The Power of the Heart
دل کی قوت
الْحِلْمُ غِطَاءٌ سَاتِرٌ، وَالْعَقْلُ حُسَامٌ قَاطِعٌ، فَاسْتُرْ خَلَلَ خُلُقِكَ بِحِلْمِكَ، وَقَاتِلْ هَوَاكَ بِعَقْلِكَ.
بردباری ایک ڈھانکنے والا پردہ ہے اور عقل ایک کاٹ دار تلوار ہے۔ لہٰذا اپنے اخلاق کی کمزوریوں کو بردباری سے چھپاؤ اور اپنی خواہشات کا مقابلہ عقل سے کرو۔
“Forbearance is a concealing veil, and intelligence is a sharp sword. Therefore, conceal the flaws in your character with your forbearance, and kill your desires with your intelligence.”
Reflections: Imam Ali ؑ identifies two essential tools for self-mastery. First, **Forbearance** ($Hilm$): it acts as a “veil” because it prevents your anger and impulsive reactions from revealing your internal flaws to others. Second, **Intelligence** ($Aql$): it is a “sword” because it has the power to cut through delusions and suppress harmful desires. This wisdom teaches that while $Hilm$ protects your external reputation, $Aql$ wins your internal battles.