Sometimes, in our moments of solitude, we may reflect on how much we have occupied ourselves with daily routines, business, and worldly matters, while paying little attention to our personal growth, spiritual development, and rectification of our shortcomings. Yet, the life of every human, with all its challenges and joys, will inevitably come to an end…
At times, we seek a kind, compassionate, and experienced individual who can provide us with a program or guide us on the path to happiness and fulfillment. But have we ever considered turning to the teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them) for such guidance?
Imam Hasan al-Askari (peace be upon him), in a letter to one of his followers, Ali ibn Babawayh Qummi[1], provided a general prescription for the spiritual and moral growth of the Shia community. He wrote:
“O my trusted jurist, Ali ibn Husayn ibn Babawayh Qummi, may Allah grant you success in fulfilling deeds that please Him and bless you with righteous offspring from your lineage.
I advise you to uphold piety, establish prayer, and pay zakat; for one who does not pay zakat, their prayer will not be accepted.
Furthermore, I counsel you to forgive others’ sins, restrain anger, maintain ties of kinship, show compassion to your fellow believers, and strive to meet their needs, whether in times of ease or hardship. Be patient in the face of ignorance and act with forbearance.
[I also urge you to] deepen your understanding of religion, remain steadfast in your endeavors, develop a close connection with the Quran through consistent recitation and application, exhibit good character, and promote good while forbidding evil. Allah Almighty has said: ‘There is no good in much of their secret talk, except for those who enjoin charity, kindness, or reconciliation between people.’[2]
[Generally,] I advise you to avoid all sins.
Do not neglect the night prayer, for the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him and his family) advised Imam Ali (peace be upon him), saying: ‘I enjoin you to perform the night prayer. I enjoin you to perform the night prayer. I enjoin you to perform the night prayer. For one who is heedless of the night prayer is not of us.’
So, O Ali ibn Husayn, adhere to my advice and instruct my followers to do the same. I also urge you to patience and perseverance (in fulfilling your duties) and to await deliverance. The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him and his family) said: ‘The best deeds of my Ummah are to await deliverance.’
Our followers will remain in sorrow and grief until my son appears—the one whom the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him and his family) foretold. (He is the one who) will fill the earth with justice and equity just as it has been filled with injustice and oppression.
Therefore, O elder and noble one, be patient and steadfast, and command my followers to be patient and steadfast as well. (For) ‘Indeed, the earth belongs to Allah. He gives it as inheritance to whom He wills among His servants, and the (best) outcome is for the righteous.’[3]
May Allah’s blessings, mercy, and grace be upon you and all our followers. Indeed, Allah suffices us as the best disposer of affairs, protector, and helper.”
The path to growth, perfection, and closeness to Allah—both individually and socially—is neither strange nor unfamiliar. However, like any prescription from a skilled physician, it can only bring about healing and transformation if the patient diligently and consistently acts upon its instructions.
(Adapted from the introduction to the Persian translation of the book “Fadail al-Shi’ah”, authored by Sheikh al-Saduq, with slight modifications and additions by the translator)[4]
Footnotes:
[1] Ali ibn Husayn ibn Babawayh Qummi, the noble father of Sheikh al-Saduq, is described in Rawdat al-Jannat as “a prominent jurist, an esteemed figure among the companions, a pure-hearted seeker of the path of the Prophet’s family (peace be upon them), a defender of the faith against the assaults of atheists, and a pillar and cornerstone of the Shia community.”
[2] Surah al-Nisa, Ayah 114.
[3] Surah al-A’raf, Ayah 128.
[4] This introduction and Persian translation were written and rendered by Mr. Amir Tohidi.