In the name of Allah
The All Compassionate, the All-Merciful
26 Rajab 1447 (16 January 2026)
Islamic Universal Association
20 Penzance Place, Holland Park
London, W11 4 PG
Imam Ali (a.s)’s advice in the Nahjal-Balagha – Part 118
The following narration of Dirar ibn (Damrah) is a historical description about Imam Ali (a.s)’s piety and night worship. Many scholars and chroniclers regarded Dirara in great esteem; he was a companion of the Holy Prophet (s.a)
“It has been narrated that when Dirar ibn (Damrah) ad-Dibabi went to Muawiyah, Muawiyah enquired about Amir Al-mu’minin, peace be upon him. Dirar said: “I stand witness that I have seen him on several occasions when night spreads, he (Ali) stands in the niche of the mosque holding his beard and groaning like one who has been bitten by a snake and weeping as though in bereavement, saying:
O world, O world! Get away from me. Why do you present yourself to me? Why are you so eager? You will not get the opportunity to impress me. Deceive some other person. I have no concern with you. I have divorced you thrice, where after that there is no restitution. Your life is short, your importance is little and your aspirations are base. Alas! The provision is little, the way is long, the journey is far and the goal is hard to reach.” (Short Saying 77, Nahjul Balagha)
The above account is deeply philosophical and significant and is often cited in religious and historical contexts intended to inspire piety and self-reflection.
Key points
- The account of Darir illustrates the asceticism, devotion and profound spiritual character of Ali ibn Abi Talib (a.s), which has been acknowledged even by those who were in conflict with him, like Muawiyah. It has been reported that Dirar’s description of Ali (a.s)’s piety moved Muawiyah to tears.
- Imam Ali (a.s) emphasizes his detachment from this material life and declares a final and irreversible divorce from it. He says:
- “O world, O world! Get away from me. Why do you present yourself to me? Why are you so eager? You will not get the opportunity to impress me. Deceive some other person. I have no concern with you. I have divorced you thrice, where after that there is no restitution.”
- He describes this life as short, its importance as little and its aspirations as
- The spiritual journey has been highlighted by the Imam as follows:
- “Alas! The provision is little, the way is long, the journey is far and the goal is hard to reach.”
- The Imam focuses on the afterlife or a higher spiritual goal and he is not concerned with this material world. To be continued
Second sermon
The Holy Prophet (s.a)’s mission
The Holy Prophet (s.a)’s first embarked on his merciful mission on the 27th of Rajab and I take this opportunity to congratulate Imam Mahdi (a.s) and the Muslim Ummah. I invoke Allah (s.w.t) to guide us in following his footsteps and to make us prosperous and triumphant against the enemies of Islam.
Allah (s.w.t) sent Messengers to every ummat, who advised people that they should worship Him alone and to refrain from worshipping false deities. However, the Holy Prophet (s.a) was the leader of all the prophets; he brought the final revelation and completed the religion of Allah (s.w.t). His divine message which continued for 23 years proclaimed the Unity of God and demolished ignorance and disbelief. We must, therefore, appreciate the blessings of his official appointment and all the goodness that it brought. Although, the “first to be created was his light”, the Holy Quran does not deny the revelations that came before it; rather it testifies to their truthfulness and completes them. When speaking about the prophets that came before him, the Holy Prophet (s.a) said: “I am the prayer of my ancestor, Abraham and the glad tidings of Jesus. My position and that of the other prophets is like the following parable: A man builds a perfect and beautiful house but leaves one brick missing from a corner of the house. People come and gaze at the house. Noticing the missing brick they say “Will a brick not be put in this niche?” Now, I am that brick and the last of the prophets.”
The great favour of sending messengers to the people is the greatest kindness of Allah (s.w.t) which started with the creation of man and continued until the death of the Holy Prophet (s.a). Some relevant Ayahs are quoted below:
Ayah 42 of Surah Al-An’am: “Verily, We sent Messengers to nations before you…”
Ayahs 36 and 63 of Surah An-Nahl: “Indeed, We raised in every nation a Messenger (who said): “Worship God (Alone), and stay clear of every kind of false deities (taghut).” So among them were some whom God guided and among them were others on whom error was confirmed. … .
By God, indeed We sent Messengers to people before you…”
Ayah 15 and 77 of Surah Bani-Isra’il: “….And We do not chastise people until We raised a Messenger among them.
This was Our way with those of Our Messengers whom We sent before you and you will not find any change in Our way.”
Ayah 47 of Surah Ar-Rum: “Indeed We sent Messengers before you to their people and they came to them with clear proof, then We took vengeance upon those who were guilty; the succour of the believers were indeed incumbent upon Us.”
Ayah 78 of Surah Al-Ghafir: “And, indeed We have sent Messengers before you; (O’ Our Messenger, Muhammad). Of them there are those whom We have mentioned to you, and those We have not….”
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