The position of Imam Ali (a.s.) is higher than the divine prophets: Tavana told ABNA
In an interview with ABNA, the Adviser to the Secretary General of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly in Seminary and Clerics Affairs, stated, “Imamate is a special rank that does not include all prophets and only some of them could reach it. Imam Ali (a.s.) has the rank of Imamate and the fact that according to hadiths, his status is higher than the prophets is for this reason.”
ABWA Official Website – In an interview with ABNA, Hojat al-Islam Abdullah Tavana, the Adviser to the Secretary General of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly in Seminary and Clerics Affairs, on the position of Imam Ali (a.s.), described, “Imam Ali (a.s.) has a special position before God, and after the Holy Prophet (p.b.u.h), this position is only for Imam Ali (a.s.), and this characteristic makes him superior to the prophets. Imamate is a special rank that does not include all prophets and only some of them were able to reach it. For example, Prophet Abraham (p.b.u.h), after passing through the divine tests and trials, could reach the position of Imamate. Imam Ali (a.s.) has the rank of Imamate and the fact that according to hadiths, his status is higher than the prophets is for this reason.”
“Imam Ali (a.s.) considered himself as one of the servants of the Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h), even though after the Prophet (p.b.u.h), he himself was the best of God’s creations. This special privilege for Imam Ali (a.s.) is due to his special devotion and sincere service to God. This servitude, in my opinion, caused Imam Ali (a.s.) to reach a special rank before God. This is regardless of light creation, during which, after the light of Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h), God created the light of Imam Ali (a.s.),” he added.
Similarities between Imam Ali (a.s.) and Jesus Christ (a.s.)
“Imam Ali (a.s.) was similar to Jesus Christ (a.s.) in many ways. For example, Christ (a.s.) was born in Bethlehem, in the holy house of God. Imam Ali (a.s.) was also born in the house of God, in the Kaaba. Jesus Christ (a.s.) and Imam Ali (a.s.) were similar because their birthplaces both were the holy house of God. With this difference that Mary (a.s.), the mother of Christ (a.s.), was told to stay a little away from the holy house of God during childbirth. But when Fatimah bin Asad (a.s.), the mother of Imam Ali (a.s.), began to give birth, she was told to enter the Kaaba from Masjid al-Haram. On the other hand, God personally named both of them, Jesus Christ (a.s.) and Imam Ali (a.s.),” continued the Adviser to the Secretary General of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly in Seminary and Clerics Affairs.
Referring to another similarity between Imam Ali (a.s.) and Jesus Christ (a.s.), Tavana said, “The friends and enemies of Jesus Christ (a.s.) and the friends and enemies of Imam Ali (a.s.), both oppressed these two nobles. Jesus Christ (a.s.) had special disciples. Imam Ali (a.s.) also had special Shiites. Those who made enmity with Jesus Christ (a.s.), in addition to ignorant and cowardly friends, were also enemies who did not tolerate the position of this prophet. For Imam Ali (a.s.) also, it was the case that ignorant friends, especially cowards, caused Imam (a.s.) to be oppressed. If those friends were not cowards, the initial pledge of allegiance that took place in Ghadir Khumm would have come to fruition. After the demise of the Holy Prophet (p.b.u.h), when Imam Ali (a.s.) went to the door of the house of Ansar and Muhajir at night for their allegiance be renewed, they said, “We know you are right, but what we should do now that we pledged allegiance?” If they had stuck to their initial allegiance in Ghadir, like their allegiance to the first caliph, it would not have come to that. This is an example of the cowardice of friends. The same goes for enemies. They were wise, politician, and treacherous enemies who had their own style of sedition. They took a grudge against Imam Ali (a.s.), and some of them carry this grudge until the Day of Judgment; the grudge that sometimes was due to the death of their appointees in the Badr and Hunain wars.”
Justice, the main characteristic of Imam Ali (a.s.)
“Being just was characteristic of Imam Ali (a.s.). In facing the people, he observed the divine limits and made following the Prophet (p.b.u.h) his top priority. In this regard, George Jordac, a Lebanese Christian thinker, said that Imam Ali (a.s.) was killed at the altar of worship because of the severity of his justice. The justice that Imam Ali (a.s.) had caused the hatred of the haters towards him led to a very stubborn animosity,” he clarified.
“The oldness of his light creation, the honor and special position in the eyes of God and the Holy Prophet (p.b.u.h), and being ahead in being a Muslim, were among other characteristics of Imam Ali (a.s.). At first, the call to Islam was made secretly, and after three years, and during the “Hadith of warning” event, Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h) made the call to the Islam public. The Prophet (p.b.u.h) invited more than forty people from his tribe, Quraysh. At that ceremony, he said, “Whoever responds to me now (and accepts my invitation), will be my successor.” But only Imam Ali (a.s.) responded and accepted the Prophet’s invitation. Imam Ali (a.s.) was the first man who prayed with the Prophet (p.b.u.h). This is the overtake of Imam Ali (a.s.) in Islam. In history, you don’t see anywhere that Imam Ali (a.s.) is not with the Prophet (p.b.u.h); a presence that was bold and effective, and if it wasn’t for it, the mission of Islam would not have been completed. Ibn Abi al-Hadid has a poem with the theme that “If it were not for Abu Talib and his son (Ali), Islam and the mission of the Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h) would not have reached anywhere”,” said the Adviser to the Secretary General of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly in Seminary and Clerics Affairs.
“Imam Ali (a.s.) left Makkah twice with the Prophet (p.b.u.h). Once they went to Taif and the Prophet (p.b.u.h) invited people to Islam there, but no one accepted. In that journey, Imam Ali (a.s.) was the bodyguard of the Prophet (p.b.u.h). During the Hijrah (Migration) of the Prophet (p.b.u.h) to Medina, the “Laylat al-Mabit” (the overnight stay) event occurred, during which Imam Ali (a.s.) slept in the bed instead of the Prophet his life. Also, in the Valley of Abi Talib, in Mecca, Abu Talib kept changing the place of the Prophet (p.b.u.h) to save his life, and Imam Ali (a.s.) slept in the bed instead of the Prophet (p.b.u.h) (because kuffar wanted to assassinate Prophet when he is asleep). About “Laylat al-Mabit”, of course, that night was special. In this regard, a Quranic verse was also revealed. In the great wars like the Battle of Khaybar and Battle of the Khandaq (Trench), in which all Kufr (heresy or disbelief) confronted Islam, the flag of Islam’s army was given to Imam Ali (a.s.). Because God and His Messenger loved him,” he continued.
Imam Ali (a.s.) knew the situation and the enemies
Mentioning that Imam Ali (a.s.) recognized the situation and the enemy, he stated, “Despite his history in Islam, Imam Ali (a.s.) did not take up the sword to become Caliph. When the treacherous enemy came with a plot, Imam Ali (a.s.) rejected him. When Imam Ali (a.s.) was burying the Prophet (p.b.u.h) and because of this he did not leave his house for several days, Abu Sufyan came and said, “O Ali, where are you? The people who pledged allegiance to you in Ghadir are now busy appointing a caliph in the Saqifa (of the Banu Sa'ida). Come out, Ali!” Imam Ali (a.s.) replied, “Go! You are not worried about Islam, Muslims, and Caliphate (you have personal interests)!” Imam Ali (a.s.) knew the time, situation, people, and enemies. Sometimes one hears compassionate words, but one must be vigilant and distinguishes a friend from an enemy because sometimes the enemy comes dressed as a friend.”
“The important thing that the biography of Imam Ali (a.s.) teaches us was his bizarre patience, which with the great history in Islam that he had, we cannot understand. Imam Ali (a.s.) was truly an Imam, and even if he did not have a government position, he was still an Imam. In the present era, Imam Mahdi (a.s.) has the position of Imamate, even if he apparently has no government position. It is wrong to imagine that Imam Mahdi (a.s.) does not perform his duties and is only waiting for his Reappearance,” he added.
“Patience is another characteristic of Imam Ali (a.s.). Imam Ali (a.s.), with all his history in Islam, sat at home for 25 years! Of course, this did not mean that Imam (a.s.) was engaged in worship only at home, but during this time he was engaged in fundamental activities. Imam Ali (a.s.) was strangely patient, and this was a promise that God and the Holy Prophet (p.b.u.h) took from him that after the demise of the Prophet (p.b.u.h), he should be patient in the face of hardships. Of course, the patience of Imam Ali (a.s.) is different from ours. For example, it is not tolerance for using haram wealth (because such a thing had absolutely no meaning to him). His patience is not to eat himself and not to give to others. The result of being with the Holy Prophet (p.b.u.h) and having divine light is that Imam Ali (a.s.) gives the others without any expectations. All AhlulBayt (a.s.) are like Imam Ali (a.s.),” he stated.
Imam Ali (a.s.) is the door through which one can reach God and the Holy Prophet (p.b.u.h)
“The door through which one can reach God and the Prophet (p.b.u.h) is Imam Ali (a.s.). This honor and position are special to Imam Ali (a.s.). A perfect man is perfect in everything. We are zealous and love our family, (wife and children), and this, is much more in the perfect man. Nevertheless, Imam Ali (a.s.) was patient after the demise of the Holy Prophet (p.b.u.h),” added the Adviser to the Secretary General of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly in Seminary and Clerics Affairs.
Referring to the caliphate time of Imam Ali (a.s.), Tavana said, “Imam Ali (a.s.) ruled for four years and nine months. During this period, he encountered three groups of Nakithun (“Those who break their vows”. It is the title of a group led by Talha and Zubayr, gathered around Aisha who revolted against Imam Ali (a.s.), despite their vows of allegiance to him), Qasetun (“group of oppressors”, is a title for Muawiya and his followers in the war with Imam Ali (a.s.). After Muslims pledged allegiance to Imam Ali (a.s.) when the Imam removed Muawiya from the governing Levant, he rebelled against the caliphate of Imam (a.s.) and imposed the Battle of Siffin), and Marequn (literally means people who have abandoned a group. In Shiite terminology, it refers to Khawarij who fought against Imam Ali (a.s.) in the Battle of Nahrawan). Zubair was Imam Ali’s (a.s.) cousin. But the acceptance of the Wilaya does not depend on brotherhood and kinship. In a hadith, Imam Sadiq (a.s.) said, “The value of Imam Ali’s (a.s.) Wilaya for me is higher than my blood relation, lineage, and descent from him.” The love of the world and the compliments of the people around him caused someone like Zubair to decide to stand against Imam Ali (a.s.). After the death of Zubair, Imam Ali (a.s.) mourned for him and said, “The sword of Zubair removed so much grief from the Holy Prophet (p.b.u.h)”.”
“Imam Ali (a.s.) was the one whom the Prophet (p.b.u.h) relied on. Who were you (Khawarij) to tell Imam Ali (a.s.) to accept Arbitration? (Arbitration was a historical event amid the Battle of Siffin, during which, Amr al-Aas who was chosen by the Muawiya’s army from the Levant as an arbitrator, cheated Abu Musa Ash’ari, who was chosen by the army of Imam Ali (a.s.) as an arbitrator, and ousted Imam Ali (a.s.) from power, and chose Muawiya as the Caliph of Muslims!). You (Khawarij) were supposed to follow Imam! Sometimes people don’t know why an Imam (a.s.) says and does a certain thing. An Imam (a.s.) does not have to give an explanation, but it is the people who are obliged to follow and obey him. It was while, after the Arbitration Event (during which, Abu Musa Ash’ari was deceived by Amr al-Aas, Imam Ali (a.s.) was announced ousted, and Muawiya was chosen as caliph), the Khawarij, condemning Imam Ali (a.s.), said, “You must repent!” (because of accepting Arbitration). This was while Imam Ali (a.s.) was forced to accept the Arbitration by Khawarij. Wilaya of God’s Wali, i.e., an Imam, should be accepted without question. The period of the Occultation of Imam Mahdi (a.s.), is the period for people be trained on how to live next to Imam. Being next to Imam (a.s.) has requirements that people should learn and get used to. The Occultation of Imam Mahdi (a.s.) is also for this reason,” Tavana continued.
Imam Ali (a.s.) was martyred on the Qadr Night of for God’s pleasure!
“The behavior, patience, and wars of Imam Ali (a.s.) were all for the preservation of Islam and unity of Muslims. The efforts to preserve Islamic unity started from Bani Hashem Alley (events leading to the martyrdom of Lady Fatimah Zahra (a.s.), Imam Ali’s wife) and continued until the martyrdom of Imam Ali (a.s.). During this period, ignorant friends changed their positions on a daily basis. The enemies intensified their enmity to the point where they martyred Imam Ali (a.s.), who was the epitome of worship, on the Qadr Night, for God’s pleasure! In fact, an ignorant friend becomes a weapon of war in the hands of the enemy, and the enemy reaches his goal by abusing such friends. One of the last commandments of Imam Ali (a.s.) to his son Imam Hassan (a.s.) was the emphasis on orphans’ affairs. As an Islamic ruler, Imam Ali (a.s.) never forgot to take care of orphans,” added the Adviser to the Secretary General of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly in Seminary and Clerics Affairs.
“Imam Ali (a.s.) cared for Shiites and came to guide people with all the divine secrets he knew from the unseen world. Imam Ali (a.s.) knew all divine knowledge, but people persecuted him and asked him absurd questions like: “How many strands of beard do I have?”! They, because they did not ask Imam Ali (a.s.) about divine secrets and the course of worship, oppressed the next generations. This ignorance and malice caused the Ashura event to happen. So that Yazid’s army said that they killed Imam Hussain (a.s.) because of hatred for Imam Ali (a.s.)! There is ignorance in our time too and we must be vigilant,” he said in the end.
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In an interview with ABNA, the Adviser to the Secretary General of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly in Seminary and Clerics Affairs, stated, “Imamate is a special rank that does not include all prophets and only some of them could reach it. Imam Ali (a.s.) has the rank of Imamate and the fact that according to hadiths, his status is higher than the prophets is for this reason.”
ABWA Official Website – In an interview with ABNA, Hojat al-Islam Abdullah Tavana, the Adviser to the Secretary General of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly in Seminary and Clerics Affairs, on the position of Imam Ali (a.s.), described, “Imam Ali (a.s.) has a special position before God, and after the Holy Prophet (p.b.u.h), this position is only for Imam Ali (a.s.), and this characteristic makes him superior to the prophets. Imamate is a special rank that does not include all prophets and only some of them were able to reach it. For example, Prophet Abraham (p.b.u.h), after passing through the divine tests and trials, could reach the position of Imamate. Imam Ali (a.s.) has the rank of Imamate and the fact that according to hadiths, his status is higher than the prophets is for this reason.”
“Imam Ali (a.s.) considered himself as one of the servants of the Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h), even though after the Prophet (p.b.u.h), he himself was the best of God’s creations. This special privilege for Imam Ali (a.s.) is due to his special devotion and sincere service to God. This servitude, in my opinion, caused Imam Ali (a.s.) to reach a special rank before God. This is regardless of light creation, during which, after the light of Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h), God created the light of Imam Ali (a.s.),” he added.
Similarities between Imam Ali (a.s.) and Jesus Christ (a.s.)
“Imam Ali (a.s.) was similar to Jesus Christ (a.s.) in many ways. For example, Christ (a.s.) was born in Bethlehem, in the holy house of God. Imam Ali (a.s.) was also born in the house of God, in the Kaaba. Jesus Christ (a.s.) and Imam Ali (a.s.) were similar because their birthplaces both were the holy house of God. With this difference that Mary (a.s.), the mother of Christ (a.s.), was told to stay a little away from the holy house of God during childbirth. But when Fatimah bin Asad (a.s.), the mother of Imam Ali (a.s.), began to give birth, she was told to enter the Kaaba from Masjid al-Haram. On the other hand, God personally named both of them, Jesus Christ (a.s.) and Imam Ali (a.s.),” continued the Adviser to the Secretary General of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly in Seminary and Clerics Affairs.
Referring to another similarity between Imam Ali (a.s.) and Jesus Christ (a.s.), Tavana said, “The friends and enemies of Jesus Christ (a.s.) and the friends and enemies of Imam Ali (a.s.), both oppressed these two nobles. Jesus Christ (a.s.) had special disciples. Imam Ali (a.s.) also had special Shiites. Those who made enmity with Jesus Christ (a.s.), in addition to ignorant and cowardly friends, were also enemies who did not tolerate the position of this prophet. For Imam Ali (a.s.) also, it was the case that ignorant friends, especially cowards, caused Imam (a.s.) to be oppressed. If those friends were not cowards, the initial pledge of allegiance that took place in Ghadir Khumm would have come to fruition. After the demise of the Holy Prophet (p.b.u.h), when Imam Ali (a.s.) went to the door of the house of Ansar and Muhajir at night for their allegiance be renewed, they said, “We know you are right, but what we should do now that we pledged allegiance?” If they had stuck to their initial allegiance in Ghadir, like their allegiance to the first caliph, it would not have come to that. This is an example of the cowardice of friends. The same goes for enemies. They were wise, politician, and treacherous enemies who had their own style of sedition. They took a grudge against Imam Ali (a.s.), and some of them carry this grudge until the Day of Judgment; the grudge that sometimes was due to the death of their appointees in the Badr and Hunain wars.”
Justice, the main characteristic of Imam Ali (a.s.)
“Being just was characteristic of Imam Ali (a.s.). In facing the people, he observed the divine limits and made following the Prophet (p.b.u.h) his top priority. In this regard, George Jordac, a Lebanese Christian thinker, said that Imam Ali (a.s.) was killed at the altar of worship because of the severity of his justice. The justice that Imam Ali (a.s.) had caused the hatred of the haters towards him led to a very stubborn animosity,” he clarified.
“The oldness of his light creation, the honor and special position in the eyes of God and the Holy Prophet (p.b.u.h), and being ahead in being a Muslim, were among other characteristics of Imam Ali (a.s.). At first, the call to Islam was made secretly, and after three years, and during the “Hadith of warning” event, Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h) made the call to the Islam public. The Prophet (p.b.u.h) invited more than forty people from his tribe, Quraysh. At that ceremony, he said, “Whoever responds to me now (and accepts my invitation), will be my successor.” But only Imam Ali (a.s.) responded and accepted the Prophet’s invitation. Imam Ali (a.s.) was the first man who prayed with the Prophet (p.b.u.h). This is the overtake of Imam Ali (a.s.) in Islam. In history, you don’t see anywhere that Imam Ali (a.s.) is not with the Prophet (p.b.u.h); a presence that was bold and effective, and if it wasn’t for it, the mission of Islam would not have been completed. Ibn Abi al-Hadid has a poem with the theme that “If it were not for Abu Talib and his son (Ali), Islam and the mission of the Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h) would not have reached anywhere”,” said the Adviser to the Secretary General of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly in Seminary and Clerics Affairs.
“Imam Ali (a.s.) left Makkah twice with the Prophet (p.b.u.h). Once they went to Taif and the Prophet (p.b.u.h) invited people to Islam there, but no one accepted. In that journey, Imam Ali (a.s.) was the bodyguard of the Prophet (p.b.u.h). During the Hijrah (Migration) of the Prophet (p.b.u.h) to Medina, the “Laylat al-Mabit” (the overnight stay) event occurred, during which Imam Ali (a.s.) slept in the bed instead of the Prophet his life. Also, in the Valley of Abi Talib, in Mecca, Abu Talib kept changing the place of the Prophet (p.b.u.h) to save his life, and Imam Ali (a.s.) slept in the bed instead of the Prophet (p.b.u.h) (because kuffar wanted to assassinate Prophet when he is asleep). About “Laylat al-Mabit”, of course, that night was special. In this regard, a Quranic verse was also revealed. In the great wars like the Battle of Khaybar and Battle of the Khandaq (Trench), in which all Kufr (heresy or disbelief) confronted Islam, the flag of Islam’s army was given to Imam Ali (a.s.). Because God and His Messenger loved him,” he continued.
Imam Ali (a.s.) knew the situation and the enemies
Mentioning that Imam Ali (a.s.) recognized the situation and the enemy, he stated, “Despite his history in Islam, Imam Ali (a.s.) did not take up the sword to become Caliph. When the treacherous enemy came with a plot, Imam Ali (a.s.) rejected him. When Imam Ali (a.s.) was burying the Prophet (p.b.u.h) and because of this he did not leave his house for several days, Abu Sufyan came and said, “O Ali, where are you? The people who pledged allegiance to you in Ghadir are now busy appointing a caliph in the Saqifa (of the Banu Sa'ida). Come out, Ali!” Imam Ali (a.s.) replied, “Go! You are not worried about Islam, Muslims, and Caliphate (you have personal interests)!” Imam Ali (a.s.) knew the time, situation, people, and enemies. Sometimes one hears compassionate words, but one must be vigilant and distinguishes a friend from an enemy because sometimes the enemy comes dressed as a friend.”
“The important thing that the biography of Imam Ali (a.s.) teaches us was his bizarre patience, which with the great history in Islam that he had, we cannot understand. Imam Ali (a.s.) was truly an Imam, and even if he did not have a government position, he was still an Imam. In the present era, Imam Mahdi (a.s.) has the position of Imamate, even if he apparently has no government position. It is wrong to imagine that Imam Mahdi (a.s.) does not perform his duties and is only waiting for his Reappearance,” he added.
“Patience is another characteristic of Imam Ali (a.s.). Imam Ali (a.s.), with all his history in Islam, sat at home for 25 years! Of course, this did not mean that Imam (a.s.) was engaged in worship only at home, but during this time he was engaged in fundamental activities. Imam Ali (a.s.) was strangely patient, and this was a promise that God and the Holy Prophet (p.b.u.h) took from him that after the demise of the Prophet (p.b.u.h), he should be patient in the face of hardships. Of course, the patience of Imam Ali (a.s.) is different from ours. For example, it is not tolerance for using haram wealth (because such a thing had absolutely no meaning to him). His patience is not to eat himself and not to give to others. The result of being with the Holy Prophet (p.b.u.h) and having divine light is that Imam Ali (a.s.) gives the others without any expectations. All AhlulBayt (a.s.) are like Imam Ali (a.s.),” he stated.
Imam Ali (a.s.) is the door through which one can reach God and the Holy Prophet (p.b.u.h)
“The door through which one can reach God and the Prophet (p.b.u.h) is Imam Ali (a.s.). This honor and position are special to Imam Ali (a.s.). A perfect man is perfect in everything. We are zealous and love our family, (wife and children), and this, is much more in the perfect man. Nevertheless, Imam Ali (a.s.) was patient after the demise of the Holy Prophet (p.b.u.h),” added the Adviser to the Secretary General of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly in Seminary and Clerics Affairs.
Referring to the caliphate time of Imam Ali (a.s.), Tavana said, “Imam Ali (a.s.) ruled for four years and nine months. During this period, he encountered three groups of Nakithun (“Those who break their vows”. It is the title of a group led by Talha and Zubayr, gathered around Aisha who revolted against Imam Ali (a.s.), despite their vows of allegiance to him), Qasetun (“group of oppressors”, is a title for Muawiya and his followers in the war with Imam Ali (a.s.). After Muslims pledged allegiance to Imam Ali (a.s.) when the Imam removed Muawiya from the governing Levant, he rebelled against the caliphate of Imam (a.s.) and imposed the Battle of Siffin), and Marequn (literally means people who have abandoned a group. In Shiite terminology, it refers to Khawarij who fought against Imam Ali (a.s.) in the Battle of Nahrawan). Zubair was Imam Ali’s (a.s.) cousin. But the acceptance of the Wilaya does not depend on brotherhood and kinship. In a hadith, Imam Sadiq (a.s.) said, “The value of Imam Ali’s (a.s.) Wilaya for me is higher than my blood relation, lineage, and descent from him.” The love of the world and the compliments of the people around him caused someone like Zubair to decide to stand against Imam Ali (a.s.). After the death of Zubair, Imam Ali (a.s.) mourned for him and said, “The sword of Zubair removed so much grief from the Holy Prophet (p.b.u.h)”.”
“Imam Ali (a.s.) was the one whom the Prophet (p.b.u.h) relied on. Who were you (Khawarij) to tell Imam Ali (a.s.) to accept Arbitration? (Arbitration was a historical event amid the Battle of Siffin, during which, Amr al-Aas who was chosen by the Muawiya’s army from the Levant as an arbitrator, cheated Abu Musa Ash’ari, who was chosen by the army of Imam Ali (a.s.) as an arbitrator, and ousted Imam Ali (a.s.) from power, and chose Muawiya as the Caliph of Muslims!). You (Khawarij) were supposed to follow Imam! Sometimes people don’t know why an Imam (a.s.) says and does a certain thing. An Imam (a.s.) does not have to give an explanation, but it is the people who are obliged to follow and obey him. It was while, after the Arbitration Event (during which, Abu Musa Ash’ari was deceived by Amr al-Aas, Imam Ali (a.s.) was announced ousted, and Muawiya was chosen as caliph), the Khawarij, condemning Imam Ali (a.s.), said, “You must repent!” (because of accepting Arbitration). This was while Imam Ali (a.s.) was forced to accept the Arbitration by Khawarij. Wilaya of God’s Wali, i.e., an Imam, should be accepted without question. The period of the Occultation of Imam Mahdi (a.s.), is the period for people be trained on how to live next to Imam. Being next to Imam (a.s.) has requirements that people should learn and get used to. The Occultation of Imam Mahdi (a.s.) is also for this reason,” Tavana continued.
Imam Ali (a.s.) was martyred on the Qadr Night of for God’s pleasure!
“The behavior, patience, and wars of Imam Ali (a.s.) were all for the preservation of Islam and unity of Muslims. The efforts to preserve Islamic unity started from Bani Hashem Alley (events leading to the martyrdom of Lady Fatimah Zahra (a.s.), Imam Ali’s wife) and continued until the martyrdom of Imam Ali (a.s.). During this period, ignorant friends changed their positions on a daily basis. The enemies intensified their enmity to the point where they martyred Imam Ali (a.s.), who was the epitome of worship, on the Qadr Night, for God’s pleasure! In fact, an ignorant friend becomes a weapon of war in the hands of the enemy, and the enemy reaches his goal by abusing such friends. One of the last commandments of Imam Ali (a.s.) to his son Imam Hassan (a.s.) was the emphasis on orphans’ affairs. As an Islamic ruler, Imam Ali (a.s.) never forgot to take care of orphans,” added the Adviser to the Secretary General of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly in Seminary and Clerics Affairs.
“Imam Ali (a.s.) cared for Shiites and came to guide people with all the divine secrets he knew from the unseen world. Imam Ali (a.s.) knew all divine knowledge, but people persecuted him and asked him absurd questions like: “How many strands of beard do I have?”! They, because they did not ask Imam Ali (a.s.) about divine secrets and the course of worship, oppressed the next generations. This ignorance and malice caused the Ashura event to happen. So that Yazid’s army said that they killed Imam Hussain (a.s.) because of hatred for Imam Ali (a.s.)! There is ignorance in our time too and we must be vigilant,” he said in the end.
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