HOW FREE IS YOUR SOUL??

Jumuah lecture delivered at Masjid Ahlul Bait (a.s)
by Mowlana Syed Aftab Haider on Friday 15 December 2017 (26 Rabiul Awwal 1439)
at the Ahlul Bait (a.s) Mosque Complex, Ottery, Cape Town

As we approach the end of the blessed month of Rabiul Awwal, it reminds us again of the divine light of Allah (swt) that was born during this holy period. Prophet Muhammad (SAWA) had served many roles within the Ummah, and amongst his many influences Allah (swt) highlights the following:

“He removes from them their burden and the bondages that were upon them”

(Surah A’raf: 157)

This ayah reminds us of a blessing that is often forgotten about – that is the blessing of freedom. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was not only a liberator of the physical obstacles that stood in the path of the Muslim community, but had lifted the chains of slavery from the very souls of the people. This verse itself shows that a prime responsibility of the Prophet (SAW) was the liberation of the state of Insaan (Man) in all spheres.

FORBEARANCE OF THE AHLULBAIT (AS) AS SHOWN THROUGH IMAM JAFAR SADIQ (AS)

In this auspicious month, we are also reminded of the birthday of Imam Jafar Sadiq (as), the grandson of the Prophet (SAW) and the sixth holy Imam of the Ahlulbait (as). Imam Sadiq (as) was renowned for his academic excellence and had cemented his position as a defender of the Islamic ideology. His classes were held in Masjidun Nabawi, and were often attended by students from various schools of thought. This educational system that Imam (as) had established meant that Islamic sciences had been formally categorized into different fields.

In the class of Imam Jafar Sadiq (as), the greatest Imam of Ahlus-Sunnah - Imam Abu Hanifa – was present. Despite the unique stature that Imam Abu Hanifa holds within the Sunni school, he has been recorded to have said: “Were it not for the two years under Imam Jafar Sadiq, Noumaan would have perished.”

In addition to this, students from a scientific background paid a keen interest to participate in the sessions of Imam Sadiq (as) as well. Jabir Ibn Hayyan, who is recognised as the father of early chemistry, was also present.

Furthermore, individuals from both spiritual and materialistic inclinations were also welcomed to Imam Sadiq (as) lessons. The accommodating nature of the Imam (as) coupled along with his tolerance for different ideals meant that discussions remained lively, and was a locus of intellectual growth.

WHAT IS A FREE SOUL?

Keeping in line with the theme of man’s freedom, Imam Sadiq (as) has a narration with regards to this topic where he says:

“A man with a free soul is free under all circumstances. When a difficult tragedy hits him, he displays the greatest of patience. When calamities surround him from all directions, they do not break his free soul. Even if he is imprisoned physically and subjected beyond his will, he remains free. His ease changes to difficulty, but nothing can challenge his freewill".

Like Yusuf-Siddeeq (as) – when he was sold as a slave to the Azeez of Egypt and imprisoned, his soul remained free from any form of slavery. Neither the darkness of the prison, nor the loneliness of the dungeon managed to break his liberated soul. This was the case until Allah (swt) changed his situation, and the same oppressor that enslaved Yusuf (as), became his slave. In the same way that prison and slavery did not break his free soul; kingship, money and power did not take away his freedom.”

The citing of Prophet Yusuf (as) by Imam Sadiq (as) is profound. The characteristic of a free soul cannot merely be displayed under difficulties, but ought to be practiced under prosperity as well! This example of Imam (as) displays the holistic perspective of a liberated soul.

Furthermore, this freedom is manifested through obedience to one’s intellect - not to the satanic inclinations of the soul. The free soul acts independently of what the people demand of him, and thus is free from any bias in his/her actions.

The free soul is not concerned about what he gains or is deprived of, but rather considers truth as the criteria for his actions. The liberated soul is not a businessman, as he uses rationality as his guide instead of his ego.

PROPHET YUSUF (AS) – FREE ON ALL FRONTS

By examining the story of Prophet Yusuf (as), we continuously witness his freedom from the culture of polytheism that surrounds him. Despite being the slave of the Azeez, he refuses to submit himself nor show any sense of servitude to the idols of Egypt. Even when Nabi Yusuf (as) is imprisoned and placed under the severest of pressures, he remains firm in his belief in Tauheed as he questions his fellow inmates:

“O my (two) mates of the prison! Are (many) diverse lords better, or Allah, the One, the All-Dominant?”

(Surah Yusuf: 39)

This form of surrendering to Allah (swt) that Nabi Yusuf (as) highlights allows one's soul to be free, instead of being burdened with the responsibility of pleasing numerous, false deities.

While being tested about his true faith in Allah (swt), Prophet Yusuf (as) is simultaneously receiving invites from various women in the kingdom. After the deception of Zuleikha and the continuous attack on his dignity, the Quran captures his sentiments when he stands at a fork in the road:

“He said: ‘My Lord! The prison is dearer to me than that to which they invite me; and if You turn not their guile from me, I may incline towards them and become of the ignorant ones’.”

(Surah Yusuf: 33)

With all the tribulations that he finds himself in, he pleads to Almighty Allah (swt) for a physical imprisonment instead of a spiritual one!

This theme of liberation ought to make us reflect on our own freedom. While we may be Muslim from a ritualistic perspective and through the movements of our tongue, it does not guarantee the freedom Imam Jafar Sadiq (as) speaks about.

Imam Ali (as) in a narration has said: “Adam (as) has never given birth to a slave.” This shows that every human being has an intrinsic nature of being free, however, this freedom needs to be protected and sacrificed for. Introspectively, questions need to be asked as to whether or not we act in accordance with our desires on a daily basis, or in adherence to the intellect.

SECOND KHUTBAH

MUSLIM LEADERS RESPOND TO THE CALL OF QUDS - OR DID THEY?

In the first khutbah we had addressed the topic of the free soul within Islam, particularly from the perspective of Imam Jafar Sadiq (as) and through the life of Nabi Yusuf (as). Ironically, when we look towards the state of the Muslim Ummah, we barely see traces of a truly liberated soul.

Unfortunately, Muslim nations across the globe are humiliated as a result of their lack of courage and bravery. In contrast, the Quran mentions the believers as the holders of dignity!

“But honour, and power belong to Allah and to His Messenger and to the believers”

(Surah Munafiqun: 8)

Imam Jafar Sadiq (as) explains the following ayah by saying that Allah (swt) has given freewill to mankind, but He has not delegated humiliation to the believer. The sad reality that plagues us at this moment in time is the lack of respect that Muslims have for themselves, and this is evident on the international stage as well.

We are reminded again about the ongoing struggle in Jerusalem, as the worldwide condemnation of Donald Trump’s decision continues. More importantly, we witnessed the response of Muslim leaders around the world in the form of a summit held in Istanbul. At a time when Muslims need to display strength through a unified call, the so-called custodians of the two holy mosques were not concerned enough to send a delegation to the conference.

On the contrary - when President Trump had called on their assistance - they wasted no time in meeting to his demands. The call of Al- Quds bears little to no importance in their eyes, yet again displaying their lack of true freedom.

To those that responded, the stand is noteworthy. However, the sincerity of these same participants ought to be analysed further. In the same city in which the summit was held, an Israeli consulate exists. These persistent problems, if not recognised, will only lead to further political stagnation.

As emphasised before, Palestine remains the headline of the oppressed. As a result, we all have a responsibility to carry out in ensuring that this headline remains alive and the struggles of the Palestinian people are not forgotten.

On our own continental level, we are also reminded of the illegal detention of Sheikh Ibrahim Zakzaky in Nigeria. He, along with millions of followers, have raised their voice numerous of times in support of the oppressed of Palestine. His bravery in the face of the enemies have resulted in three of his sons being martyred, and his sacrifices should be recognised.

Despite the court order for him and his wife to be released, Sheikh Zakzaky has remained in captivity for the past two years. His health continues to deteriorate, and we therefore demand from the Nigerian government for his immediate release and his right to lead his people.

In our local news, the ANC conference in which the leadership of the ruling party will be decided is taking place. While we maintain our political independence, we pray and ask Almighty Allah (swt) to guide them to choose what is best for our land Insha'Allah.