The book is known for its authentic accounts, brevity of prose, comprehensive perspective and reliable references. It has been widely acclai...
The book is known for its authentic accounts, brevity of prose, comprehensive perspective and reliable references. It has been widely acclaimed among the devotees and friends of Ahlebait (a.s.). It's for this reason that the book has been widely reprinted over 20 times in Iran and Iraq and has been translated several times in Persian. The book has been translated in Urdu and English and published in India and Pakistan in multiple editions.
The book has been translated by Shaikh Ali bin Shaikh al -Iraqain, which was published in 1399 A.H. The other translators of the book are as follows:
1) Mirza Razzaqali
2) Shaikh Ahmad bin Salamah Najafi
3) Muhammad Ibrahim
4) Sayed Ahmed Fehri Zanjani
5) Sayed Muhammad Zahfi
6) Dr Abdur Rahim Aqeeqi Bajshayashi
The several translations and multiple reprints only establish the popularity of the book. A major part of the article is sourced from al-Lohuf.
Among the orators of India, Pakistan and Iran, Lohuf has been a major research material and frequently quoted book in their speeches. The reason is that every book, big or small has sourced its material from al-Lohuf.
Following are some excerpts from the book:
Sayed Ibn Tawoos (r.a.) has quoted from Imam Ja'far Sadiq (a.s.) that when Imam Husain (a.s.) was leaving Mecca a contingent of angels who had earlier assisted the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a) in his battles, astride on celestial horses paid a visit to Imam (a.s.) and said:
"O Proof of Allah on His creation! After your grandfather, your father and brother, surely Allah have sent us to your aid."
Imam Husain (a.s.) replied:
"My promised land is 'Karbala', the place where I will be killed and buried. When I reach that place you can meet me there".
The angels replied:
"Allah has ordained us to obey you. If you apprehend an attack from the enemies then we are at your beck and call."
Imam (a.s.) said:
"They cannot harm me unless I reach Karbala."
(al-Lohuf, p.82)
After angels, it was the turn of the Jinns who offered to assist Imam Husain (a.s.). Imam Husain (a.s.) prayed for their well-being.
The Jinns replied: "By Allah, if your obedience was not compulsory, then we would have differed with you and annihilated your enemies"
Imam Husain (a.s.) retorted:
"By Allah, if I really want them to be eliminated then I am much more powerful in its execution. However, (since I want to complete the argument once for all) I want those to be annihilated may perish after the completion of argument and those who prosper and attain glory may also do so after the completion of argument."
(al-Lohuf p. 84)
Important Reminder
Obedience of Imam (a.s.) is not only mandatory on humans but also on angels and Jinns. Imams (a.s.) despite their unlimited power, delegated on them by the Almighty, are still bound by divine will and consent. Like friends, Imams also intend a finality of proof for their enemies as well. We have briefly enlisted some instances here; those interested may refer al-Lohuf.
The migration of Imam (a.s.) from Madina, the call of residents of Kufa, martyrdom of Hazrat Muslim bin Aqeel (a.s.), the sermons of Imam Husain (a.s.) on various junctures, the martyrdom of friends, companions and relatives of Imam Husain (a.s.), the expression of grief and mourning of Janabe Zainab (s.a.), Janabe Umme Kulsum (s.a.), Janabe Sakina (s.a.) and other womenfolk, the sermons of Janabe Zainab (s.a.), Umme Kulsum (s.a.) and Imam Zainul Abedin (a.s.), the incidents en route to Kufa and Syria, return to Madina and narration of the tragedy of Karbala in the words of Janabe Zainab (s.a.) on the grave of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.).
The Death of Sayed Ibn Tawoos (r.a.)
On 5 Zilqad, 664 Hijri, Sayed Ibn Tawoos (r.a.) breathed his last and was buried in Kazmain in Iraq. Ibn Tawoos (r.a.) was the privileged recipient of the Imam Zamana's (a.t.f.s.) blessings and attention during his lifetime and if the popularity of his books is any indication, Imam's (a.t.f.s.) blessings continue on him even after his death. Al-Lohuf is an excellent gift for the devotees of Ahlebait (a.s.).
O Allah! Hasten the reappearance of our master Imam-e-Zamaana (a.t.f.s.) and enlist us among his helpers and soldiers! Aameen!
