Throughout our daily lives, we often encounter friends, colleagues, or at least ordinary people, and interact with them. Sometimes, we become upset or disturbed by their behavior. We feel that they have not followed the proper ways of communication and coexisting with others, or that they have not fulfilled their duties toward others as they should. However, it is possible that they see no fault in their actions. Is our discomfort justified, or is it unwarranted and incorrect? Who is right?
Indeed, if the religion of God claims to ensure the happiness of humans, it cannot be neglectful of their social needs and the regulation of relationships among its followers. Therefore, if we revisit the teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them) from this perspective, we find many valuable insights regarding this matter. For example, Imam Baqir (peace be upon him) in his advice to his followers, referring to some of these individual and social teachings, says:
“O our Shi’a! Listen carefully to and understand our recommendations and pledges with our friends [so that you may act upon them]: Be truthful in your speech. Fulfill your promises and oaths, whether with your friends or your enemies. Share your wealth with each other, love one another sincerely. Give charity to the poor. Work together collectively in your endeavors. Do not deceive or betray anyone. Do not deny the truth after certainty, and do not abandon actions out of fear once you have begun. Never turn your back on your friends [or abandon them]… Never do anything for the sake of others [or for show]…”
Then, he continued: “Among those who claim to follow us, the true friends of God and His Prophet are those who, whenever they speak, speak the truth, whenever they make a promise, they keep it, and whenever entrusted with something, they return it to its rightful owner, and whenever the truth is presented to them, they accept it, and when asked to perform a duty, they do not withhold…”
“Certainly, a Shi’a of Ali (peace be upon him) does not raise his voice in anger or let his rage go beyond himself to affect others, and he does not associate with our enemies…”
“A Shi’a of Ali (peace be upon him) will honor a believer when he meets him and avoid a fool when he encounters one… [Such a person has such dignity that] even if he dies of hunger, he will not ask anyone other than his faithful brothers for help. Our Shi’a speak of our words.”
“The best of people is one who keeps away from the worldly affairs (whether father, child, ruler, or helper) and sincerely wishes well for his brothers, treating them equally in their joys and sorrows, even if he is of unknown or humble origins.”
“Our Shi’a on earth raise alarms about the consequences of bad actions, the dreadful moments of the Hereafter, and divine punishment, and they are the shining lights, the clear signs, and the leaders for those who seek obedience to God. They are a source of comfort for those who turn to them in their needs; they treat their friends with gentleness and kindness. They are forgiving, easy-going, and always compassionate. These traits are mentioned in the Torah, the Gospel, and the Qur’an.”
“A scholar among us is one who restrains his tongue from sin and idle talk and purifies his soul through obedience to his masters…”
A man then asked the Imam: “May my parents be sacrificed for you! What is the reward and status of such a person you described, even if he is in security and safety day and night, without facing enemies or attaining the bliss of martyrdom?”
The Imam replied: “It will be commanded from the heavens that God’s mercy be cast upon him, and it will be ordered to the heavenly servants on earth to honor him, and light will be sent to guide and illuminate his path.”
The man asked again: “What is the sign of this person in the world?”
Imam Baqir (peace be upon him) said: “When he asks for something, it will be granted to him; when he prays, his prayer will be answered; when he requests something, he will attain it, and if he aids an oppressed person, he will be victorious.”
Truly, if each of us adheres to these individual and social teachings, would there still be room for many of the social problems we face? Indeed, if we look at each other in this way and all act accordingly, will there still be traces of dissatisfaction, frustration, and discontent among people?
(Excerpted from the book “Da’a’im al-Islam,” authored by “Nu’man ibn Muhammad al-Maghribi,” with abridgments)