“IMAMATE A DIVINE COMMAND” - PART 1

A discourse by: Brother Ali Ja’afary Stump.

And when it is said to them: Follow what ALLAH has sent down, they say: “Not that! But we will follow what we found our fathers upon”. What? Even though their fathers were void of wisdom and guidance? The parable of those who disbelieve is as the parable of one who calls; but they hear nothing, except a call and a cry. Deaf, dumb and blind, so they understand not”. (The Holy Qur’an 2 Al- Baqarah 170-171).

When we reflect on the above mentioned verse, we quickly understand some different points about true guidance and false guidance. In fact, ALLAH (swt) sent this verse as a warning not to follow blindly, but to use wisdom and understanding to follow the true guidance of ALLAH Azz wa Jall. Since the creation of man, man has been a victim of blind imitation of silly superstitions, untruths and heresies. Just look at how many things and conducts in today’s society are based on superstitions and corruption. ALLAH (swt) wanted to give out a warning to the Ummah about falling into the trap of following such untruths and corruption blindly. In this verse, it even states that those who turn away from the truth and choose to follow their desires or the desires of their relatives, friends, leaders, etc. blindly who don’t have knowledge, are as the beasts who do not understand the true meaning of existence and follow only the meaningless cries and calls. Our question is what is the meaning of “Follow what ALLAH has sent down” (The Holy Qur’an 2-170)


ISLAM IS: PURE PERFECTION

ALLAH Azz wa Jall is one and is the creator and originator of absolutely everything. That which man knows and knows not. HE (swt) is above all creation and we are not able to describe HIM in any way. Since any attempt would be just taking away from HIS (swt) greatness. HE sent, for our guidance, many prophets (124,000) and many books of guidance. The seal and the best of them, the Prophet Muhammad (saw) was the last of the prophets and the Holy Qur’an is the ultimate book of guidance sent to man. In fact, the Qur’an is such an amazing source of guidance and knowledge, its perfection even today and forever will never be matched or surpassed. This same pure and perfect source of guidance and knowledge is also the heart of our most beloved Prophet Muhammad (saw). And for those who do not want to be one of the misguided beasts we spoke of earlier, but one who truly follows: “What ALLAH has sent down”. (The Holy Qur’an2-170) ALLAH (swt) says: “O you who believe! Obey ALLAH and obey the Apostle and those in authority from amongst you”. (Holy Qur’an 4 Surah An-Nisa 59). By obeying ALLAH (swt), his apostle Prophet Muhammad (saww) and those in authority amongst us, then and only then will we be followers of “What ALLAH has sent down”. (The Holy Qur’an 2-170)


WHO ARE THOSE IN AUTHORITY FROM AMONGST US?

“Verily, verily, your guardian is ALLAH and his apostle (Muhammad) and those who believe, those who establish prayer and pay the poor rate, while they are (even) bowing down”. (The Holy Qur’an 5 Surah Al-Maidah-55) * (Note: almost all commentators including those of our Sunni brothers agree that this verse was revealed about Amirul-Momineen Ali Ibn Abi Talib (a-s) while in prayer giving away a ring to a beggar). Both in the Qu’ran and in many Hadiths of the Prophet Muhammad (saww), mention is made of the very special position of the Ahle-Muhammad, their undeniable high status and saintety. ALLAH Tabarak wa Ta’ala revealed in the Holy Qur’an: “ALLAH intendeth but to keep off from you (every kind of) uncleanness, O’ye the people of the house (Ahlul-Bayt) and purify you (with) a thorough purification”. (The Holy Qur’an 33-Al-Ahzab-33). The Prophet (saw) said: “I am leaving for you a thing which if you will keep hold of, you will never go astray after me and those two things which are greater and higher than one another. One of them is the Book of ALLAH which is a rope drawn from earth up to the sky and another one is my progeny who are my Ahlul Bayt (a-s). These two will never separate from one another until they arrive to me on the Hauz of Kauthar. So just think how you will act for me on their matter”. (Zaid bin Arqam – Sahih Tirmidhi).

This same Hadith has been mentioned by many very reliable sources in both Shia and Sunnah books by correct narrations. On the last Hajj of the Prophet (saww), ALLAH (swt) sent down the following revelation: “Oh Messenger! Deliver what has been revealed to you from your Lord; and if you do it not, then you have not delivered his message and ALLAH will protect you from the people; surely ALLAH will not guide the unbelieving people”. (The Holy Qur’an Sūrah 5-Al-Maidah- 67). And what was this extremely important message that ALLAH (swt) commanded the prophet Muhammad (saww) to declare to the people? While leaving Mecca, the Prophet (saw) stopped at Ghadir Khumm and announced this most important message to all Muslims and he asked the 120,000 Muslims present there to spread the message to all.

After praising ALLAH Azz wa Jall and gave the above mentioned statement about 2 weighty things the Prophet Muhammad (saww) said: “Do not go ahead of them, for you will be ruined. Do not fall behind them for you will also be ruined”. Then he raised the hand of Ali (a-s) so that everyone could see him: then he (saww) declared: “ALLAH gave me wilāyah (authority) and I am more worthy than the believers and the followers themselves. Therefore, to whosoever I am his wali (master) and guardian, Ali is his master and guardian too. O ALLAH! Be the friend of his friends and the enemy of his enemies. Help anyone who helps him and punish anyone who rebels against him. Now everyone who is present must tell those who are absent”. (Al-Amini: Al-Ghadir) Even before the people left that place, it was revealed to our beloved Prophet (saww) from ALLAH (swt), “Today I have perfected your religion for you and I have completed my blessings upon you and I have chosen Islam as your religion”. (Holy Qur’an 5-Surah Al-Maidah-3). Again we must reflect on what we have spoken about until now: We have seen, that without any doubt, ALLAH Azz wa Jall is the creator of absolutely everything that possibly exists, HE (swt) sent to us the Qur’an and the holy Prophet Muhammad (saww) as the seal and the last of 124,000 prophets and toward the ending of the mission of the Prophet (saww), ALLAH (swt) commanded the Prophet (saww) to declare his successor to the entire world. But even throughout our beloved Prophet’s (saww) holy and sacred mission he (saww) continuously directed the Ummah towards the love of his (saww) Ahlul-Bayt (a-s).

The Prophet Muhammad (saww) said: “My family to you is like the Ark of Noah. Whoever rides on it will be saved and whoever lags behind it will drown.” And he (saww) also said: “The example of my family to you is like the Gate of Forgiveness of the Israelites. Whoever enters it his sins will be forgiven and will deserve mercy and blessings of ALLAH (swt). (Al-Ghayba:Sheikh Abu Abdullah Muhammad bin Ibraheem bin Ja’far al-Katib ‘Ibn Abu Zaynab an-Nu’mani.).

And about Imam Ali (a-s) the Messenger of ALLAH (saww) said: “I am the master of the first and the last, and you, O Ali, are the master of the creation after me. I am just like you and you are just like me.” (Bihar V.12 p.360 H.17, Ghayatol Maram p.450h.14 and 610 h17, Khawarazmi in Manaqeb p.31 and in Maqtal V.1 p.39, Misbah Al-Anwar p.61).

The Prophet Muhammad (saww) said: “No one has a higher status than Ali Ibn Abi Talib (a-s) except me .He is the Imam of my nation; he is my heir; and he is my successor. Those who follow him are guided to the right path; those who follow anyone other then Ali (a-s) are lost and have strayed off the right path. Indeed I am the chosen Prophet. I do not say this about Ali (a-s) from my own inclination. What I say is nothing but revelation brought by Jibraeel from ALLAH (swt), who owns everything in the skies and in the earth, and whatever is between the skies and the earth, and whatever is under the earth. (Bihar Al-Anwar v.12 p.361 h31, Ghayatol Maram p.45 h.54, Rowzat Al-Jannat v.6 p.185).

Logically, ALLAH (swt) in HIS indescribable perfection surely gave to us the most perfect plan for our lives here on earth and gave to us the perfect guidance and preparation for the hereafter. It is very obvious to any rational thinking human being that ALLAH (swt) would give a clear command on the successor ship of our beloved Prophet (saww) the seal of the prophets and ALLAH (swt) did exactly this. Now the question is what went wrong, why did the Ummah not “Follow what ALLAH has sent down” (Qur’an-2-170)? Insha’ALLAH Ta’ala we will look at this question and take a closer look at the pure holy Ahlul-Bayt (a-s) and their positions as leaders and guides in the 2nd part of this discourse.

In finishing this 1st part, here are some great words to reflect on: May ALLAH (swt) guide us and protect us. Imam Ali (a-s) said: “Beware, by God I know how messages have been sent and how promises have been fulfilled and how his words have been completed and how for me the reasons developed and how the ancestors were identified for me and how, apart from this world, I had a glance at the Angels. The past is not hidden from me, what happened before me is not away from my knowledge and on the day of witnesses, I will have no partner in what ALLAH Azz Wa Jall has made me a witness for. Through me ALLAH will fulfill his promises and complete his words. I am that blessing that ALLAH (swt) has given to his entire creation and I am that Islam that HE has chosen for HIMSELF. All this is HIS favour that HE has on me and has kept on my hands”. (Kitab Sulaym ibn Qays Al-Hilali Hadith #17).

END PART 1.

Brother Ali Ja’afary Stump.


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Who are Ahlul bayt

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Qur'an in Sura 42, V 23 tells us in the words of Prophet Muhammad (saw), " I do not ask you for any recompense for this (communication of the revelation) except the love of the near kinship." (Mawaddata fil-Qurba). Asking the believers to love the Prophet and his Ahlulbayt.

In Sura 33 (Ahzab) V.33 there is further elaboration of the Ahlulbayt and their status.

This state of purity, which distinguished Hadhrat Muhammad (a.s.) and his family (Ahlulbayt) from the common Muslims, agreed with the elevated ranks of the families of the earlier Prophets, but this elevation was not unconditional, they had to be rightly guided to achieve that status. This guidance was confirmed by the following verses, Verse 33 goes like this:
"God desires only to remove any impurities from you, o'people of the House (Ahlulbayt) and to purify you completely."

Who are the people of the House (Ahlulbayt)? The pronoun referring to them is in the masculine plural, while the preceding part of the verse is in the feminine plural. This change in gender has evidently pointed the finger to the Five people of the mantle (Ahl Al-Kisa) i.e. Muhammad-Ali-Fatima-Hasan-Husain. For this Verse was revealed when the Prophet (saw) was in the house of his daughter Fatima under a Kisa. She is the narrator of this Tradition. When these Five persons were under the Kisa she used a sentence "Fa Lamma Aktamalna" And when we were complete (Under the Kisa). She did not use the word Ajtam'ana, i.e. when were all gathered or assembled together for it would show the possibility of addition or subtraction from the Five. The word `Aktamalna' clarified the position that these Five had completed the assembly without further additions.

Tabari in his commentary and Imam Fakhruddin Raazi in his Tafseer-e-Kabir in their commentaries on this verse support this interpretation and the names of Five people with the exclusion of the wives of the Prophet.

The Ahlulbayt of Muhammad (saw) meant, as was consistent with the general usage of the term at the time, primarily his blood relations, the same people who were also forbidden to receive alms ( Sadaqah) in order that their state of purity not be soiled or questioned. This also elevates them to the status of infallible (Masoom), that is, free of mistakes in all avenues of life.
To further confirm the names of these Five persons, in Sura III,V.61, the Verse of Mubahela clarifies this position in front of the large audience of Muslims as well as Christians.. This Verse goes like this:

" If one disputes with you in this matter (concerning Jesus) after the knowledge which has come to you, come, let us call our sons and your sons, our women and your women, ourselves and yourselves, then let us swear an oath and place the curse of God on those who lie."

And the personalities Muhammad (saw) took with him were the same Five people of the Kisa.

He himself as Prophet of Allah, his Daughter Fatima (saw) as the women of the family, his two grand sons as the sons and his cousin Ali (a.s.) as the "Self" of the Prophet.

When the Bishop of Najran saw these faces he realised the truth of the Prophet and refrained from verbal confrontation of curse on those who lie. Qur'an's logic plays a great part in understanding what Allah wanted us to know and what to do when matters are under dispute or subject to various interpretations. Sura III V.31 tells us,

" Say (O' Muhammad) if you love Allah, then follow me; Allah will love you and forgive your sins."

In this Verse, the Prophet is introduced as an exemplar to whose behaviour and morality people should conform their own behaviour and morality, and whom they should take as their precedent. This in itself is a proof of the Prophet's immunity from sin and error, because, if it were possible for sin and error to proceed from him, there would be no purpose in God, introducing him as a leader and a precedent.

This position then after the Prophet, passed to the Household (Ahlulbayt) and according to a Hadith, which many Sunni and Shi'ah scholars have narrated in their books on the life of the Prophet, in histories and in their own books on Hadith from nearly thirty companions of the Prophet. The Prophet chose his Household (Ahlulbayt) for the leadership and Imamate. He said,

" I leave among you two precious things: the Book of Allah and my Ahlulbayt. These two will not be separated until they encounter me at the pool of Kawther (in paradise). Do not run ahead of them, for you will be ruined, do not neglect them, for you will be ruined and do not seek to instruct them for they are wiser than you."

Looking at the above Verses of the Holy Book, let there be no doubt in the minds of any readers, believers or non believers, that the Prophet on orders of the Qur'an was a Masoom and so were his Ahlulbayt.

Source: http://www.qaem.org

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Fundamentals of Islam

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Usool -ad-Deen (Roots of Religion)
Tawheed - (Oneness of God) - The most fundamental aspect of all beliefs revolves around the total acceptance of the Absolute and Perfect Creator. Belief in the Originator of all causes and effects with no effect on Him and that He is One, Everliving, Beneficent and Merciful. He has neither a colleague nor a partner. He begets not, nor is He begotten, and there is none like Him. The Almighty God is Unique and is Absolute in the Absolute sense. No entity in His Universe can ever comprehend His true state and none should even bother to try for it will lead to futility and insanity. Yet there is no doubt in any sane mind that His existence precedes all and His presence is Absolutely ubiquitous (everpresent). For anyone to say that God does not exist is a liar and a fool because such a person can NEVER disprove His existence, whether scientifically or philosophically, or for that matter in any method known. Because He is Absolute and none is like Him, no one in the relative world can ever physically define Him, and thus all idol worshippers and those who ascribe a shape or a body to Him are wrong. Ascribing a shape to the One who is beyond our limited perceptions would be tantamount to lying and giving a false appearance and a false representation. In addition, to believe that one can see God in the physical sense of sitting on a throne like some mythical being is certainly an untrue statement and should never be accepted. The Almighty Creator brings to existence everything with utmost Perfection and nothing in His Universe is imperfect. Thus to state that the Creator has created imperfect things is certainly a false statement. He is the One and Only and is Absolutely independent of anything and everything that exists. Glorified be His names, the Most High!


'Adl - (Justice) - Essentially part of Tawheed. Belief that God is Just. He will reward or punish any person according to his deeds and thus the notion of predestination (where all decisions are God's and not any one else's) in one's deeds does not exist. It is absolutely forbidden in Islam to believe that the Almighty, Merciful Allah planned our destiny and that the good and the bad are just His Will and there is no choice for us between them (God forbid!). Those who ascribe to such lies do so because they want to blame their own evils on Allah and claim the good for themselves! Although the attribute of Allah's Justice is not a separate entity of Allah for certainly the Almighty God can never be compartmentalized nor defined in any relative terms, it is nonetheless absolutely compulsory to believe and fully understand the importance of this attribute in Islam so as not to allow the evil suggestions of Iblees (curse of Allah be upon him and his progeny) and his companions from leading us astray.


Nubuwwat - (Prophethood) - Belief in the Prophets (PBUT) of God who excel all other persons for whom they are sent for. All prophets of Allah are perfect and sinless (ma'soom). Prophet Muhammad Mustafa (PBUH&HF) is the last of the prophets sent by God and the sealer of prophets for NO more are to come, EVER! The total number of prophets (PBUT) that were sent by God to mankind is 124,000 and every nation on earth was given guidance through them. In fact, all major religions today on earth can be traced to have these divinely guided teachers as their original propagators of the Truth of Allah. The best of His messengers all came from the same tree i.e. family lineage and many of them are mentioned in the Holy Qur'an which describes who they were and what their mission on earth was. It is important to note that no prophet on earth ever negated or rejected any of the other divinely ordained prophets and thus their message was always the same and one in purpose. Each established the law of the One and Only God and showed the way of life for humans to observe. From the very first creation of mankind, there was always a prophet on earth which was Prophet Adam (PBUH). This guidance from the Merciful Allah to establish His complete laws continued to the last Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HF) who exemplified the letters of the law in his most perfect behavior. He completed and perfected the one and only True religion, Islam. With the revelation of the last Holy Book, the Qur'an, which is the most protected and perfect book of God with us, he established as part of his mission, every concievable and practical law for mankind to follow in order to attain spiritual perfection. Great prophets such as Nuh (Noah), Ibrahim (Abraham), Ismail (Ishmael), Ishaaq (Isaac), Yaqoob (Jacob), Yusuf (Joseph), Dawood (David), Sulaiman (Solomon), Musa (Moses), Yahya (John), and Isa (Jesus), - (Peace be upon them all) - all came from the one blessed lineage of Prophet Adam (PBUH) and ended with the last Messenger, Muhammad (PBUH&HF). It is also important to note that anyone who ascribes imperfections or mistakes to these divinely guided personalities is ascribing it directly to Allah who is certainly free from such. Acceptance of such ideas is also rejection of the message of Allah entirely. Thus with prophethood, a believer has to accept in their complete message without any reservations of possible errors or mistakes.


Imamat - (Guidance) - Belief in the divinely appointed leadership after the death of the Holy Prophet (PBUH&HF) to protect and guide mankind with the revealed Truth, the Holy Qur'an and the true practices of the Holy Prophet himself. The roles of these leaders is an integral part in the protection of all the Messengers and their divine Messages. The Almighty Allah appointed through the Holy Prophet himself, twelve Guides (Imams) to protect mankind from misrepresenting and misinterpreting the Truth. Belief in this is most important in Islam and no doubts about their positions should be allowed. They are indeed sinless (ma'soom) and perfect in the highest sense of the word. The Imams have direct knowledge from God, and their verdict is the verdict of God. After the Holy Prophet, only they can interpret and guide mankind in every aspect of life and death and all believers must acquire guidance from them or else they will certainly be lost. They do NOT bring any new laws nor do they ever innovate their own laws. They always exempliy and elucidate the practical (Sunnah) and the written (the Holy Qur'an). It is also important to note that they NEVER disagree with each other in their manners and duties nor in their representations of the Divine Laws. They are from the best and the most blessed and purified lineage of the last Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUT) and their names are as follows: (1) Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib, the cousin and son-in-law of the Holy Prophet who called him his only brother in this world and in the next, (2) Imam Hasan son of Ali, (3) Imam Husain son of Ali, (4) Imam Ali son of Husain, (5) Imam Muhammad son of Ali, (6) Imam Ja'far son of Muhammad, (7) Imam Musa son of Ja'far, (8) Imam Ali son of Musa, (9) Imam Muhammad son of Ali, (10) Imam Ali son of Muhammad, (11) Imam Hasan son of Ali, and the last and living Imam Muhammad son of Hasan, the establisher of the Truth till the end of this world (PBUT). There is no successor to the Twelfth Holy Imam Muhammad ibnul Hassan (PBUH) and he is LIVING today but is in occultation and appears only to those who are most in need and to those who are most virtuous and pious. By the Command of Allah, he will reappear to all when he will establish true justice on earth and will rule mankind compassionately with utmost perfection as is the Will of the Almighty Allah. He will abolish the evil establishments on earth and mankind will live under true guidance as should have been many centuries ago!


Qiyaamat - (Resurrection) - Belief in the Day of Judgement when all human beings shall be raised from the dead and all their good and bad deeds shall be ultimately judged and recompensed accordingly. This belief is most essential WITH the belief in the One True God. The Day of Judgement will prove to all in this Universe that the Almighty Allah is the Creator of all from nothing and is the Absolute Master. His divine presence shall be most apparent on this important Day for all to witness. It is a judgement Dayfor His creatures to know themselves and their relationship to the Creator Allah. Just as pursuit for justice is inseperable in any society on earth, so is the Ultimate Day of Justice inseparable for mankind.


Source: http://www.shia.org

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Condemnation against Insults toward Grand Ayatullah Sayed Al-Sistani (HA)

AlMujtaba.Com condemns The Qatar-based TV Channel, Al-Jazeera, for insulting our most respected, loved & followed Leader in Iraq,

Grand Ayatullah Sayed Ali Al-Husaini Al-Sistani

We demand a public retraction and apology calling upon to review its irresponsible remarks to ensure sensitivity and respect of emotions of millions of Muslims around the world. Also, we ask everybody to send condemnation letters to the Qatar's ruler Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani.

May Allah bless and protect Grand Ayatullah Sayed Ali Al-Husaini Al-Sistani


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AIM STATEMENT: Insults towards our Imam and the Religious Authority

In His Name the Most High

In recent days we have sadly witnessed two circumstances whereby direct and public abuse has been used against the Religious Authorities of Shi’a Muslims.

The first of such instances was when Iraqi politician Iyad Allawi visited the Holy Shrine of Imam Ali (as) in Najaf and was faced by resistance from locals. Footage from the aftermath has shown that one of his aides shouted abuse towards the master of our time, Imam Al-Mahdi (as). Such comments coming from those who seek leadership of Muslim land must be deplored in the most severe of fashions for it is not tolerable at all.

The second instance was on the Qatar based Al-Jazeera TV station, which screened on Tuesday evening an interview that insulted the Religious Authority of the Shi’a Muslims, Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Sistani. These remarks are appalling to say the least and are in no manner within the parameters of journalism. Al-Jazeera TV is known for its stances in favour of the tyrannical Saddam regime, and after it was toppled, its later stances with the terrorists who seek to destroy society in Iraq

We in the AhlulBayt Islamic Mission find these states of affairs a grave abuse towards millions of faithful. Hence, we demand an apology for such insults that target our Holy Imam and the religious leaders.

Wa Min Allah Al-Tawfiq

AhlulBayt Islamic Mission (AIM)
16th December 2005
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Dua For Day 1 to 9 (A'rafah) Dhul Hijja

In The Name of Allah, The Beneficient, The Merciful

Each day, from the 1st to the Asr of the day of “A’rafah”, recite the following dua’a, reported on the authority of Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (a.s) by the Sayyid (r.a) and the Shyakh (r.a), after the Fajr Salaat and before the Maghrib Salaat:

O Allah these are the days Thou has preferred to and surpassed over other (ordinary) days, and mercifully as a favour gave me the opportunity to avail its advantages, so send down Thy good for us, and increase Thy good for us, and increase Thy bounties bestowed on us in these days. O Allah I ask Thee to send blessings on Muhammad and on the children of Muhammad. And keep us on the rightly guided path, leading us to moderation, contentment, and productive labour, through which we get Thy love and sympathy. O Allah I ask Thee. O he who makes good and settle complaints, O He who listens to that which hearts and minds ask for secretly, O He sees clearly through points of view and opinions, expressed openly. O He who knows and ins and outs of that which is kept undisclosed, to send blessings on Muhammad and on the children of Muhammad, and, during these days, disperse the calamities hovering over our heads, accede to our request, strenthen us, help us and encourage us, by which we get Thy love and sympathy, and carry out that which has been made obligatory in Thy obedience and in the obedience of Thy Messenger and Thy authorized reppresentatives. O Allah I ask Thee, O the Most Merciful of all the merciful, to send blessings on Muhammad and on the children of Muhammad, and grant us Thy approval, because verily, Thou hears supplications, in these days, do not deprive us of the good that Thou sends down in this period from the heaven, cleanse us of the (dirt of) sins, O Knower of the unseen, and make certain for us a place in the land of everlasting happiness (Paradise). O Allah sends blessings on Muhammad and on the children of Muhammad, and do not leave us alone burdened with sin, setting aside forgiveness, do not fill yus with care and sorrow, passing over relief, do not let us borrow unless made able to pay back, do not remove us (from any place) or send (in any direction) without keeping clear the way back home, and do not render anything necessary, whether it is a worldly need or a desire for the everlasting happiness, except that fulfillment is made easy and expeditious. Verily Thou art able to do all things. O Allah, O knower of the secrets, O He who takes pity on those who shed tears, O He who gives answer to those who call on Him. O lord of the earths and the heavens. O He whom (countless) voices of the (supplicants) do not confuse (He pays attention to each and every call separately), send blessings on Muhammad and on the children of Muhammad, and declare us as those who have been set free and kept foar away from the Fire, and have been rescued to reach Thy Paradise, through Thy Mercy, O the Most Merciful of all the merciful, send blessings on our Master Muhammad, and on (all) his children.
Recite the following 5 dua’as every day on the first 10 days, Angel Jibraeel brought to Prophet Isa (a.s.) from the Almighty Allah:
(i) I testify that there is no god save Allah only. He has no partner. Unto He belongs the sovereignty. Unto He belongs the praise. In His hand is the good. And it is he who is able to do all things.
(ii) I testify that there is not god save Allah only. He has no partner; Single and Ever-Independent, (He) has taken neither wife nor son.
(iii) I testify that there is no god save Allah only. He has no partner, One, Ever-Independent, He begets not, nor was He begotten, and there is none comparable (co-equal) unto Him.
(iv) I testify that there is no god save Allah only, he has no partner. Unto he belongs the sovereignty. Unto he belongs the praise. He gives life and he puts to death. And it is He who is Ever-Alive, never non-existent. In His hand is the good. And it is He who is able to do all things.
(v) Allah is my all. He is enough (for me). Allah hears the prayer of the supplicant. Beyond Allah there is no destination. I testify Allah unto Whom I turn to make requests, disconnecting all links with those who go astray for Him. Unto Allah belongs the beginning and the end.
Recite the following dua’a taught by Imam Ali (a.s.) on the first 10 days of this month:
There is no god save Allah, in the midst of the multitude of nights and days; there is no god save Allah, in the midst of the repeating concourse of the waves moving across the surface of the oceans; there is no god save Allah, His loving kindness (mercy) out balances their addition put together; there is no god save Allah, in the midst of the plentitude of plants and leaves; There is no god save Allah, in the midst of countless pores and mass of hairs; there is no god save Allah, in the midst of numerous stones and particles in heaps; there is no god save Allah, in the midst of quite a many flashes of the eyes; there is no god save Allah, in the hours of every night when darkness begins to deepen and at every daybreak when light shines bright; there is no god save Allah, in the midst of thousands of winds blowing over the plains and mountains; there is no god save Allah, from today to the day of “blow the horn” (the final call).

Brief Practical Tips for persons going for Hajj

This is not intended to be a comprehensive document giving all the fiqh rules.
Please check all fiqh issues & consult other books / Alims
Link:
Hajj Rituals book by Grand Ayatullah Sayed Ali Al-Husaini Al-Seestani (HA)
http://www.najaf.org/english/book/3/index.html

Few pages about Hajj from the book Islamic Laws by Grand Ayatullah Sayed Ali Al-Husaini Al-Seestani (HA)
http://www.najaf.org/english/book/1/inside/196.htm


1. Things to carry


Identifiable polythene bags for slippers
Extra pair of rubber slippers
Small Sajdagah , preferably with Kerbala soil and a tasbih
Small carryon bag for two (2) nights Arafat & Mina
Two (2) sets of Ehram – Men
Belt for Men Ehram (stitched belts are permitted- avoid leather belts)
Small water bottle (1/2 liter)
Gloves
Hands free bag (with zipper) for Women - preferable something you can hang around your neck
Copies of Medina Ziarats & Arafat duas
Small torch / flashlight
Scissors
Nail cutter / clippers
Alarm clock (preferably small battery operated)
Small cloth sling bag for collecting 100 small stones
Sleeping Bag / Mat
3 to 2 pin adapter for Mobile phone charger converter


2. Miscellaneous Suggestions


Always carry the address and phone number of the hotel / Kafila. You should also carry EMERGENCY contact name(s) & telephone number(s) and other identification information.


Plenty of Zam-Zam water is available in tumblers/containers at the Haram (Containers/Tumblers tops marked GREEN are not cold)


3. General Fiqh Related Suggestions


Salaat can be recited with the Jamaat (except Magrib prayer at the Haram which starts before the scheduled time)


Do not follow the rules of Jamat prayers even though you may be a part of one. That is,
Recite niyat of prayer in the same manner as praying alone.
Recite SURAH’s in low tone (whisper). Do not keep silent as in Jamat prayers.


Full prayers only at the two (2) Harams at Medina / Mecca or in the old cities of Mecca/Medina


If you plan to stay in cities other than Medina or Mecca for less than ten (10) days, recite Qasr prayers


Niyat is intention in the mind & one need not actually recite the words. However, it’s Mustahab to do so to be aware of our intentions


4. Prophets Mosque- Medina


There are three (3) graves one BEHIND the other if you stand facing graves with your BACK towards the QIBLA. The Prophet’s (S.A.W.) is buried in the third grave. A cement wall encloses his grave.


It is not certain if Bibi Fatima Zehra (sa) is buried in the Mosque chamber or at Janatul-Baqi.


Haram closes at 10:30 PM. It is less crowded around 9:30 PM for Men.


In order to get prayer space in ‘Jannat’, men can go up to temporary clothe barrier separating the women’s section one (1) hour before Zohar & take the place as soon as barrier opened.


Women have special timings, starting one (1) hour after Fajr salat for three (3) hours. Again, starting one (1) hour after Zohar Salaat for about two (2) hours.


Slippers can be carried into mosque in bag & placed in numbered boxes inside the mosque or you can keep them beside you.


When visiting the mosque, do not forget the polythene bag, sajdagah and tasbih.
In case you forget, pray were floor is not carpeted.


5. Janat-Ul-Baqi cemetery - Opposite Prophets mosque in Medina
The cemetery is open for men only two (2) hours after Fajr & Zohar Salaat


Women can go upstairs up to the boundary wall / grill only after the gates to Baqi are closed for men. These are between the hours of 9:00AM through 11:00AM & again at 1:30PM.


Four (4) graves closest to entrance are those of:
Imam Hassan’s (as)
Imam Sajjad’s (as)
Imam Mohammed Baqir’s (as)
Imam Jaffer-e-Sadiq’s (as)


Prophet’s (SAW) uncle Abbas (as) & Fatima Bint-e-Asad (as) are buried in the same area


Ummul Banin (as) (Hazrat Abbas’s mother) is buried on the left side near the boundary wall


Prophet’s (SAW) son Ibrahim, daughters & wives are also buried here


Martyrs’ of Uhud & Martyrs’ of event of Hurra…
6. Travel Medina – Mecca


It takes approximately six (6) hours to reach Mecca by the bus


It is recommended that every person should take bath/shower (ghusl) & wears the Ehram at their hotel in Medina before boarding the bus to Mecca. However, niyat of Ehram can only be done at the Miqat.


Miqat is located 10 km from Medina.


Travel is usually at night to avoid Kaffarra. Some Marjas permit traveling in a closed bus at night.


The NIYAT must be made at Masjid Shajarah located in Miqat. Pilgrims must also recite TALBIYAH to become Muhrim. At this point certain things (approximately 25 things) become haram.


Kaffarra for traveling at night, if applicable, can be paid in the pilgrim’s country of origin upon their return from HAJ.
7. MECCA


Haram has many doors/gates/entrances


All doors/gates/entrances are
Numbered
Named
Some are color coded


It is important to know & remember the direction of your hotel’s location


It is possible to do wuzoo using little Zam Zam water available in the tanks at the Haram


Women may be required to wear chador to perform wuzoo


It is Mustahab to enter from Bab-us-Salaam located behind the Main Abdul Aziz gate in the middle of the Sae’e hall


Jannatul Maala is an important cemetery.


Located at 15-minute walking distance from the Marwa side gate.
The graves of Abutalib (as), Bibi Khadija (as), Abdulmutalib(as), Abd Manaf, Bibi Amina (as)(Mother of the Prophet (SAW)) are located in this cemetery.


Masjid-e-Jinn - This is a small mosque located at approximately 10 minute walking distance from the Abdul Aziz gate located on the left side


Some Marja’s permit making the intention of Haj or Niyat of Ehram at this mosque
Part of the kingdom of Nabi Suleiman (as) is also located in this area.


8. Ehram
DONTS
Please avoid things that are generally prohibited during HAJJ, and in particular, the following at all times:


Ä Do not cover your head even while sleeping (men)
Ä Do not wear cap on your head (men)
Ä Do not wear slippers which covers the foot from the top (men)
Ä Do not wear any sewn clothes (men)
Ä Do not kill any insects/mosquitoes
Ä Do not look in the mirror
Ä Do not use perfumes / perfumed soap, tissue / flavored toothpaste
Ä Do not bite nails or fiddle with your hair


All male pilgrims must travel (especially during day) on the roof of the bus
The Ehram can be changed only if it becomes najis (not dirty)
9. Tawaf [idea of keeping Allah (swt) as the center]


The starting point of tawaf is from the black line / green light indicator located near Hajar-a-Aswad
There is no compulsory recitation while performing Tawaf.
It is important to remember number of rounds, that is, seven (7) to be performed.
It is wajib that the left shoulder ALWAYS points towards the Kaaba at all times (even at turns).
In case of large crowd, it is not necessary to do tawaf inside the Maqam-e-Ibrahim. However, the tawaf should not go beyond the last line of people.
Do not touch the wall of the Kaaba or Hijr-Ismail while performing tawaf.
Women may wear gloves so their hands do not touch namehram.


10. Sae’e [idea of struggle in the way of Allah (swt)]
This is walking from mount Safa to Marwa and back to Safa seven (7) rounds with chest facing the front (not sideways). Pilgrims can stop in between & wuzoo is not wajib during this proces. Any supplications can be recited while walking. Pilgrims need not touch the mountain stone etc., going up to a little climb with sufficient room to turn the wheel chairs.


11. Taqseer
Cutting of a little hair, clipping of nails is the act done by oneself with niyat in order to get out of ehram after Sae'e for Umra & after Qurbani *at* Mina for Hajj.


12. Arafat [Maharefa of Allah (swt)]


Normally the Kafila will leave the hotel for Arafat on the night of 8th Zilhaj. It is highly recommended that pilgrims rest as possible prior to leaving for Arafat. The Ehram has to be worn before getting on the bus & Niyat / Talbiya must be completed near the haram being “old Mecca.” (Possibly near Masjid Jinn).


Carry only small bag with maximum of 300 Saudi Riyals


One (1) extra Ehram / slippers and sleeping mat/bag


Perform amal of night of Aarafat if possible (Pilgrims must recite Dua-e-Arafat taught by Imam Hussein (as) during the day)


It is wajib to be in Arafat from Zohar to Magrib


The toilets in Arafat could be facing the Qibla & care is to be taken when they are used


Preferably go to the toilet one (1) hour prior to departure at sunset


Due to heavy traffic after magrib getting to the bus may be difficult


Perform Magrib / Isha prayers at Arafat if you leave after 8 pm, however, it is preferable to pray in Muzdalifah


13. Muzdalifah [also known as Mashr-shuhr of Allah-consciousness]
· This is an important night & morning for prayer


It is wajib for men to be in this plain between Fajr & sunrise. One should have this niyat at that time & recite Namaz-e-shab


Quran describes this stop (wuqoof) & directs us to do Zikr, the best form of this is Tasbih-e-Zehra


Typically, due to heavy traffic, the pilgrims reaches this plain at midnight


It is better to stop as near as Mina as possible / practical


Collect approx 75 stones/pebbles (size of thumb nail) here & wash them if possible. Don’t go too far from Kafila as you can get lost


Ladies (even without any compulsion) can proceed to Mina with a brief stop in the night itself. The brief stop can be used to collect pebbles & recite Tasbih.


Men leave for Mina immediately AFTER sunrise. Leave all belongings in the bus, except the bag of pebbles


One can also walk to Mina from Muzdalifah (It takes approximately 90 minutes on foot)


14. Rami (Stoning) Jamarat (cleaning of Nafs)


It is much easier for women need to complete the first Rami in the night of 10th. Preferably soon after they reach the Mina tents after a brief stopover at Muzdalifah


Men can perform this ritual on 10th Zilhaj – Idd day. Most Muslims are required to do the Rami ONLY on the Big Satan pillar BEFORE Zohar so there is considerable difficulty in this. It is preferable to wait in the tent up to zohar as our Fiqh permits this & then go.


Due to the crowds of pilgrims, it is advisable to tie the Ehram securely, leave valuables / slippers with a designated person in a pre-determined location.


Pilgrims have to be 100% certain that all the 7 stones have hit the pillar. In order to accomplish this, it is necessary to get as close to the pillar before throwing the pebbles. As a precaution (ehtiyat) throw a few extra pebbles.


Majority of pilgrims perform the stoning ritual on the 11th Zilhaj & 12th Zilhaj AFTER Zohar. As you can imagine it gets very crowded and unsafe. Fortunately, our Fiqh permits performing this ritual during the day (not night) before Zohar. A good time to perform this ritual is around 9:00AM for both women & men on both these dates.


It is important to stone ALL the 3 pillars / Jamarat in the right sequence starting with small, medium, and big. For your convenience, there are signs identifying the different pillars / Jamarat.


The Jamarat are under a bridge & need to be stoned from below & NOT from top of the bridge


They can be stoned from any direction – look for less crowded areas (except big satan back side for Ayatollah Seestani’s Muqallids’)


Prior to leaving Mina, please leave the extra stones / pebbles behind


15. Qurbani [giving away worldly possession in the way of Allah (swt)]


This ritual cannot be performed by the pilgrims and must be performed after performing “RAMI”. You must have confidence on Kafila who is responsible. Pilgrims need to make sure that all the necessities such as payments are arranged in advance with the designated person who is physically present at the slaughterhouse.


Since the slaughter house is outside Mina, pilgrims need to make sure that the provide the necessary personal information, that is their name, etc., if this ritual is performed on their behalf or name of person on whose behalf this ritual is performed. There is no need to physically segregate quarbani meat in parts as per various current fatwas


After the pilgrim is informed of the completion of this ritual, they can proceed with HALAQ (shaving of head) or Taqseer can be done.


HOWEVER use of perfume (soap, toothpaste, tissue) is strictly prohibited until after Tawaf of Hajj


16. Halaq
There is great sawab in doing this though not wajib at times. This is performed in Mina after Qurbani (during the day?).


Ayatollah Khoie recommends that taqseer & Halaq can be done simultaneously to get full sawab (This is to avoid the penalty due to blood oozing due to cuts while shaving).


Ayatollah Seestani recommends completing Halaq at Mina to get sawab w/o taqseer.


17. Mina [Muna – Love of Allah] wuqoof / stay


It is wajib to stay half the night in Mina [calculation of half night is important]
According to Ayatollah Khoie it is half the time between sunset and sunrise
According to Ayatollah Seestani it is half the time between sunset and Fajr


If a pilgrim does not spend the night at Mina, they have the to spend the night in “ibadat” (including wajibat of tawaf, Sae’e, etc.) Pilgrims cannot sleep at night.


If possible, visit Masjid Khif. This is an important mosque to visit / pray.


On 10th Zilhaj, pilgrims can go to their hotel in Mecca BUT start well in time to reach Mina before sunset to compensate for heavy traffic


It is convenient to go for wajibat of Tawaf & Sae'e etc., on the 11th Zilhaj after 12.30AM after completing woqoof for ½ night. Tawaf, Salat, Sae’e, Tawaf-un-Nisa & Salat all can be complete by Fajr. Upon completion of the necessary rituals, pilgrims can go to the hotel. (It is recommended to do Tawaf / Sae’e at late night since it is very crowded during the day)


On 12th Zilhaj after Rami / stoning of the 3 Jamarat pilgrims CANNOT leave Mina until after Zohar Azan. It is recommended to move to the outskirts of Mina prior to Zohar. This makes exiting from Mina much easier


In case pilgrim(s) cannot leave Mina before sunset then they have to stay overnight in Mina, complete Rami of 3 Jamarat again & then leave the next day.


All roads are extremely congested after Asr on 12th Zilhaj & it is advisable not to travel by taxi / car at all on this day. It is strongly recommended to wait until 13th Zilhaj for traveling.


18. Getting back


Passport collection from Moalliim is a complicated issue but handled by group head


Pilgrim(s) are urged to reach the Haj terminal at the airport four (4) hours prior to departure of their flights. Luggage is collected at a different place on the left side of the terminal which can have long queues / lines.


Zam Zam will need to be repacked in polythene at airport


Pilgrim(s) can get some refund of the draft amount paid for transportation from United agencies counter. This is in case you still have left over coupons with you.


19. Spirituality
Please DO NOT let the crowd and associated behavior bother you during pilgrimage


Recite whatever duas you like while doing Tawaf & Sae’e


While drinking Zam Zam think of always seeking Rizq Halal


While taking ghusl think of your own ghusl Mayyit


While taking off normal clothes think of discarding disobedience & accepting complete obedience and discarding material attachment (e.g. family, business etc)


While wearing ehram remember death & the kafan


While walking between Safa & Marwa remember that you are between FEAR & HOPE


While doing Tawaf remember our Imam & see that all momins are safe from your deeds
While stoning Jamarat try to think of the rejecting adverse qualities in you


While at Arafat think of the day of judgment & that your book of deed


Let the Hajj be for HIS sake only & pray for Ikhlas - its acceptance


Thought provoking conversation between our fourth Holy Imam Zainul-Abidin (AS) and Shibli.
(A must for those planning to go for Hajj).


When the 4th Imam (AS) returned from Hajj, Shibli came to meet him.
They engaged in the following conversation:


Imam: Did you go for Hajj O shibli?
Shibli: Yes O son of the Messenger of Allah
Imam: Did you stop at the miqaat and put away the sewn clothes and perform the sacred bath?
Shibli: Yes
Imam: When you stopped at miqaat did you make the intention that you are taking off the clothes of disobedience and putting on the clothes of obedience?
Shibli: No
Imam: And when you had taken off your sewn clothes did you make the intention that you had taken off hypocrisy and entering dubious acts?
Shibli: No
Imam: And when you took the bath did you have the intention that you are washing yourself from all sins and errors?
Shibli: No
Imam You did not stop at Miqaat, nor did you take off sewn clothes nor didyou perform the sacred bath
Imam: Did you cleanse yourself and put on Ihram and fulfil your covenant of Hajj?
Shibli: Yes
Imam: When you did this did you have the intention that you are cleaning yourself with the nurah of the sincere repentance to Almighty Allah the most high?
Shibli:No
Imam When you put on the ihram did you have the intention that you are forbidding yourself everything that Almighty Allah has forbidden?
Shibli: No.
Imam: When you fulfilled the covenant of Hajj did you have the intention that you have nullified all other covenants with other than Allah?
Shibli: No
Imam: You did not cleanse yourself nor did you put on the ihram nor did you fulfil the covenant of hajj
Imam: Did you enter the miqaat and pray the two rakats of the ihram and did you chant Talbiyah
Shibli: Yes
Imam: When you entered the miqaat, did you make the intention of entering as a visitor?
Shibli: No
Imam: When you prayed the two rakaats did you make the intention that you are trying to get closer to Allah SWT with the best of acts from the prayers and the biggest of good deeds from the acts of worship?
Shibli: No
Imam: When you chanted the Talbiyah did you have the intention that you were talking to almighty Allah with all obedience and keeping quiet from all disobedience?
Shibli: No
Imam: You did not enter miqaat nor did you pray nor did you chant the Talbiyah
Imam: Did you enter the Haram and did you see the Kaaba and did you pray there?
Shibli: Yes
Imam: When you entered the Haram did you have the intention that you were prohibiting on yourself all backbiting of all the Muslims from the Nations of Islam?
Shibli: No
Imam: And when you reached Makka did you make the intention with your heart that you had come to Almighty Allah SWT?
Shibli: No
Imam: You have neither entered Haram nor seen the Kaaba nor prayed.
Shibli: No
Imam: Did you go round the house and did you touch the Rukn and did you make Saee?
Shibli: yes
Imam: And when you did the Saee did you have the intention that you were running towards Almighty
Allah and did Allah the knower of all secrets know this?
Shibli: No
Imam: You did not go round the house nor did you touch rukn nor did you make Saee.
Imam: Did you taouch the Hajar e Aswad and did you stand at the Maqame Ibrahim and did you pray two rakats on it?
Shibli:Yes


Here the Imam gave a scream as if he was about to leave this world saying Ah! Ah! Whoever touches the black stone it is as if he has shaken hands with Almighty Allah SWT. So Look O poor chap that you do not destroy the reward of something whose sacredness has been made very great and you do not spoil
your Handshake by disobedience and by grasping evil like the sinners.


Then Imam asked: Did you have the intention when you were standing on Maqame Ibrahim that you were are standing on every obedience and that you have put behind you all disobedience?
Shibli: No
Imam: When you prayed two rakaats there didyou make the intention that you are praying the prayers of Ibrahim and that you are humiliating Shaitan with your prayers?
Shibli: No
Imam: You did not stand on Maqame Ibrahim nor did you pray two rakats on it.
Imam: Did you look over the well of Zamzam and did you drink from its water?
Shibli: Yes.
Imam: Did you have the intention when you were looking over the well that you looking at obedience to Almighty Allah and closing your eyes from all disobedience?
Shibli: No.
Imam: You did not look over it nor did you drink from it's water.
Imam: Did you run between Safa and Marwa and did you walk between it repeatedly?
Shibli:Yes.
Imam: Did you have the intention that you were between hope and fear?
Shibli: No
Imam: You did not run between Safa and Marwa. Imam:Did you go out to Mina?
Shibli: Yes.
Imam: Did you have the intention that every muslim was safe from your tongue, your heart and your and?
Shibli: No. You did not go out to Mina.
Imam: Did you stay a short time at arafa and did you climb Jabal AlRahma and did you recognize
the wadi of Namira and did to supplicate to Almighty Allah near Al-Mil and Al-Jamaraat?
Shibli: Yes
Imam: Did you conceive by your stay in Arafa the gnosis (Irfan) of Almighty Allah SWT and the knowledge of good things and acts; and did you conceive that your book of deeds was in the hands of Allah and that Allah had full knowledge of your secrets and what is in your heart?
Shibli: No.
Imam: And when you climbed the Jabal AL rahma did you have the intention that Almighty Allah may have mercy on all believing men and all believing women and that He will help all Muslim men and women?
Shibli: No.
Imam: Did you have the intention at wadi Namira that you would not enjoin good until you practice it yourself and you would not forbid evil until you leave it yourself?
Shibli: No
Imam: and when ou stopped at alam and Al-amirat did you have the intention that they were witnessing all your acts of worship and that they were guarding you together with guardian angels by the order of Almighty Allah?
Shibli No
Imam: then you did not stay at Arafat nor did you go up the Mountain of Mercy nor did you recognize the wadi of Namirah nor did you supplicate to Almighty Allah Imam: Did you pass between the two columns pray two rakah before crossing, go to Muzdalifah pick up pebbles and cross the Mash'arul Haram?
Shibli: Yes
Imam: When you prayed the two Rakats, did you have the intention that you were praying the
prayer of thanksgiving within the ten nights which removes every hardship and facilitates every ease?
Shibli: No.
Imam: At the time of passing between the two columns without deviating to the right or the left did you have the intention that you would never deviate from the true religion to the right or the left neither with your heart, tongue nor with your limbs?
Shibli: No.
Imam: When you walked through Muzdalifah and picked up the pebbles did you have the intention
that you have plucked all acts of disobedience and ignorance and that you had affirmed knowledge and action?
Shibli: No.
Imam: Then when you walked in the Mash'aril Haram did you have the intention that you had embossed your heart with the identification of those who have taqwaand fear of Almighty Allah the Most High?
Shibli:No.
Imam: Then you did not pass between the two columns nor did you pray the two rakah,nor walked into Muzdalifah, nor picked up the pebbles nor walked in the Mash'arul Haram.
Imam: Did you arrive at Mina, throw stones at the Jamarah and did you shave your head and slaughter the sacrifice and did you pray in Masjid al-Kheef and did you. return to Makka and perform the Tawaf of Ifadha (return) to Makka?
Shibli: Yes
Imam: When you reached Mina and pelted the jamaraat did you have the intention that you have attained your goal and your Lord has fulfilled all your needs?
Shibli: No.
Imam: And when you pelted the Jamaraat did you have the intention that you had pelted your enemy Iblees and by completing this precious Hajj you had disobeyed him?
Shibli: No.
Imam: And when you shaved your head did you have the intention that you had cleansed yourself from all filth and from all the injustice of the children of Adam and that you had purified yourself from sin just like a new born baby.
Shibli: No.
Imam: And when you slaughtered your hadiya did you have the intention that you are cutting the artery of greed by holding fast to the reality of piety and that you are following the tradition of Ibrahim A.S. when he was prepared to slighter his son, the fruit of his heart, through which he established the sunna of gaining nearness to Almighty Allah for those who came after him?
Shibli: No.
Imam: And when you returned to Makka and did the tawaaf of Ifadha did you have the intention that you had come back with the Mercy of Almighty Allah to His obedience and that you had clasped His love that you had performed your duty to Him and had gained nearness to him?
Shibli: No.
Imam: Then you did not reach Mina nor did you pelt the jamaraat nor did you shave your head nor did you slaughter the hadiya nor did you pray in the Masjid Al-Kheef nor did you return to Makka and perform the tawaaf of Ifadha. Go back because you have not performed Hajj!!


Having heard all this Shibli started to cry because of what he had missed in his Hajj and he continued to learn the secrets of Hajj until he could perform the Hajj through knowledge and understanding.

A True Shi'ite (Follower of Ahlulbayt (AS)) Characteristics

282- Imam Sadiq (a.s) said: "Once a group of people started walking behind Ameer al-Momineen (a.s). He asked them who they were. They said that they were his followers. He asked them why they did not have the signs of his followers. They asked him what the signs of the Shiites are. He said: "Paleness due to shortage of sleep, being slim due to fasting, dried lips due to extensive praying and humbleness."
283- Imam Sadiq (a.s) said: "Ali's follower is one who is careful about what he eats and guards his honor, is hard-working, works for his Creator and expects his rewards from Him, and fears His chastisement. When you see such people, they are my followers also."
284- The Blessed Musa ibn Ja'far (a.s) said: "Three acts perfect good deeds: rushing in performing them, hiding them, and not making a big deal out of them. Good deeds are pleasant if done fast. They are important if one does not make a big deal out of them. They are perfect if they are done in secret."
285- Imam Sadiq (a.s) said: "There are some servants of God on the Earth who struggle to fulfill the needs of other people. They will be saved on the Resurrection Day."
286- Imam Sadiq (a.s) said: "How good it is for an eloquent person to be silent! There are instances of slip of the tongue in talking that might cause one's failure."
287- Imam Sadiq (a.s) said: "There are some servants of God who are eloquent, wise and knowledgeable but their hearts are filled with the fear of God and have stopped talking. They compete with each other in doing good deeds to approach God. They do not overestimate their deeds, and do not get pleased with the small amount of good deeds that they perform. Although they are intelligent and good people, they consider themselves to be wicked people."
288- Imam Sadiq (a.s) said: "God will humiliate anyone who humiliates a believer due to his being poor. He will remain in such a state until he repents." He also said: "On the Resurrection Day believers will be proud."
289- It has been narrated that the Prophet of God (a.s) entered the House of God accompanied by Fazl ibn Abbas and Usamat ibn Zayd the year he conquered Mecca. When he left that House, he held the door knob in his hands and said: "Praise be to God who fulfilled His promise and acknowledged His servant, and conquered all the parties alone. God removed all the Arab's hatred and arrogance due to their lineage. You are all the children of Adam, and Adam was made of clay. The noblest one among you is the most pious one."
290- Imam Baqir (a.s) asked Jabir: "Does it suffice for one who claims to be our follower to just express his friendship with the members of the Holy Household? I swear by God that no one is our true follower unless he fears God and obeys Him. Our followers are known for their humbleness and frequent remembrance of God; fasting; praying; helping the orphans, the needy, the ones in debt and needy neighbors; reading the Quran; and talking properly with the people. They have always been trustworthy in their tribes." Jabir asked: "O' Grandson of the Prophet! I do not know anybody with these traits." Imam Baqir (a.s) said: "O' Jabir! Do not let the various sects affect you. Do you think that it suffices for one to say that he likes Imam Ali (a.s) and he is his follower, but does not do anything to support his claim? Or he says that he likes the Prophet, who is even better than Imam Ali (a.s), but does not take his example and follow his deeds and act according to the Prophet's tradition. Just having love for the Prophet (a.s) is of no use for him. Therefore fear God, and act in such a way as to attain what is near God, since there is no relation of kin between God and anyone. The one most loved by God is the one who is the most pious, and the noblest one is the one who fears God and obeys Him. I swear by God that it is not possible to get close to God unless by His obedience, and we do not hold the key to relief from the Fire of Hell, and no one has any authority over God. Whoever is obedient to God is our friend, and whoever disobeys God is our enemy. No one can attain our friendship unless by having nobility and piety."
291- Amr ibn Sa'eed ibn Bilal said that he and some other people went to see Imam Baqir (a.s). The Imam (a.s) said: "Lean on the mid-sized cushion1 so that those who have gone too far return and those who have been too slow reach you. By God, O' followers of the family of Muhammad! Beware that there are no relations of kin between God and us and we have no authority over God. One cannot get close to God except by obeying Him. Our friendship is useful for those who obey God, and is useless for those who are disobedient to Him. Amr said that the Imam (a.s) then turned around, faced them and said: "Do not be fooled, and do not accuse2." Amr asked: "What is meant by the mid-sized cushion?" The Imam (a.s) said: "Have you not noticed that when a group of people enter a house in which there are a variety of cushions, they choose the mid-sized ones to lean on and rest?"
292- Imam Sadiq (a.s) said: "I advise you to be careful about what you say and guard your honor."
293- Imam Sadiq (a.s) said: "Those who possess knowledge are the ones who are trustworthy. The pious people are the ones who strictly guard the religion, and the ones who act according to religious decrees are the masters of religion."
294- Imam Sadiq (a.s) quoted on the authority of God's Prophet (a.s): "Whoever recognizes God and His Grandeur will shut his mouth up. He will neither talk nor eat. He will fast and stay up at night to pray." They asked him: "O' Prophet of God! May our parents be your devoted servants! Are they God's saints?" He said: "God's saints are quiet, and their silence is in remembrance of God. They look, and their looking is to learn a lesson. They talk, and their sayings are words of wisdom. They walk around, and their walking is a blessing for the people. If their life was not predestined for them, their souls would leave their bodies from the fear of divine chastisement and the eagerness for receiving divine rewards."
295- Imam Zayn al-Abedin (a.s) said: "Ameer al-Momineen (a.s) said his morning prayer, sat in his place of prayer and waited until the sun started to rise. Then he faced the people and said: "I swear by God that I saw some people who stood up in prayer and prostrated in God's worship all night long, and pressed their knees and foreheads against the floor as if they heard the blazing Fire of Hell, and would shake like trees whenever they were reminded of God, as if they had been in ignorance." Imam Zayn al-Abedin (a.s) continued: "Then Ameer al-Momineen (a.s) stood up and was never seen to laugh again until he died."
296- Imam Baqir (a.s) said: "The true followers of Imam Ali (a.s) are those who donate from their wealth to each other due to our friendship; become friends with each other due to our friendship; do not act oppressively if they get angry; do not waste things when they are pleased. They are blessings for their neighbors; and are a source of comfort and convenience for their associates."