A New Look at Human Value from the Perspective of Razavi Teachings in the Book ‘Imam Reza (AS) and Human Dignity’

Service of the Provinces of the Iran Book News Agency (IBNA) – Marjaneh Hosseinzadeh: Life in the shadow of Imam Reza (AS), the Imam of kindness, is a precious opportunity that Mashhad residents benefit from. Neighboring the sun is not only a spiritual advantage but also places a cultural responsibility on our shoulders, a responsibility that gains meaning through greater knowledge of this great Imam and the dissemination of Razavi teachings. Knowing the personality, conduct, teachings, and virtues of Imam Reza (AS) is not only important for enhancing individual faith and knowledge but also serves as a guide for society in reaching moral and human ideals. In this path, books, as the best tools for awareness and permanence, play a vital role.

Razavi literature, with a treasure trove of valuable books in the fields of history, conduct, theology, and literature, introduces us to various aspects of Imam Reza’s life and teachings. Introducing these works, especially for us living near his shrine, is a double necessity. These books are inspiring for today and light the way for the future, and in the series ‘Wednesdays with Imam Reza’s Books,’ we will endeavor to introduce prominent books written about Imam Reza and their authors. From biographies and historical studies to literary and fictional works, each can open a new window to the horizons of Razavi knowledge.

Introducing the Book ‘Imam Reza (AS) and Human Dignity’

Throughout the lives of the Prophet (PBUH) and the Imams (AS), human value and dignity were emphasized. The status and dignity of individuals were recognized without any special privilege given to certain classes or people, and without regard for usual distinctions such as color, race, or social position, especially economic position or personal wealth. Everyone is placed on an equal footing with others.

Mohammad Hakimi, the author of the book ‘Imam Reza (AS) and Human Dignity,’ undertook the writing of this work with this concern. Based on the verses of the Quran and the traditions (Hadith) of Imam Reza (AS), Mohammad Hakimi emphasizes human dignity and status in this book. According to Islamic teachings, people must be viewed equally, and their various appearances, including occupation and social classes, should not be used as criteria for their dignity.

Mohammad Hakimi strives to remind us of human dignity and worth by referencing verses and traditions. In the introduction, the author writes about human dignity: “Valuing human beings and believing in human dignity is not just a slogan to be mentioned in speeches and not seen in reality and practice. It should be as it flourished throughout the lives of the leaders and Imam Reza (AS). As Imam Baqir (AS) said, one must free distressed people and solve their problems, smoothing their material and spiritual paths. This is reviving people and paying attention to human dignity, not building lavish and costly religious structures while ignoring societal and people’s disorders.”

Based on this, the work familiarizes the reader with 38 topics related to human dignity from the perspective of the compassionate Imam, such as rights of brotherhood, trustworthiness, human dignity in judgment, necessary rights, etc., along with examples of Islamic teachings and Imam Reza’s (AS) teachings in the field of human dignity.

In a section of this work, we read:

Imam Reza (AS): “And know that you do not thank God Almighty with anything after faith in God and after acknowledging the rights of God’s allies from the family of Muhammad (PBUH) more loved by Him than helping your faithful brothers in their worldly life, which is a passage for them to the paradise of their Lord…18: Know that after faith in God and accepting the rights of His allies from the family of Muhammad (PBUH), there is no gratitude dearer to God than helping believing brothers. Helping their worldly life, which is a path for them to reach paradise. Those who provide such help are among God’s chosen ones…” The sign of proper gratitude to God and appreciation of divine blessings is helping the needy.

Imam Reza (AS): And he was asked about the right of a believer over another believer? “Indeed, from the right of a believer over a believer are love in his heart and assistance with his wealth…19: In response to this question: What is the right of a believer over a believer? He said: From the rights of a believer over a believer is to love him in one’s heart and to assist him with one’s wealth…” The capable should rush to help the poor with all their strength and solve their needs. If society behaves this way, it is Razavi and steps in line with the Imam’s (AS) teachings. Otherwise, it is far from the Imam’s path, even if religious centers in it have dazzling splendor.