‘Dua’ means ‘to call or to seek help’. Nudbah means to cry or wail. The Shia books of traditions lay great stress upon ‘Dua’. Dua is the weapon of the believer, the essence of belief and the connection between the Creator of the universe and his slaves. One of the treasure of Dua’s is a pearl, known as Dua-e-Nudbah. It is an important and authentic Dua. It’s deep meaning penetrates to the depths of the heart. This is enough proof that these are not the words of an ordinary person. They are uttered by the personality who has connection with the celestial world (Aalam-e-Malakoot).
Allamah Muhammad Baqir Majlisi(RA) has quoted this Dua in ‘Zaad-ul-Maad’ from Imam Ja’far-e-Sadiq(A). It is for the Imam of the Time. And Muhammad bin Ali bin Abi Khura(RA) has quoted this dua from the book of Muhammad bin Husain bin Sufyaan Bazoofari(RA), from Imam-e-Asr(AJ). Apart from this, great Shia scholar Sayyed Raziuddin bin Tawus(RA) has mentioned it in his book, “Iqbal” on page no.295 to 299. Muhammad bin Ja’far Mashadi Haeri(RA) has recorded it in book Al-Mazaan (Dua no.107). Qutb Rawandi(RA) in Al-Mazaar also records it and so does Allamah Majlisi(RA) in ‘Zaad-ul-Maad’ and ‘Bihar ul-Anwaar’. Shaykh Abbas Qummi(RA) too has narrated it in his book, ‘Mafatih ul-Jinaan’.
Let us see how the magnificent personality of Imam al-Asr(AJ) is introduced in this Dua:
“Where is the Last Proof of Allah. The one who is a link of the chain of guidance of the purified progeny of the Prophet(S) without whose presence this system cannot remain?”
The word ‘Baqiyatullah’ is used here. It is from the verse of the Holy Quran
“What remains with Allah is better for you if you are believers.”
Quran, Surah Hud (Chapter #11) , Verse 86
It is evident that the world cannot be bereft of the Proof of Allah. And the one from the progeny of the Holy Prophet(S) remaining of this earth is only our Imam al-Mahdi(AJ). It is reported in the traditions:
“If the Proof of Allah is not present the earth will sink.”
The earth is still remaining as it was. This proves the existence of a divine proof.
“Where is the One who will exterminate the followers of injustice ?”
Beginning from this sentence to the end of this article are various prophecies regarding Imam Mahdi(AJ). The point to be noted here is that Imam al-Hujjah(AJ) will not at all tolerate any kind of injustice. Whether it is the injustice against one’s own self (i.e. sin) or it is against the rights of someone else. Because the last representative of Allah is to establish the scales of justice and equity.
Husain ibn Khalid says that he asked Imam Ali ar-Ridha(A):
“O Son of the Prophet(S) who is the ‘Qaem’ (one who will rise) among you, the Ahl al-Bayt(A)?”
He replied,
“Qaem is my fourth lineal descendant. Son of the chief of the maids of Allah (Janab Narjis Khatoon(A)). Allah will through him purify the earth from injustice and tyranny. And when he would reappear the earth will be illuminated by his radiance (light). He will establish scales of justice among the people. Thus no one will oppress anyone.”
“Where is that venerated personality who is awaited to correct all kinds of weaknesses and vices?”
Unlike the other sects of Islam, it is the Shia’s of today who are distancing themselves from (religious) knowledge. Personal opinions are given the garb of religious authenticity. Personal view points are expressed as the elements of Islamic doctrine. And we accept all these without testing their authenticity and credibility. The learned scholars are stunned, the Maraje stupefied. Not knowing what to do. A believer is being degraded and we are amused by it.
People of loose morals, the wealthy and rich are giving opinions regarding religious matters, and we are prepared to offer them co-operation. The school of Aale Muhammad(A) is sidelined by the surrounding vices and evil deeds and we are immersed in the sleep of carelessness. What could be worse than this sloth and betrayal of religion. Seeing all these bad deeds of us all, a believer man fervently prays to Allah, “O Lord! where is Your last representative whom you have given the good news. And waiting for whom is prescribed as the best form of worship. Send him among us urgently so that he can correct the weaknesses and the wrong ways of humanity and the religion from the society. These shortcomings and vices which are the causes of the sorry state of the believers.
“Where is the one who is the abode of hope, one who will put an end to the oppression and injustice?”
The word used in the metaphor means that in which hope is reposed. When the people of the world would be disappointed by each and every kind of government they will have only one last hope. This hope is the hope in the institution of Imamat or in the meritorious personality of Imam az-Zaman(AJ).
“Where is the treasure (of Allah), one who will rejuvenate the obligatory commands and the recommended one?”
Yes, Imam al-Asr(AJ) is that treasure whom Allah has held back so that when the obligatory commands and the recommended actions are diseased by the germs of doubts, objections and misunderstandings, Imam(AJ) will reappear and enable it, to have a purified life. After this, the Islamic commands, optional and obligatory, would be carried out in the correct form and with sincerity. The belief would be so much purified that no one would dare to ignore any religious command, either obligatory or recommended.
“Where is the One who is chosen to impart a new life to the Islamic world and to rejuvenate the Shariat law of Mustafa(S)?”
His reappearance will imbibe a new life in the Islamic world. The shariat would be followed correctly. There would be neither discord nor any disagreement. The following verse would be fully acted upon:
“And Hold fast by the Covenant of Allah altogether and be not divided.”
Quran, Surah Aal-i-Imran (Chapter 3), Verse 102
“Where is the one, who, it is hoped, will revive the Quran and its laws ?”
True, when Imam al-Mahdi(AJ) would explain the ambiguous verses in the light of the unambiguous or the clear ones. At this time people of the world would become aware as to who are the ones “firmly rooted in knowledge”.
Who is the repository of all the knowledge of all the “land” and the “seas”? At this time the world would listen to the commentary of the manifest book by the manifested light. The divine mufassir (exegist of the Quran) would be listened to with attention and whole heartedly believed upon.
“Where is the One who will enliven the Islamic sciences and the teachers of religious education?”
In the last part of the time, the religious scholars and the Islamic knowledge are looked down on. The influence of wealth and self and power is stronger. In such a corrupted atmosphere the successor of Ali ibn Abi Talib(A) would expound the meaning of the tradition,
“I am the city of knowledge and Ali is its gate.”
“Where is the One who would destroy oppression and tyranny of the oppressors?”
“Where is the One who will raise the edifices of polytheism and hypocrisy to the ground?”
Today the monotheistic world is attacked by all sorts of doubts and misunderstandings. Polytheism and hypocrisy are on the look out to revile Islam and obliterate its name from the world, so that the people would begin to detest its name. But according to the divine promise all the evil designs of the satans will be useless. The promise is as follows:
“He is the One who sent His Prophet with guidance and the true religion, that He may make it overcome the religions, all of them, though the polytheist may be averse.”
Quran, Surah Saff (Chapter 61) , Verse 9
Moreover only the worship of the true God shall remain. Our Imam would study the intention of the people and give his judgment. So if any hypocrite thinks that he is living in the 1st century of Islam, he would be absolutely degraded.
“Where is the One who will destroy those who transgress and commit evil, those who are immersed in sins and those who raise their heads (against the affair of Allah?).
“Where is the One who will distend the branches of misguidance and disputes?”
“Where is the Destroyer of the signs of (evil) disease and egoistic tendencies?”
In the government of the Imam(AJ) no one will be able to carry with him the diseases of hatred, malice and hostility. Nor will anyone be able to follow his selfish desires.
First the Imam(AJ) will try to correct these people but if they still do not improve then Imam(AJ) will put an end to their existence.
“Where is the severer of the ropes of falsehood and calumniation?”
These will no place for falsehood, deceit and cunning in the government of Imam al-Mahdi(AJ). It will be a rule whose foundation has been laid by Ameer al-Mu’mineen Ali ibn Abi Talib(A). The only difference would be that in this government there would be no place for people like Talhah and Zubair.
“Where is the Destroyer of the vicious and disobedient people?”
The quality of Imam Mahdi(AJ) that will become apparent after the reappearance will be to put to sword anyone who dares to disobey Allah as also the traitors and the transgressors. For in his government only the Quranic law and the divine commands will be followed. No one will be able to offer any excuses.
“Where is the Eradicator of the followers of obstinacy and misguidance and the renegade?”
“Where is the One who honors the friends and degrades the enemy ?”
The word Awliya (friend) in this sentence is taken from ‘Maula’ (master). Thus whoever accepts the mastership of Imam (AJ), will be honored by him (Imam (AJ)). But whosoever does not, he will have to face degradation.
“Where is the Accumulator of the words of piety?”
The term ‘Kalima’ (word) is also used in the Quran to mean people. For example Prophet Isa (A) is mentioned as ‘Kalima’. In other words the companions and the helpers of Imam al-Asr(AJ) will be only the pious and abstentious ones. Not those who are sinful and disobedient. As the Quran has declared:
“The hereafter is only for those who guard (against evil).
“Where is the Gate of Allah through which all should enter ?”
It means that whoever wishes to enter the world of knowledge and faith then he should do so only through the door of the purified Ahl al-Bayt(A). If anyone prefers for himself any other path, then he will surely be led astray.
“Where is the countenance of Allah through which the friends attend towards him?”
Every member of Holy Ahl al-Bayt(A) is a mirror of divine qualities (Face of Allah). It means the countenance of Allah. Obviously Allah does not possess a ‘face’ but it only means that whoever wants to turn towards Allah and wishes to have an intermediary to Allah can do so only through the Proof of Allah [Imam Mahdi (AJ)]. Since the Imam is in occultation to have belief in him and to attend to him becomes all the more meritorious.
The following tradition of the Holy Prophet(S) also supports this argument:
“O Ali! In the last period there will be a people, most amazing in belief and the greatest in faith. They shall be those who will not have seen the Prophet of Allah and the Proof of Allah (Imam Mahdi(AJ) will be hidden from them. The foundation of their belief shall be upon only certain writings.”
“Where is the Means which is stretching from the earth to the sky?”
If the universe becomes bereft of the “Proof of Allah’ it will be annihilated at once. For the Proof of Allah is the axis of the universe. He is that Perfect Man through whose grace the worlds derive their nourishment from the Almighty Creator (Allah).
“Where is the Master of the Day of victory and the One who will spread the flag of guidance?”
At this point the reciter of this Dua expresses a strange of melancholy that for how long does he have to bear the degradations which he has to suffer during the occupation? And when will these insults come to an end and the standard of truth raised upon the world?
“Where is the unites of the companions of virtue and divine pleasure?”
“Where is the Avenger of the blood of prophets and the children of the Prophets?”
“Where is the seeker of revenge for the blood of the martyred ones of Karbala?”
Undoubtedly, Imam(AJ) must be weeping in sadness when he reaches this sentence. The murderers of Bani Israel used to slay up to seventy prophets in one night yet they got respite. But the tragedy of Karbala was the culmination of atrocities by the accursed Yazeed. The like of which is not to be found in the history of mankind. We all weep when these incidents are related to us by the fallible speakers. But the infallible Imam (AJ) himself witnesses the carnage with his tear-filled eyes. He (Imam (AJ)) says in Ziaarat-e-Nahiya:
“Then O my oppressed grandfather! Certainly I will wail for you morning and evening and I shed tears of blood for you.”
Doubtlessly the prime objective of Imam az-Zaman(AJ) is to avenge the blood of Imam Husayn(A).
‘Where is the Triumphant one (who will overcome) over one who transgressed against him and maligned him ?”
“Where is the distressed one who will be answered when he supplicates?”
It is clear from this sentence that the ‘distressed one’ mentioned in the following verse of Quran is Imam Mahdi(AJ):
“Or, who answers the distressed one when he calls upon Him…”
Quran, Surah Naml, (Chapter 27) Verse 62
And he is constantly praying to Allah for us. When a common person is compelled to express pity upon the deplorable condition of the present Islam and Muslims then how much aggrieved will be that Imam who is aware of all the happenings, whether apparent or not?
“Where is the president of all creatures, who is both the beneficent and God fearing?”
“Where is the son of the chosen (al-Mustafa) Prophet and the son of Ali-al-Murtadha(A)?”
“And the son of Khadijat ul-Gharra (the Luminous), and the son of Fatemat ul-Kubra (the Great)?
In this brief article we have discussed only those sentences of Dua Nudbah which speak exclusively about Imam Mahdi(AJ) After pondering over these we derive some conclusions. Foremost being that if we wish that the reappearance of Imam Mahdi(AJ) be hastened then we must recite the Dua every Friday.
But it should not be only mechanical. We should recite in as if our beloved is away from us and we are restless due to his separation. In fact the purity of intention and constancy is necessary. The reappearance of Imam(AJ) will not be only by wishing and praying. But it should be accompanied by pure intention and good deeds.
Another point that is derived is that when Imam Mahdi(AJ) will reappear he will put an end to all kinds of injustice, oppression, falsehood, tyranny, shamelessness and devilish deeds. He will fill the earth with justice and equity. So, if any of us has any of these bad qualities we must try to correct ourselves immediately.
Because Imam(AJ) will strictly apply the divine commands and would spare none.
The third important thing is that the companions or the helpers of Imam Mahdi(AJ) could be only those who are pious, who offer prayers regularly, follow the teachings of the Quran and obey Allah. If we do not possess these qualities then there is no place for us in the camp of the Qaem Aal-i-Muhammad(AJ) (Imam Mahdi(AJ)).
Let us then resolve that we shall pray night and day for the reappearance of Imam Mahdi(AJ). We shall do everything which takes us nearer to the Imam(AJ). And avoid all such acts which would take us away from our Master, Imam al-Mahdi(AJ). So if we ponder upon this we would realize that there is no one who cares for us except this benevolent Imam(AJ). We should not dissatisfy him with our deeds. Because if our Imam(AJ) turns away from us (disregards us) then we shall have no shelter.
In The Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
O Allah, send your blessings upon Muhammad and the Family of Muhammad.
Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the worlds. And blessings of Allah and peace be on our Chief Muhammad, His Prophet, and on his children. O my Allah! (All) praise is for Thee for that which Thou decided upon and resolved in the matter of Thy friends, whom Thou purified for Thyself and Thy religion. When wisdom and high rank from Thee, prostrated themselves in adoration before them (from the Bountiful Preserving Lord), for whom neither there was any decreased, nor dispersion thereafter, then Thou stipulated for them piety and righteousness. While they were in this mean and crooked world, free from its pomp, vanity and false enjoyments, Thy overreaching authority made known their identity; and equipped them with sincerity and perfection stood surety for them and communicated intimately with them, sent the news of their auspicious arrival in advance, and praised them in clear terms for the benefit of one and all.
Fell down on the ground in prostration Thy Angels before them, Thou chose them to reveal Thy Words, gave them Thy wisdom as a gift, set them up as the (only) medium to reach Thee, the only means to the eternal land of peace and happiness. One dwelled in Paradise until Thou sent him on (as the first Prophet).
One was made to cruise the “Ark”, and had been rescued, and kept safe from destruction through Thy mercy.
One was chosen and prepared for Thy Mission, as (Thy) Friend, (who) made a request to Thee for a good report in (his) later generations, so Thou approved and complied with, exalted them and gave them authority.
One was spoken directly through the Tree, his brother was appointed his successor and helper. One was brought in without a father, was given clear proofs, and was supported with the Holy Spirit.
For each Thou prescribed a Divine law, and set up a traced out path, each was appointed a guardian-executor, (and each) fulfilled the duty after being kept safe and protected, in the term of establishing Thy religion, a witness and argument over Thy servants (mankind), Lest the truth staggered from its firm stand and foundation, and the falsehood conquered the hearts of the people, and might not say a single man: “If only Thou had sent a Messenger unto us as a Warner, to show us the path of wisdom and guidance, so that we might have followed Thy revelations before we were (thus) humbled and disgraced!” Then Thou made plans to bring out the wonderful advent of Muhammad, (Send blessing on him and on his children).
So Thou just as chose him master of Whosoever Thou created, made him (whom Thou Selected), pure, clean and the best, exalted and praised him (whom Thou elected), surpassed in generosity and liberality while bestowing high-mindedness and beneficence upon him (whom Thou took in confidence and relied upon); made him leader-in-chief of (all) thy Prophets, and sent him to the troubled world of men and jinn, among Thy servants, lowered and humbled before him the East’s and the West’s, under his total control was brought all affairs, exalted his soul in Thy heavens gave over to him the knowledge of what took place and what will happen, concerning facts and operation of creation.
Then invested him with awe and majesty, Jibraeel, Meekaaeel, and distinguished Angels stood around; him at his beck and call, gave Thy word to him that Thou would make his religion prevail over all religions, however much the idolaters may be averse.
Thereafter acknowledged his atonement and provided good and perfection for his children, allotted for him and his children the first sanctuary appointed for mankind, at Bakkah (Makkah), a blessed place, a guidance to the people, wherein are plain and clear signs; the place where Ibrahim stood up to pray, and whosoever enters it is safe.
Thou said: “Allah’s wish is but to remove uncleanness far from you, O “People of the House”, and purify you with a thorough purification.” Thereupon Thou settled conclusively fee (recompense) of Muhammad (Thy blessings be on him and on his children) love for them, in Thy Holy Book.
So Thou said: “Say (O Muhammad): I ask of you no fee (recompense) therefore, save love of (my) Kinsfolk.” And Thou said: “Whatever recompense (return) I have asked for you, (it) is only for yourselves.” And Thou said: “I ask of you no reward for this, save that, whoso will, chooses a way unto his Lord.” Therefore they are the (only) means to (approach) Thee, the (only) medium to get Thy favours.
So Thou certainly did not let his hard work go waste, and gave authority to his successor, Ali ibn Abi Talib, (Thy blessings be on them both, and on this children), a guide. At the time when he was made a warner and a guide for every people, said he (the Holy Prophet), their Guide, in a public meeting overflowing with people; “Of Whomsoever I am the Mawlaa (Lord, Master) Ali is his Mawlaa. O Allah! be a friend of him who is a friend of him, be an enemy of him who is an enemy of him, help that man who helps him, forsake that man who forsakes him” and said: “Of whosoever I am the Prophet Ali is his Chief.”
And said: “I and Ali are (one basic root of) a tree, and the rest of mankind are like diverse plants, he proclaims the position (relationship) of Haaroon to Moosaa.” Therefore he told him: “I am to you as Moosaa was to Haaroon, but certainly there is no Prophet after me.”
His (Ali’s) life partner was his (Muhammad’s) daughter the chief of the women of the worlds. Lawful was for him (Ali), in “the mosque”, that which was permitted to him (Muhammad), all doors were closed, except his door.
He (Muhammad) gave his knowledge and wisdom into his (Ali’s) keeping. He said: “I am the city (center) of knowledge and Ali is its gate.
Whoso desires to approach and dwell in the city of knowledge and wisdom should come through its door.”
Thereafter he said: “You are my brother, successor and inheritor, your flesh is my flesh, your blood is my blood, your truce is my truce, your fight is my fight, faith is blended, mixed and mingled (part and parcel) in your flesh and blood, just as it is compounded in my flesh and blood, you shall take charge of the reservoir of my inheritance, you are the fulfillment of my religion, you shall execute and keep alive my “way of life”, your friends and followers shall speak with authority, command respect and hold the torch of good manners and refinements, their faces will be all around me in the eternal land of peace and bliss (Paradise), in my close company.
Were it not you O Ali, the faithful’s would not know the truth after me.” After him (Muhammad) be (Ali) was the guide for the wanderers, a bright light in the blind darkness, the strong rope of Allah, and the right path, did not ever hold back kindness and compassion from the common people, nor ever made excuses or delay to give priority to the matters of religion, nor blew his own trumpet nor felt proud of his glory, did the same thing the Messenger used to do, (Blessing of Allah be on them both and on their children) put an end to misinterpretation, did not lose temper, for the sake of Allah, if any one turned to mud-slinging and name-calling.
He had thrown the proud tribal chiefs of Arabia into a fright, destroyed their heroes, attacked and dispersed their cavalries, because of which hatred and deep grudge took root in their hearts. Badr, Khaybar, and Hunain created jealousy and envy in them, therefore, united they joined hands to oppose him, and came out in great number to fight against him, till he destroyed all deserters, who had swerved from what was right, the shameless who deviated from true religion, while he was carrying out the important mission.
Killed him a malicious criminal, a contemporary, serving the interest and following the doctrine of earlier impudent villains. An unparalleled and outlandish approach was applied to the directions of the Messenger of Allah, (Blessings of Allah be on him and on his children), concerning the “Guides” (Imams), one after the other. The narrow-minded obstinate “Ummah” did not care for and had ill-feelings towards him.
Flocked together to pass up and deny his connection with his family, and pushed his children out of their way, but a handful of sincere faithful’s kept their promise and dutifully upheld the rights of his children;
Some were slain, some were held prisoners, some were sent to distant foreign lands, and they met face to face (when came upon) their destiny (martyrdom).
That which is given to each (of them) as reward of good deeds is the best recompense, since the earth belongs to Allah, and He gives it for an inheritance to whom He wants from among His servants, and the (good) end is for the God-fearing wise; glory to our Lord! Verily the promise of our Lord must be fulfilled; Allah does not break His word, He is Almighty, Wise.
So be purified and refined by making known and remembering the choicest children of Muhammad and Ali, blessings of Allah be on them both, and on their children.
The heartbroken, in tears, make their hearts bleed, together with them, the deeply moved perceptive men of letters describe their wisdom and liberality, as they themselves used to do, eyes of sensitive and thoughtful people are full of overflowing tears, their voices choked up with emotion; they cry out to protest against the injustice done, they call up dumb and insensate souls to stir and take notice.
Where is Hasan? Where is Husayn? Where are the children of Husayn? The whole good, one and all! The truth altogether!
Where is the regular unbroken vital connection? Where is the on going sequence of desirable goodness? Where are the clear source and spring of Light (vision and insight)? Where are the lively vivid handsome faces?
Where are the distinctly visible pioneers? Where are the “know all the answers” scholars who communicated and made clear the religion of Allah? The fundamentals of knowledge and wisdom! Where is the ‘Everlasting legacy of God”? (never ever is the “family of Guides” without One).
Where is the impenetrable defense who broke the back of the oppressive tyrants? Where is the “awaited saviour” who will set the have-nots and the depressed on their feet? Where is the “The Hope” who will put and end to tyranny and oppression? Where is the “preserved guaranty” who shall give new life to rule of law and refined way of life?
Where is the “Chosen in preference good” who shall raise the spirits of the people and give currency to justice and fairplay? Where is the “hope-giving confidante” who shall make full use of the “Book” and define the sphere of action? Where is he who shall blot out dogma in the matter of religion and his (Muhammad’s) children? Where is he who shall break up meddlesome trouble and tampering?
Where is he who shall pull down the foundations of confusion (polytheists) and hypocrisy?
Where is he who shall stamp out corruption, vice, reaction and injustice?
Where is he who shall trim the outgrowth of despair, longing and hardships?
Where is he who shall erase the traces of unfairness and self-seeking conceit?
Where is he who shall untie the twisted knots of falsehood and disruption?
Where is he who shall separate senselessness and insolence from the people?
Where is he who shall tear up by the roots obstinacy, corruption and apostasy?
Where is he who shall love dearly the favorites of Allah and take pains to tame and train the transgressors?
Where is he who shall make people familiar with “words of wisdom”?
Where is the ultimate (Divine) source of plenty and prosperity?
Where is the “Divine aspect” the God-fearing may look up to?
Where is the link that connects the cosmic complex?
Where is the authority who shall communicate and make known the true point of view?
Where is the author of the conception of peace, fairplay and welfare?
Where is the defender of the traditions of the Prophets and their children?
Where is the investigator of the blood of the Martyrs of Karbala?
Where is he who shall get the upper hand over the perpetrators of crime and greed?
Where is he who shall not rest until he answers the cries of help when called upon?
Where is the foremost leader of the people – the just, the truthful and the wise?
Where is the son of the chosen Prophet? The son of Ali al-Murtadha! The son of Khadijah, the resplendent! The son of Fatimah, the great!
My father, my mother, and I turn to you for protection and sanctuary.
O son of the favorite Leaders! O Son of the distinguished nobles! O son of the rightly guided Guides! O Son of the most refined high-minded liberals! O Son of the select generous Guardians! O son of the polite and pure purifiers! O Son of the impartial judges! O Son of the openhanded hosts! O Son of the mature teachers! O Son of the brilliant fulfillers! O Son of the clear and precise arguments who penetrated deep (into the domain of mind)! O inheritor of the made known prophesy! O inheritor of the clear preaching! O inheritor of the evident signs! O inheritor of the exact science! O inheritor of the widely sought after culture and customs! O inheritor of the milestones of glory and greatness! O inheritor of the extraordinary events! O inheritor of the reason that had been put to experiment! O inheritor of the Right Path! O inheritor of the Message that made deep impression on mankind! O Son of him who is in the “Mother of the Book” kept with Allah, the Highest High, the All-wise.
O inheritor of the convincing proofs! O inheritor of the genuine evidence! O inheritor of the distinctly visible demonstration! O inheritor of the decisive information! O inheritor of the absolute joy and happiness! O inheritor of “T’aa-haa” and clear wisdom! O inheritor of “Yaa seen” and “Zaariyaat” O inheritor of “T’oor” and “A’adiyaat” O Son of him who “drew near and came down till he was two bows’ length or nearer.” (The Highest High came near and received him gladly).
If I but knew the destination of your purposeful journey! To which isolated land did you go? Good, pleasant and satisfying? Or otherwise? Or in well guarded concealment? It breaks my heart (when) I look at all that has been created, but cannot see you, nor hear a whisper about your whereabouts, nor any secret communication! It is disheartening to know that you are attending to and watching over the disorder and confusion, and I, in the thick of violent turmoil, am far away, unable to give report of injustice.
I eagerly long for you who is out of sight, but has not forsaken us. I eagerly long for you who has departed and is invisible, but is not far from us.
I eagerly long for you who inspires love and deep affection, and the faithful men and women take delight in your memorable glory. So we are excited with a longing desire.
I eagerly long for you who is worthy of acceptance and lawful driving force of belief and conviction, never weary or annoyed. I eagerly long for you who is the root of praise and distinction, never can be uprooted.
I eagerly long for you who is always tender, gentle and comforting, never makes one’s affairs worse instead of better. I eagerly long for you who is just and equitable beyond a trace of doubt, does not take severe action until misbehavior trespasses the limit.
O Master! How long and unto what is to be directed (my) request for friendly attention concerning you? And what is the message? It makes me sad to get favorable reply from anyone other than you, but to be duped and cheated in the end.
It casts a gloom upon me that you suffered hardships and the chicken hearted deserters left you alone. It is painful for me what took place for you from them and that which had happened.
Is there a helper with whom I may cooperate and take pains? Is there a restless with whom I may share when action is taken? Is there a faint twinkle of evidence to make me willingly take up the trouble? Do you O Son of Ahmed have means and ways to arrange our meeting? Can you once cleverly guide the course of time, so that we may obtain our wish? When shall we abridge the gap that separate us from the vision so that we may refer to the authority?
How long shall we keep waiting for your pleasing satisfying essence and quality?
Already the period of expectation has lasted too long! When shall we receive our share from you and have our minds set at rest? For we have fixed our eyes upon you and strive with perseverance.
When shall we be happy, and see your beautiful form and fine aspect? Groups of cheerful willing disciplined helpers, in great numbers, gathering around you to carry out one work after the other! You fulfilling (every promise) and giving joy, heart and confidence (to the faithful’s); filling the earth with justice; making your enemies follow the law and accept the revolution; taking the wind out of the haughty and the boastful, and those who knew but denied the truth; breaking the back of the proud and the arrogant; uprooting the roots of the unjust; and we-singing the praise of Allah, the Lord of the worlds.
O my Allah! Thou disperses the clouds of sorrows and hardships. Unto Thee we turn to ask for help against the enemy; for Thou (alone) helps and guides. Thou (alone) puts into good order affairs of this world and shall make better the Hereafter. So come to help! O He Who is called to help the helpless, Thy servants, surrounded by calamities.
Show them the face of their Leader. O the Mightiest Almighty. Allow him to put an end to evil and corruption, and satisfy his Love (for the faithful’s) and dislike (for the sinners). O He Who, from the “Arsh directs and controls all creation, and unto Him is the return, final and ultimate.
O my Allah! We are Thy servants, longing for Thy friend (appointed authority), who reminds us of Thee, and Thy Prophet, who was created as a refuge and asylum for us, established as a foundation and spring of truthfulness for us, and was made the Leader-Guide of the faithful’s. Convey to him our heartfelt congratulations and welcome.
Make us feel more deeply for him. O Lord! Very Kindly, make his headquarters our place of domicile and dwelling abode, and fulfill Thy promise by returning him to us as our Leader Guide, so that he takes us to the eternal land of peace and bliss, where we shall rub elbows with Thy sincere servants who shed blood to pronounce the Faith.
O Allah send Thy blessings on Muhammad and on the children of Muhammad. Bless his ancestor Muhammad, the Messenger, the foremost Leader, and bless his progenitor, the succeeding Leader, and his great grandmother, the ever truthful, Fatimah daughter of Muhammad, and his chosen virtuous forefathers, and send blessings on him, superior, whole, conclusive, staying, numerous, and full, not ever bestowed (even) on any of Thy sincerely attached and pious friends from among Thy creation.
Bless him with blessings, (that) cannot be counted in numbers, cannot be “proximated” in space of time, cannot be consumed in terms of having nothing remaining.
O my Allah! Set up truth, destroy falsehood, show the right path to Thy friends, humiliate Thy enemies, and do it without interruption, (through him). O my Allah! Unite us with him.
Let us be friends with his ancestors. Give us courage to disperse those who oppose and try to prevent him, and make them stay in their shame and disgrace for ever.
Help us to discharge the duties made incumbent upon us by him, and make every effort to obey him, keep from that which is declared unlawful by him, rely upon him to get his approval.
Let us be with him when he makes peace, and frees mankind from fear, gives currency to love are kindness, brings bliss and happiness, spreads good and virtue, so that we may do our best to promote his cause through Thy mercy, and win victory for Thee.
Accept our prayers, forgive our sins, fulfil our desires, give us means of livelihood, unrestricted, make less our hardships, meet our demands in full (through him).
Turn towards us Thy kindness and loving aspects, and bring us close to Thee. Turn the eyes of Thy mercy upon us, to bring to fullness Thy kind favours, and after that do not ever let them disappear in the name of Thy generosity, and give us the opportunity to quench our thirst from the spring of his great grandfather (Kawsar), (blessing of Allah be on him and on his children), using his cup, filled by him, fresh and pure, sufficient, wholesome, clear and cool, not leaving any desire thereafter, O the Most Merciful.
You can listen to an audio of Dua an-Nudbah in Arabic as your read this translation by clicking here, or by clicking play on the YouTube Video above.
Theme Ported by