Alhassanain(p) Network for Heritage and Islamic Thought

1233 - مَن يَنبَغي أن يُسمّى‏ عَدُوّاً

1233. ONE WHO MUST BE CONSIDERED AN ENEMY

( يا أيُّها الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا إنَّ مِنْ أزْواجِكُمْ وَأوْلادِكُمْ عَدُوَّاً لَكُمْ فَاحْذَرُوهُمْ وَإنْ تَعْفُوا وَتَصْفَحُوا وَتَغْفِرُوا فَإنَّ اللَّهَ غَفُورٌ رَحِيمٌ)1

“O you who have faith! Indeed among your spouses and children you have enemies; so beware of them. And if you excuse, forbear and forgive, then Allah is indeed all-forgiving, all-merciful.” 2

4028. الإمامُ عليٌّ عليه السلام: بَطنُ المَرءِ عَدوُّهُ3

4028. Imam Ali (AS) said, ‘Man’s stomach is his enemy.’4

4029. الإمامُ الجوادُ عليه السلام : قَد عاداكَ مَن سَتَرَ عَنكَ الرُّشدَ اتِّباعاً لِما تَهواهُ5

4029. Imam al-Jawad (AS) said, ‘He who conceals [the path] of proper conduct from you in making you follow that which you desire is indeed your enemy.’6

(اُنظر) الشيطان : باب 1027

(See also: SATAN: section 1027)

Notes

1. التغابن : 14

2. Qur’an 64 :14

3. غرر الحكم : 4424

4. Ghurar al-Hikam, no. 4424

5. أعلام الدين : 309

6. Alam al-Din, no. 309

1234 - أعدى‏ عَدُوِّكَ‏

1234. YOUR ARCHENEMY

4030. رسولُ اللَّهِ صلى اللَّه عليه وآله : أعدى‏ عَدوِّكَ نَفسُكَ الَّتي بَينَ جَنبَيكَ1

4030. The Prophet (SAWA) said, ‘Your archenemy is your lower self that resides between your two sides.’2

4031. الإمامُ عليٌّ عليه السلام : أعدى‏ عَدُوٍّ لِلمَرءِ غَضَبُهُ وشَهوَتُهُ ، فَمَن مَلَكَهُما عَلَت دَرَجَتُهُ وبَلَغَ غايَتَهُ3

4031. Imam Ali (AS) said, ‘The worst enemy of man is his rage and lust, and he who suppresses them will make his status elevate and will reach his goal.’4

Notes

1. تنبيه الخواطر : 1 / 259

2. Tanbih al-Khawatir, v. 1, no. 259

3. غرر الحكم : 3269

4. Ghurar al-Hikam, no. 3269

1235 - التَّحذيرُ مِن ائتِمانِ العَدُوِّ

1235. CAUTION AGAINST FEELING SECURE FROM ONE’S ENEMY

4032. الإمامُ عليٌّ عليه السلام : مَن نامَ عَن عَدُوِّهِ أنبَهَتهُ المَكايِدُ1

4032. Imam Ali (AS) said, ‘Whoever falls into a sleep of neglect of his enemy is jolted awake by his crafty schemes.’2

4033. الإمامُ عليٌّ عليه السلام : مَن نامَ لَم يُنَمْ عَنهُ3

4033. Imam Ali (AS) said, ‘He who overlooks [his enemy] is himself surely not overlooked [by his enemy].’4

4034. الإمامُ عليٌّ عليه السلام: لا تَستَصغِرَنَّ عَدُوّاً وإن ضَعُفَ5

4034. Imam Ali (AS) said, ‘Never underestimate an enemy even if he be weak.’6

Notes

1. غرر الحكم : 8672

2. Ibid. no. 8672

3. نهج البلاغة : الكتاب 62

4. Nahj al-Balagha, Letter 62

5. غرر الحكم : 10216

6. Ghurar al-Hikam, no. 10216

1236 - استِصلاحُ الأعداءِ

1236. RECONCILING WITH ONE’S ENEMIES

4035. الإمامُ عليٌّ عليه السلام: مَنِ استَصلَحَ عَدُوَّهُ زَادَ في عَدَدِهِ1

4035. Imam Ali (AS) said, ‘He who reconciles with his enemy increases the numbers [of his friends] on his own side.’2

4036. الإمامُ عليٌّ عليه السلام: مَنِ استَصلَحَ الأضدادَ بَلَغَ المُرادَ3

4036. Imam Ali (AS) said, ‘He who reconciles with the opposition achieves his aim.’4

Notes

1. غرر الحكم : 8230

2. Ibid. no. 8230

3. غرر الحكم : 8043

4. Ibid. no. 8043

1237 - ما يَنبَغي التَّسَلُّحُ بِهِ عَلَى الأعداءِ

1237. HOW TO ARM ONESELF AGAINST ENEMIES

4037. لقمانُ عليه السلام - في وَصِيَّتِهِ لاِبنِهِ - : يا بُنَيَّ ، لِيَكُن مِمّا تَتَسَلَّحُ بِهِ عَلى‏ عَدُوِّكَ فَتَصرَعُهُ المُماسَحَةُ وإعلانُ الرِّضا عَنهُ ، ولا تُزاوِلْهُ بِالمُجانَبَةِ فيَبدُوَ لَهُ ما في نَفسِكَ فَيتَأهَّبَ لَكَ1

4037. Luqman (AS) said in his advice to his son, ‘O my son, make persuasion that which you arm yourself with against the enemy to knock him down and not to avoid him, and to pretend that you are pleased with him. Do not try to avoid him so that whatever you have inside be manifested to him, leading him to prepare himself for you [to reciprocate].’2

Notes

1. الأمالي للصدوق : 766 / 1031

2. Amali al-Saduq, p. 532, no. 5

1238 - عَداوَةُ النّاسِ لِما جَهِلوا

1238. PEOPLE’S HOSTILITY TOWARDS THAT WHICH THEY ARE IGNORANT OF

4038. الإمامُ عليٌّ عليه السلام: النّاسُ أعداءُ ما جَهِلوا1

4038. Imam Ali (AS) said, ‘People are hostile towards that which they are ignorant of.’2

(اُنظر) الجهل : باب 394

(See also: IGNORANCE: section 394)

Notes

1. نهج البلاغة : الحكمة 172 ، 438

2. Nahj al-Balagha, Sayings 172 and 438

268 - الاعتِذار

268. MAKING EXCUSES

1239 - التَّحذيرُ مِمّا يُعتَذَرُ مِنهُ‏

1239. CAUTION AGAINST DOING SOMETHING That One Would Later Have to EXCUSE ONESELF FOR

4039. رسولُ اللَّهِ صلى اللَّه عليه وآله: إيّاكَ وما تَعتَذِرُ مِنهُ ؛ فإنَّ فيهِ الشِّركَ الخَفِيَّ1

4039. The Prophet (SAWA) said, ‘Keep away from doing that which you must excuse yourself for, for verily that involves hidden polytheism.’2

4040. الإمامُ الحسينُ عليه السلام : إيّاكَ وما تَعتَذِرُ مِنهُ ؛ فإنَّ المُؤمِنَ لا يُسي‏ءُ ولا يَعتَذِرُ ، والمُنافِقَ كُلَّ يَومٍ يُسي‏ءُ ويَعتَذِرُ3

4040. Imam al-Husayn (AS) said, ‘Keep away from doing that which you must excuse yourself for, for verily the believer neither commits a wrong nor makes excuses for himself, whereas the hypocrite commits wrongs and makes excuses for them everyday.’4

4041. مشكاة الأنوار عن بعضِ أصحابِهِ : قالَ أبو عَبدِ اللَّهِ عليه السلام : لا يَنبَغي لِلمُؤمِنِ أن يُذِلَّ نَفسَهُ ، قُلتُ : بِما يُذِلُّ نَفسَهُ ؟ قالَ : يَدخُلُ فيما يَعتَذِرُ مِنهُ5

4041. Mishkat al-Anwar: From one of the companions of Imam al-Sadiq (AS): Imam al-Sadiq said, ‘A believer must never humiliate himself.’ When asked how he would humiliate himself, he replied, ‘By embarking upon something which he later has to make excuses for.’6

Notes

1. بحار الأنوار : 78 / 200 / 28

2. Bihar al-Anwar, v. 78, p. 200, no. 28

3. تحف العقول : 248

4. Tuhaf al-Uqul, no. 248

5. مشكاة الأنوار : 103 / 235

6. Mishkat al-Anwar, no. 50

1240 - الحَثُّ عَلى‏ قَبولِ عُذرِ مَنِ اعتَذَرَ

1240. ENJOINMENT OF ACCEPTING THE EXCUSE OF ONE WHO EXCUSES HIMSELF

4042. رسولُ اللَّهِ صلى اللَّه عليه وآله : مَن لَم يَقبَلِ المَعذِرَةَ مِن مُحِقٍّ أو مُبطِلٍ ، لَم يَرِدْ عَلَيَّ الحَوضَ1

4042. The Prophet (SAWA) said, ‘He who does not accept an apology from someone, be it from an honest or a liar, will not be with me at the Heavenly Pool [in Paradise].’2

4043. الإمامُ عليٌّ عليه السلام : اِقبَلْ عُذرَ أخيكَ ، وإن لَم يَكُن لَهُ عُذرٌ فَالتَمِسْ لَهُ عُذراً3

4043. Imam Ali (AS) said, ‘Accept your fellow brother’s excuse, and if he has no excuse then find an excuse for him.’4

4044. الإمامُ عليٌّ عليه السلام : أعقَلُ النّاسِ أعذَرُهُم لِلنّاسِ5

4044. Imam Ali (AS) said, ‘The most understanding person is he who accepts people’s excuses most readily.’6

4045. الإمام زين العابدين عليه السلام : إن شَتَمَكَ رَجُلٌ عَن يَمينِكَ ثُمّ تَحَوَّلَ إلى‏ يَسارِكَ واعتَذَرَ إلَيكَ فَاقبَلْ عُذرَهُ7

4045. Imam Zayn al-Abidin (AS) said, ‘If someone insults you on your right hand side, then moves over to your left and apologises to you, accept his apology.’8

Notes

1. كنز العمّال : 7032

2. Kanz al-Ummal, no. 7032

3. بحار الأنوار : 74 / 165 / 29

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

5. غرر الحكم : 2988

6. Ghurar al-Hikam, no. 2988

7. بحار الأنوار : 78 / 141 / 34

8. Bihar al-Anwar, v. 78, p. 141, no. 34

269 - العِرض‏

269. GOOD REPUTE

1241 - الحَثُّ عَلى‏ صِيانَةِ العِرضِ‏

1241. ENJOINMENT OF KEEPING UP ONE’S REPUTATION

4046. الإمامُ عليٌّ عليه السلام : أبخَلُ النّاسِ بِعَرضِهِ ، أسخاهُم بِعِرضِهِ1

4046. Imam Ali (AS) said, ‘The most miserly of people with his wares is the most liberal of them with his own reputation [in that he gives it up readily].’2

4047. الإمامُ عليٌّ عليه السلام: أفضَلُ الغِنى‏ ما صِينَ بِهِ العِرضُ3

4047. Imam Ali (AS) said, ‘The best form of wealth is that which is used to safeguard one’s reputation.’4

4048. الإمامُ عليٌّ عليه السلام: مَن ضَنَّ بِعِرضِهِ فلْيَدَعِ المِراءَ5

4048. Imam Ali (AS) said, ‘He who cares for his reputation must desist from disputation.’6

4049. الإمامُ الصّادقُ عليه السلام : إذا رَقَّ العِرضُ اسْتُصعِبَ جَمعُهُ7

4049. Imam al-Sadiq (AS) said, ‘When reputation wanes, it becomes very difficult to restore.’8

Notes

1. غرر الحكم : 3190

2. Ghurar al-Hikam, no. 3190

3. غرر الحكم : 3038

4. Ibid. no. 3038

5. نهج البلاغة : الحكمة 362

6. Nahj al-Balagha, Saying 362

7. أعلام الدين : 303

8. Alam al-Din, p. 303

1242 - ثَوابُ الكَفِّ عَن أعراضِ المُسلِمينَ‏

1242. THE REWARD FOR REFRAINING FROM TARNISHING FELLOW MUSLIMS’ REPUTATIONS

4050. الإمامُ زينَ العابدينُ عليه السلام : مَن كَفَّ عَن أعراضِ المُسلِمينَ أقالَهُ اللَّهُ عَزَّوجلَّ عَثرَتَهُ يَومَ القِيامَةِ1

4050. Imam Zayn al-Abidin (AS) said, ‘He who refrains from tarnishing fellow Muslims’ reputations, Allah, Mighty and Exalted, regards his offence as undone on the Day of Resurrection.’2

Notes

1. صحيفة الإمام الرِّضا عليه السلام : 85 / 195

2. Sahifat al-Imam al-Rida (AS), p. 85, no. 195

1243 - ثَوابُ الدِّفاعِ عَن عِرضِ المُسلِمِ‏

1243. THE REWARD FOR DEFENDING THE REPUTATION OF A FELLOW MUSLIM

4051. رسولُ اللَّهِ صلى اللَّه عليه وآله : مَن رَدَّ عَن عِرضِ أخيهِ كانَ لَهُ حِجاباً مِنَ النّارِ1

4051. The Prophet (SAWA) said, ‘He who guards the reputation of his fellow brother is veiled from the Fire.’2

4052. رسولُ اللَّهِ صلى اللَّه عليه وآله : مَن رَدَّ عَن عِرضِ أخيهِ المُسلِمِ وَجَبَت لَهُ الجَنَّةُ البَتَّةَ3

4052. The Prophet (SAWA) said, ‘He who guards the reputation of his fellow Muslim brother definitely becomes deserving of obligatory entrance into Paradise.’4

(اُنظر) الغيبة : باب 1459

(See also: BACKBITING: section 1459)

Notes

1. الأمالي للمفيد : 338 / 2

2. Amali al-Mufid, p. 338, no. 1

3. وسائل الشيعة : 8 / 606 / 3

4. Wasa’il al-Shia, v. 8, p. 606, no. 3

270 - المَعرِفَة

270. INNER KNOWLEDGE

1

1244 - قيمَةُ المَعرِفَةِ

1244. The Importance of Inner Knowledge

4053. رسولُ اللَّهِ صلى اللَّه عليه وآله : أفضَلُكُم إيماناً أفضَلُكُم مَعرِفَةً2

4053. The Prophet (SAWA) said, ‘The ones from among you with the best faith are the ones with the best inner knowledge.’3

4054. الإمامُ عليٌّ عليه السلام : العِلمُ أوَّلُ دَليلٍ، والمَعرِفَةُ آخِرُ نِهايَةٍ4

4054. Imam Ali (AS) said, ‘Knowledge is the first guide whereas inner knowledge [of Allah] is the ultimate goal.’5

4055. الإمامُ عليٌّ عليه السلام : المَعرِفَةُ نورُ القَلبِ6

4055. Imam Ali (AS) said, ‘Inner knowledge is the light of the heart.’7

4056. الإمامُ الحسينُ عليه السلام : دِراسَةُ العِلمِ لِقاحُ المَعرِفةِ8

4056. Imam al-Husayn (AS) said, ‘The acquisition of knowledge is the seed for [the growth of] inner knowledge.’9

4057. الإمامُ الصّادقُ عليه السلام : لا يَقبَلُ اللَّهُ عَمَلاً إلّا بِمَعرِفَةٍ ، ولا مَعرِفَةً إلّا بِعَمَلٍ ، فمَن عَرَفَ دَلَّتهُ المَعرِفَةُ عَلَى العَمَلِ ، ومَن لَم يَعمَلْ فلا مَعرِفَةَ لَهُ10

4057. Imam al-Sadiq (AS) said, ‘Allah does not accept any act without inner knowledge and inner knowledge only comes through prior action. So, whoever gains knowledge intrinsically, his knowledge will lead him to action, and whoever does not act does not have any inner knowledge.’11

Notes

1. The Arabic ‘marifa’ denotes inner knowledge discerned and understood by the heart, often referring to intrinsic knowledge of higher truths, of the soul, and of Allah, which fuels one to perform good deeds and leads one closer to Allah. This is in contrast to the Arabic ilm which denotes acquired and learned knowledge in any field, which may or may not lead to action or proximity to Allah (ed.)

2. جامع الأخبار : 36 / 18

3. Jami al-Akhbar, p. 36, no. 18

4. غرر الحكم : 2061

5. Ghurar al-Hikam, no. 2061

6. غرر الحكم : 538

7. Ibid. no. 538

8. بحار الأنوار : 78 / 128 / 11

9. Bihar al-Anwar, v. 78, p. 128, no. 11

10. الكافي : 1 / 44 / 2

11. al-Kafi, v. 1, p. 44, no. 2

1245 - مَوانِعُ المَعرِفَةِ

1245. IMPEDIMENTS TO INNER KNOWLEDGE

( أفَرَأيْتَ مَنِ اتَّخَذَ إلهَهُ هَواهُ وَأضَلَّهُ اللَّهُ عَلَى عِلْمٍ وَخَتَمَ عَلَى‏ سَمْعِهِ وَقَلْبِهِ وَجَعَلَ عَلَى‏ بَصَرِهِ غِشاوَةً فَمَنْ يَهْدِيهِ مِنْ بَعْدِ اللَّهِ أفَلاَ تَذَكَّرُونَ)1

“Have you seen him who has taken his desire to be his god and whom Allah has led astray knowingly, and set a seal upon his hearing and his heart, and drawn a blind on his sight? So who will guide him after Allah? Will you not then take admonition?” 2

4058. رسولُ اللَّهِ صلى اللَّه عليه وآله : نورُ الحِكمَةِ الجُوعُ ، والتَّباعُدُ مِنَ اللَّهِ الشِّبَعُ ، والقُربَةُ إلَى اللَّهِ حُبُّ المَساكينِ والدُّنُوُّ مِنهُم ، لا تَشبَعوا فَيُطفَأَ نورُ المَعرِفةِ مِن قُلوبِكُم3

4058. The Prophet (SAWA) said, ‘The light of inner knowledge is brought about by hunger whereas distance from Allah is caused by satiety. Proximity to Allah is brought about by loving the poor and drawing near to them, so do not eat to your fill lest the light of inner knowledge be extinguished from your hearts.’4

Notes

1. الجاثية : 23

2. Qur’an 45 :23

3. بحار الأنوار : 70 / 71 / 20

4. Bihar al-Anwar, v. 70, p. 71, no. 20

1246 - مَعرِفَةُ النَّفسِ‏

1246. THE INNER KNOWLEDGE OF THE SELF

4059. الإمامُ عليٌّ عليه السلام : مَعرِفَةُ النَّفسِ أنفَعُ المَعارِفِ1

4059. Imam Ali (AS) said, ‘The inner knowledge of the self is the most beneficial of all such knowledge.’2

4060. الإمامُ عليٌّ عليه السلام : نالَ الفَوزَ الأكبَرَ مَن ظَفِرَ بِمَعرِفَةِ النَّفسِ3

4060. Imam Ali (AS) said, ‘The one who attains knowledge of his own self has obtained the greatest victory indeed.’4

4061. الإمامُ عليٌّ عليه السلام : كَيفَ يَعرِفُ غَيرَهُ مَن يَجهَلُ نَفسَهُ ؟ !5

4061. Imam Ali (AS) said, ‘How can one who is ignorant of his own self expect to know others?!’6

4062. الإمامُ عليٌّ عليه السلام : مَن عَرَفَ نَفسَهُ جاهَدَها ، مَن جَهِلَ نَفسَهُ أهمَلَها7

4062. Imam Ali (AS) said, ‘He who gains inner knowledge of his self combats it, and he who remains ignorant of his self, neglects it.’8

4063. الإمامُ عليٌّ عليه السلام : مَن عَرَفَ اللَّهَ تَوَحَّدَ ، مَن عَرَفَ نَفسَهُ تَجَرَّدَ ، مَن عَرَفَ الدّنيا تَزَهَّدَ ، مَن عَرَفَ النّاسَ تَفَرَّدَ9

4063. Imam Ali (AS) said, ‘He who attains inner knowledge of Allah believes in His Unity; he who attains inner knowledge of his self strips himself [of all that hinders its progress]; he who attains inner knowledge about this world abstains from it; and he who attains inner knowledge about people prefers solitude.’10

4064. الإمامُ عليٌّ عليه السلام : أكثَرُ النّاسِ مَعرِفَةً لِنَفسِهِ أخوَفُهُم لِرَبِّهِ11

4064. Imam Ali (AS) said, ‘The person who knows his self the best is he who fears his Lord the most.’12

4065. الإمامُ عليٌّ عليه السلام : مَن عَرَفَ نَفسَهُ عَرَفَ رَبَّهُ13

4065. Imam Ali (AS) said, ‘He who attains inner knowledge of his self attains inner knowledge of his Lord.’14

4066. الإمامُ عليٌّ عليه السلام : يَنبَغي لِمَن عَلِمَ شَرَفَ نَفسِهِ أن يُنَزِّهَها عَن دَناءَةِ الدّنيا15

4066. Imam Ali (AS) said, ‘It befits one who knows the dignity of his own self to deem it too great for the vileness of this world.’16

4067. الإمامُ عليٌّ عليه السلام : يَنبَغي لِمَن عَرَفَ نَفسَهُ أن يَلزَمَ القَناعَةَ والعِفَّةَ17

4067. Imam Ali (AS) said, ‘It befits one who knows the dignity of his own self to adhere to temperance and self-restraint.’18

4068. الإمامُ عليٌّ عليه السلام : يَنبَغي لِمَن عَرَفَ نَفسَهُ أن لا يُفارِقَهُ الحُزنُ والحَذَرُ19

4068. Imam Ali (AS) said, ‘It befits one who knows the dignity of his own self to never allow a sorrowful and self-cautious state to leave him.’20

4069. الإمامُ زينَ العابدينُ عليه السلام - في الدُّعاءِ - : واجعَلنا مِنَ الّذين عَرَفوا أنفُسَهُم ، وأيقَنوا بِمُستَقَرِّهِم ، فكانَت أعمارُهُم في طاعَتِكَ تَفنى‏21

4069. Imam Zayn al-Abidin (AS) said in one of his supplications, ‘Make us from among those who have attained inner knowledge of their selves and are convinced of their true abode, such that they spend their whole lives in Your obedience.’22

4070. الإمامُ الباقرُ عليه السلام - في وَصِيَّتِهِ لِجابِرٍ الجُعفيِّ - : لا مَعرِفةَ كَمَعرِفَتِكَ بِنَفسِكَ23

4070. Imam al-Baqir (AS) said in his advice to Jabir al-Jufi, ‘There is no inner knowledge like your inner knowledge of your own self.’24

Notes

1. غرر الحكم : 9865

2. Ghurar al-Hikam, no. 9865

3. غرر الحكم : 9965

4. Ibid. no. 9965

5. غرر الحكم : 6998

6. Ibid. no. 6998

7. غرر الحكم : 7855 - 7856

8. Ibid. nos. 7855-7 856

9. غرر الحكم : 7829 - 7832

10. Ibid. nos. 7829-7 832

11. غرر الحكم : 3126

12. Ibid. no. 3126

13. غرر الحكم : 7946

14. Ibid. no. 7946

15. غرر الحكم : 10930

16. Ibid.no. 1093

17. غرر الحكم : 10927

18. Ibid. no. 10927

19. غرر الحكم : 10937

20. Ibid. no. 10937

21. بحار الأنوار : 94 / 128 / 19

22. Bihar al-Anwar, v. 94, p. 128, no. 19

23. تحف العقول : 286

24. Tuhaf al-Uqul, no. 286

271 - المعرفة (2) «مَعرِفةُ اللَّهِ سبحانه »

271. INNER KNOWLEDGE OF ALLAH

1247 - فَضلُ مَعرِفَةِ اللَّهِ‏

1247. THE VIRTUE OF ATTAINING INNER KNOWLEDGE OF ALLAH

4071. الإمامُ عليٌّ عليه السلام : مَن عَرَفَ اللَّهَ كَمُلَت مَعرِفتُهُ1

4071. Imam Ali (AS) said, ‘He who attains inner knowledge of Allah has achieved perfection in his knowledge indeed.’2

4072. الإمامُ عليٌّ عليه السلام : مَعرِفةُ اللَّهِ سُبحانَهُ أعلى‏ المَعارِفِ3

4072. Imam Ali (AS) said, ‘The inner knowledge of Allah, Glory be to Him, is the highest of knowable truths.’4

4073. الإمامُ عليٌّ عليه السلام : ما يَسُرُّني لَو مِتُّ طِفلاً واُدخِلتُ الجَنَّةَ ولم أكبُرْ فأعرِفَ رَبّي عَزَّوجلَّ5

4073. Imam Ali (AS) said, ‘I would not be pleased to die as a child and be made to enter Paradise without being able to grow up and get to know my Lord, Mighty and Exalted.’6

4074. الإمامُ عليٌّ عليه السلام : ثَمَرَةُ العِلمِ مَعرِفَةُ اللَّهِ7

4074. Imam Ali (AS) said, ‘The fruit of knowledge is attaining inner knowledge of Allah.’8

4075. الإمامُ عليٌّ عليه السلام : مَن سَكَنَ قَلبَهُ العِلمُ بِاللَّهِ سَكَنَهُ الغِنى‏ عَن خَلقِ اللَّهِ9

4075. Imam Ali (AS) said, ‘He whose heart finds peace in knowing Allah, finds peace in being needless of Allah’s creatures.’10

4076. الإمامُ الصّادقُ عليه السلام : لَو يَعلَمُ النّاسُ ما في فَضلِ مَعرِفةِ اللَّهِ عَزَّوجلَّ ما مَدُّوا أعيُنَهُم إلى‏ ما مَتَّعَ اللَّهُ بِهِ الأعداءَ مِن زَهرَةِ الحَياةِ الدّنيا ونَعيمِها ، وكانَت دُنياهُم أقَلَّ عِندَهُم مِمّا يَطَؤونَهُ بِأرجُلِهِم ، ولَنَعِموا بِمَعرِفةِ اللَّهِ جَلَّ وعزَّ ، وتَلَذَّذوا بِها تَلَذُّذَ مَن لَم يَزَلْ في رَوضاتِ الجِنانِ مَعَ أولِياءِ اللَّهِ إنَّ مَعرِفةَ اللَّهِ عَزَّوجلَّ اُنسٌ مِن كُلِّ وَحشَةٍ ، وصاحِبٌ مِن كُلِّ وَحدَةٍ ، ونُورٌ مِن كُلِّ ظُلمَةٍ ، وقُوَّةٌ مِن كُلِّ ضَعفٍ ، وشِفاءٌ مِن كُلِّ سُقمٍ11

4076. Imam al-Sadiq (AS) said, ‘If people knew the virtue of knowing Allah, Mighty and Exalted, they would never extend their gaze to the splendour and bounties of the life of this world that Allah has granted to the enemies. They would then regard such people’s worldly goods to be more insignificant that the dust under their feet, and they would take great pleasure at attaining knowledge of Allah, Mighty and Exalted, and would savour it as if they were tasting the experience of being in the gardens of Paradise with the friends of Allah. Verily the inner knowledge of Allah is an intimate companion in every type of desolation, a friend in every type of loneliness, a light in every darkness, a source of strength from all weakness, and a cure for all ailments.’12

Notes

1. غرر الحكم : 7999

2. Ghurar al-Hikam, no. 7999

3. غرر الحكم : 9864

4. Ibid. no. 9864

5. كنز العمّال : 36472

6. Kanz al-Ummal, no. 36472

7. غرر الحكم : 4586

8. Ghurar al-Hikam, no. 4586

9. غرر الحكم : 8896

10. Ibid. no. 8896

11. الكافي : 8 / 247 / 347

12. al-Kafi, v. 8, p. 247, no. 347

1248 - آثارُ مَعرِفَةِ اللَّهِ‏

1248. THE FRUITS OF INNER KNOWLEDGE OF ALLAH

4077. رسولُ اللَّهِ صلى اللَّه عليه وآله : مَن عَرَفَ اللَّهَ وعَظَّمَهُ مَنَعَ فاهُ مِنَ الكَلامِ وبَطنَهُ مِنَ الطَّعامِ ، وعَنّى‏ نَفسَهُ بِالصِّيامِ والقِيامِ1

4077. The Prophet (SAWA) said, ‘He who attains inner knowledge of Allah and aggrandizes Him forbids his mouth from speaking [vain] and his stomach from eating, and debilitates himself through fasting and praying.’2

4078. رسولُ اللَّهِ صلى اللَّه عليه وآله : لَو عَرَفتُمُ اللَّهَ حَقَّ مَعرِفتِهِ لَمَشَيتُم عَلَى البُحورِ ، ولَزالَت بِدُعائكُمُ الجِبالُ3

4078. The Prophet (SAWA) said, ‘If you truly knew Allah as He is worthy of being known, you would be able to walk on the seas and the mountains would fall by your command.’4

4079. رسولُ اللَّهِ صلى اللَّه عليه وآله : مَن كانَ بِاللَّهِ أعرَفَ كانَ مِنَ اللَّهِ أخوَفَ5

4079. The Prophet (SAWA) said, ‘He who is most knowledgeable of Allah is most fearful of Allah.’6

4080. الإمامُ عليٌّ عليه السلام : يَسيرُ المَعرِفَةِ يُوجِبُ الزُّهدَ في الدّنيا7

4080. Imam Ali (AS) said, ‘The least knowledge of Allah leads one to abstain from the vanities of this world.’8

4081. الإمامُ عليٌّ عليه السلام : إِنَّهُ لا يَنبَغي لِمَن عَرَفَ عَظَمَةَ اللَّهِ أن يَتَعَظَّمَ ؛ فإنَّ رِفعَةَ الّذينَ يَعلَمونَ ما عَظَمَتُهُ أن يَتَواضَعوا لَهُ9

4081. Imam Ali (AS) said, ‘Verily it does not befit one who has attained inner knowledge of the grandeur of Allah to behave proudly, for verily the elevation of those who acknowledge His grandeur comes from their abasing themselves in front of Him.’10

4082. الإمامُ عليٌّ عليه السلام : غايَةُ المَعرِفَةِ الخَشيَةُ11

4082. Imam Ali (AS) said, ‘The peak of inner knowledge of Allah is fear [of Him].’12

4083. الإمامُ عليٌّ عليه السلام : أعلَمُ النّاسِ بِاللَّهِ أكثَرُهُم لَهُ مَسألَةً13

4083. Imam Ali (AS) said, ‘The person who best knows Allah asks of Him the most.’14

4084. الإمامُ الباقرُ عليه السلام : أحَقُّ خَلقِ اللَّهِ أن يُسَلِّمَ لِما قَضَى اللَّهُ عَزَّوجلَّ : مَن عَرَفَ اللَّهَ عَزَّوجلَّ15

4084. Imam al-Baqir (AS) said, ‘The creature of Allah most eligible for submission to the decree of Allah, Mighty and Exalted, is he who knows Allah, Mighty and Exalted.’16

4085. الإمامُ الصّادقُ عليه السلام : مَن عَرَفَ اللَّهَ خافَ اللَّهَ ، ومَن خافَ اللَّهَ سَخَت نَفسُهُ عَنِ الدّنيا17

4085. Imam al-Sadiq (AS) said, ‘He who attains inner knowledge of Allah fears Allah, and he who fears Allah restrains himself from this world.’18

4086. الإمامُ الصّادقُ عليه السلام : إنَّ أعلَمَ النّاسِ بِاللَّهِ أرضاهُم بِقَضاءِ اللَّهِ عَزَّوجلَّ19

4086. Imam al-Sadiq (AS) said, ‘Verily the person who best knows Allah is the most content with the decree of Allah, Mighty and Exalted.’20

(اُنظر) اليقين : باب 1916 ؛ العلم : باب 1356

(See also: CONVICTION: section 1916; KNOWLEDGE: section 1356)

Notes

1. الأمالي للصدوق : 647 / 878

2. Amali al-Saduq, p. 444, no. 6

3. كنز العمّال : 5893

4. Kanz al-Ummal, no. 5893

5. بحار الأنوار : 70 / 393 / 64

6. Bihar al-Anwar, v. 70, p. 393, no. 64

7. غرر الحكم : 10984

8. Ghurar al-Hikam, no. 10984

9. نهج البلاغة : الخطبة 147

10. Nahj al-Balagha, Sermon 147

11. غرر الحكم : 6359

12. Ghurar al-Hikam, no. 6359

13. غرر الحكم : 3260

14. Ibid. no. 3260

15. الكافي : 2 / 62 / 9

16. al-Kafi, v. 2, p. 62, no. 9

17. تنبيه الخواطر : 2 / 185

18. Tanbih al-Khawatir, v. 2, p. 185

19. تنبيه الخواطر : 2 / 184

20. Ibid. p. 184

1249 - صِفَةُ العارِفِ‏

1249. THE DESCRIPTION OF THE ONE WHO KNOWS ALLAH [OR THE GNOSTIC]

4087. الإمامُ عليٌّ عليه السلام : العارِفُ وَجهُهُ مُستَبشِرٌ مُتَبَسِّمٌ ، وقَلبُهُ وَجِلٌ مَحزونٌ1

4087. Imam Ali (AS) said, ‘The gnostic’s face is cheerful and smily, whereas his heart is apprehensive and sorrowful.’2

4088. الإمامُ عليٌّ عليه السلام : الشَّوقُ خُلصانُ العارِفينَ3

4088. Imam Ali (AS) said, ‘Longing [for Allah] is the sincerest friend of the gnostics.’4

4089. الإمامُ عليٌّ عليه السلام : الخَوفُ جِلبابُ العارِفينَ5

4089. Imam Ali (AS) said, ‘Fear is the cloak of the gnostics.’6

4090. الإمامُ عليٌّ عليه السلام : البُكاءُ مِن خِيفَةِ اللَّهِ لِلبُعدِ عَنِ اللَّهِ عِبادَةُ العارِفينَ7

4090. Imam Ali (AS) said, ‘Crying much due to fear of Allah for any possible distance between oneself and Allah is the regular worshippful state of the gnostics.’8

4091. الإمامُ الصّادقُ عليه السلام : ثِقْ بِاللَّهِ تَكُن عارِفاً9

4091. Imam al-Sadiq (AS) said, ‘Trust in Allah and you will attain inner knowledge [of Him].’10

Notes

1. غرر الحكم : 1985

2. Ghurar al-Hikam, no. 1985

3. غرر الحكم : 855

4. Ibid. no. 855

5. غرر الحكم : 664

6. Ibid. no. 664

7. غرر الحكم : 1791

8. Ibid. no. 1791

9. تحف العقول : 376

10. Tuhaf al-Uqul, no. 376