The example of the golden vessel was a reflection of a person’s good deeds...

The example of the golden vessel was a reflection of a person’s good deeds, a person regardless of how much he would try to hide his good conduct and deeds, are revealed by his Lord -azwj so that to give him respect in this world and uncountable bounties in the Hereafter. The little bird was metaphor for a good piece of advice, which, if given, one should accept. The bird of prey represents a cry for help, which one should never ignore.

And finally, the bad odour coming from the dead animal is like the backbiting and ill talking about others, from which one should always be prepared to run away. [41] In the above narration, a Prophet had given his flesh to save the life of a starving bird. وَمِنَ النَّاسِ مَنْ يَشْرِي نَفْسَهُ ابْتِغَاءَ مَرْضَاةِ اللَّهِ وَاللَّهُ رَءُوفٌ بِالْعِبَادِ (2:207) And among men is he who sells his Nafs ‘himself’ to seek the pleasure of Allah; and Allah is Affectionate to the servants.

A larger number of narrators, including Yaqoob Kulani -ra , report through a chain of narrators that Rasool Allah -saww said: Allah -azwj sent inspiration to Gabriel -as and Michael -as that I -azwj have created, among two of you, ‘brotherhood’ and have increased life of one in comparison to the other. Thus, who among you would like to offer part of his life to his brother? Both of them, for sake of the other, could not find the courage to donate part of their lives,.

Upon their reluctance Allah -azwj told them: ‘Why don’t you exemplify my Wali ‘Ali bin Abi Talib -asws ‘, who is the brother of My Prophet Mohammed -saww . Ali Murtaza -asws has endangered his life in order to save the life of his brother, Mohammed -saww , by lying down on his bed and going to sleep when Mohammed -saww ’s enmies had surrounded his house. Both of you should go down, immediately, and guard Ali -asws against the harm of My -azwj enemies’.

Thus, Gabriel -as and Michael -as came down and Gabriel -as took position near the bed’s-head and Michael -as stood on the opposite side. Gabriel -as started reciting: Congratulations! Congratulations! Ya Ali bin Abi Talib -asws ! Who else could be as praiseworthy as you -asws are, my Mola -asws , Allah -azwj is proudly describing your virtues to His angels.

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