Hazrat Ali was born in 600 A.D in Kaaba- house of the lord and palace of pilgrimage of Muslims and was the cousin and son –in-law of the holy prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him). To understand Islam in its proper perspective and to grasp the teaching and spirit of Islam, an inquiring mind must have to read the vast and the rich treasures as contained in the sayings and preaching of Hazrat Ali the Imam and leader of Shiaa. I as a translator should say that I have delved deep into the mines and waded through the springs of knowledge, wisdom and eternal scientific truths of the master author, Imam Ali. His sincere attempt ventures to bring the moral, ethical and social philosophy of Hazrat Ali, so profound and all embracing, to the modernist and the materialist who need it more than ever before. In this article I’ll bring the words of Hazrat Ali the great man of all era.
1. Treat people in such a way and live amongst them in such a manner that if you die they weep over you; alive they crave for your company.
2. If you get an opportunity and power over your enemy then in thankfulness to God for this, forgive him.
3. Who is deserted by friends and relatives will often find help and sympathy from strangers.
4. Most of the time your utterances and expressions of your face manifest the secrets of your hidden thoughts.
5. A fool’s mind is at mercy of his tongue and a wise man’s tongue is under control of his mind.
6. A wise man first thinks and then speaks, and a foolish person speaks and then thinks.
7. One who is quick in saying of the unpleasant things about others, will himself quickly become the target of their scandal.
8. Hearts of the people are like wild birds, they attach themselves to those who love them and train them.
9. Only he can forgive who has power to punish.
10. If you can not get things as much as you desire then be content.
11. The wiser a man the less talkative he is.
12. Contentment is the wealth which will never come to an end.
13. Not to have a thing is less humiliating to beg it of others.
14. To lose friends is to become a stranger in one’s own country.
15. Every breath you take is a step towards a death.
16. If you are confused about the good or bad effects of an action then study carefully the cause and you will find what the effects will be.
17. Whoever wants to be a leader and a guide, should educate himself before educating others; before teaching morality to others, he should improve his morals and character.
18. One who imagines himself to be all knowing will surely suffer on account of his ignorance.
19. I want to teach you five such things which deserve your greatest anxiety to acquire:
1. Have hope to God and non else. 2. be afraid of nothing but sins. 3. If you don’t know a thing, never feel ashamed to admit ignorance. 4. If you don’t know a thing, never hesitate or feel ashamed to learn it. 5. Acquire patience and endurance, because their relation with true faith is that of a head to a body: body is of no use without a head; similarly true faith can be of no use without attributes of resignation, endurance and patience.
20. Value of a man depends upon the art and skill which he has attained.
21. A friend cannot be considered a friend unless he is tested on three occasions: in time of need, behind your back, and after your death.
22. One of the two conveniences in life is to have fewer children.
23. Half of the sagacity is to acquire friends and sympathizers.
24. Sorrow will make you half as decrepit as old age.
25. One who practices moderation and temperance will never be troubled with poverty.
26. If one is sure of the returns then he shows great liberality in donations.
27. A man can be valued through his sayings.
28. One who does not realize his value is condemned to utter failure.
29. Death is so near and time for friendly actions is so limited.
30. Poverty is worst form of death.
31. There is enough light for one who wants to see.
32. One who starts tyranny will repent soon.
33. Greed is a permanent slavery.
34. One who is lazy and lethargic loses his rights and dues.
35. The little you give for God will bring great returns to you.
36. A greedy man will always find himself in the shackle of humility.
37. One who comes to power often oppresses and tyrannizes.
38. Oppression and tyranny are the worse companions for the next world.
39. One who seeks advices learns to recognize mistakes.
40. If a friend envies you then is not a true friend.
41. One who can not benefit by patience will die of grief and excitement.
42. If you want to pray to the God for better means of subsistence then first give something in charity.
43. Every man has an end. It may be pleasant or sorrowful.
44. Every one who is born has to die, and once dead he is as if he had never come into existence.
45. One who acquires power cannot avoid favoritism.
46. Accept promises of only such persons who can steadfastly adhere to their pledges.
47. Deficiency will result in shame and sorrow, but caution and foresight will bring peace and security.
48. Bear sorrows and calamities patiently otherwise you will never be happy.
. 36. The best deed of a great man is to forgive and forget