Excerpted from: Rashahat ‘Ain al-Hayat [Beads of Dew from the Source of Life: Histories of the Khwajagan: The Masters of Wisdom]. Translated by Muhtar Holland. Al-Baz Publishing. P.194-5, 201-2.

“Mawlana Ala’ ad-Din Abizi was also one of Mawlana Sa’d ad-Din Kashghari’s companions. He came from a village called Abiz in the vicinity of Kuhistan. After the death of the venerable Mawalana Sa’d ad-Din, he continued in the service of the venerable Mawlana Jami, who treated him with great care and attention, and likened his character to fresh and pure soil.

…The venerable Shaikh ‘Abd al-Kabir once asked Mawlana Ala’ ad-Din: “When your Shaikh was ill at ease, what did he say to you?” Mawlana replied: “When you come to my side, you collect yourself and remember Allah. Even if you are far away from me, you must not forget, so that you do not fall apart!”

The Shaikh then asked him: “And how did you respond?” He said: “With silence.” The Shaikh said: “That was very inconsiderate of you! You ought to have said: ‘We cannot know Allah, but we do know you!”

According to the author of the Rashahat:

One of the great saints has said: “The disciple sees himself in his own mirror, but he does not see himself in the mirror of his Shaikh.” In Samarqand, I heard the venerable Khwaja ‘Ubaidu ‘llah say: “Since you have not been able to see Allah while I am still alive, what will you do after I have died?” The saying of Shaikh ‘Abd al-Kabir must also be understood in this sense. What the venerable Shaikh sought to convey is not that one cannot recognize and know Allah from the fundamental standpoint, and that spiritual knowledge of the Divine [ma’rifa Ilahiyya] is of little importance. It is rather intended to show the seeker the method of concentration, and to establish him in this practice. The pilot of those who learn by direct experience, the venerable Amir Husain, says in his works: “The seeker must become annihilated [fani] in his concentration on his spiritual guide, so that inner knowledge may be revealed to him from the countenance of his Shaikh.”

If the seeker strives to reach his goal by ways of the Shaikh alone, he will reach his goal… the seeker must therefore remind himself, the one road to Allah’s good pleasure is the good pleasure of the Shaikh, and he must act accordingly The route to arrival at the Truth, and to contact with the Truth, passes through the heart of the Shaikh. In reality, the heart of the Shaikh is the home of Allah…This means that the wisdom contained in the saying of the venerable Shaikh ‘Abd al-Kabir -“We cannot know Allah, but we know you!”- is also related to this subtlety. It is tantamount to saying: “You are the door that leads to Allah! The house is entered through the door!” It shows the seeker the way to his goal.”

Excerpted from: Rashahat ‘Ain al-Hayat [Beads of Dew from the Source of Life: Histories of the Khwajagan: The Masters of Wisdom]. Translated by Muhtar Holland. Al-Baz Publishing. P. 118-119.

Khwaja ‘Abdu’llah Isfahani was yet another of the venerable Khwaja Ala ad-Din’s affiliates. He said: When the venerable Khwaja first honoured me with his company, he recited these verses to me:

Let no trace of you remain;
In this alone perfection lies.
In Oneness make your being naught;
Communion lies in this alone.

Khwaja ‘Abdu’llah Isfahani wrote a very useful treatise on the Order of the Masters of Wisdom, under the patronage of a distinguished descendent of the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace). We shall now present some excerpts from this work:

“The principle rule of this Order [Tariqat i-Khwajagan] is the following: From whichever perfect guide the seeker receives initiation, he must preserve the guide’s image in the treasure of his heart, until the time when he begins to demonstrate how his heart has been affected by the warmth and quality of that connection. As for what is necessary after that, it is not to abandon that same image, but to embrace it much more tightly than ever. The seeker must rivet that image to his heart, with his eyes, his ears and all his faculties.

What is called the “heart” is the centre of the comprehensive human reality, of which all the higher and lower elements of the universe are detailed particulars. The seeker must exert himself to experience the substance of that lofty reality, by expressing the affirmation of Oneness in his heart, using the formula: “There is nothing in existence, other than Allah!” By making this effort, whatever temptation may be whispered, he will consider it as being from Allah and existing because of Allah. This is because that whispered temptation is also one of the mental entities, and also like so many things that are false and absurd, it actually represents a manifestation of the Truth. If this procedure is followed, an ardour will arise in the heart, putting an end to trouble and dispelling dangers.

Even when whispered temptation departs, it is essential to cling to the same relationship. If whispered temptation still refuses to go away, the seeker must pronounce the word “Allah” in a slowly drawn-out manner, while striving to establish the meaning of Oneness in the heart. He must continue to pronounce the word “Allah” until the moment when boredom and weariness overcome the lower self. If signs of tiredness and exhaustion appear, he must desist.

As the spiritual traveller is obliged to know and understand, while he is making progress in the state of detachment from himself, and in his relationship with the great saints, attention to other things amounts to something resembling unbelief [kufr].”

To be in oneself is unbelief [kufr],
while transcending oneself is true faith [iman].

Q. Is it correct for Sunni Muslims to believe in the Twelve Imams?

A. In light of the Hadith of Gabriel (alaihi salam), also known as the Hadith of Ihsan, the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa aalihi wa sallam) defined his religion as Islam, Iman and Ihsan. Based on the study of this Hadith, it is clear that according to the Holy Prophet (sallallahu alalihi wa aalihi wa sallam) Ihsan is one-third of the faith of Islam.

Unlike those who deny Tasawwuf, Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jam’ah, are clear that the vehicle to taste the Maqam al-Ihsan is Tasawwuf, what is termed as Sufism by the people today.

With that established, to answer your question, I say, based on the teachings of the greatest leaders of Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jam’ah throughout history, the Illustrious Twelve Imams (may Allah be well pleased with them all) are THE Qutbul-Aqtaab of Tasawwuf, meaning the highest ranking Saints of Sufism, under whose shelter every Wali attained his Wiliyah, and each Muslim is able to approach or even reach the state of Ihsan. I say to you, that without them, there is no Tasawwuf, and without Tasawwuf, there is no Ihsan. Ihsan is one-third of the faith, and hence, belief in the Twelve Imams is in reality, one-third of the faith!

In his book the Ghadir Declaration, Shaykh al-Islam Dr. Tahir al-Qadiri quotes Imam Rabbani’s comments on the status of Hadrat al-Murtada and the Twelve Imams, and the dependence of those who seek guidance directly on them for it, stating,

“And there is another way close to the spiritual sovereignty and this is the way of the Saints and the general friends of Allah, and this way is marked by its characteristic passion and it carries the guarantee of mediation and the leader and chieftain of the Saints of this way is ‘Alī al-Murtada. And this grand office is reserved for him. On this way, the feet of the Holy Prophet are on ‘Alī’s head and Fatima and Hasan and Husayn are included with him. I believe that he enjoyed this position even before his physical birth, as he did after it, and whosoever has received the divine blessing and guidance, has received it through him, because he is closest to the last point on this way and the centre of this spot belongs to him. And when his period ended, the grand office passed on to Hasan and Husayn and then on to each one of the Twelve Imāms, individually and elaborately. And whosoever received guidance in their life and after their death, received it through these Saints. And the refuge and place of shelter of the Saints of high ranks are these Saints, (because they are the centre of all spiritual activity) and the sides tend to converge on the centre” (Maktubat, Volume 9:173#123).

To elaborate further on the topic of the Ummah’s dependence on the Twelve Imams in order to obtain Ihsan, the Masterful Khwaja; Imam Rabbani Mujaddid Alf Thani Ahmad al-Faruqi as-Sirhindi (qadas Allahu sirrahul ‘aziz) describes the dependence of the Qutb al-Aqtab, who is responsible for the guiding the entire creation, on Hadrat ‘Ali’ al-Murtada (karram Allahu wajhu), stating in the Maktubat Sharif Vol. 1,

“O Brother! Indeed Imam ‘Ali is the holder of the keys of the Sainthood, Wilayah, of the Prophet Muhammad [s] and the training regime for the status of Aqtab, Awtad and Abdaal, who are from amongst the reserved Awliya, is done under the shelter of his Sainthood. The rank of Qutb al-Aqtab, who is the greatest Qutb and the guide and mentor of others, lays under his (‘Ali’s) feet. His orders are issued under the supervision and support of ‘Ali and he performs his duties under the supervision and support of ‘Ali and fulfills his tasks. Sayyida Fatima and both of her sons, the Imams (Hasan and Husayn) share this rank with ‘Ali.” (Maktubat Imam Rabbani, Volume 1:438#251)

Furthermore, Hadrat Shah Wali Allah Muhaddith al-Dahlawi echoed this belief, that dependence on the Sainthood of the Illustrious Twelve Imams is one-third of the faith, as it is the Twelve Imams who are the Pivots of Guidance in Tasawwuf, and since Tasawwuf leads to Ihsan, and since it is them who are the Pivots of that science, it is clear that it is the Twelve Imams then who lead one to the perfection of faith, Ihsan.

I say to you again, without the Twelve Imams, ones faith cannot be completed, as Ihsan is the completion of faith, and the science of Ihsan; Tasawwuf, depends entirely on them!

The venerable Muhaddith Shah Wali Allah wrote:

“This faqir [referring to himself] has come to know that from all the other relations, the Twelve Imams [ra] have the relation of central pole leadership (Qutb). And the way of Tassawuf (Sufism) had taken birth during their lifetime. But all the orders of Aqaed and Shariah are limited to the ahadeeth of the Prophet (saww). And they have the order (Amr) of inner (Batin) leadership (Qutbiyat), which is free from the problems of Shariah. And in regards to the very leadership (Qutbiyat), each of them had an indication and ‘Nas’ for the next one to come, and the affairs of imamate which they said, actually referred to this kind of central pole leadership (Qutbiyat).” [Maqalaat al Waziyah fi Naseehat al-Wasiyah, page 7 (Lucknow)].

“Glory be to your Lord, the Lord of Honor, above what they describe.
And peace be on the Apostles.
And all praise is due to Allah, the Lord of the worlds” (Qur’an, 37:180)

And Allah Knows Best!

Sayyid Ahmed Amiruddin
Deputy, Mawlana Shaykh Nazim Adil al-Haqqani, al-Qubrusi

In a post on yanabi.com, Dr. GF Haddad dismisses the hadith about the creation of twelve veils as a “Shia forgery” (see his critique of Shaykh al-Islam Dr. Muhammad Tahir ul-Qadri posted at http://www.yanabi.com/forum/Topic333186-24-1.aspx wherein GF Haddad states, “This is yet another forgery which unknowns threw on Sufyan and Ibn al-Mubarak’s doors just as you do with us here on the pretext that Shaykh Dr. Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri cites it in what you call his 1,000 page masterpiece. You say he (Dr. Qadri) did not reference it but this is because it is taken exclusively from the books of the Shi`is, the 12 veils being a reference to… etc. He most probably culled it from volume 25 of al-Majlisi’s (d. 1111) Bihar al-Anwar which begins with the forgeries on the creation of the Nur of the twelve Imams (specifically 25:21 but also 15:4, 54:170-175, 55:41, 108:198 etc.) although the original fabrication is in Ibn Babuyah’s (d. 381) Khisal (p. 482) and Ma`ani al-Akhbar (p. 306, p. 351).”

Here is the hadith in question from Shaykh al-Islam’s book, “Undoubtedly, Allah (tabâraka wa ta`âlâ) created the light of Muhammad (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) before creating the skies, earth, Kursî, Qalam, Paradise, Hell. Before creating Âdam, Nûh, Ibrâhîm, Ismâ`îl, Is-hâq, Ya`qûb, Mûsâ, `Îsâ, Sulaymân and Dâwûd. Before creating the Prophet mentioned in the verse, `wa wa hab nâ lahû is-Hâqa wa ya`qûb – and We gave him (Ibrâhîm) Is-hâq and Ya`qûb (as a son and grandson)’ till the verse `wa hadaynâhum ilâ Sirâtim-mustaqîm – We chose him and gave guidance towards the right path’ and before all of the other Prophets by 424,000 years and with him were created 12 veils” (Shaykh Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri, Mîlâd-un-Nabî (saw) (Pakistan, Lahore: Minhaj-ul-Qur’an Publishers, 2004), pp. 116-7).

Q. What is Mawlana Shaykh Nazim’s view regarding the hadith about the twelve veils?

A. We confirm belief in the Twelve Veils. The following passage about the Twelve Veils appears in the book “Muhammad: The Messenger of Islam” by Hajjah Amina Adil (rah), wife of Mawlana Shaykh Nazim Adil al-Haqqani, in the chapter titled, The Creation of the Light of Muhammad (S): The Twelve Veils:

On page 3 of her beautiful book, “Muhammad: The Messenger of Islam”, Hajjah Amina Adil writes, “The Twelve Veils: After this the Lord Almighty, blessed be He, created Twelve Veils. The first of these was the Veil of Power…The second was the Veil of Grandeur…(The third was) the Veil of Kindness…The fourth veil was the Veil of Mercy…The fifth veil was the Veil of Bliss…The sixth veil was the Veil of Munificence..Then followed the seventh veil, the Veil of Rank…Next, He veiled him in the eighth veil, the Veil of Guidance…Then followed the ninth veil, which was the Veil of Prophethood…Then came the Veil of Eminence, the tenth veil where this enlightened soul remained…The eleventh veil was the Veil of Light…The twelfth veil was the Veil of Intercession…” . (“Muhammad: The Messenger of Islam” By Hajjah Amina Adil, published by the Islamic Supreme Council of America (ISCA) 2002, Creation of the Light of Muhammad (S): The Twelve Veils, p.3).

The preface to his book was written by Mawlana Shaykh Nazim himself, who endorsed its contents and wrote,

“Islamic teachings are based on the divinely revealed Quran, on the Hadith (examples of the Prophet Muhammad (S), and on the legal judgments of trained jurists. It is also a religion largely open to interpretation, which allows for consensus, discussion, and disagreement…’Muhammad: The Last Prophet’ embodies the timeless teachings of holy souls through the ages, whom Allah subhana wa ta’ala has endowed with immense wisdom. May we benefit from what they offer, that these lessons help us evolve to higher stations, becoming truly in tune with the spiritual dimension of life, achieving a state of genuine peace ‑ with ourselves and the world around us. Wa min Allah at Tawfiq‑and Allah knows best. Shaykh Nazim Adil al-Haqqani, Cyprus, January 2002.” (“Muhammad: The Messenger of Islam” By Hajjah Amina Adil, published by the Islamic Supreme Council of America (ISCA) 2002, Preface, p. VII).

Here is a scan of the page from Hajjah Amina Adil’s book “Muhammad: The Messenger of Islam” mentioning the Twelve Veils for your reference,

The Ottoman Caliphate was abolished in 1924, ending almost 1300 years of the Caliphate of the Quraysh with brief intervals. Until the demise of the Ottoman Caliphate, the Muslim world remained alligned and united under Baiah (Oath of Allegiance) to the bloodline of the Quraysh and the Oath (Baiah) of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (uwbp). After its abolishment, the Muslim world lost its Oath of Allegiance (Baiah) to the Holy Prophet Muhammad through the link of the Qurayshite inheritance of the Ottomans. The reign of the Quraysh as Caliphs, which began with the first of the Rightly Guided Caliphs, Abu Bakr, then Umar, Usman and ‘Ali was finally destroyed. The Holy Prophet Muhammad told his wife Aisha, in a hadith mentioned by Imam Ahmad, “the Quraysh are the backbone of the people, and the people shall be destroyed as soon as the Quraysh is destroyed”.

Although God’s covenant is still evident with the Muslim world, due to their lack of allegiance to the Prophet Muhammad and his tribe, the Quraysh, the custodians of the Ka’ba and the well of Zem Zem, they are being humiliated.

Hence, as a form of penitence to God and His Apostle, devout Muslims worldwide pray daily for the advent of Al Mahdi, so they can once again renew their Baiah (Oath of Allegiance) to the Prophet Muhammad through the legacy of the Quraysh, to whom Al Mahdi will also belong, in addition to being from the best clans from within it, the Hashemites and the best of them, the descendents of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, the Ahlul Bayt.

According to Islamic tradition, the Armageddon then will be fought by the Kings of the descendents of Abraham’s sons Ishmael and Isaac. The King of the descendents of the Ishmaelite House will be known as “Al Mahdi”, and will be given allegiance to at the Station of Abraham (Maqam Ibrahim) in Makkah, infront of the Kaba, the House of God which was built by Abraham and Ishmael. Meanwhile, the King of the House of Isaac will be Dajjal (Anti-Christ), who will be attempting to establish his Kingdom in Jerusalem when he will hear about the Mahdi. The Dajjal will then assemble all of his followers and advance against Al Mahdi, claiming him self to be the Messiah and God. At the moment when both armies face each other, God will send Jesus Christ, son of Mary down for the Second Coming.

Muslims believe that Jesus Christ will return to earth and prove that he is that real Christ (Messiah), and that the Seal of Prophets is Muhammad, from the line of Ishmael, who was ‘like unto Moses’. Jesus will then commence war with the Imposter Messiah, and will slay the Anti-Christ of the House of David near Jerusalem. Jesus will then retrieve the Ark of the Covenant with Al Mahdi, who will know of its secret location from the secret letters of ‘Ali ibn Abi Talib, whose brother retrieved it from Ethiopia (Habash) from the Negus, who believed in the Prophet Muhammad and surrendered the Ark to him, and had it returned to Makkah to present it to the Seal of Prophets mentioned in the Gospels of Jesus, from the line of Ishmael, the Holy Prophet Muhammad. The Holy Prophet Muhammad then is reported to have granted it to his son in-law, Ali, who then retrieved from it the Zulfikar Sword and by the power and blessings of the Ark, helped establish for the Prophet Muhammad the State in Medina, and later on the entire Hijaz.

Muslims believe that the Ark was secretly guarded by the first four Caliphs, who used its power to establish the Islamic Empire throughout the Middle East, including in Jerusalem.
It is said, during the reign of ‘Ali, the Ark was sent towards Turkey, and the Ottomans became the protectors of the lands wherein it could have been hidden. Its secret location was guarded by the Twelve Imams.

Imam Suyuti said,”He (Mahdi) will bring the Ark of the Covenant to light from a place called Antioch.” (Suyuti, al-Hawi li’l Fatawa, II, 82)

When Al Mahdi comes, he will retrieve it and with the help of Jesus Christ, establish the Kingdom of Heaven under the House of Ishmael, as the Gospel of Barnabas records the saying of Jesus Christ himself;

“Whereupon Jesus said: …”Believe me, for verily I say to you, that the promise was made in Ishmael, not in Isaac.’” (Barnabas 43:10)

“And as for Ishmael, I have heard thee: Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly; twelve mighty princes shall he beget, and I will make him a great nation” (Genesis 17:20)

The task of the Ottoman Caliphate was to secure the leadership of the bloodline of Ishmael, and that of the Quraysh, when it failed, it fell.

Sultan Abdul Hamid Khan II, the last Ottoman Caliph

 Shaikh Abu Jafar Muhammad b. Ali b. Hasan b. Babwayh Qummi (r.a.), popularly known as Shaikh Sadooq continues to be the standard bearer of Shiite faith and the defendant of Wilaayah.

 A fourth century scholar, Shaikh Sadooq (r.a.) has participated in many a debate in the defence of Shiaism. His relentless safeguarding of Shia beliefs and painstaking efforts in the service of Islam have stunned the most malicious critics of Shiaism. In the earlier issues of Al Muntazar, glimpses of Shaikh Sadooq’s (r.a.) life and books have been narrated in vivid detail. What follows is a discussion of Shaikh Sadooq (r.a.) mentioned in the foreword of his own remarkable compilation – Kamaaluddin wa Tamaamun Nemah. The discussion had taken place in the court of Rukn al-Daulah, wherein a denier raised his scepticism about Imamat and Shaikh Sadooq had refuted his notions. The entire dialogue is reproduced below:

 Denier: It is imperative on your Imam (Mahdi a.t.f.s.) to revolt and come out of occultation because soon the Romans will overcome the Muslims.

 Shaikh Sadooq (r.a.): In the time of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) the number of disbelievers were much more than our times. By the command of the Almighty, the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) kept his mission of prophethood a closely guarded secret for forty years. Even after that, he disclosed it to the select few who earned his trust. This he did for three years. At one stage, the infidels of Quraish unanimously decided to boycott and ostracize the Bani Hashim and all those who supported the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.). Consequently, the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.), along with his companions and family took refuge in the She’be Abi Talib and resided there for three years.

Now listen! If sceptics would have asked as to why the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) is not rising when the polytheists have subjugated Muslims, we would have replied that when the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) left for She’be Abi Talib, it was at the instance of Allah and remained in occultation with His consent. Even the reappearance of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) in Makkah was not on his own accord; rather, it was at the behest of the Almighty.

The details of the Holy Prophet’s (s.a.w.a.) return to Mecca are related thus: the pact to boycott the Bani Hashim was signed by 40 signatories of various tribes of the Quraish. The document was kept in the custody of Zuma’ah b. Aswad. Allah revealed to the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) that the termites had eaten up the whole document barring portions that bore Allah’s Name.

The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) apprised his uncle Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.) of this miraculous development. Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.) immediately left for Makkah to meet the chieftains of Quraish and inform them about this amazing phenomenon. When the chiefs and leaders saw Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.), they presumed that perhaps he had buckled under pressure and now wanted to hand over his nephew to the Quraish so that they could either kill him or make him renounce his claims of Prophethood. Encouraged at this presumption, they treated Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.) quite reverentially and gave him a warm reception.

However, Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.) had no such plans. He addressed them, ‘O People of Quraish! I have never heard my nephew lying. And he had informed me that the Almighty Allah has revealed to him that He had sent termites to devour all the oppressive clauses pertaining to sanctions and leave those portions that bear Allah’s Name. So, O Quraish, the document has now become mere fodder for termites that have spared nothing except His Name.’ Stunned by this revelation, the Quraish sought to see the document and were shocked to find that the document was exactly as described by Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.).

After this turn of events, some of the Quraish leaders embraced Islam while others persisted in their infidelity. However, the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) along with his kith and kin returned to Makkah. Ditto shall be the circumstances of our Imam (a.t.f.s.). Whenever Allah will permit, he will reappear from his occultation.

 Denier: It can be inferred from your statement that Allah holds much bigger sway on the infidels than the Imam then why has He given respite to His Enemies and why doesn’t He annihilate them, while they deny His existence or associate others with Him?

Shaikh Sadooq (r.a.): Allah does not have any fear that these people will manage to wriggle out of His Power and Authority that He makes haste in their retribution. There is none who can question Allah about His Actions, while He can question anyone.

‘He cannot be questioned concerning what He does and they shall be questioned.’

(Surah Anbiya (21): 23)

The questions of ‘why’ and ‘how’ in context with Allah does not arise. Similarly, Allah cannot be criticized about the reappearance of Imam (a.t.f.s.). Imam (a.t.f.s.) is in occultation by His Command and whenever He Wishes, He will make him reappear.

Denier: I cannot believe in an Imam who I cannot see. And until the time I don’t see him, his mastership is not acceptable to me.

Shaikh Sadooq (r.a.): Then it is equally imperative for you to admit that even Allah’s Authority is not acceptable to you since you have not seen Him either. Similarly, even the authority of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) is not mandatory on you since you have not seen him. Irritated at this strong argument, the denier turned towards Rukn al-Daulah and addressed him thus:

Denier: O Amir, just look at what the Shaikh is saying that Imam is not seen because Allah too is not visible?!

Rukn Al Daulah: You have distorted his statement and alleged something totally misleading to him. This is an indication of your defeat and an admission of your helplessness and loss of face.’ Similarly, those who argue with us about our Imam (a.t.f.s.) resort to all kinds of inane and illogical arguments which are lame attempts to mislead the common folks.

(Kamaluddin Wa Tamamun Nemah, Shaikh Sadooq (r.a.), foreword pg 87-88, Persian Translation, vol. 1, pg 179-180, Urdu translation, vol. 1, pg 110, 111)

 Reminder: Since this debate of Shaikh Sadooq (r.a.) was with a denier, who had some measure of belief in Allah’s Existence, he discussed about Allah on the premise of His Existence and did not try to prove His Existence first. Therefore, the learned Shaikh cleverly employed the argument of God’s Invisibility and not His Existence.

Deniers (Agnostics) are also those groups of people who are cynical about God’s Existence. They are opposed to a religious code of beliefs and conduct and with this bent of mind they misrepresent and ridicule religious beliefs. Hence, the infidels alone are not called deniers; even those people who are sceptical towards Allah’s Existence fall in this category. We should distance ourselves from them and seek Allah’s Help.

Courtesy: Al Muntazar 2006 Shabaan ul Moazzam edition

The Black Curtain, al-Kiswa, of the Holy Kaba with Surat al-Quraysh embroidered on it in gold (top two lines) symbolizing the exalted status of the Quraysh in Islam

Q. What are the virtues of the Quraysh? Is it true that the Imams can only come from the bloodline of Abraham and Ishmael through the Quraysh? If so, what happened to the heritage of the Ishmaelites and the Quraysh in Makkah and why don’t we learn about them when we go for the Hajj and Umrah?

A. The Holy Qur’an states, “But We had already given the Family of Abraham the Book and Wisdom, and conferred upon them a Mighty Kingdom.” (4:54)

The Quraysh are the descendents of Abraham through his eldest son Ishmael. The special status of royalty and precedence granted to the Quraysh is based upon the following verses of the Holy Qur’an (below), wherein Abraham prayed for his decendents, the Ishmaelites (Arabs), to become the leaders of all Nations. The prayers of the Prophets are answered and Allah answered his prayer twice. First, by causing the Holy Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa aalihi wa sallam) to be born an Ishmaelite Arab, from the Quraysh bloodline, and causing him (sallallahu alaihi wa aalihi wa sallam) to lead all of the Prophets in prayer on the Night Journey (al-Isra) to Masjid al-Aqsa in Jerusalem, where he (sallallahi alaih wa aalihi wa sallam) was Coronated as Imam of Prophets and Mankind. The second instance wherein this prayer of Abraham will be manifest as being answered will be when the Ishmaelite Mahdi (alaihi salam) of the Arabs, from the Ahlul Bayt, will lead Jesus the son of Mary (alaihi salam); from the House of David, in prayer and be Crowned by Jesus as the King of the Kingdom of Heaven and heir and Rightly Guided successor (Caliph) of the Seal of Prophets (may Allah hasten his arrival and support him with His exclusive support, ameen). The verses referring to the prayer of Abraham for the Ishmaelites and the acceptance of this prayer in the Holy Qur’an are the following.

The Holy Qur’an states,

“And remember that Abraham was tried by his Lord with certain commands (the sacrifice of Ishmael), which he fulfilled: He said: “I will make thee the leader (Imam) to the Nations.” He pleaded: “And also make this Covenant with my descendents! (the Ishmaelites, as the father of the Israelites, Isaac the younger son was not born then)” He answered: “But My Promise is not within the reach of evil-doers (ie. I have heard your prayer only for the righteous descendents from your family, but the misbelievers (i.e. Abu Lahab, as-Sufyani etc.) are not included in My Covenant)”(2:124)

Although we differ with the Jews and Christians about the sacrifical son being Ishmael and not Isaac, the Holy Bible does state, “But as for Ishmael, I have heard thee: behold I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly; twelve mighty princes shall he beget, and I will make him a great nation.” Genesis 17:20

Additionally, the Gospel of Barnabas Chapter 43-44 states that Jesus the Son of Mary (alaihi salam) addressed the Children of Israel in the following manner, highlighting the virtues of the Children of Ishmael, “If the messenger of God whom ye call Messiah were son of David, how should David call him lord? Believe me, for verily I say to you, that the Covenant was made in Ishmael, not in Isaac.”

Furthermore, the Holy Qur’an states, “Allah did elevate Adam and Noah, the Family of Abraham, and the Family of ‘Imran over the worlds, Offspring, one of the other: And Allah heareth and knoweth all things” (3:33)

“But We had already given the Family of Abraham the Book and Wisdom, and conferred upon them a Mighty Kingdom. (4:54)

And, “Those were some of the Prophets on whom Allah did bestow His Grace,- of the descendents of Adam, and of those who We carried (in the Ark) with Noah, and of the descendents of Abraham and (also) Israel of those whom We guided and chose. Whenever the Signs of (Allah) Most Gracious were rehearsed to them, they would fall down in prostrate adoration and in tears” (19:54)

Virtues of the Quraysh:
1. The Quraysh is Honored Because The Seal of Prophets (S) is Qurayshite

Allah’s Apostle (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) who is rightfully described by the great Sufi Hazrat Inayat Khan as ‘the First Cause and the Last Effect, the Divine Light and the Spirit of Guidance, Alpha and Omega’, descends from the bloodline of Abraham and Ishmael, a descendent of Fahar (also known as Quraysh), from the clan of the Banu Hashim, one of the twelve clans of the Quraysh, the Children of Ishmael. In fact, in order to exalt the status of the Ishmaelites and the Quraysh, he (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) referred to himself on a number of occasions as “the Qurayshite Hashemite”, thereby granting them special status and the greatest of honors by affiliating himself to them and their Ishmaelite bloodline. Without even going directly into the actual hadith texts for reference, I will provide you with one of many examples from a letter he (sallallahu alaihi wa aalihi wa sallam) had written for one of his Companions. On page 107 of his book ‘Luminaries of Islam’, Dr. Arafat K. El-Ashi cites a narration of a letter written by the Lion of Allah ‘Ali ibn Abi Talib (karram Allahu ta’ala wajhu) on behalf of the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) to Abu Dujanah al-Ansari; Simak ibn Kharshah ibn Zayd al-Sa’idi (radhi Allahu anhu). The letter reads,

“In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful. This is a letter from Muhammad (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam), the Arab Ummi Prophet, of Tihamah, Battha, Makkah, Madinah, the Qurayshite, the Hashemite, the Owner of the Throne and the Staff, the Rod and the She-camel, the Qur’an and the Qiblah; the bringer of “There is no other deity except Allah…” (Luminaries of Islam, Dr. Arafat K. El-Ashi, p. 107).

This letter to Abu Dujanah quoted above suffices as proof that the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa aalihi wa sallam) himself exalted the status of the Quraysh by affiliating himself to them in his communications.

‘So that you may understand’

Belief in the elect status of the Ishmaelites and the Quraysh was the way of the Companions of the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam). The author of Tafseer Durre Manthur narrates from ‘Ali ibn Abi Talib in Vol. 3, p.324,

“There exists no Qurayshite about whom Allah (swt) never revealed a Qur’anic verse, whether it was in their honor or condemnation, as a result of which they will end up in Paradise or Hell.”

This statement of the Lion of Allah (karram Allahu wajh) demonstrates that similar to how the Torah of Moses, the Psalms of David, and the New Testament (Holy Bible) of Christ, were revealed to directly address the Children of Israel, in their own language, the Holy Qur’an was revealed to the Children of Ishmael, the Arabs, and in specific the Quraysh, to warn, exalt and guide them in their own language. The Holy Qur’an states, “And We revealed the Qur’an in Arabic so that you may understand” (Quran 12:2).

After the passing of the Holy Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) from the temporal world, the Companions unanimously agreed to appoint Caliphs over themselves specifically from the Quraysh bloodline and not otherwise, who were the direct descendents of Abraham and Ishmael. The criteria for this selection of the Sahabah was based upon God Almighty’s own selection making the Seal of Prophets to come from the Quraysh bloodline, who descended from the House of Abraham, which was granted a Mighty Kingdom.

Some Muslim writers forget (mostly those connected to influence from colonial and zionist influenced masonic thinkers) and misinform people of the elect status of the Quraysh by always refering to them as enemies of the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa aalihi wa sallam). To refer to the early enemies of the Messenger of Allah as simply the Quraysh is incorrect, as the Prophet himself (sallallahu alaihi wa aalihi wa sallam), and the vast majority of his earliest followers descended from the Banu Hashim, were also Quraysh. As such it would be more appropriate to term them disbelievers from the Quraysh rather than simply “Quraysh” and smear the name of the Quraysh bloodline as a whole.

2. Luminaries of the Quraysh:
The Rightly Guided Caliphs and Poles of Islamic Spirituality are Qurayshite

The Tribe of Quraysh in whole, with all twelve clans, including the Banu Hashim are the descendents of the Family of Abraham, through his eldest son Ishmael, and the inheritors of the Custodianship of the House of God. All four of the Rightly Guided Caliphs, ‘Ali, Abu Bakr, Umar, and Uthman were from the bloodline of Quraysh, the descendents of Abraham and Ishamel, and all of the Twelve Imams of spirituality, who are the Qutb ul-Aqtaab are Quraysh. Additionally, all of the major Saints of Tasawwuf (Sufism), including Ghawth al-Adham ‘Abd al-Qadir al-Jilani, Khwaja Bahauddin Shah Naqshband, Sayyid Ahmad ar-Refai, Sayed Ahmad Badawi, Abul Hasan ash-Shadhli, and Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti, to whom the spiritual Oath of Allegiance (baiah) is given are also Quraysh, descendents of Abraham and Ishamel. The achievments and contributions to humanity as a whole, of these Qurayshite luminaries exemplify the hallmarks of God’s Covenant with the Ishmaelites and can be cited as proof of their exalted status.

Early Islam

Since the inception of Islam, loyalty was pledged via the Oath of Allegiance (baiah), first to the Messenger of Allah, who led and united even the misbelievers of the Quraysh when he placed the Black Stone from the Ark of the Covenant (Hajr al-Aswad) in the corner of the Ka’ba during his youth, and after him to the Rightly Guided Caliphs and those who followed, including the Ummayyad Caliphs, the Abbasids, the Fatimids, the Safavids and even the Ottomans after Selim I. The Ottoman Caliphs intermarried into the Quraysh bloodline for this same purpose. International Turkish Scientist and Islamic scholar Harun Yahya writes regarding bloodlines during the Ottoman era, “DESCENT FROM THE PROPHET CAN ALSO COME FROM THE MATERNAL SIDE AS FROM THE PATERNAL: Among the Ottomans it was sufficient for one’s paternal line of descent to go back to our Prophet (saas) to be regarded as a sayyid. However, it is also possible to be a sayyid on one’s mother’s side only. The rank of sayyid goes back to the daughter of our Prophet (saas) and Hazrat Fatima (ra), the mother of Hazrat Hassan (ra) and Hazrat Hussain (ra). Our Prophet (saas) also had male children, but these died at an early age. The Prophet’s (saas) line was thus continued through his daughter. As it can be understood, one can thus be a sayyid through the maternal line as can be from the paternal . The great Islamic scholars Ibrahim Hakki Erzurumi (1703-1780) and Abdul Qadir Gaylani (1078-1166) were both sayyids on their mothers’ sides.” (http://us2.harunyahya.com/Detail/T/EDCRFV/productId/14237/).

The only extended era in Islamic history in which Muslims were outside of the Oath of Allegiance to the Quraysh and the Ishmaelites in majority is now, since the fall of the Ottoman Caliphate in 1924, and with the abolishment of the Oath of Allegiance ceremony to the Ottoman Caliph. Since Allah’s Covenant is with the Ishmaelites and the Quraysh, it is also not without reason then that without connection to the Covenant of God, more Muslims have been killed and the Muslim world humiliated more in the past 80 years, then at any other time recorded in Islamic history, without any major signs of Divine help descending upon them. It is the agreed upon belief of Ahlus Sunnah that success in the world and honor of Muslims is directly linked to their relationship to Allah, His Messenger (sallallahu alaihi wa aalihi wa sallam), and his inheritors.

The Second Coming of Jesus Son of Mary

The Second Coming of Christ, during which we believe that Jesus (alaihi salam) will establish the Kingdom of Heaven for Al Mahdi, will usher in the era of the return of the Ishmaelite Kingdom of the House of Abraham, through the Ahlul Bayt. Ghawth al-Adham Shaykh ‘Abd al-Qadir al-Jilani wrote about this Second Coming of Christ and his role in establishing the Kingdom of the Quraysh, and declared that after his return, Jesus the son of Mary will establish the government for Al Mahdi by slaying the Anti-Christ (Dajjal) who will claim Divinity, Prophethood, and to be the Messiah, with the right of the Kingdom of Heaven for the Israelites. Ghawth al-Adham wrote that after slaying the Anti-Christ with the help of Imam Mahdi and his army, comprising of both Ishmaelites and Muslim Israelites, Jesus Christ will marry a beautiful woman from the Quraysh, with whom he will have children. These children will rule the West, on behalf of the Imam from Ahlul Bayt in the East.

Ahadith About the Quraysh and the Beliefs of the Companions

I would also like to add, while unbelief and working against the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) sent Abu Jahal, a member of the Quraysh and Banu Hashim, and a descendent of Abaraham and Ishmael, straight to Hell, clearly demonstrating that in the afterlife, actions outweigh blood, and as the Qur’an states, “But My Promise is not within the reach of evil-doers”(2:124), we still learn from the sayings of the Prophet (salallahu alaihi wa sallam) and the actions of his Companions (radi Allahu anhum) that to have hate for the Quraysh in general leads to Kufr (misbelief), and to be jealous of their status leads one towards damnation. This was the belief of the Sahabah, and the earliest generation of pious Muslims (Salaf) as I will demonstrate below.

Proof Regarding the Beliefs of the Companions

In his masterpiece “Al Ahkam al-Sultaniyya [The Laws of Islamic Governance]“, the single most comprehensive account of the ‘Muslim Theory of State’, Abu’l Hasan al-Mawardi outlined seven conditions for determining those suitable for the Imamate (Caliphate) and concluded that the Imams can only come from the bloodline of the Quraysh.

The following appears in Chapter One-“The contract of Imamate” of ‘Al-Ahkam as-Sultaniyyah by Abu’l-Hasan al-Mawardi -translated by Dr. Asadullah Yate:

“There are seven conditions regarding those suited to the Imamate:

1. Justice together with all its conditions

2. Knowledge which equips them for Ijtehad in unforeseen matter and arriving at relevant judgments

3. Good health in their faculties of hearing, sight and speech such that they may arrive at a sound assessment of whatever they perceive

4. Sound in limb, free of any deficiency which might prevent them from normal movement;

5. A judgment capable of organizing the people and managing the offices of administration;

6. Courage and bravery enabling them to defend the territory of Islam and mount the Jihad against the enemy

7. Of the family of the Quraysh, because of the text (of a prophetic hadith) on the matter and by virtue of consensus.. No credibility should be given to the opinion of Dirar who is alone in saying that the post is open to all; Abu Bakr as-Siddiq, may Allah be pleased with him, used the testimony of the Prophet, may the peace and blessing of Allah be upon him, against the Ansar on the occasion of Saqifah when the latter defended the succession of Sa’d ibn Ubadah to whom they had given allegiance, in his saying, “The Imams are of the Quraysh”. As a result of this the Ansar renounced their exclusive claim to this Imamate and renounced the claim to share the rights of the Quraysh explicit in their saying, “From amongst us an Imam and from amongst the Quraysh an Imam”- submitting thereby to this narration and affirming its content and accepting the following reply of Abu Bakr “From us the Amirs and from you the Wazirs”. The Prophet, may the peace and blessings be upon him, said “Give precedence to the Quraysh and do not put others before them”. There is not the least doubt or controversy attached to this impeccable text.”

Source: ‘Al-Ahkam as-Sultaniyyah:The Laws of Islamic Governance’ Chapter One-“The contract of Imamate”. Abu’l-Hasan al-Mawardi -translated by Dr. Asadullah Yate (Ta Ha Publishers London). ISBN 1 897940 41 6

Spiritual Leadership Belongs to Quraysh By Divine Right

Mulla Ali Qari has quoted the following Hadith: “To have love for the Quraysh is Iman whilst having hatred for them is Kufr. Accordingly, whoever has love for the Arabs has expressed love for me (Prophet) and whoever has hatred for the Arabs has in reality shown his hatred for me” (Iqtidaus Siratil Mustaqeem, p.156)

Additionally, Hadrat Abdullah bin Abbas (radi Allahu anhu) reports that Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said, “Harboring enmity for the Banu Hashim and for the Ansar leads to kufr and harboring enmity for Arabs is a sign of hypocrisy”.(1)

Hadrat Muhammad bin Ibrahem Taymi reports that Qatadah bin Nu’man Dhafari (radi Allahu anhu) once insulted the Quraysh and appeared to used improper language towards them. Rasulullah (sallallahu alahi wa sallam) said, “O Qatadah! Never speak ill of the Quraysh because you will find amongst them such men whose actions and deeds make you pale into insignificance and whom you will truly envy. Had I no fear of the Quraysh becoming rebellious, I would have informed them of their (high) status in Allah’s sight” (2)

Hadrat ‘Ali (radi Allahu anhu) reports that to the best of his knowledge, Rasulullah (salallahu alaihi wa sallam) stated, “Always put the Quraysh forward and never step ahead of them, had I no fear of the Quraysh becoming boastful, I would have informed them of their status in the sight of Allah”(3)

Hadrat Aisha reports that Rasulullah (sallallhu alaihi wa sallam) once came to her and said, “Had I no fear of the Quraysh becoming boastful, I would have informed them of their status in the sight of Allah.” (4)

Hadrat Abu Hurayrah (radi Allahu anhu) narrates that Rasulullah (salallahu alaihi wa sallam) said, “Look for trustworthiness amongst the Quraysh, because a trustworthy person from the Quraysh is superior to a trustworthy person from another tribe and a powerful person from the Quraysh (in Deen and in leadership) is twice as superior as a strong person from another tribe.”(5)

Rifa’ah bin Raafi (rad) reports that Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) once instructed Hadrat Umar (rad): “Gather my people!” Hadrat Umar gathered them outside the room of Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) and then went in and asked, “O Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) should I get them to enter or shall you be going out to them?” Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) replied, “I shall rather go to them.” When Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) went to them, he asked “Is there anyone here who does not belong to you?” Yes, they replied. Amongst us are also our allies, the children of our sisters and our slaves”. Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) said to them, “Our allies are part of us, the children of our sisters are part of us and our slaves are all part of us. Have you not heard that it is only those with Taqwa who are Allah’s friends? If you are His friends, then it is excellent. Otherwise, you should give the matter deep thought. It should not be that other people arrive on the day of Judgement with plenty of good deeds while you arrive there with sins, because of which I will have to turn away from you.” Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) then raised his hands and said, “O people! The Quraysh are trustworthy people. Allah will therefore grab by the nostrils the person who searches for their faults and throw him into the Fire of Jahannam.” Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) repeated this thrice (6)

The Quraysh Shall be the first to meet Rasulullah (s)

Hadrat Aisha says, “Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) once entered my room and said, “O Aisha, your people shall be first of my nation to meet me. After saying this Rasulullaah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) sat down. I asked, “O Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam), May Allah sacrifice my life for you! You have entered saying something that gave me a fright”. “What was that?”, he asked. I explained, “You said that my people shall be the first of the Ummah to meet you. What will be the reason for that?” I enquired. “Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) replied, “Death shall harvest them and people will be jealous of them.” I then asked, “What will be the condition of people afterwards?” He replied, “They will be like young locusts, the strong or which will devour the weak. This will continue until Qiyamah eventually takes place over them.”

Another narration states that Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) said, “O Aisha, the first of people to be destroyed shall be your people”. Hadrat Aaisha asked, “May Allah sacrifice my life for you, will it be due to poisoning?” “No” replied Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam), “it will be their deaths that will come to this tribe of Quraysh, and people will be jealous of them. They will then be the first of my people to be destroyed”. Hadrat Aisha enquired further, “how long will life be after them?” Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) replied, “They are the backbone of people, and people will be destroyed as soon as they are destroyed.”(7)

Spiritual Custodianship of the Holy Ka’ba and Spiritual Influence in Makkah, Madinah and Jerusalem will return to the Quraysh during the Era of Al-Mahdi: The Ishmaelite, Arab, Qurayshite, Hashemite, Fatimid

In his masterpiece “Anwaar i-Muhammadiyya” [Urdu edition, p.22-29]” Imam Allamah Yusuf ibn Isma’il Nabhabani (may Allah have mercy on him), narrated the following hadith from Wathila ibn al-Aska, “The Messenger of God (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “”Allah chose Kanana from the sons of Isma’il, and Quraysh from Kanana, and from Quraysh the sons of Hashim, and finally chose me from the sons of Hashim.”

The Apostle of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) is reported to have said in reliable tradition, narrated from over thirty-three Sahabah, “The Mahdi shall be of my family (Ahlul Bayt), from the descendents of Fatima” (Abu Dawood)

It is also reported from the Holy Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam), “Anyone who denies Mahdi will be a disbeliever.”

“Ali ibn Abi Talib said, “When the announcer shall proclaim ‘the Truth is in the Family of Muhammad’, everyone will be talking about al-Mahdi’s arrival, his love will be fed into them and they shall speak of nothing else but him.” Transmitted by al Suyuti in al Hawi lil- Fatawa.

In his book “Awaited Mahdi”, Turkish scientist and Islamic scholar, Harun Yahya writes the following regarding the return of spiritual hegemony in Makkah, Madinah, the Holy Ka’ba, and the Hajj back to the Quraysh as required in the Holy Qur’an (Sūra 106) during the era of Al Mahdi (alaihi salam).

Harun Yahya writes, “Al-Imam ar-Rabbani (qaddas-Allahu ta’ala sirrahu ‘l-aziz) declares in his 225th letter: ‘Hadrat al-Mahdi (rahimah-Allahu ta’ala) will disseminate Islam. He will bring into sight the sunnas of Rasulullah (sall-Allahu ta’ala ‘alaihi wa sallam). The contemporary man of religious authority in al-Madinat al-Munawwara, who will have been accustomed to committing and disseminating bidat’ in the name of Islam, being perplexed by al-Mahdi’s words, will say, ‘This man wants to annihilate our faith.’ Hadrat al-Mahdi will command that he shall be killed.’…The city of Mecca is important to Muslims in many ways. The way that Allah has chosen Mecca as the place of swearing of allegiance to Hazrat Mahdi (as) is particularly wise and delightful as the Kaaba, the holy site where Muslims congregate stands in the city….Naim Ibn Hammad narrates from Abu Jafar; ‘Hazrat Mahdi (as) will appear in Mecca in the evening with the banner, robe, sword, signs, radiance and beautiful expression of our Prophet. When he performs the evening prayer he will issue this call in a loud voice’…” (Harun Yahya, AwaitedMahdi.com).

Thus, the answer to the last part of your question is that Makkah, the City of Abraham and Ishmael, and the Ka’aba, the Shrine built by Abraham and Ishmael, and Madinah, the City of the Holy Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa aalihi wa sallam), and Jerusalem, the City of Prophets will return to the spiritual control of the Arabs who are Ishmaelites, namely to the Quraysh, as they were during the time of the Holy Prophet (S), and the era of the Rightly Guided Caliphs who captured Jerusalem for the honor of the Holy Prophet (S) and his Coronation on the Night of al-Isra at Al-Aqsa, during the era of the Mahdi (alaihi salam). During the era of the Rightly Guided Caliphs, Jews and Christians were allowed to openly practice their faith and traditions, and this religious freedom continued until the Ottoman reign of Jerusalem. The religious freedom in Jerusalem during the golden era demonstrates the Rightly Guided Caliphs were more interested in establishing the spiritual hegemony of Islam at Al-Aqsa and throughout the Middle East more than simply conquering lands and dominating enemies. This practice will continue during the era of Al-Mahdi (alaihi salam), whose initial main opponents will come, according to Shaykh al-Akbar Muhiuddin Ibn Arabi, from the ranks of the Fuqaha (Islamic Jurists) who will question his verdicts, and seventy thousand of whom will be executed by his order. After purging the ranks of Islam from the tyranny of hundreds of years of innovations, Al-Mahdi will advance with Jesus the Son of Mary (alaihi salam) against the Anti-Christ and his supporters, and defeating them in the Armageddon. The Holy Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa aalihi wa sallam) is reported to have said regarding Al-Mahdi (alaihi salam), “He will govern this nation for seven years, and go to Jerusalem”. The Quraysh will support Al-Mahdi’s Imamate in all three of the Harams, as stated in the following ahadith of the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa aalihi wa sallam), and that will be the realization of the Kingdom of Heaven under Al-Mahdi and the Divine Right of the Quraysh. The Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa aalihi wa sallam) is reported to have said,

“A man called Al Harth will come from beyond the river. At his front is a man called Mansur who will pave and establish the government for the Family of Muhammad (sallallahu alaihi wa aalihi wa sallam) just as the Quraysh established it for the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa aalihi wa sallam). It is obligatory for all believers to support him or he said obey him.”

May Allah guide our hearts to accept and submit to the Truth.

And Allah Knows Best.

Sayyid Ahmed Amiruddin

References:
1. Tabrani, reporting from reliable sources as confirmed by Haythami (Vo. 10 Pg. 27)
2. Ahmad, Bazzar and Tabrani. Haythami (Vol. 10 pg. 23) has commented on the chain of narrators.
3. Tabrani. Haythami (Vol. 10 Pg. 25) has commented on the chain of narrators.
4. Ahmad, reporting from reliable sources as confirmed by Haythami (vol. 10 Pg. 25)
5. Tabrani and Abu Yala, reporting from reliable sources as confirmed by Haythami (V. 10 Pg. 26)
6. Bazzar, Ahmad and Tabrani, all reporting from reliable sources as confirmed by Haythami (Vol 10. Pg. 26)
7. Ahmad, reporting from reliable sources as confirmed by Haythami (Vol. 10 Pg. 28) Tabrani in his Awsat and Bazzar have also reported the narration but there chains of narrators.

Excerpted from: “From the Loins of Pure Men, and the Wombs of Pure Women: The Family Tree and Lineage of the World And The Lineage of the Pride of Creation; The Most Exalted Amongst The Sons of Adam From Those Who Were Chosen and Sent; Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa.” Translated by Sayyid Ahmed Amiruddin

(from p.8-9) “In his masterpiece “Anwaar Muhammadiyya‟ (The Blazing Muhammadan Lights), Imam Allamah Yusuf ibn Isma’il Nabhani (may Allah have mercy on him) included the following tradition narrated by ‘Ali ibn Abi Talib (karram Allahu wajhu) and composed the following commentary on it: (1)

“Allah the August took the following oath about Muhammad the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa aalihi wa sallam) from Adam and all Prophets who were sent after him, “If Muhammad (sallallahu alaihi wa aalihi wa sallam) is commissioned during your life, you shall believe in him, and you shall assist him, and you shall also take this oath from your nation”. Ibn Abbas also narrated this tradition. When the Lord Most High created the Light of our Prophet, He asked it to gaze at the lights of the rest of the Prophets. When the Light of Muhammad cast a gaze upon the lights of all of the other Prophets, they (the Prophets) became overwhelmed with ecstasy, and exclaimed, “Allah! Who’s Light is this, upon seeing of which we have all become overwhelmed with ecstasy?” Allah Most Majestic replied, “This is the Light of Muhammad ibn Abd Allah, if you shall believe in him, I shall make you Prophets”. They (the Prophets) then testified, “We have believed in him and his Prophethood!” The Lord Most High then asked, “Shall I be witness to this?” They replied, “Yes, Allah!” This was the witnessing referred to in the following verse of the Holy Book,

“When Allah made (His) covenant with the prophets, (He said): Behold that which I have given you of the Scripture and knowledge. And afterward there will come unto you a messenger, confirming that which ye possess. Ye shall believe in him and ye shall help him. He said: Do ye agree, and will ye take up My burden (which I lay upon you) in this (matter)? They answered: We agree. He said: Then bear ye witness. I will be a witness with you.” (Holy Qur‟an, The Family of Imran, Verse 81).

(The Light of Muhammad was first deposited with Adam)…(Then) the Light of Muhammad was transferred from Adam to his son Sheeth, and as such, he was Adam‟s successor over his children. At his deathbed, Sheeth advised his son of the council of Adam, that the Light of Muhammad (which passed from father to son) should only be deposited into the womb of a pure woman. Hence, from generation to generation, the Light of Muhammad was transferred from the loins of pure men, to the wombs of pure women, until the Lord Most High allowed it to descend upon Abd al-Mutalib, and from him to his son Hadrat Abd Allah. As such, the ancestral lineage (of Allah’s Apostle) was protected from the darkness of ignorance and the filth of adultery and fornication as mentioned in numerous reliable traditions.

Al Bukhari narrated the following saying of Allah’s Apostle from Hadrat Abu Hurayra, “I have been sent as a Prophet in the best of all the generations of Adam’s offspring, generation after generation, until I came to be in the generation that I came to be.”

Wathila ibn al Aska’ narrated that Allah’s Apostle said, “Allah chose Kanana from the sons of Isma’il, and Quraysh from Kanana, and from Quraysh the sons of Hashim, and finally chose me from the sons of Hashim.”

Ibn Umar narrated that Allah’s Apostle said, “Allah examined His creation and chose the children of Adam from among them; He examined the children of Adam and selected the Arabs from among them; He examined the Arabs and chose me from among them, so I was always the choicest of choices. Behold, people who love the Arabs, it is out of love for me that they love them, and those who hate the Arabs, it is out of hatred for me that they hate them.”

1. Imam Allamah Yusuf ibn Isma’il Nabhani in “Anwaar Muhammadiyya‟ (The Blazing Muhammadan Lights), pages 22-29. (Urdu edition)”

Q. I wanted to know more about the Islamic history of the Ark of the Covenant. How is it that the Ishmalite Mahdi will inherit it when it contains the relics of the family of Moses and the family of Aaron (and not the family of Prophet Muhammad)? How can you justify his inheritance of a treasure, which does not belong to him, nor his father as per your own Quran?

A. The Ark of the Covenant in Islamic traditions has a different origin than the Ark of the Covenant mentioned in the Bible. In the Holy Quran the actual Ark wherein the Covenant was found, is refered to as ‘Tabut’ and the Covenant as ‘Sakina’, hence it is also referred to as Tabut Sakina (the Ark of the Covenant) in (al-Baqara, v.248) and Sakina in the Holy Quran in (at-Taubah v. 26, 40) and (al-Fath, v.26).

Introduction

The Ark of the Covenant is the name of a Heavenly treasure chest, which was used as a weapon of war by the Prophets, including Moses, Aaron, David, Solomon, and as I will prove, even by the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alaihi wa aalihi wa sallam). The Holy Quran states,

“And their Prophet said to them: “A Sign of his authority is that there shall come to you the Ark (Tabut), and in it Sakina with (a Covenant) therein of security from your Lord, and the relics left by the family of Moses and the family of Aaron, carried by angels. In this is a symbol for you if ye indeed have faith” (al Baqara, v.248)

The author of Tafsir Uthmani (English) writes, “(The Ark of the Covenant, Tabut Sakina) contained some holy relics of Hazrat Moosa (alaihi salam), and other Prophets. The Bani Israel (Children of Israel) put this box in the front line in times of war and Allah gave them victory by its auspices.” (Tafsir Uthmani, Allama Shabbir Ahmad Uthmani, trans. Muhammad Ashfaq Ahmad. Bombay: Taj Publishers, 1992. Vol. 1, p.140)

As the author of Tafsir Uthmani wrote, this Ark contained the Covenant (Sakina), which was the assurance of help from the unseen and victory over enemies, in the form of Prophetic relics. These relics it (the Ark) contained were connected to Prophetic authority, which represented the Vicegerency of God on earth by His Prophets and Messengers, and as such, assured victory over misbelief to the possessor of the Ark.

From Eden to Adam

The Islamic history of the Ark of the Covenant is that its origin was from the time of Adam, who brought it out from Eden. It contained the Hajr al Aswad, the Staff of Moses, the Ring of Solomon, the Sword of Prophet Muhammad (s) called Zulfiqar among many other relics. From Adam, it was passed to Seth, and from Seth, to his son, and it continued to be guarded by Prophets until the birth of Abraham.

Abraham inherited it from his father, and his father was not Azar the idolater, rather his name was Tarah, as per the many Islamic historians, including Ibn Kathir, and even the Holy Bible. Tarah died when Abraham was a young boy. According to the Islamic tradition, there were Prophets who came before Abraham as well, and it is our belief that they guarded it, until it made its way to Abraham. Abraham gave it to his son Ishmael (a). Together, they built the Ka’ba in Makkah, and placed in its corner from the Ark of the Covenant the black stone (Hajr al Aswad). (See for example, Ark of the Covenant Found in Mecca by Mathematician Anatoly Fomenko, one of the world’s leading experts in topology and statistics: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HXt_EyeRnLc

The Children of Ishmael

The Ark then continued to be in the possession of the Children of Ishmael, amongst whom were both Prophets (Salih, Hud, the Prophet sent to the people of ar-Raas etc.) and Kings (the Kedarites, the descendents of Qedar, the son of Ishmael). The Kedarites were such a powerful tribe that they were even mentioned in the Torah, Assyrian Tablets and by the ancient Greeks. We read in the Bible,

“And as for Ishmael, I have heard thee: Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly; twelve mighty princes shall he beget, and I will make him a great nation” (Genesis 17:20)

From Jethro to Moses

Have you ever wondered why the Children of Ishmael were free, and mighty, while the Children of Israel were still enslaved to the Pharaoh? Amongst the descendents of Ishmael, the Islamic tradition holds that the Ark was eventually inherited by the Prophet Shuaib (Jethro), whose daughter Safura (Zipporah) married Moses. Jethro was an Ishmaelite, not an Israelite. Moses and Aaron were descendents of Ladi (Levi) the son of Yaqub (Jacob), the son of Isaac, the younger son of Abraham. The Banu Nadhir tribe were also from amongst the descendents of Levi, and the Mother of Believers Lady Safia (r), the wife of the Messenger of God (s) also descended from it.

I would like to point out here that the identity and lineage of Jethro has been confused by some historians, just as some of them confused Tarah, the father of Abraham with Azar. The truth is, Jethro was an Ishmaelite. The Holy Qur’an states, “To the people of Madyan (Madian) (We sent) their brother Shu’aib ” [Qur'an, 7:85], according to this author, and even according to the Holy Bible, the Midianites were Ishmaelites. See, Genesis 37:25-36 and Judges 8:22,24,26, were the Midianites are referred to as “the Ishmaelites”.

Moses served Jethro the Ishmaelite Prophet for a number of years, learnt from him, and was given guardianship of the Ark of the Covenant by him, and the staff of Adam from it, to go and set the Children of Israel free. Through the blessings of the Ark, the Children of Israel became free, and the Pharaoh was destroyed. The Ark stayed with the Children of Israel from this stage in history onwards, and they placed in it the relics of Moses and Aaron as well.

When the Children of Israel began to disobey God and kill Prophets, it was taken from them and hidden during the era of the Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar. The Israelites then asked the Prophet Shamwil (Samuel) to pray God sends them a King, to fight in God’s way and take back their lost lands.

Saul and David

Samuel prayed, and as he was a Prophet, God heard his prayer. Talut (Saul) was appointed as the King of the Children of Israel, and the sign of his Kingdom was that he would be given the Ark of the Covenant (al Baqarah, 246-249). Saul was a descendent of Ben Yamin (Benjamin), the younger brother of Yusuf (Joseph), the son of Jacob, the son of Isaac, the son of Abraham. Saul promised to marry his daughter to the person who would kill Goliath, and the Quran states David [alaihi salam], who was a direct descendent of Yahuda (Judah), the son of Jacob, the son of Isaac, killed Goliath, and inherited it and the Kingdom from Saul. David now became the King of the Children of Israel. The Bible states that David, the greatest King of the Children of Israel also lived amongst the Ishmaelites, see (Psalm 120:5) and his son Solomon (alaihi salam); is reported to have said, “I am as dark and lovely as the tents of Kedar” (Song of Solomon 1:5).

Solomon and Sheba

King Solomon inherited the Ark of the Covenant from David. He also built the Temple, in Jerusalem, in honor of the Seal of Prophets, Muhammad, who was to come to it on the night of Ma’raj, and lead all Prophets in prayer. However, the topic of the Temple is for another time. Solomon married Sheba (Bilquis), and from her had a son. Inner Islamic traditions have it that Solomon gave the responsibility of guarding of the Ark of the Covenant to his son from Sheba, who carried it to Ethiopia after the death of Solomon, which was still kept a secret until sometime. Some non-Muslims also agreed with this theory, see for example, History Channel’s “Ark of Covenant in Ethiopia“, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOqLpT6HKzY

Islamic tradition holds the reason the Ark was sent to Ethiopia by Solomon was because the delegation of the Seal of Prophets, Muhammad ibn Abdullah (s) was going to come to Ethiopia, and the descendents of Solomon and Sheba would surrender it to him through them.

Negus of Ethiopia: Ashama bin Al-Abjar

Islamic tradition then holds, the Emperor of Ethiopia Negus, Ashama bin Al-Abjar, embraced Islam secretly on the hands of the cousin of the Prophet Muhammad, Ja’far ibn Abi Talib who resembled the Holy Prophet so much in looks, that people often mistook him for the Prophet Muhammad (s). The Ark was surrendered to him by Negus. The proof he embraced Islam, was that the Prophet Muhammad prayed the funeral prayer over him (al-Najashi), and called him pious.

Additionally, there are clear verses in the Holy Qur’an which speak of this victory, that the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa aalihi wa sallam) was granted, that the Ark of the Coventant was in his possession, but most people, other than Saints fail to notice them, similar to how the Ashab (Sahabah, Companions) felt after Abu Bakr al-Siddiq’s sermon after the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) passed on, that they had heard the verses 3:144 from Surah Aal ‘Imran for the first time. Abdullah ibn Abbas is reported to have said after hearing the sermon of Abu Bakr al-Siddq , “It seemed that the verse of the Holy Qur’an to which Abu Bakr referred was just revealed, although we had recited it several times in the past”.

The verses in the Holy Qur’an which corroborate this fact that the Ark with the
Covenant in it (Tabut Sakina, Ark of the Covenant) was actually in possession of the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) prior to the Hijrah are found in Surah al-Taubah and Surah al-Fath, wherein the Ark (Tabut) with the Covenant (Sakina) (referred to Tabut Sakina in al-Baqarah, v.248) is referred to in specific as “Sakina“

Here are the verses, “But Allah did send Sakina on the Messenger and on the Believers, and sent down forces which ye saw not: He punished the Unbelievers; thus doth He reward those without Faith” (9:26)

and ,“If ye help not (the Holy Prophet), (it is no matter): for Allah did indeed help him, when the Unbelievers drove him out: he had no more than one companion; they two were in the cave, and he said to his companion, “Have no fear, for Allah is with us”: then Allah sent down Sakina upon him, and strengthened him with forces which ye saw not, and humbled to the depths the word of the Unbelievers. But the word of Allah is exalted to the heights: for Allah is Exalted in might, Wise” (9:40)

and, “While the Unbelievers got up in their hearts heat and cant – the heat and cant of ignorance,- Allah sent down Sakina to his Messenger and to the Believers, and made them stick close to the command of self-restraint; and well were they entitled to it and worthy of it. And Allah has full knowledge of all things.” (48:26)

The Zulfiqar Sword and ‘Ali ibn Abi Talib

It then follows that the Zulfiqar sword was taken out from it (the Tabut Sakina, Ark of the Covenant) and granted to the spiritual successor of the Prophet, ‘Ali ibn Abi Talib. The Ark of the Covenant was the best kept secret of the first two of the Rightly Guided Caliphs, due to which both of them gave their spiritual allegiance to the first Imam of spirituality on the 18th of Dhul Hijjah, known as the day of Ghadir Khum, wherein the Prophet appointed ‘Ali as his spiritual successor, and the Guardian of Believers by declaring, “Whoever has me as his Master, ‘Ali is his Master”. Dr. Tahir Qadri writes in his book; ‘The Ghadir Declaration’, when commenting on Hadith 5: “Manāwī has written in Fayd-ul-qadīr (6:217) that when Abū Bakr and ‘Umar had heard the Prophet’s saying — One who has me as his Master has ‘Ali as his Master — they said to ‘Ali: O son of Abū Tālib! You have become the master of every male and female believer, morning and evening (for ever).”

The Rightly Guided Caliphs & Twelve Imams as Guardians

From the Ghadir Declaration onwards, the new guardian of the Ark of the Covenant, ‘Ali ibn Abi Talib was granted a distinct status by the Rightly Guided Companions, and allegiance to this secret administration continued from their time onwards. Professor Tahir ul-Qadri writes in Hadith 47 of his book ‘Ghadir Declaration’, “Umar ibn Khattab said: One who has Allāh’s Messenger as his master has ‘Alī as his master. Sālim narrates: ‘Umar was asked why he always treated ‘Ali differently from other Companions. (At this) ‘Umar replied: Indeed that (‘Alī) is my master”. Any indifference or disrespect towards him was regarded by the Rightly Guided Sahabah as a sure sign of nifaq and wickedness, to the extent there are even reports of the second Rightly Guided Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab strangling someone who disrespected ‘Ali in his presence, stating that anyone who did not regard ‘Ali as his Master could never be a true believer. Professor Tahir Qadri writes in his book the ‘Ghadir Declaration’ Hadith 46, “It is narrated by ‘Umar that two Bedouins came to him disputing with each other. He said to ‘Ali: O Abū Hasan: decide between these two. So he decided between them (and settled their dispute). One of them said: Is he the only one left to decide between us? (At this) ‘Umar moved towards him and caught him by his collar and said: May you be dead! Do you know who he is? He is my master and the master of every believer (and) one who does not acknowledge him as his master is not a believer.”

It was through the power of the Ark that the Rightly Guided Caliphs were able to bring Jerusalem into the Islamic dominion, as well as the entire Middle East (more or less), defeating every army who marched against them. However, during the reign of ‘Ali, the fourth Caliph, the Ark came under danger through the civil wars instigated by the camps of the rebels of the battles of Jamal, and Siffin, and so it was secretly hidden in Antioch or around it. The secret of its location remained a sworn secret within the illustrious sons of ‘Ali ibn Abi Talib, the Twelve Imams. Its secret location was granted to Hasan ibn ‘Ali, then from him to Husayn ibn ‘Ali, and through their descendents, its secret location will known by the Mahdi (a), the Twelfth Imam, a King and the last of the Rightly Guided Caliphs; “then there shall be a Caliphate again, on the pattern of Prophetship” (Ahmad). Al Mahdi will be from the Ahlul Bayt; the bloodline of the Prophet Muhammad, from the descents of Abraham and Ishmael. It is on this account that the earliest generation of Muslims prayed in every prayer, “O God, bless Muhammad, and the Family of Muhammad, as thou blessed Abraham, and the Family of Abraham”.

A Symbol of Islam’s Eternal Victory

It is also interesting to learn that the Zulfiqar sword was historically a symbol of power for Muslims. In fact, the first flag commissioned and carried into battle by the Victorious Sultan Selim I in 1519, when he claimed the Caliphate to himself and the House of Osman (the longest lasting empire in history), after vanquishing the last Abbasid Caliph al-Mutawakkil II, had the Zulfiqar sword on it as a symbol of the Prophet’s and his religion’s promised and eternal victory. See, http://flagspot.net/flags/tr-zulf.html. The Ottoman Caliphs used the Zulfiqar as a symbol of power and carried Zulfiqar flags into their battles against their enemies.

It will be brought forth by Al Mahdi

Al Suyuti wrote, “The reason he will be known as the Mahdi is that he will show the way to a hidden thing. He will bring the Ark (of the Covenant) to light from a place called Antioch.” (Suyuti, al-Hawi li’l Fatawa, II, 82,). See, http://www.harunyahya.com/articles/32ark_of_covenant.html

Related by Sulaiman ibn Isa (radhi Allahu ta’ala anhu): “I was informed that the Ark of the Covenant will emerge from the Tabariyya Sea through the efforts of Imam al-Mahdi. It will be placed before him at the Sacred House (Bayt al-Muqaddas in Jerusalem). When the descendents of Judah (the son of Jacob, the son of Isaac, the son of Abraham) see this (Ark), all except a few will embrace Islam.” (Ibn Hammad transmitted in al-Fitan (1:360#1050); and Suyuti copied it in al-Hawi li’l Fatawa (II:83).

Hence, according to multiple Islamic traditions, the Ark of the Covenant will finally be ‘taken out’ by Imam Al Mahdi (a), who will be its true and rightful heir, as a descendent of both Abraham, Ishmael and the Seal of Prophets, Muhammad (s), from the bloodline of ‘Ali and Fatima al-Zahra (r). After retrieving this sacred Prophetic treasure of his ancestors, he will be coronated King of the Kingdom of Heaven in Jerusalem by Jesus Christ, upon his Second Coming.

It is reported in Tazkia Lil Qurtabi on Page 704-706 that Huzaifa, a trusted Companion of the Prophet (s) once asked him (s) about the Ark of the Covenant, where upon the Apostle of God (s) informed him “it would be brought forth by Al Mahdi”. Thereafter, Huzaifa states the Holy Prophet (s) recited the following verses of the Quran in reference to this,

4 And We decreed for the Children of Israel in the Scripture: Ye verily will work corruption in the earth twice, and ye will become great tyrants.
5 So when the time for the first of the two came, We roused against you slaves of Ours of great might who ravaged (your) country, and it was a threat performed.
6 Then we gave you once again your turn against them, and We aided you with wealth and children and made you more in soldiery.
7 (Saying): If ye do good, ye do good for your own souls, and if ye do evil, it is for them (in like manner). So, when the time for the second (of the judgments) came (We roused against you others of Our slaves) to ravage you, and to enter the Temple even as they entered it the first time, and to lay waste all that they conquered with an utter wasting.
8 It may be that your Lord will have mercy on you, but if ye repeat (the crime) We shall repeat (the punishment), and We have appointed hell a dungeon for the disbelievers. (Quran, 17:4-8)

And Allah Knows Best!

Sayyid Ahmed Amiruddin
Copyright © 2009 Ahlus Sunnah Foundation of Canada. All rights reserved.
Permission to reproduce this article is granted by the author for fair use only, with citation of the name of the author and source (this blog) without editing or changing the words in the article or concealing the complete matters of truth related herein, specifically relating to the role of the illustrious Twelve Imams.

From Zübdeit-üt Tevarih 1583: The Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts, Istanbul

A. Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem. Wa Alaikum As Salam Wa Rahmatullhi Wa Barakatuhu,

“Allah did choose Adam and Noah, the House of Abraham, and the House of ‘Imran above all people, Offspring, one of the other: And Allah heareth and knoweth all things.” (Holy Quran, Sura 3, V. 33-34) and,

“Or do they envy mankind for what Allah hath given them of his bounty? But We had already given the House of Abraham the Book and Wisdom, and conferred upon them a Mighty Kingdom” (Holy Quran, Sura 4, V.54)

The correct definition for ‘Arab’ is, those persons who descend from the bloodline of the House of Abraham, through his eldest son Ishmael. This was also the correct view of the renowned Arab genealogist Hisham ibn Muhammad al-Kalbi (A.D. 737-819), known as Ibn al Kalbi, who established a genealogical link between Ishmael (alahi salam) and the Holy Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) and wrote that the people known as ‘Arabs’ were specifically and only the descendants of Ishmael, from his twelve sons, who formed The 12 Tribes of Ishmael.

The Bible gives us the following record of these tribes:

“But as for Ishmael, I have heard thee: behold I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly; twelve princes shall he beget, and I will make him a great nation.” Genesis 17:20

“And these are the names of the sons of Ishmael, by their names, according to their generations: The firstborn of Ishmael, Nebajoth, and Kedar, and Adbeel, and Mibsam, and Mishma, and Dumah, and Massa, Hadad and Tema, Jetur, Naphish and Kedmah. These are the sons of Ishmael, and these are their names, by their towns and by their encampments; twelve princes according to their nations.” Genesis 25:12-16

According to Islamic traditions, the names of the twelve sons of Ishmael (alaihi salam) are, Qedar, Fidmah, Bana Buth, ‘Awil, Taqes, Masma’, Taima, Jasham, Hadu, Duma, Yatur, and Massa . Madinah the Illuminated was inhabited by the descendents of Taima and Yemen by the descendents of Massa.

Allah’s Apostle (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) descends from Qedar (Kedar) the son of Ishmael (alaihi salam). The Kedarites were a mighty tribe whose historical importance may be noted from the fact that they were mentioned in the pages of the Torah, Assyrian Tablets, and ancient Greek history. Aryan, Ptolemy and Pliny give clear mention of their existence in the Hijaz province of Arabia. (Forester, ‘Arab Geography’, Vol. 1, p.248)

And Allah Knows Best!

Sayyid Ahmed Amiruddin

Q. What is the correct position regarding the status of Arabic and the Arabs and the Quraysh? Kindly clarify this subject for us.

A. “And We revealed the Quran in Arabic so that you may understand” (Quran 12:2)

In his masterpiece “Anwaar Muhammadiyya” [Urdu edition, p.22-29]” Imam Allamah Yusuf ibn Ismail Nabhabani (may Allah have mercy on him), narrated the following Hadith from Ibn Umar (r), who said,

“The Apostle of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) said, “Allah examined His creation and chose the children of Adam from among them; He examined the children of Adam and selected the Arabs from among them; He examined the Arabs and chose me from among them, so I was always the choicest of choices. Behold, people who love the Arabs, it is out of love for me that they love them, and those who hate the Arabs, it is out of hatred for me that they hate them.”

In his book, “Virtues of Arabic”, Shaykh ul-Hadith Mawlana Zakariyya Kandhlawi cites all of the following virtues of the Arabs and the Arabic language:

Mulla Ali Qari has quoted the following Hadith of the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him and his family: “To have love for the Quraysh is Iman whilst having hatred for them is kufr. Accordingly, whoever has love for the Arabs has expressed love for me (Prophet) and whoever has hatred for the Arabs has in reality shown his hatred for me” (Iqtidaus Siratil Mustaqeem, p.156)

Allamah Shabbir Ahmad Uthmani writes in his commentary regarding the above verse,

“The Arabic language, which is the most eloquent, versatile, regulated and magnificent of all languages was chosen for the revelation of the Quran. Because the Messenger was an Arab, it logically follows that its first audience will be Arabs. Then, by means of the Arabs this light spread all around. The words “so you may understand” indicate the reason for revealing the Quran in Arabic viz. that you, who are the nation of the Messenger, should first taste its knowledge and thereafter make others do the same. So it happened.” (Tafseer Uthmani (Urdu), p.311).

Ibn Abbas narrated that the Messenger of Allah said,

“Love the Arabs for three reasons:

Because I am an Arab
The Quran is in Arabic
The language of the people of Paradise is Arabic (Baihaqi in Shuabul Iman)

Tha’alibi writes in Fiqh ul Lugah, ‘one who loves Allah, will certainly love His Messenger and whoever loves the Messenger will love the Arabs’.

Mulla Ali Qari has quoted the following Hadith: “To have love for the Quraysh is Iman whilst having hatred for them is kufr. Accordingly, whoever has love for the Arabs has expressed love for me (Prophet) and whoever has hatred for the Arabs has in reality shown his hatred for me” (Iqtidaus Siratil Mustaqeem, p.156)

Abdullah bin Umar (R), in a lengthy Hadith, quoted the following words from the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him and his Family,

“Whoever has loved the Arabs has done so because of my love and whoever has hated the Arabs has done so because of having enmity for me” (Al Madkhal, p23)

Abu Uthman Nahdi as in Azerbaijan when he received the following letter from the Caliph Umar, may Allah be pleased with him.

Wear izar (a cloth used to cover the area between the waist and the ankles) and a sheet. Wear shoes and remove your leather socks and do not wear trousers, but adopt the dress of your father Ishmael (AS), keep yourselves away from a luxurious and pampered life and refrain from the customs of the non-Arabs. Inculcate the habit of sitting in the sunlight because it is the bathing place of the Arabs. Imitate the ways of the people of Ma’d who were an energetic tribe. Wear coarse clothing and make a habit of wearing old clothes. Do not use stirrups (when mounting a horse) but leap onto it. Practice archery. He who becomes proficient in the Arabic language and Arabic grammar, the Quran and Hadith, is the most fortunate. (Baghawi)

The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him is also reported to have said, “Whoever has the ability to speak correct Arabic should not speak another language because it creates nifaq (hypocrisy). (Iqtidaus Siratil Mustaqem, p. 205)

Abu Huraira, may Allah be pleased with him narrates that the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him said,

“I take an oath in that Being in whose Hand is my life, Allah revealed to every Messenger in Arabic, after which he (the Messenger) used to convey the message to the nation in their language” (Majmuaz Zawaaid, p. 52)

Caliph Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) is reported to have advised regarding the superiority of the Arabic language to his subjects, “(It is preferable if you) do not learn a language other than Arabic” (Al La’Ali)

The Status of the Quraysh

Rifa’ah bin Raafi (rad) reports that Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) once instructed Hadrat Umar (rad): “Gather my people!” Hadrat Umar gathered them outside the room of Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) and then went in and asked, “O Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) should I get them to enter or shall you be going out to them?” Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) replied, “I shall rather go to them.” When Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) went to them, he asked “Is there anyone here who does not belong to you?” Yes, they replied. Amongst us are also our allies, the children of our sisters and our slaves”. Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) said to them, “Our allies are part of us, the children of our sisters are part of us and our slaves are all part of us. Have you not heard that it is only those with Taqwa who are Allah’s friends? If you are His friends, then it is excellent. Otherwise, you should give the matter deep thought. It should not be that other people arrive on the day of Judgement with plenty of good deeds while you arrive there with sins, because of which I will have to turn away from you.” Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) then raised his hands and said, “O people! The Quraysh are trustworthy people. Allah will therefore grab by the nostrils the person who searches for their faults and throw him into the Fire of Jahannam.” Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) repeated this thrice (1)

And Allah knows best.

Sayyid Ahmed Amiruddin

1. Bazzar, Ahmad and Tabrani, all reporting from reliable sources as confirmed by Haythami (Vol 10. Pg. 26)

Islamic world is celebrating today the eve of birth of Beloved Prophet Hazrat Muhammad Peace be upon him, “The Eid milad-ul-Nabi” with great reverence and religious fervor.

The Prophet of Islam was born in April 570 AD (or 571?) at Makkah, 12 Rabi-ul-Awwal according to the Islamic Calendar. Born in a respected tribe of Quraish and raised in desert of Arabia, Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) was recognised in his early childhood as a Prophet by a Christian monk. He, even in his chilhood, had an unusual repulsiveness for idols which were worshipped by his elders. He became famous very early for his truthfulness, honesty, and generosity. He married Bibi Khadija (RA), 40 year old wealthy widow, at the age of 25 (and later several others). He passed much of his young life as a shephered and later a merchant. Due to his honest character he was known as “Al-Amin”, which means trustworthy, faithful.

Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH), unhappy of ill rituals and sinfull practices of Arabs, developed to frequently spend time in solitude and to practice meditation in a cave known as cave of Hira near Makkah. Where in one of his visits he recieved God’s message through Gabriel (AS) in 610 AD at the age of 40. After three year he started to preach Islam openly in Makkah. He preached to believe in one God and give up worshipping idols. He gave lessons of equality for all human beings and social justice. All it was for Arabs tentamount to their false beliefs and financial interests so they uprised against him. He initially was protected by his respected and mighty uncle, found later himself helpless after his death. He could not bear agonies of his enemies on his followers, advised them to travel and seek refuge in Madina.

Muslims migrated to Madina in 622 AD. Madina proved to be a platform where Islam grew peacefully. In Madina first Islamic state was established with Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) himself as the Head of the State. In short period of time Islam spread to parts of Arabia due to its marvellous humane message first in leadership of the Prophet himself and to several parts of the world by the devoted Caliphates of Islam later.

No doubt, it was for the personality of Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH), who even did not know how to read and write, accomplished this Divine message. He was the person who was respected even by his arch enemies. He is the model of excellence, the finest creature, the best man on earth ever in its history who lived simple life and achieved the highest moral character and success in his mission. He is indeed the best example for all for all the coming times.

[inform error(s) if any in above passage]

HE IS A MODEL OF EXCELLENCE FOR ALL OF US TO FOLLOW. [Surah Al-Ahzab:21] Al Quran

HE IS SENT DOWN AS MERCY FOR ALL THE WORLDS. [Surah Al Anbiyaa:107] Al Quran

THE WORLD’S INFLUENTIAL

“My choice of Muhammad to lead the list of the world’s most influental person may surprise some readers and may be questioned by others, but he was the only man in history who was superemely successful on both the religious and secular levels.” Michael H. Hart

WHO COULD DARE

“If greatness of purpose, smallness of means and astounding results are the three criterias of the human genius who could dare to compare any great man in modern history with Muhammad?” Lamartan

BENEFACTOR OF MANKIND

“I have very carefully studied Islam and the life of its prophet. I have done so both as a student of History and as a critic. And I have come to the conclusion that Muhammad was indeed a great man and a deliverer and benefactor of mankind which was till then wirthing under the most agonizing pain.” George Bernard Shaw

I SALUTE THIS GREAT MAN

Muhammad, in reality, was a great leader of mankind. His followers conquered half of the world in a short time and the discipline which they maintained under his leadership was simply marvellous and so was their bravery, courage and devotion to the cause which they loved and cherished. This, coupled with the contempt for death as taught by their leader, made them great soldiers and fighters like of whom history rarely produces. I simply marvel at the achievements of this Son of the Desert within a period of fifteen years only — a thing which moses and Christ could not do in fifteen hundred years. I salute this great-man; I salute his qualities of his head and heart.” Nepoleon Bonaparte

YOU ARE FREE

Muhammad’s victory was in very truth one of religion and not politics; he rejected every token of personal homage, and declined all regal authorities; and when the haughty chiefs of the Koreishites appeared before him, he asked: “What can expect at my hands? “Mercy, O generous brother.” ” Be it so; you are free”, he exclaimed. Arthur Gilman

ASTOUNDING FACT

“Hadrat Muhammad the prophet of Islam was a very great man. His honesty and probity as a poor young man earned him the social title of the just: Al Amin. His immense contribution to civilization remains an outstanding and astounding fact of history.” Lala Har Dayal

THE GREATEST OF ALL PROPHETS

“Muahammd must be recognised as by far the greatest of all prophets. The expansion of Islam is the most miraculous of all miracles. M. N. Roy

MUSLIM ASKS ME

“I am only surprised when some Muslim asks me as to why I always use black blankets; I tell them that I do as a token of my personal homage to Prophet Muhammad who was the greatest man the world has ever produced. He was so simple in his day today life that one could hardly imagine that he was the man who was ruling over the hearts of the millions all over the world. I instructed congress government, immediately after they assumed power of the election of 1936 that they should follow the footsteps of Hazrat Umar who thoroughly implemented every preaching of Prophet Muhammad and thus bettered the lot of the common man.” M. K. Gandhi

BEACON LIGHT

“These teachings, in my opinion, have proved to be beacon light to mankind. As a student of the history of Islam which has been my subject since my university days I have been deeply impressed by the personality of the Prophet of Islam, the like of whom is seldom born in history.” Pandit Sunder Lal

DEEPEST HUMAN FEELINGS

“The Prophet of Islam was a man inspired with deepest human feelings and his heart always beat in unison with the suffered and afflicted.” David De Santilan

I HAVE NEVER SEEN HIS LIKE

“Those who saw him were suddenlly filled with reverence, those who came near him loved him, they who described him would say: I have never seen his like either before of after.” Lane-Poole

STATUS OF WOMAN

“The prophet Muhammad’s teachings on the status of woaman, exposure of f emales, children, and kindness to animals were ‘far ahead of western Christian thought, even modern thought’.” George Bernard Shaw

WOMAN IS MORE PROTECTED

“I often think that wonman is more free in Islam than in Christianity. Woman is more protected by Islam than by the faith which preaches monogamy.” Mrs. Annie Besant

NEVER HEARD BEFORE

“Do not use frauds nor deceptions”, said Prophet Muhammad to his soldiers. “Do not kill children . When you fight against the army of an enemy in his own territory, do not oppress the peaceful inhabitants of the country.” “Spare weak women. Have pity on suckling infants and the sick.” “Do not destroy the houses, do not overrun the fields.” “Do not devastate the orchards; do not cut down the date palms trees.” Such are the words, never heard before, words which resounded in the 7th century, from the courtyard of the Mosque of Medina.” Raymand Leronge

FRIENDS AND STRANGERS

“In his private dealings he was just. He treated friends and strangers, the rich and the poor, the powerful and the weak, with equity, and was loved by the common people for the affability with which he received them, and listened to their complaints.” Washington Irving

ADMINSTERED WISELY

“Later he became the Head of the State and the testimony even of his enemies is that he administered wisely. The wisdom he displayed in judging intricate cases became the basis for the religion law that governs Islam.” James A. Michener

PERMANENT INFLUENCE

“One of the most philosophical of historians has remarked that of all the revolutions which have had a permanent influence upon the civil history of mankind none could so little be anticipated by human prudence as that effected by the religion of Arabia.” Bosworth Smith

TERRIFIC SPEED

“The spread of Islam in a most amazing way and with a terrific speed which dazzled the Christian world are enough to confirm that Muhammad was true and that the Book which he gave to his followers was true and revealed.” W. Montgomery Watt

THE GREATEST REVOLUTION

“It was, infact, the greatest revolution that has ever appeared in the world.” A. M. Lothrop Stoddard

MODERN SCIENCE

“The followers of Islam laid the foundation of those methods of experimental research which in conjunction with mathematical analyses gave birth to Modern Science.” Robert Briffanlt

ALL THE KNOWLEDGE

“It must be owned hat all the knowledge, whether of physics, astronomy, philosophy or mathematics, which flourished in Europe from the tenth century, was origionally derived from the Arabian schools, and that he Spanish Arabs, in a more particular manner, may be looked upon as the father of the European philosophy.” Devan Port

THE WORDS

“We feel that the words which he (Muhammad) speakes are not the words of an ordinary man. They have their immediae source in the inner reality of things, since he lives in constant fellowship with this reallity.” Tor Andrae

THOROUGHLY DEMOCRATIC

“His purely historical character, his simple humanity, claiming to be a man among men, his intense realism avoiding all mystical remoteness; the thoroughly democratic and universal form under which his idea of divine monarchy led him to concieve the relation of man, the force of ethical appeal all affiliate Muhammad with the modern world.” Dr. Samnal Johnson

HIGHEST CRUSADE

“Since the time I have learnt the Prophet of Islam’s saying that the highest crusade is to speak the truth before a tyrant ruler, I could hardly measure the grandeur of a personality who has considered the expression of truth before a tyrant as the highest crusade. I have also been extremely impressed by the Prophet of Islam’s prayer that he may be placed among the poor. I was born in a Sikh family, but I am as much a believer of the Prophet of Islam as any Muslim.” Sardar Diwan Singh Maftoon

EVEN WHILE LORD OF ARABIA

“Even while lord of Arabia, he mended his own shoes and coarse woolen garments, milked the ewes, swept the hearth and kindled the fire. Dates and water were his usual fare and milk and honey his luxuries. When he traveled he shared his morsel with his servant.” John Davenport

INVITATIONS OF SLAVES

“He visited the sick, followed any bier he met, accepted the invitation of a slave to dinner, mended his own cloths, milked the goats, and waited upon himself – relates summarily another tradition. He never first wihdrew his hand out of another man’s palm and turned before the other had turned.” Lane-Poole

EUROPE IS DEEPLY IN DEBT TO ISLAM

“There can be no denying the fact that Europe is deeply in dept to Islam for all its scientific discoveries. In fact, it was Islam that produced Bacon, Newton, Kepler and other great scientists of Europe. Europe in respect of science and civilization would not have been to-day what it was fourteen years ago.” G. E. Von Grannebanm

TORCH OF CULTURE AND CIVILIZATION

“Muslim Spain wrote one of the brightest chapters in the intellectual history of mediaval Europe. Between the middle of the 8th and the beginning of the 13th centries, as we have noted before, the Arab speaking people were the main bearers of the torch of culture and civilizaton throughout the world.” Philip K. Hitti

FROM THE DARKNESS

“It is Mussalman science, to Mussalman art, and to Mussalman literature that Europe has been in a great measure indebted for its extrication from the darkness of the Middle Ages.” Marquis of Dufferin

REFORM THE WORLD

“God had sent him to reform the world. He had been endowed with the strength of character and moral qualities of a greatreformer and of a great man. He was responsible for the emancipation of woman and he made no distinction between a rich and a poor.” Pandit Gopal Krishna

PROFONDLY PRACTICAL

“In all things Muhammad was profoundly practical. When his beloved son Ibrahim died, an eclipse occures and rumour of God’s personal condolence quickly arose. Where upon Muhammad is said to have announced, ‘An eclipse is a phenomenon of natre. It is foolish to attribute such things to the birth or death of a human being’.” James A. Michener

I HAVE NO PRIDE

The Messenger (PBUH) of Allah achieved all those glorious successes in his life time which lie in the power of man under the sun, yet not aiota of pride cast its shadow on the transparent mirror of his heart. He (PBUH) would say: “I am the Chief of the Sons of Adam, but I have no pride on this account.”  The word ‘Muhammad’ cannotes “Paragon of Virtues” and perfect creature. There is no end to it. In other words ‘Muhammad’ means ‘one whose praise run to infinity’ or “one who receives praise after praise and felicitation after felicitation without end.” Mian Abid Ahmed in his book “The Glory of Muhammad peace be upon him”.

Quotations have been selected from the Book “The Glory of Muhammad peace be upon him” by Mian Abid Ahmed. Spreading this message/article to everyone by any means is requested.

Last Updated: Friday, July 17, 2009 | 8:39 AM ET
CBC News

Syed Mumtaz Ali, the first Muslim lawyer in Canada according to the Canadian Society of Muslims, died Thursday at age 82.

Ali, who was also the president of the Canadian Society of Muslims, notably spearheaded the movement to allow in Ontario the practice of Shariah law, the legal code of Islam based on the Qur’an. In 2003, Ali founded the Islamic Institute of Civil Justice to act as an arbitration body to settle civil disputes. He noted introducing such a system would formalize out-of-court mediation already practised in the Muslim community.

“Muslims believe that every action of their life in all aspects of their life, they must obey the Islamic law and govern themselves accordingly,” he told CBC in a 2004 interview.

“We have the law of arbitration act under which all secular groups, all religious groups, all cultural groups should be treated equally.”

In 2004, Ontario’s former attorney general, Marion Boyd, recommended Muslims be allowed to establish Shariah-based tribunals to settle family disputes. However, Premier Dalton McGuinty rejected the proposal, calling for “one law for all Ontarians.”

1st lawyer to be sworn in on the Qur’an

Ali was born in India and earned a BA in theology and an LLB in Muslim law from Osmania University in Hyderabad Deccan. Ali practised law in Pakistan for five years before travelling to the U.K., where he studied at the University of London.

In 1960, he immigrated to Toronto and graduated from York University’s Osgoode Hall Law School in 1962.

Ali was the first lawyer in Canada to be sworn in on the Qur’an instead of the Holy Bible.

He practised corporate law for over 25 years with the Ontario government before his retirement in 1990.
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2009/07/17/syed-mumtaz-ali.html
http://muslim-canada.org/sufi/mumtaz.htm

Syed Mumtaz Ali, Canada's first Muslim lawyer, Founder of Islamic Institute of Civil Justice, His Holiness Qazi Bashiruddin al-Faruqi and Sayyid Ahmed Amiruddin

Excerpted from: “From the Loins of Pure Men, and the Wombs of Pure Women: The Family Tree and Lineage of the World And The Lineage of the Pride of Creation; The Most Exalted Amongst The Sons of Adam From Those Who Were Chosen and Sent; Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa.” Translated by Sayyid Ahmed Amiruddin

“Allah the Majestic promised in His Covenant with Ibrahim (alaihi salam) that He would make him the leader (Imam) of mankind. The Prophet Ibrahim (alaihi salam) then prayed, “And (make this Covenant) with my descendents as well” (Qur’an, 2:124). As such, Isma’il (alaihi salam), the eldest son of Ibrahim (alaihi salam) was the first recipient of this Divine Covenant of leadership over mankind. After Ismail (alaihi salam), this Covenant continued through his progeny until the Pride of Creation (sallallahu alaihi wa aalihi wa sallam) was born from amongst them.

On the Night of Mi’raj (the Night Journey), the Imamate of the Apostle of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa aalihi wa sallam) over all of mankind, celestial beings and the entire creation was manifest. The Prophets are the best of Allah’s creation, and Allah’s Apostle (sallallahu alaihi wa aalihi wa sallam) was made to lead them all in prayer. The leading of the Prophets in prayer in Jerusalem, at al Aqsa, by Allah’s Apostle (sallallahu alaihi wa aalihi wa sallam) made manifest to the inhabitants of the heavens and the earth his leadership over all creation.

Allah accepted the prayer of Ibrahim (alaihi salam) and made the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alaihi wa aalihi wa sallam) the Imam of Creation, and all of the Prophets, including Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, Soloman, and Jesus (peace be upon them all) prayed behind him in presence of the Arch Angel Jibrael at al Aqsa. It was for this reason that al Aqsa held a key significance to the true followers of the Prophet, who were willing give their lives to protect it, as it was the blessed location at which the Imamate (leadership) of all of mankind was decided, and it was the hallowed place of the coronation of Allah’s Apostle as the Imam of all Prophets, Angels, Men and the entire creation. That is why the Commander of the Faithful, Umar ibn Khattab sought to conquer it and it was also the reason for which Salahuddin and his brave knights fought in frenzy to ensure it remained under the control of Muslims, for the honor of Muhammad (sallallahu alaihi wa aalihi wa sallam), the Imam of creation. Hence, Al Mahdi (alaihi rahma) will also (fight and) make Jerusalem (1) his capital with Jesus the son of Mary, who will unite the world under the flag of the Holy Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa aalihi wa sallam) and his household.

Hadrat Abi Bakr as-Siddiq the son of Abi Qahafa was the first of the Sahabah to believe and testify to the Night Journey of Allah’s Apostle and during the last illness of Allah’s Apostle , Hadrat Abi Bakr lead the Sahabah, who were the best of creation after the Prophets, in prayer. This imamate of Hadrat Abi Bakr over the Sahabah in prayer, was carried out in presence of the Imam of the Prophets, at his mosque in Medinah the Illuminated. It symbolized the imamate of Hadrat Abi Bakr over all of the Sahabah.

As such, after the departure of Allah’s Messenger from the world, Hadrat Abi Bakr was appointed as the imam in his place by the Sahabah, and he assumed the title “Caliphatul Rasulullah” (Successor to the Apostle of Allah) to himself.

Hadrat Abi Bakr was thus the first of the Rightly Guided Caliphs, who assumed the office of the Caliphate after the passing of Allah’s Apostle (sallallahu alaihi wa aalihi wa sallam). He was a direct descendent of Quraysh (Nadhr) and Quraysh, based upon what is documented in the form of names, was the forty –sixth descendent of Isma’il, the chosen son of Ibrahim and with whom the Covenant of Leadership (Imamate) was made by Allah Almighty (Qur’an, 2:124), and which is celebrated on ‘Eid al-Adha by all Believers.

After the demise of Allah’s Apostle (sallallahu alaihi wa aalihi wa sallam), Hadrat Abi Bakr prevented the Ansar from erring by attempting to claim the Divine Right of the Caliphate to themselves, by declaring, “the Imams can only come from the descendents of Quraysh”. Hadrat Umar who was also present with him, submitted to this declaration based upon the teachings of Allah’s Apostle (sallallahu alaihi wa aalihi wa sallam), of the Divine Right of Leadership (the Imamate) belonging only to the Quraysh, and pledged his oath of allegiance to Hadrat Abi Bakr .

The Ansar and the Sahabah followed Umar and from the era of the Rightly Guided Caliphs (Abi Bakr, Umar, Uthman and ‘Ali) onwards, the “Divine Right of the Quraysh” was accepted throughout all Muslim empires up until the demise of the Ottoman Caliphate in 1924 A.D. These empires included the Ummayads, the Abbasids and the Ottomans (who inter-married into the Quraysh as well after the reign of Selim I).

Also, in succession to the legacy of the “Divine Right of the Quraysh” of the Rightly Guided Caliphs, the last of the Rightly Guided Caliphs, whose appointment to the office of the “King‟ of the Kingdom of Heaven, behind whom even a Prophet will pray (Jesus, the son of Mary), will also be from the chosen (2) tribe of the Quraysh. However, in addition to being from the chosen tribe of the Quraysh, Al Mahdi will be from the best of the clans (from within the Quraysh), the Banu Hashim, and through his grandparents (‘Ali and Fatima), Al Mahdi will be from the descendents (3) of the Pride of Creation; Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa ‟.

The above mentioned was the reason behind the declaration of Imam Rabbani Mujaddid Alf Thani Ahmad al-Faruqi, al-Sirhindi , a descendent of Hadrat Umar ibn Khattab, who wrote in his “Maktubat‟ (Letters), “Al Mahdi will accept the teachings of the Khwajagan”. The secret behind the statement of Imam Rabbani was, because the Khwajagan are the only successors to Hadrat Abi Bakr, the first of the Rightly Guided Caliphs, it is only natural that the Mahdi will come from their ranks, or will read and accept their teachings. As such, the Mahdi’s affirmation of the legacy of the Khwajagan spiritual inheritance from Hadrat Abi Bakr and his own ancestral lineage and inheritance from the Holy Prophet , through his grandparents ‘Ali and Fatima will make his claim absolute.
Hence, Al Mahdi’s claim by divine right to the Imamate of the Kingdom of Heaven will be supreme and mandatory upon all Believers to submit and yield to, and any Muslim who denies the Imamate of Al Mahdi will become a blasphemer as highlighted in various sayings of Allah’s Apostle.

1. The Apostle of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa aalihi wa sallam) was reported to have said, “A man from my nation shall come who speaks with my Sunnah, and Allah the Majestic, the Glorified, shall send showers of rain from the heavens so that the earth will produce its blessings. Through him, the earth shall be filled with fairness and justice, just as it had been filled with oppression and injustice. He will govern this nation for seven years and go to Jerusalem”.

2. Wathila ibn al Aska’ narrated that the Apostle of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa aalihi wa sallam) said, “Allah chose Kanana from the sons of Isma’il, and Quraysh from Kanana, and from Quraysh, the sons of Hashim, and finally chose me from the sons of Hashim.” (Imam Allamah Yusuf ibn Isma‟il Nabhabani in his “Anwaar Muhammadiyya‟ pg.29)

3. The Apostle of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa aalihi wa sallam) was reported to have said in numerous reliable traditions as reported by thirty-three Sahabah, “The Mahdi will be of my family, of the descendants of Fatima” (Abu Dawud).

Q. What is the true position regarding the religion of Abu Talib, the uncle of the Messenger of Allah and the father of ‘Ali?

A. The author of the well renowned book Sirat-An-Nabi, Allamah Shibli Nu’mani believed that Hadrat Abu Talib was a Believer and he recited the Kalima at the time of his death in presence of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) into the ears of Al Abbas.

He also disregarded the narrations of Muslim and Bukhari as being unreliable because their narrator was not only a Kafir himself at the time when he allegedly witnessed this event, but states that he was actually not even present in the room with the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), Hadrat Abu Talib and the Prophet’s uncles and therefore, this tradition is “not worth taking as reliable”.

Here is the excerpt from Allamah Shibli Nu’mani’s book Sirat-An-Nabi, from Vol 1. “Death of Khadija and Abu Talib” P. 223-224:

“The Prophet asked Abu Talib to recite the credo of Islam La illa ha illallah Muhammadur Rasulullah, so that he might bear witness to his faith in the presence of Allah (SWT). Abu Jahil and Ibn Umayya expostulated with Abu Talib and asked if he was going to turn away from the religion of Abd al-Muttalib. In the end, Abu Talib said he was dying with his belief in the religion of Abd al Muttalib. Then he turned to the Prophet (S) and said that he would have recited that creed, but he feared lest the Quraish should accuse him of the fear of death. The Prophet (S) said that he would be praying to Allah for him till He forbade. This is the version of Al Bukhari and Muslim. Ibn Ishaq says that while dying Abu Talib’s lips were in motion. Abbas, (the Prophet’s uncle)…put his ears to his lips and said to the Prophet (S) that he was reciting the KALIMA the Prophet (S) had wanted of him. It is on account of these conflicting reports that there is such a difference of opinion regarding the Islam of Abu Talib. But as the version of Al Bukhari is generally considered to be more trustworthy, the traditionalists hold him to have died an unbeliever.

But from a traditionalist point of view, this report of Al Bukhari is not worth taking as reliable because the last narrator is Musaiyyab who embraced Islam after the fall of Mecca and was not himself present at the time of Abu Talib’s death. It is on this account that Al Aini, in his commentary has remarked that this tradition is mursal.” (Nu’mani, Sirat-An-Nabi, Vol.1 p.224)

Hadrat Abu Talib is the grandfather of the most illuminated spiritual individuals of this Ummah, including all of the Twelve Imams, and all of the major Cardinal Poles (Aqtaab); in specific Ghawth al-Adham Shaykh ‘Abd al-Qadir al-Jilani, Hadrat Khwaja Bahauddin Shah Naqshband, Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti, Sayyid Ahmad Bedawi, Abul Hasan ash-Shadhali, Sayyid Ahmad Kabir al-Rifai, and our beloved Master al-Ghawth Mawlana Shaykh Nazim Adil al-Haqqani, al-Qubrusi (qad). As such, it is my personal belief that the correct position is that Hadrat Abu Talib was a believer.

And Allah Knows Best!

Ahmed Amiruddin

Source:

Sirat-An-Nabi (The Life of the Prophet), by Allamah Shibli Nu’mani, rendered into English by M. Tayyib Budayuni. Rightway Publications, New Delhi, India. From Vol 1. “Death of Khadija and Abu Talib” P. 223-224.

Q. Please explain for us the significance of the conflict in Palestine and Iraq and its role prior to the advent of Al-Mahdi and Dajjal.

A. Iraq was the home of Abraham, who prayed for the Imamate to continue in his progeny, and Jerusalem is home to al-Aqsa, the blessed place of the Coronation of the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaih wa aalihi wa sallam) as Imam of Creation. Amongst Muslims, Sufi Saints are able to solve this puzzle and understand the relevance of these lands to the Kingdom of Heaven. People have forgot everything about Islam, and what the essence of the message of the Holy Qur’an is. How many know why the Fourth Caliph chose Kufa for his Capital? How many know the grounds for Hadrat Mahdi (alaihi salam)’s declaration of Jihad with Jesus on the evil armies seeking to control Jerusalem when he arrives? People have forgotten. The world is being paved and prepared for the Armageddon. The camps are being prepared, that of the Ishmaelites, and that of the Israelites. The King of the Ishmaelites and Arabs is al-Mahdi and the King of the Israelites is Dajjal. The forerunner to Dajjal is as-Sufyani.

Turmoil in the Middle East

The turmoil in Iraq and Jerusalem is not without purpose. The forerunners of Dajjal, who seek a New World Order, understand the symbolic importance of Iraq and Jerusalem, and seek to destroy it and the Signs of Allah contained therein. Imam Mahdi and Dajjal are already at war. Imam Mahdi and his followers are busy spreading spirituality in the Capitals of Europe, America and the West, forcing devils to leave the satanic kingdom more so than at any other time in the history of the West. These supporters have successfully influenced the conditions in the world to force its leaders, Western leaders, to co-operate for the rise of Prophetic spirituality and its cultural hegemony where ever possible. These supporters of al-Mahdi are influencing the world’s greatest powers to help them end the ideology hate and terror which has hijacked, with the help of the forces of the Dajjal, the Islamic world. Once these individuals are removed, Islam will be brought to the forefront. The splendor of Islam will shine in the world.

Forces of Dajjal

However, while the supporters of al-Mahdi are busy in these peaceful tasks, the forces of Dajjal are busy killing and attacking throughout the world, preparing for the arrival for the Dajjal, who will unleash death, war and chaos on the earth until he is killed by Jesus. These forces of Dajjal are behind the Iraq war, the stationing of American troops there contrary to the laws embraced by the international community, and the opinions of Americans in general. These forces are acting to try to fulfill what they understand to be the ‘destiny’ of those whom they believe to be God’s chosen people, and that bloodline. You must understand that what we are witnessing in the Middle East and what has happened in the sanctuaries of the Muslim world are the direct doing of the Dajjal and his supporters. These decisions to demolish all Ishmaelite history in Hijaz, redefine Islam with an alien ideology and grant it the crown jewel of Islam, jihad, is part of a global web being spun by the Dajjal. You must know that it is not a coincidence that after 9/11 each of the shrines of the Princes of the Ishmaelites and Arabs, the Ahlul Bayt, were attacked. It is not a coincidence that the shrine of Salman Farsi (rad), about whom the Ishmaelite Prophet (S) declared, “Salman is from my Ahlul Bayt” was also attacked after 9/11. It is not a coincidence that the shrine of Ghawth al-Adham, the Cardinal Pole of Sufism, Shaykh ‘Abd al-Qadir al-Jilani al-Hasani wal-Husayni, the Ishmaelite, was also attacked.

The Last Ritual to Welcome Dajjal

This destruction is part of the global web of Dajjal, to pave the way for his advent and his global kingdom, which will include most of Middle East. One of the last major rituals to welcome his arrival and that of his kingdom is to destroy the heritage sites in Hijaz of the Prophet (S) and his family. The heritage sites of the Prophet’s (S) family, Dajjal’s greatest enemies, in Baqi were destroyed after the fall of the Ottomans and they followers of Dajjal seek to complete this evil ritual now with more destruction and their crown jewel will be their attempt to destroy the Green Dome of the Prophet (S) in Madinah and level the three tombs inside the Masjid an-Nabawi. You must know that it is in Dajjal’s name that capitalism is being pushed into our holy places, the haramayn, where now you can buy Gucci openly, but cannot make Salawat aloud. It is no secret, plans are currently under way, in the name of extension work, to erase all Prophetic history in Makkah, and Madinah, including the one of the greatest crimes against history committed in his name and honor, the bulldozing of the home of the Prophet (S) in Makkah where he lived and replacing it with latrines nearby.

Ishmaelite Heritage Erased in Honor of Dajjal

In preparation of his (Dajjal) arrival, his supporters have successfully erased from history the auspicious location where Ishmael (alaihi salam) was being sacrificed by Abraham (alaihi salam), and caused sever damage to the well of Ishmael, Zam Zam. It is for the honor of Dajjal that the exact blessed spot on earth wherein Allah made His Covenant with the Ishmaelites, in honor of which all Muslim males are circumcised, has been bulldozed and erased from history. It is in anticipation of his arrival that while the house of the Ishmaelite Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa aalihi wa sallam) was bulldozed, the house of Kaab bin Ashraf the Israelite still stands. If the house of Kaab bin Ashraf is destroyed, how will they trick the world into believing their claim on that part of the earth as well? In honor of Dajjal, you must know that plans are currently underway to collapse al-Aqsa, the place of Coronation of the Seal of Prophets. The forces of Dajjal are working hard to finish Islam and its heritage from the world, and erase its true message from the minds of Muslims. We are living in a time wherein people think the greatest enemies of Islam, terrorists, are its greatest supporters, and oppression, which Islam came to end, is the solution to revive Islam. What a grievous situation we are faced with! It is not a coincidence that to prepare the world for the arrival of the Dajjal, and war against al-Mahdi, the Ishmaelite Arab, that almost every film made in America to date about Arabs has demonized them, and dehumanized them for what other reason other than hate for the Ishmaelite Prophet and al-Mahdi, the Ishmaelite Imam and King. The Apostle of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) said, “Allah examined His creation and chose the children of Adam from among them; He examined the children of Adam and selected the Arabs from among them; He examined the Arabs and chose me from among them, so I was always the choicest of choices. Behold, people who love the Arabs, it is out of love for me that they love them, and those who hate the Arabs, it is out of hatred for me that they hate them.”

Two Forces

Oh brother, you must believe that we are living in a world wherein there exists the forces of good and also the forces of evil. Muslims must condemn terrorism in all of its forms, as it is supported by the global agenda of the forces of evil, the Dajjal. Imam Mahdi (alaihi salam) is our only hope to restore justice and balance, to bring back peace. We are in the last days, witnessing all of the significant events unfold BeforeArmageddon faster than most of us can comprehend. Things will unfold so fast in the next seven years, that people will be forced to search out Al Mahdi (alaihi salam) and they will not stop until they have found him and pledge their allegiance to him.

While the supporters of al-Mahdi are working to spiritually finish all devils in the satanic kingdom, the world is seeing what havoc Dajjal is wreaking in the Middle East. Seeing this, our young generation which has been cut from the Wiliyat of Awliya and their support, do not know how to react, and what to do in face of such circumstances. Under such circumstances, you must first believe that Allah has already made arrangement for the settlement of these disputes and wars. He has already sent to the world al-Mahdi (alaihis alam), who is currently alive, and helping the true believers. Mahdi. Because al-Mahdi (alaihis alam) is already alive, and working, it is haram for anyone to declare Jihad anywhere in the world, without him. How many Middle Eastern countries are teaching their populations of his advent, not denying him, and the rights of the Quraysh and the Mahdi over them? First the entire world must speak of nothing else other than him, love for him must enter the recesses of our hearts, but today these countries are in complete denial. The only country which asks Allah to send forth the Mahdi, opposes and oppresses with laws the very teachings which connect us to him.

Our (Transmitted) Message

For the entire nation, and especially those in Iraq and Jerusalem, our (transmitted) message (from our Masters) is, obey your leaders and follow the example of the Prophet (S) who declared, “I am leaving for you two precious and weighty symbols that if you adhere to both of them you shall not go astray after me. They are, the Book of Allah, and my progeny, that is my Ahlul-Bayt”.

You must love the Ahlul Bayt and follow their example if you seek peace. Their method is to remain steadfast in the face of oppression and persecution. Look at their history, they were murdered, their fathers were poisoned, their children were killed, their women were unveiled, and yet they continued to thank Allah, and guide people to good works and patience. They spread Islam, taught Iman and Ihsan to the greatest scholars of the Sunni and Shia world, under such conditions. These illustrious Imams preached patience to their followers, and trained them to recognize God, equipping them with the greatest weapon, which makes one victorious, knowledge of Truth, and to be Haqqani, supporters of Truth. It was the practice of these Imams to give hope to their followers through the good news of the Mahdi al-Muntazr (alaihi salam) during whose time wrong will be righted.

May Allah enable you to decipher what is being sent to us as information to understand what is happening now. Where there is darkness, the only way to remove it is through light. The Imams and their teachings are the light needed to extinguish the darkness of Dajjal. That is why Dajjal will be killed by the party of al-Mahdi. There is a great secret in this, but who is listening to understand it?

Jalia til Qadr

The venerable late Muhaddith of Hijaz; ‘Shaykh al-Islam fil-Balad al-Haram’ as-Sayyid Muhammad ibn ‘Alawi al-Makki (rah) used to make it a practice with his students to recite the Qaseeda Jalia til Qadr on the 17th of each month, this Qaseeda under the spiritual gaze of Shaykh al-Islam fil Balad al-Haram, opens our hearts to Truth, and highlights the importance of following the example of the illustrious Ahlul Bayt, identifying them for us as “Hasnain, ‘Ali Sajjad, wa bi Baqir, wa bi Sadiq, wa bi Kadhim, and Radha. Naqihum, wa Taqihum, wa bi ‘Askari, the Twelve Imams, and the Seal of them, the descendant of the Prophet Muhammad (S), Muhammad Mahdi our guide, the Awaited Imam”. Those who wish to see the destruction of the heritage sites in Hijaz come to an end, must follow in the example of the venerale Muhaddith, Sayyid Muhammad ibn Alawi (qad) and push for the same reform he pushed for and recite this Qasida, because it will help connect one to Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamah and the Twelve Imams. It will bring help from the heavens for us. Here are the verses from the Qaseeda about the Twelve Imams in Arabic,

وكذا بفاطمة التي فَضُلَتْ على كل النِّسَاء وقلِّدَتْ عِقدَ الفَخرأيضاً
وبالحَسَنين سِبطي سيِّد ال كونين مَن بكِسائِهِ لهُما ستر
وبعمه العباسِ ثمَّ بنجلِهِ ال حَبر عبد الله نِبراس الفِكر

وكذا بكل الآل والأصحاب وال أزواجِ والعمات ربَّاتِ الخَفر
وعليٌّ السَّجَّادِ مِصباحِ الدُّجَى وبباقرٍ مَن للمعالمِ قدْ بقر
وبصَادقٍ وبكاظمٍ ثمَّ الرِّضَى مَن للمَساجد والمدارس قد عَمر
والأمْجَدَين نقِيهُم وتقِيهُم وبعسكري أئِمَّة اثني عشر
وبختْمِهم نجْلَ الرَّسُول مُحَمد مَهدِينَا الآتِي الإمَام المُنتظَر

Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal related in Musnad-e-Ahmad: “…By virtue of them (the Substitutes: Al Abdaal), Allah Almighty provides rain and by virtue of them, Allah Almighty provides help against the enemies. By virtue of them, Allah Almighty’s punishment is averted“(Musnad-e-Ahmad).

Wa minAllahi Taufiq.

Q. Some Sufi’s speak in favor of the Caliphate while others oppose it. Please clarify your views regarding the Caliphate (political) for us and your beliefs regarding freedom and democracy.

A. The Caliphate endorsed by Sufis has nothing to do with that which Al Qaeda, the Taliban, and other Islamist and terrorist groups call towards, and can be compared to the Christian understanding of the establishment of the Kingdom of Heaven under Jesus. The Sufi concept of the Caliphate is based on the establishment of the Caliphate of the awaited Imam, Hadrat Imam Al-Mahdi (alaihi salam), the Twelfth Imam. Sufis believe that his government will be established by direct Divine Intervention, and through direct spiritual support and powers and not through a revolution or through terrorism. Al Mahdi, the Caliph of the Sufis, would be supported by Jesus, and would posses the Ark of the Covenant as his main weapon of war. Al Qaeda, and the Taliban and their likes on the other hand, aim to create a revolution and “take over” Islamic countries, like they did Afghanistan, and force the rest of the world, through war and terrorism to submit to their rule. These groups believe this to be the ideal model for the Khilafah. Sufis believe the office of the Caliph to be one reserved for a successor of the Prophet Muhammad’s (S) spirituality and teachings, not just anyone like the Ummayyad appointments to the office of the Caliph and even the Abbasid appointments, during the eras of whom the mantle of the Caliphate was passed from father to son, like in the sad case of Muawiyya appointing his son Yazid (may Allah curse him) as Caliph after him. This practice is ironic, as it was these same governments who opposed the claim to the Caliphate by the Prophet Muhammad’s (S) own descendants, and murdered and poisoned them and their relatives.

Regarding the Declaring of Jihad

Also, unlike the current Islamist groups, the Sufis believe that there can be no Jihad without a Caliph, and the Caliph the Prophet Muhammad (S) spoke about in the last days is the Mahdi, being a Knight for whom is praiseworthy and spiritually rewarding, something which one cannot say for sure with other leaders due to their ability to become corrupt and be led astray. It is also important for you to know that the Sufis believe that there will only be 313 Knights who will actually fight for Al Mahdi directly, and as such, for the most part, do not teach that all Muslims will have to fight during the time of the Mahdi, who will come to make peace, not war. Mawlana Shaykh Nazim al-Haqqani declared to the late Afghan King Zahir Shah during the Afghan war, which paved the way for the rise of Al Qaeda and the Taliban, “…those people in your country who claim to be ‘Alims (religious scholars) are liars. I will come against them on the Day of Resurrection, because they have caused thousands of people to be killed without any reason. This is not happening for the sake of Allah”.

Regarding Democracy

In regards to democracy, if it means actually allowing people to freely choose their leaders, looking back at the lives of the Rightly Guided Caliphs and the Twelve Imams, we can see that the first Caliph was elected by the majority, and the Twelve Imams did not force the people to accept their Imamate after the era of the Rightly Guided Caliphs ended, allowing people to choose their own leader. The Twelve Imams also educated both Sunni Muslims and Shiites, at a time when both schools considered each other heretics and political enemies and rivals. The Ijazah’s the Twelve Imams granted the greatest Imam of the Sunni school to issue fatwa demonstrates that people should be allowed not only the freedom to choose their own leaders, but also the freedom to speak and spread their own beliefs.

The Need for Freedom

I believe that this idea of freedom is something we need to learn from their example. It is not a secret that throughout Islamic history, as we see even today in Iran and Saudi Arabia, Sufi Saints were forced to conceal their beliefs for fear of being killed. In fact, it was due to the lack of freedom of thought and speech that Shaykh al-Akbar Muhiuddin Ibn Arabi was killed, and due to the lack of freedom of expression that Mansur al-Hallaj was executed. Even in my own family, my ancestors during the Ummayyad and Abbasid times, were forced to conceal their beliefs and even lineage, for fear of being killed due to their beliefs and bloodline, which traced back to ‘Ali ibn Abi Talib. The Holy Prophet (S) already spoke about this happening to his descendants, saying, “After me my family will be refugees, driven out of countries…”. Imam Nasai, one of the greatest Muhadditheen (Hadith experts) for Sunni Hadith collections, the author of one of the Six Sahihs was brutally murdered because he spoke in favor of ‘Ali ibn Abi Talib, a good example of why Muslim countries, unlike throughout the vast majority of our history, need to embrace freedom of speech. In their call for the Khilafah, Al Qaeda, the Taliban, Hizb ut-Tahrir and their likes aim to bring back a model of oppression to the Muslim world, killing fellow Muslims for their “corrupt” beliefs, demolishing Sufi Shrines, and oppressing women in the name of what they falsely believe to be “Islam” and justice.

Allegiance now is to Imam Al-Mahdi only

The Khalifah the Taliban are calling towards would in practice be exactly opposite of what it would claim to represent, as we have already seen in Afghanistan. Neither the Arabs nor the Ajam could unite on it, nor its strange interpretation of Islamic law, which it seeks to implement. There is a false claim of the supporters of the Taliban that Mullah Muhammad Omar is the Caliph and Imam, and as such all Jihad being carried out under the banner of his global battalions of Al Qaeda and those who accept his allegiance, against the West, is therefore actually legitimate because he being the Caliph, who wore the mantle of the Holy Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa aalihi wa sallam) declared Jihad on the Americans, and their allies. This is incorrect and the correct position is that Hadrat Al-Mahdi (alaihi salam) is already born, and as such, there can be no other Caliph while he is alive and preparing the world for his appearance. This also means that no other person on earth has the right to declare Jihad. Our teacher, the venerable Mawlana Shaykh Nazim declared in Star from Heaven, p.22-23, 26, “There can be no Jihad until Imam Mehdi comes. Those who are proclaiming the right to declare Jihad now, are liars. First we must have a Sultan, then Jihad can be permitted. Who is giving the order for a Jihad now? The clear command of Allah is to have a Sultan for the whole umma first. Only such a Sultan has the right to declare war. Even if we had a hundred billion Muslims, only one would have the right to order war. Whoever does so now, is sinning by going against the Holy Laws of Allah.”