Ali Ibn Abi Talib - Volume 1 of 2

'Ali ibn Abi Tilib 381
Amir al-Mu'mineen 'Ali (&) pointed out some serious
diseases in those who sit to teach people for the purpose of boasting
and gaining a reputation. They become angry with their students if
they leave and go to someone else, even if doing so is in their best
interests, because the student's best interests do not matter to such
people; what matters to them is their status and reputation. Even if
they do not actually %saythat, it is obvious from their attitude.241 For
one who calls people to Allah (&) sincerely, the main concern
should be that the people follow the truth, even if they follow a view
that is different from his. This was the way of Amir al-Mu'mineen
'Ali ibn Abi mib (&), who said: "Judge as you used to judge, for I
hate differences, (and I shall do my best) to keep the people united or
die as my predecessors died.""' That was with regard to his opinion
that it is not permissible to sell a slave woman who has borne a child
to her master. 'Umar held the same view, hut 'Ali changed his mind
and decided that these slave women could be sold.243 This is a lesson
for those who call people to Islam and for seekers of knowledge.
Legitimate differences of opinion are something natural, one should
not object to them, and they should not affect the unity of Muslims.
Those who call people to Islam today are in the greatest need of
checking themselves with regard to this attitude and their stance on it;
they need to beseech Allah ($$) to grant them this good quality so
that they may attain the reward of AUah (B) after they die and so that
their da'wah efforts may bear fruit during their lifetime.
Ali's worship was based on complete sincerity towards Allah
(&) and adherence to the guidance of the Prophet (@, for Allah
(B) is the only One Who is deserving of worship. 'AIi's entire life
consisted of worship, moving from one type to another in obedience
to the words of AUah (a):
(Say 10 Muhammad]: 'Verily, my Sal% [prayer], my sacrifice, my
living, and my dying are for Allah, the Lord of the '.&meen