In the name of Allah

The All compassionate, the All-Merciful

6^th Ramadan 1446 (7^th March 2025)

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 70

 

In many of his sermons, sayings and letters Imam Ali (a.s.) has emphasized the significance of “the promise and threat of Judgement Day,” when everyone will be resurrected from their graves and will be called upon to account for their deeds during their life on earth. This signifies the ultimate event that marks the end of this world and the beginning of the eternal life in the hereafter.

 

Imam Ali (a.s.) has also reminded us of the transitory nature of our worldly life and the importance of utilizing our time wisely by engagé in acts of goodness. We should not consider the highest material achievements of this life as a fitting goal. This is firstly because this world is followed by the eternal and everlasting world of the hereafter where conditions of life would be determined by deeds. Secondly, man should not surrender to slavery and servitude to the material aspects of life. Imam Ali (a.s.) has often pointed out that this world is a good place for those who are aware that it is not their permanent abode, but a journey towards their eternal life. According to him,

“What a good abode it is for those who do not want to make it a home!”

“This world is indeed a transit camp, whereas the hereafter is a place of permanent abode. So take from the transit what you need for your destination.”

 

I quote below an extract from his Sermon 190 from the Nahjul Balagha:

You should therefore exercise fear of Allah because it has a rope that twists strongly and its pinnacle is lofty and invulnerable. Hasten toward death in its pangs by doing good acts and be prepared for it before its approach, because the ultimate end is the Day of Judgement. This is enough preaching for one who understands and enough lesson for one who does not know.

What idea do you have, before reaching that end, of the narrowness of grave, the hardship of loneliness, fear of the passage towards the next world, the pangs of fear, the shifting of ribs here and there (due to narrowing of the grave), the deafness of ears, the darkness of the grave, fear of the promised punishment, the closing of the receptacle of the grave and the laying of stones? 

Reflecting on Imam Ali (a.s.)’s sermon and sayings, we are thus reminded of the limited time we have in this world and the need to prioritize our actions and relationships. The Day of Judgement is approaching rapidly and it serves as a reminder for us to prepare ourselves spiritually, mentally and morally. We should therefore strive to strengthen our faith, perform righteous deeds and maintain sincere companionship with fellow Muslims. To be continued

 

Second Sermon 

Virtues of the holy month of Ramadan – Part 3

After highlighting the merits of Ramadan, the Holy Prophet (s.a.) in his sermon which I had quoted last week, enjoined fasting and recitation of the Holy Quran during Ramadan in order to keep the spirit of jihad alive and to prepare for performing the basic duty of establishing Islam as a system of life in this world. In his sermon he also said: “O People! It is the month of patience and the reward for patience is Paradise. Remember the hunger and thirst on the Day of Judgement with your hunger and thirst. Give alms to the needy and the poor, honor the elderly, show kindness to the young, maintain relations with your relatives, guard your tongues, refrain from seeing or hearing that which are not permissible, show compassion to the orphans, sincerely seek Allah’s forgiveness for your sins and raise your hands in supplication during these times, for they are the best of times as Allah looks towards his creatures with kindness and answers their prayers and grants their needs if they invoke Him with sincerity.” (R: Amaali Sadogh P: 93)

 

In view of the foregoing, the Holy Prophet (s.a.) advised as follows:

1. Ramadan is the month of patience, endurance and perseverance and the reward for these is paradise. It is also the month of kindness and compassion, helping the poor and the needy, the orphans and the wayfarers, honoring the old and supporting the young.
2. Good deeds are better during this month than other months. This is so because Allah (s.w.t.) wishes to bestow His favours, provisions and blessings on His creation at this time. Those who cover faults of others, look after the affairs of orphans, curb anger, spread kindness and treat their kindred well, Allah (s.w.t.) will bestow His mercy upon them. However, those who sever ties of kinship will be deprived of His mercy.
3. We should visualize the hunger and thirst on the Day of Resurrection and remind ourselves of the sufferings of the deprived and sympathize with those who are hungry.
4. According to the Holy Prophet (s.a.) whoever provides iftar to a fasting individual even if it is as little as half a date or a glass of water, will be compensated with forgiveness for his sins and salvation of his soul. He will also receive a reward equal to freeing a slave. When someone remarked that everyone is not in a position to provide iftar, the Holy Prophet (s.a.) advised him that even a glass of water would suffice in such cases and the doer would receive its reward.
5. The great benefits and advantages of fasting can accrue only if it is observed consciously and by refraining from undesirable deeds, which would render it ineffective, such us hearing and seeing things that are not permissible. One should therefore safeguard the mind and body from disobedience. Moreover, the Holy Prophet (s.a.) has said: “One who has good morals (Akhlaq) especially during this month will pass through the ‘Bridge of Sirat’ on the Day of Judgement with ease.”
6. During this month, Allah (s.w.t.) forgives His servants and obliterates sins, dismisses shortcomings/lapses, exalts stations, multiplies good deeds, answers prayers and liberates the soul from the fire of hell. Moreover, He engulfs those who fasts with His bounties, pleasure and gifts. We should therefore supplicate Him with sincerity and perform long prostrations and seek forgiveness for our sins and transgressions. To be continued