From Nahj al–Balaghah
Anti – Principles And Warning
Wise Saying, no. 150(Moral, Social, and Political)
Being asked for an advice , Imam al–Ali ( peace be with him ) said , “ Do not be like those who are hopeful of a good end in the afterlife world while they have done no worthy, good deed , those who delay repenting due to their long term wishes , speak like a devout , but treat like materialists ; the people who are never pleased and satiated by their affluence and properties , and in the case of poverty and limitations they are not satisfied ; such people that do not thank because of the given blessings and are in favor of more than what they have . These people forbid others from dishonors, but they themselves are not afraid of committing them and its consequences; ones who order to obedience while themselves are disobedient. They like the righteousness, however, do not follow it in their behavior; they hate the enemies [of Islam] , but in reality are one of them . Also, they are not interested in death because of their numerous sins; nevertheless, they insist on what make the death unpleasant. They would be sorrowful about their deed when they are disabled by diseases, but while being in good health, continue their previous doing [That is doing in contrast to religious teaching like ignorant pleasure – seeking]. Pride in safety and pleasant circumstances and disappointment in problems are among their characteristics. If they face a misery, they will tend to God mournfully ,but being released from their difficulties , they vainly turn away from God and his way . Their lusts [desires to do evil doings] dominate and control their behaviors through unjust guesses while they could not dominate their lust by the power of conviction. They are worried about others’ ends [ in the afterlife world ] while they themselves are more sinful than them [ so they must be afraid of their own consequence ] , and they expect more than what they deserve in the Judgment Day and are hopeful of that ; They would be proud of their richness , and poverty would lead them to disappointment . These people do not cover their responsibilities completely and truly, and exceed in providing their needs and desires. Such people will tend to sin if they face a provocative situation, and delay repentance; they will deviate from Islamic way if they meet a problem or suffer from something religious. They are those who advise others to learn from different events, however, they themselves never apply the mentioned advice; they exaggerate in advising others, but do not accept or pay attention to others' advices. They speak a lot [speaking and discussing benevolence and good deeds – implying they do such things], but their true, good manners and deeds are few. They spend a lot of time trying and struggling to provide themselves with a wealthy, prosperous living in this mortal world while they easily ignore the immortal afterlife world. Advantage and disadvantage are reversed in their view; they are afraid of death, but lose their opportunities [opportunities to perform what make their death pleasant]. They talk about others’ sins exaggeratedly, but underestimate their own sins and faults. Others’ obedience [to God] are considered of less importance and value in comparison to theirs [that is they regard their obedience more valuable]. These people blame the others due to their sins and evil doing, but treat themselves hypocritically and, therefore, never blame themselves and ignore their own sins. They are more interested in pleasure–seeking with capitalists than talking and remembering God among the poors. In order to protect their benefits, they judge at the loss of others’ benefits; however, they will never judge at the loss of their own profits to save others’ [it should be noted that judgment must be according to trueness ] . They guide the others, but mislead themselves through rejecting their own sayings innerly and through their behaviors while others follow their instructions. They are people who ( try to ) get their right completely but do not give others’ rights completely [ right , here , means what somebody deserves in a given condition ] ; they afraid of everybody [ and maybe every thing ] , but God .
Compiler’s note , “ If there exists no other wise saying in Nahj al- Balaghah , but the mentioned one , it will be qualified and teaching enough to advise people as this saying has a clear wisdom ( and reason ) behind itself ” . Also, it gives a true insight to conscious men, and is a teaching agent for intellects.
