In the name of Allah
The All Compassionate, the All-Merciful
23rd Safar 1446 (7th August 2026)
Islamic Universal Association
20 Penzance Place, Holland Park
London, W11 4 PG
Imam Ali (a.s.)’s advice in the Nahjal-Balagha – Part 146
Further to last week’s discussion on leadership qualities, I quote below relevant references from the Holy Quran in Ayah 54-56 of Surah Yousuf and Imam Ali (a.s.)’s Sermon 69 provided in the Nahjul Balagha:
“The king said: “Bring him to me. I will choose him for my own service.” So, when he had spoken to him, he (king) said: “Verily you are henceforth in our presence honorably accommodated and trusted.”
He said: “Set me in authority over the treasuries of the land; verily I am a faithful keeper, knowing well its management.”
Thus, did We establish Joseph in the land, to take possession therein as he pleases. We bestow Our mercy on whomsoever We will, and We do not waste the recompense of the doers of good.”
- Prophet Yusuf did not request a position out of personal ambition. He explicitly asked to manage the treasuries because he knew he possessed the financial acumen, honesty and knowledge, like that of a good leader, to navigate Egypt through the impending 7-year famine.
- Allah (s.w.t) does not allow the reward of the righteous to be lost. After being thrown into a well by his brothers, Yusuf’s steadfast faith was rewarded with supreme authority.
“Certainly, I know what can improve you and how your crookedness can be straightened. But I shall not improve your condition by marring myself. Allah may disgrace your faces and destroy you. You do not understand the right as you understand the wrong and do not crush the wrong as you crush the right.” (Extract from Sermon 69)
The Imam addressed his followers and citizens who were divided, rebellious or politically passive during a time of intense civil strife (the First Fitna). Like a good leader, he acknowledged that he knew how to force compliance and explicitly refused to compromise his spiritual and moral integrity just to achieve political control. To be continued
Second Sermon
The Holy Prophet (s.a.) death anniversary
The 28th of Safar marks the death anniversary of the Holy Prophet (s.a.) and the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Hassan (a.s.). Moreover, the last day of Safar is the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Reza (a.s.). Due to these sad events, I hereby convey my condolences to Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.), and to the lovers of the Ahlul Bait. Today I will discuss the last days of the Holy Prophet (s.a.)’s life. There is no doubt that everything what the Holy Prophet (s.a.) had said was full of wisdom, whether it was admonition, encouragement or advice, but he gave his nation special advice during his last days. He was extremely concerned about the future of Muslims for he knew that Imam Ali (a.s.)’s nomination as his successor would not be acknowledged after his death. There were several incidents that occurred during the final days of his life, which have been reported in Manaqib V:1 P:234 as follows:
- The Holy Prophet (s.a.) became ill on Saturday or Sunday during the month of Safar, 11 Hijri, which finally led to his death. With the support of Imam Ali (a.s.) and accompanied by several of his companions, he visited Baqi cemetery where he beseeched Allah (s.w.t) to forgive the martyrs of Islam. Then he said: “O inhabitants of the graves! May the salutations of Allah be upon you! You are free from the calamities of this world. The trials that we are encountering are far more threatening and sinister than the darkest night and they are rapidly succeeding one after another, each one is worse than the one it succeeded. You are secure and safe from the ominous insurgence and unrelenting difficulties to be faced by the Muslim community.
Gabriel normally reveals to me the Holy Quran once every year, but this year he has revealed it to me twice. I cannot envisage any particular reason for this, other than the fact that my death is drawing near.”
- Thereafter, on Wednesday with a cloth tied round his head, he visited the mosque duly supported by Ali (a.s.) on his right and his companion, Fazl ibne Abbas, on his left. He addressed the people who were gathering around him and he asked them: “It is time for me to leave you. If I have not fulfilled any of my promise, I would like to know, so that I can fulfil it now.” Someone from the gathering pointed out that he had promised to help him which remains unfilled. The Holy Prophet (s.a.) ordered Fazl to help the person forthwith and he subsequently returned home.
- On Friday after his sermon, he asked the people if they wished to settle any claim or injury he might have inflicted on them, for Allah (s.w.t) hates an oppressor: “He whom I have lashed, I offer myself to him so that he may avenge me and he whom I have humiliated, I offer my honor.” At that time, someone from the congregation, named Sawadeh Ibn Qais, expressed his grievance against him. He said that when he had come out to greet the Holy Prophet (s.a.) after he had returned from Taif, the Prophet (s.a.) was on a camel and he accidentally struck him with a stick which was intended to alert the camel. The Holy Prophet (s.a.) ordered Bilal to immediately fetch a stick from his daughter, Fatima (a.s.)’s house and to hand it to Sawadeh. When the stick was handed to Sawadeh, he asked the Holy Prophet (s.a.)’s permission to kiss him instead so that he would be saved from the fire of hell. The Holy Prophet (s.a.) prayed for his salvation.
- Finally, he declared to the people: “O, Muslims! Every apostle leaves behind him something valuable; similarly, I am leaving behind two most valuable things, namely the Book of Allah and my progeny.” He then returned to Umme Salama’s house and prayed: “O’ Lord! Keep my nation safe from the fire of hell and lighten their reckoning on Resurrection Day.”
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