EXCAVATION OF THE GRAVES OF THE TRUE COMPANIONS OF OUR HOLY PROPHET, HAZRAT JABIR

ANSARI AND HAZRAT HUDHAIFA YAMANI

Though in normal cases and circumstances the dead bodies in the grave decompose
and disintegrate yet there are proofs 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, dreamt that
he was being addressed by Hudhaifa al-Yamani, who said :-
"O king ! Remove Jabir ibn Abdullah Ansari and me from the bank of river Tigris
and bury us at some safe place because my grave is already water-logged, (full of
water) while Jabir's grave is slowly getting water-logged."
This dream was repeated again the next night but King Faisal I, did not pay
attention to it on account of his pre-occupation with state affairs. On the third
night Hazrat Hudhaifa was seen in the dream by the grand Mufti of Iraq. Hazrat
Hudhaifa said to the grand Mufti :- "I have been directing 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 the fatwa
to the press, so that the public may know about this great event. It was declared
that on 10th Zilhajj after 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 Mecca. They requested King Faisal
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 Zilhajj.
After noon prayers, on 20th Zilhajj 1351 A.H. a large number of Muslims and non-
Muslims gathered in Baghdad, and the city was heavily crowded. First when the
grave of Hazrat Hudhaifa 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.
The body of Hazrat Jabir 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 the holy bodies of these true companions of the
Holy Prophet (SAWW) were fresh and intact while their open eyes issued forth such
divine light that the spectator's eyes were dazzled. Furthermore, their coffin,
clothes, kaffan 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, Salman-e-Farsi, 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 a lot 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 before thousands 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 a Pakistani
newspaper, "Daily Jung" on 7th June 1970.

Let us now briefly look into the lives of these prominent personalities.

HAZRAT HUDHAIFA AL YAMANI

He was one of the most trusted companions of the Holy Prophet (SAWW) and a near
associate of Hazrat Imam Ali (AS). He was one of those seven persons who joined
the funeral prayers of Bibi Fatemah (AS). There are several instances in history
where Hazrat Hudhaifa has proved steadfast in his loyalty to our Holy Prophet
(SAWW). Hazrat Hudhaifa had responded to the Prophet's call in battle of Trench
(Khandak) when the Prophet had promised Paradise to the person who would venture
out to the enemy's camp with the intention of spying their activities. When Abu
bakr and Omar refused to follow the Holy Prophet's call, it was Hazrat Hudhaifa
who came forth and followed his command. Hazrat Hudhaifa was known as "the
possessor of the Secret", since the Holy Prophet (SAWW) had revealed to him the
names and specific identity of those hypocrites who intended to kill him on his
return journey from Tabuk, but had strictly instructed him not to disclose the
secret. Hudhaifa 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 Hazrat Imam Ali (AS) assumed the caliphate. Hazrat Imam Ali (AS) then sent a
letter to the people of Madain, informing them of his caliphate and that Hudhaifa
would continue to be the governor of Madian. Hudhaifa al Yamani died just before
the battle of Jamal in 36 A.H. He was buried in Madain.

HAZRAT JABIR IBNE ABDULLAH-E-ANSARI

Jabir-e-Ansari was also one of the most exalted companions of the Holy Prophet
(SAW). Jabir was in the forefront in 18 battles, under the banner of Islam. Jabir
was blessed enough to have met all the imams up to Imam Mohamed Baker(as) in his
lifetime. Imam Jafar-e-Sadiq (AS) has said : "Jabir -e-Ansari was the last
survivor amongst the companions of the Holy Prophets(SAW). Jabir, 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 towards Kerbala with
his devoted friends and followers and buried the martyrs there. He was the first
person to pay homage to the martyrs of Kerbala and carry out their burial rites.
The Holy Prophet (SAW) once told Jabir that, he would live long enough to come
across a person whose name would be Mohamed Baker(as) and he will resemble the
Holy Prophet in appearance and values. The Holy Prophet asked Jabir to convey his
salaams to this man. Throughout his life Jabir was waiting eagerly to meet our
Imam. Finally, when Jabir did meet the Holy Imam he was very old but very happy
and he conveyed the prophet's salaam to the Imam. Jabir 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 Jabir by the tyrant. Jabir-e-Ansari 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-Fateha for these two brilliant graduates from
the school of Prophet hood, who devoted all their efforts in safeguarding our
religion. Let us not forget their invaluable contribution to keep the flame of
Islam kindled in our hearts. And pray to The Almighty Allah to help us follow
their footsteps and elevate our level of imaan