Nahj al-Balagha Hadith n. 4

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:

الْعَجْزُ آفَةٌ

Incapability is a catastrophe;

وَ الصَّبْرُ شَجَاعَةٌ

endurance is bravery;

وَ الزُّهْدُ ثَرْوَةٌ

abstinence is riches;

وَ الْوَرَعُ جُنَّةٌ

self-restraint is a shield (against sin);

وَ نِعْمَ الْقَرِينُ الرِّضَى

and the best companion is submission (to Allah's will).