Nahj al-Balagha Hadith n. 116

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:

كَمْ مِنْ مُسْتَدْرَجٍ بِالْإِحْسَانِ إِلَيْهِ

There are many people who are given time (by Allah) through good treatment towards them,

وَ مَغْرُورٍ بِالسَّتْرِ عَلَيْهِ

and many who are deceived because their sinful activities are veiled (by Allah),

وَ مَفْتُونٍ بِحُسْنِ الْقَوْلِ فِيهِ

and many who are enamoured by good talk about themselves.

وَ مَا ابْتَلَى اللَّهُ أَحَداً بِمِثْلِ الْإِمْلَاءِ لَهُ .

And Allah does not try anyone as seriously as He tries him whom He allows time (to remain sinful).