Library Ethics Greater Sins Chapter 6 Disregard of Allah ’s punishment The Perfect Example
The Perfect Example
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The Perfect Example
One look at the life of Amir ul-Mu’minÄ«n ‘Ali (a.s.) will make the best of us hang our heads in shame. We would appear to be the most despicable and wretched creatures, when judged in the light of his excellence.
The Holy Prophet (S) says:
“A stroke of ‘Ali (a.s.) on the day of Khandaq (battle of AhzÄb) is superior to the total worship of men and jinns.”
(BihÄr al-AnwÄr)
‘Ali (a.s.), inspite of his exalted position, is all humility when he addresses his Lord. Not an iota of significance does he attach to his outstanding achievements. They are all a Mercy from his Creator. In himself, he sees only shortcomings, faults and weaknesses for which he weeps and prays till he becomes unconscious. Abu Darda relates that I heard ‘Ali (a.s.) reciting in a disconsolate voice: “O my Lord, there is no doubt that I have spent a good part of my life in Your disobedience[3].
Still I do not hope for forgiveness from anyone but You. Nor do I intend to please anyone except You. O my real Master when I think of Your Mercy, the weight of my sins begins to feel light. But when I remember Your severity, the load of the difficulties crush me.”
Abu Darda says, ‘When there was a silence after this, I moved forward and saw that ‘Ali (a.s.) had fallen unconscious. When I shook his arm, it seemed lifeless. I thought that my master ‘Ali (a.s.) has passed away.’
Similarly Zorara says, ‘Once I saw ‘Ali (a.s.) in the last part of a dark night. He was holding his beard and pleading in a sorrowful voice: ‘O! The provisions for the journey are less and the distance vast. The way is horrifying and the path dangerous.’
‘Ali (a.s.) says in Du’a Kumail:
“O Allah the trials have increased and my condition has deteriorated and my good deeds are very few.”
