Alhassanain(p) Network for Heritage and Islamic Thought

www.alhassanain.org/english

Man and the Holy Qur'an

[Man and Universe]

Author(s): Ayatullah Murtadha Mutahhari

Publisher(s): Islamic Seminary Publications

www.alhassanain.org/english

Notice:

This version is published on behalf of www.alhassanain.org/english

The composing errors are not corrected.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Man and the Holy Qur'an 5

Merits of Man 5

Demerits of Man 7

Is Man By Nature Good or Bad? 7

Multi-dimensional Being 8

Diverse Powers of Man 12

Self-Consciousness 13

Promotion of Talents 14

Development of Body 14

Development of Soul 15

Man's Effective Role in Building His Future 15

(i) Extensiveness of the range of his information 16

(ii) Extensiveness of the range of his desires 16

(iii) Man has a special self-making ability 16

Man's Will and Range of His Freedom 17

(i) Heredity 17

(ii) Natural and Geographical Environment 18

(iii) Social Atmosphere 18

(iv) History and Time Factors 18

Man's Revolt Against Limitations 18

Man and Divine Fate 18

Man and Obligations 19

(i) Puberty 19

(ii) Sanity 20

(iii) Knowledge and Awareness 20

(iv) Ability and Power 21

(v) Power of Choice and free-Will 21

Conditions of Validity 22

Chapter 2: Human Knowledge 26

I. Innate Self-Consciousness 27

II. Philosophical Self-consciousness 28

III. Universal Self-consciousness 28

IV. Class Self-consciousness 29

V. National Self-consciousness 29

VI. Human Self-consciousness 30

VII. Mystic Self-Consciousness 33

VIII. Prophetic Self-Consciousness 35

Note 37

We then came near a garden with fruit trees. Suddenly I realized that they were burning! “What is happening here?” I asked. “This is the garden made by the faithful from the praise and remembrance of Allah. But when these faithful lied, or indulged in back-biting or insulting, this garden went up in flames. That is their sins caused the reward of their good deeds to go to waste”.

On Friday night, I went to my home again as a bird. My children had gathered under the fruit tree I was sitting on. “Our father planted this fruit tree and we are enjoying its fruits. May Allah bless him.” One recalled and then they recited Sura al--Dukhan and Sura al-Dahr Their prayers made me happy and I also prayed for them and then returned to my current abode.

When I returned, my horse was ready. Haadi presented me two gifts. One was from Hazrat Fatimah Zehra (as) and the other from Hazrat ‘Ali (as) as the two Suras recited by my children are connected to them. “At the time of need these two gifts will open by themselves.” Haadi told me.

After some time, we reached the land of Greed and Avarice. There we saw people with faces like dogs fighting among themselves. Some were eating dead bodies and fire was coming out from their behinds. Haadi informed me, “These people used to take bribes and embezzle or steal wealth belonging to orphans.”

Next we entered the Land of Jealousy. I saw robot like giants approaching us. Suddenly Abu Lahaw appeared. My horse shied away at his sight, throwing me down. Abu Lahaw screamed with laughter, “O fool! Name me one learned man who has been free from jealousy. You'll never get out from this trap of mine!”

I was angry and started fighting him but he was stronger and was overpowering me. I cried for help. “Ya ‘Ali Madad!”

Immediately the robot like creatures turned around and retreated. Abu Lahaw too tried to run away but was crushed under the wheels of a giant roller. This was my last encounter with him!

Getting up, Haadi and I started walking away quickly. “Haadi, it seems Abu Lahaw is dead”. I said. “No,” Haadi replied, “Abu Lahaw never dies. But he will not approach you now as we are quite far from the Valley of Barhoot. Ahead, people are being punished for Pride and Arrogance but since you rid yourself of these traits in your lifetime, you will not be troubled.”

It got pleasant as we went ahead, with cool breeze, mountains, greenery and waterfalls. Numerous tents soon became visible. “This is the city of 'Huma', Haadi told me. It is the valley of Right and Sacred Land and you'll stay here a few days.”

Some attendants appeared and Haadi instructed me to go with them, “Go to your tent with them. You'll find friends there”.

On entering, a beautiful maiden greeted me. We sat down and were served by a handsome lad. She spoke to me about religious issues. The depth of her knowledge impressed me. “I was educated in the Holy City of Medina and brought up by Hazrat Fatimah (as) who, like her father is herself a city of knowledge and purity”. She told me.

Then we went for a walk in the woods. As I would approach a tree, its fruit laden branch would bend down towards me. The fruits were sweet and fresh and did not decrease regardless of how many I ate. Melodious voices rang out from the trees inviting me to eat whatever I liked.

On returning to the tent, I was greeted by Haadi, ready for the onward journey. We departed, accompanied by friends and some angels. Soon we approached a hill overcast with dark clouds and sparks emitting from it. We could hear thunder in the distance. The angels immediately burst out, “There is no course of circumstances and no power except Allah's!”

We climbed down the hill and looked down. “This is the Valley of Barhoot”, the Angels said, “and these sparks resembling arrows, spears and swords are in fact curses which the faithful send upon the enemies of the Ahlul Bayt (as) and these are hitting their targets.

We could see these fiery arrows passing through numerous people in the valley and they could not escape these. They were wailing and the voices sounded like yelping of dogs! All of us cursed the enemies of the Ahlul Bayt. This resulted in a ten-fold increase in the fiery showers.

Seeing the fate of the enemies of Ahlul Bayt made me happy and satisfied and we resumed our journey saying, “O Allah, give them such a punishment from which even the dwellers of Hell would wish they were freed”.

The End

Post-Scriptum

Although the events after death have been described already and will prove to be an incentive towards preparing ourselves for the Hereafter, I wish to list some practices and occasions described by Revered personalities, which will help everybody in their preparations.

Only those who are aware of the reality and facts about the Hereafter, can inform us about this and these are Muhammad (S) and his progeny, who are the cause of creation of the Universe. The gist of their teachings is that if anybody has to undertake a journey, he should make preparations for it.

Therefore daily before sleeping, Imam ‘Ali (as) used to announce from the mosque, “O People, get ready and make preparations for your journey of the Hereafter. May Allah have mercy on you. The proclaimer of Death is announcing. Take heed. Be prepared. You will face numerous hazards there.” (Nahjul Balagha)

The first occasion of these is the time when one experiences the pangs of death.

“And the stupor of death will come in truth; that is what you were trying to escape” (Sura Qaf, 50:19)

This is an extremely hard time. On one side there is the intensity of pain and illness, the tongue becomes mute and the body refuses to respond.

On the other hand, the crying and wailing relatives and the thought of being separated from them forever, the grief of the children becoming orphans, separation from one's mate and life-partner and from wealth and other worldly goods (in the collection of which one had spent his lifetime): the agony of death, combined with these hardships to be faced after death, all cause this time to be painful beyond imagination.

Shaykh Saduq has quoted Imam Ja'far al-Sadiq (as) as saying, “If anyone wishes to make the pangs of death easy and light, he should maintain good relations with his relatives and should be kind and gentle with his parents. One who behaves thus will die easily and in his lifetime will not be troubled with paucity and will on the contrary live happily.”

The Holy Prophet (S) has recommended Sura Yasin (36) and Sura al-Saffat (37) and reading the dua “La Ilaha Illa Allah al-Haleemul Karim...” (There is no power except Allah, the Forbearing and Gracious) to the end in the Qunoot as being beneficial for the time of death. (Recommending of particular Sura and Dua for particular objectives is because of the special meanings contained in them; which if understood and taken to heart have corrective influences upon man).

Second Occasion: Adeela indal-Maut (Satanic thought in death). This is the turning away from the truth to the false and wrong at the time of death. This is because Satan approaches men at the time of their death creating and raising doubts in their minds to the extent that one's correct faith may be completely shaken.

One may even become bereft of it and he may die an infidel or faithless. Traditions advice us that as a safeguard one should be in the habit of recalling Usul al-Deen with its proof so that when he is reminded of the Usul al-Deen on his death-bed and in Talqeen, certainty of his faith would

prevail and doubts would cease. Dua al-Adeela in Mafatihul Jinan is also helpful and should be read at the death-bed.

Reciting the Tasbih of Hazrat Fatima (as), wearing Aqiq (Carnelian) ring, reading Sura al-Mu'minun on Fridays, reading “Bismillahi La Hawla Wala Quwwata Illa Billah” after Morning and Maghrib Prayers, are all beneficial.

Third Occasion: Wahshat al-Qabr (Fear and horror of the Grave): This is more severe, and fearful than the previous occasions. When the body is brought near the grave, it should not be put into it at once.

Since this is a very fearful time, it should rather be prepared for it by breaking the journey thrice (Manzil), because the spirit still retains interest in the body. The Holy Prophet has said, “The most fearful time for the dead is their first night in the grave. Help your dead in this time of need by giving charity on their behalf and by praying for them (Salaat al-Wahshat).

In this prayer in the first rakat, one should read Ayaat al-Kursi (2:255) after Sura al-Hamd (1) and in the second Sura al-Qadr (97) ten times after Sura al-Hamd (1). Alternatively, Sura al-Tawheed twice in the first rakat and Sura al-Takathur ten times in the second rakat. ( i.e. after Sura al-Hamd). Also beneficial is reading “LA Ilaha Illa Allahu Al-Malikul Haqqul Mubeen” (There is no power except Allah, the King, the Right, the Manifest) 100 times daily and reading Sura Yaseen (36) every night before sleeping.

Fourth Occasion: Constriction in the Grave: This is also a difficult time. The grave calls out everyday. “I am the rest-house of the travellers. I am a house of horror and also of Respect.” For some, the grave will be a garden from amongst the gardens of Heaven and for others a pit from the pits of Hell.

Imam al-Sadiq (as) has said that nobody can escape this constriction, but there are practices which can prove helpful in this regard. e.g. 1) Imam ‘Ali (as) has said that reading of Sura al-Nisa (4) every Friday will save one from constriction. 2) One who makes a habit of reading Sura al-Zukhruf (43) will remain safe from the constriction and beasts in the grave. 3) Imam Ja'far al-Sadiq (as) has said that whoever dies between Thursday noon and Friday noon will be spared constriction. 4) Imam al-Ridha (as) has said that the habit of night prayers keeps one safe from constrictions. 5) The Holy Prophet (S) has said that reciting Sura al-Takathur (102) before sleeping helps to ward off constrictions. 6) People buried in the sacred land of Najaf are also spared constrictions.

Fifth Occasion: The Questioning by Munkar and Nakeer: Imam Ja'far al-Sadiq (as) has said that one who does not believe that questioning will take place in the grave is not a true faithful. These questions have been already mentioned. Reading Talqeen twice before the burial is completed is very beneficial but specially (and maybe only) if the person had these beliefs and thoughts in his lifetime.

Sixth Occasion: Barzakh. Barzakh has been discussed already. It is a time of extreme helplessness. Deeds done for the dead and the benefits arising from one's previous deeds are the only useful things at this time and most fearful day.

Seventh Occasion: Day of Judgement: It is the harshest and severest. There are fifty stations in the Day of Judgement; each more difficult than the previous one. We hope that you, dear reader, will pray for us.

We then came near a garden with fruit trees. Suddenly I realized that they were burning! “What is happening here?” I asked. “This is the garden made by the faithful from the praise and remembrance of Allah. But when these faithful lied, or indulged in back-biting or insulting, this garden went up in flames. That is their sins caused the reward of their good deeds to go to waste”.

On Friday night, I went to my home again as a bird. My children had gathered under the fruit tree I was sitting on. “Our father planted this fruit tree and we are enjoying its fruits. May Allah bless him.” One recalled and then they recited Sura al--Dukhan and Sura al-Dahr Their prayers made me happy and I also prayed for them and then returned to my current abode.

When I returned, my horse was ready. Haadi presented me two gifts. One was from Hazrat Fatimah Zehra (as) and the other from Hazrat ‘Ali (as) as the two Suras recited by my children are connected to them. “At the time of need these two gifts will open by themselves.” Haadi told me.

After some time, we reached the land of Greed and Avarice. There we saw people with faces like dogs fighting among themselves. Some were eating dead bodies and fire was coming out from their behinds. Haadi informed me, “These people used to take bribes and embezzle or steal wealth belonging to orphans.”

Next we entered the Land of Jealousy. I saw robot like giants approaching us. Suddenly Abu Lahaw appeared. My horse shied away at his sight, throwing me down. Abu Lahaw screamed with laughter, “O fool! Name me one learned man who has been free from jealousy. You'll never get out from this trap of mine!”

I was angry and started fighting him but he was stronger and was overpowering me. I cried for help. “Ya ‘Ali Madad!”

Immediately the robot like creatures turned around and retreated. Abu Lahaw too tried to run away but was crushed under the wheels of a giant roller. This was my last encounter with him!

Getting up, Haadi and I started walking away quickly. “Haadi, it seems Abu Lahaw is dead”. I said. “No,” Haadi replied, “Abu Lahaw never dies. But he will not approach you now as we are quite far from the Valley of Barhoot. Ahead, people are being punished for Pride and Arrogance but since you rid yourself of these traits in your lifetime, you will not be troubled.”

It got pleasant as we went ahead, with cool breeze, mountains, greenery and waterfalls. Numerous tents soon became visible. “This is the city of 'Huma', Haadi told me. It is the valley of Right and Sacred Land and you'll stay here a few days.”

Some attendants appeared and Haadi instructed me to go with them, “Go to your tent with them. You'll find friends there”.

On entering, a beautiful maiden greeted me. We sat down and were served by a handsome lad. She spoke to me about religious issues. The depth of her knowledge impressed me. “I was educated in the Holy City of Medina and brought up by Hazrat Fatimah (as) who, like her father is herself a city of knowledge and purity”. She told me.

Then we went for a walk in the woods. As I would approach a tree, its fruit laden branch would bend down towards me. The fruits were sweet and fresh and did not decrease regardless of how many I ate. Melodious voices rang out from the trees inviting me to eat whatever I liked.

On returning to the tent, I was greeted by Haadi, ready for the onward journey. We departed, accompanied by friends and some angels. Soon we approached a hill overcast with dark clouds and sparks emitting from it. We could hear thunder in the distance. The angels immediately burst out, “There is no course of circumstances and no power except Allah's!”

We climbed down the hill and looked down. “This is the Valley of Barhoot”, the Angels said, “and these sparks resembling arrows, spears and swords are in fact curses which the faithful send upon the enemies of the Ahlul Bayt (as) and these are hitting their targets.

We could see these fiery arrows passing through numerous people in the valley and they could not escape these. They were wailing and the voices sounded like yelping of dogs! All of us cursed the enemies of the Ahlul Bayt. This resulted in a ten-fold increase in the fiery showers.

Seeing the fate of the enemies of Ahlul Bayt made me happy and satisfied and we resumed our journey saying, “O Allah, give them such a punishment from which even the dwellers of Hell would wish they were freed”.

The End

Post-Scriptum

Although the events after death have been described already and will prove to be an incentive towards preparing ourselves for the Hereafter, I wish to list some practices and occasions described by Revered personalities, which will help everybody in their preparations.

Only those who are aware of the reality and facts about the Hereafter, can inform us about this and these are Muhammad (S) and his progeny, who are the cause of creation of the Universe. The gist of their teachings is that if anybody has to undertake a journey, he should make preparations for it.

Therefore daily before sleeping, Imam ‘Ali (as) used to announce from the mosque, “O People, get ready and make preparations for your journey of the Hereafter. May Allah have mercy on you. The proclaimer of Death is announcing. Take heed. Be prepared. You will face numerous hazards there.” (Nahjul Balagha)

The first occasion of these is the time when one experiences the pangs of death.

“And the stupor of death will come in truth; that is what you were trying to escape” (Sura Qaf, 50:19)

This is an extremely hard time. On one side there is the intensity of pain and illness, the tongue becomes mute and the body refuses to respond.

On the other hand, the crying and wailing relatives and the thought of being separated from them forever, the grief of the children becoming orphans, separation from one's mate and life-partner and from wealth and other worldly goods (in the collection of which one had spent his lifetime): the agony of death, combined with these hardships to be faced after death, all cause this time to be painful beyond imagination.

Shaykh Saduq has quoted Imam Ja'far al-Sadiq (as) as saying, “If anyone wishes to make the pangs of death easy and light, he should maintain good relations with his relatives and should be kind and gentle with his parents. One who behaves thus will die easily and in his lifetime will not be troubled with paucity and will on the contrary live happily.”

The Holy Prophet (S) has recommended Sura Yasin (36) and Sura al-Saffat (37) and reading the dua “La Ilaha Illa Allah al-Haleemul Karim...” (There is no power except Allah, the Forbearing and Gracious) to the end in the Qunoot as being beneficial for the time of death. (Recommending of particular Sura and Dua for particular objectives is because of the special meanings contained in them; which if understood and taken to heart have corrective influences upon man).

Second Occasion: Adeela indal-Maut (Satanic thought in death). This is the turning away from the truth to the false and wrong at the time of death. This is because Satan approaches men at the time of their death creating and raising doubts in their minds to the extent that one's correct faith may be completely shaken.

One may even become bereft of it and he may die an infidel or faithless. Traditions advice us that as a safeguard one should be in the habit of recalling Usul al-Deen with its proof so that when he is reminded of the Usul al-Deen on his death-bed and in Talqeen, certainty of his faith would

prevail and doubts would cease. Dua al-Adeela in Mafatihul Jinan is also helpful and should be read at the death-bed.

Reciting the Tasbih of Hazrat Fatima (as), wearing Aqiq (Carnelian) ring, reading Sura al-Mu'minun on Fridays, reading “Bismillahi La Hawla Wala Quwwata Illa Billah” after Morning and Maghrib Prayers, are all beneficial.

Third Occasion: Wahshat al-Qabr (Fear and horror of the Grave): This is more severe, and fearful than the previous occasions. When the body is brought near the grave, it should not be put into it at once.

Since this is a very fearful time, it should rather be prepared for it by breaking the journey thrice (Manzil), because the spirit still retains interest in the body. The Holy Prophet has said, “The most fearful time for the dead is their first night in the grave. Help your dead in this time of need by giving charity on their behalf and by praying for them (Salaat al-Wahshat).

In this prayer in the first rakat, one should read Ayaat al-Kursi (2:255) after Sura al-Hamd (1) and in the second Sura al-Qadr (97) ten times after Sura al-Hamd (1). Alternatively, Sura al-Tawheed twice in the first rakat and Sura al-Takathur ten times in the second rakat. ( i.e. after Sura al-Hamd). Also beneficial is reading “LA Ilaha Illa Allahu Al-Malikul Haqqul Mubeen” (There is no power except Allah, the King, the Right, the Manifest) 100 times daily and reading Sura Yaseen (36) every night before sleeping.

Fourth Occasion: Constriction in the Grave: This is also a difficult time. The grave calls out everyday. “I am the rest-house of the travellers. I am a house of horror and also of Respect.” For some, the grave will be a garden from amongst the gardens of Heaven and for others a pit from the pits of Hell.

Imam al-Sadiq (as) has said that nobody can escape this constriction, but there are practices which can prove helpful in this regard. e.g. 1) Imam ‘Ali (as) has said that reading of Sura al-Nisa (4) every Friday will save one from constriction. 2) One who makes a habit of reading Sura al-Zukhruf (43) will remain safe from the constriction and beasts in the grave. 3) Imam Ja'far al-Sadiq (as) has said that whoever dies between Thursday noon and Friday noon will be spared constriction. 4) Imam al-Ridha (as) has said that the habit of night prayers keeps one safe from constrictions. 5) The Holy Prophet (S) has said that reciting Sura al-Takathur (102) before sleeping helps to ward off constrictions. 6) People buried in the sacred land of Najaf are also spared constrictions.

Fifth Occasion: The Questioning by Munkar and Nakeer: Imam Ja'far al-Sadiq (as) has said that one who does not believe that questioning will take place in the grave is not a true faithful. These questions have been already mentioned. Reading Talqeen twice before the burial is completed is very beneficial but specially (and maybe only) if the person had these beliefs and thoughts in his lifetime.

Sixth Occasion: Barzakh. Barzakh has been discussed already. It is a time of extreme helplessness. Deeds done for the dead and the benefits arising from one's previous deeds are the only useful things at this time and most fearful day.

Seventh Occasion: Day of Judgement: It is the harshest and severest. There are fifty stations in the Day of Judgement; each more difficult than the previous one. We hope that you, dear reader, will pray for us.