The Life of Imam Zayn al-‘Abidin

The Life of Imam Zayn al-‘Abidin14%

The Life of Imam Zayn al-‘Abidin Author:
Translator: Jasim al-Rasheed
Publisher: Ansariyan Publications – Qum
Category: Imam Al Bin Hussein

The Life of Imam Zayn al-‘Abidin
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The Life of Imam Zayn al-‘Abidin

The Life of Imam Zayn al-‘Abidin

Author:
Publisher: Ansariyan Publications – Qum
English

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Chapter 6: Impressions of His Character

The Muslims have agreed that Imam Zayn al-‘Abidin, peace be on him, was great and meritorious, and that he was a unique being in this world. None matched him in outstanding qualities, knowledge, and piety. So the Muslims sought blessing through kissing the Imam’s hands and putting them on their eyes.1 Glorifying the Imam was not confined to those who accompanied and met him, rather it included all historians, regardless of their different inclinations and desires.

They wrote with admiration about his conduct and gave him all noble nick-names and holy qualities. I (the author) think that all those who read about the Imam’s characteristics will admire him, for there is no one similar to him in good inclinations and great qualities. He exists in the mind of all those noble people who adopt ideals and respect their humanity. Now, we will mention the impressions of his contemporaries and of the historians about his character.

The Views of his Contemporaries

The religious scholars and all other figures who were contemporary to the Imam stated their impressions of his character. They all glorified and admired him, whether they showed love toward him or harbored malice against him. The following are their thoughts about him:

1. Jabir al-Ansari

Jabir b. ‘Abd Allah al-Ansari, the great companion of the Prophet, devoted himself to the members of the House, peace be on them, and was among their followers. He expressed his great admiration of the Imam, peace be on him, saying: “None of the children of the prophets was like ‘Ali b. al-Husayn.2

Indeed none of the children of the prophets was more meritorious than ‘Ali b. al-Husayn in devotion, piety, and intense turning to Allah in repentance, and none of them was more liable to ordeals and misfortunes than him.

2. ‘Abd Allah b. ‘Abbas

‘Abd Allah b. ‘Abbas, despite his eminence among the people and his old age, respected Imam Zayn al-‘Abidin and bowed to him in submission and glory. When he saw him, he stood up to glorify him and said at the top of his voice: “Welcome dear and beloved one!3

3. Al-Zuhri

Muhammad b. Muslim al-Qarashi, al-Zuhri, was a jurist, one of the leading Imams and religious scholar of Syria and Saudi Arabia.4 He was among those who were sincere to the Imam and loved him very much. He said a group of valuable words in which he expressed the noble qualities and the great ideals of the Imam, peace be on him. The following are some of his words:

“I have never seen a Hashimi like ‘Ali b. al-Husayn.5

“I have never seen a Qarashi more pious and more meritorious than ‘Ali b. al-Husayn.6

“I have never seen a Qarashi more meritorious than ‘Ali b. al-Husayn.7

“I have never met in Medina a person more meritorious than him.8

“I have never met among the members of the House a person more meritorious than ‘Ali b. al-Husayn.9

“I sat with ‘Ali b. al-Husayn many times. I have never seen a person more knowledgeable than him in jurisprudence.10

“‘Ali b. al-Husayn was the most meritorious of the people of his time and the best of them in obedience.11

“A caller will call out on the Day of Judgment: Let the Lord of the worshippers of his time stand up, so ‘Ali b. al-Husayn will stand up.12 ” He meant the famous prophetic tradition: “When the Day of Judgment takes place, a caller will call out from inside the Throne: Let the Lord of the worshippers stand up, so he will stand up.13

Al-Zuhri was asked about the most ascetic one of all the people in the world and he replied: “‘Ali b. al-Husayn.14

Sufyan b. ‘Ayyina said: “I asked al-Zuhri: Have you met ‘Ali b. al-Husayn? ‘Yes,’ he replied, ‘I have met him. I have never met a person more meritorious than him. By Allah, I have never known that he had a friend in secret or an enemy in public.’ I asked him: ‘Why was that?’ He answered: ‘Because all those who loved him envied him out of their abundant knowledge of his outstanding merits, and all those who hated him took care of him because he took great care of them.’15

It is certain that al-Zuhri said these words concerning the Imam because there was a close relationship between the former and the latter. Al-Zuhri had perfect knowledge of the Imam’s ideals and noble values. He admired him to the extent that he wept and said: “‘Ali b. al-Husayn!16

4. Sa‘id bin al-Musayyab

Sa‘id bin al-Musayyab was among the prominent jurists in Medina. The narrators said: “None of the next generation was more knowledgeable than Sa‘id.17 ” He made friends with Imam Zayn al-‘Abidin and knew of his piety and his firm devotion to religion. He admired the Imam, so he said the following words concerning him:

“I have never seen a person more pious than him, namely ‘Ali b. al-Husayn.18

“I have never seen a person more meritorious than ‘Ali b. al-Husayn. When I saw him, I hated myself. I never saw him laugh.19

A person said to Sa‘id: “I have never seen a person more pious than so-and-so.” Sa‘id asked him: “Have you seen ‘Ali b. al-Husayn?” “No,” replied the person. “You have never seen a person more pious than him,20 ” explained Sa‘id.

Sa‘id was sitting and there was a young man from Quraysh beside him. When Imam Zayn al-‘Abidin appeared, the Qarashi asked Sa‘id about him, and Sa‘id replied: “That is the Lord of worshippers, ‘Ali b. al-Husayn.21

“I have never seen a person gentler and more pious than Zayn al-‘Abidin, ‘Ali b. al-Husayn.22

These words, which this jurist said, have included some of the Imam’s qualities such as piety, obedience to Allah, and gentle conduct toward the people.

5. Zayd bin Aslam

Zayd bin Aslam was among the leading jurists of Medina as well as he was among the interpreters of the Holy Qur’an.23 He devoted himself to Imam Zayn al-‘Abidin, peace be on him. He admired the Imam’s outstanding qualities such as, piety, Allah-fearingness, ideals, and values. He said many words concerning him. The following are some of them:

“There is no one among the people of the Qibla like him, namely like ‘Ali b. al-Husayn.24

“I have never seen a person like ‘Ali b. al-Husayn among them, namely among the members of the House.25

“I have never seen a person better than ‘Ali b. al-Husayn in understanding and memorizing (the Qur’an).26

This means that the Imam was the best Muslim and the best Hashimi of his time and that Sa‘id b. al-Musayyab had never seen a person better then him in understanding and memorizing (the Qur’an). Hence, the Shi‘ites emphasize that the Imam should be the best of his time in merits and gifts.

6. Hammad bin Zayd

As for Hammad bin Zayd al-Jahdi, he was among the most prominent jurists in Basrah and was one of the Imams of the Muslims.27 He made friends with Imam Zayn al-‘Abidin, peace be on him, and admired him, saying: “‘Ali b. al-Husayn was the most meritorious Hashimi I met.28

Indeed the Imam was the best of the Hashimis of his time in high moral standards.

7. Yahya bin Sa‘id

As for Yahya bin Sa‘id b. Qays al-Ansari al-Madani, he was among the great figures of the next generation and among the most meritorious jurists and religious scholars.29 He made friends with the Imam and knew of his outstanding merits, so he said these valuable words concerning him: “I heard ‘Ali b. al-Husayn, and he was the best Hashimi I met.30

The Imam, peace be on him, became the lord of all the Hashimis through his faith, his fear of Allah, his abundant knowledge, and other outstanding qualities.

8. Malik

Malik said: “There was no person among the members of the House (ahl al-Bayt) like ‘Ali b. al-Husayn.31

9. Abu’ Bakr bin al-Barqi

Abu’ Bakr bin al-Barqi said: “‘Ali b. al-Husayn was the most meritorious one of his time.32

10. Abu’ Zar‘a

Abu’ Zar‘a said: “I have never seen a person more knowledgeable in jurisprudence than him, meaning ‘Ali b. al-Husayn.33

11. Abu’ Hazim

Abu’ Hazim said: “I have never seen a Hashimi more meritorious than ‘Ali b. al-Husayn.34 ” He also said: “I have never seen a person more knowledgeable than ‘Ali b. al-Husayn in jurisprudence.35

12. Abu’ Hatam al-A‘raji

Abu’ Hatam al-A‘raji said: “I have never seen a Hashimi more meritorious than ‘Ali b. al-Husayn.36

13. Abu’ Hamza al-Thumali

Thabit b. Safiya known as Abu’ Hamza, the trustworthy and trusted one, said: “I have never heard that there is a person more ascetic than ‘Ali b. al-Husayn except ‘Ali b. Abi Talib.37 ” He said once: “I have never heard that there is a person more ascetic than ‘Ali b. al-Husayn, who caused to weep all those who were in his presence when he talked about asceticism and preaching.38

14. Imam al-Sadiq

His (Zayn al-‘Abidin’s) grandson said: “None of ‘Ali’s children or his family was more like and nearer to him in manner of dress and understanding than ‘Ali b. al-Husayn.39 ” Imam Zayn al-‘Abidin was the most similar of all the people to his grandfather, Imam ‘Ali, the Commander of the faithful, peace be on him, in worshipping, knowledge, and all other characteristics. He was a picture of that great figure who enlightened the world with his knowledge.

15. ‘Umar bin ‘Abd al-‘Aziz

‘Umar bin ‘Abd al-‘Aziz was among those who respected Imam Zayn al-‘Abidin, peace be on him, and knew of his high position. The Imam, peace be on him, met ‘Umar bin ‘Abd al-‘Aziz, and when he left him, he (‘Umar) turned to his companions and asked them: “Who is the noblest of all the people?”

A mercenary from among his companions answered: “You are the noblest of all the people.”

However, he told them the truth, saying: “No, the noblest of all the people is the person who has just left me, meaning Imam Zayn al-‘Abidin, who wants the people to be with him and does want to be with any of them.40

This means that the Imam, peace be on him, attained a position of which none of the people attained. The people liked making ties or relations with the Imam because of his high social rank. For example, when the Imam died, ‘Umar b. ‘Abd al-‘Aziz praised him with these words: “The lamp of this world, the beauty of Islam, and the adornment of the worshippers (Zayn al-‘Abidin) passed away.41

16. Yazid bin Mu‘awiya

Acknowledging the excellent traits of Imam Zayn al-‘Abidin, peace be on him, was not confined to his followers, rather it included his enemies and those who harbored malice against him. For example, Yazid b. Mu‘awiya, who was the mortal enemy of the members of the House (ahl al-Bayt), peace be on them, confessed the Imam’s outstanding characteristics. This was when the Syrians asked him to let him deliver a speech, so Yazid, the tyrannical one, fearfully said: “He (Zayn al-‘Abidin) is among the members of the House who were provided with abundant knowledge. He will not come down (from the pulpit) until he exposes me and the family of Abi Sufyan.”

With these words of his, Yazid b. Mu‘awiya demonstrated that the Imam was a knowledgeable man and eloquent speaker, and that he had strong explanations and wonderful deductions through which he would be able to change the attitude against the Umayyad government.

17. ‘Abd al-Malik bin Marw’an

‘Abd al-Malik bin Marw’an was another enemy from among the enemies of the members of the House (ahl al-Bayt), peace be on them; nevertheless he admitted the outstanding merits of the Imam. This was when he met him and saw his weakness due to excessive worshipping. So he said to him with astonishment: “Exertion has appeared on your face while Allah has already promised to grant you good, you are part of Allah’s Messenger, may Allah bless him and his family, your lineage is close to him, your means is certain, you have outstanding merits over the people of your House and time, and you are endowed with virtues, knowledge, religion, and piety with which none before or after you has ever been endowed with except your previous ancestors.42

18. Mansu’r al-Dawaniqi

Mansu’r al-Dawaniqi was another enemy from among the enemies of the members of the House (ahl al-Bayt), peace be on them; nevertheless he admitted to the outstanding qualities of the Imam. This was when he sent a letter to Dhi al-Nafs al-Zakiya. In the letter he said: “None like him (Zayn al-‘Abidin) was born among you (‘Ali’s grandsons) after the death of Allah’s Apostle, may Allah bless him and his family.43

19. Al-Farazdaq

Al-Farazdaq, the Arab great poet, was among those who admired the values of Imam Zayn al-‘Abidin, peace be on him, and believed in his high and holy character. He composed his immortal ode to show Imam Zayn al-‘Abidin’s outstanding qualities and inclinations. This was when Hisham denied recognizing the Imam before the Syrians lest they should admire him. So al-Farazdaq introduced the Imam to them, saying:

This is he whose ability the valley (of Mecca)

recognizes, and whom the (Sacred) House

recognizes (as do) the sanctuary and the area

outside the sanctuary (al-hill).

This is the son of the best of all Allah’s

servants. This is the pure pious man, the pure

eminent man.

When he comes to touch the corner of the wall

of the Kaaba, it almost grasps the palm of his

hand.

He takes care to be modest and he is protected

from his error. He only speaks when he smiles.

None of mankind has within their souls such

primacy as he does nor such grace as he does.

Whoever knows Allah, knows His friend (wali)

Religion is from the House of this man.

When Quraysh saw him, their spokesmen told

of the outstanding qualities of this man which

indicate (his) nobility.

The Imam was the greatest picture al-Farazdaq saw in the world of honor and virtues, so he admired and adored him.

20. Al-Himyari

As for al-Himyari, he dedicated his talents to the members of the House, who were the source of mercy and virtue on the earth. So he composed poetry about their laudable deeds and outstanding merits, for example, he praised Imam Zayn al-‘Abidin, peace be on him, in this line of poetry:

The fourth of them is ‘Ali, the possessor of

efforts, through whom the religion and the

world are established.44

21. Ibn Shahab

Ibn Shahab said: “I have never seen a Qarashi more meritorious than ‘Ali b. al-Husayn.45

22. Ibn Zayd

Ibn Zayd said: [My father said:] “I have never seen a person greater than ‘Ali b. al-Husayn.46

These are some contemporaries of Imam Zayn al-‘Abidin, peace be on him, whether they loved him or harbored malice against him. They unanimously agreed that the Imam was a man with piety and knowledge of Islam

The Historians

As for the historians, despite their different thoughts and inclinations, they unanimously agreed that the Imam was a great man who possessed many abilities and talents which raised him to the height of honor to which his great fathers reached. The following are some of their words concerning him:

1. Ibn ‘Asakir

Al-Hafiz Abu’ al-Qasim, ‘Ali b. al-Hasan al-Shafi‘i, known as bin ‘Asakir, said in the biography of Imam Zayn al-‘Abidin, peace be on him: “‘Ali b. al-Husayn was trustworthy and trusted. He had many traditions and was high, lofty, and pious.47 ” These are the most valuable qualities in the world of Islam.

2. Ibn Sa‘d

Muhammad b. Sa‘d said: “‘Ali b. al-Husayn was trustworthy and trusted. He had many traditions and was high, lofty, and pious.48 ” Ibn ‘Asakir greed with b. Sa‘d on giving these outstanding qualities to Imam Zayn al-‘Abidin, peace be on him.

3. Ibn Hajar al-‘Asqalani

Ibn Hajar al-‘Asqalani said: “‘Ali b. al-Husayn, Zayn al-‘Abidin, b. ‘Ali b. Abi Talib was trustworthy, trusted, a worshiper, jurist, and meritorious. Ibn ‘Ayyina reported on the authority of al-Zuhri, who said: ‘I have never seen a Qarashi more meritorious than him.’49

4. Ibn Hajar al-Haythami

Shahab al-Din Ahmed b. Hajar al-Haythami said: “It was Zayn al-‘Abidin who inherited knowledge, asceticism, and worshipping from his father. He was great in forgiveness, pardon, and tolerance.50 ” Zayn al-‘Abidin was the successor of his father, so he inherited his father’s valuable qualities such as knowledge, asceticism, worship, forgiveness, pardon, and tolerance toward those who mistreated him.

5. Al-Dhahabi

Muhammad b. Ahmed b. ‘Uthman al-Dhahabi said: “He (Zayn al-‘Abidin) had wonderful majesty. He was appropriate for the greatest Imamate because of his honor, righteousness, knowledge, reverential fear, and perfect intellect.51

Al-Dhahabi confessed that the Imam, peace be on him, possessed brilliant qualities, that he was worthy of the greatest Imamate of this community, the spiritual and temporal leadership which is the highest and most important position in Islam.

6. Abu’ al-Fath

Abu’ al-Fath b. Sadaqa said: “Imam ‘Ali b. al-Husayn, known as Zayn al-‘Abidin, b. ‘Ali b. Abi Talib, may Allah be pleased with them, was one of the twelve Imams and among the chiefs of the next generation.52

7. Abu’ Na‘eem

Al-Hafiz Abu’ Na‘eem said: “Ali b. al-HusaynZayn al-‘Abidin and Manar al-Qanitin (the signpost of the Allah-fearing)  b. ‘Ali b. Abi Talib, was a sincere, munificent worshipper.53 ” Abu’ Na‘eem talked about some outstanding qualities of Imam Zayn al-‘Abidin, peace be on him, such as worship, sincerity, and generosity.

8. Al-Ya‘qu’bi

Ahmed b. Abi Ya‘qu’b said: “He (Imam Zayn al-‘Abidin) was the most meritorious of all the people in worshipping. He was called Zayn al-‘Abidin (the ornament of the worshippers). He was also called Dhu’ al-Thafanat (the one with calluses) because there were marks of prostration on his forehead.54

Imam Zayn al-‘Abidin was the most meritorious of all the people in worshipping and obeying Allah.

9. Al-Waqidi

Al-Waqidi said: “He (Zayn al-‘Abidin) was the most pious of all the people and the most obedient of them to Allah. When he walked, he did not brandish his hands.55 ” Al-Waqidi mentioned the Imam outstanding traits such as piety, worship, reverential fear, and humbleness. Because of these qualities he was the most meritorious of all the people and the greatest of them.

10. Safi al-Din

Safi al-Din said: “Zayn al-‘Abidin was (a person) with great guidance and a righteous way. In his (book) al-Jami‘, al-Khatib reported on the authority of b. ‘Abbas, on the authority of the Prophet, may Allah bless him and his family, who said: ‘Guidance, righteousness, and moderation are parts of twenty-five parts of prophethood.56

11. Al-Nawawi

Al-Nawawi said: “They (the historians) unanimously agreed on his (Imam Zayn al-‘Abidin’s) greatness in everything.57

The Muslims have unanimously agreed on glorifying and admiring the Imam because he was endowed with excellent qualities of which all the Muslims boast.

12. ‘Imad al-Din

‘Imad al-Din Idris al-Qarashi said: “Imam ‘Ali b. al-Husayn, Zayn al-‘Abidin, was the most meritorious of all the Household of Allah’s Apostle, may Allah bless him and his family, the noblest of them after al-Hasan and al-Husayn, peace be on them, and the best of them in piety, asceticism, and worshipping.58

13. Ibn ‘Anba

Ibn ‘Anba, a famous genealogist, said: “His (Imam Zayn al-‘Abidin’s) outstanding merits are more than to be counted or to be encompassed by a description.59 ” Imam Zayn al-‘Abidin’s laudable deeds and outstanding merits are countless, and no one can describe them, for they were a natural extension to the conduct of his grandfathers, who enlightened this world with their laudable deeds and outstanding merits.

14. Shaykh al-Mufeed

Shaykh al-Mufeed Said: “‘Ali b. al-Husayn was the most meritorious of Allah’s creatures after his father in knowledge and action. Non-Shi‘a jurists (‘ama) report countless traditions in the religious sciences on his authority. Sermons, prayers (details of) the merits of the Qur’an, accounts of the laws of what is permitted and forbidden, and the raids (maghazi) and battles (ayyam) (during the time of the Prophet) have been recorded on his authority. He was famous among the religious scholars.60

15. Al-Jahiz

Abu’ ‘Uthman ‘Umar b. Bahr al-Jahiz said: “The Kharijites, the Shi‘ites, the Mu‘tazilites, and non-Shi‘a have unanimously agreed that ‘Ali b. al-Husayn was meritorious and superior (to others).61 ” This means that all the Muslims, despite of their different thoughts and inclinations, have unanimously agreed that the Imam was great and meritorious, so they loved and followed him.

16. Al-Sharawi

Al-Sharawi said: “He (Zayn al-‘Abidin), may Allah be pleased with him, was a devoted worshiper, ascetic, pious, humble, and polite.62

It was these qualities that raised the Imam to the zenith of glory and made the people adore and obey him.

17. Al-Qulaybi

Ahmed Al-Qulaybi al-Shafi‘i said: “His (Imam Zayn al-‘Abidin’s) outstanding merits are more than to be counted or to be encompassed by a description.63

18. Ibn Taymiya

Ibn Taymiya, though he deviated from the Household and showed enmity toward them, acknowledged the Imam’s outstanding merits and high position. He said: “As for ‘Ali b. al-Husayn, he was among the leading figures of the next generation in knowledge and religion. He had humility, secret alms, and other qualities. He was famous.64

19. Al-Shaykhani

Al-Shaykhani al-Qadiri said: “As for our lord Zayn al-‘Abidin, ‘Ali b. al-Husayn b. ‘Ali b. Abi Talib, his hands (generosity) and laudable deeds were famous. His beauties were well-known. He possessed a great rank and was good-hearted. He had apparent miracles which the eyes have seen and authentic traditions established.65

The passengers talked about Imam Zayn al-‘Abidin’s outstanding merits and laudable deeds. His virtues and miracles were famous among the people. Allah endowed him with qualities with which He endowed His sincere servants.

20. Ibn Khullakan

Ibn Khullakan said: “H (Zayn al-‘Abidin) was one of the twelve Imams and among the leading figures of the next generation. Al-Zuhri said: ‘I have never seen a Qarashi more meritorious than him.’66

21. Ibn Shaddqam

Ibn Shaddqam said: “‘Ali b. al-Husayn, Zayn al-‘Abidin, was an ascetic religious scholar.67

22. Al-Manofi

Al-Sayyid al-Manofi said: “Zayn al-‘Abidin was worshipping, sincere, generous, and pure. When he walked, his hand did not exceed his thigh.68

23. Abu’ al-Futu’h

Abu’ al-Futu’h al-Husayni said: “The immortal reputation was for the middle ‘Ali, Zayn al-‘Abidin. He was the first son of al-Huysayn’s sons, the fourth infallible (Imam) according to the view of the twelve Imam (Shi‘ites), and an ascetic (person) according to the view of other than them.69

24. Al-Manawi

Al-Manawi said: “Zayn al-‘Abidin was a firm Imam. His hands (generosity) and noble deeds were famous. His outstanding merits well-known. He had a great position. He was good hearted. He was the head of the body of presidency. He was the expected one for policy and ruling the subjects.70

The Imam, peace be on him, was distinguished by great characteristics which qualified him, according to the consensus of all the Muslims, for undertaking the Imamate and general leadership and managing the affairs of the Muslims, for there was no person during his time more meritorious than him in good inclinations and great talents.

25. Muhammad bin Tallha

Kamal al-Din Muhammad bin Tallha al-Qarashi said: “Zayn al-‘Abidin was the example of those who renounced the worldly pleasures, lord of the Allah-fearing, and Imam of the believers. His outstanding qualities bear witness that he was among the progeny of the Prophet, may Allah bless him and his family. His appearance shows his proximity to Allah. His calluses record his prayers and spending the night in prayer. His renouncing the worldly pleasures indicates his asceticism in this world. The morals of devoutness streamed for him, so he surpassed them. The lights of perpetuation shined for him, so he followed them. The litanies of worship associated him, so he was intimate with them. The works of obedience allied with him, so he adorned himself with their ornament. He took night as a mount to cover the road to the next world. The thirst of the midday heat was his guide through which he sought the right way to the lighthouse. He had the miracles which the eyes saw and authentic traditions established. He is among the kings of the hereafter.71

26. Muhammad bin Sa‘id

Muhammad bin Sa‘id said: “He ( Imam Zayn al-‘Abidin) was trustworthy, trusted, high, lofty, pious, and had many traditions.72

27. Al-Sayyid ‘Abbas

Al-Sayyid ‘Abbas al-Mu’sawi said: “Zayn al-‘Abidin was the best of the people in face, the sweetest of them in perfume, the noblest of the in soul, the highest of them in lineage, and the greatest of them in honor.73

28. Al-Sayyid Mohsin

Al-Sayyid Mohsin al-Amin al-‘Amili said: “He (Zayn al-‘Abidin) was the most meritorious of the people of his time in knowledge, jurisprudence, piety, worship, generosity, clemency, patience, eloquence, high moral standards, alms, kindness to the poor, and loyalty to the Muslims. The relatives, the people, the friends, and the enemies glorified him. Yazid b. Mu‘awiya commanded the people of Medina to Pledge allegiance to him as slaves except Zayn al-‘Abidin. He commanded him to pledge allegiance to him as his brother and cousin.74

Imam Zayn al-‘Abidin was distinguished by all the great qualities. All the outstanding qualities by which man is distinguished and through which he becomes noble were part of the Imam’s outstanding qualities and merits. So he was as it was said:

You were created free from all defects

as if that you were created as you wished.

29. Al-Nuwayri

Shahab al-Din Ahmed b. ‘Abd al-Wahhab Al-Nuwayri said: “‘Ali b. al-Husayn was reliable, pious, trusted, and had many traditions. He was the most meritorious of the members of his family and the best of them in obedience.75

30. Al-Shafi‘i

Imam Al-Shafi‘i said: “‘Ali b. al-Husayn was the most meritorious of all the people of Medina in jurisprudence.76

31. ‘Ali bin ‘Isa al-Arbali

Abu’ al-Hasan ‘Ali bin ‘Isa b. Abi al-Fath al-Arbali said: “The outstanding qualities of ‘Ali b. al-Husayn are more than the stars. The one who describes them goes to a boundless place. They appear in the sky of outstanding qualities as the stars appear for those who seek guidance through them. How is that not? He (Zayn al-‘Abidin) surpasses all the world’s inhabitants with the exception of ‘Ali, Fatima, al-Hasan, al-Husayn. (Of course, this rhymed prose has been advanced, so do not be hesitant.) When you give the intellect its right, you will find whatever you want of glory and rightness, for he is a divine Imam, luminous temple, the substitute of the substitutes, the ascetic of the ascetics, the pole of the poles, the worshipper of the worshippers, the light of the lamp of the Message, the center of the circle of the Imamate, Ibn al-Khiyaratayn (the son of the best two), the one with two generous sides (father and mother), the peace of the heart, and the delight of the eye. ‘Ali b. al-Husayn, and what will make you comprehend what ‘Ali b. al-Husayn is? (He was) repentant, the one who wept very much, the one who put into effect the Sunna and the Book, said right words, devoted himself to the mihrab, preferred (people) to himself, and became high through the degrees of knowledge.

His day surpassed his yesterday. He was unique in knowledge. He was the best of all creatures in inherited and newly acquired (qualities). He resorted to honor, so he ascended to its top and became important in all its affairs. He defeated (all the people) through what he had such as good birthplace, noble origin, and pure descent. The tongues of those who describe him are unable to depict him. He was unique in his privacy during his whispered prayers. So the angels admired his attitudes. His fear of his Lord made his tears flow. So he exceeded the heavy, pouring rain. So, may Allah support you, carefully consider his traditions, take into consideration his signs, think about his asceticism, his worship, his humility, his night prayers, his punctual prayers, his preferring (people to himself), his alms, his gifts, his pleading (to Allah), his purity, and his eloquence which indicate his humility to his Lord, his standing as the standing of the disobedient in spite of his firm obedience, his confessing the sins in spite of his innocence, his weeping, his wailing, the beating of his heart out of the fear of Allah, his shaking all over, and his standing (for prayer).

When it got dark, he whispered to his Lord, may His names be holy, addressed Him, the Exalted, cleaved to the Door of Him, the Great and Almighty, imagined that he was before Him, turned away from everything (other than Him), devoted himself to Him, he separated (himself) from this mean world, and was free from the human corpse. So his body prostrated on the earth while his soul was clinging to the world of angels. He fidgeted when he passed by a threatening verse as if the verse concerned him, while he was far from it. Thus, you find wonderful affairs, strange conditions, and a soul close to Allah, the Glorified, and you know with the knowledge of the one for whom the curtain was disclosed and the doors were open that this fruit is from that tree, as one is part of ten, this fresh drop from that noble fountain, this new one from that old one, this pearl from that abundant sea, this star from that bright moon, this growing branch from that firm origin, and this result from that premise. So this one (Zayn al-‘Abidin) whose origin was pure was the successor of Muhammad, ‘Ali, al-Hasan, al-Husayn, and Fatima, the honored, the glorified.77

Al-Arbali, a scholar and researcher, has mentioned the most prominent qualities of Imam Zayn al-‘Abidin, peace be on him, which are among the places of pride for every Muslim, for his qualities are a natural extension to the qualities and inclinations of his fathers, who changed the course of human history and enlightened man’s way and guided him to signposts of the truth when he had been straying in the remote mysterious fields of this world.

Description cannot encompass the outstanding merits and laudable deeds of Imam Zayn al-‘Abidin, peace be on him, nor can explanation meet them, for he was a branch of the tree of prophethood and of the large tree of the Imamate in which Allah has put absolute perfection in order to be a signpost for the truth in the earth.

32. Al-Bustani

Al-Bustani said: “Zayn al-‘Abidin is Abu’ al-Hasan, ‘Ali b. al-Husayn b. ‘Ali b. Abi Talib. He was given the nick-name of Zayn al-‘Abidin because of his plentiful worship. He was also given the nick-name of Sayyid al-‘Abidin (the Lord of worshippers), the pure, the trusted one, and the one with calluses.78

33. Wajjdi

Muhammad Fareed Wajjdi said: “Zayn al-‘Abidin is Abu’ al-Hasan, ‘Ali b. al-Husayn b. ‘Ali b. Abi Talib, better known as Zayn al-‘Abidin. He was also called al-Asghar (the younger). Al-Husayn b. ‘Ali had no descendants except from the children of Zayn al-‘Abidin. He (Zayn al-‘Abidin) is one of the twelve Imams according to the doctrine of the Imami Shi‘ites, and he was also among the lords and chiefs of the next generation.79

34. Agha Buzurg

The Chief of the researchers, Muhammad Hasan, better known as Agha Buzurg al-Tahrani, said: “Imam Zayn al-‘Abidin, the lord of those who prostrated themselves in prayer, Ali b. al-Husayn b. ‘Ali b. Abi Talib, peace be on them, is the fourth Imam of the Imami Shi‘ites. The Muslim historians have unanimously agreed that he was the most meritorious of all the people in piety, asceticism, and worshipping.80

35. Ibn al-Jawzi

Ibn al-Jawzi said: “Zayn al-‘Abidin (the ornament of the worshippers), is a model for the ascetics, and lord of the Allah-fearing. His outstanding merits bear witness that he was from among the progeny of Allah’s Apostle, his righteousness proves that he has nearness to Allah, his calluses record for him that he prayed very much and that he spent the night in praying, and his renouncing the worldly pleasures denotes his asceticism.81

36. Tajj al-Din

Tajj al-Din b. Muhammad b. Hamza al-Husayni, the Chief of Halab, said: “‘Ali b. al-Husayn was the lord of the Hashimites, the place of their knowledge, and the most meritorious one of them.82

37. ‘Arif Tamir

‘Arif Tamir said: “He (Zayn al-‘Abidin) was famous for asceticism, and worship. None was similar to him in these qualities, so he was given the nick-name of Zayn al-‘Abidin and al-Sajjad(the one who prostrates himself very much in prayer).83

38. Al-Zarkali

Khayr al-Din Al-Zarkali said: “‘Ali b. al-Husayn b. ‘Ali b. Abi Talib al-Hashimi, al-Qarashi, Abu’ al-Hasan, the one whose nick-name is Zayn al-‘Abidin, is the fourth Imam of the Shi‘ites. He was one of those who were examples for clemency and piety. He was called ‘Ali al-Asghar (the younger) to distinguish him from his brother ‘Ali al-Akkbar (the elder).84

39. Ahmed Mahmu’d Subhi

Dr. Ahmed Mahmu’d Subhi said: “‘Ali b. al-Husayn inherited his Imamate through his lineage to Fatima, the chaste. He drew for the Shi‘ites the way of the spiritual Imamate, impressed Shiism with the impression of everlasting sadness and continuous weeping over al-Husayn, and dedicated himself to worshipping, so he was given the nick-name of al-Sajjad and the Kunya of Zayn al-‘Abidin. He descended from the Prophet, may Allah bless him and his family, and from Kasra, so he was known as Ibn al-Khiyaratayn (the son of the best two).85

Dr. Ahmed Subhi mentioned that Imam Zayn al-‘Abidin, peace be on him, inherited the Imamate through his descending from his grandmother, Fatima the chaste, mistress of the women of the world. It is necessary for us to discuss this matter with the Doctor. As for this claim, it is untrue, for the Imamate does not depend on inheritance; rather it depends on text (tradition), and it is in the hand of Allah, the Exalted, Who chooses for it those who have good inclinations and outstanding merits. This is what the Shi‘ites believe in, and it is proven in their books of theology. It was not Imam Zayn al-‘Abidin, peace be on him, who impressed Shiism with the impression of sadness for Imam al-Husayn, lord of the youth of Heaven; rather it was the tragedy of Karbala’, whose terrors melt the hearts, which impressed Shiism with the world of sorrow and sadness. Zayn al-‘Abidin was in the foremost of who were affected by it, for he saw all its sorrowful stages.

40. Ahmed Fahmi

Shaykh Ahmed Fahmi said: “He (Imam Zayn al-‘Abidin) was the most meritorious of the people of his time in knowledge, jurisprudence, piety, worship, generosity, clemency, eloquence, and noble lineage. He helped the poor and the weak.86

41. Husayn ‘Ali Mahfu’z

Dr. Husayn ‘Ali Mahfu’z said: “Zayn al-‘Abidin was the best of Allah’s creatures in knowledge and action. He was the most similar of the members of the House (ahl al-Bayt), peace be on them, to the Commander of the faithful in the manner of clothing, knowledge, and worship.87

Important Points

The words of the contemporaries concerning the Imam and of the historians are full of important points. The following are some of them:

1. Imam Zayn al-‘Abidin, peace be on him, was the most knowledge of the people of his time in the affairs of the Islamic law and precepts of religion.

2. He was the best of all the Hashimites and the Qarashis of his time, this is because he was endowed with outstanding qualities and ideals with which no one was endowed except his grandfathers.

3. He was the best of the people of his time and the greatest of the them in importance and position, this is because of his noble lineage, he was Ibn al-Khiyaratayn (the son of the best two) in addition to his genius and great talents.

4. He was the most ascetic of all the people in turning away from the worldly pleasures.

5. He was the best of all the people in piety, reverential fear, and clinging to the religion.

6. He was the lamp of this world and beauty of Islam88 , this is because his outstanding conduct was among the qualities of the Prophet and the Imams.

7. He was the best of the people in manners, the sweetest of them in perfume, the most generous of them in soul, and the greatest of them in honor.

8. He was the most eloquent of all the people, for his supplications, his preaching, and his wise sayings are among the sources of Arab literature and among the most valuable and cultural provisions in the world of Islam.

9. He was the kindest of all the people to the poor and the most merciful of them to the miserable and the deprived.

10. The was the best of all the people in worship and obedience to Allah, for there was no one like him in worship and obedience to Allah except his grandfathers.

11. He was the best of all the people in morals, for he was similar to his grandfather, the Prophet, may Allah bless him and his family, in high moral standards.

12. He was appropriate for presidency, the spiritual and temporal leadership of the community.

13. The Muslims unanimously agreed that he was great and virtuous, and that none of his opponents was able to defame him.

These are some points concerning the words of the contemporaries to the Imam and of the historians, despite their different inclinations and doctrines. They establish the most sublime view of the Shi‘ites who are of the opinion that it is necessary for the Imam to be the most righteous and the most knowledgeable of the people of his time.

Notes

1.Al-‘Aqd al-Farid, vol. 2, p. 251.

2.Hayat al-Imam Mohammed al-Baqir.

3.Tarikh Dimashq, vol. 36, p. 147.

4.Tadhib al-Tahdhib, vol. 9, p. 445.

5.Khulasat Tahdhib al-Kamal, M 7/Q/2. Abu` al-Farajj al-Asfahani, al-Aghani, vol. 15, p. 325.

6.Al-Bidaya wa al-Nihaya, vol. 9, p. 104.

7.Siyar A‘lam al-Nubala’, vol. 4, p. 37. Tarikh al-Islam, vol. 2, p. 266. Al-Kashif, vol. 2, p. 282. Tabaqat al-Fuqaha’, vol. 10, p. 34.

8.Tahdhib al-Lughat wa al-Asma’, part 1, p. 343.

9.Al-Jarh wa al-Ta‘dil, vol. 3, part 1, p. 178.

10.Khulasat Tahdhib al-Kamal, M 7/Q2, p. 336. Tadhkirat al-Huffaz, vol. 1, p. 75. Shadharat al-Dhahab, vol. 1, p. 105. Al-‘Ibar fi Akhbar men Ghabar, vol. 1, p. 111.

11.Siyar A‘lam al-Nubala’, vol. 4, p. 238. Tarikh Dimashq, vol. 12, p. 19.

12.Roudat al-Jinan, vol. 7, p. 248. Kashf al-Ghumma.

13.Tarikh Dimashq, vol. 36, p. 140.

14.Bihar al-Anwar.

15.‘Ilal al-Sharai‘, p. 88. Wasa’il al-Shi‘a, vol. 5, p. 541. Bihar Al-Anwar, vol. 46. p. 64.

16.Tarikh Dimashq, vol. 12, p. 19. Kashf al-Ghumma, vol. 2, p. 288. Roudat al-Jinan, vol. 7, p. 246.

17.Tahdhib al-Tahdhib, vol. 4, p. 85.

18.Al-‘Ibar fi Tarikh men Ghabar, vol. 1, p. 111. Kulasat Tahdhib al-Kamal, p. 231.

19.Tarikh al-Ya‘qu`bi, vol. 3, p. 46.

20.Siyar A‘lam al-Nubala’, vol. 4, p. 38. Kashf al-Ghumma, vol. 3, p. 392.

21.Al-Fusu`l al-Muhimma, p. 189.

22.Jammharat al-Awliya’, vol. 2, p. 74.

23.Tahdhib al-Tahdhib, vol. 3, p. 395.

24.Tarikh Dimashq, 12/Q1/, p. 19.

25.Ibid.

26.Tabaqat al-Fuqaha’, vol. 2, p. 34.

27.Tahdhib al-Tahdhib, vol. 3, p. 9.

28.Tahdhib al-Lughat wa al-Asma’, part 1, p. 343.

29.Tahdhib al-Tahdhib, vol. 81, p. 222.

30.Tahdhib al-Kamal, M7/Q2, p. 336. Tahdhib al-Tahdhib, part 1, p. 343. Al-Tarikh al-Kabir, vol. 3, part 2, p. 266. Ibn Sa‘d, al-Tabaqat, vol. 1, p. 214. Al-Jarh wa al-Ta‘dil, Q/1, vol. 3, p. 178.

31.Siyar A‘lam al-Nubala’, vol. 4, p. 238. In Tahdhib al-Tahdhib, vol. 7, p. 305: “There was no person among the Household of Allah’s Apostle like ‘Ali b. al-Husayn.”

32.Siyar A‘lam al-Nubala’, vol. 4, p. 238.

33.Tarikh Dimashq, 12/Q1/p. 18.

34.Ibid., p. 19.

35.Tahdhib al-Kamal, M7/Q2/p. 336. Kashf al-Gumma.

36.Tadhkirat al-Huffaz, vol. 1, p. 75. Shadharat al-Dhahab, vol. 1, p. 105. Al-‘Ibar fi Khabar men Ghabar, vol. 1, p. 111. Tarikh al-Islam, vol. 2, p. 16.

37.Safinat al-Bihar, vol. 1, p. 571.

38.Al-Mufeed al-Amali, p. 117.

39.Al-Himyari, Divan, p. 362.

40.Al-Majjlisi, Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 46, PP. 3-4. A similar narration has been mentioned in the book ‘Muhadarat al-Udaba’’ by al-Raghib al-Asfahani, vol. 1, p. 166.

41.Al-Ya‘qu`bi, Tarikh, vol. 3, 48.

42.Al-Majjlisi, Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 46, p. 75.

43.Al-Mubrrad, al-Kamil, vol. 2, p. 467. Al-‘Aqd al-Farid, vol. 5, p. 310

44.Al-Himyari, Divan, p. 36.

45.Al-Basawi, al-Ma‘rifa wa al-Tarikh, vol. 1, p. 360.

46.Ibid.

47.Tarikh Dimashq, vol. 36, p. 142.

48.Al-Tabaqat al-Kubra, vol. 5, p. 222.

49.Tahdheeb al-Tahdheeb, vol. 2, p. 35.

50.Al-Sawa’iq al-Muhriqa, vol. 119.

51.Siyar ‘Alam al-Nubala’, vol. 4, p. 240.

52.Durarr al-Abkar, p. 70.

53.Hulyat al-Awliya’, vol. 3, p. 133.

54.Al-Ya‘qu`bi, Tarikh, vol. 3, p. 104.

55.Al-Bidaya wa al-Nihaya, vol. 9, p. 104.

56.Wasilat al-Mal fi ‘Add Manaqib al-Al, p. 208.

57.Tahdhib al-Lughat wa al-Asma’, Q1/343.

58.‘Uyyu`n al-Akhbar wa Funu`n al-Athar, p. 144.

59.‘Umdat al-Talib, p. 193.

60.Al-Mufeed, al-Irshad.

61.‘Umdat al-Talib, pp. 193-194.

62.Al-Ithaf bi Hub al-Ashraf, p. 49.

63.Tuhfat al-Raghib, p. 13.

64.Minhajj al-Sunna, vol. 2, p. 123, first edition.

65.Al-Sirat al-Sawi, p. 19.

66.Wafayat al-‘Ayan, vol. 2, p. 429.

67.Zahrat al-Maqu`l, p. 6.

68.Jammharat al-Awliya’ wa A‘lam Ahl al-Tasawwif, vol. 2, p. 71.

69.Al-Nafha al-‘Anbariya.

70.Al-Kawakib al-Durriya, vol. 2, p. 139.

71.Matalib al-Sa’u`l, vol. 2, p. 41.

72.Al-Bidaya wa al-Nihaya, vol. 9, p. 104.

73.Nazhat al-Jalees, vol. 2, p. 24.

74.A‘yan al-Shi‘a, 4/Q1/308.

75.Nihayat al-Irab fi Funu`n al-Adab, vol. 21, p. 324.

76.Rasa’il al-Jahiz, p. 106. Nahjj al-Balagha, vol. 15, p. 274.

77.Kashf al-Ghumma, the Biography of ‘Ali b. al-Husayn.

78.Al-Bustani, Da’irat al-Ma‘arif, vol. 9, p. 355.

79.Da’irat Ma‘arif al-Qarn al-‘Ishreen, vol. 4, p. 793.

80.Al-Dhree‘a, vol. 13, p. 345.

81.Tadhkirat al-Khawas.

82.Ghayat al-Ikhtisar, p. 106.

83.Al-Imama fi al-Islam, p. 116.

84.Al-A‘lam, vol. 1, p. 86.

85.Nazariyat al-Imama, p. 307.

86.Al-Imam Zayn al-‘Abidin, p. 65.

87.Al-Balagh Magazine, no. 7, first year, p. 54.

88.‘Umar b. ‘Abd al-‘Aziz described him with that.

PartSix : Challenges Facing the Family and Society

Divorce Yesterday and Today

It was usual in Islamic countries for marriages to take place in a context of common sense and compatibility. It was the family who would find the appropriate partner with regard to religion, moralbehaviour , financialstatus and physical character. For this reason,marriages on the whole were successful.

The family's choosing for their offspring did not negate the choice and contentment of the prospective couple but rather confirmed it and steered it in the required direction, because of the families knowledge and links to other family circles was more than that of the young man or woman.Further more , the family by possessing a means of exerting pressure on those who wished to divorce could act to prevent splits taking place.Hence the families acted in truth as a kind of safety valve against the recklessness and haste of youth as in theQur'anic verse:

'Then appoint two arbiters, one from his family, one from hers; if they seek to set things to rights then Allah will cause their reconciliation'80 . This God grantedsuccess as with everything else that He causes in this world must be preceded by human action, for God has disdained to run affairs other than through their causes.

I have been told by one of the persons responsible for marriage and divorce in the city of Karbala forty years ago that he only presided over the divorce of one person a year. Today however, now that society has taken up with Western values or has plunged intoWesternisation and the misplaced imitation of its laws and customs,it is the youngsters who choose their partners in isolation and without consulting their parents. It is evident now that thecriteria for marriage is a mixture of emotion, sexualfervour , inexperience, and immaturity. This is fuelled by the pressure of such values and their false notions of freedom and its attack on authenticcustoms which it describes as being reactionary or backward and senile.Hence a large proportion of marriages now end in separation and divorce.

For those that fall into these traps the calamities are great. For these reasons, it is imperative that we return to the Islamic lifestyle ofhappiness which our forefathers lived in the lands of Islam until half a century ago.

Conciliation is Best

The prevalence of divorce in the latter half of this century81 is attributable to a number of reasons including:

1. A short sighted and arbitrary way of choosing a partner for life because of emotions and the like.

2. A tendency towards over expectation by one partner of the other and an excess ofidealising .

3. The pressure ofman made laws limiting real freedoms, opportunities for work,travel and obtaining free goods and so on.

4. The spread of exhibitionism, social mingling,licence and dissipation, whereby a man can find someone apparently more beautiful than his wife and a woman can find a man more preferable than her husband.

5. The decline of the restraint promoted by religion and morals and a moving away from the Islamic way. However, this notwithstanding, it is imperative that marital problems be solved without resort to divorce, for divorce is described as being the most detestable of all that God has made lawful. The emissary of God hassaid: 'There is no permissible thing more beloved in the sight of God than marriage, nor is there any permissible thing more detestable in the sight of God than divorce'82 .

Imam Al-Sadiq hassaid: 'God loves the house in which there is matrimony and hates the house in which there is divorce for there is nothing more detestable in the sight of God than divorce'83 . In another tradition from ImamAl-Sadiq he commands: 'Marry and do not divorce for the heavenly throne verily shakes as a consequence of divorce'84 .

Why then has God not outlawed divorce altogether? The answer is that the home may have become an unbearable hell on earth. Alternatively, many things may add up to make reconciliation impossible.

In the case of the Christian church when it forbade divorce, millions of men and women remained partner less, after finding their natures incompatible.Hence corruption andlicence and perversity flourished as each partner found, in the air of poisonous freedoms promulgated by the West, all manner of means to prostitution and adultery put in front of them while the media and advertising egg them on.

There is no doubt that if there were present in society institutions dedicated to conciliation and trained conciliators together with charitable bodies, these problems which cause damage to the family, harm the children and come between relatives and at times end up in murder and suicide would certainly reduce. Certain divorce lawyers who do not heed God and do not experience any barrier from government or society can exploit the will of one of the partners to separate. He then fills his coffers at the expense of religion,conscience and morals. If he were to heedGod however he would make haste to resolve matters between them, as in theQur'anic verse: 'Conciliation is best'86 .

Polygamy - A Spurious Crisis

The law of the universe runs according to the perfect balance of pairs, as in theQur'anic verse: 'We have created of everything in pairs so that perhaps you may take heed'.87 However, this does not necessarily mean equality in terms of numbers but rather compatibility in terms of type, whereby each pair is ensured of fulfilling its natural role in life. For example in the world of ants and bees, the queen capable of procreation is one only, whereas themales which compete with each other for the prize offertilising her are many. This is true of most of the animal kingdom.

Human beings by virtue of being alive like the remainder of living things in this existence are no exception to this rule.Granted, they have their own particularities but so does every other living thing, and just as the divine will has ensured for human beings perfect compatibility in terms of type, as with the rest of existents, it has also defined and shaped humanity in a way particular to itself wherebyfulfilment , concord and continuance are ensured, each having its own proof and wisdom.

Among the teachings of ImamSadiq to Al-Maffadal Ibn 'Amr are his words: ‘Humanity was not created masculine and feminine except in order to be able to reproduce . .Had an organism given birth to males only or females only then reproduction would cease and the species would become extinct.Therefore some of the offspring came as males and others as females so that reproduction would continue and not be cut off'.88 Imam Al-Rida , speaking about the prohibition of adultery and of violating the law of nature which was created by God toharmonise with the human species and his needs, said: 'God has prohibited adultery because of the corruption it can cause, from murder to loss of lineage and neglect to the children's upbringing and corruption of inheritances and other forms of corruption'.89 It is possible to posit no more than the following four different marital systems between the two sexes:

1. Complete sexual freedom.

2. Polyandry.

3. Monogamy.

4. Polygamy.

There is no doubt that the first two are both invalid from an intellectual and religious point of view as the preceding report from ImamRida points out. There only remains the latter two. Statistics and surveys show that women outnumber men, particularly around the ages of puberty and sexual maturity despite the fact that some statistics in some countries show a relative parity between the sexes.

As to why women should outnumber men, that is one of the secrets of nature. However, its wisdomshould not be lost on anyone who reflects upon it.

This phenomenon also gives rise to the fact that women are morelong lived in comparison to men, perhaps as men are generally occupied with heavy work which can shorten their lives. Men are more often affected by wars and imprisonment or long absences; which necessitates the right of divorce by their wives in religiouslaw, or by the men if they know that they will not be able to maintain the relationship because of imprisonment or the like. Furthermore, those who are marrying a second, third or fourth wife are obviously not marrying a woman who is already married but one who is free of a husband.

What then is the intellectual problem with polygamy? If we do not solve this problem through polygamy, thenwe will either see women without husbands or we will see them taking lovers both of which are in opposition to the balances of rationale and of nature.

Since the beginning of Islam, and for a long time there was no barrier to polygamy. It was in facttotally normal. Disputes amongst wives were as seldom as disputes amongst sisters or between mother and daughter. Then however, the matter became corrupted; by men through their oppression towards women in the context of polygamy, and by women because of their desire forfavouritism and being singled out for benefits. Then the majority of women began to detest the concept of polygamy in many Islamic countries, even though polygamywaspractised without mishap in countries like Chad and other African countries. It is then necessary to adjust this situation so that so many women are no longer condemned tospinster hood which is one of the greatest forms of oppression against women. If the man were to die, then society should take care to facilitate her marriage to someone else or, in the case of divorce, to try to bring about her return to her former husband where possible as is prevalent in countriespractising polygamy.

The Prophet married the greater number of his wives after their divorces from former husbands or after the death of their first husbands as waspractised from the beginning of Islam and for centuries onward and is stillpractised now in certain countries. Is it not a kind of injustice that a young woman, or one who has lost her husband through divorce or by some accident, should remain single when she is a human being with emotions relating to sex, abode,children and so on. In the main though, the corrupted customs of some people deny her all of this. Customs though if transcended will fall. All thatis needed is an agent - a powerful current in society, and an authentic culture - to transcend this situation.

The Crisis of Celibacy

Today in Islamic countries, women are suffering from social oppression since these countries have adopted corrupt foreign traditions in this vital area of life. Society oppresses them by delaying their marriage90 , by preventing their re-marriage after the death of their husbands, or when the numbers of unmarried women are great, or for many other reasons. All of this needs to be transcended and overcome with the return to the land of Islamictradition which conforms to nature and the intellect. It is also imperative that society be educated inharmonising the characters of the married couple as a precaution against marital breakdown,separation and divorce.

This problem of the abundance of celibates or single women may be solved by charitableorganisations and socialinstitutions which specialise in the demands of this crisis and the numerous financial, medical and psychological problems associated with it. A woman who is celibate or unmarried is subject tobeing exposed to physical and mental illness as medical science has shown. In manycases she may not have any means of subsistence91 and turns to prostitution or other activities like thieving.

Is it right that a large section of the community remains in this state?

Simplifying marriage together with thepractise of polygamy and the application of public funds in solving financial problems and the aforementioned laws of precedence92 and land93 adds up to an Islamic solution to this problem.However because of the absence of vital Islamic law there is no alternative to charitableorganisations and communal weddings as a way towards solving these problems as much as possible. From drops of water and grains of sand oceans anddeserts are formed .

A group of friends ofmine in Teheran saw to the marriage of 1000 young couples at the one time. The same thing happened with another group in the Eastern province of theHijaz when theyorganised the marriage of 300 people. It is clear that: 'The complexity of a task should not prevent the attempt of achievable tasks'94 and 'What is not totallyrealisable as a whole should not be discarded as awhole.'95 , these being among the best principles with regard to these matters. Birth Control;Who is behind it?

The emissary of Allah has said: 'Marry, procreate and proliferate! 96 He alsosaid: 'Marry, procreate and proliferate so that I may be proud of you as a nation on the day ofjudgement even if the child is stillborn'.97 These two traditions contain laws albeit in the form ofrecommendations which like all recommendations should only be neglected in the case of strict necessity. The night prayer for example is a recommendedact which does not lose its status as such except through necessity. The same goes for proliferation of offspring.

What is taking place todayhowever, goes against this completely. The idea of proliferation has become foreign amongst Muslims whilst the notion of birth control, previously abominable to Muslims, has taken its place. Even in the most desperate periods of Islamic history98 , no promoter of theseideas which go against the intellect and nature was ever witnessed. It is true that certain rulers used to perpetrate gross acts but the law of Islam was in force - generally - throughout society where the economy was Islamic as was the rest of society. Today however, after the appearance of Western colonialism in our lands everything has been overturned. Forbidden things have become permissible. Gambling is commonplace. Taxes and duties, geographical borders, confiscation of freedoms, oppression and terrorism and prevention from fulfilling the Hajj pilgrimage have become permissible. In this atmosphere of opposition to Islam comes a call from the West for Muslims to practice birth control99 using the argument of the dwindling economic level of the family and the fall in GNP of the countries concerned which are unable tofulfil their commitments to provide enough schools and hospitals and other social services. At the same time they themselves in the West are encouraging their children to marry early and propagate.100 This call for marriage and childbearing begins with the instruction of children at primary level upwards. There exists amongst Western leaders a great fear that the European nations are on their way to extinction if the negative trend in population growth continues. They also know that the most important cause of this trend lies in the promotion of birth control which swept through Europe during the 1960's and sowed in the European mindset the notion that having children is an erroneous act. Europeans have continued to carry this notion with them until their birth rate has dwindled.

Today they have rediscovered that the error does not lie in the act of bearing children but in the promotion of birth control.101 Unfortunately they have exported this call to us after having experienced the tragedy of it themselves. They have come to the Islamic world to call Muslims to birth control.

Let us examine the goals of the West in their call for birth control. The goal is to drive Muslims to decline. Inthis they have found a most effective and devastating weapon capable of weakening Muslims after the failure of all their other weapons. We wonder why the West does not demand the Jews in Palestine topractise birth control. Why do we not see the Jews paying the slightest heed to this call? Why is the state of Israel strongly encouraging childbirth so that it has become commonplace according to visiting journalists to see pregnant women walking the streets or working in shops or teaching or working aspolicewomen ? Why does the state of Israel prohibit birth control while we Muslims allow it and some of us think that it is compulsory like fasting andprayer. The case of birth control is political propaganda aimed at weakening Muslims. It has no connection whatsoever with economics despite whatis said .

We wonder: why birthcontrol? Is it that the laws of Allah have changed in the universe?Have nature and Allah's creation been replaced ?Or is it that the laws of Allah apply only to one particular epoch rather than another? Is it because we lacklands or water or resources or opportunities?

The Islamic world comprises vast lands suitable for farming and developing.102 It also has a great store of water and is furnished with unquantifiable resources and potentials. It is therefore wrong to bang the drums of birth control when there is no need for it.103

Iraq for example, which used to be called 'The FertileLand' supported 40 million people during the 'Abbasid period according to some historians. Nowadays, Iraq's population is no more than half that figure. A country like Sudan would probably be able to feed the entire African continent from the arable land and water resources it has104 . The same could be said of the rest of the Islamiclands which own a tremendous amount of agricultural, mineral and oil wealth.

Where are these resourcesgoing to? Why are these riches stagnating? These are thequestions which require answers. This is theproblem which needs to be solved. All other problems arise from this problem. The population explosion, the economic crisis, underdevelopment, and the lack of political vision all stem from the tyranny, oppression, dictatorship, and despotism of the rulers, their control over Muslims, and their running of the affairs of the land according to their vain desires and not according to sound planning and the interests of the people.

One such ruler in an Islamic land - Saddam -has, according to some statistics, stolen 300 billion dollars from the people, not to mention the wealth he has destroyed in internecine wars. If we add to that the embezzlements of other rulers across history in Islamic lands then how much of the wealth of Muslimshas been squandered on the desires and whims of these rulers?

Where there is someone stealing the people's sustenance he must be called to account and confronted with the problem and told he is a thief and demands made for the return of the peoples wealth to them. We should not demand that the people suffer hunger to tell them to restrain from marriage and having children because there is not enough food to go round.

A large portion of the wealth of Islamic lands has gone to the countries of the West. Statistics show that one-fifth of humanity (those living in theindustrialised nations) consume four-fifths of the world's wealth. The remaining four-fifths of humanity - the poor living in what is known as the third world - only consume a mere one-fifth of the world's resources.

Herein Lies the Catastrophe

The lack of justice in the world and the neglect of Islamic laws of development like the aforementioned two laws of precedence105 and ownership of land.106 The stranglehold of governments and their control over affairs.The excess of bureaucrats who deny people's freedoms. Poor distribution of wealth. The lack of a vociferous opposition. The poorpeoples are battered and their nobility destroyed. Weare denied a voice, then we are denied food and now today we are told to stop having children. The problem of progenycan be solved within the context of an Islamic system based on justice and pluralism. Through justice, Islam endspoverty and closes the gap between rich and poor, ruler and ruled. Through pluralism, the peopleare given a strong voice with which to speak freely.

The Islamic viewof mankind differs to that of other systems. Some systems see man as a heavy burden and views every newborn child as an unwelcome guest and yet another mouth to feed. Islam however, views man as a vital and active force.The Qur'an sees man as the most powerful creation upon the face of the earth and sees within him the secret of advancement in the world: '...Man can have nothing but what he strives for; and that his striving will be in sight; then he will be rewarded with a reward complete'.108 Islam sees in each new child as a form of progress and advancement. In the words attributed to Imam 'Ali:

'Do you think that you are a mere germ? While within you is concealed the greater realm.'109 The prophet sees in every birth a new reason to be proud before the other nations of the world.Even if this child was stillborn and had no life. Was it not he who said: 'Marry, procreate and proliferate so that I may be proud of you as a nation on the day ofjudgement even if the child is stillborn'.110

The newborn may become ascholar or an inventor or an engineer or anything else. He will add to life his potential for work and add a new value and genius to history. Lifeis not built by tools and machines but by the efforts of men.Life is not run by computers and satellites but by the intelligence of mankind and every new infant is a new intellect, a new arm and a new step forward.Why then all this fear? Has not Allah promised us and His promise is good and true: 'We shall provide sustenance for them and for you'.111

He has also said: 'Marry those among you who are single, and the virtuous ones among your slaves, male or female: If they are in poverty, Allah will give them means out of his grace'.112 Marriage then eradicates poverty and children are a cause of increased wealth. This is the logic of the Qur'an and the Sacred Law. As for those who believe the opposite of this, believing that marriage and children diminish wealth, then they are far from Allah and the Qur'an and from the logic of the intellect and wisdom.

PartSix : Challenges Facing the Family and Society

Divorce Yesterday and Today

It was usual in Islamic countries for marriages to take place in a context of common sense and compatibility. It was the family who would find the appropriate partner with regard to religion, moralbehaviour , financialstatus and physical character. For this reason,marriages on the whole were successful.

The family's choosing for their offspring did not negate the choice and contentment of the prospective couple but rather confirmed it and steered it in the required direction, because of the families knowledge and links to other family circles was more than that of the young man or woman.Further more , the family by possessing a means of exerting pressure on those who wished to divorce could act to prevent splits taking place.Hence the families acted in truth as a kind of safety valve against the recklessness and haste of youth as in theQur'anic verse:

'Then appoint two arbiters, one from his family, one from hers; if they seek to set things to rights then Allah will cause their reconciliation'80 . This God grantedsuccess as with everything else that He causes in this world must be preceded by human action, for God has disdained to run affairs other than through their causes.

I have been told by one of the persons responsible for marriage and divorce in the city of Karbala forty years ago that he only presided over the divorce of one person a year. Today however, now that society has taken up with Western values or has plunged intoWesternisation and the misplaced imitation of its laws and customs,it is the youngsters who choose their partners in isolation and without consulting their parents. It is evident now that thecriteria for marriage is a mixture of emotion, sexualfervour , inexperience, and immaturity. This is fuelled by the pressure of such values and their false notions of freedom and its attack on authenticcustoms which it describes as being reactionary or backward and senile.Hence a large proportion of marriages now end in separation and divorce.

For those that fall into these traps the calamities are great. For these reasons, it is imperative that we return to the Islamic lifestyle ofhappiness which our forefathers lived in the lands of Islam until half a century ago.

Conciliation is Best

The prevalence of divorce in the latter half of this century81 is attributable to a number of reasons including:

1. A short sighted and arbitrary way of choosing a partner for life because of emotions and the like.

2. A tendency towards over expectation by one partner of the other and an excess ofidealising .

3. The pressure ofman made laws limiting real freedoms, opportunities for work,travel and obtaining free goods and so on.

4. The spread of exhibitionism, social mingling,licence and dissipation, whereby a man can find someone apparently more beautiful than his wife and a woman can find a man more preferable than her husband.

5. The decline of the restraint promoted by religion and morals and a moving away from the Islamic way. However, this notwithstanding, it is imperative that marital problems be solved without resort to divorce, for divorce is described as being the most detestable of all that God has made lawful. The emissary of God hassaid: 'There is no permissible thing more beloved in the sight of God than marriage, nor is there any permissible thing more detestable in the sight of God than divorce'82 .

Imam Al-Sadiq hassaid: 'God loves the house in which there is matrimony and hates the house in which there is divorce for there is nothing more detestable in the sight of God than divorce'83 . In another tradition from ImamAl-Sadiq he commands: 'Marry and do not divorce for the heavenly throne verily shakes as a consequence of divorce'84 .

Why then has God not outlawed divorce altogether? The answer is that the home may have become an unbearable hell on earth. Alternatively, many things may add up to make reconciliation impossible.

In the case of the Christian church when it forbade divorce, millions of men and women remained partner less, after finding their natures incompatible.Hence corruption andlicence and perversity flourished as each partner found, in the air of poisonous freedoms promulgated by the West, all manner of means to prostitution and adultery put in front of them while the media and advertising egg them on.

There is no doubt that if there were present in society institutions dedicated to conciliation and trained conciliators together with charitable bodies, these problems which cause damage to the family, harm the children and come between relatives and at times end up in murder and suicide would certainly reduce. Certain divorce lawyers who do not heed God and do not experience any barrier from government or society can exploit the will of one of the partners to separate. He then fills his coffers at the expense of religion,conscience and morals. If he were to heedGod however he would make haste to resolve matters between them, as in theQur'anic verse: 'Conciliation is best'86 .

Polygamy - A Spurious Crisis

The law of the universe runs according to the perfect balance of pairs, as in theQur'anic verse: 'We have created of everything in pairs so that perhaps you may take heed'.87 However, this does not necessarily mean equality in terms of numbers but rather compatibility in terms of type, whereby each pair is ensured of fulfilling its natural role in life. For example in the world of ants and bees, the queen capable of procreation is one only, whereas themales which compete with each other for the prize offertilising her are many. This is true of most of the animal kingdom.

Human beings by virtue of being alive like the remainder of living things in this existence are no exception to this rule.Granted, they have their own particularities but so does every other living thing, and just as the divine will has ensured for human beings perfect compatibility in terms of type, as with the rest of existents, it has also defined and shaped humanity in a way particular to itself wherebyfulfilment , concord and continuance are ensured, each having its own proof and wisdom.

Among the teachings of ImamSadiq to Al-Maffadal Ibn 'Amr are his words: ‘Humanity was not created masculine and feminine except in order to be able to reproduce . .Had an organism given birth to males only or females only then reproduction would cease and the species would become extinct.Therefore some of the offspring came as males and others as females so that reproduction would continue and not be cut off'.88 Imam Al-Rida , speaking about the prohibition of adultery and of violating the law of nature which was created by God toharmonise with the human species and his needs, said: 'God has prohibited adultery because of the corruption it can cause, from murder to loss of lineage and neglect to the children's upbringing and corruption of inheritances and other forms of corruption'.89 It is possible to posit no more than the following four different marital systems between the two sexes:

1. Complete sexual freedom.

2. Polyandry.

3. Monogamy.

4. Polygamy.

There is no doubt that the first two are both invalid from an intellectual and religious point of view as the preceding report from ImamRida points out. There only remains the latter two. Statistics and surveys show that women outnumber men, particularly around the ages of puberty and sexual maturity despite the fact that some statistics in some countries show a relative parity between the sexes.

As to why women should outnumber men, that is one of the secrets of nature. However, its wisdomshould not be lost on anyone who reflects upon it.

This phenomenon also gives rise to the fact that women are morelong lived in comparison to men, perhaps as men are generally occupied with heavy work which can shorten their lives. Men are more often affected by wars and imprisonment or long absences; which necessitates the right of divorce by their wives in religiouslaw, or by the men if they know that they will not be able to maintain the relationship because of imprisonment or the like. Furthermore, those who are marrying a second, third or fourth wife are obviously not marrying a woman who is already married but one who is free of a husband.

What then is the intellectual problem with polygamy? If we do not solve this problem through polygamy, thenwe will either see women without husbands or we will see them taking lovers both of which are in opposition to the balances of rationale and of nature.

Since the beginning of Islam, and for a long time there was no barrier to polygamy. It was in facttotally normal. Disputes amongst wives were as seldom as disputes amongst sisters or between mother and daughter. Then however, the matter became corrupted; by men through their oppression towards women in the context of polygamy, and by women because of their desire forfavouritism and being singled out for benefits. Then the majority of women began to detest the concept of polygamy in many Islamic countries, even though polygamywaspractised without mishap in countries like Chad and other African countries. It is then necessary to adjust this situation so that so many women are no longer condemned tospinster hood which is one of the greatest forms of oppression against women. If the man were to die, then society should take care to facilitate her marriage to someone else or, in the case of divorce, to try to bring about her return to her former husband where possible as is prevalent in countriespractising polygamy.

The Prophet married the greater number of his wives after their divorces from former husbands or after the death of their first husbands as waspractised from the beginning of Islam and for centuries onward and is stillpractised now in certain countries. Is it not a kind of injustice that a young woman, or one who has lost her husband through divorce or by some accident, should remain single when she is a human being with emotions relating to sex, abode,children and so on. In the main though, the corrupted customs of some people deny her all of this. Customs though if transcended will fall. All thatis needed is an agent - a powerful current in society, and an authentic culture - to transcend this situation.

The Crisis of Celibacy

Today in Islamic countries, women are suffering from social oppression since these countries have adopted corrupt foreign traditions in this vital area of life. Society oppresses them by delaying their marriage90 , by preventing their re-marriage after the death of their husbands, or when the numbers of unmarried women are great, or for many other reasons. All of this needs to be transcended and overcome with the return to the land of Islamictradition which conforms to nature and the intellect. It is also imperative that society be educated inharmonising the characters of the married couple as a precaution against marital breakdown,separation and divorce.

This problem of the abundance of celibates or single women may be solved by charitableorganisations and socialinstitutions which specialise in the demands of this crisis and the numerous financial, medical and psychological problems associated with it. A woman who is celibate or unmarried is subject tobeing exposed to physical and mental illness as medical science has shown. In manycases she may not have any means of subsistence91 and turns to prostitution or other activities like thieving.

Is it right that a large section of the community remains in this state?

Simplifying marriage together with thepractise of polygamy and the application of public funds in solving financial problems and the aforementioned laws of precedence92 and land93 adds up to an Islamic solution to this problem.However because of the absence of vital Islamic law there is no alternative to charitableorganisations and communal weddings as a way towards solving these problems as much as possible. From drops of water and grains of sand oceans anddeserts are formed .

A group of friends ofmine in Teheran saw to the marriage of 1000 young couples at the one time. The same thing happened with another group in the Eastern province of theHijaz when theyorganised the marriage of 300 people. It is clear that: 'The complexity of a task should not prevent the attempt of achievable tasks'94 and 'What is not totallyrealisable as a whole should not be discarded as awhole.'95 , these being among the best principles with regard to these matters. Birth Control;Who is behind it?

The emissary of Allah has said: 'Marry, procreate and proliferate! 96 He alsosaid: 'Marry, procreate and proliferate so that I may be proud of you as a nation on the day ofjudgement even if the child is stillborn'.97 These two traditions contain laws albeit in the form ofrecommendations which like all recommendations should only be neglected in the case of strict necessity. The night prayer for example is a recommendedact which does not lose its status as such except through necessity. The same goes for proliferation of offspring.

What is taking place todayhowever, goes against this completely. The idea of proliferation has become foreign amongst Muslims whilst the notion of birth control, previously abominable to Muslims, has taken its place. Even in the most desperate periods of Islamic history98 , no promoter of theseideas which go against the intellect and nature was ever witnessed. It is true that certain rulers used to perpetrate gross acts but the law of Islam was in force - generally - throughout society where the economy was Islamic as was the rest of society. Today however, after the appearance of Western colonialism in our lands everything has been overturned. Forbidden things have become permissible. Gambling is commonplace. Taxes and duties, geographical borders, confiscation of freedoms, oppression and terrorism and prevention from fulfilling the Hajj pilgrimage have become permissible. In this atmosphere of opposition to Islam comes a call from the West for Muslims to practice birth control99 using the argument of the dwindling economic level of the family and the fall in GNP of the countries concerned which are unable tofulfil their commitments to provide enough schools and hospitals and other social services. At the same time they themselves in the West are encouraging their children to marry early and propagate.100 This call for marriage and childbearing begins with the instruction of children at primary level upwards. There exists amongst Western leaders a great fear that the European nations are on their way to extinction if the negative trend in population growth continues. They also know that the most important cause of this trend lies in the promotion of birth control which swept through Europe during the 1960's and sowed in the European mindset the notion that having children is an erroneous act. Europeans have continued to carry this notion with them until their birth rate has dwindled.

Today they have rediscovered that the error does not lie in the act of bearing children but in the promotion of birth control.101 Unfortunately they have exported this call to us after having experienced the tragedy of it themselves. They have come to the Islamic world to call Muslims to birth control.

Let us examine the goals of the West in their call for birth control. The goal is to drive Muslims to decline. Inthis they have found a most effective and devastating weapon capable of weakening Muslims after the failure of all their other weapons. We wonder why the West does not demand the Jews in Palestine topractise birth control. Why do we not see the Jews paying the slightest heed to this call? Why is the state of Israel strongly encouraging childbirth so that it has become commonplace according to visiting journalists to see pregnant women walking the streets or working in shops or teaching or working aspolicewomen ? Why does the state of Israel prohibit birth control while we Muslims allow it and some of us think that it is compulsory like fasting andprayer. The case of birth control is political propaganda aimed at weakening Muslims. It has no connection whatsoever with economics despite whatis said .

We wonder: why birthcontrol? Is it that the laws of Allah have changed in the universe?Have nature and Allah's creation been replaced ?Or is it that the laws of Allah apply only to one particular epoch rather than another? Is it because we lacklands or water or resources or opportunities?

The Islamic world comprises vast lands suitable for farming and developing.102 It also has a great store of water and is furnished with unquantifiable resources and potentials. It is therefore wrong to bang the drums of birth control when there is no need for it.103

Iraq for example, which used to be called 'The FertileLand' supported 40 million people during the 'Abbasid period according to some historians. Nowadays, Iraq's population is no more than half that figure. A country like Sudan would probably be able to feed the entire African continent from the arable land and water resources it has104 . The same could be said of the rest of the Islamiclands which own a tremendous amount of agricultural, mineral and oil wealth.

Where are these resourcesgoing to? Why are these riches stagnating? These are thequestions which require answers. This is theproblem which needs to be solved. All other problems arise from this problem. The population explosion, the economic crisis, underdevelopment, and the lack of political vision all stem from the tyranny, oppression, dictatorship, and despotism of the rulers, their control over Muslims, and their running of the affairs of the land according to their vain desires and not according to sound planning and the interests of the people.

One such ruler in an Islamic land - Saddam -has, according to some statistics, stolen 300 billion dollars from the people, not to mention the wealth he has destroyed in internecine wars. If we add to that the embezzlements of other rulers across history in Islamic lands then how much of the wealth of Muslimshas been squandered on the desires and whims of these rulers?

Where there is someone stealing the people's sustenance he must be called to account and confronted with the problem and told he is a thief and demands made for the return of the peoples wealth to them. We should not demand that the people suffer hunger to tell them to restrain from marriage and having children because there is not enough food to go round.

A large portion of the wealth of Islamic lands has gone to the countries of the West. Statistics show that one-fifth of humanity (those living in theindustrialised nations) consume four-fifths of the world's wealth. The remaining four-fifths of humanity - the poor living in what is known as the third world - only consume a mere one-fifth of the world's resources.

Herein Lies the Catastrophe

The lack of justice in the world and the neglect of Islamic laws of development like the aforementioned two laws of precedence105 and ownership of land.106 The stranglehold of governments and their control over affairs.The excess of bureaucrats who deny people's freedoms. Poor distribution of wealth. The lack of a vociferous opposition. The poorpeoples are battered and their nobility destroyed. Weare denied a voice, then we are denied food and now today we are told to stop having children. The problem of progenycan be solved within the context of an Islamic system based on justice and pluralism. Through justice, Islam endspoverty and closes the gap between rich and poor, ruler and ruled. Through pluralism, the peopleare given a strong voice with which to speak freely.

The Islamic viewof mankind differs to that of other systems. Some systems see man as a heavy burden and views every newborn child as an unwelcome guest and yet another mouth to feed. Islam however, views man as a vital and active force.The Qur'an sees man as the most powerful creation upon the face of the earth and sees within him the secret of advancement in the world: '...Man can have nothing but what he strives for; and that his striving will be in sight; then he will be rewarded with a reward complete'.108 Islam sees in each new child as a form of progress and advancement. In the words attributed to Imam 'Ali:

'Do you think that you are a mere germ? While within you is concealed the greater realm.'109 The prophet sees in every birth a new reason to be proud before the other nations of the world.Even if this child was stillborn and had no life. Was it not he who said: 'Marry, procreate and proliferate so that I may be proud of you as a nation on the day ofjudgement even if the child is stillborn'.110

The newborn may become ascholar or an inventor or an engineer or anything else. He will add to life his potential for work and add a new value and genius to history. Lifeis not built by tools and machines but by the efforts of men.Life is not run by computers and satellites but by the intelligence of mankind and every new infant is a new intellect, a new arm and a new step forward.Why then all this fear? Has not Allah promised us and His promise is good and true: 'We shall provide sustenance for them and for you'.111

He has also said: 'Marry those among you who are single, and the virtuous ones among your slaves, male or female: If they are in poverty, Allah will give them means out of his grace'.112 Marriage then eradicates poverty and children are a cause of increased wealth. This is the logic of the Qur'an and the Sacred Law. As for those who believe the opposite of this, believing that marriage and children diminish wealth, then they are far from Allah and the Qur'an and from the logic of the intellect and wisdom.


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