In the name of Allah
The All compassionate, the All-Merciful
26th Rabial-Awwal 11447 (19th September 2025)
Islamic Universal Association
20 Penzance Place, Holland Park
London, W11 4 PG
Imam Ali (a.s.)’s advice in the Nahjal-Balagha – Part 100
Last week I had discussed taqwa and had quoted an extract from Imam Ali (a.s.)’s Sermon 198 from the Nahjul Balagha and today I quote below the following paragraph of the said Sermon:
“Therefore, make obedience to Allah the way of your life and not only your outside covering, make it your inner habit instead of only outer routine, subtle enough to enter through your ribs (up to the heart), the guide for all your affairs, the watering place for your getting down (on the Day of Judgement), the interceder for the achievement of your aims, asylum for the day of your fear, the lamp of the interior of your graves, company for your long loneliness, and deliverance from the troubles of your abodes. Certainly, obedience to Allah is a protection against encircling calamities. Expected dangers and the flames of burning fires.
Analysis of the above paragraph
True submission to Allah (s.w.t.) is an inner habit and a guiding principle for life, rather than just an outward performance. It describes such obedience as a deep-seated commitment that provides protection, guidance, and comfort in this life and the afterlife, acting as a shield against fears, loneliness, and misguidance.
Key points in detail:
- Inner Transformation: True obedience is not just a routine but an inner habit rooted in the heart.
- Comprehensive Guidance: This obedience acts as a guide for all actions, asource of comfort in times of fear and a pathway to achieving goals.
- Protection in the Afterlife: It serves as a lamp in the grave, a companion in loneliness, and a means of deliverance in the afterlife.
- Shield against Calamities: It offers a strong protection against surrounding difficulties, dangers and the flames of fire.
- A Holistic Life: The quote encourages a life where obedience to Allah (s.w.t.) is interwoven into every aspect of one’s existence, from their deepest feelings to their outward actions.
In Islam, obedience to Allah (s.w.t.) is a central tenet, and disobedience carries consequences both in the grave (Barzakh) and on the Day of Resurrection. The grave can bring torment for some sinners, while others find protection through their good deeds. Imam Ali (a.s) addresses the inhabitants of the grave thus: “O residents of houses which give a sense of loneliness of depopulated areas and gloomy graves. O people of the dust, O victims of strangeness, O people of loneliness and O people of desolateness!”
On the Day of Resurrection, accountability is absolute, with the final judgment and eternal reward or punishment determined by one’s actions and faith during this life. Allah (s.w.t.)’s knowledge is complete, and every person will receive a reward or punishment exactly as they deserve, whether it will be distributed in this world, the grave or the hereafter. To be continued
Second Sermon
Birth anniversary of the Holy Prophet (s.a.) – Part: 2
Allah (s.w.t.) conferred great favors and blessings on man when he sent the Holy Prophet (s.a.) on earth with guidance and the religion of truth. He was the greatest Messenger of Allah and he was sincere in his love and compassion and like the sun he exuded warmth. His beneficence and grace were exceptional. He selflessly lived for others and generously helped the poor and needy. He was the light of Allah (s.w.t.); like a lamp he illuminated the abyss of darkness and ignorance. From the confines of Arabia it was his light that reached the farthest of regions and released people from their burden. Although he was highly honorable in lineage, his conduct was extremely modest and he was most tolerant and forgiving despite having the power of retaliation. The adversities and sufferings that he endured illustrate his high tenacity, generous heartedness and commitment. He did not slacken for a moment in discharging his duties nor was he ever disheartened. I quote below relevant Ayahs from the Holy Quran:
“He it is Who has raised amongst the unlettered a messenger from among themselves, reciting to them His Signs, purifying them and teaching them the Book and the Wisdom, although they were before in manifest straying.” (Ayah 2, Surah Al-Jummah)
“Indeed God conferred His favour upon the believers when He raised a Messenger (Muhammad) from among them to recite to them His Signs, and to purify them and to teach them the Book (Quran) and wisdom though before they were in manifest error.” (Ayah 164, Surah Ale-Imran)
“Lord! Raise up amongst them a messenger among themselves who shall recite to them Your revelations and teach them the Book and wisdom and purify them for You; You alone are the Mighty, the Wise.” (Ayah 129 of Surah Al-Baqarah)
Thus, it can be noted from the above Ayahs that the Holy Prophet (s.a.) came during the era of darkness and ignorance, when people were sunk in iniquity, immorality and transgressions. He guided people to the right path and pursued Allah (s.w.t)’s mission in the following manner:
- He recited the signs and revelations of Allah (s.w.t.) to the people.
- Thereafter he purified and sanctified them and raised their awareness from sensual to spiritual.
- After he paved the way, he taught them the Holy Quran which contains the truth and wisdom.
- Finally, he showed them how to apply the truth in a practical way.
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