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نهج البلاغة — الحکم

Nahj al-Balagha — Sayings

489 verses Source: Nahj al-Balagha

This translation was machine-assisted and is awaiting scholarly review. The Arabic above is the authoritative text.

On this page489
  1. Sayings 1 How to deal with civil disturbance
  2. Sayings 2 Understanding anti-values
  3. Sayings 3 Anti values
  4. Sayings 4 Moral values and anti-values
  5. Sayings 5 Understanding the ethical values
  6. Sayings 6 The value of secrecy and kindness
  7. Sayings 7 Advantage of charity and remembrance of the resurrection
  8. Sayings 8 The wonders of the human body
  9. Sayings 9 The consequence of graces and adversities of the world
  10. Sayings 10 The way of living with people
  11. Sayings 11 How to deal with the enemy
  12. Sayings 12 The Methods of making friends
  13. Sayings 13 The way of using from blessings
  14. Sayings 14 The way of dealing with relatives
  15. Sayings 15 How to deal with cheated persons
  16. Sayings 16 Understanding the determinism and free will
  17. Sayings 17 The necessity of colouring the hair
  18. Sayings 18 The ominous results of escaping from war
  19. Sayings 19 The ominous results of sensualism
  20. Sayings 20 How to deal with noble persons
  21. Sayings 21 Values and anti-values
  22. Sayings 22 The ways of taking rights
  23. Sayings 23 Action superiority
  24. Sayings 24 How to help people
  25. Sayings 25 The role of God fearing in increasing the blessings
  26. Sayings 26 The role of morale in human body
  27. Sayings 27 The method of pains treatment
  28. Sayings 28 The best piety
  29. Sayings 29 The necessity of reminding death
  30. Sayings 30 Avoiding from negligence
  31. Sayings 31 Understanding the foundations of faith
  32. Sayings 32 The worth of benefactor
  33. Sayings 33 Moderation in forgiveness and audit
  34. Sayings 34 The way to be richness
  35. Sayings 35 The necessity of understanding the situation
  36. Sayings 36 Great wishes and delinquency
  37. Sayings 37 The necessity of leaving the foolish customs
  38. Sayings 38 The values and the rules of behaving with people
  39. Sayings 39 The place of obligations and supererogatory worship
  40. Sayings 40 The way of knowing the wise and foolish
  41. Sayings 41 The way of knowing the wise and foolish
  42. Sayings 42 Disease and wiping out the sins
  43. Sayings 43 Characteristics of Khabab bin Alart
  44. Sayings 44 The value of reminding the Hereafter.
  45. Sayings 45 To recognize the believers and the hypocrites
  46. Sayings 46 The value of regret and the abomination of selfishness
  47. Sayings 47 Understanding values
  48. Sayings 48 Secrecy and victory
  49. Sayings 49 Recognition of honourable and rascal
  50. Sayings 50 The way of attracting hearts
  51. Sayings 51 Power and covering the defects
  52. Sayings 52 How to deal with the defeated people
  53. Sayings 53 Understanding the role of generosity
  54. Sayings 54 Ethical values
  55. Sayings 55 Types of tolerance
  56. Sayings 56 Poverty and loneliness
  57. Sayings 57 The value of contentment
  58. Sayings 58 Richness and lust
  59. Sayings 59 The value of warning mistakes
  60. Sayings 60 The need to control the tongue
  61. Sayings 61 Sweetness of women's annoyance
  62. Sayings 62 How to answer the praises and goodness's
  63. Sayings 63 The value of intercession
  64. Sayings 64 Warning about negligence
  65. Sayings 65 leaving friends and being alone
  66. Sayings 66 The correct way of asking
  67. Sayings 67 The value of economic sacrifice
  68. Sayings 68 The results of chastity and thanksgiving
  69. Sayings 69 Keeping hopefulness
  70. Sayings 70 The psychology of a fool person
  71. Sayings 71 The sign of the completeness of wisdom
  72. Sayings 72 Human being and the wold
  73. Sayings 73 The necessity of self-discipline
  74. Sayings 74 The necessity of reminiscing the death
  75. Sayings 75 Attention to mortality of the world
  76. Sayings 76 Analysis of Events
  77. Sayings 77 Knowing the world
  78. Sayings 78 Determinism and free will
  79. Sayings 79 The value of wisdom
  80. Sayings 80 Believer and the value of wisdom
  81. Sayings 81 The value of human beings
  82. Sayings 82 Prominent human values
  83. Sayings 83 Warning about excessive praise
  84. Sayings 84 the people after the wars
  85. Sayings 85 The phrase "I do not know."
  86. Sayings 86 The predominance elderly's experience
  87. Sayings 87 The value of asking forgiveness
  88. Sayings 88 Two safety factor
  89. Sayings 89 The reforming this world and the hereafter
  90. Sayings 90 Recognition of knowledgeable scientist
  91. Sayings 91 The way of psychotherapy
  92. Sayings 92 The most honourable knowledge
  93. Sayings 93 The philosophy of trials
  94. Sayings 94 Understanding the goodness and wellness
  95. Sayings 95 Piety and e value of acts
  96. Sayings 96 The value of science and Worship
  97. Sayings 97 The value of certainty
  98. Sayings 98 The necessity of acting according to traditions
  99. Sayings 99 Interpretation of انّا لِلّه
  100. Sayings 100 The way of worshiping
  101. Sayings 101 The way of meeting people’s needs
  102. Sayings 102 The future and metamorphosis of values
  103. Sayings 103 How to deal with the world
  104. Sayings 104 description the pious and the value of being early bird
  105. Sayings 105 description the pious and the value of being early bird
  106. Sayings 106 The risk of giving up something relevant to religion
  107. Sayings 107 The reason of scholar's downfall
  108. Sayings 108 Wonders of the human soul
  109. Sayings 109 The great value of the Prophet's (SAAW) household
  110. Sayings 110 The conditions of fulfilling the God's commandments
  111. Sayings 111 The difficulties of loving Imam Ali(PBUH)
  112. Sayings 112 The difficulties of being Shiite
  113. Sayings 113 The great ethical values
  114. Sayings 114 Optimism and pessimism
  115. Sayings 115 Paying attention to the mortality of the world
  116. Sayings 116 Human and the variety of the trials
  117. Sayings 117 Avoiding from exorbitance or negligence in friendship with Imam(PBUH)
  118. Sayings 118 Using from chances
  119. Sayings 119 The necessity of understanding the world
  120. Sayings 120 The psychology of the Quraysh tribe
  121. Sayings 121 Assessing the actions
  122. Sayings 122 Learning something from friends' death
  123. Sayings 123 Complete patterns of humanity
  124. Sayings 124 Male and female psychology
  125. Sayings 125 Imam and introducing Islam
  126. Sayings 126 Wonders of the miser's life
  127. Sayings 127 Blaming for being negligent in action
  128. Sayings 128 The impact of environmental factors on health
  129. Sayings 129 Understanding the greatness of the Lord
  130. Sayings 130 Paying attention to the world morality
  131. Sayings 131 Admonishing who abuses the world
  132. Sayings 132 The necessity of reminding death
  133. Sayings 133 Types of people in the world
  134. Sayings 134 The rights of the friends
  135. Sayings 135 Four superior value
  136. Sayings 136 The philosophy of Islamic precepts
  137. Sayings 137 Livelihood and the alms
  138. Sayings 138 The reward of being generous
  139. Sayings 139 The relationship between God's aids and needs
  140. Sayings 140 Contentment and satiety
  141. Sayings 141 The key to ease
  142. Sayings 142 Friendship and wisdom
  143. Sayings 143 Sorrows and premature aging
  144. Sayings 144 Sorrows and endurance
  145. Sayings 145 Useless worships
  146. Sayings 146 The value of prayer, alms and charity
  147. Sayings 147 Ethical and religious recommendations to Komeil
  148. Sayings 148 Words role in human cognition
  149. Sayings 149 The necessity for self analysis
  150. Sayings 150 Anti values and warnings
  151. Sayings 151 The necessity of futurism
  152. Sayings 152 paying attention to morality
  153. Sayings 153 Patience and victory
  154. Sayings 154 The importance of intentions
  155. Sayings 155 The necessity of adhering to the promises
  156. Sayings 156 The necessity of theology and obedience from Him
  157. Sayings 157 Availability of guidance ways
  158. Sayings 158 How to deal with bad friends
  159. Sayings 159 Avoidance of accusation positions
  160. Sayings 160 Power and violence
  161. Sayings 161 The value of consultation and avoid egocentrism
  162. Sayings 162 The necessity of secrecy
  163. Sayings 163 Poverty and destruction
  164. Sayings 164 Methods of dealing with offenders
  165. Sayings 165 Avoiding from disobedience of God
  166. Sayings 166 Avoiding from infringement of others' rights
  167. Sayings 167 Egotism and deprivations
  168. Sayings 168 Paying attention to mortality of the world
  169. Sayings 169 Futurism
  170. Sayings 170 The necessity of abandoning a sin
  171. Sayings 171 The ominous consequence of usury
  172. Sayings 172 Ignorance and enmities
  173. Sayings 173 The value of consultations
  174. Sayings 174 The worth of getting angry for God
  175. Sayings 175 The fear Treatment
  176. Sayings 176 The tools of management
  177. Sayings 177 How to deal with evil doer
  178. Sayings 178 The methods of eliminating the evils
  179. Sayings 179 Obstinacy and weakness of will
  180. Sayings 180 Being greedy and slavery
  181. Sayings 181 The value of prudence
  182. Sayings 182 Understanding the role of speech and silence
  183. Sayings 183 The reason of disagreement
  184. Sayings 184 Ideological characteristics of Imam(PBUH)
  185. Sayings 185 Ideological characteristics of Imam(PBUH)
  186. Sayings 186 The future of oppressor
  187. Sayings 187 The necessity of reminding the Resurrection
  188. Sayings 188 The necessity of acting right
  189. Sayings 189 The value of patience and the risk of being impatience
  190. Sayings 190 The method for selecting the Caliphate
  191. Sayings 191 The problems of the world
  192. Sayings 192 Warning for gathering property
  193. Sayings 193 The best way to utilize the heart
  194. Sayings 194 The necessity of avoiding from anger and revenge
  195. Sayings 195 Avoidance from miserliness
  196. Sayings 196 learning some lessons from wasting properties
  197. Sayings 197 The method of psychotherapy
  198. Sayings 198 The necessity of governance
  199. Sayings 199 Blaming the thugs
  200. Sayings 200 Criticizing the villains
  201. Sayings 201 The guardian angels and human protection
  202. Sayings 202 Realism in politics
  203. Sayings 203 Remembering death and piety
  204. Sayings 204 Neglecting to gratitude of people
  205. Sayings 205 Unlimited capacity of science
  206. Sayings 206 The result of patience and endurance
  207. Sayings 207 The value to liken to the Clements
  208. Sayings 208 The stages of self improvement
  209. Sayings 209 The news of the appearance of Imam Mahdi (PBUH)
  210. Sayings 210 Piety and pious
  211. Sayings 211 Ethical Values
  212. Sayings 212 Egotism is the enemy of wisdom
  213. Sayings 213 Patience and satisfaction
  214. Sayings 214 Humility and prosperity
  215. Sayings 215 Opposition is the enemy of good thought
  216. Sayings 216 Power and aggressiveness
  217. Sayings 217 Knowing the human being in change of circumstance
  218. Sayings 218 Jealousy damages friendship
  219. Sayings 219 Wishes, damage the thought
  220. Sayings 220 Justice in judgment
  221. Sayings 221 Painful future of oppressors
  222. Sayings 222 Neglecting evil-doers
  223. Sayings 223 Modesty and covering defects
  224. Sayings 224 Some of ethical values
  225. Sayings 225 Jealousy and disease
  226. Sayings 226 Greed and humiliation
  227. Sayings 227 The bases of faith
  228. Sayings 228 Values and anti-values
  229. Sayings 229 The value of contentment and good humour
  230. Sayings 230 The way of gaining the livelihood
  231. Sayings 231 Definition of justice and charity
  232. Sayings 232 The consequence of charity
  233. Sayings 233 Avoiding from beginning the fight
  234. Sayings 234 Ethical difference between men and women
  235. Sayings 235 Ethical difference between men and women
  236. Sayings 236 Understanding the world
  237. Sayings 237 Different kinds of worship
  238. Sayings 238 The problems of starting a family
  239. Sayings 239 The evilness of laziness and gossiping
  240. Sayings 240 Prohibition of unlawfully seized
  241. Sayings 241 The painful future of oppressors
  242. Sayings 242 The value of God fearing
  243. Sayings 243 The correct way of respond
  244. Sayings 244 Responsibility for divine blessings
  245. Sayings 245 Power and desire
  246. Sayings 246 Warning from slipping away of blessings
  247. Sayings 247 The result of generosity
  248. Sayings 248 Improving optimism
  249. Sayings 249 The best acts
  250. Sayings 250 Theology in everyday events
  251. Sayings 251 Bitterness and sweetness of this world and the hereafter
  252. Sayings 252 The philosophy of religious precepts
  253. Sayings 253 How to make an oppressor to swear
  254. Sayings 254 Initiative to charity
  255. Sayings 255 Anger and madness
  256. Sayings 256 Jealousy and illnesses
  257. Sayings 257 The way of making others happy
  258. Sayings 258 Charity and richness
  259. Sayings 259 Understanding the place of loyalty
  260. Sayings 260 Warning about giving time by God
  261. Sayings 261 The innocence of Imam Ali (PBUH)
  262. Sayings 262 Deviants from the right
  263. Sayings 263 Problems with powerful companionship
  264. Sayings 264 Benefiting to the survivors of others
  265. Sayings 265 Utterance of the wise persons
  266. Sayings 266 The correct way to response
  267. Sayings 267 Avoidance being greedy
  268. Sayings 268 Moderation in friendship and enmity
  269. Sayings 269 How to deal with the world
  270. Sayings 270 The need to preserve the Kaaba's property
  271. Sayings 271 The right way of judgement
  272. Sayings 272 Efforts to remove corruption
  273. Sayings 273 The necessity of trust in God
  274. Sayings 274 The need for action
  275. Sayings 275 Ethical anti-values
  276. Sayings 276 Avoidance from hypocrisy
  277. Sayings 277 The oath of Imam
  278. Sayings 278 The value of continuation of the action
  279. Sayings 279 Knowing the place of obligatory and recommended action
  280. Sayings 280 Reminding the Resurrection
  281. Sayings 281 Wisdom supremacy from eye view
  282. Sayings 282 Selfishness is the enemy of taking advice
  283. Sayings 283 The causes of the society collapse
  284. Sayings 284 Knowledge superiority
  285. Sayings 285 The necessity to utilizing the opportunities
  286. Sayings 286 The end of enjoyments
  287. Sayings 287 The problem of understanding fate
  288. Sayings 288 Ignorance and humiliation
  289. Sayings 289 The perfect model of humanity
  290. Sayings 290 Responsibility for the blessings
  291. Sayings 291 The methods offering condolence
  292. Sayings 292 The Prophet (SAAW) mourning
  293. Sayings 293 Warning being friend with fools
  294. Sayings 294 The distance between the East and West
  295. Sayings 295 Recognition of friends and foes
  296. Sayings 296 Avoiding from enmity
  297. Sayings 297 The necessity of learning lesson
  298. Sayings 298 Moderation in enmity
  299. Sayings 299 Asking help from the God with prayer
  300. Sayings 300 How Allah provides all persons livelihood
  301. Sayings 301 The sign of wisdom
  302. Sayings 302 Mankind and prayer
  303. Sayings 303 Worldliness value
  304. Sayings 304 Compliance of the destitute
  305. Sayings 305 Zealous and leaving adultery
  306. Sayings 306 Death is the guard for human
  307. Sayings 307 The problem of looted property
  308. Sayings 308 The result of ancestors' friendship
  309. Sayings 309 The thoughts of a believers
  310. Sayings 310 Trust in the God
  311. Sayings 311 The curse of Imam Ali (PBUH)
  312. Sayings 312 The psychology of worship
  313. Sayings 313 The comprehensiveness of the Quran
  314. Sayings 314 How to deal with aggressor
  315. Sayings 315 The method of writing
  316. Sayings 316 Leadership of the believers and wicked persons
  317. Sayings 317 Deviation of Jews
  318. Sayings 318 The courage of Imam
  319. Sayings 319 The ominous result of poverty
  320. Sayings 320 The correct way of asking questions
  321. Sayings 321 The leadership's courageous in consultation
  322. Sayings 322 The need to strengthening the people's morale after the war
  323. Sayings 323 The reasons of deviation of the Kharijite
  324. Sayings 324 God-fearing in loneliness situations
  325. Sayings 325 Grief in death of Muhammad ibn Abi Bakr
  326. Sayings 326 The deadline of accepting Repentance
  327. Sayings 327 False victories
  328. Sayings 328 The responsibility of the riches
  329. Sayings 329 No need to apologize
  330. Sayings 330 Responsibility for the blessings
  331. Sayings 331 The value of obedience
  332. Sayings 332 The responsibility of leadership
  333. Sayings 333 The psychology of the believer
  334. Sayings 334 Reminding the death
  335. Sayings 335 The enemies of properties
  336. Sayings 336 Responsibility for promises
  337. Sayings 337 The necessity for action
  338. Sayings 338 Types of science
  339. Sayings 339 Power and the governance of thoughts
  340. Sayings 340 The value of chastity and thanksgiving
  341. Sayings 341 The painful day of a cruel
  342. Sayings 342 Real richness
  343. Sayings 343 Knowing people and anti-value
  344. Sayings 344 Paying attention to world mortality
  345. Sayings 345 One of the ways of being pure
  346. Sayings 346 The problems of begging
  347. Sayings 347 Moderation in praise
  348. Sayings 348 The most serious sin
  349. Sayings 349 The perfect model of a man
  350. Sayings 350 The psychology of oppressors
  351. Sayings 351 Being hopeful in adversity
  352. Sayings 352 Moderation in looking after the family
  353. Sayings 353 The greatest defect
  354. Sayings 354 How to congratulate on the birth of a child
  355. Sayings 355 Avoiding from being luxury
  356. Sayings 356 The power of God in providing livelihood
  357. Sayings 357 The way of consoling
  358. Sayings 358 The responsibility for blessings
  359. Sayings 359 How to self-regulate
  360. Sayings 360 Avoiding from suspicion
  361. Sayings 361 How to ask God
  362. Sayings 362 Avoiding from controversy and conflict
  363. Sayings 363 A sign of being foolish
  364. Sayings 364 Asking situations
  365. Sayings 365 Ethical values
  366. Sayings 366 The coordination of science and practice
  367. Sayings 367 How to deal with the world
  368. Sayings 368 The philosophy of punishment and reward
  369. Sayings 369 News from future
  370. Sayings 370 The necessity of virtue
  371. Sayings 371 The great ethical values
  372. Sayings 372 The mainstay of religion and the world
  373. Sayings 373 The steps of the persuasion for good and dissuasion from evil,
  374. Sayings 374 Steps of the persuasion for good and dissuasion from evil,
  375. Sayings 375 Stages of Jihad
  376. Sayings 376 The future of right and wrong things
  377. Sayings 377 Fear and hope
  378. Sayings 378 The ominous effects of miserliness
  379. Sayings 379 Types of livelihood
  380. Sayings 380 The necessity to reminiscing the death
  381. Sayings 381 To keep secret
  382. Sayings 382 The value of silence
  383. Sayings 383 Thraldom
  384. Sayings 384 The correct way of living
  385. Sayings 385 Humbleness of the world
  386. Sayings 386 The necessity of endurance
  387. Sayings 387 Recognition of good and evil
  388. Sayings 388 Removing the poverty and health
  389. Sayings 389 The necessity for action
  390. Sayings 390 Correct planning for life
  391. Sayings 391 The necessity of leaving illegal act
  392. Sayings 392 The way to know people
  393. Sayings 393 How to deal with the world
  394. Sayings 394 The worth of expression
  395. Sayings 395 The value of contentment
  396. Sayings 396 A good way to live
  397. Sayings 397 Fine smells
  398. Sayings 398 Leaving selfishness
  399. Sayings 399 Interactive rights between father and the child
  400. Sayings 400 Knowledge of right and wrong
  401. Sayings 401 Coordination with people
  402. Sayings 402 The necessity of recognizing the position
  403. Sayings 403 Avoiding from various job
  404. Sayings 404 The meaning of “la hawla wala quwwata illa billah”
  405. Sayings 405 Ignorant pretenders
  406. Sayings 406 The riches and the poor's' behaviour
  407. Sayings 407 The value of wisdom
  408. Sayings 408 The result of fighting for the truth
  409. Sayings 409 The coordination between heart and eye
  410. Sayings 410 The value of chastity
  411. Sayings 411 Respecting the master
  412. Sayings 412 The best way of self-regulating
  413. Sayings 413 Enduring the disasters
  414. Sayings 414 enduring the disasters
  415. Sayings 415 The reality of the world
  416. Sayings 416 How to deal with the world
  417. Sayings 417 The conditions of asking forgiveness
  418. Sayings 418 The result of endurance
  419. Sayings 419 The problems of a human
  420. Sayings 420 The way of dealing with lusts
  421. Sayings 421 The result of wisdom
  422. Sayings 422 The value of beneficence
  423. Sayings 423 The result of self-regulating
  424. Sayings 424 The value of wisdom and patience
  425. Sayings 425 Responsibility of the riches
  426. Sayings 426 Two unstable things
  427. Sayings 427 The situation of making complaint
  428. Sayings 428 Real festival
  429. Sayings 429 The greatest regret
  430. Sayings 430 The greatest loser
  431. Sayings 431 Types of livelihood
  432. Sayings 432 The characteristics of Allah lovers
  433. Sayings 433 Considering mortality of pleasures
  434. Sayings 434 Testing people
  435. Sayings 435 The great ethical values
  436. Sayings 436 Recognizing the honourable persons
  437. Sayings 437 Justice and generosity
  438. Sayings 438 Ignorance and hostility
  439. Sayings 439 True asceticism
  440. Sayings 440 The role of dreaming in life
  441. Sayings 441 Job experience and knowing the directors
  442. Sayings 442 The best town
  443. Sayings 443 Characteristics of Malek Ashtar
  444. Sayings 444 The value of continuing a task
  445. Sayings 445 Anthropology
  446. Sayings 446 The necessity to pay debts
  447. Sayings 447 The necessity of knowing the rules of religious laws about business
  448. Sayings 448 The way to deal with the distresses
  449. Sayings 449 The way to confront the sensualism
  450. Sayings 450 Avoidance from kidding
  451. Sayings 451 How to deal with the people
  452. Sayings 452 Recognition of the riches and poor
  453. Sayings 453 The reason for deviation of Al-Zubayr
  454. Sayings 454 How to remove the selfishness
  455. Sayings 455 The greatest poet
  456. Sayings 456 The price of human souls
  457. Sayings 457 Being greedy for property and science
  458. Sayings 458 Signs of faith
  459. Sayings 459 Understanding the role of free will and fatalism
  460. Sayings 460 The value of patience and endurance
  461. Sayings 461 Backbiting is the sign of helplessness
  462. Sayings 462 To be deceived by praise
  463. Sayings 463 This world has been created for other world
  464. Sayings 464 Awful fate of the Umayyad's
  465. Sayings 465 The prominent value of the Ansar
  466. Sayings 466 The status of eye
  467. Sayings 467 Leadership qualities
  468. Sayings 468 People's future severe time
  469. Sayings 469 Avoiding from exorbitance and negligence towards Imam
  470. Sayings 470 Theism and justice
  471. Sayings 471 Understanding the situation of speech and silence
  472. Sayings 472 Prayers for rain
  473. Sayings 473 Hair colouring
  474. Sayings 474 The value of chastity
  475. Sayings 475 The value of contentment
  476. Sayings 476 The method of governing a country
  477. Sayings 477 The worst sin
  478. Sayings 478 The responsibility of knowledgeable persons
  479. Sayings 479 The worst comrade
  480. Sayings 480 The enemy of friendship
  481. Sayings 481 Referring to the appearance of Imam Mahdi
  482. Sayings 482 Eloquence
  483. Sayings 483 Avoiding from enmity
  484. Sayings 484 Guardianship over women
  485. Sayings 485 The effect of faith on the spirit
  486. Sayings 486 The necessity of paying zakat
  487. Sayings 487 Military ethics
  488. Sayings 488 Hoping to win
  489. Sayings 489 The courage of the Prophet

  1. Sayings 1 How to deal with civil disturbance

    321

    معرفه الرذایل الاخلاقیه قال علیه السلام : کن فی الفتنه کابن اللبون لا ظهر فیرکب و لا ضرع فیحلب.

    How to deal with civil disturbance Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: During civil disturbance be like an adolescent camel who has neither a back strong enough for riding nor udders for milking.

  2. Sayings 2 Understanding anti-values

    322

    معرفه الرذایل الاخلاقیه قال علیه السلام : ازری بنفسه من استشعر الطمع، و رضی بالذل من کشف ضره، و هانت علیه نفسه من امر علیها لسانه

    Understanding anti-values Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: Whoever adopts greed as a habit devalues himself whoever discloses his hardship agrees to be humiliated and whoever allows his tongue to overpower his soul debases the soul.

  3. Sayings 3 Anti values

    323

    اسلوب مواجهه الفتن قال علیه السلام : والبخل عار والجبن منقصه والفقر یخرس الفطن عن حجته والمقل غریب فی بلدته

    Anti values Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: Miserliness is a shame cowardice is a defect poverty disables an intelligent man from arguing his case and a destitute person is a stranger in his own hometown.

  4. Sayings 4 Moral values and anti-values

    324

    معرفه الرذایل و الفضایل الاخلاقیه قال علیه السلام : العجز افه والصبر شجاع و الزهد ثروه والورع جنه ونعم القرین الرضى.

    Moral values and anti-values Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: Incapability is a catastrophe endurance is bravery abstinence is a wealth self-restraint is a shield (against sinning) and the best company is submission (to Allah’s will).

  5. Sayings 5 Understanding the ethical values

    325

    معرفه الفضایل الاخلاقیه قال علیه السلام : العلم وراثه کریمه و الاداب حلل مجدده و الفکر مراه صافیه

    Understanding the ethical values Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: Knowledge is a venerable estate good manners are new outfits and thinking is a clear mirror.

  6. Sayings 6 The value of secrecy and kindness

    326

    فضل التواضع و حفظ السر قال علیه السلام : صدر العاقل صندوق سره و البشاشه حباله الموده و الاحتمال قبر العیوب و روی انه قال فى العباره عن هذا المعنى ایضا المساله خبا العیوب و من رضی عن نفسه کثر الساخط علیه .

    The value of secrecy and kindness Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: The bosom of the wise is the safe of his secrets cheerfulness is the bond of friendship effective forbearance is the grave of shortcomings. It is narrated that Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following in order to explain this meaning: Mutual reconciliation is the covering for shortcomings and whoever admires himself attracts many opponents against him.

  7. Sayings 7 Advantage of charity and remembrance of the resurrection

    327

    فضل الانفاق و ذکر القیامه قال علیه السلام : الصدقه دوا منجح، و اعمال العباد فی عاجلهم نصب اعینهم فی اجلهم.

    Advantage of charity and remembrance of the resurrection Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: Charity is an effective cure and the actions of people in their present life will be before their eyes in the next.

  8. Sayings 8 The wonders of the human body

    328

    عجایب فی خلقه الانسان قال علیه السلام : اعجبوا لهذا الانسان ینظر بشحم و یتکلم بلحم ویسمع بعظم، ویتنفس من خرم!!

    The wonders of the human body Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: How wonderful is man: He sees with fat, talks with a piece of flesh, hears with a bone and breathes through a hole!

  9. Sayings 9 The consequence of graces and adversities of the world

    329

    نتایج اقبال و ادبارها الدنیا قال علیه السلام : اذا اقبلت الدنیا على احد اعارته محاسن غیره، واذا ادبرت عنه سلبته محاسن نفسه.

    The consequence of graces and adversities of the world Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: When this world advances towards anyone (with its riches), it attributes to him the good of others, and when it turns away from him, it deprives him of his own good.

  10. Sayings 10 The way of living with people

    330

    اسلوب مواجهه الناس قال علیه السلام : خالطوا الناس مخالطه ان متم معها بکوا علیکم، وان عشتم حنوا الیکم

    The way of living with people Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: Deal with people in such a manner that if you die they should weep for you, and if you live they should long for you.

  11. Sayings 11 How to deal with the enemy

    331

    اسلوب مواجهه العدو قال علیه السلام : اذا قدرت على عدوک فاجعل العفو عنه شکرا للقدره علیه

    How to deal with the enemy Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: When you gain power over your adversary, pardon him as your way of expressing thanks [to Allah] for being able to overpower him

  12. Sayings 12 The Methods of making friends

    332

    طرق الموده قال علیه السلام : اعجز الناس من عجز عن اکتساب الاخوان، واعجز منه من ضیع من ظفر به منهم

    The Methods of making friends Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: The most helpless of all men is whoever cannot find a few brothers during his life but still more helpless is whoever finds such a brother but loses him

  13. Sayings 13 The way of using from blessings

    333

    اسلوب مواجهه النعم الالهیه قال علیه السلام : اذا وصلت الیکم اطراف النعم فلا تنفروا اقصاها بقله الشکر.

    The way of using from blessings Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: When you get (only) small favors, do not push them away by being ungrateful.

  14. Sayings 14 The way of dealing with relatives

    334

    اسلوب التعامل مع الاقربا قال علیه السلام : من ضیعه الاقرب اتیح له الابعد

    The way of dealing with relatives Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: Whoever is abandoned by near ones is dear to remote ones.

  15. Sayings 15 How to deal with cheated persons

    335

    اسلوب التعامل مع المفتون قال علیه السلام : ما کل مفتون یعاتب

    How to deal with cheated persons Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: Every mischief monger cannot even be reproved.

  16. Sayings 16 Understanding the determinism and free will

    336

    معرفه منزله التقدیر و التدبیر قال علیه السلام : تذل الامور للمقادیر، حتى یکون الحتف فی التدبیر.

    Understanding the determinism and free will Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: All matters are subject to destiny, so much so that sometimes death results from effort.

  17. Sayings 17 The necessity of colouring the hair

    337

    عله تغییر الشیب وسیل علیه السلام عن قول النبی (صلى الله علیه واله): «غیروا الشیب، ولا تشبهوا بالیهود فقال علیه السلام : انما قال صلى الله علیه واله ذلک والدین قل فاما الان وقد اتسع نطاقه وضرب بجرانه فامرو وما اختار.

    The necessity of colouring the hair Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) was asked to explain the saying of the Messenger of Allah that: “Banish your old age (by hair-dye) and do not acquire resemblance to the Jews.” Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: The Prophet (SAAW) said this at a time when the religion was confined to a few, but now that its expanse has widened and it is firmly settled, everyone is free in his action.

  18. Sayings 18 The ominous results of escaping from war

    338

    النتایج الذمیمه للفرار قال علیه السلام : فی الذین اعتزلوا القتال معه: خذلوا الحق، ولم ینصروا الباطل.

    The ominous results of escaping from war Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: about those who avoided fighting on his side: They abandoned righteousness but did not support wrong.

  19. Sayings 19 The ominous results of sensualism

    339

    النتایج الذمیمه لاتباع الهوی قال علیه السلام : من جرى فی عنان امله عثر باجله

    The ominous results of sensualism Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: Whoever gallops with a loose rein collides with death.

  20. Sayings 20 How to deal with noble persons

    340

    اسلوب التعامل مع الکرام قال علیه السلام : اقیلوا ذوی المروات عثراتهم فما یعثر منهم عاثر الا وید الله بیده یرفعه

    How to deal with noble persons Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: Forgive the shortcomings of considerate people because when they fall into error Allah raises them up.

  21. Sayings 21 Values and anti-values

    341

    الفضایل و الرذایل الاخلاقیه قال علیه السلام : قرنت الهیبه بالخیبه والحیا بالحرمان والفرصه تمر مر السحاب، فانتهزوا فرص الخیر.

    Values and anti-values Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: The consequence of fear is disappointment and of bashfulness is frustration. Opportunity passes away like the cloud. Therefore, make use of good opportunities

  22. Sayings 22 The ways of taking rights

    342

    طرق اخذ الحق قال علیه السلام : لنا حق فان اعطیناه والا رکبنا اعجاز الابل وان طال السرى. قال الرضى : و هذا من لطیف الکلام و فصیحه، و معناه انا ان لم نعط حقنا کنا اذلا، و ذلک ان الردیف یرکب عجز البعیر کالعبد و الاسیر و من یجری مجراهما.

    The ways of taking rights Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: We have a right. If it is granted to us, that is good otherwise, we will ride on the hind of the camel even though the night journey may be long. Sayyid ar-Radi says the following: “This is a very fine and eloquent expression. It means that if we are not allowed to enjoy our right, we will be regarded as humble. This sense comes out from this expression because on the rear part of the camel only slaves, prisoners or other people of this type used to ride.”

  23. Sayings 23 Action superiority

    343

    فضل العمل قال علیه السلام : من ابطا به عمله لم یسرع به حسبه.

    Action superiority Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: If the deeds of someone accord (him) a back status, he cannot be given a front status simply on account of his lineage.

  24. Sayings 24 How to help people

    344

    اسلوب خدمه الناس قال علیه السلام : من کفارات الذنوب العظام اغاثه الملهوف، والتنفیس عن المکروب

    How to help people Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: Some atonements of great sins are to render relief to the grief-stricken and to provide comfort in hardship.

  25. Sayings 25 The role of God fearing in increasing the blessings

    345

    الخوف من الله عند النعم قال علیه السلام : یابن ادم، اذا رایت ربک سبحانه یتابع علیک نعمه وانت تعصیه فاحذره

    The role of God fearing in increasing the blessings Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: O son of Adam! When you see that your Lord, the Glorified One bestows His favors on you while you are disobeying Him, you should fear Him.

  26. Sayings 26 The role of morale in human body

    346

    العلاقه بین الروح و البدن قال علیه السلام : ما اضمر احد شییا الا ظهر فی فلتات لسانه و صفحات وجهه.

    The role of morale in human body Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: Whenever a person conceals a thing in his heart, it manifests itself through unintentional words from his tongue and (in) the expressions of his face.

  27. Sayings 27 The method of pains treatment

    347

    اسلوب علاج المرض قال علیه السلام : امش بدایک ما مشى بک.

    The method of pains treatment Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: Keep walking in your sickness as long as you can.

  28. Sayings 28 The best piety

    348

    افضل الزهد قال علیه السلام : افضل الزهد اخفا الزهد.

    The best piety Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: The best part of asceticism is to conceal it.

  29. Sayings 29 The necessity of reminding death

    349

    ضروره ذکر الموت قال علیه السلام : اذا کنت فی ادبار و الموت فی اقبال فما اسرع الملتقى!

    The necessity of reminding death Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: When you are running away from the world and death is approaching, there is no question of delay in the encounter.

  30. Sayings 30 Avoiding from negligence

    350

    التحذیر من الغفله قال علیه السلام : الحذر الحذر! فوالله لقد ستر، حتى کانه قد غفر.

    Avoiding from negligence Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: Fear! Fear! By Allah, He has hidden your sins, so much so that it is as though He has forgiven them!

  31. Sayings 31 Understanding the foundations of faith

    351

    معرفظ اقسام الایمان، الکفر و التردید و سیل علیه السلام عن الایمان فقال الایمان على اربع دعایم على الصبر و الیقین و العدل و الجهاد و الصبر منها على اربع شعب على الشوق و الشفق و الزهد و الترقب فمن اشتاق الى الجنه سلا عن الشهوات و من اشفق من النار اجتنب المحرمات و من زهد فى الدنیا استهان بالمصیبات و من ارتقب الموت سارع الى الخیرات و الیقین منها على اربع شعب على تبصره الفطنه و تاول الحکمه و موعظه العبره و سنه الاولین فمن تبصر فى الفطنه تبینت له الحکمه و من تبینت له الحکمه عرف العبره و من عرف العبره فکانما کان فى الاولین و العدل منها على اربع شعب على غایص الفهم و غور العلم و زهره الحکم و رساخه الحلم فمن فهم علم غور العلم و من علم غور العلم صدر عن شرایع الحکم و من حلم لم یفرط فى امره و عاش فى الناس حمیدا و الجهاد منها على اربع شعب على الامر بالمعروف و النهی عن المنکر و الصدق فى المواطن و شنان الفاسقین فمن امر بالمعروف شد ظهور المومنین و من نهى عن المنکر ارغم انوف الکافرین و من صدق فى المواطن قضى ما علیه و من شنی الفاسقین و غضب لله غضب الله له و ارضاه یوم القیامه و الکفر على اربع دعایم على التعمق و التنازع و الزیغ و الشقاق فمن تعمق لم ینب الى الحق و من کثر نزاعه بالجهل دام عماه عن الحق و من زاغ سات عنده الحسنه و حسنت عنده السییه و سکر سکر الضلاله و من شاق وعرت علیه طرقه و اعضل علیه امره و ضاق علیه مخرجه و الشک على اربع شعب على التمارى و الهول و التردد و الاستسلام فمن جعل المرا دیدنا لم یصبح لیله و من هاله ما بین یدیه نکص على عقبیه و من تردد فى الریب وطیته سنابک الشیاطین و من استسلم لهلکه الدنیا و الاخره هلک فیهما. قال الرضى : و بعد هذا کلام ترکنا ذکره خوف الاطاله والخروج عن الغرض المقصود فی هذا الکتاب.

    Understanding the foundations of faith Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH), was asked once about faith. He said the following: “Faith stands on four pillars: endurance, conviction, justice and jihad. Endurance, again, has four aspects: eagernes, fear, abstention (from the allurements of the world) and anticipation (of death). So, whoever is eager for Paradise will ignore his passions; whoever fears the Fire (of Hell) will refrain from committing prohibited deeds; whoever abstains from the world takes hardships lightly, and whoever anticipates death will hasten towards good deeds. Conviction, also, has four aspects: prudent perception, intelligence and understanding, drawing lessons from instructive things and following the precedents of past people. So, whoever perceives with prudence, wise knowledge will be manifest to him, and to whomsoever wise knowledge becomes manifest he appreciates instructive objectives, and whoever appreciates instructive objectives is just like past people Justice also has four aspects: keen understanding, deep knowledge, a good power of decision and firm forbearance. Therefore, whoever understands comes to acquire the depth of knowledge; whoever acquires the depth of knowledge drinks from the spring of judgement, and whoever exercises forbearance never commits evil actions in his affairs and leads a praiseworthy life among the people. Jihad, also, has four aspects: enjoining others to do good, keeping away others from doing evil, honesty on all occasions and detesting anyone who is vicious. So, whoever asks others to do good provides strength to the believers; whoever dissuades others from committing evil humiliates the unbelievers; whoever fights sincerely on all occasions carries out all his obligations and whoever detests the vicious and becomes angry for the sake of Allah, then Allah will be angry in favor of him and will keep him pleased on the Day of Judgement. Unbelief stands on four pillars: hankering after whims, quarreling with others, deviating from the truth and dissenting. So, whoever hankers after whims does not incline towards right; whoever quarrels much on account of ignorance remains permanently blinded from what is right; whoever deviates from the truth, for him good becomes evil and evil becomes good and he remains intoxicated with misguidance, and whoever makes a breach (with Allah and His Messenger), his path becomes difficult, his affairs become complicated and his way of escape becomes narrow. Doubt has also four aspects: disputing, fear, wavering and undue submission to everything. So, whoever adopts irrationality as his way of life for him there is no dawn after the night; whoever is afraid of what befalls him has to run on his heels; whoever wavers in doubt, the satans trample upon him with their feet, and whoever submits to the destruction of this and the next world succumbs to it. Sayyid ar-Radi says the following: “We have left out the remaining portion of this saying for fear of length and for being outside the purpose of this chapter.”

  32. Sayings 32 The worth of benefactor

    352

    فضل فاعل الخیر قال علیه السلام : فاعل الخیر خیر منه، وفاعل الشر شر منه.

    The worth of benefactor Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: The doer of good is better than the good itself, and the doer of evil is worse than the evil itself

  33. Sayings 33 Moderation in forgiveness and audit

    353

    رعایه العدل فی البذل و المحاسبه قال علیه السلام : کن سمحا ولا تکن مبذرا، وکن مقدرا ولا تکن مقترا.

    Moderation in forgiveness and audit Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: Be generous but not extravagant; be thrifty but not stingy.

  34. Sayings 34 The way to be richness

    354

    طریق الغنی قال علیه السلام : اشرف الغنى ترک المنى .

    The way to be richness Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: The best of riches is the abandonment of desire.

  35. Sayings 35 The necessity of understanding the situation

    355

    ضروره معرفه الزمان قال علیه السلام : من اسرع الى الناس بما یکرهون، قالوا فیه بـما لا یعلمون.

    The necessity of understanding the situation Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: If someone is quick in saying about people what they dislike, they will speak about him that with which they have no knowledge.

  36. Sayings 36 Great wishes and delinquency

    356

    طول الامل و سو العمل قال علیه السلام : من اطال الامل اسا العمل.

    Great wishes and delinquency Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: Whoever prolongs his desire ruins his actions.

  37. Sayings 37 The necessity of leaving the foolish customs

    357

    التحذیر من سنن الجاهلیه وقال علیه السلام: و قد لقیه عند مسیره الى الشام دهاقین الانبار فترجلوا له و اشتدوا بین یدیه، فقال: ما هذا الذی صنعتموه؟ فقالوا: خلق منا نعظم به امرانا. فقال علیه السلام : والله ما ینتفع بهذا امراوکم! و انکم لتشقونبه على انفسکم فی دنیاکم، و تشقونبه فی اخرتکم، وما اخسر المشقه وراها العقاب، و اربح الدعه معها الامان من النار!

    The necessity of leaving the foolish customs Once Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) was proceeding towards Syria when the countrymen of al-Anbar met him. Seeing him, they began to walk on foot then ran in front of him. He inquired why you were doing so? They replied that this was the way we respected our chiefs. Then he said the following: “By Allah, this does not benefit your chiefs. You are belaboring yourself in this world and earning misery for the next by it. How harmful is the labour in whose wake there is punishment, and how profitable is the case with which there is deliverance from the Fire (of Hell)!

  38. Sayings 38 The values and the rules of behaving with people

    358

    اداب المعاشره وقال علیه السلام : لابنه الحسن علیه السلام : یا بنی، احفظ عنی اربعا واربعا، لا یضرک ما عملت معهن: ان اغنى الغنى العقل، واکبر الفقر الحمق، واوحش الوحشه العجب واکرم الحسب حسن الخلق. یا بنی، ایاک ومصادقه الاحمق، فانه یرید ان ینفعک فیضرک. وایاک ومصادقه البخیل، فانه یقعد عنک احوج ما تکون الیه وایاک ومصادقه الفاجر، فانه یبیعک بالتافه وایاک ومصادقه الکذاب، فانه کالسراب یقرب علیک البعید، و یبعد علیک القریب.

    The values and the rules of behaving with people Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following to his son al- Hassan (PBUH): O son! Learn four things and (a further) four things from me: Nothing will harm you if you practice them. The richest of all riches is intelligence; the biggest destitution is foolishness; the most frightening loneliness is vanity, and the best achievement is goodness of the moral character. O my son! You should avoid making friends with a fool because if he intends to benefit you, he will harm you. You should avoid making friends with a miser because he will run away from you when you need him the most. You should avoid making friends with a sinful person because he will sell you for nought. And you should avoid making friends with a liar because he is like a mirage, making you see far things as near and near things as far.

  39. Sayings 39 The place of obligations and supererogatory worship

    359

    منزله الواجبات و المستحبات قال علیه السلام : لا قربه بالنوافل اذا اضرت بالفرایض.

    The place of obligations and supererogatory worship Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: Supererogatory worship cannot bring about nearness to Allah if it hampers what is obligatory.

  40. Sayings 40 The way of knowing the wise and foolish

    360

    طریق معرفه العاقل و الاحمق قال علیه السلام : وقال علیه السلام : لسان العاقل ورا قلبه وقلب الاحمق ورا لسانه. قال الرضى : و هذا من المعانی العجیبه الشریفه، والمراد به ان العاقل لا یطلق لسانه الا بعد مشاوره الرویه و موامره الفکره والاحمق تسبق حذفات لسانه و فلتات کلامه مراجعه فکره، و مماخضه رایه، فکان لسان العاقل تابع لقلبه، و کان قلب الا حمق تابع للسانه.

    The way of knowing the wise and foolish Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: The tongue of the wise man is behind his heart while the heart of the fool is behind his tongue. Sayyid ar-Radi says the following: “This sentence has a strange and beautiful meaning. It means that the wise man does not speak with his tongue except after consulting his mind and exercising his imagination, but the fool quickly utters whatever comes to his tongue without pondering. In this way, the tongue of the wise man follows his heart while the heart of the fool follows his tongue.”

  41. Sayings 41 The way of knowing the wise and foolish

    361

    طریق معرفه العاقل و الاحمق و قد روى عنه علیه السلام هذا المعنى بلفظ اخر و هو قوله: قلب الاحمق فی فیه، و لسان العاقل فی قلبه و معناهما واحد.

    The way of knowing the wise and foolish This very notion has been related from Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) in a different version thus: The heart of a fool is in his mouth, while the tongue of the wise man is in his heart. The meaning of both the saying (40 and 41) is the same.

  42. Sayings 42 Disease and wiping out the sins

    362

    المرض و حط السییات وقال علیه السلام لبعض اصحابه فی عله اعتلها: جعل الله ما کان من شکواک حطا لسییاتک، فان المرض لا اجر فیه، ولکنه یحط السییات، ویحتها حت الاوراق، وانما الاجر فی القول باللسان، والعمل بالایدی والاقدام، وان الله سبحانه یدخل بصدق النیه والسریره الصالحه من یشا من عباده الجنه. قال الرضى : اقول :صدق علیه السلام ان المرض لا اجر فیه، لانه من قبیل ما یستحق علیه العوض ؛ لان العوض یستحق على ما کان فی مقابله فعل الله تعالى بالعبد من الالام والامراض و ما یجری مجرى ذلک، والاجر والثواب یستحقان على ما کان فی مقابله فعل العبد فبینهما فرق قد بینه علیه السلام کما یقتضیه علمه الثاقب، و رایه الصایب.

    Disease and wiping out the sins Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following to one of his companions during the latter’s sickness: May Allah make your illness a means for wiping out your sins because there is no reward for sickness but that it erases sins and makes them fall like (dried) leaves. Reward lies in saying by the tongue and doing something with the limbs. Certainly, Allah, the Glorified One, admits by virtue of truthfulness of intention and chastity of heart into paradise whomsoever He wishes from among His servants. Sayyid ar-Radi says the following: Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) is right in saying that there is no reward for sickness as such For sickness is like something that admissible with compensation because compensation is admissible with regard to how Allah, the Sublime One, deals with His creatures such as causing them grief, illness and the like. However, reward and recompense become admissible with regard to the actions of the creature. This is the difference between the two. Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) has clarified it through his lustrous knowledge and sound view.

  43. Sayings 43 Characteristics of Khabab bin Alart

    363

    خصایص خباب بن الارت وقال علیه السلام فی ذکر خباب بن الارت: یرحم الله خبابا، فلقد اسلم راغبا، وهاجر طایعا، و قنع بالکفاف و رضی عن الله، وعاش مجاهدا

    Characteristics of Khabab bin Alart Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following about Khabbab ibn al-Aratt: May Allah have mercy on Khabbab ibn al-Aratt since he accepted Islam willingly, immigrated (from Mecca) obediently, remained content with what sufficed him, was pleased with Allah and lived the life of a mujahid.

  44. Sayings 44 The value of reminding the Hereafter.

    364

    فضل ذکر المعاد قال علیه السلام : طوبى لمن ذکر المعاد، وعمل للحساب، وقنع بالکفاف، ورضی عنالله.

    The value of reminding the Hereafter. Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: Blessed is the person who kept in mind the next life acted so as to be able to render his account, remained content with what sufficed him and remained pleased with Allah

  45. Sayings 45 To recognize the believers and the hypocrites

    365

    طریق معرفه المومن و المنافق قال علیه السلام : لو ضربت خیشوم المومن بسیفی هذا على ان یبغضنی ما ابغضنی، و لو صببت الدنیا بجماتها على المنافق على ان یحبنی ما احبنی وذلک انه قضی فانقضى على لسان النبی الامی علیه السلام انه قال: یا علی، لا یبغضک مومن، و لا یحبک منافق.

    To recognize the believers and the hypocrites Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: Even if I strike the nose of a believer with this, my sword, so he may hate me, he will not hate me, and even if I pile all the wealth of the world before a hypocrite (Muslim) so he may love me, he will not love me. This is so because it is a verdict pronounced by the tongue of the revered Prophet who said the following: “O Ali! A believer will never hate you and a hypocrite (Muslim) will never love you.

  46. Sayings 46 The value of regret and the abomination of selfishness

    366

    فصل الندامه قال علیه السلام : وسییه تسوک خیر عندالله من حسنه تعجبک

    The value of regret and the abomination of selfishness Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: The sin that displeases you is better in the view of Allah than the virtue that makes you proud.

  47. Sayings 47 Understanding values

    367

    معرفه الفضایل قال علیه السلام : قدر الرجل على قدر همته، وصدقه على قدر مروته، وشجاعته على قدر انفته عفته على قدر غیرته.

    Understanding values Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: The worth of a man is according to his courage, his truthfulness is according to his magnanimity, his valor is according to his dishonor from disrepute and his chastity is according to his zeal.

  48. Sayings 48 Secrecy and victory

    368

    حفظ السر و الظفر قال علیه السلام : الظفر بالحزم، والحزم باجاله الرای، والرای بتحصین الاسرار.

    Secrecy and victory Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: Victory is (won) with determination; determination is pondering over thoughts and thoughts are formed by guarding secrets

  49. Sayings 49 Recognition of honourable and rascal

    369

    اسلوب التعامل مع الکریم و اللییم قال علیه السلام : احذروا صوله الکریم اذا جاع، و اللییم اذا شبع

    Recognition of honourable and rascal Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: Fear the might of a noble person when he is hungry and that of an ignoble person when he is satisfied

  50. Sayings 50 The way of attracting hearts

    370

    الطریق الی تالیف القلوب قال علیه السلام : قلوب الرجال وحشیه، فمن تالفها اقبلت علیه.

    The way of attracting hearts Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: The hearts of the people are like wild beasts. If someone tries to tame them they will pounce back upon him.

  51. Sayings 51 Power and covering the defects

    371

    القدره و ستر العیوب قال علیه السلام : عیبک مستور ما اسعدک جدک

    Power and covering the defects Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: So long as your status is good, your defects will remain covered.

  52. Sayings 52 How to deal with the defeated people

    372

    التعامل مع المغلوب قال علیه السلام : اولى الناس بالعفو اقدرهم على العقوبه.

    How to deal with the defeated people Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: The most capable of pardoning is whoever is the most powerful to punish.

  53. Sayings 53 Understanding the role of generosity

    373

    السخا قال علیه السلام : السخا ما کان ابتدا فاما ما کان عن مساله فحیا و تذمم

    Understanding the role of generosity Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: Generosity is that which is by one’s own initiative because giving on being asked is either out of self- respect or to avoid rebuke

  54. Sayings 54 Ethical values

    374

    الفضایل الاخلاقیه قال علیه السلام : لا غنى کالعقل، و لا فقر کالجهل، و لا میراث کالادب، و لا ظهیر کالمشاوره.

    Ethical values Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: There is no wealth like wisdom, no destitution like ignorance, no inheritance like refinement and no support like consultation.

  55. Sayings 55 Types of tolerance

    375

    اقسام الصبر قال علیه السلام : الصبر صبران: صبر على ما تکره، وصبر عما تحب.

    Types of tolerance Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: Patience is of two kinds: patience over what pains you, and patience regarding what you covet.

  56. Sayings 56 Poverty and loneliness

    376

    الفقر و الغربه قال علیه السلام : الغنى فی الغربه وطن و الفقر فی الوطن غربه

    Poverty and loneliness Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: With wealth, a strange land is a homeland, while with destitution, even a homeland is a strange land.

  57. Sayings 57 The value of contentment

    377

    فضل القناعه قال علیه السلام : القناعه مال لا ینفد. قال الرضى : و قد روى هذا الکلام عن النبى صلى الله علیه و اله.

    The value of contentment Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: Contentment is wealth that does not diminish Sayyid ar-Radi says the following: “This saying has also been related from the Prophet (SAAW).”

  58. Sayings 58 Richness and lust

    378

    المال و الشهوات قال علیه السلام : المال ماده الشهوات.

    Richness and lust Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: Wealth is the fountainhead of passions

  59. Sayings 59 The value of warning mistakes

    379

    فضل التحذیر قال علیه السلام : من حذرک کمن بشرک.

    The value of warning mistakes Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: One who warns you is like one who gives you good tidings.

  60. Sayings 60 The need to control the tongue

    380

    ضروره تربیه اللسان قال علیه السلام : اللسان سبع، ان خلی عنه عقر.

    The need to control the tongue Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: The tongue is a beast; when it is let loose, it devours

  61. Sayings 61 Sweetness of women's annoyance

    381

    حلاوه اذی النسا قال علیه السلام : المراه عقرب حلوه اللسبه

    Sweetness of women's annoyance Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: Woman is a scorpion whose touch is sweet.

  62. Sayings 62 How to answer the praises and goodness's

    382

    کیفیه مقابله احسان المحسنین قال علیه السلام : اذا حییت بتحیه فحی باحسن منها، و اذا اسدیت الیک ید فکافیها بما یربی علیها، و الفضل مع ذلک للبادى.

    How to answer the praises and goodness's Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: If you are met with a greeting, give better greetings in return. If a hand of help is extended to you, do a better favor in return, although the credit will remain with the one who was the first

  63. Sayings 63 The value of intercession

    383

    فضل الشفاعه قال علیه السلام : الشفیع جناح الطالب.

    The value of intercession Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: One who intercedes is the wing of one who seeks

  64. Sayings 64 Warning about negligence

    384

    التحذیر من الغفله قال علیه السلام : اهل الدنیا کرکب یسار بهم. و هم نیام

    Warning about negligence Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: The people of the world are like travelers who are being carried while they are asleep

  65. Sayings 65 leaving friends and being alone

    385

    عاقبه ترک الاحبه قال علیه السلام : فقد الاحبه غربه.

    leaving friends and being alone Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: A lack of friends means strangeness.

  66. Sayings 66 The correct way of asking

    386

    الطلب الصحیح قال علیه السلام : فوت الحاجه اهون من طلبها الى غیر اهلها.

    The correct way of asking Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: To miss what one needs is easier than to beg from an inappropriate person

  67. Sayings 67 The value of economic sacrifice

    387

    فضل الانفاق قال علیه السلام : لا تستح من اعطا القلیل فان الحرمان اقل منه.

    The value of economic sacrifice Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: Do not feel ashamed for giving little because refusal is smaller than that.

  68. Sayings 68 The results of chastity and thanksgiving

    388

    نتایج العفه و الشکر قال علیه السلام : العفاف زینه الفقر، و الشکر زینه الغنى.

    The results of chastity and thanksgiving Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: Chastity is the adornment of destitution, while gratefulness (to Allah) is the adornment of riches.

  69. Sayings 69 Keeping hopefulness

    389

    حفظ الرجا قال علیه السلام : اذا لم یکن ما ترید فلا تبل ما کنت.

    Keeping hopefulness Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: If what you aim at does not come about then do not worry as to what you were.

  70. Sayings 70 The psychology of a fool person

    390

    علامه الجاهل قال علیه السلام : لاترى الجاهل الا مفرطا او مفرطا

    The psychology of a fool person Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: You will not find an ignorant person but at one extreme or another (i.e. a person who neglects or a person who exaggerates).

  71. Sayings 71 The sign of the completeness of wisdom

    391

    علامه کمال العقل قال علیه السلام : اذا تم العقل نقص الکلام.

    The sign of the completeness of wisdom Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: As intelligence increases, speech decreases

  72. Sayings 72 Human being and the wold

    392

    الانسان و الدنیا قال علیه السلام : الدهر یخلق الابدان، و یجدد الامال، و یقرب المنیه، و یباعد الامنیه من ظفر به نصب و من فاته تعب.

    Human being and the wold Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: Time wears out bodies, renews desires, brings death nearer and takes away aspirations. Whoever is successful with it encounters grief and whoever misses its favors also undergoes hardships

  73. Sayings 73 The necessity of self-discipline

    393

    ضروره تادیب النفس قال علیه السلام : من نصب نفسه للناس اماما فعلیه ان یبدا بتعلیم نفسه قبل تعلیم غیره، و لیکن تادیبه بسیرته قبل تادیبه بلسانه، و معلم نفسه و مودبها احق بالاجلال من معلم الناس و مودبهم.

    The necessity of self-discipline Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: Whoever places himself as a leader of the people should commence with educating his own self before educating others, and his teaching should be by his own conduct before teaching by the tongue. The person who teaches and instructs his own self is more entitled to esteem than whoever teaches and instructs others.

  74. Sayings 74 The necessity of reminiscing the death

    394

    ضروره ذکر الموت قال علیه السلام : نفس المر خطاه الى اجله.

    The necessity of reminiscing the death Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: Each breath taken by a man is a step towards his death.

  75. Sayings 75 Attention to mortality of the world

    395

    ضروره ذکر فنا الدنیا قال علیه السلام : کل معدود منقض، و کل متوقع ات.

    Attention to mortality of the world Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: Every countable thing is to pass way and every expected thing must come about

  76. Sayings 76 Analysis of Events

    396

    الطریق الی الاعتبار بالامور قال علیه السلام : ان الامور اذا اشتبهت اعتبر اخرها باولها.

    Analysis of Events Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: If matters get mixed up, then the last ones should be appreciated compared to the previous one

  77. Sayings 77 Knowing the world

    397

    معرفه الدنیا قال علیه السلام : ومن خبر ضرار بن ضمره الضبابی عند دخوله على معاویه و مسالته له عن امیرالمومنین علیه السلام . قال: فاشهد لقد رایته فی بعض مواقفه و قد ارخى اللیل سدوله و هو قایم فی محرابه قابض على لحیته یتململ تململ السلیم و یبکی بکا الحزین، و یقول: یا دنیا یا دنیا، الیک عنی، ابی تعرضت ام الی تشوقت؟ لا حان حینک! هیهات! غری غیری لا حاجه لی فیک، قد طلقتک ثلاثا لا رجعه فیها! فعیشک قصیر، و خطرک یسیر، و املک حقیر. اه من قله الزاد، و طول الطریق، و بعد السفر، وعظیم المورد

    Knowing the world Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: It is related that when Dirar ibn Hamzah (the correct: Damrah) ad-Dibabi (or as-Suda’i) went to Mu`awiyah and Mu`awiyah inquired from him about Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH), he said the following: “I testify that I have seen him on several occasions when night had spread and he was standing in the niche (of the mosque) holding his beard, groaning like a man bitten by a snake and weeping as a grieved man, saying: O world, O world! Get away from me! Why do you present yourself to me?! Or are you eager for me?! You may not get that opportunity to impress me. Deceive some other person. I have no concern with you. I have divorced you thrice after which there is no restitution. Your life is short, your importance is little and your liking is humble. Alas! The provision is little, the way is long, the journey is far and the goal is hard to reach.”

  78. Sayings 78 Determinism and free will

    398

    منزله القضا و القدر و من کلام له علیه السلام للسایل الشامی لما ساله: اکان مسیرنا الى الشام بقضا من الله و قدر؟ بعد کلام طویل هذا مختاره: ویحک! لعلک ظننت قضا لازما، و قدرا حاتما و لو کان ذلک کذلک لبطل الثواب و العقاب، و سقط الوعد و الوعید ان الله سبحانه امر عباده تخییرا، و نهاهم تحذیرا، و کلف یسیرا، و لم یکلف عسیرا، و اعطى على القلیل کثیرا، و لم یعص مغلوبا، و لم یطع مکرها، و لم یرسل الانبیا لعبا، و لم ینزل الکتاب للعباد عبثا، و لا خلق السماوات و الارض و ما بینهما باطلا، ذلک ظن الذین کفروا، فویل للذین کفروا من النار.

    Determinism and free will A man inquired from Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) saying, “Was our going to fight the Syrians destined by Allah?” Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) detailed his reply, a selection from which is here: Woe unto you! You take it as a final and unavoidable destiny (according to which we are bound to act). If it were so, there would have been no question of reward or chastisement and there would have been no sense in Allah’s promises or warnings. (On the other hand) Allah, the Glorified One, has ordered His servants to act according to their free will and has cautioned them (from evil) to fear. He has placed easy obligations on them and has not put heavy obligations. He gives them much (reward) in return for little action. He is disobeyed, not because He is overpowered. He is obeyed but not by force. He did not send prophets just for fun. He did not send down the Book for the people without a purpose. He did not create the skies, and the earth and all that is in between them in vain. That is the imagination of those who disbelieve: “... then woe unto those who disbelieve because of the fire” (Holy Quran, 38: 27).

  79. Sayings 79 The value of wisdom

    399

    فضل الحکمه قال علیه السلام : خذ الحکمه انى کانت، فان الحکمه تکون فی صدر المنافق فتلجلج فی صدره حتى تخرج فتسکن الى صواحبها فی صدر المومن.

    The value of wisdom Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: Take wise points from wherever they may be because if a wise saying is in the bosom of a hypocrite, it flutters in his bosom till it comes out and settles with others of its own category: in the bosom of the believer

  80. Sayings 80 Believer and the value of wisdom

    400

    المومن و معرفه فضل الحکمه قال علیه السلام : الحکمه ضاله المومن، فخذ الحکمه ولو من اهل النفاق.

    Believer and the value of wisdom Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: A wise saying is a lost article of the believer. Therefore, get wise sayings even though from people of hypocrisy.

  81. Sayings 81 The value of human beings

    401

    فضل العالم قال علیه السلام : قیمه کل امرى ما یحسنه. قال الرضی و هذه الکلمه التی لا تصاب لها قیمه، و لا توزن بها حکمه و لا تقرن الیها کلمه.

    The value of human beings Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: The worth of every man is in his attainments. Sayyid ar-Radi says the following: this is the statement whose value cannot be assessed, with which no wise saying can be weighed and with which no other sentence can be matched.

  82. Sayings 82 Prominent human values

    402

    نصایح خالده قال علیه السلام : اوصیکم بخمس لو ضربتم الیها اباط الابل لکانت لذلک اهلا: لا یرجون احد منکم الا ربه، ولا یخافن الا ذنبه، ولا یستحیین احد اذا سیل عما لا یعلم ان یقول: لا اعلم، ولا یستحیین احد اذا لم یعلم الشی ان یتعلمه و بالصبر، فان الصبر من الایمان کالراس من الجسد، ولا خیر فی جسد لا راس معه، ولا فی ایمان لا صبر معه.

    Prominent human values Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: I impart to you five things which, if you ride your camels fast in search of them, you will find them worth the effort: None of you should repose hope save in his Lord (Allah); none of you should fear anything save his sin; none should feel ashamed of saying, “I do not know” when he is asked about a matter which he does not know; none should feel ashamed of learning a thing that he does not know and you should practice endurance because endurance is for belief what the head is for the body: Just as there is no good in a body without the head, there is no good in belief without endurance.

  83. Sayings 83 Warning about excessive praise

    403

    التحذیر من الافراط فی الثنا وقال علیه السلام لرجل افرط فی الثنا علیه، و کان له متهما انا دون ما تقول و فوق ما فی نفسک.

    Warning about excessive praise Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following about a man who praised him much, although he did not admire him: I am below what you express and above what you feel in your heart

  84. Sayings 84 the people after the wars

    404

    الناس بعد الحرب قال علیه السلام : بقیه السیف ابقى عددا، و اکثر ولدا.

    the people after the wars Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: The survivors of the sword are large in number and have many offspring.

  85. Sayings 85 The phrase "I do not know."

    405

    قول لا ادری قال علیه السلام : من ترک قول: لا ادری، اصیبت مقاتله

    The phrase "I do not know." Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: Whoever abandons saying, “I do not know” meets his destruction.

  86. Sayings 86 The predominance elderly's experience

    406

    منزله رای الشیخ قال علیه السلام : رای الشیخ احب الی من جلد الغلام و روی: من مشهد الغلام

    The predominance elderly's experience Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: I love the opinion of an old man more than the determination of a young man: (or according to another version: more than readiness of a young man for battle.)

  87. Sayings 87 The value of asking forgiveness

    407

    فضل الاستغفار قال علیه السلام : عجبت لمن یقنط و معه الاستغفار.

    The value of asking forgiveness Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: I wonder about the man who loses hope despite the possibility of seeking forgiveness

  88. Sayings 88 Two safety factor

    408

    امانان فی الارض وحکى عنه ابو جعفر محمد بن علی الباقر علیه السلام انه قال: کان فی الارض امانان من عذاب الله سبحانه، و قد رفع احدهما، فدونکم الاخر فتمسکوا به اما الامان الذی رفع فهو رسول الله صلى الله علیه و اله و اما الامان الباقی فالاستغفار قال الله تعالى : و ما کان الله لیعذبهم و انت فیهم و ما کان الله معذبهم و هم یستغفرون. قال الرضى : و هذا من محاسن الاستخراج و لطایف الاستنباط.

    Two safety factor (Imam) Abu Ja`far Muhammad ibn Ali al-Baqir (PBUH), has related from Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) that the Imam had said: There were two sources of deliverance from the punishment of Allah: one of them has been raised up, while the other is before you. You should, therefore, adhere to it. The source of deliverance, which has been raised up is the Messenger of Allah Muhammad (SAAW), while the source of deliverance that remains is the seeking of forgiveness. Allah, the Glorified One, has said the following: “And Allah is not to chastise them while you are among them, nor is Allah to chastise them while yet they seek [His] forgiveness’ (Holy Quran, 8: 33). Sayyid ar-Radi says the following: this is one of the most beautiful ways of deriving the meaning and a most delicate manner of an interpretation.

  89. Sayings 89 The reforming this world and the hereafter

    409

    طریق اصلاح الدنیا و الاخره قال علیه السلام : من اصلح ما بینه وبین الله اصلح الله ما بینه وبین الناس، ومن اصلح امر اخرته اصلح الله له امر دنیاه، ومن کان له من نفسه واعظ کان علیه من الله حافظ.

    The reforming this world and the hereafter Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: If a man behaves properly in matters between himself and Allah, then Allah will keep proper the matters between him and other people. And if a man keeps proper the affairs of his next life, then Allah keeps proper for him the affairs of this world. Whoever is a preacher for himself is protected by Allah

  90. Sayings 90 Recognition of knowledgeable scientist

    410

    من هو الفقیه قال علیه السلام : الفقیه کل الفقیه من لم یقنط الناس من رحمه الله، و لم یویسهم من روح الله و لم یومنهم من مکرالله .

    Recognition of knowledgeable scientist Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: The perfect jurist of Islam is whoever does not let people lose hope from the mercy of Allah, does not make him despondent of Allah’s kindness and does not make him feel safe from Allah’s punishment.

  91. Sayings 91 The way of psychotherapy

    411

    الطریق الی شفا القلوب قال علیه السلام : ان هذه القلوب تمل کما تمل الابدان، فابتغوا لها طرایف الحکم.

    The way of psychotherapy Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: The hearts get disgusted as bodies get disgusted; so look for beautiful wise sayings for them.

  92. Sayings 92 The most honourable knowledge

    412

    انواع العلم قال علیه السلام : اوضع العلم ما وقف على اللسان و ارفعه ما ظهر فی الجوارح و الارکان.

    The most honourable knowledge Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: The most humble knowledge is that which remains on the tongue and the most honorable one is that which manifests itself through (the action of) the limbs and the organs of the body.

  93. Sayings 93 The philosophy of trials

    413

    معرفه الفتن قال علیه السلام : لا یقولن احدکم: اللهم انی اعوذ بک من الفتنه، لانه لیس احد الا و هو مشتمل على فتنه، و لکن من استعاذ فلیستعذ من مضلات الفتن، فان الله سبحانه یقول: و اعلموا انما اموالکم و اولادکم فتنه و معنى ذلک انه سبحانه یختبرهم بالاموال و الاولاد لیتبین الساخط لرزقه و الراضی بقسمه، و ان کان سبحانه اعلم بهم من انفسهم، و لکن لتظهر الافعال التی بها یستحق الثواب والعقاب، لان بعضهم یحب الذکور و یکره الاناث، و بعضهم یحب تثمیر المال و یکره انثلام الحال قال الرضی و هذا من غریب ما سمع منه فی التفسیر.

    The philosophy of trials Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: None of you should say, “O Allah! I seek Your protection from affliction” because there is none who is not afflicted. But whoever seeks Allah’s protection should seek it from misguiding troubles because Allah, the Glorified One, says the following: “And be admonished that your wealth and your children are a trial” (Holy Quran, 8: 28). It means that He tries people with wealth and progeny in order to distinguish one who is displeased with his livelihood from one who is happy with what he has been given. Even though Allah, the Glorified One, knows them more than they know themselves yet He does so to let them perform actions with which they earn reward or punishment. This is so because some of them like to have male (children) and dislike to have female (children), whereas some like to amass wealth and dislike adversity. Sayyid ar-Radi says the following: this is a wonderful interpretation related from the Imam (PBUH).

  94. Sayings 94 Understanding the goodness and wellness

    414

    معرفه الخیر وسیل علیه السلام و عن الخیر ما هو؟ فقال: لیس الخیر ان یکثر مالک و ولدک، ولکن الخیر ان یکثر علمک، و ان یعظم حلمک، و ان تباهی الناس بعباده ربک، فان احسنت حمدت الله، و ان اسات استغفرت الله و لا خیر فی الدنیا الا لرجلین رجل اذنب ذنوبا فهو یتدارکها بالتوبه، و رجل یسارع فی الخیرات

    Understanding the goodness and wellness Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) was asked what is good; he replied thus: Good is not that your wealth and progeny should be much, but good is that your knowledge should be much, your forbearance should be great and that you should vie with other people in worshipping Allah. If you do good deeds, you should thank Allah, but if you commit evil, you should seek forgiveness of Allah. In this world, good is for two persons only: the man who commits sins but rectifies them by repentance, and the man who hastens towards good deeds.

  95. Sayings 95 Piety and e value of acts

    415

    فضل العلم مع التقوی قال علیه السلام : لا یقل عمل مع التقوى و کیف یقل ما یتقبل؟

    Piety and e value of acts Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: Action accompanied by fear for Allah is not little how can an action be little that has been accepted?!

  96. Sayings 96 The value of science and Worship

    416

    فضل العلم و الطاعه قال علیه السلام : ان اولى الناس بالانبیا اعلمهم بما جاووا به، ثم تلا علیه السلام: ان اولى الناس بابراهیم للذین اتبعوه و هذا النبی و الذین امنوا ثم قال علیه السلام : ان ولی محمد من اطاع الله و ان بعدت لحمته و ان عدو محمد من عصى الله و ان قربت قرابته!

    The value of science and Worship Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: The persons most attracted to the prophets are those who know most what the prophets have brought. Then Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) recited this verse: “Verily, of men, the nearest to Abraham are surely those who followed him and this (Our) Prophet (h) (Muhammad [h]) and those who believe” (Holy Quran, 3:68). Then he said the following: The friend of Muhammad (SAAW) is whoever obeys Allah, even though he may have no blood relationship [with him], and the enemy of Muhammad (SAAW) is whoever disobeys Allah even though he may have near kinship [with the Prophet (SAAW)].

  97. Sayings 97 The value of certainty

    417

    فضل الیقین وقال علیه السلام وقد سمع رجلا من الحروریه یتهجد و یقرا، فقال: نوم على یقین خیر من صلاه فی شک

    The value of certainty Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) heard about a Kharijite who said the mid-night prayers and recited the Holy Quran, then he said: Sleeping in a state of firm belief is better than praying in a state of doubt.

  98. Sayings 98 The necessity of acting according to traditions

    418

    لزوم العمل علیم قال علیه السلام : اعقلوا الخبر اذا سمعتموه عقل رعایه لا عقل روایه، فان رواه العلم کثیر، و رعاته قلیل.

    The necessity of acting according to traditions Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: When you hear a tradition, test it according to the criterion of intelligence not to that of mere hearsay because those who relate knowledge are numerous, but those who safeguard it are few

  99. Sayings 99 Interpretation of انّا لِلّه

    419

    معنی انا لله و قد سمع رجلا یقول: انا لله و انا الیه راجعون فقال: ان قولنا (انا لله ) اقرار على انفسنا بالملک و قولنا و (انا الیه راجعون) اقرار على انفسنا بالهلک.

    Interpretation of انا لله Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) heard a man reciting the following: “Verily, we are Allah’s, and verily to Him shall we return” (Holy Quran, 2: 156). The Imam (PBUH) said: Our saying, “Inna li’llah (Verily we are Allah’s) is an admission of His majesty over us, while our saying, “Wa inna ilayhi raji’un” (and verily to Him shall we return) is an admission of our being mortal.

  100. Sayings 100 The way of worshiping

    420

    دعا الامام(ع) وقال علیه السلام وقد مدحه قوم فی وجهه: اللهم انک اعلم بی من نفسی، و انا اعلم بنفسی منهم، اللهم اجعلنا خیرا مما یظنون، واغفر لنا ما لا یعلمون.

    The way of worshiping Some people praised Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) in his presence. The Imam (PBUH) said: O Lord! You know me better than I know myself, and I know myself better than they know. O Lord! Make us better people than what they think and forgive us for what they do not know.

  101. Sayings 101 The way of meeting people’s needs

    421

    الطریق الی رفع الحوایج قال علیه السلام : لا یستقیم قضا الحوایج الا بثلاث: باستصغارها لتعظم، و باستکتامها لتظهر، بتعجیلها لتهنا.

    The way of meeting people’s needs Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: The fulfillment of (others’) needs becomes a lasting virtue in three ways: regarding it as small, so that it attains bigness, concealing it so that it may manifest itself, and doing it quickly so that it becomes pleasant.

  102. Sayings 102 The future and metamorphosis of values

    422

    المستقبل الممسوخ قال علیه السلام : یاتی على الناس زمان لا یقرب فیه الا الماحل ولا یظرفت فیه الا الفاجر، ولا یضعففیه الا المنصف، یعدون الصدقه فیه غرما، وصله الرحم منا والعباده استطاله على الناس السلطان بمشوره النسا، و اماره الصبیان، و تدبیر الخصیان!

    The future and metamorphosis of values Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: Shortly, a time will come for people when a person who defames others will be favoured when vicious people will be regarded as witty and just will be regarded as weak. People will regard charity as a loss, consideration for kinship as a burden and worship as grounds for claiming greatness among others. At such a time, authority will be exercised through the counsel of women, and there will be posting of young boys in high positions and the running of the administration by eunuchs.

  103. Sayings 103 How to deal with the world

    423

    اسلوب مواجهه الدنیا و روی علیه ازار خلق مرقوع، فقیل له فی ذلک. فقال علیه السلام : یخشع له القلب، و تذل به النفس، و یقتدی به المومنون ان الدنیا والاخره عدوان متفاوتان، و سبیلان مختلفان، فمن احب الدنیا و تولاها ابغض الاخره وعاداها، وهما بمنزله المشرق والمغرب، و ماش بینهما، کلما قرب من واحد بعد من الاخر، و هما بعد ضرتان!

    How to deal with the world Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) PBUH was publicly seen in worn-out clothes with patches. When it was pointed out to him, he said: With it [such shabbiness of dressing] the heart fears, the mind feels humble and the believers emulate it. Certainly this world and the next are two enemies of each other, two paths in opposite directions. Whoever likes this world and loves it hates the next and is its enemy. These two are like the East and the West. If the walker between them gets near to one, he gets farther from the other. After all, they are like two fellow-wives.

  104. Sayings 104 description the pious and the value of being early bird

    424

    وصف الزاهدین و مکاسب الاسحار وعن نوف البکالی، قال: رایت امیرالمومنین علیه السلام ذات لیله، وقد خرج من فراشه، فنظر فی النجوم فقال:یا نوف، اراقد انت ام رامق؟ فقلت: بل رامق یا امیرالمومنین قال: یا نوف، طوبى للزاهدین فی الدنیا الراغبین فی الاخره، اولیک قوم اتخذوا الارض بساطا، و ترابها فراشا، و ماها طیبا، و القران شعارا والدعا دثارا ثم قرضوا الدنیا قرضا على منهاج المسیح یا نوف، ان داود علیه السلام قام فى مثل هذه الساعه من اللیل فقال: انها ساعه لا یدعو فیها عبد الا استجیب له، الا ان یکون عشارا او عریفا او شرطیا او صاحب عرطبه او صاحب کوبه . قال الرضى و قد قیل ایضا: ان العرطبه الطبل و الکوبه الطنبور

    description the pious and the value of being early bird It is related by Nawf al-Bikali that: “One night, I saw Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) coming out of his bed and looking at the stars. Then he said to me: ‘O Nawf! Are you awake or are you sleeping?’ I said: ‘I am awake, O Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH)!’ whereupon the Imam (PBUH) said the following: O Nawf! Blessed be those who abstain from this world and are eager for the next one. They are the people who regard this earth as the floor; its dust as their bed-cloth, and its water as their perfume. They consider the Holy Quran underclothing and prayer their clothing then they are cut off from the world like ˆIsa (Jesus) was. ‘O Nawf! Prophet Dawud (David) (PBUH) rose up at a similar hour one night and said: This is the hour when whatever a person pleads, his plea is granted to him unless he is a tax-collector, an intelligence man, a police officer, a lute player or a drummer.’” Sayyid ar-Radi says the following: “It is also said that ‘artabah’ means Bq (drum) and ‘kubah’ means lute.”

  105. Sayings 105 description the pious and the value of being early bird

    425

    ضروره العمل بالواجبات قال علیه السلام : ان الله افترض علیکم فرایض فلا تضیعوها، و حد لکم حدودا فلا تعتدوها، و نهاکم عن اشیا فلا تنتهکوها وسکت لکم عن اشیا ولم یدعها نسیانا فلا تتکلفوها.

    description the pious and the value of being early bird Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: Allah has placed on you some obligations which you should not ignore, has laid down for you limits which you should not transgress, has prohibited you from certain things which you should not violate and has kept quiet about certain things, but He has not left them out by mistake so do not bother yourself about them

  106. Sayings 106 The risk of giving up something relevant to religion

    426

    خطر ترک الدین قال علیه السلام : لا یترک الناس شییا من امر دینهم لاستصلاح دنیاهم الا فتح الله علیهم ما هو اضر منه.

    The risk of giving up something relevant to religion Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: If people give up something relevant to religion to set right their worldly affairs, Allah will inflict upon them something more harmful than that.

  107. Sayings 107 The reason of scholar's downfall

    427

    عله هلاک العالم قال علیه السلام : رب عالم قد قتله جهله، و علمه معه لا ینفعه.

    The reason of scholar's downfall Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: Often the ignorance of a learned man ruins him while the knowledge he has does not avail him.

  108. Sayings 108 Wonders of the human soul

    428

    عجایب الروح قال علیه السلام : لقد علق بنیاط هذا الانسان بضعه هی اعجب ما فیه و ذلک القلب، و له مواد من الحکمه و اضداد من خلافها، فان سنح له الرجا اذله الطمع، و ان هاج به الطمع اهلکه الحرص، ان ملکه الیاس قتله الاسف، وان عرض له الغضب اشتد به الغیظ، و ان اسعده الرضى نسی التحفظ ، ان غاله الخوف شغله الحذر، و ان اتسع له الامن استلبته الغره و ان افاد مالا اطغاه الغنى، و ان اصابته مصیبه فضحه الجزع، وان عضته الفاقه شغله البلا، و ان جهده الجوع قعد به الضعف، و ان افرط به الشبع کظته البطنه فکل تقصیر به مضر، و کل افراط له مفسد.

    Wonders of the human soul Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: In man, there is a piece of flesh attached to him: a vein, and it is the strangest thing in him. It is the heart. It has a store of wisdom and things contrary to wisdom. If it sees a ray of hope eagerness humiliates it and when eagerness increases, greed ruins it. If disappointment overtakes it, grief kills it. If anger rises in it, a serious rage develops If it is blessed with pleasure, it forgets to be cautious If it becomes fearing it becomes heedless. If peace extends all round, it becomes neglectful If it earns wealth, freedom from care puts it in the wrong. If trouble befalls it impatience makes it humble. If it faces starvation, distress overtakes it. If hunger attacks it, weakness seats it. If its food increases, heaviness of stomach pains it. Thus, every shortness is harmful to it and every excess is injurious to it

  109. Sayings 109 The great value of the Prophet's (SAAW) household

    429

    فضایل العتره علیهم السلام قال علیه السلام : نحن النمرقه الوسطى بها یلحق التالی، و الیها یرجع الغالیک

    The great value of the Prophet's (SAAW) household Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: We (members of the Prophet’s family) are like the pillow in the middle. Whoever lags behind has to come forward to meet it, while whoever exceeds the bounds has to return to it.

  110. Sayings 110 The conditions of fulfilling the God's commandments

    430

    شرایط اقامه امر الله قال علیه السلام : لا یقیم امر الله سبحانه الا من لا یصانع ولا یضارع ولا یتبع المطامع.

    The conditions of fulfilling the God's commandments Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: None can establish the rule of Allah, the Glorified One, except whoever shows no relenting (in the matter of right), who does not humble before others and who does not run after greed.

  111. Sayings 111 The difficulties of loving Imam Ali(PBUH)

    431

    صعوبه حب الامام علی (ع) و قال علیه السلام و قد توفی سهل بن حنیف الانصاری بالکوفه بعد مرجعه من صفین معه وکان من احب الناس الیه لو احبنی جبل لتهافت قال الرضى : و معنى ذلک ان المحنه تغلظ علیه فتسرع المصایب الیه و لا یفعل ذلک الا بالاتقیا الابرار و المصطفین الاخیار و هذا مثل قوله علیه السلام :

    The difficulties of loving Imam Ali(PBUH) Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said when Sahl ibn Hunayf al-Ansari died at Kufa after his return from the battle of Siffin and he was very much loved by Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH). Even if a mountain had loved me, it will have crumbled down. Sayyid ar-Radi says the following: the meaning of this is that since the trial of the man who loves Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) will be so, severe troubles will leap towards him and this is not the case except with the God-fearing,the virtuous and the select good ones. There is another similar saying of Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib’s individuals, namely:

  112. Sayings 112 The difficulties of being Shiite

    432

    مظلومیه الشیعه قال علیه السلام : من احبنا اهل البیت فلیستعد للفقر جلبابا قال الرضى : و قد یوول ذلک على معنى اخر لیس هذا موضع ذکره.

    The difficulties of being Shiite Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: Whoever loves us, members of the Household (of the Prophet [SAAW]), should be prepared to face destitution. Sayyid ar-Radi says the following: this has been interpreted in a different way as well, but on this occasion, it is not fit to mention here.

  113. Sayings 113 The great ethical values

    433

    الفضایل الاخلاقیه قال علیه السلام : لا مال اعود من العقل، و لا وحده اوحش من العجب، و لا عقل کالتدبیر، و لا کرم کالتقوى، ولا قرین کحسن الخلق و لا میراث کالادب، و لا قاید کالتوفیق، و لا تجاره کالعمل الصالح، و لا ربح کالثواب، و لا ورع کالوقوف عند الشبهه، و لا زهد کالزهد فی الحرام، و لا علم کالتفکر، و لا عباده کادا الفرایض، و لا ایمان کالحیا و الصبر، و لا حسب کالتواضع، و لا شرف کالعلم، ولا عز کالحلم و لا مظاهره اوثق من مشاوره.

    The great ethical values Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: No wealth is more profitable than wisdom; no loneliness is more estranging than vanity, no wisdom is as good as tact, no honor is like fear from Allah, no companion is like the goodness of moral character, no inheritance is like civility, no guide is like promptitude, no trade is like virtuous deeds no profit is like the Divine reward, no self-control is like inaction in time of doubt, no abstention is like that from prohibitions, no knowledge is like thinking no worship is like the carrying out of obligations no belief is like modesty and endurance, no attainment is like humility, no honor is like knowledge no power is like forbearance and no support is more reliable than consultation

  114. Sayings 114 Optimism and pessimism

    434

    الزمان و حسن الظن قال علیه السلام : اذا استولى الصلاح على الزمان واهله ثم اسا رجل الظن برجل لم تظهر منه خزیه فقد ظلم! واذا استولى الفساد على الزمان واهله فاحسن رجل الظن برجل فقد غرر.

    Optimism and pessimism Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: At a time when virtue is in vogue in the world and among people if a person entertains an evil suspicion about another person from whom nothing evil has ever been seen, then he has been unjust. And at a time when vice is in vogue in the world and among people, if a man entertains a good idea about another person, he flings himself in peril

  115. Sayings 115 Paying attention to the mortality of the world

    435

    ضروره ذکر الموت وقیل له علیه السلام : کیف نجدک یا امیرالمومنین؟ فقال: کیف یکون من یفنى ببقایه ویسقم بصحته ویوتى من مامنه

    Paying attention to the mortality of the world It was said to Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH): “How are you, O Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH)?” He replied: How can he be whom life is driving towards death, whose state of health can change into sickness any moment and who is to be caught (by death) from his place of safety.

  116. Sayings 116 Human and the variety of the trials

    436

    الانسان و انواع الفتن قال علیه السلام : کم من مستدرج بالاحسان الیه ومغرور بالستر علیه، ومفتون بحسن القول فیه! وما ابتلى الله احدا بمثل الاملا له .

    Human and the variety of the trials Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: There are many people who are trapped through good treatment towards them (by Allah) And many who are deceived because their sinful activities are veiled (by Allah) and many who are impressed by good talk about themselves. And Allah does not try anyone as seriously as He tries him whom He allows time (to remain sinful).

  117. Sayings 117 Avoiding from exorbitance or negligence in friendship with Imam(PBUH)

    437

    رعایه العدل فی الحب و البغض قال علیه السلام : هلک فی رجلان: محب غال ومبغض قال.

    Avoiding from exorbitance or negligence in friendship with Imam(PBUH) Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: Two categories of persons will face ruin on my account: whoever exaggerates in loving me and whoever hates me intensely.

  118. Sayings 118 Using from chances

    438

    اغتنام الفرص قال علیه السلام : اضاعه الفرصه غصه.

    Using from chances Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: To miss an opportunity brings about grief

  119. Sayings 119 The necessity of understanding the world

    439

    مثل الدنیا قال علیه السلام : مثل الدنیا کمثل الحیه: لین مسها، والسم الناقع فی جوفها، یهوی الیها الغر الجاهل، ویحذرها ذو اللب العاقل!

    The necessity of understanding the world Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: The example of the world is like a serpent: It is soft in touch but its inside is full of venom. An ignorant person who has fallen into deceit is attracted towards it, but a wise and intelligent man stays on guard against it.

  120. Sayings 120 The psychology of the Quraysh tribe

    440

    معرفه القبایل القریشیه وقال علیه السلام وقد سیل عن قریش: اما بنو مخزوم فریحانه قریش، نحب حدیث رجالهم، والنکاح فی نسایهم واما بنو عبد شمس فابعدها رایا، وامنعها لما ورا ظهورها واما نحن فابذل لما فی ایدینا، واسمح عند الموت بنفوسنا وهم اکثر وامکر وانکر، ونحن افصح وانصح واصبح.

    The psychology of the Quraysh tribe Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) was asked about the tribesmen of Quraish. He replied as follows: As for Banu Makhzum, they are the blossoms of the tribesmen of Quraish. It is delightful to talk to their men and to marry their women. As for Ban Abd Shams, they are far-sighted and cautious about all that is hidden from them. As for ourselves (Banu Hashim), we spend whatever we get and are very generous in offering ourselves to death. Consequently, those people are more numerous, more contriving and more ugly while we are most eloquent, well-wishing and handsome.

  121. Sayings 121 Assessing the actions

    441

    انواع العمل قال علیه السلام : شتان بین عملین: عمل تذهب لذته وتبقى تبعته، وعمل تذهب موونته ویبقى اجره.

    Assessing the actions Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: What a difference there is between two kinds of actions: A deed whose pleasure passes away but its (ill) consequence remains, and a deed whose hardship passes away but its reward stays.

  122. Sayings 122 Learning something from friends' death

    442

    العبره بالموت وتبع جنازه فسمع رجلا یضحک، فقال علیه السلام :کان الموت فیها على غیرنا کتب، وکان الحق فیها على غیرنا وجب، وکان الذی نرى من الاموات سفر عما قلیل الینا راجعون! نبویهم اجداثهم ناکل تراثهم کانا مخلدون قد نسینا کل واعظ وواعظه، ورمینا بکل جایحه!

    Learning something from friends' death Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) was present at a funeral when he heard someone laugh. He,therefore, said: Is it that death has been ordained only for others? Is it that right is obligatory only on others? Is it that those whom we see departing on their journey of death will come back to us? We lay them down in their graves then enjoy their estate as if we will live for good after them. We have ignored every preacher, man or woman and have exposed ourselves to every catastrophe.

  123. Sayings 123 Complete patterns of humanity

    443

    الانسان الکامل قال علیه السلام : طوبى لمن ذل فی نفسه، وطاب کسبه، وصلحت سریرته، وحسنت خلیقته انفق الفضل من ماله، وامسک الفضل من لسانه، وعزل عن الناس شره، ووسعته السنه، ولم ینسب الى البدعه قال الرضى : ومن الناس من ینسب هذا الکلام الى رسول الله صلى الله علیه واله و کذلک الذی قبله.

    Complete patterns of humanity Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: Blessed be whoever humbles himself, whose livelihood is pure, whose heart is chaste, whose habits are virtuous, who spends his savings (in the name of Allah), who prevents his tongue from speaking nonsense, who keeps people safe from evil, who is pleased with the (Prophet’s) Sunnah and who is unconnected with innovation (in religion). Sayyid ar-Radi says the following: Some people attribute this and the previous saying to the Messenger of Allah (SAAW).

  124. Sayings 124 Male and female psychology

    444

    نفسیه الرجال و النسا قال علیه السلام : غیره المراه کفر وغیره الرجل ایمان.

    Male and female psychology Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: The jealousy of a woman (with co-wives) is heresy, while the jealousy of a man is a part of belief.

  125. Sayings 125 Imam and introducing Islam

    445

    وصف الاسلام قال علیه السلام : لانسبن الاسلام نسبه لم ینسبها احد قبلی: الاسلام هو التسلیم، والتسلیم هو الیقین، والیقین هو التصدیق، والتصدیق هو الاقرار، والاقرار هو الادا والادا هو العمل.

    Imam and introducing Islam Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: I am defining Islam as none has defined it before me: Islam is submission, submission is conviction, conviction is affirmation, affirmation is acknowledgment, acknowledgment is carrying out (of obligations) and carrying out obligations is action.

  126. Sayings 126 Wonders of the miser's life

    446

    عجایب فی معیشه البخیل قال علیه السلام : عجبت للبخیل یستعجل الفقر الذی منه هرب، ویفوته الغنى الذى ایاه طلب، فیعیش فی الدنیا عیش الفقرا، ویحاسب فی الاخره حساب الاغنیا وعجبت للمتکبر الذی کان بالامس نطفه، ویکون غدا جیفه وعجبت لمن شک فی الله، وهو یرى خلق الله وعجبت لمن نسی الموت، وهو یرى الموتى وعجبت لمن انکر النشاه الاخرى، وهو یرى النشاه الاولى وعجبت لعامر دار الفنا، وتارک دار البقا.

    Wonders of the miser's life Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: I wonder at the miser who is speeding towards the very destitution from which he wants to run away and misses the very ease of life which he covets. Consequently, he passes his life in this world like the destitute but will have to render an account in the next world like the rich. I wonder at the proud man who was just a drop of semen the other day and will turn into a corpse tomorrow. I wonder at the man who doubts Allah although He sees His creations. I wonder at him who has forgotten death although he sees people dying. I wonder at him who denies the second life although he has seen the first. I wonder at him who inhabits this transient abode but ignores the everlasting one.

  127. Sayings 127 Blaming for being negligent in action

    447

    التقصیر فی العمل قال علیه السلام : من قصر فی العمل ابتلی بالهم ولا حاجه لله فیمن لیس لله فی نفسه وماله نصیب.

    Blaming for being negligent in action Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: Whoever falls short of actions falls into grief and Allah has nothing to do with him who spares nothing from his wealth in the name of Allah.

  128. Sayings 128 The impact of environmental factors on health

    448

    البرد و السلامه قال علیه السلام : توقوا البرد فی اوله، وتلقوه فی اخره، فانه یفعل فی الابدان کفعله فی الاشجار، اوله یحرق واخره یورق.

    The impact of environmental factors on health Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: Guard yourselves against cold in its (seasonal) beginning and welcome it towards its end because it affects bodies in the same way as it affects plants. In the beginning, it destroys them, but in the end it gives them fresh leaves.

  129. Sayings 129 Understanding the greatness of the Lord

    449

    معرفه عظمه الله قال علیه السلام : عظم الخالق عندک یصغر الـمخلوق فی عینک.

    Understanding the greatness of the Lord Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: The Greatness of the Creator appreciated by you will belittle the creatures in your view

  130. Sayings 130 Paying attention to the world morality

    450

    ضروره ذکر فنا الدنیا وقال علیه السلام وقد رجع من صفین، فاشرف على القبور بظاهر الکوفه: یا اهل الدیار الموحشه والـمحال المقفره والقبور المظلمه یا اهل التربه، یا اهل الغربه، یا اهل الوحده، یا اهل الوحشه، انتم لنا فرط سابق، ونحن لکم تبع لاحق اما الدور فقد سکنت، واما الازواج فقد نکحت، واما الاموال فقد قسمت هذا خبر ما عندنا، فما خبر ما عندکم؟ ثم التفت الى اصحابه فقال: اما لو اذن لهم فی الکلام لاخبروکم ان ان خیر الزاد التقوى .

    Paying attention to the world morality When Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) returned from (the battle of) Siffin and noticed the graves outside Kufa, he said: O residents of houses which give a sense of loneliness, of depopulated areas, of gloomy graves! O people of the dust! O victims of strangeness! O people of loneliness and O people of desolateness! You have gone ahead and preceded us while we are following you and will join you. The houses (you left) have been inhabited by others; the wives (you left) have been married by others; the properties have been distributed (among heirs). This is the news about those around us; what is the news about things around you?! Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) turned to his companions and said: Beware! If they were allowed to speak they will inform you that: “Verily, the best provision is fear of Allah” (Holy Quran, 2: 197).

  131. Sayings 131 Admonishing who abuses the world

    451

    توبیخ الذام الدنیا وقال علیه السلام وقد سمع رجلا یذم الدنیا: ایها الذام للدنیا، المغتر بغررها، الـمخدوع باباطیلها اتغتر بالدنیا ثم تذمها؟ ا انت المتجرم علیها، ام هی المتجرمه علیک؟ متى استهوتک ام متى غرتک؟ ابمصارع ابایک من البلى ام بمضاجع امهاتک تحت الثرى کم عللت بکفیک، وکم مرضت بیدیک! تبغی لهم الشفا، و تستوصف لهم الاطبا غداه لا یغنی عنهم دواوک و لا یجدی علیهم بکاوک لم ینفع احدهم اشفاقک و لم تسعف فیه بطلبتک و لم تدفع عنه بقوتک! و قد مثلت لک به الدنیا نفسک و بمصرعه مصرعک ان الدنیا دار صدق لمن صدقها و دار عافیه لمن فهم عنها و دار غنى لمن تزود منها و دار موعظه لمن اتعظ بها، مسجد احبا الله و مصلى ملایکه الله و مهبط وحی الله و متجر اولیا الله، اکتسبوا فیها الرحمه و ربحوا فیها الجنه فمن ذا یذمها و قد اذنت ببینها و نادت بفراقها و نعت نفسها و اهلها، فمثلت لهم ببلایها البلا و شوقتهم بسرورها الى السرور؟ راحت بعافیه، و ابتکرت بفجیعه، ترغیبا و ترهیبا و تخویفا و تحذیرا، فذمها رجال غداه الندامه، و حمدها اخرون یوم القیامه، ذکرتهم الدنیا فذکروا وحدثتهم فصدقوا و وعظتهم فاتعظوا.

    Admonishing who abuses the world Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) heard a man speaking ill of life in this world, so he said to him: O you who abuses the world! O you who has been deceived by it and cheated by its wrongs! Do you thus covet the world then abuse it?! Do you accuse it or should it accuse you?! When did it bewilder you or deceive you, whether by the decay and fall of your forefathers, or by the sleeping places of your mothers under the ground? How much did you look after them in their illness and nursed them during sickness, desiring them to be cured and consulting physicians for them in the morning when your medicine did not avail them and your wailing for them did not benefit them? Your mourning over them did not prove useful to them and you could not achieve your aim. You could not ward off (death) from them with all your power. In fact, through the dying man, the world presented an illustration for you and showed you by the example of his falling down how you will also fall. Certainly, this world is a house of truth for whoever appreciates it, a place of safety for whoever understands it, a house of riches for whoever collects provision from it (for the next world), and a house of instructions for whoever draws instruction from it. It is the place of worship for those who love Allah, the place of praying for the angels of Allah, the place where the revelation of Allah descends, and the marketing place for those devoted to Allah. Herein, they earned mercy and herein they acquired Paradise by way of profit. Therefore, who can abuse it when it has announced its departure and called out that it will leave?! It had given news of its own destruction and the death of its people. By its hardship, it set an example of their hardships. By its pleasures, it created eagerness for the pleasures (of the next world). It brings ease in the evening and grief in the morning by way of persuasion, dissuasion, alarm and warning. People abuse it on the morning of their repentance, but there are others who will praise it on the Day of Judgement. The world recalled to them the next life and they bore it in mind. It related to them (things of the next life) and they acknowledged them. It preached to them and they took lesson therefrom.

  132. Sayings 132 The necessity of reminding death

    452

    ذکر الموت قال علیه السلام : ان لله ملکا ینادی فی کل یوم: لدوا للموت، واجمعوا للفنا، وابنوا للخراب.

    The necessity of reminding death Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: There is an angel of Allah who calls out every day: “Beget children for death! Collect wealth for destruction and raise construction for ruin!”

  133. Sayings 133 Types of people in the world

    453

    اصناف الناس فی الدنیا قال علیه السلام : الدنیا دار ممر لا دار مقر، والناس فیها رجلان: رجل باع نفسه فاوبقها و رجل ابتاع نفسه فاعتقها.

    Types of people in the world Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: This world is a transient place, not a place of stay. The people herein are of two types: One is a man who sold away his soul (to his passions) and thus ruined it, and the other is a man who purchased his soul (by controlling his desires) and freed it.

  134. Sayings 134 The rights of the friends

    454

    حقوق الاصدقا قال علیه السلام : لا یکون الصدیق صدیقا حتى یحفظ اخاه فی ثلاث: فی نکبته، وغیبته، ووفاته.

    The rights of the friends Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: A friend is not a friend unless he affords protection to his comrade on three occasions: in his adversity, in his absence and at the time of his death

  135. Sayings 135 Four superior value

    455

    اربع فضایل قال علیه السلام : من اعطی اربعا لم یحرم اربعا: من اعطی الدعا لم یحرم الاجابه، ومن اعطی التوبه لم یحرم القبول، ومن اعطی الاستغفار لم یحرم المغفره، ومن اعطی الشکر لم یحرم الزیاده قال الرضى وتصدیق ذلک فی کتاب الله، قال الله عزوجل فی الدعا: "ادعونی استجب لکم" وقال فی الاستغفار: و من یعمل سوا او یظلم نفسه ثم یستغفر الله یجد الله غفورا رحیما و قال فی الشکر لین شکرتم لازیدنکم “ و قال فی التوبه انما التوبه على الله للذین یعملون السو بجهاله ثم یتوبون من قریب فاولیک یتوب الله علیهم و کان الله علیما حکیما

    Four superior value Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: Whoever is bestowed four things is not disallowed four things: whoever is allowed to pray is not deprived of the response to it; whoever is allowed to offer repentance is not deprived of its acceptance; whoever is allowed to seek forgiveness is not deprived of forgiveness, and whoever is allowed to be grateful is not deprived of furtherance of favors. Sayyid ar-Radi says the following: this is confirmed by the Book of Allah. About praying, Allah says, “Call unto Me, I will answer you” (Holy Quran, 4: 60). About forgiveness Allah says, “And whoever does evil, or wrongs his own self and thereafter seeks Allah’s forgiveness shall find Allah oft-Forgiving, most Merciful” (Holy Quran, 4: 110). About gratefulness He says, If you show gratitude, I will increase (my favors) to you” (Holy Quran, 14: 7). About repentance He says, “Verily, repentance (acceptable) with Allah is only for those who do evil out of ignorance then turn (to Allah) soon (thereafter); to these, Allah will turn mercifully, and Allah is all-Knowing, all-Wise” (Holy Quran, 4: 17).

  136. Sayings 136 The philosophy of Islamic precepts

    456

    فلسفه الاحکام الاسلامیه قال علیه السلام : الصلاه قربان کل تقی، والحج جهاد کل ضعیف، ولکل شی زکاه، وزکاه البدن الصیام، وجهاد المراه حسن التبعل

    The philosophy of Islamic precepts Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: For the God-fearing, prayers is a means of seeking nearness to Allah, and for the weak, the hajj is as good as jihad. For everything there is a tax and the tax of the body is fasting. The jihad of a woman is to afford pleasant company to her husband

  137. Sayings 137 Livelihood and the alms

    457

    الصدقه و الرزق قال علیه السلام : استنزلوا الرزق بالصدقه،

    Livelihood and the alms Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: Seek livelihood by giving alms.

  138. Sayings 138 The reward of being generous

    458

    اجر الانفاق قال علیه السلام : ومن ایقن بالخلف جاد بالعطیه.

    The reward of being generous Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: Whoever is sure of a good return is generous in giving

  139. Sayings 139 The relationship between God's aids and needs

    459

    الموونه و المعونه قال علیه السلام : تنزل المعونه على قدر الموونه.

    The relationship between God's aids and needs Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: Assistance is allowed according to need

  140. Sayings 140 Contentment and satiety

    460

    القناعه و الغنا قال علیه السلام : ما عال امرو اقتصد

    Contentment and satiety Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: Whoever is moderate does not become destitute.

  141. Sayings 141 The key to ease

    461

    الطریق الی الراحه قال علیه السلام : قله العیال احد الیسارین،

    The key to ease Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: A small family is one of the ways of (securing) ease

  142. Sayings 142 Friendship and wisdom

    462

    علامه العقل قال علیه السلام : التودد نصف العقل.

    Friendship and wisdom Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: Loving one another is half the measure of wisdom

  143. Sayings 143 Sorrows and premature aging

    463

    الهم و الهرم قال علیه السلام : الهم نصف الهرم

    Sorrows and premature aging Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: Grief is half the old age

  144. Sayings 144 Sorrows and endurance

    464

    الصبر و المصیبه قال علیه السلام : ینزل الصبر على قدر المصیبه، ومن ضرب یده على فخذه عند مصیبته حبط اجره.

    Sorrows and endurance Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: Endurance comes according to affliction. Whoever beats his hand on the thigh in his affliction ruins all his good actions.

  145. Sayings 145 Useless worships

    465

    العبادات غیر مفیده قال علیه السلام : کم من صایم لیس له من صیامه الا الظما، وکم من قایم لیس له من قیامه الا السهر و العنا، حبذا نوم الاکیاس وافطارهم!

    Useless worships Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: There are many who fast but whose fast is nothing more than hunger and thirst. There are many who offer of prayers and whose prayer is no better than wakefulness and hardship: the sleep as well as the eating and drinking of the intelligent (God-fearing) person is far better.

  146. Sayings 146 The value of prayer, alms and charity

    466

    فضل الدعا و الزکاه قال علیه السلام : سوسوا ایمانکم بالصدقه، وحصنوا اموالکم بالزکاه، وادفعوا امواج البلا بالدعا

    The value of prayer, alms and charity Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: Protect your belief by charity; guard your wealth by paying Allah’s share thereof, and ward off the waves of calamity by praying

  147. Sayings 147 Ethical and religious recommendations to Komeil

    467

    وصایا الی کمیل بن زیاد ومن کلام له علیه السلام لکمیل بن زیاد النخعی: قال کمیل بن زیاد: اخذ بیدی امیرالمومنین علی بن ابی طالب علیه السلام ، فاخرجنی الى الجبان فلما اصحر تنفس الصعدا، ثم قال: یا کمیل بن زیاد، ان هذه القلوب اوعیه فخیرها اوعاها فاحفظ عنی ما اقول لک: الناس ثلاثه: فعالم ربانی ومتعلم على سبیل نجاه، وهمج رعاع اتباع کل ناعق یمیلون مع کل ریح، لم یستضییوا بنور العلم، ولم یلجووا الى رکن وثیق یا کمیل، العلم خیر من المال العلم یحرسک وانت تحرس المال، والمال تنقصه النفقه، والعلم یزکوعلى الانفاق، وصنیع المال یزول بزواله یا کمیل بن زیاد، معرفه العلم دین یدان به، به یکسب الانسان الطاعه فی حیاته، وجمیل الاحدوثه بعد وفاته، والعلم حاکم، والمال محکوم علیه یا کمیل بن زیاد، هلک خزان الاموال وهم احیا، والعلما باقون ما بقی الدهر اعیانهم مفقوده، امثالهم فی القلوب موجوده ها ان ها هنا لعلما جما (و اشار بیده الى صدره) لو اصبت له حمله بلى اصبت لقناغیر مامون علیه، مستعملا اله الدین للدنیا، ومستظهرا بنعم الله على عباده، وبحججه على اولیایه، او منقادا لحمله الحق لا بصیره له فی احنایه ینقدح الشک فی قلبه لاول عارض من شبهه الا لاذا ولا ذاک! او منهوما باللذه، سلس القیاد للشهوه، او مغرما بالجمع والادخار لیسا من رعاه الدین فی شی، اقرب شی شبها بهما الانعاما لسایمه کذلک یموت العلم بموت حاملیه اللهم بلى! لا تخلو الارض من قایم لله بحجه، اما ظاهرا مشهورا، او خایفا مغمورا لیلا تبطل حجج الله وبیناته وکم ذا و این اولیک؟ اولیک ـ والله ـ الاقلون عددا، والاعظمون قدرا، یحفظ الله بهم حججه وبیناته، حتى یودعوها نظراهم، ویزرعوها فی قلوب اشباههم، هجم بهم العلم على حقیقه البصیره، وباشروا روح الیقین، واستلانوا ما استوعره المترفون وانسوا بما استوحش منه الجاهلون، وصحبوا الدنیا بابدان ارواحها معلقه بالـمحل الاعلى، اولیک خلفا الله فی ارضه، والدعاه الى دینه، اه اه شوقا الى رویتهم! انصرف اذا شیت.

    Ethical and religious recommendations to Komeil Imam Ali Ibn Abu Talib’s Conversation with Kumayl Ibn Ziyad Al-Nakh`I Kumayl ibn Ziyad has related saying that Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) caught hold of his hand and took him to the graveyard. When the Imam (PBUH) had passed through the graveyard and left the city behind, he let a deep sigh and said the following: O Kumayl these hearts are containers. The best of them is that which preserves (its contents); so, preserve what I say to you: People are of three types: One is the scholar and the Divine. Then, the seeker of knowledge who is also on the way to deliverance. Then the common rot who runs after every caller and bends in the direction of every wind. They seek no light from the glory of knowledge and do not take protection from any reliable support O Kumayl! Knowledge is better than wealth. Knowledge guards you, while you have to guard the wealth. Wealth decreases by spending, while knowledge multiplies by spending, and the results of wealth die as wealth decays. O Kumayl! Knowledge is belief which is acted upon. With it, man acquires obedience during his life and a good name after his death. Knowledge is the ruler while wealth is ruled upon. O Kumayl! Those who amass wealth are dead even though they may be living, while those endowed with knowledge will remain as long as the world lives. Their bodies are not available but their figures exist in the hearts. Look, here is a heap of knowledge (and Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib [PBUH] pointed to his bosom). I wish I could get someone to bear it. Yes, I did find (such a person), but either he was one who could not be relied upon, or he was one who exploits the religion for worldly gains and, by virtue of Allah’s favors on him, he will dominate the people, and through Allah’s pleas he will master His devotees. Or he was one who was obedient to the hearers of the truth but there was no intelligence in his bosom. At the first appearance of doubt, he will entertain misgivings in his heart. So, neither this nor that was good enough. Either the man is eager for pleasures, easily led away by passions, or is covetous for collecting and hoarding wealth. Neither of them has any regard for religion in any matter. The nearest example of these is the loose cattle. This is the way that knowledge dies away with the death of its bearers. O Lord! Yes! Yet the earth is never devoid of those who maintain Allah’s plea either openly and reputedly or, being afraid, as hidden in order that Allah’s pleas and proofs should not be rebutted. How many are they and where are they? By Allah, they are few in number, but they are great in esteem before Allah. Through them, Allah guards His pleas and proofs till they entrust them to others like themselves and sow the seeds thereof in the hearts of those who are like them. Knowledge has led them to real understanding, so they have associated themselves with the spirit of conviction. They take easy what the easy going regard as hard. They endear what the ignorant take as strange. They live in this world with their bodies here but their spirits resting in the high above. They are the vicegerents of Allah on His earth and callers to His religion. O, how I yearn to see them! Go away, O Kumayl, whenever you wish!

  148. Sayings 148 Words role in human cognition

    468

    معرفه الانسان بکلامه قال علیه السلام : المر مخبو تحت لسانه.

    Words role in human cognition Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: Man is hidden under his tongue.

  149. Sayings 149 The necessity for self analysis

    469

    معرفه الرجل لقدره قال علیه السلام : هلک امرو لم یعرف قدره.

    The necessity for self analysis Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: Whoever does not know his own worth is ruined

  150. Sayings 150 Anti values and warnings

    470

    الاخلاق الذمیمه وقال علیه السلام لرجل ساله ان یعظه: لا تکن ممن یرجو الاخره بغیر العمل، ویرجی التوبه بطول الامل، یقول فی الدنیا بقول الزاهدین، ویعمل فیها بعمل الراغبین، ان اعطی منها لم یشبع، وان منع منها لم یقنع، یعجز عن شکر ما اوتی، ویبتغی الزیاده فیما بقی، ینهى ولا ینتهی، ویامر بما لا یاتی، یحب الصالحین ولا یعمل عملهم، ویبغض المذنبین وهو احدهم، یکره الموت لکثره ذنوبه، ویقیم على ما یکره الموت له، ان سقم ظل نادما، وان صح امن لاهیا، یعجب بنفسه اذا عوفی، ویقنط اذا ابتلی، ان اصابه بلا دعا مضطرا، وان ناله رخا اعرض مغترا، تغلبه نفسه على ما یظن، ولا یغلبها على ما یستیقن یخاف على غیره بادنى من ذنبه، ویرجو لنفسه باکثر من عمله، ان استغنى بطروفتن، وان افتقر قنط و وهن یقصر اذا عمل، ویبالغ اذا سال ان عرضت له شهوه اسلف المعصیه وسوف التوبه، وان عرته محنه انفرج عن شرایط المله یصف العبره ولا یعتبر، ویبالغ فی الموعظه ولا یتعظ، فهو بالقول مدل ومن العمل مقل، ینافس فیما یفنى، ویسامح فیما یبقى، یرى الغنم مغرما، والغرم مغنما، یخشى الموت ولا یبادر الفوت یستعظم من معصیه غیره ما یستقل اکثر منه من نفسه، ویستکثر من طاعته ما یحقره من طاعه غیره، فهو على الناس طاعن، ولنفسه مداهن، اللهو مع الاغنیا احب الیه من الذکر مع الفقرا، یحکم على غیره لنفسه ولا یحکم علیها لغیره، یرشد غیره یغوی نفسه، فهو یطاع ویعصی، ویستوفی ولا یوفی، ویخشى الخلق فی غیر ربه، ولا یخشى ربه فی خلقه. قال الرضى : و لو لم یکن فی هذا الکتاب الا هذا الکلام لکفى به موعظه ناجعه و حکمه بالغه و بصیره لمبصر و عبره لناظر مفکر.

    Anti values and warnings Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following to a man who had requested him to preach: Do not be like him who hopes for (bliss in) the next life without action and delays repentance by prolonging his desires, who utters words like ascetics in this world but whose deeds are like those who are eager for it. If he is granted something of it, he does not feel satisfied. If he is denied, he is not content. He is not grateful for what he gets and covets an increase in whatever remains with him. He curbs others (from wrongdoing) but not his own self. He commands others for what he himself does not do. He loves the virtuous but does not behave like them. He hates the vicious but he himself is one of them He dislikes death because of the excess of his sins but adheres to that because of which he is afraid of death. If he falls ill, he feels ashamed: if he is healthy, he feels secure When he recovers from illness, he feels vain about himself When he is afflicted, he loses hope If distress befalls him, he prays like a bewildered man. When he finds ease of life he falls into deceit and turns his face away. His heart overpowers him by means of imaginary things while he cannot control his heart by his conviction. For others, he is afraid of small sins, but for himself, he expects more rewards than his performance. If he becomes wealthy, he becomes self-conscious and falls into vice. If he is impoverished, he despairs and becomes weak. He is brief when he is doing a good thing but goes too far when he is begging. When passion overtakes him, he is quick in committing sin but delays repentance. If hardship befalls him, he goes beyond the canons of the (Islamic) community. He describes instructive events but does not take instruction himself. He preaches at length but does not accept any preaching for himself. He is tall on speech but short on action. He aspires for things that will perish and ignores things that will last for good. He regards profit as loss and loss as profit. He fears death but does nothing in its anticipation. He regards the sins of others as big but considers the same things for himself as small. If he does something in obedience to Allah, he considers it much, but if others do the same, he considers it small. He, therefore, rebukes others but flatters himself. Entertainment in the company of the wealthy is dearer to him than remembrance (of Allah) with the poor; he passes verdicts against others for his own interests and does not do so against himself for others’ interests. He guides others but misguides himself. He is obeyed by others but he himself disobeys (Allah). He seeks the fulfillment of obligations (to himself) but does not fulfil his own obligations (towards others). He fears the people (and deeds) for others besides his Lord (Allah) and does not fear his Lord in dealing with the public. Sayyid ar-Radi says the following: if this book had contained nothing save this short statement, it will have sufficed as a successful piece of preaching, a specimen of high philosophy, an objective of wisdom for the onlooker and a source of instruction for the meditative onlooker.

  151. Sayings 151 The necessity of futurism

    471

    ذکر المستقبل قال علیه السلام : لکل امرى عاقبه حلوه او مره.

    The necessity of futurism Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: Every human being has to meet the end sweet or sour

  152. Sayings 152 paying attention to morality

    472

    ضروره ذکر فنا الدنیا قال علیه السلام : لکل مقبل ادبار، وما ادبر کان لم یکن.

    paying attention to morality Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: Every comer has to return, and after returning it is as though he never existed

  153. Sayings 153 Patience and victory

    473

    الصبر و الظفر قال علیه السلام : لا یعدم الصبور الظفر وان طال به الزمان.

    Patience and victory Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: The one who endures does not miss success although it may take a long time

  154. Sayings 154 The importance of intentions

    474

    الرضی بفعل قوم قال علیه السلام : الراضی بفعل قوم کالداخل فیه معهم، وعلى کل داخل فی باطل اثمان: اثم العمل به، واثم الرضى به.

    The importance of intentions Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: Whoever agrees with the action of a group of persons is as though he joins them in that action. And everyone who joins in wrong commits two sins: one sin for committing the wrong and the other for agreeing with it

  155. Sayings 155 The necessity of adhering to the promises

    475

    ضروره العمل بالعهود قال علیه السلام : اعتصموا بالذمم فی اوتادها.

    The necessity of adhering to the promises Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: Adhere to your covenants and entrust their fulfillment to steadfast persons

  156. Sayings 156 The necessity of theology and obedience from Him

    476

    معرفه الله و طاعته قال علیه السلام : علیکم بطاعه من لا تعذرون بجهالته

    The necessity of theology and obedience from Him Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: On you lies (the obligation of) obedience to the person about whom you cannot plead the excuse of ignorance.

  157. Sayings 157 Availability of guidance ways

    477

    الانسان و الهدایه قال علیه السلام : قد بصرتم ان ابصرتم وقد هدیتم ان اهتدیتم، واسمعتم ان استمعتم.

    Availability of guidance ways Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: Your minds are opened when you see and you are guided when you receive guidance, and you are made to hear when you do hear

  158. Sayings 158 How to deal with bad friends

    478

    کیفیه التعامل مع اصدقا السو قال علیه السلام : عاتب اخاک بالاحسان الیه، واردد شره بالانعام علیه.

    How to deal with bad friends Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: Remonstrate with your brother by being kind to him and respond to his evil by being generous to him.

  159. Sayings 159 Avoidance of accusation positions

    479

    التحذیر من مواضع التهم قال علیه السلام : من وضع نفسه مواضع التهمه فلا یلومن من اسا به الظن.

    Avoidance of accusation positions Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: If one places himself where he may be charged, let him not blame those who may think ill of him.

  160. Sayings 160 Power and violence

    480

    القدره و العدوان قال علیه السلام : من ملک استاث .

    Power and violence Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: One who possesses prefers himself over others.

  161. Sayings 161 The value of consultation and avoid egocentrism

    481

    فضل المشوره قال علیه السلام : ومن استبد برایه هلک، ومن شاور الرجال شارکها فی عقولها.

    The value of consultation and avoid egocentrism Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: One who follows only his view perishes, and one who consults with others shares their wisdom

  162. Sayings 162 The necessity of secrecy

    482

    ضروره حفظ السر قال علیه السلام : ومن کتم سره. کانت الخیره بیده

    The necessity of secrecy Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: One who hides his secret holds his own option.

  163. Sayings 163 Poverty and destruction

    483

    الفقر و الموت قال علیه السلام : الفقر الموت الاکبر

    Poverty and destruction Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: Poverty is the greatest death.

  164. Sayings 164 Methods of dealing with offenders

    484

    اسلوب مواجهه العدو قال علیه السلام : من قضى حق من لا یقضی حقه فقد عبده.

    Methods of dealing with offenders Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: If one is fair to another who is not fair to him, it is as though he worships him.

  165. Sayings 165 Avoiding from disobedience of God

    485

    التحذیر من معصیه الله قال علیه السلام : لا طاعه لمخلوق فی معصیه الخالق.

    Avoiding from disobedience of God Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: No creature should be obeyed so long as such obedience means disobedience of the Creator.

  166. Sayings 166 Avoiding from infringement of others' rights

    486

    التحذیر من العدوان قال علیه السلام : لا یعاب المر بتاخیر حقه انما یعاب من اخذ ما لیسله.

    Avoiding from infringement of others' rights Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: No blame should be placed on one in delaying taking what belongs to him; blame should be on one who takes what does not belong to him.

  167. Sayings 167 Egotism and deprivations

    487

    خطر الاعجاب قال علیه السلام : الاعجاب یمنع من الازدیاد

    Egotism and deprivations Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: Conceit stops one from seeking perfection

  168. Sayings 168 Paying attention to mortality of the world

    488

    ضروره ذکر فنا الدنیا قال علیه السلام : الامر قریب والاصطحاب قلیل.

    Paying attention to mortality of the world Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: The undertaking is near but company is not.

  169. Sayings 169 Futurism

    489

    ذکر المستقبل قال علیه السلام : قد اضا الصبح لذی عینین.

    Futurism Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: Morning surely shines for those who have vision.

  170. Sayings 170 The necessity of abandoning a sin

    490

    ضروره ترک المعصیه قال علیه السلام : ترک الذنب اهون من طلب التوبه.

    The necessity of abandoning a sin Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: Abandoning a sin is easier than seeking help

  171. Sayings 171 The ominous consequence of usury

    491

    التحذیر من اکله الحرام قال علیه السلام : کم من اکله منعت اکلات!

    The ominous consequence of usury Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: How often one meal blocks many!

  172. Sayings 172 Ignorance and enmities

    492

    الجهل و العداوه قال علیه السلام : الناس اعدا ما جهلوا.

    Ignorance and enmities Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: People are enemies of what they do not know

  173. Sayings 173 The value of consultations

    493

    فضل المشوره قال علیه السلام : من استقبل وجوه الارا عرف مواقع الخطا.

    The value of consultations Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: One who welcomes various views gets to know where error lies.

  174. Sayings 174 The worth of getting angry for God

    494

    فضل الغضب لله قال علیه السلام : من احد سنان الغضب لله قوی على قتل اشدا الباطل.

    The worth of getting angry for God Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: One who sharpens his weapon seeking revenge against those who incur the Wrath of Allah will be strong enough to kill those who are strong in committing falsehood.

  175. Sayings 175 The fear Treatment

    495

    الطریق الی شفا الخوف قال علیه السلام : اذا هبت امرا فقع فیه، فان شده توقیه اعظم مما تخاف منه.

    The fear Treatment Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: If you fear doing something, then do it because your fear is greater than the deed itself.

  176. Sayings 176 The tools of management

    496

    اله الریاسه قال علیه السلام : اله الریاسه سعه الصدر.

    The tools of management Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: The mechanism whereby one earns mastership is forbearance.

  177. Sayings 177 How to deal with evil doer

    497

    اسلوب مواجهه الاشرار قال علیه السلام : ازجر المسی بثواب الـمحسن.

    How to deal with evil doer Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: Reprimand the evil doer by rewarding the doer of righteous.

  178. Sayings 178 The methods of eliminating the evils

    498

    الطریق الی قلع الشر قال علیه السلام : احصد الشر من صدر غیرک بقلعه من صدرک.

    The methods of eliminating the evils Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: Remove evil from the chest of others by eradicating it from your own.

  179. Sayings 179 Obstinacy and weakness of will

    499

    التحذیر من اللجاجه قال علیه السلام : اللجاجه تسل الرای

    Obstinacy and weakness of will Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: Fanatically insisting on disagreeing poisons one’s view

  180. Sayings 180 Being greedy and slavery

    500

    التحذیر من الطمع قال علیه السلام : الطمع رق موبد.

    Being greedy and slavery Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: Greed is perpetual bondage.

  181. Sayings 181 The value of prudence

    501

    ثمره الحزم قال علیه السلام : ثمره التفریط الندامه، وثمره الحزم السلامه.

    The value of prudence Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: The fruit of carelessness is regret, whereas the fruit of determination is safety.

  182. Sayings 182 Understanding the role of speech and silence

    502

    منزله السکوت و الکلام قال علیه السلام : لا خیر فی الصمت عن الحکم، کما انه لا خیر فی القول بالجهل.

    Understanding the role of speech and silence Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: Preferring silence over articulating wisdom produces nothing good; likewise is to speak out of ignorance.

  183. Sayings 183 The reason of disagreement

    503

    عله الاختلاف قال علیه السلام : ما اختلفت دعوتان الا کانت احداهما ضلاله.

    The reason of disagreement Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: No two cases vary from each other except that one of them is falsehood.

  184. Sayings 184 Ideological characteristics of Imam(PBUH)

    504

    خصایص الامام الاعتقادیه قال علیه السلام : ما شککت فی الحق مذ اریته.

    Ideological characteristics of Imam(PBUH) Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: Never have I ever doubted the truth whenever it was shown to me.

  185. Sayings 185 Ideological characteristics of Imam(PBUH)

    505

    خصایص الامام الاعتقادیه قال علیه السلام : ما کذبت ولا کذبت ولا ضللت ولا ضل بی.

    Ideological characteristics of Imam(PBUH) Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: Never have I been told a lie, nor have I been told a lie. Never did I ever stray, nor could any use me to cause others to stray.

  186. Sayings 186 The future of oppressor

    506

    مستقبل الظالم قال علیه السلام : للظالم البادی غدا بکفه عضه

    The future of oppressor Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: The oppressor who starts the oppression will tomorrow bite his hand (in regret).

  187. Sayings 187 The necessity of reminding the Resurrection

    507

    ضروره ذکر القیامه قال علیه السلام : الرحیل وشیک.

    The necessity of reminding the Resurrection Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: Departure (from this world) is nigh.

  188. Sayings 188 The necessity of acting right

    508

    ضروره العمل بالحق قال علیه السلام : من ابدى صفحته للحق هلک.

    The necessity of acting right Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: One who openly opposes what is right perishes.

  189. Sayings 189 The value of patience and the risk of being impatience

    509

    فضل الصبر قال علیه السلام : من لم ینجه الصبر اهلکه الجزع.

    The value of patience and the risk of being impatience Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: One who is not saved by patience will be finished by impatience.

  190. Sayings 190 The method for selecting the Caliphate

    510

    کیفیه الاختیار الامام قال علیه السلام : واعجباه! اتکون الخلافه بالصحابه ولاتکون بالصحابها والقرابه؟ قال الرضى : و روی له شعر فی هذا المعنى، وهو: فان کنت بالشورى ملکت امورهم فکیف بهذا والمشیرون غیب؟ وان کنت بالقربى حججت خصیمهم فغیرک اولى بالنبی واقرب.

    The method for selecting the Caliphate Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: How strange! Could the caliphate be through the (Prophet's) companionship but not through (his) companionship and (his) kinship? Sayyid ar-Radi says the following: for whom verses of poetry are narrated,has said a couple of lines the gist of which is as follows: If you through shura took charge of them, How so since those whose advice is to be sought were absent?! And if you through kinsfolk argued with the opponent, Others are more worthy of and nearer than you to the Prophet.

  191. Sayings 191 The problems of the world

    511

    الانسان و مشاکل الحیاه قال علیه السلام : انما المر فی الدنیا غرض تنتضل فیه المنایا ونهب تبادره المصایب، ومع کل جرعه شرق وفی کل اکله غصص، ولا ینال العبد نعمه الا بفراق اخرى، ولا یستقبل یوما من عمره الا بفراق اخر من اجله فنحن اعوان المنون وانفسنا نصب الحتوف فمن این نرجوا البقا وهذا اللیل والنهار لم یرفعا من شی شرفا الا اسرعا الکره فی هدم ما بنیا، وتفریق ما جمعا؟!

    The problems of the world Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: One in this life is a target of death, a loot to calamities. With every sip there is hardship, with every morsel there is choking. Whenever a servant of Allah receives a blessing, he bids farewell to another. Whenever he welcomes a new day, he bids farewell for its sake to another. This is so because we are assistants of the fates: Every breath we draw is a target of death; so, how can we hope to last since this night and this day never raise anything in honor except that they are more swift in destroying what they build and scatter what they gather?

  192. Sayings 192 Warning for gathering property

    512

    التحذیر من جمع الاموال قال علیه السلام : یابن ادم ما کسبت فوق قوتک، فانت فیه خازن لغیرک.

    Warning for gathering property Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: O son of Adam! Anything you earn beyond your need is stored for others.

  193. Sayings 193 The best way to utilize the heart

    513

    الطریق الامثل لاستعمال القلب قال علیه السلام : ان للقلوب شهوه واقبالا وادبارا، فاتوها من قبل شهوتها واقبالها، فان القلب اذا اکره عمی.

    The best way to utilize the heart Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: Hearts have desires, coming or going; so, approach your hearts according to their desires and approaches, for if you force the heart, you will blind it.

  194. Sayings 194 The necessity of avoiding from anger and revenge

    514

    التحذیر من الغضب قال علیه السلام : متى اشفی غیظی اذا غضبت؟ احین اعجز عن الانتقام فیقال لی: لو صبرت؟ ام حین اقدر علیه فیقال لی: لو عفوت

    The necessity of avoiding from anger and revenge Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: What shall I satisfy my anger when I am enraged? Is it when I am unable to seek revenge so it will be said to me: “Why did you not have patience?” Or should I do it when I am able, so it will be said to me: “Why did you not forgive?”

  195. Sayings 195 Avoidance from miserliness

    515

    الاجتناب من البخل وقال علیه السلام وقد مر بقذر على مزبله: هذا ما بخل به الباخلون و روی فی خبر اخر انه قال: هذا ما کنتم تتنافسون فیه بالامس!

    Avoidance from miserliness Passing by some garbage, Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: This is some people were too miser to give others. In another narrative, he is reported as having said, “This is what you used to compete with each other for!”

  196. Sayings 196 learning some lessons from wasting properties

    516

    العبره من اتلاف المال قال علیه السلام : لم یذهب من مالک ما وعظک

    learning some lessons from wasting properties Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: None of your wealth was wasted so long as it provided you with admonishment.

  197. Sayings 197 The method of psychotherapy

    517

    الطریق الی شفا النفس قال علیه السلام : ان هذه القلوب تمل کما تمل الابدان، فابتغوا لها طرایف الحکمه .

    The method of psychotherapy Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following: These hearts wear out just as bodies wear out; so, seek for them beautiful pieces of wisdom

  198. Sayings 198 The necessity of governance

    518

    ضروره الحکومه للمجتمع البشری وقال علیه السلام لما سمع قول الخوارج ـ لا حکم الا لله ـ کلمه حق یراد بها باطل.

    The necessity of governance Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH), having heard the Kharijites say, “There is no government except Allah’s”, said: “A true statement intended to reap falsehood.”

  199. Sayings 199 Blaming the thugs

    519

    صفه الغوغا وقال علیه السلام فی صفه الغوغا هم الذین اذا اجتمعوا غلبوا، واذا تفرقوا لم یعرفوا وقیل: بل قال هم الذین اذا اجتمعوا ضروا واذا تفرقوا نفعوا فقیل: قد علمنا مضره اجتماعهم، فما منفعه افتراقهم؟ فقال: یرجع اصحاب المهن الى مهنهم، فینتفع الناس بهم، کرجوع البنا الى بنایه، والنساج الى منسجه، والخباز الى مخبزه.

    Blaming the thugs Describing the mobs, Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: They are the ones who overwhelm when they gather and who are not known. It is said that he, peace be upon him, rather said, “They are the ones who do harm when they gather and they do good when they disperse.” The Imam (PBUH) was asked, “When understand their mischief when they gather, but what is the benefit when they disperse?” The Imam (PBUH) said, “Each one of them returns to his profession, so people benefit from them, such as the builder returning to build, the weaver returns to his craft and the baker returns to his bakery, and so on.”

  200. Sayings 200 Criticizing the villains

    520

    فضح اهل الغوغا وقال علیه السلام وقد اتی بجان ومعه غوغا: لا مرحبا بوجوه لا ترى الا عند کل سواه.

    Criticizing the villains Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following when a criminal was brought to him escorted by mobs: There is no welcome for you here, O faces that are not seen except when a bad deed is committed.

  201. Sayings 201 The guardian angels and human protection

    521

    الملایکه و حفظ الانسان وقال علیه السلام : ان مع کل انسان ملکین یحفظانه، فاذا جا القدر خلیا بینه وبینه، وان الاجل جنه حصینه.

    The guardian angels and human protection Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: With every human being there are two guardian angels. When fate comes, they make room for him; fate is a secure protection.

  202. Sayings 202 Realism in politics

    522

    الامام و النظره السیاسیه وقد قال له طلحه والزبیر: نبایعک على انا شرکاوک فی هذا الامر فقال علیه السلام : لا، ولکنکما شریکان فی القوه والاستعانه، وعونان على العجز والاود

    Realism in politics Talhah and az-Zubair said to the Imam (PBUH), “We shall swear the oath of allegiance to you provided we are your prtners in this matter (in caliphate).” Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said:No, but you both are partners when strength and aid are sought, and you both are aides against inability and extreme effort.

  203. Sayings 203 Remembering death and piety

    523

    التقوی و ذکر الموت وقال علیه السلام : ایها الناس، اتقوا الله الذی ان قلتم سمع، وان اضمرتم علم، وبادروا الموت، الذی ان هربتم ادرککم، وان اقمتم اخذکم، وان نسیتموه ذکرکم.

    Remembering death and piety Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: O people! Fear Allah Who hears you when you speak, Who knows what you hide in your breasts, Prepare yourself to meet death which will overtake you even if you run away which take you when you stay, and which remembers you when you forget about it.

  204. Sayings 204 Neglecting to gratitude of people

    524

    ضروره السعی فی الخیرات وقال علیه السلام : لا یزهدنک فی المعروف من لا یشکره لک، فقد یشکرک علیه من لا یستمتع بشی منه، وقد تدرک من شکر الشاکر اکثر مما اضاع الکافر، و الله یحب المحسنین.

    Neglecting to gratitude of people Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: Do not be discouraged by ingrates from doing good deeds, for you may be thanked by those who do not benefit from your good deed You may obtain gratitude from a grateful person much more than what someone who hides it has wasted, “... and Allah loves the doers of righteousness.”

  205. Sayings 205 Unlimited capacity of science

    525

    اتساع ظرف العلم وقال علیه السلام : کل وعا یضیق بما جعل فیه الا وعا العلم، فانه یتسع.

    Unlimited capacity of science Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: Every container becomes straitened by what is put in it except the container of knowledge: It expands

  206. Sayings 206 The result of patience and endurance

    526

    نتایج الحلم وقال علیه السلام : اول عوض الحلیم من حلمه ان الناس انصاره على الجاهل.

    The result of patience and endurance Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: The first compensation for a clement person for his clemency is that people are his supporters against the ignorant ones.

  207. Sayings 207 The value to liken to the Clements

    527

    فضل التشبه بالحلیم وقال علیه السلام : ان لم تکن حلیما فتحلم، فانه قل من تشبه بقوم الا اوشک ان یکون منهم.

    The value to liken to the Clements Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: If you are not clement, then put on the garb of clemency, it is seldom that a man likens himself to a group and does not become almost just like them.

  208. Sayings 208 The stages of self improvement

    528

    مراحل تربیه النفس وقال علیه السلام : من حاسب نفسه ربح، ومن غفل عنها خسر، ومن خاف امن، ومن اعتبر ابصر، من ابصر فهم، ومن فهم علم.

    The stages of self improvement Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: One who holds himself to account succeeds. When who overlooks it loses. One who is cautious earns security. One who receives admonishment expands his vision. One who expands his vision gains understanding, and who gains understanding earns knowledge.

  209. Sayings 209 The news of the appearance of Imam Mahdi (PBUH)

    529

    الاخبار بظهور المهدی (عج) وقال علیه السلام : لتعطفن الدنیا علینا بعد شماسها عطف الضروس على ولدها. و تلا عقیب ذلک : «و نرید ان نمن على الذین استضعفوا فی الارض و نجعلهم ایمه و نجعلهم الو ارثین .»

    The news of the appearance of Imam Mahdi (PBUH) Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: The life of this world shall be kind to us after being cruel to us just as a she-camel that rejects those who milk it but turns with affection to its newborn. Having said so, the Imam (PBUH) recited the following verse: “And We wished to be gracious to those who were being oppressed in the land to make them leaders (in faith) and to make them heirs” (Quran, 28:5).

  210. Sayings 210 Piety and pious

    530

    التقوی و المتقی وقال علیه السلام : اتقوا الله تقیه من شمر تجریدا، وجد تشمیرا، وکمش فی مهل، وبادر عن وجل و نظر فی کره المویل وعاقبه المصدر، و مغبه المرجع.

    Piety and pious Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: Fear Allah like the one who prepares himself after extracting himself (from worldly affairs) and after getting ready in this way makes effort; then he acts quickly during the period of this life hastens in view of the dangers (of falling into error) and has his eye on proceeding towards the goal, on the end of his journey and on the place of his (eventual) return.

  211. Sayings 211 Ethical Values

    531

    الفضایل الاخلاقیه وقال علیه السلام : الجود حارس الاعراض و الحلم فدام السفیه و العفو زکاه الظفر و السلو عوضک ممن غدر و الاستشاره عین الهدایه و قد خاطر من استغنى برایه و الصبر یناضل الحدثان و الجزع من اعوان الزمان و اشرف الغنى ترک المنى و کم من عقل اسیر تحت هوى امیر و من التوفیق حفظ التجربه و الموده قرابه مستفاده و لا تامنن ملولا .

    Ethical Values Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: Generosity is the protector of honour; forbearance is the bridle of the fool; forgiveness is the levy of success; disregard is the punishment of him who betrays; and consultation is the chief way of guidance. He who is content with his own opinion faces danger. Endurance braves calamities while impatience is a helper of the hardships of the world. The best contentment is to give up desires. Many a slavish mind is subservient to overpowering longings. Capability helps preservation of experience. Love means well-utilized relationship. Do not trust one who is grieved.

  212. Sayings 212 Egotism is the enemy of wisdom

    532

    افه العقل«عجب» وقال علیه السلام : عجب المر بنفسه احد حساد عقله.

    Egotism is the enemy of wisdom Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: A man's vanity for himself is one of the enemies of his intelligence.

  213. Sayings 213 Patience and satisfaction

    533

    الصبر و الرضی وقال علیه السلام : اغض على القذى و الا لم ترض ابدا .

    Patience and satisfaction Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: Ignore pain otherwise you will never be happy.

  214. Sayings 214 Humility and prosperity

    534

    التواضع و النعم وقال علیه السلام : من لان عوده کثفت اغصانه.

    Humility and prosperity Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: The tree whose trunk is soft has thick branches.

  215. Sayings 215 Opposition is the enemy of good thought

    535

    افه الرای وقال علیه السلام : الخلاف یهدم الرای.

    Opposition is the enemy of good thought Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: Opposition destroys good counsel.

  216. Sayings 216 Power and aggressiveness

    536

    القدره و العدوان وقال علیه السلام : من نال استطال .

    Power and aggressiveness Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: He who achieves position begins to make wrong use of it.

  217. Sayings 217 Knowing the human being in change of circumstance

    537

    معرفه الرجال فی الحوادث وقال علیه السلام : فی تقلب الاحوال علم جواهر الرجال.

    Knowing the human being in change of circumstance Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: Through change of circumstances the mettle of men is known.

  218. Sayings 218 Jealousy damages friendship

    538

    الحسد افه الموده وقال علیه السلام : حسد الصدیق من سقم الموده.

    Jealousy damages friendship Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: Jealousy by a friend means defect in his love.

  219. Sayings 219 Wishes, damage the thought

    539

    المطامع افه العقول وقال علیه السلام : اکثر مصارع العقول تحت بروق المطامع.

    Wishes, damage the thought Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: Most of the deficiency of intelligence occurs due to the flash of greed.

  220. Sayings 220 Justice in judgment

    540

    العدل فی القضا وقال علیه السلام : لیس من العدل القضا على الثقه بالظن.

    Justice in judgment Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: There is no justice in passing a verdict by relying on probability.

  221. Sayings 221 Painful future of oppressors

    541

    مصیر الظالم وقال علیه السلام : بیس الزاد الى المعاد العدوان على العباد.

    Painful future of oppressors Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: The worst provision for the Day of Judgement is high-handedness over people.

  222. Sayings 222 Neglecting evil-doers

    542

    تغافل الکریم وقال علیه السلام : من اشرف افعال الکریم غفلته عما یعلم.

    Neglecting evil-doers Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: The highest act of a noble person is to ignore what he knows

  223. Sayings 223 Modesty and covering defects

    543

    فضل الحیا وقال علیه السلام : من کساه الحیا ثوبه لم یر الناس عیبه.

    Modesty and covering defects Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: Whomever modesty clothes with its dress people cannot see his defects.

  224. Sayings 224 Some of ethical values

    544

    نصایح خالده وقال علیه السلام : بکثره الصمت تکون الهیبه و بالنصفه یکثر المواصلون و بالافضال تعظم الاقدار و بالتواضع تتم النعمه و باحتمال المون یجب السودد و بالسیره العادله یقهر المناوی و بالحلم عن السفیه تکثر الانصار علیه.

    Some of ethical values Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: Excess of silence produces awe; justice results in more close friends; generosity heightens position; with humility blessings abound in plenty; by facing hardships leadership is achieved; by just behaviour the adversary is overpowered; and with forbearance against a fool there is increase of one's supporters against him.

  225. Sayings 225 Jealousy and disease

    545

    الحسد و المرض وقال علیه السلام : العجب لغفله الحساد عن سلامه الاجساد.

    Jealousy and disease Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: It is strange that the jealous do not feel jealous about bodily health.

  226. Sayings 226 Greed and humiliation

    546

    الطمع و الذله وقال علیه السلام : الطامع فی وثاق الذل.

    Greed and humiliation Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: The greedy is in the shackles of disgrace.

  227. Sayings 227 The bases of faith

    547

    ارکان الایمان وقال علیه السلام وقد سیل عن الایمان: الایمان معرفه بالقلب، واقرار باللسان، وعمل بالارکان.

    The bases of faith Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH), was asked about belief (iman) when he said: Belief means appreciation with the heart, acknowledgement with the tongue, and action with the limbs.

  228. Sayings 228 Values and anti-values

    548

    نصایح خالده وقال علیه السلام : من اصبح على الدنیا حزینا فقد اصبح لقضا الله ساخطا، ومن اصبح یشکو مصیبه نزلت به فقد اصبح یشکو ربه، ومن اتى غنیا فتواضع لغناه ذهب ثلثا دینه، ومن قرا القران فمات فدخل النار فهو ممن کان یتخذ ایات الله هزوا، ومن لهج قلبه بحب الدنیا التاط قلبه منها بثلاث: هم لا یغبه، وحرص لا یترکه، وامل لا یدرکه.

    Values and anti-values Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: He who is sorrowful for this world is in fact displeased with the dispensation of Allah. He who complains of a calamity that befalls him complains of his Lord (Allah). He who approaches a rich man and bends before him on account of his riches then two-third of his religion is gone. If a man reads the Qur'an and on dying goes to Hell then it means that he was among those who treated Divine verses with mockery. If a man's heart gets attached to the world, then it catches three things, namely worry that never leaves him, greed that does not abandon him and desire which he never fulfils

  229. Sayings 229 The value of contentment and good humour

    549

    فضل القناعه و حسن الخلق وقال علیه السلام : کفى بالقناعه ملکا و بحسن الخلق نعیما. و سیل (ع) عن قوله تعالى ( فلنحیینه حیاه طیبه ) قال:هی القناعه .

    The value of contentment and good humour Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: Contentment is as good as estate, and goodness of moral character is as good as a blessing. Amir al-mu'minin, peace be upon him, was asked about Allah's saying: We will certainly make him live a life good and pure . (Qur'an, 16:97) when he said:that means (a life of) contentment.

  230. Sayings 230 The way of gaining the livelihood

    550

    الطریق الی کسب الرزق وقال علیه السلام : شارکوا الذی قد اقبل علیه الرزق، فانه اخلق للغنى، واجدر باقبال الحظ علیه.

    The way of gaining the livelihood Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: Be a sharer with him who has an abundant livelihood because he is more probable to get more riches and likely to secure an increase of the share therein.

  231. Sayings 231 Definition of justice and charity

    551

    تفسیر العدل و الاحسان وقال علیه السلام فی قول الله تعالى: ان الله یامر بالعدل و الاحسان العدل الانصاف، والاحسان

    Definition of justice and charity Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said about Allah's saying: Verily, Allah enjoins justice ('adl) and benevolence (ihsan), (Qur'an, 16:90). Here 'adl ' means equitableness and ' ihsan ' means favour.

  232. Sayings 232 The consequence of charity

    552

    فضل الانفاق وقال علیه السلام : من یعط بالید القصیره یعط بالید الطویله. قال الرضى و معنى ذلک ان ما ینفقه المر من ماله فی سبیل الخیر و البر و ان کان یسیرا فان الله تعالى یجعل الجزا علیه عظیما کثیرا، والیدان هاهنا عبارتان عن النعمتین، ففرق علیه السلام بین نعمه العبد و نعمه الرب بالقصیره و الطویله؛ فجعل تلک قصیره و هذه طویله، لان نعم الله ابدا تضعف على نعم المخلوق اضعافا کثیره، اذ کانت نعم الله اصل النعم کلها، فکل نعمه الیها ترجع و منها تنزع.

    The consequence of charity Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: He who gives with his short hand is given by a long hand. Sayyid ar-Radi says the following: The meaning of this saying is that even though what a man spends in charity from his possessions may be small, yet Allah, the Sublime, gives good reward for it. And the two hands referred to, here means two favours. Thus, Amir al-mu'minin has differentiated between the favour of man and the favour of the Lord (Allah)with short and long since he has described the first as short and the other as long. This is because the favours of Allah are ever multiplied manifold to the favours of man since Allah's favours are the basis of all favours in the sense that every other favour springs from it and turns to it.

  233. Sayings 233 Avoiding from beginning the fight

    553

    النهی عن المبارزه و قال علیه السلام لابنه الحسن علیه السلام: لا تدعون الى مبارزه و ان دعیت الیها فاجب فان الداعی الیها باغ و الباغی مصروع.

    Avoiding from beginning the fight Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said to his son al-Hasan, peace be upon them both: Do not call out for fighting but if you are called to it do respond, because the caller to fighting is a rebel and the rebel deserves destruction.

  234. Sayings 234 Ethical difference between men and women

    554

    خصایص الرجال و النسا وقال علیه السلام : خیار خصال النسا شرار خصال الرجال الزهو والجبن والبخل، فاذا کانت المراه مزهوه لم تمکن من نفسها، واذا کانت بخیله حفظت مالها ومال بعلها، واذا کانت جبانه فرقت من کل شی یعرض لها.

    Ethical difference between men and women Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: The best traits of women are those which are the worst traits of men, namely: vanity, cowardice and miserliness. Thus, since the woman is vain, she will not allow anyone access to herself; since she is miserly, she will preserve her own property and the property of her husband; and since she is weak-hearted, she will be frightened with everything that befalls her.

  235. Sayings 235 Ethical difference between men and women

    555

    علامه العاقل وقیل له علیه السلام : صف لنا العاقل. فقال علیه السلام : هو الذی یضع الشی مواضعه. قیل: فصف لنا الجاهل. قال: قد فعلت. قال الرضى : عنی ان الجاهل، هو الذی لا یضع الشى مواضعه، فکان ترک صفته صفه اذ کان بخلاف وصف العاقل.

    Ethical difference between men and women It was said to Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH): Describe the wise to us; and he said: The wise is one who places things in their proper positions. Then, he was asked: Describe the ignorant to us; and he said: I have already done so. Sayyid ar-Radi say the following: The meaning is that the ignorant is one who does not place things in their proper positions. In this way, Amir al-mu'minin's abstention from describing was a way of describing him because the attributes of the ignorant are the opposite of the wise.

  236. Sayings 236 Understanding the world

    556

    علامه العاقل وقال علیه السلام : والله لدنیاکم هذه اهون فی عینی من عراق خنزیر فی ید مجذوم.

    Understanding the world Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: By Allah, this world of yours is more lowly in my view than the (left over) bone of a pig in the hand of a leper.

  237. Sayings 237 Different kinds of worship

    557

    انواع العباده وقال علیه السلام : ان قوما عبدوا الله رغبه فتلک عباده التجار، وان قوما عبدوا الله رهبه فتلک عباده العبید، وان قوما عبدوا الله شکرا فتلک عباده الاحرار

    Different kinds of worship Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: A group of people worshipped Allah out of desire for reward surely, this is the worship of traders. Another group worshipped Allah out of fear; this is the worship of slaves. Still another group worshipped Allah out of gratefulness; this is the worship of free men

  238. Sayings 238 The problems of starting a family

    558

    مسوولیه العیال وقال علیه السلام : المراه شر کلها، وشر ما فیها انه لا بد منها.

    The problems of starting a family Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: Woman is evil, all in all; and the worst of it is that one cannot do without her

  239. Sayings 239 The evilness of laziness and gossiping

    559

    الرذایل الاخلاقیه وقال علیه السلام : من اطاع التوانی ضیع الحقوق، ومن اطاع الواشی ضیع الصدیق.

    The evilness of laziness and gossiping Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: He who is a sluggard loses his rights and he who believes in the backbiter loses his friend.

  240. Sayings 240 Prohibition of unlawfully seized

    560

    حرمه الغصب وقال علیه السلام : الحجر الغصیب فی الدار رهن على خرابها قال الرضى : و یروى هذا الکلام عن النبى (ص) و لا عجب ان یشتبه الکلامان، لان مستقاهما من قلیب و مفرغهما من ذنوب.

    Prohibition of unlawfully seized Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: One ill-gotten piece of stone in a house is a guarantee for its ruin. Sayyid ar-Radi says the following: In one tradition this saying is attributed to the Prophet(SAAW). It is no wonder that the two sayings should resemble each other because they are driven from the same source and dispersed through the same means.

  241. Sayings 241 The painful future of oppressors

    561

    یوم المظلوم وقال علیه السلام : یوم المظلوم على الظالم اشد من یوم الظالم على المظلوم.

    The painful future of oppressors Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: The day of the oppressed over the oppressor will be severer than the day of the oppressor over the oppressed.

  242. Sayings 242 The value of God fearing

    562

    فضیله الخوف من الله تعالی وقال علیه السلام : اتق الله بعض التقى وان قل، واجعل بینک وبین الله سترا وان رق.

    The value of God fearing Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: Fear Allah to some degree (even) though it be little; and set a curtain between you and Allah (even) though it be thin.

  243. Sayings 243 The correct way of respond

    563

    کیفیه الجواب وقال علیه السلام : اذا ازدحم الجواب خفی الصواب

    The correct way of respond Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: When replies are numerous the correct point remains obscure.

  244. Sayings 244 Responsibility for divine blessings

    564

    مسوولیه النعم الالهی وقال علیه السلام : ان لله فی کل نعمه حقا، فمن اداه زاده منها، ومن قصر منه خاطر بزوال نعمته.

    Responsibility for divine blessings Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: Surely in every blessing there is a right of Allah. If one discharges that right Allah increases the blessing, and if one falls short of doing so one stands in danger of losing the blessing.

  245. Sayings 245 Power and desire

    565

    القدره و الشهوات وقال علیه السلام : اذا کثرت المقدره قلت الشهوه.

    Power and desire Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: When capability increases, desire decreases.

  246. Sayings 246 Warning from slipping away of blessings

    566

    التحذیر من نفار النعم وقال علیه السلام : احذروا نفار النعم فما کل شارد بمردود.

    Warning from slipping away of blessings Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: Keep on guard against the slipping away of blessings because not everything that runs away comes back.

  247. Sayings 247 The result of generosity

    567

    افضل الاعمال وقال علیه السلام : الکرم اعطف من الرحم.

    The result of generosity Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: Generosity is more prompting to good than regard for kinship.

  248. Sayings 248 Improving optimism

    568

    تصدیق حسن الظن وقال علیه السلام : من ظن بک خیرا فصدق ظنه

    Improving optimism Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: If a person has a good idea about you make his idea be true.

  249. Sayings 249 The best acts

    569

    افضل الاعمال وقال علیه السلام : افضل الاعمال ما اکرهت نفسک علیه.

    The best acts Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: The best act is that which you have to force yourself to do.

  250. Sayings 250 Theology in everyday events

    570

    الطریق الی معرفه الله وقال علیه السلام : عرفت الله سبحانه بفسخ العزایم وحل العقود و نقض الهمم.

    Theology in everyday events Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: I came to know Allah, the Glorified, through the breaking of determinations, resolving knotty problems and breaching the decisions.

  251. Sayings 251 Bitterness and sweetness of this world and the hereafter

    571

    حلاوه الدنیا و الاخره وقال علیه السلام : مراره الدنیا حلاوه الاخره، وحلاوه الدنیا مراره الاخره.

    Bitterness and sweetness of this world and the hereafter Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: The bitterness of this world is the sweetness of the next world while the sweetness of this world is the bitterness of the next one.

  252. Sayings 252 The philosophy of religious precepts

    572

    فلسفه الاحکام الاسلامیه وقال علیه السلام : فرض الله الایمان تطهیرا من الشرک و الصلاه تنزیها عن الکبر و الزکاه تسبیبا للرزق و الصیام ابتلا لاخلاص الخلق و الحج تقربه للدین و الجهاد عزا للاسلام و الامر بالمعروف مصلحه للعوام و النهی عن المنکر ردعا للسفها و صله الرحم منماه للعدد و القصاص حقنا للدما و اقامه الحدود اعظاما للمحارم و ترک شرب الخمر تحصینا للعقل و مجانبه السرقه ایجابا للعفه و ترک الزنى تحصینا للنسب و ترک اللواط تکثیرا للنسل و الشهادات استظهارا على المجاحدات و ترک الکذب تشریفا للصدق و السلام امانا من المخاوف و الامانه نظاما للامه و الطاعه تعظیما للامامه .

    The philosophy of religious precepts Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: Allah has laid down iman (belief) for purification from polytheism; salat (prayer) for purification from vanity; zakat (levy) as a means of livelihood; siyam (fasting) as a trial of the people; hajj (pilgrimage to the House of Allah in Mecca) as a support for religion; jihad (fighting in the way of Allah) for the honour of Islam; persuasion for good (al-amr bi'l-ma`ruf) for the good of the common people; dissuasion from evil (an-nahy 'ani'l-munkar) for the control of the mischievous; regard for kinship for increase of number; revenge for stoppage of bloodshed; the award of penalties for the realization of importance of the prohibitions; the abstinence from drinking wine for protection of the wit; the avoidance of theft for inculcating chastity abstinence from adultery for safeguarding descent; abstinence from sodomy for increase of progeny; tendering evidence for furnishing proof against contentions; abstinence from the lie for increasing esteem for truth; maintenance of peace (salam) for protection from danger; imamah or Imamate (Divine Leadership) for the orderliness of the community and obedience (to Imams) as a mark of respect to the Imamate.

  253. Sayings 253 How to make an oppressor to swear

    573

    کیفیه تحلیف الظالم و کان علیه السلام یقول: احلفوا الظالم اذا اردتم یمینه بانه بری من حول الله و قوته فانه اذا حلف بها کاذبا عوجل العقوبه و اذا حلف بالله الذى لا اله الا هو لم یعاجل لانه قد وحد الله تعالى

    How to make an oppressor to swear Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) , used to say: If you want an oppressor to take an oath ask him to swear like this that he is out of Allah's might and His power, because if he swears falsely in this way he will be quickly punished, while if he swears by Allah Who is such that there is no god but He, he will not be quickly punished since he is expressing the Unity of Allah, the Sublime.

  254. Sayings 254 Initiative to charity

    574

    المبادره الی الانفاق وقال علیه السلام : یا ابن ادم کن وصی نفسک فى مالک و اعمل فیه ما توثر ان یعمل فیه من بعدک .

    Initiative to charity Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: O son of Adam, be your own representative in the matter of your property and do about it whatever you want to be done with it after your death.

  255. Sayings 255 Anger and madness

    575

    الحده و الجنون وقال علیه السلام : الحده ضرب من الجنون، لان صاحبها یندم، فان لم یندم فجنونه مستحکم.

    Anger and madness Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: Anger is a kind of madness because the victim to it repents afterwards. If he does not repent his madness is confirmed

  256. Sayings 256 Jealousy and illnesses

    576

    الحسد و الامراض وقال علیه السلام : صحه الجسد من قله الحسد.

    Jealousy and illnesses Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: Health of body comes from paucity of envy.

  257. Sayings 257 The way of making others happy

    577

    نصایح الخالده وقال علیه السلام لکمیل بن زیاد النخعی: یا کمیل، مر اهلک ان یروحوا فی کسب المکارم، ویدلجوا فی حاجه من هو نایم، فوالذی وسع سمعه الاصوات ما من احد اودع قلبا سرورا الا وخلق الله له من ذلک السرور لطفا فاذا نزلت به نایبه جرى الیها کالما فی انحداره حتى یطردها عنه کما تطرد غریبه الابل.

    The way of making others happy Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said to Kumayl ibn Ziyad an-Nakha'i: O Kumayl, direct your people to go out in the day to achieve noble traits and to go out in the night to meet the needs of those who might be sleeping, for I swear by Him Whose hearing extends to all voices if ever someone pleases another's heart, Allah will create a special thing out of this pleasing so that whenever any hardship befalls him it will come running like flowing water and drive away the hardship as wild camels are driven away.

  258. Sayings 258 Charity and richness

    578

    الصدقه و الغنی وقال علیه السلام : اذا املقتم فتاجروا الله بالصدقه.

    Charity and richness Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: When you fall into destitution, trade with Allah through charity

  259. Sayings 259 Understanding the place of loyalty

    579

    منزله الوفا وقال علیه السلام : الوفا لاهل الغدر غدر عند الله، والغدر باهل الغدر وفا عند الله.

    Understanding the place of loyalty Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said Faithfulness with faithless people is faithlessness with Allah, while faithlessness with faithless people is faithfulness with Allah.

  260. Sayings 260 Warning about giving time by God

    580

    التحذیر من الاملا وقال علیه السلام : کم من مستدرج بالاحسان الیه، ومغرور بالستر علیه، ومفتون بحسن القول فیه، ما ابتلى الله سبحانه احدا بمثل الاملا له. قال الرضى : و قد مضى هذا الکلام فیما تقدم، الا ان فیه هاهنا زیاده مفیده

    Warning about giving time by God Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: There is many a man being gradually brought towards punishment by good treatment with him; many a man who remains in deceit because his evils are covered; and many a man who is in illusion because of good talk about him, while there is no greater ordeal by Allah, the Glorified, than the giving of time. Sayyid ar-Radi says the following: This saying has appeared earlier as well but here it contains a beautiful and useful addition.

  261. Sayings 261 The innocence of Imam Ali (PBUH)

    581

    مظلومیه الامام على علیه السلام وقال علیه السلام لما بلغه اغاره اصحاب معاویه على الانبار، فخرج بنفسه ماشیا حتى اتى النخیله فادرکه الناس وقالوا: یا امیرالمومنین نحن نکفیکهم. فقال علیه السلام : والله ما تکفوننی انفسکم، فکیف تکفوننی غیرکم؟ ان کانت الرعایا قبلی لتشکوا حیف رعاتها، و اننی الیوم لاشکو حیف رعیتی، کاننی المقود و هم القاده، او الموزوع و هم الوزعه فلما قال علیه السلام هذا القول، فی کلام طویل قد ذکرنا مختاره فی جمله الخطب، تقدم الیه رجلان من اصحابه فقال انی لا املک الا نفسی واخی، فمرنا بامرک یا امیرالمومنین ننفد له. فقال علیه السلام :و این تقعان مما ارید

    The innocence of Imam Ali (PBUH) When the news of the attack of Mu`awiyah’s men on al- Anbar reached Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH), he himself came out walking till he reached an-Nukhaylah where people overtook him and said: “O Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib! We are [mighty] enough for [defeating] them.” He said: You cannot be enough for me against yourselves, so how can you be enough for me against others? Before me, the people used to complain of the oppression of their rulers, but now I have to complain of the wrongful actions of my people; as though I am led by them and they are the leaders, or that I am the subject and they are the rulers. The narrator says: “When Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) uttered this during his long speech, which we have included in the collection of sermons (No. 27), two men from among his companions advanced towards him and one of them said: “‘I rule none except myself and my brother’ (Quran, 5: 25). So, order us with your command, O Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib and we will carry it out.” Thereupon, Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: “How can you two accomplish what I aim at?”

  262. Sayings 262 Deviants from the right

    582

    المنحرفون عن الحق وقیل: ان الحارث بن حوط اتاه علیه السلام فقال: اترانی اظن اصحاب الجمل کانوا على ضلاله؟ فقال علیه السلام : یا حارث، انک نظرت تحتک ولم تنظر فوقک فحرت انک لم تعرف الحق فتعرف من اتاه، ولم تعرف الباطل فتعرف من اتاه. فقال الحارث: فانی اعتزل مع سعید بن مالک وعبد الله بن عمر. فقال علیه السلام :ان سعیدا وعبد الله بن عمر لم ینصرا الحق، ولم یخذلا الباطل.

    Deviants from the right It is said that al-Harith ibn Hawt came to Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib and said: “Do you believe that I can ever imagine that the people of Jamal were wrong?” Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: “O al-Harith! You have seen below yourself but not above yourself, so you have been confused. Certainly, you have not known right, so that you can recognize the righteous. And you have not known wrong, so that you can recognize the people who are wrong!” Then al-Harith said: “In that case, I shall withdraw along with Sa‘d ibn Malik and ‘Abdullah ibn Umar,” whereupon Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: “Verily, Sa‘d and `Umar have neither sided with right nor forsaken wrong.”

  263. Sayings 263 Problems with powerful companionship

    583

    صاحب السلطان وقال علیه السلام : صاحب السلطان کراکب الاسد: یغبط بموقعه، و هو اعلم بموضعه.

    Problems with powerful companionship Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: One who holds authority is like one who rides a lion he is envied for his status but he well knows it.

  264. Sayings 264 Benefiting to the survivors of others

    584

    فضل الاحسان وقال علیه السلام : احسنوا فی عقب غیرکم تحفظوا فی عقبکم

    Benefiting to the survivors of others Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said Do good with the bereaved ones of others so that good is done to your bereaved ones, too.

  265. Sayings 265 Utterance of the wise persons

    585

    کلام الحکما وقال علیه السلام : ان کلام الحکما اذا کان صوابا کان دوا، و اذا کان خطا کان دا.

    Utterance of the wise persons Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: When the utterance of the wise is to the point, it serves as a cure but if it is wrong, it acts like an illness.

  266. Sayings 266 The correct way to response

    586

    کیفیه الجواب وساله علیه السلام رجل ان یعرفه ما الایمان فقال: اذا کان الغد فاتنی حتى اخبرک على اسماع الناس، فان نسیت مقالتی حفظها علیک غیرک، فان الکلام کالشارده، ینقفها هذا و یخطیها هذا. قال الرضى و قد ذکرنا ما اجابه به علیه السلام فیما تقدم من هذا الباب، و هو قوله: الایمان على اربع شعب.

    The correct way to response Someone asked Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) to define faith for him. The Imam said, “Come to me tomorrow so that I may enlighten you in the presence of all people; thus, if you forget what I say, others might retain it. This is so because an utterance is like a fluttering prey which may be grappled by someone but missed by others.” Sayyid ar-Radi says the following: “We have already stated in the earlier chapter how Imam Ali ibn AbA Talib replied to this man, namely his saying (No. 31): ‘Faith stands on four pillars, etc.’”

  267. Sayings 267 Avoidance being greedy

    587

    الاجتناب من الحرص وقال علیه السلام : یابن ادم لا تحمل هم یومک الذی لم یاتک على یومک الذی قد اتاک، فانه ان یک من عمرک یات الله فیه برزقک

    Avoidance being greedy Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: O son of Adam! Do not inflict the worry of the day that has not yet come on the day which has already come because if that day is in your life, Allah will also bestow its livelihood.

  268. Sayings 268 Moderation in friendship and enmity

    588

    رعایه العدل فی الموده و العداوه وقال علیه السلام : احبب حبیبک هونا ما عسى ان یکون بغیضک یوما ما، و ابغض بغیضک هونا ما عسى ان یکون حبیبک یوما ما.

    Moderation in friendship and enmity Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: Have love for your friend up to a limit, for it is possible that he may turn into your enemy some day. And hate your enemy up to a limit, for it is possible that he may turn into your friend some day.

  269. Sayings 269 How to deal with the world

    589

    انواع الناس فی الدنیا وقال علیه السلام : الناس فی الدنیا عاملان: عامل عمل فی الدنیا للدنیا، قد شغلته دنیاه عن اخرته، یخشى على من یخلفه الفقر، و یامنه على نفسه، فیفنی عمره فی منفعه غیره و عامل عمل فی الدنیا لما بعدها، فجاه الذی له من الدنیا بغیر عمل، فاحرز الحظین معا، وملک الدارین جمیعا فاصبح وجیهاعندالله لا یسال الله حاجه فیمنعه.

    How to deal with the world Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: People are two kinds of workers in the world. One is a person who works in this world for this world and his work for this world keeps him unmindful of the next. He is afraid of destitution for those whom he will leave behind but feels safe about it. So, he spends his life seeking the good of others. The other is one who works in this world for what is to come hereafter, and he secures his share of this world without an effort. Thus, he gets both the benefits and becomes the owner of both homes. In this way, he is prestigious before Allah. If he asks Allah anything, He does not deny him

  270. Sayings 270 The need to preserve the Kaaba's property

    590

    القران و اموال الکعبه وروی انه ذکر عند عمر بن الخطاب فی ایامه حلی الکعبه وکثرته، فقال قوم: لو اخذته فجهزت به جیوش المسلمین کان اعظم للاجر، وما تصنع الکعبه بالحلی؟ فهم عمر بذلک، وسال عنه امیرالمومنین علیه السلام فقال: ان القران انزل على النبی صلى الله علیه واله و الاموال اربعه: اموال المسلمین فقسمها بین الورثه فی الفرایض و الفی فقسمه على مستحقیه، و الخمس فوضعه الله حیث وضعه، و الصدقات فجعلها الله حیث جعلها و کان حلی الکعبه فیها یومیذ، فترکه الله على حاله، و لم یترکه نسیانا، و لم یخف علیه مکانا، فاقره حیث اقره الله و رسوله. فقال له عمر: لولاک لافتضحنا وترک الحلی بحاله.

    The need to preserve the Kaaba's property It is related that during the days of (caliph) Umar ibn al- Khattab, the question of the excess of the ornaments of the Ka‘bah was mentioned to him and some people suggested the following: “If you raise by it an army of Muslims, it will be a matter of great reward, and what will the Ka‘bah do with the ornaments?” Umar thought of doing so but asked Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) what he thought. The Imam said:When the Quran was revealed to the Prophet (SAAW), there were four kinds of property: One, the property of a Muslim which he distributed among the successors according to fixed shares. Second, the tax (fay’) which he distributed to those for whom it was meant. Third, the one-fifth (khums) for which Allah had fixed the ways of disposal. Fourth, the amounts of charity (sadaqat) the disposal of which was also fixed by Allah. The ornaments of the Ka‘bah did exist in those days, but Allah left them as they were. He did not leave them by omission, nor were they unknown to Him. Therefore, you should keep them where Allah and His Prophet placed them. Thereupon, Umar ibn al-Khattab said, “If you had not been here, we would have been humiliated.” He left the ornaments as they were.

  271. Sayings 271 The right way of judgement

    591

    طریق القضا و روی انه علیه السلام رفع الیه رجلان سرقا من مال الله، احدهما عبد من مال الله، و الاخر من عروض الناس فقال علیه السلام : اما هذا فهو من مال الله و لا حد علیه، مال الله اکل بعضه بعضا، و اما الاخر فعلیه الحد، فقطع یده.

    The right way of judgement It is related that two persons were brought to Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) once. They had stolen a public property. One of them was a slave purchased with public money and the other had been purchased by someone from among the people. Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said, “As for this one who has stolen the public property there is no punishment for him, for it means one who is the property of Allah has taken another property of Allah. As for the other, he should be punished.” Consequently, the thief’s hand was cut off.

  272. Sayings 272 Efforts to remove corruption

    592

    الجد فی اقتلاع المفاسد وقال علیه السلام : لو قد استوت قدمای من هذه المداحض لغیرت اشیا

    Efforts to remove corruption Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: If my steps acquire firmness out of these slippery places, I will alter several things

  273. Sayings 273 The necessity of trust in God

    593

    التوکل علی الله فی الرزق وقال علیه السلام : اعلموا علما یقینا ان الله لم یجعل للعبد و ان عظمت حیلته واشتدت طلبته، و قویت مکیدته اکثر مما سمی له فی الذکر الحکیم ولم یحل بین العبد فی ضعفه وقله حیلته وبین ان یبلغ ما سمی له فی الذکر الحکیم، والعارف لهذا العامل به اعظم الناس راحه فی منفعه، والتارک له الشاک فیه اعظم الناس شغلا فی مضره. و رب منعم علیه مستدرج بالنعمى ، و رب مبتلى مصنوع له بالبلوى فزد ایها المستمع فی شکرک، و قصر من عجلتک، و قف عند منتهى رزقک.

    The necessity of trust in God Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: Know with full conviction that Allah has not fixed for any person even though his means (of seeking it) may be great his craving for it intense and his efforts for it acute more livelihood than what has been ordained in the Book of Destiny, Nor does the weakness of a person or the paucity of his means stand in the way between what is ordained in the Book of Destiny and himself. Whoever realizes it and acts upon it is the best of them all in comfort and benefit, while whoever disregards it and doubts it exceeds all men in disadvantages. Very often, a favored person is being slowly driven (towards punishment) through those favors, and very often an afflicted person is being done good through his own affliction. Therefore, O listener, increase your gratefulness, lessen your haste and stay within the bounds of your livelihood.

  274. Sayings 274 The need for action

    594

    ضروره العمل وقال علیه السلام : لا تجعلوا علمکم جهلا، و یقینکم شکا، اذا علمتم فاعملوا، واذا تیقنتم فاقدموا

    The need for action Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: Do not turn your knowledge into ignorance or your conviction into doubt. When you gain knowledge act (upon it), and when you acquire conviction, proceed (on its basis).

  275. Sayings 275 Ethical anti-values

    595

    الرذایل الاخلاقیه وقال علیه السلام : ان الطمع مورد غیر مصدر و ضامن غیر وفی و ربما شرق شارب الما قبل ریه، کلما عظم قدر الشی المتنافس فیه عظمت الرزیه لفقده، و الامانی تعمی اعین البصایر، و الحظ یاتی من لا یاتیه.

    Ethical anti-values Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: Greed takes a person to the watering place but brings him back without letting him drink. It undertakes responsibility but does not fulfil it. Often, the drinker gets choked before he quenches his thirst. The greater the worth of a thing yearned for the greater is the grief for its loss Desires blind the eyes of understanding. The destined share will reach him who does not approach it.

  276. Sayings 276 Avoidance from hypocrisy

    596

    الاجتناب من النفاق وقال علیه السلام : اللهم انی اعوذ بک ان تحسن فی لامعه العیون علانیتی، و تقبح فیما ابطن لک سریرتی، محافظا على ریا الناس من نفسی بجمیع ما انت مطلع علیه منی، فابدی للناس حسن ظاهری، و افضی الیک بسو عملی، تقربا الى عبادک، وتباعدا من مرضاتک

    Avoidance from hypocrisy Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: O Allah! I seek Your protection from this: that I may appear to be good in the eyes of the people while my inward self may be sinful before You, and that I may guard myself (from sinning) only for show before the people although You are aware of everything about me. Thus, I appear before the people in good shape although my evil acts are placed before You. This means achieving nearness to Your creatures but remoteness from Your pleasure

  277. Sayings 277 The oath of Imam

    597

    حلف الامام علیه السلام وقال علیه السلام : لا والذی امسینا منه فی غبر لیله دهما تکشرعن یوم اغر ما کان کذا وکذا.

    The oath of Imam Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: I swear by the One Who let us pass the dark night after which there was a bright day that such and such did not happen.

  278. Sayings 278 The value of continuation of the action

    598

    فضل استمرار العمل وقال علیه السلام : قلیل تدوم علیه ارجى من کثیر مملول منه.

    The value of continuation of the action imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: A small action which is continued with regularity is more beneficial than a long one performed with grudge.

  279. Sayings 279 Knowing the place of obligatory and recommended action

    599

    منزله الواجبات و المستحبات وقال علیه السلام : اذا اضرت النوافل بالفرایض فارفضوها.

    Knowing the place of obligatory and recommended action Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: When optional issues stand in the way of obligatory ones, abandon them.

  280. Sayings 280 Reminding the Resurrection

    600

    ضروره ذکر المعاد وقال علیه السلام : من تذکر بعد السفر استعد.

    Reminding the Resurrection Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: Whoever keeps in view the distance of the journey remains prepared.

  281. Sayings 281 Wisdom supremacy from eye view

    601

    فضل التعقل علی المشاهده وقال علیه السلام : لیست الرویه کالـمعاینه مع الابصار، فقد تکذب العیون اهلها، ولا یغش العقل من استنصحه.

    Wisdom supremacy from eye view Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: Perception by the eyes is not real observation because the eyes sometimes deceive people; but wisdom does not deceive whomsoever it counsels

  282. Sayings 282 Selfishness is the enemy of taking advice

    602

    افه الموعظه وقال علیه السلام : بینکم و بین الموعظه حجاب من الغره.

    Selfishness is the enemy of taking advice Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: Between you and preaching there is a curtain of deception.

  283. Sayings 283 The causes of the society collapse

    603

    علل هلاک الشعب وقال علیه السلام : جاهلکم مزداد و عالمکم مسوف

    The causes of the society collapse Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: The ignorant among you are excessive in their deeds (without knowledge) while the learned are fall short (in their deeds).

  284. Sayings 284 Knowledge superiority

    604

    فضیله العلم وقال علیه السلام : قطع العلم عذر المتعللین

    Knowledge superiority Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: Knowledge dispels the excuse of those who advance excuses.

  285. Sayings 285 The necessity to utilizing the opportunities

    605

    اغتنام الفرص وقال علیه السلام : کل معاجل یسال الانظار وکل موجل یتعلل بالتسویف.

    The necessity to utilizing the opportunities Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: Anyone whom death overtakes early seeks time while the death of anyone who is deferred puts forth excuses for the postponement (of doing good deeds).

  286. Sayings 286 The end of enjoyments

    606

    حلاوه الدنیا و غرورها وقال علیه السلام : ما قال الناس لشی: طوبى له، الا و قد خبا له الدهر یوم سو.

    The end of enjoyments Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: For everything to which people say “how good!” there is an evil hidden in this world

  287. Sayings 287 The problem of understanding fate

    607

    صعوبه معرفه القدر وسیل عن القدر، فقال: طریق مظلم فلا تسلکوه، و بحر عمیق فلا تلجوه، و سر الله فلا تتکلفوه.

    The problem of understanding fate Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) was asked about destitution. He said the following: It is a dark path; do not tread upon it. It is a deep ocean; do not dive in it. And it is the secret of Allah; do not take trouble about (knowing) it.

  288. Sayings 288 Ignorance and humiliation

    608

    الجهل و الاذلال وقال علیه السلام : اذا ارذل الله عبدا حظرعلیه العلم

    Ignorance and humiliation Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: When Allah intends to humiliate a person, He denies him knowledge.

  289. Sayings 289 The perfect model of humanity

    609

    خصایص الانسان الکامل وقال علیه السلام : کان لی فیما مضى اخ فی الله، و کان یعظمه فی عینی صغر الدنیا فی عینه، و کان خارجا من سلطان بطنه فلا یشتهی ما لا یجد و لا یکثر اذا وجد، و کان اکثر دهره صامتا فان قال بذ القایلین ونقع غلیل السایلین، وکان ضعیفا مستضعفا! فان جا الجد فهو لیث غاب و صل واد لا یدلی بحجه حتى یاتی قاضیا، وکان لا یلوم احدا على ما یجد العذر فی مثله حتى یسمع اعتذاره، وکان لا یشکو وجعا الا عند بریه، وکان یقول ما یفعل ولا یقول ما لا یفعل، وکان اذا غلب على الکلام لم یغلب على السکوت، وکان على ما یسمع احرص منه على ان یتکلم، وکان اذا بدهه امران نظر ایهما اقرب الى الهوى فخالفه فعلیکم بهذه الخلایق فالزموها وتنافسوا فیها، فان لم تستطیعوها فاعلموا ان اخذ القلیل خیر من ترک الکثیر.

    The perfect model of humanity Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said In the past, I had a brother- in-faith and he was prestigious in my view because the world was humble in his eyes, the needs of the stomach did not have a sway over him. He did not long for what he did not get. If he got a thing, he would not ask for more. He remained most of the time silent. When he spoke, he silenced the other speakers. He quenched the thirst of inquirers. He was weak and feeble, but at the time of fighting, he was like the lion of the forest or the serpent of the valley: he would not put forth an argument unless it was decisive He will not abuse anyone in an excusable matter unless he had heard the excuse. He would not speak of any trouble except after its disappearance. He said what he would do and would not say what he will not Even if he could be exceeded in speech, he could not be excelled in silence. He was more eager for keeping quiet than speaking, and if two things confronted him, he would see which was more akin to the longing of the heart and he would oppose it These qualities are incumbent upon you. So, you should acquire them and compete with each other in upholding them. Even if you cannot acquire them, you should know that acquiring a part is better than giving up the whole

  290. Sayings 290 Responsibility for the blessings

    610

    مسوولیه النعم وقال علیه السلام : لو لم یتوعد الله على معصیه لکان یجب ان لا یعصى شکرا لنعمه.

    Responsibility for the blessings Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: Even if Allah had not warned of chastisement on those who are disobedient to Him, it will be obligatory by way of gratitude for His favors that He should not be disobeyed.

  291. Sayings 291 The methods offering condolence

    611

    طریقه التعزیه وقال علیه السلام ، وقد عزى الاشعث بن قیس عن ابن له: یا اشعث، ان تحزن على ابنک فقد استحقت ذلک منک الرحم، وان تصبر ففی الله من کل مصیبه خلف یا اشعث، ان صبرت جرى علیک القدر و انت ماجور، و ان جزعت جرى علیک القدر وانت مازور یا اشعث ابنک سرک وهو بلا وفتنه، و حزنک وهو ثواب و رحمه.

    The methods offering condolence Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following to express his condolences to al-Ash‘ath ibn Qays about (the death of) his son: O Ash‘ath! If you grieve over your son, certainly it is the consequence of the blood relationship; but if you endure, then Allah provides recompense for every affliction. O Ash‘ath! If you endure even then, matters will move on as ordained by Allah. But in that case, you will deserve to be rewarded, while if you lose patience, matters will again move as ordained by Allah. But in this case, you will be bearing the burden (of your sins). O Ash‘ath! Your son (when he lived) gave you happiness while, at the same time, he was a trial and a hardship and (when he died) he caused you to grieve while, at the same time, he has proved to be a source of reward and mercy for you.

  292. Sayings 292 The Prophet (SAAW) mourning

    612

    عزا رسول الله(ص) وقال علیه السلام على قبر رسول الله صلى الله علیه واله ساعه دفن: ان الصبر لجمیل الا عنک، و ان الجزع لقبیح الا علیک، و ان المصاب بک لجلیل، و انه قبلک و بعدک لجلل

    The Prophet (SAAW) mourning Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following at the grave of the Messenger of Allah (SAAW) at the time of his burial: Certainly endurance is good except about you. Fretting is bad except over you. And the affliction about you is great while every other affliction before or after t is small.

  293. Sayings 293 Warning being friend with fools

    613

    التحذیر من موده الاحمق وقال علیه السلام : لا تصحب المایق فانه یزین لک فعله، ویود ان تکون مثله.

    Warning being friend with fools Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: Do not associate with a fool because he will beautify his actions before you and wish that you, too, be like him

  294. Sayings 294 The distance between the East and West

    614

    المسافه ما بین المشرق و المغرب وقال علیه السلام وقد سیل عن مسافه ما بین المشرق والمغرب: مسیره یوم للشمس.

    The distance between the East and West Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) was asked about the distance between the East and the West when he replied as follows: A day’s trip for the sun.

  295. Sayings 295 Recognition of friends and foes

    615

    الاصدقا و الاعدا وقال علیه السلام : اصدقاوک ثلاثه، واعداوک ثلاثه: فاصدقاوک: صدیقک، و صدیق صدیقک، و عدو عدوک واعداوک: عدوک، و عدو صدیقک، و صدیق عدوک.

    Recognition of friends and foes Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: Your friends are three and your enemies are (also) three. Your friends are: your friend, your friend’s friend and your enemy’s enemy. And your enemies are: your enemy, your friend’s enemy and your enemy’s friend.

  296. Sayings 296 Avoiding from enmity

    616

    الاجتناب من العدوان وقال علیه السلام لرجل راه یسعى على عدو له بما فیه اضرار بنفسه: انما انت کالطاعن نفسه لیقتل ردفه

    Avoiding from enmity Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) saw a man busy against his enemy with what was harmful to his own self as well, so he said: You are like one who pierces a spear through himself in order to kill the person sitting behind him.

  297. Sayings 297 The necessity of learning lesson

    617

    فضل الاعتبار وقال علیه السلام : ما اکثر العبر و اقل الاعتبار!

    The necessity of learning lesson Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: How many are the objectives of lessons, but how few are those who take lessons!

  298. Sayings 298 Moderation in enmity

    618

    العدل فی الخصومه وقال علیه السلام : من بالغ فی الخصومه و من قصر فیها ظلم، ولا یستطیع ان یتقی الله من خاصم.

    Moderation in enmity Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: Whoever goes too far in quarreling is a sinner but if one falls short in it, one is oppressed, and it is difficult for a quarreling person to fear Allah.

  299. Sayings 299 Asking help from the God with prayer

    619

    الاستعانه بالصلوه وقال علیه السلام : ما اهمنی ذنب امهلت بعده حتى اصلی رکعتین و اسال الله العافیه.

    Asking help from the God with prayer Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: I am not worried about a fault after which I get time to offer prayers in two units (rek‘as) and beg safety from the wrath of Allah.

  300. Sayings 300 How Allah provides all persons livelihood

    620

    عجایب ارتزاق الناس وسئل علیه السلام : کیف یحاسب الله الخلق على کثرتهم؟ فقال علیه السلام :کما یرزقهم على کثرتهم. فقیل: کیف یحاسبهم ولا یرونه؟ قال علیه السلام : کما یرزقهم و لا یرونه.

    How Allah provides all persons livelihood Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) was asked once: “How will Allah conduct the accounting of all persons despite their large number?” He replied: “Just as He provides them livelihood despite their large number.” Then it was said to Him: “How will He conduct their accounting without their seeing Him?” He replied: “Just as He provides them with livelihood although they do not see Him.”

  301. Sayings 301 The sign of wisdom

    621

    علامه العقل وقال علیه السلام : رسولک ترجمان عقلک، وکتابک ابلغ ما ینطق عنک

    The sign of wisdom Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: Your messenger is the interpreter of your intelligence while your letter is more eloquent in expressing your true self

  302. Sayings 302 Mankind and prayer

    622

    الانسان و الدعا وقال علیه السلام : ما المبتلى الذی قد اشتد به البلا، باحوج الى الدعا من المعافى الذی لا یامن البلا!

    Mankind and prayer Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: The person who is afflicted with hardship is not in a greater need for praying than the one who has been spared affliction but is not immune to it

  303. Sayings 303 Worldliness value

    623

    فضل حب الدنیا وقال علیه السلام : الناس ابنا الدنیا، و لا یلام الرجل على حب امه

    Worldliness value Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: People are the progeny of the world and none can be blamed for loving the mother.

  304. Sayings 304 Compliance of the destitute

    624

    اجابه الفقیر وقال علیه السلام : ان المسکین رسول الله، فمن منعه فقد منع الله، ومن اعطاه فقد اعطى الله.

    Compliance of the destitute Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: The destitute person is a messenger of Allah. Whoever denies him denies Allah, and whoever gives him gives Allah

  305. Sayings 305 Zealous and leaving adultery

    625

    عصمه الغیور وقال علیه السلام : ما زنى غیور قط.

    Zealous and leaving adultery Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: A self-respecting man never commits adultery

  306. Sayings 306 Death is the guard for human

    626

    الاجل و حراسه الانسان وقال علیه السلام : کفى بالاجل حارسا!

    Death is the guard for human Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: The fixed limit of life is enough to remain watchful.

  307. Sayings 307 The problem of looted property

    627

    مشکله الحرب وقال علیه السلام : ینام الرجل على الثکل و لا ینام على الحرب قال الرضى : ومعنى ذلک: انه یصبر على قتل الاولاد، ولا یصبر على سلب الاموال.

    The problem of looted property Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: A man can sleep over the death of his child but cannot sleep over the loss of his property. Sayyid ar-Radi says the following: “This statement means that a man remains patient about the death of his children but does not do so at the loss of his property.

  308. Sayings 308 The result of ancestors' friendship

    628

    اثر موده الابا ابنایهم وقال علیه السلام : موده الابا قرابه بین الابنا، و القرابه الى الموده احوج من الموده الى القرابه.

    The result of ancestors' friendship Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: Mutual affection between fathers creates a relationship between the sons. Relationship is more in need of affection than affection is for a relationship.

  309. Sayings 309 The thoughts of a believers

    629

    ظنون المومنین وقال علیه السلام : اتقوا ظنون المومنین، فان الله تعالى جعل الحق على السنتهم.

    The thoughts of a believers Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: Be afraid of the thoughts of believers because Allah, the most Exalted One, has placed the truth on their tongues.

  310. Sayings 310 Trust in the God

    630

    الاعتماد علی الله تعالی وقال علیه السلام : لا یصدق ایمان عبد، حتى یکون بما فی ید الله سبحانه اوثق منه بما فی یده.

    Trust in the God Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: The belief of a person cannot be regarded as true unless his trust in what is with Allah is more than his trust in what he himself has

  311. Sayings 311 The curse of Imam Ali (PBUH)

    631

    لعن انس بن مالک وقال علیه السلام لانس بن مالک،وقد کان بعثه الى طلحه والزبیر لما جا الى البصره یذکرهما شییا مما سمعه من رسول الله ص فی معناهما، فلوى عن ذلک فرجع الیه، فقال: انی انسیت ذلک الامر : فقال علیه السلام: ان کنت کاذبا فضربک الله بها بیضا لامعه لا تواریها العمامه. قال الرضى : یعنی البرص، فاصاب انسا هذا الدا فیما بعد فی وجهه ، فکان لا یرى الا مبرقا.

    The curse of Imam Ali (PBUH) When Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) came to Basra, he sent Anas ibn Malik to Talhah and az-Zubayr to make them recall what he himself had heard the Messenger of Allah (SAAW) saying concerning them both but he avoided doing so. When he came back to Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH ), he said that he had forgotten that matter. Thereupon, Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: “If you are speaking a lie, Allah will afflict you with white spots (leucoderm) which even the turban may not cover. Sayyid ar-Radi says the following: White spot means leucoderma. After sometime this disease did occur to Anas’s face, so much so that he was never seen with his face uncovered.”

  312. Sayings 312 The psychology of worship

    632

    التعامل مع الفرایض و النوافل وقال علیه السلام : ان للقلوب اقبالا و ادبارا فاذا اقبلت فاحملوها على النوافل، واذا ادبرت فاقتصروا بها على الفرایض.

    The psychology of worship Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: Sometimes the hearts advance [towards their Creator] and sometimes they retreat. When they advance, get them to perform the optional [acts of worship] (as well). But when they retreat, keep them confined to only what is obligatory.

  313. Sayings 313 The comprehensiveness of the Quran

    633

    کمال القران الکریم وقال علیه السلام : و فی القران نبا ما قبلکم، و خبر ما بعدکم، وحکم ما

    The comprehensiveness of the Quran Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: The Quran contains news about the past foretelling about the future and commandments for the present.

  314. Sayings 314 How to deal with aggressor

    634

    اسلوب مواجهه العدو وقال علیه السلام : ردوا الحجر من حیث جا، فان الشر لا یدفعه الا الشر.

    How to deal with aggressor Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: Throw a stone in return from where one comes to you because evil can be met only with evil.

  315. Sayings 315 The method of writing

    635

    اسلوب الکتابه وقال علیه السلام لکاتبه عبیدالله بن ابی رافع: الق دواتک، واطل جلفه قلمک، و فرج بین السطور، وقرمط بین الحروف، فان ذلک اجدر بصباحه الخط.

    The method of writing Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said to his secretary ‘Ubaydullah ibn Abu Rafi‘: Put cotton flake in the ink pot, keep the nib of your pen long, leave some space between the lines and close up the letters because this is good for the beauty of the writing.

  316. Sayings 316 Leadership of the believers and wicked persons

    636

    امام المومنین و قاید الفجار وقال علیه السلام : انا یعسوب المومنین، والمال یعسوب الفجار. قال الرضى : و معنى ذلک ان المو منین یتبعوننی ، والفجار یتبعون المال، کما یتبع النحل یعسوبها، و هو رییسها.

    Leadership of the believers and wicked persons Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: I am the ya‘sAb (leader) of the believers, while wealth is the leader of the wicked. Sayyid ar-Radi says the following: “It means that the believers follow me while the wicked follow the path that take them to wealth and riches just as the bees follow their ‘ya`sub’, their leader.”

  317. Sayings 317 Deviation of Jews

    637

    اعوجاج الیهود وقال له بعض الیهود: ما دفنتم نبیکم حتى اختلفتم فیه! فقال علیه السلام له: انما اختلفنا عنه لا فیه، ولکنکم ما جفت ارجلکم من البحر حتى قلتم لنبیکم اجعل لنا الها کما لهم الهه فقال انکم قوم تجهلون.

    Deviation of Jews Some Jews said to Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH): “You did not bury your Prophet when you picked up differences about him.” It is then that Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) replied thus: “We did not differ about him; we differed after him (i.e. about his succession). You had not dried up your feet yet, having come out of the river, when you began asking your Prophet: ‘Make you for us a god as they have gods of their own.’ Said he; ‘Verily you are a people behaving ignorantly’ (Quran, 7: 138).”

  318. Sayings 318 The courage of Imam

    638

    شجاعه الامام علیه السلام وقیل له: بای شی غلبت الاقران؟ فقال علیه السلام : ما لقیت احدا الا اعاننی على نفسه. قال الرضى : یومى بذلک الى تمکن هیبته فی القلوب.

    The courage of Imam Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) was asked: “With what did you overpower your adversaries?” He answered: “Whenever I confronted one of them, he helped me against himself.” Sayyid ar-Radi says the following: “Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) is pointing out his striking of awe in the hearts.”

  319. Sayings 319 The ominous result of poverty

    639

    الاثار الذمیمه للفقر وقال علیه السلام لابنه محمد بن الحنفیه: یا بنی، انی اخاف علیک الفقر، فاستعذ بالله منه، فان الفقر منقصه للدین، مدهشه للعقل داعیه للمقت!

    The ominous result of poverty Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said to his son Muhammad ibn al-Hanafiyyah: “O my son! I fear lest destitution overtakes you. So, you should seek Allah’s protection from it because destitution is [an indication of] a deficiency in religious beliefs, perplexity of intelligence, and it is conducive to hatred of obstinate people.

  320. Sayings 320 The correct way of asking questions

    640

    اهداف السوال وقال علیه السلام لسایل ساله عن معضله سل تفقها ولا تسال تعنتا، فان الجاهل المتعلم شبیه بالعالم، و ان العالم المتعسف شبیه بالجاهل المتعنت

    The correct way of asking questions Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) replied to a man who had asked him a difficult question with the following: Ask me for understanding but do not ask for confusion because the ignorant person who tries to learn is like the learned man, but the learned man who tries to create confusion is like the ignorant.

  321. Sayings 321 The leadership's courageous in consultation

    641

    عزم القاید فی المشوره وقال علیه السلام لعبدالله بن العباس، وقد اشار علیه فی شی لم یوافق رایه: لک ان تشیر علی و ارى، فان عصیتک فاطعنی.

    The leadership's courageous in consultation Abdullah ibn Abbas once advised Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) against his views,so the Imam (PBUH) said: You have only to advise me but then I have to see (what to do), and if I act against your advice, you have to follow me.

  322. Sayings 322 The need to strengthening the people's morale after the war

    642

    تقویه النفوس بعد الحرب و روی انه علیه السلام لما ورد الکوفه قادما من صفین مر بالشبامیین، فسمع بکا النسا على قتلى صفین، و خرج الیه حرب بن شرحبیل الشبامی و کان من وجوه قومه، فقال علیه السلام : ا تغلبکم نساوکم على ما اسمع؟ الا تنهونهن عن هذا الرنین؟ و اقبل حرب یمشی معه و هو علیه السلام راکب، فقال له: ارجع فان مشی مثلک مع مثلی فتنه للوالی و مذله للمومن.

    The need to strengthening the people's morale after the war Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) returned to Kufa from Siffin he passed by the residences of the Shibamites (who belonged to the tribe of Shibam) and heard their women mourning those killed in Siffin. At that time, a Shibamite, namely Harb ibn Shurahbil ash-Shibami,went to him who was one of the nobles of those people. Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said to him, “Do your women have control over you as regarding the weeping that I hear? Do you not refrain them from such crying?” Harb began to walk with him while Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) was on horseback, so Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said to him: “Get back because the walking of a man like you with one like me is mischief for the ruler and a disgrace for the believer.

  323. Sayings 323 The reasons of deviation of the Kharijite

    643

    علل انحراف الخوارج وقال علیه السلام وقد مر بقتلى الخوارج یوم النهروان: بوسا لکم، لقد ضرکم من غرکم فقیل له: من غرهم یا امیرالمومنین؟ فقال: الشیطان المضل، و الانفس الاماره بالسو، غرتهم بالامانی، و فسحت لهم فی المعاصی، وعدتهم الاظهار، فاقتحمت بهم النار.

    The reasons of deviation of the Kharijite Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) passed by the dead bodies of the Kharijites on the day of the battle of Nahrawan and said: “Woe unto you! You have been harmed by him who deceived you.” He was asked: “O Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH)! Who deceived them?” He replied: “Satan, the deceiver, and the inner self [nafs] that leads one to evil deceived them through passions. It made it easy for them to get into sins, promised them victory and eventually threw them into the Fire.

  324. Sayings 324 God-fearing in loneliness situations

    644

    تقوی الله فی الخلوات وقال علیه السلام : اتقوا معاصی الله فی الخلوات، فان الشاهد هو الحاکم.

    God-fearing in loneliness situations Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: Beware of disobeying Allah in solitude because the Witness (of that situation) is also the Judge.

  325. Sayings 325 Grief in death of Muhammad ibn Abi Bakr

    645

    فضیله محمد بن ابی بکر وقال علیه السلام ، لما بلغه قتل محمد بن ابی بکر ان حزننا علیه على قدر سرورهم به، الا انهم نقصوا بغیضا، ونقصنا حبیبا.

    Grief in death of Muhammad ibn Abi Bakr When the news of the killing of Muhammad ibn Abu Bakr reached Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH), he said: Our grief over him is as great as their (i.e. the enemy’s) joy for it, except that they have lost an enemy and we have lost a friend.

  326. Sayings 326 The deadline of accepting Repentance

    646

    مهله التوبه وقال علیه السلام : العمر الذی اعذر الله فیه الى ابن ادم ستون سنه.

    The deadline of accepting Repentance Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: The age up to which Allah accepts any excuse for a human being is sixty years

  327. Sayings 327 False victories

    647

    الغایب بالشر وقال علیه السلام : ما ظفر من ظفر الاثم به، و الغالب بالشر مغلوب.

    False victories Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: One whose sin overpowers him is never victorious, and whoever secures victory by evil means is (in fact) vanquished.

  328. Sayings 328 The responsibility of the riches

    648

    مسوولیه الاغنیا وقال علیه السلام : ان الله سبحانه فرض فی اموال الاغنیا اقوات الفقرا، فما جاع فقیر الا بما منع به غنی، والله تعالى سایلهم عن ذلک.

    The responsibility of the riches Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: Allah, the Glorified One, has fixed the livelihood of the destitute in the wealth of the rich. Consequently, whenever a destitute remains hungry, it is because some rich person has denied (him his share). Allah, the Sublime, will question them [the rich] about it.

  329. Sayings 329 No need to apologize

    649

    الاستغنا عن العذر وقال علیه السلام : الاستغنا عن العذر اعز من الصدق به.

    No need to apologize Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: Not to be in need of putting forth an excuse is better than putting forth a true excuse.

  330. Sayings 330 Responsibility for the blessings

    650

    مشوولیه النعم وقال علیه السلام : اقل ما یلزمکم لله الا تستعینوا بنعمه على معاصیه

    Responsibility for the blessings Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: The least right of Allah on you is that you should not make use of His favors in committing His sins

  331. Sayings 331 The value of obedience

    651

    فضیله الطاعه وقال علیه السلام : ان الله سبحانه جعل الطاعه غنیمه الاکیاس عند تفریط العجزه

    The value of obedience Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: Allah, the Glorified One, has set obedience to Allah, opportunity for the intelligent when the disabled fail in performing such act.

  332. Sayings 332 The responsibility of leadership

    652

    مسوولیه القاید وقال علیه السلام : السلطان وزعه الله فی ارضه.

    The responsibility of leadership Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: The sovereign is the watchman of Allah on earth.

  333. Sayings 333 The psychology of the believer

    653

    خصایص المومن وقال علیه السلام فی صفه المومن: المومن بشره فی وجهه، وحزنه فی قلبه، اوسع شی صدرا، واذل شی نفسا، یکره الرفعه، ویشنا السمعه، طویل غمه، بعید همه، کثیر صمته، مشغول وقته، شکور صبور، مغمور بفکرته، ضنین بخلته سهل الخلیقه لین العریکه نفسه اصلب من الصلد ، وهو اذل من العبد

    The psychology of the believer Describing a believer, Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: A believer has a cheerful face a sorrowful heart, a very broad chest (very generous), and a very humble heart. He hates high status and dislikes fame. His grief is long, his courage is far-reaching, his silence is much and his time is occupied. He is grateful, enduring, buried in his thoughts, sparing in asking his needs, of a bright demeanor and of a soft temperament. He is stronger than stone but more humble than a slave.

  334. Sayings 334 Reminding the death

    654

    ذکر المعاد وقال علیه السلام : لو راى العبد الاجل ومسیره لابغض الامل وغروره.

    Reminding the death Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: If a man happens to see the end of (his) life and his final fate, he will begin hating desires and their deception

  335. Sayings 335 The enemies of properties

    655

    افه الاموال وقال علیه السلام : لکل امرى فی ماله شریکان: الوارث، والحوادث

    The enemies of properties Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: There are two shares in the property of every person: heirs and accidents.

  336. Sayings 336 Responsibility for promises

    656

    مسوولیه الوعد وقال علیه السلام : المسوول حر. حتى یعد.

    Responsibility for promises Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: The person who is approached with a request is free till he makes a promise.

  337. Sayings 337 The necessity for action

    657

    ضروره العمل وقال علیه السلام : الداعی بلا عمل کالرامی بلا وتر.

    The necessity for action Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: Whoever prays but does not exert effort is like one who shoots without a bow-string.

  338. Sayings 338 Types of science

    658

    انواع العلم وقال علیه السلام : العلم علمان: مطبوع ومسموع ولا ینفع المسموع اذا لم یکن المطبوع.

    Types of science Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: Knowledge is of two kinds: that which is absorbed and that which is just heard. The one that is heard does not give benefit unless it is absorbed.

  339. Sayings 339 Power and the governance of thoughts

    659

    القدره و صواب الرای وقال علیه السلام : صواب الرای بالدول یقبل باقبالها ویذهب بذهابها

    Power and the governance of thoughts Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: Correctness of decisions goes together with power One emerges with the other’s emergence and disappears when the other disappears.

  340. Sayings 340 The value of chastity and thanksgiving

    660

    فضل العفاف وقال علیه السلام : العفاف زینه الفقر، والشکر زینه الغنى.

    The value of chastity and thanksgiving Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: The beauty of destitution is chastity and the beauty of riches is gratitude.

  341. Sayings 341 The painful day of a cruel

    661

    یوم الظالم المولم وقال علیه السلام : یوم العدل على الظالم اشد من یوم الجور على المظلوم!

    The painful day of a cruel Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: The day of justice will be more severe on the oppressor than the day of oppression on the oppressed.

  342. Sayings 342 Real richness

    662

    الغنی الحقیقی وقال علیه السلام : الغنى الاکبر الیاس عما فی ایدى الناس.

    Real richness Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: The biggest wealth is that one should not have an eye on what others possess.

  343. Sayings 343 Knowing people and anti-value

    663

    معرفه الناس وقال علیه السلام : الاقاویل محفوظه، والسرایر مبلوه و کل نفس بم ا کسبت رهینه والناس منقوصون مدخولون الا من عصم الله، سایلهم متعنت، ومجیبهم متکلف، یکاد افضلهم رایا یرده عن فضل رایه الرضى والسخط ویکاد اصلبهم عودا تنکوه اللحظه وتستحیله الکلمه الواحده.

    Knowing people and anti-value Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: Utterances are preserved and actions are to be tired. “Every soul, for what it earned, is pawned”(Quran, 74: 38). People are to be made deficient (as regarding their bodies) and meddled with (as regarding their minds) except those whom Allah protects. The ones who inquires from among them aims at confusing, while the one who answers creates hardship. It is possible that the man who has the best views among them will be deviated from the soundness of his thinking by pleasure or displeasure, and it is possible even a man with the best wisdom among them be bothered by a single glance or a single expression may transform him.

  344. Sayings 344 Paying attention to world mortality

    664

    ذکر فنا الدنیا وقال علیه السلام : معاشر الناس، اتقوا الله، فکم من مومل ما لا یبلغه، وبان ما لا یسکنه، وجامع ما سوف یترکه، ولعله من باطل جمعه، ومن حق منعه، اصابه حراما، واحتمل به اثاما، فبا بوزره، وقدم على ربه، اسفا لاهفا، قد خسر الدنیا و الاخره، ذلک هو الخسران المبین.

    Paying attention to world mortality Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: O folks! Fear Allah, for there is many a man who aspires for what he does not get, many a builder of a house who does not live to occupy it, and many a collector of that which he shall just leave behind. Possibly he may have collected it wrongfully or by denying one’s right. He acquired it unlawfully and had to bear the weight of sins on its account. Consequently, he returned (from this world) with that weight and came before Allah with sorrow and grief. “He lost this world and (also) the thereafter; that is a loss (which is) manifest” (Quran, 22: 11).

  345. Sayings 345 One of the ways of being pure

    665

    طریق العصمه وقال علیه السلام : من العصمه تعذر المعاصی.

    One of the ways of being pure Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: Lack of access to sins is also a kind of chastity.

  346. Sayings 346 The problems of begging

    666

    ذله السوال وقال علیه السلام : ما وجهک جامد یقطره السوال، فانظر عند من تقطره.

    The problems of begging Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: The dignity of your face is solid, but begging dissolves it; therefore, look carefully before whom you dissolve it.

  347. Sayings 347 Moderation in praise

    667

    العدل فی الثنا وقال علیه السلام : الثنا باکثر من الاستحقاق ملق والتقصیر عن الاستحقاق عی او حسد.

    Moderation in praise Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: To praise more than what is due is sycophancy; to do it less is either because of inability to speak or of envy.

  348. Sayings 348 The most serious sin

    668

    اشد الذنوب وقال علیه السلام : اشد الذنوب ما استهان به صاحبه.

    The most serious sin Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: one who keeps away even from minor sins and, hence, his burden is considered light.

  349. Sayings 349 The perfect model of a man

    669

    نصایح خالده وقال علیه السلام : من نظر فی عیب نفسه اشتغل عن عیب غیره، ومن رضی برزق الله لم یحزن على ما فاته، ومن سل سیف البغی قتل به، ومن کابد الامورعطب ومن اقتحم اللجج غرق، ومن دخل مداخل السو اتهم، ومن کثر کلامه کثر خطوه، ومن کثر خطوه قل حیاوه، ومن قل حیاوه قل ورعه، من قل ورعه مات قلبه، ومن مات قلبه دخل النار، ومن نظر فی عیوب الناس فانکرها ثم رضیها لنفسه فذاک الاحمق بعینه. والقناعه مال لا ینفد، ومن اکثر من ذکر الموت رضی من الدنیا بالیسیر، من علم ان کلامه من عمله قل کلامه الا فیما یعنیه.

    The perfect model of a man Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: One who sees his own shortcomings abstains from looking into other’s shortcomings. Whoever feels happy with the livelihood with which Allah provides him does not grieve over what he misses. Whoever draws out the sword of rebellion gets killed by it. Whoever strives without means perishes. Whoever enters the depths gets drowned. Whoever visits places of ill-repute receives blame Whoever speaks more commits more errors Whoever commits more errors becomes shameless. Whoever is shameless will have less fear of Allah. Anyone who decreases his fear of Allah causes his heart to die. One whose heart dies enters the Fire. Whoever observes the shortcomings of others and disapproves of them then accepts them for himself is definitely a fool. Contentment is a capital that does not dwindle. Whoever remembers death much is satisfied with small favors in this world. Whoever knows that his speech is also a part of his action speaks less except where he has some purpose.

  350. Sayings 350 The psychology of oppressors

    670

    نفسیه الظالم وقال علیه السلام : للظالم من الرجال ثلاث علامات: یظلم من فوقه بالمعصیه، من دونه بالغلبه یظاهرالقوم الظلمه.

    The psychology of oppressors Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: The oppressor among the people has three signs: He oppresses his superior by disobeying him, and his junior by imposing his authority and he tops other oppressors.

  351. Sayings 351 Being hopeful in adversity

    671

    مال الشداید وقال علیه السلام : عند تناهی الشده تکون الفرجه، وعند تضایق حلق البلا یکون الرخا.

    Being hopeful in adversity Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: At the extremity of hardship comes relief, and at the tightening of the chains of tribulation comes ease.

  352. Sayings 352 Moderation in looking after the family

    672

    الاشتغال بامور العیال وقال علیه السلام لبعض اصحابه: لا تجعلن اکثر شغلک باهلک وولدک فان یکن اهلک وولدک اولیا الله، فان الله لا یضیع اولیاه، وان یکونوا اعدا الله، فما همک وشغلک باعدا الله؟!

    Moderation in looking after the family Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following to one of his companions: Do not devote much of your activity to your wife and children because if your wife and children are lovers of Allah, then He will not leave His lovers without caring for them. And if they are enemies of Allah, then why should you worry and keep yourself busy about the enemies of Allah?

  353. Sayings 353 The greatest defect

    673

    اکبر العیب وقال علیه السلام : اکبر العیب ان تعیب ما فیک مثله

    The greatest defect Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: The greatest defect is when you are concerned about the defect (in others) which is already present in yourself.

  354. Sayings 354 How to congratulate on the birth of a child

    674

    طریق التهنیه للولد وهنا بحضرته علیه السلام رجل رجلا بغلام ولد له فقال له: لیهنیک الفارس فقال علیه السلام : لا تقل ذلک، ولکن قل: شکرت الواهب، وبورک لک فی الموهوب، وبلغ اشده، ورزقت بره.

    How to congratulate on the birth of a child Someone congratulated another person in the presence of Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) on the birth of a son saying: “Congratulations for getting a rider of horses” Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH), said: Do not say so; but say: You have an occasion to be grateful to Allah, the Giver, and be blessed with what you have been given. May he attain full life, And may you be blessed with His devotion.

  355. Sayings 355 Avoiding from being luxury

    675

    علامه الغنی وبنى رجل من عماله بنا فخما فقال علیه السلام : اطلعت الورق رووسها! ان البنا لیصف عنک الغنى.

    Avoiding from being luxury One of the officers of Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) built a stately house about which Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: These are silver coins showing their faces. Certainly, this house speaks of your riches.

  356. Sayings 356 The power of God in providing livelihood

    676

    قدره الله فی الرزق و الاجل وقیل له علیه السلام : لو سد على رجل باب بیته، وترک فیه، من این کان یاتیه رزقه؟ فقال علیه السلام : من حیث کان یاتیه اجله.

    The power of God in providing livelihood It was said to Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) : “If a man is left in his house and the door is closed, from where will his livelihood reach him?” He replied: “From whatever way his death reaches him.”

  357. Sayings 357 The way of consoling

    677

    طریقه التعزیه وعزى علیه السلام قوما عن میت فقال:ان هذا الارلیس بکم بدا، ولا الیکم انتهى، وقد کان صاحبکم هذا یسافر، فعدوه فی بعض اسفاره، فان قدم علیکم والا قدمتم علیه.

    The way of consoling Offering condolences to people one of whom had just died, Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: This thing has not started with you nor does it end with you. This fellow of yours was used to journeyin and therefore, it is better to think of him as still journeying. Either he will rejoin you or you will rejoin him

  358. Sayings 358 The responsibility for blessings

    678

    مسوولیه النعم وقال علیه السلام : ایها الناس، لیرکم الله من النعمه وجلین کما یراکم من النقمه فرقین انه من وسع علیه فی ذات یده فلم یر ذلک استدراجا فقد امن مخوفا، ومن ضیق علیه فی ذات یده فلم یر ذلک اختبارا فقد ضیع مامولا.

    The responsibility for blessings Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: O people! Let Allah see you fearing at the time of happiness just as you fear Him at the time of distress. Certainly, whoever is given ease (of life) and does not consider it as a means of slow approach to tribulation (wrongly) considers himself as safe against what is to be feared while whoever is afflicted with straitened circumstances but does not perceive them to be a trial loses to a coveted reward.

  359. Sayings 359 How to self-regulate

    679

    تربیه النفس وقال علیه السلام : یا اسرى الرغبه اقصروا فان المعرج على الدنیا لا یروعه منها الا صریف انیاب الحدثان ایها الناس، تولوا من انفسکم تادیبها، واعدلوا بها عن ضراوه عاداتها

    How to self-regulate Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: O slaves of desires! Cut them short because whoever leans on the world gets nothing out of it except the pain of hardships. O people! Take upon yourselves to train your own souls and turn away from the dictates of your natural inclinations.

  360. Sayings 360 Avoiding from suspicion

    680

    التحذیر من سو الظن وقال علیه السلام : لا تظنن بکلمه خرجت من احد سوا، وانت تجد لها فی الخیر محتملا.

    Avoiding from suspicion Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: Do not regard an expression uttered by any person as evil if you can find it capable of bearing some good.

  361. Sayings 361 How to ask God

    681

    طریقه السوال من الله تعالی وقال علیه السلام : اذا کانت لک الى الله سبحانه حاجه فابدا بمساله الصلاه على النبی صلى الله علیه واله ، ثم سل حاجتک، فان الله اکرم من ان یسال حاجتین فیقضی احداهما ویمنع الاخرى.

    How to ask God Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: If you have a need from Allah, the Glorified One, then begin by seeking Allah’s blessing on His Messenger, may Allah bless him and his descendants, then ask your need, because Allah is too generous to accept one (seeking His blessing on His Messenger) of the two requests made to Him while denying the other

  362. Sayings 362 Avoiding from controversy and conflict

    682

    الاجتناب من المجادله وقال علیه السلام : من ضن بعرضه فلیدع المرا.

    Avoiding from controversy and conflict Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: Whoever is jealous of his esteem should keep from quarreling

  363. Sayings 363 A sign of being foolish

    683

    علامه الاحمق وقال علیه السلام : من الخرق المعاجله قبل الامکان، والاناه بعد الفرصه .

    A sign of being foolish Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: It is folly to make haste before the proper time or to delay after a proper opportunity.

  364. Sayings 364 Asking situations

    684

    منزله السوال وقال علیه السلام : لا تسال عما لا یکون، ففی الذی قد کان لک شغل.

    Asking situations Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: Do not ask about things which may not happen because you have enough to worry about with what already happens.

  365. Sayings 365 Ethical values

    685

    الفضایل الاخلاقیه وقال علیه السلام : الفکر مراه صافیه، والاعتبار منذر ناصح، وکفى ادبا لنفسک تجنبک ما کرهته لغیرک.

    Ethical values Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: Imagination is a clear mirror, and the taking of lessons (from things around you) provides warning and counsel. It is enough for improving yourself that you should avoid what you consider as bad in others.

  366. Sayings 366 The coordination of science and practice

    686

    وحده العلم و العمل وقال علیه السلام : العلم مقرون بالعمل فمن علم عمل، والعلم یهتف بالعمل فان اجابه والا ارتحل.

    The coordination of science and practice Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: Knowledge is associated with action. Therefore, whoever knows should act [upon it] because knowledge calls for action. If there is a response, well and good; otherwise, it (i.e. knowledge) departs from him.

  367. Sayings 367 How to deal with the world

    687

    اسلوب مواجهه الدنیا وقال علیه السلام : یا ایها الناس، متاع الدنیا حطام موبى فتجنبوا مرعاه قلعتها احظی من طمانینتها وبلغتها ازکى من ثروتها، حکم على مکثر منها بالفاقه واعین من غنی عنها بالراحه، من راقه زبرجها اعقبت ناظریه ومن استشعرالشغف بها ملات ضمیره اشجانا لهن رقص على سویدا قلبه هم یشغله، وغم یحزنه، کذلک حتى یوخذ بکظمه فیلقى منقطعا ابهراه، هینا على الله فناوه، وعلى الاخوان وانما ینظر المومن الى الدنیا بعین الاعتبار ویقتات منها ببطن ویسمع فیها باذن المقت والابغاض ان قیل اثرى قیل اکدى وان فرح له بالبقا حزن له هذا ولم یاتهم یوم فیه یبلسون.

    How to deal with the world Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: O people! The wealth of this world is broken into sorts that may bring an epidemic; therefore, keep off this grazing land. Leaving it is a greater favor than peacefully staying in it, and its part which suffices for subsistence is more blissful than its riches. Destitution has been ordained for those who are rich here, While comfort has been designated for those who keep away from it. If a person is attracted by its dazzle, it blinds both his eyes. And if a person acquires eagerness towards it it fills his heart with grief which keeps alternating in the black part of his heart, some grief worrying him and another giving him pain. This goes on till the suffocation of death overtakes him. He is flung in the open while both his arteries are severed. It is easy for Allah to cause him to die and for his comrades to put him in the grave The believer sees the world with eyes that derive instruction and takes from it food enough for his barest needs. He hears in it with ears of hatred and enmity [towards this world]. If it is said (about someone) that he has become rich, it is also said that he has turned destitute. And if pleasure is felt on one’s own living, grief is felt over his death. This is the status, although the day has not yet approached when they will be disheartened.

  368. Sayings 368 The philosophy of punishment and reward

    688

    فلسفه العذاب و الثواب وقال علیه السلام : ان الله سبحانه وضع الثواب على طاعته، والعقاب على معصیته، ذیاده لعباده عن نقمته، و حیاشه لهم الى جنته.

    The philosophy of punishment and reward Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: Allah, the Glorified One, has laid down rewards for obedience to Him and punishment for committing sins against Him in order to save men from His chastisement and to drive them towards Paradise.

  369. Sayings 369 News from future

    689

    الاخبار عن المستقبل وقال علیه السلام : یاتی على الناس زمان لا یبقى فیهم من القران الا رسمه، ومن الاسلام الا اسمه، مساجدهم یومیذ عامره من البنى، خراب من الهدى، سکانها وعمارها شر اهل الارض، منهم تخرج الفتنه، والیهم تاوی یردون من شذ عنها ویسوقون من تاخر عنها یقول الله تعالى: فبی حلفت لابعثن على اولیک فتنه اترک الحلیم فیها حیران، وقد فعل، ونحن نستقیل الله عثره الغفله.

    News from future Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: A time will come when nothing will remain of the Qur’an except its writing and nothing of Islam except its name. The mosques in such days will be busy with regard to construction but desolate with regard to guidance. Those staying in them and those visiting them will be the worst of all people on earth. From them, mischief will spring up and, toward them, all wrong will turn. If anyone isolates himself from it (mischief), they will fling him back into it. And if anyone steps back from it, they will push him towards it. Says Allah, the Glorified One, (in one hadith qudsi, i.e. the tradition in which Allah Himself speaks): I swear by Myself that I shall send upon them an evil wherein the one who endures will be bewildered,” and He will do so. We seek Allah’s pardon against stumbling through neglect.

  370. Sayings 370 The necessity of virtue

    690

    ضروره التقوی وروی انه علیه السلام قلما اعتدل به المنبر الا قال امام خطبته: ایها الناس، اتقوا الله، فما خلق امر عبثا فیلهو ولا ترک سدى فیلغو وما دنیاه التی تحسنت له بخلف من الاخره التی قبحها سو النظر عنده، وما المغرور الذی ظفر من الدنیا باعلى همته کالاخر الذی ظفر من الاخره بادنى سهمته.

    The necessity of virtue It is related that seldom did Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) ascend the pulpit without uttering the following statement before starting his sermon: O people! Fear Allah, for man has not been created for naught so that he may waste himself, nor has he been left without anyone caring for them so that he may commit foolish acts. This world, which appears to him to be beautiful cannot be the replacement for the next which appears in his eyes to be bad, nor is the vain person, who is successful in this world, is sure that he will prosper in the next even to a small extent.

  371. Sayings 371 The great ethical values

    691

    نصایح خالده وقال علیه السلام : لا شرف اعلى من الاسلام، ولا عز اعز من التقوى، ولا معقل احصن من الورع، لا شفیع انجح من التوبه، ولا کنز اغنى من القناعه، ولا مال اذهب للفاقه من الرضى بالقوت، ومن اقتصر على بلغه الکفاف فقد انتظم الراحه وتبوا خفض الدعه والرغبه مفتاح النصب، ومطیه التعب، والحرص والکبر والحسد دواع الى التقحم فی الذنوب، والشر جامع مساوى العیوب.

    The great ethical values Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: There is no distinction higher than Islam, no honor more honorable than fear of Allah, no asylum better than self-restraint, no intercessor more effective than repentance no treasure more precious than contentment, and no wealth is a bigger remover of destitution than satisfaction with mere subsistence. Whoever confines himself to what is just enough for maintenance achieves comfort and prepares his abode in ease. Desire is the key of grief and the conveyance of distress. Greed, vanity and jealousy are incentives to falling into sins and mischief-making, the collection of all bad habits

  372. Sayings 372 The mainstay of religion and the world

    692

    قوام الدین و الدنیا وقال علیه السلام لجابر بن عبدالله الانصاری: یا جابر، قوام الدین و الدنیا باربعه: عالم مستعمل علمه، وجاهل لا یستنکف ان یتعلم، وجواد لا یبخل بمعروفه، وفقیر لا یبیع اخرته بدنیاه؛ فاذا ضیع العالم علمه استنکفال جاهل ان یتعلم، واذا بخل الغنی بمعروفه باع الفقیر اخرته بدنیاه یا جابر، من کثرت نعم الله علیه کثرت حوایج الناس الیه، فمن قام لله فیها بما یجب عرضها للدوام والبقا، ومن لم یقم لله فیها بما یجب عرضها للزوال والفنا.

    The mainstay of religion and the world Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following to Jabir ibn ‘Abdullah al-Ansari: O Jabir! The mainstay of religion and the world are four persons: The scholar who acts upon his knowledge, the ignorant person who does not feel ashamed of learning, the generous person who is not niggardly in his favors and the destitute who does not sell his next life for his worldly benefits. Consequently, when the scholar wastes his knowledge, the ignorant feels too ashamed to learn, and when the generous is niggardly with his favors, the destitute sells his next life for the worldly benefits. O Jabir! If favors of Allah abound on a person, the people’s needs toward him also abound. Therefore, whoever fulfills for Allah all that is obligatory on him in this regard will preserve them (Allah’s favors) in continuance and perpetuity, while whoever does not fulfil those obligations will expose them to decay and destruction.

  373. Sayings 373 The steps of the persuasion for good and dissuasion from evil,

    693

    مراحل الامر بالمعروف و النهی عن المنکر وروى ابن جریر الطبری فی تاریخه عن عبدالرحمن بن ابی لیلى الفقیه وکان ممن خرج لقتال الحجاج مع ابن الاشعث انه قال فیما کان یحض به الناس على الجهاد: انی سمعت علیا - رفع الله درجته فی الصالحین و اثابه ثواب الشهدا و الصدیقین یقول یوم لقینا اهل الشام : ایها المومنون، انه من راى عدوانا یعمل به ومنکرا یدعى الیه، فانکره بقلبه فقد سلم وبرى ومن انکره بلسانه فقد اجر وهو افضل من صاحبه، ومن انکره بالسیف لتکون کلمه الله هی العلیا وکلمه الظالمین السفلى، فذلک الذی اصاب سبیل الهدى، وقام على الطریق، ونور فی قلبه الیقین.

    The steps of the persuasion for good and dissuasion from evil, Ibn Jarir at-Tabari has, in his History related from ‘Abd ar-Rahman ibn Abu Layla, al-faqih, who was one of those who had risen with Ibn al-Ash‘ath to fight al-Hajjaj, that he (Ibn Abu Layla) was exhorting people to carry out jihad by recalling the following: I heard Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib(PBUH) - may Allah exalt his rank among the righteous and may He reward him with the reward of martyrs and men of truth On the occasion of the encounter with the people of Syria - saying : ‘O believers, whoever observes excesses being committed and people being called towards evil and disapproves it with his heart is safe and free from responsibility for it, and whoever disapproves of it with his tongue will be rewarded and he is in a higher status than the former, but whoever disapproves it with his sword in order that the word of Allah may remain superior and the word of the oppressors may remain inferior, catches hold of the path of guidance and stands on the right way, while his heart is lit with conviction.’”

  374. Sayings 374 Steps of the persuasion for good and dissuasion from evil,

    694

    مراتب الامر بالمعروف و النهی عن المنکر وقد قال علیه السلام فی کلام غیر هذا یجری هذا المجرى: فمنهم المنکر للمنکر بیده ولسانه وقلبه فذلک المستکمل لخصال الخیر، ومنهم المنکر بلسانه وقلبه والتارک بیده فذلک متمسک بخصلتین من خصال الخیر ومضیع خصله، ومنهم المنکر بقلبه والتارک بیده ولسانه فذلک الذی ضیع اشرف الخصلتین من الثلاث وتمسک بواحده، ومنهم تارک لانکار المنکر بلسانه وقلبه ویده فذلک میت الاحیا وما اعمال البر کلها والجهاد فی سبیل الله، عند الامر بالمعروف والنهی عن المنکر، الا کنفثه فی بحر لجی وان الامر بالمعروف والنهی عن المنکر لا یقربان من اجل، ولا ینقصان من رزق،. وافضل من ذلک کله کلمه عدل عند امام جایر

    Steps of the persuasion for good and dissuasion from evil, Another saying in the same strain runs as follows: So..., among them (the Muslim community) there is one who disapproves evil with his hand, tongue and heart. This man has perfectly attained the virtuous habits. And among them there is one who disapproves evil with his tongue and heart but not with his hand. This man has attained only two virtuous habits but lacks one. And among them there is the third who disapproves evil with his heart but not with his tongue and hand. This is the one who lacks the two better qualities out of the three and holds only one. Then, among them there is also one who does not disprove evil with his tongue, heart or hand. He is just a dead man among the living. All the virtuous acts, including waging a war in the way of Allah, as compared to the persuasion for good and dissuasion from evil, are just like spitting in the deep ocean [i.e. of no consequence]. The acts of persuasion for good and dissuasion from evil do not bring death nearer, nor do they lessen the livelihood. And better than all this is to utter a just expression before a tyrannical ruler

  375. Sayings 375 Stages of Jihad

    695

    مراحل الجهاد وعن ابی جحیفه قال: سمعت امیرالمومنین علیه السلام یقول: اول ما تغلبون علیه من الجهاد الجهاد بایدیکم، ثم بالسنتکم، ثم بقلوبکم؛ فمن لم یعرف بقلبه معروفا، ولم ینکر منکرا، قلب فجعل اعلاه اسفله، واسفله اعلاه.

    Stages of Jihad The following is related from Abu Juhayfah who said, “I heard Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) saying: The first fighting with which you will be overpowered is fighting with the hands. Thereafter, you will fight with your tongues then with your hearts. Consequently, whoever does not recognize virtue with his heart or does not disprove evil will be turned upside down. Thus, his upside will be turned downwards and his low side will be turned upwards.

  376. Sayings 376 The future of right and wrong things

    696

    مستقبل الحق و الباطل وقال علیه السلام : ان الحق ثقیل مری وان الباطل خفیف وبی .

    The future of right and wrong things Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: Certainly, right is weighty and wholesome while wrong is light and epidemic.

  377. Sayings 377 Fear and hope

    697

    الخوف و الرجا وقال علیه السلام : لا تامنن. على خیر هذه الامه عذاب الله، لقوله تعالى: فلا یامن مکر الله الا القوم الخاسرون و لا تیاسن لشر هذه الامه من روح الله لقوله سبحانه: انه لا ییاس من روح الله الا القوم الکافرون.

    Fear and hope Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: Do not feel safe from the punishment of Allah even about the best man in the whole community because Allah, the Sublime, says: “But none feels secure from the plan of Allah save the people (who are the) losers”(Quran,7: 99). Again, do not lose hope even for the worst man of the community because Allah, the Sublime One, says: “Verily, none despair from Allah’s mercy save the disbelieving people” (Quran, 12: 87).

  378. Sayings 378 The ominous effects of miserliness

    698

    نتایج السو للبخل وقال علیه السلام : البخل جامع لمساوى العیوب، وهو زمام یقاد به الى کل سو.

    The ominous effects of miserliness Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: Miserliness contains all other evil vices and is the rein with which one can be led to every evil.

  379. Sayings 379 Types of livelihood

    699

    الوان الرزق وقال علیه السلام : یابن ادم، الرزق رزقان: رزق تطلبه، ورزق یطلبک، فان لم تاته اتاک، فلا تحمل هم سنتک على هم یومک! کفاک کل یوم ما فیه، فان تکن السنه من عمرک فان الله تعالى سیوتیک فی کل غد جدید ماقسم لک، وان لم تکن السنه من عمرک فما تصنع بالهم لما لیس لک، ولن یسبقک الى رزقک طالب، ولن یغلبک علیه غالب، ولن یبطى عنک ما قد قدر لک. قال الرضى : وقد مضى هذا الکلام فیما تقدم من هذا الباب، الا انه ها هنا اوضح واشرح، فلذلک کررناه على القاعده المقرره فی اول هذا الکتاب.

    Types of livelihood Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: O son of Adam! Livelihood is of two kinds: The livelihood which you seek and the livelihood which seeks you; if you do not reach it, it will reach you. Therefore, do not turn your one day’s worry into a year’s worry. Whatever you get every day should be enough for you for the day. If you have a whole year of your life, even then Allah, the Sublime, will give you every next day what He has destined as your share. If you do not have a year in your life-span, then why should you worry for what is not for you? No seeker will reach your livelihood before you, nor will anyone overpower you in the matter of livelihood. Likewise, whatever has been destined as your share will not be delayed for you Sayyid ar-Radi says the following: “This statement has already appeared elsewhere in this Chapter except that here it is clearer and more detailed. This is why we have repeated it according to the principle laid down in the beginning of the book.”

  380. Sayings 380 The necessity to reminiscing the death

    700

    ذکر الموت وقال علیه السلام : رب مستقبل یوما لیس بمستدبره ومغبوط فی اول لیله قامت بواکیه فی اخره

    The necessity to reminiscing the death Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: Many a man faces a day after which he finds no day, and many a man is in an enviable status in the earlier part of the night but is mourned by wailing women in its later part.

  381. Sayings 381 To keep secret

    701

    حفظ السر وقال علیه السلام : الکلام فی وثاقکما لم تتکلم به، فاذا تکلمت به صرت فی وثاقه، فاخزن لسانک کما تخزن ذهبک وورقک فرب کلمه سلبت نعمه وجلبت نقمه.

    To keep secret Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: Words are in your control till you have not uttered them. But when you have spoken them, you are under their control. Therefore, guard your tongue as you guard your gold and silver, for often one expression snatches away a blessing and invites a penalty

  382. Sayings 382 The value of silence

    702

    فضل السکوت وقال علیه السلام : لا تقل ما لا تعلم، بل لا تقل کل ما تعلم، فان الله سبحانه قد فرض على جوارحک کلها فرایض یحتج بها علیک یوم القیامه.

    The value of silence Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: Do not say what you do not know; rather, do not say all that you know because Allah has laid down some obligations for all your limbs by means of which He will put forth arguments against you on the Day of Judgement.

  383. Sayings 383 Thraldom

    703

    السعی فی طاعه الله وقال علیه السلام : احذر ان یراک الله عند معصیته، ویفقدک عند طاعته فتکون من الخاسرین، واذا قویت فاقو على طاعه الله، واذا ضعفت فاضعف عن معصیه الله

    Thraldom Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: Fear lest Allah should see you committing His sins or misses you when it is time to obey Him and, as a result, you will become a loser. Therefore, when you are strong, be strong in obeying Allah and when you are weak, be weak in committing sins against Allah.

  384. Sayings 384 The correct way of living

    704

    نصایح خالده وقال علیه السلام : الرکون الى الدنیا مع ما تعاین منها جهل، والتقصیر فی حسن العمل اذا وثقت بالثواب علیه غبن والطمانینه الى کل احد قبل الاختبار عجز.

    The correct way of living Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: Leaning towards this world despite what you see of it is a folly, and lagging behind in doing good deeds when you are convinced of good reward for them is an obvious loss, while trusting in everyone before trying is a weakness.

  385. Sayings 385 Humbleness of the world

    705

    هوان الدنیا وقال علیه السلام : من هوان الدنیا على الله انه لا یعصى الا فیها، ولا ینال ما عنده الا بترکها.

    Humbleness of the world Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: It is (the proof of the) humbleness of the world before Allah that He is disobeyed only herein and His favors cannot be achieved except by renouncing it

  386. Sayings 386 The necessity of endurance

    706

    نتیجه الطلب وقال علیه السلام : من طلب شییا ناله او بعضه.

    The necessity of endurance Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: One who is in search of something will obtain it, at least some of it

  387. Sayings 387 Recognition of good and evil

    707

    الخیر و الشر وقال علیه السلام : ما خیر بخیر بعده النار، وما شر بشر بعده الجنه، وکل نعیم دون الجنه محقور کل بلا دون النار عافیه.

    Recognition of good and evil Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: That good is no good after which there is the Fire, and that hardship is no hardship after which there is Paradise. Every bliss other than Paradise is minor, and every calamity other than the Fire is comfort.

  388. Sayings 388 Removing the poverty and health

    708

    الطریق الی معرفه السلامه وقال علیه السلام : الا وان من البلا الفاقه واشد من الفاقه مرض البدن، واشد من مرض البدن مرض القلب الا وان من النعم سعه المال، وافضل من سعه المال صحه البدن، وافضل من صحه البدن تقوى القلب.

    Removing the poverty and health Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: Beware that destitution is a calamity, but worse than destitution is ailment of the body, while worse than bodily ailment is the disease of the heart. Beware that plenty of wealth is a blessing, but better than plenty of wealth is the health of the body, while still better than the health of the body is the purity of the heart.

  389. Sayings 389 The necessity for action

    709

    نصایح خالده وقال علیه السلام : من ابطا به عمله لم یسرع به نسبه وفی روایه اخرى: من فاته حسب نفسه لم ینفعه حسب ابایه.

    The necessity for action Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: “Anyone whose his action keeps him behind his lineage cannot push him forward.” In another version, it is expressed thus: “Whoever misses his own personal attainments cannot gain any benefit from his forefathers’ attainments.”

  390. Sayings 390 Correct planning for life

    710

    نظم المعیشه وقال علیه السلام : للمومن ثلاث ساعات: فساعه یناجی فیها ربه، وساعه یرمه معاشه، وساعه یخلی بین نفسه وبین لذتها فیما یحل ویجمل ولیس للعاقل ان یکون شاخصا الا فی ثلاث: مرمه لمعاش، او خطوه فی معاد او لذه فی غیر محرم.

    Correct planning for life Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said The believer’s time has three periods: The period when he is in communion with Allah, the period when he manages for his livelihood, and the period when he is free to enjoy what is lawful and pleasant. It does not behoove a wise person to be away (from his house) save for three matters, namely: for the purposes of learning, or going for something for the next life, or for enjoying what is not prohibited.

  391. Sayings 391 The necessity of leaving illegal act

    711

    مکاسب الزهد وقال علیه السلام : ازهد فی الدنیا یبصرک الله عوراتها، ولا تغفل فلست بمغفول عنک!

    The necessity of leaving illegal act Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: Abstain from the world so that Allah may show you its real evils, and do not be neglectful because (in any case) you will not be neglected.

  392. Sayings 392 The way to know people

    712

    الطریق الی معرفه الرجال وقال علیه السلام : تکلموا تعرفوا، فان المر مخبو تحت لسانه.

    The way to know people Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: Speak so that you may be known since man is hidden under his tongue.

  393. Sayings 393 How to deal with the world

    713

    اسلوب مواجهه الدنیا وقال علیه السلام : خذ من الدنیا ما اتاک، وتول عما تولى عنک، فان انت لم تفعل فاجمل فی الطلب.

    How to deal with the world Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: Take of the favors of the world whatever comes to you and keep away from what keeps away from you. If you cannot do so, be moderate in your pursuits.

  394. Sayings 394 The worth of expression

    714

    فضل الکلام وقال علیه السلام : رب قول انفذ من صول

    The worth of expression Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: Many an expression is more effective than an onslaught.

  395. Sayings 395 The value of contentment

    715

    فضل القناعه وقال علیه السلام : کل مقتصرعلیه کاف.

    The value of contentment Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: Every small thing that is contented upon suffices.

  396. Sayings 396 A good way to live

    716

    نصایح خالده وقال علیه السلام : المنیه ولا الدنیه والتقلل ولا التوسل ومن لم یعط قاعدا لم یعط قایما والدهر یومان: یوم لک، ویوم علیک؛ فاذا کان لک فلا تبطر، واذا کان علیک فاصبر!

    A good way to live Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: Let it be death but not humiliation. Let it be little but not through others. Whoever does not get while sitting will not get by standing either. The world has two days: one for you and the other against you. When the day is for you, do not feel proud but when it is against you, endure it.

  397. Sayings 397 Fine smells

    717

    افضل الطیب وقال علیه السلام : نعم الطیب المسک، خفیف محمله، عطر ریحه.

    Fine smells Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: The best scent is musk its weight is light while its smell is sweet.

  398. Sayings 398 Leaving selfishness

    718

    الاجتناب من العجب وقال علیه السلام : ضع فخرک، واحطط کبرک، واذکر قبرک.

    Leaving selfishness Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: Put off boasting, give up self-conceit and remember your grave

  399. Sayings 399 Interactive rights between father and the child

    719

    الحقوق المتبادله بین الوالد و الولد وقال علیه السلام : ان للولد على الوالد حقا، وان للوالد على الولد حقا فحق الوالد على الولد ان یطیعه فی کل شی الا فی معصیه الله سبحانه، وحق الولد على الوالد ان یحسن اسمه ویحسن ادبه ویعلمه القران.

    Interactive rights between father and the child Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: The child has a right on the father while the father, too, has a right on the child. The right of the father on the child is that the latter should obey the former in every matter save in committing sins against Allah, the Glorified One, while the right of the child on the father is that the latter should give the first a beautiful name, provide him with good training and teach him the Quran.

  400. Sayings 400 Knowledge of right and wrong

    720

    معرفه الحق و الباطل وقال علیه السلام : العین حق، والرقى حق، والسحر حق، والفال حق، والطیره لیست بحق، والعدوى لیست بحق، والطیب نشره والعسل نشره، والرکوب نشره، والنظر الى الخضره نشره.

    Knowledge of right and wrong Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: Evil effect of sight is right, charm is right, sorcery is right, and fa’l (auguring good) is right, while tayrah (auguring evil) is not right, and spreading of a disease from one to the other is not right. Scent gives pleasure, honey gives pleasure, riding gives pleasure and looking at greenery gives pleasure.

  401. Sayings 401 Coordination with people

    721

    اسلوب مواجهه الناس وقال علیه السلام : مقاربه الناس فی اخلاقهم امن من غوایلهم.

    Coordination with people Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: Nearness with people in their manners brings about safety from their evil.

  402. Sayings 402 The necessity of recognizing the position

    722

    معرفه الناس وقال علیه السلام لبعض مخاطبیه، وقد تکلم بکلمه یستصغر مثله عن قول مثلها: لقد طرت شکیرا، هدرت سقبا قال الرضى : و الشکیر هاهنا: اول ما ینبت من ریش الطایر قبل ان یقوى و یستحصف والسقب الصغیر من الابل و لا یهدر الا بعد ان یستفحل.

    The necessity of recognizing the position Someone uttered an expression above his status. Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: You have started flying soon after growing feathers and commenced grumbling before attaining youth. Sayyid ar-Radi says the following: Here, “shakir” [in the original Arabic text] means the first feathers that grow on a bird before it is strong enough to fly. And “saqb” means the young camel who does not grumble unless it becomes mature.

  403. Sayings 403 Avoiding from various job

    723

    الاجتناب من الاعمال المتنوعه وقال علیه السلام : من اوما الى متفاوت خذلته الحیل.

    Avoiding from various job Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: Whoever hankers after contraries gets no means of success.

  404. Sayings 404 The meaning of “la hawla wala quwwata illa billah”

    724

    تفسیر: لا حول و لا قوه الا بالله وقال علیه السلام وقد سیل عن معنى قولهم: لا حول ولا قوه الا بالله انا لا نملک مع الله شییا، ولا نملک الا ما ملکنا، فمتى ملکنا ما هو املک به منا کلفنا، ومتى اخذه منا وضع تکلیفه عنا.

    The meaning of “la hawla wala quwwata illa billah” Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: On being asked about the meaning of the expression: “la hawla wala quwwata illa billah” (there is no strength nor power except through Allah), Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: We are not masters of anything along with Allah, and we are not masters of anything save what He makes us masters of. So, when He makes us masters of anything of which He is a superior Lord over us, He also assigns some duties to us. And when He takes it away, He takes away those duties as well.

  405. Sayings 405 Ignorant pretenders

    725

    فضح المغیره بن شعبه وقال علیه السلام لعمار بن یاسر رحمه الله، وقد سمعه یراجع المغیره بن شعبه کلاما: دعه یا عمار، فانه لم یاخذ من الدین الا ما قاربته الدنیا، وعلى عمد لبس على نفسه لیجعل الشبهات عاذرا لسقطاته.

    Ignorant pretenders Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) heard ‘Ammar ibn Yasir (may Allah have mercy on him) conversing with al-Mughirah ibn Shu‘bah and said: Leave him alone, O ‘Ammar, for he has entered religion only to the extent of his deriving advantage of the world, and he has willfully involved himself in misgivings in order to adopt them as cover for his shortcomings

  406. Sayings 406 The riches and the poor's' behaviour

    726

    اخلاق الفقرا و الاغنیا وقال علیه السلام : ما احسن تواضع الاغنیا للفقرا طلبا لما عند الله! واحسن منه تیه الفقرا على الاغنیا اتکالا على الله.

    The riches and the poor's' behaviour Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: It is good for the rich to show humility before the poor to seek rewards from Allah, but better than that is the pride of the poor towards the rich with trust in Allah.

  407. Sayings 407 The value of wisdom

    727

    قیمه العقل وقال علیه السلام : ما استودع الله امرا عقلا الا استنقذه به یوما ما!

    The value of wisdom Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: Allah does not grant wisdom to a person except that some day He will save him from ruin with its help.

  408. Sayings 408 The result of fighting for the truth

    728

    مصیر مکافحه الحق وقال علیه السلام : من صارع الحق صرعه.

    The result of fighting for the truth Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: Whoever clashes with the truth will be knocked down by it.

  409. Sayings 409 The coordination between heart and eye

    729

    ضروره وحده القلب و العین وقال علیه السلام : القلب مصحف البصر

    The coordination between heart and eye Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: The heart is the book of the eye

  410. Sayings 410 The value of chastity

    730

    قیمه التقوی وقال علیه السلام : التقى رییس الاخلاق.

    The value of chastity Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: Fear of Allah is the chief trait of the human character.

  411. Sayings 411 Respecting the master

    731

    فضل المعلم وقال علیه السلام : لا تجعلن ذرب لسانک على من انطقک، وبلاغه قولک على من سددک.

    Respecting the master Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: Do not try the sharpness of your tongue against the One Who gave you the power to speak, nor the eloquence of your speech against the One Who set you on the right path.

  412. Sayings 412 The best way of self-regulating

    732

    طریقه تربیه النفس وقال علیه السلام : کفاک ادبا لنفسک اجتناب ما تکرهه من غیرک.

    The best way of self-regulating Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: It is enough for your own discipline that you abstain from what you dislike from others.

  413. Sayings 413 Enduring the disasters

    733

    الصبر و التغافل وقال علیه السلام : من صبر صبر الاحرار، والا سلاسلو الاغمار.

    Enduring the disasters Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: One should endure like free people; otherwise, one should keep quite like the ignorant.

  414. Sayings 414 enduring the disasters

    734

    الصبر و التغافل وفی خبر اخر انه علیه السلام قال للاشعث بن قیس معزیا: ان صبرت صبر الاکارم، والا سلوت سلو البهایم

    enduring the disasters In an incident, it is related that Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said to al-Ash‘ath ibn Qays by way of offering his condolences on the death of his son: Either endure like great people or else you will be impatient like animals.

  415. Sayings 415 The reality of the world

    735

    حقیقه الدنیا وقال علیه السلام فی صفه الدنیا: تغر وتضر وتمر، ان الله تعالى لم یرضها ثوابا لاولیایه، ولا عقابا لاعدایه، وان اهل الدنیا کرکب بینا هم حلوا اذ صاح بهم سایقهم فارتحلوا

    The reality of the world Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: It deceives, it harms and it passes away. Allah, the Sublime, did not approve it as a reward for His lovers nor as a punishment for His enemies. In fact, the people of this world are like those riders that as soon as they descended, the driver called out to them and they marched off.

  416. Sayings 416 How to deal with the world

    736

    اسلوب مواجهه الدنیا وقال علیه السلام لابنه الحسن: یا بنی لا تخلفن وراک شییا من الدنیا، فانک تخلفه لاحد رجلین: اما رجل عمل فیه بطاعه الله فسعد بما شقیت به، واما رجل عمل فیه بمعصیه الله فشقی بما جمعت له فکنت عونا له على معصیته، ولیس احد هذین حقیقا ان توثره على نفسک. قال الرضى : و یروى هذا الکلام على وجه اخر، و هو: اما بعد، فان الذی فی یدک من الدنیا قد کان له اهل قبلک، وهو صایر الى اهل بعدک، وانما انت جامع لاحد رجلین: رجل عمل فیما جمعته بطاعه الله فسعد بما شقیت به، او رجل عمل فیه بمعصیه الله فشقی بما جمعت له، ولیس احد هذین اهلا ان توثره على نفسک تحمل له على ظهرک فارج لمن مضى رحمه الله، و لمن بقی رزق الله.

    How to deal with the world Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said to his son al-Hassan (PBUH): O my son! Do not leave anything of this world behind you because you will be leaving it for either of two sorts of persons: a person who uses it in obeying Allah, in this case he will acquire virtue through what was evil for you, or a person who uses it in disobeying Allah and, in that case, he will be reaping evil with what you collected for him. So, you will be assisting him in his sinfulness. Neither of these two deserves to be preferred by you over your own self. Sayyid ar-Radi says the following: “This saying is also related in another version thus: Whatever of this world is now with you was with others before you, and it will pass to some others after you. Thus, you are collecting things for either of two sorts of men: a man who uses whatever you collected in obedience of Allah and thus acquired virtues with what was evil for you, or a man who uses it in disobeying Allah, so you will be getting evil for what you collected. Neither of these two is such that you should prefer him over your own self, for you may burden yourself for his own sake. Therefore, hope for the mercy of Allah for him who has passed away and for Divine livelihood for him who survives.

  417. Sayings 417 The conditions of asking forgiveness

    737

    شرایط الاستغفار وقال علیه السلام لقایل قال بحضرته: استغفر الله. ثکلتک امک، اتدری ما الاستغفار؟ ان الاستغفار درجه العلیین، وهو اسم واقع على سته معان: اولها: الندم على ما مضى. والثانی: العزم على ترک العود الیه ابدا والثالث: ان تودی الى الـمخلوقین حقوقهم حتى تلقى الله عزوجل املس لیس علیک تبعه والرابع: ان تعمد الى کل فریضه علیک ضیعتها فتودی حقها والخامس: ان تعمد الى اللحم الذی نبت على السحت فتذیبه بالاحزان، حتى یلصق الجلد بالعظم، وینشا بینهما لحم جدید والسادس: ان تذیق الجسم الم الطاعه کما اذقته حلاوه المعصیه فعند ذلک تقول: استغفرالله.

    The conditions of asking forgiveness Someone said “Astaghfirullah!” (I seek Allah’s forgiveness) before Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH). Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: May your mother may lose you! Do you know what “istighfar” is? “Istighfar” is meant for people of a high status. It is a word that stands on six pillars: The first is to repent over the past, the second is to make a firm determination never to revert to it, the third is to carry out all the rights of people so that you may meet Allah quite clean with nothing to account for, the fourth is to fulfil every obligation which you ignored (in the past) so that you may now do justice with it, the fifth is to aim at the flesh grown as a result of unlawful earning, so that you may melt it by grief (of repentance) till the skin touches the bone and a new flesh grows between them, and the sixth is to make the body taste the pain of obedience as you (previously) made it taste the sweetness of disobedience. It is only on such an occasion that you may say: “Astaghfirullah!”

  418. Sayings 418 The result of endurance

    738

    فضل الحلم وقال علیه السلام : الحلم عشیره

    The result of endurance Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: Clemency is (like) kinsfolk.

  419. Sayings 419 The problems of a human

    739

    معرفه الانسان وقال علیه السلام : مسکین ابن ادم: مکتوم الاجل، مکنون العلل، محفوظ العمل، تولمه البقه، وتقتله الشرقه وتنتنه العرقه.

    The problems of a human Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: How wretched the son of Adam is! His death is hidden, his ailments are concealed his actions are preserved, the bite of a mosquito pains him, choking cause his death and sweat gives him a bad smell

  420. Sayings 420 The way of dealing with lusts

    740

    طریق السلامه من الشهوات وروی انه علیه السلام کان جالسا فی اصحابه، فمرت بهم امراه جمیله، فرمقها القوم بابصارهم. فقال علیه السلام : ان ابصار هذه الفحول طوامح وان ذلک سبب هبابها فاذا نظر احدکم الى امراه تعجبه فلیلامس اهله، فانما هی امراه کامراه. فقال رجل من الخوارج: قاتله الله کافرا ما افقهه. فوثب القوم لیقتلوه فقال علیه السلام : رویدا انما هو سب بسب، او عفو عن ذنب.

    The way of dealing with lusts It is related that Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) was sitting with his companions when a beautiful woman passed by and they began to look at her. It was then that Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: The eyes of these men are /covetous, and such glances are the cause of their becoming covetous. Whenever anyone of you sees a woman who attracts him, he should meet his wife [for cohabitation] because she is a woman just like his wife. One of the Kharijites said: “May Allah kill this heretic! How logical he is! People then leapt towards him to kill him, but Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: “Wait a little bit. There should either be abuse [for an abuse] or else pardoning from the offence.”

  421. Sayings 421 The result of wisdom

    741

    مکاسب العقل وقال علیه السلام : کفاک من عقلک ما اوضح لک سبیل غیک من رشدک

    The result of wisdom Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: Suffices you if your wisdom distinguishes for you the path of going astray fromthe path of your guidance.

  422. Sayings 422 The value of beneficence

    742

    فضل الاحسان وقال علیه السلام : افعلوا الخیر ولا تحقروا منه شییا، فان صغیره کبیر وقلیله کثیر، ولا یقولن احدکم: ان احدا اولى بفعل الخیر منی فیکون والله کذلک، ان للخیر والشر اهلا، فمهما ترکتموه منهما کفاکموه اهله

    The value of beneficence Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: Do good and do not regard any part of it small because its small is big and its little is much. None of you should say that “Another person is more deserving than me” in doing good. Otherwise, by Allah, it will really be so. There are people of good and evil. When you leave either of the two, others will perform it.

  423. Sayings 423 The result of self-regulating

    743

    ثمرات تربیه النفس وقال علیه السلام : من اصلح سریرته اصلح الله علانیته، ومن عمل لدینه کفاه الله امر دنیاه، ومن احسن فیما بینه وبین الله کفاه الله ما بینه وبین الناس.

    The result of self-regulating Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: Whoever mends his inward self, Allah mends his outward self. Whoever performs acts for the sake of his religion, Allah accomplishes his acts of this world. Anyone whose dealings between himself and Allah are good, Allah turns the dealings between him and other people good, too.

  424. Sayings 424 The value of wisdom and patience

    744

    نصایح خالده وقال علیه السلام : الحلم غطا ساتر، والعقل حسام قاطع، فاستر خلل خلقک بحلمک، وقاتل هواک بعقلک

    The value of wisdom and patience Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: Forbearance is a covering curtain, and wisdom is a sharp sword. Therefore, conceal the weaknesses in your conduct with forbearance and kill your desires with your wisdom

  425. Sayings 425 Responsibility of the riches

    745

    مسوولیه الاغنیا وقال علیه السلام : ان لله عبادا یختصهم بالنعم لمنافع العباد، فیقرها فی ایدیهم ما بذلوها، فاذا منعوها نزعها منهم، ثم حولها الى غیرهم.

    Responsibility of the riches Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: There are some creatures of Allah whom Allah particularly chooses for His favors so that they may be of benefit to other people. Therefore, He keeps such favors in their hands so long as they give them out to others. But when they deny them to others, He takes away the favors from them and gives them to others

  426. Sayings 426 Two unstable things

    746

    منزله العافیه و الغنی وقال علیه السلام : لا ینبغی للعبد ان یثق بخصلتین: العافیه، والغنى: بینا تراه معافى اذ سقم، وغنیا اذ افتقر.

    Two unstable things Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: It does not behoove a man to have trust in two things: health and riches, because there is many a man whom you see healthy but he soon falls and many a man whom you see rich but soon turns destitute.

  427. Sayings 427 The situation of making complaint

    747

    اثار الشکوی وقال علیه السلام : من شکا الحاجه الى مومن فکانما شکاها الى الله، ومن شکاها الى کافر فکانما شکاالله.

    The situation of making complaint Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: Whoever complains about a need to a believer, it is as though he has complained about it to Allah. But whoever complains about it to an unbeliever, it is as though he complained about Allah.

  428. Sayings 428 Real festival

    748

    حقیقه العید وقال علیه السلام فی بعض الاعیاد: انما هو عید لمن قبل الله صیامه وشکر قیامه، وکل یوم لا یعصى الله فیه فهو یوم عید.

    Real festival Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said on the occasion of an ‘Id: It is an ‘Id for anyone whose fast is accepted by Allah and for whose prayers He is grateful, and (in fact) every day wherein no sin against Allah is committed is an ‘Id.

  429. Sayings 429 The greatest regret

    749

    اعظم الحسرات وقال علیه السلام : ان اعظم الحسرات یوم القیامه حسره رجل کسب مالا فی غیر طاعه الله، فورثه رجلا فانفقه فی طاعه الله سبحانه، فدخل به الجنه، ودخل الاول به النار.

    The greatest regret Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: On the Day of Judgement, the greatest regret will be felt by the man who earned wealth through sinful ways, although it is inherited by a person who spends it in obeying Allah, the Glorified One, and he will be awarded Paradise on that account while the first one will be dragged into the Fire on its account.

  430. Sayings 430 The greatest loser

    750

    اخسر الناس وقال علیه السلام : ان اخسر الناس صفقه واخیبهم سعیا، رجل اخلق بدنه فی طلب اماله، ولم تساعده المقادیر على ارادته، فخرج من الدنیا بحسرته، وقدم على الاخره بتبعته.

    The greatest loser Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: The worst in bargaining and the most unsuccessful in striving is a man who exerts himself in seeking riches although fate does not help him in his aims and,consequently, he goes from this world in a sorrowful state while in the next world, too, he will face its ill consequences.

  431. Sayings 431 Types of livelihood

    751

    انواع الرزق وقال علیه السلام : الرزق رزقان: طالب، ومطلوب، فمن طلب الدنیا طلبه الموت حتى یخرجه عنها، من طلب الاخره طلبته الدنیا حتى یستوفی رزقه منها.

    Types of livelihood Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: Livelihood is of two kinds: the seeker and the sought. Therefore, whoever hankers after this world, death traces him till it turns him out of it. But whoever hankers after the next world, worldly ease itself seeks him till he receives his livelihood from it

  432. Sayings 432 The characteristics of Allah lovers

    752

    خصایص اولیاالله وقال علیه السلام : ان اولیا الله هم الذین نظروا الى باطن الدنیا اذا نظر الناس الى ظاهرها، واشتغلوا باجلها اذا اشتغل الناس بعاجلها، فاماتوا منها ما خشوا ان یمیتهم وترکوا منها ما علموا انه سیترکهم، وراوا استکثار غیرهم منها استقلالا، ودرکهم لها فوتا، اعدا ما سالم الناس، وسلم ما عادى الناس! بهم علم الکتاب وبه علموا وبهم قام الکتاب وبه قاموا، لا یرون مرجوا فوق ما یرجون، ولا مخوفا فوق ما یخافون.

    The characteristics of Allah lovers Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: The lovers of Allah are those who look at the inward side of the world, while the other people look at its outward side. They occupy themselves with its most remote benefits while the other people occupy themselves with the immediate benefits. They kill those things which they feared will have killed them, and they leave here in this world what they think will leave them. They took the amassing of wealth by others as a small matter and regarded it like losing. They are enemies of those things which others love while they love things which others hate. Through them, the Quran has been learned, and they have been given knowledge through the Quran. With them, the Quran is staying while they stand by the Quran. They do not see any objective of hope above what they hope and no objective of fear above what they fear.

  433. Sayings 433 Considering mortality of pleasures

    753

    مال اللذات وقال علیه السلام : اذکروا انقطاع اللذات، وبقا التبعات.

    Considering mortality of pleasures Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: Remember that pleasures will pass away while the consequences will stay.

  434. Sayings 434 Testing people

    754

    ضروره الاختبار وقال علیه السلام : اخبر تقله . قال الرضى : و من الناس من یروی هذا لرسول الله صلى الله علیه واله و مما یقوی انه من کلام امیرالمومنین علیه السلام ، ما حکاه ثعلب قال: حدثنا ابن الاعرابی قال: قال المامون : لولا ان علیا علیه السلام ، قال: اخبر تقله ، لقلت انا: اقله تخبر.

    Testing people Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: Try (a man) and you will hate him! Sayyid ar-Radi says the following: “Some people say that this saying was articulated by the Prophet (SAAW), but what confirms that it is the saying of Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) is the statement related by Tha‘lab from Ibn al-Arabi, that is, that (caliph) al-Ma’mun said, “If Ali had not said ‘ukhbur thiqlihi’ (try a man and you will hate him),” I will have said: ‘aqlihi takhbur’ (hate a man in order to try him).”

  435. Sayings 435 The great ethical values

    755

    نصایح خالده وقال علیه السلام : ما کان الله لیفتح على عبد باب الشکر ویغلق عنه باب الزیاده، ولا لیفتح على عبد باب الدعا ویغلق عنه باب الاجابه، ولا لیفتح على عبد باب التوبه ویغلق عنه باب المغفره.

    The great ethical values Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: It is not that Allah, to Whom belongs Might and Majesty, may keep the door of gratitude open for a person and close the door of plenty upon him, or to open the door of prayer to a person and close the door of acceptance upon him, or to open the door of repentance on a person and close the door of forgiveness upon him

  436. Sayings 436 Recognizing the honourable persons

    756

    الاولی بالکرم وقال علیه السلام : اولى الناس بالکرم من عرفت به الکرام.

    Recognizing the honourable persons Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: The most appropriate person for an honorable status is who the people of honor are known due to him.

  437. Sayings 437 Justice and generosity

    757

    العدل و الجود وسیل علیه السلام ایما افضل: العدل، او الجود؟ فقال: العدل یضع الامور مواضعها، والجود یخرجها عن جهتها، والعدل سایس عام، والجود عارض خاص، فالعدل اشرفهما وافضلهما.

    Justice and generosity Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) was asked: “Which of the two is better: justice or generosity?” Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) replied: “Justice puts things in their places while generosity takes them out from their directions. Justice is the general caretaker, while generosity is a particular benefit. Consequently, justice is superior and more distinguished of the two.”

  438. Sayings 438 Ignorance and hostility

    758

    الجهل و و العداوه وقال علیه السلام : الناس اعدا ما جهلوا.

    Ignorance and hostility Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: People are enemies of what they do not know.

  439. Sayings 439 True asceticism

    759

    حقیقه الزهد وقال علیه السلام : الزهد کله بین کلمتین من القران: قال الله عزوجل: لکیلا تاسوا على ما فاتکم ، و لا تفرحوا بما اتاکم فمن لم یاس على الماضی، ولم یفرح فقد اخذ الزهد بطرفیه.

    True asceticism Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said The whole of asceticism is confined between two expressions of the Quran: Allah, the Glorified One, says: “... lest you should distress yourselves because of what you miss and be over-joyous for what He has granted you” (Quran, 57: 23). Whoever does not grieve over what he misses and does not revel over what comes to him acquires asceticism from both its sides.

  440. Sayings 440 The role of dreaming in life

    760

    النوم و فسخ العزایم وقال علیه السلام : ما انقض النوم لعزایم الیوم

    The role of dreaming in life Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: What a breaker is sleep for the resolutions of the day!

  441. Sayings 441 Job experience and knowing the directors

    761

    کیف یعرف الرجال وقال علیه السلام : الولایات مضامیر الرجال .

    Job experience and knowing the directors Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: Governing power is the proving ground for people

  442. Sayings 442 The best town

    762

    خیر البلاد وقال علیه السلام : لیس بلد باحق بک من بلد، خیر البلاد ما حملک

    The best town Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: No town has a greater right on you than the other. The best town for you is that which bears you.

  443. Sayings 443 Characteristics of Malek Ashtar

    763

    خصایص مالک بن الاشتر وقال علیه السلام : وقد جاه نعی الاشتر رحمه الله: مالک وما مالک! والله لو کان جبلا لکان فندا، ولو کان حجرا لکان صلدا، لا یرتقیه الحافر، ولا یوفی علیهالطایر. قال الرضى : الفند: المنفرد من الجبال.

    Characteristics of Malek Ashtar When the news of the death of (Malik) al-Ashtar (may Allah have mercy on him), reached Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH), he said: Malik, what a man Malik was! By Allah! If he had been a mountain, he would have been a big one (a find), and if he had been a stone, he would have been quite stiff. No horseman could have reached it and no bird could have flown over it. Sayyid ar-Radi says the following: “find” means a lonely mountain (rising in height above the others in the range).

  444. Sayings 444 The value of continuing a task

    764

    فضل استمرار فی العمل وقال علیه السلام : قلیل مدوم علیه خیر من کثیر مملول منه. .

    The value of continuing a task Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: A little that lasts is better than much that brings grief.

  445. Sayings 445 Anthropology

    765

    معرفه الانسان وقال علیه السلام : اذا کان فی رجل خله رایعه فانتظر اخواتها.

    Anthropology Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said If a man possesses a revealing quality, wait and see his other qualities

  446. Sayings 446 The necessity to pay debts

    766

    وجوب ادا الدیون وقال علیه السلام لغالب بن صعصعه ابی الفرزدق، فی کلام دار بینهما: ما فعلت ابلک الکثیره؟ قال: ذعذعتها الحقوق یا امیرالمومنین فقال علیه السلام : ذاک احمد سبلها.

    The necessity to pay debts Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) asked Ghalib ibn Sa‘sa‘ah, father of al-Farazdaq (the famous Arab poet), during a conversation between them: “What about the large number of your camels?!” The man replied: “They have been swept away by (the performing of) obligations, O Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH)! ” Whereupon Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: “That is the most praiseworthy way of (losing) them.”

  447. Sayings 447 The necessity of knowing the rules of religious laws about business

    767

    ضروره التفقه فی التجاره وقال علیه السلام : من اتجر بغیر فقه ارتطم فی الربا.

    The necessity of knowing the rules of religious laws about business Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: Whoever trades without knowing the rules of religious law will be involved in usury.

  448. Sayings 448 The way to deal with the distresses

    768

    اسلوب مواجهه المصایب وقال علیه السلام : من عظم صغار المصایب ابتلاه الله بکبارها.

    The way to deal with the distresses Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: Whoever regards small distresses as big, Allah involves him in big ones.

  449. Sayings 449 The way to confront the sensualism

    769

    اسلوب مواجهه الشهوات وقال علیه السلام : من کرمت علیه نفسه هانت علیه شهوته.

    The way to confront the sensualism Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: Whoever maintains his own respect in view, his desires appear light to him.

  450. Sayings 450 Avoidance from kidding

    770

    الاجتناب من المزاح وقال علیه السلام : ما مزح امرو مزحه الا مج من عقله مجه. .

    Avoidance from kidding Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: Whenever a man cuts a joke, he separates himself away a bit from his wit.

  451. Sayings 451 How to deal with the people

    771

    اسلوب مواجهه الناس وقال علیه السلام : زهدک فی راغب فیک نقصان حظ، ورغبتک فی زاهد فیک ذل نفس.

    How to deal with the people Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: Your turning away from the one who inclines towards you is a loss of your share of advantage while your inclining towards one who turns away from you is self- humiliation

  452. Sayings 452 Recognition of the riches and poor

    772

    الفقر و الغنی الحقیقیان وقال علیه السلام : الغنى والفقر بعد العرض على الله.

    Recognition of the riches and poor Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: Riches and destitution will follow presentation before Allah.

  453. Sayings 453 The reason for deviation of Al-Zubayr

    773

    فضح الزبیر بن العوام وقال علیه السلام : ما زال الزبیر رجلا منا اهل البیت حتى نشا ابنه المشووم عبدالله.

    The reason for deviation of Al-Zubayr Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: Al-Zubayr remained a man from our house till his wretched son ‘Abdullah came forth.

  454. Sayings 454 How to remove the selfishness

    774

    طریقه اقتلاع العجب وقال علیه السلام : ما لابن ادم والفخر: اوله نطفه، واخره جیفه، و لا یرزق نفسه، ولا یدفع حتفه.

    How to remove the selfishness Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: What has a man to do with vanity? His origin is semen, his end is a carcass, while he cannot feed himself nor ward off death?

  455. Sayings 455 The greatest poet

    775

    اشعر الشعرا وسیل علیه السلام : من اشعر الشعرا؟ فقال: ان القوم لم یجروا فی حلبه تعرف الغایه عند قصبتها فان کان ولا بد فالملک الضلیل قال الرضى : یرید امرا القیس

    The greatest poet Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) was asked who the greatest poet was. He said: “Any group of them that did not proceed on the same lines in such a way that we can know the height of their glory, but if it has to be done, then it is ‘al-Malik ad-Dillil’”. Sayyid ar-Radi says the following: “Amir al-Mu’minin here is referring to Imri’ul-Qays.

  456. Sayings 456 The price of human souls

    776

    ثمن الانسان وقال علیه السلام : الاحر یدع هذه اللماظه لاهلها؟ انه لیس لانفسکم ثمن الا الجنه، فلا تبیعوها الا بها.

    The price of human souls Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said Is there no free man who can leave this chewed morsel (of the world) to those who like it? Certainly, the only price for your souls is Paradise. Therefore, do not sell your soul except for Paradise.

  457. Sayings 457 Being greedy for property and science

    777

    منهومان لا یشبعان وقال علیه السلام : منهومان لا یشبعان: طالب علم، وطالب دنیا. .

    Being greedy for property and science Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: Two greedy persons never get satisfied: the seeker of knowledge and the seeker of this world.

  458. Sayings 458 Signs of faith

    778

    علامات الایمان وقال علیه السلام : علامه الایمان ان توثر الصدق حیث یضرک على الکذب حیث ینفعک، الا یکون فی حدیثک فضل عن علمک وان تتقی الله فی حدیث غیرک.

    Signs of faith Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: Belief means that you should prefer truth (even) when it harms you rather than falsehood (even) when it benefits you, that your words should not be more than your action and that you should fear Allah when speaking about others.

  459. Sayings 459 Understanding the role of free will and fatalism

    779

    التقدیر ام التدبیر وقال علیه السلام : یغلب المقدار على التقدیر حتى تکون الافه فی التدبیر. قال الرضى : وقد مضى هذا المعنى فیما تقدم بروایه تخالف بعض هذه الالفاظ.

    Understanding the role of free will and fatalism Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: Destiny holds sway over (our) predetermination till effort itself brings about ruin. Sayyid ar-Radi says the following: “Something of this meaning has already appeared earlier though in words different from these.”

  460. Sayings 460 The value of patience and endurance

    780

    فضل الحلم و الاناه وقال علیه السلام : الحلم والاناه توامان ینتجهما علو الهمه.

    The value of patience and endurance Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: Forbearance and endurance are twins and they are the product of high courage.

  461. Sayings 461 Backbiting is the sign of helplessness

    781

    العجز و الغیبه وقال علیه السلام : الغیبه جهد العاجز .

    Backbiting is the sign of helplessness Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: Backbiting is the tool of the helpless.

  462. Sayings 462 To be deceived by praise

    782

    استماع الثنا وقال علیه السلام : رب مفتون بحسن القول فیه

    To be deceived by praise Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: Many a man gets into mischief because of being spoken well of.

  463. Sayings 463 This world has been created for other world

    783

    الدنیا للاخره وقال علیه السلام : الدنیا خلقت لغیرها، ولم تخلق لنفسها.

    This world has been created for other world Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: This world has been created for other than itself and has not been created for itself.

  464. Sayings 464 Awful fate of the Umayyad's

    784

    مستقبل بنی امیه الدامی وقال علیه السلام : ان لبنی امیه مرودا یجرون فیه، ولو قد اختلفوا فیما بینهم ثم کادتهم الضباع لغلبتهم. قال الرضى : و المرود هاهنا مفعل من الارواد و هو الامهال و الاظهار و هذا من افصح الکلام و اغربه، فکانه علیه السلام شبه المهله التی هم فیها بالمضمار الذی یجرون فیه الى الغایه ، فاذا بلغوا منقطعها انتقض نظامهم بعدها.

    Awful fate of the Umayyad's Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: Banu Umayyah (the Umayyads) have a fixed period (mirwad) wherein they are having their way. But when differences arise among them, even if the hyena attacks them, it will overpower them. Sayyid ar-Radi says the following: “Here, mirward is a form derived from irwad which means:to allow time, to wait for, to give a respite. It is an extremely eloquent and wonderful expression. It is as though Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) has likened the period of Banu Umayyah to a limited area meant for the training of horses for racing where they are running towards the limit, so that when they reach its extremity, their organization is destroyed.

  465. Sayings 465 The prominent value of the Ansar

    785

    خصایص الانصار وقال علیه السلام فی مدح الانصار: هم والله ربوا الاسلام کما یربى الفلو مع غنایهم بایدیهم السباط والسنتهم السلاط.

    The prominent value of the Ansar Eulogizing the Ansar, Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: By Allah, they nurtured Islam as a year-old calf is nurtured with their generous hands and eloquent tongues.

  466. Sayings 466 The status of eye

    786

    منزله العین وقال علیه السلام : العین وکا السه. قال الرضى و هذه من الاستعارات العجیبه، کانه شبه السه بالوعا، والعین بالوکا، فاذا اطلق الوکا ینضبط الوعا و هذا القول فی الاشهر الاظهر من کلام النبى (ص) . و قد رواه قوم لامیر المومنین علیه السلام ؛ و ذکر ذلک المبرد فی کتاب (المقتضب) فی باب اللفظ بالحروف و قد تکلمنا على هذه الاستعاره فی کتابنا الموسوم بمجازات الا ثار النبویه.

    The status of eye Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: The eye is the strap of the rear. Sayyid ar-Radi says the following: “This is a wonderful metaphor. It is as though Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) has likened the rear part of the body to a bag and the eye to a strap. When the strap is let loose, the bag cannot retain anything. According to the well-known and reputed view, this is a saying of the Prophet, but some people have stated it belong to Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) Al-Mubarrad has mentioned it in his book Al- Muqtadab under a chapter titled “Words of single letters”. We, too, have discussed this metaphor in our book titled Majazat al-Athar an- Nabawiyyah.”

  467. Sayings 467 Leadership qualities

    787

    خصایص القیاده وقال علیه السلام فی کلام له: وولیهم وال فاقام واستقام، حتى ضرب الدین بجرانه.

    Leadership qualities Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said in one of his speeches: A ruler came to power over them. He remained upright and made them upright till the entire religion put its bosom on the ground.

  468. Sayings 468 People's future severe time

    788

    مستقبل المسلمین السی وقال علیه السلام : یاتی على الناس زمان عضوض یعض الموسر فیه على ما فی یدیه ولم یومر بذلک، قال الله سبحانه: (و لا تنسوا الفضل بینکم) ، تنهدفیه الاشرار، وتستذل الاخیار، ویبایع المضطرون وقد نهى رسول الله صلى الله علیه و اله و سلم عن بیع المضطرین.

    People's future severe time Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: A severe time will come to people wherein the rich will seize their possessions with their teeth (by way of miserliness) although they have not been commanded to do so. Allah, the Glorified One, says: “Do not forget generosity among yourselves” (Quran, 2: 237). During this time, the wicked will rise up while the virtuous will remain low. Purchases will be made from the helpless, although the Prophet (SAAW) has prohibited purchasing from the helpless.

  469. Sayings 469 Avoiding from exorbitance and negligence towards Imam

    789

    الاعتدال فی محبه الامام وقال علیه السلام : یهلک فی رجلان: محب مفرط، وباهت مفتر قال الرضى : وهذا مثل قوله علیه السلام : هلک فی رجلان: محب غال، ومبغض قال.

    Avoiding from exorbitance and negligence towards Imam Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: Two types of persons will fall into ruin on my account: One who loves me and exaggerates, and the other who lays on me false and baseless blames. Sayyid ar-Radi says the following: “ This is on the lines of Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) own saying which runs thus: ‘Two categories of persons will be ruined on my account: One who loves me with exaggeration, and one who hates [me] and is a bearer of malice’.”

  470. Sayings 470 Theism and justice

    790

    التوحید و العدل وسیل علیه السلام عن التوحید والعدل فقال: التوحید ان لا تتوهمه والعدل الا تتهمه.

    Theism and justice Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) was asked about the Unity of Allah (Tawhid) and His justice (Adl). He replied: Unity means that you do not subject Him to the limitations of your imagination, and justice means that you do not lay any blame on Him.

  471. Sayings 471 Understanding the situation of speech and silence

    791

    معرفه منزله السکوت و الکلام وقال علیه السلام : لا خیر فی الصمت عن الحکم، کما انه لا خیر فی القول بالجهل.

    Understanding the situation of speech and silence Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: There is no good in silence about matters involving wisdom just as there is no good in speaking with ignorance.

  472. Sayings 472 Prayers for rain

    792

    الدعا للمطر وقال علیه السلام فی دعا استسقى به: اللهم اسقنا ذلل السحاب دون صعابها. قال الرضى : وهذا من الکلام العجیب الفصاحه، وذلک انه علیه السلام شبه السحاب ذوات الرعود والبوارق والریاح والصواعق بالابل الصعاب التی تقمص برحالها وتقص برکبانها وشبه السحاب خالیه من تلک الروایع بالابل الذلل التی تحتلب طیعه‌ وتقتعدمسمحه وقال علیه السلام فی دعا استسقى به: اللهم اسقنا ذلل السحاب دون صعابها

    Prayers for rain Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following in his prayer for rain: “O Lord! Send us rain by submissive clouds, not by unruly ones.” Sayyid ar-Radi says the following: “This is an expression of wonderful eloquence, because Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) has likened the cloud, which is accompanied by thunder, lightning, wind and flashes with unruly camels that throw away their saddles and throw down their riders, describing the clouds that are free from these terrible things to the submissive camels which are easy to milk and obedient to ride.” Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said the following in his prayer for rain: “O Lord! Send us rain by submissive clouds, not by unruly ones.”

  473. Sayings 473 Hair colouring

    793

    فضل الخضاب وقیل له علیه السلام لو غیرت شیبک یا امیرالمومنین فقال علیه السلام : الخضاب زینه، ونحن قوم فی مصیبه قال الرضى : یرید وفاه رسول الله صلى الله علیه واله

    Hair colouring It was said to Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH): “We wish you had changed your gray hair, O Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH)!” He said: “Dye is a way of adornment, whereas we are in a state of grief.” Sayyid ar-Radi says the following: “Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) is referring to the death of the Messenger of Allah (SAAW).

  474. Sayings 474 The value of chastity

    794

    فضل العفیف وقال علیه السلام : ما الـمجاهد الشهید فی سبیل الله باعظم اجرا ممن قدر فعف، لکاد العفیف ان یکون ملکا من الملایکه.

    The value of chastity Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: The fighter in the way of Allah who gets martyred will not get a greater reward than whoever remains chaste despite means. It is possible that a chaste person may become one of the angels.

  475. Sayings 475 The value of contentment

    795

    فضل القناعه وقال علیه السلام : القناعه مال لاینفد. قال الرضى : وقد روى بعضهم هذا الکلام عن النبی صلى الله علیه واله.

    The value of contentment Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: Contentment is a wealth that is not exhausted. Sayyid ar-Radi says the following: “Some people have narrated saying that this is the statement of the Messenger of Allah (SAAW).”

  476. Sayings 476 The method of governing a country

    796

    الطریقه المثلی لاداره المجتمع الانسانی وقال علیه السلام لزیاد بن ابیه وقد استخلفه لعبد الله بن العباس على فارس واعمالها، فی کلام طویل کان بینهما، نهاه فیه عن تقدم الخراج استعمل العدل، واحذر العسف والحیف فان العسف یعود بالجلا، والحیف یدعو الى السیف.

    The method of governing a country Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said to Ziyad ibn Abih when he put him in place of ‘Abdullah ibn al-Abbas over Fars (in Persia) and its revenues, he had a long conversation with him in which he prohibited him from advance recovery of revenue Act upon justice and stay away from violence and injustice because violence will lead them to forsake their abodes while injustice will prompt them to take up arms.

  477. Sayings 477 The worst sin

    797

    اشد الذنوب وقال علیه السلام : اشد الذنوب ما استخف به صاحبه

    The worst sin Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: The worst sin is that which the one who commits it takes it lightly.

  478. Sayings 478 The responsibility of knowledgeable persons

    798

    مسوولیه العالم و الجاهل وقال علیه السلام : ما اخذ الله على اهل الجهل ان یتعلموا حتى اخذ على اهل العلم ان یعلموا.

    The responsibility of knowledgeable persons Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: Allah has not made it obligatory on the ignorant to learn till He has made it obligatory on the learned to teach.

  479. Sayings 479 The worst comrade

    799

    شر الاخوان وقال علیه السلام : شر الاخوان من تکلف له. قال الرضى : لان التکلیف مستلزم للمشقه، وهو شر لازم عن الاخ المتکلف له، فهو شر الاخوان.

    The worst comrade Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: The worst comrade is he for whom formality has to be observed Sayyid ar-Radi says the following: “ This is so because formality is inseparable from hardship, and it is an evil that is caused by a comrade for whom formality is observed. Consequently, he is the worst of all comrades.

  480. Sayings 480 The enemy of friendship

    800

    افه الصداقه وقال علیه السلام : اذا احتشم المومن اخاه فقد فارقه. قال الرضى : حشمه و احشمه ا ذا اغضبه و قیل: اخجله و احتشمه طلب ذلک له. و هو مظنه مفارقته

    The enemy of friendship Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) said: “If a believer enrages (ihtashama) his brother, it means that he will leave him.” Sayyid ar-Radi says the following: “It is said that hashamahu or ahshamahu means: ‘He enraged him’. According to another view, it means ‘He humiliated him’, while ihtashamahu means ‘He sought these for him’, and that is most likely to cause him to separate.”

  481. Sayings 481 Referring to the appearance of Imam Mahdi

    801

    في حديثه عليه السلام : فَإِذَا كَانَ ذلِكَ ضَرَبَ يَعْسُوبُ الدِّينِ بِذَنَبِهِ، فَيَجْتَمِعُونَ إِلَيْهِ كَمَا يَجْتَمِعُ قَزَعُ الْخَرِيفِ. قال الرضى : يَعْسوبُ الدَّينِ: السَّيِّدُ العَظيمُ الْمالِكُ لامورِ الناسِ يَومَئذٍ، وَ الْقَزَعُ: قِطَعُ الْغَيْمِ الَّتي لا ماءَ فِيها.

    A tradition Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) , says: When the situation is like this, then the head of the religion will rise and people will gather around him as pieces of rainless cloud collect during autumn. Sayyid ar-Radi says the following: "Ya'sub" is the great chief who is in charge of the people's affairs, and "quza`" means the pieces of cloud which have no rain.

  482. Sayings 482 Eloquence

    802

    في حديثه عليه السلام : هذَا الْخَطِيبُ الشَّحْشَحُ. قال الرضى : يُريدُ الْماهِرَ بِالخُطْبَةِ الْماضىَّ فيِها، وَ كُلُّ ماضٍ في كَلامٍ اوْ سَيْرٍ فَهُوَ شَحْشَحَ، وَ الشَّحْشَحُ في غَيْرِ هذا المَوْضِعِ الْبَخيلُ الْمُمْسِكُ.

    A tradition Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) , says: He is a versatile speaker. Sayyid ar-Radi says the following: "shahshah" means one expert and free in speech, and everyone who is free in speech or walking is called "shahshah", while in another sense this word means a miserly and niggardly person.

  483. Sayings 483 Avoiding from enmity

    803

    في حديثه عليه السلام : إنَّ لِلْخُصُومَةِ قُحَماً. قال الرضى : يُريدُ بِالقُحَمِ الْمَهالِكَ، لاَنَّها تُقْحِمْ اَصْحابِها في المَهالِكْ وَ الْمَتالِفْ فِي الاَكْثَرَ، وَ مَنْ ذلِكَ قُحْمَةُ الاعْرابِ وَ هُوَ اَنْ تُصيبَهُمْ السَنَةُ فَتَتَعَرَّقُ اَمْوالَهُمْ، فَذلِكَ تَقَحُّمها فِيهِمْ، وَ قِيلَ فِيهِ وَجْهْ آخَرُ وَ هُوَ اَنَّها تُقْحِمُهُمْ بِلادَ الرَّيفِ، اَي تُحْوِجُهُمْ إلى دُخُولِ الْحَضَرِ عِنْدَ مُحُولِ الْبَدْوِ.

    A tradition Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) , says: Quarrels bring about ruin. Sayyid ar-Radi says the following: "quhm" means ruin because quarrels often drive men into ruin and grief. In the same way, it is said "quhmatu'l-A'rab" which means the period (of drought) when the cattle owned by the nomad desert Arabs are reduced to bones, and this is their being driven to it. Another argument is also advanced in this matter; namely that the situation drives them to green areas, in other words the hardship of the desert life drives them to hadar (a civilized region with town and villages and a settled population [as opposed to desert] ).

  484. Sayings 484 Guardianship over women

    804

    في حديثه عليه السلام : إِذَا بَلَغَ النِّسَاءُ نَصَّ الْحِقَاقِ فَالْعَصَبَةُ أَوْلَى. قال الرضى : ويروى (نص الحقائق)، والنص منتهى الأشياء ومبلغ أقصاها كالنص في السير لأنه أقصى ما تقدر عليه الدابة، ويقال نصصت الرجل عن الامر إذا استقصيت مسألته لتستخرج ما عنده فيه، ونص الحقائق يريد به الادراك، لأنه منتهى الصغر، والوقت الذي يخرج منه الصغير إلى حد الكبر، وهو من أفصح الكنايات عن هذا الامر وأغربها، يقول: فإذا بلغ النساء ذلك فالعصبة أولى بالمرأة من أمها إذا كانوا محرما مثل الاخوة والأعمام، وبتزويجها إن أرادوا ذلك. والحقاق: محاقة الام للعصبة في المرأة، الجدال، وهو والخصومة، وقول كل واحد منهما للآخر: أنا أحق منك بهذا، يقال منه: حاققته حقاقا، مثل جادلته جدالا. قال: وقد قيل إن نص الحقاق بلوغ العقل وهو الادراك، لأنه عليه السلام إنما أراد منتهى الامر الذي تجب به الحقوق والاحكام. قال: ومن رواه (نص الحقائق) فإنما أراد جمع حقيقة، هذا معنى ما ذكره أبو عبيد القاسم بن سلام قال: والذي عندي أن المراد بنص الحقاق هاهنا بلوغ المرأة إلى الحد الذي يجوز فيه تزويجها وتصرفها في حقوقها، تشبيها بالحقاق من الإبل، وهي جمع حقة وحق، وهو الذي استكمل ثلاث سنين ودخل في الرابعة، وعند ذلك يبلغ إلى الحد الذي يمكن فيه من ركوب ظهره ونصه في سيره، والحقائق أيضا: جمع حقة، فالروايتان جميعا ترجعان إلى مسمى واحد، وهذا أشبه بطريقة العرب من المعنى المذكور أولا.

    A tradition Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) , says: When girls reach the stage of (realizing) realities, relations on the father's side are preferable. Sayyid ar-Radi says the following: Instead of "nassa'l-hiqaq "the combination "nassa'l-haqa'iq" has also been related. "nass" means the last end of things or their remotest limit, such as "an-nassi fi's sayr" means the maximum a beast can walk. Or you say "nasastu'r-rajula 'ani'l-amri" when you have questioned a man to the extreme to make him utter all he has. Thus, "nassu'l-haqa'iq" means prudence because it is the last limit of childhood and is the time when a child crosses childhood into majority, and this is a very eloquent reference to the point, and strange too. Amir al-mu'minin intends to say: When girls reach this stage their relations on father's side have a better right than their mother, provided they are those with whom marriage is prohibited like brothers and uncles, to arrange for their marriages if they so desire. "al-hiqaq" also means the quarrelling of the mother with a girl's paternal relations. This quarrel is that everyone of them says he has a better 'right for her. That is why it is said "haqatuhu hiqaqan" on the lines of "jadaltuhu jidalan". It has also been said that "nassu'l-hiqaq" means acquiring understanding and this is prudence, because Amir al-mu'minin refers to the stage when rights and duties become applicable. The person who has related the word as "haqa'iq" intends to signify the plural of "haqiqah" (reality). The above is what Abu 'Ubayd al-Qasim ibn Sallam has stated (in Gharib al-hadith, vol.3, pp.456 -458); but I think that the intention here by the word "nassu'l-hiqaq " is a girl's reaching the stage when it is possible to marry her and to allow her to dispose of her rights herself on the analogy of "bil hiqaqi mina '1-ibili" (a camel's attaining majority) wherein "hiqaq is the plural of "hiqqah" or "hiqq " and it means completion of three years (of age) and entry into the fourth, which is the time when it reaches the age when it is possible to ride on its back and to exert it in walking. "haqa'iq" too is the plural of "hiqqah". Thus, both the versions point to the same meaning, and this interpretation is more in keeping with the way of the Arabs than the other one stated earlier.

  485. Sayings 485 The effect of faith on the spirit

    805

    في حديثه عليه السلام : إنَّ الاْيمَانَ يَبْدُو لُمْظَةً فِي الْقَلْبِ، كُلَّمَا ازْدَاد الاْيمَانُ ازْدَادَتِ الُّلمْظَةُ. قال الرضى : الُّلمْظَةُ مثل النكتة أو نحوها من البياض، ومنه قيل فرس ألمظ: إذا كان بجحفلته شيء من البياض.

    A tradition Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) , says: Faith produces a "lumzah" in the heart. As faith develops, the "lumzah" also increases. Sayyid ar-Radi says the following: "lumzah" is a white spot or something like that. On that analogy if a horse has a white spot on its lower lip it is called "farusun almaz", that is, a white-spotted horse.

  486. Sayings 486 The necessity of paying zakat

    806

    في حديثه عليه السلام : إِنَّ الرَّجُلَ إِذَا كَانَ لَهُ الدَّيْنُ الظَّنُونُ يَجِبُ عَلَيْهِ أَنْ يُزَكِّيَهُ لِمَا مَضَى إِذَا قَبَضَهُ. قال الرضى : فالظَّنُونُ: الذي لايَعْلَمُ صاحبُهُ أيقبضُه من الذي هو عليه أم لا، فكأنّه الذي يُظَنُّ به، فمرة يرجوه و مرة لا يرجوه. و هو من أفصح الكلام، وكذلك كلّ أمرٍ تطلبه ولا تدري على أي شيء أنت منه فهو ظَنون، وعلى ذلك قول الاَعشى: مَا يُجْعَلُ الْجُدُّ الظَّنُونُ الَّذِي * جُنِّبَ صَوْبَ اللَّجِبِ الْمَاطِرِ مِثْلَ الْفُرَاتِيِّ إِذَا مَا طَمَا * يَقْذِفُ بِالْبُوصِيِّ وَالْمَاهِرِ والجُدّ: البئر،العادیه فی الصحراء والظنون: التي لا يُدرى هل فيها ماء أم لا.

    A tradition Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) , says: If a man has a "ad-daynu'z-zanun"(i.e. doubtful loan) it is his duty to pay zakat thereon for all the past years when he recovers it. Sayyid ar-Radi says the following: "az-zanun" is the loan about which the lender does not know whether he will be able to recover it from the borrower. He is like the one who hopes as well as loses hope. This is the most eloquent way of expression. In this way everything about which you do not know where you stand would be zanun. In the same strain poet al-A' sha (Maymun ibn Qays al-Wa'ili [d. 7/629] )says: The az-zanun well (i.e., the one that may or may not have water) which is also deprived of the rain of the raining clouds cannot be compared to the Euphrates whose waves are rising high and which is pushing away the boat as well as the adept swimmer. "Judd" means the well (situated in a wilderness), while zanun is that about which it is not known whether or not it has water.

  487. Sayings 487 Military ethics

    807

    وفي حديثه عليه السلام أَنه شيّع جيشاً يغْزِيهِ فقال: اعْذِبُوا عَنِ النِّسَاءِ مَا اسْتَطَعْتُمْ. قال الرضى : اصدِفوا عن ذكر النساء وشُغُلِ القلب بهن، وامتنعُوا من المقاربة لهنّ، لاَن ذلك يَفُتُّ في عضُد الحميّة، ويقدح في معاقد العزيمة ويكسِر عن العَدْوِ، وَيلفِتُ عن الاِبعاد في الغزو، وكلُّ من امتنع من شيء فقد أعْذَبَ عنه، والعاذبُ والعَذُوب: الممتنع من الاَكل والشرب.

    A tradition of Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH), relates that he arranged a force for advancing for jihad and said: i'dhibu (turn away) from women so far as you can. Sayyid ar-Radi says the following: It (i'dhibu) means that "keep off" from thoughts of women and from clinging your heart to them, and do not have union with them; because all this produces weakness in enthusiasm, affects the firmness of determination, weakens against the enemy and prevents from exerting in fighting. Whatever prevents from something is called " 'adhaba 'anhu" i.e., turned away from it. Thus, "al-'adhib" and "al-'adhub" mean one who gives up eating and drinking.

  488. Sayings 488 Hoping to win

    808

    في حديثه عليه السلام : كَالْيَاسِرِ الْفَالِجِ.. يَنْتَظِرُ أَوَّلَ فَوْزةٍ مِنْ قِدَاحِهِ قال الرضى : الياسرون هم الذين يتضاربون بالقداح على الجزور، والفالج: القاهر الغالب، يقال: قد فلج عليهم وفلجهم، قال الراجز: * لما رأيت فالجا قد فلجا *

    A tradition Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) , says: Like the successful shooter (al-yasir al-falij) who looks forward to achieving success at his first shot. Sayyid ar-Radi says the following: "al-ya~sirun' (pl. of al-yasir) means those who shoot with arrows on the slaughtered camel by way of gambling; while "al-falij" means successful or victorious. For example, it is said: 'falaja 'alayhim" or 'falajahum" (that is, he got victory over them or overpowered them). A poet has said by way of war recital: When I noticed a successful person securing victory.

  489. Sayings 489 The courage of the Prophet

    809

    في حديثه عليه السلام : كُنَّا إِذَا احْمَرَّ الْبَأْسُ اتَّقَيْنَا بِرَسُولِ اللهِ صلى الله عليه وآله ، فَلَمْ يَكُنْ أَحَدٌ مِنَّا أَقْرَبَ إِلَى الْعَدُوِّ مِنْهُ. قال الرضى : ومعنى ذلك: أنه إذا عَظُم الخوفُ من العدو واشتد عِضَاضُ الحربِ فَزِعَ المسلمون إلى قتال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وآله بنفسه، فيُنزِلُ الله تعالى النصر عليهم، ويأمنون ما كانوا يخافونه بمكانه. وقوله: (إذا احمر البأس): كناية عن اشتداد الامر، وقد قيل في ذلك أقوال، أحسنها أنه شبه حمى الحرب بالنار التي تجمع الحرارة والحمرة بفعلها ولونها، ومما يقوى ذلك قول الرسول صلى الله عليه وآله وقد رأى مجتلد الناس يوم حنين وهي حرب هوازن: (الان حمى الوطيس) والوطيس: مستوقد النار، فشبه رسول الله صلى الله عليه وآله ما استحر من جلاد القوم باحتدام النار وشدة التهابها.

    A tradition Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (PBUH) , says: When the crisis became red-hot we sought refuge with the Messenger of Allah (peace-be upon him and his descendants), and none of us was closer to the enemy than he himself. Sayyid ar-Radi says the following: This means that when fear of the enemy increased and fighting became serious, the Muslims would begin to think that since the Messenger of Allah had taken up fighting himself, Allah must give them victory through him and that therefore they would be safe from all the dangers because of his existence. And the words "idha'hmarra'l-ba'su" (when the crisis became red-hot) refers to the seriousness of the matter. For this purpose several expressions have been used out of which this is the best one, since Amir al-mu'minin has likened war with fire which combines heat and redness both in action as well as colour. This is confirmed by the words of the Messenger of Allah (SAAW) when on the day of Hunayn he noticed people of Hawazin (tribe) fighting he said, "Now ‘watis’ has heated up" and ‘watis’ is the place where fire is lighted. In this way, the Messenger of Allah (SAAW) likened the seriousness of fighting by men to the seriousness of the fire and its flames.

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