The Good Tree

As we are busy purifying ourselves, in this Holy Month of Ramadhan, via our good deeds, prayers and supplications, knowing the similitude of the good tree may help us pursue our worship more enthusiastically. This tradition will hopefully accomplish two tasks. First, it will hopefully encourage us to devote more time to our religious studies and good deeds, in order to ensure that we, truly, are the followers of Ahlul Bayt (Peace be upon them). Second, it will hopefully provide us with a sense of tranquility and hope that if we do our part and adhere closely to the teachings of Ahlul Bayt (peace be upon them) and ensure that our deeds and lives are in line with their teachings, then we are attached to the good tree.  

Always keep in mind that our deeds speak much louder than our words. We exhibit our beliefs and faith, not through our words but through our actions. Anyone can memorize nice religious words to say when opportunity arrives, but not everyone has sufficient faith in their beliefs to exhibit them via actions. Thus, use this Holy Month to break old undesirable habits, and in turn, begin new desirable and religious habits. Remember, habits take time to break or to form. Do not give up, be patient and preserve through.

The following tradition is graded authentic.

Arabic Text:

عِدَّةٌ مِنْ أَصْحَابِنَا عَنْ أَحْمَدَ بْنِ مُحَمَّدٍ عَنْ عَلِيِّ بْنِ سَيْفٍ عَنْ أَبِيهِ عَنْ عَمْرِو بْنِ حُرَيْثٍ قَالَ:  
سَأَلْتُ أَبَا عَبْدِ اللَّهِ ع عَنْ قَوْلِ اللَّهِ - كَشَجَرَةٍ طَيِّبَةٍ أَصْلُها ثابِتٌ‏ وَ فَرْعُها فِي السَّماءِ(14:24)  قَالَ فَقَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ص أَصْلُهَا وَ أَمِيرُ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ ع فَرْعُهَا وَ الْأَئِمَّةُ مِنْ ذُرِّيَّتِهِمَا أَغْصَانُهَا وَ عِلْمُ الْأَئِمَّةِ ثَمَرَتُهَا وَ شِيعَتُهُمُ الْمُؤْمِنُونَ وَرَقُهَا هَلْ فِيهَا فَضْلٌ‏ قَالَ قُلْتُ لَا وَ اللَّهِ قَالَ وَ اللَّهِ إِنَّ الْمُؤْمِنَ لَيُولَدُ فَتُورَقُ وَرَقَةٌ فِيهَا وَ إِنَّ الْمُؤْمِنَ لَيَمُوتُ فَتَسْقُطُ وَرَقَةٌ مِنْهَا.

Farsi Translation:

عمرو بن حريث گويد: قول خداى تعالى را:  
«مانند درخت پاكى كه ريشه ‏اش برجا و شاخه‏اش سر به آسمان كشيده» (14:24) از امام صادق عليه السلام پرسيدم. حضرت فرمود: رسول خدا صلّى اللَّه عليه و آله اصل و ريشه آن درخت است و امير المؤمنين عليه السلام فرع (و تنه) آن و امامان از نسل آنها شاخه ‏هاى آن و علم امامان ميوه آن و شيعيان مؤمن ايشان برگهاى آنست، آيا در آن درخت چيز زياد ديگرى هست؟ عرضكردم: نه، بخدا. فرمود: بخدا كه چون مؤمنى متولد شود، برگى در آن درخت پيدا مى ‏شود و چون مؤمنى ميميرد، برگى از آن درخت مى‏ افتد.

English Translation:

Narrated by a number of our companions from Ahmed Ibn Mohamed from Ali Ibn Seif from his father from Amr Ibn Huraith who said: 
I asked Abu Abdullah (Peace be upon him) about the words of Allah the Most Exalted: “A goodly tree, whose root is firmly fixed, and its branches (reach) to the heavens.” (14:24).

He (peace be upon him) said: “The Messenger of Allah is its root, the Prince of the Faithfuls is its trunk. The Imams from their progeny are its branches, the knowledge of the imams is its fruits and their faithful Shia are its leaves. Is there anything else in that [tree]?”

I said, “No, by Allah.”

He (peace be upon him) said, “By Allah, when a faithful [Mu'min] is born a leaf blossoms upon it and when a faithful [Mu'min] dies, a leaf falls.”

Source:

Al-Kafi, Volume 1, Page 428, Tradition #80

What to Remember When Encountered With Hostile Verbal Assaults

Many of us, who have chosen to research and learn about our faith actively and willingly, have encountered many online and offline sources and individuals that very aggressively push their agenda and views against the school of Ahlul Bayt.   These sources and individuals, instead of supplying intellectually honest information have chosen to spread untruthful disinformation.  What is more disappointing is that such disinformation is often accompanied with ill manners and belligerent language.

            When encountered with such vulgar and indecent aggression, as the followers of Ahlul Bayt, it is our duty to remain patient, to speak wisely and concisely, and to respond decently and courteously.  We must strive to not debase ourselves and to not stoop low by responding similarly to their hostilities. This is very important, since at all times, as the followers of Ahlul Bayt, we represent their teachings.  Thus, we need to be constantly vigilant and behave properly according to the teachings of Ahlul Bayt.

            However, in order to remain calm in the face of calamity, one must have the right vision in his or her mind. The most important vision that one must have and keep in mind is the vision of the hereafter. Remembering death, remembering the upcoming events after death, and remembering God’s absolute justice alleviates the irritated heart.  Remembering that God is constantly watching over our deeds and the deeds that are being done against us combined with the remembrance of God’s authority in this world and the next, help us remain composed in the face of belligerent verbal assaults. 

            In this post, I present a Reliable tradition that delivers to the followers of Ahlul Bayt (peace be upon them) a soothing vision of the hereafter.

            However, I must be quick to mention that knowing this tradition comes with a catch. We must continuously and perhaps on a daily basis ask ourselves, “am I a true follower of Ahlul Bayt?” “Do I know and follow their teachings properly and honestly?” “What must I do to be counted as a follower of Ahlul Bayt?”  “How must I behave, at all times, to be considered a follower of Ahlul Bayt?”

            As most of us are aware, or should be aware, our beliefs are manifested via our actions.  It is not sufficient to merely claim to be a lover or a follower of Ahlul Bayt. Our actions must vividly display our affection and love for them.  Therefore, let us ask ourselves often, “do my actions, not words, demonstrate my obedience to Ahlul Bayt?”  “Do my actions complement my words and beliefs?”

If so, if you are confident in your beliefs, and if you are confident in your love, then knowing and believing the following Reliable tradition will keep you composed and calm when you encounter indecent and hostile language against your faith.   

Arabic Text:

عَلِيُّ بْنُ مُحَمَّدٍ عَنْ أَحْمَدَ بْنِ أَبِي عَبْدِ اللَّهِ عَنْ عُثْمَانَ بْنِ عِيسَى عَنْ مُيَسِّرٍ قَالَ دَخَلْتُ عَلَى أَبِي عَبْدِ اللَّهِ ع فَقَالَ كَيْفَ أَصْحَابُكَ فَقُلْتُ جُعِلْتُ فِدَاكَ لَنَحْنُ عِنْدَهُمْ أَشَرُّ مِنَ الْيَهُودِ وَ النَّصَارَى وَ الْمَجُوسِ وَ الَّذِينَ أَشْرَكُوا قَالَ وَ كَانَ مُتَّكِئاً فَاسْتَوَى جَالِساً ثُمَّ قَالَ كَيْفَ قُلْتَ قُلْتُ وَ اللَّهِ لَنَحْنُ عِنْدَهُمْ أَشَرُّ مِنَ الْيَهُودِ وَ النَّصَارَى وَ الْمَجُوسِ وَ الَّذِينَ أَشْرَكُوا فَقَالَ أَمَا وَ اللَّهِ لَا تَدْخُلُ النَّارَ مِنْكُمُ اثْنَانِ لَا وَ اللَّهِ وَ لَا وَاحِدٌ وَ اللَّهِ إِنَّكُمُ الَّذِينَ قَالَ اللَّهُ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ وَ قالُوا ما لَنا لا نَرى‏ رِجالًا كُنَّا نَعُدُّهُمْ مِنَ الْأَشْرارِ أَتَّخَذْناهُمْ سِخْرِيًّا أَمْ زاغَتْ عَنْهُمُ الْأَبْصارُ إِنَّ ذلِكَ لَحَقٌّ تَخاصُمُ أَهْلِ النَّارِ (ص: 62-64) ثُمَّ قَالَ طَلَبُوكُمْ وَ اللَّهِ فِي النَّارِ فَمَا وَجَدُوا مِنْكُمْ أَحَداً

Farsi Translation:

ميسر گويد: خدمت امام صادق عليه السّلام شرفياب شدم حضرت فرمود: حال ياران و هم‏مسلكان تو (يعنى شيعيان) چگونه است؟ عرضكردم: قربانت ما در پيش مردم (يعنى جماعت) از يهود و نصارى و مجوس و مشركان بدتريم! گويد: حضرت در آن وقت (كه من اين سخن را گفتم) تكيه كرده بود پس برخاست و نشست و فرمود: چه گفتى؟ گفتم: بخدا ما در نزد مردم از يهود و نصارى و مجوس و مشركان بدتريم! فرمود: هان! بخدا سوگند بدوزخ نرود از شما دو نفر نه و اللَّه بلكه يكنفر هم از شما بدوزخ نرود، بخدا سوگند شمائيد كسانى كه خداى عز و جل (در باره‏تان) فرموده:

 «و گويند چيست كه نمى‏بينيم مردانى را كه آنها را از بدان ميشمرديم، ما آنها را بمسخره گرفته بوديم يا ديدگان از ديدنشان خيره گشته، اين درست مناقشه و ستيزه دوزخيان است» (ص64-62:) سپس فرمود: آنان شما را در دوزخ ميجويند ولى يكتن از شما را در آنجا نيابند.

English Translation:

Ali ibn Muhammad has narrated from Ahmed ibn Abu Abd Allah from Othman ibn Eissa from Moyassar who has said: 
I visited Abu Abdullah, peace be upon him, who asked me: How are your friends?

He (Moyassar) said: May I be your sacrifice. They (the general public) are considering us worse than Jewish, Christians, Magians and polytheists. He (Moyassar) said: And he was lying down then changed his position to the sitting position and said: What did you say? He said: I swear that they are considering us worse than Jewish, Christians, Magians and polytheists. He said: I swear that not even a couple of you will enter hell, no, by God, not even one of you [will enter the fire].  It is (about) you that Allah the Almighty has said: "And they [the inmates of hell] shall say: "What is the matter with us that we do not see men whom we used to count among the wicked? Did we take them (wrongly) for a laughing-stock, or have our eyes missed them?"  Surely, this is the truth - the disputing together of the dwellers in the Fire."(Saad : 62-64) Then he (peace be upon him) said: They seek you in hell but they find none of you."

Source:

Al-Kafi, Volume 8, Page 78, Tradition #32

Being Silent

Many of us may have heard the phrase “silence is a virtue.” In this post, I will present two authentic traditions, to indicate that it really is. 

Nowadays, many of us are uncomfortable with silence.  In our daily lives we are always surrounded by noise and distractions, which on our subconscious level, make silence an unusual thing in our minds. Amongst our friends, we relate silence to either awkwardness or boredom, being silent isn’t the “fun thing” or the right thing to do. Idle talking has become the norm. Rude and impolite jokes and humour have gained social acceptance to the point that comedians gain respect and wealth from it. In short, all the audio and visual noises and distractions around us, have made us forget the value and virtue of silence.

 

The second tradition is especially very important for the followers of Ahlul bayt (as), the holy progeny of the prophet, peace be upon them all.

So, let us take heed and pray and supplicate to God to help us realize the value of silence once again. 

A change from being the “social butterfly” or the “cool” friend to a “boring” acquaintance, amongst your friends, may not be easy in this world, but in the eyes of God and the Ahlul bayt of His beloved prophet, peace be upon them all, this change is recommended and highly valued. 

Here are the traditions:

1)

Arabic text:

مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ يَحْيَى عَنْ أَحْمَدَ بْنِ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ عِيسَى عَنْ أَحْمَدَ بْنِ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ أَبِي نَصْرٍ قَالَ قَالَ أَبُو الْحَسَنِ الرِّضَا ع مِنْ عَلَامَاتِ الْفِقْهِ الْحِلْمُ وَ الْعِلْمُ وَ الصَّمْتُ إِنَّ الصَّمْتَ بَابٌ مِنْ أَبْوَابِ الْحِكْمَةِ إِنَّ الصَّمْتَ يَكْسِبُ الْمَحَبَّةَ إِنَّهُ دَلِيلٌ عَلَى كُلِّ خَيْرٍ

Farsi Translation:

امام رضا (ع) فرمود:

از نشانه‏ هاى فهم (در دين) بردبارى و دانش و خاموشى است، به راستى خاموشى درى است از درهاى حكمت، به راستى خاموشى دوستى آورد، به راستى كه آن دليل هر خوبى است.

English Translation:

Mohammad ibn Yahya has narrated from Ahmad ibn Mohammad ibn Eissa from Ahmad ibn Mohammad ibn Abi Nasr who has said: "Abu al Hasan Al Ridha (peace be upon him) said: signs of [understanding] jurisprudence include forbearance, knowledge and silence. And silence is a door from multiple doors of wisdom. Silence leads to earning love, it's a proof that everything is good."

2)

Arabic Text:

عَنْهُ ]مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ يَحْيَى عَنْ أَحْمَدَ بْنِ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ عِيسَى[ عَنِ الْحَسَنِ بْنِ مَحْبُوبٍ عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ سِنَانٍ عَنْ أَبِي حَمْزَةَ قَالَ سَمِعْتُ أَبَا جَعْفَرٍ ع يَقُولُ إِنَّمَا شِيعَتُنَا الْخُرْسُ

Farsi Translation:

از امام باقر (ع) كه مى‏ فرمود:

همانا شيعيان ما بى ‏زبانند.

English Translation:

He has narrated from Al Hassan ibn Mahbob from Abd-Allah ibn Senan from Abi- Hamza who has said: "I heard Abu ja'far (peace be upon him) say: our followers (Shi’a) are those who are mute [silent]."

Source:

Al-Kafi, Volume 2, Page 113, Traditions #1 & #2