In Sermon (191), Imam Ali (peace be upon him) describes the attributes of the pious in response to a request from his companion, Hammam. Hammam asked the Imam to describe the state of the pious in such a way that he could visualize them. The Imam initially hesitated but then stated, "Fear Allah and do good deeds, for Allah is with those who are pious and possess good character." This message emphasizes that piety and good deeds are the foundation of a person's life.

The Imam further elaborated that Allah created beings free from the need for their obedience, meaning that neither a sinner's disobedience harms Allah, nor does an obedient person's obedience benefit Him. He then described the characteristics of the pious, such as their speech being measured, their attire being modest, and their demeanor being humble. These qualities teach us the importance of moderation and humility in our lives.

The Imam also pointed out that the souls of the pious long for the rewards of Paradise and fear the punishment of Hell. Their hearts are filled with the greatness of Allah, and they regard worldly possessions as insignificant. This teaches us to prioritize eternal success over temporary worldly pleasures.

In the sermon, the Imam mentioned that the pious stand in prayer at night, reciting the Quran and refreshing their hearts. This aspect of their worship highlights the importance of dedicating our nights to prayer and strengthening our connection with Allah.

Another significant point made by the Imam is that the pious are never satisfied with their deeds and always remain vigilant over their souls. This teaches us to strive for self-improvement and to avoid arrogance regarding our actions.

Finally, the Imam concluded by stating that the signs of the pious include steadfastness in faith, eagerness for knowledge, and humility in worship. These attributes guide us in developing a well-rounded pious character, helping us to attain Allah's pleasure.

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