Hadith
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