Home Hadith Ego GOOD CHARACTER

Hadith

ENJOINING GOOD AND FORBIDDING EVIL FASTING STRUGGLE (JIHAD)
ADMINISTRATIVE POLICIES ADORNMENT ANONYMITY COMPLAINING OF DISTRESS DEBT DESIRE AND LONGING DIGNITY AND REPUTATION DISAGREEMENT DISCIPLINE DISSENSION EAGERNESS AND LONGING ERROR AND DEVIATION FAME AND RENOWN FLATTERY GOOD GOOD CHARACTER GOOD HEALTH AND THE HEALTHY GRIEF HOPES AND ASPIRATIONS INEPTNESS INSISTENCE INTIMACY JUBILATION LAPSES LAUGHTER LAZINESS AND THE LAZY LOFTINESS LOSS OF HOPE133 LUST MISERY MISTAKES MODESTY AND SHAME NOBLE TRAITS & DEEDS ONE WHO TURNS BACK AND THE ONE WHO MOVES FORWARD PEACE OF MIND PIETY PLEASURE AND DELIGHT POWER AND MIGHT REVEALING & REMOVING DISTRESS SECLUSION SEEKING ASSISTANCE SIGHT, OBSERVATION AND INSIGHT STATUS AND WORTH STRENGTHENING ONESELF STRUGGLING AGAINST THE SELF (JIHAD AN-NAFS) SUFFERING THE BELOVED THE CAUTIOUS THE DECEIVED THE DEVOTEE THE LOSER THE NEGLIGENT AND NEGLIGENCE THE OPPRESSED THE PAUPER AND POVERTY THE PERPLEXED THE SEEKER THE SOUL AND HOLDING IT TO ACCOUNT THE STRONG THE WRETCHED AND WRETCHEDNESS VAIN DESIRE WEAKNESS
ABANDONING FOR THE SAKE OF ALLAH BEING CUT OFF FROM ALLAH ESTABLISHING THE COMMAND OF ALLAH FLEEING TO ALLAH FORGETTING ALLAH GETTING CONNECTED TO ALLAH HOPE IN [THE MERCY OF] ALLAH AND [IN] OTHERS INTIMACY WITH ALLAH LENDING TO ALLAH PROXIMITY TO ALLAH PUTTING TRUST IN ALLAH RELYING ON ALLAH REMEMBRANCE [OF ALLAH] AND THE REMINDER REPENTANCE AND RETURNING [TO ALLAH] SEEKING PROTECTION FROM ALLAH SUBMISSION TO THE WILL OF ALLAH SUBMISSIVENESS AND HUMILITY IN FRONT OF ALLAH, THE MOST HIGH THE CLOSE FRIENDS AND LOVERS OF ALLAH THE FOE OF ALLAH THE ONE WHO IS FORSAKEN BY ALLAH34 THE RIGHTS OF ALLAH, THE MOST HIGH TRADE AND BUSINESS WITH ALLAH TURNING TOWARDS ALLAH
DYSLOGIA (THE INABILITY TO EXPRESS ONESELF EFFECTIVELY) ELOQUENCE IDLE TALK JOKING LOQUACIOUSNESS MUTENESS OPINIONS AND THE OPINIONATED52 TALEBEARING VAIN TALK
ADULTERY ANGER ANXIETY BACKBITING BEGGING AND ASKING PEOPLE BELITTLING OTHERS CONCEIT CORRUPTION COWARDICE DELUSION DEPRAVITIES DEPRIVATION AND FRUSTRATION DESERTION AND ABANDONMENT DIMWITTEDNESS AND THE DIMWIT DISDAIN DISPLEASURE DIVULGENCE [OF SECRETS] DOING WRONG TO OTHERS DOUBT AND MISGIVING ENMITY AND THE ENEMY EVIL AND THE WICKED EXTRAVAGANCE FABRICATING LIES FEARING OTHER THAN ALLAH FIVE BAD QUALITIES GREED AND THE GREEDY HARD-HEARTEDNESS HASTE AND THE HASTY HAUGHTINESS HOARDING AND HOARDERS IDLENESS IGNOMINY IMBECILITY INDOLENCE AND LASSITUDE INGRATITUDE INJUSTICE AND OPPRESSION JEALOUSY LETHARGY LOATHSOME ACTIONS AND TRAITS NARRATION AND TRANSMISSION OF INFORMATION NEGLECT OBSCENITY ONE WHO IS FED-UP PLOTS POLYTHEISM PRIDE AND BOASTING RAGE RANCOR AND PERFIDY REVENGE SCHADENFREUDE SCHEMING SHAMELESSNESS AND THE SHAMELESS AND IMPUDENCE SHOWING OFF SPILLING BLOOD SPITE AND MALICE AND SPITEFUI SUPPORTING FALSEHOOD SUSPICION THE ARROGANT ONE AND ARROGANCE THE DISBELIEVER AND DISBELIEF THE DISGRACE OF A MAN THE FALSIFIER THE FRUSTRATED THE HYPOCRITE AND HYPOCRISY THE IGNORANT AND THE FOOLISH AND IGNORANCE THE LIAR AND LYING THE MISER AND THE AVARICIOUS AND STINGINESS AND AVARICE THE SCHEMER AND PLOTTER THE STUBBORN AND STUBBORNNESS THE TYRANT THE UNJUST THE VILE AND VILENESS THEFT TO PUT [OTHERS] UNDER OBLIGATION TREACHERY and ANTIPATHY VICES AND THOSE WHO COMMIT THEM VIOLENCE WANTONNESS WICKEDNESS AND IMMORALITY
ABSTINENCE [FROM FOOD] ADMISSION AND CONFESSION OF ONES SINS ADMONITION AFFECTION AND FRIENDSHIP AFFLUENCE AND THE RICH AID AMICABLENESS APOLOGIZING AND OFFERING EXCUSES ASTUTENESS ATTENTION BEING CHEERFUL AND SMILING BEING INDEPENDENT OF OTHERS BEING PLEASED AND SATISFIED BEING SYSTEMATIC IN WORK CALMNESS AND SOLEMNITY CHASTITY CHIVALRY COMING TO THE AID OF THE AGGRIEVED COMPETITION CONSULTATION AND DELIBERATION CONTENTMENT AND THE CONTENTED COURAGE AND THE COURAGEOUS DELIBERATENESS AND ACTING UNHURRIEDLY DILIGENCE AND STRIVING EARLY RISING EMINENCE AND THE EMINENT ENDEAVOURS ESTABLISHING TIES AND RELATIONS FAITH AND THE BELLEVER FEAR FORGIVENESS AND PARDON FREEDOM AND THE FREE GENEROSITY GENTLENESS AND SOFTNESS GIVING AND WITHHOLDING CHARITY GLORY AND THE HONOURED ONE GOOD DEEDS GOOD ETIQUETTE GOOD TURNS AND BENEVOLENT ACTIONS GRANDEUR GRANTING REFUGE TO THE FEARFUL GRATITUDE AND THE GRATEFUL GROOMING HAPPINESS AND JOY HAPPINESS AND PUTTING JOY IN THE HEARTS HIGH REGARD HONOUR AND THE HONOURABLE HUMILITY HUNGER IRRESPONSIBILITY JUDICIOUSNESS AND THE JODICIOUS JUSTICE AND THE JUST LENIENCY AND GENTLENESS LISTENING AND THE LISTENER LOWERING THE GAZE MERCY AND COMPASSION MODERATION NOBLENESS AND MUNIFICENCE OBEDIENCE AND COMPLIANCE OBEYING COMMANDMENTS ONE WHO ACTS WITH DELIBERATENESS PATIENCE AND THE PATIENT PEACE AND RECONCILIATION PERFECTION PHYSICAL BEAUTY PLANNING PRECAUTION READINESS AND PREPARATION REMAINING PURE AND FREE FROM SIN REMORSE AND REGRET AND THE REMORSEFUL RENUNCIATION OF WORLDLY PLEASURES56 RESTRAINT RIGHTEOUSNESS AND THOSE WHO PREVENT IT SEEKING FORGIVENESS SEEKING JUSTICE SEEKING WHAT IS BEST SELF-SACRIFICE SENSE OF HONOUR AND POSSESSIVENESS SILENCE SINCERE ADVICE SINCERITY AND DEVOTION STEADFASTNESS STRIVING AND SEEKING SUPPLICATION AND THE SUPPLICANT SUPPORTING THE TRUTH SUPPRESSING ANGER TAKING LESSONS AND EXAMPLES TAKING THE INITIATIVE THE BEAUTIFUL AND BEAUTY THE BROTHER, THE FRIEND, THE ASSOCIATE AND THE COMPANION THE CAREFUL THE COMPASSIONATE THE DILIGENT AND THE HARDWORKING THE EQUITABLE AND EQUITY THE EXPERIENCED THE FELICITOUS AND FELICITY THE FORBEARING AND FORBEARANCE THE GENEROUS AND GENEROSITY THE GOD-WARY AND GODFEARING PEOPLE THE GOOD DOER THE INTELLIGENT THE INTERCESSOR AND INTERCEDER THE MARTYR THE MIDDLE COURSE THE NOBLE -MINDED AND MUNIFICENT THE ONE WHO PRESENTS AN ARGUMENT THE SAGACIOUS THE SCHOLAR THE TRUSTWORTHY AND TRUSTWORTHINESS THE TRUTHFUL AND TRUTHFULNESS THE WARNER TOLERANCE TURNING BACKWARD UNDERSTANDING VEHEMENCE32 VIRTUES AND VICES

Ego GOOD CHARACTER

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):
The worst of habits is lying.
Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim
Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):
The worst quality is treachery.
Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim
Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):
The best of attributes is kindness.
Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim
Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):
The best thing is [good] character.
Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim
Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):
One who does not affirm his past (i.e. the good character of his forefathers) with his present (i.e. his own good character), disgraces his predecessor and betrays his successor.
Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim
Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):
Bad character is the worst companion.
Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim
Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):
The best distinction is good character.
Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim
Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):
The most wicked characteristic is spite.
Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim
Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):
There is no companion like good character.
Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim
Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):
A bad character is one of the two torments.
Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim
Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):
A vice may debase [the one who commits it].
Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim
Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):
The most detestable of morals is treachery.
Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim
Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):
With good character, life becomes pleasant.
Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim
Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):
The best trait is [having a] good character.
Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim
Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):
Every malady has a cure except bad character.
Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim
Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):
Nothing gets constricted with good character.
Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim
Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):
The best of qualities is honourable ambition.
Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim
Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):
A refined character is one of the two blessings.
Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim
Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):
Noble traits are [acquired] through difficulties.
Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim
Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):
The worst qualities are dishonesty and hypocrisy.
Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim
Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):
Good character is proof of an honourable ancestry.
Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim
Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):
One whose character is good, his ways become easy.
Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim
Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):
The best [form of] faith is a beautiful character.
Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim
Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):
One whose character is bad torments his [own] soul.
Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim
Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):
The worst of morals is adorning oneself with vices.
Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim
Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):
The best of qualities is the most agreeable of them.
Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim
Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):
The most honourable distinction is [good] character.
Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim
Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):
Good character is one of the two bounties [of Allah].
Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim
Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):
There is no life for the one who has a bad character.
Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim
Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):
When the character is good, the speech becomes gentle.
Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim
Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):
A dispraised character is from the fruits of ignorance.
Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim
Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):
Good character is the cornerstone of all virtuous acts.
Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim
Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):
Bad character alienates the soul and removes amiability.
Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim
Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):
One who is of bad character lacks friends and associates.
Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim
Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):
One who is rude by nature, his surroundings are deserted.
Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim
Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):
One who makes his character bad, torments his [own] soul.
Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim
Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):
One whose character is bad, his sustenance is restricted.
Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim
Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):
By [adopting] good character, sustenance becomes abundant.
Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim
Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):
One whose character is noble, his sustenance is increased.
Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim
Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):
The most beautiful qualities are forbearance and chastity.
Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim
Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):
Good character brings about adoration and strengthens love.
Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim
Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):
The best eminence is [in possessing] a beautiful character.
Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim
Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):
One whose qualities are good, his companionship is pleasant.
Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim
Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):
A praiseworthy character is one of the fruits of intelligence.
Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim
Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):
Bad character makes life bitter and is a torment for the soul.
Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim
Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):
The best character is the one that is furthest from obstinacy.
Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim
Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):
Bad character alienates the near one and repels the distant one.
Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim
Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):
The best of qualities are generosity, chastity and tranquillity.
Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim
Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):
A person’s distance from vice is [the source of his] magnanimity.
Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim
Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):
The best of morals are those which drive you towards noble deeds.
Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim
Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):
There is no good in the trait of arrogance, haughtiness and pride.
Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim
Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):
The most pleased of all people is one whose character is agreeable.
Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim
Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):
In good character, there are treasures of [blessings and] sustenance.
Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim
Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):
One whose character is bad, his [own] family becomes fed up with him.
Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim
Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):
One whose character is bad, his [own] family becomes fed up with him.
Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim
Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):
The purest of all people in lineage is the best of them in character.
Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim
Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):
There is no good in a character that is not adorned with forbearance.
Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim
Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):
Good character increases sustenance and makes companions feel at ease.
Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim
Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):
The best of all qualities is truthfulness in speech and noble actions.
Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim
Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):
There is no life more satisfying than [one lived with] good character.
Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim
Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):
Bad character is inauspicious and offending a benefactor is wickedness.
Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim
Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):
One who is of bad character is detested by his companion and associate.
Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim
Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):
Adopting a good character is the best [means of following the] religion.
Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim
Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):
The one who has a bad character is very impetuous and has a bitter life.
Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim
Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):
Good character is the best companion and self-conceit is a hidden ailment.
Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim
Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):
It is from bad character to be stingy and abusive in demanding your right.
Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim
Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):
One whose character is bad, his death is [considered a time of] happiness.
Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim
Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):
The adornment of [all] traits is being careful [in fulfilling] the sureties.
Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim
Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):
Good character is from the best allotment and the most virtuous of qualities.
Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim
Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):
One whose character is good, more people adore him and feel at ease with him.
Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim
Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):
You must adopt a good character for this will earn you adoration [of others].
Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim
Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):
One whose attributes are not good, his [methods and] ways will not be praised.
Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim
Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):
The attributes that lead to evil are lying, stinginess, injustice and ignorance.
Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim
Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):
There is no loneliness worse than [that which is brought about by] bad character.
Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim
Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):
Whoever does not make his character good, his companion will not benefit from him.
Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim
Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):
Be wary of jesting, playing, excessive joking, [excessive] laughing, and vain talks.
Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim
Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):
Verily your natural disposition invites you towards that which you are familiar with.
Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim
Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):
When there is an admirable quality in a man, then expect from him other such qualities.
Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim
Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):
Being close to the people in their morals [and habits] is a safeguard from their malice.
Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim
Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):
Choose for yourself the best from every character [trait], for indeed virtue is a habit.
Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim
Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):
The foundation of belief is [adopting a] good character and adorning oneself with the truth.
Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim
Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):
Two attributes never come together in the heart of a believer: bad character and miserliness.
Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim
Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):
The hidden aspects of [one’s] character are uncovered by [companionship and] social interaction.
Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim
Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):
Keep away from miserliness and hypocrisy, for these two are from the most reprehensible qualities.
Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim
Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):
Indeed these natural dispositions are different, and the best of them is the furthest of them from evil.
Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim
Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):
Opting for the truth and keeping away from untruth is the most beautiful quality and the best etiquette.
Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim
Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):
When you see in others a quality which is objectionable, then keep similar qualities away from yourself.
Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim
Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):
When you see in others a quality which is objectionable, then keep similar qualities away from yourself.
Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim
Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):
Good character is [an embellishment] for the soul and good appearance is [a beautification] for the body.
Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim
Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):
If you must compete with each other, then vie for [acquiring] desirable qualities and praiseworthy traits.
Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim
Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):
Be cautious of the bellows of arrogance, the dominance of zealotry and the bigotry of the age of ignorance.
Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim
Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):
Beware of a wicked heart, corruption of intention, embarking on vice and the deception of [false] aspiration.
Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim
Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):
Everything is possible except [changing and] transferring of natural dispositions [of character and personality].
Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim
Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):
Compete in acquiring [a] desirable character, great forbearance and lofty ideas, [and] your reward will become great.
Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim
Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):
When the Qur’an calls you towards [acquiring] a beautiful quality, then compel yourself to adopt [a quality] like it.
Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim
Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):
I had, in the past, a brother-in-faith and his view of the world as something insignificant made him great in my eyes. He was above being controlled by the needs of his appetency and thus he never craved for what he could not get nor would he ask for more of what he got. He was silent most of the time but when he spoke, he silenced the other speakers and quenched the thirst [for answers] of questioners. He was [apparently] weak and feeble but at the time of battle he was like the lion of the forest or the serpent of the valley. He would not put forth an argument unless it was decisive. He would not accuse anyone in an excusable matter until he had heard his excuse. He would not mention any suffering except after recovering from it. He would do as he says and not say that which he does not do [himself]. Even when (or if) he could be exceeded in speaking, he could not be excelled in silence. He was more eager to listen than he was to speak. When two things came before him, he would see which of the two was closer to vain desire and would oppose it. You should [all] adopt these qualities, thus acquire them and compete with each other in them. And if you cannot acquire them, you should know that acquiring a little is better than giving up plenty.
Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim
Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):
He (‘a) said about those whom he praised: When they speak, they are truthful and when they are silent, they are not surpassed. When they look, they take lesson and when they turn away, they are not distracted. When they talk, they remember [Allah] and when they are quiet, they contemplate.
Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim
Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):
Keep away from the worst of every character trait and struggle with yourself in keeping away from it, for indeed evil is obstinate.
Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim
Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):
Six things are used to gauge the character of men: [their behaviour in times of] happiness and anger, security and fear, deprivation and desire.
Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim
Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):
Verily it is from nobility of character to build ties with the one who cuts you off, to give one who deprives you and to forgive one who wrongs you.
Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim
Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):
The pinnacle of knowledge is distinguishing between character traits, manifesting the praiseworthy among them and suppressing the blameworthy among them.
Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim
Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):
Verily Allah, the Glorified and Exalted, loves the person who is approachable [and courteous], of tolerant disposition and prompt in getting things done.
Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim
Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):
Verily only the dispositions of the virtuous are dispositions that have the potential of supporting good, so whenever they are laden with it, they carry it.
Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim
Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):
Allah, the Glorified, does not give a servant anything from the good of this world or the Hereafter but because of his good character and his good intention.
Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim
Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):
He (‘a) said about the one whom he censured: If he falls sick he regrets having abandoned the work and if he is healthy, he feels secure and delays the work. When he is called to cultivate for this world, he works and when he is called to cultivate for the Hereafter, he is lazy. If he becomes wealthy, he turns arrogant and falls into vice and if he becomes poor, he despairs and becomes weak. If a favour is done to him, he is ungrateful and if he does a favour, he lengthens it and makes it seem like [a great favour and] an obligation. If an evil deed presents itself to him, he commits it with the excuse of seeking repentance [for it later] but when he decides to repent, he delays it and persists in sinning. If he experiences wellbeing, he assumes that he has repented. If he is distressed, he thinks [ill of Allah] and doubts [in Him]. If he falls ill he devotes himself and turns repentantly [to Allah] but if he regains his health, he forgets and returns [to his evil ways] and becomes emboldened in his injustice towards the servants [of Allah]. When he is secure, he is allured by the temptations of this world, so he forgets the Hereafter and is negligent of the Resurrection [on the Day of Judgment].
Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim
Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):
The most honourable quality of the noble one is his feigning inattention [and ignorance] about that which he is aware [regarding the negative traits of others].
Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim
Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):
You should be zealous for praiseworthy qualities like protecting the [rights of the] neighbour, fulfilling the sureties, obedience to virtue and opposition to arrogance; and beautify yourselves with excellent traits.
Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim
Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):
How detestable are the traits of the vile and how good are the qualities of the honourable!
Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim
Imam Ali (P.B.U.H):
How many a lowly person has been elevated by his good character!
Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim