Chapter Five
ON THE EXCELLENCE OF THE BELIEVER, GOOD MANNERS, AND THE EXCELLENCE OF HIM WHOSE NAME IS MOHAMMED OR AHMED
81. Through his chain of authorities, he, peace be on him, said: [Allah's Messenger, may Allah bless him and his family, said:] "The likeness of the believer with Allah is like an angel brought nigh; and the believer with Allah is better than an angel brought nigh; and there is nothing more lovable to Allah than a repentant believing man or a repentant believing woman."
82. Through his chain of authorities, he, peace be on him, said: [Allah's Messenger, may Allah bless him and his family, said:] "Verily, the believer is recognized in the heaven as a man is recognized by his own family and children; and he is nobler with Him (Allah) than an angel brought nigh."
83. Through his chain of authorities, he, peace be on him, said: [Allah's Messenger, may Allah bless him and his family, said:] "Gabriel came to me from his Lord and said: 'My Lord, the Great and Almighty, recites to you (His) greetings and says: 'O Mohammed, give good news to the believers¾who do good deeds, believe in you, and love your household¾of the Garden, for they have with Me good reward, and they will enter the Garden.'" The believers who have such qualities will have the noblest rank in the Garden and live therein wherever they like.
84. Through his chain of authorities, he, peace be on him, said: [Allah's Messenger, may Allah bless him and his family, said:] "He who treats men and does not wrong them; tells them (about something) and does not tell them lies; promises them and does not break (his promise toward) them is a believer whose manhood is perfect, whose justice is manifest, love for him is obligatory (on men), and it is forbidden (on them) to backbite him."
If man has such qualities, he is perfect in faith, manhood, justice; and it is obligatory on people to be loyal to him and to refrain from backbiting him.
85. Through his chain of authorities, he, peace be on him, said: [Allah's Messenger, may Allah bless him and his family, said:] "He who slanders a believing man or a believing woman or says about them what they do not have, Allah will make him stand on a hill of fire until he abandons what he has said concerning them."
Definitely, the believer has sacredness with Allah, for He, the Exalted, has made it incumbent on men to respect him, so none has the right to disparage him or to defame his character.
86. Through his chain of authorities, he, peace be on him, said: [Allah's Messenger, may Allah bless him and his family, said:] "An example of the believer's dignity with Allah is that Allah does not appoint a term for his span of life. However, if he concerns about an offense, Allah makes him die due to (His) mercy (toward him)."
The meaning of this tradition is that Allah prolongs the believer's life, but if he commits a sin, Allah decreases his life. Ima`m al-Rida` said: "Refrain from offenses and Allah will prolong your span of life."
87. Through his chain of authorities, he, peace be on him, said: [Allah's Apostle, may Allah bless him and his family, said:] "Cling to good manners, for the well-mannered are certainly in the Garden."
One of the most important Islamic principles is good manners, and it is one of the most beautiful and perfect qualities of the Prophet, may Allah bless him and his family, by which he was distinguished from the rest of the prophets. Islam has emphasized on the necessity of having such a noble quality. During their Bedouin life, nations were distinguished from each other by their bodily strength. When they progressed, they were distinguished from each other by their knowledge. And when they advanced, they were distinguished from one another by good manners.
88. Through his chain of authorities, he, peace be on him, said: [Allah's Messenger, may Allah bless him and his family, said:] "If the servant knows what he will have due to good manners, then he will come to know that he is in no need (of anything) except good manners."
In this tradition there is a summons to clinging to good manners and Allah, the Most High, has prepared abundant reward for him who has this noble quality.
89. Through his chain of authorities, he, peace be on him, said: [Allah's Apostle, may Allah bless him and his family, said:] "When the Day of Resurrection occurs, Allah will manifest Himself to His servant and shows him his sins one by one, and then He will forgive him. Allah will not inform about the servant's sins neither an angel brought nigh nor a messenger sent out. He will cover them from everyone, and then he will say to them: 'Be good deeds!'"
This traditions gives an account of Allah's plentiful mercy and his inclusive pardon toward His sinful servants. We ask Him, the Most High, to include us in His mercy.
90. Through his chain of authorities, he, peace be on him, said: [Allah's Messenger, may Allah bless him and his family, said:] "He who abases and degrades a believing man or a believing woman because of their poverty, Allah will disgrace him on the Day of Resurrection."
Among the sins for which Allah punishes men is abasing and insulting the believer, for Allah has raised his importance and exalted his rank; therefore he who disdains the believer disdains Allah, the Exalted.
91. Through his chain of authorities, he, peace be on him, said: [Allah's Messenger, may Allah bless him and his family, said:] "Verily, through good manners the servant gains the rank of one who performs prayer and fasting."
The Prophet, may Allah bless him and his family, has underlined the necessity of having this noble quality, through which the Muslim is exalted and by which he is distinguished from the rest of men.
92. Through his chain of authorities, he, peace be on him, said: [Allah's Messenger, may Allah bless him and his family, said:] "Nothing heavier in the Balance than good manners."
93. Through his chain of authorities, he, peace be on him, said: [Allah's Messenger, may Allah bless him and his family, said:] "Bad manners spoil action just as vinegar spoils honey." The Prophet, may Allah bless him and his family, warned men against bad manners which throw man into dreadful evil as well as they spoil the good deeds which he does.
94. Through his chain of authorities, he, peace be on him, said: ['Ali b. Abu` Ta`lib, peace be on him, related to me:] "Among the treasures of good is concealing deed and steadfastness toward misfortune."
This noble quality is one of the most distinguished qualities of man. It is among the treasures of good and is proof of high character.
95. Through his chain of authorities, he, peace be on him, said: ['Ali b. Abu` Ta`lib, peace be on him, related to me. He said:] "Good manners are the best friend; the most perfect of you in belief is the best of you in manners."
Surely, good manners are the best friend and guard, for they protect man from many problems and difficulties. In the meantime they are proof of the perfect faith of a person.
96. Through his chain of authorities, he, peace be on him, said: [Allah's Messenger, may Allah bless him and his family, said:] "The title of the Muslim's page is good manners."
Good manners are the most prominent quality in the Muslim's character, as the Prophet, may Allah bless him and his family, said to his community.
97. Through his chain of authorities on the authority of Ima`m 'Ali, the Commander of the faithful, peace be on him, who said: [Allah's Apostle was asked:] "Who enter the Garden more?" "(Those who have) reverential fear and good manners," he replied. Then he was asked: "Who enter the Fire more?" "(Those who follow) the two hollow (organs): the stomach and the genital parts," he answered.
Fear of Allah, refraining from disobeying Him, and having good manners are the firmest ways through which man gains Allah's good pleasure and enters the Garden. Likewise, paying no attention to the forbidden things and having an unlawful sexual intercourse bring about entering the Fire.
98. Through his chain of authorities, he, peace be on him, said: [Allah's Messenger, may Allah bless him and his family, said:] "The nearest of you to me in sitting on the Day of Resurrection are those who are the best of you in good manners, and the best of you is he who is the best of you (in good manners) toward his family."
He who beautifies himself with good manners is the closest of all people to the greatest Prophet, may Allah bless him and his family, on the Day of Resurrection. Likewise, the closest of people to Allah's Messenger, may Allah bless him and his family, is he who shows good, mercy, and kindness toward his family and undertakes their affairs.
99. Through his chain of authorities, he, peace be on him, said: [Allah's Messenger, may Allah bless him and his family, said:] "The best of the people in faith are the best of them in good manners and the gentlest of them toward their families, and I am the gentlest of you toward my family."
This tradition emphasizes good manners and kindness to family, and this is among the qualities of the holy Prophet, may Allah bless him and his family.
100. Through his chain of authorities, he, peace be on him, said: [Allah's Messenger, may Allah bless him and his family, said:] "When you name the boy Mohammed, then honor him, make room for him when sitting, and do not show an ugly face toward him."
Islam has made it recommended for Muslims to name their boy babies with the name of the Prophet Mohammed, may Allah bless him and his family. He who is given this name is worthy of honoring, magnifying, making room during sitting, and receiving with cheerfulness.
101. Through his chain of authorities, he, peace be on him, said: [Allah's Messenger, may Allah bless him and his family, said:] "If some people have a consultation and someone whose name is Mohammed or Ahmed is present with them and they let him take part in the consultation, they will (face nothing) except good for them."
This tradition summons Muslims to name their boys with the name of the great Prophet, may Allah bless him and his family, and it urges them to honor and magnify those boys who have given this blessed name.
102. Through his chain of authorities, he, peace be on him, said: [Allah's Messenger, may Allah bless him and his family, said:] "If food is placed and someone whose name is Mohammed or Ahmed sits at it, Allah will sanctify that house twice a day."
Chapter Six
ON MENTIONING FOODS, FRUIT, AND OINTMENTS
103. Through his chain of authorities, he, peace be on him, said: [Allah's Apostle, may Allah bless him and his family, said:] "Meat is the master of the food of this world and the next. Water is the master of the drink of this world and the next. And I am the master of the children of Adam. I am not proud (of anything), but poverty is my pride."
Meat is the master of foods, for it has some vitamins which are necessary for maintaining the body; likewise pure water is the master of drinks.
In this tradition the Prophet, may Allah bless him and his family, has shown that he is the master of the children of Adam, that poverty is his pride, for he, may Allah bless him and his family, died and left behind him nothing of worldly provisions.
104. Through his chain of authorities, he, peace be on him, said: [Allah's Apostle, may Allah bless him and his family, said:] "Meat and rice are the master of the food of this world and the next."
This tradition gives an account of the excellence of meat and rice, and that they are the best masters of foods, for they have advantages which make the body grow.
105. Through his chain of authorities, he, peace be on him, said: [Allah's Apostle, may Allah bless him and his family, said:] "When you cook food, increase gourd, for it strengthens the heart of the sad."
106. Through his chain of authorities, he, peace be on him, said: ['Ali b. Abu` Ta`lib, peace be on him, related to me:] "Cling to (eating) gourd, for it strengthens the brain."
This tradition and that before it urge men to eat gourd, for it contains food advantages such as vitamin (A), iron, calcium, and in addition eating its seeds drives armed tapeworm away from the stomach.
107. Through his chain of authorities, he, peace be on him, said: [Allah's Apostle, may Allah bless him and his family, said:] "When you eat porridge, eat from its sides, for blessing is in the top."
This tradition summon Muslims to conform to the manners of eating, for example, one who eats porridge should eat from the sides of the container not from its top.
108. Through his chain of authorities, he, peace be on him, said: ['Ali b. Abu` Ta`lib, peace be on him, related to me: He said: Allah's Messenger, may Allah bless him and his family, said:] "He who wants to subsist, and there is no subsistence, should eat food early, wear the shoe well, wear light clothes, and decrease sleeping with women."
This tradition gives an account of some health pieces of advice:
A. Having food early.
B. Wearing shoe regularly.
C. Wearing light clothes.
D. Reducing sexual intercourse.
109. Through his chain of authorities, he, peace be on him, said: [When Allah's Messenger, may Allah bless him and his family, had food, he would say:] "O Allah, make it blessed for us, and bestow upon us something better than it." When he drank yogurt, he would say: "O Allah, make it blessed for us, and bestow upon us something better than it."
This tradition shows the supplication of the Prophet, may Allah bless him and his family, when he had food and yogurt. Thus a supplication is among the religious manners which always connect man to his Almighty Creator.
110. Through his chain of authorities, he, peace be on him, said: [When Allah's Messenger, may Allah bless him and his family, had milk, he would rinse out his mouth and say:] "It has cream."
The Prophet, may Allah bless him and his family, hated anything to stay in his holy mouth even the remainder of milk, for it harms health.
111. Through his chain of authorities, he, peace be on him, said: ['Ali b. Abu` Ta`lib, peace be on him, said: A food was brought for the Prophet, may Allah bless him and his family, and he entered his finger into the food which was hot, so he, may Allah bless him and his family, said:] "Leave it until it becomes cold, for it is greater in blessing, and for Allah does not feed us the hot."
The Prophet, may Allah bless him and his family, hated to have hot food, for it severely harms health, especially the mouth and the teeth, and other parts of the digestive system.
112. Through his chain of authorities, he, peace be on him, said: [Allah's Messenger, may Allah bless him and his family, said:] "Cling to (eating) meat, for it makes flesh grow. He who leaves meat for forty days, his (physical) constitution is bad."
As for meat, it is the most useful food to the body, for it contains albuminous materials, mineral salts, calcium, protein, and other materials which are necessary for building and soundness of the body, especially when it is used along with vegetables, for it achieves perfect nutrition for man.
113. Through his chain of authorities, he, peace be on him, said: [Allah's Messenger, may Allah bless him and his family, said:] "Cling to lentils, for they are blessed and sacred; they soften the heart and increase tear; they were regarded as blessed by seventy prophets, the last of them was 'Isa b. Maryam, peace be on him."
As for lentils, they are among rich foods; they contain food materials such as calcium, iron, phosphorous, vitamin (B), and protein; so they are blessed. Lentils are equal to meat and their protein ratio surpasses that of the rest of vegetables. One of their advantages is that they soften the heart and increase tear.
114. Through his chain of authorities, he, peace be on him, said: "He who starts (his food) with salt, Allah takes away from him seventy diseases, the first of which is leprosy."
The need for salt differs from man to another according to the regions of their living, for example, the inhabitants of the tropics are in need of a lot of salt because they ooze abundant sweat which contains food salt. Perhaps the tradition concerns such a kind of people. As for the inhabitants of the frigid zones like Sepirya, they are in no need of salt; rather they spit it out.
115. Through his chain of authorities, he, peace be on him, said: [Allah's Apostle, may Allah bless him and his family, said:] "There is nothing more hateful to Allah than a full stomach."
Fullness or eating much food brings about heavy harms to the body, of which are high blood pressure, arteriosclerosis, diabetes, and others. For this reason the Prophet, may Allah bless him and his family, prevented men from eating much food.
116. Through his chain of authorities, he, peace be on him, said: [My father 'Ali b. Abu` Ta`lib, peace be on him, related to me. He said: Abu` Juhayfa said:] "I went to the Prophet, may Allah bless him and his family, and I was belching, so he said to me: 'O Abu` Juhayfa, stop your belching! Verily, the fullest of the people in this world will be the most hungry of them on the Day of Resurrection.'" He said: "So Abu` Juhayfa did not fill his stomach with food until he met Allah, the Exalted."
In this tradition there is a warning against fullness, which is a destructive blight.
117. Through his chain of authorities, he, peace be on him, said: [Allah's Messenger, may Allah bless him and his family, said:] "Do not ask a foolish or blear-eyed woman to nurse (your babies), for milk conveys disease."
Certainly, milk has bad or good effects on the natures of a baby. So the baby which feeds on the milk of a foolish or blear-eyed woman is infected by foolishness or bleariness in his future life, and this has been emphasized by modern medical studies. I (i.e. the author) have mentioned this matter in detail in my book Niza`m al-Usra fi al-Islam (the Organization of the Family in Islam).
118. Through his chain of authorities, he, peace be on him, said: [Allah's Apostle, may Allah bless him and his family, said:] "The baby has no milk better than that of its mother."
Certainly, the baby which feeds on its mother's milk is safe from diseases and enjoys good health, for its mother's milk is supplied with all necessary food materials. As for the milk other than that of its mother, it is liable to various kinds of diseases because it is either not pasteurized or is not suitable for its body.
119. Through his chain of authorities, he, peace be on him, said: [Allah's Apostle, may Allah bless him and his family, said:] "He who spends (his own money) well will have a good deed."
In this tradition there is a creative summons to an Islamic economy, of which is that there must be a balance between spending and miserliness, and which protects man from choking economic crises.
120. Through his chain of authorities, he, peace be on him, said: [Allah's Apostle, may Allah bless him and his family, said:] "Vinegar is the best food; the house which has vinegar does not become poor."
Vinegar has many advantages, of which is that it helps the stomach in digesting food. It is the best of drinks, and in the past times it was the famous drink among the people.
121. Through his chain of authorities, he, peace be on him, said: [Allah's Apostle, may Allah bless him and his family, said:] "Eat dates before breakfast, for they kill the worms in the stomach."
Dates are rich in vitamins, for example, they have a high ratio of vitamin (A). It is worth mentioning that this vitamin helps children grow, that it keeps the moisture and brilliance of the eye, the protrusion of the eyeball, and that it plays an important role in forming the retinal purple, so doctors call it 'Factor of Growth'.
Moreover dates strengthen the auditory nerves, and they have other benefits mentioned by doctors. Islam has emphasized eating dates, for they have great advantages.
122. Through his chain of authorities, he, peace be on him, said: ['Ali b. Abu` Ta`lib, peace be on him, said:] "Gabriel, peace be on him, came to the Prophet, may Allah bless him and his family, and said: 'Cling to al-Barni dates, for it is the best kind of your dates; it brings (men) nigh to Allah and send (them) away from the Fire.'"
Perhaps the reason for urging (men) to eat dates is that it makes mind grow and purifies the soul. It is normal that when the soul is free from imaginations, it heads for its Almighty Creator and does all that which brings it nigh to Him. Hence the Prophet, may Allah bless him and his family, urged (men) to eat al-Barni dates, which is the best kind of all dates.
123. Through his chain of authorities, he, peace be on him, said: [My father al-Husayn b. 'Ali, peace be on them, said:] "(Ima`m 'Ali) the Commander of the faithful, peace be on him, ordered us to rinse out mouth three times after we had eaten (food)."
This traditions gives an account of the summons to cleaning teeth after having food, for it has an important effect on health.
124. Through his chain of authorities, he, peace be on him, said: ['Ali b. Abu` Ta`lib said:] "Eat pomegranate along with its flesh, for it is tanning for the stomach."
As for pomegranate, it is among the fruit rich in vitamins, for example, it contains lemon, sugar, vitamin (C). Among the characteristics of its flesh is that it puts right the digestive system.
125. Through his chain of authorities, he, peace be on him, said: [Allah's Apostle, may Allah bless him and his family, said:] "Eat grapes one by one, for it is more wholesome and easier."
As for grapes, they are among the richest fruit, for they contain vitamins A, B, C, and play an important role in building the body and strengthening its tissues. They are a delicious food and they are quickly digested. They are necessary for the states of indigestion, renal and urinary calculus, poisoning, anemia, and reduction of calcium. Dr. Carlia said: "It is necessary to give grapes to those who suffer from anemia and on whom surgical operations are performed." Medical books have mentioned other benefits of grapes.
126. Through his chain of authorities, he, peace be on him, said: [Allah's Apostle, may Allah bless him and his family, said:] "Cling to raisins, for they remove bitterness, take away phlegm, strengthen nerves, improve nature, make soul good, and remove worries."
As for raisins, dried grapes, they have most characteristics of fresh grapes, of which are vitamins. We previously talked about the benefits and characteristics of grapes, of which are those mentioned in this tradition.
127. Through his chain of authorities, he, peace be on him, said: [Allah's Messenger, may Allah bless him and his family, said:] "If there is a cure in something, then it is in the slash made by a cupper or in a drink of honey."
In the previous researches, we mentioned the great benefits of cupping and honey.
128. Through his chain of authorities, he, peace be on him, said: [Allah's Messenger, may Allah bless him and his family, said:] "Do not reject him who brings you a drink of honey."
129. Through his chain of authorities, he, peace be on him, said: [Allah's Apostle, may Allah bless him and his family, said:] "Perfume is ease; honey is ease; looking at greens is ease; and riding is ease."
These things create cheerfulness and happiness.
130. Through his chain of authorities, he, peace be on him, said: [Allah's Messenger, may Allah bless him and his family, said:] "Rub with violet, for it is cold in summer and hot in winter."
Violet is one of the beautiful, sweet-smelling plants. The tradition contains some characteristics of its ointment, which is cold in summer and hot in winter.
Chapter Seven
ON OBEYING THE PARENTS AND TIGHTENING THE BONDS OF KIN
131. Through his chain of authorities, he, peace be on him, said:
[Abu` Ja'far, peace be on him, related to me. He said:] "The minimum disobedience (to parents) is the (word) uf (ugh). And if Allah knew that there was something easier than uf, He would forbid it."
He, the Exalted, said: And do not say to them uf! If there was a word less than the word uf, Allah would forbid it, just as the Imam said.
132. Through his chain of authorities, he, peace be on him, said: [Abu` Ja'far, peace be on him, related to me. He said: Abu` 'Abd Allah, peace be on him, said:] "Tightening the bonds of kin and good manners increase faith."
Definitely, good manners and tightening the bonds of kin are two proofs of man's faith in Allah and his relationship with Him.
133. Through his chain of authorities, he, peace be on him, said: [Allah's Messenger, may Allah bless him and his family, said:] "He who guarantees one (thing) to me, I will guarantee four (things) to him: He should tighten the bonds of kin, so his family loves him; he is given generously; his fixed term is increased; and Allah will make him enter the Garden which He has promised."
Surely, tightening the bonds of kin is the best deed in Islam, for it brings about correlation, unity, and solidarity of society.
134. Through his chain of authorities, he, peace be on him, said: [Mohammed b. 'Ali, peace be on him, related to me. He said:] "Tightening the bonds of kin and good neighborhood increase properties."
Among the good deeds which Islam has adopted is kindness to blood relations and neighbors. For such a deed unifies the Muslims, spreads love and affection among them.
135. Through his chain of authorities, he, peace be on him, said: ['Ali b. Abu` Ta`lib said: I heard Allah's Messenger say:] "Verily, I fear for you that you will disdain the religion, sell your government, cut the bonds of kin, use the Qur'a`n as pipes, and that you give precedence to one of you, while he is not the most meritorious of you in religion."
These matters against which the Prophet, may Allah bless him and his family, warned the Muslims bring about the destruction of society and make it deviate from the ideals which Islam has adopted.
Chapter Eight
ON WARNING AGAINST CHEATING, BACKBITING, AND TATTLING
136. Through his chain of authorities, he, peace be on him, said: [Allah's Messenger, may Allah bless him and his family, said:] "He who cheats a Muslim or harms him or tries to deceive him does not belong to us."
Cheating a Muslim or harming him or trying to deceive him is never an Islamic act, for such an action spreads hatred and mistrust among the Muslims.
137. Through his chain of authorities, he, peace be on him, said: [Allah's Messenger, may Allah bless him and his family, said:] "Beware of oppression, for it destroys your hearts."
Islam has fought against oppression. Authentic traditions have been transmitted from the Ima`ms of guidance, peace be on him, concerning warning against oppression, and that Allah, the Most High, is in the watch-tower against the oppressive; He will destroy their houses and severely punish them.
138. Through his chain of authorities, he, peace be on him, said: [My father al-Husayn b. 'Ali, peace be on him, related to me. He said: the Commander of the faithful, the blessings of Allah be on him, addressed us. He said:] "A severe time will come upon the people; therein the rich will seize their possessions with their own teeth (by way of miserliness) although they have not been commanded to do so. Allah, the Most High, says: Do not forget generosity among yourselves. During this time the wicked will rise up while the virtuous will remain low; purchases will be made from the helpless although Allah's Messenger, may Allah bless him and his family, has prohibited purchasing from the helpless."
139. Through his chain of authorities, he, peace be on him, said: ['Ali b. al-Husayn, peace be on him, said:] "He who refrains from (defaming) the honor of men, Allah will release him from his stumble on the Day of Resurrection."
One of the precepts of Islam is that one should refrain from (defaming) the honor of men and not to mention it with evil, that he may keep the unity of the Muslims.
140. Through his chain of authorities, he, peace be on him, said: ['Ali b. al-Husayn, peace be on him, said:] "Beware of backbiting, for it is the food of the inhabitants of the Fire."
'Ali b. al-Husayn, the master of the Allah-fearing, peace be on him, has presented the prohibition of backbiting, which is the most atrocious of all forbidden things, for it leads to spreading offenses and obscene words among the Muslims.
141. Through his chain of authorities, he, peace be on him, said: [Allah's Messenger, may Allah bless him and his family, said:] "Surely, Allah detests him who does not receive the person who comes in to him."
Among the Islamic good manners is that you should honor those who visit you in your house, not turn away from them, and accomplish their needs, especially the needs of those who are poor and needy.
Chapter Nine
THE EXCELLENCE OF JIHAD
142. Through his chain of authority, he, peace be on him, said: ['Ali b. al-Husayn, the blessings of Allah be on him, said: While the Commander of the faithful, peace be on him, was addressing the people, a young man stood up before him and said:] "O Commander of the faithful, tell me about the excellence of the invasion in the path of Allah." He, peace be on him, answered: "I was riding behind Allah's Messenger, may Allah bless him and his family, on his she-camel al-'Adba`' when we came beck from the Campaign of Dha`t al-Sala`sil. I asked him about what you have asked me about, and he answered: "Surely, if the invaders intend to make an invasion, Allah writes for them freedom from the Fire, and if they prepare themselves, Allah vies (in glory) with the angels through them, etc.'"
The tradition is long; the greatest Messengers, may Allah bless him and his family, has presented therein the excellence of invasion and jiha`d in the path of Allah, which is one of the gates to the Garden, and which Allah has opened for his special friends, as it was said by the Commander of the faithful, peace be on him.
Chapter Ten
MISCELLANEOUS TRADITIONS
143. Through his chain of authorities, he, peace be on him, said: [Allah's Apostle, may Allah bless him and his family, said:] Allah, the Most High, says: "O son of Adam, do you not treat Me with justice? I show love toward you through favors and you show hatred toward Me through the acts of disobedience. My good descends to you, and your evil ascends to Me. A noble angel always brings Me an ugly deed from you on every day and night.
"O son of Adam, if you hear your description from other than you, and you do not know who the describer is, you will quickly detest him."
This Holy Tradition summons men to do good deeds and warns them against evil deeds.
144. Through his chain of authorities, he, peace be on him, said: [Allah's Apostle, may Allah bless him and his family, said: Allah, the Great and Almighty, says:] "O son of Adam, do not let the sins of men divert you from your own sin, nor (let) the favors of men divert you from those of Allah toward you. Do not drive men to despair of Allah's favor, while you hope them for your own soul."
This tradition orders man not to let the sins of men turn him away from his own sins, for every person is responsible for his own sins before Allah, the Exalted. In addition, it orders him not to let the favors which Allah bestow upon his servants divert him from His favors toward him.
145. Through his chain of authorities, he, peace be on him, said: [Allah's Messenger, may Allah bless him and his family, said:] "I fear for my community from three (things): error after knowledge, misleading discords, the lust of stomach and genital parts."
Certainly these three temptations turns man away from Allah, the Exalted, and throws him into dreadful evil.
146. Through his chain of authorities, he, peace be on him, said: [Allah's Apostle, may Allah bless him and his family, said concerning the interpretation of these words of Him, the Most High: (Remember) the day when We will call every people with their Imam:] "He (Allah) will call every people with the Ima`m of their time, the Book of their Lord, and the Sunna (practices and sayings) of their Prophet."
This tradition gives an account of mustering men on the Day of Resurrection. It indicates that every people will be mustered along with their Ima`m (leader), the Book of their Lord, and the Sunna of their Lord. If they obeyed them and put them into practice, they would be successful and be safe from the severe punishment of Allah, and if they opposed them, they would be unsuccessful.
147. Through his chain of authorities, he, peace be on him, said: [Allah's Messenger, may Allah bless him and his family, said:] "Allah will reckon every creature except him who associates a partner with Him, for He will not reckon him and order him (to be taken) to the Fire."
148. Through his chain of authorities, he, peace be on him, said: [Allah's Apostle, may Allah bless him and his family, said:] "Circumcise your boys on the seventh day, for it is the purest and quickest (act) in making flesh grow."
An example of wonderful Islamic legislation is that it summons the Muslims to circumcise male babies on the seventh day of their birth, for the circumcision in this age recovers quickly and the male baby does not suffer severe pain. If the baby exceeds this age, especially when its age exceeds three or four years, it faces difficulty and severe pain in circumcising.
149. Through his chain of authorities, he, peace be on him, said: [Allah's Apostle, may Allah bless him and his family, said:] "The wronged are neither praiseworthy nor rewarded."
As for the wronged, if they are ignorant, they do not deserve praise and reward, for they neglect their dealings; and if they are knowledgeable and adopt riches, then they are worthy of blame and dispraise.
150. Through his chain of authorities, he, peace be on him, said: [Allah's Messenger, may Allah bless him and his family, said:] "Do favor for those who are worthy of it and those who are not worthy of it. If you find those who are worthy of it, then they deserve it; and if you do not find those who are worthy of it, then you are among those who are entitled to it."
In this tradition there is a creative summons to doing favor and kindness to all men. This is one of good Islamic teachings standing on favor and kindness.
151. Through his chain of authorities, he, peace be on him, said: [Allah's Apostle, may Allah bless him and his family, said:] "The head of reason after religion is showing love toward men and doing favor for both the righteous and the sinful." Surely, showing love for men and making favor for them is a proof of ripe mind, sound reason, and insight.
152. Through his chain of authorities, he, peace be on him, said: [Allah's Apostle, may Allah bless him and his family, said:] "Verily, your mouths are ways to your Lord, so clean them."
This tradition summons the Muslims to clean their mouths through refraining from obscene and abominable words, saying the truth, polite words, and others.
153. Through his chain of authorities, he, peace be on him, said: [Allah's Apostle, may Allah bless him and his family, said:] "He who fasts on Friday with endurance and fore-thought is given the reward of ten honorable, brilliant days which the days of the world do not resemble."
This tradition awakens one's desire for fasting on Friday, which is the most honorable of the days of the week, for there is abundant repayment and great reward in fasting on it.
154. Through his chain of authorities, he, peace be on him, said: [Allah's Messenger, may Allah bless him and his family, said:] "Prefer the Garden to the Fire and do not invalidate your deeds, so you will be thrown into the Fire, bowing (your heads) and immortal therein."
The Prophet, may Allah bless him and his family, summons (people) to gain Paradise through sincere deeds and not to invalidate their deeds through hypocrisy, and others. In addition, he, may Allah bless him and his family, warns them against the Fire, may Allah protect us from it.
155. Through his chain of authorities, he, peace be on him, said: [Allah's Apostle, may Allah bless him and his family, said:] "There is no retiring into mosque for devotion (i'tikaf) except along with fasting."
As for prayer in seclusion (i'tikaf), it stands on fasting, and it should be in one of the mosques of Allah. As for fasting for i'tika`f, it should be for three days; and the one who performs i'tika`f has no right to leave the mosque except after the three days.
156. Through his chain of authorities, he, peace be on him, said: [Allah's Messenger, may Allah bless him and his family, said:] "If the servant sees the moment of his death and its speed, he will hate hope and seeking the world."
If man reflects on his fate and carefully considers his condition in the grave and his quick departure from this world, then he will detest hope and hate the world.
157. Through his chain of authorities, he, peace be on him, said: ['Ali b. Abu` Ta`lib related to me, saying:] "He who subjects himself to accusation and entering what brings about losing his dignity, certainly empowers mistrust over himself, and it is he who brings about that against himself."
158. Through his chain of authorities, he, peace be on him, said: ['Ali b. Abu` Ta`lib said:] "He who obeys a creature and disobeys the Creator has no religion."
Surely, he who obeys a creature through disobeying the Creator has no religion and no relationship with Allah, the Most High.
159. Through his chain of authorities, he, peace be on him, said: [Al-Husayn b. 'Ali, peace be on him, related to me, saying:] "Verily, the deeds of this community are brought before Allah, the Great and Almighty, every morning."
Definitely, the deeds of the Muslims are brought before Allah, the Exalted, every day, whether they are good or evil. So blessed is he who does good deeds and fears his Lord!
160. Through his chain of authorities, he, peace be on him, said: [My father 'Ali b. Abu` Ta`lib related to me concerning these words of Him, the Exalted: And certainly she made for him, and he would have made for her, were it not that he had seen the manifest evidence of his Lord, saying:] "The wife of al-'Azï~z (the Chief of Egypt) went to an idol and covered the idol, and then she said:
'It can see us!' So Yousif asked her: 'What is this?' 'I feel shame of the idol when it sees us!' she replied. So he asked her: 'Do you feel shame of the idol which cannot hear; nor can it see; nor can it benefit; nor can it harm? Why do you not feel shame of Him who has created things and has knowledge of them?' So that is His words, the Exalted: the manifest evidence of his Lord."
161. Through his chain of authorities, he, peace be on him, said: [When 'Ali b. Abu` Ta`lib, peace be on him, saw a sick person who got well, he said:] "Purity from sins congratulates you!"
Many traditions have been reported from the Ima`ms of guidance, peace be on them; the traditions indicate that illness purifies sick person from the sins which he had committed, and that it increases his good deeds.
162. Through his chain of authorities, he, peace be on him, said: [My father 'Ali b. Abu` Ta`lib, peace be on him, related to me, saying:] "We have taken three (things) from three (persons): Steadfastness from Ayyu`b (Job), gratitude from Nu`h (Noah), and envy from the children of Ya'qu`b (Jacob)."
163. Through his chain of authorities, he, peace be on him, said: [Mohammed b. 'Ali b. al-Husayn, peace be on them, was asked:] "Why was the Prophet, may Allah bless him and his family, orphaned?" He, peace be on him, replied: "Lest no creature should have a right against him."
Many traditions have justified the orphanage of the Messenger, may Allah bless him and his family. Yet there is another justification as follows:
This Orphan (i.e. the Prophet) could change the course of the world's history, save man from the fables and customs of those pagans who loved before Islam, established on earth a state which raised the torch of monotheism, brightened the regions of the world through the truth and justice.
With this matter we will end our talk about the Musnad and Sahïfa of Ima`m al-Rida`, peace be on him.
It is worth mentioning that I (i.e. the author) have dropped some traditions mentioned in these two books of the Ima`m, for I think that they are fabricated and do not belong to the traditions of the members of the House (ahl al-Bayt), peace be on them. Perhaps, for this reason some religious scholars have not ascribed this book (Sahïfa) to Ima`m al-Rida`, peace be on him, and not regarded it as evidence for some religious precepts.
The Sahifah of Imam Reza(A.S.) PART I
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