AhlulBayt News Agency (ABNA): In the fifth episode of a program broadcast on Channel One of IRIB on the occasion of the holy month of Ramadan, Ayatollah Reza Ramazani continued his commentary on Hikmah (Wisdom) 289 from Nahj al-Balagha.
At the beginning of this session, he said, “The sense of estrangement and grief on Fridays is clearly felt by all true believers [because of the continued Occultation of Imam Mahdi (a.s.)]. We must strive to attain the blessing of being mindful of Imam Mahdi (a.s.) in all circumstances and express this mindfulness by offering salutations to him—whether he is engaged in prayer, standing in qunut, or sujud. “السلام علیک حین تصلی و تقنت السلام علیک ترکع و تسجد” (Peace be upon you while you are in salat, when you are in qunut, ruku or sujud).” Indeed, we are deeply indebted to Imam Mahdi (a.s.), and we must endeavor, through divine grace and with the assistance of the Imam (a.s.) himself, to increase our knowledge, love, and obedience toward him.”
Recalling the discussions from previous sessions and the theme of Hikmah 289 of Nahj al-Balagha, which describes Imam Ali’s (a.s.) characterization of his religious brother, he said, “Imam Ali (a.s.) mentioned that this brother was great in his eyes because the world was small in his sight. Imam Ali (a.s.) then went on to describe other characteristics of this religious brother, stating that he was free from the domination of his stomach, meaning he was not indulgent. Continuing his description, the Imam (a.s.) said that this brother was a man of silence and only spoke when it was appropriate; he was humble, yet, when necessary, he appeared in the arena with seriousness and determination. Wherever it was required, he would present his reasoning and testimony; he was also not one to blame others, and if anyone sought his pardon, he would accept his apology.”
Referring to the Quranic definition of a true human being based on the teachings of Nahj al-Balagha, the Secretary-General of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly stated, “In Hikmah 289 of Nahj al-Balagha, Imam Ali (a.s.) said about his religious brother, “وَ کَانَ لَا یَشْکُو وَجَعاً إِلَّا عِنْدَ بُرْئِهِ” (He did not complain of pain except after his recovery).” Human beings may become ill and sick, yet Imam Ali (a.s.) said that his religious brother never complained about his illness or pain unless he had regained his health, for such complaints would cause distress to the believers and bring joy to the enemies. If a leader or official is truly a servant of the people, the enemies will rejoice upon hearing of his illness, while the friends will be saddened.”
Ayatollah Ramazani added, “In Wisdom 289 of Nahj al-Balagha, Imam Ali (a.s.), by describing the characteristics of his religious brother, including that he was not given to complaint, introduces the behavior of a faithful and Quranic individual. A complete, self-disciplined, and Quranic person, who cultivates himself, is of such character. Imam Ali (a.s.) further elaborates on an important point in this Hikmah, stating that this pious brother was a man of action; if he spoke of something, he acted upon it. The Quran warns against those who possess knowledge but do not practice it, considering it a serious threat to humans: “يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا لِمَ تَقُولُونَ مَا لَا تَفْعَلُونَ” (O you who have faith! Why do you say what you do not do?) (Holy Quran, 61: 2). In Hikmah 289 of Nahj al-Balagha, Imam Ali (a.s.) said about his religious brother, “وَ کَانَ یَقُولُ مَا یَفْعَلُ وَ لَا یَقُولُ مَا لَا یَفْعَلُ” (He always spoke of what he practiced and never said what he did not do).”
Referring to the necessity of following the example of the Holy Prophet (p.b.u.h), he said, “One day, a father with his son came to the Messenger of God (p.b.u.h) and asked him to advise the child to refrain from eating dates. The Holy Prophet (p.b.u.h) told the father to return the next day. When the father and son came back the following day, the Messenger of God (p.b.u.h) gave the child the desired advice [regarding moderation in eating dates]. The Holy Prophet’s (p.b.u.h) companions asked why he had not given this advice the day before. The Holy Prophet (p.b.u.h) replied, ‘Yesterday, I myself had eaten dates, and when I advise someone on a matter, I must first practice it myself.’ Action holds great importance, especially for those who advocate for religion and wear the Holy Prophet’s (p.b.u.h) clothing [Islamic clerics]. Such individuals must be extremely mindful of their behavior and conduct, and they must practice what they preach.”
Ayatollah Ramazani stressed, “It is essential for religious scholars to be vigilant about their behavior and actions. When people see that we say one thing from the minbar (pulpit) but do not act on it ourselves, undoubtedly, our words lose their impact. However, when they witness that we practice what we preach and adhere to what we say, our words will be influential. I have said this before: People listen to us because they assume we speak the truth and act upon what we say. When they are convinced of this, they become devoted to the religion [of Islam]. If we can present Islam correctly, Islam will dignify humanity. However, we must never attribute the actions of an individual who fails to adhere to the commands of Islam to Islam itself [and blame Islam for their shortcomings].”
The Secretary-General of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly emphasized, “Some claim that ‘the youth are evading of Islam and become hostile toward it.’ I have no doubt that such assertions are incorrect. No young person is inherently averse to or hostile toward religion because religion is a matter of Fitrah (innate nature) and is in harmony with all the inner desires of a human being. Religion [Islam] calls mankind to truth, righteousness, meaning, justice, and dignity, and no young person is at odds with dignity, justice, righteousness, and truth. If I [as a cleric] behave improperly, this should not be attributed to Islam; this is a highly important and noteworthy point. Those whose duty is to preach and guide others must pay close attention to this matter. We must strive to practice what we preach and refrain from speaking of things that we do not practice, for this has an intrinsic consequence both on ourselves and on others.”
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