Difficult but pleasant. Easy but painful

pleasant-truth-r

Imam ‘Ali (a.s.) said:
إنَّ الْحَقَّ ثَقِيْلٌ مَرِىءٌ، وَ إنَّ الْباطِلَ حَفِيفٌ وَبِىْءٌ

Translation
Truth is heavy and difficult but pleasant, and falsehood is light and easy but painful and dangerous. 1

Brief Description
How eloquent and interesting is this one short sentence of Imam ‘Ali (a.s.) to describe truth and falsehood! Usually truth has a harsh appearance and occasionally a bitter taste but has very pleasant results. It is easily absorbed by the body and society is strengthened thereby.
On the other hand, falsehood comes easily and sometimes tastes very sweet, but its effect is fatal. It is like a delicious but poisonous food whose destructive effect on the heart, stomach, and intestines becomes manifest when it is swallowed. The poison of falsehood also destroys different organs of society.[divider]
•    1. Bihar al-Anwar, volume 70, page 107

how to avoid and leave masturbation? ( very important and helpful ways)

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As mentioned earlier, risks and harms of sexual perversions, specially masturbation, which is sometimes called Onanism after a historical legend, are undeniable because it turns to “addiction” soon, a deep-rooted and fatal addiction so that the afflicted performs it several times a day, and even according to explicit confession of some afflicted people, sometimes the semen excretes from them only with “imagination and thinking”! without any other action!

Even more dangerous is despair and pessimism about encountering this addiction, because despair is the greatest hindrance for relief of the afflicted, and results in very undesirable spiritual reactions in them.

The afflicted should be sure that if they resolve, they can overcome this heinous habit, and even eliminate most of its effects and consequences in themselves in a short or somewhat long period.

They should never suggest to themselves that the addiction will last till the end of their life or its effects will remain forever.

Rather, they shall attempt to fight with full vigilance, decisive resolution and observance of “further instructions”.

Those who have been relieved from this heinous habit, should value their purity, and be vigilant to maintain it. They should avoid any satanic temptation, and must not leave their destiny to the aberrant and deviant associates at any rate.

As we have already mentioned, definite victory in struggle with any sort of wrong addiction, including dangerous sexual addictions or others, after hopefulness and confidence about victory, lies in making a firm decision (a strong decision relied on faith, character, nobility and conscience, and an unfailing and inviolable decision).

Even if the decision is broken ten times, they should make a stronger resolve again, and renew their decision with same hopefulness and faith.

However, the decisions finally affect their unconscious, and when they are accumulated, they will be effective.

Undoubtedly, when the resolve is not broken, effects of the heinous habits will be eliminated from their spirit and body much sooner.

It goes without saying that if such people establish a close relation and connection with their Lord, and seek help from His sacred presence, and trust in His mercy, it will be more fruitful under the grace of this religious faith.

Now, after these steps, following points shall be observed carefully. These points may seem simple for some people, but in practice, it is proved that they have a miraculous effect.

Avoiding all artificial stimulations

If the youths watch “sexy films” every night in the cinema or on television, and spend a major part of their valuable time reading “romantic fiction” and watching “provocative photos” of porn magazines, and ogle at half-naked females in the streets, and still expect not to be tainted, they are really wrong.

Such causes of “artificial stimulations” which are never necessary, divert the line of thought of any youth from the basic issues of life, and lead it towards the sexual issues in an acute and rebellious form.

They are constantly kept in a nervous anxious state, the adverse effects of which surround their entire life.

Continuation of constant provocation destroys the best period of life, i.e. youth period, and ruins the nerves of youths.

All dear youths, particularly those having some wrong sexual habits, should strictly avoid watching such films, reading such books, and any sort of deliberate leering to prevent disturbance of their mental tranquillity and weakening of their powerful nervous system with constant excitement.

In order to succeed in this part, it is necessary for them to choose healthy and suitable recreation and hobbies for their leisure, and prepare a suitable program with the help of their friends for this purpose.

These recreations may include personal and group sports, walking, useful reading, gardening, handicrafts, collecting poems, photos and stamps, and participation in various gatherings and scientific or moral conferences.

Preparing a full time program

The youths should prepare a program for all times of day and night for themselves to avoid even an hour of idle time.

We do not say that they should study or work continuously. Rather they should have a program even for their recreation and sport, with no free time.

The youths should know that the greatest misery for a youth is to have free time without any program.

A youth may be unemployed and a job seeker, but he should prepare a daily program, including study, recreation, rest, etc.

It is better if the youths prepare their daily program a little more compressed than their available time to prevent their mind from idleness even for a moment, because being mentally busy is very effective in avoiding such bad habits.

It is often observed that smokers smoke much more during holidays as compared to working days. The difference is the same result of engagement of mind, nervous system and body in the positive actions, and avoiding useless and harmful deeds on working days.

In brief, if those suffering from wrong sexual addictions, do not have a full time engaging program, they cannot get rid of this habit easily. Preparing such a program is one of the most effective factors in avoidance, and the addicted could overcome a major part of problems of their withdrawal in this way.

Focusing on sports

It is well known that sportsmen are undersexed, because a large part of their physical and mental energy is directed to sports, and naturally, less remains for other issues.

On this account, in order to prevent extreme sexual provocation, it is necessary for the youths to choose extensive and various sports programs.

Those afflicted to this evil habit are often secluded, unsociable, slow and dull. Seclusion, isolation and dullness worsens and intensifies their situation. If they change their state completely, and add mobility to their life, it would be very effective to their withdrawal, improvement and recovery.

Such people usually have a weak and feeble nervous system, while various and appropriate sports are significantly effective in strengthening their nervous system.

They should assign their extra and free time to different games, sports and walking to recover their health and also allocate a part of their physical and mental energy to sports.

To the same degree that mobility, personal and group sports are useful, isolation and seclusion is a lethal poison for them and they should avoid it at any rate.

Don’t forget this advice, and find its miraculous results. Exercise so much during the day that you become tired. Then, you will sleep well at night and be secure from the evil of many harmful and fateful imaginations and thoughts disturbing you at this time!

One habit shall be replaced by another

Psychologists say: For withdrawal from a bad habit, a good habit should be found to replace it.

For instance, those accustomed to gambling cannot give it up despite observing and feeling all its harms, and according to themselves, when it is the time of gambling, they do not know which power attracts them towards this action (condemned by their intellect and conscience) just like a slave and captive?! For overcoming such wrong habits, they should replace gambling with a proper game (like a sports match) to forget the bad habit.

In other words, the energy consumed by the habit shall be diverted elsewhere and consumed without leaving any undesirable reaction. (Pay attention)

For the wrong sexual habits, when the motive is created in the afflicted, they shall engage themselves in a program which they have already envisioned for such time, like a scientific activity, sports or intellectual competition, studying an interesting book, mountain climbing and riding etc. and continue it to replace the previous bad habit.

Absolute avoidance of loneliness

Such persons should certainly and unconditionally avoid loneliness.
They should never be alone, do not stay alone at home, do not sleep alone in the room, and do not go to a solitary place even for studying.

When they feel loneliness anywhere, they should leave that place immediately.

Such individuals should specially not forget this point that upon feeling the first provocation, they should rise and engage in something else. Neglecting this warning would often cost you much.
Loneliness is a very favourable in breeding the microbes of this addiction in the mind of any youth, and all youths wishing to be healthy, safe and secure from the great risks of masturbation, should
avoid loneliness.

Marry at the first opportunity

If possible, such individuals should marry at the first opportunity. Even if they can only be engaged (of course, a legal engagement with legal marriage contract), they should not lose this opportunity.

In short, marriage has a significant effect in struggle against this sexual perversion. If expectations are lessened and extra formalities eliminated, it would be a very easy and simple task. However, a series of dreams and wrong restrictions have chained most classes, including the educated and the unlearned.

Some addicted youths fear marriage, but their fear is really baseless, because by following these instructions it is easy to cure this addiction and succeed in all stages of marriage and matrimony.

Suggestion and strengthening of willpower

Suggestion has a critical role in struggle against this habit.
The addicted individuals should regularly suggest to themselves that they can give up this ugly habit completely.

In order to increase and expedite the effect of suggestion, as a French psychologist, (Dr. Victor Pushe) says: They should continue suggestion for several days as follows:

Every day, they should sit in a quiet place, where nothing disturbs them, and focus their mind and repeat this phrase articulately and strongly: I can give up this evil habit completely, I can!

Repeating this simple suggestion has an incredible impact on boosting their morale and withdrawal from this habit and any bad habit. (You can try it.)

Furthermore, we should not neglect reading psychological books written for stabilization and growth of character and strengthening of will power, because as we know and all the addicted succeeding in giving up this evil habit and other undesirable addictions have confessed, the first step in this path is “willpower and resolution”.

Absolute abstinence

One should completely avoid associating with individuals afflicted with this vice at all times specially during the period of struggle, as he avoids those suffering from cholera. Moreover, one should never neglect the fatal and painful harms and consequences of this action, and never listen to the tempting utterances of others.

The role of aberrant and bad associates in affliction by this perversion and its continuation is very amazing. For not feeling sin and misfortune, the afflicted try to make others afflicted. So, they always try to display this evil deed as pleasant and harmless, but the awakened youths are never entrapped in their satanic temptations.

General nourishment and diet

A perfect and healthy diet resulting in general nourishment is very effective in struggle against this habit, which mostly originates from or causes weak nervous system.

Bathing in cool water (of course, when the weather is good), and then body massage with towel too could help such individuals.

They should also strictly avoid wearing tight and close-fitting garments, which could cause artificial stimulation. Basically, such garments are harmful and even sometimes dangerous for all youths, and hurt their normal growth in addition to being provocative and tempting.

Seeking help from the power of faith and religious beliefs

The power of faith and religious belief could be the greatest help for the afflicted, and it could relieve them from this evil habit.

Such individuals should never consider themselves as cursed and reprobated individuals with God. Rather, one should trust in God’s mercy, pray, prostrate and confide to and invoke God, and request Him to help him in getting rid of this ugly habit. Definitely, if they turn to Him heartily, The Merciful God will help them and they will succeed in this vital conflict.

They should consider Him omnipresent and All-Seeing, and must not allow themselves to commit such an immoral action.

We are sure that if the afflicted youths observe the above instructions carefully just for a month, they will be relieved from this perversion.

 

http://www.al-islam.org/sexual-problems-youths-ayatullah-al-uzma-shaykh-nasir-makarim-shirazi

Can the youth leave masturbation?

Avoid

Now, we draw the attention of all dear youths to the following points to avoid formation of this habit, or cure it:
First step

1- The first notable step for the afflicted is that despite its fatal consequences, this heinous sexual habit is curable, and according to physicians and many afflicted persons, it is certainly curable like any other wrong habit and addition if a correct procedure is applied.

It is remarkable that most of its ill effects will be removed during a relatively short period after desisting it, because the youth vivacity and power could compensate most of the previous disorders (of course, not all, but most of them). As the wounds and injuries in the children and youths heal very soon, the ill effects of this practice too will be eliminated in a relatively short period after awakening (if one realizes in time).

Those afflicted youths who despaired of their recovery or are in doubt, are really wrong, because despair and hesitation is the greatest hindrance for their relief. (pay attention).

Therefore, the first and most essential issue to be considered and believed, is the possibility of quick withdrawal from this heinous and shameful habit, and relieving from many of its consequences.
When the first step was taken, we can go ahead towards the treatment of the afflicted with perfect faith and hope, and they shall prepare themselves for exercise of the first instruction.

2- Physicians generally believe that to cure any addiction, the most important thing is a decisive, strong, and serious decision.

You may consider it insignificant, but we tell you that it is more important and effective than what you may think.

For making a decision, one shall first reflect on the harms of continuation of this dangerous malefaction, review several times the harms mentioned in the preceding chapters, imagine the ill consequences for the addicted, and considering the superior personality and power hidden in any human, particularly the youths, he shall make a firm resolve.

I am sure that some afflicted youths would object that. “We cannot make any decision, and we have resolved several times, but failed!”

We are fully aware of your objection, but you too shall pay attention to our reply:
I ask such people: “Have your even done this openly before your parents, brother, teacher and or any other individual, even if you are very unquiet?

You will certainly say: No.

I ask, “Why?” You reply: “Because it is such a disgraceful practice!”

We say: You mean that since it is shameful, you have decided to avoid it before them!

This very well proves that you are never drawn to this practice as unwillingly and involuntarily as you think. Otherwise, the presence or absence of these individuals made no difference to you!

You shall try to extend “your strong willpower” used in such cases everywhere. This capital exists in you. Then, why do you not utilize it?

You shall also keep in mind that God is present everywhere and observes your deeds. Is it correct to perform this practice in His presence?!

It is noteworthy that we read in one of the statements of the great Islamic leaders, Imam Sadiq (as.) that once a person came to him and said: Poor man has been involuntarily afflicted by a “sexual perversion”!

Imam angrily asked: What do you mean?! Does he commit it in the presence of others also?! He replied: No. He said: So, it proves that he does it voluntarily and willingly.

We declare explicitly to those who say, “We have decided several times, but failed”: Violation of decision does not imply elimination of all of its effects in man. When a decision is broken, there remains some deposits on depth of man’s heart and soul, and it paves the way for final decision more than before. (Pay attention)

Let me explain this with the help of an example:

Many times, when one decides to climb a mountain or drive up a sharp slope, one may fail the first, second and sometimes even the tenth time, but finally, one succeeds and passes it. It does not mean that he has not achieved anything in the previous times. Rather, each time he tried to go uphill and failed, he has automatically learned and acquired some ability and has finally succeeded.

Scientists say that to memorize a poem or prose, at first, 5 times repetition may be required, and it may be forgotten later. But next time, 5 times repetition will not be required. Three times may be enough. In other words, the deposits of previous decisions and learning always remain in man’s spirit. This is applicable to all issues concerned with man’s psyche.

Therefore, if you have resolved ten times, and have broken it, prepare yourself for a decisive, serious and firm decision for desisting from any sort of wrong addiction, and mobilize all your spiritual forces, particularly belief in God, and do not forget the saying of our great leader, Imam Ali (a.s.) that: Faithful individuals are strong and persistent like a mountain.

Now that you have made your final decision, you should observe the following instructions exactly.

 

http://www.al-islam.org/sexual-problems-youths-ayatullah-al-uzma-shaykh-nasir-makarim-shirazi

Some say that masturbation is not harmful, is it true?

Danger Bad Advice Ahead

A big mistake about sexual perversions
I would like to weep bitterly, but there is not a drop of tear in my eyes.
I would like to cry, but cannot even sigh.

I would like to think, but about what? About which misfortune and tragedy? Is there still any thinking mind with such adversities?!

I am helpless and alone, wandering and errant, fearful and frightened of what I am and what I would be. I hate everybody, everything and this tainted and disgraceful environment!

I am 21 years old, and have spent ten years of the most critical age of my life “alone”. The adversities of life and the unpleasant colours of the face of society annoy me….

I don’t know what happened. A few years ago, while reading a book, I became familiar with this vile sexual habit unwillingly. It passed and no one told me that what a critical and dangerous period youth is? The nudeness of females burning in the fire of desire and lust increased my inward emotion.

Right! I got accustomed to it and now I am physically and spiritually sick. I am losing my sanity and am too worried and anxious.

Excuse me for this long letter. These moans and entreaties do not belong to me alone. I know that many youths are as pitiable as me.

Let me also confess that I attempted to commit suicide twice at the early ages of youth, 16 or l7 but we poor people are not even allowed to die! Now I have become very weak. Pardon me, now-a-days I lose semen involuntarily!…I am wandering in a fatal typhoon, hoping that one side may lead to destruction!

Pleas save me! I request you to reply to me soon, and if possible, via mail. If you want, you can also reply to me in the Nasl-e-Javan magazine, at your earliest convenience. I pray God for progress of you, the pure-hearted masters and managers of this magazine who attempt to guide tainted individuals like me, and prevent others from such terrible things.

S.B from Mashad

The Important Issue lies here!

Here, we read another painful and distressful letter from an afflicted youth (we have not mentioned his name), and review another scene from the sorrowful spectacles of this tainted society.

Now, let us follow our discussion regarding the heinous and dangerous habit of masturbation, and the way of curing it, haply to control this dangerous flood somehow.

One of the big mistakes with respect to this critical issue is that contrary to some experts who have studied about it for many years and written about the evil effects of this ugly practice (a sample of which was mentioned in the previous chapters), some physicians comment:

Medically, we have not found any harm of this practice. Rather, frightening individuals from fatal and ominous impacts of this practice, may have undesirable effects on their spirit!

Once they say: There is not much difference between this practice and sexual intercourse.
Unfortunately, such remarks without investigation about all aspects of issue, result in fall of a number of youths in the snare of this ominous habit.

The well-informed physicians reply them as follows:
They have ignored an essential point, that is: According to “plenty of observations” and “plain confessions of many afflicted”, this practice is habit-forming, and a severe and fatal addiction which attracts individuals to itself, and does not leave them easily.

Smoking a narcotic may not be very harmful once, but we should note that there is risk of addiction, in which one’s everything may be buried.

As the specialists have stated clearly in this regard, this evil deed is habit-forming. They have warned the youths against it. (pay attention)

Another point to be added is that the way of being tainted by this practice is very simple and easy. In other words, it does not require any means, and it is possible everywhere and in all conditions. It is not possible to control it, and regretfully, since it entangles the youths during the period of “rebellion of sexual instinct”, especially during the years of 16 to 20, it may change to a deep rooted habit very soon. However, sexual intercourse is never so simple, and even for the spouses, it is possible under particular conditions.

Those who have disregarded its harms have certainly forgotten the issue of “addiction”, and its other particular conditions and situations.

Otherwise, how one can deny the reality that many tainted youths continue it as far as death, insanity, absolute debility, paralysis and losing everything? Is it possible to deny such obvious observations?!

On the contrary, there are many people among this group who say: we were not familiar with the harms of this heinous habit. Therefore, the issue of autosuggestion is rejected here.

 

http://www.al-islam.org/sexual-problems-youths-ayatullah-al-uzma-shaykh-nasir-makarim-shirazi

Man, what is your price?

price-r

Imam ‘Ali (a.s.) said:
إنَّهُ لَيْسَ لاِنْفُسِكُمْ ثَمَنٌ إلاّ الْجَنَّةُ فَلا تَبِيْعُوها إِلاَّ بِها

Translation
(Be aware) no price is good enough for you except everlasting prosperity and paradise, so do not exchange it for any other price.1

Brief Description
Usually when somebody is asked about the price of his life, he cannot name a price. No price is high enough.
However, in reality, he exchanges this precious life gradually, day by day, for a very small price indeed. And, lo and behold, he wakes up one fine day towards the end of his life, to find that he has sold off this priceless asset in exchange for a house or a car or a country villa, which he will soon leave behind in any case … when death comes knocking at the door !
Imam ‘Ali (a.s.) says that nothing whatsoever of the material treasures of this world is worthy enough to be exchanged with the capital of your life. The only thing worth selling your life for is God’s satisfaction, human and spiritual development that leads to an everlasting prosperity in paradise. This is the thing to buy with your life; it is worthy of every endeavor, attempt and sacrifice one can make.[divider]
•    1. Nahjul Balaghah

What are the fatal consequences of perversions?

images

One of the most important issues that the youths face, and method of prevention of the untainted and treatment of the tainted!

In the preceding chapter, we mentioned some live examples to show how perversion and addiction to some of sexual aberrations can change the youths to a feeble, abject, hopeless, retarded and a sick being to the extent of “insanity” and “death”.

Unfortunately, at our time, called by some as “the time of sexy affairs”, many idle writers try to represent the perversions of youths as something insignificant, and sometimes for satisfaction of perverted people, introduce it as a necessity of life and one of the requisites of youth period!

As we know, a group of people too have made it a means for their “illegal business”, and look everywhere for hot sexy subjects and preparing provocative photos, and do not spare any life!

For instance, recently in a magazine called “women”, a so-called shocking news item was published, which as the writer says: “It has astonished all Europe!” It was about a lady who had announced in a newspaper that she was looking for a ladylove for her husband?!

They select news, which is most probably developed by themselves, as an effective promotional means for increasing circulation of their magazine. Now, what is the result of publishing such news with so much embroidery for the society, except scandal and perversion?

Even some sociologists, psychologists and physicians are not excluded from this “sexual wave” and try to represent it as natural and harmless.

A group of people, who believe in the painful and ill consequences of licentiousness, talk about prevention of these issues in such a way that it does not help to solve the problem and treat the afflicted. Rather it teaches the perverted ways they did not know before, and increases their perversion!

All these factors have caused the issue of sexual perversion to become an extremely complicated and a terrible problem such that it is not possible to eradicate it easily. It calls for attention, budget and precise plans.

Harms of masturbation

However, the youths shall tear the curtains of ignorance and malefaction covering the most sensitive facts concerned with them through their wisdom and intellect, and instead of escaping from perception of reality and resorting to subjects with no effect except narcotization and perversion of their thoughts. They shall review the sensible and clear realities and see the end of these fatal perversions with their own eyes.

First, we narrate the testimony of some physicians and researchers who have investigated such issues. Then, we will analyse the psychological and social causes of sexual perversions, and afterwards we will describe the way of eradication of these shameful addictions.

A famous physician narrates the observations of a number of physicians in his book on the harms of the shameful habit of masturbation as follows:

Hofeman says: I saw a 23-year-old young man addicted to this evil habit since the age of 15.
He had become so weak that his eyes were too feeble even to read a book. He had headache and was hysterical. He was dizzying like a drunken and he felt a deep pain in his eyes.

Observations of Dr. Huotchinson prove that most diseases related to the genital system, retina and choroids are caused by masturbation. (Pay attention).

The said writer adds: The first result of this heinous addiction is that eyes become weak, the face loses its colour. The former smartness and acuity is not found in their sights. A grey circle surrounds their eyes. Then, weakness and sloth is observed in different organs.

Forgetfulness, lack of appetite, indigestion, asthma, envy, grief and boredom, melancholia, seclusion and loneliness are among the ill consequences of this perversion.

The physician adds in his book, that this heinous deed causes anaemia, weakening of physical and spiritual power, vertigo, imagining voices and noises, backache, forgetfulness, anorexia, weakness and indolence, and in brief general debility, in particular in the eyes and ears. (Pay attention)

Addiction to this heinous sexual perversion decreases resistance of body against diseases, and according to him:

Those afflicted with this heinous habit cannot escape death easily after contracting one of the acute diseases.

Then, he quotes from one of the writers:
I knew a young man afflicted with this heinous practice. Once, he was suffering from a feverish disease. On the sixth day when he had become very weak, he could not stop his malefaction. Then, death embraced him!

He also narrates:
One of those afflicted somehow with this heinous practice, felt gradual and increasing weakness. He was losing weight and suffering from backache. Continuation of this practice resulted in paralysis, and after six months of lying down in bed, he passed away pitifully.

Affliction with this heinous habit is very dangerous for the wounded and those who are operated.

To summarize, according to the same specialist, this heinous sexual perversion, hated both from medical and religious point of view, results in atrophy and weakens the spirits of man.

However, the harms of such perversion are too many to be included here. One of its most horrible dangers is that the disastrous practice is not controllable at all, and will power weakens with its increasing development. It develops into such a strange extreme way that it transgresses any limitation and violates any boundary.

It is true that any sort of excess in sexual affairs, even in the legitimate way (through marriage) may cause numerous dangers, but apart from the basic differences between natural and unnatural satiation of this instinct (which will be explained later), the situation is not always prepared for its legitimate and natural satiation. While, this heinous practice does not require special conditions, and so it penetrates and roots dangerously into life of the afflicted.

Taking into account the above facts and the vital importance of this issue on the destiny and future of the youths in physical, mental, moral, social and religious point of view, it is necessary for all the youths to note exactly all the points we mention for “prevention” from these hateful habits.

The afflicted shall know that it is never too late to quit this malefaction. First of all, “decision” and then exact observation of the instructions which will be mentioned in the coming pages of this book is necessary. After studying this program, it would not be difficult to quit these habits.

 

http://www.al-islam.org/sexual-problems-youths-ayatullah-al-uzma-shaykh-nasir-makarim-shirazi

World is created for what?

creation-r
Imam ‘Ali (a.s.) said:
اَلدُّنْيا خُلِقَتْ لِغَيْرِها وَ لَمْ تُخْلَقْ لِنَفْسِها

Translation
World is created for another purpose, not for itself. 1

Brief Description
People sometimes have difficulty comprehending the nature of this world. They find one set of interpretations of verses and speeches commending the world and its material tools, introducing it as a house of commerce or farm of saints. And then they find verses and speeches blaming it and calling it dangerous, deceptive and source of conceit.
The above tradition clarifies the issue succinctly indicating that when the world and its material tools are used as a means of attaining human development and justice and prosperity for all, it is to be valued and commended. But when it is considered as an end in itself, just for immediate and inordinate fulfillment of desires, with no higher purpose, and causes rebellion, conceit and obstinacy, it becomes hateful and dangerous.[divider]
•    1. Safinat’ul-Bihar, Bihar Al-Anwar vol70, page 133, Sharh Nahj Albalagha, vol 20, page 181, Nahj Albalagha page 557

Some signs of a believer

sujud-believer-r
Imam As-Sadiq (a.s.) said:
اَلْمُؤْمِنُ حَسَنُ الْمَعُونَةِ خَفِيفُ الْمَؤُنَةِ، جَيِّدُ التَّدْبِيرِ لِمَعِيْشَتِهِ لا يَلْسَعُ مِنْ جُحْر مَرَّتَيْنِ

Translation
A believer provides valuable assistance, has low expenditure, and is prudent in life, and is never bitten twice from one hole (never inflicted twice from one source). 1

Brief Description
Belief has some scientific, moral and social manifestation and signs, without which it is only a meaningless name. The above tradition refers to four signs of it:
1- Believers provide valuable assistance to their Muslim brothers because their help is accompanied with compassion, honesty and awareness.
2- They do not have a luxurious and costly standard of living and do not commit offenses to provide for it.
3- They are prudent and aware in life especially in economic affairs.
4- They take lesson from each event immediately and thus they are not inflicted twice from the same source.[divider]
•    1. Safinat’ul-Bihar, Alkafi, vol 2, page 241, Wasa’il Alshia, vol 15, page 193.

True belief makes you stronger than iron

g
Imam As-Sadiq (a.s.) said:
إنَّ الْمُؤْمِنَ أَشَدُّ مِنْ زُبُرِ الْحَدِيْدِ إنَّ زُبُرَ الْحَدِيْدِ إِذْا أُدْخِلَ النّارَ تَغَيَّرَ وَ إنَّ الْمُؤْمِنَ لَوْ قُتِلَ ثُمَّ نُشِرَ ثُمَّ قُتِلَ لَمْ يَتَغَيَّرْ قَلْبُهُ

Translation
The believers are stronger than iron parts because when iron is exposed to fire, it changes, but if the believers are killed and then revived and again killed, there would be no change in their mentalities.1

Brief Description
Life is a series of problems and complicated matters. Weak people surrender to them very soon and escape from the field, whereas those who are strong on account of their belief stand firm to tackle the challenges.
They know that there will always be hindrances in complying with God’s command, abstaining from sin, and achieving honors and credits. They realize that self-control, self-sacrifice and resistance against rebellious desires are required in order to succeed. True belief gives them immense strength to continue their endeavor fearlessly in the path of religion.[divider]
•    1. Safinat’ul-Bihar, volume 1, page 37.

Examine yourself every day

self-examination-r

Imam Al-Kadhim (a.s.) said:
لَيْسَ مِنّا مَنْ لَمْ يُحاسِبْ نَفْسَهُ كُلَّ يَوْم

Translation
One who does not perform self-examination every day is not among us.1

Brief Description
Preventing loss and increasing profit in any worldly activity, however big or small, requires continuous monitoring and assessment through inspection, measurement and accounting. One can see how careful people are in calculation of their material wealth. And how sensitive are the weight-watchers about small changes in their weight. Yet, surprisingly, some of them do not look into their human, moral and spiritual accounts even once during their life. What a terrible negligence!
A responsible and vigilant Muslim is one who, as the Imam says, examines his account everyday without exception. If he has done a good deed, he tries to continue it, and if he has done evil, he repents for it.[divider]
•    1. Sayings of the Imams, volume one, page 214