ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Ashura Some Instances Of Loyalty In The Supplication: Ziyarat Al-Warith Three aspects of loyalty are portrayed in this supplication 1- Salutation: that is “Peace be on you, O heir to Adam, God’s chosen one.” 2- Testimony: that is “I bear witness that you are the pious and devout Imam” 3- Stand: that is “My heart is in submission to your heart and my actions follow yours.

In the following passages we will discuss these three aspects of loyalty which appear in this supplication. First Aspect: Salutation This is the first manifestation of loyalty which has three parts: First: Peace be on you, O heir to Adam, God’s chosen one! Second: Peace be on you, O son of Muhammad, the chosen one! Third: Peace be on you, O God’s avenger, the son of God’s avenger!

Among the elements of loyalty are salutation and submission i.e, not disputing and differing with the leadership, both in the mind and in behaviour. By submission we mean practical obedience and compliance. However, this obedience stems from internal harmony and love for the leader and not from coercion. The relationship of the community with its leaders is that of firmly rooted submission that is visible in behaviour.

This relationship is exhibited at the end of the formal prayer in the form of salutation: “Peace and God’s mercy and blessings be on you, O Prophet.” The fruit reaped by the servant when he soars toward God in prayer is obedience and love for the [God-appointed] leaders. Islam has prescribed the word ‘peace’ as the faithfuls’ salutation for one another. This general greeting: ‘Peace be on us and on God’s righteous servants’ is the closing part on which the worshippers finish their prayers.

The importance given to spreading peace arises from the emphasis that is laid on the type of relationship that should exist between Muslims. This relationship is established on the basis of eschewing discord and disagreement among Muslims; removing hatred, malice and ill-will from minds; establishing love and fellow feeling in hearts and cooperation and concord in action.

Second Aspect: Testimony Testimony is a declaration of trust, faith and loyalty, and such a testimony must be coupled with submission so that they complement one another.