Sufi Quotes of Ali bin Abi Thalib in English and Arabic
Hello! Are you looking for an explanation of the Sufi quotes of Ali bin Abi Thalib in English and Arabic? If your answer is "Yes," congratulations! You are now reading the right article. So, make sure to read it until the end!
Biography of Ali bin Abi Thalib
Before I explain further about the Sufi quotes of Ali bin Abi Thalib in English and Arabic, I will first provide a brief biography of Ali bin Abi Thalib. I want you to understand this first so that you have a little insight into the great figure we are discussing in this article.
Ali bin Abi Thalib was the fourth son of Abu Thalib. In addition to being one of the great Companions, he was also one of the sons-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad.
Ali bin Abi Thalib was the fourth caliph in the history of Islamic governance, succeeding Uthman bin Affan. There are many important aspects of his life that I cannot cover in this article, as they are not directly related to the main topic of this discussion. What is certain is that he was one of the ideal Muslim figures who lived during the time of the Prophet Muhammad and was esteemed among the other Companions.
Muhammad Abdurrauf al-Munawi, in his book titled "Al-Kawâkib ad-Durriyyah fî Tarâjumi as-Sâdah ash-Shufiyyah," categorizes Ali bin Abi Thalib as one of the great Sufi figures of the first generation. He (Ali bin Abi Thalib) was a true and complete Muslim. His life was filled with worship and other good deeds. He led a life of asceticism.
Sufi Quotes of Ali bin Abi Thalib in English and Arabic
There are many Sufi quotes by Ali bin Abi Thalib. Of course, I cannot explain them all now. In this article, I will only discuss some of his Sufi quotes.
Some Sufi quotes of Ali bin Abi Thalib in English and Arabic that I am referring to are as follows:
Sufi Quote of Ali bin Abi Thalib on Deeds
Deeds are one of the aspects that Muslims must pay close attention to. If their deeds are good, they will be rewarded. But if their deeds are bad, they will face severe consequences.
In Islam, there are two possibilities concerning good deeds: they can either be accepted or rejected. In Sufism, there are many recommendations for Muslims to always strive to ensure that their good deeds are accepted by Allah. One of these recommendations is reflected in the following Sufi quote of Ali bin Abi Thalib:
[1]كُوْنُوْا لِقَبُوْلِ الْعَمَلِ أَشَدَّ اهْتِمَامًا مِنْكُمْ بِالْعَمَلِ , فَإِنَّهُ لَنْ يَقِلَّ عَمَلٌ مَعَ التَّقْوَى
Be someone who is very mindful of ensuring that your deeds are accepted by accompanying them with piety. Indeed, a deed accompanied by piety will not diminish in value.
In the above Sufi quote, Ali bin Abi Thalib advises Muslims to always strive to ensure that Allah accepts their good deeds. For example, giving charity is a good deed. Once they have given charity, they should continuously make efforts to ensure that Allah accepts it. One way to do this is by praying for Allah's acceptance. This is what is meant by being mindful of deeds with piety.
Sufi Quote of Ali bin Abi Thalib on the Essence of Goodness
Many people believe that having a lot of wealth, children, houses, and cars is goodness. Materially, this is true. But goodness in Islam, especially in Sufism, is not defined this way.
There are many explanations about the essence of goodness in Islam, particularly in Sufism. One of them is found in the following Sufi quote of Ali bin Abi Thalib:
[2]لَيْسَ الْخَيْرُ أَنْ يُكْثُرَ مَالُكَ وَوَلَدُكَ , بَلْ أَنْ يَكْثُرَ عِلْمُكَ وَيَعْظُمُ حِلْمُكَ
Goodness is not in having much wealth and many children. True goodness is having abundant knowledge and great generosity.
In the above Sufi quote, Ali bin Abi Thalib explains that true goodness is not in possessing many material things. Instead, the essence of goodness lies in having abundant knowledge that is used for good and in being generous. This is the concept of goodness in Islam, especially in Sufism.
Sufi Quote of Ali bin Abi Thalib on Tips for Being a Good Muslim
There are many explanations about how to become a good Muslim. One of them is found in the following Sufi quote of Ali bin Abi Thalib:
احْفَظُوْا عَنِّي : لَا يَرْجُو عَبْدٌ إِلَّا رَبَّهُ , وَلَا يَخَافُ إِلَّا ذَنْبَكُ , وَلَايَسْتَحِى جَاهِلٌ أَنْ يَسْأَلَ عَمَّا لَا يَعْلَمُ , وَلَا يَسْتَحِى عَالِمٌ إِذَا سُئِلَ عَمَّا لَا يَعْلَمُ أَنْ يَقُوْلَ : اللهُ تَعَالَى أَعْلَمُ[3]
Remember my advice: "A servant should hope for nothing except from his Lord and should fear nothing except his own sins. An ignorant person should not be ashamed to ask about something he does not know. Others should not be embarrassed to say, 'Allah the Most High knows best' when asked about something they do not know."
In the above Sufi quote, Ali bin Abi Thalib offers several tips for being a good Muslim:
- Only place your hope in Allah, not in anything else.
- Only worry about your own sins, not about other matters.
- Do not be ashamed to ask when you do not understand something.
- Do not be embarrassed to admit that you do not know.
Sufi Quote of Ali bin Abi Thalib on the Metaphor of the World
Many people are enamored with worldly life, including Muslims. They do many things to obtain everything they desire. Sadly, they are not hesitant to do things that are forbidden in Islam.
In Sufism, there are many explanations about the metaphor of the world. One of them is found in the following Sufi quote of Ali bin Abi Thalib:
[4]الدُّنْيَا جِيْفَةٌ , فَمَنْ أَرَادَهَا فَلْيَصْبِرْ عَلَى مُخَالَطَةِ الْكِلَابِ
The world is like a carcass. Whoever desires it must be prepared to mix with dogs.
In the above Sufi quote, Ali bin Abi Thalib likens the world to a carcass. This means that all the luxuries in this world are essentially worthless if they are not used for worshiping Allah.
One valuable lesson we can learn from this Sufi quote of Ali bin Abi Thalib is that we should not sacrifice everything we have to attain worldly luxury. What we need to do is simply pursue something good that we can use to worship Allah.
Sufi Quote of Ali bin Abi Thalib on the Essence of Life
Life is full of various aspects. There is hardship, there is joy. There is happiness, there is misery. There is brotherhood, there is enmity. In Islam, there are many explanations about the essence of life and tips on how to live it. One of them is found in the following Sufi quote of Ali bin Abi Thalib:
مَنْ رَضِىَ عَنْ نَفْسِهِ كَثُرَ السَّاخِطُ عَلَيْهِ . وَمَنْ ضَيَّعَهُ الْأَقْرَبُ أُتِيْحَ لَهُ الْأَبْعَدُ . وَمَنْ بَالَغَ فِى الْخُصُوْمَةِ أَثِمَ , وَمَنْ قَصَّرَ فِيْهَا ظَلَمَ . وَمَنْ كَرُمَتْ عَلَيْهِ نَفْسُهُ هَانَتْ عَلَيْهِ شَهْوَتُهُ[5]
Whoever is fond of himself will find many people who dislike him. Whoever is abandoned by those closest to him will be given support by those farthest from him. Whoever is excessively hostile is sinful. Whoever belittles others is unjust. Whoever has a noble soul will have a lowly ego.
In the above Sufi quote, Ali bin Abi Thalib outlines five things that we often encounter in daily life:
- First: A person who is fond of himself will find many people who dislike him.
This means that someone who is self-absorbed believes that he is perfect and sees others as inferior. This is a form of arrogance. Arrogant people often have many enemies.
- Second: A person who is abandoned by those closest to him will be supported by those farthest from him.
This means that when someone faces problems, sometimes those closest to him, such as family and relatives, may refuse to help or even demean him. It is not uncommon to find that such individuals receive help from those who had no intention of aiding them.
- Third: A person who is excessively hostile is sinful. However, someone who belittles others is unjust.
This means that when someone is overly hostile, including in debates, there is a significant chance that he will say something that is not allowed in Islam. If he makes such statements, he is committing a sin. On the other hand, the phrase "But someone who belittles others is unjust" refers to the attitude of dismissing someone during hostility or debate. For example, if I am debating with you and believe that I am right and your arguments are wrong, I might belittle you during the debate because of this belief. In doing so, I am being unjust to you.
- Fourth: A person with a noble soul will have a lowly ego.
This statement is a warning for all of us not to follow our harmful desires. If we do so, our souls will be corrupted.
Sufi Quote of Ali bin Abi Thalib on Minor Misfortunes
Considering minor misfortunes as major ones is something that is strongly prohibited in Islam. There are many explanations about this, one of which is the Sufi quote of Ali bin Abi Thalib below:
[6]مَنْ عَظَّمَ صِغَارَ الْمَصَائِبِ ابْتَلَاهُ اللهُ بِكِبَارِهَا
Whoever magnifies a minor misfortune, Allah will test him with a greater misfortune.
In the above Sufi quote, Ali bin Abi Thalib explains the fatal consequence of considering minor misfortunes as major ones. The fatal consequence I refer to is that Allah will give us a greater misfortune than the one we are currently experiencing. Therefore, we should, as much as possible, view the misfortunes we face as minor.
Sufi Quote of Ali bin Abi Thalib on Good Character
There are many explanations about good character in Islam, especially in Sufism. One of them is the Sufi quote of Ali bin Abi Thalib below:
[7]إِذَا كَانَ فِى الرَّجُلِ خَلَّةٌ رَائِقَةٌ فَانْتَظِرْ أَخَوَاتَهَا
If a person possesses good traits and characteristics, then other good traits will follow.
In the above Sufi quote, Ali bin Abi Thalib explains one of the benefits of good character. He says that having one good trait can lead to the development of other good traits. For example, if you have the trait of humility, it can lead you to be generous, to smile frequently, to avoid greed, and so on.
Sufi Quote of Ali bin Abi Thalib on Gossip
Gossip is considered one of the bad deeds. In Islam, particularly in Sufism, there are many explanations about it. One of these is the Sufi quote of Ali bin Abi Thalib below:
[8]الْغِيْبَةُ جُهْدُ الْعَاجِزِ , وَرُبَّ مَفْتُوْنٍ بِحُسْنِ الْقَوْلِ فِيْهِ
Gossiping is the behavior of weak individuals. Many people are misled by the sweet words spoken in gossip.
In the above Sufi quote, Ali bin Abi Thalib explains that gossiping is the behavior of the weak. A person with a strong character will not engage in gossip. One of the fatal consequences of gossiping is that many people are misled and harmed by such actions.
Sufi Quote of Ali bin Abi Thalib on Human Nature
Many people take pride in their own virtues. Beautiful people take pride in their beauty. Handsome people take pride in their handsomeness. Wealthy people take pride in their wealth, and so on. Some Muslims also engage in this behavior.
In Islam, particularly in Sufism, there are many explanations that prohibit self-pride, which is considered a reprehensible trait. One of these explanations is the Sufi quote of Ali bin Abi Thalib below:
[9]مَا لِابْنِ آدَمَ وَالْفَخْرَ , أَوَّلُهُ نُطْفَةٌ , وَآخِرُهُ جِيْفَةٌ , لَا يَرْزُقُ نَفْسَهُ , وَلَا يَدْفَعُ حَتْفَهُ
What is the honor of the children of Adam?! Their origin is a drop of semen, and their end is a corpse. They cannot provide sustenance for themselves nor can they avert their own death.
In the above Sufi quote, Ali bin Abi Thalib explains that there is nothing in a person that can be rightfully boasted about. The reasons are as follows:
- They are created from a drop of semen.
- When they die, they become a corpse.
- They cannot provide sustenance for themselves.
- They cannot avert their own death, which is their fate.
Sufi Quote of Ali bin Abi Thalib on Guardians
Many people want to have a guardian to ensure their safety. This is a normal desire. In Islam, particularly in Sufism, there are explanations about who the true guardian is. One of these explanations is the Sufi quote of Ali bin Abi Thalib below:
وَقِيْلَ لَهُ : أَلَا نَحْرُسُكَ ؟ قَالَ : حَارِسُ كُلِّ امْرِئٍ أَجَلُهُ[10]
He was asked (Ali bin Abi Thalib), "Do we need to guard you?" He replied, "The guardian of every person is their own death."
In the above Sufi quote, Ali bin Abi Thalib explains that the guardian of every person is their own death. Thus, there is nothing else they need to worry about.
Sufi Quote of Ali bin Abi Thalib on Responsibility
By the way, have you ever read the Sufi quote of Ali bin Abi Thalib below?
وَاشْتَرَى لَحْمًا بِدِرْهَمٍ وَحَمَلَهُ , فَقِيْلَ لَهُ : نَحْمِلُ عَنْكَ . قَالَ : أَبُو الْعِيَالِ أَحَقُّ بِحَمْلِهِ[11]
He (Ali bin Abi Thalib) had bought meat for one dirham and carried it himself. Then he was told, "We should carry it for you instead." He said, "The head of the household is more obliged to carry it."
The Sufi quote of Ali bin Abi Thalib explains the concept of responsibility. Specifically, a person should carry out their own duties. It is true that, in some cases, certain individuals may delegate their responsibilities to others. For example, some people have household assistants to cook, clean clothes and the house, and so on. This is permissible in Islam. However, it is preferable for a person to fulfill their own responsibilities.
Sufi Quote of Ali bin Abi Thalib on the Nature of the World
Islam strongly discourages Muslims from becoming engrossed in worldly life. There are many explanations about this. One of them is the Sufi quote of Ali bin Abi Thalib below:
الدُّنْيَا تَغُرُّ وَتَضُرُّ وَتَمُرُّ , إِنَّ اللهَ لَمْ يَرَهَا ثَوَابًا لِأَوْلِيَاءِهِ , وَلَا عِقَابًا لِأَعْدَائِهِ[12]
The world is deceptive, dangerous, and transient. Indeed, Allah does not view it as a reward for His beloved ones or as punishment for His enemies.
In the above Sufi quote, Ali bin Abi Thalib explains several points we need to understand:
- The world is deceptive. This means that there is no true pleasure in this world. Everything is temporary. The pleasure of eating, drinking, and so on is only fleeting.
- The world is dangerous. This means that there are many things in this world that can lead a person to become undesirable, such as poverty, greed, and so forth.
- The world is transient. This means that nothing in this world is permanent. Everything comes and goes. For example, a baby is born, grows up over the years, and then eventually passes away.
- Allah does not make the world a reward for His beloved ones or a punishment for His enemies. This means that everything in this world happens according to Allah’s will.
Sufi Quote of Ali bin Abi Thalib on Age
There are many explanations about age in Sufism. One of these is the Sufi quote of Ali bin Abi Thalib below:
طُوْلُ الْوَلَدِ يَنْتَهِى فِى اثْنَتَيْنِ وَعِشْرِيْنَ سَنَةً , وَعَقْلُهُ فِى ثَمَانٍ وَعِشْرِيْنَ سَنَةً , وَمَا بَعْدَ ذَلِكَ إِنَّمَا هُوَ تَجَارُبٌ إِلَى أَنْ يَمُوْتَ[13]
A child's growth continues until the age of twenty-two. The brain develops until the age of eighteen. The periods after that are filled with experiences until death.
In general, the Sufi quote of Ali bin Abi Thalib above explains the stages that a person goes through. A person's physical growth can continue until they are 22 years old. Their brain develops until they are 18. The periods following these are the times of living life until death. Naturally, mathematically, a person's success during these later stages is influenced by the earlier stages. If they did not receive good education in the earlier stages, it is highly likely that they will face difficulties later on.
Sufi Quote of Ali bin Abi Thalib on the Danger of Opposing the Truth
Opposing the truth is an undesirable action with many risks. There are many explanations about this in Islam. One of them is the Sufi quote of Ali bin Abi Thalib below:
مَنْ صَارَعَ الْحَقَّ صَرَعَهُ[14]
Whoever attacks the truth will be brought down by the truth.
In the above Sufi quote, Ali bin Abi Thalib explains that one should not oppose the truth. If a person does so, they will ultimately be the one to suffer: the truth will bring them down. For example, if you are a leader, you should not use your status to commit wrongful acts, such as corruption, authoritarianism, and so on. These are examples of opposing the truth. If you engage in such behaviors, you will eventually face consequences and fall.
Sufi Quote of Ali bin Abi Thalib on the Parable of the Heart
There are many explanations about the heart in Sufism. One of these explanations is the Sufi quote of Ali bin Abi Thalib below:
الْقَلْبُ مُصْحَفُ الْبَصَرِ[15]
The heart is the manuscript of the eyes.
In the above Sufi quote, Ali bin Abi Thalib likens the heart to the manuscript of the eyes. This means that what the eyes see is stored in the heart. Therefore, if our eyes frequently see bad things, our heart will feel uneasy. Thus, indirectly, he encourages us to guard our eyes from viewing negative things.
Sufi Quote of Ali bin Abi Thalib on Contentment
Contentment is one of the praiseworthy traits in Islam. There are many explanations about it. One of these explanations is the Sufi quote of Ali bin Abi Thalib below:
كُلُّ مُقْتَصَرٍ عَلَيْهِ كَافٍ وَمَنْ لَمْ يُعْطَ قَاعِدًا لَمْ يُعْطَ قَائِمًا[16]
Whoever restrains himself from desiring something else will feel content. Whoever is not given while standing will not be given while sitting.
In the above Sufi quote, Ali bin Abi Thalib advocates for us to have the trait of contentment (Qanaah). Contentment is about accepting and being grateful for what is given to us. The reason is that every creature has its own share of sustenance. Whatever we do will not change the provisions that Allah has destined for us.
Sufi Quote of Ali bin Abi Thalib on Life
If you are feeling sad or troubled right now, consider the Sufi quote of Ali bin Abi Thalib on life below!
الدَّهْرُ يَوْمَانِ : يَوْمٌ لَكَ وَيَوْمٌ عَلَيْكَ , فَإِذَا كَانَ لَكَ فَلَا تَبْطَرْ , وَإِذَا كَانَ عَلَيْكَ فَلَا تَضْجَرْ[17]
Time is divided into two kinds of days: one day that is good for you and one day that is not good for you. If the day is good for you, do not be too joyful. If the day is not good for you, do not be too sad.
In the above Sufi quote, Ali bin Abi Thalib explains that there are only two types of days. The first is a good day, and the second is a bad day. If your current day is a good one, you should not become complacent and forget your primary duties as a Muslim. Conversely, if your current day is a bad one, you should not be too sad or forget the blessings that Allah has bestowed upon you.
Sufi Quote of Ali bin Abi Thalib on Things We Must Understand in Life
There are many things we need to understand in life. You can find some examples in the Sufi quote of Ali bin Abi Thalib below:
الرُّكُوْنُ إِلَى الدُّنْيَا وَمَا يُعَانَى فِيْهَا جَهْلٌ , وَالتَّقْصِيْرُ فِى حُسْنِ الْعَمَلِ إِذَا وَثِقْتَ بِالثَّوَابِ عَلَيْهِ غَبْنٌ , وَالطُّمَأْنِيْنَةُ إِلَى كُلِّ أَحَدٍ قَبْلَ الْإِخْتِيَارِ عَجْزٌ . وَالْبُخْلُ جَامِعٌ لِمَسَاوِئِ الْأَخْلَاقِ . وَمَنْ كَثُرَتْ نِعْمَةُ اللهِ عَلَيْهِ كَثُرَتْ حَوَائِجُ النَّاسِ إِلَيْهِ[18]
Inclining towards the world and what is in it is foolishness. Reducing good deeds while being certain of receiving rewards is a deficiency and weakness. Feeling at ease with everyone before trying to understand them is a weakness. Stinginess gathers all bad traits. Whoever receives many blessings from Allah has many human needs towards them.
In the above Sufi quote, Ali bin Abi Thalib explains several things we need to understand in life:
- We should not be engrossed in the pleasures of the world because it is foolishness. The most logical reason is that no pleasure in this world is eternal. Everything is temporary and ever-changing. I have explained this a bit in the previous paragraphs.
- We should not abandon the good deeds we have done in favor of pursuing things that may not necessarily be good.
- We should not feel at ease with everyone before truly getting to know them, as this is a weakness that can be detrimental.
- We should not be stingy because it gathers all bad traits. One of these traits is prioritizing our own desires while neglecting the basic needs of others.
- We must always remember that the more blessings Allah bestows upon us, the more human needs we have towards others. The simplest example is that we are required to pay Zakat on our wealth and give it to those who are entitled to receive it.
Sufi Quote of Ali bin Abi Thalib on Desires and Envy
There are many explanations about desires and envy in Sufism. One of these is the Sufi quote of Ali bin Abi Thalib below:
[19]الرَّغْبَةُ مِفْتَاحُ النَّصَبِ , وَالْحَسَدُ مَطِيَّةُ التَّعَبِ
Desire is the key to exhaustion. Envy leads a person to fatigue.
In the above Sufi quote, Ali bin Abi Thalib explains that desire is the key to exhaustion. This means that if we have a strong desire to obtain something, it is the beginning of the fatigue we will experience. How could it not be?! If we desire something, we will make efforts to achieve it.
As for "Envy leads a person to fatigue" in the Sufi quote of Ali bin Abi Thalib, it means that one of the consequences of envy is a sense of exhaustion. The envious person expends a lot of energy to express their envy. It is indeed very draining!
Sufi Quote of Ali bin Abi Thalib on Charity
If you want to learn about one of the teachings of Sufism regarding charity, consider the Sufi quote of Ali bin Abi Thalib below!
[20]إِذَا أَقْبَلَتِ الدُّنْيَا فَأَنْفِقْ مِنْهَا فَإِنَّهَا لَا تَفْنَى , وَإِذَا أَدْبَرَتْ عَنْكَ فَأَنْفِقْ مِنْهَا فَإِنَّهَا لَا تَبْقَى
If the world comes to you, then spend some of it in charity, for it will not be lost. If it turns away from you, then spend some of it in charity, for it will not be eternal.
In the above Sufi quote, Ali bin Abi Thalib advises us to give away a portion of our wealth in charity because it will not be lost and will not remain. By "not being lost," he means that the wealth we donate will not disappear; rather, it will return to us in a better form. By "not being eternal," he means that the wealth we currently possess will not last forever. At some point, our wealth will be owned by others, perhaps our family, friends, and so on, especially after we have passed away.
That concludes the discussion of some Sufi quotes of Ali bin Abi Thalib and some important aspects about the fourth caliph in the history of Islamic governance. Do you understand? If you have any questions, please write them in the comments section.
I think that's all for this article. I hope it has been useful. Amen.
See you again in the next article!
Source Citations
[1] Muhammad Abdurrauf al-Munawi, Al-Kawâkib ad-Durriyyah fî Tarâjumi as-Sâdah ash-Shufiyyah (الكَوَاكِبُ الدُّرِّيَّةُ فِى تَرَاجُمِ السَّادَةِ الصُّوْفِيَّةِ), vol. 1 (Cairo: Maktabah ad-Dar al-Arabiyah li al-Kitab, 2009), 159.
[2] Ibid.
[3] Ibid.
[4] Ibid.
[5] Ibid.
[6] Muhammad Abdurrauf al-Munawi, Al-Kawâkib ad-Durriyyah fî Tarâjumi as-Sâdah ash-Shufiyyah (الكَوَاكِبُ الدُّرِّيَّةُ فِى تَرَاجُمِ السَّادَةِ الصُّوْفِيَّةِ), vol. 1, 160.
[7] Ibid.
[8] Ibid.
[9] Ibid.
[10] Ibid.
[11] Ibid.
[12] Ibid.
[13] Ibid.
[14] Ibid.
[15] Ibid.
[16] Ibid.
[17] Muhammad Abdurrauf al-Munawi, Al-Kawâkib ad-Durriyyah fî Tarâjumi as-Sâdah ash-Shufiyyah (الكَوَاكِبُ الدُّرِّيَّةُ فِى تَرَاجُمِ السَّادَةِ الصُّوْفِيَّةِ), vol. 1, 161.
[18] Ibid.
[19] Ibid.
[20] Ibid.
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