Characteristics of The Shia

Lately seeing different things i had been contemplating writing on the characteristics of Shia as people these days find it so easy to label everyone a shia. A movie was released in Pakistan where some dancing girls were labeled as being a shia. Does anyone even realize what these 4 words entail?! Today is 19th Ramdhan and i think no day could be better than today to state what Imam Ali(a.s) expected from his followers? Just read on and then determine whether its so easy to call ourselves a shia?


Being a Shia is a concept so comprehensive that it encompasses many responsibilities which have been thoroughly explained by the Infalliables (as), under the banner of “Sifatush Shia” - the characteristics of the Shia.

“O' Muyassir!  Should I not describe to you who our Shia (true followers) are?”  Muyassir replied, “But of course, may I be sacrificed for you (O' Imam).”  The Imam continued: “Unquestionably they (our Shia) are like a fortified stronghold; their chests (hearts) are places that preserve the trusts (given to them such as secrets and private information) and are those who have a firm, dignified intelligence; they do not spread rumors that they are told (by others) and are not strict, severe people; nor are they people who show off. During the night time, they are as monks (they stay up in the night, busy in prayer and the worship of Allah) while during the daytime, they are as lions (active, energetic, and involved in the activities of the world and their community).”

From the characteristics that have been mentioned in the tradition under discussion in relation to the Shia is that they do not get angry. Rather they are people who are full of love and possess the traits of elegance and grace; they have the soul and spirit (of action and speech) of 'Ali b. Abi Talib (as) within themselves. They have the spirit of Imam Ja'far b. Muhammad as-Sadiq (as) and the rest of the Infallible Leaders of true guidance within themselves and thus, they even show love and kindness to their enemies!

ref:http://www.al-islam.org/ethical-discourses-vol1/3.htm

Imam Ja'far b. Muhammad as-Sadiq (as) has said, “Test our Shia during the times of the (five daily) Salat - how do they protect them (the Salat) and (also test our Shia) in relation to our (the Ahlul Bait's) secrets - how do they protect them in relation to our enemies; and (also test our Shia) in relation to their money and wealth - how do they spend it among their fellow brothers.”
Salman b. Mahran said, “I entered into the presence of as-Sadiq (as) while there were a group of people from among the Shia in his company and he said the following to them, 'O' assembly of Shia!  Be a beauty for us (the Ahlul Bait) and do not be a source of embarrassment for us. Speak to the people in good ways and protect your tongues. Save your tongues from speaking things that do not need to be said, and which are detested.”

ref:http://www.al-islam.org/ethical-discourses-vol1/5.htm


Ask yourself this: how many of these characteristics are present in us? Does only saying Ali(a.s) Ali(a.s) make us a shia? Do we not have to translate that love into action? Would Imam Ali(a.s) only want us to say his naras and when it comes time for action use foul language, backbite, gossip, not pray? do you think that would make him happy? His enemies made him sad, and now you with your actions are doing the same? Would you want Imam(a.s) to be sad because of you? Think about this the next time you start sinning!

Independence Day

Yet another 14th August has gone by, it was the 64th Birthday of Pakistan. I feel like writing a lot yet words have gotten stuck in my mind. I dont know what to write, its as if the words are not going to make any difference. Hopelessness has set in, year by year this day passes and we as a nation keep falling. I don't know where to go, where to run?! Can't rid myself of this Pakistaniat(is that a word?) even, it runs deep in my blood! how to become carefree, how to stop caring so that this deep hurt at seeing the nation being destroyed doesnt destroy me as well? Is there a way? Does anyone have a solution?!
*sigh* i am tired of constant political analysis, of hoping things might become better. It has really become unbearable. I see a headache coming, so long for now then. Maybe some miracle!

Can anyone hear?

The noose tightens, the screams ebb
Does anyone hear?
The walls are closing in, the windows are shuttered, darkness is prevailing
The screams bounce off the walls.
Does anyone hear?
These silent screams are killing me from inside, killing the heart...
Does anyone hear? Does anyone care?

Suddenly a ray of light breaks the dark clouds, warms the heart, silences the screams
peace descends.
Someone does care!Someone does hear!

Sentiments of a shia pakistani...

I think these words truly depict how i feel at least. Whenever people ask me about Pakistan i always struggled with an answer BUT finally i found the words that explain all.

Yahan Har Shakhs, Har Pal Target Hone Se Darta Ha [ everyone is afraid of becoming a target]
Khilona Hai Wo Mitti Ka Fana Hone Se Darta Ha  i[he is toy of clay which is afraid to die]

Ghar Ke Kisi Kone Me Ik Masoom Sa Bacha   [an innocent kid in one corner of the house]
Barron Ki Dekh Kar Lashen Bara Hone Se Darta Hai  [is afraid to grow up after seeing the dead bodies of his elders]

Ajab Hai Zindagi Ki Qaid Me Es Sheher Ka Insan  [The person of the city is in a strange trap]
Rihai Mangta Hai Aur Riha Hone Se Darta Ha  [He asks for freedom but is afraid to be free]

Mohabbat Itni Gehri Hai Ke En Weeran Galiyon Se  [ His love is so deep for these lonely streets]
Nikalna Chahta Hai Par Juda Hone Se Darta Hai   [ wants to leave but is afraid of the separation]

Rights and Responsibilities

Whats the most common thing that is heard?

Isn't it usually someone demanding their rights or claiming that they had a right to something but didn't get it?!
Whenever we hear this or say this ourselves, do we stop and consider that have we fulfilled our own responsibilities?!

Allah(swt) create responsibilities and rights in equal proportion. The more the responsibility the more the rights, and vice versa. That's why Prophets(s.a) have more rights over people as their responsibility is also greater. If you feel you have so many rights, then also learn to own up to your responsibility. Try and incorporate this into your life and you might get into lesser conflicts and expect less from people.

It's usually the case that its easier to ask for something than to give! Don't forget the proportionality rule the next time you whine about your rights.

Peer Pressure

I was listening to this noha and some lyrics struck me. They went something like this:

 Marr gayee jiye Hussain(a.s)[They died, Hussain(a.s) lived]

 Jii ker marr gaya Yazeed(l.a) [Yazeed(l.a) died even while being alive]

Ajeeb tarz sey jahan ko dars e bandagi diya[lesson was taught to humanity in a very unique way]

naha kay apnay khoon mein Khuda ka shukar ada kiya[ After being covered in his(a.s) blood hethanked Allah(swt)] 

Tarap tarap kay samnay jawan laal marr gaya[Son died in front of his eyes]

 Ali kay laal nay magar na sir ko apnay kham kiya[But the son of Ali(a.s) did not bow his head]

At face value these words seem normal and simple BUT if you ponder over them they hold a very deep meaning. These words have the potential to change our lives.

It is we who are always pressurized into doing things because of society, friends and family etc. Just look at these words, Imam Hussain(a.s) sacrificed his precious son but still didn't bow his head. He was pressurized in so many different ways, through family, friends, Religion etc. BUT he went ahead with his mission and values. Never once did he look back or think about compromising.

Now lets analyze ourselves, we smoke , we don't wear Hijab, we gossip, we slander, we backbite,we act rude, watch immoral stuff...WHY?? Just because of peer pressure and to look cool.

Is this the lesson taught by Imam Hussain(a.s)??? Read these lines over and over again and try to comprehend what he showed us. Its not the society or its norms that matter, rather its the Happiness of Allah(swt).

As the saying goes sometimes its better to be the exception than the rule! Don't compromise on your values just to please others....its never going to make you happy!

Humbleness

Once a Jew came to Imam Ali(a.s) in time of his khilafat and pointing at his chain mail armor said this is mine. He said he won't leave till Imam Ali(a.s) presented this matter to a judge. Imam(a.s) went with him and the judge seeing the chain mail armor in the hand of the Jew declared it to be his. Imam Ali(a.s) handed the armor to the Jew.
The Jew seeing this fell at the feet of Imam(a.s) and said i just acted this way to see if this is indeed the religion propehsized by Hazart Musa(a.s). And said that this armor is indeed yours, i laid a false claim.

Think about this incident! If this isn't the height of humbleness then what is?! This man who held the khilafat over Rome and Persia. This man about whom the Holy Prophet(pbuh) said that all the prophets are under my banner and this banner is held by Imam Ali(a.s). Imagine...he not only had the spiritual superiority but also this worldly superiority YET he was humble enough to go along with someone when they even laid a false claim.

Can you comprehend this?

Ponder over this and think about it when you feel superior and look down upon people just because you learned 5 things about Islam. Learn a lesson from the life of Imam Ali(a.s) instead of just paying lip service. True love comes not from words BUT from displaying some action!

Ramdhan

Ramdhan Mubarak everyone.

It's a normal concept that in the month of Ramdhan Satan is bound BUT the important thing to ponder over is that why do we still commit sins? Isn't it so that its our nafs that has actually taken the place of Satan? Our nafs has been so much trained by Satan that now it doesnt need its master, rather it compels us to sin all on our own.

Dear brothers and sisters Ramdhan is very important in this regard. This is the time when we can train our nafs and control it rather than have it control us.I know its Ramdhan and everyone's tired so for now i am not going to write something very long.

Just some food for thought about how we can better ourselves. Try to capitalize on this holy month and train yourself. You have 30 days, make good use of it. Don't let it go to waste, we never know if its the last chance we get.

Stay happy and have a blessed month!