Ya Ali Madad - meaning
Many People ask for the meaning of what "Ya Ali Madad" means and why we say it, this Page will attempt to give you a simple understanding as to why we use the saying. Then there are also those who say that we are not allowed to ask anyone apart from Allah for help, the information below will also give clear evidence from the Quran that it is allowed and infact recommended.
Invoke Ali, You shall surely find him helping in your troubles
Naad-e Ali calligram at the Aga Khan museum
We greet each other with a hearty "Ya Ali Madad" everyday and you see faces light up immediately but have you wondered at the history and significance of this greeting?
As we all know, Hazrat Ali (a.s.) was the first male Muslim convert (Hazrat Khatija being the first female believer) and he took up the responsibility to propagate the Holy Message delivered to our beloved Prophet Muhammad (s.a.s.) at a tender age.
He was only twelve when Prophet Muhammad asked who would come to his help with this work at a family gathering at Abd-al Muttalib's (their grandfather) house. Hazrat Ali (a.s.) was the only one who stood up and declared his allegiance and offered full support for Prophet Muhammad's (s.a.s.) mission.
The Prophet blessed Imam Ali (a.s.) and said, "From now on you are my helper, my Wazir and the Khalif after me on earth."
There were many other historical incidences where Hazrat Ali was always at the Prophet's side working to forward the cause of Allah. This meant not only educating the new Muslims about the fresh revelations but also defending the believers from the opposition to this new faith. Prophet Muhammad came to rely on Hazrat Ali's help as his chief commander of his army and with the help of his two-horned sword named Zulfiqar (which means 2-pronged), Hazrat Ali defeated many an army.
Naadey Ali! Nad-e Ali! (Invoke Ali!)
Naad-e Ali! Nade Ali!
Naad-e Aliyyan
Mazharal Ajayeb
Tajidahu Aunun Laka Finnwaeb
Kullu Hamin wa Gamin Sayanjali
Bi Wilayatika
Ya Ali! Ya Ali! Ya Ali!
Call Ali! Call Ali!
Call aloud to Ali
Who is the epiphanic source of wonders
You shall surely find him helping in your troubles
All grief and anxiety will disappear
By Your power and Authority!
O Ali! O Ali! O Ali!
At the battle at the Fort of Khyber, Hazrat Ali had stayed behind, and when the Muslims were losing hopelessly, Prophet Muhammad called for the help of Hazrat Ali in his prayer to Allah.
Ya Ali Bilutfika Adrikani! O Ali, come to my help by Thy Favor! Hazrat Ali came riding and to the rescue of his team; he held the door of the fort across the moat, miraculously, with one arm, until all the Muslims had crossed over.
This resulted in victory for the Muslims. Songs and Qawalis about this victory abound in the Muslim world even today and here is a selection for your enjoyment and don't forget to look at the Taawiz with Naad-e Ali inscribed beautifully on this silver case.
Angel Gabriel shows the prowess of Hazrat Ali
to Prophet Muhammad - Painted in Shiraz, Iran 1480
"Hazrat Ali was never defeated in a war or a combat throughout his life. His physical strength was beyond human comprehension. He removed from the hinges the strong doors of the Khyber fort with a single jolt of his hand.
Later, seven strong men with Abu Ra'fe', the famous strongman, could not lift even an inch from the ground one of the corners of the door. When asked about his wonderful display of strength, in removing the doors, Hazrat Ali replied that it was his divine power." (Sayyidul Ausiya, p. 65)
"Ali, Son of Abu Talib, Son-in-Law and first cousin of Prophet Mohammad (Peace be upon him), father of Imam Hasan and the greatest Martyr Imam Husain, the Lion of God, Gateway of Knowledge, the mightiest of mighty; does not need an introduction, He was at the same time master of the Pen and Sword -- a rare combination.
Even today in the battle fields the Cry of "Ya Ali !" resounds, invoking his help. Sportsmen, Wrestlers and Athletes, taking part in manly games, chant the Slogan of "Ya Ali !" for their victory. On the other hand, the pious devoted entirely to the service of God, almost all of them trace the spiritual lineage from Ali and believe him to be the Fountain Head of all Knowledge." - S.M.A. Rizvi
"Ali is absent today from our midst only physically. His soul even to this day is the greatest spiritual resort to everyone who seeks the help of God through his medium. Thousands and thousands of people call out to him in their difficulties, and the word "Ya Ali Madad", automatically comes to them. A famous prayer known as "NADEY ALI" (Call Ali) is recited wherever abound the lovers of Ali." - Majlisi
"Here the garrison came out in great force, and on that day every attack made by the Muslims was repulsed. "Tomorrow," said the Prophet, "will I give the standard unto a man whom God and His messenger love. God will give us the victory by his hands; he is not one who turneth back in flight."
"In his previous campaigns the Prophet had used relatively small flags as standards, but to Khaybar he had brought a great black standard made from a cloak of A'isha's. They called it 'the Eagle', and this he now gave to Ali." - Martin Lings in his book: "Muhammad - his life based on the earliest sources"
"Ali was one of the most courageous and able men in the Muslim army. He was appointed the standard-bearer at the battles of both Badr and Khaybar. At Khaybar (A.H. 7) the following tradition is related by several Sunni and Shi'i histories. This is the version found in a Sunni collection of Traditions, the Sahih of Muslim:
'The Apostle of God said on the day of Khaybar: "I shall certainly give this banner to a man who loves God and His Apostle and through whom God will give victory." Umar ibn al-Khattab said: "I never wished for a leadership except on that day." And he also said: "And so I leapt up towards it hoping to claim it as a right." And the Apostle of God summoned Ali, the son of Abu Talib, and gave it to him and said "Go! And do not turn aside until God gives you victory."
"When the Prophet left to go on his longest expedition, to Tabuk, Ali was left in charge at Medina. According to some accounts, Ali felt insulted to be left with the women and children while, according to others, rumours spread that Ali had been left behind because it was feared he would bring misfortune to the expedition.
In any case, Ali went to the Prophet voicing his discontent at being left behind. It was at this time, according to numerous Sunni and Shi'i Traditionists, that the famous Hadith of Manzilat Harun (position of Aaron) was revealed.
According to this Tradition, Muhammad said to Ali: " Are you not content to be with respect to me as Aaron was to Moses, except that after me there shall be no other Prophet."
The implication was that Ali was to be Muhammad's chief assistant in his lifetime and his successor after him." - Moojan Momen's "An introduction to Shi'i Islam" published by Yale University Press
Taawiz - Amulet inscribed with names of Allah, Muhammad, Ali, Fatima and Nadey Ali
This talisman-carrying silver box (probably used for housing a miniature Quran) is a splendid example of intricate craftsmanship and filigree work by devout Muslim calligraphers and craftsmen.
The silver container bears four highly decorative hooks with holes for a string so that it can be worn around the neck or upper arm. The front panel is engraved with the names of Allah, Muhammed, Ali, Fatima. Translation: "Allah, (Prophet) Muhammed, Ali (son-in-law and cousin of Prophet Muhammed), and Fatima (daughter of Prophet Muhammed)". (Peace be upon them all!)
The calligraphy is done in mirror-image style: sideways and in opposite direction. The back of the talisman has engravings of Nad-e-Ali (Call for Ali) -- an age old Shia Muslim supplication. The sides of the lid are engraved with an Arabic verse for the Holy Five (Panj Tan Paak), i.e. Prophet Muhammed, Hazrat Ali, Hazrat Fatima, Hazrat Hassan and Hazrat Hussain.
All credit for the written content above on this Page goes to Amaana and their Team who have kindly granted me permission to use their content in order to spread the Truth. For more information about Amaana and their Website can you find them >here<.
Intercession (Shafa‘ah)
The issue of Intercession (Shafa‘ah) is one of the most controversial issues within Islam. The Shi‘a school of thought and some schools within the Sunni tradition believe in the concept of Intercession, while others, like Wahabism reject it and say that whoever believes in it is not a Muslim, rather is a heretic.
The Qur’an addresses this issue in three manners.
First, there are verses which negate intercession, such as 2:123 and 2:254.
Second, there are verses which say that the Intercession is exclusively the domain of Allah—He and only He has the ability to intercede, such as in 6:70 and 39:44.
Third, there are verses which take precedence over the first two categories and it is in these verses that the power and ability of intercession is best defined. They state that while the Intercession is the absolute right of Allah, nevertheless, if He wishes, He can extend it to certain people among His creation.
The Qur’an states:
No intercessor can plead with Him except by His permission.1
Who is he that can intercede with Him except with His permission?2
On that Day, no intercession shall avail, except the one from whom Allah, the Most Gracious has given permission and whose word is acceptable to Him.3
And they cannot intercede, except for Him with whom He is pleased.4
None shall have the power of intercession except one who has received permission or a promise from Allah, the Most Gracious.5
Intercession with Him profits none except for those He permits.6
According to these verses, certain people will have permission from Allah—such as prophets, imams, andawliya’ (intimate friend of Allah)—to intercede and help people by the permission of Allah. Without His permission, no intercession will be accepted. Even during their lifetime, prophets had the ability to intercede on behalf of those who repented and sought forgiveness and returned to the path of Allah.
The Qur’an states:
We sent no messenger but to be obeyed by the leave of Allah. If they who have been unjust to themselves had come to you (Prophet Muhammad) and begged Allah’s forgiveness, and the Messenger had begged forgiveness for them—indeed they would have found Allah All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.7
(The brothers of Yusuf) said, “O our father! Ask forgiveness from Allah for our sins. Indeed, we have been sinners.” He said, “I will ask my Lord for forgiveness for you.” Verily, He, and only He, is the Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.8
The Prophet Muhammad has also mentioned to the people in regards to his own intercession:
I will be interceding on the Day of Judgment for whoever has faith in his heart.9
Each prophet before me asked Allah for something which he was granted, and I saved my request until the Day of Judgment for intercession on behalf of my nation.10
My intercession will be for the people who committed the cardinal sins (al-kaba΄ir) except shirk and dhulm(polytheism and oppression).11
The Intercessors are five: the Qur’an, one’s near relatives, trusts (amanah), your Prophet, and the family of your Prophet (the Ahlul Bayt).12
Shafa΄ah is not to ask the prophet or the imams for protection or to ward off calamity or to bring happiness and success. Rather, it is to plead to Allah, the Almighty by the sake of those who are near to Him, like the prophets and the imams.
As the Noble Qur’an asserts, only those who receive promise and permission from Allah can intercede and help people on the Day of Judgment. Intercession will be for those with good intentions and good belief in this life, who neither defied Allah nor challenged His authority but, perhaps fell behind in part of their religious obligations. Their good record will help them receive the intercession of the messengers, the imams, and the believers on the Day of Judgment.
Imam Ja‘far al-Sadiq, the sixth Imam of the school of Ahlul Bayt, at the time of his martyrdom called his relatives and companions and said, “Verily, our intercession will never reach one who takes the prayers lightly.”13
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1.Noble Qur’an, 10:3
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2.Noble Qur’an, 2:255
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3.Noble Qur’an, 20:109
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4.Noble Qur’an, 21:28
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5.Noble Qur’an, 19:87
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6.Noble Qur’an, 34:23
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7.Noble Qur’an, 4:64
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8.Noble Qur’an, 12:97-98
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9.al-Muttaqi al-Hindi, Kanz al-Ummal, Hadith 39043
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10.Ibid.
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11.Ibid.
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12.Ibid., Hadith 39041
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13.al-Majlisi, Bihar al-Anwar, 82:236
The Article above in regards to intercession has originally been produced by www.Al-Islam.org and all credit therefore goes to them. The link to the Original Article can be found >>>here<<<.
Calling Upon the Prophet and Imams for Help
Calling upon the Prophet and the imams (also referred to as istighathat al-nabi wal-a’immah) is allegorical, not literal. The Noble Qur’an teaches people to worship and seek help from Allah (“iyyaka na‘budu wa iyyaka nasta‘in”); however, the allegorical seeking of help is permitted in the Noble Qur’an.
For example, in the story of Prophet Musa (Moses), “And he found there two men fighting—one from his party (Shi‘a), and the other from his foes. The man of his own party asked him (istighathahu) for help against his foe, so Musa struck him with his fist and killed him.”1
Many of the narrators of hadith narrate a prayer (du΄a) from the Prophet which begins, “O my Lord! I turn to you by your Prophet, the Prophet of Mercy (Allahumma, inni atawajjahu ilayka bi nabiyyika nabi al-rahma…).” Then it says, “O Muhammad! I turn to Allah by you to solve my difficulties.”2
It is also narrated that the feet of ‘Abdullah ibn Umar al-Khattab became disabled and he could no longer walk. After being told to call upon the closest people to his heart, he said, “Wa Muhammada!” His feet became cured and worked properly again.3
The Noble Qur’an teaches us to “seek help through patience and prayer (sabr and salat).”4
Sabr (according to commentators of the Qur’an, in this context refers to fasting) and salat (prayers) are means which ultimately lead one to Allah. Thus calling upon the Prophet or Imam ‘Ali is allegorical since all agree that Allah is the main source of support, aid, and assistance and they are just a means to Him.
Some Muslims associate calling upon the Prophet or the imams as shirk (heresy). They argue that a person should not ask any person for help. However, we see that if a person is faced with a problem in life, often, this person will logically and naturally call upon a nearby person for help. If a person was about to drown and he called out for help, then would his seeking help from someone other than Allah make him a mushrik(associating one with Allah)?
By the same reasoning, calling upon the Prophet or the imams is not shirk. The argument that they cannot be called upon because they are dead is also invalid, because the Qur’an falsifies the notion of martyrs being classified as dead,
“Think not of those who are killed in the way of Allah as dead. Nay, they are alive with their Lord, and they have provision.”5
“And say not of those who are killed in the way of Allah, ‘They are dead.’ Nay, they are living, but you perceive it not.”6
If an ordinary Muslim was martyred (for the cause of Allah) is considered to be alive, then how can the Prophet and his family, who were not only martyrs, but whose rank also surpassed that of all other human beings, be considered dead?
Calling upon the Prophet and his family does not negate the fact that Allah is the source of help and rescue in this universe. However, because these people are the closest to Him, and they enjoy a special status with Him, then calling upon them means calling upon Allah for the sake of those whom He loves.
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1.Noble Qur’an, 28:15
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2.Ibn Majah; Tirmidhi, al-Nisa’i; “al-Husn al-Hasin” Ibn al-Juzri
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3.al-Samhudi, Shifa’ al-Asqam
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4.Noble Qur’an, 2:45
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5.Noble Qur’an, 3:169
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6.Noble Qur’an, 2:154
The Article above in regards to intercession has originally been produced by www.Al-Islam.org and all credit therefore goes to them. The link to the Original Article can be found >>>here<<<.