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Interesting Stories for Kids
Bohlool and the Khalifa's Food
It is said that Haroun Rashid sent some food to Bohlool. His servant brought the food to Bohlool, put it in front of him, and said, "This is the Khalifa's special food, he has sent it to you to eat."
Bohlool placed the food in front of the dog that was sitting in the ruins of the place. The servant screamed, "Why did you give the Khalifa's food to the dog!"
Bohlool said, "Be quiet! If the dog hears that the Khalifa sent this food, it won't eat it either."
Bohlool Sits on Haroun Rashid's Throne
One day Bohlool arrived at Haroun's palace and saw that the throne was empty. There was no one to stop him, so he unhesitatingly and fearlessly went and sat in Haroun's place. When the court slaves saw this, they immediately started whipping him and took him off the throne. Bohlool started crying. Haroun came and saw this; he asked those nearby why Bohlool was crying. A slave told him the whole story. Haroun scolded them and tried to cheer Bohlool up.
Bohlool said he wasn't crying at his condition, but at Haroun's condition. "I sat on the seat of Khalifate wrongfully for a few seconds and received such a beating and endured such misfortune; but you have been sitting on this throne all your life! What troubles you must receive, yet you still don't fear the consequence."
Bohlool With His Friend
One day a friend of Bohlool's took some grains to grind at the mill. After grinding them, he loaded them on his donkey and started home. Near Bohlool's house, his donkey began limping and fell. He called Bohlool and said, "Give me your donkey so I can take my bundle home."
Bohlool had taken an oath that he would not give his donkey to anyone, so he said, "I don't have a donkey." But then a donkey's bray was heard.
The man said to Bohlool, "You have a donkey but you said you didn't."
Bohlool replied, "You are a strange and stupid friend. Even though we have been friends for fifty years, you don't listen to me, but you listen to a donkey".
Bohlool and a Businessman
One day a Baghdadi businessman met Bohlool and said, "Sir Shaykh Bohlool! Give me advice as to what I should buy that would benefit me most."
Bohlool replied, "Iron and cotton."
The man went away and bought a lot of iron and cotton and stocked them. After a few months, he sold them and gained a lot of profit. Again he met Bohlool and said, "O Crazy Bohlool! What should I buy that would profit me?"
This time Bohlool told him to buy onions and watermelons. The businessman went and bought his entire savings worth of onions and watermelons. Just a few days later, they all rotted and caused a lot of harm. He immediately sought out Bohlool and said, " When I first asked you for advice, you said buy iron and cotton. I profited a lot from this, but the second time what kind of advice did you give me! All my wealth was destroyed!"
Bohlool said, "The first day you addressed me as Shaykh Bohlool, and since you addressed me as an intelligent person, I advised you according to my wisdom. The second time you called me Crazy Bohlool, so I advised you like a crazy person."
The businessman was ashamed of his behavior and understood Bohlool well.
Nasiba The Hero of Uhud Battle
The deep scar on the shoulder of Nasiba, daughter of Kaab, spoke of a major wound in the past. Whenever the women, especially of the younger generation who had not seen the time of the Prophet or were too small at that time, noticed the cavity in her shoulder, they enquired with extreme curiosity about the frightening incident, which had resulted in the injury to her shoulder.
They loved to hear her adventures in the battle of Uhud from her own mouth. She had never imagined that she would fight shoulder to shoulder with her husband and two sons defending the Prophet in the battle of Uhud. She had only taken the water-skin on her back so that she could provide water to the injured and also had taken some home-made bandages to dress their wounds. She had not thought of herself as worthy of any other work on that day.
Although the Muslims were small in number and had only a limited supply of equipment's, they gave a grand defeat to the enemy who took to their heels vacating the battlefield. But soon after, due to the negligence of some men guarding the "Ainain Hills", the enemy made a surprise attack from the rear, turning the victory of the Muslims into defeat. The Muslims surrounding the Prophet fled away, leaving him almost alone in the battlefield.
When Nasiba saw this precarious situation, she put the water-skin on the ground, and took a sword in her hand. She fought with the sword and also made good use of bows and arrows; and took a shield left over by a fleeing soldier. Once she noticed a man shouting: "Where is Mohammed himself?" She approached him immediately and inflicted a few blows on him; but he was double-armored and her attacks had not much effect on him. He then inflicted such a heavy blow on the shoulder of the armor less woman that it required treatment for one year.
Noticing a stream of blood gushing from her shoulder, the Prophet called to one of her sons to immediately dress her wound. He put a bandage over her shoulder and she again got busy in the battle. Meanwhile one of her sons got injured. She took out a bandage and dressed his wound.
The Prophet watching the scene smiled at the heroism of this woman. After dressing her son's wound she instructed him to get going for the battle. These words were still in her mouth when the Prophet pointed out a man to her and told her that he was the same man who had injured your son. She attacked the man like a lioness and inflicted her sword on his leg. He fell on the ground.
The Prophet said, "Well, thou hast taken thy revenge. Thanks for God who gave the victory on him and made thy eyes cool." Many Muslims were martyred and wounded. She herself was severely wounded and there was no hope of her life. After the battle of Uhud, the Prophet ordered the wounded Muslims to pursue the enemy unto Hamra-ul-Asad, to be sure of their intention and condition. Nasiba also wanted to accompany them but the deep injuries did not allow her to do so.
On returning from Hamra-ul-Asad, the Prophet before reaching his house sent someone to enquire about her health and was pleased to learn that she was alive.
The Virtues of The Family of the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.)
The family members of the Prophet were the true friends and well wishers of the people who felt strong grief when they saw people in any kind of distress or suffering. They worked hard to restore the rights of the deprived and gave all their belongings to the needy. They were always ready to face hardships in order to save others.
Sometimes, they would even give to the needy the food or clothing which they themselves urgently needed. There are many of such happenings that took place in the life of our religious leaders. For instance, once Imam Ali's (A.S.) children were sick. Their mother, daughter of the Prophet, vowed to fast three days on the recovery of her children, in thanksgiving to Allah. Imam Ali (A.S.) and the children all joined Lady Fatima (S.A.) in thanksgiving. All of them fasted. It was sunset and they had only a few barley loaves of bread for their breakfast.
As they were about to eat their food, someone knocked at their door, saying I am a poor man. Please give me some food. The food, which the whole family had, was very little. They gave it all to the poor man. Again on next day, when the family wanted to break their fast an orphan began knocking at the door asking for food. The same thing happened on the third day also with a stranger. Each time they gave their food to the needy and they, themselves, remained hungry continuing their fast. Muslim commentators say,
The next day, the Holy Prophet (S.A.W) came to the family with these verses of the Holy Qur'an: "Surely the righteous shall drink of a cup the admixture of which is camphor, a fountain from which the servants of Allah shall drink; they make it to flow a (goodly) flowing forth. They fulfill vows and fear a day the evil of which shall be spreading far and wide. And they give food out of love for Allah to the poor and the orphan and the Active: We only feed you for Allah's sake. We desire from you neither reward nor thanks: Surely we fear from our Allah a stern, distressful day. Therefore, Allah will guard them from the evil of that day and cause them to meet with ease and happiness; And reward them because they were patient, with garden and silk." (Holy Qur'an, 76:5-12)
The Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) and Education
The mosque of Madinah was not only a place of worship. The believers assembled here to learn. When the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) was present they heard his words of wisdom, his elucidation on the verses of the Holy Qur'an and benefited from his counsel. And when he (S.A.W.) was not present, other faithful companions taught what they had heard from the Prophet of Allah.
Once the Prophet (S.A.W.) entered the Mosque before the prayer time. He found two groups in the Mosque. One group was busy with its own act of worship, some were reading the Qur'an while the others were supplicating. The other group was in a corner busy learning. They learnt how to read and write and discussed the teachings of Islam and their application to their daily lives. Looking at both, the Prophet (S.A.W.) said: "They are both engaged in useful pursuits. But I am a teacher. I shall join the group assembled to learn." And so he (S.A.W.) sat with the group of students.
Telling The Truth
Telling the truth is a very good habit. If you always speak the truth, you can save yourself from a lot of trouble! Here is a story of a man who did a lot of bad things, but his promise to tell the truth saved him. Once a man came to the prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) and said, "Oh prophet of Allah, I have many bad habits. Which one of them should I give up first?"
The prophet said, "Give up telling lies first and always speak the truth." The man promised to do so and went home. At night the man was about to go out to steal. Before setting out, he thought for a moment about the promise he made with the prophet. "If tomorrow the prophet asks me where have I been, what shall I say?
Shall I say that I went out stealing? No, I cannot say that. But nor can I lie. If I tell the truth, everyone will start hating me and call me a thief. I would be punished for stealing." So the man decided not to steal that night, and gave up this bad habit.
Next day, he felt like drinking wine, when he was about to do so, he said to himself, "What shall I say to the prophet if he asks me what did I do during the day? I cannot tell a lie, and if I speak the truth people will hate me, because a Muslim is not allowed to drink wine." And so he gave up the idea of drinking wine.
In this way, whenever the man thought of doing something bad, he remembered his promise to tell the truth at all times. One by one, he gave up all his bad habits and became a good Muslim and a very good person. If you always speak the truth, you can be a good person, a good Muslim whom Allah likes and favors. If Allah - our Creator - is pleased with us, He will reward us with HEAVEN, which is a place of happiness and joy.
The Stranger
Tired and exhausted with the water-skin on her back, she was gasping and going towards her house where innocent children, their eyes fixed at the door, were eagerly waiting for the arrival of their mother.
On her way, an unknown man approached her. He took the water-skin from her and placed it on his back. The door opened and the children saw their mother entering the house with a stranger. He placed the water-skin on the ground and said: "Well, it seems you don't have anyone to fetch water for you; how come you are so forlorn?"
"My husband was a soldier; Ali sent him to the frontier where he was killed. Now I am alone with these small children." The stranger said no more. Bowing down his head he went away. But the thought of the helpless window and orphans remained in his mind. He could hardly sleep in the night. Early in the morning he picked up a basket; put some meat, flour and dates in it; went straight to her house and knocked at the door.
"Who are you?" "I am the man who brought your water yesterday. Now I have brought some food for the children." "May God bless you and judge between us and Ali" She opened the door. Entering the house he said: "I wish to do some good acts. Either let me knead the flour and bake the bread or allow me to look after the children."
"Very well, but I can do the job of kneading and cooking better than you. You take care of the children till I finish cooking". She went to knead the flour. Immediately he grilled some meat, which he had brought and fed the children saying to each child while putting morsel in his mouth: "My son, forgive Ali if he has failed in his duty towards you" The flour got ready; she called:
"Gentlemen! put fire in the oven". He went and put fire in the oven. When flames rose up, he brought his face near the fire and said, "Taste the heat of fire. It is the punishment for those who fail in their duty towards orphans and widows." By chance, a woman from the neighboring house came in. Recognizing the stranger, she cried: "Woe, don't you recognize the man who is helping you? He is Ameer-ul-Momineen (commander of the faithful) Ali Ibn Abi-Talib." The widow came forward and shamefacedly cried: "Curse and shame to me. I beg your pardon." "No, I beg your pardon for I failed in my duty towards you."
Imam Ali (A.S.) And The Candle
A candle burnt by his side, as he sat down meticulously recording all the revenue and the expenses of the treasury. Just then Talha and Zubair appeared. They aspired to some positions of authority in Imam Ali's (A.S.) rule and had come to strike a deal. If Imam Ali's (A.S.) gave them a place of distinction, they would in turn pledge their full support. Imam Ali's (A.S.) knew of this.
Just as they sat down, Imam Ali's (A.S.) puts out the candle and lit another one. Talha and Zubair exchanged a glance of surprise and then one of them said: "O Ali, we have come on some important business. But why did you extinguish the first candle?" Imam Ali's (A.S.) replied: "That was a candle bought of Treasury funds. As long as I worked for the Treasury, I used it. Now you have come for some personal work, so I use the candle bought of my personal fund." Talha and Zubair left him without saying another word.
The Five loaves
Zarr Bin Hobeish relates this story: Two travelers sat together on the way to their destination to have a meal. One had five loaves of bread. The other had three. A third traveler was passing by and at the request of the two joined in the meal.
The travelers cut each of the loaf of bread in three equal parts. Each of the travelers ate eight broken pieces of the loaf. At the time of leaving the third traveler took out eight dirhams and gave to the first two men who had offered him the meal, and went away.
On receiving the money the two travelers started quarrelling as to who should have how much of the money. The five-loaf-man demanded five dirharns. The three-loaf-man insisted on dividing the money in two equal parts. The dispute was brought to Imam Ali Ibn Abi Talib (the Caliph of the time in Arabia) to be decided.
Imam Ali (A.S.) requested the three-loaf-man to accept three dirhams. The man refused and said that he would take only four dirhams. At this Imam Ali (A.S.) returned, "You can have only one dirham. You had eight loaves between yourselves. Each loaf was broken in three parts. Therefore, you had 24 equal parts. Your three loaves made nine parts out of which you have eaten eight portions, leaving just one to the third traveler.
Your friend had five loaves which divided into three made fifteen pieces. He ate eight pieces and gave seven pieces to the guest. As such the guest shared one part from your loaves and seven from those of your friend. So you should get one dirham and your friend should receive seven dirhams.
Are you Asleep or Awake?
Habbah Arni and Nawf Bakali were lying in the courtyard of Darul-Amarah (fort) of Kufah. After the midnight, they saw that the Leader of the Faithful, Imam Ali (A.S.), was coming from the fort towards the courtyard. But his condition was bad; he was having extraordinary fear and was unable to keep the equilibrium of his body.
Keeping his hands on the wall and having his body in bent position, he was walking slowly with the support of the wall. And he was reciting the last verses(Ayat) of Surah Ale-Imran as follows: "Indeed in the creation of the heaven and the earth and alteration of the night and the day, there are signs for men of acumen. Those who extol Allah, standing, sitting and (lying) on their sides, and reflect on the creation of the heavens and the earth, (saying): 'Our Lord! You have not created this in vain! Glory is Yours; protect us against the torment of the Fire. Our Lord! indeed whomsoever You enter the Fire, You have surely disgraced him, and there shall be no helpers for the worngdoers. Our Lord! surely we have heard a caller calling to faith (saying): 'Believe in your Lord', so we did believe; Our Lord! forgive us, therefore, our sins and cover our evil deeds and recieve us with the righteous. Our Lord! grant us what You have promised us through Your messengers and do not disgrace us on the Resurrection Day; surely You do not break the promise ."(3: 190-194)
As soon as he finished these verses, his condition became bad; he then repeated these verses again and again and his condition became bad to worse and he became almost unconscious. Both Habbah and Nawf were witnessing this amazing scene, while lying on their beds. Habbah, while quite startled, was looking this astonishing scene. But Nawf was unable to control his tears and he was continuously weeping. By this time, Imam Ali (A.S.) reached the bed of Habbah and said: "Are you awake or asleep?"
Habbah replied: "I am awake, O Leader of the Pious! If a person like you has such a condition of awe and fear of Allah, then what would heppen to poor people like us." The Leader of the Pious looked down and wept. He then said: "O Habbah! all of us will be presented before Allah one day. And no deed of ours is hidden from Him. He is very near to you and to me. Nothing can act as an obstruction between us and Allah."
Then he said to Nawf: "Are you asleep?" (Nawf replied:) "No, O Leader of the Pious! I am awake. It is for some time that I am shedding tears." Imam Ali (A.S.) said: "O Nawf! If today you shed tears in fear of Allah, tomorrow your eyes will glitter.
"O Nawf! No one has more respect than that person who cries in the fear of Allah and that he likes to do it only for His sake. "O Nawf! The one who loves Allah and that whatever he loves, he does it just for the sake of Allah, does not prefer anything over love of Allah. And the one who dislikes anything, and does it for the sake of Allah, he would receive nothing except virtue for his disliking. Whenever you reach such a stage, you have attained the truths of faith to their perfection."
After saying this, he preached and gave a peice of advice to Habbah and Nawf. His last sentence was: "I have told you that you should fear from Allah." Then he passed by both of them and got busy with his own work. He started his prayers and while doing so, he said: "O Allah! I wish I knew that when I am neglectful towards You, do You ignore me or do You still care for me? I wish I knew that in these long neglectful dreams of mine and in my shortcomings in thanking you, what is my position before You?" Habbah and Nawf, said: "By Allah! he(Ali(A.S.)) kept on walking and he had the same condition continuously till dawn."
The Last of the Prophets
Our Prophet. the Holy Prophet Muhammad (S.A.). is the last of Allah's Prophets. He was born in the city of Makkah in Arabia. He lived amongst the people there for forty years. and when he was forty years old, Allah chose him to be His Prophet. Allah showed him the road of true happiness in life and commanded him to be the people guide. For three years he called the people to Islam in secret. After those three years. Allah told him to manifest his mission.
The Holy Prophet stood on a large boulder. He called the people. The people recognized him. They ran and gathered around him. He wanted to speak to the people and give them the good tidings. "O People." he cried. "I am Allah's Prophet. I am your guide. I am the guide of the lost. I have brought the most wonderful presents for you. I have brought a message for you from Allah: believe in the One God and find real and lasting happiness.
Say: 'La ilaha illallah.' Say: `There is no god but Allah' and save yourselves from a baseness and delusion." *The Holy Prophet brought us the most wonderful presents.
The Holy Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) in his Youth
The Holy Prophet Muhammad, (S.A.W.) was born to one of the families of Makkah. His father was `Abdullab and his mother was Aminah. Muhammad's father died before he was born. After he was born his mother entrusted him to a wet-nurse. The name of Muhammad's wet-nurse was Halimah.
Halimah took Muhammad to the hilly country for him to be brought up in the clean air. When Muhammad was four, he wanted to go out one pasture their shepherds to the hill sides, where they used to pasture their flocks. Halima combed his hair, dressed him in new clothes, and then put a necklace of green beads around his neck.
"What's this necklace for?" enquired Muhammad. It's to save you from danger on the mountainside," said Halimah. Muhammad took it off his neck and gave it back to her, and said: "There is Someone Who saves me from all kinds of danger, while these green beads can't do anything."
"Who is that?" asked Halimah. "Who saves you from all kinds of danger?" "Allah," said Muhammad, "our Creator."
Being Kind to Children
The Holy Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.)was very kind to children and loved them very much. One day, he placed his two grandchildren, Hasan and Husayn, on his lap and began kissing and cuddling them. A man who was passing by saw what the Prophet (S.A.W.) was doing, and became very surprised. "I have ten children," he said. "And I have not kissed even one of them."
The Prophet heard what this hard-hearted man said and became very annoyed. "I do not think this man will attain paradise," he said. Our Holy Prophet loved children. He used to carry them on his shoulders. The children would become very happy and laugh.
The Prophet, too, would become happy at the pure happiness and laughter of the children and a smile would appear on his face.
Our Holy Prophet used to give his salam to children and would tell his companions: "I give my salam to children and respect them, and Muslims should follow my behavior and always be warm and loving with children."
The Holy Prophet Muhammad (S.A.) used to speak about children - boys and girls - and Say: "0 Muslims, 0 fathers and mothers, 0 my followers, be kind and compassionate towards children, for someone who is not kind to children has no place amongst the Muslims." Our Holy Prophet was kind to children and became happy at their pure and innocent laughter.
Loving Children
Imam `Ali (A.S.) was very kind to children, especially to orphans. If he ever saw an orphan crying, he would stop whatever he was doing. bend down. give the child his salam. wipe away the child's tears, put his hand on the child's shoulder and say,
"My child, why are you crying? Has someone hurt you? Come, let me take you to my house." `Ali (A.S.) would take the child home and treat him better than any father. He would bring the child sweets and cakes and honey and put them in the child's mouth himself. Imam `Ali used to tell his followers to love and be kind to orphans, especially the orphans of martyrs killed in the path of Allah. "They have lost their loving fathers," he used to say. "So cheer them up and look after them just like a father. "Their fathers were martyred in jihad and for the sake of Islam. and they have rights on you. Make their souls pleased with you by cheering up their children and looking after them."
Imam Ali was always attentive to orphans especially to those of the martyrs Re used to visit them and sit and chat and play with them He used to take care of their education and training. He would strive to solve their difficulties and always offered them guidance and advice. He would bring them gifts and, if they were poor, he would respectfully provide their expenses.
Imam `Ali (A.S.) was so kind to orphans and laid so much stress on them in his teachings that one of his companions said: "How I wish that I too was a young orphan so that I would receive kindness and love from Imam 'Ali (A.S.) *Love and be kind to children, especially orphans.*
Muhammad al-Amin" (Muhammad the Trustworthy)
One year, the people of Makkah were rebuilding the holy Kabah. The holy Kabah is the first house of worship ever built on earth. and it was the Holy Prophet Ibrahim and his son Ismail (a.s.) who built it. Now all the people of Makkah were working together to rebuild it.
The wall of the Kabah reached the special place where the black stone called! al-Hajar al-Aswad' had to be placed. Al-Hajar al-'Aswad is a very respected part of the Kabah. Each of the nobles of Makkah wanted to gain prestige and honor for himself and his tribe by placing the black stone in its special position.
Gradually a huge quarrel broke out and work came to a halt. All the nobles were saying, !No, I must be the one to place Al-Hajar al-'Aswad in position." The conflict became very severe, and the situation became dangerous. Makkah was on the verge of civil war and the nobles began giving instructions to their tribes and clans to make ready for battle.
It was then that a wise man spoke up. "Oh people. he said, "Do not make war upon each other. War leads to the destruction of houses and cities and causes misery and hardship amongst the people. Do not follow the ways of ignorance.' find the solution to your problem." "What shall we do'?" asked the Makkan nobles. "What is the solution to our problem?"
"You must select an arbitrator, said the wise man. "to arbitrate between you and put an end to your conflict." "We accept the nobles said in unison. "This is a good suggestion but who is to arbitrate All the nobles wanted the arbitrator to be from their own tribe, so that he would rule in their favor. Again the project led to a dispute. That same wise man then made another suggestion.
"Since you are unable to agree in choosing an arbitrator," he said, `appoint the first person who enters al-Masjid al-Haram to arbitrate among you.
"The first person to enter from this door." he added, pointing to one of the Sacred Mosque's doors." "We agree." they all said. Their eyes were staring at the door. They were all anxious and their thoughts were centered on who was going to enter the door and arbitrate between them and in favor of which tribe. A young man entered. and everyone was relieved.
It's Muhammad." they started saying. "Muhammad al `Amin. Muhammad the Trustworthy. who could be better'? We accept his arbitration."
As Muhammad entered the Sacred Mosque. all the people crowded around him and told him all about this conflict. Thinking for a moment. Muhammad then told them:
"All the leading men of Makkah must share in this important work." The people were surprised. "How is it possible?" they asked themselves. Muhammad gave instructions for the head of each tribe to be present. When they were all present Muhammad (s.a.w.) took his cloak. spread it on the ground and placed al-Hajar al-'Aswad upon it.
Then he told all the chiefs to pick up the cloak together and bring it to the side of the Kabah. Then, when they had done so, Muhammad gently nudged al-Hajar al-`Aswad into its special position. All the people of Makkah were satisfied and pleased and congratulated Muhammad on his expertise.
At that time, Muhammad was still young and had not yet been given his prophetic mission. However he was so honest and truthful that he was known as Muhammad al-Amin meaning "Muhammad the Trustworthy".
The people had complete confidence in him and entrusted to him their valuables. He took great care to look after these trusts and to return them safely to their owners whenever they wanted them.
The people used to turn to him to settle their differences and disputes, and everyone used to accept his arbitration. *Peace and blessings upon our honest and trustworthy Prophet.*
The Kind and Compassionate Prophet
The Holy Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) was always kind and compassionate towards the weak, the old and the young. He even used to refrain from prolonging the bowing and prostration in congregational prayers so as not to cause difficulty for the aged or ill.
One day he prolonged one of the prostration longer than usual. One of the Prophet's Companions who was performing his prayer in that congregation, tells us: "I raised my head from prostration as normal, but then I realized that the Holy Prophet was still in prostration. I returned to prostration and this time, I waited for the Holy Prophet to come out of prostration and say Allahu Akbar'.
After a long time I heard him say `Allahu akbar' and I raised my head from the prostration. No one knew why he had prolonged the prostration for such a long and unusual period."
When the prayer was over, one of the Companions approached the Prophet, saying, "O Prophet of Allah you always perform the prostration in congregational prayer very briefly. What happened that made you prolong the prostration today?"
"The Holy Prophet told him, `When I was in the state of prostration. I was just about to raise my head, when my little grandson Husayn came and sat on my back. He wanted to sit there for a moment and I didn't want to disappoint him, so I prolonged the prostration until he himself chose to get off."
Our Holy Prophet loved children so much that he was even sympathetic towards them in prayer. The Holy Prophet used to tell his Companions: "Kindness and affection toward! children are part of the behavior of prophets. "Whoever does not respect elders or shows no kindness and compassion towards children is not a Muslim."
Work and Generosity
Imam `Ali (a.s.) was a hard-working man with a pleasant personality. He worked hard while farming and cultivating orchards. He developed several plots and orchards and then gave them all away for the sake of Allah. One day, he acquired a piece of barren land outside Madinah which he wanted to cultivate. In order to do this, he decided to dig a well, he chose a suitable place and, putting his hopes in the grace of Allah, he began to dig.
Several days went by, but still there was no sign of any water coming out of the well. One day, Imam Ali picked up a pickaxe, entered the well and, using all his strength and energy, worked very hard for a while, but still there was no sign of water.
Exhausted, he came out of the well, wiped away the sweat of his brow, rested for a while, and then re-entered the well. He was swinging the pickaxe with such vigor that the sound of his breathing could be heard all around. After receiving a strong, hard blow with the pickaxe, the ground suddenly split open, and fresh, clear water bubbled up. He climbed quickly out of what had now become a wonderful well in the dry desert which would soon turn ill the surrounding area into a lovely orchard.
Soon the people gathered around to see it. Each of them was commenting on It. "What a hard working man is Ali" one said "since `Ali is a good and generous man, "said another. "Allah has been generous to him and given him goodness"
"Ali and his descendants have become rich forever." said some. Some congratulated Imam `Ali while some were jealous.
"Bring me a paper and pen" said Ali (a.s.) and when they had done so, he sat down and wrote the following: I have endowed this well and the land surrounding it in charity for its income to be used as follows:
a. In helping the poor and destitute. b. In helping the travelers far away from their homes. c. In providing the means for the marriages of orphans. d. In providing medical care for the poor. e. In the doing of good works of public benefit. I have endowed this well in charity so as to seek the pleasure of Allah and the rewards of the Hereafter, and in order to be saved from the of Hell.
The Merciless Enemy
Imam Hasan (a.s.) had just arrived home. He was tired and intended to rest. Just then, a man knocked on the door. He asked permission and came in. He greeted the Imam with his salam and sat down. Imam Hasan returned his salam treated him respectfully and asked him how he was.
The man sat very still. It was clear that he had something in his mind, but was embarrassed to speak about it. Imam looked at his face and became sad. He knew that the man had a problem. Patiently he waited for the man to tell him his troubles.
The man sighed" O son of the Prophet." he said at last, `I have come to you to seek refuge from an enemy, A cruel, dangerous. merciless enemy. An enemy that neither shows respect to the aged. nor mercy to the young. This powerful and cruel enemy has blackened my days. My life is a misery and I am helpless. 0 son of the Prophet Heed my call and save me"
Imam Hasan (a.s.) had been listening closely to the man's words. He had become s  affected that he was trembling. He leaned forward and said. "Who is your enemy? Whoever he is I will help you against him. I am a Muslim and a Muslim must defend his oppressed brothers and obtain for them their rights. Tell me who your enemy is."
"My enemy," said the man ,who was so embarrassed that his face had become red "is poverty" This is my enemy who neither respects the elderly, nor shows mercy to the young. O son of the Prophet, I am not a lazy man, I work hard, but I cannot meet my expenses. Problems have put me in distress. I am empty-handed and in debt. You are from a noble and generous family, will you deliver me from this appalling situation?"
Imam Hasan had become very sad listening to the man's problems. "Whatever money we have in the house," he said to his servant, `bring it to me" The servant put all the gold pieces that were in the house into a large purse and brought it to Imam Hasan. Imam gave it to the man and, so as to cheer him up, he apologized that he had no more.
Then he said, "Pay your debts, with this money and solve all your problems. Then you can earn your living with a clear heart and mind. I hope that by working hard you can remain independent. But I swear that if this enemy attacks you a gain, you must again come and complain about it to me. The poverty of people like you who work hard is because their rights are not properly given to them."
*We Muslims are bound to help the poor and destitute and defend their trampled rights. We must strive to establish justice and equity, so that poverty will be eliminated.*
Being Kind to Animals
One day Imam Hasan, (a.s.) was busy eating when a dog came and stood in front of him, gazing at him. Imam Hasan put a mouthful of food in his own mouth and then threw some in front of the dog. The dog ate it, wagged his tail in thanks, barked, and again lifted its head to gaze at Imam hasan. Imam Hasan (a.s.) threw another mouthful of food in front of the dog.
A man who was passing by came forward and said, " It's not right that this dog stands in front of you and stops you from eating in peace With your permission I will beat it and drive it away."
"No, no, don't do that," Imam Hasan told him. "Allah has created this animal and Allah loves it. It is hungry and l am ashamed before Allah to eat His food and His blessings and not give anything to this creature that is His creation. After all, it is hungry and is looking at me."
The Child Martyr
After the martyrdom of his father, Imam al-Hasan's son Abdullah lived with his holy uncle, Imam al-Husayn (a.s.) and loved him very much. Imam Husayn too had a great affection for his young nephew.
"`Abdullah went to Karbala with his uncle and saw everything that happened there. He saw his young brothers and cousins putting on their suits of armor and, with the cry of "Allahu akbar' and their swords whirling, rushing off to the battlefield. He saw them fighting battle with the enemies of religion and of the Qur'an, the disbelievers and hypocrites. and saw them killing them and being killed.
He saw them drowned in their holy blood, giving life and strength to Islam with their martyrdom. When their bodies were brought to the special tent for the martyrs, 'Abdullah would go and weep over their bodies. He wanted to go to the battlefield and fight with the oppressors and defend Islam and its holy leader, al-lmam al-Husayn (a.s.), but he was very young and they wouldn't give him permission.
It was the day of `Ashura' and all his friends. brothers and all of al-Imam al-Husayn's valiant troops had been martyred. and `Abdulla-h had witnessed the martyrdom of them all. Before they rushed off to the battlefield. he had heard everyone of the martyrs conveying their final goodbye, and promising never to desert their leader and Imam or leave him on his own. The last of al-Imam al-Husayn's men had bravely given his life. He had been martyred.
Now al-Imam al-Husayn himself left for the battlefield. Abdullah was standing near the martyrs' tent, watching his uncle from a distance. An hour later. he couldn't see his uncle any more.
Without thinking he instinctively ran towards the battlefield. His aunt. Zaynab, wanted to stop him. but couldn't. Abdullah wanted to find his uncle and defend him. Finally. he found him soaked in his own blood. Confused and dumbfounded, he stood staring at the bleeding face of his dear uncle. Al-Imam al-Husayn opened his eyes and both of them saw each other. Suddenly a sword was raised to deliver the final blow to al-Imam al-Husayn (a.s.).
`Abdullah saw the flash of the sword and raised his head. "Do you want to kill my uncle you filthy traitor! he cried!" And immediately shielded his uncle's bleeding body with his arm. The sword fell. It cut off Abdullah's arm. and the body of that brave and selfless youth fell on the chest of al-Imam al Husayn (a.s.).
He attained martyrdom then and there giving the message of jihad and freedom to the youth of all times. With his last breaths. al-imam al-Husayn said to him.
"My dear child martyrdom is our honor. Your father al-Imam al-Hasan and your grandfather the Holy Prophet, are waiting for you in Paradise and we are going to them together."
The Call to Faith and Freedom
A cry was raised. A man was standing by the hill and calling to the people: "Come, O people, come, I have brought a message for you." The people ran towards him, children too, and gathered around him. In order for his voice to reach the people more clearly and so that they could all see him, the man climbed upon a large boulder and stood there. Then he looked at the people and said:
"O people! O fellow townsmen! O my kith and kin! You all know me well and trust me. Is it not so?" The affirmation of the listeners was loud and unanimous.
The man continued: "O people! I have been, sent by God the One and Unique with a message for you." "What is that message, O Muhammad the Trustworthy?" said one of the listeners.
"Say, `there is no God but Allah, you will prosper replied the prophet. "Don't worship idols anymore. Don't maintain partners with God. Don't obey the tyrants. Don't be unjust to others, and be an enemy to injustice and oppressors.
"Say, `there is no God but Allah', and accept the leadership of mankind and save them from the disgrace of oppression. "Say, 'there is no God but Allah', and be dignified and free in the world and live in Paradise in the Hereafter.
"This is the message I have brought to you from God, there is no God except Allah."'- There was an uproar. They wouldn't allow Muhammad (S.A.) the Trust worthy to continue his speech. Some were sunk in thought while some, who were the nobles and tyrants of Makkah, were angry and were making fun of the prophet.
One day a group of the nobles of Makkah went to the house of Abu Talib, the Prophet's uncle. Abu Talib was the head of his tribe and a leader of the city. He was an old man worship the idols arid to believe in One God.
What crazy words he is uttering!" "O Abu Talib", they continued, "You have to stop him from saying such things. Otherwise, it is possible that he will be killed.'
One of them then put his mouth close to Abu Talib's ear and quietly said, "What is it Muhammad wants? Does he want a wife, house and a fine life? Whatever he wants we will give him, provided he stops saying these things and stops A calling himself the Messenger of God." They told Abu Talib to speak to Muhammad (S.A.) and then they left.
Abu Talib invited his nephew, the Holy Prophet "Do you know what the leaders of the city came to see Muhammad (S.A.), to his house. me about yesterday?" he asked him.
"What have you been "My dear uncle", said Muhammad (S.A.) who loved his uncle very much. "God has selected me to be His Prophet. He has given me a message so as to lift the people from degradation. He has given me a message for me to call the people to worship of the One God. God has ordered me to prevent the people from idol-worship and oppression."
Abu Talib had been listening to Muhammad (S.A.) well and, at heart, he believed in him. Quietly he said to his nephew, "Do you know what they wanted from me? They wanted me to stop you from speaking like this!" "Never will I disobey God's command", Muhammad (S.A.) told him without hesitation. "I am going to carry it out and will continue to call the people to devotion to the One True God and to Tawhid (monotheism).
"My dear uncle", he continued, "I swear by God that if they were to offer me the sun in my right hand and the moon in my left, together with all the wealth and beauty in the world, still I would not turn back from the mission which God has entrusted me!" Abu Talib thought for a moment. "In whatever way God has commanded you", he finally said, "obey Him. I will always support you."
In the Dead of Night
It was a dark, cold night. Imam Sadiq (A.S.) was walking along carrying a heavy sack. "Where is Imam Sadiq going with this heavy sack?"
I said to myself. "In this dark night perhaps he will find himself in danger. It is best for me to walk along with him and guard him." I walked quietly along behind Imam Sadiq (A.S.), but I couldn't think where he was going or what he was carrying. We walked through a few lanes, and then I heard a noise.
It sounded as if Imam's sack had fallen to the ground. I heard Imam's voice as he prayed, "0 Lord, help me this dark night to find what I have lost." I went closer to the Imam and could just see that the sack which he had been carrying on his back was lying on the ground. Imam was trying with his hands to gather all its contents.
I came up to the Imam and greeted him. The Imam returned my greeting and. recognizing my voice, asked me, "Is it you. Mu'alla?" "Yes, O son of the Prophet" I replied. "Will you let me help you?"
The Imam had been carrying loaves of bread and packets of food, and I helped him gather them and put them back in the sack. When the sack was full I asked him if he would allow me to carry it for him. "No", he said. "it is more fitting for me to carry it.
My grandfather the Prophet used to say that whoever doesn't think about the needs of the Muslims is not a Muslim, and that whoever sleeps at night with a full stomach while his neighbors are hungry is not a Muslim."
Together we walked along until we came to the lodge of "Bani Sa'idah" where many poor people were living. Imam put his load on the ground and, quietly, without awakening anyone, began to distribute the food he had brought. He put the share of each person by the side of his head, and, without any one knowing who it was from, we quietly left.
God tells us in the Quran: "Give to the poor and distribute from what We have provided you and render them needless, before the Day of Resurrection when you will be sorry for your hoarding of wealth. and you will be faced with a severe chastisement."
Seeking Allah's Pleasure by Generosity
One of the former Companions of the Prophet (a.s.) was seriously ill. Imam Husayn (a.s.) went to visit him. He saw that the man was in extreme discomfort. He was sighing and groaning.
Imam Husayn (a.s.) became very upset. "Brother" he said, "Why are you so distressed? Tell me, so that I can do something about it." "I am in debt," said the sick man. "and I have nothing with which to pay my debts. I am afraid that I will die while still in debt."
"My dear brother" Imam Husayn told him. "don't be upset. I will stand security for all your debts." "O ," said the sick Muslim. "I don't want to be in debt when I die, and I am afraid that I will die before you can pay my debts."
"Don't be distressed." Imam Husayn told him. "I have faith that I can clear all your debts before you pass away. Imam Husayn took his leave and immediately went and took his money and went and paid the man's debts. After he had paid them all he went and informed the man about it which made the man very happy'. Allah, too was very pleased by this kindness and generosity.
Our Holy Prophet tells us: "Whoever pleases a believer has pleased me, and whoever pleases me has pleased Allah."
A Commentary on an Instructive Story from the Quran
Two Brothers, One Kind and Righteous,the other Proud and Selfish A rich man died, and his large fortune passed to his two sons. One of the sons was a religious and wise young man. He was clever and far-sighted and thought of this world as the "farm of the Hereafter", and he made use of his wealth for his benefit in the Hereafter: He paid the obligatory dues on his wealth, he helped the poor and destitute and gave them work and capital. With his wealth he used to assist his kinsmen and dependents.
He was a pioneer of acts of charity, he used to build mosques, infirmaries and schools, he used to pay the educational expenses of students and patronize the learned. He used to say, "I perform these works for the satisfaction of God and to be closer to Him. These works are my store for the Hereafter."
The other son was a greedy and ignorant man, whatever he had he wanted only for himself. He developed an orchard and a farm, and he built a mansion, but he never invited his poor relatives and dependents, and he never associated with them. He didn't pay the obligatory dues on his money, and didn't reply when he was greeted by the poor. He didn't take part in acts of charity and he used to say, "I can't. I have work to do. I haven't time." He wasn't ready to spend his money in the way of God. That haughty man had two huge orchards full of date trees, grape vines, and trees full of other fruits.
Bubbling water-courses always flowed alongside the trees of his garden. Between these two gardens was a plantation where he grew all kinds of vegetables. Whenever that rich man went with his brother to the garden, he used to take pleasure from the sight of the tall trees full of lush fruits, and used to become very happy. He would laugh loudly and make fun of his righteous brother and used to say: "You are making a big mistake by giving away your wealth in this way and that way! But me, I give none of my wealth to anyone, and as a result I am the owner of this garden and all this property. Really, what a big garden, and what lush property!... My, my!... I will always live happily. This wealth is without end. I don't imagine that there is a Resurrection ahead of us...
What Resurrection? What Hereafter? If there is a Resurrection, God will give me more, better than all this." The righteous brother used to say to him: "Brother! The blessings of the Hereafter are not given without reason. Your actions must be righteous and deserving for you to be saved and prosper in the Hereafter. Your large wealth has made you heedless of God. 0 Brother! Do not be proud. Reply to the "salams" of the poor, extend a helping hand to the needy. Use all this wealth for your benefit in the Hereafter. Take part in acts of charity, don't say, `I haven't time. I can't. I've work to do.' Don't sin, don't be obstinate. Fear the just anger of God. Perhaps God will send a punishment and take these blessings from you. Then you will be sorry, but sorrow will not benefit you. The haughty brother, however, never listened to his righteous brother's conversation, and carried on his undesirable ways...
One day, the proud man went to his garden. On his arrival, he stood stock still for a moment, staring wide-eyed, then he gave a cry and fell to the ground... Yes! The punishment of God had descended. It had destroyed the gardens. The walls of the gardens had fallen down, the tall trees were broken, their branches and fruits were all ruined, and...
When he came to his senses, he moaned and groaned. He wept, he was full of regret and he said: "How I wish I had listened to the words of my brother. How I wish I had spent my wealth in the way of God How I wish I had taken part in acts of charity, and that I used to pay the obligatory dues on my wealth'. My riches have gone, now I have nothing in this world and nothing in the Hereafter." This is what happens to a fortune which is not used in the way of God and for the welfare of His servants. This is the end which pride and ignorance led to.
Beseeching Allah
It is recounted by one narrator that: "One night I was performing tawaf around the Holy Ka'bah in Makkah. I saw a young man who had caught the cover of the Ka'bah in his hands and was crying. He was beseeching Allah. Saying:
"O Lord of the universe, the eyes of all people of the world have closed for sleep, the sun has set and the stars have appeared in the sky. But You, O Master of the universe. You are always awake, alive and are the only permanence, and You are controlling the world and its inhabitants. `O Lord of all beings, the rulers have shut firm their gates, and have assigned watchmen over them. But the door to Your House. O dear Lord. is always open to all, and You are always ready to relieve the distressed, cure the sick and help the oppressed. "O Merciful Allah. O creation's Beloved, this helpless creature has come to Your House this dark night, perhaps You will favor him." O Allah. You Who answer the call of the helpless in the darkness of night. "O Allah. You Who rescue the distressed from their difficulties. "O Allah You Who aid Your creatures when they are in distress. "O Allah, You Who cure those in pain. "O Lord, Your guests are asleep around Your House. but You, O Adored Lord, are the only One Who has no sleep. You are He Who is controlling the world and all its creatures. "O Lord, I have come to Your House this dark night and am calling on You, for You Yourself have told us to call on You'. "O Allah, I implore You by this Holy House to have mercy on Your servant. O Lord, if Your creatures don't come to Your House and place their hopes in You. to whose house will they go and in whom will they place their hopes?"
"I became very joyful." the narrator continued. "listening to the young man imploring God and from witnessing his devotion to Him. I went closer to see who the young man was. I saw that it was Imam al- Sajjad Zayn al `Abidin', and I realized that only he could beseech Allah in such a way."
Explaining Islam Before Christian Scholars
In the earlier days of Islam the Muslims were very few in number, and the idolaters who were opposed to Islam used to persecute the Muslims. Being so few. the Muslims could do nothing to stop their persecution, and they thought it better to migrate to Ethiopia, where they could live freely and in accordance with the Islamic principles.
Therefore after a trip across the desert a group of them boarded a ship bound for Avicenna. The king of Ethiopia was called al-Najashi (Negus). and was a Christian. When informed of the Muslims' arrival in his country he kindly granted them asylum and treated them with kindness.
As soon as the news of the Muslims' secret migration reached the idolaters in Makkah, they became very angry. They sent two of their men to Ethiopia laden with costly gifts, and it was their task to have the Muslims arrested and sent back to Makkah.
Arriving in Avicenna they went to al-Najashi's court and paid him homage and presented to him their gifts. Al-Najashi asked them:
"Where have you come from? What do you want?" The Makkans replied: "We have come from the city of Makkah. A number of our youth have given up our religion. They have stopped worshipping our gods and have now taken refuge in your country. The lords and nobles of Makkah call on you to arrest these youths and deliver them to us, so that we may return them to our city to be punished."
Al-Najashi told them that the matter would be investigated. Then he summoned the Muslims to his palace and, in the presence of his Christian scholars. he asked them: "What was your previous religion? What is your present religion? Why have you migrated to this country?"
The Muslims' spokesman was Ja'far ibn Abi Talib. a selfless young man who was full of belief. He replied: "In our city the rich and greedy oppress the weak. The people worship idols. They eat carrion and perform all types of evil deeds. They are not kind with one another and persecute their neighbors."
"In these circumstances we have been blessed by Allah who has sent us a Prophet (S.A.W.), a man known for his truth and trustworthiness. He has brought to us from Allah the religion of Islam."
Hearing this, al-Najashi leaned forward in his seat, so as to pay more attention to Ja'far and learn about Islam and what it says. Ja'far stayed silent for a moment, then looked at the Christian scholars and continued:
"The religion of Islam tells us not to worship idols, and that we must only worship the One True God, and accept His commands." "The religion of Islam tells us to be truthful, trustworthy and loyal. We must be kind and generous to our relatives and slaves, and treat our neighbors with goodness. Nor should we shed the blood of innocent people for no reason, and must give up all our evil deeds. We should not talk badly of people, nor insult them, and we should not speak without a purpose. We must not steal the wealth of orphans, we must perform the prayer and must spend a portion of our money in acts of charity."
AI-Najashi and the Christian scholars listened care fully to these words. and were delighted but the Makkans were biting their lips in annoyance. Ja'far continued: "0 king of Avicenna. the Prophet Muhammad(S.A.W.) has brought the religion of Islam and we have accepted it. We believe in Allah and in His Messenger and have become Muslims. But as soon as we became Muslims the idolaters of Makkah became angry and began to persecute us.
Thus we were obliged to leave the city and seek asylum here in this country to be free to worship Allah and perform the works of our religion." By now al-Najashi was extremely pleased and said to Ja'far: "The words of Isa (Jesus) and the words of your Prophet have descended from the same source. Both are the Words of the God. Therefore, you are free to remain in this country. Perform your devotions freely, and remain followers of Islam.
Truly, what a good religion you have!" Then he turned to the Makkans and said: `I do not take bribes. Pick up the things you have brought and go and you must know that I will never hand over to you any of the Muslims. Go this very minute, and return to Makkah as fast as you can... at once!" Thus the two men, sorry and ashamed, picked up the gifts they had brought and left the court in disgrace.
Enjoining the Right and Forbidding the Wrong
One summer day, Imam `Ali (A.S.) was walking through the town on his way home. The sun was in tensely hot, and the Imam (A.S.) was tired and perspiring. Most of the people were sleeping, and the streets were quiet and deserted. Suddenly, Imam `Ali (A.S.) heard a voice of wailing and crying.
He stopped, looked all around, and seeing no one he carried on his way. Then a woman appeared at the end of the alley. She was running helplessly, wailing and weeping. She ran up to Imam Ali (A.S.), sank to the floor, and wiped the tears from her eyes. She started to say something but she couldn't help crying.
Once again her face drowned in tears. The Imam (SA) asked her gently as to why she was so upset. With hard breathing and her wailing voice, the woman replied: `My husband is ill-treating me. He has put me out of the house. He wants to hit me... O Amir al-Mu'minin, help me, for there is no one to help me, other than you.
Imam Ali (A.S.) was very tired. He told her: "Wait until it becomes cool. Then I will go with you and speak to your husband. At the moment it is very hot and I am very tired. It is better that you wait a little." This once more brought tears to the woman's face.
"O Amir al-Numinin.." she said. "I am afraid. I fear that if I reach home late my husband will be even angrier with me, and will treat me even more harshly"
Imam `Ali (SA) thought for a moment, and then said: "No, by Allah, I will not delay enjoining the right and forbidding the wrong. I must help this oppressed one.
With that he set off for the woman's house. As they approached the house she pointed it out and stood a little way off, too afraid to go any nearer. Imam Ali (SA) knocked at the door and offered his sa1am.
A powerful young man, obviously enraged, opened the door. Straightway the Imam (SA) inquired about his behavior towards his wife, and then, in a gentle, kind manner he advised him:
"O young man, why do you trouble your wife? Be fearful of Allah, and don't trouble your wife any more. Don't hit her, and if she has annoyed you, you must forgive her."
Standing at the other side of the lane the woman was listening to the conversation and hoping that her husband would accept the Imam's (SA) advice and mend his ways towards her. But the young man (who didn't seem to recognize the Imam (A.S.) shouted angrily and impudently: !Who are you to poke your nose into my affairs? I now intend to kill her and there is nothing you can do about it. It's none of your business. Right now I am going to set her on fire; let me see what you can do about it!"
Listening to this outburst, the Imam (A.S.) lowered his head and muttered "La ilaha illa Allah". And when the youth rushed towards his wife threatening to set her on fire, the Imam (A.S.) blocked his way, took his hand and again reprimanded and advised him. Yet the young man did not heed the Imam (A.S.) and continued his shouting and his violent and aggressive behavior.
Again he tried to move towards his wife, he really wanted to set her on fire. Imam `Ali (A.S.) then got angry. With no hesitation he drew his sword and raised it over the young man's head. The flash of the sword terrified the young man and his whole body was badly trembling.
The Imam (A.S.) looked sternly into the young man's face: "I requested you kindly and politely. I advised you to do good work, and I warned you of the punishment of your evil deeds. But as for you, you began shouting like a madman. You were bad-tempered, impudent and quarrelsome. Do you expect me to allow you to tyrannize this lady! Be sorry for your bullying and cruelty, be afraid of Allah, stop troubling your poor wife; or else you will earn the punishments of your ugly deeds."
At this point some of Imam `Ali's (A.S.) companions arrived and greeted their Imam. Hearing them address him as "Amir al-Muminin" the young man recognized `Ali (A.S.) and became very ashamed of his behavior. Full of remorse and regret, he apologized.
Imam `Ali (A.S.) sheathed his sword and said to the woman: "Go to your house now, you will be safe. But in future treat your husband with more respect and live more peacefully with him. O noble lady, you too, be loving and kind to your husband, and give him no reason to be angry with you."
Martyrdom in the Way of Truth
Al-'Imam al-Husayn (A.S.) was a man of faith and action. During nights, he worshipped Allah in privacy while during the day he worked hard and guided the people. He was constantly mindful of the poor and the needy, and he used to visit them and cheer them up. He used to tell his followers:
!Be always in touch with the needy, for Allah does not love the arrogant". AI-'Imam al-Husayn (A.S.) always helped the poor as much as he could. At night he would carry sacks of food to the houses of the poor and leave them near the doors. He worked hard to eradicate poverty, establish justice and acquaint the people with Allah.
During the time of al-'Imam al-Husayn a tyrant called Yazid became the ruler. Yazid called himself the successor of Muhammad (A.S.) but this was a lie. He used to spend the income of the Islamic realm on drinking, gambling and wild parties. Public wealth was wasted for supporting his regime and the rights of the poor were trampled upon. In this way he totally scorned the instructions of Islam.
When `Yazid became ruler of the Muslims he immediately demanded al-'Imam al-Husayn (A.S.) to recognize him as the ruler and accept his leadership; but al-'lmam al-Husayn (A.S.) was the true successor of Prophet Muhammad (A.S.) and could not accept and endorse the leadership of an oppressor. He began to enlighten and awaken the people about Yazid and exhorted them to dissociate from him.
He would tell them: Do you not see that the truth is being trampled upon and the falsehood and oppression are prevailing? In such conditions, a Muslim must be ready for martyrdom in defense of the right. Martyrdom and self-sacrifice for the sake of truth is victory and success, while life with the oppressors is no more than shame and disgrace."
At that time the people of Kufah (Iraq) were loving followers of al-'Imam `Ali (A.S.) who had been suffering at the hands of Yazid and his father, Mu'awiyah. They invited al-'Imam al-Husayn (A.S.) to Kufah to lead them against Yazid and his wicked rule. Al-'lmam al-Husayn (A.S.) had indeed decided to rise up and fight, and so he accepted the invitation and set off for Kufah.
When the Imam (A.S.) and his followers were near Kufah, they were met by Yazid's troops. The troops wanted to arrest al-'Imam al-Husayn (A.S.) and his followers and take them to Yazid. The Imam (A.S.) told them: "Never will I accept disgrace and surrender to Yazid. Death for me is superior to disgrace and I am ready to defend Islam and the Muslims until I am martyred."
At a place called Karbala' al-'Imam al-Husayn (A.S.), his family and helpers were surrounded by Yazid's troops. The Imam (A.S.) and his followers stood firm as they fought against the thousands of troops of Yazid.
Finally, on 10th Muharram, 61 AH (the day we call `Ashura'), they were martyred. Al-'Imam al-Husayn (A.S.) and his followers were martyred, but they did not submit to injustice and oppression. They defended Islam and the Muslims. With their blood they saved Islam and the Qur'an from the danger of annihilation at the hands of Yazid.
Al-'Imam al-Husayn (A.S.) fought against oppression and defended the religion of Islam, and by doing so he taught the world the greatest lesson on freedom and righteousness. For this reason we call al-'Imam al-Husayn (A.S.) "Sayyid al-Shuhada"' which means "Lord of the Martyrs". Now the turn has come for us to safeguard and defend Islam. We must shoulder this magnificent responsibility.
Protecting Religion
The day of Ashura' is a glorious day for truth and freedom. "Ashura" is a model for every day of our lives, and the martyrs of that day are the forerunners and teachers for all the martyrs in the way of truth.
One of the self-sacrificing young men of that day was called Wahab. He too gave his life for his Imam (A.S.) and for the true teachings of the Qur'an, and provided a lesson on martyrdom to all sincere youths of all times and all places.
Wahab was in his tent when his mother entered. She was obviously flustered and nervous; she said to her son: "Wahab! What are you waiting for? Don't you know that Yazid's forces have surrounded your Imam (A.S.)? Rise and defend your Imam (A.S.). Rise and defend the Qur'an, freedom and honor. If you want me to be happy and pleased with you, rise and give your blood for the sake of your religion."
Wahab was already busy putting on his clothes and armor for the battlefield. He quickly finished and made his farewells to his mother and his young wife. He ran to the battlefield with the permission of al `Imam al-Husayn (A.S.).
Wahab fought like a valiant lion and his sword fell on the heads of the enemy like lightning. But the day was hot and soon he became more thirsty and tired. He withdrew from the battle to rest for a while, and seeing his mother standing and watching the battle alongside one of the tents he rushed to her side. She kissed the bleeding face of her son, and said:
"My son, I was watching your courage and valor, may Allah reward you, but rest is not permissible. Our Imam's (A.S.) helpers are few; return to the battlefield and either defeat the enemy or be martyred in the presence of your Imam (A.S.). Only in this case I will be content with you and pray for you. Go now, my brave son."
With this encouragement, and after seeing his mother and wife, just once more for the last time. Wahab returned to the battlefield with an ardent desire for martyrdom. An enemy sword fell on his arm and wounded him. Watching from afar, his mother let out an involuntary groan. She picked up a stick and hurried to defend her wounded son. Wahab's young wife also saw what had happened and she too rushed off to help him. She arrived at his side to find him lying, with blood spurting from his deep wound.
Wahab's wife wanted only to defend her husband and play her part in defending the religion. While taking care of her wounded husband, she too was attacked by the enemy troops and was martyred. Defending Islam and the Qur'an is obligatory on both men and women.
When necessary, Muslim women must learn shooting and other techniques of warfare. They must learn first aid and the art of nursing and attending on the injured. They are to be ever vigilant guardians of the Islamic homelands and honor.
In Iran, the brave Muslim women in Islamic hijab (dress) followed the instructions of their great leader. and took part in !e demonstrations that freed the country. These freedom-loving women wearing their modest Islamic dress entered decisively into the arena, and with the cry of Allah Akbar on their! lips they toppled down the imperial palace itself.
These Muslim women, following the instructions of Islam and observing Islamic hijab in accordance with the Islamic teachings, cooperated with the men and delivered their country from the grip of traitors.
Today the Muslim women of Iran are playing an important role in all the organizations of the country. These are the women who raised in the environment of Islam. Islam wants women to be veiled, to wear plain clothes in public, to keep their beauty and their adornments for their husbands and families, to avoid unnecessary contacts with men who are not mahram (with whom marriage is not permitted) and to maintain in this way their dignity and respect.
Allah tells us in the Qur'an that the believing women must not gaze at men who are not mahram and must hide from them their bodies and hair. The women brought up in Islamic environment can grow spiritually and turn into brave defenders of Islam, the Qur'an, dignity and honor. They can play an important role in freeing and developing the great Islamic nation.
Mothers of Karbala
Mothers of Kerbala
who gave their children in the name of Allah
without a thought
without a halt
Mothers like these have never been seen before
nor will they be seen again
sacrifices which have suffered a lot of pain
but have not gone in vain
Mothers of Karbala
you saved Islam through your sacrifice
we learn from you
and yearn to have been there with you
Leila mother of Ali Akbar
whose son was just eighteen
when we see a young mayyit at rest
we remember your son's chest
Farwa mother of Qasim
whose tattered body the mother had seen
what a state she may have been
whatever fate she thanked the lord she believed in
Zainab mother of Aun and Muhammad
she gave them as charity without a fear
and never shed a tear
till at home when she so the beds clear
Rabab mother of Sakina and Ali Asghar
one was four years old and one six months old
Sakina buried in Sham and Ali Asghar in Karbala
the mother who never sat in the shade oh Allah oh Allah
Fatima mother of Husain
Although she was not there
she raised him so well
that he was chosen by Allah to save Islam
Mothers of Karbala
being a woman no step is taken in my life
without a thought of you
I pray to Allah
to make me a mother just like you
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