ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Biography of Imam `alĪ Ibn AbĪ-tĀlib Habits and Temperament Amir al-Mu’minin had a smiling face, was good-natured and a paragon of sincerity. He was kind to the poor and always took care of the orphans. He was an exact replica of the manners and character of the Prophet (a.s). He met the elite and the ordinary persons with the same affability. He used to treat the slaves with the same consideration as he would treat his own relatives.

To servants he always gave help in sharing their heavy burdens. He hated self-praise. He lived a very simple and frugal life. Like the ordinary folk, he ate simple food and wore inexpensive clothes. Most of the chores he preferred to perform with his own hands. He used to repair his own footwear, stitch his torn cloaks and always went to the bazaar to buy the grocery. He used to work as a farm laborer. He used to excavate ponds with his own hands, plant trees and water them.

Instead of amassing wealth, he preferred to distribute it to the poor and impecunious. He did not like distinction based on color and descent. He used to treat the guests with great honor. He never sent back any needy person empty handed. He never let the feelings of hate; rancor and revenge come near him. He exercised forbearance and forgiveness to a surprising extent. He was strict in the matter of Faith and always fulfilled the requirements of justice and fairplay.

He used to tread on the path of truth and fairness and never was partial to anyone in these matters. He never used methods of stealth and cunning even with his sworn enemies. He spent the nights in prayer and supplication. After the Morning Prayers he used to give instruction to people in matters of the Qur’an and Fiqh (Muslim jurisprudence). With the fear of Allah, he used to shiver. He used to cry so much while supplicating to Allah that his beard used to get wet with the tears.

Once Dirar ibn Samarah al-Dhuba’i visited the court of Mu`awiyah. Mu`awiyah asked him to tell something about `Ali (a.s) because he had the privilege of spending lot of time with him. In the beginning Dirar was reluctant, but on insistence of Mu`awiyah he said: By Allah! His aims were high and physique strong! He always talked with determination and acted with justice and fairness. The streams of learning used to flow from him and his words were like songs of erudition and wisdom.

He was not attracted to the false glitter of the world.