Salamun alaykum,
Message from the Imam:
In one of his Risala- message- to the faithful believers, our eleventh Imam Hasan Al Askari (a.s.) advised, “I command you to practice Taqwa, work hard for sake of Allah, tell the truth only, return the deposits to their owners whether they are pious or sinful, prostrate yourselves before Allah for long period and treat your neighbours courteously. These are the matters that (Prophet) Muhammad brought. ……”
Can we do it?
When posed with the question: ‘Are you following the above instructions?’ responses would typically be on the lines such as ‘yes, I do try, not always, it becomes a struggle, at times I get distracted by shaytan…..’
However, can you try to fulfill them all?
Yes, we can do it:
On giving a greater reflection to our daily living don’t you find that you are already performing many of the deeds mentioned?
We observe prayers, work hard and display good etiquettes like hard work, truth, honesty, trust, courtesy, social relations. Actually, one is able to smoothly discharge them without a second thought. Hasn’t this become ones’ natural behaviour? Like a duck gliding on water!
To have developed a natural behaviour of fulfilling these excellent qualities did not require superhuman efforts. Thus, isn’t the Imam presenting us with a message that can be acted upon; that is do-able?
One’s mindset needs to be developed towards achieving these merits. This results to having an impact on our deeds. By being conscious and determined to act upon the instructions one will be achieving success in becoming a Muslim devoted to the message of Noble Prophet Muhammad s.a.w.w.
Reflect:
Behaving in the manner outlined above is an expression of commitment to wilayah- Divine leadership- of the Imam.
Tomorrow as we celebrate the auspicious occasion of birth of our eleventh Imam Hasan al Askari who was born on 10th Rabi ul Thani 232 A.H. will you strive in doing your utmost to emulate these qualities?
Be determined. Keep on trying. In striving to lead our lives as per the message, we have been assured of Divine help from Allah SWT as mentioned in Noble Quran:
“We shall certainly guide those who strive hard for Us to Our ways…” (Sura Al Ankabut 29:69)
Heartiest Felicitations on the Happy and Auspicious Occasion of the Birth Anniversary of our 11th Imam Hasan Al Askari (A.S.)
Khushali Mubarak.
Wa ma tawfiqi illa billah.
With salaams and duas,
Sheikh Fazle Abbas Datoo
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Resident Alim
Wessex Shia Ithna Asheri Jamaat