|
|
The Prophet and the Propagation of Sunnat
The most blessed God classified Islamic beliefs, morals and laws into two groups, while delivering them to mankind: First we have the Holy Quran which contains only the main topics concerning general Islamic matters, truths and laws and one cannot become a Muslim by referring to it exclusively. This means that we would be lacking practical injunctions to pray or fast, or go on the pilgrimage to Mecca and fulfill all of its required duties, or marry lawfully or take a divorce and so on...... The basis for all of these laws is in the Quran, but their detailed explanations, descriptions and commentaries have been made through the teaching of the Prophet and apostles. We do know that the series of Islams first-hand apostles begins with the Holy Prophet and ends with the twelfth Imam, Hujjat Ibn al-Hassan al-Askary. The reasons for this statement were brought to light previously and will become clearer in the future discussions. The conclusion here being that Islam is in the Quran and in the sayings of the Holy Prophet and his revered executors, in other words in these two we have the great collection of our valuable Islamic inheritance. 83 Now let us see what those who wished to alter Islam did after the Holy Prophets demise. The accurate answer to this question requires a preliminary study to remove all room for error. Thus, we refer to the era of the prophet. The Holy Prophet said: "May God bless he who hears my sayings; takes them to heart, understands and preserves them, then delivers them to those who have not heard them....84 (The main topic of this statement being the propagation of the Prophets sayings) For, there may be many a people who bear knowledge and learning but do not perceive it. Whereas a person may bear knowledge and relay it to those more perceiving than themselves. Meaning that they relay this trust to someone who puts it to more use than themselves". Elsewhere he says: "Those who are present and hear my words must deliver them to those who are absent because there is the possibility that the listener will deliver the words to one who is more perceptible than himself". In another tradition, the Holy Prophet (s.a.w) says: "He through whom a narration is delivered to my nation, and in this way a tradition (Sunnah) established or heresay eradicated, will be rewarded Heaven". And yet elsewhere he says: "He who learns two of my narrations and benefits from them or conveys them to another who in turn benefits from them, has done better than sixty years of worship void of insight or wisdom". Imam Ali (a.s) narrates: "The Holy Prophet (p.b.u.h) said: My lord, keep my successors in your favour-repeating this phrase three times- Then someone asked him: O' Messenger of God, who are your Caliphs? He replied: Those who will come after me and narrate and relate my sayings and deeds". * * * * * * References: |
|
|
