Jesus, Peace be upon him, said: My hands ‘are my servant and...

Jesus, Peace be upon him, said: My hands ‘are my servant and my feet are my mount; the earth is my bed, a stone my pillow; my blanket in the winter is the east of the earth and my lamp in the night is the moon; my stew is hunger and my motto is fear; my garment is wool and my fruit and my basil what grows from the earth for wild beasts and cattle. I sleep while I have nothing and I rise while I have nothing, and yet there is no one on earth wealthier than I. (12) Seeking God’s Pleasure 61.

And Jesus (‘a) used to say: O apostles, love God through hatred of the ‘disobedient, and approach God by distancing [yourselves] from them, and seek pleasure by their displeasure. (13) The criterion of Mutual Relations 62. It is reported that Imam Sadiq, Peace be upon him, said: Jesus the son of Mary, Peace be upon them, said to some of his companions: ‘Do not do to others what you do not like others to do to you, and if someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him your left cheek too.

(14) Others’ Opinion of Oneself 63. The Messenger of God (s) said: Jesus the son of Mary (‘a) said to John the son of Zachariah, ‘If something is said of you which is true, then know that it was a sin that you had committed, so ask God’s forgiveness for it, and if something is said of you which is not true, then know that a good deed will be recorded for you for this, for which you did not have to labour. (15) On Having a Good Opinion of God 64.

Al-Sayyid ibn Tawus, may God have mercy on him, said: I read in the Gospel that Jesus (‘a) said: ‘Who among you gives his son a stone when he asks for bread? Or who hands out a snake when asked for a cloak? If despite the fact that your evil is well-known you give good gifts to your sons, then it is more fitting that your Lord should give good things to one who asks . (16) Inner Chastity 65.

Jesus (‘a) said: Y ou heard what was said to the people of yore, ‘Do not commit adultery,’ but I tell you, he who looks at a woman and desires her has committed adultery in his heart. If your right eye betrays you, then take it out and cast it away, for it is better for you that you destroy one of your organs than cast your entire body into the fire of hell.

And if your right-hand causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it away, for it is better for you to destroy one of your organs than that your entire body should go to hell. (17) NOTES: ______________________________ 1. Bihar al-Anwar . 14, 329. 2. Bihar al-Anwar . 14, 319. 3. Al-Kafi , 2, 640. 4.