Sometimes, in the twists and turns of life, all doors seem to close on a person. No matter how much we think to ourselves and try different solutions, it feels as if no lock can be opened. In such situations, what is the solution? Can we find a master key that works on the locks of life and can free a person from a deadlock?
Imam Javad (peace be upon him) introduces a golden key to his followers that is effective in both material problems and spiritual deadlocks. He says: “… if the doors of the heavens and the earth are closed upon someone, by maintaining God’s piety, a way of escape will be opened for him…[1]” In fact, Imam Javad (peace be upon him) identifies taqwa (piety or the avoidance of sins and fulfillment of divine obligations) as the golden key to escaping the deadlocks of life.
This guiding statement unveils a promise from God rooted in the verses of the Quran. The compassionate God explicitly says in a part of verse 2 of Surah At-Talaq: “… whoever fears God, He will make a way for him to get out (of difficulties)…”[2] Imam Javad’s (peace be upon him) words, along with this verse, reveal one of the most hopeful promises, which brings peace to the heart and light to the soul. It tears apart the veils of despair, sheds the light of hope into the heart, and gives all the pious individuals the promise of salvation and solutions to their problems.
In a narration from Abu Dharr Ghifari, the Messenger of God (peace be upon him) said: “I know of a verse that, if all people hold on to it, it will be sufficient to solve their problems.” [3]Then, he recited the verse and repeated it several times. In another narration from the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him), in the interpretation of this verse, he said: “God delivers the pious from the doubts of this world, the hardships of death, and the difficulties of the Day of Judgment.” [4]This interpretation implies that the opening of affairs for the pious is not limited to this world; it includes the Hereafter as well. In another narration, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Whoever frequently asks for forgiveness (and cleanses the heart from the rust of sin), God will make a way out of every sorrow for him and a means of escape from every difficulty.”[5]
Some commentators have said that this verse was revealed regarding ‘Auf ibn Malik,’ a companion of the Messenger of God (peace be upon him), whose son was captured by the enemies of Islam. Therefore, he came to the Prophet (peace be upon him) to complain about this and his poverty. The Prophet said: “Adopt piety and be patient, and frequently recite ‘There is no power and no strength except with God.’” He did so, and one day, while ‘Auf was sitting at home, his son entered the door. It turned out that his son had used a moment of the enemy’s neglect to escape and even brought a camel of the enemy along. This is when the verse was revealed, announcing the solution to the problem of this individual with piety and the provision that came to him from where he least expected.[6]
It is important to note that the meaning of this verse and the narration of Imam Javad (peace be upon him) does not imply that a person should abandon their efforts for living and say, “I will sit at home and practice piety, and my problems will be solved.” No! The meaning of the verse is not this. Rather, the goal is piety and avoidance of sins, combined with effort and striving. If, despite this, doors close on a person, God guarantees their opening.
Therefore, in a narration, we read that “Umar ibn Muslim,” one of the companions of Imam Sadiq (peace be upon him), did not come to the Imam for a while. Imam Sadiq (peace be upon him) inquired about his condition. The companions explained that he had given up trade and turned to worship. Imam (peace be upon him) said: “Woe to him! Does he not know that whoever abandons seeking a livelihood, their prayers will not be answered?”
Then the Imam (peace be upon him) said: “Some companions of the Messenger of God (peace be upon him) when the verse ‘Whoever fears God, He will make a way for him to get out and provide for him from where he does not expect’ was revealed, closed the doors upon themselves and turned to worship, saying: ‘God has taken our provision upon Himself.’ This matter reached the Prophet, who sent someone to ask why they had done this. They said: ‘O Messenger of God! Since God has taken responsibility for our provision, we have engaged in worship.’ The Messenger of God (peace be upon him) said: ‘Whoever does this, their prayers will not be answered. You must strive and also seek [your livelihood].’”[7]
Indeed, performing the obligatory acts of God and avoiding the forbidden ones, which Imam Javad (peace be upon him) refers to as “piety,” is the golden key in life. According to God’s explicit promise, it is the cause of success in one’s affairs and salvation from deadlocks, both in this world and in the Hereafter.[8]
(Extracted from “Al-Tafseer al-Namuneh” by Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi (with modifications and additions))
Footnotes:
[1] Kashf al-Ghamah, Vol. 2, p. 346
[2] Surah At-Talaq, Verse 2
[3] Tafseer Majma’ al-Bayan, Vol. 10, p. 306
[4] Tafseer Noor al-Thaqalayn, Vol. 5, p. 356, Hadith 44
[5] Tafseer Noor al-Thaqalayn, Vol. 5, p. 357, Hadith 45
[6] Majma’ al-Bayan, Vol. 10, p. 306 – This story is also mentioned in Tafseer Fakhr al-Razi and Ruh al-Bayan with differences.
[7] Al-Kafi, Vol. 5, p. 84
[8] The divine promise regarding the opening of affairs and salvation from deadlocks does not necessarily mean the fulfillment of human desires in accordance with one’s wishes. Often, a person’s desires may not align with what is best for them. Therefore, the realization of this divine promise means finding a way out of deadlocks, and the opening of paths, whether or not it aligns with one’s own desires, or a completely different path is set before them. Moreover, some of the adversities that we consider deadlocks in life, such as death, illness, etc., are not necessarily deadlocks in true and spiritual terms; they can be valuable opportunities or different parts of the human life journey when used correctly.