Al-Balagh Foundation is honoured to present to its dear readers...

Al-Balagh Foundation is honoured to present to its dear readers, glimpses from the life of this divinely infallible Imam. We pray to Allah to grant us success in keeping up our jihad, and purifying the earth from the mischief of the mischief makers and the corruption of the corrupt rulers, until Allah makes His religion triumph over all religions, even if the polytheists hate it.

**Al-Balagh Foundation INTRODUCTION** "..Allah only desires to take away uncleanness from you, O people of the household, and to purify you a (thorough) purifying." Holy Qur'an (33:33) The great message begets great men. The immortal principles produce immortal leaders. The uniquely great creed is certainly able to nurture uniquely great men.

Islam, the great faith, the immortal creed and the divine, uniquely great message, came to change life for the better, tear down the foundations of ignorance, uproot the causes of backwardness and corruption, and mould man's character on the basis of divine guidance, and in accordance with the moral values and the principles of equity and perfection. By this religion, man can reach perfection and join himself to the Eternal, Absolute Truth.

Islam is practical, taking life's facts into consideration, when it lays the plan for man's life, refines behaviour, leads humankind, and creates civilization. The phenomenon of leadership and Imamate is unmistakably the most critical phenomenon in man's social life.

The most controversial and important issue faced by the creeds, principles and values is the existence of the pioneering man, the exemplary personality, and the good example who understands his role, carries out his task, and leads the way for other people to march. Allah chose the Imams and leaders of this ummah from the Prophetic household, Commander of the Faithful, Imam Ali and his sons (a.s.).

The Qur'anic exegetes say that the above mentioned verse was revealed concerning Ali bin Abi-Talib and his wife Fatimah (a.s.), the daughter of the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.), and their sons, Hassan and Hussein (a.s.). Abu-Hurayrah, quoted Umm-Salamah, may Allah be pleased with her, as saying, "Fatimah came to see the Apostle of Allah with an earthenware pot filled with sweet paste she herself had made. She placed the pot in a tray and put it in front of him.

'Where is your cousin and your two sons?' asked the Prophet. 'At home,' replied Fatimah. 'Call them over' ordered the Apostle of Allah.