Islamic Culture and Religious Studies Book - 1

Lesson 14 : Brotherhood

A man once sat in the presence of the 7th Holy Imam, Musa Ibn Jaffer (a.s.). He saw a friend of his, called Muhammad, from afar and smiled at him. Muhammad smiled back and from the pleasure on both their faces at seeing one another, it was obvious that they were good friends.

Seeing this exchange, Imam (a.s.) leaned nearer and asked the man, "You really like Muhammad, don't you?" He replied, "Yes! O grandson of the Holy Prophet, I do! Muhammad is a pious man. He has a very strong faith and is a practicing Muslim. Is he also your friend?"

Imam (a.s.) replied:

"Of course! As you have said, he is a man of deep faith and has very good akhlaq. Surely all believers are brothers to one another. We must always try to show compassion to our believing brothers.

"Did you know that anyone who looks at a Mo'meen brother with contempt, falsely accuses him, or does anything that would harm the man is behaving in an un-Islamic manner? We should always behave with goodness and act with kindness towards other believers.

If we intend to gain Allah (S.W.T.)'s blessings, we must try to be good to one another. For the one who deceives his believing brother will be most surely deprived of Allah (S.W.T.)'s blessings."

Islam is a way of life and it encourages goodness among people. Deceit, slander, gossip and mockery are ugly acts and unacceptable in Islam. Such devious manners create destruction within a society.

Islam treats both Muslim men and Muslim woman with the eyes of equity. Beautiful gestures and titles, like brotherhood, will do no good if they are not implemented or put into action. Islam requires from us that we show compassion by fulfilling the needs and wants of other people. Good qualities, if put in action, become the standard of Islamic ethics.

The true Believers are not only brothers and sisters in faith but also in action. A practicing Muslim will not dare to hurt or upset another. Whenever a Mo'meen or a Mo'meenah is hurting, others who practice imaan will also feel his/her pain.

Our 6th infallible Imam, Al-Sadiq (a.s.) has said, "Muslims are brothers to one another and they have rights over each other. If one of them is hungry, is it possible for the others to eat and leave him in the state of hunger? Is it possible for a Muslim to quench his own thirst whilst his brother remains thirsty?

If a believing brother in faith does not have anything to wear, is it possible for the others to be clothed and live him naked?" No, it cannot be so! Every true practicing Muslim society consists of individuals who aim to provide equal resources to all its members. They do not rest until this aim is achieved. On the same issue, our 6th Imam (a.s.) has also said:

"Every Muslim has a right over his brother in faith and they have duties towards each other, some of which are:

  1. One should greet the other when they meet.

  2. If a Mo'meen becomes sick, the others should visit him.

  3. If he dies, it becomes their duty to pay him his last respects and attend his funeral services.

  4. If a Mo'meen invites another to his house, he must accept his invitation.

  5. The most important of all is: whatever a believer desires for himself, he must desire the same for others.

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT…

  1. The most beautiful gift that Islam has given its followers is the close bond of brotherhood and unity. If we implement the rules concerning this matter, then we will have the perfect society - a thing that the entire world is searching for.

  2. Whenever a believer needs help, others should be ready to help.

  3. The most important of all Islamic morals is that whatever a believer desires for himself, he should desire the same for the others. And whatever he dislikes for himself, he must dislike the same for others as well.

Think and Answer

  1. What outcomes do you think ugly habits like backbiting, insulting and false accusations can lead to?

  2. What does Islam offer to the Muslim Ummah?

  3. What do you understand from the sayings of our 6th Holy Imam (a.s.) quoted in the lesson above?

  4. Find out what the strong recommendations of our Holy Prophet (s.a.w.w.) are in matters that relate to the rights believers have upon one another? Explain your answers (and sources).

Lesson 15 : Hard Work and Independence

Asking in Islam has two meanings. The first one refers to inquiring about things that one is ignorant of. To do this, we need to ask those who possess the wealth of knowledge.

Obviously, to ask questions is a commendable act and also an excellent method of learning. It is highly recommended that anyone who does not know should ask those who do and gain from them. Islam came to awaken souls and brought the light of knowledge. The doors to the seas and oceans of knowledge and learning are wide open, and the key is with you. One of the ways is through asking questions.

The second type of asking is the seeking help from others in order to further oneself materially. In Islam, anyone claiming to be a beggar is disliked and one who does not strive to remove himself from this position is out of favour with Allah (S.W.T.) and the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.w.).

Once a man came and asked the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.w.), "O Prophet of Allah, advise me of good acts with which I may pave my way towards Jannah (Paradise)."

In answer to the man's query, the Prophet (s.a.w.w.) recommended three important points. He told him:

"If you really wish happiness in the eternal life of the hereafter and want to be amongst the dwellers of Jannah, take the following points seriously and implement them:

  1. Avoid getting unnecessarily annoyed.
  2. Do not ask (material) things from people.
  3. Like for others what you like for yourself."

What an important message to us all! The Prophet (s.a.w.w.) clearly shows us that a true Believer is not dependent on people. We must try not to humiliate ourselves in front of others. On the Day of Judgement, Allah (S.W.T.) will bring down disgrace upon those who relied on fellow human beings for their sustenance.

The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.w.) showed utmost respect to the Muslims and looked at them with dignity. Therefore, a Muslim must not lower himself in front of others under any circumstances.

He must learn how to ask for the fulfilment wishes and to direct his requests only to the most Kind and Merciful Lord. Muslims are valuable people and most surely valuable in His eyes too!

If we take a look at one event that took place during the time of the Prophet (s.a.w.w.), we will be better able to appreciate this message. This is what happened:

There was a man in the city who did not work for his livelihood. His family lived in appalling conditions of poverty. One day, his wife suggested that he go and visit the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.w.) and ask for some advice. She was confident that he would be in a position to assist them in their difficult times and would help ease their problems.

The man reached the Prophet (s.a.w.w.)'s house and found people gathered around him. Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.w.) greeted and welcomed him. The man sat down but felt ashamed to state his problems in front of the others. Through his divine knowledge, the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.w.) knew the purpose of the man's visit, and began to address all those seated. He said:

"Any one who seeks my help, I will most certainly help him. But, I sincerely advise you all to be diligent, hard-working and ambitious so that you become independent. Do not rely on others. After you have struggled then finally seek help from God."

Hearing these words, the man quickly understood their meaning. He immediately bid the Prophet (s.a.w.w.) farewell and left for his home. The following morning, he decided to try and find work but at the end of the day, his efforts seemed to be in vain and he decided to visit the Prophet (s.a.w.w.) again. After exchanging warm greetings, he sat beside him with the intention of sharing his troubles.

It was in the fine character of the Prophet of Islam (s.a.w.w.) that he respected the situation of others and their shortcomings. Even before the man could speak, he repeated his advice of the previous day. Once again, the man was struck by the words of the Messenger of Allah (S.W.T.). He thought to try once again but the next evening saw him no better that before.

For the third time, he sought out the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.w.) feeling that he had no way out except to beg for his help. This time the Prophet (s.a.w.w.) repeated the same advice and emphasized on having faith in Allah (S.W.T.). He said:

"Whoever wants his desires to be fulfilled, should work hard, be ambitious, have a strong faith in Allah (S.W.T.) and seek help from Him. Have certainty that Allah (S.W.T.) will help."

This time, the man left determined to overcome all his doubts. That night he sought help from the Almighty and placed all his hopes in Him telling himself that he would certainly be answered. The next day, he went into the forest and cut down some trees.

Chopping them into logs, he carried the wood into the town and sold them in the market. This success encouraged him and strengthened his faith in Allah (S.W.T.).

Slowly as the days passed, he saw the fruits of his labour and soon he was able to lift his family out of poverty and live an independent and comfortable life.

After a few weeks, with renewed confidence, he happily went to the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.w.) and said, "O Prophet of Allah (S.W.T.), I have got myself a good job, and my living conditions are much better."

The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.w.) smiled and reminded him of his earlier advice: "Did I not tell you that anyone who needs help should seek it from the Almighty, because sustenance comes from Allah (S.W.T.) and He has promised rizq for all His creatures. Such are Allah (S.W.T.)'s infinite blessings! How dignified a person becomes when he is independent and self-reliant."

FRUITS OF HARD LABOUR

Almighty Allah (S.W.T.) has given a special status to human beings. Human beings are created with honour and dignity. Islam has laid great emphasis on hard work and noble ambitions. The goal of a person should be to become self-reliant and not stretch a hand to others.

Worship in Islam has been divided into 70 parts and hard work in order to earn Halaal (Lawful) sustenance is one of the best forms of Ebadat (Worship).

Our 5th Holy Imam, Al-Baqir (a.s.) has said: "Whosoever strives to work hard, looks after the well-being of his family and neighbours will surely on the Day of Judgement have his face shining with radiance like the full moon of the 15th night (of every month)."

Our 6th Holy Imam, Al-Sadiq (a.s.) has also spoken on this important subject saying:

"Whosoever satisfies the needs and desires of his family, it is as if he is performing Jehad in the way of Allah (S.W.T.)."

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT…

  1. Asking for ones needs from others is an ugly act according to Islam and Allah (S.W.T.) dislikes such people.

  2. The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.w.) taught us that we must never humiliate ourselves in front of others. According to Islam, the greatest Jehad is to work hard and put tremendous effort. One must never under any circumstances lose hope in Allah (S.W.T.).

  3. The 6th Holy Imam (a.s.) has laid great stress in the importance of working as a valuable form of worship.

Think and Answer

  1. How did the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.w.) respond to the needy man's desperation?

  2. What advice did the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.w.) give?

  3. Discuss with your friends and explain what you understand from the hadith of our 6th Imam (a.s.) mentioned above. Then state the ways in which we can apply it in our lives.

Introduction to Chapter Six

In The Name Of Allah (S.W.T.), the Beneficent, the Merciful

IMAMAT AND LEADERSHIP

We believe our Holy Prophet, Muhammad (s.a.w.w.) to be the last heavenly Messenger sent by Allah (S.W.T.). Through his Risalah (Prophethood), Islam was truly established and finally completed. Islam expects Muslims to be practical in their lives and to follow its rich principles.

The Prophet of Islam (s.a.w.w.) was endowed with the grave responsibility of establishing Allah (S.W.T.)'s Divine Message and training divine spiritual leaders, to protect and maintain the message after him. These leaders would continue to guide the Ummah towards the right path.

Thus, our last Messenger, Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.w.) left behind him Imam Ali (a.s.) as guardian, authority and protector of Islam. Therefore, it is the duty of all Muslims to believe in this appointed Imamat as part of the heavenly path.

Is it possible to believe that the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.w.) would fail to appoint a spiritual guide after his departure from this world? What would have happened to the Muslim ummah without a leader to shoulder the heavy responsibilities that the Prophet (s.a.w.w.) left behind? The noble Messenger of Allah (S.W.T.) completed the task as ordained by Him, which included the introduction of Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (a.s.) as the rightfully guided Imam sent by the Almighty.

In this chapter, we will study the exalted personality of Imam Ali (a.s.), beginning with his official appointment as Imam over the Ummah.