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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Taqwa (Piety) Advice of The Hammam Sermon; The Pious in the Viewpoint of Imam Ali (AS) ================================================================== Perhaps many people wish to know who the pious are, what their features or signs are, how they have lived in this world, what their states in the hereafter shall be, how they look at the world, what the worth of the hereafter is to them, how they pass their nights, what they do during days, how their lives are different from others’, and what characteristics they have that make them distinct from others.
It is related that a companion of Ameerul Mo’minin called Hammam, who was devoted to worship, said: “O Ameerul Mo’minin, describe to me the pious in a way as if I see them.” Ameerul Mo’minin avoided the reply and said: “O Hammam, fear Allah and perform good acts because “verily, Allah is with those who guard (themselves against evil), and those who do good (to others)” ”.[^1] Hammam was not satisfied with this saying, but he (Imam Ali) (a.s.), after praising Allah and praying for the Prophet (a.s.), kept on saying: “Now then, Allah, be Glorified and Exalted He, created the creation; He created them without any need for their obedience or to be safe from their sinning, because the sin of any one who sins does not harm Him nor does the obedience of anyone who obeys Him benefit Him.
He has distributed among them their livelihood, and has assigned them their positions in the world.”[^2] Then, Imam Ali (AS) elaborated the features of the pious and said: “Thus, the pious have special virtues. Their speech is to the point and just to please Allah, their clothing is moderate and their gait is humble.” It is not out of place to discuss briefly the two features of moderation and humbleness. One of the outstanding features of a perfect man is moderation.
How good it would be if moderation were observed in all affairs even in worship. In this relation, Luqman says: “And pursue the right course in your going about and lower your voice; surely the most hateful voices is braying of asses.” [^3] Imam Ali (AS) has been reported as having said to Imam Hasan (a.s.) at his deathbed: “O my son! Be moderate in your livelihood and in worship.