As for those who reject me...

As for those who reject me, then I will be patient and steadfast, until Allah rules on the rights between me and this group. And He is the best Ruler.’ This is my testament to you, oh my brother. Surely affirmation and success is only from Allah. I rely upon Him and to Him is our return. Peace be upon you and upon all who follow guidance.

And among his speeches is this one, reported by ‘Ali ibn Eisa Erbily Imam Husayn peace be upon him, composed and delivered this speech: Oh people, vie amongst yourselves to achieve the most commendable traits and noble character. Move quickly to achieve those results which have spiritual value. Don’t count on any good works which you do not hasten to complete. Earn praise and commendation through the successful completion of your deeds.

Don’t earn criticism and censure by being lazy and lethargic. Know this: In some situations one person may do good toward another, and that person shows him no gratitude so he thinks he has no thanks. But Allah Himself is the reward. Allah’s generosity is greater and more abundant and his payment is the greatest. [^3] And Know this: The requests that people ask of you are actually blessings for you from Allah.

Thus, don’t face these blessings with lassitude and apathy, lest these blessings be transformed into reprisals and negative consequences.[^4] Be aware that all good works bear praise and commendation and bring with them a good reward. If you could see good deeds take human form before your eyes, you would find goodness to be like a lovely person with a beautiful face, pleasing to look act. Whoever looks upon that beautiful person would find joy and bliss.

If you could see bad and unscrupulous actions embodied in human form, you would see an ugly, revolting person who is repulsive to the heart. All eyes would turn away from it. Oh people: The person who is generous becomes a grand, lofty person; the person who is stingy debases himself. The most generous person is the one who gives to someone from whom he has no hope of repayment or reward. The most forgiving person is the one who forgives when in a position of power and strength.

The most affable person is the one who makes up with those have broken off relations with him. A tree depends on its roots, and grows through sending out branches and fruit. Anyone who hastens to extend benefit toward his brother, has built branches in a spiritual tree. Later, when he comes upon this tree, he will reap the good fruit of it.