Islamic Collections

The Opening Tradition In The Name of Allah, The Beneficent, The Merciful Imam Sajjad, the fourth Imam, [a] said: "All Praise is only Allah's, and praise is His right: an illimitable praise that suits Him. I seek refuge in Him from my own self of evils: verily, the (human) self is certainly prone to do evil except such as my Lord has had mercy on. I see refuge in Him from the evil of Satan who always increases a sin to my sins. I seek refuge in Him from any immoral opposer, cruel king, and forceful enemy." "O' Lord! assign me as one of Your soldiers, because it is sure that Your troops are totally victorious; and assign 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, beca

Knowing Allah, His Greatness and His Grace The Holy Prophet [s] said: "O' people! Verily, there is no prophet after me, nor any Ummah after you (Muslims). So, take care to worship your Lord, perform your five ritual prayers, fast in the appointed month (Ramadan), make pilgrimage to the House of your Lord (Mecca), give the alms of your wealth in order to purify your souls thereby, and obey the Holders of Authority, so that you enter the Paradise of your Lord." Khisal-I-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 Sadiq [a] said:

Prayer and Its Effects The Holy Prophet [s] said: "The one who takes prayer light is not of me. No, by Allah such a person will not reach the Haud, Pond of abundant." Man La Yahduruhul Faqih, vol. 1, p. 206 Imam Sadiq [a] said: "If there be a stream at the house of one of you in which the one washes himself five times a day, will there remain anything from the dirt over his body? Verily, the likeness of prayers is the same as the stream. The person who establishes ritual prayers clears out his sins thereby, except for the sin that takes him out from Faith he believes in." Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 82, p. 236 The Holy Prophet [s] said: An obligatory prayer, with Allah, is equivalent to one thousand Hajj pilgrimages and one thousand Umrah performances (voluntary pilgrimages to Ka'ba) which are right and accepted." Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 99, p. 14 The Holy Prophet [s] said: "Do not waste your prayers, because, surely, the person who wastes them wi

Midnight Prayers The Holy Prophet [s] said: "The honour of a believer lies in his vigilance at night and his esteem lies in his autonomy from people." Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 77, p. 20 Imam Amir ul Mu'mineen Ali [a] said: "He who sleeps too much at night, will lose something of his deeds (i.e., night prayers) which he cannot gain during the day-time." Ghurar-ul-Hikam, p.289 Imam Sadiq [a] said that Allah (s.w.t.) in a revelation told Moses, the son of 'Imran [a]: "O' you son of 'Imran! Those who only claim that they love Me, tell a lie, for when the night falls they neglect Me." Bihar-uI-Anwar, vol. 13, p. 329 Imam Sadiq [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 Sadiq [a] said: "The Messenger of Allah [s] told Gabriel to preach to him, and he said: 'Live howsoever you like but you wil

Faith in Allah and Attaining his Pleasure Imam Sadiq [a] said: "My father said to me about his father [a] that a man from Kufah wrote to his father viz. to al-Husayn-ibn-Ali [a] asking him [a] to imform him of the good of this world and that of the next. Then, he [a] wrote (in his reply): 'In the Name Allah the Beneficent, the Merciful'. After that: '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." AI-Kafi, vol. 2, p. 81 Imam 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.

Piety and Its Necessity in a Muslim The Holy Prophet [s] said: "The most (important ) things that cause people to reach Heaven are divine piety and a good temper." Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 71, p. 373 The Holy Prophet [s] advised: "When making a decision to do something, think about its outcome. If it is good for your advancement and development, follow it, but if it is misleading, leave it out...." Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 77, p. 130 Imam Sadiq [a] was asked about the meaning of 'piety' when he replied: "Piety is that Allah does not miss you in the place where He has commanded you to be, and does not see (find) you where He has forbidden you from." Safinat-ul-Bihar, vol. 2, p. 678 The Holy Prophet [s] said: "Show veneration 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 [

Invocation Imam Sadiq [a] said: "Every invocation sought from Allah, Almighty and Glorious, is barred by the sky 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-i-Kafi, vol. 2, p. 493 Imam 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-i-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

Ahlul Bayt The Holy Prophet [s] said: "The likeness of my Ahlul-Bayt (progeny) amongst my Ummah (followers) is similar to Noah's Ark. Those who embarked on it were rescued and those who rejected it perished...." Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 27, p. 113 Imam Baqir, the fifth Imam, [a] said: "Our traditions (Ahlul-Bayt) survive in the hearts." Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 2, p. 144 The Holy Prophet [s] said: "Make your gatherings lively with the remembrance of Ali-ibn-Abi-Talib." (Talk about the excellencies of Ali [a]). Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 38, p. 199 In 'Ikmal-ud-Din' a tradition, through 'Jabir-il-Ju'fi', is narrated from 'Jabir-ibn-'Abdillah' thus: "I said: 'O Messenger of Allah we have known Allah and His Apostle; then who is 'Ulul-Amr', those that Allah has made their obedience the same as your obedience?' Then, the Prophet (p.h.u.h.) said: 'O' Jabir! They are, after me, my successors and the

The Love of Ahlul-Bayt The Holy Prophet [s] said: "Train your children in three things: the love of your Prophet, the love of his progeny, i.e. Ahlul-Bayt, and recitation of the Qur'an." AI-Jami'-ul-Saghir, vol. 1, p. 14 Imam Sadiq [a] said: "He who is not able to do any good unto us (Ahlul-Bayt) then be may do good to our pious adherents; and he who is not able to visit us, he may visit our righteous followers by which the reward of visiting us (pilgrimage) will be recorded for him." Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 74, p. 354 Imam Baqir [a] said: "The best means by which servants can obtain nearness to Allah, Mighty and Glorious, is the obedience to Allah, the obedience to His Messenger, and the obedience to those charged with (spiritual) authority." Then, he [a] added: "The love of us (Ahlul Bayt) is Faith and the hatred of us is infidelity." Al-Kafi, vol. 1, p. 187 Imam Sadiq [a] said: "Verily, there are various degrees of servi

The Acceptable Characteristics The Holy Prophet [s] said: "Shall I not introduce 'a believer' to you? A believer is the one whom other believers trust with their souls and wealth. Shall I not introduce 'a Muslim' to you? A Muslim is the one from whose hand and tongue other Muslims are safe.... It is unlawful (Haram) for a believer to do wrong against another believer, or leave him/her in a lurch, or backbite against him/her, or suddenly reject him/her." AI-Kafi, vol. 2, p. 235 Imam Sadiq [a] said: "A Muslim believer must not attend a meeting wherein Allah laws are being disobeyed and the one is not in a position to stop it." Usul-i-Kafi, vol. 2, p. 374 Imam Sadiq [a] said: "He who habitually tells the truth, his deeds are purified; Allah increases the sustenance of the one whose intention is good; and he who treats his family members well, Allah prolongs the length of his life." Khisal by Saduq, vol. 1 p. 88 Imam Amir ul Mu'

The Real Followers of Ahlul-Bayt and Their Qualities Imam Muhammad Baqir [a] told Jabir: "Is it enough for a person to (merely) embellish (oneself) as a Shi'ah (follower) by professing love of us, Ahlul-Bayt? Nay! By Allah, a person is not our follower except the one who fears Allah and obeys Him. O' Jabir! Our followers are not recognized save by humility; submission; 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 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 p

Sin and Its Effects The Holy Prophet [s] said: "Do not look at the minuteness of the sin, but see Whom you have sinned against." Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 77, p. 79 & Mustadrak AI-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 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-I-Kafi, vol. 1, p. 219 Imam Amir ul Mu'mineen Ali [a] said: "Lacking forgiveness is the worst of deficiencies and hastening in ve

Knowledge and Its Value The Holy Prophet [s] said: "Teachers and students both share in rewards but other people are deprived of them." Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 2, p. 25 The Holy Prophet [s] said: "He who propagates religious affairs without having required competency does a disservice to the religion rather than serving it." Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 2, p.121 Imam Amir ul Mu'mineen Ali [a] said: "The worth of every man is in his attainments." Nahjul-Balagha, saying No. 482 Note: The real value of a person is his knowledge (and the perfection of his attainments). His worth and position would be in accordance with the status of knowledge and attainment he holds. Eyes that are conscious of real values do not look at the face, features, tallness of stature, size or worldly pomp and position but look at the attainments of a person and assess his worth according to these attainments. The conclusion is that a man should strive to acquire distinction and

Knowledge and the Virtue of Learning It The Holy Prophet [s] said: "He who searches for knowledge is similar to a person who fasts during the day and keeps vigil at night and is busy worshipping. If a person acquires a branch of knowledge, it is better for him than possessing as much gold as the height of Abu Qubais Mount which he would distribute in the way of Allah." Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol.1, p.184 Imam Zayn-ul-'Abideen [a] said: "Were people aware of what lies in the obtainment of knowledge, they would pursue it even though they had to make voyages and endanger their lives to obtain it." Usul-I-Kafi, vol. 1, p. 35 Imam Amir ul Mu'mineen Ali [a] said: "Acquiring knowledge is not possible while the body (person) is tranquil." Ghurar-ul-Hikam, p. 348 Imam 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'm

Knowledge and the Virtue of Teaching It The Holy Prophet [s] said: "Someone who possesses knowledge on a subject but conceals it when he is asked will be bridled with reins of fire." (Therefore, if a person possesses information that would help a bewildered person and improve his situation but he remains silent, he has surely committed a great sin.) Al -'Ithna-'Ashariyyah, p. 11 The Holy Prophet [s] said: "The Quran is Allah's university; so, learn as much as you can in this university." Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 92, p.19 The Holy Prophet [s] said: "Verily, what will continue to reach a believer, after his death, from amongst his actions and good deeds are: the knowledge which he taught and spread, the righteous child whom he left behind, and the Holy script which he delivered as heritage (transcribed, and made available)." Sunan-i-Ibn-Majeh, vol. 1, p. 88 Abul-Hassan-ir-Rida (as.), the eighth Imam, said: "May the Mercy of Allah be u

The Excellence and Importance of Scholars The Holy Prophet [s] said: "There are two groups of my Ummah that when they are pious, my Ummah will be upright and when they are immoral my Ummah will be corrupt." The Messenger of Allah [s] was asked who they were, and he answered: "The religious scholars and rulers." Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 2, p. 49 Imam Baqir [a] said: "When confronting a sage, try to be more inquisitive than talkative, and learn how to listen well as much as you learn how to speak well, and do not interrupt the statement of anyone." Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 1, p. 222 The Holy Prophet [s] said: "O' Ali! Gabriel wished to become a human being for seven reasons, which are: Congregational prayer. Companionship with scholars. Establishing peace between two persons. Honouring the orphans. Visiting the sick. Attending a funeral procession. Giving of water to Pilgrims. Then, be desirous of these things." Al -'Ithna 'Ashar

Being Attentive to the Hereafter The Holy Prophet [s] said that the disciples of Jesus [a] asked him with whom they should make friends, and he [a] replied: "With one whose presence reminds you of God, his speech increases your knowledge and his deed inspires you (to work righteously for) the next world." Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 1, p. 203 Amir ul Mu'mineen Ali [a] said: "No business should hinder you from being busy doing good for the coming world, hence, surely, the length of opportunity is a very short time." Ghurar-ul-Hikam, p. 335 Amir ul Mu'mineen Ali [a] said: "He who sells his next life for his present life in this world, loses both of them." Ghurar-ul-Hikam, p. 274 Imam Hadi, the tenth Imam, [a] said: "Remember when you are on your deathbed and your body is lying before your family members, then there is no physician to prevent you (from death) nor a friend to avail you." Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 78, p. 370

Repentance The Holy Prophet [s] said: "The sigh of the people of Hell is mostly because of the postponement of repenting." Al-Mahajjat-ul-Bayda Imam Baqir [a] said: "He who repents of his sins is as the one who has not any (burden of) sin. Wasa'il-ush-Shi'ah vol. 16, p. 74 Imam Amir ul Mu'mineen Ali [a] said: "How numerous procrastinators there are who postpone (repenting and doing good deeds) until when death overtakes them! Ghurar-ul-Hikam, p. 240 The Holy Prophet [s] told Ali-ibn-Abi-Talib [a]: "O' Ali! Blessed is he who Allah looks upon while he is 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)

Protecting the Honour of Believers Imam Baqir [a] said: "It is compulsory for every Muslim to conceal even seventy great faults of his fellow Muslims (in order to save his prestige)." (His faults should be dealt with personally but not be spread among the members of society). Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 74, p. 301 Imam Amir ul Mu'mineen Ali [a] said: "Accept the apology of your Muslim brother and if he has not any, invent 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 Sadiq [a] said: "From the most beloved deeds with Allah, Almighty and Glorious, is bringing

Righteous Deeds The Holy Prophet [s] said: "To make peace between two individuals (in comparison) is worthier than one's entire prayers and fastings." Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 76, p. 43 Imam Amir ul Mu'mineen [a] said: "If a person thinks well of you, make his idea hold true." Nahjul-Balaghah, p. 511, saying No. 248 The Holy Prophet [s] said: "He who leads (others) to piety (will be rewarded) the same as the doer of that good action." Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 96, p. 119 Imam Sadiq [a] said: "There are six things that a Muslim believer can be profited by after his death: A righteous child who seeks forgiveness for him. The Holy scripture which will be recited from. A well which he had dug (for the benefit of people). The tree which he had planted. The charity of water that he had caused to flow. A good tradition which will be followed (by people) after him." Khisal by Saduq, p.323 The Holy Prophet [s] said: "If it were not ha

Injustice and Transgression The Holy Prophet [s] said: "On the Day of the Resurrection a caller will announce: "Where are the oppressors and their assistants and those who prepared an inkwell for them or fastened a bag for them or supplied the ink of a pen (for them)? Then, gather these (people) with them!'" Thawabab-ul-'A'mal, p. 309 Imam Amir ul Mu'mineen Ali [a] said: "By Allah, even if I am given all the domains of the seven countries with all that exists under the skies in order that I may disobey Allah to the extent of snatching one grain of barley from an ant, I would not do it." Nahjul-Balagha, p. 347 Imam Baqir, the fifth Imam, [a] said: "There are three types of transgressions: the one which Allah, the Exalted, forgives, the one He does not forgive, and that one which He does not ignore. Thus, the transgression that He does not forgive is infidelity unto Allah, the Almighty, and Glorious. And, the transgression which Allah

The Rights of Fellow Muslims The Holy Prophet [s] said: "He who grieves a true Muslim cannot then compensate for it by offering him the entire world because it is not sufficient compensation (unless he repents and appeases the said person)." Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 75, p. 150 Imam Kadhim [a] said: "Among your most compulsory duties towards your Muslim brother is that you conceal nothing from him which profits him either in this life or in the Hereafter." Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 2, p. 75 Imam Hassan, the second Imam [a], said: "Treat others similar to the way you would like for them to treat you." Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 78, p. 116 Imam Amir ul Mu'mineen Ali [a] said: "May Allah have mercy upon the person who services a right and removes a wrong, or refutes an injustice and establishes justice." Ghurar-ul-Hikam, p. 181 Imam Sadiq [a] said: "These four characteristics are from the manners of Prophets [a]: righteousness, graciousness,

Greetings The Holy Prophet [s] said: "When you meet each other then initiate greeting (salam) and embrace; and when you separate from each other, then depart with seeking forgiveness." Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 76, p. 4 Imam Husayn-ibn-Ali [a] said: "Seventy rewards is the share of the one who initiates a 'greeting' and only one reward belongs to the one who returns the 'greeting'." (When two people see each other, the initiator of the exchange of greetings receives a greater reward.) Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 78, p. 120 Imam Sadiq [a] said that the Messenger of Allah [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 Sadiq [a] said: "He who initiates a greeting

Enjoining Right and Forbidding Wrong And from among you there should be a party who invite to good and enjoin what is right and forbid the wrong, and these it is that shall be successful. 'Al-i-'lmran, No. 3, verse 104 The Holy Prophet [s] said: "The time when my Ummah (Muslim followers) merely count on others to enjoin right and forbid wrong, in fact, they have declared a fight against Allah, the Exalted." Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 100, p. 92 Imam Amir ul Mu'mineen Ali [a] said: "He who abandons forbidding what is wrong theoretically and practically (and is indifferent while seeing vices committed) is a moving corpse amongst the living." Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 100, p. 94 The Holy Prophet [s] said: "To prevent a Muslim from doing an unlawful action is equivalent with Allah to the performance of seventy accepted Hajj." Mustadrak Al-Wasa'iI-ush-Shia'h, vol. 11, p. 278 Imam Amir ul Mu'mineen Ali [a] said: "Ask others to do

The Tongue and Its Evils The Holy Prophet [s] said: "Affliction caused by the tongue is worse than (that caused by) the strike of the blade of a sword." Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 71, p. 286 The Holy Prophet [s] said: "Among all things, the tongue deserves to be prisoned longer than anything else." (Because most of our sins are committed by it, such as backbiting, telling lies, defaming, mocking, insulting, etc.) Bihar-uI-Anwar vol. 71, p. 277 Imam Amir-ul-Mu'mineen Ali [a] said: "Do contemplate before speaking so that you may guard yourself from (committing) errs." Ghurar-uI-Hikam, p. 228 The Holy Prophet [s] said: "The destruction of man lies in three (things): his stomach, his lusts, and his tongue." Waqayi'-ul-'Ayyam, p. 297 Imam Baqir, the fifth Imam, [a] said: "No one is safe from sins unless the one controls his/her tongue." Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 78, p. 178

Backbiting and Faultfinding The Holy Prophet [s] said: "Slander acts quicker against the faith of a Muslim believer than leprosy does against his body." Usul-I-Kafi, vol. 2, p. 257 Imam Amir-ul-Mu'mineen Mi [a] said: "The listener to backbiting is the same as the backbiter." Ghurar-ul-Hikam, p. 307 The Holy Prophet [s] said: "The abandoning of backbiting is more valuable to Allah, Almighty and Glorious, than the performance of ten 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-Hassan 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

Telling Lies 'Anas-ibn-Mlaik narrates from the Messenger of Allah [s] who said: "Accept six things from me, then I will accept (and guarantee) the entrance of Heaven for you: When you speak, tell no lies. When you promise, do not break it. When you are trusted (by others), be honest. Lower your eyes (from committing sin). Guard your modesty. Hold your hands and tongues." Khisal-i-Saduq, p. 321 Imam Abi-Muhammad-al-'Askari, the eleventh Imam, [a] said: "Wickedness 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 b

Companions & Friendship The Holy Prophet [s] said: "Man is influenced by the faith of his friends. Therefore, be careful of whom you associate with." Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 74, p. 192 Imam Sadiq [a] said: "Be the friend of he who may grace you, not of one whom you are better than." (- viz. make friends with ones who are higher than you so that you progress.) Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 76, p. 267 Imam Sadiq [a] said: "My most beloved brother is he who (makes me aware 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: The friend who says: 'I am with you whether you are alive or dead', and this is his deed. 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. The friend who says: 'I will be with you until when you die', and this is his wealth which will belong t

Immoral Friends Imam Sadiq [a] said: "He who seeks the company of those who insult the lovers of Allah has surely disobeyed Him, the Sublime." Usul-i-Kafi, vol. 2, p. 379 Imam Sadiq [a] said: "When you are informed of a fellow companion committing an evil action, then go to him and tell him: 'O so and so! Either refrain from committing this sin or keep away from us'; then, avoid him unless he does so." Wasa'il-ush-Shi'ah, vol. 16, p. 146 Imam Sadiq [a] has narrated from his father Imam Muhammad Baqir [a] who said his father Ali ibn Husayn [a] stated: "O' my son! Beware of five (groups) and do not seek companionship with them, do not speak with them, and do not make friends with them on (the) way." Then, Imam Baqir [a] asked his father who they were and might he introduce them to him. He responded: "Beware of and do not associate with the one who tells lies. He is as a mirage which makes near for you what is far, and ma

Serving People The Holy Prophet [s] said: "He who decreases a grief out of the grieves of this world for his Muslim brother, Allah will decrease for him a grief out of the grieves of the Hereafter." Shahab-ul-Akhbar, p. 194 Imam Husayn [a] said: "Verily, the procession of people's needs towards you is from among the blessings of Allah upon you. Therefore, grieve ye not because of these blessings." Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 74, p. 318 Imam Amir ul Mu'mineen Ali [a] said: "Whenever you find that your Muslim brother is in need, try to see to it." (Do not let him feel compelled to verbalize his need). Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 74, p. 166 Imam Sadiq [a] narrates from his forefathers [a], from the Messenger of Allah [s], who said: "He who feeds a 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

Giving Loan The Holy Prophet [s] said: "He whom is referred to by his Muslim brother (to borrow) but he does not give him loan, Allah will forbid him entering Paradise on the Day when the righteous will be recompensed." Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 76, p. 369 The Holy Prophet [s] said: "The one from whom his brother Muslim needs borrowing but he does not give him loan, Allah prohibits him entering Paradise on the Day when the righteous will be recompensed." Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 76, p. 367

Helping the Needy The Holy Prophet [s] said: "Ask (questions from) the learned, speak with the wise, and associate with the poor." Tuhaf-ul-'Uqul, p. 34 Imam Amir-ul-Mu'mineen Ali [a] said: "The cause of the cessation of (one's) wealth is leaving the needy heedless." Ghurar-ul-Hikam, vol. 4, p. 190 Imam Amir-ul-Mu'mineen Ali [a] said: "The Holy Prophet [s] narrated from Allah, the Exalted, on the night of ascent, Who said: 'O' Ahmad, My love is the loving of the poor. Bring the poor nearer to yourself and situate them close to yourself in order that I approach you..." Al-Hayat, vol. 2, p. 51 Imam Sadiq [a] said: "Whoever satiates a hungry believer so that the one is satisfied fully, neither a human being among people nor a near-stationed angel nor a divine Messenger knows how great his reward is in the Hereafter except Allah, the Lord of the Worlds." Then, he added: "Feeding a hungry Muslim is from among th

Donation & Pleasing The Believers The Holy Prophet [s] said: "When charity (alms) is delivered out of the hand of its owner, it (the thing being given) says five things: 'At first I was perishing and you gave me life; I was insignificant and 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 Sadiq [a] said: "By Allah, he wh

Charity and Alms The Holy Prophet [s] said: "My community will continue to live fairly while they are faithful (to each other), return the deposits (to their owners), and give alms (of their property); but, if they do not fulfil these duties, they will encounter famine and scarcity." Wasa'il-ush Shia'ah, vol. 6, p.13 Imam Amir-ul-Mu'mineen Ali [a] said: "O' children of Adam! Be your own representative in the matter of your property and do with it whatever you like to be done with it after your death." Note: The meaning is that if a person desires that after his death a portion of his property should be spent on charity, he should not wait for 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 pe

Regard for Kinship The Holy Prophet [s] said: "He who wishes that his sustenance be 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-Rida [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): The purification (and acceptance) of deeds. Increase in wealth. Repelling misfortunes. Easiness in Reckoning, (in the Hereafter). Prolonging life. Usul-i-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

Kindness to Parents The Holy Prophet [s] said: "The pleasure of Allah lies in the pleasure of one's parents (in the case that it is right), and His wrath lies in their wrath." Mustadrak-ul-Wasa'il-ush-Shi'ah, vol. 15, p. 176 Imam Sadiq [a] said: "The best deeds are: punctual prayer, kindness to parents, and contributing to the Holy War (against the pagans) in the path of Allah." Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 74, p. 85 Imam Sadiq [a] said: "He who wishes Allah, Almighty and Glorious, to lighten the agonies of death, he should have regard for his kinship, and treat his parents with goodness. Then, when a person does so, Allah will make the agonies of death easy for him and he will not be stricken by poverty in his life at all." Safinat-ul-Bihar, vol. 2, p. 553 Imam 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-i-Kaf

The Rights of Children The Holy Prophet [s] told Amir-ul-Mu'mineen Ali [a]: "O' Ali! Allah has cursed the parents who would cause their child to be disobedient of them by cursing them." Wasa'il-ush Shiah, vol. 21, p. 290 Imam Amir-ul-Mu'mineen Ali [a] said to one of his followers: "Do not devote most of your activity to your wife and your (grown up) children, because if your wife and children are lovers of Allah, then He will not leave His lovers uncared for, and if they be enemies of Allah, then why should you worry and keep yourself busy about the enemies of Allah." (There are two opposite extremes that can be taken by men in regards to providing for their 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 Sadiq [a] said: "Take action in teachi

Suckling The Holy Prophet [s] said: "Yes, the reward of a woman during her pregnancy until childbirth, and unto when she weans the child, is like that of a stationed (soldier guarding the Muslims' borders against the attack of pagan enemies) for the sake of Allah. So, if she dies during that, she will have the rank of a martyr." Man La Yahduruhul Faqih, vol. 3, p. 561 Imam Amir-ul-Mu'mineen Ali [a] said: "No milk is greater in prosperity than the mother's milk for the baby to suck from." Wasa'il-ush Shi'ah vol. 21, p. 452 The Holy Prophet [s] said: "When a woman conceives with child she will be as a warrior who fasts during the day and keeps vigil at nights praying, and strives with his soul and wealth on the way of Allah. Then, when she delivers, there will be for her such a great reward with Allah that she does not know how magnificent it is. Thereafter, when she suckles (the child), she will have as much reward as freeing a child

Marriage, a Great Worship The Holy Prophet [s] said: "A two rak'at prayer that a married person establishes is worthier than when a bachelor keeps up prayers at nights and fasts during the days. Man La Yahduruhul Faqih, vol. 3, p. 384 The Holy Prophet [s] said: "The sleep of a married person is better with Allah than an unmarried one who fasts during the day and keeps vigil at night, establishing prayers." Bihar ul Anwar, vol. 103, p. 221 The Holy Prophet [s] said: "(Mostly) the doers of good of my Ummah are the married ones, while the vicious of them are unmarried." Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 103, p. 221 Imam Sadiq [a] said: "Once a man came to my father. He [a] asked him whether he had a wife and he answered he had not. Then, my father said that he would not like to possess the world and what it includes but sleep one night without having a wife. Then he [a] added that the two rak'at prayer established by a married man is worthier than that