Ibn Hazm was a prominent medieval Andalusian Muslim poet, philosopher, and historian. He was also a jurist and theologian, and is renowned for his contributions to the fields of Islamic law, Islamic philosophy, and Islamic theology. He is best known for his book, The Ring of the Dove, which is an exploration of love and human emotion. Following is our collection on famous quotes by Ibn Hazm on life, love, leadership.
When you compare yourself with others in matters of wealth, position, and health, you should look at people less favoured than yourself. When you compare yourself with others in matters of religion, knowledge and virtue, look at people who are better than yourself. — Ibn Hazm
Of Love--may God exalt you! -the first part is jesting, and the last part is right earnestness. So majestic are its diverse aspects, they are too subtle to be described; their reality can only be apprehended by personal experience. Love is neither disapproved by Religion, nor prohibited by the Law; for every heart is in God's hands. — Ibn Hazm
There are two things that if you do them you will attain the good of this world and the hereafter; [They are] that you bear what you dislike if it is beloved to Allah and you leave what you like if it is disliked by Allah. — Ibn Hazm
Glad-tidings to he who knows his own faults more than other people know it. — Ibn Hazm
Truthfulness is composed of justice and courage. — Ibn Hazm
Anyone who rises above the things of this world, to which you kneel, is mightier than you. — Ibn Hazm
If your pride leads you to boast,
you will be doubly guilty,
because your intelligence will have shown
that it is incapable of controlling your pride. — Ibn Hazm
If there is someone in need whom you wish to help, whether the initiative came from him or from you, do no more than he expects of you, not what you might personally wish to do. If you overstep the mark, you will not deserve thanks, but blame from him and others and you will attract hostility, not friendship. — Ibn Hazm
No one is moved to act, or resolves to speak a single word, who does not hope by means of this action or word to release anxiety from his spirit. — Ibn Hazm
We should think of those who were famous for their good deeds or their bad deeds; did their fame raise them one single degree in the sight of Allah. Did it win them a reward that they had not already won by their actions during their life? — Ibn Hazm
And though the years before I die
Stretch out interminably, I
Shall only count my life in truth
As that brief hour of happy youth. — Ibn Hazm
If you advise someone on the condition that they have to accept it, then you are an oppressor. — Ibn Hazm
What indicates a person’s weak religion and fear of God, is that he seeks for an opinion that suits his desire. — Ibn Hazm
"When we contemplate the duration of the universe, we see it limited to the present moment, which is nothing more but the point which separates two infinities of time. The past and the future are as meaningless as if they did not exist. Is anyone more misguided than the man who barters an eternal future for a moment which passes quicker than the blink of an eye?." — Ibn Hazm
One hour of neglect can undo a year of pious effort. — Ibn Hazm
The wise man knows the only fitting price for his soul is a place in Paradise. — Ibn Hazm
Two kinds of people live a life without care: one kind are extremely worthy of praise, the other kind are extremely worthy of criticism. The first are those who care nothing for the pleasures of the world and the second (i.e. those who are deserving of criticism) care nothing for haya or modesty. — Ibn Hazm
Anyone who criticizes you cares about your friendship. Anyone who makes light of your faults cares nothing about you. — Ibn Hazm
Knowledge no longer exists if one has ignored the attributes of the Almighty Great Creator. — Ibn Hazm
Life Lessons by Ibn Hazm
Ibn Hazm's work teaches us to be open-minded, to think critically and to be aware of our biases. He also reminds us that we should always strive to find the truth and to be honest in our reporting. Finally, he shows us that it is important to be respectful of different points of view and to listen to all sides of a story before coming to a conclusion.
Citation
Feel free to cite and use any of the quotes by Ibn Hazm. For popular citation styles (APA, Chicago, MLA), go to citation page.