The Holy Prophet (s.

The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) declares that one who seeks knowledge for four reasons shall be worthy of a place in Hell, viz., one who seeks knowledge merely to debate with the scholars, or solely to have some vain talks with the fools and simpletons or some aimless discussions, or to invite the people towards oneself or to acquire some wealth from the affluent.

(Behaarul Anwaar vol 2, vase 38) 'And bless the listeners so that they may respond to invitations of truth and righteousness and lend their ears to sound advice and admonitions.' One must always endeavour to obey and abide by Allah's commands. As Allah asserts in the Quran in the chapter of Baqarah, verse 38 "Then whoever follows My guidance, no fear shall come upon them nor shall they grieve.' Indeed admonitions keep alive the heart and dispel unawareness and incognizance.

The best admonisher is the Quran. Hence we must endeavour to be constantly in touch with this miracle that has come for man's guidance. 'And grant relief and tranquillity to the ailing.' 'And bestow Your mercy and pardon on the dead.' In the above two statements of the supplication, Imame Asr (a.t.f.s.) implores Allah to reform the condition of the afflicted and dead among the Muslims. These invocations only serve to remind us of our obligations towards the sick and dead amongst us.

Indeed in our busy lives today, we seem to have overlooked these two sections of the community. Keeping in mind the implorations of Imam (a.s.) for the indisposed and the dead, we must take out time to visit the ailing and pray for their relief and comfort. And as far as the dead are concerned, we should recite the Quran on their behalf and visit their graves regularly and pray for the forgiveness of their sins.

'And bestow dignity and serenity upon our elders' The elders play a very pivotal role in the progress of the community. The enthusiasm and fervour of the youth can only be reined in by the experience and foresight of the senior citizens of the nation. However, the elders must work alongside the youth keeping in mind their own dignity and honour. Then they should not do anything to violate this respect and esteem.

Indeed the similitude of the senior members of society is that of captain of ship, who even in the storm, does not lose his bearings, but musters up all his experience and expertise, steering the ship towards the shore.' 'And endow the youth with a feeling of repentance and contrition. A man's youth is a period of craze and abandon.