TAZKIYA NAFS-Purifying the Soul

In the name of Allah the most Merciful Beneficent most Forgiving Mighty Wise!

TAZKIYA NAFS-Purifying the Soul.

“He indeed will be successful who purifies himself, and magnifies the name of his Lord and pray”(87:14-15) “ And the soul and Him Who made it perfect. Then He inspired it to understand what is right and what is wrong for it; He will indeed be successful who purifies it, and he will indeed fail who corrupts it.”(91:7-10) The above verses from the holy Quran-the book of wisdom and light explain the fundamentals of success and failures. In simple words success lies in purification of soul for His sake and the failure is destiny of those who make their souls corrupted and forget their Lord towards Whom we have to return very soon. The Nafs of man always incline towards base and perishing objects of desire. Its thirst never quenches , the more it drinks the material drinks of sins , the more it wants to drink. The who have spent their entire lives in the search pleasure of material objects could never be satisfied, after satiation of a desire they would want more , in this way the thirst of desires never let them arouse from their eternal sleep, they could never raise themselves above the temporal pleasures and could never understand and perceive the purity of souls and the pleasures derived from His remembrance and His affinity. The corruption of soul makes us forget Our Lord and that we have to very soon return to Him and that all our deeds will be presented before our eyes and we will be made to pay the price for our misdeeds. When we forget Him and the Last day, we further more and more on the path of our desires which takes us towards the destruction of life in this world and the next. Our Imam Ali Ibn Husain says in one of his prayers about the treacherous tendencies in our souls : “My Lord , to You I complain of a soul , commanding to evil, rushing to offenses , eager to disobey You, and exposing itself to Your anger. It takes me on the roads of disasters , it makes me the easiest of perishers before You; many its pretexts, drawn out its expectations; when evil touches it, it is anxious, when good touches it grudging; inclining to sport and diversion, full of heedlessness and inattention, it hurries me to misdeeds and makes me delay repentance…..My Lord , to You I complain of a heart that is hard, turned this way and that by tempting thoughts, clothed in rust and seal, and of an eyes too indifferent to weep in fear of You and eagerly seeking that which gladdens it..” The above Dua describes the reality of human Nafs which is always like treacherous enemy ready to deceive us and make us do sin against the commands of Our Lord. The basic cause for this is the domination of material desires on ourselves. If we could control these desires and make them confined in the bounds of Halaal and Haram of our deen , we can achieve the promised success. Our Imam Amirul Momeneen (AS) presents the way to salvation and contentment of soul in the following words: “the best riches is abandonment of desires” As human desires are unlimited and this material world makes us more and more trapped into the quagmire of desires, as a result we get more and more absorbed with this world and forget the ultimate purpose this life and birth on this earth. As the thirst for material goods has no end, we always feel short of resources to satisfy our ever-increasing desires. Our Imam says that if we control our lust for this material world and we abandon our desires we can be rich, as here being rich is not about having millions of rupees but it is about of a mental state when one feels contentment and GHANI in his heart. In the same vein his saying : “contentment is the wealth that does not diminish” explains the basic of human happiness. Tazkiya Nafs is about making our soul pure and free from the filth and dirt of Haraam desires. There are various stages of Nafs : Nafs-e-Ammara :commanding soul, the sate of the soul described in the prayer above which commands man for sins and misdeeds. Nafs-e-lawwama: self-accusing soul, this state of soul makes man repent after doing any sin. This the soul which makes him uncomfortable after any sin and compels him for Tawba. Nafs-e-Zakiya : the purified soul, this soul is pure and is not polluted by sins or evils. Nafs-e-Mutma'inna :satisfied soul, this soul is last stage of evolution of soul when one is fully satisfied with His Decree and commands, this is the highest level of soul. The purpose of Mesengers (S) of Allah has been to purify corrupted souls and make the people walk again on the path of Allah after deviation. Ayatullah Ibrahim Amini in his book on “Self Building” describes the purpose of prophet hood was to cleanse the evils in man’s moral character : ““God did confer a great favor on the believers when he sent among them an apostle from among themselves rehearsing unto them the signs of God, sanctifying them and instructing them in scripture and wisdom, while before that, they had been in manifest error.” -the Holy Quran (13: 164) Therefore, it is obvious that the subject of human education and training was of such vital importance that God-Almighty sent Divine Messengers especially for this purpose thus, conferring a great favor ul1on the believers. The individual as well as collective personality, prosperity or cruelty (of this world and Hereafter) of a human being depends upon how much efforts he had already made or is still making for self-building. It is from this consideration that self-building is regarded something of such vital importance because it determines ones eventual destiny. The Divine Messengers came to teach human beings regarding the path of self-building, nourishment, and perfection of self, as well as to accompany them as their guide and helper in this vital and determinant task. They came for cleansing and sanctifying human selves from their indecent moral characteristics and animal instincts, and bestowing upon them superior spiritual virtues. The prophets lectured human beings about the self-building program, acted as helper and knowledgeable guides in identifying the ugliness in their moral conducts, and showed them the ways and means for self-control against their selfish whims and passions. By timely issuance of warning and intimidating they succeeded in sanctifying the human selves from the moral obscenities and indecencies. They came for plantation of sapling of higher moral virtues within human souls, nurtured and protected it for its eventual blooming, and in doing so acted as guides, friends, and helpers of the people by encouraging and pursuing them towards the desired sublime' objectives. The Holy Prophet (S) has said: "I emphasize the importance of good morals for you because God-Almighty has sent me especially for this purpose.” -Bihar al-Anwar vol. 69, p-375” The human self is very much liable for training and education, if we educate ourselves and raise it above the level of animal passions we can really achieve the success and accomplish the purpose for which we have been sent in this world. The Commander of the Faithful Imam Ali (A) about the self said: “Self is like a precious jewel, whoever strives for his protection, he will help him attaining exalted positions, and whoever acted negligently in his protection he shall pull him towards humiliation." "Whoever knows the worth of his self will never allow himself to be indulging into passing worldly amusements and shameful deeds.” "Whoever discovers the nobility of self shall guard him against lowness of passions and false desires." "Whoever possesses the nobility of self will become free from Wants." The above traditions from Imam Ali(as) shows that human self has great potential and great capacities for progress and success, what is required is self-control through Islamic means and abandonment of low desires which take us to destruction. Ayotollah Amini quoting above traditions in his book says : “From the above quoted verses and narrations whose examples are frequent, it can be derived that human self is a valuable and precious jewel which should be carefully guarded protected and nourished.” Again there are another aspect of our self, it is heedlessness and waywardness. This path is the path of desires and lusts, too much indulgence and thus making us forget the Remembrance of His and the purpose of life. This path is path of darkness and ignorance leading to destruction in the both worlds. Imam 'Ali (A) said: "Self commands you continuously to indulge into evil deeds, therefore, whoever trusted his self -he will deceit him, whoever believed his self -he will destroy him; and whoever is satisfied with his self –he will lead him to face worst kind of disasters.” Our Lord says in His book of guidance : “And if they answer thee not, then know that what they follow is their lusts. And who goes farther astray than he who followeth his lust without guidance from God? Lo! God guideth not wondering folk.” -the Holy Quran (28:50) “Already have we urged unto Hell many of the Jinn and humankind, having hearts wherewith they understand not, and having eyes wherewith they see not, and having ears wherewith they hear not. These are as the cattle -nay but they are worse! These are the neglectful." -the Holy Quran (7: 179) The above tradition from Imam Ali(as) and the verses of the holy Quran talk of the people who have made fulfillment of their low desires their ultimate purpose and have forgotten the real purpose of life. The too much and unending indulgence makes us so hard that we deny the very message of Our Lord and refuse to accept all the calls of reason. The Holy Quran further says that Allah has left those in utter darkness and has sealed their hearts and hearing and sight. It because they have made their desires their god and have forgotten the Real Absolute Lord Who is Their Creator: "Hast thou seen him who maketh his desire his god, and God sendeth him astray purposely and sealeth up his hearing and his heart, and setteth on his sight a covering ? Than who will lead him after God (hath condemned him) ? Will you not then heed ?" -the Holy Quran (45: 23) The Commander of the Faithful Imam' Ali (A) said: "Whoever becomes involved into world's allurements, thus giving up his gains from his immortal life in the Next World -has indeed been cheated." "What a bad trade it is that one exchanges his self for this world instead of trading it with whatever is available with God-Almighty (in the Next- World).” -Nahjul-Balagha, sermon 32. Therefore the result of all this discussion is to heed our life, its purpose and control our low desires. Any body who is able to do will get benefits in the both world: "But as far him who feared to stand before his lord and restrained his soul from lust, Lo ! The garden will be his home." -the Holy Quran (79:40-41) Imam Ali(as) says: "Self-consciousness is one of the most profitable assets of a person." This is self-consciousnesses which shows the path, it makes us realize our mistakes, it makes us confess our sins and it makes us understand His status. But this self-consciousness is not possible without purification of soul and with out avoidance of Haraam. Our Lord has given us mental faculties to choose the way, and so now it’s our responsblity to make our self choose the right path and avoid the wrong one: “Whoso doth right, it is for his soul. and whoso doth wrong, it is against it. And afterward unto your Lord ye will be brought back.” -the Holy Quran (45:15) "And whoso doth good an atom's weight will see it then, and whoso doth evil an atom's weight will see it then.” -the Holy Quran (99:7-8) "And that man hath only that for which he maketh effort and that his effort will be seen.” -the Holy Quran (53: 39-40) "And whatever of Good ye send before (you) for your souls, ye will find it with God." -the Holy Quran (2:110) “The day when wealth and sons avail not (any man). Save him who bringeth unto God a whole heart.” -the Holy Quran (26: 88-89) The Holy Prophet (S) said .to one of his companions: “Oh Qais! You will have no other choice except to live with a companion in your grave. He is alive and you will be buried with him. If he is good and honorable, will make you honorable, and if he is low and mean, you will become low and mean as well. After that on that on the Day of Resurrection you will be associated with him and will be reprimanded. Therefore, be careful and try to select a righteous companion for yourself; because if he is righteous -you will develop affection for him. If he is corrupt be assured that all the fear and punishment inflicted upon you will be through his existence. That companion is nothing but your actions and deeds in this life." Hence, what remains are good deeds done for His sake, His pleasure. So this must be the purpose of every living soul to be conscious of what is right and what is wrong and choose the right path as this life or ours is too short and too hasty but the Hereafter is for ever and will never end, the path to success in the both worlds lies in the purification of soul: “He indeed will be successful who purifies himself, and magnifies the name of his Lord and pray”(87:14-15) Be praised the holy name of Our Merciful Lord Creator Who gave us faculties to comprehends and judge and also arranged for our guidance the system of Devine Guidance through His prophets(S)! Our Salaam and His blessings be upon our Leader and Maula our Prophet Mohammad and his chaste Ahlebait who sacrificed everything but saved the purity of His message for our guidance!

Terrorism And Its Remedy

In the name of the Allah the most Merciful Beneficent
Terrorism And Its Remedy

The scourge of terrorism has engulfed the world and made almost all of us feel its impact in our daily life. Terrorism is a black, ugly, abhorring blot on the face of humanity. The origin of terrorism is as old as the man himself. When Qabil killed Hazarat Habil unjustly, the terrorism was born. The daily killings of civilians in Iraq, Afghanistan , Kashmir and recently serial bombings in Mumbai trains make us realize more and more the urgency to eliminate this menace for ever. The shocking scenes of bombed Mumbai trains where hundreds of people wounded and about 200 killed shows the merciless , ruthless , ugly face of terrorists who know no respect for human life, no distinction between innocents and guilty. The bombings of Masjids in Iraq , Pakistan reinforce the fact that these terrorists do not subscribe to any religious faiths. The daily killings of defenseless Palestinians , their homes are bombed at night when they are sleeping and they along with their women and children are made targets of powerful bombs dropped from air by Israel, their children lying in the pools of their innocent blood and their home changed into their graves—the credit of all this goes to them who are known as champions of democracy and human rights, they are behind every hidden or open face of terrorism, they are at the root of every evil form of terrorism. In the present scenario it has become like a cancer in the body of humanity. Terrorism has been defined by many in many in various ways: Ayatullah Shaykh Muhammad 'Ali Taskhiri , Director of the International Relations Department of the I.P.O., at the International Conference on Terrorism called by the Organization of the Islamic Conference, Geneva, from June 22-26, 1987, defines terrorism as: “Terrorism is an act carried out to achieve an inhuman and corrupt (mufsid) objective, and involving threat to security of any kind, and violation of rights acknowledged by religion and mankind.” According to Wikipedia: “Terrorism refers to a strategy of using violence, or threat of violence to generate fear, cause disruption, and ultimately, to bring about compliance with specific political, religious, ideological, or personal demands. The targets of terrorist attacks typically are not the individuals who are killed, injured, or taken hostage, but rather the societies to which these individuals belong. Terrorism is a type of unconventional warfare designed to weaken or supplant existing political landscapes through capitulation or acquiescence, as opposed to subversion or direct military action.” According to RAND-MIPT(National Memorial Institute for the Prevention of Terrorism, USA),:” Terrorism is the use of violence or the threat of violence, calculated to create an atmosphere of fear and alarm. These acts are designed to coerce others into action that they would not otherwise take. Terrorist acts are considered crimes that may also fall under violations of the rules of war in cases where a state is involved. While the ultimate targets of terrorists are usually governments, terrorist violence is generally directed at civilians as part of an aim to produce maximum sensational publicity. Such shock is generated with the expectation that terrorist acts will yield effects beyond the immediate physical damage of the action and will have long-term psychological consequences on the target audience. The fear created by terrorists has the added effect of causing publics to exaggerate the strength of terrorists and the importance of their cause, provoke extreme government reaction, discourage dissent, or merely intimidate to the extent of forcing compliance with their demands. In contrast to perpetrators of common crimes, terrorists often claim responsibility for their actions.” Many working groups have been formed , comprising members from different countries, to examine the terrorism more closely and precisely, its pscychological, political , social and economic , religious and cultural aspects and dynamics. Interested readers may refer to “International summit On Democracy , Terrorism and Security , 8-11 March 2005, Madrid” . But understanding the nature and causes of terrorism is as difficult as coining a general system of political and social laws for the entire world. Every country tries to define the idea in its own respect with having in mind its own interests. One country may regard a group as terrorist while other may consider them to be compainers. Every act of violence cannot regarded as terrorism as we must need to distinguish between just or unjust cause of violence. Until and unless we take into consideration the motive and objective of the perpetrators of violence we can not reach any final conclusion about its being an terrorist act or not. So the best difinition of terrorism is that of Ayatullah Shaykh Muhammad 'Ali Taskhiri given above which takes into consideration the basic objective for the act of violence and regards unjust , corrupt and inhuman act of violence as terrorism. UNO On Terrorism: The CHAPTER VII “ACTION WITH RESPECT TO THREATS TO THE PEACE, BREACHES OF THE PEACE, AND ACTS OF AGGRESSION” from article 39 to 51 discusses the violent aggression and suggestions for actions. UNO through its various agencies and affiliated organizations has tried to curb and mitigate the threat of terrorism. Thirteen universal instruments have been developed and adopted at the United Nations that have criminalized specific acts of terrorism including hijacking, hostage-taking and nuclear terrorism. Together with the Security Council resolutions 1267 (1999), 1373 (2001), 1540 (2004), 1566 (2004) and 1624 (2005), those conventions provide a legal framework for multilateral actions against terrorism. The Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate has received more than 630 reports from Member States on the implementation of Security Council resolution 1373 (2001); identified the technical assistance needs of 90 Member States and conducted numerous field visits; and created a Directory of Assistance on standards, practices and sources of counter-terrorism assistance. UNO has tried to block the funding of the terrorist organizations. Under the Al-Qaida and Taliban sanctions regime, 34 States have frozen at least $93.4 million in assets as of January 2006 of individuals and groups whose names appear on the consolidated list of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1267 (1999). The Counter-Terrorism Committee and the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate have assessed the relevant financial legislation of all 191 Member States and provided recommendations for improvements. Besides many measures have been taken to denying chemical warfare, transport facility etc to terrorists to minimize their influence. Under the title “Measures to Eliminate International Terrorism” the report of Sixth Committee discusses the concept of terrorism and tries to differentiate it from the armed struggle being waged for national liberation. 2005 World Summit Outcome laid emphasis on UNO’s role in combating terrorism, it stressed a need for comprehensive convention on terrorism , it called upon States to refrain from organizing, financing, encouraging, providing training for or otherwise supporting terrorist activities and to take appropriate measures to ensure that their territories are not used for such activities , besides it supported the aid for terrorism victims and it encouraged Security Council to consider ways to strengthen its monitoring and enforcement role in counter-terrorism, including by consolidating State reporting requirements, taking into account and respecting the different mandates of its counter-terrorism subsidiary bodies. A Critique of UNO Efforts on Terrorism: Despite all that said above UNO as a guarantor of global peace for all has fully failed. Bosnia, Palestine , Afghanistan , Iraq , Chechnya and now Lebanon are living examples where UNO has just remained as a mute spectator while the innocents were being mercilessly killed. In today’s world scenario the UNO has lost its relevance as guarantor of world peace rather it has just become the puppet of so called big powers. Many and many innocents Palestinians are killed daily by Israel while UN remains silent. In ongoing Lebanon war UNO called for immediate ceasefire only when its mission was targeted by rouge Israel killing four persons. State Sponsored Terrorism: The state sponsored terrorism is witnessed when a state as an instrument of its foreign policy harbors terrorism towards other states or individuals. Under such conditions the state does not show any regard or respect for any humanitarian values and laws. It goes on with its offensive irrespective of the fact that its victims are helpless, innocent people unable to save themselves against such ruthless aggression. USA and Israel both have been frontrunner in the lists of state sponsors of terrorism. USA can justly be regarded as “mother of international terrorism” as it has since long supported occupation of foreign lands by rouge regimes , it has been author of circumstances leading to oppression and subjugation of people , it has supported great oppressor dictatorial regimes to realize its narrow , sinful goals, its infamous prisons (Abu Ghraib , Guantanamo Bay etc) are the places where unimaginable inhuman crimes are done against the other human beings. Israel since its inception has been state sponsor of terrorism. Rather the origin and creation of Israel is itself based upon terrorism denying the original inhabitants of the region their rights and killing them and plundering their land and property. Israel since its illegitimate birth has wrecked worst crimes on the innocents. Israel has no respect for human rights, no respect for international conventions and humanitarian laws , no respect for any call to reason , it knows and speaks only one language and that’s the language of ruthless , barbaric violence against defenseless innocents. Israel is the biggest and ugliest state terrorist. Since 2000 it has martyred about 5000 Palestinians. In ongoing Lebanon war it has once again shown its true face-the visage of extreme disregard and indifference for any human values. So much so that UNO observer has accused Israel of violating humanitarian laws and UNO has called for immediate ceasefire after its mission was attacked by Israel. As the state of Israel has been illegitimately imposed upon the legitimate residents of the Palestine and Palestinians have been made to suffer the most inhuman crimes by this most cruel Zionist regime , the only solution to the problem is as Imam Khomeini enunciated that “Israel should be wiped of the map of the world.” Islamic View About Terrorism : Islam staunchly proscribes the killing of innocent's even during the war time. There is no place for terrorism in Islam. The holy Quran has severally criticized those who shed the innocents blood and make mischief in the earth. Islam the universal message of peace and brotherhood based upon the strong platform of Tauheed or monotheism makes respect for rights of others and avoidance of unjust bloodshed obligatory on its followers. The Glorious Quran declares : “…..whoever slays a soul , unless it be for the manslaughter or for mischief in the land, it is as though he slew all men; and whoever keeps it alive, it is as though he kept alive all men….”(Holy Quran, 5:32) Here no distinction is made , all the souls are to be protected except those of criminals and oppressors making mischief and killing innocents. Islam attaches so much importance to human life that killing one soul unjustly is like killing the entire humanity and saving one soul is like saving all men. At another place in Glorious Quran , Allah the Just and Wise says: “And do not kill anyone whom Allah has forbidden, except for a just cause , and whoever is slain unjustly , We have indeed given his heir authority , so let him not exceed the just limits in slaying; surely he is aided.”(17:33) “And if you take your turn, then retaliate with the like of that with which you were afflicted; but if you are patient, it will certainly be best for those who are patient”(16:126) In the above verses killing a soul has been forbidden except for a just cause, retaliation has been allowed with the conditions that the limits should not be transgressed. Islam takes so much care that in retaliation too one is not permitted to exceed limits , one at best can afflict other like the he himself was afflicted as the verses says “like of that with which you were afflicted”. It is a great pity and profoundly appalling that some terrorist organizations like Al Qaida , Sipahe Sahaba etc call themselves Muslims and have been cause of blackening Islam’s name with their black deeds of terror. In Iraq, Afghanistan and at other places we see Al Qaida’s ugly dance of killing innocents. Thousands of people have been killed in Iraq and still the slaughter of innocents is going on there, behind all these crimes the criminal hands of US , Israel and Al Qaida can be traced. The holy Quran says about those who kill innocents and spread corruption in the land: “This is the recompense of those who fight against God and His Messenger, and spread corruption in the land. they shall be put to death, or crucified, or have their hands and feet cut off on alternate sides, or be banished from the land. That is a degradation for them in this world; and in the next awaits them a mighty chastisement” (5:33) As may be noticed, the verse mentions the subject and the purpose, namely war against society and spreading of corruption in the land. It has also mentioned the severe punishment to be dealt out to the perpetrators, which points to Islam's concern for the subject. Furthermore, we have the requirements of the Islamic ethical system which consists of concepts unknown to positive law yet are deeply-rooted in this system. Lying may, for instance, reach the degree of a major sin and so may calumny. We thus find that Islam seeks earnestly to protect all kinds of true human freedoms, and to defend the dignity of the individual and society, as well as the cohesion of society and integrity of the family, considering any attack on them to be an atrocious crime liable to the sternest punishment which may go as far as execution, crucifixion and the like. Islam upholds the principle of personal responsibility and considers any attack on innocent people as a major crime. It focuses on the defense of the weak, the humble and the oppressed and enjoins jihad for their protection: “And why should you not fight for the cause of Allah, and for the helpless old men and women.... “(4:75) The Muslim is required to always stand up for the oppressed until they get their rights. Imam 'Ali (A) gave this advice to his two sons: “Be opponents of the oppressor and defenders of the oppressed.” He(as) also said: “To me the lowly are noble until I get their rights for them, and the powerful are weak until I get such rights from them.” Solution: Islam solves the problem from its very origin. It does not let develop a society in which terrorism could take birth. It has solution for all causes of terrorism through its panacea : Tauheed. The solution of terrorism like that of all other evils lies in complete submission before Him and acceptance of Tauheed as the right worldview and way of life. The terrorism is said to be based on many causes which comprise of economics , social , political etc. The Tauheed is Islamic remedy for all ailments. The economic exploitation, social and political discrimination , racial and ethnic apartheid all such evils are addressed by Tauheed from the very grassroots level. Tauheed is conducive to universal brotherhood , equality of opportunities , growth and development with social justice , and an environment for man’s complete spiritual and material development. So Tauheed erases all the causes which can lead a community to adopt the terrorist means to achieve its objectives. It lays a strong foundation of a society which is free from all ailments and all false parameters of high and low ranks , it recognizes only one parameter and that is the parameter of TAQWA or guarding against evil. Now the question can be raised about some terrorists like Al Qaida who declare themselves as Muslim. For such people , they need to understand the true message of Islam which is peace for all, they need to think over the legacy of Prophet(saw) preached and propagated by his Ahlebait(as), they need to see at Karbala where the enemies left no means of oppression to be adopted and extent of oppression to be transgressed but still Imam Husain(as)’s steadfastness could not be affected. It gives a great lesson that the Islam does not allow atrocities on enemies even during the war.

The Great Philosophy and Effects of Hajj

The Great Philosophy and Effects of Hajj
In the name of Allah the most Merciful Beneficent
Hajj is the life and blood of the concept of Tauheed. Hajj is the most vivid manifestation of belief in Tauheed. Hajj is the open and defying negation of all false gods. Hajj is refutation of all false parameters of greatness made and maintained by ignorance and arrogance. Hajj is the most evident and effective lesson of equality and brotherhood to mankind. Hajj is the foundation stone of unity in one belief and faith in One God. Hajj destroys racism, murders casteism, eradicates regionalism, eliminates nationalism, and systematically annihilates polytheism from the minds of worshipers gathered in His house, under His watch to submit before His will. Hajj is the most complete worship-ABADAT and most comprehensive act of submission before the Lord of worlds. Hajj is hope for humanity wounded by materialism and robbed by polytheism. Hajj disciplines man, teaches him Tauheed, purifies his soul, makes him unite with other fellow believers with out arrogance, prepares him for death, ushers in him the feeling of humbleness, and most importantly makes him a true believer in Him. Imam Ali (AS) says: “Allah has made obligatory upon you…the pilgrimage (Hajj), for it consolidates the faith” It would be most appropriate to quote Imam Khomeini (RA)’s statement at this place describing the philosophy of rites performed during Hajj: “While repeating “LABBEYK” say “NO” to all idols and cry out “NO” to all the princes of the devils and the prince kins of the devils; and while circumambulating Allah’s sanctuary which denotes your love to Allah, disengage your hearts from the rest, and purge your soul from phobia other than Allah, and along with your love to Allah, divulge your hatred of the little and big idols and the devils and their affiliates, as the Exalted Allah and His friends have expressed hatred of them, and all the liberated people of the world do hate them. And while touching the “Black Stone”, pledge to Allah to turn into an enemy against the enemies of Allah, His Messengers, the liberated and pious men and never yield to them, no matter who and where they might be, and wipe away phobia and inferiority from your hearts, for Allah’s enemies and above them all, the arch Satan, are themselves helpless, though being superior in committing homicide and suppression and the implementation of crimes. While perambulating between Safa and Marva, try, with all sincerity and righteousness to acquire the Beloved, as, by acquiring Him, all the worldly woven webs shall be ruptured and all the doubts and mistrusts collapsed, all the carnal aspirations and desires expired, all the material bonds turn up and liberalities flourished and all the ties and attachments to the Devil and the despot will be detached. Proceed to Mash’arel-Haram and Arafat with state of cognition and gnosis, and at each station add on your confidence in Allah’s promises of realization of the dominion of the deprived, and silently and serenely meditate on divine signs, determine to save the deprived and the dispossessed, from the grips of the world’s arrogant and pray to Al-mighty Allah, at these noble stations, to open up deliverance for all. Then proceed to Mina and perceive the righteous wishes, i.e. scarifying your most beloved thing for the Absolute Beloved’s sake, and know that unless you abandon these beloved things, above which, stands your self-love -- and worldliness is subject to it – you cannot gain accession to the Absolute Beloved. It is at this state that you must repel the devil and make him retreat. Observing divine decrees, repeat the act of repelling the devil and the devil kins and make them all retreat.” Social Philosophy of Hajj Hajj is the symbol of unity and universality. Of all rites of Islam Hajj is the greatest in manifestation of unity and Tauheed. This is because the concept of unity, as expressed in criterion, essentially involves the ideas of universality. Just as God, the One, is eternal, ubiquitous, and the sustaining Creator of mankind, His last word and final religion must rightfully be universal. Hence, Islam –the universal religion – is for all times, all places, and for all peoples. Hajj clearly portrays this truth and the Kaaba its focal point, symbolizes the same. إِنَّ أَوَّلَ بَيْتٍ وُضِعَ لِلنَّاسِ لَلَّذِي بِبَكَّةَ مُبَارَكاً وَهُدًى لِلْعَالَمِينَ فِيهِ آيَاتٌ بَيِّنَاتٌ مَقَامُ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَمَنْ دَخَلَهُ كَانَ آمِناً وَلِلَّهِ عَلَى النَّاسِ حِجُّ الْبَيْتِ مَنْ اسْتَطَاعَ إِلَيْهِ سَبِيلاً وَمَنْ كَفَرَ فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ غَنِيٌّ عَنْ الْعَالَمِينَ “Indeed the first house to be set up for mankind is the one at Bakkah, blessed and a guidance for all nations. In it are, manifest signs [and] Abraham’s Station, and whoever enters it shall be secure. And it is the duty of mankind toward God to make pilgrimage to the House - for those who can afford the journey to it - and should anyone renege [on his obligation], God is indeed without need of the creatures. (The holy Quran 03:96-97)” The word “Bakkah” means the place of confluence and congregation of throngs and it refers to the ground upon which the Ka’bah is built. God says that in the structure there was the first house to be set up for mankind and hence is as old as man himself. It is also the last point of convergence that man will have available to rally around during his spiritual epic and sojourn on this planet. Imam J’afar al-Sadiq (AS) said: “Religion will withstand so long as the Ka’bah stands” Islam is for all places. This is graphically symbolized in the Hajj by the influx of people from all different places on the earth towards Makkah. وَإِذْ بَوَّأْنَا لإِبْرَاهِيمَ مَكَانَ الْبَيْتِ أَنْ لا تُشْرِكْ بِي شَيْئاً وَطَهِّرْ بَيْتِي لِلطَّائِفِينَ وَالْقَائِمِينَ وَالرُّكَّعِ السُّجُودِ وَأَذِّنْ فِي النَّاسِ بِالْحَجِّ يَأْتُوكَ رِجَالاً وَعَلَى كُلِّ ضَامِرٍ يَأْتِينَ مِنْ كُلِّ فَجٍّ عَمِيقٍ “When We settled for Abraham the site of the House [saying], Do not ascribe any partners to Me, and purify My House for those who go around it, and those who stand [in it for prayer], and those who bow and prostrate. And proclaim the hajj to people: they shall come to you on foot and on every lean camel, coming from every remote path, that they may witness advantages for them and mention the Name of Allah during stated days (The holy Quran 22:26-27)” According to scholars the word ‘advantages’ includes all virtues, both physically and spiritually, of the world and the Hereafter. The great assembly of Muslim nations in a single forum is like a sea coming into existence as a result of joining of small and big rivers. As all Muslims believe on One God and acknowledge the prophethood of Mohammad (SAWA) it gives them unanimity and unity of opinion and a single rank, all facing Kiblah and go around the center with the single aim. This unity of ideology and act gives so much power that it can remove mountains, defeat the most formidable opposition powers, foil any treacherous plot, and generate a life full of happiness, dignity and supremacy by performing heavenly injunctions and consolidating the pillars of social justice. Hajj - Foundation of unity: The problems of life can be solved by social cooperation, which is dependent on the understanding among nations. The holy Prophet (SAW) said in the farewell Hajj on the mount Arafat: “O people, surely your Lord is One, the father of all of you is one, you all come from Adam and Adam from the earth. (Surely the most honorable of you with Allah is the one among you most careful of his duty) Arab has no advantage over non-Arab except for piety.” Also during the same Hajj at the Mina holy Prophet (SAW) said: “Believers are brethren. Their blood has equal value. They are a single hand and power against others. The promise of each of them is like that of all, hence binding.” The most important thing to do is to understand the true teachings of religion, which unite men and bridge the gaps between hearts. Islam recognizes only one standard of greatness and that is piety. All are equal as all have been born by a single father and mother and have been created by a single creator the only parameter of distinction is piety. And Hajj is the most vivid manifestation and lesson of this equality. All dressed in similar kind of clothes, all bowing before One Lord, all in the search of one Beloved, all seeking one Destination, all acknowledging One Power and all denying all false gods. جَعَلَ اللَّهُ الْكَعْبَةَ الْبَيْتَ الْحَرَامَ قِيَاماً لِلنَّاسِ وَالشَّهْرَ الْحَرَامَ وَالْهَدْيَ وَالْقَلائِدَ ذَلِكَ لِتَعْلَمُوا أَنَّ اللَّهَ يَعْلَمُ مَا فِي السَّمَوَاتِ وَمَا فِي الأَرْضِ وَأَنَّ اللَّهَ بِكُلِّ شَيْءٍ عَلِيمٌ “Allah has made the Kaaba, the sacred house, a maintenance for the people, and the sacred month and the offerings and the sacrificial animals with garlands; this is that you may know that Allah knows whatever is in the heavens and whatever is in the earth, and that Allah is the Knower of all things. (The Holy Quran, 05:97)” The Kabba or Scared House guarantees the survival of Ummah. It is a shelter for oppressed and a source of tranquility for those who are in a state of panic. The Khiblah is the direction in which animals are slaughtered, prayers offered and dead buried. All such deeds are acceptable when they are done facing Khiblah. Besides even in the remotest place from the Kabba Muslims avoid to ease nature with their face or back towards it. Allah has granted Kabba the high respect and honour as He is aware with the fact that human society needs a center full of respect and holiness for its unity and survival. Humans need a sanctuary or a forum where all people can join hands and solve their problems, and hence Allah the Al-Knowing Wise Lord has made Kabba as our center. Therefore the Kabba is the unity point of Muslims. Kabba - A Sanctuary for Peace: Our Lord further says: وَإِذْ جَعَلْنَا الْبَيْتَ مَثَابَةً لِلنَّاسِ وَأَمْناً ... “And when We made the House a pilgrimage for men and a (place of) security. (The Holy Quran, 02:125)” Human society is full of violations, conflicts, and different kinds of disputes. These problems arise due to different factors like ego, oppression, racism, casteism, nationalism, male chaunism, feminism etc. There are so many wars and conflicts at international level. An effort was made to resolve the issues of conflict and wars by forming UNO, but as we have witnessed that UN has failed miserably, and in fact it was destined to fail as it was founded upon inequality and oppression. UN speaks the language of might is right. VETO powers have made mockery of all democratic values, though they never tire of talking democracy. Allah Our Merciful Lord appointed Kabba as our forum where we all can assemble and feel at home with surety that no harm or oppression would be done to any creature of Allah. Kabba is security place for all human beings against the fear of oppression and injustice. Allah has made Kabba so sacred, as discussed above, that even in the remotest place of the earth Muslims show respect towards it and also so secure and a place full of justice that all differences of wealth, might, race, caste etc are made nullified by making all wear same clothes of same type, making all respect all creatures of Allah, making all follow the same course, and making all suffer or enjoy equally. So kabba is a place where the poor do not feel low before any wealthy except Allah, the weak do not bow out of fear before any might except that of Allah, all are equal here. So this is the most suitable place for resolution of all decisions concerning human society. Imam Khomeini (RA) says in his message: “No personality, tribe or government enjoys the privilege of priority in it. Desert dwellers, rustic people and the homeless are considered equal in status, to the city dwellers, the statesmen or to those secluded in Kaaba. This dignified house belongs to peoples and is appropriated for peoples’ uprisings and movements and for public benefits” and also at another place “…it is necessary to heed one of the major reasons for this tremendous congregation and look into the social and political conditions of the Islamic countries, learn about the entanglements of the coreligionists and to take efforts to help eliminate their problems, as much as one’s Islamic and moral duties require him to do. Diligence in the Muslims’ affairs is an important Islamic obligation.” Kabba - The Emblem of Islam: In traditions, holy Kaaba has been regarded as the emblem of Islam, Imam Ali (AS) says: “Allah the Glorified has made it (the Sacred House) an emblem for Islam” The Hajj pilgrimage represents the essence and spirit of Islam. Allah has made the Kaaba an emblem for Islam so that those who err in recognizing the truth of this religion and its deductive programs reflect on the Hajj rites and its spiritual effects on Muslims and find, the true nature of Islam-the religion of pure sincerity, away from polytheism and what is ungodly. Hajj reflects the essence of Islam: equality, no discrimination on the basis of colour, race, caste, wealth or might, complete devotion towards Him, self-sacrifice etc. Hajj - Solution of Poverty & Social Disobedience: Imam Ali (AS) says: “Hajj and Umrah remove poverty and cleanse sins.” Hajj brings about prosperity and piousness for Muslims making them independent and strong socially and economically. Hajj makes Muslims affairs independent of others’ assistance and create a society which is unpolluted by filth of sins. On the other hand traditions declare that forsaking of Hajj will lead to punishment and lack of respite: Imam Sadiq (AS) says: “If people quit Hajj, they will be given no respite from punishment” Imam Ali (AS) says addressing to Imam Hasan (AS) and Imam Hussain (AS): “(Fear) Allah (and) keep Allah in mind in the matter of your Lord’s House; the Kabba. Do not forsake it so long as you live, because if it is abandoned, you will not be respited.” So forsaking Hajj is a cause for disasters and punishments. Spiritual Philosophy Of Hajj The external acts of Hajj symbolize the spiritual stages of the prophets and Imams. Hajj is the display of spiritual journey of the devotees and the stages of servitude. The essence of worship is journey towards Allah, and the external acts of Hajj devoid of presence of the heart, are not considered as worship. The holy Prophet (SAW) said: “The daily prayer, Hajj, circumambulation, and other rites are aimed at remembering Allah. But when there is no remembrance of Him in your heart, what value will your oral remembrance have?” The spiritual path or the spiritual enlightenment is reflected by the physical changes in the acts of the person. The effect and objective of Hajj and all forms of worship is the seeking of His pleasure and nearness. The result is increased love for Him, increased feeling of affinity with Him. Feeling love for Him is the litmus paper test of FAITH. Allah says to Holy Prophet (SAW) on the Miraaj: “Whoever tries to win My presence, I will commit him to three characteristics; I will acquaint him with an approach of gratitude that is free from ignorance, a form of (continuous) remembrance of Me that is free from oblivion, and a kind of love with which he will never prefer the love for any creature to Mine. When he loves Me, I will love him and open the eyes of his heart to My glory, making him so intimate to Me and I will confide him with supplication to Me in the hearts of nights and daylight to the degree that he will stop speaking and associating with people. I, too, will make him hear My own words and those of the angels and reveal to him the invisible facts that I hide from My creatures. I will garb him with the uniform of pudency (modesty) that all My creatures will act modestly towards him. He will walk on the earth guiltlessly, I will cause his heart to be cognizant and discerning, and he will be acquainted with all affairs of Paradise and Hell. I will reveal to him the hardships of the Day of Judgment, including the way, how I will settle accounts with the rich, poor, ignorant and scholars. I will light up his grave, ask Munkar and Nakeer - the two angels in the charge of the interrogation in graves to interrogate him, he will neither experience the agony of death nor the darkness of the grave until the Balance -of his deeds-will be deposited for him and the registry of his deeds- will be opened and the book of his deeds will be finally put into his right hand and he will read it peacefully and there will be no interpreter between Me and him. These are the characteristics of lovers of Allah.” Worship is the journey of the soul and a continued spiritual life in divine light. Since there is unity and interaction between man’s body and soul, the journey of the spirit will be naturally manifested in body, and physical acts in prayer too will influence the soul’s spiritual life. The external feature of the Hajj rites represents spiritual journey of a perfect man who has gone through different stages of servitude, detached from worldly ties and ornaments, and rescued from darkness and entered into the illuminated kingdom of Allah. Therefore, a true Hajj is evolution in soul. It is not a plaything or entertainment as some ignorant people think, for their performance is more like a game than worship. Malik ibn Anas says: One year, I accompanied Imam Sadiq (AS) in the Hajj pilgrimage. Being on the back of his horse and in the state of Ihram, the Imam (AS) was trying to utter ‘Labbayk’ but his voice struck in his throat. He therefore rode off his horse. I said: “O son of the messenger of Allah! Say ‘Labbayk’, you have to say it” He (A.S.) replied: “O son of Abi-Amir, how dare I say it? I fear that Allah will not answer me nor let me in.” The Imams’ sayings act was warning to the ignorant ones that Hajj is the journey of soul, not distance. If a man’s soul gets into the state of Ihram, reaches the House of Allah, touches the Black Stone with the hand of heart, stays on Mount Arafat with full heart, stops in al-Mash’ar al-Haram with full soul, sacrifices the sheep of carnal desires with knife of certitude and submission of (to the Lord), he has performed a true Hajj. The purpose of Hajj is purification of soul and refinement of Faith. The rites of Hajj are particularly not appealing to human mood, stay in open, bare foot walk, throwing of stones at Satan, facing sun and cold of night, and many other such rites which do not appeal so much to man, but the purpose behind all such rites is to make man humble and submit in entirety before His Lord. Imam Ali (AS) in Nahjul Balagha says: “Do you not see the Allah, the Glorified, has tried all the people among those who came before, beginning with Adam up to the last ones in this world with stones which yield neither benefit nor harm nor see nor hear. He made those stones into His sacred house, which He made a standby for the people. He placed it in the most rugged stony part of the earth and on a highland with least soil thereon, among the narrowest valleys between rough mountains, soft sandy plains, springs of scanty water, and scattered habitants, where neither camels nor horses, nor cows and sheep can prosper… If Allah the Glorified, had placed His Scared House and His great signs among plantations, streams, soft and level points, plenty of trees, and abundance of fruits, a thick population, close habitats, golden wheat, lush gardens green land, watered plains, thriving orchards, and crowded streets, the amount of recompense would have been decreased because of the lightness of the trial. If the foundation on which the House is borne and the stones with which it has been raised had been of green emerald and red rubies, and there had been brightness and effulgence, then this would have lessoned the action of doubts in the breasts, would have dismissed the effect of Satan’s activity from the hearts, and would have stopped the surging of misgivings by means of different troubles, wants them to render worship through hardships and involves them in distress, all in order to extract out vanity from their hearts, to settle down humbleness in their spirits , and to make all this an open door for His favours and an easy means for His forgiveness (for their sins).” The Hajj has deep and wonderful influence on spiritual life of Hajjis. It gives them a new life and a new direction; most of the Hajjis when return back after completing the Hajj they are full of determination. Now we must take care that once after doing determination we should not return to sins. Political Philosophy of Hajj Hajj is a grand international assembly and forum of Muslims. It has great political aspects. This is the season and right place for protest against the oppressors and arrogant of the world. This is the place where big haughty superpowers should be made to know that Muslims are no one’s servants except the Almighty Allah. In the words of Imam Khomeini (RA): “Regrettably, many Muslims, have become oblivious of the political dimension of this exalted worship, due to their own deviation, or, misunderstanding of some individuals or conspiracies by some self-seeking functionaries.” Also at another place: “The Hajj obligation which entails saying LABBEYK to Allah and departure from the ego towards the Supreme Being, by the blessed guidance of Abraham and Muhammad (SAW), in fact this is a station for negation of all idols and the tyrants of the time, and the devils and the devil breed, but which idol is graver than the archenemy, the plunderer America…” Indoctrinations and Enlightenments During Hajj: Hajj is time for indoctrinations and enlightenments of Muslims. Muslims coming from such far places must be made aware with the conspiracies and malicious designs being undertaken against Islam and Muslims by the big powers. Hajj - Focus of Strife Against Worlds’ Arrogant: At this sacred place the Tyranny must be opposed and struggle of Muslims against the arrogant super powers must be brought into focus. Imam Khomeini: “Sacrifice yourselves and your dear ones in order to enact and promote Allah’s religion and divine justice. He taught us all, that Mecca and Mina are alters of the attached devotees, and the sites for promoting monotheism and negating polytheism, as, attachment to one’s life and dear ones, is also counted polytheism.” The Disgust at the Pagans: Hajj the biggest manifestation of Tauheed must be an occasion for displaying hatred and disgust at the Pagans. Imam Khomeini: “Airing disgust at the pagans, being a pillar of monotheism and political necessity of Hajj, must be performed with as much grandeur and dignity as possible.”

Duas and the Salvation

In the name of Allah the most Merciful Beneficent, the Lord of might and grace Who hears and grants the supplications of His servants!

Duas and the Salvation

“And when My servants ask you concerning Me, then surely I am very near; I answer the prayer of the suppliant when he calls on Me, so they should answer My call and believe in Me that they may walk in the right way.” (The Glorious Quran: 2:186) “The supplication is weapon of the man of faith , the centre pole of religion , and the light of the heavens and the earth : the holy Prophet (peace be upon him and his chaste Ahlebait)” The above statement of the holy Prophet(S.A.W) makes the indispensable role of supplications comes to fore in a Muslim’s life. Supplication is weapon of the man of faith because a Muslim’s strength lies in assistance from His Merciful Creator Lord Allah, this is through supplication that he establishes connections with Him and as a result receives His favours and assistance in times of hardships and sees the path clearly without difficulty. According to traditions belonging to Prophet(SAW) supplications can avert the Devine Decree. Supplicating or calling upon Allah is to address Him with one’s praise, thanksgiving, hopes , and needs. For the true Muslims aware with significance of Tawheed and conscious of His mercy and might, supplication is intimate expression of Tawheed or the ‘profession of Allah’s Unity’ which shape their sensibilities , emotions , thoughts , and concepts. For those who devote themselves for the worship supplication is the flesh and blood of imagination. It keeps our inner selves alive and hopeful and our hearts replete with the pleasure felt in affinity with Him. The Human Nature and His Mercy and Forgiveness: A common human being is prone to doing sins and when we do sins we make Our Merciful Lord turn from us and in this way a distance is formed between us and Our Lord. Sins take us away from Him, from the Lord Who has made mercy incumbent on Himself, to the path of destruction and waywardness. If He did not respond to our pleas for forgiveness and mercy on us, we would further on the path of destruction. Our base desires make us rebellion when we follow them and make us neglect His commands which are for our own benefits. Our Imam Ali ibn Husain,Zainul Abedeen (AS) says in one of his prayer : “ O Allah ! to Thee I complain of a soul commanding to evil, rushing to offences, eager to disobey Thee, and exposing itself to Thy anger. It takes me on the roads of disasters….many its pretexts, drawn out its expectations, when evil touches it, it is anxious, when good touches it, grudging, inclining to sport and diversion, full of heedlessness and inattention, it hurries me to misdeeds and makes me delay repentance..”. Here our Imam describes the treacherous nature of human base desires which commands us to do evil and rebellion. But the Merciful Lord has left His gates always open for His servants to return through Tauba. He does not hurry to punish. The most Merciful Forgiving Lord assures His servants in His Book :“Say: O my servants! Who have acted extravagantly against their own souls, do not despair of the mercy of Allah; surely Allah forgives the faults altogether; surely He is the Forgiving , the Merciful”(39:53) Therefore , we observe that Dua has the power to make us get closer to our Lord again after being disgraced by sins. We supplicate and show repentance and He accepts us back in His fold of mercy. As our Imam Ali Ibn Husain(AS) says in one of his Duas: “ My God, You are the One Who has opened a door to Thy pardon and named it ‘repentance’, for You said : Repent to Allah with unswerving repentance(66:08). What is the excuse of him who remains heedless of entering the door after its opening?” Now if we are so heedless that we even do not pray for His forgiveness then surely we are destined to parish. Dua and Inspiration, Hope ,and Direction : Dua has the magical influence on soul got dead due to burden of sins. It makes it alive again, it fills it with hope and inspires it to excel in the midst of difficulties. It provides clear direction and saves from the waywardness of the darkness of iignorance about our affairs. This is all because He Who responds our Duas has promised to respond: “And when My servants ask you concerning Me, then surely I am very near; I answer the prayer of the suppliant when he calls on Me, so they should answer My call and believe in Me that they may walk in the right way.”(2:186) In one of his Duas Imam Ali Ibn Husain(AS) says : “ My dreadful crimes have deadened my heart, so bring it to life by a repentance from You!” An Imam is Infallible , he does not do sins, but it’s for us to note that when our sins have made us dead and hopeless then we should take shelter in Duas of repentance and make our dead souls living again. Duas have deep influence on our mental life too. They provide us calm and tranquility as when we discuss our issues in the solitude of night or in whispered prayers to Our Merciful Lord, it makes us full of hope for His help and mercy and gives us strength to fight with the hardships of life. Our Imam Ali Ibn Husain(AS) Says : “ …I ask You by Your generosity to show kindness towards me through Your gifts, with that which will gladden my eye, through hope in You, with that which will give serenity to my soul, and through certainty with that which will make easy for me the afflictions of this world and lift from insight the veils of blindness!..” Therefore we observe that for a believer having hope in His help is the very part and parcel of his faith. The lack of hope in Him leads to Kufr or disbelief. The Merciful Lord says : “ And (as to) those who disbelieve in the communications of Allah and His meeting, they have despaired of My mercy, and these it is that shall have a painful punishment”(29:23) In fact disbelief and hopelessness are very much interrelated. Duas reinforce our hope in Him and give sustenance to our faith. Duas connect us with the most Mighty and make us have reliance on His might which never succumbs. Duas open the closed gates of treasures buried in our hearts, and make us feel GHANI. Duas provide us that essential light of faith which makes the path of life illumined and things clear to see. Duas bestow upon man the ability to endure hardships and have patience and reliance on His might. Prayers and Practicality : But just prayers are not sufficient as the many traditions from holy Prophet(SAW) and chaste Ahlebait (AS) show with Duas the efforts are also required. Hazart Ali (AS) says about the practicality and the duas : “he who prays but does not make effort is like the one who shoots without bow-string.” So making efforts as per our capabilities is very much needed while making duas. When despite our best efforts we fall short of achieving something which is good for us , Our Lord responds with His mercy and grants our wish. But just making prayers without efforts is doing insults to Allah’s bestowed gifts of mental and physical faculties. We should utilize all the faculties and capabilities given by Him and at the same time have full reliance in His power and ask Him to bestow success in the efforts being made as effects of our efforts are dependent on His will. When we are sick we must visit doctor and take medicine but on every step we should first pray for His guidance and good results as the medicine or advice of doctor is subject to His will before showing any good results. So a balanced condition is when we have full reliance on Him and also make efforts knowing that just our efforts are not sufficient but His will and mercy is needed for any good results. Why Sometimes Our Duas Are Not Responded : Prayers are not answered when they are either made with insincere and neglectful heart or the person’s prayer is not addressed exclusively to Allah. The prayers of the persons strained with exploitation of others , transgression and such bad deeds may also not be answered. And call on Him fearing and hoping; surely, the mercy of Allah is near to those who do good (7:56). ...surely they used to . . . call unto Us with love and reverence, and were humble before Us (21:90). Call upon your Lord humbly and secretly; surely He loves not those who exceed the limit (7:55). And He answers those who believe and do good deeds, and increases unto them of His grace (42:26). When called he (Zakariyya) unto his Lord in low voice. He said: My Lord! Surely my bones are weakened and my head fares with hoariness, and, my Lord! Never have I been unsuccessful in my prayer to Thee (19:3-4). Quoting above verses Allama Tabatabai says in his world famous Tafseer Mizan: : ” And the most important of all is to keep the prayer exclusively for Allah; it will come true when the feeling of the heart conforms with the words spoken by the tongue; when one abandons reliance on all apparent reasons other than Allah and depends exclusively upon Allah. Also among them are: fear of Allah; hope in His answering; His love and reverence; humility and humbleness; as well as perseverance in prayer; remembrance of Allah; good deeds; true faith; presence of heart at that time; and similar things.” Therefore, the sincerity of heart is a fundamental condition for the acceptance of Dua. The words being uttered by our mouth must be in harmony with the feelings emanating from our hearts: as-Sadiq (a.s.) said: "Verily, Allah does not answer the memorized prayer by a forgetful heart." ['Uddatu 'd-dai] 'Ali (a.s.) said: "Allah does not accept the prayer of an inattentive heart." [ibid] Another,important point is that of addressing the prayer exclusively to Allah. If a prayer is not addressed to the Lord of worlds Who has dominion over land and sea and Whose Will is the deciding factor in every affair of life, then such a prayer is doomed to decay. Our Merciful Lord says: “Or, Who listens to the (soul) distressed when it calls on Him, and Who relieves its suffering, and makes you (mankind) inheritors of the earth? (Can there be another) god besides Allah? Little it is that ye heed!(27:62)” Certainly this is Allah the Al-mighty Merciful Lord Who answers the prayers. Allama Tabatabai describes the issue in Mizan in such words : “There is indeed a prayer, but it is not addressed exclusively to Allah. For example, a man beseeches Allah for his needs, but his heart is looking towards its apparent causes or to some imaginary beings whom he thinks have power to fulfill his needs. In this case, his prayer is not addressed exclusively to Allah. In other words, he did not beseech Allah at all; because Allah, Who answers the prayers, is the One who has no partner in His affairs. He is not the one who works in partnership with apparent causes and imaginary beings.” Muhammad ibn 'Ajlin narrates from Muhammad ibn 'Ubaydullah ibn 'Ali ibn al-Husayn from his cousin, as Saqid (a.s.) from his forefathers from the Prophet that he said: "Allah informed one of his prophets in a revelation: 'By My Power and Dignity! Verily I shall change into despair the hope of everyone who hoped from other than Me, and I shall dress him with the clothing of disgrace before people, and I shall remove him from My relief and bounty. Does my servant put his hope in other than Me in hardships, while hardships are in My hand; And does he expect anything from other than Me, while I am the Self-sufficient, the Munificent? In My hand are the keys of the doors' while they are closed; and My door is open for the one who calls on Me”. ['Uddatu d-dai] The Prophet said: "Allah said; 'No creature seeks refuge in another creature, leaving Me, but that I cut off all the means in the heavens and the earth for him. Then if he asks from Me, I do not give him; and if he calls on Me, I do not answer him. And no creature seeks refuge in Me, leaving My creatures, but that I make the heaven and the earth responsible for his sustenance; then if he calls on Me, I answer him and, if he seeks pardon from Me, I forgive!' " [ibid.] 'Ali (a.s.) wrote in his will for his son, al-Husayn (a.s.): "Then He placed the keys of His treasures in your hands in the sense that He allowed you to ask Him. Therefore, whenever you wish, you may get the doors of His bounties opened with prayer, and get the heavy rains of His Mercy to fall upon you. Delay in acceptance of the prayers should not disappoint you, because the granting (of prayer) is according to the measure of (your) intention. And sometimes, the answering of your prayer is delayed so that it brings a greater reward to, the asker and a better granting to the expectant. Sometimes you ask for a thing and it is not given to you, but a better thing is given to you, immediately or later; or a thing is diverted from you for some greater good for you, because often you ask for a thing which would have destroyed your religion had it been given to you. Therefore, your prayer should be for things whose beauty should last for you and whose evil should remain away from you. As for wealth, it will not last for you, nor will you last for it." [Nahju l-balaghah] The Others’ Concept of Supplication : Jews assert that if the destiny has already been set then calling upon Allah has no meaning as they argue that what is to be happened is to be happened and our calling upon Him cannot avert it , and what is not to be happened will not happen so our calling for it will not lead to its grant. This, myopic view of Jews about Duas is based on their age-old stubbornness and transgression. Our Lord says in the glorious Quran: “And your Lord said: Call upon Me, I will answer you. Verily, those who are arrogant to My worship shall soon enter Hell, disgraced (40:60).” In the above verse prayer has been made obligatory like worship and denial of prayer has been attributed to arrogance and the result of such people will be disgrace and hell. According to Traditoins from Prophet(SAW) prayers can avert the Divine Decree. In Mizan Allama Tababai replies to such baseless views of jews : “The reply: Even when an event is already decreed, it does not mean that it is independent of its causes, and one of the means of its coming into existence is du'a. If one beseeches Allah for his need, one of the conditions of its existence is fulfilled; and the effect follows the cause. This is the meaning of the tradition, "Verily, du’a (prayer) is a part of destiny." And there are other traditions with the same meaning. There is a hadith from the Prophet: "Nothing turns away the decree (fate) except prayer (du’a)." [Biharu l-anwar]. And there is another one from as-Sadiq (a.s.): "Prayer (du'a) turns away the decree even after it is confirmed." [ibid.] Another one from Abu l-Hasan Musa al-Kazim (a.s.): "On you is du’a, because du'a and asking from Allah turns the calamity away even when it is measured and decreed and nothing remains except its enforcement; then if Allah is called upon and asked, He removes that calamity entirely." [Ibid] As-Sadiq (a.s.) said: "Verily, the prayer (du’a) turns away the confirmed decree even after its confirmation. Therefore, pray often (and repeatedly), because it is the key to every mercy and the fulfillment of every need. And what is with Allah is not obtained except through prayer; because verily, no door is knocked repeatedly but it is hoped that it will be opened to the knocker. " [ibid]” Therefore , as a conclusion to above discourse we can say that dua is the path to salvation as this is foundation of worship, only violated by arrogant Kafirs , this has been promised to be responded by Almighty Allah, this is weapon of a believer, this has the force to avert divine decree and this makes it possible to communicate and place our problems and wishes before Him – Who is Almighty most Merciful Forgiving Al knowing Wise Lord. At end let’s ask Our Merciful Lord for His mercy, let’s recite the following verses from one of Imam Ali Ibn Husain’s (AS) prayers : O He Who is asylum of every fleer, The hope of every seeker! O Best Object of hope! O most Generous Object of supplication! O He Who does not reject His asker or disappoint the expectant! O He Whose door is open supplicators and Whose veil is lifted for those who hope in Him! I ask You by Your generosity to show kindness toward me, through Your gifts, with that will gladden my eye, through hope in You with that which will give serenity to my soul, and Through certainty with that which will make easy for me the afflictions of this world and lift from my insight the veils of blindness! By Your mercy, O Most Merciful of the Merciful!

Awakening the Ummah in this evil world

Awakening the Ummah in this evil world

In the name of Allah the most Merciful Beneficent
“American forces pound schools, hospitals in Baghdad..”
“Poor , helpless people being killed in Afghanistan.”
“Isreal the devil showers bombs on defenceless Palestinians..”
“Muslim literacy in India is worse then that of SC/ST in some regions..”
“Muslims lagging behind in science and technologies..”
“Muslim countries have no say in global economic system…”

Uncountable such pieces of news and information pass by us everyday and we react as dead bodies taking everything for granted. Muslims are the nation or Ummah which has been selected by Allah for the leadership of the world in every field and what we find is the just opposite, Muslims are led in every field….the answer to such problems lies in awakening the Ummah from the slumber of ignorance and negligence and following the path of Prophet(saw) of Islam and his holy Ahlebait(AS) which enjoins on us to be educated, knowledgeable and awakened and lead life as per His pleasure. To get awakened is to enliven the soul and making it responding , considerate in the interactive affairs of life. Awakening is to "start living a well-directed, responsible, sensible and interactive life. On the other hand , heedlessness is death of life-an end of progress, a way to decandence. The Holy Quran appreciates the thoughtful and reflective people and heedless and inconsiderate ones are severely criticized and described as animals or worse than them. The Glorious Quran says : "And certainly We have created for hell many of the jinn and the men; they have hearts with which they do not understand, and they have eyes with which they do not see, and they have ears with which they do not hear; they are as cattle, nay, they are in worse errors; these are the heedless ones. "(07:179) The intellectual properties of man puts him on the highest level of animal kingdom. This is ability to think and reflect bestowed on human beings by Our Merciful Creator which lays the foundation for all our progress. In the present world scenario when so many conspiracies are being hatched and executed against Muslims everyday by the so called superpowers, awakening of Ummah has become sine qua non of any breakthrough to nullify such policies which militate against us and our complete divine system-Islam. So awakening of Ummah is one of the most important issue for the time. We need to awaken from our slumber not just to counter the conspiracies of destruction being undertaken against us but also to comprehend and perceive the goal and purpose of our life as that described by Holy Quran. Awakening is the way to salvation in the both worlds and intellectual drowsiness is the path to destruction. History can witness that the communities who led a life of heedlessness borne the burnt of time and vanished from the world as degenerative and decadent. So we all must awake from our slumber and heedlessness and rise above daily chores to know the purpose of our creation and to counter our enemies engaged in our ruin without rest. We need to open our eyes to bring about a transformation in our selves and in the society. No miracle is going to happen, no supernatural phenomena is going to alter our conditions from bad to good. The Glorious Quran most eloquently presents the basic principle of "transformation in the society": " Allah does not bring about change in the conditions of a community until they(people) bring change their in own selves" this verse explains and lays the fundamental principle of change in any community. The verse clearly outlines that the process of change is to start from within and to expand to outer world. Change can also be inspired from any outside source but in the both cases the individual needs to be reflective and responsive. The true change can take place only when we change ourselves from within, changing our way of thinking, our mode of living. When every young and old of our community rises his/her mental level and expands horizon of thoughts beyond daily material needs and comprehends the ultimate goal of life as enshrined in the Book of Wisdom-the Holy Quran. A proverb in English says " think and grow rich" and it's true that thinking is the fundamental source of knowledge and foundation stone of being awakened. The Holy Quran says : " Say to them, "Are the blind and the seeing equal?" Why then do you not think? "(6:50). And every person capable of even small thinking would testify that blind and seeing are never equal. This is the difference of our level of awakening about our life and surroundings which make all the difference and which explain the causes that why some of the communities are leaders while the others are among led, and why some communities are rulers while the others are hopeful of their grants and cringing before them most abjectly. As said above the change will start from our own selves so we must take into consideration all the factors which can make us ALIVE and make us shun our slumber and rise above the life of heedlessness. The most important one in this list is education of minds, this education could be through observation or this could be by reading the enlightened minds of past and present, but we must do it and also understand the purpose of acquiring knowledge and thus not converting our knowledge into that of burden borne by a mule. A good example of an awakened community is that of Iran. Iran like other gulf countries was deep in slumber augmented and encouraged by colonizers of the era. A man inspired and guided by Him rose among the sleeping people and changed the face of life and mode of thinking. Ayotallah Khomeini not only changed the fate of Iran but also gave direction to the entire Muslim Ummah and showed us the path of success amidst opposition of Pheros of our time. Now the same Iran is a fast developing nation- a nation confident and strong and more importantly hopeful of good future with His blessings. This is result of awakening and following His path. In his noble last words Imam Khomeini said about the oppression of super powers and the need to get awakened : “What can be a better source of pride than the fact that the USA with all its military might, its boastfulness, its claims, its mass media and its allies among puppet regimes, has been so dumbfounded and disgraced in its dealings with the dauntless Iranian nation and the land of His Holiness Baqiyatullah (a title of the 12th infallible imam, Hazrat Mahdi (AS) who is now in occultation) that it does not know which way to turn and who to turn to?!! This is not the work of anyone or anything except divine assistance that has awakened nations, particularly the Iranian Muslim nation and has guided it from darkness into light: The Light of Islam. I now take this opportunity to advise the oppressed and noble nations, including our own, to stay firmly on this divine straight path that leads neither to the atheistic (Mulhid) East nor to the oppressive, pagan West, but to the path which the Almighty God has decreed for us. I further advise not to be negligent even for a single moment in being grateful for this blessing. Let no polluted hand of a superpower, or its agents, whether domestic or foreign, affect your determination and will. Know that the rowdier the Eastern or Western satanic power gets, the more proof it is for your divine support and God shall reward and punish the deserving ones in the best fashion in this and in the other worlds. "Truly, He is the Lord of all blessing and in His hand lies the dominion over all things".(The Quran, Sura 23, AI-Muminun, the Believers, verse 88).” May Allah Our Merciful Lord ! make all of us realize the significance of awakening and make us rise above daily material needs to salvation inspired and shown by Him!

The Different Types of Ideology and the Islamic Ideology

In the name of Allah the most Merciful Beneficent
The Different Types of Ideology and the Islamic Ideology
Man cannot lead his life successfully without a proper direction and a definite purpose. Every one of us acts either out of compulsion of carnal desires like thirst, appetite, and other physical and bodily desires, or we act according to directs and dictates of our intellect. In both cases we are prone to make mistakes, Working wholly as per the physical needs goads a young student to pass his time in merry making and pleasure physical activities which may waste his precious time required for studies and as a result may lead to failure in exams and hence life. So if we fully rely on the impulses of our physical needs for the direction of our life and determining the course of our actions, we are always at danger to go astray and ruin our life.
On the other hand we can also follow the dictates of our intellect, which asks us to , for an instance, to avoid indulgence and merry making while in student life and concentrate on studies so that or future is not badly affected. But our intellectual capabilities are pruned as per our knowledge and experience, and these both factors are always very limited in an individual’s life. We can not afford to make big mistakes by taking wrong decisions and then understanding that they were wrong after facing their bad consequences. History is a witness to the facts that many a men have ruined communities by their well calculated decisions and well orchrasted policies. And if we add questions concerning to human life like happiness, eternity, social welfare etc the entire picture becomes only too complex to be solved and understood easily. An action of man could be beneficial for himself but could be harmful for the society, something may be good for his physical health and may harm his soul.In the same way there are many things which we need to take into consideration while taking into account before doing any act.
Now here comes the need for a framework, or an ideology which could determine the entire course and direction of life and could set the limits for action and inaction for benefit of man in particular and society to which he belongs to in general.
Ayatolla martyr Murtaza Muthari defines ideology : “a general theory or a comprehensive and harmonious system whose fundamental aim is the human perfection and the happiness of all. This system should specify the fundamental principles, methods, do's and don'ts, good actions and bad actions, aims and means, requirements and their solutions, responsibilities and obligations. It should be the source of the inspiration of duties for all individuals.”
On the importance of ideology in human life the great scholar of Islam says : “From the very beginning or at least from the time the developed social life has led to so many dissensions, man has been in need of an ideology or in the Qur'anic terminology, Shari'at. As the time passed and man became more developed, this need also became more intense. In the past, racial, national and tribal tendencies ruled over human societies like a collective spirit. This spirit in its turn brought into existence a series of ambitions (though inhuman) which united each society and gave it a particular orientation. Now scientific and intellectual progress has weakened these bonds. It is a characteristic of science that it tends towards individualism, weakens sentiments and dulls the bonds based on sentiments. It is only a consciously selected rational philosophy of life or in other words, a comprehensive and perfect ideology which may unite the humanity of today or rather of tomorrow, give it an orientation, a common ideal and a common standard to judge what is right and what is wrong.
Today more than ever man requires such a philosophy of life, a philosophy capable of attracting him to the realities beyond the individual and individual interests. There is no longer any doubt about the fact that a school or an ideology is one of the necessities of social life. ”
Now the question raises who will determine this framework? Will man himself determine his ideology as the proponents of liberalism assert, or it would be resolved and set by state for himself as the socialists and communists argue? Or it will be determined by the One Who is Al-knowing, Wise, Al-mighty Creator of man and universe?
Aytolla Mutahri discusses : “Now the question is: who can lay down such an ideology? Undoubtedly the intellect of any single individual cannot do so. Can the collective intellect do that? Can man with the help of his total experience and his past and present information lay down such an ideology? If we admit that man does not know himself, then how can we expect him to know human society and social weal. Then what to do? If we have a right conception of the universe, and believe that the world has a balanced system and there is nothing wrong or absurd in it, we must admit that the great creative machinery has not left this big question unattended and has already specified the fundamental outlines of an ideology from a horizon above the horizon of human intellect, that is from the horizon of revelation (the principle of Prophethood). The job of intellect and knowledge is to move along these outlines.
How nicely has Avicenna put this question when, while describing the need of mankind to the Divine law (Shari'at) revealed through a man, he said in his book, Najat: "The need of a Prophet and exponent of the Divine law and human ideology for the continuity of human race and man's attaining perfection of his human existence is far greater than the growth of hair on his eyebrows, the concavity of his soles or other such things, which are at the most useful for the continuity of human race, but not essential".
In other words, how can the great creative machinery which has not left small and superfluous needs unattended, leave the most essential need uncared for?
But if we lack the right conception of the universe and creation, we may accept the idea that man has been condemned to bewilderment and error and any human ideology is no more than an interesting pursuit or pastime.
The above discussion not only makes the need of the existence of a school or an ideology clear, but also shows the necessity of an individual's adhesion to it
The true adherence to an ideology means to have faith in it, and evidently a true faith cannot be imposed by force nor can it be acquired as a matter of expediency. One can be made to submit to a thing by force, but ideology does not demand submission. It demands faith. It is to be accepted and assimilated.
A useful ideology, on the one hand, must be based on a sort of world conception that may convince reason and feed thinking, and on the other hand, must be able to derive attractive goals from its conception of the universe. Conviction and zeal are the two basic elements of faith which go hand in hand and remould the world.”
Kinds of Ideologies : There are two kinds of ideologies : (i) Human Ideology, and (ii) Class Ideology. The human ideology is concerned with the emancipation of whole human race irrespective of any race, class, or community. On the other hand the Class Ideology concerns itself with a particular class, group or a stratum of society. Its aim consists of emancipation or supremacy of a particular group.
Both of these two ideologies are flawed as they look only to one aspect of human life and ignore the other. Islamic Ideology is fully based upon human nature which encompasses all aspects of human life. The Creator of man says about Islam : “Be devoted to the upright religion. It is harmonious with the nature which God has designed for people. The design of God cannot be altered. Thus is the upright religion, but many people do not know (holy Qutan,30:30).”
The great scholar Aytolla Mutahri says :” From Islamic point of view man has been created to be superior to historical and social factors. He has a special existential dimension, and has been endowed with high qualities which distinguish him from animals. According to this view, man's creative design is such that all human beings have been endowed with a sort of consciousness and intuition, which makes them fit to be addressed and enables them to respond to a call. Human ideologies base their preachings on the natural intuition peculiar to mankind and infuse a spirit of action in man……..There is no doubt that the ideology of Islam is of the first kind, and is based on true nature of man. That is why Islam addresses its message to the 'common people', and not to a particular group or class. Islam was able to draw its supporters practically from all groups, even from those to fight against which it had risen, namely the groups which it termed the luxuriously living. It was a great achievement of Islam that it was able to draw recruits from a class to fight against that very class and from a group to fight against the interests of that very group, and even to arouse the individual to fight against himself. This is a deed which Islam has performed and is still performing. Islam being a religion which relies on the innate nature of man and infiltrates into the inmost traits of his existence, can arouse the individual to fight and bring about a revolution against himself. This revolution is called penitence. The revolutionary power of a class or group ideology is limited to the instigation of an individual against another individual or a class against another class, but it cannot persuade an individual to revolutionize himself, nor can it put the inner sentiments and passions of man under his own control.
Islam, being a religion, and for that matter the final religion, has come, more than any other religion, to set up a system of social justice.Naturally it aims at the emancipation of the oppressed and the underprivileged. But it does not direct its message to the oppressed and the underprivileged alone. Islam has not recruited its supporters from this class only. As history bears witness to it, relying on the force of faith and the innate nature of man, Islam has been able to draw its supporters even from among those classes to fight against which it had risen. Islam presents a theory of the triumph of humanity over animality, of knowledge over ignorance, of justice over tyranny, of equality over discrimination, of virtue over depravity, of piety over sensuality, and of monotheism over polytheism. The success of the oppressed people against the tyrants and the despots is a manifestation of this triumph.”
We would like to conclude the discussion on ideology by quoting Aytolla Mutahri , where he explains the Islamic conception of the world :
“Islamic conception of the world is monotheistic. Islam has presented monotheism in its purest form. From Islamic point of view, Allah has no like of Him and nothing can be compared to Him: "There is nothing like Him." (Surah ash-Shura, 42:11)
Allah is absolutely independent. All depend on Him, but He depends on none:
"You are in need of Allah. And Allah! He is Absolute, Laudable." (Surah al-Fatir, 35:15)
Allah is aware of everything. He can do whatever He likes:
"He is fully aware of everything." (Surah ash-Shura, 42:12)
"He is able to do all things." (Surah al-Hajj, 22:6)
Allah is everywhere. Every place, whether it is above the sky or in the depth of the earth has the same relation to Him. To whatever direction we stand, we face Him: "Wherever you turn, there is Allah's countenance" (Surah al-Baqarah, 2:115)
Allah knows what is in the hearts of people. He is aware of their intentions and aims: "Indeed We have created man and We know what his soul whispers." (Surah Qaf, 50:16)
Allah is closer to man than his jugular vein: "We are nearer to him than his jugular vein." (Surah Qaf, 50:16)
Allah has all the good attributes and is free from every defect: "Allah's are the fairest names." (Surah al-A'raf, 7:180)
Allah is not a material organism and cannot be seen with eyes: "Vision does not comprehend Him, but He comprehends all vision." (Surah al-An'am, 6:103)
From the stand point of monotheistic and Islamic conception of the world, the universe is a creation and is looked after by Divine will and attention. If Divine attention were withheld for a moment, the whole universe would be annihilated in no time.
This world has not been created in vain or in jest. There are many advantages implied in the creation of man and the world. Nothing has been created unbecoming and futile. The existing system of the universe is the best and the most perfect. It manifests justice and truth and is based on a sequence of causes and effects. Every result is a logical consequence of a cause and every cause produces a specific effect. Divine destiny brings a thing into existence through its specific causes only, and it is a chain of causes which constitutes the Divine destiny of a thing.
Divine will always operates in the world in the form of a law or a general principle. Divine laws do not change. Whatever changes take place, they are always in accordance with some law. Good and evil in the world are related to man's own conduct and his own deeds. Good deeds and bad deeds, besides being recompensed in the next world, have their reaction in this world also. Gradual evolution is a Divine law. This world is a nursery for the development of man.
Divine destiny is supreme in the whole world. Man has been destined by it to be free and responsible. He is the master of his own destiny. Man has his special dignity. He is fit to be the vicegerent of Allah. This world and the Hereafter are but two interconnected stages like those of sowing and harvest, for one reaps what one sows. They may also be compared to the two periods of childhood and old age, for the latter period is the outcome of the former.”

Knowledge, Awareness and Faith

Knowledge, Awareness and Faith
Knowledge and faith both affect each other. Knowledge is important to make the path of life visible, while the faith determines the direction. Both faith and knowledge have deep relations. Both elevate the man from base animal level to high human one. Knowledge and faith both pave the way for elevation of human mind from the level of base material one to the lofty spiritual one.
Firstly we will discuss here the importance of knowledge and then we'll inshaAllah proceed to discuss the relation of knowledge and faith.
Importance of Knowledge:
Hadiths from infallibles and Holy Quran both have laid great emphasis over the acquition of knowledge. Repeated hadiths from holy Prophet(SAW) and Ahlebait(AS) have urged Muslims to acquire as much as possible. As knowledge opens up our eyes and makes the path clear. Knowledge is like torch in our hand on a dark , gloomy night. The good result of knowledge is awakening of soul and uprising of mind above the dead customs and daily needs. Holy Quran has clearly stated: "Are those who know equal to who do not know?" Holy Quran has repeatedly urged the entire mankind to reflect over the creation of Allah and understand the creation with all its magnificence and grandeur so that man could understand the lofty status of Allah and make himself truly submitting one before Him: "And He it is Who spread the earth and made in it firm mountains and rivers, and of all fruits He has made in it two kinds; He makes the night cover the day; most surely there are signs in this for a people who reflect.(13:03)"
"He causes to grow for you thereby herbage, and the olives, and the palm trees, and the grapes, and of all the fruits; most surely there is a sign in this for a people who reflect. (16:11)"
"He it is Who appointed the sun a splendour and the moon a light, and measured for her stages, that ye might know the number of the years, and the reckoning. Allah created not (all) that save in truth. He detaileth the revelations for people who have knowledge. (10:05)"
"Those who remember Allah standing and sitting and lying on their sides and reflect on the creation of the heavens and the earth: Our Lord! Thou hast not created this in vain! Glory be to Thee; save us then from the chastisement of the fire:(03:191)"
The above verses from the Holy Quran clearly show that only those can truly understand His status and glory who reflect upon His creation and try to grasp His laws working in the functioning of the universe. When we deeply brood over His creation we come to conclude that this grand system of life can never be made abruptly by it self, rather it shows the handiwork of a Wise Designer.
So knowledge in this way not only makes our daily life simple but also makes us fulfill the purpose of our creation that is worship of Allah truly with understanding of His status.
Is Knowledge Sufficient ?:
But despite all its virtues knowledge is not sufficient. Faith is also needed with knowledge to discover and reach the Ultimate Destination. Faith in His existence with all His attributes is the strongest resort for a man. The Holy Qur'an is the first Book which has described religious faith as a sort of concord between man and the entire creation:
"Do they seek anything other than the religion of Allah? But to Him submits whosoever is in the heavens and the earth." (Surah Al-e-Imran, 3:83)
The Holy Qur'an has also described religious faith as a part of the innate nature of man:
"Be devoted to the upright religion. That is the nature in which Allah has created man." (Surah ar-Rum, 30:30)
Aytollah martyr Murtaza Mutaihri has elaborated the relation between knowledge and faith in following words: "Knowledge gives us light and power; faith gives us love, hope and warmth. Knowledge helps make implements and appliances and accelerates progress; faith determines the purpose of human efforts and gives direction to them. Knowledge brings about outer revolution; faith causes inner revolution. Knowledge makes the world man's world; faith makes life the life of humanity. Knowledge expands the existence of man horizontally; faith lifts it up vertically. Knowledge trains man's temperament; faith reforms man. Both knowledge and faith give power to man; but the power given by faith is continuous, whereas the power given by knowledge is disjointed. Knowledge is beauty; faith is beauty too. But knowledge beautifies reason and thought; faith beautifies spirit and feeling. Both knowledge and faith give man security. But knowledge provides outer security, whereas faith provides inner security. Knowledge gives protection against diseases, floods, earthquakes and storms. Faith provides security against restlessness, loneliness, sense of insecurity and low thinking. Knowledge harmonizes the world with man, faith harmonizes man with himself......................
Knowledge without faith is a sharp sword in the hand of a drunken brute. It is a lamp in the hand of a thief to help him pick up the best articles at midnight. That is why there is not the least difference in the nature and conduct of the faithless man of today who has knowledge and the faithless man of yesterday who had no knowledge. After all what is the difference between the Churchills, Johnsons, Nixons and Stalins of today and the Pharaohs, Genghis Khans and Attilas of yore?
It may be said that as knowledge is light as well as power, it has no special and exclusive application to the external world. It illuminates our internal world also and consequently gives us power to change it. Therefore knowledge can make the world and man both. It can perform its own task, that is world-making as well as the task of belief, that is man making. The answer is that all this is true, but the basic point is that knowledge is a sort of implement and its use depends on the will of man. Whatever man does, he can do that in a better way with the help of knowledge. That is why we say that knowledge is helpful in securing objectives and traversing the path man chooses for himself.........
The past and present history has shown what evil consequences the dissociation of knowledge and faith from each other has produced. Where there was faith but no knowledge, the efforts of the humanitarian people were directed to the matters which either were not much fruitful or did not produce good results. These efforts were often the source of prejudices and obscurantism, and occasionally resulted in harmful conflicts.
Where there has been knowledge but faith has been lacking, as in the case of some modern societies, the entire force of knowledge has been used to serve the cause of self-aggrandizement, amassing wealth, and satisfying the lust of power, exploitation, subjugation and craftiness."
Conclusion:
As a result for above discussion we can state that knowledge and faith both are necessary. Both help each other and both contribute in the evolution and elevation of man towards his Creator.
History is witness that the rise and fall of Muslims is related with the rise and fall of faith and knowledge. In Islamic world the Muslims rose with high levels of knowledge and faith and fell with low levels of knowledge and faith. Knowledge is a tool, while faith teaches us how to use this tool. Both are necessary and indispensable.