Day: June 3, 2023

THE FEAST OF ASHIRA

The Prophet (s.a.), as soon as he was Ordained as the Messenger, he silently commenced his mission. When he entered the fourth year of this activity, he received a Commandment from Allah to openly propagate the Faith: “Wanzar ashiratak al aqrabain-Preach your nearest relations!” On the Revelation of this Verse, the Prophet (s.a.) made Abu Talib’s residence the head quarters of his Mission. He asked Ali (a.s.) to make arrangements for a meal to be served to the progeny of Abd al Mutallib and to invite them to join the feast. Hazrat Ali (a.s.) procured one shank of meat, one measure of milk and about three seers of wheat flour. Then he went round inviting people. At the appointed time about forty persons assembled at the house of Abu Talib. Among the guests were Abu Talib, Hamza ibne Abbas and Abu Lahab. Although the number of guests was high considering the quantity of food, Allah made it sufficient for all the guests and some quantity was left over. When the guests finished the meal, the Prophet (s.a.) rose from his place and tried to make the announcement of his Prophethood and to invite them to the Right Path. Abu Lahab interrupted at this point and said, “Mohammed wants to lead you away from the faith of your ancestors. Don’t give ear to his suggestions lest you get affected with his magical spell!” As a result of the outburst of Abu Lahab the group got restive. Some stood up to depart and others followed them. The Prophet (s.a.) couldn’t communicate what he had planned to say. The second day, the Prophet (s.a.) extended invitation to the same group through Haazrat Ali(a.s.). They again assembled for the meal. After the meal the Prophet (s.a.) rose to give a talk. Abu Lahab once again tried to interrupt. But Abu Talib chided him and asked him to sit quietly. Abu Talib told him:

“Ya aiwar maa anta wa haaza

O unfortunate person! What have you

To do with these things!”

Hearing this, Abu Lahab had no courage to interrupt any further and sat quietly putting his head on his knees. Abu Talib addressed the gathering and asked them to sit comfortably in their places. He asked the Prophet (s.a.) to tell what he wished to say.He said that the people will listen to him with attention and act on what he had to say. The Prophet (s.a.) got encouragement from these words of support and addressed the gathering:

“O progeny of Abd al Mutallib! ByAllah! No youth in Arabia has brought any thing better than what I have brought for you. I have brought for you the welfare of this world and the Hereafter. Allah has Commanded me to invite you towards this welfare! Who is the person amongst you willing to become my associate and helper. I assure you that he will be my Brother, My Vicegerent and my Successor!”


Ref: Tareeq e Tabari, Vol 2, Page 63

Barring three or four persons, none of the gathering was happy over the statement and none had the courage to extend his hand in support..Everyone sat quietly with bowed heads. Suddenly, in that quiet environment Ali (a.s.)’s voice broke the silence:: “Although I am young, definitely younger than all of them, I shall be your associate, helper and protector! If someone cast An evil eye on you, I shall break that eye! If someone created turmoil, I shall strike him! The Prophet (s.a.) said: “O Ali! Wait for a while! Perhaps someone from the grown ups might come forward!”

When after making the call thrice no one came forward, the Peophet (s.a.) called Ali (a.s.) close to himself, put his hand on his head and said: “Certainly!

This is my Brother,
My Associate
And
My Vicegerent.
It is binding on
all of you to
listen to him
and obey him!”

Ref: Tareeq e Tabari, Vol 2, Paae 63

When the Qureish heard this statement, they had a sarcastic smile on their faces. They stole glances at each other, joked with each other and some braves told to Abu Talib, “Now you will have to listen to and obey your son!” Although the gathering took Hazrat Ali (s.a.)’s words lightly, later on it was proved that the promise that the small boy made in the gathering of the Qureish was kept in letter and spirit. In the most difficult situations he shielded the Prophet (s.a.) from the assaults of the enemies. He proved to the world that there was none more deserving of the brotherhood, support and the position of the successor of the Prophet than himself.

In recognition of the selfless services of Ameer al Momineen (a.s.), the Prophet (s.a.) was bound to make a public announcement of his Succession and Vicegerency! While returning from Hajjat al Vida, at a place called Ghadeer e Qum, the Prophet (s.a.) delivered a Sermon wherein he said: “Mun kunto Maula
Fa Ali Maula

Ali is the master of him
Whose master I am!”

Saying this, the Prophet (s.a.) proclaimed the Succession and the Vicegerency of Ali (a.s.). This was an echo of the promise made at the Feast of Ashira and the recognition of the fulfillment of Ali (a.s.)’s Resolution to act as the support and bulwark for the Prophet of Islam (s.a.).

The Daawate Ashira also throws light on the Vicegerency or Caliphate of Hazrat Ali (a.s.) that the Prophet (s.a.) had declared only three things at the Feast:

Tawheed or Unity of Allah
Risalat or prophethood
And
Succession or
Khilafat of
Hazrat Ali (a.s.)

Along with the announcement about Tawheed and Risalat, the mention of Khilafat illustrates its importance in the consideration of the Prophet! This proves that if Tawheed and Risalat are the main pillars of Islam, the Khilafat (of Ali (a.s.) too is of prime importance. As the acceptance of Tawheed and Risalat is imperative for a Muslim, the acceptance of Ali (a.s.)’s Succession and Vicegerency too is necessary