“Do you really think that way? I never expected this from you, it’s a pity, I never imagined you would be like this…”
These are sentences that we may have heard numerous times in our social interactions. Surely, at times, it has happened to all of us that solid evidence and logical reasoning have caused the truth to shine clearly in different matters. However, when we truly accept it in our hearts, we are confronted with negative reactions from some of those around us, and we find ourselves under pressure due to their behavior. In such situations, how should we react? What should we do at times like this? After all, it is likely that, following the words of others, a person’s heart may become turbulent. How can one find peace of mind in such a state?
One day, a group of Imam Ali ibn Musa al-Reza’s (peace be upon him) friends had gathered in his house, and Yunus ibn Abd al-Rahman, who was a trusted companion of the Imam and a distinguished figure from Basra, was also present.
While they were talking and discussing, suddenly a group of people from Basra asked for permission to enter.
Imam (peace be upon him) said to Yunus, “Go inside the room and do not show any reaction unless you are given permission.”
At this moment, Imam al-Reza (peace be upon him) allowed the people of Basra to enter. Once they entered, they began to slander and gossip about Yunus.
During this, Imam al-Reza (peace be upon him) lowered his head and said nothing, showing no reaction until they stood up and left after bidding farewell. After that, Imam (peace be upon him) gave permission for Yunus to leave the room.
Yunus entered with a saddened face and tearful eyes, and addressed the Imam, saying, “May I be sacrificed for you, I defend and support the beliefs (religion and faith), while my companions view me in this way.”
Imam al-Reza (peace be upon him) kindly addressed Yunus and said, “O Yunus! Do not be saddened. Let people say what they want, these things do not matter. When your Imam is pleased and content with you, there is no reason for worry or sadness.”
“O Yunus! Try to always speak to people according to their level of perfection and knowledge, and convey the divine teachings to them. Refrain from discussing matters and issues they do not understand or comprehend.”
“O Yunus! When you have a precious pearl in your hand, and people say it is a stone or a rock, or if you hold a stone in your hand and they say it is a precious pearl, what impact will such words have on your beliefs and thoughts? Will such thoughts and words of the people bring you any benefit or harm?”
Yunus was comforted by the Imam’s words and said, “No, their words have no importance for me.”
Imam al-Reza (peace be upon him) again addressed him and said, “O Yunus! Therefore, if you have recognized the correct path and understood the truth, and if the infallible Imam is pleased with you, the thoughts and words of the people should not have the slightest effect on your mood, beliefs, or thoughts; let people say what they want.”
(From the book “Rijal al-Kashshi,” page 487, number 924)