Nehjul Balagah Detailed Explanation Nehjul Balagah Detailed Explanation : 23

Detailed Explanation — Sermon (23): On Avoiding Envy and Showing Kindness to Relatives

In Sermon (23), Imam Ali (a.s.) emphasizes the importance of avoiding envy and showing kindness to relatives. This sermon holds significance during a time when social ties and mutual support were crucial, especially in the Arab society where tribal affiliations were paramount. The Imam states that every person's destiny is decreed by Allah, and feelings of envy can arise from perceived disparities in wealth or status among individuals. Thus, a believer should not harbor jealousy when witnessing a brother's success.

He further explains that a person who acts sincerely for Allah awaits one of two good outcomes: either being called to the hereafter, where the blessings are superior, or receiving worldly blessings while maintaining faith and dignity. This teaches us that worldly possessions are transient, and ultimate success lies in the hereafter.

Additionally, the Imam notes that wealth and children are the harvest of this world while righteous deeds are the crop of the next. This signifies the need to balance worldly pursuits with spiritual obligations. He stresses that if a person refrains from assisting their tribe, they deprive themselves of support when needed.

The Imam also highlights that those who assist their relatives not only gain their love but also experience peace in their lives. Conversely, those who withhold help from their kin find themselves isolated when they require assistance, as many helping hands will be absent.

This sermon teaches us the importance of treating our relatives with kindness, avoiding envy, and striving for righteous deeds in the path of Allah.