Ali: Ali: Anecdotes and SayingsAnecdotes and Sayings

By A.S. Hashim. MDBy A.S. Hashim. MDSayings of Imams taken from: Sayings of Imams taken from:

The Muhammadi Trust, Zahra Publications andThe Muhammadi Trust, Zahra Publications andhttp://www.ezsoftech.com/islamic/infallible10.asphttp://www.ezsoftech.com/islamic/infallible10.asp

Ziyarah of Imams taken from:Ziyarah of Imams taken from:http://www.ziaraat.org/http://www.ziaraat.org/

About this slide show:About this slide show:

1.1. This slide show deals with:This slide show deals with:a.a. Imam Ali Imam Ali

b.b. Episodes during the last few years of his life Episodes during the last few years of his life

c.c. With samples of Nahjul BalaaghahWith samples of Nahjul Balaaghah

d.d. Select sayings and his Du’aasSelect sayings and his Du’aas

e.e. It also shows his burial placeIt also shows his burial place

f.f. Ziyarah (Visitation) with its translationZiyarah (Visitation) with its translation

Ali the person #1Ali the person #1

Imam Ali's self was molded completely by the Imam Ali's self was molded completely by the Islamic ideals Islamic ideals

Ali's personality was overpowering, he was an Ali's personality was overpowering, he was an overachieveroverachiever

Ali's brilliance and farsightedness were striking Ali's brilliance and farsightedness were striking

Ali set to teach, inform, and help others learn Ali set to teach, inform, and help others learn about Islamabout Islam

Ali was an idealist, and nothing could influence Ali was an idealist, and nothing could influence him to deviate from these ideals him to deviate from these ideals

Ali the person #2Ali the person #2

Ali's ideals had to be in a head-on clash with the Ali's ideals had to be in a head-on clash with the opportunist, power-hungry, and corrupt Benu opportunist, power-hungry, and corrupt Benu Umayya Umayya

Ali stood in the face of deceit, duplicity, trickery, Ali stood in the face of deceit, duplicity, trickery, hypocrisy, greed, and treacheryhypocrisy, greed, and treachery

Ali was a compulsive perfectionist when it came Ali was a compulsive perfectionist when it came to Islam to Islam

Ali stood for justice and freedom of choice, and Ali stood for justice and freedom of choice, and the Holy Book and Sunnahthe Holy Book and Sunnah

Selections from Du’aas and SayingsSelections from Du’aas and Sayings

Sample Du’aa

Nahjul Balaaghah

In Imploring God

Advice to Al-HasanAdvice to Al-HasanCounsel

Sayings

Munajaat

Nahjul BalaaghahNahjul Balaaghah

Nahjul Balaaghah, a highly valued book, consists of:Nahjul Balaaghah, a highly valued book, consists of:254 sermons,254 sermons,48 letters, and 48 letters, and 212 sayings of Imam Ali 212 sayings of Imam Ali

Nahjul Balaaghah is unique to Imam Ali Nahjul Balaaghah is unique to Imam Ali None of the Sahaaba was ever able to produce anything None of the Sahaaba was ever able to produce anything like it:like it:

neither in substance neither in substance nor in literary eloquence. nor in literary eloquence.

No wonder Ali was referred to as:No wonder Ali was referred to as:Sayyid al-Bulaghaa' (Pinnacle of Literary Expression) and Sayyid al-Bulaghaa' (Pinnacle of Literary Expression) and Sayyid al-Fu'qahaa, (Pinnacle of the Jurisprudents)Sayyid al-Fu'qahaa, (Pinnacle of the Jurisprudents)

Time ElementTime Element

The majority of Ali's sayings and The majority of Ali's sayings and speeches were stated:speeches were stated:1.1. During his Khilaafah when in Kufa,During his Khilaafah when in Kufa,

2.2. At Different PlacesAt Different Places

3.3. At Different OccasionsAt Different Occasions

4.4. Often at Khutba of Jumu’ahOften at Khutba of Jumu’ah

Imam Ali About Rasool AllahImam Ali About Rasool Allah

Nahjul Balaaghah refers to the Prophet Nahjul Balaaghah refers to the Prophet (pbuh) at least 23 times, (pbuh) at least 23 times,

said at different occasions said at different occasions

covering many aspects of the Prophet's life covering many aspects of the Prophet's life

What follows is one reference with its What follows is one reference with its translation.translation.

,, Ali about the Prophet Ali about the Prophet (pbuh) (pbuh) In Sermon 95, page 140In Sermon 95, page 140

ة، �ر� ي ح� في ل� ض�ال اس� و�الن �ه� �ع�ث ة، ب �ر� ي ح� في ل� ض�ال اس� و�الن �ه� �ع�ث ب

�ة، �ن فت في �ون �ة، و�ح�اطب �ن فت في �ون و�ح�اطب

��ه�و�اء�، اال �ه�م� �ه�و�ت ت اس� ��ه�و�اء�، ق�د اال �ه�م� �ه�و�ت ت اس� ق�د�اء�، �ري ب �ك ال �ه�م� ت ل �ز� ت �اء�، و�اس� �ري ب �ك ال �ه�م� ت ل �ز� ت و�اس�

�ه�م� �خ�ف ت ت �ه�م�و�اس� �خ�ف ت ت ; و�اس� �ء� �ج�ه�ال ال 0ة� ي �ج�اهل ; ال �ء� �ج�ه�ال ال 0ة� ي �ج�اهل ال

��م�ر، اال م�ن� ال �ز� ل ز� في ى �ار� ي ��م�ر، ح� اال م�ن� ال �ز� ل ز� في ى �ار� ي ح� ، �ج�ه�ل ال من� �ء �ال ، و�ب �ج�ه�ل ال من� �ء �ال و�ب

�غ� �ال �غ�ف�ب �ال ) ف�ب وآله( عليه الله ) صلى وآله( عليه الله صلىع�ل�ى و�م�ض�ى صيح�ة، الن ع�ل�ى في و�م�ض�ى صيح�ة، الن في

الط ريق�ة، الط ريق�ة،

. �م�و�عظ�ة و�ال �م�ة �حك ال ل�ى إ .و�د�ع�ا �م�و�عظ�ة و�ال �م�ة �حك ال ل�ى إ و�د�ع�ا

Allah (swt) has sent Muhammad (pbuh) at a time Allah (swt) has sent Muhammad (pbuh) at a time when:when:

Mankind was going astray, in disorientation and Mankind was going astray, in disorientation and perplexity, and in malicious discord;perplexity, and in malicious discord;

People were in lust and mischief. They were People were in lust and mischief. They were prisoners of their avarice, and their capricious prisoners of their avarice, and their capricious desires had deflected them [from the virtuous];desires had deflected them [from the virtuous];

Conceit took hold of them, thus it swerved themConceit took hold of them, thus it swerved them

Extremes of ignorance made fools of them.Extremes of ignorance made fools of them.

Society was confounded and in confusion, not Society was confounded and in confusion, not only by instability but also by the evil of only by instability but also by the evil of ignorance.ignorance.

It was with the advent of his Prophethood, that It was with the advent of his Prophethood, that Muhammad (pbuh) gave superb admonitions and Muhammad (pbuh) gave superb admonitions and trustworthy advice, in abundance. He trod on the trustworthy advice, in abundance. He trod on the Right Path [Islam] and urged mankind towards Right Path [Islam] and urged mankind towards the path of wisdom and with fitting counselthe path of wisdom and with fitting counsel..

Ali describes his backgroundAli describes his background In Sermon 120, page 176,In Sermon 120, page 176,

، �ت اال س� الر0 يغ� �ل �ب ت 0م�ت� ع�ل �ق�د� ل �الله ، ت �ت اال س� الر0 يغ� �ل �ب ت 0م�ت� ع�ل �ق�د� ل �الله ت�عد�ات ال �م�ام� ت �عد�ات و�إ ال �م�ام� ت . ، ، و�إ م�ات� �ل �ك ال �م�ام� . و�ت م�ات� �ل �ك ال �م�ام� و�ت

�م �ح�ك ال �و�اب� ب� أ ـ �ت �ي �ب ال �ه�ل� أ ـ �ا �د�ن ن و�ع �م �ح�ك ال �و�اب� ب� أ ـ �ت �ي �ب ال �ه�ل� أ ـ �ا �د�ن ن و�ع

��م�ر اال �اء� ��م�ر و�ضي اال �اء� ..و�ضيو�احد�ة�، الد0ين ع� ائ ر� ش� ن و�إ � ال

� و�احد�ة�، أ الد0ين ع� ائ ر� ش� ن و�إ � ال� أ

ق�اصد�ة� �ه� �ل ب ق�اصد�ة� و�س� �ه� �ل ب �حق� و�س� ل ه�ا ب خ�ذ�� أ �حق� م�ن� ل ه�ا ب خ�ذ�� أ م�ن�

�دم� و�ن ض�ل �ه�ا ع�ن و�ق�ف� و�م�ن� ، م� �دم� و�غ�ن و�ن ض�ل �ه�ا ع�ن و�ق�ف� و�م�ن� ، م� ..و�غ�ن ، ر� ائ الذ خ� �ه� ل �ذ�خ�ر� ت �و�م ي ل �وا ، اع�م�ل ر� ائ الذ خ� �ه� ل �ذ�خ�ر� ت �و�م ي ل �وا اع�م�ل

�ف�ع�ه� �ن ي � ال و�م�ن� ، ر� ائ ر� الس فيه �ل�ى �ب �ف�ع�ه� و�ت �ن ي � ال و�م�ن� ، ر� ائ ر� الس فيه �ل�ى �ب و�ت�ه� ف�ع�ازب 0ه �ب ل �ه� ح�اضر� ف�ع�ازب 0ه �ب ل ، ح�اضر� �ع�ج�ز� أ �ه� ، ع�ن �ع�ج�ز� أ �ه� ع�ن

ع�و�ز� � أ �ه� ب ع�و�ز� و�غ�ائ� أ �ه� ب ه�ا . . و�غ�ائ Vح�ر W �ارا ن ق�وا ه�ا و�ات Vح�ر W �ارا ن ق�وا و�ات

ح�ديد�، �ه�ا �ت �ي ل و�ح �عيد�، ب ه�ا و�ق�ع�ر� ديد�، ح�ديد�، ش� �ه�ا �ت �ي ل و�ح �عيد�، ب ه�ا و�ق�ع�ر� ديد�، ش�ص�ديد� �ه�ا اب ر� ص�ديد� و�ش� �ه�ا اب ر� و�ش�

ح� الص ال ان� الل0س� ن و�إ � ال� ح� أ الص ال ان� الل0س� ن و�إ � ال� الله� أ �ه� �ج�ع�ل الله� ي �ه� �ج�ع�ل ي

من� �ه� ل �ر� ي خ� اس، الن في ء �م�ر� ل من� ل �ه� ل �ر� ي خ� اس، الن في ء �م�ر� ل ل�ح�م�د�ه� ي � ال م�ن� �ه� �ورث ي �م�ال �ح�م�د�ه� ال ي � ال م�ن� �ه� �ورث ي �م�ال . . ال

By Allah, I have been taught the knowledge:By Allah, I have been taught the knowledge:

to convey the messages,to convey the messages,

to fulfill the promises, andto fulfill the promises, and

to express with eloquence.  to express with eloquence.  

We the people of the house [Ahlul Bayt] We the people of the house [Ahlul Bayt] maintain the doors of wisdom and the authority maintain the doors of wisdom and the authority to govern. to govern. 

O people! Look out, since the paths of religion O people! Look out, since the paths of religion are one, and its highways are forthright.are one, and its highways are forthright.

The one who follows them will achieve [the The one who follows them will achieve [the aim of heavens] and will secure [his objective aim of heavens] and will secure [his objective to gain heaven].to gain heaven].

As to the one who shuns the way, with As to the one who shuns the way, with certainty he will be in anguish for he will have certainty he will be in anguish for he will have gone astray.gone astray.

O people! Prepare for your Hereafter, work O people! Prepare for your Hereafter, work hard for that Day for you will be either well hard for that Day for you will be either well rewarded or in jeopardy of the wrath of the rewarded or in jeopardy of the wrath of the Almighty. Almighty.

A selection from Du’aa KumaylA selection from Du’aa Kumayl

O Allah! I draw myself nigh to Thee through O Allah! I draw myself nigh to Thee through Thy invocation Thy invocation

And I pray to Thee to intercede on my behalf And I pray to Thee to intercede on my behalf

And I entreat Thee by Thy Love to draw me And I entreat Thee by Thy Love to draw me nearer to Thee nearer to Thee

And grant me gratitude to Thee and inspire And grant me gratitude to Thee and inspire me to remember and to invoke Thee me to remember and to invoke Thee

O Allah! I entreat You, awestruck, begging O Allah! I entreat You, awestruck, begging You submissively and humbly: You submissively and humbly:

To treat me with clemency and mercy, To treat me with clemency and mercy,

And to make me pleased and content with And to make me pleased and content with what You allot to me what You allot to me

And cause me to be modest and unassuming And cause me to be modest and unassuming

in all circumstancesin all circumstances

�ك� �ي ل ا ب� �ق�ر �ت ا \ي ن ا \ه�م �لل �ك� ا �ي ل ا ب� �ق�ر �ت ا \ي ن ا \ه�م �لل ا، �رك� ذك ،ب �رك� ذك ب

لى ا ك� ب فع� �ش� ت �س� لى و�ا ا ك� ب فع� �ش� ت �س� و�ا�ف�سك� �ف�سك�ن ، ، ن

�ن� ا ج�ودك� ب �ك� ل� أ س�� �ن� و�أ ا ج�ودك� ب �ك� ل

� أ س�� و�أ

ك� ب ق�ر� من� �ني ي �د�ن ك� ت ب ق�ر� من� �ني ي �د�ن ، ، تك� �ر� ك ش� �وزع�ني ت �ن� ك� و�ا �ر� ك ش� �وزع�ني ت �ن� ، ، و�اك� �ر� ذك �هم�ني �ل ت �ن� ك� و�ا �ر� ذك �هم�ني �ل ت �ن� ، ، و�ا

�ك� �ل أ س�� أ \ي ن ا \ه�م �لل �ك� ا �ل أ س�� أ \ي ن ا \ه�م �لل ا

�ذ�ل0ل م�ت خاضع ؤال� �ذ�ل0ل س� م�ت خاضع س�ؤال� خاشعخاشع

�سامح�ني ت �ن� �سامح�ني ا ت �ن� ا�ج�ع�ل�ني و�ت ح�م�ني �ر� �ج�ع�ل�ني و�ت و�ت ح�م�ني �ر� و�ت

W عا قان W راضيا مك� قس� W ب عا قان W راضيا مك� قس� ب��ح�وال اال ج�ميع ��ح�وال و�في اال ج�ميع Wو�في �واضعا Wم�ت �واضعا ،،م�ت

Another selection from Du’aa KumaylAnother selection from Du’aa Kumayl

My Lord! Strengthen my resolve for Thy service My Lord! Strengthen my resolve for Thy service

And empower my resolve to keep on in Thy serviceAnd empower my resolve to keep on in Thy service

And grant me the eagerness to fear Thee And to And grant me the eagerness to fear Thee And to persist and keep on to serve Thee persist and keep on to serve Thee

So that I be one of the forerunners towards Thee So that I be one of the forerunners towards Thee along with the vanguardsalong with the vanguards

And be swift towards Thee among those who rush And be swift towards Thee among those who rush towards You towards You

And be eager to be near Thee among the keen And be eager to be near Thee among the keen towards You towards You

And draw nigh towards Thee like them who draw And draw nigh towards Thee like them who draw themselves towards Youthemselves towards You

And to fear Thee like the fear of those who firmly And to fear Thee like the fear of those who firmly believe in Youbelieve in You

And thus I may join the congregation of the faithful And thus I may join the congregation of the faithful congregated for protection near Theecongregated for protection near Thee

، ب0 ر� ، يا ب0 ر� ك� ق�و0 ق�و0 يا خد�م�ت ك� ع�لى خد�م�ت ع�لىج�وارحىج�وارحى

�ع�زيم�ة ال ع�ل�ى د�د� �ع�زيم�ة و�اش� ال ع�ل�ى د�د� و�اش�حي حيج�وان ج�وان

في �جد ال ي� ل في و�ه�ب� �جد ال ي� ل و�ه�ب� ، ك� �ت ي ، خ�ش� ك� �ت ي خ�ش�

0صال �ت اال في 0صال و�الد وام� �ت اال في و�الد وام� ، ك� خد�م�ت ، ب ك� خد�م�ت ب

في �ك� �ي ل ا ح� ر� �س� ا \ى ت في ح� �ك� �ي ل ا ح� ر� �س� ا \ى ت ح�رع� �س� و�ا قين� اب الس\ رع� م�يادين �س� و�ا قين� اب الس\ م�يادين

�بارزين� ال في �ك� �ي ل �بارزين� ا ال في �ك� �ي ل افي ك� ب ق�ر� لى ا تاق� �ش� في و�ا ك� ب ق�ر� لى ا تاق� �ش� و�ا

�و د�ن �ك� من �و� �د�ن و�ا تاقين� �م�ش� �و ال د�ن �ك� من �و� �د�ن و�ا تاقين� �م�ش� ال ، ��مخ�لصين� ، ال ��مخ�لصين� ال

م�خاف�ة� �خاف�ك� م�خاف�ة� و�ا �خاف�ك� و�افى �مع� ت �ج� و�ا ، �م�وقنين� فى ال �مع� ت �ج� و�ا ، �م�وقنين� ال

، �م�ؤ�منين� ال م�ع� ، جوارك� �م�ؤ�منين� ال م�ع� جوارك�

A selection from Du’aa MujeerA selection from Du’aa Mujeer

Glory be to Thee. O Adoring! besought are You with Glory be to Thee. O Adoring! besought are You with Thy praise. O Elegant! Keep us safe from Hellfire. O Lord Thy praise. O Elegant! Keep us safe from Hellfire. O Lord of Grace!of Grace!

Glory be to Thee. O Who Knows! besought are You Glory be to Thee. O Who Knows! besought are You with Thy praise. O Who Sees! Keep us safe from Hellfire. with Thy praise. O Who Sees! Keep us safe from Hellfire. O Lord of Grace!O Lord of Grace!

Glory be to Thee. O Benevolent! besought are You with Glory be to Thee. O Benevolent! besought are You with Thy praise. O Possessor of fortune! Keep us safe from Thy praise. O Possessor of fortune! Keep us safe from Hellfire. O Lord of Grace!Hellfire. O Lord of Grace!

Glory be to Thee. O Worshipped! besought are You Glory be to Thee. O Worshipped! besought are You with Thy praise. O Existing! Keep us safe from Hellfire. O with Thy praise. O Existing! Keep us safe from Hellfire. O Lord of Grace!Lord of Grace!

Glory be to Thee. O Forgiver! besought are You with Glory be to Thee. O Forgiver! besought are You with Thy praise. O Who Subdues! Keep us safe from Hellfire. Thy praise. O Who Subdues! Keep us safe from Hellfire. O Lord of Grace!O Lord of Grace!

Glory be to Thee. O Who is acknowledged! besought Glory be to Thee. O Who is acknowledged! besought are You with Thy praise. O Thanks-worthy! Keep us safe are You with Thy praise. O Thanks-worthy! Keep us safe from Hellfire. O Lord of Grace!from Hellfire. O Lord of Grace!

�ت� �ي �عال ت ج�ليل� يا �ك� �حان ب �ت� س� �ي �عال ت ج�ليل� يا �ك� �حان ب س�يا \ار الن من� نا �جر� ا ج�ميل� يا يا \ار الن من� نا �جر� ا ج�ميل� يا

، ، م�جير� م�جير��ت� �ي �عال ت خ�بير� يا �ك� �حان ب �ت� س� �ي �عال ت خ�بير� يا �ك� �حان ب س�يا \ار الن من� نا �جر� ا �صير� ب يا يا \ار الن من� نا �جر� ا �صير� ب يا

، ،م�جير� م�جير��ت� �ي �عال ت Vىح�ف يا �ك� �حان ب �ت� س� �ي �عال ت Vىح�ف يا �ك� �حان ب س�

يا \ار الن من� نا �جر� ا Vىم�ل يا يا \ار الن من� نا �جر� ا Vىم�ل يا ، ، م�جير� م�جير�

�ود� م�ع�ب يا �ك� �حان ب �ود� س� م�ع�ب يا �ك� �حان ب س�نا �جر� ا م�و�ج�ود� يا �ت� �ي �عال نا ت �جر� ا م�و�ج�ود� يا �ت� �ي �عال ت

، م�جير� يا \ار الن ، من� م�جير� يا \ار الن من��ت� �ي �عال ت غ�ف\ار� يا �ك� �حان ب �ت� س� �ي �عال ت غ�ف\ار� يا �ك� �حان ب س�يا \ار الن من� نا �جر� ا ق�ه\ار� يا يا \ار الن من� نا �جر� ا ق�ه\ار� يا

، ، م�جير� م�جير��ور� م�ذ�ك يا �ك� �حان ب �ور� س� م�ذ�ك يا �ك� �حان ب س�

نا �جر� ا �ور� ك م�ش� يا �ت� �ي �عال نا ت �جر� ا �ور� ك م�ش� يا �ت� �ي �عال ت ، م�جير� يا \ار الن ، من� م�جير� يا \ار الن من�

Select Sayings of Ali: about KnowledgeSelect Sayings of Ali: about Knowledge

In reply to someone who posed to Imam Ali a difficult question, Imam In reply to someone who posed to Imam Ali a difficult question, Imam Ali answered: 'Ask in order to understand, and do not ask in order to Ali answered: 'Ask in order to understand, and do not ask in order to find fault, for surely the ignorant man who wants to learn resembles a find fault, for surely the ignorant man who wants to learn resembles a man of knowledge, and surely a man of knowledge who wants to be man of knowledge, and surely a man of knowledge who wants to be difficult resembles an ignorant man who wants to find fault. ‘difficult resembles an ignorant man who wants to find fault. ‘

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

Do not talk about knowledge:Do not talk about knowledge:with the fools so that they deny you, with the fools so that they deny you, nor with the ignorant so that they find you oppressive, nor with the ignorant so that they find you oppressive, but talk about knowledge with the knowledgeable people wherever you but talk about knowledge with the knowledgeable people wherever you meet, who will accept it and understand it.meet, who will accept it and understand it.

Ali’s Classification of QuraishAli’s Classification of Quraish

When asked about Quraish, Imam Ali replied When asked about Quraish, Imam Ali replied that:that:1.1. Of Quraish Of Quraish Banu MukhzumBanu Mukhzum are like the sweet scented are like the sweet scented

flower of Quraish; their men are good to talk to and flower of Quraish; their men are good to talk to and their women prove very good wives; their women prove very good wives;

2.2. Banu Abdul ShamsBanu Abdul Shams are very intelligent and prudent are very intelligent and prudent but we of Benu Hashim are very generous and very but we of Benu Hashim are very generous and very brave to face death. brave to face death.

3.3. Banu Abdul ShamsBanu Abdul Shams are more in numbers, ugly and are more in numbers, ugly and intriguers (devious)intriguers (devious)

4.4. But But Banu HashimBanu Hashim are beautiful, good speakers and are beautiful, good speakers and orators and very faithful as friends. orators and very faithful as friends.

Sample of Ali’s SayingsSample of Ali’s Sayings

No wealth is more useful than wisdom; no solitude is worse than when No wealth is more useful than wisdom; no solitude is worse than when people avoid you on account of your vanity and conceit or acting too people avoid you on account of your vanity and conceit or acting too grandiose to confide and consult; grandiose to confide and consult; No eminence is more exalting than piety; no companion is more useful than No eminence is more exalting than piety; no companion is more useful than politeness; no heritage is better than culture; no leader is superior to Divine politeness; no heritage is better than culture; no leader is superior to Divine Guidance; Guidance; No deal is more profitable than good deeds; no gain is better than Divine No deal is more profitable than good deeds; no gain is better than Divine Reward; no abstinence is better than to restraining the mind from doubts Reward; no abstinence is better than to restraining the mind from doubts (about faith); no virtue is better than refraining from the prohibited deeds; (about faith); no virtue is better than refraining from the prohibited deeds; No knowledge is superior to contemplation and prudence; no worship is No knowledge is superior to contemplation and prudence; no worship is more sacred than fulfillment of obligations and duties, no religious faith is more sacred than fulfillment of obligations and duties, no religious faith is loftier than feeling ashamed of doing wrong and bearing tragedy patiently; loftier than feeling ashamed of doing wrong and bearing tragedy patiently; No eminence is greater than adopting humility; no exaltation is superior to No eminence is greater than adopting humility; no exaltation is superior to knowledge; knowledge; Nothing is more respectable than forgiveness and forbearance; no support Nothing is more respectable than forgiveness and forbearance; no support and defense are stronger than consultation. and defense are stronger than consultation.

In a saying, Ali wonders In a saying, Ali wonders

I wonder at the mentality of a miser who by fearing poverty he takes to I wonder at the mentality of a miser who by fearing poverty he takes to stinginess; thus he hastily pushes himself headlong into a state of stinginess; thus he hastily pushes himself headlong into a state of impoverishment, he madly desires plenty and ease, but throws it away impoverishment, he madly desires plenty and ease, but throws it away without due thought. In this world he, of his own will, leads the life of a without due thought. In this world he, of his own will, leads the life of a beggar and in the next world he will have to submit to an arduous beggar and in the next world he will have to submit to an arduous account. account. I wonder at the arrogance of a vain person: At first he was only a drop of I wonder at the arrogance of a vain person: At first he was only a drop of semen and in the end he will turn into a corpse. semen and in the end he will turn into a corpse. I wonder at the man who observes the Universe created by Allah and I wonder at the man who observes the Universe created by Allah and doubts Allah’s Being and Existence. doubts Allah’s Being and Existence. I wonder at the man who sees people dying around him and yet he I wonder at the man who sees people dying around him and yet he forgets his end. forgets his end. I wonder at the man who understands the marvel of creation and refuses I wonder at the man who understands the marvel of creation and refuses to accept that he will be brought back to life again. to accept that he will be brought back to life again. I wonder at the man who takes great pains to make comfortable in this I wonder at the man who takes great pains to make comfortable in this mortal habitat yet he forgets his permanent abode. mortal habitat yet he forgets his permanent abode.

Select Sayings of Ali: about IntellectSelect Sayings of Ali: about Intellect

A person's intellect becomes apparent through his dealings, and a man's A person's intellect becomes apparent through his dealings, and a man's character is known by the way he exercises authority. The intellect is a king character is known by the way he exercises authority. The intellect is a king and character is its subjects, so if his intellect is weak in governing them, and character is its subjects, so if his intellect is weak in governing them, disorder takes place.disorder takes place.

The intellect is better than desire, for the intellect makes you a king over your The intellect is better than desire, for the intellect makes you a king over your destiny, and desire makes you a slave of your destiny.destiny, and desire makes you a slave of your destiny.

The intellect is a natural disposition which learns from experience.The intellect is a natural disposition which learns from experience.

The intellect is what arrives at what is correct through reasoning, and The intellect is what arrives at what is correct through reasoning, and recognizes what has not yet happened through what has already taken recognizes what has not yet happened through what has already taken place. place.

Use your intellect to understand something. When you hear about Use your intellect to understand something. When you hear about something, examines it. Be not of those who only repeat what they hear something, examines it. Be not of those who only repeat what they hear verbatim. For surely there are many who repeat the knowledge they hear verbatim. For surely there are many who repeat the knowledge they hear verbatim, and there are few who examine it.verbatim, and there are few who examine it.

Ali about the Station of Men of KnowledgeAli about the Station of Men of Knowledge

Know that the creatures of Allah are those who seek to Know that the creatures of Allah are those who seek to preserve knowledge of Him, safeguarding what preserve knowledge of Him, safeguarding what safeguards it, and letting its springs flow freely. safeguards it, and letting its springs flow freely.

They are united by friendship, and they meet with love, They are united by friendship, and they meet with love, and they drink from the cup that quenches their thirst, and and they drink from the cup that quenches their thirst, and they go on with their thirst satisfied. they go on with their thirst satisfied. They are not troubled by doubt, and they are not quick to They are not troubled by doubt, and they are not quick to backbite. It is on this basis that their natural disposition backbite. It is on this basis that their natural disposition and character rest, and on this is based their love, and by and character rest, and on this is based their love, and by this they are united. this they are united.

They are like seeds that have been assessed and They are like seeds that have been assessed and selected, some to be kept and some to be thrown away, selected, some to be kept and some to be thrown away, identified through purification, and refined through identified through purification, and refined through clarification.clarification.

Ali about life’s transaction of IslamAli about life’s transaction of Islam

I am making a connection which no one has made before I am making a connection which no one has made before me: me:

Islam is submission, and submission is certainty, and Islam is submission, and submission is certainty, and certainty is the affirmation of the truth, and affirmation of the certainty is the affirmation of the truth, and affirmation of the truth is acknowledgement, and acknowledgement is truth is acknowledgement, and acknowledgement is performance of what is obligatory, and performance of what performance of what is obligatory, and performance of what is obligatory is appropriate action.is obligatory is appropriate action.

To continue, surely, the likeness of this world is that of a To continue, surely, the likeness of this world is that of a viper: it is soft to touch, but deadly with poison. viper: it is soft to touch, but deadly with poison.

The ignorant child is distracted by it, The ignorant child is distracted by it, And the one with wisdom and intellect is cautious of it.And the one with wisdom and intellect is cautious of it. So turn away from what fascinates you in it, for how little of So turn away from what fascinates you in it, for how little of it stays with you.it stays with you.

Select Sayings of AliSelect Sayings of Ali

He who is greedy is disgraced; he who discloses his hardship He who is greedy is disgraced; he who discloses his hardship will always be humiliated; he who has no control over his will always be humiliated; he who has no control over his tongue will often have to face discomfort. tongue will often have to face discomfort.

Avarice is disgrace; cowardice is a defect; poverty often Avarice is disgrace; cowardice is a defect; poverty often disables an intelligent man from arguing his case; a poor man disables an intelligent man from arguing his case; a poor man is a stranger in his own town; misfortune and helplessness are is a stranger in his own town; misfortune and helplessness are calamities; patience is a kind of bravery; to sever attachments calamities; patience is a kind of bravery; to sever attachments with the wicked world is the greatest wealth; piety is the best with the wicked world is the greatest wealth; piety is the best weapon of defense. weapon of defense.

Submission to Allah's Will is the best companion; wisdom is Submission to Allah's Will is the best companion; wisdom is the noblest heritage; theoretical and practical knowledge are the noblest heritage; theoretical and practical knowledge are the best signs of distinction; deep thinking will present the the best signs of distinction; deep thinking will present the clearest picture of every problem. clearest picture of every problem.

Select Sayings of AliSelect Sayings of Ali

The mind of a wise man is the safest custody of secrets; The mind of a wise man is the safest custody of secrets; cheerfulness is the key to friendship; patience and forbearance will cheerfulness is the key to friendship; patience and forbearance will conceal many defects.conceal many defects.

A conceited and arrogant person is disliked by others; charity and A conceited and arrogant person is disliked by others; charity and alms are the best remedy for ailments and calamities; one has to alms are the best remedy for ailments and calamities; one has to account in the next world for the deeds that he has done in this account in the next world for the deeds that he has done in this world. world.

When this world favors somebody, it lends him the attributes, and When this world favors somebody, it lends him the attributes, and surpassing merits of others and when it turns its face away from him surpassing merits of others and when it turns its face away from him it snatches away even his own excellences and fame. it snatches away even his own excellences and fame.

Live amongst people in such a manner that if you die they weep over Live amongst people in such a manner that if you die they weep over you and if you are alive they crave for your company. you and if you are alive they crave for your company.

Select Sayings of AliSelect Sayings of Ali

If you overpower your enemy, then pardon him by way of If you overpower your enemy, then pardon him by way of thankfulness to Allah. Thank Him for being able to subdue thankfulness to Allah. Thank Him for being able to subdue him. him. Unfortunate is he who cannot gain a few intimate friends Unfortunate is he who cannot gain a few intimate friends during his life and more unfortunate is the one who has during his life and more unfortunate is the one who has gained them and then lost them through his misdeeds. gained them and then lost them through his misdeeds. When some blessings come to you, do not drive them away When some blessings come to you, do not drive them away through thanklessness. through thanklessness. He who is deserted by friends and relatives will often find He who is deserted by friends and relatives will often find help and sympathy from strangers. help and sympathy from strangers. Every person who is tempted to go astray, does not deserve Every person who is tempted to go astray, does not deserve punishment. punishment. Our affairs are attached to the destiny decreed by Allah, Our affairs are attached to the destiny decreed by Allah, even our best plans may lead us to ruin. even our best plans may lead us to ruin.

Select Sayings of AliSelect Sayings of Ali

Overlook and forgive the weaknesses of the generous Overlook and forgive the weaknesses of the generous people because if they fall down, Allah will help them. people because if they fall down, Allah will help them. Failures are often the results of timidity and fears; Failures are often the results of timidity and fears; disappointments are the results of bashfulness; hours of disappointments are the results of bashfulness; hours of leisure pass away like summer-clouds, therefore, do not leisure pass away like summer-clouds, therefore, do not waste opportunity of doing good. waste opportunity of doing good. If the right usurped from us is given back to us we shall If the right usurped from us is given back to us we shall take it, otherwise we shall go on claiming it. take it, otherwise we shall go on claiming it. If someone's deeds lower his position, his pedigree If someone's deeds lower his position, his pedigree cannot elevate it. cannot elevate it. To render relief to the distressed and to help the To render relief to the distressed and to help the oppressed make amends for major sins. oppressed make amends for major sins.

Select Sayings of AliSelect Sayings of Ali

The best form of devotion to the service of Allah is not to The best form of devotion to the service of Allah is not to make a show of it. make a show of it. When you have to depart from this world and have to When you have to depart from this world and have to eventually meet death, then why be apprehensive about eventually meet death, then why be apprehensive about death. death. Be generous but not extravagant, be frugal but not Be generous but not extravagant, be frugal but not miserly. miserly. The best kind of wealth is to give up inordinate desires. The best kind of wealth is to give up inordinate desires. One who says unpleasant things about others, will One who says unpleasant things about others, will himself quickly become a target of their hearsay. himself quickly become a target of their hearsay. One who hopes inordinately, impairs his deeds.One who hopes inordinately, impairs his deeds.The sin which makes you sad and repentant is more liked The sin which makes you sad and repentant is more liked by Allah than the good deed which turns you arrogant. by Allah than the good deed which turns you arrogant.

Select Sayings of AliSelect Sayings of Ali

If I cut a faithful Muslim into pieces to make him hate me, he will not turn into If I cut a faithful Muslim into pieces to make him hate me, he will not turn into my enemy, my enemy,

and if I give all the wealth of this world to a hypocrite to make him like me, he and if I give all the wealth of this world to a hypocrite to make him like me, he will not befriend me. will not befriend me. It is so because the Holy Prophet has said: "O Ali! No faithful Muslim will ever It is so because the Holy Prophet has said: "O Ali! No faithful Muslim will ever be your enemy and no hypocrite will ever be your friend."be your enemy and no hypocrite will ever be your friend."

A fool's mind is at the mercy of his tongue and a wise man's tongue is under A fool's mind is at the mercy of his tongue and a wise man's tongue is under the control of his mind. the control of his mind.

A wise man first thinks and then speaks and a fool speaks first and then A wise man first thinks and then speaks and a fool speaks first and then thinks.thinks.

Blessed is the man who always keeps the life hereafter in his view, who Blessed is the man who always keeps the life hereafter in his view, who remembers the Day of Judgment through all his deeds, who leads a remembers the Day of Judgment through all his deeds, who leads a contented life and who is happy with the lot that Allah has destined for him. contented life and who is happy with the lot that Allah has destined for him. 

Select Sayings of AliSelect Sayings of Ali

When you are greeted return the greetings more warmly. When When you are greeted return the greetings more warmly. When favored, then repay the obligation manifold; for he who takes the favored, then repay the obligation manifold; for he who takes the initiative will always excel in merit. initiative will always excel in merit. The source of success of a claimant is the mediator. The source of success of a claimant is the mediator. People in this world are like travelers whose journey is going on People in this world are like travelers whose journey is going on though they are slumbering. (Life's journey is going on though men though they are slumbering. (Life's journey is going on though men may not feel it). may not feel it). Lack of friends means being a stranger in one's own country. Lack of friends means being a stranger in one's own country. Not to have a thing is less humiliating than to beg for it. Not to have a thing is less humiliating than to beg for it. Do not worry if your charity is small, because to refuse the needy is Do not worry if your charity is small, because to refuse the needy is an act more appalling. To refrain from impious source of pleasures is an act more appalling. To refrain from impious source of pleasures is an ornament to the poor, and to be thankful for the riches granted by an ornament to the poor, and to be thankful for the riches granted by Allah is an adornment to the wealth. Allah is an adornment to the wealth.

Select Sayings of AliSelect Sayings of Ali

So long as fortune is favoring you, your defects will So long as fortune is favoring you, your defects will remain covered. remain covered. Wealth converts a strange land into homeland and Wealth converts a strange land into homeland and poverty turns a native place into a strange land. poverty turns a native place into a strange land. Generosity is to help a deserving person without his Generosity is to help a deserving person without his request, and if you help him after his request, then it is request, and if you help him after his request, then it is either out of self-respect or to avoid rebuke. either out of self-respect or to avoid rebuke. There is no greater wealth than wisdom, no greater There is no greater wealth than wisdom, no greater poverty than ignorance; no greater heritage than culture poverty than ignorance; no greater heritage than culture and no greater support than consultation. and no greater support than consultation. Patience is of two kinds: patience over what pains you, Patience is of two kinds: patience over what pains you, and patience against what you covet. and patience against what you covet. Contentment is the capital which will never diminish. Contentment is the capital which will never diminish.

Select Sayings of AliSelect Sayings of Ali

Whenever a tradition of the Holy Prophet is related to you, scrutinize it, do Whenever a tradition of the Holy Prophet is related to you, scrutinize it, do not be satisfied with its mere verbatim repetition, because there are many not be satisfied with its mere verbatim repetition, because there are many people who repeat the words containing knowledge but only few ponder people who repeat the words containing knowledge but only few ponder over them and try to fully grasp the meaning they convey.over them and try to fully grasp the meaning they convey.Imam Ali heard somebody reciting the passage of the Holy Quran “We Imam Ali heard somebody reciting the passage of the Holy Quran “We belong to Allah and our return is towards Him”, Imam Ali said, "How true it belong to Allah and our return is towards Him”, Imam Ali said, "How true it is ! Our declaring that we belong to Allah indicates that we accept Him as is ! Our declaring that we belong to Allah indicates that we accept Him as our Master, Owner and Lord. And when we say that our return is towards our Master, Owner and Lord. And when we say that our return is towards Allah indicates that we accept our mortality"Allah indicates that we accept our mortality"Some people praised Imam Ali on his face. He replied, "Allah knows me Some people praised Imam Ali on his face. He replied, "Allah knows me very well and I also know myself more than you. Please, Lord! Make me very well and I also know myself more than you. Please, Lord! Make me better than what they imagine me to be and please excuse my better than what they imagine me to be and please excuse my weaknesses which they are not aware of". weaknesses which they are not aware of".

Ali’s Saying about Al-MahdiAli’s Saying about Al-Mahdi

Imam Ali had saidImam Ali had said

I thought about a child who will be from my flesh, the I thought about a child who will be from my flesh, the eleventh from my line of descendants. eleventh from my line of descendants.

He is Al-Mahdi:He is Al-Mahdi: who will fill the earth with justice and equity [righteousness] who will fill the earth with justice and equity [righteousness]

when the height of Injustice and Evilness in the world has when the height of Injustice and Evilness in the world has been reached.  been reached. 

He will live in a state of occultation as a result of which a He will live in a state of occultation as a result of which a group of people will go astray and another remain faithful. group of people will go astray and another remain faithful.

Ali assassinatedAli assassinated

Ali lived to be 63 year old, just as the Ali lived to be 63 year old, just as the Prophet (pbuh) had livedProphet (pbuh) had lived

He designated Al-Hasan as the 2He designated Al-Hasan as the 2ndnd Imam Imam

He gave advice to Al-Hasan as written in Nahjul He gave advice to Al-Hasan as written in Nahjul BalaaghahBalaaghah

After Al-Hasan’s agreement with Mu’awiya, After Al-Hasan’s agreement with Mu’awiya, the family returned to Medina to resume the family returned to Medina to resume teaching Islamteaching Islam

Ali’s assassination IAli’s assassination I

Upon being so severely wounded Ali said:Upon being so severely wounded Ali said:الكعبه ورب الكعبه فزت ورب فزت

I have won by the Lord of the Ka’baI have won by the Lord of the Ka’baA lot of commotion ensued immediatelyA lot of commotion ensued immediatelyTaken home, Ali gave final advice to his Taken home, Ali gave final advice to his son Al-Hasan, and other childrenson Al-Hasan, and other childrenTwo days later he died on Leilatul Qadr Two days later he died on Leilatul Qadr 2121stst of Ramadhan of Ramadhan

Ali’s assassination IIAli’s assassination II

Ali’s last words before he died were:Ali’s last words before he died were:

ه� �ر� ي ا Wر� ي خ� hة ذ�ر �ق�ال� مث �ع�م�ل� ي ه� ف�م�ن �ر� ي ا Wر� ي خ� hة ذ�ر �ق�ال� مث �ع�م�ل� ي ف�م�ن

ه� �ر� ي ا iر ش� hة ذ�ر �ق�ال� مث �ع�م�ل� ي ه� و�م�ن �ر� ي ا iر ش� hة ذ�ر �ق�ال� مث �ع�م�ل� ي و�م�ن

He with the slightest act of goodness will so He with the slightest act of goodness will so be rewardedbe rewarded

And he with the slightest act of evil deeds And he with the slightest act of evil deeds will so be rewardedwill so be rewarded

Ali’s last will and testamentAli’s last will and testament

My advice to you is to be conscious of Allah and steadfast in your My advice to you is to be conscious of Allah and steadfast in your religion. Do not yearn for the world, and do not be seduced by it. Do religion. Do not yearn for the world, and do not be seduced by it. Do not resent anything you have missed in it. not resent anything you have missed in it. Proclaim the truth; work for the next world. Oppose the oppressor Proclaim the truth; work for the next world. Oppose the oppressor and support the oppressed.and support the oppressed.I advise you and all my children, my relatives, and whoever receives I advise you and all my children, my relatives, and whoever receives this message, to be conscious of Allah, to remove your differences, this message, to be conscious of Allah, to remove your differences, and to strengthen your ties. and to strengthen your ties. I heard your grandfather, peace be upon him, say: "Reconciliation of I heard your grandfather, peace be upon him, say: "Reconciliation of your differences is more worthy than all prayers and all fasting." your differences is more worthy than all prayers and all fasting." Fear Allah in matters concerning the orphans. Attend to their nutrition Fear Allah in matters concerning the orphans. Attend to their nutrition and do not forget their interests in the middle of yours. and do not forget their interests in the middle of yours. Fear Allah in your relations with your neighbors. Your Prophet often Fear Allah in your relations with your neighbors. Your Prophet often recommended them to you, so much so that we thought he would recommended them to you, so much so that we thought he would give them a share in inheritance…..give them a share in inheritance…..

Ali is buriedAli is buried

Ali was taken to Najaf for burial, many miles from Ali was taken to Najaf for burial, many miles from KufaKufaBurial place remained secret, known to family Burial place remained secret, known to family and few othersand few othersYears later Imam Al-Saadiq declared the Years later Imam Al-Saadiq declared the whereabouts of the burial sitewhereabouts of the burial siteA tomb was established then a town arose A tomb was established then a town arose around itaround itIt became the center of visitation and learningIt became the center of visitation and learning

Burial place in NajafBurial place in Najaf

Imam Ali’s Shrine: Imam Ali’s Shrine: Multitudes of visitors Multitudes of visitors every year. every year.

Inside it reflects Inside it reflects reverence that reverence that uniquely affects the uniquely affects the heart.heart.

Burial place in NajafBurial place in Najaf

The inside

Ziyarah of Imam AliZiyarah of Imam Ali

0ه ي و�و�ل 0ك� ي �ب ن خي� أ hبط�ال ي ب

� أ �ن ب ع�لي0 ين� �م�ؤ�من ال مير� أ ع�ل�ى ص�ل0 ه�م �لل ا

0ه و�و�زيره و�ص�فيل�ى إ و�الد اعي ه ت ح�ج ب اطق و�الن ه �م�ت حك �اب و�ب ه ر0 س و�م�و�ضع �مه ل ع �و�د�ع ت و�م�س�

ه م ت� أ في ه يف�ت ل و�خ� ه ريع�ت ش�

و�ج�هه ع�ن� ب �ر� �ك ال ج من� و�م�ف�ر0 �ه� �ت ج�ع�ل ذي ال ة �ف�ج�ر� ال غم و�م�ر� ة �ف�ر� �ك ال ق�اصمم�وس�ى من� ون� ه�ار� �ة �زل م�ن ب 0ك� ي �ب ن

�ه� خ�ذ�ل م�ن� و�اخ�ذ�ل� ه� �ص�ر� ن م�ن� �ص�ر� و�ان ع�اد�اه� م�ن� و�ع�اد �ه� و�اال م�ن� و�ال ه�م اللخرين� و�اآل� ين� و ل

� األ� من� �ه� ل �ص�ب� ن م�ن� �ع�ن� ال و��مين �ع�ال ال ب ر� �ا ي ك� �ائ ي �ب ن

� أ �اء و�صي� أ من� hح�د

� أ ع�ل�ى �ت� ي ص�ل م�ا ف�ض�ل�� أ �ه �ي ع�ل و�ص�ل0

Ziyarah of Imam AliZiyarah of Imam Ali

O Allah bless Amir al-Mu'mineen, All ibn Abi Talib, the brother of Thy O Allah bless Amir al-Mu'mineen, All ibn Abi Talib, the brother of Thy Prophet who is: Prophet who is:

His successor, supporter, and vicegerent,His successor, supporter, and vicegerent, The custodian of his knowledge, repository of his confidential and The custodian of his knowledge, repository of his confidential and privileged matters, privileged matters, The gateway of his wisdom, The gateway of his wisdom, Who gave tongue to his arguments, invited to his system, and took Who gave tongue to his arguments, invited to his system, and took charge of the affairs of his followers after him, charge of the affairs of his followers after him, Who removed his worry and anguish, who tore apart the syndrome of Who removed his worry and anguish, who tore apart the syndrome of infidelity to pieces, and who demeaned the nose of evil, whom Thou infidelity to pieces, and who demeaned the nose of evil, whom Thou united with Thy Prophet as Haroon was attached with Musa. united with Thy Prophet as Haroon was attached with Musa.

O Allah befriend those who befriends him, antagonize those who O Allah befriend those who befriends him, antagonize those who antagonize him, help those who support him, and forsake those who antagonize him, help those who support him, and forsake those who forsake him,forsake him,

Be hostile to those who had set up and planted hostility against him, be Be hostile to those who had set up and planted hostility against him, be they his contemporaries or those in the future….. they his contemporaries or those in the future…..

Listen to Ziyarah of Imam AliListen to Ziyarah of Imam Ali

المؤمنين أمير يا عليك المؤمنين السالم أمير يا عليك السالمالله حبيب يا عليك الله السالم حبيب يا عليك السالمالله صفوة يا عليك الله السالم صفوة يا عليك السالم

الله السالمالسالم ولي يا الله عليك ولي يا عليكالله حجة يا عليك الله السالم حجة يا عليك السالم

الهدى إمام يا عليك الهدى السالم إمام يا عليك السالمالتقى علم يا عليك التقى السالم علم يا عليك السالم

الوفي النقي التقي البر الوصي أيها عليك الوفي السالم النقي التقي البر الوصي أيها عليك السالموالحسين الحسن أبا يا عليك والحسين السالم الحسن أبا يا عليك السالم

سيد يا عليك السالم الدين عمود يا عليك سيد السالم يا عليك السالم الدين عمود يا عليك السالمالعالمين رب وأمين العالمين الوصيين رب وأمين الوصيين

In ConclusionIn Conclusion

Ali is the very model after the Prophet (pbuh)Ali is the very model after the Prophet (pbuh)Lived in the house of the Prophet and raised by him

Along with the Prophet, he was the backbone of Islam

His Khilaafah faced very troublesome people

Du’aas are very moving and the guiding Light to all

His sayings are remarkable and incredible, indicating an acute mind dedicated to the Almighty

Be in Allah’s CareBe in Allah’s Care

Thank you and May God Bless you.Thank you and May God Bless you.

Dr. A.S. HashimDr. A.S. Hashim