About the Ahl-ul-Bayt (AS)

Below are some of the queries by our visitors concerning the Ahl-ul-Bayt (AS).

{The Ahl-ul-Bayt are the Prophet Muhammad (S), his daughter Fatimat-ul-Zahra (AS), Imam Ali (AS) and the other eleven Ma'soom Imams descendents of Fatima and Ali's}

Attributes of Ahl-ul-Bayt (AS)

Fatimat-ul-Zahra' (AS)

Imam Mahdi (AS)

Ahl-ul-Bayt (AS) in the Bible?

Ahl-ul-Bayt (AS) in Noah's Arch?

A number of questions about the Islamic beliefs that were addressed to Imam Muhammad Shirazi by a group of Muslims. Imam Shirazi personally replied to the questions.

His Eminence, Ayatollah al-Udhma al-Imam al-Sayyid Muhammad al-Hussaini al-Shirazi, may Allah prolong his presence

As-Salaamo Alaikom wa Rahmatollah wa Barakaatoh.

We are a group of Muslims who have had some discussions about the Shi'a beliefs and have read some books in this respect. There are a number of issues, which we need to clarify, or confirm, or seek answers to. We should therefore be most grateful if you kindly answer the following questions:

‘Esmah

Are the Prophet (S), his daughter Fatimah al-Zahra' (AS), and the twelve Imams (AS) Ma'soom (infallible)? What is the limit of this 'Esmah (infallibility)? Is it from committing any disobedience? Or is it from making mistake, and forgetting (things)? Or is it from overcoming sleep such that (potentially) the prayer time is missed?

Bismillah al-Rahmaan al-Raheem

As-Salaam Alaycom wa Rahmatollah wa Barakaatoh.

Al-Rasul al-A'dham – The Greatest Prophet, and his daughter Fatimat-ul-Zahra', and Amir-ul-Mu'minin – Ali ibn Abi Talib – and their eleven son-Imams, peace and blessings of Allah be upon them all, are all Ma'soom – infallible – from committing any disobedience, any mistake, and any forgetfulness, even an overcoming sleep such that they may the prayer time. In fact they are even immune from (have the ‘Esmah of) not performing the Awla. We have discussed in detail the logical and rational proofs as well as the narrated evidence with respect to this ‘Esmah in many of our books on the fundamentals of belief and Fiqh.

Translator's note:

{al-Awla is the conduct outside and beyond the framework and scope of the five stages of ahkaam – law. These five are Haraam, Makruh, Mubaah, Waajib, and Mustahab. al-Awla practices, which may be translated as the preferred conduct, are outside the limits of the law. In the ethical and moral realm of conducts and behaviour the Awla are practices that are above and beyond the Mustahab category and although one is not obliged to do them, one is morally preferred to do them. The fourteen Ma'soom (AS) did not even miss an opportunity to perform the Awla.}

Is the degree of the 'Esmah amongst the fourteen Ma'soomeen (AS) the same or does it vary from one Ma'soom to another?

The degree of the 'Esmah of the Ma'soomeen (AS) is the same for all of them.

Fatimat-ul-Zahra'

You mentioned in your valuable book "From the Jurisprudence of al-Zahra' (AS)" (six volumes) on a number of occasions that al-Zahra' (AS) occupies an extremely high status in the sight of Allah Almighty. What is the level of this status? Does it exceed that of the Imams (AS) or some of the Imams? Or is it that the Imams exceed her in status?

Yes Lady Fatimat-ul-Zahra' (AS) occupies an extremely high status which is lower than that of her father Rasulollah (S), equal to that of her husband Amir-ul-Mu'minin Ali ibn Abi Talib (AS), and higher than those of her eleven son-Imams (AS).

You also mentioned in the same book some of the incidents, which took place after the death of Rasulollah (S), what is your view of those incidents?

In fact the Glorious Qur'an reports on that when states:

" . . . If he (Rasulollah) died or gets killed, will ye then turn back on your heels? . . ."The Holy Qur'an: The Family of 'Emraan (3): 144.

Is Fatimah al-Zahra' (AS) a martyr? For you mentioned in the above-mentioned book that she was martyred.

That is correct, that has been reported in reliable hadith and is also mentioned in historical texts.

Translator's note:

Some of the Sunni sources, which report this event, are as follows:

Ibn Hajar al-‘Asqalani, Lisaan al-Meezaan, vol. 1, p 268
Muhib-id-Deen al-Tabari, Thakha'er al-‘Uqba, vol. 6, p17
Al-Shahrestaani, al-Melal wa al-Nahal, vol. 1, p 57
Al-Mas'udi, Ithbaat al-Waseyyah, p 142
Ibn Qutaybah, al-Ma'arif, p 210}

Was she (AS) Siddiqah, just as Mary is referred to in the holy Qur'an as Siddeeqah? {5:75}

Yes, as this is reported in reliable hadith that her ladyship (AS) was Siddeeqah, an thus nobody could wash her body (after her martyrdom) other than her equal in rank, Imam Ali Amir-ul-Mu'minin (AS) despite there was a woman who could do that. This is because a Siddeeq may not be washed by other than another Siddeeq. Fatimat-ul-Zahra' (AS) has a higher rank than Mary the Siddeeqah as indicated by many mutawaatir hadith.

What is your evaluation of the reports that Fatimat-ul-Zahra' (AS) was beaten, that her (inherited property of) Fadak was usurped, that she was crushed between the wall and the door, and that her unborn son - Muhassen - was killed as a result of this attack, etc.?

All of that is correct and proven.

Translator's note:

{When Lady Fatimah al-Zahra' (AS) was pregnant with her third son, Rasulollah (S) named the unborn child Muhassen, commonly known as Muhsin, in line with his brothers Hasan (AS) and Husein (AS). Muhassen was killed while in mother's womb when she was assaulted by some so called Sahabah.

What is your view with respect to al-Wilayah al-Takweeneyyah (the Creationist authority), and al-Wilayah al-Tashri'eyyah(the Legislative authority) of the fourteen Ma'soom (AS) in general, and those of her ladyship Fatimah al-Zahra' (AS), as you have alluded to this in your book "From the Jurisprudence of al-Zahra' (AS)"?

Reliable proofs backed up by great mass of evidence have confirmed that Fatimat-ul-Zahra' (AS) and all other Ma'soomeen (AS) have possess both the al-Wilayah al-Takweeneyyah and al-Wilayah al-Tashri'eyyah, and it is reported in the Zeyarah al-Mutlaqah of Imam Hussein (AS) - which Sheikh al-Saduq has confirmed it is the most reliable Zeyarah - that:

“The Will of Lord – about the destiny of His creatures – is presented to you, and emanates from your houses, together with the rulings of the code of conduct for the masses.”

You mentioned in your valuable book "From the Jurisprudence of al-Zahra' (AS)" her endeavour to defend the wilaayah of her husband Amir-ul-Mu'minin, Imam Ali (AS) and her eleven Imam sons (AS). What was the limit of her effort in that respect? Is it also obligatory upon us during the present time?

After her father, al-Rasul al-A'dham (S), Fatimah al-Zahra' (AS) was the prime defender of the wilaayah and the leadership of Amir-ul-Mu'minin Imam Ali (AS). For this cause she sacrificed herself and her son Muhassen, and she used every possible means and opportunity to support Amir-ul-Mu'minin (AS) and to prove and uphold his right. It is therefore imperative upon the Mu'minin to follow her lead (AS), in a manner appropriate to the particular time and place, and according to the conditions specified in jurisprudence texts. For every word, action, or approval of Fatimat-ul-Zahra' (AS) is binding, and Shar'i Hujjah - legal precedence (upon the Muslims).

Your Excellency mentioned in the above-mentioned book that it is Mustahab to report and disseminate the case of Fadak, since a number of the Ma'soomeen (AS) have done so. Do you see it also Mustahab to report and disseminate all that concerns Fatimat-ul-Zahra' (AS) and what happened to her after her father (S)?

Yes, all of that is Mustahab, and those may be considered as her words, her actions, and her approval, and all of that is Hujjah - legal binding - as mentioned, as well as other aspects related to her virtues and noble moral qualities, it is desirable to publish and disseminate them, and in fact it may even be Waajib if it were to manifest an obligatory element of "Amr-bil-Ma'rouf", and the call for the good and promote the pure religion of Islam.

Your Excellency mentioned in volume one of the above-mentioned book that Fatimat-ul-Zahra' (AS) is one of those whom Allah Almighty has made their obedience obligatory upon all creatures, and you based this on the authority of some of the hadith. In your opinion, are these hadith reliable?

Yes, these narrations are reliable and unswerving, as we mentioned confirm in the above-mentioned book, and we also presented other proofs and evidence in the book. Furthermore we presented - in detail - other narrations and evidence in our book al-Fiqh al-Bay' – Law of Transaction – as well as in many other of our books. We pray to Allah to make us from those who adhere to her (AS), and her father, and her husband, and her sons (blessing and peace of Allah be upon them all). And we pray to Allah to make us from those who seek to distance themselves from their enemies. And we pray to Allah to make us from those who propagate their noble virtues, and disseminate their teachings and values. And we pray to Allah to make us from those who attain their wilaayah in this world and the hereafter, for He is Close to us and answers our prayers. Was-Salaamo Alaycom wa Rahmatollah wa Barakaatoh.

Imamah

What is your opinion with respect to the concept of al-Raj'ah - the Return (of the Ma'soomeen (AS)) - where does this concept originate from, and which one of the Ma'soomeen is it applicable to?

(The concept of) al-Raj'ah originates from the holy Qur'an and it is proven by reliable evidence/hadith. It is applicable to all the Ma'soomeen (AS) and starts after the appearance of Imam al-Mahdi, may Allah hasten his reappearance.

The concept of the Raj'ah or the “coming back” is referred to in the Holy Qur'an. For example:

{One Day We shall gather together from every people a group of those who reject Our Signs, . . .} 27:83.

This verse clearly refers to a day other than the Day of Judgement, since on the Day of Judgement everyone – who existed from the beginning to the end of time - would resurrect and not some of the people.

Is the evidence for the Imamate of Imam al-Mahdi (AS) different from that of the other Imams (AS)?

No, there is no difference between them. There is common evidence about the Imamate of the twelve Imams (AS). The evidence consists of tens of Qur'anic verses that are interpreted - according to reliable and motawaatir narrations - to be about the twelve Imams (AS), other frequent (motawaatir) narrations, and various unequivocal logical and rational reasons. There are also logical/rational and narrated evidence particular about the Imamate of every single one of the twelve Imams (AS). As for Imam Mahdi (AS), there have been thousands of narrations about him in hundreds of books (both Shi'a and Sunni), not to mention the logical and rational evidence proven about his Imamate (AS).

Regarding the noble hadith reported from Rasulollah (S), which states, "The Imams after me are twelve." Is this hadith proven to you to be motawaatir - frequently reported? Furthermore is there any doubt about whether or not the birth of the twelfth Imam, Imam al-Mahdi (AS) took place?

The above-mentioned hadith is motawaatir, there is no doubt about the birth of the twelfth Imam (AS), and the evidence for it is overwhelming. For 'if it were not for the Hujjah, the Earth would have subsided on its people.' and 'if there were only two individuals living on Earth, one of them would be the Hujjah.' as reported by motawaatir narrationsthrough variouscategories of evidences.

Raj'ah

What is your opinion with respect to the concept of al-Raj'ah - the Return (of the Ma'soomeen (AS)) - where does this concept originate from, and which one of the Ma'soomeen is it applicable to?

The concept of the Raj'ah or the “coming back” is referred to in the Holy Qur'an. For example:

{One Day We shall gather together from every people a group of those who reject Our Signs, . . .} 27:83.

Wilaya Takweeneyyah

What is your view with respect to al-Wilayah al-Takweeneyyah (the Creationist authority), and al-Wilayah al-Tashri'eyyah(the Legislative authority) of the fourteen Ma'soom (AS) in general, and those of her ladyship Fatimah al-Zahra' (AS), as you have alluded to this in your book "From the Jurisprudence of al-Zahra' (AS)"?

“The Will of Lord – about the destiny of His creatures – is presented to you, and emanates from your houses, together with the rulings of the code of conduct for the masses.”

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Fatimat-ul-Zahra'

1. You mentioned in your valuable book "From the Jurisprudence of al-Zahra' (AS)" (six volumes) on a number of occasions that al-Zahra' (AS) occupies an extremely high status in the sight of Allah Almighty. What is the level of this status? Does it exceed that of the Imams (AS) or some of the Imams? Or is it that the Imams exceed her in status?

Yes! Lady Fatimat-ul-Zahra' (AS) occupies an extremely high status which is lower than that of her father Rasulollah (S), equal to that of her husband Amir-ul-Mu'minin Ali ibn Abi Talib (AS), and higher than those of her eleven son-Imams (AS).

2. You also mentioned in the same book some of the incidents, which took place after the death of Rasulollah (S), what is your view of those incidents?

In fact the Glorious Qur'an reports on that when states:

" . . . If he (Rasulollah) died or gets killed, will ye then turn back on your heels? . . ."The Holy Qur'an: The Family of 'Emraan (3): 144.

3. Is Fatimat-ul-Zahra' (AS) a martyr? For you mentioned in the above-mentioned book that she was martyred.

That is correct, that has been reported in reliable hadith and is also mentioned in historical texts.

Translator's note:

Some of the Sunni sources, which report this event, are as follows:

1. Ibn Hajar al-‘Asqalani, Lisaan al-Meezaan, vol. 1, p 268

2. Muhib-id-Deen al-Tabari, Thakha'er al-‘Uqba, vol. 6, p17

3. Al-Shahrestaani, al-Melal wa al-Nahal, vol. 1, p 57

4. Al-Mas'udi, Ithbaat al-Waseyyah, p 142

5. Ibn Qutaybah, al-Ma'arif, p 210}

4. Was she (AS) Siddiqah, just as Mary is referred to in the holy Qur'an as Siddeeqah? {5:75}

5. What is your evaluation of the reports that Fatimat-ul-Zahra' (AS) was beaten, that her (inherited property of) Fadak was usurped, that she was crushed between the wall and the door, and that her unborn son - Muhassen - was killed as a result of this attack, etc.?

All of that is correct and proven.

Translator's note:

6. What is your view with respect to al-Wilayah al-Takweeneyyah (the Creationist authority), and al-Wilayah al-Tashri'eyyah(the Legislative authority) of the fourteen Ma'soom (AS) in general, and those of her ladyship Fatimah al-Zahra' (AS), as you have alluded to this in your book "From the Jurisprudence of al-Zahra' (AS)"?

“The Will of Lord – about the destiny of His creatures – is presented to you, and emanates from your houses, together with the rulings of the code of conduct for the masses.”

7. You mentioned in your valuable book "From the Jurisprudence of al-Zahra' (AS)" her endeavour to defend the wilaayah of her husband Amir-ul-Mu'minin, Imam Ali (AS) and her eleven Imam sons (AS). What was the limit of her effort in that respect? Is it also obligatory upon us during the present time?

8. Your Excellency mentioned in the above-mentioned book that it is Mustahab to report and disseminate the case of Fadak, since a number of the Ma'soomeen (AS) have done so. Do you see it also Mustahab to report and disseminate all that concerns Fatimat-ul-Zahra' (AS) and what happened to her after her father (S)?

9. Your Excellency mentioned in volume one of the above-mentioned book that Fatimat-ul-Zahra' (AS) is one of those whom Allah Almighty has made their obedience obligatory upon all creatures, and you based this on the authority of some of the hadith. In your opinion, are these hadith reliable?

‘Esmah

· Are the Prophet (S), his daughter Fatimah al-Zahra' (AS), and the twelve Imams (AS) Ma'soom (infallible)? What is the limit of this 'Esmah (infallibility)? Is it from committing any disobedience? Or is it from making mistake, and forgetting (things)? Or is it from overcoming sleep such that (potentially) the prayer time is missed?

Translator's note:

· Is the degree of the 'Esmah amongst the fourteen Ma'soomeen (AS) the same or does it vary from one Ma'soom to another?

The degree of the 'Esmah of the Ma'soomeen (AS) is the same for all of them.

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Imam Mahdi (AS)

I have a few questions about Imam Mahdi (AS).

I know he resides on this earth but what more can you tell me about him. What information does he receive about current events?

The fate of everyone is prescribed on the Laylatul Qadr, and all of that is presented to Imam al-Mahdi (AS).

{The angels and the Spirit descend in it (Laylatul Qadr) by the permission of their Lord regarding every issue.} The holy Qur'an: al-Qadr (97): 4.

So everything that is to happen to anyone is presented to Imam al-Mahdi (AS).

In other hadiths it is reported that everything a Shi'a does is reported on a weekly basis to his Imam, i.e. Imam al-Mahdi (AS).

So the answer to your question: Imam al-Mahdi (AS) receives detailed reports and information about every single act of the individual, let alone current events.

How do we contact him?

Through frequent and very sincere Du'a and Zeyarat. This is assuming that one totally and whole-heartedly adheres to the Wajibaat – the obligatory duties – and refrains from the Muharramaat – the forbidden acts and practices. You are only awarded honour to meet him if you are the way Allah and the Imam like you to be – a committed Muslim who adheres to the teachings of Islam.

Is it true that he cries for martyrs of Karbala everyday?

In Zeyrat-e Naahiyah, Imam al-Mahdi (AS) addresses his grandfather Imam Hussain (AS) and states "I shall mourn for you day and night, and instead of tears I shall cry blood for you."

Imam Mahdi (AS)

Please can you tell me more about Imam Mahdi (AS)?

This is a relatively general question the answer to which can be a book about the Imam (AS) of several volumes. When talking about Imam al-Mahdi (AS) the starting point - at least - is the hadith of Rasulollah (S) and then the hadith of the Imams (AS). Then period before his birth, his actual birth, and then periods of his minor occultation and his major occultation that continues to this day. With the help of Allah Almighty I shall try to present a few points about the Imam-of-our-time - may Allah hasten his reappearance, and we are his advocates. This is of course would not even be the tip of the iceberg.

Imam al-Mahdi (AS)

On the father side Imam al-Mahdi (AS) is the son of ten Imams, Sayyiadtul Nissaa (AS), and Rasulollah (S). On the mother side his mother is the descendent of Simon the disciple of Jesus and his Wasi.

There have been hundreds of hadith from Rasulollah (S) reported in both Shi'a and Sunni reference books about Imam al-Mahdi (AS) to the extent they are referred to as Mutawatir or frequent. Rasulollah (S) used every opportunity to emphasise the significance of Imam al-Mahdi (AS) in particular.

Rasulollah (S) said

"Imam al-Mahdi (AS) will appear to fill the earth with justice after it has been filled oppression and injustice"

On the certainty of his role and his definite appearance Rasulollah (S) said:

"If there was one day left of this world, Allah will prolong that day so that Imam al-Mahdi (AS) appears and accomplishes his mission"

or, along the same line Rasulollah (S) states:

"If there were two men on the face of the earth, one of them would be al-Mahdi."

"On the day he reappears - by the will of Allah - Jesus will perform prayers behind Imam al-Mahdi (AS)."

The tale of how the granddaughter of the emperor of Roman Empire came to be the wife of Imam Hassan al-Askari, and therefore the mother of Imam al-Mahdi (AS) is a fascinating story. Lady Maleekah or Lady Narjis had an unapparent pregnancy just like the mother of Moses (AS), since the authorities were on the look out for a pregnant woman in the house of Imam Hassan al-Askari, in order to eliminate the "promised one".

As soon as Imam al-Mahdi (AS) was born he made sajdah and declared:

"I testify that there is no god but Allah, He is alone and has no partner. And my grandfather Muhammad is Rasulollah [Messenger of Allah] and my father is Amir-ul-Mu'minin [The Commander of the Faithful]", and he went to name the Imams one by one until he named himself. He then said "O Lord make true your promise and by me fill the earth with justice. {And We wished to be gracious to those who were being oppressed on the land, to make them leaders and make them heirs, And to establish a firm place for them in the land . . .} " (28:5-6)

On the day he was born he was ascended to the Heavens.
He is the last of the Hujjah -authority- and the last of the Wasi.
He will not practice Taqiyyah as will not be obliged by any authority, as his forefathers were.
At the time of his appearance, a call and proclamation will be heard from the heavens, announcing the appearance of Imam al-Mahdi (AS). It is reported that the tafsir for the ayah {And listen for the Day when the Caller will call out from a place quite near} [50:41] is the call that will be made to announce the forthcoming of Imam al-Mahdi (AS).
Reported from Imam al-Baaqir (AS) “When a call is made announcing the coming of Imam al-Mahdi (AS) everyone in the East and West will hear the call. The voice will be that of Jibra'eel - al-Rouh al-Amin - and the call will be made on Friday 23^rd of the holy month of Ramadahn.” [i.e. the Laylatul Qadr which coincides with the eve of Friday.]
Imam al-Mahdi will bring with him the Qur'an he compiled which includes tafseer and ta'weel.
As well as mankind, he will have the Jinn and the Angles as his members of his personnel and support his cause.
He will appear as a man of about forty.
During his time, the animals will not be wild and ferocious, and there will be no grudge amongst the people, and a woman can travel on foot from Iraq to Syria in total safety and without any fears. {And We shall remove from their hearts any lurking sense of injury.} 7:43.
He will raise some of the people from the dead to be in his personnel.
The earth will uncover its treasure which are very substantial, and food will be abundant, and the earth will be transformed as stated in the holy Qur'an: {One day the Earth will be changed to a different Earth}18:48
He will bring more knowledge to the world such that all the various knowledge amassed over the centuries and available to mankind up to his appearance are equivalent to two degrees, and Imam al-Mahdi (AS) will bring forth another 27 degrees of knowledge.
Amir-ul-Mu'minin (AS) is reported as saying "when one of my sons appears at the end of the time, . . . . he places his hand over the heads of the people and no Mu'min would be there but his hear heart becomes stronger than iron sheets [in terms of bravery and resisting temptations.].”
Imam al-Baaqir (AS) is reported as saying "When our Qa'im arises, he place his hand over the heads of the people and thus their minds are calmed and their thinking processes perfected.”
The ability of seeing and hearing of the companions of Imam al-Mahdi (AS) will be extraordinary such that they can see and hear the Imam from a distance of more than four Farsakh - more than twenty km.
During his rule natural disaster and diseases will disappear, and each one of his companions has the strength of forty men.

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Ahl-ul-Bayt (AS) and Noah's Arch

Is it true that archaeologists have found tablet or a placard of Prophet Noah's (AS) boat and on the front of it said the names of the five Ma'soom (AS), and now the sample is in a Russian museum?

According to a channel four documentary program which was aired some three years ago, American scientists / archaeologists managed to find the fossil of a ship believed to be Noah's Arch. It was found on the mount of Judi as stated in the Holy Qur'an. The mount of Judi is in Turkey some twenty mile from the Turkish-Iranian border. We have heard about the placard and the names of five Ma'soom scribed but we have not verified this independently.

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Ahl-ul-Bayt (AS) in the Bible?

What did the Bible say about the Ahl-ul-Bayt?

As for what the Bible - the Old and the New Testament - say about the Ahl-ul-Bayt (AS), I have not had the chance to research this matter thoroughly, and I would not be surprised to find more references about the Ahl-ul-Bayt (AS). However there are many direct references about the Ahl-ul-Bayt (AS).

Ø In the Old Testament in one instance Allah Almighty says to Moses (AS) I shall send among your brethren a prophet like unto you . . . and the description given therein match those of Rasulollah (S) see Deuteronomy 18:18:

“I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him.”

Ø Again in the Old Testament Allah Almighty refers to the slaughter of Karbala as can be seen from Jeremiah 46:10:

"For the Lord GOD of hosts hath a sacrifice in the north country by the river Euphrates ."

Ø In the New Testament Jesus tells his followers of the coming of a great Prophet after him:

"Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you."John 16:7.

[And the Comforter here is NOT the Holy Ghost as some commentators have us believe; since the Holy Ghost had been around according to other verses in the New Testament.]

Many more references in the Bible about Rasulollah (S) if not the Ahl-ul-Bayt (AS) may be found but that needs to be researched and investigated.

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