The greatest proverbs

Akan Proverbs

1. If all the seeds that fall were to grow, then no one could follow the path under the trees.
2. If an ass goes a-traveling, he'll not come home a horse.
3. Marriage is like a groundnut: you have to crack them to see what is inside.
4. The family is like the forest: if you are outside, it is dense; if you are inside, you see that each tree has its own position.
5. The rain wets the leopard's spots but does not wash them off.

Source: proverbmountain.com


Backbiting

Imam Amir-ul-Mu'mineen Ali (as) said: ‘The listener to backbiting is the same as the backbiter.’


The Miser

A miser sold all that he had and bought a lump of gold, which he buried in a hole in the ground by the side of an old wall and went to look at daily. One of his workmen observed his frequent visits to the spot and decided to watch his movements. He soon discovered the secret of the hidden treasure, and digging down, came to the lump of gold, and stole it. The Miser, on his next visit, found the hole empty and began to tear his hair and to make loud lamentations. A neighbor, seeing him overcome with grief and learning the cause, said, ‘Pray do not grieve so; but go and take a stone, and place it in the hole, and fancy that the gold is still lying there. It will do you quite the same service; for when the gold was there, you had it not, as you did not make the slightest use of it.’



Knowledge and wealth

In Egypt dwelt two sons of a nobleman, one of whom acquired learning and the other gained wealth; the former became the most learned man of his time and the other Prince of Egypt. Afterwards the rich man looked with contempt on his learned brother, and said, 'I have arrived at monarchy, and you have continued in the same state of poverty.' He replied, 'o, brother, it behoveth me to be the more thankful to the divine creator since I have found the inheritance of the prophets, that is wisdom; and you have got the portion of Pharaoh, and Haman, or the Kingdom of Egypt.'
I am the ant, which men tread under their feet
And not the wasp, of whose sting they complain.
How shall I express my grateful sense of such blessing.
That I am not possessed of the means of oppressing mankind?
source: Gulisten saadi



True Friend

“A true friend sees the good in everything, and brings out the best in the worst of things.”

Author: Sasha Azevedo
Source: thinkexist.com



Thoughts lead on to purposes

Thoughts lead on to purposes; purposes go forth in action; actions form habits; habits decide character; and character fixes our destiny.

Tryon Edwards


Speaker and worshipping

"Whoever listens to a speaker is worshipping him. If the speaker speaks of Allah, he is then worshipping Allah. But if the speaker speaks for Satan, then he is a devil"
Imam al Jawad (a.s)


The Three Tradesmen

A great city was besieged, and its inhabitants were called together to consider the best means of protecting it from the enemy. A Bricklayer earnestly recommended bricks as affording the best material for an effective resistance. A Carpenter, with equal enthusiasm, proposed timber as a preferable method of defense. Upon which a Currier stood up and said, "Sirs, I differ from you altogether: there is no material for resistance equal to a covering of hides; and nothing so good as leather."
Every man for himself.




The Greatness of the Creator

Imam Amir-ul-Mu'mineen Ali (as) said: ‘Having the Greatness of the Creator in your mind would make you realise the insignificance of the creatures in your view.’

Taken from: convertstoislam.com


Three short stories

The Astronomer
An astronomer used to go out at night to observe the stars. One evening, as he wandered through the suburbs with his whole attention fixed on the sky, he fell accidentally into a deep well. While he lamented and bewailed his sores and bruises, and cried loudly for help, a neighbor ran to the well, and learning what had happened said: "Hark ye, old fellow, why, in striving to pry into what is in heaven, do you not manage to see what is on earth?’


The Bald Knight
A Bald Knight, who wore a wig, went out to hunt. A sudden puff of wind blew off his hat and wig, at which a loud laugh rang forth from his companions. He pulled up his horse, and with great glee joined in the joke by saying, "What a marvel it is that hairs which are not mine should fly from me, when they have forsaken even the man on whose head they grew."

The Two Bags
Every man, according to an ancient legend, is born into the world with two bags suspended from his neck all bag in front full of his neighbors’ faults, and a large bag behind filled with his own faults. Hence it is that men are quick to see the faults of others, and yet are often blind to their own failings.




Lest You Forget These Three in Life

Don’t waste these three: Time, Money and Energy.

Like these three: Kindness, Sympathy and Cordiality.

Hate these three: Injustice, Pride and Faithlessness.

Love these three: Bravery, Gentility and Affection.

Leave these three: Laziness, Talkativeness and Hurried Judgment.

Value these three: Intelligence, Ability and Happiness.

Control these three: Temper, Desire and Tongue.

Preserve these three: Good books, Good deeds and Good friends.





Famous Sayings of Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) about Imam Ali (as)

Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) said: "Whoever wishes to see Adam in his knowledge, Noah in his piety, Abraham in his forbearance, Moses in his strength, and Jesus in his worship and devotion should look at Ali ibn Abi Talib."
Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) said the following about Ali ibn Abi Talib:
He is the first one to believe in Islam; He is the most knowledgeable; He is the most correct one in his DEEN; He is the most certain; He is the most patient; He is the most forgiving and generous; He is the bravest in heart; He is the IMAM and the successor after me.



Choosing Friends

The Holy Prophet [s.a] said: ‘Man is influenced by the faith of his friends. Therefore, be careful of whom you associate with.’

Source: Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 74, p. 192





Imam Ali (a.s) in the eyes of his enemies
Three Bright Points in Ali's Life
Here we mention three virtues of the Conquerer of Khayber:
One day Mu’awiyah criticized Sa’d Waqqas for not cursing Ali. He said in reply: ‘Whenever I am reminded of three virtues of Ali, I earnestly desire that I might have possessed at least one of them:
1. On the day when the Prophet appointed him as his representative in Madina and himself departed for the Battle of Tabuk, he said to Ali: You enjoy the same relationship with me which Harun enjoyed with Musa except that no prophet will come after me.
2. On the Day of Khayber the Prophet said: Tomorrow I will give the standard to a person who is loved by Allah and the Prophet. All the great officers and commanders of Islam were anxious to acquire this honour. On the following day, however, the Prophet called Ali and gave him the standard and Allah granted us a great victory which was solely due to the selfsacrifice of Ali.
3. When it was decided that the Prophet should engage in Mubahilah (cursing) with the leaders of Najran, he held the hands of Ali, Fatimah, Hassan, and Hussiyn, and said:
‘O Allah! These are the members of my family.’(1)
1. Sahih Muslim, vol. VII, page 120.
The Message (the holy Prophet of Allah); Ayatullah Jafar Subhani





You are not out of God’s Sight

Imam Javad (as) peace be upon him said: Be it known that you are not out of God's sight, save yourself now and find out how are you going to be.

Source: (Tohafol-Oghool, p. 478)




Respect Your Mother

There was a young man, before he was a Muslim; he lived with his mother until he was about 18 years old. Then he moved out of his home and lived in a different place on his own. During those days, he met some Muslims and became very close friend to them. Eventually he himself became a Muslim after learning about the beautiful religion of Islam from them. He made an effort every day to learn more and more about Islam. One day, he came to learn about the benefits of being good to one’s parents. After knowing this, he decided to visit his mother whom he did not visit for many years. He bought some flowers and fruits for her on his way. His mother was very pleased to see him after so long. He started spending lots of time with his mother on a regular basis. During his visits, he would stare at his mother and tears would roll down from his eyes. The mother noticed this happening many times and asked him one day the reason, why he visits her so much all of a sudden and why he cries. He told her about how he became a Muslim and that the position of a mother in Islam is very high.
He also told her about the reward he gets for looking at her.
But while looking at her, he cries because the mother is not a Muslim and would not be able to save herself if she dies in this state. The mother immediately recognized the beauty of Islam and became a Muslim.






Biggest strugglers and intelligent person

Al-Sheikh Al-Sadooq through his chain of narrators, narrated from Imam Ali (a.s) that the Messenger of God (s.a.w) said:
The biggest strugglers of people who strive are those who avoid sin.
The best of the intelligent people are those who remember death more often.
Source: [Biharul-Anwaar, vol. 77, p.113]



Imam Ali in the eyes of Non-Muslims
Saying: "Ali was so popular even among the non-Muslims that when he died, all the Christians, Jews and Zoroastrians of Kufa, particularly their women and children who were personally looked after by Ali, lamented his death and wept as one does for one’s father. Mourning was observed even in Jerusalem and the Lord Bishop also could not restrain his tears."(Prof. M. G. Reynold’s Book on Islam, Chapter 3.)
The Death of Imam Ali (a.s.) When Ali was leaving his abode, observes S. Ockley in his famous work, ‘The History of the Saracens’, the household birds began making a great noise and when one of Ali’s servants attempted to quiet them, Ali said, "Leave them alone, for their cries are only lamentations foreboding my death."
The Deer hunting incident of Harun ar Rashid: "During the reigns of the Ummayyad Caliphs his blessed resting-place could not be disclosed, and so it was also under the Abbasids until the reign of Harun-ar-Rashid. But in the year 175 A.H. (791 A.D.), Harun happened to go hunting in these parts, and the deer he was chasing took refuge on a small piece of raised ground. However much he asked his hunting dogs to capture the quarry, they refused to go near this spot. He urged his horse to this place, and the horse too refused to budge; and on this, awe took possession of the Caliph’s heart, and he immediately started to make inquiries of the people of the neighborhood, and they acquainted him with the fact that this was the grave of Hazrat Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib, the cousin and son-in-law of the Holy Prophet. Harun ordered a tomb to be erected over the grave and people soon began to settle down in its vicinity." (The Shrine of Ali at Najaf from, "The Shi’ite Religion", by Dwight M. Donaldson)




The Least Peace of Mind

Al-Sheikh Al-Sadooq through his chain of narrators, narrated from Imam Ali (a.s) that the Messenger of God (s.a.w) said:
The best of the courageous people are those who fight their desires.
The people with the least peace of mind are the jealous.
Source: [Biharul-Anwaar, vol. 77, p.113]



Arrogant People
Al-Sheikh Al-Sadooq through his chain of narrators, narrated from Imam Ali (a.s) that the Messenger of God (s.a.w) said:

The most hated of all people are the arrogant.
The lowest of people are those who insult people.


Source: Biharul-Anwaar, vol. 77, p.113




Love of Imam Ali in Prophet's words

The Prophet of Islam (PBUH) said:

‘The love of Ali ibn Abi-Talib is a tree whose root is in Paradise and its branches are in this world. Whoever from my community clings into any of its branches, it will reach them to Paradise. The hatred of Ali ibn Abi-Talib is a tree that its root is in hell and its branches are in this world. Whoever clings into any of its branches will enter into hell."
Beharul-Anwaar, vol.40 p.46





More on Knowledge
Some Wise Sayings of Imam Ali bin Abi Talib:

Knowledge gives life to the soul.
To respect the learned is to respect God.
Knowledge creates fear of God.
Practice makes knowledge perfect.
To teach is to learn.




Not waste opportunity
Imam Ali (as) said:

*Failures are often the results of timidity and fears; disappointments are the results of bashfulness; hours of leisure pass away like summer-clouds, therefore, do not waste opportunity of doing well.
*When you get ill, don’t get nervous about it and try as much as possible to be hopeful.



Al-Sheikh Al-Sadooq through his chain of narrators, narrated from Imam Ali (a.s) that the Messenger of God (s.a.w) said:

The best of the cautious people are those who swallow their anger most.


The lowest of people are those who insult people.




Spend more time in learning

The Prophet Mohammad peace upon him said: "To spend more time in learning is better than spending more time praying. It is better to teach knowledge one hour in the night than to pray all night."




The merit of seeking knowledge


The Prophet Mohammad peace upon him said: "He who leaves home in search of knowledge walks in the path of God."



Pious
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
Allah will forgive a person who starts his day with intent to remain pious, but unintentionally commits a sin.



Dream

“Dream as if you'll live forever, live as if you'll die today.”
Author: James Dean
Source: thinkexist.com



Greed

Al-Sheikh Al-Sadooq through his chain of narrators, narrated from Imam Ali (a.s) that the Messenger of God (s.a.w) said:

The poorest people are the greediest ones.
The richest of all people are those who are not captured by greed.
The best People

Al-Sheikh Al-Sadooq through his chain of narrators, narrated from Imam Ali (a.s) that the Messenger of God (s.a.w) said:

The best of the learned people are those who add the knowledge of all people to their own.

The best of the courageous people are those who fight their desires.

The best of the precious people are the most knowledgeable.


The Knowledge Status of Imam
Sheikh Tusi writes a man from among the Syrians visited Imam Mohammad Baqir (A.S.) and said, "Since you are a man of knowledge and learning your assembly is fruitful, valuable and worthy for me and so I attend your teaching session but I have enmity with you and your lineage." Imam did not reply him.
After a few days that man fell ill. Imam (A.S.) visited him along with his friends and sat by his bed, and enquired after his health. When the Syrian man saw this graciousness and magnanimity of the Imam he extremely repented about what he had said, and was ashamed. He did not know what response to give to the Imam (A.S.).
Imam (A.S.) gave orders about his food, treatment to his family members and prayed for him and got up. Not very long had passed that he got cured and left the ailment bed. Next day, he made it a point to reach the assembly of Imam (A.S.) and expressed repentance over what he had said and asked for apologies and became one of the permanent and everlasting friends of Imam (A.S.)





More on Knowledge
Some Wise Sayings of Imam Ali bin Abi Talib:

Knowledge gives life to the soul.
To respect the learned is to respect God.
Knowledge creates fear of God.
Practice makes knowledge perfect.
To teach is to learn.



The four blessed ways to look Success is not the key to happiness


Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.

Albert Schweitzer




Best
Al-Sheikh Al-Sadooq through his chain of narrators, narrated from Imam Ali (a.s) that the Messenger of God (s.a.w) said:

The best of the worshippers are those who offer the obligatory.

The best of the generous people are those who have paid the zakat of their wealth.

The best of the detached people from dunya are those who are detached from Haraam.

The best of the pious people are those who tell the truth be it for or against themselves.

The best of the just people are those who like for people what they like for themselves & dislike for people what they dislike for themselves.


The best of the envied are those who are buried & feel secure from chastisement, hoping for reward.
Source: Biharul-Anwaar, vol. 77, p.113






The Salient Features of Imam's Character
Imam Mohammad Baqir always put on new and clean dress. He perfumed himself and walked very comfortably, slowly and steadily. One day, some narrow minded ones criticized him saying your grandfather Ali (A.S.) used old and cheap clothes so why do you put on clean and new ones?
He replied, since in those days all the people were poor Ali (A.S.) ought to have used old clothes and simple food. But today the people are leading their lives in comfort and luxury; hence, I should not use those clothes. The act of my grandfather in those days, was according to justice and leadership and my action and way of life today is also in accordance to the (norms of) Justice and leadership.
About his manners and training, it is written that he never laughed loudly and always spoke in a calm and respectable way. He never became furious and enraged and with whosoever he met he would give him respect and shook hands with him and said, "this act (shaking hands) brings the hearts close to each other and puts an end to the enmities and hostilities."
Although Imam (A.S.) wept much during his confidential conversation with God, but he did not weep loudly. Whenever he spoke he would start and end his talk with the name of God.
He had gardens and fields in abundance and large number but he himself visited them like a farmer and shared the work with the cultivator and workers, took food with them, and talked to them. He was a master who had close working relations with his servants.
Whatever agricultural products he received from his gardens and fields he would give it in the name of God. He fulfilled all the needs and requirements of his workers to such extent that he was one of the most generous men of his time in Hijaz.
Sheikh Mufid writes about Imam (A.S.), "he had access to and acquaintance with all the branches of knowledge and intuitive learning. He led his life busy in the obedience of God. He was strong and balanced at the station of piety and rigidly honored his word, promises, and commitments. His piety, open heartedness, spiritual purity, and humanly conducts made all and sundry love him. And he trained them in Islamic ethics.
Ibn-e-Hajar, who is a prejudiced Sunni scholar, writes about the character of Imam (A.S.) "Imam Mohammad Baqir (A.S.) had a clean, pure heart. His speech and talk was harmonies and in accordance with his practice. His conduct and dealing with people was humanly and Islamic. He was a great Gnostic and unmatched worshiper. He was so very ornamented and decorated with human qualities that I do not have the means and capacity to praise him."
One of his slaves said about him, "Once I accompanied his graciousness to Mecca. When Imam (A.S.) sighted the house of God (Kaabah). He wept so much that he got feeble and nerveless I said to him, "Why do you weep so much?"
He said, "Perhaps God may become kind to me because of these tears and tomorrow (on justice day) He may bless me with salvation.
Then Imam stood for his prayers and lengthened the prostration. When he picked his head up, the place of prostration was wet with tears from his eyes."
Mohammad bin Mankadir, who was a silly pious looking person, says, "Because of this that Imam (A.S.) worked too hard I said to myself he is after the material and I must stop and admonish him. So one day I saw him exhausted and perspiring due to ample hard work in the hot scorching weather. I went near him, saluted him, and said, "Oh son of the Prophet (P.B.U.H.), why are you so much after the wealth of the world? If death comes to you in such a condition what would you do then?"
He said, "This is the best of my times because I work in it so that I do not become needy towards you people and others, and do not eat from the earnings of others. If God gives me death in this condition I will be much happy since I am busy in his prayers and obedience."
I got informed about this point and knew that I was wrong. I apologized him, saying, "I wanted to admonish and advise you, but you admonished and informed me."
Kulayni writes, "A group of the friends of Imam (A.S.) stated that one day we went to his house to offer him compliments. After salutation and enquiring after his health we found the Imam (A.S.) very sad, pensive and afflicted. When we asked about the reason of that sorrow. We came to know that the son of Imam (A.S.) was very much ill. We told ourselves if this son dies what a distress would Imam (A.S.) have to face?
We bade farewell, and went back and on the next day returned back to enquire about the welfare of Imam. Fortunately, we saw the Imam (A.S.) in happy mood we told ourselves God has done a favor and cured the son and so Imam is happy. But then we learnt that the son had passed away. We enquired about the matter from him personally, as to why he was so troubled and pensive before the death but after it he was happy. Imam replied to us, "my son was ill and by virtue of human and paternal duty I was sad and uneasy and put in endeavor and efforts to get him cured and was asking God to get him cured. But since God deemed expedient that he dies and freed him off the pain and calamity, I submitted to His will and thanked God. We are agreed and contented upon His will and we love and like whatever he loves and wishes.





Problem and solution

No one will manufacture a lock without a key.
Similarly God won't give problems without solutions.




Allah will save me

One day Rasool Allah (pbuh) was on a journey and very tired, so he sat down under a tree to rest. A bad man seeing that Rasool Allah (pbuh) was alone thought it was a good time to kill him quickly and quietly. He went towards Rasool Allah (pbuh) with his sword out in front of him.
He asked Rasool Allah (pbuh): "Tell me who can help you now?"
"Allah," answered Rasool Allah (pbuh) calmly.
When the bad man saw how calm and sure Rasool Allah (pbuh) was that Allah would help him, he became frightened and the sword fell off his hand.
Rasool Allah (pbuh) picked up the sword and asked: "Now you tell me who is there to save you?"
"No-one" answered the man.
"No, you are wrong, the same Allah will help you also,"
said Rasool Allah (pbuh) and then he let the man go.
When the man heard this he became a Muslim.



Value of Time

Imam Ali (as) Saying:

Failures are often the results of timidity and fears; disappointments are the results of bashfulness; hours of leisure pass away like summer-clouds, therefore, do not waste opportunity of doing good.




The merit of Imagination

‘Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited; Imagination encircles the world.’

Albert Einstein



Good Thoughts about Life
The most destructive habit:
Worry

The greatest problem to overcome:
Fear

The most powerful force in life:
Love

The worst thing to be without:
Hope





Don’t Conceal Your Knowledge!

The Holy Prophet [s.a] 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.)

Source: Al -'Ithna-'Ashariyyah, p. 11




Hope and Fear


Imam Ali(AS):
You should have hope in God alone and should fear nothing but your sins.





The Station of the men of Knowledge
Imam Alis(as) said:

The man of knowledge is the one who recognizes that what is known is very little compared to what is not known, and as a result he considers himself ignorant, and accordingly he increases his efforts to know more by going out in search of knowledge.


Mistakes and Experiences

Mistakes are painful when they happen.
But year's later collection of mistakes is called experience, which leads to success.



Consult not your fears

Consult not your fears but your hopes and your dreams. Think not about your frustrations, but about your unfulfilled potential. Concern yourself not with what you tried and failed in, but with what it is still possible for you to do.

Pope John XXIII



Why Acquire Knowledge?


Imam Ali said: Knowledge is better than Wealth because of 7 (Reasons):

1. Knowledge is inheritence of Prophets while wealth is inheritence of Firauns (Pharohs).
2. Knowlege Does not Diminish (rather increases) with spending , while wealth diminishes with spending.
3. Wealth requires to be protected, while knowledge protects its owner.
4. Knowledge will enter the Kafan (Shroud) while wealth will be prevented from doing so.
5. Wealth reaches both believers and unbelievers (Kafir), while knowledge is reserved only for those who are worthy of it.
6. Knowledge will facilitate passing over the Seraat (Bridge over Hell) while wealth will pore hurdles.
7. People are always in need of scholars while they might not be in need of those possessing wealth.



Soul's Food
Imam hassan (a.s.) says

I wonder those who think about their body's food, but do not think about their soul's food. they keep away disturbing food from their belly, but fill up their heart with destructive subjects.



Wealth, Poverty, Heritage and Friend

Imam Ali (AS)
There is no greater wealth than wisdom; no greater poverty than ignorance; no greater heritage than culture; and no greater friend and helpmate than consultation.


The four blessed ways to look

Look BACK and thank God,
look FORWARD and trust God,
look AROUND and serve God,
look WITHIN and find God!





Successful person

Every successful person has a painful story.
Every painful story has a successful ending.
Accept the pain and get ready for success.




How Morals (Aklaq) will save us in the Hereafter?

The Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: ‘The best believer is one with the best temper. The best person is one who is best for the people and the most useful person is one who is most useful for the people.’
It is narrated from Imam Sadiq (as) that when the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW) got the news of the death of Saad bin Maaz Ansari; he proceeded along with the companions to join the funeral procession. He stood near Saad bin Maaz Ansari while he was given the ritual final bath. When the bath was over, he accompanied the bier without footwear and bare-head as is the custom of the mourners. He sometimes carried the bier on his right shoulder and at other on his left. On reaching the graveside, the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW) himself descended into the pit and with his own hands lowered Saad bin Maaz Ansari into the grave. Then he arranged the bricks in the grave and put soil to fill the grave. While putting soil into the grave the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said, ‘Saad's mortal remains will get lost in the soil but Allah (SWT) likes that the deeds one does are good and durable!’ When the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was giving the last touches to the grave of Saad, the dead companion's mother cried, 'O Saad! Greetings on your achieving the Heaven!'
The Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said, 'O mother of Saad! Keep quiet! At the moment Saad is undergoing the pressures (Fishaar) of the grave!'
When the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW) returned from the grave yard, the companions asked him, 'O messenger of Allah! The way you have attended Saad's funeral, we have not seen you do any time in the past. You went bare-footed. You kept your head uncovered.'
The Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW) replied, 'I saw the angels do likewise and I followed suit.'
The companions asked, 'Sometimes you carried the bier on your right shoulder and at others on the left?'
The Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW) replied, 'I was with Jibreel (Gabriel), whichever side he went, I went the same way!' The companions asked, 'You have yourself given bath to Saad, led the funeral prayer, lowered him into the grave and in the end said that he was undergoing the Fishaar of the grave!' The Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW) replied, 'Saad was undergoing the Fishaar because he used to treat the people of his house and friends with ill-temper.'

Source: www.al-islam.org




Mistakes and Experiences

Mistakes are painful when they happen.
But year's later collection of mistakes is called experience, which leads to success.




Compare Yourself

Don't compare yourself with any one in this world.
If you compare, you are insulting yourself.



The likeness of Ahl-ul-Bayt

The Holy Prophet [s.a] said: ‘The likeness of my Ahl-ul-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....’

sourc: Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 27, p. 113



Life without difficulties
Quotation of the week
"O God, when we long for life without difficulties, remind us that oaks grow strong in contrary winds and diamonds are made under pressure."
Peter Marshall



Problem and worry

If a problem can be solved, no need to worry about it.
If a problem cannot be solved what is the use of worrying?



End your day by privately looking

End your day by privately looking directly into your eyes in the mirror and saying, ‘I love you!’ Do this for thirty days and watch how you transform.
Mark Victor Hansen




I, Me, Myself

I looked at all friends, and did not find a better friend than safeguarding the tongue.

I thought about all dresses, but did not find a better dress than piety.

I thought about all types of wealth, but did not find a better wealth than contentment in little.

I thought of all types of good deeds, but did not find a better deed than offering good advice.

I looked at all types of sustenance, but did not find a better sustenance than patience.




Do You Know Where Happiness Lives?
Do you know where happiness lives?
It lives in the sky,
Where every thing is blue.
Do you know where happiness lives?
It lives in the mountain,
Where every thing is high.
Do you know where happiness lives?
It lives in the sea,
Where every thing is clean.
So if you want to see happiness,
Go to the sky,
And the mountain,
And the sea.
Be blue,
And high,
And clean.



The honour of a believer

The Holy Prophet [s.a] said: ‘The honour of a believer lies in his vigilance at night and his esteem lies in his autonomy from people.’
source:Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 77, p. 20



Persian Proverbs (part2)

1. The best memory is that which forgets nothing but injuries. Write kindness in marble and write injuries in the dust.
2. The best mode of instruction is to practise what we preach.
3. The best of friends must part.
4. The best of men are but men at best.
5. The blind man is laughing at the bald head.
6. The doctor must heal his own bald head.
7. The loveliest of faces are to be seen by moonlight, when one sees half with the eye and half with the fancy.
8. The wise man sits on the hole in his carpet.
9. Thinking is the essence of wisdom.
10. Use your enemy's hand to catch a snake.
11. Walls have mice and mice have ears.
12. What is brought by the wind will be carried away by the wind.





You are not here merely to make a living


You are not here merely to make a living: You are here in order to enable the world to live more amply, with greater vision, with a finer spirit of hope and achievement. You are here to enrich the world, and you impoverish yourself if you forget the errand.

Woodrow Wilson


Giving Loan from viewpoint of the Prophet Muhammad

The Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him 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.’

Source: Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 76, p. 369




Greatness is not measured by

Greatness is not measured by what a man or woman accomplishes, but by the opposition he or she has overcome to reach his goals.

Dorothy Height




O Allah (SWT) Hide my Sins..!

It was narrated that in the days that Prophet Moses (pbuh) wandered with Bani Israel (Children of Israel) in the desert, an intense drought befell them. Together, they raised their hands towards the heavens praying for the blessed rain to come. Then, to the astonishment of Prophet Moses (pbuh) and all those watching, the few scattered clouds that were in the sky vanished, the heat poured down, and the drought intensified.
It was revealed to Prophet Moses (pbuh) that there was a sinner amongst the tribe of Bani Israel (Children of Israel) who had disobeyed Allah (SWT) for more than forty years of his life.
‘Let him separate himself from the congregation,’ Allah (SWT) told Prophet Moses (pbuh). ‘Only then shall I shower you all with rain.’
Prophet Moses (pbuh) then called out to the throngs of humanity, ‘There is a person amongst us who has disobeyed Allah (SWT) for forty years. Let him separate himself from the congregation and only then shall we be rescued from the drought.’
That man waited, looking left and right, hoping that someone else would step forward, but no one did. Sweat poured forth from his brow and he knew that he was the one. The man knew that if he stayed amongst the congregation all would die of thirst and that if he stepped forward he would be humiliated for all eternity.
He raised his hands with a sincerity he had never known before, with humility he had never tasted, and as tears poured down on both cheeks he said, ‘O Allah, have mercy on me! O Allah, hide my sins! O Allah, forgive me!’
As Prophet Moses (pbuh) and the people of Bani Israel (Children of Israel) waited for the sinner to step forward, the clouds hugged the sky and the rain poured. Prophet Moses (pbuh) asked Allah (SWT), ‘O Allah, you blessed us with rain even though the sinner did not come forward.’
And Allah (SWT) replied, ‘O Moses, it is for the repentance of that very person that I blessed all of Bani Israel (Children of Israel) with water.’
Prophet Moses (pbuh), wanting to know who this blessed man was, asked, ‘Show him to me O Allah!’

Allah (SWT) replied, ‘O Moses, I hid his sins for forty years, do you think that after his repentance I shall expose him?’



Affliction


The Holy Prophet [s.a] said: ‘Affliction caused by the tongue is worse than (that caused by) the strike of the blade of a sword.’

source: Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 71, p. 286



Keep a Stiff Upper Lip or Keep Your Chin Up

Keeping a stiff upper lip can be hard to do and that's why it became an expression. When someone gets upset, his or her lips might tremble. If you keep a stiff upper lip, you are trying not to show you are upset. This expression dates back to the 1800s, but it is still used today.
‘Keep your chin up’ has a similar meaning. When someone is sad or depressed, the person might drop his or her head, bringing the chin down toward the chest. A chin held high shows confidence and optimism. So the next time you get a lower grade than you expected, keep your chin up and try to do better next time!.




Importance of marriage

Marry those among you who are single, or the virtuous ones among yourselves, male or female: if they are in poverty, Allah will give them means out of His grace: for Allah encompasseth all, and he knoweth all things. (24:32)

source: The Holy Quran ( Surah24, Light, verse 32 )




The four blessed ways to look Success is not the key to happiness


Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.

Albert Schweitzer



How should we behave in Time of Prosperity?

Two dervishes of Khorasan who had entered into strict intimacy, traveled together: one who was infirm would fast for two days, and the other who was robust used to eat three times a day. It happened that they were seized at the gate of a city on suspicion of being spies, were both confined in the same room, and the door closed up with mud. After a fortnight it was discovered that they were innocent. On opening the door, they found the strong man dead, and the infirm one alive. They were astonished at the circumstance, but a philosopher said, that the contrary would have been more wonderful, for the one who was great eater, was not able to support abstinence; and the other who weak, having his body in subjection, and being used to fasting, had happily escaped.
A person who had accustomed himself to eat sparingly,
When difficulty occurs, bears it easily;
But if in time of prosperity he has been used to pamper himself,
When he meets with distress he sinks under it.
Gulisten saadi



Thoughts lead on to purposes

Thoughts lead on to purposes; purposes go forth in action; actions form habits; habits decide character; and character fixes our destiny.

Tryon Edwards



The characteristics of Real Follower of Ahlul-Bayt

Imam Muhammad Baqir ([a.s) 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...’

source: Al-Kafi, vol. 2, p. 74



By the skin of your teeth

If you pass a test by just a few points or win a contest by a tiny bit, people might say you did so 'by the skin of your teeth.' In other words, you just barely did it. The only problem with this expression is that your teeth don't have skin! But sometimes they have a film on them, especially first thing in the morning. If you feel that sticky film, it's time to brush your teeth!



The Two Frogs

Two Frogs dwelt in the same pool. When the pool dried up under the summer’s heat, they left it and set out together for another home. As they went along they chanced to pass a deep well, amply supplied with water, and when they saw it, one of the Frogs said to the other, ‘Let us descend and make our abode in this well: it will furnish us with shelter and food.’ The other replied with greater caution, ‘But suppose the water should fail us. How can we get out again from so great a depth?’



Seneca Courage is …

“Each time we face our fear, we gain strength, courage, and confidence in the doing.”
Courage is doing what you"re afraid to do. There can be no courage unless you"re scared.”
You will never do anything in this world without courage. It is the greatest quality of the mind next to honor.”
Courage is the discovery that you may not win, and trying when you know you can lose.”
“Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear - not absence of fear”
“The greatest barrier to success is the fear of failure.”


Remembrance of God

But he who turneth away from Remembrance of Me, his will be a narrow life, and I shall bring him blind to the assembly on the Day of Resurrection. (20:124)

source: Holy Quran ( Surah20, Ta-ha, verse 124 )



The story of Moses and the Lost Sheep

They say that when Moses (Upon Him Be Peace) was still the shepherd of the Prophet Shu"ayb (Upon Him Be Peace) and had not yet received divine Inspiration, he was one day feeding his sheep. By chance one ewe became Seprated from the others. Moses wanted to bring her back to the flock, but the ewe ran off into the desert; not being able to see the sheep, she ran about the terror and Moses chased her for a distance of two or three farsangs (12-18 KM), until she had no strength left and fell down exhausted and could not get up. Moses came up to her and was moved with compassion. He said "O hapless one, wither are you fleeing? Whom do you fear?" Seeing that she could not walk anymore, he picked her up and put her on his shoulders and brought her back to the flock. Moses put her down and she joined the flock. God (Be He Exalted) called to the angels, saying, "Saw ye with tenderness my servant treated that dumb ewe? Because he took trouble and harmed not the ewe, but rather had mercy on her, (I declare) be My glory that I will raise him up and make him My interlocutor; I will grant him prophet hood and send him a book, and as long as the world exists, his name will be spoken." God bestowed all these token upon him.




The merit of Imagination

‘Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited; Imagination encircles the world.’

Albert Einstein


The Astronomer

An astronomer used to go out at night to observe the stars. One evening, as he wandered through the suburbs with his whole attention fixed on the sky, he fell accidentally into a deep well. While he lamented and bewailed his sores and bruises, and cried loudly for help, a neighbor ran to the well, and learning what had happened said: "Hark ye, old fellow, why, in striving to pry into what is in heaven, do you not manage to see what is on earth?’


Beauty of soul

Imam Hassan Askari (as) said: Beauty of the face is the outward charm of a human being, and the beauty of soul is his inner charm.

source: (Behar, vol. 1, p. 95)


The Hounored and the Faithful People
Al-Sheikh Al-Sadooq through his chain of narrators, narrated from Imam Ali (a.s) that the Messenger of God (s.a.w) said:
The best of the faithful are people with the best of character.
The best of the honored people are the most pious people.

[Biharul-Anwaar, vol. 77, p.113]



believer
Prophet (PBUH) Said:
You are a believer if your good deeds make you happy and your bad deeds make you unhappy



Keys of the unseen

With Him are the keys of the unseen, the treasures that none knoweth but He. He knoweth whatever there is on the earth and in the sea. Not a leaf doth fall but with His knowledge: there is not a grain in the darkness (or depths) of the earth, nor anything fresh or dry (green or withered), but is (inscribed) in a record clear (to those who can read).(6:59)

source: Cattle, Livestock, verse 59


Allah has power over all things


"If Allah touch thee with affliction, none can remove it but He; if He touch thee with happiness, He hath power over all things." (6:17)

Source: Cattle, Livestock, verse 17


Lessons from Quran’s stories

"There is, in their stories, instruction for men endued with understanding. It is not a tale invented, but a confirmation of what went before it,- a detailed exposition of all things, and a guide and a mercy to any such as believe." (12:111)
Source: The Joseph, verse 111



Quran as a guide

"That is the (holy) book, where there is no doubt. it is a guidance for the cautious (of evil and hell)." (2:2)
"Who believe in the Unseen, are steadfast in prayer, and spend out of what We have provided for them." (2:3)

Source:The Holy Quran ( The Cow, verse 2-3_

stingy people

Al-Sheikh Al-Sadooq through his chain of narrators, narrated from Imam Ali (a.s) that the Messenger of God (s.a.w) said:
People with the least comfort are of the stingy people and the stingiest are those who avoid what God has made compulsory upon them.


Pious People

Al-Sheikh Al-Sadooq through his chain of narrators, narrated from Imam Ali (a.s) that the Messenger of God (s.a.w) said:

The best of the detached people from dunya (world) who are detached from Haraam (unlawful Act)
The best of the pious people are those who tell the truth be it for or against themselves.




Justice
Al-Sheikh Al-Sadooq through his chain of narrators, narrated from Imam Ali (a.s) that the Messenger of God (s.a.w) said:

The best of the just people are those who like for people what they like for themselves & dislike for people what they dislike for themselves.
Justice
Al-Sheikh Al-Sadooq through his chain of narrators, narrated from Imam Ali (a.s) that the Messenger of God (s.a.w) said:

The best of the just people are those who like for people what they like for themselves & dislike for people what they dislike for themselves.


The Least Peace of Mind

Al-Sheikh Al-Sadooq through his chain of narrators, narrated from Imam Ali (a.s) that the Messenger of God (s.a.w) said:
The best of the courageous people are those who fight their desires.
The people with the least peace of mind are the jealous.
Source: [Biharul-Anwaar, vol. 77, p.113]



Love of Imam Ali in Prophet's words

The Prophet of Islam (PBUH) said:

‘The love of Ali ibn Abi-Talib is a tree whose root is in Paradise and its branches are in this world. Whoever from my community clings into any of its branches, it will reach them to Paradise. The hatred of Ali ibn Abi-Talib is a tree that its root is in hell and its branches are in this world. Whoever clings into any of its branches will enter into hell."
Beharul-Anwaar, vol.40 p.46




Imam Ali (as) The master of successors
The Prophet (saww) said:
‘God did not create anything unless He made a master in it. The eagle is the master of the birds. The bull is the master of beasts. The lion is the master of wild animals. Friday is the master of the days of the week. Ramadan is the master of the months. Israfil is the master of the angels. Adam is the master of the humans. I am the master of the Prophets and Ali is the master of successors.'
Beharul-Anwaar, vol.40 p.46



Pious
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
Allah will forgive a person who starts his day with intent to remain pious, but unintentionally commits a sin.