The Characteristics of True Shiites; Contentment and Satisfaction with Divine Decrees

Ayatollah Allameh Mohammad-Taqi Mesbah

Abstract

This article is an exposition of the commentary on Imam Ali's words about the characteristics of true Shiites. Among these characteristics are: contentment with what is predestined for them, not becoming vicious when angry, vulnerability to individual whims and not being subject to stinginess. Being selfish and stingy which means not sharing what one has with others is the source of many vices. Divine destiny implies that man gains profound knowledge and believes that God is omnipresent and His power is limitless and that nothing can be done without God's will. Therefore, a true Shiite fears no one other than God and never flatters or takes pride in what he possesses. Thus, man’s perfection is an outcome of man’s belief in the Unseen and understanding of the facts about the Unseen. The stronger this belief and more proud this knowledge, the closer to God man will be.

Key words: contentment, satisfaction with divine decrees, unity of divine acts.