In the name of Allah

      The All-Compassionate, the All-Merciful

   4^th Jamadial Thani 1446 (6^th December 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 57

 

Over the past two weeks I had quoted several Ayahs from the Holy Quran relating to truth. Today I would like to discuss its meaning in Islam.

 

Haqq or truth is the opposite of falsehood ; it can also be defined as right or justice depending on the context. In Ayah 81 of Surah Bani Isra’il, the religion of Islam is referred to as the “truth’. It reads:

“And say: “Truth has come and falsehood has vanished; …” One of Allah (s.w.t.)’s beautiful names are Al-Haqq. He is the ultimate source of truth and everything affiliated with Him is the truth. His promises are the truth, His Book is the truth, and His messengers are the truth. According to Ayah 62 of Surah Al-Hajj:

“That is because God is the Truth and that what they call upon besides Him is falsehood, and God is the highest and the greatest.”

 

In Islam, the quest for truth is a practical guideline for living a life of integrity, honesty, and sincerity. The Holy Qur’an offers profound insights into the importance of truthfulness, making it a core value for Muslims around the world. Our religion teaches us that we must fulfil two types of rights: the rights of Allah (s.w.t.) and the rights of people. Fulfilling the rights of Allah (s.w.t.) is to worship Him, to follow His commands and refrain from His prohibitions. On the other hand, fulfilling the rights of creation starts from one’s own self, as our body has rights. Thereafter we need to fulfil the rights of our family, the rights of the community, the rights of the poor and even the rights of animals. We are also required to judge between people with truth in order to maintain peace and order in the community. Allah (s.w.t) says in Ayah 105 in Surah An-Nisa: “Verily, We have revealed to you the Book with truth that you may judge between people by that which God has shown you….”

 

Imam Ali (a.s.) in Sermon 87 has characterized the pious as one who “describes the truth and acts according to it.” In other words, the pious is one who explains the meaning of truth and its benefits and acts according to it. Ayahs 1-3 of Surah Al-Asr underscore the value of time, righteous deeds, and the pursuit of truth; it states:

“By the Time! Verily man is in loss! Save those who believe and do good deeds, and exhort each other to truth and to perseverance.”

These Ayahs not only highlight the significance of faith and good deeds but they also place great emphasis on advocating for truth and patience, illustrating the interlinked nature of truthfulness and righteous living.    To be continued

 

 

 

Second Sermon

 

The life of Fatima (a.s.) – Part 5

The most tragic event of Fatima (a.s.)’s life was the demise of her father. She, however, died 75 to 95 days after his death. Although she missed him dearly, it was shown that even in this short period of her life she continued to glorify Allah (s.w.t) and spent generously in His exalted path. She has been a model for our daily lives, fighting injustice and oppression and standing on the side of truth. Her work was extremely informative. She finally left this world with the happy knowledge of meeting her father.

 

The following calamitous events occurred after the death of the Holy Prophet (s.a.) which saddened Fatima (a.s.) greatly:

 

• History tells us how she was oppressed and hurt, after the death of the Holy Prophet (s.a.) by the tyranny of the ruler and his government who were seekers of power and they wanted Islam only for their own worldly benefits.
• On numerous occasions the Holy Prophet (s.a.) had nominated her husband, Ali ibne Abi Taleb (a.s.) as his successor. Despite his instructions, Ali (a.s.) was oppressed and his rightful place was usurped. According to Imam Sadeq (a.s.) as the Holy Prophet (s.a.) was being buried, so were his words about Imam Ali (a.s.)’s role and leadership in governing the Islamic Nation.
• The government confiscated Fatima (a.s.)’s land at Fadak. She heard the forged narration which contradicted the verses of the Holy Quran in order to prevent her from receiving her inheritance.
• “The lamp is lit in houses which Allah has permitted to be elevated, and His name is mentioned therein; His Glory is praised therein in the mornings and in the evening” (Ayah 36 of Surah An-Nur).
• Fatima (a.s.) died after losing her unborn child and being injured by infidels.