Responsibility 10: Written Propagation of the Imam

 

Another responsibility is to recite poetry, write books or other such things in which the merits and virtues of the Imam are mentioned. Such writings should also contain praise and admiration of the Imam and words of consolation, solace and lamentation for him (since he is in the major occultation).

Of course, this should be carried out according to one’s ability and indeed, this is one way in which we can help the religion and our Imam. The pure A`immah (as) used to recommend their followers to extol the virtues of the Ahlul Bayt (as) through their words and deeds and there are many traditions in this regard.

For example, Imam ‘Ali b. Musa al-Ridha (as) has said:

مَا قَالَ فِينَا مُؤْمِنٌ شِعْراً يَمْدَحُنَا بِهِ إِلاَّ بَنـى اللٌّهُ لَهُ مَدِينَةً فِي الْجَنَّةِ أَوْسَعَ مِنَ الدُّنْـيَا سَبْعَ مَرَّاتٍ يَزُورُهُ فِيهَا كُلُّ مَلَكٍ مُقَرَّبٍ وَ كُلُّ نَبِيٍّ مُرْسَلٍ

“There is not a single believer who recites a poem in our (the Ahlul Bayt’s) praise except that Allah builds for him a city in Paradise whose expanse is more than the world seven times over and wherein all the closest Angels (to Allah) and every appointed Messenger will come to visit him.”1

  • 1.Wasa`il ash-Shi’a, vol. 10, pg. 467, sec. 105, no. 3