Tuesday, June 16, 2009

12 Questions Concerning Fadak

Qur’anic verses and historical documents reveal that the land of Fadak situated near the Fort of Khaibar, formerly belonging to the Jews, was the personal property of the Holy Prophet (p.b.u.h). It was neither a government property owned by the treasury nor was it war booty. The seventh verse of Surah Hashr, explains the point in detail:

Whatever Allah has restored to His Apostle from the people of the towns, it is for Allah and for the Apostle, and for the near of kin and orphans and the needy and the wayfarer, so that it may not be a thing taken by turns among the rich of you. . . (59: 7)

Fadak was a piece of land that had come in possession of the Prophet (p.b.u.h) without waging a war. In the seventh century, the people of that place had handed it over to the Muslims fearing reprisal. As it was given voluntarily, this land automatically became the personal property of the Holy Prophet (p.b.u.h), and had nothing to do with the government. The fact was accepted by many commentators and historians. For reference, we are quoting a few names: Bilazaris ‘Futuh al-Bildaan’; Shaykh Shahabudin Hamui in ‘Mojam al-Bildaan’ under the word ‘Fadak’; Mohammad Ibn Jurair Tabari in his ‘Tarikh al-Umam wal Molook’, vol.3, p. 14; Ibn Atheer in ‘Al-Kaamil’, vol.3, p.221; Ibn Abil Hadeed in ‘Sharh-e-Nahjul Balagha’, vol. 16, p.210

All the Sunni commentators while explaining the 28th verse of Surah Bani Israel state that the Holy Prophet (p.b.u.h) had gifted Fadak to Janabe Fatima Zahra (p.b.u.h). Thus, automatically it becomes the personal property of Hazrat Fatima Zahra (p.b.u.h). Just to prove our point, the following books may be referred to: Suyooti’s ‘Durrul Mansoor’, vol. 5, p.273; Hakim-e-Haskani’s ‘Shawaahed ut-Tanzeel’, vol. 1, p.240. Both these authors have quoted from Abu Saeed Khudri and Ibn Abbas. Also, the following learned men have explained and confessed that the Holy Prophet (p.b.u.h) has gifted Fadak to Fatima Zahra (p.b.u.h): Qazi Abdul Jabbar Motazali, Yaqoote Hammui, Ibn Abil Hadeed, Abdul Fattah Abdul Maqsood-e-Misri, etc…

After receiving Fadak from the Holy Prophet (p.b.u.h), Fatima Zahra (p.b.u.h) had appointed her own employees there. Thus Fadak remained of the Prophet (p.b.u.h). The first Caliph could not bear to see Fadak in the hands of Fatima (p.b.u.h). So he sent his henchmen to Fadak to drive away the appointees of Fatima Zahra (p.b.u.h) and grabbed possession. Ameeral Mo’mineen Hazrat Ali (p.b.u.h) has penned a very meaningful sentence in his book Nahjul Balagha saying that Under the sky what we were having was Fadak”, which proves that the due of Ahlul Bayt was not given. Whereas how many people have applied their charitable disposition and broad based outlook? Of course, God is an Excellent Arbiter. (Nahjul Balagha, Letter no. 45).

Janabe Fatima Zahra (p.b.u.h), protesting against the step of the government went to the Mosque. There she sat behind the curtain and addressed the first Caliph in the presence of all the people. She questioned him and put up a claim for the return of Fadak, that was given to her by the Holy Prophet (p.b.u.h) and that it had become her property. The first Caliph did not entertain her claim and refuted it by saying that the Prophet (p.b.u.h) had not gifted it to her, and asked her to produce witnesses to the effect that Fadak was her property. Janabe Fatima (p.b.u.h) then produced six witnesses three males and three females, comprising Hazrat Ali (p.b.u.h), Imam Hasan (p.b.u.h), Imam Husain (p.b.u.h), Ummul Mo’mineen Janabe Umme Salma, Umme Aiman, maid of the Holy Prophet (p.b.u.h) and Asma Binte Umais, the wife of the first Caliph himself (may God be pleased with her). The first Caliph did not accept the testimony of these witnesses and continued his occupation of Fadak. Even after adopting this attitude the first Caliph could not gain much. First, because the Holy Prophet (p.b.u.h) had himself given it to her. Second, because she (Fatima (p.b.u.h)), being the only daughter of the Prophet (p.b.u.h), it was her parental inheritance. She had to advance the plea of inheritance because her first plea was not accepted by the first Caliph. At this juncture, the Caliph recited a hadith on his own authority (without substantiating it from any source) saying that, “We prophets do not leave behind any property, and if at all something remains, it belongs to all Muslims.” Janabe Fatima (p.b.u.h) took exception to it, and contradicted the authenticity of this hadith and said it is against the spirit of the Qur’an. Qur’an on numerous places had said about the worldly property of the prophets. When Fatima (p.b.u.h) could no longer bear the Caliph’s obstinacy, she returned home displeased. After that incident, she never spoke with both first and second Caliphs. According to Ibn Qutaybah (’Al-Imamah wal-Siyaasah’), she cursed them after every prayer. And during her last days, she had requested Hazrat Ali (p.b.u.h) not to permit these persons to accompany her funeral. Keeping all this in mind, some questions would automatically arise in the minds of decent persons who believe in truth and justice. We therefore, would like to pose a few questions:

1. Regarding the claim of Fadak, the claim of Fatima (p.b.u.h) was enough because Janabe Fatima (p.b.u.h) is the main spirit of the verse of Tatheer. She would never talk or utter anything which is not true and correct. Under these circumstances, non-acceptance of her claim tantamounted to casting aspersions on Ayat Tatheer wherein God had certified the purity of the characters of the persons of the Cloak.

2. Why the witnesses of Hazrat Ali (p.b.u.h) and others were not accepted when the Holy Prophet (p.b.u.h) had repeatedly said, “Wherever Ali (p.b.u.h) goes, Truth goes with him.” Ayat Tatheer was revealed in connection with Hazrat Imam Hasan and Imam Husain (p.b.u.h). Were not these two princes, the leaders of the youths of Paradise? Why the witness of Umme Salma, may God be pleased with her, and Umme Aiman, was not accepted even thought they were among those promised paradise by the Holy Prophet (p.b.u.h)? Whether the Qur’an for giving witness was not complete? No, because the witness of two men and one woman or two women and one man was enough to complete the Qur’an. Were the witnesses not the upholders of justice? Leave alone the question of being upholders of justice, their infallibility personified.

3. Before arriving at the decision, the wtinessess of Janabe Fatima (p.b.u.h) were driven out. Why? Whther this act was not to be construed as tyrannical or that of high-handedness?

4. This is an undisputed act of Muslim Law that whoever is in possession of anything, be it a property or anything else, it belongs to the person who is possessing it. He would simply say under the oath that a certain property belongs to him. Moreover, witnesses are required by the party who is claiming and not by the one who is having the property in his possession. Under this law calling for witness does not conform with the requirements of Justice. Thus, calling for witnesses from Fatima Zahra (p.b.u.h) was not right. Her responsibility was to simply say an oath. Presenting witnesses was the duty of the first Caliph. Why then Islamic law was tampered with and circumvented?

5. On many occasions, the first Caliph had agreed to the problems presented by the companions of Prophet (p.b.u.h) without calling for witnesses. For instance, once Janab Jabir came to the Caliph saying that the Prophet (p.b.u.h) had promised that he would pay him some amount.

The first Caliph paid him one thousand five hundred dirhams without calling for witnesses. Similarly, once Abu Basheer Maazani had said that the Prophet (p.b.u.h) had promised to pray him some amount. The Caliph paid him 1400 dirhams (Sahih Bukhari).

Then what was the reason, that in these cases no witnesses were called for. In some cases only companionship of Prophet (p.b.u.h) was enough for consideration. But, in the case of the Prophet’s daughter why witnesses were required? There were the very persons about whom the verse of Tatheer was revealed.

6. When Fadak was not considered as a property of Fatima (p.b.u.h), why then on previous occasion the first Caliph had issued a certificate of property in her favour, when earlier she had represented in the matter? Why then the second Caliph seeing the certificate in the hands of Fatima (p.b.u.h) had torn it into pieces and had spat on it? (Sharh Nahjul Balagha, of Ibn Abil Hadeed vol. 16, p.174; Seera Halbiya, vol. 3, p.362)

When Fadak was not the property of Janabe Fatima (p.b.u.h), why was it given to her in the first instance? And if at all it was hers, why was it usurped?

7. If the first Caliph was right in the case of Fadak, then why did he repeatedly repent at the time of remembering Fadak? And why he himself was ashamed of his own act?

8. The hadith that was quoted by the first Caliph for not conceding Fadak was clearly against the spirit of the Qur’an. In Qur’an, there is reference to the property of Sulaiman, Dawood, ‘Aal-e-Yaqub, Zacharia and Yahya – all of them were prophets and property holders (Surah Naml, verse 16; Surah Mariam, verse 46).

Apart from the above, Janabe Fatima Zahra (p.b.u.h) was infallible, virtue and honest. Why then her statement was not taken as true? The hadith recited by the first Caliph was not conforming with Qur’anic spirit and teachings, and hence, cannot be accepted. Why then was Fatima Zahra (p.b.u.h) deprived and denied her own property?

9. If it is true, that the Messenger of Allah had not let any property and if at all there is any, it belongs to the government or to all Muslims, why then the wives of the Prophet (p.b.u.h) specially Abu Bakr’s daughter, Ayesha, were not told to vacate possession of their premises? This was also the property left by the Prophet (p.b.u.h). Whether the denial of the right of property was applicable only to Janabe Fatima Zahra(p.b.u.h)?

10. If the property left by the Holy Prophet (p.b.u.h), does not belong to any particular person, then why did Abu Bakr seek permission only from his own daughter, Ayesha, for getting buried besides the Prophet (p.b.u.h)?

If at all the inheritance of property is considered, the wives are not entitled to get a share in it. At the most they can have residential rights. If the property rights are accepted, in the presence of children, a wife’s share is only 1/8th. And in this very 1/8th only, all wives would get equal share. If it is to be distributed among nine wives, the share of each wife would come to 1/72. In this way, Ummul Mo’mineen, Ayesha could give permission only upto her own share. Why other were not approached and consulted?

11. If it is accepted that the Holy Prophet (p.b.u.h) did not gift Fadak to Janabe Fatima (p.b.u.h) and that there was no property belonging to the Holy Prophet (p.b.u.h), even then, why were the Ahlul Bayt deprived of the Khums of the Khaibar and the wars? Has Qur’an not ordained to pay Khums to all your relatives (Zul Qurba) (Surah Tawba: 41, Surah Isra: 28)? In regards to booty, the question of inheritance does not arise.

12. Had the argument and the stand of the Khilafat been right regarding Fadak, then why Omar II, Omar bin Abdul Aziz, Omavi, Saffah, Mehdi and Mamoon Abbasi, had made offers to return Fadak to the progeny of Janabe Fatima (p.b.u.h)?

If it was the property of all followers of Islam, then why the third Caliph gave it to Marwan? After that, Muavia distributed it amongst his son, Hakam’s son, the son of Osman?

Thereafter, why was it retaken into possession by Yazid bin Abdul Malik, Mansoor Dawaaneqi and Mutawakkil Abbasi? (Bukhari vol.5, p.3; Tarikh of Ibn Atheer vol.5, p.288, vol.9, p.200)

The truth is that Fadak belonged to Fatima (p.b.u.h) and was her right. But the government usurped it, most probably for the reason that the land was fertile and populated. Its income was quite good, and it was the base of the economic resources of Ahlul Bayt. Or it was a step towards weakening the economy of Ahlul Bayt and to ease them out from religion and political mainstream.

Anyway, those who possess absolute faith in Qur’an and obey its orders, taking it as their bounded duty and for those who take Fatima (p.b.u.h) as the meaning fo ‘Ayat Tatheer’ and who consider Mubahala as the evidence of her truthfulness and take Surah Hal ‘Ataa in the light of her exalted character and purity, they are sure that in respect of Fadak, Janabe Fatima (p.b.u.h) was absolutely right and that it was her due. In the words of Qur’an, “After truth, there is nothing but erring.”

When they are told not to commit corruption in the land, they reply, “We are only reformers.” They are corrupt but do not realize it. When they are told to believe as everyone else does, they say, “Should we believe as fools do?” In fact, they are fools but they do not know it.” (Holy Qur’an)

Qur'an, Fatema, Fadak

When the verse, “And render to the kindred their due rights..” (17:26) was revealed, the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.) remarked, “O Fatema! Fadak is yours.”
Behaarul Anwaar Chapter 11 Vol. 29 Pg. 105

THE MIRACLES IN THE HOLY SHRINE OF AMEERUL MOMINEEN (A.S.)

Numerous miracles have occurred near the holy grave in the sacred mausoleum of Ameerul Momineen Ali Ibn Abi Talib (a.s.). Although enlisting all of them is a gigantic task, nevertheless we have attempted to bring a few of them over here for the benefit of readers.

(1) His (a.s.) miracle concerning Kamaaluddin Qummi:

It is narrated from Kamaaluddin Ibn Ghiyas Qummi in Irshadul Qulub:

I entered the Mausoleum of my Master (a.s.). I stood up after my prayer, ziyarat and entreaty. A nail of the shrine twisted in my coat and ripped it. Instantly, I spoke “I would want the recompense from you, My Master and none else.”

A man of a non-Shia dispensation, standing near me remarked jokingly, “You will surely get a coat and cloak.”

I travelled to Hilla, a small town in Iraq (with a predominantly Shia population) after the visitation. Kamaaluddin Ibn Qashm Nasiri had arranged for a cloak and coat to be taken to Baghdad. His servant approached me and said: The presence of Kamaaluddin Qummi is requested. He caught my hand, guided me to a room and covered (presented) me with the new cloak and coat. I came out of the room and moved towards Ibn Qashm, saluted him and began to pay him respect, when he looked towards me with disdain. Turning to his servant, he spoke: I had solicited for such and such person. The servant entreated, master I have brought the person you had called for, you can confirm this in the gathering present and he is the same Kamaaluddin Qummi. I interjected; O chief! It is not you who presented me this dress; rather, it is Ameerul Momineen (a.s.).

I narrated the entire incident on his request. On hearing it, he fell in prostration and said: All appreciation is for Allah, who has bestowed this honour through me.[1]

(2) The blind one of Tikrit:

Narrated from Shaikh Husain Ibn Abdul Karim Gharavi:

A blind man entered the holy shrine of Ameerul Momineen (a.s.), due to extreme age, his eyeballs had loosened in their sockets. After frequent supplications and numerous entreaties, he stood before the mausoleum and spoke in a not-too-polite-manner with Ameerul Momineen (a.s.). Many a times, I thought of reprimanding him for such a manner of speech, but changed my mind at the last moment. This continued for some time. One day, I heard a lot of commotion outside the shrine. I thought either some wheat had arrived from Baghdad or maybe somebody had been murdered. I came out to investigate and was told that the eyesight of a blind man had been restored. I thought to myself: I wish it’s the same blind old man. I moved forward to the courtyard of the shrine and found that it was indeed the same man. I thanked God.

My revered father has added a sentence to this incident. He says: When the blind man spoke to Imam (a.s.), he spoke in a manner as if someone was actually sitting before him. One of his harsh statements was thus: I come and go from your presence while those who are not among your friends get cured.[2]

(3) A Christian

Ali Ibn Yahya Ibn Husain Tahhal Miqdadi has narrated from his father who has recounted from his father: A man of handsome countenance and beautiful attire came to me and said after presenting two Dinars, ‘Take them and allow me inside the shrine, locking it up that I may occupy myself in prayer without interruption.’ I took the money, accepted the request and went off to bed after locking him up. I saw Ameerul Momineen (a.s.) in my dream. Imam (a.s.) ordered:

Get up and remove him from my mausoleum. He is a Christian.

Ali Ibn Tahhal woke up. He tied the neck of the man in a rope and reprimanded: Get up and go. You are a Christian. Trying to cheat with the two dinars, are you?

He refuted: I am not a Christian.

I said: No, you are a Christian. For, Ameerul Momineen (a.s.) has come to me in a dream and has instructed that you are Christian and to be removed from here.

He replied: Give me your hand. I bear witness Allah is One, there is no God except Allah, Muhammad (s.a.w.a.) is His Messenger and Ameerul Momineen (a.s.) is the caliph of Allah. By the Almighty, nobody knew me when I left Syria and nobody is familiar with me in Iraq.

He spent the rest of his life as a model Muslim.[3]

(4) A Century of Service in the sacred shrine of Ameerul Momineen (a.s.)

It happened in 501 A.H. when inflation was at its peak in the holy city of Najaf. Even bread was beyond the reach of the common man. Forty days passed by. People had starting moving for the villages due to scarcity and poverty. The only (poor) person remaining was the caretaker of the sacred shrine of Ameerul Momineen (a.s.), Abul Baqaa Sawiqah who was aged a hundred and ten years and was weak of body. However, despite all the calamities, he was not ready to the leave the proximity of the shrine of Imam (a.s.). Nevertheless, his wife and daughters implored: the severity of destitution has become unbearable. You should travel to seek your fortune like the others. A solution might unravel itself to solve the tribulation. Abu Qasim decided to go. He came to the sacred shrine, completed his prayers and ziyarat and then came towards the head of the shrine and pleaded forgiveness: My Master! I have been serving you for a century and have never parted from you. But, destitution and poverty has made life difficult for me and my family. Even so, parting from you is hard. Nevertheless, with a heavy heart, I have come to bid goodbye and depart from this place.

Saying this, he left. Abul Baqaa had started the journey in a rented carriage with other passengers. Najaf was now in the distance. They stopped at a place for rest. Abul Baqaa too lied down to rest and immediately fell asleep. Imam Ali (a.s.) visited him in his dream and said:

O Abul Baqaa, are you leaving me after such a long duration of service?

Abul Baqaa got up crying. The people with him became concerned. ‘Why are you weeping so bitterly?’ they asked. He explained the dream to them and immediately returned to Najaf. The daughters complained on seeing him return but he explained the situation to them; went to Abu Abdillah Ibn Shahryaar Qummi for the keys to the mausoleum and resumed his duties.

Abul Baqaa narrates, ‘Three days after this episode, a person entered the shrine carrying a heavy load on his back, akin to the one who travels to Makkah for pilgrimage. He extracted a dress from it, wore it and entered the sacred shrine. After the customary ziyarat and prayer, he gave me some money and instructed, ‘Bring some food.’ Abul Baqaa did as requested and brought some bread, milk and dates. He again asked for some chicken and bread which I brought for him.

Abul Baqaa then prayed his afternoon prayers and departed for his home. The traveller came along with him, and everyone shared the food. After the meal and the washing of hands, the man instructed Abul Baqaa, ‘Bring some scales to weigh gold.’

Abul Baqaa, brought the scales along with big and small weights from a gold smith named Zaid Ibn Waqisah, including the weights required for grains. The visitor bunched all the weights into one end of the scale and piled the other end with gold from a bag. The deed done, he gathered the gold and gave it to the caretaker of the shrine. What remained went back to the sack. Now he changed back to the old dress. The caretaker enquired; O Master! What do I do with this? He replied, ‘It is yours to keep. It has been given by the person who has called you back into his service. I was commanded to give according to the measure of weights that he brings. If you had brought more weights, I would have given more.’

Abul Baqaa fainted. The visitor had gone. The situation of Abul Baqaa changed. He married his daughters and the household prospered. And due to the miracle and the mercy of our Master (a.s.), the troubles of Abul Baqaa had been solved.


[1] Irshadul Qulub, vol. 2, pg. 343. Biharul Anwaar, vol. 42, pg. 314.

[2] Furhatul Quraa, pg. 144. Biharul Anwaar, vol. 42, pg. 317, h. 4.

[3] Irshadul Qulub, pg. 437. Farhatun Nawaa, pg. 146.

Fatima & Mansoora

The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) said,
‘Fatima is named Mansoora in the heavens and Fatima on the earth.
She is called Fatima on the earth because her friends are separated (fatim) from the Fire while her enemies are separated from her love.
She is called Mansoora in the heavens because ‘…and on that day the believers shall rejoice, with the help of Allah, He helps whom He pleases…’ (Rum: 5-6) i.e. help of Fatima for her Shias.’
Behaarul Anwaar vol. 43, pages 4-5 narrated from Maanil Akhbaar

Friday, June 12, 2009

195 - thanklessness

"When some blessings come to you, do not drive them away through thanklessness."
Mola Ali (a.s) Ibn e Abu Talib (a.s)!
Ref: Nahjul Balagha (Saying # 012)

194 - unfortunate & more unfortunate

"Unfortunate is he who cannot gain a few sincere friends during his life and more unfortunate is the one who has gained them and then lost them (through his deeds)."
Mola Ali (a.s) Ibn e Abu Talib (a.s)

193 - if overpower enemy, then pardon

"If you overpower your enemy, then pardon him by way of thankfulness to Allah, for being able to subdue him."
Mola Ali (a.s) Ibn e Abu Talib (a.s)
Ref: Nahjul Balagha (Saying # 010)

192 - live amongst people in such a manner

"Live amongst people in such a manner that if you die they weep over you and if you are alive they crave for your company."
Mola Ali (a.s) Ibn e Abu Talib (a.s)

191 - when the world favors somebody

"When this world favors somebody, it lends him the attributes, and surpassing merits of others and when it turns its face away from him it snatches away even his own excellences and fame."
Mola Ali (a.s) Ibn e Abu Talib (a.s)

190 - why man is wonderful creature

"Man is a wonderful creature;
he sees through the layers of fat (eyes),
hears through a bone (ears) and
speaks through a lump of flesh (tongue)."
Mola Ali (a.s) Ibn e Abu Talib (a.s)

189 - A conceited & self-admiring person is disliked

"A conceited and self-admiring person is disliked by others; charity and alms are the best remedy for ailments and calamities; one has to account in the next world for the deeds that he has done in this world."
Mola Ali (a.s) Ibn e Abu Talib (a.s)
Ref: Nahjul Balagha (Saying # 006)

188 - the safest custody of secrets; key to friendship

The mind of a wise man is the safest custody of secrets; cheerfulness is the key to friendship; patience and forbearance will conceal many defects."
Mola Ali (a.s) Ibn e Abu Talib (a.s)

187 - best companion, noblest heritage, best signs of distinction

"Submission to Allah's Will is the best companion;
wisdom is the noblest heritage;
theoretical and practical knowledge are the best signs of distinction;
deep thinking will present the clearest picture of every problem"
Mola Ali (a.s) Ibn e Abu Talib (a.s)

185 - impacts of greedy, disclose hardship, no control over tongue

He who is greedy is disgraced; he who discloses his hardship will always be humiliated; he who has no control over his tongue will often have to face discomfort."
Mola Ali (a.s) Ibn e Abu Talib (a.s)

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Fatimah Az-Zahra, Perempuan Teladan Dunia


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Hari ini, 20 Jumadits Tsani adalah hari kelahiran Sayyidah Fatimah Az-Zahra as.
Tepat di hari ini, pada tahun ke-5 kenabian, rumah pasangan Nabi Muhammad saw dan Siti Khadijah as diliputi oleh suasana yang penuh dengan kebahagiaan. Karena di hari itu, mereka dianugrahi karunia ilahi yang begitu berharga, kelahiran seorang perempuan agung, yang tiada lain adalah Sayyidah Fatimah Az-Zahra as.

Kehadiran Fatimah laksana bunga yang mekar dengan begitu indahnya. Semerbak harumnya membuat jiwa-jiwa yang lunglai menjadi tercerahkan kembali. Kelahirannya mengakhiri seluruh pandangan dan keyakinan yang batil tentang perempuan. Saat Fatimah terlahir, Rasulullah pun menengadahkan kedua tangannya ke langit dan melantunkan doa syukur yang begitu indah. Dengan penuh suka cita, ia peluk si kecil Fatimah. Ia cium keningnya dan menatap wajahnya yang memancarkan cahaya kedamaian.

Sorotan mata Fatimah, membuat kalbu Rasulullah menjadi amat bahagia. Dengan lahirnya perempuan suci itu, Allah swt sepertinya membukakan khazanah harta karun alam semesta kepada sang Nabi saw. Sungguh benar apa yang dikatakan Al-Quran, bahwa Fatimah adalah Al-Kautsar. Allah swt berfirman: "Sesungguhnya Kami telah memberikan kepadamu Al-Kautsar, nikmat yang banyak. Maka dirikanlah shalat karena Tuhanmu; dan berkorbanlah. Sesungguhnya orang-orang yang membenci kamu dialah yang terputus".

Surat pendek ini merupakan pesan ilahi yang membuat hati Rasulullah menjadi begitu gembira dan ia benar-benar meyakini janji ilahi. Fatimah terlahir ke dunia untuk menjadi pemimpin kaum perempuan dan dari keturunannya akan lahir para manusia-manusia agung penegak agama ilahi dan keadilan.

Salam atasmu wahai Fatimah Az-Zahra as, perempuan yang paling utama, Salam atasmu wahai manusia yang paling dicintai Nabi, Salam atasmu wahai Fatimah, manusia sempurna.

Rasulullah saw bersabda, "Putriku yang mulia, Fatimah adalah pemimpin perempuan dunia di seluruh zaman dan generasi. Ia adalah bidadari berwajah manusia. Setiap kali ia beribadah di mihrab dihadapan Tuhannya, cahaya wujudnya menyinari malaikat. Layaknya bintang-gemintang yang bersinar menerangi bumi".

Keutamaan dan keistimewaan yang dimiliki Sayyidah Fatimah as bukan hanya disebabkan ia adalah putri Rasulullah. Apa yang membuat pribadinya menjadi begitu luhur dan dihormati, lantaran akhlak dan kepribadiannya yang sangat mulia. Di samping itu, kesempurnaan dan keutamaan yang dimiliki Sayyidah Zahra as mengungkapkan sebuah hakikat bahwa masalah gender bukanlah faktor yang bisa menghambat seseorang untuk mencapai puncak kesempurnaan. Setiap manusia, baik laki-laki maupun perempuan, memiliki potensi yang sama untuk meraih kesempurnaan.

Allah swt memberikan akal, kekuatan untuk memilih jalan hidup yang benar dan kemampuan untuk memahami hakikat alam semesta, kepada lelaki dan perempuan tanpa perbedaan. Kepribadian Sayyidah Fatimah yang begitu mulia, baik secara personal, maupun di lingkungan keluarga dan sosialnya menjadikan dirinya sebagai manifestasi nyata nilai-nilai Islam. Ia adalah contoh manusia teladan, seorang istri dan ibu yang penuh pengorbanan. Ia adalah contoh manusia sempurna yang seluruh wujudnya penuh dengan cinta, iman, dan makrifah.

Fatimah dilahirkan di tengah masyarakat yang tidak mengenal nilai-nilai luhur ilahi, penuh dengan kebodohan dan khurafat. Tradisi batil semacam membangga-banggakan diri, mengubur hidup-hidup anak perempuan, pertumpahan darah dan peperangan menjadi budaya yang telah berakar pinak dalam masyarakat Arab jahiliyah saat itu. Karena itu, Rasulullah saw pun akhirnya bangkit menyuarakan pesan-pesan suci Islam, menentang tradisi jahiliyah dan diskriminasi gender. Di tengah masyarakat terbelakang semacam itulah, kehadiran Fatimah, putri Rasulullah menjadi tolak ukur perempuan muslim.

Rasulullah saw, begitu menghormati Sayyidah Fatimah. Sebegitu mulianya akhlak Sayidah Fatimah itu, sampai-sampai Rasulullah saw senantiasa memuji dan menjadikannya sebagai putri yang paling ia sayangi dan cintai. Rasulullah saw bersabda: "Fatimah as adalah belahan jiwaku. Dia adalah malaikat berwajah manusia. Setiap kali aku merindukan aroma surga, aku pun mencium putriku, Fatimah". Suatu ketika, Rasulullah saw kepada putrinya itu berkata, "Wahai Zahra, Allah swt telah memilihmu, menghiasimu dengan pengetahuan yang sempurna dan mengistimewakanmu dari kaum perempuan dunia lainnya".

Dengan cara itu, Rasulullah sejatinya tengah memerangi pandangan jahiliyah yang melecehkan kaum perempuan. Beliau sangat menentang tindakan yang menghina kaum perempuan. Beliau tak segan-segan mencium tangan putrinya, padahal di masa itu, memiliki anak perempuan merupakan hal yang hina bagi seorang bapak.

Jiwa dan pribadi Fatimah mengenal konsepsi kehidupan yang paling luhur di rumah wahyu, di sisi pribadi agung Rasulullah saw. Setiap kali Rasulullah memperoleh wahyu, dengan penuh seksama Sayyidah Fatimah mendengarkan ajaran hikmah yang disampaikan oleh sang Ayah kepadanya. Sebegitu mendalamnya cinta kepada Allah dalam diri Fatimah, sampai-sampai tak ada apapun yang diinginkannya kecuali keridhoan Allah swt. Ketika Rasulullah saw berkata kepadanya, "Wahai Fatimah, apapun yang kamu pinta saat ini, katakanlah. Sebab Malaikat pembawa wahyu tengah berada di sisiku". Namun Fatimah menjawab, "Kelezatan yang aku peroleh dari berkhidmat kepada Allah, membuat diriku tak menginginkan apapun kecuali agar aku selalu bisa memandang keindahan Allah swt".

Masa kanak-kanak Fatimah berlangsung di masa-masa dakwah Islam yang paling sulit. Puncak kesulitan itu terjadi di masa tiga tahun pemboikotan keluarga Bani Hasyim di Syi'b Abu Thalib yang dilakukan oleh kaum kafir Quraisy Mekkah. Tragisnya lagi di masa yang demikian sulit itu, Fatimah mesti kehilangan ibunda tercintanya, Sayyidah Khadijah as. Kepergian sang ibunda, membuat tanggung jawab Sayyidah Fatimah untuk merawat ayahandanya, Rasulullah saw kian bertambah. Di masa-masa yang penuh dengan cobaan dan tantangan itu, Sayyidah Fatimah menyaksikan secara langsung pengorbanan dan perjuangan yang dilakukan ayahandanya demi tegaknya agama ilahi.

Begitu juga dengan masa-masa awal pernikahannya dengan Imam Ali as saat berada di Madinah. Di masa itu, Sayyidah Fatimah juga melewati masa-masa sulit peperangan dengan kaum musyrikin. Ia pun selalu menjadi tumpuan hati Imam Ali di masa-masa yang sangat kritis saat itu. Saat suaminya pergi ke medan laga, ia menangani seluruh urusan rumah tangganya, merawat dan mendidik putra-putrinya sebaik mungkin. Dengan penuh kesabaran dan kasih sayang, ia senantiasa berusaha menjadi pendamping yang selalu tulus mendukung perjuangan Rasulullah, dan suaminya, Imam Ali as dalam menegakkan ajaran Islam.

Pasca wafatnya Rasulullah saw, umat Islam berada dalam situasi perselisihan yang amat krusial dan terancam pecah serta terjerumus dalam kesesatan. Namun dengan pemikiran yang jernih, Sayyidah Fatimah membaca kondisi umat Islam saat itu dengan penuh bijaksana, namun ia pun tak segan-segan untuk mengungkapkan titik lemah dan kelebihan umat Islam di masa itu. Dia sangat mengkhwatirkan masa depan umat dan memperingatkan masyarakat agar waspada terhadap faktor-faktor yang bisa menyesatkan umat. Dalam khotbah bersejarahnya, pasca kepergian Rasulullah saw, Sayyidah Fatimah as menegaskan bahwa jalan yang bisa menyelamatkan manusia adalah berpegang diri pada agama ilahi dan menaati perintah-perintahnya.

Saturday, June 6, 2009

Lady of Light, the Tragedy of Al-Zahra (a)

Lady Fatima (a) belongs to the noblest family ever existing throughout the whole history of mankind. Her distinguished father was the very last messenger of Allah (s), a personality that the Holy Quran introduces him as the Best Paradigm. The mother of Lady Fatima was a pure lady named Khadija (a), a godly woman with unparalleled virtues and merits, who dedicated all her life and wealth for the sake of Islam. According to the Islamic calendar, Hazrat Fatima Zahra was born in the 20th day of the Arabic lunar month, Jamadi al-Thani, five years after Bi'thah (declaration of the message of Islam by Prophet Muhammad (s)) and 8 years before Hijra (migration of the Holy Prophet from Mecca to Medina).

The behavior of Holy Prophet toward his daughter Fatima was special. The Holy Prophet showed unique respect to his dear daughter; whenever Fatima came to see him, he welcomed her, stood up to show respect and even kissed her hand and made her sit at his own place.

On every occasion that the Holy Prophet (s.a) decided to go on a journey, Fatima was the last one to whom he bade farewell, and as soon as he came back from his trip, Fatima was the first one whom the Holy Prophet visited. Imam Baqir (a) and Imam Sadiq (a) have related that the Holy Prophet (s) never slept unless he kissed the face of Fatima (s) and placed his face on hers.

Yet, following the Holy Prophet's (s) death, whilst still overcome by grief of his parting, the tragedies that befell this great Lady did not cease but rather multiplied. Fatima flew by the wings of her sacred thoughts to the horizon of her past and the world of her great father, which turned after her father joined his Lord, to a shining memory in her soul. It supplied her every moment with feelings, sympathy and education. It roused in her joy and ease. Even if she was late after her father in the account of time, she did not separate from him in the account of soul and memory.

She had inside her an inexhautible power, a motive for a sweeping revolution, which never went out, light derived from the the very Prophethood of Muhammad; the soul of Muhammad lighting her way and guiding her to confront the gravest of tragedies; which if they had befallen upon day in its full radicance, would have turned it to the most starless of nights.

Friday, June 5, 2009

184 - Attitude during "civil disturbance"

"During civil disturbance adopt such an attitude that people do not attach any importance to you - they neither burden you with complicated affairs, nor try to derive any advantage out of you."
Mola Ali (a.s) bin Abu Talib (a.s)

183 - washing your stained heart

"When your heart becomes stained, then, to wash the stain from your heart by doing two... remember the death abundantly, and recite the Holy Quran abundantly."
Rahmatallil'Aalameen Rasool'Allah Muhammad (s.a.w.w)

182 - increase age, delay calamity, purify wealth..

"Nothing can increase the age accept the good deeds,
nothing can delay a calamity except charity,
nothing can purify your wealth except alms, and
nothing can blot out the displeasure of Allah
except crying in loneliness with the fear of Allah."
Rahmatallil'Aalameen Rasool'Allah Muhammad (s.a.w.w)

181 - the image of Mother Fatima (as)

Imam Hassan Askari (a.s) reported that his Fathers quoted Jabir Ibn Abdullah as saying:

"Rahmatallil Aalameen Muhammad (s.a.w.w) said:

'When Allah created Adam and Eve, they strutted through paradise and said:

'Who are better than we?'

At that moment they noticed an image of a girl like they had never seen before; from this girl came an illuminating light so bright that it almost blinded the eyes. They said:

'O Lord, what is this?'

Lord answered:

'This is the image of Fatima, the mistress of your women descendants.'

Adam asked:

'What is this crown on her head?'

Allah, the Lord said:

'Her husband Ali.'

Adam then asked:

'What are her two earrings?'

Allah replied:

'Her (two) sons, they were ordained in My ever-existent knowledge two thousand years before I created you."

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

180 - what makes Allah (s.w.t) will humiliate you in your house

"Do not search for flaws in the (personality of) faithful person to humiliate him, or else Allah (s.w.t) will humiliate you in your house."
Imam Zain al Abideen (a.s) ibne Imam Hussain (a.s)

179 - to rise against the oppression/ tyranny/ injustice

"As much time you'll take to rise against the oppression/ tyranny/ injustice, as much you'll have to sacrifice."
Imam Hussain (a.s) Ibne Mola Imam Ali (a.s)

178 - Never stop speaking truth in (the influence of) the fear of peoples

"Never stop speaking truth in (the influence of) the fear of peoples. Remember! No one except Allah (s.w.t) can make death nearer (to you) or take earnings away (from you)."
Mola Ali (a.s) Ibn e Abu Talib (a.s)

177 - never face any loss in the world if..

"You'll never face any loss in the world if you've truthful speech, bailment, courtesy and legitimate earnings."
Rahmatalill Aalameen Hazrat Muhammad (s.a.w.w)

176 - But every thing can be bought with them

"Good manners are, for what no prices is to be paid, But every thing can be bought with them."
Mola Ali (a.s) Ibn e Abu Talib (a.s)!

175 this world automatically will kneel down to you after being humiliated

"O Allah's Man! Worry about your religion while living in the world, this world automatically will kneel down to you after being humiliated."
Mola Ali (a.s) Ibn e Abu Talib (a.s)