The letter of Imam Ali (peace be upon him) to al-Harith al-Hamdani.
Hold tight to the rope of the Qur'an, seek its advice, reverse what it has declared lawful, and reverse what it has declared unlawful.
Believe in the truth that it passed before, and draw lessons from what passed from this world about what remains of it.
Indeed, some of it is similar to other parts; Its end follows its beginning, and all this passes and goes away.
Honor the name of Allah, and do not mention it except for the truth.
Remember often death and what comes after death, and do not wish for death except in a certain solid state.
Beware of any deed that makes him pleased to receive for himself while he dislikes it for the Muslims in general.
Beware of any act that is done in secret but would cause shame if made public.
And beware of any act that, when questioned about it, he would deny or make excuses.
Do not make your honor a target for the arrows of people's words.
Don't tell people everything you hear, because that alone is enough to make you a liar.
And don't reject everything people tell you, because that alone is enough to make you ignorant.
Control your anger, ignore and forgive when you have the strength to do so, and remain patient when anger arises.
Show tolerance when you hold authority, and the result will be yours.
Take proper care of every blessing that Allah has bestowed upon you, and do not waste any of the blessings of Allah that you possess.
Let the remembrance of Allah's blessings on you be visible in your life.
Know that the best believers are those who give most easily of themselves, their families and their wealth.
Whatever good you send forward will remain for you as a treasure, while whatever you hold back will become a benefit to someone else.
Beware of keeping company with one whose judgment is wrong and whose actions are objectionable, for a man is judged by the company he keeps.