Nahj al-Balagha Hadith n. 193

Selections from The Sayings and Preaching of Amir al-Muminin Ali ibn Abi Talib (Peace Be Upon Him) Including His Replies to Questions and Maxims Expressed for Various Purposes.
Translated by Sayyid Ali Reza

وَقَالَ (عليه ‏السلام):

Amir al-mu'minin, peace be upon him, said:

إِنَّ لِلْقُلُوبِ

Hearts are imbued with

شَهْوَةً وَإِقْبَالاً وَإِدْبَاراً،

passion and the power of advancing and retreating.

فَأْتُوهَا

Therefore, approach them for action

مِنْ قِبَلِ شَهْوَتِهَا وَإِقْبَالِهَا،

at the time of their psssionateness and when they are in a mood for advancing,

فَإِنَّ الْقَلْبَ إِذَا أُكْرِهَ

because if hearts are forced (to do a thing)

عَمِيَ.

they will be blinded.