Imam Baqir: What are We Proud of?
History has portrayed fall of the most powerful kings such as Alexander, Pharos and Cesar, despite their fast tracking victories. Hence the transient victories are not something one can rely on them and count them the as a sign of dignity.
Hospitals show us how strong individuals and athletes can be weakened due to an illness or accident. This makes us realize that physical power and strength cannot be the man's pride.
The wealthiest men may turn into the poorest by a simple event such as fire. Thus, wealth too cannot be man's pride.
Powerful politicians and leaders have ended up in jails or have been executed due to changes in politics of their country. And so, rural and political power is not dependable either....
Let's look at our own life carefully. A human being is weak from the moment of his birth, where even the simplest tasks such as controlling saliva from falling out of his mouth seem impossible. In his old years, walking becomes unbearable for him. If he is able to use his hands and legs, he will have to take several breaks for a short walking distance. And if he is not able to use his legs, he will need a wheel chair and an aid to help him move around.
Therefore, a person who began life from being nothing but a sperm, and ends his life with death, should not take pride unto himself and act selfishly toward others.
It is upon this matter that our master Imam Muhammad Baqir (PBUH), has said,
"I am surprised at him who brags about himself! He was created from a worthless sperm, and he will end as a dead corpse. While amidst these he does not know what fate will fall upon him, nor what will happen to him."(1)
So what does man have to brag about? What is he so proud of? How can he think himself better than others?
(Selection taken from “Morals in the Holy Qur’an” by Ayatullah Makarim Shirazi)
Footnote:
1- Usul al-Kafi, vol. 2, p. 329
Other links:
What is the difference between Satan and the carnal soul?
The Impact of Friendship on man
Greed is the Enemy of the Soul
