Mikyalul Makarim Fee Fawaaid ad-Duaa Lil Qai’m vol. 2

65: Humbling Our Body For Imam (aj)

The believer is duty-bound to humble himself before Imam (aj) as mentioned in the tradition recorded by Ali Ibne Tawoos in his book Jamal al-Usboo. He has narrated it from Imam Sadiq (as) through his chains of narrators in the supplication of Friday. We have quoted it from the book Abwaabul Jannat Fee Aadaabul Jumuaat: “O Allah! I come to your door with a submissive heart and a humble and lowly body towards the guiding Imams. With a respectful heart, I seek Your nearness.”[^1] The Wali referred to in this prayer is Imam az-Zaman (aj).

If it is said: It is possible that Wali means Imam in every age and the perfect believer. I would say: Even though it is a remote possibility we can say that it could be such if you take into consideration that the Imam himself is the most perfect believer. And the meaning of physical humility according to what can be derived from lexicons and traditions is that one must involve his body in service of the Holy Imam (as) at the same time acknowledging ones lowliness, as you are well aware of the greatness of the Imam in comparison to you.

You also must keep in mind your lowliness in relation to the Imam and how fulfilling his right is obligatory on you; just as is the case of a slave and his master. Because the slave who understands the meaning of servitude, knows that he has to involve his body in the service of the master and along with this he never imagines that he is in any way doing a favor to his master.

Rather he is aware that if he is in any way shortcoming in his service, it would be a great and serious defect. If he is arrogant in this regard he would be considered blameworthy in the view of all sensible people. Now when such is the case of a slave who has been purchased at the cost of a few dirhams, what can be said about the one who has God given Wilayat? The Almighty Allah mentions this in His great Book as follows:

The Prophet has a greater claim on the faithful than they have on themselves. (Qur’an, Surah Ahzab 33:6)

After the Holy Prophet (S), this position is given to the Imam (as). Anyone who is conversant with the traditions of Aale Muhammad would not deny any of the points that we have mentioned above. We have refrained from quoting all such traditions as it would have unduly prolonged the discussion and we think that this much is enough for the intelligent. A poet says:

One who is conversant with the city
Knows where my goods lie.

[^1]: Jamaal al-Usboo, Pg. 230