Monday, November 26, 2007

Disrespect Towards Father

Hazrat Yusuf (a.s.) after suffering much calamities and difficulties became the governor of Egypt. His father Hazrat Yaqub who lamented for him for many years of separation became frail and weak.
After he got the news that Hazrat Yusuf is alive and has become the governor he became overjoyed and started his journey to meet him. Hazrat Yusuf (a.s.) also with much fanfare went ahead on the outskirts of the city on his horse to welcome his father.
When Hazrat Yusuf (a.s.) saw the sorrowful eyes of his father he wanted to get down from his horse in respect, but, his status as a governor did not allow him to alight. It was a disrespectful action towards his father. After the meeting between the father and the son, Gabriel ascended by the order of Allah, came towards Hazrat Yusuf (a.s.) and asked him:
"Why did you not get down from your horse while welcoming your father?"
"Open your palm," demanded Gabriel.
When Hazrat Yusuf (a.s.) did so, a light came out from his palm and went towards heaven. Hazrat Yusuf (a.s.) asked Gabriel:
"What was this light which has come out of my hand."
Gabriel replied:"This light was of prophethood which was taken away from your progeny for showing disrespect by you towards your father. Now there won't be any prophet from your offspring."
(Biharul Anwaar, Vol.4)

Sunday, November 18, 2007

Control the Temper

Marhum Aayatullah Borojardi (r.a.) was a great marja' of his time. During the time when he was in Borojard (Iran), he vowed that if he becomes angry and furious and could not control it, he will fast for a full year.One day while giving lecture to his students he burst into anger upon a student who was putting silly and illogical questions to him during a discussion on certain topic. He could not control himself and lost his temper on the issue. The vow of Aayatullah Borojardi was broken. Later, he fasted for a whole year to keep his vow.
(Dastanha-e-Olama by Ali Reza Khatami)

Saturday, November 17, 2007

Thawban, the Companion of Holy Prophet (pbuh)

Thawban was one of the freed slave of Holy Prophet of Islam (pbuh). He was always with the Prophet (pbuh) at home or in journey. After the passing away of the Prophet (pbuh) he stayed for some years in Syria and later for some time in Egypt. He was present at the time of the victory on Egypt. Thawbaan died at the age of 51.
It is found in rewayaat that he adored the Holy Prophet (pbuh) so much that for a single moment he could not bear his absence. One day Holy Prophet (pbuh) saw him in a very sad mood. He appeared to be weak. Prophet (pbuh) asked him, "O' Thawbaan! What has happened to you? Thawbaan replied:"O Messenger of Allah! I am not ill nor have any pain, but, I am worried about your proximity which I will be missing in the Paradise. As you will be in a higher station and I in a lower position. I will not be be able to see you over there."
At the same moment an Aayat was revealed. " And whoso obeys Allah and the Messenger (Muhammad ), then they will be in the company of those on whom Allah has bestowed His Grace, of the Prophets, the Siddiqin, the martyrs, and the righteous. And how excellent these companions are! " (surah Nisa, aayat 69)
(Biharul Anwaar vol.2 pg. 68)