Imam Sadiq (‘a) reportedly...

Imam Sadiq (‘a) reportedly, used to recite the recitations of bowings and prostrations etc. five hundred times (the narrator says that he counted only this much). It is mentioned in Kashful Ghummah that Imam Sajjad (‘a) used to recite words of divine glorification and submission a thousand times. But as the age advances, this strength does not remain. Man is not able to arise at mid-night in winter, to make ablution and try to remain in prostration for an hour.

Make the most of five things before the arrival of their opposites It is quoted in Majlisi’s Ainul Hayat that the Holy Prophet (‘s) once said, “O Abu Zar! Take benefit of five things before you face their opposites. Youth before old age,” Religious responsibility starts from the beginning till at the most thirty-three or forty years of age. Beyond forty it is old age. O those who have not reached forty! Appreciate your youthfulness. Do not spend your prime life in wrongdoing.

Inability in childhood, mischief making in youth and weakness in old age! When would you worship God? Take full benefit of your needlessness before you enter the state of neediness. Before you are unable to do things, do as many good deeds as possible. A man who is healthy and safe must make most of these bounties before they are taken away from him or he falls ill. One of the scholars fell in trouble. He was unable to speak as he was in a coma. O those who are able to move your tongues easily!

📌Remember that a time will come when you will want to utter the Kalima (Testimony of faith) or a word by your tongue but you will not be able to do so. So take benefit of your ability now. A man faces several calamities in his life. One who is well to do now should make provision for the onward journey towards God by remembering Him more and more. He should act before he is disabled. The most important matter is that man must make the most of his life before his death.

Every breath is a pearl, which leads you towards God as mentioned in a supplication of Imam Zainul Aabedeen (‘a). Seek it from God in right earnest. My Lord! Kindly make me successful in what I will be asked tomorrow on the Day of Judgment. Give me respite in the few years, which are left from my life so that I may pass them completely in Your worship and in Your service.

God makes you strong from a weak state and again returns you to weakness From the first moment of conception in womb, from the very start of creation, it is strengthening and gaining of physical abilities.

✦ ✦ ✦