Malfuzat – Volume I — Page 77
Malfuzat - Volume I 77 their search, the robbers found forty coins. They were astonished that this was some strange person, and that they had never seen such an individual before. The leader inquired: 'What is the reason behind you revealing the whereabouts of your wealth?' 'I have set out in search of God's religion,' said Abdul-Qadir Jilanith, and my mother advised me to never speak falsehood; this was my first test, so why would I lie?' Upon hearing this, the leader of the robbers began to weep and said: 'Alas! I did not obey God even once. ' The leader addressed the other thieves and said: "These words and the steadfastness of this person have transformed me. I cannot be a part of you. I repent. ' At this, the other robbers repented as well. I believe that the legendary 'making saints out of thieves' or refers to this very incident. Hence, Syed Abdul-Qadir Jilanith states that the first people who repented on his hand were thieves. This is why Allah the Exalted states: يَأَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اصْبِرُوا Oye who believe! Be steadfast. Patience begins as a speck and then takes on the form of a large circle which ul- timately encompasses all to the extent that it even transforms the wicked. There- fore, it is imperative for man to never let go of righteousness and tread firmly on the paths of virtue. A righteous person surely influences others and even fills the hearts of opponents with awe. The Aspects of Righteousness There are many aspects of righteousness. To abstain from arrogance, conceit and unlawful wealth and to safeguard oneself from immorality is also righteousness. Even the enemies of those who demonstrate exemplary morals are turned into friends. Allah Almighty states: ادْفَعْ بِالَّتِي هِيَ أَحْسَنُ Repel evil with that which is best. Now contemplate, what does this guidance teach? The will of Allah Almighty in this injunction is that if an opponent uses abusive language, one ought not to respond in kind, but rather ought to demonstrate patience. As a result, the abuser will be won over by your greatness and feel remorseful and ashamed of them- 1 Aal-e-Imran, 3:201 al-Mu'minun, 23:97