Though in
normal cases and circumstances the dead bodies in the grave decompose and disintegrate
yet there are proofs where the dead bodies of martyrs, prophets and saints have
been found intact when their graves were dug. In
1932 A.D. (1351 A.H.) the then ruling King of Iraq Shah Faisal I, dreamt that
he was being addressed by Hudhaifa al-Yamani, who said :- "O
king ! Remove Jabir ibn Abdullah Ansari and me from the bank of river Tigris and
bury us at some safe place because my grave is already water-logged, (full of
water) while Jabir's grave is slowly getting water-logged."
This
dream was repeated again the next night but King Faisal I, did not pay attention
to it on account of his pre-occupation with state affairs. On the third night
Hazrat Hudhaifa was seen in the dream by the grand Mufti of Iraq. Hazrat Hudhaifa
said to the grand Mufti :- "I have been directing the king since two nights
to transfer our Bodies but he has not paid any heed. Tell him emphatically to
arrange for the transfer of our graves!"
So
after discussing this matter, the King, his Prime Minister and the Grand Mufti
decided to carry out this work. It was decided that the Grand Mufti should issue
a fatwa(religious ruling) on this matter and the Prime Minister will issue the
fatwa to the press, so that the public may know about this great event. It was
declared that on 10th Zilhajj after noon prayers the graves shall be opened and
the holy bodies shall be transferred to another place. As
it was Hajj season, pilgrims had gathered in Mecca. They requested King Faisal
to postpone the event for a few days so that they all could attend the event after
performing the Hajj. Hence, the King postponed this event to 20th Zilhajj. After
noon prayers, on 20th Zilhajj 1351 A.H. a large number of Muslims and non-Muslims
gathered in Baghdad, and the city was heavily crowded. First when the grave of
Hazrat Hudhaifa was opened water was fond inside. The body was lifted with a crane
in such a way that it safely came on a stretcher. Then the stretcher was lifted
by the King, the Grand Mufti, the Prime Minister and Prince Farooq of Egypt and
brought to a glass coffin box made especially to keep the holy bodies. The body
of Hazrat Jabir was also transferred to the glass box in the same scrupulous manner.
The
most marvelous spectacle was now seen by the huge crowd that had gathered to witness
this great event. Both the holy bodies of these true companions of the Holy Prophet
(SAWW) were fresh and intact while their open eyes issued forth such divine light
that the spectator's eyes were dazzled. Furthermore, their coffin, clothes, kaffan
were also intact and at first glance, it appeared as if these heroes of Islam
were alive. The two bodies were then taken away and buried afresh near the grave
of another great hero of Islam, Salman-e-Farsi, in Salman Park which is 30 miles
from Baghdad. This miracle amazed the scientists, philosophers and doctors. They
were all bewildered and spellbound to witness this great miracle. A
German physiologist who had been showing a lot of interest in this was so impressed
by the conditions of the bodies, which were buried for more than a thousand years,
that he immediately came to the Grand Mufti, held up his hands and said, "What
more evidence can there be in support of Islam. I embrace Islam so teach me about
it!" Thus before thousands of people this German doctor became a Muslim.
His example was followed by many Christians and Jews and for a long time it continued
in Baghdad and a large number of people became Muslims as a result of this miracle.
Now
let us all sit-back and think over this event and derive a lesson from this miracle.
Pondering over such events is potent food for the mind and serves as an eye-opener
to humanity. Some of the material above was published in a Pakistani newspaper,
"Daily Jung" on 7th June 1970. Let
us now briefly look into the lives of these prominent personalities.
HAZRAT
HUDHAIFA AL YAMANI He was one of the most trusted companions of the Holy
Prophet (SAWW) and a near associate of Hazrat Imam Ali (AS). He was one of those
seven persons who joined the funeral prayers of Bibi Fatemah (AS). There are several
instances in history where Hazrat Hudhaifa has proved steadfast in his loyalty
to our Holy Prophet (SAWW). Hazrat Hudhaifa had responded to the Prophet's call
in battle of Trench (Khandak) when the Prophet had promised Paradise to the person
who would venture out to the enemy's camp with the intention of spying their activities.
Hazrat Hudhaifa was known as "the possessor of the Secret", since the
Holy Prophet (SAWW) had revealed to him the names and specific identity of those
hypocrites who intended to kill him on his return journey from Tabuk, but had
strictly instructed him not to disclose the secret. Hudhaifa was appointed governor
of Madain (which is a place near Baghdad, Iraq) by Caliph Omar and held that post
for many years. He was holding that post till Hazrat Imam Ali (AS) assumed the
caliphate. Hazrat Imam Ali (AS) then sent a letter to the people of Madain, informing
them of his caliphate and that Hudhaifa would continue to be the governor of Madian.
Hudhaifa al Yamani died just before the battle of Jamal in 36 A.H. He was buried
in Madain. HAZRAT JABIR IBNE ABDULLAH-E-ANSARI Jabir-e-Ansari
was also one of the most exalted companions of the Holy Prophet (Peace and Blessings be Upon him). Jabir was
in the forefront in 18 battles, under the banner of Islam. Jabir was blessed enough
to have met all the imams up to Imam Mohamed Baker(as) in his lifetime. Imam Jafar-e-Sadiq
(AS) has said : "Jabir -e-Ansari was the last survivor amongst the companions
of the Holy Prophets(Peace and Blessings be Upon him). Jabir, on hearing about the martyrdom of Imam Hussain(AS)
and his companions and the imprisonment and humiliation of the surviving members
of his family, hastened towards Kerbala with his devoted friends and followers
and buried the martyrs there. He was the first person to pay homage to the martyrs
of Kerbala and carry out their burial rites. The Holy Prophet (Peace and Blessings be Upon him) once told
Jabir that, he would live long enough to come across a person whose name would
be Mohamed Baker(as) and he will resemble the Holy Prophet in appearance and values.
The Holy Prophet asked Jabir to convey his salaams to this man. Throughout his
life Jabir was waiting eagerly to meet our Imam. Finally, when Jabir did meet
the Holy Imam he was very old but very happy and he conveyed the prophet's salaam
to the Imam. Jabir did not live long after that. He was tortured by Hajjaj bin
Yusuf and it is reported that molten lead was poured on the hands of Jabir by
the tyrant. Jabir-e-Ansari was 94 years old when he left this world for the heavenly
abode in 78 A.H. He was also buried in Madain.
Thus
let us send our gift of Sure-Fateha for these two brilliant graduates from the
school of Prophet hood, who devoted all their efforts in safeguarding our religion.
Let us not forget their invaluable contribution to keep the flame of Islam kindled
in our hearts. And pray to The Almighty Allah to help us follow their footsteps
and elevate our level of imaan.
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