Bounties of the Gracious God — Page 84
84 Allah the Almighty. So, my brothers, fear Allah and hasten towards righteous deeds, and shun evil before death overtakes you. Let not the beauty, lustre and embellishments of this mortal world beguile you, for all this is but a mirage and ends in annihi- lation. The sweetness of this world is bitterness; its gain is loss. And those who ascend to high ranks in this mortal realm are like those who make themselves a target of spears and those who lose themselves in its splendour are like the one wounded by thorns. Whosoever inclines towards material wealth is driven away from the treasures of righteousness, and the one who joins the ranks of its leaders, strays away from the right path. Its light is darkness and its aid is cruelty and oppression. Therefore, do not wholly incline towards it, for it drowns those who swim in it even faster than a violent flood. So do not make this mortal realm your objective like the one who turns away from faith and treats it with negli- gence, rather treat it like a servant, helpful to you in the path of faith and never treat it like a bosom friend. Never wish to become richer, more affluent and better off than others. Never forget to partake of your share in faith; otherwise, you will not get even a ray form the light of faith. This world has devoured your forefa- thers and their forefathers. How will it then spare you, your wives, and your sons? Like the ignorant people, do not make anyone your enemy out of your own malicious heart. Cleanse your selves of every kind of grudge and malice. Never break a promise after you have solemnly made it. Do not be enslaved by your selves after you have conquered them. Try to be of those servants of Allah who do not violate a pledge after they have made it and do not treat with hypocrisy those to whom they have vowed fidelity and do not utter abuse at those whom they love. Do not follow in the