Bounties of the Gracious God — Page 91
Teachings for the Community 91 been granted wisdom by my Lord, so I taught it to you and thereby burnished your intellect, for you did not have the power to solve these mysteries. By Allah, I am the champion, granted through divine guidance, the ability to speak eloquently, and divine reve- lation has strengthened me. Consequently, I found rest in tired- ness and paradise in hell. So, whoever accepts death, he alone will be granted life. Therefore, do not sell your lives for a paltry price, nor should you throw away your sterling wealth with your own hands. And be not of those who incline towards the world. Do not let death overtake you except when you are in a state of submission. I chose death for the sake of Allah. You should also accept pain for His sake. I accepted to be slaughtered for Him, so you too should accept suffering for His sake. O wise ones! Know that you will be granted victory only by virtue of your truthful- ness, sincerity, and righteousness, and not through uttering sheer words. Without doubt, success, in its entirety, depends on mak- ing oneself humble and meek. And you will never enter paradise unless you pass through the eye of the needle. Dedicate your wis- dom and intellect, therefore, to righteousness. In order to please your Lord, strive in the seclusion of your apartments and jungles. Pay up the debt to your debtor so that you are not imprisoned. Discharge your duties well so that you are not held accountable. Seek the truth so that you do not err. Do not look for faults in oth- ers, so that others do not look for faults in you. Do not be harsh so that you are not treated with harshness. O servants of Allah! Show mercy so that you are shown mercy. Be helpers of Allah and hasten towards Him. After your pledge of the Bai‘at , now Allah owns your wealth, be it little or much. He owns your dignity, your