In the name of Allah

The All compassionate, the All-Merciful

26^th Shawwal 1446 (25^th April 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 76

Imam Ali (a.s.) in his Sermon 176 highlights that man’s life, his wealth and reputation are valuable and should be protected at all costs. In fact on many occasions he declared that the blood of a human being, their property and honor are as sacred as the city of Haram of Mecca.

 

Islam warns us against ridiculing or insulting individuals, as it tarnishes their reputation and goes against the principles of faith. Similarly, Imam Ali (a.s.) advises us to use our wealth wisely and ethically, such as, supporting noble causes, contribuât to the welfare of others and promoting justice and equality. By using our wealth in these ways, we can enhance our reputation and protect it from potential harm. Undoubtedly murder is the most heinous crime against humanity and I quote below some relevant Ayahs:

 

• Ayahs 92 and 93 of Surah An-Nisa:
• “A believer is not to kill a believer except by mistake, and whosoever kills a believer by mistake, he must set free a believing slave and compensation should be paid to the deceased’s family, unless they remit it….. 

  Whosoever kills a believer intentionally, his recompense shall be Hell; he  

  shall abide therein, and God’s wrath shall be upon him and so shall His  

  curse, and a great torment will be set up for him.”

• Ayah 32 of Surah Al-Ma’ida:
• “On that account, We ordained to the Children of Israel that he who slays anyone for any reason other than punishment for murder or mischief in the land, it shall be as though he has killed all mankind, and he who saves a life, it shall be as though he has saved the life of all mankind. And indeed, Messengers came to them with clear evidence, yet many of them, even after that committed excesses in the land!”
• Ayah 151 of Al-An’am:
• “Say: “Come, I will recite to you what your Lord has forbidden to you, so that you do not associate anything with Him, and that you be good to your parents and do not slay your children for fear of poverty.” We provide sustenance for you and for them, and do not come close to shameful deeds, those that are apparent or concealed, and do not kill anyone whom God has forbidden, save to effect justice. This He enjoined you so that you may understand.” To be continued

 

 

 

Second Sermon

 

Birth anniversary of Fatima Masoomeh (a.s.)

The 1st of Dhil Qadah marks the birth anniversary of Fatima Masoomeh (a.s.), the daughter of Imam Musa Kazim (a.s.) and the sister of Imam Ali Reza (a.s.). On this auspicious occasion, I extend my felicitations to Imam Zamana (a.j.f.), and to the followers of the Ahlul Bait.

 

There are conflicting reports about Fatima Masoomeh (a.s.)’s date of birth. According to a tradition, she was born on the 1st of Dhil-Qadah, 173 Hijri in Medina. However Mullah Mohsen Fayd has narrated that she was born at the beginning of Dhil-Qadah, 173 Hijri and she died in Qom on the 10th of Rabial-Thani, 201 Hijri. Imam Sadeq (a.s.) had predicted her birth 45 years before she was born, even before the birth of his son, Musa Kazim (a.s.).

 

According to relevant narrations, she had a great personality and was greatly revered by the holy Imams and among the children of Imam Musa Kazim (a.s.) and she held a special position after Imam Reza (a.s.). Due to her piety, modesty, faith, virtuousness and training under the guardianship of the Imamate she reached such an impeccable position that she was given the title of ‘Masoomeh’ meaning ‘infallible’

 

It has been narrated that Imam Sadeq (a.s.) has said:

• “My son (Musa Kazim)’s daughter, Fatima, will die in Iran and she will be buried in Qom and her mausoleum will be a vital place of ziyarah. She will have the powers of intercession on Resurrection Day and on that Day she will intercede for my Shiites to enter heaven.”
• Allamah Majilisi had narrated from Imam Sadeq (a.s.):
• “A lady from my progeny will be buried in Qom and due to her intercession whosoever visits her grave will be granted the reward of paradise.”

 

There are also various reports on the day of her death; some historians have reported that she died on the 10th or 12th of Rabial-Thani and others have reported that she died on the 8th of Shabaan. Since there is no evidence to verify any of these dates, Islamic scholars observe her death for three days from the 10th of Rabial-Thani and it is called ‘the days of Fatima’. She died at the age of 28. However, all historians agree that she died in Qom, 201 Hijri. The year of her death is further corroborated by the writings on her shrine, dating back centuries, which has the same date written on it.