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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books The Moral Stories (part 2) A Mosque Slab It is related that Fazl bin Rabee built a mosque in Baghdad. At the time of placing a plaque on the door, he was asked what should be written on it and he expressed his desire that his name as the donor of the mosque was to appear.

By chance Bahlool was present there and he asked him this question: "For whose sake have you constructed the mosque?" Fazl replied: "For the sake of Allah" Bahlool said: "If it is for the sake of Allah then do not mention your name on the plaque" Hearing this, Fazl became angry and said: "Why not mention my name on the plaque. Let people come to know who the founder of the mosque was!" Bahlool then said: "Why not mention my name then on the plaque".

Fazl said: "I shall never agree to that" Bahlool in response said "If you have built this mosque to show off and boast your name, you will forego your reward from Allah." Hearing this, Fazl became dumb-founded and maintained silence. Thereafter he said: "whatever Bahlool suggests, you may inscribe on the plaque." At that junction Bahlool instructed that an ayat from the Holy Qur'an be inscribed on the plaque and placed on the door of the mosque.

"And that the mosques are Allah's, therefore call not upon any one with Allah:"(72:18) DESCRIPTION OF THE VIRTUES OF ALI One day Bahlool went to visit Haroon who was in a relaxed and good mood.

He asked Bahlool this: "Was Ali (A.S.) of higher status and more elevated than Abbas the uncle of the Prophet or was Abbas higher than Ali (A.S.)?" Bahlool replied: "Would I be guaranteed safety from you if I were to tell the truth?" When Haroon guaranteed this, Bahlool then said: "Ali (A.S.) after Prophet Mohamed (S.A) was in status higher than all the Muslims. Not only that but higher than all the previous Prophets.

The reason for this is that Ali (A.S.) was that exalted personality who possessed all the good qualities. His staunch faith in Islam is unquestionable. His bravery in the wars in defence of Islam is unparallel. He sacrificed not only his but also the lives of his kith and kin in the safe-guarding the tenets of Islam. In all the Islamic wars of defence, he was in the forefront never did he turn his back and run away from the front against the enemies.

And when he Ali (A.S.) was asked: "Why don't you ever look behind when fighting lest an enemy strikes you from behind" he would reply this: "Fighting in a battle for me is for the sake of Islam.