ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books A Glance at the Beloved Love ======= Submission is a condition for love and love is a Pre-requisite for faith (imaan) One of the signs of submission in a Shia is his love and attachment towards the Ahlul Bayt (a.s.). It is a sign of recognition of the Imams (a.s.), especially in the period of occultation. As far as love is considered, it is sufficient to say that it is the foundation of Islam.

Imam Sadiq (a.s.) asserts, لكلِّ شيء أساس ، وأساس الاِسلام حبنا أهل البيت 'Everything has a foundation and the foundation of Islam is the love for us, the Ahlul Bayt (a.s.).'[^1] Therefore, traditions have introduced love of the Ahlul Bayt (a.s.) as the highest and the most privileged form of worship.

Imam Sadiq (a.s.) informs further, إنّ فوق كلّ عبادة عبادة وحبّنا أهل البيت أفضل عبادة 'Love of us Ahlul Bayt (a.s.) is the highest form of worship.'[^2] The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) introduced the names of all the Imams (a.s.) to the Muslims.

When he introduced Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) he declared, من احب ان يلقي الله وقد كمل ايمانه وحسن اسلامه فليوال الحجة صاحب الزمان المنتظر 'One who wants to meet Allah in such a condition that his faith is perfect and his Islam is in good condition then he should accept Mastership of Imam al-Zaman (a.t.f.s.) the awaited.' And at the end of the tradition he (s.a.w.s.) stated, فهولاء مصابيح الدجى وأئمة الهدى وأعلام التقى ومن أحبهم وتولاهم كنت ضامناُ له على الله الجنة.

They (Imams) are the lamps in darkness and the Imams of guidance and signs of piety. One who loves them and accepts their Mastership, then I assure Paradise for him near Allah.'[^3] Faith begins with Mastership and love of Amirul Mo'mineen (a.s.), and attains perfection with mastership and love for Hazrat Hujjat (a.t.f.s.). Therefore without love for the unseen Imam (a.t.f.s.), faith will never reach perfection.

But love by itself is not something that Allah would simply bestow on all His servants just like that. Rather He grants it only to such servants that He wishes to guide. Love and affection towards Imam (a.t.f.s.) is one way of reaching this grace, and this one of the most important bestowals from Allah's side. Imam Baqir (a.s.) reveals to Abu Khalid: 'By Allah, O Abu Khalid! Unless Allah purifies the heart of a servant, he cannot love us nor can he accept our Mastership.

And Allah does not purify his heart till he does not submit to us and is not in a state of submission towards us.