LAMP OF GUIDANCE ALLAH (S.W.T.) ALLOWED TO BE EXALTED

Surah al-Nur Ayah 36 says, “In houses Allah has allowed to be raised and wherein His Name is celebrated, He is glorified therein, mornings and evenings.”

In Ayah 35, before this Ayah, the definition of the Essence of Allah has been described as, “Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth. The parable of His Light is a niche wherein is a lamp-the lamp is in a glass, the glass as it were a glittering star-lit from a blessed olive tree, neither eastern nor western, whose oil almost lights up, though fire should not touch it. Light upon light. Allah guides to His Light whomever He wishes. Allah draws parables for mankind, and Allah has knowledge of all things.”

Ayah 35 describes the “Lamp” representing the Divine Light, the light of guidance and faith, through likening to a very luminous lamp, now we must see where that lamp is located. Ayah 36 describes where that “Lamp” is located so that enemies, devils, and the indiscriminate ones cannot reach it.

In Ziarat-e-Jami’ah, we address the Imams saying, “…and Allah has placed you in houses that Allah (s.w.t.) has permitted to be exalted…” The Infallible Imam Musa al-Kazim (a.s.) said, “The Purpose of the phrase “…the mornings and evenings” mentioned in the Ayah, is the punctual ritual prayers.” (Bihar-ul-Anwar v. 23 p. 326)

The houses referred to in this Ayah are said to be the four Famous Mosques:

The Holy Ka’ba, Mosque of Jerusalem, Mosque in Madinah, and Mosque at Quba.

The Infallible Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (a.s.) said that the Houses referred to in this Ayah are those of the apostles of God and the Holy Imams (a.s.). The renowned Sunni scholar Tha’labi said that when this Ayah was recited before the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.), people asked as to which are the houses mentioned in the Holy Qur’an, the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) said that they were the houses of the Apostles of God. Abu Bakr stood up asking “O” Apostle of God ‘Is the house of Ali and Fatima also among those houses?” The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) replied, “Yes” rather the Greater one of those houses.” This statement of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) is supported and illustrated by Ayah of Purity (Tatheer) – Allah desires to repel all impurity from you P People of the Household, and purify you with a through purification – “ (33:33)

Qutadah one of the leading Sunni scholars says that he was sitting in the presence of the Sixth Holy Imam Jafar ibne Muhammad as-Sadiq (a.s.) and said, “I sat with great scholars but never did my heart feel any effect of a glorious awe on it as I do feel in your presence.” The Holy Imam said: “Do you know where you are sitting? You are sitting in the House about which God has said,” The Holy Imam recited this Ayah. (Surah Nur Ayah 36)

Sources: The Glorious Qur’an (Urdu Translation) – Tafsir-e-Namounah by Ayatullah Nasir Makarem                 Shirazi

              The Holy Qur’an (English Translation) by S.V. Mir Ahmed Ali & Ayatullah Agha                                H.M.M. Pooya Yazdi

WHO SOLD HIS LIFE TO SEEK ALLAH'S PLEASURE?

The infidels of Makkah had become arch enemy of Islam and the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.). They were restrained from openly harming the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.). After the sad demise of Sayyida Khadija, his wife, the richest woman in Arabia and his uncle, “The Protector” Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.), the Bani Umayyad clan of the Quraish became bold and wanted to kill the Prophet. They planned to make a joint effort by including one man from every tribe to prevent the rise of Bani Hashim in vengeance for his bloodshed. Allah informed him of the impending plot and ordered the Messenger to let Imam Ali (a.s.) sleep in his bed. Imam Ali (a.s.) inquired if the Prophet will be saved by his sleeping and the Messenger replied in affirmative. Imam Ali (a.s.) performed “Sajda-e-Shukr” which was the first sajda of thanks to Allah. Imam Ali (a.s.) slept in his bed peacefully. The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) safely went beyond the city of Makkah. This is called Hijrat or Migration and the night is also called ‘Laylat -ul-Mabit

’

As soon as Imam Ali (a.s.) slept in that bed in place of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.), Allah (s.w.t.) questioned His angels Gabriel and Michael, which of them was ready to be devoted to the other, but neither of them was ready to do that. So, the Lord told them to watch then how Ali ibn Abi Talib (a.s.) was ready to devote his soul for the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) and ordered them both to go and protect Imam Ali (a.s.)

The Sunni scholar Ibn-i-abil Hadeed Mu’tazili, who lived in Seventh Century A.H., indicated in his famous book Sharah Nahjul Balagha, that the commentators totally agreed that the Ayah 207 of Surah al-Baqarah, “And among men there is who sells his self to seek the pleasure of Allah; and Allah is affectionate unto His (faithful) servants.” was revealed in praise of Imam Ali (a.s.).

In Surah at-Tawbah Ayah111, Allah says, “Verily, Allah has bought from the believers their souls and their properties for Paradise to be theirs…” Imam Ali (a.s.) said in Nahjul Balaghah, “Some people worshiped Allah desiring reward-Paradise, some people worshiped Allah fearing His punishment-Hell Fire, and a group worshiped Allah in Gratitude.”

Obedience to the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) as directed by Allah (s.w.t.) was the foundation of Islam. It is reported that Imam Ali (a.s.) used to pray salat every night and the neighbors would hear the “Takbir”-Allah-o-Akbar” one thousand times. On the Night of Migration, when the very life of the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.s.) was in danger, Imam Ali obeyed the Prophet (and Allah) as his protection was the top priority. Imam Ali (a.s.) sacrificed his life to protect Allah’s Messenger like his illustrious father Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.) who raised the young orphaned Muhammad (s.a.w.a.s.). He desired nothing for himself but only Allah’s

pleasure.

This was such an important event that Muawiyah offered four thousand Dirham to Sumra bin Jundab to fabricate and fraudulently report that this Ayah was revealed upon the virtue of the most cursed person in history; Abdul Rahman bin Muljim, the murderer of Imam Ali (a.s.) while he was prostrating in the Masjid of Kufa. (Ibn-i-Abil Hadeed’s Sharah Nahjul Balagha volume 4 page 73).

Some of the books (Shia and Sunni) which have vividly considered the revelation of this Ayah on the virtue of Imam Ali are: ‘Ihya-u-‘Ulum-id-Din (v.3 p. 238) by Ghazali, Al-Ghadeer (v.2 p.44), Tazkirat-ul-Khawas by Sibt- ibn- Jauzi Hanafi, As-Sirat-un-Nabawiyyah by Ibn Husham (v.2 p.291), As Sirat-ul-Halabiyyah printed in Maktabat-ut-Tijariyat -ul-Kubra, Egypt (v.2 p.29), Fusul-ul-Muhimma by Ibn Sabbagh Maliki, Nuzhat-ul-Majalis by Sufuri, Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal in Musnad (v.1 p.348), Tarikh-i-Tabari (v.2 p.99), Tarik-i-Yaqubi (v.2 p.29)

The most important point is that the Progeny of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) even at an extremely sensitive moment never made a statement against the fact. When in the morning the polytheists entered the house to kill the Prophet and saw Imam Ali sleeping in his bed inquired, “Where is Muhammad?” Imam Ali (a.s.) replied, “Had you appointed me to watch the movements of Muhammad that you are asking about his whereabouts?”

                Sources: The Glorious Qur’an (Urdu Translation) – Tafsir-e-Namounah by Ayatullah Nasir                              Makarem Shirazi

                Tafsir al-Mizan by Allamah as-Sayyid Muhammad Husayn at-Tabatabaei

                  The Holy Qur’an by S.V. Mir Ahmed Ali & Ayatullah Agha H.M.M. Pooya Yazdi

IMAM MAHDI (A.T.F.S.) AND ISLAM AFTER HIS REAPPEARANCE

After the creation of Hazrat Adam, Shaytan’s refusal to prostrate (respectful) and ultimate expulsion, Allah (s.w.t.) promised to send Guidance to mankind, the world-seeking men started to eliminate the Guidance. The God sent Infallible Imams were either murdered or poisoned. After the martyrdom of the eleventh Imam Hasan al-Askari (a.s.), the last Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) was placed in Occultation to preserve His Guidance till the Day of Resurrection.

The appointment and infallibility of Imams are discussed as under:

Surah al-Ra’d Ayah7 says, “You are but a warner, and every people has a guide.”

Hazrat Ibrahim (a.s.) was appointed an Imam having been already a Prophet requested the station of Imamate for his progeny. Allah (s.w.t.) clearly established the prerequisite of Imamate as “Infallibility” when He says in Surah al-Baqarah Ayah 124, “My covenant reaches not the oppressors (and only that group of your descendants is worthy of this position who are pure and infallible).

Surah al-Younus Ayah 35, “Thus is one who guides to the truth worthier of being followed? “Society needs a leader Imam), who is more knowledgeable and Infallible.

Surah al-Nisa Ayah 59 says, “O ye who have brought faith! Obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those in authority among you (the trustees of the Prophet).” The obedience in authority is commanded in absolute manner. Obedience to the Prophet has been expressed together with obedience to those in authority in one imperative word, “obey!” Obviously, such person must be infallible and far removed from errors and mistakes. In the Islamic sects, only Shi’a believe in the infallibility of the Imam. Commentaries and reliable traditions indicate that the intent in all such Ayahs is the twelve Imams and their names were also explicitly mentioned.

Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) will re-appear when Allah (s.w.t.) decrees. He will fill the world with Justice when it will be filled with oppression and injustice. Some of the Ayahs depicting the true Islam return to the earth in the following Ayahs:

Surah al-Tawbah Ayah 32-33, “They desire to put out the light of Allah with their mouths, but Allah is intent on perfecting His light though the faithless should be averse. It is He who has sent His Apostle with the guidance and the religion of truth, that He may make it prevail over all religions, though the polytheists should be averse.”

Surah al-Fath Ayah 28, “It is He who has sent His Apostle with guidance and the true religion, that He may make it prevail over all religions, and Allah suffices as witness.”

Surah al-Saff Ayah 6 and 8, “And when Jesus son of Mary said, ‘O Children of Israel! Indeed, I am the apostle of Allah to you, to confirm what is before me of the Torah, and to give the good news of an apostle who will come after me, whose name is Ahmad.’ Yet when he brought them manifest proofs, they said, ‘This is plain magic.’

In these Ayahs, the promise of appearance and true religions’ overcoming all religions are given, a promise that will come to pass with the appearance of Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.)

Surah al-Qasas Ayah 5, “And We desired to show favor to those who were abased in the land, and to make them Imams, and to make them the heirs.”

Surah al-Anbiya Ayah 105, “Certainly We wrote in Psalms, after the Torah: Indeed, My righteous servants shall inherit the earth.”

Sources: The Glorious Qur’an (English translation) by Ali Quli Qara’i

                  Discussions Concerning al-Mahdi (May Allah Hasten His Return) by Ayatullah Lutfullah                    Safi Golpayagani

                  Translated by Hujjat ul Islam Sayyid Sulayman Ali Hasan

SUPPLICATION FOR SUNDAY BY IMAM ALI, ZAYN AL-ABIDIN (A.S.)

The Infallible Imam Ali, Zayn al-Abidin (a.s.) was the son of the Infallible Imam Husayn (a.s.), the King of Martyrs. Like his illustrious grandfather, the “Gateway of Knowledge”, the Lion of Allah, Commander of the Faithful Imam Ali (a.s.), he used to recite 1,000 rak’at salat every night. That is why, he was given the title of “Gem of Prostrators”.

After the massacre at Karbala, where his father and other 18 members of Banu Hashim were slaughtered, the Imam and other members of Ahlul Bayt (a.s.) were made captive. After his release, he continued the mission of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) and compiled supplications in a book known as “Sahifa Kamilah” or “Sahifa Sajjadiyyah”. The book is referred to as “Gospel of the Folks of the House” and “the Psalms of the Household of Muhammad”.

He had written supplications for the seven days of the week. Following is the supplication for Sunday: 

In the name of God, from whom I hope for nothing but bounty, and from whom I fear nothing but Justice!

I rely only upon His word, And cling only to His cord!

In You I seek sanctuary – O Possessor of pardon and good pleasure – from wrong and enmity, from the changes of time and the recurrence of sorrows, from the striking of mishaps and from the expiration of my term before preparation and readiness.

From You I seek guidance to that wherein is righteousness and being set right.

From You I seek help in that which is linked to success and favorable response.

You I beseech for the garment of well-being and its completion and for the covering of health and its permanence.

I seek refuge in You, my Lord, from the goading of the Satan, and I seek protection in Your sovereignty from the injustice of the sovereigns.

So, accept my past prayers and fasting and make my tomorrow and what is after better than my present hour and my today!

Exalt me in my clan and my people and protect me in my waking and my sleeping!

For You are God, the Best Guardian, and You are the most Merciful of the merciful.

O God, I am quit before You on this day of mine and on all Sundays that follow it of associating others with You and heresy, and I devout my supplication sincerely to You addressing myself to Your response.

So bless Muhammad and the Household of Muhammad, the best of Your creation, the summoner to Your truth, exalt me with Your exaltation, which is never made to suffer loss, protect me with Your eye, which never sleeps, and seal my affair by cutting me off from everything but You and my life with forgiveness!

Surely You are the All-forgiving, the All-compassionate!

PURIFICATION OF SELF (TAZ'KIYAH NAFS)

Purification of Self is the process of transforming the nafs through various spiritual stages to purity and complete submission to the Will of Allah. It is the spiritual awareness of Allah who is with us by His Knowledge and knows our deeds, with constant Remembrance or Dhikr in our thoughts and actions.

The greatest aim of the Divine Messengers was to emphasize the importance of refinement, purification, and training of human selves. It encourages and strengthens the piety.

Some of the Ayahs of the Glorious Qur’an regarding the above caption is reproduced below:

“Our Lord raise amongst them an apostle from among them, who should recite to them Your signs, and teach them the Book and wisdom, and purify them. (2:129)

“As We sent to you an Apostle from among yourselves, who recites to you Our signs, and purifies you, and teaches you the Book and wisdom, and teaches you what you did not know.” (2:151)

Allah certainly favored the faithful when He raised up among them an apostle from among themselves to recite to them His signs and to purify them, and to teach the Book and wisdom, and earlier they had indeed been in manifest error. (3:164)

It is He who sent to the unlettered (people) an apostle from among themselves, to recite to them His signs, to purify them, and to teach them the Book and wisdom, and earlier they had indeed been in manifest error.” (62:2)

“(And said,) ‘Go to Pharaoh, for indeed he has rebelled, and say, “Would you purify yourself?”

“Felicitous is he who purifies himself” (87:14) “one who purifies it (self) is felicitous.” (91:9)

The Ayahs of the Glorious Qur’an and narrations about human-self may be divided into two categories; Celestial self which strives to attain sublime stations of human perfection leading toward God’s Countenance, and Animal-self representing the lower animal desires. Animal -self demands food, water, clothing etc. for living. Similarly, sexual desire is for the continuation of human race. But this is means to an end the end being the life Hereafter. The ideal position is to strike a balance between Celestial and Animal selves. The prophets and the Infallible Imams lead a social life, got married and had children and still took care of their Celestial Selves.

The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) said, “I was appointed for the prophethood so that I may accomplish the important task of moral perfection within human souls. My Ummah will enter the Paradise for piety and excellent moral conduct. Your greatest enemy is yourself, located between the two sides. On the Day of Resurrection, people will reappear in the faces of monkeys and pigs because of their animal like deeds.

The Commander of the Faithful Imam Ali (a.s.) said, “Self is like a precious jewel, whoever tries for its protection, he will help him attaining exalted positions, and whoever acted negligently in his protection, he shall pull him to humiliation. Whoever knows the worth of his self, will never allow himself into worldly amusements, lowness of passions, false desires, and shameful deeds. Self commands you continuously to indulge in evil deeds, therefore whoever trusted his self, he will deceit and destroy him. Self-consciousness is one of the most profitable assets of a person. Continuation of invocation (dhikr) is the nourishment of human souls and illumination of hearts.

                Source: Self Building by Allama Ibrahim Amini

                                Lecture of Hujjatul Islam Maulana Mukhtar Faezi at Baitul Ilm

DEBATE OF IMAM JA'FAR AL-SADIQ (A.S.) WITH ATHEIST ABU SHAKIR

Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq (a.s.) had debated many atheists and other questioners. There was one atheist Abu Shakir who came to the Imam (a.s.) and asked many questions. Some of the answers are reproduced below:

Allah has placed tiny living beings in your body which keeps you alive. They are in large numbers like sand particles in the desert. They are born, multiply, work and die in your body. It is true that one who knows himself knows Allah. There is motion inside the stone. A time will come when learned people would see the motion inside a stone. You say that you do not believe in Allah because you cannot comprehend Allah (s.w.t.) by the six senses, can you see the air which is so vital for life? When a wise man thinks of himself, he finds that his own body needs a controller so that all its organs and systems may function properly. He then realizes that this vast universe also needs a controller. Everything in this universe is in motion. Even there is motion inside our bodies. The stones we see now were in liquid state thousands of years ago. Gradually it cooled down and Allah solidified it.

He asked Hisham bin Hakam, “Is it possible for God to house the whole world in an egg?” Hisham requested the Imam (a.s.) to respond. The Imam said, “yes. Another example is the iris of the eye in which the world is minimized.”

Every living thing worships Allah; human beings, animals, plants, birds etc. Plants worship Allah by obeying His laws instinctively. The light which comes from the sun also worships Allah by obeying His laws, which are very stringent and exact. It comes into being by the combination of two opposite forces. These forces also obey the laws of Allah and worship Him, otherwise they cannot produce light.

The sentence, “There is no Allah” is meaningless. The existence of Allah is a must. If attention of Allah is diverted, even for a moment from the affairs of the universe to something else, it would break up. Everything in the universe obeys His Laws, which are permanent and eternal

.

Similarly, in an encounter with Imam Abu Hanifa, who relied on “deductive analogy” (Qiyas), the Infallible Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq (a.s.) asked him, “Is adultery more important or killing of a soul? “Abu Hanifa replied, “Killing of a soul.” Imam Sadiq (a.s.) said, “God commanded four witnesses in adultery and two witnesses in murder for proof of allegation and this is contrary to condition of Qiyas. Then Imam Sadiq (a.s.) asked, “Is prayer more important or fasting?” Abu Hanifa replied, “Prayer” Imam Sadiq (a.s.) said, “A woman is not obligated to fulfill the prayers missed during menstruation but still must complete the fasts not made and this cannot be rationalized with Qiyas.”

Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq (a.s.) himself describes an encounter with a person who followed his own desires and ideas. He (a.s.) narrated, “I followed him to a baker from where he stole two loaves of bread, then he passed through a pomegranate seller and he stole two pomegranates from him  then he went to sick person and gave it to him. I asked him about this act. The man replied, “Whoever brings virtue shall receive ten times; but whoever brings vice shall not be requited except with its like, and they will not be wronged.” (6:160) When I stole two loaves of bread, they were two evil deeds. And when I stole two pomegranates, they were two evil deeds. So, these are four evil deeds. When I gave each one of them as alms, Allah has subtracted four evil deeds from forty good deeds. So, I have thirty-six good deeds. Imam Sadiq (a.s.) said, “Allah accepts deeds from pious only.” When you stole four loaves of bread, they were two evil deeds. And when you stole two pomegranates, they were two evil deeds. And when you gave them to other than their owners without the permission of their owners, you have added four evil deeds to four evil deeds.

                Sources: Imamreza.net, Fourteen Stars by Allama Sayyid Najmul Hasan Karrarvi,                                              Speakingtree.in

PILLAR OF ISLAM - ALLAH (S.W.T.) - PART TWO

In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Most Merciful. (1:1) The Beneficent God is firm in power. (20:5)

Inform My servants that I am the Forgiving, the Merciful (15:49)

So Exalted be Allah, the True King. (23:116) Master of the Day of Judgement. (1:4)

Whatever is in the heavens and the earth declares the Glory of Allah, the King, the Holy. (62:1)

And the Servants of al-Rahman are the ones who walk on earth humbly, and when the ignorant ones address them, they say: Salam (25:63) …. And Allah invites to the abode of peace. (10:25)

To Allah belongs the Might, and to His Prophet, and to the believers. (63:8) O Moses! Surely, I am Allah, the Wise. (27:9)

He is Allah besides Whom there is no other God, the Sovereign, the Holy, the source of peace (and Perfection), the Guardian of Faith, the preserver of safety, the One Exalted in Might, the irresistible, the Supreme, Glory to Allah! (High is He) above the partners they attribute to (Him).  (59:23)

Thus, does Allah sets a seal over the heart of everyone who is proud, haughty. (40:35)

…. the Creator of everything, therefore, worship Him (6:102) ….is there any creator besides Allah. (35:3)

Who created me then showed me the way, and He provides me with food to eat and water to drink, and when I am sick, He restores my health to me?

He it is who shapes you in the wombs as He pleases; there is no God but He, the Mighty, the Wise. (3:6)

Surely, I am most Forgiving to whoever repents and believes and does good deeds. (20:82)

To whom does the kingdom belongs this day? To Allah, the One, the Subduer

 of all. (40:16)

Lord! Do not let our hearts deviate after having guided us, but grant us mercy from Your own Presence, for You are the Grantor of bounties without measure. (3:8)

Allah provides means of subsistence to whomsoever He pleases without a measure. (2:212)

….and trust in Allah; surely, He is the Hearing, the Knowing. (8:61)

Allah will exalt those of you who believe, and those who are granted knowledge, to high degrees. (58:11)

Judgement is only Allah’s; He relates the truth and He is the best of those who decide. (6:57)

When you judge between people, you should judge with justice; surely Allah admonishes you with what is excellent; surely Allah is Seeing, Hearing. (4:58)

Vision does not comprehend Him, He comprehends all vision, and He knows the subtleties, and He is the Aware (6:103)

…certainly, Allah has pardoned them, surely Allah is Forgiving, Forbearing. (3:155)

…. surely Allah forgives the faults of all of them; surely, He is the Forgiving, the Merciful. (39:53)

He is the Most High. (2:225)

We have revealed the Reminder, and We are its Guardian. (15:9)

There is none to repeal His decree, and He is swift to take account. (13:41)

…. surely the most honorable of you with Allah is the one who is most careful (of his duty towards Allah). (49:13)

And your Lord says: Call upon Me, I will answer you; surely those are proud to worship Me, shall soon enter hell (40:60)

                Source: Allah by Yasin T. Al-Jibouri

GOLDEN SAYINGS OF "THE GATEWAY OF KNOWLEDGE" - IMAM ALI (A.S.)

If a believer enrages his brother, it means that he leaves him.

The worst comrade is he for whom formality must be observed.

Allah has not made it obligatory on the ignorant to learn till He has made it obligatory on the learned to teach.

The worst sin is that which the committer takes it lightly.

Contentment is a wealth that does not exhaust.

The fighter in the way of Allah who gets martyred would not get a greater reward than he who remains chaste despite means. It is possible that chaste person may become one of the angels.

There is no good in silence over matters involving wisdom just as there is no good in speaking with ignorance.

Unity means that you do not subject Him to the limitations of your imaginations and justice means that you do not lay any blame on Him.

Two types of persons will fall into ruin over me: The one who loves exaggerates and the other who lays and baseless blames.

Backbiting is the tool of the helpless.

Forbearance and endurance are twins and they are the product of high courage.

Belief means you should prefer truth when it harms you rather than falsehood when it benefits you; your words should not be more than your action and you should fear Allah when speaking about others.

Two greedy persons never get satisfied, the seeker of knowledge and the seeker of this world.

Is there no freeman who can leave this chewed morsel (of the world) to those who like it? Certainly, the price for yourself is Paradise. Therefore, do not sell yourself except for Paradise.

What has a man to do with vanity. His origin is semen and his end are a carcass while he cannot feed himself nor ward off death.

Your turning away from him who inclines towards you is a loss of your share of advantage while your inclining towards him who turns away from you is humiliation for yourself.

Whenever a man cuts a joke, he separates away a bit from his wit.

Whoever maintains his own respect in view, his desires appear light to him.

Whoever regards small distresses as big, Allah involves him in big ones.

A little that lasts is better than much that brings grief.

What a breaker is sleep for the resolutions of the day.

People are enemies of what they do not know.

Remember pleasures will pass away while the consequences will stay.

Livelihood is of two kinds: the seeker and the sought. Therefore, he who hankers after this world death traces him till it turns him out of it; but he who hankers after the next world, worldly ease itself seeks him till he receives his livelihood from it.

On the Day of Judgement, the greatest regret will be felt by man who earned wealth through sinful ways, although inherited by a person whom spends it in obeying Allah, the Glorified, and will be awarded Paradise on that account while first one will go to Fire on account of it.

                Sources: Nahjul Balaghah – Part 2 by al-Allama ash-Sharif ar-Razi

HOW TO SUSTAIN ALL THE BENEFITS OF FASTING AFTER THE HOLY MONTH OF RAMADAN

The Holy month of Ramadan brings all the spiritual benefits to the faithful. It is the Spring of the Glorious Qur’an, prayers, and supplications. Islam is not a weekly religion; it is a complete code of life to be practiced 24 hours. The Infallible Imam Muhammad Baqir (a.s.) said, “Allah likes any virtuous deed done on regular basis, even if it is little.” The Infallible Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq (a.s.) said, “Anyone who starts a virtuous deed, he should do it for at least one year. And he should not discontinue after some time.” Reason being that he becomes used to it forming into a second nature. To sustain the benefits of Ramadan for the entire year, efforts may be made by following the 10-point plan as under:

                FASTING: It is recommended to fast at least 3 days every month; first Thursday, last Thursday and first Wednesday after the 10th. If the individual’s health status permits, 3 more fasts may be kept on the 13^th, 14^th and 15^th.

                SALAAT: It is the pillar of Islam and the Ascension (Mai’raj) of a believer. It should be established on timely and regular basis with complete attention.

                CHARITY: Giving alms for the Pleasure of Allah, on daily basis, weekly basis, or monthly basis. It purifies our hearts. Although, Zakat and Khums is given on yearly basis, but Sadaqat and Khairat should be given as frequently as possible as it is recommended by the Ahlul Bayt (a.s.)

                HAJJ, UMRA AND ZIARAAT OF THE INFALLIBLES: If one can afford, perform Hajj, Umrah and Ziaraat frequently.

                RECITATION OF THE GLORIOUS QUR’AN: Retain connection with the Glorious Qur’an and comprehend and understand its contents. It should be recited as frequently as possible but at least once a day.

                AHLUL BAYT (A.S.): Relate to their values and the sermons by studying their pure lives and try to practice it.

                FAMILY LIVES: According to the Glorious Qur’an and the Ahlul Bayt (a.s.), we should look after our immediate and extended families and participate in the community affairs.

                FRIDAY CONGREGATIONS: Great emphasis is placed on attending the Friday Prayers in the community and if anyone misses the Friday Prayers 3 times consecutively, without valid reason, could be considered as a hypocrite.

                MORAL VALUES OF AHLUL BAYT (A.S.): As far as possible, we should follow our “Ideal Role Models”. Control our different parts of body especially the tongue and as per Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi, we commit 30 sins by our tongue.

                ENHANCE KNOWLEDGE OF ISLAM: This could be achieved by reading the Glorious Qur’an, Nahjul Balagha, Sahifa Sajjadia and biographies of our Infallible Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.), Sayyida Fatima Zahra (s.a.), the Doyenne of the World and the Pure Imams (a.s.).  Establish close relations with the religious scholars and other knowledgeable community members.

                Source: Hujjatul Islam Maulana Mukhtar Faezi’s Lecture at Baitul Ilm, Streamwood, Illinois