In the name of Allah
The All-Compassionate, the All-Merciful
30th Jamadial-Awwal- 1447 (21st November 2025)
Islamic Universal Association
20 Penzance Place, Holland Park
London, W11 4 PG
Imam Ali (a.s.)’s advice in the Nahjal-Balagha – Part 116
In my earlier sessions I have been discussing Sermon 114, wherein Imam Ali (a.s.) conveys to us the moral and spiritual lessons about the fleeting nature of life and the importance of spiritual wealth over material wealth. However, today I will continue with my discussion and explain the phrase: “As for its changes, you see a pitiable man becoming enviable and an enviable man becoming pitiable. This is because the wealth has gone and misfortune has taken over.”
The above phrase is a reflection on the instability of fortune and worldly possessions, highlighting how easily a person’s status can change due to loss of wealth and the onset of misfortune. It suggests that a person who appears enviable due to riches can become pitiable if his wealth is lost, while seemingly a pitiable person might become enviable if fortune smiles upon him. This is a recurring theme in religious and philosophical texts, emphasizing the fleeting nature of worldly success.
Key points
- The phrase illustrates how easily a person’s fate can reverse, moving from one extreme to another.
- The two primary drivers of this change are loss of wealth and the onset of misfortune, which are presented as the direct causes for the reversal of fortune.
- It serves as a cautionary reminder that worldly success is temporary and that true value should not be placed solely on material possessions.
There are many stories narrated in the Holy Quran about previous nations. The purpose behind this is to take lessons from them, and to understand the consequences of one’s actions and that prosperity is achieved by obeying Allah (s.w.t.), and distress is caused by disobeying Allah (s.w.t.). One clear evidence is the story of Korah (Qarun) which is a manifestation of goodness and evil as well as arrogance and its roots, reflections and results, which is provided in Ayahs 76-82 of Surah Al-Qasas:
“Indeed Korah (Qarun) belonged to the people of Moses, but rebelled against them. We had given him treasures, so much so that that their keys would have been a burden even for a group of many strong men. When his people said to him: “Do not exult, for God does not love those who exult.
And seek by means of what God has given you the abode of the hereafter, and do not forget your share in this world. Be good unto others as God has been good to you, and do not seek to create mischief in the world, God does not like mischief makers.”
He (Korah) said: “It has been granted to me because of the knowledge I possess.” Did he not know that God had destroyed generations before him who were mightier in prowess than him and greater in hoarding? The criminals will not be questioned about their crimes.
So he went forth to his people pompous and those who coveted the pleasures of this world said: “Would that we had the like of what Korah has been given! Verily he owns a great fortune.”
Those who were endowed with knowledge said: “Woe unto you! God’s reward is better for those who believe and do good deeds, but none shall attain it save the steadfast one.”
Then We caused the earth to swallow him and his abode; there was no group to help him against God, nor was he able to defend himself.
Those who coveted his position only the day before began saying: “Oh! God amplifies or straitens the sustenance of whomsoever He pleases of His servants. Had God not been gracious to us, He could have caused the earth to swallow us too! He never lets the ungrateful ones to succeed.” To be continued
Second Sermon
Life of Fatima (a.s.) – Part 3
After Hijrat of the Holy Prophet (s.a.) from Mecca to Medina, the following events that greatly influenced Fatima (a.s.)’s life were as follows:
- With the migration to Medina, the Meccan period of humiliation, persecution and restrictions finally came to an end and the years of success and religious freedom began. The Holy Prophet (s.a.)’s own people to whom he preached Islam mistreated him, but he was cordially received in Medina as an honored chief and a new phase of his career commenced. His power enhanced day by day. He died ten years after the migration but in just a decade he changed the course of human history.
- In the first year of Hijrat, the Holy Prophet (s.a.) formally established brotherhood ties between the Muhajirs (emigrants) who had left their homes and worldly possessions in Mecca and migrated to Medina and the Ansars (helpers) who were the new converts in Medina and they readily and selflessly helped the Muhajirs financially as well as emotionally. They displayed unbounded love for the Holy Prophet (s.a.) and they helped him at the most difficult time. They were all sincere believers and they have been promised a great provision in the hereafter.
- On the 15th of Rajab, 2 Hijri, the direction of the Qiblah changed from Baitul Al-Maqadas in Jerusalem to Masjid Al-Haram in Mecca. Allah (s.w.t) ordered the Holy Prophet (s.a.) to face towards the Holy Kaaba while he was offering the Asr prayer in his local mosque, known as Zulqiblatain Mosque, and his followers were ordered to follow suit.
- On the 1st of Dil-Hijja, 2 Hijri, the marriage of Fatima and Ali (a.s.) was solemnized, which was a highly significant event. According to Imam Ali (a.s.) the Holy Prophet (s.a.) advised him that many members of the Quraish criticized this decision. He, however, explained to them that this union was in accordance with Allah (s.w.t.)’s command.At that time Gabriel appeared and said that Allah (s.w.t.) had created Ali (a.s.) as there was no one worthy of Fatima (a.s.) in this world from Adam down the line. The Holy Prophet (s.a.) had advised Ali (a.s.) as follows: “You have been awarded three things which have not been given to anyone, not even me. You have a father-in-law who is the messenger of Allah and unlike you my father-in-law was not a messenger of Allah. You have been bestowed with a wife, like my daughter, and 1 have not been given the like of her as a wife. Finally, you have been presented with two sons, Hassan and Hussain from your loin, which I do not have. But you are from me ..…” To be continued
Comments are closed