Selections from wise sayings and preachings of Imam Ali (AS) in Nahjul Balagha including his replies to questions and short utterances uttered for diverse purposes.

Ameerul Momineen, peace be upon him, said:

  1. During civil disturbance be like an adolescent camel who has neither a back strong enough for riding nor udders for milking.
  2. He who adopts greed as a habit devalues himself; he who discloses his hardship agrees to humiliation; and he who allows his tongue to overpower his soul debases the soul.
  3. Miserliness is shame; cowardice is a defect; poverty disables an intelligent man from arguing his case; and a destitute person is a stranger in his home town. Incapability is a catastrophe; endurance is bravery; abstinence is riches; self-restraint is a shield (against sin).
  4. The best companion is submission (to Allah’s will). Knowledge is a venerable estate; good manners are new dresses; and thinking is clear mirror.
  5. The bosom of the wise is the safe of his secrets; cheerfulness is the bond of friendship; effective forbearance is the grave of shortcomings and mutual reconciliation is the covering for shortcomings.
  6. He who admires himself attracts many opponents against him, charity is an effective cure, and the actions of people in their present life will be before their eyes in the next life.
  7. How wonderfulis man that he speaks with fat, talks with a piece of flesh, hears with a bone and breathes through a hole.
  8. When this world advances towards anyone (with its favours) it attributes to him other’s good; and when it turns away from him it deprives him of his own good.
  9. Meet people in such a manner that if you die they should weep for you and if you live they should long for you.
  10. When you gain power over your adversary pardon him by way of thanks for being able to overpower him.

 

Source: islamicthought.co.uk