Moral Lessons from the Sacred Life of Imam Reza (a.S.)

‘Ali bin Shua’yb once visited Imam ‘Ali al-Reza (a.s.) and the following conversation ensued:
Imam (a.s.): “O ‘Ali! Do you know whose subsistence is the best?”
‘Ali replied, “Master, you know better than me.”
Imam (a.s.): “It is that of one through whom the subsistence of others is improved. O ‘Ali! Do you know who has the worst subsistence?”
‘Ali replied, “Master, you know better than me.”
Imam (a.s.): “It is that of the one who does not include others in it.”
Then the Imam (a.s.) continued and said, “O ‘Ali! Be thoughtful about the boons for they are wild. If they leave people, they never come back. O ‘Ali! The worst of men is he who stops his contributions to charity, eats by himself, and whips his slave.” (Bihar al-Anwaar)

* * *

Imam Reza (a.s.) was once asked about the good people and he (a.s.) said,
“They are those who:
-Are delighted when they do good
-Seek Allah’s forgiveness when they do evil
-Offer gratitude when they receive (Allah’s) favours
-Are patient when they are tried
-And pardon (others) when they are angry.” (Tuhaf al-‘Uqool)

* * *

Imam Reza (a.s.) has been reported to have said,
“Do not expect any good in this world and in the hereafter from a person who lacks five qualities:
-One whose lineage is known to be untrustworthy
-One whose nature lacks generosity
-One whose temper lacks balance
-One whose conduct is not noble
-And one who does not fear his Lord.” (Tuhaf al-‘Uqool)

* * *

One day somebody praised Imam al-Reza (a.s.) saying, “By Allah, you are the best person (on earth).” In reply, the Imam (a.s.) said, “You should not be taking an oath by Allah. If there is any one else who is more God-fearing than me, then he is better (than me), for Allah (SWT) says: ‘The most honourable in the sight of Allah is one who is most God conscious’” (Ahsanul-Muqaal)

* * *

Mamun, the Abbasid caliph appointed Imam Reza (a.s.) as a heir apparent after him. Despite this title and status, Imam (a.s.) continued to exhibit his humility towards the people in different manners. It is reported that the Imam (a.s.) would mostly be seen having his meals with his slaves and attendants. Once somebody said, “O Master! If a separate arrangement is made for these attendants to have their meals, there will be no problem in it.” Imam (a.s.) responded by saying: “Our Creator is One. Our mother is Hawwa (Eve) and father Adam. Everyone of us shall be rewarded or punished according to our deeds (that we perform in life), then why the division?” (Ahsanul-Muqaal)