Ali ibn Abi Talib
Cousin and son-in-law of Muhammad, as well as being the first Sh?‘ah Im?m and fourth Sunni Caliph.
A friend cannot be considered a friend unless he is tested on three occasions: in time of need, behind your back, and after your death.
Anger and desire of vengeance are not going to be of much help to you in your administration.
Recitation of the Qur'an without contemplation and thought is futile.
Understanding the knowledge and wisdom of the Qur'an is by far, higher than memorizing.
Do not get angry and lose your temper quickly over the mistakes and failures of those over whom you rule. On the contrary, be patient and sympathetic with them.
Awaken your heart to kindness and mercy for the people and love and tenderness for them. Never, never act with them like a predatory beast which seeks to be satiated by devouring them, for the people fall into two categories: they are either your brethren in faith or your kindred in creation ... Do not ever say, 'I have been given authority' or 'My command should be obeyed.' Because it corrupts the heart, consumes one's faith, and invites calamities.
An alert and learned man will take advice from any event.
There is no capital more useful than intellect and wisdom, and there is no indigence more injurious than ignorance and unawareness.
Do not hurry over punishments and do not be pleased and do not be proud of your power to punish.
Fear only the will of God and you will have no cause to fear anyone else.
Reciter and listener of the Qur'an are alike in prize and reward.
The weakest man is the one who is able to correct his moral defects, but doesn't take action.
He who has a thousand friends has not a friend to spare, while he who has one enemy will meet him everywhere.
To whatever extent a person's knowledge increases, his attention will be turned more towards his soul.
When wisdom reaches the acme of perfection, it will suppress the vicious instincts and injurious desires.
There are so many highly esteemed ones who became miserable and humiliated just because of their bad temper and morals; and humble people who have attained eminence and the highest honors because of good temper and morals.
Associating with the wise and the knowledgeable people adds to the prestige of a person.
Two things cause people to be destroyed: fear of poverty and seeking superiority through pride.
The best companion and helper is admirable morals.
The one from among the Muslims who recites the Qur'an but in the end finds his way to hell, is considerd to be among those that have taken the word of Allah in jest.