Chapter 9 - On Religiousness

God's Prophet (a.s) said that God the Almighty said: “Woe to anyone who insults My friends, since this is like fighting with Me. Does anyone think that one who fights Me can overcome Me or defeat Me? In fact I am the One who takes revenge for My friends.”

“God's Prophet (a.s) sent me to Yemen and told me: “O' Ali! Do not fight with anyone, and invite the people to God. If only one man is guided by God by the means of either you or me, it is better than whatever the sun has risen on or set on.”

Imam Sadiq (a.s) said: “It might be the case that you say something by which God establishes belief in someone else's heart, and forgives you both.”

Imam Sadiq (a.s) said the following regarding God's statement: “Then God saved him from (every) ill that they plotted (against him), but the brunt of the Penalty encompassed on all sides the people of Pharaoh.” [The Holy Quran: Mu-min 40:45] “They captured and killed the believer from amongst the people of Pharaoh, but God saved him from sedition in his religion.”

Imam Baqir (a.s) said: “Wealth is only one of the many ornaments in life. But physical and religious (spiritual) health are better than wealth.”

Imam Sadiq (a.s) said: “I was told that a rabbi said that woolen clothes are similar to the clothes of those who have experienced a calamity. What calamities are worse than religious calamities!”

“Yes.” The Imam (a.s) asked: “Where will you go?” Umar replied: “I will go to Ahwaz and Fars.” The Imam (a.s) asked: “Why are you going there?” Umar replied: “I will go there for trade to earn my daily bread.” The Imam (a.s) said: “Then whenever you cannot obtain what you are after from the material things in this world, remember the One who made our religion specifically for you, and did not grant it to others. Then it is best for you to calm yourself and not worry about what you did not obtain.”

Imam Ali (a.s) said: “Three things make a Muslim perfect: religious insight, ability to earn a living and patience during times of hardship.”

“Associating with religious people is the source of dignity in this life and the Hereafter.”

Imam Ali (a.s) said: “The best of you are those whom when seen remind the people of God.”