Three Pillars of a Believer’s Strength – A Reflection on the Wisdom of Imam al-Jawad (A)

Introduction

On the 29^th of Dhul-Qa‘dah, we commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Muhammad al-Taqi al-Jawad (A), the ninth Imam of the Ahl al-Bayt. Though his life was short, his teachings are rich with wisdom and guidance. One of his most profound sayings outlines three essential qualities every believer should strive for. These qualities – divine assistance, self-reflection, and receptiveness to advice – form a spiritual foundation that not only nurtures individual faith but also strengthens Muslim families and communities in every part of the world. As we mark this solemn occasion, it is an opportune time to revisit this saying and reflect on its meaning for our lives today.

قالَ الإمام محمد تقی الجواد (ع):

الْمُؤمِنُ یَحْتاجُ إلی ثَلاثِ خِصال: تَوْفیق مِنَ اللهِ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ وَ واعِظ مِنْ نَفْسِهِ وَ قَبُول مِمَّنْ یَنْصَحُهُ (بحارالانوار، ج ۷۵، ص ۳۵۸)

Imam Muhammad al-Jawad (A) said:

A believer is in need of three characteristics: success granted by Allah, a preacher from within himself, and acceptance of advice from those who offer it.

Educational Messages of the Hadith for Teenagers and Young Adults

1. Be Your Own Advisor (واعِظ مِنْ نَفْسِهِ)

Learning to self-reflect is a key part of spiritual growth. Before sleeping, take a few minutes to assess your actions, words, and decisions throughout the day. Honest reflection helps you become more self-aware and conscious of your moral direction. Neuroscientific studies show that regular self-reflection activates regions of the brain associated with empathy, planning, and emotional regulation. Over time, this practice not only strengthens ethical decision-making but also improves mental clarity and emotional resilience.

Practical Challenge: Spend five minutes each evening journaling one thing you did well and one thing you’d like to improve tomorrow.

2. Choose Righteous Friends (قَبُول مِمَّنْ یَنْصَحُهُ)

Your circle shapes your character. Surrounding yourself with honest, faithful, and sincere friends who care for your growth is a blessing. True strength lies in accepting their advice with humility and gratitude.

Practical Challenge: Reach out to a trustworthy and faithful friend today and ask for their honest advice on one area of your character.

3. Seek Allah’s Support (تَوْفیق مِنَ اللهِ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ)

Success in life doesn’t come from effort alone, it requires divine favour. Always connect your goals to Allah’s pleasure and trust His wisdom when outcomes differ from your plans. Research in positive psychology highlights that individuals who link their ambitions to a higher purpose experience greater motivation, resilience, and well-being; and more importantly, a right direction towards Allah’s satisfaction. Trusting in divine wisdom helps reduce anxiety around uncertainty and fosters long-term perseverance.

Practical Challenge: Begin each morning with a short du‘a asking Allah SWT for guidance and barakah in your plans.

Educational Messages of the Hadith for Parents

1. Teach the Three Qualities at Home

Discuss this hadith with your children and explain how each quality can shape a successful, meaningful life. Share personal stories where you experienced God’s help, listened to your conscience, or benefited from advice.

Practical Challenge: Set aside time this week for a family discussion night about this hadith and what it means to each member.

2. Model Self-Reflection and Humility

Show your children how you reflect on your own decisions and accept advice — even from them. This builds trust and demonstrates integrity. Modelling humility and openness encourages them to develop the same habits, fostering a culture of mutual respect within the family. Over time, this creates a safe environment where honest dialogue and growth become natural parts of your home life.

Practical Challenge: Share one recent moment of personal reflection with your children and what you learned from it.

3. Pray for Their Guidance and Success

Beyond instruction, prayer is a parent’s greatest tool. Regularly pray for your children’s success — not just academically or financially, but morally and spiritually. Scientific studies increasingly show that parental involvement, especially in the form of consistent emotional and spiritual support, has a lasting impact on a child’s resilience and values. When children know they are being prayed for, it nurtures their sense of security and connection to something greater than themselves.

Practical Challenge: Add a short du‘a for your children’s spiritual growth in your daily prayers.

Educational Messages of the Hadith for Imams and Religious Leaders

1. True Faith Requires Inner Qualities

Muslim identity goes beyond name or appearance. Real faith is proven through characteristics like sincerity, humility, and openness to correction. Remind your audience that belief must manifest in action and attitude. Faith without inner transformation is like a tree without roots, easily shaken and unable to bear fruit. Emphasise that true religiosity includes how we treat others, respond to criticism, and strive for moral consistency.

Practical Challenge: In your next sermon, include this hadith and highlight the difference between external identity and internal piety.

2. Create a Culture of Gentle Advice

Imams play a critical role in shaping the moral tone of their communities. Encourage environments where sincere advice is welcomed, not feared, and where people help one another improve in a spirit of love and humility.

Practical Challenge: Introduce a “wisdom corner” at your centre where people can anonymously share or read moral reflections and advice from others.

3. Seek Divine Enablement, Not Just Personal Effort

Remind your congregants that success is not achieved by effort alone, it is granted through Allah’s towfīq (divine enablement). The most powerful engine of progress is a heart that acts sincerely for Allah’s pleasure. Encourage them to purify their intentions in every deed, however small, so they become deserving of Allah’s help and blessing.

Practical Challenge: Before starting any task, pause and ask yourself: “Am I doing this sincerely for Allah?” Write down one daily action and consciously renew your intention for His sake.