In the name of Allah

The All compassionate, the All-Merciful

17^th Rabial-Thani 1447 (10^th October 2025)

Islamic Universal Association

20 Penzance Place, Holland Park

London, W11 4PG

www.arafeh.co.uk

 

Imam Ali (a.s.)’s advice in the Nahjal-Balagha – Part 104

With reference to my discussion on piety and taqwa, I quote below Ayahs 2-5 of Surah At-Talaq:

 

“…whosoever fears God, He will make for him a way (out of trouble).

And provide him with sustenance from whence he reckons not. Whosoever relies on God, then He is sufficient for him; verily God has prescribed for everything its due measure.

…. Whosoever fears God, He will ease his affairs for him.

This is the Command of God which He has revealed to you, and whosoever fears God and keeps his duty to Him, He will wipe out his sins from him, and will increase for him the recompense.”

 

The above verses from the Holy Quran reassure believers that those who have taqwa and piety will be granted a way out of difficulties, provided with unexpected sustenance and their affairs will be made easier for them. Moreover, those who trust Allah (s.w.t.) will find Allah (s.w.t.) sufficient for their needs. The verses conclude by stating that these are divine commands which have been revealed to ease affairs, wipe out sins and increase rewards for those who are obedient to Allah (s.w.t.).

 

Key points from the verses:

1. Taqwa (Fear of Allah): It refers to being mindful of Allah (s.w.t.)’s commands and prohibitions.
2. Divine provision: Allah (s.w.t.) promises to provide sustenance and a way out of trouble from unexpected sources for those who fear Him.
3. Reliance on Allah: Those who place their trust in Allah (s.w.t.) will find Allah (s.w.t.) sufficient to handle their affairs.
4. Divine decrees: The verses acknowledge that Allah (s.w.t.) has decreed a ‘measure’ and a ‘purpose’ for everything.
5. Ease in affairs: Difficulties will be made easy for those who fear and obey Allah (s.w.t.).
6. Forgiveness and reward: Fearing Allah (s.w.t.) and being obedient to Him lead to expiation of sins and increase in divine reward.

In essence, the verses are a message of hope and assurance to believers, emphasizing that through piety and trust in Allah (s.w.t.) they can overcome challenges and find peace.    To be continued

Second Sermon

Birth anniversary of Imam Hasan Al-Askari (a.s) -Part 2

During my earlier discussion, I had discussed the synopsis of Imam Hasan Al-Askari (a.s.)’s life. However, today I would like to discuss his great characteristics.

 

All elements of piety and righteousness and qualities of Imamate were embedded in Imam Hasan Al-Askari (a.s.). He was the best worshipper among the people of his time; he spent the nights praying, prostrating and reciting the Holy Quran. He was the most patient and he always suppressed his anger and treated whoever him wronged with kindness and forgiveness. The Abbasid government arrested and imprisoned him but he displayed great patience and did not retaliate or complain about his sufferings, but he entrusted his case to Allah (s.w.t.). He categorically declined their offers of bribery for he preferred the obedience of Allah (s.w.t.) and the satisfaction of his conscience to everything else. He was also distinguished for his overpowering determination. No one was more generous than him among the people of his time. Historians unanimously agree that he was the most knowledgeable, not only in religious affairs and laws but in all fields and his predictions of different events and occurrences were indeed so accurate.

 

It has been narrated in (Munaqib V:4 P:432):

• The Imam advised Abu Hashem Jafari, one of his trusted companions, as follows: “There is a special door in heaven for those who perform good deeds. No one can enter it but only those who have performed deeds and actions that are beneficial and favorable to others.” When Abu Hashem heard this he was pleased as he always helped others and tried his utmost to be virtuous. The Imam knew what he was thinking and said: “I am aware of your benevolence and kindness. People who do good deeds are rewarded on the Day of Qiamat. O’ Abu Hashem, God will bless you for your righteousness and nobility.”
• Mohammad Ibne As-Saffar, one of the companions of the Imam, had narrated that one day he had written to the Imam complaining about his impoverished condition but then he remembered that Imam Jafar Sadeq (a.s) had said that it was better to be poor and an ardent follower of the Imam than to be wealthy and amidst enemies and that to die for the sake of Islam was better than living a worthless life of ungodliness. Imam Askari (a.s.) replied to his letter along the following lines: “Indeed God straitens our friends whose sins have spiraled in order to wash their sins through their sufferings. O, Mohammad! We are the refuge for those who seek the Grace of God and we are the beacon of light for those who seek light and guidance from us. Those who are committed to us will be protected from the fire of hell and those whom we love will have a special place in heaven and whosoever refuses to accept us will end up in hell.” It was evident that the Imam reaffirmed the advice of Imam Jafar Sadeq (a.s) that being poor and a follower of the Imam is better than being rich and wealthy and consorting with the enemies of Islam.

 

I quote below some maxims of Imam Hasan Al-Askari (a.s.):

• “To greet everyone you pass by and to be seated with them, other than in the best of places, are signs of humility.
• The heart of the foolish is in his mouth and the mouth of the wise is in his heart.
• The daily bread that Allah has granted should not prevent one from deeds that are obligatory.
• Those who advise their friend secretly are respecting them, whilst those who advise them openly are humiliating them.”(Muntaha Al-Amaal P: 1181-2)