Peak of Eloquence Nahjul Balagha By Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib - English Translation - Sermon 166

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Delivered at the Inception of his Caliphate
Fulfillment of rights and obligations and advice to fear Allah in
all matters:
Allah, the One Glorified by all, has revealed [for you] a Book of
guidance wherein He has explained virtue and vice. You should adopt the
course of virtue whereby you will have guidance and keep aloof from the
path of vice so that you may remain on the right path. (Mind) the
obligations, (mind) the obligations! Fulfil them for the sake of pleasing
Allah and they will take you to Paradise. Surely, Allah has made unlawful
the things which are not unknown and made lawful the things which are
without defect. He has declared paying regard to Muslims as the highest
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of all regards. He has placed the rights of Muslims in the same level (of
importance) as devotion (to Him and to His oneness). Therefore, a
Muslim is one from whose tongue and hand every (other) Muslim is safe
except in the matter relevant to the truth. It is not, therefore, lawful to
assault a Muslim except when it is obligatory.
Hasten towards the most common matter which is peculiar to
everyone, and it is death. Certainly, people (who have already gone) are
ahead of you while the hour (Day of Judgement) is driving you from
behind. Remain light, in order that you may overtake them. Your backs
are being protected for the sake of protecting the fronts. Fear Allah in the
matter of His creatures and His cities because you will be questioned even
about lands and beasts. Obey Allah and do not disobey Him. When you
witness virtue (being done) adopt it, and when you witness vice (being
committed) avoid it.