Ethics and Spirituality

Although the Sermon of Hammam describes the exalted qualities of the Godwary, it does not cover every aspect of taqwa. The sermon came to an end when Hammam suddenly lost consciousness, leaving Imam Ali (AS) no opportunity to discuss taqwa’s deeper, hidden wellsprings.

To protect yourself from envious, greedy people who stir others up and cause trouble, distressing the family, it is recommended that you turn to the remembrance of God and seek help through God and the Ahl al-Bayt (AS). You should also avoid behavior that provokes them.

The daily routine of a monotheistic and sincere servant of God should include asking God for certainty and well-being. The Sermon of the Pious and Imam Ali’s letter to Imam Hasan (AS) in Nahj al-Balagha offer the best guidance on the duties of servitude throughout the day and night. One who attains certainty is to be envied, not pitied.

To break free from masturbation, turn to God and remember Him more often. Keep your heart and thoughts in check, and avoid dwelling on sexually arousing subjects. Guard your eyes and ears both offline and online, and keep away from bad influences. Make a habit of studying religion, staying occupied, remembering death, and reflecting on verses about Paradise and Hell. Also avoid foods of doubtful permissibility and take your plans for marriage seriously.

The joy of worship and obedience comes through sincere knowledge and putting it into practice. Knowledge without action is of no benefit and may even distance us from God. A true scholar is one whose good deeds speak for him, not merely his words. To attain this joy, we need wisdom, gentleness, compassion, patience, and contentment.

Being intoxicated by words means allowing the mind and heart to be affected by corrupt speech—a state that Satan brings about through various stratagems. Good and truthful words do not intoxicate the mind and heart; they awaken and guide them. We must guard the mind and heart against corrupt speech, but being enraptured by words of truth is neither wrong nor undesirable.

To remain steadfast and preserve one’s faith until the end of life, one should sincerely hold fast to the Qur’an and the Prophet’s Household, entrust oneself to God, and persevere in self-examination. Staying close to the righteous and keeping away from the corrupt, avoiding settings where sin is rife, regularly reciting the Qur’an and Sūrat al-Kahf, and cultivating a close relationship with al-Ṣaḥīfa al-Sajjādiyya are among the important ways to do so.

If obsessive thoughts are causing you severe distress, it is essential to consult a qualified practitioner of spiritual and psychological care. Suggested approaches include general recommendations such as rising early, deep breathing, a healthy diet, massage, enjoying fragrances, burning esfand and frankincense, and reciting Sūrat al-Nās and Sūrat al-Falaq.