Monotheistic Orientation in Imam Ali’s Thought
In a series of sessions, Emad Afroogh tries to introduce the thoughts of Imam Ali (AS). Here is a summary of the first session:
Among the books that I have read, two of them draw my attention; The City of God and Confessions written by Augustine of Hippo. After that, I felt the urge to review Nahj al-Balagha.
The relations between these books are significant. Augustine and Imam Ali (AS) have special places among Christians and Muslims respectively and both of them talk about confessions. The concepts that Imam Ali (AS) puts forward in Kumayl supplication point to a sort of confession. Although, there may be different interpretations of that.
“O Allah, forgive me for those of my sins which tear apart safeguards! O Allah, forgive me for those sins which draw down adversities! O Allah forgive me for those sins which hold back supplication!” reads part of the supplication and this is not a tutorial on how to pray. What is described as a good deed for good people may actually be a sin for those who have a higher position and are closer to Allah. Without the feeling of being a sinner, Imam Ali (AS) could have not attained that high position. There are some points that need to be explained about the characteristic of Imam Ali (AS).
I believe that despite some other religious scholars, Imam Ali (AS) was sensitive to problems and injustice and could not ignore people’s issues.
Today, we are unfortunately witnessing that those calm characters who have no care for pain are being lauded and promoted. If someone gets sad and angry with oppression, their character will be questioned.
We should have a deeper study of Imam Ali (AS) and the works that are attributed to him. Seeing Imam Ali (AS) solely as a holy figure will bar us from understanding his lofty thoughts and insights.
Imam Ali (AS) is holy because his thoughts are big and divine. His holiness goes back to the spiritual and divine orientations of his thoughts. If we study him, we will understand the greatness of his character.
O Ali! The pain is that they have forgotten you are not a man of words but a man of implementation! You did not accept the government so that people would hear good words, rather, you came so that people would witness good and just deeds. O Ali! Books and poems are being written to laud you but there is no one who searches for your teachings in practice; the reality of freedom-seeking, justice-seeking, fair distribution of Bayt al-mal, and the reality of morality and spirituality.
