Seeking Knowledge

سَمِعْتُ أَبَا عَبْدِ اللَّهِ ع يَقُولُ‌ إِنَّ مِمَّا حُفِظَ مِنْ خُطَبِ النَّبِيِّ ص أَنَّهُ قَالَ يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ إِنَّ لَكُمْ مَعَالِمَ فَانْتَهُوا إِلَى مَعَالِمِكُمْ وَ إِنَّ لَكُمْ نِهَايَةً فَانْتَهُوا إِلَى نِهَايَتِكُمْ أَلَا إِنَّ الْمُؤْمِنَ يَعْمَلُ بَيْنَ مَخَافَتَيْنِ بَيْنَ أَجَلٍ قَدْ مَضَى لَا يَدْرِي مَا اللَّهُ صَانِعٌ فِيهِ وَ بَيْنَ أَجَلٍ قَدْ بَقِيَ لَا يَدْرِي مَا اللَّهُ قَاضٍ فِيهِ فَل

“I heard Abu ‘Abdillah (a.s.) saying, ‘Of the preserved speeches of the Holy Prophet one is his words as follows: “O people, for you there are the sources of knowledge. You must reach out to them. For you there are the end goals and you must reach them. You must know that a believer works between two frightening facts.

مَنْ عَلِمَ أَنَّ اللَّهَ يَرَاهُ وَ يَسْمَعُ مَا يَقُولُ وَ يَعْلَمُ مَا يَعْمَلُهُ مِنْ خَيْرٍ أَوْ شَرٍّ فَيَحْجُزُهُ ذَلِكَ عَنِ الْقَبِيحِ مِنَ الْأَعْمَالِ‌ فَذَلِكَ الَّذِي‌ خافَ مَقامَ رَبِّهِ وَ نَهَى النَّفْسَ عَنِ الْهَوى‌.

“About the words of Allah, the Most Majestic, the Most Holy, ‘For one who fears of the position of his Lord there are two gardens. ’(55:46) The Imam said, ‘One who knows that Allah sees him, hears what he says and knows what he does, good or evil, and it keeps him off wicked deeds, such person is the one who fears the

مَنْ عَلِمَ أَنَّ اللَّهَ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ يَرَاهُ وَ يَسْمَعُ مَا يَقُولُهُ وَ يَفْعَلُهُ مِنْ خَيْرٍ أَوْ شَرٍّ فَيَحْجُزُهُ ذَلِكَ عَنِ الْقَبِيحِ مِنَ الْأَعْمَالِ فَذَلِكَ الَّذِي‌ خافَ مَقامَ رَبِّهِ وَ نَهَى النَّفْسَ عَنِ الْهَوى‌.

“About the words of Allah, the Most Majestic, the Most Holy, ‘. . . for one who has fear of the position of his Lord there are two gardens,’ (55:46) the Imam said, ‘Whoever knows that Allah, the Most Majestic, the Most Holy, sees him and hears whatever he says or acts for good or evil, and it keeps him back from the ev

إِنَّ الْعَبْدَ الْمُؤْمِنَ الْفَقِيرَ لَيَقُولُ يَا رَبِّ ارْزُقْنِي حَتَّى أَفْعَلَ كَذَا وَ كَذَا مِنَ الْبِرِّ وَ وُجُوهِ الْخَيْرِ فَإِذَا عَلِمَ اللَّهُ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ ذَلِكَ مِنْهُ بِصِدْقِ نِيَّةٍ كَتَبَ اللَّهُ لَهُ مِنَ الْأَجْرِ مِثْلَ مَا يَكْتُبُ لَهُ لَوْ عَمِلَهُ إِنَّ اللَّهَ وَاسِعٌ كَرِيمٌ.

“The poor believing servant (of Allah) says, ‘O Lord bestow upon me such and such so that I can do so and so good deeds. If Allah, the Most Majestic, the Most Holy, finds that his intention is true He will write down for him a reward (just for his intention) equal to the degree of good deeds had his intention materiali

إِنَّا صُبُرٌ[4] وَ شِيعَتُنَا أَصْبَرُ مِنَّا قُلْتُ جُعِلْتُ فِدَاكَ كَيْفَ صَارَ شِيعَتُكُمْ أَصْبَرَ مِنْكُمْ قَالَ لِأَنَّا نَصْبِرُ عَلَى مَا نَعْلَمُ وَ شِيعَتُنَا يَصْبِرُونَ عَلَى مَا لَا يَعْلَمُونَ.

“Abu ‘Abd Allah (a.s.) has said, ‘We are strong to exercise patience, and our (Shi’a) followers are stronger than we are.’ I then said, ‘May Allah keep my soul in service for your cause, how have your followers become stronger than you are?’ The Imam said, ‘It is because we exercise patience in the matters that we alre

ثَلَاثٌ مَنْ أَتَى اللَّهَ بِوَاحِدَةٍ مِنْهُنَّ أَوْجَبَ اللَّهُ لَهُ الْجَنَّةَ الْإِنْفَاقُ مِنْ إِقْتَارٍ[2] وَ الْبِشْرُ لِجَمِيعِ الْعَالَمِ وَ الْإِنْصَافُ مِنْ نَفْسِهِ.

“Abu ‘Abd Allah (a.s.) has said, ‘If Allah grants to a person one of three things, He will make paradise necessary for him. They are: To give charity in poverty, to have delightful appearance in all people and to exercise justice even against one’s own self.”’

قَالَ لِي أَبُو جَعْفَرٍ ع‌ فِي أَوَّلِ دَخْلَةٍ دَخَلْتُ عَلَيْهِ تَعَلَّمُوا الصِّدْقَ قَبْلَ الْحَدِيثِ.

“The first time I met abu Ja’far (a.s.) he said to me, ‘Learn to speak the truth before narrating al-Hadith (statements of the Holy prophet and ‘ A’immah ).’”

قَالَ أَبُو عَبْدِ اللَّهِ ع‌ يَا فُضَيْلُ إِنَّ الصَّادِقَ أَوَّلُ مَنْ يُصَدِّقُهُ اللَّهُ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ يَعْلَمُ أَنَّهُ صَادِقٌ وَ تُصَدِّقُهُ نَفْسُهُ تَعْلَمُ أَنَّهُ صَادِقٌ.

“Once Abu ‘Abdillah (a.s.) said to me, ‘O Fudayl, the truthfulness of a truthful person is first verified by Allah, the Most Majestic, the Most Holy. He knows that he is truthful. Then his own soul confirms; it knows his truthfulness.’”

مَنْ رَقَّ وَجْهُهُ رَقَّ عِلْمُهُ‌[2].

“Abu ‘Abd Allah (a.s.) has said, ‘One whose face is thin (bashful and shy) has thin knowledge.’”

قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ص‌ الْحَيَاءُ حَيَاءَانِ حَيَاءُ عَقْلٍ وَ حَيَاءُ حُمْقٍ فَحَيَاءُ الْعَقْلِ هُوَ الْعِلْمُ وَ حَيَاءُ الْحُمْقِ هُوَ الْجَهْلُ.

“There are two kinds of bashfulness: A bashfulness that comes from one’s reason and the bashfulness that comes from one’s foolishness. The bashfulness that comes from one’s reason is knowledge and the bashfulness that comes from one’s foolishness is ignorance.”

الْمُؤْمِنُ خَلَطَ عَمَلَهُ بِالْحِلْمِ‌[5] يَجْلِسُ لِيَعْلَمَ وَ يَنْطِقُ لِيَفْهَمَ لَا يُحَدِّثُ أَمَانَتَهُ‌[6] الْأَصْدِقَاءَ وَ لَا يَكْتُمُ شَهَادَتَهُ الْأَعْدَاءَ[7] وَ لَا يَفْعَلُ شَيْئاً مِنَ الْحَقِّ رِيَاءً وَ لَا يَتْرُكُهُ حَيَاءً إِنْ زُكِّيَ خَافَ مِمَّا يَقُولُونَ وَ اسْتَغْفَرَ اللَّهَ مِمَّا لَا يَعْلَمُونَ‌[8] لَا يَغُرُّهُ قَوْلُ مَنْ جَهِلَهُ وَ يَخْشَى إِحْصَاءَ مَا قَدْ عَمِلَهُ.

“The believer’s deeds are mixed with forbearance. He sits to learn and speaks to understand. He does not tell his friends about his trust and he does not hide his testimony for the enemies. He does not do any true thing to show off and does not ignore it due to shyness. If he purifies himself he fears what they may say

قَالَ أَبُو الْحَسَنِ الرِّضَا ع‌ مِنْ عَلَامَاتِ الْفِقْهِ الْحِلْمُ وَ الْعِلْمُ وَ الصَّمْتُ إِنَّ الصَّمْتَ بَابٌ مِنْ أَبْوَابِ الْحِكْمَةِ إِنَّ الصَّمْتَ يَكْسِبُ الْمَحَبَّةَ[1] إِنَّهُ دَلِيلٌ عَلَى كُلِّ خَيْرٍ.

“Abu al-Hassan al-Rida (a.s.) has said, ‘Of the signs of one’s intelligence is forbearance, knowledge and silence. Silence is one of the doors of wisdom. Silence earns love and it, certainly, is the guide to all good.’”

سَمِعْتُ أَبَا جَعْفَرٍ ع يَقُولُ‌ كَانَ أَبُو ذَرٍّ رَحِمَهُ اللَّهُ يَقُولُ يَا مُبْتَغِيَ الْعِلْمِ‌[2] إِنَّ هَذَا اللِّسَانَ مِفْتَاحُ خَيْرٍ وَ مِفْتَاحُ شَرٍّ فَاخْتِمْ عَلَى لِسَانِكَ كَمَا تَخْتِمُ عَلَى ذَهَبِكَ وَ وَرِقِكَ‌[3].

“I heard abu Ja’far (a.s.) saying, abu Dhar may Allah grant him blessings, would say, ‘O you who seek knowledge, this tongues is the key to both good and evil. Seal your tongue as you would seal your gold and silver.’”

فِي حِكْمَةِ آلِ دَاوُدَ عَلَى الْعَاقِلِ أَنْ يَكُونَ عَارِفاً بِزَمَانِهِ مُقْبِلًا عَلَى شَأْنِهِ حَافِظاً لِلِسَانِهِ.

“It is in the wisdom of Ale (people of) Dawud: ‘A person of reason must learn about the nature of his time, pay attention to his affairs and safeguard his tongue.’”

ثَلَاثٌ مِنْ عَلَامَاتِ الْمُؤْمِنِ عِلْمُهُ بِاللَّهِ وَ مَنْ يُحِبُّ وَ مَنْ يُبْغِضُ‌[4].

“Abu ‘Abd Allah (a.s.) has said, ‘Three things are of the signs of a believer: His knowledge of Allah, who to love and who to hate.’”

إِذَا أَرَدْتَ أَنْ تَعْلَمَ أَنَّ فِيكَ خَيْراً فَانْظُرْ إِلَى قَلْبِكَ فَإِنْ كَانَ يُحِبُّ أَهْلَ طَاعَةِ اللَّهِ وَ يُبْغِضُ أَهْلَ مَعْصِيَتِهِ فَفِيكَ خَيْرٌ وَ اللَّهُ يُحِبُّكَ وَ إِنْ كَانَ يُبْغِضُ أَهْلَ طَاعَةِ اللَّهِ وَ يُحِبُّ أَهْلَ مَعْصِيَتِهِ فَلَيْسَ فِيكَ خَيْرٌ وَ اللَّهُ يُبْغِضُكَ وَ الْمَرْءُ مَعَ مَنْ أَحَبَّ.

“If you like to know whether there is anything good in you, look into your heart. If it loves people who obey Allah and hates those who disobey Him, then there is good in you and Allah loves you. If it hates the people who obey Allah and loves those who disobey Allah, then there is nothing good in you and Allah hates y

لَوْ أَنَّ رَجُلًا أَحَبَّ رَجُلًا لِلَّهِ لَأَثَابَهُ اللَّهُ عَلَى حُبِّهِ إِيَّاهُ وَ إِنْ كَانَ الْمَحْبُوبُ فِي عِلْمِ اللَّهِ مِنْ أَهْلِ النَّارِ وَ لَوْ أَنَّ رَجُلًا أَبْغَضَ رَجُلًا لِلَّهِ لَأَثَابَهُ اللَّهُ عَلَى بُغْضِهِ إِيَّاهُ وَ إِنْ كَانَ الْمُبْغَضُ فِي عِلْمِ اللَّهِ مِنْ أَهْلِ الْجَنَّةِ[1].

“If a man loves another man just for the sake of Allah, Allah will give him good rewards for his loving him, even if that man is of the people of the fire, in the knowledge of Allah. If a man hates another man just for the sake of Allah, Allah will give him good reward for his hating him, even if that man is of the peo

إِذَا أَرَادَ اللَّهُ بِعَبْدٍ خَيْراً زَهَّدَهُ فِي الدُّنْيَا وَ فَقَّهَهُ فِي الدِّينِ وَ بَصَّرَهُ عُيُوبَهَا[1] وَ مَنْ أُوتِيَهُنَّ فَقَدْ أُوتِيَ خَيْرَ الدُّنْيَا وَ الْآخِرَةِ وَ قَالَ لَمْ يَطْلُبْ أَحَدٌ الْحَقَّ بِبَابٍ أَفْضَلَ مِنَ الزُّهْدِ فِي الدُّنْيَا وَ هُوَ ضِدٌّ لِمَا طَلَبَ أَعْدَاءُ الْحَقِّ قُلْتُ جُعِلْتُ فِدَاكَ مِمَّا ذَا[2] قَالَ مِنَ الرَّغْبَةِ فِيهَا وَ قَالَ أَ لَا مِنْ صَبَّارٍ كَرِي

“Abu ‘Abd Allah (a.s.) has said, ‘When Allah wants good for a servant (of Allah) He makes him reduce his interest in worldly matters, grants him good understanding in religion, and shows him his shortcomings. Whoever receives these things receives the good of both this and the next life.’ The Imam then said, ‘For the s

دَخَلْتُ عَلَى أَبِي جَعْفَرٍ ع فَقَالَ يَا جَابِرُ وَ اللَّهِ إِنِّي لَمَحْزُونٌ وَ إِنِّي لَمَشْغُولُ الْقَلْبِ قُلْتُ جُعِلْتُ فِدَاكَ وَ مَا شَغَلَكَ وَ مَا حَزَنَ قَلْبَكَ فَقَالَ يَا جَابِرُ إِنَّهُ مَنْ دَخَلَ قَلْبَهُ صَافِي‌ خَالِصِ دِينِ اللَّهِ شُغِلَ قَلْبُهُ عَمَّا سِوَاهُ يَا جَابِرُ مَا الدُّنْيَا وَ مَا عَسَى أَنْ تَكُونَ الدُّنْيَا هَلْ هِيَ إِلَّا طَعَامٌ أَكَلْتَهُ أَوْ ثَوْبٌ لَبِسْتَهُ أَوِ امْرَ

“Once I went to visit abu la’ far (a.s.) and he said, ‘O Jabir, I swear by Allah, I am very sad and my heart is pre-occupied.’ I then asked, ‘May Allah keep my soul in service for your cause, what has pre-occupied your heart and what is the reason for your sadness?’ The Imam said, ‘O Jabir, if the religion of Allah in

كَانَ أَبُو ذَرٍّ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ يَقُولُ فِي خُطْبَتِهِ يَا مُبْتَغِيَ الْعِلْمِ كَأَنَّ شَيْئاً مِنَ الدُّنْيَا لَمْ يَكُنْ شَيْئاً إِلَّا مَا يَنْفَعُ خَيْرُهُ وَ يَضُرُّ شَرُّهُ إِلَّا مَنْ رَحِمَ اللَّهُ‌[2] يَا مُبْتَغِيَ الْعِلْمِ لَا يَشْغَلُكَ أَهْلٌ وَ لَا مَالٌ عَنْ نَفْسِكَ أَنْتَ يَوْمَ تُفَارِقُهُمْ كَضَيْفٍ بِتَّ فِيهِمْ ثُمَّ غَدَوْتَ عَنْهُمْ إِلَى غَيْرِهِمْ وَ الدُّنْيَا وَ الْآخِرَةُ كَمَنْز

“Abu Dhar, may Allah grant him favors, has said in his sermons, ‘O you who are found of knowledge, consider worldly things as nothing except what is beneficial in it, and its evil is harmful to people except those to whom Allah has done favors. O you who are found of knowledge do not allow your family and property to p

سَمِعْتُ أَبَا عَبْدِ اللَّهِ ع يَقُولُ‌ فِيمَا نَاجَى اللَّهُ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ بِهِ مُوسَى ع يَا مُوسَى لَا تَرْكَنْ إِلَى الدُّنْيَا رُكُونَ الظَّالِمِينَ وَ رُكُونَ مَنِ اتَّخَذَهَا أَباً وَ أُمّاً[6] يَا مُوسَى لَوْ وَكَلْتُكَ إِلَى نَفْسِكَ لِتَنْظُرَ لَهَا إِذاً لَغَلَبَ عَلَيْكَ حُبُّ الدُّنْيَا وَ زَهْرَتُهَا يَا مُوسَى نَافِسْ‌[7] فِي الْخَيْرِ أَهْلَهُ وَ اسْتَبِقْهُمْ إِلَيْهِ فَإِنَّ الْخَيْرَ كَاسْمِهِ وَ

“I heard Abu ‘Abdillah (a.s.) saying, ‘Of the things that Allah, the Most Majestic, the Most Holy, spoke to Moses was this: “O Moses, do not rely upon the world like the unjust ones or like those who take it as their parents. O Moses, were I to leave you in the care of your own soul, lover of worldly things and its att

مَنْ يَضْمَنُ لِي أَرْبَعَةً بِأَرْبَعَةِ أَبْيَاتٍ فِي الْجَنَّةِ[1] أَنْفِقْ وَ لَا تَخَفْ فَقْراً وَ أَفْشِ السَّلَامَ فِي الْعَالَمِ وَ اتْرُكِ الْمِرَاءَ وَ إِنْ كُنْتَ مُحِقّاً وَ أَنْصِفِ النَّاسَ مِنْ نَفْسِكَ.

“Whoever likes to guarantee four things for me, I guarantee four homes in paradise. (He should guarantee me) to give charity without fear from his poverty, to speak out loud the greetings of peace in the world and quit excessive argumentation even though he is on the side of right. He must yield to justice for people a

أَوْحَى اللَّهُ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ إِلَى آدَمَ ع أَنِّي سَأَجْمَعُ لَكَ الْكَلَامَ فِي أَرْبَعِ كَلِمَاتٍ قَالَ يَا رَبِّ وَ مَا هُنَّ قَالَ وَاحِدَةٌ لِي وَ وَاحِدَةٌ لَكَ وَ وَاحِدَةٌ فِيمَا بَيْنِي وَ بَيْنَكَ وَ وَاحِدَةٌ فِيمَا بَيْنَكَ وَ بَيْنَ النَّاسِ قَالَ يَا رَبِّ بَيِّنْهُنَّ لِي حَتَّى أَعْلَمَهُنَّ قَالَ أَمَّا الَّتِي لِي فَتَعْبُدُنِي‌ لا تُشْرِكْ بِي شَيْئاً وَ أَمَّا الَّتِي لَكَ فَأَجْزِيكَ بِعَمَلِكَ

13. Muhammad ibn Yahya has narrated from Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn ‘Isa from Muhammad ibn Sinan from Yusuf ibn ‘Imran ibn Maytham from Ya’qub ibn Shu’ayb from Abu ‘Abdillah (a.s.) who has said the following: “Allah, the Most Majestic, the Most Holy, sent a revelation to Adam that said, ‘I will gather together all words fo

قَالَ أَبُو عَبْدِ اللَّهِ ع‌ إِذَا أَرَادَ أَحَدُكُمْ أَنْ لَا يَسْأَلَ رَبَّهُ شَيْئاً إِلَّا أَعْطَاهُ فَلْيَيْأَسْ‌[2] مِنَ النَّاسِ كُلِّهِمْ وَ لَا يَكُونُ لَهُ رَجَاءٌ إِلَّا عِنْدَ اللَّهِ فَإِذَا عَلِمَ اللَّهُ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ ذَلِكَ مِنْ قَلْبِهِ لَمْ يَسْأَلِ اللَّهَ شَيْئاً إِلَّا أَعْطَاهُ.

“Abu ‘Abd Allah (a.s.) has said, ‘If any of you would like not to be rejected when asking his Lord (Allah) for something, you must abolish all of your hope in people and place your hope in no one except Allah. When Allah, the Most Majestic, the Most Holy, finds this in one’s heart. He then will not reject one’s prayers

قَالَ وَ أَنَا عِنْدَهُ لِعَبْدِ الْوَاحِدِ الْأَنْصَارِيِ‌ فِي بِرِّ الْوَالِدَيْنِ فِي قَوْلِ اللَّهِ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ- وَ بِالْوالِدَيْنِ إِحْساناً فَظَنَنَّا أَنَّهَا الْآيَةُ الَّتِي فِي بَنِي إِسْرَائِيلَ- وَ قَضى‌ رَبُّكَ أَلَّا تَعْبُدُوا إِلَّا إِيَّاهُ وَ بِالْوالِدَيْنِ إِحْساناً فَلَمَّا كَانَ بَعْدُ سَأَلْتُهُ فَقَالَ هِيَ الَّتِي فِي لُقْمَانَ- وَ وَصَّيْنَا الْإِنْسانَ بِوالِدَيْهِ‌ حُسْناً وَ إِنْ جاهَد

“Once the Imam spoke to ‘Abd al- Wahid al-Ansari, while I was present, about kindness to parents mentioned in the words of Allah, the Most Majestic, the Most Holy, ‘Be kind to parents.’ We thought it was the verse in Chapter Seventeen that says, ‘. . . the Lord has ordained that you must not worship anyone other than H

كُنْتُ نَصْرَانِيّاً فَأَسْلَمْتُ وَ حَجَجْتُ فَدَخَلْتُ عَلَى أَبِي عَبْدِ اللَّهِ ع- فَقُلْتُ إِنِّي كُنْتُ عَلَى النَّصْرَانِيَّةِ وَ إِنِّي أَسْلَمْتُ فَقَالَ وَ أَيَّ شَيْ‌ءٍ رَأَيْتَ فِي الْإِسْلَامِ‌[2] قُلْتُ قَوْلُ اللَّهِ عَزَّ وَ جَلَ‌ ما كُنْتَ تَدْرِي مَا الْكِتابُ وَ لَا الْإِيمانُ‌ وَ لكِنْ جَعَلْناهُ نُوراً نَهْدِي بِهِ مَنْ نَشاءُ[3] فَقَالَ لَقَدْ هَدَاكَ اللَّهُ ثُمَّ قَالَ اللَّهُمَّ اهْدِهِ ثَلَا

“I was a Christian, then I became a Muslim. I went for Hajj, where I met Abu ‘Abdillah (a.s.) and I said to him, ‘I was a Christian and I have become a Muslim.’ The Imam asked, ‘What have you seen in Islam?’ I said, ‘They are the words of Allah, the Most Majestic, the Most Holy, “. . . before, you did not even know wha

قُولُوا لِلنَّاسِ حُسْناً وَ لَا تَقُولُوا إِلَّا خَيْراً حَتَّى تَعْلَمُوا مَا هُوَ[3].

“About the words of Allah, the Majestic, the Glorious, ‘. . . speak righteous words to people. . . .’ (2:83), the Imam said it means, ‘Do not say anything about a people except good until you actually learn all about it.’”

قُلْتُ لَهُ مَا حَقُّ الْمُسْلِمِ عَلَى الْمُسْلِمِ قَالَ لَهُ سَبْعُ حُقُوقٍ وَاجِبَاتٍ مَا مِنْهُنَّ حَقٌّ إِلَّا وَ هُوَ عَلَيْهِ وَاجِبٌ إِنْ ضَيَّعَ مِنْهَا شَيْئاً خَرَجَ مِنْ وِلَايَةِ اللَّهِ وَ طَاعَتِهِ وَ لَمْ يَكُنْ لِلَّهِ فِيهِ مِنْ نَصِيبٍ قُلْتُ لَهُ جُعِلْتُ فِدَاكَ وَ مَا هِيَ قَالَ يَا مُعَلَّى إِنِّي عَلَيْكَ شَفِيقٌ أَخَافُ أَنْ تُضَيِّعَ وَ لَا تَحْفَظَ وَ تَعْلَمَ وَ لَا تَعْمَلَ قَالَ قُلْتُ ل

“Once I asked the Imam, ‘What are the rights of the Muslim on the Muslim?’ The Imam said, ‘He has seven categories of rights that are obligatory, each of which is compulsory. If he jeopardizes a single one of them he is out of the domain of guardianship ( Walayah ) of Allah and obedience to Him. There will be no share

كُنْتُ أَطُوفُ مَعَ أَبِي عَبْدِ اللَّهِ ع فَعَرَضَ لِي رَجُلٌ مِنْ أَصْحَابِنَا كَانَ سَأَلَنِي الذَّهَابَ مَعَهُ فِي حَاجَةٍ فَأَشَارَ إِلَيَّ فَكَرِهْتُ أَنْ أَدَعَ‌ أَبَا عَبْدِ اللَّهِ ع وَ أَذْهَبَ إِلَيْهِ فَبَيْنَا أَنَا أَطُوفُ إِذْ أَشَارَ إِلَيَّ أَيْضاً فَرَآهُ أَبُو عَبْدِ اللَّهِ ع فَقَالَ يَا أَبَانُ إِيَّاكَ يُرِيدُ هَذَا قُلْتُ نَعَمْ قَالَ فَمَنْ هُوَ قُلْتُ رَجُلٌ مِنْ أَصْحَابِنَا قَالَ هُوَ عَلَى

“Once I was performing Tawaf (walking seven times around the Ka’ba) along with Abu ‘Abdillah (a.s.) when a man from our people came up asking me to go with him for a certain need and hinted to me for that purpose, but I did not like to leave Abu ‘Abdillah (a.s.) and go with him. I was still performing Tawaf when he mad

كُنْتُ عِنْدَ أَبِي عَبْدِ اللَّهِ ع أَنَا وَ ابْنُ أَبِي يَعْفُورٍ وَ عَبْدُ اللَّهِ بْنُ طَلْحَةَ فَقَالَ ابْتِدَاءً مِنْهُ يَا ابْنَ أَبِي يَعْفُورٍ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ص سِتُّ خِصَالٍ مَنْ كُنَّ فِيهِ كَانَ بَيْنَ يَدَيِ اللَّهِ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ وَ عَنْ يَمِينِ اللَّهِ‌[2] فَقَالَ ابْنُ أَبِي يَعْفُورٍ وَ مَا هُنَّ جُعِلْتُ فِدَاكَ قَالَ يُحِبُّ الْمَرْءُ الْمُسْلِمُ لِأَخِيهِ مَا يُحِبُّ لِأَعَزِّ أَهْلِهِ وَ يَ

“Once ibn abu Ya’fur, ‘Abd Allah ibn Talha and I were in the presence of Abu ‘Abdillah (a.s.) who on his own initiation said, ‘O ibn abu Ya’fur, the Messenger of Allah has said, “There are six things that if found in a person, he will be before Allah, the Most Majestic, the Most Holy, to the right of Allah (to the righ

دَخَلْتُ عَلَى أَبِي عَبْدِ اللَّهِ ع فَنَظَرَ إِلَيَّ بِوَجْهٍ قَاطِبٍ‌[5] فَقُلْتُ مَا الَّذِي غَيَّرَكَ لِي قَالَ الَّذِي غَيَّرَكَ لِإِخْوَانِكَ بَلَغَنِي يَا إِسْحَاقُ أَنَّكَ أَقْعَدْتَ بِبَابِكَ‌ بَوَّاباً يَرُدُّ عَنْكَ فُقَرَاءَ الشِّيعَةِ فَقُلْتُ جُعِلْتُ فِدَاكَ إِنِّي خِفْتُ الشُّهْرَةَ فَقَالَ أَ فَلَا خِفْتَ الْبَلِيَّةَ أَ وَ مَا عَلِمْتَ أَنَّ الْمُؤْمِنَيْنِ إِذَا الْتَقَيَا فَتَصَافَحَا أَنْزَلَ ال

“Once I went to see Abu ‘Abdillah (a.s.) and he looked at me frowning. I asked, ‘May I know how I have disappointed you?’ The Imam said, ‘It is that which has changed you toward your brothers (in belief). It has come to my notice, O Ishaq, that you have appointed someone at your door to drive away the poor people of th

لَقِيَ النَّبِيُّ ص حُذَيْفَةَ فَمَدَّ النَّبِيُّ ص يَدَهُ فَكَفَّ حُذَيْفَةُ يَدَهُ فَقَالَ النَّبِيُّ ص يَا حُذَيْفَةُ بَسَطْتُ يَدِي إِلَيْكَ فَكَفَفْتَ يَدَكَ عَنِّي فَقَالَ حُذَيْفَةُ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ بِيَدِكَ الرَّغْبَةُ[2] وَ لَكِنِّي كُنْتُ جُنُباً فَلَمْ أُحِبَّ أَنْ تَمَسَّ يَدِي يَدَكَ وَ أَنَا جُنُبٌ فَقَالَ النَّبِيُّ ص أَ مَا تَعْلَمُ أَنَّ الْمُسْلِمَيْنِ إِذَا الْتَقَيَا فَتَصَافَحَا تَحَاتَّتْ ذُن

“The Holy Prophet once met Hudhayfah and he extended his hand, but Hudhayfah held his hand back. The Holy Prophet asked, ‘How is it, O Hudhayfah, that I extended my hand to you and you held your hand back?’ Hudhayfah then said, ‘O Messenger of Allah, your hand is attractive but I am in a state of ritual impurity (Janab

أَيُّمَا مُؤْمِنٍ خَرَجَ إِلَى أَخِيهِ يَزُورُهُ‌[1] عَارِفاً بِحَقِّهِ كَتَبَ اللَّهُ لَهُ بِكُلِّ خُطْوَةٍ حَسَنَةً وَ مُحِيَتْ عَنْهُ سَيِّئَةٌ وَ رُفِعَتْ لَهُ دَرَجَةٌ وَ إِذَا طَرَقَ الْبَابَ فُتِحَتْ لَهُ أَبْوَابُ السَّمَاءِ فَإِذَا الْتَقَيَا وَ تَصَافَحَا وَ تَعَانَقَا أَقْبَلَ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِمَا بِوَجْهِهِ ثُمَّ بَاهَى بِهِمَا الْمَلَائِكَةَ فَيَقُولُ انْظُرُوا إِلَى عَبْدَيَّ تَزَاوَرَا وَ تَحَابَّا فِيّ

“Any believer who leaves (his home) to visit his brother (in belief) because of his knowledge of the importance of such person, Allah writes for him, for every step, one good deed, deletes one evil deed, and raises him one degree in meritorious status. When he knocks at his door, the doors to heaven open to him. When t

إِنَّ الْمُؤْمِنَيْنِ إِذَا اعْتَنَقَا غَمَرَتْهُمَا الرَّحْمَةُ فَإِذَا الْتَزَمَا لَا يُرِيدَانِ بِذَلِكَ إِلَّا وَجْهَ اللَّهِ وَ لَا يُرِيدَانِ غَرَضاً مِنْ أَغْرَاضِ الدُّنْيَا قِيلَ لَهُمَا مَغْفُوراً لَكُمَا فَاسْتَأْنِفَا[4] فَإِذَا أَقْبَلَا عَلَى الْمُسَاءَلَةِ قَالَتِ الْمَلَائِكَةُ بَعْضُهَا لِبَعْضِ تَنَحَّوْا عَنْهُمَا فَإِنَّ لَهُمَا سِرّاً وَ قَدْ سَتَرَ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِمَا قَالَ إِسْحَاقُ فَقُلْتُ جُ

“When two believing people embrace each other, blessings engulf them. When they hold each other just for the sake of Allah and for no worldly reasons, it then will be said to them, ‘You are forgiven, resume your deeds.’ When they begin asking about each other the angels will say to each other, ‘Keep away from them; the

تَزَاوَرُوا فَإِنَّ فِي زِيَارَتِكُمْ إِحْيَاءً لِقُلُوبِكُمْ وَ ذِكْراً لِأَحَادِيثِنَا وَ أَحَادِيثُنَا تُعَطِّفُ بَعْضَكُمْ عَلَى بَعْضٍ‌[2] فَإِنْ أَخَذْتُمْ بِهَا رَشَدْتُمْ وَ نَجَوْتُمْ وَ إِنْ تَرَكْتُمُوهَا ضَلَلْتُمْ وَ هَلَكْتُمْ فَخُذُوا بِهَا وَ أَنَا بِنَجَاتِكُمْ زَعِيمٌ.

“Visit each other; in it there is a revival for your hearts and a study of our Ahadith (may take place). Our Ahadith helps you to be kind to each other. If you follow them you will find guidance and salvation in them. If you disregard them you will go astray and be destroyed. Therefore, follow them and I will assure yo

اتَّقُوا عَلَى دِينِكُمْ فَاحْجُبُوهُ بِالتَّقِيَّةِ فَإِنَّهُ لَا إِيمَانَ لِمَنْ لَا تَقِيَّةَ لَهُ إِنَّمَا أَنْتُمْ فِي النَّاسِ كَالنَّحْلِ فِي الطَّيْرِ لَوْ أَنَّ الطَّيْرَ تَعْلَمُ مَا فِي أَجْوَافِ النَّحْلِ مَا بَقِيَ مِنْهَا شَيْ‌ءٌ إِلَّا أَكَلَتْهُ وَ لَوْ أَنَّ النَّاسَ عَلِمُوا مَا فِي أَجْوَافِكُمْ أَنَّكُمْ تُحِبُّونَّا أَهْلَ الْبَيْتِ لَأَكَلُوكُمْ بِأَلْسِنَتِهِمْ وَ لَنَحَلُوكُمْ‌[1] فِي السِّرِّ

“Protect your religion and veil it with al-Taqiyyah (protective measures); one who does not observe al-Taqiyyah has no belief. You in the people are like honeybees, in birds. Had birds known what is inside honeybees no honeybee would have been left and it all would have been consumed. Had people known that you love Ahl

قَالَ لِي أَبُو عَبْدِ اللَّهِ ع‌ مَا مُنِعَ مِيثَمٌ رَحِمَهُ اللَّهُ مِنَ التَّقِيَّةِ فَوَ اللَّهِ لَقَدْ عَلِمَ أَنَّ هَذِهِ الْآيَةَ نَزَلَتْ فِي عَمَّارٍ وَ أَصْحَابِهِ- إِلَّا مَنْ أُكْرِهَ وَ قَلْبُهُ مُطْمَئِنٌّ بِالْإِيمانِ‌[1].

“Once Abu ‘Abdillah (a.s.) said to me, ‘What was it that prevented Maytham (may Allah have mercy on him) from al-Taqiyyah? He by Allah knew that this verse of the Holy Quran was revealed about ‘Ammar and his people, ‘...unless he is forced, but his heart is confident with belief...’” (Quran 16:106)

سَأَلْتُ أَبَا الْحَسَنِ الرِّضَا ع عَنْ مَسْأَلَةٍ فَأَبَى وَ أَمْسَكَ ثُمَّ قَالَ لَوْ أَعْطَيْنَاكُمْ كُلَّمَا[2] تُرِيدُونَ كَانَ شَرّاً لَكُمْ وَ أُخِذَ بِرَقَبَةِ صَاحِبِ هَذَا الْأَمْرِ قَالَ أَبُو جَعْفَرٍ ع وَلَايَةُ اللَّهِ أَسَرَّهَا إِلَى جَبْرَئِيلَ ع وَ أَسَرَّهَا جَبْرَئِيلُ إِلَى مُحَمَّدٍ ص وَ أَسَرَّهَا مُحَمَّدٌ إِلَى عَلِيٍّ ع وَ أَسَرَّهَا عَلِيٌّ إِلَى مَنْ شَاءَ اللَّهُ ثُمَّ أَنْتُمْ تُذِيعُون

Once I asked abu al-Hassan al-Rida (a.s.) a question. He refrained silently and said, ‘If we give you everything you want, it may become evil for you and the neck of the owner of this cause will be caught tight.’ “Abu Ja’far (a.s.) has said, ‘It is the guardianship of Allah, Who told it secretly to Jibril, who secretly

سَمِعْتُهُ يَقُولُ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ص‌ طُوبَى لِعَبْدٍ نُوَمَةٍ[2] عَرَفَهُ اللَّهُ وَ لَمْ يَعْرِفْهُ النَّاسُ أُولَئِكَ مَصَابِيحُ الْهُدَى- وَ يَنَابِيعُ الْعِلْمِ يَنْجَلِي عَنْهُمْ كُلُّ فِتْنَةٍ مُظْلِمَةٍ لَيْسُوا بِالْمَذَايِيعِ الْبُذُرِ[3] وَ لَا بِالْجُفَاةِ الْمُرَاءِينَ.

“Tuba’ (a tree in paradise) is for a servant who is unknown to people but Allah knows him. Such people are the torches of guidance and the fountains of knowledge. Through them every darkening calamity brightens. They do not publicize undisclosed facts and they are not quarrelsome braggarts.’”

إِنْ كَانَ فِي يَدِكَ هَذِهِ شَيْ‌ءٌ فَإِنِ اسْتَطَعْتَ أَنْ لَا تَعْلَمَ هَذِهِ فَافْعَلْ قَالَ وَ كَانَ عِنْدَهُ إِنْسَانٌ- فَتَذَاكَرُوا الْإِذَاعَةَ فَقَالَ احْفَظْ لِسَانَكَ تَعِزَّ وَ لَا تُمَكِّنِ النَّاسَ مِنْ قِيَادِ رَقَبَتِكَ فَتَذِلَّ.

“When there is something in one of your hands, if you can, do not allow the other hand to know about it.’ The narrator has said that there was a man in his presence and they discussed publicity. The Imam said, ‘Control your tongue and you will find honor and do not allow people to become in control of your neck to humi

يَنْبَغِي لِلْمُؤْمِنِ أَنْ يَكُونَ فِيهِ ثَمَانُ خِصَالٍ- وَقُورٌ عِنْدَ الْهَزَاهِزِ صَبُورٌ عِنْدَ الْبَلَاءِ شَكُورٌ عِنْدَ الرَّخَاءِ قَانِعٌ بِمَا رَزَقَهُ اللَّهُ لَا يَظْلِمُ الْأَعْدَاءَ وَ لَا يَتَحَامَلُ لِلْأَصْدِقَاءِ[1] بَدَنُهُ مِنْهُ فِي تَعَبٍ وَ النَّاسُ مِنْهُ فِي رَاحَةٍ إِنَّ الْعِلْمَ خَلِيلُ الْمُؤْمِنِ وَ الْحِلْمَ وَزِيرُهُ وَ الصَّبْرَ أَمِيرُ جُنُودِهِ وَ الرِّفْقَ أَخُوهُ وَ اللِّينَ وَالِ

“It is worthwhile of a believer to have eight qualities: (a) Dignity in volatile conditions, (b) patience on facing a misfortune, (c) gratitude in comfortable conditions, (d) contentment with what Allah has given him for sustenance, (e) justice for enemies, (f) not to be a burden for the friends, (g) that his own body

الْمُؤْمِنُ لَهُ قُوَّةٌ فِي دِينٍ وَ حَزْمٌ فِي لِينٍ وَ إِيمَانٌ فِي يَقِينٍ وَ حِرْصٌ فِي فِقْهٍ وَ نَشَاطٌ فِي هُدًى وَ بِرٌّ فِي اسْتِقَامَةٍ وَ عِلْمٌ فِي حِلْمٍ وَ كَيْسٌ فِي رِفْقٍ وَ سَخَاءٌ فِي حَقٍّ وَ قَصْدٌ فِي غِنًى وَ تَجَمُّلٌ فِي فَاقَةٍ وَ عَفْوٌ فِي قُدْرَةٍ وَ طَاعَةٌ لِلَّهِ فِي نَصِيحَةٍ وَ انْتِهَاءٌ فِي شَهْوَةٍ وَ وَرَعٌ فِي رَغْبَةٍ وَ حِرْصٌ فِي جِهَادٍ وَ صَلَاةٌ فِي شُغُلٍ وَ صَبْرٌ فِي ش

“The believer has power in religion. He is of solid determination but with soft words, his belief is in certainty, he has greed in deep understanding, is active in guidance, and virtuous in steadfastness. He has knowledge in forbearance, he is smart in friendliness, and generous in truth, modest in wealth, graceful in

إِنَّ شِيعَةَ عَلِيٍّ كَانُوا خُمْصَ الْبُطُونِ ذُبُلَ الشِّفَاهِ‌[2] أَهْلَ رَأْفَةٍ وَ عِلْمٍ وَ حِلْمٍ يُعْرَفُونَ بِالرَّهْبَانِيَّةِ فَأَعِينُوا عَلَى مَا أَنْتُمْ عَلَيْهِ بِالْوَرَعِ وَ الِاجْتِهَادِ.

“The Shi’a (followers) of Ali (a.s.) were of slim and lean bellies, and withered lips. They were people of compassion, knowledge, and forbearance. They were known as of monkish practice. You should assist each other in your cause with restraint from worldly attractions (sins) and be very hard working.”

ثَلَاثَةٌ مِنْ عَلَامَاتِ الْمُؤْمِنِ الْعِلْمُ بِاللَّهِ وَ مَنْ يُحِبُّ وَ مَنْ يَكْرَهُ‌[1].

“Three things are of the signs of a believer: having knowledge of the existence of Allah, who to love and who dislike.”

قَالَ أَمِيرُ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ ع‌ إِنَّ لِأَهْلِ الدِّينِ عَلَامَاتٍ يُعْرَفُونَ بِهَا صِدْقَ الْحَدِيثِ وَ أَدَاءَ الْأَمَانَةِ وَ وَفَاءً بِالْعَهْدِ وَ صِلَةَ الْأَرْحَامِ وَ رَحْمَةَ الضُّعَفَاءِ وَ قِلَّةَ الْمُرَاقَبَةِ لِلنِّسَاءِ أَوْ قَالَ قِلَّةَ الْمُوَاتَاةِ لِلنِّسَاءِ[2] وَ بَذْلَ الْمَعْرُوفِ وَ حُسْنَ الْخُلُقِ وَ سَعَةَ الْخُلُقِ وَ اتِّبَاعَ الْعِلْمِ وَ مَا يُقَرِّبُ إِلَى اللَّهِ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ زُلْ

30. It is narrated from him (narrator of the Hadith above) from his father from ‘Abd Allah ibn al-Qasim from abu Basir from abu ‘Abd Allah (a.s.) who has said the following: “Amir al-Mu’minin (Ali ibn abu Talib) (a.s.) has said, ‘Religious people have certain signs by means of which they are recognized. Of such signs a

قَالَ النَّبِيُّ ص‌ إِنَّ خِيَارَكُمْ أُولُو النُّهَى قِيلَ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ وَ مَنْ أُولُو النُّهَى قَالَ هُمْ أُولُو الْأَخْلَاقِ الْحَسَنَةِ وَ الْأَحْلَامِ الرَّزِينَةِ[2] وَ صِلَةِ الْأَرْحَامِ وَ الْبَرَرَةُ بِالْأُمَّهَاتِ وَ الْآبَاءِ وَ الْمُتَعَاهِدِينَ لِلْفُقَرَاءِ وَ الْجِيرَانِ وَ الْيَتَامَى‌ وَ يُطْعِمُونَ الطَّعامَ‌ وَ يُفْشُونَ السَّلَامَ فِي الْعَالَمِ وَ يُصَلُّونَ وَ النَّاسُ نِيَامٌ غَافِلُون

32. Through the same chain of narrators it is narrated from abu Ja’far (a.s.) who has said the following: “The Holy Prophet has said, ‘The best among you are those who possess al-Nuha’.’ He was asked, ‘O Messenger of Allah, who are possessors of al-Nuha’?’ He then said, ‘They are those who possess excellent moral disci

سَمِعْتُ الرِّضَا ع يَقُولُ‌ لَا يَكُونُ الْمُؤْمِنُ مُؤْمِناً حَتَّى يَكُونَ فِيهِ ثَلَاثُ خِصَالٍ سُنَّةٌ مِنْ رَبِّهِ وَ سُنَّةٌ مِنْ نَبِيِّهِ وَ سُنَّةٌ مِنْ وَلِيِّهِ فَأَمَّا السُّنَّةُ مِنْ رَبِّهِ فَكِتْمَانُ سِرِّهِ قَالَ اللَّهُ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ- عالِمُ الْغَيْبِ‌ فَلا يُظْهِرُ عَلى‌ غَيْبِهِ أَحَداً إِلَّا مَنِ ارْتَضى‌ مِنْ رَسُولٍ‌[4] وَ أَمَّا السُّنَّةُ مِنْ نَبِيِّهِ فَمُدَارَاةُ النَّاسِ فَإِنَّ اللَّ

“I heard al-Rida (a.s.) saying, ‘A believer cannot become a believer unless he has three qualities: one tradition from his Lord, one from His Holy Prophet and one from His Waliyy (one who possess Divine Authority). The tradition from his Lord is to hide his secret as Allah, the Most Majestic, the Most Holy, has said, ‘

قَالَ أَبُو جَعْفَرٍ ع‌ يَا عَبْدَ الْوَاحِدِ مَا يَضُرُّ رَجُلًا إِذَا كَانَ عَلَى ذَا الرَّأْيِ‌[1] مَا قَالَ النَّاسُ لَهُ وَ لَوْ قَالُوا مَجْنُونٌ وَ مَا يَضُرُّهُ وَ لَوْ كَانَ عَلَى رَأْسِ جَبَلٍ يَعْبُدُ اللَّهَ حَتَّى يَجِيئَهُ الْمَوْتُ.

“Once abu Ja’far (a.s.) said to me, ‘O ‘Abd al-Wahid, nothing can harm one, if he is a person of proper understanding, who believes in our (Divine Authority), no matter what people may say about him. Although they may call him insane it will not harm him even if he lives on a mountain worshipping Allah until death appr

قَالَ أَبُو عَبْدِ اللَّهِ ع‌ مَا أُعْطِيَ عَبْدٌ مِنَ الدُّنْيَا إِلَّا اعْتِبَاراً وَ مَا زُوِيَ عَنْهُ إِلَّا اخْتِبَاراً.

“Whatever a servant is given of worldly things is to make him learn a lesson and whatever is withheld from him is to place him under the trial.’”

سَمِعْتُهُ يَقُولُ‌ إِنَّهُ مَا مِنْ سَنَةٍ أَقَلَّ مَطَراً مِنْ سَنَةٍ وَ لَكِنَّ اللَّهَ يَضَعُهُ حَيْثُ يَشَاءُ إِنَّ اللَّهَ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ إِذَا عَمِلَ قَوْمٌ بِالْمَعَاصِي صَرَفَ عَنْهُمْ مَا كَانَ قَدَّرَ لَهُمْ مِنَ الْمَطَرِ فِي تِلْكَ السَّنَةِ إِلَى غَيْرِهِمْ وَ إِلَى الْفَيَافِي وَ الْبِحَارِ[1] وَ الْجِبَالِ وَ إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَيُعَذِّبُ الْجُعَلَ فِي جُحْرِهَا[2] بِحَبْسِ الْمَطَرِ عَنِ الْأَرْضِ الَّتِ

“I heard abu Ja’far (a.s.) saying, ‘The amount of rain each year is the same but Allah sets it as He wills. When a people commit sins, Allah, the Most Majestic, the Most Holy, reduces their share of rain in that year and diverts it to other places such as open lands, oceans and mountains. Allah makes the beetles suffer