- Main Page
- About the Conference
- Committees of Experts
- Organizers and Supporters
- News of the Conference
- Calls
- Calls for the Conference
- Call for Poetry Festival
- For Researchers
- About Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.)
- Abu Talib’s Heritage
- Method of Writing Articles
- Multimedia
- Download posters and brochures
- Photo Gallery
- Download Special Issues
- Contact the Conference
- Address of the Secretariat
- Submit articles
Webinar “Role of Imam Muhammad Baqer (a.s.) in the Unity of the Islamic Ummah” (Part 2)
The webinar “Role of Imam Muhammad Baqer (a.s.) in the Unity of the Islamic Ummah” was held on Thursday, July 7, 2022, on the anniversary of the martyrdom of that Imam, in the conference hall of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly.
On Thursday, July 7, 2022, on the anniversary of the martyrdom of the Imam Muhammad Baqer (a.s.), the webinar “Role of Imam Muhammad Baqer (a.s.) in the Unity of the Islamic Ummah” was held by the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly in collaboration of Velayat TV, in the conference hall of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly.
In the first part of the Webinar “Role of Imam Muhammad Baqer (a.s.) in the Unity of the Islamic Ummah”, Hojat al-Islam Dr. Barati presented his views on the subject and then, Hojat al-Islam Dr. Sabouri shed light on the issue.
Appreciating Hojat al-Islam Dr. Barati for his fruitful speech, Shafiee the host of the program introduced Hojat al-Islam Dr. Sabouri, and said, “He is an Islamic scholar and preacher in different parts of the world and has a good experience in introducing Islam and talking to different nations.”
Shafiee then asked Dr. Sabouri, “Please explain about the fact that how Imam Baqer (a.s.) emphasized on the unification of the Islamic Ummah?”
Hojat al-Islam Dr. Sabouri:
In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful
Praise be to Allah, the Cherisher and Sustainer of the worlds
Peace be upon Muhammad and his pure progeny, and his selected companions
Who is Imam Baqer (a.s.)?
According to my experience unfortunately even some Muslims have not knowledge about history of Islam, AhlulBayt (a.s.) and scholars. Imam Baqer (a.s.) also known as Abu Ja’far – son of Imam Sajjad (a.s.), son of Imam Hussain (a.s.), son of Imam Ali (a.s.) and Lady Fatimah (a.s.) the daughter of the beloved Prophet (p.b.u.h) – was one of “ذي القربي” – a Quranic term. According to Quran all the prophets said, “لَا أَسْأَلُكُمْ عَلَيْهِ أَجْرًا” (we do not ask you any reward) because they provided all their services just for the sake of Allah. There is an exception: the last prophet, Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h). Allah (s.w.t) told him, “قُلْ لَا أَسْأَلُكُمْ عَلَيْهِ أَجْرًا إِلَّا الْمَوَدَّةَ فِي الْقُرْبَىٰ” (Say, ‘I do not ask you any reward for it except the love of [my] relatives.’) (Holy Quran, Surah: Ash-Shura, Verse: 23). By “ذي القربي”, the holy Quran referred to family, relatives, and kinship. Imam Baqer (a.s.) was one of them.
I want to ask some questions here from the audiences:
Why Allah (s.w.t) says that people should love them? What is the philosophy of this love?
Why Allah (s.w.t) used the term “الْمَوَدَّةَ” for the love of AhlulBayt (a.s.)?
Two kinds of love mentioned in the Holy Quran: “الْمَوَدَّةَ” and “الْمَحَبَّةَ”, and both translated as “love” in English. But there are differences between “الْمَوَدَّةَ” and “الْمَحَبَّةَ” in Arabic. For example, about the love between husband and wife, Allah (s.w.t) says, “وَجَعَلَ بَيْنَكُمْ مَوَدَّةً وَرَحْمَةً” (He ordained between you love and mercy) (Holy Quran, Surah: Ar-Rum, Verse: 21) and He used the term “الْمَوَدَّةَ” not “الْمَحَبَّةً” here. We have not time to explain the beautiful and delicate differences between the two terms in Arabic, and it is upon the audiences to search it.
How should we love AhlulBayt (a.s.)?
Allah (s.w.t) says, “I may forgive “حق الله” (my rights), but I never forgive “حق النّاس” (the rights of people)”, and the most important one of the people is the Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h), and the love for his family is his right and reward according to Holy Quran, Surah: Ash-Shura, Verse: 23. People should ask “Who we should give the reward of the Prophet (p.b.u.h)?” Who are these “ذي القربي” that I should love “الْمَوَدَّةَ” kind of love? It is a dangerous verse because in the Day of Judgment the Prophet (p.b.u.h) will come and say, “They didn’t give my reward! I did my best as a prophet, as a messenger, I suffered a lot and at the end I asked for one thing: ‘الْمَوَدَّةَ فِي الْقُرْبَىٰ’.” Unfortunately, some Muslims do not know the “ذي القربي” of the Prophet to love them! Here the role of Imam Baqer (a.s.) is outstanding. All Muslims and all scholars believe that he is one of the “ذي القربي”. But unfortunately, sometimes we forget to tell people.
There is another verse in Quran that is very important to know who Imam Baqer was (a.s.) and how important his role was: “يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا أَطِيعُوا اللَّهَ وَأَطِيعُوا الرَّسُولَ وَأُولِي الْأَمْرِ مِنْكُمْ” (O you who have faith! Obey Allah (s.w.t) and obey the Messenger and those vested with authority among you.) (Holy Quran, Surah: An-Nisa, Verse: 59). The beginning of the verse is clear: “أَطِيعُوا اللَّهَ وَأَطِيعُوا الرَّسُولَ” Obey Allah (s.w.t) and obey the Messenger. We should note here that there are two kinds of obedience because the term “أَطِيعُوا” (to obey) repeated two times. Then in the second part the phrase “أُولِي الْأَمْرِ مِنْكُمْ” came that referred to the fact that as you obey God and the Prophet, you should obey the “أُولِي الْأَمْرِ مِنْكُمْ”. So, it is Wajib (obligation) to obey them too. Now, who are these “أُولِي الْأَمْرِ مِنْكُمْ”? They cannot be ulama. Because they don’t order. About the ulama, Muslims should follow not obey. We follow them and they guide us. Therefore, they should be the leaders who order us. Which kind of leaders? The leaders who know the religion completely, who never misguide us, who never make a mistake. Because the Quran didn’t say obey them except this or except that matter. This obedience mentioned in the Surah: An-Nisa, Verse: 59 is “مطلق” (absolute, unconditionally), and as people should obey God and the Messenger, they should obey the “أُولِي الْأَمْرِ مِنْكُمْ”. One of them is Imam Baqer (a.s.).
In a famous and authentic hadith, the Holy Prophet (p.b.u.h) said, “إِنِّی تَارِک فِیکمُ الثَّقَلَینِ کتَابَ اللَّهِ وَ عِتْرَتِی أَهْلَ بَیتِی...” (I [Muhammad] left among you two treasures which: The book of God [Quran], and [the second one is] my progeny, my AhlulBayt.) In another version of this hadith, which is not as authentic as the previous, the word Sunnah as “سنّتی” is also mentioned. But the former is accepted by all Muslims. One of this “عِتْرَة” (progeny) is Imam Baqer (a.s.). The Prophet (p.b.u.h) said, “After me twelve caliph will come. And they will do their best for Islam.” One of this twelve caliphs is Imam Baqer (a.s.).
What that mentioned so far was about the importance of Imam Muhammad Baqer (a.s.), the son of Imam Sajjad (a.s.) and the father of Imam Sadeq (a.s.). If a Muslim wanted to be in the right path, be guided and be in the path of salvation, at least he should know the Imams (a.s.) as “ذي القربي” (family or kinship of the Prophet).
On the role of Imam Baqer (a.s.) in unification of the Islamic Ummah, due to the lack of time I’ll mention just some of the issues. First, Imam Baqer (a.s.) used to advise the caliph of his time, Umar ibn Abd al-Aziz to be just, to do his best for Muslims not just his followers, but all Muslims. So, Imam did his best for Ummah not just for followers. According to many hadiths, Imam (a.s.) used to order his followers to participate in Friday Prayers as a Wajib, although the Friday Prayers in that time was not hold by the followers of the Imam but they were Muslims. It shows that Imam wanted the unity of Islamic Ummah.
Imam Baqer (a.s.) invited his followers to perform Taqya (ostensible denial of religious belief). One of the reasons of Taqya is unification. Unfortunately, some people accuse the followers of AhlulBayt (a.s.) that the Taqya is lying. This is a misunderstanding of Islam. There are two kinds of Taqya, one of which should be performed by a person whose life is in danger. For example, Ammar Yaser’s life was once in danger and the enemies forced him to something against the Prophet (p.b.u.h), and he did and then he was very sad. God revealed a verse with the theme that don't worry! Your heart is with the Prophet. You said some things, but they were not according to your heart. This is the practice of Taqya. You say something that you believe just to save your life. We have this permission. It is something reasonable not just about Shia Islam or Islam, it is in all religions. It is a kind of reason.
The other kind of Taqya that Imam Baqer (a.s.) used to order his followers to practice it, is the Taqya as a respect. Not to hide something but to show respect. For example, I don’t hide that I believe this. But because of you, I respect you, and as much I can, I want to be with you. Perhaps my Salah is a little different with yours, just small difference, but I come to you, and I perform it. For example, in our Mosque, which is very nice, Sunnis, Shiites, Hanafis, Shafi'I, Jafari, are together. Sometimes after Ruku, they stay more, so I stay more too and respect them. Some Muslims finish their Salah in another way, we have no problem. This is not hiding one’s belief. When we do our rituals alone, we do them as we believe. But when we practice rituals together, we respect them. This is a kind of respect. It is not lying. Accordingly, Imam Baqer (a.s.) ordered his followers to respect and love others in this way because of the unity.
Zorarah, one of the famous students of Imam Baqer (a.s.), went to Imam and said “I think there are two different groups of Muslims. The first group are your Shiites (followers). I love them, be with them, and have a good relationship with them. I believe they are those who reach the salvation. The second groups of Muslims are those who don’t believe in you and don’t follow you. They are who doomed to fail.” In response to Zorarah, Imam said, “This is not according to Quran. According to Quran there are people who are called “المستضعفین” (the deprived), those who due to the situation, they couldn’t understand or completely or deeply understand the truth. They are the deprived, and they’re not wrongdoers and misguided. They have not had perfect understanding.” In another verse, Allah (s.w.t) speaks about the “المرجون لأمرالله”, that is, those who have hope (in God’ mercy). Because they couldn’t understand the truth completely, but they have hope that Allah will save them. What about this people? Also, on Zakat (the Sharia tax), Allah (s.w.t) says, “إِنَّمَا الصَّدَقَاتُ لِلْفُقَرَاءِ وَالْمَسَاكِينِ وَالْعَامِلِينَ عَلَيْهَا وَالْمُؤَلَّفَةِ قُلُوبُهُمْ” (The alms are only for the poor and the needy, and those who collect them, and those whose hearts are to be reconciled) (Holy Quran, Surah: At-Tawbah, Verse: 60). The verse said that we should pay the tax to the poor, to bring hearts together. They are our brothers. So, Allah said that we should not think that they are misguided. No, they are our brothers, and we should do our best to bring them together.
According to a hadith, Imam Baqer (a.s.) several times said, “Whatever I tell you, ask me to show you which part of the Quran it is from.” In the verse 18, surah Zumar, God says “الَّذِينَ يَسْتَمِعُونَ الْقَوْلَ فَيَتَّبِعُونَ أَحْسَنَهُ”: Give good news to the servants who listen to all words and choose the best. Allah says that these people are guided. Accordingly, everyone should speak, and we should respect their understandings. If we were in their situation, perhaps we would have their understanding. So according to Quran and Imam Baqer (a.s.), we should respect them and their understanding. The scholars can have discussion, they can do their best to know the truth as the Quran says: the best Muslim is a person who listen and choose the best. AhlulBayt (a.s.) in their teachings never said don’t listen to them, don’t go to that mosque, or that church. No, they always said “Go and listen, and ask, and then come to us and if you have question, we will answer you.” This is the method of AhlulBayt (a.s.) and Quran. But unfortunately, I saw a lot that some so-called ulama or Imams of mosques who say, “Don’t go to that mosque, don’t listen to them…”. In response I tell them that this is against the Quran. We are Muslims and our authentic book is the Quran which wants us to go and listen with no fear, because they can ask you.
In another verse, Allah (s.w.t) clearly says, “وَاعْتَصِمُوا بِحَبْلِ اللَّهِ جَمِيعًا وَلَا تَفَرَّقُوا” (Hold fast, all together, to Allah’s cord, and do not be divided) (Holy Quran, Surah: Al Imran, Verse: 103). God says that you as Muslims may have different understandings but at the end you should be united because you have one Allah, one prophet, one book, one Qibla etc. There are a lot of things in common between Muslims about 90 percent. So, what Imam Baqer (a.s.) said was logical and there is no need to prove it. It is clear and according to the Quran.
At the end of my speech, I want to mention a hadith by Imam Baqer (a.s.). Imam (a.s.) said, “Love your Muslim brother, and what you like for yourself, like for him, and what you dislike for yourself, dislike for him. When he is in a difficult situation, try to help him. When he asks you something, give him, and always try to support him.” This is the method and Islam of AhlulBayt (a.s.) and Quran, the real Islam, the religion of mercy, peace, justice, and unity. We ask Allah (s.w.t) to help us to follow this authentic Islam, and to be on the right oath Insha Allah.
The webinar “Role of Imam Muhammad Baqer (a.s.) in the Unity of the Islamic Ummah” was held on Thursday, July 7, 2022, on the anniversary of the martyrdom of that Imam, in the conference hall of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly.
On Thursday, July 7, 2022, on the anniversary of the martyrdom of the Imam Muhammad Baqer (a.s.), the webinar “Role of Imam Muhammad Baqer (a.s.) in the Unity of the Islamic Ummah” was held by the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly in collaboration of Velayat TV, in the conference hall of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly.
In the first part of the Webinar “Role of Imam Muhammad Baqer (a.s.) in the Unity of the Islamic Ummah”, Hojat al-Islam Dr. Barati presented his views on the subject and then, Hojat al-Islam Dr. Sabouri shed light on the issue.
Appreciating Hojat al-Islam Dr. Barati for his fruitful speech, Shafiee the host of the program introduced Hojat al-Islam Dr. Sabouri, and said, “He is an Islamic scholar and preacher in different parts of the world and has a good experience in introducing Islam and talking to different nations.”
Shafiee then asked Dr. Sabouri, “Please explain about the fact that how Imam Baqer (a.s.) emphasized on the unification of the Islamic Ummah?”
Hojat al-Islam Dr. Sabouri:
In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful
Praise be to Allah, the Cherisher and Sustainer of the worlds
Peace be upon Muhammad and his pure progeny, and his selected companions
Who is Imam Baqer (a.s.)?
According to my experience unfortunately even some Muslims have not knowledge about history of Islam, AhlulBayt (a.s.) and scholars. Imam Baqer (a.s.) also known as Abu Ja’far – son of Imam Sajjad (a.s.), son of Imam Hussain (a.s.), son of Imam Ali (a.s.) and Lady Fatimah (a.s.) the daughter of the beloved Prophet (p.b.u.h) – was one of “ذي القربي” – a Quranic term. According to Quran all the prophets said, “لَا أَسْأَلُكُمْ عَلَيْهِ أَجْرًا” (we do not ask you any reward) because they provided all their services just for the sake of Allah. There is an exception: the last prophet, Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h). Allah (s.w.t) told him, “قُلْ لَا أَسْأَلُكُمْ عَلَيْهِ أَجْرًا إِلَّا الْمَوَدَّةَ فِي الْقُرْبَىٰ” (Say, ‘I do not ask you any reward for it except the love of [my] relatives.’) (Holy Quran, Surah: Ash-Shura, Verse: 23). By “ذي القربي”, the holy Quran referred to family, relatives, and kinship. Imam Baqer (a.s.) was one of them.
I want to ask some questions here from the audiences:
Why Allah (s.w.t) says that people should love them? What is the philosophy of this love?
Why Allah (s.w.t) used the term “الْمَوَدَّةَ” for the love of AhlulBayt (a.s.)?
Two kinds of love mentioned in the Holy Quran: “الْمَوَدَّةَ” and “الْمَحَبَّةَ”, and both translated as “love” in English. But there are differences between “الْمَوَدَّةَ” and “الْمَحَبَّةَ” in Arabic. For example, about the love between husband and wife, Allah (s.w.t) says, “وَجَعَلَ بَيْنَكُمْ مَوَدَّةً وَرَحْمَةً” (He ordained between you love and mercy) (Holy Quran, Surah: Ar-Rum, Verse: 21) and He used the term “الْمَوَدَّةَ” not “الْمَحَبَّةً” here. We have not time to explain the beautiful and delicate differences between the two terms in Arabic, and it is upon the audiences to search it.
How should we love AhlulBayt (a.s.)?
Allah (s.w.t) says, “I may forgive “حق الله” (my rights), but I never forgive “حق النّاس” (the rights of people)”, and the most important one of the people is the Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h), and the love for his family is his right and reward according to Holy Quran, Surah: Ash-Shura, Verse: 23. People should ask “Who we should give the reward of the Prophet (p.b.u.h)?” Who are these “ذي القربي” that I should love “الْمَوَدَّةَ” kind of love? It is a dangerous verse because in the Day of Judgment the Prophet (p.b.u.h) will come and say, “They didn’t give my reward! I did my best as a prophet, as a messenger, I suffered a lot and at the end I asked for one thing: ‘الْمَوَدَّةَ فِي الْقُرْبَىٰ’.” Unfortunately, some Muslims do not know the “ذي القربي” of the Prophet to love them! Here the role of Imam Baqer (a.s.) is outstanding. All Muslims and all scholars believe that he is one of the “ذي القربي”. But unfortunately, sometimes we forget to tell people.
There is another verse in Quran that is very important to know who Imam Baqer was (a.s.) and how important his role was: “يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا أَطِيعُوا اللَّهَ وَأَطِيعُوا الرَّسُولَ وَأُولِي الْأَمْرِ مِنْكُمْ” (O you who have faith! Obey Allah (s.w.t) and obey the Messenger and those vested with authority among you.) (Holy Quran, Surah: An-Nisa, Verse: 59). The beginning of the verse is clear: “أَطِيعُوا اللَّهَ وَأَطِيعُوا الرَّسُولَ” Obey Allah (s.w.t) and obey the Messenger. We should note here that there are two kinds of obedience because the term “أَطِيعُوا” (to obey) repeated two times. Then in the second part the phrase “أُولِي الْأَمْرِ مِنْكُمْ” came that referred to the fact that as you obey God and the Prophet, you should obey the “أُولِي الْأَمْرِ مِنْكُمْ”. So, it is Wajib (obligation) to obey them too. Now, who are these “أُولِي الْأَمْرِ مِنْكُمْ”? They cannot be ulama. Because they don’t order. About the ulama, Muslims should follow not obey. We follow them and they guide us. Therefore, they should be the leaders who order us. Which kind of leaders? The leaders who know the religion completely, who never misguide us, who never make a mistake. Because the Quran didn’t say obey them except this or except that matter. This obedience mentioned in the Surah: An-Nisa, Verse: 59 is “مطلق” (absolute, unconditionally), and as people should obey God and the Messenger, they should obey the “أُولِي الْأَمْرِ مِنْكُمْ”. One of them is Imam Baqer (a.s.).
In a famous and authentic hadith, the Holy Prophet (p.b.u.h) said, “إِنِّی تَارِک فِیکمُ الثَّقَلَینِ کتَابَ اللَّهِ وَ عِتْرَتِی أَهْلَ بَیتِی...” (I [Muhammad] left among you two treasures which: The book of God [Quran], and [the second one is] my progeny, my AhlulBayt.) In another version of this hadith, which is not as authentic as the previous, the word Sunnah as “سنّتی” is also mentioned. But the former is accepted by all Muslims. One of this “عِتْرَة” (progeny) is Imam Baqer (a.s.). The Prophet (p.b.u.h) said, “After me twelve caliph will come. And they will do their best for Islam.” One of this twelve caliphs is Imam Baqer (a.s.).
What that mentioned so far was about the importance of Imam Muhammad Baqer (a.s.), the son of Imam Sajjad (a.s.) and the father of Imam Sadeq (a.s.). If a Muslim wanted to be in the right path, be guided and be in the path of salvation, at least he should know the Imams (a.s.) as “ذي القربي” (family or kinship of the Prophet).
On the role of Imam Baqer (a.s.) in unification of the Islamic Ummah, due to the lack of time I’ll mention just some of the issues. First, Imam Baqer (a.s.) used to advise the caliph of his time, Umar ibn Abd al-Aziz to be just, to do his best for Muslims not just his followers, but all Muslims. So, Imam did his best for Ummah not just for followers. According to many hadiths, Imam (a.s.) used to order his followers to participate in Friday Prayers as a Wajib, although the Friday Prayers in that time was not hold by the followers of the Imam but they were Muslims. It shows that Imam wanted the unity of Islamic Ummah.
Imam Baqer (a.s.) invited his followers to perform Taqya (ostensible denial of religious belief). One of the reasons of Taqya is unification. Unfortunately, some people accuse the followers of AhlulBayt (a.s.) that the Taqya is lying. This is a misunderstanding of Islam. There are two kinds of Taqya, one of which should be performed by a person whose life is in danger. For example, Ammar Yaser’s life was once in danger and the enemies forced him to something against the Prophet (p.b.u.h), and he did and then he was very sad. God revealed a verse with the theme that don't worry! Your heart is with the Prophet. You said some things, but they were not according to your heart. This is the practice of Taqya. You say something that you believe just to save your life. We have this permission. It is something reasonable not just about Shia Islam or Islam, it is in all religions. It is a kind of reason.
The other kind of Taqya that Imam Baqer (a.s.) used to order his followers to practice it, is the Taqya as a respect. Not to hide something but to show respect. For example, I don’t hide that I believe this. But because of you, I respect you, and as much I can, I want to be with you. Perhaps my Salah is a little different with yours, just small difference, but I come to you, and I perform it. For example, in our Mosque, which is very nice, Sunnis, Shiites, Hanafis, Shafi'I, Jafari, are together. Sometimes after Ruku, they stay more, so I stay more too and respect them. Some Muslims finish their Salah in another way, we have no problem. This is not hiding one’s belief. When we do our rituals alone, we do them as we believe. But when we practice rituals together, we respect them. This is a kind of respect. It is not lying. Accordingly, Imam Baqer (a.s.) ordered his followers to respect and love others in this way because of the unity.
Zorarah, one of the famous students of Imam Baqer (a.s.), went to Imam and said “I think there are two different groups of Muslims. The first group are your Shiites (followers). I love them, be with them, and have a good relationship with them. I believe they are those who reach the salvation. The second groups of Muslims are those who don’t believe in you and don’t follow you. They are who doomed to fail.” In response to Zorarah, Imam said, “This is not according to Quran. According to Quran there are people who are called “المستضعفین” (the deprived), those who due to the situation, they couldn’t understand or completely or deeply understand the truth. They are the deprived, and they’re not wrongdoers and misguided. They have not had perfect understanding.” In another verse, Allah (s.w.t) speaks about the “المرجون لأمرالله”, that is, those who have hope (in God’ mercy). Because they couldn’t understand the truth completely, but they have hope that Allah will save them. What about this people? Also, on Zakat (the Sharia tax), Allah (s.w.t) says, “إِنَّمَا الصَّدَقَاتُ لِلْفُقَرَاءِ وَالْمَسَاكِينِ وَالْعَامِلِينَ عَلَيْهَا وَالْمُؤَلَّفَةِ قُلُوبُهُمْ” (The alms are only for the poor and the needy, and those who collect them, and those whose hearts are to be reconciled) (Holy Quran, Surah: At-Tawbah, Verse: 60). The verse said that we should pay the tax to the poor, to bring hearts together. They are our brothers. So, Allah said that we should not think that they are misguided. No, they are our brothers, and we should do our best to bring them together.
According to a hadith, Imam Baqer (a.s.) several times said, “Whatever I tell you, ask me to show you which part of the Quran it is from.” In the verse 18, surah Zumar, God says “الَّذِينَ يَسْتَمِعُونَ الْقَوْلَ فَيَتَّبِعُونَ أَحْسَنَهُ”: Give good news to the servants who listen to all words and choose the best. Allah says that these people are guided. Accordingly, everyone should speak, and we should respect their understandings. If we were in their situation, perhaps we would have their understanding. So according to Quran and Imam Baqer (a.s.), we should respect them and their understanding. The scholars can have discussion, they can do their best to know the truth as the Quran says: the best Muslim is a person who listen and choose the best. AhlulBayt (a.s.) in their teachings never said don’t listen to them, don’t go to that mosque, or that church. No, they always said “Go and listen, and ask, and then come to us and if you have question, we will answer you.” This is the method of AhlulBayt (a.s.) and Quran. But unfortunately, I saw a lot that some so-called ulama or Imams of mosques who say, “Don’t go to that mosque, don’t listen to them…”. In response I tell them that this is against the Quran. We are Muslims and our authentic book is the Quran which wants us to go and listen with no fear, because they can ask you.
In another verse, Allah (s.w.t) clearly says, “وَاعْتَصِمُوا بِحَبْلِ اللَّهِ جَمِيعًا وَلَا تَفَرَّقُوا” (Hold fast, all together, to Allah’s cord, and do not be divided) (Holy Quran, Surah: Al Imran, Verse: 103). God says that you as Muslims may have different understandings but at the end you should be united because you have one Allah, one prophet, one book, one Qibla etc. There are a lot of things in common between Muslims about 90 percent. So, what Imam Baqer (a.s.) said was logical and there is no need to prove it. It is clear and according to the Quran.
At the end of my speech, I want to mention a hadith by Imam Baqer (a.s.). Imam (a.s.) said, “Love your Muslim brother, and what you like for yourself, like for him, and what you dislike for yourself, dislike for him. When he is in a difficult situation, try to help him. When he asks you something, give him, and always try to support him.” This is the method and Islam of AhlulBayt (a.s.) and Quran, the real Islam, the religion of mercy, peace, justice, and unity. We ask Allah (s.w.t) to help us to follow this authentic Islam, and to be on the right oath Insha Allah.