ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books The Faith of Shi'a Islam Part Four: Teachings For the Shia From the Household of the Prophet **Introduction ** The Imams of the Household knew that power would not return to them in their own lifetimes, and that the Shi'a would remain under the rule of others, and that they would be obliged to use force and violence to struggle against this rule.

At the same time, it was natural for them to conceal their religion and the way that they followed, as long as taqiyyah did not cause bloodshed and did not bring harm to others or to Islam; thus they endeavoured to stay in this sea of troubles, treachery, hatred and vengeance against the Household.

It was necessary, because of this, for the Imams to devote their time to teaching their followers the fundamentals of the Islamicshari'ah in a special way, and to guide them in correct social behaviour so that they might become examples of perfect, just Muslims. The way of the Household as regards teaching cannot be explained in this short book, and the famous books ofahadith can be consulted for examples of their teachings on religious education.

However, it is not a bad idea to indicate here some of these teachings which can be gathered together under the general heading of their doctrines concerning the teaching of their followers. These concern their moral teachings dealing with social behaviour and those things which may bring their followers closer to Allah, how to cleanse the heart from unclean things, and how to be honest.

We have already mentioned, in the discussion oftaqiyyah, some of the things about useful social behaviour, and in the following pages we shall mention some further important matters. **34. The Doctrine Concerning du'a' ** The Prophet said: Du'a' is a weapon for the believer, a pillar of din, and a light of the heaven and the earth. and here is truth. It became one of the peculiarities of the Shi'a by which they are distinguished.

They have written many books mentioning its importance, and the correct way of performing these supplications, and from thesead'iyah (pl. ofdu'a') which have been transmitted from the Household, hundreds of books, large and small, have been written, wherein are stored the aims of the Prophet and his Household, urging their followers and encouraging them to recitedu'a'. From them have been transmitted: The best worship isdu'a'. The most beloved action in the view of Allah on earth isdu'a'.