One of the educational programs of Imam Sajjad (peace be upon him) after the tragedy of Ashura was his effort to promote the moral upbringing of the Shia. This included encouraging the protection and careful monitoring of behavior, speech, and hearing, which play a significant role in human development. Another important educational instruction of his in this regard was the recommendation to safeguard one’s thoughts and beliefs by avoiding companionship with the corrupt and those who have no fear of God in their hearts.
Imam (peace be upon him) called on the community to take care of themselves so that they remain safe from the deceit, trickery, and whispers of the devils. He would say: “It is not appropriate for you to associate with everyone, because God, the Exalted, says: ‘O our Prophet! When you see a group engaging in discussions to ridicule Our verses, turn away from them until they engage in a different conversation'” [1].
He also said: “It is not fitting for you to say whatever you wish, because God says in Surah Al-Isra: ‘Do not follow that of which you have no knowledge or certainty'” [2]. This was in line with the saying of the Messenger of God (peace be upon him), who said: “May God have mercy on the person who speaks good words, for in doing so, they benefit, or they remain silent, for in this way, they remain safe.” Imam (peace be upon him) further advised: “It will not be appropriate for you to listen to whatever you desire, for God the Almighty says: ‘The eyes, ears, and hearts are all accountable.'” [3][4]
In these words, Imam Sajjad (peace be upon him) warns the Muslim community against associating with deceivers, oppressors, and those who plant the seeds of misguidance in people’s hearts. He cautioned the believers against spending their time and engaging in conversations with such individuals. These warnings came at a time when the courts of rulers and tyrants were actively promoting heretical and misleading discussions, along with gatherings of indulgence and immorality. These gatherings did not increase human understanding of oneself or of God, nor did they strengthen belief or even improve behavior and morals.
Thus, according to Imam Sajjad (peace be upon him), by safeguarding our interactions, speech, and hearing, we must take care of ourselves.
(Adapted from the book “Jihad of Imam Sajjad (peace be upon him),” authored by Hujjat al-Islam Sayyid Muhammad Reza Hosseini Jalali, with minor modifications)
Footnotes:
[1] (Surah Al-An’am, Verse 68)
[2] (Surah Al-Isra, Verse 36)
[3] Same reference
[4] (Al-‘Ilal al-Sharai’ by Al-Saduq, page 606)