By: Shaheed Ayatullah Abdul Husain Dastghaib Shirazi
Silet ar-Rahm is Wajib and Qat’a ar-Rahm is Harām towards our spiritual relatives also. Our Holy Prophet (S) and our Imams (a.s.) are our spiritual fathers. So, the descendants of our Holy Prophet (S) and the Imams (a.s.), that is the Sadāt, are our spiritual relatives. Also, since the Holy Prophet (S) and the Imams (a.s.) are the spiritual fathers of all believers and Shias, we all are related to each other, and are like brothers of each other.
“Certainly the Believers Are Brothers of Each Other.” (Surah al-Hujurāt 49:10)
The verse clearly indicates that everyone is somehow related to a common spiritual father.
Rights of Sadāt
Allama Hilli in his book ‘Qawaidul Ahkam’ counsels his son Fakhrul Muhaqqiqain in the following words: “You should practise Silet ar-Rahm with the pure descendants of the Sadāt also. The Almighty Allah (S.w.T.) has emphasized upon this duty so much that he has made the love of relatives of the Holy Prophet (S) as a compensation of the prophetic mission.”
“…Say: I do not ask of you any reward for it but love for my near relatives….” (Surah ash-Shūrā 42:23)
The Holy Prophet (S) said:
“I shall intercede for four types of people even if they carry the sins of all humanity.”
1) A person who has helped my descendants and progeny.
2) A person who has spent his wealth upon my descendants when they were in need.
3) A person who has loved my Progeny with his tongue and his heart.
4) A person who has considered the wants of my descendants when they were surrounded by enemies and were homeless.”
Does Anyone Have a Right Upon the Holy Prophet (S)?
Hazrat Imam Ja’far as-Sadiq (a.s.) said: “On the day of Qiyāma a caller will announce, ‘O people, keep silent, because Muhammad (S) is to say something to you.’ Then the Messenger will arise and say, ‘O people! If anyone of you has any right or favour upon me, or if there is any obligation upon my neck then he should stand up. I will see that he is compensated.’ The people will reply, ‘May our parents be sacrificed upon you. What right? What favour? And what obligation? Rather the rights and favours are of Allah and His Prophet upon all the creatures.’
Goodness to Sadāt and Paradise
Then the Holy Prophet (S) shall say: “No, they do have a right. Whoever has provided shelter and help to anyone from my Ahlul-Bayt (a.s.) or did good to them or gave them clothes in their need or fed them when they were in need, should stand up so that I can recompense him.”
Some people who had performed such deeds will arise. Then the voice of the Almighty shall be heard. “O Muhammad, my loved one! With due regards to your position I have fixed the reward for their deeds. They shall be given whatever position you intend for them in Paradise.” Then Allah (S.w.T.) shall give them a place near the Holy Prophet (S) and his Ahlul-Bayt (a.s.) and there would be nothing to obstruct their view.”