The way of the Household are regards teaching cannot be...

The way of the Household are regards teaching cannot be explained in this short book,and the famous books of ahadith can be consulted for examples of their teachings on religious education. However, it is not a bad idea to indicate here some of these teachings which can be gathered together under the general heading of the doctrines concerning the teaching of their followers.

These concern their moral teachings dealing with social behaviour and those things which may bring their followers closer to Allah, how to cleanse the heart from unclean things, and how to be honest. We have already mentioned, in the discussion of taqiyyah, some of the things about useful behaviour, and in the following pages we shall mention some further important matters. 34.

The Doctrine Concerning du'a' The Prophet said:Du'a' is a weapon for the believer, a pillar of din, ad a light of the heaven and the earth. and here is the truth. It became one of the peculiarities of the Shi'a by which they are distinguished. They have written many books mentioning its importance, and the correct way of performing these supplications, and from these ad'iyah (pl.

of du'a) which have been transmitted form the Household, hundreds of books, large and small, have been written, wherein are stored the aims of the prophet and his Household, urging their followers and encouraging them to recite du'a'. From them have been transmitted: The best worship is du'a'. The most beloved action in the view of Allah on earth is du'a'. Du'a' can remove calamities and retribution (which would otherwise have been ordained by Divine decree) Du'a' is the cure for every sickness.

The first Imam, Amir al-Mu'minin 'Ali (A S) was much given to du'a', and this is clear because he was the leader in monotheism (Sayyid al-muwahhidin) and the Chief among believers (Imam al-alihiyyin) and his ad'iyah and sermons are masterpieces of Arabic eloquence; for instance, the du'a' of Kumayl ibn Ziyad al-Mushhur. And they contain enough Divine and religious education to enable one to tread the right path to being a perfect Muslim.

In fact, the ad'iyah which are transmitted from the Prophet and his Household are the best guidance for a Muslim. When he thinks deeply about them, they will estimate in him strength of faith and belief and the spirit of sacrifice in the path of Allah, and will reveal to him the mystery of worship, and the sweetness of praying to Allah and abandoning everything but Him.