ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Biography of Imam `alĪ Ibn AbĪ-tĀlib The Calamity of Qirtas Islam was the life’s achievement for the prophet (a.s) for the propagation of which he had borne all sorts of hardships and severe opposition. Every individual desires that whatever he has developed with hard work remains safe from the machinations of destructive opponents.

He preserves and protects it in his lifetime and tries to leave it in safe hands when the time for leaving the world arrives. He therefore makes an oral will or reduces his instructions on paper to doubly safeguard his legacy. Can we imagine that the Prophet (a.s) would leave intestate especially when it was the question of preserving and protecting his legacy which was the great Faith of Islam!

In view of this very important and urgent need, knowing that his sickness was of terminal nature, the Prophet (a.s) asked for pen and paper brought to him two to four days before he demised. He wanted to write a document that would be a source of guidance for the people until the end of the world and safeguard his Ummah from getting divided into many sects and groupings. But some persons conspired to obstruct the Prophet (a.s) from making his will and testament.

“`Umar said that the Prophet (a.s) was overwhelmed with pain and for us the Book of Allah is sufficient.”[1] This is a narration from al-Bukhari who also says: “The Prophet (a.s) said, ‘Bring a paper to me that I write for you a document after which you will not go astray!’ On this, persons started sharp arguments, although quarreling near the Prophet (a.s) was not proper. People said, ‘The Prophet (a.s) is in a delirium!’ the Prophet (a.s) said, ‘Leave me to my scruples!

I am fine in whatever condition I am than what you are calling me to!”[2] [1] Sahīh al-Bukhārī, Vol 1, Page 25 [2] Sahīh al-Bukhārī, Vol 2, Page 121 When the differences overstretched and the sounds of shouts were coming, the consorts of the Prophet (a.s) said from behind the curtains: “Give to the Prophet (a.s) whatever he is asking for.

`Umar asked them to keep quiet and said that they were like the women of Yūsuf who cry when the Prophet (a.s) falls ill and when he is hale and hearty ride on his neck. At this, the Prophet said, ‘they are better than you!’”[1] The ladies kept calling from their private quarters but none paid any heed and never gave a paper and pen to the Prophet (a.s).