1. HADITH AL-THAQALAIN:  حـديـث الثـقــــــلـين      

The Occasion:

While quoted in various formats, and due to its importance, this famous Hadith was declared on at least 5 occasions:

1. Farewell Haj during the Prophet's Farewell Speech,

2. Ghadeer Khum,

3. After leaving Ta'if,

4. At his minbar (pulpit) in Medina, and

5. Even just before he died, in his room full of Companions.[2]

6. The Hadith is reported by more than 20 Sahaaba.  The Hadith was a lot like a unique will by the Prophet (pbuh).  It was a unique legacy to leave after he was gone from this world; since after the Prophet (pbuh) was to depart from this world he was leaving behind two most precious matters.  He specified the Holy Quran as the most valuable asset to mankind, and  he specified Ahlul Bayt,( his family) as the second most important asset he was to leave.

Importance of Al-Thaqalain Hadith

      The most precious matter for a Muslim is the Holy Quran.  The guidance of the Word of Allah is the most valuable asset, so Muhammad (pbuh) was focusing people's attention to hold to the guidance of the Quran dearly.  For it is through putting the Quranic guidance to practice that man can attain eternal bliss, more so in the eternal life.  The Quran is described as a constant and consistent connection extending from the Almighty toward mankind, and the blessed connection will always be generous and bountiful to people who hold to it.

      But why, one may ask, did the Prophet (pbuh) associate Ahlul Bayt with the Quran, and why did he consider them second in importance to the Quran?  The answer is that Ahlul Bayt would be the best source to explain the Quran's meaning, and correctly interpreting its numerous aspects.  The Holy Quran includes the firm (Muh'kam  محــــكـم ) and the non-specific phrases (Mutashabah مـتـــشا بـه  ), and the abrogators (Al-Naasikh النـاســخ  ) and the Abrogated (Al-Man'sookh الـمـنـــســوخ   ), the brief  الـمـجــمـل and the detailed الـمـســـهــب  , in addition to numerous Ah’kaam احــكام  , among other things.  To explain these points correctly, immeasurable knowledge and exquisite thought become necessary, requirements beyond the grasp of most people.  The Prophet (pbuh) knew Ahlul Bayt to be the fitting fountain of that position; since the Prophet (pbuh) taught the essence and the substance of the Quran to Ali.

      Besides, Ahlul Bayt had an unparalleled knowledge of the Prophet’s Sunnah  سـنـــه رســـــول الله   as no one would claim otherwise.  Through Ali (their vanguard) they learned all about the Sunnah of the Prophet as the Prophet diligently taught it to Ali.  Therefore, by spending all his life in the shadow of the Prophet (pbuh), and having been taught the Sunnah by the Prophet (pbuh), and having them put in writing, Ali left a magnificent legacy to Ahlul Bayt to draw upon for next 329 years, generation after generation.

      Ahlul Bayt were known to be the acme in integrity, honesty, sincerity and earnestness.  They had immaculate character all the way through, and the Prophet (pbuh) knew that, since he was so informed by Jibreel (Gabriel).  That is why so assuredly the Prophet put his family (Ahlul Bayt) second to the Quran in importance.

      Thus the Quran is to be the first and Ahlul Bayt the second [according to Hadith Al-Thaqalain].  This was attested to by Imam Ali in one of his Khutbas.  The two are in close association and firmly held together, and both are to be followed and obeyed.  This association was so important that the Prophet (pbuh) declared it on a number of occasions —to emphasize it in the minds of the listeners.

Yet

      Yet in this Hadith the Prophet (pbuh) questioned the manner people would treat the Quran and Ahlul Bayt in future generations.  Would they hold to their guidance and recommendations, or would they instead mistreat them?  The Hadith urges people to hold to the Quran and Ahlul Bayt, and appeals to the people to love Ahlul Bayt and emulate them.  It wonders about whether people would be devoted to them or instead overlook them, or even be indifferent to their guidance and teachings.

      It could be concluded from this Hadith that the Prophet (pbuh) regarded Ahlul Bayt as:

▪    The model to mankind to follow and imitate, (and Ahlul Bayt proved to be the ideal).

▪    The vessel of salvation, not unlike Noah's Ark, for the ones who ignore it would spiritually perish.

▪    The security of the Ummah, against the Evil One.

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2.  THE MEANS TO SALVATION:  سفـــــينه النـــجاه    

Commentary

      While this Hadith was said several times, it was specifically said at Ghadeer Khum occasion to give more credence and support to the status of Ahlul Bayt.  In referring to his family Ahlul Bayt, the Prophet (pbuh) was asking us to consider his family as if they were a vessel or a means to save people from drowning.  Theirs is not different from that of Noah's Ark, and since when the deluge took place at the time of Noah, and since the means of salvation was in boarding the Ark, so is the case with Ahlul Bayt.  This was a nice figurative simile, referring to Ahlul Bayt as the means to our salvation, for they will show the correct interpretation of the Quran, and the authentic Sunnah.  Known for their pureness and piety, (and by virtue of their unparalleled knowledge of Islam), they become like the gracious vessel in which rests our spiritual salvation.  The Prophet (pbuh) reminds us that when we listen to the teaching of Ahlul Bayt and follow their directions, we will be saved, because theirs is the correct teachings, i.e., reflecting his own teachings.

      The Prophet foresaw his family's toil for Islam though most of them were as yet not born.  But the Prophet (pbuh) often referred to them as if they were there by his side and he knew what they were going to teach, how they would enlighten and direct others, and how they would carry the banner of Islam.  To predict so accurately and in such details leads us to conclude that this knowledge came to him only by way of Jibreel (Gabriel).

      Looking back, history tells us that each of the Imams proved every bit of what the Prophet (pbuh) had foretold.  For 329 years after the Prophet (pbuh) the twelve generations of Imams continued to be the beacon and the light to the Ummah, maintaining the same glorious information, with no contradicting views about any of the Ah'kaams or any of the numerous bits of Islamic information, as vast as that information is.  No controversy is ever recorded among themselves, no contrasting Ah'kaam was ever registered by any of them, despite the span of twelve generations over 329 years after the Prophet (pbuh).  Not only that, but the same was true despite vast differences in ages among the Imams; i.e., the young as well as the oldest gave the same Ah'kaam.  No wonder, the Prophet (pbuh) has also said of them:

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3.  GHADEER KHUM:  الغدير 

The Word MOWLA    مـولـى  means the one vested with authority over others, thus appointed as their leader, supreme master or overlord.

The Occasion

      It was the 18th of Dhul Hijjah, and the Prophet (pbuh) along with about 100,000 participants [in Haj] were on their way home.  They had left Mecca a few days back, having finished the Farewell Haj.  It was summer, very hot, the blazing sun taking its toll.

      At noontime the Prophet (pbuh) received a remarkable revelation, and it was so powerful that the Prophet (pbuh) was obliged to stop the people from marching; and he asked them to gather for the announcement; even calling back those who had already left for home.  It was an urgent matter.  The revelation (called Ayah of Tableegh  آيه التبليغ    ) commanded:

      The place is called Juh'fa,جـحـفــه   and there was a well-spring 3 miles north of the site called Ghadeer Khum    .غـديــر خــم  Juh'fa was a convergence place for several highways leading north, south, east, and west.  The spot was strategic, and an important traffic spot between Mecca and Medina.  The people were very curious, for as they gathered they saw an elevation of piled saddles.  The Prophet (pbuh) had asked for such elevation to be erected, made of piled saddles, near a tree which was covered with cloths for shade.

      The urgency of this Ayah showed a threat that if the Prophet (pbuh) did not comply to the Ayah right away then all his Islamic works of the past 23 years would be void.  Besides, Allah had promised to protect the Prophet (pbuh) from any hurts that people may cause him, implying there was such a possibility.

      Once preparations were completed, the Prophet (pbuh) went up the pile of saddles, so that everyone would see and hear him clearly.  There he stood, and though the glare of the sand was blinding and the heat oppressive, he gave the famous speech.  The speech touched on many points, then he came to the point:  He questioned the audience if he had the authority over them, i.e., was he their exclusive Mowla (Supreme Leader and Head).  The audience acknowledged without hesitation, “Yes, O' Prophet, of course you are our Mowla”.  He repeated the question three times, and three times the audience answered in the same way; acknowledging his Wilaayah (as the Quran had so revealed).  The Prophet then called for Ali, held his arm up so that the arms of the two formed one entity pointing upward.  He then said to the dumbfounded audience, “He whose Mowla (Supreme Leader or Master) I am, so is this Ali, ....”

      The event was very impressive and unique, the 33 year old Ali was now confirmed and so appointed without questions, he was to be the man with authority, and the Mowla over the Muslims after the Prophet would have departed from this world.

      The people received the news with cheer, some with envy and even a touch of jealousy.  A tent was erected nearby for the people to congratulate Ali, for this designation of Ali by the Prophet in front of so many people was an unparalleled honor.  The Prophet (pbuh) had officially recognized Ali as the Mowla over all, i.e., his successor.  The first to congratulate Ali was Omar and Abu Bakr.  Omar said,

بخٍ بخٍ لك يا علي  أصـبحـت مـولاي  ومـولى كل مؤمـن ومـؤمـنـه  ـ

“Congratulations, Congratulations to you O' Ali, you have become my Mowla and the Mowla of every devout, man or woman”. [7]

Immediately After ...

Immediately after these happenings an Ayah was revealed to Muhammad (pbuh).  The Ayah announced the cessation of the revelations since the entirety of Islam has been concluded.  Allah declared in Surah 5 (Al-Maa'ida), Ayah 3 the following: 

      Thus, without the declaration of Ali's Wilaayah ولايه the Islamic Message would have been incomplete.  It was only after this notable announcement and the pointed declaration of the Prophet (pbuh) of Ali's Wilaayah that the Message of Islam became whole and complete.

      More than 110 Sahaaba and 84 Tabi'in had reported this Hadith, and 26 books have been written about it.[9]

Story of Al-Fihri   الـفـــــهــري 

After the throngs dispersed, and the Prophet (pbuh) had arrived at Medina, an Arab dignitary by the name of Al-Fihri, came forth to investigate.  He asked the Prophet in a quarrelsome way if Ali's appointment was a command by Allah or an idea of Muhammad himself.  The Prophet (pbuh) answered, “This was a command by Allah, Most High.”  Al-Fihri retorted, “Wasn't it enough that you asked us to declare the Shahaada and we did, then you asked for Prayers and we did, then for Saum and we complied, and then for Zakat and we complied.  Now you ask us to accept your cousin to take your place.”  He left in a huff saying, “O' Lord, if Muhammad was saying the truth, let the sky rain stones over us.”  Soon after this a stone came hurling from high above, dashing powerfully, hitting Al-Fihri on the head.  Once so hit, Al-Fihri collapsed, falling to the ground with a thud, dead.[10]

Ali Reminds the Audience

      Ali brought the event of this occasion to mind, asking his audience to attest to the occasion.  He did this during,

a.     the Day of Shoora,

b.     times of Uthman, and

c.      30 years later at Ruh'ba in Kufa during his Khilaafah. 

      At Ruh'ba  الـرحـبـــه Ali graciously addressed the audience requesting of any Sahaaba who witnessed Ghadeer Khum to stand up.  Thirty (30) Sahaabi stood up, twelve of whom were participants at Badr Battle.  Ali noticed that three others did not stand up, though he knew they were present at the occasion.  When questioned for not standing, one gave the excuse of being too old to remember, the other two gave other excuses.  Ali said a Du'aa, asking Allah to deal with those who had denied the occasion in His own way.

      Of the three men, Anas Ibn Malikأنــس بن مالك   got a disease immediately, whereby his skin lost its color becoming white (Leukoderma), Baraa' Ibn Aazib الـبــراء بن عازب  became blind, and Jarir Al-Bajly   جـريـر الـبـجــلى reverted to disbelief.  The blinded man was often heard saying, “This was the result of the Du'aa of the devout servant of Allah”.  It is said that Anas Ibn Malik never concealed any more reports or narrations pertaining to Ali; always referring to him as “The devout servant of Allah”. [11]

Early Wasiyyah:

The Occasion

      Ali was 13 years old, accelerating in his growth, with only fuzzy hairs on his chin and a voice that had not yet changed.  He was among the 30-40 people from Benu Mut'talib who were invited to dinner by Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).  Muhammad wanted to openly declare the message of Islam to them, since he had received a Revelation from Allah commanding him to do so.  The guests were his close relatives:  uncles, cousins, and others.

      Muhammad (pbuh) talked to them about his Prophethood and about Islam, and when he approached the end of his speech, he was hoping for someone to uphold him, and in return the person would be his figurative brother, executor of his will, and successor.

      The audience was silent but with expression of ridicule on their faces, and looks of anger.  Some were in disbelief at the nerve of Muhammad (pbuh) and how dare he to bring such a matter to them!  Some felt insulted, “After all,” they thought, “Who was to challenge their idols and their way of life?”

      But the silence was suddenly ripped.  It was a boyish voice, yet bold, firm and assertive, with a tone of seriousness and defiance.  It was the voice of the 13-year-old Ali.  He responded, “I will be, O' Messenger of Allah.”

      All faces turned to Ali, to discover a determined look on his face, indicating that he meant every word of it.  Muhammad (pbuh) repeated the question for a third time and the answer was the same.  It is then that Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) reaffirmed by replying:

“Verily this is my brother, the executor of my will, and

the one to succeed me.

Therefore, listen to him and obey him.”[12]

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HADITH AL-MANZILA (STATUS):  حديــث الـَمـنــِزله  

      This Hadith was also said at a number of occasions, but outstanding among them was when the Prophet (pbuh) was about to leave for Tabuk.

      Tabuk was east of the dead sea, a distance of several hundred miles, and the Prophet (pbuh) was leading an expedition to that area.  Though it was summertime, and the expedition was to take several weeks, Ali's biggest wish was to be with the Prophet (pbuh).  Ali had participated in all of the expeditions before, but this expedition was an exception since the Prophet (pbuh) wanted Ali to be in charge of the affairs of the budding Islamic State.  The Prophet (pbuh) had put Ali in charge of all matters of the state during his absence, to:

1. give Ali experience in solving problems of the State,

2. let Ali be known to the people in this role, even though Ali was no more than 32 years old at the time, and

3. give Ali full responsibility in administering the Islamic State as it stood then.

Meaning of the Status (Manzila):

      What does it mean that the rank and status of Ali in relation to the Prophet was the same as that of Haroon to Musa?  Let us take some examples:

1.     The Quran says Musa asked Allah to support him by his brother Haroon, and Allah granted the wish.  Muhammad (pbuh) did the same thing and Ayah of Tat'heer آيه الـتـطـــهـيـر  (33:33) was revealed in response, specifying Ahlul Bayt.

2.     Haroon backed Musa up, and patronized him.  And so did Ali, he always supported and patronized the Prophet (pbuh).

3.     Musa was the brother of Haroon, and so did the Prophet (pbuh) make Ali his brother in a figurative manner when he arrived in Medina after emigrating from Mecca, and

4.     Haroon was left in charge of the community when Musa left for 40 days to receive the tablets.  And now the Prophet (pbuh) is doing the same thing, he asked Ali to take his place and be in charge of the nation's affairs in his absence of several weeks.

      Thus, Muhammad (pbuh) assigned to Ali the exceptional entitlement status, the same blessed relationship as Haroon was to Musa; the rank of glorious eminence.

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HADITHS ABOUT AHLUL BAYT:  

For the love and acknowledgment of the rights of Ahlul Bayt the Prophet (pbuh) remarked:

Another Hadith said on behalf Ahlul Bayt: 

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