Martyrdom of Hazrat Ali (ra); Important Message to the World for 2021
After reciting Tashahhud, Ta‘awwuz and Surah al-Fatihah, His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad(aba) said that he would continue highlighting incidents from the life of Hazrat Ali(ra).
His Holiness(aba) quoted the Second Caliph(ra) in narrating the incidents surrounding the martyrdom of Hazrat Ali(ra). His Holiness(aba) said that the Khawarij [those who had left the allegiance of Hazrat Ali(ra)] decided that they should martyr Hazrat Ali(ra) and Hazrat Mu‘awiyah and Hazrat Amr bin Aas(ra). Those of the Khawarij who went out to martyr Hazrat Mu‘awiyah and Hazrat Amr bin Aas(ra) were both unsuccessful in their attempts. The person who went to kill Hazrat Ali(ra) attacked him whilst he led the prayer and critically wounded him.
Prophecy of the Holy Prophet(sa) Regarding Martyrdom of Hazrat Ali(ra)
His Holiness(aba) said that the Holy Prophet(sa) had prophesied the martyrdom of Hazrat Ali(ra). The Holy Prophet(sa) once said that the worst from among the earlier people was the person who hamstrung the camel of Hazrat Saleh(ra), and the worst from among the later people would be he who struck Hazrat Ali(ra) with his spear. The Holy Prophet(sa) also indicated as to where Hazrat Ali(ra) would be struck.
His Holiness(aba) said that the person who set out to kill Hazrat Ali(ra) was a man named Abdur Rahman bin Muljam. In the morning before the Fajr prayer, Ibn Muljam positioned himself near the area from which Hazrat Ali(ra) used to come from. As Hazrat Ali(ra) set out for the prayer, and emerged from the door, he called out to remind people that it was the time for prayer. It was at that moment that Hazrat Ali(ra) was attacked and severely wounded. Ibn Muljam was apprehended and brought to Hazrat Ali(ra), who said that he should be treated and fed well, and that if he survived he would decide as to how to deal with him. However, he said if he were to pass away, then Ibn Muljam should also be killed, so that the matter between the two could be decided by God.
Advice of Hazrat Ali(ra) in His Will
His Holiness(aba) said that in his will, Hazrat Ali(ra) advised his family to remain close, and fearful of God and to remain steadfast. He advised that all disputes should be avoided, because he once heard the Holy Prophet(sa) say that to uphold and mend mutual relationships is greater than offering prayers and fasting. His Holiness(aba) said that this is something which should be pondered over and is extremely important, that mutual relationships should always be mended. Hazrat Ali(ra) advised in his will that the poor and needy should be taken care of, and should be included as members of the society. He advised that one should never fear the nay-sayers, rather one should only fear God Almighty. His Holiness(aba) commented that this too is very important. Hazrat Ali(ra) further advised to always enjoin good and forbid evil; failure to do so will result in the wrong people becoming leaders and rulers. His Holiness(aba) said that this too is another point to be pondered over.
His Holiness(aba) said that when Hazrat Ali(ra) was injured, some people went to visit him and expressed their grief at the pain he was enduring. Hazrat Ali(ra) said that he felt no grief, for he had already been foretold by the Holy Prophet(sa) that he would be attacked, and was even told exactly where he would be struck.
His Holiness(aba) said that when another person went to see Hazrat Ali(ra), Hazrat Ali(ra) told him that he was soon going to depart. His daughter was sitting nearby, and upon hearing her father say this, she began to cry. Hazrat Ali(ra) told her not to cry; he said that if she could see what he was seeing then she would not cry. He said that he saw angels and the prophets, and he saw the Holy Prophet(sa) telling him that the place to which he was going was much better than the current state he was in.
Demise of Hazrat Ali(ra)
His Holiness(aba) said that according to one narration, after he had completed his will, Hazrat Ali(ra) gave greetings of peace to everyone, and afterwards, professed his faith in the unity of God and belief in His Messenger (sa), after which he passed away. It is recorded that Hazrat Ali(ra) passed away on Ramadan 27 40 A.H.
His Holiness(aba) said that Hazrat Ali’s(ra) funeral was led by his son Hazrat Hasan(ra). It is recorded that Hazrat Ali(ra) possessed some musk which had been blessed by the Holy Prophet(sa). It was also part of his will that this same musk should be applied before his burial. His Holiness(aba) presented various narrations regarding the whereabouts of Hazrat Ali’s(ra) grave.
Wives and Children of Hazrat Ali(ra)
His Holiness(aba) said that Hazrat Ali(ra) married eight times at different times. Of his wives, one was Hazrat Fatimah(ra), daughter of the Holy Prophet(sa), and Umamah bin Abul Aas bin Rabi, who was the granddaughter of the Holy Prophet(sa). From these marriages, Hazrat Ali(ra) was granted more than 30 children; 14 boys and 19 girls.
Blessings of God Upon Hazrat Ali(ra)
His Holiness(aba) said that once, the Holy Prophet(sa) that he was a city of knowledge and Hazrat Ali(ra) was the gate to that city. Hazrat Ali(ra) is also recorded as being one of the bravest amongst all the companions. Often when any battle would start, Hazrat Ali(ra) would be appointed as the flag bearer of Islam. Recounting the blessings of God upon him, once Hazrat Ali(ra) said that there was a time when he used to tie stones to his stomach due to the severity of hunger, however God blessed him to such an extent that the amount which he would give in alms was up to forty thousand dinars.
His Holiness(aba) relayed a narration, in which once the Holy Prophet(sa) said to Hazrat Ali(ra) that he was his brother and friend. The Holy Prophet(sa) had also given Hazrat Ali(ra) glad tiding that he would enter Paradise. It is recorded that once the Holy Prophet(sa) said to Hazrat Ali(ra), that God had granted him an excellent quality, which was that he did not care for the material things of this world, and nor did those people who cared solely for the world want anything to do with him. The Holy Prophet(sa) said that fortunate were those who loved Hazrat Ali(ra) and spoke the truth about them, and they would be beside him in heaven, and those who hold enmity and lie about Hazrat Ali(ra) would be among the wretched in the Hereafter.
His Holiness(aba) said that Hazrat Ali(ra) used to advise the Muslims that they should rid themselves of personal passions, and that the only passion they should have is that which is for the sake of God. This was exemplified by his very own example, of when, during a battle, he was fighting against a staunch opponent. This fight between the two lasted for hours, after which Hazrat Ali(ra) finally overcame him, and was about to strike the final blow. However, just as he was about to, the opponent spat in Hazrat Ali’s(ra) face upon which Hazrat Ali(ra) immediately stepped away. The opponent inquired as to why he had done this, to which Hazrat Ali(ra) replied that till that point, he had been fighting for the sake of God, but he feared that now since he had spat in his face, if he killed him there may be some personal passion included in this act. Thus he stepped away. This had such a profound effect on the opponent that he would go on to accept Islam. His Holiness(aba) said that this is true righteousness.
His Holiness(aba) said that he would continue highlighting incidents from the life of Hazrat Ali(ra) in the future.
An Important Message for the New Year
His Holiness(aba) said that today marks the beginning of a new year and is also the first Friday. His Holiness(aba) said that we should all pray that the new year proves to be blessed for this Community, and for the entire world. May we continue to turn to and prostrate before God more than before, and may the worldly people also be able to recognise God. May we be able to fulfill the rights we owe to one another and humanity at large.
His Holiness(aba) said that for the past year, we have been enduring a grave pandemic, from which no place in the world is safe. His Holiness(aba) said that despite this, many do not seem to want to consider the fact that this pandemic may have come about as a warning for us to start fulfilling the rights we owe to God and one another. His Holiness(aba) said that a few months ago, he sent letters to various world leaders in which he drew their attention to the fact that such calamities come about from becoming unmindful of God and growing in injustice. His Holiness(aba) said that though some leaders replied, their replies were limited to the worldly aspect of this crisis, they failed to acknowledge the aspect of God and faith which His Holiness(aba) had mentioned.
His Holiness(aba) said that these leaders do not seem to take any steps in changing their ways, nor do they wish to draw the attention of their people to their true purpose. This is despite the fact that they all know what is to come after this pandemic; something which everyone knows. However their efforts are limited to the worldly aspect, and do not go beyond that. Not only is this pandemic affecting the health of people, but at the same time, everyone is being impacted at a societal level. Worldly people only have one solution to this, which is that when their own resources become depleted, they will take the resources of smaller nations, as a result of which wars will break out. In fact, some say wars have already begun. As a result, the world will fall into an even deeper pit. Thus before the world falls into such a state, we must do our part in warning and helping the world.
His Holiness(aba) said that thus, it will only be right to congratulate one another on the new year once we do our part in warning the world. In order to do this, we must first analyse ourselves. For us, who have accepted the Messiah of the age, are we doing our part in fulfilling the rights owed to God, and then for His sake, fulfilling the rights owed to His people. Thus, every Ahmadi must ponder and realise that they have the responsibility of a great task, the fulfillment of which calls for them to first establish a loving community amongst Ahmadis. Then we must bring the world under that flag which was raised by the Holy Prophet(sa), which is of the unity of God. Only then will we be fulfilling the pledge of allegiance which we have made; only then will we be able to receive the blessing of God Almighty, and only then will it be appropriate for us to congratulate one another on the dawning of a new year.
His Holiness(aba) said that every Ahmadi man, woman and child should understand this and vow to strive and use all their faculties and capacities to bring about a revolutionary change in the world. His Holiness(aba) prayed that may every Ahmadi be granted the ability to do this.
His Holiness(aba) again urged the Community to continue praying for Ahmadis in Pakistan and Algeria, who continue to face hardships. His Holiness(aba) said that in Pakistan, certain government officials and other clerics continue to increase in grievances they are carrying out. His Holiness(aba) prayed that may God swiftly take such people to account who do not possess the ability to establish justice and peace. May Allah remove the obstacles which they continue to put up for Ahmadis in Pakistan. They seek to do all this under laws created against Ahmadis based on false pretenses that Ahmadis dishonour the Holy Prophet(sa). However, their own actions completely contradict the example set by the Mercy for All of Mankind (sa). Ahmadis are those who are ready to offer their lives for the sake of the Holy Prophet(sa). In fact, it is only Ahmadis in the world today who are truly endeavouring to bring the world under the banner of the Holy Prophet(sa). These people can continue to perpetrate such injustices against us, however we believe in a God Who is the Greatest Helper. When that help manifests, then not a remnant remains of those who perpetrate such acts. His Holiness(aba) said that another court in Algeria has freed Ahmadis who were being falsely charged, however there are still some who are captive. His Holiness(aba) urged the Community to pray for those in captivity there as well as in Pakistan. His Holiness(aba) said that whether it be the new year or Eid, our true happiness will be when we raise the banner of the unity of God in every corner of the world, for which the Holy Prophet(sa) was commissioned in this world. Our true happiness will be when humanity begins to recognise the rights we owe to one another, when hatred turns to love. His Holiness(aba) prayed that may we see such happiness soon. May the Muslim Ummah recognise the Promised Messiah(as). May the world turn the attention of every nation and every person towards fulfilling the rights owed to one another.
His Holiness(aba) prayed that may Allah Almighty keep every Ahmadi throughout the world in His protection, and may this year be a source of blessings for every single person. May we be safeguarded from those shortcomings of the past due to which we have incurred the displeasure of God or due to which we have remained bereft of attaining certain blessings. May Allah shower His blessings upon everyone.
Summary Prepared by The Review of Religions