DR. KIRMANI'S CORNER

This section is developed through the weekly reflections of Dr. Sayed Shabbir Kirmani, our respected resident scholar. Each week, Dr. Kirmani will share his thoughts on faith, current affairs, and community matters, offering valuable insights on how Islamic teachings relate to both global and local events.

In the Name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful
“In bravery you are the Lion of God, in generosity who indeed knows who you are?” – Rumi

Reflections on the Birth of Imam Ali (as) and the Martyrdom of Bibi Zainab (sa)

This past week, our hearts and minds were filled with reverence as we commemorated two significant events in Islamic history: the birth anniversary of Imam Ali (as) and the martyrdom anniversary of Bibi Zainab (sa). Their virtues, sacrifices, and steadfast devotion to the path of Allah (SWT) hold timeless lessons for each one of us – lessons that inspired poets, thinkers, and Qur’anic exegetes throughout the ages, including Maulana Rumi, Allama Iqbal, and many scholars of tafsir.

Imam Ali (as)

Born inside the Holy Ka‘bah – an event unmatched in history – Imam Ali (as) stands as a paragon of devotion, justice, and humility. His life epitomizes service to humanity for the sake of the Divine. Through his sermons, letters, and sayings, collected in Nahj al-Balagha, we witness his boundless wisdom: calling us toward contemplation, empathy, and righteous action.

In the Light of the Holy Qur’an

Many Qur’anic commentators from the Ahlul Bayt (as) tradition identify certain verses as referring specifically to Imam Ali (as). Among these verses is:
“Your Wali (Guardian) is none but Allah, His Messenger, and those who believe—those who establish prayer and give zakat (charity) while bowing [in worship].” (Qur’an 5:55)
It is narrated that this verse was revealed when Imam Ali (as), absorbed in prayer, gave charity to a beggar during ruku (bowing). This act symbolizes the depth of his devotion, as he combined worship of Allah (SWT) with compassion for the needy.

Another verse often associated with him is:
“And among mankind there is one who sells his own self, seeking the pleasure of Allah; and Allah is Most Kind to [His] servants.” (Qur’an 2:207)
Many exegetes connect this verse with the night of the Prophet’s (PBUH) migration (Hijrah), when Imam Ali (as) risked his life by sleeping in the Prophet’s bed to safeguard him. This incident exemplifies Imam Ali’s fearless love for Allah (SWT) and His Messenger (PBUH).

Prophetic Traditions About Imam Ali (as)

Throughout various collections of ahadith, the Prophet (PBUH) extolled Imam Ali (as) with remarkable praise. A few well-known traditions include:
“Whoever I am his master, this Ali is his master.” – Hadith of Ghadir Khumm
This declaration underscores Imam Ali’s spiritual and temporal leadership, binding the hearts of believers to his guardianship.
“I am the city of knowledge and Ali is its gate.”
This hadith highlights Imam Ali’s profound mastery of Islamic teachings – his unmatched scholarship that continued to guide the early Muslim community.
“None loves you except a believer, and none hates you except a hypocrite.”
This indicates the centrality of love for Imam Ali (as) in the heart of a true believer, reflecting his closeness to the Prophet (PBUH) and to Allah (SWT).
These traditions reveal how integral Imam Ali (as) is to the moral and spiritual framework of Islam. They encourage us to emulate his virtues—intellect, courage, compassion, and unwavering devotion.

Poetic Tributes

Maulana Rumi honors Imam Ali (as) with reverent imagery, calling him the “Lion of God” and praising his selflessness and courage. Allama Iqbal similarly viewed him as the embodiment of a perfect believer – one who harmonized intellect and spirituality. In Iqbal’s eyes, Imam Ali (as) stands as a fountainhead of Divine Love, whose moral uprightness and unshakable faith beckon believers toward excellence in both devotion and character.
Commemorating Imam Ali’s birth encourages us to align our day-to-day conduct with his powerful example: to stand firm against injustice, serve those in need, and nurture a deep connection with the Almighty.

Bibi Zainab (sa)

The beloved daughter of Imam Ali (as) and Lady Fatima (sa), Bibi Zainab (sa) was a beacon of knowledge, courage, and resilience – an inheritor of her father’s traits in every sense. From her earliest days, she imbibed Imam Ali’s steadfast faith, eloquence, and unwavering commitment to preserving the truth of Islam. She learned the art of oration and the spirit of compassion from the very “Gate of Knowledge,” embodying his ethics in her demeanor and in her remarkable stance against oppression.

Notably, Bibi Zainab (sa) safeguarded the legacy of Karbala, bearing witness to Imam Hussain’s (as) sacrifice and delivering fearless sermons that resounded in the courts of tyranny. Her words – reminiscent of her father’s eloquence – shook the foundations of injustice and illuminated the path of truth for generations to come.

Although Rumi’s explicit references to Bibi Zainab (sa) are less direct, his reflections on the luminous station of the Prophet’s Household (Ahlul Bayt) resonate with her lofty spiritual stature. Allama Iqbal, however, pays homage to her resolute spirit by portraying her as the soul of Karbala – standing tall against tyranny and injustice with unshakeable faith. In Iqbal’s vision, Bibi Zainab (sa) transforms grief into a clarion call for truth, her voice echoing through history as a testament to moral courage.

Her martyrdom reminds us of the price she paid for upholding justice and defending the sanctity of faith. As “Zainab-e-Kubra” (the Great Zainab), she continues to inspire believers to champion virtue, uphold justice, and remain dignified in the face of adversity – just as her father would have exemplified.

A Timeless Message

Commemorating the birth of Imam Ali (as) fills our hearts with gratitude for the blessings of his guidance, while reflecting on the martyrdom of Bibi Zainab (sa) reminds us of the lofty sacrifices made to uphold truth. As followers of the Ahlul Bayt (as), let us strive to embody these teachings every day: to uphold justice, cultivate knowledge, serve humanity, and remain unwavering on the path of righteousness.
May the profound wisdom of Imam Ali (as) – as illuminated by Qur’anic verses, Prophetic traditions, and revered by Rumi and Iqbal – and the enduring legacy of Bibi Zainab (sa) continue to illuminate our hearts and guide our deeds. May Allah (SWT) grant us the capacity to walk upon their blessed path, enriched by devotion and sincerity.