RESORT= THE MEANS OF APPROACH TO GOD

VERSE NO. 35

      The Arabic `VASILAT' translated here to resort or means of approach, is a very comprehensive word with various shades of meaning. It generally implies anything that may help the servant to approach his Lord. The most important of these resorts, as Hazrat Imam Ali (AS), has said in his famous NAHJULBALAGHA , are as undermentioned:-

      ``Faith in God and in His apostles.- Striving with might and main, in the way of Allah.- The comprehensive phrase of LA- ELAHA- ELLA- ALLAH, which is the first slogan of the monotheists.- Performing the Daily Prayer.- Paying the alms-tax.- Fasting in the month of Ramazan, which is a shield against the Fire of Hell.- Hajj, or the pilgrimage to Mecca in due time.- Observing the bonds of relationship which may lengthen the life.- and alms-giving, open or hidden, which may prevent sudden and painful deaths, and other good deeds that may hinder man from fall downs! So also the intercession of the prophets and saints may help the approach to God.''

      We need to notify strictly that; resorting to a prophet or to a saint (Imam), is not asking them to give us something or, do something for us, independent of God. If so, they can do nothing without the permision of God. Real resort to a prophet at first hand is to follow them, and do as they say. We may also give God a swear on His prophet or Quran, to answer our prayer, and to consider our request. In any case the thing asked for, has eventually to be issued by Allah, and the prophet can do nothing without God's leave.

      We may ask a prophet earnestly to intercede with God, on our behalf, to pardon us or to do something for us, and none of such requests can be marked as polytheism.

      We should also know of surety that there is no difference if a prophet is dead or alive, because they do indeed live in the living world of after death, wherein all those who have died will live waiting for the Resurrection Day.