Ma`rifat

This article is a commentary on the words of Amir al-Mu'minnān concerning the characteristics of the true Shiite. Not being overcome by wishes, not having long-held ambitions, having few faults and mistakes, and remembering death are some other qualities of true believers. Having wishes is not a bad quality in itself; rather, it is considered as a good divine blessing. If one does not have any wishes and aspirations in life, he will not be able to continue working and trying, but if man's hopes and aspirations are orientated towards the other world and eternal happiness, surely, its value exceeds the worldly ambitions and wishes. A wrong wish is a far-fetched and long-standing worldly one which takes away the individual's comfort and prevents him from performing worldly duties and good deeds. The worldly and spiritual wishes are aimed at maintaining the dignity of Islam, the glory of the Islamic system and its superiority over the implacable and sworn enemies of Islam. Some believe that everything is summed up in the world and worldly delights, the world is authentic, and the hereafter is a superstition! What is considered in the monotheistic view is that this world is just an introduction, and worldly life is temporary. The immortal and real life is the life after death.