The traditions reported by any of the Infallible Imams
of the Progeny of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) are the most authentic
because every member of the “Golden Chain” were the Infallible Imams because
the chain of narrators goes upwards that any Imam when he narrates a tradition
had heard from his father who was also an Infallible Imam.
Reproduced below are the two traditions as narrated by
the eighth Infallible Imam, Imam Ali al-Reza (a.s.):
“The Noble Messenger
(s.a.w.a.s.) said: “One who desires a long life and increase in his livelihood
should exhibit goodness towards his parents and establish bonds of kinship with
his relatives.”
The Glorious Qur’an emphasizes about the status of
parents in the following Ayahs: Surah al-Baqarah Ayah 83 and 180: “We made a
covenant with the children of Israel that they should not worship anyone except
Me, that they should serve their parents, relatives, orphans and the
destitute….” and “If one of you facing death can leave a legacy, he should
bequeath it to his parents and relatives, according to the law.”
Surah al-Nisa Ayah 36: “Worship Allah and consider no
one equal to Him. Be kind to your parents, relatives, orphans, the destitute,
your near and distant neighbors…..”
Surah al-An’am Ayah 151: “(Muhammad), say, “Let me tell
you about what your Lord has commanded :Do not consider anything equal to
Allah; Be kind to your parents; do not murder your children out of fear of
poverty for We give sustenance to you and to them. Do not even approach
indecency either in public or in private. Take not a life which Allah has made
sacred except by way of justice and law. Thus does He command you that you may
learn wisdom.”
Followers of other religions presume that keeping away from
society and praying in seclusion enhances piety and virtues. But Islam is a
religion which lays more emphasizes on family and community. Prayers in mosques
and in congregation are recommended. The bottom line is caring and sharing with
our families, kin, neighbors, community members.
As for the increase in the life-span, two actions have been
recommended by the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) and his Progeny (a.s.); one is
the “sadaqa” and the other is the “Silae Rahm” or good behavior with the kin. Kin
include all near and far relatives. Silae Rahm includes; being in contact with
them, extend every possible help and assistance, financial or otherwise, visits
if they are sick, caring for their social and emotional needs.
“The
Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) said: “The elder brother in a family holds the
position of the father.”
If the siblings are minor, the elder brother should
provide the comfort of the home as his father would have provided. He should
feed them, be kind to them, provide every possible comfort of life, think of
their safety and security, and protect them from any danger from outside. Provide
financial support for clothing, schooling etc. Provide all and every care so
that they may not miss their father.
If the siblings are adults, the elder brother should be
supportive in all their needs; financial, emotional and psychological. He
should become their friend so they ma confide in him and share their problems
and concerns.
The siblings in turn respect his elder brother, follow his
advises and take care of him.
Sources
used:
The
Glorious Qur’an (English Translation) by
Ayatollah Agha H.M.M. Pooya Yazdi
The
Glorious Qur’an (Urdu Translation) by
Ayatollah Nasir Makarem Shirazi
The
Glorious Qur’an (Urdu Translation) by
Ayatollah al-Uzma Sayyid Muhammad Husayn Tabatabai
The
Glorious Qur’an (Urdu Translation) by
Maulana Sayyid Farman Ali
www.imamreza.net
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