Tagged: virtues

636

أرْبَعٌ مَنْ اُعْطِيَهُنَّ فَقَدْ اُعْطِيَ خَيْرَ الدُّنْيا وَالآخِرَةِ : صِدْقُ حَديث، وَأداءُ أمانَة، وَ عِفَّةُ بَطْن، وَ حُسْنُ خُلق

Four virtues, whoever has them will have the good of this world and the afterworld: honesty of speech, rendering of trusts (being trustworthy), eating from lawful sources, and possessing good manners.

This quote summarized four important virtues to be perfected by a Muslim in his lifetime. Follow these links to know more about them:

Keeping Trust Preserves Islam

Corruption leads to the fall of the Nation

3209

الحزم النظر في العواقب و مشاورة ذوي العقول

Seriousness is: contemplating the consequences and consulting the experts.

Important life events need serious consideration, and for that you should decide wisely and consult knowledgeable and experienced people. This is what being serious means in this quote.

4247

السكوت على الأحمق أفضل جوابه

Not talking to a bigot is the best answer to him.

“Bigot” in this quote means: someone who refuses to understand, although he has the ability to understand. It can also be replaced with “Zealot” or “Fanatic”.

Although you can defeat such a person in a debate, he will not admit it. And he will continue debating. Therefore, the best answer to his verbal attack is to be silent. That way, you don’t waste your energy or time.

Note that the literal translation of “أحمق” into English is “Fool”. But as I understand it, the Imam meant by that word “Bigot”, not “Fool”.

2830

ثلاث لا يستحيى منهن: خدمة الرجل ضيفه وقيامه عن مجلسه لأبيه ومعلمه و طلب الحق وإن قل

Three acts are not considered demeaning: serving your guest, vacating your seat to your father or your teacher, and demanding your rights no matter how small they might be.

In social gatherings in ancient Arabia (and maybe still to this day), your position or seat in the gathering depends on your social status. Leaving your seat to someone who just joined the gathering is considered a respectful act.

The Imam is telling us that these three acts are not shameful or degrading. Being polite and kind to others and demanding your rights are therefore good habits to have.