Thus might and glory is for Allah -azwj ...

Thus might and glory is for Allah -azwj , His Prophet -saww and his progeny -asws . (This verse shows that) the Prophet -saww and his family cannot be separated from one another until the end of the time, they are at the centre of the sphere of the faith; they are the poles of existence (i.e.

around which all existent/ entities revolve); they are the sky of generosity and the honour of all creation; they are the radiance of the sun of tribute, and the illumination of its moon; they are the origin of all power and glory and the source of inspiration; they are faith’s true meaning and its foundation.

The Imam -asws , is the bright source of light (to enlighten the dark and cruel) path; the flowing stream leading to Allah -azwj ; stream of fresh water for the dried land; the swirling sea; the resplendent full moon (badr) and the brimming brook of guidance, the path and the deliverance in places of peril. The torrential cloud, the roving rain the perfect full moon, the noble guide, the shading sky, the glorious blessing, the sea that will never dry.

Nobility that cannot be described, a fountain that forever flows, a garden (full of singing) birds, a fragrant and delightful flower (with) the sweetest smell and wafting aroma, the righteous conduct, the successful trade, the clear way, the gentle Physician, the compassionate father, the refuge for people in times of calamity, the judge, the command giver, the Prohibitor, Allah -azwj ’s ruler over His people, His (Allah -azwj ’s) confidant on (matters of) reality, Proof of Allah -azwj over His servants (He is) the object of pilgrimage on Allah -azwj ’s earth and the universe, ‘Informed’ of the Unseen.

His personal qualities cannot be encompassed, his inner virtues cannot be imagined and he is unfathomable reality. He is Unique of his age and unparallel to none. He is Allah -azwj ’s deputy in His injunctions and prohibitions There is none similar to him and no one can take his place. So, who is there that can attain knowledge about us; or can reach our rank; or can witness our miracles; or can ever comprehend our status.

In this matter, wisdom and intellect are bewildered; understanding becomes perplexed. Our status is so eloquent that the great ones appear worthless, and the scholars dwindle (into insignificance); the Poets become exhausted and wary; the genius stutter and are speechless; the noble orators begin to stammer; and the masters of language are humbled.