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Imam Sadiq (A.S) - Islam Guidance

  • 17th of Rabi' al-awwal, a Historic Day

    At the dawn of Friday, 17th Rabi' al-awwal, in 530 A.D. a child born whose birth was announced in the divine Books (Old and New testaments). Muhammad ibn Abdullah is the last great prophet (who has divine book), and the mercy for the inhabitants of the world, whom the exalted God granted to mankind, and forever his light brightened the world.
    Eighty-three years after Hijrat, on 17th Rabi' al-awwal, a child from holy prophet's progeny born, who was entitled as Sadiq- Ale- Muhammad. His knowledge and information, in all sciences, was so extensive that in all debates, with other scholars, his presentation was brilliant. Historians have narrated that Imam Sadiq (A.S) had 4000 students. In his time, jurisprudence (Fiqh) and Islamic teachings flourished. It was also the age of progress of tradition manifestation and appearance of the important Islamic philosophies.
    The Holy Prophet of Islam (P.B.U.H&H.P) says, "The ways which guide my followers toward paradise are virtues, and good behavior." (Kafi, Vol 2, P.100) Imam Sadiq (A.S) says, "To the exalted God, the best acts of the good servant are to make pious man happy, to feed him, to remove his grief, and to pay for his debt." (Kafi, Vol 2, P.199)
    The Holy Prophet of Islam (P.B.U.H&H.P) and his infallible and innocent family are the best symbols for mankind. We conclude from two above traditions that virtues and good behavior are two characters that attract God and servant's satisfactions, and finally will lead to paradise.
    It is a duty for every Muslim, to take care of not only his faithful brothers and sisters, but also all the fellow- creatures in different respects, and to solve their problems as much as possible.

    Ref: Imam Reza Network

  • A Two-Way Relationship

    Imam Sadiq (A.S) was just martyred; however, due to the political situation at the time and fear over the life of the next Imam, he had introduced the Imam after him implicitly and indirectly. Therefore, there became a dispute among the Shiites over his successor.
    Meanwhile, a group of Shiites from Neishabour had collected their Khums money to hand it over to their Imam. They chose a person named Muhammad ibn Ali Neishabouri to take their Khums to Medina. The total amount of Khums collected was about thirty thousand gold coins, fifty thousand silver coins, and some cloth. A woman named Shatitah Neishabouri took a single silver coin along with a piece of silk cloth which she had weaved herself and was worth only four silver coins to the representative and said to him, ”Verily Allah (S.W.T) is not ashamed of (fulfilling and explaining) the truth”.
    Besides these properties, the people of Neishabour submitted about seventy pieces of paper to Muhammad ibn Ali. At the top part of each paper, a religious question was written and the bottom of the pages was left blank for the answer. They folded the papers in couple, sealed them, and said to Muhammad ibn Ali: “Give the papers to the Imam at night and get the answers back the next morning. If you find the packages sealed, open up five of them. If you realize that the Imam has answered the questions without opening the papers and removing the seals, you will not need to open the rest. You should know that that person is definitely the Imam, so you may leave the properties with him; if not, and then return our properties to us”.
    Muhammad ibn Ali left for Medina, and when he got there, he went to the house of Abdullah Aftah, the son of Imam Sadiq (A.S). There, he tested Abdullah to see if he was the Imam. However, he came out confused and said with himself, “O Allah! Guide me to my Imam”. As he was wondering, a person approached him and said,” Let us go to the one you are looking for”. That person took Muhammad to the house of Imam Kadhim (A.S). When the Imam (A.S) saw Muhammad, he said to him,” Why did you lose hope? Come to me as I am the guardian and proof of Allah (S.W.T); I already answered all the questions you have brought yesterday; please bring those questions, the silver coin of Shatitah which is in that pouch, and her piece of cloth which is in the other pouch”.
    Muhammad became extremely surprised and astonished by Imam’s (A.S) saying, and did what the Imam (A.S) had ordered. Imam Kadhim (A.S) took the silver coin and the cloth of Shatitah, and then said to Muhammad ibn Ali:
    “Verily Allah (S.W.T) is not ashamed of (fulfilling and explaining) the truth. O Aba Ja’far (Aba Ja’far is the nickname of Muhammad ibn Ali Neyshaburi)! Convey my greetings to Shatitah and give her this pouch of money (which contains forty silver coins). I also offer him a piece of my shroud, made from the cotton of Sayda (Sayda is the name of a village), the village of Lady Fatimah (S.A), and sewed by my sister Halima, the daughter of Imam Sadiq (A.S). Tell Shatitah that she would be alive for nineteen days from the time you will reach Neishabour. So ask her to spend sixteen coins for herself and save the twenty four remaining ones for her debts and charity money. I shall pray on her (dead body) myself. As for the rest of the properties you have brought, give them back to their owners. Also, open these papers and see if I had already answered the questions before you entered”.
    Muhammad ibn Ali narrates that,” The packages were sealed and untouched; I opened some of the letters; Imam Kadhim (A.S) had answered all the questions in his own handwriting...”
    When Muhammad ibn Ali returned to Neyshabur, he realized that all the people whose properties he was carrying had turned into the Fat’hi faith; however, only Shatitah had remained loyal to the Imamate of Imam Kadhim (A.S); he conveyed the greetings of the Imam (A.S) to Shatitah, handed in the money and the cloth to her, and explained the advices of Imam (A.S) to her.
    Shatitah was alive for the same nineteen days as Imam Kadhim (A.S) had mentioned. When she passed away, Imam Kadhim (A.S) arrived at her body riding a camel. When he finished preparations and the prayer on Shatitah, he got on his camel, turned towards the desert, and said to Muhammad ibn Ali,” Convey my greetings to my friends, and tell them that it is obligatory on me and all the other Imams to be present at your burial, wherever it might me. So (in order to benefit from this blessing) always have fears of Allah (S.W.T) (deep) inside your heart”.

    Taken from: Roshd Islamic Shia Website

  • Ahlul Bayt (A.S) and Humbleness

    Humbleness is an outstanding feature in the lives of Ahlul Bayt.
    Ibn Masud reports: A person came to the presence of Allah’s Messenger and when he started to speak, he was trembling. The Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H&H.P) said, “Calm down; I am not a king.” [Makarim al-Akhlaq: 16]
    Another person reports: A group of people and I went to the presence of the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H&H.P) and said, “You are our master.” The Holy Prophet said, “Allah, the Blessed and Exalted, is the Master.” [Sunan Abi-Dawud, 254/4]
    Abu-Basir reports: Imam Sadiq (A.S) went to the public bath whose owner said, “Let me evacuate the public bath for you!” Imam Sadiq (A.S) said, “No, it is not necessary. The pious believer does not bother for those things.” [Al-Kafi: 503/6, H. 37]
    It is also reported that Imam Reza (A.S) went to a public bath. A person who had not recognized him said, “O gentleman! Rub me with this flannel!” Imam Reza (A.S) did so. At this time people who were in the bath introduced Imam Reza to him, the man became ashamed; he made an apology and an attempted to draw himself aside. However the Imam calmed him with his words and kept on rubbing him with the flannel! [Al-Manaqib: 362/4]
    Humility is like a seed, which when sown in the earth will bear abundant fruits. With their humility, the Ahlul Bayt made the realm of obedience come to fruition. Some of these fruits are knowledge, awareness and vision. They have been chosen as leaders of guidance until the Judgment Day because of their in-depth insight into the truth of universe. Hence, all should be aware that to take lead ahead of them will cause perdition and to ignore them will cause bewilderment. The Holy Prophet has said: Do not take lead ahead of my Ahlul Bayt, for you will come to perdition nor do you teach them, for they are more knowledgeable than you. [Al-Kafi: 294/1, H. 3]
    He has also said: Be aware that Ahlul Bayt are the wisest in childhood and the most knowledgeable in their maturity. They will never misguide you nor will they take you out of true guidance. [Bihar al-Anwar 23:144]
    Imam Baqir (A.S) said to Salamah ibn Kuhayl and Hakam ibn Utaybah: You will never attain sound knowledge neither in the east nor in the west but with us, Ahlul Bayt.  [Al-Kafi: 399/1, H. 3]
    The Imam (A.S) has also said: We, the Ahl al-Bayt, are treasures of Divine knowledge. [Al-Kafi: 192/1, H. 3]
    Imam Hussain (A.S) has said: We do not know why people harbor enmity against us while we are from the House of mercy, the tree of Prophet Hood and the source of knowledge. [Nuzhat al-Nadhir: 85]
    Imam Sadiq (A.S) reports: When it was noontime, Ali ibn Hussain performed his prayer and then was engaged in invocations and greeted the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H&H.P) and Ahlul Bayt (A.S) as follows: O Allah; Send greetings on Muhammad and on the descendants of Muhammad, the evergreen tree of Prophet Hood, the destination of the Divine messages, the academy where angels came to learn and know, the depository of wisdom, and the household of Divine Revelation.

    Derived from: Imam Reza.Network

  • Ali (A.S) is Salat (Prayer)

    Narrated from Abdul Rahman bin Kaseer:


    عن عبد الرحمن بن كثير عن أبى عبد الله عليه السلام في قوله:” حافِظُوا عَلَى الصَّلَواتِ وَ الصَّلاةِ الْوُسْطى‏ وَ قُومُوا لِلَّهِ قانِتِينَ”
     قال الصلوات رسول الله و أمير المؤمنين و فاطمة و الحسن و الحسين عليهم السلام، و الوسطى، أمير المؤمنين عليه السلام و قُومُوا لِلَّهِ قانِتِينَ طائعين للائمة.

    Imam Sadiq (A.S) said regarding the verse of Quran;
    "Guard strictly your (habit of) prayers, especially the Middle Prayer; and stand before Allah in a devout" [2:238]
    "Prayers" is (refers to) the Prophet (P.B.U.H&H.P), the commander of the faithful (A.S), Fatima (S.A), Hassan (A.S) and Hussein (A.S). And the "Middle Prayer" is (refers to) the commander of the faithful (A.S). And "Stand before Allah in devout" is obedient to the Imam's (A.S).
    [Source: Tafseer Noor us Saqlain Vol.1 Pg.237-238]

    Ref: Marefate AhleBait (AS).com

  • Ali Ibn Yaqtin: Humanity illustrated

    Ali Ibn Yaqtin was one of the pupils of Imam Al-Sadiq (A.S) and a loyal follower of him, who was known to be among the most pious and humble men during those times. It is narrated that once the season of Haj had arrived, Ali found out that Imam Al-Sadiq (A.S) is going to Haj as well; therefore, he decided to accompany the Imam as well. He had saved up some coins for his journey for a long time, and he was counting the days to arrive in Mecca and meet with his Imam and take advantage of his time with him in Mecca.
    Ali started his journey to Mecca and all he was thinking about, was performing the Haj with his Imam. During his way to Mecca, Ali met a woman who was placing a dead animal inside a bag. The scene was very unusual for Ali, as he knew that eating a dead animal was prohibited in Islam, and it did not seem like that woman had hunted that animal, since it was obvious the animal had been dead already. Ali approached the woman and said to her: Peace be upon you, O’ sister. What are you doing with this animal? She replied: I am taking this animal to my home to cook it for my children. The answer of that woman shocked Ali even more, which mandated him to ask the woman: don’t you know that eating the meat of a dead animal is (Haram) prohibited in Islam?
    The woman replied: I am a widow with little children in the house, and I have no means to provide for them, therefore, I am obliged and compelled to use this dead animal for my children, as we have not eaten anything in several days. Therefore, the rule you mentioned doesn’t apply to us.
    Ali was shocked, as he had never seen a person so desperate, where he/she is willingly eating the meat of a dead animal, which meant he had to make one of the biggest decisions of his life. Ali looked upon the sky and said: O’ Lord, you are well aware about my intention and how I wanted to perform Haj with the Imam of my time, but this woman is more merited to have the coins that I have saved for Haj journey.
    Ali looked at the woman and said: please leave this dead animal and take these coins and use them to provide food and other necessities for your children. The woman was very happy and in disbelieve, as she could not believe that someone would donate his entire earnings to her. She thanked Ali and left, and Ali had to return to his home without ever reaching his destination.
    Once the Haj rituals were over and everyone had returned to his home and family, friends and neighbours of Ali Ibn Yaqtin started coming to his house to congratulate him for his Haj journey. In addition, other pilgrims, who had already been to Mecca that year, were coming to Ali and congratulating him as well, which made Ali even more surprised. Ali was telling them that he did not go to Haj that year, and he never reached Mecca. However, they were telling Ali that they had seen him in Mecca during all the rituals, and some of them even told him, they spent time with him in certain places.
    Ali was speechless and did not know how to reply to all of those people. However, Imam Al-Sadiq (A.S) was back from his Haj journey as well, and believers had decided to go and visit him in his house. Once they got to the house of the Imam and met with him, they told him about Ali’s denial and how he was saying he did not perform Haj that year and he never reached Mecca. Imam Al-Sadiq (A.S) replied: This year the only people, who truly performed Haj, were Ali, my camel and I. However, Ali is right, and he told them the story about the woman, and how Ali donated all of his coins to her. Therefore, Allah appointed an angel resembling Ali, who performed Haj on his behalf this year.

    This article was borrowed from Shia Wisdom.

  • Birth Anniversary of Imam al-Sadiq (AS)

    Zechariah, who was a Christian, drew the attention of his Muslim friend Abdollah towards a person who was going to the mosque, and said: "Do you know him? Do you know how kind he is ?
    Abdollah replied: Yes, but I thought that only Muslims know him and not the followers of other religions .
    Zechariah, the Christian gentleman, who was still not properly acquainted with the identity of the man going towards the mosque, said: I am indebted for my life to him. Once when I had lost my way in the desert and was dying of thirst, he kindly approached me, gave me water to drink from his goatskin water carrier, although it was almost empty. He even gave his food to me and showed me the way towards Medina. I thought Prophet Jesus (A.S) has come to my help.
    Abdollah told his Christian friend: He is the leader of Muslims; he is Imam Jafar al-Sadiq (A.S) who is a direct descendant of Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H&H.P). He adheres to the ways and behavior of his forefathers and his name is a byword for generosity, forgiveness and virtue.
    Zechariah, the Christian gentleman, who had pinned his eyes to the mosque even after Imam Sadiq (A.S) had entered it, saw several youths hurrying towards the mosque although it was not the time for prayer. He asked his friends: Why are they going to the mosque?
    Abdollah replied: Soon Imam Sadiq (A.S) will start giving lessons and these are his students who have come from different lands to learn different sciences from him.
    Zechariah enthusiastically got up and said he was eager to hear the words of the Imam.
    Abdollah said: do not hurry, we will go together. I am one of his students and I have benefited much from the vast sea of his knowledge.
    The two entered the mosque and sat down among the students. Although a Christian, Zechariah listened with rapt attention to the Imam's discourse. He felt amazed at the depth of knowledge of Imam Sadiq (A.S). He had regularly visited Churches and monasteries but had never heard such wise words with clear reasoning.
    Abdollah realized the change of state of Zechariah and turning to him said that soon you will be a student and disciple of the Prophet's successor. It was not long when the clear reasoning and rational proofs of the 6th Imam transformed Zechariah into a devoted Muslim and follower of the Ahlul-Bayt.
    Imam Jafar al-Sadiq (A.S) was thus the 6th infallible Imam. He was born in 83 AH and was twelve years old when his grandfather, Imam Zayn al-Abidin, the survivor of the tragedy of Karbala, passed away. At the age of 31 the mantle of divinely-decreed leadership fell on his shoulders when his father, Imam Muhammad Baqir (A.S), was fatally poisoned. For the next 34 years Imam Sadiq built up the nucleus of the Muslim society by training a whole generation of Islamic scholars in various fields of knowledge including practical sciences. Jabir ibn Hayyan who is considered as the Father of Chemistry, was among his students.
     The political conditions of the time when the Omayyad and the Abbasid were fighting for control of the realm, provided precious breathing space to Imam Sadiq (A.S) to propound to the Muslim masses the practice, behavior, hadith and jurisprudence of the Prophet. For this reason, the genuine Islamic jurisprudence is also known as Fiqh-e Ja'fari in honor of Imam Jafar al-Sadiq (A.S) although whatever he thought was not innovation but the word and deed of Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H&H.P). This school of thought with its dynamic concept of Ijtihad or independent reasoning on the basis of the Holy Qur'an and the teachings of the Prophet had excellently catered to the expanding human needs in view of the times and conditions .
    On the auspicious birthday of Imam Sadiq (A.S) we bring you two wise statements from that him: He said:
    "Either be a scholar, or try to seek knowledge or at least be a follower of the possessors of knowledge."
    "No comfort is better than good temper. Good temper promotes love and affection."
       
    Ref: Islamic Education Center

  • Blessed twelve Dirhams of the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H&H.P)

    Imam Sadiq (A.S) reports: Ali ibn Abi-Talib (A.S) was tasked by the Holy Prophet to go to the market and purchase a shirt. He went to the market and purchased a shirt for twelve dirhams. The Holy Prophet asked, “How much did you pay for it?”
    “Twelve dirhams”, said Imam Ali (A.S).
    “I do not like it so much! I would like to have a less expensive one. Is the seller ready to take it back, if so, please return it?” Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H&H.P) said to him “I do not know, Allah’s Messenger,” replied Imam Ali (A.S).
    “Go and see whether he agrees to take it back or not,” asked the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H&H.P).
    Ali took the shirt along with him and returned to the market to ask the seller, “The Holy Prophet wants a shirt which is less expensive in price than this. Are you ready to pay back our money and take back the shirt?”
    The seller accepted it; Ali took the money and returned to the Holy Prophet. Then they both went towards the market. On the way, the Holy Prophet saw a slave-girl crying.
    “Why are you crying?” he asked.
    “My master gave me four dirhams and sent me to the market for shopping. I do not know how I lost the money. At present, I am scared to go back home.”
    The Holy Prophet gave her four dirhams from those twelve dirhams and said, “Buy what you want and go back home!” Then, he went to the market, purchased a shirt for four dirhams and put it on.
    On his return, he saw a naked man; he immediately took off his shirt and gave it to him. He returned to the market and purchased another shirt for four dirhams. He put it on and took to the way towards his house. On the way, he saw the same slave-girl sitting, puzzled, embarrassed and perplexed.
    “Why didn’t you go back home?” he asked.
    “O Allah’s Messenger, it is too late. I am afraid they might beat me, for I have been slightly delayed.”
    “Let us go together. Show me the way to your house! I will intercede for you with them so that they may not bother you.”
    The Holy Prophet accompanied the slave-girl. As they reached the house, the girl said, “This is the house.”
    The Holy Prophet said in a high voice from behind the door, “O people of the house, peace be upon you.” He did not get any reply. Thus he said again, yet there was no reply. For the third time, he saluted, and they replied, “O Allah’s Messenger, peace and Allah’s mercy and blessings be upon you.”
    “Why did you not reply for the first time, didn't you hear my voice?”
    “Of course, yes! We heard your voice the first time and came to know that it was you!”
    “Then what was the reason for your delay?”
    “O Allah’s Messenger! We love to hear your voice again and again. Your salaam is peace, blessing and grace for our house.”
    “This slave-girl of yours was delayed. I came here to ask you not to pester her.”
    “O Allah’s Messenger! Because of your gracious visit, this slave-girl is free from now on.”
    The Holy Prophet said, “Thanks to Allah, how blessed these twelve Dirhams were; which became the dress of two naked persons and a slave-girl got her freedom.”
    (Al-Khisal: 271/1, H. 13)

    Taken from: Imam Reza.Network

  • Concept of the Human Body in Islam

    Islam emphasizes respect for the body as a gift from Allah; a Muslim does not assume absolute “ownership” of his or her body, but only cares for it as a precious gift while he/she lives, until it is returned to its Creator upon death. Muslims are required to take good care of their health and that of other Muslims as much as humanly possible. We are also required to respect nature, the environment, and the physical well-being of all living things, including humans of other faiths. Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H&H.P) conveyed to Muslims that they will be asked in front of Allah on Judgment Day about how they used the gift of healthy bodies in life. Contrary to some other faiths, a Muslim is prohibited from terminating his own life or abusing or damaging his own body.
    As the Holy Qur’an says: “And spend of your substance in the cause of Allah, and make not your own hands contribute to [your] destruction; but do good; for Allah loves those who do good.” (2:195)
    Islam teaches that every living being has an equal right to life-sustaining elements, and humans get the greatest share of respect as the deputies of Allah on Earth. Muslims are instructed to study the functions of our own bodies in order to appreciate Allah’s magnificence and to be able to save precious lives.
    According to these principles, seeking medical help to “repair” effected or impaired physical functions becomes a priority for a good Muslim to maintain a body healthy enough to fulfill his Islamic duties on earth. If we are invited to ponder the complexity of our bodies, why then would it not be essential to learn of how to repair it in the event of injuries?

    Islam, a Religion of Healing
    In addition to seeking medical assistance from a professional to cure the body on emergencies or chronic cases, Islam offers the sick and the ailing cure for their souls and minds through an array of Qur’anic verses and supplications. We believe that Allah is the Creator of everything in the universe, including germs, illness, accidents, natural disasters, etc. So, after seeking medical assistance, we are required to turn to Allah to for comprehensive healing.
    In fact, the healing philosophy is taken a step further as Islam looks at the Muslim nation as one healthy human body: as the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H&H.P) said: if one member is sick, the rest of the body suffers. Consequently, Muslims worldwide are supposed to offer assistance, first aid, and life sustenance to their Muslim brethren in other lands affected with natural disasters or epidemics – thus the creation of international organizations such as Islamic Relief and the Red Crescent.

    Islamic Ethical System Refined Arabs’ First Aid Skills
    As Islam spread, a comprehensive ethical system was introduced into all aspects of the daily lives of its followers, through the teachings of the Holy Qur’an and our Infallibles (A.S). The Qur’an elaborates on being kind and humane to others, even to prisoners, captives, and enemies during wars. In fact, there are several instances where the Prophet is reported to have administered First Aid on the battleground to his followers. In his famous seminary in Medina, Imam Sadiq (A.S) used to teach medicine to his students alongside jurisprudence, chemistry, and mathematics.
    Even during wars, medical help and first aid was systematically offered to everyone in equal measure, Muslim soldiers as well as prisoners of war. Muslim women volunteered as nurses at war. As a result, many captives embraced Islam after sampling superior humane treatment from their Muslim captors. In fact, when Imam Ja’far as-Sadiq was asked about the role of women in the army of the Twelfth Imam (A.S), he said, “They will treat the injured and look after the sick, just as the [women did] at the time of the Messenger of Allah [during the battles].” (Ithbatul Hudat)
    Consequently, the teachings of the Infallibles remind us that as they practiced administering First Aid, so too must we, and in doing so, we follow their Sunnah. This following led to Muslims being regarded as skilled First Aid and medical experts when they traveled across the world. People came to them for advice and information. Many such stories are recorded in history and travel books in Europe, Asia, and Africa. In a few decades from the dawn of Islam, Muslims built the firm foundations of the science of modern medicine, anatomy, and surgery. The work of the great Muslim scientist Ibn Sina (Avicenna) is still taught in medical schools around the world to this present day.

    This article borrowed from Islamic Insight.

  • Conversation of Angels with Imam Hussein (A.S)

    Shaikh Mufeed has narrated through his chain of transmitters that Imam Sadiq (A.S) said, that when Imam Hussein (A.S) left Medina, a group of Angels, having distinct marks, met him on the way. They carried swords in their hands and had mounted the horses of Paradise. They came to Imam (A.S), saluted him and said: "O Allah's Proof (Hujjah) upon the creatures after your Grandfather, Father and Brother! Allah the Glorious had rendered help to your Grandfather through our medium in many of his battles, and has now sent us to assist you." Imam (A.S) replied: "The Promised Land is called Karbala, thus you may come to me there."
    They said: "O Proof of Allah! You may command whatever you desire and we will comply with it and obey you. If you fear the enemies we shall defend you against them."
    Imam (A.S) replied:
    "They have no way upon me and they will not be able to hurt me until I reach my (destined) mausoleum."

    Derived from: Nafasul Mahmoom   
    By: Sheikh Abbas Qummi

  • Disbelievers better than Enemies of Ahlul Bayt (A.S)

    Hypocrite

    Narrated Mohammad bin Yahya, from Ahmad bin Mohammad bin Isa, from al-Hussein bin Saeed, from Fazalah bin Ayub, from Saif bin Amirah, from Abi Bakr al-Hazrami who said:

    I asked Imam Sadiq (A.S), "Are the people of Shaam (Damascus) more evil or the [people of] Rome?
    Imam Sadiq (A.S) said: "Verily the people of Rome disbelieved but do not have enmity with Us. While the people of Shaam (Damascus) disbelieved and had enmity with us."
    [Source: al-Kafi, Vol.2, Pg. 410, Hadith. 5]

    Check out the verses of the Quran, Chapter. 5, Verse. 58 to 61 - These verses prove that the hypocrites (who claim to be Muslims but don't believe from their heart) are worse than the Jews and Christians who oppose Islam and Muslims.

    Ref: Marefate AhleBait (A.S).com

  • Drunkard on the death-bed

    Abu Basir says that Umme Khalid Abadiya presented herself before Imam Sadiq (A.S) when Abu Basir was also present. Umme Khalid said; "May I be sacrificed for you, on the day of judgment I will tell Allah that I have done as commanded by Jafar ibn Muhammad (A.S). Physicians have told me to knead the flour with grape wine and eat the bread. This will cure the terrible pain of my heart. I ask you, shall I do this?”
    Imam Sadiq (A.S) replied to Umme Khalid; "No! By Allah I will not permit you even a drop of wine. Don't taste even a drop of it. Otherwise when your soul reaches here (Imam pointed towards his throat) you will only regret." Then Imam (A.S) asked Umme Khalid thrice.
    "Have you understood?"
    "Yes", replied Umme Khalid.
    A student of Fuzail Ibne Ayaz was on the death-bed. Fuzail came to him, and sitting near his head began to recite Surah Yassin. The disciple told his teacher, "Do not recite the Quran!" Fuzail became silent. Then he began to urge his disciple to repeat "La ilaha illallah". The student said: "I will not repeat this formula because I am disgusted with it!" And he died in the same condition.
    Fuzail Ibne Ayaz was extremely perturbed. He returned home after completing his duties and went to sleep. He saw his student undergoing punishment. He asked him, "What is the reason of your being deprived of faith (Imaan) at the time of your death? You were one of my best students."
    The student replied: "There are three reasons, firstly, I used to backbite too much, secondly, I used to be jealous, and thirdly, a physician had prescribed for my malady a cup of wine every year. He told me that if I do not drink, the disease will never be cured. Every year I drank one cup of wine." (Safinatun Behaar Vol I, Pg. 428)
    (Extract from the book "Greater Sins" by Shaheed DastGhaib)

    Derived from: Imam Reza.Network

  • Eid al-Ghadir the Eid of Allah (S.W.T)

    الْيَوْمَ أَكْمَلْتُ لَكُمْ دِينَكُمْ وَأَتْمَمْتُ عَلَيْكُمْ نِعْمَتِي وَرَضِيتُ لَكُمُ الْإِسْلَامَ دِينًا

    This day have I perfected your religion for you, completed my favor upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion.(Al Quran Chapter.5 Verse.3)

    Imam Sadiq (A.S) said:

    قال الصادق (علیه السلام): (عید الغدیر) و هو عيد اللّه‏ الأكبر    

    "It (Eid al-Ghadir) is the greatest Eid of Allah (S.W.T)."
    (Source: Wasail us Shia Vol.5 Pg.224)

    قَالَ سَمِعْتُ أَبَا عَبْدِ اللَّهِ الصَّادِقَ ع يَقُولُ صِيَامُ يَوْمِ غَدِيرِ خُمٍّ يَعْدِلُ صِيَامَ عُمُرِ الدُّنْيَا  …وَ هُوَ عِيدُ اللَّهِ الْأَكْبَرُ وَ مَا بَعَثَ اللَّهُ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ نَبِيّاً قَطُّ إِلَّا وَ تَعَيَّدَ فِي هَذَا الْيَوْمِ وَ عَرَفَ حُرْمَتَهُ وَ اسْمُهُ فِي السَّمَاءِ يَوْمُ الْعَهْدِ الْمَعْهُودِ … لَعَلَّكَ تَرَى أَنَّ اللَّهَ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ خَلَقَ يَوْماً أَعْظَمَ حُرْمَةً مِنْهُ لَا وَ اللَّهِ لَا وَ اللَّهِ لَا وَ اللَّه‏

    Imam Sadiq (A.S) said:
    "Fasting on the day of Ghadeer is equivalent to fasting throughout the entire age of the world… It is the greatest festival of Allah. Allah has not sent any prophet but that he celebrated this day as Eid and was aware of its sanctity. It is known in the heavens as ‘The Day of the Famous Covenant’… You might think that Allah, the mighty and the majestic, has created a day more sacred than that. No, by Allah! No, by Allah! No, by Allah!"
    (Complete tradition (Hadees) is not quoted here)
    (Source: Tahdhib Al Ahkam – Sheikh Toosi Vol.3 Pg.143)

    فَقَالَ الرِّضَا ع حَدَّثَنِي أَبِي عَنْ أَبِيهِ ع قَالَ إِنَّ يَوْمَ الْغَدِيرِ فِي السَّمَاءِ أَشْهَرُ مِنْهُ فِي الْأَرْض‏ … وَ اللَّهِ لَوْ عَرَفَ النَّاسُ فَضْلَ هَذَا الْيَوْمِ بِحَقِيقَتِهِ لَصَافَحَتْهُمُ الْمَلَائِكَةُ فِي كُلِّ يَوْمٍ عَشْرَ مَرَّات


    Imam Reza (A.S) narrates from his father (A.S):
    "Certainly, the day of Ghadir is more famous in the heavens than in the earth… and by Allah, had people truly known the superiority of this day, the angels would have been shaking hands with them ten times a day."
    (Complete tradition (Hadees) is not quoted here)
    (Source: Tahdhib Al Ahkam – Sheikh Toosi Vol.6 Pg.24)
     
    Ibrahim bin Hashim narrated from Qasim bin Yahya, from Hassan bin Rashid, who said:
    I asked Aba Abdillah, Jaafar bin Mohammad (A.S), "May I sacrifice myself for you! Is there an Eid (feast) other than the two Eids and Fridays for the Muslims?"
    Abu Abdillah (A.S) replied, "Yes, there is an Eid that is more important than any other Eid. It is the day on which the Messenger of Allah (S.W.T) announced Ali bin Abi Taleb (A.S) as his successor and ordered the people to pay allegiance to Ali (A.S) in the Ghadeer (brook) of Khum."
    I asked, "Which day is that?"
    Abu Abdillah (A.S) replied, "It is the eighteenth day of the month of Dhul Hijjah. And the reward for any good deed on this day is equal to the reward of all good deeds for eighty months. On that day, (people) should increasingly send blessings on the Prophet (P.B.U.H&H.P) and the family of the Prophet (P.B.U.H&H.P) and be more generous with their families."
    (Source: Basharat ul Mustafa Le Shiyyat e Murtuza, Chapter 8, Hadees 4 / Thawab AI-A’maal ol Sadouq, P 68 / Bihar ul Anwar, Vol 92, P 112)

    Someone asked Imam Jafar bin Mohammad (A.S), "What did the Prophet (P.B.U.H&H.P) mean by the word MOWLA on the day of Ghadeer when He said: ‘of whomsoever I am their Mowla, Ali is their Mowla. O Allah! Befriend his friends and be the enemy of his enemies."
    Jafar bin Mohammad (A.S) sat up straight and said, "I swear to Allah that people asked the Messenger of Allah (P.B.U.H&H.P) the same question and the Prophet (P.B.U.H&H.P) replied an the following way:
    Allah is my master and has more authority on me than I do on myself. I do not have any authority on myself compared to His authority on me.
    I am the master of the believers, and I have more authority on them than they have on themselves. They do not have any authority on themselves compared to my authority (on them).
    And Ali is the master of the believers, and Ali has more authority on them than they have on themselves. They do not have any authority on themselves compared to Ali's authority (on them).
    (Source: Basharat ul Mustafa Le Shiyyat e Murtuza, Chapter 2, Hadees 24 / Bihar ul Anwar, Vol 37, Pg 222)

    The Messenger of Allah (P.B.U.H&H.P) said:
    The day of Ghadeer Al-Khum is the best EID (feast) of my nation. It is the days that Allah ordered me to appoint Ali bin Abi Taleb as the flag so that my nation would be guided by him after me. It is the day that Allah perfected the religion and completed His favor and accepted Islam as a religion for the people.
    O people! Ali bin Abi Taleb is from me and I am from Ali.
    He is the Commander of the Believers, the leader of religion, the leader of the companions of Paradise and the best of successors.
    Ali is the husband of the Master of All of the Worlds' Women and the father of the Imams of guidance.
    O People! I love those who love Ali and I hate those who hate Ali. I connect with those who connect with Ali and I dissociate myself from those who dissociate themselves from Ali. I turn away from those who turn away from Ali. I am the friend of his friends and I am the enemy of his enemies.
    O People! I am the city of wisdom and Ali is the door and you cannot enter the city without entering from the door.
    Those who think they love me and hate Ali are liars.
    O People! I swear to Allah, who sent me as a messenger and who chose me from amongst the entire creation, that I did not appoint Ali to be the flag (of guidance) until Allah ordered me (to do so) by specifying his name and made following him mandatory on His angels.
    (Source: Basharat ul Mustafa Le Shiyyat e Murtuza, Chapter 2, Hadees 24 / Amaali of Sheikh Sadouq, Pg 109)

    Ref: Marefate AhleBait (A.S).com

  • Etiquette of Drinking

    Imam Sadiq (A.S) said: “When anyone of you drinks water and say Bismillah (In the name of Gad), then he interrupts drinking and says, Alhamdo lillah (Praise be to Allah), and repeats the process three time, water will praise the Lord on his behalf (as long as it stays in his stomach) until it leaves his body.” (Al-Wasa`il, from the book of foods and drinks)
    According to abu-Dawood al-Raqy. “I was in Imam Sadiq’s (A.S) place when he asked for a drink. When he started drinking, he began shedding tears and his eyes were bathed with it. He then said to me: ‘O, Dawood! May Allah’s curse be upon the one who murdered Hussain (A.S); I have never drank cold water but remembered Hussain (A.S); no man drinks water and remembers Hussain (A.S) and his household and curses his murderers but a hundred thousand righteous deeds are reckoned to his credit and a hundred thousand bad deeds are dropped from his credit; and his rank will be raised by a hundred thousand and he is given the credit of freeing a hundred thousand men, and Allah will gather him delighted with Hussain (A.S).” (Al-Wasa`il, from the book of permissible beverages)
    According to Solayman Bin Khalid: “I asked for abu-Abdullah’s (Imam Sadiq (A.S)) opinion on the uninterrupted gulping of beverages, he replied: ‘It is reprehensible (not commendable) and that is (what the Koran calls) al-Heem’s (thirsty camels’) way of drinking. I said: ‘What are they?’ He replied: ‘Camels’. (Al-Wasa`il, from the book of permissible beverages)
    According to Jarrah al-Madainy: “Imam Sadiq (A.S) did not like it when a man eats with his left hand, drinks with it or receives with it.” (Al-Wasa`il, from the book of permissible beverages)
    Imam Sadiq (A.S) said: “If you want to drink water at night, stir the vessel and say: O, water (twice), ZamZam (the well in Holy Mecca, close to Kaaba) and the Euphrates (river) extend their greetings to you.” (Al-Wasa`il, from the book of permissible beverages)
    Imam Ali (A.S) said: “Water is the superior beverage in this world and in the hereafter.” (Al-Wasa`il, from the book of permissible beverages)
    The Prophet (P.B.U.H&H.P) said: “Offering water is the best kind of donations.” (Tib al-Nabiy)
    The Prophet (P.B.U.H&H.P) said: “Sip water and do not gulp it down.” (Tib al-Nabiy)
    Imam Sadiq (A.S) said: “Had they drank less water, their bodies would have been sounder. When the Prophet (P.B.U.H&H.P) ate fatty food, he used to drink less water. When he was asked about it, he said: ‘It makes food more palatable.”
    Imam Baqir (A.S): “It is tastier and healthier to drink water from the standing position.”
    The Prophet (P.B.U.H&H.P) said: “The water of (the well of) ZamZam is a remedy.” {Drinking Zamzam’s water remedies the illness}. (Al-Wasa`il, from the book of permissible beverages)

    Adopted from: Al Seraj

  • Gambling and Chess

    In today’s so-called advanced age, gambling and playing cards are common. People are very comfortable with these two pastimes, especially while travelling in trains and buses. Some play, while others watch intently. The Holy Quran declares:
    "They ask you about intoxicants and games of chance. Say: In both of them there is a great sin and means of profit for men, and their sin is greater than their profit."
    (Surah Baqarah: 219)
    Moreover, it was revealed:
    "The Satan only desires to cause enmity and hatred to spring in your midst by means of intoxicants and games of chance, and to keep you off from the remembrance of Allah and from prayer. Will you then desist?"
    (Surah Maidah: 91)
    The verse that follows deals a great psychological blow:
    "And obey Allah and His Apostle and be cautious; but if you turn back, then know that only a clear deliverance of the message is (incumbent) on our apostle."
    (Surah Maidah: 92)
    It is prohibited to use those things which are used as a mode for gambling and which in normal circumstances are considered as a means of gambling, regardless of whether there is any bet on the game. Not only playing them is forbidden but even looking at such things is not permissible.
    Imam Sadiq (A.S) warns:
    "Playing chess is polytheism, holding a chess pawn is like touching pork … looking at it is as hateful and forbidden as looking at the private parts of one’s mother!!!’
    (Wasaael-us-Shiah, ‘The Book on Trading’)
    Besides inviting punishment in the hereafter, gambling results in some of the following losses in the world:
    1. Time spent indulging in sins.
    2. Causes enmity.
    3. Leads to hatred and malice.
    4. Keeps one away from Allah’s remembrance.
    5. Distances from prayer.
    6. Disobedience of Allah and obedience to Satan.
    7. Wealth is squandered.
    8. Children are spoilt.
    9. Homes are ruined.
    10. Results in nervous disorders.
    11. Continuous tension.
    12. Spoils temperament and behavior.
    13. Causes frustration, sometimes resulting in suicide.

    Fazl bin Shazan narrates from Imam Reza (A.S):
    "When the holy head of Imam Husain (A.S) was being taken from Syria, the accursed Yazid ordered to prepare the table for food. He was engrossed in eating and drinking wine with his cronies and ordered that Imam’s (A.S) head should be placed on the floor. Then he got engrossed in playing chess. He used to remember the ancestors of Imam Husain (A.S) and mocked at them. Whenever he would win the game he would drink three glasses of wine, and spill the leftovers near the tray. Therefore, one who is our Shia, it is compulsory for him to keep away from drinking wine and playing chess. And whenever he sees any of these two things, he should remember Imam Hussain (A.S) and curse Yazid and his progeny. If he dies, Allah will forgive his sins."
    (Oyoono Akhbar al-Reza, p. 93)

    Source: Al Muntazar

  • Health and Wellness in Islam

    Being active and to exercise is not only acceptable in Islam but also recommended. Part of the instructions given by the Prophet and the Imams (A.S) about upbringing of children is the issue of physical exercise. Swimming, for example, has been greatly encouraged in our religious literature.
    It is a way of life which encompasses all aspects of human life: spiritual as well as physical, personal as well as communal, physical health as well as material wealth, and religious matters as well as political issues. In Islam, our body and health are considered as important gifts of Almighty Allah. Imam Ali (A.S) said: “Health is the best of blessings.” In another narration, he says, “One of the blessings [of God] is the abundance of wealth; however, better than abundance of wealth is the health of the body.” Imam Sadiq (A.S) said, “A believer who is physically strong is better than a weak believer.” It is in this sense that our body is considered to be the trust given to us by Allah. And we have to safeguard and protect this trust.

    Sleeping, Resting, and Avoiding Stress
    Almighty Allah has appointed the night as the time for resting and the day as the time for working. “He is the One who made for you the night so that you may rest in it, and the day with light; most surely in these are signs for the people who hear.” (10:67) so naturally, sleeping is very important.
    Avoiding stress: slow down; look at the present and enjoy it before you lose it. Give time for your family. Having a good family life will help you in dealing with stress. And, finally, be in touch with Allah, the Prophet, and Imams; read the Qur’an and the Du’as. This will greatly help in dealing with stress. “Verily, in the remembrance of Allah, the hearts are at ease.” (13:28). There are special supplications in Sahifa Sajjadia which can be quite helpful. And unlike stress counselors or psychiatrists, you don’t need to schedule an appointment or pay any fees – Allah is always available to listen to you free of charge!

    Ref: Islamic Insight

  • Hijab: A Personal Choice?

    The Scientific View
    Human behavior and actions are controlled by information that our brains and nerve cells store. This information is received and perceived through our senses and stored within our brain as memories, thoughts, emotions and ideas. The stored information drives processes that affect one’s decision-making to a great extent, finally resulting in one’s outward behavior and actions.
    Surprisingly enough, around 80% of all sense perception reaching our brain comes from the eyes alone! One can imagine the significant role played by the eyes in driving our mental processes and behavior. Whether it is watching a movie, playing videogames, or regular day-to-day activities that our eyes perceive – they all play an important role in affecting our thoughts, actions and behavior. If one is not selective about filtering indecent and inappropriate scenes from being viewed, one can be assured that it will bring about negative responses and unworthy behavior!
    In a society where the eyes are not protected from viewing indecent or provocative sensory information, it should not be alarming to see the decay of modesty and higher morals in society. This is where one must realize the blessing of Hijab; the physical Hijab as well as the Hijab of the eye are a divine blessing for believers to avoid pitfalls and create a healthy society.

    The Islamic View
    The very reason that Islam considers mixed gatherings as prohibited is because they violate physical and social Hijab to a great extent. Our respected Maraja Taqleed and scholars unanimously agree with the impermissibility of mixed gatherings.
    Imam Sadiq (A.S) said: “Whenever the eye looks at something forbidden, a knot of desire is tied in the person’s heart, and that knot will only be untied by one of two conditions: either by weeping out of grief or regret in true repentance, or by taking possession of what one desired and looked at.” Clearly, the non-observance of physical Hijab by women has the potential to encourage forbidden gaze by the opposite gender. Indeed the dangers of not observing Hijab can be realized through the wisdom of our infallibles.
    In addition, lack of modesty in the society has the potential to impede its growth and corrupt it through diverting minds into unnecessary or indecent thoughts and behavior.
    Every society or country chooses to impose a dress code for its citizens. What better dress code can one impose than the Islamic Hijab? In the eyes of a believer, is there anything better than the Islamic standards of modesty?
    In conclusion, the beautiful blessing of Hijab extends itself from being just a personal choice to one that impacts greater good of the society. By choosing to observe Hijab, Muslim men and women not only elevate their own spirituality but they in fact help in elevating our social fabric and together prepare for the return of our awaited Imam (A.S).

    Taken from: Ahlulbayt Islamic Mission

  • How to fast all your life?

    On p. 258, Vol. 1, of 'Ilal al-Sharai', and also on p. 92, Vol. 94, of Bihar al-Anwar, Imam Reza (A.S) was asked why an optional fast is recommended for the entire year. And he answered by saying that it served to complement obligatory fast. Then he was asked: "Why is there an optional fast for one day out of each ten days?" He (A.S) said: "It is so because Allah, the Praised and Exalted one, says:
    'Whoever does a good deed will be rewarded ten-fold'
    [Surat al-An'am, verse 16]
    Therefore, one who fasts one day in each ten days will be regarded (according to this verse) as though he had fasted the whole time."
    Salman al-Farsi, May Allah be pleased with him, used to say: "Fasting three [non-consecutive] days a month equals fasting the whole time. So, if one can find anything beyond that, let him fast it!"
    Imam Ja'fer al-Sadiq (A.S) was asked why a Thursday of the first tenth days is to be fasted, a Thursday of the last, and a Wednesday in-between are the designated days for such fast, and his answer was:
    "The deeds of each servant of Allah are displayed before Allah on each Thursday. Therefore, He wished that it should be done while such servant is observing a fast.
    "Why another Thursday's fast at the end of the month, then?" the Imam (A.S) was asked.
    "It is so because if his deeds for eight days are displayed while he is fasting are more honorable for him and better than if he is not fasting. The reason for choosing a Wednesday in the second (middle) ten days of the month, according to Imam al-Sadiq (A.S), is due to the fact that Allah, the most Honored, the most Sublime, created hell on that day; it was on it that He annihilated the early generations; it is a day of continuous bad omen; so, He wished that His servants should shun such a bad omen by fasting that day."

    Ref: Shia.es

  • Human Creation and Fetus Fate in Uterus

    Imam Sadigh (A.S) said: Oh Mofazzal, I start my speech with the story of human creation; take heed of that to be successful. First it was planned to cover the fetus in the womb, behind three membranes of darkness: abdomen (pelvic cavity), womb (endometrium), and uterus (amniotic sac), where it is unable to find food or ward off waste and inadmissible. It does not know its interest or loss. Uterine blood (vessels of endometrium) is its food; it is its only food, like water for the plant.

    Birth and Child Nutrition
    When the creation is complete, its mother feels labor pain, and the severity and difficulty of this pain causes the fetus be thrown out. when he is born (comes out from the tight uterus to the world), his body becomes hard and the skin can adapt to the air, and his eyes can bear the light; and that blood which was his former food, now with new color and smell, flows from his mother’s breasts. It is the most suitable food for the newborn. When a baby is born, he brings out his tongue and turns it around his mouth to ask for food. At this time, he finds mother’s breasts and sucks them as long as his body is fresh, inside is fragile, and organs are soft.
    When he starts crawling, he needs hard and nutritious food to strengthen his body. From every side of his mouth, molar teeth grow so that he can chew the food and make it soft to swallow. This situation will continue until he reaches maturity. At this time if a male, hair grows on his face as a sign and dignity of man to be recognized from women and children; and if a female, her face will be clean from hair to give her beauty and freshness to win men’s heart and make human race viable and sustainable.
    Oh, Mofazzal, Think well about these stages. Is it possible to have all these policies without a wise being? Do you know if he did not receive enough blood in the womb, he would be dry and wither like a plant without water? Do you know if his mother did not feel labor pain when he was complete in the womb, he would be buried alive in the womb, and if he were unable to bear the milk after birth, he would either starve or be fed with unsuitable or harmful food? If his teeth did not grow on time, he would be unable to chew and swallow the food and always had to drink milk and his body did not gain the strength for work, and his mother could not take care of her other children because of him?

    Ref: Quran and Medicine

  • Imam Muhammed Al-Baqir (A.S) Conversation with a Christian Scholar

    Imam Sadiq (A.S) said, "one day I and my father came out of the assembly of Hisham. We happened to pass by a place where a group of Christians had come to ask questions from their scholar. We too went there to see what the affair was.
    We saw an old man with grey hair and grey eyebrows sitting among them. We also sat among the aggregation. The followers of Jesus Christ (A.S) were sitting before him like worthless children, and were asking him questions. The old man's eye caught the sight of my father Imam Muhammed Al-Baqir (A.S) and he said, "Are you from among us or from among the followers of Muhammed (P.B.U.H&H.P)."
    My father answered "from among the followers of Muhammed (P.B.U.H&H.P)". He said, "Are you from among the scholars or the ignorant"? My father said, "I am not from among the ignorant." The old man said, "Shall I ask you question or you will ask me." My father said, "You question me."
    The aged man was surprised. He had a look upon my father and said, "Oh servant of God, let me know about the time which is neither day nor night."
    My father replied, "Between the dawn and the sunrise."
    He asked, "From which time is it?"
    My father said, "From the times (hours) of the Paradise, the ailing ones gain their senses in this hour (time), the pains become relieved, and the one who had a sleepless night goes to sleep at this time."
    The man said, "The people in paradise eat and drink but do not excrete anything, is there anything in the world similar to them?"
    My father said, "Yes the embryo which eats in the mother womb but nothing segregates from whatever it eats."
    The man said, "Let me know if there is anything in the world similar to your claim that the people in paradise eat and drink but nothing is lessened and shortened, and that returns to its original shape."
    My father said, "Yes it is candle that if a hundred other candles are lit by it, nothing gets lessened out of it."
    The Christian scholar got up from his place and said, "This man is wiser than me." When he knew that he was Imam Muhammed Al-Baqir (A.S), he embraced Islam.

    Ref: Almujtaba Islamic Network

  • Imamat Is Guidance We Need

    Basra is a big city and the main port of Iraq. It is situated at the mouth of river Euphrates.
    There, in a big mosque, people used to assemble to discuss various subjects on Islamic rules and laws. A famous learned priest of Sunni sect by name Amr Bin Ubeid was once preaching on the subject of Imamat. He was surrounded by a big crowd of people who were asking various questions on the subject. Suddenly, a young and intelligent student of Islam by name of Hesham, entered the gathering and sat down in the first row. He addressed the priest saying that he was a stranger and would like to ask some questions. On getting the permission to do so, he asked the following:
    Hesham: First, Sir! May I please know if you have eyes?
    Amr: Young Boy! Is this a question to be asked?
    Hesham: Whatever it may be, this is my question to which I shall appreciate your answer.
    Amr: Alright! you are at liberty to ask, even though it is a foolish question.
    Hesham: As I have already asked, Sir, may I please know if you have eyes?
    Amr: Yes, I have.
    Hesham: For what use are they?
    Amr: With eyes, I can see faces of people and colour of various things.
    Hesham: And you have a nose also?
    Amr: Yes, I do have one.
    Hesham: What is its function?
    Amr: I smell the scent and odour by it.
    Hesham: And do you have a mouth?
    Amr: Yes I do have.
    Hesham: For what use is it?
    Amr: I can talk to people or taste food and drinks with it.
    Hesham: Do you have ears?
    Amr: Yes, I have two ears.
    Hesham: What is their function?
    Amr: I can hear voices by them.
    Hesham: And do you have a mind?
    Amr: Almighty has bestowed me with that also.
    Hesham: What is its use?
    Amr: With that I am able to distinguish things whatever is felt by the other senses like hands, eyes, ears, nose, tongue etc. In case of a difference, I am able to solve with its help. In case of doubt, I can dispel with it and be sure.
    Hesham: So, does it mean that despite being sound and healthy, all these organs cannot function independently without the help of the mind.
    Amr: No, No! none of the organs can function independently without the help of the mind.
    Hesham: Why is it so? After all, are the organs perfect and strong enough to differentiate between things?
    Amr: Young Boy! When any organ has some doubt about a thing which it smells, sees or tastes, it brings the matter to the mind and it is the mind which confirms the truth and removes the doubt.
    Hesham: So, from what you have said, do you want me to understand that God Almighty has created and designed the mind to guide the organs and remove doubts.
    Amr: Yes! It is so.
    Hesham: So the mind is a necessity, otherwise the organs could not work independently.
    Amr: Yes.
    Hesham: Please Sir! Proclaim your opinion with fairness and justice on this point also. If Almighty has not left the organs of man's body without the guidance of the mind, how is it possible that Almighty God could leave millions of His creatures without an IMAM to guide and solve their problems arising out of doubts and conflicts? Should not our common sense accept this fact?
    On hearing this logic argument and having no answer to give, Amr Bin Ubeid kept silent and went into deep thinking.
    Hesham was a deeply learned person and one of the closest companions of Imam Sadiq (A.S) from whom he had obtained his knowledge.

    Source: Al-Islam.org

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