* Woe to you! You want to get something in return for nothing? This will never happen to you. Pay the price of something and then take it. One who enjoys himself will never find ultimate happiness, whereas one who exerts efforts will find ultimate happiness. Endure with patience the care and sorrow of this world in order to experience the delight of the hereafter. Your Prophet (Allah’s prayer and peace be on him) was in permanent sorrow and continuous reflection. He (Allah’s prayer and peace be on him) was given to frequent worship though he had his faults forgiven — both past ones and those that he had yet to commit. He (Allah’s prayer and peace be on him) used to reflect on the creatures, in one time, and on the Creator, in another. He (Allah’s prayer and peace be on him) used to reflect on what will happen to his nation after him.

When Al‑Ḥasan Al‑Baṣrī (may Allah show mercy to him) would leave his house, he would look as if he had been dug out of his tomb, with sorrowfulness and sadness showing on his face. Sorrowfulness remains characteristic of the believer under all circumstances until he meets his Lord (mighty and glorified is He). The people of Allah adhere to a state of muteness until they are granted permission to speak to people. They and the righteous seekers are brought together to speak to them and about them and guide them to the One whom they seek, so they develop perfect speech. If their hearts incline toward the creatures, the hand of jealousy pulls in their reins. It closes the door until they apologize and repent. Once their repentance is confirmed, it reopens the door to them and brings their hearts near.

       
Buy the book from Amazon

Copyright © 2008 Shetha Al-Dargazelli & Louay Fatoohi
All Rights Reserved