Imam Al-Sadiq

was embodied in the career of his life. So, we will mention some examples of his life to
indicate his great manners and his holy Alawid soul who spared no effort to lead people
toward guidance and righteousness.
His Social Manners:
Laudable manners maybe psychological instincts and natural habits, such as generosity,
bravery, cheerfulness, and eloquence. Also they maybe acquisitive, such as worship, religious
devotion, knowledge, sciences, arts, and so on.
Whoever considers carefully the life of Hashim and of his sons understands that they had the
natural and the learned manners. Also Allah's Apostle, may Allah bless him and his family,
had those outstanding manners which suited his Divine office. Then his progeny adopted the
same manners.
Whoever studies carefully the life of Abu Abd Allah (al- Sadiq), peace be on him, knows that
he embraced the outstanding life of his grandfather (the Chosen one), may Allah bless him
and his family. "Then the person is known through his deeds." Although al- Sadiq did not
speak about his life, his deeds have indicated his qualities.
One day, al- Sadiq and his companions went to condole his relative whose child died. While
al- Sadiq was walking, the thong of his sandal broke off So, al- Sadiq picked up his sandals
and walked bare- footed. One of his companions called b. Abu Ya'far(251) looked at him, and
then he took off his own sandal, cut off its thong and handed it to Abu Abd Allah (al-Sadiq),
peace be on him. However, al- Sadiq became angry and refused to take the thong. Then he
said: "No, the owner of the misfortune is worthier than others in enduring it." Then he went
on walking bare- footed till he entered the house of the person whom he wanted to condole.
When al- Sadiq spread the table, he urged his companions to eat and made them enjoy the
food. Perhaps, he brought some food after they had become satisfied. However, they refused
to eat. So, he said: "You have eaten nothing. Indeed, those who love us very much are those
who eat very much with us." Then he told them some traditions on the authority of the
Prophet, may Allah bless him and his family, to encourage them to eat the food and to appeal
to additional food. He used to report the following words which the Prophet, may Allah bless
him and his family, said to Salman, al- Muqdad, and Abu Dharr: "Those who love us very
much are those who eat much food with us."
In spite of his importance and old age, al- Sadiq prevented his guests from fulfilling any need.
When he found no one to fulfill their needs, he himself stood up to serve them, and then he
said: "Allah's Apostle, may Allah bless him and his family, prevented (the Muslims) from
putting the guest into service."(252)