كن بعدوك العاقل أوثق منك بصديقك الجاهل
Have more trust in a rational enemy than in a stupid friend.
This is because a stupid friend may reveal your secrets, embarrass you, and get you into trouble.
المتعبد بغير علم كحمار الطاحونة, يدور ولا يبرح من مكانه
A worshiper without knowledge is like the mill donkey; it rotates but it does not leave its place.
من زهد هانت عليه المحن
Asceticism helps you bear disasters easily.
The Imam says that asceticism (which is avoidance of worldly pleasures) helps you manage your way through tragedies and life trials easily. This is because ascetics are emotionally less attached to worldly pleasures and therefore have a strong foundation of patience and inner strength.
إن القرآن ظاهره أنيق وباطنه عميق لا تفنى عجائبه ولا تنقضي غرائبه ولا تكشف الظلمات إلا به
Quran has a splendid exterior and an obscure interior. Its wonders don’t end, its marvels don’t finish, and darkness can only by illuminated by it.
“Splendid exterior” means eloquent words and verses. “Obscure interior” means deep meaning and several layers of interpretation.
Imam Ali tells you that if you want to come out of darkness which surrounds your life, then the only guide which you can use is Quran.
سهر الليل في طاعة الله ربيع الأولياء وروضة السعداء
Staying awake at night to worship Allah is springtime for holy persons and a garden for the happy.
Worshiping Allah at night means performing (صلاة الليل); which roughly translates to (prayer of the night). This prayer is not mandatory for Muslims but it is highly regarded and is considered one of the best ways to perfect the soul and get closer to Allah.
Imam Ali himself performed this prayer regularly. And since he knows its benefits for the yearning soul, he recommends it for all worshipers and seekers of the truth.
