The Twenty-Fifth Sermon of Nahjul Balagha

 

Summary of the twenty-fifth sermon of Nahjul Balagha:

. Elaboration on the significance of pious and righteousness:

Imam Ali (AS) at the beginning of the sermon, pointed out to characteristics of the pious and virtuous person; insisting on the point that, pious is not only in speech but also it should be manifested in the action and manner of the human being.

 

. insisting on avoidance of worldly affairs and its deceives:

Imam Ali (AS), in continuation of the sermon, pointed out to the deceives which deviates human being from the path of Right. He supposes this world as a corridor which leads human being toward the other world and not as a target for life.

 

. warning about the threats of materialism:

Imam Ali (AS) warned the ones who are immersed in this transient world and become heedless about the remembrance of God and the other world. He reminds that, this world is like a salty water which as more you drink it, thirstier you get.

 

. advising to (have a) life style according to Islamic principles:

Imam Ali (AS) advised Muslims to follow religious principles, honesty, pious and truthfulness and avoid worldly desires and oppressing in their lives.

 

. inviting to asceticism and avoiding materialism:

 Imam Ali (AS) by mentioning the significance of asceticism and avoiding this world, invited human beings to simple living and abstaining the worldly attachments and insisted on the point that, if this world is not at the service of the other world finally is worthless.

 

 

 

The time of performing the sermon:

In the years of Caliphate between years 36 and 40 A.H.

 

The audiences of the sermon:

the publicity of Muslims; specially the people who were involved in this world and its glamor

 

The purpose of the sermon:

The main reason of performing this sermon, was to warn Muslims about the significance of pious and avoiding this world’s deceit. Imam Ali (AS) reminded this world never should be the goal human being’s life and we should always pay attention to the other world.

 

 

The chosen sentences:

. this world is deceitful and whatever in it, are transient. Do not be immersed in it which finally corrupts you.

 

. pious means the human being’s heart be full of faith and good deeds and his/her tongue always be busy with the remembrance of God

 

. the transient world is like salty water which as more you drink it, thirstier you get

 

. the person who puts this world in her/his heart, will become heedless from the other world and will fall into the misguidance

 

. this world is fleeting and whatever in it, will never remain stable; so separate your heart from it