The Role of the Ahl al-Bayt in Building the Virtuous Community Volume 1

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The Role of the Ahl al-Bayt in Building the Virtuous Community Author:
Translator: Badr Shahin
Publisher: ABWA Publishing and Printing Center
Category: Various Books

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The Role of the Ahl al-Bayt in Building the Virtuous Community

The Role of the Ahl al-Bayt in Building the Virtuous Community Volume 1

Author:
Publisher: ABWA Publishing and Printing Center
English

Note:

All volumes of this book are taken from www.al-islam.org

www.alhassanain.org/english

The Role of The Ahl Al-Bayt in Building The Virtuous Community Book One: Goals And Characteristics

Author(s): Ayatullah Sayyid Muhammad Baqir Al-Hakim

Translator(s): Badr Shahin

Publisher(s): ABWA Publishing and Printing Center

www.alhassanain.org/english

Miscellaneous information:

The Role of the Ahl al-Bayt (‘a) in Building the Virtuous Community, Book One: Goals and Characteristics Ayatullah Sayyid Muhammad Baqir Al-Hakim Project supervisor: Translation Unit, Cultural Affairs Department Ahl al-Bayt (‘a) World Assembly (ABWA) Translator: Badr Shahin Editor: Iffat Shah and Carol Ahmadi Revised by: Ashraf Carl Eastman Ahmadi Publisher: ABWA Publishing and Printing Center First Printing: 2011 © Ahl al-Bayt (‘a) World Assembly (ABWA) All rights reserved. www.ahl-ul-bayt.org info@ahl-ul-bayt.org

ن ام كتاب: دور أهل البيت (ع) في بناء الجماعة الصالحة / ج 1 نويسنده: آية الله سيد محمد باقر الحكيم تهيه كننده: اداره ترجمه، اداره كل پژوهش مجمع جهاني اهل بيت (ع) مترجم: بدر شاهين زبان ترجمه: انگليسى

Notice:

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

The composing errors are not corrected.

Table of Contents

Publisher’s Foreword 7

Preface by the Ahl al-Bayt (‘a) World Assembly 9

Notes 12

Introduction 13

Significance of the Ahl al-Bayt’s Thesis 13

Ahl al-Bayt (‘a): The Most Important Pillar 13

Actuality of the Ahl al-Bayt’s Role 15

Development of Studies about the Ahl al-Bayt (‘a) 15

Prospects for Research on Heritage of Ahl al-Bayt (‘a) 17

The Ahl al-Bayt’s Role in Islamic Life 18

Some Difficulties 19

Arrangement of the Books 20

Notes 22

Preamble 24

Note 25

Chapter 1: Goals Of Building The Virtuous Community 26

Contribution to the Islamic Leadership (Assuming the Islamic Government) 26

The Role of the Elite during the Reign of the First Three Caliphs 28

The Role of the Elite during Imam ‘Ali’s Reign 29

Examples of Notable Men 29

Preserving the Muslim Community 30

Defending the Muslim Society 30

Presenting a Righteous Example 31

Islamic Unity 32

Fundamentalism and High Moral Standards 33

Humanity and Internationality 34

Sacrifice and Readiness for Martyrdom 34

Safeguarding Islamic Law Against Distortion 35

Principle of Resistance 35

Ijtihad in the frame of the Holy Qur’an and Sunnah 36

Freedom of Thought 36

Piety and Decency 36

Recording and Upholding the Muslim Heritage 37

Preliminary Steps Towards the Advent 37

The Advent is a Vital Concept 39

Responsibility and Will to Change 39

Return to Genuine Islam 39

Notes 40

Chapter 2: Characteristics Of The Virtuous Community 42

Sound Belief 42

Turning to the Ahl al-Bayt (‘a) to Obtain Religious Knowledge 45

Understanding the Holy Qur’an 45

Acquaintance with the Holy Sunnah 46

Acting upon the Verdicts of an Upright, Living, Well-Versed Jurisprudent 46

Commitment to the Highest Rank of Human Perfection 47

Worship and Asceticism 48

Practical Belief in Wilayah 52

Cordial and Practical Devotion to Almighty Allah 53

Acting as Excellent Exemplars 54

Steadfastness 55

Keeping the Entity Strongly Perfected 57

Standing by the Believers 58

Undertaking Public Responsibilities 59

Notes 59

Publisher’s Foreword

The invaluable legacy of the Household [Ahl al-Bayt] of the Prophet (may peace be upon them all), as preserved by their followers, is a comprehensive school of thought that embraces all branches of Islamic knowledge. This school has produced many brilliant scholars who have drawn inspiration from this rich and pure resource. It has given many scholars to the Muslim ummah who, following in the footsteps of Imams of the Prophet’s Household (‘a), have done their best to clear up the doubts raised by various creeds and currents within and without Muslim society and to answer their questions. Throughout the past centuries, they have given well-reasoned answers and clarifications concerning these questions and doubts.

To meet the responsibilities assigned to it, the Ahl al-Bayt World Assembly (ABWA) has embarked on a defence of the sanctity of the Islamic message and its verities, often obscured by the partisans of various sects and creeds as well as by currents hostile to Islam. The Assembly follows in the footsteps of the Ahl al-Bayt (‘a) and the disciples of their school of thought in its readiness to confront these challenges and tries to be on the frontline in consonance with the demands of every age.

The arguments contained in the works of the scholars belonging to the School of the Ahl al-Bayt (‘a) are of unique significance. That is because they are based on genuine scholarship and appeal to reason, and avoid prejudice and bias. These arguments address scholars and thinkers in a manner that appeals to healthy minds and wholesome human nature.

To assist the seekers of truth, the Ahl al-Bayt World Assembly has endeavored to present a new phase of these arguments contained in the studies and translations of the works of contemporary Shi‘ah writers and those who have embraced this sublime school of thought through divine blessing.

The Assembly is also engaged in edition and publication of the valuable works of leading Shi‘ah scholars of earlier ages to assist the seekers of the truth in discovering the truths which the School of the Prophet’s Household (‘a) has offered to the entire world.

The Ahl al-Bayt World Assembly looks forward to benefit from the opinions of the readers and their suggestions and constructive criticism in this area.

We also invite scholars, translators and other institutions to assist us in propagating the genuine Islamic teachings as preached by the Prophet Muhammad (S).

We beseech God, the Most High, to accept our humble efforts and to enable us to enhance them under the auspices of Imam al-Mahdi, His vicegerent on the earth (may Allah expedite his advent).

We express our gratitude to Ayatullah Sayyid Muhammad Baqir Al-Hakim, the author of the present book, and Badr Shahin, its translator. We also thank our colleagues who have participated in producing this work, especially the staff of the Translation Office.

Cultural Affairs Department

Ahl al-Bayt (‘a) World Assembly

Preface by the Ahl al-Bayt (‘a) World Assembly

The Holy Messenger of Allah (S)1 is reported to have said,

أَقْرَبُ النَّاسِ مِنْ دَرَجَةِ النُّبُوَّةِ أَهْلُ الْعِلْمِ وَالْجِهَادِ

The people closest to the rank of Prophets are the people of knowledge and jihad (utmost endeavor).2

Imam ‘Ali Amir al-Mu'minin (the Commander of the Faithful) (‘a) is also reported as saying,

اَلْعُلَمَاءُ بَاقُونَ مَا بَقِيَ الدَّهْرُ… أُولَئِكَ خُلَفَاءُ اللهِ فِي أَرْضِهِ وَالدُّعَاةُ إلَى دِينِهِ، آهٍ آهٍ شَوْقاً إلَى رُؤْيَتِهِمْ

The knowledgeable people are as endless as time. They are the representatives of Allah on the earth, and inviters to His religion. Oh! How eager am I to see them!3

Peace and blessings of Allah and of His Apostle be upon the pure souls of the martyrs, especially the students of the Seminary (Hawzah). Peace be upon the immortal men of religion who aroused enthusiasm in others, wrote down their academic and practical theses with their martyrdoms and the ink of their blood and transformed their lives into brilliant gems on the pulpits in order to guide others.

Peace and immortality be upon the martyrs and the spiritualists among the students of the Hawzah who left their schools in order to join the fields of jihad, shed off any thing that connected them to worldly ambitions and set forth to join the immortal group of divine people.

Peace be upon those who unveiled true religious knowledge and became honest warners for their people, whose every act and intention testified practically to all parts of their discourses. In all honesty, the true men of the religion of Islam, and Shi’ism in particular, who guide others to the straight path and encourage them to tread the difficult path of truth ultimately become the foremost victims and seal their books of deeds with their blood.

Indeed, those who attended the classes of the spiritual masters of the Hawzah have not been heard hoping for anything other than martyrdom, since they, having enjoyed the highest ranks of sincere connection with their Lord, always pray to Almighty Allah to confer martyrdom.4

It is now fourteen years since the Ahl al-Bayt (‘a) World Assembly was founded. Throughout this period, its one and only endeavor has been to spare no efforts in the propagation of Islamic culture and knowledge, defending the sanctity of the Holy Qur’an and the Holy Sunnah5 , as well as the entity and the rights of the Ahl al-Bayt’s6 followers. By pursuing this goal, we hope to attain the rank aspired by the leader, the Grand Ayatullah Sayyid al-Khamene'i - may Allah perpetuate his blessings on us.

In view of the above, the Assembly has shown remarkable activity in the fields of Islamic research, inquiry, teaching, and propagation as well as many other related fields.

Taking upon itself the mission of honoring the scholars and those who devoted themselves to defending the genuine principles of Islam, the Ahl al-Bayt (‘a) World Assembly is proud to hold a conference to honor martyr Ayatullah Sayyid Muhammad Baqir al-Hakim, the vice-chairman of the Ahl al-Bayt (‘a) World Assembly.

It goes without saying that martyr Ayatullah al-Hakim was outstandingly well versed in both Islamic knowledge and policy not only in Iran and the Shi’ite world but also in the entire Islamic world. Unquestionably, his endeavors were the main impetus for the pressures that removed the Baathist regime that ruled Iraq so mercilessly.

This divine leader undertook the mission of spreading the Ahl al-Bayt’s culture through his wide-ranging activities that included teaching, writing and delivering lectures on various occasions. His writings, some of which have been published and others that are to be published in the future, stand as witnesses to testify to his efforts in these fields.

According to the saying that “the affairs of both religion and the world stand on two things - a pen and a sword behind the pen,” martyr Ayatullah Sayyid Muhammad Baqir al-Hakim was armed with both pen and sword. His pen is still overflowing with wisdom and knowledge that are like unsheathed swords waiting for a signal from him to fight again as they had previously fought against infidelity and challenged persecution and oppression.

A Hadith holds that the Holy Prophet (S) said,

ثَلاَثٌ تَخْرِقُ الْحُجُبَ وَتَنْتَهِي إلَى مَا بَيْنَ يَدَيِ اللهِ: صَرِيرُ أَقْلاَمِ الْعُلَمَاءِ، وَوَطْءُ أَقْدَامِ الْمُجَاهِدِينَ …

Three things penetrate the Veils (of Divinity) and stand directly before Almighty Allah. These are the susurrations of the scholars’ pens, the steps of the warriors (for the sake of Almighty Allah)… etc.

Correspondingly, the susurrations of martyr Ayatullah al-Hakim’s pen and his steps on the path of jihad were so well known in the east and the west of the globe that the gates of martyrdom were wide open before him. After twenty-five years of exile and alienation from his homeland, martyr Sayyid al-Hakim returned immediately after the collapse of the Baathist regime in Iraq. He aimed at residing in the vicinity of the holy shrines of his immaculate forefathers, living amongst the Iraqi people who were severely tormented and persecuted, reconstructing all that was demolished by the infidels and transgressors.

From the sacred minbar (i.e. pulpit) of the Congregational Friday Prayer, he delivered sermons full of admonition and guidance to spread awareness among the faithful. Thus, the people’s love for him augmented day by day. Unfortunately, this brilliant lantern was extinguished by the harbingers of gloom who could not tolerate such luminosity. They stretched forth their treacherous hands to end his life immediately after he had finished his prayer on Friday beside the holy mausoleum of his forefather, Imam ‘Ali Amir al-Mu'minin (‘a). Sayyid al-Hakim embraced the great victory of martyrdom after an extraordinary journey, full of strife. In truth, Sayyid al-Hakim did not die, because martyrs are forever alive and provided sustenance from their Lord. Although we can no longer see the person of Sayyid al-Hakim, he is present with us constantly illuminating our lives.

The Grand Ayatullah Sayyid al-Khamene'i said about Sayyid al-Hakim,

“This dear martyr was both a scholar and a warrior (for Islam). He challenged the oppressive regime of Saddam for many long years. When this sign of evil and transgression collapsed, Sayyid al-Hakim acted as an invincible wall in the face of the occupiers - the Americans and the English. He resisted ill-omened plans and prepared for martyrdom in the long path of jihad to join the caravan of martyrs from the family of al-Hakim along with other martyrs of knowledge and virtue in Iraq.”

The Ahl al-Bayt (‘a) World Assembly, in co-operation with other foundations, held a conference on the anniversary of the passing of this ‘martyr of the prayer-niche’ (shahid al-mihrab), Ayatullah Sayyid Muhammad Baqir al-Hakim, on the eighteenth of Rajab, 1425 AH, in Tehran, the capital of the Islamic Republic of Iran. This conference was attended by a group of eminent Muslim scholars who delivered speeches for the occasion.

The consequent activities of the Cultural Committee of this conference can be classified in two sections:

The first section: Reprinting a group of the writings of Sayyid al-Hakim, as follows:

(1) The two-volume book entitled, ‘dawr ahl al-bayt fi bina' al-jama’ah al-salihah’ (The Role of the Ahl al-Bayt in Building the Virtuous Community).

(2) The book entitled, ‘al-wihdah al-islamiyyah min manzur al-thaqalayn’ (Islamic Unity from the Perspective of the Two Weighty Things - i.e. the Holy Qur’an and the Ahl al-Bayt (‘a)).

(3) The book, ‘‘Ulum al-Qur’an’ (Sciences of the Qur’an) in cooperation with the Assembly of Islamic Thought (Majma’ al-Fikr al-Islami).

(4) The book entitled, ‘Tafsir Surat al-Hamd’ (Exegesis of the Opening Chapter) in cooperation with the Assembly of Islamic Thought.

(5) The book, ‘al-Qasas al-Qur’ani’ (Narratives of the Qur’an) in cooperation with the International Center for Islamic Studies (al-Markaz al-’Alami li’l-Dirasat al-Islamiyyah).

(6) The book entitled, ‘al-Ukhuwwah al-«maniyyah’ (Brotherhood-in-faith) in cooperation with Dar al-Ghadir Foundation.

(7) The book, ‘Thawrat al-Husayn’ (The Revolution of Imam al-Husayn (‘a)) in cooperation with Imam al-Husayn (‘a) Foundation.

Second Section: Preparation and distribution of compact disks (CD’s) comprising Sayyid al-Hakim’s books, which will be offered at the conference. The CD will include:

(1) The life account of martyr Ayatullah Sayyid Muhammad Baqir al-Hakim by the Approximation of the Islamic Sects Assembly (majma’ al-taqrib bayna al-madhahib al-islamiyyah)

(2) The book entitled, ‘al-Arba’ata ‘Ashara Manahija wa Ru’a’ (Fourteen Methods and Standpoints) by the Foundation for Printing the Writings and Works of Martyr Ayatullah al-Hakim, in cooperation with the Ahl al-Bayt (‘a) World Assembly.

(3) The book entitled, ‘Shuhada' al-’Ilm wa’l-Fadhilah fi’l-’Iraq’ (Martyrs of Knowledge and Virtue in Iraq) by the Ahl al-Bayt (‘a) World Assembly. This book comprises the life accounts of 120 Iraqi scholars who were martyred. It is presented in two languages - Arabic and Persian.

(4) A complete collection of Sayyid al-Hakim’s writings and works

Finally, I express my deepest gratitude and appreciation to all the cultural and executive offices that have extended aid in holding this conference and all their esteemed representatives who have participated in the preparatory sessions and meetings for the conference.

I pray that Almighty Allah lead all the adherents of the Ahl al-Bayt (‘a) to greater success and include them all among the helpers of His Representative, the Patron of the Age, Imam al-Mahdi - may Allah hasten his relief.

Muhammad Hasan Tashayyu’

Cultural Assistant of the Ahl al-Bayt (‘a) World Assembly

Notes

1. - For maintaining readability, (S) which is an acronym for “salla allahu ‘alayhi wa alihi” is used throughout the book to denote "May Allah bless him and his Household.”

2. - Muhammad al-Rayshahri 3:2067.

3. - Nahj al-Balaghah, Saying No. 147, http://www.al-islam.org/nahjul-balagha-part-2-letters-and-sayings/select...

4. - Imam al-Khumayni’s Epistle to the Faculties of the Religious Studies; Isphand, AH 1367 (February/March 1989 CE).

5. - The Holy Sunnah, being the second major reference of Islamic legislation, stands for the Prophet Muhammad’s words, acts, and confirmations.

6. - The Ahl al-Bayt (‘a) (People of the House) is a term dedicated to the family of the Holy Prophet (S). More precisely, it is dedicated to definite individuals; namely, Imam ‘Ali ibn Abi-Talib, Fatimah al-Zahra’ (the Holy Prophet’s daughter and Imam ‘Ali’s wife), al-Hasan ibn ‘Ali, and al-Husayn ibn ‘Ali. The nine Immaculate Imams (namely, ‘Ali ibn al-Husayn al-Sajjad, Muhammad ibn ‘Ali al-Baqir, Ja’far ibn Muhammad al-Sadiq, Musa ibn Ja’far al-Kazim, ‘Ali ibn Musa al-Ridha, Muhammad ibn ‘Ali al-Jawad, ‘Ali ibn Muhammad al-Hadi, al-Hasan ibn ‘Ali al-’Askari, and al-Mahdi the Awaited) are also among the Ahl al-Bayt (‘a).

Introduction

All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the Worlds, and all blessings be upon the Master of Prophets, Muhammad, and upon his Immaculate Household.

Significance of the Ahl al-Bayt’s Thesis

The Ahl al-Bayt’s principles for building a virtuous community are seen as some of the most important of all guidelines in the Islamic mission, since they cover all aspects of human life - doctrinal, intellectual, cultural, historical, and social. This is because the Ahl al-Bayt (‘a) are the extension of Prophethood in the form of Imamate (divinely commissioned leadership). They are also the ‘men of authority’ for whom obedience, loyalty and love has been imposed upon all of us by Almighty Allah.1 The Holy Prophet (S) in his famous Tradition of Thaqalayn described the Holy Qur’an as the ‘major weighty thing’ and the Ahl al-Bayt (‘a) as the ‘other weighty thing’ that never forsakes the Holy Qur’an.

Moreover, the Ahl al-Bayt (‘a) are the most learned in the sciences of the Holy Qur’an as they explain, elucidate, expound upon, unveil hidden points, and extract its treasures. They are also the bearers of the Holy Sunnah in all its details and examples. They thus know the actual interpretations of Qur’anic verses and Prophetic sayings in their present and future contexts.

They are also the most virtuous patterns of uprightness, patience, broad-mindedness, and nobility of character. They tread the right course by inviting to the path of Almighty Allah with wisdom and excellent preaching, practice true striving (i.e. jihad) by sacrificing their souls and properties for Almighty Allah, and are always ready to give up everything, be it precious or not, in the course of defending truth and justice and fighting oppression.

On account of these characteristics, the Holy Qur’an has referred to the Ahl al-Bayt (‘a) thus:

إِنَّمَا يُرِيدُ اللَّهُ لِيُذْهِبَ عَنْكُمُ الرِّجْسَ أَهْلَ الْبَيْتِ وَيُطَهِّرَكُمْ تَطْهِيرًا

Allah only desires to keep away impurity from you, O people of the House, and to purify you a (thorough) purifying. (33/33)

Because they undertook the burdens of their responsibilities in an extraordinary way, responding to all objections and allegations with absolute nobility and integrity, the Ahl al-Bayt (‘a) were documented, both in history and in the Muslim community, to have an effective and influential role that cannot be disregarded.

Their splendid achievements in all fields of life - spiritual, political, scientific, and moral - and their unrelenting support of Islam and Muslims in their encounters with enemies within and without - including deviant rulers, hypocrites, political opportunists, miscreants, heretics, deceivers, iniquitous scholars, Jews, Christians, and mischief-makers - are undeniable historical facts.

Ahl al-Bayt (‘a): The Most Important Pillar

Such correlated aspects and features confirm the significance of this Islamic philosophy and, at the same time, explain various references in traditions reported from the Ahl al-Bayt (‘a) as well as other citations and assertions by the Holy Qur’an. Such Qur’anic verses and traditions reveal the fact that the Ahl al-Bayt (‘a) stand for one of the essential pillars on which Islam is founded if not the most important of all these pillars.

This distinctive and special rank of the Ahl al-Bayt (‘a) is a truth almost unanimously agreed upon by all Muslims even though they have disagreed on many details concerning the profundity of this fact.

In addition to many authentic and uninterruptedly transmitted traditions, this fact can be plainly observed through the feelings of love, appreciation, submission, and loyalty that all Muslims - except the Nawasib2 - have for the Ahl al-Bayt (‘a), even though biographies and historical events show that all the ruling dynasties were against their political and spiritual influence. This fact alone acts as the strongest evidence on the lucidity and intelligibility of their guidance. For many centuries, the Ahl al-Bayt (‘a) were continuously exposed to murder, banishment, and material and mental siege at the hands of the Umayyad, ‘Abbasid, and Ottoman ruling authorities. It was expected that such persecution would isolate, if not eradicate, both their school and them from Islamic society.

However, in spite of all the persecution faced by the Ahl al-Bayt (‘a), they have always enjoyed a remarkable and sacred position among Muslims. Unmistakably, the one and only reason for the perpetuation of their special position is nothing but the divinely-supported fact that the Ahl al-Bayt (‘a) represent one of the roots of Islam, and having been confirmed by both the Holy Qur’an and the Holy Sunnah, all Muslims accept it. The Ahl al-Bayt (‘a) offered Islam and the Muslims illustrious services that have been preserved by history despite all opposing factors.

Besides this, the inclination of Muslims toward the Ahl al-Bayt (‘a) explains the large number of theses, books, and writings written by Muslim scholars of various sects that deal with the Ahl al-Bayt (‘a). In addition to these works, Muslim scholars of various sects have openly confessed this fact in the major reference books of Muslim jurisprudence (fiqh), exegesis of the Holy Qur’an (tafsir), traditions (Hadith), and history as well as other fields of knowledge. The books that contain this reality are too many to mention in a single volume.

This historical phenomenon (of the unanimity of all Muslims recognizing the Ahl al-Bayt (‘a) to be the most virtuous exemplars in the Muslim society throughout history) cannot be explained except on the basis of the creed that the Twelver (ithna-’ashariyyah) Shi’ah believe about the Ahl al-Bayt (‘a). This creed entails that the leadership of the Ahl al-Bayt (‘a) is the ‘fundamental pillar’ on which Islam and the final Divine Message rests, which Almighty Allah has promised to protect and maintain.

Thus, the Ahl al-Bayt (‘a) represent the natural extension and continuity of the Divine Message although such extension has not been described as prophethood, since the Holy Prophet (S) is reported to have said to Imam ‘Ali (‘a):

أَنْتَ مِنِّي بِمَنْزِلَةِ هَارُونَ مِنْ مُوسَى إلاَّ أَنَّهُ لاَ نَبِيَّ بَعْدِي

Your position to me is the same as the position of (Prophet) Aaron (‘a) to (Prophet) Moses (‘a) except that no Prophet will come after me.

The Ahl al-Bayt (‘a) are thus the interpreters of the Holy Qur’an and bearers of the Prophetic Traditions in all their details. They are also an extension of divinely commanded responsibility because they are the true guides, the manifestations of piety, the couriers of the message of the Holy Messenger (S) and the authorities after him.

Just as this final Divine Message is predestined to live and perpetuate, so also will the Ahl al-Bayt (‘a) necessarily continue to live and perpetuate in order to influence the Muslim community - a fact that cannot be denied by any researcher no matter how unreasonable be his contention and refusal to face facts.

Actuality of the Ahl al-Bayt’s Role

An important question needs to be answered in this regard: What role did the Ahl al-Bayt (‘a) play in the lives of Muslims that caused them to obtain such an enviable position in the Islamic mission and in the spiritual and social lives of Muslims?

In answer, it is necessary to mention two major roles of the Ahl al-Bayt (‘a):

First: They played the role of vicegerency (wilayah) and representation of the Holy Prophet (S) after his departure.

Second: They played the role of intellectual and religious authorities as regards understanding the Divine Message and all its details.

The majority of theses and studies that have dealt with this subject matter have, in one way or another, concentrated on these two major issues. However, to restrict the role of the Ahl al-Bayt (‘a) to these two major issues - not denying their great significance from a hypothetical aspect and from the general view of the Islamic mission - creates a substantial problem from the external, practical aspect. This problem restricts this ‘most important pillar’ of Islam to an academic role minus a political one.

The Ahl al-Bayt (‘a) were sidelined and not allowed to perform their divinely ordained duties, such as undertaking the role of the Holy Prophet’s vicegerency and representation, except for the few years of political rule of Imam ‘Ali and Imam al-Hasan (‘a). Similarly, the role of the Ahl al-Bayt as intellectual and religious authorities has not been internalized by all Muslims except in an extremely limited way. Only the Twelver Imamiyyah follow their teachings and guidance as was meant to be.

Compounding this problem is the fact that the majority of studies that have dealt with these two major matters have paid no attention to the vital role that such vicegerency and authority would have played in the infancy of the Islamic society. Neither have they pointed out the relationship between this vicegerency and authority, the divine message of Islam and other divine religions and their sacred goals. It is essential to mention the fact that the Ahl al-Bayt (‘a) themselves, through sayings and traditions, always brought to the fore the significance of this vital role and relationship.

Development of Studies about the Ahl al-Bayt (‘a)

In order to explain the status of the Ahl al-Bayt (‘a) in the Islamic philosophy, we are in urgent need of a ‘special approach’ in our research and study of the Ahl al-Bayt (‘a). We need to reveal and explain all the aspects of their role in building the Islamic state, and highlight the relationship between these aspects and Islamic philosophy.

It seems essential to refer to a number of aspects that need to be included in these studies:

First: These studies need to explain the purpose behind establishing the concept of leadership in the message of Islam and the consequent role of the Ahl al-Bayt (‘a). The principle of Islam, being the seal of all divine religions, should be explained and supported with evidence that shows this religion has successfully demonstrated all principles and goals in a practical way, be they specific or general.

Second: These studies need to explicate the correlation between this most important pillar and the other pillars to reveal the perfection of the pillars of Islam, and the harmony of its structure, goals, and success.

Third: These studies need to clarify the correlation between the distinctive doctrinal and intellectual premises of the Ahl al-Bayt (‘a) School which lead to an understanding of Islam - an understanding that is based on the concept of the divinely commissioned leadership (i.e. Imamate) of the Holy Imams (‘a) and their vital role in the lives of Muslims.

For instance, such advanced studies are expected to demonstrate the correlation between Imamate and ‘ismah (inerrancy of the Holy Infallibles3 ), taqiyyah (pious dissimulation), shafa’ah (right of intercession), ta’wil (interpretation of the sacred texts), bada' (conversion of a judgment due to a change in the prevailing interests), khums (the one-fifth tax in profits), and zawaj al-mut’ah (temporary marriage).

They must also answer the question of whether controversy among Muslim schools of thought is purely doctrinal and jurisprudential (that is, dependent upon the understanding of each school regarding a certain statute) or there is an apposite correlation between such issues and the original Islamic philosophy, which has resulted in dividing the Muslim community.

Fourth: These studies need to shed light on the theoretical and practical correlation between the multifaceted situations, activities, and aspects that the Ahl al-Bayt (‘a) undertook in the various ages of the Islamic community in the interest of the supreme goals of Islam. Although it is an undeniable fact, we must suppose that the Holy Imams of the Ahl al-Bayt (‘a), as interpreters of the Divine conception and pattern of the final Divine Message, possess a cohesive perspective of ideas, events, and social facts (i.e. actual interests and risks). Hence, they have been just like the prophets who would agree with each other in perspectives, words, deeds, and situations if they were to live in the same age.

However, from one time to another, we stumble upon an obvious dissimilarity in the forms of these situations. At other times, we notice such dissimilarity even in words, behavior, course, and method - the same thing that can be noticed in the Holy Qur’an regarding the prophets themselves. Such being the case, we have to find a convincing answer to the following question: What is the common factor that can be inferred from the words, deeds, situations, and behavior of those divinely appointed individuals, on the basis of which all such dissimilarities are justified reasonably?

Undoubtedly, the traditions of the Ahl al-Bayt (‘a) and the efforts of the scholars following them can together form a vital heritage to sustain such advanced studies.

One of the most important efforts for widening the scope of studies about the Ahl al-Bayt (‘a) are those of the great Muslim thinker and martyr, Sayyid Muhammad Baqir al-Sadr - may Allah be pleased with him - who inaugurated involvement in such studies through his writings and lectures. Unfortunately, his work could not be completed in quantity and quality because of his assassination by the ruling authorities of the Baathist regime in Iraq.4

Such research requires extensive preliminary studies that institute an extensive encyclopedia on the Ahl al-Bayt (‘a). Moreover, it must analytically dissect “the intellectual, historical, ethical, and doctrinal heritage” inherited from the Ahl al-Bayt (‘a) and found in the reference books of Hadith (reported traditions), tafsir (exegesis of the Holy Qur’an), ethics, du’a' (supplications), and ziyarah (prescribed verses addressed to holy persons while visiting their shrines or from a distance).

Studies in the fundamentals of Muslim jurisprudence (i.e. usul al-fiqh) are advanced, and there is tangible progression in the fields of fiqh (Muslim jurisprudence), usul al-fiqh, ‘ilm al-rijal (science of the biographies of narrators), and tafsir. However, studies in the heritage of the Ahl al-Bayt (‘a) with respect to these fields are stagnant and inactive. In plain words, studies in this field remain unattended as compared to studies in the other fields of Islamic sciences.

Without such development, all theoretical research in this field will rest upon the raw material available, which suffers from an intermixture of the authentic and the unauthentic, the conditional and the unconditional, the general and the specific, the decisive and the allegorical, etc. Likewise, studies in this field will depend upon the classic scientific results arrived at by past scholars. In point of fact, these results, though of great importance and scientific value, are intuitive, since they were deduced under certain circumstances and with partial perspectives.

Hence, what is required is that a research-oriented group of scholars, since it cannot be done by one person, undertakes this essential work by resuming studies in the heritage of the Ahl al-Bayt (‘a) to establish a general concept in this regard, acceptable to all schools of thought.

Prospects for Research on Heritage of Ahl al-Bayt (‘a)

In the face of all such scientific and objective difficulties, I found myself, a few years ago, engaged in a simple attempt to write about this theoretical aspect. In the international foundational conference of the Ahl al-Bayt (‘a) World Assembly, I wrote an essay expressing an attempt to put forth some of the general concepts of this theory. I received some encouragement - that I do appreciate - from some participants.

Correspondingly, I believed that the most important step in this regard was to take the initiative and carry on presenting this theoretical aspect with the hope that it (i.e. the theoretical aspect) would perhaps reach the hands and minds of other researchers and scholars.

Such preoccupation was completely different from, if not contrary to, engaging in cultural and intellectual activities, and I had to stay away from the centers of scientific activities; namely, the Hawzah, and from its ambience and services provided therein. In spite of all this, I tried my best to review and analyze my work. By doing so, a number of points that represent major items necessary for this research surfaced:

• Presentation of the theoretical and practical existence of the Ahl al-Bayt (‘a) in the final Divine Mission which would emphasize the shared aspects of the Holy Imams (‘a)

• Presentation and explanation of the situations of each Imam during his own age and presentation of the principles applied by him to every situation as being always in keeping with the main goals of Islam. This also required a classification of the history of the Ahl al-Bayt (‘a) into distinct phases and stages with all their peculiarities clarified.

• Spelling out the intellectual, doctrinal, and legal issues by which the Ahl al-Bayt (‘a) School is characterized and the relationship between these issues and the Islamic theory as interpreted by the Ahl al-Bayt (‘a). It is worth mentioning that our scholars have fully researched the theological and jurisprudential aspects in the study of these issues.

• Chronological documentation of the efforts of the Ahl al-Bayt’s followers after the occultation of Imam al-Mahdi - may Allah hasten his advent - along with major stages that have been accomplished and their roles in undertaking this huge responsibility. This will be the study of ‘The Virtuous Referential Religious Authority’.

The Ahl al-Bayt’s Role in Islamic Life

I have also observed that the first study, being the key and the major work, requires covering a number of theoretical and practical researches so significant that each of them requires an independent book. The goals of the thesis on the Ahl al-Bayt (‘a) can however be summarized in the following points:

(1) Establishing the (divine) proof and witnessing the human response

(2) Divine vicegerency; that is, the general religious management or the leadership of the Islamic government

(3) Intellectual and religious authority of Muslims

(4) Embodiment of perfection for the individual and the entire society

(5) Defense of Islam, which includes defense of the Islamic doctrine and political entity

(6) Defense of the Muslim community (terminologically, ummah) and the maintenance of its existence, characteristics, and unity

(7) Building a virtuous community and distinctive individuals who can undertake its responsibilities

Before thrashing out these points, there is in fact need for shedding light on and explaining the conception of the divine Imamate (leadership) of the Ahl al-Bayt (‘a) in the light of the Islamic mission. This Imamate is the center around which all other roles and missions revolve. There is another need to demonstrate why this phenomenon is exclusively found in the Islamic mission.

Without a doubt, to work on all these disciplines requires much time, appropriate devotion, and availability of a number of suitable assistants.

Despite the difficulties, I found myself diving into this virtuous work; therefore, I put all my trust in Almighty Allah and sought His help as I betook myself to Him with pure intention and sincerity in the hope that He would guide me to what is right in this respect, as He has promised, saying:

وَمَنْ يَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَى اللَّهِ فَهُوَ حَسْبُهُۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ بَالِغُ أَمْرِهِۚ قَدْ جَعَلَ اللَّهُ لِكُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدْرًا (65/3)

And whosoever puts his trust in Allah, He will suffice him. Lo! Allah brings His command to pass. Allah has set a measure for all things. (65/3)

I have also found myself beginning by writing about the seventh goal, namely the building of a virtuous community. The reason for selecting this topic to begin with might have resulted from my feeling that there is a tangible need for the existence of a perfect notion of a virtuous community in theory and practice, which can provide an actual pattern for those who are engaged in the fields of political and social activities to take as an example and follow.

This study, I feel, would fill a gap found in the curricula of religious studies. It would also have efficacy for religious preachers and missionaries as well as faithful educated individuals in Islamic homelands and in countries of emigration, where such people cannot easily obtain the sources to acquaint themselves with the details of this concept.

Nowadays, our Islamic world is witnessing great progress in Islamic seminaries, propagational activities, general education of Islam, and emigration to the Western countries. This book will thus present to people involved in these activities greatly needed general information about Islam for their discourses, i.e., knowledge about the Ahl al-Bayt (‘a) and guiding concepts for the foundation of a virtuous community.

More than all else, I personally believe that we are in urgent need of presenting the actual, external pattern of a virtuous community through the existence and application of which Islamic theory can be actualized and not remain in the hypothetical arena in the midst of this self-seeking world.

Some Difficulties

Prior to the writing of this book, I composed in my mind the general concept I would discuss. I then started writing and encountered a number of difficulties, two of which are mentioned as follows:

The First Difficulty was time: It was difficult to find enough time to write the book; therefore, I had to use a portion of the time I had dedicated to other work. In view of this, on occasion, I had to interrupt the writing of a particular idea for a period of several months and even a whole year; therefore, when I came back to writing, I was forced to begin certain ideas over again, especially taking into consideration the theoretical nature of the work. At other times, I had to stop citing the references of the texts to save time, which caused problems in the preparatory stages of printing the book due to additional effort required for excerpting the unreferenced texts, which was done by some brothers working in the Risalat al-Thaqalayn Magazine issued by the Ahl al-Bayt (‘a) World Assembly. Seizing this opportunity, I do appreciate and thank all such efforts.

The Second Difficulty was that this research essentially depended upon raw materials, such as traditions reported from the Ahl al-Bayt (‘a), historical and jurisprudential texts, and the biographies of reporters. All such material requires revision, comprehension, examination of the trustworthiness of reporters, and then comparison with each other to deduce the theory. Of course, all these efforts were time-consuming. Owing to the existence of encyclopedias of traditions and reference books of biographies compiled by our scholars - may Allah endue them with the best rewards - I was able to inch ahead.

As I realized that this method was neither adequate nor effective, I resorted to the method of delivering lectures, albeit in an interrupted manner, and then making corrections and referring details to their sources. It is true that this method is not as accurate as writing, but it can be useful in enkindling additional ideas and maintaining the origins of others.

Arrangement of the Books

In this book, I have observed the following steps:

The book has seven sections, each of which comprises independent chapters and sub-chapters. The sixth and seventh sections of the book comprise more sub-chapters.

The first section of the book is composed of two chapters: “goals” and “characteristics.”

The second section, which deals with “the principles and foundations of building a virtuous community”, is composed of chapters discussing the “intellectual”, “ethical”, “cultural”, “spiritual-mental” and “politico-social” principles and foundations, respectively.

The third section, which deals with “the general system of community”, is composed of chapters about “the referential religious authority”, “the identity of the virtuous community”, “the nation’s relationship with the religious authority” and “the internal and external relations”.

The fourth section, which deals with “the security system of the virtuous community”, is composed of two chapters: “security lines” and “security policies”.

The fifth section, which deals with “the economic system of the virtuous community”, is composed of chapters about “general laws of economics”, “private laws of economics” and “economic activities”.

The sixth section, which deals with “the system of social relations of the virtuous community”, has two parts: “dimensions and foundations of the theory” and “superstructure of the theory”. The first part is further divided into two chapters: “aspects of the theory” and “foundations of the theory”. The second part is composed of two chapters: “superstructure and features of the theory” and “superstructure and foundations”.

The seventh section, which deals with “rituals and acts of worship”, is the largest among these sections. It is composed of two parts: “rituals” and “acts of worship”. The first part is made up of three chapters: “rituals of the Ahl al-Bayt (‘a)”, “devotional acts for days and nights” and “mosques and holy places”. The second part is also made of chapters all of which deal with “timed acts of worship” and “untimed acts of worship”. The chapters of “timed acts of worship” are four: “daily acts of worship”, “weekly acts of worship”, “monthly acts of worship” and “yearly acts of worship”. The chapters of “untimed acts of worship” include “prayers”, “fasting”, “supplication”, “dhikr” and “jihad”.

On many occasions, these sections, chapters, and sub-chapters include preambles intended to introduce the topic and present its significance or epilogues that comprise conclusions or summaries of the ideas according to the impact of the topic, the extent of research, or other needs for such epilogues.

Perhaps, this order of sections and chapters might seem odd at first because it does not correspond with the usual order followed in books on similar topics. In addition, the titles of some sections and chapters may seem unprecedented. Yet, the unfamiliar nature will definitely vanish when the book is read, especially when the points mentioned are taken into careful consideration.

Second, the main purpose of this book is to manifest the practical role of the Ahl al-Bayt (‘a) in the formation and construction of a virtuous community and the establishment of a theory about this topic, followed by a demonstration of the features and details of such a virtuous community.

This matter will be helpful for the virtuous community as well as all other Muslims who seek the truth in order to commit themselves to it. Likewise, it will also be beneficial for all truth-seeking researchers.

Third, after demonstrating this theory, the book will attend to and concentrate on the distinctive features of the Ahl al-Bayt (‘a) School, without delving into common points that explain and mention details of causes and effects. Rather, a swift reference will be made to such points which, though very important at times, have been discussed in detail in general researches of Muslim scholars; therefore, as they can easily be obtained from other sources and would take this book away from its specific goal, only a quick reference is necessary.

Fourth, special attention has been devoted to the inference of the features of this theory from primary references (namely, the Holy Qur’an, the Holy Sunnah, and the authoritative texts reported from the Ahl al-Bayt (‘a) regarding the reporting, explanation, and elucidation of the Holy Sunnah). In addition to these, the Ahl al-Bayt’s reported texts that interpret the details of the policies, courses, methods, and situations appertaining to this theory have been mentioned.

Fifth, because the inference of this theory involves accurate ijtihad5 dependent upon sources and precise principles of ijtihad, I have committed myself to the scholarly deduction of the fundamentals of this theory, as well as its major and central ideas, by relying upon the authoritative texts or the deductive opinions that are familiar in the milieus of Shi’ite scholars, in order that my ascription of such ideas and notions to the Ahl al-Bayt (‘a) and their group would be as accurate as possible. Moreover, I have referred to examples and texts supporting this ijtihad.

As for the details, I have exerted all possible efforts in relying upon authenticated texts and common texts that can be trusted as authentic, except in some secondary points that do not affect the original sense of the theory; rather, they clarify and explain it. In view of this, it becomes possible to justify the reference to some reported texts of similar purport or indicate the pluralism or acceptability of such texts.

Originally, I rested upon the general jurisprudential ‘Rule of Condescendence in Evidence on Religious Traditions’6 in my reference to the details of the recommended acts, especially rituals and devotional acts. This is because such details would clarify the theory and its dimensions and prove my painstaking attempts to mention the authenticity and authoritativeness of the traditions when it is appropriate to confirm an idea.

At the same time, I have tried to exclude peculiar ideas that are not found in authoritative sources.

As a final point, I would like to emphasize that this book represents an initial attempt. Such iniatial attempts are often associated with errors, flaws, and defects. I therefore beseech Almighty Allah to forgive me for such flaws, to accept my humble work, and to grant success to complete this project. I also beseech Him to make this work admitted and approved by Him, His Holy Prophet (S), the Immaculate Imams (‘a), and especially our master and leader, the Patron of the Age, Imam al-Mahdi - may Allah expedite his advent.

I also hope that readers and researchers would kindly highlight flaws and inform me about them through their valuable communications so that they may be rectified.

Finally, Almighty Allah is the Source of all success, guidance, and acceptance.

All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of the worlds, and peace and blessings be upon Muhammad and upon his Household - the immaculate and infallible.

رَبَّنَا لَا تُؤَاخِذْنَا إِنْ نَسِينَا أَوْ أَخْطَأْنَاۚ رَبَّنَا وَلَا تَحْمِلْ عَلَيْنَا إِصْرًا كَمَا حَمَلْتَهُ عَلَى الَّذِينَ مِنْ قَبْلِنَاۚ رَبَّنَا وَلَا تُحَمِّلْنَا مَا لَا طَاقَةَ لَنَا بِهِۖ وَاعْفُ عَنَّا وَاغْفِرْ لَنَا وَارْحَمْنَاۚ أَنْتَ مَوْلَانَا فَانْصُرْنَا عَلَى الْقَوْمِ الْكَافِرِينَ (2/286)

Our Lord: Do not punish us if we forget or make a mistake. Our Lord: Do not lay on us a burden as You did lay on those before us. Our Lord: Do not impose upon us that which we have not the strength to bear; and pardon us, grant us protection, and have mercy on us. You are our Patron; so, help us against the unbelieving people. (2/286)

Muhammad Baqir al-Hakim

Dhu’l-Qa’dah 14, AH 1417.

Notes

1. - This fact has been practically and theoretically explained with evidence in my first book ‘al-Imāmah’ (The Divinely Commissioned Leadership).

2. - Nawasib (pl. of Nasibi) are those who openly declare enmity to the Ahl al-Bayt (‘a) and to their partisans. Addressing the Shi’ah, Imam al-Sadiq (‘a) defined a Nasibi as one who shows enmity to the followers of the Holy Imams.

3. - The Holy Infallibles, in the Shi’ite terminology, are the Holy Prophet, Lady Fatimah al-Zahra', and the twelve Imams (‘a).

4. - In 1980, the ruling regime of Saddam murdered Sayyid Muhammad Baqir al-Sadr and his virtuous sister, Bint al-Huda, whom were found guilty of nothing except steadfastness on their principles. This was not Saddam’s first crime. He murdered thousands of true virtuous believers in a wide-ranging scheme aimed at eradicating the Islamic existence in Iraq. This scheme continued for more than seventeen years.

(Translator’s comment: In fact, Saddam’s crimes against the Islamic tendency in Iraq did not stop until the collapse of his dictatorial regime in 2003.)

5. - In Islamic terminology, the word ijtihad is a polysemous term. Lexically, it means the exertion of efforts in the attainment of a matter. In the initial emergence of ijtihad, it took the meaning of dependence upon personal views and issuance of personal judgments in religious issues even if this would violate the sources of the Islamic laws since such judgment would agree with private or public interests. In the Sunni jurisprudence, ijtihad signifies the independent or original interpretation of problems not precisely covered by the Holy Qur’an, the Holy Sunnah, and the other sources of Islamic law from the viewpoint of Sunni scholars, such as analogy (Qiyas), consensus (Ijma’), etc. In Shi’ite jurisprudence, ijtihad signifies the exertion of all possible efforts in the deduction of the religious laws from their original sources. To sum up, the concept of ijtihad in the Sunni doctrine is different from the Shi’ite concept. While it stands for a personal conclusion in Sunni doctrine, it has its definite principles and fundamentals that cannot be contravened and are based upon divine texts in the Shi’ite doctrine. The latter is the denotation that is meant from the word ijtihad in this book. [translator]

6. - The ‘Rule of Condescendence in Evidence on Religious Traditions’ (al-tasamuh fi addilat al-sunan) is a jurisprudential principle entailing inclusion of a certain state within a common ruling even if this state has not been proven to belong to it. [translator]

Preamble

The Ahl al-Bayt (‘a) worked in the Muslim community within two major frameworks and in two interlaced spheres:

First: They worked amidst the wide-ranging domain of Muslims and interacted with the community in general and in its broad extremities. Within this scope, the adherents and believers in the Ahl al-Bayt (‘a) were not distinguishable from the other individuals of the Muslim community except by the amount of their doctrinal, spiritual, and emotional attachment to the Ahl al-Bayt (‘a). This was demonstrated by their doctrinal and political loyalty to the Ahl al-Bayt (‘a) as well as moral commitment and obedience to their commands and instructions.

Second: They worked privately with special Muslim individuals who interacted with the Ahl al-Bayt (‘a) at a higher level and believed in the Ahl al-Bayt’s special role in Islamic ideology based on the principle of Imamate (i.e. leadership of the Muslim community) and the divinely commissioned successorship of the Holy Prophet (S).

It is important to note that those involved in the second circle became a virtuous community of special identity and a righteous entity enjoying its own features and known in the Muslim milieus as ‘the Shi’ah (adherents) of the Ahl al-Bayt (‘a)’. They were not differentiated from the Muslims of the first wider circle solely due to their inclination towards the movement of the Ahl al-Bayt (‘a). Rather, the individuals of this special circle were promoted on account of the responsibilities and instructions directly placed upon them by the Holy Imams of the Ahl al-Bayt (‘a), whose purpose beyond such promotion was to engender this community and entity.

To sum up, this entity, the Shi’ah of the Ahl al-Bayt (‘a), did not exist arbitrarily. Such faithful individuals were the outcome of a purposeful and focused plan designed by the Holy Imams (‘a) to build this virtuous community.

The Holy Imams (‘a) had realized that their general goals, one of which was to defend the entity of Islam and to safeguard the existence of the Muslim nation, would not be achieved if they directed their efforts to the totality of Muslims represented by the first circle. The achievement of this goal, along with its various aspects, depended upon the features of perpetual cognizance, continuous emotional momentum, and presence of a leader who could undertake the mission of enlightenment.

We thus observe that the Ahl al-Bayt (‘a), from the beginning, in addition to undertaking their general responsibilities entrusted to them by Almighty Allah, used to pay special attention to activity within the private circle. For instance, the Holy Prophet (S) took an extraordinary interest in this aspect; he, therefore, founded the practice of following Imam ‘Ali (namely, tashayyu’) and promoted it as an ideological and political line that came into existence during his lifetime and under his supervision. Not stopping here, the Holy Prophet (S) directed an elite group of his companions towards this line, causing them to be the virtuous seed of Shi’ism.1

In addition, Imam ‘Ali (‘a) himself undertook this mission when he built a virtuous community in the holy city of al-Madinah. Thereafter, he expanded this group in al-Kufah through the agency of Hudhayfah ibn al-Yaman, Salman al-Farisi (the Persian), and ‘Ammar ibn Yasir, and in Lebanon through the agency of Abu-Dharr al-Ghifari, and in the Yemen during the period that he spent there as governor. The same thing can be said about other cities, such as Egypt and al-Basrah.

More light will be shed on this topic later in this book when we present the features of the process of building a virtuous community as led by the Ahl al-Bayt (‘a).

Note

1. - The reader is advised to refer to my book entitled ‘al-Shi’ah wa’l-Tashayyu’’ for evidence on this claim and more details about this topic.


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