Kindness & Mercy

أَتَى رَجُلٌ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ ص فَقَالَ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ إِنِّي رَاغِبٌ فِي الْجِهَادِ نَشِيطٌ[1] قَالَ فَقَالَ لَهُ النَّبِيُّ ص فَجَاهِدْ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ فَإِنَّكَ إِنْ تُقْتَلْ تَكُنْ حَيّاً عِنْدَ اللَّهِ تُرْزَقْ وَ إِنْ تَمُتْ فَقَدْ وَقَعَ أَجْرُكَ عَلَى اللَّهِ وَ إِنْ رَجَعْتَ رَجَعْتَ مِنَ الذُّنُوبِ كَمَا وُلِدْتَ قَالَ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ إِنَّ لِي وَالِدَيْنِ كَبِيرَيْنِ يَزْعُمَانِ أَنَّهُمَا يَأْ

“Once a man came to the Messenger of Allah and said, ‘I am interested in Jihad (joining the army) O Messenger of Allah. I am active and light.’ The Imam said, ‘The Holy Prophet said, “Do Jihad (join the army) in the way of Allah, if you will be killed you will be living with Allah and will receive sustenance. If you di

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

خَبَّرْتُ أَبَا عَبْدِ اللَّهِ ع بِبِرِّ إِسْمَاعِيلَ ابْنِي بِي فَقَالَ لَقَدْ كُنْتُ أُحِبُّهُ وَ قَدِ ازْدَدْتُ لَهُ حُبّاً إِنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ ص أَتَتْهُ أُخْتٌ لَهُ مِنَ الرَّضَاعَةِ[5] فَلَمَّا نَظَرَ إِلَيْهَا سُرَّ بِهَا وَ بَسَطَ مِلْحَفَتَهُ‌[6] لَهَا فَأَجْلَسَهَا عَلَيْهَا ثُمَّ أَقْبَلَ يُحَدِّثُهَا وَ يَضْحَكُ فِي وَجْهِهَا ثُمَّ قَامَتْ وَ ذَهَبَتْ وَ جَاءَ أَخُوهَا فَلَمْ يَصْنَعْ بِهِ مَا صَنَعَ بِ

“Once I explained to Abu ‘Abdillah (a.s.) how kind my son Isma’il was to me. The Imam said, ‘I loved him before and this has increased my love for him. Once, the sister of the Messenger of Allah (through breast-feeding) visited him. When he saw her he became very happy to see her, prepared a seat for her, began to talk

قُلْتُ لِأَبِي عَبْدِ اللَّهِ ع إِنَّ أَبِي قَدْ كَبِرَ جِدّاً وَ ضَعُفَ فَنَحْنُ نَحْمِلُهُ إِذَا أَرَادَ الْحَاجَةَ فَقَالَ إِنِ اسْتَطَعْتَ أَنْ تَلِيَ ذَلِكَ مِنْهُ فَافْعَلْ وَ لَقِّمْهُ بِيَدِكَ فَإِنَّهُ جُنَّةٌ لَكَ غَداً.

“Once I said to Abu ‘Abdillah (a.s.) ‘My father has become very old and weak. We pick him up and help him for the restrooms.’ The Imam said, ‘If you can, you should do all of this for him and feed him with your own hand; it is paradise for you tomorrow. ’”

سَمِعْتُ رَجُلًا يَقُولُ- لِأَبِي عَبْدِ اللَّهِ ع إِنَّ لِي أَبَوَيْنِ مُخَالِفَيْنِ فَقَالَ بَرَّهُمَا كَمَا تَبَرُّ الْمُسْلِمِينَ مِمَّنْ يَتَوَلَّانَا[1].

‘My parents are against us (our belief).’ The Imam said, ‘Be kind to them just as Muslims who follow us are kind (to their parents).”’

ثَلَاثٌ لَمْ يَجْعَلِ اللَّهُ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ لِأَحَدٍ فِيهِنَّ رُخْصَةً أَدَاءُ الْأَمَانَةِ إِلَى الْبَرِّ وَ الْفَاجِرِ وَ الْوَفَاءُ بِالْعَهْدِ لِلْبَرِّ وَ الْفَاجِرِ وَ بِرُّ الْوَالِدَيْنِ بَرَّيْنِ كَانَا أَوْ فَاجِرَيْنِ.

‘‘There are three things in which Allah, the Most Majestic, the Most Holy, has not given any concession: safely returning of the trust to appropriate people, regardless of their being good or evil people, keeping the promise for good or evil people, and being kind to parents whether of good or of evil manners.”

مِنَ السُّنَّةِ وَ الْبِرِّ أَنْ يُكَنَّى الرَّجُلُ بِاسْمِ أَبِيهِ.

“Abu ‘Abd Allah (a.s.) has said, ‘It is of tradition and virtue to adopt al-Kunyah (like abu’ meaning father of or ‘Ibn’) of the name of one’s father.’”

جَاءَ رَجُلٌ وَ سَأَلَ النَّبِيَّ ص عَنْ بِرِّ الْوَالِدَيْنِ فَقَالَ ابْرَرْ أُمَّكَ ابْرَرْ أُمَّكَ ابْرَرْ أُمَّكَ ابْرَرْ أَبَاكَ ابْرَرْ أَبَاكَ ابْرَرْ أَبَاكَ وَ بَدَأَ بِالْأُمِّ قَبْلَ الْأَبِ.

“Once a man came to the Holy Prophet and asked about kindness to parents. The Holy Prophet said, ‘Be kind to your mother, be kind to your mother, be kind to your mother, be kind to your father, be kind to your father, and be kind to your father. He began with mother before the father.’”

جَاءَ رَجُلٌ إِلَى النَّبِيِّ ص فَقَالَ إِنِّي قَدْ وَلَدْتُ بِنْتاً وَ رَبَّيْتُهَا حَتَّى إِذَا بَلَغَتْ فَأَلْبَسْتُهَا وَ حَلَّيْتُهَا ثُمَّ جِئْتُ بِهَا إِلَى قَلِيبٍ فَدَفَعْتُهَا فِي جَوْفِهِ وَ كَانَ آخِرُ مَا سَمِعْتُ مِنْهَا وَ هِيَ تَقُولُ يَا أَبَتَاهْ‌[3]- فَمَا كَفَّارَةُ ذَلِكَ قَالَ أَ لَكَ أُمٌّ حَيَّةٌ قَالَ لَا قَالَ فَلَكَ خَالَةٌ حَيَّةٌ قَالَ نَعَمْ قَالَ فَابْرَرْهَا فَإِنَّهَا بِمَنْزِلَةِ الْ

“Once a man came to the Holy Prophet and said, ‘I had a daughter and I brought her up until she became an adult. I then dressed her up in beautiful clothes, took her to the well and threw her therein to her death and the last thing I heard from her was; O father! What is the expiation for it?’ The Messenger of Allah as

قُلْتُ لِأَبِي جَعْفَرٍ ع هَلْ يَجْزِي الْوَلَدُ وَالِدَهُ فَقَالَ لَيْسَ لَهُ جَزَاءٌ إِلَّا فِي خَصْلَتَيْنِ يَكُونُ الْوَالِدُ مَمْلُوكاً فَيَشْتَرِيهِ ابْنُهُ فَيُعْتِقُهُ أَوْ يَكُونُ عَلَيْهِ دَيْنٌ فَيَقْضِيهِ عَنْهُ.

“I asked abu Ja’far (a.s.) ‘Can a son pay back (for the favors of) a father?’ The Imam said, ‘There is no payment for him except two things: if the father is a slave and the son buys him and sets him free, or the father is in debt and the son pays it off.’”

أَتَى رَجُلٌ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ ص فَقَالَ إِنِّي رَجُلٌ شَابٌّ نَشِيطٌ وَ أُحِبُّ الْجِهَادَ وَ لِي وَالِدَةٌ تَكْرَهُ ذَلِكَ فَقَالَ لَهُ النَّبِيُّ ص ارْجِعْ فَكُنْ مَعَ وَالِدَتِكَ فَوَ الَّذِي بَعَثَنِي بِالْحَقِّ نَبِيّاً لَأُنْسُهَا بِكَ لَيْلَةً خَيْرٌ مِنْ جِهَادِكَ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ سَنَةً.

“Once a man came to the Messenger of Allah and said, ‘I am a young and active man and love Jihad (joining the army), but my mother does not like it.’ The Holy Prophet said, ‘Go back and stay with your mother. I swear by the One Who has sent me with the truth as a prophet that her feeling comfort because of your presenc

إِنَّ الْعَبْدَ لَيَكُونُ بَارّاً بِوَالِدَيْهِ فِي حَيَاتِهِمَا ثُمَّ يَمُوتَانِ فَلَا يَقْضِي عَنْهُمَا دُيُونَهُمَا وَ لَا يَسْتَغْفِرُ لَهُمَا فَيَكْتُبُهُ اللَّهُ عَاقّاً وَ إِنَّهُ لَيَكُونُ عَاقّاً لَهُمَا فِي حَيَاتِهِمَا غَيْرَ بَارٍّ بِهِمَا فَإِذَا مَاتَا قَضَى دَيْنَهُمَا وَ اسْتَغْفَرَ لَهُمَا فَيَكْتُبُهُ اللَّهُ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ بَارّاً.

“A servant (of Allah) may have been kind to his parents during their lifetime but when they die he does not pay their debts, and does not ask forgiveness for them. Allah writes him as unkind (person) to parents. One may have been unkind to parents during their lifetime but after their death, when he pays off their debt

قَالَ أَبُو عَبْدِ اللَّهِ ع‌ لَيْسَ مِنَّا مَنْ لَمْ يُوَقِّرْ كَبِيرَنَا وَ يَرْحَمْ صَغِيرَنَا.

“Whoever does not consider our elders as dignified and does not show kindness to our people who are yet to grow up, is not from our people.”

قُلْتُ لِأَبِي عَبْدِ اللَّهِ ع مَا حَقُّ الْمُؤْمِنِ عَلَى الْمُؤْمِنِ قَالَ إِنَّ مِنْ حَقِّ الْمُؤْمِنِ عَلَى الْمُؤْمِنِ الْمَوَدَّةَ لَهُ فِي صَدْرِهِ وَ الْمُوَاسَاةَ لَهُ فِي مَالِهِ وَ الْخَلَفَ لَهُ فِي أَهْلِهِ وَ النُّصْرَةَ لَهُ عَلَى مَنْ ظَلَمَهُ وَ إِنْ كَانَ نَافِلَةٌ فِي الْمُسْلِمِينَ‌[4] وَ كَانَ غَائِباً أَخَذَ لَهُ بِنَصِيبِهِ وَ إِذَا مَاتَ الزِّيَارَةَ إِلَى قَبْرِهِ وَ أَنْ لَا يَظْلِمَهُ وَ أ

The Imam said, ‘Of the rights of the believer on the believer is to have compassion for him in his heart, assist him with his property, protect his interests in his absence in the matters of his family and support him against those who do injustice to him. If a benefit is distributed among the Muslims in his absence hi

قُلْتُ لِأَبِي جَعْفَرٍ ع جُعِلْتُ فِدَاكَ إِنَّ الشِّيعَةَ عِنْدَنَا كَثِيرٌ فَقَالَ فَهَلْ يَعْطِفُ الْغَنِيُّ عَلَى الْفَقِيرِ وَ هَلْ يَتَجَاوَزُ الْمُحْسِنُ عَنِ الْمُسِي‌ءِ وَ يَتَوَاسَوْنَ فَقُلْتُ لَا فَقَالَ لَيْسَ هَؤُلَاءِ شِيعَةً- الشِّيعَةُ مَنْ يَفْعَلُ هَذَا.

“Once I said to abu Ja’far (a.s.) ‘May Allah keep my soul in service for your cause, there is a great number of Shi’a in our area. The Imam asked, ‘Are their rich ones kind to their poor ones? Do their virtuous ones forgive their sinful ones? Do they assist each other financially?’ I said, ‘No, they do not do so.’ The

الْمُسْلِمُ أَخُو الْمُسْلِمِ لَا يَظْلِمُهُ وَ لَا يَخْذُلُهُ وَ لَا يَخُونُهُ وَ يَحِقُّ عَلَى الْمُسْلِمِينَ الِاجْتِهَادُ فِي التَّوَاصُلِ وَ التَّعَاوُنُ عَلَى التَّعَاطُفِ‌[3] وَ الْمُوَاسَاةُ لِأَهْلِ الْحَاجَةِ وَ تَعَاطُفُ بَعْضِهِمْ عَلَى بَعْضٍ حَتَّى تَكُونُوا كَمَا أَمَرَكُمُ اللَّهُ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ- رُحَمَاءَ بَيْنَكُمْ‌[4] مُتَرَاحِمِينَ مُغْتَمِّينَ لِمَا غَابَ عَنْكُمْ مِنْ أَمْرِهِمْ عَلَى مَا مَضَى

“The Muslim is the brother of the Muslim (in belief). He does not do injustice to him, does not betray him, and does not violate his trust. It is worthwhile for the Muslims to be assiduous in maintaining good relations with each other, be kind to each other, assist the needy ones financially and be compassionate toward

سَمِعْتُ أَبَا عَبْدِ اللَّهِ ع يَقُولُ‌ تَوَاصَلُوا وَ تَبَارُّوا وَ تَرَاحَمُوا وَ تَعَاطَفُوا.

3. It is narrated from him (narrator of the Hadith above) from Muhammad ibn Sinan from ‘Abd Allah ibn Yahya al-Kahili who has said the following: “I heard abu ‘Abd Allah (a.s.) saying, ‘Maintain good relations among yourselves, do good to one another, be compassionate and lenient to each other.’”

يَحِقُّ عَلَى الْمُسْلِمِينَ الِاجْتِهَادُ فِي التَّوَاصُلِ وَ التَّعَاوُنُ عَلَى التَّعَاطُفِ وَ الْمُوَاسَاةُ لِأَهْلِ الْحَاجَةِ وَ تَعَاطُفُ بَعْضِهِمْ عَلَى بَعْضٍ حَتَّى تَكُونُوا كَمَا أَمَرَكُمُ اللَّهُ عَزَّ وَ جَلَ‌ رُحَماءُ بَيْنَهُمْ‌ مُتَرَاحِمِينَ مُغْتَمِّينَ لِمَا غَابَ عَنْكُمْ مِنْ أَمْرِهِمْ عَلَى مَا مَضَى عَلَيْهِ مَعْشَرُ الْأَنْصَارِ عَلَى عَهْدِ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ ص.

“It is worthwhile for a Muslim to work assiduously to maintain good relations, to cooperate in kindness and assistance for the needy and to be compassionate to each other. Live out this so that you can be as Allah, the Most Majestic, the Most Holy, has commanded you to be, ‘. . . compassionate to each other, . . .’ (48

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

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

مَنْ قَبَّلَ لِلرَّحِمِ ذَا قَرَابَةٍ فَلَيْسَ عَلَيْهِ شَيْ‌ءٌ وَ قُبْلَةُ الْأَخِ عَلَى الْخَدِّ وَ قُبْلَةُ الْإِمَامِ بَيْنَ عَيْنَيْهِ.

“Whoever of the relatives kisses a relative out of compassion he has not committed any offense. A brother may kiss the cheek of his brother. Kissing an Imam is between his eyes.”

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

قَالَ أَوْحَى اللَّهُ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ إِلَى دَاوُدَ ع إِنَّ الْعَبْدَ مِنْ عِبَادِي لَيَأْتِينِي بِالْحَسَنَةِ فَأُبِيحُهُ جَنَّتِي فَقَالَ دَاوُدُ يَا رَبِّ وَ مَا تِلْكَ الْحَسَنَةُ قَالَ يُدْخِلُ عَلَى عَبْدِيَ الْمُؤْمِنِ سُرُوراً وَ لَوْ بِتَمْرَةٍ قَالَ دَاوُدُ يَا رَبِّ حَقٌّ لِمَنْ عَرَفَكَ أَنْ لَا يَقْطَعَ رَجَاءَهُ مِنْكَ.

‘‘Allah, the Most Majestic, the Most Holy, sent revelations to David that said, ‘One of my servants may come to Me with a good deed and I admit him in paradise.’ David asked, ‘Lord, what is that good deed?’ The Lord said, ‘It is bringing joy to the heart of my believing servant even if it is by one piece of date.’ Davi

كَانَ النَّجَاشِيُ‌[3] وَ هُوَ رَجُلٌ مِنَ الدَّهَاقِينِ عَامِلًا عَلَى الْأَهْوَازِ وَ فَارِسَ فَقَالَ بَعْضُ أَهْلِ عَمَلِهِ- لِأَبِي عَبْدِ اللَّهِ ع إِنَّ فِي دِيوَانِ النَّجَاشِيِّ عَلَيَّ خَرَاجاً وَ هُوَ مُؤْمِنٌ يَدِينُ بِطَاعَتِكَ فَإِنْ رَأَيْتَ أَنْ تَكْتُبَ لِي إِلَيْهِ كِتَاباً قَالَ فَكَتَبَ إِلَيْهِ أَبُو عَبْدِ اللَّهِ ع‌ بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيمِ* سُرَّ أَخَاكَ يَسُرَّكَ اللَّهُ قَالَ فَلَ

“Al-Najashiy, is a man of the landlords (community) and an agent in al-Ahwaz and Fars. Certain persons of his workers once said to Abu ‘Abdillah (a.s.) ‘In the office of al-Najashiy taxes are recorded as due by me. He is a believer and believes in obedience to you. If you consider it proper, write for me a letter to hi

قُلْتُ لِأَبِي عَبْدِ اللَّهِ ع جُعِلْتُ فِدَاكَ الْمُؤْمِنُ رَحْمَةٌ عَلَى الْمُؤْمِنِ قَالَ نَعَمْ قُلْتُ وَ كَيْفَ ذَاكَ قَالَ أَيُّمَا مُؤْمِنٍ أَتَى أَخَاهُ فِي حَاجَةٍ فَإِنَّمَا ذَلِكَ رَحْمَةٌ مِنَ اللَّهِ سَاقَهَا إِلَيْهِ وَ سَبَّبَهَا لَهُ فَإِنْ قَضَى حَاجَتَهُ كَانَ قَدْ قَبِلَ الرَّحْمَةَ بِقَبُولِهَا وَ إِنْ رَدَّهُ عَنْ حَاجَتِهِ وَ هُوَ يَقْدِرُ عَلَى قَضَائِهَا فَإِنَّمَا رَدَّ عَنْ نَفْسِهِ رَحْمَة

“Once I asked Abu ‘Abdillah (a.s.) ‘May Allah keep my soul in service for your cause, is a believer a blessing for believers?’ The Imam said, ‘Yes, he is.’ I then asked, ‘How is he as such?’ The Imam said, ‘A believer who may come to his brother (in belief) for help, in fact, is a blessing from Allah whom He has lead t

سَمِعْتُ أَبَا الْحَسَنِ ع يَقُولُ‌ مَنْ أَتَاهُ أَخُوهُ الْمُؤْمِنُ فِي حَاجَةٍ فَإِنَّمَا هِيَ رَحْمَةٌ مِنَ اللَّهِ تَبَارَكَ وَ تَعَالَى سَاقَهَا إِلَيْهِ فَإِنْ قَبِلَ ذَلِكَ فَقَدْ وَصَلَهُ بِوَلَايَتِنَا[2] وَ هُوَ مَوْصُولٌ بِوَلَايَةِ اللَّهِ وَ إِنْ رَدَّهُ عَنْ حَاجَتِهِ وَ هُوَ يَقْدِرُ عَلَى قَضَائِهَا سَلَّطَ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ شُجَاعاً مِنْ نَارٍ يَنْهَشُهُ فِي قَبْرِهِ إِلَى يَوْمِ الْقِيَامَةِ مَغْفُور

“I heard abu al-Hassan (a.s.) saying, ‘To whomever his believing brother (in belief) comes for help, in fact, it is a blessing from Allah, the Most Blessed, the Most High, that He has lead to him. If he accepts that blessing he has connected his guardianship with our guardianship ( al - Walayah ) that is connected to t

سَمِعْتُ أَبَا عَبْدِ اللَّهِ ع يَقُولُ‌ مَنْ أَغَاثَ أَخَاهُ الْمُؤْمِنَ اللَّهْفَانَ اللَّهْثَانَ‌[2] عِنْدَ جَهْدِهِ فَنَفَّسَ كُرْبَتَهُ وَ أَعَانَهُ عَلَى نَجَاحِ حَاجَتِهِ كَتَبَ اللَّهُ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ لَهُ بِذَلِكَ ثِنْتَيْنِ وَ سَبْعِينَ رَحْمَةً مِنَ اللَّهِ يُعَجِّلُ لَهُ مِنْهَا وَاحِدَةً يُصْلِحُ بِهَا أَمْرَ مَعِيشَتِهِ وَ يَدَّخِرُ لَهُ إِحْدَى وَ سَبْعِينَ رَحْمَةً لِأَفْزَاعِ يَوْمِ الْقِيَامَةِ وَ أَ

“I heard Abu ‘Abdillah (a.s.) saying, ‘One who helps his brother (in belief) who is grieved and exhausted in his suffering, relieves him of his hardships and helps him to meet his needs, Allah, the Most Majestic, the Most Holy, writes for this seventy-two blessings from Allah of which one is an immediate facilitation o

أَنَّهُ كَانَ يَقُولُ‌ مَنْ كَسَا مُؤْمِناً ثَوْباً مِنْ عُرْيٍ كَسَاهُ اللَّهُ مِنْ إِسْتَبْرَقِ الْجَنَّةِ وَ مَنْ كَسَا مُؤْمِناً ثَوْباً مِنْ غِنًى لَمْ يَزَلْ فِي سِتْرٍ مِنَ اللَّهِ مَا بَقِيَ مِنَ الثَّوْبِ خِرْقَةٌ

“Whoever provides clothes for a believer (while in need) for covering, Allah will dress up the former with Istabraq (a kind of fine clothing) of paradise. Whoever provides clothes for a believer (while he already has enough) for covering he will live under the protection of Allah as long as anything is left of that clo

مَنْ أَخَذَ مِنْ وَجْهِ‌[4] أَخِيهِ‌ الْمُؤْمِنِ قَذَاةً[1] كَتَبَ اللَّهُ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ لَهُ عَشْرَ حَسَنَاتٍ وَ مَنْ تَبَسَّمَ فِي وَجْهِ أَخِيهِ كَانَتْ لَهُ حَسَنَةٌ.

“Whoever removes a speck from the face of his brother (in belief), Allah, the Most Majestic, the Most Holy, then will write down for the former ten good deeds and whoever smiles to his brother (in belief) earns one good deed.”

مَنْ قَالَ لِأَخِيهِ الْمُؤْمِنِ مَرْحَباً كَتَبَ اللَّهُ تَعَالَى لَهُ مَرْحَباً إِلَى يَوْمِ الْقِيَامَةِ.

“Whoever says ‘Welcome’ to his brother (in belief) Allah then writes down for him ‘Welcome’ up to the Day of Judgment.”

مَنْ أَتَاهُ أَخُوهُ الْمُسْلِمُ فَأَكْرَمَهُ فَإِنَّمَا أَكْرَمَ اللَّهَ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ.

“One who honors his Muslim brother (in belief) who has come to him, in fact, has revered Allah, the Most Majestic, the Most Holy.”

قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ص‌ مَا فِي أُمَّتِي عَبْدٌ أَلْطَفَ أَخَاهُ فِي اللَّهِ بِشَيْ‌ءٍ مِنْ لُطْفٍ إِلَّا أَخْدَمَهُ اللَّهُ مِنْ خَدَمِ الْجَنَّةِ.

“The Messenger of Allah has said, ‘Whoever of my followers treats his brother (in belief) with gentleness for the sake of Allah, He will provide for him servants of paradise.’”

قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ص‌ مَنْ أَكْرَمَ أَخَاهُ الْمُسْلِمَ بِكَلِمَةٍ يُلْطِفُهُ بِهَا وَ فَرَّجَ عَنْهُ كُرْبَتَهُ لَمْ يَزَلْ فِي ظِلِّ اللَّهِ الْمَمْدُودِ عَلَيْهِ الرَّحْمَةُ مَا كَانَ فِي ذَلِكَ.

“The Messenger of Allah has said, ‘Whoever receives his Muslim brother (in belief) with honor and value and relieves his suffering continues living under the extended shadow of Allah with blessings as long as he is in there.’”

سَمِعْتُهُ يَقُولُ‌ إِنَّ مِمَّا خَصَّ اللَّهُ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ بِهِ الْمُؤْمِنَ أَنْ يُعَرِّفَهُ بِرَّ إِخْوَانِهِ وَ إِنْ قَلَّ وَ لَيْسَ الْبِرُّ بِالْكَثْرَةِ وَ ذَلِكَ أَنَّ اللَّهَ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ يَقُولُ فِي كِتَابِهِ- وَ يُؤْثِرُونَ عَلى‌ أَنْفُسِهِمْ‌ وَ لَوْ كانَ بِهِمْ خَصاصَةٌ ثُمَّ قَالَ‌ وَ مَنْ يُوقَ شُحَّ نَفْسِهِ‌ فَأُولئِكَ هُمُ الْمُفْلِحُونَ‌[2] وَ مَنْ عَرَّفَهُ اللَّهُ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ بِذَلِكَ أَحَب

“I heard Abu ‘Abdillah (a.s.) saying, ‘Of the special characteristics that Allah, the Most Majestic, the Most Holy, has given to a believer is that he is the means for the recognition and identification of the good deeds of his brothers (in belief) even if such deeds are small and little. Goodness is not in plentifulne

إِنَّ الْمُؤْمِنَ لَيُتْحِفُ أَخَاهُ التُّحْفَةَ قُلْتُ وَ أَيُّ شَيْ‌ءٍ التُّحْفَةُ قَالَ مِنْ مَجْلِسٍ وَ مُتَّكَإٍ وَ طَعَامٍ وَ كِسْوَةٍ وَ سَلَامٍ فَتَطَاوَلُ الْجَنَّةُ[1] مُكَافَأَةً لَهُ وَ يُوحِي اللَّهُ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ إِلَيْهَا أَنِّي قَدْ حَرَّمْتُ طَعَامَكِ عَلَى أَهْلِ الدُّنْيَا إِلَّا عَلَى نَبِيٍّ أَوْ وَصِيِّ نَبِيٍّ فَإِذَا كَانَ يَوْمُ الْقِيَامَةِ أَوْحَى اللَّهُ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ إِلَيْهَا أَنْ كَاف

‘‘Believers present al-Tuhaf (gifts) to each other.’ I then asked, ‘What is al-Tuhaf!’ The Imam said, ‘It can be a seat, a pillow, food, clothes or greetings of peace. Paradise then tries to reach out to serve them food for their good deed. Allah, the Most Majestic, the Most Holy, inspires it: ‘I have made your food un

يَجِبُ لِلْمُؤْمِنِ عَلَى الْمُؤْمِنِ أَنْ يَسْتُرَ عَلَيْهِ سَبْعِينَ كَبِيرَةً.

“It is obligatory for a Muslim to cover for a Muslim seventy major sins.”

أَمْلَى عَلَيَّ مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ سُلَيْمَانَ عَنْ إِسْحَاقَ بْنِ عَمَّارٍ قَالَ قَالَ أَبُو عَبْدِ اللَّهِ ع‌ أَحْسِنْ يَا إِسْحَاقُ إِلَى أَوْلِيَائِي مَا اسْتَطَعْتَ فَمَا أَحْسَنَ مُؤْمِنٌ إِلَى مُؤْمِنٍ وَ لَا أَعَانَهُ إِلَّا خَمَشَ وَجْهَ إِبْلِيسَ‌[3] وَ قَرَّحَ قَلْبَهُ.

“Abu ‘Abd Allah (a.s.) has said, ‘Be good to my friends, O Ishaq, as much as you can. No believer does something good to another believer or assists him, but that it causes a contusion to the face of Satan and injuries to his heart.’”

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)

سَمِعْتُ أَبَا عَبْدِ اللَّهِ ع يَقُولُ‌ إِنَّهُ لَيْسَ مِنِ احْتِمَالِ أَمْرِنَا التَّصْدِيقُ لَهُ وَ الْقَبُولُ فَقَطْ مِنِ احْتِمَالِ‌ أَمْرِنَا سَتْرُهُ وَ صِيَانَتُهُ مِنْ غَيْرِ أَهْلِهِ فَأَقْرِئْهُمُ السَّلَامَ وَ قُلْ لَهُمْ رَحِمَ اللَّهُ عَبْداً اجْتَرَّ مَوَدَّةَ النَّاسِ إِلَى نَفْسِهِ‌[1] حَدِّثُوهُمْ بِمَا يَعْرِفُونَ وَ اسْتُرُوا عَنْهُمْ مَا يُنْكِرُونَ ثُمَّ قَالَ وَ اللَّهِ مَا النَّاصِبُ لَنَا حَر

“I heard Abu ‘Abdillah (a.s.) saying, ‘Just to affirm our cause is not enough to carry it. To bear our cause is to keep it concealed and protect it from those who do not support it. Convey the greeting of peace to them and tell them, “May Allah grant blessings to those who attract people’s love to himself, speak to the

قَالَ أَمِيرُ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ ع‌ طُوبَى لِكُلِّ عَبْدٍ نُوَمَةٍ لَا يُؤْبَهُ لَهُ يَعْرِفُ النَّاسَ وَ لَا يَعْرِفُهُ النَّاسُ يَعْرِفُهُ اللَّهُ مِنْهُ‌[4] بِرِضْوَانٍ أُولَئِكَ مَصَابِيحُ الْهُدَى يَنْجَلِي عَنْهُمْ كُلُّ فِتْنَةٍ مُظْلِمَةٍ وَ يُفْتَحُ لَهُمْ بَابُ كُلِّ رَحْمَةٍ لَيْسُوا بِالْبُذُرِ الْمَذَايِيعِ وَ لَا الْجُفَاةِ الْمُرَاءِينَ وَ قَالَ قُولُوا الْخَيْرَ تُعْرَفُوا بِهِ وَ اعْمَلُوا الْخَيْرَ تَكُ

“Amir al-Mu’minin (Ali ibn abu Talib) (a.s.) has said, ‘Tuba’ (a tree in paradise) is for every servant (of Allah) who is unnoticed among the people but knows people and they do not know him. Allah knows him from His side with happiness. They are the torches of guidance. Through them every darkening calamity is removed

قَامَ رَجُلٌ يُقَالُ لَهُ هَمَّامٌ وَ كَانَ عَابِداً نَاسِكاً مُجْتَهِداً إِلَى أَمِيرِ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ ع وَ هُوَ يَخْطُبُ فَقَالَ يَا أَمِيرَ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ صِفْ لَنَا صِفَةَ الْمُؤْمِنِ كَأَنَّنَا نَنْظُرُ إِلَيْهِ فَقَالَ يَا هَمَّامُ الْمُؤْمِنُ هُوَ الْكَيِّسُ الْفَطِنُ بِشْرُهُ فِي وَجْهِهِ وَ حُزْنُهُ فِي قَلْبِهِ أَوْسَعُ شَيْ‌ءٍ صَدْراً[3] وَ أَذَلُّ شَيْ‌ءٍ نَفْساً زَاجِرٌ عَنْ كُلِّ فَانٍ‌[4] حَاضٌّ عَلَى ك

“Once a man called Hammam, an assiduous worshipper practicing religious rules and a hardworking man came to Amir al-Mu’minin (Ali ibn abu Talib) (a.s.) during his speech and said, ‘O Amir al-Mu’minin, describe for us the qualities of the believer as if we see him before our eyes.’ “Amir al-Mu’minin (Ali ibn abu Talib)

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.”

قَالَ أَبُو عَبْدِ اللَّهِ ع‌ يَا مِهْزَمُ شِيعَتُنَا مَنْ لَا يَعْدُو صَوْتُهُ سَمْعَهُ‌[4] وَ لَا شَحْنَاؤُهُ بَدَنَهُ‌[5] وَ لَا يَمْتَدِحُ بِنَا مُعْلِناً وَ لَا يُجَالِسُ لَنَا عَائِباً وَ لَا يُخَاصِمُ لَنَا قَالِياً إِنْ لَقِيَ مُؤْمِناً أَكْرَمَهُ وَ إِنْ لَقِيَ جَاهِلًا هَجَرَهُ قُلْتُ جُعِلْتُ فِدَاكَ فَكَيْفَ أَصْنَعُ بِهَؤُلَاءِ الْمُتَشَيِّعَةِ[6] قَالَ فِيهِمُ التَّمْيِيزُ وَ فِيهِمُ التَّبْدِيلُ وَ فِي

“Abu ‘Abd Allah (a.s.) once said, ‘O Mehzam, our Shi’a (followers) are those whose voices do not extend farther than their ears and their animosity do not reach beyond their bodies. They do not praise us openly, associate faultfinders with us and do not argue in our defense against our enemies. When they meet the belie

قَالَ: مَنْ عَامَلَ النَّاسَ فَلَمْ يَظْلِمْهُمْ وَ حَدَّثَهُمْ فَلَمْ يَكْذِبْهُمْ وَ وَعَدَهُمْ فَلَمْ يُخْلِفْهُمْ كَانَ مِمَّنْ حُرِّمَتْ غِيبَتُهُ وَ كَمَلَتْ مُرُوءَتُهُ وَ ظَهَرَ عَدْلُهُ وَ وَجَبَتْ أُخُوَّتُهُ.

“Whoever in his dealing with people does not do injustice to them, in his speaking does not lie to them and in his promise does not fail to keep it is among those whose backbiting is unlawful, whose kindness is complete, whose justice has become public and it is necessary to establish brotherly relations with him.”

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

قَالَ النَّبِيُّ ص‌ أَ لَا أُخْبِرُكُمْ بِأَشْبَهِكُمْ بِي قَالُوا بَلَى يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ‌ قَالَ أَحْسَنُكُمْ خُلُقاً وَ أَلْيَنُكُمْ كَنَفاً وَ أَبَرُّكُمْ بِقَرَابَتِهِ وَ أَشَدُّكُمْ حُبّاً لِإِخْوَانِهِ فِي دِينِهِ وَ أَصْبَرُكُمْ عَلَى الْحَقِّ وَ أَكْظَمُكُمْ لِلْغَيْظِ وَ أَحْسَنُكُمْ عَفْواً وَ أَشَدُّكُمْ مِنْ نَفْسِهِ إِنْصَافاً فِي الرِّضَا وَ الْغَضَبِ.

35. Ali ibn Ibrahim has narrated from Muhammad ibn ‘Isa from Yunus from Muhammad ibn ‘Arafah from abu ‘Abd Allah (a.s.) who has said the following: “The Holy Prophet once asked, ‘Do you want me to tell you who is more similar to me? They replied, ‘Yes, O Messenger of Allah.’ The Holy Prophet then said, ‘It is he whose

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, ‘