Miracle of Islam: Excavation of the Graves of true Companions of Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw)

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 Hazrat Hudhaifa al-Yamani (ra), who said:

"O King! Remove Jabir ibn Abdullah al-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 ibn Abdullah al-Ansari'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 al-Yamani (ra) was seen in the dream by the grand Mufti of Iraq. Hazrat Hudhaifa al-Yamani (ra) 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 statement to the press, so that the public may know about this great event. It was declared that on 10th Zulhijjah 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 Makkah. They requested King Faisal I, 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 Zulhijjah.

After noon prayers, on 20th Zulhijjah 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 al-Yamani (ra) 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 ibn Abdullah al-Ansari (ra) 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 (Sahabah) of Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) were fresh and intact while their open eyes issued forth such divine light that the spectator's eyes were dazzled. Furthermore, their coffin, clothes 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, Hazrat Salman-e-Farsi (ra), 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 (ra)

Hazrat Hudhaifa al-Yamani (ra) was one of the most trusted companions (Sahabah) of Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) and a near associate of Imam Ali (as). He was one of those seven persons who joined the funeral prayers of Bibi Fatemah (sa). There are several instances in history where Hazrat Hudhaifa al-Yamani (ra) has proved steadfast in his loyalty to our Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw). Hazrat Hudhaifa al-Yamani (ra) had responded to the Prophet's call in battle of Trench (Khandaq) when Prophet Muhammad (saw) had promised Paradise to the person who would venture out to the enemy's camp with the intention of spying their activities. Hazrat Hudhaifa al-Yamani (ra) was known as "the possessor of the Secret", since Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) 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. Hazrat Hudhaifa al-Yamani (ra) 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 Imam Ali (as) assumed the Caliphate. Imam Ali (as) then sent a letter to the people of Madain, informing them of his Caliphate and that Hazrat Hudhaifa al-Yamani (ra) would continue to be the governor of Madian. Hazrat Hudhaifa al-Yamani (ra) died just before the battle of Jamal in 36 A.H. He was buried in Madain.

Hazrat Jabir ibn Abdullah al-Ansari (ra)

Hazrat Jabir ibn Abdullah al-Ansari (ra) was also one of the most exalted companions (Sahabah) of Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw). Hazrat Jabir ibn Abdullah al-Ansari (ra) was in the forefront in 18 battles, under the banner of Islam. Hazrat Jabir ibn Abdullah al-Ansari (ra) was blessed enough to have met all the Imams up to Imam Mohammad Baqir (as) in his lifetime. Imam Jafar-e-Sadiq (as) has said: "Jabir ibn Abdullah al-Ansari was the last survivor amongst the companions of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw). Hazrat Jabir ibn Abdullah al-Ansari (ra), 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 Karbala with his devoted friends and followers and buried the martyrs there. He was the first person to pay homage to the martyrs of Karbala and carry out their burial rites. Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) once told Hazrat Jabir ibn Abdullah al-Ansari (ra) that, he would live long enough to come across a person whose name would be Mohammad Baqir and he will resemble the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) in appearance and values. Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) asked Hazrat Jabir ibn Abdullah al-Ansari (ra) to convey his Salaams to this man. Throughout his life Hazrat Jabir ibn Abdullah al-Ansari (ra) was waiting eagerly to meet our Imam Mohammad Baqir (as). Finally, when Hazrat Jabir ibn Abdullah al-Ansari (ra) did meet the Holy Imam he was very old but very happy and he conveyed the Prophet Muhammad's (saw) Salaam to the Imam Mohammad Baqir (as). Hazrat Jabir ibn Abdullah al-Ansari (ra) 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 Hazrat Jabir ibn Abdullah al-Ansari (ra) by the tyrant. Hazrat Jabir ibn Abdullah al-Ansari (ra) 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 Fatiha 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 Almighty Allah (SWT) to help us follow their footsteps and elevate our level of Imaan.

Source : http://www.ezsoftech.com

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Biography:

Jabir ibn 'Abdullah ibn 'Amr ibn Haram al-Ansari (Arabic: جابر بن عبدالله بن عمرو بن حرام الأنصاري‎, died 697 CE/78 AH) was a prominent companion of Muhammad and his descendants, the Shi'a Imams.

Early life

Jabir ibn Abdullah al-Ansari was born in Yathrib (now known Medina) 15 years before the Hijra. He belonged to a poor family of Yathrib. He was from the tribe of Khazraj. His mother was Nasiba bint Uqba ibn Uddi. His father was married to his paternal cousin.

Muhammad's (SAW) era

Jabir ibn Abdullah Ansari is said to have accepted Islam when he was a young boy.

His participation in the Battle of Badr is questioned by some historians; he is known to have fought in 19 battles (including Badr) under command of Muhammad, and was a trusted Sahaba. He was present during the conquest of Mecca.

Battle of Uhud

In the Battle of Uhud, Jabir ibn Abdullah was not allowed by his father Abdullah to take part in Jihad. Jabir had seven sisters (some historians say nine) and Abdullah wanted him to take care of his family. So instead of fighting, Jabir served the thirsty soldiers. Abdullah Ansari (Jabir's father) was killed in the Battle of Uhud [1] along with his brother-in-law, Amro bin Jamooh, both having reached nearly 100 years of age.

Abu Bakr's era

According to a Shi'a tradition, Jabir refused to give his oath of allegiance to Abu Bakr, He was true follower of Ali [2].

Umar's era

Later on, he was threatened with stoning by Umar, if he was seen with a Nikah Mut'ah. Shi'a scholars believe this was the first time it was prohibited. Sunni scholars conclude Umar was merely enforcing Muhammad's earlier prohibition.

Ali's era

He fought in the battles of Basra, Siffin, and Nahrawan under the command of Ali ibn Abi Talib (the first Shi'ah Imam and the fourth Sunni Caliph).

Yazid's era

Due to old age Jabir was unable to participate in the Battle of Karbala (October 10, 680) wherein the grandson of Muhammad, Hussain ibn Ali was martyred. However, he did establish the practice of marking Arba'een.

He paid a visit to the grave of Imam Husain ibn Ali in Karbala, along with one of his companions, Attiya ibn Saad ibn Junadah (a scholar). Jabir ibn Abdullah recited a ziaraat there that is known as ziaraat-e- Arba'een

Imam Ali ibn Husayn's (as) era

Jabir had a long life and became blind in his old age. But he devoutly waited for the time when he would meet the fifth Imam. Each morning he would come out from his house, sit by the roadside and wait for the sound of the footsteps to recognize the fifth Imam. One such day while he was waiting in the street of Medina, he heard someone walking towards him, the sound of footsteps reminded him of the way Muhammad (SAW) used to walk. Jabir stood up, stopped the man and asked his name. He replied, "Muhammad(SAW)", Jabir asked, "whose son"? He replied "Ali ibn Hussain". Jabir immediately recognized the man he was talking to was the 5th Imam. He kissed his hands and conveyed the message of Muhammad.

Abd al-Malik's era and Jabir's death

It was during this era that he retold the Hadith of Umar's speech of forbidding Mut'ah. Jabir had a very long life. He was poisoned by Al-Hajjaj bin Yousef Thaqfi in the age of 94 years because of his loyalty to Ahl al-Bayt and was buried in Madain near Baghdad at the bank of river Tigris. He died in 78 AH (697).

Legacy

In 1932, the then ruling King of Iraq, Shah Faisal dreamt that he was being addressed by Hudhayfah ibn al-Yaman, 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 filled with water while Jabir's grave is collecting water slowly." That year, a large number of Muslims and non-Muslims, along with the King, Grand Mufti, Prime Minister, and Prince Farooq of Egypt were there for the opening of graves of both trusted companions of Muhammad. Both of the bodies were said to be fresh and intact while their open eyes were said to issue forth such divine light that the spectators' eyes were dazzled.[citation needed] Furthermore, their coffins, clothes, and kaffan were also intact and at first glance, it appeared as if they were alive. The two bodies were then taken away and buried afresh near the grave of Salman al-Farsi, in Salman Park, which is 30 miles from Baghdad.

He narrated about 1,500 Hadiths. After the death of Muhammad he used to deliver lectures in Masjid Nawabi, Medina, Egypt, and Damascus. Such leading Tabi'en scholars as Amr ibn Dinar, Mujahid, and Ata' ibn Abi Rabah attended his lectures. People gathered around him in Damascus and Egypt to learn about Muhammad and his Hadiths.

On February 26, 2006, the Shrine of Salman the Persian was attacked by insurgents and damaged in the violence following the bomb explosion at Al-Askari Mosque.

References:

1- Sahih Bukhari 4:40
2- Peshawar Nights on Al-islam.org

http://www.majzooban.org/en/biography/1656-jabir-ibn-abd-allah-ansari.html