In the name of Allah

The All Compassionate, the All-Merciful

20 Dhil-Qadah 1447 (8 May2026)

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 133

 

Imam Ali (a.s)’s core message in Sermon 237 is that time is the primary capital of man. It is dynamic and does not wait for him to get ready for death, which is the silent visitor that arrives without an appointment. Hence he must not delay performing good deeds and also to steer his life in accordance with the Holy Quran and the Sunnah. The unknown nature of death is not meant to cause fear, but to spark immediate action. If we do not know when our journey through life will end, we must make sure that our “bags are packed” at all times, as every passing second count towards our ultimate goal. Ayah 34 of Surah Luqman states:

 

 “Verily, God is He who has the knowledge of the Hour, He sends down rain, and knows that which is in the wombs. No soul knows what he will earn tomorrow, and no soul knows in what land he will die. Verily, God is all-Knowing, all-Aware.”

 

The above verse highlights the concept of Ghaib (the Unseen), specifically the “Five Keys of Knowledge” that belong only to Allah (s.w.t) It serves as a reminder of human limitations despite scientific and technological progress.

1. No one knows the exact timing of the Day of Judgment except Allah (s.w.t), not even His closest angels or prophets.
2. While science can predict weather patterns, ultimate knowledge of when, where and how much rain will fall and bring life or destruction to earth is with Allah (s.w.t) alone.
3. Allah (s.w.t) knows precisely what is in the wombs. However, the deeper meaning refers to the comprehensive knowledge of that child, including his sustenance, lifespan, actions and destiny which is only known to Allah (s.w.t).
4. No one can guarantee his actions, successes, or failures or what he will accomplish or earn tomorrow, let alone whether he will survive to see the next day.
5. Death is certain, but the location of a person’s final breath is kept hidden from him. This is only known to Allah ( s.w.t).
6. To be continued

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Second Sermon

 

Reward for visiting the tomb of Imam Reza (a.s)

There are conflicting accounts on the date of Imam Reza (a.s)’s martyrdom. According to some historians he was martyred by poisoning on the 17th or the last day of Safar, 203 Hijri, at the age of 55 under the orders of Mamun while others have reported that he was martyred on the 23rd of Dhil-Qadah.

 

I would like to point out that there is a great emphasis in Islam to love the friends of Allah (Tawalla) and to disassociate from their enemies (Tabarra). Maintaining a proper relationship with the Holy Prophet (s.a) and the Imams is a divine act, which does not cease even after their death. This continues to be in force even on the Day of Resurrection, when the followers will be compensated. That is why it is highly recommended to visit the Ahlul Bait’s tombs in order to endorse one’s commitment to them and to obey and follow them.

 

Hassan ibne Al-Washa narrated from Imam Reza (a.s) that it is essential for the followers of the Imams to visit their tombs and mausoleums in order to be under their auspicious sanctuary. In Osool Al-Kafi, late Sheikh Sadooq had narrated

“The Shiites visit the holy shrines of the Ahlul Bait as they have pledged to do so. If anyone does so through love and belief, the Imams will be their intercessor on the Day of Résurrection.” There are two key points to be noted here; the followers of the Ahlul Bait are encouraged to visit the graves of the Holy Prophet (a.s) and his successors and secondly to have full knowledge of their rights. Some traditions from Khisal Sadooq P: 167 are provided below:

 

• Hassan ibne Al-Washa had reported that Imam Reza (a.s) had advised:
• “I will unjustly be killed by poisoning. So whoever visits me out of knowledge of my rights will be forgiven by Allah for his past sins and those to follow.”
• It has been narrated on the authority of Hamdan Al-Diwani that Imam Reza (a.s) had said:
• “Whoever visits my tomb despite the distance, I will save and liberate him from the horrors of the Day of Resurrection on three occasions: 1. When the Letter of Deeds will be handed to him in his right and left hand. 2. When he will cross the Bridge of Sirat. 3. At the time when the Scale of Deeds (measurement of deeds) is set up.”