Islam's Reformers .pdf

tell everybody about the states you have attained! Do not seehigh ranking or wealthy people very often! In everything you do,try to act in conformity with the Sunnat and to avoid bid’ats! Attimes of trouble, do not give up hope from Allâhu ta’âlâ, and donot even feel worried at all! The fifth âyat of Inshirâh sûrapurports, “After every distress there is relief and ease.” Donot let times of distress or comfort change your attitude! Or,rather, increase your joy at times of paucity and feel moreanxiety at times of well-being! When Abû Sa’îd-i-Arabî wasasked how a person could be a faqîr [dervish], he described,“They are serene at times of poverty and anxious, distressed attimes of prosperity, and they expect trouble from comfort.Changing of events does not distract their moral conduct. Theyoverlook others’ faults. They always see their own faults andmistakes. They never deem themselves superior to any otherMuslim. They always hold them in a higher esteem thanthemselves.” Sirrî Seqatî was Junayd-i-Baghdâdî’s spiritualguide. He passed away in Baghdâd in 251 H. He used to say, “Iam not superior to anybody.” When they asked, “Not even to asinner who commits sins overtly,” his answer was: “That’s right.”Whenever you see a Muslim you should think: “My attaininghappiness may depend on pleasing his heart and wooing himinto invoking a blessing on me.” You should look on yourself asa slave of those people who have rights on you. It was stated ina hadîth-i-sherîf, “A person who does (the following) threethings is a perfect Believer: A person who serves his wife,keeps company with poor people and eats with his servantis a perfect Believer. These are the distinguishing featuresof a Believer which Allâhu ta’âlâ declares in the Qur’ân alkerîm.”You should always read about the behaviours of theSalaf as-sâlihîn and visit the gharîb (lonely, destitute) and poorpeople. You should never backbite or gossip about anybody,and should prevent anyone who attempts to do so. You shouldnot miss any occasion that offers an opportunity to perform amri-ma’rûfand nahy-i-munker, that is, to give religious advice topeople. You should help the poor and mujâhids (people who tryto serve Islam) with your property. You should perform piousand charitable deeds. You should avoid committing sins. WhenMuhammad bin Alyân was asked about the signs indicating thatAllâhu ta’âlâ loves a born slave of his, he answered, “His feelingpleasure in worships and abstaining from sins.” It was stated in- 323 -