Hawzah News Agency | In one of the wise sayings found in Nahj al-Balagha, the Commander of the Faithful, Imam Ali, peace be upon him, states:
«مَنْ لَانَ عُودُهُ کَثُفَتْ أَغْصَانُهُ.»
“He whose existence has a soft stalk (He whose character is gentle), his branches shall be abundant.” (Wisdom no. 214)
Explanation:
The words of Imam Ali, peace be upon him, echo the divine message of God in the Holy Quran:
«فَبِمَا رَحْمَةٍ مِنَ اللَّهِ لِنْتَ لَهُمْ وَلَوْ کُنْتَ فَظًّا غَلِیظَ الْقَلْبِ لَانْفَضُّوا مِنْ حَوْلِکَ.»
It is by Allah’s mercy that you are gentle to them; had you been harsh and hardhearted, they would have surely scattered from around you. (Al-Imran; 3:159)
In another wisdom of Nahj al-Balaghah, it is stated:
«قُلُوبُ الرِّجَالِ وَحْشِیَّةٌ، فَمَنْ تَأَلَّفَهَا أَقْبَلَتْ عَلَیْه»
“The hearts of people are fickle and prone to turning away and inclined toward those who show them kindness and warmth (and who, through companionship, goodness, and friendship, win their hearts).” (Wisdom no. 50)
There are numerous other verses and traditions which point to this fundamental human nature: that the human spirit is inherently attuned to softness and good-naturedness, becoming captivated by them. Conversely, it is bad character and harsh temperament that drive others away.
It is for this very reason that the Commander of the Faithful, Imam Ali, peace be upon him, likens the person of good character to one whose existence—nourished by moral excellence—has blossomed so beautifully that others are drawn to them like branches to a trunk, both seeking and offering nourishment. As also the Holy Prophet, peace be upon him and his family, says:
«خِیَارُکُمْ أَحَاسِنُکُمْ أَخْلاَقاً اَلَّذِینَ یَأْلِفُونَ وَ یُؤْلَفُونَ.»
“The best among you are those with the best character—those who befriend others and are befriended by them.” (Tuhaf-al-oghul, v. 1, p. 45)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The International Service of "Hawzah News Agency"
Your Comment