The concept of Mawla (مولا) is a complex and multifaceted one. In its most basic sense, it means "master" or "lord." The Prophet is reported to have used this term in his proclamation at Ghadir-e-Khum: “ He who’s Mawla I am, Ali is his Mawla”. In Shia tradition, ‘Mawla’ refers to Imam Ali and his descendants as the hereditary successors of the Prophet. However, in Islamic thought, Mawla has several additional connotations, including:
Protector: Mawla is used to refer to God as the protector of humanity.
Friend: Mawla is also used to refer to the close relationship between God and His believers.
Guide: Mawla is also used to refer to the role of the prophets and imams in guiding humanity towards God.
In Ismaili Islam, the concept of Mawla is critical. Ismailis believe that the Imam is the Mawla of the believers and that he is the only one who can lead them to salvation. Ismailis also believe that the Imam is the embodiment of divine guidance and that he is the source of all knowledge and wisdom.
History of Islam and the implications of the proclamations made by the Prophet:
Beginning: occasion after the revelation of the verse “Warn Thy Family who are the nearest of kin” the prophet called Ali to him and said: “God hath commanded me to warn my family, my nearest of kin, and the task is beyond my strength. But make ready food, with a leg of mutton, and fill a cup with milk, and assemble the Bani ‘Abd al-Muttalib, that I may tell them that which I have been commanded to say. ( read details in chapter XVII of the book MUHAMMAD his life based on the earliest sources written by Martin Lings)....The Prophet laid his hand on the back of Ali and said: “This is my brother, mine executor and my successor amongst you. Hearken on to him, and obey him” ….
END - The Farewell Pilgrimage LXXXIII of the book: At the journey when they had halted at Ghadir Khumm, he gathered all the people together, and taking Ali by the hand he repeated these words “Am I not nearer to the believers than their own selves?” and when the man assented, he added: “Whose nearest I am, his nearest Ali is. He added the prayer “Oh God, be the friend of him who is his friend, and foe of him who is his foe”. Narrated the Revelation which he had just received and which completed the Koran, for it was the last passage to be revealed: This day the disbelievers despair of prevailing against your religion, so fear them not, but fear Me! This day have I perfected for you your religion and fulfilled My favour unto you, and it hath been My good pleasure to choose Islam for you as your religion.
CONCLUSION from the proclamations; The Institution of Ali to the IMAMAT as guidance for all times is the perfection of faith.
The relationship between the Imam and the believers is often described as a covenant or mithaq. In this covenant, the believers pledge their allegiance to the Imam, who pledges to guide them towards God.
The concept of Mawla is central to Ismaili spirituality. Ismailis believe that by following the Imam and obeying his guidance, they can achieve their ultimate goal of gnosis, or direct knowledge of God.
Here are some of the implications of the concept of Mawla for Ismailis:
Ismailis have a deep devotion to the Imam, and they believe that he is the only one who can lead them to salvation.
Ismailis strive to obey the Imam's commands and to follow his guidance in all aspects of their lives.
Ismailis believe that the Imam is the embodiment of divine guidance and that he is the source of all knowledge and wisdom.
Ismailis believe that they have a covenant with the Imam and that they are obligated to follow his guidance.
Ismailis believe that by following the Imam and obeying his guidance, they can achieve their ultimate goal of gnosis, or direct knowledge of God.
The concept of Mawla is a complex and profound one, and it is central to Ismaili Islam. It is a concept that is deeply rooted in Ismaili theology and spirituality, and it shapes the way that Ismailis live their lives.
**Pronouncements by Muhammad about Ali during the start of prophethood:** * **During the Pledge of Aqaba:** When the people of Medina pledged allegiance to Muhammad in 622 CE, he is reported to have said, "Whoever is my mawla (master, guardian, protector), then Ali is his mawla." This statement is significant because it established Ali's close relationship with Muhammad and his authority within the Muslim community. **Pronouncements by Muhammad about Ali during the last days of prophethood:** * **At the Battle of Khaybar:** In 628 CE, Muhammad appointed Ali to lead the Muslim army in the conquest of the Jewish fortress of Khaybar. After the victory, Muhammad is reported to have said, "I give the banner to a man who loves Allah and His Messenger, and whom Allah and His Messenger love: Ali ibn Abi Talib." This statement further affirmed Ali's status as a trusted and capable leader. * **At Ghadir Khumm:** On his return from the Farewell Pilgrimage in 632 CE, Muhammad stopped at a place called Ghadir Khumm. He is reported to have said, "O people, I am leaving behind me two weighty things: the Book of Allah and my Ahl al-Bayt (family). If you hold fast to these two, you will never go astray." He then took Ali's hand and raised it, saying, "Whoever I am his mawla, then Ali is his mawla." This statement is particularly significant for Shi'ite Muslims, who believe that it designates Ali as Muhammad's rightful successor. These pronouncements by Muhammad about Ali demonstrate the close relationship between the two men and the high regard in which Ali was held by the Prophet. They also played a role in shaping the later history of Islam, particularly the division between Sunni and Shi'ite Muslims.
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