Alhassanain(p) Network for Heritage and Islamic Thought

KNOWLEDGE AND THE SACRED

SEYYED HOSSEIN NASR

State University of New York Press, 1989

ISBN-10:0791401766

Table of Contents

Summary. 4

Preface 7

Chapter One: Knowledge and Its Desacralization  10

Notes 46

Chapter Two: What Is Tradition?. 61

Notes 78

Chapter Three: The Rediscovery of the Sacred: The Revival of Tradition  84

Notes 106

Chapter Four: Scientia Sacra. 114

Notes 133

Chapter Five: Man, Pontifical and Promethean  138

Notes 156

Chapter Six: The Cosmos as Theophany  161

Notes 180

Chapter Seven: Eternity and the Temporal Order 186

Notes 205

Chapter Eight: Traditional Art as Fountain of Knowledge and Grace 212

Notes 229

Chapter Nine: Principal Knowledge and the Multiplicity of Sacred Forms 233

Notes 251

Chapter Ten: Knowledge of the Sacred as Deliverance 256

Notes 271

Ya Maryamu ‘alayka’l-salam

Bismi’Llah al-rahman al-rahım

Summary

In Knowledge and the Sacred Nasr analyzes humanity’s pursuit of knowledge and proposes that in every culture throughout human history humanity’s quest for knowledge has been a sacred activity as men and women seek to discover the Divine. Drawing from many traditions including philosophy, Islam, Judaism, Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, Confucianism, and Zoroastrianism, Nasr explores humanity’s quest for knowledge and quest for the Divine and how these quests relate to one another throughout history.

KEY WORDS: Islam, Iran, Sacred, Secular, Tradition, Knowledge, Science, History, Oriental, Philosophy

• • • • •

In Knowledge and the Sacred Nasr explores the human quest for knowledge and proposes that throughout human history men and women have searched for knowledge which through time and in various cultures has been a sacred activity to discover the Divine. In chapter 1Knowledge and Desacralization Nasr explores human knowledge and how modern women and men have lost the sense of awe, wonder and the sacred. “Today modern man has lost the sense of wonder, which results from his loss of the sense of the sacred, to such a degree that he is hardly aware how miraculous is the mystery of intelligence, of human subjectivity as well as the power of objectivity and the possibility of knowing objectively.” He argues that every human has the ability to know the sacred because “consciousness is itself proof of the primacy of the Spirit or Divine Consciousness of which human consciousness is a reflection and echo. Nasr traces the historical process of the desacralization of knowledge and language and how the separation of the sacred and the profane has influenced modern humanity.

In chapter 2What is Tradition? Nasr explains the impact of the desacralization of knowledge had on human knowledge. “Truth had to be stated anew and reformulated in the name of tradition precisely because of the nearly total eclipse and loss of that reality which has constituted the matrix of life of normal humanity over the ages.” He states, “Tradition, like religion, is at once truth and presence. It concerns the subject which knows and the object which is known. It comes from the Source from which everything originates and to which everything returns.”

In chapter 3The Rediscovery of the Sacred: The Revival of Tradition Nasr explores the recent return to humanity’s understanding the sacred by returning to tradition. “The overall harmony and equilibrium of the cosmos required a movement within the heart and soul of at least a number of contemporary men to rediscover the sacred at the very moment when the process of secularization seemed to be reaching its logical conclusion in removing the presence of the sacred altogether from all aspects of human life and thought.”

Chapter 4Scientia Sacra describes the sacred knowledge that humanity from various faith communities has rediscovered by returning to their traditional teachings. “Scientia sacra is not the fruit of human intelligence speculating upon or reasoning about the content of an inspiration or a spiritual experience which itself is not of an intellectual character. Rather,

what is received through inspiration is itself of an intellectual nature; it is sacred knowledge.” Nasr explores human knowledge gained by the texts from various religions, and explores how human cognition is influenced by philosophy and science.

In chapter 5Man, Pontifical and Promethean Nasr investigates the concept of men and women being pontiffs or bridges between heaven and earth against the concept of men and women being Promethean creatures who rebel against heaven and earth. By looking at historical developments in several faith traditions, Nasr traces the development of humanity’s self awareness from being a pontifical creature to rebelling against humanity’s role as a bridge between the sacred and the profane. Nasr argues that men and women need to regain their sense of pontifical calling because “man is fully man only when he realizes who he is and in doing so fulfills not only his own destiny and reaches his entelechy but also illuminates the world about him.”

In chapter 6The Cosmos as Theophany Nasr explores the natural world (and the fields of natural sciences) and its significant role in human knowledge of the Divine in many cultures. The cosmos and cosmic laws throughout history have had corresponded to humanity’s quest for the Divine, until recent attempts to divorce natural science from metaphysics and religious understanding. Nasr urges men and women to view the cosmos as a theophany to understand their role as pontiffs serving to bridge heaven and earth as we see the manifestation of God’s presence around us.

Chapter 7 Eternity and the Temporal Order seeks to understand humanity within the vertical and horizontal axes of existence by drawing upon the concepts of eternity and time found in many faith traditions.

In chapter 8Traditional Art as the Fountain of Knowledge and Grace Nasr explores various forms of art (including liturgical acts, created pieces for contemplation and education, verbal art of music and poetry, buildings and places of worship, and written texts) of both traditional and sacred character. He states that “traditional art is inseparable from sacred knowledge because it is based upon a science of the cosmic which is of a sacred and inward character and in turn is the vehicle for the transmission of a knowledge which is of a sacred nature.” Sacred art “has a sacramental function and is, like religion itself, at once truth and presence…” Nasr understands that art transmits knowledge and grace because men and women serve as artistic creators that create art through the revelation of divine inspiration.

Chapter 9Principal Knowledge and the Multiplicity of Sacred Forms explores how the various religions of the world relate to each other through the concept of “sacred forms.” Historically religions have conflicted with each other rather than compliment one another. Nasr seeks to articulate how the common and unique elements of various faith traditions can be understood to relate to each other in complimentary ways. “Each revelation is in fact the manifestation of an archetype which represents some aspect of the Divine Nature.” He explains, “although one religion may emphasize love, another knowledge, one mercy and the other self-sacrifice, all the major elements of religion must in one way or another manifest themselves

in an integral tradition.” Understanding how various religions each contain truth and seek knowledge of the Divine while at the same time acknowledging the differences among faiths allows people of various religious communities to firmly advocate their own doctrinal truths while respecting the teachings and traditions of others.

In the final chapter,Knowledge of the Sacred as Deliverance , Nasr discusses how knowledge of the sacred leads to freedom and deliverance from bondage and limitation. By overcoming ignorance and understanding our role within history and within the cosmos men and women gain knowledge of the sacred. “The goal of sacred knowledge is deliverance and union, its instrument the whole being of man and its meaning the fulfillment of the end for which man and in fact the cosmos were created.” Nasr explains, “Through this sacred knowledge man becomes aware of the purpose for which he was created and gains that illimitable spiritual freedom and liberation which alone is worthy of man if only he were to realize who he is.”

Heather McDivitt, University of Edinburgh

Preface

Since the Gifford Lectures were first delivered at the University of Edinburgh in 1889, they have been associated with the names of some of the most celebrated theologians, philosophers, and scientists of Europe and America, and have resulted in books which have wielded extensive influence in the modern world. Moreover, most of these works have been associated with specifically modern ideas which have characterized the Western world since the Renaissance and which have been also spreading into the East since the last century. When, therefore, some four years ago we were invited to deliver these prestigious lectures, it marked for us not only a singular honor but also an occasion to present the traditional perspective of the millennial civilizations of the Orient where we first received and accepted the invitation to deliver them. Being the first Muslim and in fact the first Oriental to have the occasion to deliver the Gifford Lectures since their inception at the University of Edinburgh nearly a century ago, we felt it our duty to present to the Western audience not a secondhand version of certain modern ideas or isms in pseudo-Oriental dress as happens so often these days, but in conformity with the world view which is our own, to expound some aspect of that truth which lies at the heart of the Oriental traditions and in fact of all tradition as such whether it be of the East or the West.

In the Orient knowledge has always been related to the sacred and to spiritual perfection. To know has meant ultimately to be transformed by the very process of knowing, as the Western tradition was also to assert over the ages before it was eclipsed by the postmedieval secularization and humanism that forced the separation of knowing from being and intelligence from the sacred. The Oriental sage has always embodied spiritual perfection; intelligence has been seen ultimately as a sacrament, and knowledge has been irrevocably related to the sacred and its actualization in the being of the knower. And this relation continues wherever and whenever tradition still survives despite all the vicissitudes of the modern world.

During the past two centuries, countless Western students of the Orient have been, whether intentionally or unintentionally, instrumental in the process of the secularization of the East through the destruction of its traditions by interpreting its sacred teachings through historicism, evolutionism, scientism, and the many other means whereby the sacred is reduced to the profane. The study of the East by the majority of those so-called orientalists who have been themselves influenced by the various waves of secularism in the West, far from being simply a harmless, objective exercise in scholarship, has played no small role in the transformation of the subject of their studies. Moreover, these scholarly efforts have hardly been carried out through either love for the subject or charity, despite many notable and honorable exceptions which have been labors of love and which have produced valuable studies of various aspects of Oriental civilization. Most modern scholarly works concerned with the East are in fact the fruit of a secularized reason analyzing and studying traditions of a sacred character.

In the present study our aim has been in a sense the reverse of this process. It has been to aid in the resuscitation of the sacred quality of knowledge and the revival of the veritable intellectual tradition of the West with the aid of the still living traditions of the Orient where knowledge has never become divorced from the sacred. Our aim has been to deal first of all with an aspect of the truth as such which resides in the very nature of intelligence and secondarily with the revival of the sapiential perspective in the West, without which no civilization worthy of the name can survive. If in the process we have been severely critical of many aspects of things Western, our view has not been based on disdain and hatred or a kind of “occidentalism” which would simply reverse the role of a certain type of orientalism that has studied the Orient with the hope of transforming its sacred patterns of life, if not totally destroying all that has characterized the Orient as such over the ages. In criticizing what from the traditional point of view is pure and simple error, we have also tried to defend the millennial tradition of the West itself and to bring to light once again that perennial wisdom, or sophia perennis, which is both perennial and universal and which is neither exclusively Eastern nor Western.

When the invitation to deliver the Gifford Lectures first reached us, we were living in the shades of the southern slopes of the majestic Alborz Mountains. Little did we imagine then that the text of the lectures themselves would be written not in the proximity of those exalted peaks but in sight of the green forests and blue seas of the eastern coast of the United States. But man lives in the spirit and not in space and time so that despite all the unbelievable dislocations and turmoil in our personal life during this period, including the loss of our library and the preliminary notes for this work, what appears in the following pages has grown out of the seed originally conceived when we accepted to deliver the lectures and represents a continuity of thought with the intellectual genesis of this work even if the material and human conditions altered markedly during the period of the realization of its original idea.

Since this work seeks to be at once metaphysical and based on scholarship, it consists of a text upon which the actually delivered lectures were based as well as extensive footnotes which both complement the text and serve as a guide for further research for those who are attracted to the arguments and theses presented in the text. Upon delivering the lectures in the stately capital of Scotland during the spring when the city of Edinburgh blooms with flowers of great beauty, we became convinced even more than before of the necessity of these rather extensive footnotes. The lively reaction of the audience and many meetings with its members after the lectures brought to light the keen interest displayed by many of them in pursuing the arguments presented in this work despite the fact that its point of view is that of tradition and different from most of what has been the concern of most of the other Gifford lecturers over the years.

In preparing this work we are indebted most of all to all of our traditional masters in both East and West who over the years have guided us to the fountainhead of sacred knowledge. We wish to express our gratitude especially to Frithjof Schuon whose unparalleled exposition of traditional

teachings is reflected, albeit imperfectly, upon many of the pages which follow. We also wish to thank Miss Kathleen O'Brien who aided us in many ways in preparing the manuscript for publication.

Du'as for the nights of Ramadan

The nights of Ramadan are a time for worshipping Allah, for praying to Allah and seeking His forgiveness. Allah knows that human beings are likely to sin, and need of an opportunity to repent and reform themselves. Hence the month of Ramadan, a season of Du'a and Istighfar whereby Muslims can relieve themselves of the burden of sins. The Du'as which follow have been taught by the Ma'sumeen (a) and show us how to seek the Forgiveness and Mercy of Allah in this month.

Du'a no. 1

After praising Allah, the following Du'a describes the excellence of Ramadan, and its distinguishing features. Worshippers and supplicators receive special favours when they ask in this month. This Du'a is also recommended after obligatory prayers.

In the name of Allah the Beneficent, the Merciful

O High, O Mighty, O Forgiver, O Merciful,

You are the Mighty Lord, who has none like Him,

and He is the All­-Hearing, the All­-Seeing.

This is a month which You have made;

exalted, honored,

ennobled and excelled over the other months.

It is the month in which You have made

fasting obligatory on me,

and it is the month of Ramadan,

in which You sent down the Qur'an,

a guidance for mankind, having clear signs of

guidance and distinction. (2:185)

You have placed in it the night of power,

and made it better than a thousand months. (97:2)

O One who favours, and none favours You,

favour me by saving me from the fire,

amongst the ones You favour,

and make me enter Heaven,

by Your mercy, O the most Merciful.

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

يا عليّ يا عظيم يا غفور يا رحيم

أنت الرب العظيم الذي ليس كمثله شيئ

وهو السميع البصير

وهذا شهر عظمته وكرمته

وشرفته وفضلته على الشهور

وهو شهر الذي فرضت صيامه عليّ

وهو شهر رمضان الذي أنزلت فيه القرءان

هُدى للناس وبيّنات مِن الهُدى والفُرقان

وجعلت فيه ليلة القدر

وجعلتها خيراُ من ألف شهر

فيا ذالمن ولا يُمَن عليك

مُنَّ عليّ بفكاك رقتبي من النار

فيمن تمُن عليه

وأدخلني الجنة برحمتك يا ارحم الراحمين

Du'a no.2

Du'a no. 2 (for the nights of Ramadan and for all occasions)

One of the etiquettes of Du'a is to ask for others, to remember those who are in need. It is a selfless act, displaying humanity and consideration for others. Allah loves a person who first asks for others, then prays fpr himself. The Sixth Imam (a) says: When a Muslim prays for his brother, (increase in) sustenance is given to him, afflictions are driven away, and the angels tell him “You will also receive the same”.

Many people all over the world suffer indescribable miseries. Tyranny and oppression are rampant in many countries. There is little we can do to alleviate the sufferings. However we can at least pray sincerely for them, hoping that Allah will relieve them as He has power over all things. We also pray that Allah may give us the will and the ability to help others in whatever way we can.

In the name of Allah the Beneficent the Merciful

O Allah bless Muhammad and the family of Muhammad.

O Allah, gladden the people of the graves,

O Allah, enrich every poor person,

O Allah, satisfy every hungry one,

O Allah, clothe every unclothed one,

O Allah, help every debtor pay his debts,

O Allah, relieve every distressed one,

O Allah, return every traveller (to his home),

O Allah release every prisoner,

O Allah, correct every wrong in the affairs of the Muslims,

O Allah, cure every sick one,

O Allah, ease our poverty by Your wealth,

O Allah, change our evil state to a good one

through Your excellent state,

O Allah, relieve us of our debts, and help us against poverty,

Surely You have power over all things.

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

اللهم صلي على محمد وال محمد

اللهم ادخل على اهل القُبور السرور

اللهم اغن كُل فقير

اللهم اشبع كُل جائع

اللهم اكس كُل عُريان

اللهم اقض دين كُل مدين

اللهم فرج عن كل مكروب

اللهم رُدّ كل غريب

اللهم فُك كُل اسير

اللهم اصلح كُل فاسد من امور المُسلمين

اللهم اشف كُل مريض

اللهم سُد فقرنا بغناك

اللهم غيّر سؤء حالنا بحُسن حالك

اللهم اقضِ عنا الدين

واغننا من الفقر

إنك على كل شيئ قدير

Du'a no. 3

In the name of Allah the Beneficent the Merciful

O Allah send Your blessings on Muhammad

and the family of Muhammad.

O Allah, Lord of Ramadan

in which You sent down the Qur'an

and made fasting obligatory on Your servants

Bless Muhammad and the family of Muhammad

and enable me to go for pilgrimage to Your sacred House

in this year and in every year

and forgive me those great sins (that I carry)

for surely, none can forgive them except You

O Beneficent, O All­-Knowing.

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

اللهم صلي على محمد وأل محمد

اللهم رب شهر رمضان الذي انزلت فيه القُران

وافترضت على عبادك فيه الصيام

صلي على محمد وال محمد

وارزقني حج بيتك الحرام

في عامي هذا وفي كُل عام

واغفر لي تلك الذنوب العظام

فإنه لا يغفرها غيرك يا رحمن يا علام

An Introduction to Dua al-Iftitah

Du' al­-Iftitah was taught by our twelfth Imam (a) for Shi'as to recite every night during the month of Ramadan. The Du'a is excellent for moulding man's attitude towards his Creator as it discusses many aspects of the wretchedness of the human being, and the Grace of Allah. The Du'a can be divided into two parts:

1) Man's relationship with Allah.

2) Divine leaders.

The first section of the Du'a describes different qualities of Allah, and reveals the graciousness and love of Allah for the human being. This section of the Du'a can further be divided into the following parts:

a) Praise of Allah. As is the etiquette of Du'a, Du'a al­-Iftitah begins with the praise and glorification of Allah. This is not because Allah needs to be praised before He answers our Du'as, but to remind the supplicant of the Supreme Being he is addressing, and consequently put the awe of Allah into hearts which are often heedless.

The beginning of the Du'a also places the supplicant between hope and fear, the ideal attitude while praying. Allah is most merciful, but is also severe in punishment. Humans are not to despair, nor to be too confident but constantly strive in His way.

b) Emphasis on the Oneness of Allah. Allah has no partner nor son, and has complete, undivided power and control over creation. The inhabitants of the skies and the heavens depend on Him. This is to strengthen reliance of the supplicant on Allah, as there is none else he can turn to.

c) The Generosity of Allah. The treasures of Allah do not cease, and are always liberally bestowed on His creatures. The needs of the human beings are enormous, and by placing open the door of Du'a, Allah has given them the keys to His treasures. His doors are always open, and no supplication to Him is rejected without some answer.

But man is often ungrateful, and always greedy. He expects that his du'as will always be immediately granted. When such gratification is not forthcoming, he turns away, instead of reminding himself of all the favours he enjoys.

d) Relationship of Allah and the human being. A strange relationship indeed! Although it is the human who needs Allah, and should strive towards Him, it is Allah who invites and encourages him to come, who shows love and mercy and continues to favour him in many ways.

As the 4th Imam says in Du'a ­Abu Hamza Thumali:

Praise be to Allah who answers me when I call Him, although I am reluctant when he calls me, and Praise is for Allah who gives me when I ask Him, although I am miserly when he asks me. This is worth pondering over

for those who think of Allah as a tyrannical master imposing His rules over humans.

This section of the Du'a is an excellent lesson in the Islamic view point of the qualities of Allah. The God of Islam is a loving, gracious God who treats the human being better than he deserves. The root of the relationship between Allah and man is the love of the Creator for His creatures. It is on man to search his heart for a reciprocal response.

The second section of the Du'a send blessings on the Holy Prophet (s) and the M'asumeen, and then discusses the role of the twelfth Imam (a).

a) Salawat on the Prophet(s). After faith in Allah, the next most important part of religion is faith in His sent ones. Thus after acknowledging the greatness and graciousness of the creator, the Du'a teaches us to acknowledge the Divine leaders as our guides towards Him. Blessings are sent to the Prophet (s) as a sign of love and appreciation for the Prophet (s) and as an acknowledgement that he is a human being and needs mercy and blessings from Allah. It also strengthens remembrance of the Prophet (s) and the inspiration to follow his path.

b) Blessings on the Masumeen. After the Holy Prophet (s), his successors are remembered and prayed for. These are the true leaders of the Muslim Ummah who were Divinely appointed by Allah. Belief in them, and love for them, is an important part of the Shi'a faith.

c) Role of the Twelfth Imam (a). In every era Allah has His representative who guides His creatures towards establishing truth and justice on earth. The Twelfth Imam is the leader of our time, who will come and Allah's religion on earth. The last part of Du'a al­-Iftitah talks about his coming, preparing believers for the anticipated establishment of the rule of Allah on earth.

Praying for help and victory for the twelfth Imam reminds us that we are waiting for him, and need to prepare for his coming. We become aware of our responsibilities in his ghaybat, and the importance of training ourselves as his helpers. We pray for the ultimate dream of a Muslim, a state in which the religion of Allah is paramount, and disbelief and hypocrisy are degraded.

Du'a al­-Iftitah reminds us that both faith and action are necessary to be a true believer. Faith in Allah entails acting on His message brought by His messenger, and establishing His religion on earth. While that can only be done through the Imam, we should work and pray for his arrival. Human beings can only enjoy true justice and peace, and a fulfilment of all their needs, under the leadership of a Divine leader.

Du'a al­-Iftitah is not only a supplication for our needs, but a teaching of the roots of faith, and a planning for a way of life. It remains on us to plot the chart of our life as we recite this beautiful du'a during the nights of Ramadan.

Du'a no.4, Du'a al­-Iftitah

In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful.

O Allah send Your blessings on Muhammad and the family of Muhammad.

O Allah, I begin glorifying You with Your Praise

You direct towards what is right through Your Grace

I am convinced that You are the most Merciful in matters of forgiveness and mercy

but most severe in matters of warning and retribution

and the most mighty in matters of power and magnificence.

O Allah You have allowed me to supplicate to You and ask from You

Then hear my praise O One who hears all

and answer my call O Merciful

and decrease my mistakes O most Forgiving

How often, O my God, You have relieved me of troubles

how many griefs You have dispelled

how many mistakes You have prevented

how many blessings You have spread

and how many series of afflictions You have separated

All Praise is for Allah who has not taken a wife nor a son

who has no partner in His Kingdom

who has no friend to protect Him from humiliation

so magnify Him with a great Magnificnace

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

اللهم صلي على محمد وأل محمد

اللهم إني افتتح الثناء بحمدك

وأنت مُسدد للصواب بمنك

وأيقنت أنك أنت ارحم الراحمين في موضع العفو والرحمة

واشد المُعاقبين في موضع النكال والنقمة

واعظم المُتجبرين في موضع الكبرياء والعظمة

اللهم اذنت لي في دُعائك ومسئلتك

فاسمع يا سميع مدحتي واجب يا رحيم دعوتي

واقل يا غفور عثرتي

فكم يا الهي من كُربة قد فرجتها وهمُوم قد كشفتها

وعثرة قد اقلتها ورحمة قد نشرتها

وحلقة بلاء قد فككتها

الحمد لله الذي لم يتخذ صاحبة ولا ولداً

ولم يكن له شريك في الملك

ولم يكن له وليّ من الذل وكبره تكبيراً

All Praise is for Allah for all His praiseworthy acts

for all His favours and blessings

All Praise is for Allah who has no opposition in His Kingdom

nor any challenge to His command

All Praise is for Allah who has no partner in creation

nor anyone like Him in His Greatness

All Praise is for Allah, His commands operate over His creation

His Praise is evident through His Generosity

whose bestowal stretches out liberally

His treasures never decrease

(rather) the frequency of His Giving increases

His Generosity and Kindness,

Surely He is the Mighty, the Bestower.

O Allah I ask You a little from much

although I am in great need of it

while You are eternally needless of it

though it is a lot for me

while it is easy and simple for You.

الحمد لله بجميع محامده كُلها

على جميع نعمه كله

الحمد لله لا مُضاد في مُلكه

ولا منازع له في أمره

الحمد لله الذي لا شريك له في خلقه

ولا شبيه له في عظمته

الحمد لله الفاشي في الخلق امرُهُ

وحمده الظاهر بالكرم مجدُه

الباسط بالجُود يده

الذي لا تنقُص خزائنه

ولا تزيده كثرة العطاء إلا جُوداً وكرما

إنه هو العزيز الوهاب

اللهم إني أسئلك قليلا من كثير

مع حاجة بي إليه عظيمة

وغناك عنه قديم

وهو عندي كثير وهو عليك سهل يسير

O Allah, indeed Your forgiveness of my sins

and Your overlooking my faults

Your pardoning my oppression

Your hiding my ugly deeds

and Your forbearing my many wrongs

done intentionally or unintentionally

tempted me to ask from You

what I did not deserve from You

which You (still) gave me out of Your Mercy

provided me by Your Power

and made known to me from Your answers.

So I became habituated to call You trustingly

and ask You familiarly

neither fearing nor scared

but with confidence in You for what I intended

Then if there was a delay (in Your answer)

I would blame You, due to my ignorance

and perhaps the delay was best for me

for You know the outcome of all affairs.

I have not seen a more generous master

patient with a wretched slave than You are with me

My Lord, You call me and I turn away from You

You show affection to me and I show hatred towards You

You display Your love for me and I do not respond

as though I am above You

But this does not prevent You from having mercy on me

being good to me

and favouring me, through Your Generosity and Nobility

so please (continue to) have mercy on your ignorant slave

and be kind to him through the excellence of Your Grace

اللهم إن عفوك عن ذنبي وتجاوزك عن خطيئتي

وصفحك عن ظُلمي وسترك على قبيح عملي

وحلمك عن كثير جرمي

عند ما كان من خطاي وعمدي

اطمعني في ان اسئلك ما لا استوجبه منك

الذي رزقتني من رحمتك

واريتني من قدرتك وعرفتني من اجابتك

فصرت ادعوك امنا واسئلك مُستانسا

لا خائفا ولا وجلا

مُدلا عليك فيما قصدت فيه اليك

فإن ابطأ عني عتبت بجهلي عليك ولعل الذي

ابطأ عني هو خير لي لعلمك بعاقبة الأمور

فلم ار مولىً كريما اصبر على عبد لئيم منك عليّ

يا ربي إنك تدعوني فأولي عنك

وتتحبب إليّ واتبغض إليك

وتتودد إليّ فلا اقبل منك كأن لي التطوُّل عليك

فلم يمنعك ذالك من الرحمة لي والإحسان إليّ

والتفضل عليّ بجودك وكرمك

فارحم عبدك الجاهل وجُد عليه بفضل احسانك

Surely You are the Bountiful, the Generous.

All Praise is for Allah

The Owner of the Kingdom

who makes the ships sail,

controls the wind,

causes the dawn to break,

is the authority on the Day of Judgement,

the Lord of the worlds.

All Praise is for Allah

for His patience despite His knowledge.

All Praise is for Allah

for His forgiveness despite His power.

All Praise is for Allah

for the lengthy respite He gives despite His anger,

though He has the power to do as He wills.

All Praise is for Allah

the creator of all creation,

the provider of plentiful sustenance,

the cleaver of the dawn,

possessor of Glory and Honor,

and Excellence and Blessings,

who is far and thus cannot be seen,

but is close and thus witnesses secret conversations,

Blessed and Exalted be His name.

All Praise is for Allah

who has no equal who argues with Him

nor anyone similar to Him

nor any Helper to support Him

He overpowers the mighty by His strength

the great humble themselves before His tremendousness,

He accomplishes what He wishes through His power

إنك جواد كريم

الحمد لله مالك المُلك مُجري الفلك

مُسخر الرياح فالق الأصباح

ديّان الدين رب العالمين

الحمد لله على حلمه بعد علمه

والحمد لله على عفوه بعد قدرته

والحمد لله على طول اناته في غضبه

وهو قادر على ما يُريد

الحمد لله خالق الخلق

باسط الرزق فالق الإصباح

ذي الجلال والإكرام والفضل والإنعام

الذي بعد فلا يُرى وقرب فشهد النجوى

تبارك وتعالى

الحمد لله الذي ليس له مُناز يُعادله

ولا شبيه يُشاكله ولا ظهير يُعاضده

قهر بعزته الأعزاء وتواضع لعظمته العُظماء

فبلغ بقدرته ما يشاء

All Praise is for Allah

who answers me when I call Him

covers all my faults yet I disobey Him

increases His bounties on me

but I do not acknowledge them.

How many pleasant gifts He has given me

how many great fears He has removed

how many delightful joys He has shown me

Thus I glorify Him, thanking Him

and I remember Him with praise.

All praise is for Allah

whose curtains cannot be opened

whose doors cannot be locked

who does reject the one who asks Him

and who does not disappoint the one who places hope in Him.

All Praise is for Allah

who provides safety for the frightened

rescues the virtuous

raises the oppressed

humiliates the proud

destroys kings

and replaces them with others.

All Praise is for Allah, who crushes the tyrants

annihilates the oppressors

watches over the runaways

punishes the oppressors

assists those who cry for help

grants the requests of the beseechers

and is the confidence of the believers.

الحمد لله الذي يُجيبني حين اناديه

ويستر عليّ كل عورة وأنا اعصيه

ويُعظم النعمة عليّ فلا اجازيه

فكم من موهبة هنيئة قد اعطاني

وعظيمة مخوفة قد كفاني وبهجة مونقة قد اراني

فاثني عليه حامداً واذكُره مُسبحا

الحمد لله الذي لا يُهتك حجابه ولا يُغلق بابه

ولا يُرد سائله ولا يُخيّب امله

الحمد لله الذي يُؤمن الخائفين

ويُنجي الصالحين ويرفع المُستضعفين

ويضع المُستكبرين ويُهلك ملوكا

ويستخلف أخرين

والحمد لله قاصم الجبارين

مبير الظالمين مُدرك الهاربين

نكال الظالمين صريخ المستصرخين

موضع حاجات الطالبين معتمد المؤمنين

All praise is for Allah

in whose awe the skies and its inhabitants shake

the earth and its inhabitants tremble

the sea and all that swims in it, billows

All praise is for Allah who guided us to this

and we would not have been guided

had He not guided us to this.

All Praise is for Allah

who creates but is not created

gives sustenance but is not given sustenance

feeds but is not fed

causes the living to die and gives life to the dead

He is Ever-living and does not die

in His control is all good

and He has power over all things.

O Allah send Your Blessings on Muhammad

Your servant, Your Messenger

Your trustee, Your chosen One, Your beloved

the best of Your creation

the preserver of Your secrets

and the preacher of Your messages.

prosperous, pleasant, holy and sublime

more than what You have blessed

given, had mercy, sympathized and greeted

anyone from Your servants

Your Prophets, Your Messengers

Your chosen ones

and the honorable ones from Your creation.

الحمد لله الذي من خشيته ترعد السماء وسُكانها

وترجف الأرض وعُمارها

وتموج البحار ومن يسبح في غمراتها

الحمد لله الذي هدانا لهذا

وما كُنا لنهتدي لو لا أن هدانا الله

الحمد لله الذي يخلق ولم يُخلق

ويرزُق ولا يُرزق ويُطعِم ولا يُطعم

ويُميت الأحياء ويُحيي الموتى

وهو حيّ لا يمُوت بيده الخير

وهو على كل شيئ قدير

اللهم صلي على محمد عبدك ورسولك

وأمينك وصفيّك وحبيبك

وخيرتك من خلقك وحافظ سرك ومبلغ رسالتك

افضل واحسن واجمل واكمل وازكى

وانمى واطيب واطهر واسنى

واكثر ما صليت وباركت وترحمت

وتحننت وسلمت على احد من عبادك وانبيائك

ورسلك وصفوتك واهل الكرامة عليك من خلقك

O Allah, and send Your blessings on ‘Ali

the commander of the faithful

and the successor of the Messenger of the Lord of the worlds.

Your servant, Your friend

the brother of Your Messenger

Your proof over creation

Your great sign

and the mighty awaited news.

And send blessings on the truthful, pure (lady)

Fatima az­-Zahra

the leader of the women of the worlds.

And send Your blessings on the two grandsons of mercy

(to the world, i.e. the Prophet),the leaders of guidance

Al-Hasan and Al-Husayn

the leaders of the youths of Paradise.

And send blessings on the leaders of Muslims

‘Ali son of Husayn

Muhammad son of ‘Ali

Ja’far son of Muhammad

Musa son of Ja’far

‘Ali son of Musa

Muhammad son of ‘Ali

‘Ali son of Muhammad

Hasan son of ‘Ali

and the successor, the guide and the rightly guided

(these are) Your proofs over Your servants

Your trustees on Your land

(bless them with) numerous and continous blessings

اللهم صلي على عليّ أمير المؤمنين

ووصيّ رسول رب العالمين

عبدك ووليّك واخلي رسولك وحُجتك على خلقك

وايتك الكبرى والنبأ العظيم

وصلي على الصديقة الطاهرة

فاطمة الزهراء سيدة نساء العالمين

وصلي على سبطى الرحمة واماماي الهُدى

الحسن والحُسين سيدي شباب اهل الجنة

وصلي على أئمة المسلمين ، عليّ بن الحسين

ومحمد بن عليّ

وجعفر بن محمد

وموسى بن جعفر

وعليّ بن موسى

ومحمد بن عليّ

وعليّ بن محمد

والحسن بن عليّ

والخلف الهادي المهدي

حُجتك على عبادك وأمنائك في بلادك

صلوة كثيرة دائمة

O Allah and send blessings on the guardian of Your orders

the one who will rise

the one hoped for, the awaited justice.

Surround him with Your favourite angels

and assist him with the holy spirit

O Lord of the worlds.

O Allah, appoint him to invite towards Your book

to establish Your religion

make him the successor on the earth

as You caused others to succeed before him

establish for him his religion which You have approved for him

give him security after fear

(so) he worships You and does not associate any with You.

O Allah, give him power and through him strengthen (others)

help him and help (others) through him

help him with a mighty help

give him an easy victory

and grant him an assisting authority from You.

O Allah, make manifest through him Your religion

and the way of Your Prophet

until nothing from the truth remains hidden

from any human being.

O Allah, we earnestly desire from You

an honored state

through which You strengthen Islam and its people

and degrade hypocrisy and its followers.

And make us in it

amongst the inviters towards Your obedience

and the leaders to Your path

give us through it

honor of the world and the Hereafter.

اللهم وصلي على وليّ امرك القائم المؤمل

والعدل المنتظر وحُفه بملائكتك المقربين

وأيده بروح القدس يا رب العالمين

اللهم اجعله الداعي إلى كتابك والقائم بدينك

استخلفه في الأرض كما استخلفت الذين من قبله

مكِن له دينه الذي ارتضيته

ابدله من بعد خوفه امناً يعبدك لا يُشرك بك شيئاً

اللهم اعزه واعزز به وانصره وانتصر به

وانصره نصراً وافتح له فتحاً يسيراً

واجعل له من لدنك سلطاناً نصيراً

اللهم اظهر به دينك وسُنة نبيّك

حتى لا يستخفى بشي من الحق مخافة احد من الخلق

اللهم إنا نرغب إليك في دولة كريمة

تُعز بها الإسلام واهله وتُذل بها النفاق واهله

وتجعلنا فيها من الدعاة إلى طاعتك

والقادة إلى سبيلك

وترزقنا بها كرامة الدنيا والأخرة

O Allah, what You have made known to us of the truth

help us bear it

and what we fall short

make us reach it.

O Allah, through him

put order in our affairs

gather and unite our flocks

join together our separations

increase our minority

lift us from degradation

relieve our miseries

pull us out of our debts

remove our poverty

fill the gaps in our confusion

ease our difficulties

brighten our faces

free our prisoners

grant our requests

fulfil our promises

answer our calls

grant us our requests

cause us to obtain what we hope for

from this world and the hereafter

and give us more than our expectations.

O the best of all who are asked

and the most generous of bestowers

through him, cleanse our chests

remove the stains of anger and hatred from our hearts

and guide us to the truth on disputed matters

By Your permission

Surely You guide whom You wish to the right path

through him help us to overcome Your enemy

and our enemy

O God of truth, Ameen.

اللهم ما عرفتنا من الحق فحملناه

وما قصرنا عنه فبلغناه

اللهم اللمم به شعثنا واشعب به صدعنا

وارتُق به فتقنا وكثر به قلتنا

واعزز به ذلتنا واغن به عائلنا

واقض به عن مغرمنا واجبر به فقرنا

وسُد به خلتنا ويسّر به عُسرنا

وبيض به وجوهنا وفُك به اسرنا

وانجح به طلبتنا وانجز به مواعيدنا

واستجب به دعوتنا واعطنا به سؤلنا

وبلغنا به من الدنيا والأخرة امالنا

واعطنا به فوق رغبتنا

يا خير المسؤولين واوسع المُعطين

اشف به صُدورنا واذهب به غيظ قلوبنا

واهدنا به لِما اختلف فيه من الحق

بإذنك إنك تهدي من تشاء إلى صراط مستقيم

وانصرنا به على عدوك وعدونا

إله الحق أمين

O Allah, we complain to You

of the absence of our Prophet

Your blessings be on him and his family,

the concealment of our leader

the abundance of our enemies

the scarcity of our numbers

the severity of our trials

and the victory of the era against us.

So bless Muhammad and his family

and help us overcome that by,

granting us an immediate victory

dispersing miseries

giving us a help that strengthens

providing an authority of truth which You manifest

a mercy from You which is clear to us

and a well­being from You which clothes us

by Your mercy O most merciful.

اللهم إنا نشكوا إليك فقد نبيّنا صلواتك عليه وأله

وغيبة وليّنا وكثرة عدوّنا

وقلة عددنا وشدة الفِتن بنا

وتظاهر الزمان علينا

فصل على محمد وأله

واعنا على ذلك بفتح منك تُعجله

وبضُر تكشفه ونصر تُعزه وسُلطان حق تُظهره

ورحمة منك تُجللناها وعافية منك تُلبسناها

برحمتك يا ارحم الراحمين

Du'a no. 5

The rewards and tortures awaiting human beings are described vividly for the believer to be able to visualize them. It is not enough to only rationally believe in the Hereafter. Just as it is recommended to imagine oneself dying in order to prepare for death with certainty, it is also necessary to imagine oneself in Heaven or Hell for a strengthening of faith in the Hereafter.

This Du'a talks about the pleasures of Jannat (Paradise) and the punishments in Jahannam (Hell). Belief in the hereafter is the last important root of religion and the Du'a is a befitting follow up of Du'a al­-Iftitah which talks about the other roots of faith.

In the name of Allah the Beneficent the Merciful

O Allah bless Muhammad and the family of Muhammad.

O Allah, by Your mercy,

include us with the virtuous,

raise us to be with the distinguished people,

make us drink a cup of water

from the spring of salsabeel,

pair us with houris, by Your mercy,

give us the service of the young heavenly helpers,

well groomed like pearls,

feed us with the fruits of Paradise,

and the flesh of birds

and clothe us with robes of thick brocade of silk and gold.

Grant us the benefits,

of the night of power,

and the pilgrimage to Your sacred house,

and of dying in Your way.

Answer our prayers, and requests,

which are good.

And when You gather the people,

of the earlier and later periods ,

on the Day of Judgement,

have mercy on us,

write for us a protection from the fire,

do not confine us to Hell,

try us not with Your punishment and disgrace,

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

اللهم صلي على محمد وأل محمد

اللهم برحمتك في الصالحين فادخلنا

وفي علييّن فارفعنا

وبكأس من معين من عين سلسبيل فاسقنا

ومن الحور العين برحمتك فزوجنا

ومن الولدان المُخلدين كأنهم لؤلؤ مكنون فاخدمنا

ومن ثمار الجنة ولُحوم الطير فاطعمنا

ومن ثياب السُندس والحرير والإستبرق فالبسنا

وليلة القدر وحج بيتك الحرام

وقتلاً في سبيلك فوفق لنا

وصالح الدعاء والمسئلة فاستجب لنا

وإذا جمعت الأولين والأخرين يوم القيامة فارحمنا

وبرائة من النار فاكتب لنا

وفي جهنم فلا تغُلنا

وفي عذابك وهوانك فلا تبتلنا

feed us not from the bitter tree,

nor the thorny fruit (of Hell),

do not place us with the devils,

nor throw us face downwards in Hell,

and do not clothe us with the flames and tar of Hell.

Save us from all evil,

O (one who),there is no god but You,

for the sake of there being no god but You,

save us.

ومن الزقوم والضريع فلا تُطعمنا

ومع الشياطين فلا تجعلنا

وفي النار على وجوهنا فلا تكببنا

ومن ثياب النار وسرابيل القطران فلا تلبسنا

ومن كل سوء يا لا إله إلا أنت

بحق لا إله إلا أنت فنجّنا

Du'a no. 6

In the name of Allah the Beneficent the Merciful

O Allah, bless Muhammad and the family of Muhammad.

O Allah, I beseech You to place,

in what You destine and decree,

from the orders which are definite,

and orders which are wise,

from the decree which is not reversed nor changed,

write my name as one of the pilgrims of Your sacred house,

whose Hajj is approved,

whose efforts are appreciated,

whose sins are forgiven,

and whose evil deeds are pardoned.

And place for me,

in what You destine and decree,

a lengthening of my life,

in goodness and health,

and an increase in my sustenance.

Make me among those through whom,

You support Your religion,

not substituting any in my place.

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

اللهم صلي على محمد وأل محمد

اللهم إني اسئلك أن تجعل فيما تقضي وتُقدر

من الأمر المحتوم في الأمر الحكيم

من القضاء الذي لا يُرد ولا يُبدل

أن تكتبني من حُجاج بيتك الحرام

المبرور حجُهم المشكور سعيهم

المغفور ذنوبهم المُكفر عن سيئاتهم

وأن تجعل فيما تقضي وتقدر

أن تطيل عمري في خير وعافية

وتوسع في رزقي

وتجعلني ممن تنتنصر به لدينك

ولا تستبدل بي غيري

Du'a no. 7

In the name of Allah the Beneficent the Merciful

I seek refuge with the majesty of Your gracious self.

from the passing of the month of Ramadan,

or the appearance of the dawn of this night,

while I still have a duty I have not carried out,

or a sin that You may punish me for.

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

أعوذ بجلال وجهك الكريم

أن ينقضي عني شهر رمضان

أو يطلع الفجر من ليلتي هذه

ولك قبلي تبعة أو ذنب تُعذبني عليه

Du'as for the nights of Ramadan

The nights of Ramadan are a time for worshipping Allah, for praying to Allah and seeking His forgiveness. Allah knows that human beings are likely to sin, and need of an opportunity to repent and reform themselves. Hence the month of Ramadan, a season of Du'a and Istighfar whereby Muslims can relieve themselves of the burden of sins. The Du'as which follow have been taught by the Ma'sumeen (a) and show us how to seek the Forgiveness and Mercy of Allah in this month.

Du'a no. 1

After praising Allah, the following Du'a describes the excellence of Ramadan, and its distinguishing features. Worshippers and supplicators receive special favours when they ask in this month. This Du'a is also recommended after obligatory prayers.

In the name of Allah the Beneficent, the Merciful

O High, O Mighty, O Forgiver, O Merciful,

You are the Mighty Lord, who has none like Him,

and He is the All­-Hearing, the All­-Seeing.

This is a month which You have made;

exalted, honored,

ennobled and excelled over the other months.

It is the month in which You have made

fasting obligatory on me,

and it is the month of Ramadan,

in which You sent down the Qur'an,

a guidance for mankind, having clear signs of

guidance and distinction. (2:185)

You have placed in it the night of power,

and made it better than a thousand months. (97:2)

O One who favours, and none favours You,

favour me by saving me from the fire,

amongst the ones You favour,

and make me enter Heaven,

by Your mercy, O the most Merciful.

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

يا عليّ يا عظيم يا غفور يا رحيم

أنت الرب العظيم الذي ليس كمثله شيئ

وهو السميع البصير

وهذا شهر عظمته وكرمته

وشرفته وفضلته على الشهور

وهو شهر الذي فرضت صيامه عليّ

وهو شهر رمضان الذي أنزلت فيه القرءان

هُدى للناس وبيّنات مِن الهُدى والفُرقان

وجعلت فيه ليلة القدر

وجعلتها خيراُ من ألف شهر

فيا ذالمن ولا يُمَن عليك

مُنَّ عليّ بفكاك رقتبي من النار

فيمن تمُن عليه

وأدخلني الجنة برحمتك يا ارحم الراحمين

Du'a no.2

Du'a no. 2 (for the nights of Ramadan and for all occasions)

One of the etiquettes of Du'a is to ask for others, to remember those who are in need. It is a selfless act, displaying humanity and consideration for others. Allah loves a person who first asks for others, then prays fpr himself. The Sixth Imam (a) says: When a Muslim prays for his brother, (increase in) sustenance is given to him, afflictions are driven away, and the angels tell him “You will also receive the same”.

Many people all over the world suffer indescribable miseries. Tyranny and oppression are rampant in many countries. There is little we can do to alleviate the sufferings. However we can at least pray sincerely for them, hoping that Allah will relieve them as He has power over all things. We also pray that Allah may give us the will and the ability to help others in whatever way we can.

In the name of Allah the Beneficent the Merciful

O Allah bless Muhammad and the family of Muhammad.

O Allah, gladden the people of the graves,

O Allah, enrich every poor person,

O Allah, satisfy every hungry one,

O Allah, clothe every unclothed one,

O Allah, help every debtor pay his debts,

O Allah, relieve every distressed one,

O Allah, return every traveller (to his home),

O Allah release every prisoner,

O Allah, correct every wrong in the affairs of the Muslims,

O Allah, cure every sick one,

O Allah, ease our poverty by Your wealth,

O Allah, change our evil state to a good one

through Your excellent state,

O Allah, relieve us of our debts, and help us against poverty,

Surely You have power over all things.

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

اللهم صلي على محمد وال محمد

اللهم ادخل على اهل القُبور السرور

اللهم اغن كُل فقير

اللهم اشبع كُل جائع

اللهم اكس كُل عُريان

اللهم اقض دين كُل مدين

اللهم فرج عن كل مكروب

اللهم رُدّ كل غريب

اللهم فُك كُل اسير

اللهم اصلح كُل فاسد من امور المُسلمين

اللهم اشف كُل مريض

اللهم سُد فقرنا بغناك

اللهم غيّر سؤء حالنا بحُسن حالك

اللهم اقضِ عنا الدين

واغننا من الفقر

إنك على كل شيئ قدير

Du'a no. 3

In the name of Allah the Beneficent the Merciful

O Allah send Your blessings on Muhammad

and the family of Muhammad.

O Allah, Lord of Ramadan

in which You sent down the Qur'an

and made fasting obligatory on Your servants

Bless Muhammad and the family of Muhammad

and enable me to go for pilgrimage to Your sacred House

in this year and in every year

and forgive me those great sins (that I carry)

for surely, none can forgive them except You

O Beneficent, O All­-Knowing.

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

اللهم صلي على محمد وأل محمد

اللهم رب شهر رمضان الذي انزلت فيه القُران

وافترضت على عبادك فيه الصيام

صلي على محمد وال محمد

وارزقني حج بيتك الحرام

في عامي هذا وفي كُل عام

واغفر لي تلك الذنوب العظام

فإنه لا يغفرها غيرك يا رحمن يا علام

An Introduction to Dua al-Iftitah

Du' al­-Iftitah was taught by our twelfth Imam (a) for Shi'as to recite every night during the month of Ramadan. The Du'a is excellent for moulding man's attitude towards his Creator as it discusses many aspects of the wretchedness of the human being, and the Grace of Allah. The Du'a can be divided into two parts:

1) Man's relationship with Allah.

2) Divine leaders.

The first section of the Du'a describes different qualities of Allah, and reveals the graciousness and love of Allah for the human being. This section of the Du'a can further be divided into the following parts:

a) Praise of Allah. As is the etiquette of Du'a, Du'a al­-Iftitah begins with the praise and glorification of Allah. This is not because Allah needs to be praised before He answers our Du'as, but to remind the supplicant of the Supreme Being he is addressing, and consequently put the awe of Allah into hearts which are often heedless.

The beginning of the Du'a also places the supplicant between hope and fear, the ideal attitude while praying. Allah is most merciful, but is also severe in punishment. Humans are not to despair, nor to be too confident but constantly strive in His way.

b) Emphasis on the Oneness of Allah. Allah has no partner nor son, and has complete, undivided power and control over creation. The inhabitants of the skies and the heavens depend on Him. This is to strengthen reliance of the supplicant on Allah, as there is none else he can turn to.

c) The Generosity of Allah. The treasures of Allah do not cease, and are always liberally bestowed on His creatures. The needs of the human beings are enormous, and by placing open the door of Du'a, Allah has given them the keys to His treasures. His doors are always open, and no supplication to Him is rejected without some answer.

But man is often ungrateful, and always greedy. He expects that his du'as will always be immediately granted. When such gratification is not forthcoming, he turns away, instead of reminding himself of all the favours he enjoys.

d) Relationship of Allah and the human being. A strange relationship indeed! Although it is the human who needs Allah, and should strive towards Him, it is Allah who invites and encourages him to come, who shows love and mercy and continues to favour him in many ways.

As the 4th Imam says in Du'a ­Abu Hamza Thumali:

Praise be to Allah who answers me when I call Him, although I am reluctant when he calls me, and Praise is for Allah who gives me when I ask Him, although I am miserly when he asks me. This is worth pondering over

for those who think of Allah as a tyrannical master imposing His rules over humans.

This section of the Du'a is an excellent lesson in the Islamic view point of the qualities of Allah. The God of Islam is a loving, gracious God who treats the human being better than he deserves. The root of the relationship between Allah and man is the love of the Creator for His creatures. It is on man to search his heart for a reciprocal response.

The second section of the Du'a send blessings on the Holy Prophet (s) and the M'asumeen, and then discusses the role of the twelfth Imam (a).

a) Salawat on the Prophet(s). After faith in Allah, the next most important part of religion is faith in His sent ones. Thus after acknowledging the greatness and graciousness of the creator, the Du'a teaches us to acknowledge the Divine leaders as our guides towards Him. Blessings are sent to the Prophet (s) as a sign of love and appreciation for the Prophet (s) and as an acknowledgement that he is a human being and needs mercy and blessings from Allah. It also strengthens remembrance of the Prophet (s) and the inspiration to follow his path.

b) Blessings on the Masumeen. After the Holy Prophet (s), his successors are remembered and prayed for. These are the true leaders of the Muslim Ummah who were Divinely appointed by Allah. Belief in them, and love for them, is an important part of the Shi'a faith.

c) Role of the Twelfth Imam (a). In every era Allah has His representative who guides His creatures towards establishing truth and justice on earth. The Twelfth Imam is the leader of our time, who will come and Allah's religion on earth. The last part of Du'a al­-Iftitah talks about his coming, preparing believers for the anticipated establishment of the rule of Allah on earth.

Praying for help and victory for the twelfth Imam reminds us that we are waiting for him, and need to prepare for his coming. We become aware of our responsibilities in his ghaybat, and the importance of training ourselves as his helpers. We pray for the ultimate dream of a Muslim, a state in which the religion of Allah is paramount, and disbelief and hypocrisy are degraded.

Du'a al­-Iftitah reminds us that both faith and action are necessary to be a true believer. Faith in Allah entails acting on His message brought by His messenger, and establishing His religion on earth. While that can only be done through the Imam, we should work and pray for his arrival. Human beings can only enjoy true justice and peace, and a fulfilment of all their needs, under the leadership of a Divine leader.

Du'a al­-Iftitah is not only a supplication for our needs, but a teaching of the roots of faith, and a planning for a way of life. It remains on us to plot the chart of our life as we recite this beautiful du'a during the nights of Ramadan.

Du'a no.4, Du'a al­-Iftitah

In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful.

O Allah send Your blessings on Muhammad and the family of Muhammad.

O Allah, I begin glorifying You with Your Praise

You direct towards what is right through Your Grace

I am convinced that You are the most Merciful in matters of forgiveness and mercy

but most severe in matters of warning and retribution

and the most mighty in matters of power and magnificence.

O Allah You have allowed me to supplicate to You and ask from You

Then hear my praise O One who hears all

and answer my call O Merciful

and decrease my mistakes O most Forgiving

How often, O my God, You have relieved me of troubles

how many griefs You have dispelled

how many mistakes You have prevented

how many blessings You have spread

and how many series of afflictions You have separated

All Praise is for Allah who has not taken a wife nor a son

who has no partner in His Kingdom

who has no friend to protect Him from humiliation

so magnify Him with a great Magnificnace

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

اللهم صلي على محمد وأل محمد

اللهم إني افتتح الثناء بحمدك

وأنت مُسدد للصواب بمنك

وأيقنت أنك أنت ارحم الراحمين في موضع العفو والرحمة

واشد المُعاقبين في موضع النكال والنقمة

واعظم المُتجبرين في موضع الكبرياء والعظمة

اللهم اذنت لي في دُعائك ومسئلتك

فاسمع يا سميع مدحتي واجب يا رحيم دعوتي

واقل يا غفور عثرتي

فكم يا الهي من كُربة قد فرجتها وهمُوم قد كشفتها

وعثرة قد اقلتها ورحمة قد نشرتها

وحلقة بلاء قد فككتها

الحمد لله الذي لم يتخذ صاحبة ولا ولداً

ولم يكن له شريك في الملك

ولم يكن له وليّ من الذل وكبره تكبيراً

All Praise is for Allah for all His praiseworthy acts

for all His favours and blessings

All Praise is for Allah who has no opposition in His Kingdom

nor any challenge to His command

All Praise is for Allah who has no partner in creation

nor anyone like Him in His Greatness

All Praise is for Allah, His commands operate over His creation

His Praise is evident through His Generosity

whose bestowal stretches out liberally

His treasures never decrease

(rather) the frequency of His Giving increases

His Generosity and Kindness,

Surely He is the Mighty, the Bestower.

O Allah I ask You a little from much

although I am in great need of it

while You are eternally needless of it

though it is a lot for me

while it is easy and simple for You.

الحمد لله بجميع محامده كُلها

على جميع نعمه كله

الحمد لله لا مُضاد في مُلكه

ولا منازع له في أمره

الحمد لله الذي لا شريك له في خلقه

ولا شبيه له في عظمته

الحمد لله الفاشي في الخلق امرُهُ

وحمده الظاهر بالكرم مجدُه

الباسط بالجُود يده

الذي لا تنقُص خزائنه

ولا تزيده كثرة العطاء إلا جُوداً وكرما

إنه هو العزيز الوهاب

اللهم إني أسئلك قليلا من كثير

مع حاجة بي إليه عظيمة

وغناك عنه قديم

وهو عندي كثير وهو عليك سهل يسير

O Allah, indeed Your forgiveness of my sins

and Your overlooking my faults

Your pardoning my oppression

Your hiding my ugly deeds

and Your forbearing my many wrongs

done intentionally or unintentionally

tempted me to ask from You

what I did not deserve from You

which You (still) gave me out of Your Mercy

provided me by Your Power

and made known to me from Your answers.

So I became habituated to call You trustingly

and ask You familiarly

neither fearing nor scared

but with confidence in You for what I intended

Then if there was a delay (in Your answer)

I would blame You, due to my ignorance

and perhaps the delay was best for me

for You know the outcome of all affairs.

I have not seen a more generous master

patient with a wretched slave than You are with me

My Lord, You call me and I turn away from You

You show affection to me and I show hatred towards You

You display Your love for me and I do not respond

as though I am above You

But this does not prevent You from having mercy on me

being good to me

and favouring me, through Your Generosity and Nobility

so please (continue to) have mercy on your ignorant slave

and be kind to him through the excellence of Your Grace

اللهم إن عفوك عن ذنبي وتجاوزك عن خطيئتي

وصفحك عن ظُلمي وسترك على قبيح عملي

وحلمك عن كثير جرمي

عند ما كان من خطاي وعمدي

اطمعني في ان اسئلك ما لا استوجبه منك

الذي رزقتني من رحمتك

واريتني من قدرتك وعرفتني من اجابتك

فصرت ادعوك امنا واسئلك مُستانسا

لا خائفا ولا وجلا

مُدلا عليك فيما قصدت فيه اليك

فإن ابطأ عني عتبت بجهلي عليك ولعل الذي

ابطأ عني هو خير لي لعلمك بعاقبة الأمور

فلم ار مولىً كريما اصبر على عبد لئيم منك عليّ

يا ربي إنك تدعوني فأولي عنك

وتتحبب إليّ واتبغض إليك

وتتودد إليّ فلا اقبل منك كأن لي التطوُّل عليك

فلم يمنعك ذالك من الرحمة لي والإحسان إليّ

والتفضل عليّ بجودك وكرمك

فارحم عبدك الجاهل وجُد عليه بفضل احسانك

Surely You are the Bountiful, the Generous.

All Praise is for Allah

The Owner of the Kingdom

who makes the ships sail,

controls the wind,

causes the dawn to break,

is the authority on the Day of Judgement,

the Lord of the worlds.

All Praise is for Allah

for His patience despite His knowledge.

All Praise is for Allah

for His forgiveness despite His power.

All Praise is for Allah

for the lengthy respite He gives despite His anger,

though He has the power to do as He wills.

All Praise is for Allah

the creator of all creation,

the provider of plentiful sustenance,

the cleaver of the dawn,

possessor of Glory and Honor,

and Excellence and Blessings,

who is far and thus cannot be seen,

but is close and thus witnesses secret conversations,

Blessed and Exalted be His name.

All Praise is for Allah

who has no equal who argues with Him

nor anyone similar to Him

nor any Helper to support Him

He overpowers the mighty by His strength

the great humble themselves before His tremendousness,

He accomplishes what He wishes through His power

إنك جواد كريم

الحمد لله مالك المُلك مُجري الفلك

مُسخر الرياح فالق الأصباح

ديّان الدين رب العالمين

الحمد لله على حلمه بعد علمه

والحمد لله على عفوه بعد قدرته

والحمد لله على طول اناته في غضبه

وهو قادر على ما يُريد

الحمد لله خالق الخلق

باسط الرزق فالق الإصباح

ذي الجلال والإكرام والفضل والإنعام

الذي بعد فلا يُرى وقرب فشهد النجوى

تبارك وتعالى

الحمد لله الذي ليس له مُناز يُعادله

ولا شبيه يُشاكله ولا ظهير يُعاضده

قهر بعزته الأعزاء وتواضع لعظمته العُظماء

فبلغ بقدرته ما يشاء

All Praise is for Allah

who answers me when I call Him

covers all my faults yet I disobey Him

increases His bounties on me

but I do not acknowledge them.

How many pleasant gifts He has given me

how many great fears He has removed

how many delightful joys He has shown me

Thus I glorify Him, thanking Him

and I remember Him with praise.

All praise is for Allah

whose curtains cannot be opened

whose doors cannot be locked

who does reject the one who asks Him

and who does not disappoint the one who places hope in Him.

All Praise is for Allah

who provides safety for the frightened

rescues the virtuous

raises the oppressed

humiliates the proud

destroys kings

and replaces them with others.

All Praise is for Allah, who crushes the tyrants

annihilates the oppressors

watches over the runaways

punishes the oppressors

assists those who cry for help

grants the requests of the beseechers

and is the confidence of the believers.

الحمد لله الذي يُجيبني حين اناديه

ويستر عليّ كل عورة وأنا اعصيه

ويُعظم النعمة عليّ فلا اجازيه

فكم من موهبة هنيئة قد اعطاني

وعظيمة مخوفة قد كفاني وبهجة مونقة قد اراني

فاثني عليه حامداً واذكُره مُسبحا

الحمد لله الذي لا يُهتك حجابه ولا يُغلق بابه

ولا يُرد سائله ولا يُخيّب امله

الحمد لله الذي يُؤمن الخائفين

ويُنجي الصالحين ويرفع المُستضعفين

ويضع المُستكبرين ويُهلك ملوكا

ويستخلف أخرين

والحمد لله قاصم الجبارين

مبير الظالمين مُدرك الهاربين

نكال الظالمين صريخ المستصرخين

موضع حاجات الطالبين معتمد المؤمنين

All praise is for Allah

in whose awe the skies and its inhabitants shake

the earth and its inhabitants tremble

the sea and all that swims in it, billows

All praise is for Allah who guided us to this

and we would not have been guided

had He not guided us to this.

All Praise is for Allah

who creates but is not created

gives sustenance but is not given sustenance

feeds but is not fed

causes the living to die and gives life to the dead

He is Ever-living and does not die

in His control is all good

and He has power over all things.

O Allah send Your Blessings on Muhammad

Your servant, Your Messenger

Your trustee, Your chosen One, Your beloved

the best of Your creation

the preserver of Your secrets

and the preacher of Your messages.

prosperous, pleasant, holy and sublime

more than what You have blessed

given, had mercy, sympathized and greeted

anyone from Your servants

Your Prophets, Your Messengers

Your chosen ones

and the honorable ones from Your creation.

الحمد لله الذي من خشيته ترعد السماء وسُكانها

وترجف الأرض وعُمارها

وتموج البحار ومن يسبح في غمراتها

الحمد لله الذي هدانا لهذا

وما كُنا لنهتدي لو لا أن هدانا الله

الحمد لله الذي يخلق ولم يُخلق

ويرزُق ولا يُرزق ويُطعِم ولا يُطعم

ويُميت الأحياء ويُحيي الموتى

وهو حيّ لا يمُوت بيده الخير

وهو على كل شيئ قدير

اللهم صلي على محمد عبدك ورسولك

وأمينك وصفيّك وحبيبك

وخيرتك من خلقك وحافظ سرك ومبلغ رسالتك

افضل واحسن واجمل واكمل وازكى

وانمى واطيب واطهر واسنى

واكثر ما صليت وباركت وترحمت

وتحننت وسلمت على احد من عبادك وانبيائك

ورسلك وصفوتك واهل الكرامة عليك من خلقك

O Allah, and send Your blessings on ‘Ali

the commander of the faithful

and the successor of the Messenger of the Lord of the worlds.

Your servant, Your friend

the brother of Your Messenger

Your proof over creation

Your great sign

and the mighty awaited news.

And send blessings on the truthful, pure (lady)

Fatima az­-Zahra

the leader of the women of the worlds.

And send Your blessings on the two grandsons of mercy

(to the world, i.e. the Prophet),the leaders of guidance

Al-Hasan and Al-Husayn

the leaders of the youths of Paradise.

And send blessings on the leaders of Muslims

‘Ali son of Husayn

Muhammad son of ‘Ali

Ja’far son of Muhammad

Musa son of Ja’far

‘Ali son of Musa

Muhammad son of ‘Ali

‘Ali son of Muhammad

Hasan son of ‘Ali

and the successor, the guide and the rightly guided

(these are) Your proofs over Your servants

Your trustees on Your land

(bless them with) numerous and continous blessings

اللهم صلي على عليّ أمير المؤمنين

ووصيّ رسول رب العالمين

عبدك ووليّك واخلي رسولك وحُجتك على خلقك

وايتك الكبرى والنبأ العظيم

وصلي على الصديقة الطاهرة

فاطمة الزهراء سيدة نساء العالمين

وصلي على سبطى الرحمة واماماي الهُدى

الحسن والحُسين سيدي شباب اهل الجنة

وصلي على أئمة المسلمين ، عليّ بن الحسين

ومحمد بن عليّ

وجعفر بن محمد

وموسى بن جعفر

وعليّ بن موسى

ومحمد بن عليّ

وعليّ بن محمد

والحسن بن عليّ

والخلف الهادي المهدي

حُجتك على عبادك وأمنائك في بلادك

صلوة كثيرة دائمة

O Allah and send blessings on the guardian of Your orders

the one who will rise

the one hoped for, the awaited justice.

Surround him with Your favourite angels

and assist him with the holy spirit

O Lord of the worlds.

O Allah, appoint him to invite towards Your book

to establish Your religion

make him the successor on the earth

as You caused others to succeed before him

establish for him his religion which You have approved for him

give him security after fear

(so) he worships You and does not associate any with You.

O Allah, give him power and through him strengthen (others)

help him and help (others) through him

help him with a mighty help

give him an easy victory

and grant him an assisting authority from You.

O Allah, make manifest through him Your religion

and the way of Your Prophet

until nothing from the truth remains hidden

from any human being.

O Allah, we earnestly desire from You

an honored state

through which You strengthen Islam and its people

and degrade hypocrisy and its followers.

And make us in it

amongst the inviters towards Your obedience

and the leaders to Your path

give us through it

honor of the world and the Hereafter.

اللهم وصلي على وليّ امرك القائم المؤمل

والعدل المنتظر وحُفه بملائكتك المقربين

وأيده بروح القدس يا رب العالمين

اللهم اجعله الداعي إلى كتابك والقائم بدينك

استخلفه في الأرض كما استخلفت الذين من قبله

مكِن له دينه الذي ارتضيته

ابدله من بعد خوفه امناً يعبدك لا يُشرك بك شيئاً

اللهم اعزه واعزز به وانصره وانتصر به

وانصره نصراً وافتح له فتحاً يسيراً

واجعل له من لدنك سلطاناً نصيراً

اللهم اظهر به دينك وسُنة نبيّك

حتى لا يستخفى بشي من الحق مخافة احد من الخلق

اللهم إنا نرغب إليك في دولة كريمة

تُعز بها الإسلام واهله وتُذل بها النفاق واهله

وتجعلنا فيها من الدعاة إلى طاعتك

والقادة إلى سبيلك

وترزقنا بها كرامة الدنيا والأخرة

O Allah, what You have made known to us of the truth

help us bear it

and what we fall short

make us reach it.

O Allah, through him

put order in our affairs

gather and unite our flocks

join together our separations

increase our minority

lift us from degradation

relieve our miseries

pull us out of our debts

remove our poverty

fill the gaps in our confusion

ease our difficulties

brighten our faces

free our prisoners

grant our requests

fulfil our promises

answer our calls

grant us our requests

cause us to obtain what we hope for

from this world and the hereafter

and give us more than our expectations.

O the best of all who are asked

and the most generous of bestowers

through him, cleanse our chests

remove the stains of anger and hatred from our hearts

and guide us to the truth on disputed matters

By Your permission

Surely You guide whom You wish to the right path

through him help us to overcome Your enemy

and our enemy

O God of truth, Ameen.

اللهم ما عرفتنا من الحق فحملناه

وما قصرنا عنه فبلغناه

اللهم اللمم به شعثنا واشعب به صدعنا

وارتُق به فتقنا وكثر به قلتنا

واعزز به ذلتنا واغن به عائلنا

واقض به عن مغرمنا واجبر به فقرنا

وسُد به خلتنا ويسّر به عُسرنا

وبيض به وجوهنا وفُك به اسرنا

وانجح به طلبتنا وانجز به مواعيدنا

واستجب به دعوتنا واعطنا به سؤلنا

وبلغنا به من الدنيا والأخرة امالنا

واعطنا به فوق رغبتنا

يا خير المسؤولين واوسع المُعطين

اشف به صُدورنا واذهب به غيظ قلوبنا

واهدنا به لِما اختلف فيه من الحق

بإذنك إنك تهدي من تشاء إلى صراط مستقيم

وانصرنا به على عدوك وعدونا

إله الحق أمين

O Allah, we complain to You

of the absence of our Prophet

Your blessings be on him and his family,

the concealment of our leader

the abundance of our enemies

the scarcity of our numbers

the severity of our trials

and the victory of the era against us.

So bless Muhammad and his family

and help us overcome that by,

granting us an immediate victory

dispersing miseries

giving us a help that strengthens

providing an authority of truth which You manifest

a mercy from You which is clear to us

and a well­being from You which clothes us

by Your mercy O most merciful.

اللهم إنا نشكوا إليك فقد نبيّنا صلواتك عليه وأله

وغيبة وليّنا وكثرة عدوّنا

وقلة عددنا وشدة الفِتن بنا

وتظاهر الزمان علينا

فصل على محمد وأله

واعنا على ذلك بفتح منك تُعجله

وبضُر تكشفه ونصر تُعزه وسُلطان حق تُظهره

ورحمة منك تُجللناها وعافية منك تُلبسناها

برحمتك يا ارحم الراحمين

Du'a no. 5

The rewards and tortures awaiting human beings are described vividly for the believer to be able to visualize them. It is not enough to only rationally believe in the Hereafter. Just as it is recommended to imagine oneself dying in order to prepare for death with certainty, it is also necessary to imagine oneself in Heaven or Hell for a strengthening of faith in the Hereafter.

This Du'a talks about the pleasures of Jannat (Paradise) and the punishments in Jahannam (Hell). Belief in the hereafter is the last important root of religion and the Du'a is a befitting follow up of Du'a al­-Iftitah which talks about the other roots of faith.

In the name of Allah the Beneficent the Merciful

O Allah bless Muhammad and the family of Muhammad.

O Allah, by Your mercy,

include us with the virtuous,

raise us to be with the distinguished people,

make us drink a cup of water

from the spring of salsabeel,

pair us with houris, by Your mercy,

give us the service of the young heavenly helpers,

well groomed like pearls,

feed us with the fruits of Paradise,

and the flesh of birds

and clothe us with robes of thick brocade of silk and gold.

Grant us the benefits,

of the night of power,

and the pilgrimage to Your sacred house,

and of dying in Your way.

Answer our prayers, and requests,

which are good.

And when You gather the people,

of the earlier and later periods ,

on the Day of Judgement,

have mercy on us,

write for us a protection from the fire,

do not confine us to Hell,

try us not with Your punishment and disgrace,

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

اللهم صلي على محمد وأل محمد

اللهم برحمتك في الصالحين فادخلنا

وفي علييّن فارفعنا

وبكأس من معين من عين سلسبيل فاسقنا

ومن الحور العين برحمتك فزوجنا

ومن الولدان المُخلدين كأنهم لؤلؤ مكنون فاخدمنا

ومن ثمار الجنة ولُحوم الطير فاطعمنا

ومن ثياب السُندس والحرير والإستبرق فالبسنا

وليلة القدر وحج بيتك الحرام

وقتلاً في سبيلك فوفق لنا

وصالح الدعاء والمسئلة فاستجب لنا

وإذا جمعت الأولين والأخرين يوم القيامة فارحمنا

وبرائة من النار فاكتب لنا

وفي جهنم فلا تغُلنا

وفي عذابك وهوانك فلا تبتلنا

feed us not from the bitter tree,

nor the thorny fruit (of Hell),

do not place us with the devils,

nor throw us face downwards in Hell,

and do not clothe us with the flames and tar of Hell.

Save us from all evil,

O (one who),there is no god but You,

for the sake of there being no god but You,

save us.

ومن الزقوم والضريع فلا تُطعمنا

ومع الشياطين فلا تجعلنا

وفي النار على وجوهنا فلا تكببنا

ومن ثياب النار وسرابيل القطران فلا تلبسنا

ومن كل سوء يا لا إله إلا أنت

بحق لا إله إلا أنت فنجّنا

Du'a no. 6

In the name of Allah the Beneficent the Merciful

O Allah, bless Muhammad and the family of Muhammad.

O Allah, I beseech You to place,

in what You destine and decree,

from the orders which are definite,

and orders which are wise,

from the decree which is not reversed nor changed,

write my name as one of the pilgrims of Your sacred house,

whose Hajj is approved,

whose efforts are appreciated,

whose sins are forgiven,

and whose evil deeds are pardoned.

And place for me,

in what You destine and decree,

a lengthening of my life,

in goodness and health,

and an increase in my sustenance.

Make me among those through whom,

You support Your religion,

not substituting any in my place.

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

اللهم صلي على محمد وأل محمد

اللهم إني اسئلك أن تجعل فيما تقضي وتُقدر

من الأمر المحتوم في الأمر الحكيم

من القضاء الذي لا يُرد ولا يُبدل

أن تكتبني من حُجاج بيتك الحرام

المبرور حجُهم المشكور سعيهم

المغفور ذنوبهم المُكفر عن سيئاتهم

وأن تجعل فيما تقضي وتقدر

أن تطيل عمري في خير وعافية

وتوسع في رزقي

وتجعلني ممن تنتنصر به لدينك

ولا تستبدل بي غيري

Du'a no. 7

In the name of Allah the Beneficent the Merciful

I seek refuge with the majesty of Your gracious self.

from the passing of the month of Ramadan,

or the appearance of the dawn of this night,

while I still have a duty I have not carried out,

or a sin that You may punish me for.

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

أعوذ بجلال وجهك الكريم

أن ينقضي عني شهر رمضان

أو يطلع الفجر من ليلتي هذه

ولك قبلي تبعة أو ذنب تُعذبني عليه