HIJAB: the Reasons and the Advantages

Allah SWT has commanded us with every action that is good for us and prohibited us from performing every action that is bad for us. Allah SWT orders the Muslim woman to wear the Hijab when she steps out of the security of her home or when in the presence of strange men. So to wear the Hijab is a source of great good for you – the Muslim woman - for many reasons. Among them:

1.    You please Allah. You are obeying the commands of your Lord when you wear the Hijab and you can expect great rewards in return.

2.    It is Allah’s protection of your natural beauty. You are too precious to be "on display" for each man to see.

3.    It is Allah’s preservation of your chastity.

4.    Allah purifies your heart and mind through the Hijab.

5.    Allah beautifies your inner and outer countenance with Hijab. Outwardly your Hijab reflects innocence, purity, modesty, shyness, serenity, contentment and obedience to your Lord. Inwardly you cultivate the same.

6.    Allah defines your femininity through the Hijab. You are a woman who respects her womanhood. Allah wants you to be respected by others, and for you to respect yourself.

7.    Allah raises your dignity through the Hijab. When a strange man looks at you, he respects you because he sees that you respect yourself.

8.    Allah protects your honour 100% through your Hijab. Men do not gaze at you in a sensual way, they do not approach you in a sensual way, and neither do they speak to you in a sensual way. Rather, a man holds you in high esteem and that is just by one glance at you!

9.    Allah gives you nobility through the Hijab. You are noble not degraded because you are covered not naked.

10. Allah demonstrates your equality as a Muslim woman through the Hijab. Your Lord bestows upon you equal worth as your male counterpart, and gives you a host of beautiful rights and liberties. You express your acceptance of these unique rights by putting on the Hijab.

11. Allah defines your role as a Muslim woman through the Hijab. You are a someone with important duties. You are a reflection of a woman of action not idle pursuits. You display your sense of direction and purpose through your Hijab. You are someone that people take seriously.

12. Allah expresses your independence through the Hijab. You are stating clearly that you are an obedient servant of the Greatest Master. You will obey no one else and follow no other way. You are not a slave to any man, nor a slave to any nation. You are free and independent from all man-made systems.

13. Allah gives you the freedom of movement and expression through the Hijab. You are able to move about and communicate without fear of harassment. Your Hijab gives you a unique confidence.

14. Allah wants others to treat you – a Muslim woman - with kindness. And the Hijab brings about the best treatment of men towards you.

15. Allah wants your beauty to be preserved and saved for just one man to enjoy – your husband.

16. Allah helps you to enjoy a successful marriage through wearing Hijab. Because you reserve your beauty for one man alone, your husband’s love for you increases, he cherishes you more, he respects you more and he honours you more. So your Hijab contributes to a successful and lasting marriage relationship.

17. Allah brings about peace and stability in the society through the Hijab! Yes this is true! Men do not cause corruption by forming illegal relationships because you - the Muslim woman - calm their passions. When a man looks at you, he feels at ease, not tempted to fornicate…

So a Muslim woman in Hijab is dignified, not dishonoured, noble, not degraded, liberated, not subjugated, purified, not sullied, independent, not a slave, protected, not exposed, respected, not laughed at, confident, not insecure, obedient, not a sinner, a guarded pearl, not a prostitute…

Dear Muslim sister! Come towards the gates of Paradise with us! Fulfil your duties towards Allah SWT, put on your adornment - put on your Hijab and race towards Jannah (Paradise) by doing all good actions. You should agree by now that wearing Hijab is extremely beneficial – it must be - because Allah only commands what is good… and believe me dear sister, it is good to obey the commands of your Lord…

"Their reward is with their Lord: Gardens of Eden underneath which rivers flow wherein they will dwell for ever; Allah is pleased with them, and they are pleased with Him; this is (in store) for whoever fears his Lord." [Sooratul-Bayyinah 98:8]

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Posted in: 02 Janab e Fatema Zehra (s.a.),Islam,Janab e Zainab (s.a.)

Why do I read Qur'an?

Why do we read Quran, 

even if we can't understand a single Arabic word ????

This is a beautiful story.

An old American Muslim lived on a farm in the mountains of eastern Kentucky with his young grandson.

Each morning Grandpa was up early sitting at the kitchen table reading his Quran. His grandson wanted to be just like him and tried to imitate him in every way he could.

One day the grandson asked, "Grandpa! I try to read the Quran just like you but I don't understand it, and what I do understand I forget as soon as I close the book. What good does reading the Qur'an do?"

The Grandfather quietly turned from putting coal in the stove and replied, "Take this coal basket down to the river and bring me back a basket of water."

The boy did as he was told, but all the water leaked out before he got back to

the house. The grandfather laughed and said, "You'll have to move a little faster next time," and sent him back to the river with the basket to try again. This time the boy ran faster, but again the basket was empty before he returned home. 

Out of breath, he told his grandfather that it was impossible to carry water in a basket, and he went to get a bucket instead.

The old man said, "I don't want a bucket of water; I want a basket of water. You're just not trying hard enough," and he went out the door to watch the 

boy try again.

At this point, the boy knew it was impossible, but he wanted to show his grandfather that even if he ran as fast as he could, the water would leak out before he got back to the house. The boy again dipped the basket into river 

and ran hard, but when he reached his grandfather the basket was again empty. Out of breath, he said, "See Grandpa, it's useless!"
"So you think it is useless?" The old man said, "Look at the basket."

The boy looked at the basket and for the first time realized that the basket was different. It had been transformed from a dirty old coal basket and was now clean, inside and out.

"Son, that's what happens when you read the Qur'an. You might not 

understand or remember everything, but when you read it, you will be changed, inside and out. That is the work of Allah in our lives."

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Posted in: Islam

Imam Jafar Sadiq (a.s.)

The sun of the existence of Imam Jafar as Sadiq (a.s.) arose from the lap of his mother Umm-e-Farwah on the 17th of Rabiul Awal, 83rd year Hijrah, in the city of Madina. Imam Jafar as Sadiq (a.s.)  has the same birth date as that of our Holy Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.W.). Imam Jafar as Sadiq (a.s.) has three titles; they are As-Sadiq, Al-Fadil and At-Tahir. His father Imam Muhammad Baqir (a.s.) was much happy and pleased by the birth of his son.

His mother Umm-e-Farwah was the grand daughter of Muhammad ibn Abi Bakr, who was one of the companion of Imam Ali (a.s.). Imam Ali (a.s.)  repeatedly said about him that, "Muhammad is my spiritual and moral son." Asma Bint Umais was the mother of Muhammad ibn Abi Bakr, and she was considered to be a pious woman. She was continuously in the service of Hazrat Fatima Zahra (a.s.) and took pride in it. After the martyrdom of her husband Jafar ibn Abi Talib in the Battle of Mu'tah, Asma Bint Umais married Hazrat Abu Bakr and after his death, married to Imam Ali (a.s.).

Imam Jafar as Sadiq (a.s.) said about her mother, "My mother was one of the pious, faithful and devoted women." Imam Jafar as Sadiq (a.s.) was 15 years of age when his grandfather Imam Sajjad (a.s.) was martyred and 34 years old when his father Imam Muhammad Baqir (a.s.) was martyred. Consequent upon the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (a.s.) the government of Bani Umayyah was shaken which turned the people into their enemy and pessimist about them. This opened the avenue for the formation of Bani Abbasid government. The gap in between these two powers opened the way for the propagation of Shia ideology and school of thought. Imam Jafar as Sadiq (a.s.) could, through a learning movement, propagate the learning's of Islam in such a way to extend and make it reach all the people in the World.

The Characteristic distinctions of Imam Jafar as Sadiq (a.s.) We all know that the conduct of men is the reflection of their inner character and everyone can be recognized by his conduct.

There are only a very few people who do not spill out their conduct and whatever they have in their interior and do not exhibit it. Whatever they have in their hearts kindles the exterior of the electric lamp like an electric switch.

Whole of the life of Imam Jafar as Sadiq (a.s.) , like the other Imams (a.s.), was the enlightened lesson of the real and true Islam. He himself was considered to be the example and specimen of the Islamic ethic, moral and conduct. You cannot find a father and a son among all the people, of all the tribes who may resemble each other from all the angles of ideas, thoughts, character and conduct. But the family of the Prophet of Islam (PBUH) and his successors all were on the same line and performed their heavenly duty with one aim, one ideology, and did not have any kind of difference in speech, character and ethical conduct. About the ethical value and virtue of Imam Jafar as Sadiq (a.s.), it is sufficient that out of four thousands of his students even a single one did not object or criticize upon the moral character and conduct of Imam Jafar as Sadiq (a.s.), and did not find a weak point in it.

He was a practical example and specimen for the Muslims with respect to eating, relaxing and resting, walking, speaking, and conducts with others.

He had the same social conduct with his friends as he had with his children.

Imam Jafar as Sadiq's (a.s.) talk with a deceitful pious looking man.

One day a pious looking forgoer named Sufian stopped Imam Jafar as Sadiq (a.s.) and said, "You are from the family of Holy Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.W.), how is it that you put on such a precious dress?"

Imam Jafar as Sadiq (a.s.) said, "Oh Sufian, look there is a rough shirt underneath this dress and I have put on this shirt over it so that those whose minds are in their eyes do not think that I am a poor needy and distressed one. But you have put on a soft dress underneath this rough dress, so that you may deceive others that you are a devoted ascetic. Oh Sufian! Do not be so narrow minded."

The next day, Sufian saw that Imam Jafar as Sadiq (a.s.) was working in an agricultural field besides the labors and was sweating. He went ahead and said, "I am surprised about you. Why are you so greedy about the world and perspiring in this old age and working?"

Imam Jafar as Sadiq (a.s.) said, "How happy I would be if I meet the God (die) in this condition that I am working hard and getting the expenditure of life by putting myself in inconvenience and I do not get myself loaded upon others."

What a miserable people are those who feed themselves upon the income of others and reach the seat of power through them and instead of service and love think all are indebted to them and are always demanding from others. Their outer form is obviously decorated and deceiving, like that of Sufian, but inwardly they are stinking and wicked.

Imam Jafar as Sadiq (a.s.) forbearance and fortitude

The incidents and difficulties, which come into human life can, measure and find out the extent of his energy and faith. The difficulties, which cropped up in the life of Imam Jafar as Sadiq (a.s.) and the patience and forbearance, which, he showed towards them, illuminated his personality and worth. Howsoever they (enemies) abused and teased him he showed patience and forbearance and admonished them. He never cursed or used foul language about them.

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Posted in: 08 Imam Jafar Sadiq (a.s.)

Bibi Sakina Bint-ul-Husain (a.s.)

Sakina (s.a.) was Imaam Hussain's most beloved child Our Imam was often heard to say,

"A house without Sakina would not be worth living in!"

Like any other four-five year old when Sakina went to bed at night she wanted to spend some time with her father. Imaam Hussain would tell her stories of the prophets and of the battles fought by her grand-father Ali. She would rest her head on her father's chest and Hussain would not move from her until she fell asleep. When from the second of Muharram the armies of Yezid began to gather at Kerbala, Hussain said to his sister Zainab, "The time has come for you to get Sakina used to going to sleep without my being there !". Sakina would follow her father at night and Hussain had to gently take her to Zainab or Rubaab.

There was a special bond between Hazrat Abbas and Sakina. He loved her more than he did his own children.There was nothing that Abbas would not do to make Sakina happy.

On the Ashura day, she gave her Mashk to Hazrat Abbas. He went to get water for her. The children gathered round Sakina with their little cups, knowing that as soon as Hazrat Abbas brought any water, Sakina would first make sure that they had some before taking any herself. When Sakina saw Imaam Hussain bringing the blood drenched 'Alam she knew that her uncle Abbas had been killed. From that day on Sakina never complained of thirst.

Yes Sakina never again asked anyone for water. Bibi Zainab would persuade her to take a few sips, but she herself would never ask for water or complain of thirst !!!!

Shahadat Of Bibi Sakina(A.S):

From the time when Imaam Hussain fell in the battle field, Sakina forgot to smile! Kufa saw her as a sombre little girl lost in thought. Quite often she would sit up at night. When asked if she wanted anything, she would say, "I just heard a baby cry? Is it Asghar? He must be calling out for me!"

Knowing that her weeping upset her mother, Sakina would cry silently and quickly wipe away her tears! In the prison in Shaam she would stare at the flock of birds flying to their nests at sunset and innocently ask Bibi Zainab, "Will Sakina be going home like those birds flying to their homes?"

Then one dreadful night Sakina went to bed on the cold floor of the prison. For a long time she stared into the darkness! The time for the morning prayers came. Sakina was still lying with her eyes wide open. Her mother called out: "Wake up, Sakina! Wake up, it is time for prayers, my child!"There was only the painful silence! Our fourth Imaam walked up to where Sakina lay. He put his hand on her forehead. It was cold! He put his hand near the mouth and the nose. Sakina had stopped breathing. In between sobs Imaam Zain ul 'Abideen said:

"INNA LILLAHI WA INNA ILAYHI RAAJI'OON!"

How was Sakina buried ? Zainab held the still child as Imaam Zain ul 'Abideen dug a grave in the cell. As the grave was being filled up after the burial the mother let out a scream! How could anyone console Bibi Rubaab? What could they say? They huddled around her, and the prison walls began to shake with the cry: "YA SAKINA, YA MAZLOOMAH!!" Bibi Rubaab put her cheek on Sakina's grave and cried out:

"Speak to me, Sakina! Only a word, my child! Speak to me!!"

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Posted in: 05 Imam Husain (a.s.),Islam,Karbala

Hazrat Ali Asghar (as) - The Youngest martyr of Karbala

Six-month old Hazrat Ali Asghar (AS), the beloved brother of Hazrat Sakinah bintul Hussain (AS) about whom a saying of Imam Hussain (AS) goes that I do not like the place where Sakinah (AS) is not present, has the honour of being the youngest martyr of Karbala.

On Ashur day when all companions of Imam Hussain (AS) were martyred in the desert of Karbala, Imam raised the voice of Isteghasa "Hal min nasiro yansorona". Responding to the voice, Hazrat Ali Asghar (AS) make himself fell on the ground from the cradle. Hazrat Rubab (AS) told imam (AS) what had happened as he raised his voice of Isteghasa. So Imam (AS) lifted the infant son from the cradle, took him on his hands with cover on Hazrat Ali Asghar (AS) towards the Yazeedi army. As Imam Hussain (AS) reached the battlefield with covered Hazrat Ali Asghar (AS), the army considered that Imam Hussain (AS) has brought Holy Quran.

Walking up to Yazeedi (curse of Allah be upon him) army, Imam Hussain (AS) said, while uncovering the infant: "This child has done you no harm; he is dying of thirst; I am asking for a few drops of water for him." There was stillness in the Yazeedi army. Imam in a clear voice said to Hazrat Ali Asghar (AS): "Asghar! My son, show them how thirsty you are!" Asghar turned his head towards the soldiers; smiled sweetly; opened his mouth; brought out his dry tongue and moved it over his dry lips. The soldiers were so affected by this that they could be heard sobbing.

Umar Sa'ad (curse of Allah be upon him) became much worried. It seemed that Imam Hussain (AS)’s 6-month old Hazrat Ali Asghar (AS) was emerging victorious against the might of Yazeed (curse of Allah be upon him). Umar Sa'ad (curse of Allah be upon him) looked at Hurmala - a famous archer - and ordered: "Silence Hussain!"

Then at once, Hurmala (curse of Allah be upon him), lifting his bow made 6-month Hazrat Ali Asghar (AS) the target of an arrow, which pierced the innocent infant's neck. Hazrat Ali Asghar (AS) smiled and kissed martyrdom while still in the hands of his father Imam Hussain (AS).

Imam Hussain (AS) caught the blood of Hazrat Ali Asghar (AS) in the palm of his hands and wanted to throw it on the sky; at once a heavenly voice came: "Hussain don’t throw it towards sky otherwise it will not rain for ever till the Day of Judgment." Then Imam Hussain (AS) wanted to pour it on the earth but suddenly a heavenly voice came: "Hussain don’t pour it on the earth otherwise nothing will grow on the earth till the day of resurrection." So Imam Hussain (AS) applied the blood on his face.

Imam (AS) looking at the sky and prayed "O Allah, give me courage in this most difficult moment of my life. No Prophet ever was subjected to a test as severe as this." Then Imam (AS) walked towards the tent of Hazrat Rubab (AS). As he approached near he saw her standing at the entrance to her tent with anxiety, the hope, the fear and the restlessness in her eyes. Imam (AS) took seven steps back the tent saying "Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi rajeoon". He again took seven steps forwards saying "Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi rajeoon". Once again he walked backwards repeating the same ayah. Imam Hussain (AS) did this seven times. At last, Imam went to Hazrat Rubab (AS) with martyred infant and said: "Rubab! This is a test from Allah, which no mother has ever been asked to go through."

Hazrat Ali Asghar (AS)’s holy grave is in the holy city of Karbala.

History By: Syeda Bint-e-Zahra

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Posted in: 05 Imam Husain (a.s.),Karbala

Specialities & Distinctions of Imam-e-Asr (a.t.f.s.)

 

1)  His Holy Light keeps a special position amongst the Holy Luminaries.

2)  On His birth the Holy Spirit (Angel Jibraeel) took him to the skies & was trained in Holy Atmosphere.

3)  A special house named Baitul Hamd is for Him, where a lamp is lighted since His birth, it'll glow till His reappearance.

4)  He has been honoured with the name & tiltle of Noble Messenger (saww) as "Mohammad & Abul Qasim".

5)  During the period of occultation (Ghaibat) to remember Him with the name 'Mohammad' is not permitted.

6)  The era of successors have culminated (ended) on His self, & He is the   Ultimate Successor.

7)  He had been honoured with Occultation from the very 1st day, & stayed   under d trust of appointed angels.

8)  He didn't have to deal with the deniers & idolaters.

9) He didn't have to stay under the rule of any ruler or oppressor.

10) On His Back is the seal of Imamat like the seal of Prophethood of the Noble Messenger (saww).

11) He had been addressed in the Book of Heavens with His titles & not with His name.

12) Innumerable signs have been mentioned regarding His reappearance.

13) The declaration of His reappearance will be through a call from the heavens.

14) During His rule, the ages & years will be different from normal conditions, & movement of sky will slow down.

15) He will appear with the Tablets of Amir-ul-Momineen Ali (a.s.)   [Mus'hafe Ali(as)].

16) There will b continuous shade of white cloud on His head.

17) His army will consist of Angels & Genie too.

18) His health will not be affected by the ageing years.

19) In His era, fear & hatred between animals & humans will end.

20) Many persons dying under His Rule will come to life & join Him.

21) The earth will emit all its treasures before Him.

22) Production & greenery will be so abundant, as if this land is some other land.

23) By His blessings, the understanding of people will reach to excellence.

24) His companions will possess supernatural power of hearing & seeing. They'll hear from 4 farsakh (abt 22 kms).

25) His companions & helpers will be free from illness & they will also have               long lives.

26) His helpers will be given strength Equal to 40 men.

27) By the grace of His light, people will no more need sun or moonlight.

From the book 'Nukushe Ismat' of Marhoom Allama Zeeshan Haider Jawwadi (r.a)

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Posted in: 14 Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.)

Benefits of Reciting Ayatul Kursi

1. Holy prophet (PBUH) said:

whoever recites the first 4 ayats of Surah-e-Baqarah (chapter: The cow), then Ayatul Kursi and then the last 3 ayats of Surah-e-Baqarah, will not be inflicted with any kind of difficulty in his wealth or himself, Satan will not come near him and he will not forget the Qur’an.

2. Holy Prophet (PBUH) said:

Qur’an is a great word, and Surah-e-Baqarah is the leader of the Qur’an and Ayatul Kursi is the leader of Surah-e-Baqarah. In Ayatul Kursi there are 50 words and for each word there are 50 blessings and good in it.

3. One who recites Ayatul Kursi every morning will be in the protection, safety of Allah until the night.

4. If one ties this to ones wealth or children, they will be safe from Satan.

5. Our Holy Prophet (PBUH) has said:

These things increase ones memory: sweets, meat of an animal which is slaughtered in Islamic manner near the neck, Lentils, cold bread and recitation of Ayatul Kursi.

6. For those of our dear ones who have passed away, recitation of Ayatul Kursi and giving it as Hadiyeh to them, gives them light (noor) in the grave.

7. Frequent recitation makes ones own death easy.

8. When leaving home, if one recites it once, the Almighty has one group of Angels to come and protect you. If recited twice, 2 groups of Angels are assigned to do this. If recited 3 times Allah tells the Angels not to worry as the Almighty himself takes care of him.

9. The Holy Prophet has said:

If one recites Ayatul Kursi before going to sleep, Allah will send an Angel to come and look after you and protect.

10. When one is alone in the house, recitation of Ayatul Kursi and asking Allah for help will make you remain calm and you will not fear.

11. The Holy Prophet has said:

When leaving home, if one recites Ayatul Kursi, then Allah will send 70,000 Angels to do Istighfaar for him until he returns home, and upon his return Poverty will be removed from him.

12. If one recites this after performing Wudhoo,

the 5th Imam Hazrat Imam Muhammad Baqir (a.s) has said: Allah will give him a reward of 40 years of Ibadaat, and his position will be raised in the Heavens 40 times (levels).

13. One who recites it after every prayer, their salat will be accepted, and they will remain in the safety of the Almighty and He will protect them.

14. Allah told Prophet Musa (a.s): If one recites it after every salat, the Almighty will make his heart a thankful one (Shakireen) will give him a reward of the prophets, and his deeds will be like those of the truthful (Siddiqeen).

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Posted in: 07 Imam Mohammed Baqir (a.s.),08 Imam Jafar Sadiq (a.s.),09 Imam Moosa Kazim (a.s.),10 Imam Ali Reza (a.s.)