Nahj al-Balagha Hadith n. 8

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:

اعْجَبُوا لِهذَا الاْنْسَانِ يَنْظُرُ بِشَحْمٍ

How wonderful is man that sees with fat,

و يَتَكَلَّم بِلَحْمٍ

talks with a piece of flesh,

وَيَسْمَعُ بِعَظْمٍ،

hears with a bone

وَيَتَنَفَّسُ مِنْ خَرْمٍ

and breathes through a hole.