Alhassanain(p) Network for Heritage and Islamic Thought

295 - تِجارَةُ الآخِرَةِ

295 The Trade of the Hereafter

(يا أَيُّهَاالَّذِينَ آمَنُوا هَلْ أَدُلُّكُمْ عَلَى‏ تِجارَةٍ تُنْجِيكُمْ مِنْ عَذَابٍ أَلِيمٍ * تُؤْمِنُونَ بِاللَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِ وَتُجاهِدُونَ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ بِأَمْوَالِكُمْ وأَنْفُسِكُمْ ذلِكُمْ خَيْرٌ لَكُمْ إِنْ كُنْتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ)1

“O you who have faith! Shall I show you a deal that will deliver you from a painful punishment? Have faith in Allah and His Apostle, and wage jihad in the way of Allah with your possessions and your persons. That is better for you, should you know.” 2

965. ر سولُ اللَّهِ صلى اللَّه عليه وآله : كلُّ ما أبْصَرْتَهُ بعَينِكَ واسْتَحْلاهُ‏قلبُكَ فاجعَلْهُ للَّهِ، فذلكَ تِجارةُ الآخِرَةِ، لأنَّ اللَّهَ يقولُ: (ما عِندَكُم يَنْفَدُ وماعِندَ اللَّهِ باقٍ)3 4

965. The Prophet (SAWA) said, 'All that you see with your own eye and that your heart finds pleasing, make it for Allah, for this is the trade of the Hereafter. Allah says,“What is with you depletes, while what is with Allah is eternal” .'5

966. ر سولُ اللَّهِ صلى اللَّه عليه وآله : تاجِرُ الدُّنيا مُخاطِرٌ بنفسِهِ ومالِهِ ، وتاجِرُ الآخِرَةِ غانِمٌ رابِحٌ ، وأوَّلُ رِبْحهِ نَفسُهُ ثُمَّ جَنّةُ المَأوى‏6

966. The Prophet (SAWA) said, 'The merchant of this world risks his money and and his soul, while the merchant of the Hereafter is a profiting winner: his first profit is his soul and then the sublime Paradise.'7

967. ا لإمامُ عليٌّ عليه السلام : لا تِجارَةَ كالعَملِ الصّالحِ ، ولا رِبحَ كالثَّوابِ8

967. Imam Ali (AS) said, 'There is no [goods for] trade like good deeds, and no profit like the [divine] reward.'9

968. ا لإمامُ عليٌّ عليه السلام : أربَحُ النّاسِ منِ اشْتَرى‏ بالدُّنيا الآخِرَةَ10

968. Imam Ali (AS) said, 'The most profiting, among people, is the one who buys the Hereafter at the expense of this world.'11

969. ا لإمامُ عليٌّ عليه السلام : إنَّ مَن باعَ نَفسَهُ بغيرِ الجَنّةِ فقد عَظُمَتْ علَيهِ المِحْنةُ12

969. Imam Ali (AS) said, 'Whoever sells himself for [a price] less than Paradise, his ordeal is indeed severe.'13

970. ا لإمامُ عليٌّ عليه السلام : مَنِ اتَّخَذَ طاعةَ اللَّهِ بِضاعةًأتَتْهُ الأرْباحُ مِن غيرِ تِجارةٍ14

970. Imam Ali (AS) said, 'Whoever takes the obedience of Allah as a commodity will see profits without even trading.'15

Notes

1. الصف : 10 ، 11 .

2. Qur'an 61 :10,11

3. النحل : 96 .

4. بحار الأنوار : 77 / 106 / 1 .

5. Bihar al-Anwar, v. 77 , p. 106 , no. 1

6. تنبيه الخواطر : 2 / 120 .

7. Tanbih al-Khawatir, v. 2 , p. 120

8. بحار الأنوار : 69 / 409 / 122 .

9. Bihar al-Anwar, v. 69 , p. 409 , no. 122

10. غرر الحكم : 3076 .

11. Ghurar al-Hikam, no. 3076

12. غرر الحكم : 3474 .

13. Ibid. no. 3474

14. غرر الحكم : 8864 .

15. Ibid. no. 8864

296 - عَدَمُ إلهاءِ التِّجارَةِ لِلمُؤمِنِ‏

296 Trading Does not Divert the Believer

(رِجالٌ لَا تُلْهِيهِمْ تِجارَةٌ وَلَا بَيْعٌ عَنْ ذِكْرِ اللَّهِ وَإِقامِ الصَّلَاةِ وَإِيتاءِ الزَّكاةِ يَخافُونَ يَوْماً تَتَقَلَّبُ فِيهِ القُلُوبُ وَالْأَبْصارُ)1

“Men whom neither trading nor bargaining distracts from the remembrance of Allah, and the maintenance of prayer and the giving of zakat. They are fearful of a day wherein the heart and the sight will be transformed.” 2

971. ب حار الأنوار عن فقه الرضا عليه السلام : إذا كُنتَ في‏تِجارَتِكَ وحَضَرَتِ الصّلاةُ فلا يَشغَلْكَ عنها مَتْجَرُكَ، فإنَّ اللَّهَ‏وَصفَ قَوماً ومدَحَهُم فقالَ : (رِجالٌ لا تُلهيهم تِجارَةٌ وَلَا بَيْعٌ عَنْ ذِكْرِ اللَّهِ وَإِقامِ الصَّلَاةِ وَإِيتاءِ الزَّكاةِ يَخافُونَ يَوْماً تَتَقَلَّبُ فِيهِ القُلُوبُ وَالْأَبْصارُ). وكانَ هؤلاءِ القَومُ يَتَّجِرونَ، فإذا حَضَرَتِ الصّلاةُ تَرَكوا تِجارَتَهُم‏وقاموا إلى‏ صَلاتِهِم، وكانوا أعظَمَ أجْراً مِمَّن لا يَتَّجِرُ فيُصَلّي3

971. It is narrated in Fiqh al-Rida (AS): 'When you are engaged in your trade and prayer time arrives, let not your trading divert you from it; for Allah described a certain people and praised them, saying,“Men whom neither trade nor sale can divert...” These people used to trade, but when prayer time arrived they would leave their trade and stand for their prayer. They deserved more reward than non-traders who prayed.'4

Notes

1. النور : 37 .

2. Qur'an 24 :37

3. بحار الأنوار : 103 / 100 / 40 .

4. Bihar al-Anwar, v. 69 , p. 409 , no. 122

297 - التِّجارَةُ بالدِّين !

297 Trade With Religion

972. ا لإمامُ عليٌّ عليه السلام : المُسْتَأكِلُ بدِينِهِ حَظُّهُ مِن‏دِينِهِ ما يَأكُلُهُ1

972. Imam Ali (AS) said, 'Whoever seeks to eat by sacrificing his religion will only have from his religion as much as he eats.'2

973. ا لإمامُ عليٌّ عليه السلام : مَن طَلبَ الدُّنيا بعَملِ الآخِرَةِ كانَ‏أبْعَدَ لَهُ مِمّا طَلَبَ3

973. Imam Ali (AS) said, 'Whoever seeks this world through the work of the Hereafter will have his goal set at a greater distance.'4

Notes

1. تحف العقول : 223 .

2. Tuhaf al-Uqul, no. 223

3. غرر الحكم : 8901 .

4. Ghurar al-Hikam, no. 8901

56 - التوبة

56 REPENTANCE

298 - الحَثُّ عَلَى التَّوبَةِ

298 Enjoinment of Repenting

(وَهُوَ الَّذِي يَقْبَلُ التَّوْبَةَ عَنْ عِبادِهِ وَيَعْفُو عَنِ السَّيِّئاتِ وَيَعْلَمُ ما تَفْعَلُونَ)1

“It is He who accepts the repentance of His servants, and excuses their misdeeds and knows what you do.” 2

974. ر سولُ اللَّهِ صلى اللَّه عليه وآله : التَّوبةُ تَجُبُّ ما قَبلَها3

974. The Prophet (SAWA) said, 'Repentance erases whatever precedes it.'4

975. ر سولُ اللَّهِ صلى اللَّه عليه وآله : التّائبُ مِن الذَّنبِ كَمَنْ لا ذَنْبَ لَهُ5

975. The Prophet (SAWA) said, 'He who repents for his sin is like one who has no sin.'6

976. ا لإمامُ عليٌّ عليه السلام : التَّوبَةُ تُطهِّرُ القُلوبَ وتَغْسِلُ الذُّنوبَ7

976. Imam Ali (AS) said, 'Repentance purifies the hearts and washes away the sins.'8

Notes

1. الشورى‏ : 25 .

2. Qur'an 42 :25

3. عوالي اللآلي : 1 / 237 / 150 .

4. Awali al-La'ali v 1 p 237 no 150

5. كنز العمّال : 10174 .

6. Kanz al-Ummal, no. 10174

7. غرر الحكم : 1355 .

8. Ghurar al-Hikam, no. 1355

299 - مَنزِلةُ التّائِبِ‏

299 The Status of One Who Repents

(إِنَّ اللَّه يُحِبُّ التَّوَّابِينَ‏وَيُحِبُ‏المُتَطَهِّرِينَ).1

“Indeed Allah loves the penitent and He loves those who keep clean.” 2

977. ر سولُ اللَّهِ صلى اللَّه عليه وآله : ليسَ شَي‏ءٌ أحَبَّ إلى‏ اللَّهِ‏مِن مُؤمنٍ تائبٍ أو مُؤمنةٍ تائبةٍ3

977. The Prophet (SAWA) said, 'There is nothing more beloved to Allah than a penitent believer - man or woman.'4

978. ر سولُ اللَّهِ صلى اللَّه عليه وآله : كُلُّ بَني آدمَ خَطّاءٌ، وخَيرُ الخَطّائينَ التَّوّابونَ5

978. The Prophet (SAWA) said, 'Every son of Adam is a sinner, but the best of them are the penitent ones.'6

979. ر سولُ اللَّهِ صلى اللَّه عليه وآله : لَلَّهُ أفْرَحُ بتَوبةِ عبدِهِ مِن العَقيمِ‏الوالِدِ، ومِن الضّالِّ الواجِدِ ، ومِن الظّمآنِ الوارِدِ7

979. The Prophet (SAWA) said, 'Allah rejoices for the repentance of His servant more than the barren rejoices for having a child, and more than the lost one who finds his way, and more than the thirsty one who finds water.'8

Notes

1. البقرة : 222 .

2. Qur'an 2 :222

3. بحار الأنوار : 6 / 21 / 15 .

4. Bihar al-Anwar, v. 7 , p. 21 , no. 15

5. الدرّ المنثور : 1 / 626 .

6. al-Durr al-Manthur, v. 1 , p. 626

7. كنز العمّال : 10165 .

8. Kanz al-Ummal, no. 10165

300 - عَلامَةُ التّائِبِ‏

300 The Sign of a Penitent Person

980. ر سولُ اللَّهِ صلى اللَّه عليه وآله : أمَّا عَلامةُ التّائبِ فأربَعةٌ : النَّصيحةُ للَّهِ في عَمَلِهِ، وتَرْكُ الباطِلِ ، ولُزومُ الحَقِّ ، والحِرْصُ على‏ الخَيرِ1

980. The Prophet (SAWA) said, 'There are four signs to the penitent person: sincerity in his work for the sake of Allah, avoiding misdeeds, adhering to what is right, and eagerness for what is good.'2

981. ا لإمامُ عليٌّ عليه السلام - في وَصفِ التّائبينَ - : غَرَسُوا أشْجَارَ ذُنوبِهِم نُصْبَ عُيونِهِم وقُلوبِهِم وسَقَوها بمِياهِ النَّدَمِ، فأثْمَرَتْ لهُمُ السَّلامةَ ، وأعْقَبَتْهُمُ الرِّضا والكَرامَةَ3

981. Imam Ali (AS) said, describing the penitent ones, 'They planted the trees of their sins before their eyes and hearts, and watered them with the water of remorse; thus they produced safety for them and left them with contentment and dignity.'4

982. ا لإمامُ زينُ العابدينَ عليه السلام - في مُناجاته - : واجْعَلْنا مِن الّذينَ قَطَعوا أسْتارَ نارِ الشَّهَواتِ بنَضْحِ ماءِ التَّوبَةِ ، وغَسَلوا أوْعِيَةَ الجَهلِ بِصَفْوِ ماءِ الحَياةِ5

982. Imam Zayn al-Abidin (AS) said in his intimate supplication, 'Place us among those who extinguish the fire of desires by shedding the water of repentance, and wash the plates of ignorance with the purity of the water of life.'6

Notes

1. تحف العقول : 20 .

2. Tuhaf al-Uqul, no. 20

3. بحار الأنوار : 78 / 72 / 38 .

4. Bihar al-Anwar, v. 78 , p. 72 , no. 38

5. بحار الأنوار : 94 / 127 / 19 .

6. Ibid. v. 94 , p. 127 , no. 19

301 - قَبولُ التَّوبَةِ

301 The Acceptance of Repentance

(وَهُوَ الَّذِي يَقْبَلُ التَّوْبَةَ عَنْ عِبادِهِ وَيَعْفُو عَنِ السَّيّئاتِ)1

“It is He who accepts the repentance of His servants, and excuses their misdeeds” 2

983. ا لإمامُ عليٌّ عليه السلام : مَن اُعْطِيَ التَّوبَةَ لَم يُحرَمِ القَبولَ، ومَن اُعْطِيَ الاسْتِغْفارَ لَم يُحرَمِ المَغفِرَةَ3

983. Imam Ali (AS) said, 'A man who is blessed with repentance will not be deprived of its acceptance, and a man who is blessed with seeking forgiveness will not be deprived of forgiveness.'4

Notes

1. الشورى : 25 .

2. Qur'an 42 :25

3. بحار الأنوار : 69 / 410 / 124 .

4. Bihar al-Anwar, v. 69 , p. 410 , no. 124

302 - مَتى‏ تُقبَلُ التَّوبَةُ ؟

302. When Is Repentance Accepted?

(وَلَيْسَتِ التّوْبَةُ لِلَّذِينَ يَعْمَلُونَ السَّيِّئَاتِ حَتّى‏ إِذَا حَضَرَ أَحَدَهُمُ الْمَوْتُ قالَ إِنِّي تُبْتُ الْآنَ وَلَا الَّذِينَ يَمُوتُونَ وَهُمْ كُفّارٌ)1

“But [acceptance of] repentance is not for those who go on committing misdeeds: when death approaches any of them, he says, 'I repent now.' Nor is it for those who die while they are faithless.” 2

984. رسولُ اللَّهِ صلى اللَّه عليه وآله : مَن تابَ قَبْلَ أنْ يُعايِنَ قَبِلَ‏اللَّهُ تَوبَتَهُ3

984. The Prophet (SAWA) said, 'A man who repents before he sees [the angel of death], Allah will accept his repentance.'4

985. ا لإمامُ الباقرُ عليه السلام : إذا بَلَغتِ النّفسُ هذهِ وأهْوى‏ بيَدِهِ إلى‏ حَلْقِهِ - لَم يَكُن للعالِمِ تَوبَةٌ ، وكانتْ للجاهلِ تَوبَةٌ5

985. Imam al-Baqir (AS) said, 'When the soul reaches this - and pointed to his throat - there will not remain a chance to repent for the knowledgeable man, but there will remain a chance for the ignorant one.'6

986. ا لإمامُ الرِّضا عليه السلام - وقد سُئلَ عن عِلّةِ إغْراقِ اللَّهِ فِرْعَونَ وقد آمَنَ بهِ وأقَرَّ بتَوحيدِهِ - : لأنَّهُ آمنَ عندَ رُؤيةِ البَأْسِ ، والإيمانُ عندَ رُؤيَةِ البَأْسِ غيرُ مَقبولٍ7

986. Imam al-Rida (AS), when he was asked about the reason for Allah's drowning the Pharaoh after he believed in Him and attested to His oneness, replied, 'Because he believed after he saw the wrath [of Allah], and belief at such a time is not accepted.'8

Notes

1. النساء : 18 .

2. Qur'an 4 :18

3. الكافي : 2 / 440 / 2 .

4. al-Kafi, v. 2 , p. 440 , no. 2

5. الكافي : 2 / 440 / 3 .

6. Ibid. no. 3

7. بحار الأنوار : 6 / 23 / 25 .

8. Bihar al-Anwar, v. 6 , p. 23 , no. 25

303 - النَّدَمُ تَوبَةٌ

303 Remorse Is Repentance

987. ر سولُ اللَّهِ صلى اللَّه عليه وآله : النَّدَمُ تَوبَةٌ1

987. The Prophet (SAWA) said, 'Remorse is repentance.'2

988. ا لإمامُ عليٌّ عليه السلام : النَّدَمُ على‏ الخَطيئةِ اسْتِغْفارٌ3

988. Imam Ali (AS) said, 'Remorse for a sin counts as seeking forgiveness.'4

989. ا لإمامُ عليٌّ عليه السلام : نَدمُ القلبِ يُكَفِّرُ الذَّنبَ5

989. Imam Ali (AS) said, 'Remorse of the heart offsets the sin.'6

Notes

1. كنز العمّال : 10301 .

2. Kanz al-Ummal, no. 10301

3. غرر الحكم : 1211 .

4. Ghurar al-Hikam, no. 1211

5. غرر الحكم : 9973 .

6. Ibid. 9973

304 - حُسنُ الاعتِرافِ‏

304 Appropriate Confession [of One's Sins]

(وَآخَرُونَ اعْتَرَفُوا بِذُنُوبِهِمْ خَلَطُوا عَمَلاً صَالِحاً وَآخَرَ سَيِّئاً عَسَى‏ اللَّهُ أنْ يَتُوبَ عَلَيْهِمْ)1

“[There are] others who have confessed to their sins, having mixed up righteous conduct with other that was evil. Maybe Allah will accept their repentance.” 2

990. ا لإمامُ عليٌّ عليه السلام : عاصٍ يُقِرُّ بذَنبِهِ خَيرٌ مِن مُطيعٍ يَفتَخِرُ بعَملِهِ3

990. Imam Ali (AS) said, 'A sinner who confesses to his sin is better than an obedient man who brags about his deed.'4

991. ا لإمامُ الباقرُ عليه السلام : واللَّهِ ، ما يَنْجو مِن الذَّنْبِ إلّا مَن أقَرَّ بهِ5

991. Imam al-Baqir (AS) said, 'By Allah! None will be safe from his sin except the one who admits it.'6

992. ا لإمامُ الباقرُ عليه السلام : لا واللَّهِ ما أرادَ اللَّهُ تَعالى‏ مِن النّاسِ إلّا خَصْلَتَينِ : أنْ يُقِرّوا لَهُ بالنِّعَمِ فيَزيدَهُم ، وبالذُّنوبِ فَيَغفِرَها لَهُم7

992. Imam al-Baqir (AS) said, 'By Allah! Allah wants but two traits to be present in people: to acknowledge His favors so that He may increase them, and to confess their sins so that He may forgive them.'8

Notes

1. التوبة : 102 .

2. Qur'an 9 :102

3. غرر الحكم : 6334 .

4. Ghurar al-Hikam, no. 6334

5. بحار الأنوار : 6 / 36 / 56 .

6. Bihar al-Anwar, v. 6 , p. 36 , no. 56

7. الكافي : 2 / 426 / 2 .

8. al-Kafi, v. 2 , p. 426 , no. 2

305 - دَعائِمُ التَّوبَةِ

305 The Pillars of Repentance

(فَمَنْ تَابَ مِنْ بَعْدِ ظُلْمِهِ وَأَصْلَحَ فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ يَتُوبُ عَلَيْهِ إِنَّ اللَّهَ غَفُورٌ رَحِيمٌ)1

“But whoever repents after his wrongdoing, and reforms, then Allah shall accept his repentance. Indeed Allah is all-forgiving, all-merciful.” 2

(وَإِنِّي لَغَفَّارٌ لِمَنْ تَابَ وَآمَنَ وَعَمِلَ صَالِحاً ثُمَّ اهْتَدى‏)3

“Indeed I am all-forgiving toward him who repents, becomes faithful and acts righteously, and then follows guidance.” 4

993. ا لإمامُ عليٌّ عليه السلام : التَّوبَةُ على‏ أربَعةِ دَعائِمَ :نَدَمٌ بالقَلبِ ، واسْتِغفَارٌ باللِّسانِ ، وعَملٌ بالجَوارِحِ ، وعَزْمُ أنْ لا يَعودَ5

993. Imam Ali (AS) said, 'Repentance stands on four pillars: remorse with the heart, asking for forgiveness with the tongue, work with the limbs, and resolve not to repeat [the offense].'6

994. ا لإمامُ الباقرُ عليه السلام - وقد سألَهُ شَيخٌ مِن النَّخَعِ : إنّي لَم أزَلْ والِياً مُنذُ زَمنِ‏الحَجّاجِ إلى‏ يَومي هذا، فهَلْ لي مِن‏تَوبةٍ ؟ قالَ : فَسَكتَ، ثُمّ أعَدْتُ علَيهِ، فقالَ - : لا ، حتّى‏ تُؤَدّيَ إلى‏ كُلِّ ذي‏حَقٍّ حقَّهُ7

994. Wahab b. Abdi-Rabbih narrated on the authority of a shaykh from Nakha tribe, who said, 'I asked Abu Jafar [al-Baqir] (AS), 'I have been a governor since the time of al-Hajjaj until this very day, so is repentance possible for me?' The Imam remained silent, and when I repeated the question, he said, 'No, until you compensate everyone for his lost rights.'8

(اُنظر) الذنب : باب 775 ؛ الاستغفار : باب 1433

(See also: SINNING: section 775; SEEKING FORGIVENESS: section 1433)

Notes

1. المائدة : 39 .

2. Qur'an 5 :39

3. طه : 82 .

4. Qur'an 20 :82

5. بحار الأنوار : 78 / 81 / 74 .

6. Bihar al-Anwar, v. 78 , p. 81 , no. 74

7. الكافي : 2 / 331 / 3 .

8. al-Kafi, v. 2 , p. 331 , no. 3

306 - أنواعُ التَّوبَةِ

306 Types of Repentance

995. ر سولُ اللَّهِ صلى اللَّه عليه وآله : أحْدِثْ لكُلِّ ذَنبٍ تَوبَةً ، السِّرُّ بالسِّرِّ والعَلانِيَةُ بالعَلانِيَةِ1

995. The Prophet (SAWA) said, 'Make a repentance for every sin; public [repentance] for public [sins] and private [repentance] for private [sins].'2

Notes

1. بحار الأنوار : 77 / 127 / 33 .

2. Bihar al-Anwar, v. 77 , p. 127 , no. 33

307 - التَّوبَةُ النَّصوحُ‏

307 Sincere Repentance

(يا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا تُوبُوا إِلَى‏ اللَّهِ تَوْبَةً نَصُوحاً)1

“O you who have faith! Repent to Allah with sincere repentance!” 2

996. ر سولُ اللَّهِ صلى اللَّه عليه وآله - وقد سُئلَ عنِ التَّوبةِ النَّصوحِ - : هُو النَّدمُ على‏ الذّنبِ حينَ يَفْرُطُ مِنكَ، فتَسْتَغفِرُ اللَّهَ بِنَدامَتِكَ عِند الحافِرِ ، ثُمَّ لا تَعودُ إلَيهِ أبَداً3

996. The Prophet (SAWA) said, 'Sincere repentance is remorse for the sin as soon as it slips out from you; then you ask Allah for forgiveness, then you never return to it.'4

997. ا لإمامُ الهاديُّ عليه السلام - وقد سُئلَ عنِ التّوبةِالنَّصُوحِ - : أنْ يَكونَ الباطِنُ كالظّاهِرِ وأفْضَلَ مِن ذلكَ5

997. Imam al-Hadi (AS) when he was asked about sincere repentance, said, ' [It is] when the inner self becomes identical to the outer behavior, and even better than it.'6

Notes

1. التحريم : 8 .

2. Qur'an 65 :8

3. كنز العمّال : 10427 .

4. Kanz al-Ummal, no. 10302

5. بحار الأنوار : 6 / 22 / 20 .

6. Bihar al-Anwar, v. 6 , p. 22 , no. 20

308 - تَأخيرُ التَّوبَةِ

308 Postponing Repentance

998. ا لإمامُ عليٌّ عليه السلام : إنْ قارَفْتَ سَيّئةً فعَجِّلْ مَحْوَها بالتَّوبةِ1

998. Imam Ali (AS) said, 'If you commit a misdeed, hasten to erase it with repentance.'2

999. ا لإمامُ عليٌّ عليه السلام : مُسَوِّفُ نَفسِهِ بالتَّوبةِ ، مِن هُجومِ الأجَلِ على‏ أعظَمِ الخَطَرِ3

999. Imam Ali (AS) said, 'The one who procrastinates in repenting for himself faces the greatest danger from the [sudden] attack of death.'4

1000. الإمامُ الجوادُ عليه السلام : تأخِيرُ التَّوبةِ اغْتِرارٌ، وطُولُ التّسْويفِ حَيْرَةٌ5

1000. Imam al-Jawad (AS) said, 'Postponing repentance is an illusion, and long procrastination is perplexity.'6

(اُنظر) عنوان 207 «التسويف»

(See also: PROCRASTINATION)

Notes

1. بحار الأنوار : 77 / 208 / 1 .

2. Ibid. v. 77 , p. 208 , no. 1

3. غرر الحكم : 9876 .

4. Ghurar al-Hikam, no. 9876

5. تحف العقول : 456 .

6. Tuhaf al-Uqul, no. 456

309 - الأهوَنُ مِن التَّوبَةِ

309 What Is Easier Than Repentance

1001. المسيح عليه السلام: إنَّ مَن‏لَيس علَيهِ‏دَيْنٌ مِن النّاسِ أروَحُ وأقَلُّ هَمّاً مِمَّن علَيهِ الدَّينُ وإنْ أحسَنَ القَضاءَ ، وكذلكَ مَن لَم يَعمَلِ الخَطيئةَ أرْوَحُ هَمّاً مِمَّن عَمِلَ الخَطيئَةَ وإنْ أخْلصَ التّوبَةَ وأنابَ1

1001. Prophet Jesus (AS) said, 'The man who has no debt to people is more comfortable than the one indebted, even if he repayed his debt; and similarly the man who has not committed any sins is more comfortable than he who has committed sins, even if he has sincerely repented and returned [to the right path].'2

1002. الإمامُ عليٌّ عليه السلام : تَرْكُ الذَّنبِ أهْوَنُ مِن طَلبِ التَّوبةِ3

1002. Imam Ali (AS) said, 'Abandoning sin is easier than asking for forgiveness.'4

Notes

1. تحف العقول : 392 .

2. Ibid. no. 392

3. بحار الأنوار : 73 / 364 / 96 .

4. Bihar al-Anwar, v. 73 , p. 364 , no. 96

310 - سَتر اللَّهِ عَلَى التّائِبِ‏

310 Allah Conceals the Sin of the Penitent One

1003. الإمامُ عليٌّ عليه السلام : مَن تابَ تابَ اللَّهُ علَيهِ، واُمِرَتْ جَوارِحُهُ أنْ تَسْتُرَ علَيهِ ، وبِقاعُ الأرضِ أنْ تَكْتُمَ علَيهِ ، واُنْسِيَتِ الحَفَظَةُ ما كانتْ تَكتُبُ علَيهِ1

1003. Imam Ali (AS) said, 'Allah turns mercifully to the one who repents, and his limbs are ordered to keep his secret, and all the places on earth to conceal for him [his sin], and the record-keeping angels to forget whatever they wrote about him.'2

Notes

1. بحار الأنوار : 6 / 28 / 32 .

2. Ibid. v. 6 , p. 28 , no. 32

311 - تَبديلُ السَّيِّئاتِ حَسَناتٍ‏

311 Changing Sins Into Good Deeds

(إِلّا مَنْ تَابَ وَآمَنَ وَعَمِلَ عَمَلاً صَالِحاً فَأُولئِكَ يُبَدِّلُ اللَّهُ سَيِّئاتِهِمْ حَسَنَاتٍ وَكانَ اللَّهُ غَفُوراً رَحِيماً)1

“excepting those who repent, attain faith, and act righteously. For such, Allah will replace their misdeeds with good deeds, and Allah is all-forgiving, all-merciful.” 2

1004. الإمامُ الصّادقُ عليه السلام : أوحى‏ اللَّهُ عزّ وجلّ‏إلى‏ داوودَ النَّبيِّ على‏ نبيّنا وآلهِ وعلَيهِ السّلامُ : يا داوودُ ، إنّ عَبديَ المؤمنَ إذا أذْنَبَ ذَنباً ثُمّ رَجعَ وتابَ مِن ذلكَ الذَّنبِ واسْتَحيى‏ مِنّي عندَ ذِكْرِهِ غَفَرْتُ لَهُ ، وأنسَيْتُهُ الحَفَظَةَ وأبْدَلْتُهُ الحسَنَةَ ، ولا اُبالي وأنا أرْحَمُ الرّاحِمينَ3

1004. Imam al-Sadiq (AS) narrated, 'Allah, the Exalted, revealed to Prophet David4 - peace be upon him and on our Prophet, 'O David! When My believing servant commits a sin and then returns [to Me] and repents for that sin and is ashamed in My presence every time he remembers it, I will forgive him and cause the recording angels to forget it and change it to count as a good deed, and I will not care about it further, for I am the most Merciful.'5

(اُنظر) المعاد : باب 1395

(See also: RESURRECTION: section 1395 )

Notes

1. الفرقان : 70 .

2. Qur'an 25 :70

3. بحار الأنوار : 6 / 28 / 30 .

4. Prophet David (AS) is known in the Arabic tradition as Dawud (ed.)

5. Bihar al-Anwar, v. 6 , p. 28 , no. 30

312 - التَّأ لِّي عَلَى اللَّهِ‏

312 Speculating on Allah's Judgment

1005. رسولُ اللَّهِ صلى اللَّه عليه وآله : وَيْلٌ للمُتَأ لِّينَ من اُمَّتي ، الَّذينَ يقولونَ : فُلانٌ في الجَنّةِ ، وفُلانٌ في النّارِ1

1005. The Prophet (SAWA) said, 'Woe to those who foretell [about Allah's actions] from among my community - those who proclaim that x will go to Paradise, but y will go to the Fire.'2

1006. رسولُ اللَّهِ صلى اللَّه عليه وآله : إنَّ رجُلاً قالَ يوماً : واللَّهِ، لا يَغفِرُاللَّهُ لفُلانٍ! فقالَ اللَّهُ عزّ وجلّ : مَنْ ذا الّذي تَأَلّى‏ علَيَّ أنْ لاأغفِرَ لفُلانٍ؟! فإنِّي قد غَفَرتُ لِفُلانٍ ، وأحْبَطْتُ عَملَ الثّاني بقولهِ: لا يَغفِرُ اللَّهُ لفُلانٍ3

1006. The Prophet (SAWA) said, 'A man said one day, 'I swear by Allah that He will not forgive so and so.' Allah, the Exalted, said, 'Who is he to foretell about what I will do - that I will not forgive this man? I indeed have forgiven him and annulled the work of the foretelling man because of his saying, 'Allah will not forgive him.'4

Notes

1. كنز العمّال : 7902 .

2. Kanz al-Ummal, no. 7902

3. وسائل الشيعة : 11 / 267 / 13 .

4. Wasa'il al-Shia, v. 11 , p. 267 , no. 13

57 - الثواب‏

57 THE REWARD

313 - ثَوابُ العَمَلِ الصّالِحِ‏

313 The Reward for a Rightous Deed

1007. الإمامُ عليٌّ عليه السلام : ثَوابُ عَملِكَ أفضَلُ مِن عَملِكَ1

1007. Imam Ali (AS) said, 'The reward for your work is better than your work itself.'2

1008. الإمامُ عليٌّ عليه السلام : ثوَابُ الآخِرَةِ يُنْسي مَشَقَّةَ الدُّنيا3

1008. Imam Ali (AS) said, 'The reward of the Hereafter causes one to forget the toil of this world.'4

1009. الإمامُ عليٌّ عليه السلام : إنَّ اللَّهَ سُبحانَهُ وَضَعَ الثّوابَ على‏ طاعَتِهِ والعِقابَ على‏ مَعصِيَتِهِ ذِيادَةً لِعبادِهِ عَن نِقْمَتِهِ ، وحِياشَةً لَهُم إلى‏ جَنَّتِهِ5

1009. Imam Ali (AS) said, 'Allah, the Exalted, decreed reward for obeying Him and chastisement for disobeying Him, in order to protect His servants against His wrath and to herd them to His Paradise.'6

1010. الإمامُ عليٌّ عليه السلام : ثَوابُ العَملِ على‏ قَدْرِ المَشَقَّةِ فيهِ7

1010. Imam Ali (AS) said, 'The reward for any work is proportionate to the toil of performing it.'8

(اُنظر) عنوان 65 «الجزاء»

(See also: REQUITA L 65)

Notes

1. غرر الحكم : 4688 .

2. Ghurar al-Hikam, no. 4688

3. غرر الحكم : 4692 .

4. Ibid. no. 4692

5. نهج البلاغة : الحكمة 368 .

6. Nahj al-Balagha, Saying 368

7. غرر الحكم : 4690 .

8. Ghurar al-Hikam, no. 4690

314 - أعظَمُ المَثوبَةِ

314 The Greatest Reward

1011. الإمامُ عليٌّ عليه السلام: إنَّ أعظَمَ المَثوبَةِ مَثوبَةُالإنْصافِ1

1011. Imam Ali (AS) said, 'The greatest reward is the reward [dealt] by fairness.'2

1012. الإمامُ عليٌّ عليه السلام : ثَوابُ الجهادِ أعظَمُ الثَّوابِ3

1012. Imam Ali (AS) said, 'The reward for jihad is the greatest reward.'4

1013. الإمامُ عليٌّ عليه السلام : شَيْئان لا يُوزَنُ ثَوابُهُما : العَفوُ ، والعَدلُ5

1013. Imam Ali (AS) said, 'There are two things the reward for which is beyond measure: pardon and justice.'6

Notes

1. غرر الحكم : 3387 .

2. Ibid. no. 3387

3. غرر الحكم : 4695 .

4. Ibid. no. 4695

5. غرر الحكم : 5769 .

6. Ibid. no. 5769

315 - مَن بَلَغَهُ ثَوابٌ عَلى‏ عَمَلٍ‏

315 A Man Who Hears About the Reward For a Particular Action

1014. الإمامُ الباقرُ عليه السلام : مَن بَلَغهُ ثَوابٌ مِن اللَّهِ على‏ عَمل، فعَمِلَ ذلكَ العَملَ الْتِماسَ‏ذلكَ الثَّوابِ اُوتِيَهُ وإنْ لَم يَكُنِ الحَديثُ كَما بَلَغَهُ1

1014. Imam al-Baqir (AS) said, 'If a man hears about Allah's reward for a particular action, and subsequently performs it in order to attain that reward, he will receive it - even if the actual report was contrary to what he had heard.'2

Notes

1. الكافي : 2 / 87 / 2 .

2. al-Kafi, v. 2 , p. 87 , no. 2

5 - الأخ‏

5 THE BROTHER

20 - المُؤمِنُ أخُو المُؤمِنِ‏

20 The Believers Are Brothers

(إِنَّما الْمُؤْمِنُونَ إِخْوَةٌ فَأَصْلِحُوا بَيْنَ أَخَوَيْكُمْ وَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُرْحَمُونَ)1

“The faithful are indeed brothers. Therefore make peace between your brothers and be wary of Allah, so that you may receive [His] mercy.” 2

43. ر سولُ اللَّهِ صلى اللَّه عليه وآله: المؤمنونَ إخْوَةٌ، تَتَكافى‏ دِماؤهُم، وَهُمْ يَدٌ على‏ مَن سِواهُم ، يَسْعى‏ بذِمّتِهم أدناهُم3

43. The Prophet (SAWA) said, 'The believers are brothers, their blood is coequal, and they are one hand against others, the most inferior among them is empowered by them to give [to the enemy] protection.'4

44. ا لإمامُ عليٌّ عليه السلام : رُبَّ أخٍ لَم تَلِدْهُ اُمُّكَ5

44. Imam Ali (AS) said, 'Many a brother was not given birth by your own mother.'6

45. ا لإمامُ الباقرُ عليه السلام : المؤمنُ أخو المؤمِن لأبيهِ واُمِّهِ7

45. Imam al-Baqir (AS) said, 'A believer is the brother of another believer [as if] from his own mother and father.'8

46. ا لامام الصادق عليه السلام : المُؤمنُ أخو المؤمنِ ، عَينُهُ ودَليلُهُ ، لا يَخونُهُ ، ولا يَظْلِمُهُ ، ولا يَغُشُّهُ ، ولا يَعِدُهُ عِدَةً فيَخْلِفَهُ9

46. Imam al-Sadiq (AS) said, 'A believer is the brother of another believer, his eye and his guide; he does not betray him, nor wrong him, nor deceive him, and nor does he rescind a promise he made to him.'10

47. ا لإمامُ الصّادقُ عليه السلام: المؤمنُ أخو المؤمنِ كالجَسَدِ الواحدِ، إنِ اشتكَى‏ شيئاً مِنهُ وَجَدَ ألمَ ذلكَ في سائرِ جسدِهِ ، وأرواحُهُما مِن رُوحٍ واحدةٍ11

47. Imam al-Sadiq (AS) said, 'A believer is the brother of another believer, like a single body. If any part of him suffers, he will feel its pain in his entire body; and their souls are also made of one soul.'12

(اُنظر) الإيمان : باب 189

(See also: FAITH: section 189)

Notes

1. الحجرات : 10 .

2. Qur'an 49 :10

3. الأمالي للمفيد : 187 / 13 .

4. Amali al-Mufid, p. 187 , no. 13

5. غرر الحكم : 5351 .

6. Ghurar al-Hikam, no. 5351

7. الكافي : 2 / 166 / 2 و 7 .

8. al-Kafi, v. 2 , p. 166 , no. 2 and 7

9. الكافي : 2 / 166 / 3 .

10. Ibid. no. 3

11. الكافي : 2 / 166 / 4 .

12. Ibid. no. 4

21 - الاستِكثارُ مِنَ الإخوانِ‏

21 Increasing the Number of True Brothers

48. ر سولُ اللَّهِ صلى اللَّه عليه وآله : استكْثِروا مِن الإخوانِ ؛ فإنَّ لكلِّ مؤمنٍ شَفاعةً يومَ القيامةِ1

48. The Prophet (SAWA) said, 'Seek to increase your brothers [i.e. believeing friends], for every believer will make an intercession on the Day of Judgment.'2

49. ا لإمام عليٌّ عليه السلام : عَلَيكَ بإخوانِ الصِّدْقِ فأكْثِرْ مِنِ اكتِسابِهِم؛ فإنَّهُم عُدّةٌ عِندَ الرَّخاءِ ، وجُنّةٌ عِندَ البَلاءِ3

49. Imam Ali (AS) said, 'Adopt [the friendship of] true brothers and increase in your acquisition of them, for they are an asset in times of prosperity, and a shield during afflictions.'4

(اُنظر) الصديق : باب 1102

(See also: THE FRIEND: section 1102 )

Notes

1. كنز العمّال : 24642 .

2. Kanz al-Ummal, no. 24642

3. الأمالي للصدوق : 380 / 483 .

4. Amali al-Saduq, p. 250 , no. 8

22 - مَوَدَّةُ الإخوانِ‏

22 Brothers' Amity

50. ا لإمامُ عليٌّ عليه السلام : لا يكونُ أخوكَ أقوى‏ مِنكَ على‏ مَودّتِهِ1

50. Imam Ali (AS) said, 'Do not let your brother be stronger than you are in your amity for him.'2

51. ا لإمامُ عليٌّ عليه السلام : أحْبِبِ الإخْوانَ على‏ قَدْرِ التَّقْوى‏3

51. Imam Ali (AS) said, 'Love brothers in proportion to [their] piety.'4

52. ا لإمام الصادق عليه السلام : مِن حُبِّ الرَّجلِ دِينَه حبُّهُ أخَاهُ5

52. Imam al-Sadiq (AS) said, 'A man's love for his brother is part of his love for his religion.'6

Notes

1. بحار الأنوار : 74 / 165 / 29 .

2. Bihar al-Anwar, v. 74 , p. 165 , no. 29

3. الاختصاص : 226 .

4. al-Ikhtisas, no. 226

5. الاختصاص : 31 .

6. Ibid. no. 31

23 - ما يوجِبُ بَقاءَ المَوَدَّةِ

23 That Which Ensures the Endurance of Amity

53. ا لإمام الصادق عليه السلام : يابنَ النُّعمان ، إنْ أردتَ أن يَصْفُوَ لكَ وُدُّ أخيكَ فلا تُمازِحَنَّهُ، ولا تُمارِيَنَّهُ، ولا تُباهِيَنَّهُ ، ولاتُشارَّنَّهُ1

53. Imam al-Sadiq (AS) said, 'O Ibn al-Numan! If you want your brother's amity for you to be pure, do not make fun of him, do not dispute with him, do not exchange bragging with him, and do not vie with him in evil acts.'2

54. ا لإمامُ الصّادقُ عليه السلام : تَحتاجُ الإخْوةُ فيما بَيْنَهُم إلى‏ ثلاثةِ أشياءَ ، فإنِ استَعمَلُوها وإلّا تَبايَنُوا وتَباغَضُوا، وهي : التَّناصُفُ ، والتَّراحُمُ ، ونَفْيُ الحَسَدِ3

54. Imam al-Sadiq (AS) said, 'Brothers need three things among them - they either use them, or else dispute and hate one another - fairness, benevolence, and evasion of jealousy.'4

(اُنظر) عنوان 42 « البِشر» ؛ المحبّة : باب 418

(See also: CHEERFULNESS; LOVE: section 418)

Notes

1. بحار الأنوار : 78 / 291 / 2 .

2. Bihar al-Anwar, v. 78 , p. 291 , no. 2

3. تحف العقول : 322 .

4. Tuhaf al-Uqul, no. 322

24 - الاُخُوَّةُ فِي اللَّهِ‏

24 Brotherhood for the Sake of Allah

55. ر سولُ اللَّهِ صلى اللَّه عليه وآله : النَّظَرُ إلى‏ الأخِ تَوَدُّهُ في اللَّهِ عزّ وجلّ عِبادَةٌ1

55. The Prophet (SAWA) said, 'Looking at a brother you love for the sake of Allah, the Exalted, is [an act of] worship.'2

56. ر سولُ اللَّهِ صلى اللَّه عليه وآله : ما استَفادَ امرؤٌ مسلمٌ فائدةً بعدَ فائدةِ الإسلام مثلَ أخٍ يَستَفيدُهُ في اللَّهِ3

56. The Prophet (SAWA) said, 'A Muslim cannot acquire anything as beneficial as his embracing Islam than a brother he benefits from for the sake of Allah.'4

57. ا لإمامُ عليٌّ عليه السلام : على‏ التَّواخِي في اللَّهِ تَخْلُصُ الَمحَبّةُ5

57. Imam Ali (AS) said, 'Love is purified through cultivating friendship for the sake of Allah.'6

58. ا لإمامُ عليٌّ عليه السلام : الإخْوانُ في اللَّهِ تعالى‏ تَدُومُ مَودّتُهُم ، لِدَوامِ سَبَبِها7

58. Imam Ali (AS) said, 'Brothers, [whose brotherhood is] for the sake of Allah, enjoy an enduring amity, due to the firmness of its foundation.'8

59. ا لإمامُ عليٌّ عليه السلام : بالتَّواخي في اللَّهِ تُثْمِرُ الاُخُوّة9

59. Imam Ali (AS) said, 'Brotherhood for the sake of Allah is fruitful.'10

(اُنظر) المحبّة : باب 433

(See also: LOVE: section 433)

Notes

1. بحار الأنوار : 74 / 279 / 1 .

2. Bihar al-Anwar, v. 74 , p. 279 , no. 1

3. تنبيه الخواطر : 2 / 179 .

4. Tanbih al-Khawatir, v. 2 , p. 179

5. غرر الحكم : 6191 .

6. Ghurar al-Hikam, no. 6191

7. غرر الحكم : 1795 .

8. Ibid. no. 1795

9. غرر الحكم : 4225 .

10. Ibid. no. 4225

25 - الإخاءُ لِلدُّنيا

25 Brotherhood for the Sake of This World

60. ا لإمامُ عليٌّ عليه السلام : مَن لَم تَكُن مَودّتُهُ في اللَّهِ فاحْذَرْهُ؛ فإنّ مودّتَهُ لَئيمةٌ ، وصُحْبتَه مَشُومةٌ.1

60. Imam Ali (AS) said, 'He whose friendship is not for the sake of Allah must be avoided, for his friendship is vile, and his company is doomed.'2

61. ا لإمامُ عليٌّ عليه السلام : مَن آخَى‏ في اللَّهِ غَنِمَ ، مَن آخى‏ في الدُّنيا حُرِمَ3

61. Imam Ali (AS) said, 'He whose brotherhood is for the sake of Allah is bound to gain, while a man who seeks brothers for the sake of this world is bound to lose.'4

62. ا لإمامُ عليٌّ عليه السلام :مَن وادَّكَ لأمرٍ ولّى‏عندَانقِضائِهِ5

62. Imam Ali (AS) said, 'He who draws close to you for a purpose will abandon you when it is fulfilled.'6

Notes

1. غرر الحكم : 8978 .

2. Ibid. no. 8978

3. غرر الحكم : 7776 و 7777 .

4. Ibid. no. 7776-7777

5. غرر الحكم : 8552 .

6. Ibid. no. 8552

26 - إعلامُ الأخِ بِالحُبِ‏

26 Informing One's Brother of One's Love [for Him]

63. ر سولُ اللَّهِ صلى اللَّه عليه وآله : إذا أحبَّ أحدُكُم صاحِبَهُ أو أخاهُ فليُعْلِمْهُ1

63. The Prophet (SAWA) said, 'When one of you likes his companion or brother, he should let him know.'2

64. ب حار الأنوار : مَرّ رجلٌ في المسجدِ وأبو جعفرٍ عليه السلام جالسٌ وأبو عبدِاللَّهِ عليه السلام، فقالَ له بعضُ جُلَسائهِ: واللَّهِ، إنّي لَاُحِبُّ هذا الرّجُلَ. قالَ لَه أبوجعفرٍ عليه السلام: ألَا فأعْلِمْهُ ؛ فإنَّهُ أبقى‏ لِلمَوَدّة ، وخَيْرٌ في الاُلْفةِ3

64. Bihar al-Anwar: A man passed through the mosque, where Abu Ja'far and Abu 'Abdullah [Imam al-Baqir and Imam al-Sadiq] (AS) were seated, when one of the people present said, 'By Allah, I like this man.' Abu Jafar replied, 'Then let him know, for this will maintain the amity and enhance the affection.'4

Notes

1. المحاسن : 1 / 415 / 953 .

2. al-Mahasin, v. 1 , p. 415 , no. 953

3. بحار الأنوار : 74 / 181 / 1 .

4. Bihar al-Anwar, v. 74 , p. 181 , no. 1

27 - مَوَدَّةُ الأخِ دَليلٌ عَلى‏ مَوَدَّتِهِ لِأخيهِ‏

27 One's Amity for Another is a Proof of Reciprocity

65. ا لإمامُ عليٌّ عليه السلام : سَلُوا القُلوبَ عنِ المَوَدّاتِ ؛ فإنّها شَواهِدُ لا تَقْبَلُ الرُّشا1

65. Imam Ali (AS) said, 'Ask your hearts about their amities, for they are witnesses that take no bribes.'2

66. ا لإمامُ الباقرُ عليه السلام : اعرِفِ المَودّةَ لكَ في قلبِ أخيكَ بما لَهُ في قلبِكَ3

66. Imam al-Baqir (AS) said, 'Know the amity that your brother has for you in his heart through what you harbour of the same in your own heart.'4

67. ا لإمامُ الهاديُّ عليه السلام : لا تَطلب الصَّفا ممّن كَدّرتَ علَيهِ ، ولا النُّصْحَ ممّن صَرَفْتَ سُوءَ ظنِّكَ إلَيهِ ، فإنّما قلبُ غيرِكَ لكَ كقلبِكَ لَهُ5

67. Imam al-Hadi (AS) said, 'Do not seek sincere amity from a man you have insincere sentiment for, nor honest advice from someone you direct your distrust towards, for another's feelings [lit. heart] towards you are similar to your feelings towards him.'6

(اُنظر) المحبّة : باب 428

(See also: LOVE: section 428)

Notes

1. غرر الحكم : 5641 .

2. Ghurar al-Hikam, no. 5641

3. كشف الغمّة : 2 / 331 .

4. Kashf al-Ghamma, v. 2 , p. 331

5. بحار الأنوار : 74 / 181 .

6. Bihar al-Anwar, v. 74 , no. 181

28 - قَطِيعَةُ الإخوانِ‏

28 Cutting off Relations with Brothers

68. ا لإمامُ عليٌّ عليه السلام : إنْ أرَدْتَ قَطِيعةَ أخيكَ فاستَبْقِ لَهُ مِن نفسِكَ بَقيّةً يَرجِعُ إليها إن بَدا لَه ذلكَ‏يوماً مّا1

68. Imam Ali (AS) said, 'If you want to cut off relations with your brother make sure to leave a place for him in your heart, so he can return to it one day when he so wishes.'2

69. ا لإمامُ عليٌّ عليه السلام : ما أقبحَ القَطِيعةَ بعدَ الصِّلَةِ ، والجَفاءَ بعدَ الإخاءِ ، والعَداوةَ بعدَ المَودّةِ!3

69. Imam Ali (AS) said, 'How awful it is to cut off relations after having maintained them, to turn away after brotherhood, and to have animosity after amity.'4

70. ا لإمامُ الصادق عليه السلام : مَن وضَعَ حُبَّهُ في غيرِ موضعِهِ فقد تَعرَّضَ للقَطيعةِ5

70. Imam al-Sadiq (AS) said, 'A man who places his amity in the wrong place is bound to suffer abandonment.'6

(اُنظر) عنوان 390 « الهجران»

(See also: DESERTION: section 390)

Notes

1. نهج البلاغة : الكتاب‏ 31 .

2. Nahj al-Balagha, Letter 31

3. بحار الأنوار : 77 / 210 / 1 .

4. Bihar al-Anwar, v. 77 , p. 210 , no. 1

5. المحاسن : 1 / 415 / 950 .

6. al-Mahasin, v. 1 , p. 415 , no. 950

29 - وَصلُ الإخوانِ‏

29 Maintaining Brotherhood

71. ا لإمام عليٌّ عليه السلام : لا يَكُونَنَّ أخوكَ أقوى‏ على‏ قَطيعتِكَ منكَ على‏ صِلَتِهِ ، ولا تَكُونَنّ على‏ الإساءَةِأقوى‏ منكَ علَى الإحسانِ1

71. Imam Ali (AS) said, 'Do not let your brother be stronger in his avoidance of you than you are in your maintaining relations with him, and do not be stronger in your harm to him than in your kindness towards him.'2

72. ا لإمامُ الحسينُ عليه السلام : إنّ أوْصَلَ النّاسِ مَن وَصَلَ مَن قَطَعَهُ3

72. Imam al-Husayn (AS) said, 'The best person is the one who maintains relations with one who cuts him off.'4

Notes

1. نهج البلاغة : الكتاب 31 .

2. Nahj al-Balagha, Letter 31

3. بحار الأنوار : 78 / 121 / 4 .

4. Bihar al-Anwar, v. 78 , p. 121 , no. 4

30 - أقسامُ الإخوانِ‏

30 Types of Brothers

73. ر سولُ اللَّهِ صلى اللَّه عليه وآله : أقلُّ ما يكونُ في آخِرِ الزّمانِ أخٌ يُوثَقُ بهِ أو دِرْهَمٌ من حَلالٍ1

73. The Prophet (SAWA) said, 'The most scarce things at the end of time will be a trustworthy brother and a legitimately earned dirham.'2

74. ا لإمامُ الصّادقُ عليه السلام: الإخوانُ ثلاثةٌ: فواحِدٌ كالغِذاءِ الّذي يُحتاجُ إليهِ كلَّ وقتٍ فَهُو العاقلُ، والثّاني في‏معنَى الدّاءِ وهُو الأحْمَقُ، والثّالثُ في معنَى الدّواءِ فَهُو اللّبِيبُ3

74. Imam al-Sadiq (AS) said, 'Brothers are of three [kinds]: one, like food, is needed all the time and he is the wise [friend]. Another is similar to disease, and this is the fool. And the third is like medicine, and this is the tactful [friend].'4

75. ا لإمامُ الصّادقُ عليه السلام : الإخْوانُ ثلاثةٌ : مُواسٍ بنفسِهِ ، وآخرُ مُواسٍ بمالِهِ ؛ وهُما الصّادقانِ في الإخاءِ ، وآخَرُ يأخذُ منكَ البُلْغَةَ ، ويُريدُكَ لِبَعضِ اللّذَّةِ ، فلا تَعُدَّه مِن أهلِ الثِّقَةِ5

75. Imam al-Sadiq (AS) said, 'Brothers are three [kinds]: one helps with his own self, and another helps with his wealth, and these two are true in their brotherhood. A third is the one who takes from you what he needs and keeps you for some of his pleasure - do not consider him trustworthy.'6

Notes

1. تحف العقول : 54 .

2. Tuhaf al-Uqul, no. 54

3. تحف العقول : 323 .

4. Ibid. no. 323

5. تحف العقول : 324 .

6. Ibid. no. 324

31 - النَّهيُ عَن بَعضِ الإخاءِ

31 Warning against Some Forms of Brotherhood

76. ا لإمام عليٌّ عليه السلام : ليسَ لكَ بأخٍ مَنِ احْتَجْتَ إلى‏مُداراتِهِ1

76. Imam Ali (AS) said, 'The one you need to safeguard yourself against is not your brother.'2

77. ا لإمامُ عليٌّ عليه السلام : لا تُواخِ مَن يَسْتُرُ مَناقِبَك، ويَنْشُرُ مَثالِبَكَ3

77. Imam Ali (AS) said, 'Do not take for brother a man who hides your virtues and exposes your lapses.'4

78. ا لإمامُ الباقرُ عليه السلام : بِئسَ الأخُ أخٌ يَرعاكَ غَنِيّاً وَيقطعُكَ فَقيراً5

78. Imam al-Baqir (AS) said, 'The worst brother is the one who stays with you in your affluence and abandons you in your poverty.'6

79. ا لإمامُ الباقرُ عليه السلام : لا تُقارِنْ ولا تُواخِ أربعةً : الأحْمَقَ ، والبَخيلَ ، والجَبانَ ، والكَذّابَ‏7

79. Imam al-Baqir (AS) said, 'Do not take for brothers or companions: the fool, the miserly, the coward, and the liar.'8

80. ا لإمامُ الصّادقُ عليه السلام : احذَرْ أن تُواخيَ مَن أرادَكَ لِطَمعٍ أو خَوفٍ أو مَيْلٍ أو للأكلِ والشُّرْبِ ، واطلبْ مُواخاةَ الأتقياءِ ولو في ظُلُماتِ‏الأرضِ ،وإنْ أفنيتَ عُمْرَكَ‏في طلبِهِم‏9

80. Imam al-Sadiq (AS) said, 'Be warned against having a brother who wants you for greed, out of fear, or because of food and drink. Instead, seek the brotherhood of the pious even if they are in the darkness of the earth and even if you have to spend your life seeking them.'10

(اُنظر) الصديق : باب 1103 ؛ المحبّة : باب 419

(See also: THE FRIEND: section 1103; LOVE: section 419)

Notes

1. غرر الحكم : 7503 .

2. Ghurar al-Hikam, no. 7503

3. غرر الحكم : 10420 .

4. Ibid. no. 1042

5. الإرشاد : 2 / 166 .

6. al-Irshad, v. 2 , p. 166

7. الخصال : 244 / 100 .

8. al-Khisal, p. 244 , no. 100

9. بحار الأنوار : 74 / 282 / 3 .

10. Bihar al-Anwar, v. 74 , p. 282 , no. 3

32 - المُحافَظَةُ عَلَى الاُخُوَّةِ القَديمَةِ

32 Preserving Old Brotherhood

81. ر سولُ اللَّهِ صلى اللَّه عليه وآله : إنَّ اللَّهَ تعالى‏ يُحِبُّ المُداوَمَةَ على‏ الإخاءِ القديمِ ، فَداوِمُوا علَيهِ1

81. The Prophet (SAWA) said, 'Allah, the Exalted, likes the maintenance of old brotherhood, so maintain it.'2

82. ا لإمامُ عليٌّ عليه السلام : اخْتَرْ مِن كلِّ شي‏ءٍ جَدِيدَهُ ، ومِن الإخْوانِ أقدَمَهُمْ3

82. Imam Ali (AS) said, 'Choose the new of everything, but the oldest one from among brothers.'4

Notes

1. كنز العمّال : 24759 .

2. Kanz al-Ummal, no. 24759

3. غرر الحكم : 2461 .

4. Ghurar al-Hikam, no. 2461

33 - الاُخُوَّةُ الحَقيقيَّةُ

33 Real Brotherhood

83. ا لإمامُ عليٌّ عليه السلام: إنَّ أخاكَ حَقّاً مَن غَفَرَ زلّتَكَ ، وسَدَّ خَلّتَكَ ، وقَبِلَ عُذْرَكَ ، وسَتَرَ عَوْرَتَكَ ، ونَفى‏ وَجلَكَ ، وحَقّقَ أملَكَ1

83. Imam Ali (AS) said, 'Your true brother is the one who forgives your lapse, fulfils your need, accepts your excuse, hides your vices, removes your fear, and lives up to your aspiration.'2

84. ا لإمامُ عليٌّ عليه السلام : أخوكَ الّذي لا يَخْذُلُكَ عِندَ الشِّدَّةِ ، ولا يَغْفُلُ عنكَ عندَ الجَرِيرةِ ، ولا يَخْدَعُكَ حينَ تَسْألُهُ3

84. Imam Ali (AS) said, 'Your brother is the one who does not abandon you in difficulty, does not forget you at the time of trouble, and does not cheat you when you seek his advice.'4

Notes

1. غرر الحكم : 3645 .

2. Ibid. no. 3645

3. بحار الأنوار : 77 / 269 / 1 .

4. Bihar al-Anwar, v. 77 , p. 269 , no. 1

34 - اختيارُ الأخِ‏

34 Choosing a Brother

85. ا لإمامُ عليٌّ عليه السلام : مَن جانَبَ الإخْوانَ على‏ كُلِّ ذَنبٍ قَلَّ أصدِقاؤهُ1

85. Imam Ali (AS) said, 'He who shuns his brothers for every lapse has few friends.'2

86. ا لإمامُ الصّادقُ عليه السلام : مَن لَم يُؤاخِ إلّا مَن لا عَيبَ فيهِ قَلَّ صَديقُهُ3

86. Imam al-Sadiq (AS) said, 'A man who does not befriend [anyone] unless they are flawless will have few friends.'4

Notes

1. غرر الحكم : 8166 .

2. Ghurar al-Hikam, no. 8166

3. أعلام الدين : 304 .

4. Alam al-Din, no. 304

35 - تَحَمُّلُ زِلَّةِ الأخِ‏

35 Tolerating the Lapse of a Brother

87. ا لإمامُ عليٌّ عليه السلام : احتمِلْ زلّةَ وَليِّكَ لوقتِ وَثْبَةِ عَدُوِّكَ1

87. Imam Ali (AS) said, 'Tolerate the lapse of your friend for the time of your enemy's attack.'2

88. ا لإمامُ عليٌّ عليه السلام : الاحتِمالُ زَيْنُ الرِّفاقِ3

88. Imam Ali (AS) said, 'Tolerance is the splendor of companions.'4

89. ا لإمامُ عليٌّ عليه السلام : مَن لم يَحْتَمِلْ زَلَلَ الصَّديقِ ماتَ وحيداً5

89. Imam Ali (AS) said, 'A man who does not endure the lapses of a friend will die in loneliness.'6

(اُنظر) عنوان 206 « السياسة»

(See also: MANAGEMENT 206)

Notes

1. بحار الأنوار : 74 / 166 / 29 .

2. Bihar al-Anwar, v. 74 , p. 166 , no. 29

3. غرر الحكم : 752 .

4. Ghurar al-Hikam, no. 752

5. غرر الحكم : 9079 .

6. Ibid. no. 9079

36 - خَيرُ الإخوانِ‏

36 The Best of Brothers

90. ر سولُ اللَّهِ صلى اللَّه عليه وآله : خيرُ إخْوانِكَ مَن أعانَكَ على‏ طاعةِ اللَّهِ، وصَدَّكَ عن مَعاصِيهِ ، وأمَرَكَ برِضاهُ1

90. The Prophet (SAWA) said, 'The best of your brothers is the one who helps you to obey Allah, prevents you from disobeying Him, and orders you to please Him.'2

91. ا لإمامُ عليٌّ عليه السلام : خيرُ الإخْوانِ أقلُّهُمْ مُصانَعةً في النَّصيحَةِ3

91. Imam Ali (AS) said, 'The best of brothers is the one with the least hesitance in offering [harsh] advice.'4

92. ا لإمامُ عليٌّ عليه السلام : خيرُ إخْوانِكَ مَن واساكَ ، وخيرٌ مِنه مَن كَفاكَ ، وإنِ احتاجَ إليكَ أعْفاكَ5

92. Imam Ali (AS) said, 'The best of your brothers is the one who stands by you, and better than him is he who suffices himself with you, and even when he is in need of you, he spares you.'6

93. ا لإمامُ عليٌّ عليه السلام : خيرُ الإخْوانِ مَن كانتْ في اللَّهِ مَودّتُهُ7

93. Imam Ali (AS) said, 'The best brother is the one whose amity is for the sake of Allah.'8

94. ا لإمامُ عليٌّ عليه السلام : خيرُ إخْوانِكَ مَن سارَعَ إلى الخيرِ وجَذَبَكَ إلَيهِ ، وأمَرَكَ بالبِرِّ وأعانَكَ علَيهِ9

94. Imam Ali (AS) said, 'The best of your brothers is the one who rushes to do good and draws you towards it, and orders you to do good and helps you with it.'10

95. ا لإمامُ عليٌّ عليه السلام : خَيرُ إخْوانِك مَن كثُرَ إغْضابُهُ لكَ في الحقِّ11

95. Imam Ali (AS) said, 'The best of your brothers is the one who is roused to anger for your sake in [standing up for] what is right.'12

96. ا لإمامُ عليٌّ عليه السلام : خيرُ الإخْوانِ مَن لا يُحْوِجُ إخْوانَهُ إلى‏ سِواهُ13

96. Imam Ali (AS) said, 'The best of brothers is the one who does not let his fellow brothers need anyone other than himself.'14

97. ا لإمامُ الصّادقُ عليه السلام : أحبُّ إخْواني إليَّ مَن أهْدَى‏ عُيُوبي إلَيَّ15

97. Imam al-Sadiq (AS) said, 'The most beloved of my brothers to me is he who confers my faults to me.'16

(اُنظر) الصديق : باب 1106

(See also: THE FRIEND: section 1106 )

Notes

1. تنبيه الخواطر : 2 / 123 .

2. Tanbih al-Khawatir, v. 2 , p. 123

3. غرر الحكم : 4978 .

4. Ghurar al-Hikam, no. 4978

5. غرر الحكم : 4988 .

6. Ibid. no. 4988

7. غرر الحكم : 5017 .

8. Ibid. no. 5017

9. غرر الحكم : 5021 .

10. Ibid. no. 5021

11. غرر الحكم : 5009 .

12. Ibid. no. 5009

13. غرر الحكم : 4985 .

14. Ibid. no. 4985

15. بحار الأنوار : 74 / 282 / 4 .

16. Bihar al-Anwar, v. 74 , p. 282 , no. 4

37 - شَرُّ الإخوانِ‏

37 The Worst of Brothers

98. ا لإمامُ عليٌّ عليه السلام : شَرُّ الإخْوانِ مَن تُكُلِّفَ لَهُ1

98. Imam Ali (AS) said, 'The worst of brothers is he for whom one [is made] to go out of one's way.'2

99. ا لإمامُ عليٌّ عليه السلام - لَمّا سُئل : أيُّ صاحبٍ شرٌّ ؟ - : المُزَيِّنُ لكَ مَعصيةَ اللَّهِ3

99. The Commander of the Faithful (AS) was asked, 'Which is the worst companion?' He replied, 'The one who glamorizes acts of disobedience of Allah to you.'4

Notes

1. نهج البلاغة : الحكمة 479 .

2. Nahj al-Balagha, Saying 479

3. معاني الأخبار : 198 / 4 .

4. Maani al-Akhbar, p. 198 , no. 4

38 - اختِبارُ الإخوانِ‏

38 Testing Brothers

100. ر سولُ اللَّهِ صلى اللَّه عليه وآله : إذا رأيتَ مِن أخيكَ ثلاثَ خِصالٍ فارْجُهُ : الحياءُ ، والأمانةُ ، والصِّدقُ. وإذا لم تَرَها فلا تَرْجُهُ1

100. The Prophet (SAWA) said, 'When you see three traits in your brother, place your hope in him: bashfulness, trustworthiness, and truthfulness. If you do not see them, do not place your hope in him.'2

101. ا لإمام عليٌّ عليه السلام : مَنِ اتّخَذَ أخاً بعدَ حُسْنِ الاختِبارِ دامَتْ صُحْبَتُهُ وتأكّدَتْ مَودّتُهُ مَنِ اتّخَذَ أخاًَ مِن غيرِ اختِبارٍ ألْجَأهُ الاضْطِرارُ إلى‏ مُرافَقَةِ الأشرارِ3

101. Imam Ali (AS) said, 'A man who takes a brother after careful selection is bound to have a lasting companionship and a firm amity, whereas a man who takes a brother without careful testing is bound to resort to the friendship of evil people.'4

102. ا لإمامُ الصّادقُ عليه السلام : اختبِرُوا إخْوانَكُم بخَصلَتَينِ؛ فإنْ كانَتا فيهِم وإلّا فاعْزُبْ ثمّ اعزُبْ ثمّ اعزُبْ : محافظةٌ علَى الصّلواتِ في مَواقِيتِها ، والبِرُّ بالإخْوانِ في العُسْر واليُسرِ5

102. Imam al-Sadiq (AS) said, 'Test your brothers with two things, which they must possess; otherwise avoid them, avoid them, avoid them: observing the prayers at their prescribed times and helping brothers during hardship as well as ease.'6

Notes

1. كنز العمّال : 24755 .

2. Kanz al-Ummal, no. 24755

3. غرر الحكم : 8921 ، 8923 .

4. Ghurar al-Hikam, nos. 8921 and 8923

5. الكافي : 2 / 672 / 7 .

6. al-Kafi, v. 2 , p. 672 , no. 7

39 - إرشادُ الإخوانِ‏

39 Advising Brothers

103. ر سولُ اللَّهِ صلى اللَّه عليه وآله : المؤمنُ مِرآةٌ لأخيهِ المؤمنِ ، يَنْصَحُهُ إذا غابَ عنه، ويُمِيطُ عنه ما يَكْرهُ إذا شَهِدَ1

103. The Prophet (SAWA) said, 'A believer is a mirror for his believing brother; he stays faithful to him in his absence and spares him from what he would hate to see.'2

104. ا لإمام عليٌّ عليه السلام : مَن وَعَظَ أخاهُ سِرّاً فَقَد زانَهُ ، ومَن وعَظَهُ عَلانِيَةً فَقَد شانَهُ3

104. Imam Ali (AS) said, 'He who advises his brother in private adorns him, and he who advises him publicly degrades him.'4

105. ا لإمامُ الصّادقُ عليه السلام : مَن رأى‏ أخاهُ عَلى‏ أمرٍ يَكرَهُهُ فَلم يَرُدَّه عَنهُ وَهُو يَقدِرُ علَيهَ فقد خانَهُ5

105. Imam al-Sadiq (AS) said, 'A man who observes bad behavior in his brother without forbidding him from it - whilst he is able to - has indeed betrayed him.'6

(اُنظر) عنوان 391 «الهداية» ، 374 «النصح»

(See also: GUIDANCE 391; ADVISING 374)

Notes

1. بحار الأنوار : 74 / 233 / 29 .

2. Bihar al-Anwar, v. 74 , p. 233 , no. 29

3. بحار الأنوار : 74 / 166 / 29 .

4. Ibid. p. 166 , no. 29

5. بحار الأنوار : 75 / 65 / 2 .

6. Ibid. v. 75 , p. 65 , no. 2