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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books the Life of Imām 'ali Bin Mūsā Al-ridā Chapter Xi INCLUSIVE WISE SAYINGS It is related from Imām al-Ridā, peace be on him, a group of outstanding wise sayings, manners, commandments, pieces of advice, and other than them from among that which profit men. They indicate that he was the greatest educator in Islamic world, and that he spared no effort to educate the Muslims and to bring them up with wise reason.

We will mention some wise sayings on his authority. The Excellence of Reason As for reason, it is the best favor which Allah has given to man and through which He distinguished him from grazing animals. Imām al-Ridā, peace be on him, spoke about reason in some of his traditions, which are as follows: A. He, peace be on him, said: Everyones friend is his reason; his enemy is his ignorance. [1] How wonderful this wise statement is!

That is because reason is the great friend of man; it protects him, safeguards him from the afflictions and misfortunes of this world. The great enemy of man is ignorance, which throws him into deep mazes of this world. B. Abū Hāshim al-Jafar narrated: [We were with al-Ridā, peace be on him. We discussed reason and he said:] O Abū` Hāshim, reason is a free gift from Allah, and politeness is acquisition. He who undertakes politeness has power over it.

He who undertakes reason increases (himself) through that nothing but ignorance. [2] [1] Usūl al-Kāfi, vol. 1, p. 11. Wasā'il al-Shi'a, vol. 1, p. 161. [2] Usūl al-Kāfi, vol. 1, p. 23. As for courtesy, it is an acquisitive matter. Man can acquire it. As for reason, it is a free gift from Allah, the Most High. Man cannot acquire it. C. Al-Hasan b.

al-Jahm reported: [Reason was mentioned in the presence of Abū al-Hasan al-Ridā, peace be on him, and he said:] (None) pays attention to the men of religion who have no reason. I (i.e. al-Hasan b. al-Jahm) said: May I be your ransom. In our opinion there is no harm upon the people who describes this affair. Do they have not reason? They are not from among those whom Allah addressed, he replied, Allah created reason and ordered it to come forward, and it came forward.

Then He ordered it to go back and it went back. Hence He said: By My might and majesty, I have not created anything better than you or more lovable to me than you. I punish (men) and reward (them) through you. [1] Allah did not create anything better than reason.