The Holy Qur’an states that the aim and purpose of the Islamic state is to establish the virtues that God wants in society. Thus there are two dynamics; the Theological and the Political:
Political
Shia Muslims establish that Islam has always appointed leadership and that the Leadership of Imam Ali was appointed from God. Sunni Muslims believe that Leadership after the last Prophet was not appointed and the Leadership should be selected among the people.
Theological
Sunni Muslims believe that there is no need for appointed Leadership from God after the last Prophet . Sunni Muslims believe the Holy Quran and the Hadith (Traditions of the Prophet) is all we need from God to understand the virtues that God wants in society. Shia Muslims believe that God has appointed Leaders after the last prophet who will help interpret the Quran, Hadith, and establish the virtues of God in society.
The Holy Quran [Shakir 5:55] Only Allah is your Vali and His Messenger and those who believe, those who keep up prayers and pay the poor-rate while they bow.
Shias believe that Imam Ali gave charity during rukkuh. Which is when Muslims bow in prayer.
The Holy Quran [Shakir 4:59] O you who believe! Obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those in authority from among you; then if you quarrel about anything, refer it to Allah and the Messenger, if you believe in Allah and the last day; this is better and very good in the end.
This verse also cites three separate types of obedience. Obedience to Allah (swt), Obedience to the Holy Prophet (s) and to Imam Ali (as), who was the righteous Imam after the Holy Prophet (s) and falls within the meaning of "Ulil Amr". In this connection, Imam Raazi has said that the "Ulil Amr" needs to be infallible just like the Holy Prophet (s).
By saying "la Ilaha Illallah" we declare the unity of Allah, by saying "Mohammad ar-Rasul Allah" we declare the Prophethood of Prophet Muhammad (s) and by saying "Ali un-Wali Allah" Shias declare the guardianship (Wilayat) of Imam Ali (as) and this is necessary because had it not been done, then one-third of verse 4:59 would have been left unpracticed.
All Muslims believe Prophet Muhammad said:
"Of whomsoever I am Maula, 'Ali is his Maula".
Our differences are rooted in our different interpretations of Islam. Only Allah knows who is correct with complete certainty.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Sunday, December 20, 2009
First Reflection
In the name of Allah the most beneficent the most Merciful.
"Do not be like those who forgot God, so He made them forget
themselves. These are the wicked." The Holy Quran [59:19]
God has given me a choice in everything I do.
The beautification of earth contains the variance between good
and evil.
At the end of our test; if I will have punishment
or bliss, then it is the choices I make that will take me
towards punishment or bliss.
So where do my choices fit?
The good of this world is found in moderate behavior under
the consciousness of God.
The relationships I build must be used
to strengthen my awareness of God.
When I indulge in relationships, I lose the ability to remain objective,
and I become immersed in the bias of those whom I am associated with.
Therefore, I must use my intellect to guide me toward the
correct balance.
Allah prescribes in the Holy Quran (45:23):
"Then do you see such a person as takes as his god his own
vain desire? Allah has, knowing (him as such), left him
astray, and sealed his hearing and his heart and
understanding and put a veil over his eyes..."
God is saying that there is a spiritual aspect to the indulgence of
desires. I should not indulge in my desires to the point
where I take my desires as my God.
God has given me the knowledge and the choice to be aware of
God, and to use my desires toward good. As long as I am
aware of God, I will be better able to make the right choices.
God willing, God will unveil the reason for my test. God
willing, my mind and my life will improve. God
willing, I will gain the discipline to follow my intellect
and actualize my potential for good.
God help me sacrifice my selfish desires. God help me follow my desire for good.
God help me make the right choices in my test.
"Do not be like those who forgot God, so He made them forget
themselves. These are the wicked." The Holy Quran [59:19]
God has given me a choice in everything I do.
The beautification of earth contains the variance between good
and evil.
At the end of our test; if I will have punishment
or bliss, then it is the choices I make that will take me
towards punishment or bliss.
So where do my choices fit?
The good of this world is found in moderate behavior under
the consciousness of God.
The relationships I build must be used
to strengthen my awareness of God.
When I indulge in relationships, I lose the ability to remain objective,
and I become immersed in the bias of those whom I am associated with.
Therefore, I must use my intellect to guide me toward the
correct balance.
Allah prescribes in the Holy Quran (45:23):
"Then do you see such a person as takes as his god his own
vain desire? Allah has, knowing (him as such), left him
astray, and sealed his hearing and his heart and
understanding and put a veil over his eyes..."
God is saying that there is a spiritual aspect to the indulgence of
desires. I should not indulge in my desires to the point
where I take my desires as my God.
God has given me the knowledge and the choice to be aware of
God, and to use my desires toward good. As long as I am
aware of God, I will be better able to make the right choices.
God willing, God will unveil the reason for my test. God
willing, my mind and my life will improve. God
willing, I will gain the discipline to follow my intellect
and actualize my potential for good.
God help me sacrifice my selfish desires. God help me follow my desire for good.
God help me make the right choices in my test.
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