Friday Sermon – Khalifatul Masih V – Mirza Masroor Ahmad – Year 2021
Allah is the Greatest Allah is the Greatest Allah is the Greatest Allah is the Greatest I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship except Allah I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship except Allah I bear witness that Muhammad (saw) is the Messenger of Allah
I bear witness that Muhammad (saw) is the Messenger of Allah Come to Prayer Come to Prayer Come to success Come to success Allah is the Greatest Allah is the Greatest There is none worthy of worship except Allah Peace and blessings of Allah be upon you.
I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship except Allah. He is One and has no partner. and I bear witness that Muhammad (saw) is His Servant and Messenger. After this I seek refuge with Allah from Satan the accursed. In the name of Allah, the Gracious, the Merciful.
All praise belongs to Allah, Lord of all the worlds. The Gracious, the Merciful, Master of the Day of Judgment. Thee alone do we worship and Thee alone do we implore for help. Guide us in the right path – The path of those on whom Thou hast bestowed Thy blessings,
Those who have not incurred displeasure, and those who have not gone astray. I will continue narrating the accounts from the life of Hazrat Ali (ra). With regards to the background to the martyrdom of Hazrat Ali (ra), Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) states,
“The matters had not yet completely settled when a party of the Khawarij [rebels] “suggested to put an end to this disorder by killing all the prominent figures. “Hence, some of their bold and brave men set out with the firm intention “that one of them would kill Hazrat Ali (ra),
“while the other two would kill Hazrat Mu’awiyah (ra) and Amr bin Aas (ra), “all in the same day and at the same time. “The individual who set off towards Hazrat Mu’awiyah (ra) managed to attack him, “but since he did not land a clean strike with his sword,
“Hazrat Mu’awiyah (ra) sustained only a minor injury. “This individual was caught and was subsequently killed. “The individual who set off to kill Amr bin Aas (ra) also failed in his attempt. “This is because Hazrat Amr bin Aas (ra) could not go to the mosque “to lead the prayer owing to an illness.
“Instead, the person who came to lead the prayer on behalf of Hazrat Amr bin Aas (ra) was killed. “This person was also caught and subsequently executed. “The individual who set off to kill Hazrat Ali (ra) “attacked him when he was about to stand up to lead the morning prayer.
“Hazrat Ali (ra) was severely wounded. “At the time of the attack, this individual uttered the following words, “‘O Ali! It is not your right that each and every word of yours be obeyed. “‘This is the sole right of Allah!'” The Holy Prophet (saw) had foretold the martyrdom of Hazrat Ali (ra).
Hazrat Ubaidullah has narrated that the Holy Prophet (saw) said to Hazrat Ali (ra), “O Ali! Are you aware of the most unfortunate individual “from among those who came before us and also from among those who will come later?” Hazrat Ali (ra) replied, “Allah and His Messenger (saw) know best.”
Upon this, the Holy Prophet (saw) said, “The most wretched person from among the those before us was the individual, “who hamstrung the she-camel of Hazrat Salih (ra). “And O Ali! The most unfortunate person from among the later ones will be the one, “who will attack you with a spear.”
The Holy Prophet (saw) then indicated where he would be struck. The narration of Umm-e-Ja’far, a maidservant of Hazrat Ali (ra), is as follows, “I was pouring water over the hands of Hazrat Ali (ra) when he lifted his head,
“held his beard and pulled it up to his nose and, addressing the beard, he said, “‘how fortunate are you! You will most certainly be coloured with blood.’ “And on Friday, he was martyred.” In one place, the incident of the martyrdom of Hazrat Ali (ra) has been recorded in the following manner.
Ibn Hanafiyyah relates, “Hazrat Hasan (ra), Hazrat Husain (ra) and I were sitting in a Hammam “when Ibn Muljam came to us. “When he entered, “Hazrat Hasan (ra) and Hazrat Husain (ra) expressed their displeasure towards him and said, “‘how dare you approach us here in this manner.’
“I advised them to ignore him and not engage with him and said, “‘By God! He is even more dangerous than what he intends to do to you.’” Following his attack on Hazrat Ali (ra), Ibn Muljam was brought forth as a prisoner. Seeing him, Ibn Hanafiyyah said,
“I recognised [his intentions] very well the day he entered our Hammam.” Upon this, Hazrat Ali (ra) said, “he is a prisoner and as such, “he should be well looked after and treated with respect. “If I remain alive, I will either execute him or forgive him.
“However, if I die, kill him as retribution [for his crime], but do not transgress. “Surely, Allah loves not the transgressors.” Qusm, the freed slave of Hazrat Ibn Abbas (ra) narrates, “in his will, Hazrat Ali (ra) had instructed my eldest son that
“Ibn Muljam should not be struck in the stomach or the private area with a spear.” It is said that three people from among the Khawarij had been selected; Abdur Rahman bin Muljam Muradi – who was from the Himyeer tribe and was a part of the Murad tribe
Who were confederates of the Banu Jabala from the Qindah family – along with Burk bin Abdullah Tamimi, and Amr bin Bukair Tamimi. The three met in Mecca and made a solemn oath that they would certainly kill Hazrat Ali bin Abi Talib (ra),
Hazrat Mu`awiyyah bin Abi Sufyan (ra) and Hazrat Amr bin Aas (ra) – as has already been mentioned earlier in the quote of Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) that there were three assailants and these were their names – and their intention was to save the people from them. Abdur Rahman bin Muljam said
That he would undertake the task of killing Ali bin Abi Talib (ra). Burk said that he would undertake the task of killing Mu`awiyyah (ra), while Amr bin Bukair said that he would grant them freedom from Amr bin Aas (ra) [i.e. he would kill him].
After this, they made a solemn oath and assured one another that they would not back down from killing the person they had each mentioned and they would not return until they had killed them, or they would give their own lives in this endeavour.
Meaning that they would go and either kill those three people, or they would give their lives for this and not return. They decided amongst themselves to set the seventeenth night of Ramadan to carry out this task. Then each of the three set out towards the city in which their targeted person lived,
Meaning the person who they intended to kill. Abdur Rahman bin Muljam went to Kufa and met with his Khariji friends, whom he would go to see or they would come to see him, however he kept his mission secret from them. One day, he saw a group of people from the Taimur Ribaab tribe
Among whom was a woman named Qitam bint Shijnah bin Adi. During the Battle of Nahrawan, Hazrat Ali (ra) had killed her father and brother. Ibn Muljam became fond of that woman and sent her a proposal for marriage. She replied saying that she would not marry him unless he made a promise to her.
Ibn Muljam said that he would do whatever she asked. She said the she wanted three thousand dirhams and for Ali bin Abi Talib (ra) to be killed. Upon this, he said, “By God, I have come to this city for the very purpose of killing Ali,
“and so I will certainly grant you that which you have asked for.” Then Ibn Muljam met Shabib bin Bajrah Ashja`i and informed him of his plot and asked that he join him, to which Shabib agreed. On the night before the intended day of his mission to kill Hazrat Ali (ra),
Abdur Rahman bin Muljam spent the night hidden in the mosque of Ash`as bin Qais Qindi. As the time of dawn drew near, Ash`as told him to wake up as it was now morning. Abdur Rahman bin Muljam and Shabib bin Bajrah got up
And stood by the gate from where Hazrat Ali (ra) used to pass through. Hazrat Hassan bin Ali (ra) narrates that he went and sat by Hazrat Ali (ra) early in the morning. At that time, Hazrat Ali (ra) said that he had spent the night waking his family members [for prayer]
And himself was overcome by sleep, and he saw the Holy Prophet (saw) in a dream. Hazrat Ali (ra) said to the Holy Prophet (saw) [in the dream], “O Messenger (saw) of Allah, “I have been made to face trouble and great feuds from the people of your Ummah.”
The Holy Prophet (saw) stated, “pray to Allah Almighty against them.” Hazrat Ali (ra) prayed, “O Allah, give me in exchange for them that which is better than them, “and give them in exchange that which is worse than me.” In the meantime, the muaddhin [caller to prayer] Ibn Nabah arrived
And said that it was time for prayer. Hazrat Hassan (ra) states that he took hold of Hazrat Ali’s (ra) hand, then he stood up and began walking. Ibn Nabah was in front of him and Hazrat Hassan (ra) was behind him. As soon as he emerged from the door, he called out saying,
“O people, it is time for prayer, it is time for prayer” – every morning, he would call out in this manner saying “Salat, Salat.” Whenever he would leave, he would have a whip in his hand which he used to hit on people’s doors in order to wake them up.
At that very moment, the two assailants came before him. According to eye-witness accounts, some say that they saw the glistening of a sword and heard someone say, “O Ali, only Allah has the power to command, not you.” Then another sword was also seen and then both launched a joint attack.
Abdur Rahman bin Muljam’s sword struck Hazrat Ali’s (ra) forehead to the back of his head and penetrated to his brain, whilst Shabib’s sword struck the wooden door. [Hazrat Hassan (ra)] heard Hazrat Ali (ra) saying that these men should not get away,
And though people converged upon them from all sides, Shabib was able to escape while Abdur Rahman bin Muljam was captured and was brought to Hazrat Ali (ra). Hazrat Ali (ra) said, “He should be fed well and be given a comfortable place to sleep;
“if I remain alive then I will decide as to whether I will forgive him or seek retribution. “However if I die, then he too should be killed and be sent along with me, “I will settle the matter with him in the presence of the Lord of All the Worlds.”
Meaning he would present the matter before Allah. When the time of Hazrat Ali’s (ra) demise drew near, he made a will, which read, “In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, Ever Merciful. “This is the will of Ali bin Abi Talib.
“As part of Ali’s will, he bears testimony that there is none worthy of worship except Allah; “He is One and has no partner, and that Muhammad (saw) is His servant and Messenger, “who was guided by Allah and sent with the true religion, “so that He may make it prevail over every religion,
“even though the other idolaters may dislike. “Surely my prayer and my sacrifice, my life and my death “are all for the sake of Allah, who is Lord of All the Worlds, Who has no partner. “This is what I have been commanded and I am of the obedient.
“After this, O Hassan, (he addressed his son) “I advise you, the rest of my progeny and my entire family “to always remain fearful of Allah Almighty, your Master. “Also, you should leave this world in the state of [belief in] Islam. “You should hold fast to the rope of Allah altogether
“and do not be divided amongst yourselves, “for I have heard Abu Al-Qasim (saw) [the Holy Prophet (saw)] say that “to reform your mutual relationships is better than voluntary prayers and fasts. (This is an important matter which should be remembered; the fact that reconciling your mutual relationships
Is a matter greater than offering voluntary prayers and fasts. To live harmoniously with one another and to settle your differences with one and other and between others is a matter of great virtue.) “Take care of your relatives, and treat them well; thus will Allah judge you with leniency.
“Fear Allah in matters pertaining to orphans; “do not treat them in a manner that they are compelled to ask for help from you themselves, “nor should you let them perish before you. “Fear Allah in matters pertaining to neighbours, “for this was the will of the Holy Prophet (saw).
“He always advised to remain mindful of the rights owed to neighbours, “to the extent that we used to think that he may include the neighbours as heirs in one’s will. “Fear Allah with regards to the Holy Qur’an, lest others precede you in this matter.
“Fear Allah in relation to the observance of prayer, for it is the pillar of your faith. “Fear Allah with regards to the House of your Lord “and do not allow it to become void as long as you live, “for if you do so, you shall never find a house the like thereof.
“Fear Allah in the matter of Jihad in the way of Allah “and strive with your lives and your wealth. “Fear Allah in the matter of Zakat, for it extinguishes the wrath of God. “Fear Allah in relation to the responsibility entrusted upon you by the Holy Prophet (saw).
“No one should be treated unjustly amongst you. “Fear Allah in the matter of the companions of the Holy Prophet (saw), “for he has instructed us in their favour. “Fear Allah in the matter of the poor and needy and share with them your means of livelihood.
“Fear Allah in the matter of those whom your right hands possess, (i.e. fear Allah in the matters of those for whom you have been made responsible). “Safeguard your prayers. Safeguard your prayers. “Do not fear the reproach of anyone when seeking the pleasure of God Almighty. “God Alone will suffice you against anyone who wishes to do you harm or rebel against you. “Speak good to the people as you have been commanded by God Almighty. “Do not forsake the enjoining good and forbidding of evil, “otherwise the evil ones amongst you will become your rulers,
(this is very important, to always adhere to enjoining good and forbidding evil, i.e. encouraging to do good and prohibiting from evil, otherwise the evil people among you will be in authority over you). “[If that happens] Then you will pray and your prayers will not be accepted
(as is the condition of the Muslim countries nowadays). “Maintain the bonds and ties amongst one another “and be of service to one another without any formalities. “Beware! Do not enflame your enmities between one another, “do not sever your ties and do not cause divisions.
“Help one another in piety and righteousness, but help not one another in sin and transgression. “Fear Allah, surely Allah is severe in punishment. “O honourable members of Ahl-e-Bait [i.e. members of the Holy Prophet’s (saw) household]! “May Allah protect you and safeguard the Holy Prophet (saw) through you
(i.e. through your pious examples, the legacy of the Holy Prophet (saw) continues to live on). “I entrust you to Allah and invoke peace and mercy of Allah upon you.” According to the narration of Abu Sinan, he went to visit Hazrat Ali (ra) after he was wounded.
He states, “I said, O Ameerul Mo’mineen [Leader of the Faithful]! “We are very concerned to see you in this wounded state.” Hazrat Ali (ra) replied, “By God, I am not concerned at all, “because the Truthful Messenger (saw) of Allah informed me “that I would sustain wounds in this particular place.”
And he then indicated to his temples. Hazrat Ali (ra) then states, “and the Holy Prophet (saw) had also stated that “‘blood will flow from here until your beard will be filled with its colour, “‘and the one who does this to you will be the worst and most wretched of people of this Ummah,
“‘just as the one who hamstrung the she-camel was the most wretched of Thamud’s people.'” In one narration Hazrat Ali (ra) stated with regards to the individual who fatally attacked him, Ibn Muljam, “Sit him down and if I pass away, then kill him, but do not mutilate his body.
“But if I remain alive, I myself shall decide whether to forgive or punish him.” Whilst mentioning this point, Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) states: “It is mentioned in books of history that a person wielding a dagger attacked Hazrat Ali (ra). “He pierced his stomach which was cut open. The assailant was then apprehended.”
Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) has written that his stomach was cut open. Perhaps there was a head wound in addition to the stomach wound, or this may have been Hazrat Musleh Maud’s (ra) opinion on the matter or perhaps he stated this as an expression.
Nonetheless, the majority of the narrations state that he received a wound to the head. [Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) further states:] “The assailant was apprehended. “The companions asked how they should deal with him. “Hazrat Ali (ra) called Hazrat Imam Hasan (ra) and ordered:
“‘If I die, then kill him as retribution for my death. But if I survive, then do not kill him.'” Amr Dhi Mur narrates: “Hazrat Ali (ra) suffered wounds caused by a sword. “When I went to see him, he had his head tied up.
“I said to him, ‘O Leader of the Faithful! Show me your wound.’ “He removed the cloth from the wound to which I said: “‘It is only a minor injury and nothing more.’ “Hazart Ali (ra) stated: ‘I am soon to depart from you all.’ “Upon hearing this, Umm Kulthum (ra), Hazrat Ali’s (ra) daughter,
“who was behind a screen, began to cry. “Hazrat Ali (ra) told her to stop and said: “‘if you saw what I am witnessing before me, you would not cry.’ “I then said to him: ‘O Leader of the Faithful! What are you seeing before you?’
“Hazrat Ali (ra) replied: ‘I see before me delegations of angels and prophets, “‘and also the Holy Prophet (saw) who is saying “‘and the Holy Prophet (saw) was saying: “O Ali, rejoice! “‘”For the place where you are going to is better than the place where you currently are.”‘” In one narration it is stated that when Hazrat Ali (ra) finished reciting his will, he said:
“I say to you, may the peace and blessings of Allah and His mercy be upon you.” After this he said nothing except the declaration of faith [Kalima] and thereafter he passed away. When Hazrat Ali bin Abi Talib (ra) passed away, Hazrat Hasan bin Ali (ra) stood up on the pulpit and said:
“O people! Tonight, the person who has passed away “is one that has no parallel among the people that were before him “and nor will those coming after him ever attain his rank. “When the Holy Prophet (saw) would send him on an expedition,
“Angel Gabriel would be on his right and Angel Michael on his left. “He would never return until Allah the Almighty granted victory at his hands. “He has only left behind 700 dirhams, with which he intended to purchase a servant
“and his soul was raised up on the same night that the soul of Jesus (as) was raised up.” i.e. the 27th night of the blessed month of Ramadan. In another narration it states that he passed away on the 17th night of Ramadan in 40 AH. His martyrdom took place in 40 AH,
And Hazrat Ali’s (ra) Khilafat lasted for four years, eight and a half months. Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) has mentioned this incident as follows: “In the 3rd volume of At-Tabaqat, by Ibn Sa’d, there is a narration by Hazrat Imam Hasan (ra)
“regarding the events surrounding the martydom of Hazrat Ali (ra), may Allah be pleased with him. “He stated: ‘O People! Tonight, the person who has passed away “‘was such that the level of some of his deeds were unattainable by the people of the past, “‘nor can those that come in the future attain them.
“‘When the Holy Prophet (saw) would send him on an expedition, “‘Angel Gabriel would be on his right and Angel Michael on his left. “‘He would never return from any expedition without having gained victory first. “‘He has only left behind 700 dirhams, with which he in intended to purchase a servant.
“‘His soul was raised up on the same night that the soul of Jesus, son of Mary (as), “‘was raised up towards the heavens. (i.e. the 27th night of Ramadan).'” Hazrat Ali’s (ra) body was washed by his two sons and also Hazrat Abdullah bin Ja’far (ra).
Hazrat Ali’s (ra) son, Hazrat Hasan (ra) led the funeral prayer and recited four takbiraat [proclaiming Allah is the Greatest]. Hazrat Ali (ra) was wrapped in three sheets, which did not include a shirt. He was buried before dawn. It is said that Hazrat Ali (ra) had some sacred musk,
Which was left over from the musk that was applied to the blessed body of the Holy Prophet (saw). Hazrat Ali (ra) had stated as part of his will for that musk to be used on his body.
There is a difference of opinion with regards to Hazrat Ali’s (ra) age at the time of his demise. Some narrations state that he was 57 years old at the time of his demise, some state that he was 58.
According to some he was 65 years old, while others say he was 73 years old. The majority of the sources record the narration of 73 years old to be most correct. The question about the location of Hazrat Ali’s (ra) grave is often asked.
Differing narrations are found in the books of history which are as follows: Hazrat Ali (ra) was buried in Kufa and the location was kept secret. [It is also said that] Hazrat Ali (ra) was buried in the Central mosque in Kufa.
Hazrat Imam Hasan (ra) and Imam Husain (ra) took the body of Hazrat Ali (ra) to Medina and buried him in Janat al-Baqi, next to Hazrat Fatimah (ra). According to one narration, when they [i.e. Imam Hasan (ra) and Imam Husain (ra)]
Placed Hazrat Ali’s (ra) body in a casket and loaded it onto a camel, the camel went missing. The camel was captured by the Tay tribe and thought that the casket contained some provisions. However, when they opened it, they found a body but were unable to identify it.
They then buried the casket with the body inside and nobody knows where Hazrat Ali’s (ra) grave is now. Then in another narration it is stated that Hazrat Hasan (ra) buried Hazrat Ali (ra) in Kufa, in the quarters belonging to one of the family members of Jadah bin Khubairah.
It is said that Jadah was Hazrat Ali’s (ra) maternal grandson. Imam Ja’far Sadiq narrates: “Hazrat Ali’s (ra) funeral prayer was offered in the night and buried in Kufa. “The locations of his grave was undisclosed, but it was near to the Qasr Imarat.”
In another narration it is mentioned that after the demise of Hazrat Ali (ra), Hazrat Imam Hasan (ra) led Hazrat Ali’s (ra) funeral prayer and he was buried outside of Kufa. His grave was undisclosed lest the Khwarij, etc., dishonour it. Some Shias say that Hazrat Ali’s (ra) grave is located in Najaf
At a place which is known today as Mashad al-Najaf. According to one narration Hazrat Ali (ra) was martyred in Kufa, but the whereabouts of his grave are unknown. After the demise of Hazrat Ali (ra), Hazrat Imam Hasan (ra) led the funeral prayer and was buried in the Dar al-Imarat of Kufa,
Fearing that the Khwarij would dishonour his body. Allama Ibn Athir writes: “There is a famous narration; “whosoever said that Hazrat Ali’s (ra) body was loaded on an animal “and the animal went missing and that nobody knows where it went, “this narration is incorrect.
“The one who stated such a thing was careless and has no knowledge of the true events, “nor can rational or the Shariah agree with this narration. “The majority of the ignorant Rafawid hold the belief “that Hazrat Ali’s (ra) grave is located in Mashad al-Najaf. “There is no proof or evidence to support this.
“On the contrary, it is believed that this is the grave of Mughirah bin Shu’bah.” Imam Ibn Taimiyya writes: “Scholars are in agreement that the grave at Mashad in Najaf is not of Hazrat Ali’s (ra). “In fact, that is the grave of Hazrat Mughirah bin Shu’bah.
“Despite being in government in Kufa and more than 300 years passing, “the Ahl-e-Bai’at [family of the Holy Prophet (saw)], Shias and other Muslims “never claimed that this was the grave of Hazrat Ali (ra). “300 years after the martyrdom of Hazrat Ali (ra), that site became known as Mashad-e-Ali. “Thus, the narrations which state
“that this is the grave of Hazrat Ali (ra) are completely incorrect.” After stating the different narrations that have been mentioned above regarding the tomb of Hazrat Ali (ra), Allama Ibn Jawzi writes in his book of history: “Allah knows best which narration is most correct and authentic.” With regards to Hazrat Ali’s (ra) marriages and progeny, it is mentioned that he married a total of eight times during different periods. The names of his wives are as follows: Fatima (ra), daughter of the Holy Prophet (saw),
Khaulah bint Ja’far bin Qais, Lailah bint Mas’ud bin Khalid, Umm Al-Baneen bint Hazaam bin Khalid, Asma bint Umais, Sahaba Umm Habib bint Rabi’ah, ‘Umamah bint Abil ‘Aas bin Rabi’, she was the granddaughter of the Holy Prophet (saw) from his daughter, Hazrat Zainab (ra), and also Umm Saeed bint Urwah bin Masud Thaqafi.
Allah the Almighty granted Hazrat Ali (ra) many children who number more than 30; 14 boys and 19 girls. Hazrat Ali’s (ra) progeny continued through Hazrat Hasan (ra), Hazrat Husain (ra), Muhammad bin Hanafiyya, Abbas bin Kilabiya and Amr bin Taghlabiah. With regards to Hazrat Ali’s (ra) virtues, morals and qualities,
It is written in a narration by Ibn Abbas that the Holy Prophet (saw) stated: “I am a city of knowledge and Ali is the gate to this city. “Anyone who intends to come to this city should arrive at its door.” With regards to this, Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) states: “Hazrat Ali (ra) once stated: “‘the bravest and most courageous among the companions was Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra).
“‘He further stated that during the Battle of Badr, “‘when a separate canopy was erected for the Holy Prophet (saw), “‘at the time the question arose as to who should be assigned to protect the Holy Prophet (saw). “‘Upon this, Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) stood with an unsheathed sword and with the utmost bravery,
“‘he organised for safeguarding the Holy Prophet (saw).’ “Similarly, it is mentioned in Ahadith that on one occasion the Holy Prophet (saw) stated: “Meaning ‘I am a city of knowledge and Ali is the gate to this city.’ “The Holy Prophet (saw) declared Hazrat Ali (ra) to be one of the scholars, “but during the Battle of Khaybar, at the most delicate of times, “the Holy Prophet (saw) gave the Islamic flag to Hazrat Ali (ra).
“From this it is proven that during the time of the Holy Prophet (saw), “the scholars did not show cowardice, in fact they were the bravest of all.” Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) was mentioning in regards to the bravery of the scholars and mentioned this incident in relation to that. Hazrat Ali (ra) states:
“there was a time where I would have to tie a rock to my stomach due to excessive hunger. “But today, my Sadqah (i.e. Zakat) amounts to 4000 dinars.” In one narration it is mentioned as 40,000 dinars. Abu Bahr narrates an incident from his teacher, he said,
“I saw Hazrat Ali (ra) wearing a thick lower garment. “Hazrat Ali (ra) said that he had bought it for five dirhams “and that he would sell it to anyone who would give him one-dirham profit on it.”
The narrator further states: “I saw a small pouch with money in the hands of Hazrat Ali (ra). “Hazrat Ali (ra) said: ‘This is the revenue from my property in Yanbu’.” Yanbu’ is situated at a distance of 7 Manzils [unit of distance equal to 1 days travel] from Medina towards the coast.
The words: ‘Allah is the true Sovereign’ was engraved on the ring of Hazrat Ali (ra). Jumai’ bin Umair states: “I went to Hazrat Aisha (ra) with my aunt, “who asked her, ‘Who was the most beloved to the Holy Prophet (saw)?’ “to which she replied: ‘Fatimah’.
“She then asked: ‘And who was it from among the men?’ “Hazrat Aisha (ra) replied: ‘Her husband, Hazrat Ali (ra)’.” Hazrat Thalba bin Abi Malik relates that Hazrat Sa’d bin Ubadah (ra) would be the flag-bearer for the Holy Prophet (saw) at the occasion of every battle,
However when the actual battle would commence, Hazrat Ali (ra) would take hold of the flag. A member of the Thaqeef tribe narrated that Hazrat Ali (ra) appointed him as the governor of Sabur. Sabur is an area in Iran and situated approximately 100 miles from the city of Shiraz.
Hazrat Ali (ra) instructed him that he should not punish anyone even over one dirham of tax and nor go after their wealth or their clothes whether it be the season of summer or winter. In other words, the tax should not be sought in a manner that they become deprived of even their clothing.
He also admonished that he should not take any animal from them in tax which they used for their work. No one should be made to endure trouble if they paid less tax by even a dirham. In other words, he was not to cause the people to endure any kind of hardship or trouble
In the collection of the tax or the Jizyah. Upon this, he submitted, “O Leader of the Faithful! “In that case I shall return to you in the same state as I am leaving “for I will not be able to collect anything.”
Hazrat Ali (ra) replied, “Indeed, even if it means that you return empty handed, “because I have been commanded that we are only take [tax/jizya] “from the surplus wealth of people.” Hazrat Ibn Abbas (ra) relates that the Holy Prophet (saw) stated to Hazrat Ali (ra), “You are my brother and companion.”
Ali bin Rabia narrates that he was in the company of Hazrat Ali (ra) when an animal was brought before him so that he could mount upon it. When he was about to place his foot in the stirrup, he recited “in the name of Allah” three times.
When he sat upon it, he recited “All praise belongs to Allah” and then recited: Meaning, “Holy is He Who has placed this under our control “whilst we did not have the strength to do so and indeed we shall return to our Lord.” He then recited “All praise belongs to Allah” and “Allah is the greatest” three times. He then recited the following prayer: Meaning, “Holy is Thou, surely I have wronged my soul, “thus forgive me for there is none to forgive besides Thee.” Thereafter, Hazrat Ali (ra) smiled. The narrator of the tradition states that he submitted, “O Leader of the Faithful, what made you smile?” Upon this, Hazrat Ali (ra) stated,
“I saw the Messenger (saw) of Allah do exactly like I just did “and I also enquired of the Messenger (saw) of Allah as to why he smiled and he replied, “‘Indeed, your Lord is most pleased by His servant when he says,
“‘“O my Lord, forgive me my sins, for there is none to forgive besides You.”’ “This is what caused the Messenger (saw) of Allah to smile.” Yahya bin Yamir relates that on one occasion Hazrat Ali bin Abi Talib (ra) delivered an address. After offering praise to Allah the Almighty, he stated,
“O people, before you, people were destroyed owing to their sins. “Their pious people and their religious scholars would not warn them against committing sins. “Subsequently, when they exceeded all bounds in their sins, “they were seized by all kinds of punishment.
“Therefore, you ought to exhort others to do good and stop them from committing evil, “lest you also face punishment like them. “Remember, that exhorting others to do good and stopping them from evil “will neither diminish your livelihoods and nor bring you closer to death.” Hazrat Jabir (ra) narrates that
One day we visited the house of an Ansari lady with the Holy Prophet (saw). She had prepared food and had invited the Holy Prophet (saw) to eat. The Holy Prophet (saw) stated that a person is about to arrive, who is destined to enter paradise.
Soon after, Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (ra) entered and everyone congratulated him. The Holy Prophet (saw) then again stated that soon a person will come who is destined to enter paradise. Soon after, Hazrat Umar (ra) entered and again everyone congratulated him. The Holy Prophet (saw) for a third time stated that
The person who is about arrive will also be destined to enter paradise. The narrator states that he saw that at the time, the Holy Prophet (saw) had hidden his head behind a small datepalm plant and was saying, “O Allah, if You will then allow Ali to be the next person to enter.”
Soon after, Hazrat Ali (ra) entered and everyone congratulated him as well. Hazrat Anas (ra) relates that that the Holy Prophet (saw) stated, “Paradise is awaiting three individuals, they are: Ali, Ammar and Salman.” Abu Uthman Nahdi relates that Hazrat Ali (ra) stated, “On one occasion, the Messenger (saw) of Allah was holding my hand
“and we passed through one of the streets of Medina and approached an orchard. “I submitted, ‘O Messenger (saw) of Allah, how beautiful is this orchard.’ “The Holy Prophet (saw) stated, “‘There is an even more beautiful orchard prepared for you in paradise.’” Hazrat Ammar bin Yasir (ra) relates that
He heard the Holy Prophet (saw) say to Hazrat Ali (ra), “O Ali, Allah the Almighty has endowed you with a quality “which no other person has been granted the like of “and that is aversion from worldly material. “Allah Almighty has made you in a way
“that you do not partake anything of this world and the world does not take anything from you. (In other words, he did not have any desire for material things and similarly those who are desirous of worldly material did not wish to keep any relationship with him.)
“Moreover, Allah the Almighty has granted you love for the needy “and they are well pleased by appointing you as their leader “and you are pleased to be their leader. “Thus, glad-tidings for one who shows love to you and speaks the truth about you
“and those who bear enmity against you and utter lies about you shall perish. “Those who show love to you and speak the truth about you “will be your neighbours in paradise and the companions of your palace. “And those who bear enmity against you and fabricate lies against you,
“then Allah the Almighty has taken it upon Himself that on the Day of Judgment, “He shall raise them amongst the most hardened liars.” Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) states, “The Holy Prophet (saw) stated, “Harzat Ali (ra) and Hazrat Fatimah (ra) will be in the same station in paradise as me.”
There are also narrations in regards to Hazrat Ali (ra) being amongst those ten fortunate companions, who in this very world were given the glad-tidings of paradise in the blessed words of the Holy Prophet (saw). Hazrat Saeed bin Zaid relates, “I can testify regarding nine people that they shall enter paradise
“and if I were to say the same about the tenth individual, “I will not be committing a sin.” Upon being asked how he knew, he stated, “We standing on Mount Hira with the Holy Prophet (saw) when it began shaking. “The Holy Prophet (saw) then said,
“‘Remain still, O Hira, for there is none upon this mount except for a prophet, “‘siddiq [truthful] or a shaheed [a martyr].'” Someone then asked, who are those ten individuals who were given the glad-tiding of entering paradise. Hazrat Saeed bin Zaid (ra) replied,
“Holy Prophet (saw), Abu Bakr (ra), Umar (ra), Uthman (ra), Ali (ra), “Talha (ra), Zubair (ra), Saad (ra), and Abdur Rahman bin Auf (ra).” When asked who the tenth individual was, Hazrat Saeed bin Zaid (ra) replied, “It is me.” The next account which I shall narrate
Which has been mentioned by the Promised Messiah (as) has been quoted previously as well. However, it is regarding Hazrat Ali’s (ra) self-control and free of any egotism, therefore I shall mention it once again. The Promised Messiah (as) states, “Hazrat Ali (ra) was once fighting against an enemy
“and he was doing so purely for the sake of Allah. “At one point, Hazrat Ali (ra) felled the opponent “and was kneeling over his chest when he suddenly spat in Hazrat Ali’s (ra) face. “Hazrat Ali (ra) immediately stood off his chest and let him go.
“He said, ‘The reason for this was that till now I was fighting against you for the sake of God, “‘but now that you have spat in my face, therefore there is an a personal incentive now. “‘Therefore, I do not wish to kill you for any personal reason.’ “Thus it is evidently clear that
“Hazrat Ali (ra) did not consider anyone with whom he had personal enmity as his enemy. “This is the nature and habit that one should instil in themselves. “What can displease God Almighty more than this “that one causes pain to others and increases in enmity for the personal reasons?” Then, on another occasion, the Promised Messiah (as) explained this in further detail: “Learn from Hazrat Ali (ra) in relation to how one ought to distinguish
“between one’s personal desire and one passion for the sake of Allah the Almighty. “Once, Hazrat Ali (ra) fought against a disbeliever who was very strong. “Each time he would try to get hold of him, he would escape.
“Eventually, Hazrat Ali (ra) overcame him and firmly got hold of him and knelt upon his chest “and was just about to kill him with his dagger but he spat in his face. “When he did this, Hazrat Ali (ra) immediately came off his chest and left him.
“Expressing his astonishment, the disbeliever asked Hazrat Ali (ra) “that why did he let him go despite the fact that he had overcome him after so much struggle “and also given the fact that he was an enemy of his and wanted to take his blood and kill him.
“Hazrat Ali (ra) replied, ‘the fact is that there is nor personal enmity between me and you. “‘Since you torment the Muslims owing to your opposition of their faith “‘that is why you were deserving of death, “‘and I was only trying to overcome you for the sake of my faith.
“‘However, when you spat at me, “‘I became angry and I realised that there was now a personal reason at stake “‘and therefore it would not be permissible for me to do anything against you. “‘For there is nothing I do for the sake of any personal reason,
“‘rather everything is for the sake of Allah the Almighty. “‘When I return to my normal state and my anger subsides, “‘I will continue to come against you as I was doing before.’ “Upon hearing this, it had such a profound impact on the disbeliever “that his heart became free from any kind of disbelief
“and thought to himself that which other faith could there be in this world “which is better than this faith by which one becomes completely pure. “And so, he immediately repented and became a Muslim.” Thus is true Taqwa [righteousness] which then bears its fruits.
Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) has also narrated this account in a similar manner. He writes, “Hazrat Ali (ra) once took part in a battle “and came up against a very fierce opponent who very few people could challenge. “Hazrat Ali (ra) fought against this strong Jewish solider for many hours.
“After many hours of fighting, Hazrat Ali (ra) managed to take the opponent down “and knelt on his chest and decided to cut his neck with his dagger “when suddenly he spat at Hazrat Ali (ra). “Hazrat Ali (ra) immediately let him go and stood to one side. “The Jewish solider was astonished and said,
“‘That is strange, we have been fighting one another for many hours “‘and finally you took me down and now you have suddenly let me go. “‘What a foolish act you have committed.’ “Hazrat Ali (ra) replied, ‘I have not acted in a foolish manner,
“‘in fact when I took you down and you spat on my face, “‘my heart became filled with anger as to why you spat at me. “‘But with this, I also thought that up till now whatever I was doing was for the sake of God, “‘but now if I continue to fight against you
“‘then I shall be killing you due to my personal anger.’ “Hazrat Ali (ra) further stated, ‘This could be owing to my personal anger “‘rather than for the sake of attaining the pleasure of God. “‘therefore, I deemed it appropriate that I should let you go.
“‘When my anger subsides, I will continue to fight against you.'” I will continue to narrate the accounts in the future [sermon], God willing. But at this moment in time, I would like to say that today is the first day of the New Year and the first Jummah [Friday].
Pray that may this year be a blessed one for the Jama’at, the entire world and the whole of mankind. Whilst fulfilling our responsibilities, may we continue to turn towards Allah the Almighty and elevate the standards of our worship more than before.
May the rest of the world also recognise the purpose of their creation and fulfil the rights of God and instead of usurping the rights of one another, they in fact fulfil the rights of one another whilst adhering to the commandments of Allah the Almighty. Otherwise, Allah the Almighty has His own unique way
By which He draws the attention of the people of the world towards fulfilling their rights. If only we, and the rest of the world, understand this fundamental principle and in turn reform our lives in this world and the hereafter. For the past year, we have been enduring a very dangerous pandemic
And there is not a single country which is safe from this; in some places it is more widespread whilst less severe in others. However, it seems, that the vast majority of the world does not wish to pay heed to the fact that perhaps this pandemic is from Allah the Almighty
In order to draw their attention towards fulfilling their duties and responsibilities. They do not want to consider the fact that perhaps Allah the Almighty is drawing their attention through this; no one is pondering over this in this regard.
A few months ago, in order to draw the attention of various world leaders towards this, I wrote letters to them in relation to the COVID pandemic and drew their attention in the words of the Promised Messiah (as) in that these calamities come from Allah the Almighty
As a result of becoming unmindful of fulfilling their rights towards God Almighty and the growing injustices. Thus, they ought to pay heed towards this. Some of these world leaders also replied, but their responses were in light of only worldly aspects and although they agreed to what was said,
But they failed to acknowledge the aspect of God and faith which was a significant part of those letters. However, not only do they not wish to take any practical measures to reform their moral conditions and nor do they want to show compassion to the world and make them aware of their true objective.
Despite the fact that everyone knows that the after-effects of this pandemic will be extremely grave. This is something which is known by every world leader, every intelligent person, and every analyst; but despite this, they fail to pay heed towards the real solution and they remain focused on their worldly attempts.
Not only are people being impacted by this pandemic at an individual level, but everyone is growing weaker with respect to their economy. Of course, there are the health implications [of this pandemic], however, everyone is also being impacted financially as well. In fact, even the economies of powerful nations are also being heavily impacted.
Worldly people only have one solution to this, which is that when their economies collapse, they will overtake the economies of smaller nations, by trapping them in one way or another and by making excuses to take hold of their wealth.
There will be blocs created for this purpose; in fact they have already started forming. A cold war will break out once again, which according to some, has already begun in some respects. It is also entirely possible, that an actual armed war begins which will prove to be catastrophic,
And as a result of which these people will fall into an even darker abyss. Poor nations are already being crushed, but [in the event of a war] the people belonging to the wealthy nations will also be crushed in a horrific manner. Thus, before the world reaches such a state,
We must fulfil our duty and warn the world of this. It is only when we fulfil our duty in this regard, i.e. to make the world aware of this, that we can then truly congratulate one another for the New Year.
Of course, in order to do this, we will also have to assess our own conditions. We, who have accepted the Imam Mahdi and Promised Messiah of this age, we must ask ourselves that are we at the level where, alongside fulfilling the rights owed to God Almighty,
We are fulfilling the rights owed to His creations, and doing so solely for His sake? Or do we still need to work towards reforming ourselves and increasing our mutual love and affection to a high standard? Thus, every Ahmadi should reflect upon the fact that they have been tasked with a great responsibility.
And to complete this task, we must first create an atmosphere of love and brotherhood in our own Ahmadi society, and then bring the entire world under this banner, which was raised aloft by the Holy Prophet (saw), which is the banner of the Unity of God.
Only then will we be successful in fulfilling the purpose of our bai’at [pledge of allegiance] and do justice to our pledge of allegiance; only after doing this will we become the recipients of the bounties of Allah
And only then we will have the right to give and receive the greetings for the new year. May Allah the Almighty enable us to do this and by understanding their responsibilities, may every Ahmadi man, woman, youth, child or elderly pledge
That they will use all of their faculties to bring about a transformation in the world this year. May Allah the Almighty enable every Ahmadi to fulfil this pledge. Recently I have been reminding everyone to pray for the Ahmadis in Pakistan and Algeria; remember them in your prayers. In certain parts of Pakistan,
Some clerics and government officials are intent on carrying out injustices. May Allah swiftly seize such people who will not reform themselves. Allah the Almighty knows which of them will reform themselves and which will not. As for those who will not reform themselves, may Allah ensure the means of seizing them swiftly.
They are carrying out atrocities under the Blasphemy laws and they are seeking to cause hindrances in all the different ways with which we perform Taribiyyat [impart moral training] of our own members. May Allah swiftly grant us respite from them and save us from them. In actuality, it is these people
Who tarnish the pristine name of the Mercy for Mankind [i.e. the Holy Prophet (saw)]. Ahmadis in fact are willing to sacrifice their lives to uphold the honour of the Holy Prophet (saw). Today, those who are making the greatest effort and true efforts,
In bringing the world under the banner of the Holy Prophet (saw) are Ahmadis. Indeed, it can be said that if anyone is carrying out this task, it is none other than the Ahmadis. Therefore, these worldly people may commit injustices against us
With their mere worldly authority and wealth, but bear in mind that we believe in that God, Who is an excellent Protector and an excellent Helper. Indeed His support most certainly arrives. In that moment, when the help and support of God Almighty arrives, no remnant remains of such worldly people
And those who deem themselves to be powerful and influential. Hence, it is our duty to continue to increase in our worship through our prayers. It only through this that we can truly succeed. I mentioned that the Ahmadis in Algeria were all acquitted,
One court pronounced them all innocent, another court acquitted them all with minor fines, but despite this, there still remain a few who are still imprisoned. Pray that they may be released very soon. Pray also for the release of the imprisoned Ahmadis in Pakistan.
Our joys, be they at the beginning of a new year or during Eid, will only truly manifest when we raise the banner of the unity of God in every corner of the world, which was brought by the Holy Prophet (saw). Our true joy will be when mankind recognises the human values
And when they turn all enmities into love. May Allah Almighty swiftly grant us the means of this true joy. May He grant sense to the Muslim Ummah so that they may accept the awaited Promised Messiah and Imam Mahdi. May God Almighty grant the world wisdom
So that they may pay heed to the rights of God and the rights of mankind. May Allah Almighty keep every Ahmadi in every country of the world under His protection. May He make this year a means of mercy and blessings for all Ahmadis and all people.
May Allah protect us from our flaws and shortcomings in previous years, which incurred the wrath of God Almighty or which deprived us of certain bounties. May He make us recipients of His blessings and bounties and make us true believers. May Allah Almighty enable us to partake of these prayers.
All praise is due to Allah We laud Him, we beseech help from Him and ask His protection; we confide in Him, we trust Him alone and we seek protection against the evils and mischief of our souls and from the bad results of our deeds.
Whomsoever He guides on the right path, none can misguide him; and whosoever He declares misled, none can guide him onto the right path. And we bear witness that none deserves to be worshipped except Allah. We bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger.
O servants of Allah! May Allah be merciful to you. Verily, Allah commands you to act with justice, to confer benefits upon each other and to do good to others as one does to one’s kindred and forbids evil which pertain to your own selves
And evils which affect others and prohibits revolts against a lawful authority. He warns you against being unmindful. You remember Allah; He too will remember you; call Him and He will make a response to your call. And verily divine remembrance is the highest virtue.