
A profound admonition by Ali Ibn Abi Talib
In The Name of Allah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.
Kumayl ibn Ziyad, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: Ali, may Allah be pleased with him, said: “O Kumayl! These hearts are vessels, and the best of them are those that gather the most good. People are of three types: an erudite scholar, a learner upon the path of safety, and the rabble — followers of every haranguer. They have not been granted light through the light of (sound) knowledge, nor have they sought refuge in a strong support”. Then he said: “Fie upon the one who carries the truth without insight! Doubt is kindled in his heart at the first instance when a doubtful matter is presented. He does not know where the truth lies. When he speaks, he errs and does not know that he has erred. He is fascinated with something whose reality he does not know, thus, he is a trial for whoever is put to trial through him”.
Ḥilya al-Awliya 1/79. Tārikh Dimashq 50/255