Imam Ali’s Sayings on Action and Deeds
Action without knowledge is misguidance.
Righteousness action is the better of the two provisions.
Actions in obedience to allah is more beneficial, and being truthful is more beautiful and [makes one more] successful.
The actions of servants in this world are [brought]before their eyes in the Hereafter.
Honour in the sight of Allah, the Glorified, is through righteous actions, not foolishness.
Falling short in action, for the one who is certain of its reward, is foolishness.
Busying oneself with that which will not accompany you after death is from the greatest weakness.
Activing upon [ones] knowledge is from the perfection of blessings.
Utterances are recorded, secrets are [going to be] revealed and every soul is held hostage by what it has earned.
The [most] righteious companion is righteous action.
Act [in this world ] so that you will attain [great] benefit.
Make your righteious action your friend your [false] aspiration your enemy.
Act like the one who knows that Allah will surely recompense him for his evil and good deeds.
Strive hard in your work and do not be a storekeeper for others.
Act upon [your] knowledge and you will be felicitous.
When you know, act.
Perform good deeds while [ou are in place where] deeds benefit, supplication is answered and repentence is raised [and accepted].
Eschew every action that you are in no need of and busy yourself with the affair of the Hereafter, which you must [eventually] face.
Work for the day for which the provisions have been stored and in which the secret will be revealed.
Work while you are still alive, and while the books are [still] open, repentance is [still] accepted, the one who has strayed is [still] accepted, the one who has strayed is [still] called [back], and the sinner is [still] given hope [of forgivenes]; before action abates, time expires, life ends and the door of repentance is closed.
Be wary of evey action which, when its doer is asked about it, he feels ashamed and denies it.
Be wary of every action that is done in private and causes embarassment in public.
