Imams - Clear and Coherent Policy
S.J Hussain
Vol V No. 3 & 4 , 1400
A question has puzzled some believers a great deal, namely why did al-Husayn fight with the sword, while his successors refrained from doing so, especially as all the Imams subscribed to a single and coherent ideology. For, if al-Husayn, in spite of the small number of his followers rose up against injustice, demanding his usurped rights, why did Imam al-Sadiq, for example, not rise up when the numbers of his partisans had increased.
This question necessitates knowledge of the circumstances faced by al-Husayn, compared to those which faced the other Imams, so that we can recognise our task today.
It is, naturally, well-known that the Prophet started his mission peace- fully and secretly, and that this continued for more than ten years. During these years he succeeded in forming a group of followers, who firmly believed in the new message and rejected everything which was connected with the time of the jahiliyya. Eventually the Prophet felt that this group was capable of confronting the power of the jahiliyya, and so raised the jihad with the sword, and, after a bitter military struggle, succeeded in founding the Islamic state in Medina. This hard task which led to the Prophet's establishment of a new society, was left, in its entirety, to Imam Ali, so that he could complete what the Prophet had initiated, as regards the complete elimination of the beliefs of the Jahiliyya, and then establish a society which would base its relationships upon the prescribed rule of God's law.
However Imam Ali did not come to power immediately after the death of the Prophet. On the contrary he was prevented from achieving power, and had but a few loyal supporters, having discovered that many of those who had been converted to Islam had only embraced it externally, without true belief in their hearts, and acted according to the customs of the Jahiliyya, while covering it with a superficial belief in Islam. Such a situation confirmed the predictions of the Quranic verse which says, "If he dies or is killed you shall turn your backs" (Imran, 144), that is you shall return to your old beliefs. The Imam found that he could not rise to recover his rights, so he did net rebel. but strove throughout his life, to organise a group of sincere believers from among the Community, attentive to the objectives of the new religion, believing in the legitimacy of Ali's claims to the Imamate, and applying the Sunna of the Prophet in their daily lives. When he finally came to power, after the death of Uthmans Imam Ali did not demand silence as regards economic and political corruption, but rather encouraged the Community to purify their hearts and their actions, and fought those Muslims who sought to exploit the Islamic expansion to their own ends, or inter- preted the laws of Islam according to their own desires and interests, at the expense of those of society at large.
Al-Hasan followed in the footsteps of his father in the fight against the power of the Jahiliyya, and against some of the Muslims, whose souls had not been purified by the fear of God, and who were exploiting the economic and political advantages of the Islamic expansion into Syria. For this reason he continued to fight and encourage his followers in their struggle, but some of his followers refused to obey his com- mands, and one even tried to assassinate him in al-Mada'in, which resulted in al-Hasan's receiving a serious leg injury, which contributed to his later agreement to a truce.
The splits amongst the followers of al-Hasan, and the spread of the disturbances amongst his army on, one hand, and the unity of the opposition and their insistence on continued hostilities on the other, forced al-Hasan to sign the truce with Mu'awiya. Some of the most important stipulations of this truce was that Mu'awiya would not endanger the life or the properties of al-Hasan's followers, or curse the People of the House, in the mosques, and that al-Husayn should succeed Mu'awiya on the death of the latter.
Imam al-Husayn committed himself to acting according to the stipula- tions of this agreement, whereas the opposition, during the twenty years of Mu'awiya's rule, systematically broke the points of agreement one after another. In the last years of his rule Mu'awiya designated Yazid as his successor, thus breaking his promise to al-Hasan, that al-Husayn would succeed him.
Al-Husayn had been keeping a careful watch on the activities of Mu'awiya during his rule, and had, accordingly, prepared his followers for any eventuality. In the light of what reached him from Iraq al-Husayn believed that the people were ripe for rebellion on one hand, while, on the other hand, he noticed that the Community as a whole had become stagnant and needed somebody to bring it back to life Therefore he advanced towards Kufa and, in spite of the fact that the Kufans who had previously premised to help him, had withdrawn their support and listened to the overtures of the authorities, he determined to fight despite the fewness of his followers, until all of theme perished at the Battle of Kerbala.
From this it is clear that al-Husayn's decision to fight was by no means an innovations but rather a continuation of the policy of his brother, father and grandfather, as regards opposition to the power of the Jahiliyya whenever possible. The assassination of al-Husayn led al-Sajjad and the other Imams to adopt their quiescent policy towards the auth- itories who had seized power, because he realised that:
i. (Firstly) In spite of their numbers, the followers of al-Husayn did not possess sufficient loyalty to surrender themselves and their possessions in the path of God, according to the instructions of the Imam;
ii) (and secondly) Many of the Community were unaware that al-Husayn was the rightful Imam and the leader of the Islamic community, by the Prophet's designation, just as they were unaware that the existing authorities were illegal.
For this reason we find al-Sajjad following a policy of silence towards the authority of the Umayyads, however this silence did not indicate recognition of their authority, but rather that his own followers were few. Similarly his isolation from society was by no means an escape from reality, but was in fact tacit oppesition to the corruption and tyranny which had brought about the assassination of al-Husayn, the burning of the Ka'ba, and the attacking and plundering of the Ciy of the Prophet, which had lasted for three days.
Al-Sajjad, during the time of his Imamate, concentrated his efforts on purifying the souls of his people and encouraging fear of God in their acts and in their statements, giving priority to the purification of the soul by applying the rules of God firstly upon the individual, discourag- ing him from the self-interest which had contributed to al-Husayn's death. Al-Sajjad's intentions were to bring together a group of sincere Muslims, who adhered to the objectives of Islam and performed its rules, called people to obey God in their actions before their tongues, and followed the Imam in all things. Furthermore, al-Sajjad insisted that his followers understand that any war with the sword could only be a jihad, if the one who proclaimed it possessed the necessary quality of calling people to God through his acts rather than his statements. It is stated that he mentioned the following Qur'anic verse, "They are the ones who turn to God in repentance, who worship him, who praise him, who go about in the land serving him who bow down to God, who prostrate themselves in prayer, who enjoin good and forbid evil, and who watch the limits set by Allah And give glad tidings to those who believe." (113, Tawba). Thereafter he stated, "When we find those who possess these attributes, jihad with them is better than the Pilgrimage." (Kafi, 5/22).
Imam al-Baqir followed his father's policy and did not rebel against the Umayyads, and advised his brother, Zayd, not to rise in arms against the illegal authority of the Umayyads, because the Community was not sufficiently politically aware to rebel against the government. So al-Baqir began to disseminate political awareness in the Comrnunity, by means of Prophetical traditionst just as he commanded sorne of his followers to remind the people of al-Husayn's struggle and his martyr- dom during rthe Hajj each year, thereby hoping to kindle the feelings of the Community, to move their hearts and to inflame their emotions so that they could sympathise with the ideology of revolution for upright causes. For, the time of the Hajj is one of gathering for Muslims from all countries, and the dissemination of the objects of the struggle and martyrdom of al-Husayn, and the illustration of his close relationship to the Prophet, encouraged both complaint and doubt concerning the legitimacy of the authorities, which in turn created a fertile environment for a movement towards bring about their downfall.
Despite the fact that the cultural activities of al-Sajjad and al-Baqir drew a large number of followers to them, al-Baqir did not consider them suitable for rebellion, because they lacked the necessary loyalty and organisation. Al-Kulayni reports that 'Abd Allah b. al-'Ata once said to al-Baqir, "Indeed your party is large in Iraq. By God, there is nobody amongst your people like you. So why do you not rise in arms?" So he replied, "O 'Abd Allah b. al-'Ata, you have taken to listening to the masses." While it is also related that al-Sadiq himself did not count the large number of his followers as an integral part of his plans for revolt. On the contrary, he gave precedence to their faith, their fear of God, their courage in standing by the truth, and their loyalty and obedience to the Imam.
The resolute policies of the Imams al-Baqir and al-Sadiq, were not unplanned, but were in fact based on bitter experience. Many reports state that the plans of the Imams involved a rebellion in 70 A.H., but the martyrdom of al-Husayn delayed these plans. There is also evidence in these plans of a revolt to be staged in 140 A.H. But due to the lack of organisation amongst the Imam's followers, and their inability to keep the date of the revolution secret, their plans became known to their enemies, and so, the later Imams did not inform their followers of any subsequent intended uprising.
From this survey, it is clear that the Imams actually possessed a clear and coherent policy. For example Imam Ali made a truce with the contemporary rulers when he had only a few followers, but, when the numbers of his followers increased, he took arms openly, and similarly al-Hasan fought when he and his party were strong, but made a truce in the time of weakness. Al-Husayn did likewise, and rebelled in the way of God, depending upon the loyalty of the Kufans, while the other Imams refrained from doing so, until they had established a strong body of loyal followers, capable of transforming the ideology of the Commu- nity in favour of God's law.
The main task of the faithful at the present time, is to cleanse themselves of any act related to the era of the Jahiliyya, and this can be achieved by following the orders of God, as illustrated by the behaviour and daily life of the Prophet and his Household. Every believer who claims alleg- iance to the present Imam should present his allegiance and his loyalty to the Imam by performing the obligatory commands and rules, such as the prayers, fasting, the zakat, the Hajj, and by showing obedience to the legal 'Ulema of Ahl al-Bayt, following their instructions and calling people to good and forbidding evil acts.
Similarly they should perform actions which strengthen the social ties of society and establish it firmly and safely, such as obedience to parents and relations, respect towards neighbours, trustworthiness in agreements and contracts, loyalty in their occupations and in their dealings with people and to the country in which they live.
The one who is loyal to Ahl al-Bayt and the Imam of the Age, is the person who refrains from bad deeds, such as polytheism, disobedience to their parents, slandering women as adultresses, killing innocent people, lying, theft, the drinking of alcohol and any act which separates one from God.
If the faithful perform the obligatory deeds, refrain from what is for- bidden and obey God loyally, this will lead to the establishment of a society free from complexity and corruption, in which the faithful can be sincerely loyal to the commands of the Imam of the Age.
The Rejection of Israel Existence and the Call for
Unity and Support for the Struggle against Israel
Permission is given to use religious funds to back the Palestinian and Lebanese struggle. It is necessary that the benevolent Muslims, in particular the honourable people of Iran who are in the forefront of charity giving, set about as soon as possible this crucial task of saving the defenceless refugees. They should rush to their aid with whatever means possible, and with a sense of responsibility before God the Almighty they should not refrain from giving them any kind of honourable assistance. If so desired, they are permitted to use up to a third of the monies from the blessed share of the Imam (sahm-i imam), upon whom be peace, to help the refugees and those affected by the war.
Imams message marking events in Lebanon, 22 March 1978 (2 Farvardin 1357 AHS). Sahifa-yi Nur, Vol. 22, p. 123.
Israel is a great disaster for the Muslims
One of the great disasters to have struck the Muslims is the aggressor Israel, which is presently in a state of war with the Muslims and is busy advancing on Lebanese soil while receiving help from the Shah. The Muslim governments are mainly indifferent to this vital issue, heedless of the fact that if Israel is successful in its advances, God forbid, it will treat the other countries in exactly the same manner. These disasters which have befallen us stem from America and its henchmen.
Imams message dated 24 March 1978 (4 Farvardin 1357 AHS). Sahifa-yi Nur, Vol. 2, p. 41.
I will persist in my aims to unite the Muslims against Israel
Question: Do you wish Iran to close ranks with the Arab countries against Israel?
Reply: I have always and persistently expressed my desire that the Muslims of the world unite in a struggle against their enemies, Israel being one of them. Unfortunately, however, the different regimes that have come to power in the Muslim countries have not heard my calls. I hope that finally these calls will be heard. As for myself, I will persist with this course of action.
Question: The last series of military attacks by Israel resulted in the occupation of another Arab land, that is the south of Lebanon, where the people are Shiites. What are you going to do about this?
Reply: The people of south Lebanon must return to their homes through whatever means it takes. It is their duty to struggle for the restoration of their land before the Israelis settle their own people there.
Imams interview with Le Monde, 6 May 1978 (16 Urdibihisht 1357 AHS). Sahifa-yi Nur, Vol. 2, p. 48.
Twenty years of exhorting unity
For approximately twenty years now I have been exhorting the Arab countries to come together and drive out this corrupting element. If Israel gains power, it will not be content with Beit ul- Moqaddas. Unfortunately, however, my advice has had no effect on them. I ask of God to awaken the Muslims.
Imams remarks dated 7 May 1978 (17 Urdibihisht 1357 AHS). Sahifa-yi Nur, Vol. 6, p. 116.
We have always been at one with you
Mr Abu Ammar:
We have always opposed the Shah, Israel and their supporters on the issue of Palestine, while agreeing with you on this matter and making the nations aware of Israels tyranny. Now that the Iranian people are being trampled beneath the boots of the Shahs executioners, are besieged by tanks, guns and machine guns, and Israeli soldiers are helping by positioning themselves in the streets of Tehran to kill the defenceless people of Iran, be at one with our innocent people and make our voices reach the world through your propaganda machinery.
Imams reply to Yassir Arafat, 19 September 1978 (28 Shahrivar 1357 AHS). Sahifa-yi Nur, Vol. 2, p. 107.
We support the Arab countries which oppose Israel
Question: What is your position on the Arabs?
Reply: We extend our hands to the Arab countries who are continuing with their struggle against Israel, and indeed have always supported them against Israel. It is hoped that the Arab nations will defend the struggles of the Iranian nation.
Imams interview with a representative of the Arabic language Al-Qaumi al-Arabi magazine, 11 November 1978 (20 Aban 1357 AHS). Sahifa-yi Nur, Vol. 3, p. 103.
We will stand in the same line of battle as our Palestinian brothers
Question: What is the view of His Holiness, the Ayatullah, on the Palestinian movement and the Palestinian people on the whole and in particular on Beit ul-Moqaddas? What relations exist between you and the Palestine Liberation Organisation?
Reply: For many years now, we have always spoken of Israel and the fact that it is a usurper. Our intention has always been to stand by our Palestinian brothers, and whenever we gain power, we will join them in defending their rights like brothers standing as equals in the same line of battle as them. Beit ul-Moqaddas must be returned to the Muslims, the Israelis are usurpers. Unfortunately, I cannot understand why, despite their large populations and all the kinds of vast material means they have at their disposal, the Arab governments cannot regain their rights and their lands and defend their homeland. This is because of the differences that exist among them. I hope they will put an end to these differences and will pay attention to Islamic issues, so that, God willing, they will tear this cancerous element out from their lands.
Imams interview with the Lebanese Al-Nahar daily, 11 November 1978 (20 Aban 1357 AHS). Sahifa-yi Nur, Vol. 3, pp. 104-105.
Twenty years of support for Palestine
Under the present circumstances, the Shahs regime supports Israel. For nearly twenty years now I have, in my declarations and speeches, opposed this policy and have declared my support for the rightful struggles of the Arab and Palestinian people.
Imams interview with the German Third World daily, 15 November 1978 (24 Aban 1357 AHS). Sahifa-yi Nur, Vol. 3, p. 161.
No freedom seeker officially recognises Israel
Neither the Muslim people of Iran, nor indeed any Muslim, and in general no freedom seeker officially recognise Israel, and we will always support our Palestinian and Arab brothers.
Imams interview with the Middle East News Bulletin, 17 November 1978 (26 Aban 1357 AHS). Sahifa-yi Nur, Vol. 3, p. 178.
Quds must be returned to the Muslims
Question: What is your view on the fate of Quds?
Reply: Quds belongs to the Muslims and must be returned to them.
Imams interview with the Lebanese newspaper Al-Safir, 23 November 1978 (2 Azar 1357 AHS). Sahifa-yi Nur, Vol. 3 p. 238.
Be united and rely on Islam so that they do not aspire to dominate you
Question: Do you have a message for the Arab people?
Reply: My message for the Arab and Muslim brothers is this: put your differences aside and offer each other the hand of brotherhood, be in step and unite with all the Muslim brothers, even the non-Arab brothers. Make Islam your only point of reliance. Only by having uncountable material resources and, more importantly, by possessing divine and spiritual resources which are to be found in Islam, can you become a power over which the superpowers will never aspire to dominate and will not subject to attacks from the left and the right in this manner and plunder everything you have.
Imams interview with the Lebanese newspaper Al-Safir, 23 November 1978 (2 Azar 1357 AHS). Sahifa-yi Nur, Vol. 3 p. 238.
We will throw the Israeli advisers out
We will throw these American military men out of Iran, we will throw these military advisers out of Iran along with those from Israel and those others who are swallowing up the peoples land and destroying the Muslims resources. God willing, we will throw them out, and it will be the hand of God which will do this.
Imams remarks, 19 November 1978 (28 Aban 1357 AHS). Sahifa-yi Nur, Vol. 3, p. 206.
We will have no relations with Israel
Question:If the Shah goes and the government Your Holiness envisages is established in power, what changes will appear in the relations between your government and Israel?
Reply: We will reject Israel and will have no relations with it. It is a usurping government and our enemy.
Question: Does that mean that Israel will not be supplied with oil from Iran?
Reply: It will not.
Imams interview with an American reporter, 1 December 1978 (10 Azar 1357 AHS). Sahifa-yi Nur, Vol. 3, p. 275.
We support the oppressed Palestinians
Question: Is it true that you support the aims of the Palestine Liberation Front?
Reply: We support the oppressed. We support whoever is oppressed wherever they may be, and the Palestinians are oppressed, the Israelis oppress them. For this reason, we support them.
Imams interview with an American reporter, 1 December 1978 (10 Azar 1357 AHS). Sahifa-yi Nur, Vol. 3, p. 275.
Freeing Quds from the malice of Israel is the duty of all Muslims
Question: In their defence against Israels continual aggression, Amal has given a lot of martyrs. What advice do you have for the people of south Lebanon?
Reply: Everyone should unite and stand in a united front against these aggressors. They should act and chop off their usurping hand. This is the duty of all Muslims in general, to free Quds and put an end to the malice of this germ of corruption in Islamic lands.
Imams interview with Amal, 7 December 1978 (16 Azar 1357 AHS). Sahifa-yi Nur, Vol. 4, p. 31.
Selling the wealth of the Muslims to Israel is forbidden
It is prohibited for anyone to scatter to the winds the wealth of the Muslims, that wealth which belongs to a nation, or sell it to the enemies of Islam such as Israel who is presently at war with the Muslims. It is said that most of Israels oil is supplied by Iran, and in exchange, so it is said, many of our number killed were murdered by Israeli soldiers.
Imams remarks dated 9 December 1978 (18 Azar 1357 AHS). Sahifa-yi Nur, Vol. 4, pp. 43-44.
Under no circumstances will we officially recognise Israel
Israel has been rejected by us and never will we supply it with oil, nor will we, under any circumstances, officially recognise it.
Imams interview with the American CBS channel, 11 December 1978 (20 Azar 1357 AHS). Sahifa-yi Nur, Vol. 4, p. 52.
The Iranian nation has always supported Palestine
Question: Would you say that you have links with all the freedom movements in the different Arab countries, each one of which fights for independence (like the people of Palestine), autonomy, political, economic and ideological freedom in its own special way and its own particular circumstances?
Reply: The sacred Islamic movement taking place in Iran has no organised links with groups outside the country. However, we hope that because the Iranian people always supported the struggle of all freedom-fighters, in particular that of the Palestinian brothers against the aggressor Israel, and because for more than fifteen years in my directives and speeches I have always endorsed their movement and assisted them as far as possible, they, and indeed all freedom-fighters throughout the world, will today support the justice-seeking struggles of the Iranian nation. We hope that this will happen as soon as possible and to the greatest degree possible.
Imams interview with the Italian Communist Party newspaper Unita, 14 December 1978 (23 Azar 1357 AHS). Sahifa-yi Nur, Vol. 4, p. 70.
Palestine is like one of our limbs
Question: In 1948, Palestine was seized unlawfully and, with the co-operation of the big imperialist governments, Zionist dreams were realised. How did this tragedy affect the people of Iran at that time and what reaction did it provoke?
Reply: Actually it must be said that the usurpation of Palestine by the aggressor Israel with the co-operation of the big imperialist governments was a tragedy for all Muslims including those in Iran. It was a very painful tragedy in which it must be said the imperialist governments of the time were the main aggressors for they were the ones who devised this plot against the Muslims in this region. Indeed, the Islamic countries have suffered many disasters at the hands of the superpowers and this was just one of those huge disasters, only this time it was perpetrated by the Zionists.
Because of the peoples deep Islamic sentiment, the loss of Palestine for the Iranian nation - and that does not include the Shah and his government - was like losing one of its own limbs. For this reason, and despite the co-operation of the Shah and his puppet governments with Israel, the Iranian nation has always offered its deepest and sincere sympathies to the Palestinian fighters.
For more than fifteen years I have repeatedly protested against the co-operation of the Shah and his government with Israel, and so many Iranians, clergymen and laymen alike, have gone to prison and been tortured for protesting about Israels aggressions. We have always defended Palestine to the best of our ability as part of our Islamic duty, and, God willing, we will always carry out this divine duty alongside other Muslims.
Question: Could you talk about the kind of relations that exist between you and the Palestine resistance? It is well known that open relations exist between the Shah and Israel in different areas and in particular that the Shah helps Israel to a great extent by supplying its oil. Could you elaborate on what your relations with Israel will be after Iran has been freed from the Shahs rule?
Reply: As I pointed out before, we will always, to the best of our abilities and with all our might, help our Palestinian brothers to bring an end to Israeli aggression and free Islamic lands from the hands of the usurper Israel. We will never assist Israel even in the smallest degree.
Imams interview with a journalist from the Palestinian Vefa news agency, 15 December 1978 (24 Azar 1357 AHS). Sahifa-yi Nur, Vol. 22, pp. 151-153.
We will not allow even the slightest bit of negligence
Because of his actions against the interests of the Muslims, the Arab countries and the Palestinian brothers, Sadat has been ostracised by the Arab and Islamic world. According to Islam, the Muslims and indeed all international criteria, Israel is a usurper and an aggressor, and we will not allow even the slightest bit of negligence or weakness in putting an end to its aggressions. At appropriate times, I have supported Yassir Arafats measures and attempts to obtain rights for the Palestinians and have Islamic lands returned to the Muslims.
Interview dated 31 December 1978 (10 Dey 1357 AHS). Sahifa-yi Nur, Vol. 4, p. 114.
Israel is a usurper
Question: Will the Ayatullah and the new government change Irans policy on Israel and South Africa? Will the sale of Iranian oil depend on the past and present political stance of the purchasing country on Iran?
Reply: Israel is a usurper and no kind of relation will exist between Iran and a handful of usurpers. Who on earth would be prepared to sell oil to a racist, criminal country?
Interview with foreign journalists, 4 January 1979 (14 Dey 1357 AHS). Sahifa-yi Nur, Vol. 4, p. 134.
We will not give oil to Israel
Question: When you return to Iran, what decision will you make on the issue of oil supplies to Israel and South Africa?
Reply: Israel is at war with the Muslims and is the usurper of our brothers lands, we will not supply it with oil. Other countries, however, which have dealt with us in a just manner, will benefit from our oil.
Imams interview with a reporter from the BBC, 5 January 1979 (15 Dey 1357 AHS). Sahifa-yi Nur, Vol. 4, p. 140.
We will not have relations with Israel the usurper
Question: In the field of foreign policy, what position will Your Holiness adopt on countries such as the United States, Russia and Israel?
Reply: We will not have relations with Israel because it is a usurper and is at war with the Muslims. However, as regards America and Russia, if they do not interfere in our internal affairs and seek proper relations with us, we will establish relations with them.
Imams interview with French televisions Channel 2, 8 January 1979 (18 Dey 1357 AHS). Sahifa-yi Nur, Vol. 4, p. 172.
Even if Israel repents, we will not have relations with it
Question: If those governments which throughout the present revolution in Iran have openly supported the Shah express their regret, would you continue relations with them?
Reply: Yes, apart from Israel. Israel is the exception, as is South Africa and any country which supports racism.
Question: In your comments you have said that Israel is the enemy of Islam. Is then it possible that an Islamic government will declare war on this country.
Reply: It depends on the circumstances at the time.
Imams interview 23 January 1979 (3 Bahman 1357 AHS). Sahifa-yi Nur, Vol. 4, p. 260.
There is no valid reason for Israels existence
Question: What is your view on relations with Israel and the collaboration of the army with the Arab army against Israel?
Reply: The Arab countries will not need us in a war against Israel. They must not allow the entity Israel to become more deep rooted. We will cut off all relations with Israel because there is no valid reason for its existence.
Imams interview with the German magazine Der Spiegel. Kayhan newspaper, 5 February 1979 (16 Bahman 1357 AHS).
