How Imam Ali Describes Himself
In a series of sessions, Afroogh tries to introduce the thoughts of Imam Ali (AS). In the 23rd session, he talks about how Imam Ali (AS) describes himself in Nahj al-Balagha. Here is a summary of his remarks:
Our discussion today is about the descriptions that the Commander of the Faithful (AS) enumerates about himself. Some say people should not introduce themselves because it is a kind of self-praise. I am strongly opposed to this view. People should introduce themselves so that right and wrong are distinguished and it becomes clear who only talks and who is a man of action.
The lifestyle of believers is distinguished from that of disbelievers through their actions. Imam Ali (AS) describes his actions with these phrases. Imam (AS) says in Sermon 37 of Nahj al-Balagha: “I discharged duties when others lost courage (to do so), and I came forward when others hid themselves. I spoke when others remained mum. I stroke with Divine light when others remained standing. I was the quietest of them in voice but the highest in going forward. I cleaved to its rein and applied myself solely to its pledge, like the mountain which neither sweeping wind could move nor storm could shake. No one could find fault with me nor could any speaker speak ill of me.
The low is in my view worthy of honor till I secure (his) right for him while the strong is in my view weak till I take (other’s) right from him.”
The Commander of the Faithful (AS) also says in Sermon 6 of Nahj al-Balagha: “I shall ever strike the deviators from truth with the help of those who advance towards it, and the sinners and doubters with the help of those who listen to me and obey, till my day (of death) comes.”
In Letter 62 of Nahj al-Balagha, Imam (AS) tells the people of Egypt: “By Allah, if I had encountered them alone and they had been so numerous as to fill the earth to the brim, I would not have worried or become perplexed. I am clear in myself and possess conviction from Allah about their misguidance and my guidance. I am hopeful and expectant that I will meet Allah and get His good reward. But I am worried that foolish and wicked people will control the affairs of the entire community, with the result that they will grab the funds of Allah as their own property and make His people slaves.”
Also, in Sermon 4 of Nahj al-Balagha, the Commander of the Faithful (AS) says: “I have never doubted in the truth since it has been shown to me. Musa (Moses) did not entertain fear for his own self. Rather he apprehended mastery of the ignorant and away of deviation. Today we stand on the cross-roads of truth and untruth. The one who is sure of getting water feels no thirst.”
