In The Name of Allah Most Gracious Most Merciful

THE NECESSITY FOR WILAYAT IN THIS ERA

By

Shifa Mustapha

O ye who believe! Fear ye Allah as He should be feared, and die not except as Muslims.

And hold fast to the rope of Allah; and be not divided among yourselves…

(Äal e Imran (3):101,102)

On December 26th 2004, while the people in Southern Asia went about their business and tourists from many lands came to play, destruction visited the region in the form of a Tsunami of enormous proportions. There were those who escaped death and were saved, but many thousands perished along with land mass and, in some cases, whole familial and societal structures.

Was this but a physical expression of the spiritual decay which is taking place worldwide? Was it thus a warning to mankind collectively? Sadly no commentator has even suggested such a thing. It was described as an act of nature by most, though one Priest wondered how he was going to tell his flock “that God loves them when they have witnessed such cruelty.” There was not a single thought that perhaps it was time for all peoples and nations to take stock; to turn to God in repentance and to obey Him. This is an era of spiritual deafness and blindness, lacking awareness of spiritual poverty.

Wars, corruption, injustice

We have witnessed the rise of corruption and injustice of world power. We have not been blind to the selectiveness of nations which think nothing of slaying by the thousands yet weep copiously over the few. They have gathered together under the false flag of justice, mercy, good works and intentions, and above all else, the favour of God! How truly the words of Amir Al-Mumineen Ali Ibn Abi Talib (peace be upon him) ring through the centuries: O people! We have been born in such a wrongful and thankless period wherein the virtuous is deemed vicious and the oppressor goes on advancing in his excesses. [1]

Freedom and Democracy

We hear of the “freedom and democracy” which is being sought, not just by Western Governments, and we wonder. Truly the word democracy, which comes from demos, Latin for the people, has been used correctly in so far that the laws are those framed by people. However, the complete slogan used to glorify democracy: “of the people, for the people, by the people”, belongs to a godless utopian vision beyond reach. Thus the freedom so often envisaged is a mirage which leads some of mankind to further excesses, while for others there is little but slavery.

What is it about this era that causes mankind to look beyond the pain brought about by disobedience to the Laws of God? Youth calls naively to experience that which is novel, failing to grasp the reality and consequences of crossing the line. However, we are now standing at a dangerous time in this earth’s history when religion is being diluted and diminished by those in power, ostensibly to accommodate the whims of those who want religion, but do not want to be obedient or submissive to God. Religion should not come with a price! God is love – He forgives us everything!

The Muslim dilemma

But what of those of us who call ourselves Muslim? Praise be to Allah that there are those who uphold Islam; who long to be with the faithful; who tread the Pathway of excellence with no deviation to either side, may Allah upon Whom our souls depend, grant them His blessings. However, within our ranks in a number of countries are those described as the Moderns, or the Progressives, all others being considered backward, most probably dangerous, and from the Dark Ages. They are fostered and funded often by governmental agencies of world powers. It is widely believed that the future of Islam rests in the hands of these Enlightened Ones – many of whom are classified as sterling members of their communities – scholars, leaders, and those of academic standing. Many women in this situation are discarding the hijab and modest dress. It has been astonishing to witness the changes which have taken place within the last three years. I have no doubt that fear of being politically disadvantaged has given great impetus to the taking of this tragic pathway which is leading to the subtle, though well-planned annihilation of Islam, certainly in Western countries such as this. May Allah grant us His forgiveness and heal our spiritual eyes.

Perhaps, though, we should not be surprised by what is happening. In the statement by Iblis in Surah Al Hijr, it is noted that he would make wrong fair-seeming to all except for the sincere and purified servants of Allah. It is of note here that not all servants will escape this calamity … only those who are sincere and purified servants. So how may one be among these servants who are to survive the assaults? Who is there to guide and lead?

The immense problem for the majority of Muslims worldwide at this time is that they are virtually leaderless, like small vessels tossed rudderless in a sea of danger and confusion. Those who are looked upon as leaders, though often sincere, have little or nothing to offer except a limited understanding of Quran and in many instances damaging cultural inclusions which hamper juristic excellence. This is complicated further by those in positions of power, who are traitorous to Islam and the trust in their keeping, making decisions and forming liaisons, all of which take their people further from safety and truth. And the world looks on!

We are seeing a repetition of times past when the arrogance of men sought to defy the Power of The Almighty. Prophets and Messengers from the dawn of time have faced trials and tribulations, and received guidance from Allah as a mercy to their people. At no previous time in Earth’s history has it been devoid of Allah’s Mercy and Message. Ordinances and Laws were given for the Guidance and safeguarding of humanity.

Prophet Ibrahim’s role in Imamate

While there are many Prophets and Messengers of Allah, the one, apart from Muhammad, Seal of the Prophets , with whom we find evidence relating to circumstances for all time, is Prophet Ibrahim (as). Forefather of Prophet Muhammad (s), Prophet Ibrahim’s experience, Quranically, is vital in connection to matters Islamic now as we shall see:

And remember when his Lord tried Ibrahim with his commands, and he fulfilled them. He said: I have appointed you an Imam for mankind. Ibrahim said: And of my offspring? He said: My covenant does not include wrong-doers. (Quran 2:124)

We know that Prophet Ibrahim(s) had been not only a Messenger but a Prophet of Allah, that he had been true in all situations and of him it is said that he was recognized as a Friend of Allah. However, after these events had taken place, Prophet Ibrahim, by now an old man, was told that he had been made Imam over mankind. Secondly this was to be an inherited position of honor for the bloodline of Ibrahim, this being granted when he specifically voiced his request for it to be an inheritance. Thirdly, Allah referred to this Imamate as a Covenant which could not include wrongdoers.

No Muslim alive would deny that the holy Prophet of Islam was included in this Covenant. However, to whom was this Covenant to be passed after Prophet Muhammad? Who was to be the Imam to follow the Holy Prophet (pbuhahp)?

Mastership of Ali

This, of course, is where Islamic history diverges. However, in both Sunni and Shia hadith we find that the Imamate was handed on to Ali ibn Abi Talib (as) at Ghadir al- Khum where we are told that after the last hajj, and only approximately two months before his death, our Holy Prophet Muhammad called the people together and in front of this large number, addressed the audience thus: “Do I not have more authority over you than you yourselves have?” to which all replied: “Yes you have.” Then he said: “This Ali is the master of him, whose master I am.”

Was this just a whim? Could the Holy Prophet ever be accused of nepotism? There had been envy in certain quarters regarding Ali’s excellence and closeness to the Prophet(s). He had figured so strongly in Islam from the beginning. He had championed the Holy Prophet every step of the way. He had fought courageously and his life had steadfastly patterned itself upon all that was righteous and good. There can be no doubt that Prophet Muhammad knowing all of this, knew of the storm brewing in the choice of Ali to take up the Mastery, to carry the Covenant. But the choice was not within the realm of the Holy Prophet, and this may be seen in the tradition of the meeting with the head of one of the Arab tribes.

Ayatullah Murtaza Mutaherri, may Allah reward him, has mentioned that in the Sirah Ibn Hisham it is reported that the head of one of the Pagan tribes of Arabs said after speaking with Prophet Muhammad (s) “Had this man been of my tribe, I would have devoured the Arabs with his help,” meaning that the Holy Prophet was so charismatic that he could have subdued all the Arabs with his help. Turning to the Prophet the man said: “I and my people are ready to have faith in you provided you give us your word to appoint me or one of my people to be your successor.” His reply was: It is not up to me to say who would succeed me. It is with Allah.” [2]

It was at the time of Ghadir al-Khum that the Quranic verse was revealed: “Today, the unbelievers have lost hope of ever harming your religion; so fear them not and have fear of Me! This day have I perfected your religion for you and completed My favour to you, and have chosen Islam for you as your religion.” Quran 5:03.

Thus the good news was that the Prophet (pbuhahp) had fulfilled his duty, the religion was now perfected, the Covenant would be carried on through the line of Ali (as) and Fatemah Zahra, the beloved daughter of the Holy Prophet (pbuhahp), Allah, Himself had so decreed. However, this ayat, being remarkable in position as well as in interpretation, requires us to seek further knowledge. If we look carefully we find (a) that the unbelievers had now lost all hope of harming Islam; (b) therefore it was wrong to fear them. (c) Nevertheless, it was commanded to fear Allah. While points (a) and (b) can be readily understood, point (c) requires further thought.

Of this point © Ayatullah Murtaza Mutaherri says regarding internal evidence existing in this verse: “So the verse, This day the unbelievers have lost all hope of ever harming your religion; so fear them not, and have fear of Me, means that the unbelievers do no longer pose any threat to the Muslim world. Have fear of Me means: be afraid of yourselves, for if there is any danger now, that lies in your being ungrateful to Allah and not taking full advantage of His bounties. Should the Muslim not act properly, the law is bound to come into force against them. Surely Allah does not change the position of a people until they change that which is in their hearts. Henceforward no danger from outside threatens Muslim society, but danger from inside does threaten it.[3]

Division and Confusion

Of course history has shown that indeed the greatest threat to the religion of Islam and Muslim people came from within. Great have been the clashes and wars brought about by refusal to follow the Divine decree. How many have been martyred for this Truth!

Even though the evidence regarding the Covenant and Imamate is beyond dispute, still the majority of Muslims believe that Imamate is unimportant, that governance of the Muslims can be carried out by any pious one who is selected by the majority. However, to confuse rulership with Mastership is to take away the spiritual aspect of leadership and the guidance which is vital.

Imam Rida (pbuh) has said: “When God wills to appoint someone to look after the affairs of humanity, He expands his chest and makes his heart the source of realities and wisdom. He continuously endows him with His knowledge so that after receiving it he would not be incapable of answering any question. Moreover, in explaining the realities and providing the right guidance he would not fall into any error or falsehood. He is free from any corruption and error, he is ma’sum. He remains all the time the recipient of God’s support and assistance, and is protected from sinful deviation. God appoints him to this prominent position so that he becomes the Proof of God’s existence on earth. This is God’s special favour, which He gives to whomever He pleases. Indeed, God’s bounty is extensive.”[4]

There is another, more major aspect of this Covenant, hitherto not mentioned, to which we refer. From the same source we are told: “One of the companions of Imam Sadiq, Abu Hamza says: I asked the Imam, “Can the earth survive without the presence of the Imam?” He said, “If the earth is devoid of the Imam it will be destroyed.” Such would be easy for Allah. We have seen sudden destruction played out before our eyes. However, the fact that the earth was not destroyed is, for us, evidence of the presence of the twelfth Imam, Imam Mahdi(as) whose appearance we long for, and for whom we plead with Allah.

In Conclusion

The situation upon the Earth has finally brought us to the place where Islamic history has to be examined with great care. The unthinkable must be taken from the wraps of ignorance which have been used as cover, and the hatred and prejudice which has been harbored over the centuries must be cast aside and truth sought….. otherwise, as in the case of those who refused to enter the ark, there is no hope. We are on the brink of an upheaval far greater than any tsunami.

There is so much to say, so much to write of so many aspects regarding Wilayat, particularly in this era, yet so few words, so little time and such lack of talent. I regret deeply the fact that I am limited in such ways.

There can be no doubt that it is only through the acceptance of the Mastership of Imam Ali (peace be upon him) and upholding of the coming Al Mahdi (pbuh) can this world be redirected to Justice, Truth and Deliverance. All praise be to Allah, Lord of the Worlds, The Sustainer, and Peace be upon the Holy Prophet Muhammad and his pure descendants.

***

References

[1] Imam Ali, Nahjul Balagha Sermon 23

[2] Ayatullah Murtaza Mutahheri, Man and Universe, p.497

[3] ibid p. 516.

[4] Kulayni, Usul al-kafi

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