The Festival of Honor, the Celebration of Duty

🌻🔆🔆🌻

🌼🔆🌼The Spring of Receiving the Divine Robe of Honor🌼🔆🌼

 

🌹🔅☘️ بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحيمِ ☘️🔅🌹

🔅🌹 “The Manual of the Festival of Receiving the Robe of Honor” “” “” “Declarations and Testimonies of the Age of Maturity” “Types of Maturity” and etc. Abridged with an addendum 1405.07.10 Ali Saei (Abdullah Meshkat) 110.141(903) 🌹🔅

 

📜 Treatise on “The Festival of the Robe of Honor and Celebration of Religious Maturity”

🌟 Introduction

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحيمِ

All praise and gratitude belong to God, who at every moment opens a fresh day of servitude for humankind, and at every breath infuses a newborn birth of humanity into their soul. He who made the verse “هذا یومٌ حادثٌ جدیدٌ” a witness to our deeds, and appointed “و هو علینا شاهدٌ عتیدٌ” to watch over us, so that we may know that every new day is a fresh parchment to write upon, and every dawn is another register for inscribing “the best version of oneself.”

 

This treatise is a narrative of the “Festival of the Robe of Honor”—not merely the “Celebration of Religious Maturity” (Jashn-e Taklif). It is a narrative of that moment when God honors dust with His direct address, adorning the servant with the “crown of the nobility” of servitude. Here, the talk is not of a “burden”; the talk is of “wings.” The talk is not of “obligation” (taklif); the talk is of “bestowing a mark of honor” (tashrif).

 

In this treatise, we have spoken of the “spring of beginnings,” of “every moment as the dawning of a new maturity,” of “the degrees and qualities of servitude,” of “the declarations and testimonies of the age of maturity,” of “clinging to the cord of God,” of “the Quran and the Ahl al-Bayt,” of “the tradition of Sayyid ibn Tawus,” of the “Sahifah Sajjadiyyah,” and of the “manifesto of honor and obligation.”

 

May these pages serve as a lamp along the path of becoming an “Abdullah” (servant of God) and an “Abduh” (His servant); and a step on the way toward becoming an “Amatullah” (female servant of God) and an “Amatuh” (His female 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 and newly-born day…”

 

In our religious culture, “maturity” (bulugh) is not a single point, but a process. It is not a moment, but a season. A child progresses from a “speck” to a “cell,” to a “drop of fluid,” to a “clinging clot,” to a “morsel of flesh,” to a “suckling infant,” to “adolescence,” to “youth,” to “middle age,” to “forty years old,” to “fifty and sixty and beyond”—walking ever onward toward eternity, with every stage marking a new maturity.

 

Yet “maturity in terms of divine honor and religious obligation” is the turning point of all these maturities. It is the moment when a person transitions from the “rehearsal of servitude” to the “battlefield of servitude.” It is the moment when the “golden carpet of the divine” is rolled out toward the “divine good pleasure.” It is the moment when we sweeten the “palate of maturity” with the “name of God” and “His absolute oneness.”

 

Sayyid ibn Tawus, that great scholar of the seventh century, was the first to formally celebrate this milestone—and he named it the “Celebration of the Robe of Honor,” not the “Celebration of Obligation.” He believed that on this day, the adolescent has attained a degree of worthiness that prompts God to speak directly to them and address them. Therefore, it is this “nobility” and “veneration” that ought to be celebrated.

Rebuking those who belittle this day, he states:

“Why has the day of attaining the honor of religious obligation been treated as insignificant and petty by people?… It is as though it were not a day concerning which God will question them.”

And elsewhere he writes:

“It behooves you to know that the day God honors you with religious obligation and obedience to Him is among the greatest of feasts and the most supreme moments of happiness in your life.”

This treatise is an endeavor to re-read this very perspective. A perspective that views “obligation” as a “crown,” not a “burden.” A perspective that regards “maturity” as the “elevation of servitude,” not merely the “beginning of servitude.” A perspective that considers the “celebration of religious maturity” to be the “celebration of becoming addressed by God.”

“Every moment is a new day of serving God!

Every moment of man is a new birth of man!”

 

📖 Introduction

❇️ The Festival of the Robe of Honor, the Celebration of Religious Maturity—Why?

On the threshold of maturity, the adolescent steps out of the world of “exemption” into the world of “responsibility.” Yet this responsibility is not a burden; it is an honor. God has trusted them and entrusted them with a mission.

“أَيَحْسَبُ الْإِنْسَانُ أَنْ يُتْرَكَ سُدًى” (Qiyama: 36)

“Does man think that he is to be left neglected?”

No! They are not abandoned. From this moment onward, the scroll of their deeds is opened, and they write with their own hands. From this moment, they are the architects of their own future. From this moment, they have become the special addressees of God.

 

❇️ Maturity is the Elevation of Servitude

The day of receiving the robe of honor is not the beginning of servitude, but its transformation. It is the elevation of servitude. Throughout life, a person steps from their initial maturity into the maturities of subsequent stages. Maturity is the eloquence of the human essence in the perfection of the sweetness of its servitude.

“وَ لَمَّا بَلَغَ أَشُدَّهُ آتَيْنَاهُ حُكْمًا وَ عِلْمًا” (Yusuf: 22)

“And when he reached his full maturity, We gave him judgment and knowledge.”

Maturity is the time for knowledge and wisdom to well up. It is the time for the inner senses to blossom. It is the time for the essence of existence to put forth shoots.

 

❇️ Obligation is the Crown of Nobility

Religious obligation means liberation from the servitude of anything other than God. Whoever accepts this obligation is freed from the servitude of the ego. Obligation is the training of correct choices, not the fear of making mistakes.

“كُلُّ نَفْسٍ بِمَا كَسَبَتْ رَهِينَةٌ” (Muddaththir: 38)

“Every soul is a hostage for what it has earned.”

Starting today, every good deed is an investment for tomorrow. Every prayer, every act of assistance, every smile—all of it is recorded.

 

❇️ The Light of Servitude

Servitude is not merely a series of outward acts; it is a luminous identity that human beings clothe themselves in, bringing beauty and dignity. Imam Sajjad (AS) states in the Sahifah Al-Sajjadiyyah:

«جَلَّلْتَنِي نِعَمُكَ مِنْ أَنْوَارِ الْإِيمَانِ حُلَلًا»

“Your blessings have clothed me in garments from the lights of faith.”

Servitude means placing oneself in the exposure of the light of God’s Countenance. Whoever steps onto the path of servitude is guided from the darknesses toward the light.

«إِنَّمَا يَهْتَدِي الْمُهْتَدُونَ بِنُورِ وَجْهِكَ» (دعای ۵ صحیفه)

“Indeed, the guided are guided solely by the light of Your Countenance.”

 

❇️ The Sahifah Al-Sajjadiyyah: The Multivitamin of Servitude

The Sahifah Al-Sajjadiyyah is the multivitamin of divine servitude. One must equip oneself with it right from the dawn of religious maturity and honor (*tashrif*). Supplication 20 (The Noble Traits of Character) is the garden of noble virtues and the supreme vista of servitude. Supplication 25 is the parents’ prayer for their children. Supplication 44 is the spring of the Quran and the spring of divine honor. Supplication 5 is the light of the divine Countenance. The Supplication of Abu Hamza al-Thumali is a tender gaze upon servitude.

«اللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَ آلِهِ، وَ بَلِّغْ بِإِيمَانِي أَكْمَلَ الْإِيمَانِ»

“O God, send blessings upon Muhammad and his family, and bring my faith to the most complete of faiths.”

 

❇️ Holding Fast to the Cord of God

«وَ اعْتَصِمُوا بِحَبْلِ اللَّهِ جَمِيعًا وَ لَا تَفَرَّقُوا» (آل‌عمران: ۱۰۳)

“And hold firmly to the rope of God all together and do not become divided.”

What is the Cord of God? In traditions, Ali (AS) (along with the Imams (AS)) and the Quran have been introduced as such. Imam Sajjad (AS) stated:

“The Quran and the Imam will not separate from each other until the Day of Resurrection. The Imam guides to the Quran, and the Quran guides to the Imam.”

Thus, clinging to the Quran and the Ahl al-Bayt is the only path to salvation. «إِنِّي تَارِكٌ فِيكُمُ الثَّقَلَيْنِ: كِتَابَ اللَّهِ وَ عِتْرَتِي» .

 

❇️ The Charter of Honor and Obligation

This treatise encompasses the Charter of Honor (*Tashrif*) and the Charter of Obligation (*Taklif*). The Charter of Honor is the acknowledgment of station and expression of gratitude. The Charter of Obligation is the adolescent’s practical program for the first year of religious duty. The monotheistic covenant and practical declaration of the principles of faith form the heart of this charter.

“Today, I became the addressee of God.”

“Religious obligation is the crown of my nobility.”

“Starting today, my relationship with God is special.”

 

📋 Systematic Summary

🗂️ Part One: Theoretical Foundations

Topic	Rule	Reference
Honor over Obligation	The perspective of “honor and reverence” preceding “responsibility and mission”	The biographical practice of Sayyid ibn Tawus
Starting in the name of God	Each section should begin with “Bismillah” and the remembrance of God	“Bismillah al-Rahman al-Rahim upon the beginning of my puberty and upon the end of my puberty”
Supplication-Centric	The Sahifah Al-Sajjadiyyah should be the backbone of the celebration	Supplications 5, 20, 25, 44, Abu Hamza
Adolescent Participation	The adolescent says “Amen,” recites the “covenant,” and receives the “mission card”	Charter of Honor and Obligation
The Luminosity of Servitude	The atmosphere of the celebration should be luminous, joyous, and spiritual	«جَلَّلْتَنِي نِعَمُكَ مِنْ أَنْوَارِ الْإِيمَانِ حُلَلًا»
Connection with the Quran and the Ahl al-Bayt	Adherence to the Quran and the Ahl al-Bayt (AS) should be renewed	Hadith al-Thaqalayn, the Verse of Clinging
Allegiance to the Imam of Our Time (AJ)	A special bond with the Imam of the Age must be established	The narration “The lamp of the believer is the recognition of our right”

🗂️ Part Two: Pillars of the Celebration

Pillar	Explanation	Reference
The Gateway of Honor	The adolescent’s entry with “Bismillah” and the greeting of welcome “Peace be upon the addressee of God”	Executive Initiative
The Crown of Dignity	Symbolic presentation of the crown to the adolescent	The biographical practice of Sayyid ibn Tawus
Recitation of the Quran	Recitation of Surah al-Zumar verse 73, Surah al-Isra verse 80, Surah al-Naml verse 19	The Noble Quran
Gnostic/Epistemic Speech	“What does honor mean?” and “Obligation is a crown, not a burden”	Theoretical Foundations
Supplication 20 (Noble Traits of Character)	Collective recitation with the adolescent’s “Amen”	Sahifah Al-Sajjadiyyah⟦45s
Supplication 25 (For Children)	Parents offer supplications for their children	Sahifa al-Sajjadiyya
Supplication 5 (The Light of the Divine Countenance)	«إِنَّمَا يَهْتَدِي الْمُهْتَدُونَ بِنُورِ وَجْهِكَ»	Sahifa al-Sajjadiyya
Supplication 44 (On Welcoming the Month of Ramadan)	«وَ أَعِنَّا عَلَى صِيَامِهِ بِكَفِّ الْجَوَارِحِ عَنْ مَعَاصِيهِ»	Sahifa al-Sajjadiyya
The Supplication of Abu Hamza	«إِلَهِی لَا تُؤَدِّبْنِی بِعُقُوبَتِكَ»	Sahifa al-Sajjadiyya
The Supplication of Innate Recognition	«اللَّهُمَّ عَرِّفْنِي نَفْسَكَ…»	Hadith
Pledging Allegiance to the Imam of the Age (AJ)	Reciting the narration “The believer’s lamp…” and renewing the covenant	Hadith
The Charter of Honor	Acknowledging one’s station, a covenant of friendship with God, and thanksgiving	Drafting the Treatise
The Charter of Duty	The meaning of religious obligation, responsibilities, and daily and long-term programs	Drafting the Treatise
The Covenant of Honor	Signed by the adolescent and witnessed by the parents	Drafting the Treatise
The Mission Card	A card containing the celebration’s motto and an action plan	Drafting the Treatise
Reception and Banquet	Following the tradition of Sayyid ibn Tawus	The Conduct of Sayyid ibn Tawus
Commemorative Photo	A family photo taken by the “Gate of Honor”	Executive Initiative
Closing Motto	“Today, God has addressed me.”	Drafting the Treatise
Presentation of Gifts	Sahifa al-Sajjadiyya, the Book of the Charter, and prayer beads	Executive Initiative

🗂️ Section Three: The Thirty Duties of the Obligated and Honored

No.	Duty	Source
1	Perfect your faith	Supplication 20
2	Make your certainty the most excellent	Supplication 20
3	Purify your intention	Supplication 20
4	Befriend God	Supplication of Abu Hamza
5	Perform prayer at its prime time	Supplication 16
6	Learn the meaning of your prayer	Supplication 20
7	Fulfill the obligatory acts	Supplication 20
8	Practice fasting	Supplication 44
9	Shun sins	Supplication 16
10	Know yourself	Supplication 20
11	Maintain modesty and chastity	Supplication 20
12	Practice God-wariness (Taqwa)	Supplication 20
13	Respect your father and mother	Supplication 25
14	Be a source of pride for your family	Supplication 25
15	Pray for your parents	Supplication 25
16	Do good to others	Supplication 20
17	Spread justice	Supplication 20
18	Control your anger	Supplication 20
19	Extinguish the fire of discord	Supplication 20
20	Learn the fundamentals of religion	Supplication 20
21	Learn the branches of religion	Hadith
22	Recite the Quran	Quran
23	Maintain a bond with the Quran and the Ahl al-Bayt	Hadith al-Thaqalayn
24	Pledge allegiance to the Imam of the Time (AJ)	Narration
25	Obey the Imam of the Time (AJ)	Quran
26	Pray for the reappearance	Supplication for the Faraj
27	Organize your daily schedule	Supplication 20
28	Perform a new good deed every day	Supplication 20
29	Guard your primordial nature (fitrah)	Verse 30 of Surah Ar-Rum
30	Be the best version of yourself	Supplication 47

🗂️ Part Four: Practical Declaration of the Fundamentals of Religion

Principle	Declaration	Documentation
Monotheism (Tawhid)	There is no god except Allah; He is One, without partner, the Creator and Arranger.	«أَشْهَدُ بِمَا شَهِدْتَ بِهِ عَلَى نَفْسِكَ…»
Divine Justice (‘Adl)	God is just and does not commit injustice.	«وَ أَنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يَظْلِمُ مِثْقَالَ ذَرَّةٍ»
Prophethood (Nubuwwah)	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» and «الْأَوْصِيَاءُ أَئِمَّتِي أَبَدًا»
Resurrection (Ma’ad)	The Day of Judgment, Paradise, and Hell are true.	«وَ أَنَّ الْمَوْتَ حَقَّ…»

🗂️ Part Five: Celebration Slogans

Slogan	Usage
«Today, I became addressed by God.»	Main Slogan
«Obligation is the crown of my nobility.»	Secondary Slogan
«Starting today, with God.»	Secondary Slogan
«The celebration of Tashrif; the celebration of becoming addressed by the Divine.»	Secondary Slogan
«Welcome to the land of love and servitude.»	Secondary Slogan
«Every step of servitude is a storm of beauty.»	Secondary Slogan
«Worship is a journey through the paradise of servitude.»	Secondary Slogan

🗂️ Part Six: Implementation Checklist

Before the celebration:

□ Determine the date and venue

□ Invite adolescents and families

□ Prepare the invitations

□ Print the charter of Tashrif and obligations

□ Print the mission cards

□ Prepare the crown of nobility (symbolic)

□ Prepare the gifts

□ Venue decoration and ambiance setup

□ Coordinate with the speaker, Quran reciter, and supplication reader

□ Prepare the refreshments

 

Day of the celebration:

□ Welcome the guests

□ Perform the Tashrif gateway ritual

□ Present the crown of nobility

□ Program implementation in order

□ Recording and photography

□ Hospitality

□ Collection and packaging

 

After the celebration:

□ Sending letters of appreciation

□ Sending photographs

□ Following up on the youth’s practical programs

□ Holding monthly “Divine Mission” meetings

 

 

 

In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful

✳️ The Festival of Religious Duty, the Celebration of Honor

❇️ The Spring of the Beginning

Every single moment is a new day of serving God!

Every moment of a person’s life is a new birth!

Every moment is the beginning of the continuation of their life!

Yet the spring of the beginning of one’s servitude is the dawn of their honored maturity and religious accountability!

 

❇️ Every moment is the dawn of a new maturity

💫🔆وَ هَذَا يَوْمٌ حَادِثٌ جَدِيدٌ، وَ هُوَ عَلَيْنَا شَاهِدٌ عَتِيدٌ، إِنْ أَحْسَنَّا وَدَّعَنَا بِحَمْدٍ، وَ إِنْ أَسَأْنَا فَارَقَنَا بِذَمٍّ.[1]

💫 “And this is a fresh and newly-arrived day, and it is a present and ready witness over us. If we do good, it bids us farewell with praise, and if we do evil, it parts from us with blame.”

 

Illumination:

🔹 1. The New Day, Witness to Deeds

“Hadha yawmun hadithun jadid” – And this is a fresh and newly-arrived day.

“Wa huwa ‘alayna shahidun ‘atid” – And it is a present and ready witness over us.

Every new day is a fresh scroll for human actions, and the day itself bears witness to our deeds.

 

🔹 2. The Outcome of Good and Evil

“In ahsanna wadda‘ana bi-hamd” – If we do good, it bids us farewell with praise.

“Wa in asanna faraqana bi-dhamm” – And if we do evil, it parts from us with blame.

Meaning: When each day concludes, based upon our actions, it either departs from us with praise and commendation or with reproach and blame.

 

🔹 3. The Message of the Narration

Every new day is a fresh opportunity for goodness.

And every day serves as a witness to our actions.

If we perform good deeds therein, that day becomes a source of our praise.

And if we commit evil, it becomes a source of our blame.

Thus, one must make the most of every day to attain righteous deeds and abstain from sins.

 

💎 Gem of Wisdom:

Every new day is a witness to our actions.

If we do good, that day parts from us with praise.

And if we do evil, it parts from us with blame.

Therefore, we must cherish every day and busy ourselves therein with obedience and righteous deeds.

This supplication emphasizes the importance of utilizing time optimally and avoiding heedlessness.

 

 

❇️ The Beginning of Every Beginning with the Originator of Every Beginning

Bless the start of every undertaking with the name of God! Without the name of God, every endeavor remains stunted and incomplete!

O Lord, I begin my honored and accountable maturity with Your name and remembrance!

In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful at the dawn of my maturity, and In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful at the culmination of my maturity!

 

❇️ The Degrees and Qualities of Servitude to God

The day of honor and religious duty is not the beginning of servitude, but rather its transformation—an elevation of servitude!

The onset of maturity is, in truth, maturity after maturity; a youth reaching the age of accountability marks a new chapter in their life, and this maturity must attain its ultimate perfection!

Maturity is, in reality, the eloquence of the human essence in the supreme sweetness of its servitude!

Throughout their life, a human being steps from the initial maturity into subsequent stages of maturity! Such as maturity from a “cell to a drop of fluid, to a clinging clot, to a lump of flesh, to a nursing infant, a child consuming solid food, adolescence, youth, middle age, forty years, fifty and sixty, and so on…” meaning, the various stages of maturity!

 

✳️ The Commencement of the Practical and Legal Phases of Maturity

❇️ O Lord, employ all my limbs and faculties in Your service

Place your hand in the hand of God!

Surrender every moment of yours, your heart, your actions, your worldly life and your 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! … And take hold of my hearing, my sight, my heart, and all my limbs and faculties, guiding them toward Your obedience and the obedience of Your Messenger – may God’s blessings be upon him and his progeny – and toward the most beloved of deeds in Your sight.

O God! Make what has passed of my good deeds acceptable; and forgive whatever shortcomings or sins have transpired from me; and in the remaining span of my life that I am to cherish, make its beginning righteousness, its middle success, and its end triumph.

O God! I ask of You guidance, God-consciousness, chastity, sufficiency, self-sufficiency, and action in accordance with what You love and approve.

O God! I seek refuge in You from associating partners with You knowingly or unknowingly, and I seek Your forgiveness for what I know and what I do not know.”

☘️ O Lord, take my hand! And my heart, my mind, my sight, and…

Illumination:

🔹 1. Praying for the Guidance of One’s Limbs Toward Obedience

«خذ بسمعي و بصري و قلبي و جوارحي كلها إلى طاعتك» –

Draw my hearing, my sight, my heart, and all my limbs toward Your obedience.

«و طاعة رسولك» – And the obedience of Your Messenger.

«و إلى أحب الأعمال إليك» – And toward the deeds most beloved to You.

 

🔹 2. Praying for the Acceptance of Deeds and the Forgiveness of Sins

«اجعل ما مضى من حسن عملي مقبولاً» – Make whatever is past of my righteous deeds acceptable.

«ما فرط مني من سيئة مغفوراً» – Make whatever transgression has issued from me of evil, forgiven.

 

🔹 3. Praying for Righteousness, Success, and Deliverance Throughout Life

«ما أستأنس من عمري أوله صلاحاً» – Grant that the beginning of my life be marked by righteousness.

«أوسطه فلاحاً» – Its middle by success [and salvation].

«آخره نجاحاً» – And its end by deliverance [and triumph].

 

🔹 4. The Seven Supplications

Request	Meaning
الهدی	Guidance.
التقی	Piety.
العفاف	Chastity and purity.
الکفاف	Sufficiency and adequacy.
الغنی	Self-sufficiency.
العمل بما تحب و ترضی	Acting upon what You love and are pleased with.

 

🔹 5. Seeking Refuge from Polytheism and Asking for Forgiveness

«أعوذ بك أن أشرك بك و أنا أعلم أو لا أعلم» –

I seek refuge in You from associating partners 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 Gem of the Supplication:

The servant asks God to guide all his limbs and faculties toward obedience to Him and His Messenger.

He asks God for the acceptance of righteous deeds, the forgiveness of sins, and righteousness, success, and deliverance throughout his entire life.

The seven fundamental requests: guidance, piety, chastity, sufficiency, self-sufficiency, and acting in accordance with what the Divine loves.

And in the end, he seeks refuge from polytheism—both knowingly and unknowingly—and asks for forgiveness for all sins.

This supplication emphasizes monotheism, sincerity, obedience, piety, and a comprehensive request for the good of both this world and the Hereafter.

 

❇️ Let Us Sweeten the Palate of Our Maturity with the Name of God and His Monotheism

Everyone can take a covenant and celebrate a formal pledge of religious duty for the continuation of their life!

💫🔆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 that which You have borne witness to concerning Yourself, and which Your angels and the possessors of knowledge have borne witness to: There is no god but You—[You are] the Almighty, the Wise.

And whoever does not bear witness to that which You have borne witness to concerning Yourself, and which Your angels and the possessors of knowledge have borne witness to, then record my testimony in place of their testimony.

O Allah! You are Peace, and from You is peace. I ask You, O Possessor of Majesty and Honor, to liberate my neck from the Fire.”

 

Illumination:

🔹 1. Bearing Witness to the Oneness of God

«أشهد بما شهدتَ به على نفسك» – I bear witness to that which You have borne witness to concerning Yourself.

«و شهدت ملائكتك و أولو العلم» – And which Your angels and the possessors of knowledge have borne witness to.

«لا إله إلا أنت العزيز الحكيم» – There is no god but You—[You are] the Almighty, the 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» (آل عمران: ۱۸)

– “God bears witness that there is no god except Him—and [so do] the angels and the possessors of knowledge—upholding justice. There is no god except Him—the Almighty, the Wise.”

 

🔹 2. Praying for the Recording of the Testimony

«و من لم يشهد بما شهدتَ به على نفسك… فاكتب شهادتي مكان شهادتهم» –

Whoever does not bear witness to that which You have borne witness to concerning Yourself, and which Your angels and the possessors of knowledge have borne witness to, then record my testimony in place of their testimony.

This is a request to have the servant’s testimony recorded in place of the testimony of those who have remained heedless of this witness.

 

🔹 3. Divine Peace

«اللهم أنت السلام و منك السلام» – O Allah! You are Peace, and from You is peace.

“As-Salam” is among the Divine Names, and complete peace and well-being come solely from Him.

 

🔹 4. Praying for Deliverance from the Fire

«أسألك يا ذا الجلال و الإكرام أن تفك رقبتي من النار» –

I ask You, O Possessor of Majesty and Honor, to liberate my neck from the Fire.

This is the highest request of the servant before God, seeking deliverance from the torment of the hereafter.

 

💎 The Gem of the Supplication:

The servant testifies to the oneness of God, just as God has testified concerning Himself, and as the angels and those endowed with knowledge have testified.

He asks God to record his testimony in place of the testimony of the heedless.

God is absolute peace, and well-being proceeds from Him alone.

The servant asks God for the deliverance of his neck from the Fire.

This supplication emphasizes Tawhid, the testimony to the oneness of God, and the request for deliverance from torment.

 

❇️Holding Fast to the Cord 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 narrated from Imam Sadiq (AS) that he said:

“When you look at the sky, say:

‘Glory be to the One who placed constellations in the heaven, and placed therein a lamp and an illuminating moon; and who made for us stars as a qiblah by which we find guidance to turn toward Him in the darkness of land and sea!

O God! Just as You guided us to turn toward You and toward Your qiblah erected for Your creation, guide us to Your stars—which You have made a security for the inhabitants of the earth and the inhabitants of the heaven—so that we may turn toward You through them.

Thus, those who turn toward You do not turn except through them, nor does anyone travel the path toward You who travels by other than them, nor does anyone cleave to the right path who has not cleaved to them.

I have grasped the unfailing handhold of God, and I have held fast to the steadfast cord of God.

And I take refuge in God from the evil of what descends from the sky, and from the evil of what ascends therein, and from the evil of what He has scattered in the earth, and from the evil of what comes forth from it. And there is no might nor power except by God!

O God! Lord of the raised canopy, the restrained sea, the brimming ship, and the subjugated stars; and Lord of Hud ibn Asiyah! Bless Muhammad and the family of Muhammad, and grant me well-being from every snake and scorpion, and from all creeping things of the earth and the air, and beasts of prey, and from whatever is in the land and the sea, and from the people of the earth and the dwellers of the earth and the air.'”

The narrator said: I asked, “And what is Hud ibn Asiyah?”

He replied, “It is a faint star in the sky, beneath the middle one of the three scattered stars in the Greater Bear (Banat al-Nash). That is a security against what I have mentioned.”

 

Illumination:

🔹 1. Supplication Upon Looking at the Sky

By looking at the sky, the servant acknowledges the majesty of divine creation.

God has created the constellations, the sun, the moon, and the stars.

The stars serve as a qiblah for finding guidance in the darkness of the land and the sea.

 

🔹 2. The Request for Guidance to the Stars

The servant asks God to guide him to the stars—which are a source of security for the inhabitants of the earth and the heavens.

This is because those who turn toward God do not turn to Him except through them.

Nor does anyone travel the path toward God except by way of them.

This alludes to the role of the Ahl al-Bayt (AS) as the stars of guidance.

 

🔹 3. Clinging to the Cord of God

“I have grasped the unfailing handhold of God.”

“I have held fast to the steadfast cord of God.”

 

🔹 4. Seeking Refuge from Evils

From the evil of what descends from the sky.

From the evil of what rises into the sky.

From the evil of what has been created on earth.

From the evil of what comes forth from the earth.

 

🔹 5. Asking for well-being

One asks God for well-being and protection from snakes, scorpions, insects, beasts of prey, and all harmful creatures.

 

🔹 6. Hud ibn Asiya

A hidden star in the sky, the middle one in the lower row of the three stars known as Banāt al-Naʿsh.

This star offers protection from the evils mentioned.

 

💎 The jewel of supplication:

Looking up at the sky is an opportunity to remember the grandeur of God’s creation and give thanks.

The stars are signs of guidance and safety for those in the heavens and on earth.

Clinging to God’s rope and seeking refuge from evil, the servant asks God for well-being and guidance.

This supplication emphasises divine oneness, trust in God, seeking refuge in Him, and asking for protection from all harmful creatures.

 

❇️Hold the Qur’an and the Ahl al-Bayt close to your heart

Hold the Qur’an close and keep the Ahl al-Bayt in your heart, and say: My Lord, I have clung to Your rope, the firmest 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 al-Husayn (AS) said:

“No Imam from among us is anything but infallible. Infallibility is not something visible in a person’s outward form, by which he may be recognised. For this reason, an Imam can be appointed only through a divinely given designation.”

He was then 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 from one another 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 that which is most upright.”

 

❇️Deepen your understanding of the rope of God

💫🔆In the Tafsir of Ali ibn Ibrahim, concerning the words of God: وَ اعْتَصِمُوا بِحَبْلِ اللَّهِ جَمِيعاً He said: “Divine oneness and wilayah.”[6]

💫 In the Tafsir of Ali ibn Ibrahim, concerning the words of God: “وَ اعْتَصِمُوا بِحَبْلِ اللَّهِ جَمِيعاً”, he says: “[The rope of God is] divine oneness and wilayah.”

 

💫🔆حَدِيثاً 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 AS.[7]

💫 A chain-transmitted hadith from Imam al-Baqir (AS) concerning the words of God:

“ضُرِبَتْ عَلَيْهِمُ الذِّلَّةُ أَيْنَ ما ثُقِفُوا إِلَّا بِحَبْلٍ مِنَ اللَّهِ وَ حَبْلٍ مِنَ النَّاسِ” (Al Imran: 112)

“They were struck with humiliation wherever they were found, except by a rope from God and a rope from the people.” He said:

“The rope from God is the Book of God, and the rope from the people is Ali ibn Abi Talib (AS).”

 

 

❇️The feast of honour and responsibility

Treat your own feast of honour and responsibility as you would Eid al-Adha and 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 al-Sadiq (AS) that he said:

“In the supplication for the two Eids [Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha], between each pair of 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 guardian—always;

and the successors are my Imams—always.’

Name them all, up to the last of them.

And say: ‘There is no god but God.’”

 

Illumination:

🔹 1. The supplication for the two Eids

This supplication is recited between each pair of takbirs in the Eid prayer.

The two Eids are Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.

 

🔹 2. The seven declarations

Declaration	Meaning
God is my Lord, always	God is my Lord—always.
Islam is my religion forever.	Islam is my religion—forever.
محمد نبیّی أبداً	Muhammad is my Prophet—forever.
The Quran is my book forever.	The Qur’an is my Book—forever.
The Kaaba is my qibla forever.	The Kaaba is my qibla—forever.
علی ولیّی أبداً	Ali is my guardian—forever.
الأوصیاء أئمّتی أبداً	The successors are my Imams—forever.

 

🔹 3. Naming the Successors

«و تسمّیهم إلى آخرهم» — “And name them, all the way to the last of them.”

That is: Imam Ali (AS) and his eleven descendants, culminating in Imam Mahdi (AJ).

 

🔹 4. Affirming Divine Unity

«و لا أحد إلا الله» — “And there is no god but Allah.”

This affirms the oneness and uniqueness of God.

 

🔹 5. The Message of the Supplication

Through these affirmations, the servant renews their faith in the fundamental principles of religion: divine unity, prophethood, resurrection, Imamate, the Qur’an, and the Kaaba.

They place devotion to Ali (AS) and the successors alongside divine unity and prophethood.

This demonstrates the inseparable bond between divine unity and devotion to the Imams.

 

💎 The Jewel of the Supplication:

In the supplication for the two Eids, the servant renews their faith in seven fundamental principles of religion:

Divine unity (الله ربّی).

Islam (religion).

Prophethood (محمد نبیّی).

The Qur’an (Book).

The qibla (Kaaba).

Devotion to Ali (علی ولیّی).

Imamate (الأوصیاء أئمّتی).

These affirmations are underscored by the word «أبداً» (“forever”).

This supplication emphasizes the bond between divine unity, prophethood, and devotion to the Imams, as well as the continuity of faith in every circumstance.

 

❇️A Further 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]

💫 “And I am a believer who knows and bears witness 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 Qur’an 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
لا إله إلا الله	Divine unity—there is no god but Allah.
محمد رسول الله	Prophethood—Muhammad is the Messenger of God.
الله ربّی	Allah is my Lord.
محمد نبیّی	Muhammad is my Prophet.
الإسلام دینی	Islam is my religion.
القرآن کتابی	The Qur’an is my Book.
الکعبة قبلتی	The Kaaba is my qibla.
علی إمامی	Ali is my Imam.
المؤمنین إخوانی	The believers are my brothers.

 

🔹 2. The Six Affirmations of the Hereafter

Affirmation	Meaning
الموت حق	Death is real.
السؤال حق	The questioning [in the grave] is real.
الصراط حق	The Bridge is real.
الجنة حق	Paradise is real.
النار حق	The Fire is real.
The Hour—there is no doubt about it.	The Hour is coming, beyond any doubt.
God will raise those who are in the graves.	God will raise up all who are in the graves.

🔹 3. The Message of the Declaration of Faith

Through this declaration, the servant renews his faith in the fundamentals of the religion — divine oneness, prophethood, imamate, and the return.

And he places the guardianship of Ali (AS) alongside divine oneness and prophethood.

And he bears witness to the truth of death, the questioning in the grave, the Bridge, Paradise, the Fire, and the Resurrection.

 

💎 The central message of the declaration:

This declaration encompasses the creedal foundations of Shi’ism:

Divine oneness (لا إله إلا الله).

Prophethood (محمد رسول الله).

Imamate (علی إمامی).

The return (الموت حق، الساعة حق، الله یبعث من فی القبور).

And it emphasises brotherhood in faith (المؤمنین إخوانی).

This declaration stresses the renewal of faith and a renewed commitment to the fundamentals of the religion.

 

❇️The Sweet Celebration of Coming of Age and Religious Duty

Welcome to the land of love and servitude!

Welcome to the new year and season of love and worship of God!

Welcome to the ranks of the prophets and the friends of God!

Blessed are you in your good fortune, for you have joined the ranks of the righteous!

God Most High found you worthy of ascent and flight! He fashioned for you a wing, that you might soar toward the highest horizons!

Keep the white page of your deeds white and radiant; turn it into a book of the art of servitude!

Each day, adorn the page with “O God, I love You!”

Each day, offer your Lord a flower of good deeds and intimate prayer!

The page of your deeds is filled with intention, faith, certainty, and action!

Keep the noble recording angels (Kiram al-Katibin) joyful and pleased with you; make your companionship with them sweet!

 

❇️Maturity Is the Season When Knowledge and Wisdom Surge Forth

✨🔆Yusuf: 22 وَ لَمَّا بَلَغَ أَشُدَّهُ آتَيْناهُ حُكْماً وَ عِلْماً وَ كَذلِكَ نَجْزِي الْمُحْسِنينَ

🔆And when he reached maturity and strength, We granted him “judgement” [prophethood] and “knowledge”; and thus do We reward those who do good!

 

❇️Know the Seasons of Your Life

Each season of life comes with its own particular transformation!

None can replace another; make the best possible use of every season!

✨🔆Al-Ahqaf: 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 bears him with hardship and brings him forth with hardship; and the bearing of him and the weaning of him is thirty months — until, when he reaches full strength and attains forty years, he says: “My Lord! Grant me the grace to be grateful for Your favour which You bestowed upon me and upon my parents, and to do righteous deeds that please You; and make my offspring righteous. Indeed, I turn to You, and indeed, I am among the Muslims!”

 

❇️Look at Your History and Your Geography

Where you have come from and where you have arrived — and this journey continues, pressing ever forward into eternity, and no two stages are alike!

From half a cell, where you have arrived and where you are heading — a great matter lies ahead!

Maturity is the focal point and the jewel in the edifice of man’s essence!

From the maturity of the soil to the maturity of the heavens —

the beginning of maturity, and the bringing of the heavens to perfection.

 

✨🔆Al-Hajj: 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

🔆O people! If you are in doubt about the Resurrection, (consider this:) We created you from dust, then from a drop of sperm, then from a clot of blood, then from a lump of flesh—some formed and some unformed—so that We may make clear to you (that We have power over all things)! And We place in the wombs whatever embryos We will for an appointed term; (and We cause to fall whatever We will;) then We bring you forth as infants; then the goal is that you reach your full strength and maturity. Among you are some who die; and some live on to the most decrepit stage of life, so that after having known, they know nothing! (On the other hand,) you see the earth dry and lifeless, but when We send down rain upon it, it stirs and swells; and it brings forth every kind of beautiful plant!

 

❇️The dust that becomes the king of the heavens

The maturity of obligation is the turning point of all transformations and distinctions!

✨🔆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 it is who created you from dust, then from a drop of sperm, then from a clot of blood, then He sends you forth as an infant, then you reach the stage of your full strength, then you grow old—and among you are some who die before reaching this stage—and at last you reach the end of your life; and perhaps you may reason!

☘️Man is continually in the experiences of maturity after maturity!

 

 

❇️God has invited you to His Garden of Refuge

💫🔆Al-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

🔆And those who feared God are led to Paradise in groups; when they reach it, its gates are opened and its keepers say to them: “Peace be upon you! May these blessings be pleasant to you! Enter Paradise and abide therein forever!”

☘️Obligation means God’s invitation to the private garden reserved for the divine Paradise!

☘️The Most High God showed kindness and bestowed a favor, and accepted us into His servitude! There is no honor higher than this for a servant of God!

 

❇️Every beginning is with the Beginner of existence

Enter the new season of worship and servitude to God with God, with the name of God, with the remembrance of God, and with the aid of God,

The beginning of honor and obligation means the golden carpet of God leading to divine contentment, to the highest Paradise, to absolute beauty, to the full radiance of the verse of existence!

✨🔆Al-Isra: 80 وَ قُلْ رَبِّ أَدْخِلْني‏ مُدْخَلَ صِدْقٍ وَ أَخْرِجْني‏ مُخْرَجَ صِدْقٍ وَ اجْعَلْ لي‏ مِنْ لَدُنْكَ سُلْطاناً نَصيراً

🔆And say: “My Lord, cause me to enter (in all my affairs) with truth and to exit with truth, and grant me from Yourself a supporting authority and a helper (in my affairs).”

 

❇️Fulfill the gratitude for the blessing of maturity

✨🔆Al-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 at her words and laughed and said: “My Lord! Inspire me to be grateful for the blessings You have bestowed upon me and upon my father and mother, and grant me success to do righteous deeds that please You, and admit me by Your mercy among Your righteous servants!”

 

❇️Entrusting yourself, your obligation, your worship and your servitude!

The absolute entrusting of yourself and your deeds to God!

You must not be separated from Him or heedless of Him for a single moment; He who remembers you—remember Him!

O Lord, from this very moment of the beginning of the new season of my servitude, I entrust my deeds and my intentions to You!

O Lord, make me a field and make me a harvest!

✨🔆Ghafir: 44 فَسَتَذْكُرُونَ ما أَقُولُ لَكُمْ وَ أُفَوِّضُ أَمْري إِلَى اللَّهِ إِنَّ اللَّهَ بَصيرٌ بِالْعِبادِ

🔆So you will soon remember what I am telling you (at the time of the descent of punishment and in the world to come), and I entrust my affair to God, for God is seeing of (the state of) His servants.

 

❇️Operationalizing free will at the highest level of God’s servitude

“Free will” takes on a special meaning in this arena; so make use of this divine system in the best manner! Revive and elevate your system of the best proportioning!

Free will means a transcendent power! A mighty capacity! It means being adorned with the divine character!

Your honor at maturity is the time of passing from training to the battle of servitude, and of creating epics of servitude!

At this time the vast land of your existence has been entrusted to you; the Most High God entrusts the greater world to you to manage—what a great medal, what a lofty title you have acquired!

You are the king of kings—the vicegerent of God—for the governance of your own existence!

So what innovation will you bring in servitude?!

 

❇️The Day of Honor

With a vision of *honouring*—of ennobling and showing respect—not merely of *obligation*—of 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 a special divine mission entrusted to you.

The true Eid is the day God called you to the honour of servitude to Him.

 

❇️On Responsibility:

From today, the record of your deeds is open; write it with your own hand.

Everyone is held accountable for their deeds. But the lover of God seeks the means of drawing closer to Him!

Today is the day of your great choices.

 

❇️On Worship:

Prayer is your special daily meeting with God; offer it at the best moment, at the first call, and with love!

Worship is your wing for flight: it is not a duty, but a promotion.

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 start of a new life; make it beautiful.

You are the architect of your 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 with joy.

 

💎 On the Bond Between Obligation and Freedom:

“Obligation” means freedom from servitude to anyone other than God; from today, be His servant alone.

Whoever accepts their obligations is freed from servitude to the self.

Obligation is the cultivation of right choices.

God’s special attention to you has begun!

 

❇️On Your Relationship with God

Your special connection with the One you worship has begun!

Maturity means a new sense of servitude to God, a new colour 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 bound by religious duty 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 too.

From today, be the best version of yourself.

From today, you are responsible for “you.”

 

 

❇️O God, set me on the path of servitude to You!

O God, accept me as a worthy servant of Yours! Grant me success in Your service! Put me to work!

وَ اهْدِنِي لِلَّتِي هِيَ أَقْوَمُ

“Guide me to the path that is most upright”

وَ اسْتَعْمِلْنِي بِمَا هُوَ أَسْلَمُ

“And put me to work in what is sounder”

اللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَ آلِهِ

“O God, bless Muhammad and his family”

وَ قِنِي مِنَ الْمَعَاصِي

“And protect me from sins”

وَ اسْتَعْمِلْنِي بِالطَّاعَةِ

“And put me to work in obedience to You”

وَ اسْتَعْمِلْنِي بِمَا تَسْأَلُنِي غَداً عَنْهُ

“And 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

“And devote my days to that for which You created me”

اللَّهُمَّ وَ أَنْطِقْنِي بِالْهُدَى

“O God, make my tongue speak with guidance”

وَ أَلْهِمْنِي التَّقْوَى

“And inspire me with God-consciousness”

وَ وَفِّقْنِي لِلَّتِي هِيَ أَزْكَى

“And grant me success in what is purer”

وَ اسْتَعْمِلْنِي بِمَا هُوَ أَرْضَى

“And put me to work in what is most pleasing to You”

اللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَ آلِهِ

“O God, bless Muhammad and his family”

وَ نَبِّهْنِي لِذِكْرِكَ فِي أَوْقَاتِ الْغَفْلَةِ

“And awaken me to remember You in times of heedlessness”

وَ اسْتَعْمِلْنِي بِطَاعَتِكَ فِي أَيَّامِ الْمُهْلَةِ

“And put me to work in obedience to You during the days of respite [in this world]”

وَ انْهَجْ لِي إِلَى مَحَبَّتِكَ سَبِيلًا سَهْلَةً

“And open for me an easy way to Your love”

أَكْمِلْ لِي بِهَا خَيْرَ الدُّنْيَا وَ الْآخِرَةِ

“And through it, bring to completion for me the good of this world and the Hereafter”

وَ اجْعَلْ قَلْبِي وَاثِقاً بِمَا عِنْدَكَ

“And set my heart at ease with what is with You”

وَ هَمِّي مُسْتَفْرَغاً لِمَا هُوَ لَكَ

“And free my thoughts for what belongs to You”

وَ اسْتَعْمِلْنِي بِمَا تَسْتَعْمِلُ بِهِ خَالِصَتَكَ

“And put me to work in the way You put Your devoted servants to work”

وَ أَشْرِبْ قَلْبِي عِنْدَ ذُهُولِ الْعُقُولِ طَاعَتَكَ

“And instil obedience to You in my heart when minds are bewildered”

وَ اجْمَعْ لِيَ الْغِنَى وَ الْعَفَافَ وَ الدَّعَةَ وَ الْمُعَافَاةَ وَ الصِّحَّةَ وَ السَّعَةَ وَ الطُّمَأْنِينَةَ وَ الْعَافِيَةَ

“And gather for me abundance, chastity, ease, health, well-being, relief, tranquillity and security”

اللَّهُمَّ اجْعَلْ رَغْبَتِي فِي مَسْأَلَتِي مِثْلَ رَغْبَةِ أَوْلِيَائِكَ فِي مَسَائِلِهِمْ

“O God, make my longing in my 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 pursuit of what pleases You, so that I may never abandon any part of Your religion for fear of any of Your creatures.”

وَ عَبِّدْنِي لَكَ

“Make me Your servant.”

وَ لَا تُفْسِدْ عِبَادَتِي بِالْعُجْبِ

“Do not let self-conceit ruin my worship.”

 

❇️The Official Start of the Race in Servitude

“The obligation marks the official beginning of entry into the honor of servitude to God and the official beginning of one’s divine mission.”

The commencement ceremony is the moment the proud star of servitude is pinned to one’s shoulder!

 

❇️A Fitrah Check-Up at the Beginning of the Special Journey into Servitude

At this sensitive threshold, parents, mentors and the young person embarking on this journey all have serious responsibilities!

Take stock of the fitrah and keep it open to growth!

Step up the pace of nurturing the fitrah!

Be attentive and watch over your fitrah!

Give special attention to the 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 commitment to the Qur’an and the Ahl al-Bayt!

Let us hold a ceremony pledging allegiance to God, His Messenger and God’s wali!!

Let us put our beliefs to the test with an expert!!

Make the supplication of عرفنی … an established practice!

💫🔆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 Knowing

This supplication presents three essential stages of knowing, in order:

Stage	Object of knowledge	Consequence of not knowing
1	Knowing God	Not knowing the Prophet (PBUH)
2	Knowing the Prophet (PBUH)	Not knowing the Proof (Imam)
3	Knowing the Proof (Imam)	Straying from religion

 

🔹 2. The Unbreakable Bond Between the Three Forms of Knowledge

Knowing God is a prerequisite for knowing the Prophet.

Knowing the Prophet is a prerequisite for knowing the Imam.

Knowing the Imam is a prerequisite for deliverance from misguidance.

 

🔹 3. “The Proof”

In this supplication, “the Proof” refers to the infallible Imam (AS)—God’s proof to 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.

The servant knows that without these three, their religion is incomplete and salvation impossible.

 

💎 The Jewel of the Supplication:

Knowledge of God, the Prophet and the Imam are three essential pillars of faith and guidance.

Knowing each one is a step towards 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 fundamental levels, and the unbreakable bond between divine unity, prophethood and imamate.

So complete your moment-to-moment connections!

Make a special pledge of allegiance to Imam of the Age (AS).

Forge a special bond with Imam of the Age (AS)!

The Fifteen Munajat supplications will strengthen you!

Let them imagine themselves in an official race!

Let them be determined to outpace others!

A gentle programme for teaching the principles and branches of religion!

 

❇️A Special “Amin” Programme

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 light of the believer is knowing our rightful station. The deepest blindness is that of one who fails to see our virtue and turns against us, though we have committed no sin—except that we called him to the truth, while another called him to discord, and he chose discord 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 appointed you as His successors in 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 follow it.

Vie with one another in hastening toward forgiveness from your Lord, and toward mercy and a Garden as vast as the heavens and the earth, prepared for the Godwary.”

 

Illumination:

🔹 1. The believer’s light

«سراجُ المؤمن معرفةُ حقّنا» — The believer’s light is knowing the rightful station of the Ahl al-Bayt (AS).

This knowledge is the path of guidance and the light of a believer’s life.

 

🔹 2. The deepest blindness

«أشدُّ العمی من عمیَ فضلَنا» — The deepest 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), though they have committed no sin—except that the Ahl al-Bayt (AS) called him to the truth, while another called him to discord, and he chose discord instead.

 

🔹 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 appointed you as His successors on earth, to see how you will act.

So be mindful of God in what He sees you do.

 

🔹 5. The great path

«علیکم بالمحجة العظمی فاسلکوها» — Hold fast to the great, clear path, and follow it.

This is the path of truth and guidance.

 

🔹 6. Hastening toward forgiveness

«سابِقوا إلی مغفرةٍ من ربّکم و رحمةٍ و جنّةٍ عرضُها السماواتُ و الأرضُ أُعِدَّت للمتّقین» (al-Hadid: 21)

— “Vie with one another in hastening toward forgiveness from your Lord, and toward mercy and a Garden as vast as the heavens and the earth, prepared for the Godwary.”

 

💎 Gem:

Knowing the rightful station of the Ahl al-Bayt (AS) is the believer’s light and the path of guidance.

Blindness of the heart is deeper than blindness of the eyes.

The banner of truth belongs to the Ahl al-Bayt (AS); whoever seeks refuge beneath it is saved.

You are God’s successors on earth, and you must be mindful of God in all that you do.

The great, clear path is the path of truth; follow it.

And vie with one another in hastening toward God’s forgiveness, mercy, and Garden.

This narration stresses the need to know and follow the Ahl al-Bayt (AS), as well as the importance of God-consciousness and hastening to do good.

 

❇️Worship Practice

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 God’s Countenance!

✨ The Light of Devotion Guides the Way

In the fifth supplication of al-Sahifa, Imam Sajjad (AS) sees the source of all guidance in “the light of the Divine Countenance” 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 Countenance; so bless Muhammad and his family, and guide us.”

Devotion means placing oneself in the presence of “the light of God’s Countenance.” Whoever takes the path of devotion is, in truth, guided out of darkness and confusion toward light and clarity.

Nurture yourself in the light of God!

A seed becomes a divine flower in the presence of divine light!

 

❇️Religious Duty and Honour: Clothed in the Garment of Devotional Light

📜 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 is small; and beside the honour You bestow upon me, my praise and glorification are meagre.

Your blessings have clothed me in garments woven of the lights of faith;

the subtle kindnesses of Your goodness have placed crowns of honour upon my head;

Your favours have hung necklaces about my neck that cannot be unfastened;

and placed collars around it that cannot be broken.

Your gifts, then, are abundant, and my tongue cannot count them;

Your blessings are many, and my understanding falls short of grasping them—let alone of numbering them all.”

 

Illumination:

🔹 1. The smallness of gratitude in the face of the greatness of blessings

«تصاغر عند تعاظم آلائك شكري» — My gratitude is humbled by the greatness of Your blessings.

«تضاءل في جنب إكرامك إياي ثنائي و نشري» — Beside the honour You have bestowed on me, my praise and words of commendation are as nothing.

 

🔹 2. Divine blessings as garments, crowns and necklaces

Expression	Meaning
«جللتني نعمك من أنوار الإيمان حللاً»	Your blessings have clothed me in garments woven from the lights of faith.
«ضربت عليّ لطائف برّك من العزّ كللاً»	The subtle kindnesses of Your goodness have placed crowns of honour upon me.
«قلّدتني مننك قلائد لا تحلّ»	Your gracious favours have hung necklaces around my neck that cannot be undone.
«طوّقتني أطواقاً لا تفلّ»	They have placed collars around my neck that cannot be broken.

 

🔹 3. The tongue and the mind cannot enumerate the blessings

«آلاؤك جمّة ضعف لساني عن إحصائها» — Your gifts are so abundant that my tongue cannot count them.

«نعماؤك كثيرة قصر فهمي عن إدراكها فضلاً عن استقصائها» — Your blessings are so numerous that my understanding falls short of grasping them, let alone taking account of them all.

 

🔹 4. The prayer’s message

The servant acknowledges that his gratitude is meagre beside the greatness of God’s blessings, and confesses that his tongue and understanding cannot enumerate them.

This prayer embodies perfect humility and an acknowledgment of God’s boundless grace.

It shows that no matter how hard the servant tries, he cannot give thanks for God’s blessings as they deserve.

 

💎 A precious insight:

God’s blessings are so immense and abundant that the human tongue and mind cannot count or comprehend them.

The servant’s gratitude is insignificant beside the greatness of these blessings.

This prayer emphasises humility, acknowledgment of God’s grace, and the human inability to give thanks as is due.

It shows that the servant should always acknowledge God’s blessings and seek His help in becoming more grateful.

“O God! Even the faith I have in You is one of Your blessings. This faith is like a beautiful, luminous garment that I wear.”

Indeed, servitude is not merely a set of actions; it is a luminous identity one wears, bringing beauty and dignity.

 

❇️The light of servitude at the time of prayer

In the forty-fourth supplication (the prayer for entering the month of Ramadan), Imam al-Sajjad (AS) asks God to “make us mindful of the appointed times of prayer.” This mindfulness, it has been explained, means preparing to meet God:

“He has set aside the finest hours of the day and night for prayer. The choicest moments—the very flowers of the days and nights we pass through—are those appointed for prayer. Making use of these opportunities therefore brings a person closer to God.”

Prayer is the luminous bond between a person and God. Each prayer performed at its earliest time is like being recharged with divine light.

 

❇️ The Light of Devotion: Freedom from Darkness

In his Supplication for Noble Character, Imam al-Sajjad (AS) also views piety and devotion in their social dimensions. He counts among the “adornments of the Godwary” such things as “broadening justice,” “restraining anger,” and “quenching the flames of discord.” This shows that the radiance of devotion is not confined to solitude and prayer; it is also reflected in how we treat others and conduct ourselves in society. One whose devotion is luminous spreads light throughout society as well.

 

💎 The Jewel of Guidance

The Radiance of Devotion	Fraz / Source
Guidance from Darkness to Light	Supplication 5: “إِنَّمَا یَهْتَدِی الْمُهْتَدُونَ بِنُورِ وَجْهِکَ”
The True Meaning of Light = Obedience and Worship	“Light means obedience to and worship of God.”
Faith, a Garment of Light	“جَلَّلْتَنِی نِعَمُکَ مِنْ أَنْوَارِ الْإِیمَانِ”
Light at the Time of Prayer	Knowing the times of prayer = preparing to meet God
Light in Justice and Good Character	“بسط العدل، كظم الغیظ، اطفاء النائرة”

Worship is light. Every step taken along this path brightens one’s being and makes one’s life more beautiful.

Every step in worship is a storm of beauty!

Worship is a journey through the paradise of devotion!

 

 

❇️The Multivitamin of Duty and Grace

The Sahifa Sajjadiya: a multivitamin for devotion to God

Let us equip ourselves with the Sahifa Sajjadiya from the very beginning of our religious responsibility and honour!

It is as though we become universities, schools, hospitals, pharmacies, and exalted paradises!

 

❇️Making the celebration of honour, distinction and illumination sweet

The celebration of worship is a rebirth in this world, the beginning of a new season in life, the beginning of nurturing and bringing forth the essence of one’s being—

sowing the seeds of Paradise and God’s good pleasure in the soul!

Supplication 20 of al-Ṣaḥīfa al-Sajjādiyya is a garden of noble virtues, a beautiful field in which to cultivate servitude to God! It is an exalted guide to servitude to God!

Never leave this great workshop of servitude to God—not for a moment!

 

 

🌟 Supplication 20 (Noble Virtues): Seeking the best at the start of the journey

Supplication 20: the garden of noble virtues

A model supplication

A sublime vision of servitude to God

A comprehensive programme for moral and spiritual growth, especially suited to the beginning of the age of religious responsibility.

From reaching the age of religious responsibility to attaining maturity in faith, certainty and servitude

The spiritual journey along the path to God: becoming God’s servant, becoming His devoted worshipper!

Becoming a woman devoted to God, or a man devoted to God!

 

❇️Beginning religious responsibility and honour with Supplication 20

Let the taste of servitude to God be sweetened with the distinctive supplications of al-Ṣaḥīfa al-Sajjādiyya!

Savour the sweetness of maturity with 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 fullest perfection.

From the very outset of religious responsibility, let the gaze be fixed on the summit!

Let it be directed towards the highest ranks and stations of servitude to God!

💫🔆“وَ اجْعَلْ یقِینِی أَفْضَلَ الْیقِینِ”:

And make my certainty the greatest of certainties.

💫🔆“وَ انْتَهِ بِنِیتِی إِلَی أَحْسَنِ النِّیاتِ”:

And bring my intention to the finest of intentions.

 

Resolve to serve God must be firm from the very beginning!

At the age of religious responsibility, setting the right intention for all one’s actions—from worship to studying—is a fundamental principle.

 

💫🔆“وَ بِعَمَلِی إِلَی أَحْسَنِ الْأَعْمَالِ”: And bring my deeds to the finest of deeds.

Let our whole being—our faith, certainty, intentions and actions—reach perfection, luminous clarity and diamond-like purity!

Aspire to the highest degrees of beauty!

Life should be better than death!

“وَ اسْتَعْمِلْنِی بِمَا تَسْأَلُنِی غَداً عَنْهُ”: O God, put me to work in matters for which You will call me to account on the Day of Resurrection.

“وَ اسْتَفْرِغْ أَیَّامِی فِیمَا خَلَقْتَنِی لَهُ”: And devote the days of my life to that for which You created me.

 

A garden of eloquent humanity

Supplication 20 is a complete map of the perfected human being.

A map drawn by Imam Zayn al-ʿĀbidīn of the full breadth of a mature human being!

The sapling of faith must come to maturity, reach its fullest growth and become a tree of faith—

with every branch reaching towards the highest heavens,

and fruit that tastes of the highest heavens and the realm of holiness.

The greater world of the human being, mature in the fullest 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 you can!

How quickly adolescence and youth pass! Make the most of them!

The first years after reaching maturity are the springtime of life, and its Night of Decree. 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.

The bond between religious responsibility and spiritual light and purity!

Although Supplication 44 welcomes the month of Ramadan, its themes of “cleansing oneself of impurities” and “freedom from sins” are closely connected to 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 faculties from sin. This passage shows that “religious responsibility” is not only about performing acts of worship; it also means keeping the eyes, tongue and hands from sin.

 

❇️Entering God’s service!

💫🔆“وَ اسْتِعْمَالِهَا فِیهِ بِمَا یُرْضِیکَ”:

And let us put our limbs and faculties to work in ways that please You. This means that, from the very beginning, the aim of religious responsibility should be to please God—not merely to perform a duty mechanically.

 

💫🔆“وَ أَنْ نَتَقَرَّبَ إِلَیْکَ فِیهِ مِنَ الْأَعْمَالِ الزَّاکِیَةِ بِمَا تُطَهِّرُنَا عَنِ الذُّنُوبِ وَ تَعْصِمُنَا فِیهِ مِمَّا نَسْتَأْنِفُ مِنَ الْعُیُوبِ”:

And we ask You to draw us near to You through righteous deeds, so that You may cleanse us of our sins and protect us in the future from the evil deeds we might commit. In this passage, we ask God both to cleanse us of the past and to safeguard us in the future.

 

🤲 Supplication 7 (In Times of Distress and Despair)

Seeking refuge in difficult moments

From the very beginning, one must undo knots, overcome difficulties and remove obstacles! Untie the knots within!

“O مَنْ تُحَلُّ بِهِ عُقَدُ الْمَکارِهِ”:

O God, by whose power alone the knots of affliction are undone.

God is the First and the Last, the Manifest and the Hidden!

This passage teaches young people that when facing difficulties and sins, they should turn to God’s infinite power rather than despair.

This is a “celebration of honour” and the “beginning of conscious servitude”—

not merely a heavy burden, but an honour, a dignity, a grace and a privilege!

 

❇️The birth of spirituality!

The onset of maturity is when the special senses of servitude, spirituality and heavenly awareness begin to awaken!

How many inner faculties will grow, emerge and come into their own!

Inner faculties come into being, but bringing them to fruition takes effort!

A newly accountable teenager should map out a beautiful spiritual path.

 

 

🤲 A Parent’s Prayer for Their Children (Prayer 25)

This prayer is for parents to recite on behalf of their children. At a celebration marking the onset of religious responsibility, parents can recite these passages for their child, asking God to grant them goodness and guidance. The prayer emphasises a well-rounded upbringing—physical, religious and moral:

Believing men and women may also recite this prayer on behalf of parents, or with the intention of acting as spiritual parents!

“وَ أَصِحَّ لِی أَبْدَانَهُمْ وَ أَدْیانَهُمْ وَ أَخْلَاقَهُمْ”: O God, preserve for me the well-being of my children’s bodies, faith and character.

“وَ اجْعَلْهُمْ أَبْرَاراً أَتْقِیاءَ بُصَرَاءَ سَامِعِینَ مُطِیعِینَ لَک”: Make them virtuous, 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 Celebration

At the celebration, invite the newly accountable teenager to say “Amen” after each passage of the prayer!

For example, recite Duʿāʾ Makārim al-Akhlāq, or Prayers 20 and 25, together, and ask the teenager to say “Amen” at the end of each passage so they can share in the prayer’s spiritual atmosphere.

 

 

 

 

 

📖 Al-Ṣaḥīfa al-Sajjādiyya: Your Multivitamin

Al-Ṣaḥīfa al-Sajjādiyya is a multivitamin for a life of devotion.

Equip yourself with the Ṣaḥīfa from the very beginning.

Prayer 20 is a garden of noble virtues.

Let the Ṣaḥīfa’s prayers awaken your joy in serving God.

Mark the threshold of adulthood with beautiful prayers.

The Ṣaḥīfa is your book of life.

Prayer 20 offers the noblest vision of devotion.

With the Ṣaḥīfa, you can taste the sweetness of devotion.

Prayer is your language with God.

The Ṣaḥīfa is your guide.

 

🎉 Your Celebration Is a Celebration of Being Addressed

The celebration of honour is a celebration of being addressed by God.

The celebration of worship is your rebirth.

The celebration of religious responsibility is a celebration of honour, dignity and distinction.

Happy spiritual birthday!

This is the beginning of your conscious devotion.

This milestone is one of dignity and honour.

The seeds of your paradise are sown in your soul.

What new things will you bring to your devotion?

Today is your day.

Happy celebration of devotion!

 

✨ Short Sayings

Today is your day.

God called you.

From today on, walk with God.

Religious responsibility is the crown of devotion.

Happy celebration of devotion!

Take your first step with confidence.

Responsibility is an honour.

Devotion is true freedom.

Today, God addressed me.

Religious responsibility is the crown of my honour.

A celebration of honour; 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.

Devote yourself with radiance.

 

🤲 Short Prayers for Teenagers

O God, help me.

O God, perfect my faith.

O God, purify my intentions.

O God, make my actions their very 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 along this path.

O God, make me Your servant.

O God, bless this new beginning.

O God, do not leave me alone.

Amen.

 

💫 One Line for Everything

“From today on, God has addressed me; I wear this crown with love.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

🌟 Final Words

“Dear teenager!”

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.

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 personally.

From today on, your record of deeds is open.

From today on, you are the architect of your own future.

From today on, be the best version of yourself.

 

Remember:

God sees you.

God loves you.

God helps you.

 

So:

Be strong.

Be radiant.

Be the best version of yourself.

 

May your celebration of honour be blessed!

Amen, Lord of all worlds.

 

“Today, God addressed me.”

“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]

💫 Ibn Abbas (may God be pleased with him) is reported to have said: “I was with the Prophet (PBUH) when a Bedouin came and said, ‘O Messenger of God! What does God mean by the 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) replied, ‘O Bedouin! I am His Prophet, and Ali ibn Abi Talib is His rope.’

The Bedouin went away, saying, ‘I believe in God and His Messenger, and I have held 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]

💫 Ali ibn Husayn (Imam Sajjad, AS) said: “One day, the Messenger of God (PBUH) was sitting in the mosque with his companions. He said, ‘A man from among the people of Paradise will enter through this door and ask about what matters to him.’

A tall man, resembling the men of Mudar, 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 to be divided from?’

The Messenger of God (PBUH) lowered his head for a while. Then he raised it, pointed with his hand to Ali ibn Abi Talib (AS), and said:

‘This is the rope of God. Whoever holds fast to it will be kept safe in this world and will not go astray in the Hereafter.’

The man rose, went over to Ali (AS), embraced him from behind, and said, ‘I have held fast to the rope of God and the rope of His Messenger.’

Then he rose, left, and went out.

A man among the people stood up and said, ‘O Messenger of God! Shall I follow him and ask him to seek God’s forgiveness for me?’

The Messenger of God (PBUH) said, ‘If you do, you will find him guided to success.’

The man followed him and asked him to seek God’s forgiveness on his behalf.

That man (Ali, AS) said to him, ‘Did you understand what the Messenger of God (PBUH) said to me and what I said to him?’

He replied, ‘Yes.’

He said, ‘Then if you have held fast to that rope, God will forgive you; otherwise, God will not forgive you.’”

Clarification:

🔹 1. The rope of God

Narration	Interpretation of the rope of God
The Prophet (PBUH) to the Bedouin	Ali ibn Abi Talib (AS)
Imam Sajjad (AS)	Ali (AS)—who is the means of salvation in this world and the Hereafter.
Imam Sajjad (AS) – The meaning of infallibility	The Quran—which is inseparable from the Imam.
Tafsir of Ali ibn Ibrahim	Oneness of God and wilayah.
Imam Baqir (AS) –Āl ʿImrān, verse 112	The rope of God = the Book of God; the rope of the people = Ali (AS).

 

🔹 2. The bond between the Quran and the Imam

Imam Sajjad (AS): The Quran and the Imam will never be separated from one another until the Day of Resurrection.

The Imam guides to the Quran, and the Quran 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 holds fast to the Rope of Allah (Ali (AS) and the Qur’an) will be protected in this world and will not go astray in the Hereafter.

Whoever fails to hold fast to it will not be forgiven.

 

🔹 4. The Meaning of Infallibility

An infallible person is one who holds fast to the Rope of Allah (the Qur’an).

Infallibility is not a matter of outward appearance; it lies in holding fast to the Qur’an and the Imam.

For this reason, an Imam can be appointed only through divine designation.

 

🔹 5. The Rope of Allah: The Unity of Tawhid and Wilayah

According to the Tafsir of Ali ibn Ibrahim, the Rope of Allah is Tawhid and Wilayah.

That is, holding fast to Allah’s rope means both affirming His oneness and accepting the Wilayah of the Ahl al-Bayt (AS).

 

💎 A Precious Insight:

The Rope of Allah is Ali (AS) and the Qur’an.

Holding fast to it is a means of salvation in this world and the Hereafter.

The Qur’an and the Imam are inseparable, and each guides to the other.

An infallible person is one who holds fast to the Rope of Allah.

The Rope of Allah encompasses both Tawhid and Wilayah.

These narrations stress the necessity of holding fast to the Qur’an and the Ahl al-Bayt (AS), and their unbreakable bond.

 

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 may be surprising to learn 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 such a celebration formally.

 

A particularly important feature of his practice is that he called the occasion an “Honour Celebration,” not a “Celebration of Responsibility.” He believed that on this day a young person had attained the worthiness for God to speak to them and address them. What should be celebrated, then, is this “honour” and “recognition,” not the heavy burden of “responsibility.”

 

He even held a banquet for his son Muhammad on the ninth of Muharram in the year 59 AH, and organized a similar celebration for his daughter, seeking to establish the tradition for everyone. Chiding 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: “Know that the day on which God honours you with responsibility and obedience to Him is one of the greatest festivals and the most blessed moments of your life.”

Chiding those who treat this day as insignificant, he also says: “Why, then, has the day on which people are honoured with religious responsibility come to be regarded as unimportant and trivial? … As though it were not a day about which God will ask.”

 

Appendix 4

 

The Noble Qur’an contains many verses that can provide a spiritual and intellectual foundation for celebrating the age of religious responsibility. These verses revolve chiefly 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 indirectly refer to the stage at which a child leaves the world of exemption and enters the realm of responsibility.

 

Verses 58 and 59 of Surat al-Nur:

“وَ إِذا بَلَغَ الْأَطْفالُ مِنْکُمُ الْحُلُمَ فَلْیَسْتَأْذِنُوا کَمَا اسْتَأْذَنَ الَّذِینَ مِنْ قَبْلِهِمْ…”

Translation: “And when your children reach puberty, they must ask permission [to enter private rooms], just as those before them [who had reached puberty] used to ask permission.”

Celebration note: This verse shows that puberty marks a serious change in status. Until yesterday, a child was free to move about the home; from today, they enter a realm of new responsibilities and boundaries.

 

Verse 6 of Surah 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.”

Celebration note: This verse links puberty with “sound judgment” and “independence.” In other words, religious responsibility is not merely a matter of religious law; it also signals that a person has developed the ability to make decisions and take responsibility.

 

⚖️ Verses about human responsibility

These verses explain the central purpose of religious responsibility: human beings are free and accountable.

The completion and official launch of the human-being system

Humanity is entering its official operating phase!

 

Verse 36 of Surah al-Qiyāmah:

“أَیَحْسَبُ الْإِنْسانُ أَنْ یُتْرَکَ سُدىً”

Translation: “Does man think he will be left to himself?”

Celebration note: 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 Surah al-Muddaththir:

“کُلُّ نَفْسٍ بِما کَسَبَتْ رَهِینَةٌ”

Translation: “Every soul is held in pledge for what it has earned.”

Celebration note: From today, a young person’s deeds are “recorded,” and they are accountable for what they themselves have earned. This verse shows them that investing in good deeds is an investment in their own future.

 

Verse 39 of Surah al-Najm:

“وَ أَنْ لَیْسَ لِلْإِنْسانِ إِلاَّ ما سَعى”

Translation: “And that each person will have only what they strive for.”

Celebration note: This verse teaches young people that no one else can strive on their behalf, and that religious responsibility is the arena for their own striving.

 

🤲 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 Surah 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 before you, so that you may become mindful of Him.”

Celebration note: Worship is not the ultimate goal; it is a means of attaining “God-consciousness” and moral growth.

 

Verse 41 of Surah al-Ḥajj:

“الَّذینَ إِنْ مَکَّنَّاهُمْ فِی الْأَرْضِ أَقامُوا الصَّلاةَ…”

Translation: “Those who, when We establish them in the land, uphold the prayer…”

Celebration note: The first sign of someone who has attained “power” and “means” is that they uphold the prayer. The age of religious responsibility is a person’s first official opportunity to serve God with awareness.

 

Verse 14 of Surah Hūd:

“وَ أَقِمِ الصَّلاةَ… إِنَّ الْحَسَناتِ یُذْهِبْنَ السَّیِّئاتِ”

Translation: “And establish the prayer… Surely good deeds erase bad deeds.”

Celebration note: Prayer is a means of “purification” and making amends for mistakes. Tell young people that from today onward, the way back and the chance to make amends are always open.

 

💎 A verse to remember at the celebration

Verse 102 of Surah 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 in a state of submission to Him.”

 

This verse is well suited to a religious responsibility celebration because it teaches what it means to be mindful of God as He deserves. In narrations, this is 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 interpretation offers a simple, practical guide for a young person who has just reached puberty.

Key point

Theme	Narration/source	Message for young people
Puberty	Hadith of the lifting of the pen, narrated by Imam al-Baqir (AS)	Until yesterday you were exempt; from today, you are responsible
Practising worship	Hadiths on teaching prayer and fasting from childhood	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 of having a “burden placed upon you”

 

Dhe may God be pleased with him:

Theme	Key verse	Message for teenagers
Coming of age	Al-Nur 59	You have entered the world of responsibility, leaving behind the world of exemption
Growth	Al-Nisa 6	Religious obligations are a sign of independence and maturity
Responsibility	Al-Qiyama 36	You are not left without guidance; from today, you are accountable
Effort	Al-Najm 39	No one can strive in your place
Worship	Al-Baqara 21	Servitude to God is a means of growth, not a burden
God-consciousness	Al Imran 102	A simple plan: obedience, remembrance, gratitude

 

 

Appendix 5

📿 The Supplication of Abu Hamza al-Thumali: A Tender Vision of Servitude

In the famous Supplication of Abu Hamza al-Thumali, Imam Sajjad (AS) speaks intimately with God in a profoundly tender, loving tone. This supplication 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 let Your plan for me be a snare (that is, do not leave me to myself).

“مَنْ لِی غَیْرُکَ أَسْأَلُهُ کَشْفَ ضُرِّی”: Whom do I have besides You to ask to relieve my distress?

 

🕰️ Narrations on the Age of Maturity and Religious Responsibility

The hadith of the lifting of the pen (the suspension 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 narrated from Ja‘far ibn Muhammad (Imam al-Sadiq, AS), from his father, from his forefathers, from Ali (AS)—may God’s blessings be upon him and upon the Imams among his descendants—that he said:

“When a child reaches the age of understanding and reason, he is commanded to pray; and when he is able to fast, he is commanded to fast.”

 

💫🔆وَ عَنْهُ ص أَنَّهُ قَالَ: إِذَا عَقَلَ الْغُلَامُ وَ قَرَأَ شَيْئاً مِنَ الْقُرْآنِ عُلِّمَ الصَّلَاةَ. [15]

💫 It is also narrated from him (AS) that he said:

“When a boy reaches the age of understanding and recites something from the Quran, 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 narrated from Ali ibn Husayn (Imam Sajjad, AS) that:

He would gather the children in his care and instruct them to perform the noon and afternoon prayers together at one time, and the sunset and night prayers together at one time.

He was asked about this and the reason for it.

He said: “This is easier for them, and more likely to encourage them to hasten to prayer, not neglect it, forget about it [or fall asleep], or become occupied [with other things].”

He did not make them perform any prayers other than the obligatory ones.

He would say: “When they are old enough to perform the prayers, 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 narrated from Muhammad ibn Ali (Imam al-Baqir, AS) that he said: “When children reach the age of understanding, they are commanded to pray; and when they are able to fast, they are commanded to fast.”

He was asked: “At what age is that?”

He said: “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]

و هذا قريب بعضه من بعض و أحوال الأطفال تختلف في الطاقة و العقل و على قدر ذلك يعلمون و الأطفال غير مكلفين و إنما أمر الأئمة ص بما أمروا به من ذلك أمر تأديب لتجري به العادة و ينشأ عليه الصغير ليصل إلى حين افتراضه عليه و قد تدرب فيه و أنس به و اعتاده فيكون ذلك أجدر له أن لا يضيع شيئا منه‏[19]

💫 And he narrated from his father, from his forefathers, that the Messenger of God (PBUH) said:

“Command your children to pray when they reach the age of seven. When they reach the age of nine, discipline them for neglecting the prayer; and when they reach the age of ten, separate their beds.”

☘️These reports are closely related, though children differ in their abilities and understanding; their instruction should be suited to these differences.

Children are not legally accountable. The Imams (AS) issued these commands as a form of discipline and moral education, so that the practice would become habitual and children would grow up accustomed to it. By the time it becomes obligatory for them, they will already have practised it, grown familiar with it, and made it a habit. This makes them more likely not to 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]

و هذا تدريج لهم و دربة فأما الفرض فلا يجب على الذكر و الأنثى إلا بعد الاحتلام‏[21]

💫 We also narrated from Jaʿfar ibn Muḥammad (Imam al-Ṣādiq (AS)) that:

He would tell a child to fast during part of the day in Ramadan.

When he saw that hunger and thirst had overcome the child, he would tell the child to break the fast.

This is a gradual process and a form of training for them.

☘️As for the obligation itself, it becomes binding on neither males nor females 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 also narrated from ʿAlī (AS) that the Messenger of God (PBUH) said:

“The pen of accountability has been lifted from three people:

from the sleeper until he wakes;

from the insane person until he recovers;

and from the child until reaching the age of puberty.”

 

Illuminating Notes:

🔹 1. The stages of instructing children in prayer and fasting

Stage	Age	Ruling
Understanding	–	Command to pray (when the child is discerning).
Six years old	6	Command to pray (according to Imam al-Bāqir (AS)).
Seven years old	7	Command to pray (according to the Prophet (PBUH)).
Nine years old	9	Discipline for neglecting prayer (according to the Prophet (PBUH)).
Ten years old	10	Separate sleeping arrangements (according to the Prophet (PBUH)).
Puberty	Adulthood	Obligation of the religious duties (prayer and fasting).

 

🔹 2. Imam al-Sajjād’s (AS) approach

He would instruct children to pray the noon and afternoon prayers together, and the sunset and night prayers together.

Reason: This was easier for them and more likely to encourage them to act promptly and not neglect the prayers.

He would not make them perform anything beyond the obligatory prayers.

He would say: “When they are old enough to manage prayer, do not keep them from the obligatory prayer.”

 

🔹 3. Training in fasting

Imam al-Ṣādiq (AS) would tell a child to fast for part of the day.

When hunger and thirst overcame the child, he would tell the child to break the fast.

This is a gradual process and a form of training.

 

🔹 4. The hadith “The pen has been lifted”

The pen of accountability has been lifted from three people:

The sleeper, until they wake.

The insane person, until they recover.

The child, until reaching the age of puberty.

 

🔹 5. An important point

Children are not legally accountable.

The Imams’ (AS) instruction to children to pray and fast is a form of discipline and moral education.

The aim is to help them form good habits and practise in preparation for puberty, when these duties become obligatory.

Thus, these instructions are not binding; they are intended to educate and prepare children.

 

💎 A precious insight:

Children should be instructed to pray and fast when they are able to understand and carry out these acts.

The age at which they should be told to pray is six or seven.

The age at which they may be disciplined for neglecting prayer is nine.

They should sleep in separate beds from the age of ten.

Religious duties become obligatory after a person experiences a wet dream—that is, upon reaching puberty.

Children are not yet religiously accountable; instructions given to them are meant to discipline and educate them.

These narrations stress 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:

🔆“The children of Muslims are known and recorded by God; they intercede for others, and intercession is made for them.

When they reach the age of twelve, their good deeds are recorded.

And when they reach puberty, their sins are recorded as well.”

 

💫🔆 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 Sukuni, from Imam al-Sadiq (AS), that the Commander of the Faithful (AS) recited this verse:

“وَ إِنِّی خِفْتُ الْمَوالِیَ مِنْ وَرائِی” (Maryam: 5) — “Indeed, I fear for my kinsfolk after me.”

That is, he had no heir, until God granted him a child 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 Sukuni, 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 one of 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.

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—for what his son had done.’

Then the Messenger of God (PBUH) said:

‘God’s legacy—mighty and majestic is He—to His believing servant is a child who worships Him after the servant’s death.’

Then Imam al-Sadiq (AS) recited the verse of 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 Yourself, a successor * who will inherit from me and inherit from the house 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	The recording of good deeds.
Upon reaching puberty	The recording of sins—that is, full religious accountability.

 

🔹 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 the blessings of a man’s life.

 

🔹 3. The Story of Jesus (AS) and the Forgiveness of Sin Through a Righteous Child

Jesus (AS) passed by a grave whose occupant was being punished.

The following year, he passed by the same grave, and its occupant was no longer being punished.

God revealed to him: “He left behind a righteous child who repaired a road 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. God’s Legacy from His Believing Servant

«میراثُ الله من عبده المؤمن ولدٌ یعبده من بعده» — God’s legacy from His believing servant is a child who worships Him after the servant’s death.

The verse concerning Zechariah (AS): «رَبِّ هَبْ لِي مِنْ لَدُنْکَ وَلِیًّا…» — a prayer for a child who would inherit and worship God.

 

💎 A Precious Gem:

The children of Muslims are granted intercession before they reach puberty.

From the age of twelve, their good deeds are recorded; once they reach puberty, their sins are recorded.

A righteous child is a flower of Paradise and a blessing in a man’s life.

A righteous child can help bring about the forgiveness of their parents’ sins after their death.

A believer’s true legacy is a child who worships God after the believer’s death.

These narrations emphasize the importance of raising righteous children and the impact this has on their parents in this world and the Hereafter.

 

 

 

📚 Narrations on Practising Acts of Worship Before Puberty

A hadith of the Prophet (PBUH) on instructing children to pray:

«مُرُوا صِبْيَانَكُمْ بِالصَّلَاةِ إِذَا بَلَغُوا سَبْعاً» — Instruct your children to pray when they reach the age of seven.

 

A hadith of Imam al-Sadiq (AS):

«إِنَّا نَأْمُرُ صِبْيَانَنَا بِالصَّلَاةِ إِذَا كَانُوا بِنِي خَمْسِ سِنِينَ فَمُرُوا صِبْيَانَكُمْ بِالصَّلَاةِ إِذَا كَانُوا بِنِي سَبْعِ سِنِينَ» — We instruct our children to pray at the age of five; you, too, should instruct your children to pray when they reach the age of seven.

 

A hadith of Imam al-Sadiq (AS) on practising the fast:

«إِنَّا نَأْمُرُ صِبْيَانَنَا بِالصِّيَامِ… بِمَا أَطَاقُوا» — We instruct our children to fast to the extent they are able.

 

A hadith of 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» — Know that each of you is a shepherd, and each of you is responsible for those in your care.

 

A Quranic verse (the basis of responsibility):

«إِنَّ السَّمْعَ وَ الْبَصَرَ وَ الْفُؤَادَ كُلُّ أُولَئِكَ كَانَ عَنْهُ مَسْئُولًا» — Indeed, the hearing, the sight, and the heart—each of these will be questioned.

 

A Quranic verse (denying that humans are left to themselves):

«أَيَحْسَبُ الْإِنْسَانُ أَنْ يُتْرَكَ سُدًى» — Does man think that he will be left to himself?

 

📜 Inspirational Words from the Life of Sayyid ibn Tawus

“This day is among the greatest of celebrations and the most blessed moments of your life.”

“The day God honoured you with religious responsibility and obedience to Him is a day of honour for you.”

“Why has the day on which people are honoured with religious responsibility come to seem so insignificant and unimportant to them?”

“This is a day about which God will ask.”

 

Appendix 6

🤲 Short Supplications

O God, help me along this path.

O God, complete 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

Reaching maturity expands the realm of your being.

Religious responsibility is the crown of servitude to God.

Blessed be the festival of devotion!

Take your first step with confidence!

Serving God is the greatest honour!

Servitude to God is freedom from bondage to all besides Him!

 

 

📜 Suggested Example of a Covenant of Honour 1

Part One: Acknowledging Your Station

Gratitude

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 heart that is clear and radiant.

 

From this day onward, I will strive to become a better person.

From this day onward, I will strive to be a source of pride for myself, my family, and my country.

Blessed be my celebration of honour.

Amen, O Lord of the worlds.

 

📜 Covenant of Religious Responsibility 2

Introduction:

This charter is a practical plan for a teenager’s first year of religious responsibility. At the celebration, it is read as a “covenant” or “roadmap,” reminding the young person that religious responsibility is a “divine mission,” not a dry, empty duty.

 

Part One: What Religious Responsibility Means

Religious responsibility means a divine mission.

From today, I have a mission:

The mission of knowing God.

The mission of worshipping Him with awareness.

The mission of developing myself and helping others.

 

Religious responsibility means:

God has trusted me and entrusted me with a responsibility.

I will honour that trust by fulfilling my mission well.

 

Part Two: My Responsibilities

My responsibility toward God:

I will pray.

I will fulfil my religious duties.

I will avoid what is forbidden.

I will grow close to God.

 

My responsibility toward myself:

I will get to know myself.

I will develop my abilities.

I will work toward my future.

I will steer clear of sin.

 

My responsibility toward my family:

I will respect my parents.

I will help with the household chores.

I will make my family proud.

 

My responsibility toward society:

I will apply myself to my studies.

I will do good to others.

I will not hurt anyone.

I will guide others toward the right path.

 

Part Three: My Plan

My daily plan:

I will pray at the prescribed times, as soon as they begin.

I will learn the meaning of my prayers.

Every day, I will read a few verses from the Qur’an.

I will be kind to my parents.

I will avoid wrongdoing.

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 honour to others.

 

Part Four: My Closing 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 suggestion

1. For girls: Read the Charter of Religious Responsibility aloud together at the celebration, with the young people repeating it.

2. For boys: Print the Charter of Religious Responsibility 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, God addressed me.”

“Religious responsibility is the crown of my honour.”

 

 

 

Appendix 7

💫 Words of wisdom for young people

“On the Charter of Religious Responsibility, in your own words”

🌟 You’re a star

Today is your day; God has called you.

From today, God is addressing you.

This is a crown, not a burden.

God loves you so much that He called you early.

You’re a star, and today you began to shine.

 

From today, you’re someone special.

God has trusted you—that means you matter.

From today, you are God’s ambassador on earth.

Welcome to the land of love and devotion!

Today is your second birth.

 

🌟The start of a new adventure

Every great adventure begins with a single step.

Take your first step with confidence.

From today, you are the architect of your future; seek help from the Creator of all things!

From today, you are in charge of yourself; take shelter under God’s protection!

A thousand-year journey begins with a single step.

Today is the day for big choices.

Look to the summit from the very start.

Set your resolve through trust in God.

A new beginning, a new you.

Be the best version of yourself.

 

💎 Put yourself in God’s hands

Entrust yourself to God; He is the best of planners.

Let God tend the garden 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 your journey through paradise.

Be content 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 worship brings you closer to the light.

 

🕌 Prayer is your VIP connection with God

Prayer is your daily meeting with God.

Prostration is the closest path to heaven.

Praying as soon as the time begins means making God your first priority.

Worship is your wings for flight, not a chain around your feet.

Every prayer offered at its appointed time is a recharge with light.

Your first official conversation with God begins today.

Prayer is your connection to the light.

See God in your prayer mat.

Devotion is not just a set of actions; it is an identity.

Faith is your garment of light.

 

⚖️ Now it’s up to you and the choices you make

From today, your record of deeds is open; write it yourself, then entrust it to your Lord to edit!

Everyone is held accountable for their deeds.

Religious responsibility means freedom from serving anyone but God.

Religious responsibility is not about fear; it is about learning to choose.

No one else can make the effort for you.

You are not without guidance; from today, you are accountable.

God’s special attention to you begins today.

From today, be His servant alone.

Religious responsibility frees you from serving your own desires.

Your choices shape your future.

 

🔍 Get to know yourself

Among your greatest responsibilities is knowing yourself.

Know yourself so that you may know your Lord.

From today on, you are responsible for yourself.

Become the best version of yourself.

Start with yourself.

See who you are and who you can become.

Self-knowledge is the first step.

You are a treasure—discover yourself.

With the remembrance of God, shape the future you will build.

 

💞 God Is Always There

Above you is always a loving presence, more compassionate than anyone else.

God loved you so much that He called you to Him.

To be held accountable is to be brought closer to God—rejoice.

Today, God is speaking to you in a special way; listen.

You are never alone.

God is closer to you than your jugular vein.

Wherever you go, God is there.

You always have someone to rely on.

God never forgets you.

Be a friend to God.

 

🌿 The Light of Devotion

Devotion means placing yourself in the light of God.

Every step of devotion makes you shine brighter.

The light of devotion illuminates your way.

The light of devotion dispels darkness.

When your devotion shines with light, it brings light to society, too.

Devotion is light.

With every step you take, your whole being shines brighter.

Be a radiant soul.

Receive your light from God.

You can illuminate the world.

 

Appendix 8

🎤 Address for the Celebration of Adulthood and Religious Responsibility

“Welcome to the Land of Love and Devotion”

📜 Part One: Greetings and Introduction

Greetings to you, bright stars in the sky of devotion!

Greetings to you, God’s newest addressees!

Greetings to the fathers and mothers holding life’s greatest gift in their arms today.

Greetings to the mentors who have lovingly nurtured these young saplings.

And special greetings to you, today’s newly welcomed young adult, whose life has reached a momentous milestone.

Today is your day of honour. Today, God has opened the gate to His garden of Paradise and invited you into the private sanctuary of His worship. This divine invitation is not a heavy burden but a crown of honour.

 

🌟 Part Two: What Does It Mean to Be Honoured?

Let me begin with a question: When a king invites someone to his palace, how does that person feel?

They feel honoured. They feel worthy of being noticed. They feel they matter.

Now imagine: God Almighty, the King of kings, has invited you to His palace.

This is what it means to be honoured: to be addressed by God.

The King of all realms and all creation has called you!

He has affirmed the dignity of your devotion!

Imam al-Sajjad (AS) says in the fifth supplication of the Sahifa:

«إِنَّمَا يَهْتَدِي الْمُهْتَدُونَ بِنُورِ وَجْهِكَ»

“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 is a burden. They think that from today on, they have to pray, fast and avoid many things.

But today I want to share a truth with you:

Religious responsibility is a crown, not a burden.

It is a wing that lets you soar, not a chain around your ankle.

Those who accept this responsibility are freed from servitude to their own egos. They are freed from servitude to anyone but God.

Religious responsibility means that God has trusted you and entrusted you with a duty.

«أَيَحْسَبُ الْإِنْسَانُ أَنْ يُتْرَكَ سُدًى» (al-Qiyama: 36)

“Does the human being think they will be left to themselves?”

No! You are not left to your own devices. From today on, you are accountable. From today on, God is addressing you.

 

💎 Part Four: Your Record of Deeds Is Open

Dear young person, from today on, your record of deeds is open. Write it with your own hand.

«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 do is an investment in your future. Every prayer you offer, every kindness you show others, every smile you give your parents—it is all recorded.

This means that from today on, you are the architect of your own future.

 

🕌 Part Five: Prayer, Your Daily Meeting with God

Imam al-Sajjad (AS) says in the forty-fourth supplication of the 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 religious responsibility is not only about performing outward acts of worship; it also means keeping your eyes, tongue and hands from sin.

But the greatest act of worship is prayer. Prayer is your daily meeting with God.

Imagine meeting God five times every day. In prostration, you experience the closest path to heaven.

Praying at the beginning of the 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 anyone but God. From today on, be His servant alone.

Those who accept this responsibility are freed from servitude to their own egos. They are no longer enslaved by their desires or by passing fashions and trends.

Religious responsibility means learning to make the right choices, not being afraid of making mistakes.

So don’t be afraid to make a mistake. Don’t be afraid to stumble. Get back up, make amends, and carry on.

“إِنَّ الْحَسَنَاتِ يُذْهِبْنَ السَّيِّئَاتِ” (Hud: 114)

“Surely good deeds erase bad deeds.”

The way back and the chance to make amends are always open.

 

🌿 Section Seven: The Light of Servitude

Servitude is not merely a set of outward acts; it is a radiant identity one clothes oneself in, 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.”

Servitude means placing oneself within reach of the light of God’s countenance.

Those who set out on the path of servitude are guided from darkness into light.

Every step in servitude is a whirlwind of beauty!

Worship is a journey through the paradise of servitude!

Nurture yourself in divine light!

In the presence of divine light, a seed becomes a flower of God!

 

📖 Section Eight: The Multivitamin of Sacred Duty and Honour

Dear young reader! The *Ṣaḥīfa al-Sajjādiyya* is a multivitamin for servitude to God.

From the very beginning of your sacred duty and honour, equip yourself with the *Ṣaḥīfa al-Sajjādiyya*!

It is as though a person becomes a university and training centre, a hospital and pharmacy, and a transcendent paradise!

 

Imam Sajjad (AS) says in his twentieth supplication, *Makārim al-Akhlāq* (Noble Character):

“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 fullest perfection, make my certainty the finest of certainties, bring my intention to the noblest of intentions, and make my deeds the best of deeds.”

From the very beginning of your sacred duty, set your sights on the summit!

Look to the highest degrees and stations of servitude to God!

“وَ اسْتَعْمِلْنِي بِمَا تَسْأَلُنِي غَدًا عَنْهُ”

“O God, employ me in the things for which You will call me to account on the morrow of the 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 upon servitude, placing your trust in Allah!

 

🌸 Section Nine: The Celebration of Honour—The Celebration of Being Addressed

The celebration of worship is a birthday anew in this world.

It marks the beginning of a new season of life.

It is the beginning of nurturing and bringing forth the essence of one’s being.

It is planting the seeds of Paradise and God’s good pleasure in the soul!

This is a “celebration of honour” and the “beginning of conscious servitude”—

not merely a heavy burden, but a mark of dignity, nobility, gentleness and distinction!

A birth into spirituality!

The awakening of special faculties of servitude, spirituality and the heavenly realm!

How many inner faculties will grow, emerge and come into their own!

Inner faculties are already there; what matters is bringing them to light!

A young person newly arrived at the age of religious responsibility should chart a beautiful spiritual path.

 

🏛️ Section Ten: The Tradition of Sayyid ibn Ṭāwūs

It is worth knowing that celebrating the age of religious responsibility has a clear precedent in Shi‘i history.

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 honour,” not a “celebration of religious duty.”

He believed that on this day a young person reaches a level of worthiness at which God speaks to them and addresses them.

For this reason, it is this “nobility” and “honour” that should be celebrated—not the heavy burden of “religious duty.”

He even held a feast for his son Muhammad on the ninth of Muharram in 59 AH, and arranged a similar celebration for his daughter, so that this tradition might take root for everyone.

Speaking reproachfully of those who belittle this day, he asks:

“Why has the day on which people are honoured with religious responsibility come to be regarded as unimportant and insignificant?”

Sayyid ibn Ṭāwūs writes:

“You should know that the day on which God honours you with religious responsibility and obedience to Him is among the greatest of festivals and the happiest moments of your life.”

Speaking reproachfully of those who belittle this day, he even says:

“Why, then, has the day on which people are honoured with religious responsibility come to be regarded as unimportant and insignificant? … It is as though it were not a day about which God will ask.”

 

📿 Section Eleven: The Supplication of Abu Hamza—A Tender Vision of Servitude

In the well-known Supplication of Abu Hamza al-Thumali, Imam Sajjad (AS) speaks privately with God in a deeply tender, loving voice.

“إِلَهِی لَا تُؤَدِّبْنِی بِعُقُوبَتِكَ”

“My God, do not discipline me with Your punishment.”

“وَ لَا تَمْكُرْ بِي فِي حِيلَتِكَ”

“And do not let Your decree entrap me (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 a powerful way to cultivate a sense of “friendship with God.”

 

🎯 Section Twelve: A Heartfelt Check-In at the Beginning of Honour

Parents, educators and young people newly honoured with religious responsibility all have a serious role to play during this sensitive period!

Take stock of the innate disposition and keep it open to growth!

Set the innate disposition in motion!

Be attentive and careful with your innate disposition!

Give special attention to your innate disposition and its inborn convictions!

The Quran opens the way to our innate disposition! Let us draw benefit from the Quran!

Let us renew and strengthen our adherence to the Quran and the Prophet’s Household!

Let us hold a ceremony of allegiance to God, His Messenger and God’s chosen authority!

Let us put our faith to the test with those who are experts!

 

«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.»

 

🤝 Section 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 taking part in an official competition!

Resolve to get ahead!

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»

«A believer’s light is knowing our rights; and the worst blindness is that of one who fails to see our merit and becomes our enemy—even though we have done no wrong—except 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 will find shelter; whoever hastens toward it will prosper through its knowledge.

You are the ones who cultivate the earth—for God has made you His stewards upon it, to see how you act. So be mindful of God in what He sees you do.

Follow the great, clear path, and walk upon it.

Hasten, one with another, toward forgiveness from your Lord, mercy, and a Garden as vast as the heavens and the earth, prepared for the God-fearing.»

 

📝 Section 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 God, and worship You alone.

2. O God, I will pray at the beginning of each prayer time, with love.

3. O God, I will honour my parents and make them proud.

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 toward my future.

6. O God, help me fulfil this divine mission.

Amen, Lord of the worlds.

 

🌟 Section Fifteen: Closing Prayers

«وَ اهْدِنِي لِلَّتِي هِيَ أَقْوَمُ، وَ اسْتَعْمِلْنِي بِمَا هُوَ أَسْلَمُ»

«Guide me to the path that is most upright, and set me to work at what is most sound.»

«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 set me to work in obedience to You.»

«وَ اسْتَعْمِلْنِي بِمَا تَسْأَلُنِي غَدًا عَنْهُ، وَ اسْتَفْرِغْ أَيَّامِي فِيمَا خَلَقْتَنِي لَهُ»

«Set me to work at 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, make my tongue speak with guidance, inspire me with piety, grant me success in what is most pure, and set me to work at what is most pleasing.»

«وَ اجْعَلْ قَلْبِي وَاثِقًا بِمَا عِنْدَكَ، وَ هَمِّي مُسْتَفْرَغًا لِمَا هُوَ لَكَ»

«Set my heart at rest in 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.»

 

Section Sixteen: The Official Beginning of the Race in Servitude

«Religious responsibility marks the official beginning of being honoured with the dignity of servitude to God and the official beginning of one’s divine mission.»

The beginning of this honour is like having the proud star of servitude pinned to your shoulder!

 

💡 Section Seventeen: An Idea for the Celebration

Ask the young person newly honoured with religious responsibility to say “Amen” after each passage of the prayer!

For example, recite the Prayer for Noble Character, or Prayers 20 and 25, or other selected prayers together. Ask the young person to say “Amen” at the end of each passage so they can share in the prayer’s spiritual atmosphere.

 

🏁 Section Eighteen: Closing Words

Dear young friend!

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 honor.”

From today, you are a special addressee of God.

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 always a watcher more compassionate than any other.

Congratulations on your day of honor!

O God, help them along this path.

Amen, Lord of the worlds.

“Today, I became an addressee of God.”

“Religious duty is my crown of honor.”

“From today, my relationship with God is special.”

 

Appendix 9

❇️✳️✅🔆💫✨Charter, sequence, and format for celebrating the occasion of honor and religious responsibility

“A Roadmap for Celebrating the Festival of Religious Responsibility and Honor”

🗺️ Part One: Overall Celebration Design

📌 Guiding Principles for the Celebration

Principle	Explanation
Honor before responsibility	A perspective of “honor and esteem” takes precedence over “responsibility and mission”
Beginning in God’s name	Every segment begins with “بسم الله” and the remembrance of God
Prayer at the heart	The Sahifa Sajjadiyya should be the celebration’s backbone
Youth participation	The young person says “Amen,” recites a “pledge,” and receives a “mission card”
The light of servitude	The celebration should be bright, joyful, and spiritual
Connection with the Quran and the Ahl al-Bayt	Renew commitment to the Quran and the Ahl al-Bayt (AS)
Pledge of allegiance to the Imam of Our Time (AJ)	Establish a special connection with the Imam of the Age

 

🎬 Part Two: Order of the Celebration

🌟 Stage One: Preparation and Arrangements

Before the celebration:

Design invitations titled “God’s Invitation”

Prepare “Divine Mission” cards for each young person

Print the texts of the “Charter of Honor” and the “Charter of Religious Responsibility”

Mark the Sahifa Sajjadiyya (Prayers 5, 20, 25, and 44)

Decorate the venue with luminous symbols (candlesticks, lamps, 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 Honor,” reciting “بسم الله الرحمن الرحیم Ali, the first to reach maturity, and Ali, the last to reach 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 Honor”

4. Seat them in the place reserved for the “newly honored”

 

🎤 Stage Two: Opening Ceremony

1. Recitation of the Holy Quran

Verse 73 of Surah al-Zumar: “وَ سِيقَ الَّذِينَ اتَّقَوْا رَبَّهُمْ إِلَى الْجَنَّةِ زُمَرًا…”

Verse 80 of Surah al-Isra: “وَ قُلْ رَبِّ أَدْخِلْنِي مُدْخَلَ صِدْقٍ…”

Verse 19 of Surah al-Naml: “رَبِّ أَوْزِعْنِي أَنْ أَشْكُرَ نِعْمَتَكَ…”

 

2. Choral recitation of the Beautiful Names

3. Welcome and greetings

A special welcome to the “new addressees of God”

Congratulations to the young person and their family on the “Festival of Honor”

 

4. Recitation of “The Spring Beginning”

 

“Every moment is a new day in devotion to God!

Every moment, a person is born anew!

Every moment is the beginning of the continuation of life!”

 

📖 Stage Three: Theological Reflection

5. A talk on the theme “What does honor mean?”

Honor means being graced with the divine address

Religious responsibility is a crown of honor, not a burden

Maturity means a transformation and elevation of one’s devotion

 

6. Recitation of relevant verses and narrations

Verses: al-Nur 59, al-Nisa 6, al-Qiyama 36, al-Muddaththir 38, al-Najm 39, al-Baqara 21, al-Hajj 41, Hud 114, and Al Imran 102

Narrations: the hadith of the lifting of the pen, a narration from Imam al-Baqir (AS), and the example of Sayyid ibn Tawus

 

7. Introducing the tradition of Sayyid ibn Tawus

He established the “Celebration of Honor”

This day is “the greatest festival” and “the finest moment of felicity”

 

🤲 Stage Four: Devotional Segment (Prayer at the Heart)

8. Reciting Prayer 20 (Noble Traits of 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 recite a prayer 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 Springtime of Honor)

“وَ أَعِنَّا عَلَى صِيَامِهِ بِكَفِّ الْجَوَارِحِ عَنْ مَعَاصِيهِ”

«وَ اسْتِعْمَالِهَا فِيهِ بِمَا يُرْضِيكَ»

 

12. Supplication of Abu Hamza al-Thumali (selected passages)

«إِلَهِی لَا تُؤَدِّبْنِی بِعُقُوبَتِكَ»

«مَنْ لِي غَيْرُكَ أَسْأَلُهُ كَشْفَ ضُرِّي»

 

13. Recitation of the “Innate Nature Supplication”

«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 one’s pledge to the Imam of the Age

Recitation of selected passages from the Fifteen Whispered Prayers

 

15. Group recitation of the “Charter of Honour”

Acknowledging one’s station

A pledge of friendship with God

Seeking help

Giving thanks

 

16. Group recitation of the “Charter of Duty”

The meaning of duty (a divine mission)

My responsibilities (to God, myself, my family, and society)

My plan (daily and long-term)

Final pledge

 

17. Signing the “Charter of Honour”

The young person signs the charter

Parents sign as witnesses

 

18. Presenting the “Mission Card”

A card bearing the celebration’s motto and a practical plan

“Today, I became one addressed by God.”

“Duty is the crown of my honour.”

 

🎉 Stage Six: Celebration and Recognition

19. Performance of a song and devotional chants

Song: “Welcome to the Land of Love and Devotion”

Devotional chants on the themes of “Honour” and “Duty”

 

20. Performance of a play and a recitation

Play: “A Day of Honour” (based on the life of Sayyid ibn Tawus)

Recitation: “The Light of Devotion”

 

21. Refreshments and feast

Inspired by Sayyid ibn Tawus’s example, when he “held a feast”

Serving sweets and sherbet

 

22. Commemorative photographs

Family photo beside the “Gate of Honour”

Group photo of the young people newly welcomed into this honoured state

 

🌟 Stage Seven: Closing

23. Recitation of the closing supplication

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 young person!

Today is your day of honour.

Today is the day God called to 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.

Blessings on your celebration of honour!”

 

25. Closing motto (all together)

“Today, I became one addressed by God.”

“Duty is the crown of my honour.”

“From today on, my relationship with God is special.”

 

26. Presentation of a commemorative gift

Al-Sahifa al-Sajjadiyya (for the young person)

The book “Charter of Honour and Duty”

Prayer beads or a prayer seal

 

📋 Part Three: How to Run the Event

🎨 Setting the Scene

Element	Description
Lighting	Candles, lamps, and string lights (symbols of the light of devotion)
Colour	White, gold, and sky blue (symbols of honour and radiance)
Symbols	The Gate of Honour, a crown, stars, flowers
Sound	Quran recitation, devotional chants, songs, supplications
Scent	A gentle fragrance (a symbol of Paradise)

🎭 Tone and Delivery

Speaker’s tone: paternal, kind, encouraging

Tone of supplication: loving, tender, humble

Tone of the pledge: firm, mindful, responsible

Tone of celebration: joyful, energetic, youthful

 

👥 Roles

Role	Responsibility
Host	Running the celebration and engaging the audience
Speaker	Explaining the concepts of honour and duty
Reciter	Reciting the Quran
Supplication reader	Reciting supplications from al-Sahifa al-Sajjadiyya
Parents	Supplication 25; signing as witnesses
Young person	Saying “Amen,” making the pledge, signing, receiving the mission card
Mentors	Coordination, setting the scene, refreshments

 

🗓️ Part Four: Event Schedule

Time	Program
Before the Celebration	Prepare invitations, cards, the charter, and the decorations
Arrival	Welcome, the ceremonial gateway, the Crown of Honor
Opening	Quran recitation, anthem, welcome address, “The Beginning of Spring”
Learning	Talk, verses, narrations, the life of Sayyid ibn Tawus
Worship	Prayers 5, 20, 25, 44, Abu Hamza, a spiritual check-in
Allegiance	Pledge of allegiance to the Imam of the Age, the Charter of Honor, the Charter of Duty, the pledge, the mission card
Celebration	Anthem, performance, refreshments, photographs

Closing: concluding prayer, final remarks, slogan, gifts

 

💎 Part Five: Celebration Slogans

Main slogan:

“Today, God has called upon me.”

Supporting slogans:

“Duty is my Crown of Honor.”

“From today on, with God.”

“The Tashrif Celebration: a celebration of being called upon.”

“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:

The Sahifa 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 “Prayer 25” card

A flower

 

Educators’ package:

The book “Guide to the Tashrif Celebration”

Certificate of appreciation

 

🌟 Part Seven: Key Messages of the Celebration

1. Tashrif, not taklif: This day celebrates being honored, not being burdened.

2. Duty is a crown: a crown of honor, not a chain of responsibility.

3. Maturity is a step forward in devotion: a transformation in how you worship, not the beginning of worship.

4. The light of devotion: Devotion means standing in the light of God.

5. The Sahifa Sajjadiyya: a multivitamin for devotion to God.

6. A bond with the Quran and the Ahl al-Bayt: illuminating your being with the light of the Quran and the Ahl al-Bayt.

7. 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. Shaping 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 teenagers 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

□ Decorate the venue

□ Coordinate with the speaker, Quran reciter, and prayer leader

□ Prepare the refreshments

 

On the day of the celebration:

□ Welcome the guests

□ Hold the ceremonial gateway

□ Present the Crown of Honor

□ Carry out 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 teenagers’ practical plans

□ Hold monthly “Divine Mission” sessions

 

🏁 Closing Words

The Tashrif and Taklif Celebration,

a celebration of being called upon,

a celebration of the Crown of Honor,

a celebration marking the beginning of a divine mission.

O God!

Help these teenagers along 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 upon me.”

“Duty is my Crown of Honor.”

“From today on, my relationship with God is special.”

 

Appendix 10

📜❇️✳️✅🔆💫✨ Charter of the Initial Duties of Those Who Are Obligated and Honored

“A Roadmap for Beginning a Conscious Life of Devotion”

🌟 Introduction: You Are Now Called Upon by God

Dear teenager,

Today is your day of tashrif: the day God has opened the gates of His garden of paradise to you and invited you into the private sanctuary of His worship.

From this moment on, you are a mukallaf—someone God has entrusted with a responsibility and given a mission.

And you are a musharraf—someone honored by the divine call and crowned with the Crown of Honor.

This charter is your roadmap for your first year of conscious devotion.

 

💎 Part One: Duties of the Heart—Your Bond with God

1. Perfect your faith

“اللَّهُمَّ بَلِّغْ بِإِيمَانِي أَكْمَلَ الْإِيمَانِ”

“O God, bring my faith to its fullest perfection.”

Each day, take one step closer to God.

Be mindful that God sees you and is ever-present.

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.

Purify your intention before every action.

Even studying and helping others can be done with a God-centered intention.

 

4. Become a friend of God

“إِلَهِی لَا تُؤَدِّبْنِی بِعُقُوبَتِكَ”

“My God, do not discipline me with Your punishment.”

Love God; do not merely fear Him.

Speak 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 begins

«وَ اسْتَعْمِلْنِي بِالطَّاعَةِ»

“Engage me in Your obedience.”

Prayer is your daily meeting with God.

Praying as soon as the time begins means that God comes first.

Pray with love, not out of habit.

 

6. Learn the meaning of your prayers

Understand the words you say in prayer.

In prostration, experience the closest path to heaven.

Pray attentively, with your heart fully present;

 

7. Fulfil your religious duties

«وَ اسْتَعْمِلْنِي بِمَا تَسْأَلُنِي غَدًا عَنْهُ»

“Engage me in what You will call me to account for tomorrow.”

Prayer, fasting, pilgrimage (when the time comes), and zakat (when the time comes).

Fulfil every duty God has prescribed.

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 fast of the heart now.

Keep your eyes, tongue, hands, and ears from sin.

Fasting is not just going without food; it is self-restraint.

 

🌿 Part Three: Ethical Duties — Self-Improvement

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.”

Knowing yourself is the first step in serving God.

Discover and develop your abilities.

Become the best version of yourself.

 

11. Preserve your chastity and modesty

«وَ أَلْهِمْنِي التَّقْوَى»

“Inspire me with piety.”

Keep your eyes from what is forbidden.

Keep your tongue from lies and backbiting.

Keep your heart free of envy, resentment, and every ill.

 

12. Practise piety

«وَ وَفِّقْنِي لِلَّتِي هِيَ أَزْكَى»

“Grant me success in what is more pure.”

Piety means: obey, do not sin, remember God, do not forget Him, and be grateful.

Take one step forward in piety each day.

Piety is the radiant garment of devotion.

 

👨‍👩‍👧 Part Four: Family Duties — Honouring Your Parents

13. Honour your parents

«وَ بِرِّهِمْ»

“And be kind to them.”

Your parents are your first teachers.

Be kind to them.

Ask them to pray for you.

 

14. Make your family proud

Work hard at your studies.

Help with the housework.

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 be grateful for the blessings You have bestowed upon me and my parents.”

Pray for your parents every day.

Ask them to pray for you.

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»

“Engage me in what is most pleasing to You.”

Help others.

Do not hurt anyone.

Smile; do good.

 

17. Promote justice

«بَسْطُ الْعَدْلِ»

“Spreading justice.”

Be fair.

Do not deprive anyone of their rights.

Do not stay silent in the face of injustice.

 

18. Control your anger

«كَظْمُ الْغَيْظِ»

“Restraining anger.”

When you are angry, be silent.

Speak calmly.

Quell your anger by remembering God.

 

19. Put out the fire of discord

«إِطْفَاءُ النَّائِرَةِ»

“Putting out the fire of discord.”

Make peace between your friends.

Do not fall out; make amends.

Peace is the best course.

 

📚 Part Six: Learning — Understanding Your Faith

20. Learn the principles of faith

«اللَّهُمَّ عَرِّفْنِي حُجَّتَكَ»

“O Lord, make Your proof known to me.”

Divine Unity, Prophethood, the Resurrection, Divine Justice, and the Imamate.

Learn with evidence, not merely through unquestioning acceptance.

Seek help from good teachers and books.

 

21. Learn the practical 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, devotion to God and His friends, and dissociation from His enemies.

Learn each one in its proper time.

Put them into practice until they become second nature.

 

22. Recite the Qur’an

«وَ رَتِّلِ الْقُرْآنَ تَرْتِيلًا»

“And recite the Qur’an in measured tones.”

Read fifty verses of the Qur’an every day.

Understand their meaning.

Put them into practice.

 

23. Stay connected to the Qur’an 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 Ahl al-Bayt.”

Hold fast to both the Qur’an and the Ahl al-Bayt (AS).

Do not separate from them.

Renew and strengthen your connection with them.

 

🤝 Part Seven: Duties of Guardianship—A Bond with the Imam of Our Time (AJ)

24. Pledge allegiance to the Imam of Our Time (AJ)

«سِرَاجُ الْمُؤْمِنِ مَعْرِفَةُ حَقِّنَا»

“The believer’s guiding light is knowing our right.”

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 command of the Imam of Our Time (AJ).

During the Occultation, live with piety and hopeful expectation.

Be a true awaiter—that is, be ready.

 

26. Pray for his appearance

«اللَّهُمَّ عَجِّلْ لِوَلِيِّكَ الْفَرَجَ»

“O God, hasten relief for Your representative.”

Pray for his appearance every day.

Think of yourself as a soldier of the Imam of Our Time (AJ).

Be ready to come to his aid.

 

Part Eight: Practical Duties—A Daily Plan

27. Organise your daily schedule

Time	Plan
Morning	Morning prayer, the Prayer of Covenant, Quran
Midday	Noon and afternoon prayers, study
Afternoon	Exercise, helping family and fellow believers
Evening	Sunset and night prayers, study
Night	Review your deeds, repent, pray

 

28. Do one new good deed every day

«وَ اسْتَعْمِلْنِي بِمَا هُوَ أَرْضَى»

“And put me to work in a way that is more pleasing to You.”

Do one new good deed every day.

Offer God one flower of good works each day.

Write one beautiful page in the book of your life each 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 natural disposition upon which God created humankind.”

Take account of your innate nature.

Sharpen your awareness of it.

The Quran awakens the innate nature; benefit from it.

 

💎 Part Nine: Final Duties—Pledge and Commitment

30. Remember your covenant

“Today, God has addressed me.”

“Duty is the crown of my honour.”

“From today on, my relationship with God is special.”

Repeat this motto every morning.

Each night, reflect on whether you have kept your covenant.

If you have erred, repent and make amends.

 

31. Be the best version of yourself

«وَ اجْعَلْ قَلْبِي وَاثِقًا بِمَا عِنْدَكَ»

“And make my heart assured by what is with You.”

Believe in yourself.

Trust in God.

Be the best version of yourself.

 

32. Be better each day than 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 each day.

Add one flower to the garden of your servitude each day.

Be better each day than the day before.

 

🌟 Part Ten: Summary—Thirty Duties of the One Entrusted with Religious Duties and Honoured by Them

No.	Duty	Source
1	Perfect your faith	Supplication 20
2	Make certainty your highest aim	Supplication 20
3	Purify your intention	Supplication 20
4	Become a friend of God	Abu Hamza Supplication
5	Perform the prayer at its earliest time	Supplication 16
6	Learn the meaning of your prayers	Supplication 20
7	Fulfil your religious obligations	Supplication 20
8	Practise 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	Respect your parents	Supplication 25
14	Be a source of pride for your family	Supplication 25
15	Pray for your parents	Supplication 25
16	Do good to others	Supplication 20
17	Promote justice	Supplication 20
18	Control your anger	Supplication 20
19	Put out the fires of conflict	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 the Two Weighty Things
24	Pledge allegiance to the Imam of our Time (AJ)	Tradition
25	Obey the Imam of our Time (AJ)	Quran
26	Pray for his reappearance	Prayer 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

📝 Final Words

Dear young friend!

You are now accountable before God.

You are now honored with responsibility.

These thirty duties are your road map.

Practice one of them each day.

Take one step closer to God every day.

 

Remember:

God sees you.

God loves you.

God helps you.

 

So:

Be strong.

Be radiant.

Be the best version of yourself.

Blessed be your coming of age!

Amen, Lord of the worlds.

“Today, I became one to whom God speaks.”

“Religious obligation is the crown of my honor.”

“From today on, my relationship with God is special.”

 

 

📜❇️✳️✅🔆💫✨ Your Covenant of Faith in God’s Oneness and Practical Affirmation of the Principles of Religion

The covenant of faith in God’s oneness and practical affirmation of the principles of religion is at the heart of the “Charter of Duties for One Accountable and Honored by God.” Without it, the charter would be no more than a list of ethical and devotional duties, whereas the essence of being “honored” is a conscious affirmation of the principles of religion and a covenant of faith in God’s oneness.

📜 Covenant of Faith in God’s Oneness and Practical Affirmation of the Principles of Religion

“The Covenant of One Accountable and Honored by God with the Most High”

🌟 Introduction: Why Affirm the Principles of Religion?

Dear young friend!

Today, you have become accountable before God. 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 faith in God’s oneness.

 

💎 Part One: Affirming the Oneness of God — 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 concerning Yourself, and what Your angels and those endowed with knowledge have borne witness to: there is no god but You—you are Mighty, 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, Merciful.

 

“اللَّهُ رَبِّي أَبَدًا”

“Allah is my Lord—always.”

My covenant:

I worship Him alone.

I ask help from Him alone.

I place 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 my nurturer.

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 the 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 the Messenger of God.

He is the Seal of the Prophets.

He is God’s messenger, sent to guide humankind.

The Quran is his Book.

 

«مُحَمَّدٌ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ وَ الَّذِينَ مَعَهُ أَشِدَّاءُ عَلَى الْكُفَّارِ رُحَمَاءُ بَيْنَهُمْ» (Al-Fath: 29)

“Muhammad is the Messenger of God, and 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 follow the Quran.

 

📚 Part Three: Acknowledging the Quran — The Quran is my Book

4. Acknowledging the Quran as the Book of Guidance

«الْقُرْآنُ كِتَابِي أَبَدًا»

“The Quran is my Book — always.”

I acknowledge:

The Quran is the word of God.

The Quran is a Book of guidance.

The Quran is light.

The Quran is healing.

 

«إِنَّ هَذَا الْقُرْآنَ يَهْدِي لِلَّتِي هِيَ أَقْوَمُ» (Al-Isra: 9)

“Indeed, this Quran guides to what is most upright.”

 

My pledge:

I read the Quran every day.

I understand its meaning.

I put it into practice.

I never part from it.

 

🕌 Part Four: Acknowledging the Qibla — The Kaaba is my Qibla

5. Acknowledging the Kaaba as the Qibla

«الْكَعْبَةُ قِبْلَتِي أَبَدًا»

“The Kaaba is my Qibla — always.”

I acknowledge:

The Kaaba is the House of God.

The Kaaba is the Qibla of Muslims.

I pray facing the Kaaba.

 

«فَوَلِّ وَجْهَكَ شَطْرَ الْمَسْجِدِ الْحَرَامِ» (Al-Baqarah: 144)

“So turn your face toward the Sacred Mosque.”

My pledge:

I pray facing the Kaaba.

I will visit the Kaaba one day.

I take the Kaaba as my Qibla.

 

👑 Part Five: Acknowledging Wilayah — Ali is my Guardian

6. Acknowledging the Wilayah of Imam Ali (AS)

«عَلِيٌّ وَلِيِّي أَبَدًا»

«علی، ولیّ Ali 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) successor.

 

«إِنَّمَا وَلِيُّكُمُ اللَّهُ وَ رَسُولُهُ وَ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا الَّذِينَ يُقِيمُونَ الصَّلَاةَ وَ يُؤْتُونَ الزَّكَاةَ وَ هُمْ رَاكِعُونَ» (Al-Ma’idah: 55)

“Indeed, your guardian is 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 oppose 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 oppose their enemies.

 

⚖️ Part Seven: Acknowledging the Hereafter — Death is true

8. Acknowledging the 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 true, the questioning is true, the Sirat is true, Paradise is true, the Fire is true, the Hour will undoubtedly come, and God will raise those who are in the graves.”

I acknowledge:

Death is true.

The Resurrection is true.

The questioning is true.

The Sirat is true.

Paradise is true.

Hell is true.

 

My pledge:

I prepare for the Resurrection.

I do good deeds.

I keep away from sins.

I seek Paradise.

 

🏛️ Part Eight: Acknowledging Divine Justice — Justice is true

9. Acknowledging God’s Justice

«وَ أَنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يَظْلِمُ مِثْقَالَ ذَرَّةٍ» (An-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 others.

I will uphold what is right.

 

🕊️ Part Nine: The Final Covenant of Divine Oneness

10. The Covenant of Divine Oneness — الله ربّی أبداً

On this great day, in the presence of Almighty God, I make this covenant:

«اللَّهُ رَبِّي أَبَدًا»

“God 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 is mine—forever.”

«الْأَوْصِيَاءُ أَئِمَّتِي أَبَدًا»

“The appointed successors are my Imams—forever.”

«وَ لَا أَحَدَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ»

“And there is no god but God.”

 

📝 Part Ten: Practical Declaration of the Principles of Faith

📋 Declaration

I, [young person’s name], on [date], at my celebration of 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 God; He is One, without partner, the Creator and Sustainer of all.
Divine Justice	God is just and does no wrong.
Prophethood	Muhammad (PBUH) is God’s Prophet and the Seal 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 make this covenant:

1. I will worship God alone.

2. I will obey the Prophet (PBUH) and the Ahl al-Bayt (AS).

3. I will read the Qur’an and live by it.

4. I will pray facing the Kaaba.

5. I will prepare for the Day of Resurrection.

6. I will be just and do no wrong.

7. I will pledge allegiance to the Imam of Our Time (AJ) and await his coming.

 

Signatures:

Young person entering religious responsibility: ………………..

Witness (father/mother): ………………..

Witness (mentor): ………………..

Date: ………………..

 

🌟 Part Eleven: How to Conduct the Declaration at the Celebration

🎤 Method One: Reciting Together

The prayer leader reads the declaration.

The young people repeat it, clause by clause.

At the end of each clause, they say, “Amen.”

 

🎤 Method Two: Questions and Answers

The host asks a question.

The young person answers.

 

For example:

Host: “Who is your God?”

Young person: “الله ربّی أبداً.”

 

Host: “What is your religion?”

Young person: “الإسلام دینی أبداً.”

Host: “Who is your Prophet?”

Young person: “محمد نبیّی أبداً.”

 

Host: “What is your Book?”

Young person: “القرآن کتابی أبداً.”

 

Host: “What is your qibla?”

Young person: “الکعبة قبلتی أبداً.”

 

Host: “Who is your guardian?”

 

Young person: “علی ولیّی أبداً.”

 

Host: “Who are your Imams?”

Young person: “الأوصیاء أئمّتی أبداً.”

 

🎤 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 becomes familiar with 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.
Lasting impact	This declaration is etched in the young person’s mind.

🏁 Part Thirteen: Final Words

Dear young person!

Today, you have become religiously responsible.

Today, you have been honored.

This declaration is your covenant of divine oneness with God.

It is your pledge to the Prophet and the Imams.

It is your road map 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.

Congratulations on your celebration of coming of age!

Amen, Lord of all worlds.

 

“Today, I became one addressed by God.”

“Duty is the crown of my honour.”

«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 Sa‘i (Abdullah Meshkat) 110.141 (903)

 

[1] Prayer 6, Sahifa Sajjadiyya, 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, Mu’assasat Dar al-Hadith al-Thaqafiyya, Iran, Qom, first edition, 1423 AH / 1381 SH.

[5] Ma‘ani al-Akhbar, text, p. 132 Ibn Babawayh, Muhammad ibn Ali, Islamic Publishing 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 Foundation, Iran, Qom, first edition, 1409 AH.

[8] Tahdhib al-Ahkam (Khurasan 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 Jibra’il, Razi, Qom, second edition, 1363 SH.

[10] Tafsir Furat al-Kufi, p. 368 Kufi, Furat ibn Ibrahim, Publishing and Printing Institute 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, Publishing and Printing Institute 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, Mu’assasat Al al-Bayt (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, Mu’assasat Al al-Bayt (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, Mu’assasat Al al-Bayt (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, Mu’assasat Al al-Bayt (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, Mu’assasat Al al-Bayt (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, Mu’assasat Al al-Bayt (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, Mu’assasat Al al-Bayt (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, Mu’assasat Al al-Bayt (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, Mu’assasat Al al-Bayt (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  al-Kulaynī, Muḥammad ibn Yaʿqūb ibn Isḥāq, Dār al-Kutub al-Islāmiyya, Tehran, 4th edition, 1407 AH.

[25] Al-Kāfī (Islamic edition), vol. 6, p. 3  al-Kulaynī, Muḥammad ibn Yaʿqūb ibn Isḥāq, Dār al-Kutub al-Islāmiyya, Tehran, 4th edition, 1407 AH.

[26] Al-Kāfī (Islamic edition), vol. 6, p. 3  al-Kulaynī, Muḥammad ibn Yaʿqūb ibn Isḥāq, Dār al-Kutub al-Islāmiyya, Tehran, 4th edition, 1407 AH.

[27] Al-Kāfī (Islamic edition), vol. 6, p. 4  al-Kulaynī, Muḥammad ibn Yaʿqūb ibn Isḥāq, Dār al-Kutub al-Islāmiyya, Tehran, 4th edition, 1407 AH.