283) Speaking of the positive effect of the awareness of death...
283.Speaking of the positive effect of the awareness of death, Imam as-Sadiq, upon whom be peace, said on another occasion: “The awareness of death drives away from man's inner being all lust and illicit passion; severe the roots of negligence and lack of awareness; strengthens the hope of the heart for the fulfillment of God's promises; softens and makes tender his nature, shatters the signs and emblems of idolatry; quenches the fire of greed; and displays to him the pettiness and worthlessness of the world.
This is what is implied in the saying of the Most Noble Messenger: `An hour's reflection is worth more than a year's worship.' ( Bihar al-Anwar, Vol. III, p. 128) * * * * * Immersion in the affairs of this world does indeed place a veil of oblivion and neglect before the vision of man, it causes him to turn his back on lofty spiritual values, so that in the end he meets death empty-handed. One day, the Commander of the Faithful, `Ali, upon whom be peace, entered the market of…
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