The moral stories

part one

BY: AHMED .H. SHERIFF

The moral stories part one BY: AHMED .H. SHERIFF Published by: Bilal Muslim Mission of Tanzania S.L.P. 20033 Dar es Salaam - Tanzania PREFACE 1. THE KHOJAS WHO DISCOVERED THE TRUTH 2. SHADDAD'S PARADISE ON EARTH 3. KA'ABA AGAINST THE MIGHT OF ELEPHANTS 4. LESSONS FROM THE LIFE OF AN ANT 5. GHULAMHUSEIN AND THE GAME OF CHANCE 6. WHERE MUSIC LEADS TO 7. DO STARS INFLUENCE OUR DESTINY? 8. THE TRAGIC END OF AN OPPRESSIVE KING 9. IN WILLING SUBMISSION TO THE WILL OF ALLAH 10. THE CHOSEN FIVE DIGNITARIES OF ISLAM. A MIRACULOUS DISCOVERY OF SIXTY YEARS AGO. 11. ALLAH IS THE GUIDE FOR EVERY CREATURE 12. THE VALUE OF SINCERITY OF PURPOSE. 13. LOVE FOR ALLAH AND FOR HIS SAKE ONLY. 14. CONSEQUENCES OF INGRATITUDE TOWARDS ALLAH'S BOUNTIES. 15. A UNIQUE EXAMPLE OF ISLAMIC BROTHERHOOD. 16. A SPLENDID EXAMPLE OF STAUNCH FAITH 17. A VALIANT WOMAN OF FAITH 18. GREEDY EVEN IN OLD AGE 19. ISLAMIC EQUALITY AND FAIRPLAY IN PRACTICE BIBLIOGRAPHY PREFACE It is a recognized fact that relating of stories is one of the best venues of making think and reform their ideas. And those true stories of important events in the past afford opportunities to readers not only to reform their ways of thinking but also uplift their moral standards. The Holy Qur'an tells us about the prophets who were asked to relate to their people stories of past events (ref: 7:176) so that they may think. Parables are also mentioned in the Holy Book so as to warn people against pitfalls in their ways of life as weel as to provide examples of virtue and vice. The aim has been to bid people to do good and forbid them from doing bad. I have endeavoured in this booklet to relate stories extracted from the past history, adding explanatory notes and relevant quatations form the Holy Qur'an and ahadith. It is hoped that this will serve to acquaint readers to the true Islamic values as well as in uplifting moral standards where needed. It is also aimed at helping lecturers in schools and in public gatherings. Readers are requested to accord due respect to this booklet in view of the Holy quatations contained in therein. Also to help us in circulating it as as to spread the benefit as widely as possible.Ahmed H. Sheriff P.O.box 83856 Mombasa Kenya THE KHOJAS WHO DISCOVERED THE TRUTH Over five hundred years ago, some people in India and Iran held a strange belief about God. They believed that God entered into everything in the Universe and that everything has the essence of God. The believers of this originally were Hindus as well as a sect of Muslims. Among the leaders of this belief were Peer Sadruddeen, an ancestor of the Aga Khans in Iran as well as one Hindu known as Sahadeva Joshi. With this belief, they made up a religion which they labelled as Sat Panth meaning Right Path. The followers of this new path came to be known as Khojas which is said to be a Sindhi word derived from the word "KHOJ" meaning to search. Perhaps it meant that the Khojas are those people who originally made deep search to find a religious path. It is also said that the word KHOJ A is derived from the word Khwaja meaning a man of distinction a title awarded by the Peer to the newly converts to the Sat Panth. The creed of this new religion is based on incarnation of God i.e. God entered into some human beings, as believed by Hindus. To nine incarnations of Hindu God Vishnu, they added Hazrat Ali (A.S.) as the tenth incarnation. They believed in him as God as did Alawites — the Nusairies in Syria. They proclaimed themselves Shias as well, meaning the followers of Hazrat Ali (A.S.) and his family. It is mentioned that a Persian mystic by name Ali Itahi had come to Kutch in India. He took with him some eager Khojas to Iran and introduced them to the ancestors of the Agha Khans. It is thought that these firm believers in the new religion and the close followers of Peer Sadruddeen came to be known as Bawas. After the death of the Peer, they became the guardians of the religions of the Khojas. It is these Bawas who preached that the Agha Khans were incarnation of God and included this belief in the GINANS - the prayer book read usually in Jamat Khanas. The Bawas had considerable influence over the Khojas as they also controlled the various ceremonies concerning marriage and death, etc. The Khoja faithful who took their lessons from the Bawas came to be known as Bhagats. The Khojas were mainly a trading community resident in Bombay, Karachi as well as lesser numbers in towns and villages of Kutch and Kathiawar in India. Some of them migrated to Zanzibar and other East African towns during the years 1850 — 1900 to expand their business. The Khojas in those days were rather ignorant and simple people. They became influenced by social traditions of the Hindus, some of these traditions are still to be seen in marriage ceremonies although many have disappeared with the times. Despite being involved and surrounded by peculiar and unlslamic beliefs and traditions,, historical records show us that the Khojas were deeply devoted towards Imam Husain (A.S.). They would spend large sums to commemorate the martyrdom of the Imam. Those who could afford would regularly travel to Karbala and other Holy places to pay their homage at the shrines of the Imams. Sometime during 1860 - 70 A.D., a Shiite Muslim from Madras, India, by name of Mulla Qader Husain is said to have gone to Karbala on pilgrimage as well as to stay there for the purpose of acquiring more knowledge in Shiism. While there by chance he came into contact with some prominent Khoja Zuwwars - pilgrims from Zanzibar as well as Bombay. Among them were Nurmohamedbhai, Mukhi Hashambhai Dossa and Dewji Jamal. On their visit to him, Mulla Qader would teach them the recitation of Holy Qura'n as well as Islamic rules about cleanliness, prayers, etc. Mulla Qader once described to them the merits of Hazrat Ali (A.S.). Suddenly Nurmohamedbhai said “We Khojas believe that Ali (A.S.) is God” On hearing this, the Mulla was greatly astonished. On further discussion, he learnt that “Khojas also believed that Ali was the tenth incarnation of God and the Aga Khan the forty-sixth incarnation of Aly or God.” Obviously this belief is in absolute contradiction to the basic principles of Islamic belief in Tawheed — the Oneness of God. Belief in any form of human relationship with God such as entering of God into human body is considered as SHIRK — polytheism. The pure belief in the absolute Unity of Allah is the foundation of Islam and one who contradicts it cannot be called a Muslim. áÀãÂál áÉÑâj CáÆ âoã·å³áÖáÑ ãÐãQ á½áoåxâÖ ÉáF âoã·å³áÖ áÙ áÐäÃÂB áäÉãH Bæk×ã¯áQ æÙáÚᢠáäÄᢠåká»á¶ ãÐäÃÂCãQ å½ãoåxâÖ ÌáÆáÑ ACáxáÖ ÌáÇã “Surely Allah does not forgive that anything should be associated with Him, and He forgives what is besides this to whom He pleases; and whoever associates anything with Allah, he indeed strays off into a remote error.” (14:116) Thus Mulla Qader became deeply concerned about the ignorance of the Khojas and did his best to correct their beliefs. He took them to the Mujtahid Sheikh Zainul Abedeen and reported their plight. The Mulla was invited by Dewji Jamal to accompany him to Bombay and Zanzibar so as to impart the knowledge of true Islam to the Khojas but he was not willing to leave Kerbala. Finally at the insistence of the Mujtahid Sheikh Zainul Abedeen he agreed and left for Bombay where he first stayed with Dewjibhai. In Bombay, Mulla Qader started a Madrassa in which he taught the rules and tenets of true Islam according to Shia Ithnasheri beliefs. Gradually he also led a congregational prayer which was first attended by 15/20 people later expanding to 50 and more persons. This had to be done secretly inside a house in order to safeguard the lives of the faithful who had separated from the main stream of Agha Khani sect of Ismaili Khojas. On separation thus of the Khoja community into two different sects of the Ismailis as followers of Agha Khan and Ithnasheris as followers of Twelve Imams, there were repeated incidents of trouble between the two sects. The Ithnasheris were boycotted in matters of business, social contacts, burial, etc. So harsh was the friction between the two that at times criminals were hired to stab the converts and murders took place. But so firm and staunch were those handful in their faith that they could not be drawn away from the path of truth they had discovered. Their courage is indeed worth appreciating and taking lesson from. Today the Khoja Shia Ithnasheries numbering more than 100,000 are prosperously scattered throughout the world in India, Pakistan, East Africa, Madagascar as well as Europe, USA, Canada. They not only maintain their Islamic traditions but also contribute their time, energy and money for the propagation of truth.  SHADDAD'S PARADISE ON EARTH 'Aad' was a descendent of Prophet Noah. Thousands of years ago, his people had lived in the deserts of “AL-AHQAF” around Oman and Hadhramut in South Arabia. They were strongly built and very tall. They believed in no God but worshipped idols. Prophet 'HUD' was sent by Allah to preach and guide them on the right path. He advised them to worship one God as taught by Islam but they paid no heed. Allah punished them by stopping rain and drought over took them for years. Then some people went to Prophet 'Hud' begging him to pray to Allah for the rains. The Prophet prayed and instructed them to return to their villages. Thereafter it rained and people prospered. But never did they amend their conduct nor abandon their faith in idol-worship. Al last they were destroyed by punishement from Allah. When 'Aad' died, he left behind two sons Shaddad and Shadeed. After some time Shadeed also died and Shaddad became the ruler of his kingdom. He had appointed several governors in the areas over which he ruled. He grew so arrogant that he even claimed to be God and compelled his people to worship him. Allah sent Prophet 'Hud' to approach 'Shaddad' advising him to correct his wrong thinking and conduct. In response, he once asked the Prophet what reward he could expect if he were to put his faith in Allah and worship One God. He was told that he would have a place in paradise. Shaddad inquired what sort of place it was. The Prophet described it as a blissful place where the righteous and true believers in Allah would after death enjoy the best of every thing. 'Shaddad' responded saying it was nothing since he could also build similar place or even a better one on earth. He then resolved to build a huge and beautiful paradise of his own on earth. He sent someone to Zohak Tazi - who ruled Iran with request to purchase all available quantity of gold and silver. He also sent people around to other places and acquired large quantities of valuable items including musk and amber etc. He then gathered all his experts and architects and gave them instructions to construct a magnificient 'paradise' on earth. A place with good climate and scenery somewhere in south Arabia was selected. High palaces and towers with walls inlaid with gold and silver were constructed. Beautiful pearls and emaralds were spread on floors instead of sand. Trees made of gold with branches hanging with musks and amber were put up in plush gardens. Everytime the wind blew, the sweet scent OT their perfume would spread around. Pretty women were accommodated there to beautify the dream setting. All valuable metals and materials were supplied and it took some three hundred years to complete it. In those very olden days, people used to live very long. Prophet Noah had lived for 900 years. Similary Shaddad was informed that he would live about that long. So he was extremely anxious to enter and live in his lavish man made paradise before his death. He gave orders to all people to proceed to the walls of dazzling city of high and magnificient pillars described in the holy Quran as IRAM ZATIL IMAD. Then he himself came out of his residence in Hadramont with his large army for opening ceremony. As he neared the paradise of his imagination, suddenly he saw a deer with trunk and legs of gold and silver. He gave chase to capture it but in so doing he got separated from his army. Now alone, unexpectedly he was faced with a frightful horseman who in raised voice said: “Oh Shaddad! You imagined that you will be saved from death and live for ever after entering this man-made paradise on earth.” Shaddad on hearing this trembled and inquired who he was. “I am MALAKOL MAUT” - (the angel of death) came the reply. “What do you want and why are you obstructing me?” asked Shaddad. “I have come to take away your soul”, he replied. Shaddad pleaded for sometime at least to be able to enter his paradise but the angel of death refused saying he had no permission from Allah to do so. He then fell from his horseback and his soul instantly departed from his body. His army heard a deafening and frightening sound from the sky and they also perished on the spot. None of them could fulfil their ardent desire of entering the fictitous paradise. The whole decorated structure crumbled and got buried under the Arabian sands. What a splendid example of the consequence of one who thought he could challenge the Might of Allah, who had become arrogant as a result of this enormous wealth. What a tragedy that he could not even step into his manmade paradise. The Holy Quran has truly described such people in these words: Ôá³å§á×á áÉCátÊãåßB áäÉãH áäÚá¾ ÔáËå³áXåsB âÍDáän ÉáF “Nay! man is most surely inordinate, Because he sees himself free from want.” (96: 6-7) KA'ABA AGAINST THE MIGHT OF ELEPHANTS During the sixth century around 570 A.D., before the advent of Islam, the part of Arabia known as Yemen was under the rule of the Abyssinian Christians who had driven away the Jewish Himyar rulers. The Abyssinian viceroy in Yemen was Abraha Ashram. He was determined to build great church in San'aa, present capital of Yemen, so as to make it a leading centre of commerce and place of pilgrimage for the Christian world. He was convinced that this dream could only be realized if he could first destroy Mecca which was then a huge centre of commerce and pilgrimage. Intoxicated with power and fired by religious fanaticism, Abraha finally made his vicious plans. Accompanied by a big herd of elephants and other animals, he led an expedition and marched to destroy the Holy Ka'aba in Mecca. The Arabs in those days hardly had any opportunity to see an elephant in their lives. Hence the army of Abraha is described in history as 'ASHABUL FEEL' i.e. the army with elephants. Abraha camped his army on the outskirts of Mecca preparing to attack and destroy the holy Ka'aba. During the course of preparation, his army stole some 700 camels belonging to Abdul Muttalib - the grandfather of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) The camels were grazing in the open fields outside the city. Abraha sent a message to Abdul Muttalib who was the supreme chief of Mecca, informing him his intention of destroying the Holy Ka'aba. Abdul Muttalib replied that he would meet Abraha in person and talk to him. When he approached the invading army's camp, he was received respectfully and given an honourable seat near Abraha. As the two men talked, Abdul Muttalib said that he had come to complain about Abraha's army stealing his camels. Abraha answered, “I have come to conquer Mecca, your place of worship, and you worry about your camels?” Abdul Muttalib repiied, “I am the owner and responsible for the camels so I have come for them. The Ka'aba belongs to God and it is the concern of the owner of that house whether to save it or not.” Abraha, amazed by the reply, returned Abdul. Muttalib's camels to him but was determined to attack the city. Abdul Muttalib advised his people to move into the hills for safety.As Abraha entered the city a huge flock of tiny birds, like a patch of cloud appeared in the sky. Each bird had a small pebble in its tiny beak and dropped it on the invading soldiers. The stones fell exactly on the men and they were instantly killed and fell prone on the ground. Abraha was spared but one bird flew above him. The king asked him what kind of birds had acted so miraculously. Abraha raised his eyes to the sky and saw the bird and pointed out it to the king; the bird dropped the stone and Abraha was instantly killed. After the miraculous event, Abraha's army was found lying on the ground as bits of some withered and crunched grass rendered useless for any purpose. Is this event not a clear miracle proving the sanctity of the Ka'aba and the people who were truly attached to it such as Abdul Muttalib and the people of his house? Had he not shown his utmost confidence in Allah as the real protector of the Holy Shrine and guided his people to safety, they would have perhaps bowed down to the might and pomp of Abraha and made a truce with him. Consequently the history of Mecca and the holy shrine as well as the glory of Islam would have been different. Another important lesson to draw from this event for men of all ages is that a man intoxicated with power can prepare armies and armaments against God's holy plan, but such a man's action will be his own downfall, he cannot prevail against God. The Holy Qura'n has in eloquent words described this incident as follows: È×ãcáäoÂB ãÌÇåcáäoÂB ãÐÃÂB ãÈåtãQ ãÄ×ã·åÂB ãPCádå{áGãQ áÀâäQán áÄá¯á¶ á¸å×á¾ áoáW åÈáÂáF èÄ×ãÃå£áW Ø㶠åÈâÎákå×á¾ åÄá¯å`áÖ åÈáÂáF áÄ×ãQCáQáF Bæoå×ᦠåÈãÏå×áÃá® áÄásånáFáÑ èÄ×ãä`ãs ÌãäÆ èTánCá`ãdãQ ÈãÏ×ãÆåoáW èÁÒâ¾åGáäÆ è¸å|á¯á¾ åÈâÏáÃá¯á`ᶠ“Have you not considered how your Lord dealt with the companions of the elephant? Did He not cause their war to end in confusion, And send down (to prey) upon them birds in flocks, Casting against them stones of baked clay, So He rendered them like straw eaten up” (105: 1-5) LESSONS FROM THE LIFE OF AN ANT Prophet Sulayman once was sitting on the bank of a lake deeply engrossed in the beauties of nature around and appreciating the various forms of Allah's creation on earth. Suddenly the Prophet's attention was drawn towards an ant creeping forward with a grain of wheat in its mouth. As it reached near the water, a tortoise came out, opened its mouth and the ant crept into it. The tortoise closing its mouth disappeared under the water. After a while, the tortoise again sprung out of the water and standing on the bank opened its mouth and the ant came out. But this time it had no grain of wheat in its mouth. The Prophet became anxious to know what had been happening under water. On inquiring, the ant explained that at the bottom of the lake, there was a stone and underneath it there was another ant who was blind. Allah had created it there and because of blindness, it could not move out. I have been appointed by Allah to provide its daily sustenance with the assistance of the tortoise. Hence I do perform this duty everyday. Prophet Sulayman in response to his special prayer to Allah was granted kingdom and was given power over the forces of nature, over the Jinns and devils and the birds and other living creatures. He was also endowed with knowledge of their language hence his ability to speak to the ant. Let us ponder over one thing. If a tiny creature like an ant living under a stone at the bottom of a sea is not denied its sustenance, why should man - the noblest of all creatures ever suspect loss of his sustenance from Almighty Allah. Prophet Sulayman's subjects were of various types and they lived peacefully and co-operatively by his discipline, justice and good government. Jinns, men and the birds gathered in groups before him. On their long march out once they came to a lowly valley of ants. This valley contained huge deposits of invaluable metals like gold, silver and precious stones. This precious place was guarded by Allah with extraordinary kinds and sizes of ants. On account of this, none could approach the place on foot nor mounted. When the chief of the ants saw the pomp and the glory of the huge army of Sulayman approaching towards it in the air, it sounded the caution to all of its kind in the valley to get into their holes lest they get trampled down and crushed. Prophet Sulayman smiled at the precaution taken by the ants and ordered his companions to wait until the ants went into their holes and to be careful not to cause any harm to the ants when passing through. He prayed to Allah to make him grateful for His favours and to do good deeds that please Him and to admit him among His righteous servants. Addressing the chief of the ants, the Prophet is reported to have said: “How could my people hurt you and your like as they are floating in the air and don't you know that I am the apostle of Allah and would never act unfairly?” The Chief of the ants replied: “Oh apostle of Allah! My cautioning my flock was not for fear of hurt but to prevent them getting astray and forgetting the glory of Allah after seeing the glory of your army or your pomp and glamour and be tempted by them.” That even the humblest creatures of Allah like the ant is endowed with the necessary wisdom to live and protect its life is apparent from this. Besides one should not be overtaken by the glory of the worldly pomp of the rulers and kings as to forget the glory of the creator Allah that is what the ant teaches us. On the other hand the prayer of Prophet Sulayman indicates his humility before Almighty Allah who had bestowed upon him control over the forces of nature. That one should utilize God's bounties for righteousness and for good to others is also the lesson we derive. Despite all his possessions and glory as the king ruling over a vast empire and having control over various creatures, Prophet Sulayman used to fast the whole day, weave baskets and sell them. From the return of his own labour, he used to purchase loaves and eat them sitting along with the poor. In one of his sermons in Nahjul Balagha, Imam Ali (A.S.) exhorts people to ponder over the power of Allah's creation and citing example of the creation of an ant he says: ,¼Öo§ÂB ÔÂB BÒ¯_o ,ÐǯËÂB È×t_ Ñ Ínk»ÂB È׫® ض BÑo¿¶ ÒÂ Ñ ÙB ÐÂÒgkÆ oMC|RÂBÑ ,ÐÃ×î PÒûÂB Ì¿ÂÑ ,¼ÖodÂB PBm® BÒ¶Cg Ñ Ð ¼Ã¶ Ñ ,ÐR×¾oW Ì»WB Ñ ,лÃg È¿cB ¸×¾ ,¼Ãg CÆ o׳{ ÔÂB ÉÑo«ËÖ o³{ ض ÐÃÇËÂB ÔÂB BÑo«ÊB oxRÂB Ñ È«¯ÂB РÓÒs Ñ ,o|RÂBÑ °ÇtÂB ½nkXtÇQ Ù Ñ ,o|RÂB ¬dÃQ ÁCËW jC¿W Ù ,CÏXN×ΠжC§Â Ñ ,CÏX\_ ÔÂB ÐRdÂB Ä»ËW ,CϺpn Ôî YR{ Ñ ,CÏ¢nB Ôî YQj ¸×¾ ,o¿·ÂB CÎjnÑ Ø¶ Ñ ,CÎjoR CÎoc ض °Ç`W CÎo»XtÆ Ø¶ CÎk¯W Ñ ,CÎod_ CÏÆodÖ Ù Ñ ,ÉCËÇÂB CÏ÷³Ö Ù ,CÏ»¶ÒQ кÑpoÆ ,CϺpoQ ÁÒ·¿Æ ,CÎnk| ض Vo¿¶ ÒÂ Ñ uÆC`ÂB o`dÂB Ñ ,uQC×ÂB C·|ÂB ض ÒÂ Ñ ,ÉCÖkÂB ¸×sBow ÌÆ µÒ`ÂB ض CÆ Ñ ,CÏ÷s Ñ CÎÒî ض ,CÏþB ÕnC`Æ ,CR`® CÏ»Ãg ÌÆ Y×£»Â ,CÏÊlB Ñ CÏË×® ÌÆ rBoÂB ض CÆ Ñ ,CÏ˧Q Ôî CÎCËQ Ñ ,CÏÇMBÒº Ôî CÏÆCºB ÕmÂB ÔÂC¯X¶ CR¯W CÏ·{Ñ ÌÆ Y×»Â Ñ ÒÂ Ñ njCº CÏ»Ãg Ôî ÐË¯Ö ÈÂ Ñ ,o¦C¶ CÏWo§¶ ض оoxÖ È CÏÇMC®j o¦C¶ ÉB Ôî ÙB ÐÂÙkÂB ÀXÂj CÆ ,ÐWCÖC² ´ÃRX ½o¿¶ SÎBmÆ Ø¶ YQo¢ Ôc ľ µÚXgB ¤ÆC² Ñ ,AØw ľ Ä×|·W ¼×ºk ,ÐÃhËÂB o¦C¶ ÒÎ ÐÃÇËÂB ض ,¸×¯£ÂB Ñ ÕÒ»ÂB Ñ ,¸×·hÂB Ñ Ä×»\ÂB Ñ ,¸×§ÃÂB Ñ Ä×Ã`ÂB CÆ Ñ ABÒs ÙB лÃg “Had they pondered over the greatness of His power and the vastness of His bounty they would have returned to the right path and feared the punishment of the Fire; but hearts are sick and eyes are impure. Do they not see the small things He has created, how He strengthened their system and opened for them hearing and sight and made for them bones and skins? Look at the ant with its small body and delicate form. It can hardly be seen in the corner of the eye, nor by the perception of the imagination - how it moves on the earth and leaps at its livelihood. It carries the grain to its hole and deposits it in its place of stay. It collects during the summer for its winter, and during strength for the period of its weakness. Its livelihood is guaranteed, and it is fed according to fitness. Allah, the Kind, does not forget it and (Allah the Giver) does not deprive it, even though it may be in dry stone or fixed rocks. If you have thought about its digestive tracts in its high and low parts, the carapace of its belly, and its eyes and its ears in its head you would be amazed at its creation and you would feel difficulty in describing it. Exalted is He who made it stand on its legs and erected it on its pillars (of limbs). No other originator took part with Him in its origination and no one having power assisted Him in its creation. If you tread on the paths of your imagination and reach its extremity it will not lead you anywhere except that the Originator of the ant is the same as He who is the Originator of the date-palm, because everything has (the same) delicacy and detail, and every living being has little difference.” GHULAMHUSEIN AND THE GAME OF CHANCE Ghulamhusein was a popular social figure and a keen host of guests coming to him from distant lands. He lived in Moshi, a beautiful small town at the foot of Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. He was generous and hospitable to one and all. One of his hobbies during leisure hours particularly on Saturdays and Sundays was to play the game of cards with his friends. For hours they used to get together where they enjoyed the game. It was not with the aim of gambling but rather just for pleasure and pass time. Once in the midst of a lively game of cards, his servant came to inform him that a guest of his was seriously ill at the guest house and needed his immediate attention. He sent the servant back saying he would come soon. But he was so much engrossed in the game of cards that he did not feel inclined to withdraw from it. So he continued to play with keen interest. After a while, his servant came again to report that the condition of the guest was deteriorating and needed his urgent attention as there was no one else to attend. But Ghulamhusein was so deeply engrossed in the game that he did not want to be disturbed. As such, again he sent the servant back promising to come soon. By the time he could be free from the very mind-captivating game of cards, the servant came for the third time. But this time he reported that the guest of. his — a poor traveller from distant lands — had already died. This news gave a shock of his life to Ghulamhusein. It convinced him of the evil and harmful effect of such an indoor game. There and there he vowed never to indulge himself in such a game. Is this not an eye-opening example of an intoxicating and mentally distracting game of cards, commonly played today either as a pass-time or for gambling purposes? Perhaps it also explains the philosophy behind absolute Islamic forbidance to play or watch such a game, even without the chance of gaining or losing money. It is meant to be a prevention rather than cure lest man is one day tempted to use the game for gambling purposes. But why do people become interested in such games of chance, be it cards, billiard ball or chess at casinos and gambling dens? A number of reasons could be put forward for this. A mentally active young man happens to look for a time-pass, away from his usual home or office environment, and, he is misled to believe that a casino or a billiard club is the best place for this. Or it is possible that he is tempted by a friend for his company to play a game. But more than that, it is the greed and temptation of an easy and quick chance of making money by gambling. Again he is misled to believe that he is lagging behind whilst his friend and relatives mint millions of easy money in the gambling dens. A gambler often spends hours at the gambling dens at the expense of his valuable time for his other moral and religious duties towards his God and family. Should he lose in one game of chance, he is tempted to play again and again till he recoveres his loss. Should he win and make some money, he is again tempted to play in order to double and treble his day's easy earning from the game of chance. Thus, the mind of a gambler becomes currupt and his aim of life revolves round money. His goal of life ultimately is to mint money, more and more. His mind is so much distracted that he is no more able to concentrate in his normal job or studies. In the temptation of making more or easy money, his heart is all the time drawn and attached to the gambling table. And when the tide turns against him and he incurs losses after losses in the gambling business, the time comes when he is obliged to dispose off his personal belongings to pay off the debts. The family life at home becomes disrupted as a result and he is then detested and looked down upon by the society and his own family members. Islam which has come as a total code of life for man, has condemned and forbidden every game of chance. The following ayats of the holy Qura'n are a good guidance. ço×ãRá¾ çÈå[ãH CáÇãÏ×㶠åÄ⺠ãoãtå×áÇåÂBáÑ ãoåÇáhåÂB ãÌá® áÀáÊÒâÂáGåtáÖ áÀáÊÒâÂáGåtáÖáÑ CáÇãÏã¯å·áäÊ ÌãÆ âoáRå¾áF CáÇâÏâÇå[ãHáÑ ãrCáäËÃã â°ã¶CáËáÆáÑ ãVCáÖÝB âÈâ¿á âÐäÃÂB âÌãä×RâÖ áÀãÂámá¾ áÒå·á¯åÂB ãÄ⺠áÉÒâ»ã·ËâÖ BálCáÆ áÉÑâoáä¿á·áXáW åÈâ¿áäÃá¯á “They ask you about intoxicants and games of chance. Say: In both of them there is a great sin and means of profit for men, and their sin is greater than their profit. And they ask you as to what they should spend. Say: What you can spare. Thus does Allah make clear to you the communications, that you may ponder” (2:219) Ithm as used in the Qura'n is interpreted as that sinful condition in the human intellect and soul whereby he is distracted and kept away from reaching acts of goodness and perfection. Therefore, what it means is that drinks and gambling — two of the major sins in Islam — as the source of great harm to human body and soul. ACá£å³áRåÂBáÑ áTáÑBáká¯åÂB âÈâ¿áËå×áQ á°ãºÒâÖ ÉáF âÉCá§å×áäxÂB âkÖãoâÖ CáÇáäÊãH ãTáÚáä|ÂB ãÌá®áÑ ãÐäÃÂB ãoå¾ãl Ìá® åÈâ¾áäkâ|áÖáÑ ãoãtå×áÇåÂBáÑ ãoåÇáhåÂB Ø㶠áÉÒâÏáXËâäÆ ÈâXÊáF åÄáÏᶠ“The Shaitan only desires to cause enmity and hatred to spring in your midst by means of intoxicants and games of chance, and to keep you off from the remembrance of Allah and from prayer. Will you then desist?” (5:91) It is quite evident from the above verses of Holy Qura'n that the enmity and hatred in addition to distraction from the rememberance of Allah and prayers results from gambling and drinking. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) and his progency have strongly condemned the games of chance. Imam Radha (a.s.) has said: “Allah has described gambling as a filthy and impure act of Satan and has warned people to keep away from it” Can a wise man and a true Muslim ever think of going near to Satanic games of chance and take the risk of ruining his life? Certainly not!!  WHERE MUSIC LEADS TO Alamgheer was one of the past Moghul kings in India. It is said he was a devout muslim and staunch upholder of Islamic tenets. He banned all luxury items in his kingdom including the listening to music. No one dared do so even privately in his home. Those engaged in musical provision for their earnings, got together to discuss what to do. They decided to take out a procession on the streets of Delhi in protest. So one day they staged a grand procession taking out a big JANAZA (coffin) and marched on the streets of the capital. They passed in front of the king's palace. They raised their voice as well as the JANAZA to make their amusing protest march conspicuous before the king who was then sitting on the front terrace. The king became curious and wanted to know which eminent personality had died as to be given such a grand funeral. Some leaders from the procession approached the king and in a lamenting and wailing tone told him that the coffin was in fact that of 'Music'. Since it was strictly banned in the country, they were suffering loss of daily income. On hearing this, the king smiled and said: “Very good! Dig the grave so deep as to ensure that the dead MUSIC does not rise again for hundreds of years to come.” Let us ponder over the reasons why Islam has forbidden the playing, hearing and even the handling of musical instruments. The Islamic philosoply of life dictates that this worldly life is transtional and a quick passing one, whereas the life hereafter is eternal and more important. Therefore Islam has forbidden those things which distract our attention from this fact and which lead us towards loose character and overlooking of the moral duties of our life. A number of these forbidden things in Islam are not only morally but physically and mentally harmful as proved by a number of modern scientists. Professor Horst Hecheck of Vienna reports: “The disharmonies of modern music freguently cause severe psychological and physical damage to musicians. Doctors and music experts say complaints range from nervousness, depression and headaches to ulcers and impotence” The toxic effect of the musical sound cannot be denied. Some years before, it was reported in a local newspaper in Daressalaam that a pregnant Hindu woman was much mentally engrossed in listening to a moving musical program in a cinema that she delivered a baby on the spot without realizing what was happening. The newspaper in criticizing the incident, remarked whether the place was a cinema hall or maternity home! A professor of Columbia University in America, Dr. Adler, writes that a best melodious record of music can badly harm a human body nerves and the warmer the weather, more the harm. He also proved that music does upset the human nerves unnaturally causing considerable fatigue. The shaking effect of music also causes unnatural perspiration. This research of Dr. Adler on music had such a widespread effect on the American people that many were led to stop listening to music. The belief that music was harmful for progressive nation reached a stage when a resolution to ban it by law was presented with relevent proofs and arguments in the American senate. But in a nation where luxury and lust is widespread how many could be expected to vote for such a ban? It may be claimed that music has a soothing-effect and as such it is a good entertainment, but taking into consideration that it causes more harm than good, it becomes undesirable and one should abstain from it. Islam, as such, has forbidden music as we can see from the following Quranic Ayat and the traditions of the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) ãnÑâäqÂB áÁåÒẠBÒâRãËáXå_BáÑ ãÉCá[åÑáåÛB áÌãÆ áuå_ãäoÂB ÒâRãËáXå_Cᶠ“But avoid the uncleanliness of the idols and avoid vain (false) words” (22:30) According to the interpretations of all the major sects of Islam the above mentioned vain (false) words include false utterance and music. It is worth noting that the divine instruction to avoid vain words (music) is in conjuction with the instruction to avoid the uncleanliness (pollution) of idol. Thus the condemnation of music is along with that of idol-worship. The Prophet of Islam had said: “Two kinds of voices are resented by Allah: the wailing at the time of a calamity and musical rhythm at the time of rejoicing.” (Nafahat Risaliyya) DO STARS INFLUENCE OUR DESTINY? Once Imam Ali bin Abi Talib (A.S.) was leaving Kufa — (the then capital of his caliphate in Arabia) — to go to a place called Nahrawan in order to quash the rebellion of the Kharijites. One of his companions by the name Aleef told him not to undertake the journey just then. Why? Because according to the findings of astrology, it was not an auspicious moment, and this journey would not end into victory. Ali bin Abi Talib (A.S.) replied in these words: (Nahjul Balagah sermon 79) µÒhW Ñ ? AÒtÂB ÐË® µo{ CÏ׶ nCs ÌÆ ØXÂB ЮCtÂB ÔÂB ÕkÏW ÀÊB È®qWB Pm¾ k»¶ BmÏQ Àºk{ ÌǶ ? o£ÂB ÐQ ¹Cc CÏ׶ nCs ÌÆ ØXÂB ЮCtÂB ÌÆ ,ÍÑo¿ÇÂB °¶j Ñ PÒRdÇÂB Ä×Ê Ø¶ ÐÃÂCQ ÐÊC¯XsÙB Ì® Ô˳XsB Ñ ,ÉDo»ÂB ÀÇ®qQ ÀÊÙ ,ÐQn ÉÑj kÇdÂB À×ÂÒÖ ÉB ½oÆCQ ÄÆC¯Ã ÀÂÒº ض سXRW Ñ o£ÂB ÌÆB Ñ ,°·ËÂB CÏ׶ ÁCÊ ØXÂB ЮCtÂB ÔÂB ÐXÖkÎ YÊB “Do you think you can tell the hour when a man goes out and no evil befall him or can warn of the time at which if one goes out harm will accrue? Whoever testifies to this falsifies the Qur'an and becomes unmindful of Allah in achieving his desired objective and in warding off the undesirable. You cherish saying this so that he who acts on what you say should praise you rather than Allah because according to your misconception you have guided him about the hour in which he would secure benefit and avoid harm.” After replying to Aleef, Ali bin Abi Talib (A.S.) turned towards those who had gathered there and said: CÏÊC¶ ,odQ ÑB oQ ض ÐQ ÓkÏXÖ CÆ ÙB ,ÅÒ`ËÂB ÈïW Ñ È¾CÖB ,rCËÂB CÏÖB ocCtÂB Ñ ,ocCtÂC¾ ÌÎC¿ÂB Ñ ,ÌÎC¿ÂC¾ È`ËÇÂB Ñ ,ÐÊCÏ¿ÂB ÔÂB Ò®kW ÐÃÂB ÈsB Ôî BÑo×s nCËÂB ض o¶C¿ÂB Ñ o¶C¿ÂC¾ “O' People! Beware of learning the science of stars except that with which guidance is sought on land or sea, because it leads to divining and an astrologer is a diviner, while the diviner is like the sorcerer, the sorcerer is like the unbeliever and the unbeliever would be in Hell. Get forward in the name of Allah.” Contrary to the astrologer's advice, Ali bin Abi Talib proceeded at the same moment to Nahrawan and returned victorious from that war. Millions of people in the world have the tendency of consulting horoscopes inorder to seek informatian about the future trends of their lives which they believe to be under the influence of the movement of stars and planets. In our African Society, we have a section of people who frequently consult the so called MWALIMUS or WITCHDOCTORS to seek the secrets of their sufferings and to find out the future outcome of their ills. These people suffer from superstitions, psycholgical fears or imaginary sicknesses. The MWALIMUS OR WITCHDOCTORS who consider themselves to be the experts on prediction based on the movement of stars, have some set imaginary answers and cures to offer and in so doing they go on minting money from the ignorant people. How strange it is to suppose that our business, adventures, our health, our life and death are predetermined by the position of the stars and planets and are under the influence of their movement? What is overlooked is the fundamental fact that both man and the heavenly bodies - the stars - the sun - the moon etc., are under the indisputable authority of the Creator Allah. Man's desting present and future well-being is all controlled by Him and Him alone. It is one of those human weakness of enslaved mentality which tend to bow down to a body created like himself rather than recognize and have faith in the full and supreme authority of the Creator Allah. But why is it that so many people, including the educated and intelligent, are willing to place their faith on what the astrologers have to say? The answer is, that day by day, tremendous vacuum is occuring in the lives of many who previously truly believed in God. Worldly pleasure and occupations have so much overtaken their minds that they can hardly pause to think and recognize the true aim of life and the Supreme Powers of the LIFE — GIVER. As such, they become desperate and inorder to find some sort of peace for the disturbed mind, they doing to anything that may possibly give them some sort of consolation. Humanbeings, by nature, must have something in which to believe, and in the absence of a meaningful faith in God, reliance is place on superstition, occultation, magic, witchcraft, etc Astrology does not demand its followers to go to church or mosque nor perform rituals nor adhere to any moral commandments. All one has to do is to buy newspapers or books and follow up what is published about the horoscopes. Or at times. approach an astrologer or a Mwalimu, pay his fees of a few shillings and seek information about the future. During the times of Imam Jaffer Al Sadiq (A.S.), discussion and debates on various sciences in the world (and particularly in Arabia) were at their peak. People of different beliefs and religions used to attend discourses by the Imam. One of those sciences dwelt upon was astrology and the Imam expressly asked the people not to believe in it. Abdul Malik bin Aayun was counted among one of the great traditionalists as well as scholars in Islam. He was also an expert in astrology; and had strong faith in the effect of the positions and movements of the stars on daily lives of human beings. He had accumulated a number of books on this subject and was always referring to them. Before taking any decision or starting any work, he would make astrological calculations to find out what guidance and trend he could get from the position of the stars. Gradually it became his habit; and not even a small piece of work could be done without prior astrotogical calculations. Day by day he became more and more mentally engrossed in basing all his actions on the good or bad omen of the stars. He became jealous of the people who accomplished their daily work by having confidence in God and who never worried about the positions of stars. Once he explained his trouble to Imam Jaffer Al Sadiq (A.S.) who expressed his surprise that Abdul Malik had this undesirable habit and told him: “I command you to go and set fire to all those books” He went and did as he was told. Thus he released himself from the burden of mythical and imaginery influence of stars, and then he felt at ease and quite relaxed in doing all his works by relying on God. Hasheena state that he approached Imam Jaffer Al Sadiq (A.S.) and said to him that there lived a man on their Island, who could reveal to them unknown matters, for example where and with whom stolen goods are lying. The Imam responded by saying: “The Holy Prophet (S.A. W.) has said that one who goes to ask about anything from magician, soothsayer or a liar and believes in what he says certainly becomes an infidel (unbeliever) and denier of all the heavenly scriptures revealed by Allah” The fact is that an astrologer, soothsayer magician or any type of fortune - teller poses as a divine person, who thinks that he can forecast one's benefit or harm through the art of astrology thus, instead of praying to Almighty Allah for warding off calamities and misfortunes, or offering thanks to Allah for bounties HE has bestowed, he becomes indifferent and self confident in every matter. Should he by chance prove successful in some of his forecasts, he would expect to be praised and be depended upon by more and more people. This leads to atheism and is against the spirit of the teachings of the Holy Qura'n in which the Almighty Allah says: âÐáäÃÂB áäÙãH áSå×á³åÂB ã¡ånáåÛBáÑ ãVBáÑCáÇáätÂB Ø㶠ÌáÆ âÈáÃå¯áÖ áäÙ Ä⺠ÉÒâ\á¯åRâÖ áÉCáäÖáF áÉÑâoâ¯åxáÖ CáÆáÑ "Say: No one in the heavens and the earth knows the unseen but Allah; and they do not know when they shall be raised.” (27:65) Thus to approach fortune-tellers, palmists, astrologers and such others who claim to have power to peep into future and to know of hidden matters is to display lack of true faith in the Will of Allah, It is against the teachings of Islam and leads to infidelity. THE TRAGIC END OF AN OPPRESSIVE KING Nadir Shah was King of Persia, a famous conqueror around early eighteenth century. He conquered India and with little resistance reached Delhi during 1739. Irritated and angered by some commotion by the inhabitants, he caused general massacre and set fire to houses in Delhi. Thousands of people were killed. During the last night of his fife, Nadir Shah was seeing terrible nightmares and had lost mental peace and sleep. He would get out of his bed now and again, returning to it to get some comfort and sleep but to no avail. It was terrible torture for the Shah but no one dared to approach him to find the reason. Only one person could dare to do so and he was Husainali Muinul Mulk, a trusted friend of the Shah. He approached him and asked the reasons for his restlessness and lack of sleep. The Shah said that it was a deep personal secret which he would reveal to him on condition that he did not tell anyone otherwise the punishment would be by death. Nadir Shah then related his secret saying that before he came on the throne of Iran, he had seen a sensational dream. He had seen two prominent and gilttering personalities come to him and with much honour, they took him to a place. There ten more glittering personalities were seated with much dignity and awe. The Shah was then ushered before one of them and a dazzling sword was respectfully tied around his waist. Thereafter one high personage said to him, “You are being designated for the upliftment and welfare of Iran provided people are treated well.” Since then, the Shah added he had made progress in every sphere in his life. Not only had he succeeded in sitting on the throne of Iran but he also extended domains. Having attacked at the cost of thousands killed, India also fell and came under his rule. Revealing his secret further to Husainali, Nadir Shah went on to say that night he saw a very frightening dream when he went to sleep. He saw the same two prominent and glittering personalities again but this time it appeared as if they were not in good mood as in the previous dream. He saw he was being dragged and made to appear before the same high personages in whose presence he was previously honoured with the gift of a dazzling sword and good news about his future. This time in harsh tone he was asked if such was the way of treating the Muslim masses? The Shah added that “I was asked to surrender the sword which was removed from my waist. Then with my hands tied around my neck, I was dragged from one place to another. This dream has terribly upset me and I am unable to sleep tonight,”he concluded. Alas the kingly life of Nadir Shah was destined to meet its tragic end as a result of his massacres and crimes. He passed that night restlessly and as the morning set in, he was killed by his enemies. He departed from this world neither with head over his body nor with the kingly crown over his head. The fact is that Nadir Shah had misused the good omen he first received in a dream. He thought he had become high and mighty and could do whatever he liked. He had misunderstood, as many of us today do, that the blessings of kingdom, wealth, power or high status in life are signs of divine favour. Wordly blessings to man are but temporary means of testing the strength of faith and action in obedience or disobedience of God's commands. Among the sins and crimes which attract severe punishment in this life as well as in the next is oppression of people. áÉÒâRãÃá»ËáÖ èSáÃá»ËâÆ áäÕáF BÒâÇáÃ᪠áÌÖãmáäÂB âÈáÃå¯á×ásáÑ and they who act unjustly shall know to what final place of turning they shall turn back. (26:227)  IN WILLING SUBMISSION TO THE WILL OF ALLAH Abu Talha was one of the respected companions of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) His wife Umme Salim was a woman of strong faith in Allah. They had a young son who was very dear to them. In particular the father was deeply attached to him. His name was Salim. Once young Salim became so seriously ill that his mother lost hope of his survival. One day she sensed the end was imminent. Lest the dear father became too much upset on seeing the son die, she requested Abu Talha to go to the Prophet. After he had left the house, Salim breathed his last. Umme Salim immediately shrouded the dead body in a piece of cloth and placed it inside a room. Thereafter she went and cooked food for her husband. She adorned herself with perfume and sat waiting for him to return. When Abu Talha returned he inquired about the health of his dear son. Umme Salim replied that he was asleep and it was better not to disturb him. Both sat down and ate their meal. And then lied down for a short rest. After "a while, Umme Salim woke up saying she wanted to ask him a question: “Supposing someone entrusted us with a thing for some time and after comes and takes it back from us. Would you be unhappy with him?” “Certainly not” replied Abu Talha. “A thing on trust to us must be returned to the owner.” Then Umme Salim decided to reveal what had happened to their son. She said, “Salim who was on trust to us has departed from this world. Allah the All Merciful, has decided to take him back from us.” So moved was Abu Talha to hear this said in this way that he exclaimed, “By Allah you are the mother of the son and as such more deserving to be consoled for this patience than I.” Abu Talha then rose up for ablution and recited two raka't prayers for the departed soul. Thereafter he went to the Prophet and related the unusual patience displayed by his wife over the death of their dear son. The Prophet was very glad and thanked Allah saying that his Ummat - his people were like those of Bani Israei. That is there were such people of forbearance and staunch faith as were to be found among the people of Bani Israel. The fact is that the death of a dear son should have caused the mother Umme Salim much grief. Instead she exercised a lot of self-control and patience so as to console her husband. It shows how deeply faithful and resigned to the will of Allah she was. What a splendid example of the power of faith which the Prophet of Islam had described in these words: “A person of Iman (faith) in his religion is stronger than a mighty mountain. That is so because a mountain can be carved out whereas one cannot cut back any part of the faith of a believer since he holds it firmly with deep attachment."  THE CHOSEN FIVE DIGNITARIES OF ISLAM. A MIRACULOUS DISCOVERY OF SIXTY YEARS AGO. It was in the year 1916 when the First World War was raging. A British Military patrol party was passing near a village named Ontra, a few miles from Jerusalem in Palestine. Suddenly the military party observed a strange light in the darkness of the night. It was coming from a very old small hillock. The officer-in-charge ordered digging it. After digging twelve feet deep, they came across a silverplate about two feet long and one and half feet wide. When the plate was taken out, its light disappered. The party took the plate to their Commander Major A.N. Grandell who scrutinised the plate in torch light and was wonderstruck. The border of the plate was inset with precious stones and in the centre of the plate, something was written in gold in some unknown language. Major Grandell sent the plate to the Commander of the Armies Lieutt. General D.O. Gladstone. He in turn sent it to the British Archeological Department. At the end of the war in 1919, research began into this unique plate. A committee of experts of ancient languages consisting of British, French, American and others was appointed. After many months of strenuous research, it was found that the inscriptions on the plate were in old Hebrew language used in the Old Testament (of the Bible.) On 31st January, 1920 the following translation was submitted: In Hebrew Language. Yah Ahmad Maqza Yah Eli Ansatah Yah Bahtool Akashi Yah Hasan Azofata Yah Hasin ba Rafo Eli, Eli, Eli, English Translation. Reach O' Ahmad 0' Ali, help me 0' Batool, keep an eye 0' Hasan, Be Kind 0' Husain, grant us happiness Ali - Ali – Ali After the translation by experts, it was decided that the silver plate should be kept in the archives of British Imperial Museum for display. But when the Lord Bishop of England came to know of it, he sent a directive on 1st March, 1923, that the keeping of this plate in the museum or any other public place would work against Christianity. The plate therefore must be kept in Secret Church Chambers. Thus it was kept and it is still there in the same place. The above mentioned discovery has been, quoted from “The Wonderful Stories of Islam” by Col. P. C. Implay, London, page 249, by the Ahmed Hussein Shah, Advocate, in his book 'The Straight Path'. The Holy Prophet Mohammad (S.A.W) had said that the first thing to be created by God before any creation was his LIGHT (NOOR). And that LIGHT then split to create AHLUL-BAIT, the household members of the Prophet. They are known as the Holy PANJETAN, the household members of the Prophet. They are the chosen and top most five dignitaries of Islam. They are: 1. Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) (also called Ahmad) 2. Imam Ali (A.S.) (also called Haider) the soul of the Prophet and his son-in-law. 3. Bibi Fatima (A.S.) (also called Batool) the only beloved daughter of The Prophet.4. Imam Hasan (A.S.) (also known as Shabbar) the son of Ali and Fatima. 5. Imam Husain (A.S.) (also known as Shabbir) the son of Ali and Fatima. Their greatness lies not only in being closely related to the Prophet, being part and parcel of the FIRST CREATED LIGHT of the Prophet, but also in their supreme sacrifices for the cause of Islam. God Almighty had chosen them as the of supreme personalities of Islam and informed all the previous Prophets in advance of their eminently high position and their sacrifices in the cause of Islam. The previous Prophets always felt awed, by the names of PANJETAN. Whenever they became surrounded by any misfortune, they prayed for God's deliverance with the help of the holy names of these five dignitaries. The silver plate inscribed with the holy names of PANJETAN - the holy five dignitaries of Islam as related above, might have originated from one of the past Prophets and used for invoking Allah's mercy and blessing. These five personalities are those whom Allah has exclusively kept away from all spiritual and physical impurity for ever. They are those who have been infallible and sinless from birth to death Ali, Fatima, Hassan and Husain (A.S.) are those whom the Prophet of Islam had identified exclusively as members of his House and that they are with the Qur'an and the Qur'an with them. They and the Qur'an are the supreme authority in Islam after the Prophet. Whosoever adheres to both the Qur'an and the People of the House will be saved from going astray from the straight and true path of Islam. Ibn Abbas relates the apostle of Allah Said: “Ali and Fatima and Hassan and Husain are my household members till the doomsday (qiyamat)” When asked 'which are the two luminaries?' the Prophet said: “Hassan and Husain and their father (Ali) is the light of the world and their mother (Fatima) is the full moon for dark nights” Abu Huraira said: that the Apostle of Allah looked at Ali and Fatima and Hassan and Husain and said: “I am at war with him who wages war with you and am at peace with him who is at peace with you.” ALLAH IS THE GUIDE FOR EVERY CREATURE Hamid had an inquisitive mind and was fond of learning all about wild life, how they lived and behaved. He used to obtain different books on animals and keenly study them. This hobby induced him to go out to the woods in order to observe animals in their natural surroundings. One day he accompanied h