Devotion to Ahle Bayt to be Propagated

Dear Islamic brothers! Having devotion to the blessed things associated with the Beloved Rasool صَلَّى اللّٰەُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّمis also a way of showing affection for the Beloved Rasool صَلَّى اللّٰەُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم. Naturally, one gets into loving everything that is associated with the one for whom he has a devotional attachment. Those who have devotion to the Beloved Rasool صَلَّى اللّٰەُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم love and respect everything wholeheartedly that is associated with the Beloved Rasool صَلَّى اللّٰەُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم.

‘Ahl-e-Bayt Athaar’ رَضِىَ اللّٰەُ عَنْهُم(blessed family of the Holy Rasool صَلَّى اللّٰەُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم) are those great personages who have family connections with our Beloved Rasool صَلَّى اللّٰەُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّمand everything that is associated with him becomes worthy of being respected and honoured.

‘Having devotion to the blessed family and the blessed companions رَضِىَ اللّٰەُ عَنْهُمof the Beloved Rasool صَلَّى اللّٰەُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم’ and ‘considering respect and reverence for them compulsory’ are the necessary elements. Having devotion to them [in fact] is to have devotion to the Holy Prophet صَلَّى اللّٰەُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم.

One does not attain perfect Iman until he shows devotion to the Beloved Rasool صَلَّى اللّٰەُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم and Ahl-e-Bayt Athaar as it is stated, the Beloved Rasool صَلَّى اللّٰەُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم said, ‘No one can become a true believer until he loves me more than his life and my children are dearer to him than his children.’ (Shu’ab-ul-Iman, vol. 2, pp. 189, Hadees 1505, abridged)

Similarly, it is stated in the following blessed Quranic verse:

قُلْ لَّاۤ اَسْــٴَـلُكُمْ عَلَیْهِ اَجْرًا اِلَّا الْمَوَدَّةَ فِی الْقُرْبٰىؕ-

Say you (O Beloved), ‘I do not ask any recompense from you for this (propagation of religion), except (your) love for (my) close relatives (i.e. children, wives, etc.).’

[Kanz-ul-Iman (translation of Quran)] (Part 25, Surah Ash-Shura, Ayah 23)

Commenting on the above-mentioned blessed verse, Imam Muhammad Bin Ahmad Qurtubi رَحْمَةُ اللّٰەِ عَلَيْهsaid: Sayyiduna Sa’eed Bin Jubayr (رَحْمَةُ اللّٰەِ عَلَيْه) narrated, ‘Close relatives’ refers to the Aal-e-Pak [blessed family] of the Beloved Rasool صَلَّى اللّٰەُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم.’ (Qurtubi, part 25, Ash-Shura, Taht-al-Ayah: 23, vol. 8, pp. 16)

Remember! All offspring and the blessed wives of the Beloved Rasool صَلَّى اللّٰەُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم are also the part of Ahl-e-Bayt. Hakeem-ul-Ummat Mufti Ahmad Yar Khan Na’eemi رَحْمَةُ اللّٰەِ عَلَيْهsaid: ‘Ahl-e-Bayt’ means household. Ahl-e-Bayt implies the following few meanings:

1 Those upon whom taking Zakah is Haraam i.e., the descendants of Bani Hashim, ‘Abbas, ‘Ali, Ja’far, Aqeel and Haris.

2 Those who were born in the blessed house of the Beloved Rasool صَلَّى اللّٰەُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم i.e., his blessed children.

3 Those living in the blessed house of the Beloved Rasool صَلَّى اللّٰەُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم such as the blessed wives. (Mirat-ul-Manajih, vol. 8, pp. 450)

What does devotion to Ahl-e-Bayt requires us to do

Devotion to Ahl-e-Bayt to be propagated

When the Glorious Quran and the blessed Ahadees command us to have devotion to Ahl-e-Bayt رَضِىَ اللّٰەُ عَنْهُم, we should try to propagate it immensely. We should especially try to instil the love for these glorious personages in the hearts of our children. In this connection, the blessed Hadees also motivates about it. The Beloved Rasool صَلَّى اللّٰەُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم has stated: Educate your children about three good traits:

1 Devotion to your Prophet [صَلَّى اللّٰەُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم]

2 Devotion to his Ahl-e-Bayt [رَضِىَ اللّٰەُ عَنْهُم]

Quranic education. (Jami’ Sagheer, pp. 25, Hadees 311)

Children should be related the parables of Ahl-e-Bayt رَضِىَ اللّٰەُ عَنْهُم so that they [children] start having devotion to the blessed people of Ahl-e-Bayt رَضِىَ اللّٰەُ عَنْهُم from an early age. When the blessed days of their death anniversaries fall, Isal-e-Sawab [conveying reward] gathering should be arranged in the houses, mosques, etc., and make your children memorise the virtues of the blessed days.

Respect and reverence

While it is necessary to show respect and reverence to everything that is associated with the Beloved Rasool صَلَّى اللّٰەُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم, it is also necessary to show respect and reverence to Ahl-e-Baytرَضِىَ اللّٰەُ عَنْهُمand it is the requirement of one’s devotion. Books comprise many parables of our pious predecessors رَحِمَهُمُ اللّٰە related to the subject.

Once Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah Bin ‘Abbas رَضِىَ اللّٰەُ عَنْهُمَا, cousin of the Beloved Rasool صَلَّى اللّٰەُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم on father’s side, held stirrup of the horse of Sayyiduna Zayd Bin Saabit رَضِىَ اللّٰەُ عَنْهُ. Upon this, he رَضِىَ اللّٰەُ عَنْهُ said, ‘O the son of the uncle of the Beloved Rasool صَلَّى اللّٰەُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم! What is this? (i.e., why are you doing this?).’ Sayyiduna Ibn ‘Abbas رَضِىَ اللّٰەُ عَنْهُمَا said, ‘We have been taught to show respect to the scholars.’ To which, Sayyiduna Zayd Bin Saabit Ansari رَضِىَ اللّٰەُ عَنْهُ kissed the hand of Sayyiduna Ibn ‘Abbas رَضِىَ اللّٰەُ عَنْهُمَا and said, ‘We have also been taught to do so with the Ahl-e-Bayt Athaar of the Beloved Rasool صَلَّى اللّٰەُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم.’ (Tareekh Ibn ‘Asakir, vol. 19, pp. 326)

Islamic teachings to be followed

These blessed individuals are highly distinguished personages. Devotion and obedience to them and their blessed guidance are truly the sources of salvation. It is stated, the Beloved Rasool صَلَّى اللّٰەُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم has stated:

اَلَا اِنَّ مَثَلَ اَهْلِ بَيْتِی فِيكُمْ مَثَلُ سَفِينَةِ نُوحٍ، مَنْ رَكِبَهَا نَجَا، وَمَنْ تَخَلَّفَ عَنْهَا هَلَكَ

Beware! The example of my Ahl-e-Bayt amongst you is like the Ark of honourable Noah, the one who embarks it, attains salvation, and the one who stays behind from it is doomed.

(Fazaail-e-Sahabah li Imam Ahmad, part 2, vol. 1, pp. 785, Hadees 1402)

Commenting on the aforementioned blessed Hadees, Hakeem-ul-Ummat Mufti Ahmad Yar Khan Na’eemi رَحْمَةُ اللّٰەِ عَلَيْه states: The Ark of Noah was the source of salvation at the time of the flood of Noah; similarly, love for Ahl-e-Bayt رَضِىَ اللّٰەُ عَنْهُم and obedience to them are the sources of salvation until the Day of Judgement. Without obedience and submissiveness to them, hollow claims of love for them are of no use. Second blessed Hadees states, ‘My blessed companions are like stars; whoever you follow, you will be guided.’ It is as if the world is an ocean and this voyage needs both ‘sailing of the ship’ and ‘guidance of the stars’. اَلْحَمْدُلِلّٰە! Ahl-e-Sunnat are extraordinarily successful as the people of Ahl-e-Sunnat are associated with both ‘Ahl-e-Bayt’ and ‘the blessed companions رَضِىَ اللّٰەُ عَنْهُم.’ (Mirat-ul-Manajih, vol. 8, pp. 494)

No one is unaware of the sacrifices of Ahl-e-Bayt رَضِىَ اللّٰەُ عَنْهُم for the sake of Islam. Their great patience, courage, enthusiasm and steadfastness are matchless. They got their family martyred for Islam, spent many days without eating and drinking anything and suffered severe hardships. Those who have devotion to them should act upon the Islamic teachings. The way these great personalities showed infinite patience on every tough occasion and stage, the devotees of Ahl-e-Bayt should also show courage and patience instead of lamenting the difficulties. The way they made sacrifices for Islam, we should also keep ourselves prepared to render sacrifices for the sake of Islam. As the blessed people of Ahl-e-Bayt and the blessed companions رَضِىَ اللّٰەُ عَنْهُم used to have devotion to each other, we should also have devotion to these blessed personages.

First time in the month of Muharram-ul-Haraam, Badr visited his aunt in Karachi. One day his cousin Zufar said to him: Come, let me show you the global Madani Markaz of Dawat-e-Islami ‘Faizan-e-Madinah’. Badr immediately agreed to join him. They reached Faizan-e-Madinah. Seeing a great crowd, Badr humbly asked, ‘Zufar Bhai! Why are there a large number of people gathered here?’ Zufar said, ‘This is the month of Muharram and Madani Muzakarahs are generally held in the first ten days of Muharram, in which a number of people from far and wide arrive and attend the Madani Muzakarahs.’

Surprised, Badr said, ‘Tell me! What happens in Madani Muzakarahs?’

Zufar said, ‘Allamah Muhammad Ilyas Qaadiri, the founder of Dawat-e-Islami, gives answers to different questions, and the blessed life-history of Imam Husain رَضِىَ اللّٰەُ عَنْهُ is also described as per situation.’

Sitting in the courtyard of Faizan-e-Madinah enjoying the cool breeze, when they were having conversation, Sabir, Zufar’s friend, came there. Sabir was doing ‘Aalim course’ from Jami’a-tul-Madinah situated in Faizan-e-Madinah.

Badr, ‘Zufar Bhai! Tell me about Imam Husain رَضِىَ اللّٰەُ عَنْهُ.’

Zufar, ‘Sure! But I would not, Sabir will tell you about Imam Husain رَضِىَ اللّٰەُ عَنْهُ because he is doing Dars-e-Nizami (an Islamic scholar course) and he surely knows better than us.’

Sabir, ‘As you wish. Imam Husain رَضِىَ اللّٰەُ عَنْهُ is the blessed grandson of the Beloved Rasool صَلَّى اللّٰەُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم and the blessed son of Sayyidah Fatimah رَضِیَ اللّٰەُ عَنْهَا, the blessed daughter of the Beloved Rasool صَلَّى اللّٰەُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم. Imam Husain رَضِىَ اللّٰەُ عَنْهُ was born on Tuesday 5^th Sha’ban-ul-Mu’azzam, in 4^th year after Hijrah in Madinah Munawwarah. The Beloved Rasool صَلَّى اللّٰەُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم named him ‘Husain’ and ‘Shabbir’, and like his elder brother ‘Imam Hasan رَضِىَ اللّٰەُ عَنْهُ’, the Beloved Rasool صَلَّى اللّٰەُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم called him [Imam Husain رَضِىَ اللّٰەُ عَنْهُ] the chief of the youth in Jannah and his son.’ (Sawanih Karbala, pp. 103)

Badr, ‘Sabir Bhai! Imam Husain رَضِىَ اللّٰەُ عَنْهُ is highly commemorated in the month of Muharram, why?’

Sabir, ‘The reason for it is the incident of Karbala. Yazeed took the matters of the country in his hand in 60 AH and sent letters to all the areas for a pledge of allegiance [from people]. Governor of Madinah approached Imam Husain رَضِىَ اللّٰەُ عَنْهُ but Imam Husain رَضِىَ اللّٰەُ عَنْهُ, having seen the sinful acts and the cruelty of Yazeed, refused to pledge allegiance to Yazeed. He [Yazeed] became the enemy of Sayyiduna Imam Husain رَضِىَ اللّٰەُ عَنْهُ due to it. On the order of Yazeed, 22000 soldiers of his army gathered in the plain of Karbala situated near Kufa to fight against only 72 companions of Sayyiduna Imam Husain رَضِىَ اللّٰەُ عَنْهُ. In the incident of Karbala, the companions of Sayyiduna Imam Husain رَضِىَ اللّٰەُ عَنْهُ kept embracing martyrdom in the path of Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ one by one. On Friday, 10^th Muharram 61 AH, Sayyiduna Imam Husain رَضِىَ اللّٰەُ عَنْهُ embraced martyrdom, showing extreme courage and bravery while fighting for the truth but he رَضِىَ اللّٰەُ عَنْهُ did not pledge allegiance to an unworthy person like Yazeed.

Badr, ‘Sabir Bhai! May Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ grant you goodness, you have told me about the incident of Karbala and we learned that we should show patience in the face of hardships.’

Sabir, ‘Absolutely right! Keep attending the Ijtima’aat and Madani Muzakarahs of Dawat-e-Islami, you will keep learning a lot, اِنْ شَـآءَ اللّٰە.’

Ahl-e-Bayt Athaar’s mutual love and affection for each other are like a living standard for us. Regarding every relation, these blessed personages would act upon the manners of the Beloved Rasool صَلَّى اللّٰەُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم.

Role of Ummahat-ul-Mu`mineen in the wedding of lady of Paradise

Sayyidatuna Fatima-tuz-Zahra رَضِیَ اللّٰەُ عَنْهَا, the lady of Paradise, was born to Umm-ul-Mu`mineen Sayyidatuna Khadija-tul-Kubra رَضِیَ اللّٰەُ عَنْهَا. On the occasion of Sayyidatuna Fatimah’s wedding, Umm-ul-Mu`mineen Sayyidatuna ‘Aishah Siddiqah and Sayyidatuna Umm-e-Salamah رَضِىَ اللّٰەُ عَنْهُمَا got clay from Batha Valley and plastered the floor of her house. They then prepared two beds putting the bark of date tree in order with their own hands. They placed dates and raisins for her to eat and arranged cold water for her. Then at the corner of the house, they placed a wooden pillar so that small leather bag for carrying water and clothes, etc., could be hung on it. They then said: ‘فَمَا رَاَيْنَا عُرْسًا اَحْسَنَ مِنْ عُرْسِ فَاطِمَة’ We have not seen any other wedding better than Fatimah’s wedding. (Ibn Majah, vol. 2, pp. 444, Hadees 1911, summarised)

Gave Wasilah of mother’s right

Umm-ul-Mu`mineen Sayyidatuna ‘Aishah Siddiqah رَضِیَ اللّٰەُ عَنْهَا has said: Once all the blessed wives of the Beloved Rasool صَلَّى اللّٰەُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم were present in the blessed court of the Beloved Rasool صَلَّى اللّٰەُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم. In the meanwhile, Sayyidatuna Fatimah رَضِیَ اللّٰەُ عَنْهَا came walking in a way as the Beloved Rasool صَلَّى اللّٰەُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم walked. When the Beloved Rasool صَلَّى اللّٰەُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم saw Sayyidatuna Fatimah رَضِیَ اللّٰەُ عَنْهَا, he صَلَّى اللّٰەُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم said: Welcome my daughter! He صَلَّى اللّٰەُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم then sat her next to himself and whispered something to her. She started weeping. Seeing her worry and sadness, the Beloved Rasool صَلَّى اللّٰەُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم whispered something to her, this time Sayyidatuna Fatimah رَضِیَ اللّٰەُ عَنْهَا started smiling. Sayyidatuna ‘Aishah رَضِیَ اللّٰەُ عَنْهَا said: I asked Sayyidatuna Fatimah رَضِیَ اللّٰەُ عَنْهَا about it and asked about her weeping. She replied that she would not reveal the secret of the Beloved Rasool صَلَّى اللّٰەُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم.

When the Beloved Rasool صَلَّى اللّٰەُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم apparently passed away, I asked Sayyidatuna Fatimah رَضِیَ اللّٰەُ عَنْهَا: ‘عَزَمْتُ عَلَيْكِ بِمَا لِی عَلَيْكِ مِنَ الْحَقِّ’ i.e. I make you swear to the right which I have upon you! Tell me about the secret. Then Sayyidatuna Fatimah رَضِیَ اللّٰەُ عَنْهَا said: Yes! Now I tell you. I wept because he صَلَّى اللّٰەُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم first whispered this to me: The time of my demise has come near; keep fearing Allah Almighty and have patience; my leaving before you is better for you. Then second time whispering to me he صَلَّى اللّٰەُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم said: O Fatimah! Are you not pleased with this thing that you are the chief of all the wives of Muslims or the women of this Ummah. Having heard this, I smiled. (Sahih Muslim, pp. 1022, 1023, Hadees 6313, 6314)

O daughter! Have love for her

Advising Sayyidatuna Fatimah رَضِیَ اللّٰەُ عَنْهَا to have love for Sayyidatuna ‘Aishah رَضِیَ اللّٰەُ عَنْهَا on one occasion the Beloved Rasool صَلَّى اللّٰەُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم has stated: ‘اَیْ بُنَيَّةُ اَلَسْتِ تُحِبِّيْنَ مَا اُحِبُّ؟’ O my daughter! Will you not love the one who I love? Sayyidatuna Fatimah رَضِیَ اللّٰەُ عَنْهَا replied: Why not. The Beloved Rasool صَلَّى اللّٰەُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم said: ‘فَاَحِبِّی هَذِہٖ’ So have love for her (i.e. ‘Aishah Siddiqah). (Sahih Muslim, pp. 1017, Hadees 6290)

Glory of Shayr-e-Khuda and saying of Sayyidatuna ‘Aishah

Once Sayyiduna ‘Ali رَضِىَ اللّٰەُ عَنْهُ stated about the ruling on the fast of the 10^th of Muharram-ul-Haraam. Sayyidatuna ‘Aishah رَضِیَ اللّٰەُ عَنْهَا asked: Who has mentioned this ruling. People humbly mentioned the name of Sayyiduna ‘Ali رَضِىَ اللّٰەُ عَنْهُ. Sayyidatuna ‘Aishah رَضِیَ اللّٰەُ عَنْهَا said: ‘انَّهُ لاَعْلَمُ النَّاسِ بِالسُّنَّةِ’ i.e. Amongst people he is one who knows Sunnah better. (Al-Istee’aab, vol. 3, pp. 206)

Sayyiduna Shuraih Bin Haani رَحْمَةُ اللّٰەِ عَلَيْه has said: Once I asked a question from Sayyidatuna ‘Aishah رَضِیَ اللّٰەُ عَنْهَا about the Mash [مَسْح] on socks, she رَضِیَ اللّٰەُ عَنْهَا replied: Go to Sayyiduna ‘Ali رَضِىَ اللّٰەُ عَنْهُ because he knows more than me. (Sahih Muslim, pp. 130, Hadees 641)

Umm-ul-Mu`mineen Sayyidatuna Umm-e-Salamah رَضِیَ اللّٰەُ عَنْهَا has said: When this blessed verse was revealed at my home:

اِنَّمَا یُرِیْدُ اللّٰهُ لِیُذْهِبَ عَنْكُمُ الرِّجْسَ اَهْلَ الْبَیْتِ وَ یُطَهِّرَكُمْ تَطْهِیْرًاۚ

Allah wills only to remove every impurity from you, O People of the House of the Holy Prophet, and make you absolutely pure by cleansing you.

[Kanz-ul-Iman (translation of Quran)] (Part 22, Surah Al-Ahzaab, Ayah 33)

The Beloved Rasool صَلَّى اللّٰەُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم called Sayyidatuna Fatimah, Sayyiduna Hasan, Sayyiduna Husain and Sayyiduna ‘Ali رَضِىَ اللّٰەُ عَنْهُم and said: They are my Ahl-e-Bayt. Sayyidatuna Umm-e-Salamah رَضِیَ اللّٰەُ عَنْهَا said that she humbly said: Ya Rasoolallah! Am I also from Ahl-e-Bayt? The Beloved Rasool صَلَّى اللّٰەُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم said: Why not, اِنْ شَـآءَ اللّٰە. (Sharh-us-Sunnah lil-Baghawi, vol. 7, pp. 204, Hadees 3805)

Dear Islamic brothers! In the Glorious Quran, Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ says about the devotion to Ahl-e-Bayt رَضِىَ اللّٰەُ عَنْهُم:

قُلْ لَّاۤ اَسْــٴَـلُكُمْ عَلَیْهِ اَجْرًا اِلَّا الْمَوَدَّةَ فِی الْقُرْبٰىؕ-

Say you (O Beloved), ‘I do not ask any recompense from you for this (propagation of religion), except (your) love for (my) close relatives (i.e. children, wives, etc.).’

[Kanz-ul-Iman (translation of Quran)] (Part 25, Surah Ash-Shura, Ayah 23)

From the era of blessed companions رَضِىَ اللّٰەُ عَنْهُم until today, Ummat-e-Muslimah (Muslims) have been showing devotion to Ahl-e-Bayt رَضِىَ اللّٰەُ عَنْهُم. All the people whether younger or elder, express their devotion to the Ahl-e-Bayt.

‘Allamah ‘Abdur Rauf Manaawi رَحْمَةُ اللّٰەِ عَلَيْه has stated, ‘There was no such Imam or Mujtahid [in the past] who did not show great devotion to Ahl-e-Bayt رَضِىَ اللّٰەُ عَنْهُم.’ (Fayz-ul-Qadeer, vol. 1, pp. 256)

‘Allamah Yusuf Bin Isma’eel Nabhaani رَحْمَةُ اللّٰەِ عَلَيْه said, ‘When the religious leaders have [followed] this way, no true believer should lag behind in [following] this way.’ (Ash-Sharaf-ul-Mu`abbad, pp. 94)

It is stated in the Tafseer Khaza’in-ul-‘Irfan: Having devotion to the Beloved Rasool صَلَّى اللّٰەُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم and his blessed relatives is from the Fard acts of Deen. (Part 25, Ash-Shura, Taht-al-Ayah: 23)

O devotees of Rasool! The blessed companions رَضِىَ اللّٰەُ عَنْهُم who had great dignity and majesty themselves, they had unmatched devotion to the glorious Ahl-e-Bayt and how they used to express this devotional love through their words and deeds, let’s read something about it.

Reverence shown to Sayyiduna ‘Abbas رَضِىَ اللّٰەُ عَنْهُ by blessed companions

The blessed companions would show respect and reverence to Sayyiduna ‘Abbas رَضِىَ اللّٰەُ عَنْهُ, they would stand up in his respect, kiss his hands and feet, consult him and they [also] would prefer his opinion. (Tahzeeb-ul-Asma, vol. 1, pp. 244; Tareekh-Ibn ‘Asakir, vol. 26, pp. 372)

When Sayyiduna ‘Abbas رَضِىَ اللّٰەُ عَنْهُ would come in the court of the Beloved Rasool صَلَّى اللّٰەُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم, Sayyiduna Abu Bakr Siddeeq رَضِىَ اللّٰەُ عَنْهُ would leave his place for him and stand up in reverence. (Mu’jam Kabeer, vol. 10, pp. 285, Hadees 10675)

When Sayyiduna ‘Abbas رَضِىَ اللّٰەُ عَنْهُ would go somewhere on foot, and Sayyiduna ‘Umar Farooq and Sayyiduna ‘Usman رَضِىَ اللّٰەُ عَنْهُمَا would pass him riding [their animals], they would get off their riding animals in reverence until Sayyiduna ‘Abbas رَضِىَ اللّٰەُ عَنْهُ would walk past them. (Al-Istee’aab, vol. 2, pp. 360)

Devotion to Ahl-e-Bayt by Sayyiduna Siddeeq-e-Akbar رَضِىَ اللّٰەُ عَنْهُ

On one occasion when the blessed Ahl-e-Bayt رَضِىَ اللّٰەُ عَنْهُم were mentioned in the presence of Sayyiduna Abu Bakr Siddeeq رَضِىَ اللّٰەُ عَنْهُ, he said, ‘By the one in whose hand my soul is! Showing good treatment towards the [blessed] relatives of the Beloved Rasool صَلَّى اللّٰەُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم is dearer to me than showing good treatment towards my relatives.’ (Sahih Bukhari, vol. 2, pp. 438, Hadees 3712)

Once Sayyiduna Siddeeq-e-Akbar رَضِىَ اللّٰەُ عَنْهُ said, ‘In view of the [great] reverence for the Beloved Rasool صَلَّى اللّٰەُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم, show reverence for the [blessed] Ahl-e-Bayt.’ (Ibid, Hadees 3713)

Imam Hasan رَضِىَ اللّٰەُ عَنْهُ was made to sit on the shoulder

Sayyiduna ‘Uqbah Bin Haris رَضِىَ اللّٰەُ عَنْهُ said: We performed Salah led by Sayyiduna Siddeeq-e-Akbar رَضِىَ اللّٰەُ عَنْهُ. Thereafter, he and Sayyiduna ‘Ali رَضِىَ اللّٰەُ عَنْهُمَا stood and walked away. On their way, when they saw Sayyiduna Hasan رَضِىَ اللّٰەُ عَنْهُ playing with children, Sayyiduna Siddeeq-e-Akbar رَضِىَ اللّٰەُ عَنْهُ lifted him on his shoulders and said, ‘May my parents be sacrificed for you! You resemble the Beloved Rasool صَلَّى اللّٰەُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم, not [Sayyiduna] ‘Ali.’ Sayyiduna ‘Ali رَضِىَ اللّٰەُ عَنْهُ was smiling at that time. (Sunan-ul-Kubra lin-Nasa`ee, vol. 5, pp. 48, Hadees 8161)

Sayyiduna Farooq-e-A’zam’s devotion to Ahl-e-Bayt

Once Sayyiduna ‘Umar Farooq رَضِىَ اللّٰەُ عَنْهُ went to Sayyidatuna Fatimah Zahra رَضِیَ اللّٰەُ عَنْهَا and said, ‘O Fatimah! By Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ! I have not seen anybody dearer to the Beloved Rasool صَلَّى اللّٰەُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم than you and by Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ! After your [blessed] father, no one amongst people is dearer to me than you.’ (Al-Mustadrak, vol. 4, pp. 139, Hadees 4789)

Especial clothes

Once Sayyiduna ‘Umar Farooq رَضِىَ اللّٰەُ عَنْهُ provided the sons of the blessed companions with clothes but there was no such dress which befitted the greatness of Sayyiduna Imam Hasan and Imam Husain رَضِىَ اللّٰەُ عَنْهُمَا; so he رَضِىَ اللّٰەُ عَنْهُ arranged especial dresses for them from Yemen and made them wear those dresses, and said, ‘Now my heart is pleased.’ (Riyad-un-Nadarah, vol. 1, pp. 341)

Increased remuneration

Similarly, when Sayyiduna Farooq-e-A’zam رَضِىَ اللّٰەُ عَنْهُ fixed remuneration of people, he, due to the relationship of Hasanayn Karimayn with the Beloved Rasool صَلَّى اللّٰەُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم, fixed their remuneration equal to their blessed father ‘Sayyiduna Ali رَضِىَ اللّٰەُ عَنْهُ’. Sayyiduna Farooq-e-A’zam رَضِىَ اللّٰەُ عَنْهُ fixed remuneration of 5000 dirhams each for both of them. (Siyar A’laam-un-Nubala, vol. 3, pp. 259)

Sayyiduna Ameer Mu’awiyah’s devotion to Ahl-e-Bayt

Sayyiduna Ameer Mu’awiyah رَضِىَ اللّٰەُ عَنْهُ said, ‘Even few marks of Sayyiduna ‘Ali رَضِىَ اللّٰەُ عَنْهُ are better than the offspring of Abu Sufyan (i.e., we people).’ (An-Nihayah, pp. 59)

Sayyiduna Ameer Mu’awiyah رَضِىَ اللّٰەُ عَنْهُ described the great virtues of Sayyiduna ‘Ali رَضِىَ اللّٰەُ عَنْهُ and the blessed Ahl-e-Bayt. (Tareekh Ibn ‘Asakir, vol. 42, pp. 415)

Sayyiduna Ameer Mu’awiyah رَضِىَ اللّٰەُ عَنْهُ also implemented the decision of Sayyiduna ‘Ali رَضِىَ اللّٰەُ عَنْهُ and turned to him in a scholarly ruling. (Sunan-ul-Kubra lil-Bayhaqi, vol. 10, pp. 205)

On one occasion, Sayyiduna Ameer Mu’awiyah رَضِىَ اللّٰەُ عَنْهُ asked Sayyiduna Daraar Sadaee [ضرار صَدائی] to describe the virtues of Sayyiduna ‘Ali رَضِىَ اللّٰەُ عَنْهُ, he listened to blessed virtues and made Du’a weepingly, ‘O Allah! Grant mercy on Abul Hasan.’ (Al-Istee’aab, vol. 3, pp. 209)

Similarly, once Sayyiduna Ameer Mu’awiyah رَضِىَ اللّٰەُ عَنْهُ held the blessed hand of Sayyiduna Imam Hasan Bin ‘Ali رَضِىَ اللّٰەُ عَنْهُمَا and said, ‘In terms of the predecessors, paternal uncle, paternal aunt, maternal uncle and maternal aunt, he is the most honourable amongst the people.’ (Al-‘Aqd-ul-Fareed, vol. 5, pp. 344)

Sayyiduna Ameer Mu’awiyah رَضِىَ اللّٰەُ عَنْهُ used to show respect and reverence for Imam Hasan رَضِىَ اللّٰەُ عَنْهُ for being looking like the Beloved Rasool صَلَّى اللّٰەُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم. (Mirat-ul-Manajih, vol. 8, pp. 460)

Once Sayyiduna Ameer Mu’awiyah رَضِىَ اللّٰەُ عَنْهُ praised the scholarly gathering of Sayyiduna Imam Husain رَضِىَ اللّٰەُ عَنْهُ and encouraged [people] to attend it. (Tareekh Ibn ‘Asakir, vol. 14, pp. 179)

Gifts for Ahl-e-Bayt

Apart from annual remuneration, Sayyiduna Ameer Mu’awiyah رَضِىَ اللّٰەُ عَنْهُ presented valuable gifts on different occasions to Hasnayn Karimayn رَضِىَ اللّٰەُ عَنْهُمَا. This is also a way that expresses his deep devotion to the blessed Ahl-e-Bayt.

Sayyiduna Ameer Mu’awiyah رَضِىَ اللّٰەُ عَنْهُ sometimes presented the gifts worth 5,000 dinars, sometimes 300,000 dirhams, sometimes 400,000 dirhams and even once he presented the gifts even worth 400,000,000 rupees. (Siyar A’laam-un-Nubala, vol. 4, pp. 309; Tabqat Ibn Sa’d, vol. 6, pp. 409; Mu’jam-us-Sahabah, vol. 4, pp. 370; Kashf-ul-Mahjoob, pp. 77; Mirat-ul-Manajih, vol. 8, pp. 460)

Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah Bin Mas’ood’s devotion to Ahl-e-Bayt

Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah Bin Mas’ood رَضِىَ اللّٰەُ عَنْهُ said: Having devotion to the blessed family of the Beloved Rasool صَلَّى اللّٰەُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم for a day is better than the worship of one year. (Ash-Sharaf-ul-Mu`abbad, pp. 92)

Moreover, he رَضِىَ اللّٰەُ عَنْهُ used to say, ‘Amongst the people of Madinah, the personality who has the greatest knowledge about the judgements and inheritance is Sayyiduna ‘Ali رَضِىَ اللّٰەُ عَنْهُ.’ (Tareekh-ul-Khulafa, pp. 135)

Sayyiduna Abu Hurayrah’s devotion to Ahl-e-Bayt

Sayyiduna Abu Hurayrah رَضِىَ اللّٰەُ عَنْهُ said, ‘When I see Sayyiduna Imam Hasan رَضِىَ اللّٰەُ عَنْهُ, tears flow out of my eyes out of devotion.’ (Musnad Ahmad, vol. 3, pp. 632)

Dusted off the blessed feet

Abu Muhzam said, ‘When we were following a funeral procession, we saw that Sayyiduna Abu Hurayrah رَضِىَ اللّٰەُ عَنْهُ was dusting off the blessed feet of Sayyiduna Imam Husain رَضِىَ اللّٰەُ عَنْهُ with his clothes.’ (Siyar A’laam-un-Nubala, vol. 4, pp. 407)

Devotion of Sayyiduna Amr Bin ‘Aas to Sayyiduna Imam Hasan

‘Ayzaar Bin Hares said: Sayyiduna ‘Amr Bin ‘Aas رَضِىَ اللّٰەُ عَنْهُ was sitting under the shade of Khana-e-Ka’bah. In the meantime, he saw Imam Husain رَضِىَ اللّٰەُ عَنْهُ and said, ‘At this time, in the sight of heavens dwellers, he is the dearest person amongst the earth dwellers.’ (Tareekh Ibn ‘Asakir, vol. 14, pp. 179)

Dear Islamic brothers! You have read in the above-mentioned narrations that the blessed companions رَضِىَ اللّٰەُ عَنْهُم expressed their devotion to the blessed Ahl-e-Bayt رَضِىَ اللّٰەُ عَنْهُم in their unique ways. They would love them more than their families, fulfil their needs, present excellent clothes to them and send valuable gifts to them. Apart from this good treatment, having seen or listened to about the blessed Ahl-e-Bayt, the blessed companions رَضِىَ اللّٰەُ عَنْهُم would weep spontaneously. They would glorify the blessed Ahl-e-Bayt and would request their acquaintances to describe the virtues of the blessed Ahl-e-Bayt and would listen to the greatness of the blessed Ahl-e-Bayt. So, we should also show deep reverence for the blessed Sadaat-e-Kiraam and the blessed descendants رَضِىَ اللّٰەُ عَنْهُم of the Beloved Rasool صَلَّى اللّٰەُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم, fulfil their needs, keep remembering them in good words, teach our children to have devotion to the blessed Ahl-e-Bayt and the blessed companions رَضِىَ اللّٰەُ عَنْهُم.

May Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ have mercy on them and forgive us without accountability for their sake!

صَلَّى  اللّٰهُ  عَلَيۡهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم اٰمِيۡن   بِجَاهِ   النَّبِيِّ  الۡاَمِيۡن