Posted by ‘Say: I ask you for no reward, save love of the near of kin’ (Quran 42: 23).
Love for Imam
Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq (d.765) said:
“Everyone who bears love to us, will be with us on the Day of Resurrection.
He will be under our protection and be our companion in all stations (in Paradise). Doubly do I swear by God, God purifies the heart of everyone who loves us…”
(Secondary Curriculum, Faith and Practices in Islamic Traditions Volume I p 167)
The nature and spiritual bond between Imam and murids:
Imam al-Mu’izz (d. 975) said:
“Indeed, even when you are physically away from us, our souls are together, in our mutual love for each other and in our affection for you and in your affection to us. Whoever of you is not like that, he will not benefit from this closeness, as closeness cannot just be in physical terms but also needs to be in spirit. Your souls… are close to us, even if our bodies and locations are apart. The closeness in wilaya is more precious than closeness in blood relationships.”
(Secondary Curriculum, Faith and Practices in Islamic Traditions Volume I p 167)
The Imam-murid relationship in the Shia Ismaili tradition is founded on the core principles of walaya (devotion to the Imams directly descended from the Ahl al-Bayt) and baya’a (allegiance).
A Noble Birthday
The Imam is born…
O heavens rejoice!
O earth, bedeck yourself and sing!
Today is the id…
O daisies, open!
Diffuse your sweet fragrance and celebrate!
The clouds disperse…
O sun, irradiate!
Unveil your beauty and spread it abroad!
The sky is clear…
O lovers, come!
Prepare a feast for his noble birthday!
by Isma’il Adra (d. 1981) published in Shimmering Light, An Anthology of Ismaili Poetry Translated by Faquir M. Hunzai, I.B. Tauris in association with The Institute of Ismaili Studies, London, 1996
Nimira's Blog 