The Testament of ʿAlī ibn Abī Ṭālib

40 – Al-Ḥusayn narrated to us; ʿAbd Allāh narrated to us; ʿAbd Allāh ibn Yūnus ibn Bukayr informed us; my father related to me, from Abū ʿAbd Allāh al-Juʿfī, from Jābir ibn Zayd, from Muḥammad ibn ʿAlī, who said:

The Commander of the Believers, ʿAlī, left the following bequest to Ḥasan:

“In the name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful.

This is what ʿAlī ibn Abī Ṭālib bequeaths. He testifies that there is no god but Allah, alone with no partner, and that Muḥammad is His servant and His messenger, whom He sent

‘with guidance and the religion of truth so that He might make it prevail over every other religion, though the polytheists dislike it’ [Q 9:33],

and who said, ‘Indeed, my prayer, my rites, my living and my dying are for Allah, Lord of the worlds’ [Q 6:162].

I counsel you, O Ḥasan—and all my children, my household, and everyone who receives this letter—to be mindful of Allah your Lord:

‘Do not die except in a state of Islam, and hold fast, all of you, to the rope of Allah and do not be divided’ [Q 3:102–103].

I heard the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, say: “Making peace between people is better than most fasting and prayer, and rancor is the razor that shaves away religion—discord between people.” There is no power except by Allah.

Look to your relatives and maintain the ties of kinship; it will lighten your reckoning. ⦗47⦘

Fear Allah regarding orphans: do not let their mouths go hungry, and let them not be neglected while you are present.

Fear Allah regarding your neighbors, for they were the last counsel of the Messenger of Allah; he kept urging us about them until we thought he would allot them a share of inheritance.

Fear Allah regarding the Qur’an: let no one outstrip you in acting upon it.

Fear Allah regarding the prayer, for it is the pillar of your religion.

Fear Allah regarding the House of your Lord: do not abandon it as long as you live; for if it is left deserted you will not be reprieved.

Fear Allah regarding Ramadan, for fasting it is a shield for you against the Fire.

Fear Allah regarding striving in the path of Allah—with your hands, your wealth, and your tongues.

Fear Allah regarding zakat, for it extinguishes the Lord’s anger.

Fear Allah regarding those under the covenant of your Prophet; let none of them be wronged while they dwell among you.

Fear Allah regarding those whom your right hands possess; see to their welfare.

Do not fear the blame of any blamer when it comes to Allah; He will suffice you against whoever seeks to harm you or transgresses against you.

Speak kindly to people, as Allah has commanded you.

Do not abandon enjoining right and forbidding wrong, or the worst of you will take charge, and then the best of you will supplicate and will not be answered.

My sons, remain in contact and be generous to one another; beware of cutting ties, competing for more, and splitting into factions.

‘Cooperate in righteousness and piety, and do not cooperate in sin and aggression; and fear Allah—indeed, Allah is severe in punishment’ [Q 5:2].

May Allah preserve you, O People of the House, and through you preserve your Prophet. I entrust you to Allah. I convey to you peace and the mercy of Allah.”

After that he uttered nothing except “There is no god but Allah” until Allah took his soul in Ramadan, on the first night of the last ten nights.