Sayings of Imam Hussain (a)

Imam Hussain (a) stood up to restore freedom, equality and justice; qualities which the Divine Message had perfected but were constantly undermined by those who hijacked religion and acted in its name. He rose to free society from the shackles of oppression and the slavery of imperial powers. The famous words of Hussain: “If you can’t believe, at least try to be free” have been etched into the heart and soul of humanity since his unmatched sacrifice on the plains of Karbala. In his written will before leaving Medina, Hussain declared; ‘I have risen as I seek to reform the community of my grandfather. I wish to bid the good and forbid the evil.’ In Hussain’s legacy lies the perfect model for every oppressed society in how to overcome the evils of tyranny and oppression. Present here is a small collection of short maxims by Imam Hussain which provide to each seeker of truth insightful directives, resolute strength and unwavering faith.

1 – How can a thing the existence of which is dependent on you be taken as a
proof for your existence? Is there anything more evident than your "self"
disclose you? Are you hidden to need a guide to find you? Surely you are not.
Are you far-away to need your footprints to find you? Surely you are not! Blind
may the eyes be which do not see you watching and guarding your "self" (Arafa
prayer; Bihar al- Anwar, Vol. 98 , P. 226)

2 – He who has you , has everything , and he who has deprived himself of you is
the poorest in the world. Loser is the one who chooses and be content with
anyone or anything other than you. (Bihar al- Anwar, Vol. 98 , P. 228)

3 – Never will be salvaged the people who win the consent of the creature at the
cost of the dissatisfaction of the creator. (Maktal Khawarazmi , Vol. 1 , P.
239)

4 – No one will feel secured on the Resurrection Day except those who feared God
in this world. (Bihar al- Anwar, Vol. 44 , P. 192)

5 – The Almighty God said : "The believing men and the believing women , they
are guardians of each other , enjoin good and forbid evil… "God attaches
primary importance to enjoining good and forbidding evil " as a duty for men and
women. For he knows that if it were fulfilled all the other duties , easy or
hard , will be accomplished. That is because "enjoining good and forbidding
evil" is a call for Islam , it regains the rights of the oppressed and opposes
tyrants. (Tohaf-al- Uqoul , P. 237)

6 – O’ people , the Messenger of God said : Whoever sees an aggressive tyrant
legalizes the forbiddens of God , breeches divine laws , opposes the tradition
of the Prophet , oppresses the worshippers of God , but does not concede his
opposition to God in word or in deed , surely Allah will place that tyrant ( in
the Hell ) where he deserves. (Maktal Khawarazmi , Vol. 1 , P. 234)

7 – People are slaves to the world , and as long as they live favorable and
comfortable lives , they are loyal to religious principles. However , at hard
times , the times of trials , true religious people are scarce. (Bihar al- Anwar,
Vol. 78 , P. 117)

8 – One who pursues a goal through sinful ways , will ironically distance
himself from that goal , and will approach what he was afraid of. (Bihar al-
Anwar, Vol. 78 , P. 120)

9 – Don’t you see that the right is not conveyed and the wrong is not
prohibited. Let believers wish to die and righteously meet their God. (Bihar al-
Anwar, Vol. 78 , P. 117)

10 – To me , death is nothing but happiness, and living under tyrants nothing
but living in a hell. (Tohaf-al- Uqoul , P. 245)

11 – Your difficulties are worse than others , because you were deprived of the
rank of the scholars – considering your legitimacy and merit -(These
difficulties are) because administering the affairs of the society and conveying
the ( religious ) rules must be done by scholars who truly believe in God and
know what is permitted and what is forbidden by God. But you were deprived from
this position and rank for you withdrew from (supporting) the truth. You changed
the tradition of the prophet ,despite the clear and disclosed proofs. If you had
withstood and were patient against the torture and annoyance ( of the tyrants )
for the sake of God , then the divine affairs would have stayed in your hands ,
and you were the ones to whom would be referred. But you made the tyrants
dominant on you and left the divine affairs in their hands, while they
shamelessly do the forbidden and notoriously live a licentious life. Your (fear)
from death and attachment to this world have encouraged the tyrants to establish
dominance over you. (Tohaf-al- Uqoul , P. 238)

12 – O’ God! Surely you know that whatever we did was not a competition to gain
worldly positions and not for the worthless physical attractions of the world.
But to show the signs of religious ways and to remove corruption from your lands
, so that the oppressed feel secured and act according to your traditions and
rules. (Tohaf-al- Uqoul, P. 239)

13 – I never revolted in vain, as a rebel or as a tyrant, but I rose seeking
reformation for the nation of my grandfather Mohammad. I intend to enjoin good
and forbid evil, to act according to the traditions of my grandfather, and my
father Ali Ibn Abi-Talib. (Bihar al- Anwar, Vol. 44, P. 329)

14 – If the world is counted valuable; surely the house of God’s rewards is
higher and more worthy. If bodies were created for death; surely being killed
with swords in the way of God is a more honorable death. If the share of daily
sustenance, of each creature is provided by the creator, surely it is not
decent for man to be greedy for gaining and eating too much. If wealth is
amassed for one day to be left. Then why a free man becomes so miser on
something he has to leave. (Bihar al- Anwar, Vol. 44, P. 374)

15 – If you don’t believe in any religion and don’t fear the Resurrection Day,
at least be free in this world. (Bihar al- Anwar, Vol. 45, P. 51)

16 – Those who worship God for the hope of gaining , they’re not real
worshippers ,they’re merchants. Those who worship God out of fear ( of
punishment ) , they’re slaves. And those who worship God to be grateful towards
their creator , they are the free people , and their worship is a real one.
(Bihar al- Anwar, Vol. 78 , P. 117)

17 – Beware that the need of people to you is among the blessings of God to you.
So do not scare away the needy people when they come to you, as the God’s
blessings will return and go elsewhere. (Bihar al- Anwar, Vol. 78, P. 121)

18 – O’ people take a lesson from the advice that God gave to His true
believers, among which reproaching the Jewish scholars where he said:" Why do
Jewish scholars not prohibit their people from saying sinful words? "And also
(the Almighty) said:" Those who turned into atheists, from among the descendants
of Israel, were cursed”… his Almighty added:" certainly evil was that which
they did. "Surely the God criticized them for they turned a blind eye to what
they saw of evil and corruption from the tyrants of their time out of greed or
fear. The Almighty God says: " Do not fear people, rather, fear me! “The
Almighty said: “The believing men and the believing women, they are guardians of
each other; they enjoin good and forbid evil.” (Tohaf-al- Uqoul , P. 237)

19 – Whoever seeks the satisfaction of people through disobedience of God; Then
God subjects him to people. (Bihar al- Anwar, Vol. 78, P. 126)

20 – Avoid oppressing the one who does not have any supporter against you, other
than the Almighty God. (Bihar al- Anwar, Vol. 78, P. 118)

21 – One who reveals your faults to you like a mirror is your true friend, and
one who flatters you and covers up your faults is your enemy. (Bihar al- Anwar,
Vol. 78 , P. 128)

22 – Wisdom will not be complete except by following the truth. (Bihar al- Anwar,
Vol. 78, P. 127)

23 – Associating with corrupt people makes you subject to suspicion. (Bihar al-
Anwar, Vol. 78, P. 122)

24 – Crying out of fear from God is salvation from the hellfire. (Mustadrak al-
Wasael, Vol. 11, P. 245)

25 – A man came to Imam Hussain (Master of the martyrs) and said: I am a sinful
man and can’t avoid doing sin, please advise me. Imam (as) said: If you can do
these five things, then commit sin as much you like. First of all: don’t eat the
sustenance of God and commit sin as much you like. Second: go beyond the domain
of God and commit sin as much you like. Third: seek a site where God can not
observe you and commit sin as much you like. Fourth :if the Angel of death comes
to you to take away your soul, expel him away from yourself and commit sin as
much you like. Fifth: If the Angel of Hell was about to throw you into the
hell-fire, stop him and commit sin as much you like. (Bihar al- Anwar, Vol. 78,
P. 126)

26 – Avoid doing what makes you obliged to apologize for it. True believers
never do anything for which they have to apologize. Fake believers , on the
contrary , keep doing wrong and say they are sorry in the aftermath. (Tohaf-al-
Uqoul , P. 248)

27 – Hastiness is foolishness. (Bihar al- Anwar, Vol. 78, P. 122)

28 – Do not permit anybody (to come in) before saying Salam (greetings). (Bihar
al- Anwar, Vol. 78 , P. 117)

29 – Among the signs of ignorance is arguing with irrational people. (Bihar al-
Anwar, Vol. 78, P. 119)

30 – Among the signs of a learned man is criticising his own words and being
informed of various viewpoints. (Bihar al- Anwar, Vol. 78, P. 119)

31 – Imam Hussain (as) was asked: O ‘the son of the prophet how is life going
on? Imam replied: Life is going on , in such a way that I have a God over me,
the hell-fire in front of me , death is looking for me, there is no escape of
the Day of Judgement, I am taken as a hostage by my own deeds, things do not
turn out to be the way I like , I cannot repel what I hate, the affairs are in
someone else’s hands. He tortures me if he likes and he forgives if he wishes.
Therefore, is there anybody poorer than me? (Bihar al- Anwar, Vol. 78 , P. 116)

32 – Whoever becomes generous becomes a noble; and whoever becomes stingy
becomes vicious and mean-spirited. (Bihar al- Anwar, Vol. 78 , P. 121)

33 – The most generous person is the one who offers help to those who do not
expect him to help. (Bihar al- Anwar, Vol. 78 , P. 121)

34 – Whoever sorts out a problem of a believer, God sorts out his difficulties
of this world and the here-after. (Bihar al- Anwar, Vol. 78 , P. 122)

35 – If you heard a person discredits the dignity and the honour of people ,then
try not to get introduced to him. (Balagatol Hussain ( as ) , P. 284)

36 – Never raise your need except to three ( kinds of people ): to a religious ,
to a brave man or to a nobleman. (Bihar al- Anwar, Vol. 78 , P. 118)

37 – Seventy rewards are for Salam ( Islamic greeting ) ; sixty nine for the
starter and one for the one who replies. (Bihar al- Anwar, Vol. 78 , P. 120)

38 – Act like the one who believes in punishment for sin and reward for good
deeds. (Bihar al- Anwar, Vol. 78 , P. 127)

39 – Should poverty , illness , and death not exist , man would not bow to
anything. (Nozhatol Nadher wa Tanbeehel Al – Khatir , P. 80)

40 – You deserve the Paradise , don’t sell yourself for anything less. Whoever
is content to the worldly pleasures , has sufficed to something base and low. (Balagatol
Hussain ( as ) , P. 308)

41 – Being thankful for a grace of God makes God reward you with another grace.
(Nozhatol Nadher wa Tanbeehel Khatir , P. 80)

42 – Never trust anybody but those who fear God. (Balagatol Hussain ( as ) , P.
292)

43 – Imam (as) was asked: What causes noble & eminent personality. He replied :
" controlling your tongue and doing good deeds. (Balagatol Hussain ( as ) , P.
332)

44 – O’ people do compete in good deeds and haste in grabbing the good chances.
By delaying good deeds , you reduce their value. By gaining victory win the
respect and praise of others , and do not let others blame you for being lazy.
If one does a favour to another but he does not thank him for it , be sure that
God will reward him instead , and surely God’s reward is greater and more
generous. (Bihar al- Anwar, Vol. 78 , P. 121)

45 – Beware that the need of people for you is among the graces of God, so do
not neglect the needy as the graces will turn into difficulties. Do know Good
deeds bring you people’s respect and praise and God’s rewards. If you could
personify and visualise good deeds as a human being you would see him as kind
and good looking , whose sight is pleasant for everyone to see. And if you could
picture evil acts , you would see him ugly and disgusting , hearts detesting him
, and eyes closing to his sight. (Bihar al- Anwar, Vol. 78 , P. 121)

46 – The most merciful person is the one who forgives when he is able to
revenge. (Bihar al- Anwar, Vol. 78 , P. 121)

47 – Your best relation is the one who comes to you and helps you when you have
severed relations with him. (Bihar al- Anwar, Vol. 78 , P. 121)

48 – Whoever sorts out the difficulty of a believer God will sort out his
difficulties in this world and in the hereafter. (Bihar al- Anwar, Vol. 78 , P.
122)

49 – Tolerance is man’s ornament , keeping promises is a sign of nobility , and
bonding with others is a grace. (Bihar al- Anwar, Vol. 78 , P. 122)

50 – Arrogance is a sign of selfishness rashness is a sign of foolishness and
foolishness is a sign of weakness and exaggeration causes destruction. (Bihar
al- Anwar, Vol. 78 , P. 122)

51 – Thinking of war is spine-chilling and its taste is extremely unpleasant. A
true warrior is one who steps into the scene of war, fully armed, with no fear
of the enemy. Whoever starts fighting at an inappropriate time , or when he is
not fully equipped and prepared , or without having made plans about it , he
will not be helpful for his people and he will die in vain. (Bihar al- Anwar,
Vol. 32 , P. 405)

52 – I advise you to keep piety and chastity and warn you of the days of
Resurrection and death , and hoist you his ( threatening ) flags : Imagine death
with its terrible frightening looks , its unwanted arrival, and its bitter taste
has clawn at your soul and has made an obstacle between you and your deeds.
Still you care more about your body ( rather than soul ). I can see the calamity
of death grabs you suddenly and drags you from the surface of the earth to its
depth and from the heights of the earth to its lower places and from the joy and
familiarity of the earth to the horror of the grave , from the prosperity and
illumination of earth to the darkness and pitch blackness of the grave and from
the vastness of the earth to the tightness of the grave. It takes you to that
prison to which your nearest relative is not allowed to visit you , to a place
where patients have no right to be visited , to a place where there is no
response to any cry or scream. May the Almighty God save us from the
difficulties and problems of this day and salvage both we and you from the
punishment of that day , and makes us deserving his great rewards. (Bihar al-
Anwar, Vol.78 , P.120)

53 – I advise you to keep the divine piety. Surely the God has ensured for the
one who keeps his piety to transfer him from what he dislikes to what he likes
;and provides him with sustenance form an unexpected way. (Bihar al- Anwar, Vol.
78 , P. 121)

54 – Beware not to be among those who fear that people might face punishment for
their sins but they feel secured from their own sins. Surely the glorious God
can not be cheated and no reward can be achieved from him except by his
obedience ; God willing. (Bihar al- Anwar, Vol. 78 , P. 121)

55 – O’ the son of Adam ! Think for a while and ask yourself : Where are the
kings and emperors of the world ? Where are those who re-built the ruins , dug
ditches and wells , planted trees and set up habitable towns ? Where are those
who gathered wealth ? They had to part with their wealth and properties and
leave them to other reluctantly. We, too, will have the same fate. (Ershadol
Kuloob , Vol. 1 , P. 29)

56 – O’ the son of Adam! lmagine your death bed , your grave , imagine the Day
of Judgement when all parts of your body will testify against you ; the day when
knees will tremble , hearts will be squeezed inside tight chests ;the day
secrets will be disclosed , people will be unmasked , some will come out
victorious and dignified and some will be disgraced , and the divine justice
will gauge people’s deeds. (Ershadol Kuloob , Vol. 1 , P. 29)

57 – O’ the son of Adam! Remember the death of your fathers and your children
,where they were , and to where they went. I can foresee that you , too ,will
join them very soon and provide a lesson for others. (Ershadol Kuloob , Vol. 1 ,
P. 29)

58 – We are the victorious party of God , we are the household of the Messenger
of God and the relatives of him. We are the dignified and chaste family of the
prophet , we are one of the two great weights of which the prophet of God has
appointed us as the second to the book of God ( which is the first of the two
weights ).The book in which there are explanations for everything. There is no
wrong init. The Holy Koran for which we have been trusted to interpret. We will
never be helpless in its interpretation. In our interpretation , we follow the
facts of the Holly Quran. O’ people do obey us, because obeying us is compulsory
for you, and is tantamount to obeying God and his Messenger. (Bihar al- Anwar,
Vol. 44 , P. 205)

59 – A person asked Imam Hussain (as): " O’ the son of the messenger of God, how
can we know God Almighty? " Imam replied : " By knowing and obeying the Imam of
your time. "(Bihar al- Anwar, Vol. 5 , P. 312)

60 – Divine laws and Islamic principles must be carried out only by us Imams ,
the divine scholars , who have thorough knowledge of the permitted and forbidden
things by God. (Bihar al- Anwar, Vol. 97 , P. 80)

61 – O’ God! , you know my revolt against the rule of Bani Omayah did not stem
from any greed for power, or for taking revenge. I stood against the tyrant of
my time to reveal the genuine image of your divine religion , and to make social
reforms in order to save the oppressed and pave the way for them to act
according to your rules. And you people ! If you don’t support us and treat us
fairly , tyrants and oppressors will dominate you to blow out divine
illumination. Surely God Almighty is our strong supporter , upon whom we rely ,
from whom we seek help , and towards whom is our return. (Bihar al- Anwar, Vol.
97 , P. 80)

62 – Thanks to God , whatever God wills will happen , there is no power except
stemming from Allah ( God ). Death has been written on the son of Adam( human
being ) in such a suitable way like the elegance of a necklace around the neck
of a young girl. I am so eager to meet my ancestors like the enthusiasm of Jacob
to see Joseph. The divine fate has destined for me a place of killing to which I
have to go. As if ( I can see ) my body parts and members are torn by the hungry
wolves of a district between Nawawis and Karbala to quench there thirst and
hanger by killing me. There is no escape from such a divine fate. We , the
household of the Prophet , are subservient to whatever God has destined us. We
will be patient on this calamity which he has planned for us. Of course his
Almighty will give us the reward of the patients. We are ( as ) the body parts
of the Prophet and his body parts will not separate from him. We will be
surrounding the Prophet in the Paradise. By our departure from this world the
Prophet will be delighted. The promises that have been given to us will be
fulfilled. Now , whoever among us is ready for martyrdom and has prepared
himself for death and is fond of meeting God , will move with us. We will set
out tomorrow ; God willing. (Bihar al- Anwar, Vol. 44 , P. 366)

63 – O’ people do know that this world is a mortal/house. (Nasikh At’tareekh ,
Vol. 6 , Part. 2 , P. 243)

64 – I do not know companions more loyal and better than my companions ,neither
do I know a household more honourable and passionate than my household. May the
Almighty rewards you for the favors you have done me. (Bihar al- Anwar, Vol. 44
, P. 392)

65 – The Almighty God elevates His worshippers for their patience in enduring
difficulties. (Bihar al- Anwar, Vol. 45 , P. 90)

66 – Know that Surely the world’s sweetness and bitterness are all ( nothing but
)dreams. Awareness is solely in the hereafter. The winner is the one who wins
the other world and the wretched is the one who becomes wretched in it ( the
hereafter ). (Bihar al- Anwar, Vol. 45 , P. 91)

67 – Praise to God who created the world and made it a mortal, unstable and
uncertain house the residents of which keep changing and under going ups and
downs , wretched and miserable are those who are deceived by the fleeting and
transient pleasures and attractions of this world. (Bihar al- Anwar, Vol. 45 ,
P. 5)

68 – No way ! By God I will never surrender to them like a humiliated person and
never pledge allegiance to them like slaves." I seek refuge to my God from you
stoning me to death ". " I seek refuge to my God and your God from any arrogant
who does not believe in the day of Resurrection ". (Bihar al- Anwar, Vol. 45 ,
P. 7)

69 – Be patient O ‘ the son of the nobles. Death is only a bridge which takes
you from misery and loss to the vast Paradise and the eternal graces. Then , is
there anyone among you who dislikes to be transferred from a prison to a palace?
For your enemies death is the opposite , it is like being transferred from a
palace to a prison to be tortured. As my father quoted the Prophet assaying : "
Surely, this world is a prison for the believer and a Paradise for the infidel."
Death is a bridge to take some to their Paradise and some to their hell. I have
never told lies and never was told lies. (Bihar al- Anwar, Vol. 44 , P. 297)

70 – Yazid , the natural son of an illegitimate has placed me in a dilemma ,
drawing my sword and fighting or being humiliated by allegiance to him. But it
is impossible for us to be humiliated , God , his messenger , the believers, my
respectable family would not prefer obedience to mean people. To dying with
glory. (Bihar al- Anwar, Vol. 45 , P. 83)

71 – Those who seek to win God’s favor and satisfaction, no matter if it evokes
people’s wrath , God will make them dispense with people. But those who win
contentment of people at the cost of enraging God , the Almighty will make them
dependent upon people. (Bihar al- Anwar, Vol. 78 , P. 126)

72 – Best of wealth is that with which one protects his fame and dignity. (Bihar
al- Anwar, Vol. 44 , P. 195)

73 – Swear by God , I did not rise against the tyrannical rule of Bani Omayah
out of selfishness or with the aim of oppression or corruption. My revolt only
aimed at reviving the religion of my grandfather , the holy Mohammad and the
traditions of my father Ali ibn-Abi Talib , to enjoy good and forbid evil. So,
whoever accepts me by accepting the truth , surely God rewards him for
supporting the truth. And whoever rejects me , I will be patient until God
judges between me and these people justly. Surely , His Almighty is the Best
Judge of the judges. (Bihar al- Anwar Vol. 44 ", P 329)

74 – ( Since the world is mortal,) imagine as if there has been no world from
the beginning ; and ( since the here after is eternal ) as if it has ever been
existing. (Bihar al- Anwar, Vol. 45 , P. 87)

75 – Swearing by my own soul : Imam can be nobody except the one who rules
according to Koran , rises for justice, affiliates to the true religion and
contains himself to all that for the sake of God. (Bihar al- Anwar, Vol. 44 , P.
334)

76 – Those who worship God sincerely will be rewarded far more than what they
had wished and even more than what they deserve. (Bihar al- Anwar, Vol. 71 , P.
184)

77 – Association with the wicked people is evilness , and association with the
corrupted people brings doubts to oneself. (Bihar al- Anwar, Vol. 78 , P. 122)

78 – Imam Hussain(as) said : " whoever comes to us will find at least one of
these four : he will hear sound reasoning , will see fair judgement , will face
a helpful brother , and will enjoy the company of learned men."(Bihar al- Anwar,
Vol. 44 , P. 195)

79 – Imam Hussain (as) said to a man who was backbiting someone in Imam’s
presence : " Stop this evil act , for your backbiting will be the food of dogs
in the hell." (Bihar al- Anwar, Vol. 78 , P. 117)

80 – Sometimes God Almighty showers a man with grace and favor , instead
depriving him of the blessing of being grateful , this is how God tests his
mortals. (Bihar al- Anwar, Vol. 78 , P. 117)

81 – "Those stingy people who economize on even greeting are real misers."
(Bihar al- Anwar, Vol. 78 , P. 120)

82 – Addressing his son Ali, Imam Hussain said : " O ‘ my son be afraid of
oppressing the one who has no defender except God. (Bihar al- Anwar, Vol. 78 ,
P. 118)

83 – A man from the Ansaar group came to Imam. He had a request. Imam told him
to write his request if he was too shy to say it. The man wrote :" I owe someone
500 dinars and he is pressuring me for returning it. Please talk to him and ask
him to give me more time. " When Imam read the request , he bestowed the man a
purse. The purse contained 1000 dinars. He said , " 500 to pay your debts , and
the rest for improving your living conditions. "Then Imam said , " Avoid asking
for help from anyone but three types of people : the religions , the generous ,
and the noble ;The religions for their fear of God , the generous for their
charitability ,and the noble for their dignity, will not let you down. (Bihar
al- Anwar, Vol. 78 , P. 118)

84 – Among the signs of having won the approval & acceptance of God Almighty is
keeping the company of the learned. Among the signs of ignorance is fighting
with true believers. And among the signs of a learned person is his thinking
before saying, and his being well informed of the scientific facts of his day.
(Bihar al- Anwar, Vol. 78 , P. 119)

85 – Avoid doing what you might later be asked to apologise for it! Because the
believer does not harm and does not ask for apology , while the hypocrite always
harms and apologizes. (Bihar al- Anwar, Vol. 78 , P. 120)

86 – When a poor man begs for your help , his pride is hurt. Then you don’t deal
another blow to his pride by letting him down. (Bihar al- Anwar, Vol. 44 , P.
197)

87 – Imam(as) said : "Whoever likes us for the sake of God , we will join the
Prophet(pbuh) together like these two ( and stuck two of his fingers together ).
And whoever likes us for this world he will be rewarded only in this world which
contains both good and evil people." (Bihar al- Anwar, Vol. 27 , P. 84)

88 – When you are frustrated and do not know a way out , only flexibility and
moderation towards difficulties will save you. (Bihar al- Anwar, Vol. 78 , P.
128)

89 – Shifter are the orphans of Mohammad’s household. Whoever takes an orphan of
ours under his protection and guides him , the Almighty God Will tell him , O My
generous mortal , you deserve my grace. Then he will order his angels to give
him one thousand palace , for each word he how taught. (Bihar al- Anwar, Vol. 2
, P. 4)

90 – If it were not the realization of the Moslem brothers’ rights , for
whatever evil you did ; you would have been punished. But the glorified God says
:" Whatever affliction befalls you , it is on account , of what your hands have
wrought , and (yet) He pardons most (of your faults)". (Bihar al- Anwar Vol. 75
, P. 415)

91 – A man told Imam Hussain: O’ the son of the Prophet! I am your Shi’a
(follower)! Imam replied: "Fear God and don’t claim this, otherwise God will
tell you : You are a liar in what you claimed. Surely our Shi’as ( followers )
are those whose hearts are pure and free from insincerity and treason , you had
better say you are an admirer and friend". (Bihar al- Anwar Vol. 68 , P. 156)

92 – Brothers are of four kinds : A brother who cares both about you and about
himself , a brother who is only concerned about you , a brother who is only
after harming you , and a brother who benefits neither you nor himself. When
asked to clarify this , Imam said , " A brother , who cares about you and
himself , is beneficial for both you and himself. such a brother maintains
friendship with you , as in a perfect friendship , the two friends live together
happily , but in a deficient one relations sour soon. The brother who is only
concerned about you, he does not seek any material gains in his friendship with
you. Rather , he will make every effort to help , and that is true friendship.
The brother who constantly seeks to harm you : such a brother is in fact an
enemy disguised and masked. He looks for an opportunity to harm you. He cleverly
hides his real face from you. He lies about you in your absence , and he is
jealous of you. May he suffer eternal damnation : And the brother who benefits
neither you nor himself , he is a truly stupid person. Avoid making friends with
his type. Such a friend seeks superiority to you and plots to possess whatever
you have. (Bihar al- Anwar Vol. 78 , P 119)

93 – Imam Hussain (as) said to one of his followers : Which one is preferred to
you? Saving the life of a weak man who is being killed by an oppressor , or
saving a poor believer from among our Shi’as , who is being misled by an
unbeliever and an enemy to the household of the prophet , through false
reasoning and arguing ?Then Imam himself replied : Certainly saving the poor
believer , as God Almighty says. " Reviving a misguided man by enlightening him
, is tantamount to reviving all the world’s people. "(Tafseer Al – Askari or
Bihar al- Anwar, Vol. 2 , P. 9)

94 – For a king , the worst characteristics are three :fearing enemies ,
oppressing the weak , and being ungenerous. (Bihar al- Anwar, Vol. 44 , P. 189)

95 – "Avoid embarking on a task that is beyond your tolerance."(Aaian Ashi’a ,
Vol. 1 , P. 621)

96 – " Do not try for what you cannot win. "(Aaian Ashi’a , Vol. 1 , P. 621)

97 – " Spend as much as you earn , not more. "(Aaian Ashi’a , Vol. 1, P. 621)

98 – "Do not expect to be rewarded more than you deserve." (Aaian Ashi’a , Vol.
1 , P. 621)

99 – Do not be pleased save to what you have got of Allah’s obedience. (Aaian
Ashi’a , Vol. 1 , P. 621)

100 – Do not assume responsibility for a task , unless you are sure you can
handle it competently. (Aaian Ashi’a , Vol. 1 , P. 621)

101 – Do not prescribe a medicine for a king , because if it cures him he will
not thank you , and if it worsens his condition, he will blame you. (Bihar al-
Anwar, Vol. 78 , P. 127)

102 – Referring to a follower who had refrained from joining a war and then had
apologized for it and sought to bring an excuse to justify it , Imam said
:Apologizing for a sin committed consciously is worse than the sin itself.
(Bihar al- Anwar, Vol. 78 , P. 128)

103 – If you gather wealth but do not use it , you are not the owner of your
wealth , rather , you are owned by it. So benefit from your possessions and do
not let them benefit from you. (Bihar al- Anwar, Vol. 78 , P. 127)

104 – Whoever accepts your grant , he has helped you with your generosity.
(Bihar al- Anwar, Vol. 78 , P. 127)

105 – Telling the truth brings about honor. (History of Yakoobi , Vol. 2 , Najaf
prees , P. 246 , line 9)

106 – Telling lies , is a sign of weakness. (History of Yakoobi , Vol. 2 , Najaf
prees , P. 246 , line 9)

107 – " People’s secrets are properties held in trust with you." (History of
Yakoobi , Vol. 2 , Najaf prees , P. 246 , line 9)

108 – "Your neighbours are like your relatives." (History of Yakoobi , Vol. 2 ,
Najaf prees , P. 246 , line 9)

109 – Aiding ( others ) is ( a sign of ) truthfulness. (History of Yakoobi ,
Vol. 2 , Najaf prees , P. 246 , line 9)

110 – " Working grants you experience. "(History of Yakoobi , Vol. 2 , Najaf
press , P. 246)

111 – Good manner is ( counted as ) a worship. (History of Yakoobi , Vol. 2 ,
Najaf press , P. 246 , Line 9)

112 – Silence is an ornament ( for man ) (History of Yakoobi , Vol. 2 , P. 246)

113 – Greediness is poverty. (History of Yakoobi , Vol. 2 , P. 246)

114 – Generosity is prosperity. (History of Yakoobi , Vol. 2 , P. 246)

115 – Moderation is wisdom. (History of Yakoobi , Vol. 2 , Najaf press , P. 246
, Line 9)

116 – Once Imam(as) advised Ibn- Abbas :" Do not talk about something which does
not concern you , because I fear that you commit a sin , and do not talk in what
concerns you unless there is an occasion for it. Very often a speaker is
criticized for telling the truth (for it was not on the right occasion.) (Bihar
al- Anwar, Vol. 78, P. 127)

117 – Do not argue with two types of people : the patient and the stupid; the
former will beat you , and the latter will bother you. (Bihar al- Anwar, Vol. 78
, P. 127)

118 – In your friend’s absence , speak of him the way that you like him to speak
of you in your absence. (Bihar al- Anwar, Vol. 78 , P. 127)

119 – Death with dignity is better than life with humility. (Bihar al- Anwar,
Vol. 44 , P. 192)

120 – Continuous experience increases intellect , honour and piety. (Bihar al-
Anwar, Vol. 78 , P. 128)

121 – Contentment causes the comfort of body. (Bihar al- Anwar, Vol. 78, P. 128
, Line 9)

122 – Imam (as) was asked why the Almighty God made it compulsory to fast. He
replied. " To make the rich taste hunger and be merciful towards the needy. "(Manakib
Aal Abi-Talib by Ibn Shahrashoob , Vol. 4 , P. 68)

123 – Imam Hussain (as) was asked : How great your fear of God is? He said :
"Nobody will be safe in the Day of Judgement except those who fear God in this
world. (Bihar al- Anwar, Vol. 44 , P. 192)

124 – Imam was asked about Jihad, striving in the way of God, recommended or
compulsory ? He said , " Jihad in Islam is of four kinds : two of them on
compulsory , one of them is recommended but cannot be performed except with a
compulsory one , and one is solely recommended. One of the first two compulsory
ones is striving of a man with himself to avoid committing sins which is
greatest kind of Jihad. The second compulsory Jihad is fighting infidels. The
third kind of Jihad which is recommended but cannot be carried out unless with a
compulsory Jihad , is Jihad of the Islamic nation against their enemy which is
compulsory on all the Muslim nation. If they live it away ,God’s punishment will
come , and this is a sort of nation punishment. But this Jihad is recommended
for the Imam , leader of the Muslims , alone.
He is to come to the nation , and they together. Go for striving against the
enemy. The fourth Jihad which is recommended is when a good tradition is
initiated or revived by a person who strives for safeguarding it or improving
it. This is among the best deeds , as it is reviving a good tradition. Surely ,
the Prophet( Peace be Upon Him and his Family ) said , " Whoever establishes a
good tradition , he will be rewarded for it , and in addition , he will be
rewarded for every other individual who has followed his tradition. (Tohaf-al-
Uqoul , P 243)

125 – O’ the son of Adam ! Your life comprises of passing days , with each day
passing , a part of you goes away for good. "(Ershadol Kuloob by Dailami , P.
40)

126 – The Holy book of the Almighty contains four items : words , implications,
esoteric points, and realities. Words for common people , implications for
special people , esoteric points for divine leaders, and realities for the
prophets ( May peace be upon them all )(Jame-ol Akhbar by Sadook , P. 47)

127 – Those who are reduced to tears after hearing sufferings of my family ,
their tears will protect them from hell and God will place them up in Paradise.
(Bihar al- Anwar, Vol. 44 , P. 279)

128 – Tears of the eyes and fear of the hearts are among graces of the Almighty
God. (Mustadrak al- Wasael vol. 11 , P. 245)

129 – Do not try to find fault with others. Instead , when someone makes a small
blunder , try to cover up for him and justify his mistake. (Nozhatol – Nodhir wa
Tanbihol – Khater , P. 80)

130 – Endure difficulties when you walk on a divine path , and resist the
temptation of worldly pleasures. (Nozhatol – Nadher wa Tanbihol – Khater , P.
85)

131 – Aban Ibn Taglib said he once heard the martyred Imam (as) as saying:"
Whoever likes us ( the household of the Prophet ) he becomes from us the house
hold " ( of the prophet ).He had asked Imam: " From you the household ? " Imam
answered," From us the household," and repeated it three times. Then Imam went
on to say, "Did you not hear the saying of the prophet Ibraham( in the Holy
Koran ) : " And whoever follows me , he is from me? "(Nozhatol Nadhir wa
Tanbihol – Khatar , P. 40)

132 – Nothing is more disgraceful for old people than being slaves to their
worldly desires. (Kefayatol Athar fi An – nass Ala Al – Aemma Al – Ethnai –
Ashar , P. 233)

133 – Nothing is more disgraceful for rulers than treating their subordinates
cruelly. (Kefayatol Athar fi Al – Nas Ala Al – Aemma Al – Ethnai Ashar , P. 233)

134 – Nothing is more disgraceful for noble people than telling lies. (Kefayatol
Athar fi Al – Nass Ala – Al – Aemma Al – Ethnai Ashar , p. 233)

135 – Nothing is more disgraceful for the learned than greed. (Kefayatol Athar
fi Al – Nass Ala Al – Aemma Al – Ethnai Ashar , P.233)

136 – Amir al-Mo’menin ( leader of believers ) asked his son Hussain :" O’ son !
what is being honorable " ?He replied : " Benevolence to family members , and
bearing their losses. "(Bihar al- Anwar, Vol. 78 , P. 102)

137 – Imam (as) was once asked : what is affluence ?He said : " Decreasing your
wishes , and being satisfied with what is enough for you. "(Bihar al- Anwar,
Vol. 78 , P. 102)

138 – What is poverty ?" Being covetous and hopeless. "(Bihar al- Anwar, Vol. 78
, P. 102)

139 – What is being low and base ?" Saving yourself but leaving your spouse to
grapple with difficulties at hard times. "(Bihar al- Anwar, Vol. 78 , P. 102)

140 – What is stupidity? " Hostility to one’s powerful and efficient commander ,
or to someone who can harm you or benefit you." (Bihar al- Anwar, Vol. 78 ,
P.102)

141 – A man told Imam Hussain (as): "I have built a new house. I like you to
enter it and pray to God for me. Imam accepted. After entering the house, Imam
had a look at it and said,” You have demolished your house and have built a
larger and more luxurious house. People on the earth admire you and respect you
for that house , while those up in the Heavens despise you. (Mustadrak al-
Wasael , Vol. 3 , P. 467)

142 – The Holy Koran has an elegant outward and a profound inward (Jame- ol
Akhbar by Sadook , P. 47)

143 – The intelligence of Muawiyah was being discussed when Imam said :" Man’s
intelligence would not be perfect unless truth is followed". (Bihar al- Anwar,
Vol. 78 , P. 127)

144 – Imam Hussain (as) said : " Our enemy is the enemy of my grandfather
Mohammad "(Ihqaqol Haq , Vol , 11 , P. 592)

145 – Habeeb Ibn Madaher narrated that once he asked Imam Hussain : "What were
you before the creation of Adam ? ". Imam replied : " We were spiritual lights
orbiting the highest Heaven , and teaching the angels praising and
glorification. "(Bihar al- Anwar, Vol. 60, P. 311)

146 – Twelve Mahdis are to be from us. First of them is Amir al-Mo’menin Ali Ibn
Abi Talib , and the last is the Imam who rises by justice. Through him, God will
revive the earth after its death , and let the real belief overcome other
beliefs , in spite of the polytheists’ dislike. He has a long occultation
,during which some will abandon their faith , and some will firmly stay in their
belief. Then, they will be annoyed and asked : " When will this promise be
fulfilled, if you are telling the truth ? " Truly , whoever withstands annoyance
and denial of others during the occultation of Mahdi is like the one who fights
by sword alongside the Prophet (pbuh ). (Bihar al- Anwar, Vol. 51, p. 133)

147 – Imam (as) was asked what virtue is. He said : " Holding your tongue, and
good deed." Then he was asked what defect is. He said : " Involving yourself in
a futile task." (Mustadrak al-Wasael , vol. 9 , P. 24)