FUNDAMENTAL QUALITIES OF REFORM



3rd Muharram 1430 AH [lunar]


Prior to his uprising, Imam al-Husayn ('a) clearly stated the fundamental aim behind his uprising: Innama kharajtu litalab al-islaah fi ummati jaddi ("I only rose [against Yazid] to confer equilibrium to the nation of my grandfather"). And one who would like to confer equilibrium to a situation must enjoy the same himself. Two of the most fundamental prerequisites of a muslih (reformer)according to the Holy Qur'an are: (1) Adhering to the Book of Allah, and (2) Establishing prayer. The Holy Qur'an in chapter 7, verse 170 says: "As for those who hold fast to the Book and maintain the prayer indeed we do not waste the reward of those who bring about reform." Hence these two characteristics are essential. It is interesting to note that when Imam al-Husayn ('a) seeks permission on the 9th of Muharram for the night of 'Ashura, he is reported to have saidto his brother 'Abbas ('a): "If you can divert them from us today, then do so; perhaps we can pray to our Lord this night, for He knows that I love salat (prayer) for His sake and the recitation of His Book. [Ref: Sayyid Radhi bin Tawus al-Hasani, Al-Luhuf, p.89]. Notice in these moments too the Imam (who indeed is a muslih manifests the two fundamental requisites of a reformer.

Comments

Unknown said…
Beautiful! Thanks so much for posting these clips.... JazakAllah Sheikh!
7 January 2009 at 09:59
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