In the name of Allah

The All compassionate, the All-Merciful

9^th Jamadial-Awwal 1447 (31^st October 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 107

 

Having discussed the benefits of piety, today I will discuss piety and earnest devotion of believers who strive in the path of Allah (s.w.t.), and I quote below a relevant extract from Imam Ali (a.s.)’s Sermon 193 from the Nahjul Balagha:

 

During the night they are on their feet reading passages from the Quran and reciting it in a well-measured way, finding in it grief for themselves and seeking cure for their ailments. If they come across a verse creating eagerness (for Paradise) they pursue it avidly, and their spirits turn towards it eagerly, and they feel as if it is in front of them. And when they come across a verse which contains fear (of Hell) they bend the ears of their hearts towards it, and feel as though the sound of Hell and its cries are reaching their ears.

They bend their backs, prostrate on their foreheads, palms, knees and toes, and beseech Allah, the Sublime, for their deliverance. During the day they are enduring, learned, virtuous and God-fearing. Fear (of Allah) has made them thin like arrows. If anyone looks at them he thinks they are sick, although they are not sick, and he says that they have gone mad. In fact, great concern (i.e., fear) has made them mad.

 

The above passage highlights the transformative and profound effect of the Holy Quran on the hearts and minds of those who deeply engage with its teachings. In this context, the Imam describes the characteristics of devout believers who find solace and motivation from the Holy Quran thereby experiencing deep emotional impact from its verses with the hope of paradise and fear of hell.

 

Description of pious individuals:

• They stand in prayer at night, reciting the Holy Quran in a measured way, finding in its verses both grief for their shortcomings and a path to healing.
• Verses from the Holy Quran about paradise inspire strong eagerness in them, whilst verses on hell evoke profound fear, making them feel as if they can hear the cries of the condemned.
• They perform detailed prostrations in prayer and implore Allah (s.w.t.) for their salvation.
• Their lives are characterized by endurance, knowledge, virtue and fear of Allah (s.w.t.).
• Their devotion is so intense that they appear frail and gaunt, like ‘arrows’, leading others to perceive their deep spiritual fear and devotion for sickness or madness.  To be continued.

 

 

Second Sermon

Fatima Az-Zahra (a.s.)

 

According to a reliable tradition, Fatima (a.s.) was martyred on the 13th of Jamadial-Awwal and I offer my condolences to Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.) and the followers of the Ahlul Bait.

 

There are different narrations about the date of Fatima (a.s.)’s birth and martyrdom and before I talk about her infallible personality, I would like to draw your attention to the following two traditions which have been reported in Bahjatul-Qalb Al-Mustafa P:142:

 

• Habib Al-Sajastani narrated from Imam Baqer (a.s.): “Fatima, the daughter of Muhammad, was born in the fifth year of the Holy Prophet’s mission (Besat) and she was martyred when she was 18 years and 75 days.”
• Abu Basir narrated from Imam Sadeq (a.s.): “Fatima was born on the 20th day of Jamadial-Thani, in Mecca, when the Holy Prophet was 45 years old. She lived in Mecca for 8 years and in Medina for 10 years and she was martyred 75 days after the death of her father.”

 

The following facts can be established from the foregoing traditions:

1. Fatima (a.s.) was born on the 20th of Jamadial-Thani in Mecca.
2. She was born in the 5th year of Besat (divine prophecy).
3. The Holy Prophet (s.a.) was 45 years old when she was born.
4. She resided in Mecca for 8 years.
5. She was a resident of Medina for 10 year and 75 days.
6. She was martyred at the age of 18 year and 75 days.
7. She was martyred 75 days after her father’s death.

 

The Holy Prophet (s.a.) considered her a part of his life. It has been reported that on one occasion he advised Salman Farsi as follows: “Whoever loves Fatima will be with me in heaven and whoever is her enemy will be in hell. O’ Salman! Friendship with Fatima is advantageous in many places; it eases one during death, in the grave, on resurrection day, when crossing the Bridge of Sirat and during reckoning.

She is a piece of my heart, whoever pleases her, pleases me and whoever pleases me, pleases Allah. Whoever offends her, offends me and whoever offends me, offends Allah. Whoever displeases her displeases me, and whoever displeases me displeases Allah. Woe to those who oppress her and her husband and woe to those who oppress her followers.”

 

In another hadith the Holy Prophet (s.a.) has said: “O’ Fatima, whoever incurs your wrath, incurs the wrath of Allah.” It has also been narrated that Imam Ali (a.s.) has advised: “Allah gets angry when Fatima is offended and He is pleased when she is happy and content.”