Message of Thaqalayn
Volume:17 Issue: 1, Spring 2016

Islamic sources hold a rich account of the ‘End of Times’ - the world’s state of affairs before and after the coming of Imam Mahdi to establish worldwide justice and peace. Earlier articles in this series offered an overview from the viewpoint of the dominant world religions, as well as the Islamic perspective using the Qur’an and hadith as sources to visualise the future and increase our knowledge on the advent of Imam Mahdi with the purpose of establishing a positive relationship with him and preparing for his return. The previous part expanded on the qualities of the people of this time, including their intellectual condition, and scientific and technological advancements. This part further delves into the signs of the moral, cultural, and religious state of affairs before the advent of Imam Mahdi as well some events after the his return.

For Muslims, the Qur’an is the unchallengeable word of God. Its inimitability, eloquence, outstanding use of the Arabic language, and scientific accuracies has been the subject of many discussions among Muslims and non-Muslim scholars alike. And given the issue of alteration in other divine scriptures, the discussion of tahrif (alteration) has also been examined. Has the Qur’an been changed like other divine books? Moreover, how is God a preserver over the Qur’an? As God challenges human beings to bring forth a text that resembles the Qur’an, is this due to its magnificent nature, or that humans are incapable due to God’s divine intervention at every endeavour? The previous part explored the practical measures taken to ensure the Qur’an’s survival as an unadulterated text,exploring the following areas to display these strategic stylistic methods, namely 1. The odd placement of controversial verses, and 2. The omission of names of contemporaries of the Prophet Muhammad. This part explores the Qur’an’s easy and accurate memorization, omission of details, and scientific ambiguity.

According to Islamic traditions, actions are only by intentions; the intention of a believer is
better than his action; and one’s eternal abode is determined by one’s intention. These can only be understood by a proper understanding of what is meant by intention. Intention is neither a verbal utterance nor a mental concept. Rather, intention is one’s inner disposition and realisation from which one’s actions stem. As one practices to act sincerely for God, his whole being will gradually transform, to the point that he is only motivated by God’s cause. That is the highest manifestation of monotheism, which is called sincerity. Part of being motivated by God is to respond to His promises and warnings. Therefore, acting in order to qualify for God’s reward or to avoid His punishment is an application of sincere action for the sake of God.

This series is a list of responses to objections raised against Imamate from prominent
scholar Allamah Hilli’s Kashf ul-Murad, expanded on from Nasir al-Din al-Tusi’s Tajrid al-I‘tiqad – the first treatise on Shi‘i theology. Kashful Murad is one of the most widely read of Allamah al-Hilli’s publications as it is the first commentary written on Allamah al-Tusi’s
work. The concept of Imamate in Shi’i Islam refers to the necessity of having a divinely-appointed leader who will lead the Islamic nation after the Prophet’s death. An Imam who exceeds all people in every virtue whether it be piety, knowledge, or bravery, and who justly leads the people and guides them towards morality is a grace of God. The previous parts included discussions such as on the proofs for the Imamate of Ali, the rules
concerning those opposed to his leadership, and theproofs for his authority over the companions that qualify him for leadership such as his courage, insight, asceticism and devotion, and patience. This part expands on Imam Ali’s close relationship to the Prophet,
expounds on well-known hadiths on the Imam’s faithand merits, and his immeasurable services to Islam.

A masterpiece of Shi’i Islam literature, Nahjul Balaghah, or The Peak of Eloquence, is a celebrated collection of sermons, letters, tafsirs, and narrations attributed to Imam Ali – the cousin and sonin- law of Prophet Muhammad – and compiled by Sharif al-Razi, a Shi‘a scholar in the tenth century. Among the 245 sermons, Deenparvar touches upon the ‘Sermon of Disparagement’, in which the Imam condemns Satan for his arrogance – a quality that lures people to committing a myriad of other immoral actions – and warns people not to fall into Satan’s trap. This paper offers a glance into the reasons for Divine trials, qualities of Satan, and the effects and consequences of arrogance and following one’s desires.

The need for a leader to apply the Prophet’s teachings is necessary to guide humankind for moral and intellectual achievement with precise instruction of the Qur’an and Sunnah, and to justly govern a society. Imamah, the universal administrator of the Islam Nation after prophethood, is one of the five principles of Shi’i Islam. This article is a short biography of Imam al-Hadi, the tenth of the Twelve Imams whom are the spiritual and political successors to the Prophet Muhammad. A short biography will be offered, including Features such as his instructions and the social and political condition during his time.

Sha’ban, the eighth month of the Islamic calendar, is considered the month of Allah’s mercy and pleasure. A prayer by Imam Ali attributed to this month, called Munajat Sha‘baniyyah, is a well-known and unique whispered prayer highly regarded by the
Infallible Imams as well as mystics and philosophers. With careful attention to its meanings and advice, a person can achieve levels of perfection to reach a high status with Allah. The following offers a glance into some of its passages along with an explanation of the
states of a person who calls to Allah, the ways to address Him and ask for His help, the effects of detachment from this world, and a response to a frequently asked question regarding the attitude and condition of a supplicant.