Imamites

Inscribed below are various excerpts from the Ancestral Injunctions, a guiding text of house Abbas and the Imamite faithful since the time of the fall. Supposedly written by the Guru Zakariyya as a guiding message for his son, Ali az-Zahir. Zakariyya's wisdom has been often-consulted, but rarely revealed - This text has now been excerpted and studied at the hands of the great scholars of Yuusei San Diego, at the behest of the great and noble Carmine dynasty. I shall offer my own commentary therein.

"Our leader, the Prophet, ordered us to plant a sapling even if it is doomsday itself. There is no tutor greater than patience for a person. With the death of your uncle at the hands of the Tyrant-King, I sought refuge in the wisdom of God, retreating my armies and men from an ephemeral victory. As wisdom dictates, Justice always prevails, and his (Commentator's Note: This refers to Dalton Areus) realm shattered upon itself as the lords of the land tore each one another asunder. Shout out the name of Allah to the farthest places, and remember your purpose - never stray from it. Should the entire realm stand against you, know that God is with you if you stand for justice and truth. History and honor concurs with this - ask the scholars of your age what happened to Kisra and Kayser This land lies sundered and bleeding, it's people look desperately for a guiding hand, but the great bear that slumbers has yet to be born into this world, but its birth will be the herald of a great golden age. Your purpose in life and in ruling is to guide this ship of truth on the starboard of our Prophet, and the sail of the Imams to the sea with Rahmat (Commentator's note - this has not been translated, though I've been informed by other learned men that this refers to mercy) and justice as your Way."

The Guru Mohammed was the author of many great teachings, which are the foundation of the Imamite faith and a major element of our own philosophies as well. Guru Zakariyya speaks of his wisdom in great length - this particular excerpt speaks of the lessons of justice and truth. Such lessons still reign true to this day, even centuries later. However, contained in this particular fragment from the Injunctions, there are some particular points of interest in this excerpt that deserve attention. Firstly, Zakariyya refers to "Kisra and Kayser" references to empires so ancient that they were said to be ruins even before the event. What scraps we know of them are understandably limited, but it is said that the predecessors of the Imamite faithful brought both empires to heel. Secondly, Zakariyya offers a very curious prediction for the future, that a great bear will be born into the world and bring about a golden age. By all accounts, this has to be our Celestial Empire, but the Lawgiver would not even be born for centuries yet. This kind of foresight on the part of Zakariyya showcases his wisdom and perhaps hints at some deeper knowledge he may have possessed. It is the opinion of this humble scholar that his time in seclusion and the wisdom borne from it allowed him to anticipate the Prime Mandate, a world where justice and truth reign, just as in his writings. It is unfathomable that such enlightenment was a mere chance- surely it was a sign of things to come, that one day California would not only be unified, but shepherded by the legendary wisdom that the Lawgiver and Zakariyya before him possessed.

"The seed which is not willing to let its shell rot cannot bear fruits.

The Islamic world is going through a big test, and it is beset on all sides. Islam was born as light and enlightened the world. but now the Islamic world is on fire. Our predecessors spread Islam to all corners, however, their successors are busy ambushing each other. the magnificent tree which took root in Medina is now being pruned; its branches are breaking."

To this day, the greatest scholars of the Celestial Empire have no idea what kind of horror caused the complete collapse of the antediluvian world, and several hundred years after it occurred, we are still captivated and regularly put in awe merely thinking at the force that could bring an entire way of life to its knees. Being a man who would have lived during this event, it can only be assumed the test Zakariyya writes of is the cataclysm itself. Imamite domination over Socal was a recent historical trend- before the catastrophe, most Angeleno followers were Doves, and the Imamites had a small following. However, by enduring and seizing the momentum of the collapse of society, Zakariyya established a grip on the land. It can only be assumed this has been done through maintaining a chilled state of mind, which Zakariyya shows excellently in these texts.

"Do not despair. Did our Prophet not order us to plant a sapling even if it is Doomsday? We shall be merciful and just - we shan't allow persecution to turn us into the persecutors. Never allow the oppressors to plant the seeds of hatred in your heart. Plant the sapling of truth within you - Recite: Oh great God who created the world and the skies, I turn to you. My aim is to set on a new road. You are the owner of the road and its destination - may you bless us at the end of this road. My wish is not to be the owner of a throne, crown or property. I wish to set off on this road in your name and to glorify your name. My only purpose for swinging my sword is to make it a tool of your justice. If my heart or mind strays from this road, lead me to the right path with crossed swords, dear God. On this road I set off to glorify your name - don't let my heart be deceived by worldly desires, don't let my mind be deceived by the devil, don't let me bow down before tyranny, dear God. Let me and my progeny serve you in this cause, and become martyrs on this road, great God."

This recited part of the text is perhaps an oath of loyalty that would be recited by the Abbas rulers. This path would be taken in the name of glorifying God, and once more, rejecting the earthly pleasures that so terribly distract many from a lifestyle that could be labeled righteous. Making sure rulers were not overindulged in the power granted to them by ruling over the realm was vital- any mistake could lead to the toppling of Abbas reign when so many of their citizens were of a different faith. And yet, proving themselves worthy of this reign in the name of their god was enough to prove themselves int he eyes of their people- and of course, this led to the continued survival of their house. Alas, in time, this must-have turned against the Abbas, leaving them no choice but to entrust power into the Carmines as they contemplated the spiritual. Below is another excerpt I have managed to extract.

"Azrael's intent is the soul, believe me All birds wake up before dawn They start reciting God's names in their own tongues Mountains, rocks and trees declare His unity This world is transient, don't ever be deceived Don't rely on the crown and throne in vanity Don't feel confident by saying 'the seven climates are mine'."

This small, poetic excerpt is rather simple in meaning. Azrael is the Angel of Death of the tradition of the Doves and Imamites - and speaking of their intent being the soul, followed by a series of warnings on relying on the goods and vanities of the material world can only really have one meaning. Those who practice the falsehoods of greed and arrogance will eventually die, and they will be judged on their character and goodness by the Imamite God. This goes as a warning to many, especially those who would unrightfully oppress the Imamites, and to even rulers of the faith who have grown foolish and decadent in their reign. The only right way to reign is by the abandonment of the world of physical pleasures, and nourishment of the soul, releasing oneself from the Pleasure Dome. This view is not unlike our own, and shows an inherit wisdom