refrain from following caprice, carry out the commands of the Sacred Law, and harbor no envy toward anyone.

Well-being in wealth lies in three things: keen discernment, discharging trusts, and giving what is due from one’s property.
Well-being in the body lies in three things: avoiding much talk, eating sparingly, and sleeping little.
Well-being in one’s family lies in three things: contentment, gracious companionship, and safeguarding obedience to Allah Most High.

Ḥātim al-Aṣamm was asked, “Why do we not attain what the early generations attained?” He replied, “Because you have missed five matters: a sincere teacher, a like-minded companion, continual effort, lawful earnings, and a favorable time.”

Report: It is related that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “O ʿAlī, turn your face fully toward me, give me your heart and your hearing: kul, waght, wajmaʿ, wahab, and tashaddad.” ʿAlī asked, “O Messenger of Allah, what do these words mean?” He answered, “Swallow your anger; veil your brother’s fault; pardon the wrong of the wrongdoer; prepare for that dark grave; and hold fast to the religion of Islam.”

Wisdom: A sage was asked, “What is most abundant among people?” He said, “Much scheming without power. Despite all their accumulation, need never departs. A servant is eager for everything except poverty—no one seeks it, for all creatures pursue wealth. No one seeks grief, for everyone desires delight and strives for joy. No one seeks death, for they are attached to life.”

Wisdom: Abū al-Qāsim the sage said, “A servant’s ruin lies in two things: sin and insisting on one’s own opinion in isolation.”

Wisdom: A sage said, “People’s calamity comes from three sources: misguiding scholars, simple-minded reciters, and envious commoners.” It was also said, “Do not seek the companionship of one who is covetous, nor expect loyalty from a person of base lineage.” The sage further remarked, “Two things are strange in this age: true religion and poverty.”