As-Saff (The Ranks)

14. O you who believe! Be you helpers in the Cause of Allah as said as Jesus, son of Mary, said to the disciples: “Who are my helpers in the Cause of Allah? The disciples said: “We are Allah’s helpers. Then a group of the Children of Israel believed and a group disbelieved. Therefore, We provided those who believed Assistance against their enemies and they became triumphant.

The disciples of Prophet Jesus (as) were twelve in number whose names are mentioned in available Gospels.

The Arabic word

hawari (“disciple”)

derives from the root h-w-r which denotes to wash, to whiten. The designation is owing to their white clothes and pure hearts or that they were inwardly pure and called upon others to be the same.

Imam Sadiq (as) is narrated as saying:

“Our followers are our disciples. The disciples of Jesus (as) failed to bear him assistance against the enemies and the Jews, but our followers render us help. They are tortured, sent into exile, or they fall martyrs in our cause and God Almighty will grant them good Rewards in exchange for so many afflictions that they tolerate for our sake.”1

The closing Verse of the blessed Chapter lays further emphasis on jihad that serves as the focal point of the Chapter.

However, the question is treated differently which bears more significance than the Rewards of Paradise and its Bounties as the blessed Verse is saying:

“O you who believe! Be you helpers in the Cause of Allah.”

They help in the Cause of Allah Who is the Origin of all the powers and to Whom all return. He is the Lord whose Power is Infinite and Invincible.

It is surprising that God Almighty calls upon His servants to render help in His Cause which is an unequalled glory; though the contextual meaning of the blessed Verse suggests rendering assistance to the Noble Prophet (S) and the Islamic faith, but the blessed Verse embraces wondrous Graciousness and Mercy.

To suggest that treading such path is not unprecedented, a historical illustration is mentioned herein by saying that in the same manner that Jesus (S), son of Mary, asked his disciples:

“Who are my helpers in the Cause of Allah?”

The disciples most proudly replied:

“We are Allah’s helpers.”

Thus, they rose up to confront the enemies of Truth. Some of the Children of Israel believed and joined the disciples and some disbelieved. Thus God Almighty provided those who believed Assistance against their enemies and they finally triumphed over them.

You are the disciples of Prophet Muhammad (S) and take pride in that you are Allah’s helpers. In the same manner that the disciples of Jesus (as) triumphed over the enemies, you will become triumphant and the glory of this world and the world to come will be in store for you.