This sermon is famous as Khutba al-Ashbah and is counted among the most elevated sermons of the Commander of the Faithful. It was delivered in response to a questioner who asked him to describe the attributes of the Creator of the world in such a way that it would seem as if we were seeing Him with our own eyes. Upon this, the Imam became angry and said: All praise is to Allah, Who does not become wealthy by withholding His bounty and giving, and never becomes incapable or deficient in generosity and giving. For every giver other than Him, there is a decrease in giving, and they can be considered bad when they withhold their hands. He is the One who makes grateful through beneficial blessings, abundant gifts, and the distribution of sustenance. All creation is His family. He has appointed sustenance for all.
In this sermon, Imam Ali (a.s.) elaborates on numerous attributes of Allah, such as being the First and the Last, and clarifies that His power does not reside in a specific location. Furthermore, the Imam emphasizes that Allah's generosity is never diminished, regardless of how much people ask. This teaches us to maintain hope in Allah's mercy and generosity, no matter our circumstances.
The Imam also points out that those who are firm in knowledge are those who acknowledge the hidden realities without delving into unnecessary details. This teaches us to recognize the limitations of our intellect and not to confine Allah's greatness to our understanding.
A significant aspect of this sermon is the guidance given by Imam Ali (a.s.) to focus on the attributes mentioned in the Quran and to refrain from seeking knowledge about matters not addressed in the Quran or Sunnah. This lesson encourages us to adhere to the principles of our faith and avoid unnecessary debates.
Overall, Imam Ali's sermon provides a comprehensive insight into Allah's greatness, His attributes, and the limits of knowledge. It helps us understand that the path to knowing Allah lies in recognizing His attributes and trusting in His mercy, while also acknowledging the limits of our intellect.
