In life, we have often complained about what we do not have and lamented over it; but have we ever stopped to think about what we do have? Perhaps some of our possessions are far greater and more valuable than the things we relentlessly strive to acquire, yet how do we face these blessings?
If we reflect a little deeper, we realize that not all of God’s blessings are equal in value or significance. Rather, they vary according to the impact they have on human life. For example, some of God’s blessings directly determine the path and method of human life. Recognizing the right guide and following his teachings, which in Islamic doctrine is referred to as “Wilayah” (authority), is one of these blessings that plays a crucial role in directing the correct course of human life. Truly, which of our possessions or lacks holds a role in shaping our life similar to the recognition of the right guide and following him? And do we truly appreciate this divine blessing?
In this regard, Imam Hasan al-Askari (peace be upon him), in a letter written in response to Ishaq ibn Ismail al-Nishapuri, reminds us of this important point. The Imam (peace be upon him) writes to Ishaq ibn Ismail:
“May Allah bestow upon you His cover and protection, and may He be your guardian in all matters. I have received your letter. May Allah grant you His mercy. We, by the grace of Allah, are a family who are compassionate toward our friends, and we are pleased with the continuous kindness and generosity of Allah towards them…
Ishaq! Be certain that whoever is blind in this world will be even more blind and lost in the Hereafter. Ishaq! It is not the physical eye that becomes blind; it is the eye of the heart, which resides in the chest. As Allah says in His firm Book about the oppressor: “He will say on the Day of Judgment, ‘My Lord, why have You raised me blind while I was [once] seeing?’ [Allah] will say, ‘Thus did Our signs come to you, and you forgot them; and thus will you be forgotten today.'” [1]
After the earliest of God’s proofs, the Prophets, and their fathers, the successors—may Allah’s peace and mercy be upon all of them—what greater sign or proof than the proof of God on earth and the guardian of His religion among His servants exists? (So, not recognizing the Imam of one’s time, who is the greatest proof of truth, leads to blindness in the Hereafter…)
Allah, in His mercy and grace, has made certain duties obligatory for you, not out of need, but out of His kindness and compassion. He has made the Hajj, Umrah, prayer, zakat, fasting, and Wilayah obligatory, and He has given you the keys to His obligations and the path to finding them… And when, after the Prophet, He appointed His “Awliya” (guardians), He sent down this verse: “This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favor upon you, and have approved for you Islam as your religion.” [2]
For His Awliya, He has laid down certain rights upon you and has commanded you to fulfill them… He instructed His Prophet to say: “Say, ‘I do not ask you for any reward for it except that you love my near relatives.'” [3]
And know that “whoever is miserly, he is only miserly against himself. And Allah is free of need, while you are the ones in need.” [4] And there is no god but Him…
Do not falter in matters of God (and religion), nor be among the losers. Cursed and distant from Allah’s mercy are those who turn away from His obedience and do not accept the advice of His Awliya. Allah has commanded you: “Obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those in authority among you.” [5]
… Allah, His Messenger, and the believers see your actions! And soon, you will be returned to the One who knows the unseen and the seen, and He will inform you of what you used to do!” [6] And praise and gratitude belong only to Allah, the Lord of the worlds. May Allah’s peace and blessings be upon Muhammad and his family.
Have we, as is fitting for this great blessing, expressed our gratitude and thanks for it?
(Adapted from the book “Tuhaf al-Uqoul,” by Hasan ibn Shabah Harani)
Footnotes:
[1] (Surah Taha, verses 125-126)
[2] (Surah Ma’idah, verse 3)
[3] (Surah Ash-Shura, verse 23)
[4] (Surah Muhammad, verse 38)
[5] (Surah An-Nisa, verse 59)
[6] (Surah At-Tawbah, verse 105)