Tabarri in the Quran and Hadith

The Hadith literature offers substantive insights into the practice of Tabarri as observed and taught by the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and his family. For instance, Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (as), the first Shia Imam, highlighted the importance of loyalty to the Ahlul Bayt, emphasizing the necessity to distance oneself from their adversaries. In a famous saying, he stated, “Whoever dies and does not know the Imam of his age, dies the death of jahiliyyah (ignorance).” This assertion delineates the gravity of recognizing rightful leadership and the implication of disallowing enmity toward those divinely appointed by Allah.

Additionally, the teachings of the Imams often reiterate the significance of maintaining an unequivocal stance against tyranny and oppression, manifesting through the practice of Tabarri. In various narrations, the importance of expressing disavowal toward historical figures who opposed the teachings of the Prophet and the rightful Imams is underscored, allowing practitioners to consolidate their faith through the lens of loyalty.

4. Historical Context and Consequences