The Najran Pact,

Mobaahelah (Mubahilah)

Part 16

Haritha proves his claims through Jamia

Haritha said: I bring evidence from your side only which would soon free you from doubt, and impart health to your hearts. He then turned to Haritha bin Al-Qama, their greatest scholar and learned man and said: O respected father, I beseech you to bestow contentment and joy on our minds, by bringing forward the book entitled Jamia (collection).  

Narrators say that it came about on the fourth day, it was a hot afternoon and hot wind was blowing there. Sayyid and Aqib now proposed to adjourn to the next day, as it was near noon, and they declared themselves quite exhausted. It was decided that the next day the books of Zajerah and Jamia would be produced, and a decision be made in accordance with them and the gathering dispersed. 

The next day all the people of Najran, with devotees and scholars, gathered to hear the debate of Sayyid and Aqib with Haritha and what was produced from Jamia on the subject. When Sayyid and Aqib described the multitude* ready to listen to what was mentioned in Jamia, they felt ashamed, for they knew that the book appealed to what was against them, therefore they did not like this debate to be held in public. Sayyid and Aqib were like satans in deceit.

Thus Sayyid said to Haritha: You have delivered long speeches and you don’t want the truth to become manifest. Haritha said: The fact is that you and Aqib don’t want the truth to be manifested. Now you may say what you like. Aqib said: I have said all I wanted to say, now I repeat it again. Doubtlessly we want to inform you and don’t want to conceal the Divine Proof and to deny the Divine signs. We don’t attribute falsehood to the Lord of the Worlds, as whoever the Almighty Allah has sent with Prophethood we should say that he is not a Prophet! O Haritha we agree that from the progeny of Ismail, Muhammad (S) is the Messenger (Rasul) of God to his people. But from the Arabs and non-Arabs, we don’t think that they are obliged to forgo their previous faith and adopt his religion. Haritha asked: Why do you accept such a thing?  

They said because it is mentioned in New Testaments and all divine books and it has become apparent for us thus. Haritha said: If it is obvious that Muhammad is a Prophet, in brief or in detail, how can you say that he is not the heir and not the one who will preside on the judgment and that he is not sent for all the worlds. He replied: You know that, and also know that the Proof of Allah is never invalidated. And it is a command effected by the Almighty Allah so that remains in force forever.  

And the world is never devoid of the Divine Proof [Hojjat] till this world would endure and even if two persons survive on the earth, one of them will be the Divine Proof on another; and before this we used to think that the proof would be Muhammad and he would keep this religion established, but since he has no male issue surviving, and that made him heirless we thought that he is not the ‘same Muhammad’, because he is heirless and the Divine Proof and the last Prophet of God will not be heirless. This is mentioned in all divine scriptures.  

Therefore we thought that after Muhammad the Prophet who comes after him and who will survive, whose name Muhammad would be derived from Ahmad about whom Christ has informed [Qur’an 61:6] and that his son would be the ruler of all the world and keep all the creatures of the Almighty Allah on His religion. And these matters will come not through him but through his progeny that will be the owner of the world and all that is in it. And all scholars who know the New Testament by heart are having consensus; and before this we have discussed this fully, so what is the use of repeating all this?  

[Let us pay careful attention to the things Sayyid and Aqib revealed here:

1) “we agree that from the progeny of Ismail, Muhammad (S) is the Messenger of God”

2) “before this we used to think that the Proof would be Muhammad and he would keep this religion established, but since he has no male issue surviving, and that made him heirless we thought that he is not the ‘same Muhammad’, because he is heirless and the Divine Proof and the last Prophet of God will not be heirless”

3) Therefore we thought that after Muhammad the Prophet who comes after him and who will survive, whose name Muhammad would be derived from Ahmad about whom Christ has informed”

I.e. firstly from all the undeniable signs (Qur’an 2:146, 6:20, …)  which they had in their scriptures they actually recognized clearly and undoubtedly that Hadrat Muhammad (SBUH&HA) was the anticipated and promised Prophet from ”the progeny of Ismail”. Secondly based on the same undeniable scriptural signs they confessed that they originally had decided that Hadrat Muhammad (SBUH&HA) was indeed that very “same Muhammad” who was anticipated to be the very “last Prophet”. But then they thought that they found a good excuse for not submitting: they said since they thought Hadrat Muhammad (SBUH&HA) was “heirless” and because the scriptures had prophesied that “the last Prophet of God will not be heirless” they decided that they could say that this Muhammad (SBUH&HA) was not the “same Muhammad”. So thirdly they innovated the idea of the coming of another Muhammad: “Therefore we thought that after Muhammad the Prophet who comes after him … whose name Muhammad would be derived from Ahmad”.

This means that they actually confessed that they had no documented proof that there had to come two Muhammads, rather they themselves invented the story of another future Prophet named Muhammad- derived from Ahmad- who would not be heirless. Therefore what they were really doing was to pretend that their reason for not accepting Hadrat Muhammad (SBUH&HA) was the fact that they thought he (SBUH&HA) had no sons (please also see the kindfather.com comment regarding this issue  in part 15 of this writing). But as we will see shortly they knew very well the offspring of Prophet Mohammad (SBUH&HA) …

 Let us also keep in mind that which was mentioned in part 15: “The two opponents now said: If Muhammad had offspring, Haritha you have won the debate”.]

Haritha said: We all know this but are repeating it so that if someone has forgotten it, he may be reminded of it and if someone is making a mistake, he may correct it. And that he may be satisfied. You have mentioned that after Masih [Messiah, Christ] there will be two Prophets, both from the progeny of Ismail. The first of them will rise in Medina and after him the second is Ahmad, and Muhammad who is from Quraish is the same one who is residing in Medina.  

But we believe that he is the same Ahmad who is mentioned in all the books. He is the same Proof of the Almighty Allah; he is solely the Seal of the Prophets and heir of the Messengers. Other than him, or after him, there will be no Prophet or Messenger between him and the Judgment Day. 

Sayyid and Aqib swear that if they see the prophecy of Prophet Muhammad (S) in Jamia, they would accept him as a Prophet 

Yes, his progeny will continue through his chaste and infallible daughter [Hadrat Fatemah (SBUH)], and she will get a son [Hadrat Mahdi (SBUH)] who will invite all the creatures to the Religion and will dominate the countries of the world from the East to the West. So you have said what you wanted to say and you believe in the Prophethood of Muhammad and if his progeny continues you will have no doubt that he is the most excellent of the Prophets and the last of them. They agreed to it.

[We cordially invite our friends to read all parts of articles: “Truth behind ‘Lady of Fatima’” and “Imam Mahdi’s (PBUH) Birth, Ascension and Rise, and the Revelation of John” in this site kindfather.com]

Haritha said that since they had doubt about the other Prophet, therefore the book of Jamia will adjudicate between them. People acclaimed aloud and called for Jamia since they were fed up with debates. They were thinking that when the book is brought it would be known that truth is with Sayyid and Aqib as they had made big claims in gatherings. Abu Haritha sent a servant to bring the Jamia, which was very large and weighty book, and the servant brought it in on his head. 

The narrator says that a person from Najran informed me that he used to be present in the services of Sayyid and Aqib. He used to work for them and knew most their circumstances. He said that when Jamia was brought, Sayyid and Aqib almost died of anger, for they knew it contained a history of the Prophet of God, of his character, family, times, and posterity, what would happen in his community, his companions, and all the events down to Judgment Day.  

*Sayyid and Aqib had some private exchange, in which they said that the day was not in their favor and public disgrace threatened them: such a situation is impossible that all the people should gather at one place, in which such a talk is held and in which the people do not gain the upper hand. The other one said: To be defeated by common people is the worst tragedy. After that it is very difficult to reform them. Because their making mischief is like demolishing a house and their reform is like the construction of a house and whatever occurs in the word of their mischief cannot be corrected in a whole year. 

The narrator says that during this time Haritha got an opportunity to send secretly, an agent to a party which had just returned from a visit to Muhammad, to summon them by way of precaution. So Aqib and Sayyid could neither close the meeting nor postpone it to the next day, for, all the christians of Najran had attended the meet, and all wanted to see the qualities of the Messenger of Allah (S) mentioned in the book of Jamia.  

And the people sent by the Prophet were present there. Abu Haritha, a senior member of Christian faith also used to support Haritha. The narrator says that the trustworthy Christian man narrated to me that those scholars decided among themselves that whatever Haritha tells them and to whatever matter he invites them, they cannot deny it. So that people may not think that they are on the wrong. And they expressed the same attitude that they were eager to see the book of Jamia and to act on its correct directions, so that they may not be insulted in the view of the people. Thus Sayyid and Aqib arose and came to Jamia which was with Abu Haritha and Haritha Ibn Asaal also stepped forward. Audiences also craned their necks and the companions of the Prophet also surrounded that book.  

When Abu Haritha gestured, Jamia was opened and they first produced from it the book of Adam, which was related to the Kingdom of the Most High, what He has created, and what He has decreed in heaven and earth respecting things temporal and eternal. This book, which contained all sciences, was transmitted by the father of mankind, to Sheeth [Hadrat Adam’s son and Allah Chosen Successor (SBUT), known as Seth in bible]. Sayyid and Aqib began to read from it in order to know the qualities of the Holy Prophet (S) so that the dispute between them be resolved. All the assembly gave the strictest attention to the book, in the second chapter of which was written: 

In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful. I am the Lord, besides whom there is no Lord, self-existent in My nature. I created the universe, and the life of all is bestowed by Me. I have appointed one period to succeed another, and in everything have made the true and the false manifest, and according to My own intention have given means their power. Every difficult thing is easy for Me. I am the great, beneficent Lord, and gracious giver.  

I give and forgive, My Mercy precedes My Wrath, and My favor outstrips punishment. I have created My servants to worship Me, and completed the Proof for all. Indeed I will send to them My Prophets and My Books, from the beginning of time, the first of mankind, Adam to the era of “Ahmad My Prophet”, on whom I will send salvation and mercy, make in his heart a place for My blessing and by him complete the list of My Prophets.  

Adam inquired, O Allah, who are those Prophets, and who is Ahmad, and whom thou bestowest such exaltation and greatness? The Lord of the universe replied,

“They will all be from your progeny, and the last of them will be Ahmad.” “For what,” said Adam, “Would You raise and send them?”  

The Most High declared, “I send them on account of My unity, and to make known My oneness. I will communicate by them to mankind, three hundred and thirty religious dispensations, and will complete this system on Ahmad. Therefore I have decreed that whoever comes to Me according to one of these dispensations, with faith in Me and “My Prophet” [Hadrat Mohammad, Ahmad (SBUH&HA)], shall enter Paradise.” 

[All Prophets (SBUT) based on Tawhid (Oneness) and ‘Adl (Justice) of Allah invited people to the one and only Right Path of Allah; throughout times and in different places, according to the commands of Prophets (SBUT), somewhat different precepts- but with identical principles- were practiced by the followers of Prophets (SBUT). Those living at times of different Prophets (SBUT) who faithfully followed the undistorted teachings of their Prophets (SBUT) and died while believing in their undistorted teachings and thus also believing in the Last Anticipated Prophet of Allah- i.e. Hadrat Mohammad (SBUH&HA) whom Allah (SWT) has called “My Prophet”- Allah has Promised that they  shall enter Paradise. Please read all parts of the article: “Wilayat of Mohammad and AhlulBayt (SBUT), from creation to eternity” in this site: kindfather.com]

The next passage of the book was to this purport: The Most High caused Adam to know the Prophet and the rest of his posterity. His attention was fixed by a light of spirit among them that illumined all the East, and increased till it likewise filled the West and arose to heaven. This was recognized to be as the Muhammadan light, and the fragrance shed by that luminous spirit perfumed the world.  

Around this spirit, he beheld four others; they were to left, right and before and behind him; that in fragrance and splendor resembled it more than any others of his posterity. Next he saw the spirit of those specially aided by the five luminous spirits, and bearing a similitude to them, and around these again, a multitude like the stars of heavens of various degrees of brilliance, but all inferior in splendor to those they surrounded.  

The blackness like a dark tempestuous night arose round the whole horizon. The darkness, on nearer approach, proved to be innumerable multitudes of horrid shapes and hideous features, emitting the most putrid odors. 

Adam was confounded at this wonderful sight and said, “O Knower of all secret and Forgiver of sins, the Lord of omnipotent power and victorious intentions, who are these blessed towering lights surrounding that eminent one?” The Most High replied, “They are your heirs, those who eagerly take My mercies and are near Me as intercessor, and whose intercession for sinner, I will accept.  

This great light is Ahmad, the best of them and of all creatures, whom I have chosen according to My own Knowledge, and derived his name from one of My own titles; I am Mahmud and he is Muhammad. The light which resembles him is his vizier [wazir] and successor, by whom I impart strength to Muhammad, and I bestow on that one My blessing. He would be pure of all sins. [Hadrat ‘Ali (SBUH)]

This other light is the best of My handmaids, the heir of My Knowledge, and daughter of “My Prophet”, Ahmad [Hadrat Fatemah (SBUH)]. These two other lights are the grandchildren of Muhammad, and the Successors of the other in the knowledge and perfection [Imams Hasan and Hosain (SBUT)]. The lights which surround these are their children, who will be the heirs of their knowledge [the rest of the Infallible Imams (SBUT)]. Verily, I have chosen them all, and made them Pure and Innocent, have bestowed blessing on them all, and imparted to them My perfect mercy, and have made them the cause of illumination to the universe.” 

Looking down this train of luminous spirits, Adam beheld one that shone like the Morning Star. “By the blessing of that favored servant of mine” [Hadrat Mahdi (SBUH)], declared the Most High, “I will take away the chains of oppressors from the necks of My servants, remove calamity from them and fill the earth with light, mercy and justice, after it has been overfilled  with cruelty, anarchy and tyranny.” Adam rejoined, “Lord, verily he is great whom You have exalted, and he is ennobled whom You dignify, and whomever You exalt is worthy of the rank: but why are these servants of Yours so highly exalted? 

The Lord of universe declared, I am the Lord, besides whom there is no Lord. I am the forgiving and benevolent, the great and beneficent God, and omniscient over all. I know every thought, and the time and manner of every event, and the circumstances of that which will never transpire had it pleased Me to give it existence. And if something transpired, how it would transpire?  

Verily on examining the heart of my servants, I have found none more obedient to me and benevolent to my creatures, than the Prophets, which reason I bestowed on them My wisdom and apostleship, and laid on their shoulders the burden of the doctrine of prophecy. And chose them for My Messengership. After that according to the grades of the Prophets, I appointed a special group from their Successors so that I can entrust them with My Proof. And make them the leader of the people. And through them remove the defects of the people. And to correct the deviations of the people. As I am aware about them and their hearts. And My Mercy is in their favor.

When I looked among the Prophets, I found no one that obeyed me better, or who was more benevolent toward My creatures than Muhammad, My chosen, and best of My creatures. I chose him in my wisdom, and exalted his name by My own.  

Those others I found peculiar to him and resembling him in heart; therefore I united them to him and constituted them heirs of My Books and of Divine communications, the abodes of My wisdom and illumination. I swore by My own nature that I would never punish anyone by fire who should not have sinned against the doctrine of My unity, and who should have seized the cord of the love of My chosen ones.”

Qualities of the Prophet and his Ahlul Bayt (a.s.) in the scroll of Sheeth (a.s.) from the Book of Jamia 

Abu Haritha now directed them to look into the book of Sheeth, which had been transmitted as a heritage to Idris [known also as Enoch in previous scriptures], from hand to hand. The book was written in the ancient Syriac script. Here it was recorded that when Idris was in the house of his devotions, in the land of Kufa, his people assembled around him, and he addressed them saying: “One day a dispute arose among the offspring of Adam, on the question, as to who was the most exalted creature: some maintaining that this dignity belonged to Adam, since Allah created him with His own hands and made the angels prostrate to him and gave him the successorship of the earth and made all creatures subservient to him.  

Others insisted that the honor must be the property of the angels who had never disobeyed the divine commands, some said particularly the archangels Jibraeel, Mikaeel and Israfeel. Some declared that Jibraeel must be greatest of all as he was entrusted by the Most High with divine communications. They came at length and referred their dispute to Adam and told him what they had said on the subject.  

He replied, “I will tell you, my children, who is most exalted before God. Verily, by Allah, when spirit was breathed into me, and I sat up, the great divine empyrean was beaming in my sight, and on it is written: There is no God but Allah; Muhammad is the Prophet of God. One of them is the chosen one of God and another is the trustworthy one of God; he mentioned some names that were joined to the names of Muhammad.  

Then Adam (a.s.) said: This I found written all over heaven so that there was no blank left the size of a page. The name of every believer was written on the empyrean, twelve of which Adam repeated, and said: “O my children, Muhammad (S) and those twelve persons are dearest and most exalted of all creatures with the most High.” 

The narrator says that after this Abu Haritha next referred to the Salawat of Ibrahim that the angels had brought from the Almighty Allah; and notwithstanding the objections of Sayyid and Aqib, who said that quotations enough had been made, insisted on having the testing of that book brought forward.  

It was written: The Most High chose Ibrahim for friendship, exalted him with favors, and made him the Qiblah and leader of those who should come after him, and established in his posterity the Prophethood and Imamate, and possession of the Divine Books [Qur’an 2:124, 4:54, 43:28, …]. The Most High gave him by inheritance an ark of Adam which related to science and wisdom, due to which he became superior to the angels. 

To be continued …