Translator: Dr Sayyed Imran Husnain

14 Stars (Chauda Sitare)- Translation from Urdu into English

Introduction

This effort has as its goal, to translate important Islamic works into English. It is hoped that this will be beneficial, especially for the youth. I have started, not knowing whether I will be able to complete translation of one important book, and I pray that Insha-Allah other individuals will also contribute to this effort. This is an ideal opportunity to teach English-speaking Muslims and non-Muslims about our history and famous Islamic works that are not ordinarily available in English. I have added the titles of ‘Hazrat’ and ‘Bibi’ when mentioning names of prominent personalities in Islamic History, even when these titles are not used in the original text.

 About the Book

 The book Chauda Sitare is written by Maulana Seyyed Najmul Hassan Kararvi. It has contributions by Allama Yusuf Hussain (Lucknow) and other distinguished Ulema.

 Chapter 1

 The Family of the Prophet of Islam, Muhammad Mustafa (Peace be upon him and his family).

 The Prophet of Islam, Hazrat Muhammad Mustafa (peace be upon him and his family) was from the progeny of Hazrat Ibrahim on whom be peace. Hazrat Ibrahim (peace be upon him) was born in Babylon (Iraq) in a place called Kotha, 1081 years after the deluge of Prophet Nuh (peace be upon him). Ibrahim was 86 years old when Hajra gave birth to Hazrat Ishmael (peace be upon him). Ibrahim was 90 years old when Hazrat Ishaak (peace be upon him) was born to Sara. Ibrahim did not think it prudent to keep Sara and Hajra together. Leaving Sara and Ishaak in Shaam (Damascus/Syria), Ibrahim took Hajra and Ishmael to Makka, a city in Hijaz. Ishaak was married in Syria, while Ishmael was married in Makka, to a girl from the tribe of Jerham. In this way, the progeny of Ishaak was established in Syria, and the descendents of Ishmael spread over Makka. After the death of Hajra, when Ibrahim was 100 years old, he travelled to Makka, where, with the help of Ishmael he rebuilt the Kaba. The narrators of Islamic history have stated that the Kaba was rebuilt 2793 years before the migration of the final Prophet (Hijrat). Ibrahim wished to slaughter his son Ishmael according to the command of God revealed to him through a dream. On carrying out this command, God revealed that Ibrahim (and Ishmael) had acted obediently according to the dream. (God stated) “Listen O Ibrahim. We have exchanged your offering (Ishmael) for the greatest sacrifice of Imam Hussain (peace be upon him)”. The narrators have stated that this event took place 3435 years after Hazrat Adam (peace be upon him) came to this world. After this, God tested Ibrahim in a few other matters. After Ibrahim succeeded in these trials, he was raised to the rank of Imamat. Ibrahim wished that the distinction of Imamat be perpetuated in his progeny. (God revealed) that this would be better, but that those of his offspring who would be tyrants would be distanced from Imamat. The title of Ibrahim was khaleelullah (the friend of Allah subhanahu watala), and he was one of the Ulul Azm (highest-ranking) prophets. Ibrahim came with a law (Sharia) and his status before God was such that the Final Prophet (peace be upon him and his family) was commanded to continue and perpetuate this law. When Ibrahim passed away he was 175 years old. He was buried in Al-Quds. Before his death, Ibrahim designated Ishmael as his successor. The Western (Christian) scholars state that Hazrat Ishmael was born 1911 years before the coming of the Messiah (Jesus, peace be upon him). Hazrat Ishmael has the following attributed to him: (1) Makka was populated because of him. (2) The spring of Zam Zam came forth (due to him). (3) The Hajj was established as a form of worship at the Kaba. (4) The tradition (sunnat) of the Eid of sacrifice began on the 10th of Zilhaj.

 Hazrat Ishmael was 137 years old when he passed away, and he was buried in Makka, near Hajar Ishmael. Ishmael left 12 sons, who looked after and maintained the Kaba after his death. Keedaar was prominent among the sons of Ishmael. The progeny of Ishmael multiplied in Makka. In the third century (Christian calendar [or CE]) a man by the name of Fahr was born, and he possessed extraordinary qualities. The Prophet of Islam was born into the family line of Fahr. Allama Tareehi says that either Fahr or his paternal grandfather, Tesr son of Kinana, is called Quraish. This is because he caught a very large fish from the river of Hend, and this fish went by the name of Quraish. The fish was brought to Makka, and people would come from far and wide to see it. The word Fahr is Hebrew in origin, and its meaning is ‘a stone’.

 Qosai:

 In the fifth century CE, a pious man by the name of Qosai was born into the family line of Fahr. Shibli Nomani states that this very person, Qosai, is known as Quraish. However, I (the author) believe this to be incorrect. Qosai’s real name was Zaid, and his title was Abu Al-Mughira. His father was Kalaab, his mother’s name was Fatima daughter of Sa’ad and his wife was Aatika daughter of Khalekh, the son of Maleek. Indeed, Zaid was a steadfast, great and noble young man. He possessed immaculate character and nobility. He was virtuous, extremely generous and brave. His thoughts were pure and selfless. His manners and etiquette were distinguished and immaculate. One of his wives was Ji daughter of Khaleel Khazai. Khaleel was the leader of the Banu Khaza’a tribe. At the time of his death, Khaleel wished to hand over responsibility for the maintenance of the Kaba to his daughter. This was declined by his daughter owing to her weakness and fragility. So, Khaleel gave this responsibility to a relative by the name of Abu Ghebshaan Khazai. He passed this important service to Qosai. In this way, Qosai son of Kalaab acquired this great and honourable position. He maintained and repaired the Kaba, and constructed the ‘Dar An-Nadwa’. He also helped and benefited the ordinary people in many ways. He brought about the construction of the well named ‘Hajoon’, in Makka. Qosai passed away in the year 480 CE. After death, he was buried at Maqam e Hajoon, and his grave became a place of pilgrimage. Although Qosai was not a Prophet or Imam, he carried the light of Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family) within him. This is why he became the radiance of the peak of virtue.

 Abd Manaaf:

 Qosai had six sons, and among them Abd Al-daar was the eldest and Abd-Manaaf excelled more than the others. Before his death, Qosai passed all matters (for which he was responsible) onto his eldest son, but because of his prestige Abd Manaaf earned a reputation in all of these matters. He became leader of the Quraish. Abd Manaaf’s real name was Mugheera, and his title was Abu Abd Shams. His mother was Ji daughter of Khalil. He married Atika daughter of Marra Salmeeya, the son of Hilal. Because of his handsome appearance he is referred to as Qamar (Moon). Diyaar Bakri says that Abd Manaaf is referred to as Mugheera. He adopted the way of piety and mercy. Father and son were of one creed, and they never worshipped idols. Like his father (Qosai), Abd Manaaf possessed abundant virtues and merits and both of them carried the light of Muhammad (peace be upon him and his progeny). He (Abd Manaaf) passed away in Syria at the place known as Ghaza.

 No quarrels or conflicts arose during the life of Abd Manaaf. After his death, the situation amogst his children deteriorated (Hashim, Muttalib, Malbad Shams and Nawfel were prominent figures among the children of Abd Manaaf) when they requested from the children of Abd Al-Daar charges of lands which bani Abd Al-Daar were not entitled to. Therefore, they asked the children of Abd Al-Daar to return or distribute that which was theirs. They refused. Thereafter a conflict arose between them. Ultimately, an agreement was reached where Rafadah, Saqaya and Qayadat were retained by the children of Abd Manaaf, and Hajaabat and Lawwa remained with Abd Al-Daar. The charge of Dar An-Nadwa was shared between them.

 Hazrat Hashim:

 His name was Umar and his title was Abu Nafla. His father was Abd Manaaf and his mother was Atika daughter of Marrah Silmiyya. Due to his high status he is also referred to as Umar Wal’alaa. He and Abd Ashams were born joined together, so that the five toes of Hazrat Hashim were stuck to the forehead of Abdus Shams, and this was separated by cutting with a sword and it resulted in the loss of much blood. From this observation, the astrologers predicted that there would be a bloody conflict. This prediction proved to be true, and war continued to be waged between the offspring of these two personalities. These events reached their conclusion in 133 Hijri. There was a blood-spilling battle of such severity between the children of Abbas (descendents of Hazrat Hashim) and the children of Ummayya (decendents of Abdus Shams) that it destroyed the strength and power of the children of Ummayya once and for all. In terms of character he was a happy, content and kind-hearted person. He was also a rich person. He spent his life in the service of the Hujjaj (pilgrims to Makkah). The narrators state that he is called ‘Hashim’ because in a time of famine he went to Syria and spent his wealth on bread, and brought this back to distribute amongst the population, telling them to break it, dip it into soup and eat it. ‘Hashm’ means ‘to break’. Therefore, he was referred to as ‘Hashim’. He married a girl from his family, and only Hazrat Asad was born from this union. His second marriage was to an eminent woman of the famous tribe of bani Adi ibn Najjar of Yathrib (Medina). A lordly and honourable boy was born to this very woman. Afterwards, he was called by the name of ‘Abdul Muttalib Saetba Al Muhammad. Hazrat Abd al Muttalib was still suckling on milk when Hazrat Hashim passed away. In relation to his progeny, Jibrael alayhis salam says ‘I have searched the east and west and there is no one better than Muhammad Mustafa (peace be upon him and his family) and there is no lineage better than that of Banu Hashim. Hazrat Hashim passed away at Ghaza in Syria, in the year 510 (CE).

 Hazrat Asad:

 He was the eldest son of Hazrat Hashim. He was born before the year 497 (CE). His humanity and compassion was exceptional. Fakhruddin Razi states that one day Hazrat Asad found a friend (who was from the tribe of Khuzdam) in a state of extreme hunger, and he asked his mother to provide food for his friend. They arranged for a considerable quantity of cheese and flower to be delivered to his house. Hazrat Hashim was so affected by this event that he organised a gathering of the people of Makka. Khalweyya states that (in Arabic) there are five hundred words for lion, one of which is ‘Asad’. A lion is patient when afflicted by hunger and thirst. Allama Tareehi states that a lion has few in his offspring. Perhaps this was the reason why Hazrat Asad had few children, and it is probable that there was only one child, Fatima daughter of Asad who later became the mother of Hazrat Ali (peace be upon him).

 Hazrat Abdul Muttalib

 He was a very fine and great son of Hazrat Hashim, and he was born in the year 497 (CE). His father passed away during his youth. He was brought up under the stewardship of his paternal uncle, Hazrat Muttalib, and following a great destiny he became the greatest of the chiefs of the Arabs. Like his father, his mother (whose name was Salmaa) was a very great and pious person. Ibne Hisham states that his mother, being from a noble family, would include the condition that in marriage she could go home as and when she wished. It is stated by Allama Hilli that another condition for marriage was that she would stay with her parents when giving birth. One of Hazrat Abdul Muttalib’s names was ‘Shaybatul Hamd’ because at the time of his birth he had white hair, and the word ‘shayb’ means ‘white hair’. He was given the name ‘Hamd’, because signs that he would go on to be praiseworthy were seen in him. On reaching maturity, he became prominent and well-known like his father. He had forbidden himself from alcohol, and he used to worship in the cave of Hira. His dinner table was so vast that in addition to people, birds were fed from this table. Helping the destitute and enquiring about the disabled was a particular habit of his. He adopted some of the practices that, from a religious viewpoint, became principles of humanity; for example stopping marriage between close relatives (Mahram), abstaining from killing daughters and the dishonour of consuming alcohol and fornication. A great work of Hazrat Abdul Muttalib was to dig and re-open the well of zamzam that had become closed up in a by-gone age.

 A famous event of his time was the attack on the Kaba. The narrators report that Abraha Al-Ashram was the Christian king of Yemen. He was extremely zealous in his religion. The status and reverence given to the Kaba invoked a storm of jealousy in him, and so he made a grand church at San’a to try and belittle the splendour of the Kaba. However, people did not view this church with the same prestige as the Kaba, and so he decided to demolish the Kaba. He sent a great army to Makkah, under the command of Aswad son of Maqsood Jeshy. The tribes of Quraish, Kinana, Khaza’a and Hazeel prepared to fight (the army), but on seeing the size of the army they gave up hope and went together with their families and hid in the mountains. Hazrat Abdul Muttalib, together with a few of his companions, went and stood in front of the door to the Kaba and said “My Lord, this is your house and only you are the one who will save it”. By this time, the commander of the army caught some animals from the fields belonging to the people of Makkah, and among them were some that belonged to Hazrat Abdul Muttalib. Finally, Abraha sent Hanat Homeri to the people of Makkah and said that they had not come to fight with the people of Makkah, and that their only wish was to demolish the Kaba. Hazrat Abdul Muttalib replied to this message and stated that he had no wish to fight. He requested a meeting with Abraha, who accepted the request. Hazrat entered the court. Abraha welcomed him very warmly, and arose from his throne to sit with Hazrat Abdul Muttalib on the floor. During the conversation, Hazrat Abdul Muttalib enquired about the release of his camels. Abraha replied that he had not said anything regarding the house passed down from his ancestors (i.e., the Kaba). Hazrat replied “Inna rabbul abel wal bayt rabbun sameegha” (I am the owner of camels and ask for them. The Lord of the Kaba will save his house”. The camels were returned to Hazrat Abdul Muttalib. He went back and directed the Quraish to the mountains, and tarried there himself. In the end, Abraha led a vast army and advanced towards the Kabah. When he saw its walls, he commanded that the order to attack be given. Just as the arrogant and haughty soldiers moved forward, the heavenly army of God, in the form of birds, appeared from the western part of Makkah. Held in the beaks and claws of the birds were individual small stone pebbles. The birds began to rain down stones onto Abraha’s army. Tiny stones did the job of large bullets, and the entire army was destroyed. Abraha (who was mounted on a red elephant by the name of Mahmood) was injured and he began to flee towards Yemen, but he arrived in the hell-fire (he died) on the way. This event took place in the year 570 (CE). Abraha was riding an elephant, and Arabia had not seen an elephant before. Perhaps this is why by the order of God, the house of God was saved by tiny stones brought by small birds. This is why this event is associated with the elephant, at this (period) has been referred to as the year of the elephant. Hazrat Abdul Muttalib founded the practice of dying the hair (with henna). Ibn Nadim has stated that a handwritten letter of Hazrat Abdul Muttalib was present in Mamun’s library. Allama Majlisi and Maulavi Shibi have narrated that Hazrat passed away at the age of 82 years, and he was buried at Hajoon. In my view (i.e. the view of the author) the year of his death is 578 CE.

 Hazrat Abdullah:

 He was the son of Abdul Muttalib. His title was Abu Ahmed (the father of Ahmed). His mother’s name was Fatema, daughter of Umar, the son of Aaed, the son of Umar, the son of Makhdoom. She had brothers, of which Hazrat Abu Talib held great prominence. Hazrat Abdullah is that great and noble personality that granted an honour to our Prophet (peace be upon him and his family) by becoming his father. He was a notably eloquent, sincere and pious-natured person, who for reasons of being from a noble ancestry as well as having impeccable manners, was viewed as the most discernable from amongst the youth of Quraish. He was absolute in his virtuous deeds and noble writings. Hazrat Abdul Muttalib favoured him the most amongst his children. It is narrated that once, Hazrat Abdul Muttalib sweared that if God granted him 10 sons, he would sacrifice one of them in the way of God. To attain this goal, he went to sacrifice Hazrat Abdullah. People got hold of him and stated that lots should be drawn to determine who should be sacrificed. The name of Hazrat Abdullah was drawn every time. Hazrat Abdul Muttalib fervently wanted to sacrifice him (Hazrat Abdullah), but the number of camels were increased to 100 to draw a lot. In the end, lots were drawn three times on 100 camels, and Hazrat Abdullah was saved from being sacrificed. After this event, he was married to Bibi Amina, daughter of Wahb, the son of Abd Manaaf, from the tribe of Zahra. Hazrat Abdullah was about 18 years old at the time of marriage. He passed away at the age of 28 years. The narrators state that for the purpose of trade, he went from Makkah to Medina. He passed away in Medina. He was buried at the place called Abwa. In his will, he granted freedom to some camels and goats, and a maid servant named ‘Barkat’ (also called Arf Om Ameen).

 Hazrat Abu Talib:

 He was the grandson of Hazrat Hashim, the son of Hazrat Abdul Muttalib and the brother (by blood) of Hazrat Abdullah. His mother was Fatema daughter of Umaro Makhzoomi. The ‘radiant light of the scholars’ Nazeer Ahmed has mentioned that Hazrat was the most lordly and dignified amongst the children of Hazrat Abdul Muttalib. After Hazrat Abdul Muttalib, he raised the Prophet of Islam (peace be upon him and his family) and continued to support and help him. Maulavi Shibli states that Hazrat Abu Talib’s habit of having the Prophet sleep next to him, and taking the Prophet wherever he went, remained constant. He protected the Prophet from the unbelievers of Quraish, and the mischevious of the Jews, and did not let any harm come to him. The narrator Ibne Atheer states that on the journey to Syria, a monk saw the Prophet (peace be upon him and his family). He noticed the signs of nobility in the Prophet, and he told Hazrat Abu Talib to take him back to his home town quickly, lest the Jews kill him. Having sold his entire merchandise, Hazrat Abu Talib headed towards home. The narrator Diyaar Bakri states that Hazrat Muhammad Mustafa (peace be upon him and his family) took the merchandise to Syria for trade, through the (trade) setup of Hazrat Abu Talib. In a few days, Bibi Khadija expressed her wish to marry (the Prophet), and the proposal was formalised. Hazrat Abu Talib read the Nikah (marriage contract) on behalf of the Prophet, and Warqa son of Nawfal read the Nikah on behalf of Bibi Khadija. Hazrat Abu Talib started reading (the Nikah) with the following words: “Alhamdullilahi lazee ja’alna min zurriyati Ibraheem”. The Mehr (dowry) was set at 400 dinars. After completion of the marriage, Hazrat Abu Talib became very happy. According to Allama Tareehi, Imam Jaffar As Sadique (peace be upon him) has stated that in terms of his faith, Hazrat Abu Talib was like the companions of the cave (ashab Al-Kahf). The ‘light of the scholars’ Nazeer Ahmed states that Hazrat Abu Talib recited the Kalema (the proclamation of faith) even at the time of death. However, based on a Prophetic tradition narrated in Bukhari that causes many problems, Hazrat is called a non-believer. This is not worthy of belief nor possible to accept. The narrators agree upon Hazrat being a pious person (momin) and a Muslim. Two of Hazrat Abu Talib’s poems are worth noting:

 “O Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family). You invited me to Islam, and I know full well that you are truthful because you have remained truthful, even before the proclamation of prophet hood. O Muhammad. I know very well that your religion is better than all the religions of the world.”

 Hazrat’s wife was Bibi Fatema daughter of Asad who adopted the faith 3 years before the proclamation of prophet hood and passed away at Medina in the fourth year of Hijri. Hazrat himself passed away at the age of 85 in (the month of) shawwal, 10 years after the proclamation. The year of his death was referred to as the ‘year of sadness’ by the Prophet of God.

 Hazrat Abbas:

 He was the son of Hazrat Abdul Muttalib and the paternal uncle of the Prophet of Islam (peace be upon him and his family). His mother was bibi Fateela. He was 2 or 3 years older than the Prophet. He was tall and handsome. He adopted Islam prior to the Hirat (migration of the Prophet from Makkah to Medina). He gave a wise council. He fought in the conquest of Makkah, and the battle of Hunain. He had 10 sons and numerous daughters. He became blind in old age. He passed away at the age of 88 in Medina, on the 12th of Rajab in the year 32 Hijri. He was buried in Jannat Al-Baqee.

 Hazrat Hamza:

 He was the son of Hazrat Abdul Muttalib, and the paternal uncle of the Prophet. His mother’s name was Haala daughter of Wahb, and she was the cousin of Bibi Amena. She accepted Islam 6 years after proclamation of prophet hood. He fought in the battle of Badr and rendered great services in this battle. He also fought in the battle of Ohad and performed exceptionally. After killing 13 unbelievers, his foot slipped and he fell on the ground. His armour slipped away slightly from his back, and taking this opportunity, a savage named Jeshy shot an arrow and Hazrat was martyred in that moment, on the 5th of Shawwal in the year 3 Hijri. The unbelievers mutilated his body. The mother of Muawiya, Hinda, took out the liver of Hazrat and chewed on it. This is why Muawiya is referred to as ‘Ibn Akalta Al-Ikbaad’. Hazrat was 57 years old (upon death). The Prophet of God (peace be upon him and his family) read the funeral prayer.

 The sons of Hazrat Abu Talib

 Ibn Kutayba states that Hazrat Abu Talib had four sons: (1) Hazrat Talib. (2) Hazrat Aqeel. (3) Hazrat Jaffar. (4) Hazrat Ali (peace be upon him). The difference in age between the youngest and the oldest of these sons was 10 years. Diyaar Bakri states that Hazrat had two daughters, Om Haani and Jamaanah.

 Hazrat Talib threw himself in the sea and drowned because he didn’t want to fight the Muslims in the battle of Badr. He did not have any children.

 Aqeel:

 He was born in the year 590 CE. His title was ‘Abu Yazeed’. He disclosed his belief in Islam at the event of Hudaybiyya, and he came to Medina in the year 5 Hijri. He fought in the battle of Muwatta. He was an exceptional genealogist. He met Muawiya for the honouring of a debt, and according to the narration of Ibne Qutayba, he obtained 3000 coins. He possessed a great wit. He became blind in old age. He passed away at 96 years of age, in the year 50 Hijri (670 CE).

 Jaffar:

 He bore a great resemblance to the Prophet (peace be upon him and his family). He came into the faith from the beginning. He participated in the Hijrat (migration) to Habsha and the migration to Medina. He was sent to (fight in) the battle of Muwatta in the month of Jamadil Awwal, in the year 5 Hijri. He took the flag and engaged in fierce fighting. Both of his hands were cut, and he gripped the flag in his teeth. The Prophet (peace be upon him and his family) has said about Hazrat Jaffar that in lieu of his hands, God has granted him two wings in heaven, and that he flies with the angels. Upon his martyrdom, the Prophet and Bibi Fatema Zahra went to express their condolences to Asma daughter of Umays. The Prophet gave the order for food to be sent to the house of Hazrat Jaffar. He passed away at the age of 14. There were 90 cuts on his body. He left 8 sons behind, and their mother was Asma daughter of Umays. Abdullah son of Jaffar and Muhammad son of Jaffar were prominent amongst the sons. Hazrat Abdullah was the husband of Bibi Zainab, and Hazrat Muhammad was the husband of Bibi Om Kulthoom.

 Hazrat Ali (peace be upon him):

 He will be mentioned later (in this book).