DedicationThisbookisdedicatedtothelovingmemoryofitsauthor-theLateHajiHusseinA.RahimM.B.EwhopassedawayatLondononMarch23,1979attheageof78years.

Itwashisreligiouszealandsincereefforts,despitesicknessanddecliningagethatthisworkwasmadepossible.Hisnumerousotherarticles,translationsandcommentaryworkspublishedintheLIGHTmagazineandelsewhereonimportantreligioustopicsdemonstratedhisdeepknowledgeaswellashisunreserveddevotiontowardsreligionandpropagationofthevaluableteachingsofourHolyProphetandhisAhlulBaytAS.

TheLateHajiHusseinRahimcanbesaidtobethearchitectofShiaIslamicpropagationinEastAfrica.HefirstpropoundedtheideaofpropagationofthereligioninoneofhisarticlesinSALSABILmagazineduringtheyears1955/56.

Late,inoneofthemeetings,hemovedanamendmenttotheconstitutionoftheFederationoftheKhojaShiaIthnasheriJamatstoincludeinitsaimsandobjectsthepublicationspropagationandmissionaryworkoftheShiaFaith.

MayAlmightyAllahrewardhimforallhisinvaluableservicestothefaithandresthissoulinpeace.Amen.

AhmedH.Sheriff

PrefaceTheauthoracknowledgeswithgratitudetheassistancereceivedfromthefollowingworks:

(a)'KnowYourIslam'publishedbyPeermahomedEbrahimTrustofKarachi(Pakistan),whichcontainsaverbatimtranslationoftheDu`aintheEnglishlanguage,andwhichhasbeenreproducedmutatismutandisinthiscommentary;

(b)'Anisul-LaylfiSharhiDu`ai'l-Kumayl'whichisanArabiccommentaryontheDu`a;and

(c)'DarmanRuho-Rawan'whichisacommentaryintheFarsilanguageoftheDu`aandcontainsscholarlyinterpretationsofitswordsandphraseswrittenbythelearnedAqaMuhammadBaqir

Malbubi.

OriginofTheDu’aKumaylIbnZiyadNakha'iwasaconfidantamongstthecompanionsofAmiralMuminin,ImamAliIbnAbiTalib(A.S.)andthissublimeDu'awasfirstheardfromthebeautiful,thoughanguished,voiceofImamAli.AccordingtoAllamahMajlisi(onwhombeAllah'sMercy)KumaylhadattendedanassemblyintheMosqueatBasrawhichwasaddressedbyImamAliinthecourseofwhichthenightofthe15thofShabanwasmentioned.

ImamAlisaid-"WhosoeverkeepsawakeindevoutnessonthisnightandrecitestheDu'aofProphetKhizr,undoubtedlythatperson'ssupplicationwillberespondedtoandgranted.

WhentheassemblyattheMosquehaddispersed,KumaylcalledatthehousewhereImamAliwasstaying,andrequestedhimtoacquainthimwithProphetKhizr's"Du'a".ImamAliaskedKumayltositdown,recordandmemorisethe"Du'a"whichImamAlidictatedtoKumayl.

ImamAlithenadvisedKumayltorecitethis"Du'a"ontheeveof(i.e.eveningpreceding)everyFriday,oronceamonthoratleastonceineveryyearsothat,addedImamAli,"Allahmayprotecttheefromtheevilsoftheenemiesandtheplotscontrivedbyimpostors.O'Kumayl!inconsiderationofthycompanionshipandunderstanding,Igranttheethishonourofentrustingthis"Du'a"tothee."

Du`aKumayl,ATranslation&Commentary InTheNameofAllah,TheCompassionate,TheMerciful

OAllah!BlessMuhammadandhisprogeny.

OAllah!IbeseechTheebyThymercywhichencompassesallthingsOAllah!IbeseechTheebyThymercywhichencompassesallthings

"Allah"isthepropernameappliedtoHimonlyandithasnocorrespondingwordinEnglish.

TheEnglishword"God"merelymeansadeity-anobjectofworshipanditmaybefire,image,animal,sunorothercelestialbody.Ithas"Goddess"foritsfeminineand"Gods"foritsplural.Whilsttheword"Allah"hasneitherfemininenorpluralandhasneverbeenappliedtoanypersonorthingotherthantheunimaginableSupremeBeing.TheArabicword"llahun",whichhasforitsdual"llahaini"andforitsplural"Alihatun"mayperhapsbeconsideredtobeequivalenttotheEnglish

word"God".

Theword"Allah"comprisesalltheattributesofperfectionand,whenusedintheformofinvocationas"Allahuma,"theletter"Mim"isaddedintheendtocompensatetheomissionoftheexclamationofentreaty"Ya"meaning"OAllah!"ExamplesofsuchformofentreatycanbefoundintheQur'an:

"Jesus,sonofMary,said"Allahuma"OAllah!Lordofus!senddownforustablespreadwithfoodfromheaven".

C.5v.114andtheHolyProphetwassimilarlydirectedtosay:

"Allahuma"OAllah!OwnerofSovereigntyThougivestGovernmentuntowhomThouwiltandThouwithdrawestGovernmentfromwhomwilt.

C.3v.26.

AccordingtotheteachingoftheQur'an,theallcomprehensivenessofAllahisreferredtointheveryfirstwordsoftheQur'an.HeistheCreator,theNourisherandtheAccomplisheroftheentirecreation.

Thewords"IbeseechThee"implythatthebeseecherdoesnotdeemanyoneelse-besidesAllah-deservingtobesoughtfromandthewords"ThyMercywhichencompassesallthingsrepresentexactlythedescriptionthereofgiveninC.7v.156oftheHolyQur'an.

AndbyThypowerbywhichThouovercomethallthingsandsubmittoitallthingsandhumblebeforeitallthings

C.39v.4oftheQur'anstates-"HeisAllah,theOne,theSubduer(ofall)."

"AlQahar"(theSubduer)isanepithetofAllahandC.2v.165clarifiesthat"ThePoweriswhollyAllah's."

AndbyThymightbywhichThouhastconqueredallthings

AndbyThymightbywhichThouhastconqueredallthings

Theword"Jabarut"meaning"Might",isderivedfromtheepithetofAllah"AlJabbar"meaning"TheMightyOne."

AndbyThymajestyagainstwhichnothingcanstandup

AndbyThymajestyagainstwhichnothingcanstandup

Theword"Izzat"isderivedfromAllah'sepithet"AlAziz"(TheGlorious).

AndbyThygrandeurwhichprevailsuponallthings

AndbyThygrandeurwhichprevailsuponallthings

"HeistheMostHigh,theTremendous"C.2v.255oftheQur'an.

AndbyThyauthoritywhichisexercisedoverallthings

AndbyThyauthoritywhichisexercisedoverallthings

"OThouagainstwhoseAuthoritynootherauthorityprevails"(Du'aJaushanal-Kabir).Thecombinedauthorityofallworldlypowersareincapabletopreventnaturaldisasterslikeearthquakes,cyclonesorfloodseventhoughtheymayhavehadpreviousnoticeofit.

AndbyThyownselfthatshallendureforeverafterallthingshavevanished

AndbyThyownselfthatshallendureforeverafterallthingshavevanished

Theexpression"Wajhika"hasbeendefinedbyMalbubias"DhateParwardighar"AllahHimself.

TheQur'ansays–"EverythingisperishablebutHe."C.28v.88andinC.55v.27.

Itisstated"AndthereshallremainforeverthePersonofThyLord,theLordofGloryandHonour."

AndbyThyNameswhichmanifestThypoweroverallthings

AndbyThyNameswhichmanifestThypoweroverallthings

Thisrefersto"AsmaulHusna"theExcellentNamesofAllah.MalbubistatesthattheseNamesconstitutethepropswhichsustaineverythinginexistence.

AndbyThyknowledgewhichpervadesallthings

AndbyThyknowledgewhichpervadesallthings

"TheOmniscient"isoneofthepositiveattributesofAllah.TheQur'anstates:

"Allahindeedencompassesallthingsinknowledge."C.65v.12.

"AlMuhitun"meaning"OnewhoEncompassesorComprehends"isoneoftheepithetsofAllah.

AndbythelightofThycountenancewhichilluminateseverything

AndbythelightofThycountenancewhichilluminateseverything

Theword"Wajh"hasawidemeaningincluding"cause,countenance,support,appearance,aspectandlook".AccordingtoMalbubi,itrefersheretothe"lightofHisOwnSelf".IninterpretingthesameexpressionusedinC.55v.27oftheQur'an,ImamZainulAbidin(A.S.)hasstatedthattheImamsarethecountenanceofAllah.(TafsirSafi).Imamal-Ridha(A.S.)hasstatedthattheProphets,theMessengersandtheImamsaremeantbythephrase"CountenanceofAllah"(TafsirQummi).

OThouwhoartthelight!OThouwhoartthemostholy!OThouwhoexistedbeforetheforemost!OThouwhoshallexistafterthelast!

ThispassageassertsthatAllah'seternityhasnobeginningandnoend.

OAllah!Forgivememysuchsinsaswouldaffrontmycontingency

Theword"Isam"isthepluralof"Ismat"meaningimmaculacy,defenceorcontingency.

WhilstimmaculacyisreservedforImamsandtheProphets,everysaneandadultpersonisendowedbyAllahwithfacultytodefendhimselfagainstorresistsinsandkeephimselfchaste.Butthecommissionofcertainsinsassailhispowersofdefenceandevendestroyhiscontingencywherebyhebecomesaprofligateandadepravedperson.

MayAllahprotectusfromsuchsins!ImamJa'faralSadiq(A.S.)hasenumeratedthefollowingsinsamongstthosewhichabashone'schastity:(1)Thedrinkingofintoxicants;(2)Gambling,(3)Indulginginplayswhichcausemockeryorderisionamongstpeople,(4)Gossipingaboutotherpeople'svicesorinfamies;and(5)Associatingwiththosewhoarescepticsoragnostics(AnisulLail).

OAllah!Forgivememysuchsinsaswouldbringdowncalamity

OAllah!Forgivememysuchsinsaswouldbringdowncalamity

AccordingtoaHadith,thefollowingsinsbringdowncalamity:(1)Breachofacovenant;(2)Manifestationofshamefulconduct;(3)Publicationoffalsehood;(4)GivingjudgementcontrarytoAllah'srevelation;(5)Refusing,orpreventingthepaymentofZakaat,and(6)Givingofshortmeasure.(Malbubi).

OAllah!Forgivememysuchsinsaswouldchangedivinefavours(intodisfavours)

OAllah!Forgivememysuchsinsaswouldchangedivinefavours(intodisfavours)

ImamSadiq(A.S.)hasstatedthattheseincludethefollowingsins:(1)Inequityagainstpeople;(2)SilencingoropposinganAlim;(3)BeingingratitudetoAllah'sGrace;and(4)AssigningassociatetoAllah.ImamSadiq(A.S.)hasalsoincludedthefollowingothersinsunderthiscategory:-(1)Displayingone'sownpoverty;(2)DespisingAllah'sFavour;and(3)UtteringacomplaintagainstAllah.(AnisulLail).

OAllah!Forgivememysuchsinsaswouldhindermysupplication

OAllah!Forgivememysuchsinsaswouldhindermysupplication

AccordingtoImamSadiq(A.S.),suchsinsare:-badfaith(malafide),ceasingtobelieveintheprayerbeinganswered(granted),hypocrisytowardsbrethren,delaysinthesayingofprayersintimeandviolationofdutiestowardsthetwoparents(UququlWalidain).(AnisulLail).

OAllah!Forgivemesuchsinsasbringdownmisfortunes(orafflictions)

OAllah!Forgivemesuchsinsasbringdownmisfortunes(orafflictions)

AccordingtoImamZainulAbidin(A.S.),thefollowingsinsbringdownmisfortunesorafflictions:(1)Abandoningaidtothoseinaffliction;(2)Abandoningassistancetooppressedpersonscallingfor

assistance;and(3)Torenderabortive(ordestroy)theenjoiningofgoodactsandforbiddingthatwhichisevil(AmrbilMa'rufandNahiAnilMunkar).(AnisulLail).

OAllah!Forgivemysuchsinsaswouldsuppresshope

OAllah!Forgivemysuchsinsaswouldsuppresshope

AlthoughthisparagraphhasbeenomittedfromSheikhAbbasQummi'sedition,itdoesexistinotherauthoritativebooksandcommentariesofthe"Du'a".

AccordingtoImamSadiq(A.S.),thefollowingsinsarethosewhichsuppresshope:-(1)

DespairoftheMercyofAllah;(2)ToentertainnohopeofAllah'sClemency;(3)RelianceuponsomeoneelsebesidesAllah;and(4)DisbeliefinAllah'spromises.ImamZainulAbidin(A.S.)hasreferredinSahifaSajjadiyatothesimilareffect.Hehassaid:-"Theseekingbyoneindigentpersonfromanothernecessitousbeingisafollyofhisbrainandlossofhiscommonsense.MyLord!HowmanymenhavesoughthonourfromothersthanTheeandhavebeendishonoured;they,whosoughtwealthfromothersthanThee,werestruckwithpovertyandthosewhosoughtgreatnessfromothersthanThee,metwithdestruction.

MuhammadIbn`Ajlaanrelates:-"OnceIbecamesodistressed,constrainedandhelplessthatIdecidedtoappealforfinancialassistancefromHassanIbnZaid,whowasthentheGovernorofMedina.Ashewasafriendofmine,Ihadhopedhewouldbesympathetictowardsme.OnmywaytotheGovernmentHouse,ImetMuhammadIbnAbdulla,whowasthegrandsonofImamMuhammadBaqir(A.S.).

Onnoticingmyperplexity,heinquiredaswhereIwasgoing.IinformedhimofallmycircumstancesandsaidthatIsawnootherwayexcepttoseekaidfromHassanIbnZaid.

Hesaid,"YourneedwillnotbefulfilledforverilyIhavehearmyuncle,ImamJa'faras

Sadiq(A.S.)sayingthatAllahhadrevealedtooneofhisProphetsasfollows-"IswearbyMyGreatnessandMajestythatIshallseverthehopeofeverypersonwhohopes,byreasonofdespair,toobtainaidfromanyoneelsebesidesMeandIshalldisgracehimintheeyesofthepeopleandIshallplacehimfurtherfromMyGraceandFavour.What!

DoesMybondman,inhisdistress,hopeforrelieffromanyoneelsesaveMyselfwhilstIcontroldestinies?DoeshehopetoacquireanythingfromanyoneelsewhenIamAllSufficingandGenerous?"(AnisulLail).

OAllah!ForgiveeverysinthatIhavecommittedandeveryerrorthatIhaveerred

OAllah!ForgiveeverysinthatIhavecommittedandeveryerrorthatIhaveerred

"Sin"mustbedistinguishedfroman"error"whichmaybeduetoamistake."Toerrorishuman"asitmaybeduetoamistakeormisunderstandingtheposition.Theformerimpliesintentiontodowrongbutthelattermaybeduetoamistakemadeingoodfaithbutasbothmayresultinconsiderabledamage,theyneedAllah'sgraceofforgiveness.

C.4v.17oftheQur'ansays:

"RepentancewithAllahisonlyforthosewhodoevilinignorance,thenturn(toAllah)soon,sotheseitistowhomAllahturns(mercifully),andAllahiseverKnowing,Wise."

OAllah!IendeavourtodrawmyselfnightoTheethroughThyinvocation

OAllah!IendeavourtodrawmyselfnightoTheethroughThyinvocation

Everyprayer,everyactofpiety,everyactofcharityandbenevolencemustbeintendedwiththeobjectofdrawingoneselfnightoAllah.Indeedtheentirelifeofafaithfulmustbeaimedatachievingthisaspirationforwhicheveryjinnandmanwascreated.BeingnightoAllahisthehighestprizeahumanbeingtoattain.TheQur'ansays:

"Thenifheisoneofthosedrawnnigh(toAllah);Thenhappinessandbountyandagardenofbliss(forthem)"(C.56v.88and89).

AndIpraytoTheetointercedeonmybehalf

AndIpraytoTheetointercedeonmybehalf

ThepowerofintercessionissolelyvestedinAllah.C.39v.44states:

"Say:Allah'sistheintercessionaltogether."ButHemaypermitothersalsotointercede.SeeVerse109ofC.20whichreads-"OnthatdayshallnointercessionavailexceptofhimwhomtheBeneficentGodallowsandwhosewordHeispleasedwith."

AndIentreatTheebyThybenevolencetodrawmenearertoThee

AndIentreatTheebyThybenevolencetodrawmenearertoThee

ThenearnesstoGodsignifiestheperfectionofahumanbeing

AndgrantmethatIshouldbegratefultoTheeandinspiremetorememberandtoinvokeThee

AndgrantmethatIshouldbegratefultoTheeandinspiremetorememberandtoinvokeThee

"GratitudetoAllah"impliesbeingfaithfultoHiscommandmentsandrememberingHimateverymoment.RememberingHimateverystagedetersusfromcommittingsinsandourheartsarelaidatrest.TheQur'ansays:

"SurelybyAllah'sremembrancearetheheartssetatrest."C.13v.29.

OAllah!IentreatTheebeggingTheesubmissively,humblyandawestricken

ThesearetheessentialqualitiesneededforapproachingAllah.ApersonisrequiredtohaveaweofhisLordandfeartheevilconsequencesoftheDayofReckoning.SeeC.13v.21oftheQur'an.

Totreatmewithclemencyandmercy,andtomakemepleasedandcontentedwithwhatThou

hastallottedtome

ThebeseecherseekstheclemencyofAllahinrespectofhissinsandshortcomings;contentmentandpleasurewiththenecessariesoflifebestoweduponhimbyAllahwithoutseekingtobegthesamefromothers.ItisstatedinHadithbyImamAli(A.S.)that:"Hewhoiscontented,ishonouredandignominiousishewhoyearns."

ItisstatedinthesecondHadiththat"Onewhoiscontentedisself-sufficientevenifheishungryandnaked;Onewhoiscontentedtriumphsoverthepeopleofhistimeandonewhoiscontentedhassufficiencyofmeansoverhisgeneration;Hewhoiscontentedhasselectedselfsufficiencyoverignominyandeaseoverhardship".

ImamAmirelMuminin(A.S.)hasstated:-"Isoughtrichnessbutdidnotfinditexceptincontentmentandsoitbehovesyoutobecontentedandfeelenriched,IsoughtforGloryandPositionbutdidnotfindthemexceptinknowledgeanditbehovesyoutoacquireknowledgeanditwillsecureyougloryandpositioninboththeworlds;IsoughttoobtainnobilityandIcouldnotfinditexceptbyfearingAllah,therefore,fearAllahtobecomenoble;Isoughtfortranquillityandfounditinabandoningminglingwithpeople,therefore,leavetheworldlypeopleandyouwillobtaintranquillity."(Malbubi).

TheHolyProphethasalsosaid"Contentmentisatreasurewhichdoesnotexhaust."

(Malbubi).

AllahsaysintheHolyQur'an:

"Wedistributeamongthemtheirsustenance(rizq)inthelifeoftheworld.''C.43v.32(Malbubi).

Andcausemetobemodestandunassuminginallcircumstances

Andcausemetobemodestandunassuminginallcircumstances

ItisstatedinHadiththatAllahhasappointedtwoangelsovereachofhisbondsmen;whoeverishumbleandunassumingoverothers,Allahexaltshim,butwhoeverisarrogantsuffershumiliation.(Malbubi).

OAllah!IbegTheeasonewhoispassingthroughextremeprivationandwhosupplicateshisneedstoTheeandhishopehasbeengreatlyraisedbythatwhichiswithThee

Paradise,forgivenessandallthatisgoodforhumanbeingareinthecontrolofAllah.ButhopemustbecombinedwithfearofAllah.Inoneofoursupplications,wepray"OThou!fromWhomIhope(reward)foreverygoodandfearHisWrathforeveryevil(intendedtobecommitted)."ItisstatedbyAllahinHadithQudsi"Whenhopeandfear(ofHisWrath)combineinabeliever,Imakeparadiseforhimincumbent."(Malbubi).

OAllah!GreatisThykingdomandexaltedisThygreatness

OAllah!GreatisThykingdomandexaltedisThygreatness

Thispassageisauxiliarytothelastpassageinwhichahumanbeing,havingacknowledgedhisown

disabilitytoremedyhisownprivation,seekssuccourfromtheLordWhoseKingdomisgreatandMightisexalted.(Malbubi).

Thyplanissecret,

Thyauthorityismanifest,

Thymightisvictoriousandsubduingand

ThypowerisprevalentthroughoutanditisnotpossibletoescapefromThydominion

ImamHussein(A.S.)reportsthatamancametoseehisfatherAmiralMominin(A.S.)andsaid-"Iamasinnerandfinditdifficulttoresistthetemptationtosin.Wiltthouadvisemewhattodo?"

ImamAmiralMominin(A.S.)admonishedthemanasfollows-Ifyoupossesstheabilityforthesefiveprerequisites,thenyoumaycommitanysinasyoulike:-Firstly,stoppartakingofsustenance(rizq)providedbyAllah;Secondly,getoutofAllah'sdomain;Thirdly,findaplacewhereAllahdoesnotsee,Fourthly,acquirepowertopreventtheAngelofDeathfromtakingawayyoursoul;andFifthly,gatherthestrengthtoresistMalik,theAngelinchargeoftheHell,flingingyouintotheHell.Ifyouareabletodothesefivethings,thensinasyoulike.(Malbubi).

OAllah!ExceptTheeIdonotfindanyoneabletopardonmysinsnortoconcealmyloathsomeactsloathsomeacts

TheQur'anclearlystates:

"andwhoforgivesthesinsbutAllah"C.3v.134.

ItistheexclusiverightofAllah,thoughothersmayintercedewithHispermission.Qur'anC.2v.255.

"Satir"(theconcealerofloathsomeactsofHisbondsmen)isoneofAllah'sattributes.ByHisinfiniteGrace,Heconcealsalotofourloathsomeactsfromtheknowledgeofthesociety,butdisclosesourvirtues.Inoneofoursupplications,wesay"OThou!whomakesconspicuousourdecorousactionsandconcealsthosethatareloathsome."(Malbubi).

NorhaveIanyoneexceptTheetochangemyevildeedsintovirtues

NorhaveIanyoneexceptTheetochangemyevildeedsintovirtues

ItisAlmightyalonewhohasthepowertochangeourevildeedsintovirtues.SaystheHolyQur'an:

"Excepthimwhorepentsandbelievesanddoesagooddeed;sothesearetheyofwhomAllahchangestheevildeedstogoodones;andAllahisForgivingandMerciful."C.25v.70.

ThereisnogodbutThougloryandpraisebetoThee

IhavemademyownsoultosufferIhadtheaudacity(tosin)bymyignorance

"Ignorance"heremeans"foolishnessorstupidity"(Malbubi).

RelyinguponmypastremembranceofTheeandThygracetowardsme

RelyinguponmypastremembranceofTheeandThygracetowardsme

Allahis,ofcourse,EverGraciousbutitissheeraudacityandfoolishnesstoregardHisGraceasalicencetocommitsinsandexposeone'sownsoultothehazardofsufferingsinthehereafter.ThepassageteachesusthateverysinwillcausesufferingtothesoulunlessimmediaterepentanceismadeandAllah'sforgivenessissought.Repentanceimpliesdeterminationnottorepeatthesin.

MansurelAmmarrelatesthatoncehehadanoccasiontogooutofhishouseatmidnightandonhiswayheheardthepatheticvoiceofayoungmanmakingsupplicationtoAllahandsaying:"MyLord!ThesinwhichIhavejustcommittedwasnotdonewiththeintentionofdisobeyingordefyingTheebutwasactuatedbysheer,lustoverpoweringmeandSatanleadingmeastray.IhavemademyownsoultosufferandbeliabletoThineindignationandchastisement."

Mansurstates-"WhenIheardthesewordsofsupplicationbytheyoungman,Iwenttothecreviceoftheyoungman'sdoorandrecitedinaloudvoicethisverseoftheQur'an:

"Oyouwhobelieve!Saveyourselvesandyourfamiliesfromafirewhosefuelismenandstones,overitareangelssternandstrong,theydonotdisobeyAllahinwhatHecommandsthem,anddoastheyarecommanded."(C.66v.6).

Mansurcontinuestosay"WhenIhadrecitedthisverse,theyoungmanraisedacryoflamentationandIheardhimcryout-"MyLord!myweakbodyhasnopowertobecomethefuelofthehellfire'."

Mansurwalkedawayfromthehouseandsays-"WhenthenextmorningIpassedbythathousefromwhichIhadheardtheyoungman'ssupplication,Iheardwomenwailing.Iwenttoinquirethecauseforwailingandanoldladycametothedoorandsaid-'Lastnightwhenmyyouthfulsonwasengaged,throughfearofAllah,insupplicationsomeonecalledatthedoorofourhouseandrecitedanadmonishingverseoftheQur'anwhichcausedmysontoshoutandfallonthegroundpalpitatinganddiedimmediately.'

Mansurstatesthatheinformedtheoldladythatashewasthecauseofherson'sdeath,wouldshepermithimtowashandshroudhisdeadbody.TheoldladypermittedhimtodosoandMansurstates-"WhenIenteredtheyoungman'sroom,IsawhimlyingfacingtowardsKa'ba(Mecca)andIsawapieceofcanvasonhischest.WhenImovedawaythecanvas,Isawthefollowingwordsengravedonhischestinclearletters:-'Ihavewashedthisbondmanwiththewaterofpenitence,nowMybondmanispurefromsins.'(AnisulLail).

OAllah!MyLord!HowmanyofmyloathsomeactshastThouscreened(frompublicgaze)

OAllah!MyLord!HowmanyofmyloathsomeactshastThouscreened(frompublicgaze)

Howmanyofmygrievousafflictions(distresses)hastThoureducedinseverity

Theword"Maula"hasherebeenusedinthesenseof"Master"andtheword"Fadihin"means"heavy"or"grievous"(Malbubi).

AndhowmanyofmystumblingshastThouprotected,howmanyofmydetestableactshasThou

averted,andhowmanyofmyundeservingpraiseshastThouspreadabroad!

TheArabicword"ithar"hasbeentranslatedbyMalbubiasmeaning"laghzish"inFarsilanguagewhichmeans"aslip,slippingorstumbling.""Makruhin"isusedinthegeneralsensetomean"anyblameworthyact."

OAllah!Mytrailsandsufferingshaveincreasedandmyevilnesshasworsened,mygooddeedshavediminishedandmyyokes(ofmisdeeds)havebecomefirm

AccordingtoMaibubi,theArabicword"afrata"means"increased"andthat"aghlal"isthepluralof"ghalla"meaningrestrainedlikeimprisonmentanddeprivedofAllah'staufiq(thefavourofAllah)toaccomplishgooddeeds."Whentheyokesofsinsbecomeheavy,theyoverpowerthesinnerandpreventhimfromaccomplishinggooddeeds.(Malbubi).

Andremotehopesrestrainmetoprofit(bygooddeeds)andtheworldhasdeceivedmewithitsallurementsandmyownselfhasbeenaffectedbytreacheryandprocrastination

IhavetranslatedtheArabicword"nafs"as"self".Theword"nafs"hasbeenusedintheQur'aninvariouswaysaccordingtoitscontexte.g."NafsulAmmara"referredtoinC.12v.52means"soulpronetoevil","NafsulMutmainna"referredtoinC.81v.18means"soulatpeace"and"NafsulLawamma"referredtoinC.75v.2means"selfreproachingsoul".IndeedMalbubistatesthatImamAli(A.S.)hasreferredtoseveraltypesof`nafs''inaHadithrecordedinMajma'ulBahrainibutinthepassageofthissupplication,thesupplicantobviouslyreferstohisownself.

Therefore,myLord!IimploreTheebyThygreatnessnottoletmysinsandmymisdeedsshutoutaccesstomyprayersfromreachingThyrealmandnottodisgracemebyexposingthose(hiddenones)ofwhichThouhastknowledgenortohastenmyretributionforthosevicesandmisdeedscommittedbymeinsecretwhichwereduetoevil-mindedness,ignorance,excessivelustfulnessandmynegligence

OAllah!IbegTheebyThygreatnesstobecompassionatetomeinallcircumstancesandwelldisposedtowardsmeinallmatters

MyGod!MyNourisher!HaveIanyoneexceptTheefromwhomIcanseekthedislodgingofmyevilsandunderstandingofmyproblems?

AccordingtoMalbubi,theevilsmaybephysicalorspiritualanditisonlyAllahWhocanperceivethemanddislodgethem.TheHolyQur'ansays:

"WhoanswersthedistressedonewhenhecallsuponHimanddislodgestheevil"C.27v.62.

OneoftheattributesofAllahis"Relieverofdistresses"andeveryProphethassoughtrelieffromHimduringdistress.

MyGod!MyMaster!ThoudecreedalawformebutinsteadIobeyedmyownlowdesires

MyGod!MyMaster!ThoudecreedalawformebutinsteadIobeyedmyownlowdesires

AndIdidnotguardmyselfagainsttheallurementsofmyenemy

TheenemyreferredtoisSatanwhohaddeclaredbeforeAllah:

"Iwillcertaintymake(evil)fairseemingtothemonearthandIwillcausethemalltodeviate."C.15v.39oftheQur'an.

HedeceivedmewithvainhopeswherebyIwasledastrayandfatehelpedhiminthatrespect

HedeceivedmewithvainhopeswherebyIwasledastrayandfatehelpedhiminthatrespect

Ihavetranslatedtheword"Qaza"hereas"fate"toaccordwiththecontext.MalbubistatesthataccordingtoMaima'ulBahrain"Qaza"hasnumerousmeaningsamongstthemitmeans"decreed","created"."accomplished","broughttoanend","completed","fulfilled","destiny","death","fatality","prayerafterthetimeappointedforitelapsed","adjudged","fate","predestination",or"inevitablefate".

ThusItransgressedsomeofitslimitssetformebyTheeandIdisobeyedsomeofThycommandments;

Thouhastthereforea(just)causeagainstmeinallthosemattersandIhavenopleaagainstThyjudgementpassedagainstme

"Hujjat"meansanargument,proof,reason,alterationordisputation."HujjatbyAllah"intheabovepassagesignifiesthatthesinnerconfessesthatAllahhadjustlypassedHisjudgementagainsthimasAllahhaddoneallthatwasnecessaryforhisguidancebysendinganApostle,revealingtheQur'anandappointingtheImamstointerpretHislawsandthesinnerfurtheradmitsthathehasno"plea"orargumentforexcusinghimselffromtransgressingAllah'slaws.(Malbubi).

Ihavethereforebecome(justifiably)liabletoThyjudgementandafflictions

Ihavethereforebecome(justifiably)liabletoThyjudgementandafflictions

ButnowIhaveturnedThee,myLord,afterbeingguiltyofomissionsandtransgressionsagainstmysoul,apologetically,repentantly,brokenheartedly,entreatingearnestlyforforgiveness,yieldinglyconfessing(tomyguilt)asIcanfindnoescapefromthatwhichwasdonebymeandhavingnorefugetowhichIcouldturnexceptseekingThyacceptanceofmyexcuseandadmittingmeintotherealmofThycapaciousmercy

OAllah!Acceptmyapologyandhavepityonmyintensesufferingsandsetmefreefrommyheavyfetters(ofevildeeds)

MyNourisher!Havemercyontheinfirmityofmybody,thedelicacyofmyskinandthebrittlenessofmybones

O'Thou!Whooriginatedmycreationand(accordedme)myindividuality,and(ensured)myupbringingandwelfare(andprovided)mysustenance(IbegThee)torestoreThyfavoursandblessingsuponmeasThoudidstinthebeginningofmylife

O'myGod!Mymaster!MyLord!AndmyNourisher!What!WiltThouseemepunishedwiththefirekindledbyTheedespitemybeliefinThyunity?Anddespitethefactthatmyhearthas

beenfilledwith(pure)knowledgeofTheeandwhenmytonguehasrepeatedlypraisedTheeandmyconsciencehasacknowledgedThyloveanddespitemysincereconfessions(ofmysins)andmyhumbleentreatiessubmissivelymadetoThydivinity?

Nay,Thouartfartookindandgeneroustodestroyonewhomthyselfnourishedandsupported,ortodriveawayfromThyselfonewhomThouhaskeptunderThyprotection,ortoscareawayonewhomThyselfhastgivenshelter,ortoabandoninafflictiononeThouhastmaintainedandtowhomThouhastbeenmerciful

IwishIhadknowno'myMaster,myGodandmyLord!WiltThouinflictfireuponfaceswhichhavesubmissivelybowedinprostrationtoThygreatness,oruponthetongueswhichhavesincerelyconfirmedThyunityandhavealwaysexpressedgratitudetoThee,oruponheartswhichhaveacknowledgedThydivinitywithconviction,oruponthemindswhichaccumulatedsomuchknowledgeofTheeuntiltheybecamesubmissivetoThee,oruponthelimbswhichstrove,attheplacesappointedforThyworship,toadoreTheewillinglyandseekThyforgivenesssubmissively?

Intranslatingtheabovepassage,IhaveadoptedthePersiantranslationthereofgivenbyMalbubi.Forinstance,hetranslatestheexpression"laitashi'ri"as"kashmidanistam"whichmeans"IwishIhadknown",hetranslates"kharrat"as"fallingdownonearthandprostrating";hetranslates"jawarih"as"limbsofthebody";hetranslates"hawat"as"togather"whichIhaverenderedintoEnglishas"toaccumulate",hetranslates"autaan"aspluralof"Watan"meaningcentresorhomesand"ta'abudi"as"worship"andIhaverenderedtheexpressioninEnglishas"placesappointedforworship"whichincludemosques,placesofprayerslikenamazgah.Infacteveryinchoftheearth,whichisnotprivatelyownedandispurefrompollution(najasat)isaplaceofworship".

Suchsort(ofharshness)isnotexpectedfromTheeasitisremotefromThygrace,o'generousone!

Suchsort(ofharshness)isnotexpectedfromTheeasitisremotefromThygrace,o'generousone!

AlthoughtheQur'anproclaimsAllahas"severeinrequiting(evil)"inC.2v.165,Heisalsodescribedas"OftrelentingandMerciful."C.9v.118.AccordingtoMalbubi,aHadithdirectsusalwaystohave"HusnidhanagoodandfavourableopinionforAllah.

O'Lord!Thouartawareofmyweaknesstobearevenaminorafflictionofthisworldanditsconsequenceandadversityaffectingthedenizenofthisearth,althoughsuchafflictionsaremomentary,short-livedandtransient

HowthencanIbeartheretributionsandthepunishmentsofthehereafterwhichareenormousandofintensivesufferings,ofprolongedperiodandperpetualduration,andwhichshallneverbealleviatedforthosewhodeservethesameasthoseretributionswillbetheresultofThywrath;andThypunishmentwhichneithertheheavensnortheearthcanwithstandandbear!

MyLord!HowcanI,aweak,insignificant,humble,pooranddestitutecreatureofThinebeabletobearthem?

O'myGod!MyLord!MyKing!AndMaster!WhichofthemattersshallIcomplaintoTheeandforwhichofthemshallIbewailandweep?

ShallIbewailforthepainsandpangsofthepunishmentandtheirintensityorforthelengthofsufferingsandtheirduration?

Therefore(myLord!)IfThouwiltsubjectmetothepenalties(ofhell)incompanyofThyenemiesandcastmewiththosewhomeritedThypunishmentsandtearmeapartfromThyfriendsandthosewhowillbeneartoThee,thenmyGod,myLordandmyMaster,thoughImaypatientlybearThypunishments,howcanIcalmlyacceptbeingkeptawayfromThee?

IreckonthatthoughImaypatientlyendurethescorchingfireofThyhell,yethowcanIresignmyselftothedenialofThypityandclemency?HowcanIremaininthefirewhileIhavehopesofThyforgiveness?

Wailing,lamentationandweepingoverone'sownsinsaretheonlyweaponsavailabletoarepentantsinnerwhoseeksAllah'sMercyandForgiveness."CallonyourLord,"saystheQur'an,"humblyandsecretly."Infactitisstatedinanauthenticatedhadith-"ThemostbelovedtearsinAllah'ssightarethosethatareshedbyarepentantsinner"andnumerousinstancesarerecordedofsomereputedtransgressorsofAllah'slawsbeingforgivenandgrantedAllah'sMercyandForgivenessbymeansofthisweepingarmoury.

SheikhBahai,(1)oneoftheleadingMuslimtheologians,recordsinVo.5ofhisbookcalled"Kashkul"thatareputedsinnerhappenedtodieinthesuburbofBasra,Iraq,andhiswidowdidherbesttoobtaintheassistanceofthevillagerstowash,shroudandburyhisbodyaccordingtoMuslimritesbutnoneofthem,becauseofthedeceased'snotoriety,couldbepersuadedtoco-operate.Asalastrecourse,shehadthedeceased'sbodyremovedbyporterstoaplacewheretheMuslimsusuallyassembledfortheirprayersinthehopethatsomeofthecongregationmightrecitethefuneralprayeronthedeadbodybutnoonetookanynoticeofthebody.

Shethengottheporterstoremovethecorpsetoadesertandaccompaniedthebodywiththeintentionofgettingagravedugandburyitwithoutablution,shroudsorfuneralprayers.Onreachingthedesert,shewassurprisedtoseeanageddevoutworshipper,wholivedinacavenearbytospendtherestofhislifeindevotionandworshipofAllah,waitingtoreceivethecorpse.Thedevoutworshippertookoverthecorpse,washedandshroudeditanddispatchedacouriertothevillagersinthevicinitythathewasgoingtorecitethefuneralprayeronthebody.

WhenthevillagersandthepeopleinthecityofBasragotthisnews,acrowdofthemassembledinthedesertandinquiredfromthevenerableworshipper,whowasheldinhighesteemforhispietyandasceticism,astowhatpromptedhim,toleavetheplaceofhisworshipandattendtothefuneralritesofareputedwretch.Herepliedthathehadseenavisioncommandinghimtoattendtothefuneralritesofthedeceasedwho,hesaid,wasdescribedinthevisionas"a;repentantpersonwhomAllahhadforgivenandhadassignedtohimaplaceinthevicinityofHisMercy."

Thecrowdbeingastonishedtohearofthisvision,askedthedeceased'swidowifhehadanyvirtuestodeserveaplaceintheDivineMercy.Shesaidthatsofarassheknew,herhusbandwasaddictedtodrinkingandgaylifebuthedidpossessthreepeculiarqualities.

Firstly,whenhewokeupatdaybreak,heusedtoperformanabsoluteablutionofhisbody,dressinpuregarmentsandsayhismorningprayers.Secondly,neveradaypassedwithouthimdoingsomekindnesstoorphans.Itwashishabittorefusetakinghismealsunlesstwoorthreeorphansjoinedhimandheusedtotreatorphansmorekindlythanhisownchildren.Thirdly,ifhehappenedtowakeupinthemiddleofthenight,heusedtoweepandpray"MyLord!Isitpossibleformybodytobesoenlargedastofilluptheentirepitofhellsothattherewouldbenoroominitforanyoneelse;myMaster!IshallendureThyhellfirebutIshallnotbeabletoenduretoseethesufferingsofThineothercreatures."

Whenthecrowdheardthistalkofthewidow,theyall-includingthedevoutworshipperweptandsaid-"Indeed,wearefortunatetobeabletojointhefuneralprayerofsuchapatronoforphansandtenderheartedperson."Theythenalljoinedinthefuneralprayerandburiedthebodywithrespectanddignity.(AnisulLail).

(1)SheikhBahai(whosefullnameisBahauDeenAmiliandrankshighamongstShiaIthnaasheritheologians)shouldnotbeconfusedwiththenewBahaireligioussystemwhichisacomparativelynewsystemfoundedinthe19thcenturybyapersonwhowascalled"Baab"andwasshortlythereafterfollowedbyamancalledBahaullah"whoclaimedtohavereceiveddivinerevelation.(TheReader'sDigestGreatEncyclopaedicDictionary).

O'myLord!ByThyhonourtrulydoIswearthat,ifThouwiltallowmypowerofspeechtoberetainedbymeinthehell,IshallamongstitsinmatescryoutbewailinglyuntoTheelikethecryofthosewhohavefaithinThykindnessandcompassion

AndIshallbemoanforThee(forbeingdeprivedofnearnesstoThee)thelamentationofthosewhoarebereaved,andIshallkeeponcallinguntoThee:

"WhereartThouo'Friendofthebelievers!O'(Thouwhoart)thelasthopeandresortofthosewhoacknowledgeTheeandhavefaithinThyclemencyandkindness;o'Thouwhoartthehelperofthoseseekinghelp!O'ThouwhoartdeartotheheartsofthosewhotrulybelieveinThee!Ando'ThouwhoarttheLordoftheuniverse."

Heartfeltwordsarethesetomanifesttheanguishandsorrowofabelieverwho,whilenotresentingthejusticemetedouttohimbyAllahincastinghimintothehell,neverthelessdeploresthefactthathehasbeenseparatedfromAllah'sGraceandMercy.AppropriatephrasessuchastheseforthepurposeofsupplicationcanonlybelearntfromatrueImamwhoknowsthepropermethodofapproachtoAllah.

WehaveinstancesofsimilarwordsemployedbyImamZainulAbidin(A.S.)intheDu'awhichhetaughtAbuHamzaThamalitoreciteintheearlydawnoftheholymonthofRamadhan.Oneofthepassagesreads-"MyLord!IfThouwiltcastmeintofire,itwillonlydelightThyenemiesbutifThouwiltcausemetoenterparadiseitwilldelightThyProphetandbyAllahIamawarethatthejoyofThyProphetismorebelovedtoTheethanthejoyofThyenemies."

AnotherpassageoftheDu'areads:MyGod!MyLord!IswearbyThyHonourandMajesty,ifThouseeks(topunishme)formysins,IshallseekThyForgiveness;ifThouseekstoreprovemeformyblames,IshallseekfromTheeThyGenerosity;IfThouwiltcastmeintothefire,IshallinformitsdenizensofmyloveforThee."

MyLord!GloryandpraisebetoThee,wouldstThou(wish)tobeseen(disregarding)thevoiceofaMuslimbondman,incarceratedtherein(thehell)forhisdisobedienceandimprisonedwithinitspitsforhisevildoingsandmisdeeds,cryingouttoTheetheutteranceofonewhohasfaithinThymercyandcallingouttoTheeinthelanguageofthosewhobelieveinThyunityandseekingtoapproachTheebymeansofThyepithet"theCreator,theNourisher,theAccomplisherandtheProtectoroftheentireexistence"?

"Afaturaka"iscomposedofinterrogativearticle"Aa"theconjunction"Fe"andtheword"Turaka"meaning"thoubeseen"andeveryefforthasbeenmadetorenderthecomplexArabicpassagecomprehensiblebytheadditionofacoupleofwordsinbrackets,withoutomittinganyoftheoriginalwords.Thispassagerepresentsahumblereasoning,submittedwithallhumility,byafalliblecreaturetoinvokethemercyoftheCreator.

Theword"Rububiyyataka"isdifficulttorenderaccuratelyinEnglish,"Rabb"hasbeenfrequentlyusedintheQur'anandtranslatedbymosttranslatorsintoEnglishas"Lord"butthewordisverycomprehensiveandmeansalso"Nourisher","Fosterer","Accomplisher"and"Protector",whenusedinrespectofAllah,itcoversallthesemeaningsandmeans

"TheAuthorandtheOriginatorofalltheexistence."

MyLord!ThenhowcouldheremainintormentswhenhehopefullyreliesuponThypastforbearance,compassionandmercy?

Indeed.AllahhashimselfdrawnattentiontotheseattributesinthefollowingversesoftheHolyQur'an:

"Announce(O'Muhammad)untomyslavesthatverilyIamForgiving,Merciful."

C.15v.49.

AllahisnottheLordofVengeancebutofMercy.InCh.6verse54oftheHolyQur'an,Hesays:

"YourLordhathprescribedforHimselfMercy."(Malbubi).

AndhowcanthefirecausehimsufferingwhenhehopesforThygraceandmercyandhowcanitsroaringflamescharhimwhenThouhearesthisvoiceandseeshisplight?AndhowcanhewithstanditsroaringflameswhenThouknowesthisfrailness?AndhowcanhebetossedaboutbetweenitslayerswhenThouknowesthissincerity?AndhowcantheguardsofhellthreatenhimwhenhecallsouttoThee?

"MyLord",andhowwouldThouabandonhimtherein(thehell)whenhehasfaithinThygracetosethimfree?

Alas!Thatisnottheconcept(heldbyus)ofTheenorhasThygracesuchareputationnordoesitresemblethatwhichThouhastawardedbyThykindnessandgenerositytothosewhobelieveinThyunity

Idefinitelyconcludethathadst

ThounotordainedpunishmentforthosewhodisbelievedinThee,andhadst

ThounotdecreedThyenemiestoremaininhell,

Thouwouldsthavemadethehellcoldandpeacefulandtherewouldneverhavebeenanabodeorplaceforanyoneinit;butsanctifiedbeThyNames,

ThouhastsworntofillthehellwiththedisbelieversfromamongstthejinnsandmankindtogetherandtoplaceforeverThyenemiestherein

AndThou,exaltedbeThypraises,hadstmademanifest,outofThygenerosityandkindnessthatabelieverisnotlikeuntohimwhoisanevil-liver

SeeC.32v.18oftheHolyQur'an,Pickthall'stranslation.

MyLord!MyMaster!I,thereforeimploreTheebythatpowerwhichThoudeterminethandbythedecreewhichThouhastfinalisedandordainedwherebyThouhathprevaileduponwhomThouhastimposedit,tobestowuponmethisnightandthisveryhourtheforgivenessforallthetransgressionsthatIhavebeenguiltyof,forallthesinsthatIhavecommitted,foralltheloathsomeactsthatIhavekeptsecretandforalltheevilsdonebyme,secretlyoropenly,inconcealmentoroutwardlyandforeveryevilactionthatThouhastorderedthetwonoblescribestoconfirmwhomThouhastappointedtorecordallmyactionsandtobewitnessesovermealongwiththelimbsofmybody,whilstThouobservethovermebesidesthemandwastwitnesstothoseactsconcealedfromthem?WhichThouinThymercyhastkeptsecretandthroughThykindnessunexposed

AndIpraytoTheetomakemyshareplentifulinallthegoodthatThoudostbestow;inallthefavoursthatThoudostgrant;andinallthevirtuesthatThoudostallowtobeknowneverywhere;andinallthesustenanceandlivelihoodthatThoudostexpandandinrespectofallthesinsthatThoudostforgiveandthewrongsthatThoudostcoverup

O'Lord!O'Lord!O'Lord!O'myGod!MyLord!MyKing!O'Masterofmyfreedom!

O'Thouwhoholdethmydestinyandwhoartawareofmysufferingandpoverty,o'Thouwhoknowethmydestitutionandstarvation,o'myLord!O'Lord,o'Lord!

IbeseechTheebyThygloryandThyhonour,byThysupremelyhighattributesandbyThynamestocausemetoutilisemytime,dayandnight,inThyremembrance,byengagingmyselfinservingThee(Thycause)andtoletmydeedsbesuchastobeacceptabletoThee,somuchsothatallmyactionsandofferings(prayers)maybetransformedintoonecontinuousandsustainedeffortandmylifemaytaketheformofconstantandperpetualservicetoThee

TheHolyQur'ansays:

"VerilyintheremembranceofAllahdoheartsfindrest."C.13v.28.

Itgivessolacetothosesufferingmisery,bereavement,destitutionorsinfulness.ServicetoAllahincludesservicetofamilyandhumanity."Offeringprayers",ofcourse,hasbeenparticularlymentionedbecausewithoutobservingthedailyprayers,therecanbeno"remembranceofAllah."

AllahsaysintheQur'an:

"Therefore,rememberMe,Iwillrememberyou."C.2v.152.

ItisstatedintheHadithoftheImamthatwhenthetimearrivesforsayingtheprayers,anangelcallsouttothepeople-"Standuptoextinguishthefirethatyouhavekindledbehindyourbacksandputitoutbymeansofyourmouths(prayers)"(Malbubi).

O'myMaster!O'ThouuponWhomIrely!O'ThouuntoWhomIexpressmydistress!O'myLord!MyLord!MyLord!StrengthenmylimbsforThyserviceandsustainthestrengthofmyhandstopersevereinThyserviceandbestowuponmetheeagernesstofearTheeandconstantlytoserveThee

"FearofAllah"isthesheetanchorforpreventingdisorders,crimesandvandalism.Thesanctionsofhumanmadelawscannotdoso.ToinstilthefearofAllahneedstointroduceintohumanmindstheknowledgeofAllah,HisPowersandRetributions.

"OnlytheeruditeamongHisbondsmenfearAllah"Qur'anC.25v.28.

Inordertowarnmankindofthecatastrophicresultsoftheirmisdeeds,Allahdoessometimecreatesymbolicpunishmentsinthisworldintheformofhurricanes,earthquakesandfloodswhichnopoweronearth,despitebeingforewarnedbybarometersandotherscientificmeans,canforestallorprevent.ThesearemeresymbolsofAllah'sPowertodeterusfromoursinfulcourses.

But,insteadofdrawinganylessonsfromthem,wehave,byhumanmadelaws,legalizedtheabominableactsofhomosexualsandhavecondonedimmoralitybychangingitsnomenclatureto"permissiveness"andhavethereby,inthenameofliberty,allowedourdaughters,mothersandsisters,topurveytheirmostsacredjewel,ChastityasasaleablecommodityandtoportrayoneofthemostbelovedservantsofAllah,ProphetJesusChrist,asahomosexual!

DoesthistypeofconductjustifyustopleadtoourCreatortosaveusfromtheDoomhereafterwhichhasbeendescribedasonewhich"theearthandheavenscannotwithstand."Whatiscalledfor,ispurecharacterandnot"songsofPraise."

SothatImayleadmyselftowardsTheeinthefieldwiththevanguardswhoareintheforerankandbeswifttowardsTheeamongthosewhohastentowardsTheeandurgeeagerlytobenearTheeanddrawmyselftowardsTheelikethemwhosincerelydrawthemselvestowardsTheeandtofearTheelikethefearofthosewhobelievefirmlyinTheeandthusImayjointhecongregationofthefaithfulcongregatednearThee(forprotection)

AccordingtoMalbubi,thewords"saraha"means`toleadout"theword"mayadin"isthepluralof"maidan"meaning"thebattlefield"whichobviouslymeans"spiritual"battlefieldwhosevanguards(leaders)aretheprophetsandfriendsofAllahandtheword"jawar"isthepluralof`Jar"meaninganeighbourandinthepassageaboveitmeans"Allah'sprotection."

O'Allah!Whosoeverintendethevilagainstme,letillbefallonhimandfrustratehimwhoplotsagainstmeandassignformeaplaceinThypresencewiththebestofThybondsmenandnearerabodetoThee,forverilythatpositioncannotbeattainedexceptthroughThygraceandtreat

mebenevolently,andthroughThygreatnessextendThymunificencetowardsmeandthroughThymercyprotectmeandcausemytonguetoaccentuateThyremembranceandmyheartfilledwithThyloveandbeliberaltomebyThygraciousresponseandcausemyevilstoappearfewerandforgivememyerrorsforverily,ThouhastordainedforThybondsmenThyworshipandbiddenthemtosupplicateuntoTheeandhastassuredthem(ofThy)response

TheassurancereferredtointheabovepassageisgiveninCh.40v.60oftheQur'anwhichreads:

"AndyourLordhathsaid:"CallonMe,Iwillansweryourcall".

ButtherearerequisiteslaiddownbytheHolyQur'anforthesupplicationtobeanswered.

AllahsaysinCh.2v.186:

"IanswerthesupplicationofeverysupplicantwhocallethonMe,letthemalso,withawill,answerMycall,andhavefaithinMe,thattheymayproceedaright."

"FaithinMe"meansavividrealisationofHisLivingPresenceandthetruthofHishavingcareofus."AnswerMycall"meansobediencetoHiscommandments.Hesays:

"FulfilyourpromisetoMeandIwillfulfilMinetoyou."(Ch.2v.40).

So,myLord!IlookearnestlytowardsTheeandtowardsThee,myLord!Ihavestretchedforthmyhandstherefore,byThyhonour,respondtomysupplicationandletmeattainmywishesand,byThybounty,frustratenotmyhopesandprotectmefromtheevilsofmyenemies,fromamongthejinnsandmankindo'Thou!Whoreadilypleased,forgiveonewhoownsnothingbutsupplicationforThoudoestwhatThouwillesto'Thou!WhoseNameistheremedy(forallills)andWhoseremembranceisasurecureforallailmentsandobediencetoWhommakesoneselfsufficient;havemercyononewhoseonlyassetishopeandwhoseonlyarmourislamentation

O'Thou!WhoperfectethallbountiesandWhowardethoffallmisfortunes!O'Light!Whoilluminateththosewhoareinbewilderment!O'Omniscient!Whoknowethwithout(acquisitionof)learning!BlessMuhammadandtheDescendantsofMuhammadanddountomeinaccordancewiththatwhichbefittethThee,anddealwithmenotinaccordancetomyworth

Thesupplicant,inutterhumility,entreatsAllah,todealwithhimnotinaccordancewithwhathedeservesasasinner,butincompatibilitywithAllah'sownhighattributesasForgiver,MercifulandCherisherofHisbondmanandleadhimtothepathofpietyandrighteousnessasHe,Allah,istheLordofPietyandRighteousness.

MaytheblessingsofAllahbebestoweduponHisApostleandtheRightfulImamsfromhisDescendantsandHispeacebeuponthemplentifully

Notes

TheAuthoracknowledgeswithgratitudetheassistancereceivedfromthefollowingworks–

(a)"KnowYourIslam"publishedbyPeermohamedEbrahimTrustofKarachi(Pakistan),whichcontainsaverbatimtranslationofthe"Du'a"intheEnglishlanguage,andwhichhasbeenreproducedmutatismutandisinthisCommentary.

(b)"AnisulLailFlSharhiDu'ailKumayl"whichisanArabiccommentaryonthe"Du'a";

(c)"DarmanRuhoRawan"whichisacommentaryintheFarsilanguageoftheDu'aandcontainsscholarlyinterpretationsofitswordsandphraseswrittenbythelearnedAqaMuhammadBaqirMalbubi.

URLdiorigine:https://www.al-islam.org/it/node/38477

Links

[1]https://www.al-islam.org/it/user/login?destination=node/38477%23comment-form

[2]https://www.al-islam.org/it/user/register?destination=node/38477%23comment-form

[3]https://www.al-islam.org/it/person/husein-rahim

[4]https://www.al-islam.org/it/library/supplications

[5]https://www.al-islam.org/it/library/ethics

[6]https://www.al-islam.org/it/library/spirituality

[7]https://www.al-islam.org/it/taxonomy/term/1218

[8]https://www.al-islam.org/it/taxonomy/term/1945

[9]https://www.al-islam.org/it/feature/spirituality

[10]https://www.al-islam.org/it/taxonomy/term/1400

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Wisdom is the lost property of the Believer,

let him claim it wherever he finds it"

Imam Ali (as)