Quotes from Ali ibn Abi Talib

The sin which makes you sad and repentant is more liked by Allah than the good deed which turns you arrogant.

To maintain nice relation with the people is half of intelligence, nice questioning is half of knowledge, and nice domestic arrangements is half of the management of livelihood.

To whatever extent a person's knowledge increases, his attention will be turned more towards his soul.

Life consists of two days: one for you and one against you, so when it's for you don't be proud or reckless, and when it's against you be patient, for both days are test for you

There is no knowledge and science like pondering and thought; and there is no prosperity and advancement like knowledge and science.

Do for this life as if you live forever, do for the afterlife as if you will die tomorrow.

Lead such a life, that, when you die, the people may mourn you, and while you are alive they long for your company.

Thy lot or portion of life is seeking after thee; therefore be at rest from seeking after it.

Do not share the knowledge with which you have been blessed with everyone in general, as you do with some people in particular; and know that there are some men in whom Allah, may He be glorified, has placed hidden secrets, which they are forbidden to reveal.

Do not raise your children the way your parents raised you; they were born for a different time.

The vision of the eye is limited; the vision of the heart transcends all barriers of time and space.

Body is purified by water. Ego by tears. Intellect is purified by knowledge. And soul is purified with love.

The holder of authority is like the rider on a lion - he is envied for his position, but he well knows his position.

Do for this life as if you live forever, do for the afterlife as if you die tomorrow.

If poverty were a man, I would have slain him.

The real Muslim is the one who prefers speaking the truth even when it is ruinous to him over lying even when it benefits him, and who finds inner peace in doing so.

Let me alone, and go in search of someone else.

Love is an illness which doesn't have good nor recompense.

A friend cannot be considered a friend until he is tested in three occasions: in timeof need, behind your back, and after your death.

When proven wrong, the wise man will correct himself and the ignorant will keep arguing.

Put aside your pride, Set down your arrogance, And remember your grave.

Everyone who is taken by death asks for more time, while everyone who still has time makes excuses for procrastination.

Do not be too hard, lest you be broken; do not be too soft, lest you be squeezed.

Patience is of two kinds: patience over what pains you, and patience against what you covet.