THE ESSENCE OF WILAYAH

THE ESSENCE OF WILAYAH

الْيَوْمَ يَئِسَ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا مِنْ دِينِكُمْ فَلَا تَخْشَوْهُمْ وَاخْشَوْنِ ۚ الْيَوْمَ أَكْمَلْتُ لَكُمْ دِينَكُمْ وَأَتْمَمْتُ عَلَيْكُمْ نِعْمَتِي وَرَضِيتُ لَكُمُ الْإِسْلَامَ دِينًا

[Al-Maida 5:3] “This day have those who disbelieve despaired of your religion, so fear them not, and fear Me! This day have I perfected for you your religion and completed My favour on you and chosen for you Islam as a religion!

In the above Verse of Wilayah (Divinely Appointed Authority) the extremely important part, “This day have those who disbelieve despaired of your religion (Deen), so fear them not, and fear Me”, is not much used by followers of Ahlul Bayt (AS) too! Though this is the Key to Wilayah! This is the Key of Tawhid (Unity)! He (SWT) is One, His Representatives are those whom He (SWT) appoints, because they are United with Him in Traits and Attributes! They are a reflection of His (SWT)’s Traits and Attributes! Hence when the Wali (Divinely Appointed Authority) will run the government he will see that those Traits and Attributes are reflected in the governance too! They are visible in the day to day life also! The common man, his subjects too should adapt the said Traits and Attributes! They too should reflect them in their daily life, in dealing with the family members, at work place, in business transactions, in fact in every aspect of life. Therefore generating the conditions for which the mankind has been created, servitude of the Lord and Master!

Or in other words life should be pure, free of frauds and underhand dealings! All should be appointed on merit! All should be paid according to their abilities! Everyone should be treated equally! No tyranny or oppression is permitted! Rich should pay poor due! In fact a fair state of affairs, with no short cuts to reach the top!

Therefore it does not suit majority of the humanity, because man wants short cut to every worldly pleasure even if through unfair means, but sadly not a short cut to eternal pleasure by fair dealing.

خُلِقَ الْإِنْسَانُ مِنْ عَجَلٍ ۚ سَأُرِيكُمْ آيَاتِي فَلَا تَسْتَعْجِلُونِ

[The Prophets 21:37] Man is a creature of haste: soon enough will I show you My Signs; then you will not ask Me to hasten them!

Hence majority of the Muslims find it easier to adapt the essence of Love for term Wali. Most of the believers of Wilayah have preferred to accept love of Imam Ali (AS) because they think it is the Only Key to Paradise, no need to follow in His (AS)’s footsteps, or adapt Divine Traits and Attributes. And other Muslims preferred the essence of love because this meant they could keep political power and riches with themselves!

Wilayah is `Urwati Al-Wuthqá Lā Anfişāma Lahāthe (Most trustworthy hand-hold, which never breaks). It connects the created with The Creator!

LADY FATIMAH (SA) DEATH, BURIAL AND GRAVE

LADY FATIMAH (SA) DEATH, BURIAL AND GRAVE

The treatment meted out to the daughter of the Prophet (PBUT), after his death, was extremely painful and sad. Although Lady Fatimah (SA) did not live in this world more than a few months after the death of the Prophet (PBUH), yet even this short period has a long tale of grief and woe surrounding her.

In this connection, the first scene that strikes the eyes is that arrangements for the funeral rites of the Prophet (PBUH) had not yet been made when the contest for power started in the Saqifah of Banu Sa`idah. Naturally, their leaving the body of the Prophet (PBUH) without burial, must have injured Lady Fatimah (SA)’s grief-stricken heart, when she saw that those who had claimed love and attachment with the Prophet (PBUH) during his life, became so engrossed in their machinations for power, that instead of consoling his only daughter, they did not even know when the Prophet (PBUH) was given a funeral ablution, and when he was buried, and the way they condoled her was that they crowded at her house with material to set fire to it, and tried to secure allegiance by force, with all the display of oppression, compulsion and violence.

It is reported that Fatimah (SA) died on the third of Jumada ‘l-Akhirah, in the eleventh year of the Hijrah. She survived the Prophet (PBUH) by only ninety-five days. In some histories it is also reported that she survived him by four months.

The Commander of the Faithful, Imam Ali (AS) himself took charge of her washing. It is reported that Asma Binte Umays assisted him in washing her. Asma related: “Lady Fatimah had stated in her will that no one should wash her corpse except Imam Ali and I. Thus we washed her together, and the Commander of the Faithful prayed over her, along with Hasan and Hussain, Amman ibn Yasir, Miqdad, Aqil, az Zubayr, Abu Dharr, Salman, Buraydah and a few men of Banu Hashim. They prayed over her in the night, and in accordance with her own will, Ali (AS), the Commander of the Faithful, buried her in secret.”

While burying Lady Fatimah (SA), Commander of the faithful, addressing Prophet (PBUH) said, “O’ Prophet of Allah, peace be upon you from me and from your daughter who has come to you and who has hastened to meet you. O’ Prophet of Allah, my patience about your chosen daughter has been exhausted, and my power of endurance has weakened, except that I have ground for consolation in having endured the great hardship and heart-rending event of your separation. I laid you down in your grave, when your last breath had passed, when your head was between my neck and chest. … Verily we are Allah’s and verily unto Him shall we return. (Quran 2:156)

Now the trust has been returned and what had been given has been taken back. As to my grief, it knows no bounds, and as to my nights, they will remain sleepless, till Allah chooses for me the house, in which you are now residing.
Certainly, your daughter would apprise you of the joining together of your Ummah for oppressing her. You ask her in detail and get all the news about the position. This has happened when a long time had not elapsed and your remembrance had not disappeared. My salutation be on you both, the salutation of a grief stricken, not a disgusted or hateful person; for if I go away, it is not because I am weary of you, and if I stay it is not due to lack of belief in what Allah has promised the endurers”. (Nahjul Balaghah, Sermon 201)

There is much disagreement among traditionalists as to the exact spot of her grave. Some traditionalists have asserted that she was buried in the Baqi Graveyard. Others said that she was buried in her own chamber, and that when the Umayyad rulers enlarged the Mosque of Medina, her grave came to be in the sanctuary. Still others argued that she was buried between the grave and pulpit of the Prophet (PBUH). It is to this that the Prophet (PBUH) alluded to, in his saying: “There is between my grave and pulpit a garden of the gardens of Paradise.”

References:
1) Beacons of Light, translation of I’lamu ‘l Wara bi Alami ‘l-Huda, By Tabarasi, translated by Dr. Mahmoud Ayoub and Dr. Lynda Clarke.
2) Fatima ['a] The Gracious, By Abu Muhammad Ordoni

DAUGHTER-A REPLICA OF THE GREAT MOTHER

DAUGHTER-A REPLICA OF THE GREAT MOTHER

One of the prominent aspects of True Islam is that it presents Role Models, who have been so designated by Allah (SWT). The first and foremost example of such Role Models is the Holy Prophet (SAW). Quran sets him as an example for the mankind,

لَقَدْ كَانَ لَكُمْ فِي رَسُولِ اللَّهِ أُسْوَةٌ حَسَنَةٌ لِمَنْ كَانَ يَرْجُو اللَّهَ وَالْيَوْمَ الْآخِرَ وَذَكَرَ اللَّهَ كَثِيرًا

[Al-Ahzab 33:21] “Certainly you have in the Messenger of Allah an excellent exemplar for him who hopes in Allah and the latter day and remembers Allah much.”

The lineage of Role Models continued after the Prophet (SAW), through Imams (AS). Imams (AS) were all male, but as we learn from the Quran, women also have been nominated as Role Models for the entire humanity,

وَضَرَبَ اللَّهُ مَثَلًا لِلَّذِينَ آمَنُوا امْرَأَتَ فِرْعَوْنَ إِذْ قَالَتْ رَبِّ ابْنِ لِي عِنْدَكَ بَيْتًا فِي الْجَنَّةِ وَنَجِّنِي مِنْ فِرْعَوْنَ وَعَمَلِهِ وَنَجِّنِي مِنَ الْقَوْمِ الظَّالِمِينَ

[At-Tahrim 66: 11] “And Allah sets forth, as an example to those who believe the wife of Pharaoh: Behold she said: “O my Lord! Build for me, in nearness to Thee, a mansion in the Garden, and save me from Pharaoh and his doings, and save me from those that do wrong.”

Indeed, like in every other department, Islam has not neglected female half of the humanity in this field too, it has set forth women as Role Models as well. These women are not only an Epitome of Perfection and a Paradigm for fellow women, but for the entire mankind. They showed how to tread the path of perfection, how to fulfil the purpose of creation, and how to achieve proximity to the Lord and Master! A distinguished example of such female Role Models is the Mother of all Imams (AS), Fatimah (SA) the daughter of the Prophet (SAW).

It is narrated from Imam Hujjat Ibn al-Hasan, al-Mahdi (ATFS) that he said, “And in the daughter of the Prophet of Allah is indeed an excellent Paradigm.” (Bihar, vol. 53, p.178)

But here one must never forget that the Great Mother of Lady Fatimah (SA), Lady Khadijah (SA) is also another important Role Model for us all to emulate. She was known as “The Lady of Quraish” and “Tahera (meaning the clean)”! She was an extremely rich lady materially, a business woman, but one should never forget that her spiritual wealth was of much higher worth and richer quality than any material affluence can be! This Great Lady had refused all the marriage proposals by the important, prosperous personalities of Quraish, before getting married to Prophet (SAW).

This Great Lady became the Blessed Mother of the Lady of Paradise, Fatimah (SA). It was a tradition in Arab world to give a child to another lady for nursing after birth; however, in case of Fatimah (SA), Khadijah (SA) herself took care of nursing and nurturing her precious daughter. Thus mother played an important part in character building of her daughter, and left a reminder for the mothers of every era that a nanny can never be a good substitute for the maternal care. No material wealth can buy the care and guidance which has been bequeathed to the biological mother.

Lady Fatimah (SA) grew in the household of Prophet Mohammad (SAW) under the watchful guidance of her Exalted Father (SAW), and careful fostering of Benefactress of Islam, Khadijah (SA). She observed the advent of Islam and the difficulties that Prophet (SAW) faced. Her mother was her close friend and companion, and shared her concerns about her father’s mission with her. When Prophet (SAW) was forced to move to the Shaib-Abitalib (The Valley of Abu Talib (AS)), the two Great Ladies, Khadijah (SA) and Fatimah (SA) accompanied him. They stayed there for more than three years, where they faced many difficulties and shortage of food and other resources, and mostly relied on the help of Abu Talib (AS), and contacts of Lady Khadijah (SA). The tough conditions took their toll on the health of Khadijah (SA), and she became ill by the end of three years.

When Fatimah (SA) was seven years old her beloved mother Khadijah (SA) passed away. (Bihar, vol. 19. p.14) In the same year, Abu Talib (AS), the great supporter of the Prophet (SAW) passed away, and thus the year was called the Year of Sorrow (Aam-al-Huzn).

Thus today we, your servants are remembering you too Bibi Khadijah (SA)! Whenever a daughter suffers pain, the one to feel it most is the mother. We are here to condole with you Mother of all Believers!

Muslims and historians state that Lady Khadijah (SA) was a Successful Business Woman, but does anyone remember how successful she was in her trading transactions with the Almighty Lord! Does anyone realise that she too was a Muntazir (Waiting) for the Saviour (SAW) of the era, just like us in today’s Period of Occultation! Remember her response to Call of The truth, it was instant and powerful, without hesitation she said ‘Yes’ to the Messenger of Islam (SAW)! She gave up all for The Truth, for Divine Pleasure, thus registering her name amongst the Friends of Allah (SWT), the True Supporters of Divinely Appointed Authority of the era! She sacrificed every material and physical possession to safeguard Wilayah (Divinely Appointed Authority), and her daughter, Lady Fatimah (SA) following in mother’s footsteps did the same!
O Flag Bearer of The Truth please help us become the True Muntazirs as well! Nothing should be more precious to us than the Call of Mahdi (ATFS)! Nothing should stop us from immediately responding to His (ATFS)’s commands! Please guide and support us in building a character which is not shackled and chained by the temporal allures of this world!

Lady Fatimah (SA), the fruit of Lady Khadijah (SA)’s dedication and devotion, you are truly an Amazing Role Model for humanity! Your beloved husband Imam Ali (AS) sold his shield for your dowry, and you in turn became his innate shield!

At this point I must stop and supplicate through your offices, O Bibi (SA), to Allah (SWT), please grant all women respect within themselves, and in the eyes of their husbands and the world as well, and may they have the ability to act as a shield in protecting the honour and respect of their husbands, and adding beauty to their homes!

O Great Lady (SA) help us unfold the Holy Chapters of Your Life, which should be the focal point of every believer!

The Flag of Khadijah (SA) and Fatimah (SA) is Islamic Dress Code; a combination of Internal Modesty as well as Modest form of Clothing. Donning which they conducted business shoulder to shoulder with men, they challenged tyrants of the day, they participated in the Greatest Struggle of spreading Islam, they stood side by side with their men in battle fields! This flag empowers women to enter society as Human Beings, and not as a frivolous piece of advertising and entertainment! Please help us adapt it in our lives, and raise it the way you did!

These mother and daughter, are the ones with whom we must strive and building relationships! Such a connection will be an eternal and infinite one!

PLEASURE OF FATIMAH (SA) IS DIVINE PLEASURE

PLEASURE OF FATIMAH (SA) IS DIVINE PLEASURE

The Prophet (PBUH&HP) said:”Fatimah is part of me – whatever makes her angry makes me angry, and whatever pleases her pleases me.” (Al-Sawaiq Al-Muhariqah, p. 188; similar wording is narrated in Mustadrak Al-Sahihain, v. 3, p. 172; Al-Jami-Al-Sagheer, v. 2, p. 653, n. 5859)

Allamah Siblinji, in his book, “Nurul Absaar, page 5, quotes from the great commentator and theologian, Mujahid, who had said that, The Prophet (SAW), emerged taking the hands of Hazrat Fatimah (SA) in hands and had said that, “One who knows my daughter, he knows it already, and he, who does not know her, should know that this is Mohammad’s daughter, Fatimah. She is a part of me. She is my heart and my Spirit that lay between my two sides. Whoever harms her, he has actually harmed me, and he who harms me, has harmed Allah.”

The above traditions are full of unlimited messages and essence!

How did the Great Lady (SA) realize this status in Divine Presence!

Allah (SWT)’s Grace is dependent on Serving and Submitting to His (SWT)’s Commands. Real position and worth is achieved by unquestioned submission and wholehearted worship of the Creator of all! Lady Fatimah Zahra (SA) had totally surrendered herself to God the Almighty; hence she was gifted with the blessing that His anger and Pleasure were related to Bibi (SA)’s anger and pleasure! Lady Fatimah (SA) was the first defender of Wilayah (Divinely Appointed Authority), which resulted in an attack on her in her own house, and her ultimate death because of the wounds!

A Lady (SA) whose life revolved around Divine Submission, whose every breath served Lord Almighty, who was extremely vigilant to safeguard Islamic Dress Code, stood up and faced a large number of male opponents in the defence of Wilayah (Divinely Appointed Authority), which in itself is a Great Proof of the importance of this position!

Bibi Fatimah (SA), today your supporters are being attacked in their places of work, worship, on the streets and even in their homes, because they support Wilayah (Divinely Appointed Authority), they speak out for it, they sanctify it and uphold its position, and they try their best to adapt it in their lives. Please grant us all patience in this period of our Living Imam (ATFS)’s Occultation. Please help us pave the path for your Son (ATFS)’s reappearance! Please help us achieve the status of being amongst His (ATFS)’s friends and associates!

Our heartfelt condolences on the sorrowful event of the demise of Blessed Lady Fatimah (SA)! But the tragedy did not end then, even today Bibi Fatimah Zahra (SA)’s wounds continue to bleed, and Her Blessed Eyes continue to weep tears, for indeed the greed of political power respects none, and is constantly trying to destroy The Truth and those who stand for it, even today too! For how long will this sigh be imprisoned in Bibi (SA)’s Blessed Heart! Except for Imam (ATFS)’s blessed reappearance there can be no solace and no reparation!

Extracts from the Sermon given by Lady Fatimah (SA) in the Masjid-e-Nabawi

Extracts from the Sermon given by Lady Fatimah (SA) in the Masjid-e-Nabawi

Abdullah Ibn al Hasan (RA), on the authority of the tradition that he had based upon the authority of his father states, When Caliph Abu Bakr decided to confiscate from the possession of Lady Fatimah Zahra (SA) the property of Fadak, and this news reached Fatimah Zahra (SA), she covered her head, and also covered her body with a veil (chadar), and along with her lady companions and servants went to the mosque of the Holy Prophet (SAW). She had covered herself entirely from head to toe, but the manner of her walking resembled entirely the manner of the Holy Prophet (SAW), when she arrived at the mosque, she found Caliph Abu Bakr sitting there with Muslims [Mohajirs and Ansaars]. When she entered, a curtain was put up between her and her companions on the one hand, and between the men assembled in the mosque on the other.

Once they were seated on either side of the curtain, Lady Fatimah (SA) let out a lamentation, which made the people assembled there weep so loudly that the mosque reverberated with the sound of their weeping. When there was a pause and the sound of weeping subsided, Lady Fatimah (SA) began her address to the people, gathered in the mosque. She commenced her speech by praising Allah (SWT) and expressing her gratitude to Him, followed by calling Allah (SWT)’s blessings upon the Prophet (SAW), and reminding them about the great Position held by Prophet (SAW).

Then Lady Fatima (SA) addressed the people gathered in the mosque, delivering her sermon and said, “You are Allah (SWT)’s servants, who are ordered to carry out His commands, for what is obligatory, and what is forbidden, and you are the carriers of the burden of Allah (SWT)’s Religion and Revelations, and you are entrusted with the trusteeship of yourselves. You are charged with the propagation of Allah (SWT)’s Message to all the people of the world. The leader of Truth is amongst you [meaning her husband Imam Ali (AS)], and the Pledge that he has pledged with you from before, at Ghadir-e-Khum, on 18th Zil-Hajj 10 A.H, and the remnant that has been left behind for you, the rational and articulate Book of Allah (SWT), the true Qur’an, the radiant light, the effulgent radiation, His proofs are manifest, and it’s obscurities are clarified, that what is apparent of it, is clear, and those who follow it are the envy of all the rest”.

After explaining the importance of the knowledge of the Silent Quran (Quran-e-Samit) she moved on to present the position of Living Quran (Quran-e-Natiq) and their connection with True Faith. “Allah (SWT) has made Faith as a means of purification from polytheism, and has made obligatory the prayer as a means of freeing yourself from arrogance, and He has made the Poor Due (Zakat) obligatory, as a means of cleaning your souls, and as a cause of the growth of your sustenance, and He has made fasting obligatory, as a means of steadfastness in sincerity, and He has made pilgrimage to Makkah (Hajj) obligatory, as a means of might in your religion, and He has made justice obligatory, as a means of harmony for your hearts, and He has made your obedience to us, Ahlul-Bayt obligatory, as a means of organising the community properly, and has made us religious leaders, [i.e. we Ahlul-Bayt ruling you] a source of security from disunion of the nation, and He has made struggle and endeavour against one’s own self, or against one’s arrogant and aggressive enemies, [the Holy War], as a means of exaltation for Islam, and endurance and patience as an aid in acquiring the right of worthy recompense”.

Lady Fatimah (SA) reminded them about the degrading conditions, in which Arabs were dwelling, before the invitation of Islam. She brought back to their memories the humiliating situation they had during the Era of Ignorance, and the hardships Prophet (SAW) faced to get them out of it! Then she moved on to elaborate the role that Imam Ali (AS) played in the success of the spread of Islam.

“Every time they lit the fires of war, Allah (SWT) extinguished them; or whenever Satan showed his horns, or whenever the dragon of the polytheists opened its mouth. The Prophet (SAW) hurled his brother (Imam Ali AS) against it, who had never relented, until he had trampled under his feet their nose and ears, and he put out the fire with his sword; he strove for the sake of Allah (SWT) (meaning Imam Ali AS) and he struggled for the sake of and cause of Allah (SWT); he was very near to the Messenger (SAW) of Allah (SWT), and he was a leader amongst those who loved Allah (SWT); he was always ready and prepared for the struggle, doing his best; he was advised well and he sought and strove to the utmost, while you were, during all this time, living a life of ease and comfort, in the state of security and pleasure, awaiting that the circle of time turns against us, and you were keenly listening to the news, while you held back from the conflict, and you were fleeing from the battles”!
Lady Fatimah (SA) questions Caliph Abu Bakr about confiscating her right of inheritance. In detail she presents proofs from the Holy Quran, which makes her entitled to own any gifts that her father left her. She then glanced towards the Ansaars (the native Muslims of Madina) and said, “O group of eminent and the arms (strength) of the community who first welcomed Islam, Why all this neglect in the matter of my rights, and why this laxity in the matter of my seeking justice? Did not the Holy Prophet (SAW), my father say, “Every person should be guarded in the matters of his children’s rights and honours?” How swiftly have you fabricated in this matter? And how quickly have you committed this awful act? And while you do possess the strength and ability to assist me for what I am striving and you have the power to assist me in what rightfully I demand and intend to do! Are you saying that Muhammad (SAW) has died? And this is indeed a very great calamity! A calamity that is very vast and its breach is wide! And what was patched up has been torn apart, and his absence has darkened the earth, and the stars have been eclipsed because of this calamity, and hopes have been destroyed, and the mountains have been shattered, and the sanctity of sanctuaries has been violated, and all sanctity and honour have been lost because of his death, and that would be, by Allah (SWT), the greatest of all calamities and afflictions; no calamity like it has ever struck down, and never has there ever been such a soul-searching catastrophe”!

Then Lady Fatimah (SA) addressed “Bani Qileh” [Qileh was the mother tribe of both tribes, Ows and Khazraj, the Ansaars]. First she reminded them about their previous condition, their entering Islam voluntarily, their bravery and valour, their benefitting spiritually from the Islamic teachings, then she talks about her rights and their duty to defend same. Seeing that they remained mute, she moves on to criticise their stance, “Lo! I see that you have finally gone into subordination and ease of living; you have distanced yourself from the one who is the most rightful, to order the affairs of the Muslims, while you have returned into the comfort of inaction, and you have sought an easy life instead of a hard one, and whatever you had heard and retained you have spit out, and what you had swallowed you have vomited; so, if you are disbelievers, you and those on earth, most surely Allah (SWT) is Self-Sufficient and praised”.

At this stage self appointed Caliph Abu Bakr, acknowledged the Great Position of Lady Fatimah (SA) and Imam Ali (AS). He accepted that they are very knowledgeable, but refused to entertain their claim for Land of Fadak, which was inheritance of Fatimah (SA). Disheartened and disappointed Lady Fatimah (SA) presented her concluding statement, “O people! You have hastened to listen to the false statements; you are ignoring an action that is ugly to do and will lead to losses; do you not study the Holy Qur’an in depth, or is that your hearts are sealed off? No! But what evil actions you have performed have darkened your hearts, by denying and refusing orders of Allah (SWT) and His Messenger (SAW), who appointed Imam Ali (AS), the successor and leader of the Muslims after Mohammed (SAW), but they became polytheist and have deprived you of hearing and seeing well; how badly have you deduced from the Holy Qur’an, and how bad it is that you have ascribed to it, and how evil is what you have gained from it; and by Allah (SWT), you will surely find that the burden of it will be very heavy, and the consequences of it will be disastrous for you; when the veil will be removed from before you, and what losses are beyond it will become evident, and from Allah (SWT) it will be revealed what you had not taken into account, and there it is where those who follow falsehood will surely be losers”.

Reference:
Urdu Compilation of Lady Fatimah (SA) Sermons, By Allamah Syed Ibne Hasan Najafi, Printed by Idarahe Tamadun-e-Islam, Karachi, Pakistan

SERVE THY LORD (SWT)

SERVE THY LORD (SWT)

[Al-Dhariyaat 51:56] And I have not created the jinn and the men except that they should serve Me!
[Al-Baqarah 2:29] He it is Who created for you all that is in the earth!
It has been very clearly mentioned in the Holy Quran to Worship and Serve our Creator. When reflecting on the life of Bibi Fatimah (SA) what does one find! As a child a great help and support to her parents, as a wife again a great help and companion to Imam Ali (AS) and a Perfect Mother for her children! All this is equal to Worshipping and Serving Almighty Allah (SWT), to contemplating and seeing His (SWT)’s Grace and Beauty in every creation, in every relationship!
It is thus so clear that all that we do day in and day out if it results in attaining His (SWT)’s Pleasure then it is ALL WORSHIP! Thus one needs to train oneself and one’s children that whatever one does, be it standing in Obligatory Prayers, going to school, going out shopping, attending mourning or commemoration gatherings, going for religious education and lectures, having marriage ceremonies, so on and so forth, all of it should be according to the Rules of Worship, because that is what entire humanity have been created for! If once one comprehend this, will she/he ever be attracted to the dazzling lights of this world! Will the artificial and temporal allure lure one when the Beauty of Lord (SWT) is visible to the spiritual eye!
Ponder and reflect has not Islam come in such an easy packing!
[Al-Hamd 1:5] Thee do we serve and worship! A good reminder that what is said and repeated so many times should be accompanied by acting on its meaning, fulfilling its implications and requirements.
No one can earn the love of Allah (SWT) except the one who turns to Him seeking His pleasure, and none earns His rejection except the one who turns away from His guidance and disobeys Him.

PERFECTION IN SUBMISSION

PERFECTION IN SUBMISSION
BY
HUMA HASN

Litundhira Qawmāan Mā ‘Undhira ‘Ābā’uuhum Fahum Ghāfilūna
[Yaseen 36:6] That you may warn a people whose fathers were not warned, so they are heedless.
Prophet (SAW) entered this temporal abode at the time when materialism was at its height. People existed for this world. They had no belief in the eternal life. The Divine Messages had been altered to suit their own, man-made beliefs. Literary work was based on superstitions and make-belief. Society was dominated by personal whims and wishes. Prophet (SAW) had an extremely tough task in front of him. He had to preach amongst people, about whom Quran has informed us that though, descendents of Prophet Abraham (AS), the father of All Monotheistic Faiths, but was still heedless, had not accepted the warnings brought to them by innumerable Prophets (AS).
Imam Ali (AS), the Divinely Appointed Vicegerent of Prophet (SAW), often talked about Prophet (SAW) in his sermons. He informed people about the importance of Prophet-hood, he told them about the status of Prophet Mohammad (SAW), he discussed the state of Arab World before the advent of Islam, and the hard task that Holy Prophet (SAW) had to face. “Verily, Allah sent Muhammad (PBUH) when none among the Arabs read a book or claimed prophet-hood. He guided the people, till he took them to their correct position and their salvation. So their spears (i.e. officers) became straight and their conditions settled down.” (Sermon 33)
Monotheism, always the first casualty of illiteracy, and which should in fact be the focal point of existence, was absolutely missing in the lives of the people of the time. Holy Quran constantly emphasises the significance of the belief in the Unity of Divinity. At one place, through Prophet (SAW), Allah (SWT) says,

Qul ‘Inna Şalātī Wa Nusukī Wa Maĥyāya Wa Mamātī Lillāhi Rabbi Al-`Ālamīna

[Al-Ana’am 6:162] Say! Surely my prayer and my sacrifice and my life and my death are (all) for Allah, the Lord of the worlds.

Prophet (SAW) is informing the people, it is not enough that one verbally claim faith in Allah (SWT); his actions too should proof this conviction! Every act in life should be performed with the intention of gaining closeness to Allah (SWT). Every moment of life, the prayers, the daily functioning of existence, the suppression of desires and wants, in fact every breath that man takes, and even the last breath, after which he meets his Creator, should be in service of the Lord of the worlds.

Islam is the Way of Life, and hence does not ask one to live in the Stone Age! The fast developing technology is not forbidden to use! It is a Divine Blessing and if used to not only strengthens one’s own servitude efforts, but also to guide others, it turns into worship! Permitted entertainments are not discouraged, the only thing is to keep a balance in life, reflection, acquisition of knowledge, striving for every day needs, socialising, relaxation all are important and one’s day and life should be divided to accommodate them all.

But throughout the life one must keep repeating the slogan, live for Him, die for Him, spend for Him, love for His sake, forsake material pleasures for Him, offer sacrifices for His approval, this should be the Moto of Existence!
Imam Ali (AS) has expressed his views about the matter in the following words, “Allah sent the Prophet at a time when the people were going astray in perplexity and were moving here and there in mischief. Desires had deflected them and self-conceit had swerved them. Extreme ignorance had made them foolish. They were confounded by the unsteadiness of matters and the evils of ignorance. Then the Prophet – blessing of Allah be upon him and his descendants – did his best in giving them sincere advice, himself trod on the right path and called (them) towards wisdom and good counsel.” (Sermon 95)
Prophet (SAW), who was perfection personified, showed that the greatest success in life is to understand and follow the Divine Laws, which alone generate good in individuals, which in turn spills over into communities. Thus resulting in a unified society, which is the core of Monotheism!

Holy Prophet (SAW) wanted everyone to adapt the path of the Truth (Haq). The materialist minded polytheists did not want to change their lifestyle. They thought that the comforts and pleasures of life, which they possessed, were too precious to be sacrificed, for promises of unseen and eternal pleasure. Therefore to stop Prophet (SAW) from preaching the Truth, they offered him many worldly incentives. Holy Prophet (SAW) informed them that he did not care for the temporary gains of this life; he only wanted them to accept Divine Message as their way of life, for their own good.

Qul Mā ‘As’alukum `Alayhi Min ‘Ajrin ‘Illā Man Shā’a ‘An Yattakhidha ‘Ilá Rabbihi Sabīlāan

[Al-Furqaan 25:57] Say: I do not ask you aught in return, except that he who will may take the way to his Lord.

But to no avail! The materialists who love this world, and have no faith in the hereafter, always, find excuses for their wrong practices. A very common objection from the commencement of the world has been that why the Prophets (AS) were human and not angels. Another demand of such people has been for the Prophets (AS) to present miracles, to prove their status.
The reason is that disbelievers do not want to accept the purpose of Prophet-hood. The Prophets (AS) are the Role Models as well as Messengers. They are the link between humanity and Allah (SWT). They are the source of converting Divine Commands into practices.
As man is apt to forget and err, therefore, he needs to be constantly reminded about his duties. He needs constant guidance. This was provided by the Messengers (AS), who not only warned and guided man, but also, presented an ideal character for man, to base his life on.
Prophet Mohammad (SAW) was a Living Miracle. He never went to a worldly school, but was able to present another Everlasting Miracle, Quran, which is safe from any and every alteration till Dooms Day. These are Spiritual Miracles and comprehensible to those who have faith in Allah (SWT). But the materialist disbelievers constantly demanded that he should present some physical miracle, which they could see and feel.
The Divine Messengers (AS) had no love for worldly matters. They all devoted their life for guidance of mankind. Prophet (SAW) was the leader of all Messengers (AS). Therefore he was the most pious and devoted of all. He selflessly and diligently worked for the guidance of humanity. He never expected any recompense from them for his hard work.
Imam Ali (AS) has introduced Prophet (SAW) in following words in another place, “His place of stay is the best of all places and his origin the noblest of all origins in the mines of honour and the cradles of safety. Hearts of virtuous persons have been inclined towards him and the reins of eyes have been turned towards him. Through him Allah buried mutual rancour and put off the flames of revolt. Through him He gave them affection like brothers and separated those who were together through unbelief. Through him He gave honour to the low and degraded honour of unbelief. His speaking is clear and his silence is indicative like tongue.” (Sermon 96)
The Holy Progeny (AS) of Prophet (SAW) are the Chosen Imams (AS) of guidance. When Prophet (SAW) asks his followers to love and revere his Holy Family, it is for the benefit of Muslims. These are the Infallibles (AS), who have the same moral traits as Prophet (SAW). Whoever loves and reveres them, will gain from this act, because he will get closer to them, will study their persons and eventually will work to emulate them in word and deed. Hence he will find the certain path to salvation.
Therefore, Prophet (SAW), whose only desire was to work for the deliverance of all mankind, wants them all to take advantage of this open invitation, for their salvation.
Prophet (SAW) answered the rejecters in the same manner as all other Prophets (AS) had done,

Qul ‘Innamā ‘Anā Basharun Mithlukum Yūĥá ‘Ilayya ‘Annamā ‘Ilahukum ‘Ilahun Wāĥidun Faman Kāna Yarjū Liqā’a Rabbihi Falya`mal `Amalāan Şāliĥāan Wa Lā Yushrik Bi`ibādati Rabbihi ‘Aĥadāan

[Al-Kahf 18:110] Say: I am only a mortal like you; it is revealed to me that your god is one Allah, therefore whoever hopes to meet his Lord, he should do good deeds, and not join anyone in the service of his Lord.

The Divine Messengers (AS) were human beings, but they were the Chosen Ones, whose strong characters made them worthy of being trusted, with the conveying of the Message of the Truth. Whatever powers they had, were a Divine Blessing, which were gifted to them because of their Absolute Submission. Prophet (SAW) was the most submissive and humble of them all. It is height of belief in Monotheism to appreciate that man is nothing in his own capacity! His person is dependent on whatever munificence he has received from the Creator! It is also an expression of gratitude to constantly remember that, every attainment is a gift from Almighty Lord! Thus Prophet (SAW) constantly reminded people that if he can achieve this elevated status, they too can work towards it, following in his footsteps!
Imam Ali (AS) testifies to this reality in the following manner, “And I stand witness that Muhammad (blessing of Allah be on him and his progeny) is His slave and His Prophet. He sent him for enforcement of His commands, for exhausting His pleas and for presenting warnings against eternal punishment.” (Sermon 83)
Prophet (SAW) informed them that whatever superiority a man enjoys in this world is temporary and perishable. Old age follows youth, health can be overtaken by illness, riches can turn into poverty, life has to give in to death; but whatever action is performed for Allah (SWT) is secure. It is safely with Allah (SWT), and its benefits will stay permanently with the doer, in the eternal life.
Mā `Indakum Yanfadu Wa Mā `Inda Allāhi Bāqin Wa Lanajziyanna Al-Ladhīna Şabarū ‘Ajrahum Bi’aĥsani Mā Kānū Ya`malūna
[An-Nahl 16:96] What is with you passes away and what is with Allah is enduring; and We will most certainly give to those, who are patient, their reward for the best of what they did.
One should never forget that when Prophet Mohammad (SAW) commenced his mission, the world was in a very sad state. Ignorance had taken strong roots in the society. People were living a life of deceit, that is, the fake glamour of the material world had put veils on their eyes. They could not perceive the Truth (Haq). Prophet (SAW) took them out of this world of darkness, and set them on the Right Path, the path of salvation and eternal bliss.
Today too, man has gone back to the same steep depth of darkness. The ignorance, which is the result of acceptance of falsehood, has fully enveloped him. Justice and equity has been abandoned. Hence the humanity is crying out for a Saviour (ATFS), who will God Willing come to end this misery, but are we prepared to receive Him (ATFS)! Have we purified our souls enough to distance ourselves from the artificial shine, and turn to the Real Light of The Truth!
The only way out for one is to patiently and persistently, follow in the footsteps of Prophet (SAW) and His Holy Progeny (AS), move forward in life. In every eventuality, and even when facing constant attacks against his person, like his Mentor, Prophet (SAW) announce,
Ĥasbī Allāhu Lā ‘Ilāha ‘Illā Huwa `Alayhi Tawakkaltu Wa Huwa Rabbu Al-`Arshi Al-`Ažīm
[9:129] Allah is sufficient for me, there is no god but He; on Him do I rely, and He is the Lord of mighty power!

THE TRUTH LEADS TO THE REAL PROGRESS

THE TRUTH LEADS TO THE REAL PROGRESS
BY
HUMA HASAN

Al-Alaq (The Clot):
Aqra’ Biāsmi Rabbika Al-Ladhī Khalaqa, Khalaqa Al-’Insāna Min `Alaqin, Aqra’ Wa Rabbuka Al-’Akramu, Al-Ladhī `Allama Bil-Qalami, Allama Al-’Insāna Mā Lam Ya`lam.
[96:1-5] Read in the name of your Lord Who created, He created man from a clot. Proclaim and your Lord is Most Bountiful; He, Who taught (the use of) the pen, Taught man that which he knew not.
In twenty three years Prophet (SAW) took humanity out of the darkness of ignorance, and under the light of knowledge, which is the only way to impart Ma’arafah (Divine Awareness and Knowledge), and which keeps the souls alive. But alas as soon as his eyes closed, the hypocrites seized the reins of power, and returned mankind back to the era of ignorance! The Divinely Appointed Imam (AS) had no choice, but to take such a stand against the usurpers, which will remain an eternal Beacon of Light, and an everlasting Ship of Salvation.
He met with deadly dangers, acted justly and fairly, made use of everything belonging to him to pay full attention to give sincere advice, took pains, made every effort and put his heart, mind, soul and life at the disposal of Thy mission to liberate the people from the yoke of ignorance and evil of bewilderment. (Ziarat-e-Arba’een of Imam Hussain (AS))
Imam Hussain (AS) has left a message for his followers to acquire knowledge, which is the inheritance of Prophets (AS) and Imams (AS). It is the only road to salvation. It is the only path, through which one can claim to be the follower of the ‘City of Knowledge’, Prophet (SAW), the believer in the Guidance and Leadership (Imamate) and Divinely Appointed Authority (Wilayah) of ‘The Door of Knowledge’, Imam Ali (AS)!
According to Islam the knowledge is not divided into secular or religious, worldly or divine, material or spiritual, all awareness originates from One Creator, and has the essence of its Fountainhead! Hence the stress and emphasis on the importance of acquisition of knowledge from the Correct Sources, who have learnt directly from the All-Knowing is visible from the time of the creation of the ‘Father of Mankind’!
Wa `Allama ‘Ādama Al-’Asmā’a Kullahā, Thumma `AraĐahum `Alá Al-Malā’ikati
[Al-Baqarah 2:31] And He taught Adam all the names! Then presented them to the angels!
In the previous verse, [2:30], Allah (SWT) had informed angels about appointing man as His (SWT)’s vicegerent on the earth. Vicegerency means setting one being in place of another! Granting same powers up to a certain extent as the One, Whom the vicegerent is representing! Hence the vicegerent has to be a facsimile of the Original, the Lord and Master, in characteristics, traits and innate abilities! Allah (SWT) is All Knowing, thus vicegerent too has to be gifted with the ability to acquire unlimited knowledge and awareness! Allah (SWT) is Perfection; He does not have any defects, evils or disorders! Therefore the assistant too has to be proficient enough to gain knowledge, with purity of intention, and apply it practically, developing all the necessary characteristics on the way. The verses on the appointment of Adam (AS) and his progeny as vicegerent of Allah (SWT) inform us that the essential quality of the vicegerent is the imparted knowledge. Once having taught Adam (AS) “All the Names”, the Creator questioned both him and angels about “The Names”! The angels were unable to answer, but Adam (AS) immediately replied. Hence the standard of qualifying as a vicegerent of the Lord and Master was established! Only the one, who has gained the knowledge and awareness of “The Names” and learnt through them, will be considered worthy of this status.
“And He taught Adam all the names”; in other words, true knowledge has been ingrained in human beings since that first day. With passage of time it has been constantly bearing newer, fresher and better fruits; whenever man gets a chance, he discovers new avenues of knowledge; and thus he always finds himself inspired with previously unknown potentialities that more often than not turn into real achievements. It is a never ending process; it is a wonder that will not cease, and newer insights will keep appearing that will never fail to amaze.
The superiority of Adam (AS) over the angels is because of the ability to gain knowledge, through Correct Source, and apply it in life. Therefore one must never forget that there is a huge difference between knowledge and awareness, and education and book learning! Knowledge and awareness creates humans, who are willing to work for the betterment of humanity, for peace, for harmony, for unity! Whereas education and book learning produces paper degrees and certificates, which are necessary for being a suitable candidate in the job market! Though knowledge and awareness can survive without education and book learning, as one sees many dedicated workers busy diligently in rural areas, or less developed places, leading a peaceful life, without causing problems for others! They might not reach a very high status materially! They might never be in the lime-light! But they are at peace within themselves! Their souls are satisfied with their achievements! But education and book learning alone can never develop the humane side of man! It gives him competitive urge! It makes him crave for more! But it does not harness his selfish instincts! In fact it only boasts the animalistic traits of humans!
If knowledge is divided into secular and religious it becomes limited! Its vastness of message, its depth, it’s all encompassing essence is mislaid! In a so called secular syllabus, which too is formed on the basis of knowledge provided by the Creator, the passage to The Truth is taught as a subject, but in an all comprehensive Divinely Commanded Curriculum all sciences sets one on the course of The Truth! Hence when all four, knowledge, awareness, education and book learning are joined together, the true balance is created. The perfect being is created. The true vicegerent of Allah (SWT) comes into being. Wisdom develops, man’s senses improve, there is bonding between the senses and their application, which results in positive development of not only oneself, but also leaves a constructive impact on the society, on the surroundings.
First step is to recognise whom to accept as teachers. The Arabic pronoun Thumma (Them) used in the verse [2:31] is used for rational beings, who have been endowed with life, logic, sense and reason. Hence the Named Ones were some beings living in the Unseen World (Ghayb), and are the source of entire available knowledge and information which man will need till the end of the world. Let us find out through some agreed upon and authentic narrations of Prophet (SAW) who these Foundations of Knowledge are!
The Holy Prophet (SAW) said, “I was the prophet of Allah when Adam was yet in the (womb) of water and clay. It was my light (nur) which Allah created before all creation.” (At-Tabarani, Al-Mu’jjam al-Kabir; Al Khasa’is al-Kubra, vol.1, p.4)
Another authentic narration of Prophet (SAW) is, “I and Ali Bin Abi Talib both were a single light in the presence of Allah 14,000 years before the creation of Adam. When Allah created Adam, he deposited that light in Adam’s loins. We remained together as one light until we separated in Abdul-Muttalib’s loins. Then I was endowed with Prophet-hood and Ali with the caliphate.” (Imam Ahmad Bin Hanbal, Musnad, Mir Seyyed Ali Hamdani Faqih Shafi’i, Mawaddatu’l-Qurba)
At another place Prophet Mohammad (SAW) informs us, “I am the city of knowledge, and Ali is its gate!” (Imam Tha’labi, Hakim Nishapuri, Muhammad Bin Jarir Tabari, Suyuti)
And the Creator of all, the Lord and Master informs us,
Ar-Raĥmānu, `Allama Al-Qur’āna, Khalaqa Al-’Insāna, `Allamahu Al-Bayāna
[Ar-Rehman 55:1-4] The Beneficent Allah, It is He Who has taught the Qur’an. He has created man; Taught him the mode of expression.
So the knowledge comes from Allah (SWT), which He directly taught to the Chosen Ones! From there it passed down to entire humanity. Man has been blessed with the faculties of pondering, reasoning and comprehension. All Prophets (AS) and their successors enter the world with Perfect Knowledge. But Prophet Mohammad (SAW) and His Holy Successors, who are the Chosen Ones, were created before the entire humanity [2:31], and are blessed with the Complete Knowledge, which is necessary for the vicegerent of Allah (SWT). With the passage of time, as humanity developed and matured, as the veils from knowledge and information were lifted, the Final Light (SAW) and His Holy Progeny (AS) were sent! Their light was created before anything else, and is the Perfect Replica of Divine Attributes and Traits, which man has to inculcate to reach zenith of perfection.
Man, the Best Divine Creation, has been blessed with two lives and two worlds, within his one existence on the earth. The evident life and the external world are related to his body, and are connected with his temporal existence. The internal life and the inmost world are linked with his soul, and are attached to the unseen world or celestial world. He has been provided with power to use his potential and faculties, gain awareness and knowledge, direct them according to the provided Guidance, and rise above the level of angels, or let go of the Divine Blessings of logic and reason, become a prey of satanic instincts, and fall down into the ditch of darkness.
The two forces of good and evil are always at war inside a man, his existence in this world is a battleground for them. Hence the training of the soul, the struggle and striving within one’s being, has been called The Greater Struggle (Jihad-e-Akbar).
The ears, eyes, tongue, stomach, private parts, arms and legs are the apparent body parts which are employed to survive in this world. They are the tools of the senses and are also used for other physical functions. Mind or intellect and heart are also extremely important members of the body, in deciding the direction of life. They are connected to the conscience, which is called the Innate Messenger (Rasool-e-Batini)! The message received through the senses if first contemplated by the heart (Qalb), and then sent to the brain, will produce a balanced result. The contemplation, logic and reasoning will be based on what is appropriate for this life, as well as the hereafter. It will give a message based on the servitude of the Lord and Master, because heart is the source of life, the habitat of Divine Spirit, and it is connected to the Creator! Hence it should be enlightened through the knowledge brought by The Truthful Ones!
Nafakhtu Fīhi Min Rūĥī
[Al-Hijr 15:29] Breathed into him of My spirit!
But God forbid if the satanic forces get to take hold of the messages sent by senses, they will turn off the power of logic and rationality, they will dominate the strength of goodness and well-being, and will turn the acts into fiendish direction. This happens when one dwells in ignorance; one may be reading books, learning them by heart, educating oneself, thinking that this is enough! But this learning and education if directionless, if not acquired under the Light of Guided Ones, will lead on the wrong course. Like one can see today many who have learnt the Holy Book by heart, who have got very high class degrees in worldly education, but their satanic instincts are extremely strong. They kill others to show their dominance. Some of them are so selfish that are not willing to share the acquired knowledge with others, though the beauty of knowledge is that it increases with sharing!
To ensure that the senses send correct message to the mind and heart, and they in turn send appropriate guidance to the body parts, one has to endeavour and strive through the Greater Struggle, because only the one who purifies oneself through this effort will be ready to participate in the Minor Struggle, which all who wish to be part of Imam (ATFS)’s army have to face once He (ATFS) is here.
This involves certain steps. The first of which is meditation and self-reflection. One must daily devote some time to think about the creation as a whole, man’s position in it, the reason behind his creation, and many other such questions. One must ponder and reason out why Messengers (AS) and Imams (AS) are sent! Why they all guided towards one goal only, that is, towards submission to the Creator, the Lord and Master! If one regularly involves oneself in such exercise, no doubt the doors of knowledge and awareness will start opening up, and the light will become brighter with passage of time.
Secondly will and resolution must be strengthened, because this is the guarantee of liberty! It makes one free of what others will think or say. One only does what the True Master wants. As one becomes more resolute to serve Allah (SWT), to submit to His Will, one is less worried about what others will think or say about one’s practices and actions. One only worries about how his Lord will receive them. It helps one in staying away from sinful deeds, being particular about not only performance of mandatory acts, but also making every effort to execute optional ones too. Here too, receiving the knowledge about Correct Code of Life from the Right Sources, Prophet (SAW) and His Holy Progeny, helps one adapt it precisely in life. Hence make the journey forward easier, ensuring final success.
Regular self evaluation is another necessary action. One must with justice ponder on the entire day, how it was spent, where it was spent, and how it can be improved on. Any needless or time wasting deeds must be shunned in future. Any wrong actions must be shed. The good deeds must be turned into habits. If one becomes regular in self evaluation, one will find that sticking to the right path is not a great effort. It can easily be turned into a regular practice.
One very essential endeavour is Remembrance (Dhikr) of Allah (SWT)! It is in human nature to be grateful to his benefactor. Who can be a Greater Benefactor than Allah (SWT)! His Grace to man is unlimited. Every breath that one breathes, every step that one takes, every morsel that one eats, in fact whatever one has is His Blessing! And He gives all this without any hope of return from us! His Greatest Munificence is the guidance provided to man. How to live his life! Not only He sent Holy Scriptures, but also Messengers (AS), Prophets (AS), and Imams (AS), who lived according to the Divine Commands, and became Role Models for common man.
Regular recitation of supplications taught by Imams (AS), and pondering on their message is another excellent habit, which must be inculcated by a passenger of The Truth. These supplications are not only asking Allah (SWT) to fulfil one’s own desires, but they also teach how to deal with others. They make one conscious of one’s duties towards others. They help one in being a better human being.
Today too followers of Right Guidance stress on spread of awareness, they raise the banner of knowledge, they shout out that none should remain illiterate, technology should be shared and advanced through efforts of all, but the satanic forces believe in limitation of awareness! Their slogan is why others are developing knowledge of what they have. Thus every soldier striving for the Greater Struggle, every traveller on the path of The Truth must constantly beseech Allah (SWT) and say,
Rabbi Zidnī `Ilmāan
[TaaHaa 20:114] “O my Lord! Advance me in knowledge.”
And should join hands with fellow soldiers and travellers, work to create an atmosphere, where one can find the balance between knowledge, awareness, education and book learning, and through its help, as One Unit the entire humanity should tread the path of The Truth!

THE ETHICAL JOURNEY

THE ETHICAL JOURNEY
BY
HUMA HASAN

Wa ‘Innaka La`alá Khuluqin `Ažīmin
[Al-Qalam 68:4] And thou stand on an exalted standard of character.
An often repeated saying of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) is, “I have not been sent except to perfect the ethical system (mukāram al-akhlāq).” (Shaykh Ali Namāzī, Mustadrak, Safīnat al-Bihār, volume 1, page 410)
If the purpose of Prophet (SAW)’s advent is to teach us perfect ethics and morals, then why the injunctions of obligatory prayers, fasting, paying poor due, holy pilgrimage and so on!
On reflection one realises that these too cover the character building of mankind! The refinement and perfection of temperament! These deeds bring discipline to life, makes one more vigilant about others’ needs, and one’s own flaws. In fact every obligatory act recommended by Islam is a personality refiner. It is to purify the human soul, and make one more submissive to Unity. Hence bringing tolerance and harmony to the society, and helping one ascend the ladder of the Unification of the Entire Creation.
The duties of Prophet (SAW) are also all encompassing. He has been sent to purify the human souls through training in Khulq (Ethics and Morals), and then Khalaq (Create) them through teaching of wisdom. The Khulq (Ethics and Morals) covers the inner self or soul, and Khalaq (Creation, Formation) deals with the outer self, the behavioural patterns, which reflect the true condition of the soul! For first forty years of his life Prophet Mohammad (SAW) established the greatness of his own Khulq (Ethics and Morals), only then he set out to teach and guide people.
Huwa Al-Ladhī Ba`atha Fī Al-’Ummīyīna Rasūlāan Minhum Yatlū `Alayhim ‘Āyātihi Wa Yuzakkīhim Wa Yu`allimuhumu Al-Kitāba Wa Al-Ĥikmata
[Al-Juma’a 62:2] He it is Who raised among the inhabitants of Mecca a Messenger from among themselves, who recites to them His communications and purifies them, and teaches them the Book and the Wisdom!
And when one turns to the Custodians of the Holy Book, the Guardians of Jurisprudence of Islam, the true exegetes of the Holy Quran, one finds that they too emphasise the importance of ethics and morals a lot in their sayings and supplications, and connect it with the Code of Life, Islam!
Supplication of Noble Moral Traits (Du’a-e-Makarimul Akhlaq), by Imam Ali Ibne-Hussain (AS), is one such Literary Jewel. At start Imam (AS) beseeches the Lord and Master to raise the faith to the level of perfection, increase certainty to immoveable level, give purity of intention and then moves on and asks for fortification of ethics and morals, which are reflected through deeds and acts.
AL-LAAHUM-MA S’AL-LI A’LAA MUH’AM-MADIW-WA AAALIH
WA BAL-LIGH BIEEMAANEEE AK-MALAL-EEMAAN
WAJ-A’L YAQEENEEE AF-Z”ALAL-YAQEEN
WANTAHEE BINEE-YATEEE ILAAA AH’-SANIN-NEE-YAATI, WA BIA’MALEEE ILAAA AH’-SANIL-AA’-MAAL
O God, bless Muhammad and his Household, cause my faith to reach the most perfect faith, make my certainty the most excellent certainty, and take my intention to the best of intentions and my works to the best of works!
Hence one has to appreciate that Islam is ethics, faith is morality too, worship and submission is ethics too, and in essence ethics and morals present a huge canvas, a picture which encompasses the entire life of man. In other words this in itself is a perfect message of Unity! Human body and soul are united, and have to be nurtured and trained simultaneously, to achieve the goal of creation. A person bound by values and ethics, which have been fortified by correct faith, is not attracted by the appearance of a striking picture when it is presented to him. In fact he develops the discerning capability to reach the depth, and appreciate the boundaries of right and wrong. Thus so much emphasis has been placed on the developing of a conscience awe of the Lord and Master (Taqwa), which is the best shield for a believer against any temptation!
Yā ‘Ayyuhā Al-Ladhīna ‘Āmanū ‘In Tattaqū Allāha Yaj`al Lakum Furqānāan
[Al-Anfa’al 8:29] O you who believe! If you fear Allah, He will grant you a criterion to judge between right and wrong!
Imam Sajjad (AS) says in the above mentioned supplication that one must first beseech for the perfection of faith, which is the foundation of every good deed.
According to traditions from Imam Sadiq (AS), in Tuhaf-al-Uqoul (Blessings for the Reason and Intellect), there are different levels of faith.
The first level is to declare verbally Divinity of Allah (SWT), His unity, and the Messenger-ship of Prophet Mohammad (SAW) (Shahadah). This is the basic level of faith. One has entered Islam, and now he has to be accepted as a Muslim, and treated as one.
The second level is the verbal declaration, and performance of compulsory (Wajib) deeds, like obligatory prayers, fasting, paying poor due, pilgrimage and so on.
The third level is declaration through words, certainty and conviction (Yaqeen) in heart, diligent performance of mandatory acts, but still not able to stay away from forbidden (Haram) deeds.
At fourth level one starts staying away from the forbidden deeds, while performing all compulsory acts, with certainty and conviction.
Fifth level sees one not only performing obligatory acts, avoiding forbidden deeds, but also being vigilant about the fulfilling of highly recommended (Mustahib), and conscious about staying away from discouraged (Makroohaat).
The sixth level is reached when one has mastered to avoid even some permitted (Mubah) things, in the fear that they might cause weakening of faith, or might lead one into some disobedience! This is the Perfect Faith (Akmal Al-Emaan)!
These levels are not crossed over night. Passing from one stage to the next necessitates a lot of pondering and reflection, effort and hard work. It requires struggle and striving. It entails self evaluation, being very truthful with oneself, being careful to nurture the soul, which is a trust placed with one for purifying, refining and carrying forward to the peak of perfection.
Then Imam Sajjad (AS) tells to beseech for excellence in certainty and conviction.
About conviction Imam Sadiq (AS) informs us in Usul Al-Kafi, “Indeed Allah (SWT), with His justice and fairness, has put joy and comfort in conviction (yaqin) and satisfaction (al-rida) and He has put sorrow and grief in doubt and dissatisfaction.”
Certainty and conviction is another name of firm and true faith. Here too, man has to travel through different stages, to reach the highest stage of certitude.
The journey begins with Certain Knowledge (Ilmul Yaqeen). This is obtained by gaining knowledge and awareness, thinking about it, reasoning within oneself, being certain in mind that there is something behind this all, like when one sees smoke one is convinced that there is a fire.
Sight of Certainty (Ainul Yaqeen) is the next level. It is when one witnesses what one has been reading about, what one has been gaining information about and now it is in front of the eyes, like now the fire is visible about which one had knowledge through seeing the smoke. This is reached by those who start using the eyes of their heart (Baseerah).
The final and excellent state is Reality of Certainty (Haqqul Yaqeen). It is when one experiences what one had been learning about through knowledge and observation. It is the proper knowledge and the realisation of The Truth. It is like jumping in the fire and experiencing the heat oneself. This is the Excellent Conviction for which Imam Sajjad (AS) teaches us to supplicate. It is arrived at by those who have purified themselves by being diligent about permitted (Mubah) things too.
This is a journey of a lifetime, which is successfully embarked on by those who with attentiveness and painstaking dedication devote themselves to fulfil the Divine Behests.
Next Imam Ali Ibne-Hussain (AS) tells us to pray for the greatest or the Best of intentions.
Prophet (SAW) said, “Verily, the action is judged by the intention behind it!” (Biharul-Anwaar)
Intention connects knowledge with practice. If one does not have awareness one cannot make an intention to turn it into correct deeds and actions. True intention is in the heart. When one verbally declares one’s objective before performing a deed, of getting closeness to Allah (SWT), it is just a superficial deed. The Pure Intention is in the heart. When the entire being submits to the Divinity, that is, the whole body and soul!
The worst level of intention is when one is performing an act to please other humans, or to display one’s superiority in piety, without having sincerity of heart. Such a motive instead of bringing any benefit results in involving oneself in an act of lawlessness and sinning.
The second level of intention is when deed is performed in the hope of gaining paradise, and the fear of being punished with the hell. As such there is nothing wrong with it. It is the practice of traders, but the Holy Quran too has been the bearer of glad tidings (Basheer), and harbinger of punishments (Nazeer).
The third motive can be to submit in gratefulness, with the hope of receiving more blessings. This too is a good intention, and has been encouraged in supplementary supplications.
In the fourth state one submits under the pressure of modesty and morality (Haya). When one remembers that the One, Who has blessed with unlimited bounties, has to be faced on the Day of Resurrection.
When one arrives at the fifth stage the submission is to the All Sovereign and All Glorious.
The sixth level sees one bowing down because the Lord and Master so commands.
The final and seventh stage is when one starts appreciating that only He (SWT) deserves to be worshipped. The heart fully submits. There is no distance left between knowledge, intention and actions. All in unity and harmony are ready to perform the Commands of the Creator, the Lord and Master of all. This is the Best and Pure Intention.
Once again it has to be kept in mind that this journey is a long one. Only vigilant, hard working and persistent are able to reach the top.
Our fourth Imam (AS) reminds us that all this endeavour, sincerity, striving should inculcate into Best of Deeds.
Knowledge and awareness is the root and thus its acquisition has been highly emphasised by Islam, but practices are the culmination point. If learning is there but is not reflected in the practices, the whole purpose of knowledge and education will be wasted. Deeds and practices are connected to intention and motive. Whatever the level of intention will also be the state of practice. As the purity of intention increases, the sincerity in the performance of deeds too will become purer. Allah (SWT) is not concerned with the quantity of the deeds; it is the quality that counts. Refinement of soul too is dependent on the knowledge, sincere intention and turning it into good deeds.
So how to go about in this journey of perfection! Where to find the manual to nurture our souls! Turning to the Holy Quran one finds that Prophet Abraham (AS), the father of all Divine Faiths existing and being practiced in the world today, has presented a very beautiful and workable method of passing through different stages, and training oneself through logic and reason at every point.
Wa Kadhalika Nurī ‘Ibrāhīma Malakūta As-Samāwāti Wa Al-’ArĐi Wa Liyakūna Mina Al-Mūqinīna, Falammā Janna `Alayhi Al-Laylu Ra’á Kawkabāan Qāla Hādhā Rabbī Falammā ‘Afala Qāla Lā ‘Uĥibbu Al-’Āfilīna, Falammā Ra’á Al-Qamara Bāzighāan Qāla Hādhā Rabbī Falammā ‘Afala Qāla La’in Lam Yahdinī Rabbī La’akūnanna Mina Al-Qawmi AĐ-Đāllīna, Falammā Ra’á Ash-Shamsa Bāzighatan Qāla Hādhā Rabbī Hādhā ‘Akbaru Falammā ‘Afalat Qāla Yā Qawmi ‘Innī Barī’un Mimmā Tushrikūna, ‘Innī Wajjahtu Wajhiya Lilladhī Faţara As-Samāwāti Wa Al-’ArĐa Ĥanīfāan Wa Mā ‘Anā Mina Al-Mushrikīna
[Al-Ana’am 6:75-79] So also did We show Abraham the power and the laws of the heavens and the earth, that he might with understanding have certitude. When the night covered him over, He saw a star: He said: “This is my Lord.” But when it set, He said: “I love not those that set.” When he saw the moon rising in splendour, he said: “This is my Lord.” But when the moon set, He said: “unless my Lord guides me, I shall surely be among those who go astray.” When he saw the sun rising in splendour, he said: “This is my Lord; this is the greatest of all.” But when the sun set, he said: “O my people! I am indeed free from your guilt of giving partners to Allah. “For me, I have set my face, firmly and truly, towards Him Who created the heavens and the earth, and never shall I give partners to Allah.”
Prophet Abraham (AS) set out to educate his nation, and guide them into the use of logic and reasoning. As explained above, the journey of the True Faith commences when man with the help of acquired knowledge strengthens his certitude of belief, and with untainted motives moves to gain closeness to the Creator, Lord and Master, while performing noteworthy deeds.
This entire passage quoted above actually shows that Prophet Abraham (AS) was actively engaged in combating idol and nature-worshipping, which is the root of every evil. He did not raise the possibility of the star, the moon and the sun being gods as a fact; it was raised only as a part of his method of disproving such a possibility. In debates, it is quite common to initially accept the view of your opponent, in order to lead him to your own view, and later through use of analogy try to convince him in accepting the truth! This also helps in strengthening one’s own certainty too!
While travelling in mind and heart through heavenly bodies, Abraham (AS) began by saying in front of his people that a star could not be Allah (SWT) because it sets. Although the superstitious might read fortunes in it, or attribute some influence to it, true knowledge shows that it rises and sets according to the laws authored by the Lord of all, and its light is extinguished in the brighter light of the day, so worshipping it is futile.
In today’s world the shine and glitter of material riches attract man to such an extent that he caves in to their appeal, and to attain these is willing to worship any and every being! He forgets that fortunes are a gift of Allah (SWT), and might be taken back or increased as He wills! Man can only struggle and strive diligently; he cannot decide the fate of rise and fall of destiny! If one studies history, or even observe recent past, one can easily find cases of fluctuating destinies, be it individuals or nations!
Prophet Abraham (AS) took a second step in his analogy to guide his people to the truth and showed that, although looking brighter and bigger than the star, the moon could not be Allah (SWT) either, because besides setting like the star, it changes its shape from hour to hour, and depends for its light on some other body. At this point, Abraham (AS) openly declared that he had already been guided by his Lord, and that those who did not worship Him alone were among those that went astray.
Allah (SWT) is not time or space bound. All power and light emanates from Him! He is the origin of all! If one truly accepts this, the so called super powers of the world will not make one indulge in wrong deeds and injustices. Man will not be oppressive and aggressive towards other humans, and will be willing to give others their due. He will respect other Divine creations too, like plant and animal world, and will not plunder them.
The last blow which Abraham (AS) struck was to show that the sun could not be worshipped as Allah (SWT) either, because despite its huge size and startling luminosity, it also disappears from sight, and therefore it was folly to worship created phenomena.
This reference to the huge size of the sun, which has brilliance too, is very illuminating! Today, the so called developed countries of the world pressurise others through their great, glittering material assets. They try to rule on all because of these Divine Blessings, which are given as a test to man and nations.
If man remembers that all other creations are there for his service, but he has been created to serve the Creator of all, he will never succumb to material temptations, however great and eye-catching they might be. He will remember that they have no permanency, cannot help or harm him, and he is stronger than all other creations and is their master! This will be of great help to him in the Journey of Perfection!
After rejecting the worship of other creations, Prophet Abraham (AS) reminds us about the True and Ideal Faith, and the Excellent State of Certitude, which one reaches through Purity of Intention and performance of Best Deeds! It is the final destination which one has to strive for, [Al-Ana’am 6:79] I have set my face towards Him who created the heavens and the earth! In clear words he declared that as a man of pure faith and one of upright nature, he is not amongst those who associate partners with Allah (SWT).
So let us take lessons from here, and see how we can apply Prophet Abraham (AS)’s message in our lives, and stay free of worldly temptations! One must never forget that, fortifying true faith through conviction, acquisition of knowledge and application of reasoning, with purity of intention turning it into practices, applying it in one’s life, is the real aim of existence.
Imam Ali (AS) was asked who the most wretched of all people was, and he replied, “He who sells his Hereafter for someone else’s profit in this world!” (Amali al-Saduq)

UNIFICATION IN GUARDIANSHIP

UNIFICATION IN GUARDIANSHIP
BY
HUMA HASAN

Allāhu Wa Līyu Al-Ladhīna ‘Āmanū Yukhrijuhum Mina Až-žulumāti ‘Ilá An-Nūr
[Al-Baqarah 2:257] Allah is the guardian of those who believe, He brings them out of the darkness into the light!
Allah (SWT) created the universe and His Best Creation (‘Aĥsani Taqwīmin), the man, with extreme love and care. It was not possible that He created this all in vain! Hence there is a goal, a purpose behind the creation, and man is the one who has to achieve the set target, because he is the only one created with a free will, while rest have been formulated with some fixed objectives. To recognise the goal, to guide him to the target man has been blessed with the Guidance and Guardianship of Chaste Role Models, who not only brought the Divine Message and miracles to prove their claim, but also presented themselves as Ethical and Moral Ideals for others to base their lives on!
Mā Đalla Şāĥibukum Wa Mā Ghawá, Wa Mā Yanţiqu `Ani Al-Hawá, ‘In Huwa ‘Illā Waĥyun Yūĥá
[An-Najm 53:2-4] Your companion does not err, nor does he go astray; nor does he speak out of desire. It is naught but revelation that is revealed!
The above verses give the basis of why the Spiritual Authority and Guardianship of Divinely Appointed Guides (Imams and Walis) have been made obligatory for the attainment of the set goal, and for remaining steadfastly on the Straight Path!
Prophet Mohammad (SAW) being the Final Messenger (SAW), and the bringer of Perfect Code of Life, has been invested in and empowered with this Authority. The verses clearly state that whatever people might think or say, every word spoken by Prophet (SAW), every command given by him, is based on revelation sent by Allah (SWT). Holy Prophet (SAW) had such control over his wishes and desires that they were absolutely submissive to Divine Commands. Even before declaration of Prophet-hood, he spent his time in Hira Cave, worshipping and communing with Almighty Lord. Therefore his entire existence was connected to Divine Commands, and there was no chance of his taking any action which went against Divine Order. That made him worthy of being an authority over other mankind.
Wa Mā Kāna Limu’uminin Wa Lā Mu’uminatin ‘Idhā QaĐá Allāhu Wa Rasūluhu ‘Amrāan ‘An Yakūna Lahumu Al-Khiyaratu Min ‘Amrihim Wa Man Ya`şi Allāha Wa Rasūlahu Faqad Đalla Đalālāan Mubīnāan
[Al-Ahzab 33:36] It is not fitting for a Believer, man or woman, when a matter has been decided by Allah and His Messenger, to have any option about their decision: if any one disobeys Allah and His Messenger, he is indeed on a clearly wrong Path.
The Wali (Supreme Authority) should be a Paradigm for the society; that is, Perfection Personified (Insan-e-Kamil). He should have Absolute Knowledge in all religious affairs; in fact his teacher should be the All-Knowing Himself!
The Prophets (AS), Messengers (AS) and Imams (AS) are Divine Proof or the Final Destination (Hujjat) on the earth. Thus their knowledge is a direct blessing from the Lord and Master. Prophet (SAW) was called Ummi (Unlettered), because he never attended a school or had a teacher in this world. The extremely high level of knowledge that he possessed was a Divine Gift. Same is true for Imams (AS). Not even their worst enemy can say that their teacher was any but the Infallibles (AS). Imam Ali (AS) was taught by Mohammad (SAW), and he passed down the knowledge to his sons, and so on. Thus, when Messenger (SAW) judged in a matter concerning any issue, be it material, spiritual, social or economic, it was a decision based on Divine Command, and was the most appropriate for the concerned people.
Falā Wa Rabbika Lā Yu’uminūna Ĥattá Yuĥakkimūka Fīmā Shajara Baynahum Thumma Lā Yajidū Fī ‘Anfusihim Ĥarajāan Mimmā QaĐayta Wa Yusallimū Taslīmāan
[An-Nisa’a 4:65] But no! By your Lord! They do not believe (in reality) until they make you a judge of that which has become a matter of disagreement among them, and then do not find any straitness in their hearts as to what you have decided and submit with entire submission.
Having doubts and questioning any Prophetic Command is like being unsure of Divine Laws, which is a form of polytheism. In other words, disobeying any command of jurisprudence, which has been passed down by Prophet (SAW), but was in fact promulgated by the Creator of all, because one does not comprehend its benefits, is submitting to one’s own desires and inclinations! It is straying towards the darkness of ignorance, instead of taking advantage of the Light provided by the Wilayah of Prophet (SAW). Submission is only for Allah (SWT), when one submits to Him, His Wilayah engulfs one, and makes one a true Monotheist! Thus such deviant practices involve one in hidden polytheism (Shirk-e-Khafi)!
Today, Muslims are facing the consequences of not having accepted the Supreme Authority (Wilayah) of Prophet (SAW) and his Holy Successors (AS)! Hence been perpetrators of hidden polytheism!
Yā ‘Ayyuhā Ar-Rasūlu Balligh Mā ‘Unzila ‘Ilayka Min Rabbika Wa ‘In Lam Taf`al Famā Ballaghta Risālatahu
[Al-Maida’a 5:67] O Messenger! Proclaim the message which hath been sent to thee from thy Lord. If thou did not, thou would not have fulfilled and proclaimed His mission.
At Ghadir-e-Khum, on Divine Command which was sent through verse [5:67], Prophet (SAW) named Imam Ali (AS) as the successor of Supreme Authority (Wilayah). This has been recorded by more than three hundred historians and traditionalists of different schools of thought. But after the passing away of Prophet (SAW), Muslims rejected this Command as favouritism, thus split into factions, breaking the Unity of Ummah (Nation). Hence today, though one fourth population of the world is Muslim, but in every field they lag behind others. Who is to be blamed for this tragedy!
So let us try to comprehend the essence of Wilayah through an open mind!
The first level of power given to the Prophets (AS) is Religious Authority. This encompasses every aspect of life, because religion (Din) means entire life. According to Allah (SWT), life cannot be divided into secular and religious. Every moment of life has to be spent according to Divine Decrees, the Prophets (AS) brought all those commandments, and they spent their lives based on those laws. So their behaviour is ideal for common man.
Qul ‘In Kuntum Tuĥibbūna Allāha Fa Attabi`ūnī Yuĥbibkumu Allāhu Wa Yaghfir Lakum Dhunūbakum
[Aale-Imraan 3:31] Say: If you love Allah, then follow me, Allah will love you and forgive you your faults!
All Prophets (AS) enjoyed this authority.
The second level is Authority in Governance. Every society needs someone to govern it and run it according to the prescribed laws. As per Divine Commands, only a Prophet (AS) or an Imam (AS) has the authority to hold this position.
Yā ‘Ayyuhā Al-Ladhīna ‘Āmanū ‘Aţī`ū Allāha Wa ‘Aţī`ū Ar-Rasūla Wa ‘Ūlī Al-’Amri Minkum
[An-Nisa’a 4:59] O ye who believe! Obey Allah, and obey the Messenger, and those charged with authority among you.
It is a vertical system of authority. Allah (SWT) is the Absolute Lord and Master, and the Wali. He has invested that Master-ship in Messenger (SAW), who is a Prophet (Nabi), Messenger (Rasul), a Leader and Guide (Imam), and Supreme Authority (Wali). The Authority has come down from Absolute Purity, the Lord and Master to Messenger (SAW), from whom Allah (SWT) has distanced every impurity [33:33]. Therefore, only those who share in this status of purity can be trusted to safeguard the designation of Supreme Authority (Wilayah).
‘Innamā Yurīdu Allāhu Liyudh/hiba `Ankumu Ar-Rijsa ‘Ahla Al-Bayti Wa Yuţahhirakum Taţhīrāan
[Al-Ahzaab 33:33] Allah only desires to keep away the uncleanness from you, O people of the House! And to purify you a (thorough) purifying!
Thus, “those charged with authority among you”, cannot be worldly leaders, chosen by common mortals. They have to be Pure, Chosen Ones, who have the ability to further and strengthen the Divine Message. They have to be Role Models for mankind with their perfect ethics and behaviour! Their decisions have to be unbiased, based on Divine Commands! How can we even consider worldly leaders to be the ‘people in authority’, as some Muslims say, in the explanation of the verse [4:59]!
Spiritual Authority (Tasarruf) or spiritual control of mankind is the Supreme Most Authority. This gives power to control spirits and persons of other beings. It is limited to few Messengers (AS) only, that is, only those, who have been given Imamate too. Prophet (SAW) is the Greatest Example of Spiritual Authority (Wilayah). After him it has been invested in Imams (AS).
These are the people, who through devotion and worship reached such closeness to Allah (SWT) that they say,
‘Aslamtu Wajhiya Lillāhi
[Aale-Imraan 3:20] I have submitted my entire self to Allah.
As a reward they have been given the Spiritual Power over mankind, because they have developed very acute distinction between right and wrong.
An-Nabīyu ‘Awlá Bil-Mu’uminīna Min ‘Anfusihim
[Al-Ahzab 33:6] The Prophet is closer to the Believers than their own selves!
This verse points to Prophet (SAW)’s Spiritual Authority, which is the Divinely Bestowed Absolute and Supreme Authority (Wilayah)!
Thus the verse [33:6] decisively establishes the Superior Authority (Wilayah) of the Holy Prophet (SAW) over the selves or souls of all the believers. The verse is the declaration of the Creator of all, Who says about Himself,
Wa Naĥnu ‘Aqrabu ‘Ilayhi Min Ĥabli Al-Warīdi
[Qaaf 50:16] We are nearer to him than his jugular vein.
Thus the Creator of all, the Lord and Master has invested this authority in Prophet (SAW) and designated Chosen Imams (AS) as his successors! This Divine Declaration also points to the fact that Superior Authority (Wali), is appointed by Allah (SWT), and can only be someone, whose purity is of the level, where he can comprehend people’s needs, more than they themselves can!
Only a person, who receives direct communications from Allah (SWT), can be trusted to fulfil the responsibility of spiritual, social, political and universal guidance. Only someone, who has never submitted to other than Allah (SWT) (GharAllah), can be in a position to teach others about Absolute Submission, which is the ultimate goal of mankind!
The Supreme Authority (Wilayah) makes it possible for the Wali to exercise his powers over every existence, thus making them all move in unison, and as one force, which is the actual essence of Monotheism. Hence, only Allah (SWT) has the discretion and power, to appoint Supreme Authority (Wali) in the world.
The role of common humanity in this is to submit gratefully to whatever has been sent to Prophet Mohammad (SAW), and has been implemented as deeds and practices by Him (SAW) and Imams (AS). Not only adapt the Perfect Manual of life for themselves, but also guide others towards it, first through deeds, and then, if they show inclination, through words.
Wa Al-Mu’uminūna Wa Al-Mu’uminātu Ba`Đuhum ‘Awliyā’u Ba`Đin Ya’murūna Bil-Ma`rūfi Wa Yanhawna `Ani Al-Munkari Wa Yuqīmūna Aş-Şalāata Wa Yu’utūna Az-Zakāata Wa Yuţī`ūna Allāha Wa Rasūlahu
[At-Tawbah 9:71] The Believers, men and women, are protectors one of another: they enjoin what is just and forbid what is evil: they observe regular prayers, practise regular charity, and obey Allah and His Messenger.
This verse is a reminder that every believer has authority over others, as in guiding them towards the Right Path! But that does not mean imposing their beliefs on others! Faith gives wisdom to man, one develops an instinct to move according to the given situation. In the conduct of Perfect Paradigms (AS) one has the examples of how to proceed in a given situation. Islam does not believe in ‘My Life’. According to the verse, man is a social being and has to live in a community. Thus believers must help each other. They must urge others towards goodness, and stop each other from doing wrong deeds. They must support each other in correct practices. But all that has to be done through deeds first, and if one succeeds in attracting others to The Truth through deeds, then only words should be used!
The focal point of Islam is unification of humanity. Unity amongst mankind is only possible if they all share the same values and similar ideology. If everyone in the society follows the path of The Truth, they will all worry about the end of others. Hence they will all keep an eye on each other, to see that someone does not go astray. This is called Amr bil maroof and Nahi anil munkar (Preaching righteousness and forbidding evil). This sort of guardianship brings balance in a society. It stops spread of evil and wrong doing. It supports development of a pure, pious society. Once again it is very important to never forget that, “One can only preach what one practices”! So till one has groomed oneself into some semblance of given guidelines one has no right to preach to others. And preaching is only possible where the ground is already fertile, so first the tilling has to be done through one’s own deeds, and then move to the next step of planting through verbal teaching!
Therefore, Supreme Authority (Wilayah) is a necessity for the continuation of the system, which commenced with the appointment of Prophet Adam (AS), as the Divine Caliph on the earth. Once he was established here, the earth became inhabited by other humans. One after the other Messengers (AS) came, and furthered Divine Message. Finally the time came for arrival of Prophet (SAW), and he brought the best and most Perfect Code of Life, which is to remain till the Day of Judgement!
Al-Yawma ‘Akmaltu Lakum Dīnakum Wa ‘Atmamtu `Alaykum Ni`matī Wa RaĐītu Lakumu Al-’Islāma Dīnāan
[Al-Maida’a 5:3] This day have I perfected your religion for you, completed My favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion.
That Perfect Code cannot be left unguarded with common mortals, without any Supreme Authority (Wali)! Thus when the Completion and Perfection of Manual of Life, Islam was announced, the appointment of Supreme Authority (Wali) was also made known!
More than fourteen hundred years have passed since the Perfection and Completion of Islam, but still Muslims are in a sad state, there is no Unification either amongst Muslims, or amongst humanity as a whole. This is because only a Supreme Authority (Wali) can unite and take humanity forward towards development and perfection! So let us all work to improve ourselves, submit to the Supreme Authority (Wali), adapt the Perfect Code of Life, and prepare the grounds for the reappearance of the one, who has been appointed the Imam, the Guardian and the Wali (ATFS) by the Lord and Master of all!