Eid al-Ghadir: The Greatest Eid

Eid al-Ghadir, celebrated by millions of Muslims worldwide, is a pivotal event in Islamic history, revered especially within Shia Islam. Marking the day when Prophet Muhammad (PBUHH) declared Imam Ali (AS) as his successor at Ghadir Khumm, Eid Ghadir is considered the “Greatest Eid” due to its profound spiritual and communal significance. This great historical event holds deep theological importance, symbolizing the continuity of divine guidance through the leadership of Imam Ali. The celebration of Eid Ghadir embodies themes of faith, loyalty, and unity, making it a cornerstone of Shia Islamic identity and a moment of joy and reflection for believers. This article delves into the historical origins, religious significance, and a comparison with other Eids, so as to establish why it is regarded as the greatest Eid in Islamic tradition.

Hazrat Fatima (PBUH) and the Fadak Issues

Hazrat Fatima Zahra (PBUH), the daughter of Prophet Muhammad (PBUHH), and Lady Khadija the daughter of Khuwaylid occupies a revered and central place in Islamic history. She is often referred to as “Ummu Abiha” (i.e., The mother of her father) due to her close and caring relationship with Prophet Muhammad[1]. Her character and virtues have made her an enduring symbol of devotion, modesty, and strength in the face of adversity.  Her life and legacy have been a subject of great interest and respect among Muslims, influencing countless aspects of Islamic culture, theology, and jurisprudence. One of the most significant and contentious episodes associated with her life is the issue of Fadak. The land of Fadak became a matter of dispute shortly after the demise of Prophet Muhammad (PBUHH). This dispute is not merely a historical incident but a pivotal moment that sheds light on early Islamic inheritance laws, the status of women in Islamic society, and the nascent Muslim community’s political dynamics. This article aims to delve into the intricacies of the Fadak dispute, exploring its historical context and the broader implications of this episode.

The Battle of Siffin and its Causes

The Battle of Siffin was fought between the Commander of the Faithful, Ali ibn Abi Talib (peace be upon him) and Mu’awiya ibn Abi Sufyan. The battle was named after its location Siffin, a ruined Byzantine-era village at the right bank of the Euphrates in the vicinity of Raqqa in present-day Syria.

It is pertinent to say that after the nomination of Ali ibn Abi Talib (PBUH) based on the popular support of the Muslims as the leader of the Muslim community in 656 CE, he was faced with numerous oppositions from some groups of people, who had personal grudges against him. For instance, Aisha, a wife of Prophet Muhammad, Talha and Zubair had some grudges against Ali and when Aisha heard about the accession of Ali to the position of the caliphate in Medina, she stationed herself in Mecca and publicly blamed the assassination of Uthman on him and engaged in propaganda against the caliph.

Thus, in the Battle of the Camel in 656 CE, the rebel group was a coalition of disparate interests, and its members were held together only by their common hatred of Ali. It lacked singleness of purpose. Aisha for instance, was fighting to elevate her nephew, Abdullah ibn Zubayr, to the throne of the caliphate, while Talha and Zubayr – who thus broke their earlier oaths of allegiance to Ali- whose objectives were different, as the latter believed that the caliphate was their right after Uthman. Thus, their coalition was far from being the one-for-all and all-for-one triumvirate that their supporters might have liked it to be.

This time around, however, Ali was confronted by an enemy who was far more subtle, devious, insidious and dangerous than the “triumvirate” of Aisha, Talha and Zubayr had ever been. In fact, he was so subtle that in comparison, Talha and Zubayr were little more than political backwoodsmen.

The Battle of Mutah

The Battle of Mutah was a significant military engagement in early Islamic history, occurring in Jumada al-Awwal 8 AH (September 629) near the village of Mutah on the boundaries of Syria. Today it is located in Province Mu’ab. The battle marked one of the first major encounters between the forces of the nascent Muslim community from Medina, led by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and the Byzantine Empire along with its Arab Christian allies. Despite being vastly outnumbered, the Muslim army exhibited remarkable courage and strategic resilience. Although inconclusive in terms of decisive victory, the Battle of Mutah had profound symbolic and strategic implications. The battle strengthened the resolve and unity of the Muslim community and paved the way for later interactions between the Islamic State and the Byzantine Empire.

The History of the Battle of Jamal (the Camel) (1)

The battle of Jamal occurred in November 656 A.D. between Aisha, Talhah and Zubayr on one side and Imam Ali, the ruler (Caliph) of that time, on the other side. It was the first war between Muslims and is named “Jamal” (male camel) because Aisha was on a camel named ‘Askar’ in the middle of the field.

The pretext of this war was to take revenge for Uthman’s murder; Aisha blamed Ali as the reason for the murder of the third Caliph.

The Martyrdom of Lady Fatima az-Zahra (PBUH)

Lady Fatima Az-Zahra (peace be upon her) is the beloved daughter and the only surviving child of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him and his household). She was also the first person among the members of the Prophet’s pure Household (Ahl al-Bayt) to reunite with him. Lady Fatima is the perfect role model of a woman to the entire women of the Universe. She left a purposeful life as a daughter, a wife, and a mother.

Martyrdom of Lady Fatima (PBUH) refers to the death of Fatima, the beloved daughter of the Prophet of Islam (PBUHH) as a result of injuries she suffered at the hands of some of the companions of the Prophet. The issue of the martyrdom or natural death of Lady Fatima (PBUH) is one of the disputed issues between Shiites and Sunnis[1]. The Shiites, despite some differences in the narration of the events after the demise of the Prophet (PBUHH), commonly believe that Lady Fatima (PBUH) was martyred and this event was due to an injury inflicted on her and the abortion of her unborn child. On the other hand, the Sunnis believe that she died a natural death due to illness and grief over the demise of the Prophet[2] (PBUHH). In view of this, the present paper aims to examine the martyrdom of Lady Fatima the circumstances surrounding her martyrdom, and the legacy she left behind. 

The Rights of Parents in the Teachings of Islam

Introduction

The family is the cornerstone of society, and in the Islamic worldview, it holds a central position as the primary institution for nurturing faith, values, and ethics. Among the various relationships that constitute the family, the bond between parents and children is uniquely emphasized, not only as a biological connection but as a sacred trust ordained by Allah. Islam recognizes parents as pivotal figures in a person’s life, attributing to them a status second only to that of Allah and His Messenger. This elevated status comes with profound rights and responsibilities, deeply rooted in Islamic teachings. The rights of parents in Islam are not merely theoretical principles but practical injunctions designed to cultivate gratitude, respect, and care. These rights are emphasized repeatedly in the Quran and the Hadith, forming a comprehensive framework that guides individual behavior and societal norms. For Muslims, honoring and serving parents is not only a moral obligation but also a means of attaining Allah’s pleasure and blessings. This paper aims to explore the depth and breadth of parental rights as taught in Islam. It examines the Quranic and Prophetic foundations of these rights, their ethical and legal dimensions, and their implications for personal and communal life. By delving into these themes, this research seeks to illuminate the enduring relevance of parental rights in nurturing cohesive families and stable societies.

The Month of Rajab: Its Significance and A’amal

Introduction

The Islamic lunar calendar is enriched with months holding deep spiritual significance, guiding believers toward greater awareness of their Creator and a better understanding of their purpose in life. Among these, the month of Rajab occupies a prominent position. Recognized as one of the four sacred months in Islam, Rajab is steeped in divine blessings and rich traditions, offering an unparalleled opportunity for reflection, worship, and spiritual purification.

In Islamic teachings, Rajab is referred to as the “Month of Allah” (Shahrullah), symbolizing a unique period of divine mercy and forgiveness. The sacredness of this month is underscored in numerous narrations from the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the Imams of the Ahl al-Bayt (AS), who encourage believers to seize its moments for fasting, extra prayers, and recitation of supplications. This month also paves the way for the spiritually significant months of Sha’ban and Ramadan, forming a spiritual continuum that cultivates the heart, preparing it for the ultimate blessings of Ramadan.  This paper aims to explore the profound significance and recommended practices (A’mal) for the month of Rajab, drawing upon authentic Shia sources such as Mafatih al-Jinan by Sheikh Abbas Qummi, as well as other reliable texts. By shedding light on its virtues, suggested acts of worship, and the ethical reflections rooted in its observances, we hope to encourage a deeper appreciation of this month and inspire its purposeful observance among Muslims. 

Biography of Shaykh Bahai al-Amili

Muhammad ibn ʿIzz al-Din al-Ḥusayn known as Shaykh Bahai and Bahaʾ al-Din al-Amili was the well-known Islamic scholar of the eleventh century Hijrah. He was a scholar in fiqh, hadith, mysticism, mathematics and many other disciplines. He is considered among the most distinguished Twelver Shi’a narrators of hadith, and many chains of permissions in recent centuries reached him and through him reached his father and then to al-Shahid al-Thani. He wrote over 100 treatises and books on different topics in Arabic and Persian. Similarly, many architectural and engineering designs are attributed to him. Shaykh al-Bahai has been recognized as one of the revivalists of the Faith, of the 11th Hijri Century by the Shias.

Hadith Kisa

اَللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَ آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ

allahumma salli ala muhammadin wa ali muhammad

O' Allāh send Your blessings on Muhammad and the family of Muhammad.

 

بِسْمِ ٱللَّـهِ ٱلرَّحْمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِیمِ

bismi allahi alrrahmini alrrahimi

In the Name of Allāh,the All-beneficent, the All-merciful.

عَنْ فاطِمَةَ الزَّهْراءِ عَلَیْهَا اَلسلام بِنْتِ رَسُول ِاللّه صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَیْهِ وَآلِهِ أَنَّها قالَتْ :

an faat'imataz-zah-raaa-i (alayhas-salaam) binti rasoolil-laahi (S) qaalat :

Fatimatuz-Zahra, the daughter of the Prophet (s), peace be on them, is to have thus related ( an event ) :