Tradition

اَلْمُؤْمِنُ يَحْتاجُ إلى ثَلثِ خِصَال: توفيقٌ مِنَ اللّه، وَ وَاعِظٌ مِنْ نَفْسِهِ، وَ قَبُولٌ مِمَّنْ يَنْصَحُهُ

Imam al-Jawad (‘a) is narrated to have said: “Faithful believers are in need of three things: Divine favor, counsel which arises from the heart, and the acceptance of other people’s advice.”1

Brief Commentary

Human beings tread a path that is full of ups and downs, and filled with many dangers. In order to transform oneself into an effective and beneficial member of society, one must first develop a spiritual connection with his Lord. This connection will awaken his conscience within him, which will in turn guide and advise him in his day to day affairs. In addition to this inner guiding voice, such a person will also need to listen to the advice and counsel of others as well, in order to draw upon their collective experience and wisdom. This collective experience and wisdom will prove to be invaluable when dealing with new or complex situations.

• 1. Muntahi al-Amal, Mustadrak Al-Wasa’il, vol. 8, p. 329, Bihar Al-Anwar, vol. 72, p. 329, Tuhaf Al-‘Uqul, p. 457.