Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Abul Ma'ali Shahab ad-Din Muhammad

Hussain Mar'ashi Najaf (July 1, 1897 - August 31, 1990) (Arabic:

) was an Iraqi born Marja-i Taqleed. A
prominent jurisprudent and Islamic scholar, he was also the founder of the
Grand Library of Mar'ashi Najaf in Qom, Iran. He is widely credited within
the Shia world for having selflessly salvaged many thousands of rare, near
destroyed or lost Islamic books an manuscripts.
Today, this library contains the largest collection of Shia manuscripts in the
world.[1]

Last Will of Ayatollah Mar'ashi Najaf

I advise my son:
Always remain ready to serve the religion of Islam and strive in the defense
of Truth. Today the religion of Islam is crying, Hal Min Nasirin Yansuruni,
Hal Min Dhabbin Yadhubbu Anni? "Is there a helper who will come to my
aid? Is there a rescuer who will come to my rescue?" O my son, in this age
there are very few who answer this plea from Islam, and may Allah reward
the few that there are.
Always ponder deeply over the verses of the Holy Qur'an and follow the
advice and instructions contained therein. Visit the graves frequently and
think, "where were these people yesterday, what were they, how were they,
and where have they come today? Do not sit and indulge in vain and
useless gatherings. There are few gatherings today where gossip, slander,
and lies are not present; rather, they do not exist. Refrain from excessive
attachment to this world.
Maintain good relations with your close relatives, because by this act you
will gain inspiration to do good deeds and earn blessings and an increase in
your means and life-span.

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Always refrain from backbiting of the servants of Allah, and especially

remain aloof from gossip about the scholars, because that is like eating
poisoned dead meat.
Remain engrossed in the learning of religious knowledge. Continue to
progress in it every day, and remain busy in spreading it all the time.
O my son, make a habit of reciting Sura Yaseen after morning prayers every
day. After Dhuhr prayers, recite Sura Naba, after Asr prayers, recite Sura
Asr, after Maghrib prayers, recite Sura Waqia, and after Isha prayers, recite
Sura Mulk. In this practice are amazing gains. My teachers advised me to
this, and I have seen its blessing more than once.
In the Qunoot of obligatory prayers, always recite the following: Allahuma
Inni Asaluka Bi Haqqi Fatimata Wa Abiha Wa Ba'liha Wa Baniha Wa Sirril
Mustaudihi Fiha, An Tusalli Ala Muhammadin Wa Aali Muhammad, Wa An
Taf'al Bi Ma Anta Ahlu, Wa La Taf'al Bi Ma Ana Ahlu. "O Allah, I beseech
you in the name of Fatima, her father, her husband, her sons, and the
secret she is buried with: shower your blessings upon Muhammad and his
Progeny, and do unto me that which is worthy of Your mercy, and not that
which is worthy of my actions." This supplication was taught to me by both
my father as well as my teacher Shaikh Muhammad Hussain Shirazi. He
has narrated this authentic narration from Sayyid Murtadha Kashmiri by Ibn
Taoos from the Holy Imams (peace be upon them).
O my son, in the Ruku, especially of the last Rak'at, after Dhikr, recite
Salawaat in this way: Allahumma Salli Ala Muhammadin Wa Aali
Muhammad Wa Taraham Ala Aajizna Wa Aghizna Bihaqqihim.
Always recite the Tasbih of our wronged grandmother Fatima Zahra. That
Tasbih is not only for recitation after prayers; rather, it should be recited all
the time.
O son, there is a memorable speech by Lady Fatima which she gave in the
Mosque of the Prophet in front of the Ummah. Even the scholars and
proficient linguists have failed to understand it fully. Think deeply about her
words and try to understand them.
Study the famous sermon of the Chief of the Believers and the Leader of

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the Oppressed called Shiqshiqiyyah.

I stress to you to never abandon the Night Prayer. Do Istighfaar in the early
mornings.
Be gentle and merciful to the poor and needy, and especially take care of
the Sadaat and students of Islam.
Avail yourself of the blessings of visiting the Holy Ahlul Bayt (peace be upon
them). Reach the places where they are buried and after reciting
salutations, repent and recite supplications in these actions there are
untold benefits.
O my son, regard your life's time as precious, and do not waste it on
useless talks. Allah is strongly displeased with a young man who wastes his
time.
I have gathered the earth from the graves of the Ahlul Bayt, the Holy
Imams, their children, their companions, and the pious scholars in a small
bag. Bury it in my grave with me so that I am blessed.
Also place in my grave the black clothes I use to wear in the grief-ridden
remembrance of the suffering of the children of the Holy Prophet during the
months of Muharram and Safar.
After shrouding me, place on my chest the handkerchief with which I used
to wipe my tears in mourning my grandfather Hussain (peace be upon him).
O my son, always remain in a state of purity. By that act, the soul of a
person remains content and is free from grief.
After my death, perform the Hajj and Ziyarat of the grave of the Holy
Prophet on my behalf. All my life I longed to do this, but due to hardship, I
could not go. Similarly, visit the sacred places in Iraq on my behalf. For both
these good acts, I do not have anything except a few books. I hope my
children will pay from their own wealth and do this kindness to me. My Lord
is a witness that I do not have an inch of land nor any wealth of any sort.
O my son, if possible, use some of your wealth as Radd al-Madhaalim on
my behalf, in case I have any dues outstanding.
O my son, every Thursday night, ask someone to come to the side of my
grave and recite about the suffering of Imam Hussain.

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When my bier is carried, announce to the people that if I owe anything to

anyone, he should forgive me before I am buried.
Every Thursday night, my sons should come to my grave and recite the
Holy Qur'an and listen to the remembrance of Imam Hussain.
The rosary made from the earth of Kerbala with which I used to recite my
Istighfaar should be buried with me.