HOW TO GET CLOSE TO ALLAH (5)

SERMON 1

In the Name of Allah, the All-Beneficent, the All-Merciful

Salamun ‘Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh

[Praise belongs to Allah, whose laudation is not comprehended by speakers, whose bounties are not counted by reckoners, and whose rightfully due is not discharged by those who strive. Grand aspirations perceive Him not and deep-diving perspicacities reach Him not. His attributes possess no determined limits, no existing description, no fixed time and no extended term. He originates the creatures by His power, looses the winds by His mercy, and fastens the shaking of His earth with boulders.]

Brothers and sisters in Islam, taqwa should always be our aspiration in life. Therefore I advise you and myself to observe taqwa so that Allah is pleased with us, and we are availed with felicity in this world as well as the Hereafter.

Hajj & Taqwa

One of the important places in Qur’an where taqwa is mentioned is when speaking of Hajj. After mentioning those things that are forbidden for those pilgrims on whom Hajj has become wajib, Almighty Allah concludes saying “And seek provisions; for indeed the best of provisions in taqwa.” (Fatazawwadu fa inna khayra al-zaad al-taqwa). Here Almighty Allah makes us realize that the fundamental provision for the journey of hajj is not the physical requirements that one carries with oneself so that he may have an easy journey. Rather it is the spirit of abstaining from what is forbidden by Allah and adhering to what He has made obligatory. It is the spirit of gaining the color of Allah, about which the Holy Qur’an says, “The coloring of Allah, and who colors better than Allah….” (sibghat Allah wa man ahsanu minallahi sibgha…). Indeed many go to hajj and cover the horizontal physical journey, but very few get the succor to traverse the vertical journey, many behold the cubic structure of the Ka’ba, but very few comprehend the Ka’ba of their unsullied heart where Allah resides. Shaykh Ja’far al-Shushtari in his brilliant book al-Khasaa’is al-Husayniyya, which indeed is a unique masterpiece, when comparing Imam al-Husayn (‘a) with the House of Allah says, “Indeed He (al-Husayn) is the Real House of Allah.”. He then explains saying that Almighty Allah is far greater than place and its occupation. The reason why we consider a certain place as His House is due to a certain sanctity it possesses because of being made a place of His worship, due to frequent worship in it, etc. Thereafter he says, “The Real House, however, is what is mentioned in the sacred tradition (al-hadith al-qudsi): “Neither My earth, nor My heaven contains me, but the heart of my believing servant contains Me.”

Therefore we must opt for the realization of the real Ka’ba. The brilliant cubic structure should act as a runway to the Real House, which contains Almighty Allah.

Let us now continue with the commentary of the tradition of ‘Unwan al-Basri:

THE TRADITION OF 'UNWAN AL-BASRI (V)

[‘A ninety-four year old man named ‘Unwan al-Basri narrates, saying: “I had been studying under Malik ibn Anas for a number of years. When Ja’far as-Sadiq (AS) came to Madina, I went to visit him and was interested in learning from him just as I had been learning from Malik. He said to me one day: “I am a man much sought after and am also occupied by various supplications throughout the day and the night so please do not disturb me in my state of supplication and go and learn from Malik and study under him just as you were doing before”. I became sad on hearing this and left the Imam’s presence, and said to myself, “If the Imam had perceived any good in me he would not have prevented me from studying under him and learning from him”. ..]

Secrets of Times During the Day

In our previous discussion we said that we would mention a program of time that our learned scholars have presented in their prayer manuals. The noble Shaykh Baha al-Din al-‘Aamili, in his well-known prayer manual Miftaah al-Falaah (the Key to Salvation) says that according to a narration there are twelve different periods during the day that relate to the Imams of the Ahl al-Bayt (‘a): The first period, which is between dawn and sunrise, is related to Amir al-Mu’minin (‘a).The second period, which is between sunrise and the disappearance of redness in the sky, is related to Imam al-Hasan (‘a). The third period, which is between the disappearance of the redness seen in the sky until the rising of the day, is related to Imam al-Husayn (‘a). The fourth period, which is between the rising of the day until zawaal (the beginning of the setting of the sun), is related to Imam Zayn al-‘Abidin (‘a). The fifth period, which is between zawaal and the time essential for reciting four units of prayer, is related to Imam al-Baqir (‘a). The sixth period, which begins after the period essential for reciting four units of prayer and ends at the time of zuhr prayer, is related to Imam al-Sadiq (‘a). The seventh period, which begins at the time of zuhr prayer and ends when the time essential to pray four raka’aats remains prior to the time of ‘asr prayer, is related to Imam Musa al-Kazim (‘a). The eighth period, which starts when the time of four rak’aats remain before the ‘asr prayer and ends at the time of ‘asr prayer, is related to Imam al-Ridha (‘a). The ninth period which is from the time of ‘asr prayer until two hours elapse, is related to Imam Muhammad al-Jawad (‘a). The tenth period starts from two hours following ‘asr and ends before the sun appears yellowish, and this time is related to Imam al-Haadi (‘a). The eleventh period is from before the sun appears yellowish until the sun appears yellowish, and this is related to Imam al-Hasan al-‘Askari (‘a). And the twelfth period is from the yellowish appearance of the sun until sunset, and this period is related to Imam al-Hujja (‘a).

Shaykh Baha’i also mentions the respective supplications for each and every aforementioned period. Observing brevity, we would not like to reproduce them here. We suggest however that you to refer to the books Miftaah al-Falah of Shaykh baha’i and al-Baaqiyaat al-Saalihaat of Shaykh ‘Abbas Qummi or some websites where they have been mentioned [http://www.m-alhuda.com/showthread.php?t=8667] for the details.

We also have a weekly program of supplications that is linked to the Imams (‘a) and for every day there is a specific ziyaara to be recited. All these supplications were given to us out of great wisdom, and taking into consideration the secrets of time. Therefore if we struggle and grab the opportunity to program ourselves accordingly we would undoubtedly reap spiritual fruits. The key to success, however, is “continuity”. The Holy Prophet (s) is reported to have said: ‘The best action is that which is more lasting, even if it is less.’ [Mizaan al-Hikma, v.3, p. 2026]. And it is reported from Imam al-Baqir (‘a): "There is nothing more lovable to Allah, the Invincible and Majestic, than a deed that is constantly done, even if it is small." [Shaykh al-Kulayni, Al-Kaafi, v. 2, p. 82]. Therefore it is highly significant to maintain the action even if it be very small. There is another important element we should not be oblivious of. The quality of action is of fundamental importance. Despite the constancy, if the action is devoid of a certain level of quality, even if that be of a moderate nature, it would not be of benefit. There is an allusion to both “constancy and quality” in a tradition narrated from Imam al-Sadiq (‘a). He is reported to have said: “Constant little action with conviction is better near Allah than much action without conviction.” [Muhammad al-Rayshahri, Mizaan al-Hikma, v.3, p. 2124].

The Insight of a Believer

’Unwan al-Basri in saying that he became sad on Imam’s response mentions a very important point worthy of discussion. He says “If the Imam had perceived any good in me he would not have prevented me from frequenting to him…” (Law tafarrasa fi kharan lama zajarani ‘anil ikhtilaaf ilayhi…). This statement depicts a truth that the insightful scholars have mentioned in their works. Al-firaasa is a condition which enables one to know a person from his apparent state. Scholars of this important discipline speak of two kinds of firaasa: (1) The ability to know someone from his physical structure, and (2) The ability to know someone due to one’s spiritual insight. In a well-known tradition, the Holy Prophet (s) is reported to have said, “Beware of the perspicacity (firaasa) of a believer, for surely he always visions with the light of Allah” (Ittaqu faraasat al-mu’min fa innahu yanzuru bi nurillah). Thereafter he read the following verse of Qur’an: ‘There are indeed signs in that for the percipient (al-mutawassimin).’ (15:75) ( [Al-Saffaar, Basaa’ir al-Darajaat, p. 375]. And in another tradition, commenting on the verse 15:75 Imam al-Sadiq (‘a) says, “They are the Imams (‘a)” (humul a’imma). And in a very interesting tradition of Imam al-Ridha (‘a) we read, “There is no believer save that he has an acumen because he visions with the light of Allah according to his belief, enlightenment, and knowledge, and indeed Allah has gathered in the Imams among us, what he has scattered in all the believers…Therefore the foremost of the mutawassimin (perspicacious) is the Messenger of Allah (s), followed by Amir al-Mu’minin; then comes al-Hasan, and then al-Husayn, then come the Imams from the progeny of al-Husayn until the Judgment Day…” [al-Hilli, al-Muhtadhar, p. 166].

‘Unwan it seems had realized the sharp vision of Imam al-Sadiq (‘a) and thus thought that due to his low disposition, the Imam did not find him fit to continue to benefit from his noble presence.

Perhaps, Imam al-Sadiq (‘a) wanted him to enhance his receptivity so that he can absorb what the Imam (‘a0 wanted to teach him, and the Imam (‘a) knew that if he were to stop the lesson, ‘Unwan would be led to some spiritual mortification, to gain better receptivity, and be prepared for the instruction the Imam (‘a). And Allah is All-knowing.

‘Unwan’s attitude I feel was natural, for to be deprived from the lesson of an exalted and immaculate torch of guidance of the caliber of Imam al-Sadiq is an inexpressible and unparalleled calamity.

We shall continue with the discussion in our forthcoming sermons Insha Allah.

Indeed, the best conversation and the most penetrating of counsels is the Book of Allah. Almighty Allah says:

[In the Name of Allah, the All-Beneficent, the All-Merciful’ Say He Allah is Non-composite One, Allah is the All-embracing, Neither does He beget, nor was He begotten, and there is none like Him (112:1-4)]

SERMON 2

[Praise be to Allah, Who breaks everything belonging to the oppressors; puts an end to the tyrants; watches over the fugitives; brings assistance to those who cry out for help; meets and clears up the demands of the needy beseechers; supports the faithful.]

THE OCCASION OF DAHW AL-ARDH

The 25th of Dhul Qa'dah, according to a tradition of the Holy Prophet (S) is the day when the earth was spread for the advantage of human beings. The phrase Dahw al-Ardh literally means "The spread of the earth". In another tradition it is reported that the first rahmah (mercy) and blessing descended on this very day.

THE HOLY QUR’AN alluding to the spread of the earth, says: “…and after that He spread out the earth.” (79:30). One of the highly recommended acts of celebration this day is to fast. In a tradition narrated from the Holy Prophet (s), fasting this day equals to the reward of seventy fast. Therefore we should try to make a point and fast, so that we may reap its spiritual benefits.

We should however try to enhance our vision, and understand the occasion well: what is the earth? Why was the earth created? Do we benefit from the earth for the purpose it was created? Are we making the earth a shelter of peace, or an arena of disunity, war, and pollution? If we try to respond to these fundamental questions and do the necessary, we would have celebrated the occasion as anticipated from us. Whereas the well-known Earth Day was officially proclaimed by the UN on February 26, 1971, after the idea was first brought up by John McConnell at a UNESCO Conference on the Environment in 1969 and later asserted by San Francisco Mayor Joseph Alioto on March 21, 1970, Dahw al-Ardh, has been an occasion celebrated for more than 1400 years now.

The Holy Qur’an informs mankind the earth was created as a place of livelihood, but the human beings do not pay heed to the purpose: “Certainly We have established you on the earth, and made in it [various] means of livelihood for you. Little do you thank.” (7:10) In this verse the phrase “qaleelan maa tashkurun” (little do you thank) tells us that the human beings do not take advantage of the earth for the purpose it was created. This is because shukr as we normally conjecture is not a mere verbal expression of thanks, but a practical revelation of gratitude. In simple words, shukr (lit. “to unveil”) means to use the blessing for the purpose it was created. And when one does that, he would “unveil” God’s blessing and practically reveal how great the blessing of earth is. Almighty Allah, showing how unthankful have some of the people been, tells us: "Corruption has appeared in land and sea because of the doings of the people's hands, that He may make them taste something of what they have done, so that they may come back." (30:41)

In this verse we are clearly told about the situation of the earth. Instead of facilitating peace and making it a place to live, many people have misused this blessing and brought about corruption.

The kinds of corruption vocally mentioned by the concerned environmentalists usually pertain to the physical environment such as the depletion of ozone layer, contamination of water, contamination of air, etc. Have they ever contemplated on the depletion of the intellectual layer, the contamination of knowledge, the contamination of thought, etc.? The human being is a spiritual entity more than a physical being. In fact, if we look at the kernel of the matter we would come to realize that even the physical dangers created by the human being on the earth is due to the contamination if his mind and thought.

Therefore, it is imperative for us to decipher what are causes of the major problems of the earth, and how can we contribute to their solutions.

Indeed Allah and His angels bless the Prophet; O you who have faith! Invoke blessings on him and invoke peace upon him in a worthy manner. (33:56)

Invoking Allah's Blessings of the Ahl al-bayt ('a)

[O Allah, send down Thy blessings on the master of your apostles, Muhammad; and send down Thy blessings on the Commander of the faithful, Ali bin Abi Talib, the masters of the successors; and send Thy blessings on the most truthful of women, the pure, Fatima, the radiant and the mistress of the women of Paradise; and send down Thy blessings on al-Hasan and al-Husayn, the two leaders of the youth of Paradise; and send down your blessings on 'Ali bin al-Husayn, the Ornament of worshippers; and send down Thy blessings on Muhammad bin 'Ali, the cleaver of knowledge; and send down Thy blessings of Ja'far bin Muhammad, the veracious, one whose word and deed are approved; and send down Thy blessings on Musa bin Ja'far, the swallower of anger, the door of the fulfillment of needs; and send down Thy blessings on 'Ali bin Musa, one whom Allah is pleased with and He is pleased with Allah; and send down Thy blessings of Muhamad bin 'Ali, the God-wary, the Benevolent; and send down Thy blessings of 'Ali bin Muhammad, the guide, and the immaculate; and send down Thy blessings on Hasan bin 'Ali, the one who has been specifically ennobled by Allah; and send down Thy blessings on the Proof, the One who would Rise.]Supplication[O Allah indeed we eagerly seek from Thee a noble state, by which you bestow veneration to Islam and its people, and degrade hypocracy and its people, and you make us in it from the callers to your obedience, and leaders to your path, and bestow us with it the nobility of this world and the Hereafter.]

HOW TO GET CLOSE TO ALLAH (4)

SERMON 1

In the Name of Allah, the All-Beneficent, the All-Merciful

Salamun ‘Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh

[Praise be to Allah. None can disclose anything hidden by Him; none can shut the doors kept open by Him; no one who makes a request is sent away disappointed by Him; and no one who looks long and attentively is deluded in his hopes. Praise be to Allah, Who gives protection to the frightened; comes to the help of the upright; promotes the cause of the weak and the enslaved; annihilates the autocrats; destroys rulers and appoints the 'awaited savours' in their place.]

Taqwa & Prior Knowledge

Now then, O brothers and sisters in Islam, I invite you all, as I invite myself to observe taqwa, which although is highly rewarding, is a goal in itself. Taqwa, however, is not a superficial state, but a state of consciousness. That is why it loses its identity without knowledge and wisdom. The reason is crystal clear: when do we actually observe taqwa? When we have knowledge of what is good and what is bad, what is lawful and what is unlawful, what is harmless and what is harmful, what pleases Allah and what displeases Him. If we conjecture that we are muttaqun (God-wary ones) since we adhere to the apparent rituals of religion despite being ignorant of their depths and realities, we are mistaken. History has displayed so many examples of those who due to ignorance faltered from the path of guidance and thought that they were among the most pious of their time. In this limited sermon we cannot go into details, but it would be proper to cite one example worthy of consideration:

The Kharijites

During Imam ‘Ali (‘a)’s caliphate there was a group of people, who constantly engaged in the apparent rituals of worship, but were oblivious of the kernel of religion. Their steadfastness in the apparent forms of worship, it seemed, had blinded them so much that they deemed their speculations to be the revealed law. Despite the explicit directions of the Holy Prophet (s) with regard to the Ahl al-Bayt (‘a) this naive group had the audacity of challenging Imam ‘Ali (‘a) with reasons that every sound human being would laugh at. They were known as Kharijites. Due to their naïve demeanor and ignorant disposition they were easily duped when in the battle of Siffin Amr bin ‘Aas advised Mu’awiya to order his army men to raise tablets of Qur’an, and announce to the Imam’s army that the battle [which Imam ‘Ali (‘a) was about to win] should be stopped and the Qur’an should be a judge between them. The harebrained Kharijites were not able to decipher the deception of Mu’awiya. So ignorant were they, that they could not differentiate between a written Qur’an and a practical Qur’an. They had the audacity of ordering Imam ‘Ali (‘a) to stop the war or else they would kill him. The Imam (‘a), who was an epitome of Qur’an (al-Qur’an al-Naatiq) did not want to stop the war, but eventually was forced to do so. Another slogan of theirs was the Qur’anic verse “La hukma illa lillah” (there is no rule, save of Allah). This statement was completely correct, but highly misinterpreted. Their slogan was in reality a Satanic ruse for relieving them from the legal Islamic government of Imam ‘Ali (‘a). Eventually when they started producing their own laws and executing them, they had to appoint people to do it. Imam ‘Ali (‘a) tried to explain to them that although the statement was correct, they misinterpreted its meaning. Obviously Allah is the Absolute Sovereign, but He sent His Messengers to execute His laws and regulate the affairs of the people. And according to the Holy Prophet (s) the most befitting of people after him was Imam ‘Ali (‘a). When one contemplates over the situation Imam ‘Ali (‘a) had to confront, he understands the true meaning of the following recital of his ziyara: 'Assalamu 'alayka yaa awwala mazloom.' (Peace be unto you, O the foremost of the oppressed ones!) Unfortunately we do have a group similar to the Kharijites in our contemporary era who can stipulate laws of their own and brand any Muslim group as disbelievers, and even order their slaughter and execution. This, brothers and sisters, is not Islam at all. Hence the group cannot be known to be Islamic whatsoever. May the Almighty emancipate us from ignorance, and enable us decipher the subtleties of religion, so that we may enjoy the higher levels of taqwa.

Now let us continue with our discussion on the well-known tradition of ‘Unwan al-Basri which encapsulates secrets of the path worthy of contemplation:

THE TRADITION OF OF 'UNWAN AL-BASRI (IV)

The first part under discussion was as follows:

[‘A ninety-four year old man named ‘Unwan al-Basri narrates, saying: “I had been studying under Malik ibn Anas for a number of years. When Ja’far as-Sadiq (AS) came to Madina, I went to visit him and was interested in learning from him just as I had been learning from Malik. He said to me one day: “I am a man much sought after and am also occupied by various supplications throughout the day and the night so please do not disturb me in my state of supplication and go and learn from Malik and study under him just as you were doing before”. I became sad on hearing this and left the Imam’s presence, and said to myself, “If the Imam had perceived any good in me he would not have prevented me from studying under him and learning from him”. ..]

Imam al-Sadiq (‘a)'s statement, “I am a man much sought after and am also occupied by various supplications (awraad) throughout the day and the night...” alludes to a reality worthy of consideration: those who enjoy exalted stations have certain recitals (awraad) during the night and the day. Can one choose to recite whatever he loves and feels to be very good? What are the kinds of awraad that we should practice?

Delicacy of Recitals (Awraad)

Briefly, we must understand that recitals (awraad) can be classified into two: (1) Those recitals that the Holy prophet (s) and his infallible progeny (‘a) advised for all the believers, and (2) Those recitals that they advised for specific people. The saints who adhere to the teachings of the Holy Prophet (s) likewise give the wayfarers two kinds of instructions: (1) Those that everyone can engage in, and (2) Those that only a select should recite.

The contemporary insightful scholar Ayatullah Muhammad Shuja’i, a student of the late ‘Allama al-Tabataba’i, in his monumental Maqaalaat, when discussing about the subject of wird (recital of remembering Allah) says: Selecting recitals of remembering Allah (awraad) that are in harmony with one’s state (haal) and station (maqaam), considering the necessity of observing such harmony, must be undertaken through the guidance and instruction of a perfect human being, who is perfect in the real sense of the word. And one should not do it by himself, for it is possible, due to lack of harmony, not only would the desired result not follow, it would also bring about blunders, deviations, and different problems. Likewise one must not act according to the speech and teachings of the incapable claimants of gnosis, the false high-way robbers, and the unaware ignorant people, who exist in great number today. For in general, adopting their speech and teachings and taking them as your guides for the path would result in nothing save deviation from the truth, and loss in every dimension.

Thereafter Ayatullah Muhammad Shuja’i tries to explain how important and determining is the kind of recital, the time of recital, the state of recital, and number of repeating the recital. He says that it is possible that a wird recited for a certain of times during a specific time be detrimental for a wayfarer to Allah. There have been cases of how people due to having practiced such awraad have faltered from the path and gone extremely astray. For example, it is from this channel that many were led to claim deviant beliefs like God has entered into them (hulool), they are united with God (ittihaad), they have been excused from the laws of worship, they themselves are God, etc. [http://balagh.net/persian/akhlaq/books/books/05/06.htm]

Therefore, so long as we have not yet found the right person for the journey, we should always try to observe those recitals that can be recited by all. With Allah’s grace we do have such general instructions of awraad narrated from our well-known saints, whose origin is the Holy Qur’an and the traditions of the Ahl al-Bayt (‘a). Hence we can and are advised to practice such recitals to be availed of its positive effects. This is not the place of discussing such awraad. Those interested can look at the relevant texts. Just for the sake of citing examples, however, we here below mention three general directions by well-known ‘urafaa (saints) for your perusal:

Warding Off Spiritual Unrest

a) Ayatullah Sayyid ‘Ali Qadhi al-Tabataba’i, the mentor of 'Allama al-Tabataba'i would advise: If you have spiritual unease, you may recite the following:

La ilaha illallahu wahdahu laa sharika lah; lahul hamdu wa lahul mulk wa huwa ‘alaa kulli shay’in qadeer; a’udhu billahi min hamazaatishhayaateen wa a’udhu bika Rabbi min an yahdhuroon; innallaha huwassamee’ul ‘aleem.

Other than Allah alone there is no god; He has no partner; to Him belongs praise and to Hium belongs the sovereignty; and He has power over all things; I seek protection of Allah from the insinuations of the Satans; and I seek Your protection O Lord, from them being present in me; Indeed only Allah is the Hearing and Knowing.

Memory and Retention

b) Ayatullah ‘Ali Qadhi al-Tabataba’i would advise one to recite Ayat al-Kursi [2:255-257] and Ma’udhatayn (Surat al-Falaq and Surat al-Nas) for strengthening one’s memory

Intellectual Life and 40 Days

c) Ayatullah Hasan Zadeh Amuli in his brilliant epistle Nurun ‘Ala Nur (Light upon Light) says: “The Gnostic Mawla ‘Abd al-Razaaaq in his commentary on Manaazil al-Saa’irin says: ‘And indeed the wayfarers have experienced that reciting the dhikr 'Yaa Hayyu Yaa Qayyoom, Yaa man la ilaha illa Anta' frequently, brings about intellectual life (hayaat al-'aql). Then Ayatullah in his epistle continues saying that frequency in recitation is indispensable for attaining the result. Thereafter he says that a dhikr that is continued for less than forty days does not have that much of effect. Thereafter he establishes how important it is for one to at least continue the act for one year so that he may have performed it on the night of destiny (Laylat al-Qadr)-[Ref: Nurun ‘Alaa Nur, p. 126]

We would like to suffice ourselves with these. However, there is a short program our great Shi’a ‘Ulama have mentioned in their prayer manuals worthy of consideration. They have narrated different periods of the day specific to the Infallibles of the Ahl al-Bayt (‘a).

Insha Allah we shall consider those times and give references for the awraad they advise. It must be understood that every minute, or rather every time of the day and night has its own significance, and only those well-grounded in knowledge are able to decipher the subtleties of time.We wish to stop over here.

Insha Allah we shall continue with the exegesis of this radiant tradition next week.

Indeed, the best conversation and the most penetrating of counsels is the Book of Allah.

Almighty Allah says:[In the Name of Allah, the All-beneficent, the All-merciful.Indeed We sent it down on the Night of Ordainment. What will show you what is the Night of Ordainment? The Night of Ordainment is better than a thousand months. In it the angels and the Spirit descend, by the leave of their Lord, with every command. It is peaceful until the rising of the dawn.(97:1-5)]

SERMON 2

[Praise be to Allah, Who breaks everything belonging to the oppressors; puts an end to the tyrants; watches over the fugitives; brings assistance to those who cry out for help; meets and clears up the demands of the needy beseechers; supports the faithful.]

Birth of Imam al-Ridha ('a)

Yesterday the 11th of Dhul Qa’da marked the birthday of Imam al-Ridha (‘a). The life history of the Imam (‘a) is full of lessons to learn. The entire Shi’a world celebrates the birthday with joy and cognition. Sermons together with feasts are held to remember this great Divine leader who has left a great heritage for us to understand and contemplate. If we look at the radiant traditions narrated from Imam al-Ridha (‘a) on issues pertaining to Islamic ideology, we are wonderstruck about its accuracy and depth. On issues pertaining to Islamic law, Imam al-Ridha (‘a) also has a very vital role to play. According some traditions, Imam (‘a) represents the “fundamental link” between the preceding and succeeding Imams. Many different sects of Shi’as were formed such as, Zaydis, Isma’ilis, Fatahis, etc. Those however who obeyed Imam al-Ridha (‘a) adhered to all the rest of the Imams of the Ahl al-Bayt (‘a). Thus their faith would be stronger than those who stopped at seven or before that. Their ziyara likewise would be accepted, for the foundation of our actions is imaan (belief). There is a tradition that alludes to this reality:

Ibn Mahzyaar is reported to have said: I said to Abu Ja’far Imam al-Taqi (‘a), “May I be made your ransom; is the ziyara of al-Ridha (‘a) more meritorious or the ziyara of Abu ‘Abdillah?” He said, “The ziyara of my father is has more merit. And this is because all the people visit him. However, none save the specific Shi’as (the twelvers) visit my father.”

This in reality alludes to the fact one whose wilaya is not complete does not earn the same merit as one whose wilaaya is complete. That is why some exegetes say that perhaps this tradition was to inform us that the criteria of merit is complete faith. And therefore even if a Shi’a Ithna ‘Ashri were to visit Imam al-Husayn (‘a) he would get a similar reward. Visitation, however, must accompany gnosis and ma’rifa.

There an interesting tradition that explains what this knowledge should be:

Hamza bin Hamraan is reported to have said: Abu ‘Abdillah (‘a) said: My grandson would be killed in the land of Khurasan in a city known as Tus, whosoever visits him therein, knowing his sanctity, I would take him by my hand on the Day of Judgment and would make him enter Paradise, even if he were among those who have committed major sins. I said: May I be made your ransom and what is the meaning of knowing his sanctity? The Imam (‘a) said: He should know that the Imam is (1) Muftaradh al-taa’a (it is compulsory to obey him), (2) He is a ghareeb (stranger), and (3) He is a shaheed (martyr). Whosoever visits him knowing his sanctity, Allah would give him the reward of seventy martyrs who have been truly martyred while being in the company of the Holy Prophet (s) [Bihar al-Anwaar, v. 99, p. 35]

A commentary of this tradition is beyond the scope of this limited sermon. Nevertheless I feel some ambiguities must be cleared:

(1) Muftaradh al-taa’a should not be merely taken as a legal kind of submission. Exegetes explain that the Imam being united with the Muhammadan light has power to affect influence in existential entities. Hence not only it is compulsory to obey him, but all those entities that are inferior to his exalted state, are ontologically submissive to him.
(2) Ghareeb, according to some insightful scholars, has two meanings: (1) Since he was forced to move from Madina and brought to Marw, he was a stranger in the town; and (2) His exalted sanctity and proximity to Allah was matchless. The Ahl al-Bayt (‘a) according to a tradition cannot be compared to other people. Hence, despite being among his lovers, the Imam was a stranger between them: whereas he enjoyed great sanctity, they were remote from him.
(3) Shaheed, can either refer to his martyrdom through poison, or his exalted state of witnessing. The Imam ‘a also witnesses the actions of the believers. The holy Qur’an establishes this reality very clearly. We pray to Almighty Allah to unite us with Imam in this world as well as the Hereafter.

Indeed Allah and His angels bless the Prophet; O you who have faith! Invoke blessings on him and invoke peace upon him in a worthy manner. (33:56)

Invoking Allah's Blessings of the Ahl al-Bayt ('a)

[O Allah, send blessings on Muhammad,Thy servant, Messenger, confidant, friend, beloved intimate, mercy unto all the created beings, bearer of Thy sacraments, quotient of Thy messengers, the most superior, the exquisite, the most handsome, the most perfect, the upright, the more prospering, the more pleasant, the thoroughly purified, the sublime; who has more and better blessings, advantages, mercies, affections and salutations than Thou made available to any one of Thy servants, prophets, messengers, friends, and those honoured by Thee from among Thy created being.O Allah send blessings on 'Ali the Leader of the Faithful, the successor to the Messenger of the Lord of the worlds, Thy servant, Thy beloved representative, brother of Thy Messenger, Thy decisive argument over mankind, Thy most important sign, the great news from Thee.O Allah, send blessings on the truthful pure Fatima, the chosen leader of the women of the worlds.O Allah, send blessings on the sons of 'the mercy unto the worlds',the leaders and guides, the Imams al-Hasan and al-Husayn, the leaders of the dwellers of Paradise. O Allah, send blessings on the Leaders of the Muslims, 'Ali ibn al-Husayn, Muhammad ibn 'Ali, Jafar ibn Muhammad, Musa ibn Jafar, 'Ali ibn Musa, Muhammad ibn'Ali, 'Ali ibn Muhammad, al-Hasan ibn'Ali, and his son, the rightly guided Guide, Thy decisive argument over Thy servants, Thy trustworthy confidant on Thy earth; blessings, numerous, and for ever. O Allah, send blessings on the Custodian of thy commandments, the vigilant Guardian, the reliable Patron, the awaited Justice, surrounded by Thy favourite angels, assisted by the Holy Spirit.]

Supplication

[O Allah indeed we eagerly seek from Thee a noble state, by which you bestow veneration to Islam and its people, and degrade hypocracy and its people, and you make us in it from the callers to your obedience, and leaders to your path, and bestow us with it the nobility of this world and the Hereafter.]

HOW TO GET CLOSE TO ALLAH (3)

SERMON 1

In the Name of Allah, the All-Beneficent, the All-Merciful

Salamun 'Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh

"Praise belongs to Allah, who did not originate from anything, nor did He bring what exists into being from anything. His beginninglessness is attested to by the temporality (huduth) of things, His power by the impotence with which He has branded them, and His everlastingness (dawaam) by the annihilation (fanaa') which He has forced upon them. No place is empty of Him that He might be perceived through localization (ayniyya), no object (shabah) is like Him that He might be described by quality (kayfiyya), nor is He absent from anything that He might be known through situation (haythiyya)."

"He is distinct (mubaa'in) in attributes from all that He has originated, inaccessible to perception because of the changing essences He has created (in things), and outside of all domination (tasarruf) by changing states (halat) because of grandeur and tremendousness. Forbidden is His delimitation (tahdid) to the penetrating acumen of sagacities, His description (takyif) to the piercing profundities of thought and His representation (taswir) to the searching probes of insight."

"Because of His tremendousness places encompass Him not, because of His majesty measures guage Him not, and because of His grandeur standards judge Him not. Impossible is it for imaginations (awhaam) to fathom Him, understandings (afhaam) to comprehend Him or minds (adhhaan) to imagine Him. Powers of reason (uqul) with lofty aspiration despair of contriving to comprehend Him, oceans of knowledge run dry without alluding to Him in depth, and the subtleties of disputants fall from loftiness to pettiness in describing His power."

TAQWA- THE PURPOSE OF CREATION

Now then, dear brothers and sisters, I invite you all, as I invite myself to taqwa, for according to the fundamental sources of religion, taqwa is the ultimate purpose of human creation. The Holy Qur’an says: “O mankind! Worship your Lord, who created you and those who were before you, so that you may be God wary [la'allakum tatttaqun].” (2:21) Therefore we should struggle to attain the spirit of taqwa, so that we can achieve the fundamental purpose our creation. If we however ponder over the reality of taqwa, we come to realize that it is an attraction to perfection and repulsion from imperfection. This is because when we protect ourselves from evil and all that is detrimental to ourselves, we are in reality protecting ourselves from imperfection. [The reality of evil (sharr) is nothing but imperfection. Scholars of insight have mentioned in their works that “sharr” is a non-entity. It is the same as “not having” a perfection. Therefore a change in expression should not render us ignorant of its reality. Whether one says “I do not have any thing” or “I have nothing” there is no difference. Obviously however, to say ‘I have nothing” philosophically is wrong, but we do employ it in our common conversations.] When we observe taqwa, and refrain from imperfections and their causes, we are practically displaying our innate love for perfection. Small wonder it is that the Holy Qur’an calls taqwa as the best of garments. It says: “O Children of Adam! We have certainly sent down to you garments to cover your nakedness, and for adornment. Yet the garment of God wariness (taqwa) that is the best." That is [one] of Allah's signs, so that they may take admonition.” (7:26) Notice that two very important benefits of libaas (garment) are mentioned in this verse: (1) Protector from what we detest to show, and (2) Embellisher. In simple words, clothes hide our private parts and make us look nice and presentable. Taqwa, which is termed as “the best of garments” in the verse likewise protects a person from displaying evil traits of imperfection, and embellishes a person with traits of perfection. If we carefully reflect on this process of distancing from imperfection and nearing to perfection, we come to realize that taqwa is nothing but wayfaring to Allah.

LEVELS OF TAQWA

Taqwa, however, is of different levels. One classification of the taqwa worthy of consideration is that which is mentioned by ‘Allama Majlisi in his magnum opus Bihar al-Anwar. He says: “Taqwa are of three levels: (1) self-protection from polytheism, (2) Refraining from sins, and (3) self-protection from anything that occupies one from Allah. In order for us to attain the higher level, we must start and struggle to attain the lower levels first. We pray to Almighty Allah to enable us undertake the journey of taqwa and enjoy its fruits in this world and the Hereafter.

THE TRADITION OF 'UNWAN AL-BASRI (III)

Now let us continue with the profound masterpiece of instruction narrated from Imam al-Sadiq (‘a) on how to get close to Allah:

[‘A ninety-four year old man named ‘Unwan al-Basri narrates, saying: “I had been studying under Malik ibn Anas for a number of years. When Ja’far as-Sadiq (AS) came to Madina, I went to visit him and was interested in learning from him just as I had been learning from Malik. He said to me one day: “I am a man much sought after and am also occupied by various supplications throughout the day and the night so please do not disturb me in my state of supplication and go and learn from Malik and study under him just as you were doing before”. I became sad on hearing this and left the Imam’s presence, and said to myself, “If the Imam had perceived any good in me he would not have prevented me from studying under him and learning from him”. ..]

The Importance of a Spiritual Mentor

Last week we spoke of the importance of a suitable mentor of guidance. ‘Unwan al-Basri persists in being with Imam al-Sadiq (‘a), for he knew what it was to be in the presence of the most brilliant epitome of religion of his age and a tutor who can distinctly appreciate all the minute subtleties of what kind of instruction to give to whom, when, where and how. In order to understand the fundamental importance of a mentor for this extremely important journey to Allah, we shall try quote some important statements of some of the past great saints, who by Allah’s grace were able to cover the journey and train others to do the same.

Sayyid ‘Ali Qadhi al-Tabataba’i, the spiritual mentor of ‘Allama al-Tabataba’i, about whom the late Imam Khumayni said “He was a mountain of greatness and station of Divine Unity” is reported to have said:

1.‘The most important necessity in this path is an insightful and aware mentor, who has freed himself from mundane desires (hawa), attained Divine knowledge and is a perfect human being (insane kaamil) who besides having traversed the path to Allah (al-sayr ila Allah), has also covered the other three Divine journeys and his movement and vision in the world of creation is by the Truth [bi al-Haqq].”

2. “If one who seeks to journey to Allah were to spend half of his life time [just] for finding a mentor it is worth [the struggle]. And one who has found a mentor has [already] traversed half of the path.”

3. “If a person were to spend his entire life in order to come in the presence of a saint (one close to Allah), and meet him in the last moments of his life, he would not have wasted his life and would have found the main treasure” [http://salehin.com/]

Ayatullah Hasan 'Ali Nejabat, a contemporary of Ayatullah Qadhi is reported to have narrated an anecdote which reveals how serious the matter of guidance is: A person sent a letter to Sayyid ‘Ali Qadhi al-Tabataba’i, in which he asked him a question saying: “It is some time now that I have been busy with such and such [spiritual] exercises. After some time I experienced the state of tajarrud (immaterial state), and witnessed that I have come out from my body. In this state some angels came and surrounded me. One of them said: “His ears must be cut”; another one said: “His hands must be cut”; the next one said: “His legs must be cut”; and such statements. In short he had written the state of his experience in detail. Thereafter he asked Ayatullah Qadhi al-Tabataba’i that since he was in such a state for hours and did not have apparent consciousness what is his duty with regard to the prayers that he missed. Agha Qadhi said: “This person had performed incorrect and wrong spiritual exercises and is extremely ignorant. And that which they said to him in that state was to make him understand that he is ignorant and has made a mistake. And the query that he asked me is sufficient as a witness to his ignorance. Rather than asking me what actually was the state he had experienced, and the meaning of the speech of the angels, he asked me about missing prayer in the state of unconsciousness, which he could ask any other person. [http://salehin.com/]

This narration makes us tangibly understand the consequences of one who tries to imitate and practice what he sees others doing without seeking guidance from an able mentor who can identify his weakpoints and instruct him what to do and what not to do. Every medicine is not for everyone, and one cannot choose to consume whatever quantity of medicine he desires. It is the knowledgeable doctor who allows him to take certain medicines in specific quantites.

We shall stop here for today. I feel it would be incorrect on our part to hastily expound this radiant hadith (which undoubtedly is a masterpiece of guidance) without considering all the important discussions it entails. I feel that the esteemed readers likewise are eager to explore its vast treasures. We pray to Almighty Allah to enable us contemplate better on the hadith so that we can draw the vast treasures that it contains.

Surely the best conversation and the most penetrating advice is the Book of Allah.

Almighty Allah says:

In the Name of Allah, the All-beneficent, the All-merciful. By Time! Indeed man is in loss, except those who have faith and do righteous deeds, and enjoin one another to] follow [the truth, and enjoin one another to patience.[103:1-3]

SERMON 2

[Praise be to Allah, Who breaks everything belonging to the oppressors; puts an end to the tyrants; watches over the fugitives; brings assistance to those who cry out for help; meets and clears up the demands of the needy beseechers; supports the faithful.]

DAHEYE KARAMAT [10 DAYS OF NOBILTY]

Dhul Qa’dah is reminiscent of the birthdays of two brilliant personalities of Islamic history: Hadhrat Ma’suma (‘a) on the first of Dhul Qa'da [173 AH] and and her only sibling Imam al-Ridha (‘a) on the 11th [148 AH] of the same month. In countries like Iran, these days are celebrated as “ten days of nobility” (daheye karamat). Both Imam al-Ridha ('a) and her infallible sister were epitomes of piety (taqwa) and nobility (karamat). Hadhrat Ma'suma ('a)'s radiant shrine today as it was in the past is the source of light and Divine grace in the Holy city of Qum, which is one of the largest centers of Islamic Education in the world. History tells us that after the demise of her noble father Imam Musa al-Kazim (‘a), Hadhrat Ma’suma (‘a) grew up under the patronage of her brother Imam al-Ridha (‘a). So pure and brilliant had she become, that Imam al-Ridha (‘a) gave her the epithet of al-Ma’suma (the Infallible). Her shrine in Qum is a practical manifestation of submission to Allah and infallibility. It is as if she constantly echoes that the path of salvation is none but utter submission and sinlessness. We pray to Almighty Allah to enable us purify ourselves with the water of seeking His forgiveness so that we may come closer to infallibility.

SYMPATHIZING WITH THE BANGLADESHIS

One of the sad events that transpired this week is the cyclone Sidr hitting the towns of Patuakhali, Barguna and Jhalakathihere in southern Bangladesh. As a result, 600 people are so far reported to have died. It is said to be a 240km per hour cyclone, that uprooted trees, destroyed homes and forced the evacuation of 650,000 villagers before weakening to a tropical storm on Friday. We sympathize and pray for the people affected. Those who are able to contribute and assist such people through legitimate channels who would spend the money for their betterment should struggle to do, for that is the kind of sadaqa that is anticipated from us today.

The problem of calamites like eathquakes and cyclones, we must remember, is not always a Divine punishment. For those whom Allah extremely loves and would like to test, calamity raises their station and makes them stronger and intensifies their spiritual makeup. For those however who constantly sinned and were unthankful of this life and even proudly promoted mischief, such incidents can be the beginning of their punishment, which would continue in the purgatory as well as the Herafter. For the innocent children who have not yet realized their maturity and are regarded as sinless, Allah (swt), out of His Mercy, can avert their future spiritual ruin, and thus transport them quicker to reside in Paradise forever. Those afflicted very well know their past, and thus can judge where they stand. We, however, as our Muslim identity requires, should be optimistic, while we painstakingly try to study the situation.

Indeed Allah and His angels bless the Prophet; O you who have faith! Invoke blessings on him and invoke Peace upon him in a worthy manner. (33:56)

Invoking Allah's Blessings of the Ahl al-Bayt ('a)

[O Allah, send down Thy blessings on the master of your apostles, Muhammad; and send down Thy blessings on the Commander of the faithful, Ali bin Abi Talib, the masters of the successors; and send Thy blessings on the most truthful of women, the pure, Fatima, the radiant and the mistress of the women of Paradise; and send down Thy blessings on al-Hasan and al-Husayn, the two leaders of the youth of Paradise; and send down your blessings on 'Ali bin al-Husayn, the Ornament of worshippers; and send down Thy blessings on Muhammad bin 'Ali, the cleaver of knowledge; and send down Thy blessings of Ja'far bin Muhammad, the veracious, one whose word and deed are approved; and send down Thy blessings on Musa bin Ja'far, the swallower of anger, the door of the fulfillment of needs; and send down Thy blessings on 'Ali bin Musa, one whom Allah is pleased with and He is pleased with Allah; and send down Thy blessings of Muhamad bin 'Ali, the God-wary, the Benevolent; and send down Thy blessings of 'Ali bin Muhammad, the guide, and the immaculate; and send down Thy blessings on Hasan bin 'Ali, the one who has been specifically ennobled by Allah; and send down Thy blessings on the Proof, the One who would Rise.

Supplication

[O Allah indeed we eagerly seek from Thee a noble state, by which you bestow veneration to Islam and its people, and degrade hypocracy and its people, and you make us in it from the callers to your obedience, and leaders to your path, and bestow us with it the nobility of this world and the Hereafter.]

HOW TO GET CLOSE TO ALLAH ( 2)

SERMON 1

In the Name of Allah, the All-Beneficent, the All-Merciful

Salamun ‘Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh

[Praise belongs to Allah with all the praises of His angels closest to Him, His creatures most noble in His eyes, and His praisers most pleasing to Him; a praise that may surpass other praises as our Lord surpasses all His creatures. Then to Him belongs praise, in place of His every favor upon us and upon all His servants, past and still remaining, to the number of all things His knowledge encompasses, and in place of each of His favors, their number doubling and redoubling always and forever, to the Day of Resurrection.]

Now then, I counsel all of you, while I counsel myself to observe taqwa (God-wariness), for indeed it is the fundamental key to human salvation both in this world and the Hereafter. The Holy Qur’an distinctly mentions several advantages of taqwa. Some of these are as follows:

ON THE ADVANTAGES OF TAQWA

1. Presential Knowledge

We who not only aspire for conceptual knowledge (al-‘ilm al-husuli), but also eagerly yearn for presential knowledge (al-‘ilm al-hudhuri) must understand that the key to its door is taqwa. Conceptual knowledge is that of the mind, whereas presential knowledge is that of the heart. God-wariness (taqwa) and self-protection from all what Allah forbids and dislikes, opens the door of inner vision (shuhud) which is both penetrating (hadid) and accurate. The Holy Qur’an says: ‘…Be wary of Allah (wattaqulLah) and Allah shall teach you, and Allah has knowledge of all things.” (2:282) This kind of teaching and education, exegetes tell us, alludes to instilling presential knowledge in the receptive heart. Here the direct teacher is Allah. This education is like placing the Qur’an in heart of a Muhammadan receptacle. The Holy Qur’an says: “The All-Beneficent, taught the Qur’an.” (55:1-2) Is this teaching through the transfer of conceptual information, or is it to instill the realities of Qur’an in the heart, which is spacious enough to contain this All-embracing Book? Obviously the process of teaching is not always that which we commonly perceive and know. When we read, “And Allah taught Adam all the Names” (2:31) does it mean that He taught him the mere mental concepts of His sublime attributes, or did He fashion and sculpt him to existentially manifest all His attributes? The insightful scholars believe that it is not the question of the transfer of concepts, but the molding of the Adamic reality. The Holy Qur’an mentions a very important personality who was blessed with esoteric knowledge: Prophet Khidhr (‘a). He is mentioned as having been taught directly by Allah: “So they found one of Our servants, on whom We had bestowed Mercy from Ourselves and whom We had taught knowledge from Our own Presence.” (18:65). The Holy Prophet (s) and his immaculate progeny (upon whom be peace), as so many traditions clearly indicate, were also blessed with such inner knowledge and vision. An example worthy of mention is that of the noble sister of Imam al-Husayn (‘a), Zaynab (‘a), to whom Imam Zayn al-‘Abidin (‘a) addresses as, “You are, praise be to Allah, learned, without having been taught [‘aalima ghayr mu‘allama]…” This alludes to Hadhrat Zaynab (‘a)’s lofty station of being Divinely inspired and taught.

2. Discerning Spirit

The Holy Qur’an also tells us that whosoever observes taqwa will be able to sift between good and bad and right and wrong: “O you who have faith! If you are wary of Allah, He shall appoint a criterion for you, and absolve you of your misdeeds, and forgive you, for Allah is dispenser of a great grace. (8:29). The word “furqan” in the verse means “distinction”. In other words, one who observes piety would be bestowed with a discerning spirit. And whosoever enjoys such a spirit will always be safe and never falter in situations when others would not be able to perceive what is right and wrong. There is a tradition that tells us that the sirat (path to Allah) is “thinner than the hair (adaqqu min al-sha’ar)” and “sharper than the sword”. According to exegetes of the tradition, "thinner than the hair" refers to the theoretical dimension of the path which is brim with subtleties. In order, therefore, for one to be able to distinguish the fine threads of the reality of the path to Allah, one needs to have furqan. Hence let us struggle for taqwa in order to be availed with furqan.

3. Outlet from Calamities

Another advantage of taqwa, which the Holy Qur’an explicitly mentions, is to be availed with an outlet from the trouble or problem one has been entangled in: a serious family problem, financial difficulties, social problems, etc. can constrain one’s life and make it miserable. The key to the outlet, the Holy Qur’an says, is one word: taqwa: “And whoever is wary of Allah, He shall make a way out for him (65:2)”

4. Sustenance from an Unknown Source

The Holy Qur’an says: “And whoever is wary of Allah, He shall make a way out for him, and provide for him from whence he does not reckon.” (65:2-3) Those who are after independence in life, and hate to take loans or beg, are availed with a key: taqwa. Almighty Allah says that one who observes taqwa will get sustenance from whence he does not know. Sustenance, however, we must understand, are of two kinds: (1) physical, and (2) spiritual. One may try to ask why some of the affluent enjoy a lot of wealth, despite their constant sinning. Does that not contradict this verse of the Holy Qur’an? Obviously not; this is because rizq is not only physical, but also spiritual. In the famous supplication taught to us by our twelfth holy Imam (‘a), we say: “O Allah avail us (urzuqna) the succor to obey” (Allahumma arzuqna tawfiqa al-taa’a…)[Ref: Misbah of Al-Kaf'ami, p. 719]. Notice we have employed the phrase “urzuqna” which comes from the word “rizq”. If we look at other the verses of this radiant supplication we come to realize that sustenance is not limited to the realm of matter, but also includes the realm of the spirit. When commenting on the verse “wa mimma razaqnahum yunfiqun..” (and they spend out of what We have given), Imam al-Sadiq (‘a) is reported to have said “wa mimma ‘allamnahum yabuththun” (and they disseminate out of what We have taught them”. This verse also speaks of the characteristics of the people of taqwa. The subtle aspect here is that Imam al-Sadiq (‘a) informs us that it is Allah who teaches the pious and God-wary.

5. One’s Affairs Become Easy

In order for one to achieve success in life constant struggle is required. The human being in the course of his struggle faces very difficult circumstances, and he prays for ease and relief. The key towards ease, we are taught by Allah in the Holy Qur’an, is to observe taqwa. Ease in seeking knowledge, ease in working, ease in assisting others, ease in guiding the community, ease in all those things that are incumbent on the human being to perform. Obviously ease should not be mistaken for laxity and luxury. The Holy Qur’an says: “And whoever is wary of Allah, He shall grant him ease in his affairs.” (65:4)

6. One’s minor sins are forgiven

According to one classification, sins are divided into two: (1) Minor sins, and (2) Major sins. The major sins (al-kaba’ir) are those that are explicitly mentioned as being so in the traditions. There are sins, however, which rank from the minor sins. These, because of observing piety, are erased by Almighty Allah (65:5).

7. Great Reward

The Holy Qur’an says: “…and whoever is wary of Allah, He shall absolve him of his misdeeds and give him a great reward.” (65:5). Despite the fact that taqwa in itself is a gift from the All-Beneficent, He tells us that whosoever observes it, would get a great reward. Therefore we should struggle and acquire and maintain the spirit of taqwa, so that we can enjoy all the aforesaid advantages.

We have made this discussion lengthy, and therefore we would like to quickly look at the well-known tradition of ‘Unwan al-Basri, which is our main theme, and we pray to Almighty Allah to enable us apply its teachings so that we attain His proximity and eternal salvation.

THE TRADITION OF 'UNWAN AL-BASRI (II)

Let us once again look at the first part, and derive the allusions of light it encapsulates:

[‘A ninety-four year old man named ‘Unwan al-Basri narrates, saying: “I had been studying under Malik ibn Anas for a number of years. When Ja’far as-Sadiq (AS) came to Madina, I went to visit him and was interested in learning from him just as I had been learning from Malik. He said to me one day: “I am a man much sought after and am also occupied by various supplications throughout the day and the night so please do not disturb me in my state of supplication and go and learn from Malik and study under him just as you were doing before”. I became sad on hearing this and left the Imam’s presence, and said to myself, “If the Imam had perceived any good in me he would not have prevented me from studying under him and learning from him”. ..]

One of the allusions we can derive from the above is that after leaving Malik bin Anas and going to Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq (‘a), ‘Unwan realized the drop from its ocean. We say “from its ocean” and not “from the ocean”, because they the Ahl al-Bayt (‘a) are the intermediaries of Divine Grace and knowledge comes through them. Therefore the drop also comes from the ocean, and is not separate from it. In fact they are incomparable. As the famous adage goes: “ayna al-thara min al-thurayya” (where is the earth from the distant star?). And in the words of Imam al-Sadiq (‘a) who addresses a person who tries to ask whether the Ahl al-Bayt (‘a) are superior or Abu Dharr, “La yuqasu bina ahad” (None can be compared to us). It should also be noted that acquiring knowledge from one whose entire being is spiritually radiant infuses light on the seeker and every word is captured in his mind and the heart. How can one ever think of leaving such a class of knowledge?

Another significant point we can derive from the above is the fundamental importance and need of a mentor for understanding the path to Allah and traveling on the same. A majority of the great scholars of gnosis have had able mentors who had traversed the path and thus were able to take their students to the required destination. ‘Allama al-Tabataba’i, for example, had a mentor known as Ayatullah Sayyid ‘Ali Qadhi al-Tabataba’i; Imam Khumayni, had a spiritual mentor called Ayatullah Shahabadi. Therefore in order to take any instruction for traversing the path of tawhid that would lead to eternal bliss, it is imperative to find an able master, and get guided. Some insightful scholars would say, “If one finds such a master, he has already covered half way to Almighty Allah’s proximity”.

The phrase “when Ja’far al-Sadiq (‘a) came to Madina” alludes to the fact that the Imam was not in Madina at that time. Historical records say that he was in ‘Iraq, and thereafter came to Madina.

The phrase “I am a man much sought after…” shows the Imam’s difficult situation of being under governmental surveillance. The reason, analysts of history say, behind all this surveillance, was the fear of Imam (‘a) preparing enough people to topple the Abbasid regime. Some analysts says that if the Imams (‘a) would leave all the political affairs and be indifferent of them, the Abbasids would not imprison and harass them. Their constant harassment of the Imams (‘a) was due to latter’s accurate knowledge of what is transpiring in the government and the different cities and the fear of the their uprising..

We wish to stop over here. Insha Allah we shall continue with the exegesis of this radiant tradition next week.

Indeed, the best conversation and the most penetrating of counsels is the Book of Allah. Almighty Allah says:

[In the Name of Allah, the All-Beneficent, the All-Merciful’ Say He Allah is Non-composite One, Allah is the All-embracing, Neither does He beget, nor was He begotten, and there is none like Him (112:1-4)]

SERMON 2

[Praise be to Allah, Who breaks everything belonging to the oppressors; puts an end to the tyrants; watches over the fugitives; brings assistance to those who cry out for help; meets and clears up the demands of the needy beseechers; supports the faithful.]

The Jokela High School Massacre

One of the lesson giving events that transpired this week is how an 18 year old student due to ideas that he had adopted was able to carry out such a despicable deed.

An 18 year old boy by the name of Pekka-Eric Auvinen uploads a movie of how he will attack his school- Jokela High School in Finland, and hours after that he comes with a gun and kills 9 people which include six students (five male and one female), the school principal and the school nurse. Thereafter he shoots himself.

This event has had precedents in the past, and if we do not learn from them they would continue ruining innocent lives of so many of our youth. Analyzing Auvinen’s worldview gives us the ration behind his despicable behavior. If we try to study his beliefs and models of life, we would come to realize how natural it was for him to do what he did.

In a movie he had sent to youtube he describes himself as "a cynical existentialist, antihuman humanist, antisocial social Darwinist, realistic idealist and godlike atheist" on his Youtube user page. He also admired Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler, as well as the North Korean Communist regime.

His interests according to his personal profile were natural selection and hate for humanity. According to his YouTube page he did not want anything or anyone to be blamed for the shooting "not books, not computer games, not anything" and it was something he had planned "in [his] own head".

Lessons we can derive from this:

a) The root and origin of action is ideology. It is important for us to strengthen the foundations of our youth and make them powerful in the roots of their religion. Without that, they are vulnerable to the different ideologies that lead so many people astray. This requires one to facilitate them with a sound education on the principles of religion, which is not limited to mere narrative knowledge, but includes intellectual demonstrations to establish all the contentions of the religion.

b) With the incidents that have happened in the past the schools must be well prepared on how to prevent such things from happening. Obviously in a school where philosophy can be a fancy and personal choice, these events cannot be avoided. It is high time “the truth” as an absolute reality is understood and taught.

c) The home environment, we believe, is the first school. How to think and how to act in the very basic and fundamental level must be taught by the caring parents. If this foundation is made strong, and they are tutored by the right people, their university life would never meet such incidents.

Indeed in the phenomena of this transient life are signs for the insightful to reflect. May the Almighty protect all from those calamities which ruin our Hereafter.

Indeed Allah and His angels bless the Prophet; O you who have faith! Invoke blessings on him and invoke Peace upon him in a worthy manner. (33:56)

Invoking Allah's Blessings of the Ahl al-Bayt ('a)

[O Allah, send down Thy blessings on the master of your apostles, Muhammad; and send down Thy blessings on the Commander of the faithful, Ali bin Abi Talib, the masters of the successors; and send Thy blessings on the most truthful of women, the pure, Fatima, the radiant and the mistress of the women of Paradise; and send down Thy blessings on al-Hasan and al-Husayn, the two leaders of the youth of Paradise; and send down your blessings on 'Ali bin al-Husayn, the Ornament of worshippers; and send down Thy blessings on Muhammad bin 'Ali, the cleaver of knowledge; and send down Thy blessings of Ja'far bin Muhammad, the veracious, one whose word and deed are approved; and send down Thy blessings on Musa bin Ja'far, the swallower of anger, the door of the fulfillment of needs; and send down Thy blessings on 'Ali bin Musa, one whom Allah is pleased with and He is pleased with Allah; and send down Thy blessings of Muhamad bin 'Ali, the God-wary, the Benevolent; and send down Thy blessings of 'Ali bin Muhammad, the guide, and the immaculate; and send down Thy blessings on Hasan bin 'Ali, the one who has been specifically ennobled by Allah; and send down Thy blessings on the Proof, the One who would Rise.]

Supplication

[O Allah indeed we eagerly seek from Thee a noble state, by which you bestow veneration to Islam and its people, and degrade hypocracy and its people, and you make us in it from the callers to your obedience, and leaders to your path, and bestow us with it the nobility of this world and the Hereafter.]

HOW TO GET CLOSE TO ALLAH (1)

SERMON 1

In the Name of Allah, the All-Beneficent, the All-Merciful

Salamun ‘Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh

[Praise belongs to Allah, whose laudation is not comprehended by speakers, whose bounties are not counted by reckoners, and whose rightfully due is not discharged by those who strive. Grand aspirations perceive Him not and deep-diving perspicacities reach Him not. His attributes possess no determined limits, no existing description, no fixed time and no extended term. He originates the creatures by His power, looses the winds by His mercy, and fastens the shaking of His earth with boulders.]

Now then, I invite you and myself to observe taqwa [God-wariness, God-consciousness, piety], for indeed it is, (a) the criteria of greatness and nobility, and (b) the source of abundant good in this world and the Hereafter. In endorsing these two characteristics, Almighty Allah says:

(1) "…Indeed the noblest of you in the sight of Allah is the most God wary among you (atqakum). Indeed Allah is all-knowing, all-aware." [49:13]

Here, as can be clearly seen, the yardstick and criterion for judging who is greater and nobler is "taqwa".

(2) "If the people of the towns had been faithful and God wary (wattaqaw), We would have opened to them blessings from the heaven and the earth. But they denied; so We seized them because of what they used to earn." [7:96]

This verse tells us that the key to material and spiritual blessings is taqwa.

Definition of Taqwa

What, however, is taqwa? The word al-taqwa is from the word al-wiqaya (lit. protection). It however refers to specific kind of protection: protection of oneself from all that Almighty Allah detests and abhors, whether in the level of one’s thoughts, words, or deeds.

Since our first sermon will revolve around the axis of taqwa, we would try to discuss a lengthy tradition, which manifests this fundamental theme and teaches us how to go about achieving the same.

I have therefore chosen the well-known tradition of ‘Unwan al-Basri, in which Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq (‘a) beautifully summarizes the path towards attaining the proximity of Almighty Allah. If we apply that in our lives, we will surely attain its abundant blessings and get emancipated from our wretched states. We seek Allah’s protection to enable us unravel the mysteries and secrets this radiant tradition encapsulates, and request your kind attention and patience to enable you absorb its luminant teachings.

Keep These Instructions in Your Pockets

The late scholar Sayyid Muhammad Husayn Tehrani, in his Spirit Immaterial says that the great saint Ayatullah Sayyid 'Ali Qadhi al-Tabataba'i, the mentor of 'Allama Muhammad Husayn al-Tabataba'i, would, for the purpose of transcending the evil-inviting self (al-nafs al-ammaratu bissu') and the requisites of desire (shahwa) and anger (ghadhab), advise to the seminarians and those who are eager to traverse through the journey to Allah, to write this tradition and act according to it. He would also tell them to keep it in their pockets, and read it once or twice every week. He would not accept any student who would not adhere to its contents. [Ref: Ayatullah Muhammad Husayn Tehrani, Ruhe Mujarrad, http://www.maarefislam.com/]

THE TRADITION OF 'UNWAN AL-BASRI (I)

[‘A ninety-four year old man named ‘Unwan al-Basri narrates, saying: “I had been studying under Malik ibn Anas for a number of years. When Ja’far as-Sadiq (AS) came to Madinah, I went to visit him and was interested in learning from him just as I had been learning from Malik. He said to me one day: “I am a man much sought after and am also occupied by various supplications throughout the day and the night so please do not disturb me in my state of supplication and go and learn from Malik and study under him just as you were doing before”. I became sad on hearing this and left the Imam’s presence, and said to myself, “If the Imam had perceived any good in me he would not have prevented me from studying under him and learning from him”. ..]

Seek Knowledge from the Cradle to the Grave

An important allusion we can derive from the above is that acquiring knowledge knows no particular age: A 94 year old man is so thirsty in acquiring knowledge that he frequently goes to Malik first and then to Imam al-Sadiq (‘a). The Arabic expression of the original tradition says “kuntu akhtalifu..” (I frequented) which shows how thirsty this ninety four year old man was at that age when many are bed ridden, and some have feeble minds. The stereotype that one loses his power to focus, gain, or retain knowledge is falsified by this event. Besides, there are many Muslim Jurisconsults who even at the age above 100 years have been announced as a’lam (the most learned). Age is not always a barrier. The Holy Qur’an mentions a universal principle, which we should try to digest and practicalize: ‘If you give thanks, we shall increase you’. Here the word shukr in the phrase “la in shakartum la azidannakum.” (14:7) literally stands for unveiling the blessing. The word shakara means “kashafa” which is “to unveil”. When we use a blessing for the purpose it was created, we practically unveil it and thus thank Almighty Allah. If, however, we were to employ the blessing for something unlawful, we would actually be veiling the blessing. The word “kufr” literally means “to veil” the truth. The verse says: ‘wa la in kafartum inna ‘adhabi lashadid” (and if you veil the blessings, indeed my chastisement is severe [14:7]). Therefore if a human being utilizes the vestibules of comprehension, which are the five senses and the intellect, for the purpose of its creation, employing them for what Allah requires, he should not be surprised if he retains great abilities even after a century. A very lucid example of intellectual power was Ayatullah Araki who was declared the most learned of jurisconsults after he had crossed his nineties.

In order to maintain brevity, we shall stop here, and continue next week with the commentary.

Indeed, the best conversation and the most penetrating of counsels is the Book of Allah. Almighty Allah says:

[In the Name of Allah, the All-Beneficent, the All-Merciful’ Say He Allah is Non-composite One, Allah is the All-embracing, Neither does He beget, nor was He begotten, and there is none like Him (112:1-4)]

SERMON 2

[Praise be to Allah, Who breaks everything belonging to the oppressors; puts an end to the tyrants; watches over the fugitives; brings assistance to those who cry out for help; meets and clears up the demands of the needy beseechers; supports the faithful.]

Maintaining Our Muslim Identity

The normal trend in the second sermon is to speak about what transpires currently in the world. In order to maintain our identity as Muslims, it is incumbent on us to know what is happening to our Muslim brothers and sisters throughout the world. Their problems are our problems, their adversities are our adversities, their mistakes are our mistakes, their laxities are our laxities. We should therefore first of all try to search for the truth of their current situation, for the media, as is well-known, can distort news and events, in the manner that it wants. Therefore we should acquire the principles of sifting between authentic news from inauthentic news, and be able to derive great advantage also from the distorted news with the deciphering spirit that can distinguish the invisible small threads of distortion between the lines penned by the so-called impartial journalists. Having known what happens, we should try to think how we in our capacities as individuals and communities can avoid, hamper, or avert any calamity that the Muslims confront. Otherwise we lose our identities as Muslims. The radiant prophetic tradition that says, “Whosoever wakes up in the morning in a state of indifference with regard to the affairs of the Muslims, is not a Muslim”. In simple words, the spirit of the Muslim is all-embracing. It is not constrained to the individual dungeon, but penetrates every Muslim home. We should, however, remember that a Muslim’s spirit transcends beyond that too. His concern includes every member of the human family. Exceptions are created by those who have tarnished their hearts, and despite “knowing the truth” reject the same. Such people are known as kuffar. They should not be mistaken with those who do not know the truth or cannot understand the truth and thus do not believe in the same. There is a vast difference between the former and the latter.

Tne Dire Need of Unity

When the Holy Qur'an narrates stories to us it does so for a fundamental purpose: to enable us understand its 'particular' as well as 'universal' connotation and meaning. The spirit of the Qur'an is not limited to the past, but as different traditions clearly manifest, it is a perpetual torch of guidance. We should therefore try to understand what message it has for our time. If it speaks of Pharaoh, his pride, and constant oppression and his method of overpowering the people through factions, we must try to search the Pharaoh(s) of our age and how they try to disunite people to maitain their power and hold. in fact it is this very cancerous disease of disunity that has made every Pharaoh of history successful. So powerful is the weapon of unity and fraternity, that all the so-called superpowers with their weapons cannot do anything vis-a-vis a united community and nation.

Invoking Allah's Blessings of the Ahl al-bayt ('a)

[O Allah, send down Thy blessings on the master of your apostles, Muhammad; and send down Thy blessings on the Commander of the faithful, Ali bin Abi Talib, the masters of the successors; and send Thy blessings on the most truthful of women, the pure, Fatima, the radiant and the mistress of the women of Paradise; and send down Thy blessings on al-Hasan and al-Husayn, the two leaders of the youth of Paradise; and send down your blessings on 'Ali bin al-Husayn, the Ornament of worshippers; and send down Thy blessings on Muhammad bin 'Ali, the cleaver of knowledge; and send down Thy blessings of Ja'far bin Muhammad, the veracious, one whose word and deed are approved; and send down Thy blessings on Musa bin Ja'far, the swallower of anger, the door of the fulfillment of needs; and send down Thy blessings on 'Ali bin Musa, one whom Allah is pleased with and He is pleased with Allah; and send down Thy blessings of Muhamad bin 'Ali, the God-wary, the Benevolent; and send down Thy blessings of 'Ali bin Muhammad, the guide, and the immaculate; and send down Thy blessings on Hasan bin 'Ali, the one who has been specifically ennobled by Allah; and send down Thy blessings on the Proof, the One who would Rise.]

Supplication

[O Allah indeed we eagerly seek from Thee a noble state, by which you bestow veneration to Islam and its people, and degrade hypocracy and its people, and you make us in it from the callers to your obedience, and leaders to your path, and bestow us with it the nobility of this world and the Hereafter.]