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The sayings of Imam Ja’far as- Sadiq (A.S.)
Compiled by Syed Zainul Abideen, Tehran, Iran
Uprightness
When a person becomes upright and virtuous inwardly, he will become vigorous and powerful outwardly. (Rozatul Behar V.2 P.268)
Pride & Inferiority
A person behaves with pride and conceit, in order to hide his inferiority. (OsuleKafi V:2 .P:312)
Sins
Twenty sins of the ignorant are forgiven prior to forgiving a single sin of the learned. (OsuleKafi V:1 .P:47)
Note: A minor sin is considered as a major sin if a person commits it frequently thinking it as a minor sin.
Exercise your capability& authority
If a person observes his brother (in faith) performing something evil, and does not prevent him in spite of his ability & authority to do so, then he is really treacherous to his brother. (Amali e Saduq P162)
Perpetual Beneficence
Nothing benefits a person after his death except three things:
1. Charity which he has commenced during his lifetime with God’s goodwill for its continuation after his death (e.g. Schools, houses for pilgrims, orphanages, fruit gardens, underground canals, afforestation of lands etc.)
2. A good tradition that lasts after his death.
3. A good son or a daughter who prays for him. (T.O P.363)
Beneficence
Be kind to your ancestors, then your children will be kind toward you. (B.A V:78 .P:242)
Judges
Judges are of four categories, three of them will go to hell and one to heaven:
1. A judge who intentionally gives an oppressive verdict will go to hell.
2. A judge who gives an oppressive and wrong verdict because of lack of knowledge will also go to hell.
3. A judge who gives a correct verdict without proper knowledge and talent will also go to hell.
4. A judge who gives a correct verdict and is confident that his judgment is correct will be directed to heaven. (T.O P.365)
Note: “judge not that ye be judged, for with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged” (by God &the people)
Note: Those judges who accept bribe and accumulate illegal wealth shall also be cast into hell.
Judgment by Satanic Tyrants
Omar bin Hanzala asked Imam Jafar Sadiq (A.S): “Whether it was right for two of his companions who have presented their case about a loan and inheritance to a tyrant ruler for judgment?”
Imam Sadiq (A.S) recited an Aayat from the holy Quran: “They intend to make a satanic tyrant their judge, although God has commanded to defy him” (Al Nisa:60)
and said any person who seeks verdict from a satanic ruler has really acted against the above command of God, therefore whatever he obtains even his legal right by that verdict is illegal & ‘haram’ for him.
Then Imam Sadiq (A.S) was asked: “What should they do in such a case? “The Imam replied: “They should seek verdict from a person who knows our traditions & possesses the knowledge of our commandments regarding legality & illegality. You should seek judgment from him because we (the Imams) approve him. (Al Wasail V.18 P.99)
The scholar and the worshipper
On the Day of Judgment, God will resurrect both the scholar & the devoted worshipper; when both of them stand in God’s presence, the worshipper will be told to proceed towards paradise, and the scholar will be asked to wait, because of teaching good conduct to people, he will be allowed to intercede for them. (B.A V.8 P.86)
Firm Belief
No one can reach the core and heart of faith unless he possesses these three qualities:
1. Discretion in understanding religion.
2. Right and praiseworthy financial management.
3. Patience in difficulties and calamities. (Khisal e Saduq P 20-335)
Hell
The following category of persons are heading towards hell.
1. The one who is concerned about something other than saving himself from the fire of hell has given importance to a trifling thing against God’s severe punishment; and has supplicated to God for a paltry gain only.
2. The one who cheats his brother (in faith) and humiliates him and is hostile to him, God will make hell his abode.
3. The one who has prejudice against a believer his faith will vanish from his heart like salt, which immediately dissolves and disappears in water. (T.O P.302)
Salvation or Deliverance
O son of Jondab! The person who relies on his own performance is ruined and the one who daringly commits sins relying on the Mercy of God cannot rescue himself.
The Imam was asked: “Then who will attain salvation?” The Imam replied: “Those who are well poised between hope and fear, as if their heart is in the clutches of a bird. They are longing for a reward and fear punishment as well. (T.O P.302)
Note: All good deeds of a person are not enough for seeking forgiveness for a single sin, therefore the need for the means of intercession is obvious.
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