Pearl of Wisdom

'It is related that a companion of the Commander of the Faithful (AS) whose name was Hammam and was a devoted worshipper had said to him, ?O Commander of the Faithful, describe to me the Godwary in such a way as though I was to see them.' So he (AS) praised Allah and extolled Him, and praised the Prophet (SAWA) and then said: 'The Godwary [in this world] are the people of virtue. Their speech is to the point, their dress is moderate and their gait is humble. They keep their eyes closed to what Allah has made unlawful for them, and they put their ears to that knowledge which is beneficial to them. They remain in times of trials as they have been in times of comfort. If there had not been fixed periods [of life] ordained for each, their spirits would not have remained in their bodies even for the twinkling of an eye because of [their] eagerness for the reward and fear of chastisement... The sign of any one of them is that you will see that he has strength in religion, prudence along with leniency, faith with conviction, eagerness in [seeking] knowledge with forbearance, moderation in wealth, devotion in worship, gracefulness in neediness, endurance in hardship, desire for the lawful, pleasure in guidance and hatred of greed. He performs virtuous deeds but still feels afraid. In the evening he is anxious to offer thanks [to Allah]. In the morning his anxiety is to remember [Allah]. He passes the night in fear and rises in the morning in joy fear lest night is passed in forgetfulness, and joy over the favour and mercy received by him. If his self refuses to endure a thing which it does not like he does not grant its request towards what it likes. The coolness of his eye lies in what is to last forever, while from the things [of this world] that will not last he keeps aloof. He transfuses knowledge with forbearance, and speech with action. You will see his hopes simple, his shortcomings few, his heart fearing, his spirit contented, his meal small arid simple, his religion safe, his desires dead and his anger suppressed. Good alone is expected from him. Evil from him is not to be feared.'

Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib [as]
Nahj al-Balagha, Sermon 193

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Take counsel in the matters faith demands of you with one who has the following five qualities: intellect, knowledge, experience, good counsel, and precaution. If you find these five things in a person, then make use of them, be resolute and rely on Allah. This will lead you to what is correct.

As for matters of this world which do not pertain to faith, make decisions about them and then do not think about them further. If you do this, you will obtain the blessings of livelihood and the sweetness of obedience.

Knowledge is obtained through consultation. The man of intellect is he who derives new knowledge from consultation, and that guides him to obtain his goal. Consulting a proper counsellor is like reflecting upon the creation of the heavens and the earth and the destruction of both, since the more intense a person's reflection upon these two things, the deeper he penetrates into the seas of the light of gnosis and the more he increases his understanding and certainty.

Do not take counsel from someone when your intellect does not give him any credence, even if he is famous for his discernment and scrupulousness. When you take counsel from someone your heart trusts, do not disagree with what he advises even if it is contrary to what you want. Surely the self combines both acceptance of the truth with what is opposed to it - that is, on receiving other truths which are clearer to him. Allah has said,


Take counsel with them in the affair. (3:159)

and again,


Their rule is to take counsel among themselves. (42:38)

that is, they consult each other about it.

 
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