In the name of Allah
The All-Compassionate, the All-Merciful
15th Rabial-Thani 1446 (18th October 2024)
Islamic Universal Association
20 Penzance Place, Holland Park
London, W11 4 PG
Imam Ali (a.s)’s advice in the Nahjal-Balagha – Part 50
With reference to Imam Ali (a.s.)’s Letter 45 quoted by me last week, wherein the Imam explained to his governor of Basra, Uthman ibne Hunayf Al-Ansari that Fadaq was the only possession they had, which was usurped by greedy individuals.
The history of the farmland Fadak has been recorded in several books. In Majma al-Bayan V: 6 P: 411 it has been reported that Atiyyah ibne Ufi, a renowned narrator, reported from Abu Saeed Al-Khedri, that after the revelation of Ayah 26 of Surah Bani Isra’il the Holy Prophet (s.a.) gifted the extensive land of Fadak to his daughter, Fatima (a.s.), and after his demise it was usurped by the first Caliph. This was also confirmed by Imam Baqer and Imam Sadeq (a.s.). However, in 210 Hijri it was returned to the children of Hazrat Fatima (a.s.) under the orders of the Abbasid caliph, Mamun. The said Ayah reads:
“Give to the near of kin his due, and to the needy and the wayfarer too; and do not squander wastefully.”
Fadak was a developed and fertile tract of land situated near Khyber, at a distance of about 120/150 kilometers from Medina. It had 7 castles, several wells of water and trees of palms and dates. It was the stronghold of the Jews who pioneered its cultivation and through their craftsmanship and business acumen accumulated considerable wealth. However, in 7 Hijri, after the conquest of Khyber, Allah (s.w.t.) cast fear into their hearts and they did not wish to be drawn into warfare. They therefore entered instead into a treaty with the Holy Prophet (s.a), thereby ceding to him the land of Fadak. It was strictly the personal property of the Holy Prophet (s.a.), as it was not conquered by force of arms so as to be considered as booty for the Muslims, and he bequeathed it to his daughter, Fatima (a.s.), as ordered by God, which was documented in her favor. It was thus the absolute property of Fatima (a.s), who helped the orphans and needy from its yields and financial gains, but after the death of the Holy Prophet (s.a) it was seized by the reigning Caliph.
According to Islam the areas which are conquered through war and military power are the property of all Muslims and their administration rests with the ruler of Islam. Such possessions are called ‘Fay’. However, territories that are acquired without fighting or through any military operations are called ‘Anfal’ and the Holy Prophet (s.a.) is its sole owner who exercises full authority over them and he is entitled to deal with them as he pleases as no one else has a share in them.
As explained above, no battle was fought to conquer Fadak. No Muslims rode their horses over this land nor displayed their legendary bravery to acquire it. The Holy Prophet (s.a.) acquired this land from the Jewish occupants who gave it to him. Hence he was its sole owner and he could give it to whomsoever he pleased, either as a gift or by any other means. To be continued
Second Sermon
Significance of time and place in Islam
With reference to the demise of Fatima Masoomah (a.s.) and to the city of Qom, I quote below some Ayahs from the Holy Quran about place and time, which is of great importance in Islam. We should bear in mind that every single creature has been created by Allah (s.w.t.) for a specific purpose and moreover the earth, sky and stars have their advantages and uses as well:
- Ayahs 198,199 and 203 of Surah Al-Baqarah: “There is no sin on you if you seek the bounty from your Lord. And when you march from Arafat, remember God near the Holy Monument, Al-Mash’ar, and remember Him as He has guided you, although you were surely before this, among those who strayed.
Then march on whence other people march on, and seek the pardon of God; God is
Forgiving, Merciful.
And remember God on the prescribed days, and whosoever hastens off in two days,
it will be no sin on him and whoso tarries (there), on him there will be no sin, nor for him who is pious; so take shelter in God and know that to Him you shall be gathered.”
- Ayahs 96 of Surah Aale Imran:“Verily, the first House (of worship) made for mankind was the blessed one at Bakka (Makkah), a guidance for the world.”
- Ayah 97 of Surah Al-Ma’ida: “God has made the Ka’bah, the Sacred House, a sanctuary for mankind and the sacred month…”
- Ayahs 21-23 of Surah Al-Dariyat: “And also in your own selves; will you not then discern?
And in the heaven is your sustenance, and also what you are promised.
And by the Lord of the heaven and the earth; verily it (Quran) is certainly the truth,
just as you speak.”
- Ayahs 1-4 of Surah Al-Fajr: “(Swear) By the dawn,
And by the ten nights (the first ten days of the month of Dhul-Hijjah),
And by the even and the odd,
And by the night as it departs.”
- Ayahs 1-2 of Surah Al-Balad: “Nay! I swear by the city (Makkah)!
While you (Muhammad) are settled in this city!”
- Ayahs 1-7 of Surah Ash-Shams: “By the sun and its radiation,
By the moon when it follows after it,
By the day when it unfolds its light,
By the night when it enshrouds it,
By the sky and of which it is built,
By the earth and what expands it,
By the soul as it is perfected.”
- Ayahs 1 and 2 of Surah Al-Asr: “(I swear) By the time (Al-Asr)!
Verily man is in loss!”
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