Letter (68): Before his caliphate, Salman Farsi had written under the name Rahmatullah
In Letter (68), Imam Ali (a.s.) addresses Salman Farsi (may Allah be pleased with him) with a significant message about the nature of the world and its transient essence. This letter was penned during a time before Imam Ali's caliphate, where he offers wisdom to Salman. It conveys the notion that the superficial beauty of the world is deceptive. The world is likened to a snake, which appears soft to the touch but is deadly in its poison.
Imam Ali (a.s.) emphasizes the fleeting and ephemeral nature of worldly possessions. He advises to turn away from those things in the world that may seem appealing, as very few of them will accompany us in the hereafter. This serves as a crucial lesson that we should not become enamored with worldly things, as they can lead us into distress.
Another key aspect of the letter is the reminder that attachment to worldly matters can lead to anxiety and fear. When one becomes satisfied with the joys of the world, it can thrust them into hardships. This spiritual lesson teaches us that we should not place our trust in worldly possessions, as they can betray us at any moment.
Imam Ali (a.s.) also instructs us to keep the worries of the world at bay, as they can distract us from spiritual tranquility. We should strive to free our hearts from worldly concerns and focus on preparing for the hereafter. This letter provides a strong moral foundation, encouraging us to understand the transience of the world and to work towards improving our lives in a meaningful way.
