QuoteProject
Be a good man to Allah and a bad man to yourself (desires); and be one of the commoners among the people
Ali Ibn Abi Talib
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

Prioritize moral integrity and humility while controlling personal desires.

This quote by Ali Ibn Abi Talib emphasizes the importance of being virtuous and ethical in one's relationship with God while remaining humble and grounded in the presence of others. It suggests that one should suppress self-serving desires for personal growth and spiritual development, while also advocating for a life of simplicity and connection with the common people.

Themes

VirtueHumilityDesiresIntegritySpirituality

In practice

Example use cases

A speaker at a community event emphasizing the importance of self-control and humility.

More from Ali Ibn Abi Talib

A moment of patience in a moment of anger prevents a thousand moments of regret.
Ali Ibn Abi TalibRead
I was not created to be occupied by eating delicious foods like tied up cattle.
Ali Ibn Abi TalibRead
The outcome of fear is disappointment and shyness is frustration.
Ali Ibn Abi TalibRead
Allah's Generosity is connected to gratitude, and gratitude is linked to increase in His generosity. The generosity of Allah will not stop increasing unless the gratitude of the servant ceases
Ali Ibn Abi TalibRead
A wise man first thinks and then speaks and a fool speaks first and then thinks.
Ali Ibn Abi TalibRead
Be like a flower that gives its fragrance even to the hand that crushed it.
Ali Ibn Abi TalibRead

Similar quotes

No press conference announcing a last film. I'd just steal away. Best way because, if by chance after two or three years something interesting comes up, I would not - like Sinatra - have to say: 'Well, I've thought it over and decided to come back.'
Sophia LorenRead
There is only one good. And that is to act according to the dictates of one's conscience.
Simone De BeauvoirRead
For every nation that lives peaceably, there will be many others to grow hard and push their arrogance to extremes; the gods attend to these things slowly. But they attend to those who put off God and turn to madness.
SophoclesRead
I can speak of slavery only so far as it came under my own observation - only so far as I have known and experienced it in my own person.
Solomon NorthupRead
On the occasion of every accident that befalls you, remember to turn to yourself and inquire what power you have for turning it to use.
EpictetusRead
Begin at once to live, and count each separate day as a separate life.
SenecaRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.