The Tree Bowing Down in Respect to the Prophet of Islam (S)
We have mentioned several times before the conscious and living nature of trees and that these trees responded to several commands of the Prophet Muhammad (S). In commenting on chapter 17, verse 42 of the Qur'an, al-Taba Tabai writes: al-Majlisi (1627) narrates that once the Prophet (S) had to relieve himself and the hypocrites thought this was the moment to embarrass the Prophet (S). The Prophet commanded two trees to come together and they instantly did, covering the Prophet from all eyes. It is reported that the trees closed together like lovers and the Prophet (S) retired behind them. The earth then consumed all traces and the hypocrites were all amazed at such an incident.

In Hayatul-Qulub, al-Majlisi (AR) writes that the Prophet once said that, Allah has made our flesh unlawful to the earth and forbade it to consume any part of our body.

Ali is quoted the following narration in the book Beacons of Light, by al-Tabarsi: An Explanation
We have noted in earlier sections the consciousness of all the creation (be it the tiniest living or non-living particle) and their understanding of events around them. These creations have the ability to learn and evolve in accordance to the Will of the Almighty Allah. And, the Infallible have been blessed with the knowledge, power and domination over the entire creation, past and future, and that these creations are under their service and command.

It is well established that trees are conscious and have energy radiating from their branches and leaves at every instance (Schwartz and Russek, 1999. Weston, 2000). Absorbing stable and unadulterated fields of energy from the trees has long been a practice for the older American Indians. We have also learnt from the works of Schwartz and Russek (1999) that all that is energy is literate and learning from previous experience.

Weston (2000) talks about this relationship between humans and trees and that with exercise, a relationship may be formed with trees. When this happens, the person may be able to perceive the consciousness of the trees. From this relationship, it is easier to accept the narration by the great al-Majlisi (1627) in his book Hayatul-Qulub, Part 2 that the trees bowed down in respect and reverence to the Prophet (S), as he approached them. Stones have been reported to recite aloud the blessings of Allah, and also relate their intentions and converse with the Prophet of Islam (S). It is highly probable that the Prophet (S) conversed with the stones and trees revered his personality through his relationship with the energy of the trees and stones. He was able to grasp the information within the energy fields of such trees and stones. Shamans have been observed to talk with the spirit of trees and also depend on the trees for their health, sustenance and even life.

History has been the custodian of so many such events that have been either observed or written in authentic works, and herewith some of these are mentioned.

The Prophets and the Infallible, and their Intelligent, Powerful and Dominating Relationship with Nature

To document that even trees have a conscious reality, al-Majlisi (1627) reports in his Hayatul-Qulub that the trees testified their joy, and ascribed glory to Allah on the birth of the Prophet Muhammad (S) and his arriving to this world. The trees also testified his Prophethood many times, and also bowed down in reverence.

• On a separate note, it is reported that the mountains respond to human cries and emotions and that when the Quraish shouted ALLAHU AKBAR (Allah is Great), during a happy occasion, the mountains of Makkah trembled (in al-Qur'an, mountains have been reported to fear Allah and His Power). al-Mahdi (AS) remarks in his salutations to al-Husain that the mountains also wept in sadness after the merciless massacre of al-Husain and his children in Karbala.

On the birth of Muhammad (S) and his coming to this world, there was great commotion among the stars, which fell in countless numbers, and meteors darted to all parts of the horizon. Every mountain joyfully echoed the glad tidings to other mountains, all-joining in the chorus. Paradise is also reported to have laughed with joy on the birth of the Prophet (S) into this world, and will continue to laugh till the Day of Judgment.

Pebbles uttered praises in the Prophet's hand (al-Majlisi, 1627). According to al-Majlisi (1627), all creatures honored the Prophet (S), every rock and tree he passed bowed and saluted him. He also left no traces with his feet whenever he walked on soft sand. The energy of the sand particles knew exactly the steps of the Prophet (S) and always regrouped itself so no trace was seen (a similar incidence was mentioned earlier with trees safeguarding the Prophet (S). Some observers also report to have seen footprints of the Prophet (S) on hard rocks.

In Hayatul-Qulub, al-Majlisi (1627) writes that every stone and clod, which Hashim passed, moved with divine power, addressed him saying, Joy to you! O Hashim! That so soon a son will be born from your offspring who will be dearest of creatures to Allah, and the most excellent of all - Muhammad (S), the Seal of all Prophets (AS). Muhammad (S) is also reported to have been seen taking dates and nourishment from thorn and dead trees.

From Fatima, daughter of Asad, the wife of Abu Talib (AS), it is related that she said there was an old tree in their yard, which had been dead and dry for several years. One day Muhammad went and stroked his blessed hand on the tree, which immediately became verdant and produced fresh dates. Also, one day I told him the tree had not dropped fruit that I could collect for him. He went out to the trees and communicated with them. And on my oath, I saw one of the trees bend its top down towards him so low that he easily plucked the fruits, and the tree returned to its upright position (al-Majlisi, 1627). I then supplicated at the Throne of Divine Mercy to give me a son like him, and I was blessed the following night with the conception of Ali, the Commander of the Faithful.

al-Majlisi (1627) reports that after the Prophet divided the spoils won at the battle of Hunayn, the people continued to press on him for more. This annoyed him so much that he went and leaned his back against a tree, where the people pressed more on him until his back was bruised and he retired to another place. It is reported that the tree derived such virtue from the Prophet's leaning against it, that it was always verdant the whole year.

Mir Ahmed Ali (RA) reports in his commentary of the Verse 23, Chapter Maryam in al-Qur'an:

Quite simply, there was a direct communication between the energy of trees and these perfect and sinless creations of Allah, as has been the case in many instances. The tree basically knows and appreciates the presence of the mother of Isa and does what is required of it, i.e. to produce fruits or store the energy for future purposes. The tree is also able to withhold and absorb the Prophet's higher vibrations and favorable info-energy, making the surrounding energy and the environment strong and steady enough to later attend to the sick and provide intercession from their sickness. As noted earlier, such energy can be stored and transferred into a person who desires it for a cure.

al-Mahdi (ATFS), the Shiite 12th Imam in occultation remarks the following when he addresses his great grandfather al-Husain (AS) after he and his children were martyred in Karbala. He says that even the sky, the fishes, the buildings, and the sea wept in sadness after the merciless massacre of al-Husain and his sacred family (the mosque of Hannan also lamented on the killing of Ali (AS).

al-Sadiq says: al-Ridha (AS) has said:

Imam Ali (AS) once passed through a city that had turned into ruins. One of his companions recited a poem, which described how everything in this world would perish. Imam (AS) instantly recited the following verse from Qur'an:

Referring to al-Husain (AS), Abdullah, son of Umar was once quoted saying that even the skies love this man so much.

The earth and one's grave have also been reported in Islam to call out and warn mankind daily that it will be the house of loneliness, terror and worms, the house of sufferings and afflictions, and so forth.

Imam al-Sadiq (AS) narrated a tradition from his father as follows:

Indeed! The grave says everyday:

Allah (SWT) states in Hadith al-Qudsi:

Apparently, Prophet Dawud (AS) wept so much for his slip-up that the mountain sincerely felt and wailed likewise (al-Majlisi, 1627). We also find a similar expression of grief in one of the two recommended invocations that Shiite Muslims recite on the day of birth of al-Husain (AS). The salutations to Imam al-Husain (AS) recited on the 15th of Sha'ban, the birthday of al-Mahdi (ATFS) also contain similar notations.

In regards to Prophet Dawud, al-Qummi in his book Stages of the Hereafter, writes that Prophet Dawud had been blessed with a pleasant voice in the world. Its effect was such that when he sat to recite the Zabur - a Revelation from Allah - animals and beasts gathered around him and entered into a trance. When people heard it, they fell unconscious while some even died. Ali in one of his sermons in Nahjul-Balagha (Peak of Eloquence) says while describing the state of Prophets in Paradise that:

As noted earlier, experiments have shown that the whole of creation, the animals and plants do react and respond to experiences in their environment, and they also respond to intentions of people in their surroundings. They also appear to pick up on people's thoughts and emotions. These interesting results have been further reproduced over and over, and shown that more sensitive people may be more able to establish such kinds of relationship with plants (Tompkins and Bird, 1973). Schwartz and Russek (1999) have documented earth to be living and conscious, and the systemic memory process applies and extends to the earth as a whole system.

With regards to the earth, Allamah Taba Tabai (AR) narrates an incident that when the pharaoh and his people had been drowned in the Nile, Musa delegated the authority to Harun. This caused envy in Qarun towards Musa and Harun. To degrade Musa he employed a woman, bribing her with two purses of gold, and told her to say before public that Musa had committed adultery with her.

Next day when Musa was preaching to the crowd against adultery, Qarun stood up and asked if the same punishment would be against Musa also if he committed the crime? Musa said that it would certainly be, at which Qarun pointed out to the woman and said that the woman alleged that Musa had committed adultery with her. Musa called the woman and asked her to tell the truth. When face to face with Musa the woman divulged the secret plan of Qarun saying that she had been hired by Qarun to lay this false charge against him.

Musa got emotional and prayed to Allah to punish Qarun. Allah responded to Musa's prayer and asked Musa to order the earth to swallow Qarun and his fellow disbelievers who were with him.

When the earth had taken up Qarun and his party to their waists they shouted for mercy but Musa did not stop the earth and they were completely swallowed. Allah addressed Musa, at this stage, and said to Musa that Qarun and his men cried for mercy several times but Musa commanded the earth to swallow them completely.

Had they called Me even once, I would certainly have forgiven them and saved them.

Another narration is that Hazrat Musa was modest and covered himself. He bathed far from the public eyes. The Bani Israel asked him as to why did he hide himself from us? They said he suffered from skin disease or small pox scars. One day he went to bathe and kept his clothes on a big stone. The stone walked away with his clothes. He ran after it asking for his clothes and the Bani Israel saw him (in his natural state) and found him to own one of the most beautiful physiques. So God declared him absolved of the people's accusation.

Mir Ahmed Ali (1988) reports in his commentary of the chapter al-Saba in Qur'an, that whenever Prophet Dawud (AS) sang the praises of Allah (SWT), the mountains, the trees and the birds used to sing the praises along with him. This is in direct reference to the following verse:

In another case, a Gnostic was lying on earth and when he turned from one side to the other, he heard a shriek coming out of the ground. He could not immediately know the reason. Subsequently, he realized that the ground, having been separated from him, was shrieking (Taba Tabai, 1991). Walls have been known and heard to respond and vibrate as persons recite invocations and lament to the Almighty for His forgiveness. Walls have also been observed to vibrate and produce sounds in response to prayer, meditation, or the recitation of invocations by just regular people.

Furthermore, al-Majlisi (1627) reports those walls have been observed to participate in the Prophet's Prayer and respond - Amin - to his invocation. al-Mahdi remarks in his salutations to al-Husain that the buildings of Makkah also wept in sadness after the merciless massacre of al-Husain and his children in Karbala. In another tradition, it is reported that when a person praises Allah using beads made from the clay from Karbala, the beads recite the praises together with the person and the rewards are twofold. The beads have also been observed to turn themselves into red during the later hours of the 10th of Muharram - the day when al-Husain (AS) was mercilessly massacred.

It is reported that in Madina, the Prophet (S), while discoursing to the congregation, used to lean his back against a date-tree post. After listening to the people's request to make a pulpit so he may sit higher and all in the congregation may see him, the date-tree felt the absence. The tree began to wail like a mother wails over her dead son. At this juncture, the kind and merciful Prophet descended from the pulpit and went to the tree, embraced it and soothed it saying that he did not leave the tree in less affectionate, but for greater edification of the servants of Allah. The Prophet (S) then said to the people that had he not soothed the tree, it would have not ceased its wailing till the Day of Judgment.

al-Zuhri relates from Saeed, son of al-Musayyib, that he said, The people were not going out of Makkah until Ali, son of al-Husain (AS), the chief of the worshippers went out. So he went out, and they went out with him. He stopped in one of the way stations and prayed two units of prayer. Then he glorified Allah - I mean with this glorification during his prostration - there were no tree and no clod of earth that did not glorify along with him. As in the case of Prophet Dawud (AS), it is true that whenever the Prophets and the Infallible (AS) used to glorify Allah, everything would have a chance to participate in this invocation. Apparently, a strong believer is also said to be able to communicate and move trees and mountains at will, and that some purified individuals have been blessed with such energy communication and understanding with the creation as a whole.

It is reported that if you fast on Dahwul-Ardh everything between the Heavens and Earth will ask for your forgiveness. Dahwul-Ardh comes once per year, and is when the Ka'bah was sent down to earth - The first Sanctuary appointed for mankind was that at Makkah, a blessed place, a guidance to the peoples; a day when two great prophets in Islam, Prophet Ibrahim, and Prophet Isa were born; a day when Allah spread out all the land underneath the Ka'bah.

It is recorded in history that once an Imam (AS) was just explaining to a faithful believer that if one were strong at heart that if he willed that this tree moves, it will move. It is said that the tree began moving until the Imam (AS) remarked as to why the tree was moving when it was not even ordered by the Imam. The tree instantly moved back to its original position.

al-Majlisi (1627) reports in his Hayatul-Qulub that one day Ali (AS) with the Prophet (S) neared Mount Hira when it suddenly began to move. The Prophet (S) calmed it and demanded quietness as only he and the true martyr (Ali) were present. On another occasion, they both passed a mountain, which was weeping. On asked the reason for its sadness, the mountain replied that according to Qur'an there is a verse that rocks and people will fuel the fire of Hell. Since then, the mountain has been weeping lest it should be included in the fuel. The Prophet (S) calmed the mountain and said to him to stop wailing as the rocks mentioned would be brimstone. At this declaration, the mountain was quiet and its tears ceased. Most certainly, the Prophet was sent as a mercy to the entire creation.

It is narrated that once on a dark night the Prophet (S) ascended Mount Hira and the Jews followed him so they could kill him - they even poisoned their weapons. The mountain, however, interposed a wall between them and the Prophet (S). This event recurred forty-seven times and the Prophet (S) continued his devotion. On reaching the top of the mountain, the ground on which the Jews were standing withdrew, leaving a great space between them and the Prophet (S). This was repeated a number of times till the completion of Muhammad's prayers (al-Majlisi, 1627).

Allah in His Infinite Mercy has created a Tree in Paradise (Tuba, which originates form the celestial place in Paradise where Ali lives) that believers can just express their desires to the Tree, and the kind of fruits will be delivered by the Tree to that person. This clearly shows that in Paradise, people will be able to communicate with inanimate objects just as it is possible in this world.

l-Majlisi (1627) writes that there is not a residence in that blessed world to which a branch of this tree does not extend. The shadow of Tuba is so extended, that a horseman cannot gallop across it in a hundred years. Every branch in the palaces of the believers produces a hundred thousand different colored fruits. Beneath the tree is a river from which four rivers proceed; one of crystal water, one of milk, another of wine, and the fourth of limpid honey.

To make things clear, al-Majlisi (1627) writes that wine in Paradise is different from the wine in this world, which is attended with drunkenness, excretions, vomiting, nausea, and excites foolish talk, abuse and vituperation. The wine of Paradise has none of the above bad qualities, while it possesses the most delightful flavors.

According to al-Majlisi (1627), in the expedition of Khandaq, the Prophet (S) softened a stone and the hard rocks of Bayt al-Muqaddas, and they appeared as soft dough under his feet. Ali (AS) reports the same miraculous events in other military expeditions. Prophet Dawud also softened huge amounts of iron and metal to make clothes so they could be used in battles. It is now possible to understand that the iron - with the permission from Allah - accepted the request of Prophet Dawud to become brittle so he could shape the iron the way he wanted. We have mentioned this kind of intelligent energy relationship in the general population as well.

Therefore, we now understand that besides humans, every THING, including trees and earth is conscious and may also share feelings and experiences in a very remarkable manner. They also have capabilities to worship the Almighty in their own way.

As per Qur'an:

Allah makes a similar statement in the following verses as well, Qur'an - Chapter 59, Verse 01; Chapter 62, Verse 01 and Qur'an - Chapter 64, Verse 01:

Allamah Taba Tabai (AR) writes in his al-Mizan that, in the books of the Ahle Sunnah Ibn Ziyad, Abu Darda and Abu Huraira have quoted these words from the Holy Messenger. In the same book Imam Sadiq narrates from his father:

In a similar note, al-Mahdi glorifies Allah in the following manner in the Invocation of al-Iftitah recited during the month of Ramadhan:

al-Sajjad (AS) remarks the following in his Supplication in Morning and Evening, in Sahifa al-Sajjadiyya:

It is reported in Amali of Saduq, Page 453, Biharul-Anwar - Volume 15, Page 272, Taweel al-Ayat - Volume 2, Page 622, Tafseer Furat al-Kufi - Page 174, that the Prophet (S) at one night remarked to his followers that at that particular night, a star should fall down and prostrate on the door of the house of his future successor and helper. On that night, the one star fell and prostrated itself on the door of the house of Ali, son of Abu Talib (AS) and the people were amazed. In this reference, Allah the Almighty says:

Apparently, we also see a similar incident in history when Allah confirms in Qur'an that Prophet Yusuf (AS) dreamt that eleven stars had prostrated themselves in his dream.

It is narrated by the Infallible (AS) that whosoever delays the Maghrib Prayer (first evening address to the Almighty just after sunset), the first star that comes out curses that person. This further shows that stars are living and experience events surrounding their lives, and they also experience emotions. Just as the Imam confirms no harm to that individual from an earthquake, on he who constantly recites the chapter al-Zilzal from Qur'an.

al-Majlisi (1627) reports that a cloud spread over the house of the mother of Muhammad (S) when he was born into this world. The only reasoning is that the cloud appreciated Muhammad's (S) birth and was paying its kind of reverence that was due. al-Majlisi (1627) further reports that a cloud always over-shadowed the Prophet (S) in the sun, and neither were birds seen flying over his head. A blessing followed everything he cast his saliva, which likewise removed every pain by being rubbed on the place.

It is narrated in 64th volume of Biharul-Anwar by al-Majlisi (AR) from the book al-Kharaij (by Sayyid Hibatullah Rawandi) that someone asked the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad (S), chief of martyrs, leader of youths of paradise, al-Husain (AS) in his very youth about the voices of different animals and species and their chanting. As Imam knows the language and chanting of every species and animals, therefore Muhammad bin Ibrahim bin Harris Tamamie reported that al-Husain (AS) replied as follows:

al- Husain (AS) mentioned that Allah has not created anything but it has its own glorification by which he praises his Lord. At that time Imam recited this Qur'anic verse, There isn't anything, which is not glorifying His praise, but you do not have a perception of it (al-Qur'an - Chapter 17, Verse 44).

Commenting on this verse, al-Taba Tabai (AR) writes that in the Tafsir Ayyashi, Ja'far bin Muhammad narrates from his father, the Holy Messenger had ordered us to desist from physically branding animals or hitting them on their faces because these animals too chant their praises of the Lord.

The same book records Ishaq bin Ammar bin Abi Abdullah quoting from Imam al- Sadiq (AS),

In al-Amali by al-Mufid, al-Ridha (the Shiite eighth Infallible) says:

Even the stones are reported to be living and contain memories, for the walls will complain and witness on the Day of Judgment. The relationship between stones, pebbles and the Prophet has been mentioned already.

Mir Ahmed Ali (RA) reports in his translation and commentary of Qur'an that Tamim, son of Hatim once said:

The above reports also explain how the fire went cold and comforting on Prophet Ibrahim (AS), when Namrud threw him into the blazing fire. It is reported that the fire was so strong and blazing, that birds flying over the fire got roasted and fell dead. But this fire went cold on Ibrahim's entrance. It is highly probable that the energy of the fire realized and responded to the energy of the Prophet (AS) by going cold on him. Of course, this was AFTER the command from Allah. It is said that the fire appeared peaceful to Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and he lived inside the fire for more than seven days receiving sustenance and mercy from Allah.

An incident with regards to Ali (AS) would not be out of place here. He was once approached by a faithful follower of his and repeated his love for the Imam. Ali then asked him to enter a stove in which fire was burning and he hesitated. When another lover of Ali approached the meeting, he was asked by Ali and he instantly threw himself inside the stove. The fire appeared cool in his presence and he was sitting calmly inside the stove.

A similar incident involves Imam al-Kadhim; and him sitting inside a blazing fire, when he had to prove his leadership in front of a group of people and his elder brother, Abdullah. The narration by Dr. Murtadha Alidina (2006 lecture) continues in this vein of Leadership/Imamat in Shiite Islam and that once a person came to Imam al-Kadhim (AS) and asked him a question in Arabic language. The Imam replied him in Farsi language as this was the mother tongue of that person. The guest was alarmed and the Imam remarked as to how was it possible for him to be the Leader of the Entire Creation if he was not aware of all the languages, including the language of the birds!

al-Mutahhari writes in his book The Divine Justice that al-Baqir (AS) , the fifth successor of Prophet Muhammad that he said:

As He (SWT) confirms in Qur'an: When the fire of Namrud had engulfed Prophet Ibrahim, there was a little frog. This little frog used to full its mouth with water, and pour it on the fire. Others laughed at this mindless, random act of kindness, and told the frog that your mouthfuls of water won't stop the (massive) fire of Namrud. Apparently, the frog was just fulfilling his part of the responsibility in case if the animal is asked on the Day of Judgment.

Another instance involves a non-Shia Muslim person who performed Azadari and softly beating himself on the chest commemorating the merciless killing of Imam al-Husain (AS) in Karbala. It is reported that when his body was being burnt for ashes before burial, his hands and chest was un-burnt and it was as if the fire refused to burn those parts. Clearly, this was an intelligent relationship between the fire and the hands and chest of that dead person.

The Infallible (AS) have also been reported to order their staunch believers into fire, and they were never harmed once in it. Shamanic practitioners have also been observed to communicate with the spirits of fire and the fire obeys and goes cold (Siegel, 1994). Of course, the final power, control, command and obedience are to Allah, the Most High. If Allah wills, the fire would never go cold even if the spirits are invoked. Allah, alone in His Domination, the Most Powerful is the creator and maintains full control.

It is said that there is a valley in Hell for the proud called Saqa. Once it complained to the Almighty about the intensity of its heat, and requested Him to relieve it for some time so that it may take a breath. As soon as it breathed, its breath filled the entire Hell with fire. Like Paradise, even Hell has been reported to make conversations.

On the Day of Judgment, the Leader of the Faithful (AS) will command the Bridge (al-Sirat) over Hell to yield to the visitors of al-Husain (AS), and will command the fire (surrounding it) to hold back its scorching heat before them until they pass it with an angel accompanying them. Just like Ali conversed with earth and inanimate objects during his life, he will also have these powers on the Day that counts.

al-Mufid, one of the great Islamic Jurists, once gave a note containing In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful to a student. Thereafter, he was able to walk on water so as not to be late for his discussions and this continued until he opened the piece of paper and lost faith. Incidents are also reported that the sincere followers of Imam al-Mahdi (AS) are able to walk on water as they make visits to him, just as some can cover remarkable distances in seconds.

History narrates of a student who was able to walk on water by just holding a paper in which it was written In the Name of Allah (SWT), the Beneficent, and the Merciful. The energy of the Name of Allah was conducive and powerful enough to communicate with the conscious and intelligent energy of the river and was strong enough for the river to allow the student to walk on it and cross the waters without drowning.

al-Jibouri (1987) writes that one of miracles of Prophet Isa was walking on water and one day when he reached a sea, he said - Bismillah, in the Name of Allah - and in health and conviction he started walking on the water. Ali (AS) is also said to walk on water and this event will be narrated in the last section on this perfect soul.

Regardless of ones origin and religion, history is filled with such incidents. Similar incidents have been extensively reported and people have been able to cross and walk on water by just reciting the Name of Allah. The Prophet and his companions also performed this miraculous act, as noted by al-Majlisi (1627). We also noted that Prophet Suleiman was gifted the power over the entire creation and could communicate with the wind, animals, seas, and so forth.

The author of Uyunul-Akhbar narrates that Ali once remarked to a Jew why he was able to walk on water and that:

Another remarkable event narrated by Shaykh Tabarsi that Shayateen (multitude of Satan) made for Prophet Suleiman (AS) a 35-mile long platform of gold and silk, and also made a pulpit in middle of the platform full of gold on which he used to sit and around him, there were 3000 chairs of gold and silver. In those days, the Prophets used to sit on golden chairs and scholars on silver chairs. Around them all humans, Shayateen and jinn stood. Birds shaded them with their wings.

Apparently, the origin of this power was a ring in which the name of Ali was inscribed. Undoubtedly, there was an intelligent relationship between all the miracles he performed, the attention given to him by the whole of creation, and the ring, which had the Name Ali on it. Allah had everything to do with this as the prayer for power, knowledge, understanding by Suleiman (AS) was directly to Allah.

In fact, it is said that whenever Prophet Suleiman put on the ring, the Jinns, the humans, the demons, the birds, and all animals would be under his power and would obey him (al-Jibouri, 1987). Apparently history also narrates that once Shaytan got the ring from his wife Amina (by assuming Prophet Suleiman's form) when Prophet Suleiman was in the lavatory, and instantly he had powers unimaginable. Soon the devils, the Jinns, the humans, the birds and all animals put themselves under his (Satan's) command - but not for long.

Even one's shadow is believed to have a conscious reality and Allah, in His infinite mercy and knowledge, did not allow the Prophet and his successors to have a shadow. According to the sun's position, the shadow can at times appear in front of a person and lead him or her. Allah never allowed this to happen with the Prophet and the Infallible. Therefore, the bodies of the Infallible (AS) and of Prophet Muhammad (S) never had shadows to lead them just incase the shadow becomes proud due to this. al-Majlisi (1627) says that this was one of the miracles of the Prophet as the Prophet of Allah.

Qur'an has confirmed and discussed these issues more than 1,400 years ago. The book and revelation from the Almighty, confirms that shadows are living and conscious in the following verse: In Tafsir Qummi, Imam al-Sadiq (AS) explained the words, the heavens and earth prostrate before Him. He said: Those in the heavens (the angels) prostrate before Him willingly. On earth those who are born in Islam willingly prostrate before God. Those who prostrate out of compulsion are those who accepted Islam out of compulsions and not willingly. The shadow of the one who never prostrates does prostrate every morning and evening.

History also informs us that when Prophet Musa (AS) went to approach Fir'aun in his palace, the lions in the forest ran away after recognizing his presence and never attacked him. He also opened all the doors of Fir'aun's palace by hitting them with his rod. This is clear conscious and intelligent communication between the Prophet (AS), his rod, and the doors. A similar instance is mentioned later with Ali (AS) lifting the massive door of Khaybar, and the locked doors of shrines of the Infallible (AS) opening as soon as a devout person approaches the door.

Prophet Muhammad (S) and Ali (AS) had many visits from ferocious animals that only bowed down in reverence in their presence. Killer wolves only bowed their heads near the Prophet (S), saluted him, and testified to his prophetical office. The animals even pointed to Ali (AS) when they had to make a point and prove his leadership.

Abdullah Bin Yahya al Kahili has been quoted in Kharaij and Jarai to have said the Imam Ja'far Sadiq said: Historians narrate that a person once asked Prophet Musa (AS) that he wanted to know the Greatest Name of Allah, and so he was told to go near a river and he would learn this Name of Allah. When this person neared the river, a large crocodile came forth with his mouth open ready to devour the person when he instantly said, with pure intention, ALLAHU AKBAR (Great is Allah) and instantly the crocodile returned to the river and left the person alone. Clearly, there was an intelligent understanding between ALLAHU AKBAR and the crocodile.

As noted earlier, animals have been forbidden to eat the flesh of the Infallible and this act in itself shows a clear communication between humans and animals at the energy level. On several occasions the Infallible (AS) were placed near ferocious snakes and lions, but the animals were never reported to even approach the Infallible, but revere their presence. We can now appreciate the relationship between animals and Allah, and their responsibility on this earth could be to sacrifice themselves for human consumption.

As clearly mentioned in authentic books, the 10th Imam al-Naqi was once being mocked at by the gathering because of a magician playing with the Imam. The Imam instantly ordered a beast/animal to come alive from a drawing and the animal was instantly out and living, from the picture. On the order of the Imam, the animal devoured and ate the magician. This clearly explains the high status of the Aimmah (AS), but also communication at the energy level between the animal (inside a drawing) and the Imam.

When the believers were amazed at some of these events happening before their eyes, the Prophet (S) told his followers that Ali has even greater respect and is even more revered in the heavens. Allah even made an image of Ali so the angels can pay their respect to him whenever they desire to.

With regards to the status of Ali in the heavens, the Prophet, (S), once said to a companion:

It is reported in the book Beacons of Light, by al-Tabarsi, that one day Abu Jahl swore by Allah that he would break the Prophet's head with a stone when he fell prostrate in prayer. When the Messenger of Allah stood at prayer, praying and prostrating between the two corners of the Ka'bah - the Black Stone and the Yemenite - and facing the Ka'bah, Abu Jahl carried a stone and came toward him. But as he approached, he suddenly turned away, pale with fear, his hands gripping the stone tightly until at last he threw it away from him. Some men of the Quraish came to him, enquiring, What has happened to you O Abul-Hakam? He answered, A powerful camel stood between him, and me the like of its head, thick neck and sharp teeth as I had never seen. It was about to devour me.

In one incident after the battle of Badr, and reported by al-Majlisi (1627), the Prophet (S) was brought a dish containing a roasted goat and offered it to the Prophet (S). Instantly, and by divine power, the dead, cooked and roasted goat exclaimed to the Prophet (S) that its meat was poisoned and that he should not partake of that meat. Poisoned foods also did not affect the Prophet as the poison was aware of the personality and never took way his life or made him sick. He once said to Ali (AS), Abu Dhar, Miqdad, Salman and Ammar that nothing in the universe can do harm, unless Allah wills it. So, even poisonous foods have a relationship with their creator, as do medicines, water and plants and they will not cause a reaction without the knowledge of Allah.

al-Majlisi (1627) reports that the Prophet (S) and Ali were once together in a gathering when poisoned food was brought before them. The Prophet requested Ali to say grace and thus he prayed, In the Name of God, the Giver of Health! In the Name of God, the All Sufficient! And in the Name of God, the Forgiver! In The Name of that Lord without Whose Permission Nothing is Injurious, or Can Inflict Pain on Earth or in Heaven! He Bears and Knows All Things! The whole party then ate till they were satisfied, after which they were uninjured and harmless, they returned home.

Allah, the Almighty often used non-living and living, and many times the animals to testify the Prophethood of the Prophets (AS) and Prophet Yunus (AS) is one of them. After his weeklong ordeal within the body of a giant sea animal, he returned to his people and they were not ready to believe in his re-appearance. With the help of the Almighty, an animal near the Prophet (AS) mentioned his name and testified his Prophethood.

The Prophet (S) also had a black ass, which acquired speech at all times he had to communicate with the Prophet (S) (al-Majlisi, 1627). Animals also sought help and assistance many times from the Prophet (S) and the Infallible (AS). It is reported in history that wolves once complained to the Prophet (S) of hunger, and a camel complained to the Prophet that it worked too hard and had little to eat. Once the Prophet (S) had to free an animal to feed and milk her off springs. On another occasion, a small lizard had to testify to the existence of Allah and to the prophetical office. Several more of these incidents have been quoted by al-Majlisi in his book Hayatul-Qulub.

al-Majlisi relates an incident that one day Allah directed Archangel Jibraeel to bring the remainder of Abu Jahl's fowl, which forthwith appeared. Abu Jahl persisted that he did not recognize it, and he had never tasted it and added that there were many a half eaten fowl in the world. Muhammad then addressed the fowl and saying to him to testify as to what happened as he and Jibraeel were accused of lying. By divine power, the fowl spoke and said, Best of Creatures! I bear witness that Abu Jahl is the enemy of God, and knows the truth but opposes it. He has eaten of me and laid up the remnant of me, and on him be the curse of God, and the curse of all who utter curses.

In Majmuah Warram - Volume 1, Page 179, it is reported that a man accompanied Prophet Isa (AS) the son of Maryam (AS) and said that he would go with him. They continued along until they came to a river. They sat and started to eat. They had three loaves of bread. They ate two of them and one remained.

Prophet Isa (AS) went to the river, drank some water and returned. He did not find the third loaf. He asked the man who had taken that loaf. He said that he did not know.

They continued until they came to a doe followed by two fawns. Prophet Isa (AS) beckoned one of the fawns, killed it, roasted it and they ate it. Then Jesus addressed the fawn [that had been eaten,] saying, Live! It came to life and went. Then Prophet Isa (AS) said to the other man, By the God Who has shown you this miracle, who took that loaf of bread? He said that he did not know.

They continued until they reached a lake. Prophet Isa (AS) took the hand of the man and led him over the water. When they reached the other side, Prophet Isa (AS) said, By the One Who has shown you this miracle, who took that loaf of bread? He said that he did not know.

They continued until they reached a desert. They sat down. Jesus gathered some sand or dust and said, By the permission of Allah, be gold! It became gold. He divided it into three portions.

He said, One-third is for me, one-third for you, and one-third for whoever took that loaf of bread.

The man said, Alright, I took that loaf of bread.

Prophet Isa (AS) said, Then all of this gold is yours. Then he left him.

The man encountered two other men in the desert. They wanted to take his gold and kill him. He said, Let us divide the gold into three portions. They sent one of them to the village to buy food.

The one who went said to himself, Why should I let them have portions of this wealth? I shall put some poison into the food, and kill them. So, he poisoned the food.

The other two said, Why should we give a third of this wealth to him. When he comes back, let us kill him, and divide the rest of the wealth between us.

When he returned, they attacked him and killed him. Then they ate the food and died. The wealth remained in the desert with the three dead men beside it.

Prophet Isa (AS) passed them and saw the situation. He said to his disciples, This is the world, so beware of it!

It is further reported by the same al-Majlisi (1627) that at one time several Jews including Malik, son of al-Sayf, Abu Lababah and Kaab, son of al-Ashraf demanded from the Prophet (S) that their animals and the inanimate objects they were sitting on would testify to his prophetical office. Soon after the Prophet's order, the carpet spoke and said there was no God but One Adorable God, Who has no associate, but is sole in creating and governing all things. The carpet continued its praise and finally bore witness to the prophetical office and the Imamate of Ali (AS). The whip of Abu Lababah did the same, and so did the donkey of Kaab.

Muhammad (S) even addressed different kinds of foods and ordered them to testify his Prophethood and Leadership of Ali after the Prophet (S). Foods even uttered praises after being touched and eaten by the Prophet (S) and his blessed family, Ali, Fatima, al-Hasan and al-Husain (AS).

Once, a flock of Gazelles likewise approached Halimah (nurse of Muhammad (S) and said to her if she knew whom she was waiting for. The Gazelles replied that he was the purest of the pure. Every mountain and plain we passed saluted the child (Muhammad), by whose blessing our property rapidly increased till we became rich.

On a separate note, Tamusa, the chief of all fish that swim the sea, and has 700,000 tails, on whose back are the same number of bullocks that walk up and down, each larger than this world and having 70,000 horns of emerald, was so immersed in joy at the birth of the Prophet (S) that had not Allah quieted him, he would surely have overturned the earth.

Therefore, the animals are aware of our reality and practices in this world and also respond with prayers. For example, the fish pray for forgiveness of that person who teaches others how to read Qur'an. al-Mahdi remarks in his salutations to al-Husain that even the fishes and the sea wept in sadness after the merciless massacre of al-Husain and his children in Karbala. It is further reported of the birds that were near Ali voiced their concerns when he was about to proceed to the mosque to lead prayers on the 19th Day of Ramadhan, when he was going to be hit by a sword that would eventually cause his death. Even dogs barked at Aisha whilst she was going to fight against Ali in the Battle of Siffin.

On Page 96 of Thawabul-A'mal Wa Iqabul-A'mal, and also on Page 48 of his book al-Amali (Page 29-32 of old editions), al-Saduq (306-381 AH) and Page 183-185, Volume 8, of Biharul-Anwar, it is reported that the Prophet (S) said:

It is reported by the Aimmah that one who disdains prayer he will be detested by all creatures. This clearly explains the fact that daily prayers produce a kind of specific energy that can be accessed by and interacts with the whole of creation, including the tiniest of creatures. These creatures would see in that person that specific energy produced as a result of ignoring the five daily prayers. It is further written in authentic texts that even animals recognize the followers of Ali and even the most dangerous of animals should not scare a Shiite of Ali.

For this to happen, the fish (or the concerned animal) have to know and understand that certain individuals have acted in a specific manner that would invite the fish to pray for the individuals. This kind of communication has to be at the energy level, or a direct command from Allah. It is also possible that the fish and all other creatures have been designed to respond in such a manner by the Greatest Designer, Allah. It is therefore clear that the entire universe is responsive to human actions or emotions and responds in a particular manner.

al-Sadiq has further said: al-Kulayni (in al-Qummi's Stages of The Hereafter) narrates from al-Sadiq that he said:

al-Majlisi (1627) continues his narration saying that one day a mob was pursuing Muhammad and Ali out of the city when he saw rocks falling down from the mountains. The infidel rejoiced and thought that the huge rocks will only overpower the Prophet and Ali and kill them. But the rocks, on approaching to these two illustrious persons, by the power of the Omnipotent Lord, saluted them by name and title in the most respectful manner. The infidels were astonished at such an occurrence.

In one instance, the Prophet (S) came across a very high and inaccessible mountain to which angel Ishyaeel exclaimed at the mountain to stoop before Muhammad (S) as the best of the Prophets wishes to ascend on you. The mountain immediately sank so low that Muhammad easily ascended the summit, whence he surveyed the other side and saw many ferocious snakes and venomous reptiles. Ishyaeel commanded the same to the animals and they all disappeared and let the Prophet (S) pass the other side of the mountain with no hindrance.