Translator’s Introduction

On silence Except when Speaking what is Good, Abandonment of what does not concern one, and Slander

On Etiquette and Encouraging Others to do Good

On Good Character, Kindness and Anger

Virtue and Vice

Kindness to Parents, Relatives, Kinsfolk and Severance of Ties

The Rights of Neighbors

What has come in Reference to Slaves

What has come in Reference to this World and One who Seeks it

The Two Angels and what they Record

Humility and Arrogance

Showing off, Hypocrisy, Self-Admiration, and Conceit

Repentance, Seeking Forgiveness, Regret, and Admission (of Guilt)

Crying out of Fear of Allah

Remembering Death and the Grave

What the Believer and Disbeliever will See (Before Dying)

Questioning in the Grave, Chastisement in the Grave, and Barzakh

Resurrection, Reckoning, Standing Before Allah, the Exalted, and al-Ṣirāṭ

Intercession and Those who will come out of the Fire (of Hell)

Traditions About Paradise and Hell

Enjoining Good and Forbidding Evil

حدثنا الحسين بن سعيد عن فضالة بن أيوب عن أبي المغرا * عن زيد الشحام عن عمرو بن سعيد بن هلال قال: قلت لأبي عبد الله عليه السلام انى لا ألقاك الا في السنين فأوصني بشئ حتى آخذ به قال: أوصيك بتقوى الله الورع والاجتهاد وإياك ان تطمح إلى من فوقك وكفى بما قال الله عز وجل لرسول الله صلى الله عليه وآله: فلا تعجبك أموالهم ولا أولادهم وقال: ولا تمدن عينيك إلى ما متعنا به أزواجا منهم زهرة الحياة الدنيا فان خفت شيئا من ذلك فاذكر عيش رسول الله صلى الله عليه وآله فإنما كان قوته من الشعير وحلواه من التمر وقوده من السعف إذا وجده وإذا أصبت بمصيبة في نفسك أو مالك أو ولدك فاذكر مصابك برسول الله صلى الله عليه وآله فان الخلايق لم يصابوا بمثله قط.

1.Al-Ḥusayn ibn Saʿīd narrated to us from Faḍālah ibn Ayyūb, from Abū al-Maghrāʾ, from Zayd al-Shaḥḥām[1], from ʿAmr ibn Saʿīd ibn Hilāl who said, “I told Abū ʿAbdillāh (a), ‘I only get to meet you once every few years, so give me some advice that I can adopt [in the meantime].’ He said, ‘I advise you to be mindful of Allah, to espouse piety, and struggle [for the sake of Allah]. And beware of aspiring to the position of one who is above you. Indeed, what Allah, to Whom belong might and majesty, told the Messenger of Allah (ṣ) [about this] is sufficient: So do not be impressed by their wealth and children (Q9:55). And He said: And do not extend your gaze [yearningly] at what We have provided their groups of the embellishment of the life of this world (Q20:131). Indeed, if you fear any of this [happening to you] then recall the life of the Messenger of Allah (ṣ),

فضالة بن أيوب عن الفضيل بن عثمان عن عبيد بن زرارة قال: سمعت أبا عبد الله عليه السلام يقول: انى لأبغض رجل يرضى ربه بشئ لا يكون فيه أفضل منه فان رأيته يطيل الركوع قلت: يا نفس وان رايته يطيل السجود قلت يا نفس.

2..Faḍālah ibn Ayyūb narrated from al-Fuḍayl ibn ʿUthmān, from ʿUbayd ibn Zurārah who said, “I heard Abā ʿAbdillāh (a) say, ‘Indeed I dislike a man who seeks to please his Lord with something while not having anything better than it [to offer]. So when I see him prolonging his bowing I say: O [base] soul! And when I see him prolonging his prostration, I say: O [base] soul!’”[1]

حدثنا علي بن النعمان عن ابن مسكان عن سليمان بن خالد عن أبي جعفر عليه السلام قال: الا أخبركم بالاسلام فرعه وأصله وذروته سنامه؟ قلت بلى جعلت فداك قال: إما أصله فالصلاة واما فرعه قال زكاة واما ذروته وسنامه فالجهاد.

3.ʿAlī ibn al-Nuʿmān narrated to us from Ibn Muskān, from Sulaymān ibn Khālid, from Abū Jaʿfar (a) who said, “Should I not inform you about Islam: its branch, its root, its summit and its peak?” I said, “Yes, indeed, may I be your ransom!” He said, “As for its root [and foundation], it is prayer; as for its branch, it is zakāt (alms-tax); as for its summit and peak, it is jihād (holy struggle).”

حماد بن عيسى عن إبراهيم بن عمر اليماني يرفع الحديث إلى علي بن أبي طالب عليه السلام انه كان يقول: إن أفضل ما يتوسل به المتوسلون إلى الله الايمان بالله ورسوله والجهاد في سبيل الله وكلمة الاخلاص فإنها الفطرة وأقام الصلاة فإنها الملة وايتاء الزكاة فإنها من فرايض الله وصوم شهر رمضان فإنه جنة من عذابه وحج البيت فإنه منفاة للفقر وداحضة الذنب وصلة الرحم فإنها مثراة للمال ومنسأة في الاجل وصدقة السر فإنها تذهب الخطيئة وتطفى غضب الرب وصنايع المعروف فإنها تدفع ميتة السوء وتقى مصارع الهوان الا فاصدقوا فإن الله مع من صدق وجانبوا الكذب فان الكذب يجانب الايمان الا الاوان الصادق على شفا نجاة وكرامة الاوان الكاذب على شفا مخزاة وهلكة الا وقولوا خيرا تعرفوا به واعملوا به تكونوا من أهله وأدوا الأمانة إلى من أئتمنكم وصلوا أرحامكم وعودوا بالفضل عليهم.

4.Ḥammād ibn ʿĪsā narrated from Ibrāhīm ibn ʿUmar al-Yamānī who attributed the statement to ʿAlī ibn Abī Ṭālib (a), that he would say, “The best things through which the supplicants can entreat Allah are: faith in Allah and His Messenger, jihād in the way of Allah, acknowledgement of [His] oneness (kalimat al-ikhlāṣ) – for indeed it is something [that is embedded] in the innate nature (fiṭrah), establishing prayer – forindeed it is the [pillar of the] creed (millah), giving the zakāt (alms-tax) – for indeed it is part of what is obligatorily due to Allah, fasting in the month of Ramaḍān – forindeed it is a shield from His chastisement, pilgrimage to the House [of Allah] – forindeed it alleviates poverty and wipes away sin, maintaining ties with near of kin – for indeed it is a means of increasing one’s wealth and delaying one’s death, giving charity in secret – for indeed it does away with sin and extinguishes divine wrath, and [doing] good turns – for indeed they repel tragic death and protect [one] from falling into disrepute [and disgrace]. Ensure that you are [always] honest, for Allah is with the one who is truthful, and turn aside from falsehood, for indeed lies take one away from faith. Know that the truthful one is close to salvation and honor, while the liar is on the brink of humiliation and destruction. Speak [only] what is good and you will be known for it, act upon it and you will become one of its folk. Return the trust to the one who entrusted it to you, and keep ties with the near of kin and turn towards them in kindness.”

لقاسم وفضالة عن أبان بن عثمان عن الصباح بن سيابه قال: سمعت كلاما يروى عن النبي (ص) أنه قال: السعيد من سعد في بطن أمه والشقي من شقى في بطن أمه والسعيد من وعظ بغيره وأكيس الكيس التقى وأحمق الحمق الفجور واشر الرواية رواية الكذب وأشر الأمور محدثاتها واشر العمى عمى القلب واشر الندامة حين يحضر أحدكم الموت وأعظم الندامة ندامة يوم القيامة وأعظم الخطأ عند الله لسان كذب و أشر الكسب كسب الربا وشر الاكل اكل مال اليتيم ظلما وأحسن زينة الرجل هدى حسن مع ايمان واملك امره به وقوله خواتمه ومن يبتغي السمعة يسمع الله بن ومن يثق بالدنيا يعجز عنه ومن يعرف البلاء يصبر عليه ومن لا يعرفه ينكل والذنب كفر ومن يستكبر يضعه الله ومن يطع الشيطان يعص الله ومن يعص الله يعذبه ومن يشكره يزده قال قاسم في حديثه: ومن يصبر على الرزية يعقبه الله ومن يتوكل على الله فحسبه الله لا تسخطوا الله برضا أحد من خلقه ولا تقربوا إلى أحد من الخلق يتباعد من الله فان الله ليس بينه وبين أحد من خلقه شئ يعطيه به خيرا أو يدفع عنه سوءا الا بطاعته وان طاعة الله نجاح من كل خير يبتغي ونجاة من كل شر يتقى وأن الله يعصم من أطعه ولا يعصم من عصاه ولا يجد الهارب من الله مهربا وأن أمر الله نازل على حاله ولو كره الخلايق وكل ما هو آت قريب ما شاء الله كان وما لم يشاء لم يكن تعاونوا على البر والتقوى ولا تعانوا على الاثم العدوان واتقوا الله ان الله شديد العقاب

5.Al-Qāsim and Faḍālah narrated from Abān ibn ʿUthmān, from alṢabbāḥ ibn Sayābah who said, “I heard a statement that was attributed to the Prophet (ṣ), that he said, ‘The felicitous is he who was felicitous in the womb of his mother, and the wretched is he who was wretched in the womb of his mother. And the felicitous is he who takes admonition from [the condition of] others. The most sagacious of all is he who is Godwary while the most foolish of all is he who is morally corrupt. The worst of narrations is the false narration, and the worst of affairs are those that are innovated [in religion]. The worst blindness is the blindness of the heart, and the worst regret is when death comes to one of you. The greatest regret is the regret on the Day of Resurrection, and the greatest sin in the sight of Allah is that of a lying tongue. The worst profit is that which is earned through interest, and the worst provision is that which is consumed wrongfully from the wealth of orphans. The best adornment for a man is righteous guidance with faith, through it he acquires control of his affair and ensures a good end [to his worldly life]. He who desires renown, Allah causes him to be disgraced, and whoever relies on this world is let down [and rendered unable to attain what he seeks]. Whoever understands [the reality of] trial remains patient when faced by it, but he who does not understand it recoils [from it]. Sin is disbelief, and whoever acts arrogantly is abased by Allah. Whoever obeys Satan disobeys Allah, and whoever disobeys Allah will be punished by Him. Whoever is grateful He grants him more.” Al-Qāsim said in his narration, “Whoever bears the calamity [that befalls him] patiently, Allah will restore him [to his previous position, or better than that], and whoever puts his trust in Allah, then Allah will suffice him. Do not anger Allah for the sake of pleasing anyone among His creation, and do not [attempt to] get close to anyone among the creatures by distancing yourself from Allah, for verily there is nothing between Allah and any of His creation by which He grants him some good or repels from him something evil except through obedience to Him. Indeed, obedience to Allah is a means of successfully attaining all the good that is sought and deliverance from every evil that is dreaded. Verily Allah protects the one who obeys Him and does not protect the one who disobeys Him; and the fugitive from Allah finds no place to [which he may] escape. Certainly, the decree of Allah will come to pass even if the creatures are averse to it, and everything that approaches is near. Whatever Allah wills happens, and whatever He does not will does not happen. Assist each other in virtue and Godwariness, and do not cooperate in sin and transgression; and be mindful of Allah, indeed Allah is severe in punishment.’”

لقاسم وفضالة عن ابان عن الحسن الصيقل قال سألت أبا عبد الله عليه السلام من تفكر ساعة خير من قيام ليلة؟ قال: نعم وقال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وآله: تفكر ساعة خير من قيام ليلة قلت: كيف فيتفكر؟ قال: يمر بالخربة وبالدار يتفكر فيقول أين ساكنوك وأين بانوك مالك لا تتكلمين؟

6.Al-Qāsim and Faḍālah [also] narrated from Abān, from al-Ḥasan alṢayqal who said, “I asked Abā ʿAbdillāh (a), ‘Is an hour of contemplation better than standing vigil [in worship] at night?’ He replied, ‘Yes. The Messenger of Allah (ṣ) said that an hour of contemplation is better than standing for nightly-worship.’ I asked, ‘How should one contemplate?’ He said, ‘One should pass by ruins and [long abandoned] dwellings and [think to himself]saying, “Where are your inhabitants? Where are those who constructed you? Why do you not respond!?”’”

محمد بن أبي عمير عن النضر عن (أبى سيار) ابن سنان عن أبي عبد الله عليه السلام قال: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وآله في خطبة: الا أخبركم بخير خلايق الدنيا والآخرة؟: العفو عمن ظلمكم والاحسان إلى من أساء إليك واعطاء من حرمكم وقال رسول الله (ص): في التباغض الحالقة لا أعني حالقة الشعر ولكن أعنى حالقة الدين.

7.Muḥammad ibn Abī ʿUmayr narrated from al-Naḍr, from Ibn Sinān, from Abū ʿAbdillāh (a) who said, “The Messenger of Allah (ṣ) said in a sermon, ‘Should I not inform you about the best of creation in this world and the Hereafter? [It is] the forgiveness offered to one who wrongs you, the good that is done to one who does you evil, and giving one who deprives you.’ And the Messenger of Allah (ṣ) said, ‘In mutual hatred there is severance. I do not mean the severing of hair [through shaving]; rather, I mean the severance of faith.’”

فضالة بن أيوب عن عبد الله بن يزيد عن علي بن يعقوب قال: قال لي أبو عبد الله عليه السلام: لا يغرنك الناس من نفسك فان الاجر يصل إليك دونهم ولا تقطع عنك النهار بكذا وكذا فان معك من يحفظ عليك ولا تستقل قليل الخير فإنك تراه غدا بحيث يسرك ولا تستقل قليل الشر فإنك تراه غدا بحيث يسؤك وأحسن فانى لم أر شيئا أشد طلبا ولا أسرع دركا من حسنة لذنب قديم ان الله تبارك وتعالى يقول: إن الحسنات يذهبن السيئات ذلك ذكرى للذاكرين.

8.Faḍālah ibn Ayyūb narrated from ʿAbdullāh ibn Yazīd, from ʿAlī ibn Yaʿqūb who said, “Abū ʿAbdillāh said to me, ‘Let people not delude you from yourself, for verily recompense [for your deeds] will reach you, not them. And let your day not be spent on this and that [which is of no benefit], for indeed with you is one who records your deeds. And do not consider the little good [you do] to be insignificant, for indeed you will see it tomorrow in a way that will please you. And do not consider the little evil [you do] to be insignificant, for indeed you will see it tomorrow in a manner that will displease you. And do good [to others], for I have not seen anything more intense in seeking out, nor quicker in catching up with, an old sin [and effacing it] than a good deed. Indeed Allah, the Blessed and Exalted, says: Verily good deeds wipe out evil deeds. That is a reminder for the mindful. (Q11:114)”

عثمان بن عيسى عن سماعة قال: سمعت أبا عبد الله عليه السلام يقول لرجل: مالكم تسوؤن برسول الله صلى الله عليه وآله؟ فقال له الرجل: جعلت فداك وكيف نسوؤه؟ فقال: أما تعلمون ان أعمالكم تعرض عليه فإذا رأى فيها معصية لله سائه ذلك فلا تسوؤا برسول الله صلى الله عليه وآله وسروه.

9.ʿUthmān ibn ʿĪsā narrated from Samāʿah who said, “I heard Abā ʿAbdillāh (a) saying to a man, ‘Why is it that you hurt the Messenger of Allah (ṣ)?’ So the man said to him, ‘May I be your ransom! How do we hurt him?’ He said, ‘Do you not know that your actions are presented to him? So when he sees that they contain [acts of] disobedience to Allah, that hurts him. Do not hurt the Messenger of Allah (ṣ) and please him [instead (by your good deeds)].’”

عثمان بن عيسى عن سماعة قال: سمعت أبا الحسن موسى عليه السلام يقول لا تستكثروا كثير الخير ولا تستقلوا قليل الذنوب فان قليل الذنوب تجتمع حتى يصير كثيرا وخافوا الله في السر والعلانية حتى تعطوا من أنفسكم النصف وسارعوا إلى طاعة الله واصدقوا الحديث وأدوا الأمانة فان ذلك لكم ولا تظلموا ولا تدخلوا فيما لا يحل لكم فإنما ذلك عليكم.

10.ʿUthmān ibn ʿĪsā narrated from Samāʿah who said, “I heard Abā alḤasan Mūsā (a) saying, ‘Do not consider [your] many good deeds as abundant, and do not consider [your] few sins as paltry, for verily sins that are few keep accumulating until they become many. And fear Allah in [both] private and public, until you behave in a fair manner [with others]. Hasten towards the obedience of Allah, be truthful in speech, and fulfil the trust [that is entrusted to you], for indeed this is for your own benefit. Do not oppress [anyone] and do not enter into that which is impermissible for you, as that is to your detriment.’”

الحسن بن محبوب عن علي بن رئاب عن أبي عبد الله عليه السلام قال: من أحب لله ومن أبغض لله وأعطى لله فهو ممن كمل إيمانه.

11.Al-Ḥasan ibn Maḥbūb narrated from ʿAlī ibn Riʾāb, from Abū ʿAbdillāh (a) who said, “Whoever loves for the sake of Allah, hates for the sake of Allah, and gives for the sake of Allah, is among those whose faith is complete.”

وعنه عليه السلام قال: من أوثق عرى الايمان أن تحب لله وتبغض لله وتعطى في الله وتمنع في الله

12.Also [narrated] from him (a), that he said, “Among the firmest handles of faith are that you love for Allah, hate for Allah, give for Allah, and withhold for Allah.”

النضر بن سويد عن زرعة عن أبي بصير قال: سألت أبا عبد الله عليه السلام عن قول الله تعالى: قوا أنفسكم وأهليكم نارا وقودها الناس والحجارة فقلت: هذه نفسي أقيها فكيف أقي أهلي؟ فقال: تأمرهم بما أمر الله به وتنهاهم عما نهاهم الله عنه فان أطاعوك كنت قد وقيتهم وان  عصوك كنت قد قضيت ما كان عليك.

13.Al-Naḍr ibn Suwayd narrated from Zurʿah, from Abū Baṣīr who said, “I asked Abā ʿAbdillāh (a) about the verse wherein Allah, the Exalted, says: Guard yourselves and your families from a Fire whose fuel is humans and stones (Q66:6), and said, ‘This is my soul that I am guarding, but how should I guard my family?’ He replied, ‘By instructing them to do as Allah has commanded, and forbidding them from what Allah has forbidden. Then if they obey you, you will have guarded them [from it], but if they disobey you, you will have fulfilled your responsibility.’”

النضر بن سويد عن حسن عن أبي بصير قال: سألت أبا عبد الله عليه السلام عن قول الله عز وجل: اتقوا الله حق تقاته، فقال: يطاع فلا يعصى ويذكر فلا ينسى ويشكر فلا يكفر.

14.Al-Naḍr ibn Suwayd narrated from Ḥasan, from Abū Baṣīr who said, “I asked Abā ʿAbdillāh (a) about the verse wherein Allah, to Whom belong might and majesty, says: Be mindful of Allah in the manner which He deserves (Q3:102), so he said, ‘He is to be obeyed and never disobeyed, remembered and never forgotten, thanked and never shown ingratitude.’”

النظر بن سويد عن درست عن أبي سلمة عن أبي يعقوب قال: قال أبو عبد الله عليه السلام: ثلاثة لا يطيقهن الناس: الصفح عن الناس ومواساة الرجل في ماله وذكر الله كثيرا قال ابن أبي (أبو) يعقوب قال أبو عبد الله عليه السلام من وصف عدل وخالفه إلى غيره كان عليه حسرة يوم القيامة.

15.Al-Naḍr ibn Suwayd narrated from Durust, from Abū Salamah, from Abū Yaʿqūb who said, “Abū ʿAbdillāh (a) said, ‘Three things are such that people cannot [easily] bear them: pardoning [the wrongs of] others, assisting someone [else] with one’s wealth, and remembering Allah often.’” Ibn Abī Yaʿqūb said, “Abū ʿAbdillāh (a) said, ‘Whoever speaks regarding [a matter pertaining to] justice yet goes against it [himself] to something else, he shall be burdened with [great] regret on the Day of Resurrection.’”

(عن) النضر عن إبراهيم بن عبد الحميد عن زيد الشحام قال: سمعت أبا عبد الله عليه السلام يقول: احذروا سطوات الله بالليل والنهار، فقلت: وما سطوات الله؟ قال: أخذه على المعاصي.

16.It is narrated from al-Naḍr, from Ibrāhīm ibn ʿAbd al-Ḥamīd, from Zayd al-Shaḥḥām who said, “I heard Abā ʿAbdillāh (a) say, ‘Beware of the violent strikes of Allah by night and by day.’ So I asked, ‘What are the violent strikes of Allah?’ He said, ‘His punishment for [your] sins.’”

الحسن بن محبوب عن أبي حمزة الثمالي قال: سمعت علي بن الحسين عليهما السلام يقول: من عمل بما فرض الله عليه فهو من خير الناس ومن اجتنبت ما حرم الله عليه فهو من أعبد الناس ومن قنع بما قسم الله له فهو من أغنى الناس.

17.Al-Ḥasan ibn Maḥbūb narrated from Abū Ḥamzah al-Thumālī who said, “ʿAlī ibn al-Ḥusayn (a) said, ‘One who acts upon what Allah has made obligatory on him, he is among the best of people; and whoever eschews what Allah has forbidden him, he is among the most devoted of people; and whoever is content with what Allah has allotted for him, he is among the richest of people.’”

علي بن النعمان عن ابن مسكان عن داود فن فرقد عن أبي شيبة الزهري عن أحدهما عليهما السلام أنه قال: ويل لمن لا يدين الله بالامر بالمعروف والنهى عن المنكر قال: ومن قال: لا إله إلا الله فلن يلج ملكوت السماء حتى يتم قوله بعمل صالح ولا دين لمن دان الله بغير امام عادل ولا دين لمن دان الله بطاعة ظالم وقال: كل قوم ألهاهم التكاثر حتى زار والمقابر قال ومن أحسن ولم يسئ خير ممن أحسن وأساء ومن أحسن وأساء خير ممن أساء ولم يحسن وقال: الوقوف عند الشبهة خير من الاقتحام في الهلكة.

18.ʿAlī ibn al-Nuʿmān narrated from Ibn Muskān, from Dāwūd ibn Farqad, from Abū Shaybah al-Zuhrī, from one of the two [Imams] (a) who said, “Woe be to the one who does not obey Allah through enjoining good and forbidding evil.” He [further] said, “Whoever says ‘There is no god but Allah’ will never go through the heavenly realms until his statement is complemented with righteous action. And one who submits to Allah without following a just Imām has no religion; and one who submits to Allah yet obeys an unjust person has no religion.” He [also] said, “All communities were deluded by seeking more [of this world than others], until they visited the graves.” He [further] said, “One who does good and does not sin is better than one who does good and [also] sins. And one who does good and sins is better than one who [only] sins and does no good.” And he said, “Stopping when in doubt is better than plunging into destruction.”

فضالة عن فضيل بن عثمان عن أبي عبد الله عليه السلام قال: قلت له أوصني قال: أوصيك بتقوى الله وصدق الحديث وأداء الأمانة وحسن الصحابة لمن صحبك وإذا كان قبل طلوع الشمس وقبل الغروب فعليك بالدعاء واجتهد ولا تمتنع بشئ تطلبه من ربك ولا تقل: هذا ما لا أعطاه وادع فان الله يفعل ما يشاء.

19.Faḍālah narrated from Fuḍayl ibn ʿUthmān, from Abū ʿAbdillāh (a) whom he asked for advice so he said, “I advise you to espouse Godwariness, be truthful in [your] speech, return the trusts [entrusted to you], and be a good companion to the one who accompanies you. In the moments just before sunrise and sunset, supplicate [to Allah] and strive hard [to maintain this practice], and do not hold back from asking anything from your Lord. Do not say [to yourself], ‘This is something that He will not grant me,’ and supplicate [for everything you need], for verily Allah does as He wills.”

فضالة عن قيس الهلالي عن عجلان أبى صالح قال قال أبو عبد الله عليه السلام انصف الناس من نفسك وواسهم من مالك وارض لهم ما ترضى لنفسك واذكر الله كثيرا وإياك والكسل والضجر فان أبى بذلك كان يوصيني وبذلك كان يوصيه أبوه وذلك في صلاة الليل انك إذا كسلت لم تؤد إلى الله حقه وإذا ضجرت لم تؤد إلى أحد حقه.

20.Faḍālah narrated from Qays al-Hilālī, from ʿAjlān Abū Ṣāliḥ who said, “Abū ʿAbdillāh (a) said, ‘Treat people with fairness, assist them with your wealth, and wish for them what you wish for yourself. Remember Allah often and beware of laziness and ennui, for that's what my father used to advise me, and that is what his father would advise him, and it pertains [even more so] to the nightly prayer. Indeed if you are lazy, you will not fulfill the right of Allah and if you are lethargic, you will not fulfill anyone else’s right.’”

الحسين بن علي الكلبي عن عمرو بن خالد عن زيد بن علي عن آبائه عن علي عليهم السلام قال: استأذن رجل من أهل رسول الله صلى الله عليه وآله فقال: يا رسول الله أوصني قال له: أوصيك ان لا تشرك بالله شيئا وان قطعت و أحرقت بالنار ولا تعص والديك وان أرادا ان تخرج من دنياك فاخرج منها ولا تسب الناس وإذا لقيت أخاك المسلم فالقه ببشر حسن وصب له من فضلك دلوك، أبلغ من لقيت من المسلمين عنى السلام وادع الناس إلى الاسلام وأيقن ان لك بكل من أجابك عتق رقبة من ولد يعقوب وأعلمهم ان الصغراب عليهم حرام يعنى النبيذ وهو الخمر وكل مسكر حرام.

22.Al-Ḥusayn ibn ʿAlī al-Kalbī narrated from ʿAmr ibn Khālid, from Zayd ibn ʿAlī, from his fathers, from ʿAlī (a) who said, “A man sought permission from the family of the Messenger of Allah (ṣ) to enter [his house], then he said, ‘O Messenger of Allah, advise me.’ He (ṣ) said to him, ‘I advise you not to ascribe any partners to Allah – even if you are cut into pieces and burnt with fire, and not to disobey your parents – if they wish you to leave your [position in this] world then leave it, and not to curse people, and when you meet your Muslim brother, meet him with a cheerful face, and pour for him the extra water you have in your bucket.[1] Convey to the Muslims you meet salutations from me, and invite people to Islam – be sure that [in doing so,] for each person who responds [positively] to you, you will gain the reward of freeing a slave from the descendants of [Prophet] Yaʿqūb, and teach them that alṣughrāb [or al-ṣughayrāʾ] is forbidden upon them, meaning nabīdh, which is a [kind of] wine, and every intoxicant is forbidden.’”

إبراهيم بن أبي البلاد عن أبيه عن بعض أصحابنا رفعه إلى النبي صلى الله عليه وآله قال: جاء اعرابي إلى النبي صلى الله عليه وآله فاخذ بغرز راحلته وهو يريد بعض غزواته فقال: يا رسول الله علمني عملا ادخل به الجنة فقال ما أجبت ان يأتيه الناس إليك فاته إليهم وما كرهت ان يأتيه إليك فلا تأته إليهم خل سبيل الراحلة.

22.Ibrāhīm ibn Abī Bilād narrated from his father, from one of our companions who attributed it to the Prophet (ṣ), saying, “A bedouin came to the Prophet (ṣ) and took hold of the bridle of his mount as he was proceeding to one of his battles. Then he said, ‘O Messenger of Allah, teach me an action by which I may enter Paradise!’ He (ṣ) replied, ‘Whatever you like people to give to you, give to them, and whatever you dislike them to give to you, do not give to them. Now let go of the mount.’”

ابن النعمان عن داود بن فرقد قال: سمعت أبا عبد الله عليه السلام يقول: إن العمل الصالح ليذهب إلى الجنة فيسهل لصاحبه كما يبعث الرجل غلاما فيفرش له ثم قرأ: إما الذين آمنوا وعملوا الصالحات فلأنفسهم يمهدون.

23.Ibn al-Nuʿmān narrated from Dāwūd ibn Farqad who said, “I heard Abā ʿAbdillāh (a) saying, ‘Verily the righteous deed goes to Paradise and paves the way for its doer just as a man sends his servant boy to prepare a place for him.’ Then he recited: ‘As for those who believe and do good deeds, they prepare for themselves [their eternal abode] (Q30:44).’”

الحسين بن علوان عن عثمان بن ثابت عن جعفر عن أبي جعفر عليه السلام قال: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وآله لعلى عليه السلام يا علي أوصيك في نفسك بخصال فاحفظا عنى - اللهم أعنه - إما الأولى - فالصدق لا يخرجن من فيك كذبة أبدا والثانية - الورع، لا تجترين على خيانة أبدا والثالثة - الخوف من الله كأنك تراه والرابعة - فالبكاء من خشية الله يبنى لك بكل دمعة بيت في الجنة والخامسة - بذل مالك ودمعك دون دينك والسادسة - الاخذ بسنتي في صلاتي وصومي وصدقتي فاما صلاتي فالإحدى وخمسون واما صومي فثلاثة أيام من كل شهر في أوله ووسطه و آخره واما صدقتي فجهدك حتى يقال: أسرفت ولم تسرف وعليك بصلاة الليل وعليك بصلاة الليل وعليك بصلاة الليل وعليك بصلاة الزوال وعليك بصلاة الزوال وعليك بصلاة الزوال وعليك بتلاوة القرآن على كل حال وعليك برفع يديك في دعائك وتقليبها وعليك بالسواك عند كل وضوء وصلاة وعليك بمحاسن الأخلاق فارتكبها وعليك بمساويها فاجتنبها فإن لم تفعل ما أوصيك به فلا تلم غير نفسك.

24.Al-Ḥusayn ibn ʿUlwān narrated from ʿUthmān ibn Thābit, from Jaʿfar, from Abū Jaʿfar (a) who said, “The Messenger of Allah (ṣ) said to ʿAlī (a), ‘O ʿAlī, I advise you to espouse certain qualities, so learn them from me. O Allah, help him [to do so]! As for the first one, it is truthfulness – never let any lie be spoken from your mouth. The second is piety – never act treacherously. The third is fearing Allah as though you see Him. The fourth is crying out of fear [and awe] of Allah – for each tear a mansion will be built for you in Paradise. The fifth is spending your wealth and blood for your religion. The sixth is adhering to my sunnah in my prayers, my fasting and my giving charity. As for my prayer, it is fifty-one [rakʿahs]; as for my fasting, it is three days in every month, in its beginning, middle, and end; as for my charity, it is to spare no effort [in assisting the needy] until it is said that you have been extravagant, while you have not been extravagant. I bid you to maintain the nightly prayer, maintain the nightly prayer, maintain the nightly prayer! And I bid you to maintain the midday prayer, maintain the midday prayer, maintain the midday prayer! I bid you to recite the Qurʾān in every condition. And I bid you to raise your hands in supplication and then turn them back [towards yourself]. I bid you to brush your teeth during every ablution and prayer. And I bid you to [espouse] beautiful moral traits so inculcate them [in yourself], and I warn you against evil traits so eschew them. Then if you do not act upon what I advise you [herewith], then do not blame anyone but yourself [for the consequences].’”

محمد بن سنان عن كليب الأسدي قال: سمعت أبا عبد الله عليه السلام يقول: تواصلوا وتباروا وتراحموا وكونوا اخوة بررة كما امركم الله.

25.Muḥammad ibn Sinān narrated from Kulayb al-Asadī who said, “I heard Abā ʿAbdillāh (a) say, ‘Maintain ties with each other, be kind to each other, have compassion for one another, and be righteous brothers as Allah has commanded you.’”

محمد بن سنان عن كليب الأسدي عن حسن بن مصعب عن سعد بن طريف عن أبي جعفر عليه السلا قال: صانع المنافق بلسانك وأخلص ودك للمؤمن وان جالسك يهودي فأحسن مجالسته.

26.Muḥammad ibn Sinān narrated from Kulayb al-Asadī, from Ḥasan ibn Muṣʿab, from Saʿd ibn Ṭarīf, from Abū Jaʿfar (a) who said, “Be polite with the hypocrite in your speech, but reserve your love for the believer. And if a Jew sits in your company, then be a good sitting companion to him.”[1]

محمد بن سنان عن يوسف بن عمران عن يعقوب بن شعيب قال: سمعت أبا عبد الله عليه السلام يقول: إن الله أوحى إلى آدم عليه السلام انى جامع لك الكلام كله في أربع كلم قال: يا رب وما هن؟ فقال: واحدة لي وواحدة لك وواحدة فيما بيني وبينك وواحدة فيما بينك وبين الناس فقال: يا رب بينهن لي حتى اعمل بهن قال: إما التي لي فتعبدني لا تشرك بي شيئا واما التي لك فأجزيك بعملك أحوجك ما تكون إليه واما التي بيني وبينك فعليك الدعاء وعلى الإجابة واما التي بينك وبين الناس فترضى للناس ما ترض لنفسك.

27.Muḥammad ibn Sinān narrated from Yūsuf ibn ʿImrān, from Yaʿqūb ibn Shuʿayb who said, “I heard Abā ʿAbdillāh (a) say, ‘Verily Allah revealed to Ādam (a), “I have gathered for you all ordinances in four statements.” He asked, “What are they, O Lord?” He said, “One is for Me, one is for you, one is between Me and you, and one is between you and the people.” He (Ādam) said, “Explain them to me, O Lord, so that I may act upon them.” He said, “As for that which is for Me, it is that you worship Me and do not ascribe anything as a partner to Me. As for that which is for you, it is that I will recompense you for your actions when you are most in need of it. As for that which is between Me and you, it is upon you to supplicate to Me and it is upon Me to answer you. As for that which is between you and the people, it is that you should like for the people what you like for yourself.”’”

محمد بن سنان عن حسين بن أسامة قال: سمعت أبا عبد الله عليه السلام يقول: لا تكون مؤمنا حتى تكون خائفا راجيا حتى تكون عاملا لما تخاف وترجو.

28.Muḥammad ibn Sinān narrated from Ḥusayn ibn Usāmah who said, “I heard Abā ʿAbdillāh (a) say, ‘You will not be a [true] believer until you have fear and hope, and until you act upon what you fear and hope for.’”

محمد بن سنان عن أبي معاذ عن أبي أراكة قال:: صليت خلف علي عليه السلام الفجر في مسجد كم هذا فانتفل عن يمينه وكان عليه كآبة حتى طلعت الشمس على حايط مسجدكم هذا قدر رمح وليس هو عليه اليوم ثم اقبل على القوم فقال: إما والله لقد كان أصحاب رسول الله صلى الله عليه وآله وهم يبيتون هذا الليل به يراوحون بين جباههم وركبهم فإذا أصبحوا أصبحوا غبرا صفرا بين أعينهم شبه ركب المعزا فإذا ذكر الله مالوا كما يميل الشجر في يوم الريح وانهملت أعينهم حتى تبل ثيابهم قال: ثم نهض وهو يقول: والله لكأنما بات القوم غافلين ثم لم ير مفترا حتى كان من الفاسق ما كان.

29.Muḥammad ibn Sinān narrated from Abū Muʿādh, from Abū Arākah who said, “I prayed the fajr prayer behind ʿAlī (a) in this mosque of yours, then [after completing the prayer,] he turned towards his right side and had a sorrowful disposition. [He remained there] until the sun rose over the wall of this mosque of yours to the extent of a spear – and it (the same wall) is not there today – then he came to the people and said, ‘Indeed, by Allah, the companions of the Messenger of Allah (ṣ) would spend this night alternating between [worshipping on] their foreheads and their knees [through prostration and bowing] and when morning came, they rose up, dusty and pale, with a mark between their eyes like the knee of a goat. Whenever Allah was mentioned, they would bend the way a tree bends on the windy day, and tears would flow from their eyes until their clothes became wet.’ Then he got up and departed saying, ‘By Allah, it is as though the people are asleep in their negligence.’ Then he was not seen laughing until the wicked one (Ibn Muljam) did what he did.”

القاسم عن علي عن أبي عبد الله (ع) قال: سألته عن قول الله عز وجل: الذين يؤتون ما اتوا وقلوبهم وجلة، قال: من شفقتهم ورجائهم يخافون ان ترد إليهم أعمالهم ان لم يطيعوا الله وهو على كل شئ قدير وهم يرجون ان يتقبل منهم

30.Al-Qāsim narrated from ʿAlī (a), from Abū ʿAbdillāh (a) whom he asked about the verse wherein Allah, to Whom belong might and majesty, says: And those who give whatever they give with their hearts fearful… (Q23:60) so he said, “[They are fearful] out of their concern and their hope; they fear that their deeds will be rejected if they do not obey Allah – and He has power over all things – and they hope that He accepts [their deeds] from them.”

فضالة عن أبي المغراء * عن أبي بصير عن أبي عبد الله عليه السلام في قول الله تبارك وتعالى: يؤتون ما أتوا وقلوبهم وجلة، قال: يأتي ما أتى الناس وهو خاش راج.

31.Faḍālah narrated from Abū al-Maghrāʾ, from Abū Baṣīr, from Abū ʿAbdillāh (a) who said regarding the verse: …who give whatever they give with their hearts fearful… (Q23:60), “He gives what he does [as the people do] [1] while he is full of awe and hope.”

عثمان بن عيسى عن سماعة عن أبي بصير والنضر عن عاصم عن أبي عبد الله عليه السلام في قول الله عز وجل: يؤتون ما أتوا وقلوبهم وجلة، قال: يعملون ويعلمون أنهم سيثابون عليه.

32.ʿUthmān ibn ʿĪsā narrated from Samāʿah, from Abū Baṣīr, from alNaḍr ibn ʿĀṣim, from Abū ʿAbdillāh (a) who said regarding the verse: …who give whatever they give with their hearts fearful… (Q23:60), “They perform [good] deeds and know that they will be rewarded for it.”

النضر عن ابن سنان عن اليماني * عن أبي جعفر عليه السلام قال: قال الله عز وجل: وعزتي وجلالي وعظيمتي وقدرتي وبهائي وعلوي: لا يؤثر عبد هواي على هواه الا جعلت الغنى في نفسه وهمه في آخرته وكففت عنه ضيعته وضمنت السماوات والأرض رزقة وكنت له من وراء تجارة كل تاجر.

33.Al-Naḍr narrated from Ibn Sinān, from al-Yamānī, from Abū Jaʿfar (a) who said, “Allah, to Whom belong might and majesty, said, ‘By My might and My majesty, by My greatness and My power, by My grandeur and exaltedness, [I swear that] My servant does not prefer My desire over his own desire but that I place needlessness [and contentment] in his soul, make his [primary] concern for his Hereafter, prevent him from suffering loss, guarantee his sustenance from the skies and the earth, and stand behind him [to ensure his benefit] in the transaction of every trader.”

Kitāb al-Zuhd

Book 2, Chapter 2