Ali Ibn Abi Talib - Volume 1 of 2

41 0 The oath of allegiance to 'Ali, his characteristics & his way oflife
time for you on earth, gave you hearing to understand what you need
to understand, gave you sight to see the things around you, and gave
you hearts and minds to understand things, in a body to which He
gave shape and function. For Allah (s) did not create you in vain,
and He did not forsake you; rather He honoured you with a great deal
of blessings and granted you a great deal from His generosity. He has
encompassed you with His knowledge and has promised you reward
for times of ease and hardship. So fear Allah, 0 slaves of Allah (&),
and strive hard in seeking Him. Hasten to do good deeds before
death, the destroyer of pleasures, approaches."332
Amir al-Mu'mineen 'Ali ibn Abi T2ih (&) used to urge the
people to draw close to Allah (B) by giving thanks for the blessings
that they had, and he used to warn them against being content with
that and feeling secure with it. He encouraged them to seek what is
with Allah (B) of more blessings by giving thanks for blessings. as
he said: "If you are blessed with a time of ease, then give thanks to
Allah and combine that with fear of Him. If hardship befalls you,
remember Allah and combine that with hope in Him, for Allah grants
to the Muslims a goodly reward, but He gives more to those who give
thanks."333 Amir al-Mu'rnineen 'Ali ibn Abi Taib (4) called the
people to evaluate themselves, and he said: "The one who knows
himself knows his ~ord."~~~ Allah (%) says: (And also in your
ownselves. Will you not then see?) (Qur'm 51: 21)
3.1.4. Keenness of Amir al-Mu'mineen
'Ali ibn Abi Tiilib to erase the traces of jwiyyah
'Ali ibn Abi Taib (&) said: "The Messenger of Allah (@,)
was at a funeral, and he said: 'Which of you will go to o ad in ah^^^
and not leave any idol without breaking it, or any grave without
levelling it, or any image without erasing it?' 'Ali (&) ,. said: 'I will,
0 Messenger of Allah.' Then the Messenger of Allah (g) said: 'Go.'