Imam Ali : The Ka`ba of Belief

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Mashalallah! to understand Imamat, Here is a Khutbah of Imam Ali a.s from Mashariq Ul Anwaar.

Hadeeth-At-Tariq

Introduction to what an Imam a.s. Is?

Tariq bin Shihab asked: “O Ameer al-Momineen a.s. please explain the virtues of an Imam (masoom), Ameer al-Momineen a.s. replied:

“O Tariq, the Imam a.s is ‘Kalima-tul-Allah’ word of Allah; ‘Hujjat-Allah the proof of Allah; Waj-Allah’ the face of Allah; ‘Noor-Allah’ the light of Allah; ‘Hijab-Allah’ the veil of Allah and ‘Ayat-Allah’ the sign of Allah. He a.s. is chosen by Allah swt who bestows onto him whatever (qualities, perfections) He Chooses, and Makes it compulsory on all His creatures to Obey him (Imama.s.). Thus he (Imam a.s.) is Allah swt’s (appointed) ruler in all the heavens and the earth. Allah swt has taken a covenant regarding this from all His servants. Whosoever precedes the Imam a.s. has denied established kingdom of Allah swt. He (Imam a.s.) can act as he finds it appropriate, (however) his actions only corresponds to that which Allah swt’s wills.

Inscribed on his upper limb is the (declaration): The word of Allah swt is accomplished with truth and justice. For the Imama.s. is both justice and the truth. A column of light (stretching) from the earth to the sky is created for him, in which he witnesses the actions of (the whole) mankind. He is enrobed in the (cloak of) power and dignity; he knows what is in the minds (of people) and has access to the unseen (al-ghayb); he has been entrusted with absolute power (in conducting his affairs); he beholds all that rests between the dominions of the East and the West: There is nothing from the realms of ‘Mulk and Malakoot’, which is hidden from him; and he has been granted with the ability to communicate with the birds, during the time of his Wilayah. Thus, he is the only one, whom Allahswt has chosen for His revelations, has approved him for (knowledge of) the al-ghaib (Unseen), has strengthened him by his speech, and instructed him in wisdom. His heart has made a station for His will. (Allahswt) has proclaimed his governance and has granted him the (privilege) to rule, and has commanded all to obey him. This is because the Imamate is the legacy of the Prophets, is equal to the rank (Manzilat) of the Ausiyaa (those who instruct to good). Indeed it is the vicegerency of Allahswt and his messengers and therefore is regarded infallible, with (true) dominion and governance. Indeed, it is the (True) guidance since it is the perfection of the ‘deen’ and the benchmark of all virtues.

The Imama.s., then, is the guide for the seekers (of truth), a beacon for the (rightly) guided, an established path for the travellers (to Allahswt) and a radiant sun in the hearts of devotees of Allahswt (al-Arifoon). His Wilayah is the vehicle leading to salvation, submission to him is obligatory in this life, (and has many benefits) as well as an instrument (of deliverance) in the hereafter, he is the source of courage and glory (izz) for the true believers; means of intercession for the sinners; a minarets of deliverance for the who immensely love him; a standard of triumph for the obedient. This is due to the fact that Imama.s, is the only one who can guide to the real Islamic path, through revealing the virtues of ‘Iman’, recognition of limits of rewards and punishments and clarifying the laws related to permissible and forbidden. Thus this status is only given to no one but to the one who is specially nominated and blessed by Allahswt and is given a clear distinction and right to administer public affairs and is made sole responsible for people’s sustenance. Indeed, Imam provides knowledge of the boundaries and injunctions (of Allahswt) and makes clear the lawful and unlawful. The Imamate is a station that none can reach except those whom Allahswt has chosen and has given them precedence (over others), investing them with the authority to rules and to judge. Thus wilayah is (nothing other than) safeguarding (people) from danger and disaster and the management of all affairs, (even down to) demarcating the days and months. The Imama.s., is Fresh and sweet water for those thirsting (for knowledge & wisdom) A guide to (true) Guidance. The Imama.s., is ayat-e-Tathir, acquainted with (mysteries of the) unseen. The Imama.s., is the sun that rises over (Allahswt’s) servants with its (illuminating) rays. The grasp and understanding of people cannot comprehend his attributes. This is alluded to in the words of Allahswt, most high (in the Quran): “To Allahswt belongs fearlessness and glory (Izza) and to his messenger and to the believers”. Here, the believers are being referred to as, Ali a.s and the 11 Imams after him. Thus might and glory is for Allahswt, His Prophetsaww and his progeny.

“(This verse shows that) the Prophetsaww and his family cannot be separated from one another until the end of time, they are at the centre of the sphere of the faith; they poles of existence (i.e. around which all existent/ entities revolve)”

They are the sky of generosity and the honour of all creation; they are the radiance of the sun of tribute, and the illumination of its moon; they are the origin of all power and glory and the source of inspiration; they are faith’s true meaning and its foundation.

The Imama.s., is the bright source of light (to enlighten the dark and cruel) path; the flowing stream leading to Allahswt; stream of fresh water for the dried land; the swirling sea; the resplendent full moon (badr) and the brimming brook of guidance, the path and the deliverance in places of peril. The torrential cloud, the roving rain the perfect full moon, the noble guide, the shading sky, the glorious blessing, the sea that will never dry Nobility that cannot be described, a fountain that forever flows, a garden (full of singing) birds, a fragrant and delightful flower (with) the sweetest smell and wafting aroma, the righteous conduct, the successful trade, the clear way, the gentle Physician, the compassionate father, the refuge for people in times of calamity, the judge, the command giver, the Prohibitor, Allahswt’s ruler over His people, His (Allahswt’s) confidant on (matters of) reality, Proof of Allahswt over His servants (He is) the object of pilgrimage on Allahswt’s earth and the universe, ‘Informed’ of the Unseen. His personal qualities cannot be encompassed, his inner virtues cannot be imagined and he is unfathomable reality. He is Unique of his age and unparallel to none. He is Allahswt’s deputy in His injunctions and prohibitions. There is none similar to him and no one can take his place.


So, who is there that can attain knowledge about us; or can reach our rank; or can witness our miracles; or can ever comprehend our status. In this matter, wisdom and intellect are bewildered; understanding becomes perplexed. Our status is so eloquent that the great ones appear worthless, and the scholars dwindle (into insignificance); the Poets become exhausted and wary; the genius stutter and are speechless; the noble orators begin to stammer; and the masters of language are humbled.


Who has the ability and perception to recognise even one Divine attribute of an Imama.s., or could image or comprehend as the heavens and the earth are humbled when they (attempt) to describe the reality of the one who is in the focal point of the Universe, the pivot of all that revolve, the secrets of all that is possible to exist, the ray of Divine creator, the majesty of the Most Great and the honour of the heavens and the earth.

The station of the Prophet saww ‘s progeny is exalted above description of the describers and the qualifications depicted by the highly qualified. Nor can they be compared with anyone in any realm or world. How could it be possible to describe them, since they are the first light (created by Allahswt), the lofty words, the radiant Divine names and the greater oneness (Tauheed) of Allahswt . Thus whoever turned away from them has indeed deserted oneness of Allahswt, as they are the greatest veil(Hijab ul Akbar) of Allahswt.

Thus who has the merits to select such a Imama.s., who cannot be recognized by the wisdom. Actually there is no one who had abilities to identify the noble Imama.s. or even describe one of his virtues. However, those who imagine that some of the qualities of Prophetsaww’s progeny can be found in other people are, in fact, crafty liars and have gone astray from the righteous path and they chosen to worship the Calf (false god), as their Lord and have joined the ranks of satan. This is all due to their intense animosity against the house of Divine qualities, and the family of the virtuousness and infallibility and jealousy towards the household of Prophetsaww.

Satan has made them believe that their (devious) actions, after all, are honourable. May Allahswt destroy them and destine them towards hellfire. How could they have selected an ignorant as an Imama.s., who used to worship idols and was a well know deserter on the day of Holly wars (Battle). Although, it is incumbent that the Imama.s. should be the most knowledgeable and not ignorant; brave and not withdrawing individual. And none should be superior to him in (nobility) descent and nor should be inferior (to anyone) in his lineage. Beware, the Imama.s. can only be from the best of the Quraysh, the most nobility of Hashim and from the progeny of Abrahamas. He is from the bloodline of Prophetsaww and is the ‘Nafs’ of Rasool a.s. He is chosen by the will of Allahswt and his selection is directly executed by Allahswt. Thus, he is the honour of all nobles and a branch from the (descendants of) Abd Manaaf; he has (complete) knowledge) of (worldly) affairs and is well versed in the governance (of all affairs). Obedience to him is incumbent until the day of judgement and Allahswt has made his Heart a (vessel) for His mystery and elects to speak through Imama.s.’s tongue. Thus, He is infallible, represents Allahswt and is free from any element of ignorance and weaknes.

O Tariq, the people have abandoned him and followed their own desires and who can be more astray than the one who follows his whims without any guidance from Allahswt. O Tariq! the Imama.s. like an angel in the appearance of human being, a heavenly body, a divine command, a sacred spirit, a lofty station, a manifest light, a hidden secret. He is angelic in essence with attributes of the Divine powers, endowed with unlimited good qualities, posses the knowledge of the realms of the Unseen, specifically chosen by the Lord of the Worlds and is connected with the Truthful and Trustworthy (messenger of Allahswt). All this is for the household of Muhammadsaww alone; nobody else can partake in this with them. This is because they are: the source of revelation and the meaning of its exposition; the elect of the Lord of Majesty; The place of Gibrael, Al-Ameen’s descent; the words of the attributes of Allahswt; His secret and His words; the tree of Prophethood; the source of chivalry; the essence of all opinions; the ultimate meaning and signification; the station of apostolic wisdom; the illumination of majesty in proximity to Allahswt, and in His care the location of Allahswt’s word; the key to his wisdom; the lamps of Allahswt’s mercy; the well springs of His bounty; the path that leads to Allahswt-the salsabeel-the Qistaas al Mustaqeem (the upright scale) the straight path; the remembrance (full) of wisdom; the noble face; the eternal light; possessors of honour and repute; take precedence over all noble and exalted; the successors of the noble Prophetsaww; the progeny of the compassionate and gentle (Prophetsaww); we are the offspring of one from the other, in the custody of the most High, the most Mighty- Allahswt knows all and observes all of these. These are the immense and unmistakable signs of guidance and the straight path. Whosoever recognises them and takes (guidance) from them, he belongs to us. As per Rasoolsaww and Allahswt’s statement, “He who follows me, surely he is from me”, is an allusion to this (reality). Allahswt created them (Prophets household) from the illumination of his majesty and entrusted them with the governing of the affairs of His kingdom. (Thus there is no doubt) they are the treasured secret of Allahswt and His friends, those who are near (Awliya al-Muqarraboon).

Allahswt’s (creative) command is between the letter ‘Kaaf’ and the letter ‘Nun’. Infact they are the ‘Kaaf’ and the ‘Nun’ (Kun Faye Kun) since they invite to Allahswt, speak only what they receive from Him and carry out His commands. The knowledge of all the Prophetsas, the (divine) mysteries of the Awsiyaa and the power and glory of the Awliyaa, in comparison to them, is like a drop out of an ocean and a grain out of desert. Indeed, the heavens and the earth to the Imama.s. are like the hand and its palm. He recognises what is visible as well as what is hidden; He knows the pious among the sinners; what is in the wet and within the dry form. This is because Allahswt has taught his Prophetsaww the knowledge of what has passed and what would appear, and all these protected secrete were inherited by Prophet’s noble Awliyah. Whosoever, denies this is a cruel and cursed wretch, and is cursed by Allahswt as well as by all those who curse (in Allahswt’s obedience).

How could Allahswt make incumbent upon his servants the obedience of the one who is veiled from the mysteries of the heavens and the earth. The reality is that, a single word uttered (in Quran) in the praise of Aal-e-Muhammedas, exceeds seventy dimensions (of knowledge). (Consider further), How often in the verses of the Noble reminder, the blessed book, the eternal words are mentioned in our praise, i.e., al-Ayn (eye), al-Wajh (face), al-Yadh (hand) and al-Janb (side). (It is obvious that) What is meant by these words is this Wilayah (pointing to himself), as he is the side of Allahswt, the face of Allahswt, that is, the reality of Allahswt, the knowledge of Allahswt, and the essence of Allahswt. (As for the phrase) ‘Hand of Allahswt’ they are the manifestation of the implicit dimensions of the visible attributes. Thus, their (Ahlai-bait’sas) implicit is the manifestation of the Allahswt’s explicit attributes.

They are the explicit manifestation of the implicit and the implicit dimensions of the explicit. This is alluded to in the saying of the Prophetsaww “Indeed Allahswt has eyes and hands, and surely you and me, O Alias, are from them”. They (The Ahllul-Bait) are the most elevated side (Al-Janb al-Aliyy); the most agreeable face (al-Wajh ar-Radiyy); the thirst-quenching spring; and the straight way. (They are) The means to (reach) Allahswt, the link to His pardon and His pleasure. They are the mystery of the One, and the Unique (Allahswt). It is not possible to compare anyone from mankind with them; They are: the elect of Allahswt and chosen purely by Him; the secret of religion and its wisdom; the gateway to faith and its Kaaba; the proof of Allahswt and His destination; the signposts of guidance and its standard; the grace of Allahswt and His mercy; the absolute certainty and its reality; the path of the Real and His protection; the origin of existence and its goal; the power of the Lord and His will; the source (origin) of the book and its end; the eloquent speech; the symbols and guardians and protectors of the revelation; the verse of Rememberance and its interpretation; the origin of revelation and its final (destiny); they are the lofty stars; they are the elevated illuminations, kindled from the sun of Fatimah’ssa honour in the sky or Muhammed’ssaww majesty; they are the branches of Prophethood gushing forth from the tree of Ahmedsaww; the divine mysteries placed in the form of a human (body). The Ahllul-Baitas are: The pure progeny from Hashimiteas descent; the (truly) guide and the (truly) guided; thus they alone are the best of creation; they are the pure leaders; the infallible family (protected from sin); the noble offspring;

the rightly guided successors (of the Prophetsaww); the greatest of the Siddiqeen (the truth ones); the noble Ausiyaa; the tribe whom Allahswt was pleased with; the rightly guided deliverers; the finest of the fine, from the family of Taha and Yaseen; The proof of Allahswt for the first and last. Their names are etched on (every) stone, on (every) leaf of (every) tree, on the wings of every bird; on the gates of heavens and hell; on the throne (of Allahswt); on the horizons; on the wings of angels; on the veils of majesty and on the canopies of glory and beauty.

With their name the birds glorify (Allahswt) and fish in the depths of ocean ask for forgiveness on behalf of their followers.

In fact, Allahswt did not create anything until he made them declare the oneness (of Allahswt), the wilayah (supremacy) of the pure progeny and revulsion for their enemies. The Throne (of Allahswt) did not attain stability until it was inscribed with Divine light; There is no deity except Allahswt, Muhammedsaww is the messenger of Allahswt, and Alias is the Wali of Allah swt.

Ya Ali Madad