Introduction

 This is the call of the man who taught us to work in this life as if we are living forever and to work for the afterlife as if we are departing tomorrow.

 The Human Being and his Four Journeys

 is utterly independent and rich. One must understand that no one can give something that he does not possess. Therefore, one cannot provide me with money if he lacks it. One of the poets said:

 creator has created me for a certain purpose. What is the purpose behind my creation granting that He is generous and requires nothing from me? This question leads us to the fact that the purpose must relate to my being, my march on the path towards perfection.

 I believed in it to add asset to the mechanisms of my knowledge, crowned by the brain. This is the scripture of the holy Quran coupled with the scripture of the tradition of the man whom Allah the Exalted rendered infallible in order to complete the guidance towards the way of perfection.

 lo! After that ye surely die. Then lo! On the Day of Resurrection, ye are raised (again)».(1)

 One must invoke these journeys to avoid becoming as the fetus mentioned in a poem of a poet who pictured it like someone given the strength of understanding and the language of dialogue. The poet asks how big life with respect to you is. Confidently, the fetus replies that its size is the size of my mother’s womb. The fetus is informed that there is a more spacious life than this life of yours. This is a life with tasty food and delicious drinks, a life with toys for your childhood and wider zones for your moves. The fetus did not believe that there could exist a tastier and more delicious food or drink than the blood it is feeding on from its mother’s womb, as it did not believe in a wider space than the womb of its residence. The poet describes the case of this fetus as the midwife begins the birth process. The fetus clings on to its mother’s womb refusing to come out because it does not believe in another life. However, when the midwife forces it out and the baby sees the wider life outside the womb, it screams with astonishment.

 to extract him into that different life, he clings on to his soul. Hence, the extraction (throes of death) becomes harder. In order to avoid narrow-mindedness as in the case of the ant and fetus, we must invoke all the journeys.

 Second theory: The soul has emanated from that materialistic formation of man from the point when the material became ready for that new understanding in order to turn into a fact of such cognition.(1)

 Do we know how many times Ahmad’s body cells have changed? Medicine confirms that the hands, legs and other organs of Ahmad’s body have changed and that now he is different from the time when he was a little child.

 remains the axis of man’s achievement regarding the purpose behind his existence in this life, «And a soul and Him Who perfected it…»(1)

 On its journey, the soul might face a moment of decision, the cessation of its journey, and its separation from the body without any hesitation:

 The Inevitability of Death

Firstly, the stage of playing, childhood.

 a year, and so fast are the years of a lifetime».(1)

 begins wishing that he could live longer in order to make up for the wasted time. However, there is no escape or solution. He addresses the angel of death asking for one more day. The angel of death replies you have wasted the days. He tries again saying to him that it is simply one day. He replies you have wasted the days. He tries again saying to him give me one hour during which I can make up for the wasted time. However, he replies you have wasted the hours.(1)

 with death as they deal with the sun. They do not gaze directly at it while seeing its influence on others. This is how most people deal with death, coming to others save them.

 Death, although it is a certainty with respect to man, yet the love for survival and immortality maintains his behavior towards this life as someone living for eternity. The issue that worsens this behavior is his fear of death. However, the commander of the faithful, Imam Ali (pbuh) addresses these cases for most people saying, «One who fears death cannot escape it nor can one who wishes eternal life secure it».(1)

 (before Allah). However, as soon as he finished what was his due in food (of this world) and exhausted his (fixed) time the bow of destruction struck him with an arrow of death. His houses became vacant and his habitations became void. Another group of people inherited them».(1)

 Therefore, I asked Gabriel who is this creature. He said this is the angel of death, occupied in claiming lives. I said, Gabriel, take me closer I want to speak to him. Hence, he took me closer to him. I said, angel of death, all those who died in the past and those who will die later, is it you who claims their lives. He said yes. I said do you collect them yourself. He said yes, Allah made this world at my disposal and power as a man’s coin in his palm, flipping it anyway he wishes. I visit each house in this world five times a day and say to each family crying for its dead, do not weep for him because I will return to you repeatedly until none of you is left behind».(1)

 In addition, Imam Al Hadi (pbuh) explained the inevitability of the death of all people regardless of the importance and significance of their stature and identity. He explained the issue of death in a poem that he recited in the court of the autocrat Al Mutawakkil.

 For so long they treasured money and savings

But they left them behind for enemies and departed
Their homes have become useless desolates
And their residents have gone to graves

 the court manifested in an image that is readable to others (attendants at the court). Suddenly, the angel of death (pbuh) gazed at that man expressing wonder and astonishment. The man noticed the staring of the angel of death at him. Hence, his heart was filled with terror and he approached Allah’s prophet Suleiman (pbuh) begging him to transport him to India, which is far away from this place. The prophet of Allah commanded the wind to carry the man where he wanted. After a certain period, prophet Suleiman (pbuh) met the angel of death again asking him the reason for his past behavior. He said, prophet of Allah, in fact, Allah the Exalted had commanded me to claim his life within one hour in India. Therefore, when I saw him sitting in your court I felt astonishment [because of its distance from India]. Anyhow, after one hour, I went to India and claimed his life there.(1)

 but a bridge to another life? These were the words of Imam Hussein (pbuh).

 Remembering Death

 remembering death and reciting the Quran».(1)

 Touching Story

 people? I have disobeyed someone who does not deserve disobedience. I vowed to my Lord over and over and found no honesty or loyalty on my part». The young man repeated these words and wept. As soon as he departed the grave, Abdullah Bin al-Abbass rushed into embracing him and said, the best digger you are! The best digger you are! The best digger of sins and wrongdoings.(1)

(1)  AL-MAJLISI, Muhammad Baqir, Bihar al-Anwar (Oceans of Light), vol. 6, p. 131.

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 The Believer’s View of Death

 Death in reality is simply the door that swings one way from this world to the next. The commander of the faithful (pbuh) equally expressed this fact saying, «Death is the door to the afterworld».(1)

 Secondly: It relates to his ambition in increasing his good deeds to improve his life in the hereafter.

 him. Instead, he should say, [O Lord] keep me alive as long as life is good for me and claim my soul as long as death is good for me».(1)

 dying as martyrs, because they understand the grade or rank of the martyr about which the Noblest Prophet (pbuh&hh) has spoken when he was quoted as saying, «A martyr acquires three qualities from Allah. Firstly, his first drop of blood brings his redemption. Secondly, he ends up in the lap of his wives with lustrous eyes, wiping dust from his face and welcoming him while he returns the same to them. Thirdly, he is dressed in the clothes of paradise.

 for its pleasure by Allah, would wish to return to this life but the martyr... He wishes to return and be slain [again] in the world after seeing the great value of martyrdom».(1)

 of Abraham (pbuh), He sent down the angel of death who said peace be upon you O Abraham. Abraham (pbuh) replied and peace be upon you O angel of death asking are you claiming or censuring. He (pbuh) said, I am claiming O Abraham, comply. Abraham (pbuh) said, did you witness a friend claiming the life of his friend? Hence, the angel of death returned and stood in the presence of Allah the Exalted saying, did You hear the words of your friend Abraham? Allah the Exalted said, O angel of death, go to him and say, did you see a lover who hates to meet with his love; a lover truly loves to meet with his love».(1)

 yet another garment until he chose the best. The same issue happened when he frequently asked for an animal to ride until he chose the best. Next, Satan blew secretly into his nostrils [whispering] filling him with haughtiness. The king gazed conceitedly at the people as he marched with his soldiers. Suddenly, a ragged man appears and greets him while the king does not return the greeting. Hence, the man held on to the reins of his animal and the king said to him leave the reins; you have engaged yourself with a serious issue.

 believer greeted him back. He said I have a favor to whisper in your ear. He said ask. Hence, he whispered saying I am the angel of death. He said most welcome is someone whom I have been waiting for so long. I swear in Allah, there is no one that has been absent on this earth that I wish to meet mostly but you. At this point, the angel of death offered him the chance to go and finish some of his needs after which he would claim his soul. Nevertheless, the faithful man replied I have no dearer need than meeting with Allah. He said choose the condition in which you wish me to collect your soul. He said could you do so [permitted to do so]. He said yes I was commanded to do so. He said let me perform ablution, pray a two-part prayer and collect my soul while I am in prostration. Consequently, he collected his soul while he was in prostration.(1)

 the battle of «Uhud»– knowing also that his four sons witnessed with the prophet (pbuh) all kinds of battles such as Asad – his people wanted to restrain him saying you are a crippled man and therefore you are excused, suffice your sons are accompanying the prophet (pbuh) to the battle.

 Abdullah carried him after his martyrdom on a camel. When she reached the crossroads of al-Horra Burak al-Ba’eir, the camel would sit still each time she tries to direct it towards Medina whereas it would move when she directs it to Uhud. She returned to the prophet (pbuh) and told him about the issue. He (pbuh) said, «The camel is being commanded, did Amro say anything?» She said, yes, when he went to Uhud he received the Kiblah with his face and said O Lord, O Lord, do not send me back to my family, grant me martyrdom. The prophet said: «This is why the camel would not proceed. Some of you, O the community of al-Ansar, when vowing an oath, Allah will accept it from them, including Amro Bin al-Jamouh».(1)

 behind you». Another battle took place and ended without his martyrdom. Hence, he went back to the prophet complaining and reminding him, «O messenger of Allah. Did you not say on the day of Uhud, when some Muslims were martyred while I was spared and that was hard for me, be happy with the good tidings, martyrdom is right behind you?»

 necklace for the neck of the girl. I am longing for my ancestors as Jacob has longed for Joseph».(1)

 household how to smile to death, even the young ones amongst them. For instance, as a test to al-Qassim Ibn al-Hassan (pbuh), who was below the age of puberty, his uncle Hussein (pbuh), asked him, «How do you regard death dearest?» He replied, «I regard death as sweeter than honey».

 Exalted and from Imam Hussein (pbuh) the way to smile to death. Hence, they recorded this kind of love in their expressive commandments.

 The Agony of Death

 His son, al-Mujtaba Hassan (pbuh), repeated the commandment of his father saying, «Provide yourself for your journey and return with your provision before the announcement of your death».(1)

 In Truth, the Agony of Death Cometh 

 have been desirous and stingy. Therefore, what do you have for me? It replies I can provide you with your shroud.

 become languid and their complexion changes. Then death increases its struggle over them. For some one, it stands in between him and his power of speech although he lies among his people, looking with his eyes, hearing with his ears, with full wits and intelligence. He then contemplates how he wasted his life and in which (activities) he passed his time. He recalls the wealth he collected when he had blinded himself in seeking it, acquiring it from fair and foul sources. Now the consequences of collecting it have overtaken him. He gets ready to leave it. It remains for those who are behind him. They will enjoy it and benefit from it. It will be an easy acquisition for others but a burden on his back, and the man can no longer get rid of it. He thereupon bites his hands out of shame at what is being disclosed to him regarding his affairs at the time of his death.

 casting glances over their faces, watching the movements of their tongues, but not hearing their speech.

 of the garment, he said ‘I wish it were new.’ In addition, a poor hungry man passed by him while eating and he gave him a loaf from which he had taken a piece. When he discovered its reward he said ‘I wish it were complete’».(1)

 to command him to renounce and cause his uncertainty regarding his religion until his soul departs his body. However, he will not succeed with the believers».(1)

 and asked concerning the reason. He replied that the reason was in three issues. Firstly, I was a talebearer. Secondly, I was envious. 

 «And agony heaps on agony» means that the dying person’s strength vanishes and he becomes like pieces of skin entwined together. Another meaning refers to the entwining of the severity of this life with the outcome of the afterlife.

 bondage (unto Us). Do ye not force it back, if ye are truthful?»(1)

 (pbuh) said to the angel of death, «I wish to examine your appearance when you claim the life of the disbeliever. He said, O Abraham, you cannot bear it. He (pbuh) said I want this issue. The angel of death said turn your face. Then he said look. He (pbuh) looked to find that suddenly he is as dark as the dark night, tall as the palm tree with fire and smoke exiting from his nostrils, and his mouth reaching the firmament. Hence, Abraham (pbuh) fainted. Consequently, the angel of death switched back to his normal condition [appearance].

 depends on how hard a human being clings on to his life. For example, the disbeliever who does not believe in another life will cling on tightly to his life; hence, a great struggle with death occurs. On the other hand, the believer is graded. For instance, anyone believing in the afterlife and who is well prepared for it will gladly deliver his spirit. Consequently, the angel of death will pull it as the pulling of the hair out of the wheat grains. Yes, perhaps some believers fear death because of a number of certain deeds and the consequence behind such deeds. Perhaps, the believer whom Imam Moussa al-Kathim (pbuh) visited while struggling with death is one of them. People who were present asked Imam al-Kathim O son of the messenger of Allah, we wish to learn how death occurs and what will be of the case of our companion. He (pbuh) said, «Death is a filter that filters the believers from their wrongdoings…»(1)

(1)  AL-MAJLISI, Muhammad Baqir, Bihar al-Anwar (Oceans of Light), vol. 6, p. 155.

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 The Rescuer from the Agony of Death

 Kaf’ami stated that if someone wishes to enter the Mosque of the Prophet (pbuh&hh) or any other sacred sites of the Imams (pbut) he must say:

 The issue that indicates to the living presence of Allah’s messenger (pbuh&hh) is that we, in the midst of our prayer and just before its conclusion, we greet him (pbuh&hh) as if we are addressing a second person who is present. Hence, we say, peace be upon you O Prophet with Allah’s mercy and blessings.

 Next, Ismail laughed happily and said:

 «Next to his head, he finds the noblest of the prophets Prophet Muhammad the messenger of Allah present on one side while Ali (pbuh) the noblest of the successors on the other side. Next to his legs, Hassan (pbuh) the grandson of the noblest of the prophets is standing on one side while Hussein the noblest of all martyrs standing on the other side. Their private companions and adorers who are second in rank as masters of this nation, after their masters the household of Muhammad peace be upon them, are also standing in a circle.

 mother O the successor of the messenger of Allah, the Lord of Mercy! May I shield you with my father and mother O cubs of Muhammad and his lions, sons and grandsons, O masters of the youth residing in Eden, O you who are neared to the mercy and satisfaction [of Allah]! I welcome you the best companions of Muhammad, Ali and his children. My longing for you has escalated. My happiness has now reached its utmost while you are present. O messenger of Allah! This is the angel of death attendant by my side and I have no doubt that he in his heart understands that I revere you and your brother. Hence, the messenger of Allah (pbuh&hh) would say and so it is. Next, the messenger of Allah (pbuh&hh) comes near the angel of death and says, O angel of death, by the commandment of Allah be lenient to our loyalist, servant, adorer and treasurer of our love. The angel of death replies, O messenger of Allah, command him to look at the preparations that Allah had prepared for him in the gardens. Hence, the messenger of Allah (pbuh&hh) says to him, look up; he looks up and sees that which men of understanding cannot grasp and numbers or math cannot calculate. Consequently, the angel of death says, how can I not be lenient to someone with such rewards while Muhammad and his household are his visitors? O messenger of Allah, had it not 

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 been for Allah’s commandment in making death as an obstacle in leading to these gardens, I would never have claimed his life.

 1-         Family Ties: Imam As-Sadiq (pbuh) was quoted as saying, «Whosoever wishes that Allah minimizes his agony of death must keep his family ties and be good to his parents. In doing so, Allah will ease his agony of death and he will never suffer any poverty in his lifetime».(1)

 and suppressing. He (pbuh&hh) said to him, say He Who accepts the little and pardons the gravities, accept from me the little and pardon me for the gravities, You are most forgiving and most merciful. The Prophet (pbuh&hh) asked him, what do you see? He said I see a white man with a beautiful face, sweet odor, nice clothes… I do not see the black one and see that the white one has overwhelmed me».(1)

 The Rescuer from Al-‘Adeela (The Diversion)

 Zahraa (pbuh) after which he asks for forgiveness will be forgiven. It is one hundred utterances, weighs one thousand [good deeds], expels the wicked, and satisfies the Most Merciful».(1)

 Proprieties Required for Death Struggle

 4-         Instruct the dying person with the following supplication: «O Allah, forgive me for I have disobeyed You repeatedly; accept from me my service though little. O He Who accepts the little and pardons the gravities, accept from me the little and pardon me for the gravities, You are most forgiving and most merciful. O Allah, have mercy on my soul, You are the most merciful».

 The Road to the Grave

 When they brought the doctor to fix me

 These are the calls that explain the result of the struggle between the human being and the world. Who is the winner and who is the loser?

 the other in his sleep and tell him about the reality that has been exposed to him [after dying].

 I felt that the pain had vanished entirely only to discover that my body was a corpse placed at one side of my house while I was standing next to it looking with amazement and confusion. The household, dear ones and neighbors were circling the coffin crying, mourning, wailing, and adhering to the body, expressing all kinds of love. On my part, I would tell them shame on you, you were always too busy to see me. Lo, you are crying and wailing for me when I am no longer ill and there is nothing wrong with me thanks to Allah. However, they could not hear my words or listen to my advice.

 come with me and I will pay to you his debt. I took the man to my house, honored and revered him as well as paid all his debts. Consequently, I presented the details of this issue to my Lord and He accepted it from me, forgave me, and the call winded down. Next, he commanded that a door of His mercy be opened opposite my face into gardens of delight from where the breath of life and plenty begins to reach me incessantly and overwhelmingly. My resting place, which you see [visit], has been made spacious for me without boundaries by the will of God. I have been living in bliss ever since with all kinds of blessings. I receive comfort from anyone who visits me of the believers. I benefit from the supplications of the righteous people and the recitations of the pious. I can observe them from a place where they cannot see me in this safe position. Therefore, «Honorable Master. Had I not possessed this reverence and greatness coupled with what you have seen from my passed richness, how could I have helped that poor believer and saved him from the hands of those several creatures».(1)

(1)  This clause can be found in the «Bihar al-Anwar» book’s attachment, which also includes the definition and translation of the book.

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 Announcement during the Washing Procedure 

 saying I ask you in the name of Allah O washer, let your water poured on me be neither hot nor cold. After the wash, the spirit announces again I ask you in the name of Allah O washer, be gentle, my body has been injured by the exit of the spirit.

 Therefore, the believer must ornament it with good faith and good deeds.

 Announcement during Funeral Procession

 In addition, the two Imams who are renowned as As-Sadiqayn, Imam al-Baqir and Imam as-Sadiq (pbut) were quoted as saying:

 Announcement during the Prayer for the Dead

 In this sense, the praying person indicates in such testimony to the illuminating points in the past life of the dead, even if it means simply his faith.

 It is preferable to place the dead person down at a distance of two or three ells in length before the grave and be patient with him for a short period. Then bring him nearer and be patient with him for a short period. Lastly, place him down at the edge of his grave, as a sign of giving him more time, before placing his corpse in his new and last resting place.

 Loneliness in the Grave

 moistened his gown. Next, he (pbuh&hh) said, «Brothers, be prepared for a day like this day».(1)

 In addition, the tradition recounted that Prophet Jesus (pbuh) cried for his Mother Mary (pbuh) after her death and said, «Mother, would you like to return to this world? She said yes, in order to spend a very cold night in prayers and spend a very hot day fasting. Son, the journey is horrifying».(1)

 to have said to Ali, «O Ali, be joyful and deliver the good tidings; your Shiites [supporters] will neither suffer regret at death, nor loneliness inside the grave or sadness on Resurrection Day».(1)

 Hence he says, servant of Allah, I have never seen anything that is more beautiful than you are. He replies I am your good opinion that you embraced and your good deed that you performed. Next, his spirit is escorted to heaven where he sees his place, and lastly he is told to sleep in tranquility. The breath of heaven continues striking his body while he senses its delight and goodness until he is resurrected».(1)

 companionship of Allah the Exalted mixed with comfort, staying late at night in supplication, alone with Him without another listener. An example of these supplications reads, «My support in my grief and my companion in my hardships».(1)

 Dear God, help me from the constriction of my grave. Dear God, help me from the darkness of my grave. Dear God, help me from the loneliness of my grave…»(1)

 The most elegant perfection of bowing is in fact the bowing that was explained in the book Mesbah Ash-Shari’ah (The Lantern of Doctrine), quoting Imam As-Sadiq (pbuh) to have said, «A servant of Allah bowing genuinely will be, by Allah the Exalted, ornamented with the light of His radiance, overshadowed by the shades of His pride, and dressed with the clothes of His chosen ones.

 Malikul Haqqul Mubin [There is no god but Allah the King, the Manifest Truth]) will be safe from poverty and from the loneliness of the grave, will draw richness, and the gates of heaven will open for him».(1)

 e- Visiting the Patient 

 prayer). In the first part, he reads Surat al-Fatiha (the Opening Chapter) one time, and Surat At-Tawhid (the Unification Chapter) two times. In the second part, he reads Surat al-Fatiha (the Opening Chapter) one time, Surat At-Tak?thur (Abundance Chapter) ten times. Lastly, he greets to end his prayer and says, ‘My God, bestow your blessings on Muhammad and the Household of Muhammad. Deliver its rewards to the tomb of the dead So-And-So’.

 (The Chair Verse) one time. In the second, he reads Surat al-Fatiha (the Opening Chapter) one time and Surat al-Qadr (The Power Chapter) ten times. After salutation he says, «My God, shower blessings on Muhammad and the Household of Muhammad and deliver its rewards to the tomb of So-And-So». He must mention the name of the dead person instead of So-And-So.(1)

condemned with punishment. However, the two Rikaas that were performed by So-And-So – stating your name – saved me from punishment. Let Allah bestow mercy on his parents for this favor that resulted in my good turn.

 The Pressure of the Grave

 There is also a story about the noble companion Sa’ad Bin Ma’az. The story reports that the Prophet (pbuh&hh) said after his burial, «Saad has been afflicted with the constriction».(1)

 person, and whether he would experience the sufferance of the grave, the Imam (pbuh) replied, «Yes, Allah the Exalted commands the air to compress him».(1)

 The commander of the faithful (pbuh) was quoted to have said, «When the disbeliever is buried the earth says you are not welcome. You have been one of the most hated people who walked on my surface.

 with passion towards Imam al-Mahdi (May Allah hasten his advent), is present in Hajj, circling the holy Kaaba, Imam al-Mahdi (May Allah hasten his advent) might be circling beside him. Perhaps, the pilgrim will have his side adhered to his blessed side. However, the believer remains unaware of the person circling beside him. Therefore, as long as the believer remains unaware of the person circling beside him, he will not react. On the other hand, what would be of his attitude had he known that the last holy person on earth, the seal of the commanders, was circling next to him?

 Firstly: The person does not assume [is unaware] that such a beast is present; hence, the level of his emotion will be extremely high because of the surprise lurking ahead. The issue might even result in his fainting or worse.

 The person, who assumes that another world exists yet remains uncertain and hence unprepared, will also suffer the surprising shock or the pressure of the grave, depending on the level of his uncertainty.

 nature of the pressure of the grave, the main reason for it resides in the dogmatic knowledge. However, the narrations indicated to behavioral reasons behind such pressure that harmonizes with such explanation. The behavioral deviation from the straight path of perfection mirrors in its background weak faith and poor knowledge. Here we present some of these reasons:

 side another until he reached the grave. Allah’s messenger descended placing him in his grave and leveling the clay on him and started saying hand me a stone, hand me some moist dust, and he closed the gaps in the clay. When he finished and poured dust on him leveling his grave, Allah’s messenger (pbuh&hh) said, I truly know that he will be tried and that affliction will reach him. However, Allah loves the servant who perfects his job. After leveling the dust on him, Umm Saad said be happy in paradise O Saad. Allah’s messenger (pbuh&hh) said O Umm Saad, silence! Do not enjoin on your Lord; Saad has been stricken with constriction. Allah’s messenger returned and the people returned. They said O messenger of Allah, we saw you doing with Saad something you have never done with anyone. You followed his funeral without a gown or shoes. He (pbuh) said that the angels were without gowns or shoes, hence, I consoled with them. They said you were walking on the right side once and on the left another. He said my hand was in the hand of Gabriel, walking where he walks. They said you commanded his washing procedure, prayed in his funeral, placed him in his grave and said that Saad has been stricken with constriction!

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 He (pbuh&hh) said yes, his behavior with his wife was bad».(1)

 What Saves from the Pressure

 For example, Imam As-Sadiq (pbuh) was quoted as saying, «Houses inside which prayers are performed at night by reciting the Quran illuminate for the residents of heavens like the stars in sky illuminate for the residents of the earth».(1) 

 b- Wudu (Ablution)

 e- Two Rikaas Performed on the Night before Friday

 protected during the current year from all that is evil and guarded by a noble angel that will protect his back, his front, his right, his left, protect him from above, and from beneath. If he dies on the current year, the angels of mercy will attend his wash, his enshrouding and plead for his absolution. They will also join the procession of his funeral to his grave also pleading for his absolution.

 g- Reciting Surat At-Tak?thur (Abundance Chapter) at Bedtime

 Tale bearing.

 that he split into two halves. He placed them on his grave, one above his head and the other at his feet. He said, «They will ease his suffering as long as they are moist».(1)

 d- Supplication at Burial

 He (pbuh) was also quoted as saying, «How far you still are from the soil of the tomb of Hussein Bin Ali (pbuh). It is a cure for every disease».(1)

 born, she could not find a more hateful name to her heart but the name of Ali [referring to Ali Bin Abi Talib, the rightful successor of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh&hh)]. Her reason was that should he die she would not mourn him and should he live she would exchange him for another child.

 forcing him into hell because of his intention to hurt the visitors of the tomb of Hussein (pbuh). They took him down into hell and tied him with a fire-stinging knot. However, the man felt nothing and the burn could not reach his body or clothes. The angels were astonished and they asked their prime angel (Malik) about the secret. He said bring him to me. When brought he said a fort and a barrier are protecting him from the hellfire; this was the Karbala dust that covered his body and clothes. This dust has been mixed with the blood of the martyrs of the purified family. Therefore, the fire cannot reach him!

 No blaze of fire shall touch a body

 saying, «Whosoever dies between the midday of Thursday and the midday of Friday, Allah the Exalted will protect him from the pressure of the grave».(1)

 Questions of the Grave

 and The Denier). Some reports mentioned that the two names of the angels that will descend into the grave of the disbeliever are Nakir and Nakeer considering that the disbeliever usually rejects righteousness (believing in the existence of God). On the contrary, the names of the two angels that will descend into the grave of the believer are Mubashir and Bashir (Bearer and Teller [of good tidings]). The Denied and the Denier comes to the disbeliever who denies righteousness whereas the believer receives from Allah the Exalted good tidings by the two angles regarding satisfaction and everlasting rewards.(1)

 the dead that will reside in their graves without questioning until the day whey the trumpet is blown. For example, the record of Muhammad Bin Muslim quoted Imam As-Sadiq (pbuh) as saying, «No one is questioned inside the grave but those who sincerely embraced faith and those who sincerely embraced infidelity».(1) Moreover, Imam As-Sadiq (pbuh) was quoted as saying, «No one is questioned inside the grave but those who sincerely embraced faith and those who sincerely embraced infidelity, whereas others are disregarded». (2)

 1. Who is your lord?

 him you are unfamiliar. Next, they ask him what your religion is and he stutters saying I heard the people mentioning… They interrupt saying to him you are unfamiliar. Next, they ask him who your prophet is and he stutters saying I heard the people mentioning… They interrupt saying to him you are unfamiliar. Next, they ask him about his coexisting Imam and a caller calls from the heavens saying my slave lied; pave the road in his grave towards the hellfire; dress him with the dress of fire; open a door for him into the hellfire until he’s brought in our court where evil awaits him. Hence, they strike him three times with each strike igniting fire in his grave; had these strikes struck the mountains of Tihama they would have turned into ashes».(1)

 life affairs. Therefore, when we recite the holy Quran we will notice that when recounting the polytheists of Mecca, the verse reads, «If thou should ask them: Who created the heavens and the earth? They would answer: Allah».(1)

 The palace of the king was very far from his hometown. 

 circulation of the Islamic religion. He said had Islam been satisfied with the holy Quran without the tradition of the greatest Prophet (pbuh&hh) Islam would never have progressed to reach this stage.

 him Muhammad; after seven days, if we wish we can change it or keep it».(112)

 seventy families of them to Abyssinia twice. Consequently, they were detached from the direct reception of the Islamic message from Prophet Muhammad (pbuh&hh). Besides, during those thirteen years in Mecca, the polytheists severely persecuted Prophet Muhammad (pbuh&hh) and the remaining Muslims with him. They prevented him from delivering his message to other people to the point where they besieged him with a group of the Hashemites [the prophet’s kindred] in the valley of Abi Talib for three years, where they suffered a difficult famine.

 now) where he spent ten years of engagement in wars, conquests and other similar activities. One can add other disputes that took place between the tribes inside the new Muslim community. During the lifetime of the Prophet (pbuh&hh) in Medina, history recorded more than eighty battles and conquests taking place plus the deployment of military brigades and other similar activities. The Prophet (pbuh&hh) was always the direct military commander of these armies.

 Islam, spreading its rules over all the affairs of the life of mankind?»(1)

 behavior saying, «If I ask Allah’s messenger he corresponds to me and if I cease my questions he commences before me».(1)

 tradition be transferred through the pure hearts once each Imam had fulfilled his pioneering role. Therefore, Hussein (pbuh) treasured his son Zein el Abideen with the knowledge of Islam that he passed on to his son al-Baqir. Al-Baqir passed it on to as-Sadiq, as-Sadiq to al-Kathim, al-Kathim to ar-Ridha, ar-Ridha to al-Jawad, al-Jawad to al-Hadi, al-Hadi to al-Askari, who in the end passed it on to the revolutionist of the prophetic Household, the proof of Allah, al-Mahdi (the guided one, may Allah hasten his advent).

 Who is your God? What is your religion? Who is your Prophet? Who is your Imam?

 The Rescuers from Questioning?

 with you. I swear in Allah I did not lose you in vain and I take no offence at you… If it were not for the horrors of the hidden world, I would have happily accepted your replacement. Grieving for your loss drew my attention from grieving for your death. I swear in Allah I did not cry for your death. Instead, I cried for your loss. I hope my words can help you. My Allah, I have granted him absolution regarding his obligation towards me. Therefore, I beseech You to grant him absolution from his obligation towards You. You are worthier of being generous and kind».(1)

 these services can save from the questioning of Munkar and Nakir, such as:

 Next, insert your hand beneath his right side, place your left hand on his left side, and shake him harshly saying O so-and-so the son of so-and-so, Allah is your god. Muhammad is your prophet. Islam is your religion. Ali is your guardian and Imam. – Then name the remaining Imams one after another to the last – saying they are your Imams, the righteous guides. Repeat this instruction again. Once the adobe is placed on him, say My Allah, be kind to him in his alienation. Visit him in his loneliness. Be kind to him in his gloominess. Secure him in his horror. Bestow upon him a part of Your mercy that can satisfy him without any other mercy. Gather him with those whom he accepted as his guardians».(1)

 (pbuh&hh) said to him what the matter is Abal Hassan? He said my mother died. The Prophet (pbuh&hh) said and so did my mother I swear in Allah, and he cried and said Oh mother. Next, he said to Ali (pbuh) this is my shirt; use it for her shroud; and this is my dress; use it for her shroud. When you finish let me approach. When she was escorted [to her resting place], the Prophet (pbuh&hh) recited a prayer for her soul that had never been recited for anyone before or after. Next, he descended into her grave and laid down in it … and his whisper to Allah was long inside the grave.

 person is laid down in his grave, the people will withdraw from him; the two angels Munkar and Nakir will enter his grave questioning him. She said I seek help from Allah. Hence, I continued asking my Lord inside her grave until He opened a door from her grave to paradise; hence, it became a garden of the gardens of heavens».(1)

 Thirdly, after burial

 enemies, secure him from drowning, destruction, theft, the evil of beasts, and cast away from him the horror of Munkar and Nakir. Moreover, from his grave, a light will shine for the creation, and with his right hand, he will receive his book(1). He will also be granted immunity from hell, successful passage on the path, and security from punishment. He will also enter the paradise without questioning and will be made in it a companion of the prophets, saints, martyrs, and the righteous. The best of company are they!»(2)

 fasting referring to the explanation of patience in His verse, «Seek help in patience and prayer…»(1) Patience in this verse means fasting.

 stature. He [the Imam] adds, one image stands on his right, one on his left, one in front, one behind, and one by his feet. The best one amongst them stands [floats] above his head. Hence, if he is visited [for questioning] on his right side, the one on his right will defend him. The same scenario continues until he is visited from all the six sides. He adds, the best image amongst them says who are you may Allah reward you goodness on my behalf? Hence, the one on the right side of the servant says I am the prayer. The one on his left says I am the almsgiving. The one in front says I am the fasting. The one behind says I am the pilgrimage (Hajj and Umrah). The one at his feet says I am the dutifulness with which he kept ties with his brothers. In addition, they all ask and who are you? You are the best in image, the best in smell and the best in magnificence amongst us. Hence, it says, I am the allegiance to the household of Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of Allah be upon all of them».(1)

 Sadiq (pbuh) was quoted as saying, «The dead person is asked in his grave about five habits: his prayer, his almsgiving, his pilgrimage, his fasting, and his allegiance to us the household [of the prophet]. Hence, the allegiance utters from the side of the grave to the other four, any deficiency on your part will be completed by me».(1)

 besides Shubair(1)

 The Living in the Barrier (Astral World)

 slaves in the unseen. Lo! His promise is ever sure of fulfilment - They hear therein no idle talk, but only Peace; and therein they have food for morn and evening».(1)

 they grieve. They rejoice because of favor from Allah and kindness, and that Allah wasteth not the wage of the believers».(1)

 wish me any harm, their intercession will avail me naught, nor can they save?

 of his entrance to paradise directly after his martyrdom. This issue can only refer to the paradise of the astral world, which we will discuss later.

 Hour upriseth (it is said): Cause Pharaoh’s folk to enter the most awful doom».(1)

 torment is being expressed as the astral world as in His words, «Until, when death cometh unto one of them, he saith: My Lord! Send me back. That I may do right in that which I have left behind! But nay! It is but a word that he speaketh; and behind them is a barrier until the day when they are raised.»(1)

 infidelity, whereas others are disregarded».(1)

 and-so is doing. If it says I left him behind still alive they say beg for him. And if it says to them he is doomed they say he is lost, he is lost».(1)

 2-         «He will say: How long tarried ye in the earth, counting by years? They will say: We tarried by a day or part of a day. Ask of those who keep count! He will say: Ye tarried but a little if ye only knew».(1)

 perhaps be soon; A day when He will call you and ye will answer with His praise, and ye will think that ye have tarried but a little while».(1)

 infidels and criminals are also in hibernation without experiencing any suffering contradicts with the reported suffering of Pharaoh’s folk. Therefore, the outward meaning of these verses indicating to the hibernation condition and non-suffering does not point to the astral world. Instead, one must understand them in the form that points to the period between the two blows relating to the Resurrection Day. Allah the Exalted expressed this issue in His words, «And the trumpet is blown, and all who are in the heavens and all who are in the earth swoon away, save him whom Allah willeth. Then it is blown a second time, and behold them standing waiting!»(1)

 no sensation or tangibility. Things are reversed as their creator originally initiated them for as long as four hundred years during which the creation hibernates, between the two blows».(1)

 of your guardianship? The Imam (pbuh) said, ‘As for these people, they remain in their graves without any escape. Anyone with a good deed without showing animosity will obtain a tunnel dug for him and connected to the paradise that Allah created in the west. Hence, the breath of life will enter his grave until Resurrection Day, until he meets Allah Who will hold him accountable based on his good and bad deeds. Hence, either to paradise or to hell. These people await Allah’s decree. The same issue applies to the wronged, stupid, infants and Muslim children who have not reached the age of puberty’».(1)

 In fact, the breath of life seeps into their grave from the paradise in the astral world and they maintain this condition until Resurrection Day.(1)

 The Fate of the Spirits in the Astral World

 spirits of the believers exist inside the crops of birds, green and circling the throne. He (pbuh) said, ‘No, the believer is nobler to Allah than making his spirit exist inside the crop of a bird. However, they exist inside bodies similar to their bodies’».(1)

 The Astral Paradise

 large number of the prophets and trustees were buried in this blessed land such as Adam, Noah, Hud and Saleh.

 Next, he arrived to Bab al-Kufa, the center of its mosque. Inside it, Allah the Exalted commanded the earth saying, «Swallow thy water». Hence, it swallowed its water from within the Kufa Mosque where the water initially started. The congregation that was abroad the ark scattered. Hence, Noah (pbuh) took the coffin and buried it in «al-Gharee», which is a piece of the mountain on which Allah spoke directly unto Moses, on which He consecrated Jesus, on which He chose Abraham as a friend, on which He chose Muhammad as his precious one, and which He made as a residence for the prophets. I swear in Allah, following his good ancestors Adam and Noah, no one resided in it who is nobler than the commander of the faithful Ali (pbuh) is. If you visit the surroundings of Najaf, visit the bones of Adam, the body of Noah and the body of Ali Bin Abil Talib (pbuh); you are visiting the earlier prophets, the seal of prophets Muhammad and the master of the trustees Ali. Its visitor will have the gates of heavens open for him; hence, do not be asleep [ignorant] regarding the benefit».(1)

 (pbuh), after his assassination by Ibn Maljam, to have said, «If I die bury me in this land, in the grave of my two brothers Hud and Saleh».(1)

 dust of a faithful follower or his crowded seat. Al-Asbagh said we understand the meaning of the faithful’s dust. What is the story of his crowded seat? He (pbuh) said, «O Bin Nabaatah, had you been allowed to see behind the screen [the ability to the see the other world] you would have seen the spirits of the believers on this terrain, circling, visiting and having conversations. On this terrain rests the spirit of each believer».(1)

 The man said from Yemen. He (pbuh) said what the story is concerning the funeral that you accompany. The man said this is the funeral of my father. I came to bury him in this land. He (pbuh) said why you did not bury him in your land. The man said he commanded me with this issue and told me that a man, whose intercession will include people as much as the people of Rabei and Madar [denoting a large number of people], will be buried in this land. He (pbuh) said do you know that man. The man said no. He (pbuh) said I swear in Allah that I am that person.(1)

 Yes, tell a loyal person who sees from afar

 Moreover, the commander of the faithful (pbuh) was quoted as saying, «The worst well in hell is named Barhut, which contains the spirits of the disbelievers».(1)

 families although we cannot feel or sense any encounter with their world. For example, the record of Hafs Bin al-Bakhtary quotes Imam as-Sadiq (pbuh) as saying, «The believer visits his family to witness that which he loves and the concealment of that which he hates. The disbeliever visits his family to witness that which he hates and the concealment of that which he loves». (1)

 spirit] visits his family at noon time. Hence, when the believer sees his family doing right he praises Allah for this issue. When the disbeliever sees his family doing right it will cause him to feel unfortunate».(1)

(1)    Same previous source, p. 230.

190

 The Visitors of the Astral World

 child that prays for his mercy».(1)

 The traditions recount that the child who is undutiful to his parents can change to become dutiful towards them through the good deeds that he carries out in their favor after their death. For example, Imam as-Sadiq (pbuh) was quoted as saying, «A man can be undutiful to his parents in their life. However, he makes up for their fasting after their death, makes up for their praying, and pays their debts. Therefore, if he continues in this same manner he can be ordained to be a dutiful child of theirs. On the contrary, he can be dutiful in their life and once they are dead, he does not pay their debts, and does not act dutifully towards them in any form of piety. Therefore, if he continues in this same manner he can be ordained to be an undutiful child».(1)

 praying for his parents after their death, going to pilgrimage, paying charity, paying the freedom of a slave, fasting, and praying on their behalf». I said could I make them partners in my pilgrimage. He said, «Yes».(1)

 Dirham (pound), one loaf of bread, or one piece of clothing [paid in charity], may Allah cloth you with the clothes of heavens».

 in our alienation. We have been abandoned in a tight prison, in distress and long sadness. Have mercy on us and be not stingy regarding prayers or charity for our souls in the hope that Allah will have mercy on us before you join us. Alas! We have been capable like you are now. Servants of Allah hear our words and do not forget us. Tomorrow you shall realize that the leftovers that are in your possession have been in our possession. We did not spend it for the way of Allah and disregarded what was right. Hence, it became our curse and beneficiary for others. Be kind to us with one dirham, one loaf of bread or one piece of clothing. In the end, they say:

 faithful brothers. They wait this issue impatiently, especially supplication during the desired night prayers and after the obligatory prayers as well as at the sacred places.

 a service on behalf of the dead. The Imam (pbuh) said yes, he could be in distress and Allah will remove his distress. Someone would visit him and say, the distress of yours is being removed thanks to the prayer of your brother on your behalf. Next, he asked him could I share two men in a 2-part prayer. He (pbuh) said yes. Then added, «The dead person rejoices in the bestowing of mercy upon him and in the asking of forgiveness for his soul like the living person rejoices the gift that is presented to him».(1)

 3-         The tradition of the prophet reads, «If a man gives charity on behalf of the dead, Allah commands Gabriel to carry with him to his grave seventy thousand angels, in each angel’s hand a plate brought to his grave. Next, he says peace be upon you servant of Allah. This is the gift of so-and-so brought to you. Consequently, his grave shines».(1)

 performs a good service on behalf of the dead person will have his rewards doubled while Allah will render it beneficial to the dead person».(1)

 Conclusion

 Therefore, be careful and observe yourself. Be prepared for the examination, questioning and testing. If you are a pious believer, a learner of your religion, a follower of the honest, and a partisan of the guardians of Allah, He will provide you with your proof [argument], and release your tongue to speak the right. Hence, you will excel with your answer; receive good tidings of the paradise, the satisfaction of Allah, and the beautiful spouses. The angels will welcome you with the breath of life and plenty. If you were not of this sort, your tongue will stutter, your argument will be refuted, you will be obscured from the answer, foretold of the hellfire, and the angels of penance will welcome you with boiling water and roasting hellfire.(1) Therefore, son of Adam know this: What awaits behind this reception is far greater and horrific, and more painful for the hearts on the Day of Judgment. That is a day unto which mankind will be gathered, and that is a day that will be witnessed…»(2)