Dignity and Humiliation of Self - Part 2

The three causes of Self Humiliation

Ameerul Momineen (a.s) says:
, - - - - - - - - _ - =' _ - -''- - - -
= - -' - , ' = - - - - - ' + , ' = -' - '
There are three such things which takes away self respect from man making him humiliated and disgraced:
1. Greed and Avarice
2. Expressing personal pains and difficulties in front of others
3. Sovereignty of tongue over your self (excessive speaking)
These are three things that wastes self respect of man which religion has not permitted to be done in any
circumstances. In the previous issue the tradition of Imam Sadiq (a.s) was presented in which He (a.s) said that
Allah has granted the rights of everything to believer and handed over all his affairs in his hands but he has not
given him the rights to loose his self respect under any circumstances even if he is pursued and is in a helpless
state.
Religion has strictly prohibited to wear the attire of disgrace. The attire of disgrace is not that dress which is
stitched by a tailor. A tailor can neither stitch the attire of piety nor of humiliation. The attire of disgrace is an
analogy which means adopting a behaviour and style which becomes the basis of humiliation.
Migration instead of Humiliation
Allah (s) in the Holy Quran has mentioned about a Quran towards which it is necessary to pay attention:
- ', '' ' _ , - - - - - ' - , '' -- , , '' - --_ - '' = - ` - ' ' , - , - ' , - - - ', ' , =' - -
, - - - -' - - =
When the souls of certain persons would be captured by the angels they would be in a state where they have
oppressed their own self and is natural that when they have oppressed their own self they will be placed in the
rank of oppressors. The Angels will question them after capturing their soul where and in what state you were on
earth?
' _ , - - - - - ' - , ''
They will reply that we were weak and oppressed on earth..
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We would have heard these verses from Quran reciters (Qari) for more than dozen times, we would have
appreciated their recitation also and we would have set up rhythm also on this but if we would have paid attention
to its meaning then we would have left to do all those things which we do with the Quran.
When angels would ask them why did you oppress your self than they will reply that we were pursued to do so
because we were weak, feeble and oppressed. The land on which we were living was of oppressors and we were
weak and hence we were made oppressed.
- ', '' ' , =' - -
The angels will then reply and say Was Allah's land not vast and big enough for you to go somewhere else?
Religion has not permitted humiliation under such circumstances.
, - - - -' - - = , - - - ',
Thus their destination is hell even though they have been worshipping a lot on this land, would be delivering all
religious rites and reciting Quran. In such a society where you have to do worships after being disgraced than
such worships are also useless and even after carrying out all worships he dies as an oppressor. This is because
Quran has counted those who do oppression on their self amongst oppressors and none of their excuses would be
considered and accepted.
Quran says if you were to become humiliated by living on this land then instead you should have left it. If you had
farms over there then you should have burnt them and eat less.
Iqbal has also said:
, ,- -,- , '- - -,+ =
`= , --' -,= -,+
The farm that cannot provide sustenance to the farmer;
Set fire to every crop and sapling of that farm
Woe on such farms, jobs and houses which become the basis of man's disgrace and humiliation. Some people say
that this is our forefathers region or house and we cannot leave it but they don't see that they are getting
humiliated on this land. They say that we are helpless and cannot leave this land whereas religion says no reasons
or excuses will be accepted in lieu of getting humiliated and no one has been given the rights to become
humiliated. Therefore the angels will say that your destination is hell and this is worst of all destinations.
Prohibition of Self Humiliation in the sayings of Infallibles
The Infallible Imams (a.s) have stopped us from acts which become the basis for humiliation of man. Certain
people would do things in front of Imams (a.s) which were against self respect. It is just like some people keep
their name as Kalbe Hussain (Dog of Hussain) which is a disliked name. If someone for showing humility keeps his
name as Himare Hussain (Donkey of Hussain) than this is not humility. Our Imams (a.s) don't need dogs, donkeys
and animals they need followers. Ameerul Momineen (a.s) during his era of Caliphate visited a city Anbar (which
at present is a province in Iraq and its name is heard often in news). This area was under the control of Ameerul
Momineen (a.s) and he paid visit to this place. People gathered around him and as per their past habits out of
respect they did acts which made Him (a.s) furious and questioned them as to what they were doing?
They replied that we are paying respect to you. Ameerul Momineen (a.s) said that you are humiliating yourself for
the sake of giving respect to me and this act is not in accordance to your worth and status. I am not getting
benefits from this act but you surely have losses in these.
Self Respect - A character of Infallibles
Self Respect is the disposition and character of Infallible Imams (a.s). An incident took place at the time of
Messenger of Allah (s). A person was distressed and in trouble; he had nothing with him and was concerned about
getting relief for the difficulties and calamities. His wife advised him to go the Messenger (s); may be some way
might come out. This person came to the Messenger (s) and since the Messenger (s) had ability to read the
situation of the heart of everyone by reading their faces (the Quran has also mentioned this about Him) hence the
moment this person sat near him and before he could say something the Messenger (s) said: "One who seeks
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Dignity and Humiliation of Self - Part 2
from us we will give him but one who seeks freedom from dependency (on others) from Allah; Allah makes him
independent"
This person got attentive that may be I am the addressee of this statement hence without asking anything stood
up and left for home. Then he thought that may be this statement just came out from the holy lips of Prophet (s)
and it was not meant for me. Hence he again went to the Messenger (s) next day but again the moment he sat
near to him the Messenger (s) said the same ""One who seeks from us we will give him but one who seeks
freedom from dependency (on others) from Allah; Allah makes him independent" . He was ascertained that this
statement was meant for me only hence he left and went to his wife narrating the incident. In order to be
completely satisfied and convinced that this was meant for him only he went again to the Messenger (s) next day
so as to be sure that he is the addressee and not someone else and the same thing happened. The moment he sat
the Messenger of Allah (s) said "One who seeks from us we will give him but one who seeks freedom from
dependency (on others) from Allah; Allah makes him independent".
He was now completely contented that he was the addressee hence he got up and left the place. He started to
think as to what work he can do under this situation. He thought that may be he can get wood for fuel from the
desert and sell it. Hence he did this and got wood from the desert and started selling it. In few days apart from
feeding his family he saved some money from which he purchased an axe and continued his work. His work
gradually spread to the extent that Allah made him independent and during life time of Prophet (s) itself that
person became so well settled that he started to help others.
Putting your hands in the mouth of snake is better than begging
The Holy Prophet (s) said:
' ` , ' - '- - _' -= -' _' ,--' _ ,-, .= ` _'= ',
O Ali ! I prefer to insert my hand up to the elbow inside the mouth of a poisonous snake rather than begging from
a person who had nothing until yesterday but has something today.
Dignity - The first lesson of Islam
Why did Ameerul Momineen (a.s) specify this second Wisdom for his followers? This was because Ameerul
Momineen (a.s) was witnessing the community with which he had to deal with had this gem that is Dignity
missing from within them. They had everything else but had lost Self Respect.
Why is the personality of Ameerul Momineen (a.s) so high and elevated? This is because Ameerul Momineen (a.s)
was brought up and nurtured by the Messenger (s.a.w.s) and as it was mentioned before that beginning of
upbringing starts from Self Respect. The first lesson and phrase in Islamic seminaries should be of Self Respect
and dignity and not that of -
A person who does not even belongs to seminary made a humorous remark which is a universal joke. He said
when Taliban came into existence and started brutal killings we were astonished
that these students of seminaries who were studying religion, ethics, Quran and
traditions how can they do such assassinations? But then later we understood
that their first lesson is - , - and there are many variations of these for
which he was translating as Kill, get killed, we should kill, kill man, kill women,
kill if present, kill if absent, kill one, kill many. If they are taught so many -
then this will turn into killing and assassination going forward. Hence instead of
this they should be taught the phrase of dignity , =. In Jurisprudence and
Principles (Usool) the first lesson should be of dignity and this should be the first
course they should pass through.
, - -, - ' ' ', - ' ' ' '
Dignity is for Allah, Messenger and believers
If they were taught the lesson of dignity then all these issues taking place today would not have developed at all.
Subservience (Istirham) - The basis for downfall of dignity
Subservience (Istirham) is a state which results into loosing of self respect and dignity. Subservience means
becoming eligible for getting mercy from others that is making yourself weak, timid and in a state that moment
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people look at you they become merciful. Ameerul Momineen (a.s) is guiding us in this wise saying to get refuge
from such a state.
Certain persons sit in front of the mirror and formally practice to become worthy of getting mercy from others.
They drop their faces so low for others to start crying moment they see them. This is not a taunt but reality.
Around twenty years before I got an opportunity to visit a village of Pakistan. The host came and without even
asking anything they started to offer condolences that we are aware about the difficult life you are undergoing in
the Seminary; they expressed various difficulties of theological students and while doing this tears started to roll
out from his eyes. First I thought may be he is sympathizing with me because as such there are difficulties in
seminary for the students but this is not something ordinary that a person starts to mourn on the difficulties of
others. I questioned him on how he was so well versed with the situation of students? He replied that last year
some preachers (theological students) had visited and they have told all this; they used to recite their calamities
everyday and we would listen and cry. I told him that the situations of students is not so bad that you should
weep for them.
The Make up of Subservience
There are some who specifically wear torn cloaks and shoes; when visiting somewhere they put on such a dirty
turban that moment people look at them people realize that the situation of Maulana is bad. Now there is no need
for them to ask for anything because the turban, cloak and their dress itself is begging for them whereas Quran is
prohibiting from such things and appreciates those who maintain their chastity for the sake of which they do not
beg or plead for anything from anyone.
- - -' - ' , - = . ' = ' - - = ,
"One who is not informed about them he considers them wealthy because of their chastity" (Surah Baqarah: 283)
Quran is asking the capitalists and wealthy persons to visit those poor persons who are considered rich because of
their chastity whereas they are not rich but just out of chastity they present themselves in such a way that no one
should have mercy on them.
Subservience is prohibited which implies to make such state and talk such things due to which people become
pitiful towards us.
Non Dependency - Standard for Dignity
The Messenger of Allah (s) says:
' -' = -'--- -,-' =
In his tradition the Messenger (s.a.w.s) is explaining the meaning of dignity to us. Allah and his Messenger
(s.a.w.s) are definitely dignified irrespective of whether we have an understanding of their dignity or not but for
us it is important to understand what is meant by our Self Respect and dignity? The Messenger (s) is saying that
the meaning of your Self Respect is that you remain non dependent on people.
Self Respect - The criteria and standard in dealings
The Messenger of Allah (s) says:
--` - _-,=' ,-'=
As it was mentioned before that in social life human beings have dealings with each other. Man cannot fulfil all his
needs on his own hence dealings of human beings with each other is correct. It is like if I am giving today than
tomorrow he will give. This is not considered as begging and hence it is said you should fulfil your needs and
demands (from each other) but with Self Respect. This means go to your office but with Self Respect; when you
write applications it should be with Self Respect; there are certain persons who when they write applications they
just don't humiliate themselves but also humiliate their father, grandfathers and family. Do not do this; when you
file applications it should be a dignified one, when you demand something do it in a dignified way because self
respect is a precious gem thus beginning of any application should be with self respect and ending also should be
with self respect.
A moment of humiliation dominates centuries of Dignity
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Ameerul Momineen (a.s) says:
-' - _-- ` ='-
A moment of humiliation is greater than dignity of entire life. This means if man accepts humiliation even for one
moment then this one moment of humiliation cannot be compensated with entire life's dignity. It is possible
someone says that I have lived with dignity for fifty years so what is the harm in accepting humiliation for two
years now?
But Ameerul Momineen (a.s) says that your entire life, your complete age and every moment of your life's dignity
is not equivalent to this one moment of humiliation.
Disgraceful Bounties
Imam Zainul Abideen (a.s) says:
-'-= _--- -- _' -='-
I do not like at all that by humiliating yourself you get sovereignty over dark red bounties. The dark red bounties
over here mean dark red camels and horses which belong to true Arab origin and this origin is high quality origin
of horses. Even today these camels and horses are present and they cost a lot of money. Even today an ordinary
person cannot buy them. In this era dark red camels and horses are equivalent to private aircrafts owned by
someone. Imam Sajjad (a.s) is saying that I do not all like that I posses dark red bounties along with humiliation.
Worst Desire
Imam Baqir (a.s) says:
'-- -= ' --= --' --
The worst of bad persons is one who possesses desires and wishes that arouses him towards humiliation
Zaid bin Suhan says that I questioned Ameerul Momineen (a.s): Which is the most disgraceful thing?
Ameerul Momineen (a.s) replied:
',- -' _'= ='
"The Greed of world"
This is because the beginning of disgrace starts from here and the gem of dignity gets robbed off due to greed
and avarice.
The Logic for Dignity by the Imam of Dignity
A beautiful poem in regards to Ameerul Momineen (a.s):
'-=' .' - =-' .--'
'=' -- - _' -=
'= --' _ _' '-' ,-,
,-' _ '' -'-
It is easy for me to bring down rocks from big mountains which means doing laborous work but to plead, beg and
stretch hands in front of someone is not possible for me to do. People ask me that you are such a big personality
than why do you work? people would bring things for you while you are sitting inside your house. Then I reply to
them there is no shame or insult working instead disgrace lies in pleading and begging from others.
-- '- '-' ,'-
'-- '-=- .`- '
Imam says that I have examined generations and various categories of people but there is none more disgraceful
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and abased than those who are deceived by wealth.
= ',-' - -
,-' - - = '-
I have tested all types of bitterness; like hardships of war, bitterness of poverty, etc. but the most bitter taste is
of pleading and begging.
`, -- ,==' _ '
'=' `'-- - --
I have done hardest of all works but there is nothing harder and tougher than pleading from someone and then
listening to his words of favours and mercy. The favouring words delivered by some persons are like; I am doing
this work only for you else we don't do such things or favours for anyone else. For Ameerul Momineen (a.s) this
statement is so hard as if mountain has fallen over his head. Ameerul Momineen (a.s) and his progeny have never
done this.
The covenant of Dignity
One day Messenger (s) gathered everyone and said : Are you prepared to do a covenant and allegiance with me?
They replied that we are already in your allegiance. The Messenger (s) said today you have to do a new covenant
and that covenant is that you will never ask and plead for anything from anyone in any affair. All the companions
pledged and after that no one pleaded for anything. Ibn Fahad Hilli writes that when the whip from a companion
sitting on a camel would drop he would not even ask another companion standing down to pick it up for him; he
would himself come down from the camel, pick up the whip and then again mount it. The Messenger (s) would
never ask anything from anyone, he would not even ask for a glass of water from someone.
Dignity- The secret of getting supplications accepted
Imam Jafar Sadiq (a.s) says:
' '- - -' .== '' '= ' '' --= ' ' '= ' ,, ` +' '-' - ',,' '== ` '-,- - '-,` -=
'== ' ' '-,- '' .--,
One who desires that whatever he asks from Allah, he should be granted than he
should leave hopes from people.
Everyone amongst us has this desire that whatever we demand from Allah (s)
should be granted to us. In this tradition Imam Sadiq (a.s) is expressing the
formula behind this. But this should be practised by heart and not just by words
because there are certain individuals who while visit someone say that till date we
have not asked for anything from anyone; we are not amongst those who ask and
beg and then they immediately say that if you have something please give me.
'' .--, ' '- - -' .== '' '= '
'== ' ' '-,-
Allah examines the hearts of people and when He witnesses that this person has no hopes from people then he
grants whatever this person asks from him.
Imam Sajjad (a.s) says:
,- _,-= _ .= = '' _' - _- _ ' -' , ' - ' -' ,-, _ '-= _-=' _= _ _--= - ' ,=' -,
_- . _ ' .= = '' '=--
I have seen all the goodness and virtues in one thing and that is not to be greedy about possession of others. This
means if a person is not greedy about things possessed by others and does not even raises his eyes on those
things then he acquires all the virtues. If he just looses hopes from people then he gets world as well as hereafter;
he gets the outward as well as inward.
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.= = '' _' - _- _ ' -' , ' -
_- . _ ' .= = '' '=-- ,- _,-= _
One who looses hopes from others and when he cuts off his hopes from others his affairs get handed over to Allah
and Allah fulfils his demands in all matters.
The two paths of Dignity and Humiliation
-'=' --' , _-=' -, _ -,-'' = ' -' ,-, _ ' -- ',' ',='' --- '' `-- ' -' _' _-,=' -'=
Seeking needs from others becomes the basis for downfall of dignity and with this
shamefulness and modesty of man gets obliterated but instead if man does not keep any
hopes with people than this becomes the basis of his dignity. This is an important point
towards which if not others but at least the theological students and religious scholars
should definitely pay attention. They are the guides, leader and service renderers to people
but they should not have any greed towards people because Imam (a.s) says Greed itself is
the poverty of the hour.
The second factor of humiliation
As it was indicated before that Ameerul Momineen (a.s) in this wise saying has expressed the second factor of
humiliation as:
- = - - - -'' - _ -
Expressing your difficulties and complaints in front of others. This is also begging for mercy from others. Imam
Baqir (a.s) says:
+,'= ,+- -''= .- ' -' -=- =',
Beware of making others informed about your circumstances because doing this will disgrace you. Though for
people like us or for those about whom we know that their circumstances are even worst than ours then
expressing our problems in front of them does not raises this difficulty; it is like two painful persons talking about
each others problems.
There is no harm in crying together with nightingales; they cry for flowers and I cry for my heart. But it is not
permitted to express your problems in front of someone wealthy, capitalist or an officer with the hope that he
might find a solution to your problem.
A person came to Imam Raza (a.s) and said please recommend me to some specific person. Imam (a.s) replied
that this act of yours is intolerable for me and I was not expecting that you will degrade yourself to such an
extent.
The secret of man's greatness
Socrates would always walk and did not have any ride; someone asked him why he does not mount on a horse?
Socrates replied that it is better that the burden of my body falls on my feet rather than the burden of horse falls
on my body. This means rather than taking the burden of favour done by the horse it is better that my feet bear
the burden of my body. It is like when Poet Ghalib was sick and was not getting cured by medicine he said it is
good that I am safe from taking the favour of medicine.
, - ---
, - - , '+ - ,-
The tale of Socrates is important for those who are not ready to travel without a car. One Scholar (Maulana) came
for preaching in some place and said that I want to visit a nearby place for the purpose of preaching; the hosts
said we will book a bus ticket for you. He said I don't travel by bus ; then people said we will arrange for a car; on
this he said I do not travel by ordinary car hence please arrange for a Pajero.
Self Respect and Cup of Poison
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Why do people like Socrates become so great? Even after approximately 2500 years Socrates has sovereignty over
the world of knowledge. The gem of Self Respect present inside people like
Socrates grants them such long life. Socrates is really alive today because he
was really the owner of Self Respect. When he was imprisoned and his death
punishment statement was issued the followers of Socrates made some
arrangements with the prison guards and then met Socrates. They said to
him that we have got an agreement with the prison guards and now we have
the keys of the prison and we have come to give you freedom from this
prison.
Socrates said that the law which has punished me I have been defending the
same laws for my entire life. Socrates considered escape from prison as
disgrace and humiliation thereby accepting to drink the cup of poison by his own hands.
This question is raised very often that even though Imams (a.s) had the knowledge about poison then why they
used to drink it? The answer is that the possessors of Self Respect are like this only. The Imams (a.s) were
possessors of Self Respect and Dignity hence they used to drink it but for those who do not have Self Respect for
them this matter is still a complication till date.
Imam (a.s) says:
,--' ` ,--'
"Accept death but do not accept lowliness"
It has been narrated from the Messenger (s.a.w.s)
'+,-, += _'= -== -=- _- ', `-= -= ', -= ,'
'-, - ' ,= += '+- -,
"If a person goes to a forest with a rope and axe to cut wood and then sells it to earn his living then this is better
than spreading hands (begging) in front of someone."
The hands of Dignified and Humiliated
The Messenger says:
`` ,-, ` : -=-- '- ,-' = ----' -',-' ,, _' _'--' .-'-'-, '+,', _-' _=-' -, ','' '' -,
There are three type of hands; one is the hand of Allah (s) which is always on top, second is the hand of one who
receives which is below and the third is the hand of a foolish beggar which remains below till the dooms day
The dependency and independence of Creation
Man should have two things in his heart:
1. Dependency on People
2. Independency from People
There are certain things in which man is dependent on other people. Like giving others, good behaviour with
others, sacrificing his goodness on others, respecting others and inviting them for food; for all these man needs
others. But man should not be dependent or should be independent from those things which are under the
possession of others.
It has been mentioned in traditions that ,--- ; become independent from people. You should not demonstrate
your dependency even when you are asking for a toothbrush.
The knot of Self Respect
When Imam Moosa Kazim (a.s) was in the prison of Sandry ibne Shaliq; Haroon sent someone to Imam (a.s) as
he wanted to break his perseverance. He wanted to present some suggestions from Haroon to Imam (a.s) and as
a result of which he wanted Imam (a.s) to put up some demands from Haroon. This person came to the prison
and Imam was praying at that time. He says that I went near to him and sat; Imam realized my presence but still
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continued praying without paying any attention towards me. The moment one prayer session would end he would
immediately start another and like this he kept on praying in two units of prayers continuously. I realized that this
way I will not get an opportunity to speak hence moment he finished one two unit prayers and was about to stand
up for next I immediately send my salutations and started the discussion. I said to him that Haroon says that you
are innocent but it is necessary for you to stay here for some more time; but now we will make better
arrangements for you. After listening to my statements Imam (a.s) said:
`,-- '= ' _---, _''- _'-'= ` : - ''
I have no wealth over here which would give me some benefits and neither I am born as a pleading person who
would demand something from you or Haroon. After saying this Imam (a.s) stood up and by saying "Allah is
great" started his prayers.
The Messenger of Allah (s) says:
_- ' '-, -= _-- '- '---' _'- ,-', ,'
"If people become aware about the irritation of begging and pleading they will never ask for anything from anyone
in their entire life."
The secret of friendship of the "The friend of Allah" (Khaleelullah)
It is mentioned in traditions :
-= - .= = '' ,= -= '-, ' -= , ' -` `,'= ,-
Allah (s) selected Ibrahim (a.s) for the status of his friendship because Ibrahim (a.s) never asked for anything
from anyone else other than Allah.
Ibrahim was the manifestation of divine attributes. Allah is rich and independent hence Ibrahim (a.s) was also
independent from people.
The Prophet (s) said to Abuzar: "Abuzar Beware! Never ask anything from anyone". Abuzar was an ordinary
person who used to herd sheep. He heard that there is a person by the name Mohammad
(s) in Mecca who has created a revolution in Mecca. He left his flock of sheep and came to
Mecca inquiring about the Messenger (s). People kept their hands on his mouth and said
do not even take His (s) name after which he met Ameerul Momineen (a.s). He (a.s)
inquired whom he wanted to meet. Abuzar said I want to meet Mohammad (s). Ameerul
Momineen (a.s) took Abuzar with him and went to Prophet (s). The Messenger (s) gave
few minutes of lecture to Abuzar which left a big impact on Abuzar and he left the
gathering of Prophet (s) came out and went towards Holy Kaaba. He put his back on the
wall of Kaaba and in loud voice announced:
' ' ' ` -- ,- --=- -+-
Prior to Abuzar no one has expressed his faith explicitly in public. This was because the
first lesson given by the Prophet (s) to Abuzar was that of Self Respect which developed
this courage in Abuzar. And after this no one could break the Self Respect of Abuzar.
Cruelties were done on Abuzar in Damascus; he was mounted on a bare back camel
(without saddle) and made to travel from Damascus to Medina due to which the flesh on
his thighs melted. The thirst and hardships of Rabza; all these together could not lower the Self Respect of
Abuzar. And he tolerated all the hardships for the sake of his Self Respect.
It is mentioned in one tradition:
_'--' -, - ,= ',''-,'
"The hand on top is better than the hand below"
Imam Mohammad Baqir (a.s) says:
-= -= '- '- '---' _ '- .-'-' ', ,'
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"A pleading person would never plead or beg if he becomes aware about the level of irritation present in pleading
and begging."
Dignity - A standard for Shia's
Imam Sadiq (a.s) says:
'=,= '- ,' ' -' '-, ` - '--,-
"Our Shia is one who never asks from people even if he has die of hunger"
As it was mentioned before that Self Humiliation is non conditional which means if a person is being shot then let
it be, if he has to die then let him die but under no conditions he should accept Self humiliation. A person for the
purpose of saving his life can even eat prohibited things like carrion, swine flesh or drink alcohol if there is a
threat to his life and under such circumstances he is not permitted to die but if there is a fear of loosing Self
Respect than under this situation he should accept death but should not accept humiliation of self. As said by a
poet:
_--'' ,= ,-'
'- ,- ,, -
,'' ,= ,-'
'='' =-' -
Death for man is better than living a life of beggars without wealth. And for a respected, dignified and prestigious
person accepting death is better than begging and pleading from others.
Imam says:
',- ``` +, ,, ` '--,- _ ' '- : -- '-, - +, ,, `
Our Shia's do not have three traits; one amongst these three is that you will never see our Shia spreading his
hands for begging in front of someone. Spreading your hands in front of someone is an
analogy it does not mean he will not spread his hands out in front of someone
physically but he can spread his laps for begging. Spreading of hands means not
demanding anything from someone. Do not open your lips even if they die out of
starvation. Thus to become a Shia of Imam Sadiq (a.s) is tough and if it was easy then
the entire world would have been Shia.
Imam says :
'=,= '- -- ' -' '-, ` ' _-= _-=, ` -'' , +, ` - '--,- '- -
Our Shia's are those who possess three attributes; one is that when they are hungry
they do not raise painful voices like dogs i.e. they do not express their hunger. When a
dog is hungry it raises its head towards the sky and produces painful sound similarly
the long yells of wolves and foxes coming from forests during winter because they are
hungry.
' _-= _-=, `
And our Shia does not have crow's eyes because a crow has a specific greedy eyes. We should ponder over these
animals because they are physical representations of human traits. A crow is the most greedy bird.
'=,= '- -- ' -' '-, `
And our Shia never spreads his hands in front of anyone even if he has to die of starvation. Man should become
chaste to the extent possible and should refrain from asking and begging.
The Messenger (s) says:
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Dignity and Humiliation of Self - Part 2
=' += _ ,' '-', ,, _''- '' _-' ', ``` , --= ' -' '- -
If someone has food stock for three days and still he asks from someone then on the day of judgement his head
would be without flesh.
The way the image of skull with a cross on it is placed on danger zones similarly the skulls of some elders and non
elders would be present on the day of Judgement.
In an another tradition Imam Sadiq (a.s) says:
' -' '+- ' --`, '+,' '' =,=, _-= ,-, ='= ,= - '-, --= - '-
One who asks without need just out of greed and avarice Allah (s) makes him dependent on everything. Similarly
in another tradition it is mentioned that one who asks is an oppressor of his self. In one another tradition also it is
mentioned that the pleading person looses one third of his faith with every pleading question of his.
Condemnation of Flattering
For the sake of pleading a person has to do flattering and in regards to flattering others the Messenger (s) says:
-' ,= --' ,= , `=
Throw dust on the face of flatterers. This is a principle on which we have to act.
There are many things which we have been instructed do but we do not act upon
them because with these acts the sanctity and respect of others get stampeded
and against these are many other things which we should not do but still we
keep on doing those. Once a person was flattering a wealthy capitalist in front of
Miqdad, the companion of Prophet (s). He was praising him in various forms
trying to trap him. Miqdad on listening to his words took dust in his hand and
threw on his face. People were astonished and they questioned Miqdad on why
he did this? Miqdad replied that the Messenger (s) has ordered to do so.
One of the effects of pleading and begging is that man develops laziness and
lethargy inside him. It is present in narrations:
' -' _'= ' _-' - ,'-
A person who puts his burden on others is accursed
Allah makes such a person dependent on others for his entire life and thus he spends his entire life in humiliation.
The third factor of humiliation
-'-' ,'= - - --- ,'= --'
One whose tongue gets sovereignty over his affairs is also disgraced and abased. In one of the lectures in the
series of "Charter of Ramazan" one hundred sins of tongues were discussed which means man commits hundred
mistakes and crimes just by his tongue. That too not once in life but almost every day he repeats the same
mistakes by his tongue and this way his tongue humiliates him hence it is better for man to speak less. He should
not just wander around speaking whatever comes to his mouth; should only speak out of need. He should not give
his reigns in the hand of his tongue but instead should give the reigns of tongue in the control of intelligence. This
is because Ameerul Momineen (a.s) says that one who allows his tongue to rule over him has made his self
humiliated and abased.
Realization of Dignity - Solution of all problems
If we keep this wisdom of Ameerul Momineen (a.s) in the eyes of our actions than no individual, believer, family ,
community and specifically religious scholars will have to face any sort of humiliation. Today the solution for the
difficulties of Muslims and specifically ours (Pakistan) just needs one day; and this has been said with full
responsibility and ownership that to solve the difficulties of Shia Muslims in Pakistan just needs one day. One day
in which they realize their Self Respect. But till the time this community does not develops the realization of this
Self Respect and acquires this gem until then whatever means and methods are adopted for salvation will all go in
vain and this community will not be relieved from this begging. Today this community is seeking peace and
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Dignity and Humiliation of Self - Part 2
security through begging and that too from disgraceful persons who are themselves not secure. This is a lessonful
situation.
Greed has drowned Pakistan
Ameerul Momineen (a.s) in this second saying has expressed those causes and factors which results into loosing
the gem of dignity and Self Respect. Why is Pakistan humiliated today?
It is due to the greed of Pakistani rulers. If they were not greedy and
were contented than Pakistan would not have been in the state in which
it is today. Why has Pakistani army become so disgraced that terrorists
attack and take over GHQ? It never happens anywhere else in the world
that few terrorists attack the Army headquarters taking it under siege
but this is what happens with greedy forces. Why have the scholars lost
their stature and position in society and people are not ready to listen to
them? This is because they are victim of greed. If the gem of Self
Respect was present inside scholars than they are the leaders of nation
because they are the inheritors of Prophet (s). If nation (Ummah)
develops the gem of Self Respect inside them then this is the best of all
nations ( - ,= ) created by Allah. If the rulers of a country develop Self Respect inside them than as per religious
teachings they would be the best rulers.
The current difficulty of Iran
The difficulties which have come into existence today in Iran has the same reason that one such group has come
into existence in which the realization of Self Respect has died and they desire welfare and comfort. But our Imam
is saying that if you are my follower then die of starvation but do not accept humiliation.
Imam Khomeini (r.a) raised this question of Self Respect for Muslims after centuries. Others were all doing the
remaining things like issuing religious verdicts (for practises), writing books, constructing seminaries, collecting
Khums (taxes) and making people do Taqleed but the unique achievement of Imam Khomeini (r.a) was that he
returned the lost dignity of the Muslims to them. He developed the feelings of self respect inside them and this
feeling and realization can be seen today in Lebanon, Palestine and some other places.
Imam Khomeini (r.a) - The desire of Iqbal
This point has been mentioned several times that Imam Khomeini (r.a) was a desire of Iqbal. The concept of
Pakistan presented by Iqbal was not that in regards of geography a separate state or
region for Muslims should be created. Iqbal was aware about the difficulties arising
by gathering flocks in one place hence before presenting the concept of country he
first presented the true ideology of religion. Iqbal said that Islam-e-Naab (Pure
Islam) should be Mashrabe Naab (Pure drink).
_-'- -- ,--'- _-= - -,'-
A man or a community needs the most is an elevated conviction and a pure religion
that is Islam-e-Naab. The most significant element of Islam-e-Naab is realization of Self Respect and possession
of Self Respect which was created by Imam Khomeini (r.a). Iqbal exerted a lot, changed the language of his
poetry and his poetic language was very simple also but still people could not understand him. It was the desire of
Iqbal that a person should be born who could develop the realization of Self Respect in Muslims. This desire of
Iqbal was fulfilled in the form of Imam Khomeini (r.a).
The Selfhood of Iqbal or Awakening of realization of Self Respect
Iqbal in his Persian poetic works has written a detailed poem with the title "' _- -,- ,- ,,= -, ',-".
The implication of Selfhood in Iqbal's work is intended to be Personification or Identification which means the
identity or personality of man. The personality and identity of Islamic nation (Ummah) degrades by pleading and
begging. Today the Arabs despite of being in such big numbers are disgraced and humiliated in front of Israel
because of constant pleading and begging.
Iqbal in this poem says:
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Dignity and Humiliation of Self - Part 2
= ,-
',-= - - --'
O the community which until yesterday was like lion collecting taxes from other big big powerful countries today
your dependencies on others have turned your temperament into that of begging.
-- ,'- ,- -' _'--=
-- ,'-,- ,- ,- .-
You being fatigued and lacking courage is due to your dependencies and poverty; and your real door is that of
independence and religiousness.
--'- - -,'- _-
---= ',= _-- -- _-
The thing which is snatched first by dependencies on others is the esteemed thoughts and this dependency
extinguishes the esteemed candle of thoughts of yours which means the power of invention inside you gets
annihilated.
,' '-'' - _-- = !
,' ' , -, ,= --- !
Acquire and drink the pure wine from this wine bar of existence. This way acquire all your rights in cash.
-= .` - -- ' ,=
-=' ,= - -- -='
The way the Prophet (s) came down from the camel to pick his whip which felt down. His Self Respect did not
permit him to ask the person standing down to pick the whip for him. He disliked becoming dependent on
someone even in this small task.
Why can't you deliver your affairs like this, woe on bearing the favours of others and refuge from Allah. Imam
Khomeini (r.a) created such a big revolution and was successful because in this
revolution apart from favours of Allah there were no favours and obligations by anyone
else. The success of this revolution was not supported by any community, any country
and any neighbor.
_- ---- ,, -'-
_- -- - `-= ,-
For how long will you be running after worldly positions like lowly abased beings and
for how long like kids you will keep on riding wooden horses?
=- --- -' - , -=
' '-= ',- --
The innate nature (Fitrat) of man which keeps its eyes on high galaxies becomes abased and disgraced under the
burden of favours. The way an ice mountain melts this innate nature (Fitrat) also looses its esteemed status.
,,= = ---' ,-
,,= '-,- .=- _ '=- -
-,= ' ` ,-
- -- ' ,-' _--'
By pleading and begging man shatters his own assets thereby his personality gets destroyed. By pleading a
beggar gets ashamed. There is no problem in poverty and destitution because the Holy Prophet says:
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Dignity and Humiliation of Self - Part 2
,= --'
I am destitute so what is the harm in destitution? Poverty is the basis of prestige for me but begging is not
poverty. It is begging that makes person poor.
'- ,,= ='= ---
- ,' ,= - .`-
Do not destroy your existence by your lowliness, find your sustenance in your own laps.
-=- --- --- _-'- '
-= --'`- .,-
Even if the times are hard and your hands are tied up still take care of yourself and remain firm under these
calamities.
,=- ', --- ,,=
,=-'= -- ' ,-
Do not look for your sustenance in the bounties of others and do not demand for waves springing out from West.
This means do not turn towards West for them to come to fulfil your needs.
.== --, , _-'--'-
.-' '= --'-
Do not look at West, Europe and America today so that tomorrow you not be ashamed in front of Prophet (s). That
Prophet (s) who has given you lessons of Self Respect you should not disgrace yourself after following his religion.
- ,= -- , '-
- '-= -
The moon hides itself out of shame during daytime because it is dependent on sun for its light. Its luminance is
not of its own and one who does not own its luminance is not considered as being luminant. This is the reason
that the black spot of sun's favour is always seen on the chest of moon.
,-- ''- ,= = --
,- ',-- - '- -'
Seek courage from Allah and confront the world; do not waste the dignity of the Islamic nation (Ummah)
- - '-- ='-'= -'
--' '' -,-= --' -
One who has broken the idols inside Kaaba says: '' -, - = - -' ' ; one who earns with his own hands is the friend of
Allah.
,= ,= ,- - -- - -
,= '-= --' = -'
Woe on that person who is at the mercy of others dining table and the favours of others have bowed his neck
down.
-=,- ,= -=' - ,,=
-= ,= ,'- ,-'-
One who has enlightened himself with the light of others and have sold his self respect for a whip.
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Dignity and Humiliation of Self - Part 2
'-' --' --- ' --=
' '= -, -= -,=- -
How great is that person who is standing thirsty in scorching heat and Khizr wants to give him a glass of water
but he does not desire to plead Khizr to do so. The identity of Iqbal are these great poems
--- .-'- -'== ,-=-
--- .' --- --'- ' .-
---= ,= ' ' ,
--'- - -,-- .`- _-
- ,= ,- _-- _-
- -,- -,-,= -=-
Those youths, theology students and academic students under this sky are esteemed and prestigious who despite
of being empty handed in this state become more self respected. They can preserve the gem of his self respect
and selfhood under such circumstances. Their fortune is sleeping but still they are awake.
-- -' .,- .,-- '
-- ,= --- -- ,= -- '
'- -- ,= '-= ,
'- -'-, ,'- -- =- -
Be self respected like a bubble because even though bubble is empty but it has self respect and since it has self
respect it is not at the mercy of anyone.
Iqbal has expressed the same meanings which Ameerul Momineen (a.s) has talked about in this wise saying of
Nahjul Balagha and the same which Imam Sadiq (a.s) has expressed in his holy tradition.
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