Faith
142 sayings · page 1 of 4
The believer possesses strength in his religion, prudence in his leniency, faith in conviction, an avid desire for religious understanding, activity in [matters pertaining to] guidance and prayer during times of preoccupation.
al-Kafi, v. 2, p. 231, no. 4; Mizan ul Hikmah, page No. 300 link
The believer is he whose earnings are pure, whose character is beautiful, whose conscience is clean, who gives away whatever is surplus from his wealth, and guards whatever is surplus from his speech.
al-Kafi, v. 2, p. 235, no. 18; Mizan ul Hikmah, page No. 300 link
Imam Ali ibn Musa al-Rida [a] said
The believer is not a believer until he possesses three qualities: a practice [characteristic] of his Lord, a practice of his Prophet (SAWA), and a practice of his guardian (AS). As for the practice of his Lord, it is to conceal secrets; the practice of his Prophet (SAWA) is amicableness towards people; and the practice of his guardian (AS) is patience in both times of ease and difficulty.
Tuhaf al-`Uqoul, no. 442; Mizan ul Hikmah, page No. 300 link
The believer is harder than a mountain, for the mountain is dispensable whereas nothing can separate the believer from his religion.
al-Kafi, v. 2, p. 241, no. 37; Mizan ul Hikmah, page No. 301 link
Verily the believer is stronger than pieces of iron, for when a piece of iron enters the fire it changes, whereas the believer, were he to be killed then resurrected and then killed again, his heart would never change.
Bihar al-Anwar, v. 67, p. 303, no. 34; Mizan ul Hikmah, page No. 301 link
The believer is he whom all things fear, and that is because he is empowered by the religion of Allah, and does not fear anything. This is the sign of every believer.
Bihar al-Anwar, v. 67 p. 305, no. 36; Mizan ul Hikmah, page No. 301 link
Everything is in awe of the believer including the reptiles and predators of the earth and the birds in the sky.
Bihar al-Anwar, v. 67 p. 71, no. 33; Mizan ul Hikmah, page No. 301 link
Imam Amir-ul-Mu'mineen Ali [a] said
He has not kept His earth free of a knowledgeable man whom all of creation need, who is well-versed with the means of salvation. Such [people] are very few in number, and Allah has expounded this among the communities of the prophets, and made them the example for those to come after them, when He said concerning the people of Noah: "And none believed with him except a few"
Nur al-Thaqalayn, v. 2, p. 358, no. 90; Mizan ul Hikmah, page No. 302 link
The believing woman is scarcer than the believing man, and the believing man is scarcer than red sulphur, and who from among you has ever seen red sulphur?!
al-Kafi, v. 2, p. 242, no. 1; Mizan ul Hikmah, page No. 302 link
The signs of a believer are five: piety [even] when in seclusion, giving charity in spite of lack, patience in the face of calamity, clemency when angered, and truthfulness in spite of fear.
Bihar al-Anwar, v. 67, p. 293, no. 15; Mizan ul Hikmah, page No. 302 link
Im?m Ja'far ibn Muhammad al-S?diq (a.s.) when he was asked, 'How does a believer know that he is indeed a believer?', replied, 'Through submission to Allah and satisfaction with whatever joy or [source of] annoyance comes his way.'
Bihar al-Anwar, v. 72, p. 336, no. 24; Mizan ul Hikmah, page No. 302 link
Imam Amir-ul-Mu'mineen Ali [a] said
The best of believers is the one who is best at dedicating himself, his family and his wealth [for Allah].
Sharhe Nahj al-Balagha by Abi al-Hadid, v. 18, p. 41; Mizan ul Hikmah, page No. 303 link
Imam Amir-ul-Mu'mineen Ali [a] said
The best of believers in terms of faith is he whose giving and withholding, and whose displeasure and pleasure are solely for Allah.
Ghurar al-Hikam, no. 3278; Mizan ul Hikmah, page No. 303 link
Abi Basir narrated that Imam Sadiq (a.s) said: "Concealing faith is a part of Allah's religion." He was asked: "Is it a part of Allah's religion?" He replied: "Yes, I swear by Allah that when Joseph said: "Behold! Ye are thieves, without doubt!" [The Holy Quran: Yusuf 12:70], they had not really stolen anything. And also when Abraham said he was ill and would not attend the party, "I am indeed sick (at heart)!" [The Holy Quran: Saffat 37:89], by Allah he was not ill." Translators' note: Yusuf had put the Kings drinking-cup in his brother's saddlebag, as the only possible means of keeping his brother. See verses 55 through the end of chapter Yusuf of the Holy Quran for more details. Also in verses 83 through 96 of the chapter Saffat of the Holy Quran we read that Abraham said he feels sick, and they left him. He then turned to their gods, and attacked them in order to fight idol-worshipping
Mishkat ul-Anwar, Section 1 on Faith, Islam & Related Issues, Chapter 11 On Concealing Faith, Hadees 190 link
"Concealing faith is necessary in all issues."
Mishkat ul-Anwar, Section 1 on Faith, Islam & Related Issues, Chapter 11 On Concealing Faith, Hadees 191 link
"As the time of the appearance of Imam Mehdi (a.s) approaches, practicing concealing of faith becomes more difficult."
Mishkat ul-Anwar, Section 1 on Faith, Islam & Related Issues, Chapter 11 On Concealing Faith, Hadees 192 link
"Allah will make whoever divulges our secrets- the Household of the Prophet- feel the blazing Fire of Hell."
Mishkat ul-Anwar, Section 1 on Faith, Islam & Related Issues, Chapter 11 On Concealing Faith, Hadees 193 link
In Elal al-Sharayeh it is narrated that Davood al-Raq'qi narrated that the Shiites came to Imam Sadiq (a.s) to ask about wearing black suits. He said that he saw the Imam (a.s) was sitting and had put on a black robe, hat and shoes. The Imam (a.s) even opened a part of his shoe lining and said that it was also black. However he said: "Cleanse your souls, and wear whatever you wish."
Mishkat ul-Anwar, Section 1 on Faith, Islam & Related Issues, Chapter 11 On Concealing Faith, Hadees 194 link
The Prophet (a.s) was asked whose faith is superior to other people's faith. He replied: "The one who is more generous."
Mishkat ul-Anwar, Section 1 on Faith, Islam & Related Issues, Chapter 10 on on Faith and Islam, Hadees 169 link
In Rauzat al-Vaezeen it is narrated that the Prophet of Allah (a.s) said: "A believer's house is simple, his food is little, his hair is not styled, his clothes are simple, but he is humble and does not exchange his health with anything."
Mishkat ul-Anwar, Section 1 on Faith, Islam & Related Issues, Chapter 10 on on Faith and Islam, Hadees 170 link
Imam Ali ibn Musa al-Rida [a] said
Imam Reza (a.s) quoted the Prophet of Allah (a.s) on the authority of his father (a.s) on the authority of his grandfather (a.s): : "Faith has seventy gates and a few more. The biggest one is witnessing that there is only one Allah, and there are no partners for Him, and the smallest one is cleaning up the walkways."
Mishkat ul-Anwar, Section 1 on Faith, Islam & Related Issues, Chapter 10 on on Faith and Islam, Hadees 171 link
"Subduing one's anger during times when the enemies are in power is considered to be a form of concealing faith. It protects the one who conceals his faith, and keeps him safe from trouble in life."
Mishkat ul-Anwar, Section 1 on Faith, Islam & Related Issues, Chapter 11 on Concealing Faith, Hadees 180 link
In Al-Mahasin it is narrated that Muala ibn Khunays narrated that Imam Sadiq (a.s) told him "O' Muala! Conceal our secrets, and do not divulge them since Allah will honor those who conceal our secrets in this world, and will provide him with a guiding light directing him to Heaven in the Hereafter. O' Muala! Allah will abase whoever divulges our secrets in this world, and will darken his path in the Hereafter leading him to Hell. O' Muala! Concealing faith is a part of my religion, and the religion of my forefathers. Whoever does not practice it, is not religious. Allah likes to be worshipped in secret the same way that He likes to be worshipped publicly. O' Muala! Whoever divulges our secrets is like one who denies them."
Mishkat ul-Anwar, Section 1 on Faith, Islam & Related Issues, Chapter 11 on Concealing Faith, Hadees 172 link
"Whoever divulges our secrets is like one who has deliberately killed us, not by mistake."
Mishkat ul-Anwar, Section 1 on Faith, Islam & Related Issues, Chapter 11 on Concealing Faith, Hadees 173 link
Bashir narrated that Imam Sadiq (a.s) reported on the authority of his father (a.s): "I swear by Allah that there is nothing on the Earth dearer to me than concealing faith, my darling. Allah will raise the status of whomever practices concealing faith, and Allah will abase whoever does not. O' my darling son! The people are in peace. If the decree to the holy Jihad is issued by the Imam (a.s), then the followers do not have to conceal their faith anymore."
Mishkat ul-Anwar, Section 1 on Faith, Islam & Related Issues, Chapter 11 on Concealing Faith, Hadees 174 link
Regarding Allah's statement: "Twice will they be given their reward, for that they have persevered, that they avert evil with good" [The Holy Quran: Qasas 28:54], Imam Sadiq (a.s) commented: "This means by their perseverance in concealing faith they will receive a double reward. And here good means concealing faith and evil means divulging our secrets."
Mishkat ul-Anwar, Section 1 on Faith, Islam & Related Issues, Chapter 11 on Concealing Faith, Hadees 175 link
Abi Basir said that he once asked Imam Sadiq (a.s) "Why do you not inform us about secrets in the same way that (Imam) Ali (a.s) informed his companions?" Imam Sadiq (a.s) replied: "By Allah you are right. But can you tell me of even one case when I told you a tradition about something and you kept it as a secret?" Then Abi Basir said: "By Allah I cannot even remember one tradition which I kept a secret."
Mishkat ul-Anwar, Section 1 on Faith, Islam & Related Issues, Chapter 11 on Concealing Faith, Hadees 176 link
"Concealing faith is for times when it is necessary to do so, and the person who conceals his faith knows best when to do it."
Mishkat ul-Anwar, Section 1 on Faith, Islam & Related Issues, Chapter 11 on Concealing Faith, Hadees 177 link
"Concealing faith is for protecting lives and preventing bloodshed. There is no reason to conceal faith if there is bloodshed."
Mishkat ul-Anwar, Section 1 on Faith, Islam & Related Issues, Chapter 11 on Concealing Faith, Hadees 178 link
Abi Basir said that once he asked Imam Sadiq (a.s) about traditions. Then Imam Sadiq (a.s) asked him if he had kept any of the ones he had been told a secret so that he could be told new ones. When Imam Sadiq (a.s) noticed that Abi Basir was upset he said: : "Do not worry about the ones that you told your friends. Divulging traditions means telling them to people other than your companions."
Mishkat ul-Anwar, Section 1 on Faith, Islam & Related Issues, Chapter 11 on Concealing Faith, Hadees 179 link
Ibn Miskan said that Imam Sadiq (a.s) told him "I think if someone insults Imam Ali (a.s) in front of you, you will chop off his nose if you can." Ibn Miskan replied: "May I be your devoted servant! Yes, my family and I are all this way." Imam Sadiq (a.s) said: "Do not do this. I swear by Allah that there were many occasions when I heard someone insult Imam Ali (a.s) while there was only a small pillar between the man who insulted Imam Ali (a.s) and me. I hid behind that pillar and when I finished my prayer I walked by, greeted him and shook hands with him."
Mishkat ul-Anwar, Section 1 on Faith, Islam & Related Issues, Chapter 11 on Concealing Faith, Hadees 181 link
Imam Sadiq (a.s) said the following regarding Allah's statement "And slew the Prophets in defiance of right" [The Holy Quran: Al-i-Imran 3:112], "I swear by Allah that they did not kill them with their swords, but caused them to be killed by divulging their secrets."
Mishkat ul-Anwar, Section 1 on Faith, Islam & Related Issues, Chapter 11 on Concealing Faith, Hadees 182 link
In Sifat ul-Shi'ia it is narrated that Imam Sadiq (a.s) said "Whoever does not believe in the practice of concealing faith is not a follower (or Shiite) of Imam Ali (a.s)."
Mishkat ul-Anwar, Section 1 on Faith, Islam & Related Issues, Chapter 11 on Concealing Faith, Hadees 183 link
In Taqieh Lil-Ayashi it is narrated that Imam Sadiq (a.s) said "Whoever does not believe in the practice of concealing faith is not religious. And indeed the practice of concealing faith is more extensive than whatever exists between the Heavens and the Earth."
Mishkat ul-Anwar, Section 1 on Faith, Islam & Related Issues, Chapter 11 on Concealing Faith, Hadees 184 link
"Whoever believes in Allah and the Resurrection Day and lives under an unjust government will only talk in order to conceal his faith."
Mishkat ul-Anwar, Section 1 on Faith, Islam & Related Issues, Chapter 11 on Concealing Faith, Hadees 185 link
Allah admonished a tribe for not concealing faith and said: "When there comes to them some matter touching (public) safety or fear, they divulge it." [The Holy Quran: Nisaa 4:83]
Mishkat ul-Anwar, Section 1 on Faith, Islam & Related Issues, Chapter 11 on Concealing Faith, Hadees 186 link
There is no good in one who does not believe in the practice of concealing faith. And one who does not practice concealing faith does not have faith
Mishkat ul-Anwar, Section 1 on Faith, Islam & Related Issues, Chapter 11 on Concealing Faith, Hadees 187 link
Imam Ali ibn Musa al-Rida [a] said
One who is not pious is not religious, and one who does not practice concealing faith does not have faith. The dearest one from among you near Allah is the one who practices concealing of faith the most." Then the people asked the Prophet's descendent (a.s): "Until when should we continue to practice concealing of faith?" He replied: "Until a predetermined day, the day on which our Riser will rise. Whoever abandons concealing of faith before that day does not belong to our nation.
Mishkat ul-Anwar, Section 1 on Faith, Islam & Related Issues, Chapter 11 on Concealing Faith, Hadees 188 link
In Al-Mahasin it is narrated that Imam Sadiq (a.s) said that his father used to always tell him "Nothing is more pleasing for your father than concealing faith. Indeed concealing faith is a believer's armor."
Mishkat ul-Anwar, Section 1 on Faith, Islam & Related Issues, Chapter 11 on Concealing Faith, Hadees 189 link
I am not worried about my people (concerning anything), save weak faith.
Nahj al Fasahah; Tradition No. 946; Page No. 134 link
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