New Zaydi Theology Book Translation! PDF

[Zaydism]

al-Biṣāṭ fī Uṣūl al-Dīn 

By: al-Imām al-Nāṣir lī al-Ḥaqq

al-Ḥasan b. ʿAlī b. al-Ḥasan b. ʿAlī b. ʿUmar b. ʿAlī b. al-Ḥusayn b. ʿAlī b. Abī Ṭālib

Between your hands, dear reader, is one of the many works of guidance that the Imams of the Ahl al-Bayt (upon them be peace) have authored for the sake of your intellectual, spiritual, and religious salvation. The Prophet (upon him and his Ahl al-Bayt be peace) informed us in the mass-transmitted tradition that he left behind the Book of Allāh, and his progeny, and in adhering to both of them - the Book which is the guidance of Allāh, and the progeny who are the guardians of God’s guidance we may confidently cling to the unadulterated message of our Lord delivered by His trustworthy Messenger (upon him and his Ahl al-Bayt be peace). For, the dialects are many, the whims are vast, and the circumstances are dire. 

Therefore, it became necessary to hold onto this blessed household, the community of the Noble progeny which does not err when arriving at a matter collectively. As, it is not that the Sacred Scripture is unclear, nor the traditions of the Honorable Messenger convoluted. Rather, it is by the expansion of the religion, the corruption of the rulers, and the urgency to distinguish what has become unclear due to the boisterous Islamic atmosphere that our Noble Prophet (upon him and his Ahl al-Bayt be peace) willed for us to adhere to those who would guide to the essence of the message, as it was during the Prophet’s presence. 

The Glorious Qurʾān was revealed in the language of the Arabs, and therefore miraculously spoke in the context of their tongue, however, when the religion of Islam spread, and the Muslims became more diverse, its divine writ was interpreted, and understood in lieu of the variant understanding of language that the Muslims had. As such, we found beliefs in determinism, corporealism, and political quietism rising by reason of being distanced in understanding the language of the Arabs, and the Qurʾān; mistakenly mixing the decisive, and allegorical verses. In addition to the weak resolve of some who promoted such fallacious beliefs due to the fragility of their foresight, selling the content of their Lord for a cheap sum, and a transient standing; forsaking the service of Allāh for the service of their lowly inclinations, and despotic rulers. 

The message of the Holy Prophet (upon him and his Ahl al-Bayt be peace) which has not been misconstrued by the transgressions of some, the deviance of others, and the misconceptions of many is to be found alongside those who he (upon him and his Ahl al-Bayt be peace) informed would veer us away from Ḍhalāl (misguidance). For, the school of the Ahl al-Bayt (which is actively embodied under the Zaidīyyah) is a school that shows you the fruits of its firm tree. Taqlīd (emulation) within this school is not permitted in its Uṣūl (fundamental beliefs), for it is a school which calls for firm conviction, and precision. Now, one may ponder, if their Uṣūl cannot be emulated, then, how can we be certain of their conclusions, or ours? 

You see, the magnificence of this school is that it follows a deductive rhythm, it places for you, the seeker of truth, the solution, and presents you with the formula that will necessarily lead to it. For instance, if one were to be, as will soon be demonstrated by our Imam bound by the Qurʾān, and its language. Then, they would have already accepted a necessary premise that would lead to the deductive conclusion provided by the Ahl al-Bayt (upon them be peace). 

What can be more liberating, and refreshing? You are not only presented with an ark of salvation, but you are also obligated to test the durability, and reliability of this ark before embarking on it in journeying towards the Beloved! May this work serve as an illumination for the heart, a clarification for the mind, and a means of rejuvenation for the spirit, and may it be a catalyst for you, dear reader, to act immediately in support of this Noble Household. 

Muḥammad al-Sharīfī
 06/01/2022

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