Seerah

By: Shaheed Ayatullah Abdul Husain Dastghaib Shirazi

In one of the Ziarat of Amir ul-Mu’minīn ‘Ali (A.S.) we read: “Peace be upon the balance and the scales.”

Hazrat ‘Ali (A.S.) is the measure for distinguishing truth and falsehood. He is the touchstone for differentiating between good and evil. He is the scale for evaluating morals and deeds. After the demise of the Holy Prophet (S), the Holy Qur’an and Ahl ul-Bayt (A.S.), especially ‘Ali (A.S.), is the channel for and the criterion of faith. By comparing the deeds and faith with the speech and actions of Ahl ul-Bayt (A.S.) we distinguish good from evil. If our belief and actions conform to the standards of Ahl ul-Bayt (A.S.) they are correct and if not then they are of no use.

Justice demands that we must not go to the extremes. We should neither exceed the limits nor remain deficient. The scales of justice are very accurate and can detect even the weight of a single strand of hair. After recognising the path of justice it is a formidable task to remain firm upon it. One who is successful in recognising the true path and wishes to follow it, is bestowed Divine help. It is this person who is proved correct by the scales of justice on the Day of Judgement. He crosses the difficult bridge of Sirat with ease and swiftness. One who is not just in this world is proved wrong in the Hereafter. He will stumble from the bridge of sirat and drop into hell. The noble Qur’an says: “And there is not one of you but shall come to it, this is an unavoidable decree of your Lord. And We will deliver those who guarded (against evil) and We will leave the unjust therein on their knees.” (Surah Maryam 19:71-72)

May Allah (S.w.T.) guide us upon the way of justice and equity. May Allah (S.w.T.) include us among the pious and enable us to be saved from falling into Hell.