CHAPTER-i

THE STATION OF THE GRAVE

AND THE BEGINNING OF BARZAKH

WESTWARD TRAVEL

In the name of Allah, the Benevolent and Ever Merciful All Praise belongs to Allah, the Lord of the Universe, the Master of this world and of the Day of Judgement. Peace and blessings be on the Prophet of Islam and on his Progeny who warned us that love of this world is a dangerous affliction and that it is the root cause of all diseases afflicting the human race. All other diseases are really branches stemming from this main root. And the cure of this affliction is to keep reminding oneself constantly of Death.

I begin now, by saying that, in 1307 H I had written my memories about my schooling and had called it Travel Eastwards. And now in 1312 when I am writing about the Barzakh, I intend to call it Westward Travel and I hope that it will serve as a souvenir from me and will prove a source of guidance and advice for the general public.

The fact is that our present material and elemental body, by virtue of its very nature, is in a dark and impenetrable veil, not allowing man to see into any other world.

Death, in fact, is the name of emerging from this curtain and once this curtain is removed, man is able to see that which was hidden to his eyes before, and he becomes aware of facts which he was unaware of, until then. 'Certainly, you were heedless of this (day), now we have removed your veil from you, so now your sight is sharp'. (Surah Qaf Verse 22)

That is to say, in this world you were ignorant of facts. Now after death we have removed from your eyes the material curtain so that you may clearly see the Hereafter.

Hence, I died. Then I saw myself standing, relieved of my illness, feeling fit and healthy, but around my corpse my relatives were busy mourning. I was saddened by their crying and told them that I was cured and not dead but nobody heard me. It was as if they neither saw nor heard me. (1)

(1)(Kitab-e.ManaziJ-e-Akhkat by Mohaddise Oummi)

I realized that these people had now become distant from me and so I turned my complete attention towards my corpse. I became especially attentive towards the face and the side, which was uncovered. Afterwards, my body was bathed and shrouded.

Then, when the people had taken care of their other pending work, they took my body towards the graveyard. I was also present in the funeral procession. In this procession I saw many wild beasts and animals, which frightened me, but the other people present were neither afraid nor even troubled, as if those beasts were their tame and beloved pets. In this way, we reached the graveyard. I stood in the grave, and saw how my body was lowered into it, head first. The moment the body was laid inside, the grave became full of animals emerging from everywhere.

My fear knew no bounds especially when the animals started attacking my body. But the man who was lowering my body was not in the least fearful, it was as if he did not even see them.

The man laid the body in the grave and then came out.

But my primary interest was in my body so I stayed inside the grave. I tried to shy away the animals but they were too many for me to handle and they overcame me. One reason was that I was so overcome with fear that my very existence was trembling. I called out to the people standing above my grave for help but nobody came forward to help. On the contrary they remained busy in their work, as if they just could not see the commotion that was going on inside the grave. Suddenly certain eople entered the grave from somewhere and came to my help, as the animals ran away when they saw these people.

So I thanked them and asked them who they were that they had helped me in such a difficult time. They smiled and replied that they were my good deeds that I had done and that the beasts had been my evil deeds. They asked me if I had not heard the verse "Verily the good deeds clear away the bad deeds". Then these people disappeared.

As soon as the commotion was over, I regained my senses. I saw that the men outside had closed the grave and had left me alone in the dark and narrow place. I could see the people going back to their houses, even my close friends, relatives and family members had deserted me and left me alone. These were the very people for whose comfort and well being I had provided and worked for day and night. Their desertion and unfaithfulness on the one hand and my dark and narrow prison on the other extremely saddened me and I was close to bursting with sorrow.

I had never before felt such fear and bewilderment and I sat down dejected at the head of the corpse, losing all hopes of receiving any help from anybody except God. I was wondering what would happen next, when suddenly the grave started trembling and dust came falling down off its walls and roof.

It was especially violent near the foot of the grave as if some huge beast was trying to split open the grave to enter. Finally the grave did split and two huge men with fearful faces entered. (1) The two men were strong and hefty like giants. Smoke and fire bellowed from their mouths and nostrils. In their hands were iron rods (1) (The punishment in the grave, the questioning of Munkir & Nakeer and the presence of snakes and scorpions in the grave is mentioned in numerous traditions. The details

can be had from the books on Beliefs. e.g. Sheikh Sudooq and Allama Majilsi may be referred to.) so red not that it seemed as if flames were leaping up from them. Sudderly they thundered in voices so sharp that the heavens and earth trembled, "Who is your Lord?"

I was so afraid that I could not control my senses. I lost the power to speak and my courage gave way. I thought my dead body would not be able to answer their questions and I became certain that they would give the body a good beating with their iron rods and the grave would be engulfed

with fire. I saw that as it were their fear had made me lose control over my senses, if fire engulfed the grave it would become much worse. So I decided to answer their questions myself. I beseeched God for help: "0 Helper of the Helpless and Rescuer of the Troubled and Afflicted, come to my help. In my heart I also seek the intercession of Imam Ali because I knew him well and I was aware of his strength. and of his position in the eyes of God and that he could come to one's help at any place and at all times. I believed him to be the dispenser of difficulties. My heart had been full of love for him throughout my life and even in death. I knew that this intercessor was God's blessing and that in the most difficult of times when man is near to losing his senses, this gift of God comes to his rescue.

The Qur'an says, "And you see men in stupor, and they are not in stupor, but God's chastisement is severe" (Sura Hajj verse 2). But even in such times, the Imam comes to help.

Hence as soon as I seek his intercession, in spite of the gravity of the situation, strength returned to me and I felt capable of answering. (1)

  1. (According to traditions, the light of the Friendship of the Imams will help their friends in the difficult moments after death, as love strengthens heart and resolve.)

But my lengthy silence had angered them all the more. Their flaming eyes and faces became harsher. They raised their arms as if about to strike me with their iron rods and in voices sharper than before they repeated, "Who is your Lord?"

But I was no longer afraid and so I replied softly that Allah, the One, Only and Unique was my Lord. "He is Allah; there is no God but he, the knower of the unseen and the seen, He is the Beneficent and Ever Merciful. He is Allah, there is no God but He, the King, the Holy, the Peace-loving, the Bestower of conviction, the Guardian, the Ever-prevalent, the supreme, the great absolute. For too exalted is Allah from what they associate (with him). (Soora Hashr verse 22,23)

I remembered this particular verse because I had been in the habit of reciting it daily after my morning prayers.

(2) (This presence of mind and the ready and appropriate reply befits the author who led a life of piousness. benevolence. lofty morals, in service of humanity, and in quest of knowledge about God. Those who lead such lives will enjoy similar conditions.

But the ignorant, wordly, cruel and evil will be in difficulties.

Therefore man should pay heed, repent and start doing good from now.)

I felt it necessary to recite it in front of them in order to convince them of my position and qualities1 so that they may not think that the human race was bereft of lofty qualities. They had objected to the creation of Adam the very first day saying 'that he would prove to be naught but a source of mischief and bloodshed on earth. However, I saw that as soon as I recited these verses, their anger seemed to melt away. Their faces softened somewhat and one of them told the other that it seemed as if I belonged to the group of scholars of Islam and therefore they should continue with their questioning in a gentler manner.

But the other one replied that God had appointed them to question me and so they should continue in the same manner regardless of who I was. Because their attitude towards me should depend only upon my being able to answer correctly all the questions and it was not yet known whether l would be able to do so.

After conversing thus, they resumed their questioning, "Who is your Prophet?"

But now I felt sufficiently courageous and, even my voice was strong. Without hesitation I replied, "The Messenger and the Prophet of God towards all men, Muhammad, the son of Abdullah, May Peace be Upon Him and his progeny. He is the seal of the Messengers and the head of the Prophets. The moment I replied, their anger vanished completely and their faces brightened and became happy. Then they questioned me about my Book, Temple, and the Imams and the successors of the Holy Prophet. I replied, "My book is the Holy Qur'an, which was revealed by the benevolent Lord unto the sagacious Prophet (S.A.). And my temple is the Kaaba and the Maslid-ul-Haraam 'wherever you maybe, turn your faces towards it' and 'I have turned my face towards the Creator of the heavens and the earth completely and submissively and I am not from the polytheists'. And my Imams and the successors of the Holy Prophet are the Twelve Imams, the first of them Ali, and the last Imam Mehdi, who is the Imam and the ruler of our time.

Obedience unto them is obligatory and they are infallible.

They are the Witnesses on the earth and in the Hereafter they are the intercessors." Then I named each Imam with his parentage and other details.

To this they replied that such a lengthy discourse was unnecessary and the answers should be brief. I promptly remarked "This detail was necessary for you because you had misgivings about the creation of Adam from the very first day.

Your objection to the creation of Adam had in fact been an objection on the action of God. And from the day that I understood your objection, it was like a burden on me. And I had promised myself that whenever I would meet you, I would question you thoroughly; but it is sad that now when we have met, the situation does not permit it: I am in a difficult position and you have been appointed by God to question me."

Then I fell silent and waited to see their reaction. But they stopped their interrogation and merely asked me the source of these answers. This question was a source of concern and worry because I thought that the proofs and theories that I had prepared in the world concerning the Beliefs and principles of Islam, were they indeed necessarily true? The possibility existed that even Aristotle, who's considered to be the Father of Philosophy, was wrong. In fact, some of his fallacies were in my notice. Secondly, those proofs even if correct would hold true only in the dark and ignorant world, whereas here was a world of Light and Illumination. Darkness necessitates a guiding stick but here the darkness had gone and was replaced with light of such illuminance that even the blind would not require a guiding stick. Of what use was the stick (my proof)now? Then what did these two, want from me? "0 God! I

am a newcomer here and I am yet unaware of the prevalent customs and of the nature of the beings present here. 0 God! I beseech you in the name of Imam Ali, the son of Abu Talib, help me!"

I was thus engrossed in my thoughts and supplications. When suddenly their piercing scream, sharper than flint, rang out. 'Answer at once What was the source from which you learnt these answers? (3)

(3)

(It is necessary to know the beliefs and principles of Islam like the Unity of God, Divine Justice, Prophethood, Imamat and the Day of Judgement, through understanding and logical proof. In this case, Taqleed following a Marjaa or scholar is not permitted. It is not sufficient if one adopts these beliefs because his forefathers believed in them.

Blind following in this manner will prove useless in the Hereafter.

As Islam is a religion of logic and evidence, the Muslim should strive to know the Beliefs and principles through logic and clear understanding of proofs. If this is not done, then his beliefs cannot be considered to be free of doubt and he would consequently not quallfy to stand amongst the true Muslims in the Hereafter. Faith is a state of the heart1 but it is attained only when religion has been principles through logic. Otherwise, Islam obtained through mere following is not of lasting quality and does not provide the necessary incentive required to work for the Hereafter. However proper understanding of religion through logic and proofs will result in the height of awareness and knowledge, which in turn will prove to be an incentive for doing deeds for the Hereafter.

And God willing, any one who acts with sincerity and with correct principles will be rewarded in the Hereafter. However, if these essentials of correct principles, sincerity of intention, and quality and quantity of deeds are lacking, then the future can prove bleak.

I could no longer bear to look at their faces. Their eyes were red with anger and flames were leaping up from them, their faces were terrifying.

Their mouths were wide open like a lion's with fang-like teeth visible inside. Their iron rods were raised as if they were lust about to strike.

Overcome with fear, I almost fainted. At this moment, the answer seemed to be revealed to me. I answered in a weak voice :"I was guided towards these words by Allah. They replied 'then sleep like the newly wed bride". They went away but I felt as if I had either gone to sleep or had fainted. But I clearly felt that I was rid of the fear and I slept peacefully. When I revived and opened my eyes, I saw myself in a pleasant room. A handsome youth, hose very body was fragrant was sitting next to me with my head in his lap, waiting for me to wake up. I sat up out of respect for him and greeted him. He smiled lovingly embraced me and returned my greetings, and said, "sit down and be at ease. I'm your friend and companion, not a Prophet or an Imam. I asked, "May I know who you are? It is indeed my good fortune to have a companion like you.

It is my desire to always remain with you."

He replied, "My name is Haadi (Guide), I am also called Abul Wafa (the Father of fulfillment) and Abu Turab (Father of earth). I guided you to your first answer. Had you failed to reply, they would have given you a good beating with their iron rods and your grave would have become full with the flames from Hell." I replied,

"'I am indeed grateful to you for your help in freeing me from the dire straits I was in but as that as I'm concerned, the last question was unnecessary and was merely in order to lengthen the questioning process. I had replied correctly to all the questions about the Islamic beliefs. And if one speaks truthfully about factual events, then there is no scope left for questioning. If you keep a red-hot iron on somebody's palm and he complains that his hand is burning, it is superfluous to ask why he is saying so. If in spite of this a man is foolish enough to ask, then the reply can only be to ask him if he is blind that he cannot see the red-hot iron lying on the hand. The last questions which the angels asked can only be termed to be of this category."

Haadi replied, "This is not correct, because man does not usually speak the truth. It is quite possible that he admits to certain truths verbally, but in the heart of hearts he does not believe in them. If the heart does not firmly believe in a principle, it will not act in accordance to it. Such words and admissions are meaningless, as the heart does not believe in them. As God has said, 'Do not claim that you have brought faith, only say that you have submitted, faith has not yet entered your hearts.

"On the very first day when man was asked 'Am I not your Lord ?' all did not reply in the affirmative and submit to God's Lordship as they should have."

I inquired "Why"?

Haadi replied, "In the material world when man is tested for his religious duties and responsibilities, many fail to observe these dutifully until the time arrives to come out of the examination hall. After death, here in the first station1 the true believer and the hypocrite both answer the questions correctly until the last question is asked. If true faith had place in his heart, then only is he able to answer as you did. If, however, the foundation of his beliefs and his religion lay in traditions and customs and not in sound logic, then as deep down in his heart he does not believe in it, it proves useless here. You are aware yourself of the traditions of the Prophet and his progeny concerning this."

I replied, "That's true, the traditions of the Infallibles indeed speak of this. But the questioning terrified me so much, that I could not even think logically, and forgot all about this. May God bless you for coming to my help at such a crucial time. And I pray to God that he may never bereave me of your company.

"But first, tell me, how is it that though we've never met before, you seem to know me well, and in spite of the short time that we've been together, I've developed such a love for you that I cannot bear to part with you?" He replied, 'I have been with you since the very first day and have always loved you but you never sensed my presence since in the material world your sight lacked the power to perceive me.

Actually, "I am the relationship of love and friendship which you had with Imam Ali and the Ahlebait of the Holy Prophet. My meeting and helping a person depends upon the strength of that relationship, that is to say, it depends upon his capability. I'm called the Haadi (the guide) because the love of Ahlebait guides a man towards good deeds, but only according to his capability. In other words, I was your guide as far as you are concerned and Ali is the Imam, guide and leader of all the pious people on earth. And the Holy Our'an, 'that is the Book, there is no doubt in it, it is a guidance for the pious.' this book and myself we are your guides to the extent of the connections and relations which you had with us. And 'One who disowns tempestuousness and believes in God, then verily he has taken hold of the strong rope which is not going to break, and so I am not going to part with you, unless you yourself part with me through following your carnal desires. This is why I am called Abul Wafa. The (father of Faithfulness) and Abu Turab (Father of Earth). (4) (Here the author has embodied the love of Ahlebait to show how this love will come to help in all situations. The famous tradition of the Holy Prophet says: "One who dies loving of the Progeny of Mohammed, dies a Martyr19.

Imam Mohammad Baqar stated to Abu Khalid kabuli. "0, Abu Khalid! By God, the love of Ahlebait illuminates the heart of the faithful like the sun illuminates the day". Imam Shaafai says. "I firmly hold on to the rope (covenant) of Allah, as we have been commanded, and this is the love of Ahlebait". But it should be pointed out that mere vows of love are not sufficient unless one's deeds are also in accordance. The eighth Imam, Raza (A.S.) said' "We do not have a permit to free any one from the flames of Hell. And our intercession cannot overcome Divine Justice. One who is obedient to Allah is our friend, and the one who is disobedient is our foe". This shows that a claim of love and friendship of Ahlebait will hold only when backed with deeds, which are according to Ahlebait's wishes and desires. Otherwise to continue leading a life bereft of good deeds and even indulge in evil and then to depend upon the love of Ahlebait is to deceive oneself.) In short, my creation is from the light of Ali (A.S.). I was present in your heart in accordance with your capability, that Is, to the extent that you acted in accordance with your vows of love of Ali. I could only stay with you when you did good. When you were disobedient, I used to part with you. Similarly, here I will be with you when you are rewarded for your good deeds, but when you are punished for your evil actions, you will not find me present. Allah has stated in the Qur'an: 'This is because God does not do injustice to his people, but they do injustice to themselves. "However, today was the last day of your life on earth and is the first day of the Hereafter. I was merely a trust of God given to you for sate keeping. What saddens me most is that you have read the Qur'an time and again and the Qur'an is full of my mention, yet today you did not even recognize me. Anyway, I'll leave now and for the present you may rest, 'God be with you."

Haadi went away leaving me alone. I started contemplating on the events and the fact dawned upon me that it was as if life in the world was a dream and man wakes up after death to find the interpretation of his dream becoming a reality.

"0 Pity that I overstepped (the bounds) in the court of Allah" (Surah-e-Zamr verse 53) (that is. I kept sinning, without realizing God to be present and a witness to my deeds), but now it was useless to cry and feel pitiful for myself because the door of atonement and repentance was now closed. I was engulfed in these thoughts when I fell asleep. But I was soon awakened by another calamity. This time I felt two men sitting on either side; the one on the right was beautiful, but the one on left was ugly to look at. They were sniffing my body from head to toe and kept entering something in the files, which they had in their hands. They had brought along some boxes of various sizes and they kept the body like the heart, the power of thought, power of intention, were subjected time and again to their sniffing whilst they whispered amongst themselves. Repeated the sniffing procedure, filled the boxes and sealed them.

I remained still that they might not realize I was awake but I was terrified because I realized that they were judging my deeds and recording them. The good looking man seemed to be a well-wisher because from what little I could overhear it seemed as if he was not allowing those sins for which 1 had repented to be recorded. At times he would say that such and such sin had been compensated by a certain good deed that I had done, just as the alchemist's elixir turns earth into gold. So I developed a liking for this person because of his kindness towards me. When they finished writing, they folded the sheets and wrapped them around my neck like fetters, and they put the sealed boxes in a bag and placed it by my head. Then I saw them bringing an iron cage; it had thick iron bars and was about my size. They put me inside, and bolted it. Then, as they turned its lever, it started to constrict, tightening on my body. It became so tight that it became difficult to breath, and I felt that I could not even call to anybody for help. They kept turning the lever until the cage, which had originally been my size, was now no bigger than a small cooking vessel; small and hot. My. bones cracked and broke and quite literally oil oozed out of my body, as black as soot. They mopped it up but I had fainted and was unaware of what was going on.

When I became conscious again, I found my head in Haadi's lap I said, "Haadi forgive me. But I am feeling so bad that I cannot even get up. My joints have all broken, and I cannot yet breathe properly." My voice had gone weak and I was crying as if I was reproaching Haadi for not being present when I had needed him so much. This was the first constriction that I had ever faced. Haadi consoled me and told me that what had happened to me was an unavoidable event which everyone had to face in the first stage in the grave. Anyhow, he hoped that I would not have to face similar events in the future. Secondly, he said, all events here were a result of my own past deeds. (5)

(Constriction in the grave and other punishments of the Barzakh, are the result of those sins which one has not repented for. it has nothing to do with correctness of one's faith. The possibility exists that a person though a true faithful commits certain mistakes or sins in his lifetime, and will have to bear the punishment for these in the Hereafter. Therefore man should only sin to an extent that he can bear to be punished for. Saad Ibne Maaz was one of the respected companions of the Holy Prophet. When he died, the Holy Prophet accompanied his funeral bare foot and without his cloak to show his grief. The Prophet himself laid Saad in the grave, prayed for him and said that Gabrail and Meekail along with a host of angels were present in the funeral. But when Saad's mother said, '0 Saad! You are indeed fortunate that the Holy Prophet has walked barefoot in your funeral and has lowered you in your grave, The Holy Prophet asked her to be quiet and said, You cannot prevent him from suffering the punishment of the grave. Saad did not treat his family members kindly and so is now suffering constriction."). But the cage that you saw is created by men's own evil traits. It is possible that for some it night be thousand times more painful.

There are three basic vices

1)Avarice and greed.

2)Conceit and arrogance.

3)Jealousy.

The first of these was responsible for the expulsion of Adam from heaven, the second expelled Satan from God's court and the third sent Kane headlong to Hell. From these three stem thousands of branches and depending on lack or excess of these1 men possess their individual characters and traits. Haadi kept on talking and consoling me. Simultaneously he kept moving his hands gently over my back, sides and other affected parts. And it relieved my pain and gave me renewed strength. My body appeared to have been purged of all debasements and had become pure and clean. I now understood that the constriction had actually been an act of purifying so that if man possessed evil traits these debasements would, as a result of the constriction, be squeezed out of him like the black oil, which I had, seen.

In reply to my questioning, Haadi replied, "The big bag contains your luggage. Open it so that I may also see what you have brought along for your journey." I opened the bag and found inside the sealed boxes. Some of these contained an inscription that they were meant to be used at certain destinations. There were also packets of rewards and punishments containing labels that they would be opened at specific places. I asked Haadi, "What do these boxes contain?"

Haadi replied. "These are the very moments of the days and nights that you have spent in which you have done good or evil. Whenever an act was committed, the boxes opened like oysters and preserved your acts like valuable gems. These moments are now present in these boxes in front of you."

Then I asked, "What is this chain in my neck?" Haadi replied. "This is your Deed Sheet. You will be judged on its basis on the Day of Judgement. For the present (in Barzakh) it is not required. As the Qur'an says in Soora-e~Asra, verse 14, 'We have made the destiny of every human being cling to his neck and we shall bring forth for him on the Day of Resurrection a book which he will find wide open."

Then he said, "I see that you have very little provision for your life in the Eternal abode.

I suggest that you stay here for a few Fridays as your friends and heirs in the world might send some gifts for you, because the Holy Prophet has said, 'The more provision you have in your journey (of Hereafter) the better it is'. I will go now and, try to obtain a passport for you from the King of the World and the Hereafter. No orders have been issued in this regard in the past week. On Thursday night, I suggest you go and visit your family. Maybe they will think of you and pray for your well being and forgiveness."

Haadi left and I sat down to wait for his return. But my stay now was in a pleasant place and the room was well carpeted. Thursday night arrived but there was yet no sign of Haadi. I decided to follow his advice and in the form of a white dove. I alighted on a branch of a tree near my house on earth in order to see my family'.

(6) (Allama Majilsi in his book Haqqul Yaqeen writes that the spirits came to visit their family weekly. monthly, or annually depending upon their rank. They arrive in the form of a bird, and sit on the wall of the house and watch. If the family members are happy and busy in good deeds, the spirit also becomes happy and if otherwise, the spirit becomes sad. On Thursday nights, these spirits arrive. An angel accompanies the spirits of the faithful. If the family members are in any kind of hardship, then the angel shields them from the spirit's view, that he may not be troubled by their plight.)

1 saw my family members but I was all the more saddened, they were doing what they considered would prove beneficial for me. My friends and relatives had gathered. Qur'an was being recited, a Majlis was being addressed, and good food had been prepared. But I could feel that all this was merely for custom's sake. The sole aim was to put up a good show.

The people being served the dinner were all wealthy, and not in the least needy. Not a single poor or deprived and deserving soul was to be seen. Of what good was such food for me? One could see that even the guests had come to fulfil the customs. They were so callous that even by mistake they were not served promptly, they did not hesitate from cursing my heirs and me. My relatives were not even mourning Imam Hussain. Some were lamenting that they were now bereft of a guardian. Others were crying over the loss of their sustainer and worrying for the future.

It was clear that they had no thoughts for me, and were only interested in themselves. So much so, that they were even oblivious of their own hereafter. Of what use was all this for me? It saddened me further that they seemed to be complaining as if the Master and the Creator had committed an injustice unto them; they were objecting to the actions of the Wise and All-knowing God. I lost hopes of receiving any good from this quarter and dejectedly returned to my abode. I was close to expressing my anger and displeasure with, my family, but then I realized that for them the misfortune of being separated from me was calamity enough. When I reached my grave, I found Haadi waiting inside for me.

I saw a tray of ripe and fresh apples lying in the center of the room. I asked, "Where have these come from?" He replied, "Somebody passed by your grave today and recited Surah-e-Fateha for you. Since his was a sincere act, the Merciful decided that you should be promptly rewarded. May God bless him too." Then Haadi busied himself in decorating my room. He arranged the divans, sofas and the chairs, and hung ornaments on the walls. A chandelier was also fixed and its light was bright and luminescent as the sun. I said, "Haadi, you yourself said that this is not my permanent place. Then why are you taking so much pains today in decorating this room?" He replied, "I have received information that the Imam's son whose grave you had visited once, and the religious scholars whom you used to remember in your Night Prayers are coming to visit you in order to thank you for your friendship."

I replied, "This is indeed my good fortune and it compensates for the sadness that I felt after visiting my family."

I kept thinking that such good fortune was indeed more then what a sinner like me could ever have hoped for.1~ 7

(In Usool-e-kafi, Imam Sadiq is quoted as saying that in the west there is a beautiful garden1 watered by the Furaat. The spirits of the faithful reside here. They recognize each other and visit each other. In the mornings they are free to fly out from here. In the East there is another valley, this one in meant for the wicked and the sinners. Here the spirits are punished for their past deeds, their food is bitter and their water stinks. Probably this description refers to the Valley of Peace and the Valley of Barhoot.)

I told Haadi that my room was small and not fit to accommodate such personalities. He replied that it was small for me but that when the guest would arrive, it would expand accordingly.

Suddenly the guests arrived and seated themselves according to their ranks and station. Their majestic faces shone. The most prominent of them were Hazrat Abbas and Hazrat Ali Akber. They sat down on a gold divan but I noticed that they were fully dressed for war-helmet, shield, sword etc. I wondered at the need for all this here, but I was so awe-struck that I could not muster the courage to speak.

Haadi, others, and myself lined up respectfully in front of Hazrat Abbas and Hazrat Ali Akber. I was so engrossed in watching my majestic guests of honor that I almost forgot myself.

Suddenly Hazrat Abbas addressed to Haadi, 44Have you taken his passport from my father?"

Haadi replied in the affirmative and repeated a verse from Surah-e-Rehman, "O groups of Jinns and humans, have you the strength to go out of the bounds of the heavens and the earth? Certainly not, without (God's gifted) strength."

On hearing this verse, Hazrat Abbas turned towards me and said, "Your remembering and recalling my father, the King of all saints, in your life, has proved to be your salvation. I welcome you with the news that you have been pardoned and absolved."

I bowed down and prostrated and kissed the floor, out of respect and gratefulness at being given this honor. I stood up but I was overcome with emotion at being treated so nicely and gently by these revered guests. Tears flowed down my cheek. Hazrat Habib Ibne Mazahir who was standing adjacent bent towards me and said softly1 "Don't loose heart, you have been exempted from all hardships which would normally have confronted a traveller in this route. These two and their father will never forget you. Hazrat Ali helps his friends and believers In this world and it was he who sent his two sons to greet you, so. that they may meet you and you may rest assured. And for your information, Hazrat Zainab has sent you her greetings. She says that she can never forget how you went barefoot on pilgrimage to her brother's shrine, shed tears for him and bore hardships including hunger and thirst and sickness on your trip."

I cannot possibly express how I felt on hearing this. All I could say was "May God's peace and blessing be on you and on them."

Then I asked Habib , "Why are these two dressed in full battle attire, when there is no war going on?"

Hazrat Habib's face became pale and he started crying. Then he replied, "In Karbala these two could not fight to their heart's content. They had intended to completely destroy the enemy and send them headlong to Hell, but God did not wish this and so their desire could not materialise. They bowed down to God's will, but their intention remained embossed in their hearts and here it has taken this form. They will remain attired in this way until our Twelfth Imam avenges the blood of Hussain (Peace be upon him)."

The guests then left and the room once again returned to its original size. Haadi and I were left alone. I remarked to Haadi, "I will never again visit my family because it only increases my sadness. The deeds, which on the face of it are being done for my spirit's benefit, were actually just for face-saving, for society's sake and to gain acclaim from the relatives. I have lost all hopes of receiving any benefit from them."

I will now rest contented with whatever I already have. As for any potential dangers,

I can only hope that, Hazrat Abbas and Hazrat All Akbar will come to my rescue.'

Haadi replied "You don't require anything more. The first three steps should prove easy for you. This is because the first stage in the world is from birth to the age of three years when the child's brain is still devoid of sensibility. The next stage is up to fifteen years of age, when God does not yet hold him responsible for his deeds.

The third stage is up to the age of eighteen years. In these three years though he becomes accountable, his mind is still immature. Man's deeds are judged keeping in view his intelligence.

"When Allah created intelligence He said, "I will base punishment and reward on you." The first three stages here correspond to those three stages, so they should prove easy for you, If any problem or danger does befall you, it will soon clear up by itself. So I don't consider it necessary to accompany you through these stages.

I'll take your leave now. You'll find me waiting for you at stage four. Take your baggage and start tomorrow morning from here. Take that straight road going in the direction of Kaaba.

On hearing this I clung to Haadi and said "Haadi you know well I cannot bear to be separated from you. Even if the road is straight and wide and spacious, and the journey trouble-free but still, I would be alone, without you and a stranger in an unknown place. This 1 cannot bear. Even our Prophet (S.A.) has said to search a companion if one wishes to travel".

Haadi replied "You have to face these three stages alone, because in the world also I was not your companion during these three stages. I have been with you only since you became mentally mature. I belong to the exalted ones and our duty is to guide to well being and sublimity. Whatever befalls you in these stages will be due to your own actions. So blame yourself, not me".

Then he left, leaving me alone. I began to ponder over what he had said and finally reached the conclusion that he was right. I would indeed have to face it alone without my friend Haadi, the Abu Turab and Abu Wafa.

Allah has said, You will not find any change in the way and customs of Allah. The event of the world and the hereafter were interrelated and could not be separated. We have understood our earthly life. The hereafter follows a similar pattern and it is useless to dissent.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter - (II)

JOURNEY TO THE FIRST STATION

I realized that it was time to leave. I picked up my Bag of Deeds and started on the road, which Haadi had pointed out. The road was clear, and a pleasant and cool breeze was blowing. I was fresh and eager to meet Haadi again at the fourth Station. I was walking briskly and I managed to cover quite some distance. Before noon, however, I was feeling a bit tired. It had become warmer, and I was thirsty. The pathway had narrowed and there were thorns here and there. Trying to keep free of these, I kept on until I reached the foot of a mountain and started climbing uphill.

The loneliness was getting on my nerves when suddenly I looked back and to my great relief, saw a person walking towards me on the same path. I was happy that I had at last found a companion to lessen the loneliness of the journey. When he came close, I saw that he was quite ugly to look at and had a distressed look. He had huge teeth, an over hanging upper lip and wide, fearful and stinking nostrils. He greeted me with "Saam Alaik" that is the 'l' in the salaam was missing. This was enough to put me on my guard, because this was not the Islamic way; in fact, was a sign of enmity. Furthermore it appeared to be intended that way, and did not seem to be a mistake, so I was on my guard and merely replied same to you."

Then I asked, "Where are you going?" He replied "Wherever you intend to go." I did not feel easy on having him as a companion. However I asked, "May I know who you are"? He replied "I am your alter ego. They call me Ignorance. My title is waywardness my family name Abu Lahaw (meaning father of playfulness i.e. to waste time in non-serious things). My aim is to create mischief, to ferment discord and dissension and to mislead people and cause them to go astray."

All this conversation further troubled and worried me. I thought that I would have been better off alone, without such a person as companion. (1)

"(1) (Traditions show that when Satan lost favor of Allah he was granted the wish that a child of his would be born whenever a human being was born, and he would remain the latter's constant companion even in Barzakh. His lob would be to mislead people. If the human being had overcome the Satanic commands and his own desires in the earthly life, then this twin would remain over powered in Barzakh and cause no harm. However, here he will cause problems and troubles to the extent that Man had sinned in his earthly life. As the Prophet had said "I too had this Satan but he embraced Islam on my hands.1'

The gist of this is that human being has his carnal and material desires from birth and no man is an exception. If he gives in to these and errs, he will subsequently regret, feel remorseful and consequently suffer. The successful one is he, who is so firm of mind that he always overpowers his desires. The ideal being was Holy Prophet (S.A.) who had completely vanquished and triumphed over desires.)

I asked him "If we come to a diversion will you know which route to take?"

He replied in the negative. I then asked, "I am thirsty. Is there any water nearby?"

He replied "I don't know."

I asked, "Is our destination near?"

He again said, "I don't know."

I said, "Intelligence and wisdom go hand in hand with existence. How is it that you do not know any thing?"

He said, "I only know that I have been at your side ever since you were born. I have never separated from you except when Allah has especially favored you and you yourself have separated from me."

I siloloquised "Then this must be the Satan who used to mislead me in the world and on whose beckoning I used to sin. And even now he is not leaving me alone. This is indeed the height of enmity. Allah, Oh Allah, have mercy."

He kept following me, couple of paces behind. The road was uphill and steep and it was difficult going. At last I reached the top. I was tired, and so sat down to rest for awhile. Ignorance sat down beside me and said, "You seem to be tired. Do you want to know a short cut which will shorten your travel to only a fifth?" I replied "In spite of your ignorance it seems you can pull miracles."

He said, "It's not that. Come here, I'll show you. See this road on which you are travelling, though it's bright, is bent like a bow and is not less than 5 Km. The chord joining the two points of the arc is no more than one kilometer. "Geometrically, an arc whether small or big is always bigger than its chord. So if we leave this popular road and instead take to the lesser-known path it'll be a short cut and no longer than 1 kilometer instead of five. Surely it's wiser to take the short cut."

I replied, "Don't be stupid. Don't you know that these highways are a result of the route being popular and constantly traversed. The people who chose it weren't senseless. And there's a famous saying that always travel on routes which are popular and favored by travelers."

He said, "You are indeed stupid. You are taking poets and storytellers to be wise men and you are content to follow in their foot steps. The path that I am pointing out is obviously shorter. And it is also possible that the people who chose the longer route had enough provision with them or had some means of conveyance. It is possible that they wanted to avoid that tunnel at the mouth of the chord, or maybe their mount could not pass through it. So tell me, why shouldn't the two of us take the short-cut?"

Here I committed the mistake of falling for what he said, mistaking him to be a well-wisher. We left the main road and took to the short cut. But it was not at all easy going here were deep ditches full of rubbish. The path was strewn with needle like thorns and we often came across snakes and scorpions. As soon as we would cross one ravine, we would reach another. It was so hot that my tongue was literally hanging out with thirst. My feet were also injured and bleeding. I was feeling afraid right down to the core of my heart.

My companion seemed to be enjoying my plight. He was joking and laughing at me. We traveled for what seemed to be ages and when at last we reached the highway again we had covered at least 10 Km. Each step had been an ordeal and I was dead tired. 1 had developed complete hatred for my twin and I told him so "I wish we had never met. I would be happier if we were as far apart as the two poles".

But he kept waiting for me whilst I sat down to rest. A bit rested I got up to resume my journey and he again started following me. Suddenly I spotted some greenery about one fourth kilometer away from the highway. Seeing his chance, ignorance again assaulted me. He came running to me and said, "Hey do you see the greenery over there? There's sure to be water there too. And you really are so thirsty. Let's go and have a look. Maybe we'll find a fresh water spring and you can get a cool drink. When we come back we'll resume our journey."

I can sincerely say that I did not want to obey him; but I was tired and thirsty and I knew that greenery was not possible without water!

(2) When man has to confront the consequences of his actions, he wishes he had never committed them. But this repentance is often not serious enough to stop him from again falling in for temptations and desires.)

So I again fell in his trap. We went towards it and the route proved to be an extremely difficult and painful one. When we reached, I saw that there was no sign of water anywhere. The ground was rocky and plain. There were huge black snakes visible everywhere. The greenery itself consisted of self-sustaining wild shrubs, which do not require additional water. Dejected, I turned back and after again crossing the trouble some path, reached the highway.

We were now in an open ground and all around us were fields full of watermelon plants, laden with fruits. Ignorance at once picked up one and busied himself eating it. He said 'Why don't you take one also. It'll kill your thirst'

I said "It's somebody's personal property and it's not right to take without permission". Ignorance was so engrossed in eating that he was unmindful of the juice trickling down his beard and onto his chest. Shaking his head, he replied "Oh: Don't be so pious. Listen, firstly there's a good chance that the fields are self-growing and don't belong to anybody. Secondly, even if somebody owns them, Islamic Law allows travelers to consume the necessary minimum from the lands adjacent to the highways. And then, you look like you are about to die of thirst. In such conditions one is even allowed to consume dead bodies. In Surah-e-Baqra (Cow) Verse No.173, God says:

"Whoever is driven to necessity, not desiring, nor exceeding the limit, then he is not guilty of sin, verily Allah is forgiving, merciful."

"And finally, you are no longer in Earth where you are required to live according to the Islamic laws. You are now in Barzakh and those laws are applicable there, not here. You religious people go to extremes. At times you give rulings which even God has not decreed."

Fool that I was, I again fell for him. I thought "Satan he maybe, but he certainly argues logically." I plucked a watermelon and tried to eat but it was so poisonously bitter, that it injured my mouth and throat. I threw it away and said, "These must be satanic watermelons, in fact Ignorance."

He said, "No, no, you are mistaken. It’s just a coincidence that particular' melon was so bitter. Try another." So I tried a second and then a third but they were all the same. He was continuously eating and kept exclaiming, "Delicious melons, how extremely sweet." I snatched a slice from his hands and tasted it. It tasted similar to the ones I had eaten before, as bitter as one could imagine. I threw it away in disgust and exclaimed "God damn you, why are you eating these and claiming them to be tasty? I think snake venom must be less bitter." Now he said, "According to my taste, they are sweet and tasty melons. I am Ignorance and these melons are related to me. Whatever is good or beneficial for me is harmful for you, because I am Satan and you are a human. These are according to my taste and nature not to yours."(3)

(3) This is in accordance with the philosophical argument, the gist of which is that people judge things in accordance with their own nature. A sinner does not see wrong or bad in sins and disobedience in fact finds pleasure and contentment in these. Whereas a righteous person would be horrified at these and just the thought of committing evil would sicken him.)

((4) Henceforth the author has used the word "Darky" instead of Satan or Twin, in order to make obvious the darkness of Satanic incitements.)

Suddenly a vicious dog attacked us. Behind it was a guard armed with a stick. He was cursing us and it was clear that he too intended to attack. Darky quickly took the cue and was out onto the road in one bound. I too, tried to escape but could not manage it. The dog caught hold of my clothes and I fell down out of sheer fear at this sudden attack. The guard too reached the scene and joined in his stick. My pleas went unheard. I kept repeating that I had not eaten a single melon, but his answer was that as far as damage was concerned it was the same whether I had eaten them or thrown them away. At last, after he had given me a thorough beating, I managed to get away. I reached the road, but I was in a bad state, deeply injured and thirsty. I cried for Haadi, that he had left me alone to face such times.

Darky, however, was gleeful at his success. His laughter knew no limits. He watched me from afar and taunted me, "Go on, call Haadi. Do you really expect him to be helpful to you here, in this place? On the earth you had sown seeds for these sorrows in my garden: now is the time for tasting them. 'The World is the field where the Hereafter is cultivated and the Hereafter is the day of harvest.' You think yourself to be a scholar. Don't you know the Qur'an has said "Whoever has sinned as much as a grain, shall see it (in the hereafter)?" How can you expect Haadi to help you in spite of these laws of God? Admitted that we will soon reach those places where Haadi will be present but don't forget I too will be there. You will have to face calamities at places where Haadi will be useless for you. Did not Haadi himself tell you that whenever you sinned he went away, leaving you alone, though he returned to you when you repented? Don't you even remember your own Prophet's tradition. "A faithful does not commit adultery as long as he is a true faithful." Hence Haadi was never present with you at these occasions (5) when you sinned, so how can he help you now, when you have to pay for those deeds of yours."

I thought that there was no solution for this accursed being. He was too well informed for my comfort. I stopped calling for Haadi, opened my bag and took out an apple. It was a juicy one and refreshed me and quenched my thirst. Even my bruises became well. I got up and resumed my journey.

(5)(From the traditions of the Infallible we gather that faith is not a permanent resident of the faithful's heart. If he sins, faith leaves him to return only when he repents. As faith is divine and godly gilt it does not remain with the faithful if he indulges in sins. (eg lying, adultery, fraud, rivalry, etc.) and as faith departs he is engulfed in Darkness and Ignorance.

May God grant us all the desire and chance to repent truly.) After sometime I reached bisection with one road leading to an open, airy and bright city and the other towards a desolate place. A Sentry was standing guard at the bisection. I approached him and said.

"Comrade, if possible can you prevent Darky from following me? He has already caused me a great deal of trouble today."

The guard replied, "Just as the human's shadow is inseparable from the body, so is Darky. Tonight, however, he will not be able to approach you, because they are not allowed inside the City of Light. They will stay the night in that desolate and dark place on your left. When you resume your journey he will again be at your side. However, it is possible that he will not trouble you so much then".

I entered the bright and developed city. This was the first station. There were beautiful buildings; flowing lakes, greenery, and trees laden with fruits; beautiful servants with eloquent speech; delicate and tasty food, and delicious drinks.

I felt so happy and contented, especially as this came after the horrible and burdensome journey and the troubles that I had borne because of my Darky. These were now compensated by the Edenic place, and had it not been for the urge to meet Haadi at the fourth station, I would have been contented to stay here only.

Here I also met a few of my students who had died a few years before me. We spent the night here. In the morning, the breeze was scented with the smell of fresh fruits. We strolled in the city, chatting and inquiring about each other's welfare because in the hereafter one can only inquire about another's welfare at such stops as one is too busy to even think of another when he is travelling. As the Qur'an says, on the Day of Judgement each man will be engrossed in his own self, oblivious of others". We were also thankful to be rid of the Darkies.

In short, we were completely happy here, with the best of people, service and food. The best thing was that the ugly Darkies were not near us. We were thankful to God, that for our small deeds on the earth he had so richly rewarded us.

As Qur'an says in Surah-e-Safat verse 61, "For the like of this all strivers should strive.

 

 

 

Chapter (III)

JOURNEY TOWARDS SECOND STATION

The bell peeled 'Come towards the best deed'. This was a sign that, it was time to depart for the next station. We picked up our respective packs and luggage and started. We reached bisection and to our great dismay saw the Darkies, who were approaching us like black smoke.

I asked a Duty Officer present if there was any way to avoid their company. He replied "These are only the faces of your own base and beastly selves (traits) like injustice, pride, desire, anger etc. Hence, if you had not separated from them in you earthly life, how can you separate them from yourselves now. But they are of different kinds and all are not bad. Some are purely black, some are mixed black and white and some white and bright. And they are named accordingly e.g.

"Ammara" (inciter to evil), "Lawwama (Helper towards repentance), Mutmainna (contented with God). If any of you have the white Mutmainna for your companion, then he is a companion worth having. He is a useful, beneficial, and sometimes better and more sublime then even angel. Mutmainna (Contentment) was in fact God's gift to you but you wasted it by your ungratefulness and carnal desires. You will now reap whatever you have sown in your earthly material life. Then you were free to sow whatever you wished, but now you have no choice but to reap accordingly, whether good or bad. As God has said, Do you (cause the seeds to) grow or are we the growers?"

No sooner was this said, then the Darkies reached us and each of us had his particular companion alongside as we went forward. But our group had somewhat separated, some were left behind with their Darkies and some were travelling besides me. I myself had my Darky by my side until we reached a mountain. The path here was very narrow and difficult. On one side of the mountain was a deep moat, but it was difficult terrain to cross. An idea occurred to me that I should go to the summit because extremely warm air from the moat was suffocating me. Suddenly my satanic twin come near and said, You are correct in thinking of going to the top. Not only is the air from the moat so extremely warm and humid, there are also poisonous animals there. And also from the top you'll be able to look down around you on all sides."

On the earth I had been in the habit of speaking loudly in order to impose my authority on others and also I always had the ambition to reach higher and sublime levels, so I liked the idea and decided to reach the top. But there was no direct path to the summit, so I walked along the mountain wall and even then it was difficult going. A couple of times I slipped. Once I stumbled and almost fell down in the moat but just saved myself by catching hold of a thorny bush, badly injuring my hands and feet in the process. Further down the road, I again fell: my nose hit the ground, broke and started bleeding profusely, (1) I remarked 'It is very troublesome to reach the top. It might have been better to have traveled through the moat."

(1) (The author has hinted that whoever is proud and arrogant in the world, God will punish him in the Hereafter in such a way as break his pride and turn it to dust.)

 

The accursed being laughed and said, "He who is proud in the world, God will break his back, and he who tries to be higher than others, God will rub his nose in dust (that is, lower him)." I really wonder at you, that you have read all this, but have never acted accordingly. "Taste it, you were (thought yourself to be) Respected and Elite" (Surah-e-Dukhan verse

25).

(2) (Abu Jahl used to say, "I am the Respected and Elite. On the day of Judgement, he and others like him will be addressed '0 Respected and Elite, taste the punishment".)

I kept walking as he talked, bearing the hardships, one after another. At last I came out of the plateau, through which there had been no visible path. Though with injured body and feelings.

Now when I turned back, I saw that my companions, who had been just behind me, were stumbling and falling down into the deep and dark moat. They were crying in pain and anguish and their Darkies were laughing wickedly and gleefully.

Finally, we reached a road where the going was much easier. There were no new problems here except that I was extremely thirsty. My Darky again tried a couple of time to trap me by his deceiving and captivating arguments but I did not pay heed. At times, I must admit, I felt like giving in but still I resisted. When he realized that I just would not give in, he himself fell back.

(3) (If one practices denying his self and desires, after a while desires and whims will no longer trouble him.) But alertness and vigilance will have to be a constant practice.)

After quite some time, I reached a garden. The path itself passed through its center. I spotted a pond, with people sitting around it, eating from trays full of fruits. As soon as they saw me, they stood up respectfully greeted me and asked me to join them. I asked, "Who are you and why are these fruits here?"

They replied, "Each of us had been fasting when we died. This is the Iftari sent by the Benevolent, Merciful Allah for our supper. We believe that you too can partake of it. Admitted that you were not fasting at the time of your death but you have often played host to people who were fasting and arranged their iftari so you have a right to these fruits."

I sat down with them and ate a little. It quenched my thirst and healed my heart and body. They inquired about my travel and I replied "Thank God it's past. And my sorrows and troubles have disappeared now that I have met you. But I had to leave my friends and companions behind as their Darkies entrapped them.

My Darky too tried his level best but I did not fall for him. Now he has himself fallen back. I hope he never catches up with me again". They laughed and replied "Its not so. In this garden they can only use their weapons of deception and lying but when we will proceed from here they are sure to reach us through a short cut and will literally tight to destroy us.

I asked, "We don't have any weapons how will we win?" They replied, "If in the world you denied yourself and went against your desires, and so prepared your defense, then these defensive weapons will, God willing, have reached the battle field in advance. As Qur'an says in Surah-e-Anfal, verse 60, "Make preparation for them (the enemy) from whatever possible, strength, well-bred horses (cavalry) in order to frighten your enemies and the enemies of God."

I said, "I always thought that this verse referred to making preparations for Holy War." They replied, the laws of Qur'an are universally applicable and not restricted to the earth. Otherwise the Qur'an, would be faulty and lacking. But it is not so because it is a divine gift and has been revealed unto the last of the Prophets."

 

 

Chapter IV

JOURNEY TO THE THIRD STATION

We got up and resumed our journey. The road was good and it was easy going. On both sides were dense trees laden with fruits and a lake of cool and sweet water flowed alongside the path. A pleasant breeze further refreshed the mind. It was as if we were beholding the very image of the Beauty of God.

The journey passed without any problems worth mentioning. It had been so easy that we were not in the least tired or travel-weary when we reached the third station. Each of us was given a separate palace for our stay. The bricks of these palaces were of silver and gold. The palaces were elaborately equipped and furnished and not a single thing was lacking. The delicate crockery, exquisite flooring and murals were unbelievable. The servants were beautiful, well mannered, eloquent and well dressed. They were busy, moving all around us. Making arrangements for our comfort, as if they were the very pictures described in Qur’an "Around them circle beautiful, ever living boys (servants). And "when you see them, you will imagine them to be spread pearls and when you behold, then you will behold bounties and a large power."

I felt shy asking such people for service. Suddenly, I spotted a large mirror and in it I saw the sublime station to which by his grace the Exalted Allah had elevated me. I felt high on being so honored and rested back comfortably.

Night fell and the palace became illuminated. Careful scrutiny revealed that the light was emerging from the branches of the trees. This light was so bright that a thousand of our electric bulbs would not be able to match it. The palace and the gardens were bright with this light. I was wondering at this spectacle when a voice called out verse 35 of Surah-e-Noor "Allah is the light of the Heavens and the Earth. The similitude of this light is as a niche wherein is a lamp. The lamp is in a glass. The glass is as if it were a shining star, lit from a blessed tree, the olive, neither of the East nor of the West, whose oil glows forth (of itself) though fire did not touch it; light upon light; Allah guides unto his light, whomsoever he wills."

I at once realized that the light was of the tree of Muhammad (S.A.) and his progeny and this city, the city of love. Only those people were allowed to stay here who had the ultimate love for Muhammad (S.A.) and his progeny. Here the residents were busy, recalling the sublime qualities of Muhammad (S.A.) and his progeny and asking God to send his peace and blessings upon them as through them only the human race had acquired knowledge of Allah and the correct ways to worship him.

Here we were in great comfort. Out hearts were full of thankfulness to God for his grace and bounty, and to Muhammad (S.A.) and his progeny for having guided us towards the correct path. On the gate was a sign saying in bold letters "The love of Ali is such a quality that in its presence no sin can harm."(4)

(4)(This tradition is believed universally by all Muslims. It means that, anyone who truly loves Ali, does not sin because naturally he tries to follow his ideal through thoughts and deed. Hence Ali's love acts as a shield against committing sins.

If one finds him to be proclaiming love for Ali but also committing sins, he should closely observe and question this love. As to whether there really is true love in his heart and if so, is it just for the name -ALI or whether it is for Ali's qualities, habits, life style, ideals, thoughts and deeds?

Are all these acceptable to him and do these appeal to him, because "ALI" represents these and not merely a historical name.)

 

CHAPTER (V)

THE FOURTH STATION AND REUNION WITH HAADI

In the morning we started for the next station. The road was clear and easy. On both sides there were lush green trees in full blossom. Cool water flowing softly in the lakes, and a pleasant breeze, all these made it a perfect scene, beyond description. We reached the outskirts and it seemed as if its beauties accompanied us for a little while outside the city in order to see us out.

The path was now no longer clear and clean; in fact, it had become narrow and rocky. Then it passed through a twisting and snaking valley. Had we not been so many people in our group, we would surely have lost our way. We reached a spot where numerous forks led toward the left and it was not easy to decide which one to chose. As we went on, we suddenly saw the Darkies approaching us from one of the paths on the left.

The moment I saw my Darky, I felt overcome with mixed emotions of grief, sorrow and anger. In the brief moment that my eyes were on him, my foot struck a stone and was badly injured. I limped on but could only manage a slow pace and was soon left behind as my other companions went forward with quick steps. Darky stayed on my left until we reached bisection. I could not choose which fork to take. Seeing my momentary hesitation, Darky approached and said, 'What are you thinking?" Then pointing towards the left fork, he said, "This path is the correct one." So saying, he took a few steps towards the left, expecting me to follow. However, instead of following him, I choose to go the other way, in the opposite direction.(l)

(1)(It is an accepted fact that the way to happiness and success lies in opposing the satanic incitements and desires.)

Darky kept insisting that I follow him but I did not pay him the least heeds, because I had already suffered enough and each time he had been the cause. I thought of Hazart Ali's words "To try him whom you have already tried (and he has failed) is stupidity".

In a short while we were out of the valley. The road again became clear and the visibility also increased. Further on the dark shapes of trees in a meadow could be seen. I at once understood that this was the Fourth Station where Haadi had promised to meet me. The thought of seeing Haadi again, spurred me on to the extent that I almost started running and left a dejected Darky well behind.(2)

(2)

(As said before, if satanic incitements and desires are constantly opposed, they gradually lose the power to misguide and doing good continuously further increases one's eagerness and appetite for good deeds.)

Soon I saw Haadi waiting for me at the city gate. When I saw him thus waiting as he had promised he would, I ran to him, and greeted and embraced him. I felt as if I had been granted a fresh life. Hand in hand we entered the city. Haadi guided me to a palace, which had been especially built for me. It was most comfortable and peaceful here. I rested a while then had some refreshments.

Seeing me fresh once more, Haadi asked, "Well, how is it with you? Tell me how was your journey through the last three stages?" I answered "All praise is for God, the Creator and sustainer of all Universe. He showers us with bounties in spite of our sins. Whatever it was that befell me was naught but punishment for my own deeds for which I alone was responsible. And if you had been with me, Darky would never have dared to mislead me. Anyhow, all that is now past. What matters is, I have finally reached here and met you again. The ordeal is over and the sorrows forgotten".

(3)

(Possibly (a) knowledge and (b) piety as they have served the purpose of a guiding stick and a shield in the world and so might take these farms in the hereafter.)

Haadi said, "Well I wasn't with you so you kept falling in Darky's traps; but even now when I am with you, do not imagine yourself to be completely safe from him. My position is merely that of God's decisive arguments; my job is merely to warn and alert you against Darky's deceptions. But never forget that Darky is equipped with powerful tools. He will try his best to mislead you. And this time if you fall in his trap and are misled away from the straight path it could spell your end, and I would be unable to help you as I have delivered to you the ultimate proof. In these stations you have only a stick and a shield for your protection. But even these will prove insufficient. So, as today is Friday, go visit your family and see if they have done any good deed on your behalf which can help you) here. "(4)

(4)

(Spirits are sometimes able to visit their families, according to certain traditions).

I said, "Haadi, you know well that I have given up all hopes from that quarters. Their only interest lies in their own selves. The living forget the dead very easily. When I visited them last time, I had not been dead even a week, but in spite of it, whatever they were doing was only for their own sake."

Haadi said, "No, you must go there today. I'm sure they must have remembered the Holy Prophet's tradition that 'Remember your dead with good (deeds or words'). 'And if you go there they might recall you, since it might cause Allah to remind them of you.15) And even if you have lost hopes of their helping you, at least have hopes from Allah. If one keeps knocking, the door is bound to yield. And never lose hope in Allah. 'Allah's mercy is close to the Good-doers'.

On Haadi's insistence, I went to my old home. I saw that the name, respect and position it had held in the past were no more. The gate was closed to the public unlike the way it had been in the past. My family's earning and livelihood had dwindled almost to nil. My children lay listless and none came to inquire their welfare. It saddened me beyond words. Compulsively, I turned towards Allah: '0 Most Merciful, have pity on my children and myself, because you are the lord of all'. It seemed as if my praying for them refreshed my remembrance in their hearts because they started recalling me and the good time they had in my lifetime. They wept and prayed for me.

(5)

(When a person's mind attentively concentrates on another, it is possible that it causes the other to compulsively think of him.)

When I returned. I found a beautiful and healthy horse standing besides Haadi. I asked Haadi where it had come from, and he replied smilingly, "your family prayed for you and God's blessing has come to you in this form.(6)

(6) (Praying sincerely for the dead can improve their lot as God may bless them through his mercy and forgiveness.)

"And it is just as well because it would have been very difficult to continue our journey on foot. Also your prayer for your family has been granted and henceforth they will live in comfort and well being.

"You can see yourself how beneficial your visit has proved for all of you. It seems that on earth people are careless about praying for each other, as they are ignorant of its benefits. The Holy Prophet has said 'If three days pass without people inquiring the well-being of each other then the bond of faith between them breaks."

I returned to my room and was pleasantly surprised to find a beautiful and lovely maiden sitting on the couch. Her eyes were bright and her shining face seemed to illuminate the whole room. Haadi announced, 'This maiden has been wed to you and especially sent here for tonight from the Valley of Peace'. So saying, he left.

The two of us were left alone. When I approached her, she stood up to greet me, and respectfully kissed my hands. We then sat down next to each other. We spent the night in blissful comfort.

 

Chapter VI

TRAVEL TO THE NEXT STATION WITH HAADI

When morning came, Haadi arrived. We were to depart for the next station. I got up, dressed and mounted my horse. My walking stick was in my hand and my sword by my side. Haadi gave me my Visa, which he said would be required. We started and were soon out of the city limits. Here the ground was sandy and slippery like encountered in jungles. I also saw some odd creatures like monkeys. Then I realized that they were humans, as they had no tails, walked on two legs, and had no body hair, only their faces were of monkeys. Blood and puss emitted from their private parts accompanied by an unbelievable stink.

I asked Haadi, "Who are these creatures, and what land is this? The stink is so bad, I feel as if my head will burst."

He replied, "This is the Land of Lust and Desire. These people were adulterers. Beware you don't deviate from the straight path or it might well spell the end for you."

Fearful of going astray, I tightened the rein. Though the path was straight it was marshy and slippery quagmire. At times my mount would sink down to his knees in the marshy earth.(1)

(1)(There is a hint here of how carefully one should live in the world. Keeping tight rein on his desires, especially for women, because such pleasure is nowadays easily available. And if one is not extremely vigilant to restrict his desires to his wife, he is sure to indulge, to whatever little extent, in unlawful and forbidden pleasures for which he will have to suffer. And God forbid if, he should commit the extreme act, then for such people there is harsh punishment unless they sincerely repent and are forgiven by God.)

I thought," It is indeed a blessing that I have this mount. May God have mercy on my family that they provided this for me. It is indeed true that, "He who marries safeguards half his religion, and he should be watchful of Allah in the other half.(2)

(2)(Being married and having lawful means for fulfilling one's natural and instinctive sexual desires helps man to a great extent to reject extramarital temptations.)

Now we saw some people resembling animals. They were hanging from nails on posts and their testicles had been nailed to the posts with iron pins. Some were also being whipped with iron rods and they were screaming in pain like yelping dogs. But the men with the whips in their hands would reply "Go away and keep quiet". (2) It was as if the scene in Surah-e-Sajda verse 12 is in front of us:

(3)(The Arabic word is used to order away dogs.)

"If you see when the sinners stand in front of God. With their heads bent low: God, we have seen and heard. Now send us back that we may do good deeds. We have now attained certainty". These were people who used to indulge in various forbidden sexual pleasures.

Suddenly the Darkies arrived. They literally attacked some people. And tried to frighten the horses. They also beckoned to us to try the land adjoining the path. I saw that the adjoining land was so hard that the horse’ feet did not even leave an impression on the ground. But I obeyed Haadi's orders.

I did not care whether the going was tough or easy, my only aim was to follow the straight path and not to deviate from it. (Because, salvation lies only in following the straight path.)

I saw that those who had obeyed their Darkies’ beckoning were able to manage only a few steps before sliding dawn up to their necks in the marsh. It did not seem possible that they would ever manage to come out Some did manage it, but they were so filthy black and covered from top to toe with the mire, that they could not be recognized. In a short time, the mire seemed to melt away the flesh from their bodies as if it was not mire at all but hot charcoal.

This scene scared and subdued me firmly and carefully, I held the rein and thought.

"Praise is for God who prevented me from committing sins."

(4)

(Those who deviated from the path were those who had deviated on earth.)

(5)

(Sins committed leave their impression on the mind, heart and spirit and spoil one's self and character.)

I could hear other travelers too loudly thanking God, and expressing their gratefulness. I remarked to Haadi: "Our Holy Prophet had said that if you see anybody in difficulties (1) softly thank God that you are not suffering similarly. But do not thank God loudly, that the other person might overhear and be hurt."

Ha'adi replied. "That was for your earthly life because there, all believers of God are to be respected. But here is the stage of reward and punishment. So thank God loudly in order that those who are being punished may hear and suffer more and also, so that whatever was hidden to them may come out in the open, darkness may be replaced with light, blindness with sight and slumber with awakening. And they may realize that the earthly life as they led it was in reality a Dead City of Darkness and as verse 64 of Surah-e-Ankabut says, "The abode of the hereafter is, in fact, true life."

On hearing this I thanked God in louder tones. Then I saw that the problems seemed to increase for the wretched people, around me. The earth quaked, the wind raged, and the sky darkened. Hails resembling stones were falling. All around us was a dreadful scene and the wretched persons seemed to sink further down in the mire. Whenever they would manage to come out a heavy stone would fall from the sky burying them down again. Trembling with fear at this state of affairs I asked

Haadi, "Which land is this and who are these people who are being punished so severely?"

Haadi who was flying above my head had himself gone pale and weak with fear. He replied. "This is also a Land of Lust. These people were homosexuals. Now increase your speed, so that we may get out of here as soon as possible. If we stay here longer I am afraid we too might get caught in this punishment. "He who is complacent or un-objecting at the deeds of a people and who does not leave them (at once) after being with them, will be included with, and treated as, one of them." (6)

(6)

(in this world too, one has to struggle and strive continuously against sins and desires and try continuously to improve oneself or else he falls stagnant and his qualities might rest and even recede. Leaving sins and bad habits, increasing religious knowledge and improving on one's deeds is a never-ending struggle.)

 

I asked, "Is the slime and mire in fact, the substance of lust which has taken this form here? My mount cannot even go forward."

He said, "Yes, that is so. But there is no other way out. You will just have to strive more. Cover your head with this shield so that the stones do not hit you and whip your mount forward, so that with God's blessing you may get out of here.

As verse 98 of Surah-e-Nisa says. "Was not the earth of God spacious, that (in order to be able to obey God) you could migrate?"

We traveled only a couple of miles more to find ourselves out of the belevilled place. I thanked God, and gathered myself once more. I whipped the horse a few times and suddenly he was off like a shot. (7)

(7)(If one decides firmly to leave his wrong ways and takes the right initiative, the rest becomes easy. God has promised that if one goes towards him a little bit, God will respond by coming forward a great deal more.)

Haadi who all this time had been travelling right above me like a falcon was left far behind. (8)

(8)(If man conquers his desires then in God's eyes he has a higher rank than even angels.)

"Vie in hastening towards your lord's forgiveness and a garden whose width is as that of the heavens and the earth."

(Surah-e-Hadeed verse 21)

Suddenly the accursed Darky arrived. My mount shied and reared at his sight throwing me I was hurt badly and the horse's forelegs got trapped in the mire and freeing him again was quite a problem. After great difficulty I succeeded. Haadi arrived just then, and rubbed me gently with his hands healing my bruises. Then he helped me to mount again and secured me safely in the saddle and taking hold of the reins led the way until we were at last out of the place.

I complained to Haadi, "As soon as you leave, Darky arrives and always causes trouble."

Haadi replied, "No, it is the other way round. As soon as he arrives, I leave. And this too, is because of your own deeds."

In front was yet another Land of Desire, which we entered. Here there were people who used to be very heavy eaters. On the right were those who only ate from rightful and lawful means but always used to overeat and stuff themselves full. Their faces were now like donkeys, and cows, and they were being punished but lightly. On the left however, were those who had been mindless about right and wrong, lawful and forbidden, about wealth which was their own and that which had been forcibly or fraudulently taken from others. They had greedily laid their hands on all within reach. Now they had huge bellies and lean limbs and their faces resembled those of pigs and bears and they were being severely punished. It was as if their bellies were full of fire. "These peoples are like cattle, in fact more astray." (Surah-e-Araaf, verse 179)

We quickly walked past this place, and reached another. Here was a rest house in a barren and deserted field in which nothing grew. A few travelers of the Hereafter were resting here, and eating from their backpacks. As my limbs were still very painful due my fall, Haadi took out an ointment from my pack and massaged me with it. Instantly the pain vanished and the bruises healed. I asked "Haadi, what medicine is that?"

(9)

(One gets carried away by success, (even if it is spiritual) and becomes heedless of the scheming of Satan.)

He said, "This was the hidden praise on earth. Whenever you were blessed with any gift, you used to thank Allah and praise him in your heart. Just as on earth praising Allah is a remedy for everything except death, so in the Hereafter it is a remedy for all difficulties and problems for him who used to praise Allah on earth. In the tradition of Qudsi Allah says, "My servant praised and thanked me, believing that all the bounties he received were from me and also believed that the dispersing and easing of all his problems had been through my blessing. So, 0 Angels, bear witness that I will increase my blessings and bounties on him on earth and in the Hereafter, and as I solved his problems on the earth so will I help him in the Hereafter."

 

 

Chapter (VII)

THE STATION OF BLISS AND PEACE

We spent the night here, and resumed our journey in the morning. Haadi had already informed me that by evening we would be out of the land of Desire but then we would have to face the punishments due to the sins of the Tongue. The previous punishments were due to indulgence in immoral sexual pleasures and these would be due to the sins of the tongue, but these would be as harsh as those. He had said that there would be no provision of water or food and so it would be advisable to carry some water on the horse and I should myself travel on foot. He also told me to carry my shield as it would prove very useful.

I asked, "What is this shield made of?"

He replied, "This is the result of your fasts. You fasted and remained hungry and thirsty to please God and these fasts prevented you not only from immoral sexual indulgence, but also in fact from disobedience of all kinds. "Fasting is a shield to protect from the Fire of Hell."

We had only just started when Darky appeared. I said, "Be gone, 0 cursed being?" He said, "Why don't you yourself move away from me, instead?"

So, I moved a few steps away and continued my journey with Haadi, but Darky remained alongside on the left. On both sides various animals were visible, e.g. dogs, wolves, monkeys, rats, snakes, scorpions, sheep etc., all of different colors. They were fighting amongst themselves, attacking, and tearing away at each other, whenever they got the chance. Flames emerged from the ears and mouths of some of them. Sometimes they would see a mirage and would go there in hopes of finding water, but finding it dry would return dejected. Some were eating the dead carcasses of others. Some would fall in dark and deep wells and as they would fall, huge flames would emerge.

I asked Haadi, "Who are these wells for?"

"They are meant for people who laugh at other faithfuls and make fun of them, whether through words hints, gestures, making faces, eye-movements etc. This is their destination. As God has said, "Hell is for the faultfinders and insulters." As for those who are eating carcasses, they were the backbiters. And the ones with flaming ears, they used to listen to others backbiting. And these dogs, wolves and cats fighting each other used to curse, blame and insult each other. And those with yellow faces and two tongues were the faultfinder, liars and complainers.

Here the air was extremely hot. I kept asking Haadi for water Sometimes he would give me a little, and sometimes none. He kept saying that the journey was lengthy and our store of water meager, which we would have to make last until the end.(1)

(l) (Hazrat Ali: "How lengthy is the journey (of the Hereafter) and how meager our store of provisions (that is, good deeds which would help there.)

I asked him why he had taken so little to start with, and he replied, "You did not make yourself capable of taking more."

I asked, "Why did the capability decrease?"

He said, "You are yourself to blame, because you did not drink much of piety then, and so your capacity cannot increase now. The more watchful and pious you had been on earth, the more water you would have had now. Nothing can be done about it now. Haven't you read the opening verse of

'Surah-e-Mominoon', "Certainly the faithful have succeeded, who used to be fearful in their prayers and abstained from meaningless pastimes? You neither abstained from such pastimes nor were you fearful in your prayers. Obviously you will now reap what you had sown.

"Whoever has done a grain of good shall see it and, whoever has done a grain of evil shall see it."

Then he pointed in a certain direction and asked me what I could see there. It seemed like white and black and flames all mixed together. But when I looked carefully it was a green garden, with dense trees, full of fruits. Suddenly I realized that they were burning. Shocked, I turned to Haadi and asked, "What is happening there?" He replied that the garden had been made from the praise and remembrance of God by the faithfuls, but when these faithfuls lied or indulged in backbiting, or insulting, the garden went up in flames. That is, their sins caused the reward of their good deeds to go waste. Had their faith been strong enough, they would have given more thought and importance to the gardens they had prepared and would not have allowed them to burn by indulging in such acts.

(2)

(The Holy Prophet once told his companions that whoever says "La ilaha illal'lah" (there is no power but God) once, the angels prepare a tree for him in Heaven. They remarked, 'In that case, by now we must be having a garden each'. He replied, 'Yes, but on the condition that you abstain from sins, like conceit because it destroys the trees.)

When their owners reach here and realize what has happened, they will be extremely sorry, but sorrow, would now be useless. That is why all the Prophets had continuously warned about the effects of good and bad deeds, as these cannot be seen whilst on earth. In the beginning of the Qur'an, God linked piety to faith in the unseen: "This is guidance for the pious, those who have faith in the unseen and who stand firm their prayers."

When we reached near these burnt gardens suddenly I felt a cool breeze which blew away the ashes. In a little while the garden was once more green, with lush trees laden with fruits, chirping birds and cool lakes. On earth, the faithful must have either repented for past sins or had sent fresh deeds. I thought that if the earthlings were aware of what I had just seen, they would die with sorrow at having ever allowed their gardens to burn. Haadi informed me that this was the first land of the Valley of Peace and here there was peace on all sides.

He said, "Rest your stick and your shield on the saddle and let the mount graze in the field so that he too may be rested by the time we are ready, leave. Haadi then said that we could take a break from our journey. And stay in that place for ten days, in order that, I might recover after the tiring travel. And regain strength, which would be required in the forthcoming leg, as there we would have to face many thieves, highwaymen and pirates. And as I did not have the required strength to face them he suggested that I should visit my old home once more, the coming Friday, to check if my family had sent me any gifts which could prove useful.

I said, "Haadi, you yourself told me that we had arrived in the Valley of Peace. Now you expect me to believe that there are robbers and pirates in this valley? I feel that you are merely trying to dissuade me. I certainly did not expect this from you."

So saying, I started crying. Haadi said, "My friend, do not distrust me. You are not aware how dark and narrow the coming route is. Our route in the Valley of Peace lies adjacent to the Valley of Punishment where all sorts of punishments are being meted out. The slightest slip will mean a fall into that valley where even I would be unable to help you. And you are aware that Darky is constantly trying to mislead you. If you don't spend the next ten days here to recover, you might well have to spend two months in the Valley of Punishment."

I said, "Do you mean to say that I have to face the stage of the Bridge (Pul-e-Sirat) now?! This I cannot believe." He said, "I have already told you that whatever is happening here is the similitude of the events to take place on the Day of Judgement. Consider this route to be the image of that Bridge. These stages have to be crossed and it will be wise to provide for them in good time.

Anyhow, Friday night I went home once again. There I saw that my wife had married again and was busy trying to make her new husband happy. My children had separated and gone their different ways and were running individual and separate businesses. Dejected and forlorn I sat on a branch near my house. I could see that people were deeply engrossed in their worldly affairs. I thought, if only they would think of their own hereafter even if for a moment. But no, they were busy planning their future, and their children's future. I recalled the Holy prophet's tradition: "In the last ages, wives will prove to be the undoing of men; and when not wives, then children and relatives".

I was deep in such thoughts when suddenly my eyes fell on a room in my house. My sons and their wives had gathered and were sitting with their children talking with each other and eating some fruits. One of them said to the other, "The tree which bore this fruit had been sown by our late father. Now he is lying in a grave under mounds of Earth and we are eating its fruit."

The other son replied, "How wrong you are! He must be eating tastier fruits in Heaven."

The first one said, "Yes, you are right. He used to love me a lot. To please me and make me happy, he often used to buy me gifts. May God bless him."

May God bless him. He used to buy gifts for me too. He would buy books and pens whenever I required. To be sure, he was a religious man and 'it was his wish that we too would become Religious" said the other.

They spoke well of me for sometime, then one remarked that as it was Thursday night, it would be good to recite Qur’an for me. One of them started reciting Soora Dukhan and the other Surah Dahr for me. I cannot describe how happy this made me. I prayed for their well being and returned to my current abode.

 

Chapter (Viii)

THE LAST STATION THE VALLEY OF PEACE

When I returned I saw that my mount was ready for the journey and Haadi was packing a portmanteau on it. I asked him where it had come from. He said that an angel had just delivered it saying that it contained a gift from Hazrat Fatema Zehra (A.S.). This was the result of Surah Dukhan as this Surah was related to her and the other contained a gift from Hazrat Ali as Surah-e-Dahr was connected to him. They had sent these gifts and had requested that we take a path well away from Valley of Barhoot (Valley of Punishment) so that the hot air from it would not bother me.

I asked, "Is it possible to open them and see the contents?"

He said, "Not now, they are not required yet. When it becomes necessary, they will open by themselves.'

I was dazed with happiness. I climbed my mount and started".

After some time, we reached the Land of Greed and Avarice. There we saw people with faces like dogs, some of them were healthy and strong, others weak and frail. There were dead bodies lying here and there. (1)

(1) The real value of worldly goods in the eyes at God and the lnfallibles, In Nahjul Balagha, Hazrat Ali (A. S.) calls the world and its possessions "dead bodies."

The dogs would approach these in order to eat them, but would fall to fighting amongst themselves. They would fight each other fiercely until they were almost dead with the fatigue and tension; and the carcasses remained untouched. Fresh packs would then approach. The stronger ones would attack the weaker once and make them run away but were also unable to enjoy the carcasses because of their own internal competition for supremacy and each one's desire to have all of it alone, without sharing. The whole ground seemed to be one big battlefield. The world is a dead body and those who desire it, Some dogs were eating these carcasses but smoke was bellowing from their heads and fire from their behinds and even other dogs would not approach them. Haadi informed me that they used to take bribes and used to embezzle or steal wealth belonging to orphans.

"Those who eat the wealth of orphans eat fire in their stomachs." (2)

(2) There is a famous tradition of the Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him) which describes almost similar conditions. This is quoted in the book 'Roahe Rehan' from the book 'Kaafi' quoting Hazrat Ali (A. S.) as saying that he and Hazrat Fatima (A.S.) once visited the Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him) and found him in tears. They asked him the cause and he replied.

"0 All the night that I went for Meraj (Ascension) I saw some women of my Ummah who were being so severely punished that I became concerned for them and started crying. l saw a woman who had been hung by her breasts. Then I saw a second woman who was eating her own flesh and a fire raged below her. A third woman was hanging by her tongue and boiling water was being poured down her throat. A fourth was bent double, hand and feet tied together, snakes and scorpions crawling all over her. A fifth was deaf, dumb and blind, enclosed in a cage of fire, her brains oozing out of holes in her skull. Her body was breaking to pieces due to leprosy.

Another was hung by her feet, inside and over. Yet another woman's body was being shredded to pieces by scissors made of fire. One woman had a head of a pig and a body of a donkey and was being given several kinds of punishments.

Another had the face of a dog, fire was entering her body from her behinds and coming out of her mouth and the angels were giving her a beating with iron rods."

Hazrat Fatima (A.S.) then inquired of her father (Peace be upon him) "Pray, tell me, what had these women done?"

He (Peace be upon him) replied, "Listen, beloved one, she who was hanging by her breasts used to deny her husband his rightful pleasure. The one hanging by her feet used to go out of her house without her husband's permission. The one eating her own flesh used to beautify her and show her body to men other then her husband. The one who was tied hands and feet together, with snakes and scorpions on her, never used to care about the filthy and unclean, or 'Najaasat and was not careful about bathing regularly after menses, intercourse etc, thus taking her prayers lightly. The deaf, dumb and blind used to bear children through adultery but would claim they were her husband's. The one whose body was being cut by scissors made of fire never took care of her Hijab in front of Na-Mahrams (men other than those allowed to see her). The one whose body was being burned and who was eating her own intestines used to provide other women to men for sex. The one with the face of a pig and body of a donkey was backbiter and a liar. And the one with the face of a dog, with fire entering from her behinds and coming out of her face, was a jealous woman." Then the Prophet (Peace be upon him) said, "Sorrowful is the plight of the woman who makes her husband angry and happiness awaits her who makes him happy."

These conditions are descriptful of the sufferings (of the soul) to be borne in Barzakh. The Day of Judgement will be even more severe and harsh.)

I remarked to Haadi, "Haadi, we had decided to travel well away from the Valley of Punishment. How is it then that we are here? Have we lost our way?" He said, this is just the image of that Valley. Its hot smoke won't reach you."

We came out of the Land of Greed to enter the Land of Jealousy. In this there were numerous workshops. Dark men resembling Darkies were at work. The machinery was making such a deafening roar that one could not hear anything else. Dust and smoke had covered everything. The robot-like machines looked like huge giants and were made of a metal harder than steel, and these were moving all about the place. One of these approached us and stopped just in front. 'Suddenly Darky too flew in, looking like black smoke. I turned around and much to my dismay, could see no sign of Haadi anywhere. Darky said, "Want to see the machines' at work? I bet you have never seen anything like this on Earth."

Though I wished to see the workshops in detail but since the suggestion came from Darky and since all his previous suggestions had landed me in trouble, I turned a deaf ear, and whipped my mount on. Reading the Surah-e-Falaq: "In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful. Say, 'I seek refuge with the Lord of the dawn, From the evil of what he has created, From the evil of darkness when it overspreads. From the evil of malignant witchcraft, And from the evil of the envier when he envies."

Darky remarked, "Pity, Pity'. You used to recite it on Earth, but never tried to put it in practice. It’s not going to help you now."

Fear overcame me. I saw Darky approach the machine, and then he disappeared. I hoped that he had gone away, and was wondering where Haadi had gone when suddenly, Darky reappeared in the form of a fearful creature. My horse shied at the sight and went off-track, falling and throwing me down also just near the machine. I was hurt so badly that my body lost all feelings and I could not even get up. The dreadful fuming machines were approaching nearer and nearer, as if they were going to engulf me. Darky was screaming with laughter and saying, "Go on, read 'From the envier when he envies.' 0 Fool, name me one scholar and learned man who has been free of jealousy. You managed to escape from my previous traps and this has made my heart bleed. I'll see to it that you don't ever get Out of this one." So saying, he caught me and tried to crush me.

His making fun of me angered me. Though I was weak I started to fight. But he was stronger and I could see that he was overpowering me. When I saw this involuntarily I started calling Hazrat Ali (A.S.) for help: "Ya Ali Madad". No sooner had I said this, all the machines which had been about to crush me, suddenly started a disorderly retreat and in the process crashed into each other, breaking into pieces Darky too tried to run away, but was crushed under the wheels of a giant roller. I said, "Wretched person, you were making fun of me. Now you are in the same boat that I was in. And nobody deserves it more then you do." This was my last encounter with Darky.

I managed to come back to the Main Road, which was the straight road and the correct path. It had only been Darky's mischief that my mount had gone astray. But though back, I was too weak to go on or even get up.(3)

(3)

Mistakes and sins (like jealousy for example) leave their effect on the soul and hinder man's natural progress on the straight path by weakening his resolve and intention.)

Each and every joint ached, and I was extremely thirsty. It was hot and the atmosphere was full of the stink and smoke. Suddenly I saw Haadi running towards me. As he approached, he took out the portmanteau which contained Hazrat Ali's (A.S.) gift and from it took out a crystal-glass bottle. From it he poured out some clean, cool and sweet water which he offered to me. The water quenched my thirst and refreshed me physically, mentally and spiritually: "Verily, the righteous shall drink a cup tempered with camphor (Kafur)."

I saw that the entire ordeal had been too much for the mount. He suddenly fell down and died. Now I was left without a horse. I picked up the backpack and put it on my back. Haadi picked up the portmanteau and we resumed our journey. The desert was larger than our Sahara Desert and had become dark and gloomy due to the constant emission of fumes by the machines. I noticed that men made of fireballs were tumbling out of the machines and falling down onto the ground just like cigarettes from a vending machine.

Haadi informed me that on Earth these people had been jealous of the faithful, due to one cause or another and used to show their jealousy by word or deed. Sorrowful fate awaited them inside these machines and due to constriction, this fire of jealousy came out from their within ('). He quoted the tradition that Jealousy is like fire and 'It devours faith like fire devours wood.'

The route being dark, Haadi walked in front and I followed. I remarked to him, it seems to me that we are off track. Hazrat Ali's recommendation had been that I should not be troubled at all, but I have never before faced such troubles as these."

Haadi replied, "No, no, we are not lost. The fact is that hardly anybody is completely free of jealousy. Everybody experiences it, Through in varying degrees. Had you not had Hazrat Fatema Zehra's recommendation with you, your fate would have been no different from the people you saw. But remember, most of these unfortunate people after serving their time here will be released and will join the ranks of the blessed and happy ones." (4)

4.

(In this world our traits and feelings remain hidden in our heart; in the hereafter, however, they will become obvious even to others, embarrassing the sinner in front of all.)

As the air was hot and stuffy and my back was also troubling me, we walked fast in order to cross this land as soon as possible. The fear that Darky might still be alive and following me, urged me on yet faster. Rank and stinking sweat oozed from my body and wet my clothes. My ankles were dead tired and painful. It was with the utmost difficulty that, we managed to emerge from this land at last, and then we heaved a sigh of relief. A cool breeze started blowing and fountains of sweet water erupted. (5)

(5.

After the soul has been cleansed of its vices and punished for its past sins, it will be able to enjoy the blessings and bounties. The Qur'an says, "Each of you will enter it (hell): Then we will send salvation for the God-fearing ones".)

The mountains and valleys were lush green. We sat down to rest by a fountain, I said, "Haadi, it seems that my Darky has been crushed under the wheels of the machines and has been killed." He replied, no, certainly not. He never dies. However, in this particular land he won't approach you because now we are quite far from the Valley of Barhoot. In front of us lies the land where people are being punished for their pride and arrogance. As you had managed to rid yourself of these traits in your lifetime, you will not be troubled there. From here the Valley of Peace is not far."

As we went on the atmosphere kept on becoming pleasant. There was sweet scent in the air, luscious trees were in abundance and mountains covered with dense trees and waterfalls of sparkling water could be seen. In the mountain plains, numerous tents of fine white silk were visible.

 

Chapter IIXI

SPRING IN VALLEY OF PEACE

Haadi said, "This is the city of 'Huma'. Here people stay in these tents." The pillars and pegs of these tents were of gold and the ropes were of silver. While we were still some distance away Haadi said, "Wait here, I'll go and find your place." I asked, What is this place called. The atmosphere here is so pleasant and peaceful I wish that we could stay here for a few days."

Haadi said, "This is the Valley of the Right and the Sacred Land and you will have to stay here for a few days. Then he opened the portmanteau and took out Hazrat Zehra's gift. Taking it he went towards a certain tent. My eyes followed him as he approached it, took out a piece of paper from his pocket and read it out aloud. The front flap of the tent was at once pulled open and some beautiful boys and girls came out. They rushed towards me, with Haadi following behind. Haadi took out another wallet from the portmanteau and told me, "Go to your tent with these attendants. Rest and wait for me. I'll have to go to Aasma to arrange accommodation for you. "I said 'Haadi, I am a stranger here without a single friend. Don't go away."

He said, "It’s for your sake that I'm going and consider this to be your own country. Go to your tent. You will not be alone. You will find friends there. 'In the tents are beautiful maidens as yet untouched by humans or jinns.' (Surah-e-Rehman Verse 72)

Saying so, Haadi left. I came to my tent with the attendants respectfully hovering around me. A maiden was sitting inside on a divan. She stood up to greet me. After a while, a handsome lad came in. In his hands were a silver bowl and towels. He helped me wash my hands and face with rose-scented water.

Now when I caught a glimpse of myself in a mirror, I was surprised and pleased to see that I was no less beautiful then the maiden sitting beside me who had been gifted by Allah. "Men have authority over women" (Surah-e-Nisa Verse 34)

We sat down on the divan. I looked around and noticed that the tent was supported on five pillars, the central one being the tallest and firmest of all. It was gold plated and studded with rubies and emeralds. Wishing to test the maiden sitting beside me, I asked her why there were five pillars in the tent.

She replied, "All tents in the Valley have five pillars. This is because Islam also has five pillars: Prayer, Fast, Hajj, Zakat and Khums, and Wilayat (love and friendship of the Ahle bait). The central one is of Wilayat and in fact it is supporting the whole tent. It is more important than others (as it helps to achieve all others)."

I said, "I was under the impression that each of the pillars was symbolical for remembering each of the Panjtan (the immediate family of the Holy Prophet)."

She replied, "They are amongst the Usool i.e. Roots and this is the place for the Furoo or Branches and its connections and it is just the image of their Pure light. Prophethood and Vicegerancy, (Imamat) are both part of Usool.

(1) in Safeenatul Bahar, Muhaddis Qummi has quoted Imam Ba’qar (A.S.) as saying that Faith has five pillars, Prayer, Fast, Hajj, Zakat and Wilayat. The narrator Zarrara asked, which of these is the best? "Imam (A.S.) replied, "wilayat, because it is the very soul of the other deeds. "In the end he said if somebody spends his lifetime praying throughout the nights. And fasts in the days, spends all he has in the way of God. And performs pilgrimage every year but, he does not have an infallible Imam to follow, under whose guidance he has performed these deeds, he will not be rewarded for them and will not be given the rank of the faithful. - (Because it is almost impossible to expect that without the guidance and teachings of the Imams (A.S.) we can perform deeds correctly with an understanding of the spirituality contained).

"The whole Universe and whatever it contains is in fact interrelated as if it has been prepared in one factory for a sole and common purpose. The difference, which is observed, is only due to difference of less with more, of roots with branches, of light with its rays. Man should try to reach these levels of depth in understanding and himself become a link in this chain of the Secret and Unseen. He would then become the center and core of all beings and hence the manifestation of the Name of God and hence God's Vicegerent.

"'Man by nature has this capability but he does not try to know his reality and instead wastes his time on Earth in material pursuits. Surah-e-Asr says that, 'Albeit Man is in loss'. Elsewhere he is called 'Unjust, Ignorant' and 'Ignorant of Qadr (systems)."

I said, "May I inquire where you have studied? Your speech is certainly worth listening to."

She replied, "I have been educated in the Holy city of Madina and those green mountains and this invigorating atmosphere are much lower in status than it."

"The Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him) has said, 'I am the city of knowledge, and Ali (A.S.) is its gate.' I have been brought up by Hazrat Fatima (A.S.) who, like her father, is herself a city of knowledge and purity and she is the Blessed as the Night of Qadar and is better than a thousand cities of knowledge. It is almost as if Quran was revealed unto

Her. In it come for separation all wise commands most suits her. That, all matters are decided through her. She is the Olive Tree, which is 'neither to the east nor to the west, and its oil is close to being lit up though fire has not touched it'. She is 'Light upon Light', and it is Fatima (A.S.) on whom 'Angels and spirits come down in It, (night of Qadr) by the order of their Lord with all matters'."

She went on eulogizing Hazrat Fatima (A.S.), and I sat engrossed listening to her. Then she said, "This scroll which Haadi gave me was Hazrat Fatima's (A.S.). In it she has written that one of her sons is coming to me and that I should do everything I can for him as he is to be my owner and Lord. It seems that I'm the fruit and result of the seeds, which you had sown on earth. God has perfected your harvest and has given it to you in my form. As He says in Surah-e-Waqia Verse

"Have you seen that which you sow? Do you cause it to grow or do we?"

"I praise God and to him indeed belongs all praise and in the end praise is for Allah the Lord of all Universe."

After this a sumptuous variety of dishes and drinks was brought for us. The meal was too delicious to be described. There were bounties which, no human eye has ever seen, nor have ears heard of. After eating we reclined on the couch.

I said "It seems to me that you are not a permanent resident of this place."

She replied, "You are correct. 1 came here just to welcome you and I brought this tent and its possessions along with me. In fact all the tents that you see here were brought for welcoming its residents who are now staying in them. This is God's guestroom. When you proceed from here, I will go back to my own country'."

I said, "I feel like taking a walk in the garden and seeing the camps, the mountains and the valleys. And I suppose it's possible that I might even meet old relatives here."

She replied, "Of course you may. You are free here to do as you like. But just remember that before you enter any tent you should greet its inmates and take permission to enter. And for your information when I arrived, I noticed your eldest daughter's tent nearby. For your sake, I visited and befriended her. If you wish, we can visit her."

"Certainly, why not', said I. So we went towards her tent and as we approached it, I called out Salaam to her. Recognizing my voice, she rushed out, followed by a train of attendants. We greeted each other and thanked God for our reunion, and that in spite of our numerous sins, he had forgiven and blessed us. Then we went inside and sat down on a jewel studded couch, facing each other, since this was better than sitting side by side.

I asked her what had befallen her on her journey and she replied, "The first station and the Land of Jealousy was quite difficult. It seems that most travelers face problems in these stages, though to varying extent. At certain times it seemed that my salvation was only due to your prayers for my welfare. I also wished and prayed for you. After that one of my sisters also had to undertake this journey. Then your time came and I prayed to God not to leave my mother and my brothers and sisters alone in the world."

"What befell your sister?"

"When she came here I saw that she was much higher in rank and station than I was and she told me that she did not have to face the various hardships that we have undergone. She saw the various lands but did not have any difficulty in crossing them."

"This is because she died young. You know that she was only eighteen years old when she died. That is why her journey was so much easier. We with our longer lives have managed to sin more."

Then I went for a walk in the woods. As I would approach a tree, its fruit laden branches would bend down towards me. The fruits were fresh and sweet and did not decrease in number regardless of how many I ate. Melodious voices rang out from the trees, inviting me to eat whatever I liked.

Then we returned towards my tent. From afar, I saw Haadi standing in the doorway waiting for me. I ran to greet him. He smiled and said, "You seem to be enjoying yourself here, visiting and sight seeing. But get ready for moving again. We are going to the city. The respected scholars and the faithful have received news of your arrival here and are waiting anxiously to meet you."

 

Chapter (X)

I said "I'm prepared to leave, but Haadi, there's one thing which saddens me."

He said, "Sadness and in the Valley of Peace! I cannot believe it."

"You are right, but didn't you notice that Hazrat Abbas (A.S.) and Hazrat Ali Akbar (A.S.) are still in their battle-dress and blood stains still visible on Hazrat Ali Asghar's (A.S.) neck. I wish to avenge their deaths."

He replied, "But their enemies, the accursed beings, are in the Valley of Barhoot and it is the duty of the Twelfth Imam, the Imam Mehdi (A.S.) to avenge, which he shall, whenever he appears."

I said, "True, but I wish to go to the Valley of Barhoot and punish them with my own two hands."

"God has ordained two harsh and severe angels for this task. Do you consider yourself more capable than God and his angels?"

"No, no, of course not! Of course nobody is more severe than God and his angels because he is the Ultimate Justice. No doubt he is Benevolent and Merciful, but he is also the Forceful and all Powerful. However, it was my desire to punish them personally."

"No doubt God will reward you for your feelings. But you should realize that the Faithful's illuminance can cool down the fire of Hell. Are you willing that the heat should decrease for the period that you are there?"

He was right and so I said, "All right, but at least take me to some place from where I may be able to see them being punished."

When Haadi saw that I just would not be satisfied he left to present my request to the Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him), Hazrat Ali (A.S.) and Hazrat Fatima (A.S.). When they learnt about this, they prayed for my welfare and the Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him) said, "0 Lord! We Ahlebait are always content and satisfied with whatever your will is, because you only wish the best. We cannot dare object. However today one of your servants has come to your guesthouse where sorrow and sadness cannot enter, but he loves us so much that he wishes to see our enemies being punished and he will not be content until his desire is fulfilled. If you please, in order to satisfy him, allow him to see the Valley of Barhoot."

The Holy Prophet's (Peace be upon him) wish was granted. And it was ordered that I should be allowed to see the enemies of the Ahlebait (A.S.) being punished, but that angels should accompany me, so that I would not be troubled at all in this journey. And the hot air would not harm me.

When I received this news, I was overjoyed and I started preparing for my journey along with a few of my friends. We were accompanied with angels on all sides to protect us. Soon we approached a hill. When it was about a hundred steps ahead we saw that the eastern horizon was overcast with dark clouds and sparks of different shapes were emitting from them, as if they were made of fire and were bursting. We could hear the thunder from afar. As soon as the angels saw this, they involuntarily said, "There is no course of circumstances and no power except God's."

I asked, "What is the matter?"

The angels replied, "This is the Valley of Barhoot and these sparks, resembling arrows, spears, swords and cudgels are in fact the curses which the faithful send upon the enemies of the Ahlebait and these are hitting their targets. But this is not the real punishment. The real punishment and wrath of God is being meted out in the plains of Barhoot. The plain is even warmer than the ironmonger's kiln. Snakes, scorpions and beasts made of fire are present there to continuously torture those accursed beings."

We climbed the hill. From here we could see that the fiery arrows would pass clean through the bodies which they entered. Each of the arrows, swords etc. passed through numerous people and if by chance any of the darts fell down it would get up again to continue hitting its target. If the people tried to escape, the arms would follow them until they would manage to strike. It seemed as if these arms and darts were conscious beings and also as if somebody was picking up the enemies bodily and throwing them down onto the ground here and there. It reminded me of the sight of mustard seeds popping about while being roasted. The enemies of the Ahlebait (A.S.) were wailing away and their voices sounded like the whining and yelping of dogs. The sight gave me great pleasure and satisfaction. I sat down on the hill to enjoy the scene and since I had been informed that these arms were in fact the faithful’s curses, I repeated the curse, which I used to read in Ziarat-

e-Ashura.

"0 God! Send down your curse on the first oppressor who did injustice to Mohammad (Peace be upon him) and his Progeny and to the last, who followed in his footsteps. 0 God, send down your curse on the wretched people who fought with Hussain (A.S.) and those who were with them and obeyed them and followed them in killing Hussain (A.S.). 0 God, send down your curse on all of them."

Then I said, "0 god especially curse on my behalf the first oppressor, then the second, the third, and the fourth, always and forever."

"0 God, curse Yazid son of Muawiyah, the fifth and curse Obaidullah son Ziyad and Omar son of Saad and Shimr and the families of Abu Sufyan, Ziyad and Marwan upto the Day of Judgement."

All the angels and friends accompanying me joined me in repeating these two curses again and again. The fiery arms increased ten fold in number and the atmosphere became dense and dark with dust. The punishment became much more severe. A spark would strike an enemy causing him to lump up in the air, where he would be struck by more darts from all directions. They were being tossed around like footballs, managing to land only after a length of time. On seeing this we continued cursing until our voices became hoarse and throats dry. By now the accursed people had been roasted alive, their skins were peeling, and their bodies had become pierced like sieves. They were wishing that they would die but here even death could not rescue them because here there was no death', only eternal wrath and punishment. On earth they had oppressed until death had freed the oppressed from their tyranny, but in the Hereafter since death does not exist, the oppressors could not escape their eternal harsh fate. The Qur’an says: "The Hereafter is in, fact life" and "Whenever their skin will burn away, we will replace it with another."

Here we also observed two strange sights. One that amongst these people there were two men whom fire could not reach. Flames would leap towards them, but would be turned away by large fans thus keeping the two men safe. When I inquired, I was informed that one was Haatim of Taai, the other Nausherwan the Just. Being infidels, they had been sent to Hell but the generosity of one and the justice of the other kept its flames away from them, as generosity and justice both were God's favorite qualities and he does not let anybody's labor go waste or un-rewarded.

Secondly, I saw some people who though also present in Hell were out of reach of its flames and was also not troubled by its fiery darts. However though they were not being punished themselves, they were losing their wits just seeing others being punished. Their faces had gone white and they were completely bewildered and terrified. I was informed that these were friends of Ahlebait and they used to hate the enemies of Ahlebait but they had been neglectful of their prayers and fasts and other obligations and had also not avoided the forbidden deeds. They were also answerable to others. The Just could forgive disobedience and sins but could not overlook the rights due to other men. So they were sent to hell but their love of Ahlebait became a shield, saving them from its fire. At the termination of their sentence, since they had been correct in their faith and beliefs, if God so willed, they would be freed from Hell and would enjoy God's blessings.

Seeing the fate of the enemies of Ahlebait really gratified me and we resumed our journey saying, "0 God, give them such a punishment from which even the dwellers of Hell would wish that they were freed."

 

 

CHAPTER [XI]

A SINCERE APPEAL

The original text ends here. The translation was not meant for scholars who can benefit from the book in its original form, but for the public so that they may read and benefit by taking stock of their deeds and actions and hopefully atoning, repenting and asking forgiveness before death overcomes.

God is Most Merciful and if anyone truly repents God is willing to forgive completely. In order to maintain interest, at places the text has been abridged, and lengthy references and philosophical discourse avoided. The translator has added certain sentences footnotes and explanations to the original text.

SAFEGUARDS AGAINST DANGERS

Although the events after death have been described already and will prove to be an incentive towards preparing for the Hereafter, but as nobody can escape from this journey, I wish to list some occasions and practices narrated by reverend personalities which will help everybody in their preparations.

Only those who are aware of the reality and facts about the Hereafter can inform us about this and these are Mohammad (PBUH) and his progeny who are the cause of the creation of the Universe. And the gist of their teachings is that if anybody has to undertake a journey, he should make preparations for it.

The conditions of the Grave, the Lands of Lust, of Jealousy, of Greed and Avarice, Satan and the Satanic Twin (Darky) and his destructive activities, his inciting and misleading arguments wherever possible. The punishment meted out to the sinners for their wrong deeds, the fate of pride, and good deeds going waste due to certain sins, all these are occasions for awakening and contemplation. One should try to prepare and stock deeds for the future because death is inevitable and it closes the door of action forever. If we fail to do good for our selves it is indeed foolishness to expect that our children will act on our behalf after our death.

We can only expect those deeds, which we have managed to do, to come to our rescue and help, and cannot be certain of anything else. My God help every body to atone and do good. All praise is for God.

Peace be upon Mohammad and his progeny.

 

Chapter (XII)

SAFEGUARD AGAINST DANGERS

Although the event after death have been described already and will prove to be an incentive towards preparing for the Hereafter, but as nobody can escape from this journey, I wish to list some occasions and practices narrated by reverend personalities which will help everybody in their preparation. Only those who are aware of the reality and the facts about the Hereafter can inform us about this and these are Muhammad (PBUH) and his progeny who are the cause of the creation of the Universe. And the gist of their teachings is that, if anybody has to undertake a journey, he should make preparation for it.

Therefore, daily before sleeping, Hazrat Ali used to announce from the mosque, "O People, get ready and make preparations for your journey of the Hereafter. May God have mercy on you. The proclaimer of death is announcing 'Take heed. Be prepared for departing; you will face numerous dangers there. (Nahjul Balagha)

The first of these is the time when one experiences the pangs of death. (Surah-Q verse 19). This is an extremely hard time. On one side there is the intensity of pain and illness, the tongue becomes mute and the body refuses to respond. On the other hand, the crying and wailing relatives. The thought of being separated from them forever. The grief of the children becoming orphans, separation from one's mate and life partner. And from wealth and otherworldly goods (in the collection of which one had spent his lifetime); the agony of death, combined with these hardships, and the thought of the forthcoming hardships to be faced after death. All cause this time to be painful beyond imagination. Sheikh Sudooq has quoted Imam Jafer-e-Sadiq as saying, "If anyone wishes to make the pangs of death easy and light, he should maintain good relations with his relatives and should be kind and gentle with his parents. One who behaves thusly will die easily and in his lifetime he will not be troubled with paucity and will on the contrary live happily." The Holy Prophet has recommended Sura-e-Yaseen and Sura-e-Wassaaff-aat and reading the dua 'La ilaha lila Allah Ul Haleem ul Kareem. La ilaha illala ul ali-ul azeem, sub-hanallah-e- Rabbi-ssamawat-e-wal arze, wa rabbil arzeen-as-sabhe, wa maa fee-hinna, wa maa baina-hunna wa Rabbul arshil azeem, wal hamdu-lillahe Rabbil a’lameen.(There is no power except God, the forbearing and gracious) to the end in the Qunoot as being beneficial for the time of death.(1)

1.

(Recommending of particular duas and surahs for particular objects is because of the special meanings contained in them, which if understood and taken to heart, have corrective influence upon man.) of the Usool at his death bed, and in Talqeen, certainty of faith would prevail and doubts would cease. Dua-e-Adeela, present in Mafateeh-ul-Jinaan is also helpful and should be read at the deathbed. Reciting the tasbeeh of Hazrat Fatima, wearing Aqiq (cornelian) ring, reading Sura-e-Maumenoon on Fridays, reading Bismillah. ..La Haula Wala... after Morning and Maghrib Prayers, are all beneficial.

Second occasion: Adeela Indul Maut (Satanic thought in death): This is the turning away from the Truth to the false and wrong at the time of death. This is because Satan approaches men at the time of their death creating and raising doubts in their minds to the extent that one's correct faith may be completely shaken; one may even become bereft of it and he may die an infidel or faithless. Tradition advice us that as safeguard one should be in the habit of recalling the Usool-e- Deen with its proof so that when he is reminded.

Third occasion; Wehshat-e-Qabr (Fear and horror of the Grave): This is more severe, and fearful than the previous occasions. When the body is brought near the grave it should not be put into it at once. Since this is a very fearful time, it should rather be prepared for it by breaking the journey thrice (Manzil), because the spirit still retains interest in the body.

The Holy Prophet has said. "The most fearful time for the dead is their first night in the grave. Help your dead in this hour of need by giving charity on their behalf and by praying for them (Namaz-e-Wehshat)."In this prayer, in the first Rakaat one should read Ayat-uI-Kursi after Sura-e-Hamd and in the second after Sura-e-Hamd Sura-e-Oadr ten times. Alternatively, in the first Rakaat, Sura-e-Tawheed (Qul howa Allah) is read twice and in the second, Sura-e-Takaasur ten times. Also beneficial is reading La Ilaha lIla Allah ul Malik ul Haqqul Mubeen (There is no power except God. the king, the right, the manifester) 100 times daily and reading Soora-e-Yaseen every night before sleeping.

Fourth occasion: Constriction in the Grave: This is also a difficult time. The grave calls out every day I am the rest house of the travelers; I am a house of Horror and also of Respect. "For some, the grave will be a garden from amongst the gardens of Heaven and for others a pit from the pits of Hell. Imam Sadiq A.S. has said that nobody can escape this constriction, but there are practices which can prove helpful in this regard e.g.

  1. Hazrat Ali has said that reading Surah-e-Nisa every Friday will save one from constriction.
  2. One who makes a habit of reading Sura-e-Zukhruf will remain safe from the constriction and beasts in the grave.
  3. Imam Jafar-e-Sadiq A.S. has said that whoever dies between Thursday noon and Friday noon will be spared constriction.
  4. Imam Raza A.S. has informed that the habit of night prayers keeps one safe from constriction.
  5. The Holy Prophet has said that reciting Sura-e-Takaasur before sleeping helps to ward off constrictions.
  6. People buried in the sacred land of Najaf are also spared constriction.

Fifth occasion: The questioning of Munkir and Nakeer: Imam Jafar-e-Sadiq A.S. has said that one who does not believe that questioning will take place in the grave is not a true faithful. These questions have been mentioned already. Reading Talqeen twice before burial is completed is very beneficial but especially (and maybe only) if the person had these believes and thoughts in his lifetime.

Sixth occasion: Barzakh: Barzakh has been discussed already. It is a time of extreme helplessness. Deeds done for the dead and the benefits arising from one's previous deeds are the only useful things at this time.

Seventh occasion Day of Judgement: It is the harshest, severest and most fearful day. There are fifty stations in the Day of Judgement, each more difficult than the previous.

I hope that the readers of this book will pray for me.

END

 

A Peaceful Death

I had a friend named Mumin. He was living in Shiraz. One day he narrated me the following story:

One of the leaders of congregation prayer in Shiraz suggested to me going to Mashhad for performing pilgrimage of Imam Raza (A.S.). We therefore hired a bus and started our journey towards Qom. Some tradesmen were also accompanying us on the way. When we arrived in Qom we decided to stay there for two days to visit Hadhrat Masuma's holy shrine.

I was beginning to feel strange situations and understand many facts and realities. Having stayed in Qom for two days we moved towards Tehran and then Mashhad. As we were passing by Neishabour (a city near Mashhad) we saw a commonly man with a bag on his back walking along the road towards Mashhad. The passengers agreed to pick him up. The bus stopped. A few people including me got off the bus to help him aboard but he refused to go up. Finally, with much persistence he agreed to go up with a condition that he should have sat beside me and I should not have opposed whatever he might have to say.

The man got up and sat beside me. He started talking about events, which yet had not taken place. He also said everything about me until the end of my life. I liked his words and his advice. I understood that being with such a person, was a blessing of Almighty Allah and a gift of Imam Raza A.S.

The bus stopped near the platform. Everybody got off. It was the time of taking meals and I wanted to have it with my companion. But he said, " today you may have you food with me." I did not want to lose friendship, but since I was obliged to obey him I should have agreed to his words whatsoever. We went to a corner and sat down.

He brought a little bread out of his bag with some raisin wrapped with a handkerchief. We began eating it. It was very tasty and interesting. When we had full he told me, " now you can and see your friends, if you are willing." I stood up and went to them. Just as I approached them I saw them eating from a bowl full of blood and dirt. They were picking morsels and were eating with pleasure. Their hands and mouths were also dirty and they did not know what they were doing. I was really shocked with wonder but uttered nothing, because I was ordered to be silent in all circumstances.

I returned to the man. "Did you see" he said, "what your friends were eating? And you were also eating the same things from Shiraz up to here.

You did not know what a forbidden and unclean food is. I tell you, not to eat from the hotels and the street shops. It is unfavorable."

I replied, "God willing, I will do so after this time."

Then he said to me, "O' faithful man, the time of my death has arrived.

I will go up this hill and die there. Please, take this handkerchief and use the money wrapped with it for bathing and shrouding me. As far my body you bury me wherever Mr. Sayed Hashim (leader of congregation prayer of Shiraz) chooses.

I exclaimed, "Do you want to die?" He replied, "Be silent, I will die soon and you don't have to tell it to anybody."

Following this conversation, he stood with his face towards the Shrine of Imam Raza A.S. He sent his salutations and greetings from there and wept vehemently. He murmured, "Surely, I did my best to reach you but I did not have any further fervor and prosperity." Then he moved up towards the top of the hill. I was so perplexed as if the chain of concentration and self-control had gone out of my hands.

After a while I went up to the hilltop and saw the man lying on his back with his legs stretched towards Qibla (House of God) and lips smiling. He looked as if he had died a thousand years ago. I got down the hill and went hurriedly to find Mr. Sayed Hashim and the other companions. I told them about the matter and they were full of pity, and anger as to why I did not tell them.

I said, "he himself ordered me not to tell anybody. And if I knew he was not happy with my saying even now after his death, I would not have told you.

All the companions took pity for him. We went altogether to the hill and carried down his corpse and placed it into the bus and then started off towards Mashhad.

Our bus entered Mashhad. Mr. Sayed Hashim went straight to one of the scholars there to inform him of the matter. He came along with a large number of people. They bathed the corpse and maintained its shrouding.

I was paying the expenditure from the kerchief and when the burial ended, the money also finished. Not a single Rial was left. The total amount of the handkerchief was twelve Tumans (120 Rials).

 

DEATH UNDER ONE'S OWN FREE WILL

Late Shaikh Mohammad Hakim Hidaji was one of the prominent Ulamas of Tehran. He lived in Muniria Madresa (religious school) until the end of his life. The Madresa was adjacent to the grave of the holy born Sayed Nasiruddin. Hakim Hidaji was busy teaching all through his life. He taught whoever requested him for teaching.

It is said about him that he denied the occurrence of death under one's own free will.

It was a degree of perfection unachievable for the people. He denied and rejected it firmly in discussions with his students. One night as he as offering 'Isha' prayer, an old man entered his house. Upon his arrival he said in a strong tone: "O' man of wisdom! What do you have to do with these things?"

Hidaji inquired, "What things?"

The old man answered, "I mean you have nothing to do with the idea of death whether its under one's free will or not. You had better keep quiet and do not deny it."

Hidaji explained, It is our work to discuss and analyze such things.

We are teaching, studying and working over these things. Moreover, we do not say anything unless we have understood it."

The old man inquired, "So, don't you believe in that kind of death at all?"

He said, "No."

The old man stretched his legs towards Qibla just in front of his eyes, slept on his back and said..... (We are from God and to God we return).

Just as he recited this verse he passed away and he looked as if he had died hundred years ago. Hakim Hidaji became anxious. "My God, what was this calamity you brought upon me tonight? What would the government do?" he thought, "they will charge me of poisoning or choking this man!"

He ran to his students to call them over. They were all surprised and anxious. The Watchman of the Madresa was going to bring a coffin to put him into it and take him to the Madresa hall for its equipment and

testification. They were preparing themselves for this work when suddenly the old man sat up on his place and said, "In the name of Allah, the Merciful and the Compassionate". Then he turned his face to Hidaji, smiled and said, "Do you believe it now?"

Hidaji replied, "Yes, I believe it. By god, I believe it. But tonight you really ruined me." The old man said, "Dear, I tell you that man need not only read books. He should offer mid-night prayer and should have devotedness and...

Hakim Hidaji changes his method and manners of living. He dedicates half of his time to studying, writing and teaching and the other half for meditation, prayer and worship of Allah. He vacates his bed at night to purify his soul and make his heart bright with the light of Allah. One can decipher his conditions and moods from his poetical works written in both Persian and Turkish. He has also a commentary book on Sabzawari's work called "Sharh Manzuma." His commentary on this book is very useful indeed. At the end of work his will has been printed which is very sweet and interesting.

After praising Allah, bearing witness and dividing his belongings and books he says:

I would like to ask my friends not to cry on my death because, I am no more alive in this world. I ask them to be happy and glad as I have become free from the bondage of nature and I am going to reach my objective, the eternal life. If my friends are sad and sorry for me, they too will come and if God willing, we will meet each other there.

Had I had money I would have given to my friends to manage a feasting and be happy on the night of my departure because that night is the night of attainment for me.

My cordial friend late Sayed Mohammad (may God bless him) has promised me to give a feast. He will fulfil his promise, if God willing.

The students of Muniria Madresa were saying that Hidaji gathered his entire student on the night of his death. He advised them to good habits and moral, joked with them and laughed too much. We were surprised that night as to why, this man who was busy praying for continuous hours of night was joking and jesting so much like that.

Hidaji performed his Morning Prayer at the early dawn and then he slept in his room. After an hour when the students opened the door they noticed that his face was towards Qibla and he had died.

A FEARLESS DEATH

I had a highly educated and pious friend named Haji Hadi Khansari Abrahi. He died at the age of eighty-two. One day he said to me the following story:

I had a journey to the holy shrines in Iraq. First, I went to Najaf where I stayed performing pilgrimage for some days. Within those days

I did not see or find anyone to sit and talk with for solace of my heart.

One day I entered the holy shrine, did my pilgrimage and stayed there in for some time. Turning my face to the tomb I said to the Commander of the Faithful (Ali, peace be upon him), "O my dear Master, I am your guest. It is many days since I am in Najaf. You are too generous and kind to let me go hopeless."

Thereafter, I got out of the shrine and entered unconsciously the Howaish Bazar. In that Bazar there was Mr. Sayed Kazim Yazdi's Madresa.

I got into it and sat on a small platform on the courtyard. The platform was vis-a-vis a room. However, the time of the noon prayer arrived and

I saw an attractive, handsome, fresh and heart lighted man coming down from the upper floor. He went on the top floor, declared Azan (call for prayer) and returned. Just as he wanted to enter his room my eyes caught sight of his face. His two cheeks were shining like bulbs of light.

He got into the room and closed the door. I began to weep and complain to the Commander of the Faithful as to why the man whom I had found after so many days did not pay heed to me.

The man immediately opened the door, looked at me and signaled to me to go up. I got up and went up to the second floor and entered his room. Both of us embraced each other, wept for a while and then sat down looking at each other silently. After a moment we separated from each other.

This high-spirited man was late Shaikh Murtaza Taliqani. He really

possesed a highly spirited magnanimity. He was like Hakim Hadaji busy teaching all through his life in Madresa. He taught his students any lesson they wanted to be taught.

The students of 'Sayed Madresa' says: Late Shaikh Murtaza summoned at night every body to his room. He was happy and joyous that night. He joked and said things that all the students laughed loudly. Many of the students wanted to go to their own rooms but he insisted upon saying, "Stay please, only one night is there. We should enjoy it." None of the students thought of his death.

Early in the morning Shaikh went on the roof of the Madresa, declared

Azan and then went down to his room. The sun had not yet risen when

Shaikh was seen in the room sleeping with his face towards Qibla and a white sheet spread on his body. He had died!

The Watchman of the same Madresa says that he met Shaikh before the day he died. He met him on the courtyard, talked to him and heard him saying: "Tonight you go to your bed and tomorrow you wake up to perform

oblution; then you hear people saying: Shaikh Murtaza is dead."

The watchman says that he did not understand what he meant by that.

He thought he was joking or making humorous talks. In the morning when the watchman woke up he walked to the pond to make oblution. Thereupon he heard the students of the Madresa saying: "Shaikh Murtaza is dead."

REASON OF FEARING FROM DEATH

Shaikh Sadiq quotes Imam Jafar Sadiq (A.S.) in his book entitled,

Ma'aniul Akhbar. Imam Hasan (A.S) had a companion who was very joking and had a great taste of humor. He went to visit the Imam. This is the conversation, which took place between him and the Imam:

Imam: How are you

Companion: O son of the Prophet of God, I am passing my life counter to what I wish, counter to what Allah wants and counter to what the Satan wants.

Imam: (laughingly) How?

Companion: Because Almighty Allah wants me to be obedient to Him and not to commit sin, and I am not so; I myself want not to die but I will die.

Another man rose up and said: "O son of the Prophet of God, why do we dislike death?

Imam: That is because you have ruined your hereafter and built your worldly life. So you are not pleased to be taken from a prosperous and flourished world to a ruined one.

DEATH, A BRIDGE TOWARDS HEAVEN OR HELL

Imam Zainul Abedin said:

On the day of Ashura Imam Husain and his companions had two opposite conditions. As and when the battle intensified and things became tight and grave, the colours of the faces of Imam's companions changed; they trembled and their hearts pounded.

But the condition of Imam Husain himself and some of his very close companions was different. Their faces were shining, their limbs were calm and their hearts were getting more pacified every minute.

There were some people at the battleground saying to each other:

"See! This-man seems not to fear death at all."

Hadhrat Imam Husain, the chief of the martyrs addressed his companions thus: "O my dear and respected sons, be calm a little, be patient. And cultivate forbearance in yourselves, because death is nothing except a bridge, which causes you to pass from hardships and vicissitudes to spacious heavens and perpetual blessings.

Of you, who dislikes to be transfered from a prison to a glorious and grand palace? Yes, death for your enemy is nothing but like one who is transferred from a palace to prison and torture.

Verily, my father reported from the Holy Prophet that " the world is

a hell for the believers and heaven for the infidels, and death is a bridge which pulls these (believers) to heaven and those (infidels) to hell. I do not lie and nobody has lied so far with me.

 

DEATH IN THE BEST MOMENT

One day a man name Mohammad bin Munkader met Hadhrat Imam Moh'd Baqir (A.S.). He lived in Madina and was a mystic in profession. He saw the

Imam holding by the shoulders of two of his slaves proceeding towards a

palm grove.

He said within himself, "Is this the meaning of piety and continence?

I should like to go and advise him now."

He approached the Imam and said, " You are here to gain worldly profits in this hot weather? If at this moment death over takes you what would you respond to Allah?"

The Imam stopped. Turning his face toward the man he said, "If I die at this moment, be sure that I have died in the best moment, for I have come out to fulfil my obligation and to achieve legal property for me and my family. I am afraid of death only when I am overtaken while committing a sin to God."

The man said, "Strange, I wanted to exhort you but you exhorted me!"

HEARING YELLINGS FROM A DEAD BODY

Late Mohaddis Qommi, the author of ' Safinatul Behar, Akunam and Alqab etc. has been reported to have said:

One day I went to visit a graveyard in Wadiussalam (an area in the holy city of Najaf). There I heard a camel yelling so loudly that I thought some one was cauterizing it. The earth seemed to be trembling with its yelling. I rushed to that direction to get the camel free.

But as I got nearer I noticed that it was not the camel yelling rather it was a corpse being moved for burial. The people carrying the corpse

heard nothing of it. They were just calmly doing their work. Surely, the corpse belonged to a man who was an oppressor in his life. And who was doomed to such a punishment in the first moment of his death that is to say before being buried and tortured in the grave and before seeing the hell images he was overtaken by horror as a result of which he yelled.

 

AYATULLAH GULPAIGANI IN GRAVEYARD

Late Ayatollah Sayed Jamaluddin Gulpaigani (may God be please with him) was of the exalted and prominent 'ulamas' and jurisprudents of Najaf.

He was one of the brilliant students of Late Ayatollah Naeni.

Every body knew his knowledge, sagacity and performance. Nobody has any doubt in his magnanimity, and exalted spirit. He had the top position in terms of caring soul and denying worldy temptations.

He was known in his neighborhood for his supplications and weeping. He prayed for continuous hours. His words and the tears in his eyes impressed everyone's heart. He was over ninety when he passed away.

He studied in his youth in Esfahan and he was a classmate of Ayatullah

Haj Hussain Brojardi. He discussed his lessons with him. Ayatullah

Brujardi wrote to him both from Brujard as well as from Qom asking him for solutions about some complicated theological issues.

During the seven years when I myself was in Najaf for education, I used to see him at his house once or twice a week and sit with him for an hour or so. Of course, he would import some of his knowledge with me despite trying a little to hide his erudity and sagaciousness. His house was located in the vicinity of Howaish. There he lived in a small room on the second floor. He was sometimes discussing jurisprudential or scientific issues and sometimes he was busy elaborating and discussing new things. This great man of knowledge said: When I was in Esfahan in my youth age, I used to participate in late Mr. Akhun and Jahangir's classes of ethics and spiritualism. They were my teachers.

They told me that on Thursday and Friday nights I should visit a cemetery called Takht Folad in the outskirt of the city of Esfahan where they wanted me to mediate in the world of death and spirit and to pray until morning.

Therefore, I used to visit the cemetery on those two specific nights, walk among the graves and mediate there for one or two hours. I would sleep in the graveyard for some hours and then I would wake up for the night prayer and for supplications. I would stay there until I had offered the morning-prayer and then I would return to Esfahan.

It was winter season when, one dark night, I decided to go for meditation to Takht Folad graveyard. There were some rooms in the graveyard and I got into one of them. I opened my handkerchief to have some food following that I wanted to sleep so that I might wake up at mid-night for fulfilling the instructions of supplication and prayer.

At this moment I heard some one knocking on the cemetery door. The door was opened and I saw a corpse being moved in. The corpse had been brought from Esfahan. It actually belonged to the owner of the cemetery.

The reciter of the Holy Quran who was the cemetery in charge started reciting the Quran.

While eating food I noticed some punishment angels who began immediately punishing and torturing the corpse. (This is the same sentence he himself has written): The dead body was inflicted with fire maces so severely that fires leaped towards the sky and he himself yelled and cried so loudly that the entire cemetery trembled. I do not know as to what sort of sin he had perpetrated that he deserved to be punished so. The reciter of the Holy Quran looked to be seeing nothing at all. He was sitting at the side of the corpse and he was busy reciting the Quran.

The scene was very shocking for me. I had nearly passed out seeing it.

My limbs trembled and my face turned pale. I wished to run out, but the door was bolted. I signaled to the cemetery owner to open the door quickly but he did not understand me. My tongue failed to move as much as I tried to speak. Finally, I made him understand: "unbolt the door; I want to go out!"

He replied, "Sir, it is quite cold; there is snow everywhere. You might be attacked and torn to pieces by wolves.

As much as I wanted to make him know that I could not bear sitting there he could not understand me. Ultimately, as I had no remedy I pulled myself to the door. He opened the door for me and I rushed out. I walked painstakingly all along the way to Esfahan. I stumbled and slipped badly many times on the ground. Finally with much effort and tribulation I arrived at my room where I was sick for one week at a stretch. Late Akhund Kashi and Jahangir Khan were in my room for that week nursing and giving me medicine. The later roasted kabab for me, pushed it into my throat until I finally grew better.

 

SPEAKING WITH THE ARROGANT'S SPIRIT

Ayatollah Gulpaigani said: One day I went to Wadiussalam graveyard. The weather was hot. I sat down under a roof built over the walls of grave. Then, I put off my turban as well as my 'aba' (a knee long gown worn by theologians) to take a short nap. At this very moment I saw a group of dead people coming towards me wearing worn out and shabby clothes and their appearance looked to be extremely dirty. As they got closer they started to beg me for intercession before God. They said, "We are in bad condition; please ask God to forgive us."

I reproached them and said, "When you were in the world and you were said to be good and to do good you were like deaf who never heard such words. And now that the time has passed you are begging for forgiveness. Go away, you arrogants!"

These dead people were the chieftains of Arab who lived in the world arrogantly and whose graves were around the grave on which I was sitting.

THE LIMBO PARADISE

Ayatolah Gulpaigani said, "I was sitting in a solitary condition when suddenly I saw myself in a glorious and beautiful garden. The garden was full of marvelous and exotic things. The sands of the ground were attractive and the trees were fresh and green. Cool and invigorating breeze was blowing through them. I walked straight to the center of the garden. There was a big pond full of clean and glaring water. There were beautiful girls sitting at the side of the pond playing with the water and pouring it with their hands out.

The girls had a leader who seemed bigger and more beautiful. She was reciting elegies and the others were repeating. The elegies were referring to God as to why He perished the Ad and Samud tribes as well as caused the Pharos drown in the river and so on.

When the girl finished reciting a couplet the others altogether repeated, "what for and for what reason?"

I got closer to them but then I found them strangers. So I moved back from the pond and took my way out from the same way I had entered.

THE DEFINATION OF DEATH

Imam Hasan Askari says: My father Ali bin Mohammad Al-Naqi visited one of his companions who was sick and lying on bed. He saw the man crying due to fear of death.

The Imam asked, " O servant of God, you are crying because you don't understand the real meaning of death." Then the imam said, " I ask you one thing , then you should answer it. Suppose, if your body becomes badly dirty and you suffer on account of it or if you suffer from itching an dirty pimples on your body and then you know that if you take a bath and clean your body you will be ok. Would you then take a bath and wash away the dirt or you would dislike taking bath and live with dirt and suffering?"

The patient said, "O son of the Prophet of Allah. I would like to take bath and remove the dirt from myself."

The Imam said, "Death for man is like taking bath and cleaning the dirt. It cleans the sins you have committed."

Then the Imam asked, "Do you know why the children and mostly the mad people restrain from taking medicine?"

He said: "Because they are ignorant of its uses and benefits."

The Imam said: "I swear upon Allah, He Who chose Mohammad (P.B.U.H.) as His Prophet that the use of death for those who prepares themselves for it is more than the use of medicine for a sick. If people knew what great blessings they achieve by death they would never dislike it."

"O' man you should know that if you die you will become free from all sorts of worries, pains and tribulations and you will see yourself in abundance and prosperity."

These words of the Imam impressed him so much that his heart stopped throbbing any more, and with utmost happiness and exultation he closed his eyes and surrendered himself to death.

DEATH, THE BEST MEDICINE

Late Sadooq narrates Imam Ali al-Naqi in 'Ma'aniul Akhbar' as under:

My father was asked by some people about the Muslims as to why they dislike death.

He answered that since the people are ignorant of the reality of death, they dislike and abhor it. If they know what actually death is or if they believe faithfully in Allah they will love death. Because they know that their hereafter is much better as compared with this world.

Nearly twenty years ago one of my friends had a journey to Mashhad for offering pilgrimage of the Imam Raza shrine. He was in a good condition. He stayed there for two or three days. Then he returned. Having arrived back he described a strange dream he had seen in his journey.

He said, "Before entering the shrine I stopped by the shrine gate. Thereupon I paid homage and respect. Then I murmured within myself: "I shouldn't get into the shrine for I do not have any real and correct acquaintance of the Imam and his right. I should be here at the gate so long until the Imam fulfils my wish and makes me acquainted with his right and his God.

It was Friday night and the weather was badly cold. In a corridor near a shoe checkroom I had gone to sleep. There I dreamt the Imam. He came to me, hit me with his fingers and said, "wake up, wake up! You should struggle to get something."

I got up quickly. Then I bent down myself to kiss the Imam's feet. But he pushed my shoulder back and did not allow me to kiss them: "What is that you are doing?" The Imam reproached.

I stood up and walked to Gowhar Shad Mosque. There I performed oblution to read the Kumail Supplication.

Amid reading the supplication I went to a deep sleep. In my sleep I saw a man of red henna colored beard coming towards me. He sat beside me and started talking very kindly to me. The man asked me, "Would you like going for a walk?"

I said, "Yes."

Then both of us moved away. He took me all around the globe. We were going to every city in a flying manner. We could see all people of those cities - good or bad. We passed over the rivers and oceans. We went to perform pilgrimage of the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) and his daughter's grave as well as the Baqui cemetery. Then we moved to the holy cities of Najaf, Karbala, Kazemain and Samarra to do pilgrimage there as well.

The man was reciting pilgrimage letter for me. He narrated strange things to me and he was busy taking to me all along the way.

I was asking him many questions about the saints, and the dead people and their situation. He answered all my questions one by one and in detail.

Following our visit of the globe he took me to the skies to see the saints. We walked in the heavens and saw different and various kinds of blessings - things which can't be described at all. We also passed through Hell. We saw how the punishments were rewarded. Everything was inexplicable.

After these traverses the man Enquirer me as to whether I liked to return or not. I responded him in the positive and we both returned. As we arrived at Gowhar Shad Mosque the man wanted to leave me. while leaving he said: "Our entire journey has taken only five minutes?"

I exclaimed: "Surely, five minutes?"

The man responded: "I said, 'five minutes' because I wanted you not to be shocked with fear, otherwise our journey has taken no time but a single second. Because there is no time in Heaven or Hell."

With many promises of blessings he bid farewell with me. I enquired: "Where are you going? I need you."

He replied: "I should go now. If God willing, I will see you whenever necessary.

I said, "You showed me many strange things and mysteries in a short time. And you took me to many places of the world and the heavens."

He said: "They were not strange at all."

He said this and went away.

I woke up from my sleep. I looked at my watch. Inoticed that I had dosed off only for five minutes. That I started to read the rest of the supplication.

This dream was so strange and it's points were so interesting and long that can not be elaborated. He took three days to explain his dream. He started to explain his dream from morning till noon and from after-noon till dusk. He went three days in this manner to finish elaborating his dream.

This dream was so amazing that when I elaborated it to Ayatollah Haj Shaikh Mohammad Jawad ansari Hamadani he got astonished and said that it had no like in time.

COMMUNICATION WITH THE WORLD OF SPIRITS

Hadhrat Ayatollah Allama Tabatabaye said that his brother, Haj Sayed Mohd' Hasan Tabatabaye had a student who he taught phylosophy. This student summoned the spirits and enabled my brother to communicate with most of them.

The story of the student goes as under: Before the student was to be apprenticed to my brother he had wished to study phylosophy. For this reason he had summoned Aristorle's spirit asking him for teaching.

Aristotle told him in response: Take Mullah Sadra's book of Asfar, go to Sayed Moh'd Hasan Elahi and ask him to teach you that book.

The student bought an Asfar. he went to S. M. H. Elahi and delievered him Aristotle's message to which he agreed.

So the student went to him and received his lessons regularly.

Lately Hasan Elahi said that he communicate with many of the spirits through him. He put them questions.

And if there were any difficult and ambiguous points in phylosophy he asked for their solutions from the authors themselves. For example, they asked Pluto for solution if theycame across any difficulties and complications inunderstanding the passages of his book. same was the case with Asfar; They asked Mullah Sadra for solutios of problems if they had any.

In one of his communications Pluto said to him: "You should realize the importance of having the freedom of saying 'La Elaha Ellal Lah'- (there is no god but Allah) - on the earth. We were living in a period in which idol-worshipping had dominated everywhere, and none could venture to say, 'La Elaha Ellal Lah'.

My brother said: We summoned the spirits of many of the Ulamas and asked them questions. But we could not summon the spirits of two people namely Sayed bin Tawoos and S. Mahdi Bahrul Uloom - may God be pleased with them. These two had said that they were bequeathed to Hadhrat Ali (A.S.) and they did not have the opportunity to come down.

Allama Tabatabaye said: What was very surprising and strange to me about this was a letter which I received from my brother in Qom. He had written that his student had summoned our father's spirit. He had added that they had asked questions and received answer from our father. Meanwhile our father had complained about me that I had not wished him to share the reward of the Tafsir ( a commentry book on the Holy Quran) I had written.

My brother was saying to me tht his student did not know me at all nor he knew anything about my Tafsir. Moreover my brother had not mentioned my name, at any time, in front of him. As far the spiritual reward of my book, it was something related to heart and intention. Nobody knew about it except Allah and I myself. Even my brother was unaware of it.

Of course, the spiritual reward of my bok of which my father was deprived was not something which I should have denied my father. Rather I thought my work was not of so much value so that my father could have a share of its reward. I did not see any worthwhilenss in my service.

When I received my brother's letter I felt impressed and ashamed. I said:

If my Tafsir was acceptable and of any value to Almighty Allah I 'd like to dedicate its reward to the spirits of my parents. I had not yet sent the letter when I received another letter from my brother. He had written that they had talked to our father the next time and he had been very happy and pleased with me. He had prayed for me to God to grant me long life. Sayed Mohammad Hussain sent my dedication.

CHARITY AND ITS EFFECT ON THE DEAD ONES.

During the period of my study in the holy city of Najaf one Thursday afternoon I went to visit the graves in Wadiussalam. While walking among the graves I met late Ayatollah H. Shaikh Bozorg Tehrani - he who was of the most specialist in Hadhit and Rejal and an author of many important books such as Al-Zaria Elu Tasanif al- Shia and A'alam al-Shia. He was my teacher as well.

The great man lived for more than a hundred years and many decades have elapsed sinc his departure.

Yes, as we met each other I greeted him. Both of us began reciting Fateha ( the beginning chapter of the holy Quran) and walking. We stopped on a place which was covered with bricks in a square shape. There were stones errected among them.

The Ayatollah said: "Let's recite 'Fateha' over here. Here is the graves of my parents, mother -in- law and some close relatives."

We sat down and recited Fateha for each of them separately. When we finished reciting Fateha he narrated a tradition which I understood as under:

Whoever visits his parents' graves on Thursday evening and asks forgivenss for them Allah, Almighty will shower light upon them and make them pleased , and the needs of the visitor himself will be fulfilled. The deceased relatives of everybody are waiting for dedication on Thursday evening. Therefore, I come here to recite Fateha on this particular evening.

After we got up and moved away he said: When I was a child we lived in Paminar ( part of Tehran). In that time my grandmother ( my father's mother) passed away. Her death ceremony took some time and ended.

One day my mother had cooked rice for lunch. At lunch time beggar was begging on the stret. My mother heard his voice. She was in the kitchen. She decided to give away some food to the beggar for the sake of my grandmother's soul. But there wasn't any clean dish or pot in the kitchen except a bathroom copper bowl. So she put some rice in it and gave it to the beggar. No body knew anything about this.

At midnight my father woke up. He woke my mother up and enquired, "What did you do today?"

My mother replied, "I don't know."

My father said, "Now I saw my mother in dream. She said to me that she was not pleased with you because you have disgraced her among the dead people with sending her rice in a bathroom bowl. What have you done actually?"

My mother said: "Nothing came to my mind as much as I tried to guess what I had done. Suddenly, it occured to me that I had given some rice to the beggar in an intention to dedicate it to the recently departed soul. It had been her meal in that world in the same manner that I had given to the beggar. That is why she had become annoyed.

(So we understand that nay good action or kindness should be done in a good and respectful manner. When a beggar is helped he should be helped in a respectful way. So that he may not feel humiliated.)

ALI'S LETTER ABOUT DEATH

Moh'd bin Edris Hedi quotes Imam Sadiq (A.S.):

Ali, (A.S.) the commander of the faithful was informed about one of his companion's death. But after some time it was disclosed that the news of his death was not true. He was alive. The Imam sent a letter to this man following the second report:

In the name of Allah, the Merciful the Compassionate

I received a news about you which made people here depressed and sorrowful. Later on we received another news which contradicted the first one. Indeed we became happy and delight hearted upon hearing it.

But this happiness and delightfulness will perish and soon the confirmation of the first news will reach us. So in the case are you like onw who has died once and then he has been revived? Are you like one who asks God for return to the world and God fulfils his desire and he returns? He who returns to prepare himself to take back something with himself to the eternal abode in order to be happy and joyous with it.

You should know that the day and night which succeed each other constantly are greatly involved in shortening our lives' period and in mortalizing our wealth and property.

THE SNAKE DIED AT HIS BEHEST

Following is something which has been quoted by most of my friends and classmates in Najaf. It goes to tell the story of a great man of knowledge who was busy teaching in the holy city of Najaf:

Haj Mirza Ali Aqa Qazi Tabatabaye was of the great men. many things were related to and said about his man. But I doubted and I could not believe what was talked widely about him. It was said that his students possessed such and such qualities and held this and that virtue. To me everything was unbelievable or ambiguous.

I was involved at this tought for a long tinme. Nobody knew about it. One day i went to offer my prayer in Qufa Mosque. Late Qazi (may God be pleased with him) was usually going to that mosque for prayer. He had a private room there. He spend most of the nights praying there and reading suplication till morning.

As I got near the mosque I saw him walking to the mosque. I went to him and greeted him. We stopped behind the high wall of the mosque. There we sat down to take rest for a while and then go to the mosque.

We became engrossed in talking. Late Haj Qazi began explaining mystries of some verses of the holy Quran. he elaborated about oneness and its being as man's sole objective of creation. He also gave examples to prove his point.

I knew in the heart of heart that I was really in doubt and I did not know what the matter was . On the other hand I did not know as to whether the things were true or not. If they were true , I had to follow them with interest. At this very moment we noticed a snake coming out of a hole. It came creeping towards us. As the snake reached very near I got a little scared; but late Qazi signalled at the snake and said: "Be dead with God's permission!"

And the snake died on the very spot.

Without paying any heed he started to continue his spaking. Then we got up and walked into the mosque. Late Qazi offered two units of prayer, first, then he went to his room. I also performed some of the (mosque) duties. Then I intended to return to Najaf.

While doing the duties it fell into my thought as to whether the work that this man did was real or it was a mere juggling. I went out to see the snake whether it was alive or dead.

I felt very much ashamed. I turned to the mosque to offer some more untis of prayer. But I was unable to , because of the thoguht that had taken me all over. I was thinking that if those things wer right and true then why were we so inattentive towards them?

Late Qazi (may God bless him) was in his room praying. He came out after some time. Both of us walked out of the mosque. He smiled at me and said: Yes my dear, you also checked it didn't you?!

LOIN'S IMAGE BECOMES ALIVE!

Hajib, Mamun's close helper was ordered to belittle and humiliate Imam Raza (A.S.). He said to the Imam: The people are relating miracles to you. They say that you can do miracles like those of Ibrahim who made dead birds alive. If you are true in you saying, order those two lions to become alive and let me see them roaring.

Hajib meant two images of lion on Mamun's cushion. The Imam became quite wrathful. He called at the two images: "Catch this corrupt man, eat him up and do not leave any traces from him." All of a sudden the two lions turned alive, rushed off and ate him with his bones. Even they licked his blod while the others were watching. Everybody was astonished to death. The two lions stood in front of the Imam and asked him if he wanted mamun to be eaten by them as well. Mamun fell unconcious on the floor. However the Imam said something to the lions and the lions returned to their previous state and stuck back to the cushion.

HARON'S CONSPIRACY

Haroon summoned a man to render Imam's orders effectless and to put him to shame. The man who had been brought was a magician. For this purpose, when the table cloth was spread the magician did some thing on the breads that when the Imam wanted to pick up a loaf it fell down from his hand. This scene made Haroon laugh and become happy. However at this moment the Imam immediately rose his head to a lion's image drawn on a curtain and said: "O' God's lion, seize the God's enemy."

The image jumped up like a strong animal with mighty paws. It tore the magician to pieces and ate him. Haroon and his fellows all fainted with their faces on the floor. After some time they regained conciousness. Haroon began urging the Imam to tell the lion's image to return that man. But the Imam said: "If Mose's cane returned the threads of Pharo's magician, this image will also return the swallowed man.

THE DEATH ANGEL AND IBRAHIM ( )

It has been narrated that Ibrahim , the Prophet of God said to the death angel: Can you expose yourself to me with the appearance with which you take an adulterer's soul?

Death angel: You don't have the power and tolerance of that.

hadrat Ibrahim: I will tolerate.

Death angel: Turn your face from me and then see.

Hadhrat Ibrahim followed the order. Suddenly he noticed a black man with long errected hair standing in front of him. The man was giving a dirty and nauseating smell. He was wearing black clothes and from the two nostrils of his nose fires and smokes were leaping.

Ibrahim fainted and then he regained himself. "If an adulterer sees you" Ibrahim said to the death angel "with this appearance in the time of his death it is enough for him to suffer intense pain and agony."

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INTENSE PAIN IN IMAM ALI'S EYES

It is narrated from Imam Jafar Sadiq ( S.A.) that once Ali -may God bless him- suffered pain in his eyes. The Prophet (peace be upon him) visited him. He saw him shouting and crying due to the severeness of the pain. The Prophet said: "O' Ali, are you really suffering from a severe pain in your eyes or you are crying simply for no reason?"

Ali: "O Prophet of Allah, I have never suffered such a severe pain in my life."

Prophet (P.B.U.H.): "O Ali, when the death angel takes out an infidel's soul he carries a firey iron with himself by which he inflicts the infidel so severely that the Hell starts crying.

Ali sat up and said, "O' Prophet of Allah, repeat it again for me. Would you please tell me as to whether the death angel takes only the infidels soul in that way or it includes some your followers as well?"

The Prophet, "Yes, there are three groups of people included: A governor who oppresses his subservient. Second, one who robs an orphan of his property and last a witness who gives false witness.

THE PANGS OF DEATH

It has been narrated that Hadhrat Musa sone of Jafar (A.S.) visited a man who was going to die on account of his illness. The man was badly suffering. He was not able to talk to those who had come to visit him.

There were some people who asked the Imam:

"O' son of the Prophet of Allah,this man is going to die. Would you please let us know the howabout of his deeath?"

Imam replied, " Death is like a refining machinery. The pangs that one suffers in the time of his death purges him of his sins and of pollution. It is unlike an infidel whose sins remain with them.

But as far this friend of yours his like a person whose sins are put on a riddle. He comes out of sin and dirt, just as a dirty clothe is washed and cleaned. Now he has acquired thedesert to be with us ( the family of the Prophet) in the hereafter which is the eternal abode.

OBSERVATION OF THE INWARD EYE

One of my relatives who was living in Samarra and was a knowledgeabel man said: "Once I was suffered an illness in Samarra. I visited different doctors but all in vain.

My mother together with my brothers took me to Kazemain for treatment. There we reserved a room in a hotel near the compount of the holy shrine. There I was checked and treated but I did not regain my health. The doctors in Kazemain could do nothing. They looked to be helpless and disappointed.

However another doctor who was a Sunni in religion was brought from Baghdad.

As he came near my bed and wanted to become busy checking me I felt myself very heavy. Unevitably, I opened my eyes and, to my surprise, saw a pig beside me. Suddenly I spat it on the face.

The pig said, "What are doing? I am a doctor."

Then I turned myself to the wall.. He began checking me. Having checked me, he wrote some instructions and left.

The prescriptions were purchased from the medical and all his instructions were acted upon but none had any effect.

I was breathing the last when I saw the death angel entering the room. It was clad in white. It was beautiful , fine looking and attractive.

Then I asw the holy Prophet, Ali, Fatima, Hasan and Husain entering the room one by one. Everybody sat down. They consoled me and I began to start talking with them.

At this very moment, apparently unconcious , I saw my mother walking up the the hotel's stairs. She went up to the roof. There she stood with her face toward Hadhrat Musa's tomb and said: "O' Musa son of Jafar, I have brought my son here because of you. Do you want my son to die and let me return alone? No , never , never at all ( Of course, the patient had seen these scens with his inward eye not with the outward eyes, because his outward eyes were closed and he himself was going to die).

As my mother was talking to the Imam I saw him coming into the room. He said to the Prophet ( peace be upon him): Please kindly accept his mother's request!"

The Prophet (P.B.U.H.) turned his face to the death angel and said: "Go out now and come back when God makes it incumbent. His mother has envoked to God and god extended his life time. We are also going out. If God willing for next time."

My mother came down the stairs. I was extremely angry with her, "Why did you do that," I said to my mother " I was going to go with the Prophet, Ali Fatema, Hasan and Husain, and you stopped me from going."

OBSERVATIONS IN DEATH TIME

One of the great and magnanimous men of Najaf said the following:

My wife and I visited Iran in a summar season. We performed pilgrimage of the eighth Imam. Then we went to a town near Mashhad.

The weather of Iran wasn't good for my wife. She became ill and her illness was increasing day by day. I took her to many doctors and did my best to help her recover but my efforts were in vain and things turned into pretty disappointment. I was extremely anxious. My wife was going to die and I had to return to Najaf alone. What could I say to her parents? Nothing. They might blame me for taking away their daughter and killing her.

Immediately, I went to an adjacent room. I offered two units of prayer, then begged Imam Mahdi ( may Allah hasten his reappearance) to take care of my wife . I envoked the Imam with utmost meekness and submission.

Then I returned to my wife's room. There I saw her sitting and crying. The moment she saw me she said, "Why did you prevent me? Why did you do that?"

I could not catch her. I just guessed that she was intensely ill. But late when I gave her a little water and food she explained the matter. She said: "The death angel had come to take my soul. He was wearing white and was very beautiful and attractive. He smiled at me and said, 'do you want to go with me?' I said, yes."

Then the Commander of Faithful came in. He showed very much kindness to me. He said: ' I want to go to Najaf, would you like going together?'

I said, 'yes; I love to.'

So I got up, wore my dress and preapred myself to go with him. As I wanted to go out of the room with the Imam I saw Imam Zaman entering and you were with him appealing for help.

Imam Zaman (A.S.) said to the Commander of Faithful: "This servant of Godhas resorted to me; please, fulfil his want.

Hadhrat Ali lowered his head down and said to the death angel, " O' Angel of Death please go off now, a faithful man has appealed to my son. Come in some other appointed time. The Commander of Faithful bade farewell and went away. Why didn't you let me go?"

KORAH AND VANITY

Korah was from Hadhrat Moses' tribe. God had granted him so much wealth and treasure that mnay groups of people could not carry their chains.

But this man was oppressive towards his tribe. As much as his people advised and encourage him to restrain egotism, vanity, have kind approaches towards his people, the weak ones and the orphans andnot to seek corruption on Earth he would say:

I have procured this wealth through knowledge and with my own power and wisdom.

He did not know, anymore, that God does not pay heed to such knowledge and pwer and that he puts the arrogants to death and destruction.

Almighty Allah says about him:

He said, This has been given to me because of the knowledge I possess. Did he not know that Allah had destroyed before him generations that were mightier than he and greater in riches? And the guilty shall not be asked to offer an explanation of their sins. Qesas 79

He was so arrogant and possessed so much wealth and beauty that his tribe had become jealous of him. The common people envied his glory and pomp:

"Then , We caused the earth to swallow him up and his dwelling and he had no party to keep him against Allah; nor was he of those who can defend themselves. Qesas 82

Calamity and wretchedness befell himin such a manner tht those who were then jealous of him now said: "Praise be on Allah we are not in Korah's place."

PHAROAH AND THE NILE RIVER

When Pharo and his army pursue Moses and his followers to kill them, they found them on the bank of the Nile river. Moses and his followers had no way of escape. They were surrounded by the enemy and the river was in front of them. What could they do? Nothing. Their number as compared with the enemie's was few and far between. They had no alternative but to proceed foreward and make their way through water. By the will of Allah the water split up and two walls of water were made. Now there was a way through the walls.

Hadhrat Moses and his followers entered the Nile river. Pharo and his army reached on the bank. They saw Moses and his followers crossing the river. They did not stop there, followed them. As they all got into the river the wall collapsed and the river swallowed them.

The holy Quran says:

When the calamity of drowning overtook him, he said, ' Ibelieve that there is God but He in Whom the children believe and I am of those who submit to Him. Yonus 90

Jabrael picked up a little mud, hit Pharo on the face and said:

What! Now! while thou wast disobedient before this and wast of those who create disorder. Yonus 91

So this day We will save thee in the body alone that thou mayest be a Sign to those who come after thee. And surely, many of mankind are heedless to Our Signs. Yonus 92

LOVE OF MEETING GOD

Abis bin Shabib Shakeri was of the companions of Imam Husain and a valorous man of that time. He stood vis-a-vis the Imam and said: Nobody from my relatives or from my acquintances has been so dear and respected to me as you are. Had I been able to avade the oppression these people are doing on you with something dearer than my life, I would do it.

Peace and blessing be upon you. I witness that I am on the guidance way of you and your father - he who with split forehead and unsheathed sword went to the enemy and said, 'Isn't there any (man) to come near me?'

Everybody ran away, because they know that he was the most valorous of men.

Umar bin Sa'd called out, "Stone him to death!" The army began shooting him by stone from all sides. They thrw stones towards him unceasingly.

When Abis saw this situation he pulled off his shield coat, threw away his iron cup and attacked the people with an unsheathed sword. He made more than two hundred people turn to their heel and escape.

Some most of the army managed to surround him. They short him with stones and continued to shot him till he fell dead on the ground.

The army rushed to cut his head off. They disputed on cutting the head; Umar bin Sa'd said: "This man has not been killed by one man only. the whole army is involved in his blood." With this syaing he settled the dsipute among them.

WOUNDED MEN DESPATCHED TO BATTLE

When the Uhud battle came to an end the Prophet (P.BU.H.) returned to Medina. Those who had been wounded in the battle prepared themselves for going back to their homes for rest and treatment.

To intimedate the infidels and lay an impression of enormity and might of the muslims, the Prophet declared: "Those who was present in the battle should mobilize themselves and pursue the enemies."

This was to make the enemies not think that the muslims were weak and vanquished whichwould encourage them to attack Medina later kill the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) and put the muslims in bondage.

The Commander of Faithful, Ali (A.S.) received eihgty injuries in the Uhud battle. Most of the injuries were serious which needed to be cured. He also went home and began healing his wound when he suddenly heard Prophet's prclaimer in Medina calling the holy -fighters to pursue the infidels.

Despite being weary and tired the muslims vowed to the Prophet's order and and prepared to chase the enemies.

The Prophet of God tied a war banner and gave it to Ali's hands. The muslims headed by the Prophet and Ali (peace be upon them) proceeded to Hamraul Asad (an area eight miles away from Medina). On the other hand the polytheists of Quraish were stationed in 'Roha' thirty miles from Madina. They were regretting as to why they did not murder the Prophet and capture the young girls. They were repreparing themselves to attack Medina.

Ma'abad Khazae met the Prophet of God in Hamraul Asad. Ma'abad was a polytheist then. But his tribe, muslim or non-muslim was entirely supporting the Prophet. They were committed to the Prophet and therefore they kept nothing hidden from him.

Ma'abad Khazae said: 'O Prophet of god, I swear by God, that we were ready pained when we heard that you and you followers received hardships in the battle. We wished you did not suffer the calamity.

Ma'abad left the Prophet and went to meet Abu Sufian and his companions in Roha. He heard them saying: "We killed Hamza, one of the commanders of Mohammad. But we retreated before eliminating them entirely."

When Abu Sufian saw Ma'abad he enquired: "You have come from Madina, what was going on there?"

Ma'abad: Mohammad and his follower came out of Medina and they were suhc a big and enormous party that I am sure I have not seen its like so far in my life. And the Prophet's followers were so furious that they looked like a piece of fire. Abu Sufian: Woe upon you! What are you saying?

Ma'abad: By, God, if you don't leave here you will see their storm.

Abu Sufian: I swear by God that we are unanimously determined to attack on Mohammad and his followers, and uproot them.

Ma'abad: By God, I see no goodness in it.

Abu Sufian was disturbed at this. He therefore moved towards Makkah and ran away. But he ordered Naem bin Masud to go to Madina and threaten Mohammad and his followers that they would attack Madina soon, kill the Prophet and his followers, enslave the young woman and uproot them completely.

Naem who apparantly had accepted Islam but was a hypocrite in reality, went to Mohammad and his companions. He scared and intimedated them and used dreadful words to weaken their hearts and slack their intention of attacking the infidels.

But his words affected no heart. The Prophet and Ali -peace be upon them- joined their wounded companions and said: We will be afraid of nothing. Whatever we have belong to Allah and He is our supporter.

As to those who answered the call of Allah and the Messenger after they had received an injury - such of them as do good and act righteously shall have a great reward; Al Emran 73

Those to whom men said; 'People have mustered against you, therefore fear them,' but this only increased their faith and they said, sufficient for us is Allah and an excellent guardian is He . Al Emran 74

So they returned with a mighty favour from Allah and a great bounty, while no evil had touched them; and they followed the pleasure; and Allah is the Lord of great bounty. Al Emran 75

ALI'S ATTITUDE TOWARDS QANBAR

Ali (A.S.) and his slave man , Qanbar both went to a canvas selling bazar. Ali purchased two clothes, one for three Dirhams and the other for two . He gave the first one to Qanbar and put on the second one himself. Qanbar said: "O, my Master, you are more deserving to wear this three Dirham clothe, because you speak on the pulpit."

The Imam said: "O' Qanbar, you are young and handsome; you should enjoy youth and I am ashamed of my God to prefer myself over you in wearing a clothe. I heard the Prophet (peace be upon him) saying, 'Give the same clothes as you wear and the same food as you eat to them (slavemen).

Ahmad bin Mohammad Borqi quotes from Abdullah bin Salt who quotes from a amn who is originally from Balkh: 'I was with Hadhrat Raza (A.S.) in huis journey to Khorasan. One day he asked for food. When the food was brought, he called all his slaves on the table cloth. I said to the Imam. May I be sacrificed to you; it was better you ordered a separate table-clothe for these slaves.

The Imam said: Shut up! Our God is one, our father is one and our mother is one and the (spiritual) rewards are based on our deeds.

THE BLACK SLAVE IN KARBALA

Imam Husain (may God bless him) had many companions. One of those who were always in company with the Imam was his black slaveman named Jawan. This slave was initially owned by Abuzar Ghafari. But he surrendered him to the Imam. However Jawn was very skilful in repairing weapons.

On the night of Ashura when Imam Husain was busy worshipping and whispering his words of love and devotion to God this slaveman was reaping his weapon.

The black slave believed that God would not unite him with the Imam on the Day of Resurrection; a black slave with a broken tongue and an improper stature, lips rough and protruding and hair curly.

But al these are removed. In the spiritual world unity menas the association of spirits. The blackness is removed. And the body is covered in white. It shines like a pure silver.

At midnight of the eleventh night of Ashura when they came to cut off the rest of the heads, they found a body among the other dead bodies shining like silver and giving out fragrant smell. This was the body of that black slave. It had become white and its smell had changed into fragrance. He had joined his master, the lord of Martyres.

ALI'S POSITION IN RESURRECTION

Hadhrat Ali (A.S.) said to Harith: 'O' Harith the happy news that you should know is that you will recognize me at the time of death and at the time of crossing the Hell bridge and near the Kauthar Pond. You will see me dividing the Hell fire. I do it properly. I will say to the fire, "You fire!, this man is of our followers, leave him, and this man is of our enemies, catch him. Then the Commander of Faithful got hold of Harith's hand and said, "O Harith, one day I complained to the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) about the tortures and jealousy that the Quraishes and the hypocrites were doing to me and were enteritaing: The Prophet took me by my hand just as I have taken yours and said, "On the day when resurrection takes place I will take resort to God; and you (Ali) will take resort to me; and your descendants and followers will take resort to you." Harith: Tell me how will be the Prophet deal then? And how will the Prophet deal with his successor.

Ali: "O' Harith, take it in your heart, it was just an iota of it.

Thereupon ali repeated the following thrice: "You will be united with anyone whom you love and for you is all what you have acquired of deeds."

When Harith Hamadiani heard these, he stood to his feet and left the Imam. He had become happy and frantic that when he was walking his 'rida' ( long grobe) swept the earth and he could not manage to take it up. He was reapetedly saying, 'Now I care no longer whether death comes to me or I go to death."

ALI (A.S.), THE RESCUER OF HIS FOLLOWERS.

Husain bin Awn has been reported to have said: 'Mohammad Huaira was extremely ill. I went to visit him. As I entered, his house to saw him lying on his death bed. I sensed that he was going to die soon. A group of his neighbours who were all Uthmani ( in religion) had surrounded his bed.

asyed Humair was bery pretty and handsome. He had a broad forehead and an attractive long neck.

What is strange about him is that before he was going to die a dark black speckle appeared on his face. The speckle went to spread on his face until it covered all his face.

Those who were Shia ( Ali's follower) were very sad and sorrowful at this. But the Uthmanis and Nasibis were happy and excited. They were rejoicing at this.

A short while passed when a white speckle appeared on the same place where the black speckle had appeared. It was a bright and sparkling one and it constantly went on increasing till it covered all his face.

A curve of gentle smile appeared on Sayed Hamaira's lips. And with a joyous poems interprated as under:

Those guessing that Ali son of Abutalib rescues not his supporter and friends are lying.

I swear on Allah, it's true that I entered the Paradise of Adan and Allah, my Creator forgave my sins.

So gladtidings may be given to Ali's followers who should remain under his guardianship untill their death.

And this his descendants and progeny each, their masters whom they should follow.

Having read these poems he immdiately said:

"Truely, I bear witness that there is no god but Allah. Truely, I bear witness that Mohammad is His Messenger, truely I bear witness that Ali son Abutalib is the Commander of Faithful. I bearwitness that there is no god but Allah.

Then he closed his eyes and his soul took off as easy as falling a pebble out of ones hand.

Ebad son of Suhaib says: "I was sitting with Imam Sadiq (A.S.) when he heard the news of Sayed Humaira's death. The Imam prayed and asked forgivenss for him." There was amn who asked: 'O son of the Prophet of Allah, Sayed Humaira was a drinker and you are praying for him?!"

The Imam said: "My father has quoted my grand father that the followers of Mohammad's progeny do not die unless they should have repented to God. And Sayed Humaira was the one who had repented."

He folded back the prayer carpet - which was under his feet- and picked up a letter from there. "There is a letter sent to me by Sayed." the Imam said." He has written that he has repented to God for his sins, and also he was asked me to pray for his forgiveness."

When news about Sayed's death spread all the Shia who were originally from Kufa but lived in Baghdad came together and held his burial ceremony.

THE HOLY PROPHET AND MID-NIGHT SUPPLICATIONS

Imam Sadiq (A.S.) said: It was the night of mid-Sha'aban, Prophet Mohammad, peace be upon him, was with Ayesha for that night. When itwas mid-night the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) came out of bed.

When Ayesha woke up she found the Prophet missing. Some womanly feelings crept in her heart. She conjectured that the Prophet might gone to some of his other wives.

With this very imagination she got out of the bed and wraped herself with a cloth-sheet. Then she began to search for the Prophet in th other rooms of the Prophet's wives.

While doing this she found the Prophet lying on the ground in prostration. She walked to him calmly and listened carefully: The Prophet was saying, "O' my Creator, for You have prostrated my darkness, my brain and my heart. These two hands of mine full of sin and what I have committed as crimes on my "self". O Alimighty ! and Fulfiller of great hopes, forgive my great sin, as nobody can forgive a great sin except a great Creator."

Then the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) raised up his head from prostration and followed it by another prostration. Ayesha heard the prophet this time as was saying: "O Allah I take refuge in the light of Thy face of which the skies and the Earths ahve become bright and the darknesses have been removed, fearing lest You suddenly throw me into Your insufferable punishments and overturn wretchedness upon me and deprive me of Your blessings. 'O God, grant me a pure and purged heart, a heart free from any inclination in any thing other than you, a heart which may not crave for infidelity."

Then the Prophet put his sheeks on the ground and said: 'I have rubbed my cheeks in humility to Your greatnes and You deserve to be prostratec in this manner.

The Imam says that when the Prophet got up and wanted to return, Ayesha scuttled to her bed and lay there while panting. "What is this panting?" the Prophet said. "Dont you know that it is the night of mid-Sha'aban. And in this night the creatures of Allah are showered blessings upon and the decrees are written and Allah forgives the sins of as many of His servants as the hair of the goats of Kalb tribe. He sends down his angels to the earth in Makkah.

ANIMALS STRICKEN WITH FEAR ON ACCOUNT OF PUNISHMENTS GIVEN TO INFIDELS

It is quoted by Moahammad Baqir (a.s.) as said by Jabir, that the Prophet of Allah said, "Allah has not granted Prophethood to any of his Prophet unless he has grazed sheeps. I was also taking sheeps and camels to pastures and meadows before the period of Prophethood. Most often I would see the sheeps jumping up with fear despite their being in safety and peace.

However after I was blessed with the prophetic mission, gebrael brought me a news which informed me that when an infidel dies he is given with so strong blows that the whole living creatures, except Jin and Ens feel frightened.

Then I came to know that the restlessness of those camels and sheeps had been because of the strikes upon the infidels. So I take refuge to God from the hardships of grave.

VISUALIZING AN EMPYREAL IMAGE

Ayatollah Mirza Jawad Ansari Hamadani was saying: I was walking along a street in the city of Hamadan when I faced with a group of people carrying a corpse.

From the celestial aspect the corpse was being taken to an infinite darkness. I saw constantly wanted to scream for help and mercy but his tongue could not help him utter the name of God. He turned his face to the people and asked them to save his life but nobody heard his voice. Ayatollah Mirza Jawad was saying that he knew the corpse belonged to. He was an arrogant and oppressive ruler.

DOCTOR EHSAN AND THE EMPYREAL IMAGE

One of my friends called doctor Hussain Ehsani had a clinick in Tehran. He was a competent and expert doctor. He used to travel to the holy places in winter. He owned a clinick in Karbala where he treated poor people free of charge and provided them medicines. Some times he even had to give their food expenditures. Mr. Ehsan was a simple and pious man. Many years have passed since he has died.

One day he told me the following : One day I travelled to Kazemainwhere I went to the Dajla river (passing through Kazemain). There I saw many people taking a corpse out of a vehicle. They put the corpse on their shoulders and took it to the shrine compound.

The tradition in Iraq is this that when a person dies, his relatives and acquaintaces put him inside a coffin. Then the coffin is put in a passenger vehicle. The vehicle is first deriven to Kazemain. There in Kazemain the corpse is given circumambulation after which it is moved to Karbala where the same procedure takes place. He is then driven to Najaf for circumambul- lation. When this over he is taken to Wadiussalam and burried there.

However, late Dr. Husain says, " I also followed the corpse being carried away to the Shrine Compound, because I too wanted to visit the shrine and perform pilgrimage. But as we were nearing the shrine I suddenly noticed a black firece dogn sitting on the corpse.

I was wonder struck. I just murmured within myself: "Why has this dog gone there over the corpse?" but I was not realizing that it was an empyreal image of the deceased, not a dog in reality. Therefore, I asked the people around the corpse, "what is taht on the corpse?"

"Nothing." they answered "there is only the cloth which you can see."

Then I came to know that the dog was just an empyreal image which no one could visualize except I.

I enquired no more about it until it reached the compound gate. Just as it was going to be taken in, the dog jumped down and stood away in a corner till the corpse was given a circummambulation. And when the corpse was brought out the dog once again jumped up on the coffin and sat on it!

Of course, it's obvious that the man, to whom the corpse belong, had been an aggressive person whose celestial image was incarnated into a dog's appearance.

THE LAST WORDS

Ummi Hamidah, mother of Al- Imam Musa Al- Kazim (A.S.) was sitting very sadly after the deth of her husband, Al-Imam Jafar As-Sadiq (A.S.). Suddenly she saw Abu Basir, who had come to offer condolences on the death of the Imam (A.S.). Seeeing Abu Basir, tears started rolling down Ummi Hamidah's eyes. Abu Basir also wept for sometime in the grief of the Imam A.S.) After a while, having control over her tears, Ummi Hamidah said to Abu Basir: "You were not present when the Imam was breathing his last. A strange even took place."

Looking Ummi Hamida with amazed eyes, Abu Basir asked: "What was the event?" She replied: "Those were the last moments of Imam's (A.S.) life and with closed eyes he was breathing his last." Suddenly, Imam opened his eyes and started saying: "Call all my family -members, relatives and friends near me. " this was a strange thing. Imam told his last wishes in such a way as if he was issuing some instructions. Any way all the persons were gathered and to the extent possible efforts were made that no one from among the Imam's family-members, relatives and friends be left out. Everyone stood near Imam awaiting what Imam (A.S.) had to say in his last moments.

Seeing everyone gathered beside him, addressing all of them, Imam (A.S.) said: "Those people will not avail my intercession who take salat (prayer) lightly."

A FAITHFUL BELIEVER'S DEATH

The holy Prophet (p.b.u.h.) said, if God is happy and satisfied with his servant, He orders his death angel thus, "O Angel of death, go to him ( a particular person) and bring me his soul. He has done enough good deeds. I have found him in a favourite abode.

The Angel of Death descends along with five hundred other angels each holding branches of flower and and suffron nosegays. The angels meet the man gave him various gladtidings. Then they stand in rows on two sides witht he nosegays in their hands to let the (taken-out) spirit of the man pass through.

But when Eblis, the chief of Satans sees this scene he strikes his head with his palms and screams. When his followers finds him in that condition they enquire, him so "O, our great master, what has happened that you are so furious?" Then he says, 'Don't you see this servant of God being behaved so kindly and respectfully? Where were you to deceive him?" They reply, "We did our level best, but he did not obey and so we could not do anything."

(In this narrative the number of angels mentioned is 500, but it may be so that if the believer's degree is high Allah, might send down one thousand or ten thousand or seventy thousand angels.)

LOVE OF MARTYRDOM

Boriar bin Hozair Hamadani was one of Imam Husain's devouted companions. He belonged to a Hamadani tribe. He was a teacher as well as a reciter of the holy Quran. He was teaching the holy Quran and islamic issues in Kufa mosque.

Boriar was with Abdurrahman Abd Ansari in the morning of Ashura. both were in the same tent waiting for Imam Husain (A.S.) to come. They wanted to do some cleanings and in that situation Boriar started to make jokes with Abdurrahman. He tried to make him laugh. Abdurrahman said to him, "Don't joke, it is not the time to joke."

Boriar replied, "By God everybody knows that I've not been a man of joke, neither in my youthage nor in my fraility. But I swear in God that I am very much happy of what we are going to meet in a few moment.

I swear in Him that there is no distance between us and the houris of paradise except an attack by this tribe in which we will sacrifice our lives in the way of the prophet's son. How ardently I wish it would happen sooner.

DEAD BODIE'S SENSE OF HEARING

It is narrated from the holy Propet that when the infidels got vanquished and killed in the battle of Badr, their dead bodies were thrown into the Badr well. The Prophet stood on the opening of the well and adressed the deadbodies thus, "How bad neighbours you were for the Prophet of God. You forced him out of his home in Makkah and then all of you got together to fight him. what God has promised was true."

Umar said, "O Prophet of God, what is the sue of your talk with the spiritless heads?"

The Prophet said, "Shut up, you talkative! I swear in God that you can't hear better than they can. There is no distance between them and the angel who shall meet them with iron maces.

ALI AND THE JAML DEAD BODIES

It is narrated from the commander of faithful that when he got free from the battle of Jamal, he mounted on his camel and drove it among the dead bodies. The Imam stopped by one of the dead bodies called Ka'ab bin Sura. (Ka'ab was the chief justice of Egypt. He had been appointed as chief justice by Umar bin Khattab.He was holding this position during Umar and Uthman When a revolt took place in Egypt against Ali Ka'ab hanged a Quran to his neck and with all his kith and kin he carried out a revolt against the Imam in which all of them were severed to death.)

He ordered, "Put up Ka'ab in a sitting posture." Two men did the job. They held him up in the manner ordered. Then the Commander of Faithful said, "O Ka'ab bin Sura, I found true what God has promised me. Did you as wel find your god's promise true?" Then he said, "Put him down."

He moved a little foreward till he reached Talha bin Abdullah. He was also lying among the dead bodies. the Imam ordered, "pick him up and let him sit upright."

He addressed him with the same words which he told to Ka'ab bin Sura.

One of the companions said, "O' Commander of Faithful, what was the use of your talking with those two men who can't hear any word?" The Imam said, "O man by God they heard my words as the deadmen of Badr heard the Prophet's.

SA'D MEAD'S DEATH

Imam Jafar Sadiq says, as narrated by Abdullah bin Mannen, " I went to the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) and delivered him the news of Sa'd Mead's death. The Prophet left for Sa'd house along with a group of companions. When he reached his house he put his back on the door and ordered Sa'd to be given a bath.

He was embalmed and shrouded. Then he was takne to the Baqi cemetry. The Prophet while being barren footed and without 'rida' ( akind of lng grobe, ussually white) was following the corpse. some time he carried the corpse by its right side and some times by its left. When it reached the cemetry it was put near a grave.

The Prophet of God went inside the grave and dug out a niche. After that he put the corpse into it. Then there were bricks which he put on the niche and stones and mud by which he closed the holes and slits.

When the Prophet got free from the grave and it was filled with earth he said, " I know that our movements and struggles are all going toward mortality, I know that decay will come to this grave, but Almighty Allah loves that when one does something he should do it in a manner that it may remain firm and stable.

Sa'd's mother who was present there said, "O Sa'd be happy in this paradise you are entering ." The Prophet said, "O Sa'd mother ! don't give any certain decree to God. Now Sa'd is being pressurised hard in the grave!"

Having buried Sa'd the Prophet returned and the people followed him. There were some people who enquired the prophet, "O Prophet of Allah, today we observed you doing something very particular about Sa'd; you were barren-footed and without 'rida' when you were following Sa'd's corpse!

The Prophet: Because I saw the heavenly angels following the corpse without shoe and rida. The people: You were once holding from the right side of the coffin and then from the left side!

The Prophet: My hand was in Gebrael's hand. Whichever side of the coffin he held from , I also did so.

The people: O prophet of Allah, you did each and every thing about Sa'd yourself but when you were to leave the grave, you said, 'now Sa'd is in pressure in the grave.

The Prophet: Yes because his morality and behavior with his family member was not good , the pressure is due to his immorality and misbehavior.

Late Ayatollah Moh'd Mahdi Naraqi relates a strange story about himself. First let's see as to who was Ayatollah Neraqi.

Mahdi Naraqi was one of the great scholars of Islam. He was learned in many fields of knowledge. His erudity in gnosticism, jurisprudence, principles, phylosophy and mathematics was indeed very matchless.

His brilliant son Ahmad Naraqi was the teacher late Shaikh Ansari. He was one of the prominent Ulamas and a versatile.

Shaikh came to Iran for studies. He went to Esfahan and then to Kashan. He was apprenticed to Mawla Ahmad Naraqi for four complete years. Afterwards, he went to Najaf to be busy over there.

Naraqi's story is indisputable and famous among Najaf students and scholars, ( because Naraqi was one who lived in Najaf and died there. His grave is adjacent to the holy compound of the shrine)

The story is as follows:

One day in the month of Ramazan Mr. Naraqi has nothing in his house for his family to eat for their 'Iftar' ( breaking one's fast by eating food or drinking water.) However his wife says to him, there is nothing in the house, please, go out and bring some thing!'

Naraqi goes out without a singal fils in his pocket. He goes straight to Wadiussalam to visit the graves. He sits down among them for a while and prays for the people of the graves so long till the sun sets down and the weather darkens.

At this moment he sees many beduins bringing a corpse. They dig a grave for the corpse and put it inside the grave and then says to Naraqi, "We are too much in hurrry, we have to go. Please, you should do the rest of this corpse's work."

They leave the corpse and go off.

Late Naraqi says, "I went inside the grave. I opened the shroud in order to put the corpse's face on the earth and thenI wanted to put bricks over him and level up the grave. But suddenly I noticed a big wide holse there. I got in through the hole and saw a big garden full of green and joining trees having various and different types of fruits. The garden had a gate and there was a way led from the gate to a glorious palace decorated with precious gemstones.

I went unwillingly straight to the palace. The palace was indeed a grand one its bricks were made of jewwlries; I went up the stairs and entered a large room. There I saw a man sitting on the top with many other individuals around him.

I saluted them and sat down. Then I observed the people asking questions from the man on the top. The were enquiring after the health of their relatives, dear and near. He was answering them one by one. But as a few minutes elapsed I suddenly noticed a snaked entering through the door. It went straight to that man, bit him and returned.

The man's face changed due to the severed pain of the snakes biting. He then after some time got better and his condition gradually regained normalcy.

Thereaftor againt he talking was resumed. They were asking questions from the man and enquiring news about the world. After an hour or so I saw the snake coming in again. Just as before it went straight to him, bit him and returned. The man suffered for a while, the colour of his face changed and afterwards it recovered.

At this time I asked the man, "Who are you, sir? Where is this place? Who does this palace belong to? What is this snake? Why does it bite you?"

The man replied, "I am the very man whom you lay in the grave afew moment ago. And this garden is my limbo paradise which God has granted me.

This palace is mine. These jewels, trees and places which you can see are my limbo heaven. These people sitting round the room are my relatives who have dies before me. Now they have time to see me and to ask questions about their kith and kin in the world." Why is the snake biting you?" I asked. He replied, "Well, the fact is that I am a pious man, a man of prayer, fast and charity. I don't remember if I have done any offence to be liable to such punishment. The garden with all its particulars is the resutl of those pious deeds.

Only one day as I was walking along a street, I saw a shopkeeper quarreling with a customer. The shopkeeper was saying to the customer that the later was indebted three hundred 'dinars' to him. But he said that he owed two hundred fifty dinars only.

I said to both of them, 'Please it is a matter of only fifty dinars, you can reconcile." Then I said to the shopkeeper, take twenty five dinars and fogive the rest.

Then I said to the customer, "give twenty five dinars and reconcile with him."

The shopkeeper became silent and uttered nothing, but since I wasted twenty dinars of his right due to my judgement he was not pleased. so on account of my wrong judgement God has missioned this snake to bite me every once in a while.

Hearing this I stood up and said, "My children and wife arre waiting for me at hom, I should take them 'iftari' (food for breakfast).

The man who was sitting on top accompanied me up the door. Just as I wanted to get out he gave me a bagful of rice. He said, "Take this for your family, it is a good rice."

I took the rice and got out from the garden through the window I had entered. I was in the same grave and the dead man was still lying there. There was no window. I came out of the grave, set the bricks, threw the earth onto it and left for my home while the bag of rice was with me.

We cooked and ate the rice for a long time. The rice was really very excellent. When we cooked it the whole neighbourhood became fragrant with its smell. The people were surprised about it. The asked , "Where have you bought this rice?"

Long after when I was out a man goes to my house. My wife cooks him rice. Its frgrane fills the house and the guest becomes curious. He enquires, "what kind of rice is it that smells more fragrant thean many best ambergir rice?

My wife feels embarassed. She exposes the truth to him. The rice which had been life is cooked only for once. There was no more rice after that.

Yes, these are the heavenly foods that Almighty Allah blesses those who are close to Him.

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HEAVENLY FOOD FOR FATIMA (A.S.)

Allama Majlisi narrates from S. H. Qutb Rawandi's book, 'Kharaej we Jaraeh':

One day it happened that Ali had nothing in his house. He went to Fatima and said, 'is there anything to eat?"

Fatima said, 'No.'

The Commaner of Faithful went out of the house. He borrowed a single dinar to buy something for eating. But on the way he ran into Meqdad son of Aswad. He found him weary, tired and famished. The Commander of Faithful gave the dinar to him. Bot got into the Prophets mosque and offered their noon and evning prayer.

Having offered the evening prayer, the Prophet of Allah took Ali by his hand and both went together to Fatima's house. They found Fatima praying on her prayer place and there was a bowl full behind her boiling.

When Fatima heard the Prophet she stood up and greeted him. (Fatima was the dearest to the Prophet) He stroked Fatima's head and said, "Fatima, bring us from the food that is cooked."

Fatima picked up the bowl and put it in front of her father. The Prophet said, "Fatima, where did you get this food? Such a food I have never eaten. It is my first time eating such a fragrant , healthy and delicate food.

Thereupon the Prophet placed "This is a return for your dinar; Allah grants His blessings to whoever He wants.

FATIMA, THE UNIQUE LADY

It has been narrated by the Prophet that at a time when famine dominate everywhere and the Prphet was hungry, Fatima - his daughter- brought him two loaves of bread and a little joint of meat. This was Fatima's own food which she had not eaten.

The Prophet of Allah returned the tray to Fatima and said, "O my dear, come on; Take out some fod for us to eat."

Fatima, may God bless her, put off the tray's cover and , to her surprise, she saw the tray full of bread and meat. She understood that the food had been blessed by God.

The Prophet said, "O Fatima, where have you brought this food?"

Fatima replied, "This is from God and He provides for whoever He wants."

The Prophet said, "Praise be to Allah, He Who made you like the great ladies of Bani Israel."

Then the Prophet invited Ali bin Abitalib, Hasan, Husain and all other members of the household. They all had enough. But the food was just as in the beginning. It seemed not to finish. Fatima, then gave it away to her neighbours.

TALKING TO WICKED SPIRITS

Late Ayatollah S. Jamaluddin Gulpaigani, one of my teacher in ethics, said:

One day I went to Wadiussalam in Najaf. The weather was hot. Having offered the noon prayer I walked to a shadow under a ceiling. (Late S.J. Gulpaigani was very much used to going to Wadiussalam and being there. It was thought that he had some contact with the wicked spirits) Just as I sat and burnt a pipe (calumet), I saw a gathering of spirits with the worst and ugliest condition approaching. They were dirty and clad in rags. As they reached near me they began to ask me for help and intercession.

These spirits were coming from those graves around me. All of them were of the Arb chiefs and elites who had lived in the world with arrogance, selfishness and pride.

They were ardently begging me for help and protection.

I disliked them and became very angry. I rejected them and said, 'you cruel ones, you lived in the world, trampled upon the people's rights did them innumberable crimes, robbed the orphans and the weak of their property and did not listen to us as much as we advised you; now you have come to ask me for intercession. Go off and don't come to me again."

I rejected them and they were dispersed.

THEY USE OF STAY IN GRAVEYARD

Late Ayatollah H.Mirza Ali Aqa Qazi, as said by most of his students, used to go to Wadiussalam to visit the graves. His stay in the graveyard lingered for two or three hours or even more. He used to sit in a corner calm and silent. His students would leave him in the graveyard and return. they used to say, 'we don't know what our teacher thinks about. he never gets tired.

There was a very great, pious and highly learned clergyman in Tehran called Ayatollah H.S. Mohammad Taqi Amuli (may God bless him). He was one of his most brilliant student of ethics and gnosticism.

It is said by him that he saw Ayatollah Ali Qazi for long going to Wadiussalm and staying there for two three hours; I was saying within myself: "One should just visit the graves and return. Only a Fateha' to make the dead people happy and pleased is enough. Perhaps there are many more important affairs to be paid attention to.

I was attending the class daily with the confusion about the teacher in my mind. Nobody knew any thing as I had said nothing about it to the classmates. Time passed until one day I decided to return to Iran. But I hesitated in my mind whether my journey to Iran was good and expedient or not. This intention was within me. Nobody knew about it either. One night I wanted to sleep in a room which a shelf full of books a little below and opposite to my feet. The books were scientific and religious. I wanted to change my place, because my legs, in case I slept, would be stretched toward the books. (That meant disrespecting them) However since the books were not so close to touch my feet. I stretched myself on my bed and slept thinking that it was not disrespectful.

In the morning when I met Ayatollah Qazi he said, 'It is not expedient going to Iran. Also it is disrespectful stretching ones legs toward books.

"Where di you know that?" I said.

He replied, "I have know that from Wadiussalam!!"

IMAM SAJAD'S WORDS ABOUT SPIRIT

It is narrated by Jabi that Hadhrat Ali son of Husain , the fourth Imam said: "We don't know bow to deal and behave with these people; if we tell these people what we have heard from the Prophet, they will laugh; and if we be silent, it is hard to be patient.

Zumra bin Maed said, "Tell us what you have been delivered.?

The Imam: "Do you know what an enemy of God says when he is in coffin carried to a grave?"

Zumra: "No we do not."

The Imam: "God's enemy says to those carrying his corpse, 'Do you not hear my complaint to you of the Satan? The enemy of God played tricks against me. He put me into danger and destruction and gave me no help. I want to complain to you about those whom I dealt with in brotherly manner but they ruined me and made me helpless.

On the other hand I had made me a house which is now being used by others. So please, help me and do not take me so fast like that.

Zumr: O Abul Hasan! A deadman who speaks like that might jump down on the people's shoulder and attack them!

The Imam referred to Almighty God and said, 'O God, shower Your wrath on Zumr if he has wanted to make fun of these words of the Prophet.

Jabir says: Zumr lived only for fourty days, then he died. One of Zumr's servant present in his burial met Imam Sajjad. . The Imam asked, 'You man where are coming from?'

He replied, From Zumra's burial; just when the grave was filled and levelled, I put my face on the grave. I swear in God that I heard his voice with the same tone and dialect that I did in the world. He said, 'Woe upon you, O Zumr. Your colleagues have left you alone today. You have been led to hell - a perpetual residence for you. Therein you will live day and night.

Jabir says that the Imam said, "We pray to God for everybodie's welbing; this is actually the reward of those who disregard the prophet's hadiths."

FATIMA BINT ASAD'S DEATH

It is narrated by Imam Sadiq (A.S.) that when Hadhrat Ali mother passed away Ali went to the Prophet to inform him about her death.

The Prophet said, 'O Abul Hasan , what is the matter?'

Ali, 'My mother has died'

The Prophet, 'She was my mother too.'

He began crying inceasantly. "O mother" he was repeatedly saying. Then he said to the Commander of Faithful, 'O Ali, take this clothe and Shroud her. And please inform me when you have shrouded her.

When Ali shrouded his mother and brought her body out the Prophet gave such a prayer on her that he had not given any like that on anybody neither before that nor after . After tht the Prophet went into the grave and when Fatima was lain inside he said, 'O Fatima.'

Fatima replied, 'Yes, O prophet of Allah.'

The Prophet, 'Did you find it what your God had promised you?

Fatima, 'Yes, O Prophet of Allah, my Allah give you His rewards.'

Prophet's conversation with Fatima in the grave took time. But when the Prophet came out of the grave the people said to him, 'today you did something with Fatima which you had not done , previously, to anybody. first, you shrouded her with your own clothe. Second, you went down inside her grave. Third, you gave a special lengthy prayer on her and you talked to her fro so long a time. That was something which we had not seen you previously do with any body else.'

The prophet, 'As far shrouding Fatima with my own clothe was because of the reason I mentioned one day: Most of the people come out barren on the day of resurrection. For that reason I gave her my clothe and asked God to keep it intact until Fatima entered heaven, and God accepted my prayer. As far entering the grave, I ddi it because of the reason that when people leave the grave two angels called nakir and Munkir' ask questions from the deadbody. I prayed to Almighty God to give Fatima a garden of paradise and so she was given.

Fatima daughter of Asad was one of the great ladies of Islam. She loved the prophet of Allah. And she was the first lady to immigrate after the holy Prophet. She went to Madina with great hardships and difficulties. When she arrived there the prophet was still waiting in Qaba mosque.

Fatima's feet were swollen and wounded. The Prophet ordered her to take rest. Some Madina women went near her and treated her feet.

Fatima's grave is in Baqui Cemetry in front of the graves of the four Imams. There everybody has to pray for her as she enjoys a high regard in front of Allah. The prophet of Allah prayed and asked forgiveness for her and gave charity.

He also gave charity for Khadija, his wife, when she died. He slaughtered animals and gave food to orphans, dispite being 15 years younger than her.

Ayesha, the other wife of the holy Prophet, used to criticise him for his remembering Khadija and talking about her.

This was the Prophet's response, 'Do you know what awoman she was? How can I forget her; she assisted me when the entire people declined to assist and believed in me when all infidels were rejecting my invitations. She was with me through thick and thin.

SEEING EMPYREAL IMAGES

Abu Basir has quoted in Basaerul Darajat to have said: Iwas with Imam Jafar Sadiq (A.S.) in a Haj pilgrimage while doing circumambulation I asked the Imam, 'may I be sacrificed to you, o son of the Prophet of Allah; Does Allah forgve all these people.

The Imam said: O Abu Basir, most of these people whom you see are monkeys and pigs.

Abu Basir: O son of the prophet of Allah, let me see them also.

The Imam murmered some words, then he pulled his hand on my eyes. Suddenly, I saw the people all in the form of pigs and monekeys. And this was very horrible for me. Therefore, the Imam once again pulled his hand on my eyes and I could see the people in their first forms.

Thereupon the holy Prophet said, 'O father of Mohammad, you will dwel happy and prosperous in heaven. Be sure you will go to hell. I swear in God tht you won't see the hell fires, you won't.

THE EMPYREAL IMAGES

One of my friends whom I believe in his clear conscience related the following story:

There was a man sitting in a corner the compound of Imam Raza's shrine. He was deep in thought when suddenly his mood changed and his eyes saw strange and amazing empyreal images on the compound. The images were different and very abhoring. Some of them were in the form of animals. Some were combined of many forms. He looked closely at the people but found nobody to have a human-like face except a barber who had opened his bag and was busy dressing people's hair. He was the only one whose features looked like man.

He quickly pushed himself out of the people and rushed to the man near the compound gate. "Hello!" he said " do you know what the matter is?"

The barber laughed, "don't be surprised" he said, " take the mirror and look at yourself!"

He looked himself in the mirror and noticed that his face too was like an animal's.

He threw down the mirror as he got too angry and nervous to see his face like that.

The barber said, "Please, go and shave yourself,sir! The mirror has not fault, "

 

PROPHET'S OBSERVATION IN HIS HEAVENLY ASCENSION

The prophet - peace be upon him- said that , at a night while on his ascension, he met a group of people with a table cloth spread in front of them. There were fresh and clean as well as dirty and ill-smelling meat on the table cloth. But the people ate the unclean meat and left the clean one uneaten:

I became surprised and asked the Gebrael: Why are they doing so?

Gebrael said: There are some of your people who leave the legal and recommended food and eat the illegal and forbidden one.

The prophet says that as he crossed that place he noticed another group of people who had thick lips like a camel. And with their lips they were cutting off their flesh and eating:

I enquired: Who are they?

Gebrael: They are those who constantly talk ill of the people and backbite them with their tongue and signals.

The prophet says that while passing away, he met with a third group of people who were hit with stones on their faces and heads:

I asked: O' Gebrael, who are these?

Gebrael: Those who abandone 'isha' (evening) prayer.

A little far from there , another group of people were seen with fires entering their mouths and leaping out of their bottems:

I asked: Who are these ones?

Gebrael: They are those who rob orphans and eat their property. They are, in fact, eating fire and soon they will burn in it.

As they passed by they saw another tribe who, due to their bellies being extremely heavy, could not move from their place as much as they struggled:

I enquired: What kind of people are they?

Gebrael: They are the people who live on 'reba' (interest) and are, in their manner, like Pharo. They are regularly thrown to fire and their beggings are not listened to.

The last group of people the prophet met was women who were hung to their breasts:

I asked: O' Gebrael, what kind of women are they?.

Gerael said: They are the women who give the belongings and property of their husband to children other than those of their (previous) husbands. In fact , they do not spend their heritages for them.

THE HEAVENLY HOUSES

The Prophet peace be upon him said: At the time when I was given ascension I entered the heaven. Therein I saw a lot of white and glearing lands with no one but a few angels on them. The angels were making bricks , one from gold and the other from silver, and it happened that for most of the time they shunned the work and did nothing.

I asked the angels as to why they sometimes got busy to work and sometimes they did not. But the angels replied that if they were given alimony and sustained, they worked otherwise, they did not.

Then, I enquired: What is your alimony?

The angels replied: Our alimony is a believer's saying of "Subhanallah Wa Laelaha Ellallah Wallahu Akbar" (Praise belongs to God. There is no god but the Almighty).

Therefore, when a believer says this (saying), we get busy building and when he stops, we also leave away the work.

MUA'WIA'S LIMBO FACE

In his book ' Ekhtesas', Shaikh Mufid has a warrented narration related by Edris bin Abdullah. Edris says that he heard Imam Jafar Sadiq (A.S.) as saying:

While my father and I were going to Mecca we saw a man suddenly appearing in front of us with heavey chains and fetters around his neck pulling.

The man looked at me and said: Please, give me a little water, a little water, please.

My father called aloud and told me not to give him water, for he was Muwia. He prayed to God not to quench his thirst at all.

Muwia was constantly followed by another man who eventually pulled him by the chain and threw him down into the deepest part of the fire.

THE LIMBO FACE OF MUSA'S 'WASI'

Abaya bin Rebee Asadi says that he once saw the Commander of Faithful talking to a man whose face was disfigured and broken and whose clothes were tattered and shabby.

As the man left away I enquired the Imam who the man was.

The Imam said that he was Hadhrat Musa's wasi ( executor of will or successor).

 

THE LIMBO FACE OF JESUS' WASI

In his book 'Majalis', Shaikh Mufid quotes Qais, Imam Ali's slaveman. Qais says:

Imam Ali was near a mountain in Siffain and when it was the time for evening prayer he went to a remote area and thereupon he called for prayer. When he finished calling, a man at once was found there accompnying him to the mountain. As he got nearer I noticed that his hair was white and his face bright. The man said to the Imam: "Peace and blessings of Allah be upon , O Commander of Faithful. You are the one who is the successor of the Prophet, the leader of heaven and earth and most faithful to Allah. You're the lord of the successors and the receiver of the rewards of the martyrs and believers."

The Commander of Faithful replied his greeting and asked about his health.

He said: "I am alright. I am waiting for the holy spirit; surely, I do not find anyone whose responsibility may be more prominent than yours. Neither I find any one whose rewards might be better nor anyone to have a position higher than yours.

O my brother, be patient against the hardships so long until you meet your beloved.

Yesterday, I saw my companions of Bani Israel getting the worst of oppressions from their enemies; their bodies were being sawed and crucified against wooden boards."

Then he pointed to the Iraqis and said: "If these glowing faced people realized what they would get of rewards by following you, they would be patient on your way even if there flesh would be scissored off their bodies."

Then he said: "Peace and blessings of Allah be upon you." and with this he got disappeared.

At this moment, Ammar Yasir, Abul Haisam bin al-Tayhan, Abu Ayub Ansar, Ebada bin Samit, Huzaima bin Thabit, Hashim Mirqal and a group of his (Ali) followers who had heard the man's sayings came to ask Ali (A.S.) as to who the man was.

In response to them the Commander of Faithful said: This man was Sham'un bin Safa, the successor of Jesus (peace be upon him). God had sent him to support and aid me in my fighting against the enemies.

The companions altogether said:

May our parents be sacrificed to you; By Allah, we shall help you fight the enemies as we helped the Prophet. Nobody - immigrants or Ansars - will stop helping you except those who are wretched and vicious.

The Commander of Faithful prayed to God for them and praised them for their performance.

THE GIRL'S HAIR GO WHITE AS A RESULT OF PUNISHMENT GIVEN TO HER MOTHER

Great Allama Tabatabaye has quoted Haj Mirza Ali Aqa Qazi a story as under:

A girl's mother died in Najaf. The mother as well as the girl were 'sunnis'.The girl was extremely pained by her mother's death. She was crying and screaming, and her screams of sorrow were too impressive for the people who were carrying her mother's coffin. She was saying that she would not separate from her mother. The struggles made to calm her were in vain. They wanted to pull her away from her mother, but they thought it might result to her death.

Finally, it was decided that the mother be lain in the grave and the daughter should stay beside her mother's body therein. The grave should not be filled with earth but be covered with a board which should have a hole in it so that the girl might be able to breathe and come out if she wanted.

The girl slept there with her mother on the first night. Tomorrow when the people came to pick up the board to see what had happened to the girl, they found the girl's hair white.

They asked her the reason why she had become so.

The girl replied thus: When, at night, I was sleeping beside my mother, I saw two angels standing on two sides and one respected man in the middle.

The two angels began to ask questions about her believes. In a question put to her about God and prophet, my mother said, " my God is one and my prophet is Mohammad bin Abullah".

The angels asked: "Who is your Imam?"

The respected man standing in the middle said: "I am not his Imam."

At this time, the two angels inflicted her on the head with such a mace that fires seemed to be leaping out to the sky.

As far me, I became like this due to fear of that.

Late Qazi said: Since the girl's tribe was all 'sunni' in religion, and this incident was according to Shiat's ideology, the girl became shia and all the people belonging to her tribe adhered to Shiite religion due to her.

ALI, THE RESCUER

My great teacher, Allama Tabatabye told me a story which is really worth attention. He told me about a preacher named Sayed Jawad who lived in Karbal, but when the month of Muharram arrived, he would go preaching in remote villages and areas. He would lead the prayer and solve people's different religious problems.Then, he would return to Karbala.

Once he went to a village whose residents were entirely sunni in religion. There he met with an old and white bearded man. Since, he was sunni he wanted to talk to him and, in a way, make him understand Shiite religion. But the man was simple minded and his heart was full of love of the individuals who had usurped the position of 'khilafat' (successorship). So at this time he was not so prepared for listening to his talks. Perhaps, it might produce a negative result.

But in another day he talked to him. He asked him this question: "Who is your chief?"

By this question, Sayed Jawad wanted to gradually open the way for talking with him so that he might make him impressed and change him to shia.

In response to his question, the old man said: "Our chief is a powerful man . He has many guesthouses, hundreds of ships and camels and thousands of archers etc."

Sayed Jawad said: "Great! how wealthy and powerful your chief is!"

Following this coversation the old man turned to Sayed Jawad and inquired: "Who is your chief?"

Sayed Jawad replied: " Our chief is a man who fulfils the need of anyone wherever he might be, west or east. If you face with any problem or anxiety, just call him and he will come to you immediately and will do away with your problem."

The old man exclaimed with surprise and said: "Great! a good chief indeed. If that could be right, what is his name then?"

Sayed Jawad said: "Ali."

No more about this was talked. Both left each other. Sayed Jawad returned to Karbala.

But the old man liked 'Ali' and thought very much about him until, one day after a period of time Sayed Jawad went to the village again. He was ardently desirous to finish the talk with the man this time and bring him to Shia. Sayed Jawad thought: "That day, I lay the foundation stone and now I am going to finish it up. That day, I just mentioned the name (Ali's name) and today I am going to introduce him, and lead the man to the holy guardianship of the Commander of Faithful.

When he entered the village he asked for the man. But he heard an impressive and saddening news, the old man had died.

Sayed Jawad thought: "What a man! I wanted to acquaint him with the Imam.

I am sorry for him for he passed away without knowing the Imam. How much I wanted to help the man and let him not be deprived from the blessing of knowing him. He was an eligible man. Only some mis-inculcations and ill-preachings had taken him away.

With deep impression of sadness, Sayed Jawad went to see his sons to condole them on their father's death. He asked them to take him to his grave. And when he was taken to his grave he said: "O God, I had hope in this man, why did you take him away? He was very close to the threshold of the religion of truth. Alas! he died an imperfect death."

We returned from the man's grave and went to his house. At night I slept there. In my sleep, I dreamt that: I entered a house with a long corridor. There were two men sitting on a bench on the one side of the corridor with the old man in front of them. At the end of the corridor, I saw a gate made of glass behind which I could visualize a magnificent garden.

I asked the old man: "Where is this place?'

He replied: "Here is the Purgatory (intermediate world). The garden which you can see at the far end of the corridor belongs to me and to my resurrection."

I asked: "Why didn't you go to the garden?"

He said: "The time has not reached yet; first the corridor should be covered, then I could go to the garden."

I inquired: "Why don't you go and cover the corridor then?"

He said: "These two men are my teachers. These two are the angels of heaven. They are here to teach me guardianship (waliat); I will go into the garden when I have accomplished guardianship. You said and did not; (Meaning, you said that your chief reaches to everybodie's call at any place -east or west-, but you did not say (clarify) that your chief was Ali son of Abitalib.) By God, the moment I called for Ali to help me, he, then, became present at once."

I asked him: "Please, go on."

He explained: "After I was put in the grave, 'Nakir and Morker' ( two angels who interrogate the dead ) came to me and asked: "Who is your Creator, Prophet and Imam?"

I felt extremely afraid, because nothing came to my tongue as much as I tried. I could not say that I was a muslim, neither I could mention my God nor my Prophet.

Naker and Monker got me in their hold. I was completely helpless. There was no way of escape - no way indeed. Suddenly, I remembered what you had said, ( I have a chief who if called for help reaches him immediately at any place -in the East or West.) So I called: "O Ali, help me!"

Ali bin Abi Talib appeared immediately and told the two angels: ' Leave him, he is not an enemy. He does not hate us. He has just been trained like that. His faith is not perfect, because he had not had enough mental capacity.'

Ali (A.S.) returned the two angels and ordered that two other angels should come and complete my faith. These two sitting on the bench are the angels who have come, on his (Ali's) order to teach me and bring my faith to perfection.

As and when my faith is complete, then I have the permission to cover this corridor and enter the garden.

THE PROPHET (P.B.U.H.) AND THE BLOODY EARTH OF KARBALA

It is reported from Umm Salema that: One night, after a long absence, the Prophet returned home with an abnormal situation; He was dusty and his hair dishevelled. In one of his hands he had something which had locked his fingers. I was astonished to see him like that. So, I inquired, "O' Prophet of Allah, why do I see you in such a dusty and untidy condition?"

The Prophet replied, " I had been given a traverse to a place, called Karbala, in Iraq. There I was shown the mutilated bodies of Husain and a number of my familie's sons. Just as I saw them, I began to gather their blood, and now the blood is in my hand." He opened his hand and held it out to me saying: "Take and preserve it!"

I took the blood. It was like red-coloured earth. Then, I put it into a glass and closed the top.

When Husain (A.S.) left Mecca for Iraq, I began smelling the blood day and night and crying for him. And when it was Ashura (tenth of Muharram) - the day on which Husain was martyred- I opened the glass and saw that the blood had turned fresh. (refer to Ershad Mufid page 271)

GRAVE PRESSURE

Abu Basir says: I inquired Imam Sadiq (A.S.): "Does any body pass save from the grave pressure?"

The Imam replied: " God save me! how few are the people who pass the grave without pressure!" Then he said: "When Uthman killed Ruqaya, the daughter of the Prophet, the Prophet went and stood by her grave. Raising his head to the sky with tears flowing down from his eyes, he said to the people: "I remembered my daughter, Ruqaya and what she had received. Therefore, my heart broke and I asked God: 'O Almighty, for my sake, let Ruqaya go without pressure of the grave. So, He saved her."

REMAINING OF SOME BODIES PERFECT IN THE GRAVE

Shaikh Saduq Mohammad son of Husain son of Musa son of Babawaih Qommi was one of the greatest and unique scholars of Islam. He is the author of many books. 'Manla Yahzarohul Faqih' (No Jurisprudent knows it), his book, is one of Shia's best books.

He died in 384 A.H. and his grave is in Ray ( a place in the suburb of Tehran). He passed part of his life during the minor occultation of the twelfth Imam. It was the Imam who prayed for his birth. (Since his father had no son, he asked for a son and the Imam promised that he would be blessed with two sons, one Mohammad and the other Husain; both of them, Mohammad in particular were the reknown and most knowledgeable men of his time.)

This great scholar is the very Ibn Babawaih who is buried in the southern of Tehran on the way to Abdul Azim's shrine. Previously, his tomb was simple and deserted. But during the period of Fath Ali Shah Qajar an incident occured; an inclemential rain fell down which wore away the soil of the grave as a result of which an opening was made into the grave.

When people see the grave open, they go to construct it. To their astonishment, they see, through the opening, a cellar with a perfect man lying inside. They take the news to Tehran. The news reaches Fath Ali Shah. He sets out to Ibn Babawaih along with a number of his dignitaries, clergies and courtmen. Shah wants to get inside the cellar and see Shaikh Saduq's body by himself. But he is prevented by his men. Instead some others are let go in. They are the learned clergies and dignitaries. They enter the cellar one after the other and all come out with the same news such as, " there is a man lying, he had been shrouded but his shroud has fallen down and his body is completely naked. Only his private part is covered with a sheet of spider's threads. The shroud is powdered, but there is something like a thin rope gone round his body. The body is high statured and fine looking. His beard, hands, feet and soles are coloured in henna."

This incident took place in 1238 A.H.

Fath Ali Shah orders the opening to be closed and the present tomb be made on it.

I have narrated this incident from many books such as Rawazatul Jannat, Tanqihul Maqal, Qesasul Ulama and Fawaedur Razavia, respectively belonging to Mohammad Baqir Khansari, Mamaqani, Tankabani and Qommi.

Mohammad Baqir Khansari writes in 'Rawazat': Some individuals who had gone with Fath Ali Shah, came to Isfahan and explained the matter for some of the teachers.

And Shaikh Abdullah Mamaqani writes: Late Sayed Ibrahim Lawasani who was an inhabitant of Tehran told me that he himself had witnessed the story. Fourty years ago he told me about it and said that he had seen it by himself. Mamaqani says that he has no doubt in its being true.

HOOR'S PERFECT BODY

Abdullah Mamaqani narrates an incident from Sayed Neimatullah's book of Anwar Nemania in which he says: A number of reliable and trustworthy people told me that when King Ismail conquered Baghdad he went to visit Imam Husain's shrine in Karbala.

Since the king had heard that some people taunted Hoor, he went to his grave and ordered the grave to be exhumed.

When the grave was exhumed, they saw that Hoor was lying in the same manner he had been killed; his head was tied with a kerchief.

Since Shah Ismail had studied in history books that Hoor had been inflicted on the head, and Imam Husain had bandaged his injury with a kerchief of his own and buried him with that, he decided to undo the kerchief.

When the kerchief was undone, blood started to gush out so much that the grave was filled to its brim.

When the kerchief was tied back, the blood stopped and when it was opened again, the blood oozed out.

As much as they did to stop the blood without that kerchief, they could not. Herefrom, they understood that it was a heavenl blessing bestowed upon Hoor. It was due to his prosperous and bliss state that he enjoyed such a miracle.

Shah Ismail ordered a tomb to be erected on his grave. He appointed a servant to serve the tomb.

My father's maternal uncle, Ayatollah Mirza Mohammad Tehrani who was a brilliant scholar and the author of Mustdarakul Behar traveled from Samarra (a city in Iraq) to Iran in 1364 A.H. along with his kith and kins to perform pilgrimage of the eighth Imam. He was eighty five then.

He was very devout, continent and pious man.

Being a relative of my late father Ayatollah Sayed Mohammad Sadiq Tehrani, he arrived at his house. The house of full of hustle and bustl as people including the clergymen and traders were visiting him

Many people including my aunts were serving the guest from morning till late night.

Several days had passed since their arrival. One day the elder son of Mirza Mohammad's maternal uncle who himself was a prominent learned man and a versatile writer, said to one of my uncles (Haj Sayed Mohammad Reza): I dreamt my aunt (S.Moh'd Reza's mother) and she said to me in my dream to tell you as to why you have not sent her food for several days. (Mirza Najmuddin said this to my uncle.)

Although my uncle thought very much to find the real meaning of the dream, he could not. Until he came tomorrow and said, "I have now found the meaning."

"I have been offering -after Maghrib and Isha prayers- two cycles of "Parents' Prayer" for thirty years. And I have been dedecating its reward to my parents souls. But I have not been able to offer the prayer because of the guests. That is the reason why my mother has complained for not sending her spiritual food.

Mirza Najmuddin lived in Samarra. He was a new comer in Tehran and did not know at all about my uncle's act. This dream made everybody surprised.

ALI IN KARBALA

In his commentory book, Nahjul Balagha, Ibn Abil Hadid quotes the following story from Harthama bin Salim: Ali (may God bless him) and I set out for the battle of Siffain. As he dismounted on the way in Karbala, we offered a congragational prayer with him. After he finished prayer, he picked up a little soil, smelt it and said: "How strange are you, o soil! Verily, there will come out of you a folk who shall enter the Heaven without any account."

When the battle of Siffain ended, Harthama returned to his wife Jarda daughter of Samir who was of the followers of Ali. He said to her, "Jarda, do you like to listen to something I heard from Hasan's Father? You will surprised to hear it; When he arrived in Karbala he picked up a handful of soil, smelt it and said: 'How strange are you, o soil! Verily, there will come out of you a folk who shall enter the Heaven without any account." He claims to have the knowledge of the unseen world?

The woman said: "Leave such talks, man. The Commander of Faithful never speaks of anything other truth.

Harthama says: I was also among the armies sent to Karbala by Ubaidullah bin Ziad. As and when we reached Husain (A.S.) and his companions' halting place, I remembered the place to be the same we crossed on the way to Siffain. And I recognized the very spot the Commander of Faithful pick up of its soil. I remembered the words he had said and therefore, I became quite displeased with my move to Karbala.

Thereupon I turned my horse towards Husain (A.S.), stood in front of him and greeted him; then I told him his father's saying I had heard over this place.

Husain ( peace be upon him) said: So now are you of the friends or foes?

I said: O Prophet's son, I am neither of the friends nor of foes; I have left my children and wife behind, and I am afraid lest Ibn Ziad should harm them.

Husain (A.S.) said: Then leave here as soon as possible so as not to see the scene of battle with us; I swear in Allah Who owns Husain's power, whoever sees the battle against us and does not help us in it will enter Hell fire.

Harthama says: At this time I ran away as fast as I could so as not to see the scene of killing and murder.

GOOD DEEDS FOR DEAD SOULS

The Prophet of Allah, peace be upon him, said: Jesus son of Mary - may God bless him- passed by a grave and noticed the owner of the grave being punished and tormented. Next year when he passed by the same grave he saw that the owner was not being punished.

He murmured with surprise, "O' Allah, last year when I passed by this grave, I saw its owner being punished and this year when I passed, I saw nothing of punishment with him."

God Almighty revealed, "O Spirit of God, this man has left behind a son who has already grown up. He is noble and good doing; he helped people and gave shelter to orphans. Therefore, due to his son's good deeds I forgave him."

VISITING THE GRAVES AND ITS ADVANTAGES

Late Ayatollah Mohammad Jawad Ansari Hamadani said: In old times, I used to visit only the graves of the infallibles and Imams. Because, I thougt that it was only through visiting the infallibles' graves that one could gain improvement and evolution, not through every common graves. Until with a number of my students I decided to travel to the holy shrines. That was the first journey. However, one day we traveled from Baghdad to Madaen to visit the historical structures of Madaen and Casra's broken but wonderful protico.

Having seen Madaen and offered two recommended cycles of prayer, we started towards Salman and Huzaifa's graves which are located near the portico. When we arrived near Salman's grave we sat down there in order to relax for a while. No sooner we sat down, than we saw Salman entertaining us. He showed himself to us in his real features. In fact, he had emerged himself; his spirit was so delicate and shining and so pure, unpolluted and great that we felt ourselves in an atmospher full of spirituality and tenderness similar to that of paradise.

I became ashamed of not visiting his grave in the past. So we started to do pilgrimage; since then I have been visiting the graves of the non-infallibles too. I visit the saints' graves and those of close slaves of God. I take help from them. I visit the believers' graves and have advised my students not to be deprived of this very favour.

CONGRAGATION OF BELIEVERS' SPIRITS

Ahmad son Umar says: I met Hadhrat Sadiq (A.S.) and said that I was concerned about my brother lest he should die there in Baghdad. The Imam advised me not to worry. Because, as he said, the spirits do not stay in solitude at any place of the world; God drags them to Wadiussalm where they are put together with the other souls.

I asked the Imam as to where Wadiussalam was. He said it was a place behind Kufa. Then he said that he could see the scene of the spirits sitting in circles talking to one another.

ALI (A.S.) TALKING TO SPIRITS

Habba Urnai says: Ali and I went out of Kufa to a village called Zahr. On the way to the village, Ali stopped in Wadiussalam. He looked as if he was talking to some people. I also stood beside him until I became tired; then I sat down for a while and felt weary. Then I stood up to my feet till I became tired enough. Turning to Commander of Faithful, I said, "O Commander of Faithful, you are tired standing for so long a time; Please, be seated for a while.

I spread my 'rida' ( long type of over coat usually thin) on the ground and then requested him to sit on.

Ali (A.S.) said, " O Habba, it was not a standing but a conversation and a familiarity with a believer."

I inquired, "O Commander of Faithful, are the people also speaking?"

He replied, " Yes, if the curtain in front of your eyes is drawn aside, you will see them sitting in circles talking to each other."

Then I inquired, "Are they in body or in spirit?"

He replied, "In spirits indeed. No believer in anywhere in the world dies except that his spirit is said to join Wadiussalam. And Wadiussalam is a maosoleum of Adan Paradise.

BELIEVERS' SPIRITS IN WADIUSSALAM

Ali (A.S.) the commander of of faithful was going out of Kufa while we were following him. He crossed 'Ghoryain' (a place out of Kufa where two white pillars are erected to show the distance of the place) and prodceded until he stopped and lay down with his back on the ground.

Qanbar said, "O Commander of Faithful, would you let me spread my clothe on the ground?"

He replied, " No. Is this soil other than believers'? It is their joining place."

Asbagh says, " O Commander of Faithful, we know what believers' soil menas but we do not know know how they join here."

Ali replied, " O son of Nabata, if the curtain is taken off your eyes you will then see the believers spirits here in Zahr (Wadiussalam) sitting in circles and talking to one another. Every believer's spirit is here and every infidel's spirit in Barahoot valley!"

THE SPIRITS CONTACT WITH MAN

It is narrated by the seventh Imam that he and his father both got out of Madina. When they arrived in a desert they noticed an old man with white hair approaching his father. Both greeted each other and went aside while his father could be heard saying, "may I be sacrificed to you." Then they sat down and went talking and inquiring each other.

Thereafter, the old man got up and bid farewel with his father and went off. His father stood and constantly looked at the man from behind until he disappeared.

He inquired his father, "Dear father, who was that man who you were talking so enthusiastically with?"

His father replied, "He was my father!"

HADHRAT MUSA'S CONTACT WITH HIS FATHER

Ibrahim bin Abil-belad said to Hadhrat Reza ( may God bless him) that Ubaidullah son of Abdullah Bushr said: I was with my father in a journey to Uraiz ( a place near Madina). An old man with white beard and hair who was walking along came to my father; my father dismounted and kissed his forehead.

Ibrahim says, "I know it that he had kissed his hand."

Then he was constantly saying to him, "may I be sacrificed to you" and the old man was passing some advices to my father.

He says, "My father got up and the old man went away and disappeared."

I inquired my father, " Who was the man whom you were so extremely please to meet with?"

He replied, "O my son, he was my father."

ALL SHIAS ARE IN HEAVEN

Amr bin Yazid says: I inquired Imam Jafar Sadiq (A.S.) as to whether what I had heard , that all followers of Ali live in heaven, was right.

He replied, "That is true. I swear in Allah that all of them are in heaven."

I said, " May I be sacrificed to you, but there are many great sins!"

The Imam answered, "In Resurrection all of you are in heaven due to Prophet's intercession or due to intercession of Prophet's successor. But I am concerned about your limbo and purgatory.

ALI'S BEING AWARE OF HIS MARTYRDOM

It narrated by by Fuzala son of Abi Fuzala Ansari that once Ali suffered an illness in Kufa. Both my father and I went to visit him.

My father said to him,"What is the reason you are staying among Juhaina Arabs? You'd better set out for Madina; If your life time is over your companions will manage shrouding and bathing you and they will perform prayer on you."

In response to this, the Imam said, "The Prophet of Allah has promised me not to die unless here is dyed with the blood of here ( that to say his beard with the blood of his head).

THE BARAHOOT VALLEY

A beduin went to Imam Mohammad Baqir. The Imam asked: "Where are coming from?"

He said: "From Ahqaf (the Ahqaf of Ad)." He said, " I saw a dark black valley which was full of owls and bats and it was so big and wide that it seemed to have no end."

The Imam inquired, "Do you know which valley is that?"

He replied, "By God I don't know."

The Imam said, "That is the valley of Barahoot where there exists every infidel's spirit."

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I SAW THE KAUTHER POND

Abdullah son of Sanan says: I asked Hadhrat Sadiq , peace be upon him, about Kauther pond.

Imam Sadiq replied: It is a wide pond in between Basra and San'a. Do you wish to see it?

I said: May I be sacrificed to you, I love to.

Imam Sadiq (A.S.) got hold of my hand and took me out of Madina. Then he hit with his foot on the ground; Suddenly, I saw a flowing river which seemed to have no banks or sides. Except that the place where the Imam and I were standing looked like a peninsula.

At this very moment, my eyes caught sight of a river. It was flowing of three things. From one side was flowing pure and shining water, from the other side was flowing milk which was whiter than snow and from the middle was flowing wine which was more beautiful and attractive than ruby. I had never seen such a wine to be running from in between water and milk. I asked the Imam as to where the river emerged out from?

The Imam replied: These are the springs in Heaven God has described them in the holy Quran. A spring from each water, milk and wine is running in this canal.

Beautiful and fresh trees had stood on the sides of the river. Nymphs (of paradise) were hanging to their branches. They had so long, beautiful and attractive hair that I had never seen any thing so delicate and fine like theirs. They (nymphs) had very fine and pretty dishes in their hands. Certainly the dishes did not seem to be earthly.

The Imam approached one of the nymphs and asked for some water.

I was looking at the nymph with the manner she was bending herself to get water. I could see the tree also bowing with her. The nymph put the dish into the river and filled it with it. Then she gave it to the Imam and he passed it over to me.

I drank from that and it was so sweet and favourable that, I swear in God, I had never drunk anything so sweet like that in my life.

The smell that it gave out was indeed very pleasant and envigorating.

When I looked at the bowl I found three kinds of wine. Therefore, I inquired, "May I be sacrificed to you! I had never seen anything like this and I didn't guess things as such."

The Imam said: This is the simplest thing God has taken in for Shias. When a faithful dies, his spirit turns to this river and gets busy enjoying in the gardens around it.

And when an enemy of ours dies, his spirit is taken to Barahoot Valley and their it perpetually remains in suffering and punishment. The spirit eats from its infernal and cursed tree and drinks from nauseating hot water.

So ask God to save you from this valley.

ASHAS' INIMICAL APPROACH TOWARDS ALI

Ashas son of Qais was one of Ali's enemies. He was a mischievious and a sinful wicked man and a commander in Kufa as well as the chief of an army. He belonged to a big tribe called Kenda and was, however, strong and powerful.

He married Abu Bakr's sister (Umm Farwa) who was blind, and exploited from this priority and credit in order to carry out his mischiefs.

This man was so seditious and wicked that Abu Bakr regretted over not chopping his head off when he was a prisoner before him.

It is written in 'Murawij -u- al-Zahab' that one of three things Abu Bakr regretted to leave was this matter. In the time of his death he said: One of three things which I did not do and wish to do was the day when Ashas bin Qais was brought before me as prisoner. I regret that I did not behead him, because, I have come to know that he is such a person who never fails to fuel sedition, hypocrisy and mischief.

This man openly opposed Ali. The Imam due to necessity reason and because of his influence in his tribe appointed him as one of the heads of Kenda tribe who had participated in the battle of Siffain with an army of ten thousand men. Initially, he made some progresses and, together with Malik Ashtar, got back the water from the enemies who restrained it from them.

But when the army was about to achieve victory and uproot the enemies, Muavia played his deceit over them, raised the Qurans on spears, and thus succeeded to create division among the Imam's fighters. One of those who came to the Commander of Faithful to make him stop the battle was this Ashas son of Qais.

With unsheated swords, he with his ten thousand men surrounded the Imam and said: "Ali! stop the battle right now, or we will cut you to pieces with these swords.!"

The Imam said: "Give me an hour time, the army has reached just near Muavia's camps. Only one hour is needed to gain a totle victory.

Malik Ashtar and Qais son of Sa'd bin Ebada had ten thousand fighters each. They had dragged themselves to Muavia's camps and were going to finish the things totally.

Ashas and his men said: Not at all, it is impossible; you should call them back over here and tell them stop fighting, otherwise, we will sword you to death.

Ten thousand men surrounded the Commander of Faithful and then it was, that they forced him to surrender. He sent for Malik and Qais to return immediately.

They said: "O Ali, just for an hour; we are close to Muavia's camp.

The Imam sent another man with a message that if they wanted to see him alife they should return immediately.

Such a character was Ashas, a mischievious, wicked, opportunistic and bitter enemy for Ali.

His son Mohammad, whose mother was Umm Farwa, Abu Bakr's sister, was missioned to Karbala to fight Husain the Lord of Martyrs. And his daughter Ju'da poisoned Imam Hasan Mujtaba, the second Imam of Shias.

ALI'S ATTITUDE TOWARDS ASHAS

It is written in Kharaej and Jaraeh that Ashas wanted to enter Alis' house. He asked for permission but Qanbar, Imam's slave, did not let him in. So he punched Qanbar on the nose and his nose started bleeding.

Ali came out and said: "O Ashas, what have I done to you that you are doing so? Why did you struck him? By God, if you pass by the slaveman of Saqif, your hair of the lower part will begin shivering."

Ashas inquired,"Who is that?"

The Imam said: "He is a slave who takes their government and there will be no house except that he will leave misery and wrectchedness in it."

The narrator says: The slave of Saqif is said to be Hujjaj son of Yosuf Saqafi who was born in Kufa in 75 A.H. and ruled for twenty years and died in 95.

ALI (A.S.) AND SIFFAIN

To deceive Ali's victorious men and show himself as follower of the holy Quran, Muavia ordered his men to riase up, on their spears, whatever volumes of Quran we available in the camps. He declared Quran as arbitrator and said that the matter had to be resolved through arbitration. Ali (A.S.) made consecutive speeches to inform and threaten the people of the trick. He said: Beware, this nothing other than a trick. Under the pretext of the Quran as an arbitrator, they want to stop the battle so that they could escape from an utter defeat as well as tarnish Ali's government with referring to arbitration, thus exploit for themselves from this opportunity!

The Commander of Faithful strickly forbade the people to accept arbitration and never wanted to submit to it. But since the people called out, asked for arbitration and with ten thousand unsheated swords surrounded him threatening to kill him in case he did not accept arbitration, he had no alternative but to accept arbitration. Otherwise, his army would entirely oppose him which was certainly at Muavia's advantage. Therefore, he accepted arbitration and later on when the two arbitrators played deceit, that is to say Amr A's deceived Abu Musa Ashari and the arbitration practically ended with dispute and distraction, Ali yet still wated to continue the battle of Siffain to do away with the mischievous and deceitful Muavia. It was at that time when the Kharijite group revolted against the Imam as to object him over accepting the arbitration. They, therefore, accused him of heresy.

To lull this sedition the Imam strongly combated andmade the Kharijites to understand that he was right. That is why most of them repented and apologized for their mistake. The rest who went on with their hostility and refractoriness and robbed the muslims of their properties and raised seditions were perished in the battle of Nahrawan. The roots of sedition burnt completely in this battle. It was at this time that Ali (A.S.) intended to gather a well-equipped army for an attack over the Syrians and Muavia when Ibn Muljam Muradi's wicked sword fell on his head and martyred him.

One day a man went on the pulpit and raised objection about arbitration to Ali who in response to his objection said: ???????

ALI'S BEING OPPRESSED

Abu Awn says that a woman went to the Commander of Faithful while he was speaking on the pulpit. She stood in front of him and said: "O Commanderof Faithful, three things much have pained the hearts."

Ali inquired, "What are those three things?"

She replied, " Your accepting of the arbitration, choosing misery and disgrace and last crying and complaining in the time of events!?

Ali said: "Woe upon you! (what do you have to do with these things?) you are a woman and be at your work!"

The woman said, "No, by God no sitting will be there under the sword's shadow."

IMAM SADIQ'S MAGNIFICENCE IN THE FACE OF MANSOOR

Hamran son of Ayon says: One day when I happened to be in the presence of Hadhrat Imam Sadiq (A.S.) some one raised talks about Shias' problems, and the grandeur of Bani Abbas' government and the oppressions they let on the Shias.

Imam Sadiq (A.S.) said: Once I was going along with Mansoor Dawaniqi while he was being accompanied by his retinue and attendants. He was mounted on a horse with a troop of horse-riders escorting him. Mansoor was moving ahead with utmost glory and pomp while I was on an ass going with him.

Meanwhile, Mansoor turned his looked to me and said: "O Abu Abdullah, you may also be happy and glad with the glory and power that God has bestowed me; but you should be careful not to tell people that you are more eligible and deserving for the government and administration, for if so, you will provoke us against yourself."

The Imam said: "Who ever has reported you as such has, no doubt, told a mere lie"

Mansoor said: "Do you swear upon your claim and saying?"

I said: "People hear some thing and change it, and then give it to you, that is to say they wish to change your opinion and tarnish your thought about me.

Don't listen to their sayings and accept not what they tell you.

Mansoor said: "Do you remember one day,before reaching caliphate, I asked you if I would achieve the government and you told me; 'yes, you will get a government expanded and for long enough, and the power you will achieve will be great, and God will constantly give you opportunity. Life will be happy and exciting for you to the extent that you will shed our blood in a forbidden month and at a forbidden place.?"

When Mansoor pointed out these things, I remembered that he had in his memory the 'hadith' which I had told him.

In response to Mansoor I said: I didn't particularly specify you in that crime. Perhaps, God Almighty might restrain you and let you not do that.

Regardless of these, it was simply a 'hadith' I related. Probably, some one else from your kith and kin might undertake that action.

Mansoor remained mute and uttered nothing about my sayings.

When I left Mansoor's retinue and returned home, some of the friends and supporters who had seen me in the retinue came to me and said: "May I be sacrificed to you! today I saw you in a strange condition in Mansoor's retinue; you were riding on a donkey while Mansoor was on a horse. And he was sometimes looking at and talking to you with pride and haughtiness to show you as if you were his subordinate. I told within myself: This is the Proof of the Truth on earth and for the entire human race. He is the leader and guide, and he is one whom people should follow. But the other one deals people with oppression and arrogance, kills Prophet's sons, sheds the blood of innocents whose blood Allah does not like to be shed. Despite that he was pompously on a horse and you were on a donkey.

Seeing this scenery I felt hesitation and doubt in myself and in my belief.

The Imam said to the person: Had you seen the lines of heavenly angles all around me, the angels who on my left and right, you would certainly take Mansoor and his retinue and horse riders for nothing.

The man said: Now I feel satisfied and assure. Then he asked: How long are they going to have the government and when are the people going to be free from from their tyranny?

I answered: Don't that everything has a specific period of time?

He replied: Yes

I said: Do you know if the time of Divine command (reappearance and revolution) arrives, it is faster than a twink of an eye? If you realize how they are before God and how hard and miserable they are living, you will surely hate them even more. May Satan not create hesitation in your mind; surely, magnificence belongs to Allah, to His prophets and to believers but the infidels and hypocrites do not realize it.

Do you not know that whoever awaits for our Divine command and our reappearance and is petient against the degrees of hardship and sufferings, he will be with us on the day of Resurrection?

The Imam elaborated the signs of End of Time for the reappearance of Guardian of Time ( the last Imam) and resurrection which then should take place. He explained things which would take place at that time. He also explained the people's moral behaviours, their miseries and helplessness and the oppressions let on them.