ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Tuhaf Al-uqul ( the Masterpieces of the Mind ) Maxims and Words of Wisdom of the Prophet The following is only a part of a long narrative and many questions that a monk, named Shimon bin Lawi bin Yahuda, had asked the Prophet (peace be upon him and his family) who answered all the question in spite of their too numerous number. On that account, the monk believed and gave full credit to the Prophet (peace be upon him and his family).

We, here, refer to some of these questions. The monk asked: Tell me about the intellect. What and how is it, and what originates and what does not originate form it? Describe all of its parts in detail. The Prophet (peace be upon him and his family) said: The intellect is a barrier against ignorance. The soul is the like of the most malicious animal. It will surely be confused if it is not controlled. The intellect is a barrier against ignorance.

When God created the intellect, He said to him: "Approach (by Me)." The intellect approached. God said: "Go away." The intellect went away. Then, God the Blessed the Elevated said: "By My glory and loftiness I swear, I have never created anything that is greater and more obedient than you are. By you, I will begin and repeat. The reward will be for you and the punishment will fall on you." Clemency was ramified from the intellect. Knowledge was ramified from clemency.

Reason was ramified from knowledge. Chastity was ramified from reason. Self-respect was ramified from chastity. Pudency was ramified from self-respect. Sedateness was ramified from pudency. Persistence in goodwill was ramified from sedateness. Antipathy for evil was ramified from persistence in goodwill. Listening to the advice was ramified from the antipathy for evil. These were ten categories of good. Each of them has ten types.

The branches of clemency that the intellect originates are taking in the favor, associating with the pious ones, rising from humility and meanness, stimulating the good, approaching to the noble ranks, pardon, respite, good turn, and silence.

The branches of knowledge are richness despite poverty, generosity despite niggardliness, dignity despite weakness, safety despite illness, closeness despite distance, shyness despite boasting, elevation despite humility, honor despite lowliness, wisdom, and high rank. These are the branches of knowledge that the intellect originates. Blessed are those who possess minds and knowledge.