In Surah al-‘Isra (17:71), Allah, Al-Muhsi (The Reckoner, The Appraiser, The Accountant), informs us that on the Day of Judgement our Sustainer nad’u (will call) all the people with their Imam (leader). Often times, Imam in this ayat (verse) is translated as record and book of deeds, but these words are kitab in the Holy Qur’an, for example in the next part of this ayat and in 45:28. However, the meaning is our leader and can mean our Prophet, our Holy Book, our leader, our way of life. These leaders may be those selected by Allah Subhanahu wa ta’a, the muttaqi (righteous) ones, the ones of light and guidance to Allah Subhanahu wa ta’a, or those people choose and accept as unworthy substitutes who lead them astray, even shaitanic (satanic) ones, such as tyrants and oppressors, or even our own lower nafs (ego). Our way of life may be Islam or another religion or an irreligious and immoral way of living. This ayat shows the importance of leadership and the heavy duty placed on the Prophets, Imams and religious scholars. But it also confirms the heavy responsibility on each of us to choose muttaqi leaders so that we do not go astray from Allah’s Subhanahu wa ta’a Sirat al-Mustaqeem (Straight Path) and thus better live our lives with devotion, purpose and integrity as we were created to do, inshallah (Allah Willing). Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) said: “Whoever dies without having an Imam, his death belongs to the category of paganism.” Imam Ali al-Ridha (a.s.) said: “The Imam is the flourishing root of Islam and the prime branch of it. The Imam is an honest friend, a kind and friendly father, a truly loyal brother and a companion, just like an affectionate and honest mother towards her young child, and a refuge for Allah’s servants.” and “The Imam is the Lord’s trustee on the Earth and among His people. He is the Lord’s proof for His servants and is His substitute in the cities. He calls [the people] to Allah and defends His sanctuaries.” Inshallah, we pray that we are resurrected with our Imam and receive our record book in the right hand.

Colours

Writing in; Design in Very Dark Violet, Dark Bright Turquoise, Medium Electric Blue, Cyclamen Pink and Very Light Golden Olive; Border in Cyclamen Pink

Size

4.3” X 8.9”