Salamun alaykum,
They doubted the Imam:
Imam Hasan Al Mujtaba a.s. was delivering an address to mobilise the
masses to support him in confronting the terror and injustice in the nation
being spread by Muawiya bin Abi Sufyan. In response the people began to
look at one another asking, "What do you think he intends by what he has
just said? We think that he intends to make peace with Muawiya and hand
over the authority to him. By God the man has become an unbeliever…..”
What was their reaction?
Doubting the Imam and filled with these aspersions they rushed towards his
tent plundering to the extent that they even took his prayer mat from under
him.
What happened? The desertion of the people from Imam Hasan a.s.
increased. Further threats upon life of Imam multiplied with some even
willing to hand him over to Muawiya. Subsequently Imam Hassan a.s. is
deserted; left as the loneliest commander. This led to the Imam
undertaking the peace treaty.
But, what was the message of Imam Hasan a.s. ?:
Amongst his addresses to the community the Imam said, “....I am the
sincerest of God's creatures in giving advice to them. I have not become one
who bears malice to any Muslims nor one who wishes evil or misfortune to
him. Indeed, what you dislike about jama'a -unity- is better for you than
what you like about division. I see what is better for you better than you see
for yourselves. Therefore, do not oppose my commands and do not reject
my judgement...”
Who were being addressed by the Imam?
These were the people who, after the martyrdom of Imam Ali a.s., had
pledged their allegiance to Imam Hasan Al Mujtaba a.s. as their leader.
Some of them being his and his father’s devoted Shias. Others were from
the Kharijites who desired to fight Muawiya with every possible means.
Some were men who loved discords, and anxious for booty, some were
doubters; some were followers of tribal leaders without reference to religion.
1 st August, 2025
Issue No: 473 6 th Safar, 1447 A.H.
Strangely they all were Muslims. They did practise the rituals of salat, sawm,
haj and other obligatory acts, yet they were opposing the commands of the
Imam and questioning his judgement.
The strategy of Muawiya had affected the people. What a mixed band of men
they were!
Why did the Imam address them?
At all times, Imam Hasan a.s. was repeatedly making it clear regarding
necessity of obedience to the Imam and in turn the requirement for their
total commitment to the Thaqalayn. Certainly, this was a test for the
followers.
Our world today:
We are passing through a period where Saahibal Asr Waz Zamaan -the
master of our Age, the Imam of our time- is in ghayba; occultation. As
Muslims, we too fulfil the practices and rituals of Islam. We devotedly count
ourselves as among the Shias of the Imam.
Whilst living amongst communities of faiths including Islam and those of no
faith one does interact by default with people of all ideologies and thoughts.
Even within our Shia community deviant ideas and misinformation are being
pedalled amongst the laity under the banner of academic discussions and
reformation. Further one’s nafs- individual self-is greedy to be satisfied for
selfish desires that result into mischief and corruption in society.
Today the strategies to lure one away from taqwa and Divine obedience, are
very much in strong play like the strategies of Muawiya in luring the masses
away from obedience to the Imam and drawing them to his side.
Therefore, isn’t there need to confront these deviant plans?
If the sincerity of devotion and obedience to the Imam would be overtaken,
then one may end up no longer being from the devoted Shias. One may end
up being a Shia for name’s sake only. Can one allow this outcome?
Be on guard: Do not oppose the Imam:
Is only fulfilling the practices and rituals of Islam sufficient to attain peak of
taqwa?
As a sincere devoted Shia are you on guard not to oppose the Divinely
Appointed Imam?
During this period of ghayba are you on guard that you do not slip into the
mixed band of men as was during the time of Imam Hasan Al Mujtaba a.s.?
أَعظَمَ اللهُ أُجُورَنا و أُجُورَكُم بِمُصابِنا بِالحُسَين ع
May Allah make our and your reward great for our mourning for Imam al-Husayn (as)
May He place us and you from those who help his cause with His
representative, the guided Imam from the family of Muhammad, peace be
on them.
Wa ma tawfiqi illa billah.
With salaams and duas,
Sheikh Fazle Abbas Datoo
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Resident Alim
Wessex Shia Ithna Asheri Jamaat