Miracle of Islam: Excavation of the Graves of true Companions of Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw)

Though in normal cases and circumstances the dead bodies in the grave
decompose and disintegrate yet there areproofs where the dead bodies
of martyrs, prophets and saints have been found intact when their
graves were dug.
In 1932 A.D. (1351 A.H.) the then ruling King of Iraq Shah Faisal I,
dreamtthat he was being addressed by Hazrat Hudhaifa al-Yamani (ra),
who said:
"O King! Remove Jabir ibn Abdullah al-Ansari and me from the bank of
river Tigris and bury us atsome safe place because my grave is already
water-logged, (full of water) while Jabir ibn Abdullah al-Ansari's
grave is slowly getting water-logged."
This dream was repeatedagain the next night but King Faisal I, did not
pay attention to it on accountof his pre-occupation with state
affairs. On the third night Hazrat Hudhaifa al-Yamani (ra) was seen in
the dream bythe grand Mufti of Iraq. Hazrat Hudhaifa al-Yamani (ra)
said to thegrand Mufti: "I have beendirecting the king since two
nights to transfer our Bodies but he has not paid any heed. Tell him
emphatically to arrange for the transfer of our graves!"
So after discussing this matter, the King, his Prime Minister and the
Grand Mufti decided to carry out this work. It was decided that the
Grand Mufti should issue a fatwa (religious ruling) on this matter and
the Prime Minister will issue statement to the press, sothat the
public may knowabout this great event. It was declared that on 10th
Zulhijjahafter noon prayers the graves shall be opened and the holy
bodies shall be transferred to another place.
As it was Hajj season, pilgrims had gathered in Makkah. They requested
King Faisal I, to postpone the event for a few days so that they all
could attend the event after performing the Hajj. Hence, the King
postponed this event to 20th Zulhijjah.
After noon prayers, on 20th Zulhijjah 1351 A.H. alarge number of
Muslims and non-Muslims gathered in Baghdad, and the city was heavily
crowded. First when the grave of Hazrat Hudhaifa al-Yamani (ra) was
opened water was fond inside. The body was lifted with a crane in such
a way that it safely came on a stretcher. Then the stretcher was
lifted by the King, the Grand Mufti, the Prime Minister and Prince
Farooq of Egypt and brought to a glass coffin box made especially to
keep the holy bodies. Thebody of Hazrat Jabir ibn Abdullah al-Ansari
(ra) was also transferred to the glass box in the same scrupulous
manner.
The most marvelous spectacle was now seen by the huge crowd that had
gathered to witness this great event. Both theholy bodies of these
true companions (Sahabah)ofHoly Prophet Muhammad(saw) were fresh and
intact while their open eyes issued forth such divine light that the
spectator's eyes were dazzled. Furthermore, their coffin, clothes were
also intact and at first glance, it appeared as if these heroes of
Islam were alive. The two bodies were then taken away and buried
afresh near the grave of another great hero of Islam, Hazrat Salman-
e-Farsi (ra), in Salman Park which is 30 miles from Baghdad. This
miracle amazed the scientists, philosophers and doctors. They were all
bewildered and spellbound to witness this great miracle.
A German physiologist who had been showing alot of interest in this
was so impressed by the conditions of the bodies, which were buried
for more than a thousand years, that he immediately came to the Grand
Mufti, held up his hands and said, "What more evidence can there be in
support of Islam. I embrace Islam so teach me about it!" Thus
beforethousands of people this German doctor became a Muslim. His
example was followed by many Christians and Jews and for a long time
it continued in Baghdad and a large number of people became Muslims as
a result of this miracle.
Now let us all sit-back and think over this event and derive a lesson
from this miracle. Pondering over such events is potent food for the
mind and serves as an eye-opener to humanity. Some of the material
above was published in aPakistani newspaper,"Daily Jung" on 7th June
1970.
Let us now briefly look into the lives of these prominent personalities.
Hazrat Hudhaifa al-Yamani (ra)
Hazrat Hudhaifa al-Yamani (ra) was one ofthe most trusted companions
(Sahabah) ofHoly Prophet Muhammad(saw) and a near associate of Imam
Ali (as).He was one of those seven persons who joined the funeral
prayers of Bibi Fatemah (sa). There are several instances in history
where Hazrat Hudhaifa al-Yamani (ra) has proved steadfast in his
loyalty to our Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw). Hazrat Hudhaifa al-Yamani
(ra) had responded to the Prophet's call in battle of Trench (Khandaq)
when Prophet Muhammad (saw) had promised Paradise to the person who
would venture out to the enemy's camp with the intention of spying
their activities. Hazrat Hudhaifa al-Yamani (ra) was known as "the
possessor of the Secret", since Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) had
revealed to him the names and specific identity of those hypocrites
who intendedto kill him on his return journey from Tabuk, but had
strictly instructed him not to disclose the secret. Hazrat Hudhaifa
al-Yamani (ra) was appointed governor of Madain (which is a place near
Baghdad, Iraq) by Caliph Omar and held that post for many years. He
was holding that post till Imam Ali (as) assumed the Caliphate. Imam
Ali (as) then sent a letter to the people of Madain, informing them of
his Caliphate and that HazratHudhaifa al-Yamani (ra) would continue to
be thegovernor of Madian. Hazrat Hudhaifa al-Yamani (ra) died just
before the battle of Jamal in 36 A.H. He was buried in Madain.
Hazrat Jabir ibn Abdullah al-Ansari (ra)
Hazrat Jabir ibn Abdullah al-Ansari (ra) was also one of the most
exalted companions (Sahabah) ofHoly Prophet Muhammad(saw). Hazrat
Jabir ibn Abdullah al-Ansari (ra) was in the forefront in 18battles,
under the bannerof Islam. Hazrat Jabir ibn Abdullah al-Ansari (ra) was
blessed enough to have met all the Imams up to Imam Mohammad Baqir
(as) in his lifetime. Imam Jafar-e-Sadiq (as) has said: "Jabir ibn
Abdullah al-Ansari was the last survivor amongstthe companions of the
Holy Prophet Muhammad(saw). Hazrat Jabir ibn Abdullah al-Ansari (ra),
on hearing about the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (as) and his companions
and the imprisonment and humiliation of the surviving members of his
family, hastened towardsKarbala with his devoted friends and followers
and buried the martyrs there. He was the first person to pay homage
tothe martyrs of Karbalaand carry out their burialrites. Holy Prophet
Muhammad (saw) once told Hazrat Jabir ibn Abdullah al-Ansari (ra)
that, he would live long enough to come across a person whose name
would be Mohammad Baqir and he will resemble the Holy Prophet Muhammad
(saw) in appearance and values. Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) asked
Hazrat Jabir ibn Abdullah al-Ansari (ra) to convey his Salaams to this
man. Throughout his life Hazrat Jabir ibn Abdullah al-Ansari (ra) was
waiting eagerly to meet our Imam Mohammad Baqir (as). Finally, when
Hazrat Jabir ibn Abdullah al-Ansari (ra) did meet the Holy Imam he was
very old but very happy and he conveyed the Prophet Muhammad's (saw)
Salaam to the Imam Mohammad Baqir (as). Hazrat Jabir ibn Abdullah
al-Ansari (ra) did not live long after that. He was tortured by Hajjaj
bin Yusuf and it is reported that molten lead was poured on the hands
of Hazrat Jabir ibn Abdullah al-Ansari (ra) bythe tyrant. Hazrat Jabir
ibn Abdullah al-Ansari (ra) was 94 years old when he left this world
for the heavenly abode in 78 A.H. He was also buried in Madain.
Thus let us send our gift of Sure Fatiha for these two brilliant
graduates from the school of Prophet hood, who devoted all their
efforts in safeguarding our religion. Let us not forgettheir
invaluable contribution to keep the flame of Islam kindled in our
hearts. And pray to Almighty Allah (SWT) to help us follow their
footsteps and elevate ourlevel of Imaan.