In the name of Allah
The All compassionate, the All-Merciful
13th Ramadan 1446 (14th March 2025)
Islamic Universal Association
20 Penzance Place, Holland Park
London, W11 4 PG
Imam Ali (a.s.)’s advice in the Nahjal-Balagha – Part 70
Today I would like to discuss two indispensable qualities which are central to the Islamic faith: patience (Sabr) and steadfastness or perseverance (Istiqamah). These virtues are not only essential for personal growth and spiritual resilience but they also cultivate a heart that is steadfast and connected with Allah (s.w.t). They help believers navigate life’s trials and tribulations, while ensuring that they remain steadfast in their faith.
- Patience is not mere endurance; it is a proactive and dynamic quality which helps to maintain faith and positivity in the face of trials by trusting in Allah (s.w.t.)’s plans and staying committed to righteous actions despite challenges. Perseverance, on the other hand, is the act of persisting in the face of obstacles and setbacks. It involves being committed to religious beliefs and trusting in Allah (s.w.t.)’s wisdom. By embodying perseverance, we exhibit a steadfast spirit that refuses to be shaken by adversities.
- Challenges are a part of life, and it is how we respond to them that truly matters. By embracing patience and perseverance, we emerge stronger in our faith with unwavering determination. The Holy Prophet (s.a.) was the epitome of patience. The Holy Quran also presents his life as a prime example of perseverance and steadfastness. Despite facing immense opposition, persecution and hardship, he remained committed to his mission and never wavered in his dedication to spreading the message of Islam. He serves as an inspiration for all Muslims to remain steadfast in their faith, even when faced with difficulties. Relevant Ayahs from the Holy Quran
Ayah 112 of Surah Hud: “Stand then firm (O Our Messenger Muhammad) on the right path as you are commanded by your Lord, and also he who has turned to God with you, and O men do not be inordinate. Indeed He sees whatever you do.” In the valuable commentary book of Majma Al-Bayan, Ibne Abbas has reported that some companions of the Holy Prophet (s.a.) asked him why does he suddenly look so old and his beard has turned grey. The Holy Prophet (s.a.) advised them that in Surah Hud and Al-Waqiah Allah (s.w.t) has commanded him and the believers to be tolerant and stand firm against adversities as well as the enemies of Islam, which he has to deal with.Ayah 15 of Surah Ash-Shura: “For this then you invite on and be steadfast as you are commanded. Do not follow their vain desires ….”
Ayah 30 of Surah Fusselat: “Verily, those who say: “Our Lord is God,” and they remain on the right path, the angels descend upon them (saying): “Fear not, nor grieve! But receive the glad tidings of a Garden which you have been promised!”
An extract from Imam Ali (a.s.)’s Sermon 176 from the Nahjul Balagha provides:
“You have said, “Our Lord is Allah”. Then keep steadfast to His Book, to the way of His command and to the virtuous course of His worship. Thereafter do not go out of it, do not introduce innovations in it, or turn away from it because those who go away from this course shall be cut off from the mercy of Allah on the Day of Judgement.” To be continued
Second Sermon
Birth Anniversary of Imam Hasan (a.s.)
I wish to congratulate the Muslims, especially the followers of the Ahlul Bait on the birth anniversary of Imam Hasan (a.s.) who was born on the 15th of Ramadan, 3 Hijri in Medina. Imam Hasan (a.s.) was blessed with the gracious patronage of his grandfather, the Holy Prophet (s.a.), during the first 7 years of his infancy, who gifted him with all his great qualities and adorned him with divine knowledge, tolerance, intelligence and velour. The demise of his grandfather was followed by an eventful era when the Islamic world came in the grip of the fever of expansionism and conquest. But even under such a revolutionary period, he devoted himself to the sacred mission of peacefully propagating Islam and the teachings of his grandfather for 30 years, under the guidance of his father, Imam Ali (a.s.). The martyrdom of his father marked the inception of his Imamate which lasted for 10 years and during that period he lived in conditions of extreme hardship and under persecution. He was martyred, by poisoning on 28th Safar by his wife, Judah binte Ashath, through a plan orchestrated by Muawiyah, in 50 Hijri at the age of 47 and was buried in Baqi Cemetery in Medina by the side of his grandmother, Fatima binte Asad.
He excelled all others, during his era, in worshipping Allah (s.w.t.), in knowledge and in spiritual perfection. Spending time in his grandfather’s mosque, listening to his sermons and seeing Islam prosper were lessons he never forgot. He devoted himself to prayers in such abundance, that his limbs bore scars and impressions of prostrations. He spent nights in worshipping Allah (s.w.t) and his absorption in prayers was so sincere that he would shed tears profusely out of fear of Allah (s.w.t.). He had the worldly possessions at his disposal and could have enjoyed a luxurious life, but he utilized it in the betterment of the underprivileged. He was so courteous and humble that he never hesitated to sit among beggars in lanes and on thoroughfares to reply to some of their religious queries and he never let them feel inferior to him when they visited him. It was his life that paved the way for his younger brother, Imam Hussain (a.s.)’s glorious stand. They were two sides of the same coin; one living the jihad of peace and the other the jihad of martyrdom.
The most beautiful and deep aspects of his life was the great and excessive attention paid to him by the Holy Prophet (s.a.). The affection of the Holy Prophet (s,a.) towards him was so great, that historians and narrators have recorded many different instances of it. Whenever he would come to the mosque, the Holy Prophet (s.a.) would pick him up, make him sit beside him and let his attentive companions see and behold his beloved grandson. When he would go down in prostration, if Hasan (a.s.) was on his shoulder, he would continue with his prostration until his endearing grandson would get off. It has been narrated by Abubakra that when his companions would enquire about his profound love for Hasan (a.s.), he would reply: “Hasan is my flower.” In other tradition, Abuhurara had reported that the Holy Prophet (s.a.) had declared the following, in his presence, before embracing Hasan (a.s):“O my Lord I love Hasan dearly and You love him too and I love those who love him as well.” (Managhib V: 4 P: 25)
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