If we examine the entire history of the world and reflect on the fate of Pharaohs, Nimrods, Khosrows, Khaghans, Caesars, and the final outcomes of each, we realize that the fleeting victories of the world are not something to rely on or consider a sign of greatness.
If we visit hospitals and observe strong and powerful individuals who, due to an accident or illness, have ended up in a hospital bed, unable to move, we will understand that physical strength is not something to be proud of.
If we look at famous wealthy individuals who, with a slight change in the economic conditions of the world, have suffered huge bankruptcies and are now sitting in misery, we will see that wealth is also not something to rely on or boast about.
And if we observe powerful rulers who, due to changes in the political situation, have fallen from power in a matter of days, been thrown behind prison bars, or executed, we will realize that apparent power is also unreliable…
Let’s take a good look at our own lives. A person is born as a very weak and helpless infant, incapable of even the simplest tasks, unable to even hold back the saliva in their mouth with their lips. Eventually, in old age, they become so weak and frail that, if they still have healthy limbs, they must sit down many times during a short walk to catch their breath, rise again, and continue with a stooped back and a cane. But if they lose their limbs or suffer from the ailments of old age that most people face, they must be carried around in a wheelchair.
Thus, a person who begins as a worthless drop of semen and ends as a rotting corpse, has nothing to be proud of or boast about during the few days they live between these two points.
For this reason, our master Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (peace be upon him), whose birthday we are celebrating, says in a famous saying:
“I am amazed by the arrogant boastful person! He was created from a worthless drop of semen and, at the end of his life, will be a decaying corpse. In between, he does not know what fate awaits him or what will happen to him.” [1]
So, what truly does a person boast about? What is it that they take pride in? And by what means do they boast over others?
(Excerpt from the book “Ethics in the Qur’an” by Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi)
Footnote:
[1] Al-Kafi, Volume 2, page 329