which were carefully selected by Ayatullah 'Allamah Mujahid Al-Hajj Sayyid Kamal Faqih Imani, to be translated into English and offered to the believing Muslims.

On the other hand, regarding the Prophet's famous tradition known as 'Thaqalayn' (two weighty causes), and putting it into action, next to the publication of the above-mentioned commentary of the Qur'an, and to provide traces in the English language from both the Holy Qur'an and Ahlul Bayt (‘a) together before our eyes, it was thought that the translation of at least a small collection of traditions from Holy Ahlul Bayt (‘a) would be supplied, so that these 'Two Weighty Causes' may work parallel and not to be separated from each other. Therefore, this favourable task was adventured in order that a short distance might be paved towards the path of the obedience of the godly advice of the Messenger of Allah (S) in the above mentioned magnificent tradition.

So, for the present time, the very humble endeavour was prepared and entitled: 'A BundIe of flowers from the Garden of Traditions of the Holy Prophet and Ahlul Bayt (‘a)' to indicate, firstly, the origin of the materials and, secondly, that the collection is merely a small portion of their vast ocean of varying knowledge which is linked to the illimitable knowledge of Allah, because the Holy Ahlul Bayt (‘a) are the same ones whom Allah has called "ar-rasikhuna fil 'ilm" (those deeply established in knowledge), where He (s.w.t.) says:

"... But no one knows its hidden meaning except Allah, and

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those who are firmly grounded in knowledge..." (Sura Al-I-Imran, No.3, verse 7).

However, it is certain that if this group of expressive traditions and the like of them be practically observed by receptive people, the resulting merits of those divinely-linked statements will be abundantly beneficial in every step of their lives: socially, economically, morally, ethically, and so on, Allah-Willing. So, we ask Allah (s.w.t.) to shower His ceaseless infinite mercy upon all those who study this book and try to act according to its involving reasonable ideas.

It is necessary to say, here, that some of the Arabic words involved in the traditions , such as: I na-mahram , have rarely any equivalents in English to convey their exact meaning.

Hereby, we sincerely appreciate not only the estimable people who helped us with the completion of this book, but also the valuable helpful instructive views we will receive from you, dear reader, which can surely be encouraging and animating for us. Therefore, we thank you in anticipation and ask you to communicate with us by the publisher's address:

The Scientific, Religious Research Center,

Amir-ul-Mu'mineen ‘Ali (as.) Public Library, Isfahan, Iran.

We praise Allah and hope that may He forgive all our faults and shortcomings, and, accept this small endeavour from us with giving rewards to all those who have had a share, of any kind, in it, both in this world and the next world.

Was-Salam

Sayyid Abbas Sadr-'Ameli

Translator

August 1997

verse 43, Sura Anbiya, No. 21, verse 7

This holy verse enjoins the believers to refer to the people of dhikr i.e., the men of wisdom and the scholars of Ummah in order to recognize the right from wrong, when they (the believers) encounter with difficulties, because Allah after teaching them knowledge, chose them for that matter. Hence, they are those deeply rooted in knowledge who know how to render the Qur'an.

This verse was revealed in order to introduce Ahlul Bayt (‘a), viz, Muhammad (S), ‘Ali, Fatimah, Hasan and Husayn, who are called the five holy lights known as 'Al-i-'Aba' to whom, there have been added nine other blessed ones from the descendants of Imam Husayn. The Messenger of Allah, in different suitable occasions, introduced them as the guiding Imams, the torches in darknesses, and those deeply rooted in knowledge, upon whom surely Allah (s.w.t.), has bestowed 'the Knowledge of the Book'.

These facts, narrated in repeatedly stated traditions, have been precisely approved by the followers of Prophet Muhammad (S) from the time of revelation up to now, and some of the scholars and commentators from Sunni school have also confessed in their books that those verses of the Qur'an were revealed about and on the virtue of Ahlul Bayt (‘a). A few of the examples of their books are as follows:

• Imam Tha'labi in his great commentary book upon the meaning of verse 42 from Sura An-Nahl, No. 16.

• Tafsir Ibn Kathir, vol.2, p. 591.

• Tals Tabari, vol.14, p.75.

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• Tafsir-i-Alusi, known as: 'Ruhul-Bayan', vol.14, p.134.

• Tafsir-i-Qartabi, vol.11, p.272.

• Tafsir-i-Hakim, or Shawahid-ut-Tanzil, vol.1, p. 334.

• Tafsir-i-Shabistary, or: Ihqaaq-ul-Haqq, vol.3, p.482.

• Yanani-ul-Mawaddah, by Qanduzi Hanafi, p. 119.

Basing on the very reality, we must approach the Immaculate Household, Ahlul Bayt, and practice their guiding words to instruct our lives well. In this regard, Imam al-Hadi (‘a) says:

"Your words of wisdom give light, your administration is guidance (for people), and your recommendation is piety and equity."

Man Ia Yahduruh-ul-Faqih, Tahthib and 'Uyun-i-Akhbar-ur-Ridha’

opposes the boarding of it, surely gets drowned."

This tradition has been narrated by eight companions of the Prophet (S) and eight persons from the disciples of the companions, and by sixty well-known scholars, and mor ethan 90 authors from the brothers os Sunni school, mentioned in Mishkat-ul-Masabih, p.523, from Ahmad-ibn-Hanbal; Fara'id-us-Simtayn, vol.2, p. 242; As-Sawaiq-ul-Muharraqah, p.234; Uyun-ul-Akhbar, Vol.1, p.211; and others from the references of both schools, which if you wish to refer to, are, mentioned in Nafahat-ul-Azhar, vol.4, p.127.

The Messenger of Allah said: "It is probable that I be called soon and I will respond. Then, I leave behind me among you two weighty (very worthy and important) things:

The Book of Allah (i.e. the Qur'an), which is a stretched string from the heaven to the earth, and my progeny, my Ahlul-Bait; for verily Allah, The Merciful, the Aware, informed me that never, never, will these two get separated from each other until they meet me at the Houd of Kauthar (the Pond of Abundance). Therefore, be careful how you will treat due to those two in my absence."

And, in another tradition it is added: "Never, never, shall you get astray if you attach yourselves to these TWO."

This tradition is narrated by more than twenty persons from the companions of the Prophet (S) and it is also narrated by over 185 narrators mentioned in Sahih Muslim, vol. 2, p. 238 and Musnad Ahmad ibn Hanbal, vol.5, p. 181-182; Sahih-i-Tarmathi, vol.2, p.220, and others from the references of both schools which,

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if you like to see, are mentioned on pp. 199 to 210, vol. 1, in Nafahat-ul-Azhar fi Khulasat-i-Abaqat-ul-Anwar.

Thus, what honour is more excellent than that the Qur'an, the Messenger of Allah (S), and Ahlul Bayt (‘a) be our example, teacher, and leader.

That is why we, with a great mass of sincerity and devotion, say:

We are honoured that we are the followers of a religion whose founder on Allah's direction was Allah's prophet and Amir-ul-Mu'mineen '‘Ali Ibn Abi Talib, the servant of Allah who was himself liberated from all chains and was designated, in turn, as the liberator of Mankind from all chains of slavery (to other than Allah).

We are honoured that Nahjul Balagha, which after the Qur'an is the greatest prescription for spiritual and material life, is the highest book for the liberation of mankind, and its spiritual and political prescriptions are the most valuable for liberation is authored by our Ma'sum Imam (‘Ali ibn Abi Talib (‘a)).

We are honoured that Ma'sum Imam from '‘Ali Ibn Abi Talib to the liberator of Mankind (‘a) who with the power of Allah is alive and supervises all affairs, are our Imams.

We are honoured that the supplications, which are called the ascending Qur'an, are from our Ma'sum Imams. We are honoured that the intimate prayers of Sha'baniyyah, the supplications of 'Arafah of Husayn Ibn '‘Ali, Sahifah Sajjaddiyah (the psalms of 'Al-i-Muhammad, and Sahifah Fatimah (which is an Allah-inspired Book to Zahra-'i-Mardiyyah).

We are honoured that Baqir-ul-'Ulum, who is the highest personality of

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history and no one, other than Allah Ta'ala, the Exalted, and the Prophet (S) and the Ma'sum Imams, has been or will ever be able to understand his station, is from us.

And, we are honoured that our Madhhab is Ja'fari and that our Figh (Islamic Jurisprudence) which is an infinite sea (of knowledge), is one of his (Imam as-Sadiq's (‘a)) contributions. And we are proud of all Ma'sum Imams (‘a), and we are committed to following them.

We are honoured that our Ma'sum Imams (‘a) lived in prisons and in exile because they tried to raise the status of the Deen (religion) of Islam and implement (the teaching) of the Holy Qur'an, one of whose dimensions is the formation of the Just Government, and finally became martyrs in attempts to irradicate oppressive governments and Taghut of their own time.

Now, O' dear brother and sister!

You are eye-witnesses, in this little globe, smaller than a village in the universe, that today, the period of the burst of information, the bewildered human race of our Age is burning in the thirst of the blazing desert of injustice and inequality, while man is ceaselessly sinking deeper and deeper into the swamp of impiety and inequity.

Those who boast of man's freedom and happiness are anxiously watching the descent of the moral values, the very circumstance that they themselves have created. They can afford nothing but looking at the destruction of human and humanity. But, is it really the end of the line?

The answer is surprisingly positive,

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unless man returns to his godly-human-nature, applying the miserable experiments of his past life as a torch for his future way and utilizing Islam as the best remedy.

In the present Age, Islam the glorious, as the best guiding prescription, better than ever in history, has stretched its kind hand to rescue him who is drowned in and overwhelmed with vices and, by the Grace of Allah has stood to cure him from the sickness of corruption.

Islam is available to quench the thirst of that wandering man in the hot desert of impiety by means of the wholesome water of its theology enlightened with the glow of the knowledge and excellences of Ahlul Bayt, which is the reflection of bright galaxy of revelation that has ever had no err or mistake at all. It showers its light over all material and spiritual aspects of man's life totally. Thus, it has vividly opened a highway unto this deluded man that haply he goes toward reality.

But, o' dear friend,

The first and the most essential way of recognizing a school of idea is studying its main texts with proper understanding of the words of its sages and leaders. It is by this means that the doctrine of that school about the world and its problems upon different practical phenomena can be realized and estimated.

It has been on this foundation and under this stimulus that we have taken action in publishing a continuous commentary of the Qur'an in English under the name of 'An Enlightening

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Commentary into the Light of the Holy Qur'an', which was faced with such a warm reception of the seekers of truth in many countries of the world that during less than three years its first two volumes were reprinted five times.

Now, at the threshold of the sixth print of those sacred commentary books, the present book as 'A bundle of Flowers' enriched from the statements of the leaders of the instructive school of Islam, that is the very Ahlul Bayt, is offered to all of those who seek for the Noblest and latest Divine school. We expect that with utilizing the perfume of these everlasting fresh flowers best, contemplate the following expression from the eighth Imam (‘a):

Imam Ridha’ (‘a) said: "May the Mercy of Allah be upon the servant who keeps alive our commandment". I asked him (‘a) how the one could keep your commandment alive. He (‘a) said: "He (can) learn our sciences and teach them to people. In fact, if people knew (the merits) and goodness of our speech, surely they would follow us."

Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol.2, p.40; Ma'aniy-ul-Akhbar, by Saduq, p.180; and Wasa'il ush-Shi'ah, vol.27, p.92

and also, as a devoted soldier, to be helpful for Islam and Muslims throughout the world.

At the end, we send our sincere and pure regards with kind greetings to those holy, excellent, purified and immaculate souls, while we say:

Peace be on you that your hearts aquaint with awareness of Allah, the place where there are blessings of Allah and the source of the wisdom of Allah. The secrets of Allah have been put in your safekeeping. You know the knowledge of the Book of Allah by heart. You are the successors of the Prophet of Allah (S) and the children of the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him and his progeny and the mercy and blessings of Allah as well.

Man La YahduruhuI Faqih, Tahthib and 'Uyun-i-Akhbar-ur-Ridha’

And Peace to all who follow guidance.

Sayyid Kamal Faqih Imani

Esfahan-Iran

me among Your party, for truly, it is Your party that will achieve Felicity; and accept me as one of Your lovers, for, certainly, on the lovers of Allah there is no fear, nor shall they grieve."

"O' Lord! improve my religion for me, for surely it is a divine protection on all my affairs; and improve my next world for me, because, no doubt, it is my permanent abode for me to escape from the scornful people, and assign my life for me in increasing any goodness, and my death a means of my freeing from any malady."

"O' Lord! bless Muhammad, the final prophet of all the members of Messengers, and his pure progeny, as well as his gentle companions, and bestow me three necessities today: do not hold any sin for me except that You forgive it nor a grieve but You remove it, nor any enemy but You send him away via the appellation of Allah which is the best names, i.e. By the Name of Allah, the Lord of the earth and heaven..."

Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 90, p. 187 and Sahifah Sajjadiyyah, p. 572

of Authority, so that you enter the Paradise of your Lord."

Khisal as-Saduq, p. 152

Imam Amir-ul-Mu'mineen ‘Ali (‘a) said: "Having the Greatness of the Creator in your mind would make you realize the insignificance of the creatures in your view."

Nahjul-Balagha, Statement 129

Imam Amir-ul-Mu'mineen ‘Ali (‘a) said: " Blessed is he who sincerely devotes the entirety of his actions, knowledge, love, hatred, receiving, relinquishing, speech, silence, deeds, and statements absolutely to Allah."

Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 77, p. 289

Imam as-Sadiq (‘a) said: "The heart is the sanctuary of Allah, therefore, do not settle therein anything but Allah (The sacred place of the heart belongs to and Him alone. Therefore, keep the love of the world out of it.)

Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 70, p. 25

Imam as-Sadiq (‘a) said: "Our true followers are those who, when they are alone, remember Allah abundantly." (That is, they avoid committing vices in private where there is no barrier for them to commit sin by the mere remembrance of Allah.)

Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 93, p. 162

Imam al-Baqir (‘a) said: "By Allah, He, the Exalted, expects of people but two traits: that they confess for Him the blessings in order that He increases His bounties for them; and that they make confessions about their evil actions and then He forgives those sins for them."

Al-Kafi, vol. 2, p. 426

Imam Husayn ibn ‘Ali (‘a) said: "Verily, Allah, the Exalted, has not created human beings except for recognizing Him and worshipping Him as (the consequence of) knowing Him; and when they worship Him they would lack the need of

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adoring any human being (or things) other than Him because of that worship."

Safinat-ul-Bihar, vol. 2, p. 180

The fourth Imam, ‘Ali ibn Husayn (‘a) said: "There is no destruction (Hell) for a believer having three qualities:

Confessing that there is no god besides Allah, the One Who has no partner; the intercession of the Messenger of Allah and the vastness of the Grace of Allah.

Safinat-ul-Bihar, p. 517

vol. 83, p. 14

The Holy Prophet (S) said: "Say each of your prayer as if it were your last prayer."

Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 69, p. 408

Imam Amir ul Mu'mineen ‘Ali (‘a) said: "If a praying person knew to what extent he was surrounded by His Mercy, he would never raise his head from (the state of) prostration.

Tasnif al-Ghurar-ul-Hikam, p. 175

Imam al-Baqir (‘a) said: "On the Reckoning Day, the first thing that a servant will be reckoned for is the prayer; therefore, if it is accepted, the rest (good actions) will be accepted, too, (otherwise, his other good deeds will not avail him)."

Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 7, p. 267

At the last moments of his life, Imam as-Sadiq (‘a) called his relations and companions and told them: "Verily, our intercession never reaches the one who takes prayers lightly."

Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 82, p. 236

Imam al-Baqir, the fifth Imam, (‘a) said: "There are ten things that when a person meets Allah the Almighty and Glorious, with them, he will enter Heaven:

1. Confessing that there is no god besides Allah

2. And that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah

3. Acknowledging what has come down to the Prophet (S) from Allah (the Qur'an).

4. Establishing regular prayers.

5. Giving alms.

6. Fasting in Ramadan.

7. Performing the Pilgrimage (Hajj) to the Sacred House.

8. Kindness to the lovers of Allah

9. Detachment from the enemies of Allah

10. And, avoiding any alcoholic beverage."

Khisal by Saduq, p.432

Imam Amir ul Mu'mineen ‘Ali (‘a) said: "For the God-fearing, prayer is a means of

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seeking nearness to Allah and for the weak, the Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca) is as good as Jihad (fighting in the way of Allah). For every thing there is a levy, and the levy of the body is fasting. The Jihad of a woman is to afford pleasant company to her husband."

Nahjul Balagha, saying 136

The Holy Prophet (S) said: There comes no night but that the angel of death calls to the dead in the graves and inquires what they regret for today when they have vividly seen (and known) this (the next life). Then the dead will say: "Verily, we regret and envy the believers who are in their mosques and they are praying while we are not; they give alms and we do not; they fast during Ramadan but we do not; they donate in charity what they have more than the need of their family members while we do not; ..."

Irshad-ul-Qulub, p.53

The Holy Prophet (S) said: "At the (appointed) time of every prayer (salat), I hear a caller who calls and says: "O children of Adam! Keep up prayers in order to extinguish the fire you have lit against yourselves (by committing sins)."

Mustadrak-ul-Wasa'il, vol. 3, p. 102

The Holy Prophet (S) said: "Be careful of the prayers, for, on the Day of Resurrection, when Allah the Exalted, will bring the servant (for reckoning), the first thing that He will ask him about will be the prayer. If one brings it completely, he will be of the people of

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salvation, otherwise, he will be thrown into Fire."

Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 82, p. 202

Abubasir said that he visited Umm Hamidah (Musa-ibn Ja'far's (‘a) mother) in order to console her for the death of Ja'far-ibn-Muhammad (‘a). Then she wept and he wept because of her weeping. After that, she said: "O' Aba Muhammad! If you had seen Ja'far-ibn-Muhammad when he was on his death-bed, you would have observed a wonderful thing: he opened his eyes and said to gather all of his relatives." Then, she continued saying that they gathered them all with no exception. Then he (‘a) looked at them and said: "Verily, our intercession does not reach the one who takes prayers lightly".

Wasa'il-ush-Shi'ah vol. 4, p. 26

The Holy Prophet (S) said: "The worship done by the one who earns his living on unlawful money is similar to a building constructed upon sand."

Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 84, p. 258

(‘a) said: "Never miss midnight prayers, because, in fact, the real loser is he who misses (the advantage of) the midnight prayer."

Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 83, p. 127

Imam as-Sadiq (‘a) said: "The Messenger of Allah (S) told Gabriel to preach to him, and he said: 'Live howsoever you like but you will surely die; love whatsoever you like but you will surely depart from it; do whatsoever you like but you will certainly meet it (and receive its reward). The honour of a (Muslim) believer is his midnight prayers, and his nobility is his refraining from (ruining) people's reputation"

Khisal by Saduq, p. 7

Imam as-Sadiq (‘a) said: "There are three things which are the honour of a believer and his ornament both in this world and the next. They are: prayers in the last part of night (night prayers), not coveting what people possess in their hands, and the love (and leadership) of an Imam from the progeny of Muhammad (S)."

Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 75, p. 107

Imam Muhammad-ibn-’Ali, Jawad-ul-'A'immah, (‘a) said: "He who has confidence in Allah, sees joy; and he who trusts on Him, He will suffice his affairs."

Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 78, p. 79

'Verily, he who seeks the pleasure of Allah even while displeasing people, He suffices him in his affairs with people. But, he who seeks the pleasure of people while Allah is displeased, he leaves him to people (and he will be far from His Grace), Wassalam'."

Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 71, p. 208

Imam ‘Ali ibn Husayn (‘a) said: "He who acts according to what Allah has enjoined for him, is of the best people."

Al-Kafi, vol. 2, p. 81

Imam as-Sadiq (‘a) said: "The one who loves for Allah, hates for Allah, and donates (things) for Allah, thus he is one of those whose Faith is complete."

Al-Kafi, vol. 2, p. 124

Imam Hasan al-’Askari, the eleventh Imam, (‘a) said: "There are no qualities above these two: Faith in Allah and being beneficial to Muslims."

Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 17, p.218

for Allah similar to the way that you would mind your manners in front of a righteous person among your kinsmen."

Mustadrak Al-Wasa'il-ush Shi'ah, vol. 8, p. 466, No.10027

Imam Amir-ul-Mu'mineen ‘Ali (‘a) said: "Lowering one's eyes will serve well as a barrier against one's passions."

Ghurar-ul-Hikam, p. 321

Imam Amir ul Mu'mineen ‘Ali (‘a) said to Imam al-Hasan and Imam al-Husayn (peace be upon them) when 'Abd-ur-Rahman ibn Muljam (the curse of Allah be upon him) had struck him (fatally with a sword):

"I advise you (both) to fear Allah and that you should not hanker after the (pleasures of this) world even though it may run after you. Do not be sorry for anything of this world that you have been denied. Speak the truth and act (in expectation) for reward. Be an enemy of the oppressor and helper of the oppressed."

Nahj-ul-Balagha, letter 47

Imam Amir ul Mu'mineen ‘Ali (‘a) said: "I advise you to fear Allah, 'O my child, to abide by His commands, to fill your heart with remembrance of Him and to cling to hope in Him. No connection is more reliable than the connection between you and Allah provided you take hold of it."

Nahj-ul-Balagha, letter 31

Abi-Osamah said that he had heard that Imam as-Sadiq (‘a) said: "Be aware of (the punishment of) Allah, piety, godly endeavor, saying the truth, honesty in deposition, good character, and good neighbourliness. Invite (others) to yourselves (by performing good actions), not with mere utterance. Live to be ornaments, and not to be a disgrace to

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us. (I advise you) to prolong the length of bowing and prostration. So, verily, when one of you prolongs bowing and prostration, Satan cries from behind one and says: Woe! He obeyed and I disobeyed; he did prostration and I refused."

Al-Kafi, vol. 2, p. 77

Imam ‘Ali ibn Husayn (‘a) said: "Behold! Verily, on the friends of Allah there will be no fear nor shall they grieve if they keep up the obligatories of Allah, follow the traditions of the Messenger Allah (S), avoid the things forbidden by Allah, be pious in worldly wealth and rank and eager for what there is with Allah, strive to earn His sustenance of what is pure, and decide not to boast or compile wealth but donate and give the obligatory alms they have been enjoined to. Hence, these are those (friends of Allah!) whose earnings are divinely blessed and will be rewarded for what they have sent forth unto their next world."

Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 69, p. 277

The Holy Prophet (S) said: "Surely, human beings from the time of Adam up to now are the same as the teeth of a comb are, and there is no superiority for the Arab over non-Arab or for the red race over the black race except for piety."

Mustadrak-ul-Wasa'il

Imam as-Sadiq (‘a) said: "Surely, a little action (of worshipping) with piety is better than many deeds with no virtue."

Al-Kafi, vol. 2, p. 76

unless it is coupled with 'Salawat', benediction upon the Prophet and his progeny." (The expression of 'Salawat' means: O God bless Muhammad and his descendants).

Usul al-Kafi, vol. 2, p. 493

Imam as-Sadiq (‘a) said: "The Muslim believer whose calls were not answered by Allah in this world will wish that none of them would have been accepted when, in the Hereafter, he sees the abundance of rewards (given him for their not being answered and suffering the troubles in the world)."

Usul al-Kafi, vol. 2, p. 491

Imam Amir ul Mu'mineen ‘Ali (‘a) said: "The most beloved deed on the earth with Allah, Almighty and Glorious is invocation, and the best worship is modesty and piety."

Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 93, p. 295

Imam Amir ul Mu'mineen ‘Ali (‘a), when teaching (some of) his followers, said: "The doors of heaven are opened at five times: When it is raining; at the time of Holy War; at the time of Call to prayer; at the time of recitation of the Qur'an with the setting of the sun, and at the break of dawn."

Al-Khisal, by Saduq, p. 302

Again, Imam Amir-ul-Mu'mineen ‘Ali (‘a) said: "Avail yourselves of the invocation in five situations: At the time of recitation of the Qur'an, at the time of prayer call, when it is raining, when attending the Holy War ready for martyrdom, when an oppressed person supplicates, because, certainly, there is no barrier for it beneath the Throne."

Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 93, p. 343

Imam Husayn (‘a) said: "O Lord! You are the nearest one Whom can

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be requested from; You are the soonest responder, and You are the most gracious in bestowing; Whose gift is the vastest and You hearken the best to what you are asked for. I call to You, O' the Beneficent in this world and the next, and the Merciful in both of them!"

'Arafah Invocation

Imam Amir ul Mu'mineen ‘Ali (‘a) said: "He who is bestowed four things is not deprived of four things: he who is allowed to pray is not deprived of the response to it; he who is allowed to offer repentance is not deprived of its acceptance; he who is allowed to seek forgiveness is not deprived of forgiveness; and he who is allowed to be grateful is not deprived of furtherance of favours."

Nahjul Balagha, Saying 135

Note:

The compiler of Nahjul Balagha, as-Sayyid ar-Radi says: This is confirmed by the Book of Allah. About praying, Allah says:

" Call You to Me, I will answer you' (the Qur'an, 4:60).

About forgiveness Allah says:

'And whoever does evil, or wrongs his own self and thereafter seeks the pardon of Allah shall find Allah Oft-Forgiving, Merciful' (the Qur'an, 4:110).

About gratefulness He says:

'If you be grateful, I will increase (My favours) to you' (the Qur'an, 14:7).

About repentance He says:

'Verily, repentance (acceptable) with Allah is only for those who do evil ignorantly and then turn (to Allah) soon (after); these (are those whom) Allah will turn (mercifully) to; and Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise (the Qur'an, 4:17).

Imam as-Sadiq (‘a) said: "On

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the Reckoning Day, Allah will count the invocations of believers as some good actions for them and thereby He will promote their position in Heaven."

Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 78, p. 216

Imam as-Sadiq (‘a) said: "Treat your ailments with charity and repel varieties of affliction by invocation."

At-Tahthib, vol. 4, p.112

Imam as-Sadiq (‘a) said: "Ask (Allah) for your requisite and insist on demanding because Allah likes the persistence of the insisting believers of His servants."

Wasa'il-ush-Shi'ah,voI. 7, p. 60

Imam as-Sadiq (‘a) said: "I recommend you to invocation, because you can not get nigh to Allah by any means like it."

Al-Kafi, vol. 2, p. 467

Imam Amir ul Mu'mineen ‘Ali (‘a) said: "It may happen that you ask (Allah) for something and He does not give it to you in order to endow you with (something) of better quality (later)."

Ghurar-ul-Hikam, p.185

same as your obedience?' Then, the Prophet (p.h.u.h.) said: 'O' Jabir! They are, after me, my successors and the guides of Muslims; the first of them is ‘Ali ibn Abi Talib; then (Imam) Hasan, and (Imam) Husayn; then ‘Ali ibn Husayn; then Mohammad ibn ‘Ali; known in the Turah as Baqir, whom you will see, O' Jabir! When you visit him, give my regards to him. After him, there is Sadiq, Ja'far ibn Muhammad; and after him Musa ibn Ja'far; then ‘Ali ibn Musa; then Muhammad ibn ‘Ali; then ‘Ali ibn Muhammad, then Hasan ibn ‘Ali; and after him (there comes) Al-Qaim, whose name and epithet is the same as mine. He is Allah's Authority on the Earth and His Remainder amongst His servants. He is the son of (Imam) Hasan-ibn-’Ali (al-al-’Askari). This is the very personality by whose hands Allah will open the Easts and Wests of the worlds and this is the very personality who will be absent from his followers and those who love him, in which his mastership cannot be proved by a statement of anyone except for the one whose heart Allah tests for Faith."

Jabir said: "I asked him: 'O' Messenger of Allah will his followers avail of him during his occultation?' He answered: 'Yes. By the One Who appointed me to prophethood, they will seek brightness from his light and will avail by devotion in his absence the same as the availing of people from the (glow of) sun when clouds cover it...'

(Ikmal-ud-Din, vol.

p: 25

1, p. 253, with nearly similar meaning in Yanabir-ul-Mawaddah, p. 117)

Malik-ibn-Anas said about the virtue of Imam as-Sadiq (‘a): "No eye has ever seen, no ear has ever heard, and no heart (soul) has ever been striken that there can (contemporaneously) be anybody higher than (Imam) Ja'far Sadiq (‘a) from the point of virtue, knowledge, worship, and piety."

Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 47, p. 28

Imam Husayn (‘a) said: "By my soul, there is no Imam but he issues judgement upon the Book, establishes justice, believes in the religion of Truth, and restrains his self alongside the way of Allah.

Al-Irshad, vol. 204

said: "Verily, there are various degrees of serving Allah, but affection (and cordial inclination) for us, Ahlul Bayt, is the highest one."

Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 27, p. 91

which need six qualities:

1. If you want Allah to love you, be afraid of Him and guard yourself against sin.

2. If you want people to love you, be benevolent to them and decline what they have in their hands.

3. If you want Allah to increase your wealth, then give its alms tax.

4. If you want Allah to make your body healthy, pay charity more frequently.

5. If you want Allah to prolong your lifetime, then have regard for your kinship.

6. And, if you want Allah to raise you with me, then do prolong your prostrations before Allah, the One, the Dominator.'"

Safinat-ul-Bihar, vol. 1, p. 599

Imam Ridha’, the eighth Imam, (‘a) said: A Muslim believer is not a true believer unless there are three virtues in him: the manner of his lord, the manner of his Prophet, and the manner of his Imam. Then, the manner of his Lord is: concealing his secrets; hence Allah, to Whom belong Might and Majesty, said: 'The Knower of the Unseen! So He does not reveal His secrets to any, except to him whom He chooses as an apostle,...'(1)

Then, the manner of his Prophet is compliance with people, when surely, Allah, Almighty and Glorious, commissioned His prophet to favour people and He has said: 'Practice forgiveness and enjoin good and turn away from the ignorant.’(2)

Then the manner of his Imam is (to be firm and) being patient on good days and bad days, when, verily, Allah to whom belong Might and

p: 28

Majesty, says: 'And (they) are patient in distress and affliction'."(1)

'Uyun-ul-Akhbar-ur-Ridha’, vol.1, p.256

Imam Muhammad ibn ‘Ali, the nineth Imam (‘a) said: "A Muslim believer should obtain these three virtues: success granted by Allah, be an admonisher of his self, and find approval from the one who advises him."

Muntah-al-'Amal, p.229

‘Ali ibn Husayn (‘a) the fourth Imam, was once asked how he, the son of the Messenger of Allah began each morning, and he (‘a) replied: "I begin each morning while I am demanded of eight virtues:

Allah, the Exalted, demands of me the obligatory; the Prophet (S) demands of me his tradition (Sunnah); family dependents demand of me food (material); the self looks for desires; Satan demands me (to commit) sin; the two protective angels demand of me virtuousness, the angel of death demands of me the spirit and, the grave demands of me my body.

Therefore, I am, surrounded by these traits, demanded."

Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 76, p. 15

Imam as-Sadiq (‘a) said: "Verily everything is intimidated by a believer because the religion of Allah causes him to be powerful, and he is not intimidated by anything, which (epithet) is the characteristic of any believer."

Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 67, p. 305

honesty; praising Allah abundantly; fasting and prayers; filial devotion; attending to the poor, needy, debtors, and orphans who live near him; saying the truth; reciting the Qur'an; withholding the tongue from people except for benediction; and being trustworthy for relatives in any affairs..."

Al-Kafi, vol. 2, p. 74

Sulayman-ibn-Mahran said that he visited Imam as-Sadiq (‘a) while some of the followers (Shi'ah) were attending him (‘a) and he heard that the Imam (‘a), addressing them, said: "(Behave) to be as ornaments for us and not to be against us as shame. Tell people of goodness, and protect your tongues and hold it from excessive talk and offensive speech."

Al-Amali, by Saduq, p. 142

Imam as-Sadiq (‘a) said: "Verily, we love those who are wise, perceptive (intelligent), learned, forbearing, patient, reliable, and faithful. Surely, Allah, Almighty and Glorious, favoured Prophets (‘a) with high morality. Then, he who possesses them may praise Allah for them, but he who does not have them may weep unto Allah, the Almighty and Glorious, and ask Him for them." Jabir humbly asked what they were, and the Imam (‘a) replied:

"They are: piety, contentment, patient endurance, gratefulness, forbearance, modesty, graciousness, courage, enthusiasm, benevolence, truthfulness, and honesty in deposits."

Al-Kafi, vol. 2, p. 56

Imam al-Baqir (‘a) said: "... He who obeys Allah is a lover of us, and the one who disobeys Him then he is an enemy for us (Ahlul Bayt)..."

Al-Kafi, vol. 2, p. 75

Whom you have sinned against."

Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 77, p. 79 and Mustadrak Al-Wasa'il, vol. 11, p. 330

Imam Amir ul Mu'mineen ‘Ali (‘a) said: "If one of you desires to know his standing with Allah he may evaluate his situation in relation to his sins against Allah, such is his worthiness to Allah, the Blessed and Exalted."

Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 70, p. 18

Imam as-Sadiq (‘a) addressed a group of people and inquired why they annoyed the Messenger of Allah. Someone asked Imam (‘a) how they did so, and he (‘a) said: "Do you not know that your deeds are reported to him (S)? When he (S) observes a sin against Allah among them, he becomes displeased. Therefore do not hurt the Messenger of Allah but do please him."

Usul al-Kafi, vol. 1, p. 219

Imam Amir ul Mu'mineen ‘Ali (‘a) said: "Lacking forgiveness is the worst of deficiencies and hastening in vengeance is (among) the greatest (of all) sins."

Ghurar-ul-Hikam, p. 235

Asbaq-ibn-Nubatah has narrated from the first Imam, Amir ul Mu'mineen ‘Ali (‘a), who said the Prophet (S) said: "When Allah Almighty and Glorious sends His wrath on a nation and does not punish (them) by it, then; their prices will go up (expensive), their lifetimes will shorten, their merchants will not gain profits, their fruits will not be abundant, their streams will not become brimful, their rain will be withheld from them, and their vicious ones will dominate over them."

Khisal by Saduq, vol. 2, p.360

Note:

The summary of this tradition is that if the destructive penalty does

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not destroy such a nation, they will be inflicted with seven afflictions because of their committing sins.

Imam al-Baqir (‘a), the fifth Imam, said that he found in the book of Amir ul Mu'mineen ‘Ali (‘a) that he has said that the Holy Prophet (S) said: "When adultery appears (abundantly in a society) the (number of) sudden deaths increases; and when there is fraud, Allah takes them in expensiveness and loss. When people stop giving alms tax, the earth holds back its blessings from plants (crops), fruits, mines, and all such things. When they act unjustly according to (divine) ordinances, they have helped injustice and aggression. When they breach (their) promises, the Lord will set their enemies as absolute masters over them. When they break off connections with their kindred, possession of properties will be put in the hands of the wicked. And, when they do not perform enjoining right and forbidding wrong and, also, do not follow the chosen ones of my Ahlul Bayt, Allah will set their vicious ones over them and, in this condition, their good doers utter invocations but they are not responded to."

Safinat-ul-Bihar, vol. 2, p. 630

Imam Amir ul Mu'mineen ‘Ali (‘a) said: "The tears do not dry up save for the hearts being hard, and hearts do not harden but because of the abundance of sins."

Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 70, p. 55

Allah, the Exalted, told Prophet David (‘a): "O' David! Give good news to the sinners of My absolute Mercy, which envelops everything (in the world of

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existence), so as not to grow hopeless of My Mercy; and warn the good doers of the authority of My wrath in order not to be proud of their obedience, for pride causes arrogance which itself is the greatest of all sins."

Al-Ithna 'Ashariyyah, p. 59

to learn knowledge because learning it is a good action and study is itself a worship."

Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 78, p. 189

Imam Amir ul Mu'mineen ‘Ali (‘a) said: "The one who seeks for knowledge is like a warrior in the cause of religion for the way of Allah."

Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 1, p. 179

Imam as-Sadiq (‘a) said: " Be careful of your knowledge and see from whom you get it."

Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 2, p. 92

Imam as-Sadiq (‘a) said: "Try to obtain knowledge and ornament it with patience and dignity; and be humble for the one who learns knowledge from you."

Al-Kafi, vol.1, p. 36

Imam as-Sadiq (as.) said: "The one who learns knowledge and acts accordingly, and teaches it for Allah, will be called magnificently in heavens."

Al-Kafi, vol.1, p.35

The Holy Prophet (S) said: "The good of this world and the world to come is with knowledge."

Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol.1, p. 204

"Acquiring knowledge is not possible while the body (person) is tranquil."

Ghurar-ul-Hikam, p. 348

Imam as-Sadiq (‘a) said: "Safeguard your writings and books because soon the occasion will arise that you will be in need of them."

Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 2, p.152

Imam Amir ul Mu'mineen ‘Ali (‘a) said: "Surely, the completion of religion is due to the obtaining of knowledge and acting on it (accordingly), and beware that the obtaining of knowledge is more obligatory for you than earning wealth."

Usul-ul-Kafi, vol.1, p. 23

Imam Hasan (‘a) said: "Teach your knowledge to others and (try to) learn yourself the knowledge of others."

Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 78, p. 111

The Holy Prophet (S) said: "The virtue of knowledge is more beloved with Allah than the virtue of worship."

Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 1, p. 167

and books because soon the occasion will arise that you will be in need of them."

Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 2, p.152

Imam Amir ul Mu'mineen ‘Ali (‘a) said: "Surely, the completion of religion is due to the obtaining of knowledge and acting on it (accordingly), and beware that the obtaining of knowledge is more obligatory for you than earning wealth."

Usul al-Kafi, vol.1, p. 23

Imam Hasan (‘a) said: "Teach your knowledge to others and (try to) learn yourself the knowledge of others."

Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 78, p. 111

The Holy Prophet (S) said: "The virtue of knowledge is more beloved with Allah than the virtue of worship."

Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 1, p. 167

the servant who keeps alive our commandment." Then the person attending the Imam asked him (‘a) how their commandment could be kept alive and he (‘a) replied: "He (can) learn our sciences and teach them to people. In fact, if people knew (the merits and) the goodness of our statements, surely they would follow us."

Ma'ani-ul-Akhbar, p.180 and 'Uyun-il-Akhbar-ir-Ridha’, vol.1, p. 207

al-’Askari, the eleventh Imam, (‘a) said:

"The scholars of our followers (Shi'ah) are the guards of the bounds of Islam. Then, anyone of our followers who undertakes this (duty) is superior to the one who fights in the battle against the Romans, (because this one defends the theological bounds of our followers)."

Al-Ihtijaj, vol. 2, p. 155

Imam Ridha’, the eighth Imam, (‘a) said: "Beware that surely a (true religious) jurist is he who pours forth his benediction unto people, saves them from their enemies, multiplies the blessings of Heaven for them, and earns the Pleasure of Allah the Exalted, for them (through guidance)."

Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 2, p. 5

Imam Amir ul Mu'mineen ‘Ali (‘a) said: " ...The reward of a religious scholar is greater than the reward of a person who is fasting on days and establishes prayers during the night and fights in the Holy War for the sake of Allah. And, when a religious scholar dies, there will appear a gap in Islam which cannot be compensated except by a replacement of that (kind)."

Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 2, p. 43

Imam Amir ul Mu'mineen ‘Ali (‘a) told Kumayl: O' Kumayl! Those who compile wealth are dead even though they may be living, while the sages (who are endowed with knowledge) will remain as long as the world remains. Their bodies perish but their depictions will exist in the hearts."

Nahjul-Balagha, saying No.147

Imam Husayn (‘a) said: "...Verily, the paths to Muslims' affairs and the religious ordinances are in the hands of the godly scholars who are the

p: 38

trusties of Allah in His lawful and unlawful things. ..."

Tuhaful-'Uqul, p.172

weeping for the sin that none is aware of except Allah.

(Various traditions emphasize that one must not let others know of his sins. One must make confessions about his sins only to Allah and, then, repent.)

Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 77, p. 63

The Holy Prophet (S) said: "During the third part of every night and on the night before Friday from the beginning (until the break of dawn) Allah sends an angel unto the sky of the earth in order to call: 'Is there any needy who asks that I may bestow upon him his need? Is there any repentant one that I may return to him? Is there any seeker of forgiveness that I may forgive him?'"

Note:

Islamic traditions teach that sleeping on the night before Friday is called 'the regret sleep'; for, on the Reckoning Day, people will regret very much that they had been asleep on the nights before Fridays.

Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 3, p. 314

Imam as-Sadiq, the sixth Imam, (‘a) said: "Shut the doors of sins through seeking refuge to God, and open the doors of obedience by (reciting) 'Bismillah'."(1)

Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 92, p. 216

one for him yourself."

Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 74, p. 165

Imam Amir ul Mu'mineen (‘a) said: "The worst form of betrayal is the disclosure of confidential information."

Mustadrak Al-Wasa'il-ush Shi'ah, vol. 12, p. 305, No.14155

Imam Amir ul Mu'mineen ‘Ali (‘a) said: "Your admonition (to the wrong-doer) in the presence of people is to humiliate him." (You must talk to him in private).

Ghurar-ul-Hikam, p. 322

Imam as-Sadiq (‘a) said: "From the most beloved deeds with Allah, Almighty and Glorious, is bringing happiness to a Muslim believer such as: satiating his hunger, removing his grief, or paying his debt."

Al-Kafi, vol. 2, p. 192

p.323

The Holy Prophet (S) said: "If it were not hard upon my Ummah, I would enjoin them to brush (their teeth) with every prayer."

Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 76, p. 126

whose rights were infringed upon. If that person forgives him, then the transgression becomes as one that the person has commited against himself. He may then seek forgiveness from Allah.

Al-Kafi, vol. 2, p. 330

Imam Amir ul Mu'mineen ‘Ali (‘a) said: "Transgression causes the foot to go astray, takes the blessings, and kills the nations."

Sharh Ghurar-ul-Hikam, vol. 2, p. 36

Imam Amir ul Mu'mineen ‘Ali (‘a) said: "... Nothing is more inducive of the reversal of Allah's bounty or for hastening of His retribution than continuance in oppression, because Allah hears the prayer of the oppressed and is on the look-out for the oppressors."

Nahjul-Balagha, Letter 53

perseverance in tolerating misfortunes, and rising for the right of a believer."

Tuhaf-ul-Uqul, p. 277

Imam Amir-ul-Mu'mineen ‘Ali (‘a) said: "Surely, it is the common people of the community who are the pillars of the religion, the power of the Muslims and the defence against the enemies. Your leaning should therefore be towards them and your inclination with them."

Nahjul Balagha, Letter 53

Imam as-Sadiq (‘a) said: "In no way is Allah worshipped better than by fulfilling the right of a believer."

Al-Kafi, Vol.2, p. 170

The Holy Prophet (S) said: "He who hurts a Muslim believer, surely he has hurt me."

Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 67, p. 72

The Holy Prophet (S) said: "He who unlawfully and usurpingly deprives a believer of wealth, Allah will continue to be displeased with him and does not accept his good actions that he fulfills; and none of them will be recorded among his good deeds until he repents and returns the wealth which he had taken to its owner."

Mustadrak-ul-Wasa'il, vol. 17, p. 89

(S) gathered the children of 'Abd-il-Muttallib and said: "O' children of 'Abd-il-Muttallib! Initiate greetings, have regard for kinship, perform the night prayers while people are asleep, feed (others) food, and deliver good speech and thereby you will enter paradise in peace."

Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 69, p. 393

Imam as-Sadiq (‘a) said: "He who initiates a greeting is more beloved with Allah and His Messenger."

Wasa'il-ush-Shiah vol.12, p. 55

due; and the reviling of a reviler should not deter you in matters of Allah. Leap into danger for the sake of right wherever it may be."

Nahjul Balagha, p. 392 letter 31

Imam al-Baqir (‘a) said: "Verily, enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong is the way of prophets and the method of good doers. It is such a great obligatory deed (wajib) by which other obligatory deeds can survive, other creeds can be saved, bargains are lawful, injustices are warded off, and prosperity can fill the earth..."

Al-Kafi, vol. 5, p. 56

Imam Amir ul Mu'mineen ‘Ali (‘a) said: "The firmness of the religion is due to enjoining what is good and forbidding what is wrong, and observing the limits of Allah.

Ghurar-ul-Hikam, p. 236

The Holy Prophet (S) said: "The one who sees a wrong action done should prohibit it by his deed, if he is capable, of course; and if he cannot do that, he should prohibit it by his tongue, but if he is not able to do even that, he may forbid it by his heart."

Wasa'il-ush-Shi'ah, vol. 16, p. 135

The Holy Prophet (S) said: "He who enjoins right and prohibits wrong is the vicegerent of both Allah and His Messenger on the earth."

Mustadrak-ul-Wasa'il, vol. 12, p. 179

The Holy Prophet (S) said: " Whensoever my Ummah undertake to enjoin right and prohibit evil and associate in establishing benevolence, they live happily and prosperously; but when they stop doing so, the blessings will be taken off from them."

At-Tahthib, vol. 6,

p: 46

p. 181

Imam Amir ul Mu'mineen ‘Ali (‘a) said to Imam al-Hasan and Imam al-Husayn (‘a) when Ibn Muljam (the curse of Allah be upon him) struck him (fatally with a sword): "... Fear Allah (and again) fear Allah in the matter of Jihad, (struggle for the Holy War), with the help of your property, lives and speech in the way of Allah..."

"Do not give up bidding for good and forbidding from evil lest the mischievous gain positions over you, and then (in that case) when you pray, your invocations will not be granted to you.

Nahjul Balagha, Letter 47, p. 422

Imam Amir ul Mu'mineen ‘Ali (‘a) said: "Enjoining good is the most excellent deed of people."

Mustadrak-ul-Wasa'il, vol. 12, p.185

Imam as-Sadiq (‘a) said: "All good deeds totally, including even the struggle in the Holy War in the way of Allah, comparing with enjoining right and forbidding wrong, is like a small amount of saliva compared with a deep ocean.

Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 100, p. 89

Imam al-Baqir, the fifth Imam, (‘a) said: " Allah, Almighty and Glorious, revealed to Prophet Jethro (Shu'ayb) (‘a): 'I will punish one hundred thousand people of your folk. Forty thousand people are from their vicious ones but sixty thousand of them are from their good-doers. Jethro (‘a) inquired: 'These are the vicious (who deserve punishment), but what about the good-doers?' Then, Allah, Almighty and Glorious, revealed to him: 'They (the good-doers) associated with the sinners and did not become angry because of My wrath."

Al-Kafi, vol. 5, p. 56

Imam Amir-ul-Mu'mineen ‘Ali

p: 47

(‘a) said: "Ask others to do good and forbid evil and do know that 'enjoining right and forbidding wrong' never draws death near nor ceases sustenance."

Wasa'il-ush-Shi'ah, vol. 16, p. 120

Imam as-Sadiq (‘a) said: "Woe to the people who do not support the religion of Allah by enjoining good and forbidding evil."

Mustadrak Al-Wasa'il-ush-Shi'ah, vol. 12, p. 181

thousand rak'at of recommended prayers."

Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 75, p. 261

'Abd-ul-Mu'min-il-Ansari said that once he himself arrived in the presence of Imam Abil-Hasan Musa ibn Ja'far (‘a) where Abdillah-il-Ja'fari had attended and Abdul-Mu'min smiled at him. Then he (‘a) inquired whether Abdul-Mu'min liked Abdillah Al-Ja'fari when he replied to the Imam (‘a) that he did not like him ('Abdillah) but on his account (the seventh Imam). Then Imam (‘a) said: "He is your brother, and a Muslim believer is the brother of another Muslim believer though their fathers are not the same. Hence, cursed is he who accuses his (Muslim) brother, cursed is he who deceives his (Muslim) brother, cursed is he who does not advise his (Muslim) brother, and cursed is he who slanders his (Muslim) brother."

Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 75, p. 262

Imam Amir-ul-Mu'mineen ‘Ali (‘a) said: "The most vicious person is he who looks for other people's defects while he overlooks his own faults."

Tara'if-ul-Hikam, p. 176

Imam Kazim (‘a) said: "Cursed is the one who backbites against one's brother (fellow Muslim)."

Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 74, p. 232

was put inside a house, and the key (of its door) was rendered to be lies."

Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 72, p. 263

Imam Sajjad (‘a) said: "Avoid telling lies irrespective of small or great, whether it is in earnest or joking, because when a person tells a lie in small (things), he dares to tell a lie in great things, too."

Tuhaful-Uqul, p. 201

Once Imam Amir-ul-Mu'mineen ‘Ali (‘a) was asked about the distance between the truth and untruth and, while he (‘a) was showing the distance between his eye and ear with his four fingers in order to illustrate this distance as his answer, he said: "What your eyes see is 'truth' and what your ears hear is for the most part 'untruth'."

Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 75, p. 196

Imam al-Baqir (‘a) said: "Verily, Allah, the exalted, has put some locks on vices, the key of which He has put in wine, but the vice of lying is worse than wine."

Al-Kafi, vol. 2, p. 339

Imam Ridha’ (‘a) said: "Be truthful and avoid telling lies."

Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 78, p. 347

of) my faults."

Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 74, p. 282

Imam Amir-ul-Mu'mineen ‘Ali (‘a) said: "Verily, there are three (types of) friends for a Muslim:

1. The friend who says: 'I am with you whether you are alive or dead', and this is his deed.

2. The friend who says: ' I am with you unto the threshold of your grave and then I will leave you', and this is his child.

3. The friend who says: 'I will be with you until when you die', and this is his wealth which will belong to the inheritors when he dies."

Note:

From this tradition, and the like, we understand that the only thing which will avail for individuals in the Hereafter is Faith and good deeds. This is also referred to in many Islamic traditions as well as the verses of the Holy Qur'an, for example:

"For those who believe and work righteousness is (every) blessedness and a beautiful place of (final) return." (13:29)

"As to those who believe and work righteousness, verily We shall not suffer to perish the reward of any who do a (single) righteous deed." (18:30)

"As to those who believe and work righteous deeds, they have, for their entertainment, the Gardens of Paradise." (18: 107)

"On those who believe and work deeds of righteousness, will (God) Most Gracious bestow Love." (19:96)

Al-Khisal by Saduq, vol. 1, p. 88

Imam as-Sadiq (‘a) said: "Be careful to have truthful friends and try to obtain them, for they are your support when you are in welfare, and your

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advocator when you have misfortune.

Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 74, p. 187

Imam Sajjad (‘a) said: "The meeting of the righteous invites you to goodness."

Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 78, p.141

Imam Sajjad (‘a) said: "Beware of the companionship of the sinful, and helping of the unjust."

Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 78, p.151.

because he will deprive you of his wealth when you are seriously in need of it."

"Beware of and do not associate with a fool, because he wants to be of avail to you but he harms you."

"Beware of and do not associate with the one who disregards his kinfolks, because I found him (such a person) cursed in the Book Allah, Almighty and Glorious, in three occurrences."

They are: Sura Al-Baqarah, No.2, verse 27; Sura Ar-Ra'd, No.13, verse 25; and Sura Muhammad, No.47, verse 22.

Al-Kafi, vol. 2, p. 641

Imam Amir-ul-Mu'mineen ‘Ali (‘a) said: "O' Kumayl! Say what is just in any condition. Be friends with the righteous and avoid the evil doers, stay away from the hypocrites and do not accompany the treacherous."

Mustadrak-ul-Wasa'il, vol. 12, p. 197

believer to satiate him, Allah will feed him from the fruits of Heaven; he who dresses him to cover his nakedness, Allah will give him clothing of brocade and silk; he who quenches the thirst of a believer, Allah will give him drink of the sealed container; and he who helps him or removes his grief, Allah will settle him under the shade of His Throne on the Day of Reckoning when there is no shade except for His Shade."

Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 74, p. 382

The Holy Prophet (S) said: "People are the dependents of Allah for sustenance, so the most beloved one of people with Him is the one who is helpful to the dependents Allah and makes the family members of a house happy."

Al-Kafi, vol. 2, p. 164

The holy Prophet (S) said: "He who helps a Muslim believer (in his troubles), Allah, Almighty and Glorious, will remove from him seventy-three agonies, one of which is in this world and seventy-two other agonies at the time of Great Agony, when people are busy with themselves (in Hereafter)."

Al-Kafi, vol. 2, p.199

when the righteous will be recompensed."

Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 76, p. 367

you made me great; I was an enemy and you turned me into a friend; you used to protect me then but now I will protect you up to the Day of Resurrection'."

Al-Ithna 'Ashariyyah, p.223

Imam Kazim, the seventh Imam, (‘a), said: "He who makes a Muslim believer happy, then, he has initially pleased Allah, secondly the Prophet and thirdly us (Ahlul Bayt)."

Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 74, p. 314

Imam Amir-ul-Mu'mineen (‘a) said: Allah, the Glorified, has fixed the livelihood of the destitute in the wealth of the rich. Consequently, whenever a destitute remains hungry it is because some rich persons have denied him (his share)."

Nahjul Balagha, p. 533, saying No. 328

Imam as-Sadiq (‘a) said: "By Allah, he who withholds his wealth from helping a needy believer will never taste the food of Heaven nor drink from the drink sealed there."

Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 75, p. 314

his death but spend it wherever he desires even during his lifetime; for it is possible that after his death his successors may not act upon his will or he may not get an opportunity to write a will.

Nahjul-Balagha, p. 512 Saying No. 254

The Holy Prophet (S) said: "Give alms and cure your sick persons by it, because alms can surely remove your bad fortunes and ailments; and it causes prolongation of your lifetimes and increases your rewards."

Kanz-ul-'Ummal, vol. 6, p. 371

It is narrated from the Holy Prophet (S) who said:

"When I ascended to the sky, I saw three lines written on the door of Heaven:

The first line: In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful; I am Allah and there is no god save Me that My Grace preceeds My wrath.

The second line: In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent the Merciful; charity is repaid ten times and loan eighteen times, and regard for kinship thirty times.

The third line: He who understands My Rank and My Lordship should never accuse Me regarding sustenance."

Al - Ithna 'Ashariyyah, p. 85

Tawus-ibn-il-Yaman said that he heard when Imam ‘Ali-ibn-il-Husain, Zainul-'Abidin (‘a) that said the epithets of a believer were five then he asked him (‘a) about them and he answered: "Piety in private, donating charity at the time of need, patience when misfortunes come, tolerance at the time of anger, truthfulness when there is fear."

Al-Khisal by Saduq, p. 127

increased for him and his death day be delayed, then he should pay attention to his kinsfolk."

Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 74, p. 89

Imam ‘Ali ibn Musa al-Ridha’ (‘a) said: "Wealth does not (excessively) accumulate but by having five traits: extreme miserliness, high expectations, overwhelming greed, breaking off ties with one's kindred, and preferring this world to the next."

Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 73, p. 138

Imam Muhammad Baqir (‘a) said: regard for kinship causes (five advantages):

1. The purification (and acceptance) of deeds.

2. Increase in wealth.

3. Repelling misfortunes.

4. Easiness in Reckoning, (in the Hereafter).

5. Prolonging life.

Usul al-Kafi, vol. 2, p. 150

The Holy Prophet (S) said: "There are three groups who will not (be allowed to) enter Heaven: drinkers of wine, witches, and renouncers of one's kindred."

Al-Khisal, p. 179

p. 553

Imam as-Sadiq (‘a) said: "He who glares at his parents with wrathful eyes, although they have been unjust to him, Allah will not accept his prayers (unless he repents)."

Usul al-Kafi, vol. 2, p. 349

Imam as-Sadiq (‘a) said: "Do treat kindly your parents so that your children do the same to you; and be pious unto the wives of people so that your wives remain pious."

Al-Kafi, vol. 5, p. 554

Imam as-Sadiq (‘a) said: "Once a person came to the Prophet (S) and asked him about good treatment to parents. Then, he (S) said 'Treat kindly your mother, treat kindly your mother, and treat kindly your mother; be kind to your father, be kind to your father, and be kind to your father but begin (that kindness) with your mother before your father'."

Al-Kafi, vol. 2, p. 162

families. One is the negligence of his responsibility to them and the other, which is addressed here, is the excessive compiling of wealth for them. Either of these two extremes are advised against).

Nahjul-Balagha, p. 536, saying No. 352

Imam as-Sadiq (‘a) said: "Take action in teaching traditions (of Ahlul Bayt) to your children before the corrupted persons precede in corrupting them."

Al-Kafi, vol. 6, p. 47

Imam as-Sadiq (‘a) said: "Benediction of a man to his child is his benediction to his parents."

Man La YahduruhuI Faqih, vol. 3, p. 483

Imam Amir-ul-Mu'mineen ‘Ali (‘a) said: "The right of a child upon his father is that he should give him a nice appellation, train him well and teach him the Qur'an (with its rules)."

Nahjul Balagha, Saying 399

The Holy Prophet (S) said: "Have your children to learn swimming and and shooting."

Al-Kafi, vol. 6, p. 47

The Holy Prophet (S) said: "When your children are grown up to seven years, teach them the prayers, and when they are ten years old, seriously admonish them for it (in order that they establish prayers); and separate their sleeping beds from each other."

Kanz-ul-Ummal, vol. 16, No. 45330

Imam Sajjad, the fourth Imam, (‘a) said: "The right of your child is that you know that he has emerged from you and in this world, his right and wrong are attributed to you. You are responsible of his fine teaching and training, guiding him to his Lord, Almighty and Glorious, and, assisting him to obey Him. Therefore, be sure that if you do a

p: 60

favour to your child, you will obtain it; and if you act viciously against him, it will come back to you, too."

Man La Yahduruhul Faqih, vol. 2, p. 622

The Holy Prophet (S) said: Honour your children and train them well, you will be forgiven by Him."

Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 104, p. 95

has surely been forgiven."

Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 104, p. 106

The Holy Prophet (S) said: "There is no milk for a baby better than the milk of its mother."

Mustadrak-ul-Wasa'il, section 48

fear of Allah for the next remaining half."

Al-Kafi, vol. 5, p. 328

The Holy Prophet (S) said: "Most of the people of Hell will be the unmarried (irrespective of male or female)."

Man La Yahduruhul Faqih, vol. 3, p. 384

The Holy Prophet (S) said: "The most depraved of your dead are the unmarried."

Al-Tahthib, vol. 7, p. 239

The Holy Prophet (S) said: "He who wishes to be cleaned and purified when he meets Allah should marry and have a spouse."

Man La Yahduruhul Faqih, vol. 3, p. 385

The Holy Prophet (S) said: "Marry, otherwise you will be (counted) among the Christian monks or the brothers of satan."

Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 103, p. 221

nothing to Allah, Almighty and Glorious, more abhorent than the house which is ruined in Islam by separation, viz, divorce."

Al-Kafi, vol. 5, p. 328

they will not be secured from corruption, because they are human beings, too. (They have the same human instincts and temperament as others)."

Al-Kafi, vol. 5, p. 337

The Holy Prophet (S) said: "Any young man who marries at the beginning of his youth, his devil moans and intensively regrets that he has protected two-third of his Faith from Satan."

Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 103, p. 221

The Holy Prophet (S) said: "O' young people! If one of you is capable of marrying, then do it, because it is good for your eyes (not to stare at women) and protects your privy part (to remain more pious).

Mustadrak Wasa'il-ush Shi'ah, vol.14, p.153

The Holy Prophet (S) forbade the life of celibacy, and prohibited women from living in chastity and allowing their selves to remain unmarried."

Mustadrak Wasa'il-ush Shi'ah, vol.14, p. 248

of Allah's Mercy, three varieties will avail of the shade of Allah's Throne: the man who caused the marriage of his Muslim brother, or he who served him, or the one who concealed his secrets for his sake."

Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 74, p. 356

Imam as-Sadiq (‘a) said: "He who unites an unmarried person in wedlock will be of those on whom Allah will look at (mercifully) on the Resurrection Day."

Al-Tahthib, vol. 7, p. 404

Imam al-Kadhim (‘a) said: "On the Reckoning Day, Allah has a special shade of Mercy to spread under which none will reside except the prophets, or their vicegerents, or a believer who frees a believing slave, or a believer who pays the debt of another believing one, or a believer who unites in wedlock a believing unmarried one."

Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 74, p. 356

The Holy Prophet (S) said: "He who tries to join two Muslim believers in lawful marriage so that they marry under the divine law, Allah will join one thousand Houries (damsels of Heaven with black large eyes) in marriage with him each of whom will be in a castle from pearls and rubies."

Wasa'il ush-Shi'ah, vol. 20, p. 46

pay it back."

Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 96, p. 12

Imam as-Sadiq (‘a) said: "Verily, one of the blessings of a woman is the inexpensiveness of her dower, while one of her bad omens is the heaviness of her dower."

Man La Yahdurulul Faqih, vol. 3, p. 387

Imam Amir ul Mu'mineen (‘a) said: "Do not make the women's dowers heavy, because it creates enmity."

Wasa'il-ush Shi'ah, vol. 21, p. 253

Imam as-Sadiq (‘a) said: "The worst sins are three:

Labouring animals as murder, restraining the dower of a woman, and withholding the wage of a worker."

Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 64, p. 268

marriage and you approve contently, his manner and his religion, then unite with him in wedlock. If you do not do that, you have caused a grand pest and decadence on the earth."

Al-Tahthib, vol. 7, p. 394

Imam al-Jawad (‘a) wrote in a letter: "Whoever solicits you in marriage and you are convinced of his religion and his honesty, then do unite with him in wedlock."

Al-Kafi, vol. 5, p. 347

Man La Yahdhuruhul-Faqih, vol. 3, p. 393; Al-Tahthib, vol. 7, p. 394

Once a man told Imam Husayn (‘a) that he had a daughter and asked whom he (‘a) would advise him to give her to in marriage, and he said: "Give her in marriage to someone who (has Faith and) fears Allah, Almighty and Glorious, because he will love and respect her, and if he becomes angry with her, he will not hurt her."

Al-Mustatraf, vol. 2, p. 218

The Holy Prophet (S) said: "He who gives his daughter in marriage to an ungodly man has indeed broken off her connection with her kindred."

Al-Muhajjat-ul-Bayda, vol. 3, p. 94

leaves him with only that wealth."

Al-Kafi, vol. 5, p. 333

The Holy Prophet (S) said: He who marries a woman for her wealth, Allah will leave him only with that; and he who marries a woman (only) for her beauty, he will see in her what he does not like; but he who marries a woman for her religion, Allah will gather those merits for him."

Al-Tahthib, vol. 7, p. 399

The Holy Prophet (S) said: "He who marries a woman (only) for her beauty, Allah wiil assign the beauty of that woman as a harm and trouble for him."

Wasa'il-ush Shi'ah, vol. 20, p. 53

Imam Sajjad (‘a) said: "He who marries for the sake of Allah, Almighty and Glorious, and for the union of kindred, Allah will grant him the crown of glory and honour."

Man La Yahduruhul Faqih, vol. 3, p. 385

The Holy Prophet (S) said: "Do not marry a woman only for her beauty since her beauty may cause her impiety; nor for her wealth because her wealth may cause her disobedience; but marry a religious woman for her Faith."

Al-Muhajjat-ul-Bayda, vol. 3, p. 85

16

Imam as-Sadiq (‘a) said: "He who tolerates the task of earning money for (the comfort of) his wife, is like the one who fights in the way of Allah.

Man La Yahduruhul Faqih, vol. 3, p. 168

Al-Kafi, vol. 5, p. 88

Imam as-Sadiq (‘a) said: "This (sin) is enough for a man that he leaves those dependant on him for sustenance without regard."

Man La Yahduruhul Faqih, vol. 3, p. 168

Imam as-Sadiq (‘a) said: "Happy is a man who is the administrator of his wife and children himself."

Man La Yahduruhul Faqih, vol. 3, p. 168

answer to a woman who wanted not to marry in order to gain a great virtue, said: "Do not do that, because if it was a virtue, Fatimah (May God bless her and give her peace) would be more competent than you, and, surely, there is none (of women) who can excel her in any virtue."

Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 103, p. 219

Imam as-Sadiq (‘a) is narrated to have said that three women came to the Holy Prophet (S) and said that their husbands avoided eating meat or using perfume or approaching their wives. Then, (protesting their behaviour), he (S) hastened to come out and went up in the pulpit and, after praising Allah said: "What has happened to some groups of my followers that they do not eat meat, do not utilize perfume, and avoid approaching their wives?

Al-Kafi, vol. 5, p. 496

Imam as-Sadiq (‘a) said that when Uthman ibn Maz'un's wife announced to the Prophet (S) that her husband was always busy fasting and praying day and night without paying attention to his life and wife, the Prophet (S) went unto his house and found him praying. When 'Uthman finished his prayer, the Messenger of Allah (S) said: "O' 'Uthman, Allah has not sent me for monkery but appointed me for a fluent, easy religion (which protects the rights of the body and soul). I fast, keep up prayers, and associate with my family. Then, he who likes my way and my creed, must follow my way of life, my Sunnah; and,

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verily, marriage is of my Sunnah."

Al-Kafi, vol. 5, p.494

and worship of Allah).

Al-Khisal, vol. 1, p. 183; Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 76 p. 141

Imam Amir ul Mu'mineen ‘Ali (‘a) said: "The worst man is he who restricts his household."

Nur-ul-Absar Shablanjy

avoid refusing to offer herself to him except for the time there is an excuse."

Makarim-ul-Akhlaq, vol. 2, p. 246

The Holy Prophet (S) said: "A woman has not performed the right of Allah, Almighty and Glorious unless she performs the right of her husband."

Mustadrak-ul-Wasa'il-ush Shi'ah, vol. 14, p. 257

Imam al-Baqir (‘a) said: "Once a woman came to the Prophet (S) and said: "O' Messenger of Allah! What is the right of a husband upon his wife?" Then, he answered her: "That she obeys him and does not offend him!"

Wasa'il-ush Shi'ah, vol. 10, p. 527

humble heart, a thankful tongue, and a body patient in afflictions. (To a man I would give) a pious wife whom when he looks at he is delighted and who (she) protects herself and his properties for him when he is away from her."

Usul al-Kafi, vol. 5, p. 327

Imam as-Sadiq (‘a) said: "Intensively is cursed (by Allah) the woman who hurts her husband and makes him grievous, but intensively is prosperous the woman who respects her husband and does not hurt him while she does obey him in all conditions."

Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 103, p. 252

The Holy Prophet (S) said: "Verily your best woman is she who is fertile, affectionate, keeps secrets, and is pious. She obeys her husband and is honourably dear among her kinsmen. When she is with her husband, she reveals her ornaments but conceals it from anyone other than him. She hearkens to his speech and obeys his commands. When she is in private, she dresses herself beautifully and is eager to offer him generously whatever he wants from her. She is usually ornamented (for him) and is not plain as men are."

Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 103, p. 235

The Holy Prophet (S) said: "From the prosperity of a Muslim man is that he has a pious wife, a large (comfortable) house, a pleasant mount, and a righteous child."

Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 104, p. 98

The Holy Prophet (S) said: "The Jihad (fighting in the way of Allah) of a woman is to afford pleasant company to her husband and the right of her

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husband over her is the greatest right of all people over her."

Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 103, p. 256

as if any woman who demands her divorce for the same purpose and marries another man, is involved in the curse of Allah.

Al-Kafi, vol. 6, p. 54

The Holy Prophet (S) said: "The lady from the women of my Ummah who safely observes four traits deserves Heaven: if she protects her piety, obeys her husband, establishes her five cardinal prayers, and fasts in the month of Ramadan."

Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 104, p. 107

also the man proves treacherous to his religious brother's wife, and also the man that people need his help (because of his position) but he asks for a bribe from them."

Al-Kafi, vol. 5, p. 559

honour of the person and defaming the one; causing the one to become poor; and shortening the length of life, (i.e. hastening one's death). Then, those which will be in the Hereafter are: the wrath of Allah, graveness in Reckoning, and residing in Fire eternally."

Al-Kafi, vol. 5, p. 541

The Holy Prophet (S) said again from the Turah:

"O' people, do not commit fornication because your wives will do the same, too. That which you sow, you will reap." (The same as you do will be done to you).

Al-Kafi, vol.5, p.554

The Holy Prophet (S) said: "...He who embraces a woman who is unlawful (haram) to him, will be bound by a chain of fire alongwith Satan and both will be thrown into Hell."

Man La Yahduruhul Faqih, vol. 4, p. 14

Once, 'Ammar ibn Musa asked Imam as-Sadiq (‘a) about commiting sexual intercourse with beasts or masterbation by the hand or other limbs of one's ownself, and he (‘a) replied: "Any form of these kinds and the like of them by which man pours forth his water, is (considered as) fornication (and it is unlawful)."

Al-Kafi, vol. 5, p. 541

The Holy Prophet (S) said: "Cursed is he, cursed is he who copulates with beasts."

Al-Kafi, vol. 2, p. 270

The Holy Prophet (S) said: "Lesbianism between themselves is (the same as) fornication."

Kanz-ul-'Ummal, vol. 5, p. 316

traits which He dislikes (in them): loquaciousness, oversleeping, and overeating."

Al Ithna'Ashariyyah, p. 92

The Holy Prophet (S) said: "Try to be clean as much as you are able to. Verily, Allah has based the foundation of Islam on cleanliness; hence, never can a person enter Paradise but the clean ones."

Kanz-ul-'Ummal, Tradition 26002

Imam Amir ul Mu'mineen ‘Ali (‘a) said: "Overindulgence of food causes various kinds of diseases."

Ghurar-ul-Hikam, p. 359

Imam Musa ibn Ja'far, the seventh Imam, (‘a) said:

"There are five sunnah about the head and five others related to the body. The first five concerning the head, are: washing the mouth, trimming the moustache, combing the hair, and drawing up water through the mouth and nostrils.

The second five, concerning the body, are: circumcision, shaving the pubic hair, depilating the armpits, clipping the nails, and cleansing the privy parts (with water, tissue, cloth, etc., while water is preferable)."

Khisal by Saduq, p. 125

Imam Amir ul Mu'mineen ‘Ali (‘a) told Imam Hasan (‘a): "Shall I teach you four traits by which you will be in no need of any medical treatment?"

"Yes," Imam Hasan answered. Then, ‘Ali (‘a) said:

Do not sit for food (in order to eat) unless you are hungry;

And, do not leave the (table of) food but you still have an appetite for it;

Chew (your food in your mouth) well;

And, when you want to go to bed, (primarily) go to the water-closet to ease nature.

If you take these in action, you will be in no need of any medical treatment."

Wasa'il-ush Shi'ah, vol. 24, p. 245

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and remains in that case until he repents."

Safinat-ul-Bihar, vol. 2, p. 318

The Holy Prophet (S) said: " ...And he who deceives his Muslim brother, Allah takes away the abundancy of his sustenance and spoils his livelihood and leaves him to his ownself."

Wasa'il-ush Shi'ah, vol. 17, p. 283

Imam as-Sadiq (‘a) said: "The Holy Prophet (S) prohibited that milk be mixed with water for sale."

At-Tahthib, vol. 7, p. 13

Imam as-Sadiq (‘a) said: "Those who play imposture with us (Muslims in general) is not from us."

The Holy Prophet (S) said: "The person who deceives a Muslim believer in buying or selling (things), is not of us, and, on the Resurrection Day, will be raised among the Jews, because they have been the most deceitful against Muslims."

Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 103, p. 80

Bayda

Imam Amir ul Mu'mineen ‘Ali (‘a) said: "Remember, (when committing sin), that pleasures are fleeting while the consequences remain.

Nahjul Balagha, p. 553

The Holy Prophet (S) said: "He who kisses a lad lustily, Allah, Almighty and Glorious, will bridle him with a reign of Fire."

Al-Kafi, vol. 5, p. 548

Imam al-Baqir (‘a) said: "What a struggle is better than for the piety of stomach and privity parts."

Al-Kafi, vol. 2, p. 79

gathered wealth regardless of it being lawful or unlawful and left all of it for others. Now I am left with its burden upon me while they enjoy the fruit of it; therefore, avoid that which is similar to what happened to me'."

Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 6, p. 161

Imam Amir ul Mu'mineen ‘Ali (‘a) said: "If man perceived his death and its speed towards him, he would certainly detest the world and its hopes."

Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 73, p. 166

Imam al-Kadhim, the seventh Imam (‘a), said: "The likeness of this world is as a snake which is soft to the touch while there is killing poison in its inside. Possessors of wisdom avoid it but children (naive ones) are fond of it and like to catch it with their hands."

Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 78, p. 311

Imam as-Sadiq (‘a) said: "The love of this fleeting world is the origin of all vices."

Al-Kafi, vol. 2, p. 315

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Greed and Futile Hopes

Imam Amir ul Mu'mineen ‘Ali (‘a) said: "Even though miserliness, cowardice and greed are different qualities, yet they are common in having an incorrect idea about Allah."

Nahjul-Balagha, letter 52

Imam as-Sadiq (‘a) said: "If a son of Adam possessed two vast valleys wherein gold and silver flowed, he would still wish to search for the third one."

Man La Yahduruhul Faqih, vol. 4, p. 418

Imam as-Sadiq (‘a) said: "He who devotes his heart to this world will be subjected to three conditions: endless grief, unquenchable desire, and futile hope."

Usul al-Kafi, vol. 2 p. 320

Imam Amir ul Mu'mineen ‘Ali (‘a) said: "How many wretched people there are whose days are being numbered but yet they are laboriously seeking wealth."

Ghurar-ul-Hikam, p. 240

even a little arrogance in his heart will not be allowed to enter Heaven."

Al-Kafi, vol. 2, p. 310

ul Mu'mineen ‘Ali (‘a) said: "He who consults with men of understanding, shows his development...."

Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 75, p. 105

The Holy Prophet (S) said: "No believer will become wretched by consultation, and none will gain merit through stubbornness."

Nahj-ul-Fisahah, p. 533

(S) said: "...By the One in Whose hand is my soul, if all the members in the skies and on the earth gather to kill a (sinless) believer or be persuaded to it, Allah will surely put them all in the Fire."

Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 75, p. 149

The Holy Prophet (S) said: "No drop is more beloved with Allah, Almighty and Glorious, than the drop of blood which is poured in the way of Allah.

Wasa'il-ush Shi'ah, vol. 15, p. 14

of Ignorance."

Musnad-i-Ahmad-ibn-Hanbal, vol. 2, p. 83; vol. 3, p. 446 and vol. 4, p. 96: Sahih-i-Bukhari, vol. 5, p. 13 and Sahih-i-Muslim vol. 6, p. 21, No.1849. In addition to 25 other references introduced by Sunni scholars.

Imam Amir ul Mu'mineen ‘Ali (‘a) said: "When our Qaim rises, the sky will send down its drops, the earth will grow its plants, enmity will come out from the servants' hearts (in order that they live in peace and brotherly love), and savages and beasts will continue to live together peacefully...."

Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 52, p. 316

Abil-Jarud said: "I asked Imam al-Baqir (‘a) whether he knew about my love and sincerity for him and he answered he did. Then, I said I had a question for him to answer me, for my eyes were blind and I scarcely walked, so I could not always go to visit him. He wanted me to express my question. I requested him to inform me of the creed by which he and his household adored Allah, Almighty and Glorious, so that I could worship Him, too, by it. He responded:

'You asked a great thing, though you stated a short expression. By Allah, I give you (your answer of) my religion and the religion of my fathers by which we worship Allah, Almighty and Glorious. It is: the confession of faith that there is no god but Allah, that Muhammad (S) is the Messenger of Allah, with affirmation that what has come to him (the Qur'an) is from Allah, having

p: 89

affection (for us and) for the lovers and obedients to us (AhIul Bayt) and hatred to our enemies, surrender to our cause, awaiting our Qaim (the twelveth Imam, for whom there is a domination that will come whenever Allah wills), and endeavouring (for establishing divine obligatories and lawful matters) and being pious, (with avoiding unlawful things)'."

Al-Kafi, vol. 1, p. 34

Imam al-Baqir (‘a) said: "When our Qaim rises, sets his hand (authority) over the heads of the servants, then, he will give them intellectual development and complete their patience and insights. After that, Allah will extend their sights and their hearing so that there will be no barrier between them and the Qaim when he decides to speak with them, then they hear, and they can watch him while he is in his place."

Yaumul Khalas, p. 269

Imam as-Sadiq (‘a) said: "At the time of Al-Qaim (Al-Mahdi) (‘a) a believer who is in the East can see his (Muslim) brother who is in the West, and vice versa, the one who is in the West can see his (Muslim) brother who is the East."

Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 52, p. 391

Note:

Dear reader! Surely the existence of the means of communication such as satellites, televisions and the like can be helpful for us to understand this tradition although none of these technological devices existed when these precious words were uttered.

Imam as-Sadiq (‘a) said: "He (Al-Mahdi) will stay (in a place close to the Kabah) between the Pillar and the Standing place (of Abraham) and will call

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out saying: "O' group of my administrators and the prominent people of mine whom Allah has stored preparing for my triumph before my advent over the face of the earth! Come to me obediently." Then, his call will reach them while they are in their praying places and at home in their beds whether in the East of the Earth or in its West. So, they hear him with this single call which reaches the ears of every one, and, they totally respond (by coming to him) as well. Then, it takes for them but a moment that all of them gather there, between the Pillar and the Standing-place (of Abraham), attending him (‘a)."

Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 53, p. 7

Imam as-Sadiq (‘a) told his sincere companion, Al-Mufaddal, somethings from the story of Al-Mahdi and his advent, thus: "O' Mufaddal! tell our followers the data (about Al-Mahdi) in order that they may not doubt in (their) religion."

Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 53, p. 6

Imam Mahdi (‘a) said: I am Al-Mahdi and I am the still-living one who will establish justice throughout the world the same as it has been filled with oppression. Surely the earth will never remain without a witness, and people will not live in lack of a leader. Thus, do not retell this deposite except for your (Muslim) brothers who are Men of God."

Kamal-ud-Din, p. 445

Imam Mahdi (‘a) said: "But for the incidents that happen (for Muslims), refer to the narrators of our traditions, (i.e. scholars), because they are my witnesses upon you

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and I am the witness of Allah upon them."

Kamal-ud-Din, p. 484

Imam Al-Mahdi (‘a) wrote in a letter to Ash-Shaykh Al-Mufid: "We are aware of your circumstances and nothing of your affairs is concealed from us."

Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 53, p. 175

Imam Mahdi (‘a) wrote in a letter to Ash-Shaykh Al-Mufid: "We are not regardless of considering you nor are we forgetful of you, because if it were not so, afflictions would shower upon you and enemies would eradicate you. Hence, fear Allah and obey Him, Glory be to His Majesty."

Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 53, p. 175

conditions. At first, He takes the prosperity from their properties. The second is that a cruel ruler will dominate them. The third is that they will pass away from this world without having (true) Faith."

Waqayi'-ul-'Ayyam, p. 439

The Holy Prophet (S) said: "There will come a time for my Ummah when their rulers will be cruel, their scholars will be greedy and have little piety, their worshippers (will act) hypocritically, their merchants will commit usury and conceal the defects of their buyings and sellings and their women will be busy with the ornaments of the world. Hence, at this time, the most vicious of them will dominate over them, and their good doers will invocate but they will not be answered."

Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 23, p. 22

The Holy Prophet (S) said: "There will come a time for my Ummah when they will love five things while neglecting five others:

They will love this world and neglect the next world.

They will love wealth and forget (the Day of) Reckoning.

They (their men) will love (corruptive) women and forget the houries.

They will love buildings and forget the graves.

And, they will love (their) selves and forget the Lord. Those (such people) dislike me and I, too, dislike them."

Al-Ithna 'Ashariyyah, p. 202

ul Mu'mineen ‘Ali (‘a) said: "There is nothing worthier than gold save what remains of a true believer's life."

Ghurar-ul-Hikam, p. 257

Imam as-Sadiq (‘a) said: "When it is the Day of Judgement, a group of people stand and then come to the door of Heaven to knock on it. They will be asked who they are and they will say: 'We are the people of patience.' Then, they will be inquired upon what they were patient about, and they will respond: 'We were patient with the obedience of Allah and were patient with avoiding the sins against Him'. So Allah, Almighty and Glorious, will say they are right and He will let them enter Heaven. This is the word of Allah, Almighty and Glorious, Who says: 'Those who patiently persevere will truly receive a reward without measure!'" (Sura 39. Verse 10)

Al-Kafi, vol. 2, p. 75

Imam Amir ul Mu'mineen ‘Ali (‘a) said: "Happy is he who has not great expectations and wishes (in his life) and tries to make the most of his remaining life-time."

Ghurar-ul-Hikam, p. 206

as-Sadiq (‘a) said: "(Shi'ah youth should have religious instructional programs.) If I see a young one from Shi'ah who does not have this program, I will teach him a lesson."

Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 1, p. 214

Imam al-Baqir (‘a) said: "Inform our followers that they will surely be among the saved on the Resurrection Day if they establish what they are commanded to."

Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 2, p. 29

The Holy Prophet (S) said: "The one amongst my Ummah who memorizes forty traditions from among those which people need for their religious life (to propagate and instruct), Allah will raise him from the dead as a jurist on the Day of Resurrection."

Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 2, p. 153

"Fair speech increases wealth, stretches sustenance, postpones death, creates love among family members, and causes the person to enter Heaven."

Khisal by Saduq, p. 317

Imam as-Sadiq (‘a) said: "There are three things that each of which is brought by a person to Allah, He will necessitate Heaven for the one: donation in poverty, a good temper with all people, and justice to one's self."

Al-Kafi, vol. 2, p. 103

The Holy Prophet (S) said: "The things by which my Ummah can enjoy Heaven most of all are godliness, and a good temper."

Al-Kafi, vol. 2, p. 100

"Perfume yourself with penitence so that the stench of your sins do not disgrace you."

Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 6, p. 22

Imam Amir ul Mu'mineen ‘Ali (‘a) taught someone to seek Allah in invocation in brief by saying: "Praise is (only) Allah's for every blessing; and I ask Him for all goodness; and I take refuge in Allah from all vices; and, I seek Allah's forgiveness for all sins."

Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 94, p. 242

Imam al-Baqir (‘a) said that the Holy Prophet (S) was once asked about the best servants and he replied:

"They are such that: when they do good, they are cheerful about it; when they do wrong, they seek forgiveness; when they are granted (something), they are thankful; when they are involved in a difficulty, they show patience; and when they become angry (with someone), they pardon."

Khisal by Saduq, p. 317

Imam as-Sadiq (‘a) said: "When a believing Muslim frequently asks Allah for forgiveness, his record (of deeds) will ascend while it will be glowing."

Makarim-ul-Akhlaq, p. 313

worthier than his forty years of prayers at home (alone)."

Mustadrak-ul-Wasa'il, vol. 6, p. 446

The Holy Prophet (S) said: "The rows of my followers in the congregational prayer on the earth are like the rows of angels in the sky; and a rak'at of prayer in congregation is equivalent with twenty-four rak'ats, and every rak'at with Allah, Almighty and Glorious, is more beloved than forty years of worship. Therefore, on the Day of Justice, when Allah gathers all human beings from the beginning to the end for Reckoning, there will be no believer who has attended the congregational prayer but for whom Allah will decrease the grievousness of the Day of Reckoning and after that the one will be told to enter Heaven.

Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 88, p. 6

Once a blind man came to the Holy Prophet (S) and said that there was not anybody to take him to the mosque to attend the congregational prayer with him (S) when he heard the prayer call. Then the Holy Prophet (S) said: Stretch a thread from your house unto the mosque and attend the congregational prayer."

At-Tahthib, vol. 3, p. 266

Imam al-Baqir (‘a) said: "The person who abandons the congregation (of prayer) without having an excuse but only for unwillingness, and in order to avoid attending the folk of Muslims, there will not be (considered) any prayer for him."

Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 88, p. 11

Imam Ridha (‘a) said: "Certainly the congregational prayer has been decreed in order that the pure Faith in Unity, in Islam, and in

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worshipping Allah be openly revealed and (publicly) manifested, because, thereby and with its apparency the reason of Allah, Almighty and Glorious, will be completed for the totality of people in the East and West (of the world). (Thus, the reality of Islam will be manifested and known and infidelity and paganism before Islam will be like darkness before light which cannot resist and vanishes at last.) Another reason (for decreeing the congregational prayer) is that those who are far from the truth, the hypocrite, and those who take it light but claim Islam, then they may, willy or nilly, treat accordingly and show Islam from them and try to protect (its laws in the society).

Again, the congregational prayer causes people to know each other which makes it allowed and possible that some of them bear witness for some others about their Islam, wherein there is the means of facility and association for righteous deeds and godly actions which prevents too much disobedience against Allah, Almighty and Glorious."

Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 88, p. 12

both this world and the next.

Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 91, p. 6

Mu'assisat-ul-Bi'thah, Tehran, 1410 AH.

22. Sharh al-Nahjul-Balagha, by Ibn Abil-Hadid, Dar 'Ihya'-it-Turath-il-'Arabi, Beirut, 1960 AD.

23. Tara'if-ul-Hikam, by Mirza Ahmad 'Ashtiyani, Maktabat-yl-Saduq, Tehran, 1381 AH.

24. Majmuah Warram, by Al-Amir Warram-ul-Maliki, Dar-ul-Kutub-il-Ismmiyyah, Tehran.

25. 'Irshad-ul-Qulub, by Ash-Shaykh-ud-Diylami, printed in Al-A'lami, Beirut, 1978 AD.

26. Al-Irshad, by Ash-Shaykh-ul-Mufid, printed in Al-A'lami, Beirut, 1979 AD.

27. Ma'ani-ul-Akhbar, by Ash-Shaykh-us-Saduq, printed in Mu'assisat-un-Nashr-ul-Islamiyyah, Qum, Iran, 1379 AH.

28. Waghayi'-ul-'Ayyam, by Ash-Shaykh Abbas Qummi, Majma' Nashr-i-Tehran, Tehran, 1351,1392 AH.

29. Misbah-ul-Mutuhajjid, by Ash-Shaykh-ut-Tusi, printed in Fiqh-ush-Shi'ah Institute of, Beirut, 1991 AD.

30. Sifat-ush-Shi'ah, by Ash-Shaykh-us-Saduq,...

31. Al-'Amaly al-Saduq, by Ash-Shaykh-us-Saduq, printed in Al-Maktabat-ul-Islamiyyah, Tehran, 1404 AH.

32. 'Uyun 'Akhbar-ur-Ridha’, by Ash-Shaykh-us-Saduq, Nashr-ul-'Alam, Tehran, 1377 AH.

33. Muntah-al-'Amal, by Ash-Shaykh-ul-Qummi, printed in An-Nashr-ul-Islamiyyah, Qum, Iran, 1415 AH.

34. Al-Hayat, by Muhammad Ridha’ Al-Hakimi, Maktab Nashr-uth-Thiqafat-ul-Islamiyyah, Tehran, 1399 AH.

35. Tuhaf-ul-Uqul, by Ibn Shu'bat-ul-Bahrani, printed in Al-Matba'at-ul-Islamiyyah, Tehran, 1354/1391 AH.

36. Al-'Ihtijaj, by Ash-Shaykh-ut-Tabarsi, An-Nu'man, An-Najaf-ul-Ashraf, 1906 AD.

37. 'Usd-ul-Ghabah, by Ibn-il-Athir, Al-Maktab-ul-Islamiyyah, Tehran, 1342 AH.

38. Shahab-ul-Akhbar, by Qadi Qada'i, printed in Markaz-un-Nashr-ul-'llmi-wal-Thaqafi, Tehran, 1361/1402 AH.

39. 'Iqab-ul-'A'mal, by Ash-Shaykh-us-Saduq, printed in Maktabat-us-Saduq, Tehran, 1391 AH.

40. 'Alam-ul-Wara, by Ash-Shaykh-ut-Tabarsi, Dar-ul-Kutub Al-Islamiyyah, Tehran

41. Al-Imam-ul-Mahdi 'Inda Ahl-is-Sunnah, by Mahdi Al-Faghih Imani, Maktabat-ul-Imam Amir ul Mu'mineen ‘Ali (‘a), Isfahan, 1402 AH.

42. Yaum-ul-Khalas, by KasiI Sulayman, Dar-ul-Kitab-Al-Lubnani, Beirut, 1979 AD., 1399 AH.

43. Sunan Ibn-I-Majih, by lbn-i-Majih-Al-Qazwini, Dar-ul-Jabal, Beirut

44. Sunan Abu-Dawud, Abu-Dawud Sulayman Sajistani Al-'Azdi, Dar-i-'Ihya'-it-Turath-il-Arabi, Beirut, Lebanon

45. Al-Musannif, by Al-Hafiz Abubakr Al-sanani, Al-Majlisul-'Ilmi, Beirut, 1970.

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