Hazrat Imam Mohamaad Ali Mehdi (A.S.)

BOOKS/TEXT MATERIAL AVAILABLE ON OTHER WEBSITES Imam Mahdi (A.J) Life of Imam Al-Mahdi (A.J.) The Awaited Saviour Al-Imam al-Mahdi The Just Leader of Humanity
NAME	:	Mohammed - The Name Sake of Prophet (saww)
IMAMAAT	:	12th (LAST) Imam from the Silsila-e-Imamaat
TITLE	:	Sahib-uz-Zamman,  Mehdi,  Mauood,  Qaim,  Imam-e-Asr, Baqiyat ullah
FATHER	:	Imam Hassan Askari (AS) - 11th Imam
MOTHER	:	Hazrat Bibi Narjis Khatoon (swa)
BIRTH DATE	:	15th Shaban, 256 Hijrah Iraq
AGE	:	Alive, Alhamdulliah
MINOR OCCULTATION	:	Ghaibat-e-Sughra 8th Rabi-ul-Awal 260 A.H.
MAJOR OCCULTATION	:	Ghaibat-e-Kubra 10th Shawwal 329 A.H.

* Ziyarat Of Hazrat Imam Mehdi Sahib-uz-Zaman (SA) is recited specially on Fridays

This Namaaz is highly effective to disperse calamities, and to remove hardships & difficulties. It is a 2 Raka't Namaaz (SALAT), prayed exactly like Fajr Namaaz, on Friday, with the following adjustments: (a) In 1st & 2nd raka't, while reciting Sooratul Faatih'ah, when you come to "Iyyaaka Naa'-Budu Wa Iyyaaka Nasta-e'en" recite it 100 times, & continue to recite the Soorah in full, & then recite Sooratul Ikhlaas. (b) After Salaam recite the following Dua'a: ENGLISH TRANSLATION: (DUA-E-FARAJ)(For Arabic Text please see "Mafateehul Jinaan")      O Allah send blessings on Muhammad and on the children of Mohammad.      In the name of Allah the Beneficent the Merciful.     My Allah! irretrievable is our plight,      Our helplessness causes pain & trouble, (now our) urgency has been laid bare (before Thee),      (all) hopes have been cut off, the (plentiful earth has shrunk (with very little to spare) for us,      the heavenly blessings have been withheld, we call upon Thee for help,      we refer our grief & sorrow to Thee,      we have full faith in Thee, in the time of distress as well as in good fortune.      O Allah, send blessings on Mohammed & on the children of Mohammed, the "Ulil Amr" (authority).      Obedience to whom has been made obligatory, through which their high status has been made known.      Therefore let there be joy after sorrow for us for their sake, right away, in the twinkle of an eye, more rapidly.      O Muhammed,      O Ali,      O Ali,      O Mohammed,      Give me enough, because both of you provide sufficiently.      & help me because both of you help & protect.      O Our Master,      O the Authority of our times (Saahibaz Zamaan)      Help! Help!      Come to my help,      Come to my help,      Come to my help,      in this hour,      in this hour,      Be quick,      Be quick,      Be quick,      O the Most Merciful, for the sake of Mohammed & his pure progeny.      O Allah, send blessings on Mohammed & on the children of Mohammed.

4 PHASES;  a. CHILDHOOD: Secretly nursed by his father upto a period of 5 years so that he may remain safe & secure from the harm of the enemies. And when his father was martyred in 260 Hijrah, the post of Imamate was shifted over to him.  b. THE SHORT & SMALL OCCULTANCE: Started from the year 260 Hijrah & ended in 329 Hijrah, coming to nearly 70 years.  c. THE LONG OR MAJOR OCCULTANCE: Began in the year329 Hijrah & till Allah pleases that he appears, it will continue on.  d. THE SHINNING PERIOD OF HIS ADVENT

Birth and Imamate      The promised Mahdi, who is usually mentioned by his title of Imam-i 'Asr (the Imam of the "Period") and Sahib al-Zaman (the Lord of the Age), is the son of the eleventh Imam. His name is the same as that of the Holy Prophet. He was born in Samarrah in 256/868 and until 260/872 when his father was martyred, lived under his father's care and tutelage. He was hidden from public view and only a few of the elite among the Shi'ah were able to meet him. After the martyrdom of his father he became Imam and by Divine Command went into occultation (ghaybat). Thereafter he appeared only to his deputies (na'ib) and even then only in exceptional circumstances. The Imam's Deputies      The Imam chose as a special deputy for a time Uthman ibn Sa'id Umari, one of the companions of his father and grandfather who was his confidant and trusted friend. Through his deputy the Imam would answer the demands and questions of the Shi'ah. After Uthman ibn Sa'id, his son Muhammad ibn Uthman Umari was appointed the deputy of the Imam. After the death of Muhammad ibn Uthman, Abu'l Qasim Husayn ibn Ruh Nawbakhti was the special deputy, and after his death Ali ibn Muhammad Simmari was chosen for this task. A few days before the death of Ali ibn Muhammad Simmari in 329/939 an order was issued by the Imam stating that in six days Ali ibn Muhammad Simmari would die. Henceforth the special deputation of the Imam would come to an end and the major occultation (ghaybat-i kubra) would begin and would continue until the day God grants permission to the Imam to manifest himself. The Two Occultations      The occultation of the twelfth Imam is, therefore, divided into two parts: the first, the minor occultation (ghaybat-i sughra) which began in 260/872 and ended in 329/939, lasting about seventy years; the second, the major occultation which commenced in 329/939 and will continue as long as God wills it. In a hadith upon whose authenticity everyone agrees, the Holy Prophet has said, "If there were to remain in the life of the world but one day, God would prolong that day until He sends in it a man from my community and my household. His name will be the same as my name. He will fill the earth with equity and justice as it was filled with oppression and tyranny."

* Rest assured that no one has a special relationship with Allah. Whoever denies me is not my follower. The appearance of the relief (Al-Faraj) depends solely upon Allah, therefore those who propose a certain time for it, are liars. As to the benefit of my existence in occultation, it is like the benefit of the sun behind clouds where the eyes do not see. Indeed my existence is an amnesty for the people of the earth. Pray much to Allah to hasten the relief, therefore in it also lies the release from your sufferings. * Our master of the time has said, "And because of me Allah removes the calamities from my Progeny & my Shias." Imam e Zamana (ATFS) also said, "And they should know that the truth is with us & in us." * (You) be an adornment for us and do not be a source of disgrace for us." * "I am the Mahdi. I am the Qaem of the time" (Bihar V.52 p.2)* I am the one who will fill it (the earth with justice as it would be full of tyranny". (Bihar, V.52, P.2) .* I am the reminder of Allah in His earth". I am the avenger from His enemies". (Bihar, v.52, p.24)* I am the seal of successors". And through me shall Allah, the Mighty and Glorious, drive away the calamities from my progeny and my Shia's". (Bihar, V,52, P.30)* Surely, I am indeed the (cause of) security for the inhabitant of the earth". (Bihar, V 53 p181) .* When Allah permits us to speak, truth will prevail and falsehood will vanish". (Bihar, V.53, p 196) .* And as for those who fix the time (of re-appearance) they are Iiars". (Bihar, V,53 p.181) .* Invoke more for the hastening of the re-appearance, for surely this is your safety". (Bihar) .* "There were none of my fore fathers except that the allegiance of the oppressive rulers of their times was in their necks". (i.e. the previous Imams were forced to pay allegiance). "As for deriving benefit from me in my occultation is like deriving benefit from the sun when it hides behind the clouds". (Bihar, V.53, p 181) .* And surely on my re-appearance, whenever I reappear, there will be no allegiance in my neck of any of the oppressive tyrants". (Bihar. V,53, p 181)* If any incident occurs (now) then refer for it to the narrators of our traditions. For surely, they are my proof on you and I am the proof of Allah upon them". (Bihar, V. 53, p 181) .* For surely our knowledge encompasses information about you and none of your news is concealed from us". (Bihar, V. 53, p 175)* Surely, we do not neglect your conditions nor are we forgetful of your remembrance". (Bihar, V. 53, p 175) .* Then each one of you should do those deeds which bring you closer to our love". (Bihar, V. 53, p 176) .* And you must refrain from (all such acts) which make you nearer to our displeasure and our anger". (Bihar 53/176) .* Then nothing keeps us away from them except that they attach to us what we dislike". (Bihar. 53/177) .* As for your wealth, we shall not accept it except that it should be purified (halaal). Then whoever wants, he can associate (with us) and whoever wants, he can sever". (Bihar, V 53 p 180) .* Whoever eats from our wealth (i.e. Khums) even an iota then he is taking fire in his abdomen and soon shall he be castled in it". (Bihar V.53, p 183) .* Allah's, the Mighty and the Glorious, Destinies are not overpowered, and His intentions are not rejected, and His Grace is not left behind". (Bihar 53/191) .* Seeking knowledge through any other means than us Ahle'Bait, tantamount to denial (in our mastership)". (Kitab Deen-o-Fitrat: Vol - 1) .* Surely Allah the Almighty, did not create the creatures in vain and did not provide them freedom without reason". (Bihar V 53/194) .* (Allah) sent Mohammad (s.a.w.s) as a mercy unto the worlds and completed his bounties. Through him". (Bihar ,53/194) .* And He sealed through him (Mohammad S.A) His prophets and sent him to the whole of mankind". (Bihar 53/194) .* Surely, the earth can never be void of a divine proof, whether, he is seen or hidden". (Bihar 53/91) .* Allah, Mighty and Glorious be He, has denied the truth any thing except perfection and falsehood except destruction". (Bihar, 53/193) .* Certainly there is no (physical) relationship between Allah, Mighty and Glorious be He and any body else". (Bihar 53/180)* Nothing is better than namaz to make shaitan bite the dust, then perform namaz and make Shaitan bite the dust". (Bihar 53/182) .* The thanks giving prostration is amongst the most necessary and obligatory Sunnah". (Bihar 53 - 161) .* I seek refuge in Allah from blindness after vision". (Bihar 53/191) .* And from staying off after guidance. And from the destructive acts and demolishing instigations". (Bihar 53/191)* "If you seek guidance you will be guided and if you search, you will find (the path)". (Kamaluddin Vol 2. P 502) .* "Then do not ask questions which do not hold any meaning for you". (Bihar,V53 p181) .* "And do not put yourself into (unnecessary) trouble in gaining knowledge in which you have sufficed yourself". (Bihar 53/181) .* "Surely the truth is with us and in us and non can say like this except us. And if any one says then he is a liar a deceiver. None claims thus other than us except a strayed and lost one. "Our hearts are the vessels of Allah's intentions". Then whenever He is pleased, We are pleased".

Hazrat Imam al-Hasan al-Askari (AS)

BOOKS/TEXT MATERIAL AVAILABLE ON OTHER WEBSITES Imam Hassan ibn Ali (AS) The Life of Imam al-Hasan al-Askari (AS)
NAME	:	Hasan
IMAMAAT	:	11th Imam from the Silsila-e-Imamaat
TITLE	:	Askari
FATHER	:	Imam Ali-un-Naqi (AS)-10th Imam
MOTHER	:	Hazrat Bibi Saleel
BIRTH DATE	:	8th Rabi-us-Sani or 24th Rabi-ul-Awal, 232 Hijrah
AGE	:	28 Years
DIED ON	:	8th Rabi-ul-Awal 260 Hijrah
DEATH PLACE	:	Iraq
HOLY SHRINE	:	Samarra IRAQ

* Ziyarat Of Hazrat Imam Hasan Askari (AS) is recited specially on Thursdays

It is a 4 Raka't Namaaz (SALAT) (a) In first raka't, recitation of Sooratul Faatih'ah, recite Sooratul Zilzaal 15 times. (b) In second raka't, after Sooratul Faatih'ah, recite Sooratul Ikhlaas 15 times. (c) After Salaam recite the following Dua'a: ENGLISH TRANSLATION:(For Arabic Text please see "Mafateehul Jinaan")      O Allah send blessings on Muhammad and on the children of Mohammad.      In the name of Allah the Beneficent the Merciful.     O my Allah!      I beseech Thee, because (all) praise is for Thee,      There is no God except Thou, the ever Foremost First, before all things, and Thou art Ever living Everlasting,      There is no God except Thou, nothing can sneak away from Thee, Thou, at all times exercises universal authority.      There is no God except Thou, Creator of that which is seen, & that which is not seen, fully aware of all things, not needing any source of information.      I beseech Thee, in the name of the benefits Thou distributes freely, & the bounties Thou bestow generously, (referring to the fact that) certainly Thou art Allah, the One & the Only Lord,      There is no God except Thou, the Beneficent, the Merciful.      And I Beseech Thee, (with sure belief that) Thou art Allah, There is no God except Thou, the Single Unique, the One & Ever-Independent, Who gives birth to no one, nor anyone gave birth to Him & there is none comparable (or like) unto Him      And I beseech Thee, (with sure belief that), There is no God except Thou, The Subtle, The All Aware, Vigilant and Enduring over every soul, so that it earns the daily bread & gather knowledge, the Preserver, the Protector.      And I beseech Thee, (with sure belief that) Thou art Allah, the Ever-Foremost, before existence of all things, The Ever-Lasting, after all things disappear, Who penetrates the heart of everything, the Punisher, the Rewarder, the Wise, the All-Knowing.      And I beseech Thee, (with sure belief that), Thou art Allah, there is no God except Thou, the Ever-living, the Ever-Lasting, the Cause, the Inheritance, the Compassionate, the Benefactor, Creator of the heavens & the earth, the Majestic Lord, the Loving Lord,      The Generous Lord,      The Honorable Lord,      The Sovereign Lord,      There is no God except Thou, Thy wisdom surrounds everything, & keeps count of all things,      Send blessings on Mohammed & on the children of Mohammed.

2 PHASES;  a. Before Imamate 22 years from 232 to 245 Hijrah.  b. After Imamate 6 years 254 to 260 Hijrah. He was constantly & permanently under observation in the prison of the devils of his age & was finally brutally martyred by poison.

Imam Hasan al-`Askari spent twenty-two years of his life under the patronage of his father , Imam `Ali al-Hadi (an-Naqi) after whose martyrdom he became his divinely commissioned Imam. Imam Hasan ibn `Ali al-`Askari , the son of the Tenth Imam , was born in 232/845 and according to some Shi`ite sources was poisoned and killed in 260/872 through the instigation of the `Abbasid caliph al-Mu`tamid. The Eleventh Imam gained the Imamate , after the death of his noble father , through Divine Command and through the decree of the previous Imams.      During the seven years of his Imamate , due to untold restrictions placed upon him by the caliphate , he lived in hiding and dissimulation (taqiyyah). He did not have any social contact with even the common people among the Shi'ites population. Only the elite of the Shia were able to see him. Even so , he spent most of his time in prison. There was extreme repression at that time because the Shi'ites population had reached a considerable level in both numbers and power. Everyone know that the Shia believed in the Imamate , and the identity of the Shi'ites Imams was also known. Therefore , the caliphate kept the Imams under its close supervision more than ever before. It tried through every possible means and through secret plans to remove and destroy them. Also , the caliphate had come to know that the elite among the Shia believed that the Eleventh Imam , according to traditions cited by him as well as his , forefathers , would have a son who was the promised Mahdi. The coming of the Mahdi had been foretold in authenticated hadith of the Prophet in both Sunni and Shi'ites sources. For this reason the Eleventh Imam , more than other Imams , was kept under close watch by the caliphate. The caliph of the time had decided definitely to put an end to the Imamate in Shi`ism through every possible means and to close the door to the Imamate once and for all. Therefore , as soon as the news of the illness of the Eleventh Imam reached al-Mu`tamid , he sent a physician and a few of his trusted agents and judges to the house of the Imam to be with him and observe his condition and the situation within his house at all times. After the death of the Imam , they had the house investigated and all his female slaves examined by the midwife.      For two years the secret agents of the caliph searched for the successor of the Imam until they lost all hope. The Eleventh Imam was buried in his house in Samarra' next to his noble father.

* Generosity has a limit, which when crossed becomes extravagance. * Caution has a limit which when crossed becomes cowardice. * Thriftiness has a limit, which when crossed becomes miserliness. * Courage has a limit, which when crossed becomes fool-hardiness.

Hazrat Imam Ali Un Naqi(A.S.)

BOOKS/TEXT MATERIAL AVAILABLE ON OTHER WEBSITES Imam Ali ibn Muhammad (AS) The Life of Imam ALI bin Muhammad AL-HADI (AS)
NAME	:	Ali
IMAMAAT	:	10th Imam from the Silsila-e-Imamaat
TITLE	:	Hadi, Naqi
FATHER	:	Imam Mohammed Taqi (AS)-9th Imam
MOTHER	:	Hazrat Bibi Samana
BIRTH DATE	:	2nd Rajab, 212 Hijrah-In Suryah (in the environs of Medina)
AGE	:	42 Years
DIED ON	:	26th Jumada 'th-thaniyah 254 Hijrah
DEATH PLACE	:	Iraq
HOLY SHRINE	:	Samarra IRAQ

* Ziyarat Of Hazrat Imam Ali-un-Naqi (AS) is recited specially on Wednesdays

It is a 2 Raka't Namaaz (SALAT) (a) In first raka't after recitation of Sooratul Faatih'ah, recite Sooratul YaaSeen. (b) In second raka't recite Sooratul Faatih'ah & Sooratul Rah'maan. (c) After Salaam recite the following Dua'a: ENGLISH TRANSLATION:(For Arabic Text please see "Mafateehul Jinaan" or go to www.duas.org)      O Allah send blessings on Muhammad and on the children of Mohammad.      In the name of Allah the Beneficent the Merciful.     O The Foremost Beneficent!      O Object of Love!      O He Who sees every unseen!      O He Who is near without being away (from any other thing)      O He Who (always) prevails (but) is never over powered!      O He Whom no one knows how He is, except He!      O He Whose authority no one can challenge!      I beseech Thee,      O my Allah, in Thy name, well guarded, treasured, concealed, from whom Thou wills Pure, Purified, Holy, Pure Light, Ever living, Everlasting, Greatest, Light of the Heavens, & Light of the earth, knower of the unseen, All-Aware, Highest, Sublime, Glorious!      Send blessings on Mohammed & on the children of Mohammed.

THE TENTH Holy Imam, like his father, was also elevated to the rank of Imam in his childhood. He was six years old when his father Imam Muhammad al-Jawad died. After the death of al-Ma'mun, al-mu`tasim succeeded him, and was later followed by the caliph al-Wathiq. In the first five years of the reign of al- Wathiq, Imam Ali al-Hadi (an-Naqi) lived peacefully. After al-Wathiq, al-Mutawakkil came to power. Being too occupied in State affairs, al-Mutawakkil did not get any time to harass the Imam and his followers for four years. But as soon as he freed himself from State affairs, he started to molest the Imam. The Holy Imam devoted himself to the sacred mission of preaching in Medina and did thus earn the faith of the people as well as their allegiance and recognition of his great knowledge and attributes. This reputation of the Imam evoked the jealousy and malice of al-Mutawakkil against him. The governor of Medina wrote to al-Mutawakkil that Imam      `Ali al-Hadi had been maneuvering a coup against the government and a multitude of Shi'ites were pledged to his support." Although enraged by this news al-Mutawakkil still preferred the diplomacy of not arresting the Holy Imam. Under the garb of pretended respect and love towards the Imam, he planned to put him under life imprisonment after inviting him to his palace. Prior to his imprisonment, in a series of correspondence with the Imam, he expressed the view that he was convinced of all the claims of the Imam and was ready to settle them amicably.  He wrote to the Imam that having been acquainted with his great personality, his matchless knowledge and his peerless attributes, he was impatiently looking forward to the honor of seeing him, and he most cordially invited him to Samarra'. Although the Imam was well aware of al-Mutawakkil's treacherous intentions, he anticipating the fatal consequences of refusing the offer, reluctantly decided to leave Medina. But when the Imam arrived at Samarra' and al-Mutawakkil was informed about it, he took no notice of the Imam's arrival. when asked about where the Imam should stay, he ordered that the Imam should be put up in the inn meant for beggars, destitute and homeless people.al-Mutawakkil who was a deadly enemy of the Ahlu 'l-bayt, removed the Imam from this inn and entrusted him to the custody of a stone-hearted brute named Zurafah. But, by the grace of Allah, his enmity was, in a short time, transformed into love and devotion for the Imam. When al-Mutawakkil learnt about it, he shifted the Imam into the custody of another cruel man called Sa'id. The Imam remained under his strict vigilance for a number of years, during which he was subjected to boundless tortures. But even in this miserable imprisonment, the Imam kept devoting himself at all times to the worship of Allah. The watchman of the prison used to comment that Imam      `Ali al-Hadi seemed to be an angel in human garb". When Fath ibn Khaqan became the vizier of al-Mutawakkil, he being a Shi`ah could not stand the idea of the Imam's captivity. He endeavored to have him released from imprisonment and arranged for his comfortable residence in a personally purchased house at Samaraa'. Still al-Mutawakkil could hardly refrain from his antagonism to the Imam and he appointed spies to watch the Imam and his connections. But through all these attempts, his hope of creating some fabrication to prove the Imam's activity against himself could not be realized. In the time of al-Mutawakkil there was a woman named Zaynab who claimed to be a decendant of Imam Husayn. al-Mutawakkil sought the confirmation of Zaynab's claim from the Imam and said :      "That as the beasts are prohibited to eat the flesh of the descendants of Imam Husayn he would throw Zaynab to the beasts and test her claim.'' On hearing this, Zaynab began to tremble and confessed that she was a fake. al-Mutawakkil then ordered the Imam to be thrown to the beasts to test the claim. To his great surprise, he witnessed the beasts prostrating their heads before the Imam.      Once al-Mutawakkil happened to suffer from a serious malady which was eventually declared incurable by his physicians. When the Imam was approached for some remedy, he prescribed an application which resulted in a spontaneous cure. Once al-Mutawakkil was informed that the Imam was preparing a revolt against him. Thereupon, he ordered a detachment of the army to launch a raid on the Imam's residence. When the soldiers entered his house, they found him sitting on a mat, reciting the Holy Qur'an. Not only al-Mutawakkil, but his successors' opposition to the Imam was fierce. After the death of al-Mutawakkil, al-Mustansir, al-Musta`in and al-Mu`tazz carried on the same mission of harassment against the family of the Imam. al-Mu`tazz, understanding the uncontrollable and intense devotion of the people towards the Imam, eventually contrived the Imam's assassination. He got him poisoned through an ambassador which resulted in the Imam's death within a few hours. The martyrdom occurred on 26th Jumada 'th-thaniyah 254 AH, and his funeral prayer was conducted by his son, Imam Hasan al-`Askari. The Imam was only forty-two years old at the time of death. The period of his Imamate was thirty-five years. He was buried in Sammarra' Iraq.

Al-Imam al-Hadi, peace be on him, said to al-Mutawakkil, the Abbasid caliph; "Do not expect honesty and purity of intention from someone who has suffered from your malice; do not do expect loyalty form one to whom you have been disloyal; do not expect goodwill from someone whom you regard with ill-will; his heart towards you is the same as your heart towards him".

Hazrat Imam Muhammad Taqi(A.S.)

BOOKS/TEXT MATERIAL AVAILABLE ON OTHER WEBSITES Imam Muhammad ibn Ali (a.s.) The Life of Imam Muhammad Al-Jawad (AS)
NAME	:	Mohammed
IMAMAAT	:	9th Imam from the Silsila-e-Imamaat
TITLE	:	Jawaad, Taqi, Abu Jaffer
FATHER	:	Imam Ali Reza (AS)-8th Imam
MOTHER	:	Hazrat Bibi Khaizran
BIRTH DATE	:	10th Rajab 193 Hijrah Medina
AGE	:	25 Years
DIED ON	:	29th Zilhajh year 220 lunar Hijrah
DEATH PLACE	:	Baghdad (IRAQ)
HOLY SHRINE	:	Kazmain near Baghdad

* Ziyarat Of Hazrat Imam Mohammed Taqi (AS) is recited specially on Wednesdays

It is a 6 Raka't Namaaz (SALAT) (a) In each raka't recite Sooratul Faatih'ah, recite Sooratul Ikhlaas 70 times. (b) After Salaam recite the following Dua'a: ENGLISH TRANSLATION:(For Arabic Text please see "Mafateehul Jinaan")      O Allah send blessings on Muhammad and on the children of Mohammad.      In the name of Allah the Beneficent the Merciful.     O my Allah!      Lord of the fleeting frail souls, & perishable bodies!      I beseech Thee, in the name of willing return of souls to their bodies and the obedient joining of the bodies in their original form, in the name of Thy word summoning all of them before Thy court of justice, to hear & learn from them what actually they did; & the whole created beings standing before Thee waiting for Thy decisive judgment, hoping for Thy mercy, afraid of Thy punishment, to send blessings on Mohammed & on the children of Mohammed, & make me see things clearly & discern, have  sure belief in truth, remember Thee, day & night, & live a virtuous life, free of sins.      Oh Allah! Send blessings on Mohammed & on the children of Mohammed.

2 PHASES;  a. 7 years before Imamate  b. 17 years after commencements of Imamate coincident with the government of two Taghoots (devils) Mamoon & Motasim the seventh & eight Abbassade caliphs. His active Imamate started at the age of seven & he was martyred at 25.

IMAM MUHAMMAD al-Jawad (or at-Taqi) is the Ninth Apostolic Imam. His epithet was Abu Ja`far and his famous titles were al-Jawad and at-Taqi. Since Imam Muhammad al-Baqir, the Fifth Imam was called Abu Ja`far, historians have mentioned this Imam as Abu Ja`far the Second. Childhood      Imam Muhammad al-Jawad was brought up by his Holy father Imam `Ali ar-Rida for four years. Under the force of circumstances Imam `Ali ar-Rida had to migrate from Medina to Khurasan (Iran), leaving his young son behind him. The Imam was fully aware of the treacherous character of the ruling king and was sure that he would return to Medina no more. So before his departure from Medina he declared his son Muhammad al-Jawad as his successor, and imparted to him all his stores of Divine knowledge and spiritual genius. Imamate      Imam `Ali ar-Rida was poisoned on 17th Safar 203 AH and with effect from the same date Imam Muhammad al-Jawad was commissioned by Allah to hold the responsibility of Imamate. At the tender age of eight there was no chance or means of the young Imam reaching great heights of knowledge and practical achievements. But after a few days he is known not only to have debated with his contemporary scholars on subjects pertaining to fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence), hadith (tradition), tafsir (Qur'anic exegesis),etc. and outwitted them, but also to exhort their admiration and acknowledgment of his learning and superiority. Right from then the world realized that he possessed Divine knowledge and that the knowledge commanded by the Holy Imam was not acquired, but granted by Allah. Literary Attainments and Excellence      The span of the life of Imam Muhammad al-Jawad was shorter than that of his predecessors as well as his successors. He became Imam at the age of eight years and was poisoned at the age of twenty-five ; yet his literary attainments were many and he commanded great respect and esteem. The Holy Imam al-Jawad was the symbol of Prophet Muhammad's affability and Imam `Ali's attainments. His hereditary qualities comprised of gallantry, boldness, charity, learning, forgiveness and tolerance. The brightest and most outstanding phases of his nature and character were to show hospitality and courtesy to all without discrimination, to help the needy ; to observe equality under all circumstances, to live a simple life ; to help the orphans, the poor and the homeless ; to impart learning to those interested in the acquisition of knowledge and guide the people to the right path. Migration to Iraq      For the consolidation of his empire, it was realized by al-Ma'mun, the `Abbasid king, that it was necessary to win the sympathy and support of the Iranians who had always been friendly to the Ahlu 'l-bayt. Consequently, al-Ma'mun was forced, from a political point of view, to establish contacts with the tribe of Banu Fatimah at the expense of the ties with Banu `Abbas and thereby win the favor of the Shi`ah. Accordingly, he declared Imam `Ali ar-Rida as his heir even against the Imam's will and got his sister Umm Habibah married to him. al-Ma'mun expected that Imam `Ali ar-Rida would lend him his support in political affairs of the State. But when he discovered that the Imam was little interested in political matters and that the masses were more and more submitting themselves to him due to his spiritual greatness, he got him poisoned. Yet the exigency which directed him to nominate Imam `Ali ar-Rida as his heir a and successor still continued. Hence he desired to marry his daughter Ummu 'l-Fadl to Muhammad al-Jawad, the son of Imam `Ali ar-Rida and with this object in view, he summoned the Imam from Medina to Iraq. The Banu `Abbas were extremely disconcerted when they came to know that al-Ma'mun was planning to marry his daughter to Imam Muhammad al-Jawad. A delegation of some leading persons waited on him in order to dissuade him from his intention. But al-Ma'mun continued to admire the learning and excellence of the Imam. He would say that though Imam Muhammad al-Jawad was still young, yet he was a true successor to his father in all his virtues and that the profoundest scholars of the Islamic world could not compete with him. When the `Abbasids noticed that al-Ma'mun attributed the Imam's superiority to his learning they chose Yahya iba Aktham, the greatest scholar and jurist of Baghdad, to contend with him. al-Ma'mun issued a proclamation and organized a grand meeting for the contest which resulted in a huge gathering of people from all parts of the kingdom. Apart from noble and high officials, there were as many as nine hundred chairs reserved for scholars and learned men only. The world wondered how a young child could contest with the veteran judge in religious laws (qadi 'l-qudat) and the greatest scholar of Iraq. Imam Muhammad al-Jawad was seated beside al-Ma'mun on his throne face to face with Yahya ibn Aktham, who adderssed the Imam thus:      ``Do you permit me to ask you a question ?'' ``Ask me whatever you wish, ''said the Imam in the typical tone of his ancestors. Yahya then asked the Imam,      ``What is your verdict about a man who indulges in hunting while he is in the state of ihram.'' (In the code of religious law hunting is supposed to be forbidden for a pilgrim).      The Imam at once replied, ``Your question is vague and misleading. You should have definitely mentioned whether he hunted within the jurisdiction of the Ka`bah or outside ; whether he was literate or illiterate ; whether he was a slave or free citizen ; whether he was a minor or a major ; whether it was for the first time or he had done it previously ; also whether, that victim was a bird or some other creature ; whether the prey was small or big ; whether he hunted in the day or at night ; whether the hunter repented for his action or persisted in it ; whether he hunted secretly or openly ; whether the ihram was for `umrah or for hajj. Unless all these points are explained no specific answer can be given to this question.''      al-Qadi Yahya was staggered in listening to these words of the Imam and the entire gathering was dumbfounded. There was no limit to al-Ma'mun's pleasure. He expressed his sentiments of joy and admiration thus,      ``Bravo ! well done ! O Abu Ja'far ! (Ahsanta, ahsanta ya Aba Ja'far), your learning and attainments are beyond all praises.'' As al-Ma'mun wanted that the Imam's opponent be fully exposed, he said to the Imam,      ``You may also put some question to Yahya ibn Aktham.'' Then Yahya also reluctantly said to the Imam, ``Yes, you may ask me some question. If I know the answer, I will tell it ; otherwise, I shall request you to give its answer.'' There upon, the Imam asked a question to which Yahya could not reply. Eventually, the Imam answered his question. Then al-Ma'mun addressed the audience thus :      ``Did I not say that the Imam comes of a family which has been chosen by Allah as the repository of knowledge and learning ? Is there any one in the world who can match even the children of this family ?''  All of them shouted,      ``Undoubtedly there is no one parallel to Muhammad ibn `Ali al-Jawad.'' In the same assembly al-Ma'mun wedded his daughter Ummu 'l-Fadl to the Imam and liberally distributed charity and gifts among his subjects as a mark of rejoicing. One year after his marriage the Imam returned to Medina from Baghdad with his wife and there he set about preaching the Commandments of Allah. Death When after the death of al-Ma'mun, al-Mu'tasim ascended the throne, he got an opportunity to persecute the Imam and to ventilate spite and malice against him. He summoned the Imam to Baghdad. The Imam arrived at Baghded on 9th Muharram 220 AH and al-Mu'tasim got him poisoned in the same year.He died on 29th Dhi 'l-qi'dah 220 AH and was buried beside his grandfather, Imam Musa al-Kazim the Seventh Imam, in al-Kazimiyyah, in the suburb of Baghdad (Iraq).

* The trust in Allah is the price of everything that is precious and the ladder to every goal which is high & sublime. * One who follows his desire, concedes to the wishes of his enemy. * Do not be an apparent friend of Allah in open and a secret enemy of his in private.

Hazrat Imam Ali Raza (AS)

BOOKS/TEXT MATERIAL AVAILABLE ON OTHER WEBSITES  Imam Ali ibn Musa (AS) The Life of Imam Ali Ibn Musa al-Rida(AS) UYUN AKHBAR AL-REZA (Volumes 1&2)
NAME	:	Ali
IMAMAAT	:	8th Imam from the silsila-e-Imamaat
TITLE	:	Reza, Al-Raza, Badshah-e-Khorashan
FATHER	:	Imam Musa-e-Kazim (AS) - 7th Imam
MOTHER	:	Hazrat Bibi Najma
BIRTH DATE	:	11th Ziqaadah year 148 Hijrah Medina
AGE	:	55 Years
DIED ON	:	17th Safar, 203 Hijrah
DEATH PLACE	:	Iran
HOLY SHRINE	:	Mashad - IRAN

* Ziyarat Of Hazrat Imam Ali Reza (AS) is recited specially on Wednesdays

It is a 6 Raka't Namaaz (SALAT) (a) In each raka't recite Sooratul Faatih'ah, recite Sooratul Dahr (Hal Ataa) 10 times. (b) After Salaam recite the following Dua'a: ENGLISH TRANSLATION:(For Arabic Text please see "Mafateehul Jinaan")      O Allah send blessings on Muhammad and on the children of Mohammad.      In the name of Allah the Beneficent the Merciful.     O my Friend in my distress!      O my Beloved Favorite in my comforts!      O my Allah, and Allah of Ibrahim, & Ismaeel, & Ishaaq, & Yaaqob.      O Lord of "Kaaaf-Haa-Yaa-A'yyn-S'aad" & "Yaa Seeen" and the "Quranil Hakeem"      I beseech Thee,      O He Who grants favors to him who makes a request!      O He Who does good to Him who calls!      O He Who fills to over flowing whom He gives!      O Generous Merciful Who is implored & entreated!      I beseech Thee,      to Send blessings on Mohammed & on the children of Mohammed.

3 PHASES;  a. Before Imamate (35 Years), From 148 to 183 Hijah.  b. After Imamate 17 years in Medina  c. And three years in Khorasan, the most sensitive part of his political life as in this period. He had only a single son Imam JAWAD Who was seven years of age at the time of his martyrdom.

Imam Reza (Ali ibn Musa) was the son of the seventh Imam and according to well-known accounts was born in 148/765 and died in 203/817. The eight Imam reached the imamate, after the death of his father, through Divine Command and the decree of his forefathers. The period of his imamate coincided with the caliphate of Harun and then his sons Amin and Ma'mun. After the death of his father, Ma'mun fell into conflict with his brother Amin which led to bloody wars and finally the assassination of Amin, after which Ma'mun became caliph. Until that day the policy of the Abbasid caliphate toward the Shi'ites had been increasingly harsh and cruel. Every once in a while one of the supporters of Ali (alawis) would revolt, causing blood wars and rebellions which were of great difficulty and consequence for the caliphate.      The Shi'ites Imams would not cooperate with those who carried out the these rebellions and would not interfere with their after. The Shi'ites of that day, who comprised a considerable population, continued to consider the Imams as their religious leaders to whom obedience was obligatory and believed in them as the real caliphs of the Holy Prophet. They considered the caliphate to be far from the sacred authority of their Imams, for the caliphate had come to seem more like the courts of the Persian kings and Roman emperors and was being run by a group of people more interested in worldly rule than in the strict application of religious principles. The continuation of such a situation was dangerous for the structure of the caliphate and was a serious threat to it.      Ma'mun thought of finding a new solution for these difficulties which the seventy-year old policy of his Abbasid predecessors had not been able to solve. To accomplish this end he chose the eighth Imam as his successor, hoping in this way to overcome two difficulties: first of all to prevent the descendants of the Prophet from rebelling against the government since they would be involved in the government themselves, and secondly, to cause the people to lose their spiritual belief and inner attachment to the Imams. This would be accomplished by having the Imams become engrossed in worldly matters and the politics of the caliphate itself, which had always been considered by the Shi'ites to be evil and impure. In this way their religious organization would crumble and they would no longer present any dangers to the caliphate. Obviously, after accomplishing these ends, the removal of the Imam would present no difficulties to the Abbasid.      In order have this decision put into effect, Ma'mun asked the Imam to come to Marw from Medina. Once he had arrived there, Ma'mun offered him first the caliphate and then the succession to the caliphate. The Imam made his apologies and turned down the proposal, but he was finally induced to accept the successorship, with the condition that he would not interfere in governmental affairs or in the appointment or dismissal of government agents. This event occurred in 200/814. But soon Ma'mun realized that he had committed an error, for there was a rapid spread of Shi'ism a growth in the attachment of the populace to the Imam and an astounding reception given to the Imam by the people and even by the army and government agents. Ma'mun sought to find a remedy for this difficulty and had the Imam poisoned and martyred. After his death the Imam was buried in the city of Tus in Iran, which is now called Mashhad. Ma'mun displayed great interest in having works on the intellectual sciences translated into Arabic. He organized gatherings in which scholars of different religions and sects assembled and carried out scientific and scholarly debates. The eighth Imam also participated in these assemblies and joined in the discussions with scholars of other religions. Many of these debates are recorder in the collections of Shi'ites hadiths.

Doing 6 things without doing the other 6 things is self-mockery. * Asking forgiveness from Allah verbally without repenting with the heart. * Asking for Allah's help without undertaking any effort. * Making a firm resolution to do something without taking due precautions. * Beseeching deliverance from hell fire without refraining from lusts. * Asking Allah for paradise without enduring related hardships. * Remembering Allah without anticipating to encounter him. Imam Raza (AS) also said, "Nothing will weigh more heavier in the mizan than good morals" * "Listening to Music is one of the major sins" * "Meet one another so that affection may increase"

Hazrat Imam Musa Bin Ja'far al-Kazim(AS)

BOOKS/TEXT MATERIAL AVAILABLE ON OTHER WEBSITES Imam Musa ibn Jafar (AS) The Life of Imam Musa Bin Ja'far al-Kazim  (AS)
NAME	:	Musa
IMAMAAT	:	7th Imam from the silsila-e-Imamaat
TITLE	:	Abd-e-Saleh, Kazim, Babul Hawaij, Abul Hassan, Abu Ibrahim
FATHER	:	Imam Jaffer-as-Sadiq (AS)-6th Imam
MOTHER	:	Hazrat Hameeda Khatoon
BIRTH DATE	:	7th Safar 128 Hijrah at "ABWA" a place between Mecca & Medina
AGE	:	55 Years
DIED ON	:	25th Rajab 183 Hijrah
DEATH PLACE	:	IRAQ-In the Prison of Haroon Rashid in Baghdad
HOLY SHRINE	:	Kazmain, Near Baghdad

* Ziyarat Of Hazrat Imam Musa-e-Kazim (AS) is recited specially on Wednesdays

It is a 2 Raka't Namaaz (SALAT) (a) In each raka't recite Sooratul Faatih'ah, recite Sooratul Ikhlaas 12 times. (b) After Salaam recite the following Dua'a: ENGLISH TRANSLATION:(For Arabic Text please see "Mafateehul Jinaan")      O Allah send blessings on Muhammad and on the children of Mohammad.      In the name of Allah the Beneficent the Merciful.     My Allah! Submissive all voices are low & hushed before Thee. Lost & bewildered are minds and thoughts in Thy "supreme being".      Everything stands in awe of Thee.      Everything takes refuge with Thee.      In trouble & distress are all things if cut off from Thee.      Filled with Thy "Light" are all things.      Thou art Sublime in Thy majesty.      Thou art elegantly Resplendent in Thy graceful purity.      Thou art Absolute in Thy authority.      Thou art He Whom nothing can do any harm.      O Bestowed of bounties!      O Disperser of sorrows!      O Fulfiller of desires!      Give me what I desire, in the name of "There is no God except Thou".      I seek refuge with Thee, sincere in my faith for Thee, & live in the hope of Thy promise & surety, which have the credentials to give hope of Thy bounties, and forgiveness of sins, that cannot be done by anyone else.      O He Who is near & close at hand though highest, and in His nearness is the Highest High, in His splendor the Resplendent, and in His authority the most Powerful.      Send blessings on Mohammed & on the children of Mohammed.

2 PHASES;  a. the 1st era before Imamate spread out from 128to 148 Hijrah (20 years).  b. the 2nd period following his imamate from 148 to 183 Hijrah coincident with the ruler ship periods of Mansoor Dawanaqi, Mehdi Abbasi Hadi Abbasi & Haroon-ur-Rashid. The most of his Imamate period was coincident with the era of Haroon, which stretched as long as 23 years, 2 months & 17 days. And Haroon was the 5th caliph of the Abbasied Dynasity during whose period of rule the Imam mostly remained imprisoned.

Hazrat Imam Musa al-Kazim is the Seveth Apostolic Imam. His epithet was Abu 'l-Hasan and his famous title was al-Kazim. His matchless devotion and worship of God has also earned him the title of "Abdu 's-Salih'' (virtuous slave of God). Generosity was synonymous with his name and no beggar ever returned from his door empty handed. Even after his death, he continued to be obliging and was generous to his devotees who came to his holy tomb with prayers and behest which were invariably granted by God. Thus, one of his additional titles is also ``Babu 'l-Hawaij'' (the door to fulfilling needs). He was the son of Imam Ja`far as-Sadiq, the Sixth Imam. The name of his mother was Hamidah, the daughter of a noble man hailing from the States of Barbary. Childhood      Imam Musa al-Kazim passed twenty years of his sacred life under the gracious patronage of his holy father. His inherent genius and gifted virtues combined with the enlightened guidance and education from the Holy Imam ja`far as-Sadiq, showed in the manifestation of his future personality. He was fully versed with the Divine Knowledge even in his childhood. al-`Allamah al-Majlisi relates that once Abu Hanifah happened to call upon the holy abode of Imam Ja`far as-Sadiq to ask him about some religious matters ( masa'il ). The Imam was asleep and so he kept waiting outside till the Imam's awakening. Meanwhile, Imam Musa al-Kazim, who was then five years old, came out of his house. Abu Hanifah, after offering him his best compliment, enquired:      ``O the son of the Holy Prophet ! what is your opinion about the deeds of a man ? Does he do them by himself or does God make him do them ?'' ``O Abu Hanifah'', the five years old Imam replied at once, in the typical tone of his ancestors,      ``the doings of a man are confined to three possibilities. First, that God alone does them while the man is quite helpless. Second, that both God and the man do equally share the commitment. Third, that man does them alone. Now, if the first assumption is true, it obviously proves the unjustness of God who punishes His creatures for sins which they have not committed. And if the second condition be acceptable, even then God becomes unjust if He punishes the man for the crimes in which He is equally a partner. But the undesirability of both these conditions is evident in the case of God. Thus, we are naturally left with the third alternative to the problem that men are absolutely responsible for their own doing.'' Imamate       The Holy Imam Ja`far as-Sadiq breathed his last on 25th Shawwal 148 AH, and with effect from the same date Imam Musa al-Kazim succeeded the holy office of Immamate as the Seventh Imam. The priod of his Imamate continued for thirty-five years. In the first decade of his Imamate, Imam Musa al-Kazim could afford a peaceful execution of the responsibilities of his sacred office and carried on the propagation of the taachings of the Holy Prophet. But soon after, he fell a victim to the ruling kings and a greater part of his life passed in prison. Political Condition       Imam Musa al-Kazim lived under the most crucial times in the regimes of the despotic `Abbasid kings who were marked for their tyrannical and cruel administration. He witnessed the reings of ar-Mansur ad-Dawaniqi, al-Mahdi and Harun ar-Rashid. al-Mansur and Harun ar-Rashid were the despotic kings who put a multitude of innocent descendants of the Holy Prophet to the sword. Thousands of these martyrs were buried alive inside walls or put into horrible dark prisons during their lifetime. These depraved caliphs knew no pity or justice and they killed and tortured for the pleasure they derived from human sufferings. The Holy Imam was saved from the tyranny of al-Mansur because the king, being occupied with his project of constructing the new city of Baghdad, could not get time to turn towards victimizing the Imam. By 157 AH the city of Baghded was built. This was soon followed by the death of its founder a year later. After al-Mansur, his son al-Mahdi ascended the throne. For a few years he remained indifferent towards the Imam. When in 164 AH he came to Medina and heard about the great reputation of the Imam, he could not resist his jealousy and the spark of his ancestral malice against the Ahlu 'l-bayt was rekindled. He somehow managed to take the Imam along with him to Baghdad and got him imprisoned there. But after a year he realized his mistake and released the Imam from jail. al-Mahdi was succeeded by al-Hadi who lived only for a year. Now, in 170 AH, the most cruel and tyrannical king Harun ar-Rashid appeared at the head of the `Abbasid Empire. It was during his reign that the Holy Imam passed the greater part of his life in a miserable prison till ha was poisoned. Moral and Ethical Excellence       As regards his morality and ethical excellence, Ibn Hajar al-Haytami remarks :      ``The patience and forbearance of Imam Musa al-Kazim was such that he was given the title of `al-Kazim' (one who swallows down his anger). He was the embodiment of virtue and generosity. He devoted his nights to the prayers of God and his days to fasting. He always forgave those who did wrong to him,'' His king and generous attitude towards the people was such that he used to patronize and help the poor and destitute of Medina and provide for them cash, food, clothes and other necessitates of sustenance secretly. It continued to be a riddle for the receivers of gifts throughout the Imam's lifetime as to who their benefactor was, but the secret was not revealed until after his death. Literary Attainments      Time and circumstances did not permit the Holy Imam Musa al-Kazim to establish institutions to impart religious knowledge to his followers as his father, Imam Ja`far as-Sadiq and his grandfather, Imam Muhammad al-Baqir had done. He was never allowed to address a congregation. He carried on his mission of preaching and guiding people quietly. Death       In 179 AH, Harun ar-Rashid visited Medina. The fire of malice and jealousy against the Ahul 'l-bayt was kindled in his heart when he saw the great influence and popularity which the Holy Imam enjoyed amongst the people there. He got the Imam arrested while he was busy in prayer at the tomb of the Holy Prophet and kept him in prison in Baghded for a period of about four years. On the 25th Rajab 183 AH, he got the Imam martyred by poison. Even his corpse was not spared humiliation and was taken out of the prison and left on the Bridge of Baghdad. His devotees, however, managed to lay the holy body of the Imam to rest in al-Kazimiyyah ( Iraq ).

1. I found the knowledge of people in four things: firstly, that you know your LORD (recognition of Allah), Secondly, that you know it as to what factors He made use of in creating you, thirdly, that you know as to what does he want & intend from you, & fourthly that you learn what is it that will expel you from your religion. 2. Cursed is the one who backbites against one's brother (fellow Muslim). 3. Comprehend & understand the religion of Allah, for jurisprudence is the key to vision & the completion of worship & the cause of reaching the lofty grades & magnanimous station is the world & hereafter. And the superiority & magnanimity of jurisprudent over the adorer & worshiper is like that of the superiority of sun to the stars. And Allah does not get pleased with (accept) any practice of that person who does not achieve the comprehension & understanding of his religion. 4. Put in endeavor & exercise effort that your time is scheduled into four parts. A part for the supplication to Allah & an other part for the affairs of economy & livelihood & still another part for social contact with the brothers & the persons of confidence who may let you learn your short comings & faults & they have a sincere interior (heart) for you. And a part to enjoy the un forbidden & lawful entertainments. And with this part of time you get the strength of vigor for the (rest of) three other parts of time. 5. Oh Hisham! a man is not faithful till such time that he gets fearful (&) hopeful. And he will not become fearful & hopeful unless & until he becomes the conjuror & doer of that which he fears & hopes i.e. (He practices according to the requirement & needs of the fear & hope. 6. Indeed, the greatest & biggest of all the people in worth & value is the person who does not consider the world a station & abode for himself more over, there is no price & worth of your bodies except the paradise, so do not sell them without (achieving) it. 7. Bad is the person who has two faces & two tongues (double cross & hypocrite). He praises & commends his brother (in faith) in his presence & when he is absent he back bites & slanders him. If he achieves (something) he gets jealous of him & if he is afflicted he leaves & abandons him (Does not help him). 8. A person who does not observe any progress & development in himself, his two days are equal is a looser. 9. Oh Hisham! if there be a walnut in your hand & the people say it is a pearl, this will not provide you any benefit where as you know that, its a walnut. And if there is a pearl in your hand & people says, its a walnut, there would be no harm to you while you know that, that is a pearl. 10. Oh Hisham! there is a proof & logic for everything & the proof of that intelligent person is his meditation & the proof of meditation is quietness.