Naat sharif and takrir in mp4

 

SURAH AL-ASR (सूरह अल अस्र)

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 بِسْمِ اللّهِ الرَّحْمـَنِ الرَّحِيمِ

(Bismillaahir Rahmaanir Raheem)

(बिस्मिल्लाहिर रहमानिर रहिम)

SAY:In the name of Allah , Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

1. وَالْعَصْرِ

(Wal 'asr)

(वल अस्र)

By (the Token of) Time (through the ages),

ज़माने की क़सम है

2. إِنَّ الْإِنْسَانَ لَفِي خُسْرٍ

(Innal insaana lafee khusr)

(इन्नल इन्सान लफ़ी खुस्र)

Verily Man is in loss,

कि इंसान बड़े घाटे में है

3. إِلَّا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ وَتَوَاصَوْا بِالْحَقِّ وَتَوَاصَوْا بِالصَّبْرِ

(Illal lazeena aamanoo wa 'amilus saalihaati wa tawaasaw bilhaqq; wa tawaasaw bissabr)

(इल्लल लज़ीना आमनू व अमिलुस सालिहाति व तवा सव बिल्हककि वतवा सव बिस सब्र)

Except such as have Faith, and do righteous deeds, and (join together) in the mutual teaching of Truth, and of Patience and Constancy.

सिवाए उन लोगों के जो ईमान लाये नेक अमल करते रहें, एक दुसरे को हक़ (पर क़ायम रहने) की और सब्र करने की ताकीद करते रहें

SURAH AL-BAIYINA

بِسْمِ اللّهِ الرَّحْمـَنِ الرَّحِيمِ

(Bismillaahir Rahmaanir Raheem)

(बिस्मिल्लाहिर रहमानिर रहिम)

SAY:In the name of Allah , Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

 1. لَمْ يَكُنِ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا مِنْ أَهْلِ الْكِتَابِ وَالْمُشْرِكِينَ مُنْفَكِّينَ حَتَّىٰ تَأْتِيَهُمُ الْبَيِّنَةُ

(Lam ya kunil lazeena kafaru min ahlil kitaabi wal mushri keena mun fak keena hattaa ta-tiya humul bayyinah)

(लम यकुनिल लज़ीना कफरू मिन अहलिल किताबि वल मुशरिकीना मुन्फक कीना हत्ता तअ’ति यहुमुल बय्यिनह)

Those who reject (Truth), among the People of the Book and among the Polytheists, were not going to depart (from their ways) until there should come to them Clear Evidence,-

मुशरिकीन और अहले किताब में जो काफ़िर थे वो उस वक़्त तक बाज़ आने वाले नहीं थे जब तक उन के पास कोई खुली दलील न आ जाती

2. رَسُولٌ مِنَ اللَّهِ يَتْلُو صُحُفًا مُطَهَّرَةً

(Rasoolum minal laahi yatlu suhufam mutahharah)

(रसूलुम मिनल लाहि यत्लू सुहुफ़म मुतह हरह)

An messenger from Allah, rehearsing scriptures kept pure and holy:

अल्लाह की तरफ़ से एक ऐसा रसूल जो पाक सहीफे पढ़ कर सुनाये

3. فِيهَا كُتُبٌ قَيِّمَةٌ

(Feeha kutubun qaiyimah)

(फ़ीहा कुतुबुन क़य्यिमह)

Wherein are laws (or decrees) right and straight.

जिस में दुरुस्त अहकाम लिखे हुए हों

4. وَمَا تَفَرَّقَ الَّذِينَ أُوتُوا الْكِتَابَ إِلَّا مِنْ بَعْدِ مَا جَاءَتْهُمُ الْبَيِّنَةُ

(Wa maa tafarraqal lazeena ootul kitaaba il-la mim b'adi ma jaa-at humul baiyyinah)

(वमा तफर रक़ल लज़ीना ऊतुल किताबा इल्ला मिम ब’अदि मा जा अत्हुमुल बय्यिनह)

Nor did the People of the Book make schisms, until after there came to them Clear Evidence.

और अहले किताब ने अलग रास्ता उसके बाद ही इख्तियार किया जब उनके पास खुली दलील आ गयी

5. وَمَا أُمِرُوا إِلَّا لِيَعْبُدُوا اللَّهَ مُخْلِصِينَ لَهُ الدِّينَ حُنَفَاءَ وَيُقِيمُوا الصَّلَاةَ وَيُؤْتُوا الزَّكَاةَ ۚ وَذَٰلِكَ دِينُ الْقَيِّمَةِ

(Wa maa umiroo il-la liy'abu dul laaha mukhliseena lahud-deena huna faa-a wa yuqeemus salaata wa yu-tuz zakaata; wa zaalika deenul qaiyimah)

(वमा उमिरू इल्ला लियअ’बुदुल लाहा मुखलिसीना लहुद दीन हुनाफ़ा अ वयुक़ीमुस सलाता व युअ’तुज़ ज़काता व ज़ालिका दीनुल क़य्यिमह)

And they have been commanded no more than this: To worship Allah, offering Him sincere devotion, being true (in faith); to establish regular prayer; and to practise regular charity; and that is the Religion Right and Straight.

जब कि उनको सिर्फ ये हुक्म दिया गया था कि वो अल्लाह की बंदगी दीन को उसके लिए खालिस करके करें और नमाज़ क़ायम करें और ज़कात अदा करें और ठीक मिल्लत का यही दीन है

6. إِنَّ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا مِنْ أَهْلِ الْكِتَابِ وَالْمُشْرِكِينَ فِي نَارِ جَهَنَّمَ خَالِدِينَ فِيهَا ۚ أُولَٰئِكَ هُمْ شَرُّ الْبَرِيَّةِ

(Innal lazeena kafaru min ahlil kitaabi wal mushri keena fee nari jahan nama khaali deena feeha; ulaa-ika hum shar rul ba reeyah)

(इन्नल लज़ीना कफरू मिन अहलिल किताबि वल मुशरिकीना फ़ी नारि जहन्नमा खालिदीना फ़ीहा उलाइका हुम शररुल बरिय्यह)

Those who reject (Truth), among the People of the Book and among the Polytheists, will be in Hell-Fire, to dwell therein (for aye). They are the worst of creatures.

अहले किताब और मुशरिकीन में से जो ईमान नहीं लाये, वो हमेशा हमेशा दोज़ख़ की आग में रहेंगे यही लोग सब से बदतर मख्लूक़ हैं

7. إِنَّ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ أُولَٰئِكَ هُمْ خَيْرُ الْبَرِيَّةِ

(Innal lazeena aamanu wa 'amilus saalihaati ula-ika hum khairul bareey yah)

(इन्नल लज़ीना आमनू अमिलुस सालिहाति उलाइका हुम खैरुल बरिय्यह)

Those who have faith and do righteous deeds,- they are the best of creatures.

बेशक जो लोग ईमान लाये और उन्होंने नेक अमल किये, वही सब से बेहतर मख्लूक़ हैं

8. جَزَاؤُهُمْ عِنْدَ رَبِّهِمْ جَنَّاتُ عَدْنٍ تَجْرِي مِنْ تَحْتِهَا الْأَنْهَارُ خَالِدِينَ فِيهَا أَبَدًا ۖ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ وَرَضُوا عَنْهُ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ لِمَنْ خَشِيَ رَبَّهُ

(Jazaa-uhum inda rabbihim jan naatu 'adnin tajree min tahtihal an haaru khalideena feeha abada; radiy-yallaahu 'anhum wa ra du 'an zaalika liman khashiya rabbah.)

(जज़ाउहुम इन्दा रब्बिहिम जन्नातु अदनिन तजरी मिन तहतिहल अन्हारु खालिदीना फ़ीहा अबदा रज़ियल लाहू अन्हुम वरजू अन्ह ज़ालिका लिमन खशिया रब्बह)

Their reward is with Allah: Gardens of Eternity, beneath which rivers flow; they will dwell therein for ever; Allah well pleased with them, and they with Him: all this for such as fear their Lord and Cherisher.

उन का बदला उनके रब के पास है, ऐसी सदा बहार जन्नतें जिनके नीचे नहरें बह रही हैं, वो हमेशा उसी में रहेंगे, अल्लाह उन से खुश हुवा और वो अल्लाह से खुश रहेंगे, ये उस शख्स के लिए है जो अपने परवरदिगार से डरता है

Surah Al-Balad (सूरह अल बलद)

بِسْمِ اللّهِ الرَّحْمـَنِ الرَّحِيمِ

Bismillaahir Rahmaanir Raheem)

(बिस्मिल्लाहिर रहमानिर रहिम)

SAY:In the name of Allah , Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

1. لَا أُقْسِمُ بِهَٰذَا الْبَلَدِ

(Laaa uqsimu bihaazal balad)

(ला उक्सिमु बिहाज़ल बलद)

SAY:I do call to witness this City;-

मैं क़सम खाता हूँ इस शहर ( मक्का ) की

2. وَأَنْتَ حِلٌّ بِهَٰذَا الْبَلَدِ

(Wa anta hillum bihaazal balad)

(व अंत हिल्लुम बिहाज़ल बलद)

And thou art a freeman of this City;-

कि आप ( हज़रत मुहम्मद सल्लल लाहु अलैहि वसल्लम ) इसी शहर में रहते हैं

3. وَوَالِدٍ وَمَا وَلَدَ

(Wa waalidinw wa maa walad)

(व वालिदिव वमा वलद)

And (the mystic ties of) parent and child;-

और क़सम है वालिद और उसकी औलाद की

4. لَقَدْ خَلَقْنَا الْإِنْسَانَ فِي كَبَدٍ

(Laqad khalaqnal insaana fee kabad)

(लक़द खलक्नल इन्सान फ़ी कबद)

Verily We have created man into toil and struggle.

यक़ीनन इन्सान को हम ने मशक्क़त में डाल कर पैदा किया है

5. أَيَحْسَبُ أَنْ لَنْ يَقْدِرَ عَلَيْهِ أَحَدٌ

(Ayahsabu al-lai yaqdira 'alaihi ahad)

(अयह सबु अल लैय यक्दिरा अलैहि अहद)

Thinketh he, that none hath power over him?

वो क्या समझता है कि उस पर किसी का बस न चलेगा

6. يَقُولُ أَهْلَكْتُ مَالًا لُبَدًا

(Yaqoolu ahlaktu maalal lubadaa)

(यक़ूलु अहलकतु मालल लु बदा)

He may say (boastfully); Wealth have I squandered in abundance!

वो कहता है : मैंने ढेरों माल ख़र्च कर डाला है

7. أَيَحْسَبُ أَنْ لَمْ يَرَهُ أَحَدٌ

(Ayahsabu al lam yarahooo ahad)

(अयह्सबू अल लम य रहू अहद)

Thinketh he that none beholdeth him?

वो क्या समझता है कि उसको किसी ने देखा नहीं

8. أَلَمْ نَجْعَلْ لَهُ عَيْنَيْنِ

(Alam naj'al lahoo 'aynayn)

(अलम नज अल लहू ऐनैन)

Thinketh he that none beholdeth him?

क्या हम ने उसको दो आँखें

9. وَلِسَانًا وَشَفَتَيْنِ

(Wa lisaananw wa shafatayn)

(व लिसानव व शफतैन)

And a tongue, and a pair of lips?-

एक ज़ुबान और दो होंट नहीं दिए

10. وَهَدَيْنَاهُ النَّجْدَيْنِ

(Wa hadaynaahun najdayn)

(व हदैनाहून नज्दैन)

And shown him the two highways?

और हमने उसको दोनों (खैरो शर) के रास्ते दिखा दिए

11. فَلَا اقْتَحَمَ الْعَقَبَةَ

(Falaq tahamal-'aqabah)

(फलक तहमल अ क़बह)

But he hath made no haste on the path that is steep.

मगर उस से ये न हो सका कि घाटी में दाख़िल हो

12. وَمَا أَدْرَاكَ مَا الْعَقَبَةُ

(Wa maaa adraaka mal'aqabah)

(वमा अद राका मल अ क़बह)

And what will explain to thee the path that is steep?-

और आपको मालूम है कि घाटी क्या है

13. فَكُّ رَقَبَةٍ

(Fakku raqabah)

(फक्कु र क़बह)

(It is:) freeing the bondman;

किसी की गर्दन (गुलामी से) छुड़ाना

14. أَوْ إِطْعَامٌ فِي يَوْمٍ ذِي مَسْغَبَةٍ

(Aw it'aamun fee yawmin zee masghabah)

(अव इत आमून फ़ी यौमिन ज़ी मस्गबह)

Or the giving of food in a day of privation

या भूक के दिनों में खाना खिलाना

15. يَتِيمًا ذَا مَقْرَبَةٍ

(Yateeman zaa maqrabah)

(यतीमन ज़ा मक़ रबह)

To the orphan with claims of relationship,

ऐसे यतीम को जो रिश्तेदार भी है

16. أَوْ مِسْكِينًا ذَا مَتْرَبَةٍ

(Aw miskeenan zaa matrabah)

(अव मिस्कीनन ज़ा मतरबह)

Or to the indigent (down) in the dust.

या ऐसे मिस्कीन को जो धुल में अटा हुआ हो

17. ثُمَّ كَانَ مِنَ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَتَوَاصَوْا بِالصَّبْرِ وَتَوَاصَوْا بِالْمَرْحَمَةِ

(Summa kaana minal lazeena aamanoo wa tawaasaw bissabri wa tawaasaw bilmarhamah)

(सुम्मा कान मिनल लज़ीना आमनू व वतवा सौ बिस सबरि व तवा सौ बिल मर हमह)

Then will he be of those who believe, and enjoin patience, (constancy, and self-restraint), and enjoin deeds of kindness and compassion.

फिर वो उन लोगों में शामिल हुआ जो ईमान लाये हैं, और जिन्होंने एक दुसरे को साबित क़दमी की ताकीद की है और एक दुसरे को रहम खाने की ताकीद की है

18. أُولَٰئِكَ أَصْحَابُ الْمَيْمَنَةِ

(Ulaaa'ika As-haabul maimanah)

(उलाइका अस हाबुल मैमनह)

Such are the Companions of the Right Hand.

यही वो लोग हैं जो दाहिनी तरफ वाले (बड़े नसीबे वाले) हैं

19. وَالَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا بِآيَاتِنَا هُمْ أَصْحَابُ الْمَشْأَمَةِ

(Wallazeena kafaroo bi aayaatinaa hum as-haabul Mash'amah)

(वल लज़ीना कफरू बि आयातिना हुम असहाबुल मश अमह)

But those who reject Our Signs, they are the (unhappy) Companions of the Left Hand.

और जिन लोगों ने हमारी आयतों का इनकार किया वो दाहिनी तरफ़ वाले (नहूसत वाले लोग) हैं

20. عَلَيْهِمْ نَارٌ مُؤْصَدَةٌ

(Alaihim naarum mu'sadah)

(अलैहिम नारुम मुअ सदह)

On them will be Fire vaulted over (all round).

उन पर ऐसी आग मुसल्लत की जाएगी जो उन पर बंद कर दी जाएगी

Surah Ash-Shams (सूरह शम्स)

بِسْمِ اللّهِ الرَّحْمـَنِ الرَّحِيمِ

(Bismillaahir Rahmaanir Raheem)

(बिस्मिल्लाहिर रहमानिर रहिम)

SAY:In the name of Allah , Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

1.وَالشَّمْسِ وَضُحَاهَا

(Wash shamsi wa duhaa haa)

( वश शम्सि व दुहाहा)

By the Sun and his (glorious) splendour;

क़सम है सूरज की और उसकी रौशनी की

2. وَالْقَمَرِ إِذَا تَلَاهَا

(Wal qamari izaa talaa haa)

(वल क़मरि इज़ा तलाहा)

By the Moon as she follows him

और चाँद की जब वो सूरज के पीछे आये

3. وَالنَّهَارِ إِذَا جَلَّاهَا

(Wannahaari izaa jallaa haa)

(वन नहारि इज़ा जल लाहा)

By the Day as it shows up (the Sun´s) glory;

दिन की जब सूरज को ख़ूब रौशन कर दे

4. وَاللَّيْلِ إِذَا يَغْشَاهَا

(Wallaili izaa yaghshaa haa)

(वल लैलि इज़ा यगशाहा)

By the Night as it conceals it;

रात की जब वो सूरज को छिपा ले

5. وَالسَّمَاءِ وَمَا بَنَاهَا

(Wassamaaa'i wa maa banaahaa)

(वस समाइ वमा बानाहा)

By the Firmament and its (wonderful) structure;

आसमान की और उसके बनाने वाले की

6. وَالْأَرْضِ وَمَا طَحَاهَا

(Wal ardi wa maa tahaahaa)

(वल अरदि वमा तहाहा)

By the Earth and its (wide) expanse:

ज़मीन और उसके बनाने वाले की

7. وَنَفْسٍ وَمَا سَوَّاهَا

(Wa nafsinw wa maa sawwaahaa)

(व नफ्सिव वमा सव वाहा)

By the Soul, and the proportion and order given to it;

और इन्सान की जान की और उस ज़ात की जिस ने उसको ठीक ठीक बनाया

8. فَأَلْهَمَهَا فُجُورَهَا وَتَقْوَاهَا

(Fa-alhamahaa fujoorahaa wa taqwaahaa)

(फ़ अल्हमाहा फुजूरहा व तक्वाहा)

And its enlightenment as to its wrong and its right;-

फिर उसको उसकी बद्किरदारी और परहेज़गारी समझा दी

9. قَدْ أَفْلَحَ مَنْ زَكَّاهَا

(Qad aflaha man zakkaahaa)

(क़द अफ्लहा मन ज़क्काहा)

Truly he succeeds that purifies it,

यक़ीनन जिस ने नफ्स को संवार लिया

10.وَقَدْ خَابَ مَنْ دَسَّاهَا

(Wa qad khaaba man dassaahaa)

(वक़द खाबमन दस्साहा)

And he fails that corrupts it!

और जिस ने उसको ख़ाक में मिला दिया (यानि अपनी ख्वाहिशात का गुलाम बना रहा ) वह घटे में रहा

11. كَذَّبَتْ ثَمُودُ بِطَغْوَاهَا

(Kazzabat Samoodu bi taghwaahaaa)

(कज्ज़बत समूदु बितग वाहा)

The Thamud (people) rejected (their prophet) through their inordinate wrong-doing,

समूद ने तो अपनी सरकशी की वजह से (पैग़म्बर ) को झुटला दिया

12. إِذِ انْبَعَثَ أَشْقَاهَا

(Izim ba'asa ashqaahaa)

(इज़िम बअसा अश क़ाहा)

Behold, the most wicked man among them was deputed (for impiety).

जब उनका सब से बदतरीन शख्स उठ खड़ा हुआ

13. فَقَالَ لَهُمْ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ نَاقَةَ اللَّهِ وَسُقْيَاهَا

(Faqaala lahum Rasoolul laahi naaqatal laahi wa suqiyaahaa)

(फ़ क़ाल लहुम रसूलुल लाहि नाक़तल लाहि व सुक्याहा)

But the Messenger of Allah said to them: "It is a She-camel of Allah! And (bar her not from) having her drink!"

तो अल्लाह के पैग़म्बर ने उन से कहा : ख़बरदार ! अल्लाह की ऊंटनी का और उसके पानी पीने का पूरा ख़याल रखना

14. فَكَذَّبُوهُ فَعَقَرُوهَا فَدَمْدَمَ عَلَيْهِمْ رَبُّهُمْ بِذَنْبِهِمْ فَسَوَّاهَا

(Fakazzaboohu fa'aqaroohaa fadamdama 'alaihim Rabbuhum bizambihim fasaw waahaa)

(फ़ कज्ज़बूहु फ़ अक़रूहा फ़दमदमा अलैहिम रब्बुहुम बिज़म बिहिम फ़सव्वाहा)

Then they rejected him (as a false prophet), and they hamstrung her. So their Lord, on account of their crime, obliterated their traces and made them equal (in destruction, high and low)!

15. وَلَا يَخَافُ عُقْبَاهَا

(Wa laa yakhaafu'uqbaahaa)

(वला यख़ाफु उक्बाहा)

And for Him is no fear of its consequences.

और अल्लाह को उसके किसी बुरे अंजाम का कोई खौफ़ नहीं है

The story of Prophet Nooh Alaihis salam

Almighty Allah SubhanhuWaTha'ala states in The Holy Quran: "Peace be upon Nooh among all nations. This is how we reward the good-doers. Verily, he was among our true believing servants." There is an entire Surah in The Holy Quran which is named ‘Nooh’. In total he is mentioned 43 times in the Quran Shareef, and his story appears in numerous places in the Holy Quran. Hazrat Nooh (alaihis-salaam) was the great grandson of Nabi Idrees (alaihis-salaam). Between the two there were 10 generations, as it is mentioned in authentic hadith narrated by Imam Bukhri and others.

Hazrat Nooh (alaihis-salaam) was sent as a Prophet to his people after they had started worshipping idols. He was therefore the first Prophet sent for this purpose., i.e. to invite people to the oneness of Allah SubhanhuWaTha'ala and towards Islam. It is said that Hazrat Nooh was fifty years old when he became a Nabi. He lived in Iraq, and that was where he spent most of his time.

THE ORIGIN OF IDOLATRY

A famous and authentic Muslim historian and Alim, Imam Ibni Katheer (rahmatullahi alaihi), gives a detailed account of how idol-worship started in the world. We shall summarize this account for you.

Among the generations that came between Nabi Adam Alaihis salam and Hazrat Nooh (alaihimas-salaam) there lived some very pious people. Some of their names are mentioned in Surah Nooh, such as, Wadd, Suwaa', Yaghooth, Ya 'ooq, and Nasr. These people were saints who were devoted to the worship of Allah SubhanhuWaTha'ala , and they had a large following. When they died, people were very sad and missed them a great deal. Some of their followers cried for days out of mourning. One day, upon seeing the extreme grief and sorrow of these followers, Shaytaan came to them in the form of a human being and offered to draw pictures of these holy men which they could keep in their homes as reminders. This was accepted and soon all of them had pictures of their pious leaders in their homes. They drew inspiration for their ibadat from these pictures and the sight of these holy man lessened their grief. It was a great means of solace for them.

When these followers died, their sons grew up and continued keeping these pictures. However, Shaytaan again came in human form and offered to transform these pictures into images, which he did upon their consent. Later he managed to convince the younger generation, who had no idea why these pictures and images were made, that their forefathers actually worshipped them.

The newer generation started to worship these images, and thus began the evil of idol-worship on earth. The exact names of these pious people, as mentioned above, were given to the idols. Shaytaan kept on appearing to them with new ideas and suggestions, such as asking things from these idols, making dua to them for rain, etc.

As time passed, these images were modified and beautified, and eventually people forgot entirely about Allah SubhanhuWaTha'ala and focussed all their attention on these images. Every generation that came after them, indulged in this form of worship, until Allah SubhanhuWaTha'ala decide to appoint Hazrat Nooh (alaihis-salaam) as a Messenger to save these people from this evil sin.

He therefore invited them to the worship of one Allah SubhanhuWaTha'alas, and to submit to His SubhanhuWaTha'alas Law. Needless to say, this message was rejected, because people were so deep-rooted in idolatry that they were not prepared to forsake their beliefs in these idols. Hazrat Nooh alaihis salam used different ways and methods to explain the truth to them, but to no avail. He spoke to them in public and in private, at night and during the day, and kept on reminding them of the Mercy and Forgiveness of Allah SubhanhuWaTha'ala, but only a handful of people listened to him and accepted his message. These sincere ones who came from poor communities, were called mu'mineen or believers. For the rest, their hatred against Hazrat Nooh oAlaihis salamnly increased.

BUILDING THE FIRST SHIP

Hazrat Nooh (alaihis-salaam) preached the message of Islam among his people for nine hundred years. When the kuffar in those days passed away, they would leave behind a wasiyyat (instructions) to their children not to believe in Hazrat Nooh (alaihis-salaam), but to continue rejecting him. Such was the severity of their kufr. In this manner, every generation exhorted the next to commit kufr against Allah SubhanuWaTha'ala and His Rasool, Nooh (alaihis-salaam).

Allah SubhanhuWaTha'ala then revealed to Nabi Nooh (alaihis-salaam) that now none of his people was going to embrace Islam, except those that already have done so. He was commanded to build a ship, but at that stage the world had never ever heard of a ship. Therefore, he was shown by Hazrat Jibreel (alaihis-salaam) how to construct a ship. Hazrat Nooh (alaihis-salaam) was therefore the first person on earth to build a ship, and through him mankind came to know about this technique for travelling over water.

The Ship

The ship was built according to specifications laid down by Allah SubhanhuWaTha'ala . He built it from teak wood and both the inside and the outside was coated with a layer of tar. The ship was about 138 metres in length, 23 metres wide, and 14 metres high. It had three decks of equal height. The lower deck was for animals, the middle for human beings, and the top deck for birds. It also had a flat roof, and several windows and a door on the side. Hazrat Nooh alaihis salams was shown how to build a pointed bow at the front, so that the vessel could plough through water easily.

It took him fifty years to build this ship. Some Ulema say the reason for this lengthy period was that trees had to be specially planted and grown, then chopped down and cut up for the wood that was to be used in manufacturing the ship. The work on this ship was undertaken and completed in a small but very important and central musjid in the city of Kãfa, Iraq. This was known as the Musjid of Nooh. aslihis salam

The Kuffar in those days used to mock at him and his small band of followers who were assisting him in building the ship. When they were told that a great flood was to strike them soon, they scoffed and made even bigger mockery. For at that time there was a severe drought. Where would floods come from, they thought? Secondly, how would this ship sail when there was no river in sight? But Hazrat Nooh (alaihis-salaam) and the Muslims paid no attention to their jeering and insults. They continued with the command of Allah SubhanhuWaTha'ala to build the ship.

THE GREAT FLOOD

Next to the musjid where the ship was being built, was the clay oven of Hazrat Nooh (alaihis-salaam). This oven was actually a huge hole dug into the ground, in which they used to bake their bread. Allah SubhanhuWaTha'ala informed Nabi Nooh (alaihis-salaam) that when water starts gushing out from this hole, that was a sign of the beginning of the flood. Nabi Nooh (alaihis-salaam) was then to order the believers, who numbered about 80 men and women, as well as animals, to board the ship. When the level of the water rose, the ship would begin to float automatically.

When the ship was completed, the command of Allah SubhanhuWaTha'ala came. It started to rain, and then Hazrat Nooh alihis salam noticed water flowing out of this clay-oven. He immediately ordered all the believers to embark, and took a male and female species of each animal and bird onto the ship was well. The drizzle of rain soon changed to a downpour. Then the rain started falling in torrents. Water flowed from every hole, spring, and fountain on earth. Soon the ship was afloat on high, raging currents of water. It is said that the level of the water rose about 10 metres higher than the tallest mountain on earth at that time! No place on earth was spared. Every area of the world was swamped in this flood and all people drowned, except for the occupants of the ship. The world had never ever witnessed a flood of this nature, nor was such a calamity ever to occur again till before Qiyamat.

• When embarking on the ship, they were commanded to take the name of Allah SubhanhuWaTha'ala, and when disembarking, to recite the praises of Allah SubhanhuWaTha'ala for saving them from disaster. Three sons of Nabi Nooh (alaihis-salaam) were with him on this ship. They were, Saam, Haam, and Yaafith. The fourth son, Yaam, was an unbeliever, so he drowned with the rest of the kuffar. In spite of Nabi Nooh alaihis salams' pleading with him to board the ship, he refused, saying that he will take to the high mountains and be saved. But this was not to be, and he too perished. Three wives of Nabi Nooh were also saved, while the fourth one drowned because she too was among the kuffaar.

The flood started on 10th Rajab, which was the day they all embarked on the ship of Nooh (alaihis-salaam), and it subsided on 10th Muharram. So for six months this ship and its passengers sailed the flood waters. Eventually it came to rest on Mount Joodiy, which is part of a Mountain range in Eastern Turkey, close to the border of Iran. (Today this mountain is named ‘Mt. Ararat’) On this day (10 Muharram) they all got off the ship and Hazrat Nooh (alaihis-salaam) ordered them to observe a fast as thanksgiving unto Allah SubhanhuWaTha'ala (subhanAllah! wa alhamdulIllah to Allah SubhanhuWaTha'ala for each and every one of his blessings and mashaAllah and Allahu Akbar!!! ). Recently excavators have discovered parts of this ship, and some Muslim countries have preserved these parts as holy relics.

AFTER THE FLOODS AND HAZRAT NOOH’S alaihis salams' DEATH

After the floods Hazrat Nooh alaihis salams and his followers started civilization all over again. They built towns and settlements and had to do farming to grow fruit and vegetables. From these 80 believers different languages developed. They married among themselves and produced children. In this manner the world began to be populated once more with only Muslims. Remember that all mankind were destroyed in the floods. Hazrat Nooh (alaihis-salaam) and his people had to populate and develop the world all over again. For this reason Hazrat Nooh is known as the second Adam. Soon thereafter Nabi Nooh alaihis salaam passed away. According to the most authentic reports he is buried somewhere in the Musjidul-Haraam of Makka. His age was 950 years according to the Holy Quran.

THE SONS OF NABI NOOH

The three sons of Nabi Nooh mentioned above were saved from the floods, and they later on became the ancestors of all mankind, the Ambiyaa and their nations.

Asalam Alaikum Everyone

The Story of Hazrat Imam Hassan and Imam Hussain

Hazrat Sayyiduna Imam Hussain (R.A) is the beloved son of Hazrat Sayyiduna Ali and Bibi Fatima (R.A) and the most beloved grandson of Rasoolullah (S.A.W).

He was born on the 5th of Sha'baan in the year 4 Al-Hijri. Our Beloved Prophet (S.A.W) gave the Azaan in his right ear and the Iqaamah in his left ear. He then placed his blessed saliva in the mouth of Hazrat Imam Hussain (R.A)   and made Dua for him.

On the 7th day he was named Hussain and his Aqeeqa was performed. Rasoolullah (S.A.W) commanded Hazrat Bibi Fatima (R.A)   to remove his hair and to give silver in charity equivalent to the weight of the hair.

Hazrat Imam Hussain (R.A) was without doubt a very handsome personality. From his chest down to his blessed feet he was the image of Rasoolullah (S.A.W), whereas his elder brother Hazrat Imam Hassan (R.A) was the image of Rasoolullah (S.A.W) from his chest up to his blessed head. The blessed face of Hazrat Imam Hussain (R.A) was so bright that it would even shine in the darkness of night.

Hazrat Imam Hussain (R.A) was taught by Rasoolullah (S.A.W), Hazrat Bibi Fatima (R.A) and Hazrat Ali (R.A). Holy Prophet (S.A.W) loved Hazrat Imam Hussain (R.A)   due to his piety and pure heart.

The Beloved Rasool (S.A.W) was also aware that the time would come when his beloved grandson would save the Ummah from destruction at the hands of a corrupt and tyrant leader.

Rasoolullah (S.A.W) loved Hazrat Imam Hussain (R.A) dearly. Hazrat Umar Farooq (R.A) said, “Once, when I presented myself in the court of Rasoolullah (S.A.W) I saw that he was walking on his knees carrying Hazrat Imam Hussain (R.A) on his blessed back.

When I saw this, I said, “Your mode of transport is most splendid. On hearing this, the Beloved Rasool (S.A.W) replied, “O Umar, the passenger is also very splendid.””

Hazrat Ya'la bin Marwaa (R.A)   reports that Rasoolullah (S.A.W) said, “Hussain is from me and I am from Hussain. Whosoever has kept Hussain as his beloved, Allah is his beloved.”

Hazrat Jaabir ibn Abdullah (R.A)   states, “I heard from Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), “Whosoever wishes to see the leader of Paradise, he should look at Hussain ibn Ali (R.A).””

Hazrat Imam Hussain (R.A)   was a very kind, gentle, generous, merciful and Allah-fearing personality. He always cared for the poor and oppressed, assisted the helpless, gave comfort to those in pain and sorrow and showed great love and affection towards orphans. He was the embodiment of the character of his grandfather Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (S.A.W) and of his blessed parents.

His tolerance and patience was also exemplary. This was manifested by the fact that his martyrdom had been foretold by the Beloved Rasool (S.A.W) and even though he was aware of this, he still made Sabr and waited for the Will of Allah (S.W.T) to take its course. Hazrat Imam Hussain (R.A)   was also blessed with bravery of the highest degree and this bravery and fearlessness was manifested on many occasions, particularly during the Battle of Karbala.

The following incidents should give us a glimpse of the exemplary personality of Hazrat Imam Hassan and Imam Hussain (R.A):

Once, Hazrat Imam Hassan and Imam Hussain (R.A)   wrote some words in calligraphy on a blackboard. After they had completed writing, they both told each other that the other's writing was better. They could not come to an agreement as to whose writing was better, so they took their work to Hazrat Ali (R.A)   and asked him to make the decision.

He looked at their work and asked them to take it to their mother Hazrat Bibi Fatima (R.A). She looked at their work and said that the best person to make such a decision would be their beloved grandfather Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (S.A.W).

Both brothers then went to the court of the Beloved Rasool (S.A.W), who looked at their work and said, “This decision will be made by Hazrat Jibra’il (A.S).

Immediately Hazrat Jibra’il (A.S) appeared and said, “O Prophet of Allah, this decision will be made by Almighty Allah (S.W.T).” Thus Almighty Allah commanded Hazrat Jibra’il (A.S) to take an apple from Jannat and to drop it over their boards. The best piece of work will be that on which the apple will fall.

Hazrat Jibra’il (A.S) then did as commanded and dropped the apple over the boards. The apple fell and split into two equal pieces, half on the board of Hazrat Imam Hassan and half on the board of Hazrat Imam Hussain (R.A).

Subhaanallah! This showed that both of their calligraphic writing was equal. It also shows us what excellence has been bestowed on the grandsons of Rasoolullah (S.A.W) that the decision concerning their writing is made in the Divine Court of Almighty Allah (S.W.T).

Once, Hazrat Imam Hassan and Imam Hussain (R.A) had gone outside for a long time and Hazrat Bibi Fatima (R.A) became very worried. She was still thinking about where the children might have gone when the Beloved Rasool (S.A.W) arrived at her home. She immediately asked her beloved father, “Ya Rasoolullah (S.A.W), Imam Hassan and Imam Hussain cannot be found. They have gone out and we do not know their whereabouts.”

Just then, Hazrat Jibra’il (A.S) descended and said, “Ya Rasoolullah (S.A.W), there is nothing to worry about. Both the children are at a certain place and Almighty Allah has appointed angels to protect them.”

On hearing this, Rasoolullah (S.A.W) went to the spot pointed out by Hazrat Jibra’il (A.S) and He (S.A.W) saw that both the beloved grandsons were resting and an angel had one of his wings under them and was shading them with the other wing. The Beloved Rasool (S.A.W) kissed both of them and carried them home to Hazrat Bibi Fatima (R.A).

Once a Bedouin presented himself in the court of Hazrat Imam Hussain (R.A)   and said, “I heard your beloved grandfather (S.A.W) say that when one is in need of anything, then one should request this from one of four persons; either from a pious Arab, or from a pious master, or from a Hafizul Qur'an, or from a graceful person, and all these four qualities are found in you in the highest form.

The reason for this, is that if the entire Arabia received piety, it is through your blessed family, and generosity is your beautiful quality; as for the Qur'an, this was revealed in your home and concerning your gracefulness, I heard your beloved grandfather (S.A.W) say, “If you wish to see me, then look at Hassan and Hussain.””

Hazrat Imam Hussain (R.A)   listened to his words and then said, “I heard my beloved grandfather Rasoolullah (S.A.W) saying, “Piety is according to one's knowledge.” I will thus ask you three religious questions. I have with me this bag. If you answer one question I shall give you one third of what is in the bag; if you answer two, then I shall give you half of what is in this bag and if you answer all the questions, then I shall give you all of what is in the bag.”

Bedouin was very pleased and requested Hazrat Imam Hussain (R.A)   to present the questions. He asked, “Which action is the most exalted amongst all actions?”

The Bedouin replied, “To bring faith in Allah.” Imam Hussain (R.A)   then asked, “What protects a servant from destruction?”

He answered, “In having complete trust (faith) in Allah.” Imam Hussain (R.A)   then asked, “What is that through which a servant attains his splendour?” He answered, “By knowledge which is accompanied with good deeds.”

He asked, “And if one does not have this quality?” He answered, “He should have that wealth in which there is generosity.” He then asked, “And what if one does not have such wealth?” He said, “He should be patient in his poverty.”

Imam Hussain (R.A)   then asked, “And what if someone is not in such poverty (where he is patient)?” The Bedouin replied, “Then he should be struck by a bolt of lightning.” On hearing these answers, Hazrat Imam Hussain (R.A)   smiled and gave him the entire bag.

Once Hazrat Imam Hassan, Hazrat Imam Hussain and Hazrat Abdullah ibn Jaafar (R.A)   had gone together on Hajj. On their way, the camel which was carrying food, water and belongings went astray and was left far behind.

They came to a shack belonging to a very old woman. All three of them went over to the shack and told the woman that they were very thirsty and asked if she could spare them something to drink. The old woman kindly milked her goats and presented the goats milk for them to drink.

They then kindly asked if she had anything for them to eat. The old woman said that the food was not prepared but if they wished to wait, she would slaughter the goat and cook it for them. They thus agreed to wait. The goat was slaughtered and the old woman cooked a delicious meal.

All of them happily partook in the meal, and on leaving they informed the old woman that they were of the Quraish tribe and they invited her to visit them in Medina Shareef, so that they may return her generous favour. The three of them then continued on their journey. Her husband came home later that day and found that she had cooked the goat. He was very angry that she had fed the goat to people she did not even know.

Some time passed and both the old woman and her husband became very poor. They travelled to Medina Munawwarah where they earned very little money gathering and selling camel droppings. Once while she was walking in Medina Shareef, Hazrat Imam Hassan (R.A)   spotted her. He immediately went up to her and asked if she recognized him.

The old woman said that she could not and Imam Hassan (R.A)   explained to her that he was amongst those who stopped at her shack and partook in a meal which she provided for them. On hearing this she was very pleased and she informed Hazrat Imam Hassan (R.A)   of her situation.

Hazrat Imam Hassan (R.A)   took her to his home and gave her one thousand goats and one thousand dinars in cash. He then asked his servant to take her to the home of Hazrat Imam Hussain (R.A). Imam Hussain (R.A)   asked her what her brother had given her, and he too blessed her with one thousand goats and one thousand dinars.

Hazrat Imam Hussain (R.A)   then asked his servant to take her to the home of Hazrat Abdullah ibn Jaafar (R.A). He was very pleased to see her and asked what both Imam Hassan and Imam Hussain (R.A)   had given her. She replied that all together they had given her two thousand goats and two thousand dinars. On hearing this he gave her two thousand goats and two thousand dinars.

The old woman was now very pleased, and took the four thousand goats and four thousand dinars and went to her husband. She presented these to him and said, “This is a gift from that generous family to whom I had fed one goat.” SubhanAllah! What generosity did Hazrat Imam Hussain (R.A)   and his family possess.

Assalam Alaikum Everyone

The Story Hazrat Ali

On Friday, the 13th of Rajab (the seventh month of the Islamic calendar) - which falls on March 31 this year - a momentous event took place.

According to Shia beliefs and as confirmed by some Sunni texts, Fatima binte Asad, wife of Abu Talib, was heavily pregnant and had come to the Holy Kaaba to circumbulate it when she felt labour pains. Suddenly, the wall of the Holy Kaaba cracked open and she entered inside; there she gave birth to a baby boy. To this day, the followers of Ali swear that they can see the crack though it has been filled up since, and they try and touch the wall's surface during Hajj and Umrah.

I, too, have often done the same, despite the objections of the guards posted there, who feel it is biddat (innovation).

It is said that once Fatima Binte Asad had entered the Kaaba, the walls were sealed again and it was only on the third day that the locks on its doors could be opened when Muhammad, the baby’s cousin, came in. Thus, this was the first face the newborn saw, and he was named Ali (exalted).

Ali followed his cousin Muhammad everywhere like a “baby camel” and thus he learnt the lessons of the two worlds. As a young boy, he was the first male to embrace Islam as his religion and Muhammad as the Prophet of God. The first woman was the Prophet’s wife, Khadijah.

Ali was a medium-built man with piercing eyes. He was unusal as he was not only a man of wisdom and scholarship, but also one of the bravest warriors known to the world and a just administrator. As Sir Edward Gibbon said, “He united the qualifications of a poet, a soldier, and a saint; his wisdom still breathes in a collection of moral and religious sayings.”

He is the hero of millions of qawwalis: The most famous being the saying of the Prophet (pbuh)

• Man kunto Maula
• Fa hazaa Aliyun Maula (whoever accepts me as a maula/Ali is his maula too)

We have grown up on stories about Ali’s legendary wisdom and bravery. As a devotee of Hazrat Ali, I would like to share a few of them with you.

His sayings and letters have been preserved in a compilation called Nahjul Balagha or Peak of Eloquence. Whenever I have shared his wise thoughts on social media, it has been met with an enthusiastic response.

In fact, I often use his words to respond to my trolls. Some of my favourites are:  

1. The sin which makes you sad and repentant is more liked by Allah than the good deed which turns you arrogant.
2. Forgiveness is the best revenge.
3. If you succeed in misleading somebody, do not think of him as being a big fool. Rather think about how he trusted you.
4. The moment you start arguing with an ignorant fool, you have already lost.
5. The best form of devotion to the service of Allah is not to make a show of it.
6. Imam Ali once said to his son Imam Hasan, “My son, learn four things from me and through them you will learn four more. If you keep them in mind, your actions will not bring any harm to you: The greatest wealth is wisdom; the greatest poverty is stupidity; the worst is that of vanity and self-glorification; and the best nobility of descent exhibits itself in politeness and in refinement of manner. The next four things, my son, are: do not make friendship with a fool, because when he will try to do you good, he will do you harm; do not make a miser your friend, because he will run away from you at the time of your dire need; do not be friendly with a vicious and wicked personm because he will sell you and your friendship at the cheapest price and do not make friend of a liar, because like a mirage he will make you visualise very near the things, which lie at a great distance and will make you see at the great distance the things which are near to you".

For someone who lived his life by The Prophet’s teachings, Ali was not afraid to adapt to changing circumstances. There is a tradition set by the Holy Prophet that "with the help of hair dye, turn old age into youth so that you do not resemble the Jews".

When Imam Ali was asked to comment upon this, he said that in the early stage of Islam, there were very few Muslims. The Holy Prophet had advised them to look young and energetic, and to not adopt the fashion of the Jews (priests), who had long, white flowing beards.

But Muslims were not in a minority then, theirs was a strong and powerful state, and hence they could choose any style they liked.

When Ali became the fourth Caliph of Islam, he appointed Malik Ashtar as the governor of Egypt. His instructions to him are a statement of good governance and kept in the United Nations as an example. I am reproducing some portions here (translated by Rasheed Turabi):

“Be it known to you, O, Malik, that I am sending you as Governor to a country which in the past has experienced both just and unjust rule. Men will scrutinise your actions with a searching eye, even as you used to scrutinise the actions of those before you, and speak of you even as you did speak of them... 

Remember that the citizens of the state are of two categories. They are either your brethren in religion or your brethren in kind. They are subject to infirmities and liable to commit mistakes. Some indeed do commit mistakes. But forgive them even as you would like God to forgive you.

Do not say: “I am your overlord and dictator, and that you should, therefore, bow to my commands”, as that will corrupt your heart, weaken your faith in religion and create disorder in the state. 

Maintain justice in administration and impose it on your own self and seek the consent of the people, for, the discontent of the masses sterilises the contentment of the privileged few and the discontent of the few loses itself in the contentment of the many. Remember the privileged few will not rally round you in moments of difficulty: they will try to side-track justice, they will ask for more than what they deserve and will show no gratitude for favours done to them...

Unloose the tangle of mutual hatred between the public and the administration and remove all those causes which may give rise to strained relations between them... "

He then went on to give wise advice on how to keep the army happy, how to choose a chief justice, how to redress the woes of cultivators for even if there is a temporary loss of revenue by reduction of taxes it could be made up "in the hour of greater prosperity of the land and enable you to improve the condition of your towns and to raise the prestige of your state".

He advocated meeting the poor and the oppressed periodically in an open conference without armed guards to hear their grievances.

Today, he is mostly remembered for his legendary bravery, and justifiably so.

In the battle of the Trench, the famous Quraish warrior Amr bin Abd e Wud challenged someone from the army of Muhammad to face a duel, which was the custom of war:

“I am Amr bin Abd e Wud, the greatest warrior in Arabia. Is there anyone among you who has the courage to meet me in personal combat?”

No one responded to the giant’s call. When Ali rose, he was stopped by the Prophet, who said, “This is Amr bin Abd e Wud.”

Twice the Prophet stopped Ali, but the third time Ali simply said, “I am Ali ibn Abu Talib.”

Ali’s agility and his quickness with his feet helped him parry the giant’s blows. Ali also had the famous double-edged sword Zulfiqar in his hand. The Zulfiqar was to become one of the deadliest swords in myth.

Soon, Ali had Amr flat on his back, on the ground. When Amr could not break Ali’s hold and rise, he spat on his face.

Ali, who had been lowering his dagger on Amr’s throat, rose, took a step backwards and sheathed his weapons. When Amr then jumped up (to retaliate), Ali swung the Zulfiqar at him and killed him.

He then went back to The Prophet. Muhammad asked, “O Ali! Why did you step back when you were just about to kill Amr?”

“O Messenger of God, just as I was about to run my dagger on his throat he spat at me and abused me. If I had killed him, then it would have been a personal revenge as I was furious. I had to overcome my rage and so stepped away. I wanted to kill him only for the sake of and in obedience to Allah’s commands.”

Cries of triumph could be heard from the victorious army:

La Fatah Ila AliLa Saif Ila Zulfiqar (Truly there is no victor like Ali/ And no sword like the Zulfiqar).

Note: There are many dates given for Ali’s birth, but as it is recorded that he was born on a Friday, it has been narrowed down to 16 BH - the year 13 Rajab fell on Friday. This date has been fixed as July 17, 607 CE, according to Kitab Maqtal Ali by Abu Mikhnaf, originally published 156 AH/773 AD; from which Ali Ibn Abi Talib's birthdate was replicated by IMAM (Imam Mahdi Association of Marjaeya) Cultural Publication; Volume 2, Issue 5.

The Story of Alahazrat Childhood

Imam Ahmed Raza's Blessed Birth; His Blessed Name; Illustrious Family History; Imam Ahmed Raza's Piety as a Child; Imam Ahmed Raza's First Lecture; His Intelligence as a Child; Astonishing Events of Childhood

IMAM AHMED RAZA'S BLESSED BIRTH

Imam Ahmed Raza Khan (radi Allahu anhu) was born on a Monday, the 10th of Shawaal 1272 A.H. (14th June 1856), at the time of Zohar Salaah in a place called Jasoli, which is in the city of Bareilly Shareef, India.

A few days before the birth of Imam Ahmed Raza Khan (radi Allahu anhu), his father, Allamah Mawlana Naqi Ali Khan (radi Allahu anhu), had a wonderful dream. He immediately disclosed this dream to his father, Allamah Mawlana Raza Ali Khan (radi Allahu anhu), who interpreted this dream by saying: "This is a sign that you are going to be the father of a child, a boy, who will grow up to be pious and knowledgable. His name will gain prominence from East to West."

This was the good news that was given to Allamah Mawlana Naqi Ali Khan (radi Allahu anhu) concerning the birth of none other than the "emerald from amongst the Treasures of Almighty Allah", the "sweet-scented rose from the fragrant garden of the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam)", Imam Ahmed Raza Khan (radi Allahu anhu).

The date of birth of A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) was extracted by himself from the Holy Quran. "These are they in whose hearts Allah has inscribed faith and helped them with a spirit from Himself." (58:22)

HIS BLESSED NAME

The name that was given to him at birth was the beautiful name of "Mohammed." The name corresponding to that year of his birth was "Al Mukhtaar." His grandfather, a great Scholar of the Ahle Sunnah Wa Jamaah, Allamah Mawlana Raza Ali Khan (radi Allahu anhu), also gave the young child the beautiful name of "Ahmed Raza." It was by this name that he was famously known. Much later in his life, A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) added the title "Abdul Mustafa" to his name signifying his great love and respect for Sayyiduna Rasulullah (salal laahu alaihi wasallam).

The Grand Mufti of Makkatul Mukarramah, Sheikh Hussain bin Saleh Makki (radi Allahu anhu), also gave him the title of "Zia'udeen Ahmed."

ILLUSTRIOUS FAMILY HISTORY

Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Al-Qaderi, was the son of Allamah Mawlana Naqi Ali Khan, who was the son of Allamah Mawlana Raza Ali Khan, who was son of Allamah Mawlana Mohammed Kaazim Ali Khan, who was the son of Allamah Mawlana Shah Mohammed Azam Khan, who was the son of Allamah Mawlana Sa'adat Yaar Khan, who was the son of Allamah Mawlana Sa'eedullah Khan (radi Allahu anhum ajma'in).

The great forefathers of A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) migrated from Qandhar (Kabul) during the Mogul rule and settled in Lahore. Allamah Mawlana Sa'eedullah Khan, the first forefather of A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhum), held a high government post when he arrived in the Indo-Pak sub-continent. His son, Allamah Mawlana Sa'adat Yaar Khan (radi Allahu anhu), after gaining victory in the city of Ruhailah, was elected as the Governor of that city.

Allamah Mawlana Hafiz Kaazim Ali Khan, the son of Mawlana Mohammed Azam Khan (radi Allahu anhum), was a Tax-collector in the city of Badayun. His son, Allamah Mawlana Raza Ali Khan (radi Allahu anhu), the illustrious grandfather of A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu), did not serve in the Government. It was from this generation that the heads of the family began to adopt Tassawuf as their way of life.

We have included a very brief history of A'la Hadrat's (radi Allahu anhu) father and grandfather.

HIS FATHER: A'la Hadrat's (radi Allahu anhu) father, Hadrat Mawlana Naqi Ali Khan (radi Allahu anhu), received his education at the hands of his father, Allamah Mawlana Raza Ali Khan (radi Allahu anhu). He wrote more than 50 books, among them, "Suroorul Quloob fi Zikri Mouloodul Mahboob", which received a very high distinctive position amongst Islamic literature. The treatise is characteristic in its condemnation of the enemies of Islam, both internally and externally. A'la Hadrat's (radi Allahu anhu) father passed away in 1297 A.H. (1880) when he was 24 years old.

HIS GRANDFATHER: One of the greatest Sufis of his time, Allamah Mawlana Raza Ali Khan (radi Allahu anhu) was born in the year 1224 A.H. He was also a great warrior and fought with General Bakht Khan against English invaders in the year 1834. He received his early education at the hands of Molwi Khaleerur Rahman. At the age of 23, he had already completed his Islamic education, earning certificates of distinction in various fields of knowledge. He passed away in the month of Jamaadi-ul-Awwal in the year 1282 A.H. (1866). A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) was at this time only 10 years old.

IMAM AHMED RAZA'S PIETY AS A CHILD

A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) was a child of 4 years when this incident took place. On that particular day, he was dressed in a long Kurta. As he stepped out of his house, a few female prostitutes walked past him. In order to cover his eyes, A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) quickly held the bottom of his Kurta with both his hands and lifted the Kurta over his face. When one of the prostitutes saw what he did, she said, "Well! Young man. You covered your eyes, but allowed your Satr to be shown." With his face and eyes still covered, the young A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) replied, "When the eyes are tempted, then the heart becomes tempted. When the heart is tempted, then the concealed parts become tempted." So shocked and affected was this woman on hearing such a reply from a child that she lost consciousness.

Another incident which happened in the Month of Ramadaan also s hows A'la Hadrat's (radi Allahu anhu) piety and fear of Allah. Fasting was not Fardh (obligatory) upon him because he was still a child, but on that day he intended to keep fast. It should be known that for a little child to keep fast in India during the summer season was very difficult. The average temperature on a summer's day rises to approximately 50 degrees Celsius. On that day, the heat of the sun was intense. Hadrat Allamah Naqi Ali Khan (radi Allahu anhu) took his young son, A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu), into a room where sweets were kept. He closed the door and said, "There, eat the sweets." A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) replied that he was fasting. His father then said, "The fasting of children is always like this. The door is closed and no one is looking. Now you may eat." On hearing this, the young A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) respectfully said, "Through Whose command I am fasting, He is Seeing me." On hearing this answer from a little child, tears began to flow from the eyes of Hadrat Allamah Naqi Ali Khan (radi Allahu anhu). He then left the room with A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu).

IMAM AHMED RAZA'S FIRST LECTURE

Sayyiduna A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) delivered his first lecture at the age of 6 years. It was during the glorious month of Rabi-ul-Awwal. A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) stood on the Mimbar (Pulpit) and delivered a lecture before a very large gathering which also consisted of Ulema. His lecture lasted for approximately 2 hours. A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) spoke on the Wilaadat (Birth) of Sayyiduna Rasulullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). He brightened the hearts of the listeners with the love of Sayyiduna Rasulullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). The people listening were thoroughly impressed by the maturity and eloquence of this lecture which was being delivered by a 6 year old child!

HIS INTELLIGENCE AS A CHILD

A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) was so gifted and intelligent that there was no need for him to study beyond the fourth Kitaab of his course under the tutorship of any of his teachers. He studied the remaining Kitaabs by himself and used to later ask his teachers to test him.

Once, his teacher asked him, "Mia! Are you a Jinn or a human being? It takes me much time to teach a lesson, but it does not take you much time to learn the same lesson." A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) answered, "Praise be to Allah that I am a human."

When he was 8 years old, A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) wrote a Mas'ala concerning Fara'idh (Fards). When his father looked at the answer, he happily remarked, "If only some adult could answer in this manner."

At the age of 10, when he was studying the Kitaab, "I'lm-us- Thuboot," under the guidance of his father, he noticed a few objections and answers of his father on the side of the page. A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) studied this book carefully and wrote such a well- explained footnote that even the need for an objection was ruled out. His father came across his research on that objection. He was so delighted that he stood up and held the young A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) to his heart and said, "Ahmad Raza! You do not learn from me, but you teach me."

Professor Dr Ghulam Mustafa Khan, Head of Department: Urdu, Sindh University, Sindh (Pakistan) said: "Allamah Hadrat Ahmed Raza Khan is among the outstanding scholars. His deep learning, intelligence, vision and acumen, surpassed that of great contemporary thinkers, professors, renowned scholars and orientalist. Indeed, there is hardly any branch of learning that is foreign to him."

ASTONISHING EVENTS OF CHILDHOOD

At the age of 3, A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) was once standing outside the Raza Musjid in Bareilly Shareef. An "unknown" person, attired in an Arabian garb, approached him and spoke to him in the Arabic language. Those who were present and witnessed this incident heard the young A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) converse with the person in pure Arabic. They were surprised. The person who spoke to A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) was never seen again in Bareilly Shareef!

A Majzoob (one drowned in his love for Almighty Allah) by the name of Hadrat Basheeruddeen Sahib (radi Allahu anhu) used to live at the Akhoon Zada Musjid in Bareilly Shareef. He spoke harshly to anyone who visited him. A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) wished to meet this Majzoob. One night, at about 11 o'clock, he set off alone to meet him. He sat respectfully for about 15 minutes outside the Majzoob's house. After some time, the Majzoob became aware of him and asked, "Who are you to Mawlana Raza Ali Khan (radi Allahu anhu)." A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) replied that he was the grandson of Hadrat Raza Ali Khan (radi Allahu anhu). The Majzoob immediately embraced him and took him into his little room. He asked A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) if he had come for any specific matter, but A'la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) said that he had come to ask him to make Dua for him. On hearing this, the Majzoob, for approximately half an hour, made the following Dua: "May Allah have mercy on you, May Allah bless you."

Asalam Alaikum Every one

The Beautiful Story of Adam Alaisalam

Informing the Angels About Adam

Allah the Almighty revealed: “And (remember) when your Lord said to the angels: “Verily, I am going to place (mankind) generations after generations on earth.” They said: ‘Will You place therein those who will make mischief therein and shed blood, – while we glorify You with praises and thanks (Exalted be You above all that they associate with You as partners) and sanctify You.” He (Allah) said: “I know that which you do not know.”” [Surah 2: 30]

And He taught Adam all the names (of everything), then He showed them to the angels and said: “Tell Me the names of these if you are truthful.” They (angels) said: “Glory be to You, we have no knowledge except what You have taught us. Verily, it is You, the All-Knower, the All-Wise.”

He said: “O Adam! Inform them of their names,” and when he had informed them of their names, He said: “Did I not tell you that I know the Ghaib (unseen) in the heavens and the earth, and I know what you reveal and what you have been concealing?”

And (remember) when He said to the angels: “Prostrate yourselves before Adam.” And they prostrated except Iblis, he refused and was proud and was one of the disbelievers (disobedient to Allah).” [Surah 2: 31-34]

And He said: “O Adam! Dwell you and your wife in the Paradise and eat both of you freely with pleasure and delight of things therein as wherever you will, but come not near this tree or you both will be of the Zalimeen (wrong-doers).”

Then the Satan made them slip therefrom (the Paradise), and got them out from that in which they were. He said: “Get you down, all, with enmity between yourselves. On earth will be a dwelling place for you and an enjoyment for a time.” [Surah 2: 35-36]

Then Adam received from his Lord Words. And his Lord pardoned him (accepted his repentance). Verily, He is the One Who forgives (accepts repentance), the Most Merciful.

He said: “Get down all of you from this place (the Paradise), then whenever there comes to you Guidance from Me, and whoever follows My Guidance, there shall be no fear on them, nor shall they grieve. But those who disbelieve and belie Our Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) such are the dwellers of the Fire, they shall abide therein forever.” [Surah 2: 38-39]

Iblis (Satan), Man’s Enemy : Iblis’s Arrogance

Almighty Allah also revealed: And surely, We created you (your father Adam) and then gave you shape (the noble shape of a human being), then We told the angels, “Prostrate to Adam’; and they prostrated, except Iblis, he refused to be of those who prostrate.

(Allah) said: ‘What prevented you (O Iblis) that you did not prostrate, when I commanded you?”

(Iblis) said: “I am better than him (Adam), You created me from fire, and him You created from clay.”

(Allah) said: “O Iblis, get down from this (Paradise), it is not for you to be arrogant here. Get out, for you are of those humiliated and disgraced.” [Surah 7: 11-13]

Commentary: Iblis’s Refusal to Prostrate

Ibn Jarir reported that Muhammad Ibn Sirin said that the first one to reach a conclusion by reasoning was Iblis and that the sun and moon were not worshipped except through this method.

This means that Iblis tried to compare himself to Adam. He believed that he was more honorable than Adam. Therefore, he abstained from prostrating, even though Allah had commanded him to do so, just as He had commanded the angels. If an analogy is made, we see that Iblis is vain. For indeed, clay is better than fire because in it can be found the qualities of calmness, clemency, perseverance, and growth; whereas in fire can be found heedlessness, insignificance, haste, and incineration.

Iblis tried in vain to justify his refusal: “Shall I prostrate to one whom You created from clay?” (Iblis) said: “See? This one whom You have honored above me, if You give me respite (keep me alive) to the Day of Resurrection, I will surely seize and mislead his offspring (by sending them astray) all but a few!” [Surah 17: 62]

Iblis’s Vow for Evil

(Iblis) said: “Allow me respite till the Day they are raised up (i.e. The Day of Resurrection).”

(Allah) said: “You are of those allowed respite.”

(Iblis) said: “Because You have sent me astray, surely I will sit in wait against them (human beings) on Your Straight Path. Then I will come to them from before them and behind them, from their right and from their left, and You will not find most of them as thankful ones (i.e. they will not be dutiful to You).”

(Allah) said (to Iblis): “Get out from this (Paradise) disgraced and expelled. Whoever of them (mankind) will follow you, then surely I will fill Hell with you all.” [Surah 7: 14-18]

Eating from the Forbidden Tree

“And O Adam! Dwell you and your wife in Paradise, and eat thereof as you both wish, but approach not this tree otherwise you both will be of the Zalimeen (unjust and wrong-doers).”

Then Satan whispered suggestions to them both in order to uncover that which was hidden from them of their private parts (before); he said: “Your Lord did not forbid you this tree save you should become angels or become of the immortals.” And he (Satan) swore by Allah to them both (saying): “Verily, I am one of the sincere well-wishers for you both.”

So he misled them with deception. Then when they tasted of the tree, that which was hidden from them of their shame (private parts) became manifest to them and they began to stick together the leaves of Paradise over themselves (in order to cover their shame). And their Lord called out to them (saying): “Did I not forbid you that tree and tell you: Verily, Satan is an open enemy unto you?”

They said: “Our Lord! We have wronged ourselves. If You forgive us not, and bestow not upon us Your Mercy, we shall certainly be of the losers.” Allah said: “Get down, one of you an enemy to the other (i.e. Adam, Eve, and Satan, etc.). On earth will be a dwelling-place for you and an enjoyment, – for a time.” He said: “Therein you shall live, and therein you shall die, and from it you shall be brought out (i.e., resurrected). [Surah 7: 19-25]

Traditions About Iblis

There were many traditions about Iblis at the time of the Prophet Muhammad . Ibn Masud, Ibn Abbas, and a group of the companions of the Prophet Muhammad said that Iblis had been the head of the angels in the worldly heavens. Ibn Abbas said in one narration that his name had been Azazil, and in another narration he said it had been Al-Harith. Ibn ‘Abbas also said that Iblis was a jinn and that they had once been the keepers of Paradise, with Iblis the most honorable, the most learned and the most pious of them. Another tradition says that he had been one of the famous four possessors of wings (i.e. angels), before Allah transformed him into the accursed Satan.

Iblis’s Vow to Mislead – Surah 38

Allah Almighty recounts Iblis’s disobedience in another surah: (Remember) when your Lord said to the angels: “Truly I am going to create man from clay. So when I have fashioned him and breathed into him (his) soul created by Me, then you fall down prostrate to him.” So the angels prostrated themselves, all of them: except Iblis, he was proud and was one of the disbelievers.

(Allah) said: “O Iblis! What prevents you from prostrating yourself to one whom I have created with Both My Hands. Are you too proud (to fall prostrate to Adam) or are you one of the high exalted?” (Iblis) said “I am better than he, You created me from fire, and You created him from clay.”

(Allah) said: “Then get you from here, for verily, you are outcast. And verily!, My Curse is on you till the Day of Recompense.” (Iblis) said: ‘My Lord! Give me then respite till the Day the (dead) are resurrected.” Allah said: “Verily! You are of those allowed respite – till the Day of the time appointed.” Iblis said: “By Your Might, then I will surely mislead them all, – except Your chosen slaves amongst them (faithful, obedient, true believers of Islamic Monotheism).”

(Allah) said: “The truth is, and the truth I say, – that I will fill Hell with you (Iblis) and those of them (mankind) that follow you, together.” [Surah 38: 71-85]

Commentary: Prostrating before Adam

We imagine when Allah the Almighty decided to create Adam: He addressed His angels and told them to prostrate before him. He did not mean to ask their opinion or take their advice, for He is above that. Allah the Exalted told them that He was going to create a vicegerent on the earth who would have children and grandchildren who would corrupt the earth and shed each other’s blood. That is why the angels said to Allah the Almighty: “Will You place therein those who will make mischief therein and shed blood!” [Surah 2:30]

Traditions about the Angels

There are old traditions about the angels before the creation of Adam. According to Ibn Qatadah, it was said that the angels were informed about the creation of Adam and his progeny by the jinn who lived before Adam. ‘Abdullah Ibn ‘Umar said that the jinn had existed for about two thousand years before Adam and then shed blood. Therefore, Allah sent on them an army of angels that drove them out to the depths of the seas. Thn Abi Hatim narrated from Ali Jafar Al-Baqer that the angels were informed that man would cause wickedness and shed blood on earth. It was also said that they knew that no one would be created on earth who would not be wicked and shed blood.

Whether or not these traditions are correct, the angels did understand that Allah would create a vicegerent on earth. Allah the Almighty announced that He was going to create a human being out of clay, that He would mold him and blow His spirit into him, and then the angels should prostrate before him.

Creation-Brief Version of the Creation of Man

Abi Musa Al-Shaarai narrated that Prophet Muhammad said: “Allah created Adam from a handful of dust taken from different lands, so the children of Adam have been created according to the composition of the land. Therefore, from mankind we have white, red, black and yellow ones; we have good and evil, ease and sorrow, and what comes in between them.”

Getting the Clay to Make Man

Ibn Masud and other companions of the Prophet said that Allah the Almighty sent Jibraeel onto the earth to get Him clay therefrom. The earth said: “I seek refuge in Allah from your decreasing my quantity or disfiguring me.” So Jibraeel returned and did not take anything. And he said: “My Lord, the land sought refuge in You, and it was granted.”

So Allah sent Mikaaeel for the same purpose, and the land sought refuge with Allah and it was granted. So he went back and said to Allah what Jibraeel had said before him.

Then Allah sent the Angel of Death, and the land sought refuge in Allah. The angel said: “I also seek refuge with Allah from returning without carrying out His command.” So he took clay from the face of the earth and mixed it. He did not take from one particular place, but rather he took white, red, and black clay (from different places).

The Angel of Death ascended with it, and He (Allah) soaked the clay till it became sticky. Then Allah said to the angels: “Truly, I am going to create man from clay. So when I have fashioned him and breathed into him (his) soul created by Me. Then you fall down prostrate to him. [Surah 38: 71-72]

The Angels’ Fear of Adam

So Allah shaped Adam into a human being, but he remained a figure of clay for forty years. The angels went past him. They were seized with fear by what they saw, and Iblis felt this fear most. He used to pass by the figure of Adam, buffeting it, which would make a sound like pottery. Allah told us: He created man (Adam) from sounding clay like the clay of pottery. [Surah 55: 14]

The Breathing of Allah’s Spirit

When the time drew near to breathe the spirit into Adam, as Allah the Almighty decreed, He commanded the angels:

‘When I breathe My spirit into him prostrate before him.” Allah breathed His spirit into Adam and when it reached his head Adam sneezed. The angels said: “Say all praise belongs to Allah.” Adam repeated: “All praise belongs to Allah.” Allah said to him: “Your Lord has granted you mercy.” When the spirit reached his eyes, Adam looked at the fruits of Paradise. When it reached his abdomen Adam felt an appetite for food. He jumped hurriedly before the spirit could reach his legs, so that he could eat from the fruits of Paradise. Allah, therefore, said: Man is created of haste. [Surah 21: 37]

And then: The angels prostrated themselves, all of them together. Except Iblis – he refused to be among the prostrators. [Surah 15: 31-32]

Establishing the Islamic Greeting

Abu Hurairah narrated that Prophet Muhammad said: “Allah created Adam from dust after He mixed the clay and left him for some time until it became sticky mud, after which Allah shaped him. After that Allah left him till it became like potter’s clay. Iblis used to go past him saying: ‘You have been created for a great purpose.’ After that Allah breathed His spirit into him. The first thing into which the spirit passed was his eye and then his nose. He sneezed. Allah said: ‘May your Lord have mercy upon you, O Adam! Go to those angels and see what they would say.’ So Adam went and greeted them. They replied saying: ‘Peace be upon you and the mercy and blessings of Allah.’ Allah said: ‘O Adam! This is your greeting and that of your offspring. Sahih Al-Bukhari

Creation of Eve – The Reason for Eve’s Creation

Adam knew the names of everything. Sometimes he talked to the angels, but they were preoccupied with worshiping Almighty Allah. Therefore, Adam felt lonely. One day he slept and when he awoke he found, near his head, a woman gazing at his face with beautiful, tender eyes. Perhaps they had the following conversation:

Adam: You were not here before I slept.
She: Yes.
He: From what…?
She: I came out of you. Allah created me while you were asleep. Do you not desire to restore me to you while you are awake?
He: Why has Allah created you?
She: To be your solace.
He: Thanks to Allah I was feeling lonely.

Eve’s Name

The angels asked him her name. He replied: “Eve (Hawwa).” They asked: “Why did you call her Eve?” Adam said: “Because she was created of me, and I am a living being.” (The root of the name Hawwa” means “living things.”)

Adam Sees Eve

Ibn Abbas and a group of the companions of the Prophet narrated that when Iblis was sent out of Paradise and Adam was accommodated therein, Adam was alone in Paradise and did not have a partner from whom he could get tranquility. He slept for some time and when he woke up, he saw a woman whom Allah had created from his ribs. So he asked her: “Who are you?” She replied: “A woman.” He asked: “Why have you been created?” She replied: “So that you could find tranquility in me.” The angels, trying to find out the extent of his knowledge, asked him: “What is her name, O Adam?” He replied: “Eve.” They asked: “Why was she so named?” He replied: “Because she was created from something living.”

Eve’s Creation

Muhammad Ibn Ishaaq and Ibn ‘Abbas related that Eve was created from the shortest left rib of Adam while he was sleeping, and after a while she was clothed with flesh. That is why Allah the Exalted said: O Mankind! Be dutiful to your Lord, Who created you from a single person (Adam) and from him (Adam) He created his wife (Eve), and from them both He created many men and women. [Surah 4: 1]

Allah also said: It is He Who has created you from a single person (Adam), and (then) He created from him his wife (Eve), in order that he might enjoy the pleasure of living with her. [Surah 7: 189]

Adam’s Progeny Accept Allah

Allah the Almighty revealed: And (remember) when your Lord brought forth from the children of Adam, from their loins, their seed (or from Adam’s loin his offspring) and made them testify as to themselves (saying): “Am I not your Lord?” They said: “Yes! We testify,” lest you should say on the Day of Resurrection: “Verily, we have been unaware of this.” Or lest you should say: “It was only our fathers aforetime who took others as partners in worship along with Allah, and we were (merely their) descendants after them; will you then destroy us because of the deeds of men who practiced Al-Batil (i.e. polytheism and committing crimes and sins, invoking and worshipping others besides Allah)?” Thus do We explain the Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) in detail, so that they may turn (unto the truth).’ [Surah 7: 172-174]

Adam’s progeny declared: “Our Lord, we bear witness that You are our Lord; we have no other Lord but Allah.” Allah raised their father Adam, and he looked at them and saw those of them who were rich, those who were poor, those who had good forms and those who did not. Adam said: “O Allah! I wish You to make Your servants equal.” Allah replied: “I love being thanked.” Adam saw among the prophets like lamps among his progeny.

The Prophet’s Covenant

Almighty Allah declared: And (remember) when We took from the Prophets their covenant, and from you (O Muhammad), and from Nuh, Ibrahim, Musa, and Isa – son of Mary. We took from them a strong covenant. [Surah 33: 7]

In another verse Allah the Exalted commanded: “So set you (O Muhammad) your face towards the religion of pure Islamic Monotheism Hanifan (worship none but Allah Alone) Allah’s Fitrah (i.e. Allah’s Islamic Monotheism), with which He has created mankind. No change let there be in khalqillah (i.e. the Religion of Allah – Islamic Monotheism), that is the straight religion, but most men know not.” [Surah 30:30]

The Forbidden Tree – Allah’s Warning to Adam and Eve

Adam and Eve were admitted to Paradise and there they lived the dream of all human beings. Allah permitted them to approach and enjoy everything except one tree, that might have been the Tree of Pain or the Tree of Knowledge. Allah forbade them before they were given abode in Paradise: “O Adam! Dwell you and your wife in the Paradise and eat both of you freely with pleasure and delight of things therein as wherever you will, but come not near this tree or you both will be of the Zalimeen (wrong-doers). ” [Surah 2: 35]

Adam and Eve understood that they were forbidden to eat the fruit of that tree. Adam was, however, a human being, and man tends to forget. His heart changes and his will weakens. Iblis summoned all the envy within him and took advantage of Adam’s humanity to exploit him. He started to whisper to him day after day, coaxing him: “Shall I guide you to the Tree of Immortality and the Eternal Kingdom?” And he said to them: “Your Lord did not forbid you this tree save you should become angels or become of the immortals.” And he (Satan) swore by Allah to them both (saying): “Verily, I am one of the sincere well-wishers for you both.” [Surah 7: 20-21]

Adam asked himself: “What will happen if I eat from this tree? It might truly be the Tree of Immortality.” His dream was to live forever in the pure innocence of Paradise.

Years went by, and Adam and Eve were preoccupied with thoughts of that tree. Then, one day, they decided to eat of its fruit. They forgot that Allah had warned them not to approach it and that Iblis was their sworn enemy. Adam stretched out his hand, picked one of the fruits, and offered it to Eve. They both ate of the forbidden tree.

Allah Almighty told us: “So he Satan misled them with deception. ” [Surah 7: 22] Allah also said: Thus did Adam disobey his Lord, so he went astray. [Surah 20: 121]

Adam had hardly finished eating when he felt his heart contract, and he was filled with pain, sadness, and shame. The surrounding atmosphere had changed and the internal music had stopped. He discovered that he and his wife were naked, so they both started cutting tree leaves with which to cover themselves.

Allah the Almighty addressed him: “Did I not forbid you that tree and tell you: Verily, Satan is an open enemy unto you?” They said: “Our Lord! We have wronged ourselves. If You forgive us not, and bestow not upon us Your Mercy, we shall certainly be of the losers.” (Allah) said: “Get down, one of you an enemy to the other (i.e., Adam, Eve, and Satan, etc.). On earth will be a dwelling place for you and an enjoyment, – for a time.” He said: “Therein you shall live, and therein you shall die, and from it you shall be brought out (i.e. resurrected).” [Surah 7: 22-25]

They left Paradise and descended upon the earth. Adam was sad and Eve was crying. Allah accepted their repentance because it was sincere, and He told them that the earth would be their realm and origin where they would live and die and whence they would come on the Day of Judgment.

Encounter Between Adam and Musa (PBUT) – Hadith

Abu Hurairah narrated that Allah’s Messenger said: “Adam and Musa argued with each other. Musa said to Adam: Your sin expelled you from Paradise. Adam said to him: ‘You are Musa whom Allah selected as His messenger and as the one to whom He spoke directly. Yet you blame me for a thing which had already been written in my fate before my Creation?’ Allah’s Prophet Muhammad said twice: “So, Adam outclassed Musa.”

Umar Ibn Al-Khattab also narrated that Prophet Muhammad said: “Musa said: ‘My Lord! May I see Adam who removed us and himself from the Paradise?’ So Allah made him see Adam, and he said to him: ‘Are you Adam?’ Adam said: ‘Yes.’ And he said: ‘Were you the one in whom Allah breathed His spirit, and before whom He bowed His angels, and to whom He taught the names of all things?’ Adam answered: ‘Yes.’ So Musa said: ‘What made you remove us and yourself from Paradise?’ Adam said unto him: ‘Who are you?’ He said: ‘I am Musa.’ Adam said: ‘So you are Musa the prophet of the Children of Israel. Were you the one Allah spoke to directly?’ Musa answered: ‘Yes.’ Adam said: ‘Why do you blame me for a matter which Allah had predestined?”‘ So Allah’s Prophet Muhammad said twice. “Adam outclassed Musa.”

Adam’s Life on Earth

Adam knew he bade farewell to peace when he left Paradise. On earth he had to face conflict and struggle. No sooner had one ended than another began. He also had to toil to sustain himself. He had to protect himself with clothes and weapons and protect his wife and children from the wild beasts.

Above all, he had to struggle with the spirit of evil. Satan, the cause of his expulsion from Paradise, continued to beguile him and his children in an effort to have them thrown into the eternal hellfire. The battle between good and evil is continuous, but those who follow Allah’s guidance should fear nothing, while those who disobey Allah and follow Iblis will be damned along with him.

Adam grasped all of this, and, with the knowledge of this suffering, he started his life on the earth. The only thing that allayed his grief was that he was master of the earth and had to make it yield to him. He was the one who had to perpetuate, cultivate, construct and populate the earth. He was also the one who had to procreate and raise children who would change and improve the world.

The First Four Children 

The pinnacle of earthly blisswas reached when Adam and Eve witnessed the birth of their first children, a set of twins. Adam was a devoted father and Eve a contented mother. The twins were Qabil (Cain) and his sister. Later Eve gave birth to a second set of twins, Habil (Abel) and his sister. The family enjoyed the bounties and fruits of the earth provided by their Lord. The children grew up to be strong and healthy young adults. Qabil tilled the land, while Habil raised cattle.

Qabil’s Disobedience

The time arrived when the two young men desired life partners. This was part of Allah’s plan for mankind, to multiply and form nations with different cultures and colors. Allah revealed to Adam that he should marry each son to the twin sister of the other. Adam instructed his children according to Allah’s command, but Qabil was displeased with the partner chosen for him, for Habil’s twin-sister was not as beautiful as his own.

Commentary: Qabil’s Disobedience

It appears that since the beginning of time, physical beauty has been a factor in the attraction between men and women. This attraction caused Qabil to envy his brother Habil. He rebelled against Allah’s command by refusing to accept his father’s advice.At first glance Qabil’s rebellion might appear strange, but we should remember that, although man has a pure nature, the potential for dichotomy exists. In other words, he has both good and bad qualities. He can become greedy, covetous, possessive, selfish and even destructive. Man is, therefore, capable of seeking self-satisfaction even if it leads to failure in this life and in the hereafter. The path to goodness lies in harnessing the enemy within him, his baser self, by controlling evil thoughts and deeds and practicing moderation in his desires and actions. His reward then will be the delights of this world and the hereafter. Thus Allah tests us through our divided nature.

Qabil’s Jealousy of Habil

Adam was in a dilemma. He wanted peace and harmony in his family, so he invoked Allah for help. Allah commanded that each son offer a sacrifice, and he whose offering was accepted would have right on his side. Habil offered his best camel, while Qabil offered his worst grain. His sacrifice was not accepted by Allah because of his disobedience to his father and the insincerity in his offering.This enraged Qabil even further. Realizing that his hopes of marrying his own beautiful sister were fading, he threatened his brother: “I will kill you! I refuse to see you happy while I remain unhappy!”Habil, feeling sorry for his brother, replied: “It would be more proper for you, my brother, to search for the cause of your unhappiness and then walk in the way of peace. Allah accepts deeds only from those who serve and fear Him, not from those who reject His commands.”

The First Death

Habil was intelligent, obedient, and always ready to obey the will of Allah. This contrasted sharply with his brother, who was arrogant, selfish and disobedient to his Lord. Habil did not fear his brother’s threats, but neither did he want his brother to be hurt. Allah had blessed Habil with purity and compassion. Hoping to allay the hatred seething in his brother, Habil said: “My brother, you are deviating from the right path and are sinful in your decisions. It is better that you repent to Allah and forget about your foolish threat. But if you do not, then I will leave the matter in the hands of Allah. You alone will bear the consequence of your sin, for the Fire is the reward of the wrong-doers.”

This brotherly plea did nothing to lessen the hatred in Qabil’s heart, nor did he show fear of Allah’s punishment. Even familial considerations were cast aside. Qabil struck his brother with a stone, killing him instantly. This was the first death and the first criminal act committed by man on earth.When Habil had not appeared for some time, Adam began to search for him but found no trace of his beloved son. He asked Qabil about Habil’s whereabouts. Qabil insolently replied that he was not his brother’s keeper nor his protector. From these words his father understood that Habil was dead and Adam was filled with grief.

The First Burial

Meanwhile, Qabil did not know what to do with his brother’s corpse. He carried it on his back wandering from place to place, trying to hide it. His anger had now subsided, and his conscience was saddled with guilt. He was tiring under the burden of the corpse which had started to have a stench. As a mercy, and to show that dignity could be retained even in death, Allah sent two ravens that began fighting, causing the death of one. The victorious bird used its beak and claws to dig a hole in the ground, rolled its victim into it and covered it with sand.Witnessing this, Qabil was overcome with shame and remorse. “Woe unto me!” he exclaimed. “I was unable to do what this raven has done, that is to hide my brother’s corpse.” Qabil then buried his brother. This was also the first burial of man.

The First Murder – from Qur’an

Allah the Almighty revealed: And (O Muhammad) recite to them (the Jews) the story of the two sons of Adam Habil and Qabil – Habil and Qabil respectively in truth; when each offered a sacrifice (to Allah), it was accepted from the one but not from the other. The latter said to the former: “I will surely kill you.”The former said: “Verily, Allah accepts only from those who are Al-Muttaqeen (the pious). If you do stretch your hand against me to kill me, I shall never stretch my hand against you to kill you, for I fear Allah; the Lord of the Alamin (mankind, jinn, and all that exists). Verily I intend to let you draw my sin on yourself as well as yours, then you will be one of the dwellers of the Fire, and that is the recompense of the Zalimeen (polyt heists, and wrong-doers).”

So the Nafs (self) of the other (latter one) encouraged him and made fair-seeming to him the murder of his brother; he murdered him and became one of the losers. Then Allah sent a crow who scratched the ground to show him to hide the dead body of his brother. He (the murderer) said: “Woe to me! Am I not even able to be as this crow and to hide the dead body of my brother?” Then he became one of those who regretted. [Surah 5:27-31]

The First Murder – from Various Hadith

Ibn Abbas, Ibn Masud and a group of the companions of the Prophet related that inter-marriage of the male of one pregnancy with the female of another had been in practice among Adam’s children. Habil wanted to marry Qabil’s sister, but Qabil wanted her for himself because she was very beautiful. Adam ordered him to give her in marriage to his brother, but he refused. So Adam ordered both of them to offer a sacrifice, then went to Mecca (Makkah) to perform the pilgrimage. After Adam had left, they offered their sacrifices: Habil offered a fat lamb – he was a shepherd – while Qabil offered a bundle of the worst grain. A fire descended and devoured Habil’s sacrifice, leaving that of Qabil, so he became angry and said: “I will surely kill you so that you will not marry my sister.” Habil replied: “Allah accepts from those who fear Him.”According to Abu Jaafar Al-Baqer, Adam was watching their offering and was sure that Habil’s sacrifice would be accepted. Qabil complained to Adam that the acceptance was due to his supplication for Habil and that he had not done the same for him, so he promised his father to settle the matter between himself and his brother. One night, Habil was late returning from tending his flock. Adam sent Qabil to see what had happened to him. When he found him, he glared at him saying: “Yours was accepted, and mine was not.” Habil replied: “Allah only accepts from the Allah-fearing.” Qabil became angry on hearing this and hit him with a piece of iron that was with him, thus killing him. In another version it was said that he killed him with a rock to the head while he was sleeping.

Adam Preaches to His Children

Adam was utterly grief-stricken by the loss of his two sons: one was dead, the other was won over by the devil. Adam prayed for his son and turned to mundane matters, for he had to toil for his sustenance. At the same time, he was a prophet, advising his children and grandchildren, telling them about Allah, and calling them to believe in Him. He told them about Iblis and warned them by recounting his own experience with the devil and of how the devil had tempted Qabil to kill his brother.

Adam’s Successor, Shiith

Years and years passed, Adam grew old, and his children spread all over the earth. Muhammad Ibn Ishaq related: that when Adam’s death drew near, he appointed his son Shiith (Seth) to be his successor, and taught him the hours of the day and night along with their appropriate acts of worship. He also foretold to him the flood that would come.

Abu Dhar narrated that Prophet Muhammad said: “Allah sent down one hundred four psalms, of which fifty were sent down to Shiith.”

Adam’s Death

Abdullah Ibn Al-Iman Ahmad Ibn Hanbal narrated that Ubai Ibn Kab said: “When Adam’s death was near, he said to his children: ‘O my children, indeed, I feel an appetite for the fruits of Paradise.’ So they went away searching for what Adam had requested. They met with the angels, who had with them his shroud and what he was to be embalmed with. They said to them: ‘O Children of Adam, what are you searching for? What do you want? Where are you going?’ They said: ‘Our father is sick and has an appetite for the fruits of Paradise.’ The angels said to them: ‘Go back, for your father is going to meet his end soon.’ So they returned (with the angels), and when Eve saw them she recognized them. She tried to hide herself behind Adam. He said to her: ‘Leave me alone. I came before you; do not go between me and the angels of my Lord.’ So they took his soul, embalmed and wrapped him, dug the grave and laid him in it. They prayed on him and put him in his grave, saying: ‘O Children of Adam, this is your tradition at the time of death.”‘

Before his death Adam reassured his children that Allah would not leave man alone on the earth, but would send His prophets to guide them. The prophets would have different names, traits and miracles, but they would be united in one thing: the call to worship Allah alone.

This was Adam’s bequest to his children. Adam finished speaking and closed his eyes. Then the angels entered his room and surrounded him. When he recognized the Angel of Death among them, his heart smiled peacefully.

Successor After Adam

After Adam’s death, his son Shiith took over the responsibilities of prophethood, according to a hadith narrated by Abu Dhar. Abu Dhar also narrated that Prophet Muhammad said: “Allah sent down one hundred four psalms, of which fifty were sent down to Shiith.” When the time of his death came, Shiith’s son Anoush succeeded him. He in turn, was succeeded by his son Qinan, who was succeeded by his son Mahlabeel. The Persians claim that Mahlabeel was the King of the Seven Regions, that he was the first one to cut down trees to build cities and large forts and that he built the cities of Babylonia. He reigned for a period of forty years. When he died his duties were taken over by his son Yard, who on his death, bequeathed them to his son Khonoukh, who is Idris according to the majority of the scholars (Ulama).

Asalam Alaikum Every One