In the name of Allah

The All-Compassionate, the All-Merciful

22^nd Rabial-Thani 1446 (25^th October 2024)

Islamic Universal Association

20 Penzance Place, Holland Park

London, W11 4 PG

www.arafeh.co.uk

 

Imam Ali (a.s.)’s advice in the Nahjal-Balagha – Part 51

 

Further to last week’s discussion, some important points in Imam Ali (a.s.)’s letter 45 to his governor of Basra, Uthman ibne Hunayf Al-Ansari, are provided below:

 

• We have been created to worship Allah (s.w.t) and to obey Him. Ayah 56 of Surah Al-Dariyat provides: “I created Jinn and men so that they might worship me.” Worship in Islam means Ibadah and Ibadah in the Islamic context is not limited to prayers, fasting and other rituals. What Allah (s.w.t) means here is that He simply wants us to acknowledge that our existence is not in vain and there is a higher power that created us and that our life on earth is for a specific purpose? Man’s worship of Allah (s.w.t.) is perfected in the actions of Imam Ali (a.s.) in his physical prostration to Allah (s.w.t.) and in his constant submission to Him in his heart.

 

• Man should not roam around aimlessly and fill his belly whilst ignoring the plight of people who are deprived of food and other necessities of life. Allah (s.w.t.) has not created man to merely eat, drink and multiply, in which case he would be like an animal. Allah (s.w.t.) has honored man and favored him above many of those whom He has created, but some people insist on disbelief. They are ignorant of or deny the true wisdom behind their creation, and all they care about is enjoying the pleasures of this world. They are like animals, and indeed even more astray. Relevant Ayahs from the Holy Quran are:

 “Indeed, We have created for hell many jinn and men. They have hearts but they do not understand, they have eyes but they cannot see, and they have ears but they cannot hear (the truth). They are like cattle, nay even more astray! These are they who are heedless.” (Ayah 179 of Surah Al-A’raf).

“Leave them (O Our Prophet Mohammad)  to eat and enjoy themselves and hope may beguile them,  for soon they will know!” (Ayah 3 of Surah Al-Hijr)

“…while those who disbelieve shall enjoy themselves and eat as beast eat; then the Fire shall be their final abode” (Ayah 12 of Surah Muhammad)

• Strict obedience to Allah (s.w.t.) is the fundamental principle of Islam. We shouldtherefore follow the Holy Quran, that is, the word of Allah (s.w.t) which was directly revealed to the Holy Prophet (s.a.) and also obey those in authority who meet the criteria of being fair and just rulers. We must also seek guidancefromthe Sunnah of the Holy Prophet (s.a.) and his Ahlul Bait. According to Ayah 52 of Surah An-Nur, Those who obey God and His messenger, fear God and safeguard their souls are the successful ones.” To be continued

 

Second Sermon

 

Significance of time and place in Islam – Part 2

 

In continuation of last week’s discussion on the topic under reference, I quote below some relevant traditions:

The Holy Prophet (s.a.) addressed the holy city of Mecca and said:

“O the most beautiful and desirable city, you are most dear to me. I would never leave you, if the enemy of Islam allowed me to stay.” (R: Safinatul Bihar V: 2 P: 544)

According to a famous narrator Abdul Raman, when the Holy Prophet (s.a) decided to migrate to Medina he went to the holy Moque of Ka’aba and kissed the black stone and said:

“You are the best place on earth, which is highly honoured by Allah. I am forced to leave you because of the pagans.” (R: Safinatul Bihar V: 2 P: 544)

Jarda, daughter of Samin, narrated that her husband, Harthama, accompanied Ali (a.s) in the Battle of Siffin. When they reached Karbala, Imam Ali (a.s) performed the Morning Prayer, and then he took some dust, smelt it and said:

“O land of Karbala, there will be a group of people from here who will enter paradise without reckoning.”

 When Harthama returned home, he narrated this to his wife, a follower of Imam Ali (a.s.), she said that this is indeed true. Later when Imam Husain (a.s.) came to Karbala, Harthamah was with Ubaidulallah, but he remembered what Imam Ali (a.s.) had said about this land and narrated it to Imam Hussain (a.s.).

The Imam then enquired if he was with him or with the enemy. Harthama replied that he was with no one as he does not wish to engage in warfare as he has to take care of his daughter.

The Imam (as) then advised him to leave Karbala because if he remains there and does not help him when asked, he would go to hell.

(R: Amaali Sadugh P: 137)

The mentioned narration here from the holy prophet Muhammad (s.a.) regarding of the holy Mosque in Mecca and the narration of Imam Ali (a.s.) regarding of the holy land of Karbala are very clear and denotes that some places and times have specific value in Islam and we should take advantage and ask Allah (S.W.T.) to give us His grace to visit these holy places in our lifetime.