If you observe justice about yourself, you will be trusted in judging others.
Muhammad ibn Ya'qub al-Kulayni, al-Kafi, vol.2, p.146.
At a time when you see nothing but injustice and treachery, trusting anyone (unheedingly) brings wretchedness.
Ibn Shu’bah, Tuhaf al-Uqul, p.357.
Following a calamity after another is the herald of liberation from them.
Ibn Shu’bah, Tuhaf al-Uqul, p.357.
Do not invest your trust fully on your friend, since if you fail and lose everything because of dedicating all your love and trust to one person, you could hardly survive its disastrous outcomes.
Ibn Shu’bah, Tuhaf al-Uqul, p.357.
Islam is the basis on which faith is founded, and then on faith, assurance is built. People hardly reach the last level, that is assurance.
Ibn Shu’bah, Tuhaf al-Uqul, p.358.
Losing your heart to this world brings you pain and grief while being indifferent and pious to it brings peace to your heart and soul.
Ibn Shu’bah, Tuhaf al-Uqul, p.358.
The believer finds righteousness in three characteristics: a deep understanding of the religion, avoiding excessiveness in life, and forbearing the hardships.
Ibn Shu’bah, Tuhaf al-Uqul, p.358.
Allah bestows His blessings upon a group of people, and it is turned into burdens on them due to their ingratitude; yet, He inflicts others with calamities, and they turn into blessings due to their forbearance.
Ibn Shu’bah, Tuhaf al-Uqul, p.359.
Whoever does good to his family, Allah prolongs his life.
Muhammad ibn Ya'qub al-Kulayni, al-Kafi, vol.8, p.219.
Meet and make friends with someone who elevates and honors you, not the one whose only purpose is to benefit from you and is pretentious.
Al-Hurr al-Amili, Wasa'il al-Shia, Vol.11, p.412.
Saying hello is a recommended act (Mustahab) while responding to it is obligatory (Wajib).
Ibn Shu’bah, Tuhaf al-Uqul, p.360.
Whoever manifests resistance at times of anger, greed, fear, and lust, Allah will protect his/her body against the fire of hell.
Ibn Shu’bah, Tuhaf al-Uqul, p.361.
Well-being is a less valued blessing; it is forgotten when one is blessed with it, yet it will be reminded of as soon as it is gone.
Ibn Shu’bah, Tuhaf al-Uqul, p.361.
In comfort, Allah blesses you with His beneficence and excellence, and in hardship, the chance of purging [from your sins].
Ibn Shu’bah, Tuhaf al-Uqul, p.361.
Do not pollute the water that people need.
Abu Ja'far Muhammad Ibn Hasan Tusi, Tahdhib al-Ahkam, vol.1, p.185.
Allah loves moderation and hates wastefulness.
Muhammad ibn Ya'qub al-Kulayni, al-Kafi, vol.4, p.52.
The least act of wastefulness is throwing away the remaining of [food or drink].
Muhammad ibn Ya'qub al-Kulayni, al-Kafi, vol.6, p.460.
If the weather were always bright and sunny, the earth would turn dry, and the plants would burn off the heat; the water in lakes and rivers would go down, and people would suffer; the weather would be hot and dry, and an unknown kind of sickness would emerge.
Mohammad-Baqer Majlesi, Bihar al-Anwar, vol.3, p.125.
Between two Muslim friends, the one that loves the other is the better one.
Muhammad ibn Ya'qub al-Kulayni, al-Kafi, vol.3, p.193.
Respect the elderly and be kind to the children.
Muhammad ibn Ya'qub al-Kulayni, al-Kafi, vol.2, p.165.
Life is joyful with three things: clean air, plentiful and pure water, and a soft land [ready for planting].
Ibn Shu’bah, Tuhaf al-Uqul, p.320.
Wash your hands before and after eating.
Ahmad b. Muhammad b. Khalid al-Barqi, Al-Mahasin, vol.1, p.425.
Do not wear clothes that attract much attention, neither clothes, which debases you.
Muhammadi Reyshahri, Mizan al-Hikma, hadith no. 18080.
Brushing teeth is among the manners of prophets.
Muhammadi Reyshahri, Mizan al-Hikma, hadith no. 9053.
Do not be the first person who expresses his/her opinion when asking for a consult and avoid suggesting naïve views.
Muhammadi Reyshahri, Mizan al-Hikma, hadith no. 9868.
Pay the workers' wages before their sweats are dried [ i.e., right after they have finished their work].
Muhammad ibn Ya'qub al-Kulayni, al-Kafi, vol.5, p.289.
Be humble in the presence of the one from whom you learned a knowledge.
Abu Ja'far Muhammad Ibn Hasan Tusi, Tahdhib al-Ahkam, vol.2, p.36.
Justice is more pleasant than the water, which is offered to a thirsty person.
Muhammad ibn Ya'qub al-Kulayni, al-Kafi, vol.5, p.289.
Every industrialist has to master three characteristics for his/her work to flourish; he/she has to be expert in his/her job, has to be reliable and meet their superior managers' demands.
Mohammad-Baqer Majlesi, Bihar al-Anwar, vol.78, p.236.
People need three things; security, justice, and welfare.
Ibn Shu’bah, Tuhaf al-Uqul, p.320.
A father's best legacy for his children is manners, not wealth.
Muhammad ibn Ya'qub al-Kulayni, al-Kafi, vol.8, p.150.
Planning shapes half of your life.
Al-Shaykh al-Saduq, Al-Khisal, p.221.
Take care of teenagers since they are more open to absorbing goodness and virtues.
Muhammad ibn Ya'qub al-Kulayni, al-Kafi, vol.8, p.93.
There will be chaotic days when people would not find peace unless within their books.
Muhammad ibn Ya'qub al-Kulayni, al-Kafi, vol.1, p.52.
Agriculture is a precious wealth.
Muhammad ibn Ya'qub al-Kulayni, al-Kafi, vol.5, p.261.
Strengthen your ties with each other, be kind and generous to each other.
Muhammad ibn Ya'qub al-Kulayni, al-Kafi, vol.2, p.175.
Any believer who solves another believer's problem, Allah will lift seventy of his/her difficulties in this world and the hereafter.
Mirza Husayn Nuri, Mustadrak al-wasa'il, vol.12, p.413.
Do not cut fruit trees, or you will be inflicted with Allah's torment.
Muhammad ibn Ya'qub al-Kulayni, al-Kafi, vol.5, p.294.
My favorite friend is the one who bestows me my faults.
Ibn Shu’bah, Tuhaf al-Uqul, p.366.
Whoever wishes his/her prayers to be granted, should strive to earn Halal income.
Mohammad-Baqer Majlesi, Bihar al-Anwar, vol.93, p.373.
AbuTalib is the holy Prophet’s (PBUH & HP) uncle. His original name was “Imran,” and his father was “Abd al-Muttalib.” Abu-Talib was Imam Ali’s (AS) father.
Abu-Talib is one of the most important men in the history of Islam. His help to the Prophet (PBUH & HP) made Islam what it is and he made many efforts to make Islam get successful in Mecca. He was the most important supporter of the Prophet (PBUH & HP), and of course, he was one of the first individuals who believed in the Prophet.
The holy Prophet (PBUH & HP) lost his father, Abdullah, before he was born, and he also lost his mother when he was only 5 years old. After that, his grandfather, Abd al-Muttalib, was the guardian of the Prophet. Unfortunately, he also lost his grandfather when he was 8 years old. Abd al-Muttalib asked his son, Abu-Talib, to take care of the Prophet (PBUH & HP) and be his guardian. Then, the Prophet (PBUH & HP) lived with Abu-Talib, and he raised the Prophet (PBUH & HP). (1)
Abu-Talib was a merchant who was in charge of serving the Hajj pilgrims and looking after them in Mecca. These responsibilities were of considerable importance in Mecca, and consequently, Abu-Talib was highly respected there. He wasn’t so rich but because of his father, his job in Mecca, and his age, Abu-Talib was one of the most important and respected men in Mecca. Regarding his father, Imam Ali (AS) said
“My father was a respected poor person and there was no respected poor person before him.” (2)
He was a poor man who was generous. He provided food for impoverished people when no one else did. (3)
Abu-Talib was one of the most important supporters of the Prophet (PBUH & HP) in Mecca. He negotiated with the elders of Quraysh (the people of Mecca) so that they stop teasing the Prophet (PBUH & HP) and his followers. The elders of Quraysh wouldn’t dare to kill the Prophet (PBUH & HP) because Abu-Talib was with him and his support would have had serious repercussions for them. If they had dangerous plans for the Prophet (PBUH & HP), he would gather them to talk with them so that he could dissuade them and save the Messenger’s (PBUH & HP) life. (4)
When the Quraysh banished the Prophet (PBUH & HP) and his followers from Mecca, Abu-Talib let them live in Shi’b of Abi-Talib (a valley named Abu-Talib). He loved the Prophet (PBUH & HP) so much that he ordered his son, Imam Ali (AS), to sleep in the Prophet’s bed at night as the Polytheists were trying to murder the Prophet. Actually, he was ready to even sacrifice his children to save the Messenger’s (PBUH & HP) life. (5)
One of the most controversial issues that have led to many discussions between Shias and Sunnis is the faith of Abu-Talib. Sunni scholars believe that Abu-Talib helped the Prophet (PBUH & HP) in many ways not due to his faith but because of his relationship with the Prophet (PBUH & HP). They believe that Abu-Talib was a polytheist until his death, and he is now in Hell, but he is punished less than others.
On the other hand, Shiite scholars believe that Abu-Talib was one of the most faithful Muslims but he concealed his faith from the other Arabs so that he could retain his influence on them and help the Prophet (PBUH & HP) in this way. Shiite scholars say that so many poems written by Abu-Talib reflect the fact that he was a faithful person. Some of his poems are mentioned below:
Don’t you know that we have found Muhammad a Prophet just like Moses that his name has been written in the holy books?
Don’t you know that people love him and no one is better than the one that has been given love by God? (6)
Don’t you know that we do not deny our son? (The Messenger) and he doesn’t care about false words?
He is a person with a white face that the clouds rain because of him and he is a supporter of orphans and the shelter of the poor. (7)
The Shiite Imams also have claimed that Abu-Talib was a faithful person. Imam Ali (AS) said
“I swear to Allah that my father never worshiped an idol and neither did my grandfather, Hashim, or Abdi-Manaf (the ancestors of the Prophet).” (8)
Imam Baqir (AS) also said
“If the faith of Abu-Talib was put on one side of a balance and the faith of the other people on the other side, the faith of Abu-Talib would be heavier.” (9)
Abu-Talib died on Rajab 26th, ten years after the Prophet (PBUH & HP) was chosen by Allah. After his death, the Prophet (PBUH & HP) lost one of his most important supporters and because of that he was forced to migrate to Medina. The Prophet (PBUH & HP) was so sad because of that he named that year “The Year of Sorrow”. (10)
Resources
- Sirah ibn Hisham, AbdulMalik ibn Hisham, vol.1, pg.164
- Tarikh al-Yaqubi, Ahmad ibn Abi-Yaqub, vol.2, pg.14
- Ansab al-Ashraf, al-Balazori, vol.2, pg.23
- Sirah ibn Hisham, AbdulMalik ibn Hisham, vol.1, pg.242
- Bihar al-Anvar, Allamah al-Majlesi, vol.35, pg.93
- Sirah ibn Hisham, AbdulMalik ibn Hisham, vol.2, pg.4
- Al-Fosul al-Mukhtarah, Sheikh Mufid, pg.283
- Kamal ad-Din, Sheikh Saduq, vol.1, pg.174&175
- Sharh Nahj al-Balaqa, Ibn Aba al-Hadid, vol.14, pg.68
- Imtah al-Asma, Miqrizi, vol.1, pg.45
Each fruit of the tree you have planted will be appreciated by a reward from Allah.
Kanz al-Amaal, vol.12, p.341.
What is learned during youth, like an engraving on a stone, will never be forgotten.
Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 1, p. 222.
Heaven lies beneath the feet of mothers.
Mizan al-Hikmah, hadith no. 22691.
Respecting a Muslim elderly is like showing respect to Allah.
Usul al-Kafi, vol.2, p.165.
The elderly are the sources of mercy and divine blessing.
Nahj al-fasaha, p.222.
The most generous among you is the one who spreads what he has learned among people.
Mizan al-Hikmah, hadith no. 13825.
The faithful are tied in kindness and affection together like members of a body, one’s pain and hardship affect the others.
Bihar al-Anwar, vol.58, p.150
The one who gets married has completed half of his/her religion.
Kanz al-Amaal, hadith no.44403.
Indeed, I have been sent to revive the virtues and good morals.
Bihar al-Anwar, vol.16, p.286.
Playfulness during childhood will elevate one in wisdom in his/her adulthood.
Nahj al-Fasaha, p.564, Hadith no. 1940.
The kindest, most amiable, generous, patient, and just among you is the closest to me in manner.
Usul al-Kafi, vol.2, p.240-241.
Be childlike with children.
Man la Yahduruhu al-faqih, vol.3, p.483.
Love children and be kind to them and keep your promises to them since they only know you as their providers.
Usul al-Kafi, vol.6, p.49.
Allah’s love and praise be upon the one who helps his/her children by doing good to them, caring for, and educating them.
Mustadrak al-Wasaiil, vol.15, p.169.
There are five activities that I won’t leave off till I’m alive so that they would become part of my tradition. [One of them] is greeting children.
Makarem al-Akhlaq, vol.1, p.251.
Being like your father is one of the best blessings of Allah to you.
Bihar al-Anwar, vol.71, p.84.
The kind look of a child to his/her parents is as praying in Allah’s regard.
Tuhaf al-Uqul, p.46.
The best among you is the one who treats his family best, and I am better than all of you for my family.
Nahj-al fesaha, p.472, Hadith no. 1520.
Whenever Allah desires the best for a family, He raises their awareness about the religion. The younger ones respect the elders, they observe moderation in their expenses, and they would know about their faults to make them right.
Nahj-al Fasaha, p.181, Hadith no. 147
Whoever delights his/her parents, has delighted Allah and the one who displeases them has displeased Allah.
Ali ibn Abd-al-Malik al-Hindi, Kanz al-Ummal, vol.16, p.470.
Whomever I am his/her leader (Mawla), then Ali is his/her leader (Mawla).
Musnad Ahmad ibn Hanbal, vol.4, p.370.
Women are held dearer in Allah’s regard than men, and Allah will highly reward any man who brings joy to his Mahram women.
Usul al-Kafi, vol.6, p.7.
Martyrdom of Imam Hussain (AS) has ignited the hearts of believers with a pain that will never be subsided.
Jami al-Ahadith al-Shia, vol 12., p.556.
When Allah wants to pour His blessings upon you, He endows you with a Good Friend.
Nahj al-Fasaha, p.776.
When Allah chooses to favor someone, He makes him the source of satisfying other people's needs.
Fatima is of my flesh, who is the light of my eyes and the warmth of my heart.
al-Shaykh al-Saduq, Al-Amali, p.486.
If a Muslim plants a tree or any plant and a human, bird, or any other animals use it, Allah counts it as an act of charity.”
Mustadrak al-Wasaiil, vol.13, p.460.
Lying would negatively influence your livelihood.
Nahj al-Fasaha, p.373, Hadith no. 1087.
On the Day of Judgment, those who were most honest in their words, steadfast in their promises and kindest in their manners, will be the closest ones to me.
Al-Shaykh al-Tusi, Al-Amali, p.229.
Praying has seventy parts, the most important and biggest of which is lawful (Halal) earning.
Mustadrak al-Wasaiil, vol.13, p.12.
The most praised deeds in Allah’s regard is performing prayers (Salat) on their due time.
Kanz al-Amal, vol. 7, Hadith 18897.
The most desired companion is like a perfumer; his/her perfume would reach you, even if he/she didn't give you anything.
Kanz al-Amal, vol.9, Hadith 24676.
Eating less results in a healthier body and a more tender heart while overeating makes one sick and hard-hearted.
Mizan al-Hikmah, Hadith 579.
The words of “I love you,” said by a man to his wife, will forever be engraved upon the woman’s heart.
Wassail al-Shia, vol. 14, p.10.
36. Causing Harm
Causing harm to yourself and others is forbidden in Islam.
Usul al-Kafi, vol.5, p.292.
There are two blessings to which no one gives thanks: security and health.
Khisal, p.34.
The most grateful person is the one who thanks people most.
Nahj al-Fasaha, Hadith no. 312.