Introduction:

Imaam Mohammad al-Baaqir SA said, “Every one of us should do Wasiyat - give injunctions to our kith and kin, and it is a right of every Muslim”. This is pertaining to the Wasiyat or Last Will about Worldly possessions, Wealth, Property, Children and Jewelry - which a deceased person does before his death to his/her family members.

But what a Nabi, Wasi or Imaam enjoins his followers is not about these material things of the world. Their injunctions are about Deen of Allaah. Following the path of Allaah. Giving allegiance to the rightful authority - who in their respective periods is a Nabi, Wasi, Imaam or his deputy called Da'i inviting mumineen-believers towards him (Imaam). It's about acting in obedience to Allaah and his Shari'at. It’s about exercising restraint that which is unlawful and harmful in every respect. It's about protecting one's beliefs and faith.

These injunctions are not time bound. But Imaam repeats them several times and says afresh among the gatherings of the followers either privately or publicly. It is incumbent upon the Mumineen to follow the words of the Imaam or Da'i. 

Saiyedna Qadi No'maan bin Mohammad RA came in the Khidmat of 11th Faatemi Imaam Maulaana Mahdi Billaah SA. He served the Imaam selflessly and whatever he learnt from the Imaam, he disseminated it relentlessly and systematically, by his permission to the Mumineen in the form of books or lectures-Majaalis. He wrote several books on the Qur'anic teachings, Ahaadees of Rasoolullaah SAWS, Historical accounts and the importance of the eternal mission of Imaamat. His books stresses on the significance of succession of Imaamat from father to son by spiritual and authoritative appointment – Nass whether it is explicit or implicit. Imaam either manifest or in seclusion is always present on the face of the Earth.

History repeats itself. Even today people from different sects are busy in maligning us false information and baseless allegation - our beliefs, customs and practices. Just as the previous Du'aat painstakingly worked to protect the Deen of Allaah by publishing books, giving lectures or delivering sermons; it is our responsibility to carry over their divine mission ahead and to falsify the venomous propaganda of ill-intent people. With all present mediums available we are continuously working to bring forth the Knowledge of Ahl ul Bayt SA in the Khidmat of Mumineen, so that they come to know about the history and the reality as well as help to strengthen their beliefs and faith.

Saiyedna Abu Sa’eed il Khayr Haatim Zakiyuddin Saheb TUS never leaves any stone unturned when it comes to dissemination of knowledge among the Mumineen. He encourages Mumineen to take advantage of our website, our newsletter and our mobile application and seek the knowledge of Ahl ul Bayt SA.

No Majlis or gatherings of Mumineen go without Bayaan. First night of every month, after Fajr Namaaz on selected days, exclusive Dars for Mumineen regarding Shari’at-Lisaan ud Da’wat-Arabic, on the occasion of Ziyaarat, Chaalisma, Chammaasi and Warsi of the Mumineen in the Qabrastaan, majlis of Nikaah and Misaaq, majlis of ‘Urs.  Mumineen are addressed in every gathering. This is the need of time. The Imaam or the Da'i disseminates the knowledge among the Mumineen as per the need arises. These are efforts from our end and our duty. The duty of Mumineen is to take interest and actively participate in it and reciprocate to our endeavors.

Saiyedna saheb TUS has translated the chapter of Wasiyat of A’immat Faatemiyeen SA from the book Da'aaim ul Islaam. This has been put in the Khidmat of Mumineen in two languages - Gujarati and English. It's an attempt to bring forth the importance of Wasiyat of the Imaam. Also to emphasize the fact that Imaam always doesn't talk about Religion but enjoins their Shi'as to be a good and perfect human first. We hope that this book will help Mumineen to get a clear picture about the era of our Faatemi Imaams and their Shi'as. Mumineen will be able to grasp the injunctions of the Imaam and will try to adopt it in their lives. The words of the Imaam are true in every sense and applicable in every period.

The foremost Isma’ili jurist and founder of Faatemi Isma’ili jurisprudence, Abu Hanifa No’maan b. Muhammad at-Tamimi al-Maghribi al-Faatemi, better known as al-Qadi Saiyedna No’maan RA, was born around 290 AH/903 AD into a learned family in Qayrawan, in North Africa. Very little is known about his family, childhood and education. His father’s name was Abu ‘Abdullaah Muhammad b. Mansur b. Ahmad b. Hayyun.

Brought up and Educated as an Isma’ili, in 313 AH/ 925 AD Saiyedna No’maan RA entered the service of Imaam ‘Abdullaah al-Mahdi SA (death 322 AH/ 934 AD), the 11th Faatemi Imaam who did the manifestation-Zuhoor and founded the Faatemi Empire in North Africa in 297 AH/ 909 AD. He served four Faatemi Imaams (pl. A’immat) – 11th, 12th, 13th and 14th, in different capacities, such as the keeper of the palace library and the judge of Tripoli and Mansuriyya, the new capital from 337 AH/ 948 AD under the 13th Imaam Isma’il al-Mansoor SA.

Saiyedna No’maan RA’s advancement under the Faatemi Imaams culminated in his appointment in 337 AH/ 948 AD by Imaam al-Mansoor SA to the position of chief judge (qadi al-qudaat) of the Faatemi state. The 14th Faatemi Imaam al-Mo’iz SA confirmed and continued Saiyedna No’maan RA in that post and in 343 AH/ 954 AD also entrusted him with the grievances proceedings (mazaalim) throughout the Faatemi Empire.

In addition, he was authorized by Imaam al-Mo’iz SA to hold the ‘Sessions of Wisdom’ (majaalis al-hikmah) every Friday in the royal palace to instruct Isma’ili audiences in the esoteric Isma’ili sciences, known as Hikmah, as well as the ta’weel or esoteric interpretations of the Qur’an and the commandments of the Islamic law. Saiyedna Qadi No’maan RA accompanied Imaam al-Mo’iz SA to Egypt in 362 AH/ 973 AD and died in Cairo, the new Faatemi capital, on the 29th Jumaadi al Ukhraa 363 AH/ 27 March 974 AD; his funeral prayer was led by Imaam al-Mo’iz SA himself.

Saiyedna Qadi No’maan RA is, however, best known as the founder of a juridical system for a Faatemi state reflecting the universalist aspirations of the Faatemi Imaams while recognizing the minority status of the Isma’ilis within the larger Muslim society of North Africa. He codified Isma’ili law and his efforts culminated in the compilation of the book Da’aaim ul Islaam, in two volumes, on the acts of ‘Ibaadat and worldly affairs (mu‘aamelaat), supervised closely and endorsed by Imaam al-Mo’iz SA as the official legal code of the Faatemi state. The book Da’aaim ul Islaam has continued throughout the centuries to serve as the principal legal authority for the Faatemi Taiyebi Isma’ili Musta’alavi Bohras. Saiyedna No’maan RA was also the founder of a distinguished family of chief judges in the Faatemi state.

After the Wafaat of 7th Faatemi Imaam Maulaana Mohammad, the son of Imaam Isma’il SA, the 3 consecutive Imaams after him went into seclusion - Satr. They led a simple and highly secret life fearing life from the enemies of Imaams of the Progeny of Maulaatona Faatema SA - Aal e Faatema SA.
When Maulaana Imaam al-Mahdi Billaah SA did Zuhoor (manifested himself publicly) in 297 AH in North Africa, the true picture of Deen of Allaah and the Shari'at was already distorted by the existent sects and their leaders fulfilling their own vested interests of gaining political power and religious superiority.

Hence resurrecting the true picture of Deen of Allaah was necessary for the Imaam and his Du'aat - missionaries. It is therefore evident that role of Da'i e Balaagh like Saiyedna Qadi No'maan bin Mohammad RA was very crucial to fill in the vacuum of true knowledge. The Imaam enjoined Saiyedna Qadi No'maan with the supreme responsibility of infusing new life in the Deen of Allaah.

Saiyedna Qadi No'maan wrote “Kitaab ul Himmah fi Aadaab e Atbaa' il A’immah” which highlights the distinction of the followers of the rightful Imaams and their attributes. He compiled various quotations, narrations and incidents; he came across during the company of the Imaam and named that book as “Kitaab ul Majaalis wal Musaa'eraat”. It is the collection of 35 years of the life of Saiyedna Qadi No'maan with the Imaams. It doesn't seem like a book but like a diary.

It is presumed that the book “Da’aaim ul Islaam” was composed somewhere around 349 AH/960 AD. Saiyedna No’maan RA does not mention his name in the Book because it was commissioned by 14th Faatemi Imaam Maulaana al-Mo’iz SA and was proclaimed as the official legal code of the Faatemi State. The composition of the Book was the culmination of the Saiyedna No’maan RA’s efforts to codify the Isma’ili law more than 30 years after he began the compilation of his voluminous book “Kitaab ul Izaah”.

19th Yemeni Da’i e Mutlaq Saiyedna Idrees ‘Imaaduddin RA describes the circumstances under which the Faatemi Imaam Maulaana al-Mo’iz SA commissioned Saiyedna No’maan RA to compile the book “Da’aaim ul Islaam”: Once there was a large gathering of the Du’aat at the court of Imaam al-Mo’iz SA. During the meeting of that assembly the subject of conversation turned to the fabrication of the Prophetic traditions-Ahaadees, and differences of opinions among the Muslims, which led to the division of the Muslim community into different sects.

On seeing this, Imaam al-Mo’iz SA remembered the Hadees of Rasoolullaah SAWS – “You (Muslims) will surely follow the paths of the previous communities as a horseshoe upon a horseshoe and an arrow feather upon an arrow feather, to the extent that if they (communities) had entered a lizard’s hole, then you too would surely have done that”.

The Imaam remembered another Hadees in which Rasoolullaah SAWS pointed – “When innovations appear in my community, let the learned man make manifest his knowledge, but if he does not do so, the Allaah’s Curse will be upon him”.

The Imaam turned to Saiyedna No’maan RA and told him, “You No’maan is the one meant by the latter Hadees in these times”. The Imaam thus commissioned Saiyedna No’maan RA to compose the book. When Saiyedna No’maan RA completed the compilation as instructed, Imaam al-Mo’iz SA revised it chapter by chapter, section by section, confirming what firmly established and authentic practice (Sunnah) was and tradition (Hadees) of his forefathers, polishing its rough edges and filling the gaps. It is this quality and distinguished feature of the book that Da’aaim ul Islaam is the most authentic piece of Isma’ili literature because it was overlooked, revised and edited by the Imaam himself. Such example is not found anywhere.

The Book “Da’aaim ul Islaam” is nothing short of a Miracle manifested on the hands of 14th Faatemi Imaam al-Mo’iz SA through his Da’i Saiyedna No’maan RA. Through this book, the correct teachings of Rasoolullaah SAWS and Ahl ul Bayt SA became conspicuous and the banner of Islaam attained new heights. All harmful innovations were uprooted for which Rasoolullaah SAWS had said, “All innovations are aberration and every aberration is in the Hell”.

16th Faatemi Imaam al-Haakim SA writes to one of his Da’i (missionary) Haaroon bin Mohammad, “And when you give judgment regarding the permissible (Halaal) and forbidden (Haraam) to the seekers of the knowledge, give it according to the book Da’aaim ul Islaam”. Da’aaim ul Islaam was memorized by all judges in the Faatemi State. Even Ya’qoob bin Killis (Wazeer – deputy of 15th Faatemi Imaam al-‘Azeez SA) follows the book Da’aaim ul Islaam while describing the rules of the Pillars of Islaam in his book.

Islaam is founded on seven pillars, - 1) Walaayat (Devotion, acceptance and loyalty to the rightful Imaams and their representatives). 2) Tahaarat (ritual purity). 3) Salaat (ritual prayers, Namaaz). 4) Zakaat (giving alms in a calculated amount to the Imaam in the month of Ramazaan). 5) Sawm (fasting). 6) Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah and Madeenah). 7) Jehaad (holy war).

The first Pillar of Walaayat is most important without which everything else is meaningless and void. The book starts with the first Pillar of Walaayat and each Pillar has been labeled as ‘Kitaab’ for example – Kitaab ul Walaayat. Each Pillar is further divided into several chapters for the ease of understanding and sequence.

Wasiyat of the Imaams done to their Shi’as and followers is a separate chapter in the Kitaab ul Walaayat. Wasiyat means injunctions or moral teachings or enjoinments. Translation of this chapter of Wasiyat has been named as “Kitaab ul Wasaaya” (pl. of Wasiyat) in the Khidmat of Mumineen.

Praise be to Allaah Ta'aala that He has created us as Human Beings and by granting us a short but special life.  He has given us an opportunity to seek Najaat and Shafaa'at - Salvation and Redemption. To make our short worldly life easy and soothing, He has given us the Ne'mat of family, society and businesses.

For our Salvation and Redemption, He has made us to grasp the path of his Divine Religion - Deen of Allaah. He has bestowed us with the favor of Guardians of His Deen - Nabi, Wasi and Imaam and it is through their obedience that we are able to reach Allaah Ta'aala.

It is the Deen of Allaah which helps us to rise above the confinements and shortcomings of Human Nature like anger, jealousy, pride, envy, greed, deceit and wickedness. Majority of us have become servants of the worldly affairs. Very few among us are aware about the reality of life. Very few people are able to renounce the worldly riches for the Eternal Reward.

Indeed it is the life in the Hereafter which is everlasting and eternal. For obtaining that heavenly abode, we need to prepare ourselves in this world by performing the obligations of Shari'at and acting in obedience to Allaah.

Publishing this book is a humble attempt to give a glimpse of the life of the Hereafter and the Reward of Paradise as described by the Imaams. Before performing the obligations of Shari'at it is necessary for every Mumin to become a respectable and honest human being. He can do this by following and adopting the words of the Imaam.

Huzoor e 'Aali TUS has himself done the translation of the chapter of Wasiyat of the Imaam from Arabic to Lisaan ud Da'wat. It's a matter of pride for Mumineen that they have literal translation of Da'i uz Zamaan TUS in their hands.

Huzoor e 'Aali TUS has incorporated many extracts of his Bayaan in the Lessons of the Wasiyat. He has simplified the complex terms in his own words. He has cited contemporary examples to make the reading interesting and lively. He has described the situations during the period of our Du'aat in Ahmedabad as well in some Lessons.

He wishes that our Mumineen reads the Wasiyat - injunctions of our Imaams and get a lesson from them to make their lives more meaningful, successful and virtuous. The Gujarati version of this Book was published in the month of Shahrullaah 1440 AH and the book was gifted to the Mumineen.  Its English version is published in Shawwaal 1440 AH for the Mumineen who don't have a habit of reading Gujarati language. It will be equally helpful to the Mumineen living overseas. 

English translation of the book was done by Raasulhudood Dr Zulqarnain Hakeemuddin DM who has edited and revised the lessons of the Wasiyat to make it simpler for the readers. Historical aspect of Saiyedna Qadi No'maan bin Mohammad RA, compilation of Da’aaim ul Islaam and its significance has been dealt with separately in the English version.

The succession tree from Aadam Nabi SA till today has been exclusively added in the English version so that Mumineen gets clear idea about the chain of succession.  It is our humble request to the Mumineen to read this book carefully and understand the Wasiyat of the Imaams and try to implement it in their lives.

It has been narrated by Maulaana ‘Ali SA that few people came to him with some questions regarding Worldly Affairs. For fulfilling their selfish purpose they sought closeness of Maulaana ‘Ali by claiming that they are among the Shi’a. Maulaana ‘Ali SA stared them for long time and said; “I did not recognize you; and about your claim that you are among my Shi’a; I do not see any sign of my Shi’a in you”. Maulaana ‘Ali SA continued further and said: “My Shi’a are those who believe in Allaah and His Prophet Mohammad SAWS; and act in obedience to them; and avoid the things they have pronounced as sins; and obey us in whatever we command; and reciprocate us to what we invite to do".

Our Shi’a keeps constant watch over the Sun, the Moon, and the Stars in order to observe the times of Namaaz. Our Shi’a are those whose lips are parched and their abdomens are slim. Their faces bear the marks of Worship and their Facial expressions indicate Calmness. He is not from us who would usurp others rights. He is not from us who would tyrannize others. He is not from us who would take from others what is not meant for him.

Maulaana ‘Ali SA after the assassination of the 3rd Caliph of the people Usmaan, migrated to Kufah from Madinah. He stayed there until his martyrdom in 40 AH. In search of true picture of the Deen of Allaah and seeking correct understanding of the Qur’an people used to frequent Madinah. They were also in search of a deserving and legitimate leader after the demise of Rasoolullaah SAWS. After Maulaana ‘Ali SA shifted to Kufah, people came to you from distant places because they knew no one possessed the knowledge as Maulaana ‘Ali SA did.

The Shi’a – a term used by Rasoolullaah SAWS himself saying – “Shi’ato ‘Aliyin homul Faa’ezoon” meaning Shi’a of ‘Ali are the Victorious, were the people who gave allegiance to the authority of Wasaayat of Maulaana ‘Ali SA after Rasoolullaah SAWS. They rejected the authority of the Caliphs. They accepted the vicegerency of Maulaana ‘Ali SA whole heartedly. They visited Maulaana ‘Ali SA in Kufah.

Maulaana ‘Ali SA knew his Shi’a whenever they visited him. He used to recognize them by their looks, by their character and the way of talking. Why won’t he? Because he knew what was hidden in the hearts and minds of the people. Even before initiating the talk, Maulaana ‘Ali SA would say whether the one he is talking to belongs to his Shi’a or not. Whether he has love and respect for Ahl ul Bayt SA in his heart or not.

Taking the advantage of the privileges, Shi’a got in the direct company of Maulaana ‘Ali SA, there were many wicked people who pretended to be among the Shi’a. They used to visit Maulaana ‘Ali SA saying they are Shi’a. Maulaana ‘Ali SA would at once judge them.

Hence to distinguish others from Shi’a Maulaana ‘Ali SA would address the people and describe about the qualities and distinctiveness of Shi’a. The pretenders would understand that unless we possess the attributes described by Maulaana ‘Ali SA we cannot become one among them. Shi’a are a disciplined and down-to-earth humans first possessing all virtues and good attributes which would require before conforming to the principles of Deen of Allaah.

During the time of 5th Faatemi Imaam Maulaana Ja’far us Saadiq SA: Some of the Shi’a from Koofah came in the Khidmat (to serve) of the Imaam to listen to him and learn from him. They stayed at Madinah as long as it was possible for them. They frequented the Imaam; listened to him and learned from him. When the time of their departure arrived they visited the Imaam to bid him farewell. Some of them appealed the Imaam and said, ‘O Son of Rasoolullaah SAWS! Give us some instructions’.

The Imaam said: I command you to Fear Allaah (Taqwaa); to act in Obedience to Him (Taa’at); to keep yourself away from His Disobedience (Ma’siyat); to be trustworthy to the one who has put trust in you (to return the Amaanat – deposit to its giver with full faith); to have good relations with your associates; and still I command you to be our Silent Missionaries-Du’aatan Saameteen (calling people towards Us).

They then asked, ‘O Son of Rasoolullaah SAWS, how can we invite the people towards you while keeping silence?’ The Imaam replied, ‘By doing what we have instructed you to do, by obeying the Commands of Allaah Ta’aala, by refraining from that which we have forbidden you, including the things prohibited by Allaah Ta’aala, by being truthful and fair to the people, by being trustworthy to the people who have put trust in you, and by commanding what is good and forbidding what is wrong. The people should hear nothing but good of you so that when they express an opinion about you, they will say, ‘These are the ones. May Allaah Ta’aala have Mercy on them. How excellent is he who has disciplined his followers so well! In this way they will know our virtue and will hurry towards us’.

I bear witness that, I have heard my father Imaam Mohammad ul Baaqir SA saying, ‘Our companions and our Shi’a were the best men of their times in those days. If there was a person to lead the Namaaz in the Mosque, he was one of them; from our Shi’a. If there was a Mo’azzin [one who calls out Azaan] in the tribe, he was one of them. If there was a need of trustworthy man among the people, he was one of them. If there was a learned man among the people who they sought for their faith and for the benefit of their affairs, he was from them. So, you too, be like our Shi’a. Make us close to the people and never make us hateful to them’.

Rasoolullaah SAWS said to the People of his House before he left for the heavenly abode, "You will be made weak after my death". His words talks volumes of wisdom. It indicates the hardships and sufferings which were to befall over them.

Periods of A’immat Faatemiyeen SA after the martyrdom of Maulaana Imaam Husain SA were most difficult for them and the Shi'as. The truthful Imaams carried over the Amr (Decree) of Imaamat secretly. Shi'as used to visit the Imaam and stay in his company for a specific period of time most of the time secretly acquiring knowledge and learning about the Deen of Allaah.

This was the practice even during the time of Rasoolullaah SAWS. When the disciples used to take a leave from the Imaam, they used to request the Imaam to enjoin them about how they should lead the life in their hometown. The Imaam used to give injunctions to them which would include instructions on how to behave with others in general and how to carry out the mission of Imaamat in particular on behalf of the Imaam.

Undoubtedly, whoever would come to seek the knowledge from the Imaam would be like the missionaries of the Imaam in their homeland. This is how the mission of the Imaamat was kept alive through the Du’aat-missionaries among the believers-mumineen till now even in the absence of Kingdom or Government.

The Imaam instructed more about the human values and virtuous character which is a prerequisite for being a true Shi'a. People only can be called to the fold of Shi'ism through cordial relationship and amicability. Infusing life to the mission of Imaamat in this way is specifically called as 'Silent Mission' by the Imaam and the one who does it is called 'Silent Missionary' - (Silent Da'i).  Today Da'i ul Mutlaq is the Supreme authority in the place of Hidden Imaam and he guides mumineen to act like him as a silent Da’i which in turn is the same instructed by the Imaam.

Imaam Ja'far us Saadiq SA: When he learnt about the news of laxity in the observance of religious obligations among some of his Shi'a, he warned them and expressed his displeasure strongly and instructed them, 'Allaah's mercy never reaches the one who is negligent in the slightest manner with regard to what Allaah has commanded upon him.'

Also, he will never get the Shafaa'at (intercession) of Rasoolullaah SAWS on the Day of Qeyaamah. Therefore akin to us regarding what Allaah has commanded and act accordingly. 

Do not disobey Allaah and His Rasoolullaah SAWS and do not disobey us by doing against what we say, and I swear by Allaah that there's no God but Allaah. He pointed his fingers to the sky and said that we are (the true representatives of Allaah on this Earth) - and our Shi'a are from us and rest of the people are the dwellers of Hell.

It is through us that Allaah is served (His Deen is conformed). It is through us that Allaah is obeyed. And it is through us that Allaah is disobeyed. Therefore, whoever obeys us has indeed obeyed Allaah and whoever disobeys us has indeed disobeyed Allaah. Obedience to us (Aimmat Faatemiyeen SA) was commanded by Allaah for His Creations even before the Time of Creation. Thus no deeds from anyone will be accepted by Allaah but through us. No mercy will be shown to anyone but through us. No punishment will be given to anyone but through us.

We are the Door to Allaah and His Proof (Hujjat). We are custodians of his Creations and guardians to His Secret and repository of his Knowledge. One who denies our share from his assets as commanded by Allaah has no destiny in the Paradise.

The Imaam is the fountainhead of the Divine Knowledge of Allaah which he has inherited from his forefathers - from the Wasi and the Nabi SA, through the spiritual appointment - better called as Nass. This is the reason why Nass forms the base of truthfulness of succession. Without it, all inheritance is false.

The Shi'as got some privileges by being close to the Imaam who gave them good tidings - bashaarat for being the followers of the truthful Imaams. Some of the Shi'as misunderstood the teachings of the Imaam. They presumed that Shari'at is all about having love of the Imaam and being his Shi'a. Nothing else is important. Even if we don't follow the obligations of Shari'at, it doesn't matter much. Love of Imaam is all sufficient.

On hearing such erroneous concepts harbored by some Shi'as, the Imaam warned them. He said the obligations and Faraa’iz of Shari'at are first and foremost thing before anything else, even our Love. Najaat and Shafaa'at (salvation and redemption) is for the one who follows the obligations of the Shari'at completely without any shortcomings. Allaah's mercy won't reach him who would disobey His commands given in the Qur'an. Our love is undoubtedly expressed by following the Shari'at and its Principles. 

There are some people who for their own interests, misinterpret the words of the Imaam or Da'i. Imaan-faith is doing deeds or willfully performing in every sense. It's conviction through heart, utterance by tongue and performance by body parts. Even slight deviation from it voids one's Imaan.

Imaam Ja'far us Saadiq SA told al-Mufazzal bin 'Umro, 'O Mufazzal! Tell our Shi'a to be our missionaries (Du'aat) by refraining from the things forbidden by Allaah and avoiding disobedience to Him and through following the path of His service and acceptance. If they act in this manner, people will hastily come to us believing that such virtues are taught only by the Imaam and not anyone else.

Following the principles of Shari'at has two steps which should be taken consecutively one after other.

First step is the Denial or Renouncement of all forbidden things which are regarded so by Allaah, His Rasool SAWS and His Wali (Imaam or Da'i). This is called Tabarra’.

A person has an addiction of chewing tobacco but simultaneously he is very steadfast in offering Namaaz. He goes to the Mosque and offers Namaaz daily. The Imaam says, “Tell him to renounce the habit of tobacco first, only then will the Namaaz benefit him.”  Ignorance is like a dreadful disease.  This disease is rooted and it grows when a person do not do any effort to be with his Imaam and acquire things that are utmost necessary for him to maintain and strengthen the spiritual relationship with his Imaam.  If this regular nourishment of knowledge is not done then he will become an easy victim of ignorance.  So, if someone wants his spiritual relationship with the Imaam to flourish then he has to first close all the doors of ignorance and also the bad agents who makes him apart and isolated from the grace and blessings of Imaam which is like an effective medicine for ignorance.

Second step us Tawalla. It is to carry out and execute the obligations of Shari'at. The Imaam says, “Tell my Shi'a to act in obedience to Allaah Ta'aala by doing things which pleases him.”

Imaam Ja'far us Saadiq SA: Mufazzal bin 'Umro al Jo'fi came to visit the Imaam on one occasion. He brought something along with him and placed before the Imaam. Imaam asked him, 'What is it?' Mufazzal replied, 'May my mother and father surrender their soul on you; these are the offerings (Selat) from your followers and servants.’

The Imaam said, 'O Mufazzal, I shall certainly accept this, by Allaah! Remember, I do not accept this because people think I am in need of it. But I accept these offerings only as a means of purifying the donors.' Then the Imaam called a maid servant. When she answered his call, he told her to bring the small basket he had given her the day before. The servant brought the basket woven of palm leaves and placed it in front of the Imaam.

The Imaam opened the basket. There was a jewel inside. Mufazzal saw the jewel and exclaimed, I have never seen a jewel like this!  It's blazing in the light with radiance like the flare of fire. The Imaam said, 'O Mufazzal, Doesn't this jewel suffice the progeny of Rasoolullaah SAWS?' Mufazzal said, 'By Allaah! May I be made your ransom! (may I not submit myself on you, O my Master) Even less than this would be sufficient.’ Then the Imaam covered the jewel and handed it over to the servant.

The Imaam then said, 'I heard my father Imaam Mohammad ul Baaqir SA saying, "On the Day of Qeyaamah Allaah will not look favorably upon a person who has allowed a year to pass without gifting us the Selat - offerings from his wealth, whether large or small, unless he is specially excused."

He continued telling Mufazzal that this is an obligation which Allaah has enjoined upon the followers. Allaah Ta'aala says in the Qur'an - You will not attain piety until you spend that which you love (3:92). We (Aal e Mohammad) indeed are the pious and God fearing and the paths of righteous guidance.

The Imaam said, 'He who divulges our secret has, verily, shown his enmity towards us publicly.' He further added that, I've heard my father say, 'He who divulges our secret and then returns to us with a offering of mountain of gold, he will only distance away from us.’

This riwaayat (narration) gives a striking example about the possessions of the Imaam which are often hidden from the public and only shown to the closest and chosen ones who attain that status.

Imaam is not a destitute. He is not impoverished. He doesn't need monetary help from the people for his sustenance. He accepts the Zakaat, Fitrah, Selat, Khums, Sharwaa, Najwaa, Kaffaarah from his Shi'a to purify their wealth and because he's enjoined with that responsibility by Allaah.

Imaam showed the precious jewel to Mufazzal which he possessed and told that it was sufficient for the sustenance of the Imaam and his family. Zakaat is one of the 7 Pillars of Islaam. Offering the Zakaat to the Imaam is a command from Allaah. In the absence of Imaam, Zakaat should be offered to his representative - Naa'ib who is the Da'i e Mutlaq.

Imaam accepts Zakaat, Fitrah and Selat (offerings made on meeting the Imaam) for establishing the Deen of Allaah and its Principles. It is through these means that wealth is evenly distributed to the needy by the Imaam throughout the year.

Shi'as, wherever they lived, sent the Zakaat, Fitrah and Selat to the Imaam once in a year in the month of Shahrullaah through the Da'i of the Imaam. Mufazzal was one of the faithful and unswerving Shi'a who used to frequent the Imaam.

Imaam also knows who visits him. If anyone comes after a long time, the Imaam reminds him that he has come after a long time. Mumineen should visit the Da'i e Mutlaq once in a year so that he comes to know about their personal affairs and guide them for their better spiritual progress.

Imaam Ja'far us Saadiq SA asked Mufazzal about the Shi'a in Kufa. He answered, 'They are very few in number'. News of what Mufazzal said to the Imaam regarding the Shi'a reached Kufa. When Mufazzal returned to Kufa, the people tried to harm him by speaking bad words. They tried to attack him and threatened him.

The Imaam came to know about this in Madeenah. When Mufazzal came to Madeenah and was about to depart, the Imaam asked him about the misbehavior of people of Kufa. Mufazzal replied, 'It doesn't matter what they say, May I be made your ransom!' The Imaam responded, 'Indeed what they say is against them, and, I swear by Allaah, they are not amongst us.' Had they been so, they would not have behaved with you like that nor would have become angry at what you said nor would they have tried to assault you. Allaah has indeed characterized our Shi'a with qualities other than those they have shown.

The Shi'a of Ja'far are only those who have learned to restrain their tongues, who act in the way of their Creator, who hope good from their leader and fear Allaah until they become like the arc of bow from the frequency of Namaaz they offer; like a trembling and weak from the fear, like a blind man from the degree of submissiveness; like a man emaciated by excessive fasting and like a dumb man from lasting silence.

Is there anyone among them who has disciplined himself to spend the nights in the prayers and spend the days in fasting or denied himself the delights and comfort of this World - all for the fear of Allaah and out of devotion to please us - the Ahl ul Bayt SA? How can they be counted as our Shi'a while they agree with our enemies argue with you about us until they intensify their enmity. They bark like dogs and are as greedy as crows.

I swear by Allaah, if I was not afraid of inciting them against you further, I would have instructed you to shut yourself up in your house and lock the door. Then you would have never seen their faces for your whole life. But if they come to you and repent about their wrongdoings, then for sake of Allaah you should pardon them. Because Allaah has made us, “People possessed of excellence and virtue and he has made us remain in this World, and to accept the repentance of His servants.”

People of Kufa knew that Mufazzal is one of the loyal and trustworthy Shi'a of Imaam Ja'far us Saadiq SA and he conveys the situation to him regarding the Shi'as of Kufa. Shi'ism witnessed a downfall in Kufa after the martyrdom of Maulaana 'Ali SA. Enmity among the people of Kufa was overtly visible during the time of Maulaana Imaam Husain SA. Along with the enmity there was fear among the Shi'a that if they disclose their faith they'll be persecuted.

Mufazzal conveyed to the Imaam that there are very few numbers of Shi'a in Kufa who are loyal and steadfast. People of Kufa conspired to attack Mufazzal in Kufa because he related the news to the Imaam. There were groups of Munaafeqeen (hypocrites) who were Shi'a for name sake. They harbored hatred in their hearts. Imaam is least bothered about the number of Shi'as - greater or lesser numbers doesn't affect the mission of the Imaamat.

Hypocrites looks friendly and helpful from outside but the evil and wickedness is hidden in their hearts which finds its way, sometimes, through their words and deeds. Not only during the time of the Imaams, we can spot them even today. They are weak in their beliefs and faith. They create doubts and confusion among the Mumineen. 

The Imaam describes the physical attributes of the Shi'as vividly with respect to their appearance, code of conduct, devotion in worship and maintaining relationships with their fellow people. Lastly, the Imaam gives a very important instruction that if anyone from the hypocrites approach you with repentance and pure heart accepting his mistakes, then forgive him and take him in our fold. 

Imaam Ja'far us Saadiq SA addressed to some of his Shi'a and said, 'Keep our secret hidden and do not publicize it because, indeed, Allaah will honor him in this World and the Hereafter who keeps our secret hidden and doesn't divulge it.' Allaah will humiliate him in this World and the Hereafter who discloses our secret and He will take away the Light (Noor) from his eyes.

My father Imaam Mohammad ul Baaqir SA used to say, "Dissimulation (keeping one's beliefs and faith secret from undeserving people during the time of threat or fear) is my Religion and the Religion of my forefathers, and the one who doesn't practice Dissimulation has no Religion." Undoubtedly, Allaah wishes to be served in secret in the same way that he wants it to be in public. Secrecy is more desirable than publicity.  One who discloses our affairs is like him who disowns us.

Listen to the Imaam carefully and whatever he tells to keep secret must not be disclosed to anyone. This is because certain things told by the Imaam are exclusive to the Shi'as and their followers which a common man won't understand rather he would make mockery of it.

Our beliefs, customs, practices and faith are our legacy which we have inherited from Ahl ul Bayt SA. There's no meaning in divulging our beliefs to others who doesn't belong to our fold, our deeds and our thoughts.

We are no one to prove the veracity of whatever we do. And we shouldn't give right to others to judge our affairs. Our way of offering Namaaz is correct in every sense because it's being followed, propagated and endorsed by our Imaams and Du'aat since centuries.

True Shi'a and Mu’min is he who keeps relationship with everyone but when it comes to Religion, he would shut his mouth up and cleverly divert the talks to other subjects.  Before comparing what we do with others, we should know our foundation first. We should understand our affairs completely. Comparing without knowing ourselves completely creates doubts and confusion.

Secondly, period of Imaam Ja'far us Saadiq SA was the time when Imaam confined himself to his house serving the mission of Imaamat secretly. Enemies of A’immat e Faatemiyeen SA were always in search of an opportunity to harm the Imaam by knowing their internal affairs. Such were the circumstances that the Imaams were spied, poisoned or tortured.

The time became more challenging and tough for A’immat e Faatemiyeen SA when Imaams went into hiding and the Abbasids conspired to kill the Imaam either by hook or by crook. The Isna- ‘Ashari Imaams fell prey to the conspiracies of Abbasids and were either killed or poisoned.

Mumineen faced exactly same situation in Ahmedabad during the time of 27th Da’i e Mutlaq Saiyedna Burhanuddin Dawoodji bin S Qutubshah RA and 31st Da’i e Mutlaq  Saiyedna Hasan Badruddin bin S Wali RA when Mumineen were tortured, looted and persecuted and the Da'i e Mutlaq led a simple life in hiding and changing his location frequently by residing in different houses of mumineen.

History bears witness that Mumineen experienced extreme hostility in different times - in Misr, Yaman and India alike. This also is the main reason why Imaam instructs Mumineen not to divulge their community affairs to the undeserving people.  Indeed, Silence is most sought after but least practiced and it is an important injunction of the Imaam.