"Ask the ahl uz zikr what you do not know…"

states the Quran. Syedna Taher Saifuddin (RA) was asked several questions relating to Islam and its relevance in modern times. The answers he gave hold curative value for the listener and indeed for generations of mumineen to come.

Syedna (RA) was only 28 when he traveled to Kathyawar. One of the officials there advised Syedna (RA) saying: "You must adapt to changing times and modern trends". Syedna (RA) responded: "On the contrary, I shall ensure that the changing times conform to my deen." The official began to apologize realizing that although he had come to counsel, he had been counseled in turn.

Amirulmumineen (AS) used to say: "The journey is long and I have little provision". Why would Amirulmumineen (AS) whose ibadat is unparalleled complain about lack of provision? That was the question. Syedna (RA) replied that if a king had to set out on a journey he had to make provision not only for himself but for his retinue as well. Likewise Amirulmumineen (AS), the maula of all mumineen, the king of kings, has to make provision for all mumineen for the journey to the hereafter.

A Muslim scholar once approached Syedna (RA) saying that the conflict between Muslim sects was due to the differences in the interpretation of the Quran. A conference must be held to clear these differences, he asserted. He then asked Syedna (RA) if there was a way by which the correct interpretation could be known. Syedna (RA) replied: Rasulullah (SA) should have been concerned that his ummat interpret the Quran in the right manner. Had he, then, made any provision for this matter? He has indeed. Rasulullah (SA) has said, "A person who interprets the Quran according to his whim will burn in hell." He has also said, "I leave behind me two treasures: the Quran and Ahl ul bayt. The two will never part." The key to the meanings of the Quran lies with the Ahl ul bayt; they and they only are entitled to interpret the Quran. The scholar was left speechless by this reply.

The Chandabhai Galla case. The advocate general asked Syedna (RA) if "Imam" who he quoted so often was referred to in the Quran. Immediately Syedna (RA) recited the ayat sharifa,

We have recorded everything in the Imam e mubin. The English translation that the judge had read: "We have recorded all things in clear writing". The Muslim attorney, however, confirmed that the word Imam was indeed present in the original Arabic text.