Ebook: Saqifa (final version)

In the name of God, the Beneficent, the Merciful
Praise to God, the Lord of the worlds, and prayer and peace be upon Muḥammad and his family
This book was originally a collection of speeches given at the Muharram and Ṣafar mourning ceremonies in 1419 AH/ 1998 CE, and after typing down the lectures from the recorded cassette tapes by two Shi’as of the Ahl al-Bayt who did not want to be introduced, Dr. Mahdi Dashti took the trouble to compile and edit and do research of the authenticity, and now it is ready for publication.
Saqīfa, in ‘Arabic, means a canopy considered as a guest house in which the tribesmen would gather and discuss all the affairs of the tribe.
The Anṣār of the Holy Prophet (pbuh) were from the two tribes of Aws and Khazraj, both of which were originally from Yemen, and their ancestors had come to Medina to be at the company of the Prophet (pbuh) and help him out in his prophecy.
The famous Saqīfa in history was the meeting place of Banū Khazraj of Anṣār in Medina, and its leader was Sa’d ibn ‘Ubadah, for whose allegiance they had gathered after the death of the Prophet (pbuh); while his blessed body laid among his family and they were busy in giving it Ġusl (ablution). When the news of the Saqīfa gathering reached the group of followers of Abū Bakr and ‘Umar, they too, quickly joined the gathering of Saqīfa.
Social Impacts of Saqīfa
Due to that gathering under that canopy in Saqīfa, the Shari’a of Islām was completely changed after the Holy Prophet (pbuh)!
Due to Saqīfa, the history of Islām was altered.
Due to Saqīfa, the door of Fāṭimat az-Zahrā’s house was set on fire and what should have not, took place.
Due to Saqīfa, Ibn Muljam's sword cut open ‘Alī ‘Amīr al-Mu’minīn’s head.
Due to Saqīfa, Imam Ḥasan (as) was martyred by poison.
Due to Saqīfa, Imam Ḥusayn (as) was martyred and Zaynab (sa) and other ladies from the Prophet’s family were taken captive.
Due to Saqīfa, the course of human history was changed.
The effect of Saqīfa continues from that day until now and until the advent of Imam Mahdī (May God hasten his reappearance)!
And today, all the followers and lovers of Imam ‘Alī (as) and the other Imams wish that with his advent, Imam Mahdī (May God hasten his reappearance) would reveal the truth about Saqīfa and take revenge of his immaculate ancestors on the organizers and executives of that community. Amen!

Sayyid Murtaza Askari
Dū al-Qa’dah 1421 AH/ 2000 CE