ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books The Human Cycle Lesson 1 11-4-09 The Open School Class: Explanation of Forty Ahadith Text: Jalali, Sayyid Muhammad Husayn. Sharh al-Arba’in al-Nabawwiyah. Arabic edition 1987, pages 419-422. Summary Allah (the All-Wise) says via the Qur’an inter alia , “O you who have faith! Save yourselves and your families from a Fire.” [^1] (66:6) , Here, “families” does not only mean your kin but also encompasses anyone connected to you.

The interesting point of this verse is the order in which it addresses the believer. Allah (the All-Merciful) first mentions saving one’s self, and then He mentions saving others. This makes logical sense. How can one save someone else before he saves himself? For example, if I am drowning with others, I cannot save another person who is drowning unless I prevent myself from drowning first. In regards to saving family ( e.g.

, one’s children), there is a hadith (tradition) that says that one should play with his children until the age of seven, then for the next seven years, one should teach his children manners, and then for the next seven years, one should be a friend to his children.

However, if one is to follow this paradigm, then one needs to be educated himself, which goes back to the concept that one should save himself (the first phase of salvation, while saving family and then saving society are the second and third phases, respectively). In regards to saving one’s self, we must respect other human beings and ourselves, primarily, via manners.

Allah (the All-Knowing) says via the Qur’an (2:256) , inter alia , “There is no compulsion in religion.” We should not force others to believe something, and we ourselves should not be forced. We should obtain and spread truth and knowledge through intellect and reasoning. This is the proper path; the path of manners and self-building.

Furthermore, Allah (the All-Praiseworthy) says via the Qur’an (2:194) , inter alia , “So should anyone aggress against you, assail him in the manner he assailed you, and be wary of Allah.” Meaning, do not exceed the limits. Do not be overpowered by emotion and revenge. One needs to control one’s self. Additionally, Allah (the All-Beneficent) says via the Qur’an (24:27) , inter alia , “O you who have faith!

Do not enter houses other than your own until you have announced [your arrival] and greeted their occupants.” Meaning, one should say salam (peace) to others.