Ethics

From the viewpoint of the science of ethics, virtue lies midway between the two extremes of excess and neglect. Courage is a virtue that lies midway between rashness and timidity. One who is free from recklessness and fear possesses the virtue of cou...

From the viewpoint of the science of ethics, virtu...

Fear is one of the basic instincts of every living creature when confronted with some kind of danger. Whenever in its struggle for life the human being is confronted with the alternatives of either avoiding danger or-facing harm or destruction, the f...

Fear is one of the basic instincts of every living...

Self-reliance is not only not contrary to trust in God, the reliance one places in the Lord of the universe and the faith one has in the eternal Divine power strengthen and develop one's personality. The human being having faith, while possessing the...

Self-reliance is not only not contrary to trust in...

A vicious and base person interprets the conduct and character of others in accordance with his own filthy motives. 'Ali, may Peace be upon him, said: An evil person does not have a good opinion of anyone, because he does not see anyone except throug...

A vicious and base person interprets the conduct a...

Besides, Islam takes an original view of the real inner motives of human actions and makes intent the criterion for value judgements. Every action has two aspects, and each of these two aspects has to be treated separately from the viewpoint of good ...

Besides, Islam takes an original view of the real ...

The quest for personal independence arises from the depth of man's emotional being. This natural desire can be realised only when one's behaviour and approach is based on this inclination. Islam takes a frank, wholesome, and healthy view of the sourc...

The quest for personal independence arises from th...

In the system of Islamic teaching the realisation of eternal and spiritual felicity also depends on one's personal conduct. Basically, personal responsibility constitutes the foundation of Islamic teaching. That is, man is expected to carry out all t...

In the system of Islamic teaching the realisation ...

In the same way that talents and faculties develop in a person possessing self- confidence, making him progress and lead a free and happy life, so also a pessimistic individual under the influence of negative thoughts weakens his constructive faculti...

In the same way that talents and faculties develop...

One of the man-making methods of the Prophet of Islam, may God bless him and his Household, was to develop the spirit of self-assurance and self- reliance in his followers. In the shadow of the guidance and teachings of the Prophet, Muslims acquired ...

One of the man-making methods of the Prophet of Is...

In the same way that self-assurance and reliance on one's efforts and perseverance for the sake of attaining one's goal are the biggest factors behind success, so also depending on baseless hopes and cherishing unrealistic aspirations in one's heart,...

In the same way that self-assurance and reliance o...

The brilliant achievements of world's historic men as well as the amazing progress made by humanity in all the various technical, economic and social fields, have all been achieved through self- reliance and perseverance. Without self-confidence one ...

The brilliant achievements of world's historic men...

One can have a friend and companion even when one is alone and relaxing in solitude. These companions are books that provoke one to think upon matters that contribute to one's mental growth and edification. By reflecting upon the writings of great me...

One can have a friend and companion even when one ...

One of the causes of social isolation and unsociability is the feeling of resentment towards people which results in a stunted emotional and social personality. The dream of amicable relations is changed into a nightmare of despair and inability to s...

One of the causes of social isolation and unsociab...

Perhaps everyone has come across in his social surroundings persons who chum up with everybody, but their only goal is to attract others' attention to themselves, although their hearts are devoid of any fraternal feeling. They hide their real face un...

Perhaps everyone has come across in his social sur...

The policy of the wise and the foresighted is to observe certain criteria and exercise caution in friendly relations. Immoderation in this regard may lead to deplorable consequences and bring regret and pain. That is because the bond of friendship an...

The policy of the wise and the foresighted is to o...

One should know that if one associates with corrupt persons for the sake of rescuing em from their wretched condition, it is something very commendable and praiseworthy. Islam approves of the method of associating with persons who have violated moral...

One should know that if one associates with corrup...

In choosing a friend one must employ one's judgement in a manner free from emotion and try to find the criterion for assessing his real worth. One must know his inadequacies and weak points, his ideas, feelings, dislikes and infirmities. Ultimately, ...

In choosing a friend one must employ one's judgeme...

In general there exist two alternatives for man, either to surrender totally to his corporal and natural faculties and subjugate his soul absolutely to his instincts and appetites, or to answer the summons of his higher spiritual aspirations and to c...

In general there exist two alternatives for man, e...

One of the basic necessities of social life is learning to get along with other people. One can hardly find two persons who have beliefs, thoughts, and feelings that are identical in all respects. Even in regard to the most insignificant matters of l...

One of the basic necessities of social life is lea...

The influence of social surroundings is a basic problem of education and a topic that has been given special attention by moralists. In general, man leads his life among people, and the fabric of his personal existence is made in society. The role of...

The influence of social surroundings is a basic pr...

Self-suggestion is one of the means for strengthening the will to realise goals. Possessing higher aspirations and fixing one's gaze on the shining horizons of life induce one to make a wilful and persisting quest for attaining those goals. Imam 'Ali...

Self-suggestion is one of the means for strengthen...