Chapter on Miscellaneous Matters

It is narrated from Mas'adah ibn Sadaqah al-Raba'i from Imam Jafar ibn Muhammad Al-Sadiq عليه السلام from his father, Imam Muhammad ibn Ali Al-Baqir عليه السلام that he was asked: "Why is the believer sometimes the sharpest in behavior?" Imam عليه السلام replied: "Because the honor of the Qur'an is in his heart, and pure faith is in his chest. He is a servant obedient to Allah سبحانه وتعالى and His Messenger صلى الله عليه وعلى آله وسلم, and he is truthful." Imam عليه السلام was asked: "Why is the believer sometimes the most stingy?" Imam عليه السلام replied: "Because he earns his sustenance from lawful means, and seeking lawful sustenance is difficult. Therefore, he dislikes parting with it, knowing how precious it is. But if he is generous, he only spends it where it is appropriate." Imam عليه السلام was asked: "Why is the believer sometimes the most desirous in marriage?" Imam عليه السلام replied: "To protect his chastity from unlawful relations and so that his desires do not sway him in one direction or another. Thus, when he attains what is lawful, he suffices with it and feels no need for anything else." Imam عليه السلام also said: "The strength of the believer is in his heart. Do you not see that he may appear physically weak and thin, yet he stands in prayer at night and fasts during the day?"