The Devils Deception by Imam Ibn AL-Jawzi

T H E D E V I L ' S
D E C E P TIO N S
I was in the midst of the desert I found a young boy, not yet subject
to the rules of religion. I hurried to catch up with him and asked
him why he was alone. He told me: Many of those younger than me
have died.
I said: You should walk faster to reach your destination.
He replied: All I have to do is to walk, and Allah is responsible for
getting me to my destination, have you not read the saying of Allah:
h»,,·>-- ui _,.,,,. -: 1--
. -- .... .!J ... .!J
" And those who strive for Us - We will surely guide them
to Our ways."
[al-Ankabut (29): 69)?
I said: Why do I not see with you any provision or mount?
He replied: My provision is my faith, and my feet are my mount.
I said: I am asking you about bread and water.
He replied: If one of your brethren or friends were to invite you
to his house, would you think it proper to take food with you to eat
in his house??!
I said: Would you like me to give you some food?
He replied: Leave me alone, He will give us food and water.
Fatl:i said: "I have neither seen a youngster with more reliance than
him, nor an older man who was more ascetic than he."
This sort of story, causes mischief and lets it be supposed that
such a procedure is right. A grown-up man will say: If a child can do
this, it is yet more incumbent on me to do it Neither am I so much
surprised at the child as at the person who met him failing to teach
him that what he was doing was reprehensible: He who has invited
you (he should have said) ordered you to take provision, and indeed
out of His property. Still great men have adopted this plan, and
426