Proof of Divinity

A professor from a prominent business school had invited me to take a guest lecture in his school and to share my experiences of setting up business with the students.

While I was discussing the pedagogy of my proposed lecture with him, the chief faculty of the B-school came in for some work. As a protocol, this gentleman introduced us.

The chief faculty was interested in my business and asked for my business card. When he saw my card he could recognize it as he had visited my retail store many a times and had high regards for it. It made me happy that he held my business in high esteem.

He said that his institute was really lucky to have a capable person like me to take up a session and he added that he was sure it would be quite enriching for his students.

I was surprised at this gentleman’s appreciation for me and wondered how he could judge my capabilities although he had hardly known me. I realized that he gauged my capabilities on the basis of enterprise which I created.

 The important result here is that either in your presence or absence you are recognized by the work you have done. And that is why Holy Quran has mentioned this on various occasions that all creations of Almighty Allah are Signs of His existence. He is Omnipresent, and can be seen through His creations.

Let us try to understand this through the following ayahs of Surah-e-Sha’ura:

(In the following ayah the community of Saleh (A.S) insists on seeing a miracle to believe him)
•“Tum bhi to aakhir hamare hi aise aadmi ho puss agar tum sachhe ho to koi mo’ajiza hamare paas la dikhao” – (Surah-e-Sha’ura, ayah 154)

“(You are naught but a mortal like ourselves; so bring a sign if you are one of the truthful.)”

•“Saleh (A.S) ne kaha yehi oontani mo’ajiza hai ek baari uske paani peene ki hai aur ek muqarar din tumhare paani peene ka hai.” – (Surah-e-Sha’ura, ayah 155)

“(He said: This is a she-camel; she shall have her portion of water, and you have your portion of water on an appointed time.)”

•“Us per bhi un logon ne us ke paaon kaat daale aur us ko maardala phir khud pashemaan hue phir unhain azaab ne le daala – Beshak us main yaqeenan ek badi ibrat hai aur un main ke bahotere imaan laane waale bhi na the.” – (Surah-e-Sha’ura, ayah 157-158)

“(But they ham-strung her: then did they become full of regrets. But the Penalty seized them. Verily in this is a Sign: but most of them do not believe.)”

Here Saleh (A.S) on the insistence of his community displayed a miracle of a she-camel but his people rejected and killed it and hence were doomed and destroyed.

Before coming to any result let us see couple of more ayahs which will give us more proper and logical understanding.

Let me mention here two ayahs of Surah-e-Ankaboot:

•“Gharaz Ibrahim (A.S) ki qaum ke paas un baton ka uske siwa aur koi jawab na tha ke baaham kahne lage usko maar daalo ya jala kar khaak kar daalo aakhir wo kar guzre, to Khuda ne unko aag se bachaliya usmain shak nahin ke duniya daar logon ke waste iss waaqae main Qudrat-e-Khuda ki bahot si nishaniyan hai.” – (Surah-e-Ankaboot, ayah 24)

“(So naught was the answer of his people except that they said: Slay him or burn him; then Allah delivered him from the fire; most surely there are signs in this for a people who believe.)”

The above ayah refers to the incidence of fire during the time of Ibrahim (A.S).

•“Aur Hum hi ne Qaroon wa Firon wa Haaman ko bhi halaak kar dala haanlaake un logon ke paas Musa (A.S) waaze wa roshan mo’ajize le kar aaye phir bhi yeh log rooe zameen main sarkashi karte the aur Hum se nikalkar kahin aage na badh sake to Hum ne sab ko unke gunaah ki sazaa main le daala.” – (Surah-e-Ankaboot, ayah 39)

“((Remember also) Qarun, Pharaoh, and Haman: there came to them Moses with Clear Signs, but they behaved with insolence on the earth; yet they could not overreach Us. So each We punished for his sins)”

The above ayah refers to two prominent signs given to Musa (A.S) by Allah, one was ‘Yade Beza’ and the other was ‘Asa’, and as per the order given by Allah, he had displayed these signs in front of Pharaoh and his people to convey Allah’s message. And when they rejected these signs they were doomed.

 Now, when we see all the above ayahs, we find that every prophet came with clear Signs of Allah’s divinity. And when his community misbehaved with these signs it was doomed and destroyed. The other thing worth understanding here is that whichever creations we behold in our surroundings are Signs of Allah’s Existence and whatever the prophets had were Signs of Allah’s Divinity.

So while all the prophets had the clear signs of Allah’s divinity with them, Rasool (SAW), the last prophet, must also be having these signs, so let us try to find out.

In the following ayah from Surah-e-Nisa, Allah (SWT) has said:

•“Ae logo usmain to shak hi nahin ke tumhare paas Parvardigaar ki taraf se deen-e-Haq ki dalil aa chuki aur Hum tumhare paas ek chamakta hua Noor naazil kar chuke hai..” – (Surah-e-Nisa, ayah 174)

“(O mankind! Indeed hath come to you (an undeniable) Proof from your Lord, and We have sent down unto you a Manifest Light.)”

Here, as per the interpretation of the above ayahs, it is mentioned by many commentators that ‘Burrhaan’ (Proof from your Lord) refers to Rasool (SAW), on whom Holy Quran was revealed. While ‘Noorum Moobeena’ (Manifest Light) refers to guidance through Mawla Ali and rest of Imams from his lineage.

So, the fact is that Rasool (SAW) and Mawla Ali (A.S) and rest of Imams are the Proof of Allah’s Divinity. Now let us further understand this with more logical reasoning.

Let me first cover two important incidences pertaining to Kaaba and then we will try to connect the events and reach a conclusion.

let us see the following ayah from Surah-e-Baqra:

•“Baaz ahmaq log ye keh baithenge ki Muslamaan jis Qible Baitul Mukkadas ki taraf pehle se sajda karte the usse dusre qible ki taraf mudjaane ka kya baais hua. Ae Rasool (SAW) tum un ke jawab main kaho purab pachcheem sab Khuda ka hai jise chahta hai sidhe raaste ki taraf hidayat karta hai.” – (Surah-e-Baqra, ayah 142)

“(The fools among the people will say: What has turned them from their Qiblah which they had? Say: The East and the West belong only to Allah; He guides whom He likes to the right path.)”

Allah says in the above ayah that East and the West belong to Him, then why did He change the Qibla from Baitul Mukkadas to Kaaba? This point is worth contemplating.

In the following ayah from the same Surah, Allah says:

•“Ae Rasool (SAW) qibla badalne ke waaste beshak tumhara baar baar aasman ki taraf mooh karna Hum dekh rahe hai to Hum zaroor tum ko aise qible ki taraf pher denge ke tum nihaal ho jaao achha to namaz hi main tum Masjid-e-Mohtram Kaabe ki taraf mooh karlo aur ae Musalmaanon tum jahan kahin bhi ho usi ki taraf apna mooh kar liya karo..” – (Surah-e-Baqra, ayah 144)

“(Indeed We see the turning of your face to heaven, so We shall surely turn you to a Qiblah which you shall like; turn then your face towards the Sacred Mosque, and wherever you are, turn your face towards it.)”

It means that it was Rasool (SAW)’s wish that Kaaba should be a Qibla and Allah(SWT) fulfilled his wish as per the above ayah. Also, in the above ayah it has made mandatory for all Muslims to face the direction of Kaaba while offering their namaz. Historians say that this incidence took place in Medina, seventeen months after the event of Hijrat.

So why did Rasool (SAW) wish for the change in Qibla from Baitul Mukkadas to Kaaba?

Let me quote here one more incidence related to Kaaba, this happened few years before Rasool (SAW) announced his prophet hood and hence much before Kaaba became the Qibla.

It was Friday 13th of Rajab 30 Amulfeel, Hazrat Fatima binte Asad (A. S), the wife of Hazrat Abu Talib (A.S) entered the precincts of the Kaaba and prayed to Allah saying "O'my protector ease my pain.' All of a sudden the wall of the Kaaba opened up and she, as if by some unseen force went inside the Kaaba and the wall closed. Ali (A.S) the youngest son of Abu Talib was born inside the Holy Kaaba. She stayed inside for three days. This incidence is well documented by many Islamic scholars and historians.

(Ref: Muhammad ibn Talha el-Shafei in Matalib-us-saool, page 11, Hakim in Mustadrak, page 483, Vol. III, El-Umari in Sharh Ainia, page 15, Halabi in Sira, page 165, Vol. I, Sibt ibn al-Jauzi in Tadhkera Khawasil Ummah, page 7, Ibn Sabbagh Maleki in Fusoolul Mohimma, page 14, Muhammad bin Yousuf Shafei in Kifayet al-Talib, page 261, Shablanji in Nurul Absar, page 76, Ibn Zahra in Ghiyathul Ikhtisar, page 97, Edvi in Nafhatul Qudsia, page 41, Mohaddith-e-Dehlvi in ‘Izalatul Kholafa’)

Apart from the above reference we find many other historians, sufi saints mentioning this event of birth of Mawla Ali in Kaaba. I am mentioning few such references:

•"No one before Ali was born in the Ka'ba. This was a distinction given to Ali in order to enhance his honor, rank, and dignity." (Ref: Nuru'd-din Bin Sabbagh Maliki in his Fusulu'l- Muhimma, Fasl I, p.14)

•Khawja Moinuddin Chishti Ajmeri mentions this fact in his famous Quartet saying that “ When Ali was born inside the Kaaba the Sky and the earth was filled with a light and Angel Gabriel announced that a child was born in the house of God.”

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

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

Now if we connect both the incidences logically it seems that since Kaaba being the birth place of Mawla Ali, from whom Imamat was to start, Rasool (SAW) wished that it should become a Qibla for all Muslims. Again it was to establish Mawla Ali’s rank, status and dignity in Islam. The other message which both the incidences convey is that the way all Muslims have to face the direction of Kaaba for their namaz, every Muslim will have to follow Mawla Ali and Imams through his lineage for divine guidance.

Let us move back to Quran and we may further find some incidences that would substantiate our result.

As per the ayah from Surah-e-Aal-e-Imran:

•“Phir jab tumhare paas ilm (Quran) aa chuuka us ke baad bhi agar tum se koi (Nasrani) Isa (a.s) ke baare main hujjat kare to kaho ki achha maindaan main aao Hum apne beton ko bulaae tum apne beton ko, Hum apni aurton ko bulaae tum apni aurton ko, Hum apni jaanon ko bulaae tum apni jaanon ko, uske baad Hum sab milkar Khuda ki baargaah main gid gidaae aur jhooton per Khuda ki la’anat kare..” – (Surah-e-Aale-Imran, ayah 61)

“(…If any one disputes in this matter with thee, now after (full) knowledge hath come to thee say: “Come! Let us gather together, - our sons and your sons, our women and your women, ourselves and yourselves. Then let us earnestly pray and invoke the curse of God on those who lie.)”

The above ayah is also referred to Ayah-e-Mubahila. As per the traditions mentioned by prominent historians the ayah was revealed when the Christians of Najran had contested Prophet Muhammad's claims to Prophethood and upon the instructions in the above Ayah, a confrontation of sorts was arranged where there would be a settlement of affairs.

As outlined in the verse, each party to the event was to bring their women, their sons, and Anfusana, their nearest of kin and of kind.

The Christians brought a great delegation of clergy and learned scholars whereas Prophet Muhammad summoned Hazrat Ali, Bibi Fatima, and his grand-children Hassan, and Hussain. He took Hussain (A.S) in his arms, and grasped Imam Hasan’s hand in his own, ask Janab-e-Fatima to follow him and Hazrat Ali to follow her.

As the Christian delegation saw these Five Purified souls approach, they quickly conferred among themselves and pleaded to call off the Mubahila at their vision of these Holy Spirits. They agreed to not question the nobility of the Prophet and his message again. A treaty was drawn up by Hazrat Ali to seal this agreement and the Muslims were never troubled by these Christians again.(Ref: Imam Fakhruddin Razi in Tafseer-e-Kabeer, Vol II, P 73, Allama Zamakhshari in his 'Tafseer-e-Kashshaf')

Saad bin Abi Waqas also relates that when the Ayat-e-Mubahila was sent down, Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) called Imam Ali (a.s), Bibi Fatimah (s.a), Imam Hassan (a.s) and Imam Hussein (a.s) and said ’O my Allah, these are my Ahl-ul-Bayt’. (Sahih Muslim, Vol.2, Page 287).

From the above we conclude that while every prophet was given ‘Signs of His Divinity’, and they had shown these signs in front of disbelievers to convey their message, the way Musa (A.S) did in front of Pharaoh, Mohammed wa Aale Mohammed themselves were ‘Proof of His Divinity’ as we just saw that their mere presence in front of Christians of Najran at Mubahila was enough. Their divine faces and holy spirits forced the Christians to agree for the treaty.

Allah (SWT) has not spared people who rejected the ‘Signs of His Divinity’ as we saw in this article, then would He spare who rejects the ‘Proof of His Divinity’?
Rasool (SAW) has that is why said:

•“And behold whoever dies with the enmity towards Aal-e-Mohammed it shall be written on the Day of Judgment between his eyes that, ‘He should despair of Allah’s Mercy…’
(Ref: This is from the Sermon Asma which has been reported by all the Islamic authorities, Zamakhshari in his Tafseer, Imam Sa’labi in Tafseer-e-Kabeer )

And let me end my article with ayah from Surah-e-Furqaan:

•“Aur un logon ne duniya main jo kuch nek kaam kiye hai Hum un ki taraf tawwajjo kareinge to Hum us ko goya udti hui khaak bana kar barbaad kar denge.” – (Surah-e-Furqaan, ayah 23)

“(And We shall turn to whatever good deeds they did (in this life), and We shall make such deeds as floating dust scattered about.)”

When we think on the above ayah, it seems that the people who would reject the “Proof of Allah’s Divinity” i.e. people who would not have love for Mohammed wa Aale Mohammed, their good deeds would not be considered and their future would be doomed and destroyed.

 We can thus conclude that whatever we see that are ‘Signs of Allah’s Existence’, whatever prophets brought were ‘Signs of Allah’s Divinity’, while Mohammed wa Aale Mohammed themselves are ‘Proof of Allah’s Divinity’ and that is the reason so much importance is given to follow and love them as Allah’s mercy is concealed in love for them. So My Lord! Do have mercy on me on that Day of Judgment and keep me in the company of people who acknowledge Your Divine Proofs. Aamin.

Light of Guidance

It is raining heavily right now and I am sitting in my room working on a laptop. It is dark outside and I have switched on the lights as it is difficult for me to work in the given condition. I realized how dependent my eyes were on the lights.

Yesterday evening I saw a gentleman walking on the road with a torch in his hand; the light was guiding him through the roads and helping him avoid potholes which the rains would have created.

Our dependence on the light goes back to many years. We have used one form of light or the other to illuminate our lives and remove the darkness. Today we have a long-lasting source of light at our disposal, thanks to the great work done by Thomas Edison in 1879. With the invention of electricity our lives have changed forever. We have a continues source of light with us now. This light strengthens our vision. Removes darkness from our lives.

 Our eyes have the ability to recognize and see things but not in darkness. We are dependent on some external source of light to support and strengthen our vision. This external source of light can be a bulb, a torch or a tube light. Again we wish to have a most powerful source of light so that we can see things clearly. In certain cases if a torch is not giving us enough light we would replace it as fast as we can to have better vision.

In order to see the physical objects we are dependent on our eyes. And when we want to feel spirituality we are dependent on our faith. Allah is never to be seen physically but we can see Him through our faith. Whatever Allah has created are His signs and we see His creatures and feel His presence. Our faith is thus our spiritual eye; we see and feel Divine presence through our faith. The way eyesight weakens in darkness, at times our faith may weaken in the atrocities and hardships.

Let us then try to find that most powerful source of spiritual light that strengthens our faith and gives us the best vision.

In the following ayah from Surah-e-Ash Shura Allah (SWT) says:
•“Aur isi tarah Humne Apne Hukm ki rooh (Quran) tumhari taraf ‘wahi’ ke zariye se bheji to tum na kitab hi ko jaante the ke kya hai aur na imaan ko magar iss Quran ko ek Noor banaya hai ke isse Hum Apne bandon main se jiski chahte hai hidayat karte hai aur iss main shak nahin ke tum ae Rasool (SAW) sidha hi raasta dikhaate ho”. – (Surah-e-Ash Shura, ayah 52)

Two important lessons we learn from the above ayah is that Quran is definitely Allah’s light (Noor) and Rasool (SAW) would always lead us to the straight path. Quran will guide us when we take the path shown by Rasool (SAW).
Further, the below mentioned ayah says:

•“Phir Allah per aur us ke Rasool (SAW) per aur us Noor per jis ko Hum ne naazil kiya hai Imaan lao. Aur Allah jo kuch tum karte ho us se agaah hai. – (Surah-e-Tughaban, ayah 8)

In the above ayah, Allah (SWT) refers to a specific light (Noor) that He has sent down along with Rasool (SAW) and orders us to believe this light (Noor). When we see and contemplate on both the above mentioned ayahs we would understand that the ‘Noor’ mentioned in the ayah of Tughaban is different from the ‘Noor’ mentioned in the ayah of Ash Shura, as in the ayah of Ash Shura Allah (SWT) has said that Quran has been revealed to Rasool (SAW) in the form of a ‘Wahi’.

We will get further clarification on the ‘Noor’ if we focus on what Rasool (SAW) has said:
•"I myself, and Ali were one light in the Hands of Allah fourteen thousand years (14,000) before He created Adam (as). When Allah created Adam (as) He divided that Light into two parts, one part is me and one part Ali."

In another narration he has said:

•"He created me and Ali from the same light". (Ref: Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal in his Fadail, volume 2, p 663, Tradition #1130, from Abdur-Razzak, from Mu'amar, from al-Zuhri, from Khalid ibn Mu'dan, from Zadan, from Salman al-Farsi, Mizan Al-Ei'tidal, by al-Dhahabi, v1, p235, al-Riyadh al-Nadhirah, by al-Muhib al-Tabari, v2, p164, v3, p154, History of Ibn Asakir)

Thus along with Quran, Rasool (SAW) and Mawla Ali are the ‘light’ and that is why Rasool (SAW) has further told us:

•“Ali is with the Quran and the Quran is with Ali, and these two will never be separated from each other until they reach me at the Hauz-e-Kausar !” (Ref: Jam’a Sagheer, p 56, Kanz-al-Ummal p 30, Izalut-ul-Khifa Maqsad 2, p 279)

So now it is established that Allah is Noor, Quran is Noor, Rasool (SAW) is Noor and Mawla Ali is Noor. Mawla Ali is that ‘Light’ of guidance which was sent down along with Rasool (SAW) and we have to follow him, to remain on the straight path and be guided.

In order to further authentic our above result, let me quote few more ayahs and contemplate on it:

In the Surah-e-Noor, Allah (SWT) has defined His own ‘Light’:
•“Khuda to saare aasman wa zameen ka Noor hai, uske Noor ki misaal aisi hai jaise ek taak (sina) hai jismain ek roshan charaagh ho aur charaagh ek shishe ki qandeel main ho aur qandeel apni goya ek jagmagata hua roshan sitara wo charaagh zaitun ke aise Mubarak darakht (ke tael) se roshan kiya jaae jo na purab ki taraf ho aur na paschim ki taraf balke bicho-bich maidan main uska tael aisa shafaaf ho ke agar che aag uuse chuae bhi nahin taahum aisa ma’lum ho ke aap hi aap roshan ho jaeega gharaz ek Noor naihin balke Noor Ala Noor (Noor ki Noor per joat pad rahi hai) Khuda apne Noor ki taraf jise chahta hai hidayat karta hai aur Khuda logo ke samajhane ke waste mislain bayaan karta hai aur Khuda to har cheez se khoob waqif hai. – (Surah-e-Noor, ayah 35)

Hasan al-Basri, Abdul Hasan Maghazil and Shafe’I have mentioned that here “Niche” (taak) means Janab-e-Fatima (A.S), “the lamp (Roshan Charagh)” means Hasan (A.S) and Husain (A.S), ‘‘Blessed Tree (Mubarak Darakht)” means Prophet Ibrahim (A.S). “Light upon Light (Noor Ala Noor)” alludes to one Imam succeeding another and “Khuda apne Noor ki taraf jise chahta hai hidayat karta hai” means the love for descendants of Mawla Ali and Fatema (A.S).


So Janab-e-Fatima (A.S) is Noor, Hasan (A.S) and Husain (A.S) are Noor and rest of the Imams from Husain (A.S)’s lineage are Noor. That means Mohammed wa Aale Mohammed are Allah’s Noor which descended on this earth through the holy lineage of Ibrahim (A.S). If we wish to see Allah’s Noor then, we need to see them. They are everlasting source of Allah’s Divine Light.

Allah has made them carriers of His Noor and thus revealed Himself through them and that is the reason in Surah-e-Ahzab, ayah 33 (Ayah-e-Tatheer, which I had mentioned in my earlier article The Straight Path: Quran and Ahl-ul-bait along with all references) Allah has promised Ahl-ul-bait of Mohammed (SAW) to keep them pious and pure always.

Further in the subsequent ayah Allah says about their house:
•“Wo Qandeel un gharon main roshan hai jinki nisbat Khuda ne hukm diya hai ke unki taa’zim kijaae aur unmain Uska naam liya jaae jin main subah wa sham wo log Uski tasbih kiya karte hai.” – (Surah-e-Noor, ayah 36)


In fact being the most pious and purest of Allah’s all creations their house is better than other houses which Allah has allowed to be exalted and His name shall be recited thereon.

Sala’bi has quoted Anas Ibn-e-Malik and Buraida, that when Rasool (SAW) recited this verse, Hazrat Abu Bakr stood up and asked pointing towards the house of Ali (A.S) and Fatema (A.S), whether that house was included in the house referred to? Rasool (SAW) replied saying “Yes, and it is better than other houses to which this refers.” (Ref: Durr-e-Mansur, Vol 5, P 50)

Rasool (SAW) has thus said about Aale Mohammed (SAW)
•“Do not go ahead of them lest ye perish; nor lag behind them, lest ye perish also. And do not teach them for they know more than you.” (Ref: Tabrani as part of Hadees-e-Saqlain, Ibn-e-Hajar Sawaiq-e-Mohraika, vol 24, Chapter 37)

Now when Allah (SWT) has chosen them and given them authority and made them His Noor, would there be a section of people not liking this? Allah has said:

•“Yeh log chahte hai ke apne mooh se phoonk maar kar Khuda ke Noor ko bhuja dain aur Khuda iske siva kuch maanta hi nahin ke Apne Noor ko pura hi kar ke rahe” – (Surah-e-Tawba, ayah 32)

Every Imam in his life endured lots of atrocities and hardships and all of them were martyred except the 12th Imam who is alive in occultation. We know how in Karbala Imam Husain (A.S) sacrificed his family, friends and children and saved the religion and thus saved Allah’s Noor. He was martyred but his mission is still alive in our hearts and as promised by Allah in the above ayah, it will remain so.

Now again let us see the following ayahs from Surah-e-Noor where Allah has shown His appreciation for their prayers:

•“Aise log jin ko Khuda ke zikr aur namaz padhne aur zakaat ada karne se na to tijaarat hi ghaafil kar sakti hai na kharid-o-farokht ka ma’amla kyonke wo log us din se darte hai jis main khauf ke mare dil aur aankhein ulat jaeengi Uski ibadat isliye karte hai taake Khuda unhain unke aa’maal ka behtar se behtar badlaa ataa farmaye aur apne fazal-o-karam se kuch aur zyada bhi de aur Khuda to jise chahta hai be-hisaab rozi deta hai.” - (Surah-e-Noor, ayah 37-38)

Prayers of Imam Husain (A.S) on the battle field of Karbala are good enough proof of above ayah. And thus Allah has shown His great appreciation for them and their conduct and prayers.

Such was their perfection and greatness that prominent Islamic scholars have said:
•“Whatever did the Progeny of Mohammad (SAW), they did it in the best way” – (Ref: Saheeh Muslim Vol 1 P 266)

Being a Muslim we all believe in the Day of Judgment. The day would be as long as 1000 years as per Quran. And Quran does mentions about its severity. On that day will this source of Allah’s light be our guide? What does Quran have to say? Let us see:

•“Us din kisi ki sifarish kaam na aayegi magar jis ko Khuda ne ijazat di ho aur us ka bolna pasand kare.” – (Surah-e- Taha, ayah 109)

The above ayah says that no kind of intercession will work except for those who have the permission and whose words are liked and appreciated by Allah (SWT).

In the light of above ayah and our reasoning on the topic we can say that Mohammed wa Aale Mohammed are definitely the right intercession as they are Allah’s Noor, their prayers are appreciated and liked by Allah and their house is the most exalted amongst the houses where Allah’s name is recited.

That is the reason Rasool (SAW) has promised us, the lovers of Ahl-ul-bait that:
•“Acknowledgment of Aal-e-Mohammed (the children of Mohammed (SAW)) means salvation from the Fire, and love of them is a passport for crossing the Bridge of Sirat and obedience to them is a protection from Divine Wrath.” ( Ref: “Shifa” by Qazi Ayaz, Part 2, Pg 40)

Now that we have found this everlasting source of Allah’s Noor, let us all pray to our Lord that may He keep us enlightened through this Divine light in this world and hereafter. Aamin

My Quotes

‎"When you work on a new thing, work with an enthusiasm of a youth, intellect of a middle-aged person and calmness of an old man. And when you do that you would create a miracle."

Where logic ends, faith begins..."so when logic is depressing keep faith and be positive...."

"When you listen somebody, listen him with the humility of an ignorant person. And when you talk on a subject talk as if you are the authority on the subject. This way you will master the art of communication"

My Quotes

=> ‎"A sincere thought needs to be nurtured. It is like a seed, which if sown properly can create a beautiful garden around it."


=> "Entrepreneur is a creator. He creates business. He creates opportunities. He creates employment and if he has the vision and has the element of luck with him, he can create empire."


=> "‎When you learn the art of weighing each thought that comes to you, you have actually found the right doctrine of growth"

Trueway to Faith

While working with a mobile company I was required to meet a top official of a textile company and present him with the details of the product.

Being an outsider, it was a difficult task as I was not aware of the way to meet such a high profile person. After mustering lots of courage I went to meet him.

At the front office, the manager came to my rescue and directed me to the Executive Assistant of the official. He said that this is the right way of reaching him. I was glad and thanked him.

Later on following the advice of the front office manager, I was successful in talking to the Executive Assistant and eventually met the top official and closed the deal.


 Since the top officials are not accessible directly it is the front office from where we get the relevant information about the organization and its close association helps us in getting the right direction to reach the top management.

This, I think has a great resemblance with the way Islam spread in the subcontinent, let us see how?

As per the ayah of Surah-e-Baqra ‘There is no compulsion in Religion’ (Ayatul Kursi, Surah-e-Baqra, ayah, 256). It means that Islam can never spread through force, tact, guile or violence.

Again let us see Allah (SWT)’s instructions to Rasool (SAW) in this regard:
•“Ae Rasool (SAW) tum logon ko apne Parvardigar ki raah per hikmat aur achhi achhi nasihat ke zariye se bulao aur bahas-o-mubahasa karo bhi to aise tariqe se jo logon ke nazdik sab se achha ho. Iss main shak nahin ke jo log Khuda ki raah per se bhatak gaye unko tumhara Parvardigar khoob jaanta hai aur hidayat yafta logon se bhi khoob waqif hai.” – (Surah-e-Nahl, ayah 125)


In the light of the above ayah, it can be said that Islam can spread only through logical reasoning and affectionate arguments.

Now, if we want to put forward our arguments in day to day life, we know that beyond a certain point we tend to lose patience and we end up in a heated discussion with the person who opposes us or we do not want to carry forward the argument any more.

It means the above task was not an easy one, and after Rasool (SAW) there must have been some chosen ones who helped in his mission.

In the following ayah, Allah (SWT) says:
•“Aur tum main se ek giroh aise logon ka bhi to hona chahiye jo logon ko neki ki taraf bulaye aur achhe kaam ka hukm de aur boore kamon se roke aur aise hi log aakherat main apni dili muradein payenge.” – (Surah-e-Aale Imran, ayah 104)

Here Allah wishes to have a specific group of people who can help in spreading the message of righteousness.

Again, in the following ayah of Surah-e-Aale Imran, Allah (SWT) says:
•“Tum kya achhe giroh ho ke logon ki hidayat ke waaste paida kiye gaye ho. Tum logon ko achhe kaam ka to hukm karte ho aur boore kaamon se rokte ho aur Khuda per Imaan rakhte ho aur agar ahl-e-kitab bhi isi tarah imaan laate to unke haq main bahot achha hota un main se kuch to imaandar hai aur aksar badkaar”. – ( Surah-e-Aale Imran, ayah 110)

While in the previous ayah, Allah wished to have a group of people who can spread the right message, here, in the above ayah He has actually addressed them. They are born to preach and spread the message of Islam. They are thus the authority of spreading Islam and bring people towards Imaan.

Ibn-e-Abi Hakim has quoted Hazrat Abu Ja’far that these group of people are Ahl-ul-bait of Rasool (SAW). (Ref: Tafseer-e-Suyuti, Vol 2, P 64)

And Rasool (SAW) has said that:
•“In the love for my Ahl-ul-bait lies the foundation of Islam” (Ref: Selections from Kanz-ul-Ummal, P 94).

 Ahl-ul-bait of Rasool (SAW) i.e. Mohammed wa Aale Mohammed are the authority for preaching the religion. They put forward arguments with logic and reasoning the way Allah wanted them to do.

Now when we see the Islamic history, we find that Mohammed wa Aale Mohammed carried out the holy task of preaching Islam only in Arab countries, we may wonder then that how did Islam spread in the subcontinent with 1/3rd of the world’s Muslim population here.

It leads us to think that the people who were responsible for preaching Islam in Indian sub-continent must have been associated with the authority i.e. Ahl-ul-bait of Rasool (SAW).

In the following ayah Quran says about the true preachers of Islam:
•“Aur Hamari makhluqat se kuch log aise bhi hai jo din-e-haq ki hidayat karte hai aur haq hi haq insaf bhi karte hai.” – (Surah-e-Airaf, ayah 181)

While in Nah-jul-balagha Mawla Ali has thrown some light on these trustees of religion and the true preachers.
Let us see the excerpt of Imam Ali’s speech to Kumayl ibn Ziyad al-Nakha’i:

•“If sensible trustees of knowledge and wisdom totally disappear from human society then both knowledge and wisdom will suffer severely, may bring harm to humanity and may even die out. But this earth will never be without those persons who will prove the universality of truth as disclosed by Allah, they may be well-known persons, openly and fearlessly declaring the things revealed to them or they may, under fear of harm, injury or deaths hide themselves from the public gaze and may carry on their mission privately so that the reasons proving the reality of truth as preached by religion and as demonstrated by His Prophet may not totally disappear.”

Then he furthers says to Kumayl that:

•“By God, these (true Knowers) are the fewest in number, but the greatest of all in their rank with God! Through them God preserves His Evidences and His Illuminating-manifestations, so that these (Knowers) may entrust them to their (true) peers and sow them in the Hearts of those like them. Through (those Knowers) Knowing penetrates to the inner reality of true Insight (haqīqat al-basīra). They are in touch with the Spirit of Certainty (rūh al-yaqīn). They make clear what the lovers of comfort had obscured. They are at home with what distresses the ignorant. And their bodies keep company with this world, while their spirits are connected to the Loftiest Station.Those are the ones who are (truly) God’s Stewards on the earth, who are calling (the people) to His Religion. Oh, how I long to see them!” – (Ref: Nah-jul-balagha, saying 146)

As per Mawla Ali (A.S) this earth will never be without these chosen trustees. When we love Mawla Ali we are in Allah’s army (Ref: Surah-e-Maida, ayah 55-56, I have already mentioned this in my article “Ali Mushkil Kusha” with relevant references), and if Mawla Ali longs for someone’s company, what would be his stature? I believe he should be at a highly placed rank among Allah’s army.

 Love for Ahl-ul-bait is the foundation of Islam. Islam is Allah’s wisdom and knowledge that means when these True Knowers and Trustees laid the foundation of Islam they actually laid the foundation of love for Ahl-ul-bait amongst their followers. They directed the people who approached them to Ahl-ul-bait and gave them the true way of reaching faith.

Most of the Pir Auliya who came to Indian subcontinent to preach Islam, have written eulogies and munajaat’s in praise of Ahl-ul-bait. Work of great Sufi saints like Hazrat Shams Tabrez (RA), Hazrat Hasan Kabir-ud-din (RA), Hazrat Khwaja Moinnudin Chisti (RA), Hazrat Khwaja Qutub Bakhtiar Kaki (RA) speak volumes about their dedication and love for Mohammed wa Aale Mohammed. Though centuries apart, it was this love which became a guiding force for them to preach religion.

Khwaja Moin-ud-din Chisti (RA) has written “Shah ast Husain, Badshah ast Husain..” in praise of Imam Husain’s martyrdom. And I would like to mention few stanzas of his other munajaat. With this Munajaat he has shown his followers how to pray for salvation:

•“Ya Rab Ba Haqq-e-Sayyede Konene Mustafa Ke ou Shafe-e-Ma-asio Ke ou ma’ambe Ata.”
(O my Lord for the sake of Mustafa the chief of the two worlds, who is the intercessor of sinners and source of bounties).

•“Ya Rab Ba Haqq-e-Shah-e-Najaf anke amadah Dar shane ou Tabarako, Yaseen wa Hal Ataa.”
(O Almighty God, for the sake of Shah-e-Najaf (Ali) about him God revealed Tabarak, Yaseen and Hal Ataa).

In the last stanza he seeks his salavation:

•Daarad Moin ummeed dar aandam ze lutfe Khud Bakhsi wuraa ba shah e shahidan e Karbala.”
(Moin hopes that the Almighty God will forgive him on that day; the day of Resurrection for the sake of the Monarch of the martyrs of Karbala).

We find similar munajaat written by Khwaja Qutub Bakhtiar Kaki (RA) as well. This association of theirs with Ahl-ul-bait directed their followers to the right path and made them successful.

Allah (SWT) says in the following ayah:

•“Aur wo jo sacch ko lekar aaya aur jis ne uski tasdiq ki Khuda se darne waale wohi to hai. Un ke liye un ke Parvardigar ke paas jo jo kuch woh chahenge maujood hai, neko karon ka badla yahi to hai” – (Surah-e-Zumar, ayah 33-34)

Their efforts got appreciated by Allah and people got their desires fulfilled at their shrines. That is how Khwaja Moinnudin Chisti (RA) came to be known as ‘Gharib Nawaz’; Hazrat Hasan Kabir-ud-din (RA) came to be known as ‘Kufr Shikan’ and Nizammuddin Auliya as ‘Mehboob-e-Ilahi’.

Again in following ayah of Surah-e-Baqra Allah promises:

• “Pus tum Hamari yaad rakho to Main bhi tumhara zikr (khair) kiya karunga aur Mera shukriya ada karte aur nashukri na karo.” – (Surah-e-Baqra, ayah 152)

It was they who laid the foundation of Islam in Indian subcontinent and spread Allah’s message. And Allah has rewarded them immensely; as promised in the above ayah, as we see millions of people from across the world, irrespective of their religion and faith throng to their tombs and shrines during Urs and otherwise to pay respect and homage to these Sufi saints and seek their blessings.

 Sufi Saints and Pir Auliya are the trustees of knowledge and Islamic wisdom. It is through them that Islam got propagated in Indian subcontinent. They have sown the seeds of love for Ahl-ul-bait amongst their followers and laid the foundation of Islam. I pray to my Lord to keep me in the companionship of these trustees of knowledge and wisdom so that my devotion and love for Ahl-ul-bait increases manifolds and may I remain steadfast on Your path. Aamin

Momin and Imaan

During my induction in one of the prominent companies, the HR manager was explaining me the policies of the organization and what would be my job responsibilities? And what were the expectations of the company from me?

He further elaborated about the employee benefit schemes of the company – the perks and leave entitlement and the performance appraisal system. I was very impressed and I asked him about how soon would I be eligible for all this?

He said that it would depend on successful completion of my probation period of six months. During this period the company would observe my commitment, integrity, my way of carrying out all the responsibilities and above all my dedication to the organization.

If I am successful I would be a confirmed employee having access to all the benefits and perks but If I fail my probation period may get extended and in worst situation I may be asked to leave the organization.

 Any company operating in any kind of industry follows the above norms, so if this is so prevalent in business organization can we draw any parallel of this with Islamic organization?


In Quran Allah (SWT) says in the following ayah:
•“Arab ke dehati kehte hai ke hum imaan laye ae Rasool (SAW) tum kehdo ke tum imaan nahi laaye balke yun kehdo ke islam laaye haanlake imaan ka abhi tak tumhare dil se guzar hua hi nahin….” – (Surah-e-Al-Hujuraat, ayah 14)


In the light of above ayah, it can be said that “Being in Islam” and “Being with Imaan” are two different things. Again, it seems that a person is first a Muslim and then he can become a Momin. For a Muslim it is mandatory to offer namaz, fast in Ramzan and go for a Hajj and if he does this he is called a devout Muslim. So how can he become a Momin? It means Allah (SWT) wants Muslims to do something beyond the mandatory to be a Momin. What is that?

Following ayah will help us in our quest:
•“Aur Ae Imandaro namaz pabandi se padha karo aur zakaat diya karo aur (dil se) Rasool (SAW) ki ita’at karo taake tum per rahem kiya jaaye.” – (Surah-e-Noor, ayah 56)

The above ayah has been addressed to “Imaandar Momins “ and it says that apart from our prayers (namaz); Allah (SWT) expects us to be dedicated to Rasool (SAW). It means that being dedicated to Rasool (SAW) is that key parameter, which will transform a Muslim into a true Momin.

Again in the following ayah Quran says:
•“Aur jo shakhs ne Khuda aur Rasool (SAW) ki ita’at ki to aise log un maqbool bandon ke saath honge jinhain Khuda ne apni na’ematein di hai yaane ambiya aur siddiqueen aur shohda aur saalehin aur yeh log kya hi ache rafeeq hai.” – (Surah-e-Nisa, ayat 69)

If we remain dedicated to Rasool (SAW), we get the appraisal of being the chosen one by Allah (SWT). And then we become eligible to get limitless bounties from the Almighty Allah.

 So if we carry out our responsibilities of namaz, roza, zakat, Hajj and whatever is being entrusted on us well and above all remain dedicated to Rasool (SAW); Allah (SWT) would confirm us as Momins. And once we get the confirmation of being a Momin, we would get the benefits of Allah’s grace, His limitless bounties and kindness. And we are amongst the chosen people of Allah.

We have been taught the ways of offering namaz, undergoing roza and Hajj. But do we know the way to remain dedicated to Rasool (SAW)? Has Allah (SWT) created such an example which we should follow? And if such an example is there, can Quran throw some light on it?

In Surah-e-Anfal, Allah (SWT) says:
•“Ae Rasool (SAW) wohi to woh Khuda hai jis ne apni khaas madad aur momineen se tumhari taeed ki” – (Surah-e-Anfal, ayah 62)


In the above ayah, Allah (SWT) has informed Rasool (SAW) that He has appointed a Momin, who is a great help to him.

As per the tradition of Abu Hureira, quoted by Ibn-e-Asakir, Rasool (SAW) has said that it is written on ‘arsh’ that there is no God but Allah, Mohammed (SAW) is My slave and My Rasool and I helped him through Ali. (Ref: Durr-e-Mansoor, Vol 3, P 199, Mulla Jalaluddin Suyuti, Tarkih Ibn-e-Asakir, Zainul falli).

Allah further says in the following ayah of the same surah:
• “Ae Rasool (SAW) tum ko buss Khuda aur jo momineen tumhare taabe’ farman hai kafi hai.” – (Surah-e-Anfal, ayah 64)

Here, He endorses the commitment and dedication of Mawla Ali (A.S) and He further says that Allah and Mawla Ali are enough for Rasool (SAW)’s help.

This dedication and commitment has made him “Commander of Faithfull” and the prominent hadees of Rasool (SAW) says:

•‘Momin ka Amir aur Musalmanon ka Sardar Ali hai.” (Ref: Manaqib al Khwarzami, P 85, Karib Minal Lafaz, Faraeed al Samtain, Vol 1, P 149)

 Mawla Ali (A.S) is that shining example which needs to be followed. and if we follow him we will know the way to remain dedicated to Rasool (SAW). He is Amir-ul-Momineen and leader of umah-e-Rasool (SAW).

Love for Mawla Ali (A.S) is that key differentiator between a Momin and otherwise. That is why Rasool (SAW) has said:
•“Momin ke naam-e-aa’mal ka uonwaan Ali ki mohabbat hai” (Ref; Sawaiqa Mohraika, P 120, Tarikh ibn-e-Asakir, vol 42, P 7, Tarikh al Baghdad, P 177)

In the following ayah Quran says:
•“Yeh woh log hai jinki roohain farishte iss haalat main qabz karte hain ke woh (najaasat-e- kufr se) paak-o-pakizah hote hai to farishte unse (nihayat tapaak se) kehte hai salaam-un-alay kum jo naikiya duniya main tum karte the uss ke sile main Jannat main ( be-takalluf ) chale jao.” – (Surah-e-Nahl, ayah 32)


In the above ayah the angels send their salams to few chosen people for their good deeds. So what are these good deeds which even angels acknowledge and who are these people?

Rasool (SAW) has said this:
•‘Behold, whoever dies for the love of Aal-e-Mohammed two doors leading towards Heaven shall be opened for him in his grave”. (Ref: Zamakhshari in his Tafseer, Imam Sa’labi in Tafseer-e-Kabeer)

In the light of above hadees it is clear now that ayah of Surah-e-Nahl refers to Momins who die for the love of Aale Mohammed. It means the reference of “Nekiyan” or “good deeds” is the love for Prophet (pbuh) and his holy progeny which even angels acknowledge.

In a professional career if you do well for the organization you are duly rewarded. You get appreciation for your consistency in commitment and dedication. Now let us see which are the rewards a Momin can expect at the Day of Judgment for his commitment in loving Mawla Ali and his dedication to Rasool (SAW). For this we will see the following two ayahs:

•“Jis din tum momin mard aur momin aurton ko dekhoge ke unke imaan ka noor unke aage aage aur dahine taraf chal raha hoga to unse kaha jaaega ki tum ko bashaarat ho ki aaj tumhare liye woh baagh hai jinke niche nahrein jaari hai jinmain hamesha rahoge yehi to badi kamiyabi hai – (Surah-e-Al Hadid, ayah 12)


•“Khuda ne Imaandar mardon aur imaandar aurton se bahisht ke un baaghon ka wa’ada kar liya hai jinke niche nahrein jaari hai aur wo un main hamesha rahenge bahisht ke baaghon main umda umda makanaat ka bhi wa’ada farmaya hai aur Khuda ki khushnudi un sab se baalatar hai, yehi to badi a’ala darje ki kaamiyabi hai.” – (Surah-e-Tauba, ayah 72)

 I would like to conclude with this prayer that O my Lord! Increase my love for Mawla Ali, so that I remain dedicated to Rasool (SAW) and so that I become a chosen Momin slave of Yours. I get appraisal and great rewards in this world and hereafter. Keep my feet planted on the path Your holy Prophet (PBUH) has shown. Aamin

Responsible Entrepreneur

As a professional I wanted to achieve everything. I wanted a top designation, I wanted to have enough of authority and power. I wanted to prove a point. As an entreprenuer now, I want success for my company, profits for my investors, growth for my employees and development for my society. It seems from a 'self-centred'... professional it is a transition into a 'responsible' entrepreneur.