Ain Al-Hayat, The Essence of Life.pdf - Higher Intellect | Content ...

Judgement, whether your name will be on the list of the good people or with the
sinners.
• O Abu Dharr! Do whatever good turns, now, when you live. Don’t neglect the
Hereafter by chasing and accumaliting transitory riches. The persons to whom you
leave behind the riches, will not praise you for your largesse!
• O Abu Dharr! I am wondering that people worry at the slightest hardship! How will
they bear the Hellfire and hardships of Jahannum! I see the people spending
sleepless nights to acquire the worldly pleasure! I also wonder seeing people sleep
and neglect their chances of acquiring the pleasures of the Heaven as a recompense
for their prayers.
• O Abu Dharr! Appreciate the short span of life given to you! Be miserly in not
spending it on the transitory wealth of this world.
One very well known astrologer came to the presence of Hazrat Ali (a.s.) and said,” I am
a sooth sayer! I have heard that you too predict about the events of the future! Do you
want me to ask you some questions or wish to answer my queries?”
The Imam (a.s.) said, “ Only Allah knows what is not in our present knowledge and sight!
But I know whatever He has taught me! If you have claims of knowing the unknown, tell
me what is enclosed in my fist.’ Then Hazrat Ali (a.s.) put before him his folded fist..
The man thought for a long while. Then Hazrat Ali (a.s.) said, “ You are unable to
answer!”
The man replied, “ This is a very small matter! I was, in fact, wondering, as to how,
whatever is in your hand, has come there. In your folded fist there is the nest of a bird and
its egg from the peak of a mountain which has never been scaled by any human being! I
am really wondering how you have brought it almost in the time needed for the winking
of the eye.”
• Hazrat Ali (a.s.) opened his fist that did contain the egg and the nest! Hazrat (a.s.)
folded his palm once again and asked him,” Now tell me, what is there in my folded
fist?”
• The astrologer said, “ The nest and the egg have been restored to their original place
on the peak of the mountain!”
• Hazrat Ali (a.s.) opened his fist and, there was nothing there!
• Hazrat Ali (a.s.) told to the man, “ I shall ask you another question, if you agree to
reply truthfully!”
• The man promised to tell the truth.
• Hazrat Ali (a.s.) asked, “ From where you have learnt your tricks?”
• The astrologer said, “ This is the first question you have asked, otherwise I wouldn’t
have been obliged to reply. This skill is because of a mystic exercise I had
undertaken. The exercise is that whatever my base instinct (nafs) desires, I persevere
and insist on its fulfillment.