Confession of a Kid

Little Bobby came into the kitchen where his mother was making dinner.
His birthday was coming up and he thought this was a good time to tell his mother what he wanted.
Mom, I want a bike for my birthday.
Little Bobby was a bit of a troublemaker.
He had gotten into trouble at school and at home.
Bobby's mother asked him if he thought he deserved to get a bike for his birthday.
Little Bobby, of course, thought he did.
Bobby's mother wanted Bobby to reflect on his behavior over the last year.
Go to your room, Bobby, and think about how you have behaved this year.
Then write a letter to God and tell him why you deserve a bike for your birthday.
Little Bobby stamped up the steps to his room and sat down to write God a letter.
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Letter 1

Dear God,
I have been a very good boy this year and I would like a bike for my birthday.
I want a red one.
Your friend,
Bobby
**************
Bobby knew that this wasn't true. He had not been a very good boy this year,
So he tore up the letter and started over.
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Letter 2
Dear God,
This is your friend Bobby. I have been a good boy this year and I would like
a red bike for my birthday. Thank you.
Your friend,
Bobby
**************
Bobby knew that this wasn't true either. So, he tore up the letter and started again.
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Letter 3
Dear God,
I have been an OK boy this year. I still would really like a bike for my birthday.
Bobby
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Bobby knew he could not send this letter to God either. So, Bobby wrote a fourth letter.
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Letter 4
God,
I know I haven't been a good boy this year. I am very sorry.
I will be a good boy if you just send me a bike for my birthday.
Please! Thank you,
Bobby
**************
Bobby knew, even if it was true, this letter was not going to get him a bike.

Now, Bobby was very upset. He went downstairs and told his mom that he wanted to go to church.
Bobby's mother thought her plan had worked, as Bobby looked very sad.
Just be home in time for dinner, Bobby's mother told him.
Bobby walked down the street to the church on the corner.
He looked around to see if anyone was there.
Bobby bent down and picked up a statue of the Mary.

He slipped the statue under his shirt and ran out of the church, down the street, into the house, and up to his room.
He shut the door to his room and sat down with a piece of paper and a pen.
Bobby began to write his letter to God.
**************
Letter 5
God,
I'VE KIDNAPPED YOUR MAMA. IF YOU WANT TO SEE HER AGAIN, SEND THE BIKE!!!!!!
**************

Sardar

Sardarjee to Sunita: I want to marry you
Sunita: But I am one year elder to you.
Sardarjee: No Problem, then I will marry you next year.

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Sardar declares:
.. . . I will never marry in my life&. . .
.. . . I'll give same advice to my children also. . . . .

============================== ===========

SARDAR- yaar maineapni girl friend ko gift dena hai, kya dun ?
2ND- Gold ring de de
1ST- koi badi cheez bata
2ND - M.R.F ka tyre de de. .

============================== ============

1 SARDAR PURI LIFE ONLY 1 THING SOCHTE SOCHTE MAR GAYA
KI MERE TO 2 BROTHERS HAI
PHIR MERI SISTER KE 3 BROTHERS KAISE

============================== ============


SARDAR APNI SISTER KE SAATH BIKE PE JA RAHA THA.
BOY: OH! PAAJI GIRLFRIEND K SAATH KAHA JA RAHE HO
SARDAR: OYE ! GIRLFRIEND HOGI TERI MERI TO SISTER HAI.

===============================


1ST SARDAR : What a pair of strange socks you are wearing, one is green
andone is blue with red spots!

2ND SARDAR: Yes it's really strange. I've got another pair of the same at
home.

============================== ==========


SARDAR AAJ MAINEPAANI KO ULLU BANAYA
2ND SARDAR: wo kaise?
1ST SARDAR: aaj maine nahane k liye paani garm kiya aur thande se nahaliya.

Mistake

If a barber makes a mistake,
It's a new style...

If a driver makes a mistake,
It is an accident...

If a doctor makes a mistake,
It's an operation...

If a engineer makes a mistake,
It is a new venture...

If parents makes a mistake,
It is a new generation...

If a politician makes a mistake,
It is a new law...

If a scientist makes a mistake,
It is a new invention...

If a tailor makes a mistake,
It is a new fashion...

If a teacher makes a mistake ,
It is a new theory...

If our boss makes a mistake,
It is our mistake......

If an employee makes a mistake,
It is a "MISTAKE"

This is Reality

Good Ones

1. A FOOLish man tells a woman to STOP talking, but a WISE man tells her
that she looks extremely BEAUTIFUL when her LIPS are CLOSED.


2. One GOOD way to REDUCE Alcohol consumption :
Before Marriage - Drink whenever you are SAD
After Marriage - Drink whenever you are HAPPY


3. Three FASTEST means of Communication :
1. Tele-Phone
2. Tele-Vision
3. Tell -a-Woman
Need still FASTER - Tell her NOT to tell ANY ONE.


4. Love your friends not their sisters. Love your sisters not their
friends.


5. Let us be generous like this : Four Ants are moving through a
forest.
They see an ELEPHANT coming towards them. Ant 1 says : we should KILL him.
Ant 2 says : No, Let us break his Leg alone. Ant 3 says : No, we will
just throw him away from our path. Ant 4 says : No, we will LEAVE
himbecause he is ALONE and we are FOUR.


6. If you do NOT have a Girl Friend - You are missing SOME thing inyour
life. If you HAVE a Girl Friend - You are missing EVERY thing in your life.

7. Question : When do you CONGRATULATE someone for their MISTAKE.
Answer : On their MARRIAGE.


8. When your LIFE is in DARKNESS, PRAY GOD and ask him to free youfrom
Darkness. Even after you pray, if U R still in Darkness - PleasePAY the
ELECTRICITY BILL.


9. Why Government do NOT allow a Man to MARRY 2 Women. Because per
Constitution, you can NOT PUNISH TWICE for the same Mistake.

The Truth

This is a conversation that took place between a hostel boy ( Y ) and a Marketing guy ( X ) :

X: Which shaving cream do you use?

Y: Baba's

X: Which aftershave do you use?

Y: Baba's

X: Which deodorant do you use?

Y: Baba's

X: Which toothpaste do you use?

Y: Baba's

X: Which shampoo do you use?

Y: Baba's

X: Which socks do you use?

Y: Baba's

X (Frustrated): Okay, tell me, what is this Baba? Is it an international company???

Y: No, He is my roommate

Is Computer Male or FeMale

A French teacher was explaining to her college class that in French, unlike English, nouns are designated as either masculine or feminine. House is feminine "la maison." Pencil is masculine "le crayon."

A student asked, "What gender is computer ?"
Instead of giving the answer, the teacher split the class into two groups male and female - and asked them to decide for themselves whether "computer" should be a masculine or a feminine noun. Each group was asked to give four reasons for their recommendation.

The men's group decided that "computer" should definitely be of the feminine gender (la computer) because:
1.. No one but their creator understands their internal logic;
2.. The native language they use to communicate with other computers is incomprehensible to everyone else; 3.. Even the smallest mistakes are stored in long term memory for possible later review; and
4.. As soon as you make a commitment to one, you find yourself spending half your pay cheque on accessories for it.

The women's group, however, concluded that computers should be masculine (le computer) because:
1.. In order to do anything with them, you have to turn them on;
2.. They have a lot of data but still can't think for themselves;
3.. They are supposed to help you solve problems, but half the time they ARE the problem; and
4.. As soon as you commit to one, you realize that if you had waited a little longer, you could have gotten a better model

Happy Wedding Anniversary!!!

Man: Is there any way for long life?
Dr: Get married.

Man: Will it help?
Dr: No, but the thought of long life will never come.

*********

Why do couples hold hands during their wedding?

It's a formality just like two boxers shaking hands before the fight
begins!

*********

Wife: Darling today is our anniversary, what should we do?

Husband: Let us stand in silence for 2 minutes.

*********

It's funny when people discuss Love Marriage vs Arranged.

It's like asking someone, if suicide is better or being murdered

*********

It is difficult to understand GOD. He makes such beautiful things as women

and then he turns them into Wives

*********

If u r married please ignore this msg,

for everyone else: Happy Independence Day

*********

Before marriage, a man will lie awake all night thinking about something
you say.

After marriage, he'll fall asleep before you finish.

*********

There's a way of transferring funds that is even faster than electronic
banking. It's called marriage

*********

Lovers r like PIZZAS, Hot n spicy, eaten frequently.
Wife r like Dal RICE, eaten when there`s no choice

*********

Prospective husband: Do you have a book called 'Man, The Master of Women'?

Salesgirl: The fiction department is on the other side, sir.

*********

There was this guy who told his woman that he loved her so much that he
would go through hell for her. They got married and now he is going thru
hell.

*********

Fact of life: One woman brings you into this world crying & the other
ensures you continue to do so for the rest of your life!

*********

Q: Why doesn't law permit a man to marry a second woman?

A: Because as per law you cannot be punished twice for the same offence!

Just for fun....EnJoy!!

Repentance

The Messenger of Allah [s] says:

"A repentant person is like one who has no sin."

Allah, the Most High, sent us prophets in order to clarify the right path and explain what is lawful (halal), what is permitted for us to do, and what is forbidden (haram) and harmful which we should avoid, such as lying, murdering, gambling, stealing, being deceitful, being undutiful towards parents, and other forbidden acts. Also he instructed us on what is obligatory (wajib) for us to perform such as prayer, fasting, helping the poor, respecting Prophet Muhammad [s] and his holy progeny (Ahlul-Bait) (peace be upon them all) and so on.

Some people deliberately disobey Allah and His orders which are beneficial for mankind and the welfare of the society. They do the forbidden such as stealing another's property or oppressing people or doing harm to their parents, or giving up their duties which Allah made obligatory, like paying poor-rates (zakat) for the needy, not performing prayers, and behaving badly towards their parents.

For whoever stops doing an obligatory duty or commits a forbidden act, it is obligatory for him to repent, take responsibility for his action and ask forgiveness from Allah by regretting the mistake. If someone oppresses people or takes their property unlawfully, then that person should apologise to them and return their rights so that Allah is pleased with him.

Surely, Allah is Most-Merciful to His servants; therefore He accepts their repentance and forgives them if they regret for their evil deeds and want to make righteous people out of themselves again.

The Messenger Muhammad [s] says: Surely, Allah is Oft-Pardoning and Most-Merciful, Who forgives His servants' sins if they ask forgiveness and give them up, as if they had not committed any sin.

Thus, repentance purifies the self from sin as water purifies clothes from dirt.

Among the rights of Allah is to punish the disobedient and not accept their repentance but He is Most-Merciful with His servants and loves to help them by giving them opportunities to think and repent in order to set them on the right path towards reforming themselves and society.

Thus, repentance is "Giving up disobedience without repeating it again"

Summary:

1.Disobedience is to commit forbidden acts and give up obligatory ones.
2.Repentance is to give up disobedience and refrain from repeating it.
3.Allah is Most-Merciful with His servants. He accepts their repentance and forgives them if they regret their misdeeds.
4.It is obligatory for a man to ask Allah for forgiveness and to do the obligatory acts and give up the forbidden ones, and to regret his evil deeds.

Praise be to Allah, Lord of the worlds.

Cheating And Deceit

The Messenger of Allah [s] says:

"Whoever deceives another Muslim or harms him or even dislikes him is not one of us."

Deceiving is strictly forbidden
Like other acts it harms others as well as the deceiver.

How cheated you feel and how you complain if you buy food and then discover that it is bad and the seller has deceived you and has benefited himself at your expense!

How cheated you feel and how you complain if your watch is broken and you take it to a watch-maker to repair, but he deceives you about fixing it and after a few days it breaks down again with the same fault!

Indeed, you feel that these people are mischievous and troublesome and have misled you by taking your money in an unlawful (haram) way and by deceiving you and causing annoyance to you. You have the right to return the bad food to the one who cheated you and get your money back; and you have the right to return the watch to the watch-maker to repair it again because both tried to deceive you.

Surely, deceiving is unlawful and an immoral deed, so believers never do it.

Among our Islamic morals is to advise others both in speech and action on what is correct. Thus if one of us does something or carries out a task, it is obligatory for him to do it with sincerity and without deceiving people. If someone asks for advice, a believer should advise him truly without deceiving him.

Surely, the Holy Messenger [s] says: He who deceives Muslims is incomplete in belief and is not one of us!

Causing Harm is Forbidden
As the Messenger of Allah [s] warned us against deceiving people through this hadith, he also warned us against any deed which causes harm and hurts others. Whoever causes harm to others intentionally is not a believer, so it is obligatory for a believer to indemnify people for any harm caused by him to them.

For example, the farmer who prevents water from reaching other farmers in order to destroy their crops is surely a destructive man who deliberately wants to cause harm. Whoever deliberately damages a footpath indeed causes harm to other people. These acts and others like them are intentionally damaging and cause destruction to society. A faithful should avoid doing anything which harms others. A Muslim is a useful man, who does good actions, tries to benefit others and never thinks of just himself.

Cunning is Forbidden
Indeed, the Islamic religion wants a Muslim to deal with people in a straight manner - not to deceive or cheat them. Indeed, neither the cheater nor the deceiver are believers.

Among the examples of deceiving is the way some traders behave in order to cheat each other, such as one who goes to another trader and tells him: Surely, this product is no good, so do not buy it. He says this so that no one competes with him in buying that product, and if others listen to him, he can buy it in order to obtain maximum profits for himself.

Verily, this act of cunning and the like are forbidden, as it is a form of deceiving, which a Muslim with true belief never does.

Indeed, a Muslim does not cheat another Muslim nor does any act which causes harm to him.

Controlling Anger

Once a man approached the Messenger of Allah [s] and asked: "Advise me". Then the Messenger of Allah [s] said:

"Do not be angry". The man repeated the same question and (the Prophet) again said: "Do not be angry," and continued: "He is not strong and powerful who throws people down but he is strong who withholds himself from anger."

Allah created man and gave him different psychological emotions like love, hate, fear, anger...etc. Every man feels these emotions in him according to conditions and circumstances. Thus, he likes and dislikes, becomes afraid or enraged in certain situations. Each emotion offers some profit to man if used correctly. But equally, there is the grave danger of provoking harm if they are used incorrectly. Harm will be inflicted not only on others but also will backfire on the inflictor.

For instance, Allah, the Almighty, made fear in the human soul so that he might protect himself against danger, and stay away from evil and crime. For such an occasion, fear is a good way to keep man from evil and corruption.

The faithful who fears Allah also fears committing sins and evil deeds. Consequently, he keeps to the right path by staying away from such crimes. But there is a difference between fear and cowardice. It is not right for the faithful to be a coward or to be controlled by weakness, without standing up to an aggressor or without confronting oppression, evil and corruption. Being afraid in a cowardly way only leads to being submitted to humiliation and aggression.

Anger as an emotion existing in the human soul, has a useful aim for man and can be a counterbalance to cowardice if he uses it in a correct way.

Man should be angry about an evil action or corruption in society. He should be angry for the right, for Allah alone, and he should defend good and goodness. But anger can harm himself and other people and even be changed to evil if he becomes angry for meaningless causes and does not control himself, allowing his anger to overwhelm his will. Anger then pushes man to oppress others and to commit crimes by its uncontrollable use, which is in gross disobedience to Allah.

The Messenger of Allah [s] forbids man against such anger but considers one who controls himself when he is confronted with evil sufficient to make him angry, as a man strong in will, mind and wisdom. He is more powerful than a wrestler, as his mental control is more than physical strength, and defeats evil and aggression not only in others but also in himself.

The man who can control himself when angry, and prevent himself from doing harm to others or oppressing them or punishing them, has a will of iron and is of exalted character. He couples pushing problems away and alleviating harm from himself with spreading the spirit of love, forgiveness and tolerance among people.

Indeed, Allah loves those who control their anger and He forgives those who do not seek revenge or punishment.

Certainly, Allah, the Exalted is All-Forgiving Who forgives His servants and tolerates them and He also loves His servants to forgive each other, to tolerate each other and not be vindictive to each other.

If a man wrongs another man or makes a mistake, and he repents, then Islam recommends forgiving such a man and not punishing him, because Allah is All-Pardoning and He loves those who pardon people.

To Summarise
1.Anger, like fear, is a psychological condition, and cause of evil and aggressive actions.
2.One who does not control his anger loses control of his mind. The enraged man cannot control his actions, and harms and hurts himself and others.
3.A faithful should have a strong will not to become angry over everything but only when he sees evil deeds or corruption, which he should try to reform.
4.A believer is one who forgives and tolerates people's mistakes because Allah loves those who forgive others and will reward them on the Day of Resurrection.

The Greatest Sins

The Messenger of Allah [s] says:

"Shall I inform you of the greatest sins? Associating others with Allah, being undutiful to parents, and false words."

Sin and crime are both evil for people. Associating other partners with Allah, being undutiful to parents, and uttering false words are all mentioned by the Holy Prophet [s] in this hadith as being among the greatest sins. Others include theft, murder, deceit, gambling, sorcery, and harming others...etc.

All cause as much harm to their doers as they harm other people. Indeed, Allah promises the wrongdoers who commit these offences severe punishment, i.e. hell, but some of these sins are worse than others. This is because they are more harmful and endanger the lives of people, and also because they cause sins.

The most abominable of these atrocious sins are the following:

1. Associating other Partners with Allah

Associating other partners with Allah is to believe in the existence of a god other than Allah, or to say that Allah has sons as the Jews and the Christians allege, and Whose beginning is like that of other creatures. Such beliefs are considered among the greatest sins because they cause people to deviate from the straight path, and it is telling lies about Allah.

And he whose belief is corrupt and lies against Allah, does not respect people, nor guards the welfare of humanity nor forbids crimes and wrongdoing. That is why polytheism is among the greatest sins.

2. To Be Undutiful towards Parents

A Muslim's heart is filled with love and kindness towards parents. Both have favoured for us and are the origin of our existence in this life. Our education, instruction and care are due to them. No one forgets his father's favour, who strives to work and supports his family. And no one forgets his mother's favour, bearing us in her womb while her life blood nourishes us, and watching over us many a night sleepless for our sake, keeping us, rearing us and educating us.

Parents are the source of love and benevolence for each individual in society, and whoever wrongs their parents and does not carry out his duties towards them is surely an unrighteous person, having no respect and being ungrateful to those who bestowed such benevolence upon us. Such a person will become habitual in doing evil against others and extorting from them their rights.

The Holy Messenger [s] instructs us that being undutiful towards our parents is among the greatest sins, and Allah is wrathful with those who wrong their parents and deny them respect.

3. False Words

Speaking false words is denying what is true. Indeed, the Holy Messenger [s] says: It is considered among the greatest sins because the liar causes harm both to people and to himself.

Lying is the result of doing various evil deeds, like a thief stealing property and denying it belongs to others. When asked why he has stolen another's property; he will claim that he did not take it. Or there is the oppressor who denies people their basic rights and when he is asked why he behaves in such a bad way, he lies about it.

Lying is the route to destruction of all moral behaviour in contrast to being really truthful and confessing misdeeds to ensure they are not committed again.

It is said one lie leads to another, and the Messenger Muhammad [s] says: Surely, lying is among the greatest sins due to its being the cause for crimes, and when man gives it up and is truthful, he will be far from such crimes.

The Best Things about Being Muslim

The Messenger of Allah [s] says:

"Among the best things about a man being Muslim is that he does not interfere in things with he is not concerned, so beware of this as you will not be excused it."

In this hadith, the Holy Prophet [s] forbids us from interfering in the affairs of people which have nothing to do with us and with which we have no connection.

For example, if you see two persons holding a private conversation, do not eavesdrop or try to join in. It maybe that they have certain confidences between them which they do not want others to be aware of or involved in.

If someone says something which has nothing to do with you, do not try to involve yourself in such a conversation, or speak as a representative for one who has not asked you. And if you find out something which does not concern you, do not use it to intervene.

For example, do not lend your friend's book to another person. It is not yours to do so, and if you do indeed you have interfered in another person's business.

For sure, the faithful with strong beliefs and good morals is not arrogant and never interferes in other's affairs.

If you do involve yourself, indeed you have committed a grave mistake against people and must correct yourself by apologizing because you have done harm to others in affairs that do not concern you. Among the best characteristics of the believer is not doing harm to anyone and in case of erring, one should repent and confess their fault.

A faithful differs from a hypocrite, who never admits his/her mistake nor apologizes for the harm he/she continually does against people.

Although it is among the believer's characteristics not to become involved in others' affairs and not to be officious, it is necessary to distinguish between interfering and intervening in the case of bidding what is right and forbidding what is wrong.

For instance, it we see a person committing a crime, or lying, stealing, or oppressing others, or deceiving or behaving in a vulgar manner, it is obligatory upon us to advise them of their wrong doing in order that they abstain from such misdeeds. Such intervention is not interfering but only doing one's moral duty as a true believer.

Summary

1.Surely, among the faithful's characteristics is not to interfere in the affairs of others.
2.The faithful neither hurts others nor causes them harm, and if he commits a mistake he apologizes.
3.The hypocrite only harms and hurts others and never apologizes to them.

Giving Thanks To Allah

The Messenger of Allah [s] said:

"Surely the faithful who is satisfied with food and drink; and then thanks Allah, is given the same reward as a fasting man. Allah is Gracious and appreciates gratitude."

One of the companions of Imam Muhammad al-Baqir [a] reported the following incident, when he was travelling with the Imam on the road towards Madina. On the way, he saw the Imam get down and began prostrating to Allah, which greatly surprised him. After completing his prostration the Imam said to his companion:

"It seems that you are astonished to see me prostrating"

His companion answered: "Yes," and the Imam said:

"Remembering one of Allah's blessings to me, I could not continue until I had given thanks to Him."

Thus the infallible Imams of Ahlul-Bait [a] instruct us to thank Almighty Allah for each of His blessings.

As we see, Imam Muhammad al-Baqir [a], remembering one of Allah's blessings on his way, stopped and prostrated to Allah to give thanks for His blessings.

Surely Allah gives us so many favours (blessings) that we are not able to count them all, He provides us with good health, and intellect with which to think; eyes with which to see; ears with which to hear. He also supplies us with food and drink. It is through His favour that we may be healed when we are ill. We should always feel thankful for the blessings of Allah and praise and thank Him.

Certainly we thank Allah when He gives us food and drink.

And how grateful we are when He saves us from danger or harm!

And how we thank Him if He delivers us from drowning, or a car accident!

And how we thank Him when we see a disabled man or a blind man while we are in a good health!

We are aware of Allah's blessings upon us when we see all these happenings.

Indeed, from the hadith of the Prophet of Allah [s] we know that our Prophet said: "Whoever is satisfied with food and drink and praises Allah for His blessings, Allah will certainly reward him for his thanks as surely as He gives the fasting man a reward for his fasting, because Allah appreciates the good deeds of His servants and He loves them to show their gratitude."

My Lord, Sustain me that I may be thankful for the favours that You have conferred upon me and my parents, and to do what is righteous that I may receive Your satisfaction.

Considerate with Young and Old

Ibn Abbas (Allah be pleased with him) reportedly quotes from the Prophet [s]:

"Whoever has no pity for the young and does not respect the old is not one of us."

When you see a baby crying, your heart is sympathetic and you feel kind. You begin to joke and play with the baby in order to stop its crying.

It may also happen that you help and be kind to a small child who is lost in the market or cannot find its family.

Surely, these moral attitudes are among those of the faithful whom Allah and His Messenger love most. The believer is the one whose heart is full of mercy for people, especially the needy and the oppressed, and small children, as they are the most vulnerable and weak and are in need of our help. So, if we give them our help and assistance, surely Allah will be pleased with us and will help us in this world by making our lives successful, and will also have mercy upon us in the Hereafter.

Our Prophet [s] teaches us to be kind to the young, and respect the old.

You may have your grandfather, grandmother or one of your relatives living in your home, and see that they have grown old and are unable to do much, and are in need of help and assistance. Our Prophet enjoins us to respect such people and if they are in need of something to help them. If they ask us, we should bring them food and drink, help them reach where they want to go, and get the things which they need.

When we sit with old people, we should sit properly and leave a comfortable place for them. When we speak to them, we should not raise our voice nor talk before they start speaking, nor interrupt them. If we walk with them on the street, we should take care that their way is easy and make sure to walk at their pace.

Faithful To A Promise

Imam Ja'far al-Sadiq [a] quoted the Messenger of Allah [s] as saying:

"Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should keep their promise when they make it."

Our Holy Prophet Muhammad [s] teaches us the best morals and the most useful customs, and also how to fulfil a promise and be punctual.

Imagine that one day you have an appointment with your friend and have agreed to meet him half-an-hour before noon prayer in the mosque to recite the Holy Qur'an together. You arrived on time and waited until the prayer caller (Mu'adhin) called for the noon prayer. You performed the prayer but your friend still had not come. Certainly, you will blame your friend for not keeping his promise and making you wait. Hopefully your friend will feel responsible and apologise to you.

But how happy and glad you are if someone promises to do something for you and keeps his promise. Keeping a promise is among the morals of the true believer. And whoever does not fulfil their promise, no one will respect their word nor trust them.

It is obligatory for us to be honest in making a promise and keeping an appointment we have made. It is also obligatory upon us to be punctual about time and not to waste it. We should be exactly on time in school, at work, or at an agreed meeting place.

A Promise Fulfilled by our Prophet Muhammad [s]
Prophet Muhammad [s] promised a man that he would remain sitting in a certain place until the man returned. That man went away and the sun rose. Soon it became very hot but the Prophet never changed his place. One his companions said: "O Prophet of Allah! What difference does it make if you come and sit in the shade?" The Prophet replied: "I promised to meet him here and not to change a place till he comes, in order to fulfil my promise to him. If he does not come, then it will be he who is breaking the promise."

Controlling The Tongue

The Messenger of Allah [s] says:

"Blessed is the man who speaks good and is triumphant; or keeps silent in the face of evil and is secure".

Among Allah's blessings upon man is that He made him a thoughtful and sane being and created a tongue for him. He made him able to utter sounds and clarify what he wants through the words which he speaks. He has only to speak to let people know what he wants.

Thus, we should thank Allah for the blessings which He bestowed upon us. We should use our speech in useful ways; not to speak but goodness. For example, if we are in a meeting or a gathering and want to speak with people, or any discussion comes up then we should first think what we want to say and choose which words to use. If we can offer useful counsel to people or offer advice, we should speak in such a way to make others want to listen. Hence your words will be acceptable to Allah and the people because your speech is beneficial in guiding towards goodness or reconciling people, or teaching useful knowledge, and will increase the love of people to each other. If we say a word of goodness we will get Allah's reward and the love and respect of the people and so we will be triumphant. As our glorious Prophet Muhammad [s] says: If man is not able to say something useful, he should keep silent from bad words and his silence will keep him far from Allah's wrath and from the harm which might befall him as a result of saying bad words. Whoever does evil deeds to people, people will surely confront him with evil too. And certainly, if you speak bad words it may cause you problems and harm and make you regret and wish you had kept silent and had not spoken.

Consequently, our Holy Prophet Muhammad [s] educates us with good manners saying: Either you speak a useful and good word, or be silent which is better for you than speaking evil words.

In Summary

1.Among the best characteristics of a Muslim is to speak only the words of goodness and reconciliation.
2.It is better to remain silent if you cannot speak the word of goodness.
3.Whoever does not keep a check on his tongue will regret it.

For those who do good is good (reward) and even more than that.

Hospitality Towards Guests

The Messenger of Allah [s] guides us by saying:

"Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should be hospitable with his or her guests."

Our great Prophet [s] teaches us to be generous and how to entertain guests. He wants a Muslim to show gratitude and be kind and happy when receiving guests. One should respect and welcome his guests, in particular when they are strangers, or have no family or friends in that country.

It may even happen that a guest comes while relatives or friends are being entertained, or other travellers are staying and there is lack of space; or you are unprepared and have few provisions or are even short of money. In any eventuality, guests who come to your home should be made welcome, shown respect and be provided with whatever food and drink are available. One should sit with them in order to make them feel comfortable and happy, and take care to pay great attention to them.

Surely, our glorious Prophet [s] guides us towards respecting guests and being generous towards them. In this respect, he says: "Indeed whoever believes that Allah is All-Generous, Who provides for His creation and rewards those who are hospitable towards their guests, should look after his guest."

Surely, Allah will increase our provision if we welcome our guests and give them food and drink, and will reward us on the Resurrection Day.

Allah is All-Generous, who loves the generous ones and dislikes those who are mean.

Benevolence Towards Parents

Allah, the Exalted, says:

"And your lord has commanded that you shall not worship (any) but Him and (show) goodness to your parents. If either or both of them reach old age with you, say not to them (so much as) 'Ah' nor chide them, but speak to them a generous word. And make yourself submissively gently to them with compassion, and say: O my Lord! Have compassion on them, as they brought me up (when I was) small."

Holy Qur'an (17:23-24)

If your friends give you a nice present, you will certainly thank them and your love will grow towards them.

If someone offers you help and assistance in your life, surely you will respect them and recognize their favour and kind attitude.

No one does more for you than your parents and it is they of all people who deserve great love, thanks, and respect. They are the ones who bear tiredness and difficulty for the sake of us, their children.

A mother first carries her child as an embryo (foetus) in her womb and it is fed by her blood. Then when she has given birth, she spends nights on attendance, taking care of and watching over her baby with love and affection.

Fathers also take part in caring and giving affection, and go to work and strive to provide food, shelter and other material necessities. In addition, both parents spend time educating their children and rearing them towards adulthood.

In the verses quoted above, Allah commands us to worship and obey none but Him. And at the same time He commands us to love our parents and acknowledge their favour and benevolence to us.

Allah also enjoins us not to speak unkindly or harm them, not to give even as much as a sigh against them, especially when they grow old or are in need, or unable to do things for themselves

The Characteristics of a Believer

A believer is one who deserves Allah's pleasure and for him there will be a good life and happiness in this world and in the Hereafter. The believer is the one in whom the following characteristics are found:

1. Doing what are lawful and righteous deeds.

2. Having good morals and treating people with respect.

3. Having a purified heart and soul, neither hating others nor being hypocritical.

4. Spending whatever he has out of his wealth in the cause of Allah i.e. in the fields of charity.

5. Being offensive to no one.

6. Causing no harm to others.

7. Respecting other people's rights.

8. These characteristics are only found in truly faithful persons who know Allah well and fear His punishment because those who know Him do not think much of this world's life, and wish only to achieve the performance of as many good deeds as possible in it, in order to be rewarded in the life hereafter.

With Whom is Allah?

Allah is with Those Who Patiently Persevere (Saabireen)
[2. Surah Al-Baqarah : Ayah 153]
O you who believe! seek assistance through patience and prayer; surely Allah is with the patient.

[8. Surah Al-Anfaal : Ayah 46]
And obey Allah and His Apostle and do not quarrel for then you will be weak in hearts and your power will depart, and be patient; surely Allah is with the patient.


Allah is with Those Who Believe (Mumineen)
[8. Surah Al-Anfaal : Ayah 19]
If you demanded a judgment, the judgment has then indeed come to you; and if you desist, it will be better for you; and if you turn back (to fight), We (too) shall turn back, and your forces shall avail you nothing, though they may be many, and (know) that Allah is with the believers.

Allah is with Those Who Restrain Themselves (Muttaqeen)
[9. Surah At-Tawba : Ayah 123]
O you who believe! fight those of the unbelievers who are near to you and let them find in you hardness; and know that Allah is with those who guard (against evil).

[2. Surah Al-Baqarah : Ayah 194]
The Sacred month for the sacred month and all sacred things are (under the law of) retaliation; whoever then acts aggressively against you, inflict injury on him according to the injury he has inflicted on you and be careful (of your duty) to Allah and know that Allah is with those who guard (against evil)'


Allah is with Those Who do Good (Muhsineen)
[16. Surah An-Nahl : Ayah 125-128]
Call to the way of your Lord with wisdom and goodly exhortation, and have disputations with them in the best manner; surely your Lord best knows those who go astray from His path, and He knows best those who follow the right way. And if you take your turn, then retaliate with the like of that with which you were afflicted; but if you are patient, it will certainly be best for those who are patient. And be patient and your patience is not but by (the assistance of) Allah, and grieve not for them, and do not distress yourself at what they plan. Surely Allah is with those who guard (against evil) and those who do good (to others).

Why Kids Cheat?

The Mothers' Guide

When you find out your child has cheated, you need to immediately begin to figure out why she did it. Here are some possibilities:

1. She doesn't understand it's wrong. Some kids cheat simply because they really don't understand why it's such a bad thing. They studied their spelling words and just can't remember how to spell one of them, so they take a quick peek at their neighbor's work. What's the harm? they wonder.

2. He taking the easy way out. The child knows he has a test tomorrow, but the TV is on one situation comedy after the other. The evening slips away, then the child thinks, "Oh well, I didn't really study, but I'll probably do okay anyway. " Once the test gets under way, it's harder than the child thought. He can't resist the temptation to copy his neighbor's multiple-choice answers.

3. She doesn't know how to study. Many children simply haven't acquired enough academic discipline to know how to really study and prepare for a test, so they cheat not realizing that by cheating they find themselves in a negative downward spiral; the more they cheat the more they may need to cheat, because in subjects like math, where one skill builds on another, they just get more and more behind.

4. The work is too difficult. For some kids, the academic concept they're trying to learn is simply too difficult for them. It seems all the other kids grasp the information easily, and the child becomes too embarrassed to ask for help so resorts to cheating.

5. There's pressure to achieve from parents. Parents of kids who get the message that performance and ability are more important than improvement and mastery need to ask themselves, " Am I expecting so much from my child that she may turn to cheating?" If parents fear this might be the case, they need to backtrack and explain about the importance of doing good work without misrepresenting one's abilities by cheating.

6. There's pressure to perform for teachers. Some children today may feel pressure to perform beyond their ability in order to reflect well on the teacher and school and so may even cheat on standardized tests. When teachers feel pressured to get their students to demonstrate what they're teaching, children may lose confidence to simply do the job they can and sneak a peek at the answers of a neighbor who they believe is smarter, defeating the purpose of learning and the educational process.

7. Reprimand your child. Try saying, "I don't like it. I understand the temptation to copy your friend's work, but we've discussed the importance of honesty and doing your own work in school. I'm disappointed in what you've done. I don't cheat in my life, and I don't expect you to cheat, either."

8. Help her make up for what she did. If she has been cheating by daily copying math homework, help her make up for it by overseeing her as she completes those assignments she copied. Realize she may need help from you or a tutor in order to get caught up. If she cheated on a test, see if the teacher will give it to her again after she's had time to adequately prepare.

9. Don't withdraw privileges. This probably won't accomplish anything. It's better to try and understand why she cheated. Was she just taking the easy way out, or is the work too difficult? Maybe she isn't understanding the concepts that all the other kids seem to grasp easily. Is she under a lot of pressure to achieve?

10. Tell your child you're on his side. If your child habitually cheating to succeed, shaming your child, conveying that what he's done is catastrophic and unforgivable, only works against the goal of being forthright and honest with regards to academic achievement. Instead explain to him, "Your repeated tendency to cheat in school is a problem. It must be remedied. You and I will face this problem together. It's better to take easier courses in school than to engage in a life of cheating to survive."

Tips for Child-rearing

By Ibrahim Bowers

As Muslim parents, we have an obligation to bring up our children in the best manner---to teach them right from wrong and to show them what we and society expect from them. The following principles should be useful in establishing a child-rearing method that is not too extreme:

1. Start Early-Although many parents believe that very small children are too young to understand, their early years are probably the most important opportunity for parents to start them in the right direction. Once good patterns are established, they will be easy to maintain. Once bad patterns are established, they will be difficult to change.

2. Have your Emotions Under Control while Instructing Children- Don't discipline your child because you are angry with him, but rather because you want to teach him. Motive is important here.

3. Parents should Present a United Front- Parents should discuss their strategy for Kid's Health and disciplining their children and agree to work together as a team. If children realize that one parent is strict and the other is easy, they will play the parents against each other. When the strict parent stops them from doing something, they will go ask the easy parent for permission. Both parents need to tell the child the same thing. If parents sometimes disagree on how to discipline the child, they should discuss it privately, not in front of the children.

4. Be Consistent- Most experts on children agree that parents should be consistent. Constantly changing the rules and expectations will only confuse your child. If you stop him from writing on the walls today, and allow him to write on the walls tomorrow, he will not understand when you get angry the next time he writes on the walls. If you inconsistently apply the rules, he will also test you at times to see whether you are going to be tough this time or easy. If, however, he knows from experience that you always stop him the first time, he will quickly learn it does no good to try to get away with something.

5. Never Lie to your Children- If you lie to them "every now and then," they may not believe you when you tell them the truth. This also applies to those situations when you tell your child to stop doing something, or you will put him in his room, or take away his toys. If you make that kind of a threat, you must stick with it. Otherwise, you have lied, and your child will not know when you are serious and when you are not. He will then be forced to test you again and again to see.

6. Don't Reward Crying-If children realize that every time they cry, they get what they want, crying will become like money for them. Every time they want something, they will cry. On the other hand, if you teach them that crying doesn't get them anything, they will stop crying for things. Let them cry and cry and cry, but don't give in. In the beginning, it will be difficult, but be patient. Once they learn the lesson and stop crying for everything, you will be happy that you were firm. You can either listen to crying for a few days or for the rest of your life. It's your choice.

Virtues of Pregnancy

When a woman is pregnant with a child, all the angels will make Istighfar (repentance) on her behalf. Allah SWT will, for each day of her pregnancy, write for her 1000 good deeds and erase from her 1000 bad deeds.

· When a pregnant woman starts to feel the pain from contractions, Allah SWT will write in her records as someone who is doing jihad (spiritual or physical struggle) in His path.

· When a woman becomes pregnant by her husband and he is pleased with her, she obtains the reward of a person engaging in fasting for Allah SWT and a person spending the night in ibaadah (worship).

· A woman from the time of pregnancy until childbirth and weaning the baby, is like the Mujahid (someone fighting in the path of Allah, swa) who is stationed on the frontiers of the Islamic land. If she dies during this period, she dies the death of a shahid (martyr).

· Two raka'at salaat performed by a pregnant woman is better than 80 raka'at salaat performed by a non-pregnant woman.

· A woman who is pregnant gets the reward of fasting during the day and of doing ibaadah (worship) during the nights.

· A woman who gives birth gets the reward of 70 years of salaat (prayer) and fasting. For each vein that feels pain, Allah SWT gives her the reward of one accepted hajj (Pilgrimage to Makkah).

· If the woman dies within 40 days of giving birth, she will die as a shahid (matyr).

(Hadith)......."A woman that dies in her virginity or during her pregnancy or at the time of birth or thereafter (in nifaas) will attain the rank of a martyr"

Nabi(salalaallahu alayhi wa Alehi wassallam) is reported to have also said ".......When her labour pains commence, the inhabitants of the earth and the sky are unaware of the stores of comfort that are prepared for her. When she delivers and breast feeds her child, then she will be granted a reword for every gulp of milk, if she had to remain awake during the night for the sake of the child, she will receive the reword of emancipating seventy slaves in the path of Allah Ta'ala. O Salaamat! Do you know who these women are? They are pious, upright, with a delicate nature yet obedient to their husbands and not ungrateful to them"

To Whom Allah Loves

[2. Surah Al-Baqarah : Ayah 195]
"Surely Allah loves the doers of good."

[2. Surah Al-Baqarah : Ayah 222]
"Surely Allah loves those who turn much (to Him), and He loves those who purify themselves."

[3. Surah Aal-e-Imran : Ayah 76]
"Yea, whoever fulfills his promise and guards (against evil)-- then surely Allah loves those who guard (against evil)."

[3. Surah Aal-e-Imran : Ayah 133-136]
"And hasten to forgiveness from your Lord; and a Garden, the extensiveness of which is (as) the heavens and the earth, it is prepared for those who guard (against evil). Those who spend (benevolently) in ease as well as in straitness, and those who restrain (their) anger and pardon men; and Allah loves the doers of good (to others). And those who when they commit an indecency or do injustice to their souls remember Allah and ask forgiveness for their faults-- and who forgives the faults but Allah, and (who) do not knowingly persist in what they have done. (As for) these-- their reward is forgiveness from their Lord, and gardens beneath which rivers flow, to abide in them, and excellent is the reward of the laborers."

[3. Surah Aal-e-Imran : Ayah 146]
"And Allah loves the patient."

[3. Surah Aal-e-Imran : Ayah 148]
"And Allah loves those who do good (to others)."

[5. Surah Al-Maidah : Ayah 42]
"And if you judge, judge between them with equity; surely Allah loves those who judge equitably."

[5. Surah Al-Maidah : Ayah 54]
"O you who believe! whoever from among you turns back from his religion, then Allah will bring a people, He shall love them and they shall love Him, lowly before the believers, mighty against the unbelievers, they shall strive hard in Allah's way and shall not fear the censure of any censurer; this is Allah's Face, He gives it to whom He pleases, and Allah is Ample-giving, Knowing."

[5. Surah Al-Maidah : Ayah 93]
"On those who believe and do good there is no blame for what they eat, when they are careful (of their duty) and believe and do good deeds, then they are careful (of their duty) and believe, then they are careful (of their duty) and do good (to others), and Allah loves those who do good (to others)."

[9. Surah At-Tawba : Ayah 7]
"Surely Allah loves those who are careful (of their duty)."

[9. Surah At-Tawba : Ayah 108]
"And Allah loves those who purify themselves."

[49. Surah Al-Hujurat : Ayah 9]
"And act equitably; surely Allah loves those who act equitably."

[60. Surah Al-Mumtahana: Ayah 8]
"Surely Allah loves the doers of justice."

[61. Surah As-Saff: Ayah 4]
"Surely Allah loves those who fight in His way in ranks as if they were a firm and compact wall."

Hazrat Muhammad al-Mahdi (AS)

Name - Muhammad

Title - Al-Mahdi, Sahib-ul-Asr, Al-Hujjat, Al-Qa'im

Kunyat - Abul Qasim

Born - Friday 15th of Shaban 255 A.H., at Samarra

Father's Name - Imam Hasan-al-Askari

Mother's Name - Nargis Khatoon

Died - Still living but in hiding and will appear before the Day of Judgement to establish justice on earth

Hazrat Hasan al-Askari (AS)

Name - Hasan

Title - Al-Askari

Kunyat - Abu Muhammad

Born - Monday 8th of Rabi-ul-Akhar 232 A.H. , at Medina

Father's Name - Ali ibn Muhammad

Mother's Name - Saleel

Died - At the age of 28 years, at Samarra, on Friday 8th Rabi-ul-Awwal 260 AH. Poisoned by Mo'tamad the Abbaside Caliph

Buried - at Samarra, Baghdad.

Hazrat Ali An-Naqi (AS)

Name - Ali

Title - An-Naqi and Al-Hadi

Kunyat - Abul Hasan

Born - Friday 15th of Zilhajj 212 A.H., at Surba

Father's Name - Muhammad ibn Ali

Mother's Name - Summana Khatoon

Died - At the age of 42 years, at Samarra , on Monday, 26th Jamadi-ul-Akhar 254 AH. Poisoned by Mu'taz the Abbaside Caliph

Buried - at Samarra, Baghdad.

Hazrat Muhammad At-Taqi (AS)

Name - Muhammad

Title - At-Taqi and Al-Jawad

Kunyat - Abu Ja'far

Born - Friday 10th of Rajab 195 A.H. , at Medina

Father's Name - Ali ibn Musa

Mother's Name - Khaizuran

Died - At the age of 25 years, at Kazmain , on Wednesday, 29th Zilqad 220 AH. Poisoned by Mu'tasin the Abbaside Caliph

Buried - in Kazmain, Bagdad.

Hazrat Ali Ar-Ridha (AS)

Name - Ali

Title - Ar-Ridha

Kunyat - Abul Hasan

Born - Thursday 11th of Zilqad 148 A.H. , at Medina

Father's Name - Moosa ibn Ja'far

Mother's Name - Ummul Baneen Najma

Died - At the age of 55 years, at Mashad in Khorasan, on Tuesday, 17th Safar 203 AH. Poisoned by Mamoon the Abbaside Caliph

Buried - in Mashad, Iran .

Hazrat Musa-al Kadhim (AS)

Name - Musa

Title - Al-Kadhim

Kunyat - Abu Ibrahim

Born - Sunday 7st of Safarb 128 A.H. , at Abwa (Between Mecca and Medina)

Father's Name - Ja'far ibn Muhammad

Mother's Name - Hamida Khatoon

Died - At the age of 55 years, at Baghdad, on Friday, 25th Rajab 183 AH. Poisoned by Harun-al-Rashid the Abbaside caliph

Buried - Kazmain, Baghdad .

Hazrat Ja'far As-Sadiq (AS)

Name - Ja'far

Title - As-Sadiq

Kunyat - Abu Abdullah

Born - Monday 17th of Rabi-ul-Awwal 83 A.H. in Medina

Father's Name - Muhammad ibn Ali

Mother's Name - Umme-e-Farwah

Died - At the age of 65 years, at Medina, on Monday, 15th Rajab 148 AH. Poisoned by Mansur Dawaneeqi the Abbasite

Buried - Jannat-ul-Baqi .

Hazrat Muhammad Baqir (AS)

Name - Muhammad

Title - Al-Baqir

Kunyat - Abu Jafar

Born - Tuesday 1st of Rajab 57 A.H. , at Medina

Father's Name - Ali ibn Husain

Mother's Name - Fatima binte Hassan

Died - At the age of 59 years, at Medina, on Monday, 7th Zilhajj 116 AH. Poisoned by Hisham bin Abdul Malik

Buried - Jannat-ul-Baqi .

Hazrat Zain-ul-Abideen (AS)

Name - Ali-ibn-ul Husain

Title - Zain-ul Abideen

Kunyat - Abu Muhammad

Born - Saturday 15th of Jamadi-ul-Awwal, at Medina

Father's Name - Husain ibn Ali

Mother's Name - Shahr Banoo, daughter of King Yazdigard II

Died - at the age of 58 years, in Medina , on the 21st of Muharram 95 AH. Poisoned by Waleed bin Abdul Malik Marwan.

Buried - Jannat-ul-Baqi .

Hazrat Husain (AS)

As-Shaheed

Name - Husain

Title - Sayyid-ush-Shohada (Leader of Martyrs)

Kunyat - Abu Abdullah

Born - Thursday, 3rd Shaban 4 AH at Medina

Father's Name - Ali ibne abu Talib

Mother's Name - Fatima (Daughter of the Holy Prophet)

Martyred - at the age of 57 years, in Kerbala, on 10th Muharram 61 AH by Yazid-ibn-Muawiya and his ruthless army.

Buried - in Kerbala

Hazrat Hasan (AS)

Al-Mujtaba

Name - Hasan

Title - Al-Mujtaba

Kunyat - Abul Muhammad

Born - Tuesday, 15th Ramadan 3 AH at Medina

Father's Name - Ali ibne abu Talib

Mother's Name - Fatima (Daughter of the Holy Prophet)

Died - at the age of 46 years, at Medina, on Thursday, 28th Safar, 50 AH.

Buried - at the cemetery of Jannat-ul-Baqi in Medina

Hazrat Fatima Zahra (AS)

Leader of the Women of Paradise

Name - Fatima

Title - Az-Zahra

Kunyat - Umm-ul-Aimma

Born - Friday 20th of Jamadi-ul-Akhar in Mecca

Father's Name - Holy Prophet Muhammad Ibn-e-Abdulla (PBUH)

Mother's Name - Khadija bint-e-Khuwailid

Died - 14th Jamadi-ul-Awwal at Medina at the age of 18 years (due to injury inflicted upon her through force of a falling door by a hypocrite).

Buried - The cemetery of Jannatul Baqi at Medina

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)

Al-Mustafa

Name - Muhammad

Title - Al-Mustafa, Al-Amin, Ar-Rasool

Kunyat - Abul Qasim

Born - Friday, the 17th of Rabi-ul Awwal

Father's Name - Abdullah Ibn Abdul Muttalib

Mother's Name - Amina bint-e-Wahab

Died - at the age of 63 years on Monday, 28th Safar 11 AH

Buried- in his house adjoining the mosque at Medina

Hazrat Ali Al-Murtaza (AS)

Amir-ul-Mo'mineen

Name - Ali

Title - Al-Murtaza, Al-Amir-ul-Mo'mineen, Abu-Turab, Asadullah

Kunyat - Abul Hasan

Born - Friday 13th of Rajab, in the Holy Ka'ba

Father's Name - Abu Talib-ibne-Abdul Muttalib

Mother's Name - Fatima bint-e-Asad

Died - at the age of 63 years, at Kufa, on Monday, the 21st Ramadan 40 AH, murdered by an assassin who mortally wounded him with a poisoned sword in the Mosque at Kufa during morning prayers on the 19th of Ramadan.

Buried - Najaf, near Kufa.

The Creator

Saeed is a very promising boy.
He is very fond of studies. He also takes part in games and sports.
Sometimes he and his father went out for a walk.

One day both of them went to the riverside.
The scene all around was very beautiful.
The riverbed was full of water.
On the banks of the river it was all green.
Ducks, swans, and other water birds were gliding in the water.
Melodious birds were chirping in the trees.
The sun was peeping through the branches.

This charming scene pleased Saeed very much.
All of a sudden an idea crossed his mind and he asked his father:
"Dear father! Who has made all these lovely things?"

Father: "Allah has made them".
Saeed: "Can we see Allah? "
Father: "No, my son, we can't see Him".
Saeed: "Then how do we know that He exists and He has made everything?"

Thereupon his father pointed to a building surrounded by trees and said,
"Just look at that building. Do you know who has built it?"
"Surely masons have built it", Saeed replied.
Then his father said,
"Dear son! When we see that building we guess that masons have built it,
although we can't see them.
Similarly, when we see some footsteps on sand we know that someone has passed from there.
Now look at the Universe. It is very big and must also have a creator,
although we can't see Him. That great Creator is Allah.
This world and all things in it are a proof of His existence."

Saeed understood the point and thanked his father for explaining it to him.

God Always Answers Prayers

When the idea is not right, God says, "No"
No - when the idea is not the best
No - when the idea is absolutely wrong
No - when although it may help you it could create
problems for someone else.


When the time is not right, God says, "Slow"
What a catastrophe it would be
If God answered every prayer at the snap of your fingers.
Do you know what would happen?
God would become your servant, not your master.
Suddenly God would be working for you
Instead of you working for God.

Remember : God's delay is not God's denial
God's timing is perfect
Patience is what we need in prayer

Ma

I sat alone in the dark, watching my mother as she slept. There was a peaceful beauty on her face, as she smiled in her dreams. Ma: the one single word that is used in every language, every culture, every country. And no woman can compare to one that is a mother.

She carried me around in her womb for nine months, then worked around the house with me in her arms. She woke up in the middle of the night to feed me, sooth my cries. She held me against her, letting me breath in her motherly scent, and only

As I took my first steps she held my hand, caught me from tripping over my own feet. She took time to bath me, comb my hair, feed me, and putting me to sleep. One would say that these are a mother’s duties, but there are women out there that don’t appreciate their children. When I see these women treating their kids as if they were dirt, I am thankful that Allah blessed me with such a wonderful mother.

Now, as a grown daughter, I look at her with love in my eyes. I pray that she has the best of health, and utmost happiness in this world and the hereafter.

As I watched her, my eyes started to droop, and I went to sleep. But in the middle of the night, she started coughing. Leaving the warmth of my bed, I rushed to get her a glass of water. As I put the glass to her mouth, she looked at me with sleepy eyes. “Thank you, dear.”

I smiled in my sleep, and kissed her cheek as she rested her head back on the pillow. “Thank you, Ma.”

We could never repay the kindness that our mothers gave us. Never. But a loving word, a little respect, and an act of kindness can go a long way to making them happy. And to make them smile is an act of goodness in itself.

Take a minute in the day to thank your parents. If not by words, then by love. Before going to work or school, look at their beautiful faces and thank Allah for having them there with you. If they are far from you, take a minute to call them and speak a few kind words. If you’ve had an argument with them, be the first to say sorry. If they are old, and act childish, don’t jerk them away or ignore them. Remember that you were once a child and they loved you more than life itself. They put up with all your childish acts, and temper tantrums because they loved you.

Try to give them that love, even if it means putting aside your work and worldly duties for a little while. Take their hand and go for a walk, talk with them about your childhood days. Ask them about their good times, and you’ll see the smile that touches their lips.

There are so unfortunate people whose parents have left this world. But even then, they take the time to recite duas and prayers for them. When you see one of these people, remember that one day, your parents will also part company with you. Whether we leave this world before them or they depart before us. But when you won’t have them beside you, you’ll miss them dearly.

What non-Muslims Say about Imam Husain (AS)

Mahatma Gandhi
My faith is that the progress of Islam does not depend on the use of sword by its believers, but the result of the supreme sacrifice of Husain, the great saint.

Charles Dickens
"If Husain fought to quench his worldly desires, then I do not understand why his sisters, wives and children accompanied him. It stands to reason therefore that he sacrificed purely for Islam."

Dr. Rajendra Prasad
The sacrifice of Imam Husain is not limited to one country, or nation, but it is the hereditary state of the brotherhood of all mankind.

Dr. Radha Krishnan
Though Imam Husain gave his life almost 1300 years ago, but his indestructible soul rules the hearts of people even today.

Swami Shankaracharya
It is Husain's sacrifice that that has kept Islam alive or else in this world there would be no one left to take Islam's name.

Rabindranath Tagore
In order to keep alive justice and truth, instead of an army or weapons, success can be achieved by sacrificing lives, exactly what Imam Husain did.

Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru
Imam Husain's sacrifice is for all groups and communities, an example of the path of rightousness.

Mrs. Sarojini Naidu
I congratulate Muslims that from among them, Husain, a great human being was born, who is reverted and honored totally by all communities.

Reynold Alleyne Nicholson
"Husayn fell, pierced by an arrow, and his brave followers were cut down beside him to the last man. Muhammadan tradition, which with rare exceptions is uniformly hostile to the Umayyad dynasty, regards Husayn as a martyr and Yazid as his murderer."

Robert Durey Osborn
"Hosain had a child named Abdallah, only a year old. He had accompanied his father in this terrible march. Touched by its cries, he took the infant in his arms and wept. At that instant, a shaft from the hostile ranks pierced the child's ear, and it expired in his father's arms. Hosain placed the little corpse upon the ground. 'We come from God, and we return to Him!' he cried; 'O Lord, give me strength to bear these misfortunes! ' . Faint with thirst, and exhausted with wounds, he fought with desperate courage, slaying several of his antagonists. At last he was cut down from behind; at the same instance a lance was thrust through his back and bore him to the ground; as the dealer of this last blow withdrew his weapon, the ill-fated son of Ali rolled over a corpse. The head was severed from the trunk; the trunk was trampled under the hoofs of the victors' horses; and the next morning the women and a surviving infant son were carried away to Koufa. The bodies of Hosain and his followers were left unburied on the spot where they fell. For three days they remained exposed to the sun and the night dews, the vultures and the prowling animals of the waste; but then the inhabitants of a neighbouring village, struck with horror that the body of a grandson of the Prophet should be thus shamefully abandoned to the unclean beasts of the field, dared the anger of Obaidallah, and interred the body of the martyr and those of his heroic friends."

Sir William Muir
"The tragedy of Karbala decided not only the fate of the caliphate, but of the Mohammedan kingdoms long after the Caliphate had waned and disappeared. "

Peter J. Chelkowski
"Hussein accepted and set out from Mecca with his family and an entourage of about seventy followers. But on the plain of Kerbela they were caught in an ambush set by the . caliph, Yazid. Though defeat was certain, Hussein refused to pay homage to him. Surrounded by a great enemy force, Hussein and his company existed without water for ten days in the burning desert of Kerbela. Finally Hussein, the adults and some male children of his family and his companions were cut to bits by the arrows and swords of Yazid's army; his women and remaining children were taken as captives to Yazid in Damascus. The renowned historian Abu Reyhan al-Biruni states; ". then fire was set to their camp and the bodies were trampled by the hoofs of the horses; nobody in the history of the human kind has seen such atrocities."

Simon Ockley
"Then Hosein mounted his horse, and took the Koran and laid it before him, and, coming up to the people, invited them to the performances of their duty: adding, 'O God, thou art my confidence in every trouble, and my hope in all adversity!'. He next reminded them of his excellency, the nobility of his birth, the greatness of his power, and his high descent, and said, 'Consider with yourselves whether or not such a man as I am is not better than you; I who am the son of your prophet's daughter, besides whom there is no other upon the face of the earth. Ali was my father; Jaafar and Hamza, the chief of the martyrs, were both my uncles; and the apostle of God, upon whom be peace, said both of me and my brother, that we were the chief of the youth of paradise. If you will believe me, what I say is true, for by God, I never told a lie in earnest since I had my understanding; for God hates a lie. If you do not believe me, ask the companions of the apostle of God [here he named them], and they will tell you the same. Let me go back to what I have.' They asked, 'What hindered him from being ruled by the rest of his relations.' He answered, 'God forbid that I should set my hand to the resignation of my right after a slavish manner. I have recourse to God from every tyrant that doth not believe in the day of account."

Edward G. Brown
"a reminder of the blood-stained field of Kerbela, where the grandson of the Apostle of God fell at length, tortured by thirst and surrounded by the bodies of his murdered kinsmen, has been at anytime since then sufficient to evoke, even in the most lukewarm and heedless, the deepest emotions, the most frantic grief, and an exaltation of spirit before which pain, danger and death shrink to unconsidered trifles."

Ignaz Goldziher
"Ever since the black day of Karbala, the history of this family . has been a continuous series of sufferings and persecutions. These are narrated in poetry and prose, in a richly cultivated literature of martyrologies - a Shi'i specialty - and form the theme of Shi'i gatherings in the first third of the month of Muharram, whose tenth day ('ashura) is kept as the anniversary of the tragedy at Karbala. Scenes of that tragedy are also presented on this day of commemmoration in dramatic form (ta'ziya). 'Our feast days are our assemblies of mourning.' So concludes a poem by a prince of Shi'i disposition recalling the many mihan of the Prophet's family. Weeping and lamentation over the evils and persecutions suffered by the 'Alid family, and mourning for its martyrs: these are things from which loyal supporters of the cause cannot cease. 'More touching than the tears of the Shi'is' has even become an Arabic proverb."

Edward Gibbon
"In a distant age and climate the tragic scene of the death of Hosein will awaken the sympathy of the coldest reader."

Thomas Carlyle
"The best lesson which we get from the tragedy of Karbala is that Husain and his companions were the rigid believers of God. They illustrated that numerical superiority does not count when it comes to truth and falsehood. The victory of Husain despite his minority marvels me!"

Dr. K. Sheldrake
"Husain marched with his little company not to glory, not to power or wealth, but to a supreme sacrifice and every member of that gallant band, male and female, knew that the foes were implacable, were not only ready to fight but to kill. Denied even water for the children, they remained parched under a burning sun, amid scorching sands yet no one faltered for a moment and bravely faced the greatest odds without flinching."

Karbala & Humanity

(By Ali Khalfan)

When Imam Hussein and his 72 faithful companions were in Kerb ala standing up against the soldiers of Yazid, the tyrannical ruler and usurper of the mantle of Khilafah, they were sending powerful messages to mankind. No doubt that the sacrifice offered by Imam Husayn was a divine plan; it was not for the sake of worldly power but to save Islam from the clutches of tyrannical rulers. This was the Imam's clear and forthright position. Imam Husayn, a man of great piety and knowledge, openly declared: "A man like me cannot make allegiance to a man like Yazid".

The event of Karbala, which has come to assume great religious significance, can be viewed from yet another perspective. When you study and observe the steadfastness and unflinching support of the companions of the Imam; the unselfishness and subjugation of individualism on the part of Abbas, the brother and the ‘backbone' of the Imam's contingent; the understanding of death by Qasim, the Imam's young nephew; the desire to die an honorable and dignified death than to live a humiliating life demonstrated by Imam Husayn and his followers, you will find that Kerb ala was and is continuously reminding us of the true meaning and value of humanity.

What are the true dimensions of a human being and what is the purpose of his existence?

First, The Qur'an tells us that we are not ordinary creatures of Allah and that Allah has honored us:

We have honored the sons of Adam; provided them with transport on land and sea; given them for sustenance things good and pure; and conferred on them special favors, above a great part of our creation.(17:70)

We have indeed created man in the best of moulds (95:4)

Whoever desires honor, then to Allah belongs the honor wholly. To Him do ascend the good words; and the good deeds lift them up, and (as for) those who plan evil deeds, they shall have a severe chastisement; and (as for) their plan, it shall perish. (35:10)

Now look at these verses and the one following it and observe and ponder that the human being was given a new dimension when the soul, which is by the command of Allah, established a special relationship with the lifeless body:

Man We did create from a quint essence (of clay); Then We placed him as (a drop of) sperm in a place of rest, firmly fixed; Then We made the sperm into a clot of congealed blood; then of that clot We made a lump; then we made out of that lump bones and clothed the bones with flesh; then we developed out of it another creature. So blessed be Allah, the best to create! (23:12-14)

But He fashioned him in due proportion, and breathed into him something of His spirit. And He gave you hearing and sight and feeling; little thanks do ye give! (32:9)

In tafseer al-mizan by Allamah Tabataba'I, he explains the verses 23:12-14 as follows:

"The verses show that man in the beginning was but a material body changing into various forms. Then Allah made that body into another creation – a creation that has got perception and feeling; now he perceives, wills, thinks, and acts according to his thoughts and ideas. He manages and manipulates the things around him as he likes. These activities and authorities are beyond the power of body and matter. Obviously, neither of these activities emanate from body and matter nor does their doer. In short, the soul in the beginning is the body itself, then it grows into another creation, and lastly it becomes completely independent and separate from the body on death."

These verses show that man has been created with dignity and that honor and prestige belongs to Allah and Allah bestows it to us under certain conditions. Therefore, human beings should not succumb to negative peer pressure - the pressure to conform to a certain group to achieve recognition and honor and the pressure of the low desires - the pressure of Satan's plot. Our trial is to conform to the commandments of Allah and therefore we should seek prestige from the Absolute perfect Creator!

Then the Qur'an reminds us that Satan who was condemned by Allah because of his pride, arrogance and disbelief, has no authority or power over human beings and that we have the power and authority to say NO to the evil suggestions and plot of Satan:

And Satan will say when the matter is decided: "It was Allah Who gave you a promise of Truth: I too promised, but I failed in my promise to you. I had no authority over you except to call you but ye listened to me: then reproach not me, but reproach your own souls. I cannot listen to your cries, nor can ye listen to mine. I reject your former act in associating me with Allah. For wrong-doers there must be a grievous penalty." (14:22)

Verily Satan is an enemy to you: so treat him as an enemy. He only invites his adherents that they may become Companions of the Blazing Fire. (35:6)

Now when we shift our focus to Kerb ala, you will find that Imam Husayn and his companions rose against Yazid's illegitimate rule in order to protect the Godly values on the earth, to show us the true value of a human being and the true meaning of humanity, to explain to us the need to maintain our dignity as human beings, and the need to return to Allah with dignity and honor and not having done injustice to our soul. This dimension of the events of Kerb ala is truly reflected in this cry of Imam Husayn:

"I would rather die a death of dignity than live a life of humiliation".

Hadhrat Fatima Masumah (S.A.)

Name: Fatima
Title: Masumah
Born at: Medina, First Day of Zee Qa'dah 173 A.H.
Father's name: Imam Musa al-Kazim (A.S.)
Mother's name: Najma Khatoon mother of Imam Reza (A.S.)
Died at the age 28, at Qum on 10th Rabi al-Thani, 201 A.H.
Buried in the holy shrine in the holy city of Qum.

Noble Descent

Hadhrat Fatima Masumah (S.A.) the Blessed and the Gracious Divine Lady from the Holy Ahlul Bayt (A.S.) was born in the holy city of Medina on the First Day of the month of Zee Qa'dah 173 A.H. His holy father was Imam Musa al-Kazim (A.S.), the Seventh Holy Imam of the Shi'ites and Imam Reza (A.S.), the Eighth Holy Imam was her elder brother. Hadhrat Fatima Masumah (S.A.) was the most learned scholar and very pious lady and was greatly revered by the Holy Imams (A.S.). She was buried in the holy city of Qum (Iran) and her holy shrine is every year visited by millions of the lovers of Holy Ahlul Bayt (A.S.).

The Learned Divine Lady from the Holy Ahlul Bayt (A.S.)

Hadhrat Masumah (S.A.) was brought up in a very noble family.She was daughter of the Holy Imam[Imam Musa al-Kazim (A.S.)], the sister of the Holy Imam[Imam Reza (A.S.)] and the aunt of the Holy Imam[Imam Muhammad Taqi al-Jawad (A.S.)]. She was taught all the Islamic sciences by Imam Musa al-Kazim (A.S.) and Imam Reza (A.S.) and she transmitted Ahadith (traditions) from them. She became famous as Aalimah(the Learned Lady) and Muhaddithah (the Learned Lady who transmitted Ahadith).

The traditions quoted by Hadhrat Masumah (S.A.) are among the most authentic traditions which are present in various books of traditions.

She was Masumah (the Immaculate)

Hadhrat Fatima bint Musa al-Kazim (A.S.) was most pious,noble and reverend lady. Like her holy grand-mother Hadhrat Fatima Zahra (S.A.) she was always busy in performing Salaat(prayers) and kept fast most of the days. She was greatly respected and revered by her holy father Imam Musa al-Kazim (A.S.) and her elder brother Imam Reza (A.S.). She become famous as Masumah (the Immaculate) during her lifetime. Imam Reza (A.S.) has said about Hadhrat Fatima Masumah (S.A.) that "Whoever performs the Ziyarah of 'Fatima Masumah' in Qum is like the person who has performed my Ziyarah".

Karimah-i Ahlul Bayt (A.S.)

Hadhrat Fatima Masumah (S.A.) is also considered as Karimah-i Ahlul Bayt (A.S.) because she was very kind and gracious. Thousands of miracles has been recorded at the holy grave of her and the rightful wishes of the believers are fulfilled by her and incurable patients are miraculously healed by her. Imam Jafar Sadiq (A.S.) has quoted "By the intercession of Fatima Masumah (S.A.) all my Shias will enter the paradise".

Demise of Hadhrat Masumah (S.A.)

In the year 200 A.H. a year after the forced migration of Imam Reza (A.S.) from Medina to Marw in Khurasan by the reigning Abbasid caliph Mamun, Hadhrat Masumah accompanied by her brothers left Medina for Khurasan to meet her elder brother Imam Reza (A.S.). When they reached Saveh in central Iran they were attacked by the Abbasid army and many of his brothers were mercilessly martyred.Hadhrat Masumah (S.A.) during her stay in Saveh was poisoned by a lady servant on the orders of the Abbasid commander.

Hadhrat Masumah (S.A.) became severely ill and in this condition she migrated to Qum where she was warmly welcomed by the Shias of the city. The effect of poisoning increased during her short stay in Qum and she attained martyrdom on 10th of Rabi al-Thani 201 A.H. Hadhrat Masumah (S.A.) had great longing to meet her brother Imam Reza (A.S.) but due to her sudden death she could not meet him. Imam Reza (A.S.) was deeply grieved when he came to know about the demise of her beloved sister Hadhrat Fatima Masumah (S.A.).

The Merits of the Ziyarah of Hadhrat Fatima Masumah (S.A.)

There are many traditions from the Holy Imams (A.S.) recommending the Shias to perform the Ziyarah of the holy grave of Hadhrat Masumah (S.A.) in the holy city of Qum.

1- Imam Reza (A.S.) said "Whoever performs the Ziyarah of Fatima Masumah(A.S.) will be awarded heaven".

2- Imam Muhammad Taqi al-Jawad (A.S.) said "Whoever performs the Ziyarah of my aunt[Fatima Masumah (S.A.)] in Qum will enter paradise".

3- Imam Reza (A.S.) said" Whoever performs the Ziyarah of 'Fatima Masumah'with the knowledge of her status will attain paradise.

The Holy Shrine of Hadhrat Fatima Masumah(A.S.) in Qum

The construction of the present Bargah (Holy Court) and the holy shrine of Hadhrat Masumah in Qum, was started in the middle of the third century A.H. and continued during the 4th, 5th, and 6th centuries A.H. (mid 9th century through 12th century A.D.), when it was completed with a dome and vault.

In 447 A.H., Mir Abul Fazl Iraqi, the Vazier of Tughril Beg constructed a magnificent dome on the grave of Hadhrat Masumah (S.A.) and the height of that dome was 14 metres. In 925 A.H., Shah Baigi Begum the daughter of Shah Ismail, the Safawid ruler of Iran renovated the dome and illuminated it with intrinsic mosaic tiles.

The holy shrine was greatly expanded during the Safavid period. Shah Ismail ordered the construction of the northern ivan. During the reign of Shah Tahmasb I, 939 A.H. (1532 A.D.) and Shah Abbas II, 1055 A.H. (1654 A.D.), the buildings of the (Astaneh) were completed and some important decorative works were undertaken, which have been continued ever since.

The main structure of the holy shrine consists of the old and new courtyards, a mirror-decorated ivan, a number of Mu`azin`s cages, a portico, a sepulcher, the holy burial chamber, the Holy Tomb(Zareeh), Masjid-i-Bala-sar, Ladies Courtyard (Sahn-i-Zananeh), an ivan, the golden dome, and several golden, silver and inlaid doors.

There are a number of verse inscriptions in the holy shrine, composed by Muhtasham Kashani, Fath Ali Khan Saba, and Shurideh Shirazi. The tileworks of the holy tomb of Hazrat-i-Masumeh, which have been accomplished during the years 605 to 613 A.H. (1208 to 1218 A.D.), bear the following designs and colors.

On the tomb, there are 15 pieces of enameled tiles covering a space of 2.95 meters long and 1.20 meters wide. The sides of the tomb are covered with three kinds of tiles, namely enameled tiles with curved sides, full star-shaped (Kuakabi) tiles, and enameled tiles on which the latter are installed.

There are three inscriptions on the tomb: the first is a relief inscription in Naskh style and is vermilion in color; the second, also vermilion, is in Kufic script; and the third is golden and in Naskh calligraphy. The background is azure, golden, brown or silver, and is further adorned with various ornamental motifs.

According to the inscriptions, the tiles of the Holy Sepulcher have been donated by Muzaffar ibn Ahmad ibn Ismail and the calligraphers Muhammad ibn Abi-Tahir ibn Abi-Hussain and Abu-Zaid have been responsible for the inscriptions, the former having also undertaken the manufacturing of the tiles.

The Holy City of Qum

The holy city of Qum in central Iran, 150 km to the south of Tehran became one of the first bastions Shi'ism and till the present day it is the leading centre of Islamic seminaries where more than forty thousand scholars and students are learning Islamic sciences in the numerable Islamic seminaries present in this holy city. At present about two hundred Islamic research and cultural centres are active in this holy city.

In the year 83 A.H. the Arabs belonging to the Ash'ari tribe migrated and settled in this region and laid the foundation of this city. From the beginning of its establishment the city of Qum became the dwelling place of the Shias and by the end of first century Hijrah more than 6000 Shias settled in this city. The Shias of this city revolted against the Umayyad caliphs and after the inception of the Abbasid caliphate in 132 A.H. they also opposed the Abbasid caliphs.

In the year 200 A.H. Hadhrat Fatima Masumah (S.A.) took refuge in this city and Her Holiness expired in the year 201 A.H. and was buried in this city. The sacred grave of Hadhrat Fatima Masumah (S.A.) became the pilgrimage centre of the Shias and this city became famous as Qum-i Muqaddas. Since then it also emerged as a leading Shia learning centre in the world. The holy shrine of Hadhrat Fatima Masumah (S.A.) and the city's reputation as a centre of theological education of the Shias contributed most to its fame.

The city was patronised by the Shia Buyid (Buwayhid) rulers and during that era many leading Shia theologians emerged from this city. The holy city of Qum was also patronised by Timurids, the Qara Qoyunlu and Aq Qoyunlu sultans and the Safawid rulers showed great respect to the holy city of Qum.

During the stay of Ayatullah Abdul Karim Haeri Yazdi in this holy city in the first half of twentieth century Qum established itself as the leading Shia theological centre in the world and most of the leading Maraje(the Grand Ayatullah) of the Shias reside and teach Islamic sciences to the scholars in this holy city.

In June 1963 Imam Khomeini (R.A.) started Islamic movement against the rule of Shah from the holy city of Qum. The uprising of people of Qum in January 1978 convulsed the whole of Iran and led to the victory of Islamic revolution and the establishment of Islamic Republic in Iran in February 1979.

The Significant factor of the Revolution of Imam Hussain (A.S.)

(By Ali Khalfan)

"You are the best of people raised up for the benefit of mankind. Enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong and believing in Allah..." (Qur'an, 3:110)

Ponder on the couching of this verse, especially with regard to the quality bestowed on “the best people”. That is, it is merely by virtue of their upholding the religious duty of “enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong”, they have earned that sublime praise. So, the worth of this ummah (community) is in its upholding this obligation.

Abu 'Amr az-Zubayri narrates from as-Sadiq (a.s.) about the words of Allah: "You are the best people raised up for the benefit of mankind..." that he said (Allah) means the ummah (group nation) for which the prayer of Ibrahim (a.s.) was granted; and they are the people Allah raised (His Messenger) among them, and from them and to them; and they are the medium nation, and they are the best nation that has been raised up for the people." (Majma'u 'l-bayan; at-Tafsir al-Ayyashi)
In sharp contrast to this verse, Allah says:
"The hypocritical men and the hypocritical women are all alike; they enjoin evil and forbid good and withhold their hands; they have forsaken Allah, so He has forsaken them; surely the hypocrites are the transgressors." (Qur'an 9:67)

Question: If Yazid had not demanded allegiance from Imam Husain for his caliphate and if the thousands of Muslims in Kufa had not invited the Imam to Kufa, would the revolution of Imam Husayn still take place?

When the Imam left Medina, he wrote a will and left it with his brother Mohammad bin al-Hanafiyah; among its contents was this statement, “I did not set out driven by arrogance, or recklessness, or a desire for spreading corruption, or injustice. All what I am intending is seeking to reform the community of my grandfather. ” This was the rationale behind the Imam’s movement. In another letter he wrote to bin al-Hanafiyah, the Imam mentioned about Yazid's demand from him to pledge allegiance but not a single reference about the invitation of the Kufans to set up a rival caliphate in Kufa.
The Imam, a man of great piety, had openly declared "A man like me (the grandson of the Prophet, pbuh) cannot bear allegiance to a man like Yazid." The connotation of this declaration is that being the grandson of the Holy Prophet (pbuh) and a member of the medium nation mentioned in the Qur'an, and belonging to the best nation raised for the benefit of the people, possessing and discharging the duty of enjoining good and forbidding evil, he can never and will not endorse Yazid's succession to the caliphate. The Imam's position was forthright and clear.

There is no doubt that the Imam's rejection to the oppressive and repressive regime of Yazid and his Islamic duty to attend to the call of the Kufans to set up a caliphate in Kufa are some of the contributory factors that led to his revolution but the most significant is the factor which was his Islamic obligation and that of every believer to answer the call of Allah and the Prophet (pbuh) to enjoin good and forbid evil. In short, if Yazid had not demanded allegiance from Imam Hussain and if the Kufans had not invited him, the revolution would still have taken place. It is the promise of Allah in the Qur'an that the religion of Islam will eventually prevail over all religions and that the good will prevail over evil (9:36, 61:9) and this is an ongoing process.

Some people have over-exaggerated the factor of the Kufans' invitation so much so that they have given the impression that it was the most significant factor. Let us assume that the invitation of the Kufans was the over-riding factor for his revolt and we know that the Kufans did not keep their word. Would the Imam then give up his revolt and allow this factor to supersede the factor of his religious obligation to enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong? A scholar has correctly written that the factor of the Kufans' invitation was not the most important; rather, it was the least important among the contributory factors that led to the Imam’s revolt. The Imam gave a sermon after Kufa fell to the Ummayyads in which he issued a clear message that he was acting in accordance with the obligation of “enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong”, and that he was under no illusions that that was his prime motive for launching his revolt.

There is another point worth mentioning. If the Imam had not responded positively to the invitation from the Kufans, he would have been criticized for not fulfilling his duty to attend to the affairs of the Muslims and probably it was for this very same reason, the Imam accepted the invitation despite the fact that all indications were telling him that the Kufans were not ready and sincere in their intentions. There is an interesting narration in which it is mentioned that on the way to Kufa, the Imam met the famous poet, Farazdaq, who was on his way to Mecca and the Imam inquired about the conditions in Kufa. Farazdaq replied: "Their hearts are with you but their swords are (with the Ummayads) against you".

Since the Imam set out on his journey from Medina to Kerbala, he was always talking about death in dignity and honor, i.e. the death in the cause of right, truth, and justice. In his famous sermon in Mina, he told the people that death to him is akin to a beautiful necklace that adorns the neck of a young woman. In opposing and rejecting the usurper of the mantle of the khilafah, the Imam echoed to the whole world and for generations to come:

"I would rather die an honorable death than live a life of humiliation"

Some of the Aspects of Imam Husain's Character

Imam Husain's Relationship with Allah

We can better understand the depth of Imam Hussein's (a.s.) relationship with Allah, the Most High, if we don't lose sight of the fact that the Prophet (s.a.w.) himself taught him the ideology of Islam and brought him up spiritually as he had done with his father, Imam Ali, his mother, al-Zahra', and his brother, Imam Hassan (a.s.). By so doing, his path was defined and his character was formed.

One day he was asked, "How great is your fear of your Lord?"

"No one would be secure on the Day of Judgment except those who feared Allah in this life," he replied.

His face would turn pale, and he would tremble at the time of doing his ablution. He was asked about this and answered,

"Whoever stands in the presence of the Almighty Allah is not to blame if his color turns pale and his limbs shake."

On the night before the tenth of the month of Muharram, Imam Hussein (a.s.) asked the Ummayyad army to delay the battle till the following morning. He said, "This night we want to offer our prayers to our Lord, and we want to ask His forgiveness. He knows that I love to offer my prayer to Him, recite His Book, and pray much asking f or His forgiveness."

During the most critical and horrifying hours of the last day of his earthly life, he realized that it was midday and he had to perform his prayer. The battle of Karbala' was in full swing. He asked the enemies to stop fighting so as to let him and his followers offer their prayer. No better testimony than this can reflect the depth and strength of his relationship with Allah and his love for Him. He used to recite this supplication, "O Lord! Grant me the desire for the other world, till I realize that it is a real thing in my heart, through my apathy to this world. O Lord! Grant me perception with regard to the other world so much that I will seek the divine reward with acute longing, and flee from the bad deeds out of fearing You, O Lord...".

Imam Husain's Relationship with People

A look at the ethical side of Imam Hussein's (a.s.) character would be enough to shed light on the vividness of his relations with the ummah, for he was the most perfect and exemplary leader during his time. We don't mean that Imam Hussein (a.s.) was different from the other Imams in this respect. The nature of the relationship between the Imam and the ummah is actually outlined by the Divine Message. Imams represent it, as personified in their daily life. Following are some examples of that great, high and brilliant relationship.

Imam Husain's Humbleness

Once Imam Hussein (a.s.) passed by poor men eating crumbs of bread on a mat. He greeted them and they invited him to their meal. He sat among them and said: "If your food were not alms, I would have eaten with you. Come home with me," he asked them. There, he fed them, clothed them and provided them with money. One could easily detect the depth of his humbleness through examination of this vivid testimony, particularly when we take into consideration that Imam Hussein (a.s.) was the political and ideological figure who was appointed as the legitimate leader of the Muslims by Allah, through His Messenger (s.a.w.). As for his social position, he was so matchless and unique, that Ibn Abbas, the revered companion of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.), used to hold the stirrup of his horse when he would mount it. Ibn Abbas was older than Imam Hussein (a.s.), but he did this out of his respect for him. It is because of his glorious social status that the people would dismount from their horses and camels, on the way to Mecca to perform their pilgrimage, as long as he would travel on foot. Another example reflecting his humble nature is that of his acceptance of an invitation to having food with the poor. He encountered a number of poor men. Having had their food they hastened to ask him to share with them. He dismounted from, his horse saying, "Surely, Allah doesn't like the haughty." He partook of their food and said: "I have accepted your invitation. Won't you accept mine?" "Certainly, we Will," said they. He took them to his house and said to al-Rabab, his wife, "Bring us what you have been storing." He did care for the people. He would always help them, even though, for the most part, they wouldn't recognize his legitimate right. Shu'aib bin Abdul-Rahman is reported to have said: "On the way of al-Taf (battle of Karbala', wherein he was martyred) a mark was seen on the back of Hussein bin Ali (a.s.). Imam Zain al-Abideen (a.s.) (his eldest son, and the son who survived the battle) was asked about it. 'It is the trace,' he replied, 'of the bag, which he puts on his back (carrying food) to the house of the widows, orphans and the poor." This fact attests to his remarkable humbleness, his care for the ummah, his awareness and deep feeling of his responsibility toward the people.

Imam Husain's Forgiveness of the Wrongdoers

This is another one of his key attributes. Once a young servant of his did something which deserved punishment. When Imam Hussein (a.s.) wanted to punish him, the servant said:

"Who curb their anger." "Let him go", said the Imam.

"And those who forgive their fellow-man," added the servant.

"I forgive you," said the Imam.

"And Allah loves the charitable, sir," said the servant.

"I set you free, for the sake of Allah," said the Imam. "Henceforth I am going to give you the double of what I have been giving you."

These are only brief instances of the ethical side of the character of Imam Hussein (a.s.).

Aspects of Imam Husain's Thought

We deem it suitable to mention some of his activities in the field of Islamic thought. These texts testify to his great intellectual capacity, polished by the divine message and set on the right track by Allah, the Almighty. Nafi' bin al-Azraq, the head of the Azraqis who were among the Khawarij (those who mutinied against Imam Ali (a.s.) after the Battle of Siffeen), once asked him to describe his Lord Whom he worshipped. "O Nafi'!," Imam Hussein (a.s.) started, "Whoever uses symbolism in religious matters will always remain in confusion, deviated as he stumbles off the right path, sticking to deviation wherever he goes, straying off the right course, and saying bad, and worthless things. O son of al-Azraq! I can describe my Lord with the very words He used to describe Himself: Never recognized by the five senses. Never compared to man. Very close but not to the point of being touched. Very far but not so far that He can't be detected. He is One and can't be partitioned. Known by His signs. Described by His attributes. There is no god but He, the Great, the Exalted."

At that point Ibn al-Azraq wept and said: "What beautiful words are yours."

On his way to Karbala', he assessed the general situation, pointing to the great deviation the ummah had been drawn into, and talked about his determination to win martyrdom, in the following words:

"Life has certainly changed disguises and its good has gone forever. This has continued till the remaining good in it amounts to the thin sediment at the bottom of a drinking utensil. Life is a mean food, a pasture covered with bad grass. Do you not see that the truth is not followed and falsehood not discouraged? The faithful must certainly desire to meet his Lord righteously. I do not deem death other than felicity and life among the unjust other than suffering and boredom. People are certainly enthralled with life. Faith is only something licked by them. They take good care of it as long as it secures their living. But once put to the tests of tribulation, religious men should be rarely found amongst them."

With his sharp awareness, he defines the different levels of the relationship with Allah. He says:

"Some people serve Allah desiring (His rewards). It is the worship of merchants. Some people serve Allah out of fear. It is the worship of slaves. And some people serve Allah out of gratitude. This is the worship of the free. It is the best kind of worship."

He addressed the people, prior to the battle of Karbala', defining the characteristics of the Ummayyad rule, and analyzing the political and administrative situation from an Islamic point of view He said:

"...O people! the Prophet of Allah (s.a.w.) had said: 'Whoever witnesses an unjust ruler considering the prohibitions of Allah as permissible, breaking the covenant of Allah, opposing the practices of the Prophet of Allah (s.a.w.), treating His servant sinfully and cruelly, and had seen all these misdeeds but did not oppose him bywords or actions, Allah surely will punish him as He wills.'

"Certainly these people have come to staunchly obey Satan, and given up obeying the Compassionate. They showed mischief, stopped acting in accordance with Islamic laws, took Muslims' property to themselves, made the haram designated by Allah, halal, and turned His halal to haram. I am more entitled than anyone else (to make the change). Your letters arrived, and your envoys came to me carrying your pledge of allegiance that you will not hand me over to my enemy, nor will you f ail me. Should you stick to your pledge of allegiance, you have surely made the right decision. I am Hussein bin Ali, and the son of Fatimah, the daughter of the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.). I am, myself, with you, and my family is with yours. You find a good example in me. But, however, if you will not hold onto your pledge of allegiance, break your covenant, and throw off my pledge of allegiance, then, by Allah, it is not the first time you do it. You did it with my father, and you have done it with my brother, and my cousin Muslim bin Aqeel. He is certainly gullible who is deceived by you. You are missing your luck and losing your lot. He who breaks his oath, breaks it at his own peril. Allah will certainly compensate me if you leave me."

These are only scattered small examples of his great thought which occupies the center of original, serene Islam. Should the dear reader tend to know more about Imam Hussein (a.s.), he can refer to the books which dealt with his life. He will find out himself how deep and great were Imam Hussein's (a.s.) thought and faith.