In Wisdom (31), Imam Ali (a.s.) discusses the four pillars of disbelief: excessive effort, quarrelsomeness, crooked behavior, and disagreement. This wisdom highlights the significance of the time when people stray from the truth. The Imam clarifies that when a person engages in futile efforts, they do not turn towards the truth. Such futile efforts are often rooted in ignorance, causing the individual to remain blind to the truth.
The Imam further states that one who turns away from the truth begins to perceive good as evil and evil as good. This is a dangerous situation where a person remains intoxicated in their misguidance. When they violate the truth, their path becomes complicated and difficult, and the way out becomes narrow for them.
Doubt also has four branches: strong argumentation, fear, wandering, and submission to falsehood. The Imam makes it clear that one who has made quarreling a habit will never see the dawn after night. This serves as an important lesson that quarrelsomeness keeps a person in darkness. Similarly, those who remain in doubt are trampled by devils, further deteriorating their spiritual state.
In conclusion, Imam Ali (a.s.) points out that whoever submits to the destruction of this world and the Hereafter is doomed in both realms. This wisdom teaches us that we should pursue the truth with diligence and patience, avoiding quarrelsomeness, futile efforts, and crooked behavior.
