Islam Guidance

It is narrated from Muhammad Hamdan, from Ibrahim Baltun, from his father, he said: “I was one of the gatekeepers of Mutawaakil. One day fifty slaves were gifted to him by Khazar, Mutawakkil ordered me to take their custody and treat them well.
A year later, I was in the court of Mutawakkil, while Abul-Hassan Imam Ali Ibn Muhammed An-Naqi (A.S) arrived, while Imam (A.S) took his seat, Mutawakkil ordered me to bring out those slaves from their shelters, hence I brought all of them. When they came, they all fell in prostration (Sajdah) for Abul-Hassan (A.S)
As soon as they saw him. Mutawwakkil couldn’t control his anger on seeing this, stood up and walked out, hiding himself behind the curtain. After a while Imam Abul-Hassan (A.S) left.
When Mutawakkil realized that he (A.S) has gone away, he came out and screamed in anger; “Woe unto you O Baltun! What have these slaves done?
I replied: “By Allah (S.W.T), I do not know at all”.
He said: ask them, and then I asked them about their action. They replied: “This (holy) person comes to us every year for ten days and teaches us religion and he is the vicegerent of Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H&H.P)”.
Then Mutawakkil ordered me to kill them, and then I had to kill all of them.
Later that evening I went to Abul-Hassan (A.S), as I reached his door, the slave of Imam (A.S) looked at me, recognized me and allowed me to go inside. Then I entered the house.
Imam Hadi (A.S) was sitting, he asked: “What happened to those people O Baltun!?
I replied: “By Allah (S.W.T), all of them were killed.”
Imam (A.S) asked: “All of them?”
I replied: “Yes by Allah (S.W.T).”
He (A.S) said: “Would you like to see them?”
I replied: “Yes O, the son of Prophet (P.B.U.H&H.P)!”
He (A.S) pointed toward a curtain and told me to enter, as soon as I entered, I saw all of them were sitting (alive) and eating fruits kept in front of them!
[Source: As Saqib Fil Manaqib P 529]

Ref: Marefate AhleBait (A.S).com

The English vocabulary while expansive suddenly finds itself too poor to produce sufficient words to describe the character of Imam Ali (A.S). The examples of his piety are an endless ocean that scholars have devoted their time to seeking. His worship remains the summit of submission to God and his humility: an everlasting illustration of how power can be used in the path of God.
Most remarkable to those who have studied the praise-worthy life and legacy of Imam Ali (A.S), however, is the fact he lived his in service. Many conscious Muslims should look no further than the absolute examples left by Imam Ali (A.S).  What more does a person requires when choosing a role model than a person who lived a life in service of God, humanity, and the truth?

In Service of God
In his final will, Imam Ali (A.S) said, “Fear Allah in relation to your prayers. It is the pillar of your religion.” Before attempting to engage in various domains of service and activism, one should consider the qualities and levels of our worship. Imam Ali (A.S) provides a model of leadership and service based on the key principles of prayer, fasting, and charity. Prayer is substantial and should be used as a foundation for our work and service. Imam Ali (A.S) was steadfast in the fulfillment of his prayers and fasts. Neither power nor other responsibilities distracted him from this duty.  In fact, Imam Ali (A.S) was the kind of man that could only be assassinated in his prayers because even his enemies were aware just how engrossed in prayer he would become.
During the Battle of Siffin, Imam Ali (A.S) would despite the danger, spread his prayer mat between two rows of fighters and perform his prayers even as arrows rained from all sides. He did not display fear of the arrows, nor the ongoing battles surrounding him.  He would then complete his prayers and remain on the prayer mat to perform additional supplications. What does this teach us? The most significant lesson we can gain from this is that conviction and submission to Allah (S.W.T) are not defined by circumstances. Rather, they are a set of principles that we must protect and value as individuals before attempting to impose them upon others through our service and leadership.

In Service of Humanity
Imam Ali (A.S) said, “Verily part of worship is to talk to people in a gentle manner and to spread the greeting of peace among them” (Ghurar al-Hikam).
Unfortunately we live in a profane society that many of us have subconsciously grown to tolerate and accept. While we may not use cursing to get our points across to others, we find little issue with degrading, humiliating, and disrespecting others who may disagree with us. How is it that we who run small and insignificant projects and organizations find the audacity to treat other humans with such disgrace and yet the man who at one point led the Islamic world, spoke to even his enemies with the utmost respect?
Imam Ali’s commitment to humanity and just leadership is recognized by Muslims and Non-Muslims alike. In 2002, the United Nations used quotes and sayings by Imam Ali (A.S) in its report on Arab Human Development in hopes of inspiring its leaders to move towards treating citizens with respect and justice. Among the sayings quoted in the report was one that focuses on qualities of those who should lead others, “He who has appointed himself an Imam (ruler) of the people must begin by teaching himself before teaching others. His teaching of others must be first by setting an example rather than with his words, for he who begins by teaching and educating himself is more worthy of respect than he who teaches and educates others.”

Derived from: Ahlulbayt Islamic Mission

Imam Sadiq (A.S) was just martyred; however, due to the political situation at the time and fear over the life of the next Imam, he had introduced the Imam after him implicitly and indirectly. Therefore, there became a dispute among the Shiites over his successor.
Meanwhile, a group of Shiites from Neishabour had collected their Khums money to hand it over to their Imam. They chose a person named Muhammad ibn Ali Neishabouri to take their Khums to Medina. The total amount of Khums collected was about thirty thousand gold coins, fifty thousand silver coins, and some cloth. A woman named Shatitah Neishabouri took a single silver coin along with a piece of silk cloth which she had weaved herself and was worth only four silver coins to the representative and said to him, ”Verily Allah (S.W.T) is not ashamed of (fulfilling and explaining) the truth”.
Besides these properties, the people of Neishabour submitted about seventy pieces of paper to Muhammad ibn Ali. At the top part of each paper, a religious question was written and the bottom of the pages was left blank for the answer. They folded the papers in couple, sealed them, and said to Muhammad ibn Ali: “Give the papers to the Imam at night and get the answers back the next morning. If you find the packages sealed, open up five of them. If you realize that the Imam has answered the questions without opening the papers and removing the seals, you will not need to open the rest. You should know that that person is definitely the Imam, so you may leave the properties with him; if not, and then return our properties to us”.
Muhammad ibn Ali left for Medina, and when he got there, he went to the house of Abdullah Aftah, the son of Imam Sadiq (A.S). There, he tested Abdullah to see if he was the Imam. However, he came out confused and said with himself, “O Allah! Guide me to my Imam”. As he was wondering, a person approached him and said,” Let us go to the one you are looking for”. That person took Muhammad to the house of Imam Kadhim (A.S). When the Imam (A.S) saw Muhammad, he said to him,” Why did you lose hope? Come to me as I am the guardian and proof of Allah (S.W.T); I already answered all the questions you have brought yesterday; please bring those questions, the silver coin of Shatitah which is in that pouch, and her piece of cloth which is in the other pouch”.
Muhammad became extremely surprised and astonished by Imam’s (A.S) saying, and did what the Imam (A.S) had ordered. Imam Kadhim (A.S) took the silver coin and the cloth of Shatitah, and then said to Muhammad ibn Ali:
“Verily Allah (S.W.T) is not ashamed of (fulfilling and explaining) the truth. O Aba Ja’far (Aba Ja’far is the nickname of Muhammad ibn Ali Neyshaburi)! Convey my greetings to Shatitah and give her this pouch of money (which contains forty silver coins). I also offer him a piece of my shroud, made from the cotton of Sayda (Sayda is the name of a village), the village of Lady Fatimah (S.A), and sewed by my sister Halima, the daughter of Imam Sadiq (A.S). Tell Shatitah that she would be alive for nineteen days from the time you will reach Neishabour. So ask her to spend sixteen coins for herself and save the twenty four remaining ones for her debts and charity money. I shall pray on her (dead body) myself. As for the rest of the properties you have brought, give them back to their owners. Also, open these papers and see if I had already answered the questions before you entered”.
Muhammad ibn Ali narrates that,” The packages were sealed and untouched; I opened some of the letters; Imam Kadhim (A.S) had answered all the questions in his own handwriting...”
When Muhammad ibn Ali returned to Neyshabur, he realized that all the people whose properties he was carrying had turned into the Fat’hi faith; however, only Shatitah had remained loyal to the Imamate of Imam Kadhim (A.S); he conveyed the greetings of the Imam (A.S) to Shatitah, handed in the money and the cloth to her, and explained the advices of Imam (A.S) to her.
Shatitah was alive for the same nineteen days as Imam Kadhim (A.S) had mentioned. When she passed away, Imam Kadhim (A.S) arrived at her body riding a camel. When he finished preparations and the prayer on Shatitah, he got on his camel, turned towards the desert, and said to Muhammad ibn Ali,” Convey my greetings to my friends, and tell them that it is obligatory on me and all the other Imams to be present at your burial, wherever it might me. So (in order to benefit from this blessing) always have fears of Allah (S.W.T) (deep) inside your heart”.

Taken from: Roshd Islamic Shia Website

Every human being loves to know about the best things in life and act upon them because human’s instincts is like a sophisticated system which in addition of differentiating between good and bad is also keen to do good and stay away from bad. Due to committing sins and mistakes humans damage this system and cannot utilize it in normal ways. For this reason, revelations and the prophets have been sent to remove the impurities and bring to surface what is buried.
Referring to inner self and revelations are the best ways to find out about the best things in life because the Almighty has given this ability to human beings to differentiate between good and bad. Allah (S.W.T) said that each sin or misbehavior will damage human’s nature. Of course this system will not stop suddenly and sins cannot destroy it because it is designed in a way that it may change in shape but its base will remain. [Ayah 84, Surah Al-Asra].
In the Quranic culture this noble principle which never changes has been called human’s spirit [Ayah 85, Surah Al-Asra], human’s nature [Ayah 30, Surah Al-Room], Human’s ego [Ayah 7, Surah Al-Shams], and heart and so on. This main principle is ordained by the almighty [Ayah 72, Surah Al-Saa’d; Ayah 12, Surah Al-A’araaf; Ayah 14, Surah Al-Momenoon; Ayah 85 of Surah Al-Asra] and will not change fundamentally because humans cannot interfere in that system.
Imam Ali (A.S) said: Then God sent the prophets one after another for the people to find the treasures of their wisdoms [Sermon Number 1, Nahjul Balagha]. Imam Baqir (A.S) narrated a sermon from Imam Ali (A.S) who introduced the best of things and ways of obtaining them some of which will be outlined here in brief.

Adopted from: Islamic Center of England

Likewise, the final call for travel to partake in the Divine banquet of the month of Ramadan is being done and the self is required to undergo a 'security scan'.
Aba Salt Al Harawi narrates: "On the last Jum'ah - Friday - of the month of Sha'baan, I went to visit Imam Ali Ar Ridha. The Imam said to me, 'O' Aba Salt! Certainly a great amount of the month of Sha'baan has passed and today is the last Friday (of this month).Therefore make up for your negligence during this month on this day through..." Thereafter the Imam outlines nine points as here below:
1. Increase in supplication
2. Increase in seeking forgiveness
3. Increase in recitation of Qur'an
4. Repent towards Allah
5. Fulfill any outstanding trust/requirement upon you
6. Remove from your heart any hatred for a Mumin (Faithful one)
7. Guard your duty towards Allah; observe Taqwa
8. Have Tawakkul - complete reliance - upon Allah (S.W.T)
"During the few days that are left in this month of Sha'baan, increase to continuously recite:

اللّهُمَّ إنْ لَمْ تَكُنْ غَفَرْتَ لَنَا فِيمَا مَضَى مِنْ شَعْبَان فَاغْفِرْ لَنَا فِيمَا بَقِيَ مِنْهُ

O' Allah! If you have not forgiven us (our sins) in that which has passed of this (month of) Sha'baan, then forgive us (our sins) in the period that is remaining (of the month of Sha'ban).
Since Allah the Most High, out of His respect for the month of Ramadan will release a large number of people from the hell fire."
Note the positive, encouraging and motivating content of the address urging one to make up for their negligence.

Imam Mahdi (A.S) addressing you
Just as the 8th Imam was addressing Aba Salt, imagine that today one is being similarly addressed by Imam Mahdi (A.S). How would one take these nine points for checking in the scan of one's nafs (Soul) travelling towards the month of Ramadan?

Derived from: Al Mahdi.org.uk

For grasping the character of divine banquets, we should first note that every banquet consists of four essential elements:
1. When you are invited you will not be rejected. Thus, the host is expected to welcome his guest; otherwise, an "invitation" is meaningless when the invitee is denied of reception. Accordingly, when Allah (S.W.T) invites His servants to the banquet of Ramadan, the gates of His mercy will be opened to those who accept the invitation.
2. When you enter the venue of the banquet, you will be treated with honor and respect. Although every person who has been let in is not competent of being respected, the same is not true for the one who has been invited as a guest. In light of this fact, one may understand the following statement in the above-mentioned sermon:

و جعلتم فیه من اهل کرامه الله

In this month, you are made of those people whom Allah respects and honors.
[Al-Amali by Saduq, p. 93]
3. When you go to a banquet you will be given or shown something without payment. In other words, you expect to gain something without return. Correspondingly, in the banquet of Ramadan, Allah (S.W.T) not only rewards our actions generously, but also entertains His guests with various bounties without them doing something so much so that He counts the sleep of His guests as an act of worship and their breaths as His glorification, as explicitly stated in the same sermon:

انفاسکم فیه تسبیح و نومکم فیه عباده

Your breaths in it (the month of Ramadan) are glorification (of God) and your sleep in it is worship. [Al-Amāli by Saduq, p. 93]
4. When you are invited to a party, you naturally expect to meet the host and consider his absence as a humiliation. Accordingly, when Allah (S.W.T) invites His servant to His banquet, by nature, He is ready to show Himself to His guests and meet them.
"This is the month in which you have been invited to the banquet of Allah.” This part of the sermon inspires the fact that this blessing has been dedicated to the month of Ramadan. The Holy Prophet of Islam added:

شهر هو عندالله افضل الشهور و ایامه افضل الایام و لیالیه افضل اللیالی و ساعاته افضل الساعات

In the sight of Allah, this month is the best month, its days are the best days, its nights are the best nights and its hours are the best hours. [Al-Amāli by Saduq, p. 93]
Although this month's prominence over others involves that its days, nights and hours are the best as well, by mentioning these three phrases independently, the Prophet emphasized that every portion of this month is better than its counterpart in every other month.

Taken from: Al Islam.org

Yes, everyone but Allah is mortal, and in fact, Imam al-Mahdi will pass away too. But the difference is the length of life in this world. The holy Qur’an and the prophetic traditions inform us that some people have had/have long life in this world. Thus the possibility of the occurrence of such phenomena is confirmed by the religion of Islam.
Are you aware that according to the Qur’an (see 29:14); Prophet Noah has just been prophet for 950 years? His age should have been even more than that because we should add his age before prophet hood to the above number.
Do you agree that Prophet Jesus (A.S) is still alive? He is, in fact, 1995 years old by now. Of course, he is not living on the earth. He is rather in the heavens, and according to the Muslim’s belief, he will come back to the earth, and will pray behind Imam al-Mahdi (A.S).
Do you agree that al-Khidr (A.S) is still alive? Qur’an mentions the story of his meeting with Prophet Moses (A.S). He existed before the time of the Prophet Moses (A.S), and as such, al-Khidr (A.S) is now more than 3000 years old! He lives right here on the earth, but we cannot recognize him (fairly similar to the case of Imam al-Mahdi). He serves Allah (S.W.T) as one of His agents.
The Hanafi scholar, Sibt Ibn al-Jawzi, in his book "Tathkirat al-Khawas al-Ummah", pp. 325-328 gives the names of 22 people believed by Muslims to have lived various ages from 3,000 down to 300 years! No doubt! Allah has the ability to give a very long life to His servants, but He also has assigned a death time for everyone (including the above mentioned individuals) which can be very soon or very late.
Moreover, scientifically speaking, there are no objections whatsoever to the extended life span assertion. A group of scientists conducted a series of experiments at the Rockefeller Institute in New York in 1912 on certain “parts” of plants, animals, and humans. These scientists included Dr. Alex Carl, Dr. Jack Lope, and Dr. Warren Lewis and his wife, among others. Among the experiments conducted was one that directly treated the nerves, muscles, hearts, skin, and kidneys of human beings.
These organs were not connected to a human body; they were independent organs that were perhaps donated for the experiment. It was concluded by the scientists that these "parts or organs “can continue to live almost indefinitely as long as they are nourished properly, and as long as they are shielded from external negative interactions like microbes and other obstacles that might inhibit the growth of these organs; furthermore, the assertion was made that the cells would continue to grow normally under the above conditions, and that the growth is directly related to the nourishment provided.
Again, aging had no effect on these organs, and they grew every year without any signs of deterioration. The scientists concluded that these organs will continue to grow as long as the patience of the scientists themselves is not exhausted, causing them to abandon the nourishment process.

Derived from: Al-Islam.org

Being active and to exercise is not only acceptable in Islam but also recommended. Part of the instructions given by the Prophet and the Imams (A.S) about upbringing of children is the issue of physical exercise. Swimming, for example, has been greatly encouraged in our religious literature.
It is a way of life which encompasses all aspects of human life: spiritual as well as physical, personal as well as communal, physical health as well as material wealth, and religious matters as well as political issues. In Islam, our body and health are considered as important gifts of Almighty Allah. Imam Ali (A.S) said: “Health is the best of blessings.” In another narration, he says, “One of the blessings [of God] is the abundance of wealth; however, better than abundance of wealth is the health of the body.” Imam Sadiq (A.S) said, “A believer who is physically strong is better than a weak believer.” It is in this sense that our body is considered to be the trust given to us by Allah. And we have to safeguard and protect this trust.

Sleeping, Resting, and Avoiding Stress
Almighty Allah has appointed the night as the time for resting and the day as the time for working. “He is the One who made for you the night so that you may rest in it, and the day with light; most surely in these are signs for the people who hear.” (10:67) so naturally, sleeping is very important.
Avoiding stress: slow down; look at the present and enjoy it before you lose it. Give time for your family. Having a good family life will help you in dealing with stress. And, finally, be in touch with Allah, the Prophet, and Imams; read the Qur’an and the Du’as. This will greatly help in dealing with stress. “Verily, in the remembrance of Allah, the hearts are at ease.” (13:28). There are special supplications in Sahifa Sajjadia which can be quite helpful. And unlike stress counselors or psychiatrists, you don’t need to schedule an appointment or pay any fees – Allah is always available to listen to you free of charge!

Ref: Islamic Insight

One of the forms of behavior noted in the Qur'an is concealed in a revelation vouchsafed to the Prophet Ayyub (A.S):
Remember our servant Ayyub when he called on his Lord: "Satan has afflicted me with exhaustion and suffering." "Stamp your foot! Here is a cool bath and water to drink." (Qur'an, 38:41-42)
One of the pieces of advice given to the Prophet Ayyub (A.S) by Allah in the face of the exhaustion and suffering inflicted by Satan is "stamping the foot." This expression in the verse may be indicating the benefits of movement or sport.
During sport, blood flow is accelerated, particularly by the movement of long muscles such as those in the legs (isometric movements) and the level of oxygen reaching the cells increases. As a result, the individual's fatigue is eliminated and he or she is energized as toxic substances are expelled from the body (Prof. Fehmi Tuncel, Bilim Teknik Dergisi (Journal of Science and Technology), January 1993.). At the same time, the body acquires increased resistance to microbes. People who take regular exercise possess broad, clean arteries and this has the effect of preventing them from clogging and thus of preventing heart disease (Barbara A. Brehm, “Your Health and Fitness,” Fitness Management Magazine, 1990.). In addition, regular exercise plays a role in the prevention of diabetes by regularizing the blood sugar balance. The beneficial effects of sport on the liver raise the levels of good cholesterol (Kathleen Mullen, Some Benefits of Exercise (Medical Times C. Brown Publishers: 1986)).
What is more, walking barefoot is a very effective method of releasing the static electricity accumulated by the body. It serves as a kind of earthling of the body.

“It is He Who sends down water from the sky. From it you drink and from it come the shrubs among which you graze your herds.” (Qur’an, 16:10)
As emphasized in the verse, washing is also known to be the most effective method of discharging the static electricity in the body. In addition to providing physical cleanliness, washing also reduces stress and tension. Washing therefore has a curative effect on many physical and psychological disorders, especially stress and fevers.
In the verse, in addition to washing, drinking water is also recommended. The beneficial effects of water on all organs of the body cannot be ignored. The health of many organs-such as the sweat glands, the stomach, the intestines, the kidneys and the skin-is directly related to the presence of adequate amounts of water in the body. The treatment of all such disorders, as may arise in this field, is possible by means of providing extra water. The answer to fatigue, tiredness and drowsiness is again to increase the level of water in the body and thus to cleanse it of impurities.
Implementing each of these recommendations, of vital importance to our physical and mental health, will bring about the ideal results. Each of these recommendations is also a manifestation of the verse: "We send down in the Qur'an that which is a healing and a mercy to the believers…" (Qur'an, 17:82)

Taken from: Miracles of the Quran

You might have heard some people are depriving of health, although they have good facilities or enough budgets to have different type of foods however, they don’t enjoy life. On the other hand, there are some people who have ordinary foods but they are healthy and have long life.
So, what is the secret of health?
Some people think health comes by eating different foods contains proteins, fibers, vitamins… but the matter is how to eat not what to eat!
Whatever you read in this article is from the valuable words of sinless Imams (A.S) that includes three important issues about eating habits:
– Habits before eating
– Habits through eating
– Habits after eating
If you notice and perform them, you will have a strong body and a fresh spirit. Do not forget, Prevention is better than cure.

Habits before eating:
– Start your meals with the name of Allah (In the name of God, The merciful, the compassionate)
Imam Ali (A.S) said: Reminisce Allah before eating and avoid of ranting through eating because food is a gift from Allah and you should reminisce and thank him.
(frou’e Kafi, volume 6, page 296)
– Eating a little Salt before meals
Imam Ali (A.S) said: at the beginning of eating, eat a little salt. If people knew the nature of salt, they would use it instead of each kind of cure.
(teb Al-A’emah, page 70)
– Start meals with vinegar
Mohammad ibn Ali said: a man met Imam Reza in Khorasan. A food was given to Imam alongside with vinegar and salt. Imam started eating with vinegar. That man said to Imam (A.S): O, my lord! You ordered us to start with salt?! Imam said: they are the same, truly, vinegar strengthen mind and boost wisdom.
(Teb va Darman, page 140)
– Washing hands before meals
Wash your hand before and after eating
Imam Ali (A.S) said: washing hands before eating, increase your aliment, keeps clothes clean and strengthen eyes.
(Khisal, page 612)

Habits through eating:
– Eating less and health
Imam Ali (A.S) said: decrease your eating to decrease your disease
(Qhorar Al-Hekam, volume 1, page 114)
– Eat small meals to be light hearted
The messenger of Allah, Mohammad (P.B.U.H&H.P) said: who eats less and is more light-hearted, is more popular in front of Allah.
(Kanz Al-Ommal, volume 15, page 261)
– Moderation in eating
Imam Sadiq (A.S) said: if people be moderate in their foods, their bodies will be strong and stable.
(Safinah Al-Behar, volume 2, page 79)
Imam Kazim (A.S) said: diet doesn’t mean to eat nothing, it means eat but moderate
(Vasa’el Al-Shia, volume 17, page 183)
– Glutting
The messenger of Allah, Mohammad (P.B.U.H&H.P) said: glutting destroy your intelligence
(Mostatraf, volume 1, page 180)
Imam Ali (A.S) said to one of his companions: Komeil! Don’t full your Stomach of food, leave space in it for water and air. Stop eating while you still have appetite for eating, if you perform these advices, food will be tasty to you. Truly, health comes by eating and drinking less.
(That Al-Oghoul, page 66)
– Appetite for food
The messenger of Allah, Mohammad (P.B.U.H&H.P) said: avoid eating something that you don’t have appetite for, because it makes you foolish
(La’ali Al-Akhbar)
– Always being full
Imam Ali (A.S) said: avoid of always being full or eating too much, because it stimulates disease and suffers.
(Qhorar Al-Hekam, volume 51, page 151)
– Eating unlawful food
The messenger of Allah, Mohammad (P.B.U.H&H.P) said: if anyone eats an unlawful bit, his/her prayer won’t be accepted, his/ her prayer won’t be answered, and each part of his/her body which grow by that Unlawful bit, deserve the fire (Hell).
(Behar al-Anvar volume 66, page 314)
– Hot Food
Imam Ali (A.S) said: let the hot food become colder, once, a meal was brought to the prophet and he said: let it be cold and be eatable because Allah never makes us to eat fire, blessing is in the tepid food.
(Forou’e Kafi, volume 6, page 322)
– Eating together
The messenger of Allah, Mohammad (P.B.U.H&H.P) said: the food which is more eaters (around it) is the most popular foods in front of Allah.
(Nahj Al- Fasahah, page 15)
– Blowing in food
Imam Sadiq (A.S) said: blowing in the food or drinks and the place of prostration is execrable.
(Khisal, page 158)
– Attention to the poor people
Imam Ali (A.S) said: when your meal is ready to serve, don’t reject poor ones if they reach to you.
(Mahasen Borghi, page 423)
– Night meal (dinner)
Imam Reza (A.S) said: certainly, have meals at night, even some bread, because it (Night Meal) strengthens your body.
(Teb Al- A’emah, page 65)
– Hurry in eating
Chew your food well and never hurry in eating.
Imam Sadiq (A.S) said: lengthen your eating; moments of eating won’t be counted as your lifetime.
(Safinah Al- Behar, volume 1, page 27)
– Eating and walking
Imam Sadiq (A.S) said: do not eat while you are walking, unless you have to.
(Rozah Al- Mottaghin, page 524)
– Drinking along with eating
Imam Reza (A.S) said: everyone who wants to have healthy Stomach shouldn’t drink during eating until eating get finish. Because drinking through meal make the stomach weak and blood cannot take the food’s properties.
(Mostadrak Al- Vasa’el)
Imam Sadig (A.S) said: drinking water with greasy food, cause pain.
(Vasa’el Al-Shia, volume 17, page 190)
Imam Reza (A.S) said: drinking cold water after hot food and after sweats, damages teeth.
(Behar Al- Anvar, volume 4)
Imam Ali (A.S) said: Frequently, I saw the prophet when he was drinking water, he breathing 3 times during drinking; he was starting in the name of Allah and was appreciating Allah after breathing.
(Behar Al-Anvar, volume 1, page 476)

Habits after eating:
– Appreciation after meal
Don’t forget to appreciate Allah after finishing the meal.
Allah says in Quran: O ye who believe! Eat of the good things that we have provided for you, and be grateful to Allah, if it is him ye worship.
(Surah Al- Baqarah, verse 172)
– Eating a little Salt after meals
Imam Baqir (A.S) said: Allah revealed to Moses (A.S): order your people to start and finish their meals with salt, otherwise, if they get sick, they just blame themselves.
(Teb Al- A’emah)
– Tooth brushing
The messenger of Allah, Mohammad (P.B.U.H&H.P) said: tooth brushing has 10 benefits. it make Allah satisfy, it increase your oblation 70 times, it’s my method and it is grateful, it makes the teeth shiny and white, it makes gum stronger, it washes out the mucus, it eliminates weakness of eyes, and it increase your appetite.
(Khisal, page 481)
– Relaxing after meal
Imam Sadiq (A.S) said: After meal, lying on the back, make the body strong and it digest the meal and removes discomfort. Imam Reza (A.S) usually after meal lied on the back and put his right foot on the left food.
(Safinah Al-Behar, volume 1, page 27)
– Taking shower after meal
Imam Reza (A.S) said: Do not take a shower with full stomach, it causes colic.
(Resalah Al-Zahabiah, page 26-29)

Some Islamic advices:
– Always try to use healthy and fresh food.
– Use different type of food to answer your body requests.
– Do not look at the others dishes when you are eat together.
– Do not dissipate foods and drinks and respect to the food you eat, because it’s a gift from Allah.

This article borrowed from Islam, Peaceful Religion (p.f.r).

It’s narrated that the commander of the faithful, Ali ibn Abi Talib (A.S) was seated in Mosque with a group of his followers sitting around him.
They said to Him, "Narrate to us, O the commander of the faithful".
Imam Ali (A.S) said, "Woe to you. My word is difficult and intolerable. None can understand it except for the knowledgeable."
They said, "No problem that you narrate something for us".
Imam Ali (A.S) said, “I am the one who became elevated and did overcome. I am the one who gives life and death. I am the first one and the last one. I am the apparent one and the hidden one.
Then the people became angry and said, "He has done Kufr and the people got up (to take the exit)."
Imam Ali (A.S) then said to the door, "O' the door, close upon them. So the door closed upon them".
Then Imam Ali (A.S) said, "Did I not tell you that my word is difficult and intolerable and none can understand it except for the knowledgeable? Come I will explain it to you.
As for my saying that, 'I am the one who became elevated and did overcome'. Then it means that I became elevated (above you) with this sword and overcame you until you believed in Allah (S.W.T) and His Prophet (P.B.U.H&H.P).
As for my saying that, 'I am the one who gives life and death'. Then it means that I give life to the tradition (Sunnah) and give death of Bid'ah.
As for my saying that, 'I am the first one'. Then it means that I am the first one to believe in Allah (S.W.T) and to submit to Him.
As for my saying that, 'I am the last one'. Then it means that I am the last one in terms of giving shroud to the Prophet and burying Him.
As for my saying that, 'I am the apparent one and the hidden one'. Then it means that with me is the apparent and hidden knowledge.
The people then said, "You have delighted us. May Allah (S.W.T) delight you'.
[Source: al-Ikhtesaas, Shaikh Mufeed, Pg. 163]

Ref: Marefate AhleBait (A.S).com

Rabi ibn Sabih has reported that:
A person came to Imam Hassan al-Mujtaba (A.S) and began to complain about the absence of rain. Imam (A.S) told him, “Seek forgiveness from Allah”. Then a man came and said, “Pray to Allah that he should grant me a son”. Imam (A.S) told him, “Seek forgiveness from Allah”. Then, yet another man came and complained to Imam (A.S) about poverty. Imam (A.S) told him, “Seek forgiveness from Allah”.
The narrator asked, “People have come to you with different kinds of problems and you have offered one solution to all and that is to seek forgiveness?”
Imam (A.S), “I have said nothing from myself rather I have based my answer on the verse (of Quran) in which Allah (S.W.T) says: “I told them: Plead to your Lord for forgiveness, indeed He is all-forgiver. He will send for you abundant rains from the sky, and aid you with wealth and sons, and provide you with gardens and provide you with streams”. (71:10-12)

Source: Almujtaba Islamic articles page

روي الطبراني قال: قال أبو جعفر: وحدثنا سفيان بن وكيع، عن أبيه وكيع، عن الأعمش، قال: سمعت أبا صالح التمار يقول: سمعت حذيفة يقول: سمعت الحسين بن على يقول: والله ليجتمعن على قتلى طغاة بني امية ويقدمهم عمر بن سعد وذلك في حياة النبي صلى الله عليه وآله. فقلت له أنبأك بهذا رسول الله ؟ قال (لا، فأتيت النبي فأخبرته، فقال علمي علمه، وعلمه علمي، وأنا لنعلم بالكائن قبل كينونته

Abu Jafar said, Narrated to me Sufyaan bin Waqea, from Al-Aamash. Who said, I heard Abu Saleh Al-Tammar saying, He heard from Huzaifa who said:
"I heard Al-Husain bin Ali He said, "By Allah, the tyrants of Bani Umayyad will gather for killing me and they will be led by Umar bin Saad. And this incident happened in the life of the Prophet (P.B.U.U&H.P).
I (Huzaifa) said to Imam Husain, "Did Prophet (P.B.U.H&H.P) give the news of this to you?” Imam Husain said, 'No'.
I (Huzaifa) then went to the Prophet (P.B.U.U&H.P) and informed Him of what occurred.
Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H&H.P) said, "My knowledge is His Knowledge and His knowledge is My Knowledge. And verily, we have the knowledge of things before they occur."
[Source: Dalaail Al-Imamah, P 183-184]
This incident clearly shows that the Imam's (A.S) have knowledge bestowed by Allah (S.W.T) from the very beginning and it is not that the Imam's (A.S) get knowledge only after they get the responsibilities of Imamate.

Ref: Marefate AhleBait (A.S).com

Reporting his father, Imam al-Sadiq (A.S) says, “A needy came to the Holy Prophet asking for help. The Holy Prophets asked, “Is there anyone here to give an interest-free loan?” a man from the Ansar rose up saying, “I have such a loan.” The Holy Prophet said, “Give four vessels of date to this man.” the man did so and came to the Holy Prophet after sometime asking for the payment of his loan. The Holy Prophet said, “We will pay it in the coming days.” the man came another time, hearing the same words. But when he came for the third time, the Holy Prophet smiled and said, “Is there anyone here to give an interest-free loan?” a man rose up saying, “O Allah’s Messenger! I have it.” The Holy Prophet asked, “How much is that?” the man said, “As much as you wish!” The Holy Prophet said, “Give eight vessels of date to this man.” the man said, “You owe me only four vessels.” The Holy Prophet said, “The other four vessels too are for you.” [Qurb al-Isnad: 44]

Ref: shia.es

It is mentioned in reliable traditions that Imam Jaafar as-Sadiq (A.S) said, Dawood (David) arrived for hajj, attended Arafat, saw the huge gathering of people there and went on top of a hill and engaged him in supplication in solitude. When he concluded the hajj rituals, Archangel Gabriel came to him and asked, “Why had you gone to the hill? Your Lord asks did you think that your voice would not reach Him due to the noise of the multitude.” Then Archangel Gabriel took Dawood to Jeddah and therefrom made him reach the bottom of the sea and to the depth of a 40 day journey, on land. Then they reached a rock. They split it and found a worm in it. Archangel Gabriel told Dawood, “Your Lord says, ‘I hear the voice of this little insect in the rock at the bottom of the sea and am not unconcerned of his needs (condition) and you imagined that I might not hear your voice due to the amalgamation of the voices of others!’”

This article was borrowed from Al-islam.org

Al-Shaykh al-Saduq (the truthful scholar) mentions:
Muhammad ibn Ali Majiluyeh said: Ali ibn Ibrahim narrated to us from his father from al Rayyan ibn Shabib, He said: I came into the presence of al Reza (A.S) on the first day of Muharram. He said to me: O son of Shabib! Are you fasting? I said: No. So he said: Verily this day is the day on which Zechariah (A.S) called upon his Lord (S.W.T). He said: My Lord! Grant me good offspring from Thee; surely Thou art the Hearer of the prayer. [Sura Ale-Imran, 3:38]. So Allah answered him and ordered the angels to call out to Zechariah (A.S) while he was standing in the mihrab (the prayer-niche), that: Verily Allah gives you the glad-tidings of Yahya. [Sura Ale-Imran, 3:39]. Whoever fasts this day and then calls out to Allah (S.W.T), Allah will respond to him like He responded to Zechariah (A.S).
Then he said:
- O son of Shabib! Muharram is the month in which the people of the ignorant (Jahiliyyah) from the past would prohibit oppression and fighting due to its sanctity but this nation did not recognize the sanctity of its month nor the sanctity of its Prophet (P.B.U.H&H.P). They killed his offspring in this month and captured his women and plundered his burdens (provisions). So Allah will not forgive them that, ever.
- O son of Shabib! If you were to cry over anything, then cry over Hussain ibn Ali ibn Abi Talib (A.S), for he was slaughtered like the ram is slaughtered. And eighteen men from the people of his house, the like of whom are not to be found on the earth, were murdered with him. The seven heavens and the earths wailed over his killing. Four thousand of the angels descended toward the earth but they found that he had been murdered. So they shall remain disheveled, dusty till the Mahdi rises; then they will be from his helpers. And their slogan is: Vengeance for the blood of Husain!
- O son of Shabib! My father narrated to me from his father from his grandfather (A.S): Verily when my grandfather, Hussain (A.S) was killed, the sky rained down blood and red dust.
- O son of Shabib! If you wept over Hussain (A.S) to the extent that your tears came onto your cheeks, Allah will forgive all of your sins which you have committed, minor or major, little or excessive.
- O son of Shabib! If you take pleasure in meeting Allah (S.W.T) while there is no sin over you, then visit Hussain (A.S).
- O son of Shabib! If you take pleasure in residing in the erected chamber in Jannah along with the Prophet and his progeny (A.S), then curse the murderer of Hussain.
- O son of Shabib! If you take pleasure in having a like of the reward of the one who was martyred with Hussain (A.S), then whenever you mention him, say: How I wish I was with them! I would have attained a great victory!
- O son of Shabib! If you take pleasure in being with us in the highest stages of the Gardens, then grieve over our sorrow and be happy in our happiness. And you must keep to our Wilayah, for verily, were a man to befriend a stone, Allah will raise him with it on the Day of Resurrection.

Derived from: Wilayat.net

Among the most destructive of spiritual diseases is ostentation or showing off. This sickness is very harmful for one’s sincerity. It destroys the biggest and the best of deeds. It makes worship futile. It destroys all acts of worship, since sincerity is the most basic condition of worship. The foundation of every deed is intention and intention is based on sincerity. If someone takes a partner with Allah in the intention of any deed then that act becomes futile, whether it is obligatory or recommended. Whether ostentation affects one’s intention from the beginning, or it becomes a part of one’s intention during the performance of the act, the end-result is the same i.e. the action is futile. For example, a person prays with congregation for show-off or he enters the mosque to show-off.
(Minhaajus Saleheen, The Book of Ibaadaat, p. 154, article no. 569)
There are many people who perform good actions, but the reason for performing the actions varies from person to person. Some people perform good actions for satisfaction of the heart, while others do it out of fear, while some others do it to earn respect and honor in society. Very few people actually perform good deeds to earn Allah’s satisfaction.
Allah says in Holy Quran:
"Say: I am only a mortal like you. It has been revealed to me that your Lord is one Lord. Then whosoever desires the meeting of his Lord, and then he should do good and not associate anyone in the worship of his Lord."
(Surah Kahf: 110)
Explaining the above verse, Imam Sadiq (A.S) says:
“A person performs a good deed, but does not desire Allah’s satisfaction. Instead, he performs the deed so that the people may consider him to be pure, and he desires that people should talk about his worship. He is that person who has taken a partner with Allah in his worship”. After this Imam (A.S) said, “A person who performs a good action secretly, and the day passes by, then Allah will manifest his good deed. And one who performs evil deeds secretly, then Allah will manifest it after some days”
(Al Wafi, vol 5, p. 853-854)

Imam Sadiq (A.S) has narrated from Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H&H.P):
"A time will come when the intention of the people will be insincere. For the greed of this world, their apparent will be adorned. Allah will afflict all of them with His punishment. Then they will plead (to Allah) like a person who is drowning but their supplications will not be accepted".
(Ibid. p. 856)
May Allah protect us from the evil and destructive disease of ostentation.

Taken from: Al Muntazar

For the guidance of mankind, Allah honored four famous Prophets by revealing to them four Holy Books as under:
1) Taurat to Prophet Moses (Musa).
2) Zaboor (Psalms) To Prophet David (Dawood).
3) Injeel (Evangel) To Prophet Jesus (Isa).
4) Quran to Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H&H.P).

The commandments of Allah are contained in these books. The first three books were for the earlier times. The Holy Qur'an is the last book of God and is for the guidance of entire mankind till the Day of Judgement.
Prophet Dawood eventually became King of his people. He had 19 sons. Each of them hoped to inherit the father's throne. Allah revealed to Prophet Dawood a few questions and their answers and commanded him to put the questions to each one of his sons. Whosoever answered those questions correctly, would inherit the throne of the father, Prophet David.
One day Prophet David called all his sons in the presence of the scholars and the chiefs of the tribes of his kingdom. He then put forward the following questions:
1. Which thing is closest (nearest) to man?
2. Which is the farthest thing?
3. Which two things are attached to each other?
4. Which is the most awe-creating thing?
5. Which two things remain unchanged?
6. Which two things are always different?
7. Which two things are opposed to each other?
8. What is the action the result of which is good?
9. What is that action the result of which is bad?
The sons of Prophet David felt helpless and could not answer any of these questions. Then the youngest of the sons, Prophet Solomon stood up and gave the following answers:
1. The nearest things to a man is the hereafter (Life and Death - as one may die any moment).
2. The farthest things is the time which has passed away (which is not to come again).
3. The two things that are attached to each other is man's body with the soul.
4. The most awe-creating is the man's body (dead) without soul.
5. The two things which remain the same are the sky and the earth.
6. The two things which are different are the day and night.
7. The two things which are opposed to each other are life and death.
8. The action - the end of which is good - is patience and forbearance at the time of anger.
9. The action - the end of which is bad is haste at the time of anger.
Prophet David obviously, was very much impressed with these correct answers and appointed Prophet Solomon as his successor.
Thus it will be seen that it was the supreme knowledge and understanding that made Prophet Solomon succeed his father and become the Great King Prophet.

Taken from: Al-Islam.org

Hussain (A.S) spent his childhood with Lady Fatimah (S.A), Imam Ali(A.S), and especially with Prophet Muhammad(A.S). The love and affection Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H&H.P) had towards Hussain(A.S) was so unique that all the companions were aware of it, had frequently seen its manifestation, and had heard of it repeatedly. Moreover, historians have recorded incidents and narrations in this respect. In one account it has been said that the Prophet's prostration took longer than usual in his prayer. People came to the Prophet and asked, "Were you receiving a revelation or order from Allah during prostration?" Prophet Muhammad(A.S) replied, "No, my son Hussain had climbed onto my back; I waited until he wished to come down." This is an example showing how the best creature of Allah (S.W.T) treated Hussain(A.S) while he was in the best state of worship. 
The companions had seen Prophet Muhammad(A.S) repeatedly put Hassan and Hussain(A.S) on his shoulders and play with them. At other times he would kiss Hussain(A.S) and say, "Hussain is from me, and I am from Hussain. May Allah love him who loves Hussain." In other traditions the Prophet would say, "Hassan and Hussain(A.S) are my two aromatic flowers from this world."
Nonetheless, most people knew that the Prophet's love for his two grandchildren, especially for Hussain(A.S) was not a usual love of a grandfather for his grandchild. According to the Holy Quran, the Prophet's(A.S) actions and words are apart from his desires: "Indeed in the Messenger of Allah you have a good example to follow..." (The Holy Quran, 33:21) On the other hand, although Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H&H.P) had other adopted daughters and a son, the specific affection and recommendations were only shown towards Hassan and Hussain(A.S).
Prophet Muhammad's (P.B.U.H&H.P) recommendations and affections for Hussain(A.S) were in fact portraying an important fact. He would repeatedly inform people that salvation and prosperity can only be found through the friendship and love of Imam Hussain(A.S). Umar Ibn Khattab narrates from Prophet Muhammad(A.S): "Hassan and Hussain are masters of the youth in heaven. Whosoever loves them has loved me, and whosoever has animosity with them, is my enemy." In another account the Holy Prophet has also said, "You came to awareness by me; you found the right path and were guided by Ali; you were given blessings through Hassan; but your eternal salvation is with Hussain. Be aware that Hussain is a door from the doors of heaven. Whosoever has animosity towards him can never enter heaven."

Taken from: Islamic Shia information site

Man - just like any other creation possessing both a body and a soul is in need of several things - each of which is essential for the safeguard of one's survival and well-being. For example, the hunger pains and desire for nourishment compel one to eat so as to build up energy to live another day; the feelings of thirst make one drink water, which is also essential for one's life. These and many other things facilitate man to live a prosperous and healthy life.
Similarly, the sexual desires and the need to fulfill one's sexual requirements and passions play a key role in the protection of mankind, and continuation of the human race. Therefore, it is not sensible to defy this necessity or try to suppress it.
Since man has been chosen as "the best of creations", Allah (S.W.T) has laid down the foundation of marriage in order to allow this need of life to be fulfilled in a legitimate manner. As well, the guidelines are very much in accordance with the intellect since the laws are divine and the specific conditions are befitting to the valuable souls of both men and women alike.
Historically speaking, the very first relationship that was established was that of marriage between a male and female not that of a mother/daughter relationship, nor a father/son relationship. Thus, it can be deduced that marriage is one of the most sacred bonds between a man and a woman. In the book, Etiquette of Marriage, it mentions the beautiful story of Prophet Adam (A.S), the first vicegerent of Allah (S.W.T) on the earth and his marriage, which we narrate here.
After Adam (A.S) was created, he felt lonely and complained to the Almighty about his solitude. Allah (S.W.T) put Adam (A.S) to sleep and then created Eve (S.A) with the utmost beauty. He covered her with the robes of paradise and brought her forth with other ornaments of beautification.
At this time, He instructed Eve (S.A) to sit near the head of Prophet Adam (A.S). When he awakened from his sleep and his eyes fell on Eve (S.A), he was so obsessed and captivated by her charm that he wanted to reach out and touch her. At this point, the angels forbid him from doing so.
Adam (A.S) asked them, 'Did Allah (S.W.T) not create her for me?' The angels replied, 'Yes, but you have to approach her in the appropriate manner. First you must propose to her (by asking her guardian for permission to marry her), then you must grant her the dowry (gift), followed by the recitation of the Aqd (marriage contract).'
Prophet Adam (A.S) questioned, 'Who do I have to ask for permission to marry her?' The angels replied, 'You must ask Allah (S.W.T).' Then Adam (A.S) asked, 'O' Allah (S.W.T)! What will her dowry be?' Allah (S.W.T) replied, 'Teach her the rules of my religion and send blessings (salawat) on Muhammad (P.B.U.H&H.P) and the family of Muhammad (P.B.U.H&H.P).'
From the above historical event, we can see that when a man wants to agree upon the dowry with his wife, they should make an agreement that (as a part of the dowry); he will teach her the rules and regulations of the religion of Allah (S.W.T). Therefore, from this narration, we see that the first relationship that was created by our Creator for humanity was that of marriage.
With this said, we must know the finer points and overall rulings of this sacred foundation in order to have a fruitful and successful life in this world and more importantly, in the life hereafter.

Adopted from: Imam Reza.Network