A Gift for Baghdad — Page 57
Reply to the Announcement & Letter 57 and turned people against me. I have been maligned both at home and abroad. I have observed that most Muslim scholars are enslaved by their own evil inclinations. I perceive them to be like a bonds- man in tattered clothes, limping in his gait, with deafness in his ears, a covering over his eyes, and a disease in his heart—both a burden for his master and with no redeeming features so that he may be sold. They direct their venom towards their own brethren, for- getting the attacks of their enemies. I see that their hearts are inclined towards gifts, not prayer. They hasten to request endow- ments, not guidance. They prefer the raiment of conceit rather than the raiment of comfort as between bosom friends. They strike their brethren like scorpions, even if they are their own relatives. They neither fear the Lord of lords nor show regard for Him in the way in which they earn their livelihood. They hasten to the gates of rulers, forgetting the Majestic Presence. Despite all this, they accuse their brethren of disbelief and regard themselves as benefactors! But accusations of disbelief and falsehood cannot harm those who prefer Allah more than their own souls, their own honour, and their own wealth. Is not Allah sufficient for His servant? Who is comparable to Him in love and sincerity towards those who love Him? His beneficence far surpasses what is due to those who do good, and He does not withhold His grace from those who strive in His cause. O honoured brother! Be kind, for verily, kindness is the