Walking the Talk: True Loyalty to Ahl al-Bayt (PBUT) in Everyday Life

Introduction

On the 20^th of Jumada al-Thani, we celebrate the auspicious birth of Lady Fatimah al-Zahra (peace be upon her), born in the fifth year after the Prophet’s mission. On this blessed occasion, we reflect on one of her profound teachings:

إِنْ كُنْتَ تَعْمَلُ بِمَا أَمَرْنَاكَ، وَ تَنْتَهِي عَمَّا زَجَرْنَاكَ، فَأَنْتَ مِنْ شِيعَتِنَا، وَ إِلاَّ فَلاَ (البرهان في تفسير القرآن، ج ۴، ص ۶۰۲).

“If you act upon what we have commanded you and refrain from what we have forbidden, then you are among our followers; otherwise, you are not.”

Educational messages from the hadith for teens and youth

1. Faith Is Shown in Action, Not Labels

Being a follower of Ahl al-Bayt (pbut) means behaving like them, not just calling yourself so.

Practical Challenge: This week, choose one behaviour (speech, honesty, kindness) and consciously align it with Islamic teachings.

2. Avoid Actions Which Take You Away from God

You cannot be close to the Ahl al- Bayt (pbut) while doing what they have forbidden.

Practical Challenge: Identify one harmful habit (gossip, bad language, inappropriate content) and stop it for seven days.

3. Faith Requires Both “Dos” and “Don’ts”

Being religious is not just about doing good things or only avoiding bad things — true faith needs both.

Practical Challenge: Choose one “do” (e.g., praying on time) and one “don’t” (e.g., avoiding gossip) to practise this week, and note how it affects you.

4. Don’t Be Fooled by Fake Religiosity

Some people speak about religion but do not act on it – they can be far more dangerous than those who openly show no faith.

Practical Challenge: Think about someone who influences you (a friend, influencer, or mentor); check if their actions match their religious words and avoid copying them if they don’t.

5. Choose Real Role Models

In real life and online, follow and look up to people who practise their faith sincerely, not just those who speak about religion without living it.

Practical Challenge: Review your social media follows this week and unfollow at least one account that isn’t a positive influence and follow someone who inspires you to be a better Muslim.

Educational messages from the hadith for parents

1. Teach Faith by Example, Not Just Words

Your children learn from your actions; they will trust what you do more than what you say.

Practical Challenge: Choose one Islamic principle and show it through behaviour (e.g., honesty, punctuality, generosity).

2. Choose Companions of Real Faith

Surround yourself, your family and your children with people whose actions show true faith, not just those who speak about it.

Practical Challenge: Reflect on your family’s closest circle; arrange one meaningful visit or activity with a family known for genuine, ethical behaviour.

3. Set Clear Boundaries at Home

Following Ahl al- Bayt (pbut) includes avoiding prohibited actions even within our family life.

Practical Challenge: Create a family rule against gossip, disrespectful speech or inappropriate media.

4. Regular Self-Reflection Builds True Faith

To remain genuine followers of Ahl al- Bayt (pbut), take time each week or month to honestly check whether your actions—not only your words—reflect their teachings, and teach this habit to your children too.

Practical Challenge: Set aside 15 minutes this week as a family to evaluate one habit you can all improve in line with Ahl al-Bayt’s values.

5. Share Stories that Inspire Action

Tell your children real stories of the behaviour and choices of the Ahl al- Bayt (pbut), so they learn how to act like them and become their followers in practice, not just in name.

Practical Challenge: Choose one short story about the Ahl al- Bayt (pbut) and discuss with your children what practical lesson they can apply in their daily life.

6. Build Constructive Habits, Not Just Moments

The hadith encourages consistent behaviour, not temporary enthusiasm.

Practical Challenge: Introduce one small daily family habit (e.g., short dua, one sentence of Qur’anic reflection, or gratitude).

7. Teach Accountability, Gently

Explain to your children that true faith means taking responsibility for mistakes and making amends.

Practical Challenge: When your child errs, don’t shame them; instead, guide them gently to correct the behaviour.

Educational messages from the hadith for imams, chaplains and religious leaders

1. Authentic Leadership Means Practising What You Teach

The hadith reminds us that credibility comes from action, not titles.

Practical Challenge: Make one personal commitment public (e.g., “I will never engage in gossip”) and honour it.

2. Teach Faith as Practice, Not Identity

Help your congregation see that Shia identity is not slogans, but moral conduct.

Practical Challenge: Dedicate part of a sermon to explaining how obedience is lived in daily manners and social behaviour.

3. Encourage Practical Worship

Guide people from abstract words to actual habits aligned with Ahl al- Bayt (pbut).

Practical Challenge: Recommend one weekly action to the community (e.g., visiting the sick, helping neighbours, supporting students).

4. Focus on Character Development

Teach that being a follower of Ahl al- Bayt (pbut) means cultivating humility, patience and compassion.

Practical Challenge: Give one real-life example in your sermon of how a small behaviour reflects following Ahl al- Bayt (pbut).