Imam Ali ... THE BELIEVER

Imam Ali

Who Is A Believer ?

The believer is one with whom people's life, wealth, and dignity are secure.
He has strong religious convictions. He is very eager to understand the religious teachings.
In pursuing his aims, he achieves perseverance by combining endurance and wisdom.
When rich, he does not forget moderation; when poor, he forbears without sacrificing his dignity.
When powerful, he forgives easily. He is generous in appropriate ways.
In all inquiries, he aspires to increase his knowledge and understanding.
He behaviour is gentle. His actions and walk reflect modesty.
He faces calamities with patience and never becomes panic-stricken.
People enjoy his affection and calmness. He is ready to bear pain in order to comfort others.
In friendship, he is sincere. He honors his promises.
Although occasionally criticized, he never criticizes anyone.
In his judgements, he is not oppressive nor unfair.
He helps the oppressed and is concerned about the deprived. He does not abandon those in distress; he tries to relieve their burdens.
He is anxious to legitimize and purify his earnings.
When infuriated, he behaves justly.
In his treaties, he is firm and consistent. In his friendships, he is faithful and avoids meddling.
He respects the rights of those who are absent. He accepts the apologies of those at fault.
He is generous without being extravagant or wasteful.
He is kind and compassionate to the poor and weak. Anyone may expect his assistance during difficulties.
He does not forget those who are good to him; he is grateful.
He guides those who seek his advice.
He assists those who have assisted him.
He does not divulge people?s secrets. He does not inquire into secret affairs which do not concern him. He is honest and trustworthy.
He avoids coercion, ignorance, and lies. He keeps away from evil.
He raises questions in order to increase his knowledge and keeps silent in order to avoid mistakes.
He combines conscience and patience in his behaviour. He communicates with others so his knowledge may be increased.
His good deeds are not performed for the sake of being boastful. He is not hypocritical in his actions.
He does not abandon a benefaction at the pretext of embarrassment.
He is not boisterous. He does not take credit for the good deeds of others.
He is not proud or selfish.
He speaks only the truth. He is moderate and wise.
There is no flaw, laxity or partiality in his judgement.
He is not disgraced by love of food. He is not governed by his whims and sexual desires; he controls them.
He is not envious. He is not hasty.
His livelihood is earned in an honourable way.
He treats people kindly and affectionately. He is conscious and affable.
He tries not to hurt anyone; people are safe with him. He deals fairly with all.
In his actions toward others, he respects justice. He does unto others as he likes done unto him.
To those near him, he is a friend and helper. To the orphans, he is like a father.
He is not crude or rude toward his inferiors. He is not idle.
He follows the examples of good leadership demonstrated by his predecessors.
He sets a good example for those who succeed him.
He does not lose countenance in the face of violence and calamity.
He does not interfere in a matter which does not concern him.
If he keeps away from someone, it is not due to arrogance. If he associates with someone, it is not in order to be deceptive or spy.
He is not slack nor dishonorable.
He does not degrade anyone nor backbite.
He does not pounce on nor insult others.
He does not fall into the same difficulty twice.
When affluent, he does not become proud.

Nahjul-Balaghah
The Pious, al-Mutaqi
The Muslim

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