Tajdeed

Selflessness – Zayd wanted to sacrifice himself for God & the well-being of the Ummah!

Ima̅m Zayd had dedicated his life to Allah. He would only think about what would be in the best interest of the ummah and what would satisfy its Creator. He would never hesitate to do whatever would serve the ummah and be to its advantage.

One of his famous quotes: ―By Allah! If I knew that Allah‘s gratification is in my sparking a fire and placing my own self in it, I would not hesitate to do so.

He says in his address to the ummah:

―I affirm by Whose permission I call upon you, and by Whose order I advise you, I do not seek preference over any committed Muslim, nor do I want to harm any affiliate. My wish is to spare you the doom of those who perish and to guide you away from iniquity. I would rather set a fire and throw myself into it rather than incur Allah‘s wrath and be transfixed to this worldly life. I so desire your salvation and redemption. If you respond positively to our invocation you will be felicitous, well off, and prosperous. –

The more a person (like Ima̅m Zayd) becomes devout and sincere to his Lord by carrying the burden of the ummah‘s frustration

Reference: Taysir al-Matalib, p 84; Al-Masabih, by Abi al-‗Abbas al-Hasani. Extracted from Ima̅m Zaid ibn Ali ibn al Husayn’s Biography Compiled by Muhammad Yahya Salem ‘Azzan

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Bismillah

Altruism & selfless is the hardest & greatest of virtues one can attain. Self-sacrifice is the epitome of altruism & altruism is the essence of Imamate (leadership).

About selflessness, the Qur’an mentions “And there are those who would dedicate their lives to Allah’s pleasure. And Allah is Ever Gracious to ˹His˺ servants.” (2:207)

The aim of most people is interest & benefit, yet there are a few who do good for the sake of proximity to God & to do what is right, they are the noble ones.

However there are some who are unique. About the altruist, the Qur’an mentions, “They give preference over themselves even though they may be in need. And whoever is saved from the selfishness of their own souls, it is they who are ˹truly˺ successful.” (59:9)

In order to lead the community, you need to truly love & care for them from your heart. In fact, your love for the truth, your desire for the well-being of the people & your hatred for the arrogant oppressors needs to be so strong that you will always do what is best & necessary. At times, it will be necessary to compromise on what you need, let alone what you want!

Regarding this, the Qur’an says. “Those who spend their wealth in the cause of Allah and follow not up their gifts with reminders of their generosity or with injury, for them their reward is with their Lord; on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.” (2:262)

Our modern example is the honourable people of Palestine, who strive for their rights. Due to this they have become closer to God and have become exemplars for all the nations.

Regarding striving, the Qur’an states, “Indeed, Allāh has purchased from the believers their lives and their properties [in exchange] for that they will have Paradise. They fight in the cause of Allāh, so they kill and are killed.” (9:111)

The Imam of guidance who establishes the law & will of God needs to want the maslahah of the people from his heart & if he truly wants their well-being, he will bravely sacrifice what he loves for the sake of the noble cause.

By Abul Hasan al-Gabikani al-Shadi al-Shaddadi al-Hadhabani -al-Kurdi