The Principle of Education (up' Bringing)

11.2. Pious Passions

The best society in the world is one which has the cognizance of Allah, and it's members are bestowed upon with the Divine Grace of mutual help and support of each other! The Islamic society has a similar framework. Along with economic awareness, the Holy Quran has strongly emphasized on helping the poors and supporting the destitutes.

It is mentioned in Quran:-

"And in their wealth is the share for the weak and the destitutes."132

And right from the beginning we need to develop in our children the habits to help others and share their work and concerns. Safeguard them from greed, selfishness, and apprehension. Develop in them farsightedness and depth of vision and heart. They should have love and affection for all, without any bias or discrimination. Moreover, by possible means, they should be habituated to help others, so thato the journey for goodwill continues, and pious feelings keep flourish in the world! It is directed by Allah:-

________________________________________ 131.Wasail ash-Shia', Vol:4, Page:15. 132.132.Surah Az'zuria't, Verse:19.

"And what so ever has been bestowed upon you by Allah, try to built your Hereafter by it, and also do not forget to take your share of this world. And then, the way Allah has done His favour upon you, in the same, manner , you should also do favour upon his creation. Also do not intent mischief; on the face of he world, because for sure Allah does not like the mischief mongers."133

And see, what unbounded wealth, for the development of thought wisdom, has been disseminated In this glorifying statement of the Holy Prophet:-

One day the Holy Prophet was among his followers that he observed a well built youth, who was busy toiling hard, right in the morning.

On observing this, those who were sitting near the Holy Prophet commented:

"Alas! had this strength and vigour, would have been utilized in the path of Allah!" On hearing this the Holy Prophet replied.

"Do not comment so! Because if he is toiling for his own self, to free himself from the disgrace of extending his hand in front of others, and be not dependent upon 'other, then you must understand that he has worked in the way if Allah!"

"And even if he is busy, so that he may support his old parents or his still young children, and make them independent, still this toil be considered in the path of Allah!" "But, if he is just toiling that hard, to make a lot of money, and then with that excessive wealth belittle others, and boast of his grandeur over

_____________________ 133.Surah Qas'as, Verse:77

others, then all his efforts would be considered in the account of Devil."134

11.3. Justice Demanded

Till now it is already known in detail, that "the Islamic Code or Life" intends dynamism in every member of the society. It is essential for the collective interest, that everyone should be steadfast and active. From the religious view point, one finds no place for "an idle", especially in the context of the coming generation!

If a healthy and sturdy youth used to come in the Holy Prophet's (SAWAW) attendance, he would inquire from those who were present there:

"Does he do some work?"

If it would be replied in affirmative, the Holy Prophet (SAWAW) would express his delight, and if the reply would be in negation, the Prophet of Allah (SAWAW) used to turn his face away from him! 135 lmam All (ASWS) says:-

Lazy and sluggish people can never safe guard there rights from getting lost.136 Further lmam Muhammad Baqar (ASWS) says:-

Hazrat Musa (AS) questioned from Allah: "Oh Allah! Which one of your believer, you dislike most?" He was replied:

_____________________________ 134.Muhaja'-ul-Baiza', VoI:3, Page: 140 135.Bihar-ul-Anwa'r, Vol: 101, Page:9. 136.Majmua' Sheikh Warram, Vol:1, Page:59

"Who sleeps all the night, and while away his day!"137 Anyway Islam intends that the manpower never gets frozen. Every wise and study person should do something beneficial.

The Allah's deputed persons, left no stone unturned in unveiling the path of action (accomplishment)! They did all sorts of work. Bore all sorts of difficulties, and adopted all possible means for the attainment of subsistence, so that the toil of a peasant and the labour of a worker could be termed as a representation of spirit and resolution, and the dignity of labour could remain flying sky high!

Well, special care and attention is called for the selection of a profession and the location to serve. The reason being that, every person cannot perform all tasks with success and elegance. Every individual has his own style environment, heritage mental capabilities, intellectual aptitudes and personal inclinations, and the all these influencing factors have a dominal role in the success or failure in a profession or craft!

Remember, till there is no mental satisfaction and the fulfillment of desires, neither the craftsman can display perfection, nor the educatlonist attain expertise, or the manager feels contended with his task!

Therefore, it would be totally unwise, that in. quest for the satisfaction of their desires and fulfillment of their dreams, the parents during the education of their children, impair their future to a terrible degree. Meaning that, they so much load their weary ideas on them, that there Is no place left over for the tender "shoot' of personal ideas to sprout their way out!

The old and the elderly, by their love and experience, should direct their youngsters to recognize good and bad, distinguish benefit from loss, and they should certainly do so, But consequently, as the "blooming youngs' stepping into the prime of their youth, should also be given the freedom to find on their own, the solutions for their economic moans, by utilizing their newly flangled "knowledge and wisdom'.

_____________________________ 137.Safina-e-Bahah, Vol:2, Page: 624 (Zam'e Kasiat-un-Nau'm).

The location where a person gets involved in an assignment plays a pivotal role. And only at his working place, one could expect good performance. But for better efficiency, sincerity with profession and judiciousness with the delegated task, is a must!

Now, if the nature of "work" is in consistency with the temperament, then it is all fine; but if the working environment and the activities are inconsistent with the mood, then there would neither be better performance, nor could the desired results be achieved! and this is against the fundamental norms of justice and integrity!

The Last Prophet (SAWAW), has said: -

"Everyone should, at his place, continue effort and work. But remember, whomsoever is created for a task (i.e. assigned for him by nature), only in that could he perform with ease (and success)."138

Yet, in another glorious tradition, our brains are being so enlightened: -

"May Allah be gracious upon the person, whose task displays elegance and perfection."139 And the Leader of the pious (ASWS), says:-

"The person who does not fulfill his task completely remains involved in grief and sorrow."140 Moreover, at another location, he has guided us on the same topic, as:-

"A dependable, hardworking manager (worker), is also liked by Allah."141

____________________________ 138.Safina-ul-Bihar, Vol:2, Page:732 139.WasaiI ash-Shia', Vol: 13, Chapter At'tija'rah. 140.Nahaj-ul-Balagah, Commentry and footnotes by Dr. Sabht Saleh, Page:991. 141.Wasail ash-Shia', Vol:2, Chapter At'tija'rah, Farou'-e-Kafi, Vol:5, Page:113.

And in the end, we quote a saying of the seventh Guide of the genealogy of the Prophet, Hazrat lmam Musa Kazim (ASWS). The Bab-ul-Hawa'ij, says:-

The work which is beyond ones capabilities, if he intentionally tries to perform it, his efforts would go in vain and due to spoilage of work, would also loose all his expectations."142

11.4. Approach and Style

After knowing that, it is a demand of the Islamic code of life (Shari'ah), that every responsible person is duty bound to find out "the economic means" for his livelihood and for his family, and also for the fulfillment of the needs of others, and to the extent possible, to help resolve their financial difficulties. It has also been known that whatsoever type of task he may perform, he is obliged to do so, elegantly and diligently.

Moreover, it is necessary to impress upon the minds of our children, that whatsoever, profession they may adopt, or business they may choose, or service they may select, should be approved and permissible (muba'h), in the Islamic codes (shar'ah)! Because the religion has forbidden or disapproved (makruh) certain means of earnings for the maintenance of purity in thought and conscience, protection of the common interest, and due to their effect on certain psychological factors.

Therefore, if a certain field of activity is considered forbidden, then the earning drawn from it are also ill legal, along with the associated benefits derived, like wages, salary, commission, allowance, bonus, and awards etc. All are considered Suhut i.e. as forbidden (ha'ram). While mentioning the evil deeds of the Jews, the Holy Quran mentions: -

_______________________________________________________ 142. "Hayat al-Imam Musa bin Jaffer", by Baqar Sharief al-Qarashi, Vol:1, Page:276.

"They heed to lies, and eat from the forbidden stock."143

The renowned philosopher, Allama Taba'taba'i, while enumerating the words of this verse, states: All the goods earned through illegal means, is termed as "su'hut".144 And in this regards Hazrat Ali (ASWS), says:-

"The flesh developed from forbidden wealth (goods i.e. su'hut), is a part of Hell."145 Therefore, the real Guide, Hazrat Muhammad (SAWAW) wants; that every member of Ummah, should spend his life by legitimate means (ri'zq-e-hala'l), because this Allah's approved approach, would also be beneficial in the Hereafter.

The Holy Prophet (SAWAW), says:-

"That person is exceptionally lucky, whose earnings is clean and clear."146 At another instance the Grace for the Universe Holy Prophet (SAWAW), says:- "Praying is spread over seventy sections (parts). The best of all section is, the legitimate subsistence (ha'lal ri'zq). And there is a saying of Hazrat Au Murtaza (ASWS):-

"What a luck! what to say of a person, who considers himself petty (insignificant), whose income is legitimate, whose personality is "147

__________________________ 143.Surah Ma'idah, Verse:42. 144.A1-Miza'n, Vol:5, Page:341. 145.Majma'-ul-ba'yan- al-Hadith, Page: 409 146.Ta'riqh Yaqoabi, Vol:2, Page:59. 147.Tuhuf-al-Uqool Page:32. Farou-e-Kaii, Vol:5, Paga:78

pleasing, and who supports others from his savings. "148 It is quote through the pious student of Imam Jaffar Sadiq (ASWS), Abu Ba'seer that: - Sadiq-e-Ale Muhammad used to say:-

"I used to work so laboriously on my fields, that I would be quenched in sweat, from head to toe!" While enumerating this, Hazrat said:-

"So that Almighty Allah may know this reality that, "I am desirous of legitimate subsistence (ri'zq-e-ha'la-l) "149

11.5. Organization and Method

In the events of life, neither excess nor deficiency can be termed as suitable! What so ever task does one undertake, one has to work for it, while remaining with in the (prescribed) limits. For the provision of the means of subsistence, a balanced attitude is necessary. Experience show that, even quite reasonable persons, once getting settled in their business, make "earnings" as their ultimate goal! and due to this attitude, are neither able to give time to other obligation, nor could they pay heed to their other responsibilities! And ultimately get isolated from the normal life, and besides this have nothing left over for their Hereafter!

It is really nice to play a significant role in economic uplift and financial prosperity, but this does not mean that, a man turns to robot! Sadiq-e-Ale Muhammad Hazrat lmam Jaffar Sadiq (ASWS) says:

______________________________ 148.Nahaj-uI-Balagah. Commentry and footnotes by Dr. Sabhi Saleh, Page:490. `published in Beruit. 149.Wasail ash-Shia', Vol:6, Page:23. Farou'-e-Kafi, Vol:5, Page:77

"Do not strive so much that you do not find time to relax, and neither be so idle, that if you sit, it is even difficult for you to rise. Both these states are the basis of all the evils.

Remember! if one is lethargic, he can not do justice to his work, and one who, is extra ordinary swift, would even surpass the designated benchmarks, erected by "faith."150 The objective is, that the "work" should be in accordance with some standard. It may be physical labour, service, agriculture, trade, industry or art, the man has to fulfill his responsibilities in accordance with a set system and a predetermined procedure.

Another guidance from the Sixth representative of the school of Divine revelation, Hazrat Imam Jaffar Sadiq (ASWS), regarding the organization of pre-occupations and engagements is:-

In the context of work and income, on one side you are required to perform better than the lazy and idle, while on the other, you need to have a totally different attitude from that greedy person, who remains contented, even after squandering away everything on this world.151 Therefore, it is obligatory upon the parents, that right form the very start, they should teach moderation to their children. Safeguard them from greed and veracity. Adore their brains with the Islamic concepts of contentment and keep on stress upon them, that along with the economic progress, it is necessary to fulfill some other significant tasks.

In a message addressed to his obedient son, Imam Hasan (ASWS), Imam Ali (ASWS), invited the attention of the human intellect towards this reality, that for a successful life it is imminent upon a person, to draw his "time table".

Narrator (Mohad'dis) Tu'si (may Allah bestow His favour upon him). with the source of Abu Ham'za Sa'di, says:-

___________________________ Wasail ash-Shia', Vol: 2, Page: 39. Majmua'e Warram, 'Jol:1, Page:13.

While advising his elder son, he says:

"Oh son! a wise person, should constantly keep on evaluating himself, keep his tongue under control, and be aware of the event and happenings occurring around him." lmam Ali (ASWS) has specially stressed on this point that while fixing and distributing time, the following three important obligations should not only be given preference, but they are of primary importance, He says:-

"It is obligatory upon a believer (mo'min) that he should organize his "daily" routine, in such a way that he should give some specific time for "presenting his yearnings (aspirations, desires)", "prayer and supplication" In Allah's Grace; and duration of time to took after his affairs of earning and economy; and a portion of his time should be devoted for his legitimate and personal entertainments. "152

___________________________ 152.Furou-e-Kafi, VoI:5, Page:87. Al-Ama'li; Vol:1, Page:145. A1-Maha'sin lil Barqi, Page:345. Nahaj-ul-Balagha, Commentary and foot notes: Dr. Sabhi Saleh, Page:545