Al-Gharra (literally, "the brilliant"), in which Ali enjoined people to piety

This sermon is called the al-Gharrā’ and it is one of the most wonderful sermons of Amīr al-mu’minin.

Praise be to Allāh who is High above all else, and is Near (the creation) through His bounty. He is the Giver of all reward and distinction, and Dispeller of all calamities and hardships. I praise Him for His continuous…

And I stand witness that Muḥammad (blessing of Allāh be on him and his progeny) is His slave and His Prophet. He sent him for enforcement of His commends, for exhausting His pleas and for presenting warnings (against…

[Enjoining people to Piety] O creatures of Allāh I advise you to have fear of Allāh Who has furnished illustrations and Who has timed for you your lives. He has given you covering of dress [1] and He has scattered for…

[Caution against this world] Certainly this world is a dirty watering place and a muddy source of drinking. Its appearance is attractive and its inside is destructive. It is a changeable deception, a vanishing reflection…

[Resurrection after Death] Till when matters come to a close, the world dies and resurrection draws near. Allāh [2] would take them out from the corners of the graves, the nests of birds, the dens of beasts and the…

[The limitation of Life] People have been created as a proof of (His) power, have been brought up with authority, they are made to die through pangs, and placed in graves where they turn into crumbs. Then they would be…

[No happiness without Piety] How appropriate are these illustrations and effective admonitions provided they are received by pure hearts, open ears, firm views and sharp wits. Fear Allāh like him who listened (good…

O creatures of Allāh, fear Allāh keeping in view the reason why He created you and be afraid of Him to the extent He has advised you to do. Make yourself deserve what He has promised you, by having confidence in the…

[A part of the same sermon Reminding people of Allāh’s bounties] He has made for you ears to preserve what is important, eyes to have sight in place of blindness and limbs which consist of many (smaller) parts, whose…

He has fixed for you ages that are not known to you. He has retained for you remains of the past people for your instruction. Those people enjoyed themselves fully and were completely unhampered. Death overtook them…

Could then the near ones stop death, or the mourning women do any good? He would rather be left alone in the graveyard confined to the narrow corner of his grave. His skin has been pierced all over by retiles, and his…

[Preparation for the Day of Judgement] And know that you have to pass over the path way (of ṣirāṭ) where steps waver, feet slip away and there are fearful dangers at every step. O creatures of Allāh, fear Allāh, like the…

He passes the pathway of this world in praiseworthy manner. He reaches the next world with virtues. He hastens (towards virtue) out of fear (for vice). He removes briskly during the short time (of life in this world). He…

[Warning against Satan] I enjoin upon you fear of Allāh Who has left no excuse against what He has warned, has exhausted argument (of guidance) about the (right) path He has shown. He has warned you of the enemy that…

[Part of the same sermon dealing with creation of man] Or look at man whom Allāh has created in the dark wombs and layers of curtains from what was overflowing semen, then shapeless clot, then embryo, then suckling…

He did not fear any evil nor got frightened of any apprehension. He died infatuated with his vices. He spent his short life in rubbish pursuits. He earned no reward nor did he fulfil any obligation. Fatal illness…

Thereafter he was clad in the shroud while he remained quiet and thoroughly submissive to others. Then he was placed on planks in such a state that he had been down-trodden by hardships and thinned by ailments. The crowd…

[The lesson to be learnt from those who have passed away] O creatures of Allāh! where are those who were allowed (long) ages to live and they enjoyed bounty. They were taught and they learnt; they were given time and…

O people who possess eyes and ears and health and wealth! Is there any place of protection, any shelter of safety, or asylum or haven, or occasion to run away or to come back (to this world)? If not, “how are you then…

O creatures of Allāh, since the neck is free from the loop, and spirit is also unfettered, now you have time for seeking guidance; you are in ease of body; you can assemble in crowds, the rest of life is before you; you…

as-Sayyid ar-Raḍī says: It is related that when Amīr al-mu’minin delivered this sermon people began to tremble, tears flowed from their eyes and their hearts were frightened. Some people call this sermon the Brilliant…