a reminder for Muharram

The testimony of faith is the single greatest positive statement that begins with no. 

It is this statement which makes us Muslim in the first, and it is sufficient enough to guarantee us heaven in the greater life to come, in the last. 

The Arabic “La” is negation, and the first part, of the first part, of the testimony is literally “No gods”. 

It is an incredible emphasis on self reliance and innate ability. 

Prior to Islam people worshipped gods to seek their favour, with the coming of the religion we recognised the power and the glory of the one True God and seek His pleasure. And we use our God given ability in seeking that. 

Those who understand the religion know that what God loves most is those that do good, are good to the people, and help them. And the first of that help is in helping them recognise the mercy and grace that God has on each of us, that gratitude to Him is an unbounded blessing. 

In this month of Muharram we should be careful about what it means to be Muslim. For Islam is the testimony of faith, it is reliance on ability, the throwing off of ignorance, the recognition and then reliance on the Most Gracious and then lastly in the affirmation of the finality to the Last Messenger, Muhammed (saw). 

That with him the connection between heaven and earth ended, and full circle we are back to the first of the testimony - self reliance, with fear and hope. 

The fear of self doubt and the hope of His acceptance of our endeavours. 

Not all those who claim to be Muslim acknowledge this finality of the Messenger (saw), and we should be clear that therefore they are not Muslim. 

For the Shia in particular believe in a connection being maintained through the lineage of their Imams. A finality that God dispatched with force when He declared “Muhammed is not the father of any man amongst you”.  

And then even whilst we should recognise this, it does not mean that we should be offended, or call then our as being non-Muslim. Rather we welcome their use of the name, and hope the God guides them. 

But be clear in your mind that they are not. For part and parcel of the testimony is the finality of the last Prophet, may he forever be blessed. 

The authority that every Muslim recognises begins, and ends, with God and His Messenger. And no man no matter how pious, or knowledgeable, or honourable he may he has any authority except that it is derived from that. 

And all things are flawed, except the Quran. And no man is perfect. 

When you stand forth as an Imam you assume a role and a responsibility, and no title belongs to you. 

For us there are no priests, and no hierarchy of the pious. 

But two palms that you stretch in surrender and raise in supplication. 

And a tongue to ask, a brain to know, and a heart to feel. 

Knowledge is sought through study and contemplation, and not through lectures, nor this above.