In the name of Allah

The All compassionate, the All-Merciful

 17^th Dhil-Hajja 1446 (13^th June 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 86

Imam Ali (a.s.)’s advice in the Nahjul Balagha offers insights into various aspects of Islamic theology, ethics, politics and governance and I quote below his Short Saying 371 which has great depth and profound insight:

“There is no distinction higher than Islam; no honor more honorable than fear of Allah; no asylum better than self-restraint; no intercessor more effective than repentance; no treasure more precious than contentment; and no wealth is a bigger remover of destitution than being satisfied with mere sustenance. He who confines himself to what is just enough for maintenance achieves comfort and prepares abode in ease. Desire is the key of grief and the conveyance of distress. Greed, vanity and jealousy are incentives to falling into sins and evil-doing is the collection of all bad habits.”

Valuable points

• The phrase, ‘There is no distinction higher than Islam’, is a core Islamic belief emphasizing the unity of faith and the importance of submission to Allah (s.w.t.). Moreover, the most significant distinction among people is not based on race or social status, but rather on their commitment to Islam and their submission to Allah (s.w.t.)’s will.
• In Islam, fear of God (Taqwa) is considered as the highest form of honor. A reverential awe and awareness of Allah (s.w.t.)’s presence and power lead one to seek to please Him and to avoid His displeasure.
• The concept of prioritizing self-restraint for our spiritual wellbeing is deeply embedded in Islam. It is a powerful tool for resisting temptations and pursuing good deeds and a way to purify the soul and to connect with Allah (s.w.t.) more deeply
• In Islamic belief, repentance is considered as the most effective means of seeking forgiveness and intercession from Allah (s.w.t.).
• The biggest treasure is contentment and one who is satisfied with having just enough achieves comfort and ease.
• Islam recognizes that desires are a natural part of human nature. However, excessive desires, particularly when they lead to greed and pursuit of worldly pleasures at the expense of spiritual well-being can be a source of hardship and difficulty.
• In Islam, vanity or arrogance is condemned as a root cause of many problems, including social injustice and conflict.
• Jealousy is also a destructive emotion that can lead to major sins. It stems from discontent with Allah (s.w.t.)’s decrees. It disrupts peace, breeds hatred and weakens the bonds of brotherhood.
• Evil-doing or sin is not simply a collection of bad habits; it encompasses actions that go against the teachings of the Holy Quran and the Sunnah. It is indeed a deviation from the straight path and a transgression of divine laws.  To be continued. To be continued

 

Second Sermon

Eid’e Ghadir

On account of the anniversary of the auspicious event at Ghadir khum, on the 18th of Dhil-Hijja, I congratulate Imam Mahdi (a.t.j.) and my brethren in faith as well as the lovers of the Ahlul Bait.

Eid’e Ghadir is a day which is celebrated with great fervor when the Shiites renew their allegiance to their Creator and the Holy Prophet (s.a.) and his Ahlul Bait. Indeed the significance of this event is inconceivable. Every aspect of this incident achieved eternal fame and glory for it was at this very inspiring place, the Message of God was completed and perfected. It has been reported by Furhat ibne Ahnaf as follows: “I asked Imam Jafar Sadeq if Muslims have any other significant Eid other than the Day of Jummah, Eid’e Fitr, Eid’e Adha and the Day of Arafah.” The Imam replied: “Yes, the Day when the Holy Prophet, the Messenger of Allah, appointed Amirul Momineen as the leader of the Ummah after him. That was the day when the religion of Islam was perfected and Ayah 3 of Surah Al-Ma’idah was revealed: “….This day, those who disbelieved have despaired of your (reverting from your) religion, so do not fear them, but fear Me. This day, I have perfected your religion for you, completed My favor upon you and chosen Islam as your religion….” (Safinatul Bihar, V: 2 P: 286)

The event at Ghadir Khum has been reported by Zurara, a student and a great companion of Imam Sadeq (a.s.), who had heard it from the Imam himself, and it is unanimously acknowledged to be reliable. According to the narration, when the Holy Prophet (s.a.) was returning to Medina from Mecca after performing his farewell pilgrimage, Gabriel revealed to him the following message from Allah (s.w.t): “O Apostle! Deliver what has been revealed to you from your Lord” (First part of Ayah 67, Surah Ma’idah) The Holy Prophet (s.a.) replied to Gabriel that he was apprehensive about carrying out this task as people were new to Islam. On the second day, Gabriel descended again with the second part of Ayah 67 of Surah Ma’idah: “and if you do not, then (it will be as though) you have not delivered His message at all.” The Holy Prophet (s.a.) replied that he was fearful that his companions would not listen to him. On the third day, when the Holy Prophet (s.a.) arrived at Ghadir Khum, Gabriel appeared finally with the concluding words of Ayah 67 of the said Surah: “and God will protect you from the (mischievous) people; verily God does not guide the infidels.” The Holy Prophet (s.a.) then immediately halted the caravan and his entire entourage and did not proceed until he had made his all-significant announcement.

A pulpit was made from saddles of camels for the deliverance of this long sermon which contained the Holy Prophet (s.a.)’s parting advice to the people and the nomination of Ali (a.s.) as his successor. He declared that Ali (a.s.) has been appointed as the guardian and leader after him by Allah (s.w.t.) and he raised Imam Ali (a.s.)’s hand to such a height that his underarm was revealed. He then stated, “For whomever I am the master (mowla), Ali is his master (mowla). For whomever I am the leader, Ali is his leader, O Allah be a friend to those who befriend Ali and be an enemy to those who are his enemy.” The first person to congratulate Imam Ali (a.s.) was Omar ibne Khatab. Then Gabriel descended, revealing Ayah 3 from Surah Ma’idah: “….This day I have perfected your religion for you, completed my favour upon you and have chosen Islam as your religion….” (Same reference