise and affection.

Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) once saw a young boy. He was gazing at the Prophet in such a way as his eyes and face indicated deep love and reverence. This attracted the Prophet who went and stood near him. He asked him, "My son, tell me, do you love me?".

The boy replied, "Yes, Oh the messenger of Allah, by Allah I do love you indeed"

Prophet: "Do you love me to the extent of your two eyes?"

Boy:"I do so more than my two eyes"

Prophet: "Do you love your father more thanmyself ?"

Boy:"Oh Prophet, my love for you is more than that for my father."

Prophet: "Do you love me to the extent you do your mother?"

Boy:"I love you more than even my mother"

Prophet: "Let me see, do you love me to the extent of your own life?"Boy:"Oh Prophet! Allah witness that I love you, even more than my own life"

The Prophetwas deeply moved at this reply and expressed his affection for him. Then he asked:

"Tell me, do you love me to the extent you do Allah?"

At this juncture , the boy smiled and said "ALLAH - ALLAH - ALLAH". That Allah is loved more than anybodyelse . Neither you Prophet nor anybodycan be loved more than Allah. Even if the Prophet is loved more thanothers ; It is FOR THE SAKE OF ALLAH.

So moving were the words of the boy that everyone hearing this was much impressed. The Prophet turned to his companions and said, "You must be like this boy. Love Allah for all his blessings bestowed upon you. And love me for HIS sake and obey me."

The HolyQura'n describing those in love of Allah says:

"And those who believe are stronger in love for Allah". (2:165)

CONSEQUENCES OF INGRATITUDE TOWARDS ALLAH'S BOUNTIES.

Allah isRahman , the compassionate and looks after the welfare of all the creatures in the world. People should all the time thank Him for His kindness. In thepast there existed a thriving town at some place in the Middle East on the bank of a river known asBaliyan .

These peoplewere blessed with Allah's bounties and were extremely wealthy. It was the time of ignorance and people lived according to their whims. Ignorance is a disease and coupled with wealth, it may corrupt the mind and morals.

Drunk with affluence these people had lost their common sense and resorted to verylowly and filthy habits. Food was so abundant that they lost all respect for it and they used bread as sponge to clean things.

Almighty Allah, sent to themPropnet Danielinorder to preach and guide them on the right path.But so deeply arrogant and intoxicated they had become with their wealth, and so busy they were in extravagant enjoyment of their riches that they would not listen to him.

Prophet Daniel explained and warned them not to treat God's bounties with ingratitude lest theybe punished with His wrath and suffer shortages of food and absence of rains. Inresponse they jeered at him and argued that they had enormous surplus grains and foods which often was left to rot in the fields.

So gross was their negligence and ingratitude towards God's bounties that even a poor man had no respect for a loaf of bread. Once when a beggar came to Prophet Daniel to beg for food he gave him a piece of bread. He threw it away in total disrespect saying that it was useless as their king used to clean the lowly parts of the body with it.

Prophet Daniel became extremely frustrated and angry. He prayed to Allah for His wrath and punishment to overtake these people.Consequently divine wrath descended on them. Rains stopped and not a drop of water fell for seven years. All their rivers and springs dried up.

so extremely short of food and water they became that they started eating the very unclean and stinking pieces of loaves they had thrown away. They would scramble over a deadanimal, they had lost all the pleasure and peace of mind. Such were the harsh consequences of their misdeeds and ingratitude.

Shortage of food had become so acute that once two women went to Prophet Daniel to resolve their mutual dispute. They mentioned that they had earlier decided that each would slaughter her child in turn and they would eat its flesh. One of them had already done so but the other woman was now trying to find an excuse to back out from her pledge and refused to slaughter her child.

On hearing this story, Prophet Daniel wept at the turn of events and the pathetic situation of those people. Prophet Daniel deeply moved by this pathetic situation raised his hands in the supplication to Allah and prayed for the resumption of rains and His blessings so that those people may be freed from want and hunger. The wayward peoplehad got chastisement.

The lessons we derive from the above story are:

1. When people of a placeare blessed with extreme wealth and prosperity they tend to feel independent of Allah and turn their back in rebellion against His commands. They display ingratitude against His blessings by misusing them and indulge in extravagant spending in unlawful enjoyments.

2. As a result of the people's ungrateful and rebellious attitude, they attract divine punishment in the form of wrath such as lack of rain, oppression by unjust rulers, naturalcalamity and disaster, and absence of mental peace and security.

The holy Quran has drawn our attention on the subject in the followingayat :

"And Allah sets forth a parable: (Consider) a town safe and secure to which its means of subsistence come in abundance from every quarter; but it became ungrateful to Allah's favors, therefore Allah made it to taste the utmost degree of hunger and fear because of what they wrought." (16:112)

A UniqueExapmle of IslamicBrotherhood

Uhud is awellknown place a few miles outside Medina. One of the hardest battles of Islamwas fought at this place. It was indefence of Islam against the enemies - the non-believers who had come fromfar away places.

In thisbattle the Muslim fighters had set noble examples of self-sacrifice. Many of themwere martyred having fought bravely against the enemies.

Amongthem seven were fatally wounded and were breathing their last. All of them were also suffering from the pangs of thirst.

Someone came to them with a cup of waterhardly sufficient to quench the thirst of one man. On offering the water to one ofthem, the water-bearer was directed towards another injured fighter lyingbesides him.

This second fighter sent him to the third one near him, this third directed him to the fourth, and so it went ontill he reached the seventh warrior. When the seventh fighterwas approached , he told him that since the first fighter was very thirsty, he should be given the water first.

Thewater-bearer then returned to the first injured fighter fend found him already dead. He then went to the second thence to the third, finding each already dead.

This happened also with the remaining fighters, all having died by the time he reached. All of them departed from this world thirsty leaving behind in history a golden example of Islamicbrotherhood and self-secrifice for others.

Islam has laid much stress on the importance of mutual help,co-operation and sacrifice among Muslims. The Holy Quran dictates:

"The believers are but brethren, therefore make peace between your brethren and be careful of (your duty to) Allah that mercy may be had on you." (49:10) The Holy Prophet had said:

"One who starts his day without care for the affairs of Muslims is not a MuslimAnd Hazrat Ali (A.S) had said:

"Helping fellow Muslim brothers increases one's sustenance".

A non-believer had just embraced Islam at the hands of the Holy Prophet. He complained of hunger and the Prophet sent someone to bring food from his house.But unfortunately none was then available. The Prophet then asked his companions, "Who can host this newly converted Muslim brother tonight?"

Hazrat Ali (A.S.) came forward and offered to do so. Holding the new convert's hand, he took him to his house. He askedHazrat Fatima if any food was available. She replied: "Only a little provision, enough for the children".

Hazrat Ali (A.S.) in responsesaid "The guest must come first before ourselves and the children"

Hazrat Fatima (A.S.) persuaded the children to sleep hungry that night.And Hazrat Ali (A.S.) reduced the light of the lantern. He then invited the guest to the meal in the semi-darkened room. He sat with him pretending as if he was also eating but infact he did not eat lest the guest went hungry.

Hazrat Ali - Fatima and their children fed the guest for the pleasure of Allah while remaining hungry themselves. This self-sacrificewas so much appreciated by Allah that the followingayat in the Holy Quran was revealed in their praise:

"And those who made their abode in the city and in the faith before them love those who have fled to them, and do not find in their hearts a need of what they are given, and prefer (them) before themselves though poverty may afflict them, and whoever is preserved from the niggardliness of his soul, these it is that are the successful ones." (59:9)

A Splendid Example of Staunch Faith

AbuBaseer was one of the faithful companions of ImamJaffer Sadiq (A.S.) he relates that once sitting with the Imam, a woman came in to ask aquestion :

"I am suffering from a disease. Doctors in Iraq have prescribed alcohol as the remedy. Do you, Oh Imam, permit me to drink alcohol?" The Imam in reply asked her:

"According to what you say, doctors have prescribed alcohol as medicine for your sickness, why then don't you drink?" The woman responded by saying:

"I am your follower, if you permit me to take alcohol, I shall do so. If not,I shall not. Because if tomorrow on Day ofJudgement I am asked by Allah, I shall say I did so with the permission of my Imam." ImamJaffer Sadiq '(A.S.) onhearing this turned to AbuBaseer and said:

"Do you hear what this woman has to say?"

In other words, do you not wonder and appreciate the staunch faith of this woman? Despite her illness, she does not follow the doctor's order to take alcohol but seeks our permission first.

Thereafter the Imam said:

"By the name of Allah, I do not permit you to drink even a drop of that because it isHaram . And should you drink, you will repent at that moment when your soul reaches here."So saying, the Imam pointed to his throat.And three times he asked: "Do you understand what I say?"And the woman said "Yes".

Despite the fact that alcoholwas prescribed as a treatment of her illness the woman refused to touch it lest she broke theShariat of Islam and sought the permission of the Imam - the rightful representative of Allah on earth.

Alcohol drinking ultimately brings regret at time of death. One used to drinking suffers extreme agony at timeof.death . The soul does not depart easily from the body. True faith with good action is the primary requisite of a Muslim. Faith is the seed and good deeds the offshoot.

"One who consumes intoxicants will meet the Lord at death like a worshipper of idols."

A Valiant Woman of Faith

Zubeir was one of the close companions of the Prophet andAsma , the daughter of Abu-Bakr, was his wife.

After the tragedy ofKerbala ,Abdallah the son ofZubeir was in Mecca. He made an uprising against theOmmayyad Caliph AbdulMalik binMarwan and appointed his brotherMusa'b as governor ofBasrah .

AbdulMalik replied by launching an attack onBasrah and killedMusa'b . Thereafter he sent a large army under the command ofHujjaj Ibn Yusuf to fight againstAbdallah binZubair .

Hujjaj surrounded Mecca andAbdalla with all themanpower at his disposal came out indefence against the Omayyad attack from a raised stand.Hujjaj and his people attacked withstone-throwing on the city of Mecca, causing extensive damage.

When the situation became very grim,Hujjaj sent a message to Abdulla saying that he would soon be defeated hence it would be better if he surrendered to save further bloodshed of Muslims,and also to save further damage to the holy city of Mecca.

He would guarantee that no harm would come to him but that the caliph will decide his ultimate fate. Abdulla responded by saying that he would think over that night and convey his reply to him the following day.

Thereafter he went to his colleagues and friends for consultation. All of them said that it was better to go out of Mecca and surrender to the Caliph. From there he went to his mother and reported the whole matter. His mother 'ASMA' was a woman of great courage and staunch faith. She asked:

"Oh son! Was your uprising againstBani Ummayya for the sake of worldly gains, or for the sake of Islam?"

Abdallah replied: "By GOD, it is for Islam and the proof of it is that I have not set my eyes over any worldly wealth nor have I accumulated any money."

Asma then told herson: "Therefore continue with the Jihad and showforebearance against any affliction. Exercise patience and display bravery like Hussein bin Ali, the leader of free and valiant people of the world."

Abdallah in reply said, "Oh my dear mother!I have also been thinking the same but wished to sound your opinion. NowI know that martyrdom is acceptable for me. But my only worry is that they will chop me into pieces after my death."

"Don't worry son! Like a sheep when slaughtered, flesh is cut into pieces but it does not cause it any pain", the mother said unflinchingly.

Abdullah kissed his mother's hands, went inside hisroom and spent that night in prayers and recitation of Quran. When morning set in, he made GHUSL (ablution) said his morning prayer and wearing his helmet, he went first to his mother to bid her farewell. The mother without any emotion told him, "Son, fight these corrupt and wicked steadfastly so that you qualify to enter heaven" Abdulla came out and he saw that his army had all deserted him and run away except a few of his own kith and kin. He called them, "Oh free people!

Let us proceed to the front and fight". Thus Abdulla with his few colleagues launched an attack against the enemy like a lion roaring in the jungle.

It was the only battle of its kind in the history of Arabia. After killing a number of his enemies,he was hit by a stone on the forehead and another one crushed his chest. Unable therefore to continue the fight, he fell down to be surrounded by his enemies who chopped off his head instantly. His companions alsowere killed after a short fight.

WhenHujjaj entered Mecca, he gave instructions that his bodybe hanged at the city gate and the severed head be sent to the caliph in Syria. Itis said that when the news of the killing of her son reached his mother, she did not cry nor shed any tears but only uttered these words:

"If my son were not to display such bravery he would not have been the son ofZubair !!!!"

Sometime had passed after this episode whenHujjaj once asked what the mother of Abdulla was doing? Hewas informed of her above words and extremeforebearance over the killing of her son.Hujjaj was astonished and decided to shake her spirits and patience.

He prepared some women to persuade her to pay a visit to a place where the body of her son was hanging. When she arrived at that place and saw the state of herson's hanging body, she displayed no emotion whatsoever and with the same calmness said:

"Has not the time come for this mounted person to come down the saddle?".

So saying she went away. When these wordswere conveyed toHujjaj , he gave instructions to remove the body of Abdullah so that it could be buried.

Greedy Even in Old Age

Haroon -AI-Rashid was one of the famous kings ofBani Abbas . He ruled from 170 to 193 A.H. He was the one who had poisoned and killed Imam MusaKazim ( A.S.).

Once addressing his courtiers, he said that he was anxious to meet a person who had personally seen the Prophet of Islam. He wanted to know from him the personal qualities of the last Prophet.

One courtier said that he knew an old person who lived in Yemen and who claimed to have seen the Prophet personally.Haroon ordered that every effortbe made to bring that old man to his court. A special litterwas sent to Yemen.

There the old man who was already weak and reduced to a skeletonwas comfortably placed on it. Slowly he was carried on a long journey from his hometill he safely arrived in Baghdad, the capital of the king.

On entering his court,Haroon warmly welcomed and seated him besides his throne. He then asked him whether he had seen the Prophet personally. The old man in his weak and lowly voice replied:

"Yes! I used to sit near the pulpit of the Prophet and hear hisahadith (sayings)"Haroon asked him to describe the main features and appearance of the Prophet. He said:

"The Prophet looked handsome and of sound physique. He had black and curly hair. His face was luminescent. He was fond of perfume and made use of it liberally, so much so that the fragrance would remain behind for quitesometime wherever he passed."

Haroon then asked whether he remembered any saying of the Prophet. The old man replied that he could still remember one in which the Prophet had said:

"Man grows old but two qualities in him still remain young: one is "greed" and the second great expectation"

Haroon was quite happy to meet the old man and hear what he had to say about the Prophet. He then ordered that a handsome gift of moneybe presented to him. He also instructed that heshould be returned home ascomfortably as possible.

Thus the old man comfortably placed on his stretcher was then on his way back to his home in Yemen. Hardly had the litter reached a small distance from Baghdad when he suddenly raised his weak voice. He asked tobe sent back to Baghdad as he had an important matter to discuss with the king. When hewas brought back to the court,Haroon was rather surprised and asked him if he had forgotten something. The old man replied:

"Oh King! Tell me whether the gift of money you gave me was only the first and the last or whether I could come every year to receive a similar gift from you?"

Onhearing thisHaroon laughed and said to him:

"You had rightly quoted the Prophet as saying that the twoqualitites of greed and long expectation remain young and active even in old age."Haroon then promised the old man that he could expect repeated gifts yearly as long as he lived.But alas!the greedy old man was not destined to enjoy even the first gift from the king. Back on his litter as hewas comfortably being carried , before he could reach his hometown in Yemen, he died of greed but without enjoying his cherished gift of money fromHaroon .

The fact is that man by nature is born with greed in his character. The Holy Quran says:

"Verily man is created avaricious (Greedy)." (70:19)

Whyis this instinct created in Man? The purpose is to make him work hard to raise his standard of living. He should temper his instinct with virtue by being considerate and generous and strive to attain the ultimate pleasure of Allah and high status in the life hereafter.

The instinct of profit and possessionis not meant to make one selfish, to devote oneself to hoarding wealth, and to satisfy one's desire for worldly gains.Therefore this instinct needs to be controlled andchannelled into the right direction- by being generous and charitable.

Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.)was once asked who the wealthiest of all men was. Inreply he said: "The wealthiest of all men is the one who is not enslaved with greed".And Hazrat Ali (A.S.) had said:

"The greedy is in the shackles of disgrace." and the fourth ImamZainul Abedeen (A.. S.) in one of his prayers said: "Oh Allah! I seek shelter from THEE from overriding desire and greed for worldly things".

ISLAMIC EQUALITY AND FAIRPLAY IN PRACTICE

It was during the times whenHazrat Ali (A.S.) was the caliph of the MuslimUmmah . One day accompanied by his slaveQamber , he went to the cloth bazaar inKufa . They stopped at one shop, and Ali (A.S.) requested to see some clothes. The shopkeeper recognized him and said "OhAmeer -al-Mu'mineen ! (Master of the faithful) I have and can offer you what you want." On noticing that hehad already been recognized ,Hazrat Ali (A.S.) withdrew from that shop without any deal.

Both then proceeded and stopped at another shop run by a young man. From himHazrat Ali (A.S.) purchased two clothes, one costing threedirham and the other two. He gave the more expensive one of threedirhams toQamber and retained the cheaper one of lower quality for himself. On seeing this,Qamber objected saying that the better quality cloth wouldbefit him better since Ali (A.S.) was going on the pulpit to deliverKhutbas (sermons).

To this Ali (A.S.) argued thatthe better grade cloth should be worn byQamber who was younger and was more desirous of attractions . Besides, Ali (A.S.) added, that he had heard the Prophet recommending to them to clothe and feed their slaves the same way as they did for themselves.

From this story, three things are noteworthy:

1. That those in high posts in government should be careful not to take advantage of their positions in matters of personal interests. Atif Hazrat Ali (A.S.) by withdrawing from that first shopkeeper wanted to convey to him that the one who desired to purchase cloth was not the Caliph of the country but Ali binAbi Talib in his personal capacity. The shopkeeper addressed him as Amir-al-Mu'mineen hence he went away without making a deal.

2. The IslamicShariah has prescribed special and equitable rights for slaves who must receive consideration as human beings.Hence Hazrat Ali (A.S.) was putting this teaching into practice and setting an invaluable example.

3. That Islam has given consideration within limits to the natural desire of younger people to makethemselves attractive. In giving better cloth toQambar ,Hazrat Ali (A.S.) wanted to make him feel happy.

Were men of high positions in public institutions today to serve the interests of the people only without misusing their positions for personal gains, people would enjoy better prosperity and peace in the world.

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