ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Islam Fundamental Principles and Teachings Editor’s Foreword Islam is a unique and indivisible system that provides a complete and comprehensive set of teachings that address the issues of concern to mankind for his life in this world and in the hereafter.

Adherence to the teachings of Islam, which are devised by the designer and creator of mankind, brings about bliss and happiness in this world and prepare the individual for the eternal life in the hereafter. Furthermore, when one looks at the teachings of Islam, one will find they are not difficult or cumbersome to implement.

This is because those teachings come from the same source that brought man into existence, and therefore one finds them to be in harmony with the nature of mankind and his natural disposition. It is clear from the evidence before us that mankind – even in non- Muslim communities – gradually and by piecemeal is implementing the teachings of Islam, but without realising it.

Left to his own devices, he would probably continue doing so until he ultimately comes to realise the truth of the teachings of Islam. The teachings of Islam are revealed to help mankind attains his perfect achievement both in this world and the hereafter.

In part one of this discourse the author discusses Os}ool al-Deen or the fundamental principles of Islam, which are tawh}eed or the indivisible Oneness of God, ‘adl or Divine Justice, nobowwah or Prophethood, ima>mah or leadership, and mi‘a>d or Resurrection. In the section on ima>mah, the author gives a brief biography of the 12 Imams or leaders divinely appointed to lead mankind after the until the end of time.

To facilitate the reader with a better perception of the prophet and his household, Ahl al- Bayt, some of their sayings (h}adith) are presented following the brief biography of each imam. This has been included by the editor with the prior permission of the author. The author also addresses the issue of the eternal miracle or legacy the Messenger of Islam presented to mankind; namely the glorious Qur’an, presenting h}adith from (S)2, and the infallible Imams (A)3.