Nahj al-Balagha’s Stress on Timely Patience
In a series of sessions, Emad Afroogh tries to introduce the thoughts of Imam Ali (AS). Here is a summary of the fourth session:
The fifth Khutba (sermon) of Nahj al-Balagha was delivered after Abu Sufyan asked Imam Ali (AS) to help Abu Bakr, the first Caliph. Being aware of Aby Sufyan’s intentions, Imam Ali (AS) reacted to this in a sermon. There are precious lessons on patience and wisdom in this sermon:
“O People! Steer clear through the waves of mischief by boats of deliverance, turn away from the path of dissension and put off the crowns of pride. Prosperous is one who rises with wings (i.e. when he has power) or else he remains peaceful and others enjoy ease. It (i.e. the aspiration for Caliphate) is like turbid water or like a morsel that would suffocate the person who swallows it. One who plucks fruits before ripening is like one who cultivated in another’s field.”
Sometimes it is better for us to remain silent and do not openly express our stance towards an issue because the time is not ripe for it. If we speak under such circumstances, we will not reach the desired goal.
Continuing the sermon, Imam Ali (AS) adds: “If I speak out they would call me greedy towards power but if I keep quiet they would say I was afraid of death. It is a pity that after all the ups and downs (I have been through). By Allah, the son of Abu Talib is more familiar with death than an infant with the breast of its mother. I have hidden knowledge, if I disclose it you will start trembling like ropes in deep wells.”
These phrases point to the need to know the time, the audience, and the capacity. This is especially important for the elites of the society who should be vigilant about the seditions.
