Sermon of Muttaqin, Part 2 — Their Manner of Dress, Conduct, and Way of Life is based upon Moderation

The Second Characteristic of Muttaqin According to the Sermon of Muttaqin by Amir al-Mu’minin (pbuh)

Their dressing (manner of dress, conduct, and way of life) is based upon moderation and balance.

When the people of Madāʾin learned that Salmān Fārsī had been appointed as the governor of their city and was on his way there, they gathered outside the city to welcome their new ruler. Suddenly, they saw an elderly man riding alone upon a mount, approaching them.

They asked him, “Have you seen the Companion of the Messenger of Allah (pbuh&hf), the new governor of Madāʾin?”

He replied, “I have not seen the governor, but if you are looking for Salmān, I am he.”

Thus, Salmān entered the city with simplicity and humility, free from pomp and worldly display, and assumed the governance of Madāʾin.

ʿUmar ibn al-Khaṭṭāb (may God's curse be upon him) once wrote a letter criticizing certain aspects of the conduct of Salmān Fārsī while he was governor of Madāʾin.

In response, Salmān explained that weaving mats and eating barley bread were not faults for him. Rather, he emphasized that such a way of life was better in the sight of Allah and closer to taqwā than coveting the wealth of others or making unjustified claims. He further reminded him that the Messenger of Allah (pbuh&hf) himself ate barley bread and was pleased with it.

Regarding his annual stipend, Salmān stated that he had set it aside for the day of need and poverty—that is, the Day of Judgment.

He further explained that it made no difference to him whether he consumed wheat bread or the choicest delicacies, for whatever he used in this world was merely being sent ahead and stored for the future.

References

• Biḥār al-Anwār, vol. 22, p. 360.