Ethics Books

Wasiyatnama; Last Will Testament

by :

Sheykh Abdullah Mamkani

My son! May Allah guide you to the right path and protect you from all sins and mistakes. Remember, your first Islamic duty is to think and ponder deeply about the principles of religion (Usul-e-Deen). Make the foundation of faith strong by forceful arguments, have implicit faith in the Creator of the Universe, prophets and walis. Human being is born from human being. He is not an animal.

This does not mean that man should delve deep into the realm of knowledge and wisdom and continue reading voluminous books. Masoomeen (a.m.s) have also warned against going too deep and I also warn you.

What I mean to say is that you should read such books like ‘Aqaaed–e-Majlisi’ by Allama Majlisi (a.r.). Strengthen your belief by arguments, e.g. to prove the existence of Allah, study the creation of the world and its wonderful objects, and ponder that the creation cannot be any creation without a creator.

Amirul Momeneen Hazrat Ali (a.s) has said in ‘Nahjul Balagah’.

“These people think that this grass is such that no one has grown it! This is such a picture for which there is no painter! These people do not put forward any proof in support for their claim. How I wish they would think that nothing could be created without a creator, or how is it possible to create something without a creator.”

Son! May Allah save you from ‘Shirk’ (equating someone else with Allah). To prove that there is only one God, suffice is to say that if there were more than one god then they would have destroyed the world. Allah has said that if there were two gods, then both the earth and sky would have been destroyed.

Amirul Momeneen Hazrat Ali (a.s) has said :

“If there was another god except Allah, then that god also would have had his messengers and prophets.’

Son! To prove prophethood, suffice is to say that it is imperative for Allah’s mercy, bounty and love that there should be a link between the creator and the creation – someone who can bring his ‘Faiz’ from there; and inform about good and evil, beneficial and harmful, who desists you from evil deeds and encourages you to do good deeds.

Therefore to make you understand the real benefits and harms, there is no other way except ‘Wahi’ and ‘Illham’. Human beings, who are immersed in worldly desires, cannot get Wahi or Illham. They cannot reach that height. For that, it requires a ‘Soul’ who is above worldly desires, who is not a slave to Nafs-e-Ammara (soul which is attracted towards worldly desires), and who deserves Allah’s bounties and mercies by his spirituality and purity of soul.

It is essential to remember that each and every man cannot have knowledge of Wahi or Illham. For that, miracle is necessary whereby prophethood is proved, and whereby special relation between Allah and his messenger can be understood.

To prove that fact that Hazrat Mohammed Mustafa (s.a.w.) was the prophet of Allah, it is suffice to say that he proclaimed his prophethood in Mecca, announced that there is only one God and that he is His prophet and performed innumerable miracles. Now show anyone else, who can perform like him and who has his attributes! Allah never supports a liar nor does He give him any miracles.

Of all his miracles, the Holy Quran is sufficient to prove his prophethood, while it is very illogical to put miracle in the hands of a wrong claimant and it is tantamount to supporting a liar. Not only that, it is against the Justice of Allah.

From the prophethood of Hazrat Mohammed Mustafa (s.a.w.), the prophethood of one lakh twenty four thousand prophets is also proved. He had given information about all these prophets. Prophet never gives wrong information and he does not lie.

The proof that the Holy Quran is a miracle is that the Holy Hazrat prophet (s.a.w.) put two options before the scholars of Arabic language: Either bring its reply or have faith in my prophethood; otherwise get ready for war which will result in all sorts of humiliations and insults. Though they were scholars of Arabic language, they bore all the hardships but did not reply to the Holy Quran. This means that they could not reply. They were not in a position to reply otherwise they would not have suffered all these hardships.

It is wrong to think that ‘word’ cannot be a miracle. ‘Mojiza’ is a name of everything to which people cannot reply and it becomes evident that the person has special relation with Allah. The fact that Mojiza is beyond the capacity of human beings is proved and accepted by those who specialize in this subject.

The scholars of Arabic language have accepted the miracle of Holy Quran in the same way as the magicians of Firaun accepted the miracle of the Asa (Stick) of Hazrat Moosa (a.s.), and they removed the Kasidas (poems) hanging in the Holy Kaaba in deference to the Ayaats of the Holy Quran.

The argument that applies to ‘Naboowate Mutlaqa’ also applies to ‘Vilayat-Mutlaqa’. There are clear Ahadees from the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) about ‘Vilayat-e-Khassa,’ in which the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) has declared the “Khilafat” of Hazrat Ali (a.s.) and after him, his eleven progenies, as Imams. In addition, the deeds of these personalities are proofs in themselves.

The objections of the opponents are nothing but obstinacy. These objections have been replied in details in many books. This question has become so very clear that even the enemies have no doubts in their hearts, though they may deny it on the face.

As regards ‘Qayamat’ (day of judgement), it is the unanimous opinion of all sects of Islam that it should be accepted and cannot be denied. However, some scholars and philosophers have raised doubts about its details, but common man is not concerned with it in anyway. Suffice is to have faith in Qayamat which is clear from the many Ayaats and Ahaadis. We have even been shown the way to argue about it. That a just ruler must reward or punish everyone according to his deeds and that too, to the one who performed these deeds.

Just because body is destroyed is no argument that a the body cannot be brought back to its original state. When the ‘Creator can create Adam (from nothing), so what difficulty is there in creating it again when the ‘Madda’ (essence) is present in whatever state it may be. It is stated in the Holy Quran, “We will recreate you second time in the same way as We created you originally.”

Son! May Allah guide you to obey Him and protect you from sins. As a craftsman loves his crafted products, so does Allah bestows His love and affections on human beings. His rules regarding Wajib (Compulsory), Sunnat, Haram (not permissible), Makruh etc. are for the benefit of mankind. These orders are to protect him from loss and to benefit him. Allah does not gain anything by man’s obedience to Him nor does He suffer any loss by man’s sinning. He is ‘Gani’. He wants to improve means to be ungrateful to one who has bestowed His bounties on him. Not only that, it is also foolishness, because instead of bounties, he brings upon himself losses.

Son! Protect yourself from sin. It brings dishonour in this world and curse on the day of judgement. Adam had to get out of paradise, just because of one ‘Tark-e-Awla’.

Son! Never remain idle and lazy. When Shaitan and Nafse Ammara get tired of showing evil in the guise of good and good in the guise of evil, then he creates laziness in human being so that he may not be able to do good deeds. Remember, don’t waste so much time in rest, amassing wealth, excursions and arranging meetings and get-togathers that you feel lazy to offer prayers. Keep worldly works in limit.

Beware! Don’t waste your life in useless and unnecessary activities. Each second is worth a precious pearl – nay - more precious than a pearl, because you can buy a pearl with your money but you cannot get back your lost time. Beware, don’t waste a single second of your life.

Before youth turns to old age, before disease overtakes health, before weakness overtakes strength, consider life as a blessings before death. (make best use of life).

(The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.)). Book “Majmua-e-Daram page 279)

It is mentioned in the traditions that people in paradise will repent for the seconds and minutes spent without the remembrance of Allah. If they had spend those time in the remembrance of Allah, then their position in paradise would have been more exalted.

Every good and evil person will repent on the day of Judgement. Good people will say “How I wish I had done more good deeds, so that my position would have been more exalted.” Bad people will say “How I had not done evil deeds so that I may have been saved from Allah’s curse.”

(Majmaul Bayan)

The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) had advised Janabe Abuzer “Spent your life more miserly than Dirham and Dinar.” (Majmua-e-Daram II pg.52)

Spending your time wisely is the best obedience. A farmer who wastes his time during farming season repents in the end. (Nahjul Balagah)

Son! For Allah’s sake, make best use your life. Don’t spend it in such activities that will not benefit you after death. Intelligent man is one who does tomorrow’s work today. Foolish person is one who first follows his heart’s desires and then seeks forgiveness. (Majmua-e-Daram, Pg.16)

One who spends his life in idle talk is like one who throws his jewellery on the road and then sits digging stone (for children to play). Obviously this is sheer foolishness.

Son! Apple of my eye, value your life, don’t use it in any activities except those which will prove useful to save you from the fire of hell. Don’t become a silk-worm who tried to kill itself. Having said this, develop the finest and best character. The following are the details about “Character”.

Preserve your tongue from idle talk because majority of the sins committed by the son of Adam is due to the tongue only. No other part of the body commits more sins than the tongue. (Usul-e-Kafi)

Silence is one of the gates of wisdom. (Usul-e-Kafi)

Always protect your tongue. Say only those words which will take you to paradise.

As long as a god-fearing man remains silent, he is counted amongst good people.

A person, who desires safety in this world and the world hereafter, should remain silent.

The only reason man will go to hell face downwards is because of his tongue.

When Allah wishes to bless His servant, then He helps him in controlling his tongue. Instead of finding faults in others, Allah keeps him busy in looking at his own defects. Those who speak less, their intelligence is complete and their hearts are pure. Those who speak more, their intelligence is incomplete and their hearts are hard. (Nahjul Balagah)

A man’s faith is correct only when his heart is pure, and the heart is pure only when his tongue is good. (Mustadarkul Wasail)

A God-fearing man’s tongue should be behind his heart. First, he should think, then he should speak justly. Otherwise he should keep quiet. A Munafik acts just the opposite of this. He keeps talking rubbish. He is not worried about what he is talking. (Nahjul Balagah)

By keeping silent, you don’t have to be ashamed nor there is need to repent, but by speaking, sometimes, you have to repent in this world as well as in the next world. (Mustadarkul Wasail)

Man is hiding behind his tongue. (Nahjul Balagah)

Son! First weigh, then speak. First test your words on the crucible of intelligence. If the talk is for Allah, then speak. Otherwise keep quiet. Absolutely quiet. Better still become dumb.

All the parts of our body are complaining to the tongue that if ‘speaking’ and ‘remaining silent’ are compared, than speech is like silver while silence is like gold.

(Usul-e-kafi)

However, it is different that sometimes speech is like gold while silence is like dust. When there is any discussion about Fiqh, religious education, lecture, advice, manners and character, then speech becomes gold and remaining silent is like deadly poison. Specially at the time of ‘Amr Bil Maruf’ and ‘Nahi Anil Munkar’, silence is harmful.

Son! Like a businessman, take account of what you have done during the day so that you know what you have done. If you have done any mistake or sin, then ask for Allah’s forgiveness. If you have to compensate somebody, then give him his dues. If you feel lazy, idle or see waste of wealth, then criticise your soul (nafs). Be careful that wastage like this does not occur again. If you have done any good deed, then thank Allah and pray for more guidance.

Masoomeen (a.m.s.) has said, “Whosoever dose not do daily account of his deeds, he is not a Shia. It is the duty of a Shia to scrutinize his account. If he has done good deeds then try to do more good deeds and if he has done evil deeds, then he should ask for Allah’s forgiveness.” (Usul-e-Kafi, 2, p.453)

It has been written about some ‘Aarifs’ that they always kept pen and paper ready with them. They wrote down whatever they had said or done during the day. Lastly, at night they scrutinized what they had done good deeds then they thanked Allah and if they had done evil deeds, they asked for forgiveness from Allah.

It is stated in ‘Sohof-e-Ibrahim’ that an intelligent man should divide his time in four parts. One part for Allah’s prayers and remembrance, one part for self-introspection, one part to think and ponder over Allah’s creations, His craftsmanship and artistry and one part to earn Halal wealth. It is this part that is the life of all the parts and is the medium of peace of mind and heart.

Son! Take care of your Nafs (soul). Always think that Allah is in front of you. He is watching your activities, speech, action and thought. So, do such deeds which pleases Allah . Lukman Hakim had advised his son that if he kept Allah in sight and thought about Him, he will never commit sin. To make a man ashamed, it is suffice to think that Allah is keeping a watch over his deeds.

Always meditate and ponder so that your soul becomes active and your heart becomes pure. This cleanses the dirt of the heart and shatters worldly desires. You distance yourself from the world and start paying attention to the next world.

Meditation and thinking is best form of religious activity. It is the soul of prayers. To think and ponder about the marvelous creation of Allah is the best form of prayer. (Usul-e-kafi)

Elaborating on this Hadis (tradition), scholars have stated that ‘Prayer’ leads a man to ‘Sawab’ while thinking and meditating leads a man near to Allah. It is evident that Allah is more desirable than ‘Sawab’. Besides, prayer is the activity of the body while meditating and thinking is the activity of the heart.

And heart is the most important part of the body. Therefore, the Sawab of one second of meditation and pondering is more than the sawab of one year’s Ibadat. Some traditions say that it is more than 60-70 years Ibadat.

Meditation – pondering saves a man from the fire of hell. e.g. one minute of thinking by Hazrat Hoor bin Yazid-e-Riyahi, saved him from the fire of hell. Otherwise, if he had prayed all his life, it would not have earned him anything. Therefore, one minute of meditation is better than 70 years of Ibadat. It is said about this type of meditation and thought that the name of Namaz and Roza are not Ibadat. It is meditating and thinking about the qualities of Allah that is the name of Ibadat.

Son, have you ever thought of those people who have gone ahead of you? From where had they come and where have they gone? What did they take along with them and what did they leave behind? What were they doing? How they left all their business and went away. Those who did not put their feet on earth, resting on soft cushion, walking proudly erect on earth and now….

now they are sleeping on earth wearing shrouds, leaving behind all their wealth, children, farms, bungalows, etc. Their soft and delicate cheeks are smeared with mud. Insects, serpents and scorpions are crawling over their bodies. Now they have only a corner of the grave and loneliness.

(Nahjul Balagah)

Sometimes, think about death. It comes all of a sudden and does not give a moments’ respite. Be careful of every second. Always be ready for death. Don’t be lazy in asking for Allah’s forgiveness and doing good deeds. Never be complacent, many people have gone suddenly. They did not get time even to ask for Allah’s forgiveness. Beware, lest you may be one of those dejected and hopeless people. Lest you have to say ’O Allah, send me once again’.

Sometimes, think that this world is the house of calamities and miseries. Its cleanliness is mixed with dirt. Its rest and leisure is also mixed with sorrow. Here there is no complete rest or leisure. It is stated in ‘Hadis-e-Qudsi’: “These people seek relief in this world while we have not created relief and comfort in this world. And where we have created these things, they are not searching there.”

Son! When you think of all these things, your worldly troubles will become bearable and you will be attracted towards the hereafter. To bear worldly sufferings is the best deed for the hereafter.

Sometimes, think about the future. In front of you, there is grave, barzakh, hashr account of all your deeds, serat, mizan, paradise – hell.

Have you ever thought that after death, only that wealth which has been spent in the ways of Allah will be beneficial? Only shroud will come with you. All your friends, relatives, well wishers and children only know to put you in the grave. Only your deeds will be helpful to you. They will not get separated from you. If you will think of all these, then you will be able to do good deeds. This will lead to purity in intentions and before times passes, you will be careful about tomorrow.

It is stated in the traditions that the best thing that desists you from committing sin is the remembrance of death. Thinking about death is the best Ibadat and the best meditation is also thinking about death. (Mustadrakul Wasail )

Those who do not think about death, they waste their time in useless work. Those who remember death, death, spend their time in performing good deeds. Death is the best advisor.

Thinking about death softens the hardness of circumstances. It encourages a rich many to charity. It desists a man from doing useless work. Not only that, it eases the hardship. It attracts you towards the benefit of the hereafter and discourages you from having high hopes, leisure and doing unrewarding deeds.

Son! Remember three things. Patience in hardship, thanking Allah for his bounties and being happy in Allah’s will. For those who have faith in Allah, these are the three tests. Those who have passed these tests, have attained exalted positions.

Son! Keep your soul happy in distress as if you have received His bounties. Be satisfied in whatever condition Allah keeps you, whether health - sickness, hardship – ease, youth old age, strength – weakness, poverty – riches, because He is aware of the result of keeping you in such a condition. He loves you more than you. He loves you more than your parents and He is sympathetic to your condition.

Son! Don’t cry when calamities befall you. Don’t start sobbing and complaining. Be satisfied with Allah’s will. Don’t publicise your troubles and calamities by complaining to all and sundry.

Hazrat Imam Zainul Abedeen (a.s.) has said: “When calamities come, be patient like a noble man. Don’t complain to people about Allah because it is like complaining to cruel people about one who is the most Beneficent and the most Merciful.

Son! Be happy in hardship as if at ease, be happy in poverty as if rich and be happy in calamities as if satisfied and pleased.

Masoomin (a.s.) has said: To be patient in calamities and hardships is the best obedience of Allah. Better than that, it is necessary to be patient while desisting from Haram deeds. (Usul-e-Kafi, 2, p.90)

The Holy prophet (s.a.w.a.) has said: Whosoever is patient in calamities, Allah gives him three hundred status, whosoever is patient in obedience to Allah, will get six hundred status, whosoever is patient in desisting from evil deeds, will get nine hundred status.

On the subject of good character, religious scholars have fixed certain yardsticks:

(1) It is very essential to be patient when you do not get desired health, wealth, honour, family and worldly pleasures. To get immersed in these things result in your destruction.

(2) Patience in the obedience of Allah: This is a very difficult task. Man’s soul is not willing to pray or obey somebody. Ego is involved in it. Every soul has elements of evilness of Firaun. There is a desire to rule over everybody. No sooner it gets some support, evilness of Firaun raises its head. One starts behaving arrogantly with his employees, servants and children and gets furious even for small mistakes. This is a sign of pride. Son! At the time of obedience, it is essential to be patient before, during and after doing a deed.

Patience before doing a deed purifies your Niyyat (intention), patience during doing a deed helps in the remembrance of Allah and does not give rise to Riyakari (doing deeds to show off to the world), patience after doing a deed means you should not take pride in your good deed otherwise your good deed is wasted.

(3) To desist from sins and to be patient: Human being always has the tendency of committing sins in his heart. Lies, backbiting, gibat and accusing others have become routine. Gradually this habit becomes second nature. When worldly desires get mixed with it, then the army of Shaitan attacks and when one starts getting pleasure and enjoyment in sins, then it becomes hell.

(4) To be patient at a time when you are powerless e.g. it is necessary to be patient and leave the matter to Allah when someone harasses you and you do not take revenge even though you have the power to take revenge. Traditions and experiences are unanimous that Allah is the best revenge-taker. He punishes him in this worlds also before punishing him in the hereafter.

(5) To be patient in such work in which beginning or end is not in our power e.g. to be patient in not having relatives and friends, to be patient at the loss of wealth, deterioration of health, some parts of our body not functioning, lack of eye-sight, poverty and hunger. Though it is difficult to be patient in these conditions but the rewards are manifold. Allah has promised blessings to those who are patient.

Son! may Allah gives your strength for all types of patience. Remember, some of these things give you strength to be patient.

Look at the status of those who are patient, and look at its rewards and sawabs. Paradise is for those who are patient. (Wasael ush shia - 3, p.451)

(1) Those who are patient get as much sawab as those who are always fasting and praying. A patient man gets as much sawab as a martyr doing jehad with the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.).

To be patient in hunger gets you the sawab of jehad (fighting in the way of Allah) and it is more than sixty years of Ibabat.

A momin who is patient in calamity gets sawab of one thousand martyrs. (Usul-e-Kafi)

(2) To look at the sawab and status attained by patient men which we have seen and experienced.

(3) To think that this difficult period will be over shortly. Life is going to end. The pleasure and hardship through which it is passing is going to end and nobody knows what is the future going to be.

(4) You should also think that nothing is going to be achieved by crying and complaining. Whatever the fate has decreed is bound to happen. Crying may reduce the sawab and reward. No one can change destiny. There is nothing one can do about it.

(5) Remember those people who have attained best of rewards and sawab by passing through difficult trials and tribulations.

(6) Trail is a sign of good fortune. Hardships are only for those who love Allah. Great hardship and difficulty of momeens is a sign of nearness to Allah. This thought increases your strength to be patient.

(7) Remember, this hardship is from Allah and He wishes well for His slaves He does not need anyone so that He can take advantage of him.

(8) You should consider that remaining patient cleanses your soul and is a good way of self purification.

(9) The result of patience is always good in this world. When Hazrat Yusuf (a.s.) remained patient by desisting from sinning, then Allah rewarded him with great honour by making him ‘Hakim’ of Egypt. His brothers became his subjects. Zulekha was thrown on the road etc. etc

Similarly, Hazrat Ayyub (a.s.) got back his wealth, children, wife etc. second time. One who had lost everything during his test was rewarded with rain of gold!

It is even better to remember the tragedy and hardship of Ahle Bait (a.m.s.) The endured the maximum hardships even though they were the master of the whole universe. This world was created for them.

Beware! Your patience should not be like those of ordinary people. Instead of remaining patient, they were more concerned with their exhibition of patience. This is Riyakari. The patience of muttaqi (pious) people should be such in which there is hope of reward in the hereafter. Arifs (those who have knowledge about the qualities of Allah) should be such that at the time of patience, they should enjoy their hardships because these hardships have been given by the Beloved who is aware of its result.

Son! Also remember, patience is not against crying and sobbing. Don’t you know that the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) cried at the time of the death of his son Ibrahim? When someone said that you advice us to be patient and you yourself are crying? Then the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) said: Beware, when there is grief in the heart, tears are bound to flow. Our patience is that we do not speak against the will of Allah.

Son! When calamity comes, recite “Inna Lillahe Wa Inna Elaihe Rajeoon”. By this, you get the right of Allah’s blessings and bounties and you are considered amongst those who are on the straight path.

It is stated by Hazrat Jafar–e-Sadiq (a.s.) that when the period of patience is over, you feel happy. Experience also testifies to it. After every shortage there is abundance.

Patience is the best of all the good qualities. Only its name changes according to circumstances.

The name of patience about physical and sexual hunger is “Iffat”. Restrain during hardship is called “Patience”. Patience by abstaining from sin is called “Taqwa”. Patience at the loss of wealth is called “Zabt-e-Nafs”. Patience at the time of worldly loss and calamities is called “wusat-e-Sakr.” Patience during war is called “Shujaat” (bravery). Patience while controlling anger is called “Hilm” Restsrain at the time of someone’s confidential talk is called “Razadari’. Patience against unnecessary leisure is called “Zohad”. To be satisfied with little is called “Qanaat”.

Son! May Allah give you the best of both the worlds. Have faith in Allah in whatever you do. Everything is in His hands. Everything is done according to His will. By putting faith in A1lah, a man is saved from sorrow and grief and he does not go after useless pursuits.

Sometimes you succeed in achieving your goal and sometimes you fail. Suppose all your endeavours fail and if you have no faith in Allah, then you will be disappointed. But if you have faith in Allah, then you will not be sorry even if you fail. To place faith in other sources is described as ‘Shirk’ in the holy Quran. So have faith in Allah in whatever you do and desist from putting faith in other sources.

The importance of medium is not more than that of a mosquito. It is a deception that people living in this materialistic world should have their eyes on ‘Asabab’. It is a ‘waswasa’ of Shaitan. ‘Materialistic world’ means that the existence of things is because of mediums and causes. Therefore man should not put faith in mediums. His faith should always be on Allah. Whenever Allah wishes, He will create ‘asbab’

Son! Don’t be misguided that to earn your living, you have to run after it, because all things have been created so that the world’s administration keeps on moving. Allah’s blessing are not dependant on these things. Have faith in Allah. Leave the creation of Asbab on ‘Musab-bebul-Asbab’ He will create some or the other source to send you your Rozi’ (sustenance).

Of course, everyone has to work according to his needs. It is proved from experience that those who have left the search of Asbab in the hands of Allah have profited more while those who have put their faith in ‘Asbab have suffered losses e.g. when Hazarat Yusuf (a.s.) asked the king of Egypt to make him his treasurer, Allah extended his period of test by one year. If he had asked Allah instead, then he would have been released earlier. In another incident, when Hazarat Yusuf (a.s.) asked one of his co-prisoner to recommend him to the king.

Allah extended his period of custody in prison by seven years, why did he ask somebody else instead of Me? If he had prayed to Allah directly, he would have been released immediately. For this ‘Tark-e-Awla’ Allah had warned that you asked one person through another person while both are in Allah’s control. Why I was not asked? I am ‘Malekul-Muluk.’

After that He send Gabriel, who asked Hazrat Yusuf (a.s.) “How long do you wish to stay in prison? To which he replied “As long as Allah wishes.” “When he left it on the will of Allah, he was released by reciting ‘Dua-e-Tawassul.’

It is the same with Hazrat Ayub (a.s.). He complained to the king of Egypt. As a result, he was not released till he did not refer it to Allah. This is considered’ Tark-e-Awla’ for ‘Awliya’.

Son! Beware! Never ask for your needs to anyone else except Allah. Say whatever you want to say to Allah. He is the only Lord and the most Merciful.

Hazrat Ibrahim (a.s.) did not ask anything from anybody except Allah. As a result, Allah made him ‘Khalil’. (Tafseer-e-Safi, P.12)

The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) has said: “If a man desires that his papers are answered, then he should turn his face away from human beings and pray to Allah for all his needs. When the merciful Allah sees this state, He will grant his desires.

For this, it is advisable to refer to Dua No. 13 in “Sahif-e-Sajjadiya” (Sahif-e-Kamela) by Hazrat Imam Zainul Abedeen (a.s.) in which he has explained basic facts about ‘Asbab’ and also showed us how ‘Dua’ should be recited.

Son! Be contented which means be satisfied. In this, there is honour in this world as well as the hereafter. People of this world look down upon those who shun contentment and are dissatisfied and they do such deeds which brings retribution in the hereafter.

Contentment (satisfaction) does not mean living a life of misery when you have wealth. This is against the blessing of wealth. It is the right of your children that you should provide them with sufficient food and clothing. If someone has money’ yet he acts miserly, then it is considered against the law.

The meaning of contentment is: Be happy in all circumstances and spend according to income. A rich man should spend more on clothing and food for himself and his children but he should not do Israf (Waste of money).

If poor and needy, then he should be satisfied with what he gets, and be happy with the will of Allah. Don’t reveal your secrets to anybody. Don’t inform them about your poverty. By doing this, people will look down upon you. People are worldly and when worldly people come to know about someone’s poverty, then, they are looked down and they are not respected.

It is my experience that exhibiting poverty increases poverty and results in insults. Beware, don’t reveal your secrets to anybody. Your livelihood is destined. You are bound to get it. Allah has distributed livelihood as per His ‘Maslehat.’ Neither honour and status will increase it nor contentment will decrease it. Sometimes complaining about poverty amounts to complaining about Allah. This results in the wrath of Allah and retribution in the hereafter.

(Wasaelus Shia-2, P.532)

It is stated in ‘Hadis-e-Kudsi’ that : By My honour and power, whosoever asks anybody else except Me, I will dash all his hopes and he will be insulted and dishonoured and I will keep him away from My bounties and blessings.

‘Modesty’ is one of the best quality. It is praiseworthy in this world as well as in the hereafter. It is said in the tradition that modesty is a part of ‘Imaan’. Modesty and Imaan are inter-wind. If modesty is lost, Imaan is also lost. One who has four qualities will be blessed on the day of judgement even if he is a sinner from head to toe:

· Truthfulness,

· modesty,

· good character and

· thankfulness to Allah (or Amanat) (Usul-e-Kafi-2, p. 10).

Son! Develop good character because it is beneficial is this world as well as hereafter. Allah has described the good character of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) as his special attribute. Good character is half the religion. (Wasaelus Shia, p. 331)

Good Character is a blessing from Allah. (Wasaelus Shia)

On the day of judgement, there will be no other good deed heavier than good character (Usul-e-Kafi – 2, p. 99)

A man with good character is like a man who is always praying and fasting. His sawab (reward) is as much as one who is fighting in the way of Allah (Jehad). (Usul-e-Kafi - 2, p. 101)

Good character dissolves sins as water dissolves salt. Majority of the people going to paradise will be those who have refrained from sin (Muttaqi) and those who have good character. (Usul-e-Kafi - 2, p 10)

Allah has said: He is ashamed of confining the flesh of a person with good character to hell. (Wasael Shia –2, p 221)

Good character increases life span so much so that if in the company of a Jew, then also behave nicely. (Mustadrak)

Son! I have seen excellent results of good character. Hazrat Imam Jafar-e-Sadiq (a.s.) has said: If you cannot keep good financial relations with people, at least show good character by behaving nicely. (Usul-e-kafi - 2, p 102)

Amirul Momeneen Hazrat Ali (a.s.) has stated: Behave nicely with all so that they show affection towards you when you meet them and if you die, they feel sad and say ‘Inna Lillah’. Don’t behave in such a way that they have to utter, Alhamod Lillah when you die. (Wasaelus-Shia-2. p 277)

Someone asked Hazrat Imam Jafar-e-Sadiq (a.s.), What is the definition of good character and good behaviour? He replied, ‘Politeness, sweet speech and meeting people with courtesy.’ (Usul-e-Kafi-2, p. 103)

The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) has said: When meeting believers, greet them with a smile. It a sign of good character. Talking politely with your enemy is courtesy. This way he is attracted towards Imaan (Islam). Even if he does not become a believer at least the believers will be saved from his (non believer) mischiefs. (Mustadrakul Wasael - 2, p 51)

Son! Beware, don’t treat your children badly. Bad behaviour leads you towards hell. Bad manners destroy Imaan (faith) as vinegar spoils honey. When Saad bin Maaz died, seventy thousand angels took part in his funeral procession. Yet, he had to suffer ‘Fishar-e-Qabr’ because he was not behaving nicely with his children. (Mustadrakul Wasael - 2, p 334)

Cultivate forgiveness and politeness. Those with qualities of politeness and forgiveness will go to paradise without accounting for their deeds. These qualities are amongst the attributes of Allah. There are several incidents about the politeness of prophets and ‘awliyas’. Some of the traditions state that a man cannot became pious till he is polite. (Mustadrak-2, p 304)

Allah loves a believer who is polite. It is one of the qualities of a momin. (Mustatul Anwar, p. 195)

A man who has power to retaliate, yet he acts with politeness and restrain, Allah will fill his heart with pleasure and Imaan on the day of the judgement, and He will give him the right to select any ‘hoor’ he pleases. He will be given the reward of a martyr. (Mustadrak-2, p. 88)

To control your anger is praiseworthy in the eye’s of Allah whether you control your anger by patience or by politeness. The more you control your anger, the more Allah will bestow you with honour. When everyone will gather on the day of the judgement, a caller will announce ‘Where are those with good qualities?’ Then, one group will come forward. Angels will ask ‘What are your good qualities?’ They will reply that “We were kind to those who had cut off relations with us. We were giving to those who had denied us, forgiving those who had opposed us,” Then will hear one voice: Whatever you have said is true. Enter without accounting for you deeds. (Mustadrak-2, p 87)

Forgiveness is “Zakat’ of success. (Nahjul Balaga)

One who is powerful enough to punish, has the maximum right to forgive. (Wasaelush Shia-2, p 223)

Son! Forgive those who have done wrong to you so that Allah may forgive your wrong-doings and elevate your status.

Beware, never get angry or excited. It is a sign of weakness of faith (Aqida). Anger destroys faith as vinegar spoils honey. (Usul-e-kafi-2, p. 302­)

There are four pillars of ‘Kufr’:

· Desires,

· fear

· anger and

· ‘gazab’ and gazab is the key of all wickedness. (Usuel-e-Kafi 2, p. 303)

By anger many intelligent man’s heart (mind) are ruined. (Usul-e-Kafi-2, p. 305)

Shaitan has promised that anger is his net (gallow). With this I lead the best of men astray. (Mustadrak-2, 326)

Religious scholars have suggested a few ways to control anger:

(1) Say ` Aozo Billah-e-Menash Shaitanir Rajim`.

(2) Remember Allah. It is stated in ‘tauret’ : Oh son of Adam ! Remember me, when you are angry so that I may remember you at the time of my ‘Gazab’ and save you from ruin. When someone oppresses you, remember my retribution. I will punish him more than you can. (Wasaelus-Shia –2, p 470)

(3) If you are standing when you get angry, then sit down. If you sitting, then lie down or get up. (Wasaelush-Shia)

(4) Change your place. While talking with Hazrat Moosa (a.s.), Shaitan said ‘whenever you are angry, change your place, otherwise I will put you in trouble’.

(5) Do ‘Wazu’ and wash your hands and face with cold water. (Jam-us-saadat, p. 296)

(6) If you are angry with any relative, touch your body with his body. This will pacify your anger.

(7) Drink water. (Mahasin Barki, p. 572)

(8) Eat kismiss (grapes). This will suppress your anger. (Mustadrak p 115)

(9) Recite this Dua! Allahumma-Azhib Anni Gaiza kalli wa Ajrim min muzillate fetan as-aloka gunnataka wa Auzo beka menas-shirk; Allahumma Sabitni alal huda wassawab wajalni rezeyan marziyya gyro zalin wala mozillan.

It is stated in the traditions that whosoever suppresses his anger, Allah will forgive him on the day of the judgement. He will cover his sins and give him paradise. (Wasaelush-Shia-2, p. 470)

Son! Develop these two qualities. Never shun them. These qualities will save you from the fire of hell. Discarding these two qualities will result in misery.

It is stated in the traditions that one who has no bravery has no religion. The most difficult task is to do justice to yourself. (Usul-e-kafi-2, p 145)

Justice means preferring for others what you prefer for your self and preferring for others what you do not prefer for yourself.

Whenever you make a promise fulfill it. Much emphasis has been laid on it in the Holy Quran and Sunnat. Allah, has ordered ‘Fulfil your promise because you will be asked about it one the day judgement’. (Sura-e-Asr)

The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) has said: Those who believe in Allah and hereafter, it is their duty to keep their promise. (Usul-e-Kafi-2, p 364)

Hazrat Imam Sadiq (a.s.) has said: The promise of one believer to another believer is such a contract for which there is no ‘Kaffara’. Therefore one who goes against his promise will be deemed to have disobeyed Allah and will incur his displeasure. (Usul-e-Kafi-2, p. 363)

Keeping one’s promise is considered by Allah as one of the qualities of Hazrat Ismail (a.s.). Believers have been strictly warned against breaking promises. Beware, don’t say what you do not want to do. Allah does not like this at all.

Beware! Don’t promise anything, which you are not in a position to fulfil. Breaking promise will bring disrepute.

The benefits of charity are better in both the worlds. A generous person is respected everywhere, while a miser is insulted in both the worlds.

In praise of charity, suffice is to say, that Hatimtai will be protected from the heat of the fire of hell as stated by the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) to his son Adi.

Son! Miserliness brings disgrace in this world as well as hereafter. But beware! Your generosity should not be such that you are left bankrupt.

Adopt the middle path. Find your way of life between miserliness and squandering.

Son! May Allah give you ‘Taufik’ to do good deeds and protect you from all evils. Remove the love of this world from the heart.

It is a deadly poison - a fatal disease. It distances you from Allah’s blessings and plunges you in the fire of hell The best way to remove the love of this world from the heart is to think that if it was a good thing, then Allah would not have deprived His prophets and ‘Walis’ of it, even though they were extremely intelligent. They used to distance themselves from it as if they were running away from a lion. (Usul-e-kafi 2, p. 315)

Allah has criticised the love of this world in many different Ayaats and it has been strongly emphasized in many traditions.

Hazrat Imam Zainul Abedeen (a.s.) has said: The best deed is to desist from the love of this world. There are different ways of loving this world. One of them is ‘Pride’ in which Iblis got lost. One of the ways of loving this world is ‘greed’ as a result of which hawa invited Adam to eat wheat. One is ‘jealousy’ as a result of which Kabil killed Habil. After these, there is love of woman, love of this world, love of power, love of luxury, lust for wealth etc. etc. Out of these, love of this world is the root of all evils. (Usul-e-Kafi - 2, p. 315)

Reliable tradition, have strongly warned against the love of this world. Many, tradition have stressed that the love of this world results in forgetting the hereafter and causing loss in the hereafter.

This world and hereafter are like two wives who cannot stay together in one house. (Mustadrak, p. 320)

This world and the next world are poles apart like north and south. One who nears one pole distance from the other pole. (Musladark - 2, p 231)

This world and the next would are like fire and water which can never mix. Really speaking, the love of this world is a kind of ‘shirk’. This means that a person has no faith in the hereafter and does not believe in the Holy Quran and Sunnat. What is the meaning of love of this world if you have no faith in the hereafter?

Son! Cultivate ‘Zohad’. Stay away from doing deeds forbidden by Allah because there is a likelihood of the wrath of Allah. Desist from doubts because there is a possibility of punishment. You will have to account even for your ‘Halal’ income so be ready for it. Have only those desires which are permissible by religion e.g. Nikah. Then be satisfied with minimum. Keep your dress and food simple. Keep in mind the hereafter so that you can derive the pleasure of the hereafter.

Remember ‘Zohad’ does not mean abstaining from food and drink. It mean to be happy with fate and adopting a middle path in distress.

Hazrat Imam Jafar-e-Sadiq (a.s) has stated :‘Zohad’ does not mean destruction of wealth and calling ‘Halal’ as ‘Haram’. Zohad only means that you should have trust in Allah in whatever wealth He gives. You should not trust anybody else more than Allah. (Mustadrak- 2, p 321)

Hazrat Ali (a.s.) has said: “The meaning of Zohad in this world is to have few hopes and desires, thanking Allah for his blessings and to desist from doing forbidden deeds.” (Mustadrak-2, p. 323)

Son! Pray through the medium of the Holy Hrophet (s.a.w.) and his progeny. The conclusion derived from many a traditions is that Allah has forgiven ‘tark-e-Awla’ of prophets because of their ‘wasila’.

After creating Hazrat Adam (a.s.) and after putting the ‘Noor’ of Masoomeem (a.s) in his back, the ‘Sajda’ that the angels did was really a sajda to Allah. It was done at His command. This was Allah’s worship, respect of Mohammed (s.a.w.) and his progeny and obedience of Hazrat Adam (a.s.).

When Hazrat Adam (a.s.) asked Allah ‘Whose noor in this?’ He replied: “They are the best of creations, best amongst the believers, through them I give to everyone and also distribute ‘Sawab - Azaab’ through them. Adam, make them wasila (medium) so that all your problems are solved. I have decided that I will not disappoint those who ask through them. I will not refuse their requests.”

After that, Hazrat Yaqub (a.s.), Hazrat Yusuf (a.s.) etc. had made them wasila and their prayers were answered. (Tafseer-e-Safi, p 224)

Son! Keep in mind the tragedy of Sayyedush Shohada (a.s.). Daily, do as much ‘Azadari’ as possible. If you cannot do it, at least collect your family members and recite their ‘Masaeb’, because Hazrat Imam Husain (a.s) is very dear to Allah. He has attained the exalted position of a martyr. He sacrificed his all in Allah’s path. Through their Wasila, best of both the worlds could be attained. Recite Ziarat –e-Imam Husain (a.s) at least once a day. If possible, go to Karbala every month. If that is not possible, you must go to Karbala on the following seven occasions:

(1) Shab-e-ashura and Roz-e-Ashura

(2) Arbaeen (20th Safar)

(3) 1st Rajab

(4) 15th Rajab

(5) 15th Shaban

(6) Shab-e-Idul-Fitr

(7) Day of Arafa

(Jawadi)

If that is not possible, you must go at least once a year. (Wasaelus-Shia-2, p. 393)

There are innumerable effects of ziarat. I have seen such beneficial effects of ‘ziarat’ and ‘Azadari’ that it is mind boggling. Whenever I have done ziarat of Hazrat Imam Husain (a.s), my minimum experience is that my one or the other problem has been solved and my wealth has increased. Besides, the ‘Sawab’ you get is bonus. There is maximum of ‘Sawab’. (Wasaelus-Shia-2, p. 390)

Son! May Allah give you ‘Tawfeeq’ to do good deeds and keep you alive till old age respect your elders. Allah will save you from calamities by their blessings. (Hadis-e-Qudsi)

Be careful never make them unhappy otherwise the result would be bad.

As far as possible, respect your parents. Treat them nicely because the Holy Quran and traditions have laid great emphasis on it. Don’t be lax or lazy in this duty. Hazrat Imam Jafar-e-Sadiq (a.s) has said : When Hazrat Yaqub (a.s.) came to Hazrat Yusuf (a.s.), he (Hazrat Yusuf (a.s.) did not get down from mount to welcome Hazrat Yaqub (a.s).

The result of this ‘Tark-e-Awla’ was that Hazrat Jibraeel came down and extracted one ‘Noor’ from the palm of Hazrat Yusuf (a.s.). Hazrat Yusuf (a.s.) asked ‘What is this?’ The reply he got was ‘Now there will be no prophethood in your progeny because you did not welcome your father properly. Therefore, Allah has finished the continuity of prophethood from your progeny.) (Mazmaul Bayan - 5, p. 254)

(It is evident that these type of traditions are meant to show the importance of character improvement. As a matter of fact, the decision of prophethood is made in the initial stage only and is not dependant on the respect.)

Give due respect to Aalims who practice what they preach. They are the minarets of religion and yes, run away from an Alim who does not practice (what he preaches) as if you are running away from a lion. According to Imam’s order, they are not alims. They have harmed the religion more than the army of Yazid bin Moawiya. (Tafseer-e-Burhan, p. 118)

Son! Give respect and reverence to the progeny of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) because they are from the family of Janab-e-Fatema (a.s.) and Hazrat Ali (a.s.). Allah has decreed that you love them. As far as possible give them due respect because Allah’s will and good of both the world lie in it. (Mustadark, p. 400)

Remember their respect should not be confined only to ‘saadaat’ with good character. This order of respect is not meant for ‘Alims’ who do not practice Islam. They don’t deserve respect. But here we are talking about descendants of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) Therefore, their respect is a must. However if by not showing respect, there is likehood of their returning to right path.

Then don’t respect them. This is one way of ‘Nahi-anil-munkar’. However, it is better that you respect them in public and advise them in private as in the incident of Ahmed bin Ishak Ashari. Once Husaini bin Hasan Fatemi came to meet him. Since Husain was a drunkard, he refused to meet him. Then, when he was going for Haj pilgrimage, on the way to Samarra, he met Hazrat Imam Askari (a.s.).

But Imam did not give him audience. After many request and pleadings when he met the Imam, then Ahmed asked: ‘Son of the prophet, why are you displeased with me?’ The Imam replied: ‘Why did you not meet Husaini bin Hasan?’ Ahmad replied: ‘My intention was to prevent him from drinking wine’. The Imam said : ‘You are right. That is what is meant by ‘Nahi-anil-Mumkar’ but as far as respect for them is concerned, there should be no change.’

Ibne Ishaq kept this is mind and after returning from Haj he gave due respect to Husaini bin Hasan. He got frightened and asked the reason. Ahmed gave him the reason. This made so much impact on him that he asked for Allah’s forgiveness and broke all the wine glasses and threw them. He died in the mosque during ‘Aaiteqaf’. (Mustadrak-ul-wasael-2, p. 407)

Remember, this advice is not meant for non Fatemi ‘Sadat’ though being Hashemi they also deserve respect but they are not family members of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.). Whenever in doubt, be cautious. Of course, those who are sayyed from mother’s side also deserve respect because they are children of the daughter.

Imam Hasan (a.s.) and Imam Husain (a.s.) are prophet’s children because of this relation. People with this type of relations are not entitled to ‘Khums’. According to one reliable tradition from Jamad bin Isa, only those who are sayyed from father’s side are entitled ‘Khums’. Otherwise, they are equal as far respect is concerned. Both should be respected.

Son, keep good relations with your relatives. This increases your life span as well as wealth. Many many benefits are derived in this world as well as hereafter. Even if they break off relation, you continue keeping good relations with them. Amirul Momenin (a.s.) has said that show compassion to those who have broken off relations with you, results in more rewards and ‘Sawab’. This protects you from falling prey to desires.

Beware, never fail to show compassion. I have seen many good results of compassions and I have also experienced wonderful effects of keeping relations with those who have broken off relations. Therefore don’t be careless in this regard and maintain proper relations.

Take care of our shia brothers living in poverty. Take special care of neighbours and relatives. In it, there is honour in this world as well as hereafter. Hazrat Imam Jafar-e-Sadiq (a.s.) has said: The separation of Hazrat Yusuf (a.s.) from Hazrat Yaqub (a.s.) was caused because once he killed a sheep and consumed it without inquiring about his neighbours, when one of his neighbours was hungry. (Tafseer-e-Safi, p. 209)

(This is one type of ‘Tark-e-awla’ in which the test of prophet becomes very severe. Therefore, whenever you utilize any blessing of Allah, take care of the needs of others, otherwise you also might be tested sometime – Jawadi).

Son! Adopt the middle path in all your deeds. The results would be better and the future praiseworthy. Allah has ordered his prophet (s.a.w.) not to squander but adopt middle path.

Son! Take care of people under you and thank Allah that you are better off than them. Don’t look at those who are better-off than you, otherwise you will feel sad and you will lose the happiness of this world and ‘Sawab’ of the hereafter.

Son! As far as possible don’t develop very close contact with people because this may result in your becoming forgetful about truth and death. It also gives you less time for prayers. You don’t get a chance to acquire religious knowledge or to remember and ponder about Allah. You are tempted to know about people’s affairs.

You are compelled to listen to back-biting (Gibat) and allegations, sometimes you are forced to mix with useless people and get involved in unnecessary disputes and fights. As a result, you will repent on the day of Judgement. Beware, before it is too late.

Remember, always oppose the desires of the heart. Following the desires of the heart is fatal poison. Amirul Momeneen (a.s.) has said: The biggest threat is from following the desires of the heart and having high hopes. Desires of the heart desist you from right (truth) and high hopes make you forget the hereafter. (Rawz-e-Kafi, p. 58)

At another place, he has said: Save yourself from desires in such a way as if you are protecting yourself from an enemy. There is no other enemy more powerful than the desires of the heart. All types of calamities are born out of the desires of the heart. (Usul-e-Kafi-2, p. 235)

Son! Don’t worry about evening in the morning or about morning in the evening. Otherwise hopes will make you complacent. Imagine yourself as a dead body lying in front of people who are readying to give you “Ghusl”.

After you have became ‘Baligh’ prepare your will. As and when it becomes necessary to change the will, then make the necessary changes and alterations Write down what you have to repay and what you have to receive. There were several incidents when, lying in bed, during severe winter, I remembered having taken a loan of one or two dirhrams.

Then I would get up from bed, write it down and go to sleep – lest I die before repaying the loan! If the creditor does not ask then the burden of debt remains on me. If the creditor demands, then my inheritors may ask for proof, oath or document, which would prove bothersome for him, while in fact he has obliged me by giving a loan. The reward of obligation is not that he should be asked to prove his claim.

If he does not produce any proof and if my inheritors do not pay him, then I would be responsible on the day of judgement (therefore, it is necessary to note down your debts).

Son! Whenever you take or give a loan, then, as per the dictates of the Holy Quran, put it down in writing and get it attested by witnesses. Anyone who deviates one word from the laws of Shariat will repent. There is some purpose or reason behind every law of Allah. Therefore, beware, don’t consider these laws trival or useless.

May Allah give you long life and improve your deeds. Obey the laws, principles, etc. of shariat. Your every action – the way you live, do wuzu (ablution), ghusl, eating, drinking, sleeping, awakening, inter course, dress, house – all should be according to the orders of shariat. These laws have not been made without reason.

By obeying these commandments you will be benefited in this world as well as in the next. Don’t be lax or lazy in their obedience. I will soon collect these orders in the form of a book so that you may not have to search for them. Yes, your responsibility is to implement these orders in your life.

Son! Always, every moment, remember Allah. Remembrance of Allah increases your life span and wealth, saves you from calamities, distances you from shaitan and brings you near to Allah.

Masoom (a.s.) has stated: “The identity of our shia is that he always remembers Allah in solitude. Whosoever remembers Allah, Allah befriends him. He is saved from “Nifaq” and hell and is rewarded with a place in paradise. Those in paradise will never repent, except for the moments which they had passed without remembering Allah – otherwise their position in paradise would have been more exalted.

Son! Not sitting (meeting) should be without the remembrance of Allah, Imam (a.s) has said: If there is no remembrance of ours and Allah in any meeting, then those attending the meeting are liable to befall calamities. (Usul-e-Kafi - 2, p. 980)

Here, it is essential to understand, that ‘remembrance’ does not mean uttering Allah’s name by tongue but it means ‘remembrance’ through heart which begins with the tongue. Allah made Hazrat Ibrahim (a.s.) his “Khalil” because he used to remember Allah very much. Remembrance of Allah sincerely through heart earns seventy times more “Sawab” than by tongue only. (Usul-e-Kafi - 2)

Son! Ask for Allah’s forgiveness every morning. Recite 100 times ‘Masha Allaho la Hawla wala Quwwata Illa Billah Astagfirullah’ and 10 times ‘Subhanallahe wal hamdo lillahe wala elaha illallaho wallaho akbar’ every morning.

While coming out of the house, keep on end of ‘Amama’ loose and recite this prayer ‘Bismillahe wabillahe Amanto billah masha Allaho lahawla wala quwwata illa billahe tawakkalto alallah. (Usul-e-Kafi - 2, p. 143)

When you see some incident, don’t start asking questions. When Hazrat Dawood (a.s.) saw Lookman Hakim making ‘Zirah’ (protecting clothing) he thought of asking about it, but his common sense prevented him from asking and he kept quiet. After he had finished making ‘Zirah’, he wore it and said: Zirah is the best protection in war. Then Hazrat said: Silence is a great virtue but very few practice it.

Son, do all your ‘sunnat’ prayers in seclusion so that there is no possibility of ‘Riyakari’ (show-off), when amongst people say ‘La Elaha Illallah,’ because it is the best remembrance of Allah. Besides, you can recite it silently. All the alphabets are ‘Sakit’ (No ‘Makhraj’ is necessary to recite it. Then it is called ‘Zikre-e-Khafi). Even the sawab is also seventy times more.

Son, recite as much as possible ‘La Elaha Illallha La Hawla Wala Quwwata Illa Billahil Aliyyil Azim Sallallaho Ala Mohammadin Wa Ale-hit Taherin.’ These words have wonderful effect to make ‘Shaitain’ run away from you. Recite all the Duas said by Masoomeen (a.s.) even through it may be once in a lifetime. Do those deeds which they have done, even though you may be able to do them once.

Every deed has its effect and every dua has its benefits. Why deprive yourself of those rewards and benefits. Prayers and duas can be compared to fruits. When a man enters an orchard, he wishes to taste each and every fruit. Similarly, when he enters the orchard of prayers, he should enjoy the taste of each and every prayer and dua.

Son, recite some portion of the Holy Quran everyday specially at dawn and think over its meaning, so that you can act on its commands. Read the Tafsir (detailed interpretation) done by Masoomeen (a.s.) so that you can understand its deep significance.

Son, as far as possible, remain with ‘Taharat’. Taharat is momeen’s defence against Shaitan. It helps you to answer your prayers, increases your life, wealth and honour. It improves your health, keeps you happy and mentally alert. Wuzu is half Imaan (Mustadarak 41)

As long as momeen is with Wuzu, he gets the sawab of ‘Taakibat.’ (Wasael-1, p. 404)

One who dies with Taharat, dies a martyr’s death. (Wasael-1, p. 404)

One who sleeps with wuzu, gets the sawab of whole nights’ prayer. (Wasael-1, p. 50)

One who goes to bed with wuzu, his bed takes the place of a mosque. (Wasael-1, p. 50)

During a dream, the Ruh (Soul) of a momeen travels to ‘Mal-e-Aala’ (upper world). Therefore it is essential that he is with wuzu so that he makes himself deserving of meeting with Allah and also get Barkat.

Son, at the time of ‘waswasa’ from shaitan, recite “Auozo Billah’ and Bismillah’ and then say: Aamanto Billahe wa Rosolehi Mukhlessan Lahud-deen.’

Son, pray all your namaz at the earliest time. It is better as well as it relieves you of your responsibility. It gives rest to your body and peace to your Ruh (Soul). It is stated in the traditions that no deed is accepted till the prayers are recited. So recite prayers at the earliest so that all your deeds are accepted and your wealth is increased. (Mustadarak, p. 171)

Pray all the nafela (Sunnat) of day and night even though in a short form. The performance of nafela prayers completes the compulsory prayers. From experience, it is observed that by praying night’s nafela there is increase in wealth and by praying zohr and Asr nafela guidance to the right path is facilitated.

Beware! Don’t leave nafela prayers on the excuse that you are busy and you have no time. Nafela will be helpful in your work - not an impediment. The purpose of knowledge is action. It is meaningless to leave action for knowledge.

Son! Always pray compulsory Namaz with Jamat whether you are Imaam or mamoom. There is a lot of sawab. See that you are not deprived of this sawab. It is stated in the traditions that by praying with Jamat, the sawab is multiplied 150 times. As the people praying with jamat increases, so also sawab increases. So much so that if there is a big congregation, jinns and human beings collectively cannot count its sawab.

Punctually recite ‘Tasbihe-Zehra (a.s.)’ after namaz. Do ‘Sajd-e-Shukr’ without fail. Whenever you are in trouble, put down your head on the ground with the intention of ‘Sajd-e-Shukr’ and recite the dua which Hazrat Jibraeel had