Bøker av Ayatollah Sayed Muhammad Al-Shirazi

Grand Ayatollah Shirazi is distinguished for his intellectual ability and holistic vision. He is recognised for his clear ideas and realistic solutions to issues of concern to mankind. He has written various specialized studies that are considered to be among the most important references in the Islamic sciences of beliefs or doctrine, ethics, politics, economics, sociology, law, human rights, etc. He has enriched the world with his staggering contribution of some 980 books, treatise and studies on various branches of learning. His works range from simple introductory books for the young generations to literary and scientific masterpieces. Deeply rooted in the holy Qur'an and the Teachings of the Prophet of Islam, his vision and theories cover areas such as Politics, Economics, Government, Management, Sociology, Theology, Philosophy, History and Islamic Law. His work on Islamic Jurisprudence (al-Fiqh series) for example constitutes 150 volumes, which run into more than 55,000 pages. Through his original thoughts and ideas he has championed the causes of issues such as the family, human right, freedom of expression, political pluralism, non-violence, and Shura or consultative system of leadership.

The significance of this book lies in the fact it presents the role model to humanity in the person of the Prophet Muhammad who gave the best possible that can be given and sacrificed with all he had in order to guide humanity to the path that guarantees prosperity for it in this world and in the hereafter, and indeed he succeeded in doing so in the best possible manner. It is therefore not unexpected when non- Muslim intellectuals consider him to be the most influential person in the history of mankind, as the American scholar Michael H. Hart states in his work "The 100: A Ranking of the Most Influential Persons in History": "[Muhammad] was the only man in history who was supremely successful on both the religious and secular levels." The writer George Bernard-Shaw says: "I hold the religion of Muhammad in the highest esteem for its astounding vitality. It seems to me to be the only religion which is equipped to suit the changing faces of life and which is appropriate for all ages. I have studied the life of this amazing man and I believe that he deserves to be called the savior of the human race." And thus the prophet not only deserves to be a role model for humanity, but in fact he is the best role model mankind can ever find.

In this brief discourse the author outlines the five axioms of Islam (Usul el Deen), which are the Oneness of God, Divine Justice, Prophethood, Imamah (leadership of mankind) and Resurrection. In addressing the role and significance of the holy Qur'an, the author then presents various hadiths narrated from the Messenger of Allah, Muhammad, and the infallible Imams. In the third section of this work, the author presents a question and answer dialogue on the Islamic system of government, discussing such a system from the various domains of politics, economics, the army, freedom, peace, judicial system, health, education, family. Through this discussion the author establishes that a government based on the teachings of Islam would provide the most favourable system of government for mankind. In the final part of this work, the author lists some of the haram (forbidden) actions or conducts an individual may come across in everyday affairs. Also included separately are lists of the 'detestable' and the 'ethically desirable conducts.

Islam always relied on dialogue and reason to promote its stance and disseminate its teachings. Contrary to the Islamophobics who falsely assert that Islam spread its message by the sword, Islam attracted devout followers from the four corners of the world through reason, by encouraging the other side to ponder and reflect on what Islam had to say. This approach takes its lead from Allah's instructions in the Quranic verse, {Invite (the people) to the Way of your Lord - Islam - with wisdom and good exhortation . . .} Armed with reason and logic, the Muslim faithful addresses any debate with an open mind and without any prejudice, for he is only interested in the Truth. Thus the starting point for a Muslim faithful and his attitude in such debates would be based on the Qur'anic verse, {and we or you are either rightly guided or in manifest error} It is on this basis that the author conducted his debates with non-Muslims, as can be seen from the presentation in this book.

If, by the will of Allah the Almighty, Islam were to be established again, the same policies that were adopted by the Messenger of Allah, (S), must be implemented in government - taking into account the time factor. It is also necessary for rulers to practice what Imam Ali (A) said: "Whoever wants to follow a policy, let him follow the Tradition of his Prophet (Muhammad (S)) otherwise he should not feel safe from doom." Therefore, if the policies of the Messenger of Allah (S) are practiced, Islam will flourish and Muslims will progress and prosper just as they did during the time of the Messenger of Allah (S). Otherwise Islam would not be safe from falling into disrepute and its position waning to an extent that no Muslim, or anyone who loves the truth, would ever wish to see. This book, "If Islam were to be established in Iraq" is an outline of some of the policies adopted from the noble Tradition of the holy Messenger of Allah, Muhammad (S), taking into account the time factor. May Allah awaken the rulers to implement the policies of the Messenger of Allah so that Muslims prosper in this world and in the hereafter; surely Allah is the Facilitator and the Helper.