In the name of Allah
The All compassionate, the All-Merciful
28 Safar 1447 (22 August 2025)
Islamic Universal Association
20 Penzance Place, Holland Park
London, W11 4 PG
Imam Ali (a.s)’s advice in the Nahjal-Balagha – Part 96
In continuation with my discussion on Zikr, today I would like to highlight the characteristic of true believers as provided in the following Ayahs:
Ayahs 2- 4 of Surah Al- Anfaal: “Indeed those are believers whose hearts tremble with awe when God is mentioned to them, and when His signs are recited unto them, their faith is strengthened and on God alone do they rely.” (Ayah 2)
This Ayah highlights the believers’ profound reverence for Allah (s.w.t), their increased faith upon hearing His signs and their unwavering reliance on Him alone. In other words, true believers are not just those who outwardly profess belief, but those hearts are deeply affected by the remembrance of Allah (s.w.t). Detailed analysis of the Ayah:
“Whose hearts tremble with awe when God is mentioned to them”:
This highlights the fear and reverence that true believers feel when Allah (s.w.t)’s name is mentioned or when they are reminded of His power and majesty.
“and when His signs are recited unto them, their faith is strengthened”:
This refers to the impact of the Quranic verses on believers. When they hear the verses of the Holy Quran, their faith is not just reaffirmed, but it is strengthened.
“and on God alone do they rely”: The believers have complete reliance, trust and hope in Allah (s.w.t) alone, rather than in any worldly objects. Essentially, this verse refers to believers who are deeply connected to Allah (s.w.t) both emotionally and intellectually. Their faith is constantly nurtured by the remembrance of Allah (s.w.t) leading them to rely on Him in all aspects of their lives.
“They establish prayers and spend of what God has provided them with.” (Ayah 3)
The Ayah emphasizes the importance of both prayer (a direct connection with God) and charity which demonstrates a commitment to both spiritual and social responsibility. This verse underscores the believers’ dedication to faith and willingness to share their blessings.
“They and they alone are the believers in truth; for them are exalted gardens with their Lord, forgiveness, and abundant sustenance” (Ayah 4)
Essentially this verse serves as a promise of divine reward for those who embody the qualities of true believers, assuring them of a dignified afterlife with their Lord, mercy and forgiveness for their sins and a generous provision.
Ayah 28 of Surah Ar-Ra’d: “The hearts of those who believe are at rest through remembering God; certainly through remembering God only are hearts set at ease.”
We are reminded that it is in the remembrance of Allah (s.w.t) that our hearts are at rest as it holds the key to unlocking a deeper connection with our Creator. When we are busy, uninspired, overwhelmed and distracted, it is the whole-hearted reliance in Allah (s.w.t) that brings us peace of mind. To be continued
Second sermon
Anniversary of the demise of the Holy Prophet (s.a)
The 28th of Safar marks the death anniversary of the Holy Prophet (s.a) and the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Hasan (a.s). Moreover, the last day of Safar is the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Reza (a.s). Due to these sad events, I hereby convey my condolences to Imam Mahdi (a.t.f), and to the lovers of the Ahlul Bait.
Today I will discuss the last days of the Holy Prophet (s.a)’s life. There is no doubt that everything what the Holy Prophet (s.a) had said was full of wisdom, whether it was admonition, encouragement or advice, but he gave his nation special advice during his last days as he was extremely concerned about the future of Muslims for he knew that Imam Ali (a.s)’s nomination as his successor would not be acknowledged after his death. There were several incidents that occurred during the final days of his life, as provided below, which have been reported in the book of Manaqib V: 1 P: 234:
1-The Holy Prophet (s.a) became ill on Saturday or Sunday during the month of Safar, 11 Hijri, which finally led to his death. With the support of Imam Ali (a.s) and accompanied by several of his companions, he headed for Baghi cemetery where he beseeched Allah (s.w.t) to forgive the martyrs of Islam. Then he said: “O inhabitants of the graves! May the salutations of Allah be upon you! You are free from the calamities of this world. The trials that we are encountering are far more threatening and sinister than the darkest night and they are rapidly succeeding one after another, each one is worse than the one it succeeded. You are secure and safe from the uprising insurgence and unrelenting difficulties to be faced by the Muslim community. Gabriel normally reveals to me the Holy Quran once every year, but this year he has revealed it to me twice. I cannot envisage any particular reason for this, other than the fact that my death is drawing near.”
Thereafter, on Wednesday with a cloth tied round his head, he visited the mosque duly supported by Ali (a.s) on his right and his companion, Fazl ibne Abbas, on his left. He addressed the people who were gathering around him and he asked them: “It is time for me to leave you. If I have not fulfilled any of my promises, I would like to know, so that I can fulfil it now.” Someone from the gathering pointed out that he had promised to help him which remains unfilled. The Holy Prophet (s.a) ordered Fazl to help the person forthwith and he subsequently returned home.
- On Friday after his sermon, he asked the people if they wished to settle any claim or injury he might have inflicted on them, for Allah (s.w.t) hates an oppressor: “He whom I have lashed, I offer myself to him so that he may avenge me and he whom I have humiliated, I offer my honor.” At that time, someone from the congregation, named Sawadeh Ibn Ghais, expressed his grievance against him. He said that when he had come out to greet the Holy Prophet (s.a) after he had returned from Taif, the Holy Prophet (s.a) was on a camel and he accidentally struck him with a stick which was intended to alert the camel. The Holy Prophet (s.a) ordered Bilal to immediately fetch a stick from his daughter, Fatima (a.s)’s house and to hand it to Sawadeh. When the stick was handed to Sawadeh, he asked the Holy Prophet (s.a)’s permission to kiss him instead so that he would be saved from the fire of hell. The Holy Prophet (s.a) prayed for his salvation.
- Finally he declared to the people: “O, Muslims! Every apostle leaves behind him something valuable; similarly I am leaving behind two most valuable things, namely the Book of God and my progeny.”
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