Alī ibn Abī Ṭālib Quotes

If you overpower your enemy, then pardon him by way of thankfulness to Allah, for being able to subdue him.

A conceited and self-admiring person is disliked by others; charity and alms are the best remedy for ailments and calamities; one has to account in the next world for the deeds that he has done in this world.

The mind of a wise man is the safest custody of secrets; cheerfulness is the key to friendship; patience and forbearance will conceal many defects.

Submission to Allah's Will is the best companion; wisdom is the noblest heritage; theoretical and practical knowledge are the best signs of distinction; deep thinking will present the clearest picture of every problem.

Allah, the Exalted, gave the angels intellect without desires, He gave the animals desires without intellect, and He gave both to the sons of Adam. So a man whose intellect prevails over his desires is better than the angels, whilst a man whose desire prevails over his intellect is worse than the animals.

Recitation of the Qur'an without contemplation and thought is futile.

The one from among the Muslims who recites the Qur'an but in the end finds his way to hell, is considerd to be among those that have taken the word of Allah in jest.

When wisdom reaches the pinnacle of perfection, it will suppress the vicious instincts and injurious desires.

There are three signs of a knowledgeable person: knowledge, forbearance and silence.

An alert and learned man will take advice from any event.

Associating with the wise and the knowledgeable people adds to the prestige of a person.

There is no knowledge and science like pondering and thought; and there is no prosperity and advancement like knowledge and science.

Two things cause people to be destroyed: fear of poverty and seeking superiority through pride.

There are so many highly esteemed ones who became miserable and humiliated just because of their bad temper and morals; and humble people who have attained eminence and the highest honors because of good temper and morals.

The best companion and helper is admirable morals.