On Etiquette and Encouraging Others to do Good

“Abū ʿAbdillāh (a) said, ‘Treat people with fairness, assist them with your wealth, and wish for them what you wish for yourself. Remember Allah often and beware of laziness and ennui, for that's what my father used to advise me, and that is what his father would advise him, and it pertains [even more so] to the nightly prayer. Indeed if you are lazy, you will not fulfill the right of Allah and if you are lethargic, you will not fulfill anyone else’s right.’”

“The Messenger of Allah (ṣ) said to ʿAlī (a), ‘O ʿAlī, I advise you to espouse certain qualities, so learn them from me. O Allah, help him [to do so]! As for the first one, it is truthfulness – never let any lie be spoken from your mouth. The second is piety – never act treacherously. The third is fearing Allah as though you see Him. The fourth is crying out of fear [and awe] of Allah – for each tear a mansion will be built for you in Paradise. The fifth is spending your wealth and blood for your religion. The sixth is adhering to my sunnah in my prayers, my fasting and my giving charity. As for my prayer, it is fifty-one [rakʿahs]; as for my fasting, it is three days in every month, in its beginning, middle, and end; as for my charity, it is to spare no effort [in assisting the needy] until it is said that you have been extravagant, while you have not been extravagant. I bid you to maintain the nightly prayer, maintain the nightly prayer, maintain the nightly prayer! And I bid you to maintain the midday prayer, maintain the midday prayer, maintain the midday prayer! I bid you to recite the Qurʾān in every condition. And I bid you to raise your hands in supplication and then turn them back [towards yourself]. I bid you to brush your teeth during every ablution and prayer. And I bid you to [espouse] beautiful moral traits so inculcate them [in yourself], and I warn you against evil traits so eschew them. Then if you do not act upon what I advise you [herewith], then do not blame anyone but yourself [for the consequences].’”