Syedna Imam Jaffar Sadiq

Pearls of Wisdom by Imam Jaffar Sadiq

He would often make the following dua : "O Allah bless me with respect which is in your obedience and do not disgrace me due to my shortcomings. O Allah let me assist him through your grace and Mercy, whose sustenance you have decreased, for you have blessed me in abundance." There is not provision greater than piety. There is nothing better than silence, and there is no enemy more dangerous than ones ignorance and there is no disease worse than lies. He who has attained the closeness to Allah divorces himself from everything in the world. There is no Ibaadat without repentance, since Allah has caused repentance to be above Ibaadat. He who sits in the companionship of all types of people will not be safe. One who walks on the wrong path will always arouse suspicion. Whoever attacks a matter without knowledge cuts off his own nose. Intellect is the guide of the believer. The perfection of intellect is in three (things): Humbleness for Allah, Good certainty, and silence except for good. Ignorance is in three (things): Arrogance, the intensity of dispute, and the ignorance about Allah. Certainly, knowledge is a lock and its key is the question. When the believer becomes angry, his anger should not take him out of the truth; and when he becomes satisfied, his satisfaction should not bring him into falsehood. Some manners of the ignorant are: the answer before he hears, the opposition before he understands, and the judgment with what he does not know. One who cannot keep his tongue in control will always be disgraced. Stay away from five kinds of people: 1. A liar, as he will also betray you, 2. A witless person, as he will try to benefit you, but will always cause you harm, 3. A miser, for he will cause you intense loss in order to gain even the slightest benefit, 4. A coward who will leave you in distress during a difficult situation, 5. A man who is involved in illicit dealings, for he will sell you for one morsel and will still be hopeful of even less than that. Dishonest and untruthful people never find favor while jealous people never find content. Rude and vulgar people never find acceptance and brotherhood in leadership or amongst citizens. Whosoever holds affection towards the creator then he is horribly frightened of the creation. For the sake of the creator save yourself so that you may become a true worshipper ('Aabid) and that which fate had decreed, has occurred then accepts that as well. Do not keep the company of an open sinful person since you would be overcome by sin and disobedience. Consult and seek advise from only those who are constantly obeying Allah SubHanuhu wa Ta'ala. To seek forgiveness is simple but to leave sin is difficult. The concealment of sins is the direct consequences of mans destruction. Not to show greed to somebody else’s wealth is also a form of charity. The eye of the heart opens with ibadat (prayers) and its access is infinite (La Makan – up in the 'Arsh and beyond) and nothing in the entire World remains a secret to him. Man has also such power that he can gaze into the future and it only awakens when the 5 other senses are asleep and the mind is free from observations. Changing perceptions in this World. Somewhere clouds are forming or pearls. At others tears are changing the rays into darkness while still darkness is changing into light. A man has freedom of deeds and actions but these are also restricted because according to his comprehension he may be suspicious or doubtful of its might or force. Too much credence and ecliance is destructful and excessive criticisms unfortunate. Holding the power of revenge yet drinking up ones anger is an excellent form of Jihad. Strokes of misfortune or temptation are a rank, therefore the specific of truth are involved with it. Nafs (desires) are in direct conflict with Allah SubHanuhu wa Ta'ala therefore the best opposition to you nafs is becoming friends with Allah SubHanuhu wa Ta'ala. The reality of Taqwa is this, that if you have expose what’s in your heart, place it on a tray and take it to the market then you should not be ashamed of a single item you have displayed. Jihad with ones wealth is better than Jihad with a sword. Food is the sustenance of the body while contentment comforts the soul. Fortunate is he whose heart becomes knowledgeable, whose body becomes patient and he is content with what he has present. Respect the young for they have lesser sins to their name because of their age in comparison to you. Revelation is not made for destruction but as an examination. Kindness or favors is incomplete without these 3 things – If you regard it as minor it becomes great – or you keep it hidden or concealed this it becomes whole and sufficient or by doing it quickly one finds pleasure in it. Sin is a sore; if it is not stopped it spreads. To complain is to stop being patient. The person who keeps the company of all types of people is not safe. The person who traverses upon the wrong path is accused and suspicion descends upon him. The person who cannot control his tongue becomes disgraced. A criminal and a remorseful sinner become submissive. Flatterers are the origin of pride and arrogance. Someone once asked who is better, a patient dervish or a grateful wealthy person? He said: The patient dervish because the heart of the rich is stuck in his pocket while the heart of the dervish is stuck on Allah SubHanuhu wa Ta'ala. Prayers without repentance are not appropriate for Allah SubHanuhu wa Ta'ala has made repentance the preamble upon prayers. Imam Abu Hanifa Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu was once asked who is an intelligent and wise person. Imam Abu Hanifa Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu answered: That person who can differentiate between good and bad. Imam Ja‘afar Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu said that the ability exists in animals as well because they can distinguish between those that hit it and those that feed it. Imam Abu Hanifa Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu requested to be told who it is. Imam Ja'afar Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu said: A wise and intelligent person is he who can distinguish between 2 good and 2 bad so that he may choose the better from the 2 good or 2 bad. One sin is one too many and one thousand good is one thousand too few. Besides the fervor of Sufism there is no other road to follow the Qur'an and Sunnah. The poverty of the 'Ulema is by choice while that of the ignorant is forced or uncontrolled. A mans fortunes are also in his enemy being clever. A boastful worshipper is a sinner and a sinner is he who finds every possible excuse not to worship. It is happiness for him who, though he sees a pleasurable thing yet he does not desire it with his heart. Our religion is completely respected. That person who does not consider this will be very disappointed. A very great Zahid (One who remembers Allah SubHanuhu wa Ta'ala excessively) is he who withdraws from the people. Although there is excellence in congregation there is safety in seclusion. Complete satisfaction of the stomach and starving are both hindrances of worship. To openly display your animosity is better than to hypocritically agree. In difficult times the search for rest and peace enhances that difficulty.