اذا صَنَعتَ مَعروفاً فأستُرُه، و اذا صُنِعَ الیک معروف فَأنشُرُه

Hide the good you did, Reveal the good done to you.

اگر نیکویی کردی پوشیده بدار و اگر کسی با تو نیکویی کرده آشکار ساز

This hadith tells everyone to put aside their pride and to give only for the sake of Allah. During the nights where no one could see him, Imam Ali would go to the houses of the poor and put food in front of the door. For a while no one knew who had been giving them food until the day Ibn Muljim stroke Imam Ali in the head with a poisonous sword during sajdah. After the strike they had wondered why there was no more food left in front of their house and finally realized that it was none other than Imam Ali.

” وَقَالَ رَبُّكُمُ ادْعُونِي أَسْتَجِبْ لَكُمْ “ Surah Ghafer Verse 60

“And your Lord says: Call upon Me, I will answer you …”

• What is the meaning of Dua – Is it something necessary for us?
• 2 reasons for the necessity of dua for our lives ….. 1- Personal: illness   2- General: natural events
• How much lessons have been taught by the Ahlulbayt(PBUT) through Dua’s  … Imam Sajjad(AS) & Saheefeye Sajjadieh

When you read a Dua think about the meaning and understand what your saying instead of finishing a whole Dua without understanding its message.

take care

امام علی (ع) می فرماید

۱-     اذا قَدَرتَ علی عَدُوِّکَ فَاجعَلِ العفوَ عنهُ شکرا لِلقُدرَةِ علیهِ

When You have power over your enemy, Pardon him and thank god for giving power over him

وقتی که به دشمن خود غلبه یافتی عفوش بکن با تشکّر که بر او قدرت یافتی

۲- اَحبِب حبیبَکَ هَونا عسیٰ اَن یکونَ بغیضَک یوما و اَبغِض بغیضَک هونا عسیٰ ان یکونَ حبیبَکَ یوما

Love your friend in a way so that he might be your enemy one day and be enemies with your enemy in such a way that he might be your friend one day.

دوست خود را چنان دوست بدار که گویی شاید روزی دشمن تو شود و با دشمن خود چنان دشمنی کن که گویی شاید روزی دوست تو گردد

This hadith sais that one should not tell their deepest secrets to their friends for it may be used against them. Also one must not act in a harsh way towards their enemy for if they turn to be your friend, you wont be embarrassed.

These 2 Hadith from Imam Ali apply to Hazrat Horr and Shimr from the story of Karbala. Imam Hossein and his family were migrating to Kufeh when Hazrat Horr’s army stopped them and took them to a place called Karbala. At the time, Hazrat Horr was Imam Hossein’s enemy and his army was dying of thirst. Imam Hossein saw this and gave their water to Hazrat Horr’s army, including their horses. Imam Hossein had power over his enemy and was able to kill them but instead he helped them and forgave them. During those days Hazrat Horr thought about Imam Hossein’s kindness which made him realize that the true islam was with them so he switched on to Imam Hossein’s side and asked him for forgivness. He turned from an enemy of of Imam Hossein to his friend all because of his kindness and forgiveness. Shimr on the other hand was in the army of Imam Ali, Imam Hossein’s Father. On the day of Karbala he ended up to be the killer of Imam Hossein. It is very interesting how 2 different people had 2 different faits by switching to the opposite side.

This week we continued talking about the Hadith by The Holy Prophet(PBUH):

المجالسة موثرة (what did it mean?)

The main question that we discussed was ” Is it possible to become partners(همنشین) with the Ahlulbayt(PBUT)? If yes, How?

Surah Ahzab Verse 21: لَّقَدْ كَانَ لَكُمْ فِي رَسُولِ اللَّـهِ أُسْوَةٌ حَسَنَةٌ

The more time you spend reading the lessons and words of the Prophet & Ahlulbayt(PBUT) and acting it, the more it will effect you.

Lets try our best to find the right partners because … المجالسة موثرة

Palm Tree

Samar ebne Jandab owned a palm tree in one of the  Ansaar’s (people who welcomed the Prophet to Madineh) garden near the private house of one immigrant that lived there with his family. Samare would come along once in a while to see and tend to his palm tree or to select some dates. And of course according to the rule of Islam he had the right to come and go from the house to tend to his tree.

Whenever Samare wanted to go get news about his palm tree, without any announcement he intrudingly barged in the Ansaar’s house and even nosily watched and glared at everything going on within the house.

The landlord pleaded to him not to come in the house  unannounced.  He didn’t accept.

Left with no choice, the owner stated his complaints to the Prophet, “This man enters my house unannounced. Can you tell him not to arrive surprisingly, without  declaring his presence, so that my family knows when he enters, and  to cover themselves from his wandering eyes?”

The Holy Prophet called for Samare and said to him, “Someone has issued a complaint against you. They say that you enter their house unannounced and you watch his family in a way that they  do not seem to like. After you leave this place, ask the owner’s permission  and declare your presence before you enter the house.” Samare didn’t obey.

The Prophet suggested, “Then sell the tree.” Still  Samare didn’t accept. The Holy Prophet raised the price on the tree, but Samare still didn’t listen. The Prophet raised the price even higher, but it was still not accepted. Then the Holy Prophet stated, “If you sell this tree there will be a tree for you in heaven”  The stubborn Samare still didn’t succumb to the Prophets offer. He made it clear that he was neither going to give up on his tree nor arrive in the garden with permission of its owner.

Then in this case the Holy Prophet stated, “You are a bothersome man who is stubborn and difficult, and in the religion of Islam there is no place for being bothersome and being stubborn about a bad action.” Then he faced the Ansar and said to him, “Go and rip the tree out and throw it in front of Samare.”

The Ansar did as he was told. then the Prophet stated to Samare, “Now go and plant this tree wherever you wish.”

Question 1:

(و لعن الله بنی امیه قاطبه) (And my Allah curse the people of the Omayah) Why do we ask Allah to curse each and every one of the people of the Omayah? What about the people who were of the Omayah but have not sinned done that we ask them to be cursed?

Ans. 1 The cursing of any Muslim or believer no matter how much they sin is unreasonable, only the disbelievers and the people against the truth and the leaders of Islam should be cursed. These are the lessons and morals from the Quran and the Imams have not asked Allah to curse anyone besides the enemies of the truth.

2. This topic has been mentioned many times in the Quran like when Prophet Nooh Asked Allah to save his family from the flood. When his son drowned, Prophet Nooh said “(انّ ابنی مِن اهلی) Surely he is from me” but Allah replied “(انّه لیس مِن اهلک) Surely he is not from your family.”

Another Ayah from the Quran “(و مَن یتولّهم فانّه مِنهم) Anyone who loves the people of the book and recognizes them as the real leaders, for sure he is from them.

According to these Ayahs, Someone is not from their people by birth and physical relations, but instead is related through their beliefs and faith. The people of the Omayah are the followers of Mu’aviyeh and Yazid but whoever follows the Ahlul Bayt then they are from the Bani Hashim even if they are the sons of Mu’aviyeh or Yazid.

In The Name of Allah

This week we will pospone the talk about sura Baghara and talk about the event of hajj.

Did you know that most of the prophits that we read about in the Quran are barried in Iraq such as…

• Adam
• Noah

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here is a story for you to enjoy…

Prophit Ibrahim was raised in Iraq but then Allah told him that he must move to Saudi Arabia. But moving to Saudi Arabia was only a test. When he got to Saudi, Allah told him to make a house. Which was the Kaabe. Then to go on top of a mountain and make a call that all humanity was suppoes to hear. Which was the azan.

…But then Ibrahim told Allah that his voice will not be heard be anyone. Allah just told him to do so, so he did. And sure enough there are thousands of Muslims that are making this same call today.

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There are 3 types of wajib. These are their names and meanings…

• Wajib Aayney – something that Allah commands on everyone
• Wajib Kaafee – something that Allah commands on everyone, at first, then once someone takes the action upon themselves it is not wajib in everyone else
• Wajib Fawrey – something that Allah commands on you when you meet a certain condition or state, it must also be done that year

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There are also 3 types of Hajj. These are who they are required to…

• Ifran – only to the people who live near Makke
• Gheeran – only to the people who live near Makke
• Tammato – only to the people who live far away from Makke

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Encouragments for Hajj (before)

• write will (the 4 types will follow)
• give haghol-nass
• give sadaghe (donations) – (doesn’t have to be big)
• on the day you are leaving preform a 2 rokkat prayer
• keep saying astaghforolaah
• keep saying labayk

The sadaghe boxes in Iran look like this picture. You can find these in some streets.

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The 4 types of “wills”

• Maaley – about money
• Maaley wal badaney  – about money and prayers
• Badaney – about prayers
• Hebel amal – any gift you want to give

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Imam Sajad said that out of the many people that go to Hajj, only a few hundreds will be accepted.

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When you see the Kaabe in real life for the first time in your life you get to have 3 wishes that will come true, unless Allah knows that it is not to be.

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What are the rewards of Hajj, if it is accepted? Well some of them are…

• that your neck will be freed from hellfire
• all your sin will leave you
• Allah will protect you , your family and money

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See you next week at 7:30

This summery has been summerized by: Reza Baghaee-Rezaee

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In The Name of Allah

A little late but better than never… and it’s a 2 in 1…

RAMADAN

• the “R” in ramadan means “rahma”
• the “M” in ramadan means “maghfira”  -forgiving-
• the “D” in ramadan means “daman”  -guarantee-
• the “alif” in ramadan means Allah
• the “N” in ramadan means “noor”  -light-

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Ramadan means heat and thirst.

During the month of Ramadan Allah forgives more sins than he does in other months. When Ramadan come comes, Allah tells the angles that this is not for them.

Allah is at our service in the month of Ramadan.

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What is the most is the most important thing we should ask, in the month of Ramadan?   …   To ask Allah for the appearance of your imam. When he comes all your problems will be solved.

Now face the REAL KAABE AND PRAY!!!

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What is the most … we should do, in this holly month …  ?   To protect your self yourself from sin! Every sin will cause a link of chains!!!

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Did you know that everything will die even angles?

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Q – Who are the smartest people, in the sight of the prophet?

A- Their 2 qualities are that they are the…

• ones who constantly remember death
• ones who are prepared for death

What is the true meaning of death? Well it is not that bad, it is only when your spirit/soul leaves your body…

and where does your spirit go?… To it’s new home. The grave! But you are only a temporary resident there. You stay there until the day of judgment then you are evicted!!!

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When you were brought to this world you were pure, that is so because you had not yet committed any sins.

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What do you have to do to have a good akhira?    Have TAGHWA!!!

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See you next week at 7:30!!!

This lecture summery was summarized by: Reza Baghaee-Rezaee

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Level of Loyalty

What Has Happened to Your Sons?

After the Shahadat of Imam Ali and the permanent throne of Kelafat left for Mo’aviy Ebn Abu Sofyan; whether he wanted to or not, there was some encounters between him and the faithful companions of Imam Ali. Every effort of Moaviyeh was towards getting Imam Ali’s companions to confess that there is no benefits with being loyal and friendly companion with Imam Ali, and to try and get them to say that they have lost everything following Imam Ali and his path. He hoped to hear one statement or deceleration of regret and disappointment from one of his companions, but this wish of Mo’aviyeh never came true. After Imam Ali’s death, hiscompanions became more aware of Imam Ali’s Greatness and characteristics. In this sense, they showed bravery, boldness, and truthfulness for Imam Ali by the many sacrifices that they made while Imam Ali was alive, because of their friendship with Imam Ali, Imam Ali’s just rules and brilliant regulations, and for the sake of his vast Islamic knowledge. Sometimes the result of Mo’aviyeh’s plan would go unsuccessful for so long that even Mo’aviyeh would be disappointed with himself, so much that Mo’aviyeh and his relatives would succumb to the feeling and the responses of Imam Ali’s loyal followers.

One of these faithful, loyal , and sacrificial followers was Adi the son of Haatam. In the political stances of his tribe Adi was the governor. He had many sons. His sons, himself, and his tribe were all devoted soldiers to Imam Ali. Three of his sons whose names were Tarfe, Tarif, and Taaref became shaheed side by side with Imam Ali in the battle of Seffain..

After the incident of Siffain many years later, when Imam Ali became Shahhed and Mo’aviyeh became the new permanent Kalife, accidenttally Adi and Mo’aviyeh met each other. Because Mo’aviyeh wanted to resurface the bad recollection for Adi and also get him to Declare and confess that how much loss and harm befell upon him by following Imam Ali, Mo’aviyeh asked him, “What happened to your sons Tarfe, Tarif, and Taaref.

Adi replied, “In Siffain, side by side of Imam Ali, they became shaheed.”

Mo’aviyeh slyly retorded, “Ali did not follow justice with you.”

Adi replied, “Why?”

“Becasue he threw your sons in front of the battle field and he hid his own sons behind.”

Adi replied, “It wasn’t Imam Ali that did not follow justice with me, it was I who wasn’t just with Imam Ali. “

Mo’aviyeh asked with confusion, “Why?”

Adi answered, “Because he died and I stayed alive, I should have sacrificed my own life when Imam Ali was still alive.”

Mo’aviyeh saw that his intention hadn’t come true. In a way he was very inclined to hear about Imam Ali’s characteristics and qualities from the people who learned these things from Imam Ali by being at his side, countless nights and days. He begged Adi to describe Imam Ali’s qualities to him just like when Adi saw it himself. Adi replied, “Don’t bother me.”

Mo’aviyeh retorted, “You have to explain it to me.”

Then Adi finally describes Imam Ali as, “I swear to god, Imam Ali was very open minded and powerful. He spoke with justice. Knowledge and wisdom poured from his essence. He hated the hypocrisy, deceit, and the light of the world and he was friends with the night and the loneliness of the night. He cried a lot and thought a lot. Whenever he was alone he took tried harder to take control of his nafs and he thought of the disappointing recollections he had. He wore small clothing and lived a destitute life. When he was amongst us he became like one of us. Whenever we wanted something from him he would accept and whenever we went to visit him he would keep us close and he wouldn’t distance himself from us. His reverence and grace was so much that we were reluctant to speak and converse in front of him and he was so great that we couldn’t stare at him. When he smiled his teeth shone just like diamonds. He respected the honest believers and he was friendly with the indigent and the helpless. Neither the strong had a fearful oppression of him nor the helpless was disappointed of his justice. I swear to god! One night I saw him with my own two eyes standing for prayer in the adytum and when the darkness of the night had engulfed everything, his tears were rolling down his face and beard. Just like a snake he turned (In the process of crying). And he would escape and run just like the afflicted.

I think I can hear his voice (Metaphorically), he talked to the world saying, ” O world, you have come to show me yourself! Go and trick someone else. Your materialistic happiness does not matter the least to me.” He sighed loudly then continued, “I sigh from the few little good deeds that I have, from the long journey of my life that I have to undergo successfully, and from the small amount of companions.”

When the explanation of Adi reached this point, uncontrollable tears rolled down Mo’aviyeh’s face. After a while, he dried his tears with his sleeves and said, “May Allah bless Abu- Hassan. His actions were just as you explained. Now tell me, what are your feelings at the loss of him?”"

Adi replied sorrowfully, “Juts like a mother whose dearest child, was laid decapitated on her lap.”

Mo’aviyeh unsurprised by what Adi said asked his final question, “Are you ever going to forget him?”

Adi said, “Is the world ever going to let me forget him?”

There is no one that can live his whole life alone. Socializing plays a big role in every human beings life. Either in school, sport activities, jobs and …. The next step after socializing is friendship.

We talked about a few examples of weakness and who do we call a weak person,
but who is a weak person in Imam Ali’s(PBUH)sayings
(Nahjul-Balaghe – wisdom 12)

اعجز الناس من عجز عن اکتساب الاخوان و اعجز منه من ضیع من ظفر به منهم

The weakest person is the one that can not find friends, and weaker than that is the one who makes friends but loses them.

We finished our class by watching a few minutes of Imam Reza’s(AS) movie. The part where Imam(AS) has an inter-faith debate.