Ameerul Haj and his 'asa

It was a most moving 'wada' scene on the hallowed precincts of Saifee Mahal on the morning of Jumoa 27th Zilkad 1433 H ( 12th Oct:  2012) on the occasion of Milad of Syedna Taher Saifuddin Moula (RA) when Aqa Moula (TUS) bid an emotional farewell to his A'li Qadr Mansoos - Ammerul Haj Moulaya Mufaddal Saifuddin  Saheb (TUS)

As A'li Qadr Moula repeatedly prostrated himself  in humility and shukr and as Aqa Moula (TUS) lovingly looked on, for that small gathering, who was there to witness the history in the making - it was simply heavenly and ethereal.

The poignant wada scene was narrated to me over phone by a relative, who said as Muffadal Moula slowly withdrew and those assembled conveyed Mubarakbadi, tears overwhelmed him and as he repeatedly looked back longingly at Aqa Moula (TUS). Every few steps he took forward, he turned around to look once  more, to be blessed once more with Deedar of his Naas,which may be conveying to  him a thousand things, which is beyond our comprehension.

It is beyond words to describe the emotional and spiritual bond between the most radiant Nass and his most glowing Mansoos.

'nigah noor ki murte hai inteha ki taraf
qadam bhi barhne lage rah e kibriya ki taraf
irada kar liya iman ke muddua ki taraf,
lo ja rahe hai Mufaddal rozat se Kabatullah ki taraf '

(Ack: Bhai Mohammad Rangoonwala - zakir e Husain )

During wada Aqa Moula (TUS) gave to A'li Qadr Mufaddal Moula (TUS) the hadiyah of 'asa.

Now this hadiyah of 'asa seems to be very unique and very significant. I am unable to fathom the true significance. None the less it made me reflect. Here in this post I share my reflections, with the hope that it may also make my readers reflect and share their insight, as an act of Hamd and Shukr.

For a layman and an infirm like me - an Arabi - 'asa is merely a walking stick, to give me support - a walking aid, so that I may be able to take firm steps. However, for a Spiritual savant, an 'asa is much much more. It harbors deep connotations and meanings, which we will not be able to fathom. In this post, I merely skim the surface with my reflections. People of knowledge may be able to dive deep and gather luminous pearls of hikmaah.

'Asa is the sunnah of Ambiyaa  (AS)
It is an adornment of the pious people.
It is a weapon to vanquish the enemy.
It is also an aid for those who are weak and old.

'Asa is synonymous with Musa Nabi (SA) He was firm in faith and robust in health when he challenged the court of haughty Firoun and his mighty courtiers. ALLAH commanded his Nabi to throw his 'Asa. Musa Nabi (SA) ek ehvi daleel pesh kidhi ke pal bhar ma 'kufr' ane zahalat ni kalak miti gayi - sagla hebat na sabab sar nigu thai gaya.

Now my reflections. Within hours of receiving this hadiyah from beloved Aqa Moula (TUS) the latent power of the 'asa - its significance was witnessed in the bayan mubarak of A'li Qadr Mufaddal Saifuddin Moula (TUS) in Dubai .

With conviction and force he threw the 'asa and it  resonated in the most powerful words. Imam Husain (SA) ni zikr ghani mohti neamat chhe .... kitna gamo Husain ni zikr thi roke chhe ..... samaj chhe ke nahi eh  logo ne ...............   Those who have been fortunate to hear the bayan will surely come to understand. I will not go into the details.

Thus the Nass Aqa Moula (TUS) has truly empowered his A'li Qadar Mansoos (TUS) by his 'asa and in the days to come I fervently hope and pray that the presence of A'li Qadr Moula (TUS) in the most revered and blessed precincts of Madina Munawwara and Makkah Moazzama - a miracle will surely unfold. The present circumstances are very difficult. A particular creed  and thought process has laid barren the fertile spiritual soil.

In the pious hands of A'li Qadr Moula Mufaddal Saifuddin (TUS) the 'asa will surely work a miracle. It may take years, but the seeds will surely be sown in this mubarak safar.

For many years now Aqa Moula (TUS) and each and every mumin is yearning and pining to witness their long cherished dream :

'Zarih e Fatema banavo Moula
yeh bushra zaldi sunavo Moula '

The coming days will surely bring the good tidings. Let us all pray.

LUCKY ME - FAIZ UL MAWAID BURHANIYAH

This story is a result of talking with a host of family and friends, not only in my city, but in many other cities and towns, over phone and on chats. There are facts deftly intertwined with imagination - I have tried to answer some of the questions being raised, the niyat is that it will provide my Readers with valuable insights and at the same time, the joy of reading.

Central characters -

My self - Asgar aged 50 years running own business and maintaining a study income and providing a decent standard of living to my family, and having a weakness for Tandoori Indian dishes.

Wife : Rabab aged 47 years. Home maker and an excellent cook .

Murtaza : Aged 23 years studying for his MBA and a lover of Fusion Foods.

Nooruddin : Aged 18 years in his final Year at School, has yet to decide on his future studies, has not given a thought , but of one thing he is sure, his love for Continental and Mediterranean food.

SO OURS IS A FAMILY WHERE FOOD PLAYS A CENTRAL PART IN OUR DAY TO DAY LIVING. 

It is Sunday and our family is enjoying a sumptuous dinner of:

Pumpkin Risotto with Pickle Oil Ice cream
Hummus Bil Lahm and Kebab Joojeh

Tuwar pulao – palidoo – the favorite of my wife, and after toiling for the entire Sunday morning over the above 3 dishes, we as a family are very considerate to her, and do not expect her to make the elaborate Murgh Ki Raan where the making of galouti mixture for stuffing of Chicken, which requires the mixture to pass through the Mincer thrice is indeed a very tiring and time consuming process.
But my sons have made it clear that coming Sunday she has to make it or else they will be eating out – a notice which makes my poor wife shudder , to think of the costs of eating out.

I know the threat of eating out will work - come Sunday, and we will have Murgh ki Raan in our Thaal.

SO DEAR READERS THIS IS OUR FAMILY. 

Now cut to Jumoa namaz two days back, where Janab Saheb appraised us of the salient points, the nitty gritty and most important the ‘barakats’ emanating for the individual, the family and the entire community at large from the ‘ FAIZ UL MAWAID BURHANIYAH’

He explained to all of us the a’ala niyaat and the significance of it, the haqiqats behind it are many , he said, which we fail to comprehend.

It is best known to our beloved Aqa Moula (TUS) and his Mansoos (TUS) who has started this very unique and far reaching initiative, first started in London. Aqa Moula (TUS) speedy recovery is miraculous and when Janab saheb said that come Muharram and Insa Allah we will be blessed to hear the shadaat of Imam Husain (SA) from the Imami Takht once again, these words brought tears in many an eyes, and I for one was convinced.

I made immediate enquiries at the Mawaid centre and came to know that on payment of Rs: 4,600/- per month our family of 4 will be delivered a basket of wholesome nutritious Bohri food, and on further enquiry was pleased to know that the khidmatguzars are putting in a lot of effort, and the niyat is that out of 100 baskets – 60 will be paid for and 40 will be free baskets. Great concept I thought.

But knowing my family and specially my two sons I found the task very daunting. Worry was writ all over me when I returned home from office, and my wife Rabab immediately noticed it, but was kind enough not to push the issue in the fore front. Saturday also she found me in a very sullen and brooding nature and I confided her the problem that was perplexing me. She had a few encouraging words for me as I left for office.

It was decided between us that after Sunday dinner we will bring this ‘basket’ subject before the children. I wanted to put my case very convincingly, and being a stickler for details, Saturday was spent on reflecting - Googling on the subject of sharing food. Many hours of searching resulted in one convincing article by Dr. Phil Birtie – the Role of Food in Empowering Communities ( Refer to my previous Blog post)

There is much to food than mere physical benefits of nutrition and health. A good point I felt. Encouraged by this lead I read more and more. I found out that sharing same food is a means of bridging the gaps between same members of the community, which has arisen because of different socio economic conditions.

The seeming disconnect between the affluent class and the marginalized class of the same community – we are brothers all - 'mara DEEN na farzando' so lovingly referred by Aqa Moula (TUS) - he is our Bawa Shafiq - he is doing the tadbeer for our 'ma'ad' - emancipation – than why so much disconnect. It pains to see people so unconcerned at the plight of their fellow mumineen etc: Such thoughts made me fully engrossed, so much so, that I found difficulty in sleeping.

Luckily for me as I was tossing and turning and try to understand the truths behind this unique ‘mohim’ and in order to find some solace and peace of mind, I took up to do tilawat of Munajaat sharifa 1432H


And started reading it, some thing told me an answer may be found here. As I read along I came upon the following Aby’at Sahrifa –

EUREKA !! HERE WAS THE ANSWER I WAS LOOKING FOR

 

As I turned the page the following Aby'at Sharifa made me more convinced.

A silent doa for my Aqa Moula (TUS) and his  A'li Qdr Muffadal Saifuddin Moula (TUS) escapedmy lips and I went off to sleep.

Sunday morning I got up fresh and rejuvenated and braced up for the day with a light toast and tea breakfast. Rabab also busied herself in the kitchen, as we were going to have a sumptuous dinner of Pumpkin Risotto – Humus Bil Lahm – Kebab Joojeh the ingredients for which could not be had in ordinary market store, so after quick bath drove out to the far away Spenser Specialty food outlet.

On reaching there, the shop assistant told me that for pita breads I will have to wait for an hour, as fresh stock was being awaited. Under the circumstances I had no other alternative but to just chill out – so I headed straight to across the street Barista and ordered Hazelnut Mocha and Chocolate Chip Muffins.

One hour is a long, long time, and it was early morning, there were hardly any customers, and amidst tranquil surrounding I drifted back and started reflecting on the Abyaat Sharifas, which had provided so much solace last night.

Let me share my reflections - Dear Readers - if you find some erroneous thinking on my part, do correct me, I will be deeply indebted.

Abyaat Sharifa 71 -

Aqa Moula (TUS) expresses that there are countless desires (niyaat) which he longs to be fulfilled ….. ke jehni kadar k'um chhe – ehne baland karoo.

We mumineen are all DEEN na farzando of our beloved Bawa Shafiq – we are all ‘baland qadar’ in that sense – hope my Readers agree - than what does Aqa Moula imply by saying that ‘ qadar k’um chhe ehne baland karoo’ 

Spiritually we are all the same, but in certain section of the affluent society a wrong perception has taken deep roots based on purely materialistic outlook – the yardstick of success is wealth – you are counted and seen by the car – the house you own and the latest mobile and other gadgets you flaunt etc: Much can be written, but to make the point, just making broad references.

So is it not that by sharing same food – the social beneficial effects are many, the widening gap – the disconnect in bridged? What say you dear Readers. Is my reasoning faulty ? Please correct me then ?

The FAIZ UL MAWAID BURHANIYAH is a most important initiative of leveling the ever widening chasm.

Agreed ? O K let me proceed.

Abyaat Sharifa 74 -

ALLAH ! Do help those who help their brethren with love and affection in overcoming the difficulties of day to day living and make good his brothers shortcomings.

Here Aqa Moula (TUS) is blessing those who come forward – those who are enjoying the best of material comforts and good life – to come forward and help those of their marginalized mumineen brothers. They have the world, they are self sufficient but they are still in need of mu’asaat (help) and this help only Moula and Moula alone can give as a boon.

For M’aad we will not need a Ferrari - a Hublot Euro BB but our Aqa Moula’s doa Mubarak – his doa Mubarak will infuse us with spirituality – humanity – love for our fellow mumineen brethren – it will make us walk the ‘siraat’ with joy and abundance resulting from sharing – in this case sharing the same food that my fellow mumin bhai in shukr is so happy to have with his family – it has eased him of financial burden also but the important underlining message is – WE ARE ALL ONE !!

So it is a Win Win situation for both the giver and the receiver.

As I was sipping my Hazelnut Mocha across the table I found a copy of Sunday Telegraph, 11th Sept: 2011 and having more time in hand, I took it up and glanced at the Front Page.

MY EUREKA MOMENT AGAIN !

I read with interest the headline story – ‘ Osama gone, hunger gnaws’ by K.P.Nayar
The ‘Food Stamp’ Programme cleverly renamed ‘ Supplement Nutrition Assistant Programme’ (SNAP) The growing number of Americans 46 million and ever growing - their plight – how they are being looked upon by other affluent Americans, made an interesting reading.

I immediately called for a Note Pad and Pen from the counter, and noted down excerpts, which you can read, and if you so desire, the entire News Report, by clicking on the below link.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1aRgl3UIVwZn2C7vUNXBu9wZQ6LD8DMXio_zroKBDXb8/edit?hl=en_US

I am confident that after reading it, specially American mumineen and all those in the Western countries, will see the immense benefits of FAIZ UL MAWAID BURHANIYAH

How I wish some mumineen associated with the Press Organizations can file a report on the on going ohbat.

I received a call that my pitta breads have arrived, so I left Barista to collect it, at the same time feeling more confident to lay out the facts of the case more purposefully, after dinner, when I will be talking ‘basket’ with my grown up sons !!

Those who have been following the story closely may be feeling exited to know what happens after the Sunday sumptuous dinner. As for my self to be honest, although my wife Rabab had made excellent Kebab Joojeh and other items on the Thal, I could not enjoy as much as my son Murtaza and Noorudin, who were relishing every dish.

As a fond father, looking at them enjoying so much, I was feeling a little sad to broach the ‘thali’ subject, but was determined all the same, knowing my wife Rabab supported me whole heartedly.
It was crunch time – dinner was over, there was palpable tension building up inside me and suddenly there was POWER CUT.

It was in reality a blessing in disguise. It had rained steadily in the evening, so the weather was cool. I had replayed the scene many times in my mind earlier in the afternoon. My taking up the subject for discussion, finding Murtaza telling me – ‘ sorry Abba – we can discuss it later I have a project to complete ‘ the younger Noorudin as if on cue standing up and walking off to his room to watch TV. Multiple scenes played out in mind.

Those who are parents of growing up children can well empathize with my condition.
The POWER CUT proved to be a blessing – good food - cool breeze – family bonhomie on Sunday evening, motivated me to take up the ‘thali’ subject. I will not bother you up with all the details, some of which I have already written about – I found my sons in rapt attention – was a miracle working out.
Not a word.

Rabab encouraged by the silence response told us how she would love to share the same food with the family of Amina. Now Amina was her childhood friend, both went to school together in Lunavada, and from my wife I had heard many childhood stories of my wife always being in awe of her dear friend, who was smart, intelligent, helpful – once my wife started, she would go and on ……

However, two years back Aquilbhai who was a very successful businessman was struck with a paralytic stroke while at office, as a result of which his entire body was immobilized. In short the world of Amina and her son Hakim who was of same as my Noorudin and both were school buddies, went into a tailspin.

As Aquilbhai was running his supply business single handedly, as expected business suffered, creditors started knocking at their door, debtors started playing truant, medical Bills started piling. Aquilbhai died thereafter living behind a family who much against their wishes, started to become depended on ‘muvasaat’

Now dear Readers – the above circumstances are a fact, only other things are fictitious to protect the identity of the family. In my long years of ‘reaching out’ I have come face to face with so many such families.

Here I would I like to recall the resilience (khuddari) of one mumin bhai. I came to know of his plight after his wife was diagnosed with Cancer, and piling medical Bills and running about for treatment, completely drained out his financial capacity. He removed his son, who was very intelligent and smart from a good school were the fees were high.

I came to know about it and approached him to see if I could mobilize some funds for the schooling. In his own words – ‘ Asgarbhai shukran , but let me bear my own cross’ Tears swelled in my eyes, and I felt so humbled that there are such mumineen in this world. On that day frankly I felt proud to be born a mumin.

Was Aqa Moula (TUS) referring to such mumineen in his Munajaat Sahrifa 1432H – did he mean those who have been victims of circumstances -
ke jehni kadar k’um chhe – ehne baland karoo.

I put forward this question to my sons, and I put forward it you my dear readers ?
Please do reflect, and you will surely find spiritual bliss, and understand the importance of this food sharing.

Our family can easily have Canneloni Milanaise Style ( an ideal party dish – Tarla Dalal) but no we will decide to have the same ‘thali’ food, for we know that there is some ‘hiqmat’ in the initiative started by Molayi A’li Qdr Muffadal Saifuddin saheb (TUS)

LUCKY ME - the lights had not come on, and my sons with rapt attention were listening. As a family we agreed that yes we will take the ‘thali’ and surprise of surprise, my son had more updated information than me.

He said he is following the development with interest and being an MBA student, he is seriously considering doing a project on it. He had worked out the costs based on per person consumption of 125 gms rice (Gobindo bhog is cheaper and more nutritious than costly Basmati – we are not doing a ‘shaadi khana’ was his argument) 3 rotis – 25 gms mutton /khima – dal 50 gms and sabji 100 gms )

He said to bring down the costs , mumina ladies from affluent families who have Ayahs and other support staff at home to care, can volunteer their services one day a week. Six groups for six days a week can be formed and their husbands can be entrusted with daily bazaar.

Now it was our time to listen with rapt attention to the sage and practical advice of both our sons who were gung-ho and pretty exited.

LUCKY ME !! THE POWER CAME ON ! MISSION ACCOMPLISHED !

I stole an affectionate glance at Rabab and found her all smiles, and pink as peach. I thank ALLAH for having blessed me with such a wonderful family. END

DEAR READERS : I hope you enjoyed reading LUCKY ME but more important, many misconceptions and questions may have been removed. As for me I thoroughly enjoyed writing it, and being blessed to convey my thoughts and insights.

In the process I have used my imagination as well as facts, both have been deftly interlinked.
To conclude Rabab is my wife and as with ladies who love to hide their age I have made her younger by 11 years !!

Murtaza and Nooruddin are my two sons, but both of them died in their infancy. Had they lived both of them would have been strapping + 30 and apples of our eyes. In their premature deaths and sufferings I learnt a great lesson. There are no regrets, but fond remembrance. They taught me to live life in jest, and my writings, and my interaction with family and friends, is a living proof. I have two grown up children, and grand children.

A great life lesson I learnt from them was to empathize – to reach out to the suffering and the marginalized of the community, who are victims of circumstances, and not personal failures in life.
As Eckhart Tolle says in his best seller - A New Earth – these are the people who ACCEPT WHAT IS - they accept THE PRESENT MOMENT with fortitude. I feel it is for this particular section of the marginalized community for whom Aqa Moula (TUS) has referred so eloquently, in the Munazaat Sharifa, they must be in his thoughts, in his fervent ‘ilteza’ this Laylatul Qdr.

Dear Readers this story LUCKY ME I fondly dedicate to both my sons, who died in infancy. Any good that may come out from your reading, let it be their ‘sawab’ ALHAMDOLILLAH !

WE ARE PROUD OF OUR ISLAMIC HERITAGE

                                    we are proud of our islamic heritage

In the reign of the FATEMIDE CALIPHS the annalyst ‘Ayni says that the public library at Cairo contained over two million works, of which over six thousand treated exclusively of mathematics and astronomy. The scientific spirit of Islam was at its zenith.

At Cairo in the reigns of  Imam Aziz billah & Imam (S.A.) and  Hakim bi - amrillah (S.A.)) there flourished one of the master spirits of the age IBN YUNUS  the inventor of pendulum and the measurement of time by its oscillation. His great work named after his patron and Imam-”ZIJ - UL - AKABAR - AL HAKIMI” soon displaced the work of Claudius Ptolemy. IBN - YUNUS  died in 1009 a.c.

The sons of Musa ibn Shakir who flourished under Mamun and his two immediate successors, calculated the size of the earth from the measurement of a degree on the shores  of the red sea, this at a time when Christian Europe was asserting the flatness of the globe.    

ABUL HASAN invented a telescope  (died 873  a.c.)

AL - BATANI  introducer of sine & cosine in mathematics 

BUYIDE  AMEER - AZUD UD DOWLA ( Malik Fariskhusru) built several hospitals and refuges for the orphans in Baghdad. He built magnificent mausoleums over the kabre mubarak  of Moulana Ali (S.A.) & Imam Husain (S.A.)

HASAN IBN HAITHAM became renowned  for his work in optical science. His book ‘Balance Of Wisdom’ 

The first observatory in Europe was built by the Arabs. The GIRALLD over tower of Seville was erected under the supervision of the great mathematician  Jabir ibn Afiah in 1190 a.c.

ABU MUSA JABIR (the Geber of Christian writers) is regarded as the father of modern chemistry. He was a native of Tarus. Ibn Khallikan says - Jabir complied a work of two thousand pages in which he inserted the problems of his master Imam Jafar as Sadik (S.A.) which formed 500 treaties. 

The oldest surviving Arabic encyclopedia  of medicine the  FIRDAUS  AL HIKMA in some respects remains unsurpassed. Ali bin Rabban Al Tabari wrote this work in the year 850 a.c. and was contemporary of Hunayn bin Ishaq.

Ali bin Khalaf (eleventh century)  invented the ‘universal plate’ the astrolabe.

AL BATANI established the formula   cos a  = cos b  

ABUL WAFA (died 998 a.c.) introduced the theorems of the tangents , he also introduced the secant and cosecant.

ABU NASR (died 1036 a.c.) discovered the theorem of sines.

GHIYATH AL DIN JAMSHID AL - KHASI (died 1429 a.c.) carried out the extension of the decimal system to fractions.

Famous Arab geographers who flourished in the tenth century. Muslim bin Humair - Jaihani - Masudi - Ibn Haukal - al - Beiruni  (who travelled to India)  Yakut - Nasiri Khusru the author of SAFARNAMEH.

Famous Arab Historians  were Hamdani - Masudi  (author of  such works as Mirat uz Zaman - the mirror of the times & Muruz uz Zahab) Ibn ul - Athir (authored universal history al - Kamil)

Famous Arab Astronomers whose observations concerning the equinoxes, the eclipses, the apparitions of the comets and other celestial phenomena that added greatly to human knowledge were to name but a few  Bin ali - yahya bin Abi Mansur - Mohammad bin Musa .

AL KINDI  wrote two hundred works on various subjects - arithmetic, geometry, philosophy, optics etc:

ABU MAASHAR (corruped by the middle ages europeans into Albumazar) made celestial phenomena his special study . Tables of Abu Maashar has remained always chief source of astronomical knowledge. 

ALBATANI (the Albategnius of medieval Europe) was another distinguished  astronomer. His Tables translated into Latin furnished the ground work of astronomy in  Europe for many centuries. The Banu Amajur were noted for their calculation of the lunar movement.

ALKOHI  under the patronage of the Buyides studied the movements of the planets. His discoveries concerning the summer solstice and the autumnal equinox  were extremely important.

HASSAN BIN HAISEM (Haithem) commonly called in Europe Alhazen is famous for his discovery of  atmospheric refraction.He was born in Spain but resided in Egypt and flourished in the eleventh century.

IBN SINA (Avicenna) was undoubtedly one of the greatest thinkers and physicians the world has produced. ABU NASAR FARABI (Alfarabius) was called by the Arabs the second Aristotle.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:  ‘SHORT HISTORY OF THE SARACENS’ Ameer Ali

                                                ‘LEGACY OF ISLAM’  C. E. Bosworth

The Tribe of Ar - Rass who disobeyed and were destroyed.

During the month of Shere Ramazan, mumineen in greater number and in good measure performs the tilawat-e- Quran-e Karim, on the irshada't  of our ruhani bawa -shafiq (TUS) as Quran -e- Hakeem is 'afzlo kulle shayin dun-Allah'. 

Each ayat, nay each word of Quran encompasses a wealth of knowledge and meaning, to use a metaphor, each drop contains an ocean.

 I  came  across a very interesting historical aspect behind the ayat 38 of the sura-Al-Furqan, which I would like to share with readers.

'and the tribe of A'ad and Thamood and the inhabitants of Ar-Rass and the generations between them, we did give examples and everyone(of them) we did destroy with utter extermination' 25: 38.

Here is the history of the inhabitants of Ar-Rass.

Rass was the name of the stream in the locality of Azerbaijan on whose bank lay twelve townships whose inhabitants were known as the people of Rass.

 The name of these townships were :
 1.ABAN  2.AAZAR  3.DEE  4.BAHMAN  5.ISFANDAR  6.FARWADIN  7.URDI BAHISHT

8.KHUZDAD  9.MARDAD  10.TEER  11.MEHR AND 12.SHAHYOOR.

In ISFANDAR which enjoyed a central position a pine tree was planted by Yaftah bin Nuh, and it was called the king tree.From the seeds of this tree, one tree each was planted in other towns.Every month these people gathered together in one town and worshiped the tree.

Once in a year on the day of Nauroze (new year) they gathered in ISFANDAR and worshipped the principal tree, and offered sacrifices. In order to stop them from worshiping this tree, Allah sent a prophet from the line of Yahyd (Javoha) bin Yaqoob who tried to prevent them from this heretic worship, but they did not listen to him, rejected him and revolted against him and decided to kill him.

So they dug a well in the stream and throwing him in it, closed its mouth with stone, as a result
of which, he died in extreme agony.

As a consequence to this tyranny, divine retribution took turn and such a severe hot wind blew over them ,that they were all burnt, and sulfuric lava erupted out from the underground with which even their bones were melted and all the towns were overturned.

THIS THEN IS THE STORY OF AR-RASS TRIBE WHO DISOBEYED THE PROPHET OF
ALLAH.

AKHBAR IS ANWA'R - POST 7

Earlier we had seen how the Doa of Nabi (S.A.) manifested in the nasl of Valid bin Akaba, that 18 Doat Mutlaqeen in Yemen were his descendents, the first being the 5^th Dai Syedna Ali bin Mohammad Valid (A.Q.)

Syedna Ali bin Mohammad bin Valid (A.Q.) by virtue of his piety, knowledge and tafadi was elevated to the position of mazoon by Syedna Hatim bin Syedna Ibrahim Saheb (A.Q.) the 3^rd Dai and served the Dai and Dawat with diligence and fervor and was also entrusted with imparting knowledge to Syedna Ali bin Syedna Hatim the illustrious farzand of Syedna Hatim (A.Q.)

The ancestors of Syedna Ali bin Mohammad Valid had been serving the dawat in Yemen and during the reign of Imam Mustansir Billah (S.A.) Syedna Ali Bin Mohammad Sulehi who was Dai Balag in Yemen, sent Moulai Ibrahim bin Abi Salma (who is the maternal grandfather of Sy: Ali bin Mohammad bin Valid) as envoy with hadayah in Hazrat Alia Imamia. During the course of his stay in Misr, Moulai Ibrahim fell gravely ill, and was blessed with the Doa mubarak of Imam (S.A.) who sent him a kuza of 'shifa water' partaking of which, resulted in full recovery. 

The ikhlas of Moulai Ibrahim was such, (the ikhlas resulting from the Doa of Nabi (S.A.) on that difficult day in Taif) that he took this kuza with him to Yemen and whenever, need arose he used to give refilled water from the kuza to the mumineen in Yemen, which cured them of their illness and brought relief. So much so, that when the kuza was accidentally broken, he made a vasiyat, that the broken pieces should be put in his kabr.

The ikhlas, tafadi and khuzu of Syedna Ali bin Mohammad Valid is a shining example in the annals of Fatemi Dawat, which had moved Syedna Hatim bin Sy: Ibrahim to exclaim that the ikhlas and khuzu of Syedna Ali bin Mohammad has surpassed that of the farishtas who were commanded by Allah to offer sujud to Adam (S.A.)

Syedna Hatim (A.Q.) had indicated his desire to elevate Syedna Ali bin Mohammad, his Mazoon to the august position of Dai ul Mutlaq after him. When Syedna Ali bin Mohammad came to know of Dai's intentions, he presented himself before the Dai, and with folded hands made arz that he has been receiving lutf and karam of Syedna Hatim, who has elevated him to the position of Mazoon and has also entrusted him, with imparting knowledge to his worthy son, who has equaled him in knowledge in all aspects. 

Moula but he is endowed with one more blessing, and that is he is like unto you, your very flesh and blood, your very own son. So with deep convictions and in all humility I request you to elevate him to the august position of Dai ul Mutlaq, and I will continue to serve him as I have been serving you Moula.

This ikhlas and tafadi resulting from deep knowledge of the Fatemi ulums, greatly moved Syedna Hatim  (A.Q.) and here we can safely extrapolate that tears of joy and Shukr may have swelled in the Dai's eyes, and his mind may have traveled back in time to the burning sands of karbala, and to the night of Ashura where the Ahle bait and ashabs of Imam Husain (S.A.) had gathered in his khaimagha. Vivid memories of the Ahle bait and Ashabs led by Abbas Alambardar (S.A.) offering their tafadi and firm resolve to be with their Moula and not to forsake him but to offer their lives in his khidmat, on being told by the Imam (S.A.) to leave him alone to face the yezidi forces, may have lighted up luminous face of Syedna Hatim with spiritual radiance.

Thus Syedna Ali bin Syedna Hatim (A.Q.) became the 4^th Dai and Syedna Ali bin Syedna Mohammad bin Valid continued to serve him, till the time he himself was elevated to the august position as the 5^th Dai ul Mutlaq. After him followed 17 Doats from the nasl of Valid bin Akaba, the last of them being the 30^th Dai ul Mutlaq Syedna Ali bin Moulai Hasan (A.Q.)

Yemen had been the shining outpost of Fatemi Dawah for more than four centuries. 

AKHBAR IS ANWA’R - PART 6

THE DISTRIBUTION OF BOOTY AT AL-JI’RANAH

Upon returning from the successful mission of lifting the siege in Ta’if Nabi (SA) waited over ten nights at Al-Ji’ranah, in the hope that Hawazin’s delegation (those defeated in Hunain) might arrive and announce their repentance and consequently reclaim their loss.

Seeing that none of them arrived, Nabi (SA) in order to calm down the tribal chiefs and the nobles of Makkah, started to distribute the booty, and the ones who obtained the greatest number of shares, were the people who had recently embraced Islam.

Abu Sufyan bin Harb was given a hundred camels and forty (gold) ounces and yet he said : “ What about my son, Yazeed’s share? So he was given the same quantity for his son as well. But yet he exclaimed : “ And what about the share of Mu’awiyah, my second son ? 

So Nabi (SA) gave Mu’awiyah as much as he gave his father and brother.

Likewise, Hakim bin Hizam was given a hundred camels , but was given a hundred more when he demanded. Safwan bin Umaiyah was given three hundred camels – a hundred camels at each time. (Ash – Shifa (1/86)

The generosity of Nabi (SA) to the chiefs of Makkah and the newly converts, resulted in a stampede by the Bedouins, so much so, that Nabi (SA) was forced to take refuse against a tree, and they even took away his mantle.

Rehmatul lil A’lameen Nabi (SA) addressed the tumultuous people saying: “O people ! Give me back my mantle. For I swear by the One in Whose Hand is Muhammad’s soul, that if  had as many numerous camels as the number of Tihamah trees, I would have distributed them among you… “ Standing by his camel  he said : “ O people, I swear by Allah that I get nothing but one fifth of your booty, and this very fifth also goes back to you”

After he had distributed the booty among the new converts, he distributed the remaining among the Muslims, and the Ansaars (Helpers – people of Medinah) were disgruntled and not satisfied, with what little they received compared to the booty received by the new converts.

Hunain represented hard times and they were the first to rush and to fight and stand firm with Nabi (SA) when the fighting was intense, whereas new converts like Abu Sufyan and Hakim bin Hizam, who escaped from the battlefield, when the tide turned against the Muslims, received large booty.

When resentment grew among the Helpers and ill statements spread, Nabi (SA) summoned Sa’d bin Ubadah and told him to gather all the Ansaars, and gave a very passionate speech, saying that although the Ansaars are not telling him directly, he can read their minds – saying  ‘You (Muhammad S.A.) came to us belied and rejected, and we accepted you ; you came to us helpless and we helped you ;  you were a fugitive, and we took you in; you were poor and we comforted you’

‘You Helpers, do you feel anxious for the things of this world. Wherewith I have sought to incline these people unto the Faith  in which you are already established ?

Are you not satisfied, O group of Helpers that the people go with ewes and camels, while you go along with the Messenger of Allah (SA) to your dwellings ….. Allah ! have mercy on the Helpers, their children and their children’s children !

                                     

The audience wept till tears rolled down their beards as they said: “Yes we are satisfied, O Prophet of Allah ! with our lot and share”

ANWA’R

As I read the Akhbaar of the distribution of booty at Ji’rannah which had happened in the year 8 AH and that Abu Sufyan bin Harb, from whose loins came Muawiyah and Yezid bin Muawiyah, was given a large share of the booty, a question arose in my mind.

Nabi (SA) who had been blessed with the I’lm of ‘ma kana sayakoon’ at the time of Me’raj ( the ascension) the event which occurred at Mecca before the Hijrah, was aware, of all the events that will transpire in the future.

Surah al- Isra (verse 1) Allah shows His ayat – proofs, lessons, signs, evidence etc:

Surah al _Najm (Verses 12 to 18) also narrates the entire Me’raj episode.

In Vaaz we hear frequently of Jibraeel showing Nabi (SA) two ‘haveli mubaraks’ and on being asked,  Jibraeel narrates the tragic incidents that will happen, one in Medinah and the other, on the burning sands of Karbala. Nabi (SA) knew, who were the perpetrators of the gruesome crime.

The question than is – why oh ! why! when Nabi (SA) knew that Sufyan bin Harb and his family were the perpetrators of crime against Nabi (SA) progeny, did he give out large booty to them, at the cost of earning resentment of the Ansaars, who had fought with valor and risked their very lives in the hard won battle of Hunain ??

I have found this question very perplexing. If any of you readers have an answer, I will be indebted to know.

On reflection during Sehrullah 1432 H I have tried to understand the historical paradox, in my own humble way, and sharing the same with my readers. Please do correct me, if you feel I have erred in my reflection of this Akhbar.

The Anwa’r I see in this Akhbaar is that Nabi (SA) was the epitome and a living example of ‘salama’ which in the primary sense means – to be tranquil, at rest, to be at perfect peace, to be in absolute submission to the Will of Allah.  The last mentioned is the most important, Nabi (SA) was always living in THE NOW  - THE PRESENT MOMENT.  Nabi (SA) was here to enable the Divine Purpose of the Universe to unfold.

He epitomized the greatest power of the Universe – non resistance and complete submission to TOTALITY -  Will Of Allah – saying YES to the PRESENT MOMENT – honoring the PRESENT MOMENT. ( For this thought process, I am indebted to the teaching of Eckhart Tolle)   

Even after knowing the future, Nabi (SA) was submitting to THE WILL OF ALLAH, accepting and doing his duty in perfect peace. 

It was the WILL of ALLAH working through his Nabi (SA) in the NOW – The Present Moment, and Nabi (SA) was fully focused in discharging his obligations, in full compliance with THE WILL OF ALLAH – submitting in humility with grace, knowing ALLAH KNOWS BEST.

A most difficult task for ordinary mortals, knowing if at all,  the future and still accepting the paradox of the Present. 

Now coming to the resentment of the Ansaars, there is so much Anwa’r in the Akhbaar, if one cares to reflect.

Nabi (SA) knows the minds of his followers fully. He well understands and sympathizes fully with the sacrifices made by the Ansaar, and the unequal distribution of the booty. But here again he is simply acting on the Will of Allah.

Nabi (SA) does not desire anything from himself. He articulates forcefully – mark his words :

 “ O people, I swear by Allah that I get nothing but one fifth of your booty, and this very fifth also goes back to you”

However he fully understand human nature, and his sole mission is to make those who really love him, to unshackle themselves from gross materialism, to become farishta shifat in this world, and how true and meaningful are his words :

‘Are you not satisfied, O group of Helpers that the people go with ewes and camels, while you go along with the Messenger of Allah (SA) to your dwellings ….. Allah ! have mercy on the Helpers, their children and their children’s children !

There is a great lesson for us to be learnt from this Akhbar. Many a times in our worldly journey, we are assailed with doubts, as to the happenings around us. When we see around us people, who do not deserve, who show merely outward profession of faith, their actions do  not reflect their speech, getting rewarded with worldly goods, when we stand at such cross road in life, utterly confused and perplexed, we should be of firm faith and ask ourselves the question.

Do I want the world or my MOULA ?            

Be honest with your self – what you want in this life. Moula knows what is best for you, so accept in humility, be at peace with your self. This is ‘salama’ – Islam.

There are many best selling books in the market, showing you ways and means to achieve what you desire – the question is what is your desire ?  What is the focus in your life. I am not saying you do not desire worldly comforts, or it is not good to aspire for high standard of living – what I am saying is to  ACCEPT WHAT IS.

The doa Mubarak of Aqa Moula (TUS) ‘ barakAllaho’ does not only mean palatial bungalows, pricey cars, luxurious living, it depending upon what is good for you – Moula knows – it may mean, rise in the spiritual station, nearness to Moula, Ma’ad at jet speed after death etc:

In his Book ‘ The New Earth’  Eckhart Tolle gives a good example of a sapling to a question put forward to him.  He says the sapling does not want anything – if it withers and dies, so be it. If it grows into a big tree – so be it. The reason is, it is one with the Will of Allah – with the Totality of the Universe, it has completely surrendered.

In a National Geographic documentary I was amazed to see the animals standing in lashing rain storm with their heads bowed, completely at ease, till heavy rains subsided.

 A lesson to be learnt from the plants and animals. Accepting WHAT IS.

I am not advocating passivity, we are here to strive and achieve the best for ourselves and our family. But at times, we have to become still have firm faith in the Will of Allah and our MOULA and to be at perfect peace with ourselves, after giving our very best.

The lesson learnt is that – whatever the present moment contains, accept it, as if you had chosen it – there in lies your greatness.

In times of crisis of faith, remember the words of Nabi (SA) – ‘people go with ewes and camels while you go with the Messenger of Allah (SA)’ in our times we are in the saya of our beloved Aqa Moula (TUS)

  

AKHBAR IS ANWAAR - PART 5

After the frantic search had slowed by the Quraish, Abdullah bin Uraiqit who was a trusted guide, came to the cave with two camels and Muhammad (SA) departed with food provisions for the onward journey through the seldom used ways along the coastal route.

 That was in Rabi'ul Awwal 1^st year A.H.  September 16, 622 C.E. After traveling through many villages they finally reached Quba on Monday , 8^th Rabi'ul Awaal ie: September 23^rd 622 AC in the forteenth year of Prohpethood.  

The shouts of Allahu Akbar  resounded amongst the Muslims, whose joys knew no bounds as they show they beloved Nabi (SA) emerging out of the desert mirage, from their look out point at Harrah. They had been going there each morning, and waiting till noon to catch the glimpse of the Prophet (SA).

Muhaamad (SA) stayed in Quba for 4 days. He built the Masjid and prayed there. Moulana Ali (SA) stayed back in Makkah for three days to return the trusts on behalf of the Prophet (SA) to their respective owners, and emigrated thereafter and reached Quba.

On the fifth day Friday he accompanied by his maternal uncles Bani An-Najjar and others, he rode towards Madinah amidst throngs of joyous Madiense, who had lined his path.

Though not wealthy, every Ansar   (helper) was eager to receive the Messenger in his house. It was indeed a triumphal procession. Around the camel of Muhammad (SA) and his immediate followers, rode the chiefs of the city in their best garments and in glittering armor, the little girls chanting beautiful verses of welcome.

Every one pleading with Muhammad (SA) as he passed their houses to alight and stay with them. Muhammad (SA) used to reply courteously and kindly to each of them " Leave it (camel) on its way, for it is commanded (by Allah)"

The camel moved onward with loosed rein, reached the site were Masjid ul – Nabawi will be built. The camel knelt down, but Muhammad (SA) did not dismount, until the camel rose again, moved forward, turned back, and came back to kneel down in the very former spot. At this spot, Muhammad (SA) alighted in the area inhabited by Banu An-Najjar, a tribe related to the Prophet (SA) from the maternal side.

The fortunate host Abu Ayyub Ansari, whose house was the nearest to the spot escorted Muhammad (SA) to his dwelling. The first task to which Muhammad (SA) attended was the building of the Masjid, at the spot where his camel had knelt down. The land which belonged to two orphans was purchased, the ground was cleared of weeds and shrubs, and leveled. Muhammad (SA) himself carried bricks and stones and recited verses, in praise of Allah.

A brotherhood between the Ansar ( Helpers) and Muhajirun (Emigrants) was established, the most unique in the history of the world. A gathering of 90 men, half of them Helpers and half of them Emigrants assembled in the house of Anas bin Malik, where Muhammad (SA) gave the spirit of brotherhood his blessings.

Muhammad (SA) attached to that brotherhood a valid contract : it was not just meaningless words but rather a valid practice relating to blood and wealth. The atmosphere of brotherhood created a spirit of selflessness infused deeply in the hearts of his followers, and produced healthy results.

The Helpers were extremely generous to their brethren –in-faith. Abu Hurairah reported that once the Helpers approached the Prophet (SA) with the request that their orchards of palm trees, should be distributed equally between the Muslims of Madinah and their brethren from Makkah. But Muhammad (SA) was hesitant to put this heavy burden on them. It was, however, decided that the Emigrants would work in the orchards along  with the Helpers and the yield would be divided equally among them.

The Emigrants took only what helped them make a reasonable living. This mutual brotherhood was so wise and timely, that many problems were resolved, and progress achieved wonderfully.

concluded.

NOTE : I have written posts on Battle of Badr and Battle of Uhud, and for other Akhbar posts, please log to my home page :  

www.hikmaah.com 

AKHBAR IS ANWAAR - PART 4

Next year during the pilgrimage season,  a group of twelve people came from Madinah, which included five who had met the Prophet (SA) the previous year. They took a pledge, which is known as the First 'Aqabah Pledge. 

After the pledge (in the form of an oath had been taken) the Prophet (SA) sent with the group the first Muslim ambassador Mus'ab bin Umair, to teach the people there, the doctrine of Islam, give them practical guidance and propagate Islam among those who still professed polytheism.

So prepared was the ground and so zealous the propagation, that Islam spread rapidly from house to house, from tribe to tribe.

In the next year, thirteenth of Prophethood, June 622 CE during the pilgrimage season, over seventy converts from Madinah came along with others. The oft repeated question among them was – " Isn't it high time, we protect Muhammad (SA) instead of leaving him abandoned in Makkah ?"

They met secretly at night with the Prophet (SA) during the Tashreeq Days (the 11^th, 12^th and 13^th day of Dhul-Hijjah) on a hillock at Al- Aqabah, the last year's meeting place.

After events dealing with the conditions of allegiance had ended, and all had agreed to endorse it, two early converts, explained to others of the serious step they were about to take, so that they could give the pledge fully aware of the whole affair, and consequently be ready for the sacrifices they were expected to make.

Muhammad (SA) then asked the group to appoint twelve people to represent their people, being responsible in regard to the articles of the pledge.

Next year during the pilgrimage season,  a group of twelve people came from Madinah, which included five who had met the Prophet (SA) the previous year. They took a pledge, which is known as the First 'Aqabah Pledge. 

After the pledge (in the form of an oath had been taken) the Prophet (SA) sent with the group the first Muslim ambassador Mus'ab bin Umair, to teach the people there, the doctrine of Islam, give them practical guidance and propagate Islam among those who still professed polytheism.

So prepared was the ground and so zealous the propagation, that Islam spread rapidly from house to house, from tribe to tribe.

In the next year, thirteenth of Prophethood, June 622 CE during the pilgrimage season, over seventy converts from Madinah came along with others. The oft repeated question among them was – " Isn't it high time, we protect Muhammad (SA) instead of leaving him abandoned in Makkah ?"

They met secretly at night with the Prophet (SA) during the Tashreeq Days (the 11^th, 12^th and 13^th day of Dhul-Hijjah) on a hillock at Al- Aqabah, the last year's meeting place.

After events dealing with the conditions of allegiance had ended, and all had agreed to endorse it, two early converts, explained to others of the serious step they were about to take, so that they could give the pledge fully aware of the whole affair, and consequently be ready for the sacrifices they were expected to make.

Muhammad (SA) then asked the group to appoint twelve people to represent their people, being responsible in regard to the articles of the pledge.

After the endorsement of the Second 'Aqabah Pledge and the establishment of a small Muslim state in a vast desert surging with disbelief and ignorance – the most significant gain in terms of Islam – Muhammad (SA) gave his leave for the Muslims to migrate to Madinah, the emerging Muslim state.

The polytheists spared no effort in hindering and debarring the Muslims, who had to bear with much hardship. Abu Salamah when he decided to leave Makkah, his in-laws, in a desperate bid to raise obstacles detained his wife and snatched his son, and dislocated his hand. There were many such instances, but within two months of the "Aqabah pledge many migrated leaving their land, houses and wealth behind.

The polytheists were paralyzed by the carefully planned and speedy movement of the Muslims towards their new abode in Madinah.

As Madinah was inhabited by the powerful  Al- Aws and Al-Khazraj tribes and controlled the commercial routes leading to Makkah, the Quriash started to feel threatened.

So on 26^th Safar, Thursday morning (12^th September 622 CE) ie: two and half months after the Great 'Aqabah Pledge, all the Quraishite tribes attended the meeting at An –Nadwah (Council House)

At the meeting at An-Nadwah, there was a lengthy debate and several proposals were put forward. The arch enemy Abu Jahl bin Hisham suggested that they kill the Prophet (SA) and this heinous crime to carried out by a band of young men each form one tribe. This sinful proposal was unanimously accepted and the representatives went back homewith full determination for immediate implementations.

Muhaamd (SA) immediately came to know of the diabolic plot by a Revelation in which he was also granted permission to leave Makkah. The eleven polytheists surrounded the house of Prophet(SA) as night fell, and Abu Jahl strutted around the house with pride, confident that they will succeed before dawn. Occasionally they use to peep inside the house making sure that Muhammad (SA) and Moulana Ali (SA) were there. They had planned to strike in a group as Muhammad (SA) emerged for morning namaz.

Before dawn break Muhammad (SA) left the house, making Moulana Ali (SA) sleep on his bed wearing his mantle. Muhammad (SA) left the house casting a handful of dust on the assassins and reciting the verses from Quran.

In the early morning the assassins were bewildered to find Moulana Ali (SA) sleeping on the bed, and by this time Muhammad (SA) had long left Makkah and tricked the polytheists by taking the road least expected lying south of Makkah and leading towards Yemen, than the usual road going to Makkah.

Muhammad (SA) hid in the cave on mount Thawr with his companion for three nights.

to be contd:

AKHBAR IS ANWAAR - PART 3

The polytheists after failing to negotiate with Muhammad (SA) tried to harm him, an unsuccessful attempt was made by Abu Jahl to take his life by throwing a big rock. 

'Uabah bin Abi Mu'ait tried to choke the Prophet by pressing his feet firmly on the neck of Muhaamd (SA) while he was prostrating himself in prayer.

Moulana Abu Talib (SA) became very worried of this machinations of the heathen Quraish to kill the Prophet (SA) He persuaded his clan of Banu Hashim and Banu Al-Muttalib to support his nephew and protect him.

The Quraish countered by entering into a pact of injustice and aggression. They held a meeting at a place called Wadi Al-Muhassab and took an oath not to have any dealings with Banu Hashim and Banu Al_Muttalib,  to severe all social relations, visits and even verbal contacts until the Prophet (SA) was given up to them to be killed. This they wrote down, drawing up a pact and a covenant. This treaty was hung up on the wall of Ka'bah.

Moulana Abu Talib (SA) wisely and quietly took stock of the situation and decided to withdraw to a valley on the eastern outskirts of Makkah. The two tribes were thus confined within a narrow pass (Shi'b of Abu Talib) from the beginning of Muharram, or later as per some accounts, in the seventh year of the Prophethood till the tenth year viz: a period of three years.

It was a horrible and deadly siege. The supply of food was almost stopped and the people in confinement faced great hardship. Cries of little children suffering from hunger used to be heard clearly.

Nothing eatable reached them except, on few occasions, some small quantities of food was smuggled by some compassionate Makkans. During the prohibited months – when hostilities traditionally ceased, they would leave their confinement, and buy food from outside Makkah. 

  In the tenth year of the Prophethood,  a disagreement arose between a group of Makkans with regard to the severance of relations pact. Hisham bin 'Amr who used to smuggle some food to Bani Hashim secretly at night, managed to form a pressure group who set out to abolish the pact and declare all relevant clauses null and void. They decided to meet in their assembly place, and Zuhair bin abi Umaiyah along with his colleagues, after circumambulating Ka'bah seven times approached the hosts of people assembled there, and swore that they will tear the parchment. Abu Jahl said that he will never let this happen.

Meanwhile, as argument and counter arguments were being traded, Moulana Abu Talib was sitting in a corner of the Masjid. He told the assembled people that a Revelation had been sent to his nephew Muhammad (SA) to the effect that ants had eaten away all their declaration, that had points of injustice and aggression except those parts that bore the Name of Allah. 

He proposed that he would be ready to give up Muhammad (SA) up to them, if his words proved untrue, otherwise, they would have to withdraw and cancel their boycott.

The Makkans agreed to the soundness of his proposition, Al-Mut'im went to see the parchment and there he discovered that it was eaten away by ants and nothing was left except the part bearing the Name of Allah.

The declaration was thus cancelled and Muhammad (SA) and others were permitted to leave Ash-Sh'ib and return home.   

Allah's Messenger (SA) left his confinement and went on preaching his Faith. 

Quraish likewise, cancelled the boycott but went on in their atrocities and oppression of the Muslims. Moulana Abu Talib had by now reached eighty years of age,  and in spite of failing health, was shielding his beloved nephew.

A delegation of Quraish comprising of 25 notables again approached Moulana Abu Talib, paying tribute to him and confirming their high esteem of his character and position among them  They tried to negotiate with him but failed because Muhammad (SA) would not refrain from preaching the religion of Allah and calling people  to Tawheed.

In the tenth year of Prophethood, Moulana Abu Talib fell ill and passed away. According to some in the month of Rajab, six months after leaving the confinement at Ash- Sh'ib.

In that same year in the month of Ramadan Moulatena Khadijah also passed away, she was sixty five year old. She, for twenty five years, shared with him the toils and trails of life, especially in the first ten years of his Prophethood. He deeply mourned over her death.

These two painful events took place within a short period of time and added a lot to his grief and suffering. The Makkans now openly declared their campaign of torture and oppression. He set out for At' Taif seeking a supportive atmosphere.   

Muhammad (S.A.) set out from Mecca in the year 619 C.E.  to bring the Quraish polytheists into the fold of Islam. He went with his freed slave Zaid bin Harithhah to Al – Taif a prosperous town having fruit and vineyard farms, located at a distance of 60 kms from Mecca.

He first approached the family of Umair, reckoned as among the nobility of the town. All the three sons of Umair turned a deaf year and used abusive language, as regards the cause for which he had been striving.

For ten days, he stayed in al Taif, delivering the message of  Islam to all the noble people, one after another, but to no avail. Contrary to Arab tradition of  hospitality, he was hooted at and pelted with stones, and obliged to flee pursued by a merciless crowd.

So much so, that blood flowed down his legs and thus tired and exhausted, he took refuge in one of the numerous fruit farms, and rested against the wall of a vineyard belonging to 

Walid bin Ukaba . 

Seeing the plight of a stranger he sent with his slave Adras, who was a practicing Christian, a bunch of luscious grapes – 18 in all. Nabi Muhammad (S.A.) quenched his thirst and felt refreshed, and prayed for Walid, who himself died a polythist, fighting the Muslims, but  in his descendents, the flower of  Islam bloomed, so much so, that as a direct result of Nabi Muhammad (S.A.) prayer, on that eventful day at Al – Taif the Fatemi Dawat of Yemen was resplendent with 18 Doat ul Mutlaqeen, the first and foremost being Syedna Ali bin Mohammad  Walid (RA) whose story of tawajo and khusu in well known in the annals of Fatemi Dawat, and it is not mere coincidence that  Syedna Mohammad bin Walid  (RA) wrote 18 kutubs,  and lived till the ripe old age of 100 years, and till end, use to go to Masjid to offer Namaz.

At Al Taif at a time when the whole world seemed to have turned against him, Muhammad (S.A.) turned to his Lord, and started praying, those touching words are still preserved, as those through which his wronged soul expressed distress and anguish.

HE WAS TIRED AND WOUNDED BUT AT THE SAME TIME CONFIDENT OF THE HELP OF HIS LORD.

'O Allah ! To you alone I complain of my weakness, my insufficient ability and my insignificance before the people.

You are the Most Merciful of the merciful. You are the Lord of the helpless and the weak.

O Lord of mine ! Into whose hands would You abandon me: into the hands of any unsympathetic distant relative, who would angrily frown at me or to the enemy, who has been given control over my affairs ?

But if your wrath does not fall upon me, there is nothing for me to worry about !

Your pardon is ample enough for me, I seek pardon in the light of your Face, which illuminates the darkness, fixing the affairs in this world and in the Hereafter.

May it never be that I should incur Your wrath, or that  You should be wrathful to me. And there is no power nor resource, but Yours alone.'

After bracing hostility of the people of al Taif, Muhammad (S.A.) slowly proceeded towards Mecca, where he had been persecuted by the heathen Quraish led by Abu Jahl and  Abu Lahab. He recalled how the early converts, simple people and freed slaves, like Ammar bin Yasir, Bilal, Khabab bin Al- Arath, Sumaiyah and many more had braved unspeakable tortures. Muhammad (S.A.) himself  had to bear taunts and uncouth behavior. Once while he was praying in Kaba, Utaibah bin Abu Lahab threw intestines of camel, while he was in sujood. Ma Fatema (S.A.) was a helpless witness to this cowardly act, and cried a lot as she cleaned the back of her beloved father. 

After feeling refreshed by the prayer he had offered to His Lord and bracing to face the hostility of the polytheist, as Muhammad (S.A.) made his way towards Mecca, angel Jibraeel came along with the angel of the Mountains, and said:'O Muhammad (S.A.) Order what you wish. If you like, I will let Al-Akhshabain ( name of the mountain surrounding Mecca) to fall on them.'  

Muhammad (S.A.) was sent as Rehmatul –lil  –'Alam'in, and in spite of inhuman tortures and persecutions, this is what he said : " No, I hope that Allah will let them beget children, who will worship Allah alone, and will worship none besides Him"  (Sahih Muslim 2/109)

How prophetic were his words, and the general good of the people and humanity seeped, in every word and action of his.