Malfuzat – Volume II — Page 135
135 pearances. In actuality, these people are burning from within and are drowned in grief. You look at the faces of these people, but I see their hearts. They are engulfed in a blazing fire, and entangled in chains and iron-collars, just as Allah the Exalted states: 1 وَّ سَعِيْرًا وَ اَغْلٰلًا لِلْكٰفِرِيْنَ سَلٰسِلَا اِنَّـاۤ اَعْتَدْنَا Verily, We have prepared for the disbelievers chains and iron-collars and a blazing Fire. It is impossible for them to adopt virtue. The weight of these collars hold them down in such a way that they are shackled like animals and beasts, and therefore cannot advance towards God. Their eye is forever set upon the world and they themselves incline towards it. Then, they constantly experience a pain and burn- ing sensation from within. If they experience a loss in their wealth, or if—con- trary to their wishes—they fail to succeed in a certain endeavour, they grieve and burn from within. This is to the extent that they will even go mad and lose their senses, or wander helplessly to and from court. It is true that an irreligious man is in a blazing fire, because he cannot find peace and comfort, which is the definite result of pleasure and satisfaction. An alcoholic, for example, will drink a glass of alcohol and then ask for another, and continue asking for more and more, and all the while, is consumed by a burning longing. In the same way, a worldly person is engulfed in a blazing fire; for his fire of greed can never be extinguished for even a moment. True happiness, in actuality, is reserved for a God-fearing person, in relation to whom, Allah the Exalted states that there are two paradises. True Happiness A God-fearing person can find more happiness in a hut, than a worldly person, who is a slave to greed and avarice, can ever find even in a magnificent castle. The more a worldly person acquires the material wealth of this world, the more they are confronted with afflictions. Hence, remember that true comfort and pleasure is not partaken of by worldly people. Do not be mislead to believe that abundant wealth, expensive and elegant clothing, and fine foods can bring happiness. Ab- solutely not. True happiness depends on righteousness alone. 1 ad-Dahr, 76:5