Title(s) :
Sahib al-Asr waz-Zamaan (Imam of the time/space),
Al-Hujjat (proof of Allah),
Al-Qaim (the present one),
Al-Muntazar (one who is awaited),
Al-Muntazir (one who waits the order of Allah),
Al-Mahdi (one who guides)

Agnomen :
Abul Qasim

Father :
Imam Hasan Askari(a.s.)

Mother :
Bibi Nargis Khatoon(a.s.)

Birth :
In Samarrah on 15th Shabaan 255 AH (868 AD)

Occultation :
The 12th Imam is still alive but is in occultation by the will of Allah(swt)

Birth and Imamate

The promised Mahdi, who is usually mentioned by his title of Imam-i ‘Asr (the Imam of the "Period") and Sahib al-Zaman (the Lord of the Age), is the son of the eleventh Imam. His name is the same as that of the Holy Prophet. He was born in Samarrah in 256/868 and until 260/872 when his father was martyred, lived under his father’s care and guidance.

Sayyida Hakima who was the sister of the 10th Imam (Imam Mohammad Taqi(a.s.)) relates that she went to her nephew’s (11th Imam – Imam Hasan Askari(a.s.)) house for iftaar on the 14th of Sha’ban 255 A.H.The 11th Imam asked her to stay as his son was to be born soon. There was no sign of pregnancy on Sayyida Narjis. The 11th Imam asked her to recite Suratul Qadr on Sayyida Narjis. At the time of Fajr on 15th Sha’ban Sayyida Hakima heard the Sura being recited from the womb of Sayyida Narjis. The 11th imam told her that the birth would occur very soon.
As soon as the 12th Imam was born he did sijda and proclaimed the oneness of Allah and the Prophet hood of the Prophet (S.A.W.)

He also recited the 5th aya of Suratul-Qasas

"And We intend to bestow (Our) favours upon those who are weak in the land and make them the Imams (leaders) and make them the heirs".
On his right hand was written the 82nd aya of Suratu Bani Israel
"The truth has come and falsehood has vanished; Indeed falsehood (is a thing by nature) vanishing". The 11th Imam only told a handful of his most trusted believers of the birth of his son and to a few of his household slaves.

One of the women slaves called Naseema relates that when she went to see the baby Imam in his cradle she greeted him with salaam and was replied to. She then sneezed and the Imam said: "Yarhamukallah – it is a blessing from Allah and you have 3 days immunity from death".

The last Imam(a.s.) was hidden from public view and only a few of the elite among the Shi’ah were able to meet him. After the martyrdom of his father he became Imam and by Divine Command went into occultation (ghaybat). Thereafter he appeared only to his deputies (na’ib) and even then only in exceptional circumstances.

Ghaibat (occultation) of the last Imam (a.s.)

The Imam’s ghaibat (occultation) was in two phase – Ghaibat-e-Sughra (minor occultation) was for about 69 years – 260 A.H. (872 A.D.) to 329 A.H. (939 A.D.) and the Ghaibat-e-Kubra (greater occultation) started in 329 A.H. (939 A.D.)and will continue until Allah(swt) so wills.

Why Ghaibat?

the 6th Imam, Imam as-Sadiq (a.s.) states the reason of the ghaibat as prevention against being killed.
Ishaq bin Yaqub (on authority from 12th Imam) says that all the Imams were under oppressive rulers. Our 12th Imam is hidden in order to rise in arms with obedience to no one.
Muhammad Yaqub Al-Kulayni has said that ghaibat is a test from Allah to test the steadfastness of belief in Imam.

If he is to remain in Ghaibat, what is the use of his existence?
Belief creates hope giving strength to the oppressed.
It is a deterrent for the committing of injustice as one is always aware of the constant presence of the Imam.

Why insist on 12? Why Imamat not continued and last Imam near Quiyama to do 12th Imam’s work?

For one who is to cleanse the earth of all wrong and injustice is necessary for him to be born near early Islam and carry pure and pristine Islamic ideas. It is necessary to look from his vantage point at all the upheavals in the world. Personal experience of the past will make him fearless of the seemingly invincible superpowers no matter how strong they are.

Why Ghaibat-e-Sughra?

To make the Shias used to approaching scholars instead of Imam himself. It started during the time of the 10th Imam who was under almost constant house arrest in Samarra and continuing through

GHAIBAT-E-SUGHRA (160 A.H. to 329 A.H.)

During Ghaibut-us-Sughra, the Imam(a.s.) appointed four deputies/representatives to represent him among the people. After the death of the fourth deputy, the Imam(a.s.) went into Ghaibut-e-Kubra (major occultation). This was on the 10th Shawal 329 A.H. The 4 representatives were :

1. Uthman bin Saeed (A.R.)
It is said that at the age of 11 years he was a servant in the house of the 9th Imam later to enjoy the confidence of Imam. He occupied the same position of trust with the 10th and 11th Imam who told their Shias that after him they would not see the 12th Imam and would have to obey Uthman. After the 11th Imam’s martyrdom Uthman moved to Baghdad and disguised as a butter seller he set up the collection of khums for Imam. He served the 12th Imam for 18 months and received a letter near his death from Imam(a.s.) telling him to appoint his son Mohammed as the next representative.

2. Muhammad bin Uthman (A.R.)
He continued in his fathers footsteps also acting as a butter seller. He managed to keep Imam’s existence a secret from the Abbasids until the early years of the reign of Al-Mutadid. The rulers then started searching hard for Imam and killed countless mu’mineen with even the slightest resemblance to Imam. Spies were set up to probe the khums network. Imam issued an order for Shias not to take his name nor show mas’ala of khums to anyone until absolutely sure of them. As instructed by Imam he appointed Husayn bin Rawh as the next representative after his death in 305 A.H.

3. Husayn bin Rawh (A.R.)
His kuniyya was Abul Qasim. His sociable nature won him respect even from the Ahlul-Sunnah. He managed to keep his activities a secret from the rulers whilst maintaining good relations with them. It is to him that we address the ‘ariza’ to be delivered to Imam. He served faithfully until he died in Sha’ban 326 a.h. revealing the appointment of Ali bin Muhammad Samry after him.

4. Ali bin Muhammad Samry (A.R.)
He served for only three years. A week before his death he received a letter from the Imam(a.s.) telling him of his forthcoming death and that there would be no representative after him and that Imam(a.s.) was now going into Ghaibat-e-Kubra (major occultation). Imam(a.s.) would then appear when Allah(swt) wills it. Ali bin Muhammad Samry(a.r.) died on 15th Sha’ban 329 A.H.

GHAIBAT E KUBRA (329 A.H. to present)

Imam’s ghaibat is described by the Aimma like that of Prophet Yusuf (A.S.) who was amongst his brothers yet they did not recognise him.
Imam is known to meet a believer on 3 occasions:

1. At the time of trouble.
2. He is present at every Hajj.
3. He attends the funeral of every believer who has no religious obligations pending on him/her e.g. Khums.

During this time he continues to guide. Numerous letters have been received from him by (to quote a few) Ishaq bin Yaqub, Sheikh Mufeed…
. It is reported that 30 people all over the world meet with him regularly. It is also reported that Jaziratul Khadra (green islands or Bermuda Triangle) is a vast land in Imam’s kingdom occupied by a large number of Shia and governed by Imam’s family.

Responsibilities During Ghaibat e Kubra

Pray for the safety of Imam(a.s.) at all time.
Be in waiting for Imam(a.s.) at all times.
Give Sadaqa for Imam(a.s.).
Pray for his re-appearance.
Whenever faced with difficulty (whether small or big) ask for assistance from Imam(a.s.).
Whenever his name is heard or recited, one should stand if possible, send salaams on him, put hand on head and bow.
If possible perform Hajj/Umra for Imam(a.s.). (Hajj-After own Wajibat)

RE-APPEARANCE OF IMAM AL MAHDI (A.S.)

" The actual time of appearance is only known by Allah"
However various indications have been given by our Aimma.

– It will be the day of Friday.

– It will be the 10th of Muharram.

– The century will be an odd number.

– There will be both a solar and lunar eclipse in the month of Ramadhan but contrary to all norms and calculations.

– A voice will be heard announcing the appearance of Imam which will be heard by all in their own language.

– Imam Ali (a.s.) related to Sa’sa bin Sawhaan: The 12th Imam will appear when:
There will be a loud noise from the sky with which the eardrums will pierce.

– Nasibayn (Iraq) will burn on all four sides.

– Basra will be abandoned.

– Turkey will be ruled by Usmanis.

– People will usurp that which they are trusted with.

– People will ‘kill’ Salaa. (It will not be abandoned but its essence destroyed).

– People will carry music in their pockets.

– The 5th , 6th and 7th Imams have said:
"A great man from the people of Qum will rise up and take a stand. He will invite people will invite people towards the truth. Brave people like strong mountains, not fearing fighting and having trust in Allah will come to his help………. Finally the enemy of Islam will withdraw………….. The rule of Islamic Law will be established by the people themselves".

"Kufa will become barren of Islamic knowledge……….. whilst Qum will become the centre of Islamic Fiqh………… so much so that it will spread throughout the world that not a single person will remain ignorant of the message of Islam".

"These people will be the vicegerents of the 12th Imam. Their rule will continue and link with the appearance of the 12th Imam. They will not entrust the rule established by them to any but Imam on his reappearance".

– Imam Ali (a.s.) took Kumayl bin Ziyad to the outskirts of Kufa and showed him where he was to be buried. He then told him that all round his grave there would be tall buildings carrying the sign of Shaitan on them. The sign would be called Antennae.

– Sufyani will appear. He will be a Jew but make himself apparent as a Muslim. He will be supported fully by the Christian governments and his mission will be to destroy Shias. He will offer booty to anyone who kills a Shia. The result will be such that even neighbours who have lived as brothers for years will kill Shias for money. He will be finally killed by Prophet Isa (A.S.)

– Imam will appear in Makka and his ‘zahoor’ will be in two stages (similar to Prophet hood of the Prophet).
1st Stage
This will be in secret and not announced to all (only to close followers).
2nd Stage
Open announcement on the 10th of Muharram (Ashura).

– In the Zil-Hajjah of the preceding to Imam’s appearance on Ashura, 40 momineen who will be Imam’s closest companions will realise the nearness of ‘zahoor’ and go for Hajj. They will not return home and on the 15th of Zil-Hijjah they will go to the Ka’ba and cry a lot.

– One of them will be called by Imam(a.s.), introduced and told to be the representative of the 40. They will all meet Imam(a.s.) between the 16th and 22nd of Zil-Hijjah. Imam will tell them that one of them will have to announce the arrival of Imam(a.s.) at the door of the Ka’ba but whosoever would do this would be killed immediately.

– On the 25th Zil-Hijjah the announcement will be made and the announcer killed (This is the blood of Nafse Zakiyya – pure soul, those whose blood will touch the Ka’ba and who is mentioned in numerous prophecies).
His blood will be avenged 2 weeks later when Imam(a.s.) will appear himself at the Ka’ba.

– Those who answer the first call will be 313 in number.

– Imam’s army will consist of 10.000 momineen.

– Imam will establish his government in Kufa and his treasury in Masjidus Sahla.

Additional notes on the re-appearance of Imam(a.s.).

In Sheikh Tusi’s ‘Ghaybat’, Abu Baseer quoted Imam Ja’fer As-Sadiq (A.S.) as saying
"The call in the name of QAIM (i.e. Imam Al Mahdi (a.s.) ) will be made in the night of the 23rd Ramadhan and he will make his appearance on the day of Ashura, the day of Imam Hussain’s (a.s.) martyrdom".

Sheikh Sudooq in his book Kamaaluddin relates from Zararah that Imam Jafer as-Sadiq(a.s.) said "The announcer will call the name of the Qaim(a.s.)". I asked whether this call is for a particular group or if it is meant for everyone, Imam Jafer Sadiq(a.s.) said:
"Shaitan will not leave the people alone. He will call late in the night and will plunge people into doubt".

In the 13th volume of Bihar-ul-Anwar, Imam Al-Baqir(a.s.) is quoted as saying that "The Qaim (Imam Al-Mahdi(a.s.)) will send one of his companions to Makka and will ask him to inform them that I’m sent by so-and-so to you and that we are the merciful Ahlul-Bayt and the Store-house of ‘Risalat’ (religious guidance) and ‘Khilafat’ and we are the progeny of Muhammad(pbuh&hf) and from the time that the Prophet of Islam(pbuh&hf) left this world until now, we’ve been oppressed and deprived and our rights have been usurped. So we call you to befriend us. When that young man will utter these words, he will be caught and beheaded between ‘Rukn’ and ‘madam’ (in Masjidul Haram) and this young man is the ‘Nafse Zaki’………. And between the death of the ‘Nafse Zaki’ and the re-appearance of Imam Al-Mahdi (A.S.) there will not be a gap of fifteen nights".

Other signs heralding the reappearance of Imam al-Mahdi (a.s)

Prophet Muhammed (saws) has said:

"Even if the entire duration of the world’s existence has already been exhausted and only one day is left before Doomsday, Allah will expand that day to such length of time as to accommodate the kingdom of a person from my Ahlul-Bayt who will be called by name. He will fill out the earth with and justice as it will have been full of injustice and tyranny (by then)"

From this Hadith, it is clear to every Muslim that the twelfth Imam will reappear when this world is full of sins and injustice.

There are many signs mentioned by the Masumeen (a.s) on the reappearance of the 12th Imam. It is reported in Biharul Anwar that after the last pilgrimage the Prophet made, the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.) stood near the Kaaba, and called his people to listen to him. The Prophet said: “listen to me carefully so that you transmit these words of mine to those who are absent today.” The Prophet began, “My people, a time will come when kings and rulers will be tyrannical.” The Prophet also said that the payment of Zakat will be stopped.

According to the Masumeen(a.s), Muslim countries will seek aid from non Muslim countries. This is already evident in a number of Muslim countries. Another prediction that is come true is that 60 impostors will claim to be Prophets. By their attractiveness, their persuasion, and their personality, they will misguide the people. 58 false Prophets have already emerged since the days of the Prophet (s.a.w.). We have only two more to witness.

It is reported in Qayamat-e-Sughra citing “Oqdatud-Durr” that Hazrat Amir(a.s) has said that the Mahdi will not appear until one-third of the world population will die by being killed and one-third will die as a result of epidemics.

The Last Signs Heralding the Appearance of Imam al-Mahdi (a.s)

There is a Hadith from Imam Muhammed Baqir (a.s) that for three or seven consecutive days, one will see reddish yellow fire raging in the East.

Sufiani will emerge in Palestine, where he will start a revolt in the month of Rajab. He will be an uncompassionate rebel and his rule will last for eight consecutive months. He will conquer and rule Egypt for four consecutive months. Sufiani will conquer Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, Jordan, and Syria. Sufiani has been specifically described by Aimma A.S. as an ugly, blistered, green-eyed, cross-eyed person who will be an enemy of the friends of the Ahlul-Bait. Imam Ali (a.s) has said that Sufiani’s hatred of the devotees of the Ahlul-Bait will be such that any person named Ali, Fatema, Hassan, Hussein, Zainab, Ruquaiya will be arrested and beheaded straight away without further investigations. Sufiani will rip the Mimber of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.). The holy house of the Prophet which contains his grave will be pulled and used as a stable. Horses will be tied in that Holy place.

Sufiani will then decide to attack Makka. His purpose would be to demolish the Holy Kaaba and kill the entire population of Makka. Sufiani’s army will set out via Baghdad but, as Allah would have it, when they get between Medina and Makka, in the desert of Baida, suddenly one night they will hear a voice from the sky which will say, “O Baida eat up the entire army of Sufiani.” It is said that the entire army numbering 100,000 persons will be swallowed up by the earth, except for two. The two who will be spared will suddenly encounter an angel. He will slap both of them turning their faces right round, looking behind instead of front. And that will be the time when Imam al-Mahdi (a.s) will already have reappeared in Makka. The Imam will establish his authority in the Holy Mosque at Makka in the Haram. The angel will then order one of them calling him Bashir. “O Bashir, go straight to Makka, into the Haram and inform the Imam that Sufiani’s army has been swallowed up by the land. The other called Nazir will be ordered to go to Sufiani and tell him that the Imam has already appeared. He should proceed straight to Makka and declare allegiance to him.

Sufiani will prepare to attack the Imam but will not have enough courage. The Imam will catch Sufiani in Jerusalem and will kill him.

Imam Ali (a.s) has said that nine definite signs will precede the emergence of Hazrat Mahdi (a.s). These nine signs are:

1. Dajaal will emerge.
2. A loud voice will be heard from the sky.
3. Sufiani will appear and wage a fierce war.
4. The army of Sufiani will be swallowed by a sudden opening of the land between
5. Makka and Medina in the desert of Baida.
6. A revered wise saint will be murdered in Makka. (This saint is to be a Hashimite descent.)
7. A Seyyid descendant of Imam Hassan (a.s) will emerge with his army.
8. The army of Seyyid-e-Hassan and an image of a man will appear in the sky opposite the sun.
9. There will be two eclipses in the holy month of Ramadhan contrary to the normal order and calculation and the eclipse of the moon.
10. On three occasions a loud voice from the sky will be heard in the holy month of Ramadhan.

Other Prophets(pbut) will join the Imam(a.s.)

Hazrat Isa, Hazrat Khizr, Hazrat Ilias, and Hazrat Idris(pbut) will give allegiance to the Imam(a.s.) when he reapers. Also Hazrat Jibrael(a.s.) will announce 313 companions of the Imam(a.s.). These 313 companions will be people of eminent piety, great knowledge and absolutely steadfast in their determination and faith towards the Imam(a.s.). Another 1000 people will be in the army of the Imam(a.s.). These people will fight battles and kill enemies like Dajjal, who will appear from India. Dajjal will have the musical tunes with him. Then the Imam(a.s.) will lead the prayers, Hazrat Isa(pbuh) will be behind him.

Lets us all pray for the reappearance of Imam al-Mahdi(a.s).

When all the men who had accompanied Imam Hussain (AS) to the Governor’s palace got back, the ladies came to know about the journey.

Hazrat Abbas (AS), Hazrat Ali Akber(AS), Hazrat Qasim(AS) and all the young men got busy with the preparations. Bibi Fatima Sugra (SA) watched. She was lying in bed, too ill even to get up. No one was saying anything about her going. She decided to wait till her father’s return.

Fatima Sugra (SA) was Imam Hussain’s (AS) daughter. She was about eight years old. She lay on bed praying that her father would agree to take her.

"Ya Allah! Do not separate me from my father! How can I live alone, without Asghar? Ever since he was born, I have spent all my time playing with him. He now smiles when he sees me – he can recognize my face. Soon he will start talking – I want to be able to hear him call my name. Ya Allah, let my father agree to take me with him. I do not want to be left alone in Medina.

Just then she heard her father’s foot-steps. She quickly wiped away the tears from her eyes, propped herself into a sitting position and put on a brave smile to convince her father that she was well enough to travel. ALLAH O AKEBR

Imam Hussain (AS) sat on the bed, put his hand on Sugra head and said, "When you were born, my dear. I named you after my mother Fatima Zehra. You look know that your grand mother was also known as Saabira, which means the patient one. I want you also to be a saabira and agree to stay in Madina with Ummul Baneen and Umme Salmah. Will you do that?

What could Sugra say? She nodded her head fighting back her tears.

Imam kissed her and left the room.

Whenever the children of the Ahlul Bait were troubled by anything, they took their problem to Hazrat Abbas (AS). Allah O AKber

Sugra thought of her dear uncle, smiled hopefully, and sent for Abbas.

Surely, he would find a way to solve her problem? Abbas (AS) came in.He was accompanied by Ali Akber (AS). Allah o Akber

Sugra looked at them and said, "I know how much you two love me. How can you then leave me and go away? If I die who will bury me?" They explained her that she was too ill to travel and promised her that they would come and fetch her as soon as they had settled somewhere.

Fatima Sugra said, "I will accept that as I do not wish to disobey my father. I will be brave and stay here." She looked lovingly at her brother and added, "Ali Akber, promise me one thing though. When after you get married and return to Madina, and find Sugra gone, promise that you and your bride will visit my grave and recite Fatiha."

Akber (AS) and Abbas (AS) could not control their tears as they said good bye. At dawn the caravan departed.

Supported by Umme Salmah on one side and Ummul Baneen on the other, Sugra waved good-bye. It was difficult to part with Asghar and both Imaam Hussain and Bibi Rubaab had to hold and console Sugra as she kissed her little brother good-bye.

Until Carvan turned the corner, Imam kept looking back. He would bravely smile and wave to his daughter. Ali Akber of course could not even do that because he was unable to control his tears.

As soon as they were out of sight, Imam Hussain stopped his horse and began to sob! Allah o Akber

It is always so very difficult and so very sad for a parent and child to part!

Days passed into months. Sughra would spend her days in the mosque or visiting Ummul Baneen, Hazrat Abbas’s mother.

Ramadhan passed. Eid was a difficult day for Sughra. She kept on thinking of Asghar, and Akber and her darling sister Sakina.

Then came Muharram. For some reason Sugra’s restlessness increased.

One night she got up. She felt a little thirsty. She filled a cup with water. As she brought the cup to her lips, Sugra stared at the water, and screamed. The cup fell out of her hands.

Umme Salmah came running. "What is it, Sugra?". Sugra was shaking with fear. She ran into the arms of Umme Salmah. "O grand-mother!" she cried, pointing at the cup, "As I lifted the cup to my mouth, I saw Ali Asghar’s reflection in the water.

I saw him spread out his little arms towards me. And then I heard him speak. He was saying, ‘Al atash, Ya Ukhti Fatimah." (I am thirsty, O my sister Fatima!!.) This was the night of 9th Muharram, Shab-e-Ashura!!

Kahan Tha Madina Kahan Karbala
Kaheen Ka Musafir Kahan Lut Gaya

ALAHUMA SALE ALA MOHAMMAD WA ALAY MOHAMMAD WA AJIL FARAJAHUM

Iltimas Dua

Tabassum Ali

The Prophet (S.A.W.) was walking with a companion called Mazahir when he Stopped and sat on the ground. He called Mazahir’s young son Habib to him and Hugged and kissed him. Mazahir said:

“O Prophet! What good deed has my son done to deserve such affection?”

With tears in his eyes the Prophet (S.A.W.) replied:

“O Mazahir! Whilst we were walking I happened to look at Habib. He was walking Behind my grandson Husayn and wherever Husayn stepped he lifted the dust From under Husayn’s feet and put it to his eyes in respect” O Mazahir! This Habib will come to my Husayn’s aid one day”

In Kerbala Imam called no-one for help except Habib. He wrote a letter to his childhood friend Habib who was in Kufa. He wrote that by the time Habib receives the letter Imam would be surrounded by the army of Yazid.  Habib received the letter just as he was sitting down to have a meal with his wife. When he saw the letter his eyes were filled with tears. His wife asked him what the matter was. He said he had received a letter from Imam asking him to go to Kerbala.

To test his wife he said he was wondering what to do because he was worried about her. Habib’s wife got up and got her hijab. She told him to wear the hijab and stay at home and she would go to help the son of Fatima (A.S.)

She told him:

“Fatima’s son is calling you and you are wondering about me!!!!”

Habib said he was testing her and prepared to leave for Kerbala.

Kufa was surrounded by the troops of Ibn Ziyad. Habib sent his servant out of the city first and then managed to sneak out himself. When he reached the spot where his servant was waiting he heard the servant say to the horse :

“If my master does not come I will go to the aid of the son of Fatima”

His slave asked him if he too could accompany him to Kerbala. Habib freed him and they both rode towards Kerbala as fast as they could.

In Kerbala, Imam Husayn (A.S.) was distributing the weapons to all the Mujahids. There was one spear left when someone asked : ‘O son of the Prophet ! who is the last spear for?”

Imam replied:

“This one is for my childhood friend Habib.”

Just then Habib could be seen walking towards the camp. Imam ran forward to greet him. Bibi Zaynab (A.S.) would ask Fizza to find out who had arrived when there was the sound of horses. Everytime, Fizza would announce the arrival of more enemy troops. Suddenly, she said to Bibi Zaynab (A.S.) Our guest has arrived”.

Bibi Zaynab (A.S.) sent Fizza to Habib to convey her salaams.

Habib fought bravely on the day of Ashura. When he fell from his horse he cried out :

“O my master Husayn ! Help me!!”

When the caravan of the prisoners reached Kufa the soldier form Yazid’s army who had the head of Habib round his horse saw that a young boy was following him wherever he went. He asked the young boy what he wanted.

The young boy replied :

“You have the head of my father round your neck! Please give it to me!!!!!”

Hazrat Fatima binte Hazam bin Khalid Ibn-e-Rabi’e Ibn-e-Amer Kalbi belonged to the clan of Banu Kilab, which was one the noblest families amongst the Hashimites and famous for the bravery and valor of its warriors.

Some years after the martyrdom of Hazrat Fatima Zahra (s.a.), Imam Ali (a.s.) expressed his desire to his brother Aqil bin Abu Talib (a.s.) to marry a women of a brave tribe. Hazrat Aqeel was a very knowledgeable in tribe genealogy and he immediately proposed the name of Hazrat Fatima binte Hazam bin Khalid and the marriage took place soon after.

Much earlier during 8 A.H., Imam Ali (a.s.) had been given the prophecy by Prophet
Mohammad(pbuh&hf) of a brave son who would be martyred alongside with his brother Imam Hussain(a.s.) on the day of Ashura. Eversince then, Imam Ali(a.s.) had been waiting for the birth of that son which came in the person of Hazrat Abbas(a.s.).

Hazrat Umm-ul-Baneen came to the house of Imam Ali (a.s.) knowing very well that before her the chief of the women of paradise, Hazrat Fatima Zahra(s.a.) was living in that house. She served Imam Ali (a.s.) in the same manner as Hazrat Umm-e-Salma had served the Holy Prophet (pbuh&hf) after the demise of Hazrat Khadija (a.s.). Immediately stepping in the house, she vowed herself to act as a slave of the children of Hazrat Fatima (s.a.). Her sincerity was much respected by the children of Hazrat Fatima (s.a.) that they always gave her a high status and respect.

Fatima Binte Hazam was an accomplished and cultured lady, and bore Hazrat Ali’s four sons: Abbas, Abdullah, Jafer and Usman. The meaning of ‘Ummul Baneen’ is ‘Mother of Sons’. All of her sons were martyred along with Imam Husain. After their martyrdom, she requested people not to call her ‘Ummul Baneen’ ever again. When Imam Husain (A.S.) was leaving Madinah for Iraq Hadrat Ummul Baneen asked her four sons, Hadrat Abbas (A.S.), Abdulla, Ja’far and Usman to sacrifice their lives in the sacred cause of Imam Husain (A.S.).

On 10th Muharram 61 A.H.,the day of martyrdom of Imam Husain (a.s.) and his 72 faithful companions at the battlefield of Karbala when Hadrat Umme Salamah witnessed that the earth in the bottle given to her by the Holy Prophet (pbuh&hf) had turned into blood she raised the cry of “Ya Husain” Ya Husain” and declared that Imam Husain (a.s.) has been martyred according to the prophecy foretold to her by the Holy Prophet (phuh&hf) about the martyrdom of Imam Husain (a.s.).

Ummul Baneen conducted first ever Majlis after Imam Husain (a.s.) martyrdom:

Then Ummul Baneen gathered women of Madinah in her house and all cried for the martyrdom of Imam Husain (a.s.).This was the first ever Majlis conducted after the martyrdom of Imam Husain (a.s.). Ummul Baneen had such sincerity toward the Holy Prophet’s progeny that she loved Imam Hussain (a.s.) more than her own children. A feeling which was from the bottom of her heart – It was to the extent that when she received the news stating the martyrdom of her four children, she said: “Tell me about Hussain (A.S.)” and when she received the news of Imam Hussain (A.S.)’s martyrdom she said: “All of the arteries of my heart are torn. May all of my children and what ever that exists under this azure heaven be sacrificed for the sake of Imam Hussain (a.s.).

The First Noha Recitor of the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (a.s.):

After the arrival of Imam Sajjad (a.s.) and Hazrat Zainab (s.a.) in Madinah Hadrat Ummul Baneen used to gather women in her house and used to narrate them how Imam Husain (a.s.) and his companions were martyred by Yazidi forces.

Hadrat Ummul Baneen was a great poetess and she is considered as the first Noha (lamentation poetry) reciter for the martyrdom of Imam Husain (a.s.).She used to visit regularly the famous Jannat ul-Baqi cemetery in Madinah and recite her Nohas in a very sad and pathetic voice that everybody present there used to weep bitterly.

She transformed the Jannat ul-Baqi cemetery in Madinah as “the Centre of Azadari of Imam Husain (a.s.)”. The Nohas recited by Hadrat Ummul Baneen for the martyrdom of Imam Husian (a.s.) are recorded in history and are considered as masterpieces in Arabic literature.

Ummul Baneen died:

It is recorded in historical accounts that Hadrat Ummul Baneen died on 13th Jamadi us-Sani 64 A.H. and was buried in the Jannat ul-Baqi cemetery in the holy city of Madinah.