In the name of Allah
The All Compassionate, the All-Merciful
4th Muharram 1448 (19th June 2026)
Islamic Universal Association
20 Penzance Place, Holland Park
London, W11 4 PG
Imam Ali (a.s)’s advice in the Nahjal-Balagha – Part 139
I quote below an excerpt from Imam Ali (a.s.)’s sermon 133, which focuses on the Islamic concept of Tawhid (the Oneness of Allah), the majesty of the Quran, the finality of Prophet hood and the nature of worldly life:
“This world and the Hereafter have submitted to Him their reins, and the skies and earths have flung their keys towards Him. The thriving trees bow to Him in the morning and evening, and produce for Him flaming fire from their branches, and at His command, turn their own feed into ripe fruits.
The Book of Allah is among you. It speaks and its tongue does not falter. It is a house whose pillars do not fall down, and a power whose supporters are never routed.
Allah deputized the Prophet after a gap from the previous prophets when there was much talk (among the people). With him Allah exhausted the series of prophets and ended the revelation. He then fought for Him against those who were turning away from Him and were equating others with Him.
Certainly, this world is the end of the sight of the (mentally) blind who sees nothing beyond it. The sight of a looker (who looks with the eye of his mind) pierces through and realizes that the (real) house is beyond this world. The looker therefore wants to get out of it while the blind wants to get into it. The looker collects provision from it (for the next world) whiles the blind collects provision for this very world.”
The first paragraph illustrates that every element of the universe from the celestial spheres to the smallest trees are in a state of constant submission to Allah (s.w.t.)’s Will. A few key points in this text include:
- The Reins and Keys: Symbols of absolute control and ownership over both the physical world and the afterlife.
- Fire from Branches: A reference from Surah Ya-Sin to the miracle of green trees providing fuel for fire, showcasing Allah (s.w.t.)’s power.
- Morning and Evening: Representing the perpetual nature of worship (Tasbih) performed by all of His creation.
This sermon has at least five significant points and inshallah in my forthcoming session, I will discuss them. To be continued
Second Sermon
Divine movement of Imam Hussain (a.s.) – Part 1
The month of Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar; it is the month of sorrow and bereavement and I offer my condolences to Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.) and to the followers of the Ahlul Bait. I earnestly hope and pray that during this month we will familiarize ourselves once again with the movement of Karbala and the life of our dear Imam.
Imam Reza (a.s.) has explained the event of Ashura day:
“Before Islam the month of Muharram was respected by people; warfare was forbidden during the month, but that did deter Yazid and his cruel governors from carrying out the most horrendous brutality to our family, They captured our children and women, burnt our tents and plundered our belongings. They did not have any regard or respect for the Holy Prophet.
Indeed the day of Ashura brings tears to our eyes for our dear family was humiliated in land of Karbala and it remains for us the day of great sadness and grief.
Those who weep should weep over the likes of Husain for surely, weeping over him does away with one’s great sins.
With the advent of the month of Muharram, my father Imam Kazim, would never be seen laughing; gloom and sadness would overcome him for the first ten days of the month; and when the tenth day of the month would dawn, it would be a day of tragedy, grief and weeping for him.
One who refrains from seeking his worldly desires on the day of Ashura, Allah shall grant him his desires of this world and the hereafter.
The one for whom the day of Ashura is a day of tragedy, grief and weeping, Allah the Mighty shall make the Day of Judgment, a day of joy and happiness for him.
One who considers the day of Ashura as a day of blessings and procures something for his house, it shall not be a blessing for him, but on the contrary Allah will unite him in hell with Yazid, Obaidullah and Sa’ad on the day of resurrection.”
Imam Reza (a.s.) has also advised:
“He who sits in a gathering wherein our affairs, and our path and aims are discussed and revived, his heart shall not die on the day of judgment, when hearts shall die of fear.”
The Imam also requested De’bil, a poet sincerely devoted to the Ahlul Bait, to recite as follows:
“I desire that you recite for me poetry on the tragedy of Karbala, for surely, these days, of the month of Muharram, are the days of grief and sorrow for us, the Ahlul Bait.” To be continued
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