Malfuzat – Volume II — Page 249
249 Since the other forms of sympathy are subject to limitations, therefore, the perpetual aid that can especially be given, is the constantly flowing aid of prayer. When aid is beneficial to the people at large, we can derive the greatest benefit from this verse through prayer. It is absolutely true that the life of a person who is a source of benefit for the world is prolonged, and one who causes mischief is taken from this world quicker. It is said that Sher Singh would catch birds and roast them alive on a fire, and he was killed within two years of assuming power. Therefore, it is incumbent on man to reflect and contemplate on how they can hold true to the following: َ خَیْرُالنَّاس ِ مَن ْ یَّنْفَع ُ النَّاس The best of mankind is the one who benefits mankind. Just as positive strategies are useful in medicine, it is the art of strategy that proves advantageous in the well-being and benefit of others. Therefore, it is necessary for human beings to constantly wait for opportunities and to continuously reflect as to the means by which others can be benefitted. Do Not Rebuke a Beggar Some people have the habit of becoming irritated when confronted by a beg- gar. Some, who have a clerical vein in them, will begin explaining the theological stance on begging instead of giving the person something, and will begin to im- press their own scholarly prowess upon them, and sometimes they will even go so far as to call the beggar a useless sluggard. It is unfortunate that such people are bereft of the sense that is bestowed to pure-hearted individuals of sound nature. Such people fail to realise that even if a healthy person comes to them begging, it is the beggar who is guilty of sin. There is no sin in giving something to the beg- gar. In fact, the following words appear in a Hadith: ِبًا ك لَو ْ اَتَاک َ رَا Meaning, even if a beggar comes to you riding on horseback, one ought to give him something. Furthermore, the Holy Quran instructs: