Imam Ali (peace be upon him) said:
“Know with certainty that God Almighty has not decreed for His servant anything except what He has established in the Wise Quran, even if the servant is skilled in scheming, persistent in pursuit, and powerful in cunning. And He does not place a barrier between the servant and what He has decreed for him in the Wise Quran, even if the servant is weak and his resourcefulness is little.
Whoever is aware of this matter and acts upon it will gain the most comfort and benefit. And whoever doubts it will suffer the most loss.
How often is a possessor of blessings deceived by his blessings, gradually paving the way for divine punishment? And how often is one afflicted whom God tests in order to bestow a blessing upon him.
Therefore, O listener, increase your gratitude, reduce your haste, be content with what you have been provided, and do not ask for more.”
Matthew 6:1-6
“Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.
“Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
“And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”
