6th al-Muharram al-Haraam

On the 6th of al-Muharram al-Haraam, 1448 H, al-Dai al-Ajal al-Fatimi Syedna Aali Qadr Mufaddal Saifuddin TUS presided over the waʿz majlis, during which archival recordings were screened for the gathering. The majlis featured video and audio recordings of al-Dai al-Ajal al-Fatimi Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin’s RA waʿz mubarak from 6th al-Muharram al-Haraam 1412 H, in addition to an audio excerpt from a waʿz mubarak of al-Dai al-Ajal al-Fatimi Syedna Taher Saifuddin RA.

Al-Dai al-Ajal al-Fatimi Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin TUS addressed the congregation as the jamaʿat of Mumineen and the jamaʿat of Muslimeen - Mumineen are always Muslimeen. It was appropriate that this be the address since Rasul Allah SAW had declared that, “I am the first of Muslimeen,” and just as numbers stem from the number one, all Muslimeen owe their existence to the first Muslim: Rasul Allah SAW.

Rasul Allah SAW had stated that simply uttering the words, “La ilaha illa Allah”, ensures the protection of one’s life and property. However, what is in one’s heart is for Allah to know and reward. To state the kalima alone, however, does not guarantee entry into jannat. That is reserved for those who profess the kalima with sincere and pure intent — ikhlaas. Syedna Burhanuddin RA went on to describe the eloquence of Rasul Allah’s SAW words, explaining that they were replete with meaning and depth unlike any other.

Sincerity is accrued through actions, specifically those actions that are considered maʿruf - good actions, but the goodness or evil of an act is not something that every individual can decide for themselves. Al-hasanat, good, and al-sayyiʾat, evil, are intrinsically linked with the love or enmity of Allah’s Wali. As such, hasanat, as Imam declared, is Wali Allah’s AS love, and sayyiʾat, is his enmity. 

Events associated with the night of meʿraj reflect the unparalleled stature of Rasul Allah SAW. Rasul Allah SAW is never addressed in the Quran by his name, “Ya Mohammed.” It was only on the night of meʿraj, the night of his ascent to the heavens, that he was called upon in this way. Syedna al-Dai al-Ajal TUS explained that being addressed in this manner in the heavens was indicative of the stature in which Nabi Mohammed SAW had arrived. This form of address signifies a unique reverence, owing to the divine secrets bestowed upon him during that sacred night, and alludes to exalted matters of the heavens. On that night, Rasul Allah SAW was addressed as follows: “O Mohammed! You are the root of the tree [of faith], Ali is its branches, Hasan and Husain are its fruits. You have all been created from the teenat (clay) of ‘illiyyeen (the most lofty of beings), and I have made your Shia from you and of you; hence, their hearts perpetually long for you.”

Further emphasising the distinguished position of Amirul Mumineen AS and the ultimate success of those who remain loyal to him, Syedna al-Mifdaal RA narrated the riwayat of Abu Rafiʿ who stated that Amirul Mumineen AS shared his concern to Rasul Allah SAW about the hatred of Quraysh toward him and their envy of him. Rasul Allah SAW responded:

“Are you not pleased, O Ali, that you are my brother, and that you and I will be among the first four to enter jannat: I, you, Hasan, and Husain; and our descendants will be behind us, and our Shia will be to our right and left? Indeed, you and your Shia will come to me at the Hawdh, quenched and well-satisfied; whereas your enemies will come to me thirsty, being denied the privilege of the Hawdh.”

Syedna RA then explained the importance of Islam, particularly the preservation of unity and strength within the broader Muslim community. He stated that Islam is like a tree, while iman is its fruit. For the fruit to flourish, the tree must remain strong. How can iman endure without Islam? Islam is that which Rasul Allah SAW laboured to establish, and it is therefore natural and incumbent upon his Ahle Bayt AS to uphold and safeguard it.

Awliya Allah AS have always championed the cause of Islam and protected it from attacks and denigration. Regardless of the trials and tribulations they face, they endure all hardships to preserve and serve Islam. The Duat Mutlaqeen AS likewise devoted themselves fully to the cause of Islam. Syedna Taher Saifuddin RA, in numerous instances, toiled and sacrificed to preserve the sanctity and spirit of Islam. He would say that regardless of difficult circumstances and personal sacrifice, Islam belongs to us and must be preserved and served at all costs.

When asked about the wisdom behind prioritising the broader welfare of Islam, Syedna Taher Saifuddin RA explained that Islam is the source of all benefit, and we must do whatever is necessary to advance its cause. Syedna al-Muqaddas RA illustrated this principle through a ruling of Amirul Mumineen AS.

Two women seeking judgment approached him, each claiming a newborn baby boy as her own. Amirul Mumineen AS asked them both who was the true mother of the boy; they both claimed they were. When neither relented, he insinuated that he would divide the child into two halves, so that each could have their share. Upon hearing this, the true mother immediately cried out: “Give this woman my child, but please spare him this fate.” Thus, the truth became clear. The real mother could not bear to see her child harmed, even if it meant losing him. Such is the love of a mother: she will protect her child at all costs, regardless of personal sacrifice. Similarly, Awliya Allah AS are the true guardians of Islam. They will make sacrifices for its cause, without hesitation or regret.

Imam Jaʿfar al-Sadiq AS relates that during the time of Amirul Mumineen AS, a man approached him while he was seated in the masjid in Kufa. The man was beset with confusion about the meaning of the following ayat:

وَاسْأَلْ مَنْ أَرْسَلْنَا مِن قَبْلِكَ مِن رُّسُلِنَا أَجَعَلْنَا مِن دُونِ الرَّحْمَٰنِ آلِهَةً يُعْبَدُونَ

“Ask any of the rusul whom we sent before you, whether we have ever allowed that deities other than al-Rahman be worshipped.” (43:45)

He asked how Rasul Allah SAW could ask the anbiya and rusul of the past. Amirul Mumineen AS invited the man to sit and then began his exposition with the following ayat:

سُبْحَانَ الَّذِي أَسْرَىٰ بِعَبْدِهِ لَيْلًا مِّنَ الْمَسْجِدِ الْحَرَامِ إِلَى الْمَسْجِدِ الْأَقْصَى الَّذِي بَارَكْنَا حَوْلَهُ لِنُرِيَهُ مِنْ آيَاتِنَا

“Glory be to Allah who took his servant for a journey by night from Masjid al-Haraam to Masjid al-Aqsa (the farthest masjid), whose precincts we have blessed so that we might show him some of our signs.” (17:1)

During the night of meʿraj (Rasul Allah’s SAW ascent to the heavens), Jibraʾeel led Rasul Allah SAW to Masjid al-Aqsa. There, at a nearby spring, Jibraʾeel performed wudhu and asked Rasul Allah SAW to do the same. He then gave the azaan and instructed Rasul Allah SAW to lead the gathering in prayer, especially requesting that he raise his voice during qiraʾat so that the multitudes of angels who had gathered would be able to hear him. Rasul Allah SAW advanced and commenced the namaaz without even a hint of fear or apprehension. Behind him, in the first row, stood all one hundred and twenty-four thousand of Allah’s anbiya. As soon as the namaaz ended, Allah revealed the aforementioned verse upon Rasul Allah SAW, instructing him to ask all the anbiya and rusul of the past, whether He had ever permitted that deities other than Him be worshipped. Rasul Allah SAW posed the question as directed; the anbiya responded in unison, professing the kalimat al-shahada and affirming that there never was nor could ever be any deity except for Allah, and that Mohammed was his rasul and Ali AS his wasi (legatee). 

Imam AS was once asked whether there was any sign of Amirul Mumineen’s AS shahadat. He replied that on that fateful day, not a stone was lifted in Bait al-Muqaddas, but fresh blood appeared from beneath it.

A group of religious men once came to Rasul Allah SAW and asked him that Allah spoke to Nabi Musa AS, distinguished Ibrahim Nabi AS as His khaleel (friend), and chose Nabi ʿEesa AS as al-ruh al-quds (the holy ghost), “What then did he give you, O Mohammed?” Rasul Allah SAW began to draw deep breaths, and those observing him came under the impression that he was angered by the question. On the contrary, he was receiving wahy (divine guidance) and remained silent for a while. He then responded by stating that Allah had indeed made Ibrahim Nabi AS his khaleel, but He had made Rasul Allah SAW his habeeb (beloved) and his chosen one. Rasul Allah SAW and Adam Nabi AS were both fashioned from the same clay. While Nabi Musa AS spoke to Allah, he did so from behind the veil, whereas Rasul Allah SAW spoke to Allah directly and was spoken to by Allah; he beheld Allah, and Allah likewise beheld him. Finally, just as Nabi ʿEesa AS raised the dead from their graves, Rasul Allah SAW could do the same if they wished. 

He called Amirul Mumineen AS and informed him of what had transpired. He then taught him a duʿa which could raise the dead from their graves, and, adorning Amirul Mumineen AS with his own pagri and zulfaqar, he said to him, “Go with these people to Jannat al-Baqiʿ.” Amirul Mumineen AS led them to the graveyard and began to recite the duʿa he had been taught by Rasul Allah SAW. In an instant, the ground began to tremble, and the graves began to cave in. Awestruck and shaken, the group cried out for Amirul Mumineen AS to stop and sought his forgiveness for their insubordination. Amirul Mumineen AS made them realise that their defiance was not against him but against Rasul Allah SAW, and so they came to Rasul Allah SAW to seek his forgiveness. Rasul Allah SAW likewise reminded them that, in essence, their disobedience was not against him but against Allah. He then forgave them their transgressions and instructed Amirul Mumineen AS to restore the graves to their original state. 

Of the 28 battles fought during the time of Rasul Allah SAW to establish Islam, there were 9 battles in which he was personally present. Among his numerous victories, the conquest of Makkah holds a singular place, and as such, Syedna Burhanuddin RA exclaimed that it was befitting to recall the glories of that consequential episode in the history of Islam. Rasul Allah SAW set forth from Madina leading an army of ten thousand soldiers. He prayed to Allah that his advance would be concealed from his foes and that their spies and informers would remain oblivious. Abbas bin Abdul Muttalib, Rasul Allah’s SAW uncle, lived in Makkah at the time and was on the outskirts of the city when he saw Rasul Allah’s SAW forces approaching. He was concerned about what would befall the people of Makkah if they were caught unawares, and so he raced back to the city with the intention of warning the people and preventing bloodshed. He met Abu Sufyan and his companions, who were out spying and gathering information. Abbas informed Abu Sufyan of what he had seen and warned him that he would be the first to be slain if he continued to oppose Rasul Allah SAW. Abbas invited Abu Sufyan to join him in his mule’s saddle, and they both rode to Rasul Allah’s SAW encampment. Rasul Allah SAW asked Abbas to bring Abu Sufyan to him the next morning. When morning dawned, Abbas brought Abu Sufyan to Rasul Allah’s SAW presence. He asked him, “Is it not time that you accept that there is no deity save Allah?” Abu Sufyan employed flattery but did not profess the kalima. Rasul Allah SAW then asked him, “Is it not time that you accept that I am Allah’s messenger?” Once again, Abu Sufyan uttered adulations but refrained from professing the kalima. Abbas warned him that he would lose his head if he continued to desist, and so out of fear, Abu Sufyan professed the kalima. Abbas then asked Rasul Allah SAW to give Abu Sufyan something which he could be proud of, for his was a disposition of excessive pride and boastfulness. Rasul Allah SAW instructed him to inform the people of Makkah that all those who sought refuge within the haram would remain unharmed, all those who stayed in their homes would remain unharmed, and finally, all those who sought refuge in Abu Sufyan’s house would come to no harm. Jubilant, Abu Sufyan rode back to Makkah and informed the people of Rasul Allah’s SAW advance and his stipulations for those who sought peace and safety. He proudly announced that all those who sought refuge in his house would be safe, stoking the ire of the people. He was eventually compelled to mention Rasul Allah’s SAW two other conditions, and thus the people of Makkah sought refuge in their own homes. 

When Rasul Allah SAW entered Makkah, he named certain individuals who were to be slain even if they sought refuge under the curtains of the Kaaba. Amirul Mumineen AS found two such men at the home of his sister Ummehani, who had given them refuge. Seeing the two men, Amirul Mumineen AS drew his sword, but his sister implored him to sheathe his sword and spare the two men, taking hold of his arm and disarming Amirul Mumineen AS of his sword. She then presented the two men before Rasul Allah SAW, informing him of what had transpired between her and Amirul Mumineen AS, and asked him to pardon the two men. Rasul Allah SAW obliged for the sake of Ummehani. When Amirul Mumineen AS returned, Rasul Allah SAW smiled and said to him, “Your sister has bested you today.” Amirul Mumineen AS concurred, prompting Rasul Allah SAW to state that if Abi Talib AS had been the progenitor of all mankind, everyone would have been strong and sturdy.

Rasul Allah SAW  came as the messenger of Allah Taʿala and as a dai – summoner to His cause. Amirul Mumineen AS stood by his side, equal in status and standing. Each revered the other, recognising that both of them are one and the same. During namaaz, one is required to stand with both feet together, side by side. Unless one is impaired, both feet must be together, underscoring the equal standing of both Rasul Allah SAW and Amirul Mumineen AS. 

Syedna Taher Saifuddin’s RA bayaan mubarak:

Al-Dai al-Ajal Syedna Taher RA stated that Rasul Allah SAW is the bearer of four ranks. He then mentioned that groups of four feature regularly in our discourse. He started his recollection with the four rivers of jannat: water, milk, khamr (wine) and honey, all of which flow by the barakat of Rasul Allah SAW. 

Syedna al-Muqaddas RA then recited a verse from a qasida he had penned:

مِلَتُّه عِمَارَةُ الدِّينِ والـ * ـدُّنيا وحُسْنُ الُخلْقِ وَالاَدَبِ 

Rasul Allah’s SAW creed is the betterment of deen, dunya, good character and etiquettes. 

Continuing his elaboration of how the number four is prevalent in all aspects of Rasul Allah’s SAW shariat, Syedna Taher Saifuddin RA referenced the bayaan mubarak of Imam Ahmed al-Mastur AS in the Rasaʾil Ikhwan al-Safaʾ (Epistles of the Brethren of Purity). Imam AS states that the completion of deen and dunya for those who follow the shariat, lies in four qualities: 

  1. The exercise of intellect which enables one to differentiate between good and bad and thereafter call towards good and forbid the bad.
  2. Following the example of the bearer of the shariat in every instance: in word, deed and etiquette. For instance, Rasul Allah SAW has mandated five faraiz throughout the day, and therefore, one should pray no more than five.
  3. Each individual should be well acquainted with the wasiyyat (counsels) and books of the bearer of the shariat. Syedna RA then elaborated on an interesting nuance in meaning. He stated that the bearer of the shariat must appoint a wasi (legatee). It is incumbent upon every individual to follow the wasi and imam, just as they follow the imam of a masjid when praying namaaz, neither preceding him in action nor falling behind. They must act in unison with him. 

This devotion to the imam was explained with the example of a moth that stays true to a flame and never leaves its side. He then narrated that there once was a housefly that came to the leader of the moths, asking to be accepted as a member of their kind. The leader of the moths told the housefly that it would never be one of them, but the housefly insisted, and so the leader of the moths said nothing. When night fell, he called the housefly and asked it to go and check if the lamps had been lit in the village. The housefly went and came back, informing the leader of the moths that indeed the lamps in the village had been lit. Immediately, the moth told the housefly that it could never join their ranks because if it were a true moth, it would never have returned. In returning, the housefly had made it evident that it was indeed a housefly and not a moth. 

  1. Every jamaʿat should have a leader and a set of rules that govern the actions of the people. 

Syedna Taher Saifuddin RA then quoted Amirul Mumineen AS who stated, "The one who is given four will not be denied four:" 

  1. The one who has been granted duʿa will not be denied its acceptance. Syedna RA stated, ‘Allah will answer your prayers, do not become disillusioned, do not say that I pray so much yet my prayers go unanswered. There must be something wrong in your prayers; you may be reading the ʿirab incorrectly, or you are not taking the wasila of those whose wasila should be taken. If so, how can He answer you? Be sure to take a wasila and then pray. If one does not knock on the correct door but instead knocks on the back door, who will hear him? 
  2. The one bestowed with repentance will not be deprived of its acceptance. 
  3. The one granted istighfar will not be refused forgiveness, and,
  4. The one who has been given gratitude will not be denied further blessings. On behalf of Allah Taʿala, the Quran assures us:

لَئِن شَكَرْتُمْ لَأَزِيدَنَّكُمْ ۖ وَلَئِن كَفَرْتُمْ إِنَّ عَذَابِي لَشَدِيدٌ

“If you are grateful, surely I will grant you more, and if you are thankless, then verily My punishment will be severe.” (14:7)

Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin RA narrated the shahadat of Maulana Ali Akbar AS with heartrending fervour. When Ali Akbar AS saw that his uncle had fallen in his final service to Imam Husain AS, he turned to his father, imploring him not to be denied that same honour. “You are my support after Abbas and my daang  (cane), and you resemble Rasul Allah SAW,” said Imam Husain AS. When he finally succumbed to his son’s pleas, Imam Husain’s AS tears flowed incessantly, and despite the burning thirst of three days, his beard was moist with his tears. At this point, Maulana Burhanuddin RA addressed the gathered, saying, “If Husain’s AS eyes are moist with tears, then how could Mumineen’s eyes not be the same?” Ali Akbar AS rode into battle with the valour of his grandfather, Amirul Mumineen AS, who was known as karrar, the warrior who never retreated. 

Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin RA recited the nawha where every word reverberated through the hearts of Mumineen. “Will you not weep for the Imam who was Rasul Allah’s SAW heart and whose shahadat tore upon the heart of iman and Islam?” And those words pierced the hearts of everyone present in both 1412H and today in 1448H, such was their profound effect.  

After reciting Imam Husain’s AS shahadat, Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin RA retold the final anguished moments of Rasul Allah’s SAW earthly existence. Rasul Allah SAW lay in his chambers, surrounded by his family and loyal disciples. Each one told of a dream that they had seen the night before. Imam Hasan AS  saw a great tree whose branches spread far and wide and bore sweet fruit, but suddenly it fell, its branches broken and its fruits lost. Rasul Allah SAW explained that it meant that he was the tree of knowledge who had provided shade and sustenance for all these years, and now the time had come for them to bid farewell, and they would remember all that they had gained from him. Imam Husain AS told of a vision he saw where a river, filled with cool waters, was flowing and in a moment, it dried up. Rasul Allah SAW was the river of knowledge that would now cease to flow. Maulatona Fatema AS dreamt that she was donned in black garbs and Rasul Allah SAW foretold that in the aftermath of his passing, she would dress in black as the sorrow of her father’s departure would engulf her. Salmaan RA too saw a dream where he saw the meʾzanat of the masjid had fallen. Rasul Allah SAW divulged that he was the meʾzanat of deen and his passing represented its broken state. Abuzer RA spoke of his dream where he saw a splendid lamp whose resplendent radiance reflected a spectrum of colours, but then its flame was extinguished. Rasul Allah SAW explained that it was he who was that light source for all of Creation and whose time to be extinguished had drawn near. Ammar RA had seen something the night before that deeply perturbed him. Throngs of Mumineen were crying out for help, but with no one to hear their pleas and cries. Rasul Allah SAW revealed that he was the refuge for Mumineen and their sanctuary, but no longer. Finally, Miqdaad RA spoke of his night’s vision, where a masjid lay in ruins. Rasul Allah SAW disclosed that the masjid of knowledge had been maintained and supported by him, and as he now said farewell, this masjid of knowledge would cease to be. 

May Allah Taʿala grace Syedna Taher Saifuddin RA and Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin RA with the finest recompense for their invaluable guidance, and bless their beloved mansoos and successor, Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin TUS with a long and prosperous life till the day of Qiyamat.