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 25)
The Rebellious Human
God Almighty has said in the Holy Quran:
"Indeed, mankind transgresses when he sees himself as self-sufficient." (Quran 96:6)
In the above verses, God points to an important aspect of human behavior. The subject is the self-sufficiency of humans. The human being is full of need and strives daily to fulfill his needs. In this context, if someone becomes self-sufficient, even to a relative degree, his actions will differ depending on his spiritual understanding and perception. Those who benefit from the light of intellect are not deceived by wealth, knowledge, or their possessions.
Self-sufficiency can exist in wealth, knowledge, power, or even in the number of children and social popularity. Regardless of the type of self-sufficiency or wealth, it is the human’s understanding and humility before God that makes him truly self-sufficient in that regard. If someone becomes deceived by their self-sufficiency, they transgress, as mentioned in the Quran, which unfortunately is often seen in humanity, as the verse indicates.
The Struggle of Reason and the Soul
Reason is an inner force granted by God to human beings to guide them and protect them from mistakes and misguidance. Transgression, which leads to destruction and misguidance, is repeatedly confronted by the warnings of reason. On the other hand, the soul that commands to evil (nafs al-ammara) acts in opposition to reason. This soul does not suffice with just a small matter; it continuously entices its owner towards evil and ruin.
These two powers exist within the human being, and based on their different inclinations, they guide the individual in completely different directions. In the matter of transgression, these two hidden forces constantly exert their efforts, though opposing. Reason tries to make the human aware of the destructive consequences of transgressing the soul, while the soul, by presenting fleeting pleasures, always incites the human to rebellion.
Self-Sufficiency: A Path or a Pitfall?
Let's return to the discussion of transgression and the results of the soul’s self-sufficiency. As mentioned earlier, self-sufficiency is the precursor to rebellion and defiance. Needs naturally humble the human before more powerful forces, whether these forces are divinely ordained, reminding the person of the existence of God, or related to the needs of other humans. The latter makes the person more humble in interactions with others and protects them from falling into rebellion. However, it should be noted that being wealthy in itself is not bad; rather, the wise person, who benefits from the light of reason, uses their wealth in positive and constructive ways, benefiting not only themselves and their family but also others. Thus, wealth does not always lead to transgression. However, the type of wealth that leads to rebellion and defiance is reprehensible. There are many examples around us, both positive and negative, where wealth causes a person to transgress.
Someone with abundant wealth has more freedom in terms of housing, food, clothing, and even choosing a spouse. Such a person rarely longs for anything and can fulfill various needs in the world with their money. If this causes them to transgress, that is, to become enamored with their wealth, and fall into pride and arrogance, then, first and foremost, they have not worshipped their Lord. This is because God is their provider, and gratitude towards Him is obligatory, while arrogance is a denial of His blessings. Moreover, others around them suffer from their arrogance and selfishness, further distancing them from both God and humanity.
A doctor who is more skilled than others, a scholar who excels in their field, or an engineer with superior knowledge and skills in their profession, and many others are at risk of transgression. If this superiority causes them to become self-centered and arrogant, they have surrendered to the rebellious nature of their soul and have taken the path of misguidance. However, if they practice humility and good behavior, using their greater knowledge and skills to serve others, they have rightly used their wealth and expertise. This is the proper way to employ one’s wealth.
Similarly, rulers with great power, if deceived by their resources and authority, will fall into transgression, causing harm to their people and other nations. However, if they remain aware of their blessings and follow the guidance of reason, they will use their wealth and power for the growth and prosperity of their people. This wealth, instead of making them tyrants, will transform them into compassionate servants of their nations.
The Family: A Source of Love and Affection Not Immune to Transgression
The family, a center of love and affection, is also vulnerable to the transgression of the soul. If relationships between spouses go beyond the acceptable norms, for instance, if the husband feels entitled to issue commands in the home and takes advantage of his wife’s weakness, instead of using this power to uplift and improve the family’s emotional well-being, he falls into arrogance and pride, and mistreats his wife. This damages the bond of friendship, which is the foundation of the family, and creates an unpleasant atmosphere for both spouses and their children. Such behavior can lead to many problems in the family and society, particularly in the upbringing of children. Likewise, if the wife abuses her husband’s respect and acts with disobedience and disrespect, she is also wronging her husband.
Injustice towards one’s spouse, aside from the heavy consequences in the hereafter, leaves negative impacts on their marital relationship and the emotional well-being of their children. Eventually, it leads to the weakening of family bonds. The disintegration of the family, divorce, and children who are morally and psychologically troubled are destructive consequences of this issue.
Lessons to be Learned
Considering the harmful effects of transgression in family members, one can see it on a much larger scale within a government. A ruler’s transgression, due to their vast authority, leads to widespread injustice that affects many people in society. However, as mentioned earlier, wealth and power do not always lead to transgression. When used correctly and appropriately, they can bring about prosperity and greater comfort. Throughout history, there are numerous examples of individuals whose power and wealth did not lead them to transgression but, on the contrary, they left lasting legacies that benefited people for centuries after their passing. Muhammad ibn Mas’ud al-‘Ayashi, a great Shiite scholar, is one such example. He was not deceived by his wealth and knowledge and used them in the service of religion and the people.
About this great scholar, who lived nearly a thousand years ago, it is said that after his father passed away, he inherited a great fortune and became very wealthy. It is reported that he inherited a fortune equivalent to one ton of gold. Al-‘Ayashi used all of his wealth to promote religion, help people, guide and teach them, and assist the poor through charitable activities. Many scholars were beneficiaries of his extensive wealth in knowledge and finances. Perhaps if anyone else had been in his position, they would have squandered that wealth on worldly pleasures, which ultimately would have led them to transgression and ruin.
The opposite story can be seen in the time of Prophet Moses (peace be upon him), where a poor man asked him to pray to God for him to be freed from poverty and become wealthy. Prophet Moses (peace be upon him) asked God for his request, and God granted it. After some events, the man became wealthy, but his wealth led him to sin. One day, in a drunken state, he killed someone. Eventually, he was executed in retribution. This is how wealth, instead of improving his situation, led him to transgression and ruin.
The Importance of Seeking Help During Prosperity
That individual obtained the wealth similar to Muhammad ibn Mas’ud al-‘Ayashi, but it did him no good and led him to transgression. Similar individuals can be found in society, in different sectors. Whenever a little self-sufficiency and prosperity come to someone, the transgression of the soul and the misuse of it are the most significant dangers posed by that person to society. This is the nature of self-sufficiency. Self-sufficiency is not limited to financial matters; it can occur in knowledge, social standing, political power, and various institutions within society, such as the family, tribe, community, or nation. Therefore, it is crucial that when a person attains even a little self-sufficiency, they never forget to seek help from God. Self-sufficiency can be a serious danger, and if misused, it can ruin both a person’s worldly and spiritual life. As the Quran states: "Say, 'What would my Lord care for you if not for your supplication?'" (Quran 25:77).
Thus, it is evident that expressing helplessness before God and seeking His assistance is the key to human success. Man is in constant need, and these needs may lead him to more devotion and obedience. Self-sufficiency, if it leads to transgression, closes the path of worship for the individual, and what could be worse than a servant whose relationship with his Lord is severed?
The next point is to seek intercession through those whom God has appointed to help fulfill our needs and accept our requests. God has said in the Quran: "O you who have believed, fear God and seek the means to approach Him..." (Quran 5:35). God has made the Ahlul Bayt (peace be upon them) — the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), Lady Fatima (peace be upon her), and the Twelve Imams (peace be upon them) — a means of intercession.
Of course, aside from this, reason also serves as a guide. If a person uses the light of reason, it will guide them to seek intercession through the Ahlul Bayt (peace be upon them). Reason encourages caution and vigilance. The threat of the soul’s transgression is one of the major dangers that jeopardize a person’s happiness, so reason serves as a guide and a warning in this matter.
Self-sufficiency, more than anything, is like driving on a mountain road. The winding mountain roads sometimes pass through perilous valleys or are near massive, towering cliffs. Driving on these dangerous roads requires great care. Self-sufficiency for a person creates conditions similar to driving on dangerous mountain roads. A moment of negligence can cause irreparable damage and ruin both their worldly and spiritual life.
Conclusion
Care and caution in areas where a person is self-sufficient are essential for piety and faith. In any area where a person is self-sufficient, they must be extra cautious so that their soul does not mislead them into transgression. For a young person, this might be their health and strength; for a scholar, it is their knowledge; and for a wealthy individual, it is their wealth. Similarly, anyone in their position may receive blessings that set them apart from others. These gifts, if misused, become the cause of their transgression and rebellion. Even eating, if done excessively, can harm the body instead of benefiting it. Therefore, great attention must be paid to the wealth, power, knowledge, and all the gifts that God has granted. Negligence in their use can lead to rebellion and the ruin of both this world and the next.
May God grant us all the ability to make the best use of the blessings He has granted us, whether in wealth, power, intellect, health, or social status, so that we do not fall into the fate of transgression and destroy our worldly and spiritual lives. Seeking God’s help and intercession through the Ahlul Bayt (peace be upon them) is the secret to success in this matter.
May peace and blessings of God be upon our master and prophet Muhammad and his pure family.
