Man Lā Yaḥḍuruh al-Faqīh

"مَا نَقَصَ مَالٌ مِنْ صَدَقَةٍ".

The Prophet (saws) said; "Wealth does not decrease because of (giving in) charity."

"لاَ صَدَقَةَ وَ ذُو رَحِمٍ مُحْتَاجٌ".

The Prophet (saws) said; "There is no charity while a close relative is in need." (needy relatives have a bigger right over the money that was to be given in charity elsewhere)

"اَلصِّحَّةُ وَ اَلْفَرَاغُ نِعْمَتَانِ مَكْفُورَتَانِ".

The Prophet (saws) said; "Health and free time are two neglected blessings." (failing to recognize the true value of good health and downtime or spare time)

"عَفْوُ اَلْمَلِكِ أَبْقَى لِلْمُلْكِ".

The Prophet (saws) said; "The forgiveness of a king preserves the kingdom longer."

"هِبَةُ اَلرَّجُلِ لِزَوْجَتِهِ تَزِيدُ فِي عِفَّتِهَا".

The Prophet (saws) said; "A man's gift to his wife increases her chastity." (strengthens her sense of loyalty and affinity for her husband)

"لاَ طَاعَةَ لِمَخْلُوقٍ فِي مَعْصِيَةِ اَلْخَالِقِ".

The Prophet (saws) said; "There is no obedience to the created (makhlooq) in disobedience to the Creator (Khaliq, the one Allah (swt))." (Obedience to anyone other than Allah (swt), will not supercede the divine commands of Allah (swt) if it leads to the disobedience of Allah (swt)) "

وَ رَوَى لِي مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ إِبْرَاهِيمَ بْنِ إِسْحَاقَ رَضِيَ اَللَّهُ عَنْهُ عَنْ أَحْمَدَ بْنِ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ سَعِيدٍ اَلْهَمْدَانِيِّ قَالَ حَدَّثَنِي اَلْحَسَنُ بْنُ اَلْقَاسِمِ قِرَاءَةً قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا عَلِيُّ بْنُ إِبْرَاهِيمَ بْنِ اَلْمُعَلَّى قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو عَبْدِ اَللَّهِ مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ خَالِدٍ قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدُ اَللَّهِ بْنُ بَكْرٍ اَلْمُرَادِيُّ عَنْ مُوسَى بْنِ جَعْفَرٍ عَنْ أَبِيهِ عَنْ جَدِّهِ عَنْ عَلِيِّ بْنِ اَلْحُسَيْنِ عَنْ أَبِيهِ عَلَيْهِ اَلسَّلاَمُ قَالَ: "بَيْنَا أَمِيرُ اَلْمُؤْمِنِينَ عَلَيْهِ اَلسَّلاَمُ ذَاتَ يَوْمٍ جَالِسٌ مَعَ أَصْحَابِهِ يُعَبِّيهِمْ لِلْحَرْبِ إِذَا أَتَاهُ شَيْخٌ عَلَيْهِ شَحْبَةُ اَلسَّفَرِ فَقَالَ أَيْنَ أَمِيرُ اَلْمُؤْمِنِينَ فَقِيلَ هُوَ ذَا فَسَلَّمَ عَلَيْهِ ثُمَّ قَالَ يَا أَمِيرَ اَلْمُؤْمِنِينَ إِنِّي أَتَيْتُكَ مِنْ نَاحِيَةِ اَلشَّامِ وَ أَنَا شَيْخٌ كَبِيرٌ قَدْ سَمِعْتُ فِيكَ مِنَ اَلْفَضْلِ مَا لاَ أُحْصِي وَ إِنِّي أَظُنُّكَ سَتُغْتَالُ فَعَلِّمْنِي مِمَّا عَلَّمَكَ اَللَّهُ قَالَ "نَعَمْ يَا شَيْخُ مَنِ اِعْتَدَلَ يَوْمَاهُ فَهُوَ مَغْبُونٌ وَ مَنْ كَانَتِ اَلدُّنْيَا هِمَّتَهُ اِشْتَدَّتْ حَسْرَتُهُ عِنْدَ فِرَاقِهَا وَ مَنْ كَانَ غَدُهُ شَرَّ يَوْمَيْهِ فَهُوَ مَحْرُومٌ وَ مَنْ لَمْ يُبَالِ بِمَا رُزِئَ مِنْ آخِرَتِهِ إِذَا سَلِمَتْ لَهُ دُنْيَاهُ فَهُوَ هَالِكٌ وَ مَنْ لَمْ يَتَعَاهَدِ اَلنَّقْصَ مِنْ نَفْسِهِ غَلَبَ عَلَيْهِ اَلْهَوَى وَ مَنْ كَانَ فِي نَقْصٍ فَالْمَوْتُ خَيْرٌ لَهُ يَا شَيْخُ اِرْضَ لِلنَّاسِ مَا تَرْضَى لِنَفْسِكَ وَ اِئْتِ إِلَى اَلنَّاسِ مَا تُحِبُّ أَنْ يُؤْتَى إِلَيْكَ" ثُمَّ أَقْبَلَ عَلَى أَصْحَابِهِ فَقَالَ "أَيُّهَا اَلنَّاسُ أَ مَا تَرَوْنَ إِلَى أَهْلِ اَلدُّنْيَا يُمْسُونَ وَ يُصْبِحُونَ عَلَى أَحْوَالٍ شَتَّى فَبَيْنَ صَرِيعٍ يَتَلَوَّى وَ بَيْنَ عَائِدٍ وَ مَعُودٍ وَ آخَرَ بِنَفْسِهِ يَجُودُ وَ آخَرَ لاَ يُرْجَى وَ آخَرَ مُسَجًّى وَ طَالِبِ اَلدُّنْيَا وَ اَلْمَوْتُ يَطْلُبُهُ وَ غَافِلٍ وَ لَيْسَ بِمَغْفُولٍ عَنْهُ وَ عَلَى أَثَرِ اَلْمَاضِي يَصِيرُ اَلْبَاقِي " فَقَالَ لَهُ زَيْدُ بْنُ صُوحَانَ اَلْعَبْدِيُّ يَا أَمِيرَ اَلْمُؤْمِنِينَ أَيُّ سُلْطَانٍ أَغْلَبُ وَ أَقْوَى قَالَ "اَلْهَوَى" قَالَ فَأَيُّ ذُلٍّ أَذَلُّ قَالَ "اَلْحِرْصُ عَلَى اَلدُّنْيَا " قَالَ فَأَيُّ فَقْرٍ أَشَدُّ قَالَ "اَلْكُفْرُ بَعْدَ اَلْإِيمَانِ" قَالَ فَأَيُّ دَعْوَةٍ أَضَلُّ قَالَ "اَلدَّاعِي بِمَا لاَ يَكُونُ"، قَالَ فَأَيُّ عَمَلٍ أَفْضَلُ قَالَ "اَلتَّقْوَى" قَالَ فَأَيُّ عَمَلٍ أَنْجَحُ قَالَ "طَلَبُ مَا عِنْدَ اَللَّهِ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ" قَالَ فَأَيُّ صَاحِبٍ لَكَ شَرٌّ قَالَ "اَلْمُزَيِّنُ لَكَ مَعْصِيَةَ اَللَّهِ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ" قَالَ فَأَيُّ اَلْخَلْقِ أَشْقَى قَالَ "مَنْ بَاعَ دِينَهُ بِدُنْيَا غَيْرِهِ" قَالَ فَأَيُّ اَلْخَلْقِ أَقْوَى قَالَ "اَلْحَلِيمُ" قَالَ فَأَيُّ اَلْخَلْقِ أَشَحُّ قَالَ "مَنْ أَخَذَ اَلْمَالَ مِنْ غَيْرِ حِلِّهِ فَجَعَلَهُ فِي غَيْرِ حَقِّهِ" قَالَ فَأَيُّ اَلنَّاسِ أَكْيَسُ قَالَ "مَنْ أَبْصَرَ رُشْدَهُ مِنْ غَيِّهِ فَمَالَ إِلَى رُشْدِهِ" قَالَ فَمَنْ أَحْلَمُ اَلنَّاسِ قَالَ "اَلَّذِي لاَ يَغْضَبُ" قَالَ فَأَيُّ اَلنَّاسِ أَثْبَتُ رَأْياً قَالَ "مَنْ لَمْ يَغُرَّهُ اَلنَّاسُ مِنْ نَفْسِهِ وَ مَنْ لَمْ تَغُرَّهُ اَلدُّنْيَا بِتَشَوُّفِهَا" قَالَ فَأَيُّ اَلنَّاسِ أَحْمَقُ قَالَ "اَلْمُغْتَرُّ بِالدُّنْيَا وَ هُوَ يَرَى مَا فِيهَا مِنْ تَقَلُّبِ أَحْوَالِهَا" قَالَ فَأَيُّ اَلنَّاسِ أَشَدُّ حَسْرَةً قَالَ "اَلَّذِي حُرِمَ اَلدُّنْيَا وَ اَلْآخِرَةَ "ذٰلِكَ هُوَ اَلْخُسْرٰانُ اَلْمُبِينُ" " قَالَ فَأَيُّ اَلْخَلْقِ أَعْمَى قَالَ "اَلَّذِي عَمِلَ لِغَيْرِ اَللَّهِ يَطْلُبُ بِعَمَلِهِ اَلثَّوَابَ مِنْ عِنْدِ اَللَّهِ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ" قَالَ فَأَيُّ اَلْقُنُوعِ أَفْضَلُ قَالَ "اَلْقَانِعُ بِمَا أَعْطَاهُ اَللَّهُ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ" قَالَ فَأَيُّ اَلْمَصَائِبِ أَشَدُّ قَالَ "اَلْمُصِيبَةُ بِالدِّينِ" قَالَ فَأَيُّ اَلْأَعْمَالِ أَحَبُّ إِلَى اَللَّهِ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ قَالَ "اِنْتِظَارُ اَلْفَرَجِ" قَالَ فَأَيُّ اَلنَّاسِ خَيْرٌ عِنْدَ اَللَّهِ قَالَ "أَخْوَفُهُمْ لِلَّهِ وَ أَعْمَلُهُمْ بِالتَّقْوَى وَ أَزْهَدُهُمْ فِي اَلدُّنْيَا" قَالَ فَأَيُّ اَلْكَلاَمِ أَفْضَلُ عِنْدَ اَللَّهِ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ قَالَ "كَثْرَةُ ذِكْرِهِ وَ اَلتَّضَرُّعُ إِلَيْهِ بِالدُّعَاءِ" قَالَ فَأَيُّ اَلْقَوْلِ أَصْدَقُ قَالَ "شَهَادَةُ أَنْ لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ اَللَّهُ" قَالَ فَأَيُّ اَلْأَعْمَالِ أَعْظَمُ عِنْدَ اَللَّهِ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ قَالَ "اَلتَّسْلِيمُ وَ اَلْوَرَعُ" قَالَ فَأَيُّ اَلنَّاسِ أَصْدَقُ قَالَ "مَنْ صَدَقَ فِي اَلْمَوَاطِنِ"، ثُمَّ أَقْبَلَ عَلَيْهِ اَلسَّلاَمُ عَلَى اَلشَّيْخِ فَقَالَ "يَا شَيْخُ إِنَّ اَللَّهَ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ خَلَقَ خَلْقاً ضَيَّقَ اَلدُّنْيَا عَلَيْهِمْ نَظَراً لَهُمْ فَزَهَّدَهُمْ فِيهَا وَ فِي حُطَامِهَا فَرَغِبُوا فِي دَارِ اَلسَّلاَمِ اَلَّتِي دَعَاهُمْ إِلَيْهَا وَ صَبَرُوا عَلَى ضِيقِ اَلْمَعِيشَةِ وَ صَبَرُوا عَلَى اَلْمَكْرُوهِ وَ اِشْتَاقُوا إِلَى مَا عِنْدَ اَللَّهِ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ مِنَ اَلْكَرَامَةِ فَبَذَلَوا أَنْفُسَهُمُ اِبْتِغَاءَ رِضْوَانِ اَللَّهِ وَ كَانَتْ خَاتِمَةُ أَعْمَالِهِمُ اَلشَّهَادَةَ فَلَقُوا اَللَّهَ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ وَ هُوَ عَنْهُمْ رَاضٍ وَ عَلِمُوا أَنَّ اَلْمَوْتَ سَبِيلُ مَنْ مَضَى وَ مَنْ بَقِيَ فَتَزَوَّدُوا لآِخِرَتِهِمْ غَيْرَ اَلذَّهَبِ وَ اَلْفِضَّةِ وَ لَبِسُوا اَلْخَشِنَ وَ صَبَرُوا عَلَى اَلْبَلْوَى وَ قَدَّمُوا اَلْفَضْلَ وَ أَحَبُّوا فِي اَللَّهِ وَ أَبْغَضُوا فِي اَللَّهِ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ أُولَئِكَ اَلْمَصَابِيحُ وَ أَهْلُ اَلنَّعِيمِ فِي اَلْآخِرَةِ وَ اَلسَّلاَمُ " قَالَ اَلشَّيْخُ فَأَيْنَ أَذْهَبُ وَ أَدَعُ اَلْجَنَّةَ وَ أَنَا أَرَاهَا وَ أَرَى أَهْلَهَا مَعَكَ يَا أَمِيرَ اَلْمُؤْمِنِينَ جَهِّزْنِي بِقُوَّةٍ أَتَقَوَّى بِهَا عَلَى عَدُوِّكَ فَأَعْطَاهُ أَمِيرُ اَلْمُؤْمِنِينَ عَلَيْهِ اَلسَّلاَمُ سِلاَحاً وَ حَمَلَهُ وَ كَانَ فِي اَلْحَرْبِ بَيْنَ يَدَيْ أَمِيرِ اَلْمُؤْمِنِينَ عَلَيْهِ اَلسَّلاَمُ يَضْرِبُ قُدُماً وَ أَمِيرُ اَلْمُؤْمِنِينَ عَلَيْهِ اَلسَّلاَمُ يَعْجَبُ مِمَّا يَصْنَعُ فَلَمَّا اِشْتَدَّ اَلْحَرْبُ أَقْدَمَ فَرَسَهُ حَتَّى قُتِلَ رَحْمَةُ اَللَّهِ عَلَيْهِ وَ أَتْبَعَهُ رَجُلٌ مِنْ أَصْحَابِ أَمِيرِ اَلْمُؤْمِنِينَ عَلَيْهِ اَلسَّلاَمُ فَوَجَدَهُ صَرِيعاً وَ وَجَدَ دَابَّتَهُ وَ وَجَدَ سَيْفَهُ فِي ذِرَاعِهِ فَلَمَّا اِنْقَضَتِ اَلْحَرْبُ أَتَى أَمِيرَ اَلْمُؤْمِنِينَ عَلَيْهِ اَلسَّلاَمُ بِدَابَّتِهِ وَ سِلاَحِهِ وَ صَلَّى عَلَيْهِ أَمِيرُ اَلْمُؤْمِنِينَ عَلَيْهِ اَلسَّلاَمُ وَ قَالَ "هَذَا وَ اَللَّهِ اَلسَّعِيدُ حَقّاً فَتَرَحَّمُوا عَلَى أَخِيكُمْ" ".

Muhammad ibn Ibrahim ibn Ishaq, may Allah (swt) be pleased with him, narrated to me from Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn Said Al-Hamdani, who said: Al-Hasan ibn Al-Qasim recited to me, saying: Ali ibn Ibrahim ibn Al-Mualla narrated to us, who said: Abu Abdullah Muhammad ibn Khalid narrated to us, who said: Abdullah ibn Bakr Al-Muradi narrated from Imam Musa ibn Jafar Al-Kadhim (a.s), from his father Imam Jafar ibn Muhammad Al-Sadiq, from his grandfather Imam Muhammad ibn Ali Al-Baqir (a.s), from Imam Ali ibn Al-Hussain (a.s), from his father Imam Hussain ibn Ali (a.s), peace be upon him, who said: "One day, the Commander of the Faithful (a.s), peace be upon him, was sitting with his companions, preparing them for battle. A man, bearing the signs of travel, approached and asked: "Where is the Commander of the Faithful?" They replied: "Here he is." He greeted Imam (a.s) and said: "O' Commander of the Faithful (a.s), I have come to you from the region of Sham. I am an old man who has heard countless virtues about you, and I believe that you may be assassinated. Teach me from what Allah (swt) has taught you." Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (a.s) said: "Yes, O' elderly man; 'Whoever's two days are equal is at a loss.' 'Whoever makes this world his main concern will suffer greatly at its departure.' 'Whoever's tomorrow is worse than his today is deprived.' 'Whoever does not care about what he loses from his Hereafter as long as his worldly affairs are intact is destroyed.' 'Whoever does not regularly examine his own shortcomings will be overtaken by his desires.' And 'whoever is in a state of deficiency, death is better for him.' O' elderly man, be pleased for people with what you are pleased for yourself and treat people as you would like to be treated." Then Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (a.s) turned to his companions and said: "O' people, do you not see how the people of this world end their evenings and begin their mornings in various conditions? Among them is one who is writhing in pain, another visiting and being visited, another struggling with his soul, another who has no hope left, another who is shrouded, one who seeks the world while death is seeking him, one who is heedless yet is not forgotten, and the remaining are following in the footsteps of those who have passed." Zayd ibn Suhan Al-Abdi then asked: "O' Commander of the Faithful (a.s), which power is the most dominant and strongest?" Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (a.s) replied: "Desire." He (Zayd) asked: "Which humiliation is the most degrading?" Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (a.s) replied: "Greed for the world." He (Zayd) asked: "Which poverty is the most severe?" Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (a.s) replied: "Disbelief after faith." He (Zayd) asked: "Which call is the most misguided?" Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (a.s) replied: "The one who calls for what cannot be." He (Zayd) asked: "Which deed is the best?" Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (a.s) replied: "Piety." He (Zayd) asked: "Which action is the most successful?" Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (a.s) replied: "Seeking what is with Allah (swt), the Mighty and Majestic." He (Zayd) asked: "Who is the worst companion for you?" Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (a.s) replied: "The one who beautifies disobedience to Allah (swt), the Mighty and Majestic, for you." He (Zayd) asked: "Who among creation is the most wretched?" Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (a.s) replied: "The one who sells his religion for the worldly life of another." He (Zayd) asked: "Who among creation is the strongest?" Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (a.s) replied: "The one who is patient and forbearing." He (Zayd) asked: "Who among creation is the most miserly?" Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (a.s) replied: "The one who acquires wealth unlawfully and spends it inappropriately." He (Zayd) asked: "Who among people is the wisest?" Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (a.s) replied: "The one who recognizes his guidance from his misguidance and inclines towards his guidance." He (Zayd) asked: "Who among people is the most patient?" Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (a.s) replied: "The one who does not become angry." He (Zayd) asked: "Who among people has the most steadfast opinion?" Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (a.s) replied: "The one who is not deceived by people about himself and whom the world does not deceive with its attractions." He (Zayd) asked: "Who among people is the most foolish?" Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (a.s) replied: "The one who is deluded by the world despite witnessing its changing conditions." He (Zayd) asked: "Who among people will have the greatest regret?" Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (a.s) replied: "The one who is deprived of both this world and the Hereafter - that is the clear loss." He (Zayd) asked: "Who among creation is the most blind?" Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (a.s) replied: "The one who acts for other than Allah (swt) while seeking reward for his actions from Allah (swt), the Mighty and Majestic." He (Zayd) asked: "Which contentment is the best?" Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (a.s) replied: "Being content with what Allah (swt), the Majestic, has given." He (Zayd) asked: "Which affliction is the most severe?" Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (a.s) replied: "The affliction in religion." He (Zayd) asked: "Which deeds are most beloved to Allah (swt), the Mighty and Majestic?" Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (a.s) replied: "Awaiting relief (deliverance)." He (Zayd) asked: "Who among people is the best in the sight of Allah (swt)?" Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (a.s) replied: "The one who fears Allah (swt) the most, acts most righteously with piety, and is the most detached from the world." He (Zayd) asked: "Which speech is the best in the sight of Allah (swt), the Mighty and Majestic?" Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (a.s) replied: "Abundant remembrance of Him (swt) and humbly supplicating to Him (swt) in prayer." He (Zayd) asked: "Which statement is the most truthful?" Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (a.s) replied: "The testimony that there is 'no God but Allah (swt)'." He (Zayd) asked: "Which deeds are the greatest before Allah (swt), the Mighty and Majestic?" Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (a.s) replied: "Submission (to Allah (swt)) and piety." He (Zayd) asked: "Who among people is the most truthful?" Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (a.s) replied: "The one who is truthful in all circumstances." Then the Commander of the Faithful, peace be upon him, turned to the elderly man and said: "O' elderly man, indeed Allah (swt), the Mighty and Majestic, has created people upon whom He (swt) has narrowed the worldly life, looking upon them with care. He (swt) made them disinterested in it and in its fleeting pleasures, so they longed for the Abode of Peace (Paradise) to which He (swt) invited them. They patiently endured the hardship of life and bore difficulties, yearning for the honor that is with Allah (swt), the Mighty and Majestic. They sacrificed themselves seeking Allah's (swt) pleasure, and the conclusion of their deeds was martyrdom. Thus, they met Allah (swt), Mighty and Majestic, while He (swt) was pleased with them. They (these people) have understood that death is the path for those who have passed and those who remain. Therefore, they prepared for their Hereafter, not with gold or silver, but by wearing coarse garments, patiently enduring trials, prioritizing virtue, loving for the sake of Allah (swt), and hating for the sake of Allah (swt), the Mighty and Majestic. They are the beacons of light and the people of bliss in the Hereafter. And peace be upon you." The elderly man said: "Where could I go, leaving Paradise behind when I can see it and see its people with you, O' Commander of the Faithful (a.s)? Equip me with strength so that I may fight your enemies." So the Commander of the Faithful (a.s), peace be upon him, provided him with weapons and provisions. The elderly man joined the battle, fighting in front of Commander of the Faithful (a.s), peace be upon him, striking (fighting) with great vigor. The Commander of the Faithful, peace be upon him, was amazed at what the elderly man did. When the battle intensified, the elderly man charged his horse forwards until he was martyred - may Allah (swt) have mercy on him. One of the companions of the Commander of the Faithful, peace be upon him, followed him and found him lying lifeless, his mount nearby, and his sword still in his hand. When the battle ended, the companion brought his mount and weapons to the Commander of the Faithful. The Commander of the Faithful, peace be upon him, prayed over him and said: "This (elderly) man, by Allah (swt), is truly fortunate. So seek mercy for your brother."

وَ قَالَ أَمِيرُ اَلْمُؤْمِنِينَ عَلَيْهِ اَلسَّلاَمُ فِي وَصِيَّتِهِ لاِبْنِهِ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ اَلْحَنَفِيَّةِ رَضِيَ اَللَّهُ عَنْهُ: "يَا بُنَيَّ إِيَّاكَ وَ اَلاِتِّكَالَ عَلَى اَلْأَمَانِيِّ فَإِنَّهَا بَضَائِعُ اَلنَّوْكَى وَ تَثْبِيطٌ عَنِ اَلْآخِرَةِ وَ مِنْ خَيْرِ حَظِّ اَلْمَرْءِ قَرِينٌ صَالِحٌ جَالِسْ أَهْلَ اَلْخَيْرِ تَكُنْ مِنْهُمْ بَايِنْ أَهْلَ اَلشَّرِّ وَ مَنْ يَصُدُّكَ عَنْ ذِكْرِ اَللَّهِ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ وَ ذِكْرِ اَلْمَوْتِ بِالْأَبَاطِيلِ اَلْمُزَخْرَفَةِ وَ اَلْأَرَاجِيفِ اَلْمُلَفَّقَةِ تَبِنْ مِنْهُمْ وَ لاَ يَغْلِبَنَّ عَلَيْكَ سُوءُ اَلظَّنِّ بِاللَّهِ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ فَإِنَّهُ لَنْ يَدَعَ بَيْنَكَ وَ بَيْنَ خَلِيلِكَ صُلْحاً أَذْكِ بِالْأَدَبِ قَلْبَكَ كَمَا تُذْكَى اَلنَّارُ بِالْحَطَبِ فَنِعْمَ اَلْعَوْنُ اَلْأَدَبُ لِلنَّحِيزَةِ وَ اَلتَّجَارِبُ لِذِي اَللُّبِّ اُضْمُمْ آرَاءَ اَلرِّجَالِ بَعْضَهَا إِلَى بَعْضٍ ثُمَّ اِخْتَرْ أَقْرَبَهَا إِلَى اَلصَّوَابِ وَ أَبْعَدَهَا مِنَ اَلاِرْتِيَابِ يَا بُنَيَّ لاَ شَرَفَ أَعْلَى مِنَ اَلْإِسْلاَمِ وَ لاَ كَرَمَ أَعَزُّ مِنَ اَلتَّقْوَى وَ لاَ مَعْقِلَ أَحْرَزُ مِنَ اَلْوَرَعِ وَ لاَ شَفِيعَ أَنْجَحُ مِنَ اَلتَّوْبَةِ وَ لاَ لِبَاسَ أَجْمَلُ مِنَ اَلْعَافِيَةِ وَ لاَ وِقَايَةَ أَمْنَعُ مِنَ اَلسَّلاَمَةِ وَ لاَ كَنْزَ أَغْنَى مِنَ اَلْقُنُوعِ وَ لاَ مَالَ أَذْهَبُ لِلْفَاقَةِ مِنَ اَلرِّضَا بِالْقُوتِ وَ مَنِ اِقْتَصَرَ عَلَى بُلْغَةِ اَلْكَفَافِ فَقَدِ اِنْتَظَمَ اَلرَّاحَةَ وَ تَبَوَّأَ خَفْضَ اَلدَّعَةِ اَلْحِرْصُ دَاعٍ إِلَى اَلتَّقَحُّمِ فِي اَلذُّنُوبِ أَلْقِ عَنْكَ وَارِدَاتِ اَلْهُمُومِ بِعَزَائِمِ اَلصَّبْرِ عَوِّدْ نَفْسَكَ اَلصَّبْرَ فَنِعْمَ اَلْخُلُقُ اَلصَّبْرُ وَ اِحْمِلْهَا عَلَى مَا أَصَابَكَ مِنْ أَهْوَالِ اَلدُّنْيَا وَ هُمُومِهَا فَازَ اَلْفَائِزُونَ وَ نَجَا اَلَّذِينَ سَبَقَتْ لَهُمْ مِنَ اَللَّهِ اَلْحُسْنَى فَإِنَّهُ جُنَّةٌ مِنَ اَلْفَاقَةِ وَ أَلْجِئْ نَفْسَكَ فِي اَلْأُمُورِ كُلِّهَا إِلَى اَللَّهِ اَلْوَاحِدِ اَلْقَهَّارِ فَإِنَّكَ تُلْجِئُهَا إِلَى كَهْفٍ حَصِينٍ وَ حِرْزٍ حَرِيزٍ وَ مَانِعٍ عَزِيزٍ وَ أَخْلِصِ اَلْمَسْأَلَةَ لِرَبِّكَ فَإِنَّ بِيَدِهِ اَلْخَيْرَ وَ اَلشَّرَّ وَ اَلْإِعْطَاءَ وَ اَلْمَنْعَ وَ اَلصِّلَةَ وَ اَلْحِرْمَانَ" وَ قَالَ عَلَيْهِ اَلسَّلاَمُ فِي هَذِهِ اَلْوَصِيَّةِ "يَا بُنَيَّ اَلرِّزْقُ رِزْقَانِ رِزْقٌ تَطْلُبُهُ وَ رِزْقٌ يَطْلُبُكَ فَإِنْ لَمْ تَأْتِهِ أَتَاكَ فَلاَ تَحْمِلْ هَمَّ سَنَتِكَ عَلَى هَمِّ يَوْمِكَ وَ كَفَاكَ كُلَّ يَوْمٍ مَا هُوَ فِيهِ فَإِنْ تَكُنِ اَلسَّنَةُ مِنْ عُمُرِكَ فَإِنَّ اَللَّهَ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ سَيَأْتِيكَ فِي كُلِّ غَدٍ بِجَدِيدِ مَا قَسَمَ لَكَ وَ إِنْ لَمْ تَكُنِ اَلسَّنَةُ مِنْ عُمُرِكَ فَمَا تَصْنَعُ بِغَمِّ وَ هَمِّ مَا لَيْسَ لَكَ وَ اِعْلَمْ أَنَّهُ لَنْ يَسْبِقَكَ إِلَى رِزْقِكَ طَالِبٌ وَ لَنْ يَغْلِبَكَ عَلَيْهِ غَالِبٌ وَ لَنْ يَحْتَجِبَ عَنْكَ مَا قُدِّرَ لَكَ فَكَمْ رَأَيْتَ مِنْ طَالِبٍ مُتْعِبٍ نَفْسَهُ مُقْتَرٍ عَلَيْهِ رِزْقُهُ وَ مُقْتَصِدٍ فِي اَلطَّلَبِ قَدْ سَاعَدَتْهُ اَلْمَقَادِيرُ وَ كُلٌّ مَقْرُونٌ بِهِ اَلْفَنَاءُ اَلْيَوْمُ لَكَ وَ أَنْتَ مِنْ بُلُوغِ غَدٍ عَلَى غَيْرِ يَقِينٍ وَ لَرُبَّ مُسْتَقْبِلٍ يَوْماً لَيْسَ بِمُسْتَدْبِرِهِ وَ مَغْبُوطٍ فِي أَوَّلِ لَيْلَةٍ قَامَ فِي آخِرِهَا بَوَاكِيهِ فَلاَ يَغُرَّنَّكَ مِنَ اَللَّهِ طُولُ حُلُولِ اَلنِّعَمِ وَ إِبْطَاءُ مَوَارِدِ اَلنِّقَمِ فَإِنَّهُ لَوْ خَشِيَ اَلْفَوْتَ عَاجَلَ بِالْعُقُوبَةِ قَبْلَ اَلْمَوْتِ يَا بُنَيَّ اِقْبَلْ مِنَ اَلْحُكَمَاءِ مَوَاعِظَهُمْ وَ تَدَبَّرْ أَحْكَامَهُمْ وَ كُنْ آخَذَ اَلنَّاسِ بِمَا تَأْمُرُ بِهِ وَ أَكَفَّ اَلنَّاسِ عَمَّا تَنْهَى عَنْهُ وَ أْمُرْ بِالْمَعْرُوفِ تَكُنْ مِنْ أَهْلِهِ فَإِنَّ اِسْتِتْمَامَ اَلْأُمُورِ عِنْدَ اَللَّهِ تَبَارَكَ وَ تَعَالَى اَلْأَمْرُ بِالْمَعْرُوفِ وَ اَلنَّهْيُ عَنِ اَلْمُنْكَرِ وَ تَفَقَّهْ فِي اَلدِّينِ فَإِنَّ اَلْفُقَهَاءَ وَرَثَةُ اَلْأَنْبِيَاءِ إِنَّ اَلْأَنْبِيَاءَ لَمْ يُوَرِّثُوا دِينَاراً وَ لاَ دِرْهَماً وَ لَكِنَّهُمْ وَرَّثُوا اَلْعِلْمَ فَمَنْ أَخَذَ مِنْهُ أَخَذَ بِحَظٍّ وَافِرٍ وَ اِعْلَمْ أَنَّ طَالِبَ اَلْعِلْمِ يَسْتَغْفِرُ لَهُ مَنْ فِي اَلسَّمَاوَاتِ وَ اَلْأَرْضِ حَتَّى اَلطَّيْرُ فِي جَوِّ اَلسَّمَاءِ وَ اَلْحُوتُ فِي اَلْبَحْرِ وَ أَنَّ اَلْمَلاَئِكَةَ لَتَضَعُ أَجْنِحَتَهَا لِطَالِبِ اَلْعِلْمِ رِضًا بِهِ وَ فِيهِ شَرَفُ اَلدُّنْيَا وَ اَلْفَوْزُ بِالْجَنَّةِ يَوْمَ اَلْقِيَامَةِ لِأَنَّ اَلْفُقَهَاءَ هُمُ اَلدُّعَاةُ إِلَى اَلْجِنَانِ وَ اَلْأَدِلاَّءُ عَلَى اَللَّهِ تَبَارَكَ وَ تَعَالَى وَ أَحْسِنْ إِلَى جَمِيعِ اَلنَّاسِ كَمَا تُحِبُّ أَنْ يُحْسَنَ إِلَيْكَ وَ اِرْضَ لَهُمْ مَا تَرْضَاهُ لِنَفْسِكَ وَ اِسْتَقْبِحْ مِنْ نَفْسِكَ مَا تَسْتَقْبِحُهُ مِنْ غَيْرِكَ وَ حَسِّنْ مَعَ جَمِيعِ اَلنَّاسِ خُلُقَكَ حَتَّى إِذَا غِبْتَ عَنْهُمْ حَنُّوا إِلَيْكَ وَ إِذَا مِتَّ بَكَوْا عَلَيْكَ وَ "قٰالُوا إِنّٰا لِلّٰهِ وَ إِنّٰا إِلَيْهِ رٰاجِعُونَ" وَ لاَ تَكُنْ مِنَ اَلَّذِينَ يُقَالُ عِنْدَ مَوْتِهِ "اَلْحَمْدُ لِلّٰهِ رَبِّ اَلْعٰالَمِينَ" وَ اِعْلَمْ أَنَّ رَأْسَ اَلْعَقْلِ بَعْدَ اَلْإِيمَانِ بِاللَّهِ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ مُدَارَاةُ اَلنَّاسِ وَ لاَ خَيْرَ فِيمَنْ لاَ يُعَاشِرُ بِالْمَعْرُوفِ مَنْ لاَ بُدَّ مِنْ مُعَاشَرَتِهِ حَتَّى يَجْعَلَ اَللَّهُ إِلَى اَلْخَلاَصِ مِنْهُ سَبِيلاً فَإِنِّي وَجَدْتُ جَمِيعَ مَا يَتَعَايَشُ بِهِ اَلنَّاسُ وَ بِهِ يَتَعَاشَرُونَ مِلْءَ مِكْيَالٍ ثُلُثَاهُ اِسْتِحْسَانٌ وَ ثُلُثُهُ تَغَافُلٌ وَ مَا خَلَقَ اَللَّهُ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ شَيْئاً أَحْسَنَ مِنَ اَلْكَلاَمِ وَ لاَ أَقْبَحَ مِنْهُ بِالْكَلاَمِ اِبْيَضَّتِ اَلْوُجُوهُ وَ بِالْكَلاَمِ اِسْوَدَّتِ اَلْوُجُوهُ وَ اِعْلَمْ أَنَّ اَلْكَلاَمَ فِي وَثَاقِكَ مَا لَمْ تَتَكَلَّمْ بِهِ فَإِذَا تَكَلَّمْتَ بِهِ صِرْتَ فِي وَثَاقِهِ فَاخْزُنْ لِسَانَكَ كَمَا تَخْزُنُ ذَهَبَكَ وَ وَرِقَكَ فَإِنَّ اَللِّسَانَ كَلْبٌ عَقُورٌ فَإِنْ أَنْتَ خَلَّيْتَهُ عَقَرَ وَ رُبَّ كَلِمَةٍ سَلَبَتْ نِعْمَةً مَنْ سَيَّبَ عِذَارَهُ قَادَهُ إِلَى كُلِّ كَرِيهَةٍ وَ فَضِيحَةٍ ثُمَّ لَمْ يَخْلُصْ مِنْ دَهْرِهِ إِلاَّ عَلَى مَقْتٍ مِنَ اَللَّهِ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ وَ ذَمٍّ مِنَ اَلنَّاسِ قَدْ خَاطَرَ بِنَفْسِهِ مَنِ اِسْتَغْنَى بِرَأْيِهِ وَ مَنِ اِسْتَقْبَلَ وُجُوهَ اَلْآرَاءِ عَرَفَ مَوَاقِعَ اَلْخَطَإِ مَنْ تَوَرَّطَ فِي اَلْأُمُورِ غَيْرَ نَاظِرٍ فِي اَلْعَوَاقِبِ فَقَدْ تَعَرَّضَ لِمُفْظِعَاتِ اَلنَّوَائِبِ وَ اَلتَّدْبِيرُ قَبْلَ اَلْعَمَلِ يُؤْمِنُكَ مِنَ اَلنَّدَمِ وَ اَلْعَاقِلُ مَنْ وَعَظَتْهُ اَلتَّجَارِبُ وَ فِي اَلتَّجَارِبِ عِلْمٌ مُسْتَأْنَفٌ وَ فِي تَقَلُّبِ اَلْأَحْوَالِ عِلْمُ جَوَاهِرِ اَلرِّجَالِ اَلْأَيَّامُ تَهْتِكُ لَكَ عَنِ اَلسَّرَائِرِ اَلْكَامِنَةِ تَفَهَّمْ وَصِيَّتِي هَذِهِ وَ لاَ تَذْهَبَنَّ عَنْكَ صَفْحاً فَإِنَّ خَيْرَ اَلْقَوْلِ مَا نَفَعَ اِعْلَمْ يَا بُنَيَّ أَنَّهُ لاَ بُدَّ لَكَ مِنْ حُسْنِ اَلاِرْتِيَادِ وَ بَلاَغِكَ مِنَ اَلزَّادِ مَعَ خِفَّةِ اَلظَّهْرِ فَلاَ تَحْمِلْ عَلَى ظَهْرِكَ فَوْقَ طَاقَتِكَ فَيَكُونَ عَلَيْكَ ثِقْلاً فِي حَشْرِكَ وَ نَشْرِكَ فِي اَلْقِيَامَةِ فَبِئْسَ اَلزَّادُ إِلَى اَلْمَعَادِ اَلْعُدْوَانُ عَلَى اَلْعِبَادِ وَ اِعْلَمْ أَنَّ أَمَامَكَ مَهَالِكَ وَ مَهَاوِيَ وَ جُسُوراً وَ عَقَبَةً كَئُوداً لاَ مَحَالَةَ أَنْتَ هَابِطُهَا وَ أَنَّ مَهْبِطَهَا إِمَّا عَلَى جَنَّةٍ أَوْ عَلَى نَارٍ فَارْتَدْ لِنَفْسِكَ قَبْلَ نُزُولِكَ إِيَّاهَا وَ إِذَا وَجَدْتَ مِنْ أَهْلِ اَلْفَاقَةِ مَنْ يَحْمِلُ زَادَكَ إِلَى اَلْقِيَامَةِ فَيُوَافِيكَ بِهِ غَداً حَيْثُ تَحْتَاجُ إِلَيْهِ فَاغْتَنِمْهُ وَ حَمِّلْهُ وَ أَكْثِرْ مِنْ تَزَوُّدِهِ وَ أَنْتَ قَادِرٌ عَلَيْهِ فَلَعَلَّكَ تَطْلُبُهُ فَلاَ تَجِدُهُ وَ إِيَّاكَ أَنْ تَثِقَ لِتَحْمِيلِ زَادِكَ بِمَنْ لاَ وَرَعَ لَهُ وَ لاَ أَمَانَةَ فَيَكُونَ مَثَلُكَ مَثَلَ ظَمْآنَ رَأَى سَرَاباً حَتَّى إِذَا جَاءَهُ لَمْ يَجِدْهُ شَيْئاً فَتَبْقَى فِي اَلْقِيَامَةِ مُنْقَطَعاً بِكَ" وَ قَالَ عَلَيْهِ اَلسَّلاَمُ فِي هَذِهِ اَلْوَصِيَّةِ "يَا بُنَيَّ اَلْبَغْيُ سَائِقٌ إِلَى اَلْحَيْنِ لَنْ يَهْلِكَ اِمْرُؤٌ عَرَفَ قَدْرَهُ مَنْ حَصَّنَ شَهْوَتَهُ صَانَ قَدْرَهُ قِيمَةُ كُلِّ اِمْرِئٍ مَا يُحْسِنُ اَلاِعْتِبَارُ يُفِيدُكَ اَلرَّشَادَ أَشْرَفُ اَلْغِنَى تَرْكُ اَلْمُنَى اَلْحِرْصُ فَقْرٌ حَاضِرٌ اَلْمَوَدَّةُ قَرَابَةٌ مُسْتَفَادَةٌ صَدِيقُكَ أَخُوكَ لِأَبِيكَ وَ أُمِّكَ وَ لَيْسَ كُلُّ أَخٍ لَكَ مِنْ أَبِيكَ وَ أُمِّكَ صَدِيقَكَ لاَ تَتَّخِذَنَّ عَدُوَّ صَدِيقكَ صَدِيقاً فَتُعَادِيَ صَدِيقَكَ كَمْ مِنْ بَعِيدٍ أَقْرَبُ مِنْكَ مِنْ قَرِيبٍ وَصُولٌ مُعْدِمٌ خَيْرٌ مِنْ مُثْرٍ جَافٍ اَلْمَوْعِظَةُ كَهْفٌ لِمَنْ وَعَاهَا مَنْ مَنَّ بِمَعْرُوفِهِ أَفْسَدَهُ مَنْ أَسَاءَ خُلُقَهُ عَذَّبَ نَفْسَهُ وَ كَانَتِ اَلْبِغْضَةُ أَوْلَى بِهِ لَيْسَ مِنَ اَلْعَدْلِ اَلْقَضَاءُ بِالظَّنِّ عَلَى اَلثِّقَةِ مَا أَقْبَحَ اَلْأَشَرَ عِنْدَ اَلظَّفَرِ وَ اَلْكَآبَةَ عِنْدَ اَلنَّائِبَةِ اَلْمُعْضِلَةِ وَ اَلْقَسْوَةَ عَلَى اَلْجَارِ وَ اَلْخِلاَفَ عَلَى اَلصَّاحِبِ وَ اَلْحِنْثَ مِنْ ذِي اَلْمُرُوءَةِ وَ اَلْغَدْرَ مِنَ اَلسُّلْطَانِ، كُفْرُ اَلنِّعَمِ مُوقٌ وَ مُجَالَسَةُ اَلْأَحْمَقِ شُؤْمٌ اِعْرِفِ اَلْحَقَّ لِمَنْ عَرَفَهُ لَكَ شَرِيفاً كَانَ أَوْ وَضِيعاً مَنْ تَرَكَ اَلْقَصْدَ جَارَ مَنْ تَعَدَّى اَلْحَقَّ ضَاقَ مَذْهَبُهُ كَمْ مِنْ دَنِفٍ قَدْ نَجَا وَ صَحِيحٍ قَدْ هَوَى قَدْ يَكُونُ اَلْيَأْسُ إِدْرَاكاً وَ اَلطَّمَعُ هَلاَكاً اِسْتَعْتِبْ مَنْ رَجَوْتَ عِتَابَهُ لاَ تَبِيتَنَّ مِنِ اِمْرِئٍ عَلَى غَدْرٍ اَلْغَدْرُ شَرُّ لِبَاسِ اَلْمَرْءِ اَلْمُسْلِمِ مَنْ غَدَرَ مَا أَخْلَقَ أَنْ لاَ يُوفَى لَهُ اَلْفَسَادُ يُبِيرُ اَلْكَثِيرَ وَ اَلاِقْتِصَادُ يُنْمِي اَلْيَسِيرَ مِنَ اَلْكَرَمِ اَلْوَفَاءُ بِالذِّمَمِ مَنْ كَرُمَ سَادَ وَ مَنْ تَفَهَّمَ اِزْدَادَ اِمْحَضْ أَخَاكَ اَلنَّصِيحَةَ وَ سَاعِدْهُ عَلَى كُلِّ حَالٍ مَا لَمْ يَحْمِلْكَ عَلَى مَعْصِيَةِ اَللَّهِ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ زُلْ مَعَهُ حَيْثُ زَالَ لاَ تَصْرِمْ أَخَاكَ عَلَى اِرْتِيَابٍ وَ لاَ تَقْطَعْهُ دُونَ اِسْتِعْتَابٍ لَعَلَّ لَهُ عُذْراً وَ أَنْتَ تَلُومُ اِقْبَلْ مِنْ مُتَنَصِّلٍ عُذْرَهُ فَتَنَالَكَ اَلشَّفَاعَةُ وَ أَكْرِمِ اَلَّذِينَ بِهِمْ تَصُولُ وَ اِزْدَدْ لَهُمْ طُولَ اَلصُّحْبَةِ بِرّاً وَ إِكْرَاماً وَ تَبْجِيلاً وَ تَعْظِيماً فَلَيْسَ جَزَاءُ مَنْ عَظَّمَ شَأْنَكَ أَنْ تَضَعَ مِنْ قَدْرِهِ وَ لاَ جَزَاءُ مَنْ سَرَّكَ أَنْ تَسُوءَهُ أَكْثِرِ اَلْبِرَّ مَا اِسْتَطَعْتَ لِجَلِيسِكَ فَإِنَّكَ إِذَا شِئْتَ رَأَيْتَ رُشْدَهُ مَنْ كَسَاهُ اَلْحَيَاءُ ثَوْبَهُ اِخْتَفَى عَنِ اَلْعُيُونِ عَيْبُهُ مَنْ تَحَرَّى اَلْقَصْدَ خَفَّتْ عَلَيْهِ اَلْمُؤَنُ مَنْ لَمْ يُعْطِ نَفْسَهُ شَهْوَتَهَا أَصَابَ رُشْدَهُ مَعَ كُلِّ شِدَّةٍ رَخَاءٌ وَ مَعَ كُلِّ أَكْلَةٍ غَصَصٌ لاَ تُنَالُ نِعْمَةٌ إِلاَّ بَعْدَ أَذًى لِنْ لِمَنْ غَاظَكَ تَظْفَرْ بِطَلِبَتِكَ سَاعَاتُ اَلْهُمُومِ سَاعَاتُ اَلْكَفَّارَاتِ وَ اَلسَّاعَاتُ تُنْفِدُ عُمُرَكَ لاَ خَيْرَ فِي لَذَّةٍ بَعْدَهَا اَلنَّارُ وَ مَا خَيْرٌ بِخَيْرٍ بَعْدَهُ اَلنَّارُ وَ مَا شَرٌّ بِشَرٍّ بَعْدَهُ اَلْجَنَّةُ كُلُّ نَعِيمٍ دُونَ اَلْجَنَّةِ مَحْقُورٌ وَ كُلُّ بَلاَءٍ دُونَ اَلنَّارِ عَافِيَةٌ لاَ تُضِيعَنَّ حَقَّ أَخِيكَ اِتِّكَالاً عَلَى مَا بَيْنَكَ وَ بَيْنَهُ فَإِنَّهُ لَيْسَ لَكَ بِأَخٍ مَنْ أَضَعْتَ حَقَّهُ وَ لاَ يَكُونَنَّ أَخُوكَ عَلَى قَطِيعَتِكَ أَقْوَى مِنْكَ عَلَى صِلَتِهِ وَ لاَ عَلَى اَلْإِسَاءَةِ إِلَيْكَ أَقْوَى مِنْكَ عَلَى اَلْإِحْسَانِ إِلَيْهِ يَا بُنَيَّ إِذَا قَوِيتَ فَاقْوَ عَلَى طَاعَةِ اَللَّهِ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ وَ إِذَا ضَعُفْتَ فَاضْعُفْ عَنْ مَعْصِيَةِ اَللَّهِ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ وَ إِنِ اِسْتَطَعْتَ أَنْ لاَ تُمَلِّكَ اَلْمَرْأَةَ مِنْ أَمْرِهَا مَا جَاوَزَ نَفْسَهَا فَافْعَلْ فَإِنَّهُ أَدْوَمُ لِجَمَالِهَا وَ أَرْخَى لِبَالِهَا وَ أَحْسَنُ لِحَالِهَا فَإِنَّ اَلْمَرْأَةَ رَيْحَانَةٌ وَ لَيْسَتْ بِقَهْرَمَانَةٍ فَدَارِهَا عَلَى كُلِّ حَالٍ وَ أَحْسِنِ اَلصُّحْبَةَ لَهَا فَيَصْفُوَ عَيْشُكَ اِحْتَمِلِ اَلْقَضَاءَ بِالرِّضَا وَ إِنْ أَحْبَبْتَ أَنْ تَجْمَعَ خَيْرَ اَلدُّنْيَا وَ اَلْآخِرَةِ فَاقْطَعْ طَمَعَكَ مِمَّا فِي أَيْدِي اَلنَّاسِ وَ اَلسَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكَ وَ رَحْمَةُ اَللَّهِ وَ بَرَكَاتُهُ".

The Commander of the Faithful, peace be upon him, said in his will to his son Muhammad ibn Al-Hanafiyyah, may Allah (swt) be pleased with him: "O' my son, beware of relying on vain hopes, for they are the merchandise of the foolish and a hindrance from the Hereafter. One of the best fortunes a person can have is a righteous companion - sit with the people of goodness, and you will be one of them; separate yourself from the people of evil. Keep away from those who divert you from the remembrance of Allah (swt), Mighty and Majestic, and the remembrance of death with embellished falsehoods and fabricated rumors. Do not let ill thoughts about Allah (swt), Mighty and Majestic, overpower you, for they will not leave any reconciliation between you and your friend. Discipline your heart with good manners as fire is kindled with wood, for good manners are a great aid for one's nature, and experiences are a guide for the wise. Combine the opinions of different men, then choose the one closest to correctness and farthest from doubt. O' my son, there is no honor higher than Islam, no dignity greater than piety, n o stronghold more secure than restraint, no intercessor more effective than repentance, no garment more beautiful than well-being, no protection stronger than safety, and no treasure wealthier than contentment. And there is no wealth that removes poverty better than contentment with sustenance. Whoever suffices with the bare necessities has attained ease and settled in comfort. Greed leads to plunging into sins. Cast away intrusive worries with firm resolve in patience. Accustom yourself to patience, for it is the best of manners, and endure the hardships and concerns of this world. The successful ones have triumphed, and those for whom Allah (swt) has decreed goodness have been saved, for patience is a shield against poverty. Entrust all your affairs to Allah (swt), the One (swt), the All-Dominant (swt), for in doing so, you take refuge in a fortified cave, a secure stronghold, and an invincible protector. Sincerely direct your supplications to your Lord (swt), for in His (swt) hands are all good and evil, giving and withholding, granting and depriving." And Commander of the Faithful Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (a.s), said in this will: "O' my son, sustenance is of two kinds: one that you seek, and one that seeks you. If you do not go to it, it will come to you. So do not burden yourself with the worries of your entire year upon the concern of your day; each day is sufficient with what it holds. If the year is part of your life, then Allah (swt), Mighty and Majestic, will bring to you each day what He (swt) has apportioned for you. And if the year is not part of your life, then why concern yourself with grief and anxiety over what is not yours? Know that no seeker can overtake you in your sustenance, nor can anyone overpower you in it, and what has been decreed for you will not be kept from you. How many seekers have you seen exhausting themselves, yet their provision remains restricted, while others who seek with moderation find that destiny aids them? And everything is accompanied by its end. Today is yours, but you have no certainty of reaching tomorrow. How many have awaited a day they never lived to see? How many were envied at the beginning of a night, yet by its end, they were mourned? So do not be deceived by the prolonged presence of blessings from Allah (swt) or by the delay in the arrival of punishment, for if He (swt) feared missing the opportunity, He (swt) would hasten the punishment before death. O' my son, accept the wisdom of the wise, reflect upon their judgments, and be the one who adheres most to what you command others and refrains most from what you forbid. Enjoin what is good so that you may be among its people, for the completion of matters lies with Allah (swt), Blessed and Exalted." Enjoin what is good and forbid what is evil, and seek understanding in religion, for the jurists are the inheritors of the prophets. The prophets did not leave behind dinars or dirhams, but rather, they left behind knowledge, and whoever takes from it has taken a great share. Know that the seeker of knowledge is prayed for by those in the heavens and the earth, even the birds in the sky and the fish in the sea. The angels lower their wings for the seeker of knowledge out of pleasure for him. In knowledge, there is the honor of this world and success in Paradise on the Day of Judgment, for the jurists are the callers to Paradise and the guides to Allah (swt), Blessed and Exalted. Treat all people kindly just as you would like to be treated, and be pleased for them with what you are pleased with for yourself. Dislike for yourself what you dislike in others, and perfect your character with all people so that if you are absent, they long for you, and if you die, they weep for you and say, 'Indeed, we belong to Allah (swt), and indeed, to Him we shall return.'" And do not be among those about whom it is said at their death: 'All praise is due to Allah (swt), the Lord of the worlds.' (being grateful of your demise) Know that the essence of intellect, after faith in Allah (swt), Mighty and Majestic, is managing relationships with people. There is no good in one who does not deal kindly with those whom he must interact with, until Allah (swt) provides a way for deliverance from them. Indeed, I have found that everything by which people live and associate with one another fills a measure - two-thirds of it is appreciation, and one-third of it is overlooking faults. Allah (swt), Mighty and Majestic, has created nothing better than speech, and nothing more disgraceful than it. With speech, faces are brightened, and with speech, faces are blackened. Know that speech remains under your control as long as you have not spoken it, but once you have spoken it, you become under its control. So guard your tongue as you would guard your gold and silver, for the tongue is a vicious dog - if you release it, it will bite. Many a word has stripped a person of blessings. Whoever lets go of his restraint is led to every undesirable and disgraceful act, and he will not be saved from his time except with the wrath of Allah (swt), Mighty and Majestic and blame from people will follow the one who risks himself by relying solely on his own opinion. Whoever considers multiple perspectives will recognize where mistakes lie. Whoever rushes into matters without looking at the consequences exposes himself to devastating calamities. Planning before action protects you from regret. The intelligent one is he who learns from experiences, for in experiences lies new knowledge, and in the changes of circumstances lies the knowledge of the true nature of men. The passing of days reveals hidden secrets. Understand this will of mine, and do not disregard it, for the best speech is that which benefits. Know, O' my son, that you must carefully seek provision and take only what is necessary while keeping your burden light. Do not load upon your back more than you can bear, lest it becomes a heavy burden upon you in your resurrection on the Day of Judgment. The worst provision for the Hereafter is oppression against the servants of Allah (swt). Know that ahead of you are dangers, pitfalls, bridges, and a steep ascent, which you will inevitably descend. Its descent will either lead to Paradise or to Hell. So prepare yourself before you reach it. If you find among those in need someone who can carry your provision to the Hereafter, so that he may deliver it to you when you are in dire need of it, then take advantage of this opportunity, and let him carry it for you while you have the ability. Perhaps a time will come when you seek such an opportunity but will not find it. Beware of entrusting your provisions to one who lacks piety and honesty, lest your condition be like that of a thirsty person who sees a mirage, but when he reaches it, he finds nothing, and so he remains stranded in the Hereafter with nothing to sustain him." And Commander of the Faithful Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (a.s) said in this will: "O' my son, oppression leads to ruin. No one will perish who knows his own worth. Whoever safeguards his desires preserves his dignity. The worth of every person is in what they excel at. Reflection brings guidance. The noblest wealth is to abandon false hopes. Greed is present poverty. Affection is an acquired kinship. Your true friend is your brother from your father and mother, but not every sibling from your parents is your friend. Do not take the enemy of your friend as a friend, lest you become an enemy to your own friend. How many distant people are closer to you than those who are near? A generous yet poor person is better than a wealthy but rude one. Admonition is a refuge for those who heed it. Whoever boasts of his favor (to others) spoils it (their reward). Whoever has bad manners torments himself, and resentment is more fitting for him. It is unjust to judge based on suspicion when trust is required. How ugly is arrogance in victory, despair in hardship, cruelty to a neighbor, betrayal of a companion, breaking an oath by a noble person, and treachery from a ruler. Denying blessings leads to destruction, and keeping company with a fool is misfortune. Acknowledge the right of those who uphold it, whether they are noble or lowly. Whoever abandons moderation goes astray. Whoever oversteps justice finds his path narrow. How many ailing people have survived, and how many healthy ones have perished? Sometimes despair leads to success, and greed leads to destruction. Reconcile with those whom you hope will accept your apology. Never sleep with betrayal in your heart toward anyone, for betrayal is the worst trait of a Muslim. Whoever betrays is likely to never be trusted again. Corruption ruins abundance, while moderation increases little. Of nobility is fulfilling covenants. Whoever is generous will lead, and whoever seeks understanding will increase in wisdom. Be sincere in advising your brother and support him in all matters, as long as he does not lead you into disobedience to Allah (swt), Mighty and Majestic." Stay with your brother wherever he goes. Do not sever ties with him over doubt, nor cut him off without first seeking reconciliation - perhaps he has an excuse while you blame him. Accept the apology of one who seeks pardon, so that intercession may reach you. Honor those through whom you gain strength, and lengthen your companionship with them in kindness, respect, reverence, and esteem. The recompense of one who elevates your status is not that you lower his, and the reward of one who brings you joy is not that you cause him sorrow. Show as much kindness as you can to your companion, for when you wish, you will find his guidance. The faults of one clothed in modesty remain hidden from sight. Whoever maintains moderation finds his burdens lightened. Whoever does not grant his soul its desires attains wisdom. With every hardship, there is ease, and with every meal, there may be choking. No blessing is attained except after hardship. Be gentle with one who angers you, and you will achieve your goal. The hours of distress are hours of atonement, and time gradually consumes your life. There is no good in a pleasure that is followed by the Fire. And no good is truly good if it is followed by the Fire, and no evil is truly evil if it is followed by Paradise. Every pleasure besides Paradise is insignificant, and every hardship besides the Fire is a form of well-being. Do not neglect your brother's right, relying on the bond between you and him, for he is not truly your brother if you disregard his right. Do not let your brother be stronger in cutting ties with you than you are in maintaining them, nor let him be more capable of harming you than you are of showing kindness to him. O' my son, when you are strong, then be strong in obedience to Allah (swt), Mighty and Majestic, and when you are weak, then let your weakness be in avoiding disobedience to Allah (swt), Mighty and Majestic. If you can, do not grant a woman authority over her affairs beyond herself, for that preserves her beauty longer, brings her more peace of mind, and improves her condition. A woman is like a delicate flower, not a steward - so treat her kindly in every situation, and be good in your companionship with her so that your life may be peaceful. Accept fate with contentment. If you wish to gather the best of this world and the Hereafter, then cut your expectations from what is in the hands of people. And peace be upon you, and the mercy of Allah (swt), and His (swt) blessings."

وَ رَوَى مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ أَبِي عُمَيْرٍ عَنْ أَبَانِ بْنِ عُثْمَانَ وَ هِشَامِ بْنِ سَالِمٍ وَ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ حُمْرَانَ عَنِ اَلصَّادِقِ عَلَيْهِ اَلسَّلاَمُ قَالَ: "عَجِبْتُ لِمَنْ فَزِعَ مِنْ أَرْبَعٍ كَيْفَ لاَ يَفْزَعُ إِلَى أَرْبَعٍ عَجِبْتُ لِمَنْ خَافَ كَيْفَ لاَ يَفْزَعُ إِلَى قَوْلِهِ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ: حَسْبُنَا اَللّٰهُ وَ نِعْمَ اَلْوَكِيلُ فَإِنِّي سَمِعْتُ اَللَّهَ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ يَقُولُ بِعَقِبِهَا: فَانْقَلَبُوا بِنِعْمَةٍ مِنَ اَللّٰهِ وَ فَضْلٍ لَمْ يَمْسَسْهُمْ سُوءٌ وَ عَجِبْتُ لِمَنِ اِغْتَمَّ كَيْفَ لاَ يَفْزَعُ إِلَى قَوْلِهِ تَعَالَى: لاٰ إِلٰهَ إِلاّٰ أَنْتَ سُبْحٰانَكَ إِنِّي كُنْتُ مِنَ اَلظّٰالِمِينَ فَإِنِّي سَمِعْتُ اَللَّهَ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ يَقُولُ بِعَقِبِهَا: فَاسْتَجَبْنٰا لَهُ وَ نَجَّيْنٰاهُ مِنَ اَلْغَمِّ وَ كَذٰلِكَ نُنْجِي اَلْمُؤْمِنِينَ وَ عَجِبْتُ لِمَنْ مُكِرَ بِهِ كَيْفَ لاَ يَفْزَعُ إِلَى قَوْلِهِ تَعَالَى: وَ أُفَوِّضُ أَمْرِي إِلَى اَللّٰهِ إِنَّ اَللّٰهَ بَصِيرٌ بِالْعِبٰادِ فَإِنِّي سَمِعْتُ اَللَّهَ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ يَقُولُ بِعَقِبِهَا: فَوَقٰاهُ اَللّٰهُ سَيِّئٰاتِ مٰا مَكَرُوا وَ عَجِبْتُ لِمَنْ أَرَادَ اَلدُّنْيَا وَ زِينَتَهَا كَيْفَ لاَ يَفْزَعُ إِلَى قَوْلِهِ تَعَالَى: مٰا شٰاءَ اَللّٰهُ لاٰ قُوَّةَ إِلاّٰ بِاللّٰهِ فَإِنِّي سَمِعْتُ اَللَّهَ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ يَقُولُ بِعَقِبِهَا إِنْ تَرَنِ أَنَا أَقَلَّ مِنْكَ مٰالاً وَ وَلَداً فَعَسىٰ رَبِّي أَنْ يُؤْتِيَنِ خَيْراً مِنْ جَنَّتِكَ اَلْآيَةَ "وَ عَسَى مُوجِبَةٌ".

Muhammad ibn Abi Umayr narrated from Aban ibn Uthman, Hisham ibn Salim, and Muhammad ibn Humran from Imam Jafar ibn Muhammad Al-Sadiq (a.s), who said: "I am amazed at the one who becomes afraid - how does he not turn to the words of Allah (swt), the Mighty and Majestic: 'Allah (swt) is sufficient for us, and He is the best disposer of affairs' (Surah AAl-E-Imran 3:173)? For I heard Allah (swt), the Mighty and Majestic, say immediately after it: 'So they returned with favor from Allah (swt) and bounty, no harm having touched them' (Surah AAl-E-Imran 3:174). And I am amazed at the one who is distressed - how does he not turn to His saying: 'There is no God but You; glory be to You! Indeed, I was among the wrongdoers' (Surah Al-Anbiya 21:87)? For I heard Allah (swt), the Mighty and Majestic, say after it: 'So We responded to him and saved him from distress. And thus do We save the believers' (Surah Al-Anbiya 21:88). And I am amazed at the one who is plotted against - how does he not turn to His (swt) saying: 'I entrust my affair to Allah (swt). Indeed, Allah (swt) is Seeing of the servants' (Surah Ghafir 40:44)? For I heard Allah (swt), the Mighty and Majestic, say after it: 'So Allah (swt) protected him from the evil of their plots' (Surah Ghafir 40:45). And I am amazed at the one who desires the world and its adornments - how does he not turn to His (swt) saying: 'What Allah (swt) wills [will happen]. There is no power except with Allah (swt)' (Surah Al-Kahf 18:39)? For I heard Allah (swt), the Mighty and Majestic, say after it: 'If you see me less than you in wealth and children, perhaps my Lord (azj) will give me something better than your garden' (Surah Al-Kahf 18:39). And indeed, the word 'perhaps' necessitates fulfillment."

وَ رَوَى مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ زِيَادٍ اَلْأَزْدِيُّ عَنْ أَبَانِ بْنِ عُثْمَانَ اَلْأَحْمَرِ عَنِ اَلصَّادِقِ جَعْفَرِ بْنِ مُحَمَّدٍ: أَنَّهُ جَاءَ إِلَيْهِ رَجُلٌ فَقَالَ لَهُ بِأَبِي أَنْتَ وَ أُمِّي يَا اِبْنَ رَسُولِ اَللَّهِ عَلِّمْنِي مَوْعِظَةً فَقَالَ لَهُ عَلَيْهِ اَلسَّلاَمُ "إِنْ كَانَ اَللَّهُ تَبَارَكَ وَ تَعَالَى قَدْ تَكَفَّلَ بِالرِّزْقِ فَاهْتِمَامُكَ لِمَا ذَا وَ إِنْ كَانَ اَلرِّزْقُ مَقْسُوماً فَالْحِرْصُ لِمَا ذَا وَ إِنْ كَانَ اَلْحِسَابُ حَقّاً فَالْجَمْعُ لِمَا ذَا وَ إِنْ كَانَ اَلْخَلَفُ مِنَ اَللَّهِ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ حَقّاً فَالْبُخْلُ لِمَا ذَا وَ إِنْ كَانَتِ اَلْعُقُوبَةُ مِنَ اَللَّهِ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ اَلنَّارَ فَالْمَعْصِيَةُ لِمَا ذَا وَ إِنْ كَانَ اَلْمَوْتُ حَقّاً فَالْفَرَحُ لِمَا ذَا وَ إِنْ كَانَ اَلْعَرْضُ عَلَى اَللَّهِ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ حَقّاً فَالْمَكْرُ لِمَا ذَا وَ إِنْ كَانَ اَلشَّيْطَانُ عَدُوّاً فَالْغَفْلَةُ لِمَا ذَا وَ إِنْ كَانَ اَلْمَمَرُّ عَلَى اَلصِّرَاطِ حَقّاً فَالْعُجْبُ لِمَا ذَا وَ إِنْ كَانَ كُلُّ شَيْءٍ بِقَضَاءٍ مِنَ اَللَّهِ وَ قَدَرِهِ فَالْحُزْنُ لِمَا ذَا وَ إِنْ كَانَتِ اَلدُّنْيَا فَانِيَةً فَالطُّمَأْنِينَةُ إِلَيْهَا لِمَا ذَا ".

Muhammad ibn Ziyad Al-Azdi narrated from Aban ibn Uthman Al-Ahmar, from Imam Jafar ibn Muhammad Al-Sadiq (a.s), that a man came to him and said: "May my father and mother be sacrificed for you, O' son of the Messenger of Allah (swt), teach me something that will admonish me." Imam Jafar ibn Muhammad Al-Sadiq (a.s), said to him: "If Allah (swt), the Exalted, has ensured sustenance, then why are you anxious about it? If sustenance is already apportioned, then why the greed? If accountability is real, then why the accumulation (of wealth)? If compensation from Allah (swt), the Mighty and Majestic, is certain, then why the stinginess? If punishment from Allah (swt), the Mighty and Majestic, is the Fire, then why the disobedience? If death is inevitable, then why the joy (in worldly matters)? If standing before Allah (swt), the Mighty and Majestic, is certain, then why the deceit? If Satan is an enemy, then why the heedlessness? If crossing the Sirat (the bridge over Hell) is certain, then why the arrogance? If everything is by Allah's (swt) decree and destiny, then why the sorrow? And if the world is perishable, then why the tranquility in it?"