The Path of the Infallibles in Islamic Gatherings and Commemorations — An Analysis of the Life of Imam Ali

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Associate Professor of Jami’ah al-Mustafa al-Alamiah

2 Graduated from Seminary School and Ph. D Student of Shi’ite Study, Adyan - Mazaheb University

Abstract

Gatherings and commemorations are the result of teachings, values, historical influences, and other aspects of a community. One of the things that make the study of this area important is the infiltration of non-Islamic values and rituals. There is a chance that some of the rituals have absolutely no place in our gatherings, because we lack any evidence from the infallibles. In other cases, some people use weak narrations and evidence to try and infiltrate our rituals with things that the infallibles have not asked us to do. This writing takes this into consideration, and also highlights the fact that Islamic gatherings and rituals are the most obvious ways for Muslims to feel connected to their religion and belief. With this in mind, we will be discussing the actions and lifestyle of Imam Ali in the month of Ramadhan. We have divided this into three parts: his personal life, his social life, and his political life. His personal life shows us a focus on health and cleanliness, sincerity and pure intention in actions, moderation and goal-setting in his life. His social life teaches us methods of interaction with the public, propagation and social leadership and a focus on masajid as the focal point of society. His social life shows that he gave importance to incorporate Islamic values in the society, teaching Islamic values through beliefs and actions, as well as defending Islamic rituals from infiltration of foreign influences. He also defended Islamic political thought from influences of other political philosophies.

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