A call came from God...

A call came from God, saying: Even if he keeps on prostrating so much until his neck is broken, I will not accept it unless he keeps his heart busy with what I like and give up what I dislike.”[^3] Long prostrations of Imam Sajjad, Imam Musa al-Kadhim, and other infallible Imams (peace be on them all) are well known to everyone. 17-21: One of the other features of the pious is endurance. In this connection, Imam Ali (AS) says: “In the day, they are patient, knowledgeable, virtuous, and pious.

The fear (of Allah) has made them thin like arrows. If any one looks at them, he thinks that they are sick, and he says that they have gone mad. In fact, great concern (fear) has made them mad.”[^4] Some scholars have said: “Endurance is to be certain on affairs and to be moderate at anger. It prevents man from becoming anxious.

Some of its signs are the lack of restlessness, not hastening for revenge and scolding, and not showing odd behaviors.”[^5] Allamah Naraghi has defined endurance as follows: “I have realized that endurance is tranquility to the soul which is not easily moved by anger in a way that no blameworthy act can affect it quickly.” Naraghi the Second says: “The opposite of anger is endurance, which is the self–confidence that is not easily moved by the power of anger, and that the hardships of life cannot make one easily anxious.”[^6] Then, Naraghi the First says: “Endurance is the best personal attainment after knowledge without which knowledge is of no benefit.” The pious have truly such a feature.

When they treat their parents, children, brothers and sisters, relatives, purchasers or sellers, people of knowledge or laymen, they have endurance and they avoid anger. Anger Anger is a deadly factor that sometimes leads to murder. Anger is said to be a temporary madness.

Imam Ali (AS) has said: “It is a kind of madness, for one, who gets angry, will then regret and if he does not regret, his madness shall get stronger.”[^7] Imam Baqir (AS) has been reported as saying: “Anger is a firebrand from Satan that is kindled inside man. When one of you gets angry, his eyes become red, his veins become swollen, and Satan enters into him.” ^8 It is for this reason that endurance and forbearance have been so much recommended.

The Messenger of Allah (SAW) has been reported as saying: “Seek exaltation with Allah!” He was asked: “What does that mean? The Holy Prophet (SAW) said: “Maintain relationship with one who has cut off relations with you.