حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو عَمْرٍو الزُّبَيْرِيُّ عَنْ أَبِي عَبْدِ اللَّهِ ع قَالَ قُلْتُ لَهُ أَيُّهَا الْعَالِمُ أَخْبِرْنِي أَيُّ الْأَعْمَالِ أَفْضَلُ عِنْدَ اللَّهِ قَالَ مَا لَا يَقْبَلُ اللَّهُ شَيْئاً إِلَّا بِهِ قُلْتُ وَ مَا هُوَ قَالَ الْإِيمَانُ بِاللَّهِ الَّذِي لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا هُوَ أَعْلَى الْأَعْمَالِ دَرَجَةً وَ أَشْرَفُهَا مَنْزِلَةً وَ أَسْنَاهَا حَظّاً قَالَ قُلْتُ أَ لَا تُخْبِرُنِي عَنِ الْإِيمَانِ أَ قَوْلٌ هُوَ وَ عَمَلٌ أَمْ قَوْلٌ بِلَا عَمَلٍ فَقَالَ الْإِيمَانُ عَمَلٌ كُلُّهُ وَ الْقَوْلُ بَعْضُ ذَلِكَ الْعَمَلِ بِفَرْضٍ مِنَ اللَّهِ بَيَّنَ فِي كِتَابِهِ وَاضِحٍ نُورُهُ ثَابِتَةٍ حُجَّتُهُ يَشْهَدُ لَهُ بِهِ الْكِتَابُ وَ يَدْعُوهُ إِلَيْهِ قَالَ قُلْتُ صِفْهُ لِي جُعِلْتُ فِدَاكَ حَتَّى أَفْهَمَهُ قَالَ الْإِيمَانُ حَالَاتٌ وَ دَرَجَاتٌ وَ طَبَقَاتٌ وَ مَنَازِلُ فَمِنْهُ التَّامُّ الْمُنْتَهَى تَمَامُهُ وَ مِنْهُ النَّاقِصُ الْبَيِّنُ نُقْصَانُهُ وَ مِنْهُ الرَّاجِحُ الزَّائِدُ رُجْحَانُهُ قُلْتُ إِنَّ الْإِيمَانَ لَيَتِمُّ وَ يَنْقُصُ وَ يَزِيدُ قَالَ نَعَمْ قُلْتُ كَيْفَ ذَلِكَ قَالَ لِأَنَّ اللَّهَ تَبَارَكَ وَ تَعَالَى فَرَضَ الْإِيمَانَ عَلَى جَوَارِحِ ابْنِ آدَمَ وَ قَسَّمَهُ عَلَيْهَا وَ فَرَّقَهُ فِيهَا فَلَيْسَ مِنْ جَوَارِحِهِ جَارِحَةٌ إِلَّا وَ قَدْ وُكِّلَتْ مِنَ الْإِيمَانِ بِغَيْرِ مَا وُكِّلَتْ بِهِ أُخْتُهَا فَمِنْهَا قَلْبُهُ الَّذِي بِهِ يَعْقِلُ وَ يَفْقَهُ وَ يَفْهَمُ وَ هُوَ أَمِيرُ بَدَنِهِ الَّذِي لَا تَرِدُ الْجَوَارِحُ وَ لَا تَصْدُرُ إِلَّا عَنْ رَأْيِهِ وَ أَمْرِهِ وَ مِنْهَا عَيْنَاهُ اللَّتَانِ يُبْصِرُ بِهِمَا وَ أُذُنَاهُ اللَّتَانِ يَسْمَعُ بِهِمَا وَ يَدَاهُ اللَّتَانِ يَبْطِشُ بِهِمَا وَ رِجْلَاهُ اللَّتَانِ يَمْشِي بِهِمَا وَ فَرْجُهُ الَّذِي الْبَاهُ مِنْ قِبَلِهِ وَ لِسَانُهُ الَّذِي يَنْطِقُ بِهِ وَ رَأْسُهُ الَّذِي فِيهِ وَجْهُهُ فَلَيْسَ مِنْ هَذِهِ جَارِحَةٌ إِلَّا وَ قَدْ وُكِّلَتْ مِنَ الْإِيمَانِ بِغَيْرِ مَا وُكِّلَتْ بِهِ أُخْتُهَا بِفَرْضٍ مِنَ اللَّهِ تَبَارَكَ اسْمُهُ يَنْطِقُ بِهِ الْكِتَابُ لَهَا وَ يَشْهَدُ بِهِ عَلَيْهَا فَفَرَضَ عَلَى الْقَلْبِ غَيْرَ مَا فَرَضَ عَلَى السَّمْعِ وَ فَرَضَ عَلَى السَّمْعِ غَيْرَ مَا فَرَضَ عَلَى الْعَيْنَيْنِ وَ فَرَضَ عَلَى الْعَيْنَيْنِ غَيْرَ مَا فَرَضَ عَلَى اللِّسَانِ وَ فَرَضَ عَلَى اللِّسَانِ غَيْرَ مَا فَرَضَ عَلَى الْيَدَيْنِ وَ فَرَضَ عَلَى الْيَدَيْنِ غَيْرَ مَا فَرَضَ عَلَى الرِّجْلَيْنِ وَ فَرَضَ عَلَى الرِّجْلَيْنِ غَيْرَ مَا فَرَضَ عَلَى الْفَرْجِ وَ فَرَضَ عَلَى الْفَرْجِ غَيْرَ مَا فَرَضَ عَلَى الْوَجْهِ فَأَمَّا مَا فَرَضَ عَلَى الْقَلْبِ مِنَ الْإِيمَانِ فَالْإِقْرَارُ وَ الْمَعْرِفَةُ وَ الْعَقْدُ وَ الرِّضَا وَ التَّسْلِيمُ بِأَنْ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ إِلَهاً وَاحِداً لَمْ يَتَّخِذْ صَاحِبَةً وَ لَا وَلَداً وَ أَنَّ مُحَمَّداً عَبْدُهُ وَ رَسُولُهُ ص وَ الْإِقْرَارُ بِمَا جَاءَ مِنْ عِنْدِ اللَّهِ مِنْ نَبِيٍّ أَوْ كِتَابٍ فَذَلِكَ مَا فَرَضَ اللَّهُ عَلَى الْقَلْبِ مِنَ الْإِقْرَارِ وَ الْمَعْرِفَةِ وَ هُوَ عَمَلُهُ وَ هُوَ قَوْلُ اللَّهِ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ إِلَّا مَنْ أُكْرِهَ وَ قَلْبُهُ مُطْمَئِنٌّ بِالْإِيمانِ وَ لكِنْ مَنْ شَرَحَ بِالْكُفْرِ صَدْراً وَ قَالَ أَلا بِذِكْرِ اللَّهِ تَطْمَئِنُّ الْقُلُوبُ وَ قَالَ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا بِأَفْوَاهِهِمْ وَ لَمْ تُؤْمِنْ قُلُوبُهُمْ وَ قَالَ إِنْ تُبْدُوا ما فِي أَنْفُسِكُمْ أَوْ تُخْفُوهُ يُحاسِبْكُمْ بِهِ اللَّهُ فَيَغْفِرُ لِمَنْ يَشاءُ وَ يُعَذِّبُ مَنْ يَشاءُ فَذَلِكَ مَا فَرَضَ اللَّهُ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ عَلَى الْقَلْبِ مِنَ الْإِقْرَارِ وَ الْمَعْرِفَةِ وَ هُوَ عَمَلُهُ وَ هُوَ رَأْسُ الْإِيمَانِ وَ فَرَضَ اللَّهُ عَلَى اللِّسَانِ الْقَوْلَ وَ التَّعْبِيرَ عَنِ الْقَلْبِ بِمَا عَقَدَ عَلَيْهِ وَ أَقَرَّ بِهِ قَالَ اللَّهُ تَبَارَكَ وَ تَعَالَى وَ قُولُوا لِلنَّاسِ حُسْناً وَ قَالَ وَ قُولُوا آمَنَّا بِالَّذِي أُنْزِلَ إِلَيْنا وَ أُنْزِلَ إِلَيْكُمْ وَ إِلهُنا وَ إِلهُكُمْ واحِدٌ وَ نَحْنُ لَهُ مُسْلِمُونَ فَهَذَا مَا فَرَضَ اللَّهُ عَلَى اللِّسَانِ وَ هُوَ عَمَلُهُ وَ فَرَضَ عَلَى السَّمْعِ أَنْ يَتَنَزَّهَ عَنِ الِاسْتِمَاعِ إِلَى مَا حَرَّمَ اللَّهُ وَ أَنْ يُعْرِضَ عَمَّا لَا يَحِلُّ لَهُ مِمَّا نَهَى اللَّهُ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ عَنْهُ وَ الْإِصْغَاءِ إِلَى مَا أَسْخَطَ اللَّهَ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ فَقَالَ فِي ذَلِكَ وَ قَدْ نَزَّلَ عَلَيْكُمْ فِي الْكِتابِ أَنْ إِذا سَمِعْتُمْ آياتِ اللَّهِ يُكْفَرُ بِها وَ يُسْتَهْزَأُ بِها فَلا تَقْعُدُوا مَعَهُمْ حَتَّى يَخُوضُوا فِي حَدِيثٍ غَيْرِهِ ثُمَّ اسْتَثْنَى اللَّهُ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ مَوْضِعَ النِّسْيَانِ فَقَالَ وَ إِمَّا يُنْسِيَنَّكَ الشَّيْطانُ فَلا تَقْعُدْ بَعْدَ الذِّكْرى مَعَ الْقَوْمِ الظَّالِمِينَ وَ قَالَ فَبَشِّرْ عِبادِ الَّذِينَ يَسْتَمِعُونَ الْقَوْلَ فَيَتَّبِعُونَ أَحْسَنَهُ أُولئِكَ الَّذِينَ هَداهُمُ اللَّهُ وَ أُولئِكَ هُمْ أُولُوا الْأَلْبابِ وَ قَالَ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ قَدْ أَفْلَحَ الْمُؤْمِنُونَ الَّذِينَ هُمْ فِي صَلاتِهِمْ خاشِعُونَ وَ الَّذِينَ هُمْ عَنِ اللَّغْوِ مُعْرِضُونَ وَ الَّذِينَ هُمْ لِلزَّكاةِ فاعِلُونَ وَ قَالَ وَ إِذا سَمِعُوا اللَّغْوَ أَعْرَضُوا عَنْهُ وَ قالُوا لَنا أَعْمالُنا وَ لَكُمْ أَعْمالُكُمْ وَ قَالَ وَ إِذا مَرُّوا بِاللَّغْوِ مَرُّوا كِراماً فَهَذَا مَا فَرَضَ اللَّهُ عَلَى السَّمْعِ مِنَ الْإِيمَانِ أَنْ لَا يُصْغِيَ إِلَى مَا لَا يَحِلُّ لَهُ وَ هُوَ عَمَلُهُ وَ هُوَ مِنَ الْإِيمَانِ وَ فَرَضَ عَلَى الْبَصَرِ أَنْ لَا يَنْظُرَ إِلَى مَا حَرَّمَ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَ أَنْ يُعْرِضَ عَمَّا نَهَى اللَّهُ عَنْهُ مِمَّا لَا يَحِلُّ لَهُ وَ هُوَ عَمَلُهُ وَ هُوَ مِنَ الْإِيمَانِ فَقَالَ تَبَارَكَ وَ تَعَالَى قُلْ لِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ يَغُضُّوا مِنْ أَبْصارِهِمْ وَ يَحْفَظُوا فُرُوجَهُمْ فَنَهَاهُمْ أَنْ يَنْظُرُوا إِلَى عَوْرَاتِهِمْ وَ أَنْ يَنْظُرَ الْمَرْءُ إِلَى فَرْجِ أَخِيهِ وَ يَحْفَظَ فَرْجَهُ أَنْ يُنْظَرَ إِلَيْهِ وَ قَالَ وَ قُلْ لِلْمُؤْمِناتِ يَغْضُضْنَ مِنْ أَبْصارِهِنَّ وَ يَحْفَظْنَ فُرُوجَهُنَ مِنْ أَنْ تَنْظُرَ إِحْدَاهُنَّ إِلَى فَرْجِ أُخْتِهَا وَ تَحْفَظَ فَرْجَهَا مِنْ أَنْ يُنْظَرَ إِلَيْهَا وَ قَالَ كُلُّ شَيْءٍ فِي الْقُرْآنِ مِنْ حِفْظِ الْفَرْجِ فَهُوَ مِنْ الزِّنَا إِلَّا هَذِهِ الْآيَةَ فَإِنَّهَا مِنَ النَّظَرِ ثُمَّ نَظَمَ مَا فَرَضَ عَلَى الْقَلْبِ وَ اللِّسَانِ وَ السَّمْعِ وَ الْبَصَرِ فِي آيَةٍ أُخْرَى فَقَالَ وَ ما كُنْتُمْ تَسْتَتِرُونَ أَنْ يَشْهَدَ عَلَيْكُمْ سَمْعُكُمْ وَ لا أَبْصارُكُمْ وَ لا جُلُودُكُمْ يَعْنِي بِالْجُلُودِ الْفُرُوجَ وَ الْأَفْخَاذَ وَ قَالَ وَ لا تَقْفُ ما لَيْسَ لَكَ بِهِ عِلْمٌ إِنَّ السَّمْعَ وَ الْبَصَرَ وَ الْفُؤادَ كُلُّ أُولئِكَ كانَ عَنْهُ مَسْؤُلًا فَهَذَا مَا فَرَضَ اللَّهُ عَلَى الْعَيْنَيْنِ مِنْ غَضِّ الْبَصَرِ عَمَّا حَرَّمَ اللَّهُ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ وَ هُوَ عَمَلُهُمَا وَ هُوَ مِنَ الْإِيمَانِ وَ فَرَضَ اللَّهُ عَلَى الْيَدَيْنِ أَنْ لَا يَبْطِشَ بِهِمَا إِلَى مَا حَرَّمَ اللَّهُ وَ أَنْ يَبْطِشَ بِهِمَا إِلَى مَا أَمَرَ اللَّهُ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ وَ فَرَضَ عَلَيْهِمَا مِنَ الصَّدَقَةِ وَ صِلَةِ الرَّحِمِ وَ الْجِهَادِ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ وَ الطَّهُورِ لِلصَّلَاةِ فَقَالَ يا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا إِذا قُمْتُمْ إِلَى الصَّلاةِ فَاغْسِلُوا وُجُوهَكُمْ وَ أَيْدِيَكُمْ إِلَى الْمَرافِقِ وَ امْسَحُوا بِرُؤُسِكُمْ وَ أَرْجُلَكُمْ إِلَى الْكَعْبَيْنِ وَ قَالَ فَإِذا لَقِيتُمُ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا فَضَرْبَ الرِّقابِ حَتَّى إِذا أَثْخَنْتُمُوهُمْ فَشُدُّوا الْوَثاقَ فَإِمَّا مَنًّا بَعْدُ وَ إِمَّا فِداءً حَتَّى تَضَعَ الْحَرْبُ أَوْزارَها فَهَذَا مَا فَرَضَ اللَّهُ عَلَى الْيَدَيْنِ لِأَنَّ الضَّرْبَ مِنْ عِلَاجِهِمَا وَ فَرَضَ عَلَى الرِّجْلَيْنِ أَنْ لَا يَمْشِيَ بِهِمَا إِلَى شَيْءٍ مِنْ مَعَاصِي اللَّهِ وَ فَرَضَ عَلَيْهِمَا الْمَشْيَ إِلَى مَا يُرْضِي اللَّهَ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ فَقَالَ وَ لا تَمْشِ فِي الْأَرْضِ مَرَحاً إِنَّكَ لَنْ تَخْرِقَ الْأَرْضَ وَ لَنْ تَبْلُغَ الْجِبالَ طُولًا وَ قَالَ وَ اقْصِدْ فِي مَشْيِكَ وَ اغْضُضْ مِنْ صَوْتِكَ إِنَّ أَنْكَرَ الْأَصْواتِ لَصَوْتُ الْحَمِيرِ وَ قَالَ فِيمَا شَهِدَتِ الْأَيْدِي وَ الْأَرْجُلُ عَلَى أَنْفُسِهِمَا وَ عَلَى أَرْبَابِهِمَا مِنْ تَضْيِيعِهِمَا لِمَا أَمَرَ اللَّهُ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ بِهِ وَ فَرَضَهُ عَلَيْهِمَا الْيَوْمَ نَخْتِمُ عَلى أَفْواهِهِمْ وَ تُكَلِّمُنا أَيْدِيهِمْ وَ تَشْهَدُ أَرْجُلُهُمْ بِما كانُوا يَكْسِبُونَ فَهَذَا أَيْضاً مِمَّا فَرَضَ اللَّهُ عَلَى الْيَدَيْنِ وَ عَلَى الرِّجْلَيْنِ وَ هُوَ عَمَلُهُمَا وَ هُوَ مِنَ الْإِيمَانِ وَ فَرَضَ عَلَى الْوَجْهِ السُّجُودَ لَهُ بِاللَّيْلِ وَ النَّهَارِ فِي مَوَاقِيتِ الصَّلَاةِ فَقَالَ يا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا ارْكَعُوا وَ اسْجُدُوا وَ اعْبُدُوا رَبَّكُمْ وَ افْعَلُوا الْخَيْرَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُفْلِحُونَ فَهَذِهِ فَرِيضَةٌ جَامِعَةٌ عَلَى الْوَجْهِ وَ الْيَدَيْنِ وَ الرِّجْلَيْنِ وَ قَالَ فِي مَوْضِعٍ آخَرَ وَ أَنَّ الْمَساجِدَ لِلَّهِ فَلا تَدْعُوا مَعَ اللَّهِ أَحَداً وَ قَالَ فِيمَا فَرَضَ عَلَى الْجَوَارِحِ مِنَ الطَّهُورِ وَ الصَّلَاةِ بِهَا وَ ذَلِكَ أَنَّ اللَّهَ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ لَمَّا صَرَفَ نَبِيَّهُ ص إِلَى الْكَعْبَةِ عَنِ الْبَيْتِ الْمُقَدَّسِ فَأَنْزَلَ اللَّهُ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ وَ ما كانَ اللَّهُ لِيُضِيعَ إِيمانَكُمْ إِنَّ اللَّهَ بِالنَّاسِ لَرَؤُفٌ رَحِيمٌ فَسَمَّى الصَّلَاةَ إِيمَاناً فَمَنْ لَقِيَ اللَّهَ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ حَافِظاً لِجَوَارِحِهِ مُوفِياً كُلُّ جَارِحَةٍ مِنْ جَوَارِحِهِ مَا فَرَضَ اللَّهُ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ عَلَيْهَا لَقِيَ اللَّهَ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ مُسْتَكْمِلًا لِإِيمَانِهِ وَ هُوَ مِنْ أَهْلِ الْجَنَّةِ وَ مَنْ خَانَ فِي شَيْءٍ مِنْهَا أَوْ تَعَدَّى مَا أَمَرَ اللَّهُ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ فِيهَا لَقِيَ اللَّهَ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ نَاقِصَ الْإِيمَانِ قُلْتُ قَدْ فَهِمْتُ نُقْصَانَ الْإِيمَانِ وَ تَمَامَهُ فَمِنْ أَيْنَ جَاءَتْ زِيَادَتُهُ فَقَالَ قَوْلُ اللَّهِ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ وَ إِذا ما أُنْزِلَتْ سُورَةٌ فَمِنْهُمْ مَنْ يَقُولُ أَيُّكُمْ زادَتْهُ هذِهِ إِيماناً فَأَمَّا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا فَزادَتْهُمْ إِيماناً وَ هُمْ يَسْتَبْشِرُونَ وَ أَمَّا الَّذِينَ فِي قُلُوبِهِمْ مَرَضٌ فَزادَتْهُمْ رِجْساً إِلَى رِجْسِهِمْ وَ قَالَ نَحْنُ نَقُصُّ عَلَيْكَ نَبَأَهُمْ بِالْحَقِّ إِنَّهُمْ فِتْيَةٌ آمَنُوا بِرَبِّهِمْ وَ زِدْناهُمْ هُدىً وَ لَوْ كَانَ كُلُّهُ وَاحِداً لَا زِيَادَةَ فِيهِ وَ لَا نُقْصَانَ لَمْ يَكُنْ لِأَحَدٍ مِنْهُمْ فَضْلٌ عَلَى الْآخَرِ وَ لَاسْتَوَتِ النِّعَمُ فِيهِ وَ لَاسْتَوَى النَّاسُ وَ بَطَلَ التَّفْضِيلُ وَ لَكِنْ بِتَمَامِ الْإِيمَانِ دَخَلَ الْمُؤْمِنُونَ الْجَنَّةَ وَ بِالزِّيَادَةِ فِي الْإِيمَانِ تَفَاضَلَ الْمُؤْمِنُونَ بِالدَّرَجَاتِ عِنْدَ اللَّهِ وَ بِالنُّقْصَانِ دَخَلَ الْمُفَرِّطُونَ النَّارَ
Translation
Ali ibn Ibrahim has narrated from his father from Bakr ibn Salih from al-Qasim ibn Burayd who has said that it has been narrated to us by Abu Amr al-Zubayri: ‘I said to Abu Abd Allah<sup>asws</sup> ‘الْعَالِمُ أَيُّهَا’ ‘O Scholar, tell me which deed is more virtuous before Allah<sup>azwj</sup>?’ He<sup>asws</sup> said. ‘It is the deed without which Allah<sup>azwj</sup> does not Accept any (deed).’ I asked, ‘What is that?’ He<sup>asws</sup> said, ‘الْإِيمَانِ’ ‘<span class="iTxt">Emān</span><a id="_ftnref73"></a><sup>[73]</sup> in Allah<sup>azwj</sup> besides whom no one deserves to be worshipped. It (<span class="iTxt">Emān</span>) is the highest in degree among the deeds, the most valuable among them and the top-most among them in (matters of) reward.’ I then said, ‘Please, tell me then about the <span class="iTxt">Emān</span>. Is it deeds or it is words without deeds?’ ‘The Imam<sup>asws</sup> replied: ‘All of the <span class="iTxt">Emān</span> is deeds and certain parts of such deeds are words. Allah<sup>azwj</sup> has made it obligatory as is explained in His book. Its ‘نُورُهُ’ Noor (Divine Guidance)<a id="_ftnref74"></a><sup>[74]</sup> is clear, its evidence is well established. The (Holy) Book testifies to it for one, and calls one to it.’ I then asked, ‘May Allah<sup>azwj</sup> Keep my soul in service for your<sup>asws</sup> cause, please explain it to me so I may understand.’ The Imam<sup>asws</sup> said, ‘<span class="iTxt">Emān</span> has levels it’s conditions, degrees and stages. Of <span class="iTxt">Emān</span> there is that which is perfect and complete in perfection and (also) of <span class="iTxt">Emān</span> there is that which is defective and the defect is noticeable. Of <span class="iTxt">Emān</span> there is that which is heavier on the perfection side.’ I then asked, ‘Does <span class="iTxt">Emān</span> become perfect, decrease and increase?’ The Imam<sup>asws</sup> said, ‘Yes, it does.’ I then asked, ‘How does it happen?’ He<sup>asws</sup> said, ‘It is because Allah<sup>azwj</sup> has written <span class="iTxt">Emān</span> for each part of the body of the children of Adam and has divided and distributed it among them. There is no part of their body but that has a guard of <span class="iTxt">Emān</span> different from such guard assigned to other parts. Of such part is one’s heart, with which one understands and reasons to comprehend, and it is the commander of his body. It oversees the body and without its opinion no part moves to act. Of the parts of the body are one’s eyes with which one sees and his ears with which one listens. There are one’s hands with which one works, one’s legs with which one walks, one’s sexual organs from which comes carnal desires, one’s tongue with which one speaks and one’s head on which there is one’s face. For each of these parts a different guard of <span class="iTxt">Emān</span> is assigned. It is all due to what Allah<sup>azwj</sup>, Most Blessed is Whose Name, has written, to which His<sup>azwj</sup> Holy Book speaks and testifies. For each of these parts a different obligation is written. The obligation of the heart is different from the obligation of the ears. What is made obligatory for the ears is different from the obligation of the eyes and what is made obligatory for the eyes is different from what is made obligatory for the tongue. What is made obligatory for the tongue is different from what is made obligatory for the hands and what is made obligatory for the hands is different from what is made obligatory for the legs. The obligation of the legs is different from the obligations of the sexual organs. What is obligatory for the sexual organs is different from the obligation of the face. What is made obligatory for the heart of <span class="iTxt">Emān</span> is affirmation, recognition and the formation of <span class="iTxt">Emān</span>, consent and submission to the fact that no one deserves to be worshipped except Allah<sup style="font-weight: normal">azwj</sup> Who is One and has no partner. He<sup style="font-weight: normal">azwj</sup> is the One and only. He<sup style="font-weight: normal">azwj</sup> has not Taken any companion and children. That Muhammad<sup style="font-weight: normal">saww</sup> is His<sup style="font-weight: normal">azwj</sup> servant and Rasool<sup style="font-weight: normal">saww</sup>, he<sup style="font-weight: normal">saww</sup> and his<sup style="font-weight: normal">saww</sup> family<sup style="font-weight: normal">asws</sup> being ‘Alayhim al-Salam, and to affirm that whatever he<sup style="font-weight: normal">saww</sup> has brought is from Allah<sup style="font-weight: normal">azwj</sup>, be it about a Prophet<sup style="font-weight: normal">as</sup> or a Book. That is what Allah<sup style="font-weight: normal">azwj</sup> has Made obligatory for the heart; the task of affirmation and recognition, which is it’s deed. This is stated in the Words of Allah<sup style="font-weight: normal">azwj</sup>, ‘<span class="ibTxt">but his heart is confident about his Emān. However, those whose breasts have become open to disbelief <a href="/#/books/quran:16#h106"><a href="/books/quran:16#h106">[16:106]</a></a></span> Allah<sup style="font-weight: normal">azwj</sup> has Said, ‘<span class="ibTxt">Remembrance (speaking) of Allah certainly brings comfort to all hearts.’ <a href="/#/books/quran:13#h28"><a href="/books/quran:13#h28">[13:28]</a></a></span> Allah<sup style="font-weight: normal">azwj</sup> has Said, ‘<span class="ibTxt">They only say that they believe but, in fact, they have no Emān (faith) in their hearts .... ‘ <a href="/#/books/quran:5#h41"><a href="/books/quran:5#h41">[5:41]</a></a></span> Allah<sup style="font-weight: normal">azwj</sup> has Said, <span class="ibTxt">‘Allah will call you to account for all that you may reveal from your souls and all that you may conceal. Allah will forgive or punish whoever He wants .... ‘ <a href="/#/books/quran:2#h284"><a href="/books/quran:2#h284">[2:284]</a></a> </span> These are what Allah<sup>azwj</sup> has Made obligatory on the hearts of affirmation and recognition, and these are its deeds and this is the chief of the <span class="iTxt">Emān</span>. On the tongue Allah<sup style="font-weight: normal">azwj</sup> has Made it obligatory to speak and express what the heart has established and has confirmed as Allah<sup style="font-weight: normal">azwj</sup> has Said, ‘ <span class="ibTxt">that they should speak righteous words to people ... ‘ <a href="/#/books/quran:2#h83"><a href="/books/quran:2#h83">[2:83]</a></a></span> (Allah has also) Said, <span class="ibTxt">‘Tell them, we believe in Allah and in what is revealed to us and to you. Our Lord and your Lord are one. We have submitted ourselves to His will.’ <a href="/#/books/quran:29#h46"><a href="/books/quran:29#h46">[29:46]</a></a>. </span>‘This is what Allah<sup>azwj</sup> has Made obligatory for the tongue and this is its deed. Allah<sup>azwj</sup> has Made it obligatory for the ears to keep it clean from what is unlawful to hear, and to keep away from things that Allah<sup>azwj</sup> has Prohibited to listen to attentively; it angers Allah<sup>azwj</sup>. And in this regard He<sup>azwj</sup> has Said, <span class="ibTxt">‘Allah has told you (Momins) in the Book that when you hear people disbelieving and mocking Allah’s revelations, do not sit with them unless they change the subject ... ‘ (4: 140) </span> Allah<sup>azwj</sup> then has Made an exception for the case of forgetfulness, <span class="ibTxt">‘If Satan causes you to forget this, do not sit with the unjust people when you recall.’ <a href="/#/books/quran:6#h68"><a href="/books/quran:6#h68">[6:68]</a></a></span> Allah<sup>azwj</sup> has also Said, ‘(O Muhammad<sup>saww</sup>), <span class="ibTxt">Give the glad news to those of My servants who listen to the words and follow only the best ones. Tell them that they are those whom Allah has guided. They are the people of understanding.’ <a href="/#/books/quran:39#h18"><a href="/books/quran:39#h18">[39:18]</a></a> </span> Allah<sup style="font-weight: normal">azwj</sup> has Said, ‘<span class="ibTxt">Triumphant indeed are the Momins, <a href="/#/books/quran:23#h1"><a href="/books/quran:23#h1">[23:1]</a></a> who are submissive to Allah in their prayers, <a href="/#/books/quran:23#h2"><a href="/books/quran:23#h2">[23:2]</a></a> who avoid impious talks <a href="/#/books/quran:23#h3"><a href="/books/quran:23#h3">[23:3]</a></a> and pay al-Zakat (charity).’ <a href="/#/books/quran:23#h4"><a href="/books/quran:23#h4">[23:4]</a></a></span> Allah<sup style="font-weight: normal">azwj</sup> has Said, <span class="ibTxt">‘When they hear impious words, they ignore them, saying, ‘We shall be responsible for our deeds and you will be responsible for yours .... ‘, <a href="/#/books/quran:28#h55"><a href="/books/quran:28#h55">[28:55]</a></a></span> Allah has Said, ‘<span class="ibTxt">When they come across something impious, they pass it by nobly.’ <a href="/#/books/quran:25#h72"><a href="/books/quran:25#h72">[25:72]</a></a> </span> This is what Allah<sup>azwj</sup> has Made obligatory for the ears in relation to <span class="iTxt">Emān</span>; that they must not listen to what is unlawful to hear, and such matters are of its deeds, which is of <span class="iTxt">Emān</span>. Allah<sup>azwj</sup> has Made it Obligatory for the eyes not to look at things He<sup>azwj</sup> has Made unlawful to look at and to stay away from what Allah<sup>azwj</sup> has Prohibited of the things that are not lawful for them. Such things are of their deeds and of <span class="iTxt">Emān</span>. Allah<sup style="font-weight: normal">azwj</sup> has Said, <span class="ibTxt">‘(O Muhammad</span><sup class="ibTxt">saww</sup><span class="ibTxt">), tell the believing men to cast down their eyes and guard their carnal desires.’ <a href="/#/books/quran:24#h30"><a href="/books/quran:24#h30">[24:30]</a></a> </span> Allah<sup>azwj</sup> has Prohibited looking at the privacy of one’s brother and to keep one’s privacy protected from the onlookers. Allah has said, ‘ ... <span class="ibTxt">Tell the believing woman to cast down their eyes, guard their chastity (private parts).’ <a href="/#/books/quran:24#h31"><a href="/books/quran:24#h31">[24:31]</a></a></span> ‘They must find protection against being looked upon and keep away from looking at their sisters (private parts). The Imam<sup>asws</sup> said that everywhere in the Holy Quran where protection of private parts is mentioned it is a reference to fornication except this verse which is a reference to looking. ‘Allah<sup style="font-weight: normal">azwj</sup> has Spoken about the obligations of the heart, tongue, ears and eyes in another verse also: <span class="ibTxt">‘You did not (think to) hide your deeds from your ears, eyes and skin and you felt that Allah would not know all that you had been doing.’ <a href="/#/books/quran:41#h22"><a href="/books/quran:41#h22">[41:22]</a></a> </span> (Here) Skin is a reference to private parts and thighs. Allah<sup style="font-weight: normal">azwj</sup> has Said, <span class="ibTxt">‘Do not follow what you do not know; the ears, eyes, and hearts will all be held responsible for their deeds.’ <a href="/#/books/quran:17#h36"><a href="/books/quran:17#h36">[17:36]</a></a></span> This is what Allah<sup>azwj</sup> has Made Obligatory for the eyes; to cast down away from what Allah<sup>azwj</sup> has Prohibited. This is their deed and it is of <span class="iTxt">Emān</span>. Allah<sup>azwj</sup> has Made it Obligatory for the hands not to move to what Allah<sup>azwj</sup> has Prohibited, instead move forward for what Allah<sup>azwj</sup> has Commanded to move to such as charity, good relation with relatives and striving for the Cause of Allah<sup>azwj</sup> and cleansing for prayer. Allah<sup style="font-weight: normal">azwj</sup> has Said, <span class="ibTxt">‘Momins, when you are about to pray, wash your face and your hands along with the elbows and wipe your head and your feet to the ankles .... ‘ <a href="/#/books/quran:5#h6"><a href="/books/quran:5#h6">[5:6]</a></a> </span> Allah<sup>azwj</sup> has Said, <span class="ibTxt">‘If you encounter the unMomins in a battle, strike-off their heads. Take them as captives when they are defeated. Then you may set them free as a favour to them, with or without a ransom, when the battle is over. ... ‘ <a href="/#/books/quran:47#h4"><a href="/books/quran:47#h4">[47:4]</a></a> </span> This is what Allah<sup>azwj</sup> has Made Obligatory for the hands; striking is their task. Allah<sup>azwj</sup> has Made it Obligatory for the legs not to walk to what is made unlawful and in disobedience to Allah<sup>azwj</sup>. He<sup>azwj</sup> has Made it obligatory for them to walk to what makes Allah<sup>azwj</sup> Happy. Allah<sup>azwj</sup> has Said, <span class="ibTxt">‘Do not walk proudly on the earth; your feet cannot tear apart the earth nor are you as tall as the mountains.’ <a href="/#/books/quran:17#h37"><a href="/books/quran:17#h37">[17:37]</a></a> ‘Do not walk around inflated with pride; be moderate in your walking and your talking. The most unpleasant sound is the braying of donkeys.’ (31: 19) </span> About the testifying of the hands and legs against their own selves and their master for their disregard of the commands of Allah<sup style="font-weight: normal">azwj</sup> and the obligation upon them, Allah has Said: ‘ ... <span class="ibTxt">this Day, We seal their mouths and their hands will speak to Us and their feet will testify to what they had achieved.’ <a href="/#/books/quran:36#h65"><a href="/books/quran:36#h65">[36:65]</a></a> </span> This is also what Allah<sup>azwj</sup> has Made obligatory for the hands and the legs and this is their deed and it is of <span class="iTxt">Emān</span>. Allah<sup style="font-weight: normal">azwj</sup> has Made it obligatory for the face to prostrate before Him<sup style="font-weight: normal">azwj</sup> in the days and nights in the times of the prayers. Allah<sup style="font-weight: normal">azwj</sup> has Said, <span class="ibTxt">‘Momins, worship your Lord, bow down and prostrate yourselves before Him and do virtuous deeds so that perhaps you will have everlasting happiness.’ <a href="/#/books/quran:22#h77"><a href="/books/quran:22#h77">[22:77]</a></a> </span> This is an obligation that involves the face, hands and legs. In another passage Allah<sup>azwj</sup> has said, <span class="ibTxt">‘All the parts of the body to be placed on the ground during prostration belong to Allah. Do not prostrate before anyone other than Him .... ‘ (72: 18)</span> It was in regards to the obligations upon the parts of the body in the form of purification for prayer that Allah<sup>azwj</sup> Made His<sup>azwj</sup> Prophet<sup>saww</sup> to change facing the Holy House in Palestine to facing al-Kabah. Allah<sup>azwj</sup> revealed this: <span class="ibTxt">‘Allah did not want to make your previous Emān (Salat) worthless; Allah is Compassionate and All-Merciful to people.’ <a href="/#/books/quran:2#h143"><a href="/books/quran:2#h143">[2:143]</a></a> </span> Allah<sup>azwj</sup> has Called Salat ‘<span class="iTxt">Emān</span>.’ Therefore, whoever meets Allah<sup>azwj</sup> perfecting his <span class="iTxt">Emān</span> is of the people of paradise. Whoever cheats in any of the obligations or violates the Commands of Allah<sup>azwj</sup> will meet Allah<sup>azwj</sup> with a defective <span class="iTxt">Emān</span>. I then asked the Imam<sup style="font-weight: normal">asws</sup>, ‘I now understand perfect and defective <span class="iTxt">Emān</span>. How does the <span class="iTxt">Emān</span> increases or (decreases) come from?’ The Imam<sup style="font-weight: normal">asws</sup> said, ‘Consider the Words of Allah<sup style="font-weight: normal">azwj</sup> <span class="ibTxt">‘When a Chapter (of the Quran) is revealed, certain people ask others, ‘Whose Emān among you people has received strength from this (revelation)?’ It (the revelation) certainly strengthens the Emān of the Momins and they consider it to be glad news. (9: 124) But to those whose hearts are sick, it adds more filth to their hearts and they die as unMomins.’ (9: 125)</span> Allah<sup style="font-weight: normal">azwj</sup> has Said, ‘<span class="ibTxt">We tell you this story for a genuine purpose. They were young people who believed in their Lord and We gave them further guidance.’ (18: 13) </span> Had <span class="iTxt">Emān</span> been the same and without any difference in defects and in perfections no one of them would have had any distinction over the others and the favours would have been equal to all. People had been all equal and excellence would become void. However, with perfection in <span class="iTxt">Emān</span> makes <span class="iTxt">Momin</span>s to enter paradise. By increase in <span class="iTxt">Emān</span> the <span class="iTxt">Momin</span>s excel in degrees before Allah<sup>azwj</sup> and for the defect in <span class="iTxt">Emān</span> the mischievous go in fire’.
Compiled by Shaykh Muhammad ibn Ya'qub al-Kulayni
Source
License: Free for educational and research use (Thaqalayn Data API)
Provided for research and educational purposes. Original source: Thaqalayn Project. Open License.