Written transcript of the lecture
The Meshkat-e Noor teachings series🌻🔆🔆🌻
🌼🔆🌼The Spring of Honor🌼🔆🌼
🌹🔅☘️ بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحيمِ ☘️🔅🌹
🔅🌹 “A Guide to the Feast of Honor” «» «» “Confession and Testimonies at the Threshold of Maturity” “The Kinds of Maturity” and … An Outline with Supplementary Notes 1405.07.10 Ali Saei (Abdullah Meshkat) 110.141(903) 🌹🔅
📜 Treatise on “The Feast of Honor and the Celebration of Religious Responsibility”
🌟 Introduction
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحيمِ
Praise and gratitude belong to God, who at every moment opens before us a new day of servitude and breathes into our souls a fresh birth of humanity. He who made “this یومٌ حادثٌ جدیدٌ” a witness to our deeds and appointed “و هو علینا شاهدٌ عتیدٌ” over us, so that we may know that every new day is a fresh page to write upon, and every dawn another notebook in which to shape “the best version of ourselves.”
This treatise tells of the “Feast of Honor”—not merely the “Celebration of Religious Responsibility.” It tells of the moment when God honors the dust of the earth with His address and adorns His servant with the “crown of honor” that is servitude. Here, the subject is not a “burden,” but “wings”; not “responsibility,” but “honor.”
In this treatise, we speak of the “spring of beginnings,” of “a new maturity at every moment,” of “the degrees and qualities of servitude,” of “confession and testimonies at the threshold of maturity,” of “holding fast to the cord of God,” of “the Quran and the Prophet’s family,” of “the tradition of Sayyid ibn Tawus,” of “The Psalms of Islam,” and of “the Charter of Honor and Responsibility.”
May these pages be a lamp along the path to becoming “Abdullah” and “His servant,” and a step on the way to becoming “God’s handmaiden” and “His servant.”
“وَ السَّلامُ عَلى مَنِ اتَّبَعَ الْهُدى»
«سُبْحانَ رَبِّكَ رَبِّ الْعِزَّةِ عَمَّا يَصِفُونَ»
«وَ سَلامٌ عَلَى الْمُرْسَلينَ»
«وَ الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ الْعالَمينَ”
🌿 Foreword
“And this is a fresh, newly arisen day…”
In our religious tradition, “maturity” is not a point but a process—not a moment, but a season. A child grows from “particle” to “cell,” to “sperm-drop,” to “clinging clot,” to “lump of flesh,” to “nursing infant,” to “adolescence,” to “youth,” to “middle age,” to “forty,” to “fifty and sixty, and beyond…” and takes steps toward eternity—and each stage is a new maturity.
But “maturity in honor and religious responsibility” is the turning point among all these stages of maturity. It is the moment when a person moves from “practising servitude” to “the struggle of servitude”; when the “golden carpet of God” is spread toward “God’s good pleasure”; when we sweeten the “taste of maturity” with “God’s name” and “His oneness.”
Sayyid ibn Tawus, the great seventh-century scholar, was the first to celebrate this occasion formally—and he called it the “Feast of Honor,” not the “Celebration of Religious Responsibility.” He believed that on this day, a young person reaches a degree of worthiness at which God speaks to them and addresses them. For this reason, it is this “honor” and “esteem” that should be celebrated.
Reproaching those who regard this day as insignificant, he says:
“Why has the day on which people are honored with religious responsibility come to be treated as unimportant and contemptible?… As though it were not a day about which God will ask.”
And elsewhere he writes:
“You should know that the day on which God honors you with religious responsibility and obedience to Him is among the greatest of feasts and the happiest moments of your life.”
This treatise is an effort to revisit that very perspective: one that sees “responsibility” as a “crown,” not a “burden”; one that regards “maturity” as an “advance in servitude,” not its beginning; one that sees the “Celebration of Religious Responsibility” as a “celebration of being addressed by God.”
“Every moment is a new day of servitude to God!
Every moment of a human life is a new birth!”
📖 Introduction
❇️ The Feast of Honor, the Celebration of Religious Responsibility—Why?
As they approach maturity, young people step out of the world of “exemption” and into the world of “responsibility.” But this responsibility is not a burden; it is an honor. God has placed His trust in them and entrusted them with a mission.
“أَيَحْسَبُ الْإِنْسَانُ أَنْ يُتْرَكَ سُدًى” (Resurrection: 36)
“Does the human being think that he will be left to himself?”
No! They are not left to themselves. From this moment, their record of deeds is opened, and they write it with their own hands. From this moment, they are the architects of their own future. From this moment, they become the special addressees of God.
❇️ Maturity Is an Advance in Servitude
The day of honor does not mark the beginning of servitude, but a change in its form—an advance in servitude. Throughout life, a person progresses from the first stage of maturity to the stages that follow. Maturity is the eloquent flowering of a person’s essence in the sweetest perfection of servitude.
“وَ لَمَّا بَلَغَ أَشُدَّهُ آتَيْنَاهُ حُكْمًا وَ عِلْمًا” (Joseph: 22)
“And when he reached maturity and strength, We granted him judgment and knowledge.”
Maturity is the time when knowledge and wisdom well up, when the inner senses blossom, when the essence of one’s being begins to grow.
❇️ Responsibility Is the Crown of Honor
Religious responsibility means freedom from servitude to anything other than God. Whoever accepts it is freed from servitude to the self. Responsibility cultivates sound choices; it is not about fearing mistakes.
“كُلُّ نَفْسٍ بِمَا كَسَبَتْ رَهِينَةٌ” (The Enwrapped One: 38)
“Everyone is held in pledge for what they have earned.”
From today onward, every good deed is an investment in tomorrow. Every prayer, every act of help, every smile—all are recorded.
❇️ The Light of Servitude
Servitude is not merely a set of outward acts; it is a luminous identity that a person puts on, bringing beauty and dignity. Imam al-Sajjad (AS) says in al-Sahifa al-Sajjadiyya:
«جَلَّلْتَنِي نِعَمُكَ مِنْ أَنْوَارِ الْإِيمَانِ حُلَلًا»
“Your blessings clothed me in garments woven from the lights of faith.”
Servitude means placing oneself within reach of the light of God’s countenance. Whoever takes the path of servitude is guided from darkness towards light.
«إِنَّمَا يَهْتَدِي الْمُهْتَدُونَ بِنُورِ وَجْهِكَ» (Prayer 5 of al-Sahifa)
“Indeed, those who are guided have been guided only by the light of Your countenance.”
❇️ Al-Sahifa al-Sajjadiyya: a multivitamin for servitude
Al-Sahifa al-Sajjadiyya is a multivitamin for devotion to God. From the very beginning of religious responsibility—and this honour—one should equip oneself with it. Prayer 20 (Noble Virtues) is a garden of noble qualities and a sublime vision of servitude. Prayer 25 is a prayer for parents on behalf of their children. Prayer 44 is the springtime of the Qur’an and of this honour. Prayer 5 is the light of the divine countenance. The Supplication of Abu Hamza al-Thumali offers a tender vision of servitude.
«اللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَ آلِهِ، وَ بَلِّغْ بِإِيمَانِي أَكْمَلَ الْإِيمَانِ»
“O God, bless Muhammad and his family, and bring my faith to its fullest perfection.”
❇️ Holding fast to the Rope of God
«وَ اعْتَصِمُوا بِحَبْلِ اللَّهِ جَمِيعًا وَ لَا تَفَرَّقُوا» (Al Imran: 103)
“And hold fast, all together, to the Rope of God, and do not become divided.”
What is the Rope of God? In the narrations, it is identified as Ali (AS), the Imams (AS), and the Qur’an. Imam al-Sajjad (AS) said:
“The Qur’an and the Imam will never be separated from one another until the Day of Resurrection. The Imam guides to the Qur’an, and the Qur’an guides to the Imam.”
Thus, holding fast to the Qur’an and the Ahl al-Bayt is the only path to salvation. «إِنِّي تَارِكٌ فِيكُمُ الثَّقَلَيْنِ: كِتَابَ اللَّهِ وَ عِتْرَتِي».
❇️ A charter of honour and responsibility
This treatise contains a charter of honour and a charter of responsibility. The charter of honour is an acknowledgment of one’s status and an expression of gratitude. The charter of responsibility is a practical plan for a young person’s first year of religious responsibility. At its heart are a covenant affirming divine unity and a practical declaration of the principles of faith.
“Today, God has addressed me.”
“Religious responsibility is the crown of my honour.”
“From today, my relationship with God is special.”
📋 Structured Summary
🗂️ Part One: Theoretical Foundations
| Subject | Guideline | Source |
| Honour before responsibility | A perspective of “dignity and honouring” takes precedence over “responsibility and duty” | The example of Sayyid ibn Tawus |
| Beginning in God’s name | Begin each section with “بسم الله” and remembrance of God | “بسم الله الرحمن الرحیم At the beginning of my coming of age, and at its end⟧17⟧Prayer-centred approach |
| Al-Sahifa al-Sajjadiyya should be the celebration’s backbone | Prayers 5, 20, 25, 44, and Abu Hamza | |
| Youth participation | The young person says “Amen,” recites the “covenant,” and receives a “mission card” | Charter of honour and responsibility |
| The radiance of servitude | The celebration’s atmosphere should be radiant, joyful, and spiritual | “جَلَّلْتَنِي نِعَمُكَ مِنْ أَنْوَارِ الْإِيمَانِ حُلَلًا” |
| Connection with the Qur’an and the Ahl al-Bayt | Renew commitment to the Qur’an and the Ahl al-Bayt (AS) | The Hadith of the Two Weighty Things; the verse on holding fast |
| Pledge of allegiance to the Imam of the Age (AJ) | Establish a special connection with the Imam of the Age | The narration “سِرَاجُ الْمُؤْمِنِ مَعْرِفَةُ حَقِّنَا” |
🗂️ Part Two: Elements of the Celebration
| Element | Description | Source |
| The gateway of honour | The young person enters with “بسم الله” and is welcomed with “Peace be upon one addressed by God” | Practical initiative |
| The crown of honour | A symbolic crowning of the young person | The example of Sayyid ibn Tawus |
| Qur’an recitation | Recitation of verses from al-Zumar 73, al-Isra 80, and al-Naml 19 | The Noble Qur’an |
| An enlightening address | “What does honour mean?” and “Responsibility is a crown, not a burden” | Theoretical foundations |
| Prayer 20 (Noble Virtues) | Group recitation, with the young person saying “Amen” | Al-Sahifa al-Sajjadiyya |
| Prayer 25 (Parents’ Prayer for Their Children) | Parents pray for their child | Al-Sahifa al-Sajjadiyya |
| Prayer 5 (The Light of the Divine Countenance) | “إِنَّمَا يَهْتَدِي الْمُهْتَدُونَ بِنُورِ وَجْهِكَ” | Al-Sahifa al-Sajjadiyya |
| Prayer 44 (Welcoming the Month of Ramadan) | “وَ أَعِنَّا عَلَى صِيَامِهِ بِكَفِّ الْجَوَارِحِ عَنْ مَعَاصِيهِ” | Al-Sahifa al-Sajjadiyya |
| The Prayer of Abu Hamza | “إِلَهِی لَا تُؤَدِّبْنِی بِعُقُوبَتِكَ” | Al-Sahifa al-Sajjadiyya |
| The Prayer of the Fitra Ceremony | “اللَّهُمَّ عَرِّفْنِي نَفْسَكَ…” | Narration |
| Pledging allegiance to the Imam of the Age (AJ) | Reciting the narration “سِرَاجُ الْمُؤْمِنِ…” and renewing one’s commitment | Narration |
| Charter of Honour | Acknowledging one’s station, pledging friendship with God, and giving thanks | Prepared for publication |
| Charter of Responsibility | The meaning of religious responsibility, its duties, and daily and long-term plans | Prepared for publication |
| Ceremonial Covenant | The young person and parents sign as witnesses | Prepared for publication |
| Mission Card | A card bearing the celebration’s slogan and action plan | Prepared for publication |
| Refreshments and feast | Following the example of Sayyid ibn Tawus | The example of Sayyid ibn Tawus |
| Commemorative photograph | Family photograph beside the “Ceremonial Gateway” | Practical initiative |
| Closing slogan | “Today, God addressed me.” | Prepared for publication |
| Gift-giving | Al-Sahifa al-Sajjadiyya, the Charter, and prayer beads | Practical initiative |
🗂️ Part Three: The Duties of Those Who Have Reached Religious Majority and Those Honoured by It (Thirty Duties)
| No. | Duty | Source |
| 1 | Perfect your faith | Prayer 20 |
| 2 | Make certainty your highest aim | Prayer 20 |
| 3 | Purify your intention | Prayer 20 |
| 4 | Become a friend of God | The Prayer of Abu Hamza |
| 5 | Perform your prayers at the earliest prescribed time | Prayer 16 |
| 6 | Learn the meaning of your prayers | Prayer 20 |
| 7 | Fulfil your religious obligations | Prayer 20 |
| 8 | Practice fasting | Prayer 44 |
| 9 | Keep away from sins | Prayer 16 |
| 10 | Know yourself | Prayer 20 |
| 11 | Preserve your modesty and chastity | Prayer 20 |
| 12 | Be mindful of God | Prayer 20 |
| 13 | Honour your parents | Prayer 25 |
| 14 | Be a source of pride for your family | Prayer 25 |
| 15 | Pray for your parents | Prayer 25 |
| 16 | Be kind to others | Supplication 20 |
| 17 | Promote justice | Supplication 20 |
| 18 | Control your anger | Supplication 20 |
| 19 | Quell the flames of discord | Supplication 20 |
| 20 | Learn the principles of religion | Supplication 20 |
| 21 | Learn the branches of religion | Hadith |
| 22 | Recite the Quran | Quran |
| 23 | Stay connected to the Quran and the Ahl al-Bayt | Hadith of al-Thaqalayn |
| 24 | Pledge allegiance to the Imam of the Age (AJ) | Narration |
| 25 | Obey the Imam of the Age (AJ) | Quran |
| 26 | Pray for the reappearance | Supplication for Relief |
| 27 | Plan your daily schedule | Supplication 20 |
| 28 | Do one new good deed every day | Supplication 20 |
| 29 | Take care of your innate nature | Verse 30 of Surah al-Rum |
| 30 | Be the best version of yourself | Supplication 47 |
🗂️ Part Four: A Practical Declaration of the Principles of Religion
| Principle | Declaration | Evidence |
| Divine Unity | There is no god but Allah; He is One, without partner, the Creator and Sustainer of all. | “أَشْهَدُ بِمَا شَهِدْتَ بِهِ عَلَى نَفْسِكَ…” |
| Divine Justice | God is just and does not commit injustice. | “وَ أَنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يَظْلِمُ مِثْقَالَ ذَرَّةٍ” |
| Prophethood | Muhammad (PBUH) is the Messenger of God and the Seal of the Prophets. | “مُحَمَّدٌ نَبِيِّي أَبَدًا” |
| Imamate | Ali (AS) and his eleven descendants are my Imams. | “عَلِيٌّ وَلِيِّي أَبَدًا» و «الْأَوْصِيَاءُ أَئِمَّتِي أَبَدًا” |
| Resurrection | The Day of Resurrection, Paradise and Hell are true. | “وَ أَنَّ الْمَوْتَ حَقٌّ…” |
🗂️ Part Five: Celebration Slogans
| Slogan | Use |
| “Today, I became one addressed by God.” | Main slogan |
| “Religious duty is the crown of my honor.” | Secondary slogan |
| “From today on, with God.” | Secondary slogan |
| “Taklif Celebration: A Celebration of Being Addressed by God.” | Secondary slogan |
| “Welcome to the land of love and devotion.” | Secondary slogan |
| “Every step in devotion is a beautiful storm.” | Secondary slogan |
| “Worship is a journey through the paradise of devotion.” | Secondary slogan |
🗂️ Part Six: Practical Checklist
Before the celebration:
□ Set the date and venue
□ Invite the teenagers and their families
□ Prepare the invitations
□ Print the Taklif Charter
□ Print the mission cards
□ Prepare the Crown of Honor (symbolic)
□ Prepare the gifts
□ Decorate the venue
□ Coordinate with the speaker, Quran reciter and supplication leader
□ Prepare refreshments
On the day of the celebration:
□ Welcome the guests
□ Set up the Taklif Gateway
□ Present the Crown of Honor
□ Carry out the programme in order
□ Recording and photography
□ Refreshments
□ Collect and pack up
After the celebration:
□ Send thank-you notes
□ Send the photographs
□ Follow up on the teenagers’ practical programmes
□ Hold monthly “Divine Mission” sessions
بسم الله الرحمن الرحیم
✳️The Celebration of the Rite-of-Passage: The Spring of New Beginnings
❇️
Every moment is a new day of devotion to God!
Every moment is a new birth for the human being!
Every moment marks the beginning of life’s continuation!
But spring marks the beginning of a person’s devotion to God—the beginning of the honour and responsibility of religious maturity!
❇️Every Moment, a New Beginning of Maturity
💫🔆وَ هَذَا يَوْمٌ حَادِثٌ جَدِيدٌ، وَ هُوَ عَلَيْنَا شَاهِدٌ عَتِيدٌ، إِنْ أَحْسَنَّا وَدَّعَنَا بِحَمْدٍ، وَ إِنْ أَسَأْنَا فَارَقَنَا بِذَمٍّ.[1]
💫 “This is a fresh, newly arrived day, and it stands ready to bear witness against us. If we do good, it sends us on our way with praise; if we do wrong, it parts from us with blame.”
Illumination:
🔹 1. A New Day Bears Witness to Our Deeds
«هذا یومٌ حادثٌ جدیدٌ» — This is a fresh, newly arrived day.
«و هو علینا شاهدٌ عتیدٌ» — It stands ready to bear witness against us.
Each new day is a fresh page on which our deeds are recorded, and that very day bears witness to what we have done.
🔹 2. The Outcome of Good and Evil
«إن أحسنّا ودّعنا بحمدٍ» — If we do good, it sends us on our way with praise.
«و إن أسأنا فارقنا بذمٍّ» — If we do wrong, it parts from us with blame.
In other words, when each day comes to an end, it departs from us according to our deeds: either with praise and commendation, or with blame and reproach.
🔹 3. The Message of the Narration
Each new day is a fresh opportunity to do good.
And every day bears witness to our deeds.
If we do good that day, it becomes a source of praise for us.
If we do wrong, it becomes a source of blame.
So we should make use of each day to seek goodness and refrain from sin.
💎 A Precious Gem:
Each new day bears witness to our deeds.
If we do good, that day parts from us with praise.
If we do wrong, it parts from us with blame.
So we should cherish every day and devote it to obedience and good works.
This intimate prayer emphasises the importance of making the best use of our time and avoiding heedlessness.
❇️Every Beginning Begins with the One Who Begins All Things
Bless the beginning of every undertaking by invoking God’s name! Without God’s name, everything is incomplete!
O God, I begin this honourable and responsible stage of religious maturity in Your name and with Your remembrance!
بسم الله الرحمن الرحیم First in the Beginning and بسم الله الرحمن الرحیم Last in the Beginning!
❇️Degrees and Dimensions of Devotion to God
The day of honour and responsibility is not the beginning of devotion; it is a change in the form of devotion, an elevation of it!
In truth, the onset of maturity is maturity after maturity. Adolescence and religious maturity usher in a new chapter of life, and this maturity must reach its full potential!
Maturity is, in truth, the eloquence of the human essence in the perfect sweetness of devotion!
Throughout life, a person moves from an initial stage of maturity to further stages—for example, from “a cell to a sperm, an embryo, a developing foetus, an infant nourished by milk, a child who eats solid food, adolescence, youth, middle age, forty, fifty, sixty, and beyond”: the various stages of maturity!
✳️The Practical and Legal Beginning of Maturity
❇️O God, Bring All My Limbs and Faculties into Your Service
Place your hand in God’s hand!
Every moment of yours, your heart, your deeds, your life in this world and the Hereafter—
💫🔆اللَّهُمَّ … وَ خُذْ بِسَمْعِي وَ بَصَرِي وَ قَلْبِي وَ جَوَارِحِي كُلِّهَا إِلَى طَاعَتِكَ وَ طَاعَةِ رَسُولِكَ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَ آلِهِ وَ سَلَّمَ وَ إِلَى أَحَبِّ الْأَعْمَالِ إِلَيْكَ
اللَّهُمَّ اجْعَلْ مَا مَضَى مِنْ حُسْنِ عَمَلِي مَقْبُولًا وَ مَا فَرَطَ مِنِّي مِنْ سَيِّئَةٍ مَغْفُوراً وَ مَا أَسْتَأْنِسُ مِنْ عُمُرِي أَوَّلَهُ صَلَاحاً وَ أَوْسَطَهُ فَلَاحاً وَ آخِرَهُ نَجَاحاً
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ الْهُدَى وَ التُّقَى وَ الْعَفَافَ وَ الْكَفَافَ وَ الْغِنَى وَ الْعَمَلَ بِمَا تُحِبُّ وَ تَرْضَى اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ أَنْ أُشْرِكَ بِكَ وَ أَنَا أَعْلَمُ أَوْ لَا أَعْلَمُ وَ أَسْتَغْفِرُكَ لِمَا أَعْلَمُ وَ لِمَا لَا أَعْلَمُ[2]
💫 “O God! … Draw my hearing, sight, heart and all my limbs towards obedience to You and Your Messenger—may God bless him and his family—and towards the deeds most beloved to You.
O God! Accept the good deeds I have already done, and forgive the sins I have committed. Of the life I am to spend, make its beginning righteous, its middle flourishing and its end a deliverance.
O God! I ask You for guidance, piety, chastity, sufficiency, independence, and the ability to do what You love and are pleased with.
O God! I seek refuge in You from associating anything with You, knowingly or unknowingly, and I ask Your forgiveness for what I know and what I do not know.”
☘️O God, take me by the hand—my heart, my mind, my sight, and all the rest…
Illumination:
🔹 1. Asking for the limbs to be guided to obedience
«خذ بسمعي و بصري و قلبي و جوارحي كلها إلى طاعتك» –
Draw my hearing, sight, heart, and all my limbs to Your obedience.
«و طاعة رسولك» – and to obedience to Your Messenger.
«و إلى أحب الأعمال إليك» – and to the deeds most beloved to You.
🔹 2. Asking for deeds to be accepted and sins forgiven
«اجعل ما مضى من حسن عملي مقبولاً» – Make the good deeds I have done acceptable.
«ما فرط مني من سيئة مغفوراً» – Forgive the sins I have committed.
🔹 3. Asking for uprightness, success, and deliverance throughout life
«ما أستأنس من عمري أوله صلاحاً» – Make the beginning of my life upright.
«أوسطه فلاحاً» – its middle a time of flourishing and success.
«آخره نجاحاً» – and its end one of deliverance and triumph.
🔹 4. Seven requests
| Request | Meaning |
| الهدی | Guidance. |
| التقی | God-consciousness. |
| العفاف | Chastity and purity. |
| الکفاف | Sufficiency and enough. |
| الغنی | Freedom from need. |
| العمل بما تحب و ترضی | Acting in accordance with what You love and approve. |
🔹 5. Seeking refuge from associating partners with God and asking forgiveness
«أعوذ بك أن أشرك بك و أنا أعلم أو لا أعلم» –
I seek refuge in You from associating anything with You, knowingly or unknowingly.
«أستغفرك لما أعلم و لما لا أعلم» –
I ask Your forgiveness for what I know and what I do not know.
💎 The heart of the supplication:
The servant asks God to guide all his limbs and faculties to obedience to Him and His Messenger.
He asks God to accept his good deeds, forgive his sins, and grant him uprightness, success, and deliverance throughout his life.
The seven essential requests are guidance, God-consciousness, chastity, sufficiency, freedom from need, and acting in accordance with what God loves.
Finally, he seeks refuge from associating partners with God, whether knowingly or unknowingly, and asks forgiveness for all his sins.
This supplication emphasizes divine oneness, sincerity, obedience, God-consciousness, and a comprehensive request for the good of this world and the Hereafter.
❇️ Let us begin our coming of age with the name of God and His oneness
Everyone can celebrate and make a solemn covenant to mark the continuation of life and the transition to responsibility!
💫🔆أَشْهَدُ بِمَا شَهِدْتَ بِهِ عَلَى نَفْسِكَ وَ شَهِدَتْ مَلَائِكَتُكَ وَ أُولُو الْعِلْمِ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ الْعَزِيزُ الْحَكِيمُ وَ مَنْ لَمْ يَشْهَدْ بِمَا شَهِدْتَ بِهِ عَلَى نَفْسِكَ وَ شَهِدَتْ مَلَائِكَتُكَ وَ أُولُو الْعِلْمِ فَاكْتُبْ شَهَادَتِي مَكَانَ شَهَادَتِهِمْ اللَّهُمَّ أَنْتَ السَّلَامُ وَ مِنْكَ السَّلَامُ أَسْأَلُكَ يَا ذَا الْجَلَالِ وَ الْإِكْرَامِ أَنْ تَفُكَّ رَقَبَتِي مِنَ النَّارِ.[3]
💫 “I bear witness to what You have borne witness to concerning Yourself, and to what Your angels and those endowed with knowledge have borne witness: There is no god but You, the Almighty, the All-Wise.
And whoever does not bear witness to what You have borne witness to concerning Yourself, and to what Your angels and those endowed with knowledge have borne witness, then record my testimony in place of theirs.
O God! You are Peace, and peace comes from You. I ask You, O Possessor of Majesty and Generosity, to free my neck from the Fire.”
Illumination:
🔹 1. Bearing witness to God’s oneness
«أشهد بما شهدتَ به على نفسك» – I bear witness to what You have borne witness to concerning Yourself.
«و شهدت ملائكتك و أولو العلم» – and to what Your angels and those endowed with knowledge have borne witness.
«لا إله إلا أنت العزيز الحكيم» – There is no god but You, the Almighty, the All-Wise.
This alludes to the Quranic verse:
«شَهِدَ اللَّهُ أَنَّهُ لا إِلهَ إِلَّا هُوَ وَ الْمَلائِكَةُ وَ أُولُوا الْعِلْمِ قائِماً بِالْقِسْطِ لا إِلهَ إِلَّا هُوَ الْعَزِيزُ الْحَكِيمُ» (Āl ʿImrān: 18)
– “God bears witness that there is no god but Him; and the angels and those endowed with knowledge [bear witness as well]—upholding justice. There is no god but Him, the Almighty, the All-Wise.”
🔹 2. Asking that one’s testimony be recorded
«و من لم يشهد بما شهدتَ به على نفسك… فاكتب شهادتي مكان شهادتهم» –
Whoever does not bear witness to what You have borne witness to concerning Yourself, and to what Your angels and those endowed with knowledge have borne witness, then record my testimony in place of theirs.
This is a request that the servant’s testimony be recorded in place of the testimony of those who have been heedless of it.
🔹 3. Divine Peace
«اللهم أنت السلام و منك السلام» – O God! You are Peace, and peace comes from You.
«السلام» is one of God’s names, and perfect well-being comes from Him alone.
🔹 4. Asking to be freed from the Fire
«أسألك يا ذا الجلال و الإكرام أن تفك رقبتي من النار» –
I ask You, O Possessor of Majesty and Generosity, to free my neck from the Fire.
This is the servant’s highest plea to God: to be saved from the punishment of the Hereafter.
💎 The jewel of the supplication:
The servant bears witness to God’s oneness, just as God has borne witness to Himself, and the angels and people of knowledge have borne witness.
He asks God to record his testimony in place of the testimony of the heedless.
God is absolute peace, and all well-being comes from Him alone.
The servant asks God to free his neck from the Fire.
This supplication underscores divine unity, the testimony to God’s oneness, and the plea for deliverance from punishment.
❇️Holding Fast to the Rope of God
💫🔆زَيْدٌ، عَنْ أَبِي عَبْدِ اللَّهِ عَلَيْهِ السَّلَامُ، قَالَ: إِذَا نَظَرْتَ إِلَى السَّمَاءِ، فَقُلْ: سُبْحَانَ مَنْ جَعَلَ فِي السَّماءِ بُرُوجاً، وَ جَعَلَ فِيها سِراجاً وَ قَمَراً مُنِيراً، وَ جَعَلَ لَنَا نُجُوماً قِبْلَةً نَهْتَدِي بِهَا إِلَى التَّوَجُّهِ إِلَيْهِ فِي ظُلُمَاتِ الْبَرِّ وَ الْبَحْرِ؛ اللَّهُمَّ! كَمَا هَدَيْتَنَا إِلَى التَّوَجُّهِ إِلَيْكَ وَ إِلَى قِبْلَتِكَ الْمَنْصُوبَةِ لِخَلْقِكَ، فَاهْدِنَا إِلَى نُجُومِكَ الَّتِي جَعَلْتَهَا أَمَاناً لِأَهْلِ الْأَرْضِ وَ لِأَهْلِ السَّمَاءِ حَتَّى نَتَوَجَّهَ بِهِمْ إِلَيْكَ، فَلَا يَتَوَجَّهُ الْمُتَوَجِّهُونَ إِلَيْكَ إِلَّا بِهِمْ، وَ لَا يَسْلُكُ الطَّرِيقَ إِلَيْكَ مَنْ سَلَكَ مِنْ غَيْرِهِمْ، وَ لَا لَزِمَ الْمَحَجَّةَ مَنْ لَمْ يَلْزَمْهُمْ، اسْتَمْسَكْتُ بِعُرْوَةِ اللَّهِ الْوُثْقَى، وَ اعْتَصَمْتُ بِحَبْلِ اللَّهِ الْمَتِينِ، وَ أَعُوذُ بِاللَّهِ مِنْ شَرِّ ما يَنْزِلُ مِنَ السَّماءِ*، وَ مِنْ شَرِّ ما يَعْرُجُ فِيها*، وَ مِنْ شَرِّ مَا ذَرَأَ فِي الْأَرْضِ، وَ مِنْ شَرِّ مَا خَرَجَ [مِنْهَا] وَ لَا حَوْلَ وَ لَا قُوَّةَ إِلَّا بِاللَّهِ؛ اللَّهُمَّ! رَبَّ السَّقْفِ الْمَرْفُوعِ، وَ الْبَحْرِ الْمَكْفُوفِ، وَ الْفُلْكِ الْمَسْجُورِ، وَ النُّجُومِ الْمُسَخَّرَاتِ، وَ رَبَّ هُودِ بْنِ آسِيَةَ صَلِّ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَ آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ، وَ عَافِنِي مِنْ كُلِّ حَيَّةٍ وَ عَقْرَبٍ، وَ مِنْ جَمِيعِ هَوَامِّ الْأَرْضِ وَ الْهَوَاءِ وَ السِّبَاعِ وَ مِمَّا فِي الْبَرِّ وَ الْبَحْرِ، وَ مِنْ أَهْلِ الْأَرْضِ وَ سُكَّانِ الْأَرْضِ وَ الْهَوَاءِ.
قَالَ: قُلْتُ: وَ مَا هُودُ بْنُ آسِيَةَ؟ قَالَ: كَوْكَبَةٌ فِي السَّمَاءِ خَفِيَّةٌ تَحْتَ الْوُسْطَى مِنَ الثَّلَاثِ الْكَوَاكِبِ الَّتِي فِي بَنَاتِ النَّعْشِ الْمُتَفَرِّقَاتِ، ذَلِكَ أَمَانٌ مِمَّا قُلْتُ.[4]
💫 Zayd narrates from Imam al-Sadiq (AS) that he said:
“When you look up at the sky, say:
‘Glory be to Him who has set constellations in the sky, and placed within it a lamp [the sun] and a shining moon; and who has placed stars for us as a qibla, by which we may find our way to Him through the darkness of land and sea.
O God! Just as You have guided us to turn towards You and towards Your qibla, which You have raised up for Your creation, guide us to Your stars, which You have made a source of safety for the people of the earth and the heavens, so that through them we may turn towards You.
Those who turn to You turn to You only through them; those who set out towards You travel only by way of them; and none remains steadfast on the straight path except one who holds fast to them.
I have held fast to God’s firm handle and clung to God’s strong rope.
I seek refuge in God from the evil of what descends from the sky, the evil of what ascends into it, the evil of what has been created on earth, and the evil of what emerges from it. There is no power or strength except through God.
O God, Lord of the raised canopy [the sky], the enclosed sea, the sailing ship, the stars made subservient, and Lord of Hud ibn Asiyah! Send blessings upon Muhammad and the family of Muhammad, and grant me well-being from every snake and scorpion, from all the insects of the earth and air and from the beasts of prey, from all that is on land and sea, and from the people of the earth and those who dwell on land and in the air.’”
The narrator said: I asked, “And what is Hud ibn Asiyah?”
He replied: “It is a star in the sky, hidden beneath the middle one of three stars in the scattered Banat al-Na‘sh. It is a safeguard from what I have mentioned.”
Illumination:
🔹 1. Supplication when looking at the sky
As the servant looks at the sky, he acknowledges the grandeur of God’s creation.
God created the constellations, the sun, the moon, and the stars.
The stars serve as a qibla, guiding the way through the darkness of land and sea.
🔹 2. Asking for guidance to the stars
The servant asks God to guide him to the stars, which are a source of safety for the people of the earth and the heavens.
For those who turn to God turn to Him only through them.
And those who set out towards God travel only by way of them.
This alludes to the role of the Ahl al-Bayt (AS) as stars of guidance.
🔹 3. Holding fast to God’s rope
“Istamsaktu bi-‘urwat Allāh al-wuthqā” — I have held fast to God’s firm handle.
“I‘tasamtu bi-habl Allāh al-matīn” — I have clung to God’s strong rope.
🔹 4. Seeking refuge from evils
From the evil of what descends from the sky.
From the evil of what rises into the heavens.
From the evil of what has been created on earth.
From the evil of what emerges from the earth.
🔹 5. Asking for well-being
One asks God for protection and well-being from snakes, scorpions, insects, beasts of prey and all harmful creatures.
🔹 6. Hud ibn Asiya
A hidden star in the sky, the middle one of the three stars of Banat al-Naʿsh.
This star offers protection from the evils mentioned.
💎 The jewel of the prayer:
Looking up at the sky is an opportunity to remember the majesty of God’s creation and give thanks.
The stars are signs of guidance and safety for those in the heavens and on earth.
By holding fast to God’s rope and seeking refuge from evils, the servant asks God for well-being and guidance.
This prayer emphasises the oneness of God, reliance upon Him, seeking refuge in Him, and asking for protection and well-being from all harmful creatures.
❇️Hold the Qur’an and the Ahl al-Bayt close to your heart
Hold the Qur’an in your embrace and the Ahl al-Bayt in your heart, and say: “My God, I have clung to Your rope of God and Your firm handhold!”
Make my bond with Your rope everlasting and eternal!
💫🔆 عَلِيِّ بْنِ الْحُسَيْنِ ع قَالَ: الْإِمَامُ مِنَّا لَا يَكُونُ إِلَّا مَعْصُوماً وَ لَيْسَتِ الْعِصْمَةُ فِي ظَاهِرِ الْخِلْقَةِ فَيُعْرَفَ بِهَا وَ لِذَلِكَ لَا يَكُونُ إِلَّا مَنْصُوصاً فَقِيلَ لَهُ يَا ابْنَ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ فَمَا مَعْنَى الْمَعْصُومِ فَقَالَ هُوَ الْمُعْتَصِمُ بِحَبْلِ اللَّهِ وَ حَبْلُ اللَّهِ هُوَ الْقُرْآنُ لَا يَفْتَرِقَانِ إِلَى يَوْمِ الْقِيَامَةِ وَ الْإِمَامُ يَهْدِي إِلَى الْقُرْآنِ وَ الْقُرْآنُ يَهْدِي إِلَى الْإِمَامِ وَ ذَلِكَ قَوْلُ اللَّهِ عَزَّ وَ جَلَ إِنَّ هذَا الْقُرْآنَ يَهْدِي لِلَّتِي هِيَ أَقْوَمُ[5]
💫 Ali ibn Husayn (AS) said:
“No Imam from among us is anything but infallible. Infallibility is not apparent in one’s outward form, so that one might recognise it by that. For this reason, an Imam is appointed only by a [divine] designation.”
He was asked: “O son of the Messenger of God, what does ‘infallible’ mean?”
He replied: “He is one who clings to the rope of God. The rope of God is the Qur’an. The two will never be separated until the Day of Resurrection. The Imam guides by the Qur’an, and the Qur’an guides to the Imam. This is the word of God عزّ و جلّ است: “إِنَّ هذَا الْقُرْآنَ يَهْدِي لِلَّتِي هِيَ أَقْوَمُ” (Al-Isra: 9): “Indeed, this Qur’an guides to what is most upright.”
❇️Deepen your understanding of the rope of God
💫🔆In the Tafsir of Ali ibn Ibrahim, concerning His words: وَ اعْتَصِمُوا بِحَبْلِ اللَّهِ جَمِيعاً He said: Tawhid and wilayah.[6]
💫 In the Tafsir of Ali ibn Ibrahim, regarding the words of God: “وَ اعْتَصِمُوا بِحَبْلِ اللَّهِ جَمِيعاًحَدِيثاً مُسْنَداً إِلَى أَبِي جَعْفَرٍ الْبَاقِرِ ع فِي قَوْلِهِ ضُرِبَتْ عَلَيْهِمُ الذِّلَّةُ أَيْنَ ما ثُقِفُوا إِلَّا بِحَبْلٍ مِنَ اللَّهِ وَ حَبْلٍ مِنَ النَّاسِ قَالَ حَبْلٌ مِنْ اللَّهِ كِتَابُ اللَّهِ وَ حَبْلٌ مِنَ النَّاسِ عَلِيُّ بْنُ أَبِي طَالِبٍ ”—he said: “[The rope of God means] tawhid and wilayah.”
💫🔆A.[7]
💫 A report with a chain of transmission from Imam Baqir (AS), concerning the words of God:
“ضُرِبَتْ عَلَيْهِمُ الذِّلَّةُ أَيْنَ ما ثُقِفُوا إِلَّا بِحَبْلٍ مِنَ اللَّهِ وَ حَبْلٍ مِنَ النَّاسِ” (Al Imran: 112)
—“Humiliation is imposed upon them wherever they are found, except through a rope from God and a rope from the people”—he said:
“A rope from God is the Book of God; and a rope from the people is Ali ibn Abi Talib (AS).”
❇️The feast of honour and obligation
Treat your own feast of honour and obligation as you would Eid al-Adha and Eid al-Ghadir.
Strengthen your beliefs!
💫🔆عَنْ أَبِي عَبْدِ اللَّهِ ع قَالَ: تَقُولُ فِي دُعَاءِ الْعِيدَيْنِ بَيْنَ كُلِّ تَكْبِيرَتَيْنِ- اللَّهُ رَبِّي أَبَداً وَ الْإِسْلَامُ دِينِي أَبَداً وَ مُحَمَّدٌ نَبِيِّي أَبَداً وَ الْقُرْآنُ كِتَابِي أَبَداً وَ الْكَعْبَةُ قِبْلَتِي أَبَداً وَ عَلِيٌّ وَلِيِّي أَبَداً وَ الْأَوْصِيَاءُ أَئِمَّتِي أَبَداً وَ تُسَمِّيهِمْ إِلَى آخِرِهِمْ وَ لَا أَحَدَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ.[8]
💫 It is narrated from Imam Sadiq (AS) that he said:
“In the prayer of the two Eids [Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha], between every two takbirs, say:
‘God is my Lord—always;
Islam is my religion—always;
Muhammad is my Prophet—always;
the Qur’an is my Book—always;
the Kaaba is my qibla—always;
Ali is my wali—always;
and the testamentary Imams are my Imams—always.’
Name them all, up to the last of them.
And [say:] ‘There is no god but God.’”
Illumination:
🔹 1. The prayer of the two Eids
This prayer is recited between every two takbirs of the Eid prayer.
The two Eids: Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.
🔹 2. The seven affirmations
| Affirmation | Meaning |
| Allah is my Lord forever | Allah is my Lord—always. |
| Islam is my religion—forever. | Islam is my religion—forever. |
| Muhammad is my Prophet—forever. | Muhammad is my Prophet—forever. |
| The Quran is my Book—forever. | The Quran is my Book—forever. |
| The Kaaba is my qibla—forever. | The Kaaba is my qibla—forever. |
| Ali is my guardian—forever. | Ali is my guardian—forever. |
| The designated successors are my Imams—forever. | The designated successors are my Imams—forever. |
🔹 3. Naming the Successors
«و تسمّیهم إلى آخرهم» – And name them, down to the last of them.
That is: Imam Ali (AS) and his eleven sons, through the Imam Mahdi (AJ).
🔹 4. Affirming Divine Unity
«و لا أحد إلا الله» – And there is no god but Allah.
This reaffirms God’s oneness and uniqueness.
🔹 5. The Message of the Supplication
Through these affirmations, the servant renews their faith in the principles of religion: divine unity, prophethood, resurrection, imamate, the Quran and the Kaaba.
They place the guardianship of Ali (AS) and the designated successors alongside divine unity and prophethood.
This shows the inseparable bond between divine unity and wilaya.
💎 The Jewel of the Supplication:
In the supplication for the two Eids, the servant renews their faith in the seven foundational principles of religion:
Divine unity (Allah is my Lord).
Islam (my religion).
Prophethood (Muhammad is my Prophet).
The Quran (my Book).
The qibla (the Kaaba).
Wilaya (Ali is my guardian).
Imamate (the designated successors are my Imams).
These affirmations are reinforced by the word «أبداً» (forever).
This supplication underscores the bond between divine unity, prophethood and wilaya, and the continuity of faith in every circumstance.
❇️Supplementary Affirmation
💫🔆وَ أَنَا مُؤْمِنٌ أَعْلَمُ أَنِّي أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَ أَنَّ مُحَمَّداً رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ص وَ أَنَّ اللَّهَ رَبِّي وَ مُحَمَّداً نَبِيِّي وَ الْإِسْلَامَ دِينِي وَ الْقُرْآنَ كِتَابِي وَ الْكَعْبَةَ قِبْلَتِي وَ عَلِيّاً إِمَامِي وَ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ إِخْوَانِي وَ أَنَّ الْمَوْتَ حَقٌّ وَ السُّؤَالَ حَقٌّ وَ الصِّرَاطَ حَقٌّ وَ الْجَنَّةَ حَقٌّ وَ النَّارَ حَقٌّ وَ أَنَّ السَّاعَةَ لا رَيْبَ فِيها وَ أَنَّ اللَّهَ يَبْعَثُ مَنْ فِي الْقُبُور[9]
💫 “I am a believer who knows and testifies that:
There is no god but Allah;
Muhammad (PBUH) is the Messenger of God;
God is my Lord;
Muhammad is my Prophet;
Islam is my religion;
The Quran is my Book;
The Kaaba is my qibla;
Ali is my Imam;
The believers are my brothers;
Death is real;
The questioning [in the grave] is real;
The Bridge is real;
Paradise is real;
The Fire is real;
The Hour will surely come, without any doubt;
And God will raise up all who are in the graves.”
Illumination:
🔹 1. The Seven Affirmations of Faith
| Affirmation | Meaning |
| There is no god but Allah | Divine unity—there is no god but Allah. |
| Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah | Prophethood—Muhammad is the Messenger of God. |
| Allah is my Lord | Allah is my Lord. |
| Muhammad is my Prophet | Muhammad is my Prophet. |
| Islam is my religion | Islam is my religion. |
| The Quran is my Book | The Quran is my Book. |
| The Kaaba is my qibla | The Kaaba is my qibla. |
| Ali is my Imam | Ali is my Imam. |
| The believers are my brothers | The believers are my brothers. |
🔹 2. The Six Affirmations of the Hereafter
| Affirmation | Meaning |
| Death is real | Death is real. |
| The questioning is real | The questioning [in the grave] is real. |
| The Bridge is real | The Bridge is real. |
| Paradise is real | Paradise is real. |
| النار حق | The Fire is true. |
| الساعة لا ریب فیها | The Hour is surely coming. |
| الله یبعث من فی القبور | God will raise those who are in the graves. |
🔹 3. The Message of the Declaration
Through this declaration, the servant renews their faith in the principles of religion: divine unity, prophethood, imamate, and resurrection.
They place the guardianship of Ali (AS) alongside divine unity and prophethood.
And they testify to the truth of death, the questioning in the grave, the Bridge, Paradise, the Fire, and the Day of Resurrection.
💎 The Declaration’s Central Message:
This declaration encompasses the Shi‘i principles of belief:
Divine unity (لا إله إلا الله).
Prophethood (محمد رسول الله).
Imamate (علی إمامی).
Resurrection (الموت حق، الساعة حق، الله یبعث من فی القبور).
It also affirms the bond of faith among believers (المؤمنین إخوانی).
This declaration emphasises renewing one’s faith and recommitting to the principles of religion.
❇️A Joyful Celebration of Coming of Age and Religious Responsibility
Welcome to the land of love and devotion!
Welcome to a new year and season of love and devotion to God!
Welcome to the company of the prophets and God’s chosen friends!
How fortunate you are to have joined the ranks of the good!
God Most High has found you worthy of growth and flight! He has given you wings to soar towards exalted horizons!
Keep your record of deeds pure and radiant; turn it into a masterpiece of devotion!
Adorn each day’s page with “My God, I love You”!
Offer your Lord a flower of good deeds and prayer each day!
Your record of deeds is filled through intention, faith, certainty, and action!
Keep the noble recording angels pleased and happy with you; make your companionship with them a joyful one!
❇️Coming of Age Is a Time for Knowledge and Wisdom to Flourish
✨🔆يوسف : 22 وَ لَمَّا بَلَغَ أَشُدَّهُ آتَيْناهُ حُكْماً وَ عِلْماً وَ كَذلِكَ نَجْزِي الْمُحْسِنينَ
🔆And when he had come of age and reached full strength, We gave him wisdom and knowledge. Thus do We reward those who do good.
❇️Know the Seasons of Your Life
Every season of life comes with its own transformation!
None can take the place of another; make the most of every season!
✨🔆الأحقاف : 15 وَ وَصَّيْنَا الْإِنْسانَ بِوالِدَيْهِ إِحْساناً حَمَلَتْهُ أُمُّهُ كُرْهاً وَ وَضَعَتْهُ كُرْهاً وَ حَمْلُهُ وَ فِصالُهُ ثَلاثُونَ شَهْراً حَتَّى إِذا بَلَغَ أَشُدَّهُ وَ بَلَغَ أَرْبَعينَ سَنَةً قالَ رَبِّ أَوْزِعْني أَنْ أَشْكُرَ نِعْمَتَكَ الَّتي أَنْعَمْتَ عَلَيَّ وَ عَلى والِدَيَّ وَ أَنْ أَعْمَلَ صالِحاً تَرْضاهُ وَ أَصْلِحْ لي في ذُرِّيَّتي إِنِّي تُبْتُ إِلَيْكَ وَ إِنِّي مِنَ الْمُسْلِمينَ
🔆We have enjoined upon man kindness to his parents. His mother bore him in hardship and gave birth to him in hardship; his bearing and weaning take thirty months. When he reaches full strength and comes of age at forty, he says, “My Lord, enable me to give thanks for the blessings You have bestowed upon me and my parents, and to do good works that please You. Make my children righteous as well. I turn back to You in repentance, and I am one of the Muslims!”
❇️Reflect on Your History and Geography
Consider how far you have come and where you are headed. This journey continues, moving ever forward, forever; no two stages are alike!
From a single cell, look how far you have come and how far you are going. Great things lie ahead!
Coming of age is the heart and crown of the edifice of human essence!
The coming of age of the earth, all the way to the coming of age of the heavens—
the beginning of maturity, and the bringing of the heavens to their full perfection.
✨🔆الحج : 5 يا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ إِنْ كُنْتُمْ في رَيْبٍ مِنَ الْبَعْثِ فَإِنَّا خَلَقْناكُمْ مِنْ تُرابٍ ثُمَّ مِنْ نُطْفَةٍ ثُمَّ مِنْ عَلَقَةٍ ثُمَّ مِنْ مُضْغَةٍ مُخَلَّقَةٍ وَ غَيْرِ مُخَلَّقَةٍ لِنُبَيِّنَ لَكُمْ وَ نُقِرُّ فِي الْأَرْحامِ ما نَشاءُ إِلى أَجَلٍ مُسَمًّى ثُمَّ نُخْرِجُكُمْ طِفْلاً ثُمَّ لِتَبْلُغُوا أَشُدَّكُمْ وَ مِنْكُمْ مَنْ يُتَوَفَّى وَ مِنْكُمْ مَنْ يُرَدُّ إِلى أَرْذَلِ الْعُمُرِ لِكَيْلا يَعْلَمَ مِنْ بَعْدِ عِلْمٍ شَيْئاً وَ تَرَى الْأَرْضَ هامِدَةً فَإِذا أَنْزَلْنا عَلَيْهَا الْماءَ اهْتَزَّتْ وَ رَبَتْ وَ أَنْبَتَتْ مِنْ كُلِّ زَوْجٍ بَهيجٍ
🔆People! If you are in doubt about the Resurrection, consider this: We created you from dust, then from a drop of fluid, then from a clinging clot, then from a lump of flesh, partly formed and partly unformed, so that We may make clear to you that We have power over all things. We cause the embryos We will to remain in the wombs for a fixed term; then We bring you forth as infants, so that you may grow and reach maturity. Some of you die along the way, while others live on to the most feeble stage of life, so that after having knowledge they know nothing. And you see the earth dry and lifeless; but when We send rain down upon it, it stirs and swells, and brings forth every kind of lovely plant.
❇️Dust that becomes ruler of the heavens
The age of religious responsibility is a turning point in every transformation and distinction!
✨🔆 Ghafir: 67 هُوَ الَّذي خَلَقَكُمْ مِنْ تُرابٍ ثُمَّ مِنْ نُطْفَةٍ ثُمَّ مِنْ عَلَقَةٍ ثُمَّ يُخْرِجُكُمْ طِفْلاً ثُمَّ لِتَبْلُغُوا أَشُدَّكُمْ ثُمَّ لِتَكُونُوا شُيُوخاً وَ مِنْكُمْ مَنْ يُتَوَفَّى مِنْ قَبْلُ وَ لِتَبْلُغُوا أَجَلاً مُسَمًّى وَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَعْقِلُونَ
🔆He is the One who created you from dust, then from a drop of fluid, then from a clinging clot. Then He brings you forth as infants; you grow until you reach the fullness of your strength, and then you grow old. Some of you die before reaching that stage, while others live until their appointed term, so that perhaps you may reflect.
☘️Human beings are continually passing through one experience of maturity after another!
❇️God has invited you to the Garden, His abode
💫🔆 Az-Zumar: 73 وَ سيقَ الَّذينَ اتَّقَوْا رَبَّهُمْ إِلَى الْجَنَّةِ زُمَراً حَتَّى إِذا جاؤُها وَ فُتِحَتْ أَبْوابُها وَ قالَ لَهُمْ خَزَنَتُها سَلامٌ عَلَيْكُمْ طِبْتُمْ فَادْخُلُوها خالِدينَ
🔆Those who were mindful of God will be led to Paradise in groups. When they reach it, its gates will be opened, and its keepers will say to them, “Peace be upon you! How blessed you are! Enter Paradise and remain there forever!”
☘️Religious responsibility is God’s invitation to the secluded garden of His divine Paradise!
☘️In His grace, Almighty God has bestowed a great favour upon us by accepting us as His servants. No greater honour can be granted to a servant of God!
❇️Every beginning begins with the Originator of existence
With God, in God’s name, in remembrance of God, and with God’s help, enter a new season of worship and servitude to God.
The beginning of this honour and responsibility is a golden carpet laid by God, leading to His good pleasure, to the highest Paradise, to absolute beauty, and to letting the verse of your existence shine in full!
✨🔆 Al-Isra: 80 وَ قُلْ رَبِّ أَدْخِلْني مُدْخَلَ صِدْقٍ وَ أَخْرِجْني مُخْرَجَ صِدْقٍ وَ اجْعَلْ لي مِنْ لَدُنْكَ سُلْطاناً نَصيراً
🔆And say: “My Lord, let me enter with truth and leave with truth, and grant me from Yourself a supporting authority.”
❇️Give thanks for the blessing of maturity
✨🔆 An-Naml: 19 فَتَبَسَّمَ ضاحِكاً مِنْ قَوْلِها وَ قالَ رَبِّ أَوْزِعْني أَنْ أَشْكُرَ نِعْمَتَكَ الَّتي أَنْعَمْتَ عَلَيَّ وَ عَلى والِدَيَّ وَ أَنْ أَعْمَلَ صالِحاً تَرْضاهُ وَ أَدْخِلْني بِرَحْمَتِكَ في عِبادِكَ الصَّالِحينَ
🔆Solomon smiled and laughed at her words, and said, “My Lord, inspire me to give thanks for the blessings You have bestowed upon me and my parents, and enable me to do good that pleases You; and by Your mercy, admit me among Your righteous servants!”
❇️Entrust yourself, your responsibilities, your worship and your servitude to God!
Entrust yourself and all your deeds completely to God!
Never be apart from Him or heedless of Him, for He remembers you; so remember Him!
My God, from this very beginning of a new season of servitude, I entrust myself, my deeds and my intentions to You!
My God, make me a seed, and cultivate me!
✨🔆 Ghafir: 44 فَسَتَذْكُرُونَ ما أَقُولُ لَكُمْ وَ أُفَوِّضُ أَمْري إِلَى اللَّهِ إِنَّ اللَّهَ بَصيرٌ بِالْعِبادِ
🔆Soon you will remember what I am telling you, when the punishment comes and in the Hereafter. I entrust my affair to God, for God watches over His servants.
❇️Put your free will into practice at the highest level of servitude to God
At this stage, “free will” takes on a special meaning. So make the best possible use of this divine system! Revive and elevate the finest order of your own formation!
Free will means sublime power, immense capacity: becoming adorned with the qualities of God!
Your coming of age is the moment you pass from practising to the struggle of servitude—and begin to create heroic deeds of devotion!
At this time, the vast realm of your being has been entrusted to you. Almighty God has entrusted you with the greater world to govern. What a tremendous medal you have earned, what a lofty title!
You are the sovereign—the vicegerent of God—charged with governing your own being!
So what new thing will you bring to your service of God?!
❇️A day of honour
With a vision of **honour**—esteem and exaltation—not merely **obligation**—responsibility and duty
❇️The Highest Honour
Today is your day of honour: God has honoured you by addressing you.
Obligation is no burden; it is a crown of honour.
Today marks the beginning of your own special “divine mission.”
The true festival is the day God calls you to the honour of serving Him.
❇️On Responsibility:
From today, your record of deeds is open. Write it with your own hand.
Each person is held accountable for their deeds. But one who loves God seeks every means of drawing closer to Him!
Today is the day for you to make great choices.
❇️On Worship:
Prayer is your special daily meeting with God. Make it the first thing you do, at the best time, when the first call comes—and do it with love!
Worship is your wing for flight; it is not a duty but an ascent.
Your first formal conversation with God begins in this new chapter of your life.
Prostration is the closest path to heaven.
Praying at the earliest time means making God your first priority.
Your standing as a servant of God has been elevated!
❇️On the Future:
Today is the beginning of a new life; make it beautiful.
You are the architect of your own life—design it with artistry!
From today, you are the architect of your own future.
Every good deed you do is an investment in your tomorrow.
A thousand-year journey begins with a single step. Take that first step firmly, and may it bring you blessing.
💎 On the Bond Between Obligation and Freedom:
“Obligation” means freedom from servitude to anyone but God. From today, be His servant alone.
Whoever embraces their duties is freed from enslavement to the self.
Obligation trains you to make the right choices.
God’s special attention to you has begun!
❇️On Your Relationship with God
Your special relationship with the One you worship has begun!
Maturity means experiencing a new sense of servitude to God and a new dimension in your relationship with Allah.
It means understanding that He has not forgotten you, and that you hold a special place with Him!
God loved you so much that He does not want you to be apart from Him for even a moment!
One who is duty-bound is closer to God. Rejoice!
❇️On Self-Knowledge:
One of your greatest duties is to know yourself.
If you know yourself, you have come to know God.
From today, be the best version of yourself.
From today, you are responsible for who you are.
❇️O God, set me on the path of serving You!
O God, accept me as a worthy servant of Yours! Grant me success in serving You. Put me to work!
وَ اهْدِنِي لِلَّتِي هِيَ أَقْوَمُ
“Guide me to the path that is most steadfast”
وَ اسْتَعْمِلْنِي بِمَا هُوَ أَسْلَمُ
“Put me to work in what is soundest”
اللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَ آلِهِ
“O God, bless Muhammad and his family”
وَ قِنِي مِنَ الْمَعَاصِي
“Protect me from sins”
وَ اسْتَعْمِلْنِي بِالطَّاعَةِ
“Put me to work in [Your] obedience”
وَ اسْتَعْمِلْنِي بِمَا تَسْأَلُنِي غَداً عَنْهُ
“Put me to work in what You will call me to account for tomorrow [on the Day of Resurrection]”
وَ اسْتَفْرِغْ أَيَّامِي فِيمَا خَلَقْتَنِي لَهُ
“Devote my days to what You created me for”
اللَّهُمَّ وَ أَنْطِقْنِي بِالْهُدَى
“O God, make my tongue speak with guidance”
وَ أَلْهِمْنِي التَّقْوَى
“Inspire me with God-consciousness”
وَ وَفِّقْنِي لِلَّتِي هِيَ أَزْكَى
“Grant me success in what is purer”
وَ اسْتَعْمِلْنِي بِمَا هُوَ أَرْضَى
“Put me to work in what is most pleasing”
اللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَ آلِهِ
“O God, bless Muhammad and his family”
وَ نَبِّهْنِي لِذِكْرِكَ فِي أَوْقَاتِ الْغَفْلَةِ
“Awaken me to remember You in times of heedlessness”
وَ اسْتَعْمِلْنِي بِطَاعَتِكَ فِي أَيَّامِ الْمُهْلَةِ
“Put me to work in Your obedience during the days of respite [in this world]”
وَ انْهَجْ لِي إِلَى مَحَبَّتِكَ سَبِيلًا سَهْلَةً
“Open for me an easy path to Your love”
أَكْمِلْ لِي بِهَا خَيْرَ الدُّنْيَا وَ الْآخِرَةِ
“And through it, perfect for me the good of this world and the next”
وَ اجْعَلْ قَلْبِي وَاثِقاً بِمَا عِنْدَكَ
“Make my heart secure in what is with You”
وَ هَمِّي مُسْتَفْرَغاً لِمَا هُوَ لَكَ
“Free my thoughts for what belongs to You”
وَ اسْتَعْمِلْنِي بِمَا تَسْتَعْمِلُ بِهِ خَالِصَتَكَ
“Put me to work in the way You put Your sincere servants to work”
وَ أَشْرِبْ قَلْبِي عِنْدَ ذُهُولِ الْعُقُولِ طَاعَتَكَ
“When minds are bewildered, pour obedience to You into my heart”
وَ اجْمَعْ لِيَ الْغِنَى وَ الْعَفَافَ وَ الدَّعَةَ وَ الْمُعَافَاةَ وَ الصِّحَّةَ وَ السَّعَةَ وَ الطُّمَأْنِينَةَ وَ الْعَافِيَةَ
“Bring together for me sufficiency, chastity, ease, health, well-being, abundance, peace and soundness”
اللَّهُمَّ اجْعَلْ رَغْبَتِي فِي مَسْأَلَتِي مِثْلَ رَغْبَةِ أَوْلِيَائِكَ فِي مَسَائِلِهِمْ
“O God, make my longing in supplication like the longing of Your friends in their supplications”
وَ رَهْبَتِي مِثْلَ رَهْبَةِ أَوْلِيَائِكَ
“And make my fear like the fear of Your friends”
وَ اسْتَعْمِلْنِي فِي مَرْضَاتِكَ عَمَلًا لَا أَتْرُكُ مَعَهُ شَيْئاً مِنْ دِينِكَ مَخَافَةَ أَحَدٍ مِنْ خَلْقِكَ
“Put me to work in a way that pleases You, so that I never abandon any part of Your religion out of fear of any of Your creatures.”
وَ عَبِّدْنِي لَكَ
“Make me Your servant.”
وَ لَا تُفْسِدْ عِبَادَتِي بِالْعُجْبِ
“Do not let self-conceit corrupt my worship.”
❇️The Official Beginning of the Contest in Servitude
“The obligation marks the official beginning of entering into the honor of servitude to God and the official beginning of one’s divine mission.”
The beginning of this rite is like receiving the proud star of servitude on one’s shoulder!
❇️A Natural Disposition Checkup at the Beginning of Initiation into Servitude
The responsibility of parents, mentors, and the young person being initiated is serious during this sensitive period!
Take account of the natural disposition, and keep it open to growth!
Put your natural disposition into high gear!
Be watchful and attentive to your natural disposition!
Give special attention to your natural disposition and its innate beliefs!
The Qur’an opens up the natural disposition! Let us benefit from the Qur’an!
Let us renew and strengthen our adherence to the Qur’an and the Ahl al-Bayt!
Let us hold a pledge of allegiance to God, His Messenger, and God’s appointed guardian!!
Let us present our beliefs to an expert and put them to the test!!
Make the supplication “عرفنی” … a lasting part of your life!
💫🔆اللَّهُمَّ عَرِّفْنِي نَفْسَكَ فَإِنَّكَ إِنْ لَمْ تُعَرِّفْنِي نَفْسَكَ لَمْ أَعْرِفْ نَبِيَّكَ اللَّهُمَّ عَرِّفْنِي رَسُولَكَ فَإِنَّكَ إِنْ لَمْ تُعَرِّفْنِي رَسُولَكَ لَمْ أَعْرِفْ حُجَّتَكَ اللَّهُمَّ عَرِّفْنِي حُجَّتَكَ فَإِنَّكَ إِنْ لَمْ تُعَرِّفْنِي حُجَّتَكَ ضَلَلْتُ عَنْ دِينِي
💫 “O God! Make Yourself known to me, for if You do not make Yourself known to me, I will not know Your Prophet.
O God! Make Your Messenger known to me, for if You do not make Your Messenger known to me, I will not know Your Proof.
O God! Make Your Proof known to me, for if You do not make Your Proof known to me, I will stray from my religion.”
Illumination:
🔹 1. The order of knowledge
This supplication sets out three fundamental stages of knowledge, in order:
| Stage | Object of knowledge | Consequence of not knowing |
| 1 | Knowledge of God | Not knowing the Prophet (PBUH) |
| 2 | Knowledge of the Prophet (PBUH) | Not knowing the Proof (Imam) |
| 3 | Knowledge of the Proof (Imam) | Straying from religion |
🔹 2. The unbreakable bond between the three kinds of knowledge
Knowledge of God is a prerequisite for knowing the Prophet.
Knowledge of the Prophet is a prerequisite for knowing the Imam.
Knowledge of the Imam is a prerequisite for deliverance from error.
🔹 3. “Proof”
In this supplication, “Proof” refers to the infallible Imam (AS)—God’s proof against His creation.
Without knowing the Imam, religion remains incomplete, and a person strays from the right path.
🔹 4. The message of the supplication
Acknowledging their need for divine guidance, the servant asks God to grant them three stages of knowledge:
Knowledge of God.
Knowledge of the Prophet.
Knowledge of the Imam.
They know that without these three, their religion is incomplete and their deliverance impossible.
💎 The jewel of the supplication:
Knowledge of God, the Prophet, and the Imam are three fundamental pillars of faith and guidance.
Knowing each one is a prelude to knowing the next.
Without knowing the Imam, religion remains incomplete and a person goes astray.
This supplication emphasizes the servant’s need for divine guidance at three foundational levels, and the unbreakable bond between monotheism, prophethood, and imamate.
So complete your moment-to-moment connections!
Make a special pledge of allegiance to Imam al-Zaman (AS).
Forge a special connection with Imam al-Zaman (AS)!
The Fifteen Munajat will strengthen you!
See yourself as taking part in the official contest!
Be determined to forge ahead!
A gentle program for learning the Principles and Branches of Religion!
❇️The Special “Amin” Program
Recite, and have your parents say “Amin”!
Have your parents recite, and you say “Amin”!
❇️Keep lighting yourself up with the Qur’an and the Ahl al-Bayt
💫🔆سِرَاجُ الْمُؤْمِنِ مَعْرِفَةُ حَقِّنَا وَ أَشَدُّ الْعَمَى مَنْ عَمِىَ فَضْلَنَا وَ نَاصَبَنَا الْعَدَاوَةَ بِلَا ذَنْبٍ إِلَّا أَنَّا [أَنْ] دَعَوْنَاهُ إِلَى الْحَقِّ وَ دَعَاهُ غَيْرُنَا إِلَى الْفِتْنَةِ فَآثَرَهَا عَلَيْنَا لَنَا رَايَةُ الْحَقِّ مَنِ اسْتَضَاءَ [اسْتَظَلَ] بِهَا كَنَّتْهُ وَ مَنْ سَبَقَ إِلَيْهَا فَازَ بِعِلْمِهِ أَنْتُمْ عُمَّارُ الْأَرْضِ [الَّذِينَ] اسْتَخْلَفَكُمُ اللَّهُ فِيهَا لِيَنْظُرَ كَيْفَ تَعْمَلُونَ فَرَاقِبُوا اللَّهَ فِيمَا يَرَى مِنْكُمْ وَ عَلَيْكُمْ بِالْمَحَجَّةِ الْعُظْمَى فَاسْلُكُوهَا سابِقُوا إِلى مَغْفِرَةٍ مِنْ رَبِّكُمْ وَ رَحْمَةٍ وَ جَنَّةٍ عَرْضُهَا السَّماواتُ وَ الْأَرْضُ أُعِدَّتْ لِلْمُتَّقِين[10]
💫 “The believer’s lamp is knowing our rightful claim. The most grievous blindness is that of one who fails to see our virtue and turns against us—even though we have committed no sin—simply because we called him to the truth, while another called him to temptation, and he chose temptation over us.
The banner of truth is ours. Whoever seeks its light finds refuge; whoever hastens toward it is saved through its knowledge.
You are the ones who cultivate the earth. God has made you His successors upon it, to see how you act. So be mindful of God in all that He sees you do.
You must follow the great, clear path; so walk upon it.
Vie with one another in seeking forgiveness from your Lord, and mercy, and a Garden as vast as the heavens and the earth, prepared for the Godfearing.”
Illumination:
🔹 1. The believer’s lamp
«سراجُ المؤمن معرفةُ حقّنا» — “The believer’s lamp is knowing the rightful claim of the Ahl al-Bayt (AS).”
This knowledge is the path of guidance and the light of the believer’s life.
🔹 2. The most grievous blindness
«أشدُّ العمی من عمیَ فضلَنا» — “The most grievous blindness is that of one who fails to see the virtue of the Ahl al-Bayt (AS).”
This is blindness of the heart, not of the eyes.
Such a person turns against the Ahl al-Bayt (AS), even though they have committed no sin—simply because the Ahl al-Bayt (AS) called him to the truth, while another called him to temptation, and he chose temptation.
🔹 3. The banner of truth
«لنا رایةُ الحق» — “The banner of truth belongs to us.”
Whoever seeks its light finds refuge.
Whoever hastens toward it is saved through its knowledge.
🔹 4. The duty of those who cultivate the earth
«أنتم عُمّارُ الأرض» — “You are the ones who cultivate the earth.”
God has made you His successors upon the earth, to see how you act.
So be mindful of God in all that He sees you do.
🔹 5. The great path
«علیکم بالمحجة العظمی فاسلکوها» — “You must follow the great, clear path; so walk upon it.”
This is the path of truth and guidance.
🔹 6. Vie with one another in seeking forgiveness
«سابِقوا إلی مغفرةٍ من ربّکم و رحمةٍ و جنّةٍ عرضُها السماواتُ و الأرضُ أُعِدَّت للمتّقین» (al-Hadid: 21)
— “Vie with one another in seeking forgiveness from your Lord, and mercy, and a Garden as vast as the heavens and the earth, prepared for the Godfearing.”
💎 A jewel:
Knowing the rightful claim of the Ahl al-Bayt (AS) is the believer’s lamp and the path of guidance.
Blindness of the heart is more grievous than blindness of the eyes.
The banner of truth belongs to the Ahl al-Bayt (AS), and whoever seeks refuge beneath it is saved.
You are God’s successors upon the earth, and you must be mindful of God in all that you do.
The great, clear path is the path of truth; so walk upon it.
And vie with one another in seeking divine forgiveness, mercy and Paradise.
This narration stresses the need to know and follow the Ahl al-Bayt (AS), as well as to be mindful of God and to hasten to good deeds.
❇️The practice of worship
Practising acts of worship before reaching maturity is a sign of a person’s sense of responsibility.
❇️Be content with nothing less than the light of the Face of God!
✨ The light of devotion guides the way
In the fifth supplication of al-Sahifa, Imam Zayn al-Abidin (AS) sees the root of all guidance in “the light of the divine Face” and asks God:
«إِنَّمَا یَهْتَدِی الْمُهْتَدُونَ بِنُورِ وَجْهِکَ، فَصَلِّ عَلَی مُحَمَّدٍ وَ آلِهِ وَ اهْدِنَا»
“Those who are guided have been guided only by the light of Your Face; so bless Muhammad and his Household, and guide us.”
Devotion means placing oneself within reach of “the light of God’s Face.” Whoever sets out on the path of devotion is, in truth, guided away from darkness and bewilderment toward light and illumination.
Nurture yourself in the divine light!
A seed becomes a divine flower in the presence of divine light!
❇️Religious duty and honour mean being clothed in the garment of the light of devotion
📜 Faith is the luminous garment of devotion.
💫🔆 إِلَهِي تَصَاغَرَ عِنْدَ تَعَاظُمِ آلَائِكَ شُكْرِي وَ تَضَاءَلَ فِي جَنْبِ إِكْرَامِكَ إِيَّايَ ثَنَائِي وَ نَشْرِي جَلَّلَتْنِي نِعَمُكَ مِنْ أَنْوَارِ الْإِيمَانِ حُلَلًا وَ ضَرَبَتْ عَلَيَّ لَطَائِفُ بِرِّكَ مِنَ الْعِزِّ كِلَلًا وَ قَلَّدَتْنِي مِنَنُكَ قَلَائِدَ لَا تُحَلُّ وَ طَوَّقَتْنِي أَطْوَاقاً لَا تُفَلُّ فَآلَاؤُكَ جَمَّةٌ ضَعُفَ لِسَانِي عَنْ إِحْصَائِهَا وَ نَعْمَاؤُكَ كَثِيرَةٌ قَصُرَ فَهْمِي عَنْ إِدْرَاكِهَا فَضْلًا عَنِ اسْتِقْصَائِهَا[11]
💫 “My God! In the face of the greatness of Your blessings, my gratitude has grown small; and beside the honour You have bestowed upon me, my praise and glorification are meagre.
Your blessings have clothed me in garments woven from the lights of faith;
the subtle kindnesses of Your goodness have crowned me with dignity;
Your favours have hung around my neck necklaces that cannot be undone;
and placed on me collars that cannot be broken.
Your gifts, then, are abundant, and my tongue is incapable of counting them;
Your blessings are many, and my understanding falls short of grasping them—let alone counting them all.”
Illumination:
🔹 1. Gratitude is small beside the greatness of blessings
“My thanksgiving shrinks before the greatness of Your bounties.”
“My praise and proclamation dwindle beside Your honoring of me.”
🔹 2. Divine bounties as garments, crowns and necklaces
| Expression | Meaning |
| “You clothed me with Your bounties in garments of the lights of faith” | Your bounties clothed me in garments of the lights of faith. |
| “You placed upon me crowns of برّك من العزّ كللاً” | The subtleties of Your goodness placed crowns of honor upon me. |
| “You hung upon me necklaces of Your favors that are never unfastened” | Your favors hung necklaces upon me that are never untied. |
| “طوّقتني أطواقاً لا تفلّ” | Collars were placed around my neck that are never broken. |
🔹 3. The inability of tongue and understanding to count the bounties
“Your gifts are abundant, and my tongue is too weak to count them” – Your gifts are abundant, and my tongue is unable to count them.
“Your bounties are many, and my understanding falls short of grasping them, let alone enumerating them” – Your bounties are many, and my understanding is too short to grasp them – let alone to count them all.
🔹 4. The message of the supplication
The servant, by confessing the smallness of his thanksgiving before the greatness of God’s bounties, acknowledges the inability of his tongue and understanding to count them.
This supplication is a symbol of complete humility and acknowledgment of God’s boundless grace.
And it shows that the servant, however hard he tries, cannot render the due thanks for God’s bounties.
💎 The pearl:
God’s bounties are so great and abundant that human tongue and understanding are incapable of counting and comprehending them.
The servant’s thanksgiving is insignificant and small before the greatness of the bounties.
This supplication emphasizes humility, acknowledgment of divine grace, and human inability to render the due thanks.
And it shows that the servant must always acknowledge God’s bounties and seek help from God for the success of giving more thanks.
“O God! Even this faith I have in You is one of Your bounties. This faith is like a luminous and beautiful garment that I wear.”
Yes! Servanthood is not merely a set of acts; it is a luminous identity that a person puts on, bringing beauty and dignity.
❇️The light of servanthood at the time of prayer
In the forty-fourth supplication (the supplication for entering the month of Ramadan), Imam Sajjad (AS) asks God to “make us aware of the appointed times of prayer.” It has been explained that this awareness means preparing for meeting with God:
“He has appointed the best times within the twenty-four hours of the day and night for the prayers. The best times and the choicest moments in the days and nights we pass are these very hours appointed for prayer. Therefore, making use of these opportunities advances a person in drawing near to God.”
Prayer is the luminous point of connection between man and God. Every prayer offered at its earliest time is a recharging with divine light.
❇️The light of servanthood, liberation from darknesses
Imam Sajjad (AS) in the Supplication of Noble Morals sees piety and servanthood in social dimensions as well. He regards the “adornment of the pious” as consisting in matters such as “spreading justice,” “swallowing anger,” and “quenching the fire of discord.” These show that the luminosity of servanthood is not only in solitude and prayer; it manifests also in dealings with people and in social conduct. One whose servanthood is luminous radiates light in society as well.
💎 The gem of guidance
| The manifestation of the luminosity of servanthood | Passage/Source |
| Guidance from darkness to light | Supplication 5: “إِنَّمَا یَهْتَدِی الْمُهْتَدُونَ بِنُورِ وَجْهِکَ” |
| The reality of light = obedience and servanthood | “What is meant by light is obedience and servanthood to God” |
| Faith, a luminous garment | “جَلَّلْتَنِی نِعَمُکَ مِنْ أَنْوَارِ الْإِیمَانِ” |
| Light at the time of prayer | Awareness of the appointed times of prayer = preparing for meeting with God |
| Light in justice and good character | “Spreading justice, swallowing anger, quenching the fire of discord” |
Servanthood is light. Every step one takes on this path makes one’s being brighter and one’s life more beautiful.
Every step of servanthood is a storm of beauty!
Worship is a journey through the paradise of servanthood!
❇️The multivitamin of duty and honor
The Sahifa Sajjadiyya is a multivitamin of divine servanthood.
From the very outset of our duty and honor, let us equip ourselves with the Sahifa Sajjadiyya!
It is as though we become universities and schools, hospitals and pharmacies, and exalted paradises!
❇️Making the Celebration of Honour, Grace and Illumination Sweeter
The celebration of worship is a rebirth in this world, the beginning of a new season of life, the beginning of nurturing and bringing forth the essence of one’s being,
sowing the seeds of Paradise and divine pleasure in the soul!
Supplication 20 of al-Ṣaḥīfa al-Sajjādiyya is a garden of noble virtues, a beautiful field of service to God! It is an exalted guide to serving God!
Never leave this great workshop of divine service, even for a moment!
🌟 Supplication 20 (Noble Virtues): Asking for the Best as the Journey Begins
Supplication 20: A Garden of Noble Virtues
A model supplication
A sublime vision of service to God
A comprehensive programme for moral and spiritual growth, especially well suited to the beginning of the age of religious responsibility.
From coming of age in religious responsibility to maturity in faith, certainty and servitude
The spiritual journey along the path to God: becoming “the servant of God,” becoming His “servant”!
Becoming a woman devoted to God, or a man devoted to God!
❇️Beginning Religious Responsibility and Honour with Supplication 20
Cultivate a taste for servitude through the special supplications of al-Ṣaḥīfa al-Sajjādiyya!
Savour the sweetness of maturity through beautiful supplications!
💫🔆 “اللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَی مُحَمَّدٍ وَ آلِهِ، وَ بَلِّغْ بِإِیمَانِی أَکمَلَ الْإِیمَانِ”:
O God, bless Muhammad and his family, and bring my faith to the most perfect of faiths.
From the very outset of religious responsibility, let the gaze be fixed on the summit!
Look towards the highest degrees and stations of service to God!
💫🔆“وَ اجْعَلْ یقِینِی أَفْضَلَ الْیقِینِ”:
And make my certainty the highest of certainties.
💫🔆“وَ انْتَهِ بِنِیتِی إِلَی أَحْسَنِ النِّیاتِ”:
And bring my intention to the finest of intentions.
From the very beginning, one must resolve firmly to serve God!
At the age of religious responsibility, setting the right intention for all one’s actions—from worship to studying—is fundamental.
💫🔆“وَ بِعَمَلِی إِلَی أَحْسَنِ الْأَعْمَالِ”: And bring my deeds to the finest of deeds.
Bring one’s whole being—faith, certainty, intentions and actions—to perfection: radiant, pure and brilliant as a diamond!
Aspire to the highest degrees of beauty!
Life must be better than death!
“وَ اسْتَعْمِلْنِی بِمَا تَسْأَلُنِی غَداً عَنْهُ”: O God, employ me in the affairs for which You will call me to account on the Day of Resurrection.
“وَ اسْتَفْرِغْ أَیَّامِی فِیمَا خَلَقْتَنِی لَهُ”: And let me spend the days of my life in pursuit of what You created me for.
A Garden of Eloquence and Humanity
Supplication 20 is a complete map of the perfected human being.
A map drawn by Imam Zayn al-‘Abidin, peace be upon him, spanning the full breadth of a mature human life!
The sapling of faith must reach maturity, come into its fullness and become a tree of faith!
With all its branches reaching up to the highest heaven!
And fruit that tastes of the highest heaven and the realm of holiness.
The greater world of the human being, fully mature in the truest sense.
❇️Supplication 44 (Welcoming the Month of Ramadan):
The springtime of the Qur’an
The springtime of honour and religious responsibility
Seize the springtime of life while it lasts!
How quickly adolescence and youth pass! Make the most of them!
The early years of maturity are the springtime—and the Night of Decree—of a person’s life. Do not let them slip away for nothing!
One should begin fasting inwardly from the very onset of maturity, becoming constant in fasting and prayer!
Joining religious responsibility with radiance and purity!
Although Supplication 44 is for welcoming the month of Ramadan, its themes of “purifying oneself of defilement” and “freedom from sins” closely resemble the idea of “religious responsibility”—that is, taking responsibility before oneself and God.
💫🔆“وَ أَعِنَّا عَلَی صِیَامِهِ بِکَفِّ الْجَوَارِحِ عَن مَعَاصِیه”:
O God, help us to fast during this month by restraining our limbs and organs from sin. This passage shows that “religious responsibility” means not only performing acts of worship, but also keeping the eyes, tongue and hands from sin.
❇️Entering God’s Service!
💫🔆“وَ اسْتِعْمَالِهَا فِیهِ بِمَا یُرْضِیکَ”:
And let us employ our limbs and organs in what pleases You. This means that from the very beginning, the aim of religious responsibility should be to please God, not merely to carry out a dry, empty duty.
💫🔆“وَ أَنْ نَتَقَرَّبَ إِلَیْکَ فِیهِ مِنَ الْأَعْمَالِ الزَّاکِیَةِ بِمَا تُطَهِّرُنَا عَنِ الذُّنُوبِ وَ تَعْصِمُنَا فِیهِ مِمَّا نَسْتَأْنِفُ مِنَ الْعُیُوبِ”:
And we ask You to let us draw near to You through pure deeds, so that You may cleanse us of our sins and protect us in the future from any evil deeds we might commit. This passage asks God both to cleanse us of the past and to keep us safe in the future.
🤲 Supplication 7 (In Times of Distress and Despair)
Seeking refuge in difficult moments
From the very beginning, one must untie knots, overcome difficulties and remove obstacles! Unravel the tangles within!
“يا مَنْ تُحَلُّ بِهِ عُقَدُ الْمَکارِهِ”:
O You through whom alone the knots of adversity are undone.
God is the First and the Last, the Manifest and the Hidden!
This passage teaches adolescents that when faced with difficulties and sins, they should turn to God’s infinite power rather than despair.
This is the “celebration of honour” and the “beginning of conscious servitude”—
not merely a heavy burden, but a mark of dignity, nobility, grace and distinction!
❇️The Birth of Spirituality!
The onset of maturity awakens the special senses of servitude, spirituality and the heavenly realm!
How many inner senses will grow, emerge and come into their own!
The inner senses arise; bringing them to fruition is what matters!
A young person who has just reached the age of religious responsibility should chart a beautiful spiritual path.
🤲 Parents’ Prayer for Their Children (Prayer 25)
This prayer is for parents to recite for their children. At a coming-of-age celebration, parents can read these passages for their child, asking God to grant them goodness and guidance. The prayer emphasises nurturing every aspect of a child’s life—their body, faith and character:
Believing men and women may also recite this prayer on behalf of parents, or with the intention of being spiritual parents!
“وَ أَصِحَّ لِی أَبْدَانَهُمْ وَ أَدْیانَهُمْ وَ أَخْلَاقَهُمْ”: O God, keep my children’s bodies, faith and character sound.
“وَ اجْعَلْهُمْ أَبْرَاراً أَتْقِیاءَ بُصَرَاءَ سَامِعِینَ مُطِیعِینَ لَک”: Make them righteous, God-fearing, perceptive, attentive and obedient to You.
“وَ أَعِنِّی عَلَی تَرْبِیتِهِمْ وَ تَأْدِیبِهِمْ، وَ بِرِّهِمْ”: Help me to raise and discipline them, and to treat them with kindness.
💡 A Tip for the Coming-of-Age Celebration
At the celebration, invite the young person who has just reached religious maturity to say “Amen” after each passage of the prayer!
For example, recite Duʿāʾ Makārim al-Akhlāq (Prayer 20) or Prayer 25 together, and ask the young person to say “Amen” at the end of each passage, so they can share in the prayer’s spiritual atmosphere.
📖 Al-Sahifa al-Sajjadiyya: Your Spiritual Multivitamin
Al-Sahifa al-Sajjadiyya is a multivitamin for your devotion.
Equip yourself with the Sahifa from the very beginning.
Prayer 20 is a garden of noble qualities.
Let the Sahifa’s prayers awaken your love of devotion.
Mark the beginning of adulthood with beautiful prayers.
The Sahifa is your book for life.
Prayer 20 offers a sublime vision of devotion.
With the Sahifa, you can taste the sweetness of devotion.
Prayer is your language with God.
The Sahifa is your guide.
🎉 Your Celebration Is a Celebration of Being Addressed
The celebration of religious maturity is a celebration of being addressed.
The celebration of worship is the celebration of your rebirth.
The coming-of-age celebration honours your dignity, distinction and spiritual growth.
Happy birthday to your spiritual life!
This is the beginning of your conscious devotion.
This stage is one of dignity and honour.
The seeds of Paradise are sown in your soul.
What new things will you bring to your devotion?
Today is your day.
Happy festival of devotion!
✨ Short Sayings
Today is your day.
God has called you.
From today on, walk with God.
Religious responsibility is the crown of devotion.
Happy festival of devotion!
Take your first step with confidence.
Responsibility is an honour.
Devotion is true freedom.
Today, I became one whom God addresses.
Religious responsibility is the crown of my honour.
A celebration of distinction; a celebration of being addressed.
Coming of age means growing up.
God loved you so much that He called you.
From today on, be His servant alone.
Every step in devotion brings a storm of beauty.
You are a star.
Be the best version of yourself.
A fresh start, a new you.
Be a friend to God.
Let your devotion shine.
🤲 Short Prayers for Young People
O God, help me.
O God, perfect my faith.
O God, purify my intentions.
O God, make my deeds their best.
O God, keep me away from sin.
O God, draw me closer to You.
O God, make my days for You.
O God, help me on this path.
O God, make me Your servant.
O God, bless this beginning.
O God, do not leave me alone.
Amen.
💫 A Sentence for Every Occasion
“From today on, I am one whom God addresses; I wear this crown with love.”
🌟 Closing Words
“Dear young person!”
Today is your day of distinction.
Today is the day God called you.
Today is the day the crown of honour was placed upon your head.
Do not see this as a burden or a hardship. See it as a “crown of honour.”
From today on, you are someone God addresses in a special way.
From today on, the record of your deeds is open.
From today on, you are the architect of your own future.
From today on, be the best version of yourself.
Know this:
God sees you.
God loves you.
God helps you.
So:
Be strong.
Shine brightly.
Be the best version of yourself.
May your celebration of distinction be blessed!
Amen, Lord of the worlds.
“Today, I became one whom God addresses.”
“Religious responsibility is the crown of my honour.”
“From today on, my relationship with God is special.”
Appendix 1
❇️The Importance of Holding Fast
💫🔆عَنِ ابْنِ عَبَّاسٍ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ قَالَ: كُنْتُ عِنْدَ النَّبِيِّ ص فَأَقْبَلَ أَعْرَابِيٌّ فَقَالَ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ [مَا قَوْلُ اللَّهِ] فِي كِتَابِهِ وَ اعْتَصِمُوا بِحَبْلِ اللَّهِ جَمِيعاً وَ لا تَفَرَّقُوا فَمَا حَبَلُ اللَّهِ فَقَالَ النَّبِيُّ يَا أَعْرَابِيُّ أَنَا نَبِيُّهُ وَ عَلِيُّ [بْنُ أَبِي طَالِبٍ] حَبْلُهُ فَخَرَجَ الْأَعْرَابِيُّ وَ هُوَ يَقُولُ آمَنْتُ بِاللَّهِ وَ بِرَسُولِهِ وَ اعْتَصَمْتُ بِحَبْلِهِ.[12]
💫 It is narrated from Ibn ʿAbbās (may God be pleased with him) that he said: “I was with the Prophet (PBUH) when a Bedouin came and said, ‘O Messenger of God! What does God mean by His words in His Book: “وَ اعْتَصِمُوا بِحَبْلِ اللَّهِ جَمِيعاً وَ لا تَفَرَّقُوا” (Āl ʿImrān, 3:103)—“Hold fast, all together, to the rope of God, and do not be divided”? So what is the rope of God?’
The Prophet (PBUH) said, ‘O Bedouin! I am His Prophet, and ʿAlī ibn Abī Ṭālib is His rope.’
The Bedouin left, saying, ‘I believe in God and His Messenger, and I hold fast to His rope.’”
💫🔆 قَالَ عَلِيُّ بْنُ الْحُسَيْنِ ع كَانَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ص ذَاتَ يَوْمٍ جَالِساً وَ مَعَهُ أَصْحَابُهُ فِي الْمَسْجِدِ فَقَالَ يَطْلُعُ عَلَيْكُمْ مِنْ هَذَا الْبَابِ رَجُلٌ مِنْ أَهْلِ الْجَنَّةِ يَسْأَلُ عَمَّا يَعْنِيهِ فَطَلَعَ رَجُلٌ طُوَالٌ يُشْبِهُ بِرِجَالِ مُضَرَ فَتَقَدَّمَ فَسَلَّمَ عَلَى رَسُولِ اللَّهِ ص وَ جَلَسَ فَقَالَ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ إِنِّي سَمِعْتُ اللَّهَ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ يَقُولُ فِيمَا أَنْزَلَ- وَ اعْتَصِمُوا بِحَبْلِ اللَّهِ جَمِيعاً وَ لا تَفَرَّقُوا فَمَا هَذَا الْحَبْلُ الَّذِي أَمَرَنَا اللَّهُ بِالاعْتِصَامِ بِهِ وَ أَلَّا نَتَفَرَّقَ عَنْهُ فَأَطْرَقَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ص مَلِيّاً ثُمَّ رَفَعَ رَأْسَهُ وَ أَشَارَ بِيَدِهِ إِلَى عَلِيِّ بْنِ أَبِي طَالِبٍ ع وَ قَالَ هَذَا حَبْلُ اللَّهِ الَّذِي مَنْ تَمَسَّكَ بِهِ عُصِمَ بِهِ فِي دُنْيَاهُ وَ لَمْ يَضِلَّ بِهِ فِي آخِرَتِهِ فَوَثَبَ الرَّجُلُ إِلَى عَلِيٍّ ع فَاحْتَضَنَهُ مِنْ وَرَاءِ ظَهْرِهِ وَ هُوَ يَقُولُ اعْتَصَمْتُ بِحَبْلِ اللَّهِ وَ حَبْلِ رَسُولِهِ ثُمَّ قَامَ فَوَلَّى وَ خَرَجَ فَقَامَ رَجُلٌ مِنَ النَّاسِ فَقَالَ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ أَلْحَقُهُ فَأَسْأَلُهُ أَنْ يَسْتَغْفِرَ لِي فَقَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ إِذاً تَجِدُهُ مُوَفَّقاً فَقَالَ فَلَحِقَهُ الرَّجُلُ فَسَأَلَهُ أَنْ يَسْتَغْفِرَ اللَّهَ لَهُ فَقَالَ لَهُ أَ فَهِمْتَ مَا قَالَ لِي رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ص وَ مَا قُلْتُ لَهُ قَالَ نَعَمْ قَالَ فَإِنْ كُنْتَ مُتَمَسِّكاً بِذَلِكَ الْحَبْلِ يَغْفِرُ اللَّهُ لَكَ وَ إِلَّا فَلَا يَغْفِرُ اللَّهُ لَك[13]
💫 ʿAlī ibn Ḥusayn (Imam Sajjād (AS)) said: “One day, the Messenger of God (PBUH) was sitting in the mosque with his Companions. He said, ‘A man from the people of Paradise will enter through this door and ask about what matters to him.’
A tall man, resembling the men of Muḍar, entered. He came forward, greeted the Messenger of God (PBUH), sat down, and said:
‘O Messenger of God! I have heard that God, Mighty and Majestic, says in what He has revealed: “وَ اعْتَصِمُوا بِحَبْلِ اللَّهِ جَمِيعاً وَ لا تَفَرَّقُوا”—so what is this rope that God has commanded us to hold fast to and not be divided from?’
The Messenger of God (PBUH) bowed his head for a while, then raised it, pointed with his hand to ʿAlī ibn Abī Ṭālib (AS), and said:
‘This is the rope of God. Whoever holds fast to it will be safeguarded in this world and will not go astray in the Hereafter.’
The man rose, went to ʿAlī (AS), embraced him from behind, and said, ‘I hold fast to the rope of God and the rope of His Messenger.’
Then he stood up, went away, and left.
A man among the people stood up and said, ‘O Messenger of God! Shall I go after him and ask him to pray for God’s forgiveness for me?’
The Messenger of God (PBUH) said, ‘If you do, you will find him to be one who has been granted success.’
The man went after him and asked him to seek God’s forgiveness for him.
That man (ʿAlī (AS)) said to him, ‘Did you understand what the Messenger of God (PBUH) said to me, and what I said to him?’
He said, ‘Yes.’
He said, ‘Then if you have held fast to that rope, God will forgive you; otherwise, God will not forgive you.’”
Illumination:
🔹 1. The Rope of God (Ḥabl Allāh)
| Narration | Interpretation of the Rope of God |
| The Prophet (PBUH) to the Bedouin | ʿAlī ibn Abī Ṭālib (AS) |
| Imam Sajjād (AS) | ʿAlī (AS)—the means of salvation in this world and the Hereafter. |
| Imam Sajjād (AS) – the meaning of infallibility | The Qur’an—which is inseparable from the Imam. |
| Tafsīr of ʿAlī ibn Ibrāhīm | Divine Oneness and wilayah. |
| Imam Bāqir (AS) – Āl ʿImrān, verse 112 | The Rope of God = God’s Book; the rope of the people = ʿAlī (AS). |
🔹 2. The Bond Between the Qur’an and the Imam
Imam Sajjād (AS): The Qur’an and the Imam will never be separated from one another until the Day of Resurrection.
The Imam guides to the Qur’an, and the Qur’an guides to the Imam.
This is the very meaning of the Hadith of the Two Weighty Things.
🔹 3. Holding Fast to the Rope of God
Whoever clings to the Rope of Allah (Ali (AS) and the Quran) will be kept safe in this world and will not go astray in the Hereafter.
And whoever does not cling to it will not be forgiven.
🔹 4. The Meaning of the Infallible
An infallible person is one who clings to the Rope of Allah (the Quran).
Infallibility lies not in one’s outward constitution, but in clinging to the Quran and the Imam.
For this reason, an Imam can be appointed only by divine decree.
🔹 5. The Rope of Allah: A Union of Divine Unity and Guardianship
According to the commentary of Ali ibn Ibrahim, the Rope of Allah is divine unity and guardianship.
That is, clinging to Allah’s rope means both affirming His oneness and accepting the guardianship of the Ahl al-Bayt (AS).
💎 In a nutshell:
The Rope of Allah is Ali (AS) and the Quran.
Clinging to it brings salvation in this world and the Hereafter.
The Quran and the Imam are inseparable, and each guides to the other.
An infallible person is one who clings to the Rope of Allah.
The Rope of Allah unites divine unity and guardianship.
These traditions emphasise the need to hold fast to the Quran and the Ahl al-Bayt (AS), and the unbreakable bond between them.
Appendix 2
Put me to work—hire me!
💫🔆وَ اهْدِنِي لِلَّتِي هِيَ أَقْوَمُ، وَ اسْتَعْمِلْنِي بِمَا هُوَ أَسْلَمُ.14
💫🔆اللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَ آلِهِ، وَ قِنِي مِنَ الْمَعَاصِي، وَ اسْتَعْمِلْنِي بِالطَّاعَة16
💫🔆وَ اسْتَعْمِلْنِي بِمَا تَسْأَلُنِي غَداً عَنْهُ، وَ اسْتَفْرِغْ أَيَّامِي فِيمَا خَلَقْتَنِي لَهُ,20
💫🔆اللَّهُمَّ وَ أَنْطِقْنِي بِالْهُدَى، وَ أَلْهِمْنِي التَّقْوَى، وَ وَفِّقْنِي لِلَّتِي هِيَ أَزْكَى، وَ اسْتَعْمِلْنِي بِمَا هُوَ أَرْضَى.20
💫🔆اللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَ آلِهِ، وَ نَبِّهْنِي لِذِكْرِكَ فِي أَوْقَاتِ الْغَفْلَةِ، وَ اسْتَعْمِلْنِي بِطَاعَتِكَ فِي أَيَّامِ الْمُهْلَةِ، وَ انْهَجْ لِي إِلَى مَحَبَّتِكَ سَبِيلًا سَهْلَةً، أَكْمِلْ لِي بِهَا خَيْرَ الدُّنْيَا وَ الْآخِرَةِ.20
💫🔆اللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَ آلِهِ، وَ نَبِّهْنِي لِذِكْرِكَ فِي أَوْقَاتِ الْغَفْلَةِ، وَ اسْتَعْمِلْنِي بِطَاعَتِكَ فِي أَيَّامِ الْمُهْلَةِ، وَ انْهَجْ لِي إِلَى مَحَبَّتِكَ سَبِيلًا سَهْلَةً، أَكْمِلْ لِي بِهَا خَيْرَ الدُّنْيَا وَ الْآخِرَةِ.24
💫🔆وَ اجْعَلْ قَلْبِي وَاثِقاً بِمَا عِنْدَكَ، وَ هَمِّي مُسْتَفْرَغاً لِمَا هُوَ لَكَ، وَ اسْتَعْمِلْنِي بِمَا تَسْتَعْمِلُ بِهِ خَالِصَتَكَ، وَ أَشْرِبْ قَلْبِي عِنْدَ ذُهُولِ الْعُقُولِ طَاعَتَكَ، وَ اجْمَعْ لِيَ الْغِنَى وَ الْعَفَافَ وَ الدَّعَةَ وَ الْمُعَافَاةَ وَ الصِّحَّةَ وَ السَّعَةَ وَ الطُّمَأْنِينَةَ وَ الْعَافِيَة47
💫🔆اللَّهُمَّ اجْعَلْ رَغْبَتِي فِي مَسْأَلَتِي مِثْلَ رَغْبَةِ أَوْلِيَائِكَ فِي مَسَائِلِهِمْ، وَ رَهْبَتِي مِثْلَ رَهْبَةِ أَوْلِيَائِكَ، وَ اسْتَعْمِلْنِي فِي مَرْضَاتِكَ عَمَلًا لَا أَتْرُكُ مَعَهُ شَيْئاً مِنْ دِينِكَ مَخَافَةَ أَحَدٍ مِنْ خَلْقِكَ.54
💫🔆وَ عَبِّدْنِي لَكَ وَ لَا تُفْسِدْ عِبَادَتِي بِالْعُجْبِ,
Appendix 3
🌟 The Tradition of Sayyid ibn Tawus: Founder of the “Honour Celebration”
It is interesting to know that celebrating the age of religious responsibility has a clear precedent in Shi‘i history. Sayyid ibn Tawus, one of the great scholars of the seventh century, was the first to hold this celebration formally.
A particularly important feature of his practice is that he called the occasion the “Honour Celebration,” not the “Celebration of Religious Responsibility.” He believed that on this day a young person had attained a degree of worthiness that enabled God to speak to them and address them. It is therefore this “honour” and “esteem” that should be celebrated, rather than the heavy burden of “religious obligation.”
He even hosted a gathering for his son Muhammad on the ninth of Muharram in the year 59 AH, and held a similar celebration for his daughter, seeking to establish this tradition for everyone. Rebuking those who treat this day as insignificant, he asks: “Why has the day on which people are honoured with religious responsibility come to be regarded as unimportant and trivial?”
Sayyid ibn Tawus writes: “You should know that the day on which God honours you with religious responsibility and obedience to Him is among the greatest festivals and the happiest moments of your life.”
Rebuking those who treat this day as insignificant, he also asks: “Why, then, has the day on which people are honoured with religious responsibility come to be regarded as unimportant and trivial? … It is as though it were not a day about which God will ask.”
Appendix 4
The Holy Quran contains many verses that can serve as an intellectual and spiritual foundation for celebrating the onset of religious responsibility. These verses revolve mainly around three themes: the timing and signs of puberty, human responsibility, and the value of servitude and worship.
Verses on the Timing and Signs of Puberty
These verses refer indirectly to the stage when a child leaves behind the world of exemption and enters the realm of responsibility.
Verses 58 and 59 of Surah al-Nur:
“وَ إِذا بَلَغَ الْأَطْفالُ مِنْکُمُ الْحُلُمَ فَلْیَسْتَأْذِنُوا کَمَا اسْتَأْذَنَ الَّذِینَ مِنْ قَبْلِهِمْ…”
Translation: And when your children reach puberty, they should ask permission [before entering private rooms], just as those who came of age before them used to ask permission.
A note for the celebration: This verse shows that puberty marks a serious change in status. Until yesterday, the child was free to move about the home; from today, they enter a new sphere of responsibilities and boundaries.
Verse 6 of Sūrat al-Nisāʾ:
«وَ ابْتَلُوا الْیَتامى حَتَّى إِذا بَلَغُوا النِّکاحَ فَإِنْ آنَسْتُمْ مِنْهُمْ رُشْداً فَادْفَعُوا إِلَیْهِمْ أَمْوالَهُمْ…»
Translation: Test the orphans until they reach the age of marriage; then, if you find sound judgment in them, hand over their property to them.
A note for the celebration: This verse links puberty with “sound judgment” and “independence.” In other words, religious responsibility is not merely a religious duty; it also marks a person’s growing ability to make decisions and take responsibility.
⚖️ Verses on human responsibility
These verses explain the central purpose of religious responsibility: human beings are endowed with free will and are accountable.
Humanity’s system is complete and officially launched
Humanity enters its official operating phase!
Verse 36 of Sūrat al-Qiyāmah:
«أَیَحْسَبُ الْإِنْسانُ أَنْ یُتْرَکَ سُدىً»
Translation: Does the human being think they will be left to themselves, without purpose?
A note for the celebration: This brief verse directly answers the question, “Why religious responsibility?” Human beings are not left to themselves. From the moment of puberty, their lives take on a new meaning.
Verse 38 of Sūrat al-Muddaththir:
«کُلُّ نَفْسٍ بِما کَسَبَتْ رَهِینَةٌ»
Translation: Every soul is held in pledge for what it has earned.
A note for the celebration: From today, the young person’s deeds are “recorded,” and they are answerable for what they have earned. This verse shows them that investing in good deeds is an investment in their own future.
Verse 39 of Sūrat al-Najm:
«وَ أَنْ لَیْسَ لِلْإِنْسانِ إِلاَّ ما سَعى»
Translation: And that each person will have only what they have striven for.
A note for the celebration: This verse teaches the young person that no one else can strive on their behalf, and that religious responsibility is the arena for their own effort.
🤲 Verses on the value of worship and devotion
These verses show young people that worship is not an added burden, but an opportunity for growth and peace of mind.
Verse 21 of Sūrat al-Baqarah:
«یا أَیُّهَا النَّاسُ اعْبُدُوا رَبَّکُمُ الَّذی خَلَقَکُمْ وَ الَّذینَ مِنْ قَبْلِکُمْ لَعَلَّکُمْ تَتَّقُونَ»
Translation: O people! Worship your Lord, who created you and those who came before you, so that you may become mindful of Him.
A note for the celebration: Worship is not an end in itself; it is a means of attaining “God-consciousness” and moral growth.
Verse 41 of Sūrat al-Ḥajj:
«الَّذینَ إِنْ مَکَّنَّاهُمْ فِی الْأَرْضِ أَقامُوا الصَّلاةَ…»
Translation: Those who, whenever We establish them in the land, uphold the prayer…
A note for the celebration: The first sign of someone who has attained “power” and “means” is that they uphold the prayer. The age of religious responsibility is the first formal opportunity a person has to worship with awareness.
Verse 14 of Sūrat Hūd:
«وَ أَقِمِ الصَّلاةَ… إِنَّ الْحَسَناتِ یُذْهِبْنَ السَّیِّئاتِ»
Translation: And establish the prayer… Surely good deeds erase bad deeds.
A note for the celebration: Prayer is a means of “cleansing” and making amends for mistakes. Tell the young person that from today, the way back and the chance to make amends are always open.
💎 A verse to remember at the celebration
Verse 102 of Sūrat Āl ʿImrān:
«یا أَیُّهَا الَّذینَ آمَنُوا اتَّقُوا اللَّهَ حَقَّ تُقاتِهِ وَ لا تَمُوتُنَّ إِلاَّ وَ أَنْتُمْ مُسْلِمُونَ»
Translation: O you who believe! Be mindful of God as He deserves, and do not die except as Muslims.
This verse is well suited to a celebration of religious responsibility because it teaches “mindfulness of God as He deserves.” In the narrations, this has been explained as follows: “Obey Him and do not sin; remember Him and do not forget Him; give thanks and do not be ungrateful for His blessings.” This explanation offers a simple, practical guide for a young person who has just reached puberty.
Anecdotal points
| Theme | Narration/source | Message for the young person |
| Puberty | The hadith of the pen being lifted, narrated by Imam al-Baqir (AS) | Until yesterday you were exempt; from today, you are responsible |
| Practising worship | Hadiths on teaching children to pray and fast from an early age | This path began in childhood; today it has come to fruition |
| Responsibility | The hadith “Each of you is a shepherd,” and Quranic verses | From today, your deeds are recorded and you are responsible |
| Honour | The example of Sayyid ibn Ṭāwūs | This day is a celebration of being “honoured,” not “burdened” |
**Key**
| Theme | Key verse | Message for teenagers |
| Coming of age | Surah al-Nur 59 | You have left the world of exemptions and entered the world of responsibility |
| Growth | Surah al-Nisa 6 | Religious duty is a sign that you have reached independence and maturity |
| Responsibility | Surah al-Qiyamah 36 | You are not left without guidance; from today, you are accountable |
| Effort | Surah al-Najm 39 | No one can make the effort on your behalf |
| Worship | Surah al-Baqarah 21 | Servitude to God is a means of growth, not a burden |
| God-consciousness | Surah Ali ‘Imran 102 | A simple practice: obedience, remembrance, gratitude |
Appendix 5
📿 The Du‘a of Abu Hamza al-Thumali: A Tender Vision of Servitude
In the well-known Du‘a of Abu Hamza al-Thumali, Imam Sajjad (AS) speaks intimately with God in a deeply tender, loving tone. This du‘a conveys a sense of “friendship with God.”
“إِلَهِی لَا تُؤَدِّبْنِی بِعُقُوبَتِکَ”: My God, do not discipline me with Your punishment.
“وَ لَا تَمْکُرْ بِی فِی حِیلَتِکَ”: And do not leave me to my own devices in Your decree (that is, do not abandon me to myself).
“مَنْ لِی غَیْرُکَ أَسْأَلُهُ کَشْفَ ضُرِّی”: Who do I have besides You to ask to relieve my distress?
🕰️ Narrations on the Age of Puberty and Religious Responsibility
The Hadith of the Pen being lifted (the removal of religious obligations during childhood):
ذكر الوقت الذي يؤمر فيه الصبيان بالصلاة إذا بلغوا إليه
💫🔆رُوِّينَا عَنْ جَعْفَرِ بْنِ مُحَمَّدٍ عَنْ أَبِيهِ عَنْ آبَائِهِ عَنْ عَلِيٍّ صَلَوَاتُ اللَّهِ عَلَيْهِ وَ عَلَى الْأَئِمَّةِ مِنْ وُلْدِهِ أَنَّهُ قَالَ: يُؤْمَرُ الصَّبِيُّ بِالصَّلَاةِ إِذَا عَقَلَ وَ بِالصَّوْمِ إِذَا أَطَاقَ.[14]
💫 We have related from Ja‘far ibn Muhammad (Imam Sadiq (AS)), from his father, from his forefathers, from Ali (may God’s blessings be upon him and upon the Imams among his descendants), who said:
“When a child reaches the age of understanding and reason, he is instructed to pray; and when he is able to fast, he is instructed to fast.”
💫🔆وَ عَنْهُ ص أَنَّهُ قَالَ: إِذَا عَقَلَ الْغُلَامُ وَ قَرَأَ شَيْئاً مِنَ الْقُرْآنِ عُلِّمَ الصَّلَاةَ. [15]
💫 It is also related from him (AS) that he said:
“When a boy reaches the age of reason and has learned some of the Qur’an, he is taught to pray.”
💫🔆وَ عَنْ عَلِيِّ بْنِ الْحُسَيْنِ ص أَنَّهُ كَانَ يَأْخُذُ مَنْ عِنْدِهِ مِنَ الصِّبْيَانِ فَيَأْمُرُهُمْ بِأَنْ يُصَلُّوا الظُّهْرَ وَ الْعَصْرَ فِي وَقْتٍ وَاحِدٍ وَ الْمَغْرِبَ وَ الْعِشَاءَ فِي وَقْتٍ وَاحِدٍ فَقِيلَ لَهُ فِي ذَلِكَ فَقَالَ هُوَ أَخَفُّ عَلَيْهِمْ وَ أَجْدَرُ أَنْ يُسَارِعُوا إِلَيْهَا وَ لَا يُضَيِّعُوهَا وَ يَنَامُوا عَنْهَا وَ يَشْتَغِلُوا وَ كَانَ لَا يَأْخُذُهُمْ بِغَيْرِ الصَّلَاةِ الْمَكْتُوبَةِ وَ يَقُولُ إِذَا أَطَاقُوا الصَّلَاةَ فَلَا تُؤَخِّرُوهُمْ عَنِ الْمَكْتُوبَةِ. [16]
💫 It is related from Ali ibn Husayn (Imam Sajjad (AS)) that:
He would gather the children in his household and instruct them to perform the noon and afternoon prayers together, and the sunset and night prayers together.
He was asked about this.
He replied: “This is easier for them, and makes them more likely to hasten to prayer, neither neglecting it nor forgetting it [or falling asleep], and not becoming occupied with [other] things.”
He did not compel them to perform any prayers beyond the obligatory ones.
And he would say: “When they are old enough to pray, do not keep them from the obligatory prayer [or delay it for them].”
💫🔆وَ عَنْ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ عَلِيٍّ ص أَنَّهُ قَالَ: يُؤْمَرُ الصِّبْيَانُ بِالصَّلَاةِ إِذَا عَقَلُوهَا وَ بِالصَّوْمِ إِذَا أَطَاقُوهُ فَقِيلَ لَهُ وَ مَتَى يَكُونُ ذَلِكَ فَقَالَ إِذَا كَانُوا أَبْنَاءَ سِتِّ سِنِينَ. [17]
💫 It is related from Muhammad ibn Ali (Imam Baqir (AS)) that he said: “When children reach the age of understanding, they are instructed to pray; and when they are able to fast, they are instructed to fast.”
He was asked: “At what age is that?”
He replied: “When they are six years old.”
💫🔆وَ رَوَى عَنْ أَبِيهِ عَنْ آبَائِهِ أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ ص قَالَ: مُرُوا صِبْيَانَكُمْ بِالصَّلَاةِ إِذَا بَلَغُوا سَبْعَ سِنِينَ وَ اضْرِبُوهُمْ عَلَى تَرْكِهَا إِذَا بَلَغُوا تِسْعاً وَ فَرِّقُوا بَيْنَهُمْ فِي الْمَضَاجِعِ إِذَا بَلَغُوا عَشْراً. [18]
This is similar in some respects, though children differ in their abilities and understanding, and they are taught accordingly. Children are not legally accountable. The Imams (AS) gave these instructions as a form of discipline and upbringing, so that the practice would become habitual and a child would grow up with it, reaching the age at which it becomes obligatory already having practised it, grown accustomed to it and found it familiar. This makes it more likely that the child will not neglect any part of it.[19]
💫 He narrated from his father, from his forefathers, that the Messenger of God (PBUH) said:
“When your children reach the age of seven, instruct them to pray. When they reach the age of nine, strike them if they neglect the prayer. And when they reach the age of ten, separate their beds.”
☘️These reports are similar, though children differ in their abilities and understanding, and they are taught accordingly.
Children are not legally accountable. The Imams (AS) gave these instructions as a form of discipline and upbringing, so that the practice would become habitual and children would grow up with it, reaching the age at which it becomes obligatory already having practised it, grown accustomed to it and found it familiar. This makes it more likely that they will not neglect any part of it.
💫🔆وَ قَدْ رُوِّينَا عَنْ جَعْفَرِ بْنِ مُحَمَّدٍ ص أَنَّهُ كَانَ يَأْمُرُ الصَّبِيَّ بِالصَّوْمِ فِي شَهْرِ رَمَضَانَ بَعْضَ النَّهَارِ فَإِذَا رَأَى الْجُوعَ وَ الْعَطَشَ غَلَبَ عَلَيْهِ أَمَرَهُ فَأَفْطَرَ. [20]
This is a gradual process of training and practice. As for the obligation itself, it does not become binding on either males or females until after puberty.[21]
💫 We narrated from Jaʿfar ibn Muhammad (Imam al-Sadiq (AS)) that:
He would instruct a child to fast during Ramadan for part of the day.
When he saw that hunger and thirst had overcome the child, he would instruct him to break the fast.
This is a gradual process of training and practice for them.
☘️As for the obligation itself, it does not become binding on either men or women until after puberty.
💫🔆وَ رُوِّينَا عَنْ عَلِيٍّ ع أَنَّهُ قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ص رُفِعَ الْقَلَمُ عَنْ ثَلَاثَةٍ عَنِ النَّائِمِ حَتَّى يَسْتَيْقِظَ وَ عَنِ الْمَجْنُونِ حَتَّى يُفِيقَ وَ عَنِ الطِّفْلِ حَتَّى يَحْتَلِمَ. [22]
💫 We narrated from ʿAli (AS) that the Messenger of God (PBUH) said:
“The pen of accountability has been lifted from three:
the one who is asleep, until he wakes;
the insane person, until he recovers;
and the child, until reaching puberty.”
Illumination:
🔹 1. Stages in instructing children to pray and fast
| Stage | Age | Ruling |
| Understanding and awareness | – | Instruct the child to pray (when they are capable of understanding). |
| Six years old | 6 | Instruct the child to pray (according to Imam al-Baqir (AS)). |
| Seven years old | 7 | Instruct the child to pray (according to the Prophet (PBUH)). |
| Nine years old | 9 | Strike the child for neglecting prayer (according to the Prophet (PBUH)). |
| Ten years old | 10 | Separate the children’s beds (according to the Prophet (PBUH)). |
| Puberty | Coming of age | The obligation of religious duties (prayer and fasting). |
🔹 2. Imam Zayn al-Abidin’s (AS) method
He would instruct children to perform the noon and afternoon prayers together at one time, and the sunset and night prayers together at one time.
The reason: this was easier for them and more likely to encourage them to hasten to prayer and not neglect it.
He would not make them perform anything beyond the obligatory prayers.
He would say: “When they are old enough to manage the prayer, do not prevent them from performing the obligatory prayer.”
🔹 3. Training in fasting
Imam al-Sadiq (AS) would instruct a child to fast for part of the day.
When hunger and thirst overcame the child, he would instruct him to break the fast.
This is a gradual process of training and practice.
🔹 4. The hadith of “the pen being lifted”
The pen of accountability has been lifted from three:
the one who is asleep, until he wakes;
the insane person, until he recovers;
the child, until reaching puberty.
🔹 5. An important point
Children are not legally accountable.
The Imams’ (AS) instructions to children to pray and fast are a form of discipline and upbringing.
The aim is to help them form the habit and practise in preparation for puberty, when these duties become obligatory.
Thus, these instructions are not binding; they are intended to educate and prepare.
💎 A Delicate Point:
Children should be instructed to pray and fast when they are old enough to understand and able to do so.
The age at which children should be instructed to pray is six or seven.
The age at which they may be struck for neglecting prayer is nine.
They should sleep in separate beds from the age of ten.
The religious obligations become binding after a person experiences a wet dream (reaches puberty).
Children are not legally accountable; instructions given to them are for discipline and upbringing.
These narrations emphasise the importance of religious upbringing from an early age and of introducing acts of worship gradually.
❇️أَوْلَادَ الْمُسْلِمِينَ مَوْسُومُونَ عِنْدَ اللَّهِ شَافِعٌ وَ مُشَفَّعٌ
💫🔆 عَنْ أَبِي عَبْدِ اللَّهِ ع قَالَ: إِنَّ أَوْلَادَ الْمُسْلِمِينَ مَوْسُومُونَ عِنْدَ اللَّهِ شَافِعٌ وَ مُشَفَّعٌ فَإِذَا بَلَغُوا اثْنَتَيْ عَشْرَةَ سَنَةً كَانَتْ لَهُمُ الْحَسَنَاتُ فَإِذَا بَلَغُوا الْحُلُمَ كُتِبَتْ عَلَيْهِمُ السَّيِّئَاتُ. [23]
It is narrated from Imam al-Sadiq (AS) that he said:
🔆“Indeed, the children of Muslims are recorded with God [as His wards]; they intercede and are interceded for.
When they reach the age of twelve, their good deeds are recorded for them.
And when they reach puberty, their sins are also recorded against them.”
💫🔆 عَلِيُّ بْنُ إِبْرَاهِيمَ عَنْ أَبِيهِ عَنِ النَّوْفَلِيِّ عَنِ السَّكُونِيِّ عَنْ أَبِي عَبْدِ اللَّهِ ع أَنَّ أَمِيرَ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ ع كَانَ يَقْرَأُ- وَ إِنِّي خِفْتُ الْمَوالِيَ مِنْ وَرائِي يَعْنِي أَنَّهُ لَمْ يَكُنْ لَهُ وَارِثٌ حَتَّى وَهَبَ اللَّهُ لَهُ بَعْدَ الْكِبَرِ. [24]
💫 ʿAli ibn Ibrahim narrated from his father, from Nawfali, from Sakuni, from Imam al-Sadiq (AS), that the Commander of the Faithful (AS) used to recite this verse:
“وَ إِنِّی خِفْتُ الْمَوالِیَ مِنْ وَرائِی” (Maryam: 5) — “Indeed, I fear for my relatives after me.”
That is, he had no heir until God bestowed [a child] upon him in his old age.
💫🔆عَلِيُّ بْنُ إِبْرَاهِيمَ عَنْ أَبِيهِ عَنِ النَّوْفَلِيِّ عَنِ السَّكُونِيِّ عَنْ أَبِي عَبْدِ اللَّهِ ع قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ص إِنَّ الْوَلَدَ الصَّالِحَ رَيْحَانَةٌ مِنْ رَيَاحِينِ الْجَنَّةِ. [25]
💫 ʿAli ibn Ibrahim narrated from his father, from Nawfali, from Sakuni, from Imam al-Sadiq (AS), that the Messenger of God (PBUH) said:
“Indeed, a righteous child is a flower from the flowers of Paradise.”
💫🔆وَ بِهَذَا الْإِسْنَادِ قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ص مِنْ سَعَادَةِ الرَّجُلِ الْوَلَدُ الصَّالِحُ. [26]
💫 With the same chain of transmission, the Messenger of God (PBUH) said: “A righteous child is among a man’s blessings.”
💫🔆عِدَّةٌ مِنْ أَصْحَابِنَا عَنْ أَحْمَدَ بْنِ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ خَالِدٍ عَنْ شَرِيفِ بْنِ سَابِقٍ عَنِ الْفَضْلِ بْنِ أَبِي قُرَّةَ عَنْ أَبِي عَبْدِ اللَّهِ ع قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ص مَرَّ عِيسَى ابْنُ مَرْيَمَ ع بِقَبْرٍ يُعَذَّبُ صَاحِبُهُ ثُمَّ مَرَّ بِهِ مِنْ قَابِلٍ فَإِذَا هُوَ لَا يُعَذَّبُ فَقَالَ يَا رَبِّ مَرَرْتُ بِهَذَا الْقَبْرِ عَامَ أَوَّلَ فَكَانَ يُعَذَّبُ وَ مَرَرْتُ بِهِ الْعَامَ فَإِذَا هُوَ لَيْسَ يُعَذَّبُ فَأَوْحَى اللَّهُ إِلَيْهِ أَنَّهُ أَدْرَكَ لَهُ وَلَدٌ صَالِحٌ فَأَصْلَحَ طَرِيقاً وَ آوَى يَتِيماً فَلِهَذَا غَفَرْتُ لَهُ بِمَا فَعَلَ ابْنُهُ ثُمَّ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ص مِيرَاثُ اللَّهِ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ مِنْ عَبْدِهِ الْمُؤْمِنِ وَلَدٌ يَعْبُدُهُ مِنْ بَعْدِهِ ثُمَّ تَلَا أَبُو عَبْدِ اللَّهِ ع آيَةَ زَكَرِيَّا ع رَبِ فَهَبْ لِي مِنْ لَدُنْكَ وَلِيًّا. يَرِثُنِي وَ يَرِثُ مِنْ آلِ يَعْقُوبَ وَ اجْعَلْهُ رَبِّ رَضِيًّا.[27]
💫 A group of our companions narrated from Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn Khalid, from Sharif ibn Sabiq, from Fadl ibn Abi Qurra, from Imam al-Sadiq (AS), that the Messenger of God (PBUH) said:
“Jesus son of Mary (AS) passed by a grave whose occupant was being punished. The following year, he passed by the same grave and saw that its occupant was no longer being punished.
So he said, ‘My Lord, last year I passed by this grave and its occupant was being punished; this year I passed by it and he is not being punished.’
God revealed to him: ‘He left behind a righteous child who repaired a road and sheltered an orphan. For this reason, I forgave him—on account of what his son had done.’
Then the Messenger of God (PBUH) said:
‘God’s legacy—Mighty and Exalted—is a child of His believing servant who worships Him after the servant’s death.’
Then Imam al-Sadiq (AS) recited the verse about Zechariah (AS):
“رَبِّ هَبْ لِي مِنْ لَدُنْکَ وَلِیًّا * یَرِثُنِي وَ یَرِثُ مِنْ آلِ یَعْقُوبَ وَ اجْعَلْهُ رَبِّ رَضِیًّا” (Maryam: 5–6)
— “My Lord, grant me, from Your presence, a guardian * who will inherit from me and inherit from the family of Jacob; and make him, my Lord, pleasing to You.”
📌 Clarification:
🔹 1. The children of Muslims and religious accountability
| Age | Ruling |
| Before the age of twelve | known as intercession (the intercessor and the one interceded for). |
| At the age of twelve | good deeds are recorded. |
| Puberty (first nocturnal emission) | sins are recorded—meaning that one becomes fully accountable. |
🔹 2. A Righteous Child, a Flower of Paradise
«الولد الصالح ریحانة من ریاحین الجنة» — A righteous child is a flower among the flowers of Paradise.
«من سعادة الرجل الولد الصالح» — A righteous child is among a man’s blessings.
🔹 3. The Story of Jesus (AS) and the Forgiveness Granted Through a Righteous Child
Jesus (AS) passed by a grave whose occupant was being punished.
The following year, he passed by the same grave, but its occupant was no longer being punished.
God revealed to him: “He left behind a righteous child who put a road right and gave shelter to an orphan. So I forgave him because of what his son had done.”
This shows how a righteous child can help bring about the forgiveness of a father’s or mother’s sins.
🔹 4. What God Inherits from a Believing Servant
«میراثُ الله من عبده المؤمن ولدٌ یعبده من بعده» — What God inherits from His believing servant is a child who worships Him after the servant’s death.
The verse about Zechariah (AS): «رَبِّ هَبْ لِي مِنْ لَدُنْکَ وَلِیًّا…» — A prayer for a child who would inherit and worship God.
💎 A Precious Insight:
The children of Muslims are granted intercession before puberty.
From the age of twelve, their good deeds are recorded, and from puberty, their sins.
A righteous child is a flower of Paradise and one of a man’s blessings.
A righteous child can help bring about the forgiveness of a parent’s sins after their death.
A believer’s true legacy is a child who worships God after the believer’s death.
These narrations emphasise the importance of raising a righteous child and the impact this has on parents in this life and the Hereafter.
📚 Narrations on Practising Worship Before Puberty
The Prophet’s (PBUH) hadith on commanding children to pray:
«مُرُوا صِبْيَانَكُمْ بِالصَّلَاةِ إِذَا بَلَغُوا سَبْعاً» — Command your children to pray when they reach the age of seven.
A hadith from Imam al-Sadiq (AS):
«إِنَّا نَأْمُرُ صِبْيَانَنَا بِالصَّلَاةِ إِذَا كَانُوا بِنِي خَمْسِ سِنِينَ فَمُرُوا صِبْيَانَكُمْ بِالصَّلَاةِ إِذَا كَانُوا بِنِي سَبْعِ سِنِينَ» — We command our children to pray at the age of five; you too should command your children to pray at the age of seven.
A hadith from Imam al-Sadiq (AS) on practising the fast:
«إِنَّا نَأْمُرُ صِبْيَانَنَا بِالصِّيَامِ… بِمَا أَطَاقُوا» — We tell our children to fast to the extent they are able.
A hadith from Imam Ali (AS) on teaching and requiring prayer:
«عَلِّمُوا صِبْيَانَكُمْ بِالصَّلَاةِ وَ خُذُوهُمْ بِهَا إِذَا بَلَغُوا الْحُلُمَ» — Teach your children to pray, and when they reach puberty, require them to pray.
💎 Narrations on Human Responsibility
A hadith of the Prophet (PBUH):
«أَلَا كُلُّكُمْ رَاعٍ وَ كُلُّكُمْ مَسْؤُولٌ عَنْ رَعِيَّتِهِ» — Be aware that each of you is a guardian, and each of you is responsible for those under your care.
A Quranic verse (the basis of responsibility):
«إِنَّ السَّمْعَ وَ الْبَصَرَ وَ الْفُؤَادَ كُلُّ أُولَئِكَ كَانَ عَنْهُ مَسْئُولًا» — Indeed, the hearing, sight and heart—all of these will be questioned.
A Quranic verse (denying that human beings are left to themselves):
«أَيَحْسَبُ الْإِنْسَانُ أَنْ يُتْرَكَ سُدًى» — Does man think that he will be left to himself?
📜 Inspiring Words from the Life of Sayyid Ibn Tawus
“This day is one of the greatest celebrations and the most blessed moments of your life.”
“The day God honours you with religious duty and obedience to Him is a day of distinction for you.”
“Why has the day on which people are honoured with religious responsibility come to be regarded as insignificant and unworthy?”
“This is a day about which God will ask you.”
Appendix 6
🤲 Short Supplications
O God, help me on this path.
O God, perfect my faith.
O God, purify my intentions.
O God, cleanse me of my sins.
O God, from this day onward, keep me steadfast on Your path.
O God, bless this beginning.
✨ Today Is Your Day
God called you.
Coming of age expands the realm of your being.
Religious responsibility is the crown of servitude to God.
Blessed be your celebration of servitude to God!
Take your first step with confidence!
Serving God is the greatest honour!
Servitude to God is freedom from bondage to anything other than God!
📜 Suggested Sample: Covenant of Coming of Age 1
Part One: Acknowledging the Occasion
Thanksgiving
O God!
I thank You for bringing me to this day.
I thank You for giving me loving parents.
I thank You for giving me a bright and radiant heart.
From today onward, I will strive to become a better person.
From today onward, I will strive to be a source of pride for myself, my family and my country.
Blessed be my celebration of coming of age.
Amen, O Lord of the worlds.
📜 Covenant of Religious Responsibility 2
Introduction:
This charter is the teenager’s practical plan for the first year of religious responsibility. At the celebration, it is read as a “covenant” or “roadmap,” reminding the teenager that taklif is a “divine mission,” not a dry, empty obligation.
Part One: The Meaning of Taklif
Taklif means a divine mission.
From today, I have a mission:
The mission of knowing God.
The mission of conscious devotion.
The mission of developing myself and helping others.
Taklif means:
God has trusted me and entrusted me with a responsibility.
I will honor that trust by carrying out my mission well.
Part Two: My Responsibilities
My responsibility toward God:
I will perform my prayers.
I will fulfill my religious obligations.
I will avoid what is forbidden.
I will befriend God.
My responsibility toward myself:
I will know myself.
I will cultivate my talents.
I will work toward my future.
I will stay away from sin.
My responsibility toward my family:
I will respect my parents.
I will help with the housework.
I will make my family proud.
My responsibility toward society:
I will work hard in my studies.
I will do good to others.
I will not hurt anyone.
I will guide others to the right path.
Part Three: My Plan
My daily plan:
I will pray at the beginning of each prayer time.
I will learn the meaning of my prayers.
I will read a few verses of the Qur’an every day.
I will be kind to my parents.
I will avoid bad deeds.
I will pursue special studies in religion, religious rulings, and supplications.
My long-term plan:
Religious research.
I will succeed in my studies.
I will become a useful member of society.
I will become one of the great people who bring honor to others.
Part Four: My Final Pledge
O God!
I have accepted this mission from You.
I know that I am weak, but You are strong.
I know that I sometimes make mistakes, but You are forgiving.
So help me:
Remain steadfast on this path.
Avoid missteps.
And be better each day than I was the day before.
O God! Help me in this mission.
Amen.
💡 Practical Suggestions
1. For girls: Read the Charter of Honor together at the celebration, with the teenagers repeating it aloud.
2. For boys: Print the Charter of Taklif on a card and give it to them as a “mission card” to keep in their bags.
3. For everyone: You can choose a “celebration slogan” and repeat it at the end of both charters:
“Today, I became one whom God addresses.”
“Taklif is the crown of my honor.”
Appendix 7
💫 Wise Words for Teenagers
“The Charter of Honor and Taklif, in your own words”
🌟 You’re a Star
Today is your day; God has called you.
From today on, God is addressing you.
This is a crown, not a burden.
God loved you so much that He called you early.
You’re a star, and today you began to shine.
From today on, you’re someone special.
God has trusted you; that means you are valuable.
From today on, you are God’s ambassador on earth.
Welcome to the land of love and devotion!
Today is your rebirth.
🌟 A New Adventure Begins
Every great adventure begins with a single step.
Take that first step with confidence.
From today on, you are the architect of your future; seek help from the Creator of the universe!
From today on, you are in charge of yourself; live beneath God’s protective canopy!
A journey of a thousand years begins with a single step.
Today is the day for big choices.
Look toward the summit from the very start.
Steel your resolve by putting your trust in God.
A new beginning, a new you.
Be the best version of yourself.
💎 Entrust Yourself to God
Entrust yourself to God; He is the best planner.
Let God become the gardener of your being.
You are a seed; let yourself blossom in God’s light.
Every step you take for God creates a beautiful storm.
Worship is a journey through paradise.
Be satisfied with nothing less than God’s light.
Stay in God’s hands; they are the strongest hands.
Trust God; He will never leave you alone.
Every step in devotion brings you closer to the light.
🕌 Prayer Is Your VIP Connection with God
Prayer is your daily meeting with God.
Prostration is the closest way to heaven.
Praying at the beginning of the prayer time means God is your first priority.
Worship gives you wings to fly; it is not a chain on your feet.
Every prayer offered on time recharges you with light.
Your first formal conversation with God begins today.
Prayer is your connection point with the light.
See God in your prayer rug.
Devotion is not just a set of actions; it is an identity.
Faith is your garment of light.
⚖️ Now It’s You and Your Choices
From today on, your record of deeds is open; write it yourself, then entrust it to your Lord to edit!
Everyone is answerable for their deeds.
Taklif means freedom from serving anyone other than God.
Taklif is not fear; it is learning to choose.
No one else can make the effort for you.
You are not without responsibility; from today on, you are accountable.
God’s special attention to you has begun.
From today on, be His servant alone.
Taklif frees you from servitude to the ego.
Your choices shape your future.
🔍 Know Yourself
faltering! Need only translation, but inserted commentary channel? It is output translation in commentary, final required. Need translate rest? Source ends heading only. Preserve html entities? They asked translate everything; is markup and should stay. In final reproduce. Our translation has typo “few verses” source corrupted “یچند آه” likely a few verses, fine. Need note title “منشور تشریف” perhaps Charter of Honor. Great. Output only.This charter is the teenager’s practical plan for the first year of religious responsibility. At the celebration, it is read as a “covenant” or “roadmap,” reminding the teenager that taklif is a “divine mission,” not a dry, empty obligation.
Part One: The Meaning of Taklif
Taklif means a divine mission.
From today, I have a mission:
The mission of knowing God.
The mission of conscious devotion.
The mission of developing myself and helping others.
Taklif means:
God has trusted me and entrusted me with a responsibility.
I will honor that trust by carrying out my mission well.
Part Two: My Responsibilities
My responsibility toward God:
I will perform my prayers.
I will fulfill my religious obligations.
I will avoid what is forbidden.
I will befriend God.
My responsibility toward myself:
I will know myself.
I will cultivate my talents.
I will work toward my future.
I will stay away from sin.
My responsibility toward my family:
I will respect my parents.
I will help with the housework.
I will make my family proud.
My responsibility toward society:
I will work hard in my studies.
I will do good to others.
I will not hurt anyone.
I will guide others to the right path.
Part Three: My Plan
My daily plan:
I will pray at the beginning of each prayer time.
I will learn the meaning of my prayers.
I will read a few verses of the Qur’an every day.
I will be kind to my parents.
I will avoid bad deeds.
I will pursue special studies in religion, religious rulings, and supplications.
My long-term plan:
Religious research.
I will succeed in my studies.
I will become a useful member of society.
I will become one of the great people who bring honor to others.
Part Four: My Final Pledge
O God!
I have accepted this mission from You.
I know that I am weak, but You are strong.
I know that I sometimes make mistakes, but You are forgiving.
So help me:
Remain steadfast on this path.
Avoid missteps.
And be better each day than I was the day before.
O God! Help me in this mission.
Amen.
💡 Practical Suggestions
1. For girls: Read the Charter of Honor together at the celebration, with the teenagers repeating it aloud.
2. For boys: Print the Charter of Taklif on a card and give it to them as a “mission card” to keep in their bags.
3. For everyone: You can choose a “celebration slogan” and repeat it at the end of both charters:
“Today, I became one whom God addresses.”
“Taklif is the crown of my honor.”
Appendix 7💫 Wise Words for Teenagers
“The Charter of Honor and Taklif, in your own words”
🌟 You’re a Star
Today is your day; God has called you.
From today on, God is addressing you.
This is a crown, not a burden.
God loved you so much that He called you early.
You’re a star, and today you began to shine.
From today on, you’re someone special.
God has trusted you; that means you are valuable.
From today on, you are God’s ambassador on earth.
Welcome to the land of love and devotion!
Today is your rebirth.
🌟 A New Adventure Begins
Every great adventure begins with a single step.
Take that first step with confidence.
From today on, you are the architect of your future; seek help from the Creator of the universe!
From today on, you are in charge of yourself; live beneath God’s protective canopy!
A journey of a thousand years begins with a single step.
Today is the day for big choices.
Look toward the summit from the very start.
Steel your resolve by putting your trust in God.
A new beginning, a new you.
Be the best version of yourself.
💎 Entrust Yourself to God
Entrust yourself to God; He is the best planner.
Let God become the gardener of your being.
You are a seed; let yourself blossom in God’s light.
Every step you take for God creates a beautiful storm.
Worship is a journey through paradise.
Be satisfied with nothing less than God’s light.
Stay in God’s hands; they are the strongest hands.
Trust God; He will never leave you alone.
Every step in devotion brings you closer to the light.
🕌 Prayer Is Your VIP Connection with God
Prayer is your daily meeting with God.
Prostration is the closest way to heaven.
Praying at the beginning of the prayer time means God is your first priority.
Worship gives you wings to fly; it is not a chain on your feet.
Every prayer offered on time recharges you with light.
Your first formal conversation with God begins today.
Prayer is your connection point with the light.
See God in your prayer rug.
Devotion is not just a set of actions; it is an identity.
Faith is your garment of light.
⚖️ Now It’s You and Your Choices
From today on, your record of deeds is open; write it yourself, then entrust it to your Lord to edit!
Everyone is answerable for their deeds.
Taklif means freedom from serving anyone other than God.
Taklif is not fear; it is learning to choose.
No one else can make the effort for you.
You are not without responsibility; from today on, you are accountable.
God’s special attention to you has begun.
From today on, be His servant alone.
Taklif frees you from servitude to the ego.
Your choices shape your future.
🔍 Know Yourself
One of your greatest responsibilities is to know yourself.
Know yourself so that you may know your Lord.
From today onward, you are responsible for yourself.
Be the best version of yourself.
Begin with yourself.
See what you are and what you can become.
Self-knowledge is the first step.
You are a treasure; discover yourself.
With the remembrance of God, build the future you wish to create.
💞 God Is Always There
There is always a loving watchful presence above you, more compassionate than all compassion.
God loved you so deeply that He called out to you.
The one entrusted with religious responsibility is closer to God; rejoice.
God is speaking to you in a special way today; listen.
You are never alone.
God is closer to you than your jugular vein.
Wherever you go, God is there.
You always have a source of support.
God will never forget you.
Be a friend of God.
🌿 The Light of Servanthood
Servanthood means placing yourself in the path of God’s light.
Every step in servanthood makes you more radiant.
The light of servanthood illuminates your way.
The light of servanthood drives away darkness.
When your servanthood is radiant, society too receives its light.
Servanthood is light.
With every step you take, your being becomes more luminous.
Be a radiant person.
Receive your light from God.
You can illuminate the world.
Appendix 8
🎤 Speech for the Celebration of Honour and Religious Responsibility
“Welcome to the land of love and servanthood”
📜 Part One: Greetings and Introduction
Greetings and peace be upon you, shining stars in the sky of servanthood!
Greetings to you, God’s newest addressees!
Greetings to the fathers and mothers who today hold the finest gift of their lives in their arms.
Greetings to the educators who have lovingly nurtured these saplings.
And a special greeting to you, today’s newly honoured young person; today, the greatest event of your life has taken place.
Today is the day of your honour: the day God has opened the gate of His paradise to you and invited you into the special intimacy of His servanthood. This divine invitation is not a heavy burden, but a crown of honour.
🌟 Part Two: What Does This Honour Mean?
Let me begin with a question: when a king invites someone to his palace, how does that person feel?
They feel honoured. They feel that they have been deemed worthy. They feel that they matter.
Now imagine this: the Almighty God, the King of kings, has invited you to His palace.
This is precisely what this honour means: to be graced with a divine address.
The King of all being and all the universe has called you!
He has bestowed upon you the dignity of servanthood!
Imam Sajjad (AS) says in the fifth supplication of al-Sahifa:
“إِنَّمَا يَهْتَدِي الْمُهْتَدُونَ بِنُورِ وَجْهِكَ”
“Indeed, those who are guided have been guided only by the light of Your Countenance.”
And today, the light of God’s Countenance has shone upon you.
🎯 Part Three: Religious Responsibility Is a Crown, Not a Burden
Some people think religious responsibility means a burden: that from today onward they must pray, fast and refrain from many things.
But today I want to share a truth with you:
Religious responsibility is a crown, not a burden.
Religious responsibility gives you wings to fly; it is not a chain around your feet.
Whoever accepts religious responsibility is freed from servitude to the self. Whoever accepts religious responsibility is freed from servitude to anything other than God.
Religious responsibility means that God has trusted you and entrusted you with a duty.
“أَيَحْسَبُ الْإِنْسَانُ أَنْ يُتْرَكَ سُدًى” (al-Qiyamah: 36)
“Does man think that he will be left without purpose?”
No! You have not been left without purpose. From today onward, you are accountable. From today onward, God is addressing you.
💎 Part Four: The Record of Your Deeds Has Been Opened
Dear young person! From today onward, the record of your deeds has been opened; write it with your own hands.
“كُلُّ نَفْسٍ بِمَا كَسَبَتْ رَهِينَةٌ” (al-Muddaththir: 38)
“Every soul is held in pledge for what it has earned.”
This verse tells you that every good deed you perform is an investment in your tomorrow. Every prayer you offer, every help you give others, every smile you offer your parents will be recorded.
And this means that from today onward, you are the architect of your own future.
🕌 Part Five: Prayer, Your Daily Meeting with God
Imam Sajjad (AS) says in the forty-fourth supplication of al-Sahifa:
“وَ أَعِنَّا عَلَى صِيَامِهِ بِكَفِّ الْجَوَارِحِ عَنْ مَعَاصِيهِ”
“O God, help us to fast during this month by keeping our limbs and faculties from sin.”
This means that religious responsibility is not limited to outward acts of worship; it also means restraining the eyes, tongue and hands from sin.
But the finest act of worship is prayer. Prayer is your daily meeting with God.
Imagine it: every day, five times, you go to meet God. In prostration, you experience the closest path to heaven.
Praying at the beginning of its appointed time means that God is your first priority.
Prostration is the closest path to heaven.
💞 Part Six: The Bond Between Responsibility and Freedom
Always remember this important point:
“Religious responsibility” means freedom from servitude to anything other than God; from today onward, be His servant alone.
Whoever accepts religious responsibility is freed from servitude to the self. No longer is such a person a captive of selfish desire, or a slave to passing fashions and fleeting trends.
Religious responsibility is the training of right choices, not fear of making mistakes.
So do not be afraid of making mistakes. Do not be afraid of stumbling. Get back up, make amends and keep going.
“إِنَّ الْحَسَنَاتِ يُذْهِبْنَ السَّيِّئَاتِ” (Hud: 114)
“Surely good deeds drive away evil deeds.”
The way back and the chance to make amends are always open.
🌿 Part Seven: The Light of Devotion
Devotion is not merely a set of outward acts; it is a radiant identity that one takes on, bringing beauty and dignity.
Imam Sajjad (AS) says in the Ṣaḥīfa:
“جَلَّلْتَنِي نِعَمُكَ مِنْ أَنْوَارِ الْإِيمَانِ حُلَلًا”
“Your blessings clothed me in garments woven from the lights of faith.”
Devotion means placing oneself in the presence of the light of God’s countenance.
Those who set out on the path of devotion are guided from darkness into light.
Every step in devotion is a storm of beauty!
Worship is a journey through the paradise of devotion!
Nurture yourself in the divine light!
In the presence of divine light, a seed becomes a divine flower!
📖 Part Eight: The Multivitamin of Sacred Duty and Honor
Dear teenager! The Ṣaḥīfa Sajjadiyya is a multivitamin for devotion to God.
From the very beginning of your coming of age and being honored with sacred duty, equip yourself with the Ṣaḥīfa Sajjadiyya!
It is as though a person becomes a university, a school, a hospital, a pharmacy, and a transcendent paradise!
In his twentieth supplication, “Noble Character,” Imam Sajjad (AS) says:
“اللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَ آلِهِ، وَ بَلِّغْ بِإِيمَانِي أَكْمَلَ الْإِيمَانِ، وَ اجْعَلْ يَقِينِي أَفْضَلَ الْيَقِينِ، وَ انْتَهِ بِنِيَّتِي إِلَى أَحْسَنِ النِّيَّاتِ، وَ بِعَمَلِي إِلَى أَحْسَنِ الْأَعْمَالِ”
“O God, bless Muhammad and his family, bring my faith to its most complete form, make my certainty the finest of all certainties, bring my intention to the best of intentions, and raise my deeds to the highest of good works.”
From the very beginning of your sacred duty, set your sights on the summit!
Look toward the highest degrees and stations of devotion to God!
“وَ اسْتَعْمِلْنِي بِمَا تَسْأَلُنِي غَدًا عَنْهُ”
“O God, employ me in those matters for which You will call me to account on the Day of Resurrection.”
“وَ اسْتَفْرِغْ أَيَّامِي فِيمَا خَلَقْتَنِي لَهُ”
“Spend the days of my life in pursuit of that for which You created me.”
From the very beginning, resolve firmly to devote yourself to God, placing your trust in Him!
🌸 Part Nine: The Celebration of Honor—The Celebration of Being Addressed
The celebration of worship is a rebirth into the world.
It marks the beginning of a new season in life.
It is the beginning of nurturing and bringing forth the essence of one’s being.
It is the planting of the gardens of Paradise and God’s good pleasure in the soul!
This stage is a “celebration of being honored” and “the beginning of conscious devotion”—
not merely a heavy burden, but a mark of dignity, nobility, gentleness, and distinction!
A birth into spirituality!
The awakening of the special senses of devotion, spirituality, and the celestial realm!
How many inner senses will grow, emerge, and come into their own!
The inner senses are already there; what matters is bringing them to light!
A young person newly entering the age of religious responsibility should chart a beautiful spiritual path.
🏛️ Part Ten: The Tradition of Sayyid ibn Ṭāwūs
It is interesting to know that celebrating the age of religious responsibility has a well-established history in Shi‘i tradition.
Sayyid ibn Ṭāwūs, one of the great scholars of the seventh century, was the first to hold this celebration formally.
A particularly important feature of his practice is that he called the occasion a “celebration of honor,” not a “celebration of religious responsibility.”
He believed that on this day a young person had attained the merit to be addressed by God.
For this reason, it is this “honor” and “esteem” that should be celebrated, not the heavy burden of “religious responsibility.”
He even held a banquet for his son Muhammad on the ninth of Muharram in the year 59 AH, and held a similar celebration for his daughter, so that this tradition might take root for everyone.
Reproaching those who regard this day as insignificant, he asks:
“Why has the day on which people are honored with religious responsibility come to be considered unimportant and trivial?”
Sayyid ibn Ṭāwūs writes:
“You should know that the day on which God honors you with religious responsibility and obedience to Him is among the greatest of festivals and the happiest moments of your life.”
Reproaching those who regard this day as insignificant, he also says:
“Why, then, has the day on which people are honored with religious responsibility come to be considered unimportant and trivial? … It is as though it were a day about which God will not ask.”
📿 Part Eleven: The Supplication of Abu Hamza—A Tender Vision of Devotion
In the famous Supplication of Abu Hamza al-Thumali, Imam Sajjad (AS) speaks intimately and lovingly with God.
“إِلَهِی لَا تُؤَدِّبْنِی بِعُقُوبَتِكَ”
“My God, do not discipline me with Your punishment.”
“وَ لَا تَمْكُرْ بِي فِي حِيلَتِكَ”
“Do not let Your plan against me take me by surprise”—that is, do not leave me to my own devices.
“مَنْ لِي غَيْرُكَ أَسْأَلُهُ كَشْفَ ضُرِّي”
“Who do I have besides You to ask to relieve my distress?”
This supplication is particularly effective in fostering a sense of “friendship with God.”
🎯 Part Twelve: A Fitrah Checkup at the Beginning of This Honor
The role of parents, mentors, and the young person newly honored with religious responsibility is especially important during this sensitive period!
Take stock of the fitrah and keep it open to growth!
Set the fitrah in motion!
Be mindful and protective of your fitrah!
Give special attention to your fitrah and its innate beliefs!
The Qur’an opens the fitrah! Let us draw benefit from the Qur’an!
Let us renew and strengthen our adherence to the Qur’an and the Ahl al-Bayt!
Let us hold a ceremony of allegiance to God, His Messenger and the Guardian appointed by God!
Let us put our faith to the test before an expert and make sure it is sound!
«اللَّهُمَّ عَرِّفْنِي نَفْسَكَ فَإِنَّكَ إِنْ لَمْ تُعَرِّفْنِي نَفْسَكَ لَمْ أَعْرِفْ نَبِيَّكَ، اللَّهُمَّ عَرِّفْنِي رَسُولَكَ فَإِنَّكَ إِنْ لَمْ تُعَرِّفْنِي رَسُولَكَ لَمْ أَعْرِفْ حُجَّتَكَ، اللَّهُمَّ عَرِّفْنِي حُجَّتَكَ فَإِنَّكَ إِنْ لَمْ تُعَرِّفْنِي حُجَّتَكَ ضَلَلْتُ عَنْ دِينِي»
«O God, make Yourself known to me, for if You do not make Yourself known to me, I will not know Your Messenger. O God, make Your Messenger known to me, for if You do not make Your Messenger known to me, I will not know Your Proof. O God, make Your Proof known to me, for if You do not make Your Proof known to me, I will stray from my religion.»
🤝 Part Thirteen: A Special Pledge to the Imam of Our Time (AJ)
A special bond with the Imam of Our Time, peace be upon him!
The Fifteen Whispered Prayers
Imagine yourself in an official competition!
Resolve to be among the foremost!
A gentle programme for learning the principles and branches of religion!
«سِرَاجُ الْمُؤْمِنِ مَعْرِفَةُ حَقِّنَا وَ أَشَدُّ الْعَمَى مَنْ عَمِيَ فَضْلَنَا… لَنَا رَايَةُ الْحَقِّ مَنِ اسْتَضَاءَ بِهَا كَنَّتْهُ وَ مَنْ سَبَقَ إِلَيْهَا فَازَ بِعِلْمِهِ أَنْتُمْ عُمَّارُ الْأَرْضِ اسْتَخْلَفَكُمُ اللَّهُ فِيهَا لِيَنْظُرَ كَيْفَ تَعْمَلُونَ فَرَاقِبُوا اللَّهَ فِيمَا يَرَى مِنْكُمْ وَ عَلَيْكُمْ بِالْمَحَجَّةِ الْعُظْمَى فَاسْلُكُوهَا سَابِقُوا إِلَى مَغْفِرَةٍ مِنْ رَبِّكُمْ وَ رَحْمَةٍ وَ جَنَّةٍ عَرْضُهَا السَّمَاوَاتُ وَ الْأَرْضُ أُعِدَّتْ لِلْمُتَّقِينَ»
«The light of the believer is knowing our right; and the deepest blindness is that of one who fails to see our virtue and bears enmity towards us—for no sin of ours, save that we called him to the truth, while another called him to strife, and he chose strife over us.
The banner of truth is ours. Whoever seeks its light finds refuge; whoever hastens towards it finds salvation through its knowledge.
You are the ones who cultivate the earth—God has made you His stewards upon it, to see how you will act. So be mindful of God in what He sees you do.
Hold fast to the great, clear path, and walk upon it.
Race one another towards forgiveness from your Lord, and towards mercy and a Garden as vast as the heavens and the earth, prepared for the God-conscious.»
📝 Part Fourteen: The Covenant of Honour
On this great day, in the presence of Almighty God, I make this pledge:
1. O God! I acknowledge You alone as my Lord, and worship You alone.
2. O God! I will pray at the earliest time, with love and devotion.
3. O God! I will honour my parents and make them proud of me.
4. O God! I will remain steadfast on Your path and keep away from sin.
5. O God! I will become the best version of myself and work towards my future.
6. O God! Help me in this divine mission.
Amen, O Lord of all worlds.
🌟 Part Fifteen: Closing Prayers
«وَ اهْدِنِي لِلَّتِي هِيَ أَقْوَمُ، وَ اسْتَعْمِلْنِي بِمَا هُوَ أَسْلَمُ»
«Guide me to the way that is most upright, and direct me towards what is soundest.»
«اللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَ آلِهِ، وَ قِنِي مِنَ الْمَعَاصِي، وَ اسْتَعْمِلْنِي بِالطَّاعَةِ»
«O God, bless Muhammad and his family, protect me from sin, and employ me in Your obedience.»
«وَ اسْتَعْمِلْنِي بِمَا تَسْأَلُنِي غَدًا عَنْهُ، وَ اسْتَفْرِغْ أَيَّامِي فِيمَا خَلَقْتَنِي لَهُ»
«Employ me in what You will call me to account for tomorrow, and free my days for what You created me to do.»
«اللَّهُمَّ وَ أَنْطِقْنِي بِالْهُدَى، وَ أَلْهِمْنِي التَّقْوَى، وَ وَفِّقْنِي لِلَّتِي هِيَ أَزْكَى، وَ اسْتَعْمِلْنِي بِمَا هُوَ أَرْضَى»
«O God, let my tongue speak with guidance, inspire me with God-consciousness, grant me success in what is purest, and employ me in what is most pleasing to You.»
«وَ اجْعَلْ قَلْبِي وَاثِقًا بِمَا عِنْدَكَ، وَ هَمِّي مُسْتَفْرَغًا لِمَا هُوَ لَكَ»
«Set my heart at ease with what is with You, and free my thoughts for what belongs to You.»
«وَ عَبِّدْنِي لَكَ وَ لَا تُفْسِدْ عِبَادَتِي بِالْعُجْبِ»
«Make me Your servant, and do not let self-conceit ruin my worship.»
Part Sixteen: The Official Beginning of the Competition in Servitude
«Responsibility marks the official beginning of attaining the honour of servitude to God, and the official beginning of the divine mission.»
The beginning of honour means receiving the shining star of servitude to wear upon your shoulder!
💡 Part Seventeen: A Celebration Tip
Invite the young person newly entering this honour to say “Amen” after every passage of the prayer!
For example, recite the Supplication for Noble Character, Supplications 20 and 25, or other selected prayers together, and invite the young person to say “Amen” at the end of each passage, so they can share in the prayer’s spiritual atmosphere.
🏁 Part Eighteen: Final Words
Dear young person!
Today is your day of honour.
Today is the day God called you.
Today is the day the crown of honour was placed upon your head.
Don’t see this as a burden, or a hardship. See it as a “crown of honour.”
From today, you are one of God’s chosen addressees.
From today, your record of deeds is open.
From today, you are the architect of your own future.
So take your first step with confidence.
Be the best version of yourself.
And know this: above you is a watchful presence, kinder than all who are kind.
May your day of honour be blessed!
O God, help them on this path.
Amen, Lord of the worlds.
“Today, I became one of God’s chosen addressees.”
“Religious duty is my crown of honour.”
“From today, my relationship with God is special.”
Appendix 9
❇️✳️✅🔆💫✨Charter, programme and format for the Celebration of Honour and Religious Responsibility
“Roadmap for Celebrating the Festival of Religious Responsibility and Honour”
🗺️ Part One: Overall Celebration Design
📌 Guiding principles for the celebration
| Principle | Explanation |
| Honour before obligation | A perspective of “dignity and honouring” takes precedence over “responsibility and duty” |
| Beginning in God’s name | Each segment begins with “بسم الله” and remembrance of God |
| Prayer-centred | The Ṣaḥīfa Sajjādiyya should be the celebration’s backbone |
| Youth participation | The young person says “Amen,” recites a “pledge,” and receives a “mission card” |
| The radiance of devotion | The celebration should be radiant, joyful and spiritual |
| Connection with the Quran and the Ahl al-Bayt | Renew commitment to the Quran and the Ahl al-Bayt (AS) |
| Allegiance to the Imam of the Age (AJ) | Establish a special bond with the Imam of our time |
🎬 Part Two: The Order of the Celebration
🌟 Stage One: Preparation
Before the celebration:
Design invitations entitled “God’s Invitation”
Prepare “Divine Mission” cards for each young person
Print the texts of the “Charter of Honour” and the “Charter of Religious Responsibility”
Mark the Ṣaḥīfa Sajjādiyya (prayers 5, 20, 25 and 44)
Decorate the venue with luminous symbols (candles, lamps and flowers)
Put up a banner reading “Welcome to the Land of Love and Devotion”
Order of arrival:
1. The young person enters through the “Gate of Honour,” reciting “بسم الله الرحمن الرحیم Ali, first in maturity and Ali, last in maturity”
2. Parents and mentors welcome them with “Peace be upon you, new addressee of God”
3. Present the young person with a symbolic “Crown of Honour”
4. Take their place in the seat reserved for the “newly honoured”
🎤 Stage Two: Opening
1. Recitation of the Holy Quran
Verse 73 of Sūrat al-Zumar: “وَ سِيقَ الَّذِينَ اتَّقَوْا رَبَّهُمْ إِلَى الْجَنَّةِ زُمَرًا…”
Verse 80 of Sūrat al-Isrāʾ: “وَ قُلْ رَبِّ أَدْخِلْنِي مُدْخَلَ صِدْقٍ…”
Verse 19 of Sūrat al-Naml: “رَبِّ أَوْزِعْنِي أَنْ أَشْكُرَ نِعْمَتَكَ…”
2. Choral chanting of the Divine Names
3. Welcome and greetings
A special welcome to “God’s new addressees”
Congratulations to the young person and their family on the “Festival of Honour”
4. Recitation of “The Spring of New Beginnings”
“Every moment is a new day in devotion to God!
Every moment, a person is born anew!
Every moment marks the beginning of the continuation of their life!”
📖 Stage Three: Theological Reflection
5. Talk: “What Does Honour Mean?”
Honour means being granted the privilege of receiving God’s address
Religious responsibility is a crown of honour, not a burden
Puberty marks a transformation in devotion, an elevation of devotion
6. Recitation of related verses and traditions
Verses: al-Nūr 59, al-Nisāʾ 6, al-Qiyāma 36, al-Muddaththir 38, al-Najm 39, al-Baqara 21, al-Ḥajj 41, Hūd 114, Āl ʿImrān 102
Traditions: the hadith of the lifting of the pen, a report from Imam al-Bāqir (AS), the practice of Sayyid Ibn Ṭāwūs
7. Introducing the tradition of Sayyid Ibn Ṭāwūs
He established the “Celebration of Honour”
He called this day “the greatest festival” and “the finest moment of felicity”
🤲 Stage Four: Devotional Segment (Prayer-centred)
8. Reciting Prayer 20 (Noble Character) together
A parent or mentor recites, and the young person says “Amen”
Key passages:
“بَلِّغْ بِإِيمَانِي أَكْمَلَ الْإِيمَانِ»
«اجْعَلْ يَقِينِي أَفْضَلَ الْيَقِينِ»
«انْتَهِ بِنِيَّتِي إِلَى أَحْسَنِ النِّيَّاتِ»
«بِعَمَلِي إِلَى أَحْسَنِ الْأَعْمَالِ»
«اسْتَعْمِلْنِي بِمَا تَسْأَلُنِي غَدًا عَنْهُ»
«اسْتَفْرِغْ أَيَّامِي فِيمَا خَلَقْتَنِي لَهُ”
9. Reciting Prayer 25 (A Parent’s Prayer for Their Children)
Parents pray for their child
Passages:
“أَصِحَّ لِي أَبْدَانَهُمْ وَ أَدْيَانَهُمْ وَ أَخْلَاقَهُمْ»
«اجْعَلْهُمْ أَبْرَارًا أَتْقِيَاءَ بُصَرَاءَ سَامِعِينَ مُطِيعِينَ لَكَ»
«أَعِنِّي عَلَى تَرْبِيَتِهِمْ وَ تَأْدِيبِهِمْ وَ بِرِّهِمْ”
10. Reciting Prayer 5 (The Light of the Divine Countenance)
“إِنَّمَا يَهْتَدِي الْمُهْتَدُونَ بِنُورِ وَجْهِكَ”
11. Reciting Prayer 44 (Entering the Month of Ramadan—the Spring of Honour)
“وَ أَعِنَّا عَلَى صِيَامِهِ بِكَفِّ الْجَوَارِحِ عَنْ مَعَاصِيهِ”
«وَ اسْتِعْمَالِهَا فِيهِ بِمَا يُرْضِيكَ»
12. The Duʿāʾ of Abū Ḥamza al-Thumālī (selected passages)
«إِلَهِی لَا تُؤَدِّبْنِی بِعُقُوبَتِكَ»
«مَنْ لِي غَيْرُكَ أَسْأَلُهُ كَشْفَ ضُرِّي»
13. The Duʿāʾ of “Innate Recognition”
«اللَّهُمَّ عَرِّفْنِي نَفْسَكَ…»
«اللَّهُمَّ عَرِّفْنِي رَسُولَكَ…»
«اللَّهُمَّ عَرِّفْنِي حُجَّتَكَ…»
🤝 Stage Five: The Pledge and Covenant
14. A special pledge of allegiance to the Imam of the Age (AJ)
Recitation of the narration «سِرَاجُ الْمُؤْمِنِ مَعْرِفَةُ حَقِّنَا…»
Renewing the covenant with the Imam of the Age
Recitation of selected passages from the Fifteen Munājāt
15. Collective recitation of the “Charter of Honor”
Acknowledging one’s station
A covenant of friendship with God
Asking for help
Giving thanks
16. Collective recitation of the “Charter of Responsibility”
The meaning of responsibility (a divine mission)
My responsibilities (toward God, myself, my family and society)
My plan (daily and long-term)
Final pledge
17. Signing the “Charter of Honor” pledge
The teenager signs the pledge
Parents sign as witnesses
18. Presentation of the “Mission Card”
A card featuring the celebration’s motto and practical plan
“Today, God addressed me.”
“Responsibility is the crown of my honor.”
🎉 Stage Six: Celebration and Recognition
19. Performance of songs and religious chants
Song: “Welcome to the Land of Love and Devotion”
Religious chants on the themes of “honor” and “responsibility”
20. Dramatic performance and recitation
Play: “A Day of Honor” (based on the life of Sayyid ibn Ṭāwūs)
Recitation: “The Light of Devotion”
21. Refreshments and feast
Inspired by Sayyid ibn Ṭāwūs’s example of “holding a feast”
Serving sweets and sherbet
22. Commemorative photographs
Family photo beside the “Gateway of Honor”
Group photo of the teenagers newly honored
🌟 Stage Seven: Closing
23. Recitation of the closing prayer
وَ اهْدِنِي لِلَّتِي هِيَ أَقْوَمُ، وَ اسْتَعْمِلْنِي بِمَا هُوَ أَسْلَمُ»
«اللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَ آلِهِ، وَ قِنِي مِنَ الْمَعَاصِي، وَ اسْتَعْمِلْنِي بِالطَّاعَةِ»
«وَ عَبِّدْنِي لَكَ وَ لَا تُفْسِدْ عِبَادَتِي بِالْعُجْبِ»
24. Closing remarks
“Dear teenager!
Today is your day of honor.
Today is the day God called you.
Today is the day the crown of honor was placed upon your head.
Do not see this as a burden or a hardship. See it as a ‘crown of honor.’
From today onward, you are someone God addresses in a special way.
May your celebration of honor be blessed!”
25. Closing slogan (recited together)
“Today, God addressed me.”
“Responsibility is the crown of my honor.”
“From today onward, my relationship with God is special.”
26. Presentation of a keepsake
The Ṣaḥīfa Sajjādiyya (for the teenager)
The book “Charter of Honor and Responsibility”
A rosary or a prayer tablet
📋 Part Three: How to Run the Event
🎨 Creating the Atmosphere
| Element | Description |
| Lighting | Candles, lamps and strings of lights (symbols of the light of devotion) |
| Colors | White, gold and sky blue (symbols of honor and radiance) |
| Symbols | Gateway of Honor, crown, star and flower |
| Sound | Quran recitation, religious chants, songs and prayers |
| Scent | A gentle fragrance (a symbol of Paradise) |
🎭 Tone and Delivery
Speaker’s tone: fatherly, kind and encouraging
Prayer’s tone: loving, tender and humble
Pledge’s tone: firm, considered and responsible
Celebration’s tone: joyful, energetic and youthful
👥 Roles
| Role | Responsibility |
| Host | Leading the celebration and building rapport |
| Speaker | Explaining the concepts of honor and responsibility |
| Quran reciter | Reciting the Quran |
| Prayer leader | Reciting prayers from the Ṣaḥīfa |
| Parents | Prayer 25, signing as witnesses |
| Teenager | Saying “Amen,” making the pledge, signing and receiving the mission card |
| Mentors | Coordination, setting the scene and refreshments |
🗓️ Part Four: Event Schedule
| Time | Program |
| Before the Celebration | Preparation: invitations, cards, charter, creating the atmosphere |
| Arrival | Welcome, ceremonial archway, crown of honor |
| Opening | Qur’an, anthem, welcoming remarks, “Spring Begins” |
| Learning | Talk, verses, narrations, the life of Sayyid Ibn Tawus |
| Worship | Supplications 5, 20, 25, 44, Abu Hamza, the innate disposition |
| Pledge | Pledge of allegiance to the Imam of the Age, ceremonial charter, charter of duties, covenant, mission card |
| Celebration | Anthem, performance, refreshments, photographs |
Closing: final supplication, closing remarks, slogan, gifts
💎 Part Five: Celebration Slogans
Main slogan:
“Today, God has called me to account.”
Supporting slogans:
“Duty is the crown of my honor.”
“From today on, with God.”
“Tashrif Celebration: the celebration of being called by God.”
“Welcome to the land of love and devotion.”
“Every step in devotion is a storm of beauty.”
“Worship is a journey through the paradise of devotion.”
🎁 Part Six: Suggested Gift Packages
Teen package:
Al-Sahifa al-Sajjadiyya
Mission card
Prayer beads
The book “The Charter of Honor and Duty”
A flower
Parents’ package:
The book “The Life of Sayyid Ibn Tawus and the Tashrif Celebration”
A “Supplication 25” card
A flower
Mentors’ package:
The book “A Guide to the Tashrif Celebration”
Certificate of appreciation
🌟 Part Seven: Key Messages of the Celebration
1. Tashrif, not taklif: This day is a celebration of being honored, not burdened.
2. Duty is a crown: a crown of honor, not a chain of responsibility.
3. Coming of age is an elevation in devotion: a change in the form of devotion, not its beginning.
4. The light of devotion: devotion means placing yourself in the light of God.
5. Al-Sahifa al-Sajjadiyya: a multivitamin for devotion to God.
6. A bond with the Qur’an and the Prophet’s Household: illuminating your being with the light of the Qur’an and the Ahl al-Bayt.
7. Pledge of allegiance to the Imam of the Age: a special bond with the Imam of our time.
8. A divine mission: From today on, you have a mission.
9. Building the future: From today on, you are the architect of your own future.
10. The best version of yourself: From today on, be the best version of yourself.
📝 Part Eight: Implementation Checklist
Before the celebration:
□ Set the date and venue
□ Invite the teens and their families
□ Prepare the invitations
□ Print the Charter of Honor and Duty
□ Print the mission cards
□ Prepare the Crown of Honor (symbolic)
□ Prepare the gifts
□ Create the atmosphere
□ Coordinate with the speaker, Qur’an reciter, and supplication leader
□ Prepare the refreshments
On the day:
□ Welcome the guests
□ Hold the ceremonial archway welcome
□ Present the Crown of Honor
□ Run the program in order
□ Record and photograph the event
□ Serve refreshments
□ Collect and pack up
After the celebration:
□ Send thank-you letters
□ Send the photographs
□ Follow up on the teens’ practical activities
□ Hold monthly “Divine Mission” sessions
🏁 Closing Words
The Tashrif and Taklif Celebration,
a celebration of being called by God,
a celebration of the Crown of Honor,
a celebration marking the beginning of a divine mission.
O God!
Help these young people on this path.
Keep them in Your protection.
And help them become the best versions of themselves.
Amen, Lord of the worlds.
“Today, God has called me to account.”
“Duty is the crown of my honor.”
“From today on, my relationship with God is special.”
Appendix 10
📜❇️✳️✅🔆💫✨ Charter of the Initial Duties of Those Who Have Become Obligated and Honored
“A Roadmap for Beginning a Conscious Life of Devotion”
🌟 Introduction: You Are Now Called by God
Dear young person,
Today is your day of honor: the day God has opened the gates of His garden of paradise to you and invited you into the intimate sanctuary of His worship.
From this moment on, you are mukallaf—someone whom God has entrusted with a responsibility and charged with a mission.
And you are musharraf—someone honored by God’s address and crowned with dignity.
This charter is your roadmap for your first year of conscious devotion.
💎 Part One: Duties of the Heart—Your Bond with God
1. Complete your faith
“اللَّهُمَّ بَلِّغْ بِإِيمَانِي أَكْمَلَ الْإِيمَانِ”
“O God, bring my faith to its fullest perfection.”
Each day, take one step closer to God.
See God as present and watching over you.
Keep the oneness of God alive in your heart.
2. Make your certainty the highest
“وَ اجْعَلْ يَقِينِي أَفْضَلَ الْيَقِينِ”
“And make my certainty the highest certainty.”
Trust in God’s promises.
3. Purify your intention
“وَ انْتَهِ بِنِيَّتِي إِلَى أَحْسَنِ النِّيَّاتِ”
“And bring my intention to the best of intentions.”
Do everything for God.
Before every action, make your intention pure and sincere.
Even study and helping others with a divine intention.
4. Befriend God
“إِلَهِی لَا تُؤَدِّبْنِی بِعُقُوبَتِكَ”
“My God, do not discipline me with Your punishment.”
Love God—not only out of fear of Him.
Talk to God; He is always listening.
Friendship with God is the sweetest friendship.
🕌 Part Two: Acts of Worship — Prayer and Devotion
5. Pray as soon as the time for prayer begins
«وَ اسْتَعْمِلْنِي بِالطَّاعَةِ»
“Put me to work in Your obedience.”
Prayer is your daily meeting with God.
Praying at the earliest opportunity means making God your first priority.
Pray with love, not out of habit.
6. Learn what your prayers mean
Understand the words you say in prayer.
In prostration, experience the closest way to heaven.
Pray attentively, with your heart fully present;
7. Fulfil your religious duties
«وَ اسْتَعْمِلْنِي بِمَا تَسْأَلُنِي غَدًا عَنْهُ»
“Put me to work in what You will call me to account for tomorrow.”
Prayer, fasting, pilgrimage (when you are older), and zakat (when you are older).
Fulfil every duty God has commanded.
Keep away from what He has forbidden.
8. Practise fasting
«وَ أَعِنَّا عَلَى صِيَامِهِ بِكَفِّ الْجَوَارِحِ عَنْ مَعَاصِيهِ»
“O God, help us to fast by keeping our limbs and senses from sin.”
Begin practising the inner fast now.
Keep your eyes, tongue, hands and ears from sin.
Fasting is not only abstaining from food; it is self-restraint.
🌿 Part Three: Ethical Duties — Self-Refinement
9. Keep away from sin
«وَ قِنِي مِنَ الْمَعَاصِي»
“Keep me from sin.”
Sin is darkness; devotion is light.
Avoid even minor sins.
If you make a mistake, repent at once.
10. Know yourself
«اللَّهُمَّ عَرِّفْنِي نَفْسَكَ»
“O Lord, make Yourself known to me.”
Self-knowledge is the first step in devotion.
Discover your talents and nurture them.
Become the best version of yourself.
11. Preserve your modesty and chastity
«وَ أَلْهِمْنِي التَّقْوَى»
“Inspire me with God-consciousness.”
Guard your eyes from what is forbidden.
Keep your tongue from lies and backbiting.
Cleanse your heart of envy, resentment and every vice.
12. Practise God-consciousness
«وَ وَفِّقْنِي لِلَّتِي هِيَ أَزْكَى»
“Grant me success in what is purer.”
God-consciousness means: obey, do not sin, remember God, do not forget Him, and be grateful.
Take a step towards greater God-consciousness each day.
It is the radiant garment of devotion.
👨👩👧 Part Four: Family Duties — Honouring Your Parents
13. Honour your parents
«وَ بِرِّهِمْ»
“And be good to them.”
Your parents are your first teachers.
Be kind to them.
Ask them to pray for your well-being.
14. Make your family proud
Work hard in your studies.
Help with the household chores.
Make your family proud.
15. Pray for your parents
«رَبِّ أَوْزِعْنِي أَنْ أَشْكُرَ نِعْمَتَكَ الَّتِي أَنْعَمْتَ عَلَيَّ وَ عَلَى وَالِدَيَّ»
“My Lord, inspire me to give thanks for the blessings You have bestowed upon me and my parents.”
Pray for your parents every day.
Ask them to pray for your well-being.
A parent’s prayer for their child is answered.
🌍 Part Five: Social Duties — Serving Others
16. Be kind to others
«وَ اسْتَعْمِلْنِي بِمَا هُوَ أَرْضَى»
“Put me to work in what is most pleasing to You.”
Help others.
Do not hurt anyone.
Smile; do good.
17. Uphold justice
«بَسْطُ الْعَدْلِ»
“Spreading justice.”
Be fair.
Do not deprive anyone of their rights.
Do not remain silent in the face of injustice.
18. Control your anger
«كَظْمُ الْغَيْظِ»
“Restrain anger.”
When you get angry, be silent.
Speak calmly.
Soothe your anger by remembering God.
19. Put out the flames of conflict
«إِطْفَاءُ النَّائِرَةِ»
“Putting out the flames of discord.”
Make peace between your friends.
Do not fall out; make peace.
Peace is the best course.
📚 Part Six: Intellectual Duties — Learning Your Faith
20. Learn the principles of faith
«اللَّهُمَّ عَرِّفْنِي حُجَّتَكَ»
“O Lord, make Your proof known to me.”
Divine unity, prophethood, resurrection, divine justice, and the Imamate.
Learn through reasoned evidence, not merely by accepting things on authority.
Seek help from good teachers and books.
21. Learn the branches of faith
«وَ عَلِّمُوا صِبْيَانَكُمْ بِالصَّلَاةِ»
“Teach your children to pray.”
Prayer, fasting, khums, zakat, pilgrimage, jihad, enjoining what is right, forbidding what is wrong, loyalty, and disavowal.
Learn each in its proper time.
Practise them until they become second nature.
22. Recite the Quran
«وَ رَتِّلِ الْقُرْآنَ تَرْتِيلًا»
“And recite the Quran in measured recitation.”
Read fifty verses of the Quran every day.
Understand their meaning.
Put them into practice.
23. Stay connected to the Quran and the Ahl al-Bayt
«إِنِّي تَارِكٌ فِيكُمُ الثَّقَلَيْنِ: كِتَابَ اللَّهِ وَ عِتْرَتِي»
“I leave among you two precious things: the Book of God and my family.”
Hold fast to both the Quran and the Ahl al-Bayt (AS).
Do not separate from them.
Renew and strengthen your bond with them.
🤝 Part Seven: Duties of Guardianship — Connection with the Imam of Our Time (AJ)
24. Pledge allegiance to the Imam of Our Time (AJ)
«سِرَاجُ الْمُؤْمِنِ مَعْرِفَةُ حَقِّنَا»
“The believer’s light is knowing our rights.”
Know the Imam of Our Time (AJ).
Pledge allegiance to him.
Recite the Prayer for Relief every day.
25. Obey the Imam of Our Time (AJ)
«وَ أُولِي الْأَمْرِ مِنْكُمْ»
“And those vested with authority among you.”
Obey the commands of the Imam of Our Time (AJ).
During his occultation, live with piety and expectation.
Be a true awaited one—that is, be ready.
26. Pray for his reappearance
«اللَّهُمَّ عَجِّلْ لِوَلِيِّكَ الْفَرَجَ»
“O God, hasten the relief of Your representative.”
Pray for his reappearance every day.
Consider yourself a soldier of the Imam of Our Time (AJ).
Be ready to help him.
Part Eight: Practical Duties — A Daily Routine
27. Plan your daily routine
| Time | Plan |
| Morning | Morning prayer, the Covenant Supplication, Qur’an |
| Noon | Noon and afternoon prayers, study |
| Afternoon | Exercise, helping family and fellow believers |
| Sunset | Sunset and night prayers, study |
| Night | Review your actions, repent, pray |
28. Do one new good deed every day
«وَ اسْتَعْمِلْنِي بِمَا هُوَ أَرْضَى»
“Put me to work in what is most pleasing to You.”
Do one new good deed every day.
Offer God one flower of good action each day.
Write a beautiful page in the book of your life every day.
29. Guard your innate nature
«فَأَقِمْ وَجْهَكَ لِلدِّينِ حَنِيفًا فِطْرَتَ اللَّهِ الَّتِي فَطَرَ النَّاسَ عَلَيْهَا» (al-Rum: 30)
“So set your face toward the upright religion—the innate nature upon which God has created humanity.”
Take account of your innate nature.
Sharpen your sense of it.
The Qur’an awakens the innate nature; benefit from it.
💎 Part Nine: Final Duties — Covenant and Commitment
30. Remember your covenant
“Today, God has addressed me.”
“Duty is the crown of my nobility.”
“From today on, my relationship with God is special.”
Repeat this motto every morning.
Each night, reflect on whether you have fulfilled your covenant.
If you have made a mistake, repent and make amends.
31. Be the best version of yourself
«وَ اجْعَلْ قَلْبِي وَاثِقًا بِمَا عِنْدَكَ»
“Set my heart at ease with what is with You.”
Believe in yourself.
Trust in God.
Be the best version of yourself.
32. Be better each day than you were the day before
«وَ عَبِّدْنِي لَكَ وَ لَا تُفْسِدْ عِبَادَتِي بِالْعُجْبِ»
“Make me Your servant, and do not let self-conceit ruin my worship.”
Take one step closer to God every day.
Add one flower to the garden of your devotion every day.
Be better each day than you were the day before.
🌟 Part Ten: Summary — Thirty Duties of the Accountable and Honoured Believer
| No. | Duty | Source |
| 1 | Perfect your faith | Supplication 20 |
| 2 | Make certainty your highest aim | Supplication 20 |
| 3 | Purify your intention | Supplication 20 |
| 4 | Befriend God | Abu Hamza Supplication |
| 5 | Pray at the earliest time | Supplication 16 |
| 6 | Learn the meaning of your prayers | Supplication 20 |
| 7 | Fulfil your obligations | Supplication 20 |
| 8 | Practice fasting | Supplication 44 |
| 9 | Keep away from sins | Supplication 16 |
| 10 | Know yourself | Supplication 20 |
| 11 | Preserve your modesty and chastity | Supplication 20 |
| 12 | Practise piety | Supplication 20 |
| 13 | Honor your parents | Supplication 25 |
| 14 | Be a source of pride to your family | Supplication 25 |
| 15 | Pray for your parents | Supplication 25 |
| 16 | Be kind to others | Supplication 20 |
| 17 | Promote justice | Supplication 20 |
| 18 | Control your anger | Supplication 20 |
| 19 | Quench the flames of discord | Supplication 20 |
| 20 | Learn the Principles of Religion | Supplication 20 |
| 21 | Learn the Branches of Religion | Hadith |
| 22 | Recite the Qur’an | Qur’an |
| 23 | Stay connected to the Qur’an and the Ahl al-Bayt | Hadith of the Two Weighty Things |
| 24 | Pledge allegiance to the Imam of the Age (AJ) | Narration |
| 25 | Obey the Imam of the Age (AJ) | Qur’an |
| 26 | Pray for the reappearance | Supplication for Relief |
| 27 | Plan your daily routine | Supplication 20 |
| 28 | Do one new good deed every day | Supplication 20 |
| 29 | Nurture your innate nature | Verse 30 of al-Rum |
| 30 | Be the best version of yourself | Supplication 47 |
📝 Final words
Dear teenager,
You are now mukallaf: accountable before God.
You are now honored with this responsibility.
These thirty duties are your roadmap.
Practice one of them each day.
Take one step closer to God every day.
Know this:
God sees you.
God loves you.
God helps you.
So:
Be strong.
Be radiant.
Be the best version of yourself.
Congratulations on this honored milestone!
Amen, Lord of the worlds.
“Today, God has addressed me.”
“Religious responsibility is the crown of my dignity.”
“From today, my relationship with God is special.”
📜❇️✳️✅🔆💫✨ Your Covenant of Divine Unity and Practical Affirmation of the Principles of Religion
The Covenant of Divine Unity and Practical Affirmation of the Principles of Religion is at the heart of the “Charter of Duties for the Accountable and Honored.” Without it, the charter would be no more than a set of moral and devotional duties, whereas the essence of being “honored” is a conscious affirmation of the principles of religion and a covenant of divine unity with God.
📜 The Covenant of Divine Unity and Practical Affirmation of the Principles of Religion
“The Covenant of the Accountable and Honored with Almighty God”
🌟 Introduction: Why Affirm the Principles of Religion?
Dear teenager,
Today you have become accountable. This means God has addressed you and entrusted you with a responsibility.
But this responsibility has no meaning without a conscious affirmation of the principles of religion.
Just as a soldier pledges allegiance before entering the field, you too must make your affirmation before entering the field of servitude to God.
This affirmation is your covenant of divine unity with God.
💎 Part One: Affirming Divine Unity — Allah is my Lord
1. Affirming God’s Oneness
“أَشْهَدُ بِمَا شَهِدْتَ بِهِ عَلَى نَفْسِكَ وَ شَهِدَتْ مَلَائِكَتُكَ وَ أُولُو الْعِلْمِ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ الْعَزِيزُ الْحَكِيمُ”
“I bear witness to what You have borne witness to about Yourself, and what Your angels and those endowed with knowledge have borne witness to: There is no god but You—Exalted in Might and Wise.”
On this great day, I affirm:
There is no god but Allah.
He is One, without partner.
He is the Creator, the Provider, the Disposer of all affairs.
He is Mighty, Wise, and Merciful.
“اللَّهُ رَبِّي أَبَدًا”
“Allah is my Lord—always.”
My covenant:
I worship Him alone.
I ask Him alone for help.
I put my trust in Him alone.
I will never associate anything with Him.
“اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ أَنْ أُشْرِكَ بِكَ وَ أَنَا أَعْلَمُ أَوْ لَا أَعْلَمُ”
“O God, I seek refuge in You from associating anything with You, knowingly or unknowingly.”
2. Acknowledging God’s Lordship
“قُلْ أَغَيْرَ اللَّهِ أَبْغِي رَبًّا وَ هُوَ رَبُّ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ” (al-An‘am: 164)
“Say: Shall I seek a lord other than God, when He is the Lord of all things?”
I acknowledge:
God is my Lord.
God is the One who nurtures me.
God governs my affairs.
I am His servant.
“إِنَّ صَلَاتِي وَ نُسُكِي وَ مَحْيَايَ وَ مَمَاتِي لِلَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ” (al-An‘am: 162)
“Indeed, my prayer, my worship, my life and my death are for God, Lord of all worlds.”
📖 Part Two: Acknowledging Prophethood — Muhammad is my Prophet
3. Acknowledging the Prophethood of the Final Messenger
“مُحَمَّدٌ نَبِيِّي أَبَدًا”
“Muhammad is my Prophet — always.”
I acknowledge:
Muhammad (PBUH) is God’s Messenger.
He is the Seal of the Prophets.
He is God’s Messenger, sent to guide humankind.
The Qur’an is his Book.
“مُحَمَّدٌ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ وَ الَّذِينَ مَعَهُ أَشِدَّاءُ عَلَى الْكُفَّارِ رُحَمَاءُ بَيْنَهُمْ” (al-Fath: 29)
“Muhammad is the Messenger of God; those who are with him are firm against the disbelievers and compassionate toward one another.”
My pledge:
I obey the Prophet (PBUH).
I keep his Sunnah alive.
I act according to the Qur’an.
📚 Part Three: Acknowledging the Qur’an — The Qur’an is my Book
4. Acknowledging the Qur’an as the Book of Guidance
“الْقُرْآنُ كِتَابِي أَبَدًا”
“The Qur’an is my Book — always.”
I acknowledge:
The Qur’an is the word of God.
The Qur’an is a book of guidance.
The Qur’an is light.
The Qur’an is healing.
“إِنَّ هَذَا الْقُرْآنَ يَهْدِي لِلَّتِي هِيَ أَقْوَمُ” (al-Isra’: 9)
“Indeed, this Qur’an guides to what is most upright.”
My pledge:
I read the Qur’an every day.
I understand its meaning.
I act upon it.
I never part from it.
🕌 Part Four: Acknowledging the Qibla — The Ka‘ba is my Qibla
5. Acknowledging the Ka‘ba as the Qibla
“الْكَعْبَةُ قِبْلَتِي أَبَدًا”
“The Ka‘ba is my Qibla — always.”
I acknowledge:
The Ka‘ba is the House of God.
The Ka‘ba is the qibla of Muslims.
I pray facing the Ka‘ba.
“فَوَلِّ وَجْهَكَ شَطْرَ الْمَسْجِدِ الْحَرَامِ” (al-Baqara: 144)
“So turn your face toward the Sacred Mosque.”
My pledge:
I pray facing the Ka‘ba.
I will visit the Ka‘ba on pilgrimage in the future.
I take the Ka‘ba as my qibla.
👑 Part Five: Acknowledging Divine Authority — Ali is my Guardian
6. Acknowledging the Wilayah of Imam Ali (AS)
“عَلِيٌّ وَلِيِّي أَبَدًا»
«علی، ولیّ is my Guardian — always.”
I acknowledge:
Ali (AS) is God’s guardian.
Ali (AS) is the first Imam.
Ali (AS) is the Prophet’s (PBUH) appointed successor.
“إِنَّمَا وَلِيُّكُمُ اللَّهُ وَ رَسُولُهُ وَ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا الَّذِينَ يُقِيمُونَ الصَّلَاةَ وَ يُؤْتُونَ الزَّكَاةَ وَ هُمْ رَاكِعُونَ” (al-Ma’ida: 55)
“Your guardian is only God, His Messenger, and those who believe, establish prayer, and give alms while bowing.”
My pledge:
I obey Ali (AS).
I follow his path.
I am his friend.
I am an enemy of his enemies.
🌟 Part Six: Acknowledging the Imamate — The Successors are my Imams
7. Acknowledging the Imamate of the Twelve Imams
“الْأَوْصِيَاءُ أَئِمَّتِي أَبَدًا”
“The successors are my Imams — always.”
I acknowledge:
Imam Hasan (AS) is my Imam.
Imam Husayn (AS) is my Imam.
Imam Sajjad (AS) is my Imam.
Imam Baqir (AS) is my Imam.
Imam Sadiq (AS) is my Imam.
Imam Kazim (AS) is my Imam.
Imam Reza (AS) is my Imam.
Imam Jawad (AS) is my Imam.
Imam Hadi (AS) is my Imam.
Imam Askari (AS) is my Imam.
Imam Mahdi (AJ) is my Imam.
My pledge:
I obey them all.
I follow their path.
I am their friend.
I am an enemy of their enemies.
⚖️ Part Seven: Acknowledging the Hereafter — Death is real
8. Acknowledging the Day of Resurrection and the Hereafter
“وَ أَنَّ الْمَوْتَ حَقٌّ وَ السُّؤَالَ حَقٌّ وَ الصِّرَاطَ حَقٌّ وَ الْجَنَّةَ حَقٌّ وَ النَّارَ حَقٌّ وَ أَنَّ السَّاعَةَ لَا رَيْبَ فِيهَا وَ أَنَّ اللَّهَ يَبْعَثُ مَنْ فِي الْقُبُورِ”
“Death is real, the questioning is real, the Bridge is real, Paradise is real, the Fire is real, the Hour is certain to come, and God will raise those who are in their graves.”
I acknowledge:
Death is real.
The Day of Resurrection is real.
The questioning is real.
The Bridge is real.
Paradise is real.
Hell is real.
My pledge:
I prepare for the Day of Resurrection.
I do good deeds.
I avoid sins.
I seek Paradise.
🏛️ Part Eight: Acknowledging Divine Justice — Justice is real
9. Acknowledging God’s Justice
“وَ أَنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يَظْلِمُ مِثْقَالَ ذَرَّةٍ” (al-Nisa’: 40)
“Indeed, God does not wrong anyone, even by as much as the weight of an atom.”
I acknowledge:
God is just.
God does not commit injustice.
Justice is one of God’s attributes.
My pledge:
I will be just.
I will not wrong anyone.
I will uphold what is right.
🕊️ Part Nine: The Final Covenant of Divine Oneness
10. The Covenant of Divine Oneness — Allah is My Lord Forever
On this great day, in the presence of Almighty God, I make this covenant:
«اللَّهُ رَبِّي أَبَدًا»
“Allah is my Lord—forever.”
«الْإِسْلَامُ دِينِي أَبَدًا»
“Islam is my religion—forever.”
«مُحَمَّدٌ نَبِيِّي أَبَدًا»
“Muhammad is my Prophet—forever.”
«الْقُرْآنُ كِتَابِي أَبَدًا»
“The Qur’an is my Book—forever.”
«الْكَعْبَةُ قِبْلَتِي أَبَدًا»
“The Kaaba is my qibla—forever.”
«عَلِيٌّ وَلِيِّي أَبَدًا»
«علی، ولیّ My—forever.”
«الْأَوْصِيَاءُ أَئِمَّتِي أَبَدًا»
“The appointed successors are my Imams—forever.”
«وَ لَا أَحَدَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ»
“And there is no god but Allah.”
📝 Part Ten: Practical Declaration of the Principles of Faith
📋 Declaration
I, [young person’s name], on [date], at my celebration marking my coming of age and religious responsibility, in the presence of Almighty God, the Noble Prophet (PBUH), the Infallible Imams (AS), and the Imam of Our Time (AJ), declare:
| Principle | Declaration |
| Divine Oneness | There is no god but Allah; He is One, without partner, the Creator and Sustainer of all. |
| Divine Justice | God is just and does not commit injustice. |
| Prophethood | Muhammad (PBUH) is God’s Prophet and the last of the prophets. |
| Imamate | Ali (AS) and his eleven descendants are my Imams. |
| Resurrection | The Day of Resurrection, Paradise and Hell are true. |
And I pledge:
1. To worship God alone.
2. To obey the Prophet (PBUH) and the Ahl al-Bayt (AS).
3. To read the Qur’an and live by it.
4. To pray facing the Kaaba.
5. To prepare for the Day of Resurrection.
6. To be just and never commit injustice.
7. To pledge allegiance to the Imam of Our Time (AJ) and await his coming.
Signatures:
Young person accepting religious responsibility: ………………..
Witness (father/mother): ………………..
Witness (mentor): ………………..
Date: ………………..
🌟 Part Eleven: How to Present the Declaration at the Celebration
🎤 Method One: Recited Together
The person leading the supplication reads the declaration.
The young people repeat it line by line.
At the end of each section, they say, “Amen.”
🎤 Method Two: Questions and Answers
The host asks a question.
The young person answers.
Example:
Host: “Who is your God?”
Young person: “Allah is my Lord forever.”
Host: “What is your religion?”
Young person: “Islam is my religion forever.”
Host: “Who is your Prophet?”
Young person: “Muhammad is my Prophet forever.”
Host: “What is your Book?”
Young person: “The Qur’an is my Book forever.”
Host: “What is your qibla?”
Young person: “The Kaaba is my qibla forever.”
Host: “Who is your guardian?”
Young person: “Ali is my guardian forever.”
Host: “Who are your Imams?”
Young person: “The appointed successors are my Imams forever.”
🎤 Method Three: Signing the Covenant
The declaration is printed on a card.
The young person signs it.
The parents sign as witnesses.
The card is kept in the young person’s bag.
💎 Part Twelve: Benefits of the Declaration of the Principles of Faith
| Benefit | Explanation |
| Awareness | The young person learns about the principles of faith. |
| Commitment | The young person accepts responsibility. |
| Identity | The young person discovers their religious identity. |
| Connection | The young person forms a bond with God, the Prophet and the Imams. |
| Practice | The young person has a practical plan for life. |
| Enduring impact | This declaration is engraved in the young person’s mind. |
🏁 Part Thirteen: Closing Words
Dear young person!
Today, you have become religiously responsible.
Today, you have come of age.
This declaration is your covenant with God to affirm His oneness.
This declaration is your pledge to the Prophet and the Imams.
This declaration is your roadmap for life.
Memorize it.
Live by it.
Review it every day.
Remember:
God sees you.
The Prophet (PBUH) sees you.
The Imam of Our Time (AJ) sees you.
So:
Be strong.
Be radiant.
Become the best version of yourself.
Blessings on your coming-of-age celebration!
Amen, Lord of the worlds.
“Today, I became one to whom God speaks.”
“Duty is the crown of my honor.”
«الله ربّی، محمد نبیّی، علی ولیّی، الأوصیاء أئمّتی.»
🌟وَ السَّلامُ عَلى مَنِ اتَّبَعَ الْهُدى
✨سُبْحانَ رَبِّكَ رَبِّ الْعِزَّةِ عَمَّا يَصِفُونَ
✨وَ سَلامٌ عَلَى الْمُرْسَلينَ
✨وَ الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ الْعالَمينَ
🔶Ali Saei (Abdullah Meshkat) 110.141 (903)
[1] Ṣaḥīfa Sajjadiyya, Supplication 6, passage 12
[2] Iqbal al-A‘mal (old edition), vol. 1, p. 487 Ibn Tawus, Ali ibn Musa, Dar al-Kutub al-Islamiyya, Tehran, second edition, 1409 AH.
[3] Al-Kafi (Islamic edition), vol. 2, p. 587 Kulayni, Muhammad ibn Ya‘qub ibn Ishaq, Dar al-Kutub al-Islamiyya, Tehran, fourth edition, 1407 AH.
[4] Al-Usul al-Sittata ‘Ashar (Dar al-Hadith edition), p. 208 A group of scholars, Dar al-Hadith Cultural Institute, Iran, Qom, first edition, 1423 AH / 1381 SH.
[5] Ma‘ani al-Akhbar, text, p. 132 Ibn Babawayh, Muhammad ibn Ali, Islamic Publications Office affiliated with the Society of Seminary Teachers of Qom, Qom, first edition, 1403 AH.
[6] Tafsir Nur al-Thaqalayn, vol. 1, p. 377 Al-‘Arusi al-Huwayzi, Abd Ali ibn Jum‘a, Isma‘iliyan, Qom, fourth edition, 1415 AH.
[7] Ta’wil al-Ayat al-Zahira fi Fada’il al-‘Itra al-Tahira, p. 127 Astarabadi, Ali, Islamic Publishing Institute, Iran, Qom, first edition, 1409 AH.
[8] Tahdhib al-Ahkam (Khursan edition), vol. 3, p. 286 Tusi, Muhammad ibn al-Hasan, Dar al-Kutub al-Islamiyya, Tehran, fourth edition, 1407 AH.
[9] Al-Fada’il (by Ibn Shadhan al-Qummi), p. 90 Ibn Shadhan al-Qummi, Abu al-Fadl Shadhan ibn Jibril, Razi, Qom, second edition, 1363 SH.
[10] Tafsir Furat al-Kufi, p. 368 Kufi, Furat ibn Ibrahim, Institute for Printing and Publishing of the Ministry of Islamic Guidance, Tehran, first edition, 1410 AH.
[11] Bihar al-Anwar (Beirut edition), vol. 91, p. 146 Majlisi, Muhammad Baqir ibn Muhammad Taqi, Dar Ihya al-Turath al-Arabi, Beirut, second edition, 1403 AH.
[12] Tafsir Furat al-Kufi, p. 90 Kufi, Furat ibn Ibrahim, Institute for Printing and Publishing of the Ministry of Islamic Guidance, Tehran, first edition, 1410 AH.
[13] Al-Ghayba (by al-Nu‘mani), text, p. 42 Ibn Abi Zaynab, Muhammad ibn Ibrahim, Nashr Saduq, Tehran, first edition, 1397 AH.
[14] Da‘a’im al-Islam, vol. 1, p. 193 Ibn Hayyun, Nu‘man ibn Muhammad al-Maghribi, Ahl al-Bayt Institute, peace be upon them, Qom, second edition, 1385 AH.
[15] Da‘a’im al-Islam, vol. 1, p. 193 Ibn Hayyun, Nu‘man ibn Muhammad al-Maghribi, Ahl al-Bayt Institute, peace be upon them, Qom, second edition, 1385 AH.
[16] Da‘a’im al-Islam, vol. 1, p. 193 Ibn Hayyun, Nu‘man ibn Muhammad al-Maghribi, Ahl al-Bayt Institute, peace be upon them, Qom, second edition, 1385 AH.
[17] Da‘a’im al-Islam, vol. 1, p. 194 Ibn Hayyun, Nu‘man ibn Muhammad al-Maghribi, Ahl al-Bayt Institute, peace be upon them, Qom, second edition, 1385 AH.
[18] Da‘a’im al-Islam, vol. 1, p. 194 Ibn Hayyun, Nu‘man ibn Muhammad al-Maghribi, Ahl al-Bayt Institute, peace be upon them, Qom, second edition, 1385 AH.
[19] Da‘a’im al-Islam, vol. 1, p. 194 Ibn Hayyun, Nu‘man ibn Muhammad al-Maghribi, Ahl al-Bayt Institute, peace be upon them, Qom, second edition, 1385 AH.
[20] Da‘a’im al-Islam, vol. 1, p. 194 Ibn Hayyun, Nu‘man ibn Muhammad al-Maghribi, Ahl al-Bayt Institute, peace be upon them, Qom, second edition, 1385 AH.
[21] Da‘a’im al-Islam, vol. 1, p. 194 Ibn Hayyun, Nu‘man ibn Muhammad al-Maghribi, Ahl al-Bayt Institute, peace be upon them, Qom, second edition, 1385 AH.
[22] Da‘a’im al-Islam, vol. 1, p. 194 Ibn Hayyun, Nu‘man ibn Muhammad al-Maghribi, Ahl al-Bayt Institute, peace be upon them, Qom, second edition, 1385 AH.
[23] Al-Kafi (Islamic edition), vol. 6, p. 3 Kulayni, Muhammad ibn Ya‘qub ibn Ishaq, Dar al-Kutub al-Islamiyya, Tehran, fourth edition, 1407 AH.
[24] Al-Kāfī (Islamic edition), vol. 6, p. 3 Kulaynī, Muḥammad ibn Yaʿqūb ibn Isḥāq, Dār al-Kutub al-Islāmiyya, Tehran, 4th ed., 1407 AH.
[25] Al-Kāfī (Islamic edition), vol. 6, p. 3 Kulaynī, Muḥammad ibn Yaʿqūb ibn Isḥāq, Dār al-Kutub al-Islāmiyya, Tehran, 4th ed., 1407 AH.
[26] Al-Kāfī (Islamic edition), vol. 6, p. 3 Kulaynī, Muḥammad ibn Yaʿqūb ibn Isḥāq, Dār al-Kutub al-Islāmiyya, Tehran, 4th ed., 1407 AH.
[27] Al-Kāfī (Islamic edition), vol. 6, p. 4 Kulaynī, Muḥammad ibn Yaʿqūb ibn Isḥāq, Dār al-Kutub al-Islāmiyya, Tehran, 4th ed., 1407 AH.
