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The Ancestors of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.)
Hayat Al-Qulub Volume 2, A Detailed Biography of Holy Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.)
By: Allamah Muhammad Baqir Al-Majlisi
The well known genealogy of the Holy Prophet (S) is as follows: Muhammad (S), son of Abdullah son of Abdul Muttalib son of Hashim son of Abde Manaf son of Qusayy son of Kilab son of Marrah son of Lavi son of Ghalib son of Fahar son of Malik son of Nuzayr son of Kananah son of Khuzaimah son of Madrakah son of Ilyas son of Mazar son of Nazar son of Maad son of Adnan son of Ov son of Alyasi son of Alhameesa son of Salaman son of Albant son of Hamal son of Qidar son of Ismail son of Ibrahim Khalil (a.s.) son of Tarukh son of Nakhur son of Sharoogh son of Arghu son of Faalagh son of Aabar son of Shaalakh son of Arfahshad son of Saam son of Nuh son of Malik son of Matushalakh son of Akhnoon son of Alyaaraz son of Mahlaail son of Feenaan son of Anoosh son of Sheeth son of His Eminence, Adam (a.s.).
According to a narration of Lady Umm Salma, Adnan was son of Ov and he of Zaid and he of As Saraa and he of Eraaqus Saraa. Umm Salma says that Zaid is Hameesa and Saraa is Bant and that Eraaqus Saraa is Ismail (a.s.). And according to the narration of Ibn Babawayh, Adnan is son of Av and he of Awad and he of Zaid and he of Yaqdu and he of Hamesa and he of Bant and he of Qidar bin Ismail.
According to the report of Ibn Abbas it is Adnan bin Ovbin and Bin Yasaa bin Hamesa bin Yahsham bin Manjaz bin Sabugh bin Alhameesa bin Bant bin Qidar bin Ismail bin Ibrahim bin Tarukh bin Matushalakh bin Saam bin Nuh bin Malik bin Akhnoo bin Mahlaaeel bin Zabazar. And according to yet another statement, Taarad and according to yet another Ayaad bin Qinan bin Arad bin Anoosh bin Sheeth bin Adam.
What is more famous is that the name of His Eminence, Abdul Muttalib was Shaibatul Hamd and the name of Hashim was Amr and that Abde Manaf was Mughira and also that the name of Qasaa was Zaid, who was also called Majma’ and the name of Quraish was Nasr.
There was some reason behind this naming of every one of them. It is also said that the name of Arghu was Hud. Some have said his name was Ghaabar and that Akhnu is His Eminence, Idris and that the mother of the Holy Prophet (S) was Amina binte Wahab who was a son of Abde Manaf son of Zuhra son of Kilab.
Creation of Effulgence (Noor)
Ibn Babawayh (r.a.) has through his chains of narrators, narrated that Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s.) said: His Eminence, Amirul Momineen (a.s.) said that the Almighty Allah created Prophet’s Noor 424000 years before the creation of the heavens and the earth and Arsh (Throne) and Kursi and Lauh and Qalam and Paradise and Hell and all prophets. Then from the same Noor He created twelve veils, that is, the veil of Power (Qudrat), the veil of Greatness (Azmat), the veil of Grace (Minnat), the veil of Mercy (Rahmat), the veil of Bliss (Saadat), the veil of Wonder (Karamat), the veil of Status (Manzilat), the veil of Guidance (Hidayat), the veil of Prophethood (Nubuwwat), the veil of Loftiness (Rafat), the veil of Awe (Haibat), and veil of Intercession (Shafat). He kept this holy light in the veils of Might for twelve thousand years. It was reciting, “Glory to the Lord, the Almighty Allah,” therein.
Then He kept it in the veil of Power for eleven thousand years during which it was reciting “Glory to be to the One Who knows the mysteries.” He kept it in the Hijab of Minnat for ten thousand years during which it used to recite, “Glory to be to the One Who is permanent and not transient.” Then He kept it in the veil of Rahmat for nine thousand years and it continued to recite, “Glory to be to the High and Exalted,” and placed it in the veil of Saadat for eight thousand years when it used to recite, “Glory to be to the One Who is eternal and not temporary. Then He placed it in the veil of Karamat for seven thousand years when it recited, “Glory to be to the One Who is self sufficient and not needy.”
Then He kept in the veil of Manzilat for six thousand years when it continued to recite “Glory be to the one who is knowing and great”. Then He kept it in the veil of Hidayat for five thousand years during the course of which it used to recite “Glory be to the owner of the Great Throne (Arsh).” Then He kept it in the veil of Nubuwwat for a period of four thousand years when it recited the glory of the Lord in the words “Glory be to the Lord of Might from what they attribute Him with.” Then He kept it in the veil of Rafat for three thousand years when it praised Him in the words “Glory be to the owner of the Kingdom and Celestial world.”
Then He kept it in the Hijab of Haibat for two thousand years when it said: “Glory be to Allah and praise be to Him.” Then He kept it in the Hijab of Intercession for a thousand years when it recited: Glory be to Allah the Great and praise be to him. Then He inscribed the name of the Holy Prophet on Lauhe Mahfuz (Protected Tablet) and it continued to shine there for four thousand years. Then Prophet’s name was displayed on the Arsh and written on the leg of the Arsh where it continued to dazzle for seven thousand years.
In this way that Noor continued to revolve with might, loftiness and greatness until the Almighty Allah put it in the loins of Adam (a.s.). Then it continued to be transferred until it reached the loins of Nuh and thereafter till Allah placed it in the loin of Abdullah bin Abdul Muttalib and decorated it with six wonders: He gave it the shirt of His pleasure, beautified it with the chador of awe, put the crown of guidance on its head, thus making it scale the height and clothed it in attire of dignity, tied the belt of love, gave it shoes of fear and hope and provided it with the staff of status.
Then sent a revelation to it: O Muhammad, go to the people and proclaim: “There is no god but Allah and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah (S) and ask them to believe in this proclamation. The aforesaid shirt of Divine Pleasure had six basic jewels: Its length was of ruby, its sleeves of pearl, its skirt of yellow flint glass, its neck of red coral and slits of neck were made of the Almighty Allah’s radiance.
Allah accepted the repentance of Yaqub (a.s.) because of the same shirt, he made him meet Yusuf due to its bliss, freed Yunus (a.s.) from the belly of the fish by the wonder of the same shirt. The prophet got rid of troubles and hardships due to it. It was but the same shirt of Prophet Muhammad (S).
It is reported with reliable authorities that people asked Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s.) where was the Holy Prophet (S) before Allah created the heaven and earth and light and darkness? He replied: “There were some bodies of radiance revolving round the Divine Throne reciting Allah’s praise 25000 years before Allah created sky, earth, light and darkness. When Allah created Adam He placed us in his loins. He continued to transfer us from holy loins to holy wombs until He appointed Muhammad (S).”
It is narrated through many channels from Abdullah bin Abbas that the Holy Prophet (S) said: “Allah created me and Ali from a light under the Throne (Arsh) 12000 years before the creation of Adam. When He created Adam, He placed that Noor in his loins. Thereafter that Noor continued to be transferred from one loin to another until both of us were separated in the loins of Abdullah and Abu Talib.”
It is narrated from Maaz bin Jabal that the Holy Prophet (S) said: “Verily Allah created me, Ali, Fatima, Hasan and Husain (a.s.) seven thousand years before the creation of the world.” Maaz asked: “O Messenger of Allah (S), where were you at that time?” He replied, “We were under the Divine Throne, praising, glorifying and hallowing Allah.” It was asked: “What were you like?” He replied: “We were some bodies of light. When Allah desired to form us, He turned us into a column of light and put it in the loins of Adam (a.s.).
Thereafter He continued to transfer it from loins of fathers to wombs of mothers, always keeping us away from impurity, polytheism and adultery, which was being indulged in during the time of blasphemy. In every age some groups used to be successful by putting faith in us. Some used to remain hardhearted and unfortunate as they did not believe in us. When we were brought to the loins of Abdul Muttalib that Noor was divided into two. Allah put one half of it in the loins of Abdullah and the other half in that of Abu Talib.
Thereafter my Noor was transferred to the womb of Amina and the other entered the womb of Fatima binte Asad. I was born from Amina (r.a.) and Ali (a.s.) from Fatima (r.a.). Then the entire pillar returned to me and my daughter Fatima (r.a.) was born. Then that whole light was transferred to Ali (a.s.) and Hasan (a.s.) and Husain (a.s.) were born from those two parts of light. Similarly my Noor will continue to revolve till Judgment Day in the descendants of Husain (a.s.) towards the Imams (a.s.).
It is narrated from some channels from the Holy Prophet (S) that, “The Almighty Allah created me, Ali, Fatima, Hasan and Husain (a.s.) before creating Adam when there was neither Paradise nor Hell.” His Eminence, Abbas asked, “O Messenger of Allah (S), how was your creation initiated?” He replied, “When Allah intended to create us, He created a Word, then a Light therefrom, then He created another Word and a Spirit therefrom.
Then He amalgamated that Noor with that spirit and therefrom He created Ali, Fatima, Hasan and Husain (a.s.). All of us were reciting Allah’s greatness and praise. We were describing His Glory and Praise when no one else was doing so. When Allah desired to create the whole of creation He bifurcated my Noor and created the Arsh (Throne) therefrom. Arsh is from my Noor and my Noor is from Allah’s Noor and (thus) my Noor is greater than the Arsh. Then He split the Noor of my brother Ali (a.s.) and created the angels therefrom. The angels are from Ali’s Noor and Ali’s Noor is from the Noor of Allah and (hence) Ali (a.s.) is greater than the angels.
Thereafter Allah bifurcated my daughter Fatima’s Noor and created the heavens and the earth from it. The sky and earth are created from Fatima’s Noor and Fatima’s Noor is from Allah’s Noor and (thus) Fatima is greater that the skies and the earth.
He then divided my son, Hasan’s Noor and created the sun and the moon therefrom. So the sun and the moon have come into existence from my son Hasan’s Noor and Hasan’s Noor is created from Allah’s Noor and (so) it is greater than sun and the moon. Thereafter Allah divided my son Husain’s Noor and created Paradise and Houries (fairies). So Paradise and Houries have been created from my son Husain’s Noor and my son Husain’s Noor is from the Noor of Allah and (therefore) my son Husain (a.s.) is better than Paradise and Houries.”
Abu Zar has, through reliable chains narrated that the Holy Prophet (S) said: “I and Ali have been created from one Noor and we were glorifying Allah on the right side of the Arsh two thousand years before the creation of Adam. When Allah created Adam, He put this Noor in his loins. When he was allowed to dwell in Paradise we were in his loins. Likewise when Nuh was riding the ship we were in his loins. So also when Ibrahim (a.s.) was thrown into fire. The Almighty Allah transferred us from holy loins into holy wombs until we reached the loins of Abdul Muttalib.
Now the Almighty Allah divided that Noor into two, placed me in the loins of Abu Talib. He granted me prophethood and gave eloquence and courage to Ali and gave derivatives from His holy names to both of us. The Almighty is the Lord of the Throne (Arsh) which is Mahmud and I am Muhammad. Allah is High (Aalaa) and my brother is Ali. He designated me for messengership and prophethood and appointed Ali for Wasayat (guardianship) and Imamate and to command people with truth.
It is narrated through reliable chains from Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s.) that before the creation of the Universe, Allah had two radiances. Angels looked at both these lights, found one to be original wherefrom a ray was spreading, which was a part of it. They asked, “O Allah! What is this Radiance? The Almighty Allah revealed that it is one of My Noors the origin of which is messengership and branch is Imamate.
The Messengership is for Muhammad who is My servant and messenger; and Imamate is for Ali who is Hujjat (proof) before the creation and the caliph. Had I not created them, I would not have created anything.” In another reliable tradition, the same Imam has said that the Almighty Allah addressed the Holy Prophet (S): “O Muhammad, I created you and Ali from one Noor, that is, I had created a bodiless spirit, before creating the sky and earth and Arsh and sea. You were always hallowing and praising Me and were continuously remembering Me with unique attentiveness.
Then I amalgamated both the souls and that amalgamated soul was remembering Me with piety and greatness and grandeur. Then I made two parts of that soul. Then made two parts of the said two and thus were created Muhammad and Ali and Hasan and Husain. Thereafter I created Fatima from a single Noor in the form of a bodiless spirit. That same Noor continued in Ahlul Bayt (a.s.).”
It is mentioned in a reliable tradition from His Eminence, Imam Muhammad Taqi (a.s.) that the Almighty Allah was always One and Unique in His Uniqueness. There was none except Him. Then He created Muhammad, Ali, Fatima and after a thousand time periods created all things and made the holy beings witness over their creation and made their obedience incumbent on all creation and entrusted the administration of creation to them. So they do not like or desire anything except what is desired by Allah and have no intention of their own.
It is narrated through authentic chains that Imam Hasan (a.s.) said that the Holy Prophet (S) said: “Behisht is a stream in Firdos, sweeter than honey, softer than butter, cooler than ice and more fragrant than musk. Therein is a kind of clay wherefrom the Almighty Allah created us and our Shias.
One who is not created from that clay is neither from us nor is our Shia.” It is mentioned in another tradition that he said: “I have heard from my grandfather, the Holy Prophet (S) that he used to say: ‘I have been created from the Noor of Allah and my Ahlul Bayt have been created from my Noor and the lovers of Ahlul Bayt have been created from their Noor. All other people are from hellfire.’”
It is narrated through authentic chains from Abu Saeed Khudri that a man asked about the interpretation of the saying of the Almighty Allah to Satan when the latter refused to prostrate before Adam (a.s.):
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“Are you proud or are you of the exalted ones?”[1]
The Holy Prophet (S) said: I, Ali, Fatima, Hasan and Husain were in the enclosure of the Arsh and praising Allah. The angels were reciting praise on hearing us, and this was two thousand years before the creation of Adam. When Allah created Adam, He commanded the angels to prostrate before him but we were not ordered to prostrate. All the angels prostrated, but Iblis refused. At that Allah said to him: “You have shown pride against prostrating; have you also became of those exalted ones, that is of those whose names have been written in the enclosure of the Arsh?”
According to a reliable tradition of Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s.): “The Almighty Allah created Muhammad Mustafa (S) from a handful of clay which was a pearl beneath the Arsh. From its leftover, He created us, Ahlul Bayt. Then from the leftover of our essence were created our Shias. Therefore their hearts are inclined to us and they love us and we are truly kind to them just as a father is kind to his children. We are the best for them and they for us. The Messenger of Allah (S) is the best of all people for us and we are the best of all in the view of the Holy Prophet (S).”
According to a reliable narration, Imam Zainul Abideen (a.s.) is reported to have said: “The Almighty Allah created eleven Imams from the progeny of the Holy Prophet (S) and Ali (a.s.) and his progeny from His Noor of Greatness. Those Noors were praising Allah in His radiation, and worshipping 14000 years before He created all of His creation.” Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s.) is reported to have said that the Messenger of Allah (S) said: “Fourteen thousand years before Allah created all of His creation, He created fourteen Noors which were our souls.”
People asked: “O Messenger of Allah (S)! Who are those fourteen?” He replied: “Muhammad, Ali, Fatima, Hasan, Husain and nine sons from their progeny, the last of whom is Qaim (a.s.) who will remain unseen to people’s eyes. Then he will appear and kill Dajjal and purify the earth from every oppression.[2]
It is mentioned in a reliable tradition of Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s.) that: “The Almighty Allah, presented the holy spirit of Prophet Muhammad (S) to the spirits of all the prophets 2000 years before the creation of universe. The Holy Prophet (S) invited them to worship Only One Allah and to obey Him and promised Paradise to the followers of prophets and warned all those who oppose them of hellfire.”
In another reliable tradition, Amirul Momineen (a.s.) said: “I am a slave of Allah and brother of the Messenger of Allah (S) and am a constant attester from the very first day. Verily I believed in the Messenger of Allah (S) and attested him when the soul of Adam was not yet connected to his body. Also I am the first to testify for the Prophet among this Ummah. Therefore we are the first among both the earlier and the later.”
It is narrated through reliable chains that people asked the Holy Prophet (S) why he was given first preference among all prophets? And how did he get greatness over all when he was sent last? The Holy Prophet (S) replied: “I am the first to admit to the lordship of Lord Creator when Allah took confessions and promises from all the prophets and made them witness to His Self saying: “Am I not your Lord?”[3] And all replied: “Why not?” It is verily You. Because of this, I gained the first position among the believers of Allah’s Lordship and Divinity.
In another reliable tradition the same Imam is reported to have said: “When the Almighty Allah created the souls and spread them before Him addressing with the question: ‘Who is your Lord?’ before all others the Messenger of Allah (S), Amirul Momineen (a.s.) and the pious Imams from their progeny said: ‘You are our Lord.’ Then Allah inserted His knowledge and religion into them and told the angels: “They are bearers of My knowledge and religion and are My trustees in My creations. My knowledge should be obtained from them.”
Then, addressing the progeny of Adam, said: “Admit to the Lordship of Allah and the obedience of this group, their love and Wilayat (guardianship).” They responded: “Doubtlessly, O Lord, we admit.” Then Allah told the angels: “All of you be witness.” The angels replied: “We witness,” so that none may say tomorrow that he did not know.
Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s.) said: “By Allah, the prophets have been, on the very first day of ‘Alast’ (as mentioned above), emphatically asked to confess belief in our guardianship.
Shaykh Abdul Hasan Bikri has in Kitabul Anwar mentioned with his evidence and through Abdullah bin Abbas and a group of companions that when Allah intended to create Muhammad (S) He told the angels that He wanted to create a creation and give it greatness over all other creations and make it better than all the earlier and the later people and also the intercessor on Judgment Day. Had he not been there, I would not have created Paradise and Hell.
So realize his status and consider him prestigious for my honor and appreciate his greatness because of My Greatness. The angels replied: “O our Lord, we slaves cannot have any objection to our Lord and Master. We have heard and we have obeyed.”
Then the Almighty Allah commanded angel Jibraeel and upholders of Arsh to bring the radiant earth from the place of the grave of His Eminence, Jibraeel took that earth to the sky and dropped it in the spring of Salsabeel until it turned into a white pearl. Then they were dropping it daily in one of the canals of Behisht and presenting it to the angels.
When angels saw that Noor, they welcomed it with full honor, respect and salutations. Every group of angels before whom it was taken used to admit its greatness and grandeur and to say: O Lord, if You command us to prostrate before it we would do so. It is narrated from Amirul Momineen (a.s.): “When there was nothing except the Almighty Allah, the very thing which He created was the Noor of His beloved Muhammad Mustafa (S). Allah created it 424000 years ahead of the creation of water, Arsh, Kursi, sky, earth, Lauh, Qalam, Paradise, Hell, angels, Adam and Hawwa.
When the Noor of our Prophet (S) was created, it stood before the Almighty Allah praising Him. Allah used to look at it and say: “It is only you that is the aim of My act of creation of the universe. It is you, the intender of good and well being and you are My selection in My creation. I swear by My Greatness and Might and say that had you not been in My Will. I would not have created the celestial orbits. I will love who loves you and I will be the enemy of the one who is inimical towards you.”
(Upon this) the Noor of the Prophet (S) brightened further and its ray rose up. Then Allah created twelve veils from that radiance: veil of Might, veil of Greatness, veil of Power/honor, veil of Awe, veil of Dominance, veil of Mercy, veil of Prophethood, veil of Divinity, veil of Status, veil of Loftiness, veil of Bliss, and veil of Intercession. Then He put the Noor of Muhammad in veil of Might where it remained for twelve thousand years reciting “Glory to the Highest of the High.”
Then it entered veil of Greatness and recited: “Glory to be to the One cognizant of the mysteries and secrets,” for eleven thousand years. Likewise it went on reciting “Glory to be to the Master and Bestower,” for ten thousand years in the veil of Awe, “Glory to be to the Noble and Majestic One,” for 8000 years in veil of Dominance, “Glory be to the Lord of the Mighty Throne.” for 7000 years in veil of Mercy, “Glory be to the Lord of Might from what they attribute Him with,” for 6000 years in veil of Prophethood, “Glory be to the greatest of the greatest.” for 5000 years in veil of Divinity, “Glory to the Knowing and the Noble” for 4000 years in veil of Status, “Glory be to the owner of the Kingdom and celestial world.” for 3000 years in veil of Loftiness, “Glory to be to the One Who makes things extinct and Himself never wanes,” for 2000 years in veil of Bliss, “Glory be to Allah and praise be to Him. Glory be Allah the Great.” for 1000 years in veil of Intercession.
Then Allah made twenty rivers from that Noor. Every river had some sciences known to none but Allah. Then He dropped the Noor of Prophet Muhammad (S) into those rivers; that is the rivers of esteem, patience, courtesy, humility, concurrence, loyalty, forbearance, virtue, piety, penitence, function, addition, guidance, wisdom and modesty; that is in all the twenty rivers. Finally when it came out of the last river, Allah said to it: ‘My dear, the best of all Messengers! My first creation and My last Messenger! I have made you intercessor on Judgment Day.’
That brilliant Noor fell down in prostration. When it raised its head 140000 drops dripped from that Noor. Allah created a prophet from every one of those drops whose Noors were revolving round the Noor of the Holy Prophet (S) saying: “Glory to be to the One Who is knowing without any ignorance, glory to be to the One Who is forbearing and not hasty, glory to be to the One Who is self sufficient and not needful.”
Then Allah addressed all of them asking: Do you recognize Me? The Noor of Muhammad (S) responded first of all saying: “You are the Lord, there is no god except You, You are only one and there is no partner unto You, You are the Lord of lords and the King of the Kings.” Then Allah said: “You are My chosen, My friend and the best of all Ummahs.” Then from the Noor of the Holy Prophet (S), Allah created an essence and divided it into two. He threw a look of awe at one so it turned into sweet water.
Then He looked at the other part with love and created Divine Throne from it and placed it on water. Then He created Kursi, Qalam (pen) from the Noor of Arsh, Lauh (tablet) from the Noor of Kursi, Qalam (pen) from the Noor of Lauh and revealed to pen to write His Oneness. So, hearing the revelation, it remained spellbound for one thousand years. When it recovered, it said: O Lord! What should I write?
Came the command: Write: There is no god except Allah and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah (S). Hearing the name of Muhammad (S) the pen fell down in prostration and said: Glory be to the One and the Forceful. Then raising its head it wrote the two phrases of witness and said: “My Lord! Who is Muhammad?
You have connected his name with Your Name and joined his remembrance with Your remembrance?” Allah revealed: O Pen! (Qalam) Had he not been I would have created neither you nor the universe. He is the herald of salvation and warner of punishment. He is the luminous lamp. He is the intercessor and he it is who is My friend.” Upon this the pen zoomed with a feeling of sweetness of the name of Prophet Muhammad (S) and said: “Peace be upon you, O Messenger of Allah (S).” The Holy Prophet (S) responded: “And peace be upon you from me and the mercy of Allah and His blessings.”
Ever since that day it became incumbent to salute in these words it being the way of the Prophet and replying to it an obligatory duty. Then The Almighty Allah ordered the Pen: “Write down My decree and destiny which I will go on creating till Judgment Day.” Thereafter Allah created some angels so that they may go on invoking blessings on Muhammad (S) and his progeny (a.s.) until Judgment Day and seek pardon for their Shias. Then Allah created Paradise from the Noor of Muhammad and beautified it with four virtues of reverence, dignity, generosity and honesty and reserved it for His friends and obedients.
Then He created the sky from the smoke that rose from the water and created earths from its foam. The earths were then trembling. So He created mountains to make then still. Then He created an angel who held the earth. Then He created a big rock whereupon the angel rested his leg. Then He created a very big cow and placed that rock on her back. And He created a very huge fish. The cow stood on its back. That fish is on water, the water on air and the air is in darkness. Whatever is beneath darkness is not known to anyone but Allah. Then He brightened the Arsh with the Noor of Grace and the Noor of Justice. He created intelligence, knowledge, forbearance and generosity from grace.
He created fear and panic from intelligence, consent and happiness from knowledge, affection from forbearance and love from generosity. He mixed up all these virtues in the essence of Muhammad (S) and his progeny. Thereafter He created from the Ummah of Muhammad (S) the spirits of the faithful. Then he created the sun, moon, stars, night, day, darkness and all angels from the Noor of Muhammad (S). He kept the holy Noor of Muhammad still for 72000 years. Then He went on transferring it from the earth for making the body of Adam (a.s.).
At that time the cursed Iblis rushed to earth and told it that “Allah wants to create a creation from you and then to punish it with fire. If the angels come to you to take dust tell them that I seek Allah’s refuge that something might be taken from me and then it might be thrown in fire.” So when angel Jibraeel descended, the earth sought refuge of Allah. So he (Jibraeel) returned and said: “My Lord! The earth sought Your shelter so I pitied it.” Likewise came Mikaeel and Israfeel and they also returned. Then Allah sent Israel. The earth as before, sought refuge from him too. But Israel said: “I also seek Allah’s refuge from disobeying Him.”
Then he gathered some earth from above and below and from every level of earth white and black and red and soft and hard all kinds of dust. Therefore the colors and morals of the children of Adam differed from one another. Allah asked Israel: “Why did you not show mercy to earth as others had?” Israel replied: “My Lord! Your obedience was better than having mercy on it.”
Then Allah revealed: “I intend to create a creation from this earth wherein there will be prophets and good people and so also hardhearted and bad ones also. And I have appointed you for the task of retrieving the souls of them all.” Then Allah ordered Jibraeel to bring the white and shining clay which is of the last prophet of the last age and which is the origin of the entire creation. So Jibraeel came with all the angels including cherubim, clean, the praise chanters to the holy grave of the Prophet and amalgamated it with the waters of Tasnim and homage, honor, creation, mercy, happiness and pardon.
Then Allah mixed affection with His Eminence’s chest, generosity with his hands, patience and confidence with heart, chastity with private parts, dignity with legs and fragrance with breaths, then mixed that clay with the clay of Adam. When Adam’s body became ready, He revealed to the angels: “I will create a man from clay. When I blow the spirit into it all of you must prostrate before him.” The angels put the body of Adam in Paradise and waited for Allah’s command so that they may prostrate before it.
Then Allah ordered the soul of Adam to enter his body. Seeing it narrow the spirit disliked entering it. So Allah ordered: “Enter it with dislike and come out with dislike.” The spirit entered and reached the eyes. Adam (a.s.) was seeing his body and hearing the hallowing of angels. What it reached his brain, Adam sneezed. Allah made him speaking so he said ‘Praise be to Allah’. It was the first word uttered by Adam (a.s.).
Allah said through revelation: “May Allah have mercy on you. O Adam! I created you for mercy and have reserved My Mercy for you and your progeny whenever they also, utter like you.” That is why it has become a tradition to pray for one who sneezes and no other deed is as much disliked by Satan as a prayer for one who sneezes.
Then Adam looked up and observed that: ‘There is no god except Allah and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah (S)’ was written on the Arsh. Names of the members of the Holy Progeny were also written there. Then the spirit reached his (Adam’s) forelegs. He intended to get up even before it reached his feet. That is why Allah has said:
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“Man is created of haste.”[4]
It is narrated from Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s.) that the spirit of Adam remained in his head for a hundred years, then for another 100 years in his chest, for 100 years in his back, for 100 years in his thighs, for 100 years in his forelegs, for 100 years in his feet. When Adam stood up Allah commanded the angels to prostrate before him. It was a Friday afternoon. The angels remained prostrated till Asr. Then Adam heard a voice chanting Allah’s praise and glory from the rear like songs of birds. He asked: “My Lord! What is this voice?”
Came the reply: “O Adam! It is praise recitation of Muhammad the Arabi (S) who is the best among the earliest and latest. Lucky is he who obeys and follows him and ill luck for one that opposes him. Therefore, O Adam! take this oath of Mine and never entrust it except to the pure wombs of chaste women and clean loins of pious men.”
Adam submitted: “My Lord, you have multiplied my honor, dignity and beauty because of this newborn. Then Allah created Hawwa from a part of Adam’s body and put him in a deep slumber. When he woke up he saw Hawwa beside his head. He asked her: “Who are you?” She replied: “I am Hawwa. Allah created me for you.” He exclaimed: “How beautiful you are!” Then Allah revealed to Adam: “This is My slave girl and you are My slave. I have created for a place called Paradise. So consider Me Holy in every respect and go on praising Me. O Adam! Ask for the hand of Hawwa from Me and pay her dower.”
Adam asked: “My Lord! What is her dower?” Came the response: “Invoke blessings on Muhammad and his progeny (a.s.) ten times.” Adam replied: “My Lord! I will be grateful to you till I am alive for this blessing, and will continue to recite Your Glory. Then Allah gave Hawwa to Adam in marriage. The Qadi was the Creator Himself, the one who solemnized the marriage was Jibraeel (a.s.), the witnesses were angels having nearness to Allah.
Then the angels lined up behind Adam (a.s.). Adam (a.s.) asked: “My Lord! Why have these angels stood behind me?” Allah said: “So that they could see the radiance of Muhammad (S) which is in your loins.” He requested: “My Lord! transfer this Noor from my loins (behind) to my front so that the angels may stand in front of me.” Then the angels stood in front of him.
Then Adam (a.s.) requested to Allah: “Please place the Noor at a point where they too can see it.” So Allah put that Noor in Adam’s forefinger, and the Noor of Ali (a.s.) in his middle finger, the Noor of Fatima (s.a.) in the adjoining finger and the Noor of Hasan (a.s.) in his little finger and the Noor of Husain (a.s.) in his thumb. The Noor began to shine like the sun in the hand of Adam (a.s.) and the heavens and the earth and the Arsh and the Kursi and the outskirts of the Glory, everything became radiant by that Noor.
Whenever Adam (a.s.) desired to have intercourse with Hawwa, he used to ask her to make an ablution and he too made himself clean and fragrant with scents and used to tell her: “Allah will give this Noor to you and this is a trust of Allah and a contract of binding nature.” That Noor remained in the fingers of Adam (a.s.) until Sheeth (a.s.) came in the womb of Hawwa (a.s.) when the Noor took place in the forehead of Hawwa (a.s.) and the angels used to congratulate Hawwa (a.s.).
When Sheeth (a.s.) was born, the Noor of His Eminence, (S) came to his forehead. Then Jibraeel (a.s.) drew a curtain between him and Hawwa (a.s.) and made it invisible to his eyes. When he became adult, Adam (a.s.) called him and said: “My son! I may shortly depart from you. So come near me so that I may take from you an oath and promise as Allah had taken from me.” Then Adam (a.s.) raised his head to the sky. Allah knew his intention and ordered the angels to stop hallowing His Glory and to close their wings.
The residents of Paradise became attentive from their high abodes. All the rivers of Paradise became still, in short all became attentive to hear the voice of Adam (a.s.). Allah revealed to him: “Say whatever you want so say.” Adam said: “My Lord! O One, bestower of life and light to all! O creator of the sun and moon! You created me as You pleased and entrusted this holy Noor to me wherein I noticed blessings and wonders and then that Noor was transferred to my son, Sheeth (a.s.). Now I desire to take allegiance from him as You had taken from me and I make You witness to it.”
Came the voice from Allah: “Yes, O Adam! Take the oath of allegiance from your son, Sheeth and make Jibraeel, Mikaeel and all angels witness it.” Then Allah ordered Jibraeel who came down together with seventy thousand angels on earth. All of them carried a flag of praise (Liwaul Hamd). Jibraeel had, in his hands, a piece of silk and a pen created by Allah with His power. Then Jibraeel (a.s.) turned to Adam (a.s.) and said: “Allah has sent greetings to you and ordered you to write down a document of Caliphate and prophethood and the oath and make Jibraeel, Mikaeel and all angels witness to it.”
The document was written and Jibraeel (a.s.) put a seal on it and gave it to Sheeth (a.s.). Then they dressed him in two red clothes the brightness of which was more than the sun and its color was prettier than that of the sky. Both the clothes were neither cut nor sewn, rather Allah said ‘Be’ and they were. The Noor of Muhammad (S) continued to shine on the forehead of Sheeth all the time. He married a Hourie Mahadila Baiza. Jibraeel (a.s.) solemnized her marriage with Sheeth (a.s.).
When he mated with her, Anush came into her womb. At that moment a caller called out: “O Baiza! Be pleased and happy. Allah has entrusted to you the Noor of one who is the best among all the earliers and the latters and who is the leader of all Prophets.” When Anush was born and became adult Sheeth (a.s.) entrusted the oath to him and the Noor of Muhammad (S) passed on to his son Qinan then from him to Mahlail then to Bazu then to Akhnuh who is also called Idris (a.s.). Then from Idris (a.s.) to Matushalakh and Idris (a.s.) took oath from him.
Then it passed on to Nuh (a.s.). From Nuh to Saam, from Saam to his son Arfahshad from him to his son Aabir then to Qaale and from him to Arghu then from him to Shaarigh then to Takhur and from him towards Tarukh and from him to Ibrahim (a.s.), then to Ismail (a.s.) from him to Qidar from him to Hamsee then to Bant then to Sahab ten to Awad then to Adnan then to Maad then to Nazar then to Maghir then to Ilyas (a.s.) then to Madraka then to Khazima then to Kanan then to Qassa then to Lavil then to Ghalib, then to Fahar then to Abde Manaf and therefrom to Hashim who was called Amr Ula.
The Noor of His Eminence, (S) was radiating from him so much so that when he was entering Masjidul Haraam, the Kaaba used to brighten up due to it. Always light used to rise up to the sky from his face. When His Eminence’s grandmother, Atika was born, she had two strings of curly hair on both sides as were for Ismail (a.s.) wherefrom the radiance used to rise to the sky. The Meccans were astonished to observe this. Arab tribes came to Mecca from all sides, soothsayers arose, idols began to sing songs of the Prophet’s glory.
Stones by which Hashim (a.s.) used to pass were, by the might of Allah, exclaiming: “O Hashim! Congratulations to you. Very soon a son will be born in your progeny who will have a very great status in the view of Allah and who will be honored very much by the entire creation, that is the last Prophet, Muhammad (S).”
When Hashim was passing through a dark place that place used to brighten up with the Noor of the Holy Prophet (S). When the time of death of Abde Manaf arrived, he took oath from Hashim that he would not transfer the Noor of the Holy Prophet (S) to any woman but the one who should be a believer, pious and chaste.
Hashim agreed. The kings of that time wanted to give their daughters in marriage to Hashim and they were sending lots of money and wealth to him so that he may agree to marry their daughter, Hashim used to come to the Kaaba every day, circumambulate it seven times and clung to the curtain. Whoever approached him used to honor him. He was clothing the naked, feeding the hungry and solving the problems of people, repaying debts of the indebted and paying other’s blood money. His door was never closed for anybody.
Whenever he gave a feast he made it so vast that invitees could take even for their animals and birds. Thus he became famous for his kindness all around and the kingdom of Mecca became assured for him. Keeping the keys of the Kaaba, feeding the pilgrims, looking after the Zamzam well, the trusteeship of Kaaba, hosting of Hajis and all the affairs of Mecca were entrusted to him.
He inherited the Alam of Nazar, the bow of Ismail (a.s.), the shirt of Ibrahim (a.s.), the shoes of Sheeth (a.s.) and the ring of Nuh (a.s.). He accorded respect to Hajis and fulfilled their needs. When the moon of Zilhajj was sighted, he gathered people and addressed them saying: “O people, you have been granted safety by Allah. You are the neighbors of this holy house. People come to visit this house in this season.
They are the guests of Allah. Guests are more respectable than others. Allah has favored you with greatness. Very soon pilgrims will arrive here from far off places through every vale and depression whose hair will be in disarray and whose bodies full of dust. So host them and be ready to assist them in every manner so that Allah may endear you.”
Responding to such advices, leaders of Quraish used to offer big amounts to Hashim (a.s.). He prepared a big leather basin and filled it with Zamzam water. He used to host pilgrims from the 7th of Zilhajj and send them food etc. to Mina and Arafat.
One year brought a drought to Mecca. People had nothing to spare for the Hajis. Hashim (a.s.) had some camels which he sent to Syria and sold them out. He spent that income for feasting the pilgrims and did not keep even a meal for himself. This made his generosity well known throughout the world.
When Najjashi, the king of Abyssinia and the emperor of Rova heard about this bravery and generosity they wrote a letter to Hashim requesting him to marry their girls and sent him many gifts hoping that perhaps the effulgence of Muhammad might be transferred to them, because the soothsayers and monks had informed them that the Noor radiating on the forehead of Hashim is the light of the last Prophet (S).
But Hashim (a.s.) did not accept and he married a chaste woman of his community who bore sons and daughters. Names of the boys were Asad, Mazar, Amr and Saifee and of the girls Sa’sah, Ruqaiyyah, Khalawah and Sha’sha. But Prophet’s Noor continued to shine on his forehead as before. So he was gloomy. One night he was circumambulating the Kaaba, when he earnestly prayed to Allah to grant him a son soon who may possess the Noor of the Holy Prophet (S).
He fell asleep praying and dreamt that an announcer was calling upon him to ask for the hand of Salma, daughter of Amr as she was clean, pure and sinless and to give her a rich dowry. No woman can be compared to her. “A son whom she will bear for you will possess the Noor of the leader of the Prophets.” Hashim woke up, gathered his cousins and his brother, Muttalib and described his dream to them.
Muttalib said: “My brother, the woman you named belongs to the tribe of Bani Najjar and she is famous for her chastity, modesty and beauty. Her tribesmen are also generous, pious and hospitable. But you surpass them in grace and parentage. All kings desire to become related to you. Yet if you so desire, permit us to go with a proposal from you.”
Hashim replied: “A need is fulfilled only by the efforts of one who is needy. I intend to go for trade to Syria and myself put a proposal on route.” Then he prepared for the journey and went to Medina with his brother, Muttalib and the sons of his uncle because Bani Najjar resided there. When he entered Medina, the Noor on his forehead brightened entire Medina and all the buildings of the city shone up.
Seeing this all the residents themselves advanced towards him and asked him who he was, saying that they had never before seen anyone better than him in beauty, especially due to the radiance that had brightened the entire world. Muttalib replied: “We are residents of the House of Allah and of the holy sanctuary of Almighty Allah. We are the offspring of Lavi bin Ghalib and this is our brother, Hashim bin Abde Manaf.
We have approached you for his marriage. All of you know very well that the kings all around us have proposed to us for his marriage but he has denied. He himself has desired to ask for the hand of Salma from you.” Salma’s father was also present in the gathering. He came forward and said: “You gentlemen possess honor, respect, glory, credit, generosity, kindness and magnanimity and the modest maiden whose hand you desire is my daughter who herself is the owner of her wish. She has, yesterday gone with the women of our tribe to Bani Qainqaa.
If you gentlemen camp here, it will be better and very kind of you. If you intend to proceed towards them it is up to you. Now please let us know who from you intends to hold her hand.” They replied: “It is this gentleman from whose forehead this radiance is glowing. He is the lamp of the House of Allah who removes all darkness. He is very kind and generous. He is Hashim bin Abde Manaf.”
The father of Salma said: “Very good. His attention has given us honor and status and we feel exalted and honored. We are inclined to him more than he is to us. But she owns her wish herself. We shall accompany you to her. But, O the best of visitors and O tribe of Nazar, wait here for the time being.”
In short they made them stay there with much honor and respect and hosted them very nicely with the best of feasts. They slaughtered a number of camels and prepared many dishes for them. All the people of the city and the tribesmen of Aws and Khazraj began to arrive to observe the radiance and beauty of Hashim (a.s.). When Rabbis saw Hashim (a.s.) they felt the world had become dark because they had read in Torah that the said Noor was the sign of the prophet of the last age.
They began to weep and express grief. On inquiry they replied that it was the sign of a man who will soon appear and will shed the blood (of his enemies). Angels will help him in battles. His name in your book is Mahi and this radiance shows the same Noor. All Jews wept hearing this and became jealous of Hashim (a.s.). From that very day they decided to extinguish the Prophet’s Noor.
Next morning Hashim (a.s.) ordered his companions to adorn costly attire, put helmets on their heads, cover their chests with amour and to raise the flag of Nazar. Thereafter people surrounded Hashim (a.s.) like a moon surrounded by stars. Slaves were in the fore and followers behind. With such pomp they proceeded to Bani Qainqaa.
The father of Salma, along with elders of his community and a big group of Jews, accompanied them. When they approached the bazar, all who had come there for business left their jobs and came forward to observe the elegance of Hashim (a.s.). People rushed to him from all sides. Salma too, stood in their midst, observing the holy beauty of Hashim (a.s.).
In the meanwhile her father approached her and said: “I congratulate you for good news that will make you very glad and honorable.” She asked what it was and her father said: “Salma! This sun of honor and moon of generosity whom you are observing has come to ask for your hand. He is famous all around for his kindness, generosity, chastity and capability.” Salma, with a profound feeling of modesty, looked at her toes.
Her father understood her consent and happiness. On this side, Hashim ordered the putting up of a red silk pavilion and provided curtains all around and took his seat therein. Men from the bazar came from all sides to inquire what the matter was. After knowing the fact they became extremely jealous because Salma was unique in her beauty, modesty, chastity and morality. At that moment Satan appeared before Salma in the form of an old man and said: “I am one of the companions of Hashim and want to give you some good advice with sympathy.
This man, though he is very handsome and beautiful, is a great womanizer. Even if he loves a woman he does not keep her for more than two months. He has married many women and divorced them. He has nothing like courage and bravery. He is very timid and fearful.” Salma replied: “If what you have said is true I will never look at him even if the forts of Khyber are filled with gold and silver for me.”
Iblis felt relieved on hearing this. Then again he came to Salma in the form of yet another companion of Hashim (a.s.) and said false things like before. Then he came again in the form of a third man and talked similar nonsense. When Salma’s father arrived there he found Salma in a gloomy mood. He asked why she was so unhappy, saying: “This is the moment of extreme pleasure as you have been given great honor and grace.”
Salma said: “Father, you are giving me to a man who has no liking for women; who is swift in divorcing and is fearful in battles.” Her father laughed and said: “This man does not possess the qualities mentioned by you. People mention him as an example of generosity and goodness. He is called Hashim because he hosts many guests. He has never divorced a woman.
His bravery and courage is exemplary. No one can equal him in manners and sweetness of tongue. One who has spoken ill of him is surely the Satan.” Next day, when Salma looked at Hashim (a.s.) she became restless because of the Noor shining on his forehead and sent to him a message that he may forward his proposal the following day and that he may not refuse any amount of dower demanded by her relatives telling him that she herself would help him in that matter.
The next day Hashim (a.s.) arrived at pavilion of Salma’s father along with his companions. Hashim, Muttalib and his brothers all sat in the front portion of the pavilion. All in the audience looked attentively at the elegance of Hashim (a.s.) when Muttalib started the dialogue. He said: “O respected gentlemen having honor and grace! We belong to the House of Allah and are residents of Mecca and possessors of great symbols.
Waves and waves of Pilgrims come to us. You too know our value and status and you also recognize the Noor of Muhammad (S) which Allah has bestowed upon us. We are the sons of Lavi bin Ghalib and the said Noor has reached us from Adam (a.s.) to our father Abde Manaf and therefrom it is transferred to my brother Hashim (a.s.), now the Almighty Allah has sent this blessing towards you and we have come to you with a proposal for our gracious son.”
In response, Salma’s father, Amr said: “We greet you with respect and we have listened to you and have accepted your invitation. But we are bound by our ancient practice of demanding a big dower for the great thing proposed by you, and desired by you.” Muttalib said: “We offer one hundred black-eyed and red hair camels as dower.”
Iblis the cursed was also present in that gathering. He approached Salma’s father and said weeping that the dowry must be much more than that. So Salma’s father said: “I add a thousand mithqal[5] gold.” Satan again signaled for more and Salma’s father said: “O young man! It is also less.” Muttalib said: “All right, I add a donkey load of amber, ten pairs of Egyptian white clothing as well as ten pairs of Iraqi suits.”
Satan signaled again. Salma’s father said: “You have done good and come nearer to our wish. Just add something more by way of grace.” Muttalib said: “I also give five slave girls for your service.” Satan instigated still for more dowry and Salma’s father said: “Whatever you give will be returned to you.” Muttalib said: “I add ten Awqiya[6] musk and five measures of camphor. Are you happy now?” Satan again tried to create hesitation so Salma’s father scolded him saying: “Old man, go away from here. You have made me ashamed in this grand gathering.” Muttalib too scolded him and drove him out of the pavilion.
The Jews also walked out with gloom and disappointment. Thereafter the leader of the Jews told Salma’s father: “That old man (Satan) is one of the wisest men of Syria and Iraq. Why did you not act according to his advice? We are not pleased to give away our daughter to a man who is poorer than poorest in our land.” Upon this the four hundred Jews who were there drew out their swords. On the other hand, forty men, leaders of the residents of the holy sanctuary who were with Hashim (a.s.) also took out their swords.
Muttalib attacked the leader of the Jews and Hashim (a.s.) turned to Iblis who tried to run away but was caught, Hashim raised him up and then dashed him on the ground. When the Noor of the Holy Prophet (S) fell on him he screamed and slipped from Hashim’s hand like wind. Then he saw Muttalib. He had cut the commander of the Jews into two. Then Hashim (a.s.) and his companions killed many Jews.
When the news reached Medina, men and women ran towards the scene. When seventy Jews were slain, the remaining ran away and their enmity to the Holy Prophet (S) doubled. Hashim (a.s.) said: “My dream has come true.” Salma’s father said: “Now let it go and do not turn a happy occasion into a gloomy one.” Upon this Hashim (a.s.) returned to his pavilion and arranged for the Walima feast and fed all the guests and audience.
Then Salma’s father went to her and said: “Did you now see the bravery of Hashim (a.s.)? Had I not requested them to stop, none of the Jews would have remained alive.” Salma said: “Dear father! Do whatever is in my interest and never mind the talks of mean-minded.” Then Salma’s father came to the chiefs of Mecca and said: “O chiefs of House of Allah! Remove gloom and unhappiness from your hearts. My daughter is a gift for you.
I have no desire for money or wealth or property.” Muttalib said: “We shall add even to whatever I have said (about the dower),” and asked Hashim: “O brother! Are you pleased with whatever I have averred?” He replied: “Yes.” Then all shook hands with one another and Salma’s father showered a lot of wealth, amber, musk and camphor on Hashim and Muttalib and their companions. Then all returned to Medina with goods.
There the diamond of the Abde Manaf mated with the pearl in the shell of nobility. After some days when Salma knew all about the virtues of Hashim (a.s.) she returned everything with some addition to whatever she had received from him as dowry. That very night Abdul Muttalib’s chaste sperm like a precious pearl settled in the pure shell of Salma and the effulgence of Muhammad began to shine on the forehead of Salma.
All the residents of Medina congratulated Salma for this great gracefulness. Her beauty and radiance redoubled due to this bright Noor. Women of Medina used to come to her to observe her beauty and be astonished. All the stones and pebbles she used to pass greeted her saying: Salam and congratulations. Very often she heard words like: Peace be on you, O best of the humans. She used to tell these wonderful happenings to Hashim (a.s.) but concealed them from others.
One night Salma heard the announcement of an announcer addressing her: Congratulations! Allah has given you such a nice son who is better than all the residents of cities and villages. Thereafter Salma did not allow Hashim to have intercourse with her. Thereafter Hashim stayed in Medina for some days and then departed from there saying: O Salma! I have entrusted to you the trust which Allah had entrusted to Adam (a.s.) and which was entrusted by Adam (a.s.) to Sheeth (a.s.).
Thus the religious chiefs continued to transfer it from one to another until this great Noor came to us which made us more graceful. Now, by the command of Allah, I have entrusted it to you and I want from you an assurance and promise that you will protect it. If it comes to life in my absence, let it be dearer to you than your eyes and your life. Keep it hidden from people as far as possible, because there are many who are jealous of and inimical to it, especially the Jews whose enmity is older and apparent.
In case I do not return and if you hear the news of my death, leave no stone unturned in protecting and nourishing him. When he becomes a major, send him to the House of Allah. And do not keep away from his uncle because the Sanctuary of Allah is our place of honor and prestige.” Salma said: “I have accepted all your words from the depth of my heart but I am very much grieved due to your separation. I pray to Allah: May He bring you back to me soon.”
Thereafter Hashim (a.s.) gathered his brothers and relatives and said: “My dear brothers and relatives! Death is a path which no one can ever escape. Now I am departing from you and do not know whether I will return to you or not. So I tell you by way of my will that you should always remain united. Do not get disintegrated as it would dishonor you because, besides the kings and others also are envious of you. I make my brother, Muttalib my caliph over you because he the dearest to me in the world.
If you are to accept my will, you must consider him your leader and entrust the keys of Holy Kaaba and the Zamzam well and my grandfather Nazar’s flag and whatever lucky things have reached us from the prophets to him so that you will be successful and lucky. My second wish is that you must know that the son who is now in the womb of Salma is very graceful and honorable. Take the utmost care of him. In short, do not ignore any of my words.”
They responded: “We have heard you and are obedient to you. But your will has broken our hearts.” Then Hashim proceeded to Syria. He finished his jobs, sold his goods, bought necessary articles, purchased gifts for Salma and turned to Medina but fell ill on the way. His illness intensified the next day, so he gathered his servants and slaves and told them: “I see signs of my death. It seems it is difficult to recover from this illness. So you may return to Mecca.
When you reach Medina, convey my Salam to Salma and condole her and tell her that: I have no worry except that about my son.” Then after two days when the signs of death became clear to him he asked them: “Make me sit up and bring pen and paper for me.” Then he began to write with the Name of Allah: “This letter is written by His lowly slave when he got the Divine command to prepare for his journey from the temporary abode towards the permanent place.
So at this moment, when my soul is entangled in the scuffle of death from which no one can escape, I am sending my wealth to you. You should distribute it equally between you and not forget that chaste and modest lady Salma who is far away from you and who possesses your Noor and honor and I call upon you to honor her son.
Do honor his rights and convey my message and Salam to my sons and to Salma and also tell her: Alas I could not be gratified by her meeting and affection and many times alas as I could not see my son. May Allah’s Mercy and blessings be on you forever till Judgment Day.” Then he sealed the letter and entrusted it to them saying: “Now lay me down.” When he was so laid he looked to the sky and exclaimed: “O My Lord’s messenger and courier! For the sake of the Noor of Mustafa (S) which I was carrying, be kind to me.”
With these words his soul flew away to the everlasting world easily. They bathed and covered him and buried him in Syria and returned to Medina weeping and wailing. Men and women of Medina came out of their homes. Salma, her father and relatives tore their clothes. Salma cried out: “O my crown! My honor and respect has ended with your death. Alas, what will be the fate of this boy son of mine whom you have not seen? Nor have you enjoyed his fatherhood.”
In that state of restlessness and absent mindedness Salma drew the sword of Hashim (S) and slew their camels and horses and then paid up their price herself and told the legatee of Hashim: “Convey my prayer to Muttalib and also tell him that I remain firm on the promise of his brother and that after him other men are unlawful for me.”
Leaving that place the caravan reached Mecca where also the news of Hashim created widespread weeping and wailing. Women spread out their hair, tore their necklaces. Every house was wailing. When his will was opened and read it, added to the gloom and grief of people. According to that will people made Muttalib their chief and leader and all the things mentioned in the will, namely, the lofty flag of Nazar, the Zamzam for quenching thirst of pilgrims, bow of Ismail (a.s.), shoes of Sheeth (a.s.), shirt of Ibrahim (a.s.), and ring of Nuh (a.s.) were handed over to Muttalib as desired by Hashim.
When it was time for Salma’s confinement she did not experience any pains normally experienced by women at that time. A voice of the unseen announcer was heard: “O beauty of all the women of Bani Najjar, keep your newly born babe in secrecy and hide it from the eyes of the people,” so that when Salma heard this voice she closed the doors of her house and hang curtains and did not allow anyone to know about her.
Suddenly she observed that a curtain of light was dropped upon her from earth upto the sky so that Satan could not approach. At that time Shaibatul Hamd was born with the effulgence of Muhammad on his forehead. He smiled as soon he was born. Salma took him in her arms and saw white hair in his head and hence named him Shaibatul Hamd. She kept him in hiding for one month. None could know about his birth. After a month, when the kith and kin and nearby women knew about it they congratulated her.
All were wonderstruck by the astonishing events. The newborn began to walk after only two months. When the Jews saw him, their hearts overflowed with enmity and jealousy because they knew that the Noor displayed by him was the Noor of the Prophet of the last era who was to slay those Jews and to nullify their religions. At the age of seven, he appeared like a very strong and courageous youth who could carry the heaviest load and pick other boys and dump them down.
Once, a man from the tribe of Bani Harith came from Mecca to Medina on some business. He saw Shaibatul Hamd, the boy with a moon-like radiance spreading from his forehead playing with other boys. He stood there observing the wonderful boy’s apparent and hidden beauty and gracefulness. Then he said: “How lucky are the people of the city in which you live.” The boy was playing and singing: “I am the son of Zamzam and Safa.
I am the beloved of Hashim and this is enough for my nobility.” That man came near him and asked: “Young man, what is your name?” He replied: “I am Shaibah son of Hashim bin Abde Manaf. My uncles have oppressed me forcing me to live with my mother and my aunts in this poverty. O respected uncle! Where are you coming from?”
That man replied: “From Mecca.” The youth said: “When you reach Mecca safely, kindly convey my Salam to sons of Abde Manaf when you meet them say that you are the messenger of an orphan whose father has expired and who is being oppressed by his uncles. O sons of Abde Manaf! You forget the will of Hashim so soon and destroyed his progeny! I smell your fragrance through the wind blowing from Mecca and pass my nights restlessly with a desire to meet you.”
Upon this message that fellow began to weep and hastened to Mecca. When he reached the gathering of the sons of Abde Manaf, after greeting them with Salam he said: “O leaders of community and sons of Abde Manaf! How is it that you forgot your nobility and respect and have left your lamp of guidance in the home of others to light it up?”
Then he conveyed the messages of Shaibah to them. They said: “We did not know that he has become a youth and attained maturity.” That man said: “By Allah, tongues of orators would become dumb before his talks and no intelligence can equal his wisdom. He is the son of beauty and the light of the eyes of all wise and experts.” Upon this, Muttalib asked for a horse and at once headed for Medina all alone.
He reached Medina very speedily where he saw that Shaibatul Hamd was playing with other boys. He recognized him from the effulgence of Muhammad. He saw that Shaibah had held up a very big rock in his hand and was saying: “I am the son of Hashim, well-known for his greatness and grace.” Muttalib made his camel kneel and cried out: “O the reminiscent of my brother! Come near me.” Shaibah ran up to him and said: “Who are you? My heart is very much attracted towards you. Perhaps you are one of my uncles.” He replied: “I am your uncle, Muttalib.”
Then he took him in his arms and endeared him and wept. Then asked: “My dear son, what do you want? Would you like me to take you with me to the hometown of your forefathers which is the place of your honor and grace?” Shaibah said: “Surely, I very much like to go there.” Muttalib rode the camel, seated Shaibah with him and headed for Mecca.
Shaibah said: “Dear uncle: Leave this place fast, lest my mother’s relatives come to know and agreeing with them the brave men of Aws and Khazraj too try to stop me.” Muttalib said: “My dear soul, don’t worry. Allah will protect us from their evil.”
When the Jews came to know that Shaibah was going away to Mecca with his uncle all alone, they decided to kill him. One day a boy named Latiya who was the son of a Jew chief, Waahiya came out to play with other boys when Shaibah hit his head with a bone of camel so forcefully that it broke his head and said: “O son of a Jew! Your death has approached. Very soon your homes will be destroyed.”
When his father heard this, he frowned and this added to their old enmities. So when they (Jews) heard that he (Shaibah) was going to Mecca, they called out to other Jews saying that the boy was going alone with his uncle to Mecca. Let us follow him and slay him and be safe from his evil. Seventy Jews armed themselves and followed the camel of Muttalib who heard the noise of their horses at night.
So he said: “My son, the feared ones have arrived.” Shaibah said: “Change the route.” Muttalib said: “My son, the radiance on your forehead will show us to them wherever we go.” Shaibah said: “Hide my face, perhaps the light will stop shining.” Muttalib put a threefold cloth on his head but the brightness did not decrease. Then Muttalib said: “O soul of my brother, this light of your beauty is the Noor of Allah which cannot be hidden nor can anyone put it off.
You are esteemed in the eyes of Allah. Therefore the God, Who gave you this Noor will also protect you from every danger. When they came to Muttalib, Shaibah said: “Bring me down so that I may show you the miracle of providence.” Muttalib brought him down.
He put his forehead on the ground and prayed: “O the Creator of light and darkness and the revolver of the seven skies and the nourisher of every group! I ask from You, for the sake of the intercessor on Judgment Day whom you have entrusted to me! Protect us from our enemies.” The prayer was not yet concluded when the group of the Jews came upto them and encircled them. So they said cunningly in a flattering tone: “O righteous gentlemen!
We have not come here to harm you.” We only request you to send Shaibah to his mother, because he is a light, bliss and a sign of luck for our city.” Shaibah said: “We are well aware of your conspiracies and intrigues. Now as the Might of Allah has overpowered you, you are talking in this way.” Upon this the Jews returned disappointed and disgraced. After walking a little distance, Daahiyaa’s son Latiya said: “Perhaps you don’t know that they are magicians, who have made us spellbound. Let us go back on foot and kill them.”
Then they drew out their swords and rushed to Muttalib and Shaibah (a.s.). Seeing it Muttalib said: “Now your intention has become quite clear and a Jihad against you has become obligatory.” Saying this, he took up his bow and shot some youths with arrows. Then all of them attacked jointly. Muttalib too, uttering the name of Allah, started fighting with them fiercely.
Shaibah was praying tearfully to Allah. Suddenly a dust storm arose from far off and along with it the noise of running horses and dangling arms. When they came close, Muttalib saw that Salma has arrived along with her father and four thousand warriors of Aws and Khazraj to take back Shaibah. When Salma saw the Jews fighting with Muttalib, she cried out: “Woe upon you! What is this meanness?” Latiya began to run on hearing this.
Salma said: “O enemy of Allah, where are you going?” She then cut him into two with one blow of the sword. The warriors of Aws and Khazraj then attacked the Jews and finished them all. Feeling afraid about the safety of her son Shaibah, Salma stopped her tribe from fighting and asked Muttalib who he was that intended to separate a lion’s cub from its mother?
Muttalib said: “I am he who intends to multiply the honor and dignity of this boy and am more merciful to him than you. I hope Allah will make this boy the leader of the house of Allah and of all communities. I am his uncle Muttalib.” Upon this Salma exclaimed: “Bravo! Welcome! But why did you not talk to me about taking away this son of mine? I have vowed not to separate him from me.”
Then she turned to Shaibah and said: “It is up to you; if you please you may go with your uncle. Shaibah bowed down his head and tears fell from his eyes. He replied: “My kind mother, I fear opposing you but I do want the proximity of the House of Allah. If you allow, I will go there. Otherwise I will come with you.” Salma began to weep.
Then averred: “My son! I accept your desire. I will, out of compulsion, bear your separation. But do not forget me and continue to let me know about your well being.” Then she took him up in her arms and showered her affection. Then she allowed him to go, telling Muttalib: “O son of Abde Manaf, the trust your brother gave me is now entrusted to you. Now it is for you to protect him. When he becomes mature, marry him to a woman who can equal him in piety and nobility.”
Muttalib replied: “Respected and kind lady! I am grateful to you. I will not forget your favor till I am alive.” Then he turned to Mecca with Shaibah. When Shaibah’s radiance fell on the walls of Mecca and so also on the mountains all around the entire city shone up, which made the residents of Mecca astonished. They rushed from their homes.
They saw Muttalib coming with a boy and asked: “Who is he?” As a strategy, Muttalib said: “He is my slave.” That is why Shaibah became Abdul Muttalib. Abdul Muttalib bought him home and kept his value hidden for quite a long time. People did not know that he will be the grandfather of the Messenger of Allah (S).
He became much honorable in the eyes of the people of Quraish who used to be blessed in every matter due to him. It was due to him that they were relieved from every trouble. At the time of every famine and hardship they used to seek the shelter of the light of the Messenger of Allah (S) and the Almighty Allah used to remove their troubles. That Noor used to show miracles.
Imamiyah scholars are unanimous that all male and female ancestors of Prophet Muhammad (S) right from Adam (a.s.) upto the parents of the Holy Prophet (S) were Muslims and that the radiance of the Holy Prophet (S) had never stayed in the loins of a polytheist man nor in the womb of a polytheist woman. There has never been any kind of doubt in the lineage of the Prophet. It is narrated in Shia and Sunni traditions that all forefathers of the Holy Prophet (S) were prophets and messengers of the true religion of Islam and that the sons of Ismail (a.s.) who were the ancestors of the Holy Prophet (S) were the legatees of Ibrahim (a.s.).
From the very beginning, the trusteeship of the Holy Kaaba, its covering and construction and the rulership of the city of Mecca had been in their hands. They were the leaders of the common people. The community of Ibrahim (a.s.) was from them. The Shariah of Musa (a.s.) and Isa (a.s.) and of Ibrahim (a.s.) was not annulled for the sons of Ismail (a.s.). They were the guardians of the same Shariat and were making wills for one another and entrusting the relics of the prophets to their progeny.
This continued upto Abdul Muttalib. Abdul Muttalib made Abu Talib his legatee and after the prophethood of His Eminence, Muhammad (S), Abu Talib entrusted a number of books and relics of prophets to him [Muhammad (S)]. There are many traditions stating the honor and grace of Abdul Muttalib. Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s.) is recorded to have said that he (Abdul Muttalib) will stand alone on Judgment Day like one community because he was the lone monotheist in his community.
He will manifest the signs of prophets and the awe of kings. In another reliable tradition, it is mentioned that Abdul Muttalib was the first to believe in Badaa. He will have, on Judgment Day, the beauty of kings and signs of prophets. Then he said: “One day Abdul Muttalib sent the Holy Prophet (S) after his camels. His late return made him restless and he (Abdul Muttalib) sent some persons to find him.
He held the chains of Holy Kaaba and wept before Almighty Allah and began to pray: ‘O Lord! Will you destroy those of Your believers about whom You have promised that You will make them victorious over all other religionists? If You will do so, then something strange has happened in Your Will. When the Holy Prophet (S) came back he (Abdul Muttalib) rushed to pick him up in his arms and love him affectionately and said: ‘My son, henceforth I will never send you on any errand lest the enemies destroy you.’”
Another tradition of Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s.) mentions that the Holy Prophet (S) told Ali (a.s.) that Abdul Muttalib had introduced five traditions during the pre-Islamic days of ignorance which Almighty Allah continued even in Islam: First he made it unlawful for a man to marry his stepmother, about which the Holy Qur’an says:
æóáÇó ÊóäßöÍõæÇú ãóÇ äóßóÍó ÂÈóÇÄõßõã ãøöäó ÇáäøöÓóÇÁ
“And marry not woman whom your fathers married…”[7]
Second, when he found a treasure he spent one-fifth of it in the way of Allah about which Allah says:
æóÇÚúáóãõæÇú ÃóäøóãóÇ ÛóäöãúÊõã ãøöä ÔóíúÁò ÝóÃóäøó áöáåö ÎõãõÓóåٗ
“And know that whatever thing you gain, a fifth of it is for Allah…”[8]
Third, when he dug the Zamzam well, he made it public for all and Allah said:
ÃóÌóÚóáúÊõãú ÓöÞóÇíóÉó ÇáúÍóÇÌøö
“What! do you make (one who undertakes) the giving of drink to the pilgrims…”[9]
Fourth, he fixed one hundred camels as the blood money of a man’s murder and fifth, there was no fixed number of Tawaf. He decided that it should be seven. Then said: Abdul Muttalib never gambled, nor worshipped idols, or ate the flesh of animals slaughtered for idols and he always used to say that I am firm on the Faith and religion of my father, Ibrahim (a.s.).
In yet another reliable tradition, it is mentioned by Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s.) that once angel Jibraeel descended on the Messenger of Allah (S) and said: “The Creator of the universe greets you and says: I have forbidden Hellfire for one from whose loins you are born and in whose womb you grew up and; that is Abdullah and Amina and also one who maintained you, i.e., Abu Talib.”
In another authentic tradition Amirul Momineen (a.s.) is reported to have said: “By Allah! Neither my father ever worshipped idols nor my grandfather, Abdul Muttalib or my great grandfather, Hashim (a.s.), or Abde Manaf. Rather all of them prayed facing the Holy Kaaba and they were firmly on the religion of Ibrahim (a.s.) and remained connected with the Faith of His Eminence, (S).”
In another tradition, Ibn Abbas has narrated that a carpet in front of the Kaaba was never put except for Abdul Muttalib. In view of his honor and respect no one else ever sat on it. But when the Holy Prophet (S) arrived and wanted to sit on it, and whenever his uncle etc. were trying to stop him from doing so, Abdul Muttalib used to say: “Leave my son, his status is high and great. He will shortly become your commander and leader. I observe the radiance of greatness and gracefulness on his forehead. He will be the leader of the entire creation.”
Then he used to take him up in his lap and shower his love on him, caressing his back repeatedly saying: “I have never felt a cheek softer and purer than his cheek and a body better than his body.” As Abdullah and Abu Talib were real brothers, he used to tell Abu Talib (r.a.): “The dignity of this son is great. So protect him because he is alone without father and mother. Be kind like a mother to him so that he may not experience any shock or trouble.”
Then he used to seat him on his shoulder and to go round the Holy Kaaba for seven times. When His Eminence, was six, his dear mother, Amina (r.a.) expired at a placed called Abwa situated between Mecca and Medina. Then they took him to his maternal uncles who belonged to the tribe of Bani Adi.[10] When the Holy Prophet (S) became totally orphaned from both the paternal and maternal sides Abdul Muttalib became all the more kind and affectionate towards him.
When the time of his death came near he seated the Holy Prophet (S) on his chest and was kissing him and weeping. Then he turned to Abu Talib (r.a.) and said: “Do take utmost care of this unique child and protect him. He smelled neither his father’s odor nor enjoyed mother’s affection. Consider him as a piece of your own liver. I have selected you from among my sons for his care and protection because his father and you belong to one and the same father and mother. O Abu Talib! If you witness the appearance of his greatness and glory which I am fully aware of, follow him to the best of your ability and help him with your hand and tongue and wealth. By Allah, he will soon become your chief and leader and gain a dignity and honor which none of our forefathers ever attained. O my son! Have you accepted my will?”
Abu Talib replied: “Yes, I have accepted and agreed and have made Allah a witness to this promise of mine.” Upon this Abdul Muttalib took the hand of Abu Talib and made the covenant more firm saying: “I have never smelled such holy fragrance in the body of any of my sons. Alas, I wish I would have lived till the time of your (Muhammad’s) time to become the Prophet.” With these words his soul departed from his body and flew up to the high heavens.
At that time Prophet Muhammad (S) was eight years old. Then Abu Talib made him dearer than his own life and never left him alone during the day or night. He never trusted anyone in this matter always making him sleep on his bed.
According to reliable evidence Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s.) said: “A seat of dignity used to be spread near the Holy Kaaba for Abdul Muttalib – not for anyone else. His sons used to stand near his head and never allowed anybody to approach him. When the Holy Prophet (S) began to walk, he once came up and sat in the lap of His Eminence, Abdul Muttalib (a.s.). His sons intended to remove him from there but Abdul Muttalib said: ‘Leave my child because very soon he will acquire kingship and an angel will descend on him.’”
It is mentioned in a reliable tradition that a man came to Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s.) and said: “A man has some of my wealth and I am afraid he will not return it.” Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s.) said: “When you reach Mecca, perform two Rakats prayer on behalf of Abdul Muttalib (a.s.) and make two rounds for Abu Talib (a.s.) and likewise also for His Eminence, Amina (r.a.), Fatima binte Asad (Mother of Amirul Momineen (a.s.)). That man says: “I did that and I got back my property the same day.”
Notes:
[1] Surah Saad 38:75
[2] The author says: There are many traditions about the creation of those holy beings which cannot be accommodated in this book. If Allah wills, some of them will be mentioned in the forthcoming book of Imamate. As for the difference of opinion about the creation of Noor before the creation of the universe, it is because of variations in meaning of creation. Possibly they are applicable to any of the grades as mentioned in Biharul Anwar.
[3] Surah Araaf 7:172
[4] Surah Anbiya 21:37
[5] One mithqal equals 1.234 grams approx.
[6] Approx. equal to seven mithqal. One mithqal is 1.234 grams.
[7] Surah Nisa 4:22
[8] Surah Anfal 8:41
[9] Surah Taubah 9:19
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