Preface
This Islamic Laws for Beginners syllabus has been developed by the Association of Imam Mahdi (a.s.) for its religious classes. We have taken great pains to ensure that the syllabus conforms to the Holy Quran, traditions of the Ahle Bait (a.s.) and the books of respected Shiite scholars.
While we have tried our best to make the syllabus as accurate as possible, we will appreciate if our readers come forth with valuable suggestions for the improvement of the same and point unto us our shortcomings.
At the end, we beseech Allah, the Almighty, to hasten the reappearance of Hazrat Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.). May He include us amongst Imam’s (a.t.f.s.) most sincere companions. May He grant us success in preparing the ground for Imam’s (a.t.f.s.) earliest reappearance.
Certain principles for a successful life
Co-operating with each other
We live in the house with our parents, brothers, sisters and relatives. Generally there is some work/tasks to be done in every house. If all the work is assigned to one person in the house, the work will not get done on time and will be delayed. Similarly if all the members of the household unite to do the same job, it will lead to a lot of confusion and will spoil the job.
The ideal house is that, wherein every member performs a specific task and the members assist each other in the completion of the task.
The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) and Hazrat Ali (a.s.) used to help in the house work. At times, they even swept the floor.
To distribute work and to finish the work on time is the secret of a successful life. Everyone will get sufficient time to study, do homework, play, etc.
Once the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) was travelling along with his companions. The group halted at one place. The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) distributed some tasks among various companions. Finally he (s.a.w.a.) said, ‘I will undertake the responsibility of
collecting the firewood for cooking food.’ The companions protested and said to him that he take rest. ‘We will do it.’
The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) replied, ‘While I am with you, I too shall work. I will not sit idle. Allah despises the idle ones.’
Allah commands us in the Quran:
وَتَعَاوَنُوا عَلَى الْبِرِّ وَالتَّقْوَىٰ
Co-operate with each other in goodness and piety.
Next: Etiquette (aadaab) of Eating Food