Pearls from Imam Ali bin Mousa Ar-Reza (as)

By: Faiza Kaleem

Doing seven things without doing the seven other things is self-mockery: asking for forgiveness from Allah verbally without repenting with the heart; asking for Allah's help without undertaking any effort; making a firm resolution to do something without taking due precautions; asking Allah for Paradise without enduring the related hardships; beseeching deliverance from the Hell-fire without refraining from lusts; remembering Allah without anticipating to encounter Him.

Resignation, beneficence and certitude are the most precious blessings descended by Heaven.

To be in the company of villains will result in suspecting the good.

He who reveals his poverty before others will disgrace himself.

A Muslim should not frighten his brethren.

A wealthy person ought to be generous to his family.

Never become angry with others and do not ask anything from them. Wish for the people whatever you wish for yourself.

One who torments his neighbor is not one of us.

Tolerance, knowledge and silence are the signs found in a jurisprudent.

Keeping other's secrets, patience in hardships and tolerance towards others are all signs of faith.

A generous man is close to God, close to paradise, and close to everyone.

He who recognizes his merit will not easily perish.

The true Muslim never teases others with his hand or tongue.

The best and most respected virtue of a man is to do good and to fulfill the desires of the needy.

The honest man has not betrayed you, but you consider the betrayer as the honest one.

The highest degree of wisdom is self-cognition.

He who is sure about the divine rewards will be more generous.

Giving alms repels the certain catastrophe.

Giving alms is the most valuable savings.

To help the disabled is much better than to give alms.

To be patient in the face of hardships is a virtue but to refrain from forbidden deeds is a greater one.

Best wealth is that which provides a good name for its owner.

Do not get angry when you are informed of the truth.

Nothing is more worthy than good temper.

Silence is one of the gates to wisdom.

END