Saturday, September 21st is the 17th of Rabi al-Awwal which marks the birth anniversaries of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh&hp) and Imam Jafar al-Sadiq (p)

The blessing of the Prophet (pbuh&hp) in the words of Imam Ali (p)

In Nahj al-Balagha, Imam Ali (p) reportedly reminded believers of the blessing of the Prophet (pbuh&hp) and why we should continue to be grateful for it to this day. 

The context of the Prophet’s mission

The khutba begins with the Imam (p) saying: 

“[God] sent [the Prophet, pbuh&hp] at a time when there was a gap between the messengers, and a long slumber among nations, with widespread turmoil and matters being scattered, and the flames of war were raging. The world was dim in light, apparent in deceit, its leaves yellowing, its fruits withered, and its waters receding, the beacons of guidance had vanished, and the signs of destruction had emerged. It was grim to its inhabitants, frowning upon its seekers; its fruits were tribulation, its food was carrion, its emblem was fear, and its garment was the sword.

So take heed, O servants of God, and remember those before you, your ancestors and brethren, who are detained by it and will be held accountable for it. By my life, it has not been long for you nor for them, nor have ages and generations passed between you and them. Today, you are not far from when you were in their loins.”

Our connection with the Prophet (pbuh&hp) through the Ahl al-Bayt (pbut)

In this speech, the Imam (p) also reminded the Muslims of his time of their continued connection with the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh&hp), reportedly saying,

“By God, the Prophet did not convey anything to you except that I am now conveying it to you, and your hearing today is no different from their hearing back then. The eyes were not created for them, nor were hearts granted to them at that time, except that you have been given the same in this time.

By God, you have not been shown anything after them that they were ignorant of, nor have you been favored with anything they were deprived of. Indeed, tribulation has come upon you with loose reins and a wide belly. So do not be deceived by what those in delusion are experiencing, for it is but an extended shadow until an appointed time.”


For more information on Prophet Muhammad (pbuh&hp), click here.
For more information on Imam Jafar al-Sadiq (p), click here.

(Click here to learn about varying dates for Islamic events.)

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