ARead English translationHide English translationMuhammad Sarwar — attributed by Thaqalayn⌄
4. Ali ibn Ibrahim has narrated from his father from Ibn Abi ‘Umayr from certain individuals from al-Halab from ‘Abd Allah ibn Muskan from a man from people of al-Jabal whose name is not mentioned and who has said the following: “You should maintain good relations with your old associates and friends, be cautious about a new one who does not have any protection, responsibility, or commitment and always avoid (caution) the one whom you trust the most.”
ARead English translationHide English translationMuhammad Sarwar — attributed by Thaqalayn⌄
5. A number of our people have narrated from Ahmad ibn Muhammad in a marfu’ manner from Abu ‘Abdillah (a.s.) who has said the following: “To me, the most beloved of my brethren (friends) is the one who most points out my defects to me.”
ARead English translationHide English translationMuhammad Sarwar — attributed by Thaqalayn⌄
6. A number of our people have narrated from Ahmad ibn Muhammad from Muhammad ibn al-Hassan from ‘Ubayd Allah al-Dehqan from Ahmad ibn ‘A’idh from ‘Ubayd Allah al-Halabi from Abu ‘Abdillah (a.s.) who has said the following: “There can be no friendship without its rules. You may call one a friend only when he follows such rules and those who do not follow such rules cannot be called a friend. First of all a friend must be the same inside and outside. Secondly, he must consider your beauty his own beauty and your flaw as his flaw. Thirdly that he does not change because of high position and wealth. Fourth, that he does not hold back from you what is within his capabilities. Fifth, with the above, he does not leave you out in unfortunate circumstances.”
ARead English translationHide English translationMuhammad Sarwar — attributed by Thaqalayn⌄
1. A number of our people have narrated from Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn Khalid from ‘Amr Aban ibn ‘Uthman ‘Uthman from Muhammad ibn Salim al-Kindy from those whom he has mentioned (in his book) from abu ‘Abd Allah (a.s.) who has said the following: “When Amir al-Mu’minin, Ali ibn abu Talib (a.s.) were to take his place on the pulpit he would say, ‘A Muslim, must avoid friendship with three kinds of people: A bold-faced indecent, an idiot and a liar. A bold-faced- indecent person attempts to make his acts seem attractive to you and loves that you behave like he does. Fie does not assist you in your religious matters and the matters of the hereafter. Closeness to him is injustice, hardheartedness, and his coming and going is disgrace for you. ‘An idiotic person does not indicate anything good for you, nor is there any hope in him to remove any bit of evil from you even if he may try his best. Perhaps he may want to benefit you, instead he only harms you. His death is better than his living, his silence is better than his speaking, and his being at a distance is better than his being nearby. ‘The liar is one with whom you can never have a happy life. Fie carries your words out and others’ words in to you. Whenever he may run out of words he then mixes them with others so much so that even when speaking the truth is not believed and he causes differences among people with animosity to sow envy in the hearts. You must be pious before Allah, the Most Majestic, the Most Floly, and look after your own souls.’”