Ahlul Bayt in Noah’s Ark

Ahlul Bayt in Noah’s Ark

During the month of July 1951 a team of Russian archaeologist experts, were surveying the Valley of Kaaf. Perhaps they were busy in finding a new mine. They noticed a few pieces of rotten wood at a place. The group officer started digging the place. To his surprise he found heaps of wood pressed there under the earth. Experts by observing a few layers speculated that these woods are extraordinary and possess obscure mystery. 

They excavated the place with deep interest. They found quite a good amount of wood and many other things. They also found a long rectangular wooden plate. The experts were surprised to observe that this particular plate ad measuring 14” x 10”, was in far better condition among other wood which were on the verge of decomposition, due to aging. After investigation at the end of 1952, experts came to the conclusion that this particular plate belonged to Noah’s Ark, which had rested on the peak of Mount Calff (Judy). And the plate, on which a few words of some ancient language were inscribed, was fixed on the Ark. 



After it was proved that the wood found in the excavation are that of the Noah’s Ark, the curiosity as to what was written on the wooden plate was aroused. A board of experts was appointed by the Russian Government under its Research Department to investigate the language of the wooden plate. The Board started its work from the 27th of February 1953. Following were the members of this board:

Prof. Solomon (Sula Nouf), Professor of Languages, Moscow University
Prof. Ifahan Kheeno, scholar in ancient languages, Luluhan College, China
Mr. Mishaou Lu Farug. Officer I/c fossils, manager of ancient monuments
Mr. Taumol Goru, Professor of Languages, Cafezud/Kivzo College
Prof. De Pakan, Professor of ancient monuments, Lenin Institute
Mr. M. Ahmad Colad, Manager of general excavations and discoveries, Zitcomen Research Association
Major Cottor/Kolotov, Head of Stalin University

So these seven experts after eight months of research come to the conclusion that this plate was of the wood used in making Noah’s Ark and that the Prophet Noah had put this plate on his Ark for the safety of the Ark and for receiving favor of God. 

In the center of the plate, there is a drawing of a palm shape on which some words of ancient Saamaani language are written. Mr. N. F. Max, Expert, Ancient Languages, Britain (Manchester), has translated the words written on the wooden plate, in English as follows:

“O my Lord, my helper! Keep my hand with mercy and with your Holy Bodies, Mohammed, Alia, Fatima, Shabbar (Hassan) , and Shabbir (Hussain). They are all biggest and honorable.”
The world established for them Help me by their names. You can return to right. 

People were surprised to learn these writings. They were surprised as to how this particular plate after centuries of exposition to nature did not decompose but maintained its form. The plate is still preserved at the Center of Fossils Research Moscow, Russia. If you ever have a chance to visit Russia you would be able to see the actual plate, and it will consolidate your faith in Ahl-ul-Bait. 

The Soviet Union has now hidden the plate and it is no longer under public view. Below are pictures from the researcher’s book.

The translation was documented in the following news Papers:

· Weekly - Mirror: U.K., December 28,1953.
· Star of Britain: London, Manchester, January 23,1954.
· Manchester Sunlight: January 23,1954.
· London Weekly Mirror: February 01,1954.
· Bathrah Najaf: Iraq, February 02,1954.
· AI-Huda: Cairo, March 31,1954.
· Ellia - Light, Knowledge, & Truth, Lahore, July 10,1969


From a hadith of our Prophet, the following is quoted:

Prophet Mohammed (S. A. W.) said: “My family is like Noah’s Ark. Whoever embarked on it was saved. Whoever missed it drowned.”

Advice

Imam Sadiq (a)'s advice to Jabir

[Amaali of Sh Tousi]

Abu Ali Hasan bin Mohamed bin Hasan al-Tousi narrates from a chain of narrators going up to Jabir bin Yazid Al-Jo'fi who said:
I served our master, Imam Abu Jaafar Muhammad Bin Ali (a) for 18 years. When I wanted to leave him, I asked him for some advice. 
He (Imam Muhammad Bin Ali) said, 'Are you asking me for (more) advice after being with us for 18 years?' 
I replied, 'Yes, you are the the sea of endless water whose depth cannot be measured.' 
He said, 'O Jabir! Convey my Salaam to my Shia. Tell them that we are not Allah's relatives and that no one can attain nearness to Allah except through obedience. 
O Jabir! Those who obey Allah and love us are considered our followers and those who disobey Allah will not find our love helpful. 
O Jabir! Has there been anyone who has asked Allah and not found an answer, or has depended on Allah and has been disappointed, or has trusted Allah and has not been saved? 
O Jabir! Think about this life as a short, temporary stop. This life is nothing but a horse on which you ride in a dream, and when you wake up you find yourself in your bed, not riding anything nor holding on to a bridle. This life is nothing but a dream in which you are wearing beautiful clothes or having intimate relations with a woman. 
O Jabir! In the eyes of the intelligent, this world is a reward for those who have gone astray. 
O Jabir!
The statement of 'Laa ilaha Ilallah' is the support for those who invite people towards Allah.
Salaat is the confirmation of (ones) loyalty and the reliever from arrogance.
Zakaat increases sustenance.
Siyaam and Hajj calm the hearts.
Qisaas (retribution) protects people's safety, and
believing in the rights of the family of the Prophet is the core root of the religion.
May Allah make us and you among, '21:49''

In Memory of Ayatollah Behjat

These have been sad days for Muslims across the globe, as a candle which was lit from the luminescence of the love of His Majesty and burned with Ikhlas (sincere and pure intentions), and spread light to the hearts of truthseekers, had finally ceased to glow.

Ayatollah Muhammad Taqi Behjat was not only an eminent Islamic scholar of jurisprudence and Islam; he was also a teacher of some of the highest, well-renowned, and most knowledgeable scholars and Mujtahids of our time. He was also a true Arif or mystic in every sense of the word.

He offered the extension of luminosity through the path of the Ahl-ul-Baytof the Noble Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him and his progeny).

His desire to control his desire and carnal soul in order to achieve proximity toward the Most High became evident for all those around him from a very early age. He guarded his eyes from evil and sin and became able to see unveiled realities.

One of my Akhlaq (Islamic morals/ethics) teachers (may Allah bless him) encouraged me to visit Ayatollah Behjat and to take advantage of his presence, wisdom, and insight. At the time I was a young teenager, about 15 or 16 years of age (in the late '90s), and really had no idea about the personality of such a man. I began to realize how much respect and admiration this great scholar had attained when I tried several times to go and pray behind him. Each time I showed up exactly at the Adhan time, only to find that the mosque which was almost adjacent to the shrine of Lady Masooma (peace be upon her), in the bazaar area of Qom, was packed all the way into the street. Each time he prayed it seemed as if it were Friday prayer.

Each time he led prayers, the mosque would be filled with Muslims wanting to get a glimpse of this man best known for his character and piety.

Eventually I realized that in order for me to have the opportunity to pray behind Ayatollah Behjat, I would need to try to come much earlier than the actual prayer time…which I did.

Alas! I am standing there captivated, feeling the emotion and spirituality which prayer truly offers when done properly, only leaving me to wonder what I had been doing all along – perhaps yoga, Pilates, or some other rare celestial exercise. I began to comprehend the hadith which refers to the prayer as the Me'raj (ascension) of a believer. When we pray, often so many thoughts and imaginations begin to awaken and stir up that we often aren't exactly connected or quite sure what occurred between Takbiratul Ihram (the initial Allahu Akbar for prayer) and the final Salam. It is like we are looking at a book, but not actually reading it, or perhaps just skimming through the pages.

When Ayatollah Behjat began to pray, his focus was uninterrupted, sincere, aware, constant, and very intense.

 He would usually cry so much that sometimes it would be difficult for him to continue his recitation, as he was so choked up. I was completely spellbound and marveled by his aura. From that point on, I took a great interest in his mannerisms and character.

I was blessed to meet and talk with him on several occasions and was given wise and valuable guidance. I found his advice to be tools and pillars based on Islam to live by and to help along the path of reaching nearness to Allah.

I once read a book about Ayatollah Behjat. This book was the testimony of several current scholars and individuals who had experienced unique instances of extraordinary events and Karamat (phenomenal acts) performed by Ayatollah Behjat. I can vouch based on my own experiences that there is no question about some of these external effects of his inner purity. However, too often people are distracted by the outward and apparent achievements and fail to realize that these are only a mere by-product of self-purification and not the goal itself. Should one decide to follow the path his Lord has set for him, then surely he will attain a sound heart and levels of comprehension and understanding foreign to most men, yet common amongst the true believers and the pious. Of course, there are those of us who become preoccupied with supernatural abilities and attaining superficial results, which frequently causes us to lose sight of the aim of achieving taqwa or piety.

‘Certainly, the most noble of you is the most pious of you.’ Allah has described his standards, and it is up to us to achieve it.

I was a translator in a meeting with several other brothers and sisters who came from the US and had the rare opportunity to sit and ask this great source of knowledge question. The question was posed, ‘How can we achieve these higher levels of spirituality?’

 His reply was very profound and timeless and in direct accordance with the traditions of our faith and the teaching of the Holy Prophet of Islam. He answered,

‘Do not commit sin. Do not commit sin. Because when you do it knocks you back one thousand steps.’

 So for someone who is climbing the ladder trying to reach nearness to Allah, every sin sends you right back to the bottom. He simplified the first step of the wayfarer's journey to combat one's carnal soul (nafs) to simply be in control of one's self and to break free from the chains of evil.

Now it all makes sense. Jesus (peace be upon him) walked on water as a result of the power of his Lord and the strength of his faith. The prophets, the Prophet of Islam, the Ahlul Bayt, and the Imams were all sinless. Yes, they chose to be free of the shackles of Satan while they set their course for implementing divine laws and attaining His favor.

We have a choice to make every time we meet that fork in the road, Halal or Haram, right or wrong, just or unjust, truth or lie. What choice will we make? Will we take the path of our beloved Ahl-ul-Bayt and join the ranks of the Sabiqoon (the foremost) in this life and the next?

Ayatollah Behjat, may Allah bless him and have mercy on his soul, was not only a personal inspiration to me, but a beacon of light and a ray hope for the Muslim world as a whole.

Ayatollah Behjat proved and implemented the potential that each and every one of us possesses.

May Allah help us to continue to strive on this same path and become true believers and ready followers of the Imam of our time, Imam Mahdi (may Allah hasten his reappearance).

source: Tebyan.net

Degrees of Fast observers at Sahri and Iftar; and a prescription for those times

Degrees of Fast observers at Sahri and Iftar; and a prescription for those times

Haj Mirza Javad Agha Maliki Tabrizi

Fast observers from the point of view of their intention (niyyat) for eating at dawn (sahri) and fast breaking (iftar) may be classified as follows:

1. Those who do not make any special intention for eating sahri and iftar andsimply eat to enjoy the food taste as well as to make up for the hunger during the fasting.

2. Those who eat sahri and iftar with the intention of enjoying the food taste and make up for the hunger, but at the same time with the intention that eating sahri and iftar are recommended (mustahab) and help a person in his worshiping.

3. Those who eat sahri and iftar because, it is recommended, Allah likes it,and it helps a person in worshipping, but in addition to that also pay due regard to special etiquette and instructions about sahri and iftar - etiquette such as recital of Holy Qur'an, engaging in special supplications before, after, and during sahri and iftar, and praising and thanking Allah (the Glorious, the Exalted).

Special Etiquette
One of the most important etiquette and instruction is the recital of Surah al-Qadr (Power) before taking sahri and iftar as well as recital of the illustrious and illuminated supplication:
"Allahuma rabb al-nur al-'adheem" (Allah is the possessor of great illumination)
which has been given in the book of Iqbal written by the most esteemed and famous scholar Sayyid ibn Taoos.

About this supplication it has been narrated from Imam al-Sadiq [a] that the Holy Prophet [s] has recommended recital of this prayer to Commander of the Faithful [s] Imam 'Ali [a] and said that Archangel Gabriel came to me and said:
"Whoever in the Holy Month of Ramadhan before iftar recites this prayer, Allah answers his prayer, accepts his prayer and fasting, grants his ten requirements, forgives his sins, removes his grief, makes his heart at ease, grants his wishes, makes his deeds to ascend upward with the deeds of prophets and righteous saints, and on the Day of Judgement brings him to His presence with a face illuminated like bright moon."

Suluk-i Arifan; Haj Mirza Javad Agha Maliki Tabrizi

Precociousness in words... from Imam Husayn Ibn Ali (as)

Your difficulties are worse than others, because you were deprived of the rank of the scholars - considering your legitimacy and merit - (These difficulties are) because administering the affairs of the society and conveying the (religious) rules must be done by scholars who truly believe in God and know what is permitted and what is forbidden by God. But you were deprived from this position and rank for you withdrew from (supporting) the truth. You changed the tradition of the prophet ,despite the clear and disclosed proofs. If you had withstood and were patient against the torture and annoyance (of the tyrants) for the sake of God , then the divine affairs would have stayed in your hands , and you were the ones to whom would be referred. But you made the tyrants dominant on you and left the divine affairs in their hands, while they shamelessly do the forbidden and notoriously live a licentious life. Your (fear) from death and attachment to this world have encouraged the tyrants to establish dominance over you. 

 
Scholars of Islam play a huge role in anchoring Shias worldwide... 

• (Tohaf-al- Uqoul , P. 238)

Islamic Etiquette of Gatherings, Greeting and speaking

قال أبو عبد الله (ع) : لاينبغي للمؤمن أن يجلس إلاّ حيث ينتهي به الجلوس ، فإنّ تخطي أعناق الرجال سخافة

Imam al-Sadiq (a.s) said: ‘Walking through a group of sitting people is foolish; the believer must sit wherever he finds a place.”

•  [Reference: al-Bihar, Vol. 72]

عن الصادق (ع) قال : كان رسول الله (ص) أكثر ما يجلس تجاه القبلة

Imam al-Sadiq (a.s) said: “The Prophet used to sit mainly facing the Qiblah (Kiblah) (in the direction of Holy Mecca).”

•  [Reference: Al-Wasa’il]:

from the chapter of guidelines, Imam al-Sadiq (a.s) said: “The Prophet used to sit mainly facing the Qiblah (Kiblah) (in the direction of Holy Mecca).”

•  [Reference: Al-Wasa’il, from the chapter of guidelines of companions] 

عن رسول الله (ص) قال : لاتسبوا الديك لأن صياحه إنما هو لأجل إيقاظ الناس للصلاة

The Prophet (s.a.w) said: “ Do not curse the rooster: His crying is for waking up people for prayer.” 

• [Reference: guidelines of prayer hours]

عن أبي الحسن (ع) قال : في الديك خمس خصال من خصال الأنبياء : السخاء ، والقناعة ، والمعرفة بأوقات الصلاة ، وكثرة الطروقة ، والغيرة

Imam Áli (a.s) said: “ The rooster has five qualities which it shares with prophets: Liberality, contentment, knowledge of prayer hours, frequent intimate association and jealousy (of honor).” 

• [Reference Al-Wasaíl, Vol.8, p.383]

ذكرت الحمام عند أبي عبد الله (ع) فقال : اتخذوها في منازلكم .. فإنها محبوبة لحقتها دعوة نوح (ع) .. وهي آنس شيء في البيوت

I (anonymous) mentioned doves at Imam al-Sadiq’s (a.s). His comment was: “Take them on in your houses for they are lovable; Prophet Noah’s -a.s- prayer affected them. Moreover, they are the most amusing things in a house.”

• [Reference Al-Wasaíl, Vol.8, p.378]

If someone calls your mother black, would you respond to him like Imam Baqir?

An adherent of a revealed religion (kitabi) attacked the Ima`m, was aggressive towards him, and addressed him with bitter words:

 “You are baqar (cows). 

However, the Imam treated him kindly. He smiled at him, saying: 

“No, I am Ba`qir.

The adherent went on attacking the Imam, saying: “You are the son of the cook. 
The Imam smiled at him. This aggression did not excite him. Rather he said to him: 

“That is her job. 

Still the adherent went on attacking the Imam, saying:

You are the son of the black woman…. 

The Ima`m did not become angry. Rather he treated him kindly, saying: 

If you are truthful, may Allah forgive you. If you are a liar, may Allah forgive you. 

Thus, the adherent admired the Ima`m’s high morals that marked the morals of the prophets. Then he became Moslem.

• (A’yan al-Shi’a, 4/Q1/504)

Ahlul-Bayt, the light of the remedy for every believer's happiness. 

Allama Majlisi (am) quotes in Biharal Anwaar:

 "Prophet (saws) used to often address to his nation with pride, power and love, that his Ahlul-Bayt are the chosen ones of Allah, and they should be in the heart of every believer, if he wants Heaven. Ahlul-Bayt is that rope, which Allah commands to hold tightly, Ahlul-Bayt is that Light which shines even in the dark days of Karabala. Ahlul-Bayt is that soul which shivers in the name of Hussain and cries to Lord with all modesty...

 

Ahlul-Bayt is that household, which lives even today, fights in the heart of every Mo'min, denying him, warning him, not to fall in sin... Have you ever imagined how much Sayeda cries for her nation? Is it just the matter of substance that is noted in us? Questions are always tough when the answers never existed. But anything such as the love and Eiman for Ahlul-Bayt, it's a jolly good atmosphere when that did exist, and still has the sharp wink of its quiet existence, let not darkness befall you like evil upon the disbeliever. Clean yourself with that darkness, take a lesson, from Surah Toubah and deny Satan and follow Allah, who deserves to be followed, whom created millions of and trillions of creation, all for the Ahlul-Bayt! So follow them to follow Allah, so Sayeda's cries and Duas are a certainty for you... "