Among the issues addressed in various narrations and emphasized by the Imams (a) is the important matter of feeling a sense of shortcoming and acknowledging one's own deficiencies before the Almighty. It is crucial for an individual to recognize their shortcomings in worship, obedience, gratitude, and every aspect of their relationship with the Creator.
It is essential for one to internalize this awareness, to realize that no matter what they do, they remain deficient in their relationship with the Almighty. Whether it pertains to acts of worship or obedience, regardless of the type of reward, one always falls short in fulfilling their duties towards the Creator.
This self-awareness holds numerous benefits. Firstly, it motivates individuals to strive to overcome their shortcomings and fill the gaps within themselves by drawing closer to Allah through increased worship. Despite engaging in acts of worship, one remains deficient – a realization which should drive the individual to pursue avenues that lead them closer to Allah in the hope of transcending their limitations.
This fosters a deeper longing for worship and devotion.
However, the ultimate goal of this pursuit is to draw nearer to Allah. Many narrations emphasize the necessity for individuals to acknowledge and feel the shortfall in their worship and obedience. This acknowledgment serves as a catalyst for spiritual growth, prompting individuals to continuously strive for improvement and increased devotion in their quest to attain closeness to the Almighty.
Many narrations emphasize that a person must feel their own shortcomings in their worship and obedience. For example, Imam al-Kāẓ im (a) said in one such narration, as mentioned in Biḥ ār al-Anwār from al-Amālī17 by Shaykh al-Ṭ ūsī,18
Adopt diligence and do not exempt yourself from the threshold of deficiency in worship and obedience to Allah.
Indeed, Allah, the Exalted, cannot be worshipped as is truly due to Him.19 This is an established truth and widely acknowledged; Allah (swt) cannot be worshiped as He deserves. Thus, no matter what one does, they will inevitably fall short. It is also narrated that Imam Muhammad al-Bāqir20 told his close
companion, Jābir ibn Yazīd al-Juʿfī,
O’ Jābir, may Allah not exempt you from [the feeling of] deficiency and shortcoming.21 The Imam continues to pray for Jābir with this prayer, that he considers his acts of worship deficient, and considers himself falling short. You must always be in a state of feeling that your worship is deficient and that you are falling short. In another narration, Imam al-Kāẓ im (a) said:
Say often, ‘O’ Allah, do not make me among the borrowers [of faith]22 and do not exclude me from falling short.’ I said, ‘As for the borrowers [of faith], I understand. But
what does “do not exclude me from falling short” mean?’ He replied, ‘Every action you perform seeking acceptance from Allah, Almighty and Glorious, be aware of your own shortfall in it. Indeed, all people are falling short in their deeds between themselves and Allah, Almighty and Glorious.’23 Here, the Imam (a) commands us to acknowledge and feel a sense of shortcoming with God. We all fall short of the glory of God. Acknowledging this reality is weaved in the psalms and supplications of the Imams.
This profound insight into the acknowledgment of our own shortcomings serves as a guiding principle in our spiritual journey. It underscores the humility and self-awareness required to approach worship sincerely and with genuine devotion.
When we recognize our inadequacies in our acts of worship, it emphasizes the gap between our human limitations and the perfection of the Divine, highlighting our constant need for His guidance, mercy, and forgiveness.
Moreover, acknowledging our shortcomings cultivates a deeper sense of reliance on Allah's mercy and forgiveness. It reminds us that our worship alone cannot earn us salvation, but it is through His grace and mercy that we attain closeness to Him. This realization instills within us a profound sense of gratitude and dependence on Allah's guidance and forgiveness.
Furthermore, this awareness of falling short in our worship serves as a constant reminder to strive for improvement and excellence in our devotion. Rather than becoming complacent or satisfied with our current state, we are motivated to continuously seek ways to enhance our worship and draw nearer to Allah.
The teachings of our Imams, as reflected in their supplications and actions, emphasize the importance of this self-awareness and humility. They serve as exemplars of humility and devotion, constantly striving to perfect their worship despite their exalted status.
In essence, embracing our shortcomings in worship is not a sign of weakness but a testament to our sincerity and devotion. It is through this acknowledgment and striving for improvement that we deepen our connection with the Divine and progress on our spiritual journey.
Muʿāwiyah’s Question
There is a story that narrates an exchange between Muʿāwiyah ibn Abī Sufyān24 and a close companion and admirer of
Imam Ali (a), after the Imam was assassinated. His name was Ḍ irār ibn Ḍ umrah al-Kinānī.25 Muʿāwiyah asked Ḍ irār to describe Ali to him. He replied simply, “Will you pardon me from this?” Muʿāwiyah said, “No, I will not pardon you. Describe him.” Ḍ irār obliged, “As you wish.” By Allah, he was a man of vast knowledge and immense strength. He would eloquently articulate judgments and rule with fairness. Knowledge would emanate from every aspect of him, wisdom would articulate from his tongue.
He would distance himself from the world and its pleasures, and find solace in the night and its darkness. By Allah, his tears were abundant and his contemplation was profound. He would wring his hands and address himself.
He preferred short attire and coarse food. By Allah, he was among us just like one of us. He would draw us near when we approached him and answer us when we asked him.
Yet despite his closeness and proximity, we would not
speak to him out of awe. His smile was like a string of pearls. He exalted the people of faith and loved the needy.
The strong do not have any hope that he will act unjustly, nor do the weak despair of his justice. [...] I bear witness by Allah, I have seen him in some of his settings. The night had extended its cloak and its stars had disappeared. He was standing upright in his sanctuary, clasping his beard, swaying as if from a fatal illness, and weeping with sorrow. It is as if I hear him saying:
‘O’ world,! O’ world! Do you challenge me or do you long for me? How! How! Go deceive someone other than me.
Your time with me will not come, I’ve denied you thrice over. Your life is short, your goodness paltry, and your significance is small. Alas! Alas for the scarcity of provisions, the distance of the journey, and the solitude of the road...’ It is said that Ḍ irār’s words moved the entire gathering, even Muʿāwiyah. As his company choked up in their own tears, Muʿāwiyah's tears flowed from his eyes to his lips.26 The profound utterance of the Imam Ali, the Commander of the Faithful, resonates deeply with the essence of human existence and spirituality. It encapsulates the eternal struggle of the soul on its journey towards God, navigating the trials and tribulations of life's transient passage. When he laments, “Alas for the scarcity of provisions, the distance of the journey, and the solitude of the road,” he encapsulates the existential angst that accompanies the human quest for divine
proximity.
Despite his exalted station and unparalleled contributions to Islam, Imam Ali humbly acknowledges his own limitations and inadequacies before God. His tears, flowing unabated, bear witness to the profound depth of his spiritual introspection. In those moments of vulnerability, he reveals the inner turmoil of a soul yearning for transcendence yet acutely aware of its own shortcomings before his Lord.
The Imam, with all his deeds and actions, everything that emanated from him, his service to Islam – for Islam stood on his sword and his struggle – and all of his worship was for the sake of God Almighty. One action from Imam Ali – the work of mere moments – was equated by the Prophet (sa) to the worship of humankind and jinn-kind combined. During the Battle of al-Khandaq, the Prophet (sa) said,
The strike of Ali is greater than the worship of the two weights [man and jinn].27 And still the Imam expressed his deep feeling of shortcoming before God. The Imam's moving reflection serves as a poignant reminder for all believers. It underscores the impermanence of worldly possessions, the vastness of the spiritual journey, and the loneliness inherent in the quest for divine truth. His words echo across the ages, piercing through the veil of time to touch the hearts of all who seek spiritual
enlightenment.
In his acknowledgment of human frailty, Imam Ali imparts a timeless lesson on humility and sincerity in worship. Despite his unparalleled devotion to God, he remains acutely aware of his own inability to repay God’s infinite graces, urging believers to cultivate a similar sense of introspection and self- awareness in their own spiritual endeavors.
His profound insight into the human condition transcends the boundaries of time and place, offering solace and guidance to seekers of truth in every age. Through his words, he invites believers to embark on a journey of self-discovery and spiritual awakening, embracing the challenges and uncertainties that lie ahead with unwavering faith and humility.
Ultimately, Imam Ali's lament serves as a poignant reminder of the transient nature of worldly pursuits and the eternal significance of the soul's journey towards God. It is a call to introspection, a plea for humility, and a testament to the enduring legacy of one of Islam's most revered figures.