There are four causes of infidelity and loss of belief in God: hankering after whims, a passion to dispute every argument, deviation from truth; and dissension, because whoever hankers after whims does not incline towards truth; whoever keeps on disputing every argument on account of his ignorance, will always remain blind to truth, whoever deviates from truth because of ignorance, will always take good for evil and evil for good and he will always remain intoxicated with misguidance. And whoever makes a breach (with God and His Messenger) his path becomes difficult, his affairs will become complicated and his way to salvation will be uncertain.
More from Ali ibn Abi Talib
When Imam Ali was asked about Faith in Religion, he replied that the structure of faith is supported by four pillars endurance, conviction, justice and jihad.
Permalink to quote #54 A virtuous person is better then virtue and a vicious person is worse than vice.
Permalink to quote #56 Take warning! He has not exposed so many of your sinful activities that it appears as if He has forgiven you (it may be that He has given you time to repent).
Permalink to quote #53