Purging of Sins
From the point of view of Islamic teachings, every sin leaves a black stain and the effects of distortion in the human heart which in turn weakens a person's aptitude for good and righteous actions, and consequently further deviates him towards other sins and foul deeds. On the other hand, worship, prayer and remembrance of God, develop a human being's religious consciousness, strengthen his aptitude for virtuous deeds and diminish his proneness to sin. This means that worship and remembrance of God efface the mal-effects of sins and replace these with fondness for virtue and goodness.
In the Nahj al-balaghah there is a sermon which deals with salat, zakat and delivering of trust; after emphasizing the importance of salat, Imam Ali (A.S) further says: Certainly, prayer removes sins like autumn strips leaves off from trees, and it liberates you from the rope (of sins) tied around your neck. The Prophet (PBUH) likened it to a refreshing stream at one's door in which one takes a purifying bath five times in a day and night. Will after so much cleansing any dirt remain on him? 14
Moral Remedy
In the sermon 196, after referring to evil conduct such as disobedience, oppression, injustice and pride, Imam Ali (A.S) says: It is on account of these perils that God has encouraged His believing servants to perform salat and zakat, to keep fast during the days when it is made obligatory; these acts of worship give their limbs peace and rest, cast fear in their eyes, soften their spirits, cultivate a sense of humility in their hearts and purge them from pride.
Intimacy and Ecstasy
My God, Thou, of all beloved ones, art the most attached to Thy lovers and most ready to trust those who trust in Thee. Thou seest, Thou lookest into their secrets and knowest that which lies in their conscience and art aware of the extent of their inner vision. Consequently their secrets are open to Thee and their hearts look up to Thee in eager apprehension. In loneliness, Thy remembrance is their friend and consolation. In distress Thy help is their protection.15
There are some people devoted to remembrance of Allah who have chosen it in place of all worldly goods. 16
In the sermon 148, Imam Ali (A.S) alludes to the coming times of the Promised al-Mahdi (A.S)-may God hasten his appearance-and at the end of his discourse describes the courage, wisdom, insight and Then a group of people will be made ready by God like the swords sharpened by the blacksmith. Their sight would be brightened by revelations the inner meaning of the Qur’an would be familiar to their ears and they would be given to drink the cup of wisdom every morning and evening. 17
By: Ayatullah Shaheed Murtuza Mutahhari
Source: imamreza.net
Notes:14. Ibid, Hikam, No. 147
15. Ibid, Khutab No.199
16. Ibid, Khutab No.227
17. Ibid, Khutab No.222
Other links:
Why should we worship Allah?
What Is The Religion of Allah?
Three Parts of the Religion of Allah
