Way of The Seekers — Page 85
85 THE 31 Plain living: Not to spend too much on one’s own comfort. 32 Guarding one’s honor. 33 To acknowledge the merits of others. 34 To be moderate in everything. Virtues Relating to Others Virtues relating to angels are as follows: 1. Zikr-i-Ilahi: Remembrance of God or the contemplation of His attributes. We have it on authority that Angels rush in where Zikr-i-Ilahi is practiced. The Holy Prophet (peace be on him) has said that angels surround such a place. 2. External cleanliness: We are enjoined to use perfume where angels’ visit is likely. For instance, to bathe and apply perfume on the occasion of the congregational Prayer on Friday is to follow the practice of the Holy Prophet, peace be on him. Virtues Concerning Mankind 1. Justice. 2. Benevolence. 3. Feeling of gratefulness in response to benevolence. 4. Cleanliness. 5. Generosity. 6. Loyalty. 7. To act compassionately. 8. Friendship. 9. Hilm or condonation: It means to forgive mistakes in view of the extenuating circumstances. It is to be distinguished from Afv which means to forgive despite guilt. Hilm, on the other hand, means to condone in view of the redeeming features of the action. 10 Self-sacrifice. 11 To make interest-free (benevolent) loans. 12 To give in charity.