Imam Ja'afer us Sadiq SA, defines the meaning of Iman and explains:
Iman is -
- To express verbally,
- To believe with the heart, and
- To act upon the Rite of Shari'at (Arkaan).
Indeed the Madeh (praise), of Awliyahulllah AS encompasses all the three meanings of Imaan.
Imam Ahmed al Mastur SA expands: Sounds that are emitted by a living being are of two kinds: One which has meaning and the other does not.
Meanings are expressed by the use of letters and words. These words form sentences, and by the help of these sentences human beings are able to communicate the meanings held in their heart. |
When a stone is dropped in water, it creates waves and ripples. In the same way, when two bodies (matter) collide with each other, waves are formed in the air. These are known as sound waves.
Allah TA has gifted Man with the sense of hearing. He senses these sound waves by the help of the ear. The ear then sends these signals to the brain (the seat of al'Aql)
Each sound has a distinctive rhythm and mystical makeup by which it differs from other sounds. Just so, the sound of Iman has its own unique melody and spiritual composition.
Syedna Taher Saifuddin RA
elucidates in a verse:
''The Birds of paradise sing your praises perched on lush, verdant branches, in heaven. In paradise the birds croon hymns to the glory and madeh of Aimmat Tahereen SA
and Do'at Mutlaqeen RA.''
This Madeh resonates with the melodies of the spiritual world (Ruhani 'alam). In a manner, the pleasure one derives by listening to this divine music is the meaning of Iman. With it, the path of Ibaadat (worship) is luminous for the heart, the tongue and the ear. |
