EID E ZEHRA (s.a)

Eid e Zehra is a day of celebration, a day in which even the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW) rejoiced! This day holds importance due to numerous events that transpired on this day in history.

One of the events which is marked on this day is the beginning of the Imamate of our 12th Imam, al-Hujjah ibn al-Hasan (may Allah hasten his return). His father, Imam Hasan al-Askari (AS) left this world on the 8th and, immediately after, his son took over the mantle of leadership. His leadership has spanned over 1,160 years, and as he is the living and present Imam, we have the potential of being his 'companions' just as great personalities such as Bilal, Salman, Abu Dharr, Maitham and countless others were companions of their living Imams. However, we need to strive to emulate such individuals and work towards being our Imam's chosen helpers and assistants.

The day also marks the first time that our 4th Imam smiled and rejoiced after the tragic events of Kerbala in which he saw his entire family and loyal friends murdered in cold blood by Ibne Ziyaad, Umar ibne Sa'd, Yazid ibne Mu'awiyah and the others who were responsible for the crimes. It is noted that the Prophet of Islam himself was seen smiling and 'celebrating' on this day while in the presence of Imams Ali, Hasan and Husain and said, "It is on this day that Allah will destroy your enemies and the enemies of your grandfather and it is on this day when Allah will accept the actions of your Shi'a and those who love you. This is the day when the words of Allah came true where He said (in the Qur'an): 'So those are the houses fallen down because they were unjust.' (27:52) And this is the day when the Pharaoh (Firawn) of the time of the Ahlul Bayt was destroyed ..."

We pray to Allah (SWT) to keep us firm on His path,

and to always protect us from negligence in discharging

our duties towards Him and our Living Imam (A.J), and to also include us among the Imam (A.J) helpers and companions –Ameen

Remember us in your Duas and pray for all our Marhumins

IMAM HASAN AL ASKARI (a.s)

Name: Hasan Title: Al-Askari Designation: 11th Imam Kunyat: Abu Muhammad Father: Ali Ibne Muhammad Mother: Saleel/Hadeesa Khatoon Born: 8th Rabi'a 2 232 AH (846 AD) Died: 8th Rabi'a 1 260 AH (874 AD) Martyred: Poisoned by Mo'tamad Buried: Samarra, Baghdad Lived: 28 years

Brief Sayings of Imam (A.S.)

1. Lead a simple life and avoid spending lavishly and with immoderation.

2. Reach whomsoever, solute him and when you arrive an assembly, sit at a low place became, this is from the humbleness.

3. Avoid telling lie, as it is the key to the evils.

4. Whosoever is not a friend of Ahl al-Bayth (A.S.) is a hypocrite.

5. Whosoever has faith in the resurrection day and hereafter, fulfills his commitments (promises).

The Martyrdom of Imam (A.S.)

Imam (A.S.) was four years of age, when he was exiled to Samarra along with his father. He was placed under the caliph's observation at a point, which was the center of the armed forces. Pertinent to the same, he became famous and known by the byname of Askar.

Following the death of his father, the Abbasade caliph "Motamid" imprisoned him. The piety, and chastity of Imam (A.S.) attracted the attention of all the prisoners towards him, and made them all enticed and enchanted. The officials and agents of the caliph daily reported to the caliph as to his condition.

Eventually, he was martyred on the 8th of Rabi ul Awwal 260 Hijrah and was buried at Samarra near the grave of his father.

After his martyrdom his brother "Jaffar Kazzad", who was a gone astray man and was counted as one of the helpers of the caliph, stood up to offer the funeral prayer upon the body of Imam (A.S.). But all of a sudden, the son of the Imam (A.S.), who was a minor, came forward and pushed his uncle back and stood upon his uncle's place and offered the funeral prayer upon his father's body. Thereafter, the short absenteeism and occultation period started. Only a segment of special Shias could meet him.

But following the activities of the Abbasade caliphs to search his hiding place, the long occultation and absenteeism period set in, so that no one could reach him. He will remain hidden from the sights till such day that the ground for his revolution is available.