ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books The Role of the in Building the Virtuous Community Book Eight: The System of Devotional Acts of the Virtuous Community Identifying the General Political Attitude Imitating the Holy Prophet (S) and following the instruction of the Holy Qur'an, the (‘a) made sure that the season of Hajj took the form of an annual meeting held by Muslims in order to declare their general political attitude and the most important situations that are related to all Muslims.

Historically, in the first year of their Hajj after the conquest of Makkah, Surah Bara'ah ( al-Tawbah , No. 9) was revealed. The Holy Qur'an and the Holy Prophet (S) declared a release from all obligations towards the polytheists. This was one of the most significant political attitudes demonstrated by Islam.

In the last season of Hajj led by the Holy Prophet (S) and known as the hijjat al-wada’ (Farewell Pilgrimage), the Holy Prophet (S) delivered a sermon that included all political and social attitudes of Muslims. At the end of his last Hajj , he declared the future leadership as Imam ‘Ali’s and the Muslims’ duty towards him. This declaration, which took place in a region called Khumm Spring (i.e.

Ghadir), the Holy Prophet (S) openly declared: أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ، مَنْ كُنْتُ مَوْلاَهُ فَهَذَا عَلِيٌّ مَوْلاَهُ. اَللَّهُمَّ وَالِ مَنْ وَالاَهُ، وَعَادِ مَنْ عَادَاهُ، وَانْصُرْ مَنْ نَصَرَهُ، وَاخْذُلْ مَنْ خَذَلَهُ، وَأَحِبَّ مَنْ أَحَبَّهُ، وَأَبْغِضْ مَنْ أَبْغَضَهُ. O people, whoever has taken me as master, ‘Ali is now his master.

O Allah, (please) be the friend of him who takes ‘Ali as master, be the opponent of him who antagonizes ‘Ali, give victory to him who supports ‘Ali, disappoint him who disappoints ‘Ali, love him who loves ‘Ali, and hate him who hates ‘Ali. [^1] This event is unanimously reported by all Muslims. The aforementioned traditions on the goals of Hajj also indicate this particular goal and practical outline.

Of course, this goal is naturally imposed by the devotional act of Hajj and this annual gathering which is attended by select individuals of the Muslim nation as well as those who are financially capable of performing this religious duty.

Meeting the Imam and the Leadership of the Muslim Community The (‘a) emphasized meeting and visiting the Imam (‘a) during the season of Hajj in order to get his advice and guidance and to become acquainted with the detailed attitudes towards various issues that concern Muslims.

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