In the name of Allah

The All compassionate, the All-Merciful

  18^th Dhil-Qadah 1446 (16^th May2025)

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 82

 

Islamic law provides a complex framework for dealing with murder or homicide. Although murder is prohibited, as explained below, there are exceptions to this primarily in certain legal situations or in the face of direct threats.

 

• The Holy Quran explicitly prohibits the killing of innocent people.
• It is a major sin.
• Killing a person is equivalent to killing all of humanity, unless it is punishment for murder or for spreading mischief in the land. Ayah 32 of Surah Al-Ma’ida provides:

“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!”

 

Exceptions to the Prohibition:

• Self-defense is only permitted against armed attackers or direct threat.
• While killing is permitted in the context of war, it has strict limitations on who can be targeted and the methods used.
• Qisas (Rétribution) for murder is permissible in the face of direct threats.
• Some interpretations argue that certain actions, like defending the religion or protecting the family, may justify killing.

 

Important Considerations:

• It is not lawful for a believer to kill another except by mistake. In case of unintentional killing, blood money (diyya) should be paid to the victim’s family as compensation.Ayahs 92 and 93 of Surah An-Nisa reads:
• “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.”

• Honor killings are a form of violence against women that is not condoned by Islamic law and is a serious crime.
• Mercy killing is not permitted in Islam; it is considered unlawful.
• To be continued

 

Second Sermon

Reward for visiting the tomb of Imam Reza (a.s.)

There are conflicting accounts on the date of Imam Reza (a.s.)’s martyrdom. According to some historians he was martyred by poisoning on the 17th or the last day of Safar, 203 Hijri, at the age of 55 under the orders of Mamun while others have reported that he was martyred on the 23rd of Dhil-Qadah.

 

I would like to point out that there is a great emphasis in Islam to love the friends of Allah (Tawalla) and to disassociate from their enemies (Tabarra). Maintaining a proper relationship with the Holy Prophet (s.a.) and the Imams is a divine act, which does not cease even after their death. This continues to be in force even on the Day of Resurrection, when the followers will be compensated. That is why it is highly recommended to visit the Ahlul Bait’s tombs in order to endorse one’s commitment to them and to obey and follow them. Hassan ibne Al-Washa narrated from Imam Reza (a.s.) that it is essential for the followers of the Imams to visit their tombs and mausoleums in order to be under their auspicious sanctuary. In Osool Al-Kafi, late Sheikh Sadooq had narrated

 

 “The Shiites visit the holy shrines of the Ahlul Bait as they have pledged to do so. If anyone does so through love and belief, the Imams will be their intercessor on the Day of Résurrection.”

 There are two key points to be noted here; the followers of the Ahlul Bait are encouraged to visit the graves of the Holy Prophet (a.s.) and his successors and secondly to have full knowledge of their rights. Some traditions from Khisal Sadooq P: 167 are provided below:

 

• Hassan ibne Al-Washa had reported that Imam Reza (a.s.) had advised:
• “I will unjustly be killed by poisoning. So whoever visits me out of knowledge of my rights will be forgiven by Allah for his past sins and those to follow.”

 

• It has been narrated on the authority of Hamdan Al-Diwani that Imam Reza (a.s.) had said:
• “Whoever visits my tomb despite the distance; I will save and liberate him from the horrors of the Day of Resurrection on three occasions: 1. When the Letter of Deeds will be handed to him in his right and left hand. 2. When he will cross the Bridge of Sirat. 3. At the time when the Scale of Deeds (measurement of deeds) is set up.”