Nahj al-Balagha

Nahj al-Balagha 1461

Do not deny good counsel to yourself, good behaviour to the army, succour to the subjects and strength to the religion o…

Nahj al-Balagha 1462

To the Governors of various places concerning prayers

Nahj al-Balagha 1463

Now, say the ẓuhr (noon) prayers with the people when the shade of the wall of the goats’ pen is equal to the wall.

Nahj al-Balagha 1464

Say the ‘aṣr (afternoon) prayers with them when the sun is still shining in a portion of the day enough for covering the…

Nahj al-Balagha 1465

Say the maghrib (sunset) prayers when he who is fasting ends the fast and the pilgrim rushes (from ‘Arafat) to Minā.

Nahj al-Balagha 1466

Say the ‘ishā’ (night) prayers with them when twilight disappears and upto one third of the night.

Nahj al-Balagha 1467

Say the (early) morning prayers with them when a man can recognize the face of his companion.

Nahj al-Balagha 1468

Say the prayers with the people as the weakest of them would do and do not be a source of trouble to them.

Nahj al-Balagha 1469

Instructions [1] written for (Mālik) al-Ashtar an-Nakha‘ī, when the position of Muḥammad ibn Abī Bakr had become precari…

Nahj al-Balagha 1470

In the Name of Allāh, the Compassionate, the Merciful

Nahj al-Balagha 1471

This is what Allāh’s servant ‘Alī, Amīr al-mu’minīn, has ordered Mālik ibn al-Ḥārith al-Ashtar in his instrument (of app…

Nahj al-Balagha 1472

He has ordered him to fear Allāh, to prefer obedience to Him, and to follow what He has commanded in His Book (Qur’ān) o…

Nahj al-Balagha 1473

He also orders him to break his heart off from passions, and to restrain it at the time of their increase, because the h…

Nahj al-Balagha 1474

(The qualifications of a governor and his responsibilities:) Then, know O’ Mālik that I have sent you to an area where t…

Nahj al-Balagha 1475

Habituate your heart to mercy for the subjects and to affection and kindness for them. Do not stand over them like greed…

Nahj al-Balagha 1476

Do not set yourself to fight Allāh because you have no power before His power and you cannot do without His pardon and m…

Nahj al-Balagha 1477

Beware of comparing yourself to Allāh in His greatness or likening yourself to Him in His power, for Allāh humiliates ev…

Nahj al-Balagha 1478

Do justice for Allāh and do justice towards the people, as against yourself, your near ones and those of your subjects f…

Nahj al-Balagha 1479

(Ruling should be in favour of the people as a whole:) The way most coveted by you should be that which is the most equi…

Nahj al-Balagha 1480

The one among the people under you who is furthest from you and the worst of them in your view should be he who is the m…