In the Name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful

To Allah we belong and to Him we shall return [The Holy Quran 2:156]

The appalling crimes of the Zionist regime in Gaza and the massacre of hundreds of oppressed men, women, and children, has once again revealed the true nature of the bloodthirsty Zionist wolves, who had been hiding behind a veil of deception during the past few years. This event has again revealed - to those who are not vigilant and prepared to compromise at any price - the threat posed by the presence of these warring infidels (kafer-e harbi) living in the heart of the lands of the Islamic Ummah.

This tragic event is unbearable for all Muslims and for any moral and honorable human being living anywhere in the world. However, what is even more tragic and unbearable is the cowardly silence of some Arab governments that claim to be Muslims - which only encourages the enemies. What could be more tragic than the fact that so-called Muslim governments - which should have supported the oppressed people of Gaza against the occupying, infidel (kafer) and warring (mohaareb) Zionist regime - have acted in a way that the criminal Zionist officials have become insolent enough to declare that these Arab governments support and are in agreement with this great tragedy?

What explanation do the heads of these countries have before the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.)? How will they justify their inaction to their own peoples, who are undoubtedly bereaved by this tragedy? Surely today, the hearts of the people of Egypt, Jordan, and other Muslim countries are bleeding because of this massacre, which follows the long siege of Gaza during which food and medicine were kept away from its people.

Being an accomplice in this great crime, the criminal Bush administration - which is going through the last days of its disgraceful rule - made the US regime even more disgraced than before and added more pages to its war crimes record. European governments once again proved the falsity of their claims regarding their support for human rights through their indifference and through their support for this great tragedy. They have shown that they are part of the anti-Islam and anti-Muslim camp.

I ask the ulama and clergy of the Arab world and the heads of Egyptian Al-Azhar University: is it not time you felt alarmed for Islam and Muslims? Is it not time you fulfilled your obligatory duty of warning against evil and fulfilling your obligation of "saying what is right to the oppressive leader"?

In order for you to feel responsible, do you need a clearer proof than what is happening in Gaza and Palestine? These events prove the collusion and collaboration of warring infidels (kafer-e harbi) with the hypocrites (munafeqeen) of the Islamic Ummah and are aimed at suppressing Muslims.

I ask the media and intellectuals of the Muslim world, especially the Arab world: until when are you going to continue neglecting your duties and responsibilities as media and intellectuals? Can the disgraced western human rights organizations and the so-called Security Council be disgraced any further?

All the Palestinian mujahideen and the faithful people of the Muslim world are obliged to defend the children, women, and defenseless people of Gaza by all possible means. Those who are killed in this sacred and legally sanctioned defense are martyrs, and their souls will be associated with those of the martyrs of the Battles of Badr and Uhud, before the Holy Prophet of Islam (s.w.a.).

The Organization of the Islamic Conference must fulfill its historic duty in these critical times and form a unified front - without petty considerations or any passivity - to oppose the Zionist regime. The Zionist regime must be penalized by Muslim governments. The Zionist heads must be personally tried and penalized for their crimes and the prolonged siege imposed on Gaza. These goals can be fulfilled through solid determination of the Muslim nations, and in this critical period, politicians, ulama, and intellectuals shoulder the heaviest responsibility.

Due to the tragedy in Gaza, I hereby announce Monday as a day of public mourning and I call on the country’s officials to fulfill their duties with regard to this tragic event.

"And soon those who do injustice will know to what final place of turning they will be turned."
[The Holy Quran, 26:227]

Sayyed Ali Khamenei
29 Dhi al-Hijjah al-Haram 1429
[28 December, 2008]

Letter of invitation to Christians of Najran:

The Prophet of Islam (S) wrote a letter to Abdul Haris Ibne Alqama, the Grand Bishop of Najran, who was the official representative of the Roman Church in the Hijaz. And invited the people of that area to embrace Islam. The text of the said letter runs as under:

In the name the Lord of Ibrahim, Ishaq and Ya’qub

This is a letter from Muhammad, the Prophet and Messenger of Allah to the Bishop of Najran: I Praise and glorify the Lord of Ibrahim, Ishaq and Ya’qub, and invite you all to worship Allah instead of worshipping His creatures, so that you may come out of the guardianship of the creatures of Allah and take place under the guardianship of Allah Himself. And in case you do not accept my invitation you must (at least) pay Jizyah (tribute) to the Islamic Government (in lieu of which it will undertake the protection of your lives and property), failing which you are hereby warned of dangerous consequences.

Muhammad(S), say to the followers of the Bible, "We must come to a common term: ‘Let us worship no one except Allah"

(Quran, Surah Al-e-Imraan (3), Verse 64)

The Prophet (S) goes for Mubahela

Towards the close of the ninth year of Hijra, embassies from all parts of Arabia came uninterruptedly to the Holy Prophet at Medina, to profess Islam and to declare the adherence of their tribes to Prophet Muhammad(S). (Mention is made in the Holy Qur’an as below about this in Sura An-Nasr (Succor, Divine support)

When there comes the help of Allah and the victory, And you see men entering the religion of Allah in companies, Then celebrate the praise of your Lord, and ask His forgiveness; surely He is oft-returning (to mercy).

(Quran, Surah an-Nasr  (110) , Verses 1-3

Until now, the Christians of Najran (a city in the province of Yemen) had kept themselves aloof. The Holy Prophet (S.A.W) sent a letter, inviting them to embrace Islam. In response to that letter the Christians counseled among themselves the course of their action and did ultimately send a representative deputation of fourteen members to Medina to study the facts pertaining to Hazrat Muhammad (S.A.W) and his mission. Three Christian scholars, viz. Abdul Maseeh Aaquib, Saiyed and Abdul Haris, headed the deputation.

When these deputies reached Medina, they changed their clothes, which they had worn on the journey, dressed themselves in silken garments, put rings of gold on their fingers, and went to the mosque to greet the Holy Prophet(S). All of them greeted the Prophet(S) traditionally, but the Apostle of God(S) did not respond and turned his face away from them.

They left the mosque and approached Osman and Abdul Rahman Ibn Auf, complaining "your Apostle wrote to us and invited us, but when we went to see him and wished him, he neither reciprocated our wishes nor replied to us. Now what do you advise us to do? Should we go back or wait for another opportunity?" Osman and Abdul Rehman could not comprehend the situation. At last they took the disputes to Ali(A), who advised them to remove the clothes of silk and the rings of gold that they were wearing and to put on their priestly robes. The Holy Prophet(S) would then willingly see them.

Thereupon the Christian delegates changed into humble garments and presented themselves to the Apostle(S) who then responded to their salutations and said, "By the Lord who has appointed me His Messenger, when they first came to me they were accompanied by Satan".

Thereafter the Apostle(S) preached to them and requested them to accept Islam. They asked, "What is your opinion about Jesus Christ?" The Apostle(S) said, "You may rest today in this city and after being refreshed you will receive the replies to all your questions from me."

The Apostle was awaiting a revelation in this matter, and the next day the verses of the Holy Qur’an Sura No.3 (Al-e-Imraan) verses 59-60 were revealed to him to show the true position of Jesus Christ.

Surely the likeness of Jesus is with Allah as the likeness of Adam; He created him from dust, then said to him ‘Be’, and he was. (This is) the truth from your Lord, so be not of the disputers.

(Quran, Surah Aal-i-Imraan (3), Verses 59-60)

When they reappeared before the Holy Prophet(S), The Holy Prophet(S) recited the above verses before the visiting Christians explaining that Christ was a Prophet like Adam(A) and like Adam(A), created from dust and therefore could not be the son of God. After this, the Holy Prophet(S) invited them to embrace Islam. The Christians remained obstinate and refused to be convinced by anything. Thereupon the following verse No. 61 from Sura No.3 was revealed:

But whoever disputes with you in this matter after what has come to you of knowledge, then say: Come let us call our sons and your sons and our women and your women and ourselves and yourselves, then let us be earnest in prayer, and invoke the curse of Allah on the liars.

(Quran, Surah Aal-i-Imraan (3), Verse 61)

Now the Holy Prophet(S) reproduced the Quranic verse before the deputation of the Christians and declared the challenge of ‘Mubahala’. The term ‘Mubahala’ is derived from its Arabic root ‘Bahlah’ meaning ‘curse’. Thus the word ‘Mubahala’ literally means cursing each other. The Christians consulted each other and ultimately announced their acceptance of the challenge.

Early next morning the Holy Prophet (S) sent Salman al Farsi(A) to the open place, fixed outside the city for the historic event, to erect a small shelter for himself and those he intended to take along with him for the contest. However, it was on the morning of 24th Zilhajj that the Holy Prophet(A) emerged at the appointed time and place, from his sacred abode with Imam Hussain(A) in his arms and holding Imam Hasan(A)’s hand and Janab-e-Fatima(A) followed by Hazrat Ali(A) (styled as the Holy Panjetan). The Holy Prophet(S) then directed them to utter "Ameen" when he prayed to God.

No sooner had the sacred caravan of the Holy Prophet(S) appeared to the sight of the opposing group of the Christians of Najran then they were awestruck and spellbound. Abdul Haris lbne Alqama, the greatest scholar among them, addressed his people:

"Verily I see a divine light on the face of our combatants; I am beholding such faces among them as can make the mountains move from their spots if they pray to God. So beware! Never try to contest with them, otherwise you will perish and the entire nation of Christians will succumb to extinction!"

Thereupon the Holy Prophet(S) reiterated, "By God! Had the Christians of Najran contested with us, they would have been transformed into monkeys and swans. Fire would have rained over them from the sky and they would have been doomed."

When the Christians refrained from ‘Mubahala’, the Holy Prophet(S) put before them two alternatives: either to embrace Islam or to be prepared to come to terms. But the Christians would not agree till the matter was finally decided by an offer of treaty from their side. Thus a peace treaty was signed on the terms that the Christians of Najran would thereby be committed to pay the Holy Prophet(S) an annual tribute consisting of two thousand costumes-worth: forty thousand Dinars, thirty horses, thirty camels, thirty armors and thirty spears. (Ref: Meraj-un-Nabuwat)

Authentic Proofs are quoted below regarding the Ayat of the Holy Qur’an-Sura 3-verse 61 as given on page 73 Imam Fakhruddin Razi writes in his Tafseer-e-Kabeer (volume 2): "When this verse was revealed to the Holy Prophet(S), the Christians of Najran accepted the challenge of ‘Mubahala’ and the Holy Prophet took along with him Imam Hussain, Imam Hasan, Janab-e-Fatima and Hazrat Ali to the field of Mubahala."

To quote Allama Zamakhshari in his ‘Tafseer-e-Kashshaf’. "There can be no more authentic and stronger evidence for the integrity of Ashab-e-Kisa, i.e., Hazrat Ali(A), Janab-e-Fatima(A), Imam Hasan(A) and Imam Hussain(A) than this Qur’anic verse. For in compliance with the order of God the Holy Prophet(S) summoned his Ahl-ul-Bait(A), took Hussain(A) in his arms, and grasped Imam Hasan(A)’s hand in his own, asked Janab-e-Fatima(A) to follow him and Hazrat Ali(A) to follow her. This proved that the Holy Ahl-ul-Bait(A) were those to whom the Qur’anic verse was directed."

It is related by Soad Ibne Waqas that: "When this verse was revealed, the Holy Prophet(S) sent for Hazrat Ali(A), Janab-e-Fatima(A), Imam Hasan(A) and Imam Hussain(A) and prayed to God thus: "O My God! These are the very Ahl-ul-Bait of mine!" (Sahih Muslim. Vol. 1, Sahih Tirmizi.)

Abdullah Ibne Umar quotes the Holy Prophet(S) to have commented:

"Had there been any soul on the whole earth better than Ali(A), Fatima(A), Hasan(A) and Hussain(A), God would have commanded me to take them along with me to ‘Mubahala’. But as they were superior in dignity and respect to all human beings, God confined His Choice on them only for participation in ‘Mubahala’". (Tasfeer-e-Baizavi)

According to some versions it is stated that on the morning of 24th Zilhajj, a large number of people thronged the door of the Holy Prophet(S), every one anticipating his chance to be selected for the team of ‘Mubahala’. But when the Holy Prophet(S) emerged out of his house accompanied by his Ahl-ul-Bait(A). They were all stunned.

The event of the Mubahala is important for the following reasons:

1. It proved to be a silencing lesson for all the Christians of Arabia who no longer dared any competition with the Holy Prophet (S).
2. The invitation of ‘Mubahala’ was directed by God, and it was in compliance with His Command that the Holy Prophet took his Ahl-ul-Bait(A) along with him to the field of ‘Mubahala’. This serves to generalize how affairs pertaining to Apostleship and the religion of God are determined by the Will of God; allowing no margin of interference from the common people (Ummat). The matter of Hazrat Ali(A)’s succession followed by eleven Imam(A)s to the office of religious leadership should be viewed in this perspective.
3. The indispensability of Hazrat Ali(A), Janab-e-Fatima(A), Imam Hasan(A) and Imam Hussain(A) in following the precepts of the Holy Prophet (S.A.W) could no longer be disputed.
4. That notwithstanding their childhood, Imam Hasan(A) and Imam Hussain(A) did nevertheless, serve as the active partners of the Holy Prophet(S) in the field of ‘Mubahala’. This yields the conclusion that age is no criteria for the greatness of the infallibles (Masoomeen). They are born adorned with virtues and knowledge.
5. That the Holy Prophet’s act of having preferred a few obviously elevates their status above all others.

As Islam had emerged triumphantly against Christianity on the occasion of ‘Mubahala’, this day assumes the significance of an Eid day in Islamic history.

Why was Imam Ali(A) included?

The Almighty commanded His Messenger to say to the delegation of Najran: "Come! We will summon our Sons and your Sons, our women and your women; and ourselves and yourselves…."

In compliance with this command, the Prophet brought with him, Al-Hasan and Al-Hussain, because they were the sons of his daughter Fatima, and for this they are his sons. He brought Fatima with him because she represents the women from the members of his House. But why did he bring with him Imam Ali who was neither from the sons nor from the women?

Imam Ali(A) has no place in the verse unless he is included in the word "ourselves."

Bringing Imam Ali(A) with him indicates that the Messenger of God(S) considered Imam Ali(A) an extension of his personality. By considering him so, he elevated him above all the Muslims.

The Messenger(S) said on many occasions:

"Ali is from me and I am from him."

Hubshi Ibn Janadah reported that he heard the Messenger of God, saying:

"Ali is from me and I am from him, and no one represents me but Ali."

It is related that a noted Muslim scholar Abdullah bin Mubarak, had a dream while he was sleeping near the Kaaba.

Abdullah bin Mubarak saw two angels’ descend from the sky, and start talking to each other. 

One of the angels asked the other: "Do you know how many people have come for Hajj this year?" 

The other angel replied: "Six hundred thousand have come for Hajj." 

Abdullah bin Mubarak had also gone for Hajj that year. 

The first angel asked: "How many people’s Hajj has been accepted?" 

The second replied: "I wonder if anyone’s Hajj has been accepted at all." 

Abdullah bin Mubarak was grieved to hear that. He thought, "So many people have come from all over the world, crossing so many obstacles like rivers, jungles, mountains, suffered so many hardships, and meeting so many expenses. Would their effort be wasted? Allah does not let anyone’s effort go to waste". 

He had thought only so far when he heard the other angel speak: "There is a cobbler in Damascus. His name is Ali bin al-Mufiq. He could not come for Hajj, but Allah has accepted his intention of Hajj. Not only will he get the reward for Hajj, but because of him, all the Hajjis will be rewarded. 

When Abdullah bin Mubarak woke up, he decided he would go to Damascus and meet that cobbler whose Hajj intentions carried such a lot of weight. 

On reaching Damascus, Abdullah bin Mubarak inquired if anyone knew a cobbler named Ali bin al-Mufiq. The town people directed him to a house. When a man appeared from the house Abdullah bin Mubarak greeted him and asked his name. The man replied "Ali bin al-Mufiq".

Abdullah bin Mubarak asked: "What do you do for a living?"

Ali replied: "I am a cobbler". Then Ali asked the stranger’s name that had come looking for him. 

Abdullah bin Mubarak was a very well-known scholar of Islam, when Abdullah bin
Mubarak introduced him self, the cobbler was anxious to find out why such a well known scholar was seeking him out. 

When Abdullah bin Mubarak asked Ali to tell him if he had made any plans to go for Hajj. Ali replied "For thirty years I have lived in the hope of performing the Hajj. This year I had saved enough to go for Hajj, but Allah did not will it, so I couldn’t make my intention translate into action. 

Abdullah bin Mubarak was eager to find out how could this man’s Hajj be accepted and blessed for all the people who went for Hajj that year when he didn’t go for Hajj in the first place. While talking to the cobbler he could feel a certain purity in his heart. Islam regards greatness not in wealth or in power, but in civility, in good manners and the goodness of heart.

Abdullah bin Mubarak further asked: "why could you not go on Hajj?". In order not to disclose the reason, Ali again replied "it was Allah’s will".

When Abdullah bin Mubarak persisted, Ali revealed: "Once I went to see my neighbour’s house. His family was just sitting down for dinner. Although I was not hungry I thought my neighbour would invite me to sit down for dinner out of courtesy but I could see that my neighbour was grieved about something and wanted to avoid inviting me for dinner.

After some hesitation the neighbour told me: "I am sorry I cannot invite you for food. We were without food for three days and I could not bear to see the pain of hunger of my children. I went out looking for food today and found a dead donkey. In my desperation I cut out some meat from the dead animal, and brought it home so that my wife could cook this meat. It is halal (lawful or permitted) for us because of our extreme condition of hunger, but I cannot offer it to you." 

Ali continued: "On hearing this, my heart bled with tears. I got up and went home, collected the three thousand dinars I had saved for Hajj, and gave my neighbour the money. I too had to go hungry but that was to save money for Hajj, but I thought helping my neighbour during his difficult times was more important. Although I still desire to go for Hajj if Allah wills."

Abdullah bin Mubarak was greatly inspired by the cobbler’s story and told the cobbler of his dream.

God is merciful and shows mercy to those who do likewise to his creatures. This act of compassion on the part of the cobbler was so pleasing to God that it not only earned him the reward of Hajj but was extended to all the people who came for Hajj.

Hajj is a journey that can ignite the soul to be reminded of the time it was created and takes it beyond the dimensions of this life to the time it will meet the creator.

The sincere performance of Hajj can transcend a person’s day to day life into a spiritual awakening of the highest magnitude. A successful Hajj experience connects us to our creator and the greater compassion of humanity.

The Pilgrimage to Makkah, is one of the essential elements of the Islamic faith. It is obligatory on all believers provided they have the financial capability and physical ability to endure the challenges of the pilgrimage. 

According to Islamic tradition the Kaaba, a simple square cube structure in Makkah, was the first house of worship established to remind humanity of the One Supreme God. The structure was reconstructed by Prophet Abraham and his son Prophet Ishmael.

And when We made the House (at Makkah) a destination for humankind and a sanctuary, (saying): Take as your place of worship the place where Abraham stood (to pray). And We imposed a duty upon Abraham and Ishmael, (saying): Purify My house for those who go around and those who meditate therein and those who bow down and prostrate themselves (in worship). Quran 2:125

The gathering of millions of faithful in Makkah during the days of annual pilgrimage, Hajj is a fulfillment of Prophet Abraham’s prayer.

And, lo, Abraham prayed: "O my Sustainer! Make this a land secure, and grant its people fruitful sustenance - such of them as believe in God and the Last Day." .. Quran 2:126

The Pilgrimage to Makkah is a sign of supreme significance. It was Prophet Ibraham’s unconditional commitment to God that led him to leave his wife Hagar and his infant son Ismael in this desolated desert. Prophet Abraham was reward for his unwavering submission to God, by a promise from Him to make this uninviting land into a place of promise and plenty.
Muslims who visit Makkah for Hajj become part of God’s promise to Prophet Abraham.
Like any other article of faith, the pilgrimage can become meaningless if it is regarded as an end in itself rather than a means for the attainment of a meaningful life.

* * * * * * * *

Each and everyone one of us is going through tough times right now, but Allah is getting ready to bless you in a way that only He can. Keep the faith.

This Dua is powerful, and Dua is one of the best gifts we receive. There is no cost but a lot of rewards. Let’s continue to make Dua for one another.

The Dua:

Allah(SWT), I ask You to bless my friends, relatives and those that I care deeply for, who are reading this right now. Show them Your love and power in this holy month of Dhil Haj. Where there is pain, give them Your peace and mercy. Where there is self-doubt, release a renewed confidence through Your grace. Where there is need, I ask you to fulfil their needs. Bless their homes, families, finances, their goings and their comings. And most of all make it easy for them in this month of hajj and a blessed new coming hijra year Ameen

Was-salaam

The first ten days of this month are full of significance and merit. According to some commentators of the Holy Qur’an, these ten days have been mentioned in Sura al-Fajr when Allah swears by the ten nights: وَ الْفَجْرِ وَ لَيَالٍ عَشْرٍ   I swear by the daybreak, and by the ten nights (89:1-2)

The Holy Prophet(S) has said: There are no days when Allah is as pleased with good deeds as He is in these ten days [of Zilhajj].

1)   Keep fast on the first 9 days (not on the 10th)

2)  In the nights of the first 10 days, between the Maghrib and Ishaa salaats pray a 2 Rakaat Salaat as under:

In every Rakaat, after the recitation of Surah Al Fateha, recite Surah Al Ikhlaas and the following verse.

"WA WAA—A’DNAA MOOSAA THALAATHEENA LAYLATAN’W WA ATMAMNAAHAA BI—A’SHRIN FATAMMA MEEQAATU RABBIHEE ARBA—E’ENA LAYLAH WA QAALA MOOSAA LI—AKHEEHI HAAROONAKH—LUFNEE FEE QAWMEE WA AS’LIH’WA LA TATTABIA’—SABEELAL MUFSIDEE" (Sura al-A’araaf 7:142)

Translation:-

[And when We did appoint for Musa thirty nights, and added to them ten; and he completed the whole time appointed by his Lord of forty nights; and Musa said unto his brother: "Take my place among the people. Do right, and do not follow the way of the mischief-makers".] (Sura al-A`araaf, 7:142)

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