Piety -the Most Important Factor for Purification
In the Islamic School, piety has
been assigned the most important position and the pious believers are regarded
as the most distinguished and respectable persons in an Islamic Society. The
phrase piety in the Quranic verses and narrations, and especially in the
glorious book of Nahjul-Balagha (The Path of Eloquence) has been repeated quite
frequently. The Holy Quran considers piety as the sole criteria for appraising
the value and worth of individuals and said:
"Lo! the noblest of you, in the sight of
God-Almighty is the best in conduct." -the Holy- Quran (49: 13)
The piety has been introduced as the best provisions for the
Hereafter, and greatest means for achieving salvation. the Holy Quran said:
"For such of them as do right and word off (evil),
there is great reward" -the Holy- Quran (3: 172)
And said:
“Then whosoever refrainth from evil and amendeth -there
shall no fear come upon them neither shall they grieve.” -the Holy- Quran (7: 35)
And said:
"And vie one with another for forgiveness from your
Lord, and for a Paradise as wide as are the Heavens and the
earth, prepared for those who ward off (evil)." -the Holy- Quran (3:133)
And said:
"Lo! Those who kept their duty dwell in gardens and
delight, happy because of what their Lord hath given them." -the Holy- Quran (52:17-18)
Also, in the Nahjul Balagha and other books of traditions,
piety has been assigned the most distinguished position in all ethical matters,
and is the greatest means for achieving prosperity and salvation. The Commander
of the Faithful Imam' Ali (A) has said:
"Piety acquires the most prominent position in all
ethical affairs.”-Nahjul Balagha, saying 41.
The Holy Prophet (S) said:
There is a characteristic
that whoever acquires it will have the world and Hereafter in his control. He
was asked: 'Oh Prophet of God! What is that characteristic?
"The Prophet (S)
replied: 'Piety! Whoever desires to become the most dearest person should
become pious, and then he recited the following verse:
And who so ever keepth his
duty to God, He will appoint a way out for him. And will provide for him from
(a quarter) whence he hath no expectation.” [1] -Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 70, p-285.
The Commander of the Faithful
Imam' Ali (A) has said:
“Know, O' creatures of God,
that the God-fearing have Shared the joys of this transient world as well as
the Next World, for they shared with the people of this world in their worldly
matters while their people did not share with them in the matters of the Next
World. They lived in this world in the best manner of living and ate the
choicest food and consequently they enjoyed herein all that the people with
ease of life enjoyed, and secured from it what the haughty and the vain
secured.
Then, they departed from it
after taking provision enough to take them to the end of their journey and
after doing a profitable transaction. They tasted the pleasure of renouncing
the world in this world, and they firmly believed that on the coming day in
their next life they would be neighbors of God, where their call would not be
repulsed nor would their share of pleasure be small."-Nahjul Balagha, letter no.27.
The commander of the faithful
Imam Ali (A) said:
"Don't give up piety because it is the source of all
benevolence and goodness,. blessing except piety does not exist; and the
blessing which is achieved by means of piety can never be obtained without it,.
be it blessing of this world or the Hereafter."-Bihar al-Anwar vol. 70, p-285.
Imam al-Sajjad:
“The value and worth of each deed depend upon piety; only
pious people may achieve righteousness and prosperity. God-Almighty said:
Verily righteousness and prosperity belong to pious people." -Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 77, p-386.
In some of the traditions, piety
has been introduced as the most important factor for self-perfection and
purification as well as the most effective medicine for curing the psychic
diseases. The Commander of the Faithful Imam' Ali (A) said:
"Piety is the only cure for wickedness of your
heart. It is the Divine Light to expel darkness of your heart. It is a remedy
for your ailing mind. It is the only way of improvement for your corrupt soul.
It purifies your conscience. It brings back sight to the eyes blinded by
ignorance of truth."-Nahjul Balagha, letter no.198.
11.1. Piety -Objective Behind the Divine Commands
In Islam the piety has been
introduced as a genuine moral virtue and the real aim for explanation of
(Divine) Commandments. Following are some of the examples God-Almighty said in
Holy Quran:
"Oh mankind! Worship your Lord, who hath created you
and those before you, so that you may ward off (evil)." -the Holy- Quran (2:21)
And said:
"O you believe! Fasting is prescribed for you, even
as it was prescribed for those before you, that ye may ward off (evil)." -the Holy- Quran (2:183)
And said:
"Their flesh and their blood reach not God, but the
devotion from you reacheth him." -the Holy- Quran (22:37)
And said:
"So make provisions for yourself (Hereafter ); for
the best provision is to ward off evil." -the Holy- Quran (2:197)
Therefore, it could be seen that
the aim behind explaining some of these commandments or worships is actually to
encourage people to acquire piety by performing those particular acts of
worships. Piety in Islam have been attached so much importance that it has been
introduced as the sole criteria for the acceptance of other deeds, so much so
that the deed without piety shall be worthless and will not be accepted:
The Holy Quran said:
"God accepteth only from those who ward off
evil." -the Holy- Quran (5:27)
The Holy Prophet (S) said to Abu
Dhar:
"Try your best to acquire piety, because, nothing
accompanied by piety shall be regarded smaller, and how come a thing accepted
by God-Almighty , could be regarded smaller ? Because, the Holy Qur'an said:
God accepts only from pious ones." -Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 77, p-89.
Imam al Sadiq (A) said:
"Do not let their crying deceive you, because, the
piety exists only in heart." -Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 70, p-286
God-Almighty said in Holy Quran:
"But if ye persevere and ward off (evil}, then that
of the steadfast heart of things." -the Holy- Quran (3:186)
Therefore, as could be seen that
piety in Holy Quran and other Islamic traditions has been mentioned as a
genuine moral, virtue, best provisions for the Hereafter, important medicine
for curing the heart's disease, and greatest means for attaining spiritual
purification and self-refinement. In emphasizing its importance, it is
sufficient-to say that it has been mentioned as the real aim behind explanation
of all Divine Commandments and Regulations. Now let us discuss its meanings in
details.
11.2. Definition of Piety
Generally, piety is defined as a
negative program i.e. refraining and avoidance from sins and other
transgressions. It is interpreted that with being pious, participation in
social affairs is very difficult rather impossible. Because, naturally,
human-self is inclined towards sinning and in case of acceptance of social
responsibilities, one will be forced to indulge into sins. Therefore, either
one should acquire piety or must refrain from acceptance of social
responsibility.
Or, one must accept social
responsibilities and should renounce the piety, because, they are not
compatible with each other and their combination is not possible. The
inevitable result of such thinking is that –the more one lives an isolated and
monastic live the better he will be prepared to acquire piety.
But piety in some Quranic
verses, traditions, and in the Nahjul Balagha has been defined as a positive
quality and not a negative virtue. Piety, not only means renunciation of sins,
rather it consists of possessing an internal energy and power of self-restraint,
which are achieved because of undertaking continuous rigorous self-discipline,
whereby self acquires a super strength, which makes him obedient to God's
Commandments. The self acquires such strength that he shows resistance and
steadfastness against unlawful whims and passions. Also, the meanings of piety
in the dictionary includes the similar aspect.
The phrase piety (taqwa)
is derived from the Persian word (waqaya), which means protection and
defense. Piety means self-restraint and self-control which is a positive
quality bestowing an immunity upon the pious, and not a negative act or
program. It means commitment of a human being to obey the religious
commandments. Every act of abstaining from sinning is not called as piety but
the power of self-restraint and self-control responsible behind this abstaining
is called piety; which has been described as the best provisions of journey for
the Hereafter, and naturally making provisions for a journey is a positive act
and not a negative one. Here, it would be appropriate to quote few narrations
from the Commander of the Faithful Imam 'Ali (A), in this matter, as follows:
“O creatures of the Lord! I advise you to be afraid of
Him. I advise you to adopt piety, because, piety is the safest way to salvation
and the best support for religion. Keep yourself attached to it and never
forsake it. It shall lead you to places of safety, to positions of honor and
pursuits bringing you peace and contentment.”-Nahjul Balagha, sermon 195.
And said:
"Piety will act as your shield and defense and in
life and Hereafter as your guide to Heaven. Its ways are clear and simple.
Those of you who espouse it will be benefited by it. And the one who has
imposed it upon you will guard it and will guard you."-Nahjul Balagha, sermon 191.
And said:
“Know O Creatures of God! That piety is strongly
forfeited and a respectable Heaven, and sinful and vicious life is such a
undependable refuge that it can neither protect nor guard those who take
shelter there. Remember that fear of God can protect one against the evils of
sins.”-Nahjul Balagha, sermon 157.
And said:
“Oh people! Piety prevents good people from indulging in
sins and vices; it makes them God fearing, it persuades them to spend their
nights in His Worship, and to pass their days in fasting.”-Nahjul Balagha, sermon 114.
And said:
"The same piety is shelter for you in this world,
and will be a source of prosperity and salvation in the Hereafter." -Gharar al-Hukm, p-222.
As could be seen that the piety
in the above mentioned narrations has been introduced as a positive virtue, a
powerful force introducing restrain and immunity and an important preventing
factor. It should be compared to a bridle used for training a mulish horse for
riding or restraining and controlling the whims and passions of a
rebellious-self. It is like a formidable fortress and firm fortification which
protect a human being from the devastating attacks of internal enemies i.e. the
unlawful selfish whims and passions and Satanic whispers. It is like a shield
[2] which protects a crusader in the battle-field from the piercing of
poisonous arrows and other Satanic devastating blows.
Piety frees a person from the
imprisonment of whims and passions and cuts off the chains of greed, prejudice,
lust, and wrath wrapped around his neck. Piety is not a limitation, but on the
contrary it bestows the mastership and being in control of one's own-self. It bestows
upon a human being prestige, honor, nobility, power, dignity, and
steadfastness. It protects the heart from Satanic assaults, thus, making it
readied for the descent of God's angels, illuminating him with Divine-Light and
bestowing upon him peace and tranquility. Piety for human being is like his
home and clothing which protects him from natural calamities, cold and hot
temperatures. The God-Almighty, in Holy Quran said:
"But the best raiment is the raiment of
righteousness." -the Holy- Quran (7:26)
Therefore, piety is a virtue,
excellence, provision for the Hereafter, and is not a negative quality .Of
course, in the Holy Quran and in traditions piety has also been used in places
of fear and avoidance of sins but these are the requirements of piety -and not
piety itself.
11.3. Piety and Seclusion
Therefore, monasticism, and
declining acceptance of social responsibilities not only cannot be considered
as manifestations of piety, but on the contrary in some cases they are
contradictory with righteousness. Islam does not believe in seclusion and
monasticism, and in order to refrain from sins, it does not recommend its followers
to decline acceptance of social responsibilities and living a secluded life,
rather emphasizes them to accept social obligations, while at the same time by
means of piety should practice self-restraint and self-control for avoiding
sins and deviations.
Islam does not say: don't accept
lawful positions of power rather says: do accept them but for the sake of God's
Pleasure, serve the people, and don't be a slave of rank and position. Don't
allow your position and authority as a mean of accomplishing your sole aim of
satisfying selfish whims and passions and don't deviate from the straight path.
Islam does not say: in order to acquire piety close your business activities
and don't make efforts for earning a living, instead it says: Don't be a slave
and prisoner of world. Islam does not say: quite this world and live a monastic
life to worship God-Almighty is seclusion, rather it says:
Do live in this world and do
your best for its development and progress but don't become worldly or becoming
infatuated with its charms -instead, utilize it for attaining higher exalted
spiritual stations, and ascension towards God's Nearness. This is what piety is
supposed to be in Islamic school, which has been described as one of the most
exalted human virtue or characteristic.
11.4. Piety and Insight
It may be interpreted from the
Quranic verses and traditions that piety bestows upon and human being a sense
of profound insight and intelligence enabling him to diagnose, and to follow up
his genuine interests of this world and Hereafter. Following is an example:
“Oh ye who believe! If you keep your duty to God, He will
give you discrimination (between right and wrong).” -the Holy- Quran (8:29)
That is, God-Almighty open his
esoteric eyes bestowing upon him a special insight to enable him to diagnose
his prosperity, adversity, benefits and losses. In other verse God-Almighty
said:
"Observe your duty to God. God is teaching you and
God is knower of all things.” -the Holy- Quran (2:282)
Although, the Holy Quran has
been descended from the Heavenly-Kingdom for the common people but especially
the pious people receive guidance and advice. It is in this background that the
Holy Quran said:
"This is a declaration for mankind, a guidance and
an admonition unto those who ward off evil." -the Holy- Quran (3:138)
The Commander of faithful Imam
Ali (A) has said:
"It is the only way of improvement for your corrupt
soul, it purifies your conscience. It brings back sight to the eyes blinded by
ignorance of truth."-Nahjul Balagha, sermon 148.
Imam al-Sadiq (A) quoted a
tradition from his father:
"For heart's corruption there is nothing more
damaging than sinning, in which case the hearts struggles and offers resistance
against sins until it becomes completely subdued by sins becoming an overturned
heart." -Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 70, p-54.
Therefore, it could be inferred
from such verses and traditions that piety is responsible for enhancement of
reason with insight and brightness as well as strengthening his power of
comprehension. The faculty of reason, a precious Celestial Jewel, has been
bestowed to enable him to correctly identify and diagnose his gains and losses,
prosperity and adversely, welfare and wickedness, and last but not the least
do's and don'ts. The Commander of the Faithful Imam Ali (A) has said:
"The reason within human body is like the messenger
of God." -Gharar al-Hukm, vol. 1, p-13.
Such an important mission has
been assigned to reason, and it is quite competent to discharge this
responsibility, only if, self's whims and passions accept its rule, ,do not
oppose, sabotage, and create problems in its administration. Unfortunately,
passions are bitter enemy of reason and do not allow it to perform his function
in an excellent manner. The Commander of the Faithful Imam 'Ali (A) said:
"Whims and passions of
self are the enemies of reason" -Gharar al-Hukm, p-13.
And said:
"Whoever does not have control over his passions
will not be the master of his reason." -Gharar al-Hukm, p-702.
And said:
"Self-conceit and egotism corrupts reason."
-Gharar
al-Hukm p-26.
And said:
"An obstinate person does not have correct
opinion." -Gharar al-Hukm, p-31.
It is true that the ruling
authority over human body has been assigned to reason (Aql) which is
quite competent for this job, but self's whims and passions are the biggest obstacles
in its path. If, one of the passions or all of them became out of control and
revolted against it, than how could the reason will succeed in discharging its
function well? Such a person does possess reason but lacks the sense of
comprehension and correct diagnosis. He does possess a lamp but the whims,
passions, lusts, and wrath like a dark thick cloud have covered it completely,
thus, not making him appreciate his welfare and control his rebellious
passions.
When could an egotistic person
find an opportunity to identity his faults and take the corrective action?
Likewise, how could he refrain himself from moral indecencies such as wrath,
jealousy, greed, revenge, stubbornness, ambitions for wealth, passion, and
power?
If one of them or more succeed
in taking over self's control, they will prevent the reason to truly apprehend
the realities, and in case it wants to take action against their wishes, they
will oppose it by creating troubles and mobilizing their partisans for
rebellion, making environment unfavorable for the rule of reason, and
ultimately making it helpless to discharge its obligations properly. A person
who is a prisoner of his whims and passions could not be benefited by lectures
and preaching, rather it produces opposite reaction, thus, increasing his
hard-heartedness.
Therefore, piety may be
considered as one of the best and most effective factor of insight,
enlightenment, and conscientiousness. In the end it must be clarified that when
it said that piety is responsible in enhancing the sense of insight -it means
the practical aspects of reason, ability to diagnose the duties, or in other
words recognize the do's and don'ts. It has nothing to do as for as the
theoretical aspects of wisdom are concerned; it is not so that an impious
person would not be able to understand mathematical and scientific problems,
however piety to a certain extent might be effective in enhancing the power of
intelligence and comprehension in these matters.
11.5. Piety and Victory over
the Difficulties
One of the most important effect
of piety is the ability to dominate over the difficulties of day to day life.
God-Almighty said in Holy Quran:
"And whosoever keepeth his duty to God, He will
appoint a way out for him, and will provide for him from (a quarter) whence he
hath no expectation." -the Holy- Quran (65:2-3)
And said:
"And whosoever keepeth his duty to God, He maketh
his course easy for him." -the Holy- Quran (65:4)
The Commander of the Faithful
and Imam' Ali said:
“Do you know how piety. helps those who make It the basic
: principles of their lives ? It wards off the calamities which have crowded
round them and laid siege of them. It converts bitter disappointments of their
affairs into pleasant achievements. It acts as a break water against the waves
of disasters and destruction which want to dash against lives and ambitions.”-Nahjul Balagha, sermon 198.
Therefore, it can be inferred
from the above mentioned verses and traditions that piety helps a person in
solving his problems and overpowering the obstacles in his day to day life. Now
let us see what influence does piety exert in these matters? The life's
hardships can be divided into two categories:
The problems of first category
consist of physical- bodily defects, incurable fatal diseases, unpredictable
natural disasters, and similar other calamities whose solution and prevention
is out of our control. The problems of second category consists of
psychological, physical, family, and social problems, where our intentions and
decisions could be influential in their solution and even prevention.
Of course, piety could play an
important role in offering solutions for each one of the above mentioned
problems. Although, in the farmer case, even though prevention may be
difficult, and total avoidance might be practically impossible but still the
technique of how to encounter these problems is in our control. A
self-restraint and pious person who completely dominates over his passions
regards this world and its problems as transient and short lived, while
considers the Hereafter as real and permanent abode; rests his trusts upon the
Supreme and Absolute Power of God-Almighty; treats the hardships and
difficulties of this world as insignificant and temporary; does not become
desperate and anxious, rather offers his absolute surrender to the Divine Will.
A pious person is familiar as
well as confident about God-Almighty and Hereafter; calamities and hardships of
day-to-day life do not disturb his state of ease and tranquility, because,
hardships, calamities, and tragedies in essence are not painful, rather it is
the anxiety and intolerance of self which makes a person uncomfortable, and
piety could be helpful for him in such cases.
But most of the severe problems
and catastrophes of the second category which make the human life bitter like
burning Hell are the result of moral indecencies, self-whims and passions, and
domination of Satanic desires. In majority of the cases the family problems are
created because of failure on the part of husband, wife, or both of them, in
controlling passions, thus, burning and frightening in the fire, which was
ignited by their own hands. Similar is the case with other problems.
The moral vices such as
jealously, revengefulness, stubbornness, prejudice, egotism, greed, lust,
wrath, extravagance, arrogance, and other similar rascalities are responsible
for causing problems and hardships for human beings, creating pains and
anxiety, and turning the sweetness of life into bitterness. Such a person is a
prisoner of his carnal desires and passions to the extent that he is even
helpless to identify his disease and its treatment.
The best and most effective
thing which could prevent such catastrophies is the same piety, self-restraint
or self-control. In the life of a pious such painful horrible catastrophies do
not exist at all; with tranquility of heart and enlightenment, he lives a
peaceful life as well manages to collect sufficient provisions for Hereafter.
The love of world is the roots of all evils but a pious person does not become
infatuated with its allurements and charms. The Commander of the Faithful Imam'
Ali (A) has said:
"Be careful of world’s love because, it is the roots
of all sins." -Gharar al-Hukm, p-150.
11.6. Piety and Freedom
It is quite possible that
someone may infer that piety deprives freedom and creates limitations making
life difficult and unpleasant, but Islam rejects this belief and on the
contrary consider piety as the source of freedom, comfort, dignity exaltedness,
and regards an impious person simply as a prisoner or slave. The Commander of
the Faithful Imam ' Ali (A) has said:
"Verily piety is a key to the doors of righteousness
and virtue. It is a provision for the Next World. It is a source of freedom
from slavery of evil desires and a wall of protection from every ill-luck and
misfortune. It is a refuge for those who try to run away from vice and
wickedness and through it a person can achieve his aim."-Nahjul Balagha, sermon 230.
And said:
"There is no distinction higher than Islam, no honor
more honorable than fear of God'; no asylum better than self-restraint."-Nahjul Balagha, saying 371.
In the above traditions piety
has been introduced as the key for solution of problems, bestower of freedom
and dignity, rescuer from the waves of disasters and destruction, and as the
most formidable shelter for human beings. Therefore, piety does not deprive and
create limitations, rather it revives human personality and free a human being
from the imprisonment of carnal desires, wraths, revengefulness, selfishness,
self-conceit, prejudices, stubbornness, greed, mammonism, egotism, selfishness,
ambitiousness, gluttony, and desire for fame and publicity.
It strengthens wisdom and human
personality in order to dominate over the passions and rebellious self, adjust
them in accordance to genuine requirements, provide leadership to guide them
properly preventing extravagance and dissipation of forces. The Holy Quran
considers the persons who become prisoners and slaves of their desires,
endeavored to satisfy their passions, did not recognize any limits in order to
satisfy their carnal desires as idolaters and self-worshipers. The Holy Quran
said:
"Hast thou seen him who maketh his desire his god,
and God sendeth him astray purposely, and sealeth up his hearing and his heart,
and setteth on his sight a covering ? Then who will lead him after God (hath
condemned him)? Will you rest them heed ?" -the Holy- Quran (45:23)
Yes! The person who has
surrendered himself absolutely to his whims and passions, in order to
accomplish his passionate desires strives frantically and does not hesitate to
indulge into most degrading acts, does not pay attention to the voice of wisdom
and guidance of prophets, such a person is indeed is a slave and prisoner of
his self. His passions have completely dominated and imprisoned his human
personality and the precious jewel of wisdom, and in order to rescue them there
is no other alternative except piety. Therefore, piety does not create
limitations rather blesses human beings with freedom.
11.7. Piety and Treatment of Diseases
It was earlier prove that moral
abjectnesses such as: jealousy, hatred, revenge, fault-finding, wrath,
prejudice, greed, egotism, arrogance, fear , indecisiveness, temptation, and
similar other things are psychological diseases. The hearts of such people are
indeed sick. Also, it has been confirmed that between the man and his self not
only there exists a firm connection rather they are united, and because of this
connection and communication they exert an influence upon each and other.
Physical sicknesses make the
self-disturbed and uncomfortable, and similarly opposite to that psychological
diseases effect human body and nerves. In majority of cases the psychological
diseases and nervous disorders are the result of moral abjectness. Even some of
the bodily diseases like ulcer and swelling of intestine, indigestion, acidity,
headache, and stomachache are more likely the result of moral abjectness such
as; jealously, hatred, greed, egotism, and ambitiousness.
It is has been proved beyond
doubt that excessive indulgence into sexual activities results in dangerous
fatal bodily diseases such as AIDS etc. Therefore, as was mentioned earlier the
sole curing medicine for such psychological diseases is piety. It could be said
that piety plays the most effective role as far as the treatment of psychological
and physical diseases, hygiene, and fitness of human beings are concerned. The
Commander of the Faithful Imam ' Ali (A) has said:
“Certainly piety is the medicine /or your hearts, sight
for the blindness of your spirits, the cure /or the ailments o/your bodies, the
rectifier o/ the evils of your breasts, the purifier of the pollution of your
minds, the light of the darkness of your eyes, the consolidation for the fear
of your heart, and the brightness for the gloom of your ignorance.”-Nahjul Balagha, sermon 198.
Footnotes:
[1] The Holy Quran (65:2-3)
[2] An impatient (or impious)
person could be compared to a soldier in the battle-field, who is fighting
virtually naked without armor. Such an ill-equipped soldier is most likely to
be killed and disappear from the scene during the very first encounter, with
the same analogy a patient (pious) person could be compared to a soldier, who
is clad in a coat of mail from head to toe and is fully equipped with all the
required armaments. Obviously, to defeat such a well equipped soldier by the
enemy is relatively a difficult task.
-Discourse of Patience, Ayatullah Khamenei, p-l02 {Tr].