Trusting in Allah is the expense for achieving whatever worthwhile and the ladder toward whatever elevating.
al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.78, p.364.
Feeling Allah in every breath is more advantageous than exhausting your body in worshipping Him.
al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.78, p.364.
The believer is in need of Allah's favor, his/her inner guide, and being open to the goodwill of the well-wishers.
Ibn Shu'ba al-Harrani, Tuhaf al-'uqul, p. 457.
Visiting your friends, even for a short time, improves your health and elevates your mind.
al-Shaykh al-Mufid, Al-Amali, p.329.
Trusting someone before making sure [of his/her personality] ends up in pain and catastrophe.
al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-Anwar, vol.78, p.364.
The believer prospers in not depending on others.
al-Shaykh al-Mufid, Al-Amali, p.109.
Life reveals the hidden secrets to you, [as it goes by].
al-Shaykh al-Mufid, Al-Amali, p.365.
Know that you are constantly under Allah's supervision, so beware of yourself.
Ibn Shu'ba al-Harrani, Tuhaf al-'uqul, p. 455.
If you approve of a wrong deed, you will be considered to have a share in committing it.
al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-Anwar, vol.75, p.82.
Whoever turns to anyone other than Allah, Allah will leave his/her matters to that other person.
al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.68, p.155.
Don't pretend to be Allah's friend while being His enemy in secret.
al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.75, p.365.
If you are confused about entering a deed, you'll be desperate in coming out of it.
al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.75, p.364.
You receive affection through gaining three characteristics; being fair in your relations, sympathizing [with others] in their hardship and happiness, and keeping your heart unstained [from sins].
Baha' al-Din 'Ali b. 'Isa al-Irbili, Kashf al-ghumma fi ma'rifat al-a'imma, vol.3, p.139.
Avoid befriending a mischievous person, since he/she is like a bare blade whose look is alluring, while its impact [wound] is hideous.
al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.74, p.198.
The good that generous people do for others benefits them more than the ones in need of help since its reward, honor, and reputation belong to them. Therefore, any favor that one does first benefits him/herself. So he/she shouldn't expect to be gratified for what he/she has done.
Baha' al-Din 'Ali b. 'Isa al-Irbili, Kashf al-ghumma fi ma'rifat al-a'imma, vol.3, p.137.
The best worship is sincerity in [intention].
Warram b. Abi Firas al-Hilli, Tanbih al-khawatir wa nuzhat al-nawazir , vol.2, p.109.
When you listen to a speaker, you have turned into his/her slave (follower); if the speaker's words are directed toward Allah Almighty, the listener has glorified Allah, and if his/her words are directed toward Satan, the listener has worshipped Satan.
Muhammad ibn Ya'qub al-Kulayni, al-Kafi, vol.6, p.434.
The blessing, which is not gratified, is like a sin, which has not forgiven.
Hasan ibn Muhammad Deilami, Aalam al-din fi Sifat al-Moumenin, p.309.
The least punishment of the one who relies on a mischievous person is being deprived of his/her aspiration.
Aziz Allah, Atarodi, Mosnad Imam al-Jawad (AS), p.248.
Unwise words cause many disputes.
Sabbagh al-Maliki, Al-Fusul al-muhimma fi ma'rifat al-a'imma, p.274.
If you stay pious despite being in a chaotic situation, Allah will bestow His mercy upon you and show you a way out.
Sabbagh al-Maliki, Al-Fusul al-muhimma fi ma'rifat al-a'imma, p.274.
Death is like your sleep at night, except that the fatal sleep is longer, and you won't wake up from it until the Day of Judgement.
al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.3, p.134.
The needs are requested by hope and answered by divine will. Undoubtedly, the best blessing is well-being.
Hasan ibn Muhammad Deilami, Aalam al-din fi Sifat al-Moumenin, p.309.
The one whom Allah is his/her trustee and guardian will never go astray or get disappointed.
al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.68, p.155.
Whoever desires Allah will surely be saved.
al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.68, p.155.
Unexpected incidents and calamities will devour the one who lacks foresight.
al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.68, p.340.
Blaming people without any evidence or reason causes anger and distress, and they will never forgive you for this.
al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.71, p.181.
If you are sure about the piety, faith, and trustworthiness of your daughter's suitor, agree to his request; otherwise, it will lead to great misfortune and ruin.
Muhammad ibn Ya'qub al-Kulayni, al-Kafi, vol.5, p.347.
There will be no dispute among people if the ignorant remain silent.
al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.75, p. 81.
Whoever accepts and submits [to a task, command, etc.] without considering its different aspects, has exposed him/herself to destruction and distress.
al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.75, p. 364.
People will be dependent on the one who, by relying on Allah, considers himself independent. And the pious will naturally be favored by people even if they aren't pious themselves.
al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.75, p. 79.
Strive in gaining knowledge and wisdom, and know that learning is obligatory (Wajib) and discussing [what has been learned] is recommended (Mustahab).
al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.75, p. 80.
Knowledge is the means of helping friends and relatives, the reason for and sign of fairness, a gift and means of entertainment in gatherings, the human's companion in travel, and one's mate in lonely times.
al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.75, p. 80.
Modesty and humility are the adornments of knowledge and wisdom.
al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.75, p. 91.
Politeness and being good-natured are signs of reason and forbearance.
al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.75, p. 91.
Rely on patience in all your life, see poverty as your companion, and stand against your whims and impulses.
al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.75, p. 358.
One should perform prayer (Salat) in a modest manner.
al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.74, p. 131.
The conditions for your repentance to be accepted by Allah are feeling regret at heart, asking for forgiveness by the tongue, compensating for your mistakes, and being determined not to commit those sins again.
Baha' al-Din 'Ali b. 'Isa al-Irbili, Kashf al-ghumma fi ma'rifat al-a'imma, vol.2, p.349.
There are two kinds of knowledge; one is heard, and the other is practiced [besides being heard]. There is no use in the knowledge that is heard but not practiced.
al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.75, p. 80.
The one who does an injustice, the one who participates in it, and the one who is content with it all have a share in it.
al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.75, p. 81.
Visiting the tomb of Imam Hussain (AS) has been popular among Shiites since the time of the Shia Imams who taught Shiites that this pilgrimage plays a significant role in a Shia’s life as quoted from regard Imam Sadiq (AS) in this regard:
Do not pull back from going to Karbala for visiting the shrine of Imam Hussain (AS) out of insecurity or fear because anyone who does, will regret it so much that he wished the grave of Imam Hussain (AS) was near to him. Don’t you like to be one of those for whom the Prophet (PBUH & HP) and Imam Ali (AS) and Lady Fatimah (AS) and the Imams pray? (1)
Having a significant impact on every aspect of our lives, the Shia Imams encouraged us to fulfill this pilgrimage. such a great event which has been discussed and studied through so many aspects for example its history, its political and social impacts and so forth; but seldom have its moral effects on our personality been examined. Arbaeen pilgrimage may change our individual and social life in so many ways from which we’re going to mention some in this text.
To purify soul in Islamic culture means changing our personality in a way that we obtain so many virtues and redeem our souls from bad habits or sins. Experiencing a very spiritual and calm atmosphere during this journey, anyone can revolutionize their lives and repent from all of their sins.
Imam Sadiq (AS) said:
Should anyone leave their house in order to visit the grave of Imam Hussain (AS) Allah blesses them with a reward for each step they take if they go on foot and forgives one of their sins. (2)
Imam Hussain (AS) himself is the emblem of patience and endurance as he sacrificed all he had for the sake of Allah even his own life but he didn’t surrender to the tyrant oppressors. He and Lady Zeinab (AS) showed us how much a human can be patient facing the intolerable hardship that happen in their life. Imam Hussain (AS) even chose his companions from the most tolerant ones so that they could accompany him on his journey. For that matter, once he said to his people:
Anyone who is able to resist the sharp edges of swords and the invective of tongues can come with us and anyone who doesn’t must leave us (3)
Nowadays although Iraqi people have made it so much easier for the pilgrims, taking this trip to visit Imam Hussain’s holly shrine (AS) is still full of dangers and hardships . When the pilgrims undergo these difficulties and think about the patience that Imam Hussain (AS) and his companions had, they can practice how to be patient in their own life.
When a pilgrim puts their heart and soul into reach a certain destination which is the land of Karbala to pilgrimage Imam Hussain’’s shrine on their way they endure so many problems and difficulties, they understand what a human is verily capable of. They can find out that life isn’t just the material world that we see around us but humans are able to see something more in this life and sacrifice all they have for it. It makes people value their souls, believe in themselves and raises their more self-esteem.
The Impact of Arbaeen Pilgrimage on our Social Life
In Islamic culture, “Infaq” means helping people by giving charity, spending your time for them or even teaching others for free and stuff like that .
During Arbaeen rituals , money isn’t an important issue for the pilgrims as people’s needs are mostly provided by others in Iraq. Most of Iraqi people even save money for a year so that they can help the pilgrims during the Arbaeen rituals with food, medicine and so forth.
This enthusiasm for Infaq roots in the Islamic teachings and the messages of the Quran where says:
The parable of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is that of a grain which grows seven ears, in every ear a hundred grains. Allah enhances severalfold whomever He wishes, and Allah is all-bounteous, all-knowing. (2:261)
Also about the importance of the Arbaeen walk Imam Sadiq (AS) says:
For each coin that they spend for the sake of Imam Hussain (AS) Allah will consider it ten thousand coins and rewards them as they have spent that much and Allah will be pleased with them and the Prophet (PBUH & HP) will pray for them and Imam Ali (AS) and the Imams will do so. (4)
The holy Quran says:
Cooperate in piety and God-wariness, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression, and be wary of Allah. (5:2)
Arbaeen walk is a symbol for a society in which people with different ideas, nationalities, ethnicity colors, age groups, and religions work together to reach one common destination. The objective of all these people is the same and it’s making Allah pleased with themselves by commemorating the sacrifice of Imam Hussain (AS). People respect each other and help just for the sake of Allah.
Pilgrims in this ceremony think more about the message of Imam Hussain (AS) which was justice and fighting against tyranny, violence, and doing sins. Imam Hussain (AS) himself says:
I didn’t start this movement so that I could achieve a status among people or to please my desires. I didn’t do it to create chaos or to oppress. I started this movement so that I could make the followers of my grandfather better people; I want to enjoin others to do good works and prevent them from doing sins and I do as my grandfather and my father did. (5)
This walk helps us change ourselves and the others and understand that sitting down and watching people being in pain and oppressed is not what Allah wants us to do. We all are responsible for the circumstances in our society.
Resources
- Kamil az-Ziarat, Ibn Qulavaih, Pg.127
- The same, Pg.143
- Yanabi’ al-Mavaddah, al-Qunduzi, vol.3, Pg.62
- Kamil az-Ziarat, Ibn Qulavaih, Pg.139
- Bihar al-Anvar, Allamah al-Majlesi, vol.44, Pg.329
Imam Sadiq (AS) is the sixth Shiite Imam after his father Imam Baqir (AS). The Shiite school is mostly famous as “Jafari School” because Imam Sadiq (AS) played the most important role among the other Imams in explaining and spreading the Shiite teachings. Most of the Shiite hadiths are narrated from Imam Sadiq (AS).
Some Islamic teachings and practices are considered as the outer aspect of Islam, like praying, Hajj, Zakkat and stuff like that. These are the practices which any Muslim should do and respect but all of them have a deeper meaning and a concealed message that people mostly do not get. Sometimes people get so much used to do these practices and conduct ceremonies that they forget about the original meaning of them.
The holy Prophet (PBUH & HP) says:
O Aba-Zar! (One of the companions of the Prophet) Allah almighty doesn’t care about your faces or your wealth, but he cares about your hearts and your actions (1)
When you pray or pay your Zakkat, it must change you and teach you that praying is for getting closer to Allah and Zakkat is for helping the needy.
In this regard the holy Quran says:
Did you see him who denies the Religion? That is the one, who drives away the orphan, and does not urge the feeding of the needy. Woe to those who pray but are heedless of their prayers —who show off but deny aid. (The Holy Quran 107:1-7)
Imam Sadiq (AS) in different prayers says that if you pray but still feel pride and vanity, it will be useless for you because the Satan himself prayed for Allah for 6000 years but due to his vanity and jealousy, he couldn’t stand the greatness of Adam and tried to deceive him and Allah cursed the Satan.
Once Mufazzal ibn Umar (One of the brilliant pupils of the Imam) was sitting in the Mosque of the Prophet (PBUH & HP) in Medina. Then he saw Ibn Abi al-Ouja (one of the Atheist Philosophers) who was insulting the Prophet in the mosque and telling lies to the people saying that there is no god.
Mufazzal says that this made him so angry and he couldn’t control himself so he shouted: “O enemy of Allah! Have you become atheist and denied the God who created you?”
Ibn Abi al-Ouja replied: “If you are one of the religious scholars, I will have debate with you and if you are not, our discussion will be in vain. But if you are one of the companions of Jafar ibn Muhammad (Imam Sadiq) you must know that he wouldn’t talk to us like that and he wouldn’t have discussion with us in this way. He has heard so many more disgraceful words from us but he never has insulted us. He is so knowledgeable, patient and wise and he wouldn’t lose his control out of anger, ignorance or animosity. He always listens to us.” (2)
Imam Sadiq (AS) is famous for his numerous debates with the Sunnis, Atheists, Jews, Christians and so forth, but he would never insult them. He always would order his followers to be kind with the people.
For example about the Sunnis Imam Sadiq (AS) says:
Participate in their funerals and visit them when they are sick, and give them their rights because if a person among you is pious, honest, trustable and good-tempered, people would say “this is a follower of Jafar” and this makes me happy! (3)
Once Imam Sadiq (AS) asked one of his pupils who had gone to Basrah (a city in Iraq):
“How was the enthusiasm of the people for our message and converting to Shia?” Imam Sadiq (AS) asked.
He said: “The ones who want to listen to our message are so few. Some of them did but they are few”
Imam Sadiq (AS) said: “You must talk to the young ones, because they are more eager for finding everything good.” (4)
Imam Sadiq (AS) also says:
“Teach hadiths to your young children from their childhood before the time that others beat you in training them” (5)
Young Shias must set Imam Sadiq (AS) as a pattern for themselves and follow him. They should learn more and more so that the different people who have gone astray can’t deceive them.
Resources
- Al-Amali, Sheikh Toosi, Pg.536
- Tohid al-Mufazzal
- Kafi, Koleini, vol.2, pg.636
- Vasail ash-Shia, vol.11, pg.448
- Kafi, Koleini, vol.6, pg.47