Nahj al-Balagha Hadith n. 375

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

وعن أبي جُحَيْفَةَ قال: سمعت أميرالمؤمنين عليه السلام يقول:

375. It is related from Abu Juhayfah who said: I heard Amir al-mu'minin, peace be upon him, saying:

أَوَّلُ مَا تُغْلَبُونَ عَلَيْهِ مِنَ الْجِهَادِ الْجِهَادُ بِأَيْدِيكُمْ،

The first fighting with which you will be overpowered is the fighting with hands,

ثُمَّ بِأَلْسِنَتِكُمْ،

thereafter with your tongues

ثُمَّ بِقُلُوبِكُمْ؛

and then with your hearts.

فَمَنْ لَمْ يَعْرِفْ بِقَلْبِهِ مَعْرُوفاً،

Consequently, he who does not recognize virtue with his heart

وَلَمْ يُنْكِرْ مُنْكَراً،

or does not disapprove evil will be turned upside down.

قُلِبَ فَجُعِلَ أَعْلاَهُ أَسْفَلَهُ،

Thus, his upside will be turned downwards

وَأَسَفَلُهُ أَعْلاَهُ.

and his lowside will be turned upwards.