We, human beings, by our very nature, cannot live without a support system. The creation of humans is such that everyone seeks something to rely on. In general, humans can be divided into four categories based on what they depend on in life. The first category, the lowest among humanity, rely on wealth and material possessions as their support.
The second group, which is higher than the first, does not rely on wealth and material possessions. Their support system is status and position. This is also an evident reliance observable in the world.
The third group consists of people who are of a higher rank among humans. They have transcended the attachment to wealth, status, and power, and have moved beyond positions of leadership, rulership, and governance. They have reached a stage of self-confidence. Their support lies in their inner strength. This is the rank of the greatest among humanity. These individuals are focused on extracting the hidden power of the self and relying on it. If this power is harnessed, it can be extraordinary because, when the human mind and will are properly nurtured, the strength they possess can stop even the greatest forces. Thus, the intellectual elite seek to rely on themselves, utilizing their mental power and control over their will.
The power of the soul is incredibly remarkable; however, this power is limited, and it always has a boundary. But the ultimate perfection, which cannot be surpassed, is when this inner power connects to a limitless power that has no end, which has influenced everything from the beginning to eternity. When this happens, humanity reaches its true purpose.
It is in this context that Imam Jawad (peace be upon him) reveals these truths in a beautiful statement. The words of the ninth Imam, which are at the peak of subtlety, eloquence, and rhetoric, offer a pearl of wisdom, revealing the secret of human creation and the key to human happiness and misfortune.
Imam Muhammad al-Jawad (peace be upon him) said: “Trust in God is the price of every precious commodity and the ladder to rise to every lofty rank”[1].
Indeed, the Imam, through his words, has written over all creation. Those who rely on wealth are not even considered in this account. Those who depend on kingship, rule, and leadership are completely disregarded.
Those who, like Aristotle, Plato, and all figures of theoretical and practical wisdom, rely on the power of the soul and will, are left in awe of this statement: O human, your nature seeks precious jewels; the more precious the jewel, the more valuable it is to you. This is a secret of your nature. Another secret of your creation is that you seek elevation and superiority. This desire for high status and greatness is an innate characteristic of humanity.
Where can these two desires be found? Should they be sought in wealth? That is false. Should they be sought in position? That is also false. Should they be sought in the power of the soul? That, too, is false because it is limited. The true answer lies in the fourth source of human reliance: Trust and reliance on God.
Excerpted from a speech by Ayatollah al-Uzma Wahid Khorasani (with slight modifications)[2]
Footnotes:
[1] (A’lam al-Din, p. 309)
[2] This speech was delivered in 2006, on the occasion of the martyrdom of Imam Jawad (peace be upon him).