|
In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
Neatness
The bases of human life have been founded on “fondness and sociability”. There are some material and spiritual issues that make attractions and repulsions in human’s relationships. Immorality, greediness, malice, apathy, anger and etc. are some examples of moral and spiritual repulsions that will separate people from us and make us alone. On the other hand, good morals, forgiveness, affability, kindness and tolerance prepare bases of friendship and disposition of others toward us.
Material issues can also consolidate relationships and attract people. Cleanliness, neatness, and the usage of perfumes are good examples of material attractions. Imam Reza (PBUH) paid much attention to his neatness and embellishment as well as his total recommendation for moral virtues. He recommended the believers to care about neatness.
It is narrated that he said: “It is not good for a man to leave perfuming every day and if he cannot afford it, he may do it every other day and if he cannot even afford that, he should use perfume every Friday and he should not forget about the latter anyway.” (1)
On the other hand, Imam also emphasized keeping out of extravagance, luxury and consumerism. He said: “One of the most terms of perfection of the real faith is Moderation.” (2)
It is narrated about Imam’s social life that he wore plain and woolen clothes and avoided indolence and comfort when he was at home. Whenever he was among people, he was neat, adorned and dressed well. This behavior of Imam (PBUH) reveals us his view point that adornment and neatness is addressed as social duty for respecting others.
This is the manner of Devine men. They are neat but they are far from excesses and wastage…
(The above is a selection taken from “The Life of Imam Reza (PBUH) and Economy”, by Muhammad Hakimi)
Roshd Website offers condolences to all Muslims, especially your dear friend, upon the last day of the month of Safar, the anniversary of the martyrdom of the kind leader and the aid of the weak, the eighth Imam of Shiites, Imam Ali ibn Musa al-Reza (PBUH).
Roshd Islamic Shia Website
Footnotes:
1. Al-Kafi, vol. 6. p. 510 - Oyoun Akhbar al-Reza (PBUH), vol. 1, p. 279
2. Tuhaf al-Oqul, p. 315
3. I’laam al-Wara, P. 315
|
