Tuesday, 14 February 2017

Imam Zainul Abedeeen's Maxims on Life Management



Dr. Mazhar Naqvi
Belated Greetings on the joyous birth anniversary of Imam Zainul Abedeen. A large number of Imamis believe that the fourth Imam was born on 15th Jamad-ul-Awwal. Some of their counterparts believe 5th of Shahan as his birth anniversary. But this difference should be ignored as Imam who is also popularly known as Beemar-E-Karbala deserves to be remembered every day. His dedication to prayers, supplications, literary pursuits and service to the destitute remains matchless even today. After the martyrdom of his father Imam Hussain at Karbala, the fourth Imam kept the Karbala revolution alive despite detaching himself from worldly affairs. In a previous post, I have written about his unique personality and ordeals. Hence, on the occasion of his birth anniversary, I am producing 10 maxims of Imam Zainul Abedeen.By following these maxims, a person can lead an exemplary life in both the worlds :

1- The greatest of people is that who does not see the world as great.The richest of people is that who is satisfied with what Allah has chosen for him.

2- Avoid telling lies, whether they were significant or venial, or in serious or humorous situations, for a man who tells a trivial lie will surely dare to tell a big one.The whole goodness is to protect yourself (against all that which is unacceptable).

3-Do not associate, talk, or accompany five classes of people. i.e. Beware of associating with the liar, for he is as same as mirage: he shows you the near as remote and shows you the remote as near., Beware of associating with the sinful, for he will disappoint you for a single bite or even something less valuable. Beware of associating with the stingy, for he will let you down when you are in urgent need of his property. Beware of associating with the foolish, for he harms you when he intends to do you favor. Beware of associating with the disregardful of his relatives, for I found him cursed in the Book of Allah.

4-Knowledge and the perfect religion is to avoid intruding into unconcerned matters, dispute others rarely, show clemency and steadfastness, and be well-mannered.

5-The very hypocrite is that who warns people (against evil deeds) but he does not stop committing them and orders them (to do good acts) but he does not do (such acts).
 


6-Satisfy yourself with that  have been  given to you and you will be the most abstinent of people. Carry out the duties that have been made incumbent upon you and you will be the best worshipper of people. Avoid acting matters that have deemed forbidden and you will be the most pious of people.

7-Many are those whom are deceived by commendation. Many are those whom are swindled by the firm covering up (of their sins). Many are those whom are trapped by favors and graces that they receive.

8- Be with those who abstain from (chasing) the worldly pleasures and desire for the (permanent bliss of the) life to come.The abstinent are those who betake the land of Allah as mat, dust as bed, rocks as pillow, water as odor, and they cut their livelihood in this world. You should know that he whoever longs for Paradise dashes to the good deeds and forgets the passion. Whoever is concerned about the fire (of Hell) takes the initiative to repent to Allah from the sins and stops committing the forbidden matters.

9-Sitting with the virtuous ones urges virtue, adherence to the ethics of the scholars improves the intelligence, Compliance with the men of authority (namely the sinless Imams(AS) is the perfect dignity, investment of the property is the perfect personality, guiding the seeker of counsel is a fulfillment of the rights of graces, and abstinence from harming people is a part of the perfection of mind. It also achieves the immediate and gradual physical comfort.


10-To spend moderately in times of poverty, give generously in times of luxury, treat people fairly, and greet them initiatively-these manners are within the characters of the believers. Looks of mutual affection and amiability between the believers is a sort of worship.(References available on request.Photo courtesy-Google Images) 

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