Words of Wisdom

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Words of Wisdom

 

Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala granted Imam al Baqir rahimahu Llah, among his many other honourable traits, the ability to offer good advice and wisdom; about which Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala says:

 

يُؤْتِي الْحِكْمَةَ مَن يَّشَاءُ وَمَن يُّؤْتَ الْحِكْمَةَ فَقَدْ أُوْتِيَ خَيْرًا كَثِيْرًا وَمَا يَذَّكَّرُ إِلَّا أُولُو الْأَلْبَابِ

He gives wisdom to whom He wills, and whoever has been given wisdom has certainly been given much good. And none will remember except those of understanding.[1]

 

A few reputed scholars, who are recognised as righteous and pious, have narrated from him multiple advices and words of wisdom; some of which we will enlighten you with.

Muhammad ibn ‘Ali al Baqir rahimahu Llah says:

A scholar that benefits from his knowledge is more virtuous than a thousand worshippers.

 

He also said:

Relating narrations and spreading them amongst people is more virtuous than the worship of a thousand worshippers.[2]

 

He also said:

Everything has a tragedy and the tragedy of knowledge is forgetting.[3]

 

Jabir said:

Muhammad ibn ‘Ali rahimahu Llah said to me, “O Jabir! I am sad and my heart is occupied.”

I asked, “What has made you sad and your heart occupied?”

He said, “O Jabir! Whoever’s heart enters the religion of Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala with a clean heart, it occupies his heart leaving no space for anything besides it. O Jabir! What is the world? What can it be? Is it not but a conveyance that you mount or a cloth that you wear or a woman that you enjoy? O Jabir! Indeed, the Believers do not feel at peace in the world due to remaining in it, nor do they consider themselves safe from the arrival of the hereafter upon them. What they have heard with their own ears about trials does not turn them away from the remembrance of Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala, and what they see with their own eyes of the beauty [of this worldly life] does not blind them from the [divine] Light of Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala. Thus, they succeed with the reward of the righteous. Indeed, the God-fearing have the simplest sustenance in comparison to all the people of the world and [you will find that] they will help you the most. If you forget, they will remind you and if you remember they will help you. They are those who stand up for the right of Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala, those who firmly establish the commands of Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala. They were cut up for the love of their Lord subhanahu wa ta ‘ala. They looked through the eyes of their hearts towards Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala and His love, abstained from the world in obedience to their Beloved subhanahu wa ta ‘ala, and they knew that that was the command of their Creator subhanahu wa ta ‘ala. Thus, they brought the world down to the level that their King brought it down to; a place where travellers halt after which they continue their journey and leave it, or like something which you attain in your dream then when you awake nothing is in your hands. Therefore, preserve the rulings of Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala in that which He gave you authority over in the matter of His religion and His wisdom.[4]

 

Imam al Baqir rahimahu Llah was asked who the most abstinent person is and he replied:

One who is not concerned about whose hand worldly benefits are in.

 

He was then asked which person is in the greatest loss with regards to transaction. He said:

Whoever sells that which is eternal in exchange for that which will perish.

 

He was then asked which person has the most value. He said:

The one that the world considers to have no value.[5]

 

It is narrated from Jafar ibn Muhammad al Sadiq from his father, that he said:

A man came to him and said, “Give me advice.”

He said, “Make your preparations, send forth your provisions, and be your own advisor.”[6]

 

It is narrated that one of the sons of Abu Jafar al Baqir rahimahu Llah took ill. Imam al Baqir rahimahu Llah feared his son’s death to such an extent that people started to fear the same for Imam al Baqir rahimahu Llah. When his son passed away, he came out and went to the people. Someone said to him, “We feared your death.” Imam al Baqir rahimahu Llah replied:

We call out to Allah for what we like so when something that we dislike happens why do we oppose Him in what He preferred.[7]

 

He also said:

Contentment and honour roam in the heart of a believer. When they reach a place in which there is trust [in Allah] they make it their abode.[8]

 

It has been narrated from Imam al Baqir rahimahu Llah that he said:

 

There is no act of worship more virtuous than chastity of the stomach or private part. There is nothing more beloved to Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala than Him being asked from. Nothing redirects destiny except supplication. Indeed, the fastest way to attain the reward of good deeds is through righteousness. Indeed, the evil that is quickest in earning sin is retaliation. It is enough fault in a man that he shows people about himself that which they did not see, and that he commands people to do that which he cannot manage, and that he harms his companion with that which is futile.[9]

 

Amongst his sayings is:

Calamities befall believers and disbelievers, but do not befall one who remembers Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala.[10]

 

He also said:

The strongest deeds are three: Remembering Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala in every condition. Being just when you are involved (in a matter). Showing compassion to a brother through wealth.[11]

 

Jafar ibn Muhammad radiya Llahu ‘anhu mentioned:

My father’s mule ran away, so he said, “If Allah returns it to me, I will praise Him with such words that He will be pleased.”

In just a little while, his mule was returned with its saddle; nothing was missing from it. He stood up and mounted it. Once he had straightened up [on it] and gathered his garment, he raised his head to the sky and said, “All praise be to Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala Who did not grant me more than that.”

Someone said something to him about that [in objection], so he said, “Have I left out or omitted something? I attributed all praise to Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala.”[12]

 

It is narrated from him that he said:

Recognise the love that your brother has for you through the love that you have for him in your heart, for indeed hearts correspond.[13]

 

Amongst his sayings is:

It is enough fault in a man that he shows people about himself that which they did not see, commands people to do that which he does not do, prohibits people from that which he cannot save himself from, and that he harms his companion with that which is futile.[14]

 

He also said:

The weapon of the scoundrels is obscene speech.[15]

 

The following words of his to his son were narrated from him:

Beware of laziness and irritation for indeed they are the key to every obscenity. Surely when you become lazy you will not fulfil a single right and when you become irritated, you will not be patient on correctness.[16]

 

He also said:

Belief is something static and is permanently established, Yaqin (conviction) is a collective series of thoughts and ideas, Yaqin flows past the heart such that it eventually becomes like a chunk of tempered steel in its firmness and at times it is nothing more than a tattered cloth. A speck of pride does not enter the heart of a servant except that it decreases his intellect equivalent to its amount or more than that.[17]

 

He also said:

Whoever has been granted good character and kindness has been granted all goodness and comfort, and his state in his worldly affairs is good.[18]

 

He said:

Beware of arguments for indeed they spoil the hearts and breed hypocrisy.

 

He also said:

Those who venture into the verses of Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala are the arguers.[19]

 

Ibn Kathir narrates in Al Bidayah wa al Nihayah the advice of Imam Zayn al ‘Abidin rahimahu Llah to his son and his response to him:

O my dear son, be patient when faced with hardships, do not demand your rights and do not be frustrated by your brother except in a matter in which there is more harm for him than benefit.[20]

 

Wisdoms and advices which others said before him

After bringing a few specimens of wise statements that came from the tongue of Imam al Baqir radiya Llahu ‘anhu, and those which trustworthy scholars narrated from him, we will now proceed to mention some wise statements which, although are attributed to him, are not his actual statements but some are Prophetic traditions, wise statements of the Companions or Tabi’in radiya Llahu ‘anhum:

 

1. The following saying of Imam al Baqir rahimahu Llah has been narrated from him:

Every eye will be crying on the Day of Judgement except three eyes; that eye which stayed awake at night in the cause of Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala, the eye which shed tears due to the fear of Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala and the eye which averted its gaze from that which Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala forbade.[21]

 

Its original source is the narration which Abu Rayhanah radiya Llahu ‘anhu narrates from the Prophet salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam:

“The fire has been made unlawful upon the one who cries due to the fear of Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala. The fire has been made unlawful upon the eye that stays awake at night in the cause of Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala.”

The narrator said, “I forgot the third.”

Abu Shurayh said, “I later heard that he said, ‘The fire has been made unlawful upon the eye which averted its gaze from that which Allah forbade,’ or he said, ‘the eye which was gouged out in the path of Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala.’”[22]

2. Al Majlisi narrates from Imam al Baqir rahimahu Llah that he said:

Indeed, the hearts are in the control of Allah. He turns them about as He wishes; at times this way and at times that.[23]

 

Its original source is the narration which Sayyidina Anas radiya Llahu ‘anhu narrates from the Prophet salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam that he said:

The Prophet salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam would often say, “O Controller of the hearts, make my heart steadfast in your Religion.”

I said, “O Prophet of Allah! We believe in you and what you brought with you. Do you still fear for us?”

He said, “Yes, Indeed the hearts are in Allah’s subhanahu wa ta ‘ala control. He turns them about as He wishes.”[24]

 

3. Al Yaqubi narrates the following from Imam al Baqir rahimahu Llah:

Indeed Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala detests the one who frequently curses others, insults, taunts, behaves indecently naturally or unnaturally and one who asks excessively, and He loves one who is modest, forbearing, chaste, and abstinent.[25]

 

Its original source is the narration which has been related from the Messenger salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam:

Indeed Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala loves one who is modest, chaste, and forbearing; and He hates one who is obscene, indecent, and asks adamantly.[26]

 

4. Ibn Babawayh al Qummi from Imam al Baqir rahimahu Llah, the following text:

Three things are amongst the acts of ignorance; being proud about your lineage, reviling another’s genealogy, and seeking rain from the stars.[27]

 

Its original source is the statement of the Prophet salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam:

There are three practices from the age of ignorance, that the followers of Islam will not abandon; mourning, seeking rain through the stars, and reviling each other.[28]

 

5. Al Nuri al Tabrasi narrates from Imam al Baqir rahimahu Llah, that he said:

Lying is entirely regarded as a sin, except that through which you benefit a Believer, or through which you defend the faith of a Believer.[29]

 

Its original source is that which Sayyidina Jabir radiya Llahu ‘anhu narrates from the Prophet salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam:

… And lying is entirely regarded as a sin, except that through which you benefit a Believer, or through which you defend the Religion. Indeed, there is a market in Paradise; nothing is sold or bought in it. There are only forms in it; whichever man or woman likes a form will take it.[30]

 

6. Imam Zayn al ‘Abidin narrates from Imam al Baqir rahimahu Llah:

A Believer is only tested in this world equivalent to the amount of his faith or in accordance to his faith.[31]

 

Its original source is that which Imam Ahmed narrates; the chain of which goes back to Sayyidina Sa’d radiya Llahu ‘anhu. He said:

I said, “O Messenger of Allah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, which people are most severely tested?”

He said, “The Prophets, then the next best and the next best. Then a person is tested according to his religious commitment. If he is steadfast in his religious commitment, he will be tested accordingly.”

He also once said, “More severely, and if he is frail in his religious commitment, he will be tested accordingly.”

He also once said, “His test will be according to his commitment. Trials will continue to afflict a person until they leave him walking on the earth with no sin on him.”[32]

 

7. Zayn al Din al ‘Amili narrates from Imam al Baqir rahimahu Llah:

Paradise is veiled by trials and patience. Whoever is patient on trials in the world will enter Paradise. Hell is veiled by enjoyments and desires. Whoever gives his soul its enjoyments and desires will enter the hellfire.[33]

 

Its original source is the narration of the Prophet salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam:

Paradise is veiled by trials and Hell is veiled by desires.[34]

 

8. ‘Abbas al Qummi narrates from Imam al Baqir radiya Llahu ‘anhu:

Modesty and faith are attached to one another; when one leaves, its companion follows it.[35]

 

Its original source is the narration of the Prophet salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam:

Modesty and belief are together. If one of them is removed, the other is removed.[36]

 

9. Al Majlisi narrates from Imam al Baqir rahimahu Llah:

Whoever has three qualities has completed his faith; one who when pleased is not caused to enter that which is incorrect by his pleasure, one who when angered is not caused by his anger to come out [of the fold] of correctness, and one who does not seize that which he has no right over, despite being able to do so.[37]

 

Its original source is the narration which has been related from the Prophet salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. He said:

Three things are amongst the characteristics of faith; one who when angered is not caused by his anger to come out [of the fold] of correctness, one who when pleased is not caused to enter that which is incorrect by his pleasure and one who does not take over that which he has no right over, despite being able to do so.[38]

 

10. Al Majlisi narrates the following speech of Imam al Baqir rahimahu Llah from him:

When you see one who is afflicted with a difficulty say: Praise is to Allah Who has spared me what He has afflicted you with, and preferred me greatly above much of what He has created.[39]

 

Its original source is the narration of Sayyidina ‘Umar radiya Llahu ‘anhu that the Messenger of Allah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said:

Whoever sees one who is afflicted and says, “Praise is to Allah Who has spared me what He has afflicted you with, and preferred me greatly above much of what He has created,” will be saved from that predicament for as long as he lives.[40]

 

11. Al Majlisi narrates from Imam al Baqir rahimahu Llah:

Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala will destroy six with six; the leaders through tyranny, the Arabs through tribalism, the leaders with pride, the merchants through cheating, the people of Rustaq[41] through ignorance, and the Jurists through jealousy.[42]

 

The original source of this statement is the following narration of Sayyidina Ibn ‘Umar and Sayyidina Anas radiya Llahu ‘anhum:

The Messenger salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said, “Six will enter the hellfire a year before being reckoned.”

It was said, “O Messenger of Allah, who are they?”

He replied, “The leaders through tyranny, the Arabs through tribalism, the leaders by pride, the merchants by cheating, the people of Rustaq through ignorance, and the scholars through jealousy.”[43][44]

 

12. Al Majlisi narrates in Bihar from Imam al Baqir rahimahu Llah:

Whoever is present when his believing brother is being backbit about and he helps and assists him, Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala will help him in the world and the hereafter, and whoever neither helps him, nor defends him, whilst being able to help him, Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala will lower him in this world and the hereafter.[45]

 

Its original source is that which has been narrated from the Messenger salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam:

One in whose presence a brother is backbit about whilst he is able to help him and he does so, Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala will help him in the world and in the hereafter. If he does not help him, Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala will humiliate him in the world and in the hereafter.[46]

 

13. Al Hurr al ‘Amili narrates in Al Fusul al Muhimmah the following words of Imam al Baqir rahimahu Llah:

Discussing knowledge for a moment is better than standing in prayer at night.[47]

 

However, its original source is the saying of the honourable Companion, Sayyidina Ibn ‘Abbas radiya Llahu ‘anhuma:

Discussing knowledge for a moment is better than staying up in prayer at night.[48]

 

14. Al Yaqubi narrates the following statement of Imam al Baqir rahimahu Llah from him:

If I were to fast every day without fail, stand in prayer at night without becoming tired and spend my wealth in the path of Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala down to the last object, but I neither have love for the friends of Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala in my heart, nor hatred for His enemies, all of that will not benefit me at all.[49]

 

Its original source is the statement of Sayyidina Ibn ‘Umar radiya Llahu ‘anhuma:

If I were to fast every day without fail, stand in prayer at night without sleeping and spend my wealth in the path of Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala down to the last object, but I die the day I die with neither love for those who obey Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala in my heart, nor hatred for those who disobey Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala, all of that will not benefit me at all.[50]

 

15. ‘Abbas al Qummi narrates from Imam al Baqir radiya Llahu ‘anhu:

Ultimate excellence is; understanding the Religion, being patient when afflicted, and being granted a good sustenance.[51]

 

This is actually the statement of Imam al Baqir’s rahimahu Llah father’s paternal uncle, Muhammad ibn ‘Ali ibn Abi Talib, known as Ibn al Hanafiyyah.[52]

 

16. The following statement of Imam al Baqir rahimahu Llah has been narrated from him:

When you sit in the company of the scholars then be keener to listen than speak, learn how to listen attentively as you learn how to speak well, and do not interrupt someone when they are speaking.[53]

 

This wise statement is actually from the sayings of Imam Al Hassan al Basri rahimahu Llah.[54]

 

17. Al Naysaburi relates the following statement of Imam al Baqir rahimahu Llah from him:

The world is ever-changing, so whatever is meant for you will reach you despite your inability [to attain it], and that which is meant to afflict you will do so and you will have no force to prevent it.

 

Then he followed this statement of his with the following words:

Whoever stops pursuing that which he has lost out on will give comfort to his body and whoever is satisfied with what he has been granted, it will be a means of coolness to his eyes.[55]

 

The original source of this is the following statement of Aktham ibn Saifi:

The world is ever-changing, so whatever is yours will reach you despite your inability to attain it, and that which is meant to afflict you [will do so and you] will be unable to prevent it with all your might. An inapt attitude towards prosperity results in intemperate indulgence; just as an ill-judged reaction to poverty might very well compromise a person’s nobility. Neediness, whilst maintaining genuine affection, surpasses affluence which is accompanied by hatred and acrimony. A natural disposition is more tasteful than simulated courtesy.[56]

 

18. Al Fital al Naysaburi narrates from Imam al Baqir rahimahu Llah:

How excellent is it to perform good deeds after bad deeds and how despicable is it to perform bad deeds after good deeds![57]

 

Its original source is the statement of ‘Awn ibn ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Utbah:

How despicable is it to perform bad deeds after bad deeds, and how excellent is it to perform good deeds after bad deeds! Yet better than that is to perform good deeds after good deeds.[58]

 

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[1] Surah al Baqarah: 269.

[2] Ibn al Qayyim al Jawzi: Miftah Dar al Sa’adah, 1/178.

[3] Ibn Kathir: Al Bidayah wa al Nihayah, 9/339.

[4] Ibn Kathir: Al Bidayah wa al Nihayah, 9/339.

[5] Al Jahiz: Al Bayan wa al Tabyin, 3/161.

[6] Ibn ‘Asakir: Tarikh Dimashq, 54/292.

[7] Tarikh Dimashq, 54/294.

[8] Al Bidayah wa al Nihayah, 9/340.

[9] Tarikh Dimashq, 54/293.

[10] Al Bidayah wa al Nihayah, 9/339.

[11] Al Bidayah wa al Nihayah, 9/340.

[12] Al Bidayah wa al Nihayah, 9/340.

[13] Al Bidayah wa al Nihayah, 9/340.

[14] Al Bidayah wa al Nihayah, 9/339.

[15] Al Bidayah wa al Nihayah, 9/339.

[16] Al Bidayah wa al Nihayah, 9/339.

[17] Al Bidayah wa al Nihayah, 9/339.

[18] Hilyat al Auliya’, 3/186.

[19] Al Bidayah wa al Nihayah, 9/340.

[20] Al Bidayah wa al Nihayah, 9/343.

[21] Ma’din al Jawahir, pg. 34.

[22] Sunan al Darimi, #2293.

[23] Bihar al Anwar, 76/53.

[24] Sunan al Tirmidhi, #2066. Al Albani has graded it as sahih.

[25] Tarikh al Yaqubi, 2/320.

[26] Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah, 6/92, #6.

[27] Ibn Babawayh al Qummi: Ma’ani al Akhbar, pg. 326.

[28] Sahih Ibn Hibban, 7/410. Shu’ayb al Arna’ut has graded it as sahih.

[29] Mustadrak al Wasa’il, 9/94, #10318.

[30] Al Mujam al Awsat, 6/18.

[31] Zayn al Din al ‘Amili: Muskin al Fu’ad, #51.

[32] Musnad Ahmed ibn Hambal; Musnad al ‘Ashrah al Mubashsharin bi al Jannat; Musnad Abi Ishaq Sa’d ibn Abi Waqqas, #1473.

[33] Musakkin al Fu’ad, # 51.

[34] Sahih Muslim, The Book about Paradise and the description of its bounties and inhabitants, # 5049.

[35] Al Anwar al Bahiyyah, # 144.

[36] Al Adab al Mufrad, 1/278, #1350, Al Albani has graded it as sahih.

[37] Bihar al Anwar, 68/359, #5.

[38] Al Tabarani: Al Mujam al Saghir, 1/61, Al Haythami has graded it as da’if in Majma’ al Zawa’id.

[39] Bihar al Anwar, 90/218.

[40] Sunan al Tirmidhi, # 3353, Imam al Tirmidhi said, “This is a gharib narration.”

[41] Rustaq is the name of a city in Persia.

[42] Bihar al Anwar, 75/207.

[43] Ihya’ ‘Ulum al Din, 3/188.

[44] Al ‘Iraqi says about it in Takhrij Ihya’ ‘Ulum al Din, 7/233: “Abu Mansur al Daylami has mentioned it from the narrations of Ibn ‘Umar and Anas radiya Llahu ‘anhuma with weak chains.”

[45] Bihar al Anwar, , 72/226.

[46] Al Silsilah al Da’ifah, 11/271.

[47] Al Fusul al Muhimmah fi Usul al A’immah, 1/479.

[48] Al Dhahabi: Tadhkirat al Huffaz, 1/41.

[49] Tarikh al Yaqubi, 2/320.

[50] Ihya’ ‘Ulum al Din, 2/160.

[51] Al Anwar al Bahiyyah, pg. 143.

[52] Tarikh Dimashq, 54/337.

[53] Bihar al Anwar, 1/222.

[54] Refer to al Bayan wa al Tabyin, 1/356.

[55] Rawdat al Wa’izin, pg. 441.

[56] Majma’ al Amthal, 1/337.

[57] Al Fital al Naysaburi: Rawdat al Wa’izin, pg. 414.

[58] Hilyat al Auliya’, 4/249.

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Words of Wisdom

 

Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala granted Imam al Baqir rahimahu Llah, among his many other honourable traits, the ability to offer good advice and wisdom; about which Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala says:

 

يُؤْتِي الْحِكْمَةَ مَن يَّشَاءُ وَمَن يُّؤْتَ الْحِكْمَةَ فَقَدْ أُوْتِيَ خَيْرًا كَثِيْرًا وَمَا يَذَّكَّرُ إِلَّا أُولُو الْأَلْبَابِ

He gives wisdom to whom He wills, and whoever has been given wisdom has certainly been given much good. And none will remember except those of understanding.[1]

 

A few reputed scholars, who are recognised as righteous and pious, have narrated from him multiple advices and words of wisdom; some of which we will enlighten you with.

Muhammad ibn ‘Ali al Baqir rahimahu Llah says:

A scholar that benefits from his knowledge is more virtuous than a thousand worshippers.

 

He also said:

Relating narrations and spreading them amongst people is more virtuous than the worship of a thousand worshippers.[2]

 

He also said:

Everything has a tragedy and the tragedy of knowledge is forgetting.[3]

 

Jabir said:

Muhammad ibn ‘Ali rahimahu Llah said to me, “O Jabir! I am sad and my heart is occupied.”

I asked, “What has made you sad and your heart occupied?”

He said, “O Jabir! Whoever’s heart enters the religion of Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala with a clean heart, it occupies his heart leaving no space for anything besides it. O Jabir! What is the world? What can it be? Is it not but a conveyance that you mount or a cloth that you wear or a woman that you enjoy? O Jabir! Indeed, the Believers do not feel at peace in the world due to remaining in it, nor do they consider themselves safe from the arrival of the hereafter upon them. What they have heard with their own ears about trials does not turn them away from the remembrance of Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala, and what they see with their own eyes of the beauty [of this worldly life] does not blind them from the [divine] Light of Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala. Thus, they succeed with the reward of the righteous. Indeed, the God-fearing have the simplest sustenance in comparison to all the people of the world and [you will find that] they will help you the most. If you forget, they will remind you and if you remember they will help you. They are those who stand up for the right of Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala, those who firmly establish the commands of Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala. They were cut up for the love of their Lord subhanahu wa ta ‘ala. They looked through the eyes of their hearts towards Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala and His love, abstained from the world in obedience to their Beloved subhanahu wa ta ‘ala, and they knew that that was the command of their Creator subhanahu wa ta ‘ala. Thus, they brought the world down to the level that their King brought it down to; a place where travellers halt after which they continue their journey and leave it, or like something which you attain in your dream then when you awake nothing is in your hands. Therefore, preserve the rulings of Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala in that which He gave you authority over in the matter of His religion and His wisdom.[4]

 

Imam al Baqir rahimahu Llah was asked who the most abstinent person is and he replied:

One who is not concerned about whose hand worldly benefits are in.

 

He was then asked which person is in the greatest loss with regards to transaction. He said:

Whoever sells that which is eternal in exchange for that which will perish.

 

He was then asked which person has the most value. He said:

The one that the world considers to have no value.[5]

 

It is narrated from Jafar ibn Muhammad al Sadiq from his father, that he said:

A man came to him and said, “Give me advice.”

He said, “Make your preparations, send forth your provisions, and be your own advisor.”[6]

 

It is narrated that one of the sons of Abu Jafar al Baqir rahimahu Llah took ill. Imam al Baqir rahimahu Llah feared his son’s death to such an extent that people started to fear the same for Imam al Baqir rahimahu Llah. When his son passed away, he came out and went to the people. Someone said to him, “We feared your death.” Imam al Baqir rahimahu Llah replied:

We call out to Allah for what we like so when something that we dislike happens why do we oppose Him in what He preferred.[7]

 

He also said:

Contentment and honour roam in the heart of a believer. When they reach a place in which there is trust [in Allah] they make it their abode.[8]

 

It has been narrated from Imam al Baqir rahimahu Llah that he said:

 

There is no act of worship more virtuous than chastity of the stomach or private part. There is nothing more beloved to Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala than Him being asked from. Nothing redirects destiny except supplication. Indeed, the fastest way to attain the reward of good deeds is through righteousness. Indeed, the evil that is quickest in earning sin is retaliation. It is enough fault in a man that he shows people about himself that which they did not see, and that he commands people to do that which he cannot manage, and that he harms his companion with that which is futile.[9]

 

Amongst his sayings is:

Calamities befall believers and disbelievers, but do not befall one who remembers Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala.[10]

 

He also said:

The strongest deeds are three: Remembering Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala in every condition. Being just when you are involved (in a matter). Showing compassion to a brother through wealth.[11]

 

Jafar ibn Muhammad radiya Llahu ‘anhu mentioned:

My father’s mule ran away, so he said, “If Allah returns it to me, I will praise Him with such words that He will be pleased.”

In just a little while, his mule was returned with its saddle; nothing was missing from it. He stood up and mounted it. Once he had straightened up [on it] and gathered his garment, he raised his head to the sky and said, “All praise be to Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala Who did not grant me more than that.”

Someone said something to him about that [in objection], so he said, “Have I left out or omitted something? I attributed all praise to Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala.”[12]

 

It is narrated from him that he said:

Recognise the love that your brother has for you through the love that you have for him in your heart, for indeed hearts correspond.[13]

 

Amongst his sayings is:

It is enough fault in a man that he shows people about himself that which they did not see, commands people to do that which he does not do, prohibits people from that which he cannot save himself from, and that he harms his companion with that which is futile.[14]

 

He also said:

The weapon of the scoundrels is obscene speech.[15]

 

The following words of his to his son were narrated from him:

Beware of laziness and irritation for indeed they are the key to every obscenity. Surely when you become lazy you will not fulfil a single right and when you become irritated, you will not be patient on correctness.[16]

 

He also said:

Belief is something static and is permanently established, Yaqin (conviction) is a collective series of thoughts and ideas, Yaqin flows past the heart such that it eventually becomes like a chunk of tempered steel in its firmness and at times it is nothing more than a tattered cloth. A speck of pride does not enter the heart of a servant except that it decreases his intellect equivalent to its amount or more than that.[17]

 

He also said:

Whoever has been granted good character and kindness has been granted all goodness and comfort, and his state in his worldly affairs is good.[18]

 

He said:

Beware of arguments for indeed they spoil the hearts and breed hypocrisy.

 

He also said:

Those who venture into the verses of Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala are the arguers.[19]

 

Ibn Kathir narrates in Al Bidayah wa al Nihayah the advice of Imam Zayn al ‘Abidin rahimahu Llah to his son and his response to him:

O my dear son, be patient when faced with hardships, do not demand your rights and do not be frustrated by your brother except in a matter in which there is more harm for him than benefit.[20]

 

Wisdoms and advices which others said before him

After bringing a few specimens of wise statements that came from the tongue of Imam al Baqir radiya Llahu ‘anhu, and those which trustworthy scholars narrated from him, we will now proceed to mention some wise statements which, although are attributed to him, are not his actual statements but some are Prophetic traditions, wise statements of the Companions or Tabi’in radiya Llahu ‘anhum:

 

1. The following saying of Imam al Baqir rahimahu Llah has been narrated from him:

Every eye will be crying on the Day of Judgement except three eyes; that eye which stayed awake at night in the cause of Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala, the eye which shed tears due to the fear of Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala and the eye which averted its gaze from that which Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala forbade.[21]

 

Its original source is the narration which Abu Rayhanah radiya Llahu ‘anhu narrates from the Prophet salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam:

“The fire has been made unlawful upon the one who cries due to the fear of Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala. The fire has been made unlawful upon the eye that stays awake at night in the cause of Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala.”

The narrator said, “I forgot the third.”

Abu Shurayh said, “I later heard that he said, ‘The fire has been made unlawful upon the eye which averted its gaze from that which Allah forbade,’ or he said, ‘the eye which was gouged out in the path of Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala.’”[22]

2. Al Majlisi narrates from Imam al Baqir rahimahu Llah that he said:

Indeed, the hearts are in the control of Allah. He turns them about as He wishes; at times this way and at times that.[23]

 

Its original source is the narration which Sayyidina Anas radiya Llahu ‘anhu narrates from the Prophet salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam that he said:

The Prophet salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam would often say, “O Controller of the hearts, make my heart steadfast in your Religion.”

I said, “O Prophet of Allah! We believe in you and what you brought with you. Do you still fear for us?”

He said, “Yes, Indeed the hearts are in Allah’s subhanahu wa ta ‘ala control. He turns them about as He wishes.”[24]

 

3. Al Yaqubi narrates the following from Imam al Baqir rahimahu Llah:

Indeed Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala detests the one who frequently curses others, insults, taunts, behaves indecently naturally or unnaturally and one who asks excessively, and He loves one who is modest, forbearing, chaste, and abstinent.[25]

 

Its original source is the narration which has been related from the Messenger salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam:

Indeed Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala loves one who is modest, chaste, and forbearing; and He hates one who is obscene, indecent, and asks adamantly.[26]

 

4. Ibn Babawayh al Qummi from Imam al Baqir rahimahu Llah, the following text:

Three things are amongst the acts of ignorance; being proud about your lineage, reviling another’s genealogy, and seeking rain from the stars.[27]

 

Its original source is the statement of the Prophet salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam:

There are three practices from the age of ignorance, that the followers of Islam will not abandon; mourning, seeking rain through the stars, and reviling each other.[28]

 

5. Al Nuri al Tabrasi narrates from Imam al Baqir rahimahu Llah, that he said:

Lying is entirely regarded as a sin, except that through which you benefit a Believer, or through which you defend the faith of a Believer.[29]

 

Its original source is that which Sayyidina Jabir radiya Llahu ‘anhu narrates from the Prophet salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam:

… And lying is entirely regarded as a sin, except that through which you benefit a Believer, or through which you defend the Religion. Indeed, there is a market in Paradise; nothing is sold or bought in it. There are only forms in it; whichever man or woman likes a form will take it.[30]

 

6. Imam Zayn al ‘Abidin narrates from Imam al Baqir rahimahu Llah:

A Believer is only tested in this world equivalent to the amount of his faith or in accordance to his faith.[31]

 

Its original source is that which Imam Ahmed narrates; the chain of which goes back to Sayyidina Sa’d radiya Llahu ‘anhu. He said:

I said, “O Messenger of Allah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, which people are most severely tested?”

He said, “The Prophets, then the next best and the next best. Then a person is tested according to his religious commitment. If he is steadfast in his religious commitment, he will be tested accordingly.”

He also once said, “More severely, and if he is frail in his religious commitment, he will be tested accordingly.”

He also once said, “His test will be according to his commitment. Trials will continue to afflict a person until they leave him walking on the earth with no sin on him.”[32]

 

7. Zayn al Din al ‘Amili narrates from Imam al Baqir rahimahu Llah:

Paradise is veiled by trials and patience. Whoever is patient on trials in the world will enter Paradise. Hell is veiled by enjoyments and desires. Whoever gives his soul its enjoyments and desires will enter the hellfire.[33]

 

Its original source is the narration of the Prophet salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam:

Paradise is veiled by trials and Hell is veiled by desires.[34]

 

8. ‘Abbas al Qummi narrates from Imam al Baqir radiya Llahu ‘anhu:

Modesty and faith are attached to one another; when one leaves, its companion follows it.[35]

 

Its original source is the narration of the Prophet salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam:

Modesty and belief are together. If one of them is removed, the other is removed.[36]

 

9. Al Majlisi narrates from Imam al Baqir rahimahu Llah:

Whoever has three qualities has completed his faith; one who when pleased is not caused to enter that which is incorrect by his pleasure, one who when angered is not caused by his anger to come out [of the fold] of correctness, and one who does not seize that which he has no right over, despite being able to do so.[37]

 

Its original source is the narration which has been related from the Prophet salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. He said:

Three things are amongst the characteristics of faith; one who when angered is not caused by his anger to come out [of the fold] of correctness, one who when pleased is not caused to enter that which is incorrect by his pleasure and one who does not take over that which he has no right over, despite being able to do so.[38]

 

10. Al Majlisi narrates the following speech of Imam al Baqir rahimahu Llah from him:

When you see one who is afflicted with a difficulty say: Praise is to Allah Who has spared me what He has afflicted you with, and preferred me greatly above much of what He has created.[39]

 

Its original source is the narration of Sayyidina ‘Umar radiya Llahu ‘anhu that the Messenger of Allah salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said:

Whoever sees one who is afflicted and says, “Praise is to Allah Who has spared me what He has afflicted you with, and preferred me greatly above much of what He has created,” will be saved from that predicament for as long as he lives.[40]

 

11. Al Majlisi narrates from Imam al Baqir rahimahu Llah:

Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala will destroy six with six; the leaders through tyranny, the Arabs through tribalism, the leaders with pride, the merchants through cheating, the people of Rustaq[41] through ignorance, and the Jurists through jealousy.[42]

 

The original source of this statement is the following narration of Sayyidina Ibn ‘Umar and Sayyidina Anas radiya Llahu ‘anhum:

The Messenger salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said, “Six will enter the hellfire a year before being reckoned.”

It was said, “O Messenger of Allah, who are they?”

He replied, “The leaders through tyranny, the Arabs through tribalism, the leaders by pride, the merchants by cheating, the people of Rustaq through ignorance, and the scholars through jealousy.”[43][44]

 

12. Al Majlisi narrates in Bihar from Imam al Baqir rahimahu Llah:

Whoever is present when his believing brother is being backbit about and he helps and assists him, Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala will help him in the world and the hereafter, and whoever neither helps him, nor defends him, whilst being able to help him, Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala will lower him in this world and the hereafter.[45]

 

Its original source is that which has been narrated from the Messenger salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam:

One in whose presence a brother is backbit about whilst he is able to help him and he does so, Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala will help him in the world and in the hereafter. If he does not help him, Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala will humiliate him in the world and in the hereafter.[46]

 

13. Al Hurr al ‘Amili narrates in Al Fusul al Muhimmah the following words of Imam al Baqir rahimahu Llah:

Discussing knowledge for a moment is better than standing in prayer at night.[47]

 

However, its original source is the saying of the honourable Companion, Sayyidina Ibn ‘Abbas radiya Llahu ‘anhuma:

Discussing knowledge for a moment is better than staying up in prayer at night.[48]

 

14. Al Yaqubi narrates the following statement of Imam al Baqir rahimahu Llah from him:

If I were to fast every day without fail, stand in prayer at night without becoming tired and spend my wealth in the path of Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala down to the last object, but I neither have love for the friends of Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala in my heart, nor hatred for His enemies, all of that will not benefit me at all.[49]

 

Its original source is the statement of Sayyidina Ibn ‘Umar radiya Llahu ‘anhuma:

If I were to fast every day without fail, stand in prayer at night without sleeping and spend my wealth in the path of Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala down to the last object, but I die the day I die with neither love for those who obey Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala in my heart, nor hatred for those who disobey Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala, all of that will not benefit me at all.[50]

 

15. ‘Abbas al Qummi narrates from Imam al Baqir radiya Llahu ‘anhu:

Ultimate excellence is; understanding the Religion, being patient when afflicted, and being granted a good sustenance.[51]

 

This is actually the statement of Imam al Baqir’s rahimahu Llah father’s paternal uncle, Muhammad ibn ‘Ali ibn Abi Talib, known as Ibn al Hanafiyyah.[52]

 

16. The following statement of Imam al Baqir rahimahu Llah has been narrated from him:

When you sit in the company of the scholars then be keener to listen than speak, learn how to listen attentively as you learn how to speak well, and do not interrupt someone when they are speaking.[53]

 

This wise statement is actually from the sayings of Imam Al Hassan al Basri rahimahu Llah.[54]

 

17. Al Naysaburi relates the following statement of Imam al Baqir rahimahu Llah from him:

The world is ever-changing, so whatever is meant for you will reach you despite your inability [to attain it], and that which is meant to afflict you will do so and you will have no force to prevent it.

 

Then he followed this statement of his with the following words:

Whoever stops pursuing that which he has lost out on will give comfort to his body and whoever is satisfied with what he has been granted, it will be a means of coolness to his eyes.[55]

 

The original source of this is the following statement of Aktham ibn Saifi:

The world is ever-changing, so whatever is yours will reach you despite your inability to attain it, and that which is meant to afflict you [will do so and you] will be unable to prevent it with all your might. An inapt attitude towards prosperity results in intemperate indulgence; just as an ill-judged reaction to poverty might very well compromise a person’s nobility. Neediness, whilst maintaining genuine affection, surpasses affluence which is accompanied by hatred and acrimony. A natural disposition is more tasteful than simulated courtesy.[56]

 

18. Al Fital al Naysaburi narrates from Imam al Baqir rahimahu Llah:

How excellent is it to perform good deeds after bad deeds and how despicable is it to perform bad deeds after good deeds![57]

 

Its original source is the statement of ‘Awn ibn ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Utbah:

How despicable is it to perform bad deeds after bad deeds, and how excellent is it to perform good deeds after bad deeds! Yet better than that is to perform good deeds after good deeds.[58]

 

NEXT⇒ The Baseless Statements That Are Attributed to Imam al Baqir

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[1] Surah al Baqarah: 269.

[2] Ibn al Qayyim al Jawzi: Miftah Dar al Sa’adah, 1/178.

[3] Ibn Kathir: Al Bidayah wa al Nihayah, 9/339.

[4] Ibn Kathir: Al Bidayah wa al Nihayah, 9/339.

[5] Al Jahiz: Al Bayan wa al Tabyin, 3/161.

[6] Ibn ‘Asakir: Tarikh Dimashq, 54/292.

[7] Tarikh Dimashq, 54/294.

[8] Al Bidayah wa al Nihayah, 9/340.

[9] Tarikh Dimashq, 54/293.

[10] Al Bidayah wa al Nihayah, 9/339.

[11] Al Bidayah wa al Nihayah, 9/340.

[12] Al Bidayah wa al Nihayah, 9/340.

[13] Al Bidayah wa al Nihayah, 9/340.

[14] Al Bidayah wa al Nihayah, 9/339.

[15] Al Bidayah wa al Nihayah, 9/339.

[16] Al Bidayah wa al Nihayah, 9/339.

[17] Al Bidayah wa al Nihayah, 9/339.

[18] Hilyat al Auliya’, 3/186.

[19] Al Bidayah wa al Nihayah, 9/340.

[20] Al Bidayah wa al Nihayah, 9/343.

[21] Ma’din al Jawahir, pg. 34.

[22] Sunan al Darimi, #2293.

[23] Bihar al Anwar, 76/53.

[24] Sunan al Tirmidhi, #2066. Al Albani has graded it as sahih.

[25] Tarikh al Yaqubi, 2/320.

[26] Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah, 6/92, #6.

[27] Ibn Babawayh al Qummi: Ma’ani al Akhbar, pg. 326.

[28] Sahih Ibn Hibban, 7/410. Shu’ayb al Arna’ut has graded it as sahih.

[29] Mustadrak al Wasa’il, 9/94, #10318.

[30] Al Mujam al Awsat, 6/18.

[31] Zayn al Din al ‘Amili: Muskin al Fu’ad, #51.

[32] Musnad Ahmed ibn Hambal; Musnad al ‘Ashrah al Mubashsharin bi al Jannat; Musnad Abi Ishaq Sa’d ibn Abi Waqqas, #1473.

[33] Musakkin al Fu’ad, # 51.

[34] Sahih Muslim, The Book about Paradise and the description of its bounties and inhabitants, # 5049.

[35] Al Anwar al Bahiyyah, # 144.

[36] Al Adab al Mufrad, 1/278, #1350, Al Albani has graded it as sahih.

[37] Bihar al Anwar, 68/359, #5.

[38] Al Tabarani: Al Mujam al Saghir, 1/61, Al Haythami has graded it as da’if in Majma’ al Zawa’id.

[39] Bihar al Anwar, 90/218.

[40] Sunan al Tirmidhi, # 3353, Imam al Tirmidhi said, “This is a gharib narration.”

[41] Rustaq is the name of a city in Persia.

[42] Bihar al Anwar, 75/207.

[43] Ihya’ ‘Ulum al Din, 3/188.

[44] Al ‘Iraqi says about it in Takhrij Ihya’ ‘Ulum al Din, 7/233: “Abu Mansur al Daylami has mentioned it from the narrations of Ibn ‘Umar and Anas radiya Llahu ‘anhuma with weak chains.”

[45] Bihar al Anwar, , 72/226.

[46] Al Silsilah al Da’ifah, 11/271.

[47] Al Fusul al Muhimmah fi Usul al A’immah, 1/479.

[48] Al Dhahabi: Tadhkirat al Huffaz, 1/41.

[49] Tarikh al Yaqubi, 2/320.

[50] Ihya’ ‘Ulum al Din, 2/160.

[51] Al Anwar al Bahiyyah, pg. 143.

[52] Tarikh Dimashq, 54/337.

[53] Bihar al Anwar, 1/222.

[54] Refer to al Bayan wa al Tabyin, 1/356.

[55] Rawdat al Wa’izin, pg. 441.

[56] Majma’ al Amthal, 1/337.

[57] Al Fital al Naysaburi: Rawdat al Wa’izin, pg. 414.

[58] Hilyat al Auliya’, 4/249.