Here are some famous sayings of Imam Ali (AS), the first Imam of Shia Muslims:
* One who develops the trait of greediness and avarice invites degradation; one who keeps on advertising his poverty and ill-luck will always be humiliated; one who has no control over his tongue will often have to face embarrassment and discomfort.
* When few blessings come your way, do not drive them away through thanklessness.
* Surrender and acceptance to the Will of Allah are the best companions; wisdom is the noblest heritage; theoretical and practical knowledge are the best marks of distinction; deep thinking will present the clearest picture of every problem.
* When this world favors anybody it lends him qualifications, and attributes surpassing merits of others, and when it turns its face away from him it snatches away even his own excellences and fame.
* One who takes account of his shortcomings will always gain by it; one who is unmindful of them will always suffer. One who is afraid of the Day of Judgment is safe from the wrath of Allah; one who takes lessons from the happenings of life obtains vision, one who acquires vision becomes wise, and one who attains wisdom achieves knowledge.
* Treat people in such a way and live amongst them in such a manner that if you die they weep over you, and if you are alive they crave your company.
* If you get an opportunity and power over your enemy, then, in thankfulness to Allah for this: forgive him.
* He is very unfortunate who cannot in his lifetime gain even a few sincere friends and sympathizers and even more unfortunate is the one who has gained them and lost them (through his deeds).
* Failures are often results of timidity and fears; disappointments are the results of uncalled for modesty; hours of leisure pass away like summer clouds, therefore, do not waste the opportunity to do good.
* Whose deeds lower him, his pedigree cannot elevate.
* Be generous but not extravagant, be frugal but not miserly.
* To give up inordinate desires is the best kind of wealth and fortune.
* O son of Adam! When you see that in spite of Allah’s constant favors your life is a continuous sin, and then take warning (His Wrath may not turn those very blessings into misfortunes.)
* Often your utterances and the expressions of your face reveal the secrets of your hidden thoughts.
* A wise man first thinks and then speaks, and a fool speaks and then thinks.
* One who is quick in saying unpleasant things about others, will himself quickly become a target to their scandal.
Source: shafaqna.com
