Looking at the forbidden is a potent poison with which Satan...

Looking at the forbidden is a potent poison with which Satan spoils the faith of the believer. On the other hand, the fear of Allah is the anti-dote to this poison. Indeed, the Shia must reflect on it here and now, during the period ofoccultation. If he desires to look at the forbidden he will never be able to cherish the sight of the luminous countenance oflmame Asr (a.t.f.s.).

*Refrain our hearing from vain talks and backbiting.' Quran declares 'And who keep aloof from what is vain.' (Mo'minoon: 3) All talks that do not involve some discussion about Allah or His Prophet (s.a.w.s.) or the Able Bayt (a.s.), can be accounted as vain. Even music is classified as vain and listening to it is forbidden. One who forsakes vain talks will find an elevation in his honour and esteem. 'Ghibat' means to muse over the shortcomings and flaws of a believer in his absence.

If indeed those flaws are present in the believer then it constitutes 'ghibat' (backbiting), else it takes the form of 'bohtan' (accusation). Quran has prohibited the believers from backbiting thus; "Not let some of you backbite others. Does one of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother?" (Hujrat : 12) Thus as per the Quran, backbiting of a believer is tantamount to eating the dead brother's flesh.

Not only is speaking evil of a believer prohibited, but even lending one's ears to the slanderous talks of the backbiter is forbidden. If it is possible for us, then we should immediately refrain the person from going on any further, and remind him of Allah's displeasure in this regard.

'And bless our scholars and the learned with piety and the ability to give sound advice.' Indeed if all the scholars of the Islamic nation strive and endeavour in the way of Allah, then most of our problems will be solved. In this supplication Imame Asr (a.s.) beseeches Allah to bestow His grace and benevolence upon the scholars of the Islamic nation.

Indeed if the learned of this nation do not propagate Islam with intensity, and do not exhort the Muslims towards goodness and refrain them from evil, then the only logical consequence will be sedition and disputes. 'And grant inclination to the seekers of knowledge to struggle hard in their quest for knowledge.' Here there is one thing that must always be kept in mind. The sole objective of acquiring knowledge must be to seek Allah's pleasure and satisfaction.