Islamic Teachings in Supplications of Ahl al-Bayt
The Holy Qur'an has provided us with very meaningful supplications in the form of short verses. Furthermore, we have the supplications that are narrated by Ahl al-Bayt (AS). This is a spiritual heritage that cannot be found anywhere else.
In no other religion you can see this amount of prayers and supplications with themes that are present in the supplications of Ahl al-Bayt (AS). Once Allameh Tabatabaie asked a non-Muslim orientalist how he prayed to God. The orientalist said since he got acquainted with al-Sahifa al-Sajjadiyya, he prays to God using this book.
There are abundant monotheistic teachings in these supplications as the relationship between man and God is described in the most beautiful and sublime terms. We should appreciate these precious possessions and get familiar with them like the Holy Quran.
Supplication is a request and a conversation in which there is a demand and expression of need.
All humans are in need and live in absolute poverty. God is the only one that is completely needless and we can ask everything from Him. Of course, there is a system of cause and effect in the world, but we believe that everything comes from God Almighty.
Supplications create a feeling of humility and encouragement due to God’s support with His infinite power. With constant attention to prayers and supplications, this belief grows stronger, and as a result, signs of despair, hopelessness and depression will never appear in humans.
Repetition of divine attributes in al-Sahifa al-Sajjadiyya makes us pay attention to whom we ask for help. Asking for forgiveness and confessing to one's mistakes is a prelude to making requests from God. Meanwhile, indifference and arrogance cause us to be deprived of God’s grace while indicating our lack of belief in the need for divine blessings.
Supplications prepare a person to receive God's mercy. The problems and events of the world are means to test us. Believers’ tool to move on this path and fight against hardships is prayer. Each of our supplications is a treasure. Where else can you find the excellent themes and points of monotheism that are in the supplication of Kumayl? Supplications such as Al-Sha'baniyya, Khamsa Ashar, Al-Jawshan al-Kabir, and Arafa are among the blessings that we have.
Al-Sahifa al-Sajjadiyya is a valuable heritage that we have today. There are several points in this supplications. The first point is the attributes with which God is described in these prayers.
The supplication frequently reminds readers that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and Ahl al-Bayt (AS) are mediators for receiving God’s mercy. The only safe and guaranteed path to attain truth and perfection is the path of Ahl al-Bayt (AS).
This article was a summary of remarks made by Hojat-ol-Islam Ali Abbasi, president of Al-Mustafa International University, in a session held to discuss al-Sahifa al-Sajjadiyya.
