ভূমিকা
Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Anecdotes for Reflection Part 1 Faith ========= Allah, the Wise, has said: ياَ اَيُّهاَ الَّذِينَ آَمَنُوا آَمِنُوا بِاللهِ وَ رَسُولِهِ وِ الْكِتاَب (O’ You who believe!
Faith has four pillars - tawakkul [^3], tafweedh [^4], ridha [^5] and tasleem [^6] - and one who possesses these pillars, acquires tranquillity and repose, and his faith attains stability and permanence. The faith of those who are weak in belief is neither stable nor permanent. Did not Imam Sadiq (a.s.) say: (Allah grants the world to His friends and foes alike, but faith, He bestows only to the chosen ones from amongst His creations)?
Hence, those possessing true and perfect faith have always been in the minority; forbearance being their ‘minister’ and wisdom, the ‘commander of their army’. Harithah’s Martyrdom One day, after offering the morning prayers in congregation, the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.) looked around the mosque and his eyes fell upon a youth, Harithah Ibn Maalik Ansaari, who sat with his head lowered in a state of drowsiness.
His face was pale, his body thin and weak and his eyes appeared to have sunk into their sockets. The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.) approached Harithah and inquired: “What state are you in?” “I find myself as a true believer,” replied the youth. The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.) asked, “Everything possesses a truth; what is the truth behind what you claim?” “O’ Prophet of Allah! I have become disenchanted with the world,” he answered.
“I stay awake (in worship) in the night, and endure thirst (by observing fasts) in the day. It is as if I am witnessing the A’rsh (Throne) of God and the scenario of Reckoning, observing the inmates of Paradise meeting each other and hearing the shrieks of the inmates of hell.” The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.) remarked, “This is a person, whose heart Allah has illuminated”. Then, addressing Harithah, he continued, “You have acquired perception and insight, so remain steadfast”.