ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books The Role of Holy Imams (a.s.) in the Revival of Religion Vol.

1 Chapter 2: Causes of Distortions In previous discussions we spoke of the Prophets tradition which stated that: (There will come a time for my nation when nothing will remain of Islam except a name, and of the Quran only its written word) Also, in an explanatory introduction given for an understanding of this tradition, we observed that Islam, as God's everlasting religion, has four states of existence: First Existence Existence in name (Nominal) which is the very terminology that Islam obtained from the Arabic vocabulary and language, and set forth in the society with new meanings.

Second Existence Islams' existence in meaning, or its conceptional existence which consists of the very meanings that Islamic religious law gave to its chosen terms. Third Existence Islams' existence in practice, found in its believers and followers. It is here that Islamic identity gains its manifestation, meaning that persons come to exist who have recognized this name, and its meanings and apply it.

Fourth Existence Or Islamic Society which is based on the three previous existences, and may not possibly exist without them. It is founded when the Prophet finds a society with those persons who practice Islam and have made a promise to obey and be faithful to him. This groups promise of allegiance or loyalty on one hand and the Prophets leadership on the other, lay the foundation for this society.

The formation of an Islamic society and just government is the tremendous religious precept all persons in the society are held responsible for. But most of all the Prophet and Imam. This is not the Prophets or Imams special religious responsibility even if others do not cooperate with him, No! It is this great man's task to strive towards this end, and the obligation of all others to aid him.

As such, in the quoted words of the Imam of the Pious we see that he said: “Behold, by Him Who split the grain (to grow) and created living beings, if people had not come to me and supporters had not exhausted the argument and if there had been no pledge of Allah with the learned to the effect that they should not acquiesce in the gluttony of the oppressor and the hunger of the oppressed I would have cast the rope of the Caliphate on its own shoulders, and would have given the last one the same treatment as to the first one”.