As the Unity Week enters fifth day, Sheikh Hassan Saleh from Makurdi delivered the first lecture on the obligation for love of Ahlul Bayt, pure progeny of the Holy Prophet (S).
The scholar, who expressed happiness with the increasing multitude of followers of the Ahlul Bayt in Nigeria under the spiritual guidance of Sheikh Zakzaky, said it is a sign of the eventual reign of the Household of the Holy Prophet across the entire globe as was foretold.
With specific reference to the sixth Imam of the Ahlul Bayt, Imam Jafar As-Sadiq (AS), Sheikh Hassan said the life of Imam Sadiq (AS) was exemplary, a perfect personality that runs through the lives of all the Imams after the Holy Prophet (S). He said, Imam Jafar As-Sadiq represents the Fountain of Knowledge through whom the school of Ahlul Bayt spreads its teachings throughout history.
Sheikh Hassan stated that, the love of Ahlul Bayt is incumbent on all Muslims in view of the apparent numerous Qur’anic verse and authentic Ahadith in the hands and shelves of the people. “If Companions of the Holy Prophet can be given unreserved forgiveness and acquired special position before Allah, as specified by some traditions, what more can we say of the Ahlul Bayt”, he asked.
The Islamic scholar also said, Imam Ali who by all standards exemplifies the highest position of human conduct, virtue and knowledge should have been given his rightful position in Islam by this Ummah despite all distortions and fabrications. He therefore called on Muslims to hold on to the teachings of Ahlul Bayt to achieve true salvation in the hereafter.
Responding, Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky (H) described the demystification of the Ahlul Bayt as a calculated attempt to wipe out their remembrance, as well as to suppress agitation for their rightful place in Islam.
He said, there was a time in history when outward expression of love for Imam Ali (AS) was met with death sentence or brutal action. He pointed out that, despite numerous Ahadith in books indicating the virtues of Imam Ali (AS) as the barometer between truth and falsehood, and flag bearer of light and learning, all these were hidden.
Sheikh Zakzaky said, the true teachings of the Ahlul can never be wiped out, saying that it is now time for re-awakening of the soul for eventual perception of the real position of Ahlul Bayt as the Ark of Salvation.