A series of moral, doctrinal, and social statements from the esteemed religious authority, Grand Ayatollah Shirazi, may his shadow remain (Words of Wisdom, episode number 10)
"The Ladder of Success in the World"
In the Name of God, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful
"And whoever is patient and forgives—indeed, that is of the matters [requiring] determination."
[Surah Ash-Shura, 42:43]
Human beings are dual-dimensional creatures, within whom the forces of both good and evil are inherently embedded. God, Blessed and Exalted, has placed within humans the potential for elevation and success. Based on this potential, a person can ascend to just below the rank of infallibility. Infallibility is reserved for select individuals, but a human can still rise to a level near it. On the other hand, the elements of evil within can also cause a person to fall lower than predatory animals. These potentials exist in both men and women. However, bringing them into action requires patience and forgiveness, and the root of patience and forgiveness is resolve, determination, and willpower.
A Reflection on the Verse
There are few verses in the Holy Qur'an that carry such strong emphasis. The "lam" in the phrase "lamin" is a particle of emphasis, often used in oaths. It is again used as a form of intensification. Following that, "inna" ("indeed") adds emphasis, and "dhalika" ("that") is used in such rhetorical contexts for the same purpose. After all these, the "lam" of oath is repeated in "lamin 'azmi al-umur" ("surely of the matters of determination"). The word "man" also refers specifically to those of intellect. These repeated emphases in the verse undoubtedly carry an important message for humanity.
Angels have reached a certain elevated status and do not descend below it. Animals, lacking intellect, remain fixed at a low level and do not ascend above it. But humans, through goodness, can ascend beyond the angels, and through evil—God forbid—can fall lower than predatory beasts. The determining factor in the rise or fall of a human is intellect. God, the Exalted, has given humans the free choice between these two capacities. Heaven and Hell were created for this very purpose. Heaven is for those who ascend in this world through acquiring virtues and moral excellence. Hell is for those who lose their worth and descend through moral corruption.
There are many examples around us, and studying them can be deeply instructive.
So Many Lessons to Be Learned
It is reported about one of the scholars that he received a letter written by one of his friends to another mutual friend. In that letter, the scholar himself had been falsely accused.
This scholar delivered the letter to its intended recipient and let him know—subtly—that he was aware of its contents. Many years passed, both individuals passed away, but what is noteworthy is that, in the course of time, the most critical and essential affairs of the letter writer’s life came under the authority of the scholar. Despite knowing what had been said about him, the scholar—without ever revealing his knowledge—did everything in his power to make that person’s life easier.
Certainly, a person can reach such a high station through resolve and willpower, but achieving it requires patience and forgiveness—just as the verse previously quoted and many traditions from our religious leaders affirm.
These two capacities—good and evil—are embedded in everyone, and both the Holy Qur’an and narrations repeatedly remind us of them in different expressions.
There are also sometimes striking contradictions within generations and bloodlines. History has many examples where a righteous father or grandfather had wicked children or grandchildren. The reverse is also true: many evil individuals have left behind virtuous descendants.
Take Sindi ibn Shahak, the cruel man under whose custody Imam Musa ibn Ja’far (peace be upon him) spent the last years of his life in prison, enduring the harshest detentions and tortures. Yet this same Sindi had a grandson named Sheikh Mahmoud, known as Kashajim, who became a renowned scholar. The meaningless-sounding name "Kashajim" is actually an acronym formed from the initials of five traits he possessed: Kaf for Katib (scribe), Shin for Sha‘ir (poet), Alif for Adib (literate), and the remaining letters indicating other scholarly qualities. It is truly remarkable that such a virtuous and learned man could descend from a grandfather as wicked as Sindi ibn Shahak—a man whose knowledge and literature continue to benefit scholars to this day.
Another example is Prophet Noah (peace be upon him) and his disobedient son. Despite Noah’s status as one of the great messengers (Ulul-Azm), he had a son whom God criticized in the Qur’an.
These and many other examples are full of lessons for us. They teach us to live with contemplation, forgiveness, insight, and intellect—to pursue the path of righteousness and avoid sinking into moral vices or falling below the dignity of humanity. True success in this regard, of course, depends on firm resolve and unwavering will.
These stories are full of moral teachings: from the good, we should learn virtue, and from the bad, we should take heed and steer clear of vice.
Such a task requires resolve, which is foundational. The path to success is through patience and forgiveness, just as emphasized in the verse mentioned earlier.
Every human has the capacity for great ascension—or tragic decline. We must take advantage of the countless lessons this world offers and, with unwavering determination, attain the highest levels of patience and forgiveness so that we may find greater success in this life.
May God, the Blessed and Exalted, grant us all such success—so that through strong, steadfast resolve, and with the help of patience and forgiveness, we may reach lofty and virtuous ranks in this world.
And may peace and blessings of God be upon our master and prophet Muhammad and his pure family.
