The Devils Deception by Imam Ibn AL-Jawzi

T H E D E V I L ' S
D E C E P T I O N S
that which is not theirs.
On the other hand, Iblis has deceived some scholars who refrained
from frequenting the Sultan to backbite scholars who do. Thus they
combine between two problems: backbiting others and glorifying
themselves.
In general, frequenting the Sultan entails great dangers because
the intention might be proper at first, but after receiving good treatment,
intentions change, and the scholar begins to flatter the Sultan
and stops admonishing him.
Sufyan al-ThawrI used to say: I am not worried about them (the
Sultan) insulting me. I worry from them acting generously towards
me, so my heart becomes softer towards them.
Early scholars used to stay away from leaders because of their
oppression, but leaders continued to ask for their services in matters
relating to governance. A group of people thus became interested
in worldly affairs and learned the sciences suitable for such
positions.
The proof that they seek to please the rulers is that when rulers
became interested in arguments related to creed, scholars busied
themselves with kakim. And when rulers pref erred.ftqh debates, scholars
went towards such debates. Then when leaders tended toward
preaching sermons, many scholars practiced preaching.
Iblis also persuades jurists to be lenient with respect to some prohibitions.
This is why we see some of them wearing silk clothes and
gold. The reason for this leniency varies:
Some of them only practice fiqh to conceal their true identity of
being enemies of the religion. Others do so to gain a leadership
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