The First Imam

It was Friday 13th of Rajab 30 Amulfeel Hazrat Fatima binte Asad, the wife of Hazrat Abu Talib entered the precincts of the Kaaba and prayed to Allah saying O’my protector ease my pain.’All of a sudden the wall of the Kaaba opened up and she, as if by some unseen force went inside the Kaaba and the wall closed. Ali (AS) the youngest son of Abu Talib was born inside the Holy Kaaba. She stayed inside for three days. On the 3rd day she came out through the door and Muhammad was waiting outside. She told Muhammad (SA) that the boy had not taken any milk. Muhammad gave him the first feed from his mouth and afterwards asked his uncle Abu Talib that he wished to adopt the baby. Ali entered the house of Muhammad from the very first day of his birth. Ali’s mother Fatima binte Assad Also lived there who looked after his own son as well as Muhammad(SA) so much so that later the Holy Prophet used to say that she was like his own mother.

Shah Waliullah, Mohadith-e-Dehlvi writes in the book “Izalatul Kholafa” giving reference from Imam Hakim in his Mustadrak Part 3, Page 483. Qud Tawatarul Akhbar Inna Fatimah Binte Asad woledat Aliyan Fi Jaufil Kaaba”. Another writer of the old school Sibtel Jauzi in his book Tazkeratul Khawas ul Umma, page 7 mentions the same fact that Ali was born inside the Kaaba.

Khawja Moinuddin Chishti Ajmeri mentions this fact in his famous Quartet saying that when Ali was born inside the kaaba the Sky and the earth was filled with a light and Angel Gabril announced that a child was born in the house of God.

Maulan Rume in his Mathnawi writes, “ O’one who travels to Najef to visit the tomb of Ali must know the fact that the pearl of the Kaaba lies there to give us security because of our intense love for him.”

Masoodi the famous historian writes in his book of history Muruj el Zahab, that Ali was born inside the Kaaba on the orders of Muhammad the Messenger of God.

It was after the adoption of Ali(AS) that he lived with the Holy Prophet in his house.

Wherever Muhammad(SA) went Ali(AS) was with him all the time. Even in the Mountain of Hira when Muhammad (SA)went for meditation Ali(AS) went with him most of the time. Sometimes they stayed on the mountain for 3 or 4 days. Some times Ali (AS) took his food their. In Nehjul Balagha Ali(AS) said that “ I used to go with the Holy Prophet like the baby camel goes with his mother.”

Some historians try to show that when Muhammad(SA) declared his prophethood Ali(AS) was the first among male children who accepted Islam. The implication here is that both Muhammad(SA) and Ali(AS) were non -believers before this declaration. This is against the Qur'anic verdict which says that Ibrahim was a muslim and he taught his children to be muslims so that when the Prophet was born among the descendents of Ibrahim through the line of Ismael he was born a muslim and so was Ali. The correct thing to say would be that when Muhammad (SA)declared his prophethood openly Ali (AS) immediately adhered to the declaration without hesitation.

The three persons seen in prayers in the Kaaba were Muhammad, Khadija and Ali before anyone else accepted Islam. For 3 years young and poor persons of Makka were accepting Islam secretly. The first open declaration came when the Qora'anic verse tells the Prophet to "come out openly and warn the people of your own clan." Invitations were sent to leaders of the Banu Hashim to come to the house of Muhammad (SA)for Dinner. Forty of them came, ate food and then heard Muhammad (SA)about his mission of ‘ No god but Allah and Muhammad(SA) as the messenger of Allah and whoever offers his help to propagate this religion will be his deputy and successor. No one stood up except Ali(AS). After announcing this 3 times Muhammad(SA) declared that Ali (AS)will be his deputy to his mission and will be his successor after him. People thought it as a joke that a 13 year old boy was to be a deputy of this prophetic mission. Even Abu Lahab jokingly told Abu Talib, go and obey your son to which AbuTalib smilingly accepted. Ali(AS) promissed to help Muhammad(SA) in his mission and kept this promise all his life.

The next thing which we see in the life of Ali (AS)is the reflection of this promise he gave at this place in front of the leaders of the Qoraish.

We see Ali(AS) protecting Muhammad(SA) from the abuses of the enemies of Islam. When Muhammad (SA)went to Taif a nearby town to preach Islam children of Taif hurled stones and it was Ali(AS)who protected the Prophet and drove the stone throwing children away from the Prophet.

As a youth Ali(AS) was strongly built, strong arms, wide chest and a very strong brave and shining face. Children of his age and even older to him were frightened of him and whenever they tried to mock the Prophet, they always ran away when they saw Ali (AS)standing by for protection.

Time passed and hostility of the Qoraish increased so much so that Muhammad (SA) was ordered by Allah to leave Makka. Ali(AS) slept on Muhammad’s bed without hesitation and when the non believers entered the house of Muhammad(SA) to kill they found Ali(AS) who was not afraid at all at the site of 40 swordsmen entering the house. When they questioned Ali,”where was Muhammad” he bravely replied, did you leave him in my custody? When after 3 days of Muhammad’s departure Ali returned all the goods entrusted to Muhammad to their owners, he set out to leave Makka for Madina with the rest of the family. Ali(AS) had with him his mother Fatima binte Asad, His aunt, the wife of Hamza, and Fatima, the daughter of Muhammad(SA) and many other ladies. Non-believers of Makka tried to stop Ali(AS) from his departure but Ali (AS)fought back, drove the infidels away and safely reached Madina. Muhammad(SA) was waiting for the family outside the precincts of the town. He entered the city with Ali(AS) and the rest of the family.

The Holy Prophet created a bond of brotherhood between the muslims, making Ali(AS) as his muslim brother saying O’Ali, you are my brother in this world as well as in the next.

Once the family settled in the newly adopted city of Madina their first task was to complete the mosque around which their houses were also built. Ali initially stayed with his mother but when he married Fatima the daughter of the Prophet he was given a house next to the Prophet by the side of the mosque. He had been betrothed to her several days before the battle of Badr. But the marriage was celebrated three months later. Ali was about 23 years old and Fatima was 18. This was most happy and celebrated marriage. The distinctiveness of their respectivecharacters blended so well with each other that they never quarrelled and complained of one another and led a happy and most contended life. Materially the couple did not posses much, spiritually they were at the highest level of assent. They had no worries if they go hungry or their clothes had patches.They would be more concerned if an orphan goes away from their door without receiving any food.

History records Ali’s life in Madina with the Holy Prophet for the next ten years as the most busy in defending Islam against the attackers from Makka. Ali(AS) was always the standard bearer of the Flag of Islam in all such battles and his bravery became legendary.

Ibne Abil Hadid, the Motazelli commentator of Nahjul Balagha says that: Ali(AS) had a personality in which opposite characteristics had so gathered that it was difficult to believe a human mind could manifest such a combination. He was the bravest man that history could cite and such brave men are always hard hearted, cruel and eager to shed blood. On the contrary Ali was kind, sympathetic, responsive and warmhearted person, qualities quite contrary to the other phase of his character and more suited to pious and God fearing persons.Ali’s bravery and piety both became legendry.Life in Madina while the Holy Prophet was alive was the most busy for Ali. But he remembers these times as the best times of his life. He says in Nehjul Balagha ‘ Life with my brother was a life of ease and happiness.’

The battles of Badr, Ohud, Khandaq and Khyber were fought in the defence if Islam and won on the hands of Ali(AS). He was not only the standard bearer of the Flag of Islam in these battles,but always lead the forces of Islam against Kufr and came out victorious. Khyber was the climax of these battles when Ali’s victory brought prosperity in the muslim ranks. Ayesha the wife of the Prophet said once that until the victory of Khyber we in the house of the Prophet spent days without food. It was only after Khyber that life at home became a little easier. Thus Ali(AS) brought an end to the hostilities of Quraish in three encounters of Badr, Ohud and Khandaq. Their best warriors were killed, their unity against Islam was crushed, their pride was humiliated and their prestige before Arab clans was lowered by him and by him alone. Khyber saw an end to the hegmony of jews in Arabia at the hands of Ali(AS).

The peace agreement of Hodaibiya was written by Ali (AS)and at the time of the peaceful victory at Makka, the idols of the Kaaba were demolished by the Holy Prophet with the help of Ali(AS).Details of these battles were shown in the life of the Prophet.

Battle of Honain.

The Victory of Makka brought many non believers into the fold of Islam. Broadly speaking there were three types who embraced Islam. Fear, greed and the true understanding of Islam and its principles. Some of the Makkans became muslims for fear of their lives, they were afraid that the Prophet would kill them, others were simply frightened that the Holy Prophet with the help of Angel Gabriel would bring the wrath of God on them. Then there was greed that Islam was now victorious, so if they joined in the good life would be theirs for free. Very few of them truly understood Islam and accepted it as a true faith. The Test of their true faith came immediately after the fall of Makka while muslims were still in the sweet pleasure of this bloodless victory,that various tribes outside Makka gathered an army of 20,000 in Taif to fight the muslims. The hostile tribes decided to attack at a vantage point at Hunain and selected two prominent places where they concealed their archers. The Muslims were proud of their success in Makka,but their behaviour during the encounter was timorous and cowardly. Qur'an tells us this in Sura Tauba V9 “God came to your help on so many occasions, on the day of Honain, your vanity in the number of your soldiers and your arrogance did not prove any avail to you, you were badly defeated and could not find any place of shelter, you started running away without shame.”

This encounter took place in the month of Shawwal 8th Hijri (Jan 630 AD). When the muslim army marched towards the place where archers were concealed the enemy opened the campaign with such a severe onslaught that the muslim army could not stand it. Their assault was fierce and confusion in the muslim ranks made the archers bolder and they came nearer and attacked from both flanks and from the front. The muslims could not stand the attack and started running without putting any resistance and where not concerned to leave the Prophet alone,(see Saheeh Bukhari)

The first battalion to run was the one in the command of Khalid ibne Waleed(Rauzathus Safa vol II pafw 137) This was followed by such a disorderly and tumultuous flight that only 10 people were left out of an army of 15,000 with the Holy Prophet. Eight of them were of Bani Hashim,(.Abbas, two of his sons, Ali and three other cousins of the Holy Prophet)

Abbas was shouting to the muslims to come back, reminding them of the oath of allegiance taken and promises made, but it was to no avail. Those who accepted Islam for greed , wealth and power were not willing to risk their lives.Many of them who had carefully hidden their enmity from the rising power were happy at the defeat. They gathered round Abu Sofian, started congratulating him and saying, "The magical circle of the lying Prophet is broken,” They were praying for the return of Polytheism. ^1.

Once again it fell to the lot of Ali(AS) to save the Holy Prophet and the Islam. Armies of Bani Hawaazen and Banu Saqeef under cover of their archers were rushing the hillock and were getting ready for a fierce onslaught. Ali(AS) divided the small band of faithful true muslims in three divisions; to Abdullah Ibne Masood, Abbas ibne Abdul Muttalib and Abu bin Harris has assigned the duty of protecting the Holy Prophet, to three he ordered to guard the rear and he himself faced the onslaught with only three warriors with him. He fought, wounded at many places,but continue fighting when he faced the commander of the hostile army, Abu Jerdal in hand to hand fight and killed him with one stroke of his sword. He alone killed over 30 of the enemy and with this bravery his aids also fought bravely and enemy was defeated.The day was saved, the commander of the enemy’s army was killed,their ranks were broken they had no courage to face Ali(AS) and they started retreating. The sight of the powerful army in retreat, made the fleeing muslims bold and they came back as victory was won for them ^2.

The defensive battles were over and the peaceful spread of Islam began. Ali(AS) was again in the forefront. He brought the whole tribe of bani Hamdan to Islam by preaching . Similarly when he was sent to Yemen he brought the whole country in to the fold of Islam by his sermons. This news so pleased the Holy Prophet that he bowed down in Sajdah to thank God three times and said loudly, peace be to Bani Hamdan and to Ali. Again in the year 10th of Hijra Ali’s sermon and preachings proved so effective that the whole province embraced Islam as one man.

In the 9th year of Hijra the famous event of Mobahela took place. Najran was a city in the province of Yemen. It was the centre of Christian Missionary activities in southern Arabia. The Holy Prophet had written to the Chief Priest of the City to realize the blessings of Islam. In reply he wrote that he personally would like to discuss the teachings of this new religion. His name was Haris. He was invited and came with a group of 14 priests. These priests as guest of the Holy Prophet. Long discussions took place during the course of 4 days of their stay in Madina. When Sunday came the Chief priest wanted to go out of the city to have their Sunday Service. Prophet Islam said that they all have permission to conduct their religious service inside the mosque of the Prophet which they happily did. Long discussions continued about monotheism verses trinity and it was realised that these priests were not open minded, on the contrary they were prejudiced against monotheism. The Almighty Lord ordered the Holy Prophet to explain to tthat “ Verily Jesus is as Adam in the sight of God. He created Adam from dust. He said unto him, Be, and he was. This is truth from thy Lord. be not therefore one of those who doubt, and whoever shall dispute thee, say unto them, “come let us call together our sons and your sons, our women and your women, our Selves and your Selves, then let us make imprecations and lay the curse of God upon those who lie. (Sura Ale Imran, V. 61) According to Bibi Ayesha when the above verse was revealed to the Apostle of God, he called Ali, Fatima, Hasan and Hussain and said, “Lord, this is my family (Ahlulbayt). The Holy Prophet took this small family with them to the open land outside the city where they all assembled to bring the curse of God on those who lie. When the Chief priest saw these faces, he told his companions that he was looking at the faces that if they call the mountain, the mountain will go them. Do not have Mobahela with them or you will be destroyed. On hearing this they all agreed to pay homage to the Holy Prophet and an annual tax for living in the Islamic State and withdrew from the scene.

Designation of Ali as successor to the Prophet

In history there were numerous occasions when the Holy Prophet designated Ali as his Deputy and successor after him. From the moment of Zulasheera to the time of the conquest of Khyber and the occasion of the battle of Tabuke the Holy Prophet made it abundantly clear that no one deserved more than Ali to be his Deputy and successor. But at the time of Ghadeer this was clearly ordered by Allah through a clear verse revealed on the Prophet. The Verse said,

"O’ apostle; proclaim the whole of that which hath been sent down to thee from thy Lord, for if thou dost it not, it will be as if thou hast not at all performed the duty of His Prophethood. And God will protect thee from evil men, verily God guideth not the unbelievers.” ( Sura 5 : V.67.)

The occasion was after the last pilgrimage in 10th Hijri. The Prophet delivered his Sermons on Mount Arafat, had the final rounds of the Kaaba and left for Madina. More than 120,000 pilgrims were coming out with him from Makka going to the North. Half way through their journey where the routes were separated for various pilgrims, the Holy Prophet ordered the whole caravan to halt. All those who went ahead were called back and for those who were behind they waited for them to arrive. The place was Ghadeer, near the pool of water. That is why it was named Ghadeer-e-Khom. When all assembled at this place the Holy Prophet stood up on top of the pulpit and said, "O’people, shortly I shall be called towards my creator where I shall have to give an account as to how I have conveyed His message to you and you in your turn will be asked as to how you have accepted and carried out the teachings. Now tell me what you will say”. Thereupon all the pilgrims declared as one man, "O’Apostle of God, we testify and declare that you have conveyed the message of God fully, you have strived your utmost to guide us to the Right Path and taught us to follow it. You were most kind to us and you never wished for us but our good, may God repay you for all that." After that the Prophet said, "Do you not testify that there is no god but Allah,that Muhammad is His creature,His servant, and His apostle, that there is the Heaven and the Hell,that death will over take every one of you,that you will be brought back from your graves that the Day of Judgement will surely dawn and human beings will be resurrected from their graves to account for their deeds. The whole crowd declared in unison, "We believe and testiy all this." Hearing this the Apostle declared, "I am leaving amongst you two most important things worthy of obedience, the Qur’an and my progeny (Ahlulbayt). Take care how you treat them, they will not separate from each other till they reach me at the fountain of Kauser.” Then he said, “ The Almighty God is my Lord (Maula) and I am the Lord of all muslims and have more right and power on their lives than they themselves. Do you believe in this assertion of mine?" They all in one voice replied “ Yes O’Apostle of God. Three times he asked the same question and three times he received the same affirmative reply. At this solemn affirmation he said, “Hear and remember that to whomever I am Lord or Maula, Ali is the Lord and Maula to him. He is to me what Aron was to Musa. The Almighty God be a friend to his friends and a foe to his foe, help those who help him and frustrate those who betray him. While saying this he raised Ali High over his shoulders in order to be seen by all the muslims assembled there. Thereupon the Holy Prophet received the final revelation: "This day I have perfected your religion for you and have filled up the measure of my bounties upon you and I am pleased with Islam to be your Deen,"(religion) (Sura 5 :V 3 ).

After performing this ceremony and receiving the above revelation the Holy Prophet came down from the pulpit and ordered a tent to be erected. In this Ali (AS)was made to take his seat and all muslims were ordered to pay homage to him and address him as Amirul Momeneen (Lord of the faithful) The first person to congratulate and address him as such was Omar Ibne Khattab saying, “I congratulate you, O’Ali, today you have become my Maula and Lord and Lord of every muslim man and woman. ^1.

The event of Ghadeer was on 18th of Zilhijja 10th Hijri, immediately after the last pilgrimage by the Holy Prophet. He then arrived back in Madina and lived only for 70 days after the event.(130 Prominent Companions of the Holy Prophet narrated this Hadith including the first three Kholafa-e-Rashidoon)

The year 11th AH was the saddest year for Ali.(AS) He lost two of his best friends. One of whom he loved and venerated like a father, like a master and like a dearest friend, the Holy Prophet(SA) who died on 28th Safar 11th Hijri, exactly 70 days after the event of Ghadeer. His death followed by the death of his dearest companion his wife Fatima, the Lady of Light.

Immediately after the death of the Holy Prophet who was buried by Ali (AS)with the help of his uncle Abbas and all the family of Bani Hashim, the news was given to Ali(AS) about the events at the Saqeefa that Abubakr was made Caliph. Abu Sofian heard the news came to Ali(AS) and told him that his Right was taken away from him. If he wishes, Abu Sofian would fill the city of Madina with horsemen to defend Ali’s Right of Khilafat. Ali’s reply was typical, he said,” since when you have become friends of Islam”, you want to create serious dissension amongst the muslims. You have always tried to harm Islam I do not need your sympathies or help.” Ali realized that any serious dissension at this stage would harm the cause of Islam. He had before him the example of Hodaibiya and he had been foretold by the Holy Prophet of all that would happen. Allama Ali Ibne Mohammed (630 AH) in his book Usdul Ghaba Vol iv page 31 says, The Holy Prophet had told Ali, your status is like that of Kaaba. People go to Kaaba but that August house never approaches anybody. Therefore after my death, if people come to you and swear the oath of allegiance you accept it and if they do not come to you then you do not go to them.”

Ali’s love for Islam was so intense, he could not,for the sake of wordly rule, endanger Islam. He knew fully well that a civil war at this stage would give chances to the jewish tribes of Banu Nuzair and Banu Qoraiza on the one side, and the Byzantine armies in thnorth with the Munafiqoon (hypocrites) the new converts on the third side to simply take advantage of the situation. When they would find the muslims busy killing each other they would literally cut them to pieces and Islam would totally disappear as a message of peace. Ali’s utmost desire was to see Islam and the Arabs in one piece and wanted the enemies of Islam to realize that Islam was strong enough to defend itself as “Deen”. even after the demise of the Apostle of God.,He had another important job to complete that is the completion of the collection of Qur'an with its Tafseer (explanations) according to the instructions of the Holy Prophet. Qur'an as a bwas already completed by the Holy Prophet, many copies were made and circulated among the muslim communities all over the Islamic world. What Ali did in the next six months after the demise of the Holy Prophet was to collect all the explanations of the various verses, reasons behind their revelation and their full context. This monumental job he completed in six months and brought before the muslims in the city of the Prophet.Unfortunately this was ignored by the ruling party and Ali(AS) took it back with him.Their comment was "this is too bulky and people will not understand it.”

The original remained with Ali (AS) all his life and then passed on to his son Hasan (AS) and then to Hussain (AS) which then continued with the Ahlulbayt of the Prophet. It is now with the 12th Imam (AS).

During the time of the three Kholafa, although Ali (AS) did not take part in any of the battles, he was always available when they sought his advice on religious matters. His position as the jurist was on the top of the list among the companions of the Holy Prophet. Omar Ibne Khattab the 2nd Caliph had given clear instructions that when Ali was present in the mosque of the Prophet no one should take precedence over him in answering questions on religious matters. In one such encounter during the time of the 2nd Caliph, a group of Jewish scholars approached the caliph and said, “ We have a few questions. If we get the answers to these questions correctly, we will accept the Islamic faith. “Ask whatever you want to ask," said the caliph. They asked the following questions.

1. What are the locks and keys of heaven?

2. Who was the messenger who was neither of the human nor of the jinn and who warned his people?

3. Which are the 5 beings who were created without the aid of ovaries?

4 What are one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven and twelve?

The caliph thought over these questions for a time, then said, I do not know the answers to these questions. I will take you to a man who is most knowledgeable in the commandments of God and the Prophet and the greatest among us. The caliph then brought the jewish scholars to Ali (AS). They asked the same questions to him. Ali(AS) answered thus:

1. The locks of the heavens are beliefs in more than one God, and its keys are the letters of “La Ilaha Illallah, Muhammad-Ur-Rasulallah.”

2. The messenger who warned his people is the ant who, when Solomon’s army was passing by, said to his people, “ Enter your houses so that the army may not stamp you out (without intention)”. So God states in the Holy Qur'an, “ Until they came to the valley of the Ants, said an ant (addressing the other ants of the valley) O” you ants’ enter into your dwellings, so that Solomon and his hosts may not crush you while they know it not”. (Sura An-Naml.V 18)

3. The five beings who were not born of ovaries are: Adam, Eve, the staff of Moses which used to change into a python, the camel of Saleh, and the sheep of Ibrahim (which was sent by God to become a ransom of the life of Ibrahim’s son Ismael).

4. One is God who has no partners, two are Adam and Eve, three are the substances ( i.e. non-living matter, plants and animals), four are the Heavenly books: Torah of Moses, Bible of Jesus, Zubur of Dawood and the Qur'an of Muhammad (SA). Five are the daily prayers. Six are the days of creation of the heavens and earth, as per the verse of the Qur'an: “ And indeed We created the heavens and the earth and what is between them two, in six periods and touched us not any fatigue.” (Sura Qaf V.38). Seven are the seven heavens, in the light of the Qoranic Verse: “ And we have erected above you the seven strong ones.”(Sura An-Naba V12)

Eight are those angels who bear the heavens, as per the Qur'anic Verse: “ And the angels shall be on the side of it; and above them shall bear that day ‘Arsh’(the throne of authority). of your Lord, eight of them (Sura Al-Haqqah.V.17) Nine are the nine signs given to Moses as stated by God: “And indeed we gave Moses nine clear signs (miracles); so ask the children of Israel when he came to them, Pharoah said to him; “Verily I deem you O’Moses one bewitched.”(Sura Bani Israel, V 101). Ten are the ten days, i.e. God had promissed Moses that he would stay on the mountain of Toor for thirty days, and later added ten more days to this duration, as it is stated in the Qoran.” And we made an appointment with Moses for thirty nights and completed it with ten more;” Thus was completed the term of his Lord, forty nights, and (before he went up) Moses said to his brother Aaron: You take my place among my people, act rightly and follow not the path of the mischief-makers.” (Sura Al-A’araf. V.142). Eleven are the brothers of Joseph, son of Jacob, as the Qur'an states, “When said Joseph to his father, O’my father; Verily I did see (dream) eleven stars and the sun and the moon,, I saw them all prostrating to me.” (Sura Yousuf.V.4) . Twelve are the Twelve water-springs manifested by the staff of Moses, as God states, “ And (remember) when Moses sought water for his people; said We, ‘Strike the rock with your staff’ Then gushed out therefrom twelve springs; each people knew their drinking place; “Eat and drink God’s provision, and commit not evil in the earth acting mischievously. ”(Sura Al BaqaraV60).

When the jewish scholars heard the replies of Ali (AS) they said, “We bear witness that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad(SA) is His Messenger and Ali(AS) is the “Wasi” and successor of the Messenger of God as Aaron was the Wasi of Moses. They all embraced Islam, went back to their tribe and converted all of them to Islam.(Kaukabe Durri).

After the death of Osman the 3rd Caliph Ali(AS) was elected by the overwhelming majority of muslims as the 4th Caliph. He was reluctant to accept the office of the caliph but when pushed by the majority , accepted it by saying that he was taking the reigns of wordly authority only to bring back the Ummah of the Prophet on the Right Path, though the value of this wordly khilafat is less than the sneeze of a goat. His position as an Imam and guide was already established during the period of three earlier khulafa, with wordly power he began the undaunting task of establishing the type of rule the Messenger of God had established during his time. Imam Bukhari mentioned in his Saheeh that the very first prayers which Ali (AS) lead in the mosque of the Prophet as the Caliph, many companions of the prophet said that “ today we have prayed as the Messenger of God used to pray”. But during the past 25 years many companions of the Prophet had, due to excessive wealth coming in from the conquest of the foreign lands, changed into the habit of living like feudal lords of the period of Jahiliya of pre-Islamic days. Ali (AS) as caliph warned them of the dangers of excessive wealth by these words. " Beware of the intoxication of wealth”.(Masudi,Muruj el Zahab).

The path of Ali (AS) was full of thorns and as soon as he tried to establish the austere path of the Messenger of God, he created many enemies. The first and foremost was the Governor of Syria Moawiya ibne Abi Sofian. He persuaded Talha and Zubair,when they were denied the Governorship of various provinces by Ali(AS), to start a revolt against Ali.(AS) Both of them left Madina, arrived in Makka and somehow persuaded bibi Ayesha the widow of the Prophet to start a fight against Ali.(AS) They left Makka for Basra and assembled an armyagainst Ali.(AS). He warned them of the dangers of war against the caliph upon whose hand they had taken the oath of allegiance, but persuasion from Moawiya and promises of Governorship of various provinces was so strong that they would not hear any advice. Ali (AS) left Madina in pursuit of these deviants and two muslim armies faced each other near Basra. When many companions of the Prophet saw this they questioned the validity of this war and cast doubt as to which party was on the right path. Ali(AS) replied in the most subtle way to these doubters. “ Truth cannot be identified from men, find the truth and you will find the deserving person”. The battle of Jamal was fought, Ali ‘s army was victorious, boTalha and Zubair were killed by their own men and bibi Ayesha was sent back to Madina under the escort of her brother Muhammad ibne Abibakr. She always repented this venture and asked forgiveness from God. When with the connivance of Moawiya her brother Muhammad ibne abi bakr was killed and his body was put into the body of a dead camel and burnt, she cursed Moawiya five times a day after every prayer, throughout her life..

The Battle of Siffin was also fought due to the deviant action of Moawiya against the Islamic State. Some companions of Ali’s army deserted him by accepting bribes from Moawiya and due to this deceitful action the battle of Siffin remained indecisive, no one won and no one lost. In the meantime this deviant group which were later named as “Khawarij” meaning deviant, began to spread trouble within the Islamic State by looting and burning villages and killing women and children that Ali(AS) fought against them and the battle of Nahrwan took place.

On the way to Nahrwan Ali(AS) passed a monastery. An old Christian monk who also claimed to be an astrologer of some repute called out, “ O’ army of Islam, ask your leader to come to me. Upon hearing this Ali (AS) turned his horse towards the monastery and approached the monk. Where do you go ask the monk. To fight the enemies of Islam, replied Ali(AS).

Do not fight now, because at this moment the stars do not favour the muslims. Wait for a few days when the stars will become favourable for you. Ali (AS) replied, do you defy Allah for this action we are taking on the orders of Allah and for His Deen.

Ali (AS) said, “ since you profess knowledge of the stars, tell me about the movement of such and such star.” The old man said, By God, I have never heard the name of this star. Ali(AS) asked him another question about the skies and when the old man failed to reply, said “ It is now known that you do not know about the skies. Shall I ask you about the earth? Tell me what is buried beneath your feet at the spot where you stand. I do not know said the old monk., “There is a vessel filled with so many silver coins and the coins bear such and such emblem. How do you know enquired the monk”. “ By God’s grace.” said Ali (AS). Then Ali proceeded to say that in the ensuing fight, less than ten persons of Islamic army would be killed where as less then ten persons from the opposing army would escape. The old monk listened astonished. As per Ali’s command, when the earth beneath the feet of the monk was dug, a vessel filled with silver coins was found exactly as described by Ali (AS)

Ali (AS) proceeded to Nahrwan and in the ensuing fight, the khawarij were thoroughly defeated. Out of the four thousand men of the khawarij only nine escaped and only nine men of the Islamic army were killed in this battle. (Rawdhatul Shuhada, Kaukab el Durri )

Returning from the battle Ali(AS) passed the monastery and when the monk heard the full story he embraced Islam immediately.

Ali(AS) also admonished him about his belief in astrology. He said “ do you think you can tell the hour when a man goes out and no evil befall him. Whoever testifies this falsifies the Qoran and becomes unmindful of Allah in achieving his desired objective and in warding off the undesirable.” Then Ali (AS) addressed to his own soldiers and said “ Beware of learning the science of stars except that with which guidance is sought on land or sea, because it leads to divining and an astrologer is a diviner, while a diviner is like the sorcerer, the sorcerer is like the unbeliever and the unbeliever’s place is in hell.”(Nahjul Balagha)

The four years and ten months of the Khilafat of Ali(AS) has been regarded by many historians as the best example of Islamic State after the Prophet of Islam’s death, in spite of the fact that the family of Abu Sofian tried their best to destroy it. Imam Abu Yousuf the famous disciple of Imam Abu Hanifa in his book about the history of Kholafae Rashedun declares above the title of his book that Ali’s (AS) time of Khilafat was the best in the management of the Islamic State and most just.

Many European historians mentioned Ali’s name with love and affection. Carlyle writes in his Heros and Heroworship that” Ali had such a personality that he was liked, loved and venerated by everybody. He was the man of excellent character loving and lovable, so intensely brave that if anything stood against his bravery it was consumed as if by fire, yet he was so gentle and kind that he represented the model of a Christian Knight.”

The famous Egyptian scholar Mohammad Abdoh relates a story about the time of the conquest of Alexandria during the reign of the 2nd caliph. They found a great library there and did not know what to do with it. Orders were issued from Madina that ‘ if these books are according to the Holy Qur'an, then we do not need them and if they say anything contrary to the Holy Qur'an then we do not want them. Therefore, in any case they ought to be burnt. (Akhbarul Ulama wa Aakhbarul Hukama of Ibne Quftee, pages 232 and 233,Printed Cairo). When Ali (As) heard the news of this, he tried to pursude them to refrain from issuing such order. He told them, “These books are treasures of knowledge and they cannot say anything against the Holy Qur'an. On the contrary the knowledge contained therein would act as commentaries of the Holy Book and would assist and help in further explanations of the knowledge as presented by the Holy Prophet. Knowledge is an asset for human beings and a birth right of man. It should not be destroyed.”

It was 19th of Ramadhan 41 Hijri while Ali (AS) was leading the morning prayers and was in the second sajdah of the 2nd Rakaat that Ibne Muljim’s sword fell and the life of the greatest warrior saint was taken away to his merciful Lord. The famous christian writer of Lebanon George Jurdaq writes in his books on Ali(AS) that with this one blow of the sword of Ibne Muljim the world was deprived of the person who, if had lived a few more years would have given the world a system of administration that future generations would have benefited for a long time to come.” In fact the letter to his Governor of Egypt Malike Ashter advising him of the “Do’s and Don’ts for a successful administration of the State is the hall mark in the annals of history”. We can only say that Ali’s supreme wisdom provides the guidance of a stature that mankind can aspire to.

Ali (AS) injured with the wound from the poisonous sword lived for two days. In these two days he dictated his Will and last testament to his son Hasan (AS) which is again a brilliant part of literary history. He advised his eldest son to love God and obey Him and to live for the service of the people in the way of God. “ And then do not forget to set apart the best of your time for communion with God, although every moment of yours is for Him, provided it is spent sincerely in the service of your people.”

Ali's (AS) sermons, collected by Sayid Razi in the 4th century (AH) are the examples of the most brilliant piece of Arabic literature that after the Holy Qor’an and the authentic Hadith of the Prophet of Islam, ever produced.

What Syed Razi could compile in Nehjul Balagha does not contain all the Sermons, letters and sayings of Ali (AS). Masoodi (d.346) in his famous book of history Muruj-al-Zahab says that the only Sermons of Ali,(AS) which have been preserved by various peop, number more than 480. These were extempore orations, people have copied them from one another and compiled them in the book forms’ they have cited them and quoted passages from them in their books. The famous companion and pupil of Ali (AS) Hasan al Basri had made such arrangements that one of his own friends would memorise the sermons delivered in the mosque of Kufa and relate the same in the next Fridays prayer in Basra. This shows the deep interest people of his own time had in these sermons and sayings.

Apparently out of these 480 sermons some were lost and Syed Razi could lay hands on only 245 sermons. Besides them he has collected about 75 letters and 489 sayings. Almost everyone of the sermons, sayings and letters collected in Nehjul Balagha is to be found books of authors who died long before Syed Raza was even born.

Here we quote a few selected sayings of Ali (AS) from Nehjul Balagha, The numbers given as they appear in the English translation by Syed Ali Raza from Pakistan.

1. During civil disturbance be like an adolescent camel who has neither a back strong enough for riding nor udders for milking.”( 1, page 568)

2. He who adopts greed as a habit devalues himself, he who discloses his hardship agrees to humiliation, and he who allows his tongue to overpower his Nafs debases the Nafs.(2 page 569)

5. Knowledge is a venerable estate, good manners are new dresses and thinking is a clear mirror. ( 5, page 569)

7. Charity is an effective cure, and actions of people in their present life will be before their eyes in the next life.( 7, page 570)

10.Meet people in such a manner that if you die they should weep for you and if you live they should long for you.( 10, page 571)

27." Keep walking in your sickness as long as you can."(27, page 576)-A simple cure through exercise and ignoring the sickness as much as possible)

31. Faith stands on four supports: on endurance, conviction, justice and Jihad.(31 page 576)

40. The tongue of the wiseman is behind his heart and the heart of the fool is behind his tongue.(40 page 579)

45. Even if I strike the nose of a believer with this sword for hating me, he will not hate me, and even if I pile all the wealth of the world before a hypocrite for loving me he will not love. This is because it is pronounced by the tongue of the beloved Prophet. O’Ali, a believer will never hate you and a hypocrite (Muslim) will never love you.( 45 page 580)

54. There is no wealth like wisdom, no destitution like ignorance, no inheritance like refinement and no support like consultation.(54 page 584)

64. The people of the world are like travellers who are being carried while asleep. 64, page 584)

67. Do not feel ashamed for giving little, because refusal is smaller than that.( 67, page 584)

90. The perfect jurist of Islam is he who does not let people lose hope from the mercy of Allah, does not make him despondent of Allah’s kindness and does not make him feel safe from Allah’s punishment.( 90 page 589)

117. Two categories of persons will face ruin on account of me; he who loves me with exaggeration and he who hates me intensely. (117 page 594)

146. Protect your belief by charity, guard your wealth by paying Allah’s share, and ward off the waves of calamity by praying.(146 page 600)

334. Beware of disobeying Allah in solitude, for the witness is also the judge.(334. page 648)

The famous French historian and Orientalist Gabriel Enkiri writes in his famous book ‘Le chevealier de Islam’,In the extremely superfine, grand and noble character of Ali, there were two traits which, it is difficult to believe that can be united in one man. Besides Ali, history cannot show any other man who has displayed these two qualities at one and the same time, and each one, in such a marked way that none can surpassed him.

1. He was the greatest marshal of his time (even of all time) and , 2. He was the wisest man who could explain and expound religion, philosophy, science, sociology and ethics, in a style which was not and which cannot be improved; what is more, he was such a great speaker that his speeches enchant you even fourteen centuries after his death”.

Read the book called Nahjul Balagha and find out yourself.

The Story of Fatima Al Zahra (A.S.)

The Prophet of Islam had only one daughter named Fatima. Her mother Khadija had two other daughters from her two earlier marriages. When The Prophet married her, both daughters came with her mother to live in the house of the Prophet. Hazrat Fatima (SA) was born five years before Bethat when Muhammad (SA) was about 35 years old and her mother Khadija was about 50 years old. She has many other titles. Zahra (Lady of Light) and Syedatun Nisa al Alamin (Leader of the women of the worlds). The Date of her birth was 20th Jamad al Akhar.

After the death of her mother Khadija, she looked after her father the Prophet of Islam so devoutly that Muhammad(SA) used to call her “Umme Abiha”, i.e. the mother her father. This was the hardest time for the family because in the same year Abu Talib who was the protector of Muhammad(SA) from the animosity of the Qoraish also died in the same year as Khadija. Muhammad (SA) married Umme Salama, an old widow after the death of Khadija to have someone to look after the household chores. When Umme Salama was requested to tutor the child Fatima (SA), the wise woman replied “How can I tutor one who is the personification of high virtues and purity. It is I who should learn from her.” Her childhood, therefore, was passed in a very chaste and modest environment. It was then that she saw her revered father preaching Islam in the most hostile atmosphere. The hostility of the Qoraish after the death of Abu Talib and Khadija was the strongest. Fatima saw and dressed the wounds sustained by her father due to the stones thrown on him by the non- believers who were ho to the preaching of Islam. She might have heard and seen that certain wretched women hurled rubbish on her noble father. She might have learnt of the plans made to put an end to her fathers life. But from all these things Fatima was neither frightened nor disheartened. She comforted her father, tended to his wounds even at that tender age. The entire family was blanketed with clouds of sorrowful gas a result of the almost daily humiliation and mockery to which her most revered father was subjected.

Migration

When the migration took place, Fatima was left in Makka with the rest of the Family which included her step mother Umme Salama, Ali’s(AS)mother Fatima binte Asad and many others. Ali(AS) was in charge of the family. He stayed in Makka for another 3 days to give back the deposits to the Makkans who entrusted these to the Prophet for safe keeping. After fulfilling this duty Ali(AS) brought the family to Madina

Marriage

After one years stay in Madina when Fatima(SA) was about 18 years old that proposals for marriage began to be received by the Prophet who politely refused to accept by simply saying that it is in the hands of Allah, that he was awaiting Allah’s decree in this matter.

Fatima (SA)was the model of Prophet’s teaching among women just as Ali(AS) was the best embodiment of his instructions and manly qualities among men. They were the most suitable couple to be married. But Ali(AS) was too modest to speak about it. After some persuasion from friends he finally went to see the Prophet in the mosque and proposed for marriage. Prophet told Fatima about it and asked her whether she would approve. After receiving her consent the marriage of Fatima(SA) and Ali(AS) took place in the simplest possible manner. Ali(AS)sold his shield of armour for 200 Dirhams,brought the money to the Holy Prophet who added a similar amount and asked his companions to buy household goods to set up home for the Holy Family.Marriage was solemnized by the Prophet himself and after marriage the couple went to live in a separate house next to the House of the Prophet around the Mosque.

Children

Hassan(AS) was born in the 3rd year of Hijra, Hussain(AS) was born in the 4th year of Hijra, Zainab was born in the 6th year of Hijra, Umme Kulsoom was born in the 7th year of Hijra.

It was in the same house that the famous Verse of Purification (Sura 33.Verse 33) was revealed on the Holy Prophet and its narration by Fatima has become so famous that it is read in every muslim house as Hadith-e-Kisa. The Reading of this Hadith brings blessings to the household.(Tafseer-e- Kabir by Al-Razi).

It was in the same house where this blessed family fasted for three days continuously without eating any food giving away their Iftari to a beggar, an orphan and a prisoner who arrived at their door and asked for food. The Verse in Sura Dahr revealed in praise of their extremely charitable act in the way of Allah.

It was in the same house where every morning the Holy Prophet stood outside and said loudly “Assalamo Alaikum Ya Ahlebaitin Nubuwwah” Peace and blessings on the people of the Household of the Nabi.

There was so much respect in the heart of the Holy Prophet for Fatima(SA) that whenever Fatima(SA) arrived in the mosque of the Prophet, the Holy Prophet stood up to respect her. This gesture was also to show the companions respect for women generally which was lacking in the Arabian society of the day.

These acts of the Prophet were to show the companions that this house and its occupants have a special place in the way of Allah and that this status should be maintained after the death of the Prophet. Unfortunately this was not done as the Holy Prophet intended his companions to do. History tells us some very sad moments connected with this house.

After the death of the Prophet when Ali(AS) did not come out to give his oath of allegiance to Abubakr, the door of the house was burnt down to get him out and in the process Fatima(SA) was injured. Her 5th unborn child died because of this harsh action of some of the companions and she herself died within 3 months of the death of her Holy father.

The following lines of poetry show her ordeal after the death of her holy father very clearly.

“After the death of my father My sufferings were so great that if such hardships fell upon days, the days would turn into nights.”

Fatima(SA) was a symbol of womanhood in Islam. How a daughter, a wife and a mother should behave in their ordinary lives. She was devoted to her father, looked after him when he was in distress by the hands of the non-believers of Makka, she was the exemplary wife, queen of her household yet fair to her maid servant Fizza to divide household chores between herself and the maid servant, she was a devout wife and the most loving mother to her children.

There were occasions when there was no food for the family, but she would never complain. Once Ali(AS) went out to do some work to get food for the family but returned empty handed. Fatima asked Ali(AS) what happened to the food. Ali(AS) said that he did earn some money and bought food, but while on his way home he met some poor hungry persons and gave away all the food to them. When the Prophet heard of this situation he brought some food for the family and told them that Ali’s charitable act was of the greatest value in the eyes of Allah.

The whole family was thankful to Allah and there were no complaints against anyone.

She would go to the mosque of the Prophet to participate in the prayers with all the ladies, she would go out in the battlefield to tend the wounded. In the battle of Ohud when her father was injured she tended him, cleaned his wounds, put some burnt wool on the wounds to stop blood flowing. When the Holy Prophet recovered, he thanked her for her great work in the battlefield.

Death Of Hazrat Fatima(SA)

On 3rd of the month of Jamad al Thani Hazrat Fatima(SA) died. This was about 90 days after the death of her Holy father. Asma binte Umais in the same house to help her household work tells the story of her death in a very moving manner. When the day arrived she prepared food for her children, then she told Asma that she was going to her prayer room. She would say Takbeer loudly at various intervals. When Asma does not hear the sound of Takbeer she should go out to the mosque and tell Hazrat Ali(AS) about the death of his wife. If in the meantime the children come home give them food before telling them about the death of their mother. Hasan and Husain arrived and Usma brought some food for them. They said they do not eat without their mother and she had to tell the children of the death of their mother. Both entered the prayer room and stayed with her for a while. Hazrat Ali (AS)arrived and prepared for the last rites. When he was giving her last bath he cried loudly. Asma asked the reason and he said he could not bear to see the wound by her side when the door of the house fell on her due to commotion by some of the companions of the Prophet when they all wanted Ali(AS) to come out of the house for the oath of Allegiance to Abubakr. After performing the last rites she was taken to the cemetery of Baqii in the darkness of the night for burial. Very few family members were present at the burial of the daughter of the Prophet. Some historians say that she was buried in her own house which became part of the Masjid-e-Nabavi during the reign of Umavi Caliph Umar Ibne Abdul Aziz.

Jannatul Baqii

This is a plot of land not far from where the mosque of the prophet stood and the houses of his companions around it were built as living quarters. This land was used as a cemetery for the muslims.

The famous writer Mustafawi writes in Nuzhatul Qulub, “The cemetery of Madina called Baqii lies to the west of the town and here is seen the grave of Ibrahim, Prophet’s only son and also the grave of his daughter Fatima. There are graves of Prophets grand son Imam Hasan, Imam Ali Ibnul Hussain Zainul Abedeen, Imam Muhammad Baqir and Imam Ja’afar Sadiq (AS).

For centuries there has been a marble slab over their graves and on this is written:

IN THE NAME OF GOD THE MERCIFUL THE COMPASSIONATE

PRAISE BE TO GOD WHO SUSTAINS THE NATIONS AND WHO GIVES LIFE TO DEAD BONES.

HERE IS THE TOMB OF FATIMA,THE DAUGHTER OF THE APOSTLE OF GOD AND THE QUEEN OF THE WOMEN OF THE WORLD.

HERE IS ALSO THE TOMB OF HASAN IBNE ALI;

HERE ALSO IS THE TOMB OF ALI IBNUL HUSSAIN;

HERE IS ALSO THE TOMB OF MUHAMMAD IBNE ALI AL BAQIR;

HERE IS ALSO THE TOMB OF JA’FAR IBNE MUHAMMAD EL SADIQ.

MAY GOD FAVOUR THEM ALL.

The cemetery of Baqii was destroyed by the Wahabis in 1932.

. A modern writer describes the scene as such: ^1.

When I entered the Baqii the sight which I saw was as if it were a town which had been raised to the ground. All over the cemetery nothing was to be seen but little indefinite mounds of earth and stones, pieces of timber, iron bars, blocks of stone and a broken rubble of cement and bricks strewn about. It was like the broken remains of a town which had been demolished by an earth quake. All was a wilderness of ruined building material and tombstones, not ruined by a casual hand, but raked away from their places and ground small.”

The writer of this book also visited Baqii in 1995 and found that the authorities have erected a wall around the whole area of Baqii incorporating also the jewish part of the cemetery in it to make it into one huge cemetery. A platform was built just outside the wall where people can stand and see the graves of the Holy Masoomeen and shed a tear or too. People were allowed to enter the inner circle of the wall after the Fajr prayers for two hours but were not allowed to go near the graves. They had to stand about 30 feet away from the place and can see the outlines of the graves. Besides 5 Masoomeen,there was a mark for the grave of Hazrat Fatima Bine Asad, mother of Imam Ali(AS).

This is Jannatul Baqii where the most beloved daughter of the Holy Prophet together with her children and grand children lie in wilderness without even a tomb stone over them.

Me'raj

Me'raj - The Physical Ascension by the Prophet (S)

The heavenly journey of the Prophet of Islam has been straight-forwardly explained in two Chapters of Qur'an.

Glorified be He who carried His servant at night from Masjid al- Haram to Masjid al-Aqsa, the precincts of which We have blessed so that We may show him of Our signs. Verily He is the AllHearing, the All-Seeing.
(al-Qur'an - Chapter 17, Verse 01)

Will you then argue with him about what he saw? He certainly saw him (Jibraeel) during his other ascent to the Lote-tree (in the seven heavens) near which is Paradise. When the tree was covered with a covering, (Muhammad's) eyes did not deceive him, nor did they lead him to falsehood. He certainly saw the greatest (signs) of the existence of his Lord.
(al-Qur'an - Chapter Najm, Verses 12-18)

From the apparent reading of the verses, the physical journey took place with the Prophet riding on Buraq and began from Masjid al-Haram to Masjid al-Aqsa - The Bayt al-Muqaddas. After the journey, the Prophet said:

During the Me'raj, I met with the various Prophets; I saw the angels; Heaven and Hell were shown to me; I was brought to the Arsh (Throne) and reached to Sidratul-Muntaha. I also met people in heaven who were being showered with the blessings of Allah and also I saw people in hell who were being punished by the harshest types of punishment; I was also informed as to why they were in such a state.

Faidh al-Kashani summarizes the above event very nicely in his book Me'raj - The Night Ascension, and says:

The Prophet of Islam began his historical night journey, along with the trusted protector of the revelation, the angel Jibraeel from the house of Umm al-Hani, the daughter of his uncle and sister of Amirul-Mu'mineen Ali, in the blessed city of Makkah.

With the aide of his steed al-Buraq, he traveled to Bayt al-Muqaddas, which (at that time) was located in the country of Jordan and is also known as Masjid al-Aqsa (the furthest Masjid). He disembarked at this place and in a very short period of time, visited various places inside the Masjid - including Bayt al-Laham, the birthplace of Prophet Isa al-Masih, in addition to the houses and other important places of the various Prophets. In some of these places, he even recited two units of prayer.

In the next stage (of his journey) he traveled from this spot to the heavens, where he was witness to the celestial bodies and the entire universe. He spoke with the spirits of the (previous) Prophets and the angels; he saw from very close both Paradise and Hell; and the various stages and levels of the people of paradise and those in hell. It was these unknowns of the creation, the secrets of the origin of the universe, the expanse of the world of creation, and the unlimited power of Allah, the Highest, that he was given complete knowledge of.

Subsequently, he continued on with his journey until he reached to the region known as Sidratul- Muntaha, a place that was covered in grandeur and magnificence. It was from this same path that he traversed that he returned, and upon coming back, once again visited to Bayt al-Muqaddas, proceeded on to Makkah and then to his home.

On the return trip, he came across a trade caravan from the tribe of the Quraish who during their journey had lost one of their camels which they were searching for. The Prophet drank from the water that the people of the caravan had with them and by the rising of the morning sun, reached back to the house of Umm al-Hani.

Upon his return, the Prophet told Umm al-Hani of the secrets (that he saw) and that evening, in a gathering of the people of the Quraish, lifted all the curtains of the secrets of the Me'raj and his journey and opened their minds to this event. The word of his travels spread from mouth to mouth amongst all the groups, and now more than ever, the Quraish were upset (with him).

The Quraish, as was their old-time habit, belied the Prophet and in the gathering, a man stood up and asked if there was anyone in Makkah who has seen Bayt al-Muqaddas so that he could ask the Prophet in regards to the physical building.

Did the Prophet describe the physical particularities of Bayt al-Muqaddas, rather, he even informed them of the event that took place between Makkah and Bayt al-Muqaddas - and it was not long after that the travelers (of that caravan) reported the exact events (as had occurred).

The Prophet Before Me'raj
The Prophet has said:

Every time I went to Me'raj (the minimum number of times reported for ascents to Me'raj is two and the maximum reported is one hundred and twenty. For more information, refer to Biharul- Anwar - Volume 18, Pages 306-307 and 387. Allah told me to convey His Salaam to you and to tell you that you are the Imam of His friends and the light of those who obey Him.

O Ali! I congratulate you for this honor. (Biharul-Anwar - Volume 40, Page 53. Amali of Saduq, Page 252)

Apparently, this has been the practice of Allah (SWT) since He created the one light of the Prophet (S), the first and foremost creation, and centuries before any other thing were created. In the form of light and energy, the Prophet is said to have gone through many decades and centuries of journey and transformation in which Allah taught the Prophet first-hand many things and made him the most perfect human being. In the end, the light was transferred into the human body and the Prophet of Allah was born. No wonder, the Prophet has remarked that he has moments with his creator ALLAH, that no angel or human can withstand - the experience is so challenging.

al-Majlisi (1627) writes in his Hayatul-Qulub that Shaykh Saduq (AR) states, on the authority of al-Sadiq (AS), that the Commander of the Faithful declared that the Most High, Allah (SWT) created the Sacred Light of Muhammad, the asylum of Prophecy, before the heavens or earth, empyrean or throne, table of decrees or divine pen, paradise or hell were formed. His light was also created previous to the creation of any other Prophets by the period of 424,000 years.

Apparently, only Allah and the Infallible (AS) can explain years here, as during that period even time was not created yet. The Laws we see today were not in effect in that era.

al-Majlisi (1627) continues the narration by Ali that:

In this light Allah formed twelve compartments; namely of Power, Greatness, Grace, Mercy, Felicity, Munificence, Official Dignity, Religious Direction, Prophecy, Exaltation, Majesty and Intercession. Allah then stationed that intelligent light in the compartment of power for the period of 12,000 years, and the journeys for this light continued. In the last journey to the compartment of intercession, the light cried for one thousand years - glory and thanks to the Mighty Lord!

The Most High then formed twenty seas of light, in each of which were a number of sciences that no one understands but Allah. He then commanded the light of Muhammad to go down through the sea of Glory; of Patience; of Humility; of Submission; of Contentment; of Faithfulness; of Mildness; of Abstinence; of Fear; of Repentance; of Good works; of Abundance; of Religious Direction; of Carefulness and of Modesty, till he had passed through the twenty seas.

When he came forth from the last sea, the Most High addressed him saying, O My Beloved! Best of My Prophets! First of My Creatures! Last of My Apostles! Be the Advocate on the Day of Reward! That light (of Muhammad) then fell into adoration, and when it arose, 1,24,000 drops fell from the light, from everyone of which Allah made a Prophet, thus completing the number of those sacred Prophets.

It is further reported that the Prophet, in the form of light and energy, dwelt under the Empyrean 73,000 years, and then resided 70,000 years in Paradise. Afterwards, the light was rested another period of 70,000 years at Sidratul-Muntaha (The Prophet visited this very place during the Me'raj in the human form). Emigrating form heaven to heaven it arrived at length in the lowest of these celestial mansions, where it remained until the Most High willed the creation of Adam, the Father of Mankind.

Me'raj, a Physical Possibility - A Note on The Infallible's Ability to be Present and Respond to Millions of Prayer, Salutations, and Requests at the Same Time
al-Ridha (AS) has said:

One who denies (any of these) three things is not among our followers: The Me'raj, the questioning in the grave and Intercession.

In brief, it is related in most reliable and authentic traditions that on this blessed night, the Prophet was taken from his resting bed to the celestial boundaries and the ends of the universe, and to a place where even angels were not permitted to visit. He was shown many secrets of the world, met many Prophets of Islam, and several orders and Islamic Laws were revealed and changed. All this happened in a very little earth time and the Prophet returned to his bed the same night and the whole event took place within a short time.

Moreover, as we shall note later, this kind of journey took place many times and by other Infallible and humans as well. The grandson of Ali, al-Sajjad (AS) was observed to travel hundreds of miles within seconds to bury his father and relatives who were left barren in the desert of Karbala, after the merciless massacre of his father. Ali (after his physical death) was also present at an instant when his daughter Zainab (AS) called for her the night after the killings of her brother and many relatives in Karbala.

Further, Ali is also reported to be aware of the Ascension and the possibility of his presence cannot be refuted. The Almighty could have allowed Ali to experience the same journey, as both of them were ONE light and energy. Mir Ahmad Ali (1988) writes that when the Prophet (S) returned from his heavenly journey, before he could relate his experiences, Ali began giving him the minutest details of the journey, making it quite obvious that Ali was with the Prophet (S) throughout his journey. The Prophet (S) was true in saying that him and Ali are of one and the same light.

Ali and His Travel to the Other Worlds
As mentioned before, Mir Ahmed Ali (1988) writes that Ali had to manifest himself many times and fulfill some divine plans and assist the creation (animals, humans, jinn, trees or just about anything or any matter) in so many different aspects of life in the different worlds and in space. He quotes an authentic tradition (mentioned earlier) from the Prophet (S) to have confirmed Ali's presence in countless events that required his presence.

He says:

Ali Ibn Abi Talib is known as mazhar al aja-ib and mazhar al ghara-ib because, as willed by Allah, he used to appear in different forms to carry out divine plans under very special circumstances. These two epithets are exclusively reserved for Ali. Even today the true believers invoke Allah to send him for help.

In every age, to many persons he comes personally to remove hardships. Through his name great spiritual achievements are attained. The Holy Prophet, and after him, Ali are acknowledged as the most superior possessors of the spiritual powers.

To be able to do this, he had to be living before any other thing that was created. And his ability to travel long distance at shorter periods of time and be physically present means that his body was able to transform into energy particles, travel at speeds greater than the speed of sound and light, and then transform himself back to physical form - and all with the assistance of the Almighty. Ali could also have accessed wormholes, or Allah just willed and Ali was there. These aspects are explained in detail a bit later in this section only. In any case, all the laws of physics and chemistry, and other laws of the entire creation have an obligation to the Infallible as Allah willed this from the beginning of creation.

In the book Kashful-Ghummah, as narrated by Faidh al-Kashani, from Umar that when the Prophet (S) was asked as to what voice did Allah (SWT) speak to him during the Journey, the Prophet replied:

My Lord spoke to me with the voice of Ali Ibn Abi Talib and said, O Ahmad! I am an Entity that is not like anything else. I cannot be compared to anything else and I know all the secrets of your heart. With the exception of Ali Ibn Abu Talib, you have no other close friend. Thus, I speak to you with the voice of Ali Ibn Abi Talib so that your heart will be at ease.

Schwartz and Russek, and several other established Physicists have noted that energy waves can radiate out at the velocity of sound or light (and even faster) into the farthest reaches of the universe. According to Jablonski (2000), everything, everyone, every action, every thought, every feeling - ALL is energy. The laws of energy also relate that energy may be transformed into matter and back to energy.

Based on these scientific facts, there was no difficulty in taking the Prophet to the farthest of the cosmos and the Heavens on the Night of Ascension. The physical Ascension was possible then and is possible now, with the permission of the Almighty.

During the initial creation, the Prophet was pure energy and light and was able to undergo the entire journey Allah assigned for him and mentioned earlier. However, on earth the Prophet had a human body and because the human body cannot withstand itself at speeds faster than the speed of light or sound, a good and reliable explanation is that the Prophet's body was transformed into energy, traveled at extremely fast speeds; then his energy-self transformed into matter so he could experience everything in a physical manner - this process is termed as dematerialization. He was then sent back into earth in a similar manner and transformation.

Another good explanation is that the Prophet (S) could have easily accessed a wormhole and ventured at extremely and unbelievably fast speeds into the Heavens. Time on earth slowed down and was significantly distorted. When the Prophet came back, it was as if just a few moments had passed by, when he made remarkable journeys and met many Prophets, and experienced lots of Allah's secrets of the universe.

Ali and His Responsibilities to the Jinn Community
Besides the Prophet's Me'raj and sacred journey, Ali also had to venture into other worlds of the Jinn and other communities (The jinn are among the creatures that Allah (SWT) created). Allah (SWT) created angels, jinn, mankind, animals, plants and others. Jinn have some qualities like human beings. These qualities are intellect, discrimination, freedom, and the power to choose between right and wrong, between true and false, as well as between good and bad. Jinn are created from fire of hot wind (al-Qur'an - Chapter 15, Verse 27) and from smokeless fire (al-Qur'an - Chapter 55, Verse 15)

Ali had to journey several times and fought many battles with the unbelieving Jinns, and also solved their problems - he was the Leader of all creations, not only humans. Therefore, it is a scientific possibility that Ali could have transformed himself into energy and venture into those worlds at a speed faster than the speed of sound and light. When he came back into the earth, only little time had passed and he could resume his other responsibilities. This aspect is well explained by science.

It is reported by Sayyid Lavasani that, Imam al-Khui (AR), one of the greatest Shiite Mujtahid (Jurist) of his time, used to communicate with the spiritual community (in particular the Jinn community) and they often came to him so that he can answer the questions from the jinn.

Several narrations follow:

Muhaqiq Ardabili in the book, Manhaj al-Tahqiq Ila Sawa al-Tariq, from Abu Saeed Khudri has narrated that one day, Abu Saeed Khudri was with the Prophet (S) along with a group of his companions in Abtah. While the Prophet (S) was busy talking, a dust suddenly appeared from afar and gradually came nearer until it stopped in front of the Prophet (S). From the dust came a loud voice, which said

Peace be upon you O Messenger to all the worlds, O Seal of the Prophets!

He answered his greeting and asked him as to who he was? He replied:

O Messenger of God, I am a member of the people of the jinn. My people bother me and even take possession of my pasture and water. This is why I have sought your support and I beg you to send someone with me to issue a just ruling for us. In your presence I promise and guarantee the safe return of your messenger to you.

The Prophet (S) then asked as to what was his tribe? He replied:

I am Arafat bin Shimrakh from the tribe of jinn. We used to approach the heavens before your appointment to the Prophethood and we would overhear some of the news and tell others about them. When God had chosen you as a prophet we were barred from doing this, so we believed and accepted your prophecy. There are some of us who acted in a hostile manner and did not believe, unfortunately, their number is too great and we are unable to resist them. We hope that you would be generous to us because you are a mercy to the worlds.

The Prophet (S) asked him to show them the form in which he was created so they could see his face in that form. The Jinn said, I hear and obey. At that very moment, he showed his face.

I saw a person coming out of the dust with an elongated head, with one eye in a small eye-socket in the middle of his head, teeth like that of a beast and his entire body was covered with hair like a bear.

The Prophet (S) made him promise to guarantee the safe return of whomever he sent with him. He then turned toward Abu Bakr and said, Stand up and go with your brother Arafat to see his tribe, ask about their situation, issue a fair ruling for them and then come back. Abu Bakr asked, O Messenger of God, where do they live? He answered, Under the ground. Abu Bakr said, I cannot go through the earth and judge among them when I don't understand their language.

Then, the Prophet (S) turned to Umar and asked him the same questions as Abu Bakr did and made the same response. Thereupon the Prophet (S) looked to the left and right and said, Where is the light of my eyes? Where is the victor over my sorrow? Where is my son-in-law? Where is the father of Hasan and Husain? Where is the payer of my debts?

Amirul-Mu'mineen, Ali (AS) answered, Here am I, here am I, O Messenger of God! I am at your service, I will do whatever you command.

The Prophet (S) said, O Ali! Go with Arafat and ask about the situation of his people and make a legal ruling between him and his people.

Ali (AS) declared, I hear and obey, Ya Rasulullah!

Arafat then stood up and Amirul-Mu'mineen (AS) girded his sword and went off with Arafat. Abu Saeed Khudri, Salman Farsi and a group of companions set out behind them to see where the Jinn was taking him and what the result would be. When Ali (AS) arrived between Safa and Marwa they saw the earth opened and Arafat entered the ground. Amirul-Mu'mineen (AS) looked at the companions and said, May God reward you, and he himself followed Arafat into the ground which once more closed up after they disappeared within. The Companions went back to where they had been concerned about the fate of Amirul-Mu'mineen (AS).

The next day the Prophet (S) said the morning prayer with the companions and they sat together until noon but there was no news about Ali (AS).

The time for the noon prayer came, they prayed and still there was no word of Ali (AS). The companions were very concerned, but the hypocrites were happy and said to each other that the Jinn must have tricked Ali (AS) and took him away to kill him. Thus they would be free of the Prophet (S) priding himself on Ali (AS) and be relieved of the latter's presence. The time of the afternoon prayer arrived, but there was still no news of Ali (AS).

The Prophet (S) went to Safa and sat down talking all the while about Ali. When the hypocrites felt sure that he had been killed they began to rejoice at his misfortune. By the time the sun had begun to set the companions were in a somber mood. Suddenly they saw the same ground in which they had disappeared split apart, Arafat came out in front, Ali (AS) came out behind him with his famous sword DHULFIQAR.

The Companions gave a loud Takbir (the cry of ALLAHU AKBAR) and the Prophet (S) got up and embraced Ali (AS). He kissed between the eyes of Ali and said, Dear Ali! Why did you delay? You had us worried. He answered:

O Messenger of Allah! When I arrived there I invited Arafat's family to three things, the first of which was to bear witness that there was no god but Allah and that Muhammad (S) was the Messenger of Allah, which they did not accept.

Second, they refused to pay the jizya poll tax (tax levied upon non-Muslims living under the protection of the Islamic State).

Third, I ordered them to come to an agreement with him that they would have the use of the water and pasture one day and he would have the use of them on the other day but they did not accept this either.

So out of necessity I drew my sword and fought them and I killed many of them, then they shouted, al-Aman! (pardon). I said to them, Aman would only be given with belief, so they were forced to believe in God, the prophecy of the Messenger of Allah and they agreed to make peace with Arafat. I reconciled them with each other and they shook hands in fraternity dissipating the hostility among them. O Messenger of God, I was busy with these tasks up till just now.

Arafat then came forward and declared:

O Messenger of Allah, may God reward you and strengthen Islam through you for it has helped us secure our rights. Our tongues are not able to thank you for what you have done. If it was not for this help, there would not have been any Islam among us.

And then the Jinn went away.

Muhaqiq Ardabili again narrates in his book, Shawahid al-Nabuwwa, from ibn Abbas that when the Messenger of God (S) headed towards Makkah from Hudaybiyya the army was overcome by thirst by the time they reached Juhfa. In that arid environment, the Prophet (S) said, The trees you see in the distance have a well near them. Who among you will take a group with him and go over there to bring us back some water for us? One man got up and said, I am ready. He set out with a large group towards the direction of the trees. When they got there a blazing fire burst out and they heard very loud and terrifying voices. Fear overcame them and they came back and told the Prophet (S) what had happened. He said, They are Jinn, if you had gone ahead you would have been victorious and whoever goes and is not afraid I will guarantee him Paradise.

Another man got up and set out with the same group. They had not gone too far when the voices got louder and the fires increased in intensity with a huge roar and there were flashes of lightning and the clash of thunder. Fear once again took hold of them and they came back without reaching the well and the fear now started to affect the others.

The third time, a group known for their bravery pressed forward but as soon as they saw heads without bodies and bodies without heads they were forced to remain thirsty preferring to escape than to stay there. When they came back to the Messenger of God (S) they told all they had seen. The Prophet (S) called for the Commander of the Faithful (AS) saying, Go and save the men from the trials of thirst.

Salmat ibn Akwa said:

I was with the group all four times, but when the Commander of the Faithful (AS) reached the trees and heard the men speaking out of fear and terror, he ordered them to walk directly in his footprints and not look around and he recited some lines of poetry which meant:

I seek refuge in Allah Who is the One and Only, He is the Creator of jinn and men, and earth nd the sky, I don't care about fire and thunder, I am not afraid of noises and voices like the others.

When they reached the well, they let the bucket down the well and filled it but when they tried to pull it up the jinn cut the rope leaving the bucket at the bottom. Imam Ali (AS) asked his men as to who was ready to enter the well, when none came forward.

At that moment I saw that the Commander of the Faithful (AS) was ready and willing to serve. He said, Be patient! Do not be afraid of anything you see and hear! He climbed into the well and not long after he had descended into it the sounds of singing and laughing were heard.

There were also noises that sounded as if some people had a blockage in their throats and were asphyxiating. Suddenly, the men heard a sound, which made them think that Ali (AS) had fallen into the well. They became very afraid and their patience changed into anxiety.

Then they heard the cry of ALLAHU AKBAR by the Commander of the Faithful (AS) and they understood that he had drawn his sword to fight with them, because the jinn began to utter the cries of al-Hazar and al-Aman.

The boisterous laugh had been converted into the sounds of weeping. The Commander of the Faithful (AS) asked for a rope to be thrown into the well, to which he tied the bucket full of water and then shouted to pull it up! Thus did his men draw up bucket after bucket of water, filling water skin after water skin with water until they were completely satisfied and then he climbed out. Each of them had taken one water skin while he had taken two. When they arrived at the trees the fires and the dreadful voices had disappeared.

They went to see the Prophet (S) and related the whole story as they had witnessed it. Everyone was excited about what had happened and after that, no one felt any trepidation to go and fetch water from that well. The Prophet (S) said that the jinn that inhabited that place had been the brother of one who had been killed by Ali (AS) in Safa and Marwa and he intended to seek revenge, but he was killed and the Muslims were now rid of him.

Shaykh Mufid, Tabarsi and Majlisi have narrated it that when the Prophet (S) went to war with the Bani al-Mustalaq, they dismounted near a rough valley. Late in the night, the angel of revelation descended and informed the Prophet (S) that a tribe of unbelievers and rebellious jinn were lying in ambush in this valley and they were going to attack and harm his companions. The Prophet (S) called the Commander of the Faithful (AS) and said, Go to the place where the jinn who are the enemies of God are lying in ambush and save the army of Islam from their evil. Use the power that God has given you and the Divine Names of which He has informed you.

Afterwards, the Prophet (S) sent one hundred armed Companions with Ali (AS). He said to stay with Ali (AS) and obey him as he ordered them. The Commander of the Faithful (AS), the devoted soldier, knew the valley and when they reached near the place of ambush he told his companions to halt next to the valley and to not move until he said so. He himself, however, sought refuge in God from the evil of the enemy and recited the best names of God and advanced toward the enemy. Eventually he motioned to his companions for them to come towards him.

When they reached near the valley, Ali (AS) said to stop there and not go any further. He himself entered the dreadful valley. A severe wind arose that seemed like it would blow them off their feet and the men started to quake with fear. In the middle of the valley, the Commander of the Faithful (AS) shouted with a loud voice, I am Ali Ibn Abi Talib, the cousin and the successor of the Messenger of God (S) and if you want, indeed, if you can, stand up against me and don't run away.

At that moment persons with African like features appeared with flames of fire in their hands all over the valley, but Ali (AS) was chanting the Qur'an and advanced swinging his sword left and right. When he got close to them they became black like smog, which drifted upwards and finally disappeared. The Commander of the Faithful (AS) came out of the valley saying ALLAHU AKBAR and went to his companions. When the smoke and fire disappeared, the companions said, O Ali! What did you see? We were about to die of fright!

The Commander of the Faithful (AS) replied, When they appeared and were preparing to attack, I started reciting the best names of God and I was not afraid of them when I was attacking them. They were unable to resist me and if they did not change their forms I would have killed them all. God saved the Muslims from their evil and the survivors sought refuge with the Prophet (S) to believe in him and to seek his pardon. When the Commander of the Faithful (AS) returned to the camp with his fellows, he went to the Prophet (S) and informed him of the news. The Prophet (S) became glad, made a prayer for him, and then said, O Ali, the Blessed and the Almighty Lord frightened the survivors with your sword and they came to me trembling with fear and begged pardon from me and became Muslims. So I accepted their conversion to Islam.

Muhammad ibn Abdullah ibn Hakim Neishapuri was a Sunni scholar and researcher. In his book, Fadhail al-Ashra, he writes, One day, a jinn was sitting with the Prophet (S) when as soon as Ali (AS) entered he disappeared. This prompted the Prophet (S) to ask him why he had hidden himself when he saw Imam Ali (AS).

The jinn replied, O Messenger of God, during the time of Suleiman (AS), Ali (AS) wounded me, and I am still groaning as a result, so when I saw him, I began to shudder. The Prophet (S) said, God has created an angel that looks like Ali (AS) in order to fight in support of the prophets. (Ali and this angel used to fight for the Prophets (AS) and the Jinn for Islam)

There is another version of the story, which says that one day a jinn was sitting in the presence of the Prophet (S) when the Commander of the Faithful (AS) came in. When the jinn saw Ali (AS) he sought refuge with the Prophet (S) saying, O Messenger of God, help me and save me from this young man! The Prophet (S) asked him as to why he was afraid? What has he done to you? The jinn replied, O Messenger of God, I was one of the jinn in the service of Prophet Suleiman (AS).

The Infallible, Prophets and Humans on These Journeys
Humans have also been reported to make such journeys - by the power from Allah - examples of Shaykh Rajab Ali and Tabrisi have been detailed and will be mentioned again. Therefore, besides the Prophet and Ali, other sacred and highly spiritual persons have also initiated and experienced such remarkable and impossible journeys. The Aimmah (AS) are even reported to have made days of journey in seconds to attend a funeral, and make a return.

In al-Irshad by al-Mufid, Page 304-305:

Ali, son of Khalid was a Zaydite, and as such he did not acknowledge the Infallible who came after the fourth Infallible Ali Zain al-Abidin. He lived in the time of the Infallible Muhammad Taqi al-Jawad, the ninth guide and Infallible. He says, I was in the city of Samarrah, when I was told that a man from Damascus who claimed to be a Prophet had been brought there and put in prison. Ali, son of Khalid went to see him and asked him what the matter with him was.

I was in Syria where I was busy in worship at the site supposed to be the resting place of the holy head of al-Husain, the doyen of the martyrs. One night I found all of a sudden a man standing before me. He asked me to get up. I rose unconsciously and went a short distance with him when I found myself in the mosque of Kufa. He asked me if I knew that mosque. I said that I did and that it was the mosque of Kufa (in Kufa). He offered his prayers. I too offered my prayers along with him. Then we set out again. We had not gone far, when I noticed that we were in the mosque of the Prophet, al-Nabi (in Madina). There he invoked blessings on the Prophet, and then we both offered our prayers.

Thereafter, we left that place too and set out again. A moment later I found myself in Makkah. There we circumambulated the Ka'bah, and then left the mosque of al-Haram.

After walking a few steps I found myself at my original place in Damascus. Then all of a sudden that man disappeared from my sight as if he was a slight draught of breeze, which swept my face and vanished.

A year had passed since this incident when I met that man again. He took me on the same journey and we two visited once again all the holy places, which we had visited the first time. When he wanted to leave me, I said to him, I beseech you in the name of Him who has given you such a wonderful power to be so kind as to let me know your name. He said, I am Muhammad, son of Ali, son of Musa, son of Ja'far, He was the ninth Infallible.

And the story continues.

It is reported that Prophet Suleiman used to order the wind to take him wherever he wanted to go and he traveled great distances in seconds. This is the meaning of the verses 12 and 13 of the chapter of Saba, 34 in al-Qur'an. al-Jibouri (1987) writes that Prophet Suleiman would say his morning prayers in Syria and his noon prayers in Persia. It is reported that Khidhr (a divinely appointed scholar and teacher of Prophet Musa) used to appear in front of the Prophet and the Infallible in an instance when he had any questions that required the attention of the Infallible.

As we noted earlier, humans (besides the Infallible and the Prophets (AS), though considered impossible, have been reported to experience such events and one by Shaykh Rajab Ali is relevant here. It is reported that the invocation of an entrapped young man entreating, O God! Train me for Your-Self! was answered in that sensational situation and caused such a leap forward in the spiritual life of this holy young man that the superficial people are unable to comprehend. With this leap, Rajab Ali traveled in one night a one hundred-year-long distance (defying the limits set by space and time), and became renowned as Shaykh Rajab Ali Khayyat.

In the first step of Divine training, his eyes, ears, and heart opened up so that he could see beyond the world of matter and through the High Heaven, the things other people could not see and hear. This esoteric experience prompted the Shaykh to believe that Ikhlas (sincerity and devotion) causes the eyes and the ears of the heart to open up.

One of the Shaykh's devotees who had been closely associating with him for so many years wrote about the Shaykh's spiritual achievements:

As a result of his great love in Almighty God and the Ahlul-Bayt (AS), there remained no veil between him and God. He had access to all worlds. He would talk to all the souls residing in Barzakh (purgatory world) since the beginning of creation up to the present. He would see, by his own will, whatever anyone had done in their whole life and would tell the signs, and would reveal what he willed and would be allowed to.

Apparently, visiting the kingdom of the heavens and the earth with the eye of the heart is a prologue to attaining the high status of intuition of certitude. All those who have been delivered from the snares of nafs and Shaytan, by tearing apart the heart's veils, are able to observe the kingdom of the heavens and the earth, and to bear witness to the Oneness of the Sacred Essence of God. As noted earlier, Ayatullah al-Beheshti used to travel hundreds and thousands of miles to pray behind the living 12th Imam al-Mahdi (AS) and then came back to lead prayers for the general people.

The Prophet (S) has said:

If it were not that devils are dominant over the hearts of human beings, they would be witnessing the kingdoms of the universe.

One of the Shaykh Rajab Ali's disciples related:

I asked the late Haji Muqaddas whether the following hadith attributed to the Prophet (S) is correct - if it were not that devils are dominant over the hearts of human beings, they would be witnessing the kingdoms of the universe. He answered, Yes. I asked, Do you see the kingdom of the heavens and the earth? No, but Shaykh Rajab Ali Khayyat does! He replied.

Shaykh has said:

Try to set your heart for God; when your heart is for God, He will be there; when He is there all that relates to Him will be present and evident there; whenever you will all will be with you, for God is there, the spirits of the Prophets and Awliya will be there; if you will, even Makkah and Madina will be with you. So try that your heart be just for God so that whatever is created by God be present to you!

If you rise up for God, all the universe's assets will guide and support you. Since their perfection lies in merging in you, they wish to deliver what they naturally possess to achieve real perfection. If man rises up for God, all existing creatures will line up in his cause to present to him what they possess and to be his guide.

A case in point, it is reported that Fizza - the maid of Fatima al-Zahra (AS) - traveled from Africa to Madina in seconds and this was done with the assistance of the Prophet (S). This was a miracle on those days, but a simple act by the Prophet of Islam who had the kingdom of the heavens and the earth in his domination.

Allamah Majlisi (AR) writes in Hayatul-Qulub - Volume 3:

Through reliable sources Shaykh al-Tusi (AR) had narrated a tradition from Imam Zain al-Abidin (AS) that the place described as a far-off place by Allah where Maryam had moved for delivering is Karbala. Maryam had covered a long distance from Damascus to Karbala in a split second; Prophet Isa (AS) was born at a point near the grave of Imam al-Husain (AS) and she returned to Damascus that same night.

The 12th Imam al-Mahdi being present in an instant when any of his sincere follower asks for him; the fact that Fatima al-Zahra (AS) has promised to be present at all gatherings that commemorate the event of Karbala and cry for her son; and so forth, make the origin of these pure 14 souls light upon light, and this power was also given to certain specific Prophets and individuals. More on this follows.

The Science of these Journeys
It remains a scientific fact that as one travels fast into space, the slower the time passes on earth. This aspect of science has been proven and explained well in Physics and Astronomy. Einstein's theories of General and Special Relativity can be used to actually prove that time travel is possible. Government research experiments have yielded experimental data that conclusively illustrate that fast moving aircraft have traveled into the future (as time on earth ticks slower than time recorded on the person making the fast voyage - time slows down). This phenomenon is due to the principal of Time Dilation, which states that bodies moving at high velocities experience a time that ticks slower than the time measured at zero velocity. Phenomena known as Wormholes and Closed Time like Curves are also additional possible means of time travel into other realms of the universe.

According to Bosak (2003), this feat has not yet been accomplished - to our knowledge - and its theory involves complicated scenarios of tears in fourdimensional space-time and traveling near the speed of light. Obstacles, which prevent our humble attempts to cheat time, include our inability to move even close to the speed of light, and finding a source of energy as powerful as an exploding star.

Bosak (2003) quotes Professor Michio Kaku of the university of New York who believes that space flight may one day unlock the secret of time itself. This will require the development of spacecraft that can travel at speeds on the order of two hundred million meters per second, that's about four hundred and fifty million miles per hour. Craft Traveling at this speed will take us near the speed of light, where time actually slows down. This is what's known as Time Dilation.

Einstein's theories predict that the faster a spacecraft moves the slower time ticks inside of it. Imagine that a rocket ship takes off from earth and approaches the speed of light. If we were to watch it from earth with a very powerful telescope as it traveled away from us, we would see everyone inside the ship as being frozen in time. To us their time would slow down, but to them nothing would change! This has been measured in the laboratory and on location using atomic clocks, aircraft, satellites and rockets. It is proven that time slows down the faster you move.

Bosak (2003) continues in his article titled Time Travel and Inter-dimensional Voyages that in 1975 Professor Carol Allie of the university of Maryland tested Einstein's theory using two synchronized atomic clocks. One clock was loaded on a plane and flown for several hours, while the other clock remained on the ground at the air base. Upon return, the clock on board the plane was found to be ever so slightly slower that the one on the ground. This was not due to experimental error, and has been repeated numerous times with the same result. This difference in time is even more pronounced in satellites such as the space station. This is because these objects are traveling at speeds much faster and for much longer periods than possible in an airplane. The faster an object moves, the more time is distorted.

Now that we know that it is possible to travel into the future by moving at great speeds, the next problem is how to travel in time a respectable amount without having to sit in a fast moving spaceship for years. This problem is solved by the theoretical existence of what are known as closed time-like curves, and wormholes.

Timeline means that the body under consideration experiences time that increases in one direction along its world line. Princeton University physicist John A. Wheeler, and Kip S. Thorne of California Technology have shown that a closed time-like curve is one way to create a kind of shortcut through space-time called a wormhole. Wormholes are holes in the fabric of four-dimensional space-time, that are connected, but which originate at different points in space and at different times. They provide a quick path between two different locations in space and time. This is the four-dimensional equivalent of pinching two pieces of a folded sheet of paper together to make contact across the gap. Distortions in space cause the points separated by the gap to bulge out and connect. This forms a wormhole through which something could instantaneously travel to a far away place and time. No more problems of traveling in a rocket ship for years to get into the future!

In reality however, it would require a much more elaborate scheme to create a wormhole that connects two different points in space-time. First it would require the construction of two identical machines consisting of two huge parallel metal plates that are electrically charged with unbelievable amounts of energy. When the machines are placed in proximity of each other, the enormous amounts of energy - about that of an exploding star - would rip a hole in space-time and connect the two machines via a wormhole. This is possible, and the beginnings of it have been illustrated in the lab by what is known as the Casimir Effect. The next task would be to place one of these machines on a craft that could travel at close to the speed of light. The craft would take one machine on a journey while it was still connected to the one on earth via the wormhole. Now, a simple step into the wormhole would transport you to a different place and a different time.

Chapter 27, Verse 32, Allamah Taba Tabai has the following to say about Asif, the successor of Prophet Suleiman (AS) and his ability to bring the throne of Bilqis from thousands of miles away in the blinking of an eye. The great scholar explains wormholes and constriction of space as a possibility in the creation of Allah. He says:

In the book Basair, the closest of the greatest name of God has been derived from 73 alphabets and one of the alphabets was known to Asif Barkhiyya and when he used it, the land between Suleiman and Bilqis constricted so that he could catch the throne with his hands, lift it and kept it there. The land expanded to its original form again. This was done between the times spent in the batting of the eyelids. We have 72 out of the seventy-three alphabets and one is with God and He has secreted it with the unknown knowledge. There is none mightier and more powerful than God.

Allamah says that this has been quoted from Imam al-Sadiq (AS) too. The late Kulayni has quoted it from Imam al-Baqir (AS) and Nufili has quoted it from Abul Hasan (AS).

In Majmaul-Bayan it is reported that the angels must have brought the throne. The second explanation is that the wind must have brought it. The third is that God must have created consecutive motions in it. The fourth is that the land must have sunk and the throne came close to Suleiman. The fifth is that God must have removed it or vanished it and brought it before Suleiman.

Presence of The Infallible in All Congregations and their Ability to Immediately Respond

It is a fact that the essence and origin of the Prophet, Ali and the Infallible is light and so are all the Infallible. Shiite Muslims believe that whenever they call upon the Infallible, whenever they commemorate the merciless death of al-Husain and his family in Karbala, and that whenever they stand for Ziyarat and salute the Infallible, they happen to be present and also reply to the Salaam and it is compulsory to reply to a Salaam - salutation.

The fact that millions of Shiite Muslims worldwide, together with trees and other non-human creation - as these creations are intelligent, aware, send their prayer (like the stones did to the Prophet) and also lament and commemorate the incident of Karbala (as mentioned in the Ziyarat/Salutations of al-Nahiya by al-Mahdi) - congregate and commemorate this incident at their favored time, the presence of the Infallible on such occasions means that they are pure energy, their essence that of light, and can travel at speeds unknown to mankind to be present in these congregations held at different places throughout the universe. Another possible explanation is that the personal/specific info-energies of these blessed souls are ever present in these many congregations throughout the universe.

It is further apparent that the conscious and intelligent personal energy signatures with the information of salutation released from each individual direct themselves instantly to the Infallible and the Guides are able to understand and respond in a required manner through energy interaction and energy communication. The practical nature of energy allows such energy signatures to instantly reach the blessed Infallible.

We have also noted earlier that the holy spirit, a different angel than the four sacred angels we are aware of, is responsible for releasing to the Prophets and the Infallible all the information that transpires in the world and they need to know about it - this way they are well versed and can respond.

Besides the energy explanation and the other explanations, the Angel Fitrus is also responsible for sending all these salutations to al-Husain. He did say the following after receiving intercession and ability to fly after touching himself with the cradle (body in other traditions) in which the body of al-Husain resided:

O Prophet of Allah! This son of yours will be mercilessly killed by your nation. Therefore it is incumbent upon me in exchange of this favor that I recompense. Hence there is no person who visits his grave except that I receive him, and there is no Muslim who offers salutations to him or who prays for him except that I take it to his presence and carry his message.

In another instance, the Prophet (S) has said:

There is no Muslim that greets me but that Allah delivers it to my soul so that I may return the greetings to him.
(al-Dur al-Manthur, by al-Suyuti - Volume 1, Page 570, under the commentary of Chapter 2, Verse 203. For more detailed account, see al-Ghadir - Volume 5, Pages 98-99)

al-Qur'an (al-Qur'an - Chapter 7, Verses 11-15) remarks:

It is We Who created you and gave you shape; then We bade the angels prostrate to Adam, and they prostrated; not so Iblis; He refused to be of those who prostrate.

(Allah) said, What prevented you from prostrating when I commanded you? He said, I am better than he - You did create me from fire, and him from clay.

(Allah) said, Get down from this; It is not for you to be arrogant here; get out, for you are of the meanest (of creatures). He said, Give me respite till the day they are raised up. (Allah) said, Be among those who have respite.

He said, Because You have thrown me out of the way, lo! I will lie in wait for them on Your straight way - Then will I assault them from before them and behind them, from their right and their left; Nor will You find, in most of them, gratitude (for Your mercies).

It stands to reason that if Shaytan, the accursed rebel was blessed with the ability to be present near each individual (countless at a time), at all times, when that person is about to disobey Allah, this blessing and ability was undoubtedly gifted to the Prophets, Aimmah (the 14 Perfect Souls), and some humans with a high status in front of Allah. This ability is a gift from Allah to His believing persons so Shaytan is unable to misguide the righteous, as they have constant guidance from the Aimmah (AS).