Whoever says three times every morning, “I seek refuge in Allah from the accursed Satan,” and also recites the last three verses of Surah Al-Hashr, Allah, the Most Kind and Merciful, appoints seventy thousand angels over him who send blessings upon him until evening.

If he passes away on that day, he will have the status of a martyr (provided that he has fulfilled his other obligations as well).

If he says the isti‘adhah during the night prayer (‘Isha)—that is, says “I seek refuge in Allah…”—he will receive the same reward until morning.

The Noble Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him and his family) said:
Whoever says the isti‘adhah ten times every day, Allah appoints an angel over him to keep Satan away from him.

And whoever says the isti‘adhah with sincerity of heart, Allah, the Most Merciful, places seventy veils between him and Satan, with the distance between each veil equal to that between the earth and the sky.

 بِسْمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحْمٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ 

الْحَمْدُ للهِ الَّذی عَلا فی تَوَحُّدِهِ وَ دَنا فی تَفَرُّدِهِ وَجَلَّ فی سُلْطانِهِ وَعَظُمَ فی اَرْکانِهِ، وَاَحاطَ بِکُلِّ شَیءٍ عِلْماً وَ هُوَ فی مَکانِهِ وَ قَهَرَ جَمیعَ الْخَلْقِ بِقُدْرَتِهِ وَ بُرْهانِهِ، حَمیداً لَمْ یَزَلْ، مَحْموداً لایَزالُ (وَ مَجیداً لایَزولُ، وَمُبْدِئاً وَمُعیداً وَ کُلُّ أَمْرٍ إِلَیْهِ یَعُودُ).(خطبه غدیر خم)

All praise is due to Allah, Who is exalted in His oneness, Who is near in His uniqueness, Who is majestic in His sovereignty, and mighty in His pillars. He encompasses everything with His knowledge while He remains in His place. He has subdued all creation by His power and His proof. He is ever-praised, never ceasing to be praised; ever-glorious, never ceasing to be glorious; the Originator and the Restorer, and to Him all matters return.

• الْمَالُ وَالْبَنُونَ زِينَةُ الْحَيَاةِ الدُّنْيَا ۖ وَالْبَاقِيَاتُ الصَّالِحَاتُ خَيْرٌ عِنْدَ رَبِّكَ ثَوَابًا وَخَيْرٌ أَمَلًا {18:46} 

امام صادق (ع) الْوَلَدُ سَيِّدُ سَبْعِ سِنِينَ، وَ عَبْدُ سَبْعِ سِنِينَ، وَ وَزِيرُ سَبْعِ سِنِينَ.”   

0-7: Freedom + Love

8-14: Discipline + Teaching  

15-21: Partnership + Leadership 

Raising children on the right path must begin from the very start; it requires continuous effort and struggle. A powerful example is the story of the two orphaned sons of Muslim ibn ‘Aqil. When their killer was about to strike them with his sword, they calmly asked for a moment to perform their prayers. In such a terrifying and intense situation, these young children showed remarkable composure and unwavering faith, remaining fully in control of themselves.

وَنَشْهَدُ أَنْ لاَ إِلهَ إِلاَّ اللهُ وَحْدَهُ لاَ شَرِيكَ لَهُ، وَأَنَّ مُحَمَّداً عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُهُ، وَنَشْهَدُ أَنَّ عليا و أبىنائه المعصومين حجج الله ، 

أُوصِيکُمْ عِبَادَاللهِ و نفسي، بِتَقْوَى اللهِ وَطَاعَتِهِ،

S.Sermon

الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ الَّذِی یُؤْمِنُ الْخَائِفِینَ وَ یُنَجِّی الصَّالِحِینَ وَ یَرْفَعُ الْمُسْتَضْعَفِینَ وَ یَضَعُ الْمُسْتَکْبِرِینَ وَ یُهْلِکُ مُلُوکا وَ یَسْتَخْلِفُ آخَرِینَ وَالْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ قَاصِمِ الْجَبَّارِینَ مُبِیرِ الظَّالِمِینَ مُدْرِکِ الْهَارِبِینَ نَکَالِ الظَّالِمِینَ صَرِیخِ الْمُسْتَصْرِخِینَ مَوْضِعِ حَاجَاتِ الطَّالِبِینَ مُعْتَمَدِ الْمُؤْمِنِینَ. اَللّـهُمَّ اجْعَلْنا مِنْ جُنْدِكَ فَاِنَّ جُنْدَكَ هُمُ الْغالِبُونَ وَاجْعَلْنا مِنْ حِزْبِكَ فَاِنَّ حِزْبَكَ هُمُ الْمُفْلِحُونَ وَاجْعَلْنا مِنْ اَوْلِيآئِكَ  فَاِنَّ أولياءك لا خَوْفٌ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلا هُمْ يَحْزَنُونَ …والصلاه و السلام علی…

Muharram and our responsibilities

Timesless saying of Imam Hussain a.s:

قال الإمام الحسين عليه السلام : 

“ألا ترون أنّ الحقّ لا يعمل به، وأنّ الباطل لا يُتناهى عنه، ليرغب المؤمن في لقاء الله محقّاً، فإنّي لا أرى الموت إلّا سعادةً، والحياة مع الظّالمين إلّا برماً”.

“Do you not see that truth is not acted upon, and that falsehood is not restrained? So let the believer desire to meet Almighty in righteousness. For I do not see death as anything but happiness, and living with oppressors as nothing but misery.”

انما خرجت لطلب الاصلاح فی امه جدی 

After the demise of our beloved Prophet, Muslims deviated from the main Islamic injunctions within 50 years.

Religious deviation:

• Innovations in religion.
• Suppressing the voice of truth.

Benefits of diagnosing deviation:

• Understanding the true purpose.
• Recognizing the need for reform.
• Finding the path of guidance.

Social deviation:

• Injustice.
• Moral decline.

Political deviation:

• The rule of Yazid.
• Usurpation of the caliphate.

The second stage is that, without objection or hesitation, acting upon the guidance of the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them) is our duty:

بَذَلَ مُهْجَتَهُ فِيكَ لِيَسْتَنْقِذَ عِبَادَكَ مِنَ الْجَهَالَةِ وَحَيْرَةِ الضَّلَالَةِ إِلَى مَعَالِمِ الْهُدَى وَالنَّجَاةِ مِنَ الْغَوَايَةِ

“He offered up his mujhah for You…”

The word muhjah in Arabic means life, soul, the blood of the heart, or a person’s most precious life. It is also used for something that is most beloved and valuable to a human being.

The meaning of “بَذَلَ مُهْجَتَهُ” is:

• “He sacrificed his life,” or
• “He offered his dearest possession, his life, in Your path.”

So the full meaning of the phrase is:

“And he sacrificed his life for Your sake so that he might lead Your servants out of misguidance, ignorance, blindness, doubt, and hesitation to the gate of guidance, and save them from destruction.”

Here, “muhjah” refers to Imam Hussain’s blessed life, meaning that he laid down his life in the path of Allah.

Examples:

• بَذَلَ الْمُجَاهِدُ مُهْجَتَهُ فِي سَبِيلِ الْحَقِّ
  “The fighter sacrificed his life in the path of truth.”
• أَنْتَ مُهْجَةُ قَلْبِي
  “You are the life of my heart.”
• دَافَعَ عَنْ وَطَنِهِ حَتَّى بَذَلَ مُهْجَتَهُ
  “He defended his homeland until he sacrificed his life.”

Grammar and morphology

• مُهْجَة: a feminine singular noun.
• مُهْجَتَهُ: “muhjah” + the pronoun “his.”
• In the sentence, it is the direct object of the verb badhala.

So the complete explanation of “وَبَذَلَ مُهْجَتَهُ فِيكَ” is:

“He sacrificed his most precious possession, namely his life, for Your pleasure and in Your path.”

First duty: guiding the servants of God.
(That is, the sacred person of Imam Hussain is universal in the same way Islam is universal for all humanity, not only for us Shi‘a.)

Second duty: saving the servants of God Almighty from misguidance.
Third duty: removing ignorance.
Fourth duty: saving them from blindness and error.
Fifth duty: leading them out of doubt and into the station of certainty. 

We all love Imam Hussain (a.s.); he is calling us, so let us answer his call:

مَنْ كَانَ بَاذِلًا فِينَا مُهْجَتَهُ، وَمُوَطِّناً عَلَىٰ لِقَاءِ اللّٰهِ نَفْسَهُ، فَلْيَرْحَلْ مَعَنَا، فَإِنِّي رَاحِلٌ مُصْبِحاً إِنْ شَاءَ اللّٰهُ »

“Whoever is prepared to sacrifice his life for us and has resolved to meet Allah, let him depart with us, for I am leaving in the morning, if Allah wills.” 

Middle East situation…

How is it that you take Satan’s promises seriously, yet you disregard the promises of Allah (swt)? For Allah (swt), you are not willing to give even a single toman, but for Satan, you are ready to spend thousands of dollars just to have a line of praise written about you in newspapers or spoken on the radio.

When it comes to dealing with Allah (swt)—who says: show mercy to your neighbor, help the poor, the dignified poor who cannot afford their daily bread, who may have a daughter of marriageable age or are ill—help them, and you will receive multiple rewards—you say, “I cannot afford it.”  

And Satan will say ˹to his followers˺ after the judgment has been passed, “Indeed, Allah has made you a true promise. I too made you a promise, but I failed you. I did not have any authority over you. I only called you, and you responded to me. So do not blame me; blame yourselves. I cannot save you, nor can you save me. Indeed, I denounce your previous association of me with Allah ˹in loyalty˺. Surely the wrongdoers will suffer a painful punishment.”

 وَقَالَ ٱلشَّيْطَـٰنُ لَمَّا قُضِىَ ٱلْأَمْرُ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ وَعَدَكُمْ وَعْدَ ٱلْحَقِّ وَوَعَدتُّكُمْ فَأَخْلَفْتُكُمْ ۖ وَمَا كَانَ لِىَ عَلَيْكُم مِّن سُلْطَـٰنٍ إِلَّآ أَن دَعَوْتُكُمْ فَٱسْتَجَبْتُمْ لِى ۖ فَلَا تَلُومُونِى وَلُومُوٓا۟ أَنفُسَكُم ۖ مَّآ أَنَا۠ بِمُصْرِخِكُمْ وَمَآ أَنتُم بِمُصْرِخِىَّ ۖ إِنِّى كَفَرْتُ بِمَآ أَشْرَكْتُمُونِ مِن قَبْلُ ۗ إِنَّ ٱلظَّـٰلِمِينَ لَهُمْ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌۭ

But if it is a worldly, satanic transaction, how readily we outbid others. (Satan exists as a means of testing people.) There must be such temptations—even cinemas are opened, and human devils are cultivated—so that these two-legged beasts may be traped.

At sunset, before we, the call of “ḥayya ‘ala al-ṣalāh” (come to prayer) is raised—Allah’s promise of forgiveness is proclaimed—yet at the same time, customers and your unrestrained companions arrive.

Allah (swt) is testing you: will you answer the call to prayer and the divine summons, or will you respond to your customers and companions? Both must exist so that the righteous may be distinguished from the wicked.

Tomorrow is the abode of recompense; here is the field where reward and punishment are prepared and where one earns what one deserves. Certainly, no one is forced into sin, nor is anyone’s free will taken away.

بِسْمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحْمٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ 

الْحَمْدُ للهِ الَّذی عَلا فی تَوَحُّدِهِ وَ دَنا فی تَفَرُّدِهِ وَجَلَّ فی سُلْطانِهِ وَعَظُمَ فی اَرْکانِهِ، وَاَحاطَ بِکُلِّ شَیءٍ عِلْماً وَ هُوَ فی مَکانِهِ وَ قَهَرَ جَمیعَ الْخَلْقِ بِقُدْرَتِهِ وَ بُرْهانِهِ، حَمیداً لَمْ یَزَلْ، مَحْموداً لایَزالُ (وَ مَجیداً لایَزولُ، وَمُبْدِئاً وَمُعیداً وَ کُلُّ أَمْرٍ إِلَیْهِ یَعُودُ).(خطبه غدیر خم)

All praise is due to Allah, Who is exalted in His oneness, Who is near in His uniqueness, Who is majestic in His sovereignty, and mighty in His pillars. He encompasses everything with His knowledge while He remains in His place. He has subdued all creation by His power and His proof. He is ever-praised, never ceasing to be praised; ever-glorious, never ceasing to be glorious; the Originator and the Restorer, and to Him all matters return.

بارِئُ الْمَسْمُوکاتِ وَداحِی الْمَدْحُوّاتِ وَجَبّارُ الْأَرَضینَ وَ السّماواتِ، قُدُّوسٌ سُبُّوحٌ، رَبُّ الْمَلائکَةِ وَالرُّوحِ، مُتَفَضِّلٌ عَلی جَمیعِ مَنْ بَرَأَهُ، مُتَطَوِّلٌ عَلی جَمیعِ مَنْ أَنْشَأَهُ. یَلْحَظُ کُلَّ عَیْنٍ وَالْعُیُونُ لاتَراهُ.

He is the Creator of the heavens above and the Spreader of the earth below, the Compeller of the earths and the heavens, Most Holy, Most Pure, the Lord of the angels and the Spirit. He bestows favors on all whom He has created and extends His grace to all whom He has brought into being. He observes every eye, while eyes cannot see Him.

• الْمَالُ وَالْبَنُونَ زِينَةُ الْحَيَاةِ الدُّنْيَا ۖ وَالْبَاقِيَاتُ الصَّالِحَاتُ خَيْرٌ عِنْدَ رَبِّكَ ثَوَابًا وَخَيْرٌ أَمَلًا {18:46} 

امام صادق (ع) الْوَلَدُ سَيِّدُ سَبْعِ سِنِينَ، وَ عَبْدُ سَبْعِ سِنِينَ، وَ وَزِيرُ سَبْعِ سِنِينَ.”   

0-7: Freedom + Love

8-14: Discipline + Teaching  

15-21: Partnership + Leadership 

Raising children on the right path must begin from the very start; it requires continuous effort and struggle. A powerful example is the story of the two orphaned sons of Muslim ibn ‘Aqil. When their killer was about to strike them with his sword, they calmly asked for a moment to perform their prayers. In such a terrifying and intense situation, these young children showed remarkable composure and unwavering faith, remaining fully in control of themselves.

وَنَشْهَدُ أَنْ لاَ إِلهَ إِلاَّ اللهُ وَحْدَهُ لاَ شَرِيكَ لَهُ، وَأَنَّ مُحَمَّداً عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُهُ، وَنَشْهَدُ أَنَّ عليا و أبىنائه المعصومين حجج الله ، 

أُوصِيکُمْ عِبَادَاللهِ و نفسي، بِتَقْوَى اللهِ وَطَاعَتِهِ،

Second S.:

اَلْحَمْدُ للهِ وَالْحَمْدُ حَقُّهُ كَما يَسْتَحِقُّهُ حَمْداً كَثيراً وَاَعُوذُ بِهِ مِنْ شَرِّ نَفْسى اِنَّ النَّفْسَ لاَمّارَةٌ بِالسُّوءِ اِلاّ ما رَحِمَ رَبّى وَاَعُوذُ بِهِ مِنْ شَرِّ الشَّيْطانِ الَّذى يَزيدُنى ذَنْباً اِلى ذَنْبى وَاَحْتَرِزُ بِهِ مِنْ كُلِّ جَبّار فاجِر وَسُلْطان جائِر وَعَدُوّ قاهِر اَللّـهُمَّ اجْعَلْنى مِنْ جُنْدِكَ فَاِنَّ جُنْدَكَ هُمُ الْغالِبُونَ وَاجْعَلْنىمِنْ حِزْبِكَ فَاِنَّ حِزْبَكَ هُمُ الْمُفْلِحُونَ وَاجْعَلْنى مِنْ اَوْلِيآئِكَ فَاِنَّ أولياءك لا خَوْفٌ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلا هُمْ يَحْزَنُونَ 

والصلاه والسلام علی حبیب رب العالمین، شفیع المذنبین، رحمه للعالمین ابی القاسم محمد….

Shahdat of Orphons of H. Muslim

Mubahala 

إِنَّ هَـٰذَا لَهُوَ ٱلْقَصَصُ ٱلْحَقُّ ۚ وَمَا مِنْ إِلَـٰهٍ إِلَّا ٱللَّهُ ۚ وَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَهُوَ ٱلْعَزِيزُ ٱلْحَكِيمُ

Certainly, this is the true narrative, and there is no god ˹worthy of worship˺ except Allah. And indeed, Allah ˹alone˺ is the Almighty, All-Wise. (3:62)

“Toronto is set to host a grand Eid al-Ghadir celebration this year.”

1380 Stoufville Rd, Richmond Hill…

“Amid the conflict, reopening the Strait of Hormuz became a top priority for world leaders.”

One day, the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him and his family) was passing by a place when he saw a man beating his slave. The slave was crying out, “I seek refuge in Allah!”  ( اَعُوذُ بِاللّهِ ), but the man would not stop beating him.

As soon as the slave saw the Holy Prophet, he cried, “I seek refuge in the Messenger of Allah!” ( اَعُوذُ بِرَسُولِ اللّه ). Upon seeing the Prophet, the man stopped immediately.

The Prophet—who is a mercy to the worlds (peace be upon him and his family)—said: “It would have been better if you had stopped beating him when he invoked the name of Allah.”

The man replied, “Because of these words of yours, I free him.”

The Prophet then said: “If you had not done so, your face would have been burned by the fire of Hell.”

بِسْمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحْمٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ 

الْحَمْدُ للهِ الَّذی عَلا فی تَوَحُّدِهِ وَ دَنا فی تَفَرُّدِهِ وَجَلَّ فی سُلْطانِهِ وَعَظُمَ فی اَرْکانِهِ، وَاَحاطَ بِکُلِّ شَیءٍ عِلْماً وَ هُوَ فی مَکانِهِ وَ قَهَرَ جَمیعَ الْخَلْقِ بِقُدْرَتِهِ وَ بُرْهانِهِ، حَمیداً لَمْ یَزَلْ، مَحْموداً لایَزالُ (وَ مَجیداً لایَزولُ، وَمُبْدِئاً وَمُعیداً وَ کُلُّ أَمْرٍ إِلَیْهِ یَعُودُ).(خطبه غدیر خم)

All praise is due to Allah, Who is exalted in His oneness, Who is near in His uniqueness, Who is majestic in His sovereignty, and mighty in His pillars. He encompasses everything with His knowledge while He remains in His place. He has subdued all creation by His power and His proof. He is ever-praised, never ceasing to be praised; ever-glorious, never ceasing to be glorious; the Originator and the Restorer, and to Him all matters return.

بارِئُ الْمَسْمُوکاتِ وَداحِی الْمَدْحُوّاتِ وَجَبّارُ الْأَرَضینَ وَ السّماواتِ، قُدُّوسٌ سُبُّوحٌ، رَبُّ الْمَلائکَةِ وَالرُّوحِ، مُتَفَضِّلٌ عَلی جَمیعِ مَنْ بَرَأَهُ، مُتَطَوِّلٌ عَلی جَمیعِ مَنْ أَنْشَأَهُ. یَلْحَظُ کُلَّ عَیْنٍ وَالْعُیُونُ لاتَراهُ.

He is the Creator of the heavens above and the Spreader of the earth below, the Compeller of the earths and the heavens, Most Holy, Most Pure, the Lord of the angels and the Spirit. He bestows favors on all whom He has created and extends His grace to all whom He has brought into being. He observes every eye, while eyes cannot see Him.

• الْمَالُ وَالْبَنُونَ زِينَةُ الْحَيَاةِ الدُّنْيَا ۖ وَالْبَاقِيَاتُ الصَّالِحَاتُ خَيْرٌ عِنْدَ رَبِّكَ ثَوَابًا وَخَيْرٌ أَمَلًا {18:46} 

امام صادق (ع) الْوَلَدُ سَيِّدُ سَبْعِ سِنِينَ، وَ عَبْدُ سَبْعِ سِنِينَ، وَ وَزِيرُ سَبْعِ سِنِينَ.”   

0-7: Freedom + Love

8-14: Discipline + Teaching  

15-21: Partnership + Leadership

Explaining the Third Stage: The Minister (Wazir)

When a child reaches the age of 14, they enter adolescence and early adulthood. The Imam beautifully uses the word Wazir (وزير), which means a minister, counselor.

In a kingdom, a minister is not a servant who is mindlessly ordered around, nor are they the king who makes absolute decisions without accountability. Instead, a minister is an essential partner in governance.

By framing a teenager as a “minister,” Islamic psychology teaches us to shift our parenting style in three profound ways:

1. Shift from “Commanding” to “Consulting”

During the second stage (7–14), parents use direct instruction and discipline. In the third stage, this approach fails and often causes rebellion. As a “minister,” the young adult needs to be consulted.

• How it looks: Instead of saying, “You must do this,” a parent asks, “What do you think is the best way to handle this situation?” You involve them in family decisions, budgets, or planning.

2. Granting Autonomy with Accountability

A minister holds a position of high responsibility. Parents must begin treating their teenagers as capable adults. This means giving them the freedom to make choices, but also allowing them to face the real-world consequences of those choices. This builds true maturity, confidence, and critical thinking.

3. Friendship and Companionship

At this stage, the parent-child dynamic transitions into a deep, respectful friendship. The teenager should feel that their parents respect their intellect and respect them as independent individuals. If a teenager feels heard and valued at home like a trusted minister, they will naturally seek their parents’ counsel when facing life’s major temptations and challenges.

The Core Takeaway: This 1,400-year-old wisdom perfectly mirrors modern developmental psychology. It reminds us that we cannot treat a 16-year-old like a 10-year-old. The goal of the third stage is gradual release—moving from a manager to a mentor, preparing them to stand completely on their own two feet by age 21.

وَنَشْهَدُ أَنْ لاَ إِلهَ إِلاَّ اللهُ وَحْدَهُ لاَ شَرِيكَ لَهُ، وَأَنَّ مُحَمَّداً عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُهُ، وَنَشْهَدُ أَنَّ عليا و أبىنائه المعصومين حجج الله ، 

أُوصِيکُمْ عِبَادَاللهِ و نفسي، بِتَقْوَى اللهِ وَطَاعَتِهِ،

Second S.:

الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ الَّذِی یُؤْمِنُ الْخَائِفِینَ وَ یُنَجِّی الصَّالِحِینَ وَ یَرْفَعُ الْمُسْتَضْعَفِینَ وَ یَضَعُ الْمُسْتَکْبِرِینَ وَ یُهْلِکُ مُلُوکا وَ یَسْتَخْلِفُ آخَرِینَ وَالْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ قَاصِمِ الْجَبَّارِینَ مُبِیرِ الظَّالِمِینَ مُدْرِکِ الْهَارِبِینَ نَکَالِ الظَّالِمِینَ صَرِیخِ الْمُسْتَصْرِخِینَ مَوْضِعِ حَاجَاتِ الطَّالِبِینَ مُعْتَمَدِ الْمُؤْمِنِینَ. اَللّـهُمَّ اجْعَلْنا مِنْ جُنْدِكَ فَاِنَّ جُنْدَكَ هُمُ الْغالِبُونَ وَاجْعَلْنا مِنْ حِزْبِكَ فَاِنَّ حِزْبَكَ هُمُ الْمُفْلِحُونَ وَاجْعَلْنا مِنْ اَوْلِيآئِكَ  فَاِنَّ أولياءك لا خَوْفٌ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلا هُمْ يَحْزَنُونَ …والصلاه و السلام علی…

Ghadeer Khum

The Event of Ghadir in Tarikh al-Tabari

Ibn Jarir al-Tabari (Abu Ja’far Muhammad ibn Jarir al-Tabari) was a renowned commentator, historian, and jurist of the 3rd and 4th centuries AH (224–310 AH). He was born in 224 or 225 AH in Amol, Tabaristan (Iran), and passed away in 310 AH in Baghdad.

Ibn Jarir al-Tabari collected multiple chains of transmission (isnads) for this event in his book and declared this narration authentic. According to Tabari, upon returning from the Farewell Pilgrimage, on the 18th of Dhu al-Hijjah at the location of Ghadir Khumm, the Prophet of Islam (peace be upon him and his family) raised the hand of Ali (peace be upon him) and proclaimed: “Man kuntu mawlahu fa hadha Aliyyun mawlahu,” meaning, “For whomever I am the master, this Ali is his master.” After this, he prayed: “Allahumma waali man waalahu wa ‘aadi man ‘aadaahu,” meaning, “O Allah! Befriend whoever befriends Ali and be hostile to whoever is hostile to Ali.”

فَأَوْحی إِلَی: (بِسْمِ الله الرَّحْمانِ الرَّحیمِ، یا أَیُهَاالرَّسُولُ بَلِّغْ ما أُنْزِلَ إِلَیْکَ مِنْ رَبِّکَ – فی عَلِی یَعْنی فِی الْخِلاَفَةِ لِعَلِی بْنِ أَبی طالِبٍ – وَإِنْ لَمْ تَفْعَلْ فَما بَلَّغْتَ رِسالَتَهُ وَالله یَعْصِمُکَ مِنَ النّاسِ).

So He revealed to me: (In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. O Messenger, convey what has been sent down to you from your Lord—concerning Ali, meaning regarding the succession of Ali ibn Abi Talib—and if you do not, then you have not conveyed His message. And Allah will protect you from the people).

مَعاشِرَالنّاسِ، ما قَصَّرْتُ فی تَبْلیغِ ما أَنْزَلَ الله تَعالی إِلَی، وَ أَنَا أُبَیِّنُ لَکُمْ سَبَبَ هذِهِ الْآیَةِ: إِنَّ جَبْرئیلَ هَبَطَ إِلَی مِراراً ثَلاثاً یَأْمُرُنی عَنِ السَّلامِ رَبّی – وَ هُوالسَّلامُ – أَنْ أَقُومَ فی هذَا الْمَشْهَدِ فَأُعْلِمَ کُلَّ أَبْیَضَ وَأَسْوَدَ: أَنَّ عَلِیبْنَ أَبی طالِبٍ أَخی وَ وَصِیّی وَ خَلیفَتی (عَلی أُمَّتی) وَالْإِمامُ مِنْ بَعْدی، الَّذی مَحَلُّهُ مِنّی مَحَلُّ هارُونَ مِنْ مُوسی إِلاَّ أَنَّهُ لانَبِی بَعْدی وَهُوَ وَلِیُّکُمْ بَعْدَالله وَ رَسُولِهِ.

O people, I have not fallen short in conveying what Allah, the Exalted, has revealed to me, and I will now explain to you the reason for this verse: Indeed, Gabriel descended upon me three times, commanding me on behalf of my Lord—Who is peace—that I should stand in this gathering and inform every white and black (i.e., everyone) that Ali ibn Abi Talib is my brother, my executor (wasiy), my successor (khalifa) after me, and the Imam after me. His position to me is like the position of Aaron to Moses, except that there is no prophet after me. He is your guardian (wali) after Allah and His Messenger.

وَقَدْ أَنْزَلَ الله تَبارَکَ وَ تَعالی عَلَی بِذالِکَ آیَةً مِنْ کِتابِهِ (هِی): (إِنَّما وَلِیُّکُمُ الله وَ رَسُولُهُ وَالَّذینَ آمَنُواالَّذینَ یُقیمُونَ الصَّلاةَ وَیُؤْتونَ الزَّکاةَ وَ هُمْ راکِعُونَ)، وَ عَلِی بْنُ أَبی طالِبٍ الَّذی أَقامَ الصَّلاةَ وَ آتَی الزَّکاةَ وَهُوَ راکِعٌ یُریدُاللهعَزَّوَجَلَّ فی کُلِّ حالٍ. 

And Allah, Blessed and Exalted, has revealed to me a verse from His Book about this: (Indeed, your guardian is only Allah, His Messenger, and those who believe, those who establish prayer and give zakat while they bow [in prayer]). And Ali ibn Abi Talib is the one who established prayer and gave zakat while bowing, seeking Allah, the Mighty and Majestic, in every circumstance.  

وَسَأَلْتُ جَبْرَئیلَ أَنْ یَسْتَعْفِی لِی (السَّلامَ) عَنْ تَبْلیغِ ذالِکَ إِلیْکُمْ – أَیُّهَاالنّاسُ – لِعِلْمی بِقِلَّةِ الْمُتَّقینَ وَکَثْرَةِ الْمُنافِقینَ وَإِدغالِ اللّائمینَ وَ حِیَلِ الْمُسْتَهْزِئینَ بِالْإِسْلامِ، الَّذینَ وَصَفَهُمُ الله فی کِتابِهِ بِأَنَّهُمْ یَقُولُونَ بِأَلْسِنَتِهِمْ مالَیْسَ فیقُلوبِهِمْ، وَیَحْسَبُونَهُ هَیِّناً وَ هُوَ عِنْدَالله عَظیمٌ.

And I asked Gabriel to request exemption for me (peace be upon him) from conveying this to you, O people, because I know the scarcity of the pious, the abundance of hypocrites, the cunning of those who find fault, and the tricks of those who mock Islam—those whom God has described in His Book as saying with their tongues what is not in their hearts, and they think it is insignificant, while it is, in the sight of God, tremendous.  

When Zayd ibn Arqam was harmed and troubled by the hypocrites, and later had the honor of meeting the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family), the Prophet said to him:

“Every morning say: ‘I seek refuge in Allah from the accursed Satan 

(أَعُوذُ بِاللَّهِ مِنَ الشَّيطَانِ الجیم).’
So that the All-Merciful Allah may protect you from the evil of the hypocrites, who are human devils, and some of whom pass on false and ugly words to one another.”

بِسْمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحْمٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ )الْحَمْدُ للهِ( كُلُّ شَيْء خَاشِعٌ لَهُ، وَكُلُّ شَيْء قَائِمٌ بِهِ: غِنى كُلِّ فَقِير، وَعِزُّ كُلِّ ذَلِيل، وَقُوَّةُ كُلِّ ضَعِيف، وَمَفْزَعُ كُلِّ مَلْهُوف، مَنْ تَكَلَّمَ سَمِعَ نُطْقَهُ، وَمَنْ سَكَتَ عَلِمَ سِرَّهُ، وَمَنْ عَاشَ فَعَلَيْهِ رِزْقُهُ، وَمَنْ مَاتَ فَإِلَيْهِ مُنْقَلَبُهُ

(Praise be to Allah) Everything submits to Him and everything exists by Him. He is the satisfaction of every poor, dignity of the low, energy for the weak and shelter for the oppressed. Whoever speaks, He hears his speaking, and whoever keeps quiet, He knows his secret. On Him is the livelihood of everyone who lives, and to Him returns whoever dies. (K:109) 

1. كُلُّ شَيْء خَاشِعٌ لَهُ

“Everything is in humility before Him.”

Meaning:

• خاشع means humble, submissive, awed, and overwhelmed by the greatness of someone.
• Every created thing—angels, humans, animals, galaxies, atoms, time, space—is in a state of submission to Allah. ثُمَّ ٱسْتَوَىٰٓ إِلَى ٱلسَّمَآءِ وَهِىَ دُخَانٌۭ فَقَالَ لَهَا وَلِلْأَرْضِ ٱئْتِيَا طَوْعًا أَوْ كَرْهًۭا قَالَتَآ أَتَيْنَا طَآئِعِينَ Then He turned to the heaven, and it was smoke, and He said to it and to the earth, ‘Come, willingly or unwillingly!’ They said, ‘We come obediently.’ (41:11)
• This is not just outward submission; it is inner, natural submission. Even if humans resist Allah outwardly, their very existence is a form of submission.

Why everything is humble before Allah:

• Everything in the universe follows laws set by Allah, whether they “know” it or not.
• Stars, planets, winds, plants, and all creatures move and function according to Allah’s will.
• Even when a person commits sin, their body, breath, and life are still sustained by Allah, meaning they are still under His control.

This is a cosmic humility: everything is bowed before Allah, either willingly (like the angels) or by necessity (like the physical world).

Visionary Parents دور اندیش والدین

رَبِّ ٱجْعَلْنِى مُقِيمَ ٱلصَّلَوٰةِ وَمِن ذُرِّيَّتِى ۚ رَبَّنَا وَتَقَبَّلْ دُعَآءِ;  

My Lord! Make me and those ˹believers˺ of my descendants keep up prayer. Our Lord! Accept my prayers.

امام صادق (ع) الْوَلَدُ سَيِّدُ سَبْعِ سِنِينَ، وَ عَبْدُ سَبْعِ سِنِينَ، وَ وَزِيرُ سَبْعِ سِنِينَ.”   

0-7: Freedom + Love

8-14: Discipline + Teaching  

15-21: Partnership + Leadership 

Why is the second stage called “ʿAbd (عَبْد = servant)” for seven years?

1. “ʿAbd” means someone who is disciplined and trained

In this stage (ages 8–14), the child:

• Is no longer treated as a master who can do whatever he wants (first stage),
• But is now trained in obedience, discipline, and responsibility.
• The word “ʿAbd” here does not mean oppressed or slave—it means a servant who follows rules, learns obedience, and accepts responsibility.

وَنَشْهَدُ أَنْ لاَ إِلهَ إِلاَّ اللهُ وَحْدَهُ لاَ شَرِيكَ لَهُ، وَأَنَّ مُحَمَّداً عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُهُ، وَنَشْهَدُ أَنَّ عليا و أبىنائه المعصومين حجج الله ، 

أُوصِيکُمْ عِبَادَاللهِ و نفسي، بِتَقْوَى اللهِ وَطَاعَتِهِ،

Sermon: 2 

اَلْحَمْدُ للهِ وَالْحَمْدُ حَقُّهُ كَما يَسْتَحِقُّهُ حَمْداً كَثيراً وَاَعُوذُ بِهِ مِنْ شَرِّ نَفْسى اِنَّ النَّفْسَ لاَمّارَةٌ بِالسُّوءِ اِلاّ ما رَحِمَ رَبّى وَاَعُوذُ بِهِ مِنْ شَرِّ الشَّيْطانِ الَّذى يَزيدُنى ذَنْباً اِلى ذَنْبى وَاَحْتَرِزُ بِهِ مِنْ كُلِّ جَبّار فاجِر وَسُلْطان جائِر وَعَدُوّ قاهِر اَللّـهُمَّ اجْعَلْنى مِنْ جُنْدِكَ فَاِنَّ جُنْدَكَ هُمُ الْغالِبُونَ وَاجْعَلْنى مِنْحِزْبِكَ فَاِنَّ حِزْبَكَ هُمُ الْمُفْلِحُونَ وَاجْعَلْنى مِنْ اَوْلِيآئِكَ فَاِنَّ أولياءك لا خَوْفٌ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلا هُمْ يَحْزَنُونَ 

والصلاه والسلام علی حبیب رب العالمین، شفیع المذنبین، رحمه للعالمین ابی القاسم محمد….

Shahdat of Imam Baquir a.s: 

Born in Madina on Ist Rajab 57 Hijri, died in Madina on 7th Zilhijja 114 Hijri (31.1.733AD) at the age of 57 years. Period of Imamate 19 years.

On the evidence of the most authentic Hadith narrated by Sunni and Shia historians, one of the companions of the Holy Prophet Jabir Ibn Abdallah Ansari was in the presence of the Holy Prophet. He asked the Prophet about the names of descendants from his daughter Hazrat Fatima and ‘Ali (as) . The Prophet told him,

“O Jabir, you will have a long life, and although you will go blind, but you will meet the 5th in line of my descendants whose name will be my name, who will walk like me and who will be the 5th Imam of the time. When you will meet him, give my salaams to him”.

As predicted by the Holy Prophet Jabir ibn Abdullah Ansari had a long life and became blind in his old age. But he devoutly waited for the time when he would meet the 5th Imam. Each morning he would come out from his house, sit by the road side and wait for the sound of the footsteps to recognize the 5th Imam.

One such day while he was waiting in the street of Madina, he heard someone walking towards him, the sound of footsteps reminded him of the way Holy Prophet used to walk. Jabir stood up, stopped the man and asked his name. He replied, “Muhammad”, Jabir asked, whose son?, he replied “‘Ali Ibnul Husayn”.

Jabir immediately recognized the man he was talking to was the 5th Imam. He kissed his and told him the message from the Holy Prophet and that the Prophet sent his salaams to him. Imam took him to his home, asked his friends to gather as many people as they can. When they all assembled in his house, the Imam asked Jabir to tell the whole story again.

Jabir narrated the story, they all cried and attested in unison of the Imamate of the Fifth Imam and also the names of the other Seven Imams in his line up to the Twelfth Imam.

Day of Arafa and Shahdat of H. Muslim a:

the Day of ʿArafah is one of the greatest days of the year and a major spiritual station for duʿāʾ, repentance, self-knowledge, and divine mercy.

Core significance

For the Ahlulbayt (a.s.), ʿArafah is not only the day of standing on the plain of ʿArafāt during Hajj; it is also a day when Allah’s mercy, forgiveness, and nearness are especially open to the believer. It is a day of turning the heart completely toward Allah through humility and recognition of one’s dependence on Him.

Duʿāʾ of ʿArafah

One of the most important legacies of the Ahlulbayt (a.s.) for this day is Imam Husayn’s (a.s.) Duʿāʾ of ʿArafah, which is a profound text of theology, gratitude, self-awareness, and intimate conversation with Allah. Scholars emphasize that it should be recited with presence of heart, because its meanings are spiritually rich and deeply reflective.

Recommended amaal

The Ahlulbayt (a.s.) teach that ʿArafah should be marked by:

• abundant duʿāʾ,
• istighfār,
• praise of Allah,
• reflection on one’s creation and blessings,
• and sincere longing for divine forgiveness.

Shahdat of H. Muslim a:

1. Wilayat-peziri (ولایت‌پذیری الاستسلام للولاية (القبول والرضى))

Wilayat-peziri means acceptance of Wilayah (guidance/authority):

• Accepting divine leadership (from the Prophethood of the Prophet ﷺ, to the Imamate of the Infallibles (a.s.), and in our time, acceptance of the divinely appointed leadership).
• Accepting obedience and submission to the Wali (the Guardian, the Imam) as the Wali of Allah and the Hujjatallah (Proof of Allah) over creation.
  
• Heartfelt and practical readiness to obey the Wali in all religious and moral matters.

2. Wilayat-madari (ولایت‌مداری الالتزام بالولاية (العمل بها))

Wilayat-madari means being guided by and committed to Wilayah in practice:

• All actions and behaviors revolve around Wilayah (around obedience to the Wali).
• Wilayah becomes the center of all decisions and actions in individual and social life.
• Loyalty and sincerity to the Wali and continuing his path even in hardships.

Wilayat-madari means:

Wilayah is the axis of your life; everything is done according to Wilayah. 

Eid al-Adhha

It celebarates the profound faith and obedience of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) (ع) when Allah commanded him to sacrifice his son Ismail (ع). When Ibrahim was ready to fulfil this divine command, Allah replaced Ismail with a great ram (ram of sacrifice), fusing the test of faith.

Second condition: 

إِنَّ عِبَادِي لَيْسَ لَكَ عَلَيْهِمْ سُلْطَانٌ ۚ وَكَفَىٰ بِرَبِّكَ وَكِيلًا (Indeed, over My (faithful) servants there is for you no authority. And sufficient is your Lord as an Advocate.”*16:99)

Therefore, whoever relies on Allah has no dominion over him from Satan. Satan’s control is over those who do not lean on Allah; their reliance is on material causes and worldly conditions. But if Allah becomes one’s sole support, then be certain that Satan can do nothing.

 وَ اِنْ خَذَلَني نَصْرُكَ عِنْدَ مُحارَبَةِ النَّفْسِ وَ الشَّيْطانِ 

“And if Your support forsakes me in the struggle against the self and Satan…”

فَقَدْ وَكَلَني خِذْلانُكَ إلى حَيْثُ النَّصَبُ وَ الْحِرْمانُ 

Then I would be left exhausted and deprived.

بِسْمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحْمٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ الْحَمْدُ للهِ الْمُتَجَلِّي لِخَلْقِهِ بِخَلْقِهِ، وَالظَّاهِرِ لِقُلُوبِهِمْ بِحُجَّتِهِ، خَلَقَ الْخَلْقَ مِنْ غَيْرِ رَوِيَّة، إِذْ كَانَتِ الرَّوِيَّاتُ لاَ تَلِيقُ إِلاَّ بِذَوي الضَّمائِرِ وَلَيْسَ بِذِي ضَمِير فِي نَفْسِهِ، خَرَقَ عِلْمُهُ بَاطِنَ غَيْبِ السُّتُرَاتِ، وَأَحَاطَ بِغُمُوضِ عَقَائِدِ السَّرِيرَاتِ.

“Praise be to Allah, who manifests Himself to His creation through His creation, and makes Himself apparent to their hearts through His proof. He created creation without prior deliberation, for deliberation befits only those who have inner awareness, and He is not one who possesses inner awareness in Himself. His knowledge penetrates the hidden depths behind the veils of the unseen, and encompasses the obscurities of the secrets within hearts.”

خَرَقَ عِلْمُهُ بَاطِنَ غَيْبِ السُّتُرَاتِ، وَأَحَاطَ بِغُمُوضِ عَقَائِدِ السَّرِيرَاتِ.

“His knowledge penetrates the hidden depths behind all veils, and fully encompasses the hidden mysteries of inner thoughts and secrets.”

In simpler words

• خَرَقَ عِلْمُهُ: His knowledge pierces through everything.
• بَاطِنَ غَيْبِ السُّتُرَاتِ: even what is hidden behind layers of concealment.
• أَحَاطَ بِغُمُوضِ عَقَائِدِ السَّرِيرَاتِ: He fully knows the most secret thoughts, motives, and inner intentions.

Visionary Parents دور اندیش والدین

رَبِّ ٱجْعَلْنِى مُقِيمَ ٱلصَّلَوٰةِ وَمِن ذُرِّيَّتِى ۚ رَبَّنَا وَتَقَبَّلْ دُعَآءِ;  

My Lord! Make me and those ˹believers˺ of my descendants keep up prayer. Our Lord! Accept my prayers.

امام صادق (ع) الْوَلَدُ سَيِّدُ سَبْعِ سِنِينَ، وَ عَبْدُ سَبْعِ سِنِينَ، وَ وَزِيرُ سَبْعِ سِنِينَ.”   

0-7: Freedom + Love

8-14: Discipline + Teaching  

15-21: Partnership + Leadership 

8-14 The child should now be disciplined, learn obedience, responsibility, and moral conduct. 

Parental Role: Begin serious education, establish boundaries, teach halaal and haraam, train in worship and ethics. 

Why this change? 

At this age, the child can understand right from wrong, develops moral reasoning, and needs structure to form good habits. 

Practical Application: 

Teach prayer (ṣalāh) (command them at age 7), study, manners, honesty, respect for rights, prevent bad behavior. 

Key Principle: “يُؤَدَّبُ سَبْعَ سِنِينَ” — “He should be disciplined for seven years”

وَنَشْهَدُ أَنْ لاَ إِلهَ إِلاَّ اللهُ وَحْدَهُ لاَ شَرِيكَ لَهُ، وَأَنَّ مُحَمَّداً عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُهُ، وَنَشْهَدُ أَنَّ عليا و أبىنائه المعصومين حجج الله ، 

أُوصِيکُمْ عِبَادَاللهِ و نفسي، بِتَقْوَى اللهِ وَطَاعَتِهِ،

Sermon: 2 

اَلْحَمْدُ للهِ وَالْحَمْدُ حَقُّهُ كَما يَسْتَحِقُّهُ حَمْداً كَثيراً وَاَعُوذُ بِهِ مِنْ شَرِّ نَفْسى اِنَّ النَّفْسَ لاَمّارَةٌ بِالسُّوءِ اِلاّ ما رَحِمَ رَبّى وَاَعُوذُ بِهِ مِنْ شَرِّ الشَّيْطانِ الَّذى يَزيدُنى ذَنْباً اِلى ذَنْبى وَاَحْتَرِزُ بِهِ مِنْ كُلِّ جَبّار فاجِر وَسُلْطان جائِر وَعَدُوّ قاهِر اَللّـهُمَّ اجْعَلْنى مِنْ جُنْدِكَ فَاِنَّجُنْدَكَ هُمُ الْغالِبُونَ وَاجْعَلْنى مِنْ حِزْبِكَ فَاِنَّ حِزْبَكَ هُمُ الْمُفْلِحُونَ وَاجْعَلْنى مِنْ اَوْلِيآئِكَ فَاِنَّ أولياءك لا خَوْفٌ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلا هُمْ يَحْزَنُونَ 

والصلاه والسلام علی حبیب رب العالمین، شفیع المذنبین، رحمه للعالمین ابی القاسم محمد….

Shahdat of Imam Jawad a.s: 

We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Imam of our time, al-Hujjah (atf), and to all Muslims, as well as to all Momeneen and Mominat.

Born on 10 Rajab 195 AH (April 8, 811) in Medina, mother; Sabika Imamt 8th year 17 years (203–220 AH) Shahadat 29 Dhu’l-Qi’dah 220 AH (November 835) in Baghdad, age 25 burried: Al-Kadhimiya  — next to his grandfather Imam Musa al-Kadhim (a.s.)   

1. Youngest Imam

• Imam al-Jawad (a.s.) is the youngest Imam in Shia history, becoming Imam at 8 years old
• His Imamate was a miracle — he was only 3 years old when his father Imam al-Rida (a.s.) publicly pointed to him as successor

2. Early Imamate & Doubts

When Imam al-Rida (a.s.) passed away (203 AH), many questioned how a child could be Imam. Imam al-Jawad (a.s.) answered these doubts by citing:

• Prophet Sulaiman (a.s.) who became successor to Prophet Dawood (a.s.) while still a child

This phenomenon is known in Shia thought as “early Imamate” — when an Imam takes office before reaching adulthood.

3. Abbasid Caliphs’ Period

His Imamate coincided with two Abbasid Mamoon and Mu`tasim 

Debated senior scholars at age 8–10, astonished all present Yahya ibn Aktham (Chief Judge) on complex fiqh questions, About 250 hadiths transmitted (fewer due to young age and surveillance) jurisprudence, Quranic exegesis, supplications, theology 

His knowledge was so profound that Abbasid rulers summoned him to test his wisdom — and he always won. 

On the 1st of Dhul-Hijjah, we celiberate the wedding anniversary of Imam Ali (a.s.) and Hazrat Fatima Zahra (s.a.).

In this day and age, where our extravagant lifestyle is drifting us away from the traditions taught by Ahlulbait (a.s.), we must learn from their example:

• They had no lavish wedding ceremony, only a simple Nikah.
• Their marriage was built on piety, humility, and devotion — not display of wealth.

The true spirit and philosophy of Hajj has been lost in the modern era.

Hajj is meant to be a journey of humility, self-purification, and complete devotion to Allah — where pilgrims strip away worldly status, wealth, and identity to stand equal before God in simple white garments. The rituals of Hajj teach us sacrifice, patience, unity, and the rejection of ego and materialism.

However, today Hajj has often been transformed into a luxurious, commercialized, and status-driven affair. Many pilgrims focus on:

• Comfort and luxury instead of spiritual hardship
• Social status and display of wealth instead of humility
• Rushing through rituals without understanding their meaning
• Extravagant travel and accommodations instead of simplicity
• Photos and memories instead of inner transformation

The true essence — to remember the Day of Judgment, to repent sincerely, to seek Allah’s forgiveness, to stand with millions of believers in pure devotion — is often overshadowed by ritual without meaning.

We need to return to the spirit of Hajj as taught by the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) and Ahlulbait (a.s.)

On Nakba Day, Friday, May 15th, Nakba Day commemorates the displacement of the Palestinian people and also serves as a Global Day of Protest in solidarity with the ongoing struggle for liberation and freedom in the not-so-distant future.

Justice Delayed is Justice Denied: 78 Years of an Ongoing Palestinian Nakba