Peak of Eloquence Nahjul Balagha By Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib - English Translation - Sermon 23

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About Keeping Aloof from Envy and Good Behavior Towards
Kith and Kin
Verily the Divine orders descend form heaven to earth like drops
of rain bringing to everyone what is destined for him whether plenty or
paucity. So if any one of you observes for his brother plenty of progeny or
of wealth or of self, it should not be a worry for him. So long as a Muslim
does not commit such an act that if it is disclosed, he has to bend his eyes
(in shame) and by which low people are emboldened he is like the
gambler who expects that the first draw of his arrow would secure him
gain and also cover up the previous loss.
Similarly, the Muslim who is free from dishonesty expects one of
the two good things; either a cal from Allah and in that case whatever is
with Allah is the best for him or the livelihood of Allah. He has already
children and property while his faith and respect are with him. Certainly,
wealth and children are the plantations of this world while virtuous deeds
are the plantation of the next world. Sometimes, Allah joins all these in
some groups.
Beware of Allah against what He has cautioned you and keep
afraid of Him to the extend that no excuse be needed for it. Act without
show or intention of being heard for if a man acts for some one else then
Allah makes him over to that one. We ask Allah to grant us) the positions
of the martyrs, company of the virtuous and friendship of the prophets.
O people! Surely no one (even though he may be rich) can do
without his kinsmen and their support by hands or tongues. They alone
are his support from the rear and can ward off from him his troubles and
they are the most kind to him when tribulations befall him. The good
property which others inherit from him.
In the same sermon, he says the following:
Behold! If any one of you finds your near ones in want or
starvation, he should not desist from helping them with that which will
not increase if this help is not extended nor decrease by thus spending it.
Whoever holds up his hand from (helping) his kinsmen, he holds only one
hand, but at the same time of his need, many hands remain held up form
helping him. One who is sweet-tempered can retain the love of his people
for good.