Commemorating Imam Al-Rida (a.s.): A Call to Universal Justice 18/04/2003

In the Name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful

The Religious Authority, Grand Ayatullah H.E. Sayyed M. H. Fadlullah delivered the two Friday prayer sermons at the Imamain Al-Hassanain Mosque on Safar 16, 1424 AH/ April 18, 2003, AD. Several prominent religious scholars, dignitaries, officials, and thousands of believers attended the Jumu’a prayer. (Edited version of the Sermons)

The First Sermon

In the Name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful

Commemorating Imam Al-Rida (a.s.):

A Call to Universal Justice

One of the Imams whom Allah has purified is the eighth Imam, Ali bin Musa Al-Rida (a.s.), whose passing is commemorated most probably tomorrow, the 17th of Safar.

Imam Al-Rida, the infallible Imam who represents the extension of the Message through the call as well as through responding to all the practical, spiritual and cultural needs of the people, gained the trust and respect of the Islamic world of his time. He witnessed extraordinary events that none of the other Imams encountered.

The Struggle Between the Two Brothers: Al-Amin and Al-Ma'mun

When Al-Ma'mun was victorious in his conflict with his brother Al-Amin, he decided that the caliphate should be removed from the Abbasids who stood against him and asked the Imam to be his heir apparent. The Imam refused, because his legitimacy as an Imam was not derived from the Abbasids, but rather from the Divine Will of Allah. However, he later decided to accept, having seen that he might be able to serve the Muslims in a better and more comprehensive way and preserve the followers of the Members of the Household. He opted to accept, but only in accordance with certain conditions.

Unification is the Basis

Al-Ma'mun wanted him to come to Tus, where he resided. On his way to Baghdad, the Imam was welcomed in every town and village in an unprecedented manner, which made Al-Ma'mun’s supporters wary. In any case, he was asked wherever he stopped by those who memorized traditions to recite some of them. He used to begin with what is known as the "Golden Chain":

"My father, Musa bin Ja'far, told me, from his father Ja'far bin Muhammad, from his father Muhammad bin Ali, from his father Ali bin Al-Hussein, from his father Al-Hussein bin Ali (a.s.), from his father Ali bin Abi Talib (a.s.), from the Messenger of Allah (p.), from Jibrail, from Allah, the Most Exalted, who said: 'The word "There is no god but Allah" is My fortress. So, whoever enters My fortress is safe from My punishment.'"

In choosing this tradition, the Imam wanted to underscore the fact that the oneness of Allah is the foundation of Islam. This means that Muslims worship and obey Allah alone. If they wish to be associated with any sacred person, it must be through Allah. One cannot be attached to them separately, for they are Allah's creation like all other human beings. If Allah loves them more, it is because they were faithful and dedicated to Him.

Thus, asking them directly and separately to fulfill one's needs is an act of ascribing partners to Allah. Nevertheless, we can ask them to intercede for us, knowing that Allah accepts the intercession of whom He pleases. He is the Sustainer, the Creator, and the Provider. He is everything, and all those who drew near to Him did so as a result of their obedience and piety. We should always remember this point to remain free of the exaggerations that undermine our religion.

The Imam received an enormous reception upon his arrival in Tus, which almost threatened the caliphate, for they were not used to seeing an heir apparent of such sublime morals, devotion, piety, and knowledge.

Once, Al-Ma'mun asked him to lead the Eid prayer. He went to the mosque barefoot and bareheaded, as the Prophet (p.) used to do, with people running behind him, proclaiming "Allahu Akbar."

Al-Ma'mun became so afraid of the scene that he sent someone to tell the Imam to return home, using the excuse that it was a very tiresome task.

This is the tragedy that the Members of the Household endured: They did not assume the ruling role that was rightfully theirs, yet the actual rulers feared them because of the confidence the people placed in them.

The Commitment of the Members of the Household to the Message

This is Imam Al-Rida, who filled his era with knowledge and piety, goodness and justice. When we remember this Imam, as well as all the others, we must recall their recommendations and teachings. They are the Imams of Islam for all times, not just the era in which they lived.

That is why Imam Al-Rida (a.s.) said: "Support us." When asked how to do that, he said: "Keep our cause alive. May Allah have mercy on those who keep it alive by learning our sciences and spreading them among the people. If they know that we call for goodness, they will follow us." Thus, all Muslims, and especially the followers of Ahl al-Bayt, should study the scientific and religious heritage of Ahl al-Bayt and their sayings concerning man's relationship with himself, his household, his community, and all the positions and actions he takes in his life.

Some might feel that the important thing is to cry during the Ashura ceremonies, but they do not care about learning the lessons of what happened. They also think that what matters is the speaker’s beautiful voice, but if he does not make us cry, we will consider him unsuccessful regardless of the content of his address. What is important to them is to be made to cry, even if the speaker tends to be fictitious and mystical.

All the Imams have time and again explained to us that to be rightful followers of their line of thought is to fear Allah and obey Him. Imam Al-Baqir (a.s.) also added that they should be known by their humbleness and trustworthiness.

This is what we should understand as we prepare ourselves to visit Imam Al-Hussein (a.s.). Visiting the Imam does not merely mean kissing his shrine or reciting supplications that you may not fully understand. It is to remember his teachings and everything he stood for and to consider them as a role model to emulate.

May Allah grant us His blessings.

The Second Sermon

In the Name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful

The Fall of a Dictator and the Nation's Lessons

The Iraqi regime—that of the dictator who sacrificed his people and nation in numerous internal and external wars—has fallen. He never contemplated sacrificing himself to save his people. He cared only for his power, and execution was his only response to anyone who dared question his decrees.

A new chapter has opened in the region’s history—one in which international intelligence agencies have imposed cults of personality on its countries, silencing the people and turning nations into vast prisons where oppression and torture are the standard.

The tragedy is that such barbaric and devastating rule has led many to feel incapable of fighting these regimes, which impose a domestic occupation often more brutal than foreign occupation. This has deceived some into viewing the foreign occupier as a savior, falling prey to the arrogant ploy to plunder the nation’s resources under the guise of liberation.

The unforgivable crime of such tyrannical regimes is that they sought foreign aid to pressure their own people and worked to guard foreign interests instead of those of their citizens.

The toppled Iraqi regime made numerous deals with foreign countries, conceding national wealth and bribing international oil companies to secure its power.

But the arrogant will not allow local tyrants to remain once their role ends. It replaces them with new ones, aided by glittering slogans and empty promises. These tyrants have even undermined the people’s resolve to confront international arrogance.

A Lesson for the Nation

In these circumstances, we call upon the nation to learn from these political, military, and economic defeats:

First, we must rethink the prevailing political and cultural mentality, adopting an approach that is rational and realistic—not emotional or reactive. We must learn to assess our situation objectively, understanding both our weaknesses and our strengths.

Second, we must not be swayed by enemy propaganda that portrays occupation and defeat as victory and liberation. We must always consider the source of the news and its intent.

Third, the nation must rise to the level of the critical challenges it faces. It must view events from a comprehensive perspective—that of the Muslim and Arab nation, and all the downtrodden—and hold fast to unity. We must understand that a defeat in one battle can lead to further defeats, while a victory can inspire more victories.

In light of this, we appeal to our oppressed people in Iraq to face this new stage by clinging to their national and Islamic unity, to prevent the rise of a new tyrant, whether internal or external. They must keep their eyes wide open and monitor the schemes of the occupier, whose interest lies in spreading chaos to prove that Iraqis cannot govern themselves.

Fourth, every Iraqi citizen must act as a guardian to prevent looting and plundering, which could lead to bloody internal strife.

Iraq: The Land of Freedom and Resistance

We know that the wise and honorable majority of Iraqis do not condone assassinations, such as that of the late Sayyed Abdul-Majid al-Khoei. Individuals do not have the right to issue and execute judgments. Such acts risk spreading further chaos and harming the innocent.

Remember that your country has always resisted occupation. Do not allow anyone to grant occupation legitimacy, whether direct or indirect.

Remember also that yours is an Islamic society, open to all religious sects and ethnic minorities. Do not let any party claim sole representation of Islam, particularly if it distorts the faith against the people’s interests. We believe in your nobility and sense of justice—especially that of your leading religious scholars and thinkers.

We are confident that you can build, without foreign supervision, a new Iraq that respects human dignity and rights—an Iraq strong enough to stand with the nation on vital issues, especially the cause of Palestine.

The Road Map: A Charade of Deception

America and Israel are attempting to suggest they disagree about the Road Map. This is nothing but deception, meant to persuade the Arabs that a solution is at hand. But what kind of solution? Can we believe an American administration would oppose Israel with elections less than two years away?

It has been said the Road Map is a final solution to be implemented. Yet we hear many voices stating it will be subject to further negotiations—an endless maze of concessions—knowing that, as it stands, it does not address Palestinian rights or aspirations.

Therefore, we stress once more: Palestinians must uphold their national unity and continue their resistance until liberation.

Changing the Mentality in Lebanon

Lebanon, facing a difficult situation, has yet to rise to meet current challenges. We ask: Is a cabinet change the solution, or should we—instead of changing names—change how the country is run?