By: Kayhan Int’l Cultural Desk     

 

“Peace upon you O Imams of guidance;

“Peace upon you O Proofs of Allah for the people of the earth;

“Peace upon you who were steadfast in dealing with people with justice;

“Peace upon you O Progeny of the Prophet of Allah;

The above passage is part of the Special Ziyarah for Four of the Twelve Infallible Heirs of Prophet Muhammad (SAWA) who repose in the holy city of Medina in the sacred graveyard of Jannat al-Baqi, which alas lies in a dilapidated state, ever since it was desecrated and demolished exactly ninety-nine lunar years ago 8th Shawwal in the year 1345 AH (21st April 1926) following the occupation of Hijaz, the Land of Divine Revelation by Abdul-Aziz Aal-e Saud.

We offer condolences to our readers on this doleful day that saw destruction of the tombs of the aunts, an uncle, wives, and companions of the Prophet, by vandals who also destroyed the most hallowed edifice of all, the domed white mausoleum under which reposed in eternal peace four of his Divinely-designated successor – Imam Hasan al-Mujtaba (AS), Imam Zain al-Abedin (AS), Imam Muhammad al-Baqer (AS) and Imam Ja’far as-Sadeq (AS). 

The vandals intended to demolish the sacred mausoleum of the Almighty’s Last and Greatest Prophet as well, but fear of the Muslim World, which might mount a joint operation, rather than fear of God, made them desist from destruction of the Prophet’s shrine. 

Alas, the vandals did not content themselves with the destruction of Jannat al-Baqie, but went on to demolish the tombs of the Martyrs of the decisive Battle of Ohad, including the Prophet’s uncle, Hamza (AS).

They then desecrated and destroyed the other sacred cemetery of Islam in Hijaz, that is, Jannat al-Mu’alla in Mecca, where rest in peace the Prophet’s loyal wife, the First Lady of Islam, Omm al-Momineen (or Mother of True Believers) Hazrat Khadija, the Prophet’s infant son, Hazrat Qassem, the Prophet’s uncle and guardian, Hazrat Abu Taleb, the Prophet’s grandfather, Hazrat Abdul-Mutalleb and other members of the monotheistic Bani Hashem clan (peace upon them all).

The vandals thought that through such devilish acts they would erase memories from Muslim minds of the Prophet’s Ahl al-Bayt, little realizing that those chosen and exalted by God are always alive in the hearts of the faithful.

For years, since the 1953 Conference in Karachi where King Abdul-Aziz had promised to allow reconstruction of the Jannat al-Baqi Cemetery before he died the same years, Iran and Muslims around the world have been urging Saudi Arabia for its rebuilding.

It is hoped that now with the improvement of relations between Tehran and Riyadh, the renovation of this sacred graveyard will take place. 

Jannat al-Baqi, however, is not a political issue, but is a religious one, in view of the habit of Prophet Muhammad (SAWA) to visit it regularly and greet the graves with the words:

“Peace upon you, O Abode of the Faithful! God Willing, we will soon join you. O’ Allah, shower mercy on the denizens of al-Baqi”.

He has also said: “Whoever visits my grave but does not visit the grave of my uncle Hamza, has indeed been unkind to me.”

This statement of the Messenger of Mercy is found in all relevant Islamic texts, including those of out Sunni brethren, who have diligently recorded in their hadith collections the habit of the Prophet of Islam in regularly visiting the Baqi Cemetery of Medina and saluting his deceased companions. They have also narrated from him rewards reserved by God Almighty for Muslims who visit the graves of their brethren-in-faith to recite the requiem.

Thus, it was not for no reason that the Seal of Prophets bequeathed to the Ummah these immortal guidelines for greeting in the proper manner those who while alive had served the cause of Islam and departed from the world as true Muslims.

He knew that a time will come when certain ignorant and deviant persons would desecrate the graves of Muslims, and will not even hesitate to demolish the blessed tombs of martyrs, including the holy shrines of the Infallible Imams of his Household, the Ahl al-Bayt, whose pristine purity has been vouchsafed by God Almighty Himself in the holy Qur’an.

We are confident that the day will soon come when Jannat al-Baqi will be rebuilt and Muslims from all over the world flock for pilgrimage to the holy shrines of the Prophet’s Ahl al-Bayt, relatives and righteous companions. Amen