Eternal Words Nahj al-Balaghah Sermons SERMON 189 - Steadfastness versus a Transient Belief
SERMON 189 - Steadfastness versus a Transient Belief
- Details
- Hits: 992
One belief is (conviction) which is firm and steadfast in the hearts. Another remains temporarily in one’s heart up to a certain period of time. If you were to acquit (yourselves) before anyone, you should wait till death approaches, for that is the time limit for being acquitted.
Migration stands as its original status. Allah has no need for one who secretly accepts belief or one who openly does so. Migration (to the other world) will not apply to any one unless he recognizes the proof (of Allah) on the earth. Whoever recognizes him and acknowledges him will be a muhajir (immigrant). Istid’af (i.e. freedom from the obligation of migration) does not apply to him whom the proof (of Allah) reaches and he hears it and his heart preserves it.
The challenge of “Ask me before you miss me”
and a prediction about the Umayyads
Certainly, our case is difficult and complicated. No one can bear it except a believer whose heart Allah has tried with belief. Our traditions will not be preserved except by trustworthy hearts and (men of) firm understanding. O people! Ask me before you miss me because certainly I am acquainted with the passages of the sky more than the passages of the earth, and before that mischief springs upon its feet which will trample even the nose string and destroy the wits of the people.
