Chapter 2: Barzakh

Barzakh– The State Between This World And The Hereafter

The literal meaning of Barzakh is a veil or a curtain which stands between two things and which does not allow the two to meet. For example, that part or region of the ocean in which waves of both the sweet and the salty waters bounce and get God has provided between them an invisible veil whereby one cannot overcome another. (Ma Ra Jal… S. Rahman: 19-20). It is called Barzakh. But technically Barzakh is a realm kept by the Lord of the Universe between this world of ours and the forthcoming Hereafter in such a way that both might maintain their individual limits. Barzakh is a state between these worldly and otherworldly affairs.

Halfway Bounder Between Rewards And Punishments

After entering the world of Barzakh one does not experience physical pains like headache, toothache and such other troubles. Such suffering form a part of the essentials of the material world. But there, in Barzakh, it is the realm of abstracts or of incorporeal beings. Of course, it can also not be called the Hereafter which may mean that there will be only darkness for the sinners and only light for the obedients.

Some people asked the Imam (a.s.) about the duration of the world or realm of Barzakh. He replied: It is from the moment of death upto the time when all will rise from their graves regaining life. (Min Heen… Behaarul Anwaar). The Holy Quran says: “Behind them is Barzakh till the Day of Judgement”.

The Allegorical World And The Allegorical Body

Barzakh is called Allegorical World also, because it is just like this world. But is so in shape and form. But it is different and distinct from the viewpoint of its substance and especiality. After our death, we enter a realm which, in comparison, is like this world vis a vis a mother's womb.

Similarly, out bodies also will be allegorical (Misaali) bodies in Barzakh. This is to say that they will appear quite like our worldly material bodies but, factually, it will not be this body (containing skin and flesh). It will be an elegant, fine and exquisite body. It will be finer than air. There will be no barriers for it which our bodies face in this material world. It (the Barzakh body) can see anything and everything from everywhere everytime. There will be no difference for observation whether some thing is on this did of a wall or on the other side.

Imam Jafar (a.s.) says: “If you see that Misali body you will say: Lo, it is the same worldly body.” (Lav Ravati… Beharul Anwaar). For example, if you happen to see your father in your dream, you will observe him only in his worldly material body whereas his body (and matter) is in the grave and this form which you see in the dream is his allegorical form. The Barzakhi body also has eye but there is no fat or liquid in them. Those eyes do not suffer any pain till the Day of Resurrection. Those eyes can see things and can see well but they never become weak nor they require spectacles. Here is an example for more explanation: -

Picture In The Mirror, With Two Stipulations

Scholars and those who are experts in rhetoric's have compared the Barzakhi body with what one sees in a mirror in front of him. Of course there are two differences. First, the said picture is actual (not a mere reflection) and second, it achieves senses. The Misaali body is actual and it also senses and understands things.

One of its examples is the same dream which we have. Therein we travel immeasurable distances in a split second. We, in no time, reach Holy Mecca, Holy Mashhad and all other places. We also see and hear people over there and also talk there. But all these things are not performed by bodily organs. Not only this, better and higher and finer things like various kinds of tasty food, good-looking faces and pleasing fragrance as well as attractive songs etc are also instantly available to the Misali body, things which are unimaginable here. All these things are found there in Barzakh and the souls can benefit from all these things in their allegorical (misali) bodies. (Wa Laa… Aale Imran: 169).

All Food Articles And Fruits Combined In Only One Thing

Since the foods and drinks and fruits etc all such things in the realm of Barzakh are fine and as have nothing to do with matter, it is quite possible for them, as is mentioned in narrations, to combine in one thing according to the desires and wish of the faithful. For example, there is date fruit but you wish to eat (taste) an apple. The former instantly turns into the latter or in any other form of your liking. All of it depends on your wish.

It is mentioned in a rivayat that the Holy Prophet once said: I saw my respectable uncle Hamza after his martyrdom. A plateful of heavenly pomegranate was in front of him. He was eating from that plate. All of a sudden, I saw that the pomegranate at once changed into date fruit. (Summary of the rest of the narration is that the Holy Prophet said: I asked my honourable uncle what kinds of deeds are most beneficial there (in the Hereafter)? He said: Three things count here the most: Giving water to the thirsty, reciting Durood to the Holy Prophet and His Progeny and love for Ali Bin Abi Talib). In short, the things of that realm are lateef (fine) and are not made up of matter, one thing turns into another and into many other forms and shapes instantly at the will of the faithful.

The Degree Of Effects

Compared with this world, one of the specialities of the realm of Barzakh is effectiveness. In the science (Ilm) of Hikmat (physics) there is a theoretical discussion the description where of is of no use for the common masses. So we will proceed after making only a hint to that thing (Mudrak) meaning a thing that can affect and the thing which gets affected are two things. The more these two things are powerful, the more will be their feeling.

These fruits and these sweets and the pleasure which we derive in this world are in comparison with those in the realm of Barzakh, like a drop in the ocean. The tastefulness there is immeasurably more than it is here. If only a part of the face Hoorul-Ain (heavenly Houri) becomes unveiled, it will dazzle the eyes of the whole world. If the entire of beauty of that fairy opens it will outwit the shining of the sun. Doubtlessly absolute beauty is available only there.

The Divine Words are: Inna…Amala (S. Kahf: 7) meaning: We have made whatever is in the world an adoration but it is a beauty which is a test or trial. The intention is to differentiate between child and a major person whereby it may be known as to who becomes mad after this toy of children (this material world) and who does not pay any attention to this plaything. The real pleasure lies in the real beauty and in trying to attain it.

A Man In The Grave Who Hosted Others

The power of effect is so much in the realm of Barzakh that it cannot even be imagined in this world. Some times we come across events has been which can guide the people living in this world. One such effective event has been quoted by the late Naraaqi in his book Khazaain: During my youth I was busy, along with my father and other relatives, in visiting people on the occasion of the holidays of Navrooz. It was Tuesday and we had gone to a friend's house which was situated near a graveyard in Isfahaan. We were told that he (my friend) was not present in his house. As we were somewhat tired we turned towards the graveyard with a view to take some rest and also to visit the graves of the faithful. There we sat down in a spot. One of our companions, pointing his finger toward a nearby grave, said jokingly: O resident of the grave! These are holidays. Will you not host us? We heard a voice from that grave: On next Tuesday you will be my guests here. All of us became spell bound and also frightened thinking that perhaps, all of us would be dead by next Tuesday. So we engaged in performing as many good deeds as possible and also began to write our Wills. Then arrived the following Tuesday and yet all of us were safe and alive. We gathered at a place and after consultations decided to go to that grave and see what happen. Perhaps that voice might not have meant our death but might have any other aim behind it.

So when we approached that grave some one from us said: O occupier of this grave! Fulfill your promise. Suddenly we heard a voice from that grave: Welcome. (Here it should be understood sometimes, Lord Almighty removes that veil in front of eyes which prevents us from observing the things belonging to the realm of Barzakh so that people may take lessons of admonition). At once, we saw that it is a very big green garden. Pure water streams are flowing in it. Trees therein are full of various kinds of fruits available in every season. Colourful birds of innumerable kinds are busy singing melodious sweet songs. In the midst of that garden there stood a spacious grand mansion which was fully decorated. All of its windows opened towards the garden. When we entered that building we saw that a very handsome man was sitting there. When he saw us he stood up in respect. Then he put before us various kinds of foods and drinks and sweets the like of which we had never seen before, nor even imagined. We enjoined this feast fully.

More significant statement of him was: We had never seen so much tasteful things before and that our desire was never satiated even after taking it and that the more we ate the desire increased. Then many other kinds of eatables were also brought and we went on enjoying them. Thereafter when we got up that gentleman accompanied us until we got out of that garden.

Reward Of Honest Selling And Of Offering Prayers In Time

Before leaving, my father asked that gentleman: Who are you? For what did the Almighty God grant you so much honor and position that you are able to host even the whole world if you so desire? What is this place of residence?

The gentleman replied: I belong to your native place and was selling meat in such and such street. People asked: How did you get this high position and lofty rank? He said: It is all due to only two things. During my entire time I never gave less to buyers and I also never failed to offer prayer in the first (the earliest) time. If I heard the voice of Adhan while weighting meat I used to leave my shop at once and rush to the Masjid. So the Lord of the worlds granted me this place after my death. Last week you had asked me to host you. At that time I did not have permission to accede to your wish. I have obtained it this week.

Thereafter, one of us asked him about the duration of his age. He told the questioner: You will live for ninety years, and that man is still alive. Then he told me: You will live for so many years according to which there are yet ten to fifteen years to go. All of us said him goodbye. He saw us off. As we turned our face we found us sitting by his grave as before.

Lasting Pleasure In The Realm Of Barzakh

Another specialty of the realm of Barzakh is its eternity or everlasting nature. Here (in this material world) nothing is everlasting. Beauty fades out soon. Food remains tasty only upto the time it is in the mouth, that is, only for a few moments. Same is the case with marriage and marital joy. These foods and fruits are also not long lasting. After some time they become rotten and useless and distasteful and foul. Nothing here is everlasting. But nothing gets deteriorated or corrupted in the realm of Barzakh because that world (in the Hereafter) does not depend on matter. Everything is everlasting there. As a testimony to what I have mentioned here, I would like to mention a case involving the great scholar and religious jurisprudent Allamah Shaykh Mehdi Naraqi. By the way, let me also say that presenting some truths while narrating an event in a nice way makes it easily comprehensible. That is why actual events and true happenings are also presented during the discussion of religious beliefs and doctrines.

A Clock Full Of Rice

Shaykh Mehmood Iraqi, at the end of his book Daar-us-Salaam, quotes the late Naraqi (r.a.). He said: When I was a Mujawar (living near) Najafe Ashraf there, fell a severe famine. One day, I came out of my house. My children were hungry and crying for food. I went to Waadi Ye Salaam with a view to seek the removal of our sorrow and gloom through the medium of the visit to the dead among the faithful. There I saw that some people brought a dead body and also asked me: You may also accompany us. We have come here for making this body join with pious souls of this Holy place. Then they took that corpse to a wide big garden and placed it in one of the palaces situated in that garden. All means of comfort were available in those palaces. When I saw all this, I also followed them and entered that palace along with them. There I saw a young man dressed in royal clothes sitting on a golden throne. When he saw me, he called me by my name and made me sit by his side very respectfully. Then he told me: You do not recognize me. I am the same body which has been just brought here. My name is so and so. I was a resident of such and such city. The group which you saw in my funeral procession was that of the angels who brought me from my city upto this garden. This is one of the heavenly gardens. Hearing these things my gloom disappeared and I desired to see that garden thoroughly. When I got out of that palace I saw a number of such palaces. When I looked into them I found my parents and many other near and near ones. They made me their guest. I thoroughly enjoyed the eatables served by them. In the midst of these comfortable and luxurious moments, I suddenly remembered my family members and imagined how much hungry they were. This thought made me gloomy once again. My father asked: What happened to you all of a sudden? I replied: My family members are restless due to hunger. My father said: Here is a heap of rice. My father asked me. Take out of it. I took off my clock and filled it with that heavenly rice. My father asked me. Take it up and carry it to your family. When I lifted up the clock, I found myself in the aforesaid Vaadiyus Salaam. My clock was, of course, full of that rice. I took it to my house. My wife asked: From where have you brought this? I replied: What have you to do with this question? Briefly speaking we ate that rice for quite a long time but it never finished. At least my wife forced me to tell her what had happened. Thereafter when went to take out that rice we found nothing.

A similar event has been written in the book Daar Us Salaam. Interested readers may refer to it.

Animals Hear The Voice Of The Dead

The aim of my talk is to throw light on the everlastingness of the other world (Barzakh), be it regarding bounties or of about their tastefulness or joy. On the other hand, the calamities of that world are also very hard and everlasting. May God protect! If a man gets entangled the torture in Barzakh and if we hear anyone of his terrible shrieks, all the terrible things of our world will appear nothing to us compared to that in Barzakh.

It is mentioned in Beharul Anwaar, Vol: 3, that the Holy Prophet said: I was grazing sheep before I was made His messenger by Almighty God. During those days I used to observe (as you might have also) that goats and sheeps were becoming still all of a sudden as if shocked deeply by something. You might have also observed that sometimes poultry birds like hen jump off and stop picking their food even when no danger (like animal) is seen anywhere near them. After I began getting revelations, I asked for the reason of such unusual happenings and Jibreel told me that in the realm of Barzakh, sinners get divine punishments. Their cries are heard by all except men and jinns. Such voices shock animals and they stop taking food etc.

Cries Raised By A Hashimi Murderer In His Dream

It is mentioned in Daarus Salaam of Noori that, as per a narration in the book Sawab Al Aamaal by Sadooq (r.a.), an exceptionally handsome and good-looking youth who was a solider in the army of Umar bin Saad in Karbala, was also the killer of one of the brothers of Imam Hussein (a.s.). The narrator says that, I could see that the face of that fellow had become very black after the event of Karbala. He had also become very thin and extremely weak. I inquired about his conditions from his neigbours. They told that ever since he returned from Karbala, every night, he shrieks and cries loudly in his dreams awakening us also. I went to him and asked about the matter. He replied: At night time the Hashimi youth who was killed by me comes in front of me and pushes me towards fire. It makes me cry loudly and I cannot sleep.

Advice Of A Perfumer And Demand By A Jew Of His Trust

There are many events in this world to prove the existence of the realm of Barzakh. Their description will become lengthy. So we suffice with only one such happening. The famous pious scholar Syed Hashimi Bahrani (r.a.) has been quoted in Daar As Salaam at p. 247 of vol. 1. It is written that: There was a perfumer in Najaf-e-Ashraf who used to give advice (admonition) to people at his shop daily after the mid-day Zuhr prayer. Many people used to gather in his shop. A prince from India had become a resident of Najaf-e-Ashraf. Once he had to undertake a journey. So he went to the said perfumer and gave him, as his trust, a bag containing precious stones and pearls etc. Then he went on perfumer. The perfumer denied saying I do not know about any such trust. That prince became very uneasy and finally went to the Holy grave of Ali (a.s.) and said: O Ali! I left my comfortable residence just to live near your Holy Shrine for some time. I had left my precious property as a trust with such and such perfumer in Najaf. Now he is denying of any such trust. I have no wealth except that, nor have I any proof of depositing my property with that perfumer. Now there is none save you who can help me with justice. During that night, I saw Ali (a.s.) in my dream. He was saying: Next morning, when the gate of the city opens, you go out and demand your trust from the very first person whom you you see there. He will make your trust return to you. Accordingly that man went out of the city gate and saw a weak and aged pious man who was holding firewood on his shoulders. He wanted to sell it, for fulfilling the needs of his family members. The Indian man felt ashamed of asking anything from such a poor gentleman. So he did not day anything and returned to the Holy Shrine of Amirul Momineen (a.s.). The following night also he saw the same dream and got the same order from Ali (a.s.). The next morning also he saw the same poor old man and did not tell him anything. During the third night too he saw Ali (a.s.) in his dream and heard the same words. In the following morning, he told the wood seller his need telling him what had happen. After thinking for a while, that old man told the prince: Come to the perfumer's shop tomorrow after Zuhr prayer. I will arrange for the return of your trust.

Next day when people gathered at the perfumer's shop, the old man said to the perfumer: Today let me in the duty of giving advice to people. That man agreed. The pious man began his talk: O dear listeners! I am so and so and son of so and so. I am very fearful in the matter of observing rights of others. By the grace of God I have no greed for money at all. I am a contented man and have taken to a corner for worship. Yet, I have come into a difficult situation. I want to make you aware of it. I advice you all also to fear God's anger and the fire of hell. Once I had to take a loan due to urgent need. I took a loan of ten Qeeraan from a Jew and gave him a word that I would return it within twenty days paying him half queeraan daily. I did accordingly for five days. But thereafter I could not find that Jew. On making inquiries, I was told that he had left for Baghdad. After a few days, I saw in my dream that it is Resurrection and I and many other people have been made to stand in a counter for giving replies in the Divine Court. By the Grace of God, I got relief soon and then, joining the successful people, went towards paradise. When I reached the Siraat bridge I heard the roar of hell. Then I saw that the creditor Jew lept like a flame of fire from hell, came across my path and said: Pay me back my five queeraans and proceed further only after doing so. I implored him humbly and earnestly saying: I was in search of you for paying up the debt but you could not be found. But he said: I will not allow you to go further unless you pay up my money. I said: I have nothing here just now. He said: Okay then allow me just to put my finger on your body. I agreed. When he touched my chest with his finger, it burnt my body so severely that I woke up crying loudly. I saw that my chest had a wound of burning and it is still painful. I undertook many treatments but to no avail. Then he showed his chest to the gathering at the perfumer's shop. Seeing it, people began to weep fearing their own Hereafter. The perfumer also became very fearful of God's anger. He took that Indian to his house, returned his trust to him and begged for his pardon.

Can Such Things Be Denied Absolutely

Logic says that if we come across a thing which is difficult to comprehend it should not be instantly and out rightly rejected or denied. Logic says that it can be possible. For example, if an astrologist says that there are some stars around Mars and that they too revolve around Mars just as the moon revolves round the earth. Should this claim be rejected at once? No. It may be true. The great scientist Shaykh Boo Ali Seena says: If you hear news or event you should imagine it as possible until its impossibility is not established logically. (Kullu Shay in…burhaan).

Suppose you hear that a baby has been born with two heads. As this is not logically impossible, say that it may be so.

Three Kinds Of News

First: News for the inadmissibility of which there is no logical proof should not be rejected or denied.

Second: News which has some proofs thinking over which intellect may decide that it should be accepted.

Third: If the one who brought news has, with him, some testimony from the Lord of the universe which is called a miracle. In this case intellect decides that it should not be rejected but compared with the second stage it should be definitely accepted and one must remain satisfied.

There Is No Logical Argument Against Resurrection

Just think over and say is their any argument of any of the kinds mentioned above to reject the news of life after death? Can anyone argue and give any logical proof to show that there can not be any questioning after death and that the grave cannot pressurize or there is no realm of Barzakh or the other world called Qiyamat or Resurrection or Maad?

O you owners of intelligence! Just decide whether there is any differnce in the news given by an astrologist that Mars and Jupiter have four thousand stars or planets and the news given by the Prophet of God (s.a.w.s.) that there are ninety-nine pythons in the grave to punish the denier of God? Is there any difference so far as the giving of news is concerned? Perhaps somebody may say that the claim of the astrologer is based on feeling or that it is after seeing through eyes. Then we will say that, doubtlessly, the messenger has also said everything after observing and feeling. During the night of Meraaj (ascension) he had seen and all felt all things with his physical sense organs. Rather, his Holy soul covers the knowledge of all worlds and realms. The sight or faculty of seeing can make a fault but the sight of the soul of Muhammad (s.a.w.s.) can never err. There can be a mistake in the eyesight of an astrologer or an astronomer but there is no question of any error in the feeling and observation and intelligence of the Messenger of God.

Before his becoming the Prophet of God, the people of Mecca used to call Muhammad (s.a.w.s.) 'As Saadiq- Al Ameen' meaning: The most true and trustworthy person). There was not even a single person who had ever found any untruth in what he had said or done nor had anyone found any dishonesty in his dealing, behaviour or attitude towards all. So, a part from his witness and testimony, if the permanent proof of Muhammad's Messengership and the everlasting miracle, Quran also tells us about Resurrection, punishment in grave and rising bare-bodied on the Day of Judgement, is it reasonable not to believe it?

Burial Of Fatima Binte Asad, Mother Of Amirul Momineen (a.s.)

When Fatima Binte Asad, mother of Ali (a.s.) breathed her last, Amirul Momineen (a.s.) went weeping to the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) and said: My respected mother has expired. The Holy Prophet said: It is my mother who has expired. There was a wonderful affection in the relation between the Holy Prophet and Fatima daughter of Asad. The later had looked after the former just like a caring and loving mother for quite a long time. At the time of her burial, the Holy Prophet took off his shirt and told people to dress the late Fatima in it. People did so. Then first the Holy Prophet himself slept in that grave for a few moments and prayed for her forgivance. After the grave was filled up, he stood near it and, after a while, said loudly: Ibnak…Jaffar (Your son, your son, but not Jafar and Aqeel). People asked about the reason of doing so. The Holy Prophet replied: Once I was talking about the rising of the bare-bodied dead on the Day of Resurrection. Fatima Binte Asad came to me weeping and said: I wish that you might cloth me in your shirt after I die. She was very fearful also about the squeezing of grave. So, before she was buried, I myself slept in her grave for some time and prayed: O God! Protect her from the squeezing of grave. But the reason of my uttering the words 'Ibnak…' was that, when the angels asked her about God, she replied: Allah, when they asked about messenger, she replied: Muhammad but she could not give any reply (because this event was much prior to Gadir-e-Khum when Ali (a.s.) was announced as the Amir of Momin) I made a Talqueen (advised) to Fatima to say: Your son (Ali) not Jafar or Aqeel.

Fatima Binte Asad Was Much Fearful About Post Mortem Events

Despite the fact that Fatima binte (d/o) Asad was very great pious and graceful lady who had the honour of being the mother of Amirul Momineen (a.s.) and who had been the guest of God for three days in the House of God (Kaaba) (on the occasion of Ali (a.s)'s birth) and who was the second woman to put faith in the Messengership of Muhammad (s.a.w.s.) and who was a very great and humble worshipper of only one God was so much afraid of the events to take place after her death and the Holy Prophet did to her as mentioned above. Then who and what are in comparison with her? Let us all seriously think and worry about our own future.

Well, let us go back to the main issue. The truthful announcer of every thing, the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) says that there will be questioning and squeezing of grave and rising bare-bodied on the Day of Judgement.

Effectiveness Of Soul In Physical Body

Though it will be the soul which will be rewarded of punished, it is also possible that, under the effectiveness of the soul, the body may also feel it. Sometimes it does so happen that, owing to the soundness of the soul, the body also does not disintegrate in the grave. It remains fresh even for a thousand years. There are many testimonies to this fact. For instance, the body of Ibne Babuya (r.a.), around one hundred fifty years after his death in the time of Fateh Ali Shah, was found fresh. Not only this but, more astonishingly, even his kafan (shroud cloth) also was not worn out not the colour of henna on his nail faded out after such a long time!

The Body Of Shaykh Sadooq Was Found Fresh

It is written in Rawzat-al-Jannat that a hole had developed in the grave of Shaykh Sadooq (r.s.) due to heavy raining around the year 1238 H.E. People thought of filling it up. So they entered the tomb and found that his body was safe and sound though his physique was rather bulky. The colour of henna was also traceable on his nails. This news spread in Tehran. When Fateh Ali Shah heard it, he along with some government officials as well as religious scholars went to the tomb to enquire. They all saw what they had heard. The king ordered to close the hole and to rebuild the tomb over the grave with decorations.

The Fresh Body Of Hurr And The Handkerchief On His Head

Similar is the event of Hurr bin Yazid Riyahi. Hadith writer (Muhaddith) Jazaari has mentioned it in Anwaar-e-Nomaaniyah like this: Shah Ismail Safavi went to visit Karbala and when he came to know that some people have no good opinion about Hurr, he ordered the excavation of his grave. So when the grave was opened people saw that the martyr's body was exactly in the same condition as it was on the day of his martyrdom in Karbala. There had been no change at all in it. So much so that even his handkerchief also was intact on his head. Since it was historically known to all that the chief of all martyrs, Imam Hussein (a.s.) himself had tied his own handkerchief on the wounded head of Hurr Shah Ismail ordered that the kerchief may be untied so that he may take it to put it in his own Kafan as a good luck sign. As soon as the kerchief was removed people saw that blood gushed out of shi head wound. So it was replaced where and as it was and blood stopped flowing. Thus people knew that Hurr's condition was good (that God was pleased with him and that God had given him a good great reward due to his assistance to Imam Hussein (a.s.) in Karabla). The king built a grand tomb over his grave and appointed a servant to look after.