Importance of Marriage in Islam

A man and his fiance were married. It was a large celebration. All of their friends and family came to see the lovely ceremony and to partake of the festivities and celebrations. A wonderful time was had by all.

The bride was gorgeous in her white wedding gown and the groom was very dashing in his black tuxedo. Everyone could tell that the love they had for each other was true.

A few months later, the wife comes to the husband with a proposal: "I read in a magazine, a while ago, about how we can strengthen our marriage." She offered.

"Each of us will write a list of the things that we find a bit annoying with the other person. Then, we can talk about how we can fix them together and make our lives happier together."

The husband agreed. So each of them went to a separate room in the house and thought of the things that annoyed them about the other. They thought about this question for the rest of the day and wrote down what they came up with.

The next morning, at the breakfast table, they decided that they would go over their lists.

"I'll start," offered the wife. She took out her list. It had many items on it. Enough to fill 3 pages, in fact. As she started reading the list of the little annoyances, she noticed that tears were starting to appear in her husbands eyes.

"What's wrong?" she asked. "Nothing" the husband replied, "keep reading your list."

The wife continued to read until she had read all three pages to her husband. She neatly placed her list on the table and folded her hands over top of it.

"Now, you read your list and then we'll talk about the things on both of our lists." She said happily.

Quietly the husband stated, "I don't have anything on my list. I think that you are perfect the way that you are. I don't want you to change anything for me. You are lovely and wonderful and I wouldn't want to try and change anything about you."

The wife, touched by his honesty and the depth of his love for her and his acceptance of her, turned her head and wept.

IN LIFE, there are enough times when we are disappointed, depressed and annoyed. We don't really have to go looking for them.

We have a wonderful world that is full of beauty, light and promise.

Why waste time in this world looking for the bad, disappointing or annoying things when we can look around us, and see the wondrous things before us?

I believe that WE ARE HAPPIEST when we see and praise the good and try our best to forego the mistakes of our spouse. Nobody's perfect but we can find perfection in them to change the way we see them. It is necessary to understand the difficulties and be a helping hand to each other....THAT BRIGHTENS THE RELATIONSHIP.

Birthday of Imam Mahdi is the day of the Oppressed People of the World

The appearance of the Imam Mahdi (as) is Allah's favour for the oppressed and the weak, and is a means of their coming to power and gaining the promised divine succession of the world. Holy Qur'an says "We have decided to grant favour to the suppressed ones by appointing them leaders and heirs of the earth", (Al-Quran: Chapter al-Qasas, 28:5). The appearance of Imam Mahdi (as) means the realization of the promise Allah (SWT) made to the righteous in Holy Qur'an. "Verily we have written in the Psalms (zaboor) after the Torah had been revealed: My righteous servants shall inherit the earth." (Al-Quran: Chapter al-Anbia, 21:105)

This auspicious occasion of birth anniversary of Imam Mahdi (atfs) surely revives our hopes for a better future ahead when Imam Mahdi (as) reappears from the occultation. Additionally, it is a special reminder to those suffering under oppression and tyranny that resistance and resilience in the face of injustice will only serve them in the long-haul. The belief in Imam Mahdi (as) is a manifestation for global community that the battle between truth and falsehood will culminate in favour of forces of truth once the Promised one returns.

The continuation of the occultation of Imam Mahdi (as) is meant to preserve the vigilance and advance the cause of justice. It is important that as part of our waiting of Imam Mahdi (as), we persistently oppose all bullying powers (global, domestic, secular, religious or in any other form or shape), and remain steadfast during adversarial times. The global dominance of few arrogant and oppressive powers has yielded two billion starved people across the globe, millions displaced due to warmongering policies and majority of nations subservient. In such circumstances, the silver lining is the belief in the eventual global just governance of the ultimate saviour. It convinces human beings that the world status quo must be denounced and wait for a turnabout in the living conditions of the humanity at large. Hence, it is imperative and incumbent upon the well-wishers and followers of Imam Mahdi (as) to lay the practical groundwork necessary for his return in addition to the prayers.

Advent of Imam Muhammad al-Mahdi

Ali and his family were very pious and religious people, they would visit Islamic Center's and Masjid's every Thursday and Friday, they would seldom missed any opportunity as far as "rights of Allah" like performing prayers and other mandatory religious requirements was concerned but the same could not be said when it came to the rights of the oppressed. Not that they did not like to help the oppressed but their "hectic schedule" and "low priority" prevented them from making the necessary effort in that direction.

It was the auspicious night of 15th Shab'an the birth anniversary of Imam Muhammad al-Mahdi (ATFS) and Ali was extremely please with himself as he was able to joined the congregation at the Islamic Centre to celebrate the occasion and to perform special prayers, including the supplications invoking Allah (SWT) to hasten the advent of Imam Muhammad al-Mahdi (ATFS). After staying awake throughout the night in prayers and assuming close proximity of Imam Mehdi (ATFS), he peacefully went to sleep.

Ali woke up on a bright, sunny morning and looked out of the window. It looked like a perfectly normal day, but then he remembered it wouldn't be as perfect as he would've liked it to be. Just this past week, the sun had started rising from the west and setting in the east. The meteorologists at NASA kept saying again and again on the news media that it was only the dust from the severe earthquakes occurring around the world that was causing this outstanding mirage. That it wasn't the only thing making 'top headlines' on the news though. A powerful man was slowly taking over the world under the guise of "war on terror". Could he be the prophesized "Sufiani" Ali wondered, the evil person appearing before the advent of Imam Mehdi (ATFS) as he sat in his bed trying to remember where he had heard about him before. Was it in one of the Islamic speeches or at "Sunday Madrassa", Yes, he said to himself it was at "Sunday Madrassa" that's where he had heard. But what did they warn us about "Sufiani"? He is a rich, powerful man with plenty of resources. He will buy the high profile people from the Muslim Ummah to promote his evil plan while the majority will remain completely oblivious to what is really going on, their primary and only concern would be to satisfy their desires whatever that may be, consumption, sex, love, status, money, etc. In the mean time, Sufiani and his army shall be pulling the strings and profiting from global exploitation with no resistance because the masses were simply mindless zombies.

Ali was just getting ready to get out of bed when he heard a loud voice saying that the one who will rid the world of injustice has come. Just as the voice stopped speaking, Ali heard another voice that spoke to him softly, in a very soothing tone that immediately made him feel very sleepy. "Go back to sleep" it said. "There is no one here your mind is playing tricks on you. Think of how tired you are and how warm your bed is. Go on back to sleep." Like a fool, Ali listened to the voice and went back to sleep.

The sound of the doorbell woke him up, Ali tried to ignore it but the persistent ringing convinced him that whoever was there was not going away. Finally Ali dragged himself out of the bed to open the door. He saw a handsome young stranger staring at him with kindness. The stranger greeted him in an extremely polite way. Ali usually wouldn't invite strangers in his house, but something about this man made him to invite him inside. As the stranger stepped in, he said "are you ready to join me in my struggle to spread justice in this world". On hearing this, Ali was baffled, confused and perplexed, gathering enough courage he asked, "Who are you?" The stranger politely replied, "you always stood-up whenever my name was uttered as a indication of joining me in my struggle, on hearing my name you would place your right hand on your head as a sign of offering your head in my cause" - The time has come, Islam needs your sacrifice in order to restore the justice and peace". He further continued "I am preparing an army that will help us get rid of these evil people, and restore peace and justice". On hearing his words, rush of adrenaline soared through Ali's vein, comprehension dawned on him as he realized that he was in the presence of his Imam. Ali's knees felt weak as relief washed over him.

Ali replied, "O my Imam, I have patiently waited for you all along during these hard times and I would be highly obliged to join your army if you could solve my simple little problems, you see I just bought my first big house and to pay the "mortgage" for this I and my wife have to work round the clock. The big house without the furniture was worthless so we bought new furniture's. In this new neighbourhood all my neighbours had new latest car so we got new cars. To watch the annual Hajj Pilgrimage live from Makkah and Ashura live from Karbala we bought new plasma TV, all this recent expenditures has put us in tremendous debt. Than we have this "recurring" expense of my children's that are undergoing graduation, can you help me with this small problem. The Imam stood in silence, he did not speak......

Ali continued......if my problems could be solve, I would gladly joined you. I know I am sounding similar to my forefathers that left your forefathers stranded before but let me tell you that my forefathers were wrong because they had more time then we have, you see we are terribly swamp at times for weeks together I don't get time to see my wife or my children's we just exchange messages on "voice mails" and "emails". If I had time I would have gladly joined you however I promise you that every evening I will perform additional prayers for your success, please consider me with you spiritually and financially. The Imam looked at Ali walked away towards the door saying, "You are the real cause of my delay, you are still not ready for my mission".

Allahu Akbar Allahu Akbar! Ali opened his eyes, he was jolted awake by the sound of the adhan emanating from his digital alarm clock. He sat up in his bed and looked around his master bedroom. His heart was still beating fast as he realized that it was a tragic dream. A dream that has shattered all his hope, all along he has thought that he was waiting for his Imam but his dream has proved otherwise. He had gathered enough "signs on the appearance" of Imam but failed to meet the "conditions of appearance" he realized how unprepared he was for his Imam's advent, he cried from the depth of his heart, he fell to the floor crying in shame and saying "O Allah let this tragic dream become wake-up call for my preparation, give me courage and hope to work for the condition that will result in the final uprising of Imam Muhammad al-Mahdi".

Imam Al-Mahdi (as): The Awaited Hope for Humanity

The belief in the Mahdi is not only an essential doctrine deep-rooted in Islamic faith; it is rather an embodiment of human nature regardless of one's religious affiliations. For it is the universal desire of humans as a whole to try to achieve or at least witness the realisation of the ultimate objective of their existence, through which they will achieve perfection and social happiness in its entirety. Therefore, by reason of inner necessity and inspiration, humans will see a day when society will be replete with justice.

More importantly, from a religious perspective the concept of the Mahdi is the culmination of human struggle in their path towards Allah the Almighty. It is when true Justice will be established through human hands but with Divine succour resulting in the prevalence of truth over falsehood and all its offshoots.

And say: "Truth has (now) arrived, and Falsehood perished: for Falsehood is (by its nature) bound to perish." (Holy Qur'an, 17:81)

Having identified that the need for the Mahdi is a subject of inner necessity that is instilled into the hearts of humans, it is essential to outline the duties of the human race as a whole in trying to achieve a purgatory state of social felicity in the outward absence of the Mahdi that would lay a foundation for his imminent reappearance.

However, in the case of such a state being reached, it prompts one to question the fundamental motive behind the concealment of the Mahdi despite when the social and political factors are welcoming to his presence and his precepts. To this we say; Yes Indeed, this is exactly where the problem lies! The principle reason that is delaying the reappearance of the Mahdi is that the people aren't ready to acknowledge the perfect leader and the perfect ideology that is to be established by him, as clearly mentioned by the Mahdi himself in one of his narrations;

'If our Shi'a (followers), may Allah help and succeed them to His obedience, were united in wholeheartedly honouring the promise and obligation that is upon them, there would have been no delay in meeting us (i.e. in our reappearance), and bliss and felicity for them would have hastened by seeing us with full knowledge and certainty of testifying to our (leadership)'

Therefore, each and every one of us has to be very cognisant of their acts, in relation to the part we play during the occultation of the Mahdi. This period has been like none other before nor is the test set upon the Muslim Ummah and humanity at large like any before. With lack of direct contact with the divine leader of the time and the many injustices that have overwhelmed today's society resulting in moral demise on another side, many seek the help of Allah (SWT) and pray for the hasty reappearance of the Mahdi and his promised victory. Strong faith in the promised triumph in the midst of injustice and darkness is a means of separating the true believers from the rest. A brief look into history shows endless of these so-called followers who eventually betrayed their leaders and thus put eternal shame and disgrace on themselves. A perfect example being the story of the inhabitants of Kufah in Iraq at the time of the great ancestor of the Mahdi, Imam Husayn son of Imam Ali (as), for whom he weeps blood each day until the day of his reappearance.

Certainly those fortunate and blessed individuals who will take part in this grand culmination of servitude, which will result in the prevalence of Truth over all forms of falsehood, will be those whose conviction in the Mahdi and the promised day is resolute. The believers will be constantly tested by those whose aim is staunchly fixed in denying the Mahdi, by using arguments such as his age, for the Mahdi's age is now 1176 years. Many find it difficult to believe that a human can live for a period of this length, however, the impossibility in this objection is relative and its relation is to some person, place and time. What is impossibility to one person, time or place may be very possible to another, as we well know. Moreover, it should be said that living for such a length of time is neither a scientific nor a logical impossibility. Today scientists have succeeded in prolonging the life of certain animals, hundreds of times beyond their normal life spans by artificially creating conditions that delay the degeneration of their tissues and cells. The failure of this being effectively carried out on humans is merely due to the increased difficulties involved, however, it is in no way an impossibility, from a scientific point of view, to achieve this in the future.

Imam Mahdi (as) was born on the fifteenth of Sha'ban in the year two hundred and fifty five (255) after Hijrah. His birth was kept secret since the authorities of the time were actively seeking to execute him should he be found alive. The circumstances of his birth were therefore, very similar to that of the Prophet Moses (as) who was also been searched for by the authorities of his time, for the Pharaoh was well aware of the prophecy that a child would grow up to prevail over him and his evil rule and would replace this with the belief in the true One God whose Power, Might and Wisdom is Absolute.

Similarly, the Abbasid Caliphate was well aware of Imam Mahdi (as) and of how he would fill the world with justice and truth after it had been filled with injustice and falsehood, from several traditions originating from Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw). These narrations are present to date in both Shi'a and Sunni books.

"The world will not come to an end until a man from the descendants of Husayn takes charge of the affairs of the world and fills it with justice and equity as it is filled with injustice and tyranny."

At the age of five, after the tragic martyrdom of his father, the eleventh divine successor of Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) - Hassan son of Ali, Imam Mahdi went into a minor occultation. During this period, Imam Mahdi (as) was in contact with his followers through appointed deputies. This lasted for a period of about sixty nine years. A few days before the death of his fourth and final deputy Imam Mahdi (as) informed his followers, through his deputy, that there would be no more deputies after the death of the current one and after this period Imam Mahdi (as) would go into a Major Occultation, which would continue until the day Allah (SWT) grants permission to the Imam Mahdi (as) to manifest himself. During this period, none would be able to approach Imam Mahdi (as) through deputies or through direct contact. In regards to the duration and the importance of this period, Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) was once asked about the nature of the reappearance of Imam Mahdi. In his reply Holy Prophet likened the time of the Reappearance of Imam Mahdi to that of the Hour of Resurrection and then narrated the Quranic verse;

"He alone will manifest it at its proper time. It is heavy in the heavens and the earth. It cometh not to you save unawares" (Holy Qur'an, 7:187)

An important question is raised in relation to this specific period, by those who doubt or question the existence of Imam Mahdi (as). What is the benefit of divine Imam to his followers during his occultation?

In order to answer this question, one should realise that the position and the role of an Imam is not only to administer the affairs and the needs of Muslim Ummah, rather he is the link between man and God, the link between the material and the spiritual worlds. Moreover, his physical presence or absence has no bearing on his position in regards to this role. This can be derived from one of the sayings narrated by Imam Mahdi (as) himself;

'My benefit (to the people) during my occultation is similar to that of the sun when it disappears from sight behind the clouds.'

Examining the above saying from a scientific approach, we understand that just like how the Earth is sustained with the Sun's energy and light irrespective of whether it is behind clouds, similarly, we derive immense spiritual benefit from our Imam regardless of whether he is physically with us or not. Furthermore, one can also obtain another important role of Imamate from the saying above. Today, we know that the Sun is the centre of the solar system and its existence nourishes and nurtures for the planetary objects around it, similarly Imam's sole presence, whether active or not, is of paramount importance as it is the source of life for all as without the existence of God's proof on Earth the world is tantamount to complete annihilation.

We therefore have to be mindful of what we do and should endeavour in making our souls pure by nourishing them with the Divine light thus making our souls the abode for Allah (SWT) and his beloved angels. Spiritual perfection should be our goal and if there is any doubt as to whether Imam is aware of our acts and is overlooking the welfare of his followers, a saying by Imam Mahdi (as) should suffice;

'We have not ignored your consideration, and have not forgotten your mention; otherwise hardship would have descended upon you and your enemies would have exterminated you.'

Imam Mahdi (as) is therefore watching over our affairs and is patiently awaiting our response to his call. The matter regarding the return of Imam is not one simply related to awaiting a time frame chosen by the Almighty Allah (SWT), rather in accordance to the narration from Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw), it has a direct relationship with our own actions, as he says;

'The best of actions is awaiting Al-Faraj (the return)'

The emphasis in this saying is on the word 'actions', because it is in reference to participating in an action in order to bring about that awaited time. From this narration stems the School of Awaiting which is a comprehensive study into the necessary approaches and actions of the Muslim community in order to hasten the appearance of the return.

It is therefore necessary for everyone to work tirelessly for this objective and to remember that this mission is the only legitimate solution to the problems faced by mankind at large. It is the responsibility of everyone to remind those around them of this sacred mission and it is likewise their responsibility to sacrifice their time, efforts and even their finances for the cause of the awaited Imam.

It is a frequent saying amongst many Muslims, when they remember the martyrs of Karbala to chant: "If only we were with you, for surely we would have been victorious." We today have that option, we have an Imam in occultation waiting for us to reach out towards him. He is patiently waiting for that time to come where a small group of people would truly be of his followers such that he may appear and lead this Muslim Ummah towards salvation, and yet we as a people sit and do nothing.

There are three types of friends

Those that are necessary like nourishment and you cannot live without them; those that are like medicine and are beneficial, so you need them sometimes; and finally, those that are like a sickness and you do not need them at all!

Prophet Muhammad (saw) has said, "The believer is like a mirror to other believers (in truthfulness)." Like a mirror, your friend gives you an honest image. He forgives your mistakes, but does not hide or exaggerate your strengths and weaknesses.

Once Prophet Muhammad (saw) was asked, "What person can be the best friend?" "He who helps you remember Allah (SWT), and reminds you when you forget Him," the Prophet Muhammad (saw), counseled.

Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (as) said: "A friend cannot be considered a friend unless he is tested on three occasions: in time of need, behind your back and after your death."

Imam Jafar Sadiq (as) also remarks, "My best friend is the one who gifts me my weaknesses and shortcomings." In other words one who brings to your notice your defects and flaws is indeed your true friend.

However, there is one very imperative point in the above-mentioned tradition of Imam Jafar Sadiq (as). When one presents an offering to a close friend, he does so with utmost care, not willing to overlook anything. He offers the gift with total respect and regard. For, even the most valuable gift if not presented with correct etiquette, can look very ordinary. While presenting the offering, the friend tries to make the most expensive gift seem very ordinary so as to not embarrass the recipient. On the other hand, the recipient of this gift tries to make even the most ordinary gift seem very precious, so as to please his friend. Similarly, when we wish to point out certain shortcomings to a friend, we must do so with a degree of respect and sincerity. Our sole intention must be to reform the friend and there should be no hint of any malice and self-righteousness. Likewise, when a friend highlights for us, our defects, we must acknowledge the same with respect and gratitude without any ill will and hostility.

Imam Hassan Askari (as) Says: "Those who advise their friend secretly are respecting them, and those who advise them openly are humiliating them."

Indeed if we establish these as the standards of friendship, the believers shall soon find themselves enveloped with friends who will take them closer to Paradise and farther away from the fire of hell.

Allah (SWT) says in the Noble Qur'an: O you who believe! Take care of your souls; he who errs cannot hurt you when you are on the right way; to Allah is your return, of all (of you), so He will inform you of what you did. (Surah Al-Maeda, 5:105)

Who should not be befriended according to the philosophy of Islam?

When choosing our friends we should ask ourselves first: Are they going to help us achieve the purpose for which we were brought to life? Or will they take us away from it? Will they desire for us Allah's (SWT) pleasure or is that completely irrelevant to them and not their concern at all? Are they leading us to Paradise or to the Hell?

Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (as) narrates from his father who said, "O my son don't befriend five types of people:

1. Don't befriend a liar (Kadhib). For a liar is like a mirage. He shows the distant as near and the near as distant. He will always deceive you and trouble you.

2. Don't befriend a transgressor (Ghasib). For he will forsake you for a paltry sum and make your sins appear very alluring to you. He will make you a victim of Allah's chastisement through his petty sins and take you farther away from His obedience and satisfaction. He will make Allah's worship appear as His disobedience, and His disobedience as His worship. He will drag you along with himself in the fire of hell.

3. Never befriend a miser (Bakheel/Kanjus). For in your time of need and distress, he will withhold his wealth from you, while he is in a position to assist you. (He values his wealth more than anything else. And to that end he is prepared to forsake even his friends)

4. Do not befriend a fool (Ahmaq). For (in his foolishness) he will harm you while he intends to help you. (That is why it is said, 'A shrewd enemy is better than a foolish friend')

5. Don't befriend the one who breaks relations (with his relatives/Khata Rahmi). For, such a person has been cursed in the Noble Qur'an in three places. He is engrossed in his own affairs with scant regard for others. (Friendship with such a person will eventually lead the individual towards sins and disobedience of Allah)"

Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (as) said: "Do not befriend a sinner (Fasiq/Fajir) because he will sell you for a morsel."

Imam Sajjad (as) said: "Do not make anyone your enemy even though you consider him harmless and do not turn down a person's friendship even if you think he will not benefit you."

The Noble Qur'an says, "The hypocritical men and the hypocritical women are all alike; they enjoin evil and forbid good and withhold their hands; they have forsaken Allah, so He has forsaken them; surely the hypocrites are the transgressors." (Surah Al-Tawba, 9:67)

On the other hand, Noble Qur'an discusses the believers in the following manner, "And (as for) the believing men and the believing women, they are guardians of each other; they enjoin good and forbid evil and keep up prayer and pay the poor-rate, and obey Allah and His Messenger; (as for) these, Allah will show mercy to them; surely Allah is Mighty, Wise." (Surah Al-Tawba, 9:71)

The two Qur'anic verses mentioned above only go to show how critical a role friendship can play in our lives. A true friend then, is the one who takes us closer to Allah's (SWT) compassion and grace.

Having deliberated at length on who should not be befriended, we shall now see what kind of people should be befriended. Imam Jafar Sadiq (as) narrates, "Friendship entails certain trusts and duties. Then the one who observes these obligations is a true friend and the one who breaches this trust is unworthy of friendship. These obligations are as follows;

1. He should be the same outside as he is inside. In other words, he should not have a dual personality. (In this age however, we often come across people who are exceptionally humble and modest on the outside, with little, if any humility, on the inside)

2. He will consider your virtues as his virtues and your misdeeds as his misdeeds. (In other words your virtues will cheer him and your faults will grieve him. God forbid, he must not feel relieved after observing some vice in you, and take solace from the fact that he himself is above that vice.)

3. If he acquires a position of power and authority, it must not bring about a drastic change in his attitude. In other words, prosperity must not transform the individual adversely. (There are some people who make the best of friends in adversity. But a positive change in their financial condition reveals a dark, hitherto unknown side of their personality. On the other hand we see some people who make good friends in prosperity, but misfortune transforms them, disclosing their fickleness.)

4. He must give his friendship (with you) priority over all his worldly possessions. In other words in times of adversity, he must be willing to give his all to redeem you.

5. He must never leave you alone in times of misfortune and distress."

How should we choose our friends according to Islam?

We should choose the friend that believes in and abide by our religion (Islam) and gives great respect to what Allah (SWT) and Prophet Muhammad (saw) had ordered us. And we should stay away from the one who is not well mannered and gives no attention to what Islam is about or what pleases or displeases Allah (SWT), for he will surely affect us negatively. There is no good if the companion drowns us in sins and displeasing Allah (SWT). The bases for the actions of those who follow the evil ways are corrupt; their actions are built upon misguidance and deviation.

Good friends are those who share with their companions both happiness and sadness. If we share our feelings with the wrongdoers whose actions are worthless and based on corruption, then we are following the same ways and standards as they are doing, and we will end up being as corrupt as they are, and then we are in a big trouble, how can we face Allah's (SWT) dissatisfaction and displeasure? Instead of making friends with the misguided ones we should befriend the righteous, yet treat the rest in a gracious and just manner. Staying at sufficient distance is necessary; yet treating everybody in a noble and kind manner is required.

The danger of having corrupt friends isn't confined to the worldly life. Such friendships produce repentance on the Day of Resurrection, too!

Allah (SWT), the Exalted says in the Noble Qur'an: "And (remember) the day when the unjust one shall bite his hands saying: O! Would that I had taken a way with the Messenger! O woe is me! Would that I had not taken such a one for a friend! Certainly he led me astray from the reminder after it had come to me;" (Surah Al-Furqan, 25:27-29)

The two main regrets on the day of judgement are (1) Not following Prophet Muhammad (saw) on the path of guidance and (2) Befriending a person who diverted one from the truth.

Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (as) has said: "The felicity of this and the next world lie in two things: firstly, keeping secrets; and secondly, friendship with the good. And the miseries of this and the next world are summed up in two things: firstly, divulging secrets; and secondly, friendship with wicked persons."

So take heed before the inevitable day of judgement comes and we are reckoned for our acts.

Allah (SWT), the Exalted says in the Noble Qur'an: "Friends on that Day will be enemies one to another, except al-Muttaqun (i.e. those who have Taqwa/Piety)." (Surah Az-Zukhruf, 43:67)

It is wise to choose moderation in dealing with friends. Excessive love and confidence in friends are unacceptable since it happens that a friend may change into an enemy and use the secrets that he had shown as weapons.

Allah (SWT), the Exalted says in the Noble Qur'an: "And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression." (Surah Al-Maeda, 5:2)

Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (as) said: "When you cherish someone you should cherish him moderately for he may be your enemy someday, and when you hate someone you should hate him moderately for he may be your friend someday." Also said: "If you intend to cut yourself off from a friend, leave some scope for him from your side by which he may resume friendship if it so occurs to him some day."

Imam Jafar Sadiq (as) said: "The secrets that you must show before your friends are only those through which your enemies cannot harm you, for a friend may change into an enemy."

Concept of Companionship and friendship in Islam

Human Beings in all phases of life, from the very beginning of childhood and youth, old age till his death, are in need of friendship and association with others. Owing to his social nature, man is compelled to live in society and with other individuals. And most of our lives depend on interaction with others.

Friendship is such a beautiful gift. A friend in need is a friend in deed after all. A friend is a very important person in one's life. Those who have worthy friends are never lonely and friendless in the world, since in joy and sorrow, their true friends help and support them. Naturally, a human being feels happy at the companionship of friends, and is sad at being lonely and distress and having no worthy companions.

Islam has placed tremendous importance on the aspect of sociability and friendship. This sense of companionship holds a lot of significance in any relationship. In the Noble Qur'an, Allah (SWT) clearly states that He too chose friends for himself; who were none other than Prophet Ibrahim, Khalil Allah (as), and Prophet Muhammad, Habib Allah (saw).

Today, we see intense disputes and altercations arising even between parents and children and as well as among siblings. This is chiefly due to the fact that, though their relationship is marked with blood ties, the all-important sentiments of fellowship and friendship are sorely missing. Our experience will tell us that friendship often takes precedence over blood relations. Man tends to heed his friends more than his relatives. He trusts his companions more than his own kin. The youth today, confide in their friends, while being discreet with their parents.

Islam is in complete harmony with man's nature. Hence, it has dealt with this topic of friendship in detail. Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) and Ahlul Bayt (as) were at pains to explain the etiquette and decorum of true friendship, so that we can acquire benefit out of companionship; a benefit whose effects will be manifested in the world as well as the hereafter. Imam Ali (as) observes, "He indeed is unfortunate who does not have any friends, but worse is the one who has friends, but loses them."

Imam Ali (as) Says: "Live amongst people in such a manner that if you die they weep over you and if you are alive they crave for your company (friendship)."

Imam Ali (as) also said, "Try to have as many as possible true friends, for they are the supplies in joy and the shelters in misfortunes." In another tradition it is narrated, "Acquire more and more friends, because on the Day of Judgement each believer shall exercise his right of intercession (shafa'at)." Thus a person with maximum believer companions not only happy in this world but also enhances his chances of intercession and consequently, salvation in the Hereafter.

For us Muslims who are living in a society where we are clearly a minority, the issue of choosing right companions is essential for preserving our religion (Deen). Befriending righteous and virtuous Muslims is an essential means for staying on the Straight Path. Strong individuals are the core of a strong community, something that Muslims should always strive for.

We all know that Allah (SWT), the Most High has brought us to life in order to test us. Thus we are here for a relatively short period of time and that we shall meet Allah (SWT) one Day, so we need to use our present life for what is best for us in the Hereafter. Once we know our purpose and our goal in life, we should seek ways to achieve them so as to benefit our own selves.

Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (as) considers real friends as the treasures of this world and the hereafter, and he says: "Find friends for yourself from among your coreligionist brethren, since they are the treasures of this world and also the next world."

The point to which the leaders of Islam pay great attention in connection with friendship, is that, it may be considered worthy only if it is fostered for the sake of Allah (SWT), and a reliable friend is the one whose friendship is based on spirituality. Imam Ali Reza (as) elucidates, "One who takes up a friend to please Allah (SWT), has reserved for himself a house in Paradise." To choose someone for friendship purely on the basis of his piety and faith, only to satisfy Allah (SWT) is akin to earmarking a place in Paradise.

This was one facet of friendship. Now let us look at the flip side. A friendship that is made for the sake of wealth, position, beauty and such things will disappear automatically when those factors come to an end. No material thing can act as the basis of a lasting friendship or produce happiness. Imam Ali (as) narrates, "Any friendship and companionship that is not for Allah's pleasure, is deviation and to rely on such ties (of friendship) is impossible."

Lot of people establishes their bonds of friendship and enmity based on the gain they are likely to accrue on a personal level. That is, if a person has some utility, he qualifies as a friend, else he is an enemy. However, that should never be the benchmark for Muslims.

Another point to which Islam attaches much importance is the choice of a friend. From the viewpoint of Islamic leaders, one should not make friends with each and every individual, since there are some persons whose friendship is harmful and dangerous. Without any doubt, every friend affects the material and spiritual affairs of his own companion, and each of them unconsciously influences the ideas, morals and conduct of the other.

Imam Jafar Sadiq (as) Says: "Make friends with ones who are higher than you so that you progress."

Friends are by no means only a means for 'time-pass' or entertainment. Indeed friendship is more profound than that. Friendship and companionship are inseparable aspects of an individual's life. Experience has shown, too, that many friendships have changed the destiny of individuals and their course of life. Friends influence each other's ways, faith and religion. That is why while Islam has emphasized the importance of friendship, it has also stressed on the qualities that a friend should necessarily possess. It has clearly demarcated who is worthy of friendship and who is not.

Prophet Muhammad (saw) has said: "Man is influenced by the faith of his friends. Therefore, be careful of whom you associate with." And at another place Prophet Muhammad (saw) has said: "A person is likely to follow the faith (Iman) of his friend, so look whom you befriend."

Prophet Muhammad (saw) who has the most noble character and dealings with fellow humans gave us a very clear and simple message and advice in regard to friendship.

Friendship with worthy individuals is a great factor of happiness; and friendship and companionship with impure and polluted fellows are a cause of decline and distress.

Some people are so confident of their own purity and nobility; they imagine that they will not be subject to any harm in their association with wicked persons. They consider their personality as strong enough not to be influenced by vices. However, they forget that cotton wool gets aflame by proximity with fire, and glass breaks when it comes in contact with stones. Unfortunately, corruption and impurity can very quickly affect the human spirit, and easily make it catch fire like gunpowder, and burn the entire world with their flame.

Supposing you are so dignified and noble that you aren't influenced by the wicked persons you associate with. What will people say about you? Will they not consider you as one of the rabble when you associate with them?

One of the Hadith says as: "Don't judge anyone's goodness or badness until you see his friend, since a person is recognized by his likes and companions, and is related to his friends."

It would be impossible not to be affected deeply in our character by association with those around us, since man is by nature, an imitator, and everyone is more or less influenced by the conduct, manners and ideas of friends and companions.

Prophet Muhammad (saw) said: "Man imitates his friends. Hence, you must consider them whom you want to befriend."

Association with biased and selfish people produces great losses since the effect of their character leads to the obscurity and limitation of thought, and to the death of the spirit of manliness and noble qualities. If association with them continues for a long time, the heart becomes heavy and hardened, moral powers are weakened, and willpower, sense of progress and excelling are destroyed in man. On the contrary, friendship and contact with those who are wiser, more experienced than us, are very valuable since their association breathes a new spirit into us, teaches us better way of life, and reforms our views about the attitude towards others. It appears as if they make us share their wisdom, knowledge and experience.

Thus, for building up morality nothing is more useful and effective than association with learned and active individuals, since such contact enhances our mental powers, adds to our willpower, sublimate to our objective in the world, and prepares us for managing our own affairs and assisting others.

Why Muhammad, The Messenger of Allah (SWT) is called as Rahmatul-Lil-Alameen?

One day, the Archangel Jibraeel visited Muhammad, The Messenger of Allah (SWT) who was in the state of sadness. On inquiring the cause, he said that he was grieved at the violence and falsehood of infidels. Shall I give you proof - said the angel - that Allah (SWT) has subjected all things to you? Do you wish to know in what estimation the Most High holds you?

Call that tree. It came near Muhammad, The Messenger of Allah (SWT) and made a prostration, and at the command of Muhammad, The Messenger of Allah (SWT) returned to its place. The angel Ishmaeel, the Regent of the First Heaven now descended and saluting Muhammad, The Messenger of Allah (SWT) said, My Lord has commanded me to obey you implicitly in everything. If you order, I will pour the stars upon your enemies and burn them. The angel of the sun appeared and offered to consume Muhammad, The Messenger of Allah's (SWT) enemies by bringing the sun upon their heads. The angel of earth proposed to have them swallowed up by the opening ground. The angel of the mountains wished to hurl all the mountains on them, and the angel of the ocean asked permission to drown them beneath the mighty waves of the sea.

After having first demanded of these angels if they were all commanded to aid him, and receiving an affirmative answer, Muhammad, The Messenger of Allah (SWT) raised his blessed face towards heaven and said, I am not sent to inflict judgment but enjoined to be the Mercy of the Universe. As we shall observe, this is why even rocks prayed to Muhammad, The Messenger of Allah (SWT) for intercession.

And We have not sent you but as a mercy to the worlds. (Noble Qur'an, 21:107)

Obstacles on the Way and the Tortures Inflicted by the Quraish

From the very day Muhammad, The Messenger of Allah (SWT) started his public propagation of Islam, the Quraish chiefs resorted to any means to silence him.

As usual, they first began with attempts to lure him and tried hard to get him interested in wealth, status, and other material benefits that they promised to give him if he submitted to their ungodly will, and, after realizing that this method was of no use in their dealing with him, they attempted to threaten and then to torment and torture him.

Thus a new stage - an exceedingly troublesome phase - started in the blessed life of Muhammad, The Messenger of Allah (SWT). The enemies of Islam, who had well understood that the triumph and rule of Islam would surely put an end to their law of the sword, tyrannies, and exploitation of the deprived people, launched their combat against Muhammad, The Messenger of Allah (SWT) most brutally and ruthlessly, discarding all moral and humane principles - if they had any - and taking up the arms of rancour and cruelty so that they could hamper the spread of Islam and guard the interests of the Quraish chiefs and men of power.

Of course it cannot be denied that one of the reasons for the opposition of the people of that age to the perfect faith of Muhammad, The Messenger of Allah (SWT) was their intellectual immaturity. But from the very day the Quraish tribe heard that Muhammad, The Messenger of Allah (SWT) called the idols and wooden and stone statues they worshipped valueless and useless, they exhibited the utmost enmity and opposition toward Islam. Muhammad, The Messenger of Allah (SWT) asked the people, 'what do you want with these lifeless objects?' They were even more enraged when Muhammad, The Messenger of Allah (SWT) denounced the wooden and stone idols of the Quraish left to them by their ancestors, which they regarded among their ancient glories.

On the other hand, the divine teachings of Muhammad, The Messenger of Allah (SWT) were inconsistent with the interests of the oppressive class of the chiefs of the Quraish who wanted to continue exploiting the poor people and possessing innumerable slaves, as well as with the interests and inhumane desires of the usurers who wished to amass wealth at the expense of the deprived class of their society.

It goes without saying that in an environment where no divine law is obeyed and no human right is respected, the strong will forcibly violate the honour, property, and chastity of the defenseless people, and so the new faith - Islam - which severely opposed and fought this wrong social system, enraged those whose interests and selfish considerations were endangered.

Such notorious people as Abu Jahl, Abu Sufyan ibn Harb, Abu Lahab ibn Abd Al-Muttalib, Aswad ibn Abd Yaghwan, As ibn Wail, Utbah and Shaybah, Walid ibn Maghirah, and Aqibah ibn Abi Ma'ayyat were among the leaders of the opponents of Islam.

Cruel, false accusations, physical torment, foul language, economic and financial pressure and boycotts were among the inhumane methods used by the Quraish chiefs against Muhammad, The Messenger of Allah (SWT) and his faithful companions.

Here some examples of the offences and torments which the enemies of Islam inflicted upon Muhammad, The Messenger of Allah (SWT) are mentioned:

1. One day a number of Quraish gave the uterus of a sheep to their servants to throw at the blessed face and head of Muhammad, The Messenger of Allah (SWT). They obeyed their brutal master, thus making Muhammad, The Messenger of Allah (SWT) rather sad.

Another day they threw camel's guts on him while he was prostrating in prayer. Muhammad, The Messenger of Allah (SWT) remained in prostration, perhaps waiting for one of the Muslims to pass by and take the dirt off his back. His daughter Fatima al-Zahra (sa) was walking by when she saw him. With tears in her eyes, she removed the dirt from his back. He said to her, "Don't cry my daughter, the Almighty Allah (SWT) will honour His religion and grant your father victory."

2. Tariq Maharibi has narrated, I saw Muhammad, The Messenger of Allah (SWT) saying in a loud voice to the people, "O people! Say there is no god but God so you would find salvation."

He urged the people to submit to Islam and become monotheists while Abu Lahab ibn Abd Al-Muttalib followed him step by step and threw stones at him injuring him so that his feet were covered with blood, but Muhammad, The Messenger of Allah (SWT) continued to guide the people and show them the path of eternal salvation and prosperity. Abu Lahab ibn Abd Al-Muttalib cried out, "People! This man is a liar. Do not listen to him."

3. In addition, Muhammad, The Messenger of Allah (SWT), as well as his loyal friends and those who had newly adopted Islam were most severely tortured and tormented by the infidels.

One day, Muhammad, The Messenger of Allah (SWT) observed Ammar Yasir and his family being tortured by the enemies of Islam. Addressing Ammar and his faithful family, he said, 'I give you, Ammar's family, the good tidings that Paradise will be your eternal abode.'

Ibn Athir has written, Ammar and his parents suffered severe tortures from the idol worshippers. The idol worshippers forced them out of their house in the hot burning weather and tortured them under the burning rays of the sun, inflicting the most unbearable tortures upon them so that they would leave the faith.

Sumayyah, Ammar's mother, was the first woman martyr of Islam, killed by a blow from Abu Jahl's weapon. Yasir, Ammar's father, too, died under the torture of the infidels. Ammar himself was most cruelly tortured by the enemies of Islam but resorted to dissimulation and thus saved his own life.

4. Bilal ibn Rabah, an Ethiopian slave, was among Muhammad, The Messenger of Allah's (SWT) most faithful followers and, because of his faith in Islam, his ruthless master brutally tortured him. At midday when it is scorching hot, his master would make Bilal ibn Rabah lie down on the burning hot desert pebbles and sand and put a large and heavy stone on his chest to force him to stop obeying Muhammad, The Messenger of Allah (SWT) and to worship their idols instead of worshipping the One God.

The torture of which is, needless to say, beyond endurance, but Bilal ibn Rabah resisted all his threats and tortures most bravely and admirably and responded just by repeating the word 'Ahad' (One), meaning 'God is One and Peerless and I will never become an idol worshipper.'

In fact Bilal ibn Rabah, as well as many other faithful Muslims at the beginning of Islam, suffered a great deal from the enemies of Islam who had aimed most obstinately at the destruction of Islam. All of them tolerated all the pains and torture and did not leave their faith even for a single moment. We see therefore very clearly how the accusation that Islam prevailed by force and by the law of the sword is false and far from the truth.

Economic struggle: The Quraish had started a fierce economic struggle against Muhammad, The Messenger of Allah (SWT) and his followers. One of the inhumane weapons they used against the Muslims was economic pressure and boycott of any sort of transactions with the Muslims. Bani Hashim and Bani Abd Al-Muttalib joined Abu Talib after the boycott was enforced and withdrew to a narrow glen or wadi known as Sheb Abi Talib. It was the seventh year of Muhammad, The Messenger of Allah's (SWT) mission. Weeks and months had passed, and the people of Hashim lived in misery and hunger. The ban was so rigorously enforced that Muhammad, The Messenger of Allah's (SWT) clan was reduced to eating acacia leaves and the cries of hungry children reverberated all over the valley.

When the period of confinement had lengthened to nearly three years (between 616-619CE), Muhammad, The Messenger of Allah (SWT) said one day to Abu Talib ibn Abd Al-Muttalib that Allah (SWT) had revealed to him that the agreement to which Quraish had subscribed against them, which is hanging on the inside wall of Kaaba, had been so severely damaged by ants that of the writing only the name of Allah had remained legible. Thereupon Abu Talib ibn Abd Al-Muttalib went to Kaaba, where several Quraish were in conclave, and addressed them as follows: 'How long will you continue to conform to the conditions of your brutal agreement? My nephew has told me that Allah (SWT) has wiped out the whole of the agreement except His own name. Let us examine the agreement to discover whether what my nephew has said is correct.' Some of those present endorsed what he had said and the original of the agreement was fetched and on examination it was found that with the exception of the name of God with which it began, the rest of the writing had become undecipherable. In other words it was a miracle that Termites eats up the Accord. In consequence of this significant discovery, some of the chiefs of Quraish, felt that this cruel and unnatural agreement should be terminated.

Psychological warfare: Prohibiting of marriage with Muslims, cutting off all relations with them from the Quraish. Accused Muhammad, The Messenger of Allah (SWT) of witchcraft, sorcery doing traits and tricks by not withstanding his Miracles. Accused Muhammad, The Messenger of Allah (SWT) as being poet by not withstanding the eloquence of Qura'nic verses. Accused Muhammad, The Messenger of Allah (SWT) as being crazy to avoid children going near him, and the like were psychological tactics meant to break down the resistance and perseverance of the first Muslims.

Physical torment and torture: Another anti-human method of fighting the new movement and its adherents used by the Quraish was physical torture of the Muslims, which resulted in the martyrdom of a number of faithful Muslims at the beginning of Islam.

In spite of all the brutal methods that the infidel Quraish utilized in their struggles against Islam, Muhammad, The Messenger of Allah (SWT) and the Muslims, Islam advanced and Muhammad, The Messenger of Allah (SWT) continued to urge the people to go the right way. Islam and the Muslims continued their efforts and struggles.

To maintain their faith in Islam, the Muslims underwent extremely severe torture, sufferings, and hardships and showed admirable resistance in following this honorable path.

A careful and just survey of the conditions of the Muslims at the beginning of Islam reveals the significant fact that, unlike the picture the enemies of Islam have always tried to present, Islam, this holiest of faith, has not been promoted at the point of the bayonet or by the sword, but for 13 years, Muhammad, The Messenger of Allah (SWT) and the faithful Muslims tolerated the tortures, torments, and swords of the infidels and the idol worshippers to promote this divine religion revealed by Allah (SWT) for their salvation.

Quraish complain to guardian uncle Abu Talib ibn Abd Al-Muttalib

The chiefs of the Quraish went to Abu Talib ibn Abd Al-Muttalib's house. Their speaker said to him, 'You possess a high status among us and the Quraish tribe. You are our chief, our master, and our lord. We all have great respect for your honour and high position. We have already asked you to hinder your nephew. We have told you to stop him from offending the faith of our forefathers, denouncing our idols, thoughts and beliefs. But you have not paid any attention to our demands and have not attempted to stop him. We swear by god that we will not tolerate disrespect toward our gods and denunciation of the faith and beliefs of our fathers. You must prevent him from doing these things or we will fight both he and you who support him until either you or we are killed.'

Abu Talib ibn Abd Al-Muttalib tried to solve the problem peacefully, and after they had left the house, he talked to Muhammad, The Messenger of Allah (SWT) about the matter, because Muhammad, The Messenger of Allah (SWT) was loving his guardian uncle Abu Talib ibn Abd Al-Muttalib very much. Addressing Abu Talib ibn Abd Al-Muttalib, Muhammad, The Messenger of Allah (SWT) remarked, 'Allah (SWT) has selected me to be His Messenger. He has given me a message so as to lift the people from degradation. He has given me a message for me to call the people to worship only One God. Allah has ordered me to prevent the people from idol-worship and oppression. I swear by Almighty Allah (SWT) that even if they put the sun in my right hand and the moon in my left, and in return, demand of me to quit the propagation of Islam and pursuance of my divine aim, I will never do what they want me to. I am determined to carry on my duty toward Allah (SWT) to the last moment of my life, even if it means losing my life. I am strongly determined to attain my goal.'

Muhammad, The Messenger of Allah (SWT) left his uncle's house sadly. Abu Talib ibn Abd Al-Muttalib called him and said, 'I swear by God that I will not quit supporting you and will not let them hurt you'. Almighty Allah (SWT) brought his great protection to the attention of Muhammad, The Messenger of Allah (SWT) with the descending of the following verse which says: "Did He not find you an orphan and give you shelter?" (Noble Qur'an, 93:6)

Muhammad, The Messenger of Allah SWT

Muhammad, The Messenger of Allah's (SWT) logical, eloquent speeches greatly impressed many of the people who heard his words. In most gatherings and public places, people talked about the new faith more than anything else. To those who had suffered from the extortion of the cruel oppressors and were tired of the injustices and inhuman conditions prevailing in Makkah, the celestial words of Muhammad, The Messenger of Allah (SWT) opened a door to the world of hope and prosperity and gave new life to their half dead bodies. But the selfish malevolent Quraish chiefs refused to submit to Islam, and, since Muhammad, The Messenger of Allah (SWT) mentioned their deviations and faults at every opportunity, they decided to hinder this spiritual and intellectual revolution by any means possible.

Obviously, the idol worshippers and the oppressive Quraish chiefs well realized that if idolatry were abolished and all the people worshipped the One God and adopted the gainful religion of Islam, no room would be left for their extortion and oppressive rule.

Therefore, they held a council and started talks on the day's issue, trying to find ways to extinguish Muhammad, The Messenger of Allah's (SWT) revolution.

They reached the conclusion from their talks and exchange of views that they should all go to the house of Abu Talib ibn Abd Al-Muttalib - a Quraish chief who was like a father to Muhammad, The Messenger of Allah (SWT) - and ask him to prevent Muhammad, The Messenger of Allah (SWT) from further activities toward propagating his faith by any means he found expedient.