Words and Actions
Words and Actions: And Satan swore to mislead the children of man from the Devine path…
Yes! Satan, this ruthless enemy of man, has clearly stated his decision of misleading mankind by saying to Allah (SWT): “Surely I will sit in wait against them (human beings) on Your Straight Path. Then I will come to them from before them and behind them, from their right and from their left, and You will not find most of them as thankful ones.” (1)
This way Satan made a firm decision to deceive mankind by whatever way possible to lead them to failure and delude every person by a distinct approach.
One way that Satan possibly tries to deceive the followers and lovers of Amir al-Muminin (PBUH) through incorrect thoughts based on some traditions. For example, it has been said that one who shows devotion to Ali (PBUH) will not be subject to Divine punishment and the sins will not affect his soul and heart. However, one cannot take this as a license to commit sin.
The Imams (PBUT) have strongly rejected such incorrect interpretations of traditions. For example, Imam Baqir (PBUH) said to Jabir:
“O Jabir, does the one who claims he is a Shiite and devotee of us Ah-ul-Bayt find that devotion to be sufficient, and therefore see himself in no need to perform acts of worship? By Allah, only he who is careful about his duty to Allah (SWT) and obeys His rules will be counted a Shiite!
They (Shiites) are only distinguished with humility; humbleness; trustworthiness; constant remembrance of Allah; fasting and Prayers (Salat); kindness to parents; helping the poor, needy, debtor and parentless; truthfulness neighbors; reading the Qur’an; refraining from speaking about people unless saying good of them; and they are known in their family and acquaintances for their trustworthiness in all aspects.
One may think that to achieve eternal salvation it is only sufficient to claim to love Ali (PBUH) and accept his Wilayah (Mastership); but what is the use if one is not a person of action?
By Allah, the only way to achieve closeness to Allah is obedience to Him and performance of the rules of religion. We have no means to avert (the claimer of Shiism with no action) from fire…
The one who is an obedient servant of Allah is our devotee and will be saved from the fire, whereas the one who is disobedient to Allah is an enemy to us and will be subject to punishment of the fire. And there is no way to our Wilayah and devotion except action and piety.”(2), (3)
Shiites should realize that baseless overconfidence can fool them and put them in the way of Satan. They can be conned to the extent that they do not even pay attention to the words of religious leaders whom they look up to. Those noble leaders have firmly spoken, “Woe unto you if you are deceived! Our Wilayah cannot be attained without performing the religious duties and keeping away from sins.” (4)
(Selection taken from the book “The Preach (the way to prevent influence of Satan on the heart)”, by Ayatullah Zia’ Abadi)
Footnotes:
1. The Holy Qur’an, (7:16 & 17)
2. Means avoiding from sins and the actions forbidden by Allah (SWT)
3. Uul al-Kafi, Vol.2, Chapter on obedience and piety, Hadith no.3
4. Uul al-Kafi, Vol.2, Chapter on obedience and piety, parts of Hadith no.3 and 6 from Imam Baqir (PBUH)
