وَقَالَ (عليه السلام):
Amir al-mu'minin, peace be upon him, said:
إِذَا حُيِّيْتَ بِتَحِيَّةٍ
If you are met with a greeting,
فَحَيِّ بِأَحْسَنَ مِنْهَا،
give better greetings in return.
وإِذَا أُسْدِيَتْ إِلَيْكَ يَدٌ
If a hand of help is extended to you,
فَكَافِئْهَا بِمَا يُرْبِي عَلَيْهَا،
do a better favour in return,
وَالْفَضْلُ مَعَ ذلِكَ لِلْبَادِىءِ
although the credit would remain with the one who was first.
