Meanings of Rites & Rituals

Allah Ta’ala states in the Quran Majeed that “the taweel - the true inner meaning – of the Quran is known only to Allah and those who are grounded in knowledge.” The outward revelation in Arabic is called tanzeel. The deep inner meaning is termed taweel. There are many interpreters of the Quran. All have their own varying interpretations. How do we know which interpretation is correct?

In this Majlis Syedna Taher Fakhruddin TUS quotes Imam Mohammed-ul-Baqir AS: “Religion is nothing but love.” We hear this phrase often. But why do we say that our deeds are accepted by the Almighty because of love? Why do we say salvation is because of love? What connects love and obedience?

In Eid ul Adha and particularly while performing Hajj we perform the sacrificial slaughter of animals (qurbani). What does ritual sacrifice symbolize? A person can gain his sustenance and nourishment from grains, breads, and vegetables. Why ritually slaughter and sacrifice animals – whose meat we consume – and cause them pain? The Shari‘at not only permits this but encourages it. Why?

In every Azaan, Iqamat and Namaaz we say “Allaho Akbar.” Literally, we attest that “God is greater.” What does this mean? Why do we proclaim Allaho Akbar so frequently? Saying something ‘is greater’ entails that there is a smaller version – but there is no ‘smaller’ God. And God has no likeness, so what is Allah greater than?

What is the inner taweel meaning of fasting? It is human nature to eat when one feels hungry. Why then are we commanded to abstain from food and drink whilst fasting? Allah Ta’ala says in the Quran-e-Majeed, “Allah has completed upon you his blessings, both the manifest and the concealed.” What are these blessings in the context of fasting?

What is the wisdom in doing ziarat? Why do we visit the graves of our Awliyaa? The literal Arabic meaning of the word ziarat is “to meet.” What is the significance of this? How should a Mumin perform ziarat? What are the rewards and blessings that a Mumin receives by doing ziarat?

Allah Ta’ala commands Muslims in the Quran Majeed, “Allah ta’ala and his angels pray salawaat on the Prophet, O you who believe – Mumineen – pray salawaat on him and greetings.” Is it not strange that Allah Ta’ala commands us to invoke salawaat and we in turn ask him to invoke salawaat. What is the reason for this?

Rasulullah SA has said that abundant reward is reserved for those who worship Allah Ta’ala on the eve of 15th Shabaan. According to the guidance of our Awliya’ Kiraam, we pray 14 rak’at-s on this night. In each rak’at, we recite specific Quran Surahs 14 times. The reward of this prayer is equivalent to 20 pilgrimages of Hajj. What is the meaning of this prayer?

A day is defined by the rising and setting of the sun - so what makes some days special? Why is the month of Rajab so honoured? What is the distinction of completing Umrah in Rajab? Why is it a sunnat to do roza in the entire month of Rajab? Why do we commemorate with worship on the 1st night of Rajab, 13th, 14th and 15th of Rajab, and the 27th night and day of Rajab (Me’raj and Mab’as)?

It is the practice of Mumineen to offer najwa – that we also call salaam – to the Imam and Dai in every age, meaning they offer an amount of monetary value as a gift. Why do they do so? What is the importance and reward of doing so? Do the Imam and Dai of the age need Mumineen’s najwa? If they do not need it, then why do they accept it?