Nahj al-Balagha Hadith n. 224

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:

بِكَثْرَةِ الصَّمْتِ تَكُونُ الْهَيْبَةُ

Excess of silence produces awe;

وَ بِالنَّصَفَةِ يَكْثُرُ الْمُوَاصِلُونَ

justice results in more close friends;

وَ بِالْإِفْضَالِ تَعْظُمُ الْأَقْدَارُ

generosity heightens position;

وَ بِالتَّوَاضُعِ تَتِمُّ النِّعْمَةُ

with humility blessings abound in plenty;

وَ بِاحْتِمَالِ الْمُؤَنِ يَجِبُ السُّؤْدُدُ

by facing hardships leadership is achieved;

وَ بِالسِّيرَةِ الْعَادِلَةِ يُقْهَرُ الْمُنَاوِئُ

by just behaviour the adversary is overpowered;

وَ بِالْحِلْمِ عَنِ السَّفِيهِ تَكْثُرُ الْأَنْصَارُ عَلَيْهِ.

and with forbearance against a fool there is increase of one's supporters against him.