Imam Ali’s Teachings on the Believer’s Character

Imam Ali (R.A) said: “The believer’s joy is on his face, and his sorrow is in his heart. He is the widest in his chest, and the humblest in his soul. He dislikes elevation and despises reputation. His grief is long, and his worry is distant. He is silent most of the time, and his time is busy. He is grateful and patient. He is absorbed in his thoughts, and miserly in his spending. He is easy in nature, gentle in demeanor. His soul is harder than steel, and he is humbler than a servant.” (Nahj al-Balagha, Vol. 4, p. 79)

This description reflects the characteristics of a believer who embodies humility and contentment, possessing inner and outer traits that reflect his strength in faith and submission to Allah.

Sheikh Hassan al-Basri’s Sayings on the Believer

• Sheikh Hassan al-Basri: “The believer follows, not innovates.” (Al-Ghunya li Talibi al-Haq, p. 4)
• Sheikh Hassan al-Basri (continued): “The believer is the wise, intelligent one, and the more Allah grants him kindness, the more his fear of Allah increases.” (The great Tabi’i Hassan al-Basri, p. 38)
• Sheikh Hassan al-Basri (final words): “The believer performs the best actions, and is the most fearful of Allah. Even if he spends gold equal to Mount Uhud in the way of Allah, he will not feel safe until he sees it, and will always say, ‘I am not safe, I am not safe.'” (Same source, p. 38-39)

Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq’s Teachings on the Believer

Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq (A.S) said: “There are four things in which a person is a believer: truthfulness, modesty, good character, and gratitude.” (Imam al-Sadiq: Knowledge and Belief, p. 135)

A believer possesses these qualities that make his behavior harmonious with the standards of Sharia, reflecting his faith in his heart.

Sheikh Ali Ibn Dawood al-Akki’s Teachings on Self-Examination

“The believer is an enemy to himself in all his states, actions, utterances, and thoughts.” (Al-Malamatiyyah, p. 111). This suggests that the believer constantly monitors himself, judging his actions even in the smallest of matters.

Imam Musa al-Kadhim’s Description of the Believer

“He has strength in his religion, determination in gentleness, faith in certainty, zeal in understanding, activity in guidance, integrity in uprightness, knowledge in patience, wisdom in kindness, generosity in truth, moderation in wealth, beauty in poverty, forgiveness in power, obedience to Allah in sincerity, abstinence in desires, piety in longing, zeal in struggle, prayer in occupation, and patience in adversity. In hardship, he is composed, and in ease, he is grateful. He does not backbite, does not boast, does not sever family ties, and is not rude, nor vengeful, nor arrogant. He does not let his sight or his belly betray him, nor does he allow his desires to overcome him. He does not envy others, does not mock, does not ridicule, does not steal, supports the oppressed, and shows mercy to the poor. His soul is in struggle, and people find peace through him.” (Excerpt from the biography of Imam al-Kadhim, p. 10-11)

Sheikh Ahmad ibn Asim al-Antaki’s Teachings on the Believer

“The believer: His solution is his Lord, his hatred is the world, his love is the Hereafter, his provision is his piety, and his gathering is his remembrance. He is the believer who has succeeded.” (Haqqaiq al-Tafseer, p. 888)

The believer here is defined by his heart’s direction towards Allah, and he seeks nothing but what pleases Allah.

Sheikh Dhul-Nun al-Misri’s Definition of the True Believer

“The true characteristic of the believer is: he removes comfort and puts effort into obedience.” (Same source, p. 1057)

Devotion in worship and obedience is the trait of the true believer, who finds comfort only in closeness to Allah.

Sheikh Abu Yazid al-Bistami’s View of the Believer

“The believer is the essence, wherever he may be, the East and the West lie before him, and he takes from wherever he wishes.” (Shatahat al-Sufiya, p. 144)

In the view of Sheikh Bistami, the believer is a spiritual essence, capable of absorbing divine lights everywhere.

Sheikh Sahl ibn Abdullah al-Tustari’s View on the Believer

“A face without a back, a warrior who does not retreat, you see him striving in the way of Allah and His obedience.” (Tafseer al-Quran al-Azim, p. 98)

He continues in his spiritual struggle and obedience without retreating from difficulties.

Sheikh Abu Bakr al-Kalabadhi’s Definition of the Believer

“The believer’s chest is filled with the light of Islam, his heart is turned towards his Lord, and his soul witnesses Allah’s presence.” (Al-Taaruf li Madhhab Ahl al-Tasawwuf, p. 82)

The believer is open-hearted and always turns to Allah in every moment of his life.

Sheikh Abu Abd al-Rahman al-Sulami’s View of the Believer

“The believer is like the earth, bearing harm and growing pasture.” (Haqqaiq al-Tafseer, p. 278)

The believer bears hardships in life as the earth bears harm and produces goodness.

Finally, the Great Qutb Abdul Qadir al-Jilani’s Description of the Believer

“The believer: He hides his sorrow with his joy, his outward actions move in earning, while his inward is still with his Lord.” (Al-Fath al-Rabbani wa al-Faydh al-Rahmani, p. 38)

The believer shows joy to everyone while hiding his sorrow in his heart, sincerely performing his deeds for Allah.

Sheikh Ibn Ata Allah al-Sakandari’s Final Thought on the Believer

“The believer: His praise of Allah keeps him too busy to thank himself.” (Taj al-Arous al-Hawi li Tahdhib al-Nufus, p. 31)

The believer remains preoccupied with praising Allah, keeping him from focusing on himself.